High Groovers Paradise

KYLE BUSCH SMASHES GIBSON GUITAR

2009-06-09T15:15:00.006-04:00

– BUT DON’T COMPARE HIM TO PETE TOWNSHEND!

Typically, I LOVE it when my two of my favorite addictions combine to produce a double-header event. I’ve been a fan of British rock band “The Who” since the early 70’s, and a NASCAR fan for almost as long. The two rarely coincide, but this past weekend they certainly did.

And I HATE it!

If there is anyone out there who has yet to see the debacle that was Kyle Busch’s trip to Nashville’s Victory Lane after Saturday’s Nationwide Series victory, here is the ignominious video:

Worst yet, John Roberts commented the following morning that Kyle Busch’s attention-getting stunt was performed “in honor of Pete Townshend.” HUH? Would Pete consider THAT an honor? I doubt it.

No sooner did the video hit the Youtube airwaves than the inevitable comparisons between Busch and Townshend started hitting the Google engines. “Busch Goes Townshend on Trophy”…. “Somewhere, Pete Townshend must be smiling” “Busch’s Townshend-like Antics” are all over the net. Apples to rotten, smelly oranges, I say.

For starters, folks, that was no mere “guitar” – it was a one-of-a-kind Gibson Les Paul TROPHY painstakingly handpainted by legendary artist Sam Bass. Initially, the NASCAR media mob reports lead readers to believe that Sam was “cool” with Kyle’s stunt, and knew in advance that the guitar was not long for this world. No so, we now learn. In fact, Sam has gone on record saying that he was “heartbroken” over the situation, and had he known of the stunt in advance, arrangements would have been made to give Kyle a “prop” guitar in order to preserve the real thing. “I wonder how Kyle would like it if I took a hammer and smashed his race car?” stated Bass. “I was so shocked that I just stood there,” said Bass of the incident that has the racing world buzzing. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was heart-broken.”

Busch’s proponents (and yes, they’re out there) contend that the trophy “belonged” to Kyle, and he could therefore do anything with it he pleased. I beg to differ. Kyle contended that he had planned to smash the guitar and “share” the pieces with his team mates. Granted, winning a race is a team effort, but I can’t imagine that any of the crew would prefer to own a splinter of wood & metal over having the ability to gaze at the entire trophy – the intact symbol of their hard work - enshrined in a case at the shop. Nonetheless, since Kyle was unable to even do a “decent” job of smashing the beautiful trophy, he stated that he intends to “send it to the bandsaw” to be divided up amongst his team. How classy.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “trophy” as: 1: something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved or mounted as a memorial. So much for preservation, Kyle! The Nashville trophy was a unique work of art, and although Busch stated that he planned to reconcile and “order two more” from Sam Bass, he added insult to injury by alluding to the fact that Sam would “make more money” replicating the trophy. Sam’s reply? “I don’t think get gets it.”

Understandably, many in the NASCAR media masses are LOVING Kyle’s fiasco. Of course they are – it gives them something to report about and keeps the peanut galleries abuzz with controversy. It’s true that the NASCAR media folk moan the “antiseptisism” of the sport as it makes their jobs more difficult, but I’d far rather watch a report on a driver or team who undertook an act of class and dignity than read rants about rewarding the bad behavior of a select few NASCAR punks. For more on Kyle’s recent on-track Dover fiasco, check out http://www.snafam.blogspot.com/. Seems his aggression isn’t limited to inanimate objects, as he spent the previous weekend attempting to wreck the entire field!

True, Townshend has been the instrument of destruction for many 6-stringed instruments over the years, but one thing makes Pete’s artistic auto-destruction different than Busch’s – Pete’s broken guitars were NOT given to him as trophies -- objects of honor and appreciation. He broke the ones he used – and paid for (even if “after the fact” in the early days of the Who). With a few exceptions, staged for charitable purposes, Pete Townshend STOPPED smashing guitars when he felt that the act started to become rehearsed and shtick-y. As any Who-O-Phile knows, Townshend’s first smashed guitar was an accident (Railway Hotel, Harrow in September of 1964 – listed in Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of '50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock & Roll), but the audience loved it so much they thought it was part of the act. Subsequent guitars met their demise at Pete’s hands as a result of his expression of ANGER and RAGE – NOT as a part of a victory celebration or a PR stunt!

Kyle Busch should be punished, penalized or reprimanded for his outrageous stunt. If not, who knows what ridiculously disrespectful shenanigans he’ll pull the next time he has a hankering for a little attention and limelight? Drowning puppies & kittens, perhaps? Kyle should publicly apologize – not only to Sam Bass, the Nashville Speedway and race sponsors – but to fans AND to Pete Townshend, who’s name he’s invoked in disgrace. As for me, I’d love to see Kyle perched upon the Victory Lane stage, with Townshend batting him in the arse with a Gibson SG a-la Abbie Hoffman at Woodstock! THAT would be justice!

Elliott Sadler Sez "NUTS" To Paying Fans?

2009-05-09T09:09:00.003-04:00

Just when I think the Sadler Fan Club cannot possibly manage to throw its’ paying members a more ludicrous curve, my 2009 annual Sadler Fan Club pack (for which I paid $30 – family membership fee) arrived the other day.

It’s a can of nuts.

Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised. The Sadler Fan Club has been in a downward spiral with regard to fan-relations for years, but this latest “gift” from the Sadlers has us all scratching our heads in a mixture of disgust and downright wonderment! Since the 2006 “expired Tylenol” fan pack debacle, I completely expect the annual Sadler Fan Pack to be 1) late, 2) thrown together with little or no thought, and 3) bizarre – but a can of goobers? Seems the SFC has always patterned their fan-relations policy under the direction of Leona Helmsley!

The note inside the box, as well as the Sadler-adorned label on the nut can tells me this gob of goobers is a “gift” in appreciation for all my support as a Sadler fan. Funny, I always thought of gifts as being given free of charge! Instead, Sadler staff advised me that the legumes are in lieu of he normal race-themed fan club pack we typically expect and receive.

Calls to the Sadler Fan Club reveal that they are “doing things a bit differently” this year, and instead of annual fan packs offering their paying members NASCAR-related, driver-related, or even sponsor-related doodads, merch or souvies – we’re all getting the nuts. I call that different, all right!

Of course, our nuts were received with no advance notice from the SFC (that would involve advance planning and communication – neither of which are in great supply at the FC) – initially, members were led to believe they were actually receiving a heartfelt gift of Virginia’s finest gourmet peanuts from the grateful Sadlers. It was not until a fan club member inquired about the annual fan packs on the message board that folks were directed (as usual) to “call or email” the FC with questions and the nutcase was cracked.

Aren’t peanuts baaaaad luck in the realm of NASCAR? Granted, Elliott Sadler has a contingent of fans that truly belong in the “nut” category, but it seems that he and his staff have gone well out of their way to distance themselves in past years from the fans as a whole – so much so, in fact, that my initial thought upon receiving nuts from the Sadlers was: “I wonder if they’re trying to make a point?” It wouldn’t surprise me, and that’s just sad. I’m sure Elliott, Hermie (and all the other drivers) would recoil in horror if I brought my SFC “gift” to pit road for a chance autograph!

I do have to applaud Belmont Peanuts of Southampton, Inc. for growing some really crunchy goobers. I’m not a big peanut fan, but Dave likes them. I did notice, however, that Belmont offers the same can of nuts on their website for $9.95 retail, with a discount for wholesale and/or bulk orders. Seeing as how I paid the Sadlers $30 (up $5 from last year) for my “family” membership, I’m wondering why I couldn’t have helped them support one of their local businesses by ordering the nuts myself from Belmont – that way at least I’d have gotten my “peanuts worth” and two additional cans! I won’t have my annual bumpersticker or decal this year, so perhaps I can just tie the empty can to my antenna or hang it on a string around my neck to show my Sadler support!

So, as Elliott Sadler’s performance on the track has declined, so have the numbers in this fan club “peanut gallery” – particularly those willing to “shell out” membership fees each year to fund fan club events that only those near Charlotte or Emporia can attend (unless they’re as well off as the Sadlers themselves)!

I’ve always harbored the suspicion that the Sadler family wished to say “NUTS!” to the fans – I guess I was right!

TRG Motorsports & David Gilliland

2009-04-24T16:52:00.016-04:00

– The Everyfan’s Grassroots Race Team -

I’m a major history buff. Especially when it comes to investigating “grassroots” movements that have made a difference in humanity’s timeline. When you think about it, there are quite few major accomplishments which started as grassroots efforts and evolved to shape mankind. Christianity, Womens’ Suffrage, Civil Rights, and the American Revolution immediately come to mind.

Today’s economy has jumpstarted the “grassroots revolution” once again. Small entities of like-minded folk have seen the benefit of gathering the support and garnering the loyalty of their constituents, customers, and devotees. By banding together in support of a worthy cause, we at the bottom-rung of the capitalistic ladder have once again discovered that we can indeed make a difference. In a world of corporate domination, there ARE a few entities surviving against all odds and there ARE worthy underdogs turning into Cinderellas right under our noses.

It’s happening in NASCAR as I type this.

If you like success stories, check out driver David Gilliland and TRG Motorsports. Regardless of your favorite driver/team, I think you’ll find DG/TRG’s story worthy of your investigation, if not your outright support!

Against all odds, Gilliland entered the NASCAR Cup scene and made a name for himself despite working amidst the heart-wrenching decay of Yates Racing. Rather than continue the 2009 season in an “iffy” part-time ride at Yates, this competitive, talented driver elected to throw his hat into the TRG Motorsports’ ring; paring up with visionary race-meister Kevin Buckler and staff. Compared to the big “corporate” race teams, TRG had many years’ success in other race series, but made their NASCAR debut as the under-funded under-dog.

NASCAR has seen many of its family-owned and operated race teams meet their demise and succumb to corporate takeovers and inability to fund a competitive stable of cars. Some have just folded altogether. An excellent example is Dale Earnhardt Jr. who (rightfully?) left his family-owned team and joined the uber-corporate Hendrick Racing team – with nothing but mediocre performance to show for it. Tough times for even the veteran and “popular” drivers/teams. Enter DG and TRG and a grassroots effort to succeed in spite of everything the economy has thrown at them!

How? I can’t tell you the entire secret to their success, but I CAN tell you that these folks do the VERY best job staying connected to, supportive and appreciative of their fans (a/k/a the Grassrooters)! How loyal are DG/TRG fans? Just a day or two ago, I noted several fans VOLUNTEERING to have their personal vehicles wrapped in a potential sponsor’s advertising and promote them in their hometowns for free! Supporters of grassroots efforts such as DG/TRG need a worthy cause to stand behind, and I’ve truly found none so worthy in all my years as a NASCAR fan.

The DG/TRG Cinderella story continues as we head into Talladega this weekend. Having obtained a much-needed sponsorship before the Phoenix race, TRG and Gilliland were thrown another curve today as it was announced that the sponsorship had fallen through, ostensibly due to “lack of funding” on the potential sponsor’s part. All too familiar a refrain, isn’t it? No matter, the fans and supporters are cheering on the #71 car with its hood once-again bereft of advertising and making plans to celebrate a grand finish at Talladega. Is it working? David Gilliland and the #71 care are running 2nd fastest in practice. Miracle? Magic? Coincidence?

I think not.

Join in the grassroots effort – visit http://www.davidgilliland.com/ and sign up as a fan. Go to http://www.trgmotorsports.com/ and check out their creds. You’ll feel good about being part of the Cinderella story.

TMS 2009 - Best to Worst!

2009-04-07T13:43:00.014-04:00

Another Texas race is in the books! At almost the 11th hour, we decided to ignore the economy and head for Big D. At the very last minute I coaxed fellow blogger “SNAFAM” into joining me for an “on-the-cheap” vacation at Texas Motor Speedway. It was an exciting, interesting and eventful trip, AND windy -- with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Here’s my “best to worst” of the Samsung 500 at TMS!

The Best…..

David Gilliland & TRG Racing REALLY know how to make their fans feel appreciated! Via David’s Fan Club message board, his fans mounted a grassroots campaign and raised nearly $3,000.00 to buy a set of tires for the #71 car last week at Martinsville and David flew the fan club colors on the decklid. At TMS, we were honored to visit with TRG team owner Kevin Buckler, Marketing VP Lloyd Wideman, and DG himself!

If I have a NASCAR pet peeve, it’s drivers, team owners, and sponsors who don’t acknowledge the loyalty and support of the fans. I realize how difficult it is to reach out on a personal level to thousands of supporters, but many NASCAR “stars” treat their fans as “necessary evils” and nuisances. Some are apathetic, and others are downright hateful at times. We realize that it’s a high-pressure job, and time is precious, but it takes so very little to make a fan feel appreciated. (Of course, there ARE some psycho fans that make the rest look bad…… more on that later).

I’m proud to say that David Gilliland and TRG Racing and staff have climbed to the epitome of fan-appreciation in my book. They’re gracious, they’re humble, they work their butts off, they’re an American small business surviving in spite of a rotten economy -- and they deserve your support! Sign up on the David Gilliland Fan Circuit at http://www.davidgilliland.com/ and find out more about this wonderful team!

Top Notch Hospitality & Great Grub! Thanks to the Tripps for providing us with great hospitality, culinary delights, and lots of laughs! Visiting with Mr. & Mrs. Lugnut is always a treat, and is the only time of the year I actually appreciate OU! Without them, I would not have had the pleasure of seeing my first gasoline-powered blender with an actual pair of handlebars and a throttle! Gotta love “The Corner” at TMS on Saturday night!

Best of all…. Good Friends! Thanks Merri, for all you did, and it was nice to find someone else who’s as directionally-challenged as I am! We got to take several unanticipated detours between Austin, Grapevine, and the Track – but had a blast every minute. Thanks, too, for the CHOCOLATE!!!! I would NOT have been able to hoof it and hike 50 miles with a 40 lb. backpack without Ethel M’s Truffles for fuel! (and I topped-off frequently)!

American Idols! Got to see “Mr. The King” up close again, and DW called me “honey!” Funny, the older I get, the hotter Richard Petty gets! Age has it’s advantages! I’d like to have DW for a Grandma, so it felt all warm and fuzzy getting a Southern greeting from “Jaws!”

The Good…..

- Lite traffic & Good Parking! I know it’s probably a sign of the sad economy, but the traffic was relatively light all four days. We had no problem finding parking near the RV lot, and thus we were close to the track exits. We parked in the infield on Saturday, and it was a blast driving through the tunnel and emerging inside. My Durango R/T loved it and I was afraid it was going to try to boogity its way onto the track -- it thinks it’s a RaceTruck! LOL! No four hour drive leaving the track on Sunday, either -- it took us less than 30 minutes to escape the track proper, but the local police had the 35S and 114W ALL messed up with bass-ackwards detours and circuitous routes!

- Nice folks who offer golf cart rides! Gotta love that Texas hospitality – we were able to find free transportation from VERY cordial volunteers and fans several times when our feet and legs had given out.

- Reed Sorenson is just downright precious! It was hard not to pinch him on the cheek and make him a peanut butter & jelly sandwich!

The Bad…..

- Wind!!!! OK, so we didn’t have to “Take Shelter Immediately” due to impending tornado, but we sought shelter nonetheless due to incredibly high winds. It obviously made the race a mess, as we heard drivers on the scanner asking if they had flats. No flats, just brutal wind gusts funneled into the track by the grandstands. My lips are making crackling sounds when I talk, and it may take 3 weeks to get all the grime washed out of my hair.

- The Nationwide race was a snoozer.

- Ticketmaster Sux!!! Folks, when you are talking on the phone with a TMS sales representative, BE SURE they work for TMS and NOT “Ticketbastards!” Tickermaster has royally screwed the music industry and it’s fans with their hostile takeovers of the primary and secondary ticket markets and (despite the economy) have driven prices out of the ballpark. Now, it seems, they’re trying to do the same with NASCAR. Alas, you can’t buy TMS tix online without going through Ticketmaster, and despite several follow up calls with my so-called “TMS rep” I wound up getting screwed when we went to pick up our tix and credentials. Take my advice – make sure you’re talking to the right folks!!

- Bus Chaos! To put it bluntly, it’s a miracle that no one was killed at the track Shuttle bus pickup point! After the Cup race, thousands of fans were trying to squeeze their way onto the shuttles. Problem is – the shuttles wouldn’t STOP! Big busses swing wide in the rear, and the crowds were pasted to the sides of the moving busses by the masses of people trying to guess which bus would have room. It was a HORRIBLE and frightening experience! When we asked the “lot attendant” to do something, she rudely replied “There’s only three of us here! What do you want us to do?” Bruton and Eddie – you boys need to address this situation BEFORE the next race. Does anyone remember The Who in Cincinatti in 1979? I’d hate to see a repeat at TMS!

- Elliott Sadler fans left disappointed once again, and I’m sure he and his team are colossally bummed, as well. According to the SFC Message board, E unloaded in “fair” shape, but despite the adjustments made over the weekend, the car got worse instead of better. I can’t help but wonder if the wind played a role in the #19’s (lack of) performance. Brett Griffin offered up several interesting and insightful explanations on the message board, and we can only hope that the #19 team overcomes COT learning curve issues and get back on track. As Brett said, “Performance cures everything” and I’m all for a cure!

The Absolute Worst (most disgusting, putrid, tastless ,etc.)…….

Folks who know me and follow this blog know that I’m a peaceful hippie and rarely get riled enough to go postal. No so on Sunday morning! I think I crossed over into the “homicidal zone!” I’ll try to keep this clean, but it won’t be easy!

We gathered for a driver appearance on Sunday morning. At the front of the crowd was a female (I refuse to call her a “lady”) decked out in the driver’s gear and holding a “We Love _____!” sign, but on the BACK of the sign, facing thousands of spectators, cameras, and film crews was a slanderous, derogatory, and downright nasty insult against one of the drivers family members! Of course, the driver and broadcast host didn’t see the back of the sign, but LOTS of people did! And boy were they pissed off!! If that wasn’t enough, this *&^%$ even had the driver AUTOGRAPH the front of the sign and laughed at him as he was leaving!!

I’ve seen a lot of rotten stunts by psycho, stalking fans in my time, but I think this takes the cake!

I’m a die-hard race fan and I LIKE to interact with the drivers, teams and crews! I want to earn their trust and respect so that I can represent the fans in a positive manner. I do not want to be perceived as a psycho because of the reprehensible actions of others. How in the HELL can I expect a driver/team/crew to respect and support ME as a fan when there are morons out there who think attention-getting stunts like this are funny??? Whoever you are, you bottom-feeding imbecile – you have shamed yourself all right – but you’ve also shamed that driver, his family, you have shamed ME, all those at the appearance, and 180,000 other fans at TMS who support this sport and its participants with dignity.

If I could find you right now, you idiot, I’d wring your neck and stick that sign where the sun don’t shine!

