Train Wrecks

Last Tuesday afternoon a truck and trailer got stuck on the railroad tracks in downtown Norcross, and a train hit the trailer and derailed. The trailer was carrying a family's possession, they were moving. Everything was destroyed. The train blocked the two heavily-used crossing in Norcross, meaning thousands of cars had to find different routes. This caused a huge traffic jam that affected the entire area.

Busy Tuesday. Four hard working team members out. Slow night. Watched the end of Kentucky Michigan State and the start of Duke Kansas. Also the college football show in between games.

Left at six last Wednesday night. Since the sun is setting earlier the darkness also seems to cause heavier traffic. Maybe people always leave work when the sun is at a certain point in the sky. Since traffic had been bad the night before I decided to take an alternate route home, the northern route: PIB to Pleasant Hill/Old Milton. I decided to take 400 south. Bad call. When I didn't get off on Mansell, that's when I saw southbound traffic backed up due to nighttime construction. Then Holcomb Bridge traffic was jammed, even though it was 7 pm. My commute took 1-1/2 hours. Ceil had a big Thanksgiving meal for lunch at school, and had brought home leftovers.

Thursday: C went over to Nancy's to pray. M was out as well, so I made a couple of stops on the way home. Bought a pretty pair of blue shoes that come highly rated, but now I think I may have jumped the gun. Comfortable but not built up in the heel. We'll see.

C had cooked orange chicken, which I gobbled up. Nothing on TV. Watched the first half of Houston's humiliation of Bobby Petrino, Todd Grantham, and Lamar Jackson. Might've figured heavily in the Heisman vote and playoff picture.

Saw a little bit of the Panthers / Saints. Terrible play by a cornerback I'd previously liked, who clipped the kicker on a touchdown return. Saw a second clip on the same play. No wonder those guys play defense. The referee looked like Abe Vegoda. Though the touchdown was called back, the Panthers scored a few plays later (below). The Thursday night Color Rush uniforms weren't too bad - especially the Saints. 

My customer doesn't always work on Fridays, so we only enter orders for Monday thru Thursday. Then if they work Friday then we enter those orders late Thursday. If the orders aren't entered the crew can't work, and they start work at 5:30 am. Many mornings my first thought after waking up is "have the orders been entered?" Especially on Mondays and Fridays. This morning was no exception. After deciding to not get up this morning, I quickly realized I'd forgotten to enter orders to today. So I had to get up. I've trained others to enter the orders, but the newest girl hasn't been there long enough to remember to ask about Fridays, and the buck stops with me.

Wasn't excited about the lunch. Pasta from Panini Bread. Our last lunch meeting of the year. We didn't have BBQ last month, so we were all set to do BBQ again, but I got overruled. Renee coordinated the lunch and places the order, and I think she had a hankering for it. Before Christmas we'll have a big meal for the whole building, ham and turkey and dressing and sweet potatoes, plus a best dessert contest. Maybe BBQ in January.

Anna arrived home late Friday. C made pizza, but it was just us two for dinner. Saturday morning I cleaned upstairs. While the Tech game was on C and A ran to the mall. I posted things on eBay and did laundry. For dinner C cooked beef tacos - Anna's choice. Watched the Clemson game.

Left home at 9 am and drove to Macon. Beat the church crowd at Jeneane's at Pinebrook, a popular meat and three. I had meatloaf, sweet potato soufflé, and potato salad. Mom had meatloaf and dad had chicken tenders. The turkey and dressing looked good. I passed on biscuits but ate the flapjack-like cornbread. Went home and worked around the house. Left Macon at 6:30. Traffic wasn't bad but I opted for 675 over downtown. Bad call. A wreck added 30 minutes to my trip. Got home and watched Hallmark Channel with Ceil. After the long day I completely forgot to post to my blog. I hate missing a day. Now I'll have to make it up, probably over Thanksgiving.

How many times did you see Billy Graham in person? I saw him twice: in the 60's at Atlanta Stadium and years later at the Georgia Dome. My grandmother used to have a lot of that stuff from Billy Sunday and Earnest Angley, but I know Billy Graham was in a different league from those guys.

I was surprised I remembered so many details from Sunday's Q&A at JFBC. On the way to work Monday I had dictated an email to myself with many of the details. Later as I typed it up I remembered more and more. I may have a decent memory on the things I want to remember but I'm slow getting those things from my mind to my mouth when I'm having a conversation with someone. Since I don't talk much people think I'm smart. At least I fool some of the people.

I had thought all the political posts on social media would subside after the election. I was wrong. It's only gotten worse. I'm on social media too much as it is. I don't need my feeds filled by an acquaintance I crossed paths with forty years ago. A pastor posting political views (not Biblical ones, mind you) not shared by three-quarters of his liberal community.

Trump will not be an effective President if he has to react to every barb hurl his way. Hopefully he will be too busy, and will limit his press conferences. Both Obama and Hillary were smart enough to remain quiet most of the time. Pence's response was more mature. And he drug Trump to church.

For the past eight years religious liberty has been under attack in this country. A presidential candidate said in a speech that Christians would have to change what they believe. Now others are scared their way of life will be threatened by the new administration. Both vice president elect Pence and other potential cabinet level candidates are judged not by the overall body of their work, but to obscure comments made over 15 years ago, taken out of context.

Say it ain't So, Rodrigo

So Georgia wore their black jerseys. Perhaps the players and recruits are happy now. Now they're just like South Carolina. And Kentucky. And Vandy. Good call by Kirby to bring them out in a meaningless game.

Who’s not happy? The ignorant fans who expect the first year coach who inherited a decimated team and freshman QB to pull a fairy godmother and turn a pumpkin into Cinderella’s coach. These losers weren’t happy with the 35-21 final score. Sure, Isaiah McKenzie’s two punt return TD’s were the difference in the game, but this season fans should be happy with any win.

Had to look high and low for a picture of Rodrigo in black. The latest news: the kicking sensation’s dad is upset Kirby’s not bending over backwards to cowtow to Rodrigo. Instead of immediately rewarding him with a scholarship, the rookie head coach is keeping his options open in case a hotshot high school kicker can be signed. Hard to fault a dad facing financial hardship, but calling out Kirby in the media might not be the smartest move. There’s a change Blankenship could transfer. Say it ain’t so, Rodrigo.

