The Ice Men Cometh?

Drawings of a potential 20000 seat hockey arena were released, virtually completely replacing North Point Mall. There would also be a 4000 seat concert venue, a 2000 seat community hockey rink, a movie theatre, and a hotel. There are a decent amount of restaurants in the area, but you’d assume space for more would be created. 

Hard to tell, but it looks like either a MARTA rail station immediately west of the arena, or perhaps new off / on ramps to GA400.

What should a new Atlanta hockey team be named? The previous owners of the Thrashers own that name, which would be the best name to me. The Atlanta Phoenix name would be confusing, especially when they play the Phoenix Coyotes. 

Alabama plays Hofstra in the NCAA tournament, but they lost two players who won’t be able to play. 

Before this past Selection Sunday, Notre Dame told the committee that if selected, they wouldn’t accept a spot in the tourney. Similar to football. If the Irish can't be named champion or at least the number one seed before the games are played, they're not going to grace the tourney with their presence. For the record, the 13-18 Irish were ranked 89th in the country.  

We watched the finals of the World Baseball Classic? Team USA vs Ronald Acuna and Team Venezuela. 

Looks like Chris Sale will be the Braves Opening Day pitcher. 

Back when I was in college and later as a single adult, Noel was part of the pickup basketball games we'd play in the old SPdL gym after church on Sunday and Wednesday nights. Noel played point guard, and would always holler "Give me a wing!" Noel, Hurt, Norman, Stuart Condra, Jerome, Lee Acheson, maybe Craig MacKenzie. Wayne Smith grew up in Kentucky playing basketball. Charles "Tall" Vaughn, Don Sells. Val Robinson, or David McKeithen. Fred O.  

Tuesday: Ceil had me busy. She went to the gym first while I stayed at the house with the workers. Then I went to the gym from 1030-1230 - an hour on the treadmill, then sauna, then 30 more minutes on the treadmill. Almost 7 miles and 14000 steps. 

Then Dollar Tree to snatch up the rest of the 2 liter Diet Cokes that were on sale for 50 cents. Had to pick up photos at CVS for Ceil in Pine Straw Plaza. Remembered it was Tuesday, so I took advantage of the 2 for 1 chicken sandwich deal at Howlin Willys Hot Chicken. So good. 

Almost 2 pm when I got home. Helped C put together a new cart for her art studio. She already had 2 carts, but I took over one of them. Did some laundry and walked Winnie. 

SAM McDOWELL  [SABR Bio] his ERA was 2.176 in 1965. Three pitchers in the NL posted even lower ERAs in 1968, the Year of the Pitcher. Sandy Koufax 2.038, Juan Marichal 2.133, and Vern Law 2.153. In 1965 McDowell also led in WAR, strikeouts, and ERA+. He made the All-Star team, striking out Pete Rose & Frank Robinson and inducing Joe Torre to hit into an inning ending double-play. He only finished 17th in the MVP voting, finishing behind four other pitchers. The 1965 AL MVP voting. He was listed as the 1965 ASG’s losing pitcher. McDowell’s league-leading numbers were WAR 8.3, 325 K & an ERA+ of 161. In November 1971, he was traded to the Giants in exchange for future Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry & Frank Duffy.

Denison: 14 pastors were targeted, at least one was crucified. 

Bracketology

Are you filling out a NCAA bracket this year? I heard a good tip:  of the past 23 NCAA champions, 95% of them were Top 21 in offense and Top 44 in defense. Four teams have been as dominant as any team in the past few years: Duke, Florida, Houston, and Auburn. Seven other teams meet these thresholds this year: Tennessee, Alabama, Texas Tech, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Wisconsin, and Arizona. Seven "popular" teams missed these thresholds by large margins: St Johns, Missouri, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Purdue, Kansas. I'll post these rankings later this week.  

Duke is the first school in ACC history to win the conference football championship, the men's basketball championship, and the women's basketball championship in the same school year. 

