Be My Braves Valentine

 

Just saw the Who Wants to be a Millionaire episode where celebrity chef David Chang went all the way, thanks to his phone a friend call to ESPN's Mina Kimes. Pretty cool. 

Mr. & Mrs. Tim Tebow took a tour of the Ark Encounter in northern Kentucky recently, led by Answers in Genesis founder Ken Ham himself.

Been doing some last minute shoe shopping. These Nikes waffle trainers and Puma spikeless golf shoes were finalists, along with a pretty blue pair of Reebok Classics. Then the seller of the high-topped Puma RS Mids reduced his price, so I snapped them up. Of course after a day of Valentines shopping, where I found a team issue Tech pullover and Braves Maintenance polo, which will be perfect for sneaking into this summer's All Star game.

Above: candle with the scent of new sneakers.

Below: this teacher wore the same outfit for school picture day for 40 straight years. Legendary.

R.I.P. athlete turned actor Mike Henry. USC. Steelers. Rams. Tarzan. The Green Berets. Corrupt prison guard in The Longest Yard. Junior in Smokey and the Bandit. Kidnapped Larry Csonka as a guest hoodlum on The Six Million Dollar Man. And husband Donald Penobscott of Major Margaret Houlihan on MASH.

Aaron Judge is 6'7" 282 pounds. He looks normal next to Shaq. Or does Judge make Shaq look normal? I'm betting the Falcons gave Shaq that #34 jersey before the recent football season, when they gave personalized jerseys to members of Atlanta's sports media.

Ending Ugly

Several superstars will play for one time almost their entire career, then right at the end of their career they'll sign on with another team for one last hurrah. They still think they can play, but most of the time it ends ugly. 

Like Peyton Manning before him, Tom Brady was able to win a championship with his new team. A championship pretty much excludes them from this list. Here are dozens of examples. Who did I leave out?

Hank Aaron Brewers
Marcus Allen Chiefs
Steve Avery Tigers
Steve Bartkowski Rams
Fred Biletnikoff Roughriders
Drew Bledsoe Bills
Wade Boggs Devil Rays
Tom Brady Bucs
Orlando Cepeda Red Sox
Larry Csonka Giants
Eric Dickerson Falcons
Mike Ditka Eagles Cowboys
Tony Dorsett Broncos
Patrick Ewing Seattle
Brett Favre Jets Vikings
Francoeur Royals Rangers Marlins
Steve Garvey Padres
Tom Glavine Mets
Ken Griffey Jr White Sox
Gronk Bucs
Franco Harris Seahawks
Bo Jackson White Sox
Andruw Jones White Sox
Michael Jordan Wizards
Jim Kiick Broncos
Joe Kapp Patriots
Bernie Kosar Dolphins
Ronnie Lott Jets
Greg Maddux Padres Dodgers
Archie Manning Oilers Vikings
Pete Maravich Celtics
Stephon Marbury Korea
Eddie Mathews Astros
Willie Mays Mets
Brian McCann Astros
Fred McGriff Devil Rays
Jim McMahon Chargers
Joe Montana Chiefs
Warren Moon Seahawks
Randy Moss Titans
Dale Murphy Phillies Rockies
Joe Namath Rams
Phil Niekro Indians Yankees
Alan Page Bears
Scottie Pippen Portland
Jerry Rice Seahawks
Babe Ruth Braves
Deion Sanders Ravens
Tom Seaver White Sox
Shaq Cleveland, Boston
OJ Simpson 49ers
Emmitt Smith Cardinals
John Smoltz Cardinals Red Sox
Duke Snider Mets
Warren Spahn Mets
Ken Stabler Oilers Saints
Jan Stenerud Vikings Packers
Jim Taylor Saints
Johnny Unitas Chargers
Dominique Wilkins Celtics

I wrote this on my phone, during the second half of the Super Bowl. Pet peeve: people who call it the superbowl, or the Big Game.

It's a Jungle Out There

Man you can never be too careful out driving on the roads. Almost every day I see a car driving in the dark without lights. This morning a big truck was in the far left lane near stinky Kroger, almost stopped. I noticed it had on its right blinker. I slowed, not sure if I could pass in one of the two lanes to its right. Nope – the truck started a long slow right turn into the water treatment plant. I had to brake.

Then I drove on Azalea by the river up to the long red light at Roswell Road. I was like sixth in a line of cars. Just before the light turned green, a car coming down the hill from Roswell ran the light and slammed into a car turning out into the intersection. Smash. Few of the cars in front of me made the light, so I made a right, crossed the river, and made a U turn, and continued on my route.