 

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/georgia-football/report-georgia-k-rodrigo-blankenship-will-leave-team-not-put-scholarship/

 

http://theladysportswriter.com/georgia-football-just-kick-it-rodrigo/

 

http://www.12up.com/posts/4080654-report-georgia-s-heroic-kicker-will-leave-school-if-not-given-scholarship

 

https://blutarsky.wordpress.com/2016/11/08/hell-hath-no-fury-like-a-father-scorned/

 

http://www.wsbradio.com/news/sports/father-blankenship-wont-be-back-without-scholarshi/ns5wD/

Georgia Tech scored all four touchdowns on big plays: two long touchdown runs, a deep pass, and a pick six. Otherwise Virginia dominated the game both offensively and defensively (and time of possession). If Tech plays like that next week they probably won’t be so lucky.

 

Interesting the Jackets wore white pants at home. They almost always wear white jerseys, but the gold britches are usually worn at home to appease the old school alumni fan base. Most probably the decision was made by the players for senior day. The inmates are running the asylum. At least Virginia looked swell in blue jerseys and grey facemasks.

Speaking of Dabo and uniforms, Clemson ditched the all-white Alabama-like road look and brought out the orange pants against Wake Forest. Perhaps they wanted to come out of the game and play all out – which they did for a quarter. Rarely do they play with such fire against superior teams, not that they play them very often. Seems like after the first quarter the Tigers’ play returned to normal.

 

Clemson even sprang an onside kick. On such a play call players are extra fired up and run extra hard, forgetting the kicker has to slow his approach to kick the ball so gently. And like in last year’s playoff, Clemson was offsides. This time at least SIX players were offsides.

 

Having lost two straight games wearing all orange, it will be interesting to see what Clemson wears in their next two games: Saturday against arch rival South Carolina and December 3rd in the ACC Championship Game. With the Playoff Committee gunning for higher ratings with a championship matchup of Alabama and Michigan, look for Clemson to wear white jerseys as the lower ranked team in their December 31 playoff game, most probably against the Crimson Tide.    

 

Bad decision for Michigan State to not tie the game in regulation and play for overtime, when anything can happen. At least we’re still set up for the winner of the Michigan Ohio State game to make the four team playoff.

If the legend of Leonard Fournette hadn’t already died, Florida buried it on Saturday. Fournette scuffled with a Gator assistant before the game, then wasn’t available for the decisive fourth and one play with three seconds left in the game. SEC line judge Johnny Crawford made the correct call, a leap Herschel used to make in his sleep. Walker would jump over the entire line, land on his feet, and keep running. Like almost every running back in history, Fournette has fallen behind Walker’s record career pace. Look for a comparison after the season.

 

Dang it Don Head, here it is Monday night and I just realized I didn't post yesterday. And I had a great one ready to go: movies.

College Bowl Schedule

Might be a little early for this, but its nice to have a handy bowl schedule nearby.

12.17 AFR Celebration Bowl Atlanta noon ABC MEAC vs SWAC

12.17 Gildan New Mexico Bowl Albuquerque 2 pm ESPN CUSA vs MWC

12.17 Las Vegas Bowl 3:30 ABC MWC vs Pac12

12.17 AutoNation Cure Bowl Orlando 5:30 CBSSN American vs Sun Belt

12.17 RayComMediaCamelliaBowlMontgomery530ESPNMACvSunBelt

12.17 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl 9 pm ESPN CUSA vs Sun Belt

12.19 Miami Beach Bowl Marlins Park 2:30 ESPN American vs MAC

12.20 Boca Raton Bowl 7 pm ESPN American vs CUSA

12.21 San Diego County CU Poinsettia Bowl 9 pm ESPN BYU vs MWC

12.22 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Boise 7 pm ESPN MAC vs MWC

12.23 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl Nassau 1 pm ESPN American/CUSA/MAC

12.23 LockheedMartinArmedForcesBowlFtWorth440ESPN Navy vBig12

12.23 Dollar General Bowl Mobile 8 pm ESPN MAC vs Sun Belt

12.24 Hawaii Bowl 8 pm ESPN CUSA vs MWC

12.26 St Petersburg Bowl 11 am ESPN ACC/ND vs SEC

12.26 Quick Lane Bowl Detroit 2:30 ESPN ACC/ND vs Big Ten

12.26 CampingWorldIndependenceBowlShreveport 5pmESPN2 ACC/NDvSEC

12.27 ZaxbysHeartOfDallasBowlCottonBowlStadium12pmESPN Big10vCUSA

12.27 Military Bowl in Annapolis 3:30 ESPN ACC/ND vs American

12.27 Holiday Bowl San Diego 7 pm ESPN Big Ten vs Pac12

12.27 Motel6CactusBowlChaseFieldPhoenix10:15ESPN Big12vPac12

12.28 NewEraPinstripeBowlYankeeStadium2 ESPN ACC/NDvBig10

12.28 Russell Athletic Bowl Orlando 5:30 ESPN ACC/ND vs Big 12

12.28 Foster Farms Bowl Santa Clara CA 8:30 Fox Big Ten vs Pac12

12.28 AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl Houston 9 pm ESPN Big12 vs SEC

12.29 Birmingham Bowl 2 pm ESPN American vs SEC

12.29 Belk Bowl Charlotte 5:30 ESPN ACC/ND vs SEC

12.29 Valero Alamo Bowl San Antonio 9 pm ESPN Big12 vs Pac12

12.30 AutoZone Liberty Bowl Memphis noon ESPN Big12 vs SEC

12.30 Hyundai Sun Bowl El Paso 2 pm CBS ACC/ND vs Pac12

12.30 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl Nashville 3:30 ESPN SEC vs Big Ten/ACC/ND

