Piling On

So many are rushing to the defense of Cam Newton. They hitched their wagon to the wrong horse, and now they’re making excuses. The experts said Cam gave up. He abruptly left the press conference after only taking a few questions. Based on his previous body of work, I am not surprised. As I have said before, Newton is a tremendous talent. He earned the MVP on the field. Is he good for the game? In some ways yes, but in other ways no. Is he a good example? I’m not so sure.

 

When the Seahawks embarrassed the Broncos in Super Bowl 48, Peyton Manning appeared at the post-game press conference in coat and tie and answered all the questions. He did not blame anyone else. His center snapped the ball prematurely and inaccurately, resulting in a safety on the first play from scrimmage. Peyton did not blame him. Instead he gave credit to his opponents. Sure, so did Cam. But Manning stood and answered all the other questions as well. No one came to his defense, offering excuses and explanations for his loss.

 

Did the Seahawks talk? Were they in his face? Was there a difference in the way the Seahawks treated Peyton versus the Broncos treatment of Cam? Defenses try to rattle a quarterback, and when the succeed they step on the gas. Seattle learned that Peyton was not to be rattled, and turned their attention to other players. Payton’s performance and demeanor had earned the Seahawks respect. Not so with Newton. The Broncos knew they had him rattled, and didn’t let up.

 

Was it fair that Newton had to put up with the Broncos’ loud celebrations while he tried to answer postgame questions? Did the Broncos not have to put with two weeks of Cam Newton talk before the game?

 

Cam’s father is quick to note that his son did not have the opportunities growing up that Peyton did. I’m not sure that’s an accurate statement. Mr. Newton said himself that Cam played rec ball and excelled at Westside High. Cam attended camps, as did Peyton. It’s harder for a rich, coddled kid to have the hunger and desire to become an elite athlete when faced with choices not requiring the work and effort. Peyton played against competition inferior to the opponents Cam faced. When it came time to choose a college Peyton’s father took a back seat, and let Peyton succeed or fail on his own – which surely helped Peyton make decisions later in life. Archie refused to meddle, even when asked by Peyton’s coaches. Instead he kept a low profile. Mr. Newton chose the opposite path.

 

Early in their careers both Michael Jordan and LeBron James faltered in the postseason. The press repeatedly asked if and when they would win. Both MJ and LeBron yearned to win and hated to lose, especially Jordan. Like them, Peyton Manning hates to lose. But they all faced the press after their losses.

 

Unlike many journalists I’m not one to parse an athlete’s words, but Newton’s words this morning give me no indication that things will change anytime soon. His excuse that lunging for the fumble would’ve risked injury is plausible, except for two things (1) isn’t the outcome of the Super Bowl on the line more important than any injury risk? He’d have the entire off-season to recover, and (2) don’t all Cam’s teammates have an even greater risk of injury on EVERY play? If Cam’s not going all out, why should they?

 

Unlike his father, Peyton is no Saint. As I have already said, neither is perfect. After the Super Bowl Peyton did refuse to answer some questions – about his own retirement. Instead of taking the spotlight for himself, Manning kept the focus on the team. He knew there would be time to make and announce a decision after enjoying the victory.

 

Would I want Cam Newton to quarterback my team? A better question: would I want him taking snaps late in the fourth quarter with a Super Bowl on the line, against a tough defense? Late Sunday night Newton answered that question for himself.

Car Trouble Times Four

Super Bowl tale of two quarterbacks. What the experts were saying about Cam Newton: He didn’t want it. Lack of hustle. Lack of desire. Needs to grow up. Quitter. Hired of getting hit. It was all about him and not the team. The Denver defense took away his will to win.

Wild weekend. After two mostly sleepless nights, Ceil left Charlotte Friday afternoon to meet us in Athens. I left work at noon and picked up M at home. We stopped by Moe’s for lunch. For some reason the Civic radio was skipping, cutting out for a few seconds here and there. Never happened before. One time the car cut off, but later started back. Drove to Athens and stopped by a store. Came back and it wouldn’t crank. Had to call a tow truck.

 

Meanwhile a light came on Ceil’s car about low tire pressure. Ceil added air but the light kept coming back on. Then she almost ran out of gas because she hadn’t checked the gauge. Anna drive over to get us. Since it was a pretty day she rolled the window down – but she couldn’t get it to come up again. Plus her coolant level was low – a recurring problem. And Will’s Jeep was back home with a dead battery. All four cars were giving us problems at the same time. Super.