Then as I neared Holcomb Bridge a Brinks truck crossed the road right in front of me, almost hitting the car to my left. Kind of a harbinger of my day at work – three new problems.

What’s great is to get to know good Christian people, that aren’t out there making a big show of their Christianity. Good salt of the earth people spending time in the Bible and ministering to those who need help. I’ve got a ways to go with that.

Thursday: slow evening. Ceil had liked the stir fry meal we’d eaten last week from Trader Joes, so she fixed that again last night, over rice. Watched Chicago Med.

I had made reservations for Valentines brunch at Beetlecat, but Ceil’s friend Noelle is speaking at a women’s event at Johnson Ferry tomorrow. Ceil’s going to be there tonight as well. Need to do my taxes.

Several years ago Johnny Tallant, the 80 year old Hot Stove host, got licensed as a justice of the peace. Now he performs as many as 300 weddings per year. He recently raised his price from $60 to $100 ($150 for an off-site wedding). Most of his weddings take place in his carport. That’s a pretty nice retirement job.

 

Steak Shapiro’s favorite BBQ places.

Anna’s BBQ in Kirkwood

Community Q in Decatur

Das BBQ on Collier Road

Dave Poe’s BBQ (Marietta) redneck lasagna – Brunswick stew over mac & cheese

Fox Brothers BBQ in The Battery

Greater Good BBQ Roswell Road

Heirloom Market BBQ Akers Mill Road

Pig N’Chick redneck nachos – fries with cheddar, pork, & sauce

Pit Boss BBQ Hapeville

Socks Love BBQ Cumming

Sweet Auburn BBQ

Zeigler’s in Acworth

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.atlantaeats.com_blog_steak-2Dshapiros-2Dtop-2D12-2Dbbq-2Djoints-2Din-2Datlanta_&d=DwICAg&c=UXihhqr7vvdA-hrKyTiC1Q&r=wMWwaEbn9nr4zXI4p6CDP7FGwn1DrBd77MJElrWsP6U&m=JvVJm6EgoEk-AWJAONCyEVKI8jCe2i3hHEWV3C2jmNY&s=lKXbnKdtifVtMRiE7FBj6HJbozVWN4P3byUEzbRetGs&e=

Trevor Lawrence will have to have surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. He should be ready for training camp, but perhaps not the OTA’s. Nice cleats.

_{https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/Media-slams-Urban-Meyer-Jacksonville-Jaguars-Jaguars-for-Chris-Doyle-hire-160797514/}

 

EVAN GATTIS  [B-R Bio] as a 26-year-old rookie was the Rookie of the Month his first two months in the majors, playing mostly different positions each month. In April 2013, he played catcher in all but three games. In May, only caught six games, splitting the rest between LF and DH. In his first year in the majors, he played 48 games in LF, 42 at catcher, and four at first. He had one lonely vote for ROY which left him tied for 7th with Nolan Arenado. Some say his facial hair is to offset a rather youthful countenance. Beards of varying lengths are what he usually sports, but even without, he is a commanding presence. He appears in the “9 Most Outrageous Beards In the MLB”. Much is made of the fact that before focusing on baseball, he worked as a janitor. He uses his old I.D. badge as his Twitter photo. He had despaired of his baseball dream. His story is told here.

This is how a church resists tyranny: Elizabeth Prata’s The End Time Blog.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__the-2Dend-2Dtime.org_2021_02_11_this-2Dis-2Dhow-2Da-2Dchurch-2Dresists-2Dtyranny_&d=DwICAg&c=UXihhqr7vvdA-hrKyTiC1Q&r=wMWwaEbn9nr4zXI4p6CDP7FGwn1DrBd77MJElrWsP6U&m=H-l5CEMpwbDhbR3cYNAlO3ISRoVyPj1dj_ryjKVQ_rM&s=TmljFBYBXsOiItEVsRypoHtZ4psHI0N-MeMISehJcFA&e=

First Bite: Culvers

Decided to try out Culvers yesterday. I’d never been. I’ve heard people speak of how great cheese curds were, so I upgraded my order. Fried battered balls of cheese. Good stuff. A nice change from French fries. My order came with another upgraded side, so I opted for onion rings. Hot, perfectly battered, round, crisp. Above average, though not much onion inside, not that anyone really cares. Probably frozen, but still wonderfully prepared.

