What's Your Agenda on GCA.com?

[Tommy Williamsen]

About twenty years ago I went on a golf trip with a couple close friends.  As we played each course I would remark about the way the architect did this or that this hole is reminiscent of another hole somewhere or the historical significance of a particular hole.  What I didn't know was that my two best friends had a strategy.
Each would walk with me for a couple holes then one would say to the other, "You walk with Tom now."

This site is almost too good to believe.  I have learned more about GCA in the past few years than I ever could have hoped.   I have met people and made friends.  

I enjoy both reading and posting pics and commentary of courses.

Many of you are well versed, well traveled, and  knowledgeable that it is a treat just to read what is posted.

[Joe Hancock]

I am very close to ranting about people who use this site to test out comedy routines.  i am really getting sick of "one liners"...why not keep your cute uniformitive quips to yourself or at the minimum IM's.

John,

Be patient with us. You, too, were once young, naive and funny on here. Perhaps, with any luck and some good mentoring, those of us who succumb to one-liners for our responses can mature to only address architectural issues and become site monitors, in the hopes of improving golf lives around the globe.

Joe

[John Kavanaugh]

I am very close to ranting about people who use this site to test out comedy routines.  i am really getting sick of "one liners"...why not keep your cute uniformitive quips to yourself or at the minimum IM's.

Go ahead John, make my day.  I once heard Sarah Cannon (aka Minnie Pearl) say "laughter is God's hand on the shoulder of a troubled world."

What's good for Minnie Pearl is good for you.

Mike

Minnie Pearl must have been a rater because she never paid for that hat.

The above is an example of a funny that has no business on this site...These types of comments are choking off architectural discussion.

[Noel Freeman]

I just want Sneeky Petes to post under their real names and take responsibility for their opinions.  I also like to defend copyright laws so if you two do find a book don't Xerox it and then sell it on ebay.

I am very close to ranting about people who use this site to test out comedy routines.  i am really getting sick of "one liners"...why not keep your cute uniformitive quips to yourself or at the minimum IM's.

John- if I recall didnt you once regalled this site with the old:

Me Chinese
Me play joke

need I go on...


BTW, when you were ill, I remember Dr. Childs was kind enough to offer you nice words and doctor recommendations in an IM.. You never responded which is fine, but he was able to put aside whatever issues you guys had from a online forum.  

Also, funny you bring up copyright law, I am going to copyright "the line of charm"..going to take that right from under Shackelford's nose!

Also pls read my disclaimer below..

[John Kavanaugh]

BTW, when you were ill, I remember Dr. Childs was kind enough to offer you nice words and doctor recommendations in an IM.. You never responded which is fine, but he was able to put aside whatever issues you guys had from a online forum.  

Honestly, I was insulted by his IM concerning my illness.  I found it to be self promoting and condescending.  The only thing more disgusting is how many times am I going to have to hear from his friends about his generosity.  The only reason that I respect Geoff is because I think he gives honest opinions about architecture.  I could give two shits about how he pays the rent.

[Geoffrey Childs]

BTW, when you were ill, I remember Dr. Childs was kind enough to offer you nice words and doctor recommendations in an IM.. You never responded which is fine, but he was able to put aside whatever issues you guys had from a online forum.  

Honestly, I was insulted by his IM concerning my illness.  I found it to be self promoting and condescending.  The only thing more disgusting is how many times am I going to have to hear from his friends about his generosity.  The only reason that I respect Geoff is because I think he gives honest opinions about architecture.  I could give two shits about how he pays the rent.

Well John - I sent you a private message but I will copy it here and everyone can judge for themselves how I was self-serving in sendign it to you (in private). Perhaps this post is self-serving.

John

Tommy called me after my little post and your reply and told me about your current health problem.  I will not repeat it to anyone else.

I think/hope you should be fine and you are certainly going to an absolutely first rate place for evaluation.  While not my primary area of expertise, I have some experience and contacts for help if you should need it and actually done some research in the area

see - http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/64/11/3780

If you need/want me to contact anyone to make sure you are taking the best options please don't hesitate to let me know.  I would be happy to try to put you in contact with an expert for help if possible. Its probably not necessary as the Mayo Clinic is cutting edge but the offer is there.

