The Masters Begins

Watching the Masters? Will be interesting to see if Dustin Johnson can make it after his fall down the stairs (he withdrew). 

 

Will called. He’s having a blast working at the Masters. Should be busier today, but he should be able to see a little golf. Knowing him he was there this morning to see Nicklaus and Player tee off. He was already at the course before 9 am.

 

Chairman Billy Payne's tribute to Arnold Palmer brought tears to the eyes of the ceremonial starters. Who hit the longest opening drive: 81 year-old or 77 year-old Jack Nicklaus? Last wee Jack enlisted Rory for distance pointers, and it appears to have paid off (link below). Tiger Woods had been angling to be part of the ceremony, but Billy Payne probably nixed the idea.

 

http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golf-central-blog/mcilroy-tweaks-nicklaus-driver-ceremonial-shot/

 

I remember back in the 80’s I thought EEE was THE class. It probably was back then. Funny about all the officers. That’s the way it used to be I guess. For a while C attended a class with older ladies, including Barbara Adair and MC’s grandmother.

 

At JFBC we’re in a class for parents of teenagers, with three couples we know well. Scott and Robin Condra are also in the class. They’re on the younger side and we’re on the older side. Last week 50 were there to hear Judson Hill (I counted). Most weeks its more, but it was spring break. Lessons and speakers are different most weeks, though some may go 2-3 weeks. But most all the lessons are good – deep and on target, just on various subjects. A missionary, or someone who runs a missions organization or counseling center. Various staff members will come teach. Heather Swilley’s husband taught one week. If anything it’s a good way to get to know staff members, since there are so many of them. One class regular teaches the most, and he does a good job. We’ll have discussion, either among the 75 or so in attendance, or just among the tables where we sit.

The class “director” gives announcements and introduces the speaker. Lots of times he’ll start with a topical icebreaker to get people focused and listening. He’s a funny guy but sometimes over months and years tells the same stories. Last week was the third straight year he welcomed everyone with the same spring break greeting: “glad to have all the people here who weren’t invited to someone’s lake house.” I know I sometimes repeat myself, but try hard not to.

 

2017 is the first baseball season since 1884 without either Connie Mack or Vin Scully.

 

Worked til 6:20 Wednesday. Both M and Frank ate supper with us: Mexican. The boys went to Kroger and baked a cake. Jeopardy. Braves/Mets. 2016 Master Par three tournament was on – 9 holes in one, including two back to back from Justin Thomas and Ricky Fowler. Gary Player made his record fourth hole in one at the Masters Par three, playing with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Later we watched Blackish and Designated Survivor.

 

I’ve decided to make the song I’m writing about work will be a show tune, instead of a country song. “Suddenly Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors, instead of “The South’s Gonna Do It Again” by the Charlie Daniels Band. Maybe I’ll do both, but so far I’ve been too busy.

 

Was going to post my pictures when I was on the moon, but there wasn’t any cell service up there.

 

Below: Denison discusses the casim between the Republicans and Democrats that is currently dividing the country. Both sides are being babies. Things have gotten worse since the 80’s and 90’s, and the former SPdL pastor tells us why. Will there ever be a common ground? Will it take a huge calamity to bring both sides together? Prediction: in the next seven days Denison will write about the Masters.

