Ben Rector With the Nashville Symphony

Had a fun but short trip to Nashville. C thinks her 5 star safety rated Toyota is unsafe, so after the gym on Thursday I ran my car through the car wash and vacuumed out the dirty trunk.

Later C was outside watering the yard, and messed up the clean car. Had to clean the windows again. After supper we drove Winnie over to spend the night at Matthew’s house. Winnie hated to see us leave, but soon made the place her own.

Friday: picked up the Earhart’s at 1045 am, and hit the road to Nashville. Made just one pit stop at the Tennessee welcome center in Chattanooga. Arrived at the hotel before check in time, so we ate a light lunch at the nearby Chick-fil-A in Smyrna Tennessee. They were giving away nuggets to all customers with the CFA app. 

Downtown Nashville was hopping when we arrived at 430. Walked around a little. Saw Spiderman helping a lady cross the street. Our 5 pm dinner reservation was at a healthy restaurant near symphony hall, in the lobby of a fancy hotel. Lots of healthy words on the menu that didn’t look too appetizing. I could’ve ordered a kale salad topped with grilled chicken, but I kept having flashbacks to when we ate at Little Bear in Summerhill, perhaps the worst meal I’d ever had in my life.

Just then a server walked by from the kitchen, taking two plates to customers in the bar - burgers & fries. Not on our menus, but the waitress was able to bring me out a delicious burger. When it arrived I thought they’d placed 2 or 3 red tomatoes to hang out on each side of the burger, but when I lifted the bun it was one huge tomato slice. A great meal. 

We walked the short distance to the symphony hall, from 7th Ave past the huge convention hall and the Bridgestone Arena, where the Predators hockey team plays. Arrived early, and went out on an open 3rd floor balcony that overlooked downtown. We could see Broadway, and the Ryman Auditorium. 

Quite the concert. Ben Rector and classical pianist Jon McLaughlin with the Nashville Symphony. A much better concert experience with the symphony than just a regular band. A wonderful two hours. 

When we walked out of the concert hall at 10 pm, downtown Nashville was humming. Decided to take a different walk back to the car, the block up to Broadway and then up Broadway to 7th. Man Broadway was jammed with people out for a wild time. The street was lined with bars, doors open, blasting music. Had to hold hands to keep from being separated. Crazy. 

Breakfast at the Fairfield Inn wasn’t great. Was after 9 am before we were checked out and on the way home. Stopped an hour south of Nashville. 

We’d seen a sign on the drive up for the Trump Store, and thought it would be fun to check out. 

A tiny place with lots of overpriced trinkets for sale. Caps, t-shirts, ducks. 

I laughed out loud at the salt & pepper shaker.

I loved the little bottles of honey in a plastic bottle shaped not like a bear, but Trump. Twenty bucks. I passed.

Had a nice chat with the old man running the place. 

Later we stopped at Buccees. I woofed down a BBQ brisket sandwich, apple turnover, and soft drink. Got gas, though my car could’ve made the round trip on one tank. I drove 79 mph most of the way, but still got 37 mpg.

C had to attend an event tonight. Hopefully I can pick up Winnie when M gets off work tonight.

And finally, a happy April 25th - the perfect date.

All the Kings Men

Thanks to the recent No Kings Rally, the United States still does not have a king - just a president elected by the voters. While the president has only been in politics for 5 years 2 months, the real kings in the US may be the octogenarians in Congress - many of whom have been in office longer than the reign of King Henry VIII. Surely these protesters would support term limit legislation, right?

51 Grassley

50 Biden

48 Markey

45 Shumer

44 Wyden

44 Hoyer

43 Durbin

42 Kaptur

41 McConnell

40 Pelosi

35 Waters

35 Sanders  

While Trump landed on the presidential ballot by being voted in by US citizens participating in the Republican primaries, the Democratic nominee was placed on the ballot without the benefit of a single vote being cast for her. 

Videos from the weekend showed protesters arriving by chartered busses. Who paid for all this? Now we know.

Yes I hate to be political and yes this information was all over social media, but some people's algorithms shield them from these truths.

Denison on the No Kings rallies. 

