This is scheduled to post shortly before I leave for York County, PA to play in the 2019 PDGA Amateur Worlds. I want to thank my sister for her help in getting me there and everyone else for putting up with me over the past 6 plus months talking and writing about the event.
This trip is the culmination of my decision in 2016 to dedicate time, energy, and funds for something I can do as opposed to watching people do things I can't and is why I have given up other things I want to do and attend while driving my beat up car thousands of miles through all types of weather (rain, snow, 90+°, -20°) to deliver food even on days I am tired and or sore from my regular job.
Though I refer this as a last in a lifetime trip to the Amateur Worlds, there are circumstances where I would play in this event again.
One: My game is worthy. My 2018 season was good enough to justify a first trip. However, to justify another week long trip within 15 years, my game would have to even be better than that.
From fatigue, physical discomfort, pain, and injury along with multiple brain failures in strategy, rules, and even adding scores, to way more often than acceptable having to ask myself how the **** did I throw the disc where it went, my 2019 season has been poor. Had I not played well the two weeks before registering (the only time I have not sucked to this point in 2019), I might have decided to not do so. Having woken the Friday before the trip with a right knee that lost much of its function is a somber reminder of the limit of my ability to perform.
I am a long way from being good enough to warrant a second road trip to this event and my goal as far as playing is to not be in the bottom group of 4 in my division (of the 60 currently entered) for the final round.
Two: Commuting. Most disc golf majors rotate among areas. From 2015 through 2017, the three world ams that I could not play were held less 200 miles from where I live but still far enough away to require a multiple night hotel stay.
There are some local areas that could hold an event where I could commute but the only plausible one in the near future is Joliet. Dellwood, located in Lockport, has the #1 ranked course in Illinois and is currently building an additional gold level course (which is what the York County, PA area did to get this year's event). There are also plenty of courses within 25 miles of Dellwood that have hosted tournaments and it is possible that with 6-8 other local courses they could host the Am Worlds a few years down the road.
If they are successful in getting the Am Worlds, 2025 would be best for me as that is the year I would turn *gulp* 60.
Three: 2035. If my instinct and calculations are incorrect or if I cheat death again, I could play in 70+ but doubt my body would be up for it in 16 years.
When I state this is a "last in a lifetime event", I am being realistic, not negative.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Two score and .... just two score ago
I really wanted to go to the twi night doubleheader between the White Sox and Tigers on July 12, 1979 but my mom would not let me go.
It had nothing to do with watching the team that finished 73-87 with player/manager Don Kessinger (who was replaced by Tony LaRussa less than a month later).
It was to attend Disco Demolition Night as local DJ Steve Dahl destroyed a bunch of "evil" disco records on the field between games.
As most know, those in the overcrowded ballpark ended up rioting on the field and the White Sox ended up forfeiting the second game.
Today in the Dr. Demento Show Facebook page, someone posted a link about the event and since Steve Dahl has recorded parodies (and even performed at St. Rita HS when I was a sophomore), it was appropriate.
What was interesting was the reply Dr. Demento posted. He stated that the disco sucks movement was not necessarily about the music but the non Christian lifestyle exhibited by those who enjoyed the music.
Though I find the idea of a God non plausible, I still found the ideals preached necessary and was against all disco stood for.
When I was 13, I knew I had a 1% intellect and expected to end up like the 1% is today and had the same thoughts then that the rich people who are putting profit over humanity have today.
Forty years later, I know that person was an asshole. I believe that had I solved phase 2 to profit in phase 3, that I would still be that person. Even today, I have to fight my learned instincts in certain situations knowing they are wrong.
During the 1980 presidential campaign my sister asked me who would get my vote between a qualified woman and an unqualified man.
I stated I would find a reason to consider her unqualified and vote for the man. Just enough people in certain states made that exact decision in November, 2016 and we are currently living in the dystopia that it has created.
It had nothing to do with watching the team that finished 73-87 with player/manager Don Kessinger (who was replaced by Tony LaRussa less than a month later).
It was to attend Disco Demolition Night as local DJ Steve Dahl destroyed a bunch of "evil" disco records on the field between games.
As most know, those in the overcrowded ballpark ended up rioting on the field and the White Sox ended up forfeiting the second game.
