Stardate 20030217.1653

(On Screen): There are millions of ways of dying, and we all have to die some time. On some level, I guess, every death is a tragedy, but when I hear about someone dying in their 80's after a long and fruitful life, it's more of a shame than a tragedy. On the other hand, sometimes I read about a useless death, a preventable death, a death with no reason, a death which is a total waste.

In spring training today in Florida, Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler died of heatstroke. He was 23. He had been married a year. His wife is pregnant and in April will deliver a child which will never know its father.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. What a waste. What a completely pointless waste. Life, she's a bitch.