Also: Denison got to what I consider the very heart of the matter: "saved people who don't act saved". On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus spent the day in debate with "the chief priests and the elders of the people". The Pharisees attempted to "entangle him in his words" by asking if they should pay taxes to Rome; the Sadducees tried to trick him concerning the resurrection (Matthew 15–33).

Like impassioned political partisans today, Jesus' opponents abandoned dichotomous thinking for the certitude of their legalism, delegating their thinking to the authority of their authorities and viewing the world through the prism of their certainties. They were convinced that they alone were the right and righteous leaders of the Jewish people and that their leadership was indispensable to their nation's future under Roman occupation. When a Galilean rabbi questioned their cherished biases and, even worse, exposed their fallacies and self-righteous hypocrisy, rather than considering his contrary truth claims, they united in seeking his execution.

The bad news is that Christians can be as biased and close-minded as these opponents of Christ. As history proves and contemporary culture shows, we can be as dogmatic in our politics and opinions, as self-reliant and self-righteous, as those with whom we fervently disagree. But when the salt loses its saltiness and the light hides under a basket, the world is impoverished (Matthew 5:13–16).

Since everyone these days is listening to podcasts, here what podcaster Chad Prather recently posted: How can I be a Christian and support Trump? I don't support everything he does. I don't know anyone who does. Trump is not a savior. As a Christian I ask which outcome restrains what I believe to be most harmful?

The real question is What is the Christian placing their hope in? My faith isn't determined by who is in the Oval Ofiice, but Who is on the throne in heaven. Contrary to much of today's postmodern thinking, I can support some things, dislike others, and find my identity in none of it. 

When you start making a political position your litmus test to judge who is and isn't a good Christian, you have already stepped outside the heart of the gospel. Arrogant pseudo-spirituality that judges and criticizes based on political decisions is lazy at best, and certainly not loving your neighbor. You can love Trump or hate him - but if you can't love your neighbor while doing it, then don't pretend that this is about Jesus. 

JACK MORRIS [SABR Bio] helped set the tone for his team’s dominant, World Series-winning season by throwing a no-hitter on the season debut of NBC’s Game of the Week - in a game the network selected to spotlight the pitcher from the opposing team. In April 1984, Morris no-hit CHW to give the DET their fourth of nine straight wins to start a season. NBC chose that game to  focus on Chicago’s newly acquired Tom Seaver. But the White Sox rotation shifted due to a rain delay earlier in the week, and Seaver didn’t pitch, starting the following afternoon instead. Morris credits a college teammate Vance Law's father with helping him develop his pitching so he was drafted after his junior year. Vern Law, 1960 Cy Young winner, worked with Morris & the rest of the BYU pitching staff in the 1970s. Morris spent time as a broadcaster for the Tigers, Twins & Blue Jays, each of the three teams he won World Series titles with.

Braves Take Another Series

Braves will be selling Nike Air Max City Connect sneakers, starting May 11. Doesn't really catch my fancy. 

Braves take 3 or 4 in Washington to make their record 18-8, ten games over 500. The best record in baseball. In his MLB debut, rookie pitcher JR Ritchie did something no other Braves pitcher had ever done - after the Nats leadoff hitter hit the first pitch for a HR. 

A couple of Yankees pitchers are lobbying the team to start wearing their navy batting practice jerseys as an alternate jersey in some games. Say it ain't so. Up to now the Yankees have been the only MLB team to not wear an alternate jersey. Is nothing sacred? 

Hate missing Meghan's play. We'll watch the Hawks and NFL Draft. 

After the gym this AM, I took my car through the carwash and cleaned out the inside and trunk. Going to a concert at symphony hall.   

Habits of Quiet Winners, by Tim Denning. Not sure who he is, but he's got a blue check by his name. More so than usual, I edited Tim's list into more of my own words. 

1. They know they can't be an expert about everything, and don't try. It's okay to reach out to others who know more about something than me.

2. They don't care about looking like a winner. It's too exhausting. They have better things to do than making sure everyone knows how smart they are. 

3. They ask more questions than they give out answers. No one has all the answers. If you are talking, you aren't learning. Better to ask questions and see where the conversations lead. 