The Battle for Freedom - A Few Thoughts on Behalf of the Losers

2009-01-19T15:11:00.017-05:00

I celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with mixed emotions. While I’m elated to live in a world where we enjoy the fruits of equality, where we no longer segregate and oppress men and women of color, where we seem to have taken giant steps in righting the wrongs of our forefathers – I cannot help but remember that there those for whom MLK’s “dream” has yet to become reality.

America often celebrates its heroes while wearing rose-colored glasses:

- We declare a holiday to commemorate Christopher Columbus’s “discovery” of a world that was anything BUT “new” to the 12 million native inhabitants who flourished in freedom before 1492.

- We honor the “pilgrims” with a day of Thanksgiving – forgetting those who deserved thanks the most – the native people who gave of their food and land so that the ill-prepared settlers could survive. Of course, the settlers gave them a nice case of smallpox as a “Thank You” gift.

- We commemorate Andrew Jackson on our currency, but do we remember The Indian Removal Act of 1830 (a/k/a “The Trail of Tears”) whenever we pull a twenty from our wallets? Or that Jackson’s inaugural speech referred to the “rude savages” standing in the way of expansion West (and we think Bush was a stinker)?

- We name towering redwoods after General William Sherman, while conveniently ignoring his popular credos: “The only good indian is a dead indian.” And “We must act with vindictive earnestness against the Sioux, even to their extermination, men, women and children."

- We moan over the current woes of the economy and cry for massive bailouts, but how many of us realize that in 1862 the American government refused to honor treaty obligations to the Dakota Sioux Indians during a time of widespread starvation. When tribal leaders, desperate for relief, asked for food on credit because the U.S. government had failed to provide moneys owed, the local Indian agent replied, “If they are hungry, let them eat grass or their own dung.”

- We fear foreclosures and falling home values, not giving a moment’s thought to those living (if you can call it that) on America’s reservations. We ignore the fact that our country’s worst rates of poverty, unemployment, suicide, alcoholism & drug abuse, infant mortality, and lack of health care can be found within a single race of Americans.

As we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of civil rights and President-elect Obama’s promise of change, let’s not forget that the long battle for freedom was lost by America’s indigenous peoples. Let’s not forget that starvation and forced migration were effective weapons of mass destruction. Let’s contemplate – just for a moment – that “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” was NOT the intention of our founding fathers with regard to Native Americans. Extermination was.

I have a dream, too. I hope that one day we will add “Crazy Horse” Day to our roster of National holidays, and we will see another great freedom-fighter’s words inscribed in granite in Washington, DC:

"In 1868, men came out and brought papers. We could not read them and they did not tell us truly what was in them. We thought the treaty was to remove the forts and for us to cease from fighting. When I reached Washington, the Great Father explained to me that the interpreters had deceived me. All I want is right and just. ....I am poor and naked, but I am the chief of the nation. We do not want riches but we do want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches. We want peace and love.”

-- Red Cloud (Makhpiya-luta) , April, 1870

Romeo & George Gillette -- A Play in Three Acts

2009-01-15T14:26:00.012-05:00

We knew it had to happen eventually. At some point, it was inevitable that Elliott Sadler’s PR gurus would finalize the spin on the recent contract debacle, and the Southern Gentleman would have to step into the spotlight and give the media HIS version of events. Yesterday’s annual driver interrogation known as “NASCAR Media Day” turned out to be Sadler’s chance to do some ‘splainin of his own, and the official fan club site has posted the entire interview.

It’s a LOOOONNNNG read!

So… to save my dear readers the time of sifting through the lengthy Emporian saga, replete with Sadlerese redundancy, I’ve taken it upon myself to adapt the situation to a screenplay in Three Acts -- “cliff notes” first-person version for your enjoyment!

“The Reader’s Undigested Version of The Elliott Sadler Contract Interview”

Act I: - GEM Boardroom

George Gillette: “Let’s have a meeting.”
Sadler: “Uh oh!”
#19 Team: “It wasn’t OUR fault!”
George Gillette: “Maybe they’re right. Elliott, shape up or ship out!”

Act II – GEM Boardroom

George Gillette: “Let’s have a meeting.”
Sadler: “Uh oh!”
Geoge Gillette: “I meant what I said in the last meeting.”
Sadler: “Yeah. Right. Anybody seen my passport?”

Act III – Telephone Tag

George Gillette: (ring, ring) “Hello, AJ? Let’s have a meeting!”
AJ: “Lemme call my manager, OK?
AJ (to manager): (ring, ring) “Hey! They want me to drive the #19!”
AJ’s Manager: “OK, I’ll tell the press!”
Press: “OOOOOOOOOoooo!”
Sadler Fans: “AAAAARRRRRGH!”
Sadler Detractors: “Neener, Neener, NEEEEEEEEE-ner!”
Sadler: (ring, ring) “George? You were SERIOUS???”
George Gillette: “Yeppers.”
Sadler: (ring, ring) “Hello, Lawyer? Can they do that?”
Lawyer: “We’ll take care of it.”
Sadler: “OK, and can you get me a new passport?”
McDonalds: (ring, ring) “Hi George! Ixnay on AJ – he doesn’t look cute in funny wigs!”
Best Buy: (ring, ring) “Hi George! Ditto.”
Stanley Tools: (ring, ring) “What they said.”
George Gillette: “OK, we’ll keep Sadler.”

Press: “OOOOOOOOOOoooo!”
Sadler Fans: “YAAAAAAAY!:
Sadler Detractors: “WTF?”
Sadler: “Whew, that was close! Now if I could just find my passport!!!!”

THE END

There. Now wasn’t that easier than reading the whole thing?

Of course, Sadler’s interview does an excellent job of laying down a straight party line and singing Kumbayas with regard to the 2009 season. One thing about the interview stuck in my craw, however. With characteristic repetitiveness, Sadler expressed his unyielding commitment to protecting himself, his team and his sponsors. “Doing what’s best” for those whom Sadler considers the “important” characters in the play is his utmost concern.

But NOTHING is mentioned about his fans. Zilch. Nada.

While not all of Sadler’s fans have been complimentary over the years, the Emporian still has a cadre of loyal (albeit fewer) fans who acted with support and outcry over the possibility of having him absent from the track in 2009. It seems as if Sadler has forgotten the all-important “final act” of his play – the one where he is able to entice, engage, and coerce his fans to go spend their money on those sponsor products! Sadler should realize that his fans are protecting their pocketbooks more fiercely than he is trying to protect his sponsors - and IF it is his “marketability” that saved his job – he should do a better job of looking after those on whom that marketability depends.

So, while the country celebrates a “mandate for change and improvement” next week - just a few miles North of Emporia, VA – here’s hoping that Elliott Sadler and his staff realize that they has a similar mandate – not only to do a better job on the track in 2009, but to improve his relationship with his fans, as well.

(Oh, yeah -- hope you get the passport, E!)

High Jumps & Flat Tracks

2007-12-03T11:15:00.000-05:00

Terry Poovey, Randy Waldrop, Sammy Sweet, Porky Rollins …… names that commanded respect in the world of Texas Flat Trace Motorcycle Racing in the 1970’s – legends that spoke of mechanical supremacy, fearless performance, and incomparable teamwork. Lost in time, these names have been almost forgotten among those who dared to experiment with extreme racing (as we know it today) during an era when a rider/driver had to spend as much time building a machine as riding it. Men who rode and built bikes that NEVER went straight – and had nothing more to challenge the racing Gods than a heavy steel shoe to keep the wayward vehicle from being “too loose” to ride to victory…….

Flat Track Racing in the 70’s was daring – Evel Knievel would be proud of the men who dared slide sideways on two wheels to take home a checkered flag that was often no more than a home-sewn relic. Men who traveled along the Texas/Louisiana borders in search of a victory that few would consider worthy of the time, money & effort it took to make a living on the short oval, they let their love of motorcycles and competition rule over conventional values and made them often misunderstood loners. It was just plain nuts; especially to the wives, girlfriends, and families who followed Short Trackers across the damp plains of Texas in search of elusive trophies won at the family’s rental expense. Texas Flat Trackers were driven – but by God knows what!

Few today are familiar or even remember Texas Short (or Flat) Track Motorcycle Racing in the 70’s – similar to NASCAR – Short Track is a constant series of left-hand turns where athletics meets the road – in other words, the only way to keep a wayward cycle from becoming a wall-bound projectile was to put one’s foot down – firmly – on the track, wearing a steel shoe designed to act as a third member in absentia. When it’s time to turn left, folks, the rider simply planted their foot on a dirty, gravel-impregnated, track and attempt to slide a 120-mph motorcycle sideways using only that left digit as a stabilizer. Yup – purely nuts!

Today, 61-year-old Porky Rollins of Crosby, Texas, remembers the days of glory with a bit of flippancy born of riding rockets that few could control today: “We just followed the money,” Rollins says of days when Nationally Ranked riders had to ply their trade against Texas locals capable (and willing) to kick their sideways asses into eternity. “We were better then most of the National numbers, but we didn’t have the dollars to beat ‘em in National competition.” Said Rollins, who’s local record lent credence to the fact that he could have been a National No.1 had the financial Gods swung his way. In the 70’s, Nationally-ranked riders had to compete on a local circuit with the likes of Randy Waldrop, Sammy Sweet, and Rollins himself , who stood out amongst the rest as a bike builder, rider, crew chief an guru we well as a competitor.

The world may have lost a daredevil along the likes of Evel Kenievel, but if, as a lasting legacy, the world can grasp and remember those who rode sideways on steel shoes in the 70’s – we haven’t lost the “extreme” history of two-wheeled sports at all.

Race Invaders! A Football (and Racing) Fable.

2007-10-15T10:25:00.000-04:00

Let’s play “Pretend,” OK? Bear with me on this one, gang – I’m going to spin a tale, and I know it’s a stretch but I think you’ll see where I’m going with it:

Once Upon A Time…….

Let’s Pretend that the NFL has fallen upon financial hard times. New football safety rules created by The Commission have forced teams to expend beyond their budgets for new safety equipment and training personnel. The Commission has limited the amount of time a team can access their Commission-owned practice fields, forcing the few football teams with enough left in their kitties to build their own, or suffer in performance during the regular season.

Let’s Pretend that as the football season rolls on, it becomes painfully obvious that the only teams who will make it to the playoffs are the few with heavy-duty corporate financial backers – those who could afford the new expenses. In fact, several popular teams had to forfeit games because they couldn’t afford the plane fares and hotel expenses to travel! Sadly, several teams have folded altogether - unable to afford the capital or the stress caused by the "new" rules.

Let’s Pretend, that in order to survive, my Hometown Professional Football Team (who I’ve supported with my hard-earned dollars and my invaluable loyalty for years) has been contacted by a foreign corporation and offered an avenue to survival – sponsorship $$$. Coincidentially (or not), the Iaintfromaroundhere, gMbH, S.A., Ltd. Corp. also owns an International Soccer Team that at one time in the past was the envy of the planet. Seems the round-ball-with-spots passtime has also gone downhill in the last few years and my new “international” backer is looking for greener pastures – a new place to cash in on the exposure that comes from having their logo plastered all over my team’s uniforms and all over my city’s Super Stadium (which, BTW, is owned by the Commissioner’s sister).

Let’s Pretend that it’s offseason, and I’m looking forward to my team’s upcoming Draft picks – our chance to add the Heissman winner to our roster as well as a few more choice picks from the ranks of Collegiate players (some from my home state) who’ve devoted their youth (and their parents’ life savings) to making it to the pros.

BUT…..

Let’s Pretend that the Commission has decided to allow my Now-Corporate Co-Owner (who now has 51% controlling interest in my team) to forego the draft entirely – opting instead to allow them to fill my team’s ranks from their overseas Soccer team! Their rationale, I’m told, is that these are athletes who are just as qualified to play as our Collegiate hometown boys from U! After all, they can run, they can kick, they can hit things with their heads, and there’s a precedent! Didn’t the Detroit Lions let George Plimpton QB for a quarter way back in 1968? So there!

Let’s Pretend that I’m sitting in my living room, watching the opening season game. My team’s Quarterback is gone (now relegated to coaching Arena Football), replaced by the same superstar soccer guy who used to look down his nose at our “primitive” version of the sport. Our Running Backs are guys we’ve never seen before (with last names we can’t pronounce), and our Fullback, Center, and Special Teams can’t pronounce anything intelligible on camera except the name of the Sponsor! My favorite player – the one I’ve followed since Pop Warner days – is now sitting on the bench on the 4th string, allowing the new “International” players a chance at stardom and TV coverage. Let’s Pretend I’m trying to decide whether or not to renew my season tickets.

And finally, Let's Pretend that they lived Blissfully Ignorant Ever After (but with ample capital, a marketing office in New York City, and a Commissioner telling me this is sooooooo good for the sport!).

Let’s Pretend the same thing is happening in NASCAR! No. Wait. We don’t have to pretend anymore, do we?

A Top Ten and an Bit of an Empty Nest

2007-09-30T23:18:00.000-04:00

Somebody must have messed with the planets this week!

On Friday, we were hit with the news that our last remaining offspring had been approved for his first apartment. We had been halfway expecting our impending freedom from parenting for a while, but we weren't exactly given any specific date on which to expect the final kiddo to depart. The bomb was dropped, nonetheless, and we were faced with moving a 19-year old out into the world over the weekend. So.... just how NOT prepared can one be for the emotional empty spot that suddenly hits when you drop off that last load of “stuff”? Dave and I sat in the truck tonight after unloading the umpteenth truckload of “care packages” and looked at one another with audible “gulps” of realization that we are now Empty Nesters.

I can't speak for hubby, but I had to find some upsides to the whole thing (being the quintessential cockeyed-optimist) to keep from goin nutz. So, for posterity's sake, here are a few tips for those of you who will eventually need to seek the positive in losing an offspring to the big world outside:

- The former resident's “hazardous materials area” (a/k/a “bedroom”) can now become MY more sophisticated-sounding “Ruem du'Junque.”

- I really needed new living room furniture, and I still wield enough power to actually FORCE the child to take my old loveseat.

- Hubby can no longer ground me from visiting Bed, Bath & Beyond for new “necessities” for the kiddo.

- Four new empty walls on which to install NASCAR sheet metal.

- The ingredients necessary for tomorrow's planned meal will no longer mysteriously dissappear from the fridge overnight as if eaten by a giant rat that descends the staircase in the wee hours.

- Our internet should run faster without that 3rd PC downloading huge Anime cartoon files.

- I was gonna say we could run around nekkid, but he's already called to say he's coming back over to pick up a forgotten coax cable and some more bathtowels, so I guess that's out the window!

The good news is, in the midst of all this planetary confusion and emotional strife, SOMETHING went just as unexpectly RIGHT over the weekend:

SADLER GOT A TOP TEN!!!!

As much as I like to complain about my own aggravations of late, my NASCAR buddies have had a handful of their own! Not to mention my favorite driver! We got a few bright lights today, though – and JUST when needed, too! As an independent-thinking homo sapiens, I reserve the right to bitch and moan from time to time when the “Oval Facet” of my life tanks a bit – and I usually aim my slings and arrows Sadlerwise (Cuz, face it -- that's who I follow)!

I also have to eat a little crow from time to time! I did so today, as I listened to the #19's scanner and heard another seemingly head-bonkin battle bewteen a guy on the box (Ray) and a guy in the cawh (Elliott). I think I even opined in a race chat that Esad was being a little too complaintent in his insistence that problems lie in liner pressures vs. tire pressures, and whether it was a good time to pit or not.

Elliott Sadler was right.

Those of us who enjoy the antics of our Southern Gentleman sometimes get too caught up in the persona that shows up on weekly panel shows and self-effacing commercials to remember that this guy DOES know how to win a race. Even when it comes to details that differ in the opinion of the great Ray Evernham, Sadler stood up and expressed himself with no compunction, no apologies, and made a call that got him a Top 10 Finish in the Kansas race.

I guess sometimes you gotta listen to these kids, huh? Thanks, Will and Elliott – guess us old folks need to learn the hard way to have a little faith from time to time! Maybe that means that kiddo will do OK, too.

Go ahead. Mess with the planets!

Shine 'Em On!!!!

2007-09-08T17:30:00.000-04:00

We have a saying down here that's used when you want to ignore someone without making them feel ignored. It's used when you want to make annoying SOBs go away, but you can't afford to offend 'em:

You just “Shine 'Em On!”

Shining on someone involves telling them whatever needs to be told in order to shut 'em up, leave 'em ignorantly happy, and with the full hope they won't realize that they're nothing more than an aggravation and necessary evil in the eyes of the “Shiner.”

Today, I'm watching the Richmond race from the comfort of my sofa – NOT, as planned, from a seat at Richmond International Raceway, and boy-howdy I'm glad! Hubby and I had planned for the better part of a year to make a return trip to VA this year for a NASCAR Fan Club event we were led to believe would be a repeat, annual shindig prior to the race, and to enjoy ourselves prowling about the Blue Ridge mountains for antiques. We're not there; and I'm not 100% sure, but I think we got shined on.

Tried to get info earlier in the year to confirm the event so we could make money-saving advance reservations, buy race tix, secure convenient hotel, etc. A race weekend for two, including airfare, costs appx. $2,000 per person – and advance planning on airfare is the only way many can afford to make the trip. Kept getting assurances that an event was in the works, but when I asked for further confirmation, well, I got shined on.

Good thing, too! Turns out Fan Club folks finally decided to forego the event entirely, and have opted for a 3 hour bowling alley appearance on a weeknight in another city all together. That's about an hour shorter than the average free autograph appearance for a NASCAR driver – and once again folks are being asked to pay for the privilege of attending (even though they've already paid annual FC dues). Attempts to find out why the sudden turn of events have been met with lots of sparkly shine.

I think I know why. Fame, fortune and celebrity cost a public figure dearly – loss of privacy, relinquishment of control over ones' time, schedule, and outside pursuits; the inability to venture forth in public without creating a scene and, sadly, the ever-present collection of maniac-fans who tend to make the rest seem an insurmountable threat to one's sanity. The compensation, though, is the upside. The obvious financial rewards of fame and fortune ensure the celeb the ability to live comfortably, and in peace and private AFTER the limelight has gone out. One way to tell when that's happened? There's nobody left to shine on anymore.

My hometown is full of “one-hit-wonders” and I've been around enough in the music biz to see how many are remembered and how many have been forgotten by all but the annoying maniacs. The former are the ones who created a legacy of loyalty by treating their admirers with respect, appreciation and making them feel a sense of value and participation in the end result which is a successful career. The latter? They just shined everybody on......................

Soooo – the next time my favorite NASCAR celebrity's staff emails me a request to support their benefits, subscribe to their club, enroll in their $20-a-month online games and passtimes – I hope they have on their sunglasses. I might start doin' a little shinin' of my own!

We Are Not Alone! (NASCAR Fans in Austin)!