We know all dogs go to heaven, but what about cats? Surely not.

Young adults aren't listening to radio any more. Nowadays podcasts are the thing. My take: I'd rather listen to a book than a podcast. Books are more permanent. I'll listen to the radio for background noise, when I don't have to pay rapt attention - like I would for a book or podcast. 

Cool car. Even has plaid seats. I might have to get me a job at the Department of Agriculture just so I can drive this bad boy.

Monday morning: went to the gym. Weights, sauna, treadmill. Stopped by Dollar Tree and McDonalds on the way home. The Dollar Tree clerk charged me wrong, and McDonalds got my order wrong. 

The Big Ketch: do they still have the restaurant in Roswell, or just the one in Buckhead? I'm told the Roswell location is still there. 

In honor of strikeout king JAY BUHNER [SABR Bio], 3,436 fans (including 46 women) shaved their heads. The “Bald-In” honored Buhner on 17-Jul-1997. It was his only All-Star season, but he also led everybody in K’s with 175, a total that would not placed him in the Top Ten in 2025. He hit more home runs than all but two other major leaguers 1995-1997. Here are the top 5: Marl McGwire 149, Albert Belle 128, Buhner 124, Griffey 122, Galarraga 119. Frank Costanza felt that Buhner never should have been traded. See “Seinfeld”, “The Caddy” Season 7, Episode 12. George’s farther was in high dudgeon over the Buhner trade.

Denison on the Oscars: only half of Americans went to a movie theater in 2025, while 75 % told surveyors they recently opted to stream a movie at home instead of watching it in the theater. 

Article: things that aren't worth your time.

1. Being Offended. 

2. Thinking your ideas are unique. Same for jokes.

3. Letting work occupy your brain all the time.

4. Getting worked up over a social media comment. Especially if it by someone you don't know. 

5. People who will never be impressed by you.

6. Corporate Fame.

7. A luxury car that you have to think about all the time. Where should I park? Did I scratch my wheels? It's bad enough driving an 11 year old car. 

8. Hating someone. Love is the answer. 

9. Waiting for the right time to do something. Go ahead and knock it out. 

10. Political debates. Same for religious debates.

11. Partying every night. Or just being busy every day.

Flat Tire Fiasco

Friday morning as usual I went out early to move the cars out of the driveway, to allow space for the workers. I wasn't surprised to see that my tire was flat. Pulled it off and discovered a long screw driven into the inside wall of the tire. Not sure how that happened. Man yesterday I was driving on 75 north. Could've been killed. Made a 1 pm appointment at Firestone. Checked and noted that the tires were like 7 years old, with over 40,000 miles. I knew the treads on the front tires were wearing thin. 

Arrived at Firestone before 1 pm and selected the tires to buy. Big bucks. Good thing for that focus group yesterday, to offset some of the cost.

Since I had an appointment, I assumed it wouldn't take too long. I was wrong. They didn't finish up until after 5 pm. Not happy. On the way home three of the tire pressure monitor sensors kicked in - but the fourth never did. They always worked before. Not happy. Called Firestone and had to wait on hold several minutes. Not happy. Then was given the brush off by the employee. Not happy. Now I have to go back on Monday. Not happy. 

The workers were working late - until 7 pm. They finished up just about everything upstairs except for a few minor details, plus the stairs. Friday night I picked up a pizza from Pizzeria Lucca, up on the Roswell Square.

Played golf early Saturday morning. Didn’t play quite as well as I had last week, but it was good to be out there.

After golf I drove straight to the gym. Hit the sauna for 30 minutes, then the treadmill. Took a quick shower, then met Lee, Rob, and Shawn for lunch at Longhorn. Ate a delicious burger, with steamed broccoli. 

Saturday afternoon I made an appointment with Firestone for Monday morning, stating the problem and voicing my frustration and displeasure. I received an immediate call, asking that I bring in the car immediately.

