Randy & Spiff Audio Flashback

"Animal Activists versus Bikers"

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

I was lucky enough to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens twice on Tuesday. Let’s just say that during the first viewing the “Dark Side” was the winner as the theater suffered three power outages (the first lasting an entire hour) and we entirely missed the final five minutes of the movie. However … The Force Awakened thanks to Disney and Regal Atlantic Station with a second showing that included free drinks and popcorn. And let me just say … The “Force” is indeed strong with this one! I confess that I enjoyed the original three Star Wars movies much, much more than the latest three. And “The Force Awakens” took me right back to where the fun began. Good storyline, popular characters, plenty of action, humor, a touch of a love story, lots of cool looking aliens and enough references to the early movies to bring plenty of laughs to the room. Even with the power outages during the first showing, I really enjoyed this movie. The plot may have been somewhat predictable and familiar, but there are some surprises as well. Without the interruptions I enjoyed “The Force Awakens” even more! It did help though seeing the final five minutes which, and I don’t believe I am giving anything away here, left it wide open for episode eight. I am already looking forward to that one. I’ll just make sure I call Georgia Power ahead of time to let them know when I’m heading to the theater to see it. Han Solo summed up this movie for me when he and Chewbacca stepped onto the Millennium Falcon and said, “Chewy … we’re home.”

Pete Rose

"MLB refuses to overturn Pete Rose's lifetime ban." 

Whoo-hoo! I just won 50 bucks!

Close Call!

Escaped unharmed tonight after I accidentally stumbled upon what appeared to be some sort of gang initiation ritual in downtown Acworth.

Braves trade longtime fans to Oakland

In an unprecedented move, the Atlanta Braves have traded away several longtime supporters for six minor league fans of the Oakland Athletics. Braves management stated, “We are attempting to build something special in 2017 and decided that a younger fan base is the way to go. We’re excited about the addition of these young minor league fans that will, in our opinion, blossom into fantastic big league supporters of the Atlanta Braves. We would like to thank the Braves fans we traded to Oakland for their years of support and wish them well in the future.” As part of the package, the A’s will also receive from Atlanta an elderly beer vendor and a senior female fan to be named later.

Paris

I am sickened. Thoughts and Prayers to everyone affected by these cowardly terrorist acts.

Let's Get Physical

Just went for my yearly physical. Note to self: Next time, wait until I get into the examination room to disrobe. Some very uncomfortable people in the waiting room.

This is important because?

I don't care what they put on the side of a Starbucks cup. But due to the price of their drinks, the cup better be made of a precious metal.

Atlanta Braves 2016

AJC  - "Braves wear Turner Field patch next season."

Also considering wearing Life Alert necklaces.

I'll Drink to That!

“NBC Concerned About 'Tonight Show' Host's 'Excessive' Drinking, Report Says.” Sorta gives “Fallon Down Drunk” a whole new meaning.

Fall colors in Marietta, GA

Squirrels predict cold winter in Georgia

Hiking Kennesaw Mountain. Squirrels are out in force finding and burying every nut they can locate. Since I've been married for almost 20 years I sense no personal danger.

Back to the Future with the Cubs!

If the Cubs win the World Series this year, will they reclassify "Back to the Future Part II" as a documentary?

Autumn Arriving in Atlanta

Never Forget

A Walk in the Woods

After watching “A Walk in the Woods” starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte you may be tempted to hike the Appalachian Trail yourself. I’m going to save you six months of your time and over 2,100 miles of wear and tear on your hiking boots (not to mention what it may do to your body.) Heck, only one in four who attempts a thru-hike actually accomplishes their goal anyway.

First, I enjoyed the movie which is about Bill Bryson (Redford), who after spending two decades in England, returns to the U.S. where he decides the best way to connect with his homeland is to hike the Appalachian Trail with one of his oldest friends played by Nolte. The chemistry between Redford and Nolte is not close to what you would see in a Redford-Paul Newman buddy film (which was the original idea when the rights were purchased years ago), but it still worked for me. “A Walk in the Woods” is like “Grumpy Old Men” meet “The Odd Couple” on the Appalachian Trail. I liked Nolte’s down and out character more than the highly successful author played by Redford. Nolte easily outshines Redford thanks to having the best comedic zingers in the script. The supporting characters were fine with Kristen Schaal (who plays a very annoying hiker on the trail) especially humorous.

