Ellis Millsaps: Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Pregame Hoopla

 Since there has yet been no baseball to hoopla let's just open with some music appropriate for the season.

 The time has come today

 To see things a different way... 

                                                     --Joseph Lamar Chambers/ Willie Mack Chambers 

Something's happening here.

 What it is ain't exactly clear.

 There's a man with a gun over there

 Telling me I've got to beware.

 It's time we stopped children. What's that sound?

 Everybody look what's goin down.

                                                              --Stephen Stills 

Look what's happening out in the streets.

 Got to revolution, got to revolution...

                                                                 --Paul Cantor/ Marty Balin 

The police in New York City

 Chased the boy right through the park.

 In a case of mistaken identity

 They put a bullet through his heart...

                                                                     --Keith Richardson/ Mick Jagger

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

 Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise...

                                                                                --John Lennon/ Paul McCartney

 How many years must some people exist

 Before they're allowed to be free?

 The answer my friend is blowing in the wind...

                                                                            --Bob Dylan 

Come senators, congressmen please heed the call.

 Don't stand in the doorway; don't block up the hall.

 For he who gets hurt will be he who has stalled.

 The battle outside raging

 Will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls

 Because the times they are a-changin.

                                                                              --Bob Dylan 

Now let's take a knee for the national anthem because it's time to

                                                           PLAY BALL! 

When I announced in this space that I would write this piece, it was near when the baseball season should have started and there was no talk on the airways about actually doing it. I spelled out then my thoughts on why we needed baseball. 

Since then talks between management and the players union started. They first signaled we would get a half season of games starting Independence Day, then last week it seems talks had failed. Today they're speaking hopefully again about a fifty game season with all games being played in California and Arizona with no fans in the stadium. They want an extended playoff season with half the teams in it NBA style. 

Before I get around to what I think of these plans I want to observe that of all popular American team sports baseball can most easily be played during the plague. Social distancing is a natural part of the game. It's played outside. The only time baseball players get close to each other is on sliding plays at bases, then they only need to hold their breath for about fifteen seconds. 

Players need not wear masks--that would be insufferably hot-- but they should have one in their back pocket in case they want to have one of those prayer meetings at the mound. There will no longer be a need for the pitcher to hold his glove in front of his face when talking to the catcher. Managers who wish to kick dirt on the umpire must do so from a respectful social distance. 

As to the proposed changes, I strongly object to playing all the games in two places. That isn't fair to players and their families. I want to see home and away games in every major league city.

 As a corollary I object to having no fans. Each team should sell 25% of its stadium capacity. You just rope off three out of four seats, Tickets should be sold online. No ticket takers, you scan your phone and a machine lets you in, kind of like getting on a MARTA train. No concession stands, fans may bring whatever consumables they choose provided they're not in glass containers. Each fan should be issued a megaphone (with cloth over the end) to get the noise level up.

 Fans should be issued masks which they must wear only when crossing paths with people not in the group that came with.  The wave will turn into a ripple. If you can safely social distance eating outdoors at restaurants you can likewise do so in a baseball stadium.

 Obviously players do not all sit in the dugout. The only people in the dugouts are the essential coaches socially spaced and the next hitter after the on-deck batter. Players not on the field sit socially spaced in the stands. Same with the bullpen.

 The catcher and the home plate umpire need to wear masks but they should be soaked in ice-water and switched out by the batboy every three batters.

 As for the playoff proposal, I'm okay with it-- the season will always have an asterisk beside its statistics anyway--somebody might hit 400 for a sixty game season-- but I'd rather have everybody play the season in their respective divisions. It will cut down on travel time.

They're going to need three charters instead of one because of the virus, then play the usual playoff schedule but extend the wildcard playoff from one game to best of three and the divisional series to best-of-seven.

(Since I started writing they’ve apparently reached a deal for a sixty game season to start July 23. It includes most of my ideas except for having fans. The weirdest rule change is to start all extra innings with a runner on second.)

- Ellis Millsaps

Ellis "Da" Millsaps is a recovering Attorney but has worn many hats over the years: father, bus boy, stand-up comedian, novelist, wiffle ball player, rock'n'roll band manager, and at one time wrote a popular and funny column for The Covington News. A Fannin Co. mountain boy originally, Mr. Millsaps now stays at the mill village of Porterdale by way of 20 years in Mansfield. Usually funny and at times irreverent and subversive, he leans left in his political philosophy but can always be counted on for a pretty darn good write-up. The Chronicles are proud to have him involved...