4. They give the credit to others. By staying out of the spotlight they can attract more good folk into their lives.

5. They can make fun of themselves. They don't take everything so seriously. Helps break the attention. 

6. They don't flaunt their success. All the numbers - followers, bank accounts, degrees, etc don't matter as much as the feeling they receive from working to make something good happen again.

7. They dress normally. Not super fancy, but not like a bum. They blend in - because they don't want to stand out. 

8. They don't do media, because Fame can be a nightmare. They like peace and quiet, time with friends and family.

Day Game in Gwinnett

Had a good time today at the Stripers game. Started at 11 am. Lots of school kids there. I met up with 6 of the Hot Stove guys: Johnny (to my right), Jerry (left). old Tom Curran (red shirt), Cecil (not pictured), and two others. The game kinda dragged - several errors. Lasted 4 hours. Jacksonville kept scoring, but Gwinnett came back to win 11-9.

On the way to the game I stopped by McDonalds for a bacon egg & cheese McMuffin for two bucks. After the game I stopped by Whattaburger for a chicken sandwich, fries, and drink. Thought of Reid after taking the first bite of fries. No taste. 

Then I stopped by the office for the first time since I'd retired. A good visit, though Steve, Eric, Shane, and Renee weren't there. Did see Angie, Rachel, Lauren, Daniel, Buck, Brad, Leo, Ben, Sherryl, Crystal, Neil, and others.

Small group tonight, on Genesis 49.

 

The Zurich Classic is in NOLA this weekend. A popular tourney that players enjoy going to - but Scottie S is skipping the tourney after playing 2 or 3 straight weeks after the birth of his son. Scottie has signed up to play the next 5 weeks, including the PGA and Memorial.

Monday: Mexican fixins for supper again: shredded chicken, corn, rice, black beans, tomatoes. I fixed a quesadilla.

I love cherry colas. In fact I bought myself some earlier today.  

We watched the entire Hawks game. Atlanta trailed the entire game, down by as much as 12 points. Went on a great 7 point run, coming back to win in the last few seconds despite missing both foul shots at the end of the game. I didn’t think either team played particularly well. The Knicks could took a lot of flack for some of the decisions he made. The national media is acting like it’s a foregone conclusion that the Knicks will advance. Not so fast. 

C cooked burgers and fries, with slaw. No buns, so after the gym on Tuesday morning I bought buns and Coke, so I could have a proper lunch. C had been at the gym at the same time as me, so I talked her into going into the sauna with me. There was a lady in there from her exercise class, so they talked the whole time. Cut the grass on Tuesday afternoon.

Just discovered a new restaurant here in East Cobb: Duck’s Burger Bar. Sounds like my kind of place. Burgers with a Brazilian twist. High quality beef. Plus all you can eat sliders and wings. I’ll have a try it out.

JAY JOHNSTONE  [SABR Bio] pranked his portly manager by stuffing a pillow into his uniform. Mimicking LAD manager Tommy Lasorda was only one of the stunts he became famous for, done in some cases because had time on the bench during games. He wrote three popular books about the game and his journey in it. He played 20 seasons for 8 different clubs, including the Dodgers twice. Johnstone was often used as a pinch-hitter, but his writing was good enough to find a market for: “Temporary Insanity” 1985, “Over the Edge” 1988, and “Some of My Best Friends are Crazy” 1990. He hit his final career home run off a future Hall of Famer, the 102nd of his career - on 19-Aug-1983, hit off knuckleballer Phil Niekro in the 7th inning.

Restaurants To Try

Atlanta's Hidden Gems: restaurants worth seeking out - from Atlanta Magazine.

Reuben's Deli - downtown.

Cypress Street Pint & Pale - midtown. Burgers.

Agora Midtown. 

Tyde Tate Kitchen - south downtown.

Babs Midtown on Juniper.

Laseter's tavern - Vinings.

Naga Bistro - Chamblee

Daily Chew - Morningside.

Cupanion's Kitchen - Sandy Springs. Sweet potato biscuits.

True Vele - Sandy Springs

Strangers in Paradise - West End

Krave Korean Grill - West Buckhead on Collier

Bold Monk Brewing - West Midtown.

Delilah's Everyday Soul - Upper Westside. Chicken sandwiches and macaroni & cheese.

