One For the Ages

I've been looking at some videos by David Bull.  He is a Canadian who moved to Japan and learned to be a wood block carver.  The blocks, usually cherry wood, are then used to make prints.

I just watched a video where he was talking about the transitory nature of stuff.  Cars and phones and washing machines have a life span, but art lasts.  He sells prints made over 200 years ago.  He is pushing gifts of prints for a very nominal cost that will outlast the giver.  It's nice stuff and worth a look.  He makes good videos and is an interesting talker.

But back to golf...  Tiger has managed to return to a very high level of play.  It was very entertaining to me to watch it play out over the last 4 days.

But what has this to do with old Japanese prints?

Ah, we come to the attraction of watching Tiger play.  During the times when I've found golf to be of interest, I've seen Nicklaus and Tiger in their primes.  I would have loved to have seen Sneed or Hogan or Jones when they were working miracles.  There are some film and videos, but it's not the same as watching it occur in real time.  The first golf I ever watched on TV was when Johnny Miller shot his 63 at the US Open.  It was on an old black and white set we had up on the porch in Palatine.  It was a good introduction to the game.

I find Tiger of interest as I am able to watch history in the making.  Maybe he will pass Jack down the road.  It seemed a sure thing not too long ago.  Then it seemed impossible.  But now, it just might unfold.

Every victory and well struck putt adds to what he has done.  The mastery he controls is inspiring.  The power and finesse is art and I look forward to more of it.

Tiger, the non-golfer, is of not much interest.  I  hope he is happy and enjoys what will come to him down the years.  His retirement from competitive golf might be interesting depending what he may turn to.  But I want to see the history book rewritten in my time.


Ok, here is a joke that came out when he was having marital troubles:

Tiger has crashed his car and the police have shown up.  They look over the scene and talk to Elin, his wife.

"It seems like you hit him with the golf club a few times.  How many times did you hit him?" asks the cop.

Elin thinks for a moment and uses her fingers to count out things as she remembers them.

"Put me down for a 6," she answers. 

It's funny if you golf!