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noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Thought I would do a post to say that I'm on day 3.5 of no tobacco.

Outstanding

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:10:00 +0000

Another young driver gets his first win - Vettel takes pole, and wins in the red cars' back yard.

All the podium finishers are young drivers who will be the champions of the future.

Dawgs

Well, it was ugly, but they come away with a W over the anti-christ himself. It will not get any easier, and Richt will be forced to find a new motivation every week. The most bothersome side to the performance is the continued lack of any meaningful pass defence; that will be the downfall, I'm afraid.

Hockey Mom

It is VERY hard to believe the republitards chose her for the #2 slot ... good grief !!!

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/09/22/080922fa_fact_gourevitch

http://www.newyorker.com/talk/2008/09/15/080915ta_talk_lizza?yrail

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise !

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:32:00 +0000

Let's take this in some sembelance of order:

F1
McLaren/Hamilton robbed again. Hamilton gets penalized 25 seconds after winning the Belium GP and his final finishing position is 3rd. He did something others did during the race, and he complied with the regs and allowed the red car to regain its position before overtaking for good. I really believe FIA has a SERIOUS grudge against McLaren, and will do whatever possible to keep them from winning the manufacturer's AND driver's championships.

On another note ... kudos to Heidfeld for gambling on a change to wet tires with 2 laps to go.

Summer on the coast

Thought we might evacuate for Hanna, but got a pass. Ike is still churning across the Carribean, and could still come this way. Time to organize the evacuation plan.

Election
Unbelievable that McCain picks Sarah Palin ... her track record of decisions isn't the best. I speak from personal knowledge regarding her pick to become the new head of the Alaska State Trroper: multiple sexual harassment complaints, a known adulterer, and who knows what else. I think she selected him because he agreed (in advance) to fire a state trooper she had a personal beef with. Wonderful way to run an administration.

Baisbol

It appears the Braves had best look to next year ... pay whatever is needed to get some adequate pitching, and consistent hitting.

Dawgs
Two wins against minor league teams ... now the real season begins and I'm afraid it won't be pretty. Except for Tennessee, future opponents this year looked pretty good so far. The newest UGA looks pretty good:

A BIG ONE

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:20:00 +0000

F1
A very good season so far: The red team and McLaren about ten points apart, with BMW lurking close by; Points being won by teams/drivers you wouldn't expect; so far, nothing "political" screwing things up. And, according to a London court, apparently Mosely's aberrant sado-masochistic behavior as a whacked-out nazi isn't a bad thing for F1. Good grief.

FLETC
The "Center of Excellence" is becoming less a mystery day by day. I wish I could say the same for issues I have to deal with on the personnel side ... I knew the job was complex, but the current conditions I'm dealing with are NOT fun.

Baisbol
Braves are mid-pack and show no tendencies of improving. The pitching staff ain't much and even with the team hitting well most days it will be a long time before the season ends ... sigh.

DAWGS
Well, most pre-season polls show the Dawgs #1 -- I expect this to be the usual kiss of death. We'll see.

The Great Land
We're off to AK next friday; I have two days of meetings, and we'll see friends until flying back on the 23rd. Bittersweet.

BMW History

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:40:00 +0000

F1
BMW gets its' first win !! Due in no small part to Hamilton's immaturity which eliminated both he and Raikkonen , F1's first Polish driver gets his first for BMW. However, it was well deserved, and I'm sure this will not be BMW's last this year; the machines are seemingly bullet-proof, and both drivers are talented. Overall an excellent race, and thank the Lord that FOX (quite unbelievably) had the smarts to keep the SPEEDTV announcers -- a F1 race being called and commented on without "the boys" (Varsha, Hobbs, and Machett) would have made the Canadian, French, and British races unbearable to watch.

D' Braves
This season is a roller coaster ride of ominous proportions ... pitching staff decimated, injuries galore, Chipper leading the league with a .400+ average, brief shining moments from the rest, and it gets too painful to follow at times.

Life in South GA
It's not even July, and we've seen 90+ degrees a few days already. It forces me to mow grass early in the morning, and tend to other outside chores after 6pm. Our first summer will be brutal, but we'll survive better than we did the last time we lived down here, and didn't have the luxury of air-conditioning.

