MJ vs. LeBron

Interesting debate on social media about 39 year old Michael Jordan and his woeful Wizards missing the playoffs, as if it was all MJ’s fault. I guess LeBron is in the playoffs this year. He did play all 82 games that season, averaging 20 points per game. Last season LeBron’s Lakers finished 5th in their division, behind the mighty Kings, Suns, Clippers, and Warriors. This year they finished 8th in the West, and are down 0-2 in their playoff series against Denver.

Is LeBron just hanging around to play with his son? That’s why the Hawks should sign LeBron. Maybe a few other good players would follow James to Atlanta. LeBron played all 82 games once in his 21 year career. In the past 6 seasons James only played 55, 67, 45, 56, 55, and 71.

MJ played all 82 games in 9 of his 13 full seasons. In the other years he played 81, 80, 78, and then 60 in his next to last season with the Wizards. So in 12 seasons MJ only missed a total of 7 games. LeBron has missed 143 games in the past 6 seasons – 29% of the games – almost 2 full seasons. Lots of hard-working fans paid big bucks to see LeBron, only to be disappointed.

The Bears traded former top pick Justin Fields for a 6th round pick.  The Bears passed on drafting Patrick Mahomes, and drafted Mitch Trubinsky instead.

Much like the Hawks, who now may be looking at trading away Trae Young. Many think the Hawks won’t make any changes / improvements over this coming offseason. Trae was just voted the third most overrated NBA player by his peers. As a reminder, the Hawks traded Luca Doncic to Dallas, getting Trae Young in return.

When NBA players were asked what player they most like to watch, Caitlin Clark finished in the top three.

May 5 on Netflix telecast live: a roast of Tom Brady, hosted by Kevin Hart. Probably rated TV-MA.

Sunday night I watched an ESPN+ show hosted by former basketball great Sue Bird, visiting different people and places like Caitlin Clark, Coach K, Jimmer Ferdette, Bill Walton, UConn coach Geno and Paige Bueckers, the Philly Phanatic, and others. Good stuff.

Former Falcon QB Matt Ryan retired after 15 seasons, finishing in the top ten in passing yards and passing TDs, and several other categories. Many here in Atlanta are saying he’s a cinch for the pro football hall of fame. Not so fast. He didn’t win a Super Bowl. There’s a long line of great players also awaiting induction. I’m not sure Ryan ever gets voted in. Eli Manning won two Super Bowls, putting up impressive stats while playing in New York, and he’s on the outside looking in as well.

Denison: this from the New York Post: “Scottie Scheffler has become golf’s unassuming megastar” - published before Scheffler won the Masters and then won again yesterday. Though he is always quick to give the glory to God, as I noted after his triumph at Augusta, the secular world doesn’t seem to make the connection. One golf commentator went on and on Saturday describing what a “good person” Scheffler is with no mention of the real reason why.

Ceil and her friend Dawn have made it to Paris. Anna and her High Country coworkers spent yesterday cleaning up at the Chattahoochee. Goose tagged along.

Didn’t sleep well Sunday night, but much better last night. Since I am working from home, last night I kept working on into the evening last night.

Watched Jeopardy and The Neighborhood, then flipped over to The Voice. Tonight’s lineup: Jeopardy, George Lopez, The Weakest Link, and Password.

I often write notes on my hand. Back in the late 80’s / early 90’s when I used to run at the FLC, I would use one of those lap counter things.

Ceil's Big Adventure

Ceil is having a big time on her trip with Dawn. Spent night one in Arlington VA.

Then London. 

Art stores. Eating in cafes.

Eating in cafes.

Ten years ago tonight, on April 22, 2014, I went to the Braves game with Reid W. I was selected to hit golf balls on the field before the game. Hard to believe that was ten years ago.

Wonder about Scottie S if he will be able to chase Nicklaus’ records for most majors. You heard it here first. Might not have gotten as early a start as Tiger, but Tiger faded due to injuries – many self inflicted. Scheffler may be able to be great for a longer time. Still way too early to tell.

A month or so ago Korda was competing against Rory and Max Homa and Rose Zhang. Yesterday with the rain in Hilton Head there was a senior type tourney in Irving Texas with a celebrity division. David Toms was second. Pace of play was terrible. Smotz was leading the celebrities. Annika was second. Tony Roma may have been third.

Today was Bryant Wright’s 32nd annual Right From the Heart golf tournament out in Alpharetta. The 680 The Fan radio station is broadcasting from the tourney, Former UGA QB Buck Belue talked to Bryant Wright on his show. Belue said he started every day with a devotional.