You might also want to look at Pat Mucci's BLOG

http://www.colo-rectal-cancer.blogspot.com/

which he just started a short time ago and will add to as he can.  Pat was really inspirational in his fight which was from advanced colon cancer that required (he choose this option after consultation) the most agressive treatment. He is a source of inspiration (to me anyway) in seeing his fortitude and fighting attitude.  Don't neglect to powers of a good attitude in fighting cancer.

I wish you well and trust we will be posting back and forth as usual for many many years to come.

Best regards

Geoffrey

[John Kavanaugh]

The Mayo Clinic says I did not have Thyroid cancer.  I am afraid that if I have to keep saying this it will eventually not be true.  I am going for another check up next month so if any of you want to pray for me or give me additional advice your time can be better spent spaying a cat.

If you choose to spay a cat don't call Bob Barker and try to get thanked.  Keep your charity to yourself or it ceases to be charity and becomes cheap self-promotion.

A link on how to spay a cat, I think you may want to have a professional do the procedure:  http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/Spayandneuter.htm

[Dan Kelly]

With absolute sincerity, I say: Best of luck at the Mayo, John. It's one of the greatest places in all the world -- as you already know.

As for your comment that one-liners are crowding out discussion of gca, I must unfortunately reply with a one-liner borrowed from my friend Joe (not my fellow goof-off Joe Hancock, but another Joe):

B as in B, S as in S.

[Tony_Muldoon]

I am very close to ranting about people who use this site to test out comedy routines.  i am really getting sick of "one liners"...why not keep your cute uniformitive quips to yourself or at the minimum IM's.

Go ahead John, make my day.  I once heard Sarah Cannon (aka Minnie Pearl) say "laughter is God's hand on the shoulder of a troubled world."

What's good for Minnie Pearl is good for you.

Mike

Mel Brooks

"A laugh is a shout into the face of death".

[John_Conley]

I just want Sneeky Petes to post under their real names and take responsibility for their opinions.  

At least you're inconsistent.

[George Pazin]

Call me crazy, but if someone took the time to send me an IM regarding my health, such as the one Geoff shared, I wouldn't doubt his intentions; nor would I be upset if he posted it, if I were to have in fact voiced doubt over his intentions publicly.

Keep up the good work keeping us honest, Lord knows we need it. Thanks for your tireless efforts.

[Gib_Papazian]

Barny,

I have to tell you the truth, that is the most offensive thing I have ever read on this website. Have you lost your mind? Or so blinded by depression and angst that you do not see the madness of spitting in the face of someone who is trying to help?

Whether you are healthy or not, cancer is scary. Mucci has handled it with such breathtaking courage and aplomb that my series of train wrecks seem minor annoyances in comparison.

And since when have you become an advocate for confining discussions to humorless analysis?

You know Barny, there are a lot of caring people in this Treehouse - many of whom call you their friend. Maybe you ought to apologize for being an assh*le to Childs - it is not every day that a famous physician/researcher extends an offer to impart his knowledge and wisdom.

The tone of this run of posts has me concerned gentlemen. I have just received another unbelievably nasty private message from Wayne Morrison; is this Treehouse being infected with a cancer of grim formality, peppered with private reprovals for injecting humor or honest opinion in these discussions?

John, you are the ORIGINAL "Sneeky Pete" in this Treehouse. You skulked around in the shadows with a mask over your face for months until "outed" by the Emperor himself.

I recall a series of intentionally spooky e-mails from you years ago; your Spiritual Chi' in person belies your internet persona. Why do you feel the need to hide behind a false alter-ego?

If we are to discuss "comedy routines," perhaps you can explain how a newly minted advocate of humorless discourse can justify a signed photo of Barney Frank in his golf bag?

Like Wayne Morrison, I think you sometimes try to start a brushfire out of boredom. Maybe Indiana is making you stir-crazy . . . . if that is the case, the Redhead and I have a bed for you - leave your piss-poor attitude at home.

