The Maid

Watched a good Seinfeld episode, “The Maid” where Jerry starts dating his maid. Fun fact: the show was inspired by Jerry’s real life, when he started dating his trainer. George’s nickname (KoKo, not T-Bone) was also taken from the nickname of a writer on the show. Fascinating backstory here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Maid_(Seinfeld)

Razors: after M moved out, I cleaned out his bathroom cabinet. He had all kinds of electric razors. Some had cords, most didn’t. Most he’s gotten in SC from his grandfather over the years. There’s one I liked the best stopped working. There’s one I use to shave after I’ve grown my beard out for a week or two, something I’ve been doing more often since the pandemic hit – usually when C goes out of town.

Funny commercial where two people are talking on the phone, but there’s a bad connection. Tom Brady and Gronk did one of these. Also two ladies. One said “it’s not a costume party” but the other lady missed the word NOT, and showed up to an important work dinner wearing a costume. 

Had another big week of savings this past week, with three trips to Truist Park, a Stripers game, golf, and three shopping excursions. I needed golf balls, a belt, the jacket, and emissions. Had been looking for a specific Braves cap and found it at a great price, but will probably sell it for a big profit. Didn’t need the sneakers, but hopefully this will spur me to post a bunch of shoes for sale on eBay. 

I was on the go all seven days last week, and spent less than ten bucks for six meals, saving over forty dollars. I really didn’t go out of my way to get these deals, but just got them along the way.

spend.save.date.item

03.00 27.00 23 nine golf balls

06.00 80.00 23 Mizuno golf shoes

00.00 04.50 23 burger and fries

08.00 02.00 23 Kroger

00.00 14.00 24 Chandler Park golf

09.00 80.00 24 New Balance sneakers

03.00 60.00 24 Dolphins jersey

07.00 50.00 24 jacket

01.00 00.50 24 Mtn Dew

06.00 99.00 24 two CoolRay Field replicas

05.00 03.00 24 chicken sandwich and shake

04.50 00.00 24 post office

01.00 01.00 25 Del Taco

01.00 00.50 25 soft drink

02.00 10.00 25 Braves trucker cap (selling)

03.00 20.00 25 belt

07.50 50.00 25 Nike golf shoes for M

01.00 60.00 25 new J Crew shirt

01.00 60.00 25 new J Crew shirt

00.00 10.00 25 new J Crew socks

20.00 05.00 24 CRV emissions

05.00 00.00 22 Stripers parking

00.00 10.00 22 Stripers ticket

00.00 25.00 22 Soroka bobblehead (selling)

00.00 10.00 22 philly cheese at game

00.00 02.00 21 Coke

00.00 06.00 21 ice cream

00.00 02.00 21 popcorn

00.00 20.00 21 parking

00.00 80.00 21 Wed ticket

00.00 80.00 20 Tue ticket

00.00 60.00 20 Acuna chain

00.00 02.00 20 Coke

00.00 20.00 20 parking

00.00 06.00 20 ice cream

04.00 95.00 21 Colombia shirt

00.00 20.00 19 parking

04.00 00.00 19 Steak & Shake

01.50 04.00 26 Wendy’s

07.00 25.00 25 Stripers cap

00.00 30.00 25 Colombia pants

Spent $110.50, Saved $1,134.50 

Ever consider eating gluten-free food? I wouldn’t wish a gluten allergy on anyone.  

Had a dream that two coworkers were in. Zack had this metal contraption made up, kind of a weather vane type thing. He was doing a poor job of painting it bright yellow. 

On this day in 2002 I went to QT and Kroger. I had won 200 2-liter bottles of Coke in and Olympics contest that year, and was collecting them 5 bottles at a time at Kroger. That was the year I started keeping an excel spreadsheet calendar. My first entry was Sept 3, 2002 – had lunch at Waffle House with Reid Whitaker. If you recall, I wore a navy Tommy Hilfiger shirt, khakis from LL Bean, and black loafers from J Crew. I still keep my scrapbook calendar, but no linger keep the spreadsheet calendar on my computer.    

Needed emissions for the Corolla and Rav-4 (now done). Anna needs to get her recall scheduled and fixed.

