Child Prodigies

Composed and posted on May 4, 2016

Thanks, Susan. Viewing these child prodigies, I am mindful that the gifts that they display may not last.  It is one thing to play or sing like an adult before one reaches puberty, but it is another to be able to transcend puberty and remain a star.  Obviously, Sugar Chile Robinson hit the puberty wall and I sense that another more contemporary child star, Jackie Evancho, is now trying to evolve into something more ... into a "pop" star.  Always in the back of my mind when viewing child prodigies are the tragic tale of Philippa Schuyler   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippa_Schuyler

and the more recent story of Gary Coleman

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Coleman

Such tales of woe accompany my viewing even as I marvel at the talent that such young people do display.

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Class of 1975

________________________________________________________________________________________

..Joey Alexander just played the White House celebration of International Jazz  - a link from the NYT that I sent out to you and the list several days ago. As noted by the reporter, the least notable thing about his trio's performance in that august group of people was that he was 12 years old. An old soul and immensely talented.

Susan

Joey Alexander and Sugar Chile Robinson

Composed and posted on May 4, 2016

Tuffy,

Thank you for sending the reference to Joey Alexander.  I immediately went to the youtube video and thought maybe this Wunderkind was the new African American prodigy.  However, when I went to the Wikipedia listing it corrected me.  Joey Alexander is Indonesian and, perhaps, proving the same point that was made by Angelina Jordan, it may be that the future of "old school" jazz lies with the children of lands that are not our own.  You can read about Joey Alexander at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joey_Alexander

and I must say that my favorite Joey Alexander tunes are his remaking of "My Favorite Things"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pzIlq7jZzw

and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1liUart72g

Simply brilliant stuff!

As for Sugar Chile Robinson, I do not know if anyone caught the fact that Sugar Chile was the first African American to ever perform at the White House Correspondent's dinner.  He performed for Harry Truman in 1946 and to mark the 70th anniversary of that performance, President Obama invited him to the now rather infamous dinner that occurred this past weekend.  Sadly, it appears that Sugar Chile took a forty year hiatus in his music career. He only returned to it when he entered his sixties.  I certainly hope that such a fate does not befall Angelina Jordan or Joey Alexander.  There is too much music that I would like to hear from the both of them.

Peace, 

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

________________________________________________________________________________________

She's fantastic. The "Fly me to the Moon" got me and so did "Back to Black". Thank you Skip and Susan for making me aware of Angelina Jordan. It's wonderful how jazz thrives in the Nordic countries and I would very much enjoy going to the Black Sea Jazz Festival one day.  One of the great advantages of YouTube is that younger people can hear and see the performance of music that occurred before their time.  You might know of these two already but here are videos of Joey Alexander and Sugar Child Robinson.

This is Joey Alexander playing a very difficult Coltrane composition entitled Giant Steps with the maturity of interpretation that would be uncanny for an adult. But for a 12 year old it just leaves you speechless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4V_uaxBVOw

Susan you asked whether or not Angelina knew the context of the lyrics. I don't know. But I am 100% sure Sugar Child Robinson did not know anything about  "What Caldonia was putting down" when he sang it.

Caldonia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KzJ5T2qC0c ;

Sugar Child Robinson with Count Basiehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYLaE4Gj1oA

In Eb,

Tuffy

Angelina Jordan

Composed and posted on April 29, 2016

A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled on a broadcast of Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots" show.  I was not going to linger there too long since it was almost time for me to get ready for my zombie apocalypse show.  That is I was not going to linger too long until this happened

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn1FaS39QRE

If you listen to the voice without watching the video, it does seem as though Billie Holiday is being "channeled" into modern times.  The fact that the channeling is being done through a 9 year old Norwegian girl was simply amazing.  And so, before getting on the road to go home, I leave you with a little more from this Wunderkind. I hope that her career is a long one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx_ITUTY7ec

and that, for jazz aficionados everywhere, maybe we can say that we have found a bright new star ... "at last".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=819bQ9I-T-g

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Neurotheology and the Contemplation of the Divine

Composed and posted on April 29, 2016

So far I have watched four episodes of The Story of God with Morgan Freeman. I have found it to be mildly interesting since much of what is discussed I have studied before.  You can learn more about the series and the subject matter at

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/the-story-of-god-with-morgan-freeman/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_of_God_with_Morgan_Freeman

