Father's Day Weekend

Friday: left work at 2:30. My checkup at the cardiologist went well. No issues. Stopped by three thrift stores on the way home. Matthew prodded Ceil into watching the movie musical “Mama Mia” where the actors sang their own songs, including Pierce Brosnan. I don’t think C liked it.

Saturday: cleaned upstairs in the morning. Then I went downstairs and worked in my office from 1130 – 6 pm. So much that I am never able to get to during the week. Supper was BBQ chicken.

Sunday: C had bought cinnamon rolls for my breakfast. Then Sunday School and worship. When the service was starting we received a message from our friends in India – their friend was to be baptized, could we share a video. At JFBC, baptisms are a time of celebration. After the sermon Danny Downing introduced each person that was to be baptized, and shared a short testimony the person had written.

One baptism would take place to the left of the stage, then one on the right. We kept listening for Ashlyn to be introduced. Then there were no more baptisms on the right side, so we thought the next baptism on the left would be the last. After that baptism Danny looked around, expecting another baptism. Still no Ashlyn. Then another baptism on the left – but not Ashlyn. Danny still looked perplexed. Finally Ashlyn arrived, and was baptized.

Met A&C at Luckys Burger in Roswell, and had a nice lunch. I just had a plain cheeseburger and fries. We lingered there for a long time. The Braves were on one TV and the US Open on another. A third TV was showing a documentary of former basketball player Scott Pollard getting heart surgery at Vanderbilt University Hospital.

Got back home and visited with A&C before they headed out. I had to take something back to a store in Sandy Springs, so I drove down there. It was sunny and there weren’t any sunglasses in C’s car, so I stopped by Dollar Tree. On the way back I stopped by RaceTrac and gassed up C’s car, so the trip took some time. Due to the rain delay I didn’t miss much of the US Open.

I saw highlights of the Angel Reese scuffle. Fans were praising her record breaking performance: the youngest forward to record a triple double (or something like that). Shot 2-7 from the field and 0-2 on 3 pointers, but 7-7 from the line. Angel was awarded “Sportswoman of the Year” by BET.

M got home from work and cooked my Father’s Day meal: bacon cheeseburgers, special cheesy potatoes, and the blueberry cheesecake eclairs he’d made earlier at Kimball House. An excellent meal. 

Later we re-watched the Hallmark classic “A Country Wedding”. C didn’t want to watch it at first, but got sucked in.

Around 10:30 Matthew was walking around, trying to find his keys. He had locked them in his truck. His spare key was at his ex-girlfriend’s house way down in Decatur. He left in my car to go get the spare key – right when a huge thunderstorm was hitting. Luckily the storm was just up north. Didn’t look like it was raining inside the perimeter. I went to bed, but couldn’t sleep for worrying about him. Later I heard him when he got back.

Also last night while I was up in the middle of the night I accidently stepped on Winnie. She went over to Ceil’s side of the bed. This morning she looked like she was still mad at me.

Up early to hit the gym this morning. Millie called to show me her swimmies.

My fantasy camp friend JOE PEPITONE [SABR Bio] was the first player to hit two home runs in the same inning in the expansion era. Leading off the 8th on 06-Aug-1969, Pepitone homered off Kansas City Athletic pitcher Dan Pfister.  By the time Pepitone batted again in the same inning, Kansas City had already used 3 relievers.  Facing John Wyatt, the 4^th KC reliever, Pepitone launched his second homer—a 3-run shot. Pepitone was the first Yankee to win a Gold Glove as a first baseman, at the end of the 1965, 1966 & 1969 seasons. Once, forgetting that the steal sign was a wink, blew his third-base coach a kiss when the coach repeatedly winked at him.

Long Walks

Saw this good Father's Day photo. More on the day (and weekend) tomorrow. 

Braves struck out a bunch of Rockies yesterday and today, but only managed to win one of the two games. Maybe Strider should stick to wearing the royal cleats, and shelve the red ones.

In 6th grade we had just moved to our new house, but I was still at the same school. I was supposed to ride the bus, which I missed. No phones. I walked the long 4 miles home. My parents weren’t happy.

In 12th grade I ran home from school, a 7 mile trek. I was considering joining the track team. I didn’t. During the 1982 pennant race the Braves lost a doubleheader to the Braves. I walked back to Tech after the game. Three miles.