I drove over around 245 and parked right by the bays where they worked. An employee came out immediately to help me. I learned this trick Friday afternoon while waiting the 4+ hours for the new tires. The guy got the computer and tried to solve the problem, but didn’t make much progress. Another guy gave it a try. No luck. Then the first guy tried again - and fixed the problem. Only took 30 minutes. 

I used to have a good tire place - Tire Deals, a little one bay operation in East Cobb. Only worked on one car at a time, and they’d get you in and out in 30 minutes tops, even if you weren’t first in line. I found them years ago because they ran a tiny one inch ad in the sports section of the AJC. Cheap, new tires, zero bells and whistles. Now they’re on their third or fourth owner and the prices aren’t any cheaper than anywhere else. I got a quote from them, but decided on the Firestone nearby. 

Saturday night dinner at the Rice’s, with the Hongs and Halls. Italian. Ceil took a salad. Strawberry shortcake for dessert.

After church we stopped by Whole Foods. Watched the last round of The Players Championship.

Our Wednesday night small group the discussion led to how despite having so many blessings to be thankful for, particularly here in early 2026, it seems like if one little thing is discouraging, it seems to occupy all my thoughts. 

Supper Thursday night: Mexican. Doesn't make for a good photo op. 

Tennessee Titans new uniforms were leaked out, quite similar to the old classic Houston Oilers unis. Nit-pickers had hoped for red facemasks like the Oilers had, which were okay - but I like the white masks that blend with the white helmets. Fans who don't like the look don't have to worry much - the Titans will probably wear head to toe white or the blue jerseys with the blue pants more often than the traditional Oilers look. You heard it here first.

Falcons new unis to be unveiled in early April. Also the Braves new City Connect uniforms. I am prepared to be disappointed.

Hawks have won 9 straight, the longest streak in the league. They have a chance to secure a guaranteed playoff spot. They may also get the number one overall pick in the draft.  

Should the Jackets hire 72 year old Rick Pitino? He may be available. Former GT head coach Josh Pasner now is the UNLV head coach. They won their first round conference tourney game, and he was ecstatic. 

Denison: God is at work in Cuba. 

All About Baptism

Clay Smith JFBC
Do I Really Need to Be Baptized? Seven Questions.
Acts 2:36-41

Hymns:
It's So Sweet To trust in Jesus
Amazing Grace
Jesus Paid It All

Before baptism: the first part is accepting Jesus as Lord, repenting from sin and self. We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, having our sins forgiven.

v 41 it's for everyone, both Jew and Gentiles…3000 in one day.

1. What is the meaning of baptism? Christian baptism is the emersion of a believer in water express saving faith in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

2. Why Should I Be Baptized? Baptism is an act of obedience that testifies to the believer's genuine faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Jesus Christ.

Jesus himself was baptized. He walked 60 miles to be baptised. Baptism is the public declaration of your faith. No need to be baptized a second time.

Romans 6

Baptism should be a public celebration.

3. Who should be baptized? Anyone who gives a believable professional of faith in Jesus Christ and is committing to following His ways as a part of His church.

You don't have to be perfect to be baptized. There should be visible evidence of God working in your life, so no babies. Want to see in kids the knowledge of what sin in, and the need of a Savior. Better to wait than to rush. Every child is different.

4. Where should I be baptized?
Baptism should take place within the context of the local church, if possible.

As a Baptist church, baptism is an ordinance like the Lord's Supper, not a sacrament. It's not just about you and Jesus, but also connecting with the body of Christ. Best to wait after salvation, with exceptions - like the Lord's Supper for shutins

5. When should I be baptized? Soon after one is both saved, and committed to being a disciple of Jesus

Mark 16:16

Would be damaging to baptizing someone who isn't a believer. Would cause this to think they were a Christian when they really weren't

6. How should I be baptized? By emersion. Baptism means to dunk. There are exceptions, like for someone bedridden.
Acts 8:38-39

Who should do the baptizing? Like the great commission says, all should go out, so any Christian could baptize. It's an ordinance, not a sacrament - which should be preformed by a pastor.