The butterburger was also delicious. Two big patties picking out from the tasty bun. Lots of meat. The condiments and extras didn’t overwhelm the meat. Had I not ordered takeout I would’ve added extra ketchup. Saved my chicken tenders for Thursday lunch. Culvers would be an upgrade from the less expensive Steak & Shake, a nicer place than Five Guys or Cheeseburger Bobby’s. I give Culver’s a thumbs up.

We only had seven for Hot Stove, and no real agenda. Just a roundtable general discussion: Braves, baseball, the Hall of Fame, the vaccine, etc. Newcomer Eddie Cook of Peachtree City was back for the second straight month. Last month he’d shared several Niekro stories. A native of Thomasville GA, he’d gone to school with William Andrews. His Aaron story: he attended the game the night after Hank hit 715. He and his brother were staying across the street from Atlanta Stadium, at the old Stadium Hotel (now a homeless shelter). They learned that Mrs. Babe Ruth was also staying at the hotel that day. Cook went to the front desk and asked for her room number, and they gave it to him. That would never happen today. They knocked on her door. She opened the door, and autographed a game program. Later they had Hank autograph the same program.

This reminded Johnny Tallant of the time he went to a hotel to meet up with Nationals catcher Michael Barrett. The front desk said no one by that name was registered. Then Johnny saw manager Frank Robinson walk into the adjoining restaurant. Johnny followed Frank, and asked him if he knew Barrett’s room. Robinson wasn’t happy, but pulled out a sheet of paper with the room assignments, along with the aliases the players were registered under. Frank had to ask someone what Barrett’s alias was, and finally found Barrett’s room number. While this was going on, Johnny pulled out a couple of Frank Robinson baseball cards, and asked Frank for his autograph. More grumbling: “I can only sign one.” But he signed both anyway.

Tallant also told of the help Braves longtime trainer Jeff Porter had given Johnny’s daughter, who went to school to become a sports trainer. She eventually worked at Converse College for two years before becoming a PA. Porter told Johnny he’d give him tickets if they were ever at a road game, and Tallant hit him up for the next ten years, until Porter had to start filling out tax forms for the exchange.

We stayed around talking later than usual. I didn’t leave until 9:20, after taking a selfie with Nomar. After such a busy day at work, I’d been on the go after work from 5 pm until I got home after 10 pm. Took out the trash and packaged a bobble shipment, and went to bed. Hadn’t checked my phone or personal emails all day.

Pet peeve: the misuse and overuse of terms like icon, legend, awesome, GOAT, etc. I heard the following ballplayers referred to as an icon: Ron Gant. Terry Harper. Gant was a 2 time all-star, but only a career .256 hitter.

The Mavericks issued a statement that included several phrases that I hope people will apply to all people: “listen to those who feel differently than them” and “have courageous conversations” and “find what unites us.” I’m not seeing much of that these days in our country. The people calling for listening and unity are the same people saying they’ve already made up their minds on issues. Why don’t they listen? This applies to all issues, not just to people who feel strongly about the playing of the national anthem.   

I keep hearing the term “evangelicals”. What does that mean? How does an evangelical differ from a Christian – follower of Christ?

Smokehouse: Strike Three?

Tuesday: with Ceil off at her ministry, I picked up takeout from a “fancy” place tonight that she doesn’t like – Smokehouse Burgers and Bones, in the Avenue East Cobb. Either a burger, breaded chicken tenders, or a BBQ sandwich. So I was all looking forward to splurging. Last time we went the service was terrible. This time my order was ready 15 minutes before promised. French fries were hot and tasty. Apple butter BBQ sauce a tad spicy but still good. BBQ was good, with slaw and onion straws inside.

I tried to eat slow. Perhaps sometimes I gobble food down too quickly. Tried to chew completely and enjoy the sandwich. A good meal. Afterwards I settled on the couch. Watched Mr. Mayor and Jeopardy and started on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Started to get a feeling in my stomach, and I knew I was about to get sick. Threw up the entire meal. Felt okay besides that.

I know that I am often guilty of fast eating and taking big bites. Also eating too much. Gotta do better in all three. Lately I haven’t really felt great after eating any takeout food. Ate a pack of crackers on the way to work and some peanuts for lunch. Was planning on grabbing fast food only because I have to drive up to Cumming for tonight’s Hot Stove meeting. Now I’m not so sure. I get off at five and the meeting starts at seven, but it’s a haul up there. I try to swing by a Cumming thrift store that I don’t get too much. Would be cool to find some Denmark High swag, since it’s named the famous local pediatrician Lelia Denmark, who we visited when our kids were young.

