Culture Change

Tuesday morning at the East Cobb YMCA something happened that bugged me. I usually aren’t a big talker when I work out, though I will nod and say hello to the people around me. I say hello and goodbye to the ladies at the front desk, and chat a little with them. I try to stay out of people’s way as they work out, to give them their space. I don’t plop down on a machine and stare at my phone like some do. Today I was on the end treadmill, closest to the front door, so I could see people coming and going. There were several open treadmills to my left.

 

An Indian man came in, and walked past over to the weightlifting area. He never speaks or nods to anyone, which is okay. A few minutes later a mother came in with her two daughters, aged about 11 and 14. They were headed back around me to the treadmills when the Indian man barged past them, and got on the treadmill two down from me. He just about knocked one of the daughters to the ground. I should have said something. In some cultures men look at women and children as s lower class than men. We don’t need to let that be the case here in the United States. Since there were no longer three open treadmills in a row thanks to the rude Indian man, the mother and her daughters had to turn around and use three treadmills facing the other way. Might not have been a big deal to them and they may have not realized what had happened, but it was still sad. In the future I’ll be on the lookout.        

Probably would have been a good morning to play golf. But I had been out yesterday so I figured I’d better arrive on time to catch up. Sure enough my teammates had to work late on Monday because the customer order came in hours later than usual – and then it still didn’t deliver Tuesday morning. Started the day with 91 emails (58 unread). Took 2-1/2 hours to get down to 28 emails – the ones that will require more research to resolve. Man all this stress sure makes me want to eat. Finished the day with 24.

Sunday afternoon I pulled out the lawnmower. All the winds on Saturday blew down thousands of those little prickly gumball things. Could hardly see the driveway and yard. Very dusty. By the time I was finished my black outfit was covered in dirt. Will need to get up more next weekend.

 

Sunday night Ceil fixed ground beef with grilled peppers and onions, with roasted potatoes and broccoli. Good stuff.  

Charlie Woods struggled in a junior tournament this past weekend, against top competition. Video of his round.   

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan were presenters at the Academy Awards. Conan called Crystal the greatest host in Oscar history.

Denison on the Oscars: the Atlantic headlined, “The Oscars Have Left the Mainstream Moviegoer Behind.” NPR reports that the more popular the movie, the less likely it is to win awards. One critic alleges that Hollywood’s pivot to “woke” content and advocacy has “killed the Oscars.” Many in Hollywood haven’t gotten the message. They know, as actor Gabriel Basso said recently in criticizing politics in his industry, that they’re “there to entertain” and that their work makes no appreciable difference in the world on its own merits. Denison: “I believe it grieves God deeply when movies lambast biblical faith and glorify sexual immorality, antisemitism, and self-reliant egotism. But it glorifies him when movies promote people and stories that honor him and advance his kingdom”.

Pitchers with the most recent thirty-win seasons

Pitcher                     W in Year  Team   WAR

Pete Alexander.......30 in 1917...PHI.....119.6

Jim Bagby...............31 in 1920...CLE..... 30.8

Jack Chesbro..........41 in 1904...NYY.....42.7

Jack Coombs..........31 in 1910...PHA.....26.7

Dizzy Dean..............30 in 1934...STL......46.2

Lefty Grove.............31 in 1931...PHA.....106.8

Walter Johnson......36 in 1913...WSH....166.9

Christy Mathewson 37 in 1908...NYG.....106.7

Joe McGinnity.........35 in 1904...NYG..... 59.0

Denny McLain.........31 in 1968...DET...... 19.3

Ed Walsh.................40 in 1908...CHW..... 66.5

Smoky Joe Wood....34 in 1912...BOS...... 40.2

Cy Young................32 in 1902...BOS.....163.6

 

Celebration of Life

Beautiful celebration of life service for Tommy Gilbert. Speakers included his oldest brother, a longtime friend, his son Thomas and daughter Anna, his medical partner, and Will. An old time hymn was sung, and MC sang a beautiful solo. Beautiful tributes. Poor sound quality, but I recorded Will's speech, and MC's song.

