Tonight I am working for Vs. doing a hockey game here in Nashville with the Predators taking on the St. Louis Blues. I am stealing money. There are some shows that I am on that I earn every dollar and am still owed some, but on a show like tonight...I have very low responsibility, only 2 cameras to keep track of, and have time to enjoy the game...
But my focus will be torn because I will be thinking about the mighty Ball State Cardinals going for an undefeated season on ESPN.
But even greater than that, Zach has his first wresting meet of the season...yes, I do hear "Cat's in the Cradle" playing softly in the background.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Ice and Hardwood
Sandy and I flew home from Key Largo yesterday...I was home about 2 hours then had to get to a hockey game. Today I took Zach to school, then drove to Memphis to do a Grizzlies game tonight. I am kinda tired. This is what I'll be doing until the roar of the engines start again in February. I got confirmed for next NASCAR season today, so that is nice knowing that is solid.
The hockey and basketball is pretty easy. I don't do much but replays, so that is easy.
I've got Zach booked on 3 games coming up as a utility. He asked me over the summer if he could do that. The money is great for a kid...he's excited! He'll be doing it on his off weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Chip off the old block!
The hockey and basketball is pretty easy. I don't do much but replays, so that is easy.
I've got Zach booked on 3 games coming up as a utility. He asked me over the summer if he could do that. The money is great for a kid...he's excited! He'll be doing it on his off weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Chip off the old block!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Last Raceday of 2008!
Well, it has finally arrived...the finish line! It has been a fun year, but I am kinda glad it has wound down. This last trip has been fun since Sandy came with me and I got to dive last night.
On to the racing...I believe that Jimmie Johnson is unstoppable to win the Sprint Cup this season and tie the legend, Cale Yarborough, with 3 consecutive titles. Having said that, I believe Carl Edwards will push Jimmie pretty hard. Carl won lasts nights Nationwide race and is starting up front today. Jimmie starts mid-pack. I predict Carl Edwards will win this race today and take home a nice trophy, but not the one he really wants...Jimmie will get that one.
3). Denny Hamlin
2). Greg Biffle
1). Carl Edwards
Although this blog started as a log of my last year freelancing on the road every week, things have changed, the economy has changed and my plans have changed, therefore, it will continue...I don't know from where for the next two months, but in February, we'll be back in Daytona for another season on the road with SPEED and NASCAR.
Have a great last Raceday of 2008!
On to the racing...I believe that Jimmie Johnson is unstoppable to win the Sprint Cup this season and tie the legend, Cale Yarborough, with 3 consecutive titles. Having said that, I believe Carl Edwards will push Jimmie pretty hard. Carl won lasts nights Nationwide race and is starting up front today. Jimmie starts mid-pack. I predict Carl Edwards will win this race today and take home a nice trophy, but not the one he really wants...Jimmie will get that one.
3). Denny Hamlin
2). Greg Biffle
1). Carl Edwards
Although this blog started as a log of my last year freelancing on the road every week, things have changed, the economy has changed and my plans have changed, therefore, it will continue...I don't know from where for the next two months, but in February, we'll be back in Daytona for another season on the road with SPEED and NASCAR.
Have a great last Raceday of 2008!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Key Largo
Pop Quiz, Hotshot! Who sang the song "Key Largo"?
Was it:
A) Christopher Cross
B) Jimmy Buffett
C) Bertie Higgins
D) Kenny Chesney
Although all 4 singer/songwriters listed above are associated with songs about the beach, sailing, the ocean, etc...the answer is:
C. Bertie Higgins...did you get that right? "Here's lookin' at you, kid.." Will that song be running through your head all day now?
Well, the hotel is nice...not crazy nice, but nice. The beach is about 50 yards long, but it is pretty. The water is pretty, but not the ocean...it is an inlet. I hope to have some time off tomorrow to snorkel. I went out and walked some last night in the water. Full moon...it was pretty. Sandy was sleeping...maybe tonight we'll have that 50 yard romantic walk...but I heard earlier today that someone caught a 4 foot hammerhead shark off the dock, which is about 25 yards out from the beach. If Sandy finds that out, I doubt she'll get in the water.
Breaking news from NASCAR: Testing in Daytona in January is cancelled. It is a cost cutting measure. What sucks is that it is a cost cutting measure to me...my cost for working testing has now been cut. I was booked for 21 days in Daytona in January. Now I'll have to find other work for the month. Oh, well...I haven't spent the check yet, so that's good.
It is the last race of the year and the championship for all three series is still up for grabs. In trucks, it's a tight battle between Ron Hornaday and Johnny Benson. In Nationwide, Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards are battling it out. In Sprint Cup, the 2 time defending champion, Jimmie Johnson, can win the championship over Carl Edwards by just finishing 36th or better.
It's been a great season. I'm glad it's nearly over.
