We're back in the great lone star state of Texas. It's a triple header weekend with Trucks racing Friday night, Nationwide racing Saturday afternoon and Cup racing Sunday afternoon. With baseball FINALLY finished, feel free to fill up your sports television viewing hours with lots of vehicles turning left on SPEED and the other fine family of networks...except if you don't have cable, sorry, Mom....maybe Santa will bring you a Dish for Christmas.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
TJ...never in a racecar, as far as I know.
I have been studying Thomas Jefferson lately...he was a pretty smart dude. We could use some of his wisdom today. I have compiled a few of his quotes and may post a few more after I digest these...
A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.
Thomas Jefferson
A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor and bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government.
Thomas Jefferson
Advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper.
Thomas Jefferson
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.
Thomas Jefferson
All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.
Thomas Jefferson
Always take hold of things by the smooth handle.
Thomas Jefferson
An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry.
Thomas Jefferson
An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes.
Thomas Jefferson
An injured friend is the bitterest of foes.
Thomas Jefferson
As our enemies have found we can reason like men, so now let us show them we can fight like men also.
Thomas Jefferson
Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies.
Thomas Jefferson
Be polite to all, but intimate with few.
Thomas Jefferson
Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect, but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is body without mind.
Thomas Jefferson
Books constitute capital. A library book lasts as long as a house, for hundreds of years. It is not, then, an article of mere consumption but fairly of capital, and often in the case of professional men, setting out in life, it is their only capital.
Thomas Jefferson
But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.
Thomas Jefferson
Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto.
Thomas Jefferson
Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.
Thomas Jefferson
Delay is preferable to error.
Thomas Jefferson
Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition.
Thomas Jefferson
Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.
Thomas Jefferson
Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other.
Thomas Jefferson
Do not bite at the bait of pleasure, till you know there is no hook beneath it.
Thomas Jefferson
Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.
Thomas Jefferson
Don't talk about what you have done or what you are going to do.
Thomas Jefferson
Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.
Thomas Jefferson
Chew on those for awhile.
A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.
Thomas Jefferson
A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor and bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government.
Thomas Jefferson
Advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper.
Thomas Jefferson
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.
Thomas Jefferson
All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.
Thomas Jefferson
Always take hold of things by the smooth handle.
Thomas Jefferson
An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry.
Thomas Jefferson
An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes.
Thomas Jefferson
An injured friend is the bitterest of foes.
Thomas Jefferson
As our enemies have found we can reason like men, so now let us show them we can fight like men also.
Thomas Jefferson
Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies.
Thomas Jefferson
Be polite to all, but intimate with few.
Thomas Jefferson
Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect, but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is body without mind.
Thomas Jefferson
Books constitute capital. A library book lasts as long as a house, for hundreds of years. It is not, then, an article of mere consumption but fairly of capital, and often in the case of professional men, setting out in life, it is their only capital.
Thomas Jefferson
But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.
Thomas Jefferson
Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto.
Thomas Jefferson
Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.
Thomas Jefferson
Delay is preferable to error.
Thomas Jefferson
Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition.
Thomas Jefferson
Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.
Thomas Jefferson
Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other.
Thomas Jefferson
Do not bite at the bait of pleasure, till you know there is no hook beneath it.
Thomas Jefferson
Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.
Thomas Jefferson
Don't talk about what you have done or what you are going to do.
Thomas Jefferson
Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.
Thomas Jefferson
Chew on those for awhile.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The Chase...on many fronts...
Here we are in a much drier Atlanta today for Raceday...
Today's discussion in our tape room got quite lively when it drifted to politics...I am really ready for this race and that race to be over. No matter what your political leanings, please vote and especially pray for our country. It will be an unprecedented outcome no matter who wins.
Back to the much more insignificant racing world...once again, Cup qualifying was rained out, so Jimmie Johnson was awarded the pole position and the pit stall of his choice. With the points lead he has, the position he gets when qualifying is washed out and his incredible ability to take this battle and crush the competition, I feel like Jimmie Johnson, under the guidance of his genius crew chief, Chad Knaus, will take his third consecutive Sprint Cup Championship. It really is his to lose. Barring a 43rd finish the next two weeks, the competition is really over. Don't tell NASCAR, SPEED or ESPN I said that...they want you to keep tuning in...but, it's over. I hope I am wrong.