Article: playing Augusta National.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.golfdigest.com/story/low-net-playing-augusta-national__;!!AE29DT8V!Wq2Z2fqNp2fyJVxqdyKcCVv1eBB98zJ_n6m-IU_yh_st8E6QtpduHxX_lgU4cbdf6dlNYY7FZrU3rPGYauc$

Seems like I disagree with every opinion Joe Hamilton doles out on 680 the Fan. He says the Falcons need to draft more weapons for QB Kirk Cousins to spread the ball around to. That would be nice, but the team has so many other more pressing needs: they could use every pick to strengthen the offensive line and defense and still not have enough.

Fixed a big pan of nachos for lunch, with chips, cheese, black beans, chicken, onions, and BBQ sauce. Good but huge.

Fixed a salad for supper, believe it or not. Lettuce, chicken, cheese, crispy onion pieces, and honey mustard.

Work keeps getting harder and harder. So much extra work just to feed the SAP beast. Not sure how they expect me to do all this. Worked 5 hours on Saturday and 4-1/2 more yesterday. I can’t keep this up. Lots of times I type out what I am feeling, to help me figure out exactly what I am feeling and experiencing, so I am ready to talk about it when I get the chance. Would be nice to retire. Nice to have that option.

Sure is a different world in the work force these days, including my own company. People focused on themselves, not the team. People hop from one job to another. Only concerned about climbing the ladder. One stressed out coworker recently left. No one seemed to care. Used to be a family atmosphere, but those days are long gone. 

Might as well wait until my hip is healed. I wanted to golf on Saturday but it hurts too much. Woke early and took Winnie out. I was reading that I need to exercise it, so maybe I can get back to at least walking. Grass needs cutting.

American League pitchers who hit a home run in a World Series game.

Pitcher       WS/G                Off              Career WAR

Bagby.........1920/5...BRO’s Burleigh Grimes.......30.8

Grant..........1965/6...LAD’s Howie Reed..............21.1

Holtzman...1974/4....LAD’s Andy Messersmith...27.3

Lolich.........1968/2....STL’s Nelson Briles............48.0

McNally......1969/5....NYM’s Jerry Koosman.......25.5

McNally......1970/3....CIN’s Wayne Granger,

Santiago.....1967/1...STL’s Bob Gibson................ 4.1

Not So Smart Home?

 
Tracked down the new HGTV Smart Home, at 2747 Bob Bettis Road near Sprayberry High. Looks nice, but all the houses on it’s side of the street are old and dated, yards not taken care of. Not the greatest neighborhood. Check out the houses on either side of the smart home.

Granted all the houses on the other side of the street are new, but they’re only worth at most $500,000. 

HGTV claims the house and furnishings are worth $800,000, plus $82000 Mercedes Benz and $150,000 cash. Winner has the option of accepting $700,000 and the Mercedes. Tough call, but a choice I wouldn’t mind making.

Been on the go the past three days. Stopped by the Big Shanty Festival in downtown Kennesaw.

Ate lunch at Jim & Nicks BBQ. Tasted better than it looked.

Got the leak in my tire fixed. Two nails. Tire Deals is under new ownership. Just a couple miles away from the Smart House.

RIP Roman Gabriel, a dominant QB when I was a kid for the rival Rams.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://talkoffametwo.com/nfl/remembering-roman-gabriel__;!!AE29DT8V!S5cbBbVOrblrqvVR2_wjuWay7_2dRqK0XV1uxMm-W2ZPc1EBF6qu0AjJ2lg06IiTDSp8WGM52pK8o8a_fMs$

On the way from the Masters to Hilton Head for the next tournament, a lady paid for Max Homa's Chickfila.

https://www.southernliving.com/max-homa-chick-fil-a-8635664?

Ran a bunch of errands. Recent stops…

spent saved

07.00 50.00 navy fishing shirt

10.00 90.00 Christmas suit

12.00 10.00 Ruby Tuesday burger, tots, & salad

00.00 06.00 Steak N Shake milkshake

07.00 50.00 Eddie Bauer pants

75.00 75.00 oil change

26.00 26.00 car wash

20.00 20.00 patch tire leak

00.00 30.00 Braves cap

00.00 06.00 Steak N Shake milkshake

01.00 03.00 Arbys fries

00.00 13.00 Jim & Nicks BBQ sandwich

Spent $168.00 spent for $380.00 in goods.