Good Cop, Bad Cop: A Novel by Ellis Millsaps

COVERING THE GLORIOUS GEORGIA PIEDMONT

| Covington, GA | Newton Co. |

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[Fred Wheeler] - Who's Leading and What Is His Strategy?

Oh no,

With so many of our cities under siege by the mob; regular people caught between the orders of the government to stay in place, practice social distancing while wearing masks; and literal fear of venturing into the wrong section of town while the enraged nihilists tear down our monuments and destroy our businesses,  there seems to be virtually no one willing to stand on the ramparts and yell, "Stop!".

We look around for leaders who will take the risk to step up to the plate and defend what we have left of Western Civilization. Of course, we understand almost all of our institutions: MSM, universities and public education, the judiciary, the internet, large corporations , Democratic Party,  etc. are firmly in the hands of the left. But, surely, there's someone in politics or the Church who would have courage enough to step forward and take on the mantle of leadership for the rest of us. It would be risky--but, rewarding.

The Republican Party is the logical source of the heroic force necessary to put an end to this madness. One wonders if they are following a deliberate policy similar to the strategy of Quintus Fabius Maximus against Hannibal during the Second Punic War. Are they appearing to retreat while letting the MLB mob and their allies destroy and demand more until finally enough of the regular people turn against them that they are marginalized?

Or, is it the rope-a dope strategy of Muhammad Ali of allowing the opponent to pound away until they simply are exhausted? The mob is running out of Confederate monuments. Now, they are taking down Teddy Roosevelt statues and demanding that Yale change its name. Will they have enough energy to change the name of New York, Cleveland and St. Louis? They might run out of marches and petitions.

I fear that what we are seeing on the part of Republicans is no strategy at all. Do you remember Cpl Upham from "Saving Private Ryan"? Cpl Upham is supposed to be carrying some ammo to resupply a couple of soldiers manning a machine gun. One of them is killed by enemy fire. The other succumbs to a German bayonet after a desperate hand-to-hand scuffle as Upham helplessly looks on frozen by fear. He simply watches as his friend is killed. As the German leaves he casts a disgusted glance of contempt at the feckless Upham. He's so impotent and terrified the German doesn't consider him worth dealing with.

Unfortunately, the Republican Party has too many Cpl. Uphams. They can't be bothered defending the American way of life: limited government, individual rights and responsibilities, free enterprise, the rule of law, a Judeo-Christian foundation to our law. They are too busy reading the polls, cowering in their offices, refusing to accept Trump's appointments and passing laws to protect the big corporations who control social media.

- Fred Wheeler 

What Transpired on Forest Drive Today?

By: MB McCart, Ed. 

As at least two of the Network Chiefs made me aware of earlier today, something bigly happened in the home city today.

Down at the bottom of the hill, the residence known as the "happy" place/auto parts place was visited by purportedly at least 6-8 CPD cars, and at least a few GBI Agents; also, apparently, they stayed there for at least a couple of hours & removed a large amount of stuff/"evidence."

I reached out to a source I have at the CPD (Covington Police Department), our crack, top-notch municipal police force, and got the following communique:

[CPD]  assisting with a patrol presence to the GBI...it's a case they are working on..." 

Very interesting...

We'll keep an eye on it.

- MBM 

Bess's Blurbs: Menfolk, Go to the Damn Doctor Already!

My husband had a motorcycle wreck about 40 years ago and injured his left knee.  No, he did not go to the hospital and no, he did not go to the doctor.  I guess that’s just gotta be a guy thing.

The chickens (aka – pain) are coming home to roost now.  We’ve had a visit to an orthopedic surgeon which resulted in a cortisone/steroid shot and a referral to brace clinic.  The shot only worked for a day, so we were -desperate- for the knee brace.  Gel shots are next on the horizon but the knee eventually has to be replaced.  

Brace fitted, and it -does- help.  He’s still in pain, but it’s somewhat bearable now.  It’s got hooks, elastic, buttons, straps, snaps…  It looks like a torture contraption, but he can’t leave home without it.

After a brief trip to town a couple days ago he looked at me and said “Now I understand why you take your bra off as soon as we get home.”  

Point!

- Bess Tuggle

TPC Chief Staff Writer, Correspondent & Contributing Writer 

Bess Tuggle

A jack of all trades, Ms. Tuggle has been a Covington resident since the late 70’s. She's been a K-Mart cashier, cabinet builder, vet tech, office manager for a beef cattle ranch and water well company (where she was able to hold benefits for D.A.R.E. and Scouts), a court reporter, business manager, assistant at a private investigation firm, legal assistant, convenience store clerk, landscaper and elementary school substitute teacher.  Her greatest pleasure is being a wife, mother and grandmother.  Her stories are all real, and all names will be withheld to protect the innocent, and also maybe the guilty, depending on the crime & the Statute of Limitations.  

|||||||

Click here to read a sampling of Bess's columns 

The Piedmont Chronicles

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[Perrin Lovett] - A Faithful Idea Prevails: Move To SLOVAKIA

Moving right along, with the civilized and functioning alternative nations for young Americans to consider, we reach the Slovak Republic. 