Tom’s brother Clay shared how smart Tom was growing up. As a 12 year old Tom beat Clay and his nerdy 16 year old friends at Risk. Tom stayed up late studying even in elementary school, but at North Springs High School Tom rushed for over 100 yards against Westminister.

Anna Gilbert shared how of her siblings, she was most like her dad. Thomas Jr shared show he and wife Holly had inherited his sense of adventure. Thomas encouraged those gathered to take time to enjoy life and loved ones, and not stress about work. Tom’s college friends shared details about Tommy at Furman: courting Regina, active in campus ministries and leading high schoolers in Young Life.

Will spoke about meeting up with Dr Gilbert while still in high school, to discuss dating his daughter. Tom showed young Will a video of a baseball fan who moved out of the way of an incoming foul ball – allowing the ball to hit his female companion. In med school Will shadowed Dr Gilbert, and saw what care he had for his patients, driving to the hospital in the middle of the night instead of waiting till morning.

I was really tearing up, as well as just about every time I’ve thought about Tom since he died. Hard to talk about him without tearing up.

Afterward we all made the short drive to the Tellus Science Museum, which a friend had donated for the afternoon reception. Anna and Caleb, Matthew and Monsie, Joel and Charles and Annie Norman were there. Most of Holly's family came. Her youngest brother led his Sewanee team in rebounding, but they won't be going to the NCAA Tournament this year, his last. 

Spoke with MC's grandmother Carolyn. Her husband turns 90 in October. Just learned that MC's grandfather Walter Gilbert grew up in Garden Hills.

When we were leaving the museum little Millie wandered up to the huge brontosaurus – and started climbing over the low rail. We had to grab her before she climbed onto the dinosaur.

Matthew, Monsie, and I were able to check out the extensive dinosaur exhibit. When I told Abby's young daughter there were dinosaurs, she rolled her eyes and said "They don't talk!" 

The reception was supposed to end at five, but we didn't pull out of the parking lot until almost 615. I picked up a pie from Pizzaria Lucca in Roswell for supper. A long day. 

After the reception Matthew and Monsie headed north to make their first visit to Buccees. Hope they weren't disappointed. 

That morning Ceil got ready and left without me, waiting until the last minute to get the correctly sized shoes for the girls. I made sure the ringer was off on my phone. Usually my Apple Watch alerts me to phone calls, but I was wearing my "dress" watch – so I missed several calls from C. I rode up to Cartersville with Lee and Nancy, who went to keep the girls during the service.

Sunrise Golf

Our BBQ dinner Friday night was good. Sat with A&C, and the entire Hall family. Caleb’s parents were at the table next to us. The young CEO of the Seed Company spoke. They provide meals to impoverished nations, and work to translate the Bible into languages that need it. Over 700 people groups do not have a single Bible verse translated into their language.

Up early again Saturday morning to play golf. Beautiful morning. Teed off at 6:41 am.

1. Three playable tee shots, then worm burners and flubs in the fairway. Hit two long approach shots up onto the green. Bogey.  

2. Pulled two 6 irons left. Couple of decent chips. Okay lag putts. Bogey.

3. Pulled two 8 irons left. Also lost my blue lightup ball. Decent chip. Lag. Bogey.

4. Pulled a 6 iron left. Couple of passible chips. Lag. Bogey.

5. One of three tee shots was decent, only because of the good roll. Three okay chips. Okay lag putts. Bogey.

6. Hit two good hybrids off the tee, out of three. Two of my fairway shots wound up within a foot of each other – in the woods. One decent chip out of three. Good lags. Bogey.

7. One playable hybrid off the tee. One playable fairway shot. Three poor approach shots, then a good chip onto the green. Good lag putts. Double.  

8. Good long drive off the tee. Okay approach to the front rough. Good chip. Drained the par putt.

9. Two flubs followed by a good hybrid. Two bad wedge shots. Several putts, as the hole was dug on the slope of the green. Give me a double.

Finished at 8:13 am. C is sitting the kids. Did several hours of office work.