2007-08-20T20:11:00.000-04:00

It ain't easy being a NASCAR fan in in the Capitol of the Lone Star State! Seems my beloved Utopia of a hometown has everything imaginable to offer, with one notable exception: NASCAR fans. I swear there are days when I believe I'm the only NASCAR junkie in town – no race gear and souvies at our local auto parts stores, no Schrader Lil' Debbie cutouts at our convenience stores, no drivers opening new car dealerships on our “motor mile.” Granted, the soda machine at my Home Depot DOES have Tony Stewart on it, but it's from an era when he was rail-skinny and too young to grow whiskers! Hell, our local Wally Martinez has had the same Ryan Newman action figure hanging on the same peg since 2005!

It's not that Austin is oblivious to sports! It's just that most of our local athletic heroes race on the UT gridiron or on 2 wheels under pedal power. We're a town of old hippies, young technoxecutives, dot commers, lawyers, & politicians – none of which seem to attend the Church of the Holy Oval on Sundays. Mention a Bologna Burger or a Martinsville Stain-the-Bun-Red Hotdog to a local, and they'll run screaming from the aisles at Whole Foods. Ask the college kid at the neighborhood Megamedia franchise for the latest copy of NASCAR Illustrated, and he's likely to ask you if it's a coloring book! Yup, being a NASCAR fan in Austin is a lonely task.

But lo and behold – thanks to our local Time Warner Cable team, the folks at Discount Tire, Texas Motor Speedway, the Speed Channel, ESPN, David McDavid Acura and a good old Texas honkey tonk – we FINALLY had a real live NASCAR fans' get together in Austin! And people came! Mostly looking as amazed as I that there were others like us in town! Held at Scholz Garten, the oldest continuously-operating business in Texas (ca. 1866), attendees got a chance to enjoy some of the Austin's finest BBQ and lament over the rainout of the Michigan race, while trading good-natured jabs at one another over racing rivalries. Curiously, it seems that Austin NASCAR fans are a diverse demographic, as I spotted a huge variety of driver “colors” and tees – everything from Sterling Marlin, Dave Blaney, David Gilliland, Carl Edwards, and one poor Gordon fan who took quite a bit of ribbing after winning TWO of the day's door prizes – I believe someone suggested they go through post-win inspection! Conspicuously absent were members of the Jr. Nation – I think I saw one #8 shirt and another fella flying a DEI logo (albeit a small one).

Speaking of “swag” - the prize giveaways were no slouch, either. In addition to cool freebs from TMS (who brought “Ricky Bobby's” show car), Speed, and ESPN; Discount Tire gave away two $500 gift certificates, TMS threw in a VIP ticket package for the upcoming November race, and the finale was a drawing by Time Warner's Channel 8 News staff for an all-expenses paid trip for two to the October Charlotte race. I guess I don't have to tell ya we didn't win – or else you'd be reading about our upcoming travel arrangements! Nonetheless, it was a breath of fresh air to finally meet up with other NASCAR folk, do a little EA video-racing, bust our diets with some good food, and enjoy Sunday's “almost-race” with other locals of our ilk! Can Corn Dogs and Funnel Cakes at organic co-op be far behind?
Mounds of thanks to the event sponsors and to the kind folks at Scholz Garten for a major treat – and here's hoping we can do it again – SOON!

Ugly Dishes, Uglier Weather & Some Damn Fine Music!

2007-08-17T10:11:00.000-04:00

I’m a “dish junkie.” Have been for too many years to count. I’m an obsessed collectaholic, married to another obsessed collectaholic, with a long line of ancestral collectaholics in the ‘ol family tree. In other words, I’m not looking to be cured of the addiction any time soon! I have; however, found a partial solution to make life bearable (and financially feasible) – I buy all the good, old dishes I can find (supports my addiction and need to “prowl”), and sell the stuff I don’t personally collect (yet) to fund more of same! Vicious cycle, I know, but a helluva lot of fun! That brings us to:

The World’s Ugliest Dishes

I have theories. When extraterrestrials arrive on the planet millennia from now, they’ll dig up the remains of the human race and find four things: 1) Nylon 6-Pack Rings; 2) Pampers; 3) Keith Richards; and 4) Royal China Co’s Dinnerware. Yup, transferware. The Holy Trinity of Transferware: Royal Currier & Ives, Colonial Homestead and Olde Curiosity Shoppe!

I am convinced that everyone in the known universe owns, or HAS owned a piece of Royal Transferware. Many refer to them as “Safeway Dishes,” as they were peddled at every grocery store in the free world back in the 60’s. Buy a dinner plate for .10 this week – and next week we’ll sell you the teapot for $1.00. Of course, the elusive teapots were always gone when the long awaited week rolled around, so you simply bought another .10 dinner plate.

No Thrift Shore, Junk Shop, or Flea Market in the US is without a token piece of Royal Transferware. That would be sacrilege! Why? Because you can’t sell the stuff for love nor money right now! It’s ugly! Back in the late 80’s, folks actually decided that this stuff was “collectible” for a while – of course, they were the same folks who liked Disco (tell you anything)? The trend died off quickly (thank God), and the offending dishes have now made their way back into the stream of commerce, clogging it up like a hairball in a drain. NOBODY wants these dishes. Don’t blame ‘em a bit.

So, if you are one of the incredibly rare individuals in the galaxy who has NEVER owned a piece of Royal Transferware, it is your solemn duty to go find a piece (and then get rid of it – if you can). Doing so will fulfill your destiny and give you the inalienable right to utter the immortal words: “Ewwwww! I had that stuff!” the next time you encounter a .10 dinner plate at a garage sale! You can always try to donate your unwanted transferware to the Pygmies in New Guinea, but I think they already have service for 40 and all they need is the teapot lid.

Hurricane Season – 2008

It’s that time of year again – Hurricane Season in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico! Texans react to hurricanes much like a flock of ground-sniffing pigeons to a car horn – they get up real close for a curious look-see and then explode in a feather-flying frenzy when frightened out of their wits – only to return again for another peek when things calm down.

I live in “central” Texas – a couple of hundred miles from the coast. We’ve had a record amount of rain in these parts recently, and flooding is no stranger to Austin. I don’t think; however, that we’ve had a major hurricane travel all the way up Congress Avenue any time in the past, so we’re fairly safe from worst that the Hurricane Gods dish out.

But you can’t convince us of that! Hurricane Dean is crouched at the entrance of the Gulf, promising to be a Category 4 or better when it enters our backyard kiddie pool of lukewarm water. Go try to buy a flashlight or a generator in the Lone Star State right now! Austinites are clearing the shelves of bottled water, batteries, gas cans and battery operated weather radios. Of course, no one in Austin will have use for any of this survival gear – and next Spring you’ll find weather radios, cheap flashlights, and slightly used generators for sale at your local flea market (right on top of the stacks of Royal Transferware). We’ll keep our fingers crossed for the best, though, for our friends further South. I can flush my toilet 3 times fast and flood half of Houston from here!

Moshing Flamingos & Some Great Blues!

I think I’ve found the perfect NASCAR post-race pastime! A free concert and an old movie at Videoranch - the brainchild of Texas’ own Michael Nesmith. Yes – THAT Mike Nesmith! He is remembered by many for his role in The Monkees, but his real claims to fame are the invention of the music video, the impetus for MTV, one of the first commercially successful “Southern” rockers, and his cutting-edge visions of music media which are lightyears ahead of the most savvy in the industry.

Based on the Second Life virtual world platform, Videoranch 3D is an online “resort” featuring live music events, discussion groups, book signings, movies, and more! Mike and Co. have built extremely lifelike and realistic cafés, lounges, saloons, amphitheaters, poolside retreats, drive-in theaters, and tropical islands; as well as some decidedly UN-lifelike fantasy features such as a giant floating Pie-in-the-Sky that can be visited and enjoyed via the avatar of your choice!

After Sunday’s slugfest at Watkins Glen, I found myself – like many racefans – with a surplus of adrenaline that left me wanting for SOMETHING else to do. I found it in spades at the Blue Horizon Amphitheater at Videoranch, where the “house band” Ranch Dressing were treating audiences to a live, streaming concert of incredible blues. In Videoranch, concerts are performed LIVE in the studio, and the band is actually visible live on the Blue Horizon stage. What’s more – the band can “see” the audience by virtue of screens in front of them, they are able to interact with the concert goers during breaks in their set, and avatars can “chat” with the band via keyboard. Sound quality is primo, and raucous classics by Jimmie Reed, John Mayall and Etta James are performed with gusto by an incredible group of musicians. There are no “bic lighters” at VR (yet) – so appreciation for the music is shown by turning oneself into a pink flamingo dancing a jig at the foot of the stage!

After the concert, avatars can “teleport” to the Drive-In theater, where classic movies, accompanied by chat, are a good way to kick back and relax with friends. Of course, during old “gangsta” flicks – users have a tendency to “chat” in the appropriate Cagney-esque lingo: “youse guys should check it out, see?”

I know many groups of NASCAR fans operate racetime “chats” during and after our Sunday roundy rounds, and hope you get a chance to visit Videoranch 3D and blow off post-race steam at this incredible venue! Who knows? If enough of us octane-sniffers haunt the resort – perhaps “Papa Nez” will build us a virtual track!? And wouldn’t an In The Attic podcast look great from the top of a Pie-In-The-Sky? (Yes, Pete & Rachel – it’s a hint!)

You can visit Videoranch 3D here and check out upcoming events!

http://www.videoranch.com/html/frhomepage.html

#$%^$#!!!!! (a term found in weather and racing)!

2007-07-30T10:43:00.001-04:00

I’m back! Our recent “liquid” weather in Central Texas spawned a thunderboomer that ate my faithful old laptop a few weeks back. The result has become a true exercise in marital compromise, as hubby Dave is as committed to his online endeavors (World of Warcraft) as I am to mine! We now “share” the gaming PC, and woe be unto the NASCAR fan who wants to use the system during a Naked Gnome Race or a Endgame Guild Raid. Hopefully, we’ll have this dilemma rectified shortly, as soon as I decide whether or not my sanity can handle Windows Vista! It’s been a while since I’ve aggravated myself with a new operating system!

Any sufficiently advanced bug is indistinguishable from a feature!

Seems the Evernham Motorsports staff has finally uncovered a major flaw in their newfangled PLM system dataset. Seems the digitheads at EMS have been testing cars with different dynamics than those that wind up on the track – a MAJOR engineering flaw that languished 5 months without discovery. In response, EMS performed a “system restore” of sorts, and returned to a prior-year car for the Indy race – a move that SHOULD have proven at least somewhat fruitful.

Not much, tho. Listening to the #19 Team’s scanner during the race, it was apparent that Ray Evernham did everything to the ill-handling car but change the paint – all to no avail. At one point, racechat chums and I opined that they should just jack the thing up and shove a 4 x 4 underneath. The good news is – Sadler finished 28th instead of 33rd (again) and to a fan of the Southern Gentleman – it’s an improvement.

Having programmed in a past life (I actually remember some PASCAL & Fortran code and the Unix vi Editor!), I’m fairly certain it will take the EMS techies a few weeks to correct their baseline dataset, regenerate all their engineering data specs, and manufacture parts to comform. No small feat during the final races before the chase, but I’m betting we’ll see some more improvement as time goes along.

One thing is apparent, tho – especially after listening to ESPN’s interviews with Dale Sr.’s former compadres who touted his ability to handle an evil-driving car. Sadler is gaining more than his fair share of similar experience, and the fact that he’s been able to keep ill-handling rides out of walls and other cars will do nothing but improve his performance stats once the bugs are ironed out. Yeah, I’m an optimist!

Expletive (NOT) Deleted!

Talk about instant karma! Just as I was complimenting Tony Stewart on winning a race without issuing accusations and throwing barbs at other drivers – KABOOM. The BS Bomb. ESPN decided to forego it’s broadcasting “safety delay” – apparently believing that former Champion drivers wouldn’t DARE take their 1st Amendment rights to the limit at such a time. Poor judgment on ESPN’s part! I think a new rule of thumb for ANY media entity is to ASSURE a delay is in place before allowing a mic anywhere near the Man in Orange!

Sadly, Tony Stewart’s public behavior has taken such a dismal downward spiral of late, it’s hard for even a Sunshine Pumper like me to look for points on which to defend him. His last forays into public embarrassment have resulted in making light of (and almost advocating) irresponsible alcohol consumption and now Mr. Smoke has shown the world that literacy, articulation, and self-discipline are NOT hallmarks of our sport. Thanks, Tony – you went a long way in maintaining the NASCAR stereotype with your BS! Glad I’m not a parent with a young Stewart fan among my offspring – we’d have to talk!

But is it really ALL Tony’s fault? Granted, he behaves with ever-increasing bitterness and seems to be almost TRYING to offend anyone and everyone who approaches him with a mic – but isn’t that what the media EXPECTS? Or WANTS? Tony “The Mouth” is a story, and I’m going to hand the press a slice of the blame pie for keeping the seemingly endless cycle of bad behavior pedaling along. Stewart has actually been ENCOURAGED by the media to behave badly – hence a weekly “forum” on Sirius where he’s publicized, egged on, and rewarded for bad behavior. I’ve joined the club of “non-listeners” when it comes to Tony’s weekly show – perhaps if enough folks did likewise it would send a message (without using expletives)!

Ladybird Johnson - A Humble Thanks

2007-07-12T11:17:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like Springtime in Central Texas! Our summers are best described as “crispy” – ever-present droughts keep things a bit on the “beige” side landscapewise. “Winter” is simply void of color. “Fall” is a mythical season that lasts appx. 15 minutes, if we get it at all.

Spring is an overnight explosion of color – a blast that awakens us from months of dreary shades. A sudden reminder that nature’s rebirth is a miracle. Simply put – I don’t think there’s a Texan alive who doesn’t utter the colloquial “WHOA!” when first presented with that first unexpected view of a Bluebonnet laden hillside or a field of Indian Paintbrushes. Texas wildflowers THE sign of Spring in these parts – an annual rite that we both subconsciously expect, but also marvel at; as if we’re seeing the phenomenon anew each year. Texas wildflowers are the “adrenalin” that kicks us squarely out of our winter slumber and fills us with ambition for things to come.

Hard to imagine that our annual rite of passage is mainly the responsibility of one woman. Ladybird Johnson was, and IS, at the very heart of the miracle that is Texas Springtime. An environmentalist of the highest order, it was Mrs. Johnson who first brought to bear the “Highway Beautification Act” of 1965 that brought our gemlike wildflowers out of hiding in the nooks and crannies of the Hill Country and placed them foresquare across the land. It was her love of native flora that prompted her to share the beauty of God’s most delicate creations with all Texans. Ladybird Johnson gave us our wildflowers.

Mrs. Johnson passed away yesterday at age 94. She turned a life of political darkness into a lifetime of service to the cosmos. What a woman – what a legacy!

Thanks for the flowers, Mrs. Johnson. Thanks for Springtime.

EMS, PLM & COT (e.i.e.i.o!)

2007-05-18T11:58:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across an Industry Week Magazine webcast entitled 'Redefining the Race: How Evernham Motorsports' PLM Strategy Drives NASCAR's Most Innovative Race Team.' While the webcast is primarily a promotional piece for EMS’ engineering software provider, Dassault Systemes, I found it an extremely enlightening view into the inner workings of EMS – and into a few of the current “non-workings” as well!

Evernham uses the “PLM” (Product Lifecycle Management) business model to field cars each week. Simply put, PLM is the process of managing the entire lifecycle of a product from its conception, through design and manufacture, to service and disposal. Using PLM methodologies, EMS functions as an automobile manufacturing company – one that has to bring a new product to market 36 times a year! PLM cuts time to market drastically, but is manpower and equipment heavy – two factors which require considerable capital. Capital, as we all know, is in short supply in many NASCAR teams nowdays – thanks in no small part to the new “product” that must now be brought to market – the COT.

One point made during the webcast was the ability of EMS’s PLM software to access shop data from the track during raceday, and and to communicate online with realtime engineers from the track. In a perfect techno-world, Josh Browne would be able to enter track, performance, weather, surface, temp, etc. variables into his laptop atop the pit box – and voila! The computer would indicate the needed adjustments based on these variables. Problem is – no historical data exists yet for many of the variables faced this season – new track surfaces, new nosecones on existing cars, funky weather, new tire compounds. In effect there may well be too many “first-time” situations facing EMS this season to make their investment in the PLM discipline pay off in the near term.

So, until EMS’s Magic 8 Ball starts producing useful information – we experience mediocrity. Heavy reliance on technology for crucial solutions doesn’t always deliver, and there are times when all the pocket-protector wearing, geek speaking race technobes in the world can’t help if they are unable to effectively handle the one CONSTANT that exists each week – communication with the driver.

To my knowledge, no software company has been able to successfully code “The Sadler Variable.” In order to correctly interpret the data coming from the driver of the #19 car (and every other car, for that matter) – it takes an entirely different set of HUMAN skills. Sadly, it’s these skills that seem strained on both sides of the scanner on raceday – and frustration is becoming increasingly apparent. This translates to the fan base as conflict between driver and crew chief. Whether such conflict actually exists is the cause of much speculation in the peanut gallery, and the sudden appearance of “Sports Psychologists” in the halls of EMS. I wish them luck – finding a perfect fit between driver and crew chief, particularly one that can survive the stresses and strains of a mediocre season, is NOT an easy task. If a personnel change is in the cards for the #19 team, it’s a sure-fire bet that MORE resources ($$$) will be required in order to tie up contracts.

I realize I’m often accused of being a cockeyed optimist when it comes to the #19 – but in this case I still think my stubborn loyalty is rightly placed. The #19 has finished every race (remember all the blown motors last year?), has stayed out of the wall, has minimized pit row penalties, and has had mid-pack finishes despite all the factors seemingly working against a win. Taken in context, the 2007 Season can boast MANY improvements over 2006, but fans have short-term memory when it’s been a while since the last trip to victory lane.

And for the record, I think EMS will eventually win the REAL Chase this year -- The 2007 Race To The Bank will help them bring home some Cup trophies before too long.

I'm Baaaack!

2007-05-10T21:21:00.000-04:00

Yep, I had the crud. And did it up right, too! “Acute bronchitis” was the doc-in-the-box’s diagnosis, and I resisted the urge to tell him that I fail to see anything cute about coughing up chunks. Nonetheless, with nothing but time on my hands for the last four days, I had every intention of making my convalescence productive. Update the blog, catch up on my reading, work on some crafts – NOT! Thanks to some magic formula cough syrup in a brown prescription bottle, I discovered that it’s pretty near impossible to type (let alone read) while unconscious. Nevertheless, the goop did the trick and I’m back to my (ab)normal self. Soooooo……

It’s 6.7 Now, Right?