Was it:
A) Christopher Cross
B) Jimmy Buffett
C) Bertie Higgins
D) Kenny Chesney
Although all 4 singer/songwriters listed above are associated with songs about the beach, sailing, the ocean, etc...the answer is:
C. Bertie Higgins...did you get that right? "Here's lookin' at you, kid.." Will that song be running through your head all day now?
Well, the hotel is nice...not crazy nice, but nice. The beach is about 50 yards long, but it is pretty. The water is pretty, but not the ocean...it is an inlet. I hope to have some time off tomorrow to snorkel. I went out and walked some last night in the water. Full moon...it was pretty. Sandy was sleeping...maybe tonight we'll have that 50 yard romantic walk...but I heard earlier today that someone caught a 4 foot hammerhead shark off the dock, which is about 25 yards out from the beach. If Sandy finds that out, I doubt she'll get in the water.
Breaking news from NASCAR: Testing in Daytona in January is cancelled. It is a cost cutting measure. What sucks is that it is a cost cutting measure to me...my cost for working testing has now been cut. I was booked for 21 days in Daytona in January. Now I'll have to find other work for the month. Oh, well...I haven't spent the check yet, so that's good.
It is the last race of the year and the championship for all three series is still up for grabs. In trucks, it's a tight battle between Ron Hornaday and Johnny Benson. In Nationwide, Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards are battling it out. In Sprint Cup, the 2 time defending champion, Jimmie Johnson, can win the championship over Carl Edwards by just finishing 36th or better.
It's been a great season. I'm glad it's nearly over.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Red Carpet...
Why is the red carpet always red in award shows? The earliest known reference to walking a red carpet in literature is in the play Agamemnon by Aeschylus, written in 458 BC. When the title character returns from Troy, he is greeted by his vengeful wife Clytemnestra who offers him a red path to walk upon:
"Now my beloved, step down from your chariot, and let not your foot, my lord, touch the Earth. Servants, let there be spread before the house he never expected to see, where Justice leads him in, a crimson path."
Agamemnon, knowing that only Gods walk on such luxury, responds with trepidation:
"I am a mortal, a man; I cannot trample upon these tinted splendors without fear thrown in my path."
In 1902, The New York Central Railroad used plush crimson carpets to direct people as they boarded their 20th Century Limited passenger train. This is believed to be the earliest modern use of the "red carpet treatment" as part of ceremony.
Anywho...I am at the Red Carpet of the CMA Music Awards tonight. I will be in the truck, of course, so I will have no access to the celebs....but if I did I think a probation violation might come into play...I love me some Faith!
In case you do watch the Red Carpet Live Show before the CMA Awards show on ABC tonight, I will be the guy who makes all the little montage packages of the "stars" in and out of breaks....unless it looks really bad, then the other guy did it.
This time tomorrow I will be in sunny Florida, at least I hope it's sunny. The last race of the season!!!
oh, and the hotel, as you recall, is on the beach in Key Largo...snorkel city!!!!!
"Now my beloved, step down from your chariot, and let not your foot, my lord, touch the Earth. Servants, let there be spread before the house he never expected to see, where Justice leads him in, a crimson path."
Agamemnon, knowing that only Gods walk on such luxury, responds with trepidation:
"I am a mortal, a man; I cannot trample upon these tinted splendors without fear thrown in my path."
In 1902, The New York Central Railroad used plush crimson carpets to direct people as they boarded their 20th Century Limited passenger train. This is believed to be the earliest modern use of the "red carpet treatment" as part of ceremony.
Anywho...I am at the Red Carpet of the CMA Music Awards tonight. I will be in the truck, of course, so I will have no access to the celebs....but if I did I think a probation violation might come into play...I love me some Faith!
In case you do watch the Red Carpet Live Show before the CMA Awards show on ABC tonight, I will be the guy who makes all the little montage packages of the "stars" in and out of breaks....unless it looks really bad, then the other guy did it.
This time tomorrow I will be in sunny Florida, at least I hope it's sunny. The last race of the season!!!
oh, and the hotel, as you recall, is on the beach in Key Largo...snorkel city!!!!!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Raceday in Phoenix...
It is a very pretty morning here in Phoenix...there were some incredible cloud formations this morning as the wind is really picking up. This type of cloud formation is known as a mammatus cloud. The name "mammatus" is derived from the Latin mamma (breast), due to the resemblance between the shape of these clouds and human female breasts...sorry, the blog just went PG.
On the racing front, no one is hotter than Cousin Carl...he's won the last 3 races he's driven in, last night's Nationwide race and the Cup races in Atlanta and Texas. He is primed to win again today and is the only realistic threat to Jimmie Johnson's trek to a 3rd straight Sprint Cup title.
Jimmie fought back by winning the pole position, but Carl was faster than Jimmie in the last two practice sessions, so it could be very exciting. One big X-factor in Phoenix is the sun. Coming out of turn four and down the front stretch, the drivers are looking directing into the setting sun. You know how annoying it is to drive straight into the sun...well, imagine it without a sun visor, oh, and at 180 miles per hour with 42 other guys right next to you. Geeezzz...I couldn't do it.
