Chick-fil-A > Popeyes

Supposedly Popeyes Fried Chicken is trying to take on Chickfila as the best chicken sandwich. Yet I keep hearing how slow the service is at Popeyes. The drive thru takes forever – long lines every time you pass by. Also numerous reports that Popeyes keeps running out of chicken. A story about a Popeyes employee fighting off irate employees with a broom. Doesn’t sound like Popeyes is anywhere near the level of CFA.

 

A few years ago McDonalds came out with a sandwich that was supposed to compete with CFA. They were okay when they first came out, but after a few months the sandwich quality had gone downhill. Same with Burger King, but their new chicken sandwich was bad to start with: obviously frozen, with mayo and lettuce.

 

Can’t believe Fuddruckers has gone out of business in Atlanta. Guess Five Guys and Cheeseburger Bobbys drove them out. 5G and CB have lower overhead since they operate in strip malls more conveniently located to customers. Prices seen similar but Fuddrucker costs must’ve been higher. Several Applebees and Ruby Tuesdays have also gone out of business.

 

Last Tuesday: Slow night. Left at 5:15. Bought a nice navy dri-fit pullover vest for the winter, similar to the one the new GT football coach has been wearing all summer. C was at her Tuesday night ministry. I wasn’t hungry, so I crashed on the couch. First time to really rest after the busy weekend and my Monday and Tuesday on the go.  

 

Like last year Snitker was out defending Acuna after the HBP. Not perfect, but a nice win for the Braves.

 

I took it easy this weekend. Left work Friday shortly after five. Stopped by Dollar Tree, Wendys, and got gas. Making all those stops makes the trip last longer than I’d like. Watched the Braves and other things, but now I forget what they were. Some of the Tour Championship. Deleted emails and played on the computer.

 

Friday night people were complaining about the Braves, striking out so many times against the best pitcher in baseball. Some said sure the Braves could beat the Marlins, but that then they were struggling against the Mets. How quickly they forget the Braves had just taken 2 of 3 from both the Dodgers and Mets. The 5 game winning streak turned into an 8 game winning streak after the Braves swept the Mets. First place, a six game lead. The Nats win 6 of 7 and still lose ground. And people still aren’t happy. I’ve said it a million times: no one wins every game.  

Sounds like that new light-hitting shortstop number 24 made some adjustments at the plate after working with Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer. Same with speedster Billy Hamilton. Rosters expend on September first and the Braves will be adding Dansby, Austin Riley, a few relief pitchers, and Johan Camargo, who’s been hitting over 400 in Gwinnett.

To me all the Braves games run together, but some spot interesting tidbits that I don’t – yesterday’s pitching matchup was the same as when Rob and I had gone to the game on the 14th. I’d been thinking about getting me a nice leather travel bag and/or briefcase. The Braves posted photos of the players leaving for the trip. Charlie Culbertson was carrying a nice black leather bag.

 

The new catcher arrived in New York in time to play but his gear didn’t. He had to borrow cleats, a mitt, and catcher’s gear. Perhaps he should keep wearing the borrowed gear. He might take a Carl Lewis long jump instead of sliding, but At least he's wearing the striped socks.

Braves: gotta give them credit for maintaining their big lead despite (1) inconsistent relief pitching, (2) inconsistent starting pitching (Folty, Keuchel, Teheran),  (3) injuries to Dansby, Ender, McCann, Markakis, Riley, and (4) hot streaks by the Nats, Phils, and Mets. The bottom half of the batting order is a ragtag bunch of waiver wire pickups.

 

You heard it hear first: this year the Braves might have another trio of 40 HR players like Aaron, Davey Johnson, and Darrell Evans in the early 70’s. Freddie, Donaldson, and Acuna might all reach 40 this year.

 

NEWS: last week I posted pictures of Will moving the TV camera for Justin Rose. Last night after the tourney Justin Rose “liked” my Instagram post.

 

That lightning strike near the 16th tee was something. Hard for 20,000+ people to all take shelter. Not that many buildings around. Hundreds of trees on the course. Which will lightning strike? 

Big news that Andrew Luck retired. A very hard decision for him. Sports Illustrated had just ranked him the third best NFL QB. Can’t blame Luck, though many badmouthed him.

Joins early retirees Jim Brown, Gale Sayers, Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, and Rob Gronkowski – some of the all-time greats. So many ex-players can’t walk or function any more. Interesting related article about Priest Holmes. 

