Take the Signs Down!

Random thoughts on this Thursday which for most school children in New Jersey means a day off as the NJEA opens its two-day convention in Atlantic City.

Many districts have combined that with Election Day to close schools for the entire week which is clearly a boost to tourism in Florida.  My guess is that at Disney World this week it’s like a New Jersey reunion for many.

• Election Day has come and gone so let’s make sure winners and losers remove those annoying lawn signs ASAP. Many of them are placed illegally on county and state roadways but the laws are rarely if ever enforced.

• I love the “when you drive never drink” Heineken beer TV commercial featuring Jackie Stewart who was as big a star as there ever was in Formula One racing and later a popular broadcaster. The now 78-year old “Flying Scot” is the only auto racer to be named Sports Illustrated “Sportsman of the Year,” winning that honor in 1973.

• For those of you who had trouble dealing with warm weather in late fall your worries are over as I think we’ve seen our last 70 degree day for a while. I’ve also likely worked my last football game this season wearing shorts as tomorrow night it will be in the 30’s with strong winds.  Break out the gloves and hats!

• What a sports weekend coming up for Monmouth University. The women’s soccer team, winners of the MAAC regular season and tournament championships, play at Princeton in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament Friday night.At the same time the Hawks open the college basketball season with a men’s/women’s doubleheader at the OceanFirst Bank Center.

  Then on Saturday the 22^nd ranked Hawks football team continues their quest for the Big South title when they host Gardner-Webb in their home finale.  Good times are rolling in West Long Branch!