When we lived on Hillpine in Morningside one time I ran home from Atlanta Stadium after a Braves game. It was the night of Steve Avery’s major league debut – 4.6 miles.

My kids like to camp, but not me. I took Will camping one time, and it rained. As a kid I camped only one time, as a Cub Scout. It didn’t go well.

Men wearing hats indoors bugs me, especially in worship when it’s the guy leading the singing. I’ve seen this at JFBC and at Passion City Church. I do wear caps more these days, to block out the sun. Not sure caps look good on me. I might wear them in a store but that’s about it. Kinda like wearing sunglasses when talking to people – I try to not do that. Even if its sunny, I feel like it is hiding something.

It is rude when people are late. A big pet peeve of mine. Just this morning in the book I am listening to, Luke Russert said he and his dad hated lateness. His mom was always running late.

Article: ways you can actually increase your emotional intelligence.

Books Every Man Should Read, according to this list.

Camden SC native LARRY DOBY [SABR Bio] was the first black player to hit a home run in the World Series, a solo shot in the 3rd inning of Game #4, giving the Indians a 2-1 win and a 3-1 edge over the Braves in 1948. He was also the first black player to hit a home run for the American League in the All-Star game, in the 8th inning off Gene Conley in 1954. Jackie Robinson had homered for the NL in the 1952 ASG. Doby was the last player to lose a home run to a game being called on account of darkness. On 28-Aug-1949(1), Cleveland played a marathon doubleheader with Boston. In the scheduled nightcap, Doby homered off Joe Dobson in the bottom of the 3rd with 2 outs & 2 on. But when the game was halted at the top of the 4th due to failing light, the entire game was wiped from the record, including Doby’s homer.

 

The Lovers, the Dreamers, and Me

On my commute to work I almost always listen to books on tape. But earlier this week on the way home I decided to listen to the theme song from the 1979 Muppet Movie: “Rainbow Connection” sung by Kermit the Frog. May be just weird enough that I want it sung at my funeral.

The always reliable AI reports: "The Rainbow Connection" lyrics explore the connection between dreams and reality. The song plays on the idea of seeking a "rainbow" – a symbol often associated with hope and something unattainable, a powerful motivator for dreamers. Even if rainbows and other illusions aren't real in a literal sense, they inspire and drive people towards their goals.

Why are there so many songs about rainbows

And what's on the other side?

Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,

And rainbows have nothing to hide.

 

So we've been told and some choose to believe it

I know they're wrong, wait and see.

Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,

The lovers, the dreamers and me.

 

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered

when wished on the morning star?

 

Somebody thought of that

and someone believed it,

and look what it's done so far.

What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing?

And what do we think we might see?

Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,

the lovers, the dreamers and me.

 

All of us under its spell, we know that it's probably magic....

 

Have you been half asleep

and have you heard voices?

I've heard them calling my name.

Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?

 

The voice might be one and the same.

I've heard it too many times to ignore it.

It's something that I'm supposed to be.

Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,

the lovers, the dreamers and me. 

Today is the anniversary of the "Second Spitter" day. I reminded my friend Rodney. 

A few years ago the Brooklyn Cyclones gave away a Second Spitter Roger McDowell bobblehead - one of their annual Seinfeld bobbleheads.

I am getting to the age where I’m trying just a little to not buy more sneakers and caps and jerseys and clothes. Got too many already. Not sure if they’re fashionable at all, but I’m wearing my Vans Ultrarange sneakers. Vans keeps making these Ultraranges better looking and with more cushioning. Not really a running shoe, just a good all around sneaker. Waterproof. Should I get blue, or another black shoe?

CECIL FIELDER [SABR Bio] struck out 182 times in 1990 but hit 51 HR in his first season with DET. Chris Davis hit 53 HR and struck out 199 times in 2013, his best season for BAL. Fielder hit the first grand slam at Bank One Ballpark (B.O.B) on 09-Jun-1998, in the 3rd inning off of Willie Blair. Fielder played for the U.N.L.V. Rebels. In 1990, Fielder led the majors in HR (51), RBI (132), and slugging (.592), finishing second to Rickey Henderson for AL MVP, with ten 1st-place votes to Henderson’s 14. In 1991 Fielder led baseball again in HR (44) & RBI (133) but finished behind Cal Ripken 15-9 for MVP.