PART I: Poland

Imagine a second Switzerland, or rather, think of it as a third Switzerland, after the second, Austria - one to the east of, to the east of... Go on, consult the atlas. Slovakia is smaller than Poland, being approximately the size of the Confoederatio Helvetica (West Virginia-sized). It is an impressive mountain range (the Tatras) bounded on the south by the fertile plains of the Danube river valley. This astounding country has been separate from the Czech Republic since 1993 and the Velvet Divorce, a rare, amicable, and profitable parting of cousins.

More importantly, it is, like Poland in the north, a nation with a distinct and proud people. Eighty percent of the population is comprised of ethnic Slovaks. The rest are predominately other, closely-related Slavs from neighboring countries. Hungary (which we will get to soon!) is heavily represented. There is a decent smattering of Poles, Czechs, Germans, Russians, and other Euros mixed in. Like the Poles, Slovaks steadfastly refuse to admit third-world problems.

As in Poland, a majority of Slovakian people (two-thirds) are Roman Catholic. A large part of the remainder is comprised of other Catholics (C-Town: there are twenty-six kinds of liturgical “Catholics”) and Protestants. Unlike in Amerika, there is no downward spiral in Faith. 

I don’t necessarily like the national intelligence data I found, though as-is, the average Slovak IQ is at least a third of an SD higher than that in Amerika. I strongly suspect that, like their neighbors, the Slovaks are experiencing a localized, latter-day Flynn Effect, with mental abilities increasing. This has certainly been the case for the past generation, or since the end of communism in 1989. I imagine the good trend will continue, even as Amerika dips under the “Dutton-Woodley” Effect, falling on average .4 points per year. If these trends do continue, then Slovakia will probably max out in another generation, on par with pre-diversity Germany or with current-era Japan. America - at the current rate of decrease - is a mere fifteen years away from parity with the world average, 86, at the border of “dullness,” and only seven to eight years away from sinking below the average needed (90) to generally guarantee societal stability. Yes, MB, 2033 now looks a little too optimistic (tick, tick, tick). But, that’s not for us to worry about.

Slovakia is a dream-like land of pleasantry and cleanliness, of mixed modernity and convenience with ancient bucolic charm. Here are a couple of assignments for you, the young intrepid traveler: On Startpage or the Duck, take a picture tour. Start with “high Tatras Slovakia'' and see what you get. Then - and this is really fun and informative - from Startpage, use the Anonymous View of Google Maps and take a Street View “drive” across the nation. Start in the capital, Bratislava, and go out the E58 to Nitra. From there, continue on to Zvolen. Turn north on the E77 and proceed to lovely Banská Bystrica. This, readers will recognize, was Tom Ironsides’s adopted hometown while he was teaching in-country. From BB head east to Poprad and Kezmarok (Käsmark), high in the very ski-able mountains. Poland is around the northern corner. 

Along this route or any other you choose, you will kindly observe a few things. First, all of the roads are in excellent shape. The highways are ultra-modern extensions of the Autobahns and Motorways of the Western countries (Austria, Germany, France, etc). Notice the lack of copious road signs; unlike shit stupid Amerikans, the Slovaks do not need constant reminding about their speeds, seatbelts, curves, and other matters that good drivers take for granted. Notice also the lack of older or broken-down vehicles. The streets are free of litter not because of the laws or civic group efforts but because of the pride and civility of the people. In the towns, with their faces blurred out, the native people are occasionally on display. There is something familiar and similar to all of them. Compare all of this to any road near you in the corroding Empire.

Indulge a couple of videos. 

Poprad approached from the air:

(The High Tatras around Poprad)

By road:

(Roadtrip from Poland to Slovakia)

Okay, I’d better level with you for a second, using Poprad as an example. [Sigh…] This “up and coming” place may not have all the luxuries you, the American, expect. While they have a Mercedes-Benz sales office in the mall, you have to go a few blocks down the street to the main dealership for service. I know, right? Cool fact, number one: that same street with the dealer and the mall, along with the parallel superhighway, runs right by twelfth-century Spis Castle, half an hour to the east. Cool fact, number two: even SUBSTITUTE readers don’t know this, but Dr. Ironsides leased a Benz SUV at this very mall. 