I gassed up Anna’s Jeep, then we met C at the Athens Tacueria del Sol for supper. I had one Memphis soft taco. After C freshened up in the down we went to Stegeman Coliseum to watch the Gymdogs take on undefeated number one ranked Florida. UGA was down a point but on the last rotation  slowly closed the gap and took the lead on the third to last routine. A couple from our JFBC Sunday School class sat behind us. Close to a sellout crowd. After the meet we went downtown for a social for the parents and girls. A former co-worker was there with his daughter, and we met the parents of Anna’s roommate for next year.

We didn’t leave Athens until 11 pm. Ceil was tired and struggled to drive back. I had to drive Anna’s Jeep with the window down in the freezing cold. I donned M’s stocking cap and my gloves. Later I grabbed Anna’s sleeping bag to use as a blanket. COLD. Got home at 1 am.

 

Both C and I were so tired we slept until almost 11 am. I cleaned upstairs, with started on the mounds of laundry that hadn’t been down for basically three weeks. After working on that all day there were still several baskets to go. Sunday I did more laundry but still didn’t finish. Turned on the Phoenix Open on NBC. C and M went to the grocery store. Checked the CRV tire pressure. It was ok. Added coolant to Anna’s Jeep. Pushed out Will’s Jeep and jumped it off. Let it run for a while before cutting it off. Should’ve driven it around. Sunday it would not start.  

 

Somewhere along the line I lost the TV remote, so we couldn’t change channels. I looked everywhere on both Saturday and Sunday, digging through the trash and piles of laundry. Wherever it is I think my wallet is there as well. Sunday C and M went down to Grace Midtown Church. I think they arrived too late for the 9 am service and stuck around for the 11:00. It was after 1 pm before they got home. I watched North Point Online and cleaned upstairs and did more laundry. Watched more Phoenix Open. Drove M to Cumming.

 

Becky Norman came over to ride with us to the Hurts. Charles turned 21 and works at the coffee shop at Vickery Creek. He attends Brookhaven Presbyterian. David Norman and wife Beth attend a Presbyterian church downtown in the old Abbey Restaurant building. She had gone on a mission trip an met people affiliated with the church. Catherine Norman  is still teaching in Memphis but has been accepted into graduate school at Vanderbilt for next year. She has also applied to both Harvard and Oxford in England.

 

We were the first to arrive at the Hurts. They’ve got a contract on their house and close later this month. Not sure where they’re moving, and may have to move in with his mother until they decide. Haley was home to make sure Mary didn’t sell/give away all the childhood memory items Haley wanted to save. Haley graduates in May and works at a coffee shop in downtown Auburn. She lives so close to it that she doesn’t ever fix coffee where she lives, she just makes the short work to the shop and fixes herself a cup. David, 60, is getting more work as a cameraman.

 

Food: BBQ chicken, beef, ribs, baked beans, slaw, potato salad, Ceil’s salad, Becky’s veggies, pigs n’ blankets, bean dip, the Stephens’ black bean dip, brownies, and Dan Toholsky’s birthday cake. Mark Stephens’ work is going well. Daughter Ansley is expecting a baby in 3 months. Daughter Lydia just got married.  

 

You may know more about the Toholskys, who are well. They are longtime members at FBC Woodstock. Two of their kids attended. Lila graduates from UGA in May and already has a job lined up with Rubbermaid in Atlanta or Charlotte. Lila attends FBC Watkinsville and knows Catherine Ritchie, who I’d mentioned last week. Marshall Toholsky is a high school senior planning on matriculating to North Georgia College in the fall.

 

Jim Ewing is 64 years old with no plans on retiring from his consulting job. He enjoys living alone. Son George attended. George works for the railroad and lives at the corner of Northside Drive near Peachtree Creek and the Bobby Jones golf course.

 

Since the Hurts have two daughters at Auburn and Leah Stephens went to Auburn, they were all cheering for Carolina. Leah wore an orange and blue scarf that no one noticed except me. Before the game David acknowledged that Cam had some maturity and over-celebratory issues, and I agreed that he was a great talent. So the gang was definitely pro-Panthers. After a Carolina turnover I made it clear I was pulling for Denver. When Mark Stephens asked if I wasn’t a Carolina fan, I asked him if he wasn’t an old man fan. Eventually I migrated into the other room with David, Jim, and George.