The 'nuclear option' and the grace of God   Dr. Jim Denison | April 6, 2017   "There's so little trust between the two parties that it was very difficult to put together an agreement that would avert changing the rules." This is how Sen. Susan Collins (Republican from Maine) explained the failure of efforts to avoid today's "nuclear option." Republicans are now expected to change Senate rules today so that a simple majority can confirm Judge Neil Gorsuch for the Supreme Court. Democrats warn that this change will damage any prospects for bipartisan efforts in the future. Senate Republicans are also considering other rules changes that would further prevent Democratic opposition and speed up the consideration of President Trump's non-Cabinet positions. A spending bill later this month to prevent a government shutdown is expected to be extremely contentious as well. I remember when Republicans were led by President Ronald Reagan and Democrats by Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill. They battled mightily over policy and party differences but then came together for the country's good. Now we seem to be divided across the spectrum of life, from abortion to sexual identity to marriage to family to taxes to health care to euthanasia. Why? For an answer, I reached back twenty-six years to a book that coined the phrase that defines our era. In 1991, sociologist James Davison Hunter published Culture Wars. He noted that "America is in the midst of a culture war that has and will continue to have reverberations not only within public policy but within the lives of ordinary Americans everywhere." According to Hunter, our conflicts are "rooted in different systems of moral understanding." The orthodox system affirms a "consistent, unchangeable measure of value, purpose, goodness and identity." It trusts objective authority sources such as the Bible. By contrast, cultural progressivism believes that humans experience the world subjectively as our minds interpret our senses. As a result, it claims, there is "no objective and final revelation from God" since "moral and spiritual truth can only be conditional and relative." Take same-sex marriage, an issue that was nowhere on the radar in 1991 but illustrates Hunter's thesis today. Orthodoxy defines marriage as a monogamous commitment between a man and a woman. This view is grounded in the Bible's unchanging teachings on the subject. Cultural progressivism adapts what it considers to be human interpretations of Scripture to the changing realities of society. Each side is convinced that its position is most justified by reason and best for the common good. The culture wars that have resulted from this conflict of worldviews show no signs of ending. To the contrary, as the electorate becomes more divided, our politics are likely to become even more divisive. Obviously, I side unequivocally with those who believe that truth is objective and the Bible is authoritative. However, it is important for us to understand the other side of the debate. As Solomon noted, "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion" (Proverbs 18:2). He added, "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame" (v. 13). God loves those who reject his truth as much as those who accept it (Romans 5:8). Now he calls us to exhibit the same spirit of grace. As Methodist leader D. T. Niles noted, Christianity is one beggar telling another beggar where he found bread. As we stand for God's unchanging truth in our changing culture, let's remember that compassion is more persuasive than condemnation.                 Share   Tweet   Forward     .       The moment that changed Tony Romo's career by Dr. Jim Denison

Masters Volunteers: Altuistic?

Some in the media glorify Masters volunteers. The ones you might see on TV are on the course, quieting the crowd before shots, holding the ropes, directing patron flow. Most are older middle-aged white men, most who have served for years. Why do they volunteer? Are they really that selfless that they give up a week’s vacation from their jobs? Like in many things, greed plays a large role. These volunteers get to watch the Masters, the toughest ticket in sports. After the tournament they’re allowed to play a round of golf on the Augusta National course. Again, the toughest tee time in golf. That’s why it’s so hard to volunteer.

 

 http://www.macon.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/bobby-pope/article142428744.html 

 

The real unsung heroes are the dozens working in concession stands, souvenir stands, parking cars, and other behind the scenes jobs you never see. Long hours serving a constant stream of spectators and club members, all for very low pay. Lines for souvenirs and concessions last as long as the Masters grounds are open. These workers get a peek at the tourney during their few off hours, but certainly no free golf.

 

A few years ago the PGA was played at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek (aka east Alpharetta/west Duluth). Months before the tourney they were looking for volunteers. An enticing adventure, but the requirements were a little too time-consuming for me to sign up. I would’ve had to take almost two weeks of vacation. Maybe when I am retired.

Tuesday night Will valet parked cars for the Champions Dinner at Augusta National. He parked Terry McGuirk’s car, and noticed a very valuable possession: McGuirk’s SunTrust Park parking pass.
 
I worked past 6:30 Tuesday night. Busy day. Jonathan and Shane were in Minnesota. Brad was on vacation. Rodney was laid up with back pain. Drove straight home. C cooked a new dish in the skillet: boneless chicken breast in a gravy with mushrooms, carrots, and onions, on top of noodles. M was working but his friend Frank ate with us again. Jeopardy. The Middle. The Voice. Worked on my laptop.

Watched “Fresh off the Boat.” Hilarious. The mom was sick so the dad and the boys paid $60 for pay per view to watch WrestleMania. Turned out the mom was faking, and had snuck out and went to WrestleMania. The guys saw her in the crowd with the neighbor lady – whose husband is the “Let’s get ready to rumble!” guy. The little kid had bet the neighbor the crawfish guy would beat the fish guy, but lost. The kid didn’t have money to pay so the kid had to wash the neighbor’s car.   
 