Bone Garden Cantina - West Midtown.

La Fondita - Dunwoody. Winters Chapel Road. 

Casseroles Atlanta in Morningside.

Fork in the Road in Tucker. Seafood.

Joe's Lonestar Tacos - food truck, check Instagram.

Everything Nola - Capitol View on Metropolitan Parkway.

V's Taste of 700 Islands in College Park

Taqueria Taquito Express in Virginia Highland inside the Chevron. 

Daddy D's BBQ Joint in Grant Park

The Basement Bar at The Po'Boy Shop in Decatur.

Dead End Drinks in Kirkwood.

The Village Corner Bakery, Tavern, & German Restaurant in Stone Mountain.

Taqueria San Pancho in Tucker

Airport View Restaurant in Hapeville. Comfort food.

Super mercado La Bendicion in Palmetto near Serenbe.

Atlanta Utility Works Brewpub in East Point. Brisket, etc.

JPresso Cafe in Hapeville

Hudson & Alphonse Deli in Chosewood Park. Looks good.

Local Three

Gaslight in Roswell

New York Sandwich Shop in West End

Dolo's Pizza

Back during the Olympics, Snoop was rockin some Air Max that were quite similar to my pair. Us old dudes gotta stick together. Also pictured: Martha Stewart. 

Psychology of people don't post on social media. Saw this on the Twitter. I know I am one to talk. As always, this doesn't apply to people whose jobs require posting on social media.

1. They value privacy more than attention. They don't need to prove anything. 

2. They don't seek validation from people they barely know. Their confidence comes from real life, not likes. 

3. They are selective about who gets access to them. 

4. They are harder to influence. Because they're not constantly comparing themselves to others, they make decisions based on logic and personal values, not trends or things they see on social media.

5. Their identity is based on real relationships, habits, and work - not external approval. They don't measure their life by the attention they get.

6. They observe more than they reveal. They stay low key.

7. They value in person presence to digital presence. They prefer sonversations, experiences, and moments with others. Life feels richer when it is lived, not watched on TV or the internet.

8. They avoid unnecessary judgement. So many judge by appearance, making assumptions without asking questions. By remaining silent, they reduce noice, opinions, and misunderstandings. 

9. They're comfortable with who they are. Their confidence is not built on photos, so silence doesn't bother them.

10. They dislike performative behavior. People who "show off" and have to be the center of attention turns them off. They prefer authenticity, even if it means being unseen. 

11. They have a strong sense of boundaries, and don't ask questions that aren't any of their business. They don't have to be in every photo. 

12. They focus on results, not appearance. Progress means more than presentation. 

13. They avoid unnecessary comparisons and expectations. Staying low profile helps protect their mental space.

14. They prefer one or two deep relationships, not hundreds of aquaintances. Better to invest in meaningful conversations than a constant stream of snapshots.

15. They don't want their identity shaped by algorithms. They don't let likes or trends decide their behavior. They stay in control of who they are.

DAVE KINGMAN  [Wiki Bio] once led the league in home runs the same year that his batting average was barely over the Mendoza Line. Kingman’s 37 HR in 1982 for the Mets led the NL. He ended the season hitting .204, the lowest ever for a league HR champion. Mendoza Line. Kingman hit 48 HR to lead the majors for the Cubs in 1979. When he fell to 18 HR in 1980, he was traded back to the Mets , where he managed 37 in ‘82. A Hall of Fame slugger said of him, “He can hit them out of any park—including Yellowstone”. The quote is attributed to Ralph Kiner, who had a 10-year playing career then a half-century career (1961-2013) as a baseball announcer.

Braves Sweep Phils

Braves swept the struggling Phillies. Atlanta has a 5 game lead in the division, and have gone 8-2 after Walt Weiss tackled the Angels' Solor. The Braves have the most wins in baseball. The Mets have lost 11 straight after Mr Met was seen hugging the socialist NYC mayor. The rumor mill is saying that the Mets owner traded his star player Brandon Nimmo, a Republican, in an effort to appease shortstop Lindor. Not sure, just what I read. 