Dave and I heard the news last night and, in unison, we cried “He’s changed his numberrrrrrrrr!” That’s right – Junior is leaving DEI -- and in what has to be the most media-savvy move of the decade -- he’s left it at that. In the span of a few hours, the media (and the public) have commenced churning out every scenario imaginable with regard to Little E. The Childress/Hendrick deals are obviously the most popular theories, but I’ve come up with a few hypothesis of my own for your consideration. How ‘bout:

- HRM/JR Motorsports, Ltd.: In secret meetings in KY last week, The King met with the Queen regarding the formation of a joint Euro/American racing team with the unlimited resources of the British Empire (the only possible way to compete with Hendrick). With the full intention of courting Dale Jr., her majesty promised that Tony would be retained as Crew Chief, consequently Blair announced his resignation as Prime Minister today.

- Jr. LIVE!: Not to be outdone by Tony Stewart -- Jr. simply sets the stage for his new Sirius Radio program by creating controversial call-in subject matter in advance. “Tell Me Where To Go!” with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is expected to eclipse Smoke’s show in popularity.

- Crazy Mutant Desert Guys Motorsports, Inc.: Dale unwittingly discovered the ultimate pit crew during the filming of his Superbowl commercial, and is building a truly “indie” team around his new friends.

- “I’m just messin with ya’ll. I’m staying with DEI. No harm done, huh?”

I’m sure there are one or two more I’ve not thought of yet, but hey -- I been sick!

OK, back to music for a bit…..

2007-05-02T20:43:00.000-04:00

I had a lifelong dream fulfilled last night!! Pete Townshend’s long-lost and legendary Lifehouse Method project has at last become reality. Method went “online” yesterday, and I was able to “sit” for two musical portraits using the new system. I’m completely enthralled with the end result and totally humbled by the fact that I’m participating in an endeavor which fulfills Pete’s lifelong dream to see this project through.

If you’re in eye-shot of this blog – I urge you to “sit” for a composition. But first, you ask, just what is Lifehouse Method? Well, let me go back in time a bit to explain……………

It was one of those experiences that gets indelibly burned into the brain. I was 13 years old and babysitting for some friends across the street from my parents’ house in Conroe , Texas -- nearly midnight , and my charges were fast asleep. The patriarch of the household was a stereophile who had amassed an incredible system equipped with a pair of Koss headphones so massive with insulation they weighed a ton. Late night FM radio in Houston was still a rather dubious affair – the infamous Crash Collins was known for his smoky growl and strange “inhaling” noises while spinning the some really heavy vinyl and the tell-tale spaces of dead air (indicating that he’d once again nodded out). I wasn’t allowed to listen to such “garbage” at home.

Collins must have had some really good stuff that night, because he decided (perhaps inadvertently) to spin an entire album side (rare in those days) from the Who’s 1971 album “Who’s Next.” Townshend, the creative force behind the Who, had earlier in 1969 penned the first Rock Opera – "Tommy" – and I remember thinking “Well, if this is half as good……” When the opening synthesizer riff began, I was instantly mesmerized as if something internal was vibrating in harmony with the song. As Townshend’s initial power chord struck, I was totally captivated. When Entwistle’s thunderous bass finally joined the fray, I was awestruck, captivated and I knew I had found my anthem – Baba O’Riley! I immediately struck out to learn more about the album, the band, and eventually the concept that lay underneath some of the best rock-n-roll ever heard!

I was surprised to learn that the hypnotic synth riff that opens “Baba” was actually constructed using personal DATA about Townshend’s Spiritual Leader, Meher Baba, that had been somehow fed into an algorithm which transformed it into music! In fact, the entire Who’s Next album was indeed a collection of songs salvaged from a failed project conceived by Pete to gather vital statistics from individuals and reflect this information back to the audience in the form of music. “Lifehouse” as the project was called, was another rock opera of sorts – a story set in the future when humanity was controlled by the government via stimuli force-fed to them over a “GRID” – a hardwired information network with leads to each individual called “experience suits.” The protagonists in Townshend’s story were rebels who managed to free humanity by hacking into the Grid and flooding it with music. This music, created by their own algorithms, culminated in a crescendo so powerful and celestial it took down the Grid.

While the story was fiction (at the time) – Pete’s desire to find the “lost chord” via synthesized information wasn’t. Additionally, he aimed to make performance a two-way street wherein the audience participated in the creative process. At one point, Townshend had actually gathered a group of subjects in the Old Vic Theater in London to attempt this artist/audience interaction. The project failed mainly due to the fact that Townshend lacked the complex technical equipment to process the information. The few songs he had written to score the original Lifehouse opera were pieced together and released as the seminal “Who’s Next.” Practically no one knew the backstory!

By the time I had discovered Who’s Next, Lifehouse had already faded into rock-n-roll lore, rarely mentioned by journalists and audiophiles. What a shame, I thought – that such an enigmatic idea should languish. Lifehouse was always on my list of musical “if onlys.”

And then, along came the Grid.

I have to snicker to myself whenever the argument over “who predicted the internet” points an appreciative finger in Al Gore’s direction. As the net grew, many remembered Townshend’s vision of a society grown complacent compliments of their addiction to an orchestrated information feed. New technology flooded the music industry, allowing artists to experiment with input, output and everything in between. In 1999, Townshend resurrected Lifehouse, finally mixing and re-arranging the now classic Who’s Next tracks back into their original form.

The world finally heard the Lifehouse opera on BBC Radio on December 5, 1999 – but it was simply a “performance” and NOT the collaborative effort Townshend’s rebels of the Grid. In order to truly complete Lifehouse – the music had to be a 2 way street.

Enter Mathemetician/Compser/Philosopher Lawrence Ball, Programmer Dave Snowdon. Since 1999, Pete has ridden the helm of an ambitious endeavor to create the software program that would allow an individual to provide personal samples/images/data and have the information transmographied into a unique musical “portrait.” An interpretive work of audio art particular to one person – reflective of their mood, voice, etc. The final piece of the Lifehouse puzzle was finally complete, and on May 1, 2007 it was put into place – The Method went public.

Initially, participants may “sit” for 3 pieces of music. In order to interact with the software, you are asked to provide a sample of your voice, an image, a sound, and a rhythm. In return, the system composes your 5-minute musical portrait. The results are astounding! The Method will be open to the public until July, and eventually many of the “portraits” will be combined into a larger work which will be performed live! Having spent many decades wondering “what if” with regards to Lifehouse – I can say I am absolutely elated that my "what if" dream has at long last turned into a reality that exceeded my expectations tenfold!

Be a rebel and sit for your own musical portrait!

www.lifehouse-method.com

Listen to yourself in an entirely new way!

Monday Mulling…….

2007-04-30T20:18:00.000-04:00

Whaddya know!…..
I guess NASCAR radar must have picked up a signal from the hinterlands! The Talladega Freight Train came and went with only a few debris cautions and voila! We saw debris!!! Of course, Talladega is a convenient place for NASCAR to redeem itself. Face it – there’s not much need to “bunch up” the pack when you have 43 cars that actually WANT to run single file! But I’ll give ‘em credit for making sure WE knew that something was on the track when the yellow flew. Let’s see what shows up on TV screens at the next few intermediate tracks where a REAL motive exists for “manipulation” of the pack!

Verborrhea…….
I can’t get inside of Tony Stewart’s head. If I could, I’d probably hear: “I showed ‘em it’s not a good idea for me to speak to the press immediately after I fail to win a race!”

He would be right. Smoke’s comments directed at David Gilliland after Sunday’s race were harsh, derrogatory, bullying and just flat crossed the line. Lousy timing, Tony! Remember – you bolstered many fans' & mediamembers' “perceptions” that NASCAR was dealing off the bottom with bogus cautions. Just when we (and NASCAR) seemingly took you seriously and we saw that constructive measures MIGHT occur in response to your tirade – you pitch an adolescent hissy fit and move from the “torch bearer” category to the “petulant buffoon” column in less than 10 words! I’ll bet Helton is breathing a HUGE sigh of relief! Way to go, idjit! Do me a favor, Tony..... shut up and drive for a while, OK? Stop acting like a no-talent broadcaster who simply lucked into a radio show!

Burning (flipping, spinning, banging) Busch……
If you believe in Karma – I’m sure you’ll agree that Kyle Busch’s cosmic slate ought to be clean after Saturday & Sunday’s wrecks. Over the course of the weekend, I received SEVERAL calls from anti-Shrub buddies saying “Poor kid - I feel sorry for him!” So do I! Kyle is a talented driver who is still a few years shy in the age department of reaching public maturity (an excuse Tony DOES NOT have for shooting off at the mouth). Besides, compared to The Man In Orange lately, Kyle's downright eloquent!

Happy Birthday!......
It's Elliott Sadler's birthday, so here's wishing him a very happy 32nd!

Local Stuff......
Got to spend the day at Thunderhill Raceway (a/k/a "My Classroom") in Kyle, Texas this past Saturday. I love this place! I typically get a better education in a few hours at this track than I could possibly glean by reading the net & watching TV. I'm still trying to gain some familiarity with the myriad series that run here -- but the variety is amazing. On Saturday, we watched everything from Ford Pintos & Karmann Ghias battling like crazy, to NASKARTS (I want one), to Legends (mini-IROCs?), Late Models (cars I actually RECOGNIZE from my youth), Hobby Stocks (Aunt Edna's Buick) & TSRS Modifieds (vroom)!

Once again, our benevolent Jedi came down from Big D with his RV, so we had a primo place to cool off and catch up on the Busch race. Ringside seats at the drivers' meeting and weigh-ins were a treat, and Dave (ever the carpenter) even got tapped to help build the Victory Lane Backdrop! We even came home with some "souvies" -- 2 more SRT's! (Stinky Racing Tires!) I feel a pair of end-tables coming on!

Debris or No Debris – THAT’s the Perception!

2007-04-28T10:40:00.000-04:00

Is is Racing or Wrestling? Is it Live or is it Memorex? Is it Spontaneous or Scripted? Is it a Sport or America ’s latest made-for-TV drama? Are we enjoying our favorite pastime or are we being taken to the cleaners by the France empire?

Regardless of your opinion – you KNOW you’ve asked yourselves the questions….

Tony Stewart has finally given public voice to a big issue in “stock” car racing – exemplified by the seemingly scripted and way-to-conveniently timed "competitition cautions" called by NASCAR Officials for alleged debris on the track. Smoke has certainly minced no words, and while it’s one thing to read such stinging, controversial opinions from the media and internet peanut galleries – it’s entirely another matter when one (or more) of NASCAR’s most talented drivers and 2-time Champions confirms these hypotheses out loud. NASCAR is fake and we’re all ignoramuses with open pocketbooks?

Ouch!

OK, so I’m not ready to put my TMS season tickets up on eBay yet. But I have grown past that stage of NASCAR naivete that many seem to cling to so longingly. This isn’t your father’s NASCAR – it’s a marketing-driven sports enterprise and a privately owned mega-corporation. While I don’t believe our sport is entirely “fixed” – I certainly believe it is manipulated for reasons OTHER than safety!

Show It or Throw It!

IF (and I use the conjunction delicately) these pesky “debris” cautions are indeed in response to a concern for safety….. (i.e. IF something has actually been observed on the track …) SHOW IT! NASCAR can put a camera on a red-hot brake rotor and a GPS that beams the car’s precise position to my PC. If a hotdog wrapper has created a safety issue – it’s a relatively simple matter to display (or at very least describe) the offending offal during a race broadcast. Give us a paragraph on Tuesday along with the penalty reports summarizing each of those “debris” cautions! I’d gladly give up the right to “vote in” a driver on Trackpass – if you’ll give me ONE channel of NASCAR Race Control on my PC each and every Sunday!

When an actual SAFETY issue occurs (like flaming cars skidding upside down across the track -- REGARDLESS of what lap we're on), THROW IT! It’s these inconsistencies that remove all credence from NASCAR’s “safety first” response to Tony’s rant.

NASCAR has within its power the ability to do some very constructive damage control -- and in the fans' eyes damage control is sorely needed! If the governing body wishes to reverse this perception of “scripted races” and redeem themselves (somewhat) in the eyes of the fans (and drivers), they can take the high road rather easily. If not – the manipulation will continue and even the most casual race fan will be lured into believing that we're simply watching a 4-wheeled version of WWF. Don’t take the road to Vagueville, Brian -- SHOW US that you don’t think we’re fools!

While we're at it....

Want some REAL competition? Take the “actual” debris found on the track, show it on TV, and then put the scrap up on eBay! A heftybag that cost a major driver a race (and perhaps a Championship) ought to fetch a pretty penny from us morons!! You can use the money to put SAFER barriers ALL around the Great Wall in Daytona (safety is a priority -- just ask Jimmy Johnson or Jeff Fuller!)

And while you’re shopping in Bejing, Brian, you might want to let the PR folks know that it looks REALLY bad to us fans to have you running off to start a new series in China just as Kentucky Speedway is suing you for anti-trust violations!

But we’re ignorant! What do we know?

Remember When All We Had To Learn About Was RACIN???

2007-04-25T23:00:00.000-04:00

Like many, I have my morning routine pretty down pat. I check my email, then start making my rounds of bookmarked sites. Chief among my NASCAR stops are several journalists’ blogs, as well as key online periodicals – and I’ve recently added a new one near the top of the list:

The Wall Street Journal.

It’s fairly obvious that I’m an Elliott Sadler fan, and therefore I’m among the multitudes who are trying to understand why our driver isn’t being sprinkled with confetti and doused with soda at the end of the race. It’s been a pretty dismal season, and the knee-jerk reactions have run the gamut. Many want to place blame in the drivers’ and/or crew chief’s laps, while others are blaming the owner, the engineers and/or the fabricators. Some blame just about everyone!

For myself, I’ve learned (most of the time), to keep my blaming fingers curled inward until I do a little research. Things are not always as they seem, and in Sadlers’ (and EMS) case – there’s a lot more going on in Detroit, Michigan and Stuttgart, Germany than in Statesville, NC or Emporia, VA!

The Chrysler Sale

It looks as if Dodge’s parent company, Germany’s Daimler/Chrysler, is serious about selling off the Chrysler portion of its’ operation to a private equity firm. There are numerous bidders, and the sale looks likely within the next 4-6 weeks according to Wall Street and Detroit pundits. Will a new Chrysler owner commit to the same estimated $100 million annually to keep a presence in NASCAR – it’s ONLY racing endeavor? It seems unlikely that a new owner with a need to compete with America’s NEWEST #1 automaker – Toyota – will resist the urge to streamline it’s budget.

BUT……

The UAW (who reportedly opposes the sale) is in the midst of collective bargaining with Daimler/Chrysler. If a sale is eminent, the UAW may be forced to make concessions in its contract negotiations in order to entice Stuttgart into keeping the truck-heavy Chrysler lines intact. When unions make concessions (particularly in health care and retirement benefit packages) – they lose members AND dues. If they manage to help salvage Chrysler by drastically cutting employee benefits – THEY might be the ones who need to “streamline” their budget!

BUT……

Many of the drive train parts for Mercedes Benz are made by Chrysler plants in the US. Shedding the marque will DEFINITELY cost the Benzers in the long run. And German workers have representatives, too!
So….. What’s This Got to Do With NASCAR?

Eggs! That’s what. My EMS #19 car has all its hardboileds in the same German-owned and Labor-Unionized basket.

Although there are several “Dodge” teams – only our two EMS cars are sponsored by the “manufacturer” via it’s dealership network IN PARTNERSHIP with the UAW. There is no “Ford Dealers Ford” or “Chevy Dealers Chevy” – let alone one who’s partnered up with a labor union that is at times diametrically opposed to the manufacturer’s profit potential! From where I sit – it seems that anything fortuitous that befalls EITHER of our primary sponsors in this upcoming “deal” is going to take potential NASCAR sponsorship money out of the other’s pocket.
And right now – it’s that very money that’s much needed to boost Evernham’s chassis engineering staff and put Ray back in the shop (as opposed to pounding the pavement for a partner). Evernham, himself, stated on Sirius last week that his forte was under the hood rather than in the boardroom – so here’s hoping a new financial partner will have the B2B expertise needed to find a sponsorship marriage that doesn’t repeat the current reliance on all things Dieter Zetsche!

Lest we also forget – The UAW Daimler/Chrysler 400 (a/k/a the Las Vegas Race) has already been run for 2007. If a reduction in NASCAR financing is on Dr. Z’s mind – will he pull funding for the 2008 premier-sponsorship of the next Vegas extravaganza – or will he pull the greenbacks from the (marginally performing) cars on the track?

As for me – I have a sneaking suspicion that the sale will move forward with Daimler/Chrysler keeping enough stake in the company to ensure an economical supply of Benz parts. Will their presence in racing decline?

That’s why I’m checking the Journal!

The “Legends” of TMS – Part III

2007-04-25T17:26:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh. Raceday! The cosmos FINALLY gave us the weather we had been hoping for all week, and we happily discarded the earmuffs in exchange for the sunscreen and tank tops! While my out-of-towners did NOT get a full weekend of nice weather – they certainly got a good example of Texas weather in general: unpredictable!
As with any endeavor that involves 5 women and an early morning appointment – we started the day running late. Race day traffic entering the TMS complex was a booger, and by the time we located parking and schlepped our gear to the infield, we were running late for our planned gathering, but ready to rock-n-roll nonetheless.

We didn’t leave disappointed, though – and once again serendipity smiled on us and we managed to hook up with our “objective” for a little celebration. (Endless thanks to Mr. G. for once again making time where none seemed to exist!) As I turned to depart, I caught sight of a group of gentlemen chatting near the exit. Something looked familiar – and then it hit me: RICHARD PETTY! I was standing mere feet from The King himself (and I had one HELLUVA crush on him as a teenager)! It was at this point that my brain shut off.

I guess Mr. P is accustomed to the sounds of jaws hitting the pavement – and if so he certainly got a symphony from us! What an absolutely delightful, courteous and considerate man! He took the time to sign autographs for everyone, (and me all blubbery and whompityjawed), AND he thanked US for being there! HE thanked US! Now that, dear friends, is why he’s THE KING!

There’s only one thing that could even come close to holding a candle to the mornings’ adventures – and that’s HAULER SHOPPING. It was at this point that Dave’s brain shut off. He had managed to keep us safely away from the haulers for most of the weekend, but in true Kamikaze form, we broke free and headed for lootville to fill shopping lists for friends, family and of course – US!

Imagine the logistics of keeping 5 women with different shopping agendas and different rates of travel all together in a crowd of 250,000. We managed to keep everyone together with one exception – we briefly lost Mel when we were distracted at the Raceday stage, (I guess it was Hermie’s fault!) , but we managed to track her down before getting seated for the pre-race. Is it just my generation of Kubrick kids – or does the sight and sound of a B-52 flying low overhead give anyone else those “Dr. Strangelove” goosebumps?

As much as I hate to admit it, the race was somewhat of a snoozer. Long green-flag runs, mediocre performance from the EMS guys, and little passing in general kept us off the edges of our seats. I had more fun watching the Jr. fans and the Gordon fans as they baited one another until Jr.’s car got “keelt” by a wayward Shrub. Sadly, many of Jr.’s fans left the grandstands unaware that he was piloting the #5 in the final laps.