Today in the Dr. Demento Show Facebook page, someone posted a link about the event and since Steve Dahl has recorded parodies (and even performed at St. Rita HS when I was a sophomore), it was appropriate.
What was interesting was the reply Dr. Demento posted. He stated that the disco sucks movement was not necessarily about the music but the non Christian lifestyle exhibited by those who enjoyed the music.
Though I find the idea of a God non plausible, I still found the ideals preached necessary and was against all disco stood for.
When I was 13, I knew I had a 1% intellect and expected to end up like the 1% is today and had the same thoughts then that the rich people who are putting profit over humanity have today.
Forty years later, I know that person was an asshole. I believe that had I solved phase 2 to profit in phase 3, that I would still be that person. Even today, I have to fight my learned instincts in certain situations knowing they are wrong.
During the 1980 presidential campaign my sister asked me who would get my vote between a qualified woman and an unqualified man.
I stated I would find a reason to consider her unqualified and vote for the man. Just enough people in certain states made that exact decision in November, 2016 and we are currently living in the dystopia that it has created.
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Playing in the void
I often state that when playing disc golf that I have a "1050 demand of myself" but "850 ability". Treating myself like the top players in the world usually produces dissatisfaction when playing especially when things go worse than normal during and between events. Granted, this will occasionally allow myself to play above my level for a short period of time but in the long run, talent takes over.
This is a common theme for everything I have done in life. I am better than the average person but not up to standards with the elite players and the only way I have ever performed anything is by putting the same demands of myself that the best would do.
When bowling with those who don't understand why I put a stopper after a "Brooklyn" strike or tell me I am lucky when carrying a thin pocket hit (where the ball hits the 5), or golfing with someone who screamed "HOW YOU'RE DOING, LYNN?" while someone is swinging or "playing hockey" on the 9th green as someone has a 4 foot putt for a one over 37 (30 years ago today), it gets frustrating especially when accused of "not having fun". Of course, when I had fun playing, I would be accused of "showing off".
They are the same people who don't understand that my best round of golf produced an 83 on a hard course in 50 degree rain as opposed to a 78 in perfect conditions on an easier course or that the score in the best game I bowled is 240 (where every shot was executed exactly as I wanted it to be) while my high score is 277 (in two games where I did not execute 3 and 2 shots like I wanted).
In disc golf the same thing happens in "casual play" when I put a simple 80 foot approach shot 18 feet off target and told it is a good shot and when the following putt hits the basket without going in, that is a bad break.
That is why I prefer tournament and high end league play since those there know the game and can relate to a bad shot getting a good result and vice versa. Unfortunately, my body often does not have what it takes to participate consistently in it at that level. That causes me to put more effort into things which in multiple occasions causes my body to struggle which causes me to practice and try even harder and eventually I have to stop and possibly get medical help.
I have also stated that my dream foursome is me and any three other people who had car trouble on the way to the course causing me to play on an empty course by myself. I still reminisce about the time after work in May, 1996 where I carried my golf clubs and played all 36 holes at White Pines in 50 degree weather while a light drizzle was falling.
Though I occasionally have days where I find a compatible person (like I did today), those are few and far between. That is why I enjoy sports best playing alone in the void.
This is a common theme for everything I have done in life. I am better than the average person but not up to standards with the elite players and the only way I have ever performed anything is by putting the same demands of myself that the best would do.
When bowling with those who don't understand why I put a stopper after a "Brooklyn" strike or tell me I am lucky when carrying a thin pocket hit (where the ball hits the 5), or golfing with someone who screamed "HOW YOU'RE DOING, LYNN?" while someone is swinging or "playing hockey" on the 9th green as someone has a 4 foot putt for a one over 37 (30 years ago today), it gets frustrating especially when accused of "not having fun". Of course, when I had fun playing, I would be accused of "showing off".
They are the same people who don't understand that my best round of golf produced an 83 on a hard course in 50 degree rain as opposed to a 78 in perfect conditions on an easier course or that the score in the best game I bowled is 240 (where every shot was executed exactly as I wanted it to be) while my high score is 277 (in two games where I did not execute 3 and 2 shots like I wanted).