Does the new SPdL preacher wear a bow tie? Yes. The JFBC senior pastor will only wear a tie every so often. Not sure if he wears a tie every Sunday in the traditional service in the sanctuary. He will wear a bow tie once or twice a year. Not me.

When I go to thrift stores I always look at the ties, though I have plenty at home. I'm always looking out for a Masters tie, which are rare. Or some other unique tie. I have a couple of Braves ties, a Falcons tie, a Clemson tie, and a GT tie. Two Hawks ties. Would also be cool to find a UGA tie, especially one like Vince Dooley used to wear. But I only only wear ties to weddings and funerals.

Saturday I'd forgotten that the drink mix had caffeine, so that's what I blamed for not being able to sleep last night. Couldn't sleep so I read my book for a little bit. 

Sunday: 28 in Sunday School, on Genesis 17 - God's covenant with Abraham. C didn't want to stay for worship. Music leader Bobby Smith was preaching. Not my fave, but the topic was supposed to be interesting. I'll try to go back and listen, and share the notes with you.

C had to shop at Target on the way home from church. She made peanut butter balls for Anna, then I drove C over to deliver them. A nice visit. Caleb had asked a friend of the family to come look at his air conditioner. It was Chris Evans, whose son had played ball with Will. Good to see him. 

Back home I caught up on some "work". Saw Scottie tie for the lead on the last hole to force a playoff. He's finished runner up two straight weeks. Colin M continues to play well despite his back problems. The kid needs to get some rest.

I was out and about today. Made a big counterclockwise loop: (1) Goodwill on Holcomb Bridge. (2) Wells Fargo ATM. (3) Goodwill on Peachtree Parkway. (4) Peachtree Corners post office to get my passport application going. (5) CiCi's Pizza in Norcross. (6) Park Avenue Thrift store in Duluth. Bought a pair of khakis for three bucks. (7) Goodwill on Jones Bridge Road in Johns Creek. Passed on a nice pair of green Celtics basketball shorts. (8) Goodwill in Roswell. Bought a Braves license plate for two bucks.(9) Kroger in Roswell. (10) Goodwill on Crossville Road. Dang, forgot about the Goodwill in Duluth. 

Players who played for four of the five California teams (No one has played for all 5)

 

Trevor Cahill: LAA (2019), SDP (2017), A’s (2009-18), SFG (2020) WAR...11.7

 

Steve Finley: LAA (2005), LAD (2004), SDP (1995-98), SFG (2006) WAR...44.2

  

Rickey Henderson: LAA (1997), LAD (2003), SDP (1996-2001), A’s (1979-1998) WAR...111.2

 

Stan Javier: LAA (1993), LAD (1990-92), A’s (1986-95), SFG (1996-99) WAR...25.5

   

Jay Johnstone: LAA (1966-70), LAD (1980-85), SDP (1973), A’s (1979) WAR...16.5

 

Scott Kazmir: LAA (2009-11), LAD (2016), A’s (2014-15), SFG (2021) WAR...22.3

Dave Kingman...LAA (1977), SDP (1977), A’s (1984-86), SFG (1971-74) WAR...17.3

 

Mike Aldrete: LAA (1995-96), SDP (1991), A’s (1993-95), SFG (1986-88) WAR...8.8

 

John D'Acquisto: LAA (1981), SDP (1977-80), A’s (1982), SFG (1973-76) WAR... -1.0

 

Elias Sosa: LAD (1976-77), SDP (1983), A’s (1978), SFG (1972-74) WAR...9.0

 

Derrel Thomas: LAA (1984), LAD (1979-83), SDP (1972-78), SFG (1975-77) WAR...6.5

 

Brett Tomko: LAD (2006-07), SDP (2002-08), A’s (2009), SFG (2004-05) WAR...10.7

  

DENISON: “America Reads the Bible” began Saturday at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. Over seven days, nearly 500 participants will read the Bible aloud from Genesis to Revelation. Daily readings are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you wonder whether America needs a spiritual and moral awakening, you need only read the news. Yesterday’s mass shooting in Shreveport in which a father fatally shot eight children, including seven of his own, is enough to break your heart. There was also a shooting early Sunday on a pedestrian mall near the University of Iowa, injuring five people. I could go on, which makes my point.