 

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__joeposnanski.substack.com_p_ignore-2Dthe-2Dpain-3Futm-5Fcampaign-3Dpost-26utm-5Fmedium-3Dweb-26utm-5Fsource-3Demail&d=DwIFAg&c=UXihhqr7vvdA-hrKyTiC1Q&r=wMWwaEbn9nr4zXI4p6CDP7FGwn1DrBd77MJElrWsP6U&m=4imQYqVzIsxadluobHDQx0lTnJztnicsNFTAkjsibhU&s=oFY1v8AxnvtTv21jvptZLLy09TuUfO_dKriZCox2_oI&e=

 

Drew Kelly posted an interesting quote he attributed to Gayle: “Do you believe what you see, or see what you believe?”

Slept late Saturday morning. Cleaned some upstairs, started some laundry downstairs. Watched ESPN College Gameday. Later MASH. Did dishes and folded clothes. Watched the Braves, Florida vs. Miami, and two good movies: romantic comedy  “Love Happens” and thriller “A Simple Favor.”

It was only the first game of the season and both teams are just getting started – and it was a rivalry game, but Florida was lucky to beat Miami. Both teams looked improved and will be tough to beat. QB Franks looks like he has improved over last season, working with head coach Dan Mullen.

 

Saturday night Anna went to an engagement party. Sunday she met Christian for lunch at Tin Lizzys downtown. Matthew had to work Saturday and Sunday. Ceil’s mom wasn’t feeling up for her family reunion yesterday. Only Lennie, Corrine, Phil, Teresa, and Victoria attended.

Sunday after church I ate my birthday burger at Ruby Tuesday. Good. This has been my month of eating, so I’ve been taking more pictures of my meals: yesterday’s burger and last week’s chicken parmesan.

Then I stopped by three stores. Bought a new pair of “golf pants” (lightweight) and a red Braves golf shirt. Then I got my hair cut. All that took half the afternoon. Then Braves and golf, a little of several movies: Tootsie, The Big Chill, The Intern, and You’ve Got Mail. Also laundry and dishes. Popcorn, quesadillas, and ice cream.   

 

RON CEY is a six-time avian All-Star who never played for the Cardinals, the Orioles or Blue Jays. According to Wikipedia, he was nicknamed “The Penguin” for his slow, waddling running gait by his college coach, Chuck ‘Bobo’ Brayton. However, one look at him walking and you knew he had borne that sobriquet his entire life. Yet he did play for the Cougars. Played college ball at Washington State University under legendary coach, Chuck ‘Bobo’ Brayton. Cey played on the team where, for the first time, four different players each topped thirty home runs the year they won the pennant. In 1977 LAD won the NL flag w/Steve Garvey, Reggie Smith, Dusty Baker and Cey hitting 33, 32, 30 & 30 HR respectively. It took Columbo two times to recognize him. In episode #5 of Season 9 of the “Columbo” series, the wry, sly detective brilliantly played by Peter Falk, interrupts a celebrity poker game in search of clues. It’s only when he comes back to the game later that he realizes that it’s a celebrity game. He says (ISTR) “Say! You’re Ron Cey!” For good measure, that episode was written by Stephen Bochco.

2019 MLB Players Weekend

Year three of MLB's player's weekend. Much debate of the decision to pit all white uniforms against all black. Hard to tell what teams were playing.

Below: Cleveland (back) versus Kansas City.

As in the past two years, players were able to place nicknames of their choice on their backs. Some were more creative than others.

Hard to read the silver names on the white jerseys.

Players also were able to wear whatever shoes,
belts, gloves, and sweatbands they wished.

Hard to read logos on jerseys and helmets and caps.   

Why does MLB let the players go crazy for three days?

An easy negotiating chip with the players union, for sure.

But mostly to sell more jerseys and caps.

Maybe in late September those socks will be on sale.

Many thought the unis were a diaster. Much better to wear the iconic unis worn by the Yankees, Dodgers, Braves, Cardinals, etc. But in a way these uniforms looked like the old days when teams wore white or dark unis from head to toe. And for a change white shoes didn't look so bad. My two cents.

On Friday the Cubs starting pitcher didn't like the feel of the all black Player's Weekend cap, so the entire team wore their regular blue caps.

Not kosher, said MLB,

and on Saturday the Cubs were outfitted in Player's Weekend caps.

The Braves' closer used the opportunity

to let people know how his name is pronounced.

Some say Ronald Acuna looks good in any uniform.

Like last year Freddie Freeman wore the name of one of his brothers.

I liked Freddie's long pants and all black spikes.

Nicknames on the backs of jerseys aren't new.

Paul Lukas wrote a history of this for SI.com this week,

which included the 1977 Braves.

Folty had one of the better nicknames.

As did Josh Donaldson,

who had a big weekend in the Braves sweep of the Mets.