12.30 NovaHomeLoansArizonaBowlTuscon530ASN/CI SunBelt v MWC

12.30 CapitalOneOrangeBowlMiamiGardens 8 ESPN ACCvBig10/SEC/ND

12.31 BuffaloWildWingsCitrusBowlOrlando 11 ABC SECvBig10/ACC/ND

12.31 TaxSlayer Bowl Jacksonville 11 am ESPN SEC vs Big Ten/ACC/ND

12.31 Chickfila Peach Bowl playoff semifinal Atlanta ESPN

12.31 Fiesta Bowl playoff semifinal Glendale AZ ESPN

1.02 Outback Bowl Tampa 1 pm ABC Big Ten vs SEC

1.02 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Arlington 1 pm ESPN at large vs at large

1.02 Rose Bowl Game Pasadena 5 pm ESPN Big Ten vs Pac 12

1.02 Allstate Sugar Bowl New Orleans 8:30 ESPN Big12 vs SEC

1.09 National Championship Game Tampa 8:30 pm ESPN

Clean Old-Fashioned Hate

Let's go on a mental journey. There are two life-long friends. One is a Georgia Bulldogs fan, the other roots for Georgia Tech. This year neither team has been exceptional. Both are flawed. Still, the Georgia fan has many reasons to root for his Bulldogs: the decades of excellence, Heisman Trophy winners, venerable head coach Vince Dooley's lifelong commitment to education, beloved long time head coach Mark Richt's care of his players, new coach Kirby Smart turning things around, Chubb, Michel, McKenzie, Eason, Rodrigo, world-class Sanford Stadium, the new indoor facility rising above renovated Stegemann Coliseum, top-ranked tennis, gymnastics, and baseball teams. The fact that Georgia fans greatly outnumber Tech fans is not even a factor. Neither is the fact that Georgia's facilities and programs and uniforms have long been superior to Tech's.

The Georgia fan is a sports nut. He knows what's going on in the world of college football: who's hot and who's not. He knows Georgia's place in the college football pantheon.

Tech fans comprise less than 2% of the state's fan base. Even though the Tech fan is passionate and outspoken about the Jackets, the Georgia fan loves him like a brother.

The Tech fan only hangs around other Tech fans. He only knows what's going on with Tech athletics. He heard Georgia is having a down year in the SEC. Like him, most Tech fans are convinced that beating Georgia this year is a fate accompli. Forget about last year, over the overall head to head record. Tech fans are looking past Georgia to a bowl game, and a return to ACC dominance in 2017 - probably a top ten team and probably a berth in the playoff. Despite a so so season, losing bad to North Carolina and Clemson and Duke, the victories over Boston College and Georgia Southern and Virginia Tech have the fan convinced that the Jackets can beat Georgia this year. He casts a blind eye to the porous defense, weak offensive line, unproductive running back core, and Justin Thomas' injuries.

The Bulldog fan has several rivals and concerns: Tennessee. Florida. Auburn. Only at the end of the season does his focus turn to Tech. The Bulldog fan still considers the Tech fan to be a friend, even though his friend doesn't like the Dawgs.

Then Georgia beats Tech. The Jacket fans, whose whole world revolves around Tech, are devastated. There were a few bad calls by the refs, and several hard hits by the Georgia defense. Jacket fans, many who didn't go to the game or even watch on TV, take to the streets in protest. Goalposts come down. Hedges are torn apart. Our Tech fan is heartbroken and mad. What will he tell his son?

In his pain, the Tech determines the cause. Who to blame. It's the Georgia fan's fault. In the Tech fan's mind, the Georgia fan rooted for the Dawgs for just one reason: to make the Tech fan's life miserable. Throw all those other seemingly valid reasons out the window. The only acceptable way the Georgia fan can mend his relationship with the Tech fan is to meet the following demands: quit rooting for Georgia and start rooting not only for the Tech football team, but also basketball, women's basketball, softball, volleyball, and soccer (despite the fact that Tech does not field a soccer team. And don't call it soccer - it's futball).

The Georgia fan must also contribute financially to these Tech programs and attend games, always rooting for Tech - even against UGA. He must trade his bulldog spots for yellow jacket stripes. The Georgia fan's past beliefs, thoughts, behaviors, and identity are no longer valid. Only the Tech fan's beliefs and identity are important.

Not only that, but the Tech fan has decided that fans of every college football team must do the same thing. It is unacceptable for fans to not root for Georgia Tech. Doesn't matter what the rules of football are. Tech must be allowed to win every game. In the Tech fan's mind these are acceptable thoughts and behaviors, since it's his identity that's important. Good clean old-fashioned hate, indeed.

Back to reality. Is this not utterly preposterous? How can a college educated adult come to think the entire world must adhere to their way of thinking? Is it just their devastation and grief talking to them?

All too often I spend all day busy in my little work world. Hard to know what else is going on in my company, much less the world around me. Social media and news networks feed me information only from those I've chosen to follow. Everything with the same viewpoint, regardless of how far detached from reality it may be. Journalism has strayed from reporting the truth into shady areas of opinion and agenda. Even many Christian viewpoints can't be trusted. Such is the world we live in today.

I leave work and spend the evening at home. Tons of stuff to do there: laundry and dishes and housework and yardwork and errands and things the kids need. Socializing and discussions and conversations with friends and acquaintances and strangers are becoming increasingly infrequent, despite the Biblical admonition to gather together for corporate worship. I'm not surrounding myself with wise counsel. Iron may sharpen iron, but apart from contact with the world around me, my view of the world around me grows dull, insular, and out of touch. I'm becoming that Tech fan.

What's going on in our country bothers me. I'm filling my cheerful little sports-related blog with the same crap clogging other social media. Happens every time - right when a few spot on posts garner hundreds and thousands of new readers, I follow up with depressing content. My New Year's resolution: more cat videos.

Week 11 Total QB Rating

Not sure Baker Mayfield’s brilliant season will be rewarded with a trip to New York City as a Heisman finalist. Voters will probably focus on frontrunner Lamar Jackson, preseason favorite Deshaun Watson, and running back Christian McCaffrey, perhaps with a nod to Jake Browning or JT Barrett.