 

We left with 8 minutes remaining in the game and drove to Cumming to get M. That’s where I learned that the Broncos had won. Arrived home around 11 pm. Took Ceil’s CRV to get gas, so it was midnight before I got to bed. Didn’t sleep well. Drove Anna’s Jeep to work, with the window down in the cold. With the sleeping bag keeping me “warm.”

 

Car update: Civic won’t be ready until Wednesday at the earliest. Getting Will’s Jeep towed to the shop. Will take Anna’s Jeep to the shop tomorrow.

 

THURSDAY: When I came downstairs to go to work, Barney went upstairs to bed. Spent too much time last week working on trivia questions for work. It was fun. I hate long days that go on and on. Similar to my days when I get back from making a Cumming run, like last night. Worked until 6:40 because there was stuff to do (and I’m leaving early again today). Drove straight to Cumming and picked up M at 7:45, and got home about 8:15. Watched the new show “You, Me, and the Apocalypse” and the ESPN 30 for 30 about the 1985 Bears.

 

My beef with fast food places. Most are slow, with the exception of Chickfila.   

 

Johnny from Cumming doesn’t sell much of his stuff. The last time I went to his house a lady who used to work for the Braves was moving to Florida. She was cleaning out and gave all her old Braves stuff to Johnny.

 

At www.crackle.com you can watch Sports Jeopardy hosted by Dan Patrick. Just like the regular game with only sports questions, and a sports feel. I watched two episodes yesterday while I was cleaning. Questions were challenging but not super hard. You ought to check it out.

 

Athletes I’ve seen: Montana for Notre Dame at GT, Artis Gilmore for Jacksonville, Bird, Kareem, Magic, MJ for UNC at the Omni (and the Bulls). Billy Lothridge, Illie Nastasi in Macon, Gary Player, Arnold, Tiger, Jack, Tarkenton, Unitas, Merlin Olsen and the Fearsome Foursome, the Purple People Eaters, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Cal Ripken Jr, Hank Aaron, Willie May and McCovey, Bob Gibson, Derek Jeter, Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson at Auburn, Chris Collinsworth at Florida, Lawrence Taylor at UNC, William Perry at Clemson.

Announcement

 

To be posted this week in the Cartersville and Marietta newspapers:

Dr. and Mrs. Tom Gilbert of Cartersville, Georgia joyfully announce the marriage of their daughter, Mary-Clayton Gilbert to William Middleton Murphy, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Murphy, of Marietta, Georgia. The bride is the granddaughter of Rev. and Mrs. Wayne Norton of Greenville, SC; and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gilbert of Marietta, Georgia. The groom is the grandson of Mrs. Joan Miller, and the late Mr. Edwin Miller of Jefferson, SC; and Mr. and Mrs. William Murphy of Macon, Georgia. The covenant celebration occurred on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at four o’clock in the afternoon. Immediately following, the bride’s parents hosted a dinner in the Reception Room, followed by dancing and merriment.  On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner in the Music Room, all occurring on the beautiful  property of  The Indigo Falls Events, in Dallas, Georgia.

Reverends Kevin Morse and Wayne Norton, maternal grandfather of the bride, officiated the wedding. Music included an acoustic folk ensemble played by Avian Brown, Isaac George, and Nathan Terrell. The bride processed to “Gold Acapella” from ONCE, sung by fourteen Musical Theatre Majors from the University of Oklahoma.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by Anna Gilbert of Cartersville, sister of the bride, as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included: Katie Acone of Seattle, WA; Angel Boardingham of Norman, OK; Hannah Diener of Dallas, TX; Kayla Frieden of Colorado Springs, CO; Anna Murphy, of Marietta, sister of the groom; Sarah Stipe of Cumming; and Abbey Tillman of Smyrna. The flower girl was Ella Frances Norton, of Roswell, niece of the bride.

Joel Norman of Roswell, served as Best Man. Groomsmen included Kevin Brock of Alpharetta; Harrison Cloud of Woodstock, Max Diener of Dallas, TX; Thomas Gilbert of Cartersville, brother of the bride; Valentine Jurma of Lawrenceville; Chandler Machemehl of John’s Creek; and Matthew Murphy of Marietta, brother of the groom.