DIZZY DEAN [SABR Bio] was the first National League pitcher to earn a victory in the MLB All-Star game, when the NL overcame Lefty Gomez in 1936. Regarding his formal education, Dean explained, “I got as far in school as the Second Reader, only I didn't learn it all.” Dean was the NL MVP in 1934 when he led his Cards to their 3rd World Series championship. In 1935 he was a close runner-up to the Cubs’ Gabby Hartnett.  In 1936, he was 2nd behind the Giants’ Carl Hubbell. He never received another MVP vote after that.

Urban Jungle

Bought a pair of "concrete" Puma RS-Dreamer Urban Jungle basketball sneakers this morning. A good clunky white sneaker. Pumas run small, and these size 13 fit.

Played golf Friday morning, for the first time in weeks. 42 degrees wasn’t that bad. So good to get out and hear the birds. Teed off at 622 am and used my lighted balls on the first 5 holes. Some highlights.

1. One decent 6 iron off tee. Another was tolerable. Two flubs. Two lightup balls failed to light.

2. Same as the first hole. Couple of decent chips. “Bogey”.

3. Three fair 8 irons, but none that straight. Couple of good chips. Another “bogey”.

4. Two flubs and a worm burner that got a good roll. Two good chips after one bad. Drained a nice “par” putt.

5. Two good long tee shots almost to the front fringe. Okay chips but none very close to the hole. “Bogey”.

6. Took my 5 iron to the 6th tee instead of my usual hybrid, then decided to go with a regular ball. Knocked it almost to the 150 yard marker. Shot of the day contender. Then I hit another good 5 iron. Stayed right but bounced back down to the middle of the fairway. Hit six chips (because that’s how many balls I had in my pockets). Most were decent, including three not far from the hole. Couldn’t sink a 15 foot par putt. Bogey.

7. Three decent hybrids off the tee. Then several fairway flubs. Finally a low 7 iron approach that rolled to the front right fringe. Three good lag putts. “Double”.  

8. Decent drive. Very nice 8 iron landed on the green and rolled to the back fringe. Can’t remember if I was able to two putt.

9. Not sure where my tee shot went. Not the greatest chips. Two okay lag putts, but then I sank a nice putt for bogey. Finished at 745. Very nice. Then back to reality: work.

Crazy story: my team member Alex was asking a question about a little 15 minute educational course required by our company. Another team member quipped “Well I didn’t have that problem because I always complete my courses the first day of the month”. Goodness gracious. Alex was taken aback. With tough in cheek, our boss complimented the “efficient” team member for completing his work on a Saturday.

I know that I am too sensitive. It is interesting to deal with our sent ones. Nothing phases them. You hear stories of bitter cold, pipes freezing, sickness, roads closed to avalanches, coworkers thrown into jail and beaten, travel visas being denied, and many other hardships. The chance that someone you’re sharing Jesus with will turn you in to the authorities. You mention these hardships to them, and its no big deal. So amazing. I am in no way like that. The Toronto pastor I had lunch with on Thursday said that Canada is becoming an increasingly anti-Christian country. In schools students are being indoctrinated and instructed to be intolerant of Christianity.

I hate my job. My company is flat out taking advantage of me, especially since we went on SAP. Stuff comes in that takes hours to figure out. I hope my replacement can do stuff quicker. Stresses me out. I’ve gained 20 pounds since we went on SAP. My first 36 years were good. These last two have been hell. I hope I make it. I have got to dial back.

Big BBQ dinner at JFBC Friday night. Anna and Caleb came. Dessert social on Saturday night. 

Dang it last night after the BBQ, I meant to come home and post to my blog. Forgot, and February ended with only 27 posts. Woke up and remembered in the middle of the night. 

Papa Doc

Mary-Clayton’s dad unexpectedly passed away last week, on February 19th. He had been vacationing in Florida with Regina, visiting friends. Dr Tom Gilbert was 60. In the past few years he had lost a lot of weight, returning to good health. I had just arrived back home from small group around 945 pm when Will called us with the news. This one hurts.

I first met my friend Tom Gilbert before W&MC started dating. We hung out together on Anna & Thomas’s school trip, an overnighter at ZooAtlanta. We’ve spent a good deal of time together ever since, including meals at Easters and Thanksgivings. So sad that he won’t be able to grow old. He loved being a grandfather.