   

[Gib_Papazian]

John,

And BTW, mocking somebody who may pray for you seems a little strange for a guy who attends Catholic Mass EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY WITHOUT FAIL NO MATTER WHAT.

I am shocked beyond words.

[Norbert P]

To learn the parlance of golf architecture.

A few examples
Redan : A fortification.
Wind : a necessary ingredient for spirited golf.
Gib :  A castrated male cat or ferret. (NOT!)
Nature : An indefinable variable climacticly reached by destruction and re-creation through anthropological values.
Empty dog leash : a way of getting onto a golf course to snoop.
Tree : A dragon.
Slag : a worthless byproduct.
460CC : A George Foreman Grill on a stick.
Gowf : a fading memory.
Poa annua : Sans Tiger

[Sean_A]

Ah man, I already thought of an item for Other Matters Arising.  

13. To auction a aging rock star's golf sticks stored in my garage.
     A.  The opening bid is likely to be around £25.

Ciao

14. Try to foster an attitude of getting along.  
     A. To organize a fourball (which includes me if only for free drinks) which includes W Morrison, J. Kavanaugh & G Papazian

Ciao

[Tom Huckaby]

Sean:

Several years ago, I played a threeball at Olympic Club - me, John Kavanaugh, Gib Papazian.

It was quite an experience.

But it was also very very fun.

As is often the case, meetings in person are nothing like one would assume they'd be based on on-line "battles."

However, given the vitriol lately, I wonder what would happen if we added Wayne to that group.

 

[Gib_Papazian]

Sean,

I would take you up on that - especially because your cottage seems within striking distance to Woodhall Spa . . . . . Hopefully, Morrison plays a cut off the tee, so I would only have to suffer through his terse insults on the putting surface.

As for Barny, I have no idea what sort of medication he is on. Maybe he has suffered a blow to his head, or abandoned religion in favor of a secular cult. I've no explanation for this latest outburst as personally, I love the guy.

I've never had the pleasure of meeting Wayne . . . . . judging by the private messages he sends me, the guy hates my guts. If we ever spent 18 holes together, I bet we might even like each other.

We are equally argumentative, I am just far more insightful and cogent.  

[wsmorrison]

I do not hate Gib Papazian and I never have.  Somehow I think he would like to goad me into such a feeling but frankly, I don't see the need to bother with any emotional investment one way or the other.  There is a lot of hate in the world and I wouldn't waste the energy on hating somebody for opposing my ideas.  As far as the chat room is concerned, I didn't bring up Gib in any subsequent threads except for the rater thread.  I consistently applied my thoughts to all raters and never made it a personal issue.  That makes no sense at all.  But there's a lot of nonsense on this site and if I had something to say, I did it in IMs.  I never referenced the IMs here nor would I.  That would be bringing private correspondence into a public forum.  I don't agree with that at all.  I also don't agree that my IMs have indicated a hate for you.  I erase them as they come in and go out, so maybe a review of them would demonstrate something other than my feeling at this point.

I bet if we did get together, we would end up enjoying the day and shake hands at its conclusion.  There are many I would like to meet.  I would welcome a fourball with Sean (I think he may be visiting sometime in the next year or so), Tom Huckaby (anytime/anyplace) and Gib.  I would do so willingly.

[Tom Huckaby]

II would welcome a fourball with Sean (I think he may be visiting sometime in the next year or so), Tom Huckaby (anytime/anyplace) and Gib.  I would do so willingly.

That sounds like a hell of a lot of fun to me!  Wayne, you and Sean are among those I truly need to meet as well.

I kinda figured the vitriol between you and GIb would die out naturally - a round like this would make sure it did!

TH

[wsmorrison]

Agreed in all regards.  Why don't we meet halfway between you two and Sean?  That would be Philadelphia, right?  

[Tom Huckaby]

Agreed in all regards.  Why don't we meet halfway between you two and Sean?  That would be Philadelphia, right?  

Sounds great to me.  But where oh where could we play?  There's such a dearth of good courses there.

 

[John Kavanaugh]

John

Tommy called me after my little post and your reply and told me about your current health problem.  I will not repeat it to anyone else.