 

1. 90.3 Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma (1)

2. 90.1 Lamar Jackson, Louisville (3) Heisman frontrunner

3. 87.6 Jake Browning, Washington (4)

4. 87.5 Quinton Flowers, South Florida

5. 86.8 Sam Darnold, Southern Cal (2)

6. 84.4 Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina (7)

9. 79.2 Deondre Francois, Florida State (16) freshman

 

10. 79.1 Justin Thomas, Georgia Tech (9)

11. 79.1 Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh (25) above

12. 79.1 Chad Kelly, Ole Miss (14) injured

13. 78.9 Wilton Speight, Michigan (12)

15. 78.9 Jalen Hurts, Alabama (17) freshman

16. 77.4 Deshaun Watson, Clemson (24)

 

20. 76.0 Trevor Knight, Texas A&M (21)

23. 74.8 Greg Ward, Houston (22)

24. 74.8 Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State (35)

25. 74.5 Jerod Evans, Virginia Tech (15)

28. 74.1 JT Barrett, Ohio State (36) big drop-off

 

30. 72.8 DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame (43)

31. 72.3 Jesse Ertz, Kennesaw State (31)

32. 72.1 Austin Allen, Arkansas (23)

33. 71.8 Sean White, Auburn (10) huge drop-off

34. 71.4 Tommy Armstrong, Nebraska (39)

38. 69.2 Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State (41)

 

41. 68.6 Brett Rypien, Boise State

44. 67.1 Taysom Hill, Brigham Young (50)

45. 66.8 Seth Russell, Baylor (32)

46. 66.8 Eric Dungey, Syracuse (38)

47. 66.2 Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee (59)

49. 65.8 Trace McSorley, Penn State (57)

 

51. 64.8 Brad Kaaya, Miami (54)

52. 64.5 Daniel Jones, Duke

53. 63.7 Ryan Finley, NC State (63)

55. 62.3 Shane Buechele, Texas freshman (48)

58. 61.4 Kenny Hill, Texas Christian

59. 61.4 Danny Etling, Louisiana State (44)

 

61. 61.2 Josh Rosen, UCLA (55) #1 overall pick?

64. 59.7 Drew Lock, Missouri (66)

66. 58.9 Jacob Eason, Georgia freshman (71)

72. 56.0 Mike Fafaul, UCLA – Rosen’s backup

77. 55.0 John Wolford, Wake Forest (87)

79. 54.3 Stephen Johnson, Kentucky (70)

 

81. 53.7 Ryan Burns, Stanford (84)

82. 53.4 Mitch Leidner, Minnesota (82)

85. 50.7 Conner Manning, Georgia State (79)

86. 50.7 Kurt Benkurt, Virginia (75) advantage Tech?

 

91. 47.7 Kevin Ellison, Georgia Southern (105) advantage State?

97. 44.5 Patrick Towles Boston College (91)

98. 43.8 Luke Del Rio (83) Florida beat Georgia?

99. 43.8 Kyle Shurmur (110) Vanderbilt beat Georgia?

 

http://www.espn.com/ncf/qbr

Into the Woods

Bought a pair of black loafers on the way home Friday. Been looking for that exact pair for a while. Already had them in brown, but I wear black more.

Saturday morning I unpacked winter clothes and put up summer clothes. Worked on that until 3:30. Supervised M, who washed his car.

Anna went into Sanford Stadium an hour and 45 minutes before kickoff. At 3:30 I flipped between GT/VT, GA/AUB, CLEM/Pitt. Took notes the whole time. Three unexpected results. Auburn and Clemson played poorly, plus several bad calls went against Clemson. But Dabo was right, the only team that can beat Clemson is themselves. Hard to beat a tough team when your Heisman candidate throws three interceptions (two in the end zone).

Later I watched the end of Iowa's upset of Michigan. First time in years that the #2, #3, and #4 ranked teams all lost on the same weekend.

After church I had to gas up the CRV, so I decided to take Barney. He loves riding in the car. I said "wanna go for a ride?" and let him out the door without a leash. He bounded out and waited for me at the car. He was excited the whole trip, barking and scrambling about. When we returned home I let him out and ran toward the back door, hoping he'd follow. He needed a potty break, which was understandable. He ran back toward me on the deck, but then he veered off and ran back in the woods, which I'd feared. He ran down to the creek and ran around, eventually running out of sight. I went after him in my church clothes, but couldn't find him.

I could hear barking. As I made my way back to my property I saw Barney at the top of the hill, smiling at me. I wasn't smiling. I scrambled up the hill and grabbed him, and took him inside. Ceil had been on the phone the whole time, none the wiser.

Worked on clothes and laundry throughout the afternoon, watching the Falcons and other shows, including the Mark Twain Awards Show honoring Bill Murray. Ceil's friends took her out for her birthday (Moxie Burger). I made myself a cheese quesadilla and popcorn.

Crazy busy Monday. Four team members out. Fighting fires all day. All problems caused by a full moon are only intensified by a super moon. Slow Monday night, which was fine after such a busy day. Stopped on the way home but passed on some fashionable adidas Torsion sneakers and a Braves Vision shirt. Ceil cooked chicken pasta. M had a few bites. Watched The Voice and another good episode of Last Man Standing.

Halloween has become so over-commercialized. People have taken Satan completely out of it. (Jay Leno, recently on the Tonight Show).

Hot Topics

Johnson Ferry Baptist Church senior pastor Bryant Wright has been preaching a series on Hot Topic issues. Parishioners could submit questions for him to answer, something he's done every year or two in the past. Sunday he and three other staff members answered the questions during the service. Not sure if these were the best questions, but Bryant was certainly willing to take on some toughies. He mentioned that there were more "statements" submitted than questions. What follows is my paraphrase, from memory (not notes):

Q: Why is the congregation predominantly white? A: JFBC has five "minority" congregations/services, including Spanish and Chinese. But the area in a three mile radius around the church is three-quarters white. There are several people of all races in the regular worship services. Naturally, JFBC welcomes everyone.

At some point during the Q&A Bryant discussed how as whites it's hard for us to know and experience the racism felt by African-Americans. He recounted the black US Representative from South Carolina who'd been pulled over by police six times since he'd been elected to Congress. I leaned over to my friend Lee sitting next to me and asked him if he'd been pulled over six times in the past few years, knowing that as the speed-demon driver he is, he probably had.