What I’d like to order from the DH Gate: navy or black Grizzlies shorts, Flames jersey, Hawks Pistol Pete jersey, Atlanta Crackers jersey, Milwaukee road Aaron jersey.

CARLTON FISK  [SABR Bio] was the first catcher to be unanimously elected Rookie of the Year.  AL ROY in 1972 as a C for BOS. Also the first AL ROY elected unanimously. He went to college in Durham on a basketball scholarship, at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. No other Hall of Famer comes from his native state. Born in Bellows Falls, Vermont, but never lived there. Grew up in New Hampshire. Both states claim him. Total playing time lost in the majors according to Fisk in his HOF acceptance speech, the equivalent of 5-1/2 seasons.

House Divided

The powers that be just want the country divided. Republican vs Democrat. Gay vs straight. Science vs Christian. Black vs white. Guns vs no guns. Immigration laws vs open borders. Peaceful Washington demonstrators are jailed for months, while violent lawbreakers in Seattle, Portland, and Minneapolis are being let go.

Now it’s the vaccinated vs the unvaccinated. The administration is requiring all federal employees to be vaccinated, going door to door asking everyone else to be vaccinated, while at the same time opening the border to millions of unvaccinated illegal refugees from all over the world, many already sick with covid. All this rhetoric is getting old. 

“Although the world that (he) describes seems bleak and hopeless, the telescreens constantly push propaganda onto its citizens to make them ignore or deny what they see and feel.” – George Orwell, from his book 1984. 

Not a big lover of Trump. He is a bully and a bore. Like many said, he probably would’ve been re-elected had he not acted like he did. My neighbor’s driveway is right next to ours, and our garages face each other’s house, so we’re always seeing each other come and go. Nice folk, but I cringe because they keep flying their Trump flag. 

Some don’t like Dabo. Do they not like the way he tells it like it is? Is it because he’s an outspoken Christian? It’s okay when Saban or Spurrier talk. Why not Dabo? 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/swinney-has-strong-words-for-those-looking-at-playoff-expansion/ar-AAMEEHf?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531 

Tuesday: finally a normal day. First time in over a week. Lunch at my desk. Worked past 5:15. Drove straight home. Bad traffic due to the rain. Had to take a detour in Norcross. Got off busy Holcomb Bridge and took the river road less traveled. C was back from SC. On the way home C asked if I wanted to pick up takeout. I hate takeout. Would much rather eat in the restaurant. Monday I had eaten alone at Smokehouse instead of taking it home. The food is so much better at the restaurant.

Tuesday night: Chicken stir fry for supper, and spinach. I think it was spinach. You never know these days. Didn’t taste like kale. Not much on TV. Went to bed before ten. 

Winnie was exhausted. She napped most of the trip back, most of the evening, and slept late Wednesday morning (as did I).

Wednesday: worked through lunch, and past 5:45. C cooked breaded chicken and spinach, and tossed a salad. Watched a little Olympic golf. 

Had a bit of a headache Thursday morning. Stopped at RaceTrac for a Mtn Dew. Chicken kabobs for Thursday supper.

JIM KAAT  [SABR Bio] was the last-active player from the original Washington Senators. Kaat played for WSH in 1959 & 60. Threw his last pitch in MLB on 01-Jul-1983. He surrendered a home run to Bert Campaneris on the first pitch Campaneris saw in the majors, on 23-Jul-1964. Campaneris homered off Kaat again in the seventh. Kaat was a teammate of Killebrew on WSH/MIN 1959-73; of Dick Allen on CHW 1973-74; of Pete Rose on PHI 1979; of Reggie Jackson on NYY 1979-80; and of Ozzie Smith on STL 1982-83. Kaat won Gold Glove awards for the Twins, White Sox and Phillies, sixteen in all. He won GG 1962-73, 1974-77. Only Greg Maddux won more.

Anna had taken some of the clippers when she was cutting people’s hair in college. Guys she didn’t even know were texting her, asking for haircuts. It was taking so much of her time that she finally had to start saying no. Ceil had been cutting Barney’s curly hair, and hopes to cut Winnie’s straighter hair. 