7. What is my next step? This is for everyone to decide for themselves.

Brian Fox

Sunday School Notes
Psalm 110 a psalm of David
Genesis 14:13 - Melchizedek was king of Salem (Jerusalem), a priest. He blessed Abram, who submitted to the king and gave him a tenth of his goods.

Psalm 110:1 - A good reminder in these times of conflict that the world is God's footstool.

What does verse one mean? We don't know. Is David talking about God's son Jesus? How did he know?

Hebrews 6:20 Jesus is a high priest.

7:1-3 was Melchizedek a heavenly being? Pre-incarnate? Probably not, but he was like the Son of God. Not the point.

v 4-8 Abraham was blessed by the King. The Levitical priesthood was not enough. Another priest was needed.

v 23 Melchizedek was a great man, but some of the words were figurative. The point is to ask: was he a type of Christ? Yes. He was an Old Testament figure who pointed toward Jesus. Like Moses. Like David taking on Goliath. A foreshadowing of He is to come.

Psalm 110:4 Jesus is forever our priest. His priesthood is…

1. Superior to the law.
2. Sufficient to save "It is finished".
3. Satisfactory. God's wrath has been satisfied.
4. Ceaseless, it continues even right now - seated at the right hand of God.

Three responses, for when we understand Jesus' priesthood…
1. Should result in worship.
2. Should reinforce in our minds how Jesus is the only way to salvation. No one else did what Jesus accomplished.
3. May this news refuel our zeal to share this news with others.

Approx 25 in Sunday School.

Johnson Ferry is a good church, but could certainly improve in the erasable marker department.

Why Believe the Bible?

Voddie Baucham, on moving from theology to mysticism.

2 Peter 1:16 we are always to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.

Why do we believe the Bible? Not because we were raised that way. Not because I tried it and it worked for me.

Because it is a reliable collection of ancient writings from the eyewitnesses of these events. Not myths or legends. Investigated carefully and reported the exact truth. No mystery.

I Cor 15 after Jesus was resurrected there were 300+ eyewitnesses he appeared before. The scriptures were copied over 6000 times, and all match. So many more than other stories like Julius Caesar and Homer.

Then the scriptures were translated into different languages. Then commentaries were written about the scriptures. Hard to make changes to all this.

v 17 stories of instant healings, etc. Jesus walked on the water. Friday Christ died. Sunday he rose. All reported by eyewitnesses

Psalm 22:15 16 prophecy written 1000 years before Jesus was born, before crucifixion was invented.

Some ask if these men were fallible and trustworthy, but don't question other historical writings that weren't nearly as collaborated. Some want scientific proof. The scientific method can't be used on historical events. In a courtroom the judge asks for eyewitnesses.

Choose to believe the reports of supernatural events.

Observation: we can't be more creative than God and the Bible. Preach like you believe in the sufficiency of scripture.

Challenge: we must teach others that the Bible has the answers, and how to learn it, and give it. Then we won't have to give lame answers to those who question the Bible.

Dinner With Vampires

One of Ceil's favorite Hallmark Channel movies is Royal Matchmaker. Watched it again this week. The female lead Bethany Joy Lenz had previously starred in the hit TV series One Tree Hill. When she first landed in Hollywood she joined what she thought was a Bible Study, which turned out to be a demonic curt. Took her ten years to get out, and she wrote a memoir about her experience. I've added it to my list to read. 

Next up after Mitch Albom's Twice: The Courage to be Disliked: the Japanese Phenomenon that Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness. Not sure why, other than it is a bestseller, and only six hours long.

We had small group last night at Chris' huge house. Runs a chain of 40 small businesses and has real estate as well. His wife helps run the salons, but spends just as much time traveling to minister to women overseas. Chris helps with this. He juggles so many things, but nothing seems to bother him. World's most interesting man?

