You are right, timid has nothing to do with losing one's temper...I was referring to the fact that you were saying I lacked confidence by not participating on the site...because I chose to read instead of write that I some how was not as bold as others...I think that is indeed a stretch, and the only reason for you to make a statement of that magnitude would be because you had lost your temper, as a result, I was remarking that I do not lose mine quite as easily. As far your analogy of the military that is quite antiquated...we are a thinking, growing intelligent military these days. The days of the "grunt" is long sense gone...and I was assuming you were talking about the US military and not the French or some outfit of that nature...I can assure you sir, that today's military can boast of having some of the finest and sharpest minds in the world...I know...I am here now...so rest assure that your freedom is in capable hands.

agmattbballref:

This forum is indeed a little diffrent from others, however, among the occasional "ribbing" is a wealth of information. Like you, I initially found some of the posts seemingly inappropriate (not officiating-related), however, in reflection, I find them no different than the conversations that I have with fellow officials that I work with on a night-in-night-out basis.

In most instances, after about 5 years of officiating experience, you are not gonna learn a whole lot more about the rules of basketball or mechanics, but you have to glean those small nuggets of insight that polishes your talent and skills. I think that this is what you should try to take from the posts. Find that "little" things to improve your game and the other "BS" that you feel you encounter, throw it in the trash.

Now you've gone and done. For two pages Padgett has only chimed in once.

Then you go and mention the French.

What are you....NUTS?