Have been through two naturalization ceremonies -- one each for my children. After all of the hassle, all of the problems, the costs and the agony of dealing with countless state, federal and international bureaucracies, you realize in the moment when the judge makes them citizens, it's all worth it.

We told our children as they became older that the best thing we ever did for them was sponsoring them for American citizenship. We argue about a lot of things that mean a lot us politically, socially and otherwise in this country and even on Scoop. But when you see where those children came from, you realize that, for all our faults, this country is truly exceptional.

Happy Independence Day everyone.

How is Maryland going to be?

I feel we always lose these types of emotional games

I'm at my mom's this weekend and we spent this evening with friends who became naturalized citizens last August after 18 years here. My wife stayed back home with her mom as this was their first 4th of July without her dad who considered the day his favorite holiday after becoming a naturalized citizen in 1980.

DJ Carton on the Blazers summer league roster

I'm assuming the first one is Pumpkin Spice?

If 83, you have been a part of this country for a third of its existence.
If 63, you have been a part of this country for a quarter of its existence.

Quote from: MU1in77 on July 04, 2025, 07:39:19 PMI have no clue what you mean by this. Only old guys wish a happy 4th without being snarky? If so, I guess I'm happy to be old!

I worked all day delivering shareholder value. That's my way of saying Happy Birthday America.

Quote from: DoctorV on July 04, 2025, 07:40:01 PMWhile I love and appreciate everything he accomplished at Marquette, and really enjoyed his country bumpkin schtick while he was here, Buzz just seems like a bit of a lost soul.

He's a rich lost soul, but something just screams "off."

There's nothing wrong with being transient, and moving from spot to spot if you've deemed that it's best for your long term career and overall job and personal security, but gosh almighty that cat has taken it to the extreme.

He preaches appreciation, he tells his guys that he's all in for them, all about them, and that he doesn't mess with his happy, but a few years into a gig he's already one foot out the door.
Not once, not twice, but over and over again.

If that's who and what you've decided to be, ok cool that's your prerogative.
Spare everyone the heartfelt schtick while you're at it though, in my humble opinion.

He did a lot for the program and unfortunately, as sad as it is, I think he knows he's in for a nice boo job and a decent amount of heckling at FiServ.
Maybe I'm wrong

He's a weird dude. I understand that - I am as well. Totally understand him not wanting this game. But I also totally understand me wanted to be there to watch his team get stomped the eff out. C'mon calendar, let's get moving.

Quote from: tower912 on July 04, 2025, 07:54:21 AMReading the full text of the Declaration of Independence is time well spent.

Most Scoopers cannot read. Is there a picture book?

Quote from: BM1090 on July 04, 2025, 06:35:44 PMPlayed my second tennis match of the new season today. Battled the heat and won 7-6, 7-5. Was down 5-1 in the second and then mentally broke him. Serving is coming around. Backhand is coming around. Forehand is ELITE.

#realsport

Sounds soft. If you want to play pb singles I'm down. For $$$

Next up:

New league Monday 3.75-4.25... top court should be good... 4.1-4.4's.

AND DEN...

A week from tomorrow .. tourney in Minneapolis.. playing Men's Saturday morning, mixed Sunday morning.

I feel I'm going to make another jump soon. 4.1 is now, but 4.4 is soon. Let's effin get it.