Ballard Street

One of favorite comic strips ... this guy thinks WAY outside the box ! And, in regard to the strip below, I'm one of those wierd males who actually like cats ... this is just FUNNY.

Thunder Alley

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:33:00 +0000

F1
Red, Silver, Red ....and I'm surprised the silver car made the top three. McLaren is NOT figuring out the tires and it's too far into the season to be guessing on tires and getting the most out of them. During the european swing and Canada, this type of issue should not be of concern... is it that the two young drivers can't evaluate and talk with the engineers ?
Monaco, Canada, France, Britain, Germany, Hungary, European, Belgium, and Italy: if the silver cars don't take at least 50-60 points over that 9 race stretch, it is over. If that occurs, BMW is my bet for 2nd in manufacturer's points.

d'Braves
"A pitching rotation: my kingdom for a rotation". Gotta be what Cox and Scherholz(sp?) are crying. Hudson erratic, Glavine and Schmotltz aging rapidly, Hampton an albatross ... Chipper, Texeria and Kotsay can't carry the load alone.

Guvmint
Learning the political ways of FLETC is a challenge; add to that my boss thinking I can work miracles on the internal Div. Refuge LE side of my job in one year, AND a personnel issue which is fraught with very thin ice. So goes my first 5 months on the job. Can I make it another 2-3 years without committing bureaucratic seppuku ?

Livin' In South GA
The title of this blog and the accompanying link gives an idea of today's weather. We forgotten just how impressive the thunderstorms can be. The front yard was a pond, lightning and thunder were constant for about 2 hours, and it isn't even summer yet. Food is still good, people are friendly and amazingly polite, and the house is slowly coming together inside and out.

Yes, it's been a while ...

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:07:00 +0000

Moving to Jawjuh

We drove into Brunswick, GA about 3pm on the 21st of December, after leaving Sterling on 7 Dec. We were so fortunate that the temps abated a little (only -15 in Tok) and the roads were ice-free the entire way through Alaska and Canada. The 4 day ferry ride to Bellingham was good for both of us ... nothing to do but eat, sleep, and amuse ourselves. Oh, and check on Buster whenever we were allowed down on the car deck. He's a real trooper cat -- I think he's still grateful that Lisa rescued him from living outside in that Alaska winter.

After arriving in Bellingham at 10am, buying non-studded tires and doing laundry delayed our departure until @2pm. We had dinner with Riley in one of her favorite restaurants then continued south. Again, we were fortunate to be driving between two winter storm systems, so we missed some nasty weather. To make up for "lost" driving time while on the ferry, one day we did 670 miles - brutal ! We had lunch with our mortgage lender in Tuscaloosa, AL; we had received the verbal offer on our house on Lisa's cell about one hour south of Tupelo, MS, so the timing was great.

We stayed in a condo for nearly 2 months while Lisa investigated available houses in Brunswick. She found a very nice house in an older subdivision, and the furniture was unloaded 27 February. One broken table, and two pictures with broken glass. Hopefully, we'll get reimbursed. Lisa has painted the living & dining rooms, our bedroom, the guest bedroom & bath, as well as the entry foyer... I'm sure she isn't done. We went to Jesup, GA recently and purtchased a bed/mattress/night stand for the guest room, and a new stand for the TV, as we noticed the current one is sagging below the TV.

Lisa has renewed her swimming routine (outdoor heated pool), and is now a cast member in "Best Little Whorehouse" put on by the local theater group. Bill is getting more familiar with his new job every day; lots to learn and problems to correct, but he's making progress. Buster seems to be adapting, but prefers to venture outdoors in the dark; daylight apparently presents dangers unseen by human eyes.

More on our new life in coastal GA in future posts.

F1
Two races completed and Ferrari and MacLaren have taken up where 07 ended ... the new player is BMW-Sauber. I think BMW will will take the top spot on the podium more than once this year, and MIGHT even challenge for the title. Heidfeld & Kubica are solid, fast drivers who now have a reliable car that is very close to the silver & red cars in times. It should be an interesting season.

Recent news that Bernie & Tony are talking again is good news, at least for those north americans who would like to seem them back at Indy. Ohh, if that track only had some elevation changes !!

