I have been waiting for this day for months. Finally, all the speculation and the anticipation is over, and we have finally been introduced to the Republican VP candidate. In a word, incredible!
Gov Palin is a formitable woman with a track record for change. She has busted up the politics of her own party and forced change. She doesn't back down, and she fights for what is right. This is truly the best pick for Senator McCain to make.
It is funny. The Obama camp made some rather disparraging remarks regarding the timeline and method that was being used, claiming 'political malpractice', and now we see that he cannot stop the train. Amazingly enough, McCain took everything the Democrats worked for this week and stopped it with one pick.
I now know I am going to stay Republican and vote McCain/Palin.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Counting your blessings... even after a fire
Thankfully nobody was injured in the fire that ravaged the Penske hauler this morning. For those who did not hear, go to www.indycar.com or www.penskeracing.com for the details. What is amazing is that they were able to get the tractor unhooked and to safety.
Hats off to the drivers and good luck to the boys this weekend. Let's get another 1-2 finish!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
An internal change
I have a friend that has went through a pretty miraculous change the last few years. That friend reads this, so I will not disclose any info because of my respect for that person and their incredible journey... however, I cannot help but look at myself and come to the deepening realization that I am broken.
About 4 years ago I was discharged from the Navy after nearly 8 fantastic years. I had met and worked with some amazing people over those 8 years, from kids right out of high school to the most senior-ranking officers in the military. I found my time to be incredibly blessed, even through the tragedy of Sept 11, 2001 and the death of a child. I learned so many valuable trades and lessons that I have been able to carry on to my professional civilian life. I also learned some very troubling things that have hurt me, but they are very few and I don't buy into those things anymore. My discharge was very troublesome because it was retribution by my Commander, not what was best for my situation. I lost faith in my leadership as they pushed me out the door.
During that time in the military I lived a life that was somewhat 'questionable'. I had relationships that were not healthy, but were more about what I wanted. One of them was what looked to be like a great idea, but may have done damage beyond our reach. I drank, however it was typically social and did not affect my life negatively. Until I moved to St Louis I was not in church on a regular basis. My life had seemed to lost focus.
When we moved to St Louis we were able to find a wonderful church, one that I still support as they need it. Through the extremely premature birth, short life and tragic death of our daughter they were there. Pastor and his family had (and still do) such a profound affect on my life that I named my son after them. We also had some very troubling times as Pastor was accused of actions that were false, the church split, and the vision seemed destroyed. Happily, the church has bounced back wonderfully and is growing weekly. I was also honored to help Pastor build his new house, running all the wiring and many other things that needed done. I even shot him (accidentally with the nail gun in the middle of the night) and can say I am the only one to have ever done that!
Why do I share that with you? Because, like my friend above, I have also been able to find purpose and direction with my relationship with God. I am not as involved in church as I was before, but I am still there and serving as I can. In the midst of the chaos that is my 70 hour work commitment every week, I find peace with God in the middle of that storm. 'Come unto me, all those who are labored, and I will give you peace'.
A great verse, and a great outlook for life.
About 4 years ago I was discharged from the Navy after nearly 8 fantastic years. I had met and worked with some amazing people over those 8 years, from kids right out of high school to the most senior-ranking officers in the military. I found my time to be incredibly blessed, even through the tragedy of Sept 11, 2001 and the death of a child. I learned so many valuable trades and lessons that I have been able to carry on to my professional civilian life. I also learned some very troubling things that have hurt me, but they are very few and I don't buy into those things anymore. My discharge was very troublesome because it was retribution by my Commander, not what was best for my situation. I lost faith in my leadership as they pushed me out the door.
During that time in the military I lived a life that was somewhat 'questionable'. I had relationships that were not healthy, but were more about what I wanted. One of them was what looked to be like a great idea, but may have done damage beyond our reach. I drank, however it was typically social and did not affect my life negatively. Until I moved to St Louis I was not in church on a regular basis. My life had seemed to lost focus.
When we moved to St Louis we were able to find a wonderful church, one that I still support as they need it. Through the extremely premature birth, short life and tragic death of our daughter they were there. Pastor and his family had (and still do) such a profound affect on my life that I named my son after them. We also had some very troubling times as Pastor was accused of actions that were false, the church split, and the vision seemed destroyed. Happily, the church has bounced back wonderfully and is growing weekly. I was also honored to help Pastor build his new house, running all the wiring and many other things that needed done. I even shot him (accidentally with the nail gun in the middle of the night) and can say I am the only one to have ever done that!
Why do I share that with you? Because, like my friend above, I have also been able to find purpose and direction with my relationship with God. I am not as involved in church as I was before, but I am still there and serving as I can. In the midst of the chaos that is my 70 hour work commitment every week, I find peace with God in the middle of that storm. 'Come unto me, all those who are labored, and I will give you peace'.
A great verse, and a great outlook for life.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
FINALLY! Expanded coverage and new hope for IndyCar media
It is now official: Versus network will cover at least 13 races for the IndyCar Series in 2009, with expanded coverage and qualification coverage.