Q: How do dinosaurs fit into the Biblical record? A: God did create the dinosaurs. Verses in Genesis were referenced. Bryant had lobbed this softball question to teaching pastor Thomas Nelson, who may have disrespectfully pantomimed swinging a bat, having hit that question out of the park. Bryant followed up by having Thomas answer a much tougher question.

Q: Why does Johnson Ferry take such a softball stance on abortion? A: A list of dozens of JF sermons dealing with abortion was projected on the screen, with dates going back over 15 years. A quick glance showed the topic was addressed almost every year, often more than once. All the sermons are available on line for viewing. Bryant followed this up by reminding us that for all sin God offers forgiveness and grace, and related anecdotes of God using couples who'd had abortions to minister and counsel young couples facing similar circumstances.

Q: Why does Johnson Ferry not display the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance? A: It was pointed out that in fact the American flag is permanently displayed both in the main sanctuary and on flagpoles outside the main entrance. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States is recited at JFBC on certain occasions, like patriotic services on the Fourth of July. But the pastor pointed out that services are gatherings to worship God and pledge allegiance to Him. While we live on earth we may reside in the USA and respect our government and leaders and observe its laws, our true citizenship is in Heaven.

It seemed like several questions started off with an invalid or immature premise, and I wondered if the questioner would  hear his question answered like it was, or if the questioner would just become angrier because they didn't like the answer.

A couple of questions dealt with homosexuality. Thomas read verses, and the difference between temptation and the practice of a sin was addressed. He pointed out that we are all sinners, and no sin is worse than another. Bryant followed again with the reminder that the Word of God must be heard and adhered to, the administration of grace, forgiveness, and love is just as important. Then Bryant took a question just texted in by a student facing a discussion on the topic in his class. Bryant knew the pressure on the teen would be immense to such a stand in front of his peers. Bryant advised that he say that he was a follower of Jesus, and that he believed and tried to follow the Bible as the Word of God.

Bryant read a long statement in which the author called out Bryant and JFBC for ministering to Syrian refugees - "possible radical Islamic terrorists" because even though Jesus instructed us to love our neighbor, "people on the other side of the earth aren't our neighbor." The pastor's response included the story of the Good Samaritan and other Scriptures, pointing out that according to Jesus and the Scriptures, everyone on Earth is indeed our neighbor.

Another question called Bryant out as a pastor for encouraging small business owners to take a stand even though the State of Georgia has ruled that service cannot be denied based on sexual orientation, regardless of the beliefs of the owner. This law exempts pastors from being forced to conduct wedding ceremonies for same sex couples, but not business owners. Bryant admitted the law was one-sided, but stood his ground that we all needed to trust in God to protect us when we face persecution. In the future these choices will only come more frequently and harshly.

Typing this up a few days later, I wonder whether more people are attracted or turned off by Bryant's admonitions.

Bryant was asked if he regretted telling the congregation a few weeks ago which candidates he was not voting for (neither Trump nor Hillary were worthy candidates to him, so he wrote someone in). Wright did not come out and admit regret. He did say that in all his years as a pastor God had never before led him to reveal as much, and admitted that he hoped such a situation would not happen again in the future. I smiled at this response.

When the subject of the protests of the election was brought up, I recall Bryant labeling them as "silly" since Trump a won the majority of Electoral College votes fair and square, regardless of Trump's morals, character, or fitness for the Presidency. No conspiracy theories about the protests being staged to create havoc or being funded by zillionaire Nazi extremists hell-bent on bringing down the US to create a one world government.

Near the end of the service Bryant asked the congregation to kneel on the floor for a prayer for our country and the new President.

Many give Andy Stanley a hard time for working to make North Point relevant to the unchurched. Passion City Church doesn't do all the bizarre rock song openings that North Point does, but NP sticks to a schedule better than PCC. Worship/singing is a tad better at PCC. Parking much more orderly at NP.

Of Mice and Men

I normally don't post about work, but the other day I had to write up a timeline of events. Here's what I did about one hot order over a 24 hour period, in additional to all of my regular duties:

0800 learned part showing in V was not there.
0805 advised A to ship, based on their inventory report showing parts on hand
0810 called truck driver to see where he was
0815 A confirmed parts were ready to ship
0820 advised V that truck would deliver
0900 directed stamper to ship more to A
1000 B emails first working version of inventory report, something we'd been working on since July.
1245 truck arrived at V with wrong part
1250 directed truck back to A
0110 updated E
0130 learned parts would ship on F truck
0205 updated T and others on conf call
0210 updated R and J what had happened so far
0300 learned parts were not on F truck
0305 lined up hotshot to deliver parts to A immediately
0310 called N to confirm. He was developing plan to avoid missed shipments with E
0315 advised stamper of hotshot
0320 showed SC that parts were listed as old PN. planned for A to paint either parts on hand or parts to arrive at 6 pm. Have parts ready for pickup at 4:45 am.
0350 updated R of plan
0400 discussed this plan with T who figured parts delivering at 6 pm could ship at 10 pm.
0430 learned parts had been picked up early (4 pm)
0435 took call from SH on another hot part
0440 discussed both with E
0445 called hotshot driver for an update
0450 discussed with D
0455 redirected hotshot straight to Augusta
0500 advised everyone involved of plan including C
0505 called hotshot driver for an ETA
0510 touched base with S again, plan still on for 4:45
0515 called freight to make sure truck would be early
0530 T called with night shift manager's name and number, still wanting a partial asap
0535 called SM at A, who was hanging parts. He would see if I could pick up at 1 am
0540 called hotshot to line up midnight pickup
0545 SM at A says 4:45 is the best they can do.
0550 cancelled midnight hotshot
0555 sent email below advising everyone that 445 plan was the best A could do, and was still a go
0615 SC called not happy that I'd called SM, but would check on pickup time
0640 SC called back confirming 445 pickup time
0645 called truck to confirm 445 pickup
0720 T called during my meeting, but I couldn't take call. DL had told him parts would be ready at one and gave me MW's name but no number
0721 I texted T back
1033 T texted, still wanting a 1 am shipment
1035 I returned text saying both SC and SM said A couldn't ship until 4:45
1040 we both texted SM but received no response
1045 T asked why, I forgot that paperwork and lack of truck loader were issues
1050 T said parts needed at 5 am, I replied 3 others had told me 530
0400 driver arrives at A
0455 T calls, both SH and N text me.
0500 I call driver, who has yet to be loaded. I text SC and try to call A
0510 driver is loaded and is pulling out of A
0515 updated everyone via text and email
0605 returned D's email

All About Me

Like other drama queens, my sensitive nature tempts me to react first and think later. It takes me days and weeks to thoroughly think through an issue. Writing things down and editing essays like this helps me process. So why not post my innermost thoughts on the world wide web and make people mad? Guess that makes me just like all the other drama queens.