Predictions for today's race:
3). Greg Biffle
2). Carl Edwards
1). Jimmie Johnson
Have a great raceday...Go Titans! Heading to 7-0!!!! GO BSU CARDINALS...8-0!!!!!
Today's discussion in our tape room got quite lively when it drifted to politics...I am really ready for this race and that race to be over. No matter what your political leanings, please vote and especially pray for our country. It will be an unprecedented outcome no matter who wins.
Back to the much more insignificant racing world...once again, Cup qualifying was rained out, so Jimmie Johnson was awarded the pole position and the pit stall of his choice. With the points lead he has, the position he gets when qualifying is washed out and his incredible ability to take this battle and crush the competition, I feel like Jimmie Johnson, under the guidance of his genius crew chief, Chad Knaus, will take his third consecutive Sprint Cup Championship. It really is his to lose. Barring a 43rd finish the next two weeks, the competition is really over. Don't tell NASCAR, SPEED or ESPN I said that...they want you to keep tuning in...but, it's over. I hope I am wrong.
Predictions for today's race:
3). Greg Biffle
2). Carl Edwards
1). Jimmie Johnson
Have a great raceday...Go Titans! Heading to 7-0!!!! GO BSU CARDINALS...8-0!!!!!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Soggy ATL...
How 'bout a little update...It's been a busy week for me. I got home from Martinsville on Monday morning, did a little laundry, then headed up to Indiana. I spent Monday night, Tuesday and Wednesday in Indiana having some fun. On Tuesday and Wednesday I went to my alma mater, Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana and was the guest lecturer at a telecommunications class. There were 12 young men who were interested in getting into sports television. I had a blast just talking with them and working with them on some projects. Tuesday night I had a meeting with some high school classmates to plan our 25th reunion for this coming summer. It was great seeing some folks I haven't seen since graduation! We are going to have a great time on July 18th, 2008!
I drove back to Nashville on Wednesday night, did a little laundry and Thursday did a hockey game for the Calgary Flames playing our very own Nashville Predators. What, you say! Aren't you supposed to travel to your racing venue on Thursday. Yes, I am. I actually begged off and got to "double dip", as it's called in the business. I got credit for travel and set in Atlanta even though I didn't get here until 3:00am, plus put in 12 hours at the hockey game. Christmas is coming...and the boys all want Macs!
It is raining here in the ATL...and it probably will all day. There are lights here at this track and there is supposed to be qualifying for the Cup boys tonight. Since there have been so many qualifying sessions rained out this season, NASCAR has been taking some flack about not at least attempting to qualify. I say all that to say....we will be here late tonight.
Have a great day! Go BSU Cardinals!!!!!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Rubbin's racin...
How 'bout a little history lesson about this great city of Martinsville, VA....Martinsville was founded by American Revolutionary War General Joseph Martin, whose plantation "Scuffle Hill" was located on the banks of the Smith River near the present-day southern city limits. General Martin and revolutionary patriot Patrick Henry, who lived briefly in Henry County and for whom the county is named, were good friends.
The city's chief industry for many early years was the manufacture of plug chewing tobacco. The Henry County area became known as the 'plug tobacco capitol of the world.' In the wake of the collapse of the plantation economy following the Civil War, the local economy had been left reeling. Stepping into the breach were several thriving plug firms which sold their merchandise across the nation beginning in the nineteenth century.
Martinsville is an independent city surrounded by and the county seat of Henry County, Virginia, United States. The population was 15,416 at the 2000 census. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Martinsville with Henry county for statistical purposes. Martinsville is home to the paper clip-shaped Martinsville Speedway, the shortest track in NASCAR stock car racing [0.526 miles (0.847 km)] and also one of the first paved "speedways", being built in 1947.
Good stuff...so now you know where to go when you run out of plug tobacco. There are still lots of tobacco fields I pass on the way to the track from the hotel we stay at in Greensboro, NC. I can pick you some fresh leaves, but I need to hear from you today.
Today's race grid was set according to points since qualifying was rained out for a record 9th time this season. I like the beating and banging you get here at Martinsville, but it lacks the speed since it is a mere half mile track as earlier noted. As Harry Hogge said in the legendary movie "Days of Thunder", "No, no, he didn't slam you, he didn't bump you, he didn't nudge you... he *rubbed* you. And rubbin, son, is racin'. "
Predictions for today's race:
3). Denny Hamlin
2). Jimmie Johnson
1). Jeff Gordon
Have a great raceday!