In disc golf the same thing happens in "casual play" when I put a simple 80 foot approach shot 18 feet off target and told it is a good shot and when the following putt hits the basket without going in, that is a bad break.
That is why I prefer tournament and high end league play since those there know the game and can relate to a bad shot getting a good result and vice versa. Unfortunately, my body often does not have what it takes to participate consistently in it at that level. That causes me to put more effort into things which in multiple occasions causes my body to struggle which causes me to practice and try even harder and eventually I have to stop and possibly get medical help.
I have also stated that my dream foursome is me and any three other people who had car trouble on the way to the course causing me to play on an empty course by myself. I still reminisce about the time after work in May, 1996 where I carried my golf clubs and played all 36 holes at White Pines in 50 degree weather while a light drizzle was falling.
Though I occasionally have days where I find a compatible person (like I did today), those are few and far between. That is why I enjoy sports best playing alone in the void.
Friday, June 14, 2019
Andy
The name Andy was my first choice for a son.
One time I answered the phone and was informed that my identity was stolen and they wanted my information so they can "fix it" for a "small fee".
Knowing what they were doing, I decided to string them along to prevent them from scamming someone else. So I told them my name was Andrew and my SSN is 382-77-4653.
When the info did not match, I stalled them before stating the number is how to spell FU ASSHOLE on a phone.
At my mom's the phone rang and she said it was her grandson who was in jail in New York City. I loudly asked if that was Andy and the person on the phone said it was.
I took the phone from my mom and said in a parental tone, "Andrew James Sherlock", what happened? I have not heard from you in a while. Are you ok?"
He started sobbing telling me he needs $500 for bail.
I asked him how he survived his mother's miscarriage in August 1999. He told me to fuck myself.
One time I answered the phone and was informed that my identity was stolen and they wanted my information so they can "fix it" for a "small fee".
Knowing what they were doing, I decided to string them along to prevent them from scamming someone else. So I told them my name was Andrew and my SSN is 382-77-4653.
When the info did not match, I stalled them before stating the number is how to spell FU ASSHOLE on a phone.
At my mom's the phone rang and she said it was her grandson who was in jail in New York City. I loudly asked if that was Andy and the person on the phone said it was.
I took the phone from my mom and said in a parental tone, "Andrew James Sherlock", what happened? I have not heard from you in a while. Are you ok?"
He started sobbing telling me he needs $500 for bail.
I asked him how he survived his mother's miscarriage in August 1999. He told me to fuck myself.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
The fourth requirement
Spurned by the Las Vegas shooting spree, I posted that all anyone needs to kill many is desire, opportunity, and equipment and realized that can apply to anything anyone wanted to do.
I applied that to a personal situation (which I might be repeating as this is released) but discovered a flaw. Though success via the plan was obtainable in theory, had the plan been attempted, it would have ended up significantly failing due to my inability to successfully engage it even though desire, opportunity, and equipment were available.
I realized that the ability to use equipment (or aptitude) is also necessary to accomplish anything.
For example: I am occasionally asked by people who don't understand why I play disc golf on the amateur level and not as a pro.
I do have the desire. I can easily change my membership from am to pro, and there are events where I can play pro in the 50+ division with my equipment.
I don't play pro because I am not good enough to do so. I know someone else who though he has the aptitude, has no desire to do that. All four things are required.
Also when asked about me being intimate with anyone, the results are 2 no, 1 meh, and 1 not sure anymore.
I applied that to a personal situation (which I might be repeating as this is released) but discovered a flaw. Though success via the plan was obtainable in theory, had the plan been attempted, it would have ended up significantly failing due to my inability to successfully engage it even though desire, opportunity, and equipment were available.
I realized that the ability to use equipment (or aptitude) is also necessary to accomplish anything.
For example: I am occasionally asked by people who don't understand why I play disc golf on the amateur level and not as a pro.
I do have the desire. I can easily change my membership from am to pro, and there are events where I can play pro in the 50+ division with my equipment.
I don't play pro because I am not good enough to do so. I know someone else who though he has the aptitude, has no desire to do that. All four things are required.
Also when asked about me being intimate with anyone, the results are 2 no, 1 meh, and 1 not sure anymore.