There it is.  Tommy tells him a very private matter and he tells me he will not tell anybody else.  Now even a year later I'm discussing this in public because he wants credit for doing a good deed.  Sure he sent me a nice note but what kind of person then goes around the country bragging about it.  He lied to me and I smelt it coming the second I opened the I'M.  I have been proven right by his buddies own words today.

You people do not understand prayer.  If you want to pray for me you need to thank God for all I have before you ask for more.  Please forgive my inabiity to continue as this is a phone post since I am sitting in a French Lick parking lot where I just finished a fabulous round with no other than Michael Fay.

[Geoffrey Childs]

John

Tommy called me after my little post and your reply and told me about your current health problem.  I will not repeat it to anyone else.

There it is.  Tommy tells him a very private matter and he tells me he will not tell anybody else.  Now even a year later I'm discussing this in public because he wants credit for doing a good deed.  Sure he sent me a nice note but what kind of person then goes around the country bragging about it.  He lied to me and I smelt it coming the second I opened the I'M.  I have been proven right by his buddies own words today.

You people do not understand prayer.  If you want to pray for me you need to thank God for all I have before you ask for more.  Please forgive my inabiity to continue as this is a phone post since I am sitting in a French Lick parking lot where I just finished a fabulous round with no other than Michael Fay.

John - it was all very private on my side until YOU revealed your situation in public here on this board MONTHS or even a year ago and then it was there for all to read in your words. I only copied my message of July 2006 today after your diatribe.  I continue to wish you good health and happiness.

Here is one of your public announcements of long ago-

 GolfClubAtlas.com / Golf Course Architecture /
Started by John Kavanaugh, Message by John Kavanaugh (August 11, 2006)

Looks like that if I die this year it won't be from...
thyroid cancer.  My recent trip to Mayo resulted in near perfect results.  I think my doctor played overseas if he ever played at all as he said my tumor was golf ball sized...didn't look any bigger than a ping pong ball to me.

I'm kinda excited to begin playing again on the Beta Blockers I can legally remain taking for the next 30 days (I say legally because I have a potential 12 refills)...Anybody have any experiences..

God I love everything about Minnesota and look forward to my continuing appointments every August until I have a permanent Nicklaus head cock forced on by a volleyball sized goiter...by then I might opt for surgery.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and concerns (Yeah I know I used up all my pity points and return to double secret probation)

[Gib_Papazian]

Michael Fay . . . . . . . maybe we can make it a fivesome . . . . . I always wanted to learn all about, well, everything.

Barny,

So now you fancy yourself our resident expert on theocracy and *correct* prayer. . . . . you might go see the movie Elizabeth. Evidently, God liked Protestants better than Inquisitors.

Wayne,

You are arguing about nothing - are you a trial lawyer or something? Seriously, I keep waiting for you to insert a
  . . . . . . maybe that is not part of your makeup. If we meet in Philly, I suggest we go to an Eagles game first; if we come to blows, nobody will notice.

Huckster,

If you are going to suggest we meet halfway, plan on ending up  in Nova Scotia or Iceland. The way Barny is behaving, I am thinking we may have to pull out some astronomy charts to figure out the halfway point to Neptune.

Lefty,

Had the same scare six months ago . . . . . oddly, my endocrinologist did a stint at the Mayo . . . . the difference is I did not feel the lump until he pointed it out. BTW, I prayed - that my little boy would not be left alone in the world without me.

[Sean_A]

Michael Fay . . . . . . . maybe we can make it a fivesome . . . . .

Cottage?  I spose you would be expecting the twee "duck or grouse" sign on a low door beam.  Fivesome?  I can picture it now.  Arble travels half way around the world for an entertaining game amongst strangers.  Huck & Dr C would have teed up on the back nine about 15 minutes early, but everyone would know because of that California cackle (all imaginary of course - Huck looks like the sort of chap who may have a cackle for a laugh) echoing around the course.  Where am I?  Stuck BEHIND the mad fourball as a single.  The excuse would be that they didn't want to inhale my secondary cigar smoke - which I spose is fair enough in a pefect world.  I could always take solace in teaching caddies how to spear frogs.

Ciao