BAISBOL
D'Braves are a puzzle to me: Old, young, speed, big & small ball hitters... looks like they have a good chance. But the latest news about Smoltz' sore shoulder is disquieting ... if he, Glavine & Hudson aren't all strong, the years is lost. Stay Tuned.

REALLY Big News

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:29:00 +0000

Before getting to the REALLY big news, let's review what's happened since the last post.

Formula 1

Raikonnen wins the driver's championship, Hamilton 2nd, Alonso 3rd. I'm glad for the Finn, think Hamilton lucked out after two stupid rookie mistakes, and surmise Alonso has burned bridges w/Ron Dennis & McLaren. Too bad, 'cause the boys from Woking will continue to battle the red cars for championships.

Baisbol

Sox win! Sox win ! Sox win!

An amazing display of power ball, small ball, and pitching. If they can keep this bunch together, everyone else will be cleaning up the scraps.

Guvmint

Shrub and cronies continue to take us down the dark and sordid path. I truly worry about where we will find ourselves before the next inauguration. Shrub and his Believers (handlers?) may yet get us into WW3.

REALLY Big News

I've accepted a job in Brunswick, GA. I'll be the Chief, Branch of Training, National Wildlife Refuge System - Law Enforcement (What a mouthful) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. We've put our house on the market, and will be moved by the guvmint. We had hoped to be on the road by 25 November, but as the contract relocation company (Prudential) has yet to make contact, I have serious doubts that's going to happen. I go on the headquarters payroll 25 November... I e-mailed the HQ person who coordinates the relo bidness that I had no intention of leaving Alaska with this house/mortgage hanging over my head. We'll see what transpires .... at best, we'll be in "temporary quarters" during the Christmas holidays.

JUST LUVERLY.

More to come about this return to Jawjuh in future post(s).

What the #+?|!!%#&^><+!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 06:53:00 +0000

Insanity !

Well, I have to post because of the INSANE actions of the FIA regarding McLaren.

My thoughts (as stated in a reply to someone who asked what I thought:

(and you must know that I believe the FIA is nothing more than Bernie Ecclestone's enforcer)

1. FIA wanted the red cars to take the manufacturer's championship -- but everyone can count points for themselves.

2. Ron Dennis is thoroughly disliked by Bernie, because he sees BE for what he is ... an untalented 4'8" napoleon who couldn't make it as a driver in F1, and therefore decided to "steal" the F1 business from real racers who didn't care that much about the $$$.

3. $100m is so completely out of reason that it will be reduced significantly ($10-20m ??) -- F1 is not "holier than God", and such an outrageous fine makes FIA / BE look like a bunch of spoiled brats.

4. What most concerns me is if (at a later date) FIA decrees that McLaren cannot compete f/the 2008 championship.

5. My view of Bernie & Max Mosely:

In the meantime: http://www.mclaren.com/f1season/tables.php

Where does it end ?

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 17:53:00 +0000

The race at Monza was all McLaren, and the boys from Woking seem to be on the right track again: http://www.mclaren.com/f1season/tables.php . The next race at Spa will be a good test before the circus heads to the far east before ending the season in Brazil. Ferrari continues the harassment, and who knows what the FIA will decree ... hopefully McLaren's 15 constructor points from Hungary will be restored, and the "technological theft" charge will have no merit.

Dawgs

Well, they let the anti-christ beat them again. What IS IT that Spurrier has that allows GA to discombobulate when they get on the field against his teams ? I watched the game in complete resignation from the first SC points ... and knew it was not going to end well for the Dawgs. Now, I hope they can reflect a little and get themselves reprogrammed to win the rest of their SEC games ... if they lose just one, it's all over for at least the championship and quite possibly the entire season. But, maybe that's what those young players need: a season without a bowl game.

Baseball
At this point, I'm not sure I care about what happens the remainder of the season ... I'll watch the Series, but have lost interest now that the Braves (and Seattle?) appear to be out of the running.

Other Matters

Riley turned 22 on the 7th, and Lisa & I celebrated 32 years. Both of which are amazing and entirely wonderful.

We learned yesterday that Roxie has a cancer in her left front leg ... even with an amputation and chemo, it is terminal. So ... we will try and alleviate as much of the pain as possible with drugs and make a final decision when even that seems to be impossible. As much as you mentally understand that any pet is with you for just a few years, when they have a lovable personality and are as devoted as she is, it is hard, so hard.