A lady Ceil knows at the Merchants Walk Whole Foods contacted C thru Matthew. Whole Foods had nine big cases left over from Christmas they want to donate to Ceil’s ministry, The Table on Delk. Toys, ornaments, lotions, educational things for kids, lip balm, water bottles, and more. Nice.

Thinking in investing in a new pair of sneakers. Thought I’d list out the pros & cons to help decide. Not sure it will help.

Puma RSX Mid. Pros: comfortable. I don’t have any high-tops. I’ve long wanted these shoes.

Cons: hard to pull on. I have a low-topped pair almost exactly like them. I have plenty of light colored sneakers.

Nike Space Hippies. Pro: they’re close to being the latest thing. Comfortable. Nike.com has them on sale.

Cons: I don’t like how they look, looking straight down at the laces. Grey shoes aren’t my favorite, as cool as these are. And I have plenty grey shoes.

Adidas Prophere. Pro: look good. Should be comfortable.

Cons: are they knockoffs? Look similar to other shoes I have.

Nike Dunk Low Navy White Pros: look good.

Cons: expensive. Not really comfortable. Will has the exact pair. Hard to find. Get a similar pair of Pumas?

I really don’t need another pair of sneakers. Got my black adidas Premiere and multicolored Puma RS-X to wear to work, my blue Hokas to run in, and my white Stan Smiths and off white Nike Free Commuters to knock around in.

Man I am swamped at work. Gonna be a busy year. Everyone’s workload has increased. Manpower shortages due to covid. Doing the best I can. I wonder if in retirement I’d like working at Braves games for 80 days a year, interacting with fans. Gwinnett is too far away.

Mark Cuban stopped the playing of the national anthem at Dallas Mavericks home games. The NBA quickly overruled him.

ZANE SMITH [B-R Bio] was the pitcher whose win stopped the Braves skid after they’d lost ten straight to start the season. In 1988, ATL lost its first ten games of the season. Smith was the winning pitcher in the 11th game, their first win. He surrendered infielder Al Newman’s only career home run. On Sunday afternoon, 06-Jul-1986, switch-hitting Expo second baseman Al Newman, batting 8th, hit a Zane Smith pitch over the left field wall in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. It was little remarked on by anyone except Newman since that was the game ATL first baseman Bob Horner hit 4 HR. Although he only pitched in eleven games for the 1990 Pirates, his 1.30 ERA help them win their first division title in eleven years. PIT won the NL East in 1990. PIT’s previous win was their WS title in 1979. 

I’m going to have to get on a list for a shot. The vaccine is like getting your kid on a travel team or Ivy League school, or appointment to West Point – it’s like a full time job working the angles to get signed up. Isn’t the minimum age in Georgia still 65? Soon they’ll let the teachers get it, because they’re more important than everyone else risking their life going to work every day. That’ll help Ceil, but not me. Soon they’re gonna start not letting people into places if they haven’t gotten the vaccine. I’m already seeing it on questionnaires. My dad’s knees were sore from sitting in the car for about four hours Thursday, when he got his second shot. He got better, and went to the store on Friday. Another old guy told me he had the same problem after his second shot. 

Six uses for an old computer. All are pretty much beyond my technical ability. 

https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/uses-for-an-old-computer/777064/?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=totd&utm_content=2021-02-07

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus called us to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Herschel vs the PFHOF

Players eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time in 2022 include OLB DeMarcus Ware, LB Robert Mathis, NT Vince Wilfork, KR Devin Hester, WR Steve Smith, WR Andre Johnson, and WR Anquan Boldin. In addition to decent stats, Boldin won MFL Man of the Year. Smith was trouble for every team he played for.

Only Smith gained more NFL yards than Herschel, but it took Smith four more years to do so. None averaged nearly as many NFL yards per season as Walker, by margins of 20-50%. If Hester gets voted in before Herschel, I’ll eat my hat. Of course like Curt Schilling, Herschel’s conservative political views will now exclude him from further consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, despite his exceptional resume.