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
The origin of the non plausible concept
In either second or third grade at St. Augustine School, I checked out a science book which explained the evolution of life on Earth and realized that those findings (based on examining the fossilized decay of Carbon 14) conflicted with the origin of life that exists in the Bible.
I asked my nun teacher (not the one that would tickle me during class when I would not smile; that was first grade) about it in class and she told me that this type of thinking would cause me to suffer eternal damnation and demanded that I state that I want to go to heaven when I die.
The next time I got that book, I asked one of the brothers about evolution and he immediately replied one word, "Faith."
About a month later, I asked about that book and found out it was no longer available.
Fortunately a teacher at St. Joseph and St. Anne got me into watching the PBS series Cosmos where I realized that there were others who chose fact over faith and my aunt, Sr. Katherine Bobber, who gave me a book which explained how many supernatural events in history could be the result of a technology from a species that was able to travel to our planet.
I used to say that any reference to God is not possible but realized that the phrase not plausible is more accurate. Plausible means that there is evidence that suggests an idea might be correct and non plausible means there isn't. When someone asks me about the origin of the universe, I state that I don't know what it is but I know is was not created 10,000 years ago.
Occasionally I will see a sign advising parishioners and others to ignore science and believe in faith. I feel sorry for those people who have turned away from logic and claim they are being attacked while they decide to cherry pick phrases from a book to justify harming others.
A couple of weeks ago, I explained to someone who today is celebrating Alabama's decision to make women broodmares of the state about how thanks to my blog, I realized that the negative reactions I would get from many over decades was not because they were assholes but instead they were reacting to one.
Multiple times he would try to reference how God could help me and that I should pray about it and my reaction was to explain that I on my own discovered that with thought and logic on my own.
I wonder if he will ever realize that I was not opening up to him but actually preaching to him.
I asked my nun teacher (not the one that would tickle me during class when I would not smile; that was first grade) about it in class and she told me that this type of thinking would cause me to suffer eternal damnation and demanded that I state that I want to go to heaven when I die.
The next time I got that book, I asked one of the brothers about evolution and he immediately replied one word, "Faith."
About a month later, I asked about that book and found out it was no longer available.
Fortunately a teacher at St. Joseph and St. Anne got me into watching the PBS series Cosmos where I realized that there were others who chose fact over faith and my aunt, Sr. Katherine Bobber, who gave me a book which explained how many supernatural events in history could be the result of a technology from a species that was able to travel to our planet.
I used to say that any reference to God is not possible but realized that the phrase not plausible is more accurate. Plausible means that there is evidence that suggests an idea might be correct and non plausible means there isn't. When someone asks me about the origin of the universe, I state that I don't know what it is but I know is was not created 10,000 years ago.
Occasionally I will see a sign advising parishioners and others to ignore science and believe in faith. I feel sorry for those people who have turned away from logic and claim they are being attacked while they decide to cherry pick phrases from a book to justify harming others.
A couple of weeks ago, I explained to someone who today is celebrating Alabama's decision to make women broodmares of the state about how thanks to my blog, I realized that the negative reactions I would get from many over decades was not because they were assholes but instead they were reacting to one.
Multiple times he would try to reference how God could help me and that I should pray about it and my reaction was to explain that I on my own discovered that with thought and logic on my own.
I wonder if he will ever realize that I was not opening up to him but actually preaching to him.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Transcript of today's "press conference"
MMOTL: Thank you for attending. I will make a short statement then open the floor to questions.
First of all, I want to thank Discontinuum for again having me on their squad in the club challenge and I want to apologise to Brett, Tom, and the club members for failing on the third straight year to post a round score that mattered in the standings.
Though I threw well especially in round two where I started with 9 straight in circle one (less than 10 meters from basket), it did not reflect on the score card as disc choice and poor putting were my issues. Going 2 for 12 on circle one birdie putts for the day without making any beyond is unacceptable.
I have an idea what has been happening with my putting and will dedicate practice time to get better with that part of my game.
This morning, my right knee was sore and a little swollen. Though I tried to work through it, I realized that continuing could cause injury and as you can see, it it currently under ice. It is believed that disc golf is not the only reason and other factors of which will not be elaborated further will be eliminated.
Any questions?
Press: Have you considered trying to put your physical issues out of mind? Doing so has helped me and it might make you better.
