Hockey Time

I'm in Nashville today working at a Nashville Predators game. I really like watching hockey and working at the game is fun, too. Our producer occasionally gives me some complimentary tickets...today he gave me 4, so Dave the Australian is going to bring Zach, Andy, and Alex to the game. They love watching the games live.
Tomorrow we plan on leaving for Texas for Jim's funeral which is Friday. I will stay there after the funeral to help Syble get the house together, mow the lawn, yada yada. I plan to stay there until Thursday of next week...then back to racing, which coincidentally is there in Ft. Worth.
Go Preds!

Check out this chick!

Yeah...that's my wife! Hopefully she'll come home with both arms!!!

And the stone was rolled away...

Happy Resurrection Day!

Back home again in Indiana...

The boys and I have returned to my native land of Indiana for the weekend. We are spending time visiting my parents, siblings, their children and pets. We brought Lenny, the chihuahua, for entertainment purposes...and he has delivered. He and my brother's cat, Van Gogh, have become friends. My dad has taken a liking to Lenny and fed him most of the pizza off of his plate tonight.
It is good to be away from racing for the weekend. I haven't missed it a bit. We did watch some basketball today, a little golf, and (I am kinda ashamed to admit it) some figure skating.
It is fun to be back home...the pace of life is slower and it is good to catch up on life.
My brother and I began a contest today to get the most friends on Facebook, so if you want me to win, get a Facebook page and hook up with me. I need to self esteem boost...you know, third child and all.

I've got to get more sleep...

I got done at the game at Illinois State at about midnight...had to get up at 4am to get to the airport. Well, all was going fine in the moonlit hours of predawn, but I didn't get off of I55 in time, rode it about 20 miles too far, actually stopped to ask for directions, turned around, made it to the airport, thru security, to the gate...5 minutes too late. Had to wait for the next flight out of Peoria to Chicago, and you'd be surprised that that isn't an hourly occurrence. 3 hours later, I made it onto the next flight on stand by. In Chicago, I went to the gate, showed her my standby pass for the flight to Nashville...she pointed to the standby list...
and it was like the Indiana public educational system...I was ranked 38th. I knew I wouldn't make it on that one, so I went to the gate of the next flight to Nashville which was to take off in 3 more hours. Well, I don't know if it was because I put on some "Obsession" early this morning, or my naturally boyish charm, but this new lady took my standby pass, typed with mercurial speed and handed a new boarding pass...for the first flight! I kissed her hard on the mouth...no, I didn't...I just said thanks so much..I hustled down to the old gate, stuck out my boarding pass and got on the plane. So I'm safely back in Nashville.
The boys are all doing fine. They have had their friend Isaac over the entire week...we are his Spring Break! We are all going bowling later tonight, then off to Indiana tomorrow...the boys are excited. (Isaac isn't coming. Lenny is!)
Sandy is doing fine in Hawaii...I may not get her back...she really likes it!
I am going to take a nap now.

New Day, Different Sport

I'm in Normal, IL today...I didn't say I'm Normal in IL to day...doing an NIT game for ESPNU. It's a quaint little college town...coeds a plenty. If you somehow get ESPNU (and to be honest, I don't know how you do...apparently it airs somewhere and someone wants to watch this game) sit back, enjoy two relatively unknown schools, Illinois State and Utah State, battle it out in the National Invitational Tournament...which really means, we aren't good enough to make the real tournament, but someone can make some money off of us playing, so let's play.
But I'm not complaining...I'm almost stealing money today...so I've got that going for me...which is nice.

Mid Week post

Doing a Predators game today here in Nashville...early flight in the morning to Peoria, IL for an NIT men's basketball game for ESPN. Fly back Thursday...get stuff together for a trip to Indiana on Friday.
Spring Break isn't quite what I had planned since I am working instead of vacationing...last night, the twins, their friend Isaac and I planned paintball in the field behind our house...until the cops showed up. They were nice, but told us to keep it down. When they drove up, I told the boys to drop the guns...they did...the police never knew what we were doing. It was only midnight, I don't know what the problem was...it sure was fun, though.

Thunder Valley

It's race time...the pace car is rolling...my predictions are ready:
3. Kasey Kahne
2. Jeff Gordon
1. Matt Kenseth

As always...wager with caution.