Wish it was a home day for me. Was having a dream this morning about two minor league bobblehead giveaways going on at the same time. I was standing in line for one but left to check the line for the other game. I had hid my tickets under a welcome mat, but it took me a while to find them. Went back to the first stadium but arrived on the wrong side of the field. Took the back way around. Saw the Braves taking batting practice. Dansby Swanson was there. Then some workers thought I was there to interview for this fancy job with the team. I played along, but had no idea what the job was. When I got back to the line almost all the bobbleheads were gone. It was a special “dreamchaser” bobble. Each box was a different person: Bobby Cox, Dan Uggla, etc. I had four tickets but only was able to get one bobblehead cause I was late. Earlier I had run into one of my bobblehead buddies: Kevin from Birmingham.
 
Slept an hour late Wednesday AM. Finally woke up and headed straight to the shower. Light in the bathroom burned out. Shaved in the dark. Traffic was light and I made three straight lights that saved me ten minutes of more. Got to work only 30 minutes later than usual. Then all the storms hit.

 

We can hardly hear the lightning and rain. I can see windows and whether the wind is blowing, and if the sun is shining, but when it’s cloudy it’s hard to make out detail unless I walk over to the window. When I get my stand up desk I’ll move around more. Field next door is almost a lake. Yesterday the parking lot next to the field was full of trailers, like the Gwinnett Aquatics Center next door was having a health fair or something. Not many cars or people though. Today the trailers are all gone. I joked the tornado blew them away, but that might not be too funny. The wind or the zombies – The Walking Dead is filmed near here.

 

Ever tried Dunkin Donuts coffee? I’ve heard lots of people like it better than Starbucks.

 

Governor Deal declared another state of emergency. He was on the way to work and saw a guy lighting a cigarette.

Will's Excellent Adventure

Monday Will got to Augusta National early and followed Bubba Watson (above), Henrik Stenson, and an amateur from the University of Oklahoma. W met the amateur’s family and the Oklahoma golf team, who were in the gallery. Rain and lightning caused the course to be evacuated two times. W drove some members around, but didn’t recognize anyone. Later he valeted for the amateur dinner. Tonight he valets for the Champion’s Dinner. 

 

NCAA: I agree – people are ok with refs “letting them play” until the other team is the one getting away with the fouls. Better for the refs to be consistent throughout the game, cause at the end there’s gonna be some hacking going on.

 

M was working last night but his friend Frank ate spaghetti and meatballs and salad with me and C.

Nice inclusion of Passion City Church in the AJC article about businesses affected by the fire. I know PCC posted alternate routes on social media. Good quotes by good guy Brad Jones. Not sure what his official title is. Brad rarely preaches but does sometimes. Louie is the head guy, and does most all the preaching when he’s in town. Another guy who occasionally preaches is heading up the Cumberland/Galleria location. Another guy they like is moving to Washington DC to start a Passion Church there. For years Brad has been Louie’s right hand man, the man behind the scenes pulling everything together. He’s worked with the youth. His wife just gave birth to their second child. They live right down there close to the church, off Lindbergh somewhere.

 

http://www.ajc.com/news/local/businesses-near-closure-optimistic-despite-decrease-revenue/7QlHnKNf3CUvibhqkBXSIM/

 

I finished the Al Michaels book. He called 42 straight triple crown races. He co-owned a racehorse named Barack. Michaels was headed to the track the afternoon of the famous O.J. Simpson chase in the white Ford Bronco. Michaels was brought in to help cover the event. He missed seeing his horse win an amazing comeback race. Michaels knew OJ from the 84 Olympics. Later Michaels moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles and became a neighbor of OJ in the Brentwood neighborhood. They played tennis regularly, up to three times a week, on the court at OJ’s house. Later when OJ couldn’t play tennis anymore due to his bad knees, Michaels would still play on OJ’s court, often with OJ’s buddy Al Cowlings. Michaels also knew lawyer Robert Kardashian, and knew the Kardashian girls when they were kids.