He leaves behind wife Regina, his mother Carolyn, three kids, three grandchildren, and three brothers. Death, here is your sting.

Tom’s obituary: Dr. Thomas Paul Gilbert Sr., “Tommy”, 60, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and surgeon passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, February 19, 2025. A native of Sandy Springs, GA, Tommy was the son of the late Walter Clayton Gilbert Sr. and Carolyn Briggs Gilbert. He grew up with three brothers and greatly cherished his childhood memories. He graduated from North Springs High School in 1982 and was voted “Mr. North Springs” his senior year by peers and faculty. Tommy was strong, intelligent, loyal, and steadfast. Those who knew him were inspired by his humble servant leadership and his unwavering devotion to his family.

Tommy graduated summa cum laude from Furman University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in biology and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Not only did he succeed academically, but many of the friendships he formed there became lifelong. His freshman year at Furman, Tommy met the love of his life, Regina. From the age of 18, Tommy was devoted to Regina and his sense of humor, playfulness, and romance led to a marriage that lasted 37 beautiful years. He was a loving father to three children and “Papa Doc” to three grandchildren. He also proudly took on the role of "Headmaster" at the "Gilbert Academy," while he and Regina homeschooled their children. He was immensely proud of his family and committed to providing for them and supporting them throughout his life. He especially cherished his time playing with his grandchildren, passing on to them his lifelong love of learning and discovery.

Dr. Gilbert received his Medical Doctorate degree and completed his residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA, and was Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery. He was also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He served as a Major in the Medical Corps Army Reserves from 1990-2007. He opened Harbin Clinic’s Cartersville General Surgery Practice in 2002 and provided care to generations of families in Bartow County. His commitment to excellence was shown in his devoted care for his patients for over 23 years. He exemplified true servant leadership through his purpose, character, vision, and ability.

Tommy is survived by: his loving wife of 37 years, Regina; children, Anna Gilbert Anello (Zack), Mary-Clayton Gilbert Murphy (Will), and Thomas Paul Gilbert Jr. (Holly); grandchildren, Asher Anello; Shivonne and Melina Murphy; his mother Carolyn Gilbert Abbott (Lewis); brothers, Clay (Rosalind), Daniel (Mary Beth), and Patrick (Brent). He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Clayton Sr.

Services will be held Monday, March 3, 2025 at 2:00pm at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, GA, with Reverend Monty Watson. . A reception will be held immediately following at Tellus Science Museum (100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120) to receive friends. Dr. Gilbert will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

So many people dying way too early these days, like my friend Mary last year. A guy my age from the Hot Stove meetings. Ceil gave me her blessing to retire. For sure stress is a killer. But this isn’t about me. We will miss you, Tom.

The God of the Woods

I am listening to the novel “The God of the Woods”. Lots of flashbacks makes it hard to follow sometimes, but good. I get updates of what Connie Morris, Margaret Dudley, Victoria Taylor, Catherine Norman, and others are reading (mostly women), so some of the books turn out to be kinda for women. Still good.

I am liking my home office more and more. Haven’t started bring in my stuff yet: Dale Murphy poster, Atlanta Stadium poster, Braves batting helmet, baseball bat. Need to decide on a bobblehead. Uecker alarm clock and Magic 8 Ball. Then today a vendor who knows that I am a Braves fan is giving me this big framed Braves thing.

Denise has been cutting my hair for several years now. Not sure how long. Good to have someone to go back to. Not sure how long she will stay at it, as she is older than me. Debra Head cut my hair for several years, back when she was at a salon near Buford Highway and Jimmy Carter and I had first started working out here at Tull.

On Wednesday afternoons after returning home from her school Ceil crashes on the couch. So I stayed in my office and tried to catch up on work. Stayed in there past 730. Got a bunch done – but it makes it all the more frustrating on mornings like today when I get hit with lots more work. It never ends. SAP needs updating on several parts. Lots of rust issues. So I skipped golf on a 50 degree morning. Will play tomorrow in the 42 degree cold.

Made it to the gym this morning. Five big bad weekdays in a row.

