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Clark & addison EpisodE XV - “swEpt“

A REUNION OF 20 SOMETHING CUB FANS ON THE CORNER OF CLARK AND ADDISON IN CHICAGO - IN A SMALL BAR NAMED WEAGHMAN’S PARK. THE CUBS ORIGINALLY PLAYED AT WEAGHMAN PARK IN CHICAGO BEFORE TRANSFERRING TO CUBS PARK IN 1919 - WHICH BECAME WRIGLEY FIELD IN 1926. NIGHTLY IN DEPTH DISCUSSIONS OF CUBS AND CHICAGO OCCUR AT WEAGHMAN’S PARK. WEAGHMAN’S PARK ONLY SERVES FOOD AND DRINK ORIGINATING FROM ABOVE THE WISCONSIN BORDER . . . SMALL NEIGHBORHOOD WRIGLEY FIELD BAR CALLED WEAGMAN’S PARK WITH ONLY WISCONSIN BEER AND SHEBOYGAN BRATS - A 20 SOMETHING HANGOUT. FOLLOW THE HISTORY OF THE CUBS, BEARS AND BULLS AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF JOSH, ELLIOT, SAM, KERI, MELANIE AND FRIENDS . . .

JOSHIT WILL BE A LONG LONELY NIGHT IN WRIGLEYVILLE. THE END HAS COME. WHO WOULD HAVE PREDICTED A 0 AND 3 SERIES AGAINST THE DODGERS ?

WILLYEAH - GIVE ME A BREAK - THE CUBS ONLY SCORED SIX RUNS IN THREE GAMES - THAT IS WOEFUL.

JOSHI’M CERTAIN WE’LL HAVE TO REGROUP - SWALLOW THESE LOSSES AND MOVE ON QUICKLY. THE FARM MAY PLAY A ROLE NEXT YEAR - BUT........

WILLBUT THIS WAS THE TEAM THAT HAD IT ALL - GREAT STARTING PITCHING, HITTING, RELIEVERS, FIELDING, AND TEAM BASEBALL CHEMISTRY.

JOSHNOT TO MENTION A GREAT MANAGER - I THINK WITH 97 WINS LOU DID A HECK OF A JOB.

WILLWE SLUMPED IN THE PLAYOFFS AGAIN. LAST YEAR IT WAS THE PADRES; AND THIS YEAR IT’S THE DODGERS. I KNOW THE DODGERS WERE HOT WITH MANNY AND ALL - BUT WE HAD PLAYED CONSISTENT ALL SEASON.

JOSHTHE SAD THING IS LOOKING ON THE TV LAST SATURDAY NIGHT - WELL IT SEEMED THAT WE WERE BEATEN OUT OF THE BLOCK - THE PLAYERS HAD NO ENERGY LIKE THEY DID IN THE REGULAR SEASON. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE A.....

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WILLCURSE - IT WAS A CURSE. THIS IS JUST PLAIN WEIRD AROUND HERE AT WRIGLEY. NOW WE START THE SECOND CENTURY OF LOSING. I’M AT A LOSS - AS ARE ALL FANS. MAYBE THE CUBS WERE JUST COLD AGAIN - AND WE’LL ALL JUST ACCEPT THIS - KNOWING WE HAD A GREAT TEAM ALL YEAR.

JOSHOK - MOVING ON WE’VE GOT HARDEN AND BLANCO ON OPTIONS, FREE AGENTS DEMPSTER, EDMONDS, AND WOODS -

WILLAND REED JOHNSON IS ARBITRATION. THERE ARE SOME OTHER GUYS OUT THERE WHO MAY OR MAY NOT STAY - I THINK IT DEPENDS ON FALL AND CARIBBEAN BASEBALL - AND A LOOK AT PEORIA, IOWA, DAYTONA, AND FINALLY SPRING TRAINING. THIS SUCKS.

JOSHOK - I’LL JUST HANG LOW - I MAY NEVER SEE A CUBS WORLD SERIES VICTORY - I’M BARELY OK WITH THAT - BUT I THINK I WILL - I’M HOPEFUL. THE LIGHT STILL STRONGLY BURNS INSIDE MYSELF - OF A CUBS WORLD SERIES CELEBRATION.

KERII THINK IT HAD A TON TO DO WITH CINCHING THE NL CENTRAL DIVISION SEPTEMBER 20TH. WE GOT SOFT. HECK THE BREWERS ARE STILL PLAYING AND LAUGHING AT US.

JOSHMILWAUKEE WILL NEVER GET BY PHILLY THOUGH - THEY ARE MUCH TOO TOUGH.

KERII DON’T KNOW - THE BREWERS ARE SOMEWHAT HOT - I MEAN THEY FOUGHT HARD JUST TO GET IN ON THE LAST DAY WITH THE METS.

WILLWELL SABATHIA WON’T BE THERE NEXT YEAR. WE SHOULD EASILY WIN THE DIVISION. BUT I CANNOT UNDERSTAND THIS STUFF EITHER. I MEAN....

KERIGET TO THE BASICS - THE CUBS MUST SCORE RUNS TO WIN. DEMPSTER CANNOT GIVE UP SEVEN WALKS IN THE FIRST GAME - JUST CANNOT - ESPECIALLY AT WRIGLEY.

JOSHAND OUR PITCHERS GIVING UP UP THAT GRAND SLAM TO LONEY - WHO BIT US IN THE THIRD GAME ALSO WITH A TWO RUN DOUBLE AT THE VERY WORST TIME - BROKE THAT GAME OPEN.