Even Opus can't raise my spirits, as this is too close to the truth:

and ........

I feel this way entirely too much these days:

Same Same GI

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Life proceeds
Boomer fed-life here marches slowly on... big exception is that Riley has returned to SEA, but not as a student. At this time she and Heidi are still looking for a new place to live, which isn't easy there, especially if you now have to REALLY consider that rent, utilities, etc., etc., are now her responsibility. Good news on the employment is she has a better/additional position at the APL, which is supposed to include bennies (another drain on the net check we've warned); that's REAL good, as BC/BS sent a letter earlier this summer that when she turns 22 (Sept.7th) she's off my policy. Was that a concern of mine when I got out of the Air Farce? I don't remember

F1
The driver and manufacturer points races are now very tight. Especially since the FIA decreed that McLaren couldn't tally points for Hungary because of THE pit incident, and Alonso had to start 5th. Ferrari took 1st and 2nd in Turkey, and seems to be gathering strength. The remaining five races should provide some real excitement -- especially the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps, one the oldest, fastest, and demanding tracks. I may just set the alarm or stay up to watch this one, rather than wait for the rebroadcast/results on the web.

Baisbol
D' Braves are really blowin' it ... it is painful to watch them let the other team come back to win after being down, sometimes by multiple runs. Mariners are struggling a little; lost twice to the Angels when they could have taken over first place -- maybe they'll still get the wild card ?
The Little League team from GA beats Japan in the LLWS, on a walk-off homer... and I agree with Opinion in the Atlanta J&C: it's great to see that much joy and FUN on the diamond.

Guvmint & Poltix
Rove(r) and Gonzo gone, Shrub still can't admit failure, the Dems slicing each other at every opportunity, and another elected office holder arrested for (apparently) trying to come on sexually to an undercover cop. The whole mess is BIZARRE and at times I wonder if we're not living in the Twilight Zone. Oh yeah, almost forgot: Uncle Ted's son was finally identified (by a federal judge) as the unnamed state senator under investigation (like Daddy) for accepting bribes and (I'm guessing) soon to be indicted.

... and so it goes

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:11:00 +0000

The Girls

Lisa and Riley got on a plane after the OUTSTANDING Bela Fleck concert at the Atwood in ANC. They're going to Maine with a side stop in NYC. So... I'm going to be in a quiet house until next Sunday night.

It just keeps getting stranger and stranger. The rookie wins in Hungary, mainly because the FIA smacked Alonso with a 5 grid-spot penalty after qualifying ... so he starts 6th instead of 1st, and Hamilton holds off everyone to win. AND, because the FIA ruled that Alonso did so on orders, McLaren is denied constructor points (15) for the race.

Not to mention the controversy regarding McLaren & Ferrari thieves who apparently conspired to get technical info from Maranello to Woking. The "circus" is living up to the moniker this year.

Baseball

Braves clinging to 2nd or 3rd, depending which day it is, barry ties The Hammer yesterday, and Seattle wins consistently playing small and long ball. GREAT season so far.

And

I remain flabbergasted the country just demand that Shrub & cronies be sent out on a rail ... in my opinion, this may be the most corrupt administration since Harding.

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 21:39:00 +0000

Formula 1

The red car won ... but the boys from Woking took 2nd & 3rd; the rookie still leads in points, Alonso next, then Kimi coming on strong with wins in both of the past races. Ferrari is sooo fast (as expected), and the reliability appears good; it looks to be a real knock down - drag out fight for the remainders of the season. GREAT !!

MLB

Braves holding on to second, but it is real ugly at times.

I get sick saying it, but b bonds will break Aaron's home run record. There is NO WAY he is the equal to Henry in any other respect ... NONE.

On The Hunt

I have been searching the web for a job which I would enjoy and return some good to natural resources. I'm checking out The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, and/or any other conservation organization. I need to retire from the federal government to maintain my sanity.(see below)

Shrub & Cronies

The commutation of Libby's sentence is WRONG. I tend to agree with some who say it was done to keep scooter's mouth shut. Also, I cannot help but feel "someone" will (has) make sure the monetary fine taken care of.