I'd better watch what I say about drama queens. Working the same job year after year is about to turn me into one. I don't need to grow too comfortable. Administrations change, and I need to change with the company to remain relevant and valuable. Any loud outbursts by a drama queen are seen as detrimental to the overall operation. I need to be a team player, not an out of touch dinosaur.

Some grown-ups still act as if the world revolves around them. They're always the victim. Their problems are life and death, more important than the myriad issues facing us regular folk. Most aren't bothered by such drama, moving on without comment and keeping opinions to themselves. I need to be more like that.

Those minions who dare voice a dissenting opinion to these drama queens are dealt with in various ways. Some are brushed aside as too unsophisticated for a response: "I would crush you if I bothered to take the time." Or the old change-the-subject avoidance routine to avoid addressing a worthy opponent's truths - dodging the original point. Some went this entire election cycle not defending their chosen candidate or pointing out why they should be elected, but instead attacking the other candidate. A third type of non-response is to patronize.

What happened to love and respect and treating others equally - even those whose opinions don't line up with your own? Are those who disagree with me my enemy? Should we not love everyone? If I want others to value me, shouldn't I value them? Haven't we been over this before?

Interesting to see how people change over the years. Roots are long forgotten. The wide-eyed small town kid comes to university in the big city, puts down roots, and becomes sophisticated. Hard-working parents who benefitted from a previous administration's booming economy to pay for their beloved children's expensive college educations (and are now rich old white ignorant embarrassments) having voted for the other candidate for the sole purpose of persecuting their kids.

You'd think a loving parent would want the future their children and grandchildren grow up in to be as bright and prosperous as possible, with governments and leaders learning from past mistakes - as opposed to repeating the ways that led other countries to failure.

Yet others grow up into normal adulthoods. Success doesn't change who they are. They treat aging parents with honor and old friends with love and respect, regardless if their religious and political views may differ.   

The Protests: identical pre-printed signs appear in cities all across the country. Craig's List ads offer pay to those willing to protest (where do I sign up?). Busses ferrying protesters are then hidden from view. CNN reporters posing as protesters. Like Black Lives Matter protesters flown in from distant cities, someone is bankrolling this orchestrated unrest.

You'd think such intelligent people would connect the dots. Many are too busy believing media reports of global warming and rising oceans to check the facts out for themselves. Mary are too busy focused on themselves to look into the complex issues facing the world today.


Busy week. Watched another good episode of Last Man Standing Tuesday night. Tim Allen's daughter interviewed the humble CEO, who'd done nothing remarkable in the war but shared the name of someone who had. The daughter was disappointed, so her dad had her show up at the VFW when vets gathered. Turned out the CEO was there every week helping the other vets fill out forms and cut through red tape to receive needed benefits. There was also a reunion with Tim's wife from his old Tool Time show.

Slammed at work. Tuesday everyone was gone except me and Rachel. Meeting this morning. Machine going down another week. Customer out of two parts. Good times.

Thursday night C and her girlfriends went to something at Mt Vernon Baptist, so I was looking forward to a quiet night after having things the past six nights. After working past six I thought about stopping at thrift stores on the way home, but decided against it. Remembered I had to make a bank deposit and stop by Dollar Tree, then M had me stop by Kroger for cheese.

When I got home he had grilled chicken and made a delicious Mexican salsa with black beans and corn. Had a little for supper. For lunch I'd eaten a leftover sandwich from Wednesday's lunch meeting.

M was watching Freaky Friday, an old Jamie Lee Curtis movie I'd never seen before. C came home shortly after Chicago Med came on at nine. Went to bed after that.

Lynn Acuff's son Will was at the wedding I recently attended? He's at Kennesaw but hopes to transfer to Tech. Said Ron and Julianne were getting married the 12th. He was with a former prom date of Anna's, now at South Carolina. Both are good kids.

Heard MVP-candidate Matt Ryan is piling up Hall of Fame numbers comparable to Favre, Peyton, and Marino. Ryan's yards per attempt this year is third highest all time. He'll need playoff success (a Super Bowl win) to reach Canton.

Timeline: UGA/GT/Clemson

Three games kick off at 3:30: Georgia Auburn, Georgia Tech/Virginia Tech, and Clemson/Pitt. Dawgs and Jackets are longshots. Number 2 Clemson needs to avoid a letdown against a tough opponent. They wear all orange. A win clinches the division championship. Could be three boring games. Here are my notes from trying to watch all three games at the same time:  

332 GT kicks off - and recovers a fumble. Sophomore Matthew Jordan gets his first start at QB, as Justin Thomas is still banged up. Also a backup center gets the start. With a third and long Jordan (above) completes a pass, then converts on fourth down. Butker hits a 40 yard field goal. GT 3 VT 0 with 10:51 left.

Impressive jet fighter flyover above Sanford Stadium

341 I find Clemson on ESPN News. Unranked Pitt is on the move early, driving, no huddle. Fullback George Aston up the middle. Blewit makes it 7-0 with 13:08.

344 VT punts. Auburn kicks off. Touchback. Chubb for five. Jordan recovers his own fumble, then throws a duck. Sony Michel first down. McKenzie goes nowhere. Watson to big Mike Williams down to the 17. Watson to Scott. Watson's overthrow is intercepted in the end zone. Pass interference on VT. Holding on Georgia wipes out a 40 yard pass. Michel drops a screen, and GA's Bryce Ramsey punts.