Another week...more rain...

Getting a little tired of rain. We didn't have any programming scheduled today...so why are you there you might ask...I really don't know why the whole crew came in today. I guess we were in to do rain fill if Fox wasn't able to get the practices in. Fortunately, the rain held off until the Nationwide series got a practice in and the Cup series got two practices in. The rest of the crew has now left and I am alone in the truck...waiting for the rain to stop....hoping, along with NASCAR, that the Nationwide race will start soon. Bristol is actually the fastest track to dry in the whole circuit. Since it is so small and the banking is high, the drying process doesn't take too long...about 45 minutes...provided it stops raining. Since I had to stay late today, my technical manager let me come in late...about 3 hours after everyone else. It was nice to sleep in a little.
It will be hard to predict who will win this race, mostly because I stink at predicting...proof is in previous posts. But lots of these guys came up from short track racing with sprints, midgets, etc. so this is a lot of fun for most of them. Tempers will flare and there won't be a fender unscathed. It is probably my favorite race of the year. This is one of the few tracks that I'll leave the truck for to go watch some of the race. The banking is amazing...not unlike Winchester...though I doubt I'll see James Garner scaling the banking and flashing a deck of cards...did I recall that correctly, Dad?
Syble is doing well...Sandy is really loving the beauty of Hawaii. The place where they are staying is kinda like a motel/condo...no tv or anything, so you have the chance to see the beauty without a lot of distractions. Syble took Gay and Sandy sightseeing and Sandy saw some really beautiful waterfalls, mountains and, of course, great beaches. I, on the other hand, still see a wall of television monitors....but it beats digging ditches...or so I assume.
Tune in tomorrow to see my predictions for the race...and then bet the opposite of what I pick.

James W. Sherburne, Jr.

Sandy just called and Jim just passed away. Thank you all for your prayers for the family. Jim was a fun, loving, fun loving, husband, father and grandfather. He really loved Syble and the 10 years they were together were just amazing. He also was great to my boys, Sandy, and me. We will all greatly miss him. He loved the Lord and will be waiting for us in Heaven!

The banjoes are a little bit louder this weekend...

As we've moved from South Atlanta up to hills of East Tennessee, Bristol is a beehive of activity. This is an amazing facility. The racetrack is 1/2 mile, high banked and no one finishes with a mark-free car. It seats 165,000 and it is always a sellout. Now, it would be easy to throw in a joke about the family trees in these parts not forking much, but I won't stoop to that. I mean, it would be insensitive to say that I met a guy today who is his own uncle, but I digress. This is actually my favorite track. I think I like the night race better in the summer, but this is still so much fun to watch. 43 cars trying to fit where only 23 should. Beatin' and Bangin'...and that's just in the rv campground!
We're staying at the luxurious Comfort Inn in Bristol, VA. No frills, but it has wireless!!!
Quick update for you...Jim is still hanging in...Sandy arrived in Hawaii last night around 9pm central time...there is a 5 hour difference between Nashville and Honolulu...so she was wide awake at 3am Hawaii time this morning. She has seen Jim a couple of times. They have moved him to a private room, off a heart monitor and someone from the family is always with him. Sandy says Syble is doing okay, but has gotten some bronchitis and needs to rest. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Short pit stop...

Just wanted to write a quick post...made it back home from ATL and all is well at home. The update on Jim is that he is still sort of alert. When his daughter Sherry arrived he wanted to get out of bed but couldn't. Gay is flying to Hawaii today and I am sending Sandy there tomorrow. Jim is on a "Do Not Resusitate" order. Fluid is slowing filling his lungs. The doctor says it will be a few days, but Jim is pretty strong, so we'll see. I'll keep you updated. Thanks for your prayers.

Daylight Saving?

Short night?  Still quite dark here as we begin our day.  5:30am breakfast came early.  It will still be dark here for another hour at least.  I did get out pretty early yesterday....about 2pm...went back to the hotel, took a 2 hour nap.  Watched some tv, then worked out.  Set my clocks ahead.  I remember the first time I ever did that.  I had moved from Indiana, where we didn't move our clocks at all, to California.  I remember someone telling me to move my clock forward, so I slid my clock on my dresser about 6 inches toward the edge...I didn't want to be left out.  I didn't quite understand the significance of Daylight Saving Time.  Since then I have learned how to properly complete the task.  Last evening I also read more of the book, "The Shack", that my dad got me.  It is great...really makes you reevaluate your definition and preconceived notions of God.  I only read a chapter or so at a time...it really keeps you thinking.  Thanks, Dad.