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KERIWHOA - GAME TWO WAS A REAL GEM - THOSE FOUR ERRORS BY THE INFIELDERS JUST FLAT OUT DID US IN - I THOUGHT SAM WOULD SUIT UP BEFORE THAT GAME WAS OVER - IT WASN’T EVEN CLOSE WITH A BUNCH OF UNEARNED RUNS.

WILLLOOK AT LEE, DEROSA, THERIOT, AND RAMIREZ - ALL COMMITTING ERRORS IN A SHORT TIME - EASY PLAYS MOST OF THEM - HECK DEROSA’S BOBBLE WOULD HAVE ENDED THE SECOND INNING - GETTING Z OUT OF A BUNCH OF UNEARNED RUNS - THAT MAY HAVE MADE THE DIFFERENCE. WE WERE JUST FLAT.

KERIOUR BATS WERE ICE - NO HOMER BARRAGE - FUKUDOME WAS BENCHED THE LAST GAME - HE CANNOT EVEN HIT A FOUL BALL. I WONDER IF HE’S COMING BACK NEXT YEAR - I BET LOU AND FUKUDOME WILL HAVE SOME REAL DISCUSSIONS IN THE OFF SEASON AND SPRING TRAINING.

JOSHI SEE REED JOHNSON IN THERE MORE - OR A FLORIDA OR IOWA CUBS PLAYER. MAYBE RYNO HAS SOME ONE UP HIS SLEEVE DOWN IN PEORIA - I DON’T KNOW.

WILLBUT OUR LAST LOSS WAS LIKE A FUNERAL OUT IN LA - LOS ANGELES WAS ALL CHEERS AND THE CUBS COULD’VE PLAYED TAPS.

SAMDID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE BUSTED PIPE IN THE CUBS DUGOUT IN LA ?

KERINO DEAR - WHAT HAPPENED ?

SAMIT LOOKS LIKE THE CUBS WILL HAVE TO PAY DODGER STADIUM A FINE FOR REPAIRS ON A PIPE WHICH WAS BROKE BY A PLAYER AFTER THE GAME. IN FACT THEY COULDN’T DO INTERVIEWS BECAUSE THE LOCKER ROOM WAS FLOODED.

WILLHEY JOSH - THAT COUPLE BACK THERE HUGGING WANTS TWO LEINIES ORIGINALS.

JOSHANY BRATS OR CHEESE ?

WILLTHEY SAID ONE ZUERCHER PLATE AND 4 BRATS.

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KERIGALS DON’T EAT TWO SHEBOYGAN BRATS - YOU GOT THAT COUNT CORRECT JOSH ?

JOSHYES KERI - IT’S THREE BRATS FOR THE GUY AND ONE FOR THE GIRL - THAT’S HOW IT WORKS.

KERII WON’T SAY YOU GUYS ARE PIGS - BUT THREE BRATS AND THE ZUERCHER FULL PLATE OF CHEESE ?

JOSHSOME OF THESE FOLKS HAVEN’T EATEN ALL DAY - THEY WANT TO COME IN AND ENJOY - THAT’S OUR BUSINESS MODEL IN ACTION.

SAMSO DO YOU THINK WEAGHMAN’S’ PARK BUSINESS WILL GO DOWN IN THE CUBS OFF SEASON JOSH ?

JOSHNO WAY - WE HAVE FOLKS HERE IN WRIGLEYVILLE WHO ARE NOW COMING IN REGULARLY, AND LOTS OF BORDER FOLKS COMING DOWN FOR ALL KINDS OF ACTION IN CHICAGO FROM UP NORTH. THE WORD IS SPREADING ABOUT WEAGHMAN’S PARK QUICKLY.

SAMWELL - I’D LIKE TO COME MORE OFTEN - BUT I’M ON ADULT AND PEDIATRIC CARDIOVASCULAR ANESTHESIA ROTATIONS THE NEXT THREE MONTHS - I’M ON CALL VIRTUALLY EVERY NIGHT IN THOSE COLD ROOMS - I MEAN REALLY COLD ROOMS.

KERIIT TAKES SAM HOURS TO WARM UP AFTER HE’S BEEN IN THE OR ALL DAY.

SAMI NEVER WARM UP - EVER - HECK I’M FINALLY WARM WHEN I GO IN AT 0430 IN THE MORNING - AND THEN I CHILL ALL THROUGH THE DAY - WE HAVE SO MANY OF THE NURSES WHO ARE PERI - MENOPAUSAL - AND ARE FLASHING CONSTANTLY. THEY KEEP THE OR ROOM - 40 DEGREES WIND CHILL.

JOSHDON’T THE PATIENTS UNDER ANESTHESIA GET COLD SAM ?

SAMWE USE THESE BEAR HUGGERS - CONVECTION WARMING - THIS KEEPS THEM OK WARM WITHOUT BURNING ANYONE. HECK I WEAR A SKI COAT IN THERE SOMETIMES - THE ONE I WORE TO NORTHERN MICHIGAN ON THE LAST SKI TRIP A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. I’M AN ABSOLUTE ICE CUBE IN THERE. THERE IS ALWAYS A FIGHT FOR THE THERMOSTAT AT COOK.

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KERIYOU ALWAYS SAY BREAK THOSE ICICLES OFF MY BODY WHEN YOU GET HOME. IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW WARM IT IS OUTSIDE.