THE FANS HAVE WON!!! No more of the 'wham bam, thank you viewer' coverage!
THE FANS HAVE WON!!! No more of the 'wham bam, thank you viewer' coverage!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A 12-step program for IndyCar addicts
OKAY: THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN... but since I am in a recovery program, I can relate with the real 12-step program, and yes, I am addicted to IndyCar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A 12-step recovery program for IndyCar addicts
1. We admit we are powerless over our addiction to wheel-to-wheel action
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves put this obsession in us for high-speed action
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of as many races as possible
4. Learned a complete team inventory for our self knowledge of the sport
5. Admitted to ourselves and to another fan the nature of obsession
6. Were entirely ready to have our fellow fan cheer in our ears
7.Humbly asked our family to forgive us for missing holidays and reunions to watch races
8. Made a list of all persons we wanted to meet that are affiliated with the league
9.Made direct amends to our wife or husband for forgetting your anniversary but remembering the date of the Indy 500
10.Continued to take personal every time our driver got wrecked out of the race by Marco Andretti
11.Sought through meditation and beer drinking to improve our conscious knowledge of the series, down to what a 'wicker bill' is
12.Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of the IndyCar Series, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A 12-step recovery program for IndyCar addicts
1. We admit we are powerless over our addiction to wheel-to-wheel action
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves put this obsession in us for high-speed action
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of as many races as possible
4. Learned a complete team inventory for our self knowledge of the sport
5. Admitted to ourselves and to another fan the nature of obsession
6. Were entirely ready to have our fellow fan cheer in our ears
7.Humbly asked our family to forgive us for missing holidays and reunions to watch races
8. Made a list of all persons we wanted to meet that are affiliated with the league
9.Made direct amends to our wife or husband for forgetting your anniversary but remembering the date of the Indy 500
10.Continued to take personal every time our driver got wrecked out of the race by Marco Andretti
11.Sought through meditation and beer drinking to improve our conscious knowledge of the series, down to what a 'wicker bill' is
12.Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of the IndyCar Series, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs
Monday, August 4, 2008
Oh Yeah... it was the track...
Inconceivable... Inconceivable.
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has recently come under fire for the Nascar Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Without too much detail, Goodyear failed to provide a tire that stood up to the new Nascar and the track demands. So, what does Goodyear do? Blame the Indianapolis Motor Speedway!
It all started in the spring when Goodyear conducted their tire test at IMS. During the test, they determined the tire could only handle about 8 to 15 laps before shredding and destroying equipment. So, in an effort to prevent this problem from coming up in July at the race, they did.... NOTHING. THAT'S RIGHT! NOTHING!
Besides the race being a total waste of time, fans were mad, teams were mad, drivers mad, everyone mad. Why would Goodyear bring a tire they knew was a problem when they know the track was not going to be repaved or changed for them? Other than believing the conditions would change with the progression of the event, the only other reason is complacency. Fortunately there were no injuries from accidents, but there was also no competition or excitement.
This event should be a lesson. The fans got screwed. The drivers got screwed. Goodyear didn't seem to care. When the 'rubber met the road' they fell short. Instead of owning the problem and working for a solution, they passed the buck to a track that hosts the most famous races in history on the fastest track and most historical venue. Al Unser Sr and the IMS and contracting staff reconstructed a fantastic racing surface, and if Goodyear cannot get it figured out, then they need to be taken down a peg and sent back to the drawing board.
Long live the Indianapolis Motor Speedway... and long fix the Goodyear problem.
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has recently come under fire for the Nascar Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Without too much detail, Goodyear failed to provide a tire that stood up to the new Nascar and the track demands. So, what does Goodyear do? Blame the Indianapolis Motor Speedway!
It all started in the spring when Goodyear conducted their tire test at IMS. During the test, they determined the tire could only handle about 8 to 15 laps before shredding and destroying equipment. So, in an effort to prevent this problem from coming up in July at the race, they did.... NOTHING. THAT'S RIGHT! NOTHING!
Besides the race being a total waste of time, fans were mad, teams were mad, drivers mad, everyone mad. Why would Goodyear bring a tire they knew was a problem when they know the track was not going to be repaved or changed for them? Other than believing the conditions would change with the progression of the event, the only other reason is complacency. Fortunately there were no injuries from accidents, but there was also no competition or excitement.
This event should be a lesson. The fans got screwed. The drivers got screwed. Goodyear didn't seem to care. When the 'rubber met the road' they fell short. Instead of owning the problem and working for a solution, they passed the buck to a track that hosts the most famous races in history on the fastest track and most historical venue. Al Unser Sr and the IMS and contracting staff reconstructed a fantastic racing surface, and if Goodyear cannot get it figured out, then they need to be taken down a peg and sent back to the drawing board.
Long live the Indianapolis Motor Speedway... and long fix the Goodyear problem.
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