Fan in Chicago

No harm discussing the winner as whoever cares already knows. In the early to mid-90s, I had grown to dislike Agassi for his lack of passion for the sport. He would be on top one year and disappear from the rankings the next. I was a huge Sampras fan for his calm demeanor, clean style of play (read: no two handed backhand) and incredible temperament. However, lately I have started to like Agassi as he seems to have re-discovered the value of dedication. I am sure Steffi drilled some sense into him. Having said that, I was rooting big time for Blake and my wife for AA. The game and particularly the 5th set was a classic in the McEnroe-Borg mould. As I was watching the match, I kept evaluating who is the most likely to give a serious challenge to, and possibly beat that incredible Federer. Even though I wanted Blake to win, I think at this point, Agassi even at age 35 is that person. His maturity, big point play, smart placement, NEW serve (whoa !) will serve him well. I predict he blows Ginepri off the court and then proceeds to win against Federer in 4. P.S. Roddick is an idiot. Reminds me of the worst of Courier (poor fundamentals) and Sabatini (lack of temperament) together.

Methinks his tiny little brain cells formed a unified front to steal that moniker from someone else.

Never thought of it that way but by golly, it makes a lot of sense. Using the pre-season to get individual teams their workouts - brilliant. Now I am even more fired up about the regular season. Go Bills !!!!!

If we go 0-1, the big deal will be this board screaming for Kelly Holcomb to start.

Good that you prefer the team winning rather than proving yourself right. I learned my lesson with RJ - at that time I was convinced letting him go was the wrong move and the rest is history ...

Depends. If it is stop and go, generally slow traffic, it should matter. On a highway or speeds high enough to make drag a factor, the counter effects should even out. ie. reduced drag due to windows rolled up means higher fuel eficiency balanced with the a/c to make the effect neutral.

Switch cars with her.

But, we are all hoping you are wrong with the 'wrong to cut Bledsoe' thoughts.

To your first question - Bombay is an island (it really is). But I agree that it probably drains naturally. But is greatly hindered by the archaic open sewer system in a large part of the city. This is forever clogged due to garbage making drainage difficult. I am more disturbed by the reaction of the residents than the technical comparison of the disaster. We seem to be more worried about our own individual good that trying to recover as a society. Situations such as these amplify the downsides of an individualistic me-first society.

I have been reading and watching with horror the events in NO following Katrina. The more I watched the more I started sub-consciously comparing the effects with those in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) just a month back. For those that did not notice, here is a link http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4720343.stm. Similarities: - Heavy rains, flooding - Wind Differences: - Wind in Mumbai was not quite as strong - Mumbai is not below sea level Social and infrastructure comments: - Mumbai population density is much higher - Filth in the drainage system is much higher in Mumbai - Houses are built of concrete - Evacuation would be near impossible given the number of people and transportation means available With that brief background, I find it stunning that in Mumbai: - It did not need to be evacuated - There was no significant violence or gang activity for food and water - Law and order did not collapse as a result of these rains - People stayed at home for the few days and went about their normal business once the flood waters receded - There was no large scale bitching and moaning against the head of state (Prime Minister = President in US) or authorities I grew up there but am a firm American now. What is baffling to me is that we are supposed to be more civilized, advanced, sophisticated of the two societies. This recent evidence is making me reconsider what really makes up a social structure. How do we as humans revert to our baser instincts faster than a society that is supposed to be less tolerant and more diverse ? All comments are welcome but not those bashing me for being anti-American because I am not. I am simply seeing what is presented to me and wondering about what defines an advanced society versus a developing one.

darn so did I. I would have said no.

Actually that is the truth. There is adequate supply of oil but no place to refine it. Refineries are at 93% capacity (which by the way is very high and close to maximum). So any problems like Hurricane Katrina cause huge problems. Oil prices may not go much above $60 because we are at max capacity - there is no demand curve to flatten with increases in price !!! Also after a point alternative fuels and technologies start getting investments so it is in OPEC's best interest to not cross that (price) line.

Actually a very good technology. Needs effort to bring capital costs down but it works. Related topic - Coal gasification can also be used to make electricity and an advanced version called IGCC is twice as efficient as current coal technology and very clean for the environment. However, politics will always kill the best of intentions. Last month, Wisconsin voted against IGCC and chose to go with conventional coal tech. to make electricity. The politicians wanted to show a low cost project - problem is we will pay for it in the long run with higher operational costs and more pollution than IGCC.

Yes, My sarcasm button should have been on. But there are some regions where I had heard the envrionmental laws were delayed as the impact of emissions would not be that high. Wasn't the vigin islands one of those areas ?

Is this the same refinery that does not have to conform to all the emission controls as mainland US ? And pumps a lot of smoke in the Virgin air ?

Agreed with the temporary price increase, I was referring to the stabilized prices once the effects of Katrina have worn off (and I mean strictly from the gasoline supply point of view) Natural gas prices also will affect electricity prices so there is an all-encompassing effect with all our utility bills going up.

Je ne parlez pas Francais

Based on what ? I read this article and there is no shred of evidence or analysis to support his statement. When an "expert" needs to use words like "it doesn't take a genius", you know that there is no analysis. Sad that CNN continues to pander to any guy of the street prepared to make a shock statement and call him/herself an expert. This is why I dislike CNN so much. Not accounting for Katrina, there is definite proof that gas demand has gone down in July due to the prices. Which means that the market may have found its supply-demand balance. I think once demand drops post- Labor day, prices will ease to the $2.25 range and stay there till the next high-travel period.

Nice post ! Thanx.

Agree. Also, the entire article talks about what would happen if the US dollar were to collapse. I see little discussion about why that might happen. I can write an article about what might happen if there is a country-wide electricity failure in China for a month.

I live in suburb close to Schaumburg. Let me know if you want to talk. Note 'close' is a relative term in Chicagoland where the diagonal is ~ 50 miles No seriously, these are the suburbs and not really the big bad city that people typically equate to downtown Chicago. I love this area despite the terrible weather for 4-5 months. The restaurants, activities, proximity to Wisconsin, opportunity to bash on hapless Bears fans itself is reward enough. I can even get my friend and (excellent) real estate agent contact you if needed.

My chemical engineering background says he is the one that is stinking and not the stuff he is pouring in the tank.

I agree for turbos but not sure for regular cars. I had a Corolla which I personally did the oil changes with Mobil-1. Started burning oil at 90K miles - not sure it did a whole world of good to that engine as Toyotas are not supposed to burn oil so soon. I babied that car but it was mostly for stop-and-go driving.

That may be gas as in the gaseous form and not gasoline. Fuel from bio waste is being researched heavily and is implemented in several developing economies (India, China) for several years now. Basically, you take the waste, decompose it to form methane which is a gas that can be used to cook and power stuff like generators. The waste is sealed in a proper 'fermentor' so the stench does not get out. Don't go seeing conspiracy theories where there aren't any.

Stay safe. Not only did you have a harrowing and interesting experience but by golly, you are a good writer too. Eyes were glued to the screen for 2 minutes.