Look For Me There

Just started listening to the memoir “Look For Me There: Grieving My Father, Finding Myself” by Luke Russert, son of the late Tim Russert. I was not aware that Tim Russert’s son had become a Capitol Hill reporter for NBC after his father’s sudden death. Like many of the books that I need, I just stumbled across this one. Luke mentioned a John Steinbeck book, so maybe I’ll read some Steinbeck in the future.

There is a “contemporary” church song titled “All Hail King Jesus”. It is one of the better songs that gets sung in the JFBC services, though it mostly just repeats over and over “All hail King Jesus, All hail the Lord of heaven and earth. All hail king Jesus, all hail the Savior of the world. There are stanzas, but I don’t remember those getting sung that much.

Wednesday was signup to work at the All Star Game Fanfest. Spots went quickly, so I was able to only grab two shifts. I think I’ll be available to watch the all-stars walk the red carpet, which will be cool.

Worked past six. Stopped by Burger King for a dollar deal (large fries & ice cream). Got home and finished off M’s chicken tenders. I watched Jeopardy, Chicago Med, and the old baseball movie Eight Men Out.

Earlier in the day Ceil had gone with Mary Hurt and Mary Hubert to visit Myra Marsh. Then she went down to take the girlies to a Norman birthday party. After work Will attended a birthday party for a friend at Little Bear, the hip organic restaurant in Summerhill. He didn’t get home until 11 pm. I stayed on the phone with Ceil for her entire trip home, so we didn’t get to bed until almost midnight.

Started the day with 37 emails, which is decent. And late yesterday I was able to get two new orders entered, which is a start. Getting more and more help from new team members Josh and Leo, who are lightening my load. Josh is 39 and has worked here six months. Leo turned 30 on Thursday, and has worked here 2-3 years. He’s moving over next week, so I’ll be training him from here on out. He passed out sodas from his home country in South America.

Thursday: worked until 6 pm. Matthew cooked beef stroganoff. Good but the steak was a little chewy. M was watching cooking shows. I was sleepy and didn’t feel like dragging out my laptop. Went to bed at 9:30. Skipped the gym and slept til 6:30.

Ex-Brave ZOILO VERSALLES [SABR Bio] was the first Hispanic player to be voted MVP, in 1965. Five of his teammates finished in the top 15 vote getters, including the player whose vote prevented Versalles’ selection from being unanimous—Tony Oliva. The Twins had been the Washington Senators until 1961. Their last MVP was Joe Cronin who had won it in 1930. In the 7th inning on 09-Jun-1966, five Twins homered: Rich Rollins, Versailles, Oliva, Don Mincher & Harmon Killebrew. Except for a groundout by Sandy Valdespino after Versalles, it was a straight string of back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to back. Millie loves her pacies.

Last Meals

M likes to watch food videos on YouTube, similar to “Cooking With Lang”. Last night we stumbled across a show called “Last Meals”, where the guest describes what he’d like his last meal to be. Then that meal is prepared for the guest and host to eat.  We watched Tony Hawk describe his last meal: dishes that brought back meaning and memories from various times in his life. Hawk selected rolled tacos and BBQ brisket.

For my last meal I’d like Ceil’s homemade pizza, Dreamland BBQ / Brunswick stew / potato salad / chocolate pudding (since we’ve eaten so much of it at work over the years), a Fuddrucker’s hamburger (the best burger I’ve ever eaten), Ceil’s homemade lasagna, and for dessert Ceil’s apple pie and Baskin Robbins pralines & cream ice cream.

Speaking of meals, on Tuesday M returned from work with a to go container of delicious chicken fingers that had been part of his restaurant’s “family meal” that he and his co-workers share each day before the restaurant opens. Each day a couple of employees take turns preparing a different dish to share.

C cooked BBQ chicken wings, mashed potatoes, and tasteless kale (which I skipped). And since I’m not a fan of chicken with bones, I ate M’s chicken fingers instead.

Recently I may have mentioned the 20 minute wait I endured picking up my Wendys order on June 6. Later I lodged a complaint on the Wendys website. Yesterday I received a $10 voucher. So now I have that to use, plus enough points in the app for another deluxe burger. Also need to cash deals for a free Chickfila milkshake, two $1 deals at Burger King, and a free McDonalds hamburger.