Have been thinking about how most all the guys I know that were in the military are stand up, hardworking guys, and good employees. New GM Shane was in the military, and has recently brought on some ex-military guys that are doing a good job. Will, Wes, Jack, Jonathan. And Cal. Ben and others. And a guy named Reid. 

Hydrogen Peroxide Uses 

1. Gets rid of warts.

2. Clears out earwax.

3. Kills germs in your mouth.

4. Whitens your teeth.

5. Cleans fruit and vegetables.

6. Disinfects kitchen surfaces.

7. Eases bug bite pain and itching. 

https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/lifestyle-and-wellness/7-health-uses-for-hydrogen-peroxide?tpc=latest-news&cid=63emHLN072621BONUS

Dealing With Adversity

What do you think about the Simone Biles story? I’m still torn. It’s great that she’s taking care of herself and getting help. Something we all need to do. Doesn’t take away from her being one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, as some people say. She’s won a bunch of medals in past years. But there are so many stories of athletes overcoming adversity to become champions.

Usually the story is how an athlete overcomes adversity. Tom Brady sat on the bench at Michigan. Drafted in the sixth round, picked after several of QBs. Sat on the bench in New England. Only got to play when the starter got hurt. Then won like five Super Bowls with the Patriots. He wanted to keep playing, but New England thought he was too old. What did he do? Signed with another team and led them to a Super Bowl. Peyton Manning won a Super Bowl with the Colts. Later he missed a season after neck surgery. The Colts drafted Andrew Luck. Manning signed with the Broncos and won a Super Bowl with them.

Tiger Woods won a major championship while playing 18 holes with a broken leg. That was his choice. He came back from his indiscretions, but these days few consider him a hero. Michael Jordan retired due to his mental anguish – during the off-season after winning the NBA championship, not in the middle of the NBA Finals. Granted, Biles risks injury by performing at less than peak condition.

Steve Sax had a good start to his career. Rookie of the Year. All-Star. Then he moved to the Yankees and couldn’t throw to first base. Is Simone Biles the next Steve Sax? She seems to be a nice girl, who has overcome a lot and achieved a lot. The queen of gymnastics, and queen of endorsements. Good for her. It’s great that she’s working to overcome her demons. Was this her last shot at a gold medal? Perhaps.

Read where there are many Olympic athletes in Tokyo struggling with adversity right now. These are tough times we’re living in. Was thinking about how tensions in the office are riding high right now, with manpower and material shortages making work so tough.

Writing things down helps me figure out how I feel about certain tough issues. Then I post these incomplete thoughts here. Thanks for putting up with me.

Some compare Biles to Kerri Strug, who cemented her status as an Olympic icon in the 96 Atlanta Olympics. Was Strug bullied into performing after being injured? Obviously not. Just look at her Twitter. Strug is obviously proud of her accomplishment. 

Denison: I am not a mental health professional. Our ministry enlisted the aid of Dr. Lane Ogden, a psychologist and therapist of more than thirty-five years, to discuss this vital subject. I urge you to read his reflections here and apply his insights in your life and relationships. However, I can say that Simone Biles is right: God either removes our challenges or redeems them for larger purposes. He miraculously freed Paul from his Philippian jail (Acts 16:25–26), but he did not remove his "thorn in the flesh" despite the apostle's repeated entreaties (2 Cor 12:8).  God used this "thorn" to draw Paul into greater dependence on himself. As a result, Paul wrote "When I am weak, then I am strong" (v.10). Our performance-based society measures us by what we do and how well we do it. God wants us to see our challenges differently—as opportunities to experience his grace, strength, and guidance. We can be self-sufficient or we can be Spirit-dependent, but we cannot be both.

With the Olympics on, that means no Jeopardy for two weeks. That’s why I turned on the golf. The US Olympic golf team: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schaufee, and Bryson DeChambeau. Women’s: Nelly Korda, Danielle Kang, Lexi Thompson, and Jessica Korda.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pgatour.com_news_2021_06_30_usa-2Dgolf-2Dnames-2Deight-2Dathletes-2Dto-2D2020-2Dolympic-2Dteams-2Din-2Dtokyo-2Djustin-2Dthomas-2Dcollin-2Dmorikawa-2Dxander-2Dschauffele-2Dbryson-2Ddechambeau.html&d=DwIFAg&c=UXihhqr7vvdA-hrKyTiC1Q&r=wMWwaEbn9nr4zXI4p6CDP7FGwn1DrBd77MJElrWsP6U&m=6GyzgEA17vP2vPoAbdBht7kYlYkgiPOAEADDt-PPvSQ&s=Ca-9m2uuhXPWa0bQHMeXyRYzTIPEl851cI9DVPd0uAc&e=

Politically incorrect jokes:

Couldn’t believe Olympic swimmers had to wear masks during races.