At about midpoint during the race – I wondered why there was so much “stuff” floating and swirling around us. I finally dug the glasses out of the backpack and realized that we were being swarmed by honeybees! Hundreds of obviously allergic folks bailed out of their seats. I’ve seen lots of strange stuff in my time, but a honeybee swarm during a Cup race is way up near the top of my “WTF” list!

Alas, the race was over (and rather early, too, owing to the long green-flag runs) and it was time to head back to the hotel for our last night together before half our group departed on Monday. We managed to coax Mel into coming back to Austin with us rather than spending a day in Dallas alone, and I’m glad we did! Got to do a little late-night sightseeing in the Capitol City before sending everyone packing for home.

What a wonderful experience! As many of you know, we managed to prove to ourselves and to others that former bitter rivals can put their racing opinions and differences aside and become good friends, and regardless of which driver’s “colors” we flew – we all came away from TMS with some “victories” under our belts. Is it November yet?

The “Legends” of TMS- Part II

2007-04-23T20:01:00.000-04:00

A good rule of thumb with Texas weather is that the stronger the thunderstorm, the colder the front that spawned it. This rule held true on Saturday as we awoke to painfully cold temps and strong winds. My friends from North of the Mason Dixon were suddenly giving me the stinkeye as we headed off to the Track Souvie Shop to stock up on all the cold weather gear I told them to leave at home. “Bring you shorts & flip flops!” I suggested, “It’ll be hot & sunny!”

In retribution, they made me ride in the cargo hold all the rest of the weekend.

Hats off (or ON) to the TMS Gift shop. They had properly stocked the store with reasonably priced gloves, ear warmers, jackets & scarves. Thus bundled up, we headed back to the infield for Cup Practice. Dave immediately located the Goodyear shop and happily quizzed the techs on matters rubber, Merri and I located peach spots immediately in front of the inbound garage side, while Robin, Mel & Alnee covered the Garage Exit. I had completely forgotten NOT to leave those three without adult supervision!

Many megs of digital pics later, we headed to our seats for the Busch race. But NOT before a lengthy session at the Racing Electronics hauler for a remedial course in Scanner Programming. After explaining our plight (a waaaaay too complicated scanner and two waaaaay too feeble brains), we were advised that the kindly lady who had sold us the moster back in November was no longer with the company. Obviously, she was the only other person on the planet who understood the evil HAL9000 Technonightmare Model Scanner, and it took all three hauler employees to first figure out and then explain WHICH 3 buttons to push to program in a driver. Eureka!

I had a true rock-n-roll moment on the way to our seats for the Busch race! The South tunnel which runs under the track is, in effect, a large corruated conduit pipe. The race had started as we entered the tunnel, and the acoustics of were freakin incredible! The tunnel picks up the low end of the sound spectrum as the cars pass over, and the end result is akin to a raging battle between Entwistle and Moon! Hell, you coulda left me in the tunnel and I’d have been perfectly content with the rumble!

Using the Busch race as scanner-practice, we decided to listen to Kasey Kahne in the 9 car. Anyone who would like to intelligently continue the “Sadler Communication Quality” discussions needs to spend some time listening to Kasey.

CC: “Did that adjust make the car better?”
KK: “It’s pretty much the same, but kinda different.”

Dave and I had to laugh out loud several times as the Loose-Tight-Loose drama played out with a driver who seems to raise “vague” to an artform far beyond anything the Southern Gentleman has been accused of! According to KK, the setup problems were very similar on his Cup car in practice, lending credence to the fact that recent Evernham performance issues might originate in the shop, rather than between CC’s and drivers. Callers who feel the need to skewer Josh and/or Elliott on Sirius Radio might want to listen a bit more carefully to Ray’s show! May a strong financial partner come along soon!

The Busch race left us famished, so we beat feet back to RV land for an evening with Mr. & Mrs. Lugnut. More gracious hosts don’t exist! Due to the location of our vehicle in relation to both the track and RV lot, they kindly shuttled us to and from our destinations, and treated us to some primo steaks and wonderful spaghetti! Many, many thanks to Phil & Jenell for their kindnesses!

I must admit I wasn’t quite prepared for the cultural spectacle that is the backstretch RV lot! The distinctly Mardi Gras-like atmosphere (complete with bead throwing in exchange for bodacious tatas), made for some of the best people watching ever! Not to be left out, we took advantage of the fact that we were in possession of a number of unused racing waffles, left over from the Trackside cancellation. Now, everyone knows it’s a sin to let a good Eggo go to waste, so we decided to see if the “aero” qualities of the All-American Racing Waffle were all they were cracked up to be!

Tomorrow we’ll get around to Part III – the final chapter in our TMS saga! Stay tuned!

Weekend Break

2007-04-23T09:54:00.000-04:00

TMS Part II is forthcoming! I promise! Had to take a little break over the weekend to travel East and visit the kinfolks. What a treat! It's been quite a while since we've made the trip to Willis to see my parents and my ornery Grandma, and it gave hubby and I an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely drive through the beautiful countryside and to do a little "prowling" for antiques in Brenham and Carmine!

As many of you know, Dave and I are incurable collectors. Our respective major obsessions, Akro Agate glass and Fiestaware are getting scarce in our neck of the woods, so it's a real treat when we BOTH make some good finds! As luck would have it, I managed to snag some vintage stuff (Yellow Fiesta relish base, cobalt covered sugar and teacup), as well as some discontinued Chartreuse & New Cobalt pieces! Alas it looked like we'd once again go home with no Akro for Dave, but as we rounded the corner in a dusty attic shop in Brenham -- there it was! AKRO! PRIMO Akro!! Oxblood & White AND Cobalt & White cig jars, a Yellow Ribbed Flute shallow bowl, AND a green Thumbpot! I know this sounds like jibberish to non-collectors -- but to hubby and I it's pure gold! Picture a couple of fat, middle-aged crazies in matching Sadler T-Shirts running around an antiques store high-fiving and yelling "SCORE!!!!" I'll bet the clientele thought we were referring to racing!! Let 'em wonder!

Tonight, the rest of TMS will be up, along with some pics of our cool finds! Who knows, maybe we can coax more of our NASCAR friends into collecting weird stuff!

Edited to add "loot!"

A Pause to Remember

2007-04-20T11:10:00.000-04:00

While I'm working on TMS - Part II, I wanted to get this up to remember those who lost their lives so senselessly at Virginia Tech. God Bless everyone.

The “Legends” of TMS – Part One

2007-04-18T15:27:00.000-04:00

Well folks, Dave and I survived the Spring TMS weekend! Is there such a concept as “blissful endurance?” If so, that description might be the most apt of all in reference to our most recent racing adventure! Several themes ran through the weekend: Friendship, Reconciliation, Celebration, Good-Natured Mischief, Sheer Insanity and of course………. Weather. We busted a few old myths, added new chapters to our existing “legendary” rivalries, and had one helluva good time! Here’s Part One of the Ballad of TMS!........

We arrived in Cowtown (actually, Lewisville) on Wednesday night. The poor rented Ford (a/k/a “The Belt Sander”) was loaded down with everything but the kitchen sink. Our trip from Austin was quiet and we enjoyed the gorgeous bluebonnets along the way. Our late-winter rains were plentiful and the annual wildflower display is in full swing. Of course the folks at A&M have been busy lately, as we caught sight of many “Maroonbonnets” and “Albinobonnets” outside of Hillsboro. Danged Aggies can’t leave things alone! Where are the Burnt Orange ones???

Thursday was spent playing Airport Shuttle for our little crew of international attendees. First came Robin from Niagara Falls, NY. We warned Robin – “You won’t be able to miss us at the airport!” HAHA! I think it was the bunny ears and the Sacred Racing Waffle that gave us away! Mel made it in next from Edmonton, Alberta (where it’s so cold they plug their cars in at night to keep ‘em warm)! Next was Merri from Las Vegas, NV – our “legendary” former-nemises-turned-buddy, who took one look at the lunatics dispatched to pick her up and promptly made a U-turn! (We captured her nonetheless). Finally, we snagged Alnee from Chesapeake, VA, who was standing at the Airport gate waiting patiently for her ride. “HEY LADY! WANNA WAFFLE???” was all it took to get her attention and we all headed back to the hotel (getting lost in the process and winding up near Texas Stadium! Oops!)

Our first trip to the track came on Friday morning. After picking up our credentials (which included tornado procedure packets – doh!), we headed off to the infield JUST in time to try out our new rain gear! My eternal thanks to Dollar General Stores and their great cheap NASCAR rain ponchos! Once in the infield – the fun began. Picture five women with cameras and one poor “chaperone” (long-suffering hubby Dave) on our semi-annual chocolate & coffee-fueled prowling trip to the NASCAR garage. We managed to score autographs AND hugs from Robert Yates (Merri was right – he gives GREAT hugs), autographs from Ray Evernham (I KNEW I should have brought that goat), Jeff Burton, Dr. Dick Bergeron, Bob Dilner, John Roberts AND got a pic with Cousin Carl (I was tempted to lay into him about that Richmond Busch race, but he was being such a good boy), so I just made my best “Opie” face for the camera!

As the weather turned more ominous, we decided to hoof it out to the RV area to hunt down our other “arch-nemises-turned-co-conspirator” – the Legendary Phil! Luckily, the Lugnut had installed Satellite TV and was happily monitoring the incoming weather. Here in Texas, we ALWAYS monitor weather. 24-Hr. Doppler Radar is a popular channel, and the sight of lots of red, orange and purple accompanied by many spinning “shear” markers didn’t look too good. As we patiently waited for the graphic that indicates predicted path, we managed to coax the Yankees into the RV lest they panic and run for the border. Sure ‘nuf – the red arrow on the screen ran straight through TMS and the sirens started to wail.

For those of you who haven’t been to TMS – it’s a mammoth widespread citadel in the middle of a million acres of flat cow pasture. There is NOWHERE to go in the event of a weather disaster. Folks in the track structure might well find shelter in the bathrooms & tunnel areas, but there’s no sanctuary for the tens of thousands out in the parking lots and camping areas. As I scanned the darkening sky with thousands of metal flagpoles flying overhead, all I could think of was LOOK AT ALL THE LIGHTNING MAGNETS! Fortunately, that telltale “green” sky that typically precedes a tornado hadn’t appeared and within minutes it looked like the entire storm system split DIRECTLY at the track and made end-runs around either side.

We dodged the weather bullet on Friday, and since Trackside was obviously cancelled, we headed back to Lewisville for some Tex-Mex and much needed shuteye. Saturday and Sunday would be BIG days with massive crowds and we needed all the energy we could muster! More on that in the next episode!

Trackside Sadler Fans’ Meet & Greet!

2007-04-10T15:52:00.000-04:00

Well, since Trackside starts at 6 pm on Friday night – and since we have a healthy contingent of Sadler fans planning to attend – what a great place for us to have an unofficial meet & greet!

We’ll be gathering near the Trackside stage around about 5ish depending on Elliott’s qualifying time. Can’t miss us – we’re the ones with the waffles! (had to pick something obvious that would stand out in a crowd)! Those of you who’ve IM’d or emailed me should have my cell #, give me a call or email for a number if you need to!

Before our “meet & greet” though – I’d like to propose a “truce” of sorts. Humor me, here. As everyone knows, Sadler fans are stretched across many friendly - and some NOT so friendly - forums, blogs, IM’s, chat groups, profile sites, etc. As humans do – we form friendships and often bicker, bitch, snipe, dig and gossip about one another. Some have waged full-fledge warfare. We have some SOLID friendships out there, as well as some obviously hurt feelings within our ranks.

For THIS event, dear friends and foes, may we leave ALL baggage in the parking lot, all animosity in the car, all bickering and innuendo at home and all enmity on another planet? Let’s try to find our COMMON denominators as Sadler fans for this one event and save the unpleasantries for another time. Grind the axes elsewhere. None of us get anywhere NEAR enough time with our long-distance friends or at the track – wasting that valuable time on trivial disagreements is NOT how I want to spend these precious 4 days!

We have all the time in the world to battle it out online throughout the season. As I’ve seen, even the most ardent online opponents can become great friends if given a chance. Compromise creates respect, respect spawns understanding, understanding breeds tolerance, and tolerance builds character.

I was gonna post the lyrics to Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” – but I’ve crossed WAAAAY over the Kumbaya limit here and I’m even making MYSELF sick! LOL!

See ya at TMS!

TMS Spring Pilgrimmage Chapter 2 – The Rentathingy

2007-04-06T15:07:00.000-04:00

Lemme start by wishing everyone a happy Good Friday!

I live in a world of 2-seaters. BIG 2 seaters! My dear old Ford pickup – “Big Red” - is a GREAT road-trip buggy! As long as it’s a road trip for two! It has something resembling a back seat, but you’d be hard pressed to do any traveling back there unless you’re a hamster. Storage space – that’s what it is. Covered storage space. Dave’s van is the same. Yeah, it’s a huge Ford Van, but it’s one of those “rolling toolbox” vans with cages, shelves, and racks of power tools. NOT fit for travel – but you could build a town with all the stuff he hides in there!

Soooo – this year we decided to rent a suitable vehicle for the Road Trip to TMS and the various side trips needed to pick up folks & baggage at the airport, dining out, tailgating, etc. Gotta be big enuf to hold our squad of loonies AND all the loonie accessories! We got to have our “stuff” y’know! Carlin would be proud!

Timing is everything in vehicle rental-dom. It’s Texas Relay Weekend in Austin and rental vehicles are scarce as hens’ teeth right now. After several persuasive phone calls, my friendly Enterprise guy was able to locate a ride he alleged would be PERFECT for our trip! One problem, tho – it didn’t meet our most important criteria: it was not RED. Oh well, in the spirit of compromise (and desperation), I relented and took a black one. A couple of well placed #19 stickers will take care of that!

“What is it?” I asked.
“An SUV. It’s called an Edge. Ford makes it.” He replied.
“Never heard of an Edge. What’s it look like?” I inquired.
“Like an Explorer!” said my friendly Enterprise dude.

He lied.

After a half an hour of paperwork, identification, verification, payment, DNA sampling and hair follicle testing, I was given the keys to the Explorer look-alike and directed to the garage for “pre-race inspection.” It was there I got my first glimpse of the Ford Edge.

It looks like a belt sander.

This is one UGLY vehicle. If you took half a coconut shell and stuck four big wagon wheels underneath – you’d have an Edge. NO lines. NO personality. It’s so butt ugly it oughta have hair. What’s worse, it looks EXACTLY like every other soccer-mom, amorphous stagecoach on the road. NOTHING distinguishes it from it’s friends. Except that its uglier.

But it IS a big ‘un. Just the right space inside for all our belongings and buddies. With no choice, I accepted the keys and took temporary possession of the monstrosity. Of course, I had to futz around with all the gadgets inside, adjust the seats and wheel, find the A/C and get acquainted with the interior. Not bad – seats are REALLY comfy. I cranked it. Nothing happened. So I turned the key again. KKHGGGGGGAAARRRRRRZZZB! It was already running. Oops! Pretty quiet motor, huh?! (I could feel the Enterprises dude grimace.) Sheepishly, I managed to creep out of the parking garage into the light of day.

Nice steering, pretty tight turning radius for a brick on wheels. I settled in and thanked the cosmos that at least it didn’t DRIVE as hideously as it looked. Other drivers didn’t seem to be pointing and laughing. OK, I’ll give it a bit of a chance to grow on me. Then it dawned on me – I hadn’t yet checked out the Edge’s most important feature: The STEREO. Had a couple of CD’s in the briefcase. (required for REAL Who fans.) Popped in Who’s Next and let ‘er roll!

Have I told you how much I love the new Ford Edge????

Whatever this contraption lacks in looks – it MORE than makes up for in sound! Like being front, dead center at the Met! AND ----- it’ll crank to 11!!! (Spinal Tap fans will grok)! I’m happy! Elated, even! Got tuneage extrordinaire for the road trip!!! What a GREAT vehicle!!

Soooooo… If you see a bunch of happy lunatics dressed in red Sadler race gear riding in a belt sander on I-35 between Austin and DFW – don’t bother to honk. We won’t hear you!!!!

TMS Spring Pilgrimmage – The Prologue

2007-04-05T13:50:00.000-04:00

It is exactly 7 days until Dave and I begin our semi-annual trek to Dallas Ft. Worth for the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Our twice-annual mecca to mingle with fellow fans, friends, co-conspirators and likeminded loonies. It’s four whole days of race-nirvana! Between Thursday and Sunday, we’ll walk a hundred miles, sweat, freeze, stand in line, sit in shade, dodge crowds, dodge Dodges, hiss at the bad guys, cheer for the good guys and enjoy the company of dear friends we see only a handful of times per year.

Right now, it’s “prep time.” I have moved entire households cross country and it didn’t require the amount of planning and packing as this race trip does! NASCAR fans are the most wardrobe simplistic folk on earth. Give ‘em comfy shoes, a pair of jeans, and a drivers’ T-Shirt & and ice chest and they’re fully outfitted, right?

NOT a chance!!!

I’m packing enough wardrobe to outfit a Broadway production, enough electronic gadgetry to outfit a 3rd World Army, and enough racing/tailgating schwag to open a themed restaurant! I have 3 big Rubbermaid containers filled with hot weather gear, wet weather gear, cool weather gear and I’m now ready for flash floods, mosquitos, blisters, headaches, famine, sunburn, darkness, deafness, heartburn, dry mouth and vitamin deficiency! Communication will NOT be an issue as we will have cell phones, land lines, TV, Satellite, text messaging, wireless internet, hi-speed internet, scanners, LCDs, Direct Connect, Weather Radio, CD Players, Mp3 Players, and a car radio! You want pictures? I have FIVE digital cameras, a camcorder, Digital Video camera, a handful of disposable 35mm’s and a freaking sketchpad!

Speaking of scanners……..

Dave and I sunk megabucks into a scanner setup during the Fall race at TMS. Not satisfied with the NORMAL scanner, my digit-head hubby had to have the model equipped with ALL the doo-dads – 2-way microphones, hookups for 3 of our closest friends, extra antennae, etc. The sweet little white-haired saleslady at the hauler seemed to be a whiz at programming the contraption. 3 simple buttons – enter the frequency code and channel and PRESTO! Audio from your favorite driver! She kindly repeated the instructions and we had NASCAR race control! Looked easy enough – I managed to get a couple more drivers programmed in without too much headscratching and off to the races we went!

Now it’s time to reprogram the scanner for THIS race. I handed the bag to Dave last week and said –

“Here ya go, honey! Can you get this thing ready for TMS?”

“Whaddaya mean, ME?” he replied, “I thought YOU were paying attention to the instructions!”

Yeah, well - that was 5 months ago! I’ve slept since then! I have COMPLETELY forgotten which three buttons the evil old white-haired windbag pushed and it’s NOWHERE in the 1,500 pages of Users Guide written in Taiwanglish that came with the darned thing! Hey, I only use this dadblasted mess a couple of times a year! For gosh sakes, I can’t even program the danged DVR and I use it almost daily! You actually expect me to do things that require 15-digit frequencies after a long winter’s nap? Nonsense!

