Obviously you havent been a Cub fan long. I am 3rd generation. After the first generation or so, all hope disappears. The 2nd generation brings bitter disappointment and disillusionment. With the 3rd generation comes comedy, acceptance, and understanding the art form. It isnt IF the Cubs will fail so much, as how they will do it. They always amaze and break new ground in this area. Like watching Opera. Great singing and fine music, but the really good part is in the intangible area. Now dont get me wrong, I enjoy a good Cubs victory just like everyone else. I just try to avoid the suicidal lows associated with any kind of hope whatsoever. The "safe" money on the Cubs will always follow Murphy's Law. We were doomed when the first expert picked us to win it all this year. Pessimistic? Perhaps, but Realistic. Life is pain; anyone who tells you different is trying to sell you something. I guess we're just different. As soon as I'm half as negative as you, and do nothing but derive pain from the Cubs, I'll stop being a fan. I don't understand why anyone would want to follow the team if it wasn't fun. I hear ya and am in agreeance with ya, Tree. I really don't know how some of the more negative posters here survive and how they can take rooting for the Cubs if it makes them so negative, etc. You will learn to understand the first time you realize you want to root for another team and discover you can't. That's when the little light will go on above your head: being a Cub fan may have been a choice long ago, but now it's a death-grip, love-hate, addiction that can never be cured.