While I have not be overly impressed by the series thus far, there was one segment that caught my attention.  In the third episode, wherein Freeman posits the question "Who is God?", there is a discussion about neurotheology ... a relatively new scientific endeavor that looks at the increased brain activity and functioning that arises from the contemplation of the divine.  As it happens, NPR did a series on the subject matter some five years ago.  You can find that discussion at 

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/15/132078267/neurotheology-where-religion-and-science-collide

What intrigued me is the notion that there appears to be some measurable benefit derived from spiritual experience and practice.  As evidenced by the brain scans that have been produced, it would appear that religious activity may indeed have an impact similar to that of some medicines.  In words similar to those of Karl Marx, religion may indeed be an opiate for the masses.  However, unlike the context in which Marx used the concept, in contemporary times, it just may be that the role religion plays is more beneficial than abusive.

Rather curious, don't you think?

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

A Bad Month for Music Lovers

Composed and posted on April 27, 2016

April 2016 is turning out to be a bad month for music lovers.  Anyone who lives in the United States, knows about the passing of Prince Rogers Nelson, The Artist who was the master of pop, R&B and funk.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8BMm6Jn6oU

However, in April, we also lost the "Negus of the Saxophone", Getatchew Mekurya

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getatchew_Mekurya

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5-aO-5k-_g

and the "King of Rumba Rock", Papa Wemba

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papa_Wemba

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxRPuK_kbOg

and last, but not least, we lost the iconic balladier, Billy Paul

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Paul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWOTdt9Bovk

I am praying that we can get through these last four days without any more of these losses.  This month has already been sad enough.

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Benjamin Davis, Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson

Composed and posted on April 18, 2016

For those who watched the first segment of the Ken Burns documentary on Jackie Robinson, you may have caught a glimpse of one of the trailblazing Amherst College African American alums.  As history records, and as the documentary accurately displays, there was a great deal of politics behind the push to integrate baseball and one of the key proponents was a Harlem Councilman named Benjamin Davis... a member of Amherst's Class of 1925.  You can read about the politics behind the integration of baseball at

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-conversation-us/how-politics-played-a-maj_b_9701456.html

and you can read about Benjamin Davis at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_J._Davis,_Jr.

Both Benjamin Davis and Paul Robeson were ardent supporters of Jackie Robinson and his valiant effort to desegregate baseball.  It is not a coincidence that both Davis and Robeson had communist leanings and that they both paid a high price for their affiliation with Communist organizations.  For me, one of the sad moments in the documentary occurs when Jackie Robinson consents to give testimony against Robeson before the House Un-American Activities Committee.  According to the documentary, Jackie's testimony eventually led to the destruction of Robeson's career.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Robeson_Congressional_Hearings

There is no doubt that Jackie's desegregation of baseball was an heroic act and that the stress that he endured  in doing what he did on the baseball field probably contributed to his early death.  However, based on what is seen in the video, one also must wonder if there is more to that story as well. 

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Deluge in Houston

Composed and posted on April 18, 2016

Ellis,

Just heard about the deluge in Houston... a foot of water in less than 24 hours.  My prayers are with you and anyone else affected by this flood.  I hope that you, Yvette and all your family members are safe, healthy, and reasonably dry.  Take care, my friend.  You can tell me more about it all in June.

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Jackie Robinson Day

Composed and posted on April 15, 2016

Before leaving the office for the drive home, I could not leave without mentioning that today is April 15 ... a day usually associated with the deadline for filing tax returns but which also happens to have a more positive national connotation in that it is the day that Jackie Robinson "broke the color line" and integrated Major League Baseball. Hopefully, teams across the country will be paying tribute to the legacy of Jackie Robinson today. I, for one, think it would be great if all those who attend any Major League baseball games would take a moment to notice the number 42 that has been placed in a permanent place of honor in each ballpark and reflect on the significance of the event and the man. 