My usual plan of action when in techno-panic is to bribe our teenage whizkid into handing the issue. Not this time – “I don’t DO radio” was the smug reply. Well hey kid, how ‘bout “I DON’T DO SUPPER?!” Naw….he knows me better than that! Still no programmed scanner.

Sooooooo --- anyone out there a Scanner Programmin’ Guru? Taking a cue from Craigslist barter section:

I HAVE MOSQUITO REPELLANT! YOU HAVE SCANNABILITY?

We’ll see where it goes! More Prologue to TMS as they prep wears on – and my sanity depletes!

Where's the Green?

2007-04-04T13:30:00.000-04:00

Yeah, well...... I'm bored at work and decided to "redecorate" the blog. Bear with me the next few days until I find a "look and feel" we can all live with! I'm a code-idiot. Who knows where the danged title bar will wind up next!

Beatin, Bangin, Rivalry & Competition -- Oh, and then some stuff about racing!

2007-04-02T21:02:00.000-04:00

Those who’ve read my internet offerings over the last year or so know that I’m as much a fan of humanity as I am a fan of racing. Human nature can often be viewed as a spectator (and participatory) sport! The internet provides us with a means of relationship building – and those relationships take on lives of their own (some fruitful and worthwhile, and some not)!

Back in the not too distant past, I engaged VERY unwittingly in a flaming online battle with a particular blogger and his allies who had the unmitigated audacity to post some wicked satire about my favorite driver! Fur flew, alliances formed, fingers pointed and sides were taken. Battles were waged across several message boards and legends were born!

Funny, but I’ve found that the more vehemently I disagree with someone’s ideas – the more likely it is that a kernel of truth exists somewhere in their words. Early in the fray, I recognized that my opponent (while quite opinionated), was in possession of a WEALTH of NASCAR knowledge! “What a shame!” I thought, that this individual (a rare soul who can explain technical issues in lay terms and has seen firsthand the career history of my favorite driver), exists as an island among the disenfranchised Sadler fans – may of whom are crying in the wilderness for REAL racing knowledge!

I’m well versed in the apparent “hotness” of my driver! I need no further enlightenment regarding the “cuteness” of his posterior. He’s young enough to be my kid! What I REALLY want learn is more about the technical issues, the business issues, and the performance issues that affect his team! As much as I enjoy my Fan Club and related message boards, they’re not always educational tools and “damaged relationships” always seem to take precedence over competent teaching. Alas, I had found a “mentor” – but he had royally ticked me off!!!

To make a long story short – we somehow managed to bury the hatchet (and not in anyone’s head) and found that we could get along online without compromising our fierce loyalties. We agree more than we disagree, but don’t worry – we still butt heads now and then. This weekend Dave and I had the delightful opportunity to attend the Texas Racefest with Phil (yes folks – THAT Phil!) and his lovely wife, Jenell. I’m pleased to report that all went well (until he abandoned us after hijacking a golfcart and burned our lunch). OK, enough controversy – now on to:

The TEXAS RACEFEST!

OK, NASCAR has told you, ELLIOTT has told you, now I’M going to tell you: GO TO YOUR LOCAL TRACK!! Take a buddy, load up the ice chest & the tailgating stuff. Take your camera and your Sharpies. Take NOTES, for gosh sakes! It’s everything you wish Cup races were!

The Allstate Texas Racefest is the seasonal inaugural race for the NASCAR WEST Grand National Series. For all intents and purposes, these are Busch cars. NASCAR West has undergone several changes for the ’07 season, including crate-engine and composite body programs. The minimum age for drivers is now 16 and the series serves as a developmental forum for future Busch and Cup hopefuls. The TSRS Late Model Modifieds also raced on Saturday. These are our local racers in the slickest cars I’ve seen in a while! I’m completely ignorant when it comes to the TSRS series racers, but since these guys run every Saturday night at Thunderhill, you can bet I’ll be learning more!

The track is a TIGHT 3/8-mile paved oval – sort of a “NanoRichmond.” Facing torrential rains and possible cancellations, I’m extremely impressed with the promoter, Full Throttle Productions, and track owner Mary Ann Naumann for keeping everything on schedule and dodging the Texas weather bullet. The track is immaculate, seating is plentiful and the tickets and pit passes are VERY reasonably priced. Several hours after a minor mis-communication regarding exactly where we were to pick up our passes, a staff member literally tracked us down in the pit area to make sure we had been properly taken care of! THAT’S customer service!

ALL the drivers were present at a pre-race autograph session that also included Texas Terry Labonte! We left the autograph session with a stack of signed hero cards and the chance to chat with the drivers who may well be the next crop of Busch & Cup rookies! Allstate did an excellent job of sponsoring the event, giving free seat cushions to attendees who entered a raffle for free $300 gasoline cards! One lucky fan got to ride along with “The Iceman” himself for 5 laps.

The racing was PRIMO! The TSRS series cars are fast and the action was riveting. I’ve a lot to learn about this series, but the long green-flag runs and frequent passing made for a exciting race. Needless to say, the NASCAR WEST race was a highlight, featuring lots forceful passing and a slew of yellow flags. A green/white checkered flag was a great finale and I left the track one happy camper (especially since the race was won by a DODGE)! BTW, we FINALLY enticed the teenager and his girlfriend into joining us at a race! I think we have a new addict in the family – he’s already asking how much tickets to TMS cost!!

The post-race inspections made the entire event a learning experience of the first order. Believe it or not – the NASCAR Officials took the time to explain their tools, paperwork, job duties, and even let us get “up-close-and-personal” with the cars going through post race. Several Crew Chiefs had brought carbs to the table for inspections, and they were kind enough to show us how the mounting brackets were removed, and explained the differences in carb bodies, etc. The Officials took the time to show us STEP-BY-STEP how they checked clearances, diameters, and tolerances. We learned about brake cooling systems, jackbolts, rear ends, etc. while watching the actual inspection process. The amount of time these guys spent with a small group of curious fans was more than impressive – and the gratitude they expressed to US for supporting THEM was genuine and heartfelt.

All in all – I learned a some REALLY good lessons about racing AND about human nature; I might gripe about NASCAR Officials AND bloggers – but when you get to know ‘em – they’re really A-OK!

Wireless Fans.....

2007-03-29T21:08:00.000-04:00

From the “Just When You Thought it was Over” department - seems I’m still attending live music events via cell phone! Oh, I’m not complaining, mind you! I think it’s an absolute joy; and as I’ve stated before, taking the time to call and share an event with a friend compromises the “live” attendee’s ability to enjoy the show with hands free and voices raised. An ultimate act of consideration!

Tonight, my dear friend Robin from Niagara Falls, New York is attending a show featuring Eric Church, Miranda Lambert & Dierks Bentley in Rochester, NY. Poor Robin - my bosom NASCAR buddy, my fellow Sadler aficionado and frequent traveler to Austin for spontaneous insanity (i.e., waffles, cheesecake and car parts) -- had to put up with over a month of my musical SXSW- and Who-obsessive behavior and distractions which left me racing-impaired! I tried to share the madness by calling her mid-gig from Rachel Fuller & Pete Townshend’s DirecTV filming – and tonight, she repaid the favor by calling me on HER cell to let me hear a few numbers from Lambert & Bentley live!

We’ve started something……. (Well, sort of!)

You see – the NASCAR bunch did it first! A few months back – during those dark, dreary, and dismal months that stock car fans refer to as the dreaded “off season” -- I got a phone call from Las Vegas, Nevada. At work. Where there are REALLY good speaker phones! I had a bit of advance warning, but it didn’t prepare me for the absolute THRILL of what I heard.

It sounded like this:

“ZZZZZZZZNNNNNNNnnnnnnnnuuuuuuuuu!!!! ZZZZZZZZZNNNNNNNNuuuuuu!!!

IT WAS CARS!!!! Testing at the Las Vegas Track! And not just ANY car, gang, ……… it was MY CAR!!!! The #19!!!! God Bless Merri!!! She took the time to brighten the dark days of offseason with a call to share the music that warms a race-fan’s heart like no other! HORSEPOWER! While Daytona was still weeks away – I felt like the green flag had already dropped and managed to keep my race-starved sanity intact until the real thing came along!

Of course, my co-workers were worried that I had completely lost my mind. “Her speakerphone is making a strange buzzing noise and she’s got tears in her eyes! Whassup with that?” They should have seen me during the Tampa2 Who Encore! (Thanks again, Burton!)

Sooooo – I’ve just realized that I’ll have an opportunity during the next few weekends to repay some precious favors! Thunderhill Raceway (our local 3/8ths mile asphalt) opens its season this weekend, and the BIG one – Texas Motor Speedway is only 15 days away. My phone is charged. Anybody wanna sound bite?

READY! AIM!! BLAME!!!

2007-03-28T15:47:00.000-04:00

Folks in Sadlerville is at it again! The long, long fingers of blame are hunting a target – but it appears that the target keeps moving! Everyone has opinions, speculations, complaints, suggestions and downright remorse over the #19 Team’s performance at Bristol this past Sunday. What a heartbreaking turn of events we witnessed – as once again Elliott Sadler went from front-runner to keep-upper, and we now need a scorecard to keep track of the theories regarding what actually happened – and who is at fault!

I’m surprised at the number of fans who see this as a SINGLE problem, with a SINGLE culprit and a SIMPLE solution. ONE bad guy… ONE problem… and the insatiable urge to point that finger firmly in ONE direction and see the issue resolved by next Sunday. In this case, I’m afraid, we need to point a whole fistful of digits (and perhaps some toes, as well) at many contributing factors. As usual, at some point in the various Sadler camps’ blame games – the only targets actually hit are the fans themselves. We actually blame one another for blaming! Ain’t racin’ grand? Ain’t people funny?

I’m not immune, either! We ARE talking about human emotions here! If we didn’t get self-righteously indignant and hot-headedly vocal about our drivers’ (lack of) results – all our posts would look like this:

“The UAW Dodge Dealers’ Dodge Avenger failed to achieve the results desired this week. We shall endeavor to persevere.”

Or……

“I’m SOOOOOOOOO happy that we didn’t come in 28th!!!!!!”

Or……

“Drat.”

Sooooooo….. for the record, I think it’s a little bit the driver’s fault, a little bit the crew chief’s fault, a little bit the Team Owner’s fault, a little bit the pit crew’s fault, a little bit the COT’s fault, a little bit Brian France’s fault, a little bit of Bristol’s fault, a little bit of Goodyears’ fault; and a WHOLE lot of racin’s fault!!!! I’m hoping that this week, we get straighter rims, a track that allows some passing, a driver who’s LONG recovered from the flu, a Crew Chief who understands his driver (and vice versa), an owner who has spent some quality time with his progeny discussing improvement, and an audio feed that doesn’t leave a huge gaggle of opinionated fans without anything to base their speculation on during the crucial parts of the race!

In the meantime, I’m going to practice a little old-fashioned cockeyed optimism and rejoice in the fact that EMS seems to have REALLY great motors (for the #19, anyway) this year, Elliott didn’t drop in the points order, he didn’t seem to be a fish-out-of-water in the COT, he’s had NO DNF’s! And most importantly:

Finishing 27th didn’t make him a BIT uglier!!

(now I’ll get some blame for THAT comment, for sure!)

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT……..(but not really):

When disappointments occur, as they often do in any fan-based endeavor, it’s nice to see an online community rally to the support of those less-fortunate. This past week, I’ve been witness to some of the most INCREDIBLE camaraderie I’ve ever witnessed from a group of message-board/forum members. Yup – the Who-heads strike again.

The Who had to cancel a couple of U.S. gigs last week due to Roger Daltrey’s serious bout with a viral infection and resulting dehydration. The first was in Tampa, where several of our group traveled for a semi-official get-together, only to do an about-face and return home when the show was stopped mere moments into the 1st song. So many people expended time and money making the trip to Tampa – including several younger fans who had never seen the band live, and who had chances to meet Pete & Roger for the first time. (Race fans: Imagine the disappointment if you had traveled across the country to a race, had VIP seats & hot passes, only to have Elliott get sick and the race rain out 2 laps in!)

Instead of moaning, wailing, and gnashing of teeth – WhoTour forum members rallied around their fellow fans and provided the most sincere encouragement and moral support I’ve ever seen! The “tribe” managed (for the most part) to help each other re-group after SXSW and make the trip BACK to Tampa a week later and in return they provided those of us at home with the most incredible concert experience imaginable short of being there in person!

Each “live” attendee used cell phones, cell cameras, blackberries, etc., to stay in constant touch with those of us on the board, posting photos and a running commentary of the 2 final shows on the U.S. Tour, and took the time to call us on the phone during key songs so we could listen “live” to our band make their farewells to the US. They obtained setlists in advance so we could “cyber-synch” our experience with our own recordings of recent live gigs. We even got to share in the exuberance of Michelle getting a hug from Roger – AT LAST!! (high drool-factor!)

I recently learned how hard it is to really ENJOY a show while fiddling with cameras, cellphone, etc. You have to watch the show through a camera lens, you can’t “boogie” around lest you take shaky pics, and you certainly can’t “whoop and holler” or you’ll drown out the sound you’re trying to capture!! In a complete act of unselfishness – Burton Anderson called me on his cell at the beginning of the FINAL ENCORE of Tommy and let me hear the BIG farewell all the way from “Captain Walker” to “Listening to You!” Now THAT’S a case for sainthood, right there! Thank you from the bottom of my heart Burton!!!! That absolutely ROCKED!!

The Sounds of Sadler!

2007-03-23T10:47:00.000-04:00

Well, I’ve waxed musical for a good bit – time to get back to hashing over the Holy Oval. No lack of “material” in the NASCAR world of late! Having spent a week or so hanging out in person with my OTHER group of online buddies (Who-heads, Attic-addicts, Bumpband-buds, Baba-brethren), I’ve noticed many similarities between the online communities that seem to spring up where and whenever a message board, blog, and a celebrity is involved! As diametrically opposed as intellectual/spiritual British rock-n-roll and American stock car racing appear to be – the FANS are much the same. As much of Pete’s work of late reflects the desire to see CONSTRUCTIVE relationships between fans and artists – it stresses equally the importance of the development of HEALTHY relationships between the fans themselves (that’s US, gang!) You can’t weave a complete tapestry with all warp and no weft, now can ya? I’m a lucky gal to have such delightfully engaging and spontaneous friends in TWO disciplines!

OK, nuf philosophy – let’s talk about Sadler!

Once again, technology has given us perhaps a bit TOO MUCH contact with our driver. No longer faced with having to “vote” each week for the privilege of listening to raceday radio contact between driver, spotter and crew chief – we have now have Raceview, Trackpass, DirectTV and other services beaming audio into our heads each Sunday. No longer satisfied with armchair critiquing what we SEE – we have now become experts at shooting holes in what we HEAR! Consquently, folks have been lambasting the communication skills of the #19’s driver AND crew chief – and the justifications run rampant!

Where do I sit? Simple answer here: I have no freaking idea! LOL!

What am I hearing? To a casual listener (i.e., NOT an insider) – sounds to me like decisions on adjustments might be a bit vague and unfruitful. Sounds like Sadler is giving good information AT FIRST, but when adjustments fail to correct the problems he describes – he becomes frustrated and blows off steam with such things as “you’ve killed the car!” (NOT a succinct description – but then again, I don’t think it’s MEANT to be)! I hear Josh “mulling” over changes out loud, asking Sadler his opinion in many cases – usually when Sadler “has his hands full” trying to control an unruly car. Is this a good time for him to mentally diagnose the car? I doubt it.

BUT…..

Josh Browne has CC’d exactly TWO races this season after returning from his controversial suspension. Prior to that, we had Mr. Evernham himself (who had NOT CC’d a race in a month of Sundays). Is it too soon to level blame after 4 races? Perhaps. Have they had time to “get their communication” roles straightened out? One would think so, now wouldn’t one.

On the other hand, we have folks out there in the cyber-ether who have been privvy to radio convos between Sadler and his assorted CC’s for several YEARS. Some report that they are NOT hearing anything new. That Elliott has worked with CC’s who are able to be decisive, respond with quick changes, and take charge. The result? Loose in, tight in the middle, loose out.

I think it will take a bit more time to tell. In the meantime – I can manage to keep myself from NASCAR nervous breakdown by rejoicing in the fact that Elliott has managed NOT to DNF, that he’s stayed OUT of big ones, that he’s sitting “respectably” in the points standings – far above his team mates and OTHER “biggies” on the track who have found themselves in the garage early on. “Attababy’s” help my racing mental state, too! We’ve had some good Attababys even tho we’ve complained about the other conversations. Nothing has happened yet that makes me give up on the season – BUT…..

This weekend is Bristol. Will the COT be a plus or a minus for the #19? Will we be calling it the “Car of Tomorrow” or “Clusterf$%#$ of Today” come Monday? THAT’S the $64 question!

SXSW Pics

2007-03-19T21:48:00.000-04:00

Here's the visual evidence!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7343066@N05/

Enjoy!

SXSW - The Last Day (maybe)

2007-03-19T21:32:00.000-04:00

Springtime in Austin typically lasts 3 days. We go from TOO hot to TOO cold – but we DO get about 3 absolutely PERFECT weather days each year. Saturday was one of them! The Rajiworld party was held at “The Nest” – a small venue attached to Big Red Sun. Potted Rosemary plants lined the stage creating an aromatherapy experience each time a breeze would come by! Dave and I arrived a tad early to stake out a place to throw down the blanket and got a peachy spot by the stage. As if it couldn’t get any better, my son Charlie and his “girlfriend du jour” Ashley were able to drive up from Houston to join us. How can ya beat a day long music fest with the family in tow!

The catered food was wonderful! The "bizarre moment" of the day occured when Dave and I went to get an organic taco and were approached by Michael Des Barres who highly recommended the Pomegranite Lemonade! OKAY! Kinda like Carrie Nation recommending the Zinfandel with a Black Jack chaser! (BTW, Michael was right -- the stuff was delicious)! Pamela Des Barres MC'd most of the acts on stage -- I can't tell ya how many times I wanted to trade lives with her in the 70's!! She's an entire first-hand TGOM database of rock-n-roll! (NASCAR buddies will get that one)!

Sooooo many great artists! I’m sure I’ll miss a few but here goes…… AJ Croce opened with some INCREDIBLE ragtime/jazz piano! (no, he doesn't sound like his Dad) -- he's better! Next up was Billy Harvey who accompanied himself with some sophisticated instant recording equipment! My son, a budding musician himself, expressed an interest in obtaining whatever Harvey was using – and my checkbook cried out in pain at the thought! Danged if I can remember the name of the next singer/songwriter – he’s a new addition to Roggie’s group of artists and brought back memories of folk festivals in the 70’s!