The city's chief industry for many early years was the manufacture of plug chewing tobacco. The Henry County area became known as the 'plug tobacco capitol of the world.' In the wake of the collapse of the plantation economy following the Civil War, the local economy had been left reeling. Stepping into the breach were several thriving plug firms which sold their merchandise across the nation beginning in the nineteenth century.
Martinsville is an independent city surrounded by and the county seat of Henry County, Virginia, United States. The population was 15,416 at the 2000 census. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Martinsville with Henry county for statistical purposes. Martinsville is home to the paper clip-shaped Martinsville Speedway, the shortest track in NASCAR stock car racing [0.526 miles (0.847 km)] and also one of the first paved "speedways", being built in 1947.
Good stuff...so now you know where to go when you run out of plug tobacco. There are still lots of tobacco fields I pass on the way to the track from the hotel we stay at in Greensboro, NC. I can pick you some fresh leaves, but I need to hear from you today.
Today's race grid was set according to points since qualifying was rained out for a record 9th time this season. I like the beating and banging you get here at Martinsville, but it lacks the speed since it is a mere half mile track as earlier noted. As Harry Hogge said in the legendary movie "Days of Thunder", "No, no, he didn't slam you, he didn't bump you, he didn't nudge you... he *rubbed* you. And rubbin, son, is racin'. "
Predictions for today's race:
3). Denny Hamlin
2). Jimmie Johnson
1). Jeff Gordon
Have a great raceday!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Fall in Martinsville...
It is so pretty in Martinsville, VA this time around. The leaves are in full color, but the temperature is still high. It should cool off a lot this weekend. I like the Martinsville track because you can see all the cars the whole time. That is much better for the spectators, in my opinion. Even in these tough economic times, the tracks still have plenty of fans...the numbers are down, but the fans are happy...usually after their 14th Bud, but happy nonetheless.
The Chase is winding down on Martinsville, Atlanta, Texas, Phoenix and Homestead are left. I am looking forward to Homestead. We are staying at Key Largo Resort...http://www.keylargoresort.com
Nice digs...sweet little Sandra Faye will finally be joining me on a trip...apparently she only will come when we stay on a tropical beach...bet she never makes it to the track!
Back to Martinsville...Jeff Burton has moved up to 2nd place behind Jimmie Johnson with his victory in Charlotte last week. I am now pulling for Jeff. He is such a nice guy. I am getting a little tired of Carl Edwards' antics...you know what Carl needs...he needs a wife. Someone who gets in his face and says, "Don't be an idiot, honey." I know Sandy does that for me. And it helps.
Enough Dr. Phil for today...
Have a great fall weekend!
The Chase is winding down on Martinsville, Atlanta, Texas, Phoenix and Homestead are left. I am looking forward to Homestead. We are staying at Key Largo Resort...http://www.keylargoresort.com
Nice digs...sweet little Sandra Faye will finally be joining me on a trip...apparently she only will come when we stay on a tropical beach...bet she never makes it to the track!
Back to Martinsville...Jeff Burton has moved up to 2nd place behind Jimmie Johnson with his victory in Charlotte last week. I am now pulling for Jeff. He is such a nice guy. I am getting a little tired of Carl Edwards' antics...you know what Carl needs...he needs a wife. Someone who gets in his face and says, "Don't be an idiot, honey." I know Sandy does that for me. And it helps.
Enough Dr. Phil for today...
Have a great fall weekend!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Chicken of the Sea...is it tuna or chicken?
Gosh, it feels like I've been here in Charlotte for a month! But Raceday is finally here!
Speaking of Raceday, our prerace show, we had a pretty good show and actually covered Jessica Simpson singing a song. She was on our Trackside show yesterday...I used to really like her. She didn't bring much to the table, like she didn't want to be there. And she sang "Come On Over" on Raceday...the only not flat was....nevermind.
On to the race...night racing in Charlotte is so pretty...have you notice I really like night racing? Since qualifying was rained out, they line up by points, meaning Jimmie Johnson starts from the pole...and may never look back. He owns this track...his main sponsor, Lowes, has the naming rights on the track. Here are my predictions:
3). Greg Biffle
2). Jeff Gordon
1). Jimmie Johnson
And don't forget, it's Fire Prevention Day in Farmland, IN...be safe out there...stop, drop and roll!