Birthday deals

Bad Daddy’s free burger

Baskin Robbins free cone

Benihana buy one get one

Buffalo Wild Wings 6 free wings

Chickfila free dessert

CiCis Pizza free buffet

Crumbl free cookie

Dairy Queen free shake

Del Taco: milkshake & 2 tacos  

Dennys free value slam breakfast

Dippin Dots free cup

IHOP free pancakes

Hooters ten free wings

Jersey Mikes free sub & soft drink

Jimmy Johns free sub & cookie

Johnny Rockets free burger

Marlow’s Tavern free entrée

Moe’s free burrito

Nothing Bundt Cakes free cake

Panera Bread free pastry

RaceTrac free hot dog

Red Robin free burger with $5 purchase

Sbarro Pizza free slice

Smoothie King free shake

Sonic free item

Steak N Shake free milkshake

Subway free cookie

Taco Bell free slushie

TCBY free froyo

Zaxbys free tenders

DAVE McNALLY  [SABR Bio] is the only All-Star born in the only U.S. state whose motto is in Spanish. McNally was born in Billings, Montana. Montana’s state motto is “Oro Y Plata” (“Gold & Silver”). He was the first pitcher to face Reggie Jackson in the postseason. McNally was the starter in the 1^st ALCS G ever played, OAK vs. BAL. Jackson was the 3rd batter and the only future HOFer that McNally faced that day,  although Rollie Fingers did pitch an inning in relief. Jackson flied out. McNally pitched 2,730 innings in the majors. The next closest Montanan is Bob Locker who, although he was in the majors for 10 years, only managed 879 innings.

Braves ticket contest: 

https://www.mlb.com/braves/forms/2024-braves-country-road-trip-sweepstakes

The NFL Has New Clothes

Several NFL teams have debuted new uniforms in anticipation of next week’s draft. 

Jets and Browns brought back old designs. Bless their hearts.

Texans have a new blue helmet and jerseys. Broncos are finally updating their unis.

Lions have a decent new uni, except the obligatory black jersey and pants. Isn't that unique?

Also blue helmets and pants to mix and match.

Detroit could go two seasons and not wear the same costume.

Good news I guess. Both the doc and the PA say I don’t have another hernia. Most probably just a muscle pull. Should heal over time. Right now running, golfing, or weightlifting would be uncomfortable. I do need to start back exercising.

On the way home Friday I stopped by for a Steak N Shake milkshake, to RaceTrac for my free drink, and a thrift store.

Will & MC are in NYC to see a friend of MC's in a Broadway show.  

Went over to the Earharts for dinner. Salmon and chicken. The Chos were there, and two couples I didn’t know. One lady made special cookies.

Thursday night I watched Jeopardy and the complete CBS lineup: Young Sheldon, Ghosts, So What About Todd, and Elsbeth.

I could be twice as productive – if I didn’t have to do everything twice.

Plusses and minuses of wearing sneakers on the golf course, like VJ Singh.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.golfdigest.com/story/vijay-singh-hokas-masters-sneakers-vs-golf-shoes__;!!AE29DT8V!UUe7J8fPleMOSdy6LA9E8Tk0vvsmzaAY4kmoT28mevF_sPooGcjymQdn5tWC8dAmDGot7MqNxnbAKqtpBuc$

MICKEY LOLICH  [SABR Bio] record for most career strikeouts by a left-handed American League pitcher was broken by CC Sabathia. Lolich finished with 2,679 K on his AL team, DET. Sabathia’s K total in the AL (CLE & NYY) was 2,965. He once picked off Lou Brock and Curt flood in the 6th inning of the 7th game of the 1968 World Series. Lolich picked off two of the most successful base stealers of their generation. Lolich pitched 376.0 innings in 1971 to lead the majors. Since then only knuckleballer Wilbur Wood exceeded that total, in the very next season with 376-2/3.

Travis Kelce Graduates

Travis Kelce received a diploma from the University of Cincinnati – while chugging a beer in the process, I'm sure Taylor is proud. He says he doesn't know how he was able to get together with Swift. Neither do I.

Tom Brady hinting at a possible late season return to the NFL, for a contending team needing a healthy QB for a possible playoff run. What else does he have to do?

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/odds-emerge-for-tom-bradys-next-team__;!!AE29DT8V!QC39YV8ZetYIoUi6Gy6iCT3-HIsEyJ7kqkmYWNUcZJQSVck9vFUxnbEWVRlu_JO_4sEw90oBdwNN0H-3U-M$

Watched Young Sheldon. Georgie got married. When his parents hustled in at the last moment, Big George was huffing and puffing and holding his chest. A sign of things to come? Only 7 episodes remaining. Meemaw is in jail. Will an old suitor return to help save the day?

