Brave Opening Day 2016!

Captain America

In fear of offending anyone who dislikes the #USA, #CaptainAmerica will be changing his name to "Captain #PoliticalCorrectness" on Friday.

— Spiff Carner (@spiffhappens) March 31, 2016

Forrest, the Corgi Comic!

Non-Silent Tribute

As I walk past the headstones at Marietta National Cemetery I often read the engraved names out loud. Most of these brave men and women have not had their names spoken in countless years. It is simply my non-silent way of thanking these heroes for the freedom I have enjoyed my entire life.

Forrest, the Corgi Comic

Johnny Football

#JohnnyManziel has been released by the #Browns. Hope this doesn't drive him to drink. #JohnnyFootball #NFL #football #blewit

— Spiff Carner (@spiffhappens) March 11, 2016

Sharknado

You know what is more terrifying than #Sharknado4? #PresidentialCandidates 16. #scary #politicians #Democrats #GOP #movies

— Spiff Carner (@spiffhappens) March 9, 2016

Blue Man Group

If you are #fired from the #BlueManGroup, do they give you a pink slip?

— Spiff Carner (@spiffhappens) March 7, 2016

Forrest, the Corgi Comic!

Something smells?

Something interesting today when I #voted. Poll workers handed out red or blue #clothespins to put on your nose when you voted. #Primary

— Spiff Carner (@spiffhappens) February 25, 2016

Forrest, the Corgi Comic

Stay in Vegas

Don't you wish that all the politicians (#Democrats and #Republicans) who visited #LasVegas in the past month, would have STAYED in Vegas?

— Spiff Carner (@spiffhappens) February 24, 2016

Nevada Caucus

Final results of #Nevadacaucus may be delayed as "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." #gopcaucus #gop #lasvegas #politics

— Spiff Carner (@spiffhappens) February 24, 2016

Forrest, the joke telling Corgi

Fire in Hole!

We are at DEFCON 2! Colonoscopy prep has commenced. I am locking myself in the bunker in 3 ... 2 ...

Forrest, the joke telling Corgi

Supreme Court

I would like to throw my hat into the ring to be the next Supreme Court Justice. Why?

A) I have never been a lawyer which means I wouldn’t use that darn legalese. Everyone should be able to easily understand my decisions.

B) I personally distrust all politicians and could care less whether they’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. No voting down party lines for me.

C) I have stayed overnight on several occasions at a Holiday Inn Express.

D) I am already wearing a robe most of the day around the house and on occasion in public, so the transaction to the high court would be very easy for me.

Forrest, the joke telling Corgi

The following message has not been approved by anyone.

I recorded the Democratic debate a couple of nights ago. I plan to watch the GOP debate live tonight while simultaneously replaying the Democrats contest screen in screen. I will mute the TV volume while blasting Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” during the debates. I have also relocated to Colorado for the night so that I will not be arrested for doing anything illegal while viewing the debates. By tomorrow morning I should know beyond the shadow of a doubt who I will vote for in the election. Or, I’ll be at Taco Bell eating several Breakfast Crunchwraps.

Disclaimer: Reference to any specific political party does not constitute my endorsement or disapproval of said group. Any views or opinions presented in this post are solely those of the author and a feeble attempt at making at least one person laugh. The author will not accept any personal attacks, name-calling, or such in the comments section of this post. Such comments will be deleted. If you are offended by this post, please get a life. Do not read while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. This post is meant for humorous purposes only. This information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

Whatever happened to Randy and Spiff?

Thanks to Rodney Ho and the AJC, you now know.  All you have to do is CLICK HERE.

The Revenant

I saw “The Revenant” last night starring Leonardo DiCaprio. A few quick observations on my part. This movie was intense, gory, beautifully filmed and well-acted. It reminded me of “Jeremiah Johnson” but with some scenes as graphically violent as parts of “Gangs of New York.” Definitely not a movie for the squeamish. The grizzly bear attack alone will keep my head swiveling every time I walk on nature trails for the rest of my life. And this final note: If you are planning for a dinner and a movie night and go to “Ted’s Montana Grill” for a bison burger, do yourself a favor and get your bison “well done.” You’ll thank me after seeing “The Revenant.”

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.

Sony

In an effort to thwart future cyber-attacks, Sony has adopted the IRS system where emails are immediately lost or destroyed.

First Two Tuesdays in November

Remember ... VOTE Tuesday, November 4th! THANK a Veteran Tuesday, November 11th! Thanks to our Veterans we have the privilege to voice our opinions and vote for the person of our choice.