 Cool leather bag carried by Charlie Culbertson.

Tour Championship Recap

Fun day at the Tour Championship. Left the house before 7:15 and stopped by Taco Bell to fuel up for the day. Fought rush hour traffic down 75 and picked up Will shortly after eight. Found a penny in his parking lot, though it was tails side up. Made the drive down Howell Mill and Northside to the shuttle parking at the Congress Center.

We were one of the first dozen or so cars in the parking lot, around 8:45. The shuttles were supposed to start running at nine. Gates opened at ten. The first attendant said the shuttles wouldn't start until 9:45. Another attendant said 9:30. There was a whole parking lot full of busses ready to go. We were numbers 9 and 10 in line. Then a third attendant came up and said they would get the busses running soon. A bus pulled on and we got on. And waited. The attendants and drivers weren't rushed, they kept repeating "The gates don't open until ten." Didn't pull out until 9:30.  As did three other busses full of fans. You'd think they'd have wanted to get the busses back to pick up more riders. 

Of course it was after ten before we arrived. Fortunately there were not throngs of folk waiting to get in. We walked right in, well before it was packed. This allowed us to walk around and get our bearings. Circled back to the gift shop and other booths. I made a putt to win a golf towel. So did Will. Later we watched players warm up. Missed the opening ceremony where Bobby Jones IV hit the first shot. Did see the first twosome hit their first two shots on one.

In the second group Louis Oosthazen found trouble on his first two shots, and we were right there to see him pitch out. We walked the course, watching play on one, two, three, four, five, and six. Forgot to stop at the 2nd hole marker commemorating Bobby Jones' hole in one.

After his group would finish a hole, Kevin Kisner's caddie Duane Bock would hand Kisner his driver, then trudge down the side of the next fairway ahead of the golfers. Never seen that before. Could be due to a broken toe that hasn't healed quickly. Bock is famous for his huge calves. My coworker Jessica, who we saw at the tourney, noticed them. Ironically, earlier this year Bock injured one of his calves. 

https://www.golfchannel.com/news/kisner-cards-70-replacement-looper-after-normal-caddie-injures-giant-calf 

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/08/kevin-kisner-caddie-legs-calves-picture-video 

https://www.onlineathens.com/sports/20190413/caddies-fight-pains-to-stand-with-golfers 

By then it was after 1 pm. We walked back past the 6th tee and 5th green as Justin Rose and Brandt Snedaker were finishing. We got something to drink, and watched action on the 8th fairway. Walked 9, 10, 12, and 13, stopping at fairways and greens to watch the action.

The 13 green is near the tee boxes for 14 and 17, and also 16 green, all at the top of a hill. While we were there Justin Rose hit his approach to 16 into the stands. We walked down for a closer look. Rose apologized to the fans in the stands for the inconvenience. A rules official showed Rose where to drop – right in front of us. A TV camera had to be moved, so Will and other fan helped out. I was right behind Rose, so I snapped pictures of the entire event. After all the hubbub, Rose's tough pitch rolled far past the hole.

Next we walked down the 14 fairway, and watched action on the par three 15. We went up to the top of the stands behind 15 green, but couldn't see the tee shots. We could look out the back, as we overlooked the 16 tee box (as well as the lake, clubhouse, and 8th fairway). As we left the stands Matt Kuchar and Xander were walking to the green, doling out fist bumps. 

We walked over to the 18 fairway, not far from the green. Paul Casey hit a wayward shot so we walked over to watch his approach. Later we walked around and took up a position right next to the green, near where the players walked off. Good spot to see the approach shots into the par five green, but we were looking west into the sun so the ball flight was hard to see. Saw the last ten groups finish (there were only 15 twosomes). 

Saw all 30 players hit shots. Took photos of 17 players: Oosthazen, DeChambeau, Corey Conners, Sungjau Im, Leishman, Fleetwood, Fowler, Rose, Snedeker, Matsuyama, Casey, Webb Simpson, Ancer, Rory, Rahm, Koepka, and Patrick Reed. After finishing and hitting extra balls at the range, Rickie Fowler signed autographs and posed for pictures, mostly for kids. There were probably more, but we also saw Rory and DeChambeau signing autographs. 

Former Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed, who was just inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was hanging out at 18 green. Dressed in all white, several fans mingled with him. Also saw East Cobb Baseball founder Gary Baldwin stalking the course. Danny Morris was also there, but we never saw him.

All day I alternated between sunglasses and my regular glasses. I tried to stay off my phone except to take pictures. Most people wore shorts, but I went with lightweight long pants. Shorts on 98% of others. Wore matching Nikes that performed okay. Should've worn a completely different outfit. Didn't wear a golf shirt and looked out of place. Represented in my home Braves cap, which I thought would be easy to spot on TV or print. Saw a couple of other home caps, and several road caps. Most wore golf caps. Will sported his Masters cap. 