WILLHEY LOOK - HERE COMES ELLIOTT. HOW ARE YOU DOING ?

ELLIOTTGREAT - I MAY HAVE A BIG PART IN A PLAY THIS WINTER - AND IT’S NOT EVEN A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL. I’M NOT SAYING ANYTHING SO AS TO NOT JINX MYSELF.

JOSHTHAT’S GREAT - I’M CERTAIN YOU’LL APPRECIATE THIS - ALL THE HARD WORK AND CLOSE CALLS.

ELLIOTTI’M NOT THERE YET JOSH - I STILL HAVE A SCREENING TO DO IN FRONT OF THE BOSS NEXT WEEK.

KERIAND YOUR BAND ?

ELLIOTTMY JUNIOR HIGH BAND REALLY ROCKS - WE HAVE WON ANOTHER AWARD - I’M THINKING OF TAKING ANOTHER OFFER IF THE SCHOOL DOESN’T MATCH THE ONE I’VE GOT ON MY DESK. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THE NEWEST OFFER IS OUT IN INDIANA. AFTER OUR LAST CONCERT THIS MUSIC DIRECTOR FROM THIS BIG SCHOOL CAME UP TO ME AND ASKED WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR ME TO MOVE TO INDIANA ?

WILLAND YOU SAID BIG MONEY - RIGHT ?

KERINOT SO FAST - REMEMBER HOW ATTACHED YOU ARE TO THOSE LITTLE JUNIOR HIGH KIDS -

ELLIOTTBUT THEY GROW UP AS DO THEIR PARENTS AND A NEW FLOCK COMES IN - IT IS SELF REPEATING OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN. BESIDES I KIND OF WANT TO STAY HERE IN WRIGLEYVILLE - BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE WE ARE A SHOO IN FOR NEXT YEAR’S PENNANT AND SERIES. I DON’T FEEL LOU WILL LEAVE US HANGING.

KERILOU HAS GIVEN US HOPE - THAT IS FOR SURE. BUT EVEN HE HAS TO BE FRUSTRATED AT THE WEAK PLAYOFF HITTING, POOR PITCHING, ERRORS, SPIRIT - THE WHOLE THING - I MEAN WRIGLEY WAS ELECTRIC THIS YEAR UNTIL THAT 10 - 3 SECOND GAME THAT Z LOST. IT WAS UGLY AT THE END WITH THE FANS BOOING AND THROWING STUFF ON THE FIELD.

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JOSHJUST 100 YEARS OF FRUSTRATION. NO WORLD SERIES PENNANTS TO HANG OVER OUR STADIUM. THE SOX I ADMIT HAVE IT OVER US BY A LONG SHOT - THOUGH THEY’LL BE OUT OF IT WITHIN A DAY I’M CERTAIN. TOTALLY CLASSLESS ACT DOWN SOUTH. I FEEL SORRY FOR THE SOX FANS - ALL HAVE VERY LOW IQS WHO BARELY GET BY.

WILLI DON’T KNOW JOSH - THEY WERE TOUGH THIS YEAR - THEY HONESTLY HUNG IN THERE WHEN MOST THOUGHT THEY’D FALTER - HOW THEY GOT BY THE TWINS IS ANYONE’S GUESS.

KERIOH MY GOD - HERE COMES MR. W. - HE’S NOT HAPPY - HE WANTS THE USUAL JOSH WITH THAT STARE.

JOSHCOMING RIGHT UP SIR !

WILLSO LET US IN ON THIS GUY JOSH - WHO IS HE ? YOU MUST KNOW !

JOSHI REALLY DON’T - HE’S NOT FROM ROCKFORD - I KNOW THAT - I KNOW SOME GUYS FROM ROCKFORD WHO KNOW EVERYONE IN ROCKFORD AND THEY DON’T KNOW THIS GUY - THAT WAS JUST A RUMOR.

KERIAND THE GHOST STUFF - WHAT’S WITH ALL THAT ? THAT’S GOOFY !

JOSHI JUST DON’T KNOW - HE’S BEEN SPOTTED BEHIND THE PLATE AT MANY WRIGLEY GAMES THIS YEAR AND THEN HE JUST POPS IN HERE - SOME HAVE FOLLOWED HIM AFTER HE LEAVES - AND WELL HE JUST DISAPPEARS.

SAMWHAT DO YOU MEAN DISAPPEARS ?

JOSHHE JUST VAPORIZES - LIKE A GHOST - HE’S THERE AND GONE IN A SECOND.

SAMNO BUS OR RED LINE OR CAB OR ANYTHING ?

JOSHNO ONE HAS EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS EVER - HE IS TRULY MAGICAL -

ELLIOTTDO YOU THINK HE’S THE ABSOLUTE CURSE ON WRIGLEY ?

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JOSHCOULD BE - I DON’T KNOW - I’LL NEVER KNOW BECAUSE EVERY TIME I TRY TO TALK TO HIM - AND IT’S BEEN A FEW - WELL HE JUST LEAVES AND VANISHES. I DON’T KNOW HOW ROCKFORD CAME UP - I GUESS ONE OF THE PATRONS HERE THOUGHT THEY SAW HIM IN ROCKFORD - WHICH WOULD BE A GOOD PLACE TO HIDE.