353 Vols beat Kentucky. Peterman's big gain is called back for holding. Marshall dive, Jordan runs right for a GT first down. False start makes it first and 15.  Poor tackling and Auburn up the middle for a first down. They keep it on the ground. Jordan sacked. 3rd and 17. Jordan gains four. Butker from 39 makes it 6-0 with 2:01 remaining.

358 Watson rolls right and throws incomplete. 3rd and 8. Beautiful high pass Mike Williams makes a leaping catch to the 18. Watson to Scott to the one. Auburn punts. Chubb up the middle, keeps his balance for a big gain. Clemson makes it 7-7.

402 Eason completion for seven. Chubb's first down run is negated by fullback's motion. VT QB Evans up the middle for 17 past midfield FB Sam Rogers for seven. Quarter ends.

Riley Ridley big gain despite CB holding, a one handed catch. Pitt first down. Eason incompletion. Wildcat, Georgia's Godwin poor pass is intercepted in the end zone. he shouldn't have thrown it. Evans deep pass is dropped in the end zone. Pitt a 48 yard TD catch. 14-7 with 528 remaining. Two 75 yard TD drives. Longest pass play against Clemson all year.

409 Evans' 3rd down screen is dropped. GT blocks the field goal. Auburn goes fast on 3rd down, and fumbles. First down. 3rd and three, Auburn converts. Midfield. Incompletion. GT 3rd and 6. QB draw is stopped. Auburn back to the ground. Watson incomplete. Auburn to the 14. GA timeout.

Pitt roughs QB. Fuller to the 13. Watson to Scott TD called back by hands to the face. 311 remaining in the quarter. Auburn's 13th play of the drive, a sweep left. First and goal. Wildcat for the score Auburn 7-0 with 28 seconds remaining in the quarter.

422 GT intercepts, Jordan overthrows. 3rd and long. Clemson 4th and goal. Fumble returned 101 yards for a Pitt TD, but the ball crossed the plane - a 14 point swing. Clemson ties it up 14 all with 28 seconds remaining.

428 Eason incomplete. Michel basket catch for a first down, then up the middle for another, down to the 45. Chubb loses four then gains two. Clear pass interference isn't called, and no TD for GA. Ramsey punts again. GT scores, up 13-0.

436 Jordan big gain out of a hole past the 20. Clemson D holds, Pitt punts into end zone. Auburn's White a big gain, then throws an incompletion. VT holds, calls time. GA forces a punt. Watson to Scott for six. Incompletion. Watson to Leggett for 29. Holding. Loss. Michel for five. Eason to Blazeovich for a first down. GT pushes VT back and forces a punt. Watson throws high, but Pitt still flagged for interference. Gallman for one. Watson to Gallman for a first down. Scott drops a pass. Ceil home, so the channel changing slows.

448 Watson runs left. 3rd and 4. Watson scrambles and passes to Ray Ray McLoud for a first down, a 14 yard gain. Then a back shoulder throw to Williams for the go aahead score 21-14 with 10:06 remaining.

450 GT also scores, up 20-0 with 25 seconds remaining in the half.

451 Eason's pass is dropped. Penalty on Auburn. McKenzie open deep but Eason overthrows. Eason sacked, pushing GA out of field goal range. Clemson knocks down a screen pass. Ramsey punts inside the five. Peterman's bomb is incomplete, then has a nice pass dropped. Bad pass defense by Clemson's Boulware, Pitt scores but Blewit misses the PAT. 21-20 Clemson with 933 left.  

458 I tell Ceil how Pitt kicker Blewit beat Tech two straight years, on two last second 56 yard field goals. White sacked. GA defense holds. Short punt, but Eason is sacked. Eason overthrows Ridley. Scott on the return for Clemson. Gallman for 8. Watson passes for 21, becoming the 6th ACC player to pass for 10,000 yards (the first junior). 3rd and 9. Watson's pass is slightly overthrown, tipped - and intercepted. Watson hit hard.

505 Ramsey punts, Auburn runs out the clock. 7-0 Auburn at the half.

507 Pitt keeps it on the ground and drives. Peterman overthrows twice, but obvious pass interference on Clemson's Vann Smith on 3rd down. James Conner big gain inside the ten. Time out Clemson.

512 Pitt stuffed on 1st and goal, but Peterman keeps it to the one. Conner stuffed. On 4th down Peterman passes to Aston for six. Had Clemson not interfered on third down Pitt wouldn't have scored a touchdown. 27-21 with 2:22 remaining in the half.

517 VT drives and scores, Evans to Isaiah Ford. 20-7 with 12:50 remaining in the third.

519 Watson throws a 13 yard TD pass. Clemson up 28-27 with 69 seconds remaining in the half.

522 Matthew Jordan keeper. VT crowd roars. Another keeper for one. He runs for his life, gaining six. Carlos Watkins sacks Peterman with 17 seconds left. Completion short of the first down. Peterman spikes the ball to stop the clock with five seconds left.

527 Dabo calls a time out but didn't get it, but the low 50 yard attempt hits an offensive lineman in the back as the half ends.

528 Evans to Ford for a 1st down. Jet sweep for another first down. The momentum has turned. Completion for six more. Draw for two. Austin intercepts, GT's 3rd takeaway. UGA pick six by Smith. 7-7 just 23 seconds into the second half.

533 Marcus Marshall up the middle for 9 and a GT 1st down. GA defense stretches out sweep, then sacks White to force a punt. Mckenzie fair catch of the 44 yard punt. GT line drive punt to the twelve.

540 Evans three VT completions to midfield. Chubb no gain. Michel stopped short of a first down. Almost targeting. Ramsey short punt, 33 yards, fair catch. Evans avoids sack, throws it into the stands. VT drops pass on 4th down.

