November 6, 2001 — When my beloved New York Yankees lost in Game 7 of the World Series on Sunday, two streaks came an abrupt end. The Yankees’ three-year championship run is done. Finished. Kaput. So is my reign of baseball bragging rights in The Times newsroom, where tomahawk chops …
Read moreOctober 2, 2001 — Kristian Svitak and his skateboard were flying. They launched and landed. They soared above cement. They did so as one. This has always baffled me, the way board and boarder stay connected in midair. There are no straps or adhesives. I watch and wait, always expecting …
Read moreMay 1, 2001 — I have studied the videotape, stared at the photos. I have done so repeatedly. And each time, I cock my head to the side and squint skeptically. Is that really me? Did I really do that? Then I snicker and release a wide satisfied smile. Because …
Read moreOctober 26, 1999 — Sometimes dreams do come true. You just have to be patient. As a little kid, I used to dream at night that I could fly. While my friends and family remained confined to the ground, I would float above them, around them. I was free. And …
Read moreMarch 23, 1999 — Sara Ballantyne and Chris Haggerty looked tired. Even world-class athletes aren’t immune to Sunday-morning interviews, I assumed. “I’m sorry,” I offered. “I’m sorry for dragging you guys out of bed.” “Oh, I’m awake,” said Ballantyne. “I’ve already climbed Stone Mountain this morning.” I should have known …
Read moreFebruary 23, 1999 — Most ice in Georgia is found floating in glasses of sweet tea. Most ice. “When you go back to Gainesville and it’s close to 70 degrees and you tell somebody that you’ve been ice climbing, they’re going to look at you like you’re some kind of …
Read moreFebruary 16, 1999 — As Carl Kirkpatrick’s truck negotiated the roller-coaster drive to the top of Toccoa’s Currahee Mountain, I observed a dozen or so vultures hovering above the summit that lay ahead. “The buzzards circle the mountain looking for dead climbers,” said a straight-faced Carl, as he drove me …
Read moreJanuary 19, 1999 — It was 3:30 last Monday morning when Cindy Cook decided she was going to ride a bull. And when Cindy Cook decides she is going to do something, Cindy Cook does it. “I was just headstrong on doing it,” said the 34-year-old Cook, who, at a …
Read moreDecember 8, 1998 — I think I know how Chris Chandler must feel in the morning. Only my soreness on Monday didn’t come from some Colts from Indianapolis. It came from two bulls from Barrow County. “How did you get talked into doing this?” asked David Goins, 29, of Winder, …
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