KERII WOULD BET HE TAKES THE L UP TO HARVARD AND HIDES UP THERE. NO ONE WOULD NOTICE ANYTHING UP THERE - IT’S NOTHING BUT A BUNCH OF OLD FOLKS WITH OLD FURNITURE - ANTIQUES - HE’D BLEND IN WITH HARVARD, ILLINOIS.

SAMMAYBE HE’S GONE TO DEKALB TO SUPPORT NORTHERN.

JOSHYOU NEVER KNOW - THE HUSKIES ARE HAVING A ROUGH YEAR - THEY JUST LOST TO TENNESSEE TODAY 13 - 9 - SO THEY ARE 2 AND 3. THEY NEED TO BOUNCE BACK NEXT WEEK AGAINST MIAMI OF OHIO - I THINK THEY CAN BEAT THESE GUYS.

ELLIOTTI HOPE EVERYONE IS STILL CONTRIBUTING TO THE FAMILIES FROM THIS PAST YEAR.

KERII HAVE VERY LITTLE MONEY AND I’M GIVING WHAT I CAN - I THINK THE UNIVERSITY IS MOVING ON - THE FAMILIES WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN - BUT MAYBE TOO MUCH EMPHASIS ON THIS STUFF BRINGS ON MORE OF IT.

WILLI DO KNOW THAT THEY ARE STILL MENTIONED AT MASS EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT BY THE PRIESTS.

JOSHANYTHING HEARD FROM YOUR FORMER NORTHERN CHEERLEADER GIRLFRIEND WILL ?

WILLNOT MUCH - SHE SAYS SHE MAY SHOW UP HERE SOME NIGHT - BUT HASN’T. ANYWAY HOW WAS YOUR DATE WITH MELANIE TO THE PLAYOFFS AT WRIGLEY - YOU CERTAINLY ARE BEING QUIET ABOUT IT JOSH ?

JOSHWE’RE JUST FRIENDS - WE HAD A GOOD TIME - AND EVEN WENT TO TUSCANY’S BEFORE THE GAME FOR SOME REAL FINE FOOD.

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KERITHAT GAL WILL PULL EVERY CENT OUT OF A MAN - DOESN’T MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES OR WHATEVER MEANS IS REQUIRED.

JOSHCHILL KERI - SHE DIDN’T EVEN MENTION SAM.

KERIWELL MELANIE IS THE WITCH OF WITCHES - I’M SORRY - SHE NEEDS ANOTHER TOWN - NOT HERE. SO DID YOU SAY YOU’D NEVER SEE HER AGAIN JOSH OR WHAT ? SHE’S LEFT SAM ALONE FOR A WHILE.

ELLIOTTWELL JOSH COULD MARRY HER AND THAT WOULD KEEP HER AWAY FROM SAM.

KERINO IT WOULDN’T - ONLY DEATH WOULD KEEP HER AWAY FROM SAM.

SAMKERI - RELAX - THERE NEVER WAS REALLY ANYTHING GOING ON WITH US TWO - YOU KNOW THAT.

KERISAM - I HAVE SPIES IN THE COOK OR - I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON - AND I KNOW MELANIE - YOU COULD BE 95 YEARS OLD AND IN A HOSPICE DYING - AND SHE WOULD STILL BE CHASING YOU DOWN THE HALLS. I KNOW THAT WITCH.

JOSHOK SIR - SOME ZUERCHER BRICK COMING RIGHT UP WITH MUSTARD ON BOTH SANDWICHES AND TWO OCTOBERFEST LEINIES - JUST FRESH IN HERE BY THE KEG.

WILLWHAT IF MELANIE COMES IN HERE TONIGHT KERI - YOU STAYING ?

KERINO - SAM AND I ARE OUT OF HERE IF SHE SHOWS - WE WILL BE PLANNING OUR WEDDING SOON - MAYBE EVEN TONIGHT.

SAMNOT TONIGHT KERI - MAYBE NEXT WEEK.

KERINOT TONIGHT - YOU’VE PUT THIS OFF TO LONG - YOU NEED TO STEP UP AND PLAN THIS WITH ME OR.......

SAMOR WHAT ?

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KERIOR I’LL DO IT MYSELF.

SAMBUT I’M TOO TIRED - I’VE GOT THIS LONG 3 MONTH STINT OF CARDIOVASCULAR ANESTHESIA ROTATION WITH CONSTANT CALL COMING UP.

KERIYOU ARE ALWAYS TIRED - ALWAYS !

SAMWELL I’M SORRY

KERI- WHEN YOU DON’T SLEEP - IT GETS TO YOU - YOU NEVER RECOVER - EVER.

JOSHHEY YOU TWO ARE SOUNDING LIKE YOU NEED MARITAL COUNSELING - AND YOU’RE NOT EVEN MARRIED YET ?

KERIWELL MAYBE WE WON’T GET MARRIED!

SAMOK - WE’LL JUST NOT MARRY NOW KERI - I’LL CATCH UP ON SLEEP - AND.........

KERII’LL JUST MOVE TO INDIANA TOO. I’M NOT WAITING ANY LONGER - I’M SICK OF HEARING YOU WHINE ABOUT DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS WHEN WE CANNOT EVEN AFFORD TO GET NEAR THE WISCONSIN BORDER. I MEAN I WAS WILLING TO PUT UP WITH ANYTHING - NO PARIS HONEYMOON - I WOULD’VE TAKEN THE DELLS - IT DOESN’T EVEN MATTER - BUT YOU ARE SO HUNG UP ON GOING TO LIBERIA , OR INDONESIA OR WHO KNOWS - THE NORTH POLE - NOW THAT YOU’RE ACCLIMATED TO THE COLD - JUST GO TO THE NORTH POLE - I DON’T CARE. THERE ARE NO BORDERS AT THE NORTH POLE EXCEPT WHERE THE WATER MEETS THE ICE. I’M OUT OF HERE. PICK THE WORST PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU MAKE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF MONEY AND PRACTICE THERE - I REALLY DON’T CARE.