The next artist was a complete surprise -- James McMurtry! And to hear “We Can’t Make It Here Anymore” live got my blood boiling and “Choctaw Bingo” was pure boogie heaven! I’ve met an Uncle Slayton or two back in New Caney in tha day!! James was followed by a wonderful blues wailer – Nakia, who reminded me of Joe Cocker. Chapparal from the Broken Spoke was up next, followed by the Hacienda Brothers who did a great version of the Box Tops “Cry Like a Baby.” Next up was Friends of Dean Martinez, who play some VERY trippy guitar instrumental. I looked around at one point and 99% of the audience was swaying back and forth with really blank expressions! LOL!

Next it was time for the Mother Truckers!! Our very own Continental Club kids! I rarely see my hubby get excited about a band, but I think the MT’s did the trick! We’ll be at the Continential on Thursdays from now on! Especially since Nakia will be playing this week with them!

Next was our buddy Ian McLagan & the wonderful Bump Band! Mac explained that he was playing on a borrowed keyboard, as he had managed to bring his own but left a crucial patch cord at home! Suddenly I didn’t feel as stupid for leaving my cell phone at home on Wednesday – thanks, Mac. Danged cords & cables!! The Bumps played an an impeccable set and managed to pull off “Kutchy Rye” without “HIM” (their special guest guitarist from Wednesday night LOL!) – and what a kick ass version it was! Always a treat to see Mac, Mark, Scrappy Judd & Don play!

The final act was Skyrocket with Kathy Valentine from the Go-Go’s. What a time warp! Interestingly, in the middle of the gig my wonderful hubby revealed that he went to school with Kathy! They got to say Hi after the gig!

What a great day – and such a treat to have all the bloggers together in a more relaxed environment. Burton & Colleen can certainly “cut a rug” – and I’ve got video to prove it (small, unmarked bills will be fine, guys). Thanks to Burton for fetching refreshments for all and for being a real peach all week! We had a great “meet & greet” with Mac afterward, and I finally scored a signed copy of “All The Rage” which I’m devouring – especially since I now understand why the ducks were being “nice.” LOL! Somehow, I wound up with Tana’s camera in my bag, but that merely gives us an excuse to get together again soon and swap stories (and perhaps make some new ones)!

Hopefully, Roger will heal quickly and the band can reschedule San Antonio so we can add a few postscripts to our SXSW stories! It’s hard to complain about a cancellation, especially since Roger’s health is much more important than a gig – AND – since we had such wonderful music to surround ourselves with for a week! I’ll try not to pitch too much of a fit if they don’t reschedule (who am I kiddin – I’ll have a yeller-cat conniption. A short one.) Pete, Rog….. for my hubby’s sake, reschedule San Antone!! He’s the one who has to live with me if I miss out on a gig! LOL!

Thanks to all who came to Austin to visit! It’s so nice to put faces with names and avatars! Take care, all! And stay in touch!

(now….back to my regularly schedule bitching about NASCAR!) THREE WEEKS TIL TMS!!

SXSW - Day Three!

2007-03-19T20:17:00.001-04:00

Somebody should figure out a way to get paid for being a fan. If wealth equaled admiration, I’d be a bazillionaire! Oh, well….. I started the day at work, desperately trying to concentrate on the mundane while music was playing mere blocks away. Three o’clock couldn’t arrive soon enough, but at last I was out the door! (and remembered to bring my cell phone this time - incommunicado no more)!

I had made it only a block when I caught a familiar tune! The Seeker! Apparently, Friends Club was hosting Townshend Rewind – a gathering of bands playing Pete & Who tunes. Of course I had to pop in for a listen, and the band did an excellent job. The band that followed promised to be interesting, mainly due to the distinctive bass backing track they were sound checking. If they ever have a “Who Name That Tune” show – I’ll win. I can peg ‘Eminence Front’ in 1 note! Alas, the band elected to rap to the song. I’m old and crotchety and can’t do rap music for very long, so off down the road to the Muzak tent party I went! I’m a purist – HA!

The Muzak folks were as accommodating as could be – and I was able to stake a claim at a table near the tent entrance. Good thing, too – as the caterers arrived with the chow the lines and crowds thickened! Was soon joined by Cathy, Colleen, Lauren, June, Brandi, LJ, Tana & our chaperone Burton (who STILL cannot wipe the silly grin off his face from the La Zona Rosa meet up)! We managed to snag some great Tex Mex before it was all gone and had plenty of time to chat and complain about the sudden weather change – it got chilly and really breezy!

The cosmos smiled on us once again, as we were able to enjoy Rachel’s set from the very front row! Blessings and thanks to Burton who managed to secure chairs for all of us (who are still recovering from non-sensible shoes from 2 days before). To say that Rach was stunning is a supreme understatement. Wearing an elegant green velvet ensemble (and me in a Who T-Shirt and my trademark goofy cowboy hat – Oh my! – I’ve violated some international fashion laws again – I just know it!) We were treated to Cigarettes & Housework, Sir Walter Raleigh, Pleasure Seeker, Blue and Motherf*&%er. (which is now stubbornly stuck in my head – I’ll be in trouble for humming THAT one under my breath at work this week)! Pete joined Rachel for Sunrise – pure joy to watch those two perform together. W e managed to present Rachel with a ‘signed sign’ (Department of Redundancy Department). Tana, Burton and I hung around after the set and managed to “run into” Pete & Rachel at their limo for a few quick thanks before the DirectTV filming.

Attending the DirectTV gig was much like going to watch Trackside (my NASCAR buds will grok that) – except that seeing Rachel in her resplendent velvet against a backdrop of Armadillos, beer ads, barbed wire and neon was downright surreal! She repeated her set, but after confessing to us at the Muzak party that she wouldn’t be able to swear on live TV we were surprised when the cameras broke away and she repeated MF! (which is now indelibly burned in my brain and is certain to come out of my mouth at an inopportune moment at work this week – but they deserve it)! Martha Wainwright joined Pete & Rachel for “Factory” and the gig finished off with Rachel OUT from behind the piano!

What an incredible night! I had to take my leave after the filming because I had to be at work at 6:00 am the next morning! (SXSW is “hell week” in the Parking biz and it’s also flu season! – we’re shorthanded!). Made it home before I turned into a pumpkin and fell asleep humming “MotherfuY**&$”! Hubby Dave thinks I’ve lost it!

SXSW - DAYS 2, 3, & 4

2007-03-18T21:12:00.000-04:00

It's hell to get old! My habit of shufflin' off to bed at 11-ish was broken bigtime this week! I'm one tired unit, but as blissfully happy as can be after 4 days of incredible music and wonderful friends. I fully intended to blog each day before retiring, but the universe conspired to have me work during the festival and I had to show up at the butt-crack of dawn. Hence, I hit the hay each night and will catch up on SXSW all at once! Here goes:

SXSW - Day Two!

I started the day with a Senior moment! Left the cellphone plugged in and charging away at home! Lot of good it did me there! First (and only) stop for the day was one near and dear to my heart - Roky Erickson's Psychedelic Ice Cream Social at Threadgills. This is the fifth annual Social and each one gets better - musically and spiritually! The weather was absolutely perfect and the vibe incredible!

This year, the Social honored those who have survived Electroshock "Therapy" (an oxymoron if I ever heard one). I would urge everyone to investigate for themselves and to form your own opinions, but it's obvious now that the State of Texas has gained a reputation for using agressive ECT to involuntarily "control" those it considered unruly, particularly in the 60's & 70's. Testimony from such visionaries as Michelle Shocked, Jim Franklin, Jack Blood and Leonard Roy Frank reveal the frightening truths about the use of ECT, and a concerted effort to prohibit it's continued use as a treatment methodology in Austin is underway. Roky's story of ECT survival is well known, but here are a few links for those who want to investigate and learn more about ECT and Roky's story.

http://www.endofshock.com/

http://thehighgroove.yuku.com/topic/354

Sumner Erickson (Roky's youngest brother, former guardian, and de factor savior) opened the event. Sumner was followed by JT VanZandt (who is the spittin image of his late father - and extremely talented in his own right). Next up was Robyn Hitchcock (who I now recognize and no longer mistake for Nick Lowe) with Peter Buck. I must admit I've not paid sufficient attention to Robyn's career after the Egyptians, but after listening to his amazing lyrics and VERY esoteric stage banter, I'm off to iTunes to download! He reminds me much of Frank Zappa but with a beautiful voice!

Tommy X Hancock was up next! Half expecting a tent-revival, gospel tune or two from the kindly looking old white-haired cowboy, we were treated to a rousing version of "God Will F&*(K You Up!" OKAY! Moving right along....... (it was hilarious, tho).

Powell St. John was a highlight of my whole week! Powell wrote many of the early 13th Floor Elevators songs and was the man who convinced a shy, homely Janis Joplin to take a trip to North Austin one day to play at Kenneth Threadgill's honkey tonk. Powell wrote "Bye Bye Baby" for Janis, and shared it's origins with the audience -- he had written it after a break up with his girlfriend. He performed "Kingdom of Heaven" and I've still got goosebumps! He was nice enough to chat with me for a bit after his set, and I scored an autographed CD that I'll treasure.

Michelle Shocked was teriffic, but went into a rant about audience members taking pictures during her set. She turned her back on the audience and sang over her shoulder - refusing to turn back around until all the cameras were put away. OK, she has a good point - but I think a benefit/celebration is probably not the best place to lecture about the evils of bootlegging. The whole episode reminded me of Pete's recent blog comments regarding the willingness to play without recompense. Recording devices - digital cameras and recorders are as common as air nowdays -- and not everyone who is taking pic intends to violate copyright. Some just want memories and today's technology makes it possible. Michelle finally put the soap box away eventually, and her "Anchored Down in Anchorage" had everyone on their feet.

Although I'd heard the name of the next band -- Spoon -- I had never taken the time to learn much about them or have a listen. OMG. These kids are incredible! Funny, I have to chuckle whenever I see a young musician using feedback to create a soundscape. "Wonder where THAT technique came from???" heh heh. These kids do the founder proud!

Sumner again took the stage at dusk to introduce a new song - "It Burns My Eyes" and was accompanied by the kids from Families Rock (who did incredible jobs working the event -- everything from the ice cream booth to t-shirt sales & security! All done by adolescents and elementary schoolers! It was like having miniature roadies everywhere and they took their jobs seriously!) Can't wait until a new CD is available!

Finally -- it was time for the man himself. For the first time in years, Roky is free of guardianship, is completely off meds, and I swear he gets younger every time I see him! Watching Roky perform is like having a ringside seat to a resurrection. He's making more eye contact with the audience, he's "be-boppin" on stage instead of standing still, and his voice is better than ever! No more "squeaky" versions of Starry Eyes and 2-Headed Dog! The famous "yeeeeowllll" during You're Gonna Miss Me is downright Daltrey-esque! (and I couldn't help thinking about having Roky sit in for Roger if he doesn't feel better soon....grin).

Roky's set left me drained, but happy as a pig in you-know-what! As if things couldn't get any better, while standing in line to say Hi, I noticed a lanky, grey haired cowboy sitting off to the side and wearing an original Elevators logo tank top. It was John Ike Walton -- The Elevators original drummer. What a treat to finally get to thank him for Psychedelic Sounds!!!

OK, gang -- 2 more days to blog about, but it's late and I need to START trying to catch up on my shut eye. I'll finish up days 3 and 4 tomorrow, and then we'll get back to talking about my OTHER obsession:

LEFT TURN, LEFT TURN, LEFT TURN, LEFT TURN!!

SXSW - Day One!!

2007-03-15T13:11:00.000-04:00

Oh Yeah! I'm a happy camper! Day One of SXSW Music was sublime!

We had a drizzly, misty rain/fog most of the day that kept the temps on the cool side but all cleared out and this morning is bright, sunny and crisp! Bout time! Cathy & Colleen arrived safely and after a nickel tour of the area they were on their way to register for the conference.

I had to make a quick trip home to change out of my work duds (jeans & Entwistle T-Shirt) and into something a little less fashion disasterous (lest I should run into Rachel and be forever labeled a wardrobe catastrophe). Rach, dear... I've done my homework and have watched your Fashion Tips video! See, I'm a good blogger! Armed with knowledge, I selected "the little black dress" and began looking for just the right "fitted jacket" to create the illusion of a waist. (actually, I've already created that illusion -- I went looking for my waist and found three of 'em). Alas, the best pic of jackets was a bright yellow one -- so I called Tana and told her I'd be easy to spot: "Look for the fat bumble bee." Must have worked! We met up at the Hilton and took off to prowl the Keynote Address!

Alas, no Platinum badges or wristbands for this event. I'm "bisessive" -- I have a NASCAR jones to satisfy as well as a 35+ year Who habit to feed, so my dinero went long ago for good tickets to Texas Motor Speedway in April and The Who in San Antonio next week! $600 for those badges is a tad steep when you' re only interested in seeing a choice few at the Festival. BTW, folks – I can’t begin to yell ya how much fun racing is when you’re a Who-o-phile! And vice versa. I’ll “compare and contrast” at some point in the future. Suffice to say I think we can ace the “World Domination” thing – we’ll just call in all my crazy NASCAR girlfriends and Presto!

The Keynote was in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton and kindly volunteers must have taken pity on the two middle-aged gals oooo-ing and ah-ing whenever the doors opened to let us have a peek. We got peach spots and a friendly volunteer to prop open the door so we were able to catch chunks of the interview. Whatever did we do before Jumbotrons!? Oh, yeah….. I didn’t need glasses then! DOH!

Talk about senior moments! As we were heading out, we spotted a VERY familiar face! “Isn’t that…..?” Suddenly it dawned on me! NICK LOWE! Thank God we avoided a total faux-pas and checked with one of the journalists standing nearby – because is was Robyn Hitchcock! Oops. See what age and failing eyesight will do to ya? (OK, they do look VERY similar!) Anyway, we worked up the nerve to get a pic with Robyn-who-isn’t-Nick! Nice guy!

Then off to the Convention Center for the Austin Music Awards! The wrong end of the Convention Center! We wound up walking for blocks past the Interactive folks (gaming geeks), the Tradeshow (sales geeks), the Flatstock show (poster geeks), before finally arriving at the music awards (music peeps)! Chatted a bit with Henry Gonzalez & Jim Franklin, Austin Poster Artists extrordinaire, before catching up with Cathy & Colleen. After watching a few awards and a few numbers by Michelle Shocked and the Unstrung Heroes of Texana we took a break to go outside and puff, deciding to make our re-entry on the RIGHT side of the stage where the crowds were much thinner. As we staked our claim, we got a text message from Lynne that the “rumor” was confirmed! Pete would play! (can I get a YEE HAW?)
My wonderful hubby gifted me with a video camera for Christmas. I am a techno-doofus and the worlds’ WORST photographer! Now I can take horrible MOVING photographs of barely discernable folks in bad lighting – all while recording he sound of my own voice chattering away and drowning out whatever I’m aiming at! (I forget the damn thing has SOUND). Don’t worry, my NASCAR photography ain’t much better – I have oodles of pics of the last 3” of a LOT of famous cars! Anyhow – I’ll post a linky to the video tonight so you can laugh at my “shaky hands.”

Pete was GR-REAT!! Hand seemed to be pretty much healed, although he “strummed” more than he picked. Not much jumping (even with new shoes), but he rocked nonetheless! Our great position paid off, as we were both able to make our way to the front for the 2nd song! My racing buds would call this “GREAT track position!” I agree!
Today we’re off to Roky Erickson’s Psychedelic Ice Cream Social! I’m in my sensible shoes, obligatory Jagmo Roky T-Shirt and comfy beat-up jeans! A fashion disaster of the first order, Rach! If you run into me today – take Tana’s word for it – I make a pretty good bumble bee!
Stay tuned!

Y'all Come On Down - SXSW Bloggers & Fans Get Togethers

2007-03-07T09:45:00.000-05:00

Greetins' Children! Can I get a YEEEE HAW???? OK, here's the skinny! I'll post whatever SXSW info I can on here to help us all connect with one another during the fest & concert. Feel free to email/comment/IM/carrier pigeon me with any additions, suggestions, ideas, questions or such! We'll keep this post as a "WORK IN PROGRESS" and update as info comes in! I'll add more maps & stuff tonight! Stay tuned -- it's gonna be a BUSY week!

NOTE: I'll post updates at the bottom, so scroll down to get the lastest & greatest!

BLOGGER/FAN GET TOGETHER:

Looks like our "official" SXSW ITA Blogger/Pete/Rach/Who Fan get together will be at the Rajiworld+1 Party at Big Red Sun on Saturday, March 17th! We plan to meet up between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm. No Badges/Wristbands or RSVPs needed -- it's open to everyone!

Big Red Sun Link: http://upcoming.org/event/155699/ (yes, it's also a COOL plant nursery)! It's an outdoor venue and they'll have nice comfy mats to sit on but feel free to bring your own blankie or folding chair. Food & refreshments are definitely available, but you may bring your own bottled water (i.e., they won't "confiscate" your liquids at the gate like some other events here do)! There's a $10 suggested donation at the door! I'm working on parking for this -- currently have a lot available about 3 blocks away but I'm trying to arrange something closer. Stay tuned.

Of course, the highlight will be Ian McLagan & The Bump Band! A MUST SEE for all "spiritual boys & girls"!! I'd suggest making as many of the Bumps' gigs as your schedule will permit. More info on Mac & The Bumps below, but here's the party info:

Saturday, March 17 - Big Red Sun (Bumps 7:30pm) - No wristbands/badges required. Rajiworld +1 party (3-9 pm) 1102 E Cesar Chavez Street Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with us! Featuring performances by Adam Carroll, A.J. Croce, Billy Harvey, Hacienda Brothers, Jeff Hughes & Chaparral, The Mother Truckers, Nakia, Miss. Pamela Des Barres, Skyrocket featuring Kathy Valentine, and our very own Ian McLagan & the Bump Band. Come on down! Stick around for a special meet & greet session with Mac following the Bump set! For party news and updates visit Rajiworld.com. $10 donation to benefit GENaustin. !

SXSW FESTIVAL EVENTS:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14TH....

- Pete's Keynote Address: Wednesday, March 14 @ 6:30 pm. - *BADGES ONLY* http://2007.sxsw.com/music/conference/panels_schedule/?action=show&id=MP060150
Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom - corner of 4th St. & Nueces. Line up early. FREE PARKING reserved for you at Valet Garage @ 5th & Brazos. Contact ME FOR A PASS!