Lunch today at Lazy Dog. Burgers and sandwiches and fries looked good, but I ordered a salad. Lots of lettuce but not much chicken. 

Ceil is babysitting some kids tonight in Woodstock. I worked late.

Experts ranked the Dodgers and Braves to have the best lineups in baseball. Also one of the best starting rotations.

LEFTY GROVE  [SABR Bio] was the first player to retire with more than 500 career strikeouts but fewer than 300 career hits. Grove the batter retired in 1941 with 202 hits and 593 strikeouts. He was the first pitcher to lead the AL in walks surrendered and strikeouts in the same season. In his rookie season, 1925, pitching for Connie Mack’s Philadelphia A’s, young Grove struck out 116 & walked 131. He became the first in the Modern Era to post pitching Triple Crowns in successive seasons. In 1930, he posted 28 wins, a 2.54 ERA, & 209 Ks. In 1931 he had 31 wins, a 2.06 ERA, & 175 Ks.

DENISON: the Pew Research Center published the study  “Decline of Christianity in the US Has Slowed, May Have Leveled Off.” The Christian share of the US population has stabilized after years of decline, increasing from 62% to 63% (though down from 79% in 2007). The report details: 86% believe people have a soul, 83% believe in God, 79% believe there is something spiritual beyond the natural world, and 70% believe in heaven, hell, or both. Only 22% of Americans are satisfied with our nation’s “moral and ethical climate”.

Eating Healthier

Monday: worked until 630. Still tons to do. Drove home. Supper was chicken, rice, okra, and tomatoes. By the time we finished with the dishes it was after 8 pm. Too worn out to do more work so I plopped down on the couch.

Tuesday: made it to the gym. Was a good sunny morning that wouldn’t been perfect for golf, since I haven’t played in 2-1/2 weeks. Just too much to do. Got to work and sure enough there were new problems to address. Our stuff is so complex and complicated. People want to know why, and the answer isn’t easy. Multiple factors. Still haven’t fixed everything.

Left work at 440 pm. Ceil had cooked Mexican rice and two pans of enchiladas. There were eleven for the mostly healthy Mexican dinner. Later three teenagers joined us. Didn’t get home until 1015.

Last night UGA beat #3 Florida. Kirby Smart was at the game with his wife and son, and he and the athletic director asked the students to not storm the court until after the Florida players had left the court.

Worked from home today, so I was able to take my time at the gym. Lots of deer in the neighborhood this morning. Lunch at JFBC with the “sent ones” was Chickfila sandwiches and BBQ chips and cookies. We had assigned seats. I was with my friends Lee and Rob, and a church planter from Toronto. Good learning about his ministry. Lots of people I knew were there.

Afterward I grabbed my daily Coke Zero from RaceTrac, and got a haircut. My emails had jumped up to 40 this week, but I managed to get it back down into the low 20’s. Hopefully under ten by Friday afternoon.

Funny golf video.

CY YOUNG [SABR Bio] is the all-time leader in games started, games completed, and game won. He started 815 games for 5 teams, including the Braves. In completed 749 and won 511 – records that will never be broken. He pitched for BSN in 1911, his last professional team. His full given name is Denton True Young. The nickname “Dent” came naturally. He won both games of a double header on the last day of his rookie season, on 30-Sep-1890, pitching for the NL’s Cleveland Spiders, against the Pittsburgh Alleghenys,7-1 & 5-3.

Scientists have found out why the COVID vaccine causes chronic health problems in "some" people.

Herschel Walker: how a 5th-round gamble launched a Cowboys' dynasty.

Controllable Heart Disease Risk Factors

96-0

I always remember our 9th grade football team, my first year playing on the school team. Over 51 years ago, in the fall of 1973. George DuBose was our quarterback. No one called him George – he was known to all as DuBose. He reminded me of Joe Namath, with his shaggy hair and laid back attitude. Good passing arm, but you’d never mistake him for a scrambler like Fran Tarkenton.

For our first road game we loaded up on the yellow “cheese hound” school bus. Stern old coach WC Jones in the driver’s seat. He had gone over all the normal instructions before the bus pulled out. As we rambled down the road, from the back of the bus came the unmistakable voice of Dubose: “Hey coach! Gotta pee!”