Lest I forget to add this elsewhere: BEER!

Since 1993, Slovakia has been steadily rising across all measurable, positive categories. If you want modern, then it’s there - malls, hi-rises, highways, airports, wi-fi, et cetera. It all comes with a wonderful ancient historical twist. Cruising down the highway at 81 MPH (130 KPH), in a long mountain valley between idyllic villages, you might pass the grandeur of castles like Spis, or one of the other plentiful reminders of the past. And, everywhere, one finds the unadulterated beauty of nature. Rolling, green fields. Forests, home to deer, wolves, and bears. Snow-capped peaks both concealing of and mirrored in glass-clear lakes. OFF THE ORBITZ! I have more...

When you poke around for information, beware that most tourism sites, even the best, inherently steer the adventurer towards Bratislava. This is much the same way that France = Paris, England = London, and Amerika = New York. It’s a fine city and the largest, but it’s not the only one. You’ll no doubt figure out where to start and what to see.

Know the Motto! I love these. Here are three:

• Veritas Vincit - “Truth Prevails,” Official, 1918 - 1993, minus WWII;
• Verní sebe, svorne napred! - “Faithful to Ourselves, Together Ahead,” Official, WWII;
• Dobrý nápad, Slovensko! - “Good idea, Slovakia!” - Unofficial business promotion, 2016 - .

The promotion has worked, as the country is home to numerous booming industries, especially automotive manufacturing and technology. Again, you’ll need a reason to be there. Employment is where you look for it. From Zilina to Kosice, they hire English speakers as English teachers - though they expect the teacher to have a rudimentary understanding of Slovak. Higher education really is both in Slovakia and is another real entry possibility. Startpage or Duck all of that.

Ahoj a dobrý deň! You’ll need to know the language, which is somewhat similar to Polish and Czech. Alas, Duo and Babbel do not yet offer Slovak. So, try the following: Slovak from the EU, and; Radio Slovakia International, offering at least ten easy video lessons, along with general cultural discussion. While you’re at it and coming up to speed, consult the Slovak Spectator, an English newspaper.

Currency-wise, until a decade ago, the Slovaks relied on their own native Koruna. Now it’s the Euro all the way. And, there, it goes a long way. Slovakia has some of the lowest taxes in Europe and a lower than average cost of living - with an improving individual/family purchasing power. As with any move, it will take some getting used to. But, as I said last week, there’s nothing holding you back!

A few related matters:

A correction? I refer to Poland as an “Eastern” Euro nation, and it arguably is. However, they consider themselves “Central,” which arguably they are. They’re also, by the map, Northern. Potato, ziemniak.

A Caveat: I’ve been tossing around these ideas like we still live in a partially sane world. Sorry. There are still a few transatlantic flights at present, with more scheduled for the coming months. France and a few other countries may institute quarantine rules for foreign arrivals or other impediments. This too shall pass, this too shall pass. In the meanwhile, check with your airline of choice, the CDC, or the EU/country of arrival. What’s that? Afraid to fly? Love flying, just not commercial (that’s me)? Then, I have an alternative idea for getting across, rather than over, the pond - it takes a little longer, but it’s cheaper than flying and is its own mini vacation. More on that later, before the ship sails, with you, the cargo (hint, hint) aboard.

Immediately after I finished my draft of last week’s exposé on Poland, the news broke of the calamitous but utterly predictable collapse of “conservative” principles in the worthless, enemy combatant Supreme Court. Tis to yawn, but it helps make my point about leaving. And, about the same time that I submitted the Polish column, old MB posted his primary election tally and analysis, complete with the question: “Is the GOP in the Home County Doomed?” Allow me to answer that: YES! Here’s an alliteration(!) for C-town: Demographics Determine Destiny. (Que Slipping Away by Dave Edmunds).

Back to last week and Poland, many of those “rights” that Roberts and his idiotic, black-robed cucks suddenly invented out of whole cloth, are crimes in Poland. Amerikans are an increasingly stupid, ignorant, mentally-ill band of weak, deluded fools, lacking the ability to grasp reality. There’s this idea that Europe is somehow lost. The truth is, of course, the polar opposite. The worst of the Old Continent - France, England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden - are still, at a minimum, 90% or more French, English, German, Dutch, and Swedish. And, the natives are getting restless. Europe, rest assured, will remain Europe. Period. 

There will be war in the US and it will probably be protracted and brutal. This is the price of over a hundred years of cowardice and distraction. The result is impossible to determine, though nothing will be the same. The most likely outcome, after much death and suffering, will be balkanization. That is our happy cross to bear, even those of us who spent our adult lifetimes trying to avert disaster. The young need not suffer through the end of our mistakes. Thus, I offer these escape-route recommendations.