If someone tells you to wear a mask, tell them that you are an illegal immigrant.

I can’t believe they’re letting people come into our country wearing shirts like that.

EDDIE LOPAT  [SABR Bio] was the only left-handed pitcher to win twenty games for the Yankees in a season in the 1950s. Had a record of 21-9 in 1951. He led the majors in win-loss percentage, with .800 in 1953 (16-4) for Milwaukee. He was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame. The NP-A SHOF in Troy, Michigan in 1978. In a precarious World Series situation, his manager, Casey Stengel, went to Lopat on the mound and asked him how he felt, both acknowledging Duke Snider was the next batter. Lopat said, “I feel fine.” Casey walked back to the dugout and with the last postseason pitch he ever threw in the majors, Lopat induced Snider to ground out, ending the game.

Keto diet: eggs, bason, cheese, protein shake, tuna, chicken lettuce, nuts, vegetables, broccoli, alfredo, butter.

Low carb diet: hard boiled eggs, pumpkin seeds, dill pickles, apples, cheese, turkey, beef jerky, peanut butter, bacon, kale chips, Greek yogurt, tuna, ham, blue cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, chicken, almonds.

To prevent cancer: cut out sugar. Drink hot water with lemon juice before food. Better then chemotherapy. Drink three spoonfuls of coconut oil in the morning and before bed.  

Church Chat

Do you read the Christian Index? Myra shared this article about Christ Community Church, the JFBC mission seeking to buy its own building. Pretty sure Ashley Corbitt went there. Also MC’s brother and sister in law, and Anna’s friend Caleb.

Christ Community may be looking at a property immediately behind Passion City Church, in Armour Yards adjacent to the MARTA facility. Several up and coming businesses over there, but as far as I know there’s only one access road, off Monroe Drive and the Buford Highway Connector.

Interesting how the article says the services are simple, with piano and no smoke machines, with down to earth music. At JFBC it seems like they sing the same old ten year old songs every week. I really need to start tracking the songs that are sung in JF services.  The contemporary songs at JF contain way to many old school words. They might as well just sings hymns, which they often do.  I’m no expert, but old hymns seem to be written far better than most current worship songs. I will defend many of the current worship songs for being Scripture based.

https://christianindex.org/rapidly-growing-church-plant-in-atlanta-looks-to-purchase-a-building-of-its-own/?fbclid=IwAR12LY1EH3iyuqSrGYLQc_orw-FFnDh8Z3ehir3p9Q2URFOhnsyX9z2PHSQ 

Andy never mentioned anything about liking mean people, or spending time with them. He shared his experience with Roger, and admitted his own struggle with Roger. And how well his wife handled the situation. She didn’t want Andy to get involved.

JFBC pastor Clay Smith is a real good preacher as well. He’s been preaching in Ester all summer. Meant to say the JFBC pastor Clay Smith is so at ease in the pulpit. Not afraid to address controversial topics like money or pornography. Heavier on Bible passages than Andy or Louie, but tosses in the right amount of illustrations, personal anecdotes, and humor. Likes sports. His only negatives: he’s a fan of the Gamecocks and Red Sox. Has been warming up to the Braves.

Two JFBC associate pastors also do a good job filling in: Steven Bonham and Thomas Nelson, who may have left the church. Clay has brought in an associate originally from South Africa, who has served in several churches in the area. I’m still warming up to him. At North Point Andy has several capable fill-ins, including Clay Scroggins and Jeff Henderson.