Speaking of Raceday, our prerace show, we had a pretty good show and actually covered Jessica Simpson singing a song. She was on our Trackside show yesterday...I used to really like her. She didn't bring much to the table, like she didn't want to be there. And she sang "Come On Over" on Raceday...the only not flat was....nevermind.
On to the race...night racing in Charlotte is so pretty...have you notice I really like night racing? Since qualifying was rained out, they line up by points, meaning Jimmie Johnson starts from the pole...and may never look back. He owns this track...his main sponsor, Lowes, has the naming rights on the track. Here are my predictions:
3). Greg Biffle
2). Jeff Gordon
1). Jimmie Johnson
And don't forget, it's Fire Prevention Day in Farmland, IN...be safe out there...stop, drop and roll!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Queen City...
I have arrived early to my work this week. We have a Saturday night race in Charlotte, NC, but needed to come in today for a program on Thursday. Interesting thing...Charlotte is known as the Queen City. Oddly enough, there are 16 cities in the US currently or formerly nicknamed "The Queen City". For your reading pleasure, here they are....
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Bangor, Maine
Buffalo, New York
Burlington, Vermont
Charlotte, North Carolina, from being named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg
Cincinnati, Ohio
Clarksville, Tennessee
Cumberland, Maryland
Denver, Colorado
Helena, Montana
Manchester, New Hampshire
Plainfield, New Jersey
Seattle, Washington, used Queen City as its official nickname from 1869 until 1982
Springfield, Missouri
Staunton, Virginia
Virginia, Minnesota
I have been to a handful of those cities and have never seen a queen in any one of them...I have been to San Fransisco and seen several queens...maybe San Fransisco should be nicknamed "The Queen City"...just a thought.
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Bangor, Maine
Buffalo, New York
Burlington, Vermont
Charlotte, North Carolina, from being named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg
Cincinnati, Ohio
Clarksville, Tennessee
Cumberland, Maryland
Denver, Colorado
Helena, Montana
Manchester, New Hampshire
Plainfield, New Jersey
Seattle, Washington, used Queen City as its official nickname from 1869 until 1982
Springfield, Missouri
Staunton, Virginia
Virginia, Minnesota
I have been to a handful of those cities and have never seen a queen in any one of them...I have been to San Fransisco and seen several queens...maybe San Fransisco should be nicknamed "The Queen City"...just a thought.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Today would have been my dad's 68th birthday...he passed away two weeks ago today. I miss him.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Sweet Home Alabama...
Raceday in Talladega...
For many NASCAR fans, Talladega is the pinnacle of racing...for the others, they don't know what pinnacle means. Just kidding.
This two mile superspeeday is a great place to race...they get 3 or 4 or 5 wide...and "the big one" will happen. The Chase contenders main desire is to finish...to avoid the big one by being in front of it, or so far behind it they can avoid it.
I am pulling for my friend, Kenny Wallace, who qualified in the 00 car. He is subbing for Michael McDowell of Michael Waltrip Racing. Go Kenny!
My predictions are:
3) Carl Edwards
2) Jeff Gordon
1) Jimmie Johnson
But it's Talladega, anything can happen. If you can only tune in to the last 25 laps, do it...it is the best racing of the year!
For many NASCAR fans, Talladega is the pinnacle of racing...for the others, they don't know what pinnacle means. Just kidding.
This two mile superspeeday is a great place to race...they get 3 or 4 or 5 wide...and "the big one" will happen. The Chase contenders main desire is to finish...to avoid the big one by being in front of it, or so far behind it they can avoid it.
I am pulling for my friend, Kenny Wallace, who qualified in the 00 car. He is subbing for Michael McDowell of Michael Waltrip Racing. Go Kenny!
My predictions are:
3) Carl Edwards
2) Jeff Gordon
1) Jimmie Johnson
But it's Talladega, anything can happen. If you can only tune in to the last 25 laps, do it...it is the best racing of the year!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Shake-n-bake...back in 'Dega
We're back in the deep south at one of the premiere tracks on the circuit...Talladega. This two mile track makes for great pack racing, with usually at least one "big one" and the potential to go from 1st to 30th in a matter of seconds.
I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel now with only 6 races to go after this weekend.
Hope you're having a great day!
I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel now with only 6 races to go after this weekend.
Hope you're having a great day!
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