Kids, with the exceptions of a few larger urban areas, almost all of Europe is a better option than where you are now and certainly better than where you’ll be in a decade. I started with Poland for a reason - internal harmony. Here, a few more caveats: Unless you are ethnically Polish or unless you have a direct Polish lineage, it will be somewhat difficult to establish yourself there - as is the case in most of the countries we’ll look into. However, it’s not impossible. After personal compatibility with the nation - and they generally reject incompatible applicants out of hand - the reason to be there is the foremost concern. The two best routes are employment and education. If you just want to move in sans specific purpose, and assuming they even let you apply, then you’ll have to bring plentiful documentation about yourself, health insurance, and sufficient financial resources. Don’t let that necessarily trouble you as you can and should find a reason to fit in - university study suggests itself as an ideal cause.

Not to harp on Poland, but I did even more digging. The dollar goes a long way with things like hotel rooms, houses, and menu items. Even before you launch an exploratory foray, take a Google Maps (via SP or the Duck) vaca. I examined Krakow and was overwhelmed with the local culture. And, that’s me, the recluse, impressed with a sizable city. You can and will find your place!

For the trolls, mid-wits, and assorted people determined not to get it: yes, I’m concentrating on the young folks of my people, Westerners. After I wrap up this series, I’m going to address those of us who will remain amidst the fires. We have options and responsibilities. The great news is that what eventually comes will be much better. As for the other peoples of goodwill, I’ll get this out of the way right now.

Not that it’s my business, but I sincerely hope these pieces can help someone. Heck, I hope all of this series helps somebody. If it does, please send me a postcard!

- Perrin Lovett

Major Concerns - AGAIN - About Rec Commission: Tens of Thousands in Proposed New Spending; Illegal Bonuses Still Not Repaid

 Rec Commission Board of Directors Meet Tonight

By: MB McCart 

Good morning, readers, and we hope this post finds you well.

So, the ongoing tire fire that is the Newton Co. Rec Commission. Since the fall of 2017 it's just been one thing after another with this dysfunctional commission, though really those in the know can tell you that it's been a mess pretty much since day one.

After the blatantly obvious witch hunt that was started after a handful of persons tried to finally fix things (Josh McKelvey, mainly - always remember: no good deed goes unpunished), we were told that the commission would be disbanded & the Rec Department would brought under the BOC umbrella. Two years later & not only is that NOT the case, based on the agenda for the commission's meeting tonight, it looks like quite the opposite is occurring.

First off, the commission apparently thinks they need in-house legal counsel now as they'll be voting tonight on making Frank Turner Jr. their attorney. This sounds like a genius move, what with the Wreck Commission having such a knack for breaking the law. A la Tommy Craig & various editions of the BOC over the years, I can see all those phone calls flowing into Frank. Wonder what that hourly rate will be? $250 per hour? And what will be the minimum billing fee? 1/10th an hour; 1/4th? One phone call maybe costing anywhere from $62.50 to $100 or more? 


And speaking of breaking state law, those illegal bonuses that were given out last Christmas haven't been paid, you know? Actually, it's on tonight's agenda to push back those repayments for 18 months!


I guess these folks spent it all & they don't have the ability to pay it back just yet. But know this: when (if) they get repaid, it's going to be deposited into the Youth Athletic Scholarship Fund, so there's that.


And finally, the other big ticket item on tonight's meeting will be the creation of two Park Patrol Security Officers & funding for their salaries & vehicles. There has been ZERO mention of any need for these positions by anyone, anywhere at anytime as far as I can tell. But, remember - Newton County Way & all. Somebody apparently needs a job...

###


Just another day in the home county, folks. We'll keep an eye on it. 


- MBM

P.S. In the meantime I recommend reaching out to your representation on the BOC* & telling them the following. Also, it's our understanding that legislation has passed the GA House & is awaiting action in the State Senate ( Brian Strickland ): 



The Time Has Come, Enough is Enough - Abolish the Rec Commission NOW!


*Newton BOC Contact Info: 

BOC Chairman - Marcello Banes

Mobile Phone: 404-805-5094

BOC 1 - Stan Edwards

Mobile Phone: 678-294-9166

BOC 2 - Demond Mason

Cell Phone: 678-544-5212

BOC 3 - Nancy Schulz

Mobile Phone: 770-337-7562

BOC 4 - JC Henderson

Mobile Phone: 770-896-3826

BOC 5 - Ronnie Cowan

Mobile Phone: 678-313-4607