YR.rec.tot yds.TD long.yd/yr

12 0512 18168 85 94 1514 Herschel NFL

11 0255 14455 36 98 1314 Devin Hester

09 0731 11619 83 00 1291 Calvin Johnson

16 1031 19180 85 99 1199 Steve Smith

14 1062 14239 70 77 1017 Andre Johnson

14 1076 14138 83 79 1010 Anquan Boldin

11 0489 08207 48 67 0746 Drew Pearson

 

2021 PFHOF inductees
OG Alan Faneca Steelers guard 9xPB 6xAP

HC Tom Flores QB/coach 3xSB

WR Calvin Johnson (stats above)

FS John Lynch 9xPB SB

QB Peyton Manning 5xMVP 2xSB ROY 14xPB CBPOY

SC Bill Nunn scout for Steelers

WR Drew Pearson (stats above)

DB Charles Woodson 65 INT 9xPB SB POY

The Pro Football Hall of Fame only allows five inductees per year, and the list of worthy candidates grows longer each year, as the article below details. Notable quote regarding Ken Riley, which is applicable to Herschel as well: “The Hall of Fame is supposed to be about production, not reputation.” There are 58 all-decade players not in the PFHOF.

All Decade: Lavvie Dilwig

50th anniversary team: Ron Kramer & Boyd Dowler

9 PB’s: Jim Tyrer, Maxie Baughan, Walt Sweeney

8 PB’s: Ed Budde, George Kunz, Lamar Parrish

7 PB’s: Randy Gradishar, Andy Russell, Jay Hilgenberg

8 PB’s: Chuck Howley, Ed Meador

4 PB’s: Clay Matthews & Everson Walls, who led league in INTs 3 times

Others: Ken Anderson, Larry Brown, Mike Curtis, Pat Fischer, Gale Gillingham, Pete Retzlaff.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.si.com_nfl_talkoffame_nfl_clay-2Dmatthews-2Dand-2Dthe-2Dabyss-2Dthat-2Dis-2Dthe-2Dsenior-2Dpool&d=DwIFAg&c=UXihhqr7vvdA-hrKyTiC1Q&r=wMWwaEbn9nr4zXI4p6CDP7FGwn1DrBd77MJElrWsP6U&m=Dtc5VCtCw5W3ZbAUrQ3yKdk98jeZNp31wq3IGzXTi9w&s=g-PkYeg3zA8ppyXowbtUM4KRDQ5pjADi6M6TarQhuBE&e=

During the Super Bowl, adidas gave away 29 gift certificates worth $1515.00 each, one for every minute the Chiefs possessed the ball. Man I could’ve done some damage with one of those bad boys. Had there been a safety, Volvo was going to give away a new car. Other sweepstakes with Super Bowl tie ins were giving away $100,000 and $50,000.

Brady and Gronk cashed in, taping the "I'm going to Disney World" commercial after the game.

Once the Braves signed Ozuna they were freed up to schedule a date to give away the 15000 bobbleheads the team had made up last year. Around MLB there are 4 million bobbles that weren’t given out last season. The Braves are lucky – they’re able to give away all theirs this year. Some teams have traded away players, and have to get creative.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.espn.com_mlb_story_-5F_id_30861180_4-2Dmillion-2Dextra-2Dbobbleheads-2D2020-2Dlost-2Dmlb-2Dgiveaways-2Djackpot-2Dfans&d=DwIFAg&c=UXihhqr7vvdA-hrKyTiC1Q&r=wMWwaEbn9nr4zXI4p6CDP7FGwn1DrBd77MJElrWsP6U&m=HA_HhNK6iQ8WmwCzPk87PgkYRvylvyNISI7P3Tz054Q&s=DqBfb_6khCynjETC4zbOEoAoFAcRmFrHAAs0FCiH4jI&e=

 

JUAN MARICHAL  [SABR Bio] was the winner of the “greatest game ever pitched.” On 02-Jul-1963 Marichal benefitted from a 16th-inning HR from Willie Mays to beat MLN’s ace Warren Spahn 1-0. Many people call this pitching duel the “Greatest”. Marichal took a no-hitter into the eighth inning in his first major league start. On 19-Jul-1960, in Marichal’s MLB debut, he held PHI hitless until pinch-hitter Clay Dalrymple singled with two outs in the 8th. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame the same year as his former manager. Entered the HOF in 1983 with Walter Alston. Marichal pitched for LAD under Alston in 1975.

