The Mark of Mogill

I first saw the news on Facebook. One of my former teachers had passed away. Not just a teacher … my favorite teacher ever. Mr. Mogill was my Physics teacher in high school. I was in his class for just one year. But, what a year it was! I can still see him pacing back and forth in front of the classroom wearing a white shirt, sleeves partially rolled up, with his hands shoved deep into the chalk stained pockets of his black dress pants. Intelligence, humor and kindness were the tools he used to teach a classroom full of teenage know-it-alls. And teach us he did. Not only about physics, but about life. Mr. Mogill respected each of us and expected that we respect him in return. He also demanded 100% of our attention when he was in the midst of an important teaching moment. My most vivid memories happened at this time. With his back to the class while furiously writing on the chalkboard, Mr. Mogill’s superpowers awakened. His all-seeing eyes in the back of his head would focus directly on the student paying the least attention to his lesson. Then, with a ninja-like quickness, Mr. Mogill would suddenly pivot, and what I can only describe as “High Noon” meets “The Matrix” … he would quick-draw a chalkboard erasure from his pocket and project it toward the hapless kid who was giving him “no respect.” SMACK-PUFF! Chalk dust filled the air and for one shocked student, the “Mark of Mogill” could be seen as a rectangular white powder outline dead center on their chest. How Mr. Mogill never missed the intended target and how others in the class were not victims of “friendly fire” is a physics lesson in itself. I remember thinking to myself, “how could this old teacher be so quick and agile?” Of course, I now realize that Mr. Mogill was only 29 years old when I was his student. He was just 12 years older than me at the time. I am sorry that I never made the time to personally thank Mr. Mogill for that magical year and for the life lessons he taught me. But, I can proudly say that, on more than one occasion, I went home with that chalk erasure outline on the front of my chest. More importantly, the true “Mark of Mogill” has been and will always be with me. Rest in Peace Mr. Mogill.

Alexis Timothy Mogill, January 24 1939 - June 4, 2016

We have met the enemy, and they are us.

I have been watching the news, listening to the news, reading the news and following social media. I am saddened by how Americans are treating each other. There is a huge divide in the country and I believe that more people know the meaning of the word “twerking” than the meaning of the word “compromise.” Unity is out … “my way or the highway” is in. Let’s forgive our enemies, but not our neighbors, seems to be the “in thing” to do. I am right … you’re an idiot. My facts are 100% undeniable … your facts are nothing more than lies. In my opinion our political leaders and the media shoulders much of the blame. The nation’s capital appears to be a large daycare center filled with spoiled children that do not or cannot get along with each other. The media gives me the impression that with almost every news story they must add their own commentary and/or slanted view because they believe that the average citizen is not smart enough to form their own opinion. A line has been drawn in the sand and heaven forbid either side should approach that line and offer to have an intelligent discussion about the problems facing this country. I imagine that our enemies in this world are gleefully watching us destroy ourselves from within and thinking to themselves … “I guess it is true, ‘Divide and Conquer’ does work.”

The Screen Door

It’s sunny … it’s hot … I’m sweating … I’m thirsty. I close my eyes, I feel the warm breeze, I hear the squeak of the screen door opening and the snap of it slamming shut. I smile as I remember my grandma coming to my rescue with a large, refreshing glass of ice-cold lemonade. I touch the icy glass to my forehead, my smile widens, and that first gulp of lemonade sends shivers through my body. I open my eyes, no grandma in site, no lemonade to be found. So … I pop open a beer.

Hey Forrest!

I think whatever #candidates spend on their #Campaigns , they should match that amount to help reduce the federal deficit. #Elections2016

— Spiff Carner (@spiffhappens) June 8, 2016

Politics make me sick

Memorial Day 2016 - Marietta Nationa Cemetery

Deer Path Etiquette

For those who do not hike the trails of Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park, let me enlighten you on what happens when you find a deer blocking the path ahead of you. Few people realize that the park deer have learned “path etiquette” over the years. Today, for example, this beautiful doe was directly on the path in front of me. You will notice that she dips her head four times and then shows me the way to hike by prancing down the path with her tail high in the air. This is much appreciated by a tired, old hiker such as myself. However, I must warn you … if the deer dips her head only three times and then trots away without lifting her tail, DO NOT follow her. It is the oldest trick in the book. Just around the bend three or four no-good-nick bucks are waiting to mug you … drink your water … eat your power bars … and take your credit cards in hoping to steal your identity under the name of John Doe. This has been your Walk in the Woods lesson for the day.

Forrest ... the Corgi Comic!

It's an age thing.

#Medicare age: That moment when you realize you're too old to be a #SugarDaddy, and have to settle on being a #Splenda Pappy. #oldage #sad

— Spiff Carner (@spiffhappens) April 27, 2016

The Door Knob

Has this happened to you? It has happened to me. And let me tell you, it’s a frightening situation. I don’t know what the odds are of this happening, but I have beaten those odds on more than one occasion. It seems that the belt loops on my pants are the exact same height as those fancy door knobs with the curly-cue end. This morning I was searching for something in a hall closet, found it, turned away … and suddenly I was hooked!

I started jumping, twisting and bending like a 165-pound Marlin being reeled in!  But to no avail. I was weakening fast. My belt loop was helplessly wedged on that knob tighter than spandex on a 350-pound sumo wrestler. It seemed that my only recourse was to somehow get out of my pants while they were still attached to the door from hell. To make matters worse, the closet door and the devilish door knob that now owned me were next to our cut glass front door. My mind raced as I squirmed to get out of my pants while hoping that the UPS man would not be making a delivery at that very moment. Or, gosh forbid, Girl Scouts selling cookies! Finally, one leg free. I squirmed, grunted and with a great amount of luck finally freed myself from what would have been a certain defining moment in my life if Janet had arrived home moments earlier. I collapsed on the floor, totally exhausted. There, glaring down at me were my pants, dangling loosely from that “freaking” door knob. And then it hit me. This is exactly why I need a first alert necklace. “Hello, operator? I’m hooked on a door knob and I can’t escape!”

Forrest, the Corgi Comic!

Forrest ... the Corgi Comic!

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