Denison on the LA riots: exercising our First Amendment right to free speech is a basic American value. We value the right to protest peacefully against our leaders and others with whom we disagree. On the other hand, demonstrations that degenerate into violence and break the law obviously have no place in a civil society. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell drew a distinction between protesters and the masked “anarchists” he said were seeking to exploit the state of unrest to vandalize property and attack police. “When I look at the people who are doing the violence, that’s not the people we see here in the day who are out there legitimately exercising their First Amendment rights,” he said. “These are people who are all hooded up—they’ve got a hoodie on, they’ve got face masks on. They’re people that do this all the time. They get away with whatever they can. Go out there from one civil unrest situation to another, using the same or similar tactics. They are connected.”

Satan is “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). As “the deceiver of the whole world” (Rev 12:9), “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14) so as to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Satan is able to convince Hamas that slaughtering Jewish civilians is a defense of Islam required by Allah. Satan deludes lawbreaking protesters into believing that their “cause” is worth what it costs the rest of society. I confess that I struggle with these things. Remember: “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12),

John Roseboro

Will has gotten into baseball cards big time. This past weekend while he was at the house he was looking at my little card collection, mostly from the late 1980’s. I saw an old John Roseboro card from when he was with the Senators. I remembered the card, but never made the connection that he was the same John Roseboro who was hit on the head with a bat by Juan Marichal. In the Dodgers/Orioles World Series book I just finished, Roseboro had been praised for his catching ability, handling Koufax (below left), Drysdale, Osteen, & young Don Sutton.

Monday: nice to have a restful evening. I don’t feel particularly stressed out, but I don’t feel 100% myself. Took it easy at the gym. Left work at 6 pm. Stopped by Kroger on the way home and spent $30 on groceries. M was sick so I got him Gatorade and Sprite. Ceil had a Zoom call so I ate tuna salad for supper.

The work emails just keep coming and coming. Hundreds every day. Started the day with about 60 in my in box. Currently down to 43 and hope to get it down under 40 by the end of the day, but I have so many more important things to do than work on emails.

DON NEWCOMBE [SABR Bio] was the first player to be voted Rookie of the Year, to win Most Valuable Player Award, and the Cy Young Award. Newcombe was voted ROY in 1951 with BRO. In 1956, Newcombe was the NL MVP and won the first ever Cy Young Award. The only other pitcher to win all three is Justin Verlander. Newcombe was proud of his .268 batting average, and used it as a trivia question if someone approached claiming to be a “big fan”. Newcombe made the All Star team in 1949, his rookie season, and also in 1950, 1951 & 1955.

Article: Netflix’s new surveillance tools are collecting all sorts of personal data on its customers. Not just what shows you watch, but also which ones you happen to even consider watching.

Excellent article from Denison about the threat posed by Islam – which is not a religion but a pollical party intent on overtaking the world. Unlike the US and Europe, only China and Japan seem to be repelling this dangerous threat to our way of life. I fear for the future for my children and grandchildren. “According to a report profiled by journalist Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, the Muslim Brotherhood is building an extensive infrastructure in Europe. This movement seeks to impose Islamic law through schools, charities, and religious networks, creating “ideological bases under hospitals”. It claims to reject violence, but has extremist offshoots such as Hamas and blurs the line between nonviolence and radicalization. The Brotherhood views Islam as a total system, not just a religion. Rodan-Benzaquen warns, “Islam is coming for all of the West.” The reason the Muslim Brotherhood’s ideological strategy is so effective is that it encounters little cultural resistance. Not only has public discourse been accommodating under the banner of multiculturalism, but the West has abandoned any cohesive worldview to oppose it.

Article: when will Nike release a Caitlin Clark signature sneaker?

Words to Gentiles Regarding Israel

Clay Smith JFBC

Sermon Series on Romans

Romans 11:1-24

What do we do with Israel, Paul wants to know. God gives all these promises to the Jews and Israel but the Gentiles are enjoying the benefits.

You can take a root or branch from one tree and graft it to a different type of tree. Paul uses this analogy.

In Romans 9, Paul speaks of the original true Israel, between ethnic Jews and those who come to accept Jesus as Savior - and what our attitude should be.

Words to Gentiles in light of what God is doing in Israel…

1. God is not done with Israel v 1-4. God has not rejected Israel. 1 Kings 18 Elijah calls out to God to light up the wet calf in front of the prophets of Baal. In chapter 19:4 then Elijah is running for his life, but there are 7000 men there with him, a remnant of faithful followers.

v 6 not by works but by grace. Grace produce works, but not vice versa. God has allowed people who reject God to become dead to the things of God - Psalm 69. The Nazis infiltrated the Christian church and forced them to teach vile things about the Jews.