 

Denison: “It is worth noting that the halftime show was as “family-friendly” as the headliner, The Weeknd, promised it would be. As my wife noted when we were discussing this fact, we can make a difference when we take a stand, as many of us did after last year’s highly offensive show. Nature reports “the devastation of the pandemic—millions of deaths, economic strife, and unprecedented curbs on social interaction—has already had a marked effect on people’s mental health.” More than 42% of people surveyed reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, a nearly fourfold increase from 11% the previous year. The good news is that when we focus on the eternal in the midst of the temporal, we find hope in the former to face our gravest challenges in the latter. Such hope is a powerful witness to a watching and hurting world.”

Some thought the Super Bowl halftime show invoked references to gog, the evil demon who leads the final invasion against Israel. I really didn’t pay attention. Perhaps I should have.

Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger has launched investigations into several groups who sought to register ineligible, out of state, and deceased voters before the recent senate runoff.

Signs you’re exhausted and on the verge of collapse.

1. You find it hard to get to sleep at night.

2. You look for quick sources of energy.

3. Your emotions are out of control.

4. Your normal hobbies are draining you.

5. Decisions are tougher than they used to be.

6. You are physically exhausted.

7. Your memory is failing you.

8. You are getting sick – a lot.

9. Your impulse control is lower than ever.

_{https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/9-subtle-scientific-signs-youre-exhausted-and-on-the-verge-of-collapse?ltm=HhTURlLkLJjVfdkPxSV7LqBlMvhokkXh4I13N4V48adoR3W5eD6ARYDUTUcxtmcp&subscriber_type=member&utm_source=member&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_content=dnl-2021-2-7-ab}

Can Mahomes Catch Brady?

 

Stay up for the Super Bowl? Seemed like the game went by quickly, or at least didn’t drag on. Good game. People love them some Patrick Mahomes, who put up a valiant effort. He’s tracking to break Brady’s records, but can he approach Brady’s playoff achievements?  Seven Super Bowl winds in ten appearances is a high bar. 

Mahomes will have to play in at least eight more Super Bowls. In eight years he’ll be 33 years old. Gonna be tough, but Will Ferrell was 36 when he filmed the movie Elf.

I didn’t leave the house all weekend. Got home Friday and had to enter the daily stock order for my customer, which had been sent over super late. Took 30 minutes. C had supper ready at 6:30 – homemade pizza. Very good. We watched Chicago Med.

Usually it doesn’t take me long to see breaking news. After supper Friday night I first checked email before social media, since I’d been working on getting those late orders shipped. Saw an email from Lang, saying the Braves were re-signing Ozuna. Sweet. Then I went to social media and saw that Lang had emailed me just as the story was breaking.

Worked upstairs Saturday until noon. Chicken quesadillas for lunch. Turned on the Phoenix Open. Took a nap. C went to the grocery store. Ate leftover pizza for supper. Hallmark Channel movie.

Later I watched the NFL Honors Show. I like how they make a bigger deal about the Man of the Year Award than any other award. Seattle QB Russell Wilson won MOY for his recent work with black lives matter, and his longtime visits to the children’s hospital. In his speech Wilson quoted 1 Corinthians 13, and honored his late father. CBS host James Brown also quoted Bible verses when commenting on minorities in the NFL. Contrasted with MVP Aaron Rodgers’ thankful acceptance speech, that turned borderline mystical.

Online Sunday School. PB&J for breakfast. Chicken quesadillas for lunch. We’d thought about going out to lunch after Sunday School. I named a bunch of places, but never decided on a place, so Ceil just went to Dekalb Farmers Market.

Watched the Emma Thompson / Pierce Brosnan movie Love Punch, and some of the pregame. Missed the Biden interview. Decent national anthem. Inspiring Air Force flyover.

The officials chosen to call the Super Bowl are selected because they’ve received the highest grades during the season, meaning they’ve called penalties when there was a foul, and not called a penalty when there wasn’t one. They’re the best officials on the planet. Yet the legions of Brady-conspiracy theorists are convinced the game was rigged so the Bucs would win. The same officiating crew called two Chiefs games during the season, and both times Kansas City was flagged ten times. I didn’t watch every replay, but KC was obviously offsides on the field goal attempt. The Honey Badger obviously held up the receiver in the end zone, and obviously committed unsportsmanlike conduct after the ensuing touchdown. The Bucs were wise to exploit the Chiefs over-aggressiveness. Later in the game similar calls were called against Tampa Bay.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-2021-bucs-qb-tom-brady-elevates-to-a-new-height-with-7th-crown-5th-mvp/?ftag=SPM-16-10abi8e

Hard to remember the two old head coaches used to be athletes. Andy Reid was a national finalist in Punt, Pass, & Kick. Bruce Arians holds the Virginia Tech record for most rushing TD’s for a QB, a record Michael Vick couldn’t break.