Today is raceday and time for my weekly predictions.  Since Jimmie Johnson swept the races here last year, you might want to go with him...or any Hendrick driver this week.  Jeff Gordon is on the pole with Dale, Jr. right next to him.  There seems to be a little bit of a tire issue...right fronts blowing out may be a factor, but the weather won't be!  It is still quite cold, but clear today.  I am going with Kasey Kahne, a former Atlanta winner, today with Matt Kenseth, yesterday's Nationwide winner, in second, and Jeff Gordon third.  Keep an eye on Dave Blaney...though he is under the weather this weekend, he just may sneak into victory lane. Just my opinion, I am not responsible for your gambling losses if you incur any.

I called Syble last night and she let me talk to Jim...he was a little responsive, but couldn't talk.  The doctor said that he won't make it back home to Texas.  Syble seems to be holding up well.  One of Jim's daughters and daughter in law are heading to Hawaii tomorrow.  Gay is going on Tuesday and I am sending Sandy most likely on Wednesday.  Our Spring Break plans of heading to the Smokie Mountains a week from today are now on hold.  We may be heading to Texas.  We appreciate your continued prayers for the family.

Hot-Lanta...more like My-Lanta

It is snowing in Atlanta!  I know you Northerners are used to snow, but come on...this is the South!  Needless to say, nothing on the track right now but jet dryers...or snow melters.  Nationwide cars are supposed to be qualifying, but that won't happen for awhile.  

I was way off on my prediction of a quiet track on Friday.  They got everything in...even the truck race.  I don't know what your feelings about Kyle Busch are, but the kid can drive.  You put any kind of wheels under him and he is in contention for a win. In Trucks, he has 2 firsts and a second in three races.  Nearly as good in Nationwide and Cup.  He's pretty funny and only slightly cocky, so he's ok in my book.  Sittiing here in the truck, I am quite thankful for my career choice.  Had I stayed a camerman, I would be colder than I am currently.  It's chilly in the truck, about  60 degrees, but not as bad as outside.  

It was looking like a short day for me...a few cut in's that only last a couple of minutes to update the viewers on the day, but now, with the snow delay, I may be here awhile.  Sanford is cutting highlights for the Nationwide race today, so I don't have to stay for that, whenever that finally comes.  We usually take turns doing that on a Saturday.  You score overtime staying for that, so we like to trade off to keep the overtime pretty evenly split.  

Prayer request for my father-in-law, Jim.  He and Syble are in Hawaii at their timeshare.  He's been battling cancer for a few years and last night had a seizure, was rushed to the hospital.  Your prayers are greatly appreciated!  

XM, I hardly know him...

Rental car of the day...a Hyundai Sonata...it can't figure out if it's Korean or Spanish...but I am happy with it.  BONUS!  It's got XM satellite radio...What a person gravitates to on XM tells a lot about their personality, I suppose.  My first button is Bluesville...XM Channel 74.  I really like blues music...My second button is the 80's...lots of great music...which reminds me...If you've got internet fast enough to watch or even listen to sermons online, you've got to check out Mark Beeson's series "I Love the 80's" at GCCwired.com.  I watched all the sermons up to this point.  That church rocks!  And they even sang Cyndi Lauper songs from the stage...I remember a few parishioners from Farmland UMC that would have dropped some false teeth over that.  Anyway, back to XM...there are a ton of sports talk stations, conservative talk, liberal talk, talk about talking, sporting events of every variety, Spanish music, Christian music (3 channels!), and Dad's favorite, Broadway tunes...just kidding...but seriously, who'd have thought that my dad would be a a theatre goer...he talked me into going to "Cats" and, don't tell anyone, but I liked it.  I haven't heard a good theatre review from him lately...I think the last he saw was "Mama Mia", which is actually cool since it is ABBA music....which can be found on XM "the 70's". Anyway, it you had 6 buttons that could be music or talk or sports, what would they be?  Just food for thought.

I am safely in Atlanta...well, I am in Atlanta....I don't think anyone is ever safe in Atlanta...I used to live here...I know.  