For one practice we crossed the street from our field in front of the Lanier B girls building, over to Swan Field to scrimmage the older B team. As talented as our 9th grade team was, we took a beating from the older, larger, 10th and 11th graders. As we gathered our pride and wordlessly limped back across the street, Dubose opined: “No wonder I have weak knees”.

While we went on to win the state championship two years later, at reunions we’d discuss our legendary 9th grade team just as much. Undefeated. City champions. DuBose was joined in the backfield by prototypical fullback Randy Rutherford and tough as nails tailback Ray Patterson. They doubled as middle linebackers. A menacing offensive line anchored by center Paul Conner, guards Dallas Foster and Ken Lee, and tackles Greg “Bull” Williams and Edward Bussey. Bussey was so skinny that if he turned sideways he would disappear, but he was the toughest of the tough five.

Speedy fast Stan Putnal was the split end. Baby brother of UGA wide receiver Rex, and Tech linebacker Greg. Tight end Tracy Curtis was a gentle giant off the field, but a beast on it. He played like former UGA TE Darnell Washington. Curtis and Bussey would go on to play varsity basketball, not football. Tracy went on to coach in Jackson Georgia. After 9th grade, Dallas quit football to play tennis.

Before one practice some of were messing around, kicking field goals. A few years before, kicking had become my hobby, something I did most days at home after school. It happened to be the day Coach Jones had us work on special teams. Big Greg Williams had kicked for the 8th grade team, so he was given the first chance. As he stood, he warmed up by kicking his right foot backward, almost to his butt cheek. Looked like a Bull getting ready to charge. Maybe that’s how he got his nickname. Not sure. He kicked a few wobblers.

DuBose spoke up: “Murphy can kick!” Bless his heart. I kicked. Soon the kicking job was mine.

Later during the season we practiced field goals – a rarity before B-team and varsity. We all lined up. Snap. The defense rushed. Hold. I kicked. With my right leg still up in the air, the onrushing Bull Williams charged in and knocked me to the ground. Pretty sure it wasn’t because I had beaten him out as the kicker. I think.

I hit head first. Pretty sure I wasn’t even wearing an old suspension style helmet. Just an old helmet with foam padding. When I woke up, I was laying on the ground, looking up to the sky. The entire team was circled around, looking down at me. I was helped up. Practice continued.

One Thursday afternoon the Georgia Military College sent their B team over from Milledgeville. We sent them home losers, winning 66-0. A few weeks later we traveled east to play them in their stadium. The building in the east end zone was the former Georgia state capitol building. Cheerleaders on the sidelines.

Two cadets did pushups after bad plays. They gave out after the first quarter. By halftime we had equaled the score from our previous game: 66-0. The stadium wall ran just behind the west end zone, so the extra points I kicked sailed out of the stadium onto the street. Final score: Central 96, GMC 0. A state record that may still stand.

Over 45 years later I happened to find myself in Milledgeville, so I looked up GMC on Waze. The old stadium hadn’t changed much. Quite the game to remember.

Have I shared these stories before?

WALTER JOHNSON [SABR Bio] is the only pitcher to collect 150 extra-base hits as a batter. His 157 XBH is ten more than the closest candidate. His age 25 season is perhaps the single greatest pitching year in MLB history. In 1913, Johnson led the majors with a record of 36-7, a .837 winning percentage. He had 243 strikeouts, 29 complete games, 11 shutouts, and 346 innings pitched. He is the only pitcher to start at least 600 games and who played for only one major league team, with 666 starts for the original AL Washington Senators.

DENISON: you were made to live a meaningful life. You don’t want to waste your time on what doesn’t matter. Unlike everything else God created, you were fashioned to partner with him, by protecting and promoting his creation (Genesis 2:15). Next to fears related to survival and family, your greatest concern is that your life will not have been significant when it’s done, that you won’t have made a difference that matters. So, according to psychologists, are we all. A cultural psychologist encourages us to develop close relationships, connect to a larger community, engage in work that provides a sense of purpose and mastery, and connect spiritually with God so we feel we are part of “something larger than the material world.”