The bride, a homeschool graduate, was active in the Bartow County and Georgia 4-H, served with Advocates for Children as “Every Child’s a Star” 2012 director, and was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Bartow County and Georgia. The bride is a senior at the University of Oklahoma and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. The groom recently graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences. In May, he will begin the Master of Physician Assistant Program at Augusta University, formerly the Medical College of Georgia.

After the honeymoon, Mary-Clayton and Will returned to Norman, Oklahoma where she will finish her last semester, then move to Augusta, Georgia.

Spieth vs Woods

Sports Illustrated’s Tale of the Tape, by Sal Johnson: in his 85th start Jordan Spieth picked up his ninth worldwide win at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Yet as impressive as Spieth has been early in his career, his resume pales in comparison with what Tiger Woods accomplished in his first 85 starts. Woods won 21 times, including 18 PGA Tour events. And over his next 73 starts Woods on 22 more times, including six majors.  

First win:

TW: 20 y 9 m 7 d 1996 Las Vegas

JS: 19 y 11 m 18 d 2014 John Deere

Frist Major:

TW: 21 y 3 m 14 d 1997 Masters

JS: 21 y 8 m 16 d 2015 Masters

Second Major:

TW: 23 y 7 m 16 d 1999 PGA Championship

JS: 21 y 10 m 25 d 2015 US Open

85th Start:

TW: 24 y 2 m 20 d 2000 Arnold Palmer (won)

JS: 22 y 5 m 14 d 2016 Tournament of Champions (won)

WOODS…………………….SPIETH

21 worldwide wins……………… 9

8 runner-ups   ………………….10

44 top five finishes……………..29

56 top ten finishes… …………..41

71 top 25 finishes… …………...60

1 missed cuts… ………………..12

69.58 scoring average… ….69.62

527 under par                         459

312 rounds played                  308

151 rounds in the 60’s            153

206 rounds under par             201

6/1 first round leads/wins         6/3

13/9 second round leads/wins 8/4

18/15 third round leads/wins  11/7

Trivia Day 5

1. Which actress is related to the owners of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants?

a. Taryn Manning

b. Kate Mara

c. Natasha Richardson

d. Zoe Deschanel

2. Where was Forrest Gump filmed?

a. Charleston SC

b. Savannah GA

c. Beaufort SC

d. Frogmore SC

3. In the movie Splash, how did Darryl Hannah’s character get her name?

a. She was named after her aunt.

b. She looked at a street sign.

c. Tom Hanks’ character named her

d. Professor Cornbluth named her

4. In High School Musical 3, where did Troy decide to go to college to play basketball and study acting?

a. Stanford

b. Arizona

c. California Berkeley

d. UCLA

5. Which NFL quarterback once won Celebrity Jeopardy?

a. Peyton Manning (University of Tennessee)

b. Eli Manning (Ole Miss)

c. Andrew Luck (Stanford)

d. Aaron Rodgers (California Berkeley)

6. In You’ve Got Mail, who once dated Kathleen Kelly’s mother?

a. Generalissimo Franco, dictator of Spain

b. Joe Fox’s father

c. Joe Fox’s grandfather

d. Joe Fox’s uncle

7. How many Emmys did Candice Bergen win for her work on Murphy Brown?

a. 0

b. 1

c. 2

d. 5

8. Which actor did not play Murphy Brown’s secretary?

a. Annabelle Gurwitch

b. Paul (Peewee Herman) Reubens

c. Michael (Kramer) Richards

d. Bette Midler

9. During a softball game at Central Park, who did George bowl over at home plate?

a. Bette Midler

b. Marisa Tomei

c. John Hurt

d. JFK Jr.

10. On the baseball diamond both Matt Goyan and Ryerson’s David Murphy throw left and bat right. Historically, what percentage of major league baseball players throw left and bat right?

a. 17%

b. 9%

c. 4%

d. Less than 1%

11. What was the name of the TV pilot Jerry and George produced?

a. Jerry

b. Seinfeld

c. George

d. Kramer

e. Newman

12. Before taking over as interim head coach of the world champion Golden State Warriors, what was Luke Walton doing?

a. Working on the staff of a NBA developmental league team

b. Playing pickup basketball in LA.

c. Playing for a beach volleyball team wearing skin tight Laker uniforms and Afro wigs in homage to the movie Fletch

d. All of the above

13. What was the nickname of the Apollo 13 command module?

14. Name as many Alabama quarterbacks to have been named Super Bowl MVP (one point for each).

15. One point for each kicker/punter from the state of Georgia who appeared in the Super Bowl that you can name (there are at least 5).