Tourist Season

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 23:47:00 +0000

Before I ruminate about F1 and other things, you need to know it is now tourist season in Alaska. Friday morning, what normally takes me about 5 minutes to drive took nearly 20. All Alaskans now are anxiously awaiting Labor Day !

The Rookie wins again

McLaren's rookie took his second win at the USGP in a totally superior manner. I understand that all succesful race car drivers are overflowing with confidence, but this kid has a self-effacing confidence that absolutely makes you think he will take the driver's championship this year. Meanwhile, Alonso appears increasingly frustrated; but, he has made a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes which cost him. Perhaps the rookie's performance is unsettling?

Elsewhere, Ferrari continues to find the answer, while BMW-Sauber improves with each race ... I think they will get at least one win before it's over. Honda continues to stumble like a drunken sailor, "green car" not withstanding.

Baseball

The Braves are hanging in in 2nd place behind the Mets, but they are inconsistent. Sometimes they can't hit, sometimes the fielding mistakes look like rookie league stuff. If they want to make the playoffs, it's time to get their act(s) together !

Guvmint

Can the country survive until the next election/inauguration ? The shrubbies increase the amount of egg on their collective faces daily. The AG continues to say their wasn't anything political about firing "his" US Attorneys, despite testimony otherwise; Cheney claims his office isn't really in the Executive branch (gee, dick, read the Constitution lately?); and Shrub 2 blissfully demonstrates his knack for blundering and a complete unwillingness to admit the majority of his administration's decisions have caused the nation more harm than good.

You know, things are getting somewhat surreal.

A Day In The Life

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Mon, 28 May 2007 07:30:00 +0000

McLaren Advance Continues
Monaco provides a 1-2 finish for the boys from Woking. Alonso & Hamilton are tied in points, but the Spaniard leading because he has wins; Hamilton will get a win before the season is out, I'm sure. Ferrari had problems and only managed a third for Massa and eighth for the Raikonnen, while BMW Sauber garnered 7 points to put them third in Manufacturer's points. Now it's off to North America for the Canada and U.S. races, which will be telecast by FOX (!?!?) along with the British and French races.

Braves Sputtering
After today's ganes, the Mets have a 4 1/2 game lead, and the Braves don't seem to be able to score runs consistently. Will this continue until October, or is it a case of getting the bad times dealt with before crunch time ?

How Much Longer ?
The past week's events at work have caused me to really wonder how much longer I can last being a fed and continue to deal with the BS of life as a bureaucrat. I truly dislike being a supervisor; having to deal with a public that cannot follow the simplest of regulations, or has no sense of common decency, because it's all about "me". Our "support" services in regional & national offices continually stand in the way of our desire to give a decent pay scale to employees whose jobs are either dangerous, or extemely complex due to the myriad of issues a person has to deal with daily. Add in the complete lack of leadership which should provide meaningful acknowledgement and support for the mission of the Refuge System, and perhaps you can understand why I am so tired of it all.

In my own situation, I will most likely not get a promotion if I stay in my present position, even though the national standard job description for a GS-13 at a field station is actually based on my current job. To get a higher grade, I will have to take another job, outside Alaska, which I REALLY don't care to think about ... but, when I consider what a one or two grade increase would mean in terms of retirement and whether I HAD to work after retiring, my decision about such a move becomes somewhat more "attractive", even though the job(s) would be in araeas of the country we have no desire to live in. The question will be whether we are willing to put up with to obtain a reasonable retirement annuity. Perhaps I should do what I have threatened: send my brother $10 a week to play the lottery, in return for a 50 - 50 split of any winnings. The odds for a winning ticket are probably close to my getting a promotion.

To close, a little Opus:

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Tue, 15 May 2007 01:27:00 +0000

F1
The Spanish crowds were no help to Fernando... the red car took first, and the McLaren rookie was next, then Alonso. BMW continues their improvement, and even Super Aguri scored a point. It continues to be most interesting season. One more race until FOX (!?!?) telecasts four consecutive races -- my guess is the heavy money waived in Eccelstone's nose was just too much of a temptation. Who will be the "on air" talent for these? I just don't see how there's any better than the Speed TV boys.

'd Braves
They keep on winning .... but the Mets do, too. I get the feeling the entire summer is going to be like this, and the eventual division winner will be the team that can pull out wins in the 8th & 9th innings.