The scenery and trails, of course, were beautiful. And this is where I will save you from spending half a year hiking the Appalachian Trail. Much of the film was filmed in the Atlanta area including lots of scenes from trails in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Since I hike those trails three or four times a week I picked out scenes that were shot on Pigeon Hill, Kennesaw Mountain and Little Kennesaw Mountain. (The nearly 3,000-acre National Battlefield Park offers over 20 miles of trails that weave through forest, over mountaintops and through grassy meadows.) Of course, Kennesaw Mountain is not actually part of the Appalachian Trail, but still a wonderful and beautiful place to hike and enjoy nature without having to visit REI for six months’ worth of trekking supplies. And after a few hours of hiking Kennesaw Mountain, you can grab a mouthwatering southern style lunch at Louise’s Restaurant where Redford and Nolte’s characters chowed down in the movie.

Overall, as a movie, “A Walk in the Woods” doesn’t quite make the entire Appalachian Trail trek, but it does make it far enough and has enough laughs for you to sit back and enjoy a couple of hours of your valuable time.

Kennesaw Mountain

Since retiring, I rarely know what day of the week it is. However, I do know when it's a beautiful day to hike Kennesaw Mountain.

Happy National Dog Day

Retirement Dilemma

My first retirement dilemma today in a public restroom with a large sign over the sink that read:

"WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE RETURNING TO WORK."

 I suggest that the next time you meet me, opt for the fist-bump instead of the handshake.

Out to Pasture

Last day at work! Retirement here I come! Wonderful experience at The Impact Partnership​. Will very much miss the absolutely AMAZING Radio Team and all of the creative and fun co-workers throughout the building. As you can see by the monitor, looks like they'll miss me too?

"Goin' back to the well gonna visit old friends
 And feed my soul where the blacktop ends"

New Law

If I was King for a day I would make it a law at that ALL media would be required to list the victims’ names each time they spoke, wrote or reported about the tragic events that happened not only in Chattanooga but in all other locations of our country where senseless acts of violence occur. Sadly the cowardly terrorists or murderers names often become more well-known than those of the innocent victims. As far as I am concerned, the perpetrator of such acts should rarely have their name mentioned at all.

RIP
Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan of Hampden, Massachusetts; 
Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt of Burke, North Carolina; 
Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist of Polk, Wisconsin; 
Lance Cpl. Squire K. ‘‘Skip’’ Wells of Marietta, Georgia.

Amazing photo of Pluto!

Happy Independence Day!

Best Alarm Clock Ever!

You know the day is going to be great when this is the first thing you see when you open your eyes in the morning. "Come on Dad! It's time to play. Daylight's burning!!"

Memorial Day weekend 2015

Every Memorial Day weekend I try to visit Marietta National Cemetery to quietly give thanks for the unselfish and ultimate sacrifices that have allowed me to lead such a wonderful and free life.

Hide and Seek

Forrest is still learning the finer points of "Hide & Seek."

Lily Sue mimicking Grandpapa

The Breakfast Club

Later this month is the 30th Anniversary of "The Breakfast Club." This rare photo shows the original cast before director John Hughes fired the actor sitting between Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy for "having a face for radio." Emilio Estevez assumed the role and the rest is history.

If Yoda had a pet dog

Snow in Georgia? Really?

"Forrest" experiences his first snow

Nuff said ...

Brian Williams sings at the GRAMMYs!

Warm February days are meant for this!

(Frozen Custard Waffle Cone at Cheeseburger Bobby's)

Brian Williams recants ... again ...

This just in! NBC anchorman Brian Williams recants his story of being on the last Space Shuttle flight. Brian said he confused that with an airport shuttle ride to LaGuardia.

Brian Williams recants ...

This just in! NBC anchorman Brian Williams recants his story of being on Seal Team 6 during the Osama bin Laden raid. Brian said he confused that with his visit to Sea World where he fed the seals.

Life Lesson #65

If reincarnated and you come back as a squirrel, please DO NOT shout "Birdie" just because you're on a golf course.

365 Photos in 365 Days

I am attempting to post a photo a day this year.  I've attempted this in the past and never came close to finishing.  You can follow my progress HERE.