16. Which Super Bowl team owner once scored a touchdown in an NFL Championship game?

17. What Super Bowl head coach did not also play in the Super Bowl?

a. Ken Whisenhunt

b. Mike Ditka

c. Tony Dungy

d. Dan Reeves

NOTE: Super Bowl winning Dallas Cowboy head coach Tom Landry played (and coached) for the NFL Champion New York Giants.

18. What was Marcia Cross’ character’s name on Seinfeld?

19. Why did Newman and Kramer drive a mail truck to Chicago?

Continued

At work this week I’m asking trivia questions. Co-worker Mike asked me to copy his friend Matt, who was good with the questions. They had been college teammates down in Milledgeville. Matt didn’t make the show but must’ve gotten on a baseball card. Tomorrow I’ll have to ask a trivia question about Matt.

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=goyen-001mat

 

http://www.rightfieldfog.com/?p=1048

 

1. Besides Joe Namath, what other famous person is in the iconic photo above? (please no sexual harassment complaints)

a. NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle

b. AJC sportswriter Furman Bisher

c. Announcer Billy Packer

d. Announcer Brent Musburger

 

2. Which Super Bowl player is related to an actress on Orange is the New Black?

a. Cam Newton 1 Panthers QB

b. Peyton Manning 18 Broncos QB

c. Rakim Cox 77 Panthers DE

d. Aaron Brewer 46 Broncos long snapper

 

3. In the movie Up in the Air, what was George Clooney’s profession?

a. Headhunter

b. Airline Pilot

c. Corporate downsizer

d. Pharmaceutical Sales

 

4. Which late night talk show host was a cast member on Mary Tyler Moore’s short lived variety show?

a. David Letterman

b. Jay Leno

c. Arsenio Hall

d. Craig Ferguson

 

5. What number did Forrest Gump wear for the University of Alabama?

a. 24

b. 40

c. 42

d. 44

 

6. Which Seinfeld actor has NOT appeared on Jerry’s current show Comedians in Cars Drinking Coffee?

a. Jason Alexander (George)

b. Michael Richards (Kramer)

c. Julia Louis Dreyfus (Elaine)

d. Wayne Knight (Newman)

 

7. In High School Musical 2, what was Gabriella’s summer job?

a. Waitress

b. Lifeguard

c. Babysitter

d. Actress

 

BONUS: Is Matt Goyen right-handed or left-handed?

More

Krispy Kreme donuts were served near the end of the wedding reception.

 

Tuesday and Wednesday's trivia questions:

 

1. Which of the four UGA quarterbacks below did NOT play on a Super Bowl team?

a. Hines Ward

b. Matt Robinson

c. Fran Tarkenton

d. Zeke Bratkowski

 

2. What former Georgia Tech QB made it to the Super Bowl?

 

3. In the movie You’ve Got Mail, what was the name of Joe’s dog?

a. Barney

b. Berkeley

c. Brinkley

d. Barky

 

4. In the movie Sleepless in Seattle, what did the term M.F.E.O. stand for?

 

5. In the movie The Man With Two Brains, which actor played the role of the killer?

a. Steve Martin

b. Kathleen Turner

c. James Cromwell

d. Merv Griffin

 

6. On Seinfeld, what was Newman’s profession?

a. Mailman

b. Muffin Eater

c. Baseball executive

d. Both A and B

 

7. Which team’s cap did Elaine wear while sitting in box seats in Yankee Stadium?

a. Yankees

b. Mets

c. Orioles

d. Red Sox

 

8. What former UGA players have been named Super Bowl MVP?

a. Jake Scott and Hines Ward

b. Terrell Davis and Hines Ward

c. Champ Bailey and Hines Ward

d. Terrell Davis and Champ Bailey

 

9. The original Denver Bronco uniforms included socks with what unique feature?

a. No white (an oddity in the early 1960’s).

b. Color different from the rest of the uniform.

c. Horse logo patch.

d. Vertical stripes.