As the final group Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay putted out on 18, we made our long trek back to the shuttle busses. Right before we walked out the gate a lady handed us cold bottles of water. I probably looked like I needed it. There were signs for water stations on the course but it took us a while to finally find one, the old fashioned cooler inside a small wood structure like on most golf courses. Cold water. Later we found a newfangled water station near the 18 green that spat out warm water. Between the Taco Bell breakfast and the heat my stomach was feeling weird, so I didn't risk eating anything else.

I was scared we'd have to wait in a line for a bus, but there was a line of busses waiting on we. We were able to walk right on to the first bus in line, shortly after 6 pm. Arrived back at the Congress Center before 6:30, cutting through heavy traffic arriving for the Falcons Redskins game. I was tired, but it was a good kind of tired. Took 15134 steps / 7.2 miles over eight hours in the 94 degree heat.

Thought I'd cap off the day by swinging by Fuddruckers for my birthday burger. But the Windy Hill location had shut down. Decided to go all in and drive up to the Fudds on Barrett Parkway. It had closed as well. I was near the Varsity but decided to try a nearby Cook Out on Chastain. Finding it busy, I decided to go further up 575 to Stevie B's in Woodstock. Bad idea, but it ate.

Incident on 16

Thursday we were near the 16th green when Justin Rose's approach shot sailed into the grandstand. A rules official climbed out of his golf cart and pointed out where Rose should drop.

This put the TV camera in the way. Will helped the cameraman (green hat) and another fan move the camera.

Rose dropped his ball while Brandy Snedaker waited on the green.

After taking a practice swing,

Rose realized the camera needed to be moved again.

So Will helped move it again.

Will helped move the wires as well.

Rose finally was able to hit his shot.

 Tomorrow: a recap of the day on the course.

Tour Championship

This morning we arrived at East Lake just after gates opened at ten,

so we had 1:45 to look around. 

The Par 3 15th hole in panorama (below).

The other side of the clubhouse, in the cool of the morning.

The first tee, before things got crazy.

The FedEx Cup.

In the gift shop. Dude has a knockoff Masters shirt.

I'm reporting him.

 Lots of gear had the cup logo. Will bought a shirt. I passed.

Will and I both made putts in the Geico booth, earning us both a golf towel. We didn't fare so well at the chipping challenge.

 With the Payne Stewart trophy, won this year by Hale Irwin.

 Interesting signs placed along the walkways.

We watched players warming up. Bryson DeCambeau.

 Sungjae Im warms up.

Louis Oostuizen was in the second group to tee off.

He found trouble twice on the first hole.

Bryson's boys watch him putt out on the par three second hole.

Interesting vehicles.

Competitors Tommy Fleetwood (green shirt) and Marc Leishman (red)

walk down the par four third hole, with the Atlanta skyline in the background. 

Sungjae Im hits his approach shot on the fourth hole.

Chez Reavie tees off on the 5th hole.

Corey Conners hits his approach on five.

 Sungjae Im hit his approach on five.

Will watches Conners chip onto the 8th green.

 My coworker Jessica (in red) watches the same shot.

 Obligatory photo of an EZGO TXT.

 Fleetwood tees off on the long par three 9th hole.

Hideki Matsuyama dodges trouble on the 10th hole.

Paul Casey and his nattily-attired caddie

prepare to tee off on the par three 11th hole. 

We sat for a spell to watch the action on the 12th green.

Abraham Ancer (red) and Webb Simpson in the 14th fairway.

We climbed into the stands overlooking the par three 15th green.

Ancer (foreground) walks off just after Simpson holed his putt.

The back of these stands overlooked the 16th tee (foreground, below) as well as the practice greens across the lake in front of the clubhouse.

The 8th fairway is across the lake to the right.

Ancer hits his tee shot on 16 as Simpson looks on.

Next we walked over to the 18th green.

Paul Casey's second shot on 18 came up short, so we walked over to get a close up view of his third shot.

I whispered to his caddie "Nice Jordans."

Later we took up spots at the base of the tall camera tower at the right.

There we saw former NFL great Ed Reed, who was recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

 Patrick Reed (left) and Brooks Koepka.

 Rory. Note 18th fairway in background.

 Jon Rahm

Earlier Rickie Fowler had returned to the practive range to hit a few extra shots. Afterwards we posed for pictures and signed autographs.

Tomorrow: Will assists Justin Rose on the 16th green.