Wikipedia, of course, has a nice article on Jackie Robinson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Robinson

but it is our Pioneer Valley compatriot Ken Burns who has put together perhaps the most definitive history of the man and the times in his most recent PBS offering.  I recommend it and suggest that spending some time watching it can be an informative way to commemorate the event and the day.

http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/jackie-robinson/videos/

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Sampa

Composed and posted on Friday, April 15, 2016 

Since Tuesday night I have listened to the Caetano Veloso/Gilberto Gil CD "Dois Amigos, Um Secula de Música" several times.  I enjoy all of the songs very much but there is one in particular that I found to be haunting.  The title of the song is "Sampa" and I have found myself listening to it over and over again especially while sitting in my car after a long day at work and before going into the house.  There is something about the song that I find to be quite soothing.  You can hear and see the two legends performing this song at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdEXdqkOeGA

Additionally, if you would like to follow along you can do so by reading the following

Homenagem cidade de Sao Paulo, Brasil
Alguma coisa acontece no meu corao
Que s quando cruzo a Ipiranga e a Avenida Sao Joao
que quando eu cheguei por aqui eu nada entendi
Da dura poesia concreta de tuas esquinas
Da deselegncia discreta de tuas meninas
Ainda no havia para mim Rita Lee, a tua mais completa traduo
Alguma coisa acontece no meu corao
Que s quando cruzo a Ipiranga e a Avenida Sao Joao
Quando eu te encarei frente a frente no vi o meu rosto
Chamei de mau gosto o que vi
De mau gosto, mau gosto
que Narciso acha feio o que no espelho
E a mente apavora o que ainda no mesmo velho
Nada do que no era antes quando no somos mutantes
E foste um difcil comeo
Afasto o que no conheo
E quem vende outro sonho feliz de cidade
Aprende de pressa a chamar-te de realidade
Porque s o avesso do avesso do avesso do avesso
Do povo oprimido nas filas, nas vilas, favelas
Da fora da grana que ergue e destri coisas belas
Da feia fumaa que sobe apagando as estrelas
Eu vejo surgir teus poetas de campos e espaos
Tuas oficinas de florestas, teus deuses da chuva
Panamricas de fricas utpicas, tmulo do samba
Mais possvel novo quilombo de Zumbi
E os novos baianos passeiam na tua garoa
E novos baianos te podem curtir numa boa.

Now, if you are like me, Portuguese is not a first or second language.  It sounds very nice but I had no clue as to what was actually being said. Fortunately, because of the significance of this song, others have written about it and have tried to translate it into contemporary English. You can find an explanation for the song, and a translation of it, at 

http://www.worldliteraturetoday.org/translating-sampa-caetano-veloso

Having listened to the song probably a dozen times now and having read the back story to it, "Sampa" has risen to become my favorite Brazilian/Portuguese song... and may be you just might enjoy it too.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Thank God for the Remote!

Composed and posted on April 14, 2016

Last night was a remarkable night in the history of basketball ... and of sport.  Last night the Golden State Warriors ran away from the Memphis Grizzlies to win their 73rd game ... a new NBA single season win total record.  While doing so, Steph Curry made an amazing 10 three point shots some from as far away as Modesto.  At the same time, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers seemed to turn back the clock.  After being forced fed over 40 shot opportunities that had resulted in a rather contrived looking 45 points, the Kobe of Old came back to life in the last three minutes of the game to enable him to score another 15 points and to win the game over the Utah Jazz.  With his arm depleted, and his body surely sore, he can now ride off into the sunset with what is undoubtedly the most blazing glory of all time.

Watching the replays of those two games last night, on competing television channels, made me thankful for a not so insignificant invention. Between watching Curry and Kobe, I had to give pause and thank God for whoever invented the television remote control.  Wow, what a night!

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil: Filhos de Gandhi

Composed and posted on April 13, 2016

I went and saw Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil last night at the Paramount Theater in Oakland.  It was an amazing experience in that it was the first time I have ever been at a concert where the artists were compelled to give two encores.  And the fact that this response was for two men in their 70s with nothing but two acoustic guitars who sat in their chairs for most of the concert was simply astounding.  You can read about the nature of their performance in this earlier review from the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-gil-veloso-review-20160411-story.html

What I would add to the Los Angeles report is that the concert was sold out at the Paramount Theater in Oakland and that a great many of those in attendance must have been from Brazil.  I say this because it seemed that the last quarter of the concert was a group sing along where the loving crowd enthusiastically was singing along with the iconic stars.  And yes, the artists made it seem like an ultra casual affair. I often found myself imagining myself sitting on some Brazilian beach with a bottle of wine and a charming companion listening to the soothing voices of these masters of music.  Such was the nature of this concert, a truly transcendent experience. 