We studied Genesis 40 & 41, where Joseph interprets the dreams, and is chosen by Pharaoh to run the country. After so many years down in the prison (at least nine) Joseph is not bitter, instead giving credit and glory to God every step of the way. 

I had a focus group Thursday morning. Arrived before 9 am and it didn't let out until after 1230. Intense. On the way home I stopped by Five Guys for their buy one, get one free deal on a burger. A great burger, but they're twelve bucks. Tastes better than it looks.

On the way home my low tire pressure indicator went off. Weird. Rerouted and topped off the air. We'll see if I have a leak. Since I was in the neighborhood I stopped by a Goodwill and a Dollar Tree. Since I've retired I am drinking more KoolAid, for better or worse. It's been hard to find the flavors I like, so when I see a Dollar Tree that I haven't been to, I check out their KoolAid selection. No luck today - I'm stuck with grape for now. Trying to stay away from the red dye.

Anna has been keeping a low profile on High Country social media, but was selected as the person that makes the office laugh the most. Chip off the old block.

Might have to make the trip to Hartford in June for this bad boy. Adding this to my bobblehead list for June.  

Question of the Day: who was the strangest movie character? Besides Serge in Beverly Hills Cop, I responded with Dennis Rodman. 

JOE MEDWICK  [SABR Bio] hit a NL record 64 2B in 1936, in 677 plate appearances. He was the first player to hit home runs in the All-Star game and World Series in the same season. In the first of his 10 All-Star appearances, 1934, Medwick homered in the third inning off Lefty Gomez. On 03-Oct, he homered in the 5th inning of the first game off Detroit’s General Crowder. When advised to lay off bad pitches, Berra replied, “Joe Medwick's still my hero.” Yogi grew up in St. Louis in the heyday of the Cardinal’s Gas House Gang.

Entered a sweepstakes for a two night stay in San Antonio, but no flight to there. Usually I'd pass on such a sweepstakes, but it was an easy enter. Watch me win.

March Madness

College basketball - did you hear that GT fired their head coach? Someone suggested they hire Bruce Pearl. Might be a good idea, but at his age he might not want the hassle of NIL and the transfer portal. UGA seems to be having a good year, but I don't follow it much either. 

Did I tell you about the sweepstakes where the winner and 3 friends get paid $100.00 an hour to watch the first Thursday or Friday of the NCAA basketball tournament - from noon to midnight - with a huge supply of Red Baron pizzas? I won't win, but it's fun to think about.

Some are saying that both teams were working together to get that NBA player to 83 points, that it wasn't legit. Some guy named Bam.  

Every time I title a post "March Madness", I get a few extra clicks. 

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa didn't realize USA needed to win to advance to the next round of the World Baseball Classic. And people wanted the Braves to hire him as their manager, after years on TV on the MLB Network. 

Six Feet Under - didn't realize they have a Cheshire Bridge location. Burger looks okay. Chicken fingers look better - comes with hush puppies. But do you really want to take a 91 year old with cancer to Six Feet Under on his birthday?

Helped Ceil out in the back yard this afternoon, cleaning out the flowerbeds and getting ready for spring.

Ceil doesn't like the microwave. I always push the 30 seconds bottom because that's fast and easy. If I need it to go longer I'll push the 30 second button again to make it a minute or 1:30. If it's something that doesn't need 30 seconds I just hit STOP after 10 or 15 seconds. Lately I've been cooking quesadillas on the big flat cast iron stovetop that Matthew left us. Ceil grills chicken and other items on it. 

Ceil cooked Lemon Chicken, roasted potatoes, and cole slaw. 

Sold a shirt that was too small for me. 

In the novel "The Correspondent" the main characther's pen pal in high school mentioned that she had received a reply to her letter to CS Lewis. In real life, Lewis wrote the following - still applicable today. 