WILLWOW - MAYBE I SHOULDN’T GET SERIOUS WITH A GIRL - THEY SEEM TO ALL EXPLODE AT SOME POINT - MAYBE BEING SINGLE AS A 20 SOMETHING ISN’T SO BAD AFTER ALL - WHAT DO YOU THINK JOSH ?

JOSHKERI IS JUST OVER REACTING - FRUSTRATED - BUT SHE’S NOT LEAVING - SHE’S TALKING TO MR. W. - FIRST PERSON I’VE SEEN DO THAT.

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SAMHE’S PROBABLY SCARED OF HER ALSO.

ELLIOTTWOW - THEY ARE BOTH LEAVING TOGETHER - GET THAT ?

WILLSHE IS REALLY WEIRD TONIGHT - MAYBE SHE’LL TURN INTO A GHOST ALSO.

SAMSHE’LL BE BACK - SHE REALLY GOES OVER BOARD WHEN SHE GETS GOING. SHE’LL SETTLE DOWN.

ELLIOTTMAYBE I’LL JUST GO WITH MY GAY TENDENCIES - I DON’T KNOW IF I EVER COULD PUT UP WITH A MATE LIKE THAT - SHE’S POWERFUL.

JOSHWELL KERI IS A TOMBOY, AN ULTIMATE CUB FAN AND ALSO VERY FRUSTRATED LIKE WE ALL ARE. I THINK THE THREE LOSSES GOT TO HER.

WILLOK - BUT THAT IS QUITE A DEMONSTRATION. SAM - AS A FORMER HIGH SCHOOL WIDE OUT I CAN ONLY RECOMMEND PLAYS. YOU MAY WANT TO GO AND FOLLOW HER HOME AND SIMMER HER DOWN.

SAMOH - SHE’LL PROBABLY BE BACK - AND I’LL PLAN THE WEDDING - I MEAN HOW MANY GUYS ACTUALLY PLAN WEDDINGS - VERY FEW - AND IF THEY DO - IT’S WEIRD - THE GIRLS AND THEIR MOMS AND GRANDMOMS ALL DO THE PLANNING - THEY EVEN FIGURE OUT WHO IS THE BEST MAN.

WILLWOW - I’M FINDING A WIMPY GAL FOR ME - I COULDN’T TAKE THIS KIND OF TEMPER. THAT WOULD BLOW ME AWAY - AND YOU’RE NOT EVEN MARRIED YET SAM.

JOSHWELL HERE COMES MELANIE - SPEAK OF THE.....

MELANIEHEY WEAGHMAN’S PARK CROWD - I NEED A LEINIES OCTOBERFEST AFTER THAT MISERABLE 3 - 1 CUB LOSS - WASN’T THAT SOMETHING - WE ARE ALL WATCHING THAT GAME IN THE DOCTORS’ LOUNGE - AND IT SEEMED LIKE A.........

JOSHFUNERAL - WE’VE ALREADY DISCUSSED THIS MANY TIMES.

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MELANIE97 WINS DOWN THE TUBE. AND THE BREWERS ARE STILL IN IT. THE WHOLE SITUATION IS PATHETIC. I GUESS I’LL BECOME A REAL BEARS FAN NOW.

WILLI DON’T KNOW ABOUT THAT MELANIE - THE BEARS MAY STRUGGLE A TON THIS YEAR - THEIR DEFENSE COULD BE AWESOME - BUT WITH A BUNCH OF NO NAME OFFENSIVE PLAYERS AND ORTON NOW RUNNING THE ATTACK - I DON’T SEE THE PLAYOFFS.

MELANIEWELL IF I GO DOWN TO SOLDIER FIELD AND SCREAM LOUD ENOUGH - WELL THAT MAY GET THEM GOING. I HAVE SOME TICKETS FOR SOME NOVEMBER GAMES AND A PARKING SPACE AND FREE TICKETS TO A TAILGATE.

JOSHWHO ARE YOU GOING WITH MELANIE ?

MELANIEI DON’T KNOW - I HAVEN’T BEEN ASKED.

WILLBUT YOU HAVE THE TICKETS - YOU MUST DO THE ASKING.

MELANIEWELL - I PRESENTLY DON’T HAVE ANY SUITORS - I’LL JUST WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

WILLJOSH MIGHT BE WILLING TO GO.

MELANIEOH WE’LL SEE - I THINK IF A GIRL IS ACTUALLY GOING TO BE COURTED - WELL IT SHOULD BE THE GUY WHO DOES THE COURTING - MAYBE THAT’S OLD FASHIONED.

SAMNO IT’S NOT MELAINIE - THE GUY SHOULD STEP FORWARD AND LEAD.

ELLIOTTBUT THERE MAY NOT BE MANY GUYS THAT WANT TO GO TO A BEARS GAME. YOU KNOW THEY CAN BE PRETTY AWFUL - YOU DON’T HAVE ANY IDEA WHO WILL SHOW UP SOME DAYS. I KNOW THEIR DEFENSE IS USUALLY PRETTY GOOD - AND THEIR OFFENSE IS SPOTTY - BUT IF HESTER GETS GOING IT CAN CHANGE THE GAME.

