So check this out:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/08/25/pitcher.toogood.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

The kid, 9 yr old Jehrico Scott, throws a 40 mph fastball. A mean one. And the kids' on point to hear folks tell. But the youth league he pitches in wants him out because he throws too hard and too fast.

Point/Counterpoint:

1. If the kids stuff is this good at 9, then he needs to play.

2. If the kids stuff is this good at 9, then mom needs to make sure he gets a coach that can develop this talent properly. I mean, a 9 year old doesnt need to have rotator cuff surgery at 11.

3. Put the kid in a situation where he can develop normally, as he needs to, and make it fun for him. Its a game, not a life. He's too young for that.

The league needs to check themselves. The article clearly states that they say the purpose of the league is to promote the sport.

Then why aren't parents and coaches doing the pitching? That's how it works, and its a formula that has worked for years.... First, teeball. Then the coaches pitch to their kids.

Let the kids put the ball in play and let the coaches teach.

Both parties can learn a lesson here. There's two sides to every story, so mom... take care of the boy, and league... get him a place to learn his craft.

I continually stand in awe of the events that transpire at the Olympic Games.

This year I missed the Opening Ceremonies, and it's not actually something that I am normally interested in. It usually seems to me to be just the pomp and circumstance before the events that I'm really interested in.

This time was different.

In case you missed it, I would highly recommend watching those opening ceremonies. I watched them in HD over my media center, after the US v. China basketball showcase that I hope will return us to Gold. The fact is, I have yet to see anything that was as amazing as those ceremonies, all the vision of one film director, Zhang Yimou. Each section of the ceremony was well thought out, and executed with such precision. Can you imagine trying to choreograph 2008 performers? They were in perfect harmony, showcasing each of the Chinese 56 ethnic groups, all as children, the artistry of calligraphy and painting, and even a journey through time, as China looks to escape some of its storied past as it looks to the future, culturally, spiritually and economically.

The performace was very moving, interesting, filled with technology that left me in awe. It really was a masterpiece.

So the week seems like it went pretty fast, in retrospect.

The kids have all been at VBS this week, and I have had some fun too. Mixing in and out of different rooms watching what's going on. Seeing the smiles on all the kids faces. Pretty cool really. They all seem to be having alot of fun, especially considering the rain that kept them inside for most of the time we were there.

It's really good to look at the girls and see them smile.

I noticed that Bailey was wearing her glasses today. I don't know what made her decide to wear them, but she looks pretty cute in them. They look right on her, even though they are only supposed to be for reading.

In other news... what the heck is going on in Zimbabwe? That place is a mess. It's a shame that we have yet another situation where the fairness to the people is being undermined. It's something that I'm keeping a close eye on. No matter what happens, it's a shame that people anywhere in the world are not afforded the right to vote and choose the leaders that are supposed to represent them.

And while I'm at it... If you happen to see a serviceman while you are out anywhere, thank them. You know, all the holidays are coming and going, but on a day to day basis, I'm able to remind myself that I get to roam freely because someone else chose the tougher path. I wasn't cut for the military (Bill, Galbreath, Grandpa) and I wanted no part of it. But I respect those who dedicate themselves to the US Armed Forces. We ARE the strongest military in the world, and in the tough times, we need to show it. You know someone or some family that has someone serving. We all do.

So, no matter what you are doing, it is not improper to excuse yourself, and thank one of those uniforms. That free air tastes better when you say thanks.

Goin to bed!

So... Ang goes to Louisville again for more ultrasounds. I think this is the third set, and she brings me this picture, and I think, "man, this is creepy."

Is it too weird to think that this kind of stuff falls into the "creepy" category? So I tell mom, "This ultrasound picture... it's creepy."

Mom proceeds to bring the heat because "No pictures of my grandson can be creepy." Guess what. Changed her tune quick.

So you be the judge. Don't get me wrong, the technology is pretty amazing. I don't think we're supposed to be able to see these kids or know if it's gonna be a boy or a girl. But that's the world we live in, right or wrong.

As a side note, some site maintainence will be going on tonight if at all possible. I have decided to make some other changes that may result some downtime, but I also have found a way that could possibly restore some of my content from long ago. We'll have to see.

not like anyone is signing up for the site yet.