Being there it was difficult to imagine that these two men were once deemed so subversive and dangerous that the Brazilian government imprisoned them and banished them for many years from living in the country.  You can read a bit about their stories at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caetano_Veloso

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilberto_Gil

It is the bond that these two men shared with their music, with their imprisonment, with their banishment that was so evident in their on-stage relationship.  Before the first of their two encores, the two men embraced and Caetano kissed Gilberto on the forehead in an obvious show of affection.  In a very real sense, these two men are brothers and both can be said to be filhos de Gandhi -- sons of Gandhi.  As for the persecution that they both endured, in some ways that Brazilian government of the late 1960s, early 1970s may have been right.  After all, that government has come and gone, whereas Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil are still here ... and, based on what I saw last night, will be in the hearts of the Brazilian people forevermore.

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Golf in the Kingdom and the Redemption of Don Draper

Composed and posted on April 12, 2016

Rob,

Yes, there are some unexpected pleasures from exploring the terrain around the supposedly "errant" shot.  However, some of our more erudite classmates may be familiar with a rather popular book from our era entitled Golf in the Kingdom.  You can read about it at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf_in_the_Kingdom

and read a rather comprehensive review at

http://www.funnygolfbooks.com/book-review-golf-in-the-kingdom/

While the book was written over 45 years ago, it was only made into a movie in 2010 and, as life would have it, I watched the movie on Saturday.  Sadly, the movie was not that impressive.  However, it did intrigue me to find out more about the guy who wrote it.  After all, the infusion of Eastern philosophy into a Western born game seemed fascinating to me.  In my looking up the author, a certain Michael Murphy, I found this

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Murphy_(author)

In reading about him, I read that he had founded an institute -- the Esalen Institute -- before taking up writing fiction.  This fascinated me even more so I went on to 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esalen_Institute

It was there that I learned that the practices and seminars held at the Esalen Institute have impacted the lives of many and influenced so many people.  It even had an impact on the ending of one of my favorite television shows... the critically acclaimed Mad Men

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPxLruTzHug&ebc=ANyPxKq9ku4_ZYDCKqqwEENmNpy8XVIJLOL-YBJaP8MwIGmf1FOnYAAn-omT33JWyXNSNbWLObo7CkBcYqyl3ArrjDdlMBB2uA&nohtml5=False

I suppose, Rob, in many ways, much like the game of golf, an errant wisecrack can lead to something of much deeper meaning than we can imagine at the time.  

So, my friend, keep playing golf your way and please keep on making your occasional wisecracks.  The Buddha would be proud.

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Class of 1975

P.S. Those of you who actually spend the time to watch the Mad Men clip will find a rather interesting message that seems to be worthy of a discussion all its own.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Skip:

You have an unparalleled gift for spinning straw into gold.

It often strikes me that life’s most significant moments are the result of wrong turns, unexpected developments, and (if you will) errant shots.  We have not travelled extensively yet, but my most valued memories of our trips were born of serendipity.

So maybe, just maybe, you found deeper meaning in my wisecrack.

With affection and gratitude,

Rob

PS: I played my version of golf for years before I discovered the yardage markers in the middle of the fairway. Then again, compared to the woods and tall grasses, there nothing very interesting in the middle of a fairway.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Subject: Balls of Consequence and the Breaths You Take

Rob,

One of my favorite movie scenes of all-time is this one from the movie Forrest Gump

http://www.savevid.com/video/forrest-gump-best-scene-ever.html

For me, Forrest's recollections are beautiful because his ability to recall them so well meant that he was in those moments and that, for each one of them, he was awake and aware.  While you may have made your comment about "Balls of Consequence" in jest, upon reflection it seemed to me that the title does actually have significant meaning for me.  A great number of memorable moments came to mind which provide such vivid threads to my life tapestry.  I recalled getting ready to tee off on the 13th hole a week or so ago after a bit of wet weather. Framing the verdant bucolic hills above me was a double rainbow of such beauty that I had to stop for a moment to admire what I was seeing.  I would not have seen it without having been there with that ball of consequence.  Then there was the time playing on the 14th when the sunset was so stunningly beautiful when viewed from the tee only to be followed by an amassing view of an early rising full moon cresting over the hills when viewed from the green. Awesome stuff.  And then there was the time at the driving range when a fox decided to casually watch and see what we were doing as though he was just a curious visitor.  Those were some balls of consequence, I think.  Or what about the time on the 11th hole, when while trying to measure a shot over the water hazard pond, a family of five river otters suddenly appeared and scampered by trying to make it from the 11th hole pond to a pond located on the 10th hole?  And then there was the time while walking to the 12th hole, that I discovered a little bird's nest on the ground with three small eggs in it.  I believe I will long remember these events, and I know that they and others have greatly enriched my life.