544 Marshall for five, then ten. Quarter ends with GT up 20-7.

545 Auburn three and out. McKenzie fair catch of a 50 yard punt.

548 Pitt kicks off to start the second half. Gallman no gain. Watson to McLoud for two, then again for a first down. Pass interference against Auburn. Ridley reverse for a first down. Jordan completion to Ricky Jude down to the 20. Clemson punts to the 31. Dawgs cross midfield then punt, a poor one by Ramsey. Facing 3rd & ten, GT calls time out.

554 Pitt razzle dazzle for a first down. Peterman fumbles. Clemson recovers. Deandre Baker drops an interception for GA. Auburn punts to the 21. Matthew Jordan up the middle, setting up a 35 yard Butker field goal - 23-7 Tech.

558 Isaac Nauta reception. Eason is 10-19. Chubb for a first down. Kirby going without headgear. Eason to Blazovich, then scrambles and throws it away. Evans completion for nine, then runs 15 yards up the middle. No huddle for VT. Hodges catches a pass but fumbles. Tech recovers with 10:08 remaining. Clemson scores: 35-27 Tigers.

604 Marshall up the middle. Eason fumbles but his center recovers as the 3rd quarter ends. Still 7-7.

605 Marshall runs 50 yards to make it 27-7 GT, with 9:21 left.

607 Three key plays on a key Pitt drive. (1) Third down. Clemson's Tankersly called for pass interference, though Brian Griese didn't see it. First down. James Conner for another first down. No facemask called on Clemson. Makeup call? (2) Peterman scambles but is tackled short of the first down - but Clemson was offsides. Third down. (3) Clemson stops the dive, but a late whistle leads to a terrible personal foul on Boulware. Dabo is livid.

613 Blankenship kicks a 45 field goal to give Georgia a 10-7 lead.

614 Thanks to two dubious calls and an offsides penalty - all on third down - Pitt continues to drive, scores on anther shovel pass. 35-34 Clemson with 4:35 left in the 3rd.

616 Holding on Auburn. VT recovers a Marshall fumble with 7:59 remaining. McKenzie punt return puts UGA in good field position. First down Clemson on a reception by Scott. Watson to Williams across midfield. Gallman for five. Plenty of time for Watson, who completes it to Scott to the 15. GA to the 20. Chubb for two. After a long replay delay, GT to punt.      

623 Scott a 3 yard reception. Hunter Renfroe first down at the two. Gallman scores. Clemson leads 42-34 with 1:37 left in the 3rd.

625 VT crosses midfield. Rogers gains nine to the 40. Clock under six minutes. Evans fires incomplete. Auburn's Johnson runs for three, then two. Clock under ten minutes. White fires incomplete - should've been caught. Another three and out for Auburn, who then interferes with the fair catch.

630 Three and out for Pitt. Clemson's Leggett goes for a first down. Watson fires incomplete. Third quarter ends: 42-34 Clemson.

632 Chubb for two. McKenzie for five. UGA has outgained Auburn 134-24 in the second half. Chubb ten yards, crossing the 50. Michel for 9 more. Chubb for a first down. VT scores. 30-14 GT.

636 Watson's third down jump pass to Gallman falls incomplete. Punt. Fair catch. Eason to tight end Nauta to the 15. Chubb inside the ten with 3:50 remaining. Michel right to the six yard line, then left for a few more. Time out Auburn.

640 VT completion to the 46 with 1:36 to go. Evans to Carroll for eight. Another completion inside the 40. UGA leads time of possession 21 to 6 in the second half. Chubb no gain. Auburn calls another time out. VT second and goal with 42 seconds remaining. QB Evans up the middle to score. Two point conversion fails: 30-20 GT.

643 Watson to Renfroe for five. Then a lofted pass broken up by Pitt. Third and goal for UGA. A dangerous reverse pass is nearly intercepted. Blankenship 's short field goal (at a tough angle) makes it 13-7 UGA with 2:25 remaining. GT runs out the clock, and the upset of VT is complete.

647 Auburn brings it out of the end zone. Bad decision. White complete to Johnson and out of bounds. Another completion short of the first down. White fires out of bounds. 4th and three: INCOMPLETE!

650 UGA takes over with 1:34 remaining. Gary: "one of the worst halves for a team competing for a championship." Watson to Leggett for nine, then to Renfroe for a first down. Williams drops one in his hands. Last week he had two drops. Another incompletion. The a third & ten completion to Scott for a first down.

655 UGA runs clock but has to call time with two seconds left. Fourth down. Watson to Williams for six, then again for a first down. Watson 525 passing yards, a Clemson record.

657 It's over: Georgia upsets Auburn 13-7. A big win for Kirby. Watson to Renfroe for a first and goal. Gallman up the middle ,inside the five. Watson fakes a handoff and throws to the sameback, but the linebacker cuts in front for the interception. He has an open field, but Mike Williams runs him down after a 70 yard return.

702 Poor third down pass by Peterman, but the floater gives time for a defensive holding call on Clemson. Greise doesn't see it. Another drive extended by a dubious call. Conner scores on a sweep, bringing Pitt within two. Clemson pressures Peterman, and Clemson breaks up the two point conversion. 42-40 Tigers.
         
709 Watson to Cain for a first down, but his knee was down, so no first down. The second down completion is also stopped just short of a first down. Pitt time out with 3:17 remaining.

717 Watson complete for a first down. Gallman dropped for a loss. Watson has also broken the ACC single game passing record. Watson to Williams for nine. Clock ticks. 1:11 remains.

720 Pitt holds and calls time out, their second. 4th and one. 1:02 remains. Clemson calls their second time out.

723 On fourth down the play call is a slow-developing toss sweep to Gallman, starting seven yards behind the line of scrimmage. Pitt penetrates and stuffs the play. Pitt ball. Peterman scrambles for nine. Time out Pitt with 51 ticks remaining. Completion over the middle to the tight end for a first down. Another completion, followed by an incompletion. 3rd & six with 17 seconds left. Incomplete with 12 seconds remaining.

726 Blewit from 48 yards. Dabo timeout. My opinion: better not to call time. Field goal good: Pitt up 43-42 with six seconds remaining. Those three Watson interceptions were killers, especially the two in the end zone.

729 Final - Pitt with the upset. Clemson's first home loss to an unranked opponent since 2008 (Georgia Tech).