WILLLOVIE MUST GET HESTER THE BALL THOUGH - THERE HAVE BEEN GAMES WHERE HE ONLY TOUCHES IT A COUPLE OF TIMES - HE’S OUR ONLY REALLY CONSISTENT BREAK AWAY THREAT ON THAT TEAM.

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JOSHLUKE’S LINE HAS PLAYED DECENT THIS SEASON THUS FAR. FORTE AND JONES HAVE PROVIDED SOME PUNCH TO THE RUNNING GAME - AND DAVIS HAS CAUGHT A FEW BALLS. I THINK WE ARE THERE OFFENSIVELY - ORTON MUST JUST GET THE BALL TO THESE GUYS WITH SOME SPACE.

WILLI DON’T SEE THAT HAPPENING. HE’S GOT TOO SLOW A RELEASE - AND HE CANNOT CREATE BACK THERE. HECK I FEEL RODGERS FROM GREEN BAY IS MORE MOBILE THAN ORTON.

JOSHDON’T EVEN MENTION GREEN BAY. THE THOUGHT OF THOSE GUYS BEATING US THIS YEAR ON TOP OF THE CUBS LOSS IS DISTASTEFUL.

ELLIOTTI’D RATHER GO TO A PLAY THAN WATCH THE PACK DISMANTLE US HERE AT HOME.

SAMI DON’T THINK GREEN BAY WILL BEAT US THIS YEAR. IT’S THAT SIMPLE.

JOSHI DON’T KNOW - THEY’VE LOST A COUPLE CLOSE ONES - AND RODGERS HAS PLAYED WELL FOR THE MOST PART. I THINK HE’S BETTER THAN FAVRE - THE DREADED WORD.

KERIYES I’M BACK - BUT NOT FOR LONG. I LEFT MY COAT AT THE TABLE. NO THE PACKERS WILL NOT BEAT US THIS YEAR. THEY MAY COME CLOSE - BUT I PREDICT A CRIPPLING OF THEIR TEAM BY THE BEARS DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS - LOVIE

WILLHAVE OUR TEAM READY TO GO - YOU’LL SEE. AND MELANIE - MAYBE I’LL GO TO THE BEARS GAME WITH YOU - IT’S ABOUT TIME WE TWO SAT DOWN AND HAD A TALK.

MELANIEOK - I’LL TAKE YOU UP ON THAT - WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO - HAVE AN ARM WRESTLE OVER SAM ?

KERINO - I MAY JUST GIVE HIM BACK TO YOU - I’M TOTALLY FED UP WITH HIM AND THIS DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS, FAILURE TO SEAL THE DEAL WITH OUR MARRIAGE, AND MAKE A VOLITIONAL MOVEMENT TO RAMP. I MEAN HE ONLY HAS AN ANESTHESIA DEGREE. HE WANTS US TO REMAIN POOR UNTIL WE’RE FIFTY.

MELANIEWELL THERE IS THIS SENSE OF MISSION AND HELPING GOD’S CHILDREN WITH YOUR MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE THAT IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW

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DOWN AT COOK. PEOPLE I COULD NEVER BELIEVE ARE LEAVING THEIR JOBS AND GOING TO PLACES I’VE NEVER HEARD OF TO PRACTICE ON EVERYTHING - DEFORMED KIDS, DISEASED HEARTS, STRANGE ILLNESSES, DISEASED POPULATIONS WHERE EVEN THE UNITED NATIONS CANNOT EVEN GET IN - THEY USUALLY GET IN WITH DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS.

KERISO THESE MISSIONARY PHYSICIANS - DO THEY HAVE FAMILIES THAT HAVE THE USUAL TWENTY EXPENSES OF UTILITIES, MORTGAGES, FOOD, EDUCATION, LOANS, TAXES - WHO PAYS FOR ALL THIS STUFF - IT DOESN’T COME OUT OF THE AIR.

SAMTHEY FIND WAYS

KERISO I’M TO SIT UP HERE IN ILLINOIS - FREEZE MY RUMP OFF - STARVE - WHILE YOU SAM ARE THE ROBIN HOOD OF HEALTH CARE FOR PAKISTAN. NO WAY.

MELANIEI DON’T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND KERI -

KERITHE HECK I DON’T UNDERSTAND - I’M SICK OF BEING POOR - I’M ENGAGED AND WE’LL HAVE TO TAKE OUT A LOAN FOR A WEDDING, AND STRUGGLE FOR A FEW YEARS AS IT IS - NOW IF SAM HEADS TO A NOMADIC DESERT AND PRACTICES - WELL I’M JUST NOT GONNA SIT HERE AND SAY - IT’S OK - YOU CAN REUP IF YOU WANT - MAKE A CAREER OUT OF IT. I’M SORRY - AT SOME POINT 20 SOMETHINGS MUST RAMP.

JOSHMAYBE I SHOULD GO TO THE BEARS GAME INSTEAD OF YOU KERI.

KERISHUT UP JOSH - IF YOU WOULDN’T HAVE INVITED MELANIE OVER HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE - WELL NONE OF THIS WOULD’VE OCCURRED.