Reflecting on all this does make me wonder if others have experienced similar events while on the course or if others simply focus entirely on the ball.

In any event, for me, all of these special small moments are significant enough that I am compelled to conclude that your comment about "Balls of Consequence" is actually quite appropriate.  After all, those Balls of Consequence have greatly enriched my life and have helped me keep life in perspective ... or, as George Strait puts it, helped me to remember that life is not simply the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHodOymqfss&nohtml5=False

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Class of 1975

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

I like how you think.  Perhaps we should start a new campaign called "Balls of Consequence."

Classmates : please discuss.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rob,

I was finding the "ball liberation" philosophy to not be working very well... and to being a bit costly.  I have revised it to trying to establish a relationship with the ball.  To that end, I have lately gone in search of my balls when they have gone into the woods.  It may surprise you to know that often when I find my ball, it is there amongst many other "wanderers".  On quite a few occasions now, especially on my evening rounds, I have actually come home with more balls than when I started.  That too, can be one of the great pleasures of the game.

Skip

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________   

Skip, 

I thought we had come to an understanding that our approach is to liberate as many balls as we can during a round... Let them fly free to find their own paths and destinies in the wilds. 

While it's possible that these particular balls shared your vision, but I hope that in the future you continue to send balls into the woods to romp carelessly with their fellow woodland creatures.

Rob

---

Subject: Be The Ball

Steve and Dave,

In my golfing experience, I have discovered that sometimes the ball just does not "want" to go into the hole.  Ernie Els discovered that yesterday.  Other times, especially on hot days, the ball may want to take a dip into the water or on particularly breathtaking courses go flying with the birds over cliffs or attempt to go swimming with the dolphins.  Such "decisions" by the ball tend to sadden me.  After all, in attempting to "be the ball", one does attempt to strike up a relationship with it thereby making an abrupt parting a bit sorrowful.  However, for the most part, it does give one the opportunity to strike up a new relationship with another ball. I struck up twenty such new relationships playing the "jungle" course at Princeville on Kauai.   

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Class of 1975

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Skip:

Glad you and the ball had a good understanding yesterday. Looks like Ells and his ball had a misunderstanding right from the start.

Steve

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Subject: Be The Ball

Yesterday evening, after work, I went home and played nine holes of golf.  It was one of those rare days when I and the ball seemed to have an understanding with each other.  Except for one hole, the ball and I seemed to both want to go to the same place.  As a result, I think we both had an enjoyable experience and I had my lowest total in two years.  I shot a 50 for the nine holes.

Now granted 50 is not a terribly impressive score for nine holes.  But for those who know my golf game, 50 is pretty impressive especially in light of my tendency to let the ball be "free" ...  to let the ball go wherever it chooses to go.  Now, for my good friend Dave, this drives him nuts.  After all, he is in the golf course business and for him the main purpose of the game is to master the ball and have it go where you want it to go.  However, I suppose it is because of my Left Coast upbringing that I tend to think a bit differently about the game.  And lo and behold, this morning, in another of those coincidences that I do love, I learned about a forthcoming documentary that just may shed some light on whether it is my philosophy or Dave's philosophy that should prevail.  The movie is entitled "Be the Ball" and you can view a preview of it at

http://www.betheballmovie.com/

Now I know that some of you may not be persuaded about the metaphysics involved with the game.  However, for those doubters please watch the following from another serendipitous moment from yesterday and tell me once again that the ball does not have a mind of its own 

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/04/watch_ernie_els_7-putt_for_sex.html

Peace,

Everett "Bagger Vance" Jenkins

Class of 1975

Balls of Consequence and the Breaths You Take

Rob,

One of my favorite movie scenes of all-time is this one from the movie Forrest Gump

