Does It Get Any Better Than This?

A couple of terrific sightings:

In Berkeley below the rear license plate of a car: A clear and vivid statement about the quality of one's job. (Apologies to those who may be offended by the rough language.)

We at TJOW wonder at least four things:

1. What compelled this person to put this harsh statement on the back of his or her car? What makes the job so bad that the car's owner needed to share this observation with the world? We can only guess.

2. How many people feel similarly about their job? Our bet: Many. Especially during these very difficult times and the 'stuff' some companies are inflicting on their employees.

3. Does this person park the car in the employee lot at work? Probably not a good idea -- unless, of course, the car's owner wants his or her views known about the sucky job. Certainly a possibility.

4. Can it be said any better? When it comes to capturing a sentiment, this one takes the cake. Props to the author for such eloquence and candor.

Seen later that same day on a gorgeous early October day in San Francisco: The Giants clinching the National League West Division.

A very sweet ending to the 2010 regular season.

Immediately after this photo was taken, the Giants team trotted around the entire perimeter of the field high-fiving fans. It was a rare sight in professional sports: Athletes recognizing, connecting with and thanking the fans. A generous and heart-felt act, to be sure. Made at least one observer forget the many bone-head plays and poor at-bats displayed by his favorite baseball club. It also reminded the same observer about the power of 'Thank you'.

By the way, we at TJOW know that sports is trivial, has no real impact on the world, and is, essentially, only entertainment. There are still wars, hundreds of thousands are still displaced in Haiti, India continues to recover from its deadly floods, miners are still trapped in Chile and millions of Americans remain out of work. Yes, we know all of that. We also know that a winning team can make the world a bit brighter, one's mood a bit lighter, one's heart a bit warmer, the challenges of the day a bit less intimidating. Irrational, to be sure. But ask any fan after a good win and you'll get the same thing: Life is good.

And life is good. Even so, some of us will need a few days to recuperate very hoarse voices and regain the strength lost to the torture that is San Francisco Giants baseball. (Giants fans know exactly of what I speak.) Good thing the playoffs for the Giants do not begin until Thursday evening. I, for one, could use the break.

Bring on the Braves!

Next week's topic: Soul. Don't miss it.