JOSHI FEEL EVERYONE IS JUST UPSET BECAUSE OF THE CUBS LOSS. IT’S THAT SIMPLE - WE’LL ALL SETTLE DOWN AND BE BACK TO NORMAL AGAIN IN A COUPLE DAYS.

ELLIOTTWELL - MY JUNIOR HIGH BAND EVEN GOT UPSET ABOUT THE CUBS LOSING THREE STRAIGHT TO THE LA DODGERS - THEY WERE MOPEY AFTER THE GAME 1 LOSS - KIDS WALKING AROUND SAYING - HOW COULD RYAN DEMPSTER WALK SEVEN GUYS IN ONE PLAYOFF GAME ?

WILLAND THEN YOU JUST SAID “ THINGS JUST HAPPEN IN BASEBALL.”

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JOSHOR YOU TELL THEM ABOUT THE CURSE.

ELLIOTTNO THEY TOLD ME ABOUT THE 100 YEAR OLD CURSE - LONGER THAN THE RED SOX.

KERIWELL I’VE GOT NEWS FOR YOU - I KNOW THERE IS A CURSE - THIS MR. W. THAT POPS IN HERE OCCASIONALLY, OR REGULARLY AS JOSH SEES IT - HE DOES VANISH WHEN HE WALKS OUT THE DOOR. IT’S LIKE BEWITCHED - HE TALKS FUNNY - AND HE ACTS JUST LIKE HE IS GIVING A CURSE UPON WRIGLEY FIELD - HE NEVER WON A CHAMPIONSHIP THERE SO HE ISN’T ABOUT TO LET THE NEW REGIME WIN ONE - SPECIFICALLY THE TRIBUNE COMPANY OR SOME NEW BOSS THAT ISN’T A WRIGLEY. NOW THAT THEY’VE SOLD THE WRIGLEY COMPANY - WELL THE CURSE IS FOREVER.

MELANIEWELL ANYWAY - YOU HAVE DEEP PROBLEMS KERI - I FEEL YOU NEED AN SSRI DRUG - YOU HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER AND WON’T ADMIT IT - IF IT WAS ANXIETY ONLY I’D SAY PAXIL - BUT YOUR PROBLEMS ARE DEEP, SEVERE, AND LONG LASTING.

JOSHWOW - THIS IS GETTING DEEP - MAYBE WE SHOULD ALL TAKE A BREATHER FOR A FEW WEEKS.

KERIIF YOU ALL WANT TO KNOW - I’M ALREADY ON LEXAPRO - AND I’D BE A REAL MEAN YOU KNOW WHAT WITHOUT IT.

ELLIOTTWOW - EVERYONE IN TOWN IS ON THAT STUFF - ALL THE TEACHERS THAT GAB IN THE LOUNGE SAY THEY TAKE LEXAPRO TO COPE WITH KIDS - I’M SORRY THAT IS LIFE - WE MUST ALL DEAL WITH IT.

KERIYOU’RE WRONG THERE ELLIOTT - I DON’T SEE SUFFERING MY WHOLE LIFE - I’LL TAKE THE DRUGS - I DON’T WANT TO FEEL CRAPPY ALL THE TIME.

JOSHWOW - MAYBE THE ENTIRE TOWN OF WRIGLEYVILLE BY TOMORROW NIGHT AFTER THIS THIRD GAME LOSS SETTLES IN WILL HAVE EVERYONE ON SSRI DRUGS.

MELANIETHAT WOULD BE OK WITH ME - BECAUSE WHEN THEY COME INTO COOK THEY WOULDN’T BE SO NASTY. I HAVE TO DEAL WITH THESE FOLKS BEFORE THEY GO TO SLEEP - AND MANY CAN BE RIDICULOUSLY AWFUL.

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ELLIOTTTHAT IS LIFE - I’M SORRY.

SAMWELL ELLIOTT - SOME DAY YOUR BAND MAY NOT WIN AND YOUR PARENTS MAY WANT TO STICK A KNIFE BETWEEN YOUR SHOULDERS TO GET EVEN - YOU’LL NEED SSRI DRUGS THEN.

ELLIOTTOK - I GET IT - HAVE THE DRUG ON BOARD SO THE BLOWS WON’T HURT SO MUCH.

KERIRIGHT - WHEN THE BEARS GET STOMPED YOU CAN LIVE WITH IT. WHEN THE CUBS LOSE SIX STRAIGHT PLAYOFF GAMES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS - WELL YOU CAN DEAL WITH IT - HAVE THE DRUG ON BOARD TO MEET ANY CHALLENGE - BESIDES OTHER THAN THE COPAY, A GENERIC SSRI DRUG ONLY COSTS ABOUT $5 PER MONTH.

JOSHWOW - I FEEL THE BEARS WILL GET INTO THE PLAYOFFS - YOU WON’T NEED THESE DRUGS - YOU’LL SEE.

SAMTHEY WON’T JOSH - JUST WON’T - TOO MUCH FIREPOWER IN THEIR DIVISION - I THINK THE VIKINGS WILL SLIDE IN AND WE’LL MISS THE WILD CARD BY A GAME - EVEN WITH LANCE AND URLACHER.

MELANIEWELL - KERI AND I WILL FIND OUT FIRST HAND WITH THESE BEAR TICKETS IN NOVEMBER. I CANNOT WAIT. GIRLS NIGHT OUT.

KERIWELL I’M HEADING OFF TOWARDS HOME - I’LL TAKE THE L. ARE YOU COMING SAM ?