 

10. What two New York Mets did Elaine meet in a bar?

a. Keith Hernandez and Roger McDowell

b. Keith Hernandez and Mookie Wilson

c. Roger McDowell and Mookie Wilson

d. Keith Hernandez and Gary Carter

 

11. What was the name of Jerry’s parent’s retirement village in Florida?

a. Marina Vista Phase 2

b. Del Boca Vista

c. Del Boca Vista Phase 3

d. The Villages

 

12. When Jerry attended the Super Bowl on an episode of the show, which character did he sit beside?

a. Elaine

b. George

c. Kramer

d. Newman

 

13. What was Kramer’s first name?

 

14. What two teams are playing this Sunday in Super Bowl 50?

 

Last Thursday: Left work at 640 again Thursday night. Stopped by Publix and the bank and picked up M in Cumming at 7:50. M was hungry so we used a BOGO at Fuddruckers near North Point Mall. I hadn’t been in years. The restaurant had been made over, which had been needed. Burger was almost as good as the one at The Big Ketch or the H&F burger at Turner Field. Great meat and light, fluffy, just baked bun. Both M and I ate half our burgers and fries and took the rest home (a first for me). Watched The Middle and worked on the computer then went to bed.

 

Tuesday: Had to go pick up M after work last night. Worked until 6:30 and made it to my three usual stores before 8 pm. Passed on a green-trimmed Reds Pete Rose St. Patrick’s Day jersey but used the senior discount to pick up a pair of black Nikes and black Columbia shirt. I have several light colored fishing shirts but had been looking for a darker colored one. Was after nine by the time M and I got home.

 

Ceil had made shepherd’s pie, but I passed. Later I caved and ate one slice of pizza, and some cereal. No leftovers to take for lunch the last two days so I’ve been eating cereal and yogurt.

Peyton or Cam?

Like most things on TV and in life, the NFL is a take it or leave it proposition. Many Americans couldn’t give a hoot. Athletes go through their teenage years being coddled and built up solely for their God-given ability. These elite are granted expensive full-ride scholarships to the college of their choice. Many do not take advantage of the opportunities given to them, barely maintaining eligibility for the duration of their stay. Their goal is not an education or diploma. They want a place on a NFL roster. They want the money.

 

The NFL season lasts four months. Players wear pink in October, camo in November, and monochromatic uniforms that look like the Power Rangers on Thursday night (if they wear blue for prostate cancer awareness they are fined). Players wave their arms, calling attention to themselves, barking and taunting other players – even when beaten on the play. The games and pre-game introductions have become theatrical productions underwritten by the military, complete with fireworks and loud music. Lombardi and Halas would roll over in their graves. The average NFL career lasts three or four years. Most leave the league broke. Many leave permanently disabled or even with brain damage. What’s not to like?

 

It’s all a big made-for-TV show. From superstar to the last man on the inactive roster, the all-seeing media pokes into the private lives of players. Professional athletes, like us all, are very rarely great examples to be held up as paragons of virtue and model citizens. Heroes, if you will. Charles Barkley was the first to point this out.  

 

Jesus calls us to be above reproach. To put others ahead of ourselves. To see such lived out by those in the brightest spotlight is encouraging and uplifting and rare. To see the opposite – a celebrity acting with me-first behavior, often making the news for numerous improprieties – turns me off and away from the game. That’s my personal preference. I like selfless team players and dislike selfish ones. Doesn’t matter how selfish I may be. How can one football player want to keep all the glory for himself, when the other ten blocked for him?

 

Player A picks a college and plays there all four years, even though he could have left early. In the spotlight he is self-depreciating, making humorous commercials and videos far from glorifying himself. Wears a number to honor his father. Travels great distances to support his brothers. On the field he gives credit to his blockers and receivers and runners. He makes less-talented players better, by practicing with them and working on their game long after practice. Works on fundamentals and reading defenses. Makes the most of his ability. Writes thank-you notes and remembers people’s names. Helps the needy without taking credit or calling attention to himself. When he scores he tosses the ball to the referee, and trots off the field with his head down.