A big issue: how do Israel and the church relate to each other? Some believe Israel and the church are divided - these are dispensationalists. Others say there is no distinction between Israel and the church - the covenant view.

2. The outflow - God is using Israel's present rejection for his salvific purposes v :11-15.

Seems like all hope is lost but God will still save. The Gentiles are saved and receive blessings, making the Jews jealous. A sculptor sold an invisible sculpture for $18000. Can others see Jesus in us? v 12.

Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles but had a heart for the Jews v 14.

3. Do not be arrogant as a Gentile, toward Israel v 16-18. Us gentiles are the ones being grafted in with the Jews. Remember that it's the roots that support the gentiles who were grafted in.

v 19 God is good kind holy but also severe to the arrogant.

4. Pray for Israel's future reconciliation v 23-24...that God will graft Israel back into the church. God's promises through Christ.

C.S.Lewis "Of Grief Observed" was about when his wife died. Lewis said Jews were the only normal people, everyone else is a special case.

Pray in particular for Jewish people to come to know Christ.

Breaking Braves Uniform News

Saturday in San Francisco, the Braves wore their Friday home red jerseys on the road - for the first time ever, best I can remember. Paired with the grey road pants and all navy road caps. Perhaps the Braves were trying to change their mojo, but it didn’t help.

I am not a fan of the home red jerseys, usually worn with white pants. But I liked the red jerseys better with the grey pants.

Braves centerfielder Michael Harris usually wears his pants legs pulled up high to his knees. Last Thursday against Arizona at Truist Park, I noticed Harris was wearing his pants legs way down to his spikes. In the Saturday road game Harris still had his pants legs down at his cleats.

When Harris wears his socks high, he usually wears the Braves classic striped socks, which I love. Ozzie Albies used to wear all navy socks up to his knees, but has recently been wearing the striped socks – but with the stripes pulled up almost all the way to his knees – showing mostly navy. Ronald Acuna usually wears all navy socks, but mixes in striped socks occasionally.

Such is the riveting content that can only be found here, or maybe on www.UniWatch.com

MORE BREAKING BRAVES UNIFORM NEWS: According to my very own personal inside source with the Braves (a guy who works at the Clubhouse Store), the reason the Braves are selling City Connect caps and t-shirts for $25.00 is because they’re getting new / different City Connect uniforms for the 2026 season. Last week I overheard the employee mention this to another customer, so this intrepid reporter (me) asked the employee to confirm what I’d just heard him say. Remember, you heard it here first.

Will be interesting to see when other higher priced City Connect items will go on sale. While I dislike the CC cap, there are some other sweet looking CC items for sale. Guess I should check www.Fanatics.com I’m betting there will be more sales by September, and at the A-List Play Day in November, as well as the Chop Fest open house in January.

What will the new City Connects be like? Anyone’s guess. The employee though they’d be peach colored, which could happen. The AAA affiliate in Gwinnett sometimes rebrands at the Gwinnett Peaches, and the new affiliate in Columbus wears head to toe peach. My wish is for the City Connects to be the royal 1972 road uni, similar to the 1972 home whites the Braves wore as an alternate to honor Hank Aaron, before the City Connect program mothballed them.

Saw where the Fever best Chicago. People are starting to make fun of Angel’s poor shooting skills. She has more career rebounds than points. Kinda like the female Dennis Rodman.

The Best Multi-Season Running Gags on ‘Seinfeld’, by character.

Currently I am reading 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Lots of old books like that, that I need to read.

JOE GIRARDI [SABR Bio] won Manager of the Year just a few weeks after he had been fired as a manager. After leading the 2006 Florida Marlins to a much-better-then-expected 78-84 record in his first year as a major league manager, Marlins owner, Jeffrey Loria fired Girardi just 2 days after the end of the season. In the 2000 ASG, his only All-Star game as a player, he was the only player on either team who didn’t see any action on the field. He was the catcher for both Dwight Gooden’s no-hitter and David Cone’s perfect game, on 14-May-1996 and 18-July-1999.

Article: covid cover-up probes focus on the early military intel that the virus was man-made, and had escaped Wuhan lab. 

Peter Thiel talks about the Antichrist, and the coming 'totalitarian' system. Some say that AI will be the antichrist. Other say it will be the aliens (aka fallen angels). More scuttlebutt to follow, on what could be in store for us in the coming 10-15 years.