Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

Have you seen that public service commercial that goes something like, "You taught your kid how to hit a baseball, how to hit a three-pointer but have you taught him what not to hit?" It is sponsored by a group against violence against women. The commercial rubs me the wrong way. First off - I was taught that any man who would hit a woman is a coward who is the lowest of the low. I didn't need a sit down talk to get that message through to me. It was learned by the example of how the other men in my life viewed anyone who would strike a woman. This commercial just puzzles me. Who is it aimed at? Fathers who act with respect towards women are already teaching their sons "what not to hit" by example? Actions speak way louder than words... With the baseball playoffs looming I would like to note that Angels ace John Lackey is 0-2 with an 8.38 ERA against the Red Sox so far this year and that their number 2 starter Kelvim Escobar has a 10.19 ERA in 4 September starts. That bodes well for the Red Sox... I'm not sure if Jonathan "The Impaler" Sharkey is the craziest person to ever run for President but he has to be up there. I found this bit to be of interest; "The Vampires, Witches, and Pagans Party was founded by Sharkey in 2005. It is officially recognized by United States Federal Election Committee [14], although there is little evidence of any membership or activity other than two persons." I bet if I founded the Sports Bettors and Beer Drinkers Party that I could get way more than 2 members... Tonight's West Virginia vs Southern Florida college football game is going to be a good one. The Mountaineers are favored by 7 points but what puzzles me is the fact that I've seen written that the early action is supposed to be going to West Virginia because of the revenge factor (USF beat West Virginia 24-19 last year to dash West Virginia's BCS hopes) - yet the line hasn't moved from 7 points. I may tease West Virginia with the under (55) points because I think this will be a close game that the Mountaineers win...