 

Player B served as a backup for two seasons, then was kicked out of his first college after being arrested for possessing stolen property. Perhaps a youthful error in judgment. Spent one season at a junior college, then one season at a major-conference school (that had to fight the NCAA to keep him eligible). Rumors surfaced that his church bishop father was soliciting money in return for his son’s name on a letter of commitment. The player had a child out of wedlock. After leaving early for the NFL, player B wears jersey number one. Celebrates touchdowns by pretending to be Superman, until the son of the NFL’s all-time winningest coach convinces him to instead give the ball to a kid. This player B does, only after making it into an excessive celebration – while basically ignoring his teammates trying to congratulate him.

 

I may be an old fogey. I’m more of a fan of player A than player B. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating, though I think there’s something to be said for a player not getting overly excited when he does something he’s paid millions of dollars to do. We all make mistakes, and there’s something to be said for a person who stands up, rights wrongs, and makes the most of his mistakes. We all sin. But there’s something more to be said for the guy who did things the right way all along.

 

I am of course talking about Peyton Manning and Cam Newton. Peyton is far from perfect. Now he has little left in the tank. This may very well be his last game. He’s getting by on experience, guile, and what little is left in his body. He’s at the point where he job is to manage the game, hit a few passes, not make mistakes, and let the defense win the game. He may have been brought up in a perfect environment, though he did not squander his opportunities. Note a comparison below of their first five NFL seasons, as well as their college accomplishments.

Cam is certainly not evil. I do like his playfulness. Several humorous commercials has he. Cannon arm. Beast of a runner, who has learned to use moderation while carrying the ball. We both share an interest in shoes, though I can do without his pre-game high-top teal monstrosities. Hopefully he auctions them off for charity, because every week he wears an uglier pair. Even Tom Brady has become all the more emotional and celebratory in his later years, though his actions seem more sincere, more out of appreciation for teammates and the remaining brevity of his brilliant career. Brett Farve also played the game with joy, without being overbearing.

Confession: early in my teenage years I thought one was a cool number. I loved a good touchdown celebration: Falcon wide receiver Ken Burrow’s spike or the Philadelphia Eagles’ “dice roll” celebration. But I soon grew out of that phase of my life. Newton may prove me wrong. I hope he does. People can grow and mature. Whether he can build the legacy of a Peyton, Eli, Brady, Farve, Montana, Young, Bradshaw, Herschel, or Starr remains to be seen.

 

Denver may not win the Super Bowl. I just hope it’s a good game. Win or lose, it won’t define Peyton’s legacy, or who he is. Go Broncos.

 

.G.comp..att…..%....yards..TD…yd/g.sack.sack yd

80.1749.2817.62.1.20618.138.257.7.108.0733 PM pro

78.1440.2419.59.5.18263.117.234.1.185.1424 CN pro

 

.G..yards.TD

45.11201.89 PM college

20.02908.30 CN college

 

More Pictures

MC posted more wedding photos, so I'll try to add a new one every day if possible. Two new wedding bits: Years ago Sally Angevine baby-sat Mary-Clayton's dad and his brothers.

Catherine Ritchie was in Chapel Choir with me. She was good friends with Mackay Worrill, Kimberly Kitchens, and Melissa Giles. Catherine teaches college Sunday School at FBC Watkinsville (near Athens) and knows Abbey Tillman, one of Mary-Clayton's bridesmaids. Catherine told Abbey she has known me since high school. Catherine was in high school, I was in college.

David and Mary Hurt sold their house in Milton, and are looking for something smaller in the same area. We've been invited to a Super Bowl party at their house.

TRIVIA: In honor of Super Bowl 50, this week's trivia will feature Super Bowl questions. By Sunday night you'll be able to amaze your friends with your knowledge. If the questions prove too hard I'll try to make them easier as the week progresses.

1. What two Denver Bronco Super Bowl quarterbacks were originally drafted by the Colts?
a. Craig Morton and Peyton Manning
b. Craig Morton and John Elway
c. John Elway and Peyton Manning

2. In honor of Eric McGill, what former Florida State Seminole was once named Super Bowl MVP?
a. RB Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay vs Raiders
b. WR Fred Biletnikoff, Oakland vs Vikings
c. QB Brad Johnson, Tampa Bay vs Raiders
d. DB KR Deion Sanders, San Francisco vs Chargers

3. Which two Desperate Housewives once appeared on Seinfeld as Jerry's girlfriend?
a. Eva Longoria and Marcia Cross
b. Eva Longoria and Felicity Huffman
c. Evan Longoria and Teri Hatcher
d. Teri Hatcher and Felicity Huffman
e. Marcia Cross and Teri Hatcher
f. Marcia Cross and Felicity Huffman

BONUS: Which Seinfeld actor attended the University of Georgia?