- Austin Music Awards: Wednesday, March 14 @ 8:00 pm. Convention Center - Ballroom A - * OPEN TO THE PUBLIC* advance tix available for $15 at, $20 at the door. Bump Band performs at 9:20pm. This year’s show will feature performances by Bobby Whitlock and CoCo Carmel with Stephen Bruton; Barbara Kooyman and the Unstrung Heroes of Texamericana with Carrie Rodriguez and Michelle Shocked; Ian McLagan and the Bump Band and more. There will also be an appearance by Six Strings Down: the Clifford Antone Tribute with Jimmie Vaughan, Derek O’Brien, Gary Clark Jr. and more. SXSW badges and wristbands include entry into the show at the Austin Music Hall. Same parking info as above. THIS is a great place to meet up, gang -- a veritable Who's Who of Texas music will be there!

http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/sxswreports/entries/2007/02/22/austin_music_aw_1.html

THURSDAY, MARCH 15TH:

- The 5th Annual Roky Erickson Psychedelic Ice Cream Social - * OPEN TO THE PUBLIC* - Thursday, March 15th, 2007 2:00 PM (DOORS) to 8:00 PM, Threadgills World Headquarters - 301 W Riverside Dr, Austin, 78704 - (512) 472-9304. www.threadgills.com - The Roky Erickson Trust presents: ROKY ERICKSON and The Explosives, Spoon, Robyn Hitchcock and Peter Buck, Michelle Shocked, Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai, Tommy X Hancock, Black Lips, Powell St. John, J. T. Van Zandt & Sumner Erickson of The Texcentrics - Tickets available at http://www.frontgatetickets.com/ and at Threadgills WHQ. $20.00 General Admission and children 12 and under Free with an adult. This year's event celebrates electroshock survivors.

OK, Who-o-Philes..... DON'T MISS THIS. Roky's story & music is guaranteed to raise the little hairs on the backs of ANY Townshend aficionado's neck! The "godfather" of psychedelic rock and the man who taught Janis how to wail went kind of "deaf, dumb & blind" for many years -- but he broke the mirror and has come back with some REALLY neat stuff for us (like a "prequel/sequel" to Tommy written in 1967!?). Come and witness a REAL resurrection (and eat some REALLY good meatloaf at Threadgills)!

- Rachel Fuller w/Special Guests - *BADGES/WRISTBANDS ONLY* - (and Gen. Pub. if ANY room is left over. Yeah, right). Thursday, March 15th, 6:00 pm. La Zona Rosa - 612 W. 4th Street Austin, TX 78701. And I don't care IF they required badges, wristbands, blood samples, DNA, etc. I'll be sittin with you guys in the parking lot! ARRIVE EARLY for this one! Parking available at the Valet Garage listed above, but CONTACT ME FOR A PASS!

- Ian McLagan & The Bump Band - Thursday, March 15 - Lucky Lounge (8pm) - ** FREE! No wristbands/badges required.** 209-A West 5th Street Four guys walk into a bar... Join us for 'Happy Hour' with the Bump Band.

*NOTE: Special late set for SXSW week only from 8-10pm. Thursday, March 15 - Whiskey Bar (1am)Official SXSW/Rajiworld showcase 303 W. 5th Street

FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH:

-Rachel Fuller @ SXSW Live - Friday, March 16th, 10:00 pm - Lone Start Lounge area at Austin Convention Center. *COMPLEMENTARY TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL FESTIVAL ATTENDEES AND GENERAL PUBLIC - SPACE PERMITTING* - (which means line up early). These 40-minute performances are being filmed for broadcast on DirectTV - so check your local listings!!

- South By Bookstore signing with Ian McLagan - Friday, March 16 - SXSW Trade Show Events Austin Convention Center, Trade Show & Exhibition 500 East Cesar Chavez South By Bookstore signing with Ian McLagan (2pm) Mac will be meetin', greetin' and signin' copies of his highly acclaimed CD, Spiritual Boy, An Appreciation of Ronnie Lane and his rock 'n' roll biography, All The Rage. Don't miss out! Hosted by Barnes & Noble. (No info on whether this is Gen. Public or not....)

- MUZAK North by Tent Party w/Rachel Fuller - Brush Square Park, 5th St. @ Neches - Free margaritas & taco bar - bring a blankie and sit on the grass! Also featuring The Alternate Routes, The Hot IQs, Scott McCurry, Andy Zipf, and Sarah Marince. This is an RSVP event -- go to www.muzak.com/sxsw and email a "RSVP". They'll email you back a canned message saying you've been added to the list. Whether that's good enough to get you in without out a badge is anyone's guess, but I'm printing out a copy to take with just in case! We'll see! (BTW, stop by the park and gander at the Susanah Dickinson house - Dickinson was one of the few survivors of the Battle of the Alamo and the person who delivered the news of the Texan army’s defeat to General Sam Houston).

TUESDAY, MARCH 20TH:

- The Who @ AT&T Center - San Antonio, By-God, Texas! - Still workin on our pre- & post-concert get togethers on this one! Stay tuned!

OTHER GOOD STUFF:

Here's a link to Ian McLagan's site -- compliments of Lynne. I'm working on getting the teenager to pop a linky in here to purchase Mac's great CD "Spritual Boy" -- a Tribute to the late Ronnie Lane. Stay tuned as we get more Mac & Bump Band info!

http://www.ianmclagan.com/news

WEATHER & WARDROBE:

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?CityName=Austin&state=TX&site=ewx

Austin weather is unpredictable, but best plan to bring light jackets sweaters for cool mornings & plan on hot afternoons. For those waiting in lines -- a small umbrella will give you respite from the sun (or unexpected cloudburst). Be sure to bring something to keep hydrated - one of those bottles on a lanyard will do ya. A plastic poncho in a packet (Wally World) is a good idea - rain is always possible and they make great groundcloths to sit on in a pinch. While you're stocking up, try to find some mosquito repellant towellettes. (cans of spray are a pain to carry around). Sunglasses are a must! I have loads of folding canvas chairs to share for those who are going to be queueing up for stuff! You can pick them up at the Valet Garage at 5th & Brazos! Be sure to contact me in advance for your parking passes and maps, directions & times!

Tonight I'll post some more helpful info for Austin-bound travelers and a few "must see's" for while you're here! In the meantime, be sure to let me know what I need to add here eventwise or otherwise!

Onward through the Fog!!

UPDATES: 3/8/07!!!

Trying to get info on the Tom Wright book release party, but seems this is a private event, not necessarily associated with the festival. I'll keep sniffin around for info! Stay tuned.

Amazingly, Tom donated his collection to the UT American History Museum -- you can actually view the materials at the campus.

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/00033/cah-00033.html

Ann Margaret will be accepting the Texas Film Hall of Fame Award on Friday, March 9th at Austin Studios! Beans anyone? http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A453501

UPDATES: MARCH 13, 2007!

Yup -- it's raining! The forecast new calls for it to clear out by Wednesday afternoon, leaving a nice cool weekend in store. Lows in the 50's and highs in the 60's to 70's. Light jackets are a must and some those plastic groundcloths (a/k/a cheap rain ponchos) will come in handy. The rain is a GOOD thing! It's washing away all the pollen that has had Austinites sneezing for weeks! No fear -- the weather will cooperate! (hope hope hope)!

PARKING: I will be at the Valet Garage located on 5th St. between Congress & Brazos, tomorrow from about 11:00 am til 4-ish! (If you are heading NORTH on Congress - toward the Capitol - turn RIGHT on 5th Street and you'll see the Valet Garage immediately on the left. I'll have supplies on hand (umbrellas, folding chairs, etc.) so no need to bring those with you. If you need to park after 4-ish -- contact me via email or IM me so I can leave you a pass! This garage is convenient to the Convention Center, Hilton, 6th Street & the Lucky Lounge/Whisly Bar. Get with me on Wednesday, or email me if you need parking passes for Thursday and Friday nights! We also have a few lockers at the Valet lounge if you need to lock up any belongings (souvenirs, goodie bags, shopping loot) so you don't have to carry stuff all day.

PARKING FOR THE ICE CREAM SOCIAL: On Thursday will be non-existent! Park at the Valet garage and take one of the free "dillo" trolleys across the bridge to Threadgills!

DIRECT TV will be airing Rachel's performance AND Pete's keynote address on Channel 101 LIVE. Set your TiVO's NOW!!

BLOGGER PARTY ON SATURDAY: Taking a cue from my NASCAR buddiess -- we're hoisting a "flag" to mark our spot! When you arrive at Big Red Sun -- just look for the "Attic Intravision" logo and the Mod Target! These are your peeps!

That's all for now! May each of you have a safe and speedy trip into Austin and I look forward to meeting up with everyone manana!

Be Careful What You Pray For …..or…… When Passtimes Collide

2007-03-05T20:58:00.000-05:00

It was bound to happen sooner or later. I mean, I had ASKED the cosmos to humor me, hadn’t I? I must have actually voiced my request skyward at one point in the form of an annoyingly crafted whine: “WHY can’t I get an equal amount of BOTH my favorite leisurely diversions at approximately the same interval? WHY must it always be ONE or the OTHER? It would be sooooooo cool to have both NASCAR and MUSIC at the same time!” Apparently the celestial jefe has decided to teach me a lesson. Warped sense of humor that God dude has!

I should be the happiest camper on the planet right now! You see, I’m a music fan. Not just music per se – music HISTORY and PHILOSOPHY as it pertains to the Spiritual and Intellectual components of certain artists’ works. (That’s a verbose way of saying “I’ve been a hardcore Who freak and a early Psychedelic rock nut for over 35 years!”) It’s rare as hens’ teeth to have all the right people and events come together to make my musical dreams come true – LONG dry spells of NO activity or news have been the bane of my existence in this arena. Thusly, I HAD to develop a secondary obsession! Something with all the volume, thrill, pageantry, controversy, stimuli and pomp of rock-n-roll, but with a more “predictable” schedule.

NASCAR fit the bill perfectly. For almost a decade now I’ve filled the musical gaps with the sound of earsplitting motors, iconic drivers, obsessed fellow-fans, milestone events, travel, appearances, etc. OK, it lacks some of the spiritual context of music, but it more than makes up for the lack in sheer volume. Decibels count for something in a weighted average! A predictable season, an accessible driver, a cadre of fellow lunatics and all the controversy that surrounds a competitive endeavor. Granted, few of my NASCAR buddies have the patience to humor me in a discussion of Townshend’s Quadrophenia, but the chances of having to cross my addictions seemed pretty slim.

Until now.

It’s March in Austin. March means its time once again for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Music festival to hit town. 300+ bands, 2 weeks of round the clock music, conferences, panels, films, etc. At my age, it’s typically a 14-day headache of new musicians playing music that’s quite painful and downright foreign to someone my age. An occasional “oldie” will make an appearance, but typically not someone I’d change my daily routine to go and see. As the 3rd month approached this year, I once again dreaded the upcoming festival – then the announcements started……

The Keynote Speaker at SXSW is the “high holy” honor handed annually to a musician or music industry personality of iconic stature. At long last, the honor I’ve hoped for! Pete Townshend himself! My satguru of songwriting, my ayatollah of rock-n-rollah, he who’s music I’ve analyzed and pondered since I was a pre-teen! OK, so I’m goin to the Keynote Address! A victory for Obsession #1. But…….

He’s bringing Rachel Fuller, his INCREDIBLY talented girlfriend with an award-winning collaborative podcast to add to my collection of In The Attic recordings! In person! March 16th! Oh yeah! I’m hittin a few live gigs! A party or 2! This is INCREDIBLE!..... BUT WAIT…….

Roky Erickson’s Annual Psychedelic Ice Cream Social is scheduled for that Wednesday the 15th! With a freed-from-guardianship Roky (newly returned from his first San Francisco gig in 30+years - MUST attend to see if he met up with Tommy Hall!) and performing with the likes of Powell St. John and members of REM! OH MY! AND……

The 40th Anniv. Of the Monterey Pop Festival will be celebrated with a screening on the 17th! Ian MacLagan’s playing a gig in honor of Ronnie Lane on the 16th! Steve Earle on the 16th! Daniel Johnston – 16th! Robyn Hitchcock & Polyphonic Spree-16th! Flatstock Poster Show - all freakin week!

And as if this weren’t enough………………… THE WHO announces a date in San Antonio on March 20th. THE ultimate event -- only a handful of opportunities in a lifetime to see MY band live! I'll miss my own damned funeral before I miss a Who gig in Texas! My musical cup not only runneth over, now it’s flat out flash flooded!!

I’m a member and/or moderator of at least 10 different music-related online forums and discussion groups. MANY online friends developed over the years with individuals all over the globe as musically obsessed as I am. My User ID? AUSTINGAL. Guess who’s about to have a LOT of company? Must coordinate get-togethers, pre-& post-concert gatherings, help with hotels, tickets, car rentals, hotels, parking, etc. etc. etc. This is gonna be nuts! I LOVE IT!!!

BUT WAIT! YELLOW FLAG! When SXSW is over, it will be LESS than 3 weeks until it’s time to GO RACING!!! That’s right! TMS week starts April 12th!

My driver has a big win at Texas Motor Speedway! Our Fan Association is Texas bound starting in early April! Again, the message board crews, blogbuddies, pit row pals, will head to town as we gather for our Spring festival of Stock Car silliness! In the midst of music madness, I’ve got to plan for RV space, get scanner frequencies programmed, update the season’s wardrobe, secure pit passes, speak with sponsors, etc.! I need to grab grub for tailgating, download pics to clear out room for more…. OH.. driver’s birthday – gotta get group present ready…. Gifty baskets for team, goodies for girlfriends!

Sooooooo…… until all this fun and frolick is a thing of the past, I must ask my friends on BOTH sides of my personal addictive slate to be patient and understanding. I’m stretched a bit thin right now! If I accidentally start discussing the Car of Tomorrow with my Meher Baba buds, please excuse. If my Sadler sisters suddenly find me posting about the Lifehouse Method project….. umm… humor me. I’ll really try not to scream “BOOGITY” when the band cranks up “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and I’ll try even harder not to yell “THEY’RE ALL WASTED!!!!!” when NASCAR announces the Daytona penalty appeal results later this week…….

In the meantime – pray for me. I’m starting to dream of Daltrey in a red firesuit and Sadler playing the 5:15 bass solo. Townshend anchoring Raceday with Moonie and Mikey trashing hotel rooms. Roky doing commercials with Rutledge. If Dale Sr. shows up at Woodstock, I’m a goner. Think it can’t get worse?

Today I found out that Blake Shelton will be at the Travis County Rodeo on March 17th. (sigh). Friends, be careful what you pray for!!

HERDING CATS.......

2007-02-13T22:29:00.000-05:00

….is what it’s like attempting to make sense to today’s penalty bomb dropped on several key competitors in NASCAR. I’ve yet to be able to draw a logical line between question(a) and answer(b) without taking a detour into the bizarre. This will be an interesting journey in several parts. Care to join me?.....

Who got penalized?

Well, the obvious answer is “the cheaters!” But if we can’t define the difference between cheating and innovation – what’s the point? We’ve seen that we cannot discourage innovation unless we want to dump Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford AND Toyota (and their $$) and have a nice little 36-race IROC season. If I understand NASCAR history correctly (which I may not – and I’m up for correction) – past “innovations” were either handled by creating a rule after the fact to prohibit a repeat –OR- the innovation was deemed a “good idea” and it’s progenitor was forced to share it with the rest of the class. OK – this means that I know who was SUPPOSED to be penalized – but my question remains unanswered. Dead end. Let’s try another path.

Was the Crew Chief penalized?

OK, we see that the crew chiefs responsible for the infractions were hit the hardest. Stay home for 2-4 races and fined a chunk of change. Since I doubt “infractions” are going to occur WITHOUT the crew chief’s knowledge – I think we’re onto something here. BUT, past history tells me that it’s entirely possible to win the Daytona 500 and even the Nextel Cup while your wunderkind crew chief is at home in his recliner. Today’s technology can put pinpoint GPS in a car and broadcast it to my sofa, can install a high resolution camera on a 1000+ degree brake rotor on a vehicle going over 150 mph. Do we think a crew chief can’t “direct” remotely as well? Well, I think we’ve found a “cheater” – but did we really penalize him? And was he the ultimate source? A lone operator? Sorry – that road is still too bumpy to try.

How about the greenbacks? I’m not entirely sure on this one, but if I’m a crew chief – I’d make sure my contract had a clause that says “Team owner pays all fines.” No, this road is too poorly lit. No more answers here.

The Driver?

We ALSO see that the drivers have been penalized driver points. OUCH! Big question here: Did the driver know? If he did – could he have stopped it? Well, let’s give a couple of these poor drivers the benefit of the doubt, and allow them to KEEP their qualifying order position (in a field of 30 or so cars) during a non-standard, made for TV quasi-qualifying race for starting position in the REAL race -- but let’s TAKE away driver points (which, btw – he can take with him to an entirely different team/crewchief)! No – this isn’t even a ROAD – it’s the driveway at the nuthouse!

Mr. Owner?

Alas, the poor Team Owner also lost points. Now THAT’S gotta hurt (but it’s gonna hurt your crews, drivers, employees and fans – THEY’RE the ones who suffer from a loss in owner points by having to live with the “go or go home” monster). If you have a great team that consistently finishes well (without cheating) – are you really worried about falling out of the Top-35? If your team is truly good – losing 50 owner points is no penalty at all!

Isn’t the Team Owner ultimately responsible for the “infractions” of his employees? $50,000 is a drop in the bucket if Mr. Owner is covering recliner-chief’s fines – but that’s not even a wiggle in most owners’ bottom lines (unless your sponsor is ALREADY ticked off). No, if this road leads to a penalty – it only does so in certain circumstances. Not good enough for me.

OK – So we still haven’t quite reached our destination – UNLESS you ask:

Who REALLY pays this penalty?

I have found at least ONE answer: The Fans, that’s who.

Tomorrow, we’ll tackle the 2nd leg of our journey and see how much we’ve been fined. In the meantime, I’ll be cat-wrangling.

Cyber Chores

2006-10-21T18:18:00.000-04:00

Reorganizing my blog is one of those chores that never seems to make it to the top of the "to do" list. Kind of like alphabetizing the sock drawer. Originally created as a part of Townshend's Method concept, the blog served it's original purpose and now needs to move on. I'm looking forward to the next installment of Method, but as the band is currently touring the U.S. it appears that MII will be a while in the offing.

Endless Wire will release on October 31, and we have new In The Attic stateside broadcasts to look forward to. Good stuff from El Pedro and Rachel - may she visit Austin soon! SXSW is sorely lacking in Cigarettes and Housework!

In the meantime, I'm up for a new look, some new subject matter. Since I've been involved heavily of late in the Church of the Holy Oval (a/k/a NASCAR), we'll add a bit of paint tradin' to the mix. (Note to Self: ponder the implications of Townshend the NASCAR fan -- now THERE'S bizarre thought!)

As usual, we'll continue our diligent efforts to Keep Austin Weird, even if its doin' just fine on its own!

Walkin' on the Grid

2006-08-12T01:13:00.000-04:00

Stage 1:

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=48B904E4BDD19C76

2006-08-11T00:29:00.000-04:00

METHOD is up. METHOD is up. METHOD is up.

Pretty danged impressive, if you ask me. If the technology isn't available in 1971 -- have a little patience, will ya.........

http://www.lifehouse-method.com/index.html;jsessionid=3CACB05D8F60D895435DE9E69C5421C0

Be a sitter!