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://screenrant.com/young-sheldon-season-7-meemaw-crisis-sturgis-missing-worse/__;!!AE29DT8V!TSGVCeAqFdN9JtjDkLQUmCWsA5NpzrmyZ5wW5gMPZ3RcJHLmfRxZEwHVdRjhh2zLGlT9xMuBlb4NMXARFk8$

Bad running habits – and how to break them. My bad habit is not running – am I right? 

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.advnture.com/features/12-bad-running-habits__;!!AE29DT8V!Xlm4Fbzq9bsYpSihohMivsaRvyzpkLA4OKrnLbkJrkINU5EtRE90WEwJWD3IEukXU67kNCXSfI08i1sRs9I$

Left-handed pitchers who started an All-Star game and a World Series (G#1) in the same season. 

ASG     Name      WS    WAR

1937... Gomez....NYY... 38.7

1958... Spahn.....MLN.100.1

1961(a) Ford......NYY....57.1

1992... Glavine...ATL....80.7

1998... Wells......NYY....53.5

2018... Sale........BOS...47.3

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

VIDEO: Caitlin Clark on Saturday Night Live.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://youtu.be/Cuf29fvlfb0?si=GRjaeHU3_Fnn_GSe__;!!AE29DT8V!XR7KG0pHhNMN_39L7a6cIdc2W3C72R7Y42c8wk5CIO9O4FUpPSt9v3VRS_AhwgwJyN3ANI1GFVYOtP106TI$

Anna's Adventures

Anna just got her Honda back from being repainted. It had been peeling really bad. Odd for a 2017 car. 

Last weekend Anna went skiing with Caleb and Emily.

GT kicker Gavin Stewart is entering the transfer portal. Had a shaky freshman season, then got beat out last year. Saw on social media where another kicker booted a 62 yarder in Saturday’s scrimmage, so Stewart’s days were numbered anyway. I just want a consistent kicker who makes all hiss PATs and doesn’t miss the chip shots. Is that too much to ask?

In high school my high kickoffs consistently came down on the 10 yard line. If asked I could direct my kickoffs away from dangerous return men, left or right. But in preseason practice my pal Ricky Kurtz had ONE of his low kickoffs land one yard deep in the end zone – so the kickoff job was his. Problem was that Ricky was also a starting offensive tackle, so often in games many of his kickoffs were shanked. After a couple of games the job was mine. Same thing happened before the next year, with the new coaching staff. Same result. 

The Stripers have a few giveaways lined up, but it takes so long to get out there and costs so much, I’m not sure it’s worth it.

HGTV is giving away a “smart” home here in East Cobb, behind Sprayberry high school. Contest starts tomorrow.

Today: Ruby Tuesday had a burger, tots, and salad bar deal for nine bucks, so I bit. Wednesday I had a brisket sandwich at Arbys, which was just okay.

Left for the airport at 820 am. Took an hour. Right before we left I found Ceil’s passport on the shelf. She had packed her old expired passport. Now I am a bachelor for the rest of the month.

On the way home I stopped by three thrift stores. Bought a nice navy fishing shirt and a crazy Christmas suit. John Roma would be proud.

Finally got home to work the rest of the day. Set up my computer and two monitors and got them to work, so I am set. I’ll work from home the next 2 weeks to keep Winnie company. Now I gotta walk Winnie. 

Zaxbys. Can’t get C to go there, but I like it. Zalads used to be bigger than they are now.

The white bunkers at Augusta National are actually a fine quartz, mined northeast of Asheville in Spruce Pines, where Ceil once attended an art camp.

https://www.southernliving.com/augusta-national-bunker-sand-white-8613052?utm_campaign=southernliving_southernliving&utm_content=link&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com

TOM GLAVINE [SABR Bio] was the National League player representative during the 1994-95 players' strike. Starting in 1991, Glavine served as the Atlanta Braves team representative to the Major League Baseball Players Association, succeeding former NL MVP Dale Murphy in the position. He is the only pitcher to win 20 or more games in a season three times without tossing at least five complete games in any of those seasons. Glavine led MLB in wins in 1993, 1998, & 2000 with 22, 20, & 21 yet could only manage 4 CG in each of those years. He once broke a rib vomiting on a team flight, as reported in Sports Illustrated, (Air & Space), 20-Jun-2005 issue.

Signs of the End Times?

Years ago I remember reading a book describing Biblical prophecy, that when Israel was attacked the enemy’s missiles would be knocked out of the sky. Kinda what happened this weekend, right? Pastor Greg Laurie on why Iran’s attack on Israel is a sign of the End Times.