Brambleberry Crisp

The Mellow Mushroom pizza Friday was good. I tried to not overdo it. But like a few weeks ago I felt fine until about the time I was leaving. Left at 5:40 and headed to Birmingham, GA through downtown Alpharetta. Made great time but was feeling worse and worse. At 6:25 I met up for a big bobblehead sale – sold seven bobbles. Gotta be careful with so many to not forget anything when adding up all the numbers. Guess I did ok, considering there were no extra eBay, PayPal, or shipping fees.

 

Was feeling worse on my drive south through Crabapple toward Roswell. Stopped at Target, Chickfila, Publix, Dollar Tree, and finally Kroger for gas. Was after eight when I got home. Was listening to Jim Powell on the radio on the drive home, then turned on the Braves on the TV. C needed to go to the Avalon to take something back, which meant another hour in the car. She wasn’t feeling good either. 

After the game I watched the Braves preseason special. The AJC is finally reporting good news about the Braves and SunTrust Park. Lots of photos of the first game, as well as aerial photos of the new stadium. Sure don't look like the suburbs to me. Coworker Chris went and had a good time. Coworker Christine also scored nice tickets, but she rooted for the Yankees. She’s only lived in Atlanta for about 25 years or so. RA Dickey pitched well. Good guy, but I'm not a fan of the way he wears his uni so tight.

Saturday morning: cleaned upstairs. Hadn’t been done for three weeks. Later I attacked a huge pile of laundry. C worked downstairs. At 5:30 we left to meet M down at Superica on Krog Street. Traffic wasn’t bad. Downtown was of course much heavier than 75/285, slowing to 30 MPH. Weird that when 75 South merged with 85 at Pershing Point there was almost zero traffic coming in from 85. By then the Buford Connector had reopened, but the radio said Cheshire Bridge was jammed. When we go out C likes me to drive her CRV, but with the potential of traffic and parking I drove my little Civic. 

 

Krog Street was bustling, but the wait was shorter than expected. C and I shared fajitas. The chicken wasn’t quite as good as Pappasitos. It was so loud. M and C sat next to each other with me on the other side of the table. I couldn’t hear a thing they said.

Afterward we had Jeni's Ice Cream. C had salted caramel and brambleberry crisp (above). M had English toffee. I had brambleberry and peanut butter and chocolate. Jeni’s Ice Cream is good, perhaps the equal of Baskin-Robbins. But more expensive, if that's possible. Downtown traffic northbound slowed near Atlantic Station, but then sped up after that.

 

Saturday Will had his training meeting for his job at the Masters. He will be driving club members around the course. Sunday he arrived early and watched the Pitch, Chip, and Putt competition. He saw Condaliza Rice. Lou Holtz, and the Braves Terry McGuirk. Saw Bubba Watson chipping, with his wife. Will’s job takes him to Amen Corner. Yesterday Zach Johnson was teeing off on 12. Will was the only one there watching him.   

 

State Representative Judson Hill spoke in Sunday School. Seemed authentic and genuine. Kept the lesson focused on the Bible, with just a few parallels to politics and government. For years he’s led a Bible Study for state legislators down in the capitol building. Said he’d lost leadership positions, committee chairmanships, and had proposed bills killed because of the stands he’s taken. When asked how we could pray for him, Judson said for faith and obedience. He’d been a member of JFBC since before the sanctuary had been built.

The guest preacher was a former JFBC staff member: Rick Statham. It was the first time I had heard him preach. He too stuck to the Bible, preaching a pre-Easter Garden of Gethsideme sermon, mixing in several stories from his East Cobb childhood, call to the ministry, and days at Johnson Ferry. After one of his first years at Mercer he came home and told his mom he wanted to go into full time Christian ministry. It was the first time he and Kay prayed together, asking God to open a door. After praying they were still sitting in the kitchen when the phone rang: it was George Wright asking Rick to work with the JFBC youth that summer. While Rick was preaching he saw Margaret Bailey in the congregation, and mentioned her by name. After the service I chatted with Rick and Miriam down near the front. Miriam said they’d seen John and Barbara Adair in the first service. The Adairs are selling their house in Sandy Springs and moving into a condo. Julie is coming to town for spring break, but Miriam won’t be able to see her.