By the way...If I was a gamblin' man, I would've cleaned up with last week's picks!!!
Here are my predictions...
3). Kevin Harvick
2). Jimmie Johnson
1). Carl Edwards
Have a great raceday!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Feenicks...
2nd to last race in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season and we're in Phoenix, AZ. Not much has changed here in Avondale, where the track is located, except that the crop this time of year, I believe, is sorghum. Who knew? Oh, also a cotton field is in full splendor. And plenty of new Walgreens and CVS's, or is it CVSi?
I like coming to Phoenix...the weather is almost always sunny and during the fall race, it's not too hot! High 70's during the day and mid 40's at night...I may not camp out in the desert like I did...well, I've never camped out in the desert, but if I did, it would be pretty cold doing it tonight.
Carl Edwards is at least making this chase race interesting. He is only 108 points behind Jimmie Johnson after a really gutsy call to stay out and not pit for fuel and win the race in Ft. Worth, TX. If Jimmie has another bad day on Sunday and Carl wins another or places really high, this could be a great finish in Homestead next week.
Hope you all have a great end of the week wherever you're at! Phoenix is nice.
I like coming to Phoenix...the weather is almost always sunny and during the fall race, it's not too hot! High 70's during the day and mid 40's at night...I may not camp out in the desert like I did...well, I've never camped out in the desert, but if I did, it would be pretty cold doing it tonight.
Carl Edwards is at least making this chase race interesting. He is only 108 points behind Jimmie Johnson after a really gutsy call to stay out and not pit for fuel and win the race in Ft. Worth, TX. If Jimmie has another bad day on Sunday and Carl wins another or places really high, this could be a great finish in Homestead next week.
Hope you all have a great end of the week wherever you're at! Phoenix is nice.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Bigger than any Raceday....
It is election day here in the United States...some of my Canadian friends have been asking me if the US is going to vote for change...I think, as a nation, in every election, we vote for change of some kind...even if we vote to re-elect the same candidate. I write to my Congressman on a monthly basis. She usually sends me back some form letter, but it does deal with my concern, question or suggestion. We have yet to sit down for dinner, but I'm hoping someday!
The following is something I read on Holly Anderson's blog, but I absolutely loved it and felt guilty for my whining and grateful to God once again for the amazing country we live in....
No matter what your political convictions are this is an eye opener....
"As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.
The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'
A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.
F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day?
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations.
They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."
Hopefully, you say a prayer of thanks today to the Lord for this great country...and pray that it will draw closer to Him no matter who is elected today.
The following is something I read on Holly Anderson's blog, but I absolutely loved it and felt guilty for my whining and grateful to God once again for the amazing country we live in....
No matter what your political convictions are this is an eye opener....
"As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.
The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'
A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.
F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day?
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations.
They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."
Hopefully, you say a prayer of thanks today to the Lord for this great country...and pray that it will draw closer to Him no matter who is elected today.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Raceday in Texas
I hope everyone landed safely when you fell back in the wee hours of this morning. Health studies show that heart attacks decrease on this day every year...so sleep is very important.
The race today in Texas will be exciting...it always seems to be a fairly close finish. The track favors the top three drivers in the Chase, Carl Edwards (who won in the spring), Greg Biffle (multiple winner in Texas) and points leader, Jimmie Johnson (who could nearly wrap up the Chase today.)
Many people are pulling for pole sitter, Jeff Gordon, to win his first race of the season. I'm not one of them. I think I've made it clear that I'm no fan of Jimmie Johnson's, but I'm also not real high on Jeff Gordon. Maybe it's the robotic clean boy image that Hendrick makes them lead. They don't seem to have much personality. I think that's why I do like Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart. You may not like their personalities, but they do have some.
Predictions for today:
3). Greg Biffle
2). Jeff Gordon
1). Carl Edwards
Have a great Raceday...only two more!!!!
Go Titans!
The race today in Texas will be exciting...it always seems to be a fairly close finish. The track favors the top three drivers in the Chase, Carl Edwards (who won in the spring), Greg Biffle (multiple winner in Texas) and points leader, Jimmie Johnson (who could nearly wrap up the Chase today.)
Many people are pulling for pole sitter, Jeff Gordon, to win his first race of the season. I'm not one of them. I think I've made it clear that I'm no fan of Jimmie Johnson's, but I'm also not real high on Jeff Gordon. Maybe it's the robotic clean boy image that Hendrick makes them lead. They don't seem to have much personality. I think that's why I do like Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart. You may not like their personalities, but they do have some.
Predictions for today:
3). Greg Biffle
2). Jeff Gordon
1). Carl Edwards
Have a great Raceday...only two more!!!!
Go Titans!
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