Have you heard about what’s going on at East Cobb’s Mt Bethel Methodist Church? They’re just around the corner from JFBC. There might’ve been some articles in the AJC. A big church, with a popular Christian elementary school on the campus. We have a couple of friends that go there. I’d noticed their pastor is young. Evidently they tried to leave the Methodist church. The powers that be in the Methodist archdiocese fired the Mt Bethel pastor and seized control of all the Mt Bethel assets. A big fight. This past Sunday night Mt Bethel had a prayer service, and JFBC’s Clay Smith appeared via video (he was out of town).

College: professors are removed from the real world, and teach impressionable kids about how they think the world should be. This really isn’t news. But it’s only getting worse. Kids these days get out of school completely unprepared for the real world. They’ve been brainwashed to think there is no God. Sure churches are filled with imperfect people and hypocrites who will let you down and disappoint, but that’s the point – we all need God.

SCHOOLBOY ROWE  [SABR Bio] is the only pitcher to hit a grand slam in each league. AL GS on 22-Jul-1939 for Detroit off Nels Potter of Philadelphia. NL GS on 02-May-1943 for the Phillies off Al Javery of Boston - as a pinch-hitter — he did not pitch in that game. Rowe had 49 PH AB in 1943. He was the last pitcher to lead his league in pinch-hit at-bats. Rowe and Lou Brock were raised in Eldorado, Arkansas. Rowe as born in Waco, Texas.

What to do About Mean People

Mean people…and what to do about them – two recent sermons at North Point Community Church.

Part One: July 11, 2021: how to respond to the mean people in your life. This isn’t to say that we’re all not sometimes mean. The goal is to work toward being all the more Christ-like.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__northpoint.org_messages_mean-2Dpeople_even-2Dis-2Deasy&d=DwICAg&c=UXihhqr7vvdA-hrKyTiC1Q&r=wMWwaEbn9nr4zXI4p6CDP7FGwn1DrBd77MJElrWsP6U&m=yux0U1c90OpFwQx3l9nPoJVf7_1mR94s9ykN-mfY8ZA&s=ZwO7FXXb6ndG1nHofe_2FeqHc4ae9TFkXLsH9dEcN7g&e=

If we don’t have a plan, the mean people can gain a measure of control over us. We feel like we have no choice but to respond. When around them, I feel like I am not myself. Mean people keep us off balance. We’re forced to compensate. But how?

Need to listen to hear Andy’s personal anecdote, about the things Mean Old Roger had done, the lies he told. The Stanley’s attention was focused too much on Roger. It’s so difficult to be kind to the unkind and insensitive, to follow the golden rule. In the moment some of the bad things you think of seem right, seems even. When we are mistreated and we feel off balance, we compensate by taking it out on someone else.

What do we do about the mean people? There’s often no way to extricate yourself from the relationship. The mean person keeps chipping away and we react, and that gives them even more power over us. What is the way forward, past all the meanness?

When King David was a fugitive after King Saul plotted to kill David. David gathers a small, angry, mistreated army. In I Samuel 25:2, a wealthy man had a thousand goats. Nabal was harsh and mean in his dealings. A pain to deal with. David sent men to greet him in peace. David’s men had not mistreated Nabal’s shepherds. Please be hospitable to us, asked David’s men. Nabal made them wait.

I Sam 27:9. Nabal finally answers: "Who is this David? I’m not going to share. Go away." David’s response? "Strap on your swords." David was sometimes a violent man.

David’s sword was a visual aid of God’s provision – David got the oversized sword from Goliath. It was so big David couldn’t hold it. The 400 men set out. This was going to be a massacre. On the way David was thinking about what he would say. He was building up his case, thinking about all the things he had done to help Nabal. May God deal with me if I don’t kill everyone. David had forgotten all about how God had helped him.

There are two people in this story, but no hero. Nabal was maniacle. David was being predictable with his response.

Questions to consider as you consider the mean people in your life: Teach these questions to your children.

1. Do you want to be even with someone you don’t even like? This is our natural response. Getting even just goes on and on with no end.

2. Wouldn’t you rather be ahead? Wouldn’t you rather not be like the people you don’t like?

3. What story do you want to tell? Are you going to look back and tell people just how mean you had to be to get your way? That’s not a very good story.

4. What would it look like to return good for evil? Not just refuse to react, but to be kind. Jesus said to do good to those who mistreat you. Do something for them, not something to them. Write a remarkable story.