 

M had a friend spending a few days with us while his parents were out of town for spring break, so C cleaned and I folded laundry.

 

Sunday I did watch a little baseball: Yankees at Rays and Giants at Arizona. Bumgardner became the first pitcher in history to hit two home runs on opening day. He had a no hitter going into the sixth. When he lost the no no I changed the channel. C cooked chili for lunch and pancakes for dinner. I went to bed early.

 

M got two pair of Nike Air Force One’s: an all-white pair, and a pair with dollar bills on the side.

Anna had her sorority formal this weekend. Lots of pictures.

 

Sunday morning the JFBC crowd was light because of spring break. All the youth were on mission trips. There was a young couple in the row in front of us. Guy looked just like Josh Pastur. I looked up pictures of his wife and kids on my phone, but I wasn’t sure. When it was time to shake hands I walked down to the guy. He turned around and I was almost sure it wasn’t him. I was going to say “Hey! I’m David” so he would tell me his name, but I forgot. The guy was into the service, but I don’t think it was him.

 

Braves/Mets at 1 pm this afternoon. Sounds like O’Flaherty was O’Flopperty. Three walks, Sac Fly, and a 3 run double. Braves had runners on the corners but didn’t score. Guess they’ll go 161-1. You know Julio Tehran wasn’t gonna have a good year when he shows up at camp as the number one starter – and a new prima donna hairstyle. Guess they’re saving it for the home opener.

 

Gonna stay up for UNC/Gonzaga? I didn’t get my nap today. The games come on so late. I was rooting for UNC and Gonzaga. Also UConn in the women’s, but they lost. We were at Superica when SC lost to Gonzaga.

 

I can believe the previous GT coaches didn’t want Mark Price. They didn’t want a popular GT legend breathing down their necks.

Traffic: Bad to Worse

Wild wild wild. Did you watch much I-85 coverage? On the way home I was listening to my Al Michaels book. Stopped at a store that sells TV’s, and they were all turned to the news. Got home and watched over an hour’s worth of coverage. C was driving back from Athens. I called and told her to take Pleasant Hill / Old Milton over to 400 to avoid 285. Also texted M to avoid downtown.
 
Hopefully that Buford Highway Connector will reopen soon, as well as 85 south. Last night 400 south was stopped at Lenox but this AM you can take the Captain Herb flyover to 85 north, or get off at Sydney Marcus. Hopefully Piedmont will reopen, or at least the on ramp to 85 South.
 
To a certain extent this will affect people getting to SPdL just cause Lindbergh and Peachtree will be jammed. Will be even rougher for Passion City Church.
 

It was cloudy on the way home. I didn’t notice the smoke cause of how cloudy it was. Drove past high spot in Alpharetta where you can see fireworks downtown, at Lenox, Stone Mountain, Roswell, and Alpharetta., but I didn’t know to look south for the smoke. Coworker Jonathan has a Monday AM flight out of Hartsfield. He lives up near the Mall of Georgia. Might be easier to fly out of Greenville.

 

Some blamed General Sherman. Perhaps Engineer of the year Wayne Price can solve the problem.
 
My #I85 tweets last night got more views than usual.
1. Great now Braves traffic to tonight’s Braves game is gonna be bad.
2. Governor Deal’s first call should be to Superman. Remember how he filled in for that broken train track?
3. Georgia DOT never saw the MASH episode where the Army placed the ammo dump next to the 4077th hospital.
4. Rumor: stranded motorists were rescued by Chipper Jones.

5. The AJC is reporting the Braves set the I-85 fire to divert attention away from potential SunTrust Park traffic problems.

6. Authorities believe the fire was fueled by years of pollen built up on materials stores under I-85.

 

Margaret Hurt still competes on Auburn’s equestrian team. Last week before the start of their meet Margaret sang the national anthem.

 

Well it was a good run for Tech. No shame in losing the NIT final in Pasner’s first year. TCU seemed to keep exposing and capitalizing on GT’s mistakes. Of course MC’s brother was proud. The old geezer in me says: Kids today practice dunks and three-pointers. Should practice lay-ups and foul shots. My pet peeve is when a short bunny shot is missed. Players don’t use the backboard when they should. More margin for error when you use the backboard on close shots, especially from an angle. Mark Price used to make a living as a shooting coach. Worked with the Hawks, with GT, and individual players. Rick Barry’s son Canyon was interviewed during the NCAA tourney. You could tell by what he said that he knew good fundamentals.  