Miranda
We're about to have a college graduate ! Our little girl is poised to begin making a life for herself without direct support from the parental units. I know she will do well, whatever path she chooses; I guess I just have the normal parental qualms about her leaving the nest. Of course, in all practical terms, she has been out of the nest for four years, and that fact helps me feel a little leass nervous... but only a little.

Oxford American

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Sat, 05 May 2007 22:06:00 +0000

Oxford American's latest issue is the "Southern Movie Iissue" and includes a DVD with clips from various movies of or about the south, as well as shorts from southern film makers.

I gave a couple of gift subscriptions to a cousin and a nephew earlier this year, I hope they are enjoying this magazine as much as I do.

This 'n That

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 17:28:00 +0000

I have tried to post more than once over the past few days, but my connection to the 'net kept dropping me. I CURSE ACS for not bringing the DSL line down my road, only 1/2 mile from the paved highway, where it has been for 2+ years !

Formula 1
Three races into the season, and there's a tie for first in driver points among three: Alonso, Raikkonen, and the MacLaren wunderkind Hamilton. Ferrari and MacLaren are clearly the best teams now, with BMW Sauber coming on strong.

Honda, Toyota, Williams, and Renault can't seem to find the right setup, and it's ugly for them. All the teams are back at their home locations, and the next race isn't for another 21 days, so perhaps they can make some improvements. If not, it will be a lonnnng season.

Baisbol
The Braves are leading the NL East today ... and they seem to have real pitching again. Question: can the youngsters keep providing runs throughout the season ?

Shrub
I am constantly amazed how GWB can keep up the front of "everything is going great, and my administration is accomplishing great things." Does the man really believe that, or is he trying to hold things together in the face of corruption, malfeasance, incompetence, and blatant disregard of a real environmental crisis?

Finally
Heed Opus' warning ... and thanks to Berkley Breathed for keeping the little fish eating bird alive for these many years.

2007 Formula 1 begins !

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:06:00 +0000

OK ... after a LONG, COLD winter here in the Last Frontier, relief has arrived: the 2007 Formula 1 season began this past Sunday/Saturday -- depending on your time zone. The first race was Australia. The most exciting thing about this season is that it promised to be the most closely contested in many years, acording to all the pundits, anyway. Why, you ask ? Well, just consider: Many driver changes, Schumacher retiring after SEVEN world championships, rules changes which (will hopefully) begat real competition, and the possibility that the fruit from months of testing over the winter will be a bumper crop.

The results were somewhat predictable: Ferrari/Raikkonen first, McLaren/Alonso second; the huge surprise (except maybe to McLaren) is that the rookie F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, all of 20 years old, qualifies fourth, and finsihed third. BMW-Sauber/Heidfeld finshed fourth - which is a big improvement over last year. Renault, who won the Manufacturer's Championship last year, had a despicable race, and leaves Down Under searching for answers.

D' Blues & D' Braves

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 04:57:00 +0000

D' Blues
Some of you may be aware of the fact that I am a volunteer DJ for our local public radio station KDLL, 91.9FM. I host the "Blues Cafe" once or twice a month, and it's fun. I ran into the original chef/creator of the program at the post office one day last summer, and he was reading The Blues Revue Magazine. Not only does it provide interesting articles about current and past blues music and musicians, every couple of issues they include a sampler CD; the disc in the current issue (at right) has cuts from The Beat Daddys, Jony James Blues Band, Washboard Jo & The Soapsuds, Hep Cat Boo Daddies, Purple Cat, and James Day & the Fish Fry, among others. What I like best about these CDs is that the bands aren't big names (mostly), but are the bands you'll find in clubs and juke joints anywhere in the country. Maybe they haven't hit it big, but it is very obvious they are enjoying making blues music.

D' Braves
Spring training has sprung, and the Braves are sifting through position players and pitchers, trying to regain the 14 division title-winning attitude (?).... I sincerely hope thay do, as it was soooo painful watching them stumble through the season. GO BRAVES !!

Honda F1

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:01:00 +0000

If you go here, or here, you will find a most intriguing car ... and how you can make a commitment to making a change for a better environment.

The newest Formula 1 car from Honda has a most interesting paint scheme, or "livery"... which is an image of the earth. Until now, this year's car was uncharacteristically black (Honda's F1 cars have always been white) -- now I realize they were just waiting for the most opportune time to spring the new look.