http://www.savevid.com/video/forrest-gump-best-scene-ever.html

For me, Forrest's recollections are beautiful because his ability to recall them so well meant that he was in those moments and that, for each one of them, he was awake and aware.  While you may have made your comment about "Balls of Consequence" in jest, upon reflection it seemed to me that the title does actually have significant meaning for me.  A great number of memorable moments came to mind which provide such vivid threads to my life tapestry.  I recalled getting ready to tee off on the 13th hole a week or so ago after a bit of wet weather. Framing the verdant bucolic hills above me was a double rainbow of such beauty that I had to stop for a moment to admire what I was seeing.  I would not have seen it without having been there with that ball of consequence.  Then there was the time playing on the 14th when the sunset was so stunningly beautiful when viewed from the tee only to be followed by an amassing view of an early rising full moon cresting over the hills when viewed from the green. Awesome stuff.  And then there was the time at the driving range when a fox decided to casually watch and see what we were doing as though he was just a curious visitor.  Those were some balls of consequence, I think.  Or what about the time on the 11th hole, when while trying to measure a shot over the water hazard pond, a family of five river otters suddenly appeared and scampered by trying to make it from the 11th hole pond to a pond located on the 10th hole?  And then there was the time while walking to the 12th hole, that I discovered a little bird's nest on the ground with three small eggs in it.  I believe I will long remember these events, and I know that they and others have greatly enriched my life.

Reflecting on all this does make me wonder if others have experienced similar events while on the course or if others simply focus entirely on the ball.

In any event, for me, all of these special small moments are significant enough that I am compelled to conclude that your comment about "Balls of Consequence" is actually quite appropriate.  After all, those Balls of Consequence have greatly enriched my life and have helped me keep life in perspective ... or, as George Strait puts it, helped me to remember that life is not simply the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHodOymqfss&nohtml5=False

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

_________________________________________________________________________________

Subject: Re: Be The Ball

I like how you think.  Perhaps we should start a new campaign called "Balls of Consequence."

Classmates : please discuss.

Rob

________________________________________________________________________________________

Rob,

I was finding the "ball liberation" philosophy to not be working very well... and to being a bit costly.  I have revised it to trying to establish a relationship with the ball.  To that end, I have lately gone in search of my balls when they have gone into the woods.  It may surprise you to know that often when I find my ball, it is there amongst many other "wanderers".  On quite a few occasions now, especially on my evening rounds, I have actually come home with more balls than when I started.  That too, can be one of the great pleasures of the game.

Skip

______________________________________________________________________________________

Subject: Re: Be The Ball

Skip, 

I thought we had come to an understanding that our approach is to liberate as many balls as we can during a round... Let them fly free to find their own paths and destinies in the wilds. 

While it's possible that these particular balls shared your vision, but I hope that in the future you continue to send balls into the woods to romp carelessly with their fellow woodland creatures.

Rob

---

Subject: Re: Be The Ball

Steve and Dave,

In my golfing experience, I have discovered that sometimes the ball just does not "want" to go into the hole.  Ernie Els discovered that yesterday.  Other times, especially on hot days, the ball may want to take a dip into the water or on particularly breathtaking courses go flying with the birds over cliffs or attempt to go swimming with the dolphins.  Such "decisions" by the ball tend to sadden me.  After all, in attempting to "be the ball", one does attempt to strike up a relationship with it thereby making an abrupt parting a bit sorrowful.  However, for the most part, it does give one the opportunity to strike up a new relationship with another ball. I struck up twenty such new relationships playing the "jungle" course at Princeville on Kauai.   

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

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Subject: Re: Be The Ball

Skip:

Glad you and the ball had a good understanding yesterday. Looks like Ells and his ball had a misunderstanding right from the start.  

Steve

 

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Subject: Be The Ball

Yesterday evening, after work, I went home and played nine holes of golf.  It was one of those rare days when I and the ball seemed to have an understanding with each other.  Except for one hole, the ball and I seemed to both want to go to the same place.  As a result, I think we both had an enjoyable experience and I had my lowest total in two years.  I shot a 50 for the nine holes.

Now granted 50 is not a terribly impressive score for nine holes.  But for those who know my golf game, 50 is pretty impressive especially in light of my tendency to let the ball be "free" ...  to let the ball go wherever it chooses to go.  Now, for my good friend Dave, this drives him nuts.  After all, he is in the golf course business and for him the main purpose of the game is to master the ball and have it go where you want it to go.  However, I suppose it is because of my Left Coast upbringing that I tend to think a bit differently about the game.  And lo and behold, this morning, in another of those coincidences that I do love, I learned about a forthcoming documentary that just may shed some light on whether it is my philosophy or Dave's philosophy that should prevail.  The movie is entitled "Be the Ball" and you can view a preview of it at

http://www.betheballmovie.com/

Now I know that some of you may not be persuaded about the metaphysics involved with the game.  However, for those doubters please watch the following from another serendipitous moment from yesterday and tell me once again that the ball does not have a mind of its own 

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/04/watch_ernie_els_7-putt_for_sex.html

Peace,

Everett "Bagger Vance" Jenkins

Class of 1975