 
For dinner I ate some Trader Joes gluten free soy corn dogs that had been in the freezer. Not bad, with lots of catsup and mustard.
 
Friday morning I slept late, so I got a late start. I take Holcomb Bridge all the way to Jimmy Carter, then make a left under the bridge to go north on Peachtree Industrial. Today there was a wreck backing up traffic, so I had to make a left where Holcomb Bridge turns in Peachtree Corners. Three. Long. Red. Lights.

April 2017 Bobbleheads

April bobblehead days, and other interesting giveaways: both MLB and minor leagues. Not a complete list, just those that crossed my radar. 

Cream of the crop: the Ichiro double, Posey carrying Lincecum, and two Rocky Raccoons, and Jim Abbott. Alas, the Posey/Lincecum only comes with purchase of a special ticket package. 

Honorable mention: UGA baseball and the Orioles home plate shaped welcome mat.

4.01 SAT Reds HOF Leo Cardenas

4.02 SUN Colorado Eagles Darryl Bootland BH

4.05 WED Boston Rick Porcello Cy Young BH

4.07 FRI Montgomery Kevin Kiermaier BH

4.07 FRI Columbia Fireflies stadium replica

4.08 SAT PITT Francisco Cervelli That’s Amore BH

4.08 SAT Timber Rattlers David Ortiz BH

4.08 SAT STL Yadier Molina BH

4.08 SAT Dbacks Jake Lamb BH

4.08 SAT Rays Kevin Kiermaier Gold Glove BH

4.08 SAT Rockies DJ LeMahieu batting champ BH

4.08 SAT Astros Jose Altuve handshake series  BH

4.09 SUN El Paso championship rings
4.11 TUE Atlanta Hawks Dwight Howard BH special ticket

4.14 FRI Nats Daniel Murphy

4.14 FRI Seattle Ken Griffey Jr statue

4.14 FRI Boston Mookie Betts Awards BH

4.14 FRI Braves inaugural game ticket

4.15 SAT SF Johnny Cueto Shimmy BH

4.18 TUE STL Red Schoendist mini BH

4.19 WED Seattle Ichiro Suzuki double BH

4.21 FRI UGA Jeff Keppinger BH 7 pm 1000

4.21 FRI Sacramento River Cats Johnny Cueto Shimmy BH

4.21-22-23  Reds Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon BH

4.22 SAT Timber Rattlers Alex Rodriquez BH

4.22 SAT Syracuse Trea Turner BH

4.22 SAT Rays Chris Archer Starting Lineup action figure

4.22 SAT Mets Matt Harvey garden gnome

4.22 SAT Fresno Grizzlies Buster Posey carrying Tim Lincecum BH

4.22 SAT Orioles home plate shaped welcome mat

4.22 SAT Wisconsin Timber Rattlers ARod BH

4.22 SAT Frisco Roughriders stadium replica

4.22 SAT Akron Rubber Ducks Jack Kilway BH

4.22 SAT Round Rock Express water tower replica

4.23 SUN Brewers Jonathan Villar stolen base BH

4.24 MON Giants Rocket Raccoon BH

4.25 TUE STL Lou Brock mini BH

4.28 FRI Royals Rusty Kuntz BH

4.28 FRI STL Bruce Sutter gnome

4.28 FRI KC Rusty Kuntz talking BH  

4.29 SAT STL Carlos Martinez/Matt Carpenter BH

4.29 SAT Dodgers Corey Seager BH

4.29 SAT KC Kelvin Herrera BH

4.29 SAT TEX Adrian Beltre Dancing Legs BH

4.29 SAT Asheville Talking Rick Rice BH

4.29 SAT Altoona golden tiger HS mascot BH

4.29 SAT Bridgeport BH TBA

4.29 SAT Inland Empire 66ers Jim Abbott BH

4.30 SUN NYY Gary Sanchez BH

4.30 SUN Detroit Tigers yarmulke