But before you start saying your goodbyes and spending your IRA’s on Hawaiian vacations, remember that no one knows the time and place. God’s timing is different than yours and mine. Another sign of the End Times was when Israel became a sovereign nation again in 1948 – over 70 years. ago.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://endtimeheadlines.org/2024/04/pastor-greg-laurie-on-why-irans-attack-on-israel-is-a-sign-of-the-end-times/__;!!AE29DT8V!XKWn46fuzCLzP5lRH_QEjBXCVbsFAJGiV6SYW1_ncoGiT_3mBRkof-Rsw4lnBy3sv6j4raI8KGOkGrqXtHA$

There have been increased sightings of black-eyed people and children. Is it a sign of the end times? Why is the national media trying to hush this story?

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://themostimportantnews.com/archives/why-are-they-trying-so-hard-to-convince-us-that-people-that-are-seeing-black-eyed-demon-faces-have-a-disorder__;!!AE29DT8V!XhAF8wlb8SWL-qvpKYXqEFAf0N4yvQEM0htTKQ92lFj-fSJVHGkvCHnJMcBMoESP44Q_cQTGFMIA1HkSQnQ$

I have got to get to Fort Mountain to see the moon-eyed people artifacts, of Cherokee Indian legend. Aliens? Demons? Or worse – Europeans?

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://allthatsinteresting.com/moon-eyed-people__;!!AE29DT8V!TStKlsCpIUyJIkzcc6XNf2n0mDIIdjVbBqm-5M14QEy-Abo7cJxzjWo31SrMNFFIKWIo3P7zyF8qTCYa1tE$

Tuesday: worked past six again. Spent most of Tuesday doing someone else’s work. Not happy about it. Plus orders were entered in error that clogged up the works, but no one went back and cancelled them. So many people are confused about this SAP all over the country. Lots of problem creators, not many problem solvers. Even my bosses’ boss was saying that.

Wanted to watch the Braves on TBS but it was blocked on my TV. Watched Jeopardy, The Neighborhood, The Weakest Link, and Password. Ceil fixed meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli.

Forgot to run an errand on the way home. Didn’t realize it until this morning. Hit up Arbys for lunch today. Leftovers tonight if C has her small group.

The must-eat food from every state. For Georgia it’s the peach cobbler from Mary Macs. In Florida it’s a sub sandwich from Publix. Okay.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.fiftygrande.com/must-eat-food-in-every-state/__;!!AE29DT8V!RHBmIUxMpt4ckYaoaReoEeqa2zfQYI2EmVifGTuy08cPrLoLGtP5dYVxFG0WBNtZjYPJZsVDCY4KoFdmBF0$

Planks or Crunches – which is better? Both are good. Crunches focus on building ab muscles. Planks are good for a wider range of body parts.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.wellandgood.com/plank-vs-crunch__;!!AE29DT8V!Wgqit66oqbISILn4X-CVRypxN-68liXC00TE761-zRURhezJp_j2r8WHT5t_pUFvfbNXu58zf68q5U0J9uM$

RIP CARL ERSKINE [SABR Bio] his record for most strikeouts in a World Series game was broken by Sandy Koufax. In the 3^rd game of the 1953 Series, Erskine struck out 14 Yankees, including Mickey Mantle four times. Koufax had 15 K vs. NYY in G 1 of the 1963 WS. (Mantle only struck out 2 X that day). Erskine had a record of 20-6 or .769 to lead the NL in 1953. He placed 9th in the NL MVP voting in 1953, for the only time in his 12-year career. Seven Dodgers received MVP votes that year, with teammate Roy Campanella getting the top vote. Erskine was the last surviving player highlighted in the ground-breaking book, “The Boys of Summer” by Roger Kahn. Kahn, well-respected writer on sports, published his masterpiece in 1972. After recounting his childhood in Brooklyn and his life as a young reporter on the New York Herald Tribune, the author relates some history of the Brooklyn Dodgers up to their victory in the 1955 World Series.  He then tracks the lives of the players (Clem Labine, George Shuba, Andy Pafko, Joe Black, Preacher Roe, Pee Wee Reese, Carl Furillo, Gil Hodges, Roy Campanella, Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson& Billy Cox a well as Erskine) over the subsequent years as they aged.  The title of the book is taken from a Dylan Thomas poem. Erskine’s no-hitters were on 19-Jun-1952 vs. CHC and 12-May-1956 vs. NYG - each in a season where his team won the pennant. For his charity work after his career, the Hall of Fame honored him with a special award, one given to only five other recipients. In 2023, the HOF announced that Erskine would be awarded the Buck O'Neil Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to charity & his work towards the Special Olympics. After throwing his second career no-hitter, he passed on a bottle of champagne offered to him instead celebrating with an orange soda. His second no-no was at home in Ebbets Field. Erskine was conscious of his image with the Brooklyn fans (who affectionately called him “oisk”).