Just melting today and loading elements for shows.  The good news for me is that since we're in the Eastern time zone now, our calls times won't beat the sunrise by an hour.  That is nice.

Carl Edwards, the sweet Midwestern boy, is a cheater!!!!  Or so says NASCAR.  I don't really understand the advantage vs. the risk of taking off an oil cap, but I'm no gearhead.  All you Carl Edwards fans, that means you, Bradley, take heart...Carl is a nice guy.  I don't think he took the cap off himself, but he's gonna be under a microscope for the rest of the season.

Great weather here, nasty rain tomorrow...I'm predicting no truck race, and no cup quals tomorrow...it will be  a great day to be in the truck!

Oh, I'd be a huge baseball fan then...

Viva, Las Vegas...good race, huh?  My 2nd place pick finished 1st and my 1st place pick finished 3rd...now that'll win you some money, if you're of the gambling persuasion.

When we finished striking last night and got back to the hotel, it was 9:30 pm.  I decided since I didn't have to get up until 4:15 for my flight, why not go for a walk along the strip.  I visited Planet Hollywood Hotel, MGM Grand, and only because it was right across the street and for no other reason, I visited Hooters Hotel and Casino.  Eh...not much to tell.  Casinos pretty much seem the same to me, but MGM did have a cool indoor lion cage/display...had I been there at a reasonable hour, I may have actually seen a lion.  Along the way, there were lots of guys handing out what looked to be baseball cards...apparently, the Major Leagues are now employing scantily clad girls named Brandy, Tiffany and Chantelle...all their equipment must be in the locker room, because no matter how closely I looked at the picture, I never could see a baseball glove...they did leave a phone number, but since it was so late, I didn't want to call and wake them to ask if they'd oiled there gloves for the next game.  

After 2 hours of walking, I made it back to my hotel.

I didn't partake in any gambling this trip.  I may be getting wiser in my old age...when I stopped by Hard Rock the other night, I did find two quarters in the parking lot...makes you wonder if they put them out there to get you hooked.  I don't know.  

We're off to Atlanta for the next race...I pick up a rental car here in Nashville on Wednesday for the drive down Thursday...hopefully a sporty, convertible...probably a Ford Taurus.  Have a great week.

The Biff?

Still in Vegas...still making tv.  Had a long day today...in at 6am, out at 7pm.  I cut highlights of the  Nationwide race today.  Tony Stewart was going for 3 in a row...never happened before....didn't happen today.  There were about 17 wrecks...I put the highlights together for "Raceday" by speeding up all the wrecks...it is pretty funny.  I asked the audio guy to get me "Yakkity Sax"...hopefully the producer will let me play that under the highlights.  Makes me miss Benny Hill.  

Wendy Venturini came in today to look at her weekly feature call "The Real Deal".  She does the interviews for it on Monday or Tuesday, but doesn't see the finished product until I show it to her on Saturday.  Well, she came in today and she has lost her voice.  I could barely hear her talk, but I told her not to...we need her for the show tomorrow.  She told me that she and her husband went to see Kevin James (the King of Queens guy) last night.  Ray Romano was the opening act.  She said it was great...after an hour and a half show, they turned up the lights and had a Q & A for 30 more minutes.  She also said they weren't dirty at all.  How refreshing!

I didn't do anything once I finally got home...it is 9pm and I'm in bed again.  

I like Las Vegas...I'd like to come here sometime just on vacation...and with some money to blow.  There are so many shows and things to do, if you've got the bucks.

In wrestling news...The boys were in Clarksville, TN today at a big tournament.  Alex had a bad day and lost two quickly.  Andy won two and lost one for 2nd place.  Zach won two and lost one and still had more to go last I checked...he is going for 3rd or 4th.

I got an email from Syble and Jim's not doing very well...I'd appreciate your prayers for his strength and for Syble's, too.

Tomorrow is raceday...since I did so well with my predictions last week, I think I'll make it a regular thing...remember, this is an exhibition, not a competition...no wagering allowed.

I would have said that Kyle Busch is a favorite for the race at this home track, but I am going out on a limb and picking Greg Biffle with Carl Edwards 2nd and Jimmie Johnson third.  

Feel free to post your picks.  Have a great Sunday!