MMOTL: I really wish I did not have to manage pain and other physical issues. To be honest, many of the issues I have had in my life happened because I ignored them causing them to happen or worsen. I believe doing that yesterday contributed to my knee situation today.
Press: You stated you underperformed at Lemon Lake on Saturday as well as the previous two club events. Are you at least having fun?
MMOTL: Fun? Seriously? From what I can tell, you are much younger than me. For me it takes a lot of energy and effort to play tournament disc golf. When I drive home after an event, getting out of the car is difficult. The happy parts occur talking or thinking about the game. Even this press conference is more enjoyable than my tournaments played this year.
Without playing, I can't enjoy this sport just like all others I did in the past.
Press: There was an incident at a gas station on Saturday after the event. Can you explain what happened?
MMOTL: After getting gas, I went inside looking for food and soda as I have gotten before there as it is on my way home. To my disbelief, there was no pizza, no burgers, and no hot dogs.
As I grumpily paid for my soda tired, worn down, sore, hungry, and with a headache as those on my card during round two were smoking pot the cashier looked at me and said, "Smile, Jesus loves you."
I angrily replied, "FUCK YOU!" and she told me never come back there. I replied, "Why the fuck would I?" The way I carry myself seems to get people to try to comfort me and the ideas of being touched or told to smile I find more offensive than the claim of a non plausible concept.
Press: What are your thoughts about the ball golf weekend?
MMOTL: I was disappointed by the performance of ABT last weekend especially with the choices made on #12 on Sunday. I don't care that they won the previous 40 majors. Losing even one time is too many.
I am hoping last weekend ends up like 1986 when my father was unhappy that ABJ failed to win in that it was the last time it happened.
First of all, I want to thank Discontinuum for again having me on their squad in the club challenge and I want to apologise to Brett, Tom, and the club members for failing on the third straight year to post a round score that mattered in the standings.
Though I threw well especially in round two where I started with 9 straight in circle one (less than 10 meters from basket), it did not reflect on the score card as disc choice and poor putting were my issues. Going 2 for 12 on circle one birdie putts for the day without making any beyond is unacceptable.
I have an idea what has been happening with my putting and will dedicate practice time to get better with that part of my game.
This morning, my right knee was sore and a little swollen. Though I tried to work through it, I realized that continuing could cause injury and as you can see, it it currently under ice. It is believed that disc golf is not the only reason and other factors of which will not be elaborated further will be eliminated.
Any questions?
Press: Have you considered trying to put your physical issues out of mind? Doing so has helped me and it might make you better.
MMOTL: I really wish I did not have to manage pain and other physical issues. To be honest, many of the issues I have had in my life happened because I ignored them causing them to happen or worsen. I believe doing that yesterday contributed to my knee situation today.
Press: You stated you underperformed at Lemon Lake on Saturday as well as the previous two club events. Are you at least having fun?
MMOTL: Fun? Seriously? From what I can tell, you are much younger than me. For me it takes a lot of energy and effort to play tournament disc golf. When I drive home after an event, getting out of the car is difficult. The happy parts occur talking or thinking about the game. Even this press conference is more enjoyable than my tournaments played this year.
Without playing, I can't enjoy this sport just like all others I did in the past.
Press: There was an incident at a gas station on Saturday after the event. Can you explain what happened?
MMOTL: After getting gas, I went inside looking for food and soda as I have gotten before there as it is on my way home. To my disbelief, there was no pizza, no burgers, and no hot dogs.
As I grumpily paid for my soda tired, worn down, sore, hungry, and with a headache as those on my card during round two were smoking pot the cashier looked at me and said, "Smile, Jesus loves you."
I angrily replied, "FUCK YOU!" and she told me never come back there. I replied, "Why the fuck would I?" The way I carry myself seems to get people to try to comfort me and the ideas of being touched or told to smile I find more offensive than the claim of a non plausible concept.
Press: What are your thoughts about the ball golf weekend?
MMOTL: I was disappointed by the performance of ABT last weekend especially with the choices made on #12 on Sunday. I don't care that they won the previous 40 majors. Losing even one time is too many.
I am hoping last weekend ends up like 1986 when my father was unhappy that ABJ failed to win in that it was the last time it happened.
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