Denison: we have been discussing the liberal Christianity advanced by Texas senatorial candidate James Talarico. I have sought to explain his worldview in its cultural context and then encouraged us to respond with biblical compassion and redemptive purpose. Here Denison debunks some of his specific theological assertions being popularized in the media.

First Bite: Howlin Willy's

For lunch I took advantage of the 2 of 1 chicken sandwich deal at Howlin Willy's Hot Chicken. Pretty good, though I doubt I'd go back without the BOGO deal. I need to stop by Hardees for a deal, plus this week Five Guys has a BOGO burger deal in their app. 

Seems like a good day to take on a few controversial subjects.

The Falcons sign Tua. The good: he's experienced. Throws for 2-1/2 touchdowns for every interception. Has a winning record in the NFL. Has a high QBR. He signed a cheap contract, though only a one year deal. More of a short range, middle of the field passer, while Phenix likes to throw deeper routes. The bad: like Phenix, Tua is injury prone. Like several experts are saying, I guess it's a good deal. Better Tua than Kyler Murray, who doesn't seem very interested in actually playing football. But since so many NFL QB's are getting hurt these days, at some point soon the Falcons will be needing another experienced QB. Maybe Joe Flacco. But for goodness sakes, for sure the Falcons shouldn't spend another first or second round pick on a QB (or WR) this year. Too many other needs. The Panthers paid much more to sign Kenny Pickett, who I like, but not for the millions and millions he signed for.   

The Jets offered the Chiefs five first round picks for QB Patrick Mahomes, plus a WR. Even if Mahomes was the greatest QB in history, he can't win Super Bowls all by himself. The Jets won't have all those picks to build around him. Would be a better deal for the Chiefs, whose dynasty seems to be slipping a tad. They'd have the draft capital to replace Mahomes, if Mahomes is indeed replaceable.    

The NBA canceled Magic City Night. Steak’s “culture” tweet was widely panned. Shapiro needs to grow up. He has a daughter. Perhaps so many young single males go to Hawks games as well as Magic City. Is the Hawks franchise failing to provide a good atmosphere / environment for them? Certainly not a family friendly atmosphere, with dancers like most other NBA teams have. Yet it took the NBA commissioner to shut down Magic City Night, after an outcry from the community and players from other teams. Some may say that it’s all in good fun, but if Atlanta's culture is about celebrating strip clubs, these are sad times we live in. But we already knew that. Way over the line.

Steak’s culture tweet was tone deaf. Instead of setting himself up as a leader in Atlanta, he comes off more like a buffoon. I’ve got to remember Steak and the other guys on Atlanta radio live in that culture. Even the "One Call, That's All" lawyer was jumping on the Magic City Night bandwagon, giving away tickets. Guess he's got to cater to his target audience. 

 

In another example of just how twisted our culture has become, Jim Denison addresses what a follower of Jesus' response should be - specifically James Talarico's liberal "Christian" worldview. Denison writes: "Talarico, a Presbyterian seminary student and thus considered a "Bible scholar" by some in the media, is advancing his liberal version of Christianity with regard to abortion, transgenderism, gay marriage, and the claim that all religions "point to the same truth."

Meanwhile: former Bulldog great David Pollack will be speaking at JFBC, to the East Cobb Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Would be fun to weasel my way in for a listen.

"The purpose of apologetics is not just to win an argument or a discussion, but that people with whom we are in contact may become Christians and then live under the lordship of Christ in the whole spectrum of life." —Francis Schaeffer  

LEO DUROCHER [SABR Bio] was the Dodgers’ manager for 9 seasons from 1939-1948 (suspended in 1947), winning 738 games & one pennant (1941). In 5 of those years, he was a player/manager. He was the skipper for the Giants from 1948-1955, winning 637 games, two pennants (1951,1954), and one World Series (1954). He managed the Cubs for seven years (1966-1972) and won 535 games. He once opined, “I never questioned the integrity of an umpire.  Their eyesight?  Yes.” Click here for more gems from Mr. Durocher.