Better Late Than Never

O.K. I’ve reached a breathing point. I didn’t make my History of Modern Middle East midterm last night (emergency), so I’m probably screwed, but at least all the work is done.

“This is how we do it…”

Great race last Sunday. I mean it. The race itself, while not so much fun for the drivers, was a blast for the fans once they pried off Rusty’s death grip on the lead. That man is going to be one hell of a challenge when they go back to Bristol in the fall.

First off, considering that over half the cars in the field were involved in wrecks, including Elfboy’s full throttle slam into a spinning Jeff Burton (I don’t care if you don’t like the guy, you winced when you saw that), and there were no serious injuries I would say that the safety measures NASCAR has implemented in the last five years have really lived up to their promise. Now having said that, I saw some shenanigans going on out there. A couple guys trying “bump and run’ that had no business trying it. That’s one of those, if-you-can’t-do-it-right-every-time-don’t moves. Ergo there should be about dozen drivers on that field who have legitimate claim to that move. JJ obviously is not one of them.

Marks day wasn’t so hot, :( I hate seeing that man get wrecked out of a race, there is nothing so painful as watching Mark Martin being disappointed.

But on a happy note, both Dale and Elliot’s days were kick ass! The 8 Team has had a rough start to the year which was expected. It takes time for folks to settle into new situations like this. They were NOT aided by all the nay-sayers in the fan base. I understand people have gone so far as to harass Pete over his phone. (Note to world at large: People who do juvenile shit that this are LOSERS!) But that was a solid run and hopefully the first step in the journey in the right direction. Dale drove smart (and missed all those wrecks. *applause*) and good choices were made. Only thing is the time spent in the pits. Every time I looked, it seemed like Dale was losing a couple spots. Gotta pick that back up guys.

Elliott’s day was great as well, getting the pole and staying up there! Good on ya mate!

Now on to Martinsville! Lets keep this train moving guys! :D

Oh For the Love of Pete!

Not having cable I miss much of what goes on the racing world, but I have been reading about this incident with Hmiel and Jarrett.

First of all, after the brouhaha last year I thought they had instituted a 5 second delay.

Secondly, IT WAS WHILE HE WAS IN THE FREAKIN’ CAR & THE RACE WAS STILL GOING ON. Most of the drivers have acknowledged that the one-finger salute is tossed around the track more than tires are. So not only do they have to mind their P.C. P’s & Q’s while they are being interviewed post race, they have too during the race? Somehow I think they have more important things on their mind.

I understand the need for NACAR to maintain a certain standard of behavior for their drivers. After all, these races are not being shown on HBO, but national television networks; there must be a level of decorum on display for the little ones. If a football team leaving to field after losing the Super Bowl can do it, so can NASCAR drivers.

However, this is one hell of a stressful sport. The stick and ball sports do not require the endurance or levels of concentration required of those in auto-racing, not to mention spending 4 hours in a sauna while doing it. The different amount of uncertain variables a driver must contend with throughout a race would dwarf those of a football team, no doubt. So people shouldn't be acting so shocked and wounded when a cuss or an obscene gesture slips. NASCAR needs to cut their guys a little slack.

The 5 second delay for one and drop the point deductions for another. Points are earned for accomplishments on the track; they should not be deducted for mistakes off it. Sure 10 grand is pocket change for these guys, so make it more than pocket change. 50K or 80K. Take away the average price of an entire car, 100K+. That’ll make them sit up and take notice. But don’t determine someone’s championship standing based on a what comes out of their mouths (or hands) in the heat of the moment.

House Rules

No, seriously. It does. Fox's semi-new TV show “House” is great and potentially one of the best medical dramas to be seen in a while. The “medical mystery” premise is one of many scientific, social and ethical permutations to be explored and the character of Dr. Greg House, genius virologist and misanthrope, is both brilliant and highly entertaining. Especially as executed by Hugh Laurie, British comedic actor who has recently moved to explore Drama. He’s doing quite well. *applause* He also wins the "Best American Accent Performed by Member of the U.K." Award. Dunno why, but of all the (Ex)Commonwealth nations, British actors seem to have the hardest time with the flat American Accent. (Aussies usually do it best....though I can honestly say I have never heard someone from Maldives attempt an American accent.) The show needs to develop it’s other character a bit more, Foreman is one I am especially interested in. He seems to be the moral and emotional heart of the show. I think he interest House as a Protégé’ as well because as he has a B&E charge from way back, House sees him as someone who also might break the rules when necessary.

Anyway, as long as the Execs keeps the romantic schmaltz outside the main cast (and there are hints egging all the ‘shippers on already…Good God, you people killed the X-Files, haven’t you had enough already?) and keeps this a medical drama and not “The OC” in lab coats, we have the makings of a great show!

All the Pope, All the Time.

And can someone tell me why Jimmy Carter, a humanitarian who has actually met the Pope was bumped from the American delegation to the Vatican in favor of Condi Rice who, as Secretary of State with the President out of the country, should really be here managing things?

Oh, that’s right. Cheney does that anyway.

Either that or she’s assuming the FBI will take care of it.

Gas Prices

So despite having reserve of our own, our society has become such irresponsible consumers that we will soon have to pay the same prices that Europe does.

Good. We deserve it. Yeah I hate shelling out 35-40 bucks to fill my tank, but hybrid technology and alternative energy sources should have been fully researched and applicable years ago. It’s our own damn fault. Maybe now we get on the ball and start looking for alternatives instead of being chained to the Middle East.