SAMI’LL BE LONG IN DUE TIME. I’LL HAVE ANOTHER LEINIES WITH THE BOYS.

KERIAND MELANIE.

MELANIENO - I’M OFF TO BERNIE’S - THERE MAY BE A 20 SOMETHING GUY OVER THERE WHO IS MATURE AND RAMPING. WHO KNOWS ?

ELLIOTTAND I’M OFF TO BED - I’LL DROWN MY SORROWS AT MASS TOMORROW. I’LL EVEN GO TO COMMUNITY CONFESSION AND PRAY FOR THE CUBS NEXT YEAR. 100 PLUS YEARS NOW OF UNANSWERED PRAYERS.

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WILLAND I’M OFF TO BED - I’VE GOT THE EARLY SHIFT AT O’HARE TOMORROW. MAYBE I’LL CATCH THAT CUTE LITTLE FLIGHT ATTENDANT ON THE BLUE LINE - I THINK SHE FEELS BAD ABOUT BEING SO QUIET ON OUR ONLY DATE - MAYBE I’LL RETRY. GOOD NIGHT ALL.

SAMAND I’LL BE GOING BACK HOME FOR AN HOUR TO DISCUSS AT LENGTH WITH MY DAD THE CUBS SEASON. HE’LL BE SO WOUND UP THAT THERE WON’T BE ENOUGH BEER IN THE HOUSE TO SETTLE HIM DOWN.

JOSHAND I’LL JUST CLOSE UP SHOP. MAYBE IT’S TIME FOR ME TO RAMP. MOM SAYS SHE HAS A GUY ON THE NORTH GOLD COAST CALLING EVERY DAY ABOUT ME DOING LEGAL RESEARCH FOR DRUG COMPANIES - HIGH PAY, CAR, FLIGHTS, ALL THE BENEFITS - I DON’T KNOW - I DO KNOW THAT I WOULDN’T MAKE MANY OF THE AFTERNOON OR WEEKDAY CUB GAMES WITH A REGULAR JOB.

WILLREMEMBER WHAT YOU SAID REPEATEDLY JOSH - YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE - THIS WILL BE THE ONLY CHANCE I WILL EVER HAVE TO RUN OVER TO WRIGLEY AND SEE CUB GAMES WITHOUT STRESS AND CHAOS IN MY LIFE - WHY RUSH INTO ADULT STUFF WHEN THE ADULTS ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO RUSH OUT OF IT.

JOSHRIGHT WILL - BUT MY PARENTS AND SISTERS ARE BREATHING DOWN MY BACK CONSTANTLY - THE UNIVERSITY OF NO - FUN - I MEAN UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO WANTS ME TO GO BACK THERE AND TEACH AND.........

SAMAND YOU TOLD THEM..........

JOSHIT’S TOO NEAR THE SOX PARK - AND THEY UNDERSTOOD. THEY ARE AT LEAST COOL ABOUT THAT - ONLY FOLKS IN CHICAGO WOULD UNDERSTAND THAT - THEY UNDERSTAND THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND

MELANIEWE ARE ALL 20 SOMETHINGS TRYING TO FIND OUR OWN PATHS - SOMEWHAT DIFFERENTLY THAN OUR PARENTS, PROGRESSING IN OUR OWN GENERATIONAL WAY - TRYING NOT TO REPEAT THE THINGS OUR PARENTS DID, BUT STILL HONOR THEIR WAYS.

KERIYES - BUT HOLD ON - THERE IS MEANING IN THIS WORLD - EVEN WITH AN SSRI DRUG ON BOARD - TRUST ME - NOT EVERYONE IS CRAZY - WE ARE ALL JUST RABID CUB FANS WHO WILL GROW UP AND MAKE MORE CRAZY CUB FANS - AND IT WILL NEVER END.

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JOSHYES IT WILL NEVER END - UNTIL ONE DAY - WE PUT TOGETHER A PLAYOFF RUN THAT WILL KILL THE REST OF THE LEAGUE - TIMELY HITTING, KILLER PITCHING, BASE RUNNING AND FIELDING. I SEE IT COMING - I DON’T WANT TO MISS IT. I THINK I’LL BE BACK A T WEAGHMAN’S PARK FOR ANOTHER SEASON AND THE OFF SEASON. WE’LL ALL SURVIVE - LONG ENOUGH TO TELL OUR NEW CUB FANS THAT WE SAW THE CUBS BREAK THE CURSE. A BUNCH OF 20 SOMETHINGS THAT DECIDE TO REALLY BREAK OUT - SEE LIFE AT WRIGLEY LIKE IT WAS MEANT TO BE LIVED.

ELLIOTTWILL THERE BE A LAST CALL FOR LEINIES, ZUERCHER CHEESE, OR SHEBOYGAN BRATS JOSH ?

JOSHNO WE’RE CLOSING EARLY - THE LIGHTS ARE AT HALF MAST IN WRIGLEY - THE LOCKERS WILL BE CLEANED OUT TOMORROW, THE NEWSPAPERS WILL INK THIS TO DEATH FOR A YEAR OR MORE, AND WE WILL FOREVER REMEMBER WEAGHMAN’S PARK AS THE BEST 20 SOMETHING HANGOUT THAT KEPT OUR SANITY. THE CURSE MUST END AND WE WILL SEE IT. GOOD NIGHT ALL - SEE YOU NEXT SPRING TRAINING.

End - EpisodE XV, Clark & addison