Several good commercials, though I didn’t make a list. Edward Scissorhands for Cadillac.. Wayne’s World. Big Bird for DoorDash. Amazon with the actor Michael B Jordan. Brady & Gronk for T-Mobile. Will Ferrell for GM. Tony Romo for Sketchers. Bud Light’s star-studded commercial. I missed the St. Jude commercial. Missed Ashton Kuchar for Cheetos. Missed the Jeep commercial. I was washing the dishes during the first quarter. Can’t remember which, but one commercial made fun of a recent political event. Completely turned me off. 

Ceil bought chicken wings and ate some Saturday night. Sunday night she grilled burgers, onions, and peppers, baked French fries, and tossed a salad. She picked up cheesecake tarts for dessert. I also made nacho cheese popcorn Sunday afternoon.

Overheard: The only thing that will save America’s media is ideological diversity. Congress and the media are calling for diversity - in every area except ideology. Nowadays it is believe what I believe, or be censored and cancelled.

MORDECAI BROWN [SABR Bio] had the best ERA for a season among right-handed pitchers in the Modern Era. In 1906 his ERA was just under 1.04. Brown’s ERA mark was only bested by southpaw Dutch Leonard’s 0.96 of 1914. Brown’s efforts that year were no doubt instrumental in leading his team to their first league championship. In that same season, he and his opposite number threw one-hitters in the same game. He and Lefty Leifield each gave up only one hit when they faced each other 04-Jul-1906(1). Brown prevailed 1-0. Brown’s Cubs won the NL pennant in 1906. Their franchise however, had finished first in the NL under the name White Stockings (1876, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1885, 1886) and had also been known at the Colts (1890-97) and Orphans (1898-1902). In that WS, however, they did not fare as well, losing 4-2 to their cross-town rivals the White Sox. Brown was a switch-hitter. He had nicknames based on his name and previous occupation. His teammates called him “Brownie”. He was also known as “The Miner” because he had worked in the coal mines as a teenager in Indiana.

My Super Pick

Who do I want to win the Super Bowl? I like some things about both teams.

QB: Patrick Mahomes is perhaps the best QB on the planet. He's fun to watch. Tom Brady is the GOAT. Gets alot of hate for being Tom Brady. What's to hate? Arguably the hardest working player in the NFL. Competitive like Michael Jordan. Takes time on interviews to give shoutouts to his parents, sisters, wife, and kids. ME: Brady.

Uniforms: Chiefs got one of the best unis in the NFL. Bucs unis have improved, but pale in comparison. ME: Chiefs.

Coaches: two old white guys. ME: tie.

Tight ends: Gronk is fun. His talents may have diminished, but he plays (and lives) all out. Tampa has another good tight end as well. Kelsey has honored his father, and may be the best tight end in the NFL. But he needs to ditch the yellow shoes. ME: Gronk.

Kickers: I've never liked Butker. Near perfect in the NFL, but at Tech it took him four years to figure it out. The Bucs have Ryan Succup, former Chief and Gamecock. ME: I don't like either of them.

Stadiums: Tampa has a pirate ship in the end zone. Cool. KC has Arrowhead Stadium, with its unique design. Great fans. The tomahawk chop. Politically incorrect. ME: Close, but give it to the Chiefs.

Other: KC has the Honey Badger, UGA's Mecole Hardiman, that rookie RB from LSU. and play-caller Eric Bieniemy, who many say deserves to be a head coach. Bucs have RB Leonard Fournette and play-caller Byron Leftwich, who I never liked as a QB but has found his calling as an OC. EDGE: Chiefs.

Announcers: I dislike Fox's Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. I like NBC's Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth. I love CBS's Jim Nantz and Tony Romo. Wasn't a big Romo fan when he was a QB, but as an announcer he's great. Doesn't take himself too seriously. He smiles. 

Pick: there's one reason why I want the Bucs to win. Tom Brady.

Mahomes' dad played for the Twins and Mets. Young Patrick pitched in high school, and garnered national attention. Brady was a baseball prospect as well - as a catcher.

Mahomes with dad's teammate Mike Hampton. The State Farm commercials are good, but as a policyholder, I have a negative opinion of "The Good Neighbor."