BONUS: Who was the only Super Bowl MVP to play for the losing team?

Busy at work plus I'm doing trivia this week. Since I am the oldest I'm not up to speed with the latest happenings. So my questions come from long ago. So there were complaints.

Friday left work before three, after working 8 hours. Drove home and picked up M and hit the road at 3:50. Traffic was bad all over town. Took 40 minutes to go from 400 to 85 on 285. Traffic on 20 east was bad as well. Got M (and me) a snack at Taco Bell across from Stonecrest Mall. The drivers there were terrible, not waiting their turn and blocking lanes of traffic just so they could try to force their way in even though there wasn't space – they should've gone the correct (but longer) way. Guess I should've remembered there had been a shooting at Stonecrest just after Christmas.

Stop 2 was the Value Village in Conyers. M got a sweater and shirt, I passed on a David Wingate New Orleans Hornets bobble, and an Eddie Mathews bobble from 2003 (I already had one). Stop 3 was Goodwill in Covington. I passed on a Mike Vick statue. Stop 4 was the Madison Goodwill. M got a CD and I got a nice blue long sleeve tee from Cabalas.

M wanted to eat 90 miles away at the Augusta Moe's, which closed at 9. Had to drive a little faster than usual but made it in plenty of time. We ate on the road and I dribbled salsa on my pullover and pants. I realized we needed gas, so stop 6 was in Lugoff for that. Made it to Jefferson at 11 pm. Ceil and Joan were still awake. Friday night I felt sick, and had to get up at least 6 times during the night. Must've been the Taco Bell.

Saturday M and I were sent 8 miles up the road to get bread, English muffins, and Bojangles biscuits. Dropped off M at the house with the biscuits and went to gas up Joan's car. I had noticed a car missing from Rusty's house and spied it at the post office, so I turned to head that way. Rusty was coming out so I talked to him while I was stopped at the one red light in town. Just then Phil drove by and honked at Rusty. I turned and followed Phil's van and flagged him down. He and Teresa were out driving their old dog around town, since we was too old to walk.

Left Jefferson after noon. Stopped again at the Augusta Moe's (I had BOGO coupons). Listened to two Andy Stanley sermons along the way, including the one taken out of context by the AJC and Harold Hall's son David. In 25 minutes he mentioned politics once in passing. The rest was Jesus and the Bible, which he said should be our focus as opposed to politics, etc. We made it home by 5:30. C and M ran to the grocery store.

C and I went over for dinner for Lee's birthday. Six couples, so when we sat down to eat there was lots of chatter. Took me a few minutes to get acclimated. Brisket, baked beans, salad, fruit, German chocolate cake. I held myself to one serving and skipped the rice. One couple was "new" – we had met them at church but they hadn't been in our small group. After the meal they were the first to leave to collect kids. After that we posed for pictures, which meant the new couple wasn't in them. Oops.

I had felt ok most of the day, but my stomach felt a little queasy again when we got home. Saturday night Barney kept waking me up. His ears were bothering him and he would vigorously shake his head (and the bed), jangling his collar and tags. Finally I tricked him into going downstairs, and I shut the bedroom door. Two straight nights without much sleep.

Sunday Ceil attended two Sunday School classes and later a JFBC dessert gathering. After church we stopped by home depot to get a new mailbox and post. The old mailbox had been on its last legs – over 22 years old with a rotten base. Last week a teenager backed into it and killed it, but a new one was sorely needed anyway. I dug a new hole and attached the base and box on the wood pole. Ceil mixed the concrete and poured it in around the pole. I filled in the hole and spread wood chips over the dirt. Much more complicated than typing those last two sentences. I hate jobs like that.

Took the rest of the day off – except for laundry and taking M for pizza and downtown for church. Didn't make sense to drive back home and I wasn't dressed for church, so I drove around Georgia Tech and walked for an hour at Atlantic Station, which is basically an outdoor Lenox Square: fancy shops and restaurants. By the end of the day I had walked 13000 steps and over 6 miles. I need to do that every day.