Part Two: July 18, 2021: Beyond Even.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__northpoint.org_messages_mean-2Dpeople_beyond-2Deven&d=DwICAg&c=UXihhqr7vvdA-hrKyTiC1Q&r=wMWwaEbn9nr4zXI4p6CDP7FGwn1DrBd77MJElrWsP6U&m=NOFPrh-9NwP_V75EQvVIAx7uabfowqWEK9ixPW_fiAw&s=AMFoxuRvYqKXyKtn0YDpfTM3I6Kfcpf1PtMrchBNRkE&e=

We’ve all been mean at times. We’re working to not be mean.

But how to respond to the unkind and manipulative people in our lives? We must have a plan, so we won’t respond with meanness.

Don’t continually subject yourself to a mean person’s anger and abuse. It’s not healthy. Mean people are just angry with life. They were angry before you came along. Some don't even realize they're being mean, unkind, and unreasonable. Others do. What a sad way to go through life.

It’s difficult not to be mean to mean people. Getting even just makes things worse. You can’t ignore them. Being mean back just gives them more power over you.

Abigail was the third person in the King Saul vs fugitive David story. She was Nabal’s wife. David is carrying his seething anger. Samuel was David’s biographer. David was trying to justify his anger at Nabal. King Saul was untouchable, but David could act out his anger on Nabal.

I Sam 25:16 Nabal’s men went to Abigail to share how good David was to the shepherds. Abigail sent a caravan of donkeys loaded with food out to meet David’s army, and Abigail went out with them. Ruins David’s mood.

v 23. Abigail speaks to David as if David were already the kind and patient man that he is to become. Pay no attention to my husband. Since the Lord has kept you from avenging yourself, let this gift be given to you and your men. David the Lord will keep you safe even though King Saul wants to kill him. Remember God’s past faithfulness. You have no need to get even with Nabal. Abigail asks David what story do you want to tell.

v 30 you will not have this staggering burden hanging over you. David comes to his senses.

v 32-33. David: Thanks for your good judgement. I have heard your words and I grant your request.

We all need an Abigail. We should be wise to listen to her words. Some of our biggest regrets in life came when we didn’t listen. Sometimes what we want right now gets in the way of what we want for the long term. In the morning Abigail went back and told Nabal, who died ten days later. Abigail then became David’s wife, and they lived happily ever after.

Return evil for good – maniacal – Nabal

Return evil for evil – predictable – David

Return good for evil – remarkable – Abigail.

This is amazing grace. Love your enemies. Don’t just tolerate and ignore them. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who mistreat you. Don’t do something to them – do something for them. Jesus said that when you do this, you become like your Father in heaven.

How have you responded to the mean people in your life? What would it look like to return good for evil? Sandra baked Roger’s favorite muffins, and drove them over two hours round trip to deliver them. He was outside, and a difficult conversation ensured. Why did Sandra do this? “I have to do something for the mean person, so I will be free.”

Don’t write a predictable story. The meaner they are, the brighter your light can shine. Instead write a remarkable story, even though they don’t deserve it. You aren’t doing this good thing for them. You’re doing it so you can be like your Father in heaven, so you can be freed from the tyranny of the mean person.

Even if you don’t follow through, at least ask the four questions. It may just change your life, and give yourself something to remember for the rest of your life.

I typed these notes while listening to the sermons, and left the pronouns as Andy had voiced them (for the most part). These words hit very close home. Doing this is incredibly hard. In the end it’s been God who’s worked things out exactly as He wants it to be. So amazing at the timing of Andy preaching these two sermons. Listen to them, as my notes cannot express what Andy has said.

Weekend of Movies

Managed to watch several movies this weekend while folding clothes, fixing meals, straightening up the downstairs. When I look for a movie to watch, I have to get up and stand in front of the TV to see the details. Once the movie starts I sit down. In order from best to worst:

The Upside, starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, and Nicole Kidman. Excellent.

Midnight in Paris, with Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. By Woody Allen. Time travel. Excellent.

A Rainy Day in New York. Another Woody Allen movie. Not too weird. A mostly younger cast, including Selena Gomez.

The Face of Love, starring Ed Harris and Annette Benning. Interesting premise. Her scheme might've worked if she'd been a little more up front. Good movie. I enjoy movies with either of these two.

Before We Go. The debut of Chris Evans. Two strangers meet in NYC.

Getting to Know You. The premise was good, the execution not so much. Too much silliness invades the main characters' developing relationship.

The Crush, with Carey "Princess Bride" Ewes. After watching last weekend's Alicia Silverstone movie, I realized I'd never watched this classic. More of a suspense / horror type flick than I usually watch.

They Came Together, starring Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler. Guest bits by a bunch of Poehler's SNL pals (and John Stamos). Spoof of Hallmark type movies. Too much easy sophomoric humor for me. Will these people ever graduate to more sophisticated comedy?

On the way home Friday I stopped by two stores, Steak & Shake, RaceTrac, and Kroger.

Saturday: teed off at Chandler Park at 6:45 am, and finished nine holes shortly after 8 am. You'll have to take my word for it, because I didn't take a selfie and post it on social media (too much fog and shade - nothing looked picturesque). Well, I do have my activity map, which I started on the second hole. 

Stopped by four stores, RaceTrac, bank, post office, and Wendy's on the way home. Later I got my emissions tested. Also did some cleaning and laundry. Cleared out emails and deleted about one hundred photos off my phone.

Only had 14 in Sunday School yesterday. When we started we only had nine, so we sat in a circle. Then five more came, and we expanded the circle. The big promotion day kickoff is in two weeks. SS moves to 10 am. Service starts late, at 11:15 or 11:30. Did more shopping after Sunday School. Hit two stores and Del Taco on the way to The Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta, where the huge parking lot was already full. People lined up to go into stores. I had a gift card that needed to be used.

On the way home I stopped by two more stores and RaceTrac. In three days I made 24 stops (plus five more on Monday), not counting having to retrace my tracks a couple of times.

Tomorrow: Andy Stanley is preaching on how to respond to mean, impossible people – returning good instead evil, and not trying to get even.

Not going out of my way to watch the Olympics. Saw where Team USA lost to France in basketball.

Manute Bol killed a lion with a spear when he was 15 years old.

At one point at Gwinnett, AJ Minter had saved two games, but blew two games.

When you see someone about to make a poor fashion decision, do you ever want to stop in and right the wrong?

TED KLUSZEWSKI [SABR Bio] was the last batter to hit six home runs off the same pitcher in a single season. Max Surkont surrendered HRs to Klu on 27-Apr (twice), 25-Jun (twice), 24‑Jul & 27‑Aug-1954. Kluszewski's slugging percentage against Surkont in '54 was 1.130. 2 other MLB batters have dominated a pitcher with six HR in the same year: George "Highpockets" Kelly of 1923 NYG vs. Vic Aldridge* of CHC's & Ted Williams of 1941 BOS vs. CHW's Johnny Rigney. NOTE: Jim Thome passed Kluszewski, Aldridge & Williams in the 2002 season, with seven of Thome's 52 HR were off MIN's righty starter Rick Reed: 10-Apr, 21-Apr, 04-Jun (X2), 17-Jul & 25-Sep-2002 (X2), 2 in Cleveland & 5 in Minnesota. *Aldridge only gave up 17 HR in 1923, more than one third of which were off the HOF bat of Kelly. Rigney's luck against Williams wasn't anything to brag about at 29%, but very few moundsmen got the better of Teddy Ballgame in '41.

In 1954 Klu led MLB in HR (49) & RBI (141) but his .326 BA was only good for 5th best in the NL behind Willie Mays's only career batting title. He also finished 2nd behind Mays in NL MVP voting. Klu has ten letters in his last name and hit forty home runs in a season. Only five other players can claim that distinction. Big Klu did it thrice, as did Carl Yastrzemski. Curtis Granderson and Edward Encarnacion (twice each), Roy Campanella and Rico Petrocelli (once ea.) are the others.

Adrian Peterson and Herschel Walker are the only players in NFL history to have a 90+ yard run, but finish the game with less than 100 yards rushing.

https://www.nfl.com/news/peterson-didn-t-rush-for-100-yards-despite-90-yard-td-0ap3000000996076