Check it out !

Formula 1 info

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 06:50:00 +0000

From the McLaren Mercedes website...

For the 2007 season (which begins 18 March in Australia) Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes:

began development of the MP4-22 in mMarch 2006
began windtunnel development in May 2006
sends between 95 (flyaway races) and 135 (European races) personnel to each race
has a race team which is comprised of : race team manager, race team engineer, chief mechanic, software engineer, race strategist, 2 driver engineers, 2 assistant engineers, 2 system engineers, 2 data analysts, 10 mechanics, 2 gearbox mechanics, 2 fabricator/carbon repairmen, engine dress, chief truckie, 2 tyre men, 2 support crew, electrician, security, senior fuel technician, fuels technician, spares coordinator, team coordinator
used a total of 7 chassis in the 2006 season
transports approximately 30 tons of freight, (including 3 complete race cars at approx. 600 kilos each) to each race
takes 3 spare gearboxes to each race (2 built with complete suspension and 1 "loose")
takes 8 engines to each race -- 1 in each car,2 for Friday practice sessions, and 3 spares
completed 53,750 kilometers during testing in 2006
completed 16,349 when racing in 2006 during practice, qualifying, and the race
generated 100 gigabytes of data during all race meetings, and 300 gigabytes during testing throughout the 2006 season
was supplied with 236,000 liters of Mobil unleaded fuel for all track and dyno work during the 2006 season
competes with a car that typically handles 3,000 gear changes during a race. This figures varies from up to 4,000 at Monaco to a low of about 2,000 at Indianapolis.
competes with a car that is capable of stunning performance:

0 - 60 mph in 2.3 seconds / 0 - 100 mph in 3.6 seconds / 0 -100 - 0 mph in 6.6 secs. and can decelerate from 185 mph to a standstill in 3.5 seconds

was supplied 3,024 tires for the 18 race weekends in 2006 (2,016 dry and 1,008 wet)
take 160 Enkei wheel rims to each race
take approx. 7 seconds for a pit stop, with up to 29 crew working on each car, to refuel and change 4 wheels/tires, refueling occurs at 12 liters per second

Is it any wonder that I am utterly and completely captivated and mesmerized by this type of racing ?

My Goodness

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 03:49:00 +0000

It has been nearly two months since I was here. Bad on me ... I need to be more responsible!

OK ... let's see, what is on my mind?

Public Broadcasting

The 2008 Shrub budget calls for cutting funding for public broadcasting by 25%. As a member/supporter/volunteer DJ, I find this reprehesible. I've e-mailed both senators & my congressman. I urge you to do the same.

Retirement

Oh, how I do so want to walk out the door. The political BS has gotten much too deep, and it keeps rising. If I could find a job (mowing grass, Home Depot, ANYTHING) that would make up the difference in take home pay, I'd be gone tomorrow. The "leadership" of my agency is much too concerned with Shrubbites to even think about doing what is right for wildlife and habitats.

Formula 1

Only a month away from the 2007 season opener in Australia. This should be a very interesting season, what with Alonso at McLaren, Raikonnen with the red cars, Renault without a "name" , and the Honda and Toyota teams progressing. Oh, how I want McLaren to get back on top !

The Hardest Working Man ...

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 01:36:00 +0000

"The Hardest Working Man in Show Business" died today in Atlanta.

I was born in Atlanta in 1948, and though growing up white in the South in the 50's and 60's, my music was soul music. There were the Tempatations, The Four Tops, Smokey, Marvin Gaye, and all the rest of "soul" musicians, BUT there was only one person who transcended the cultural barriers for my age group, and that was James Brown.

To this day, whenever I hear a James Brown song, I CANNOT stay still. He will be missed for his music, his live performances, and also (if I may be so bold to try and speak for my black friends of a similar age) for his pride in his race. The man will be missed.

Been A While

noreply@blogger.com (Formula Guy) — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 05:24:00 +0000

OK..

It's been one month since the election... anyone care to make a comment before the new Congress takes over?

I recently read an article in Smithsonian Magazine about the 1946 election, in which the R's won handily due apparently to the fact that HST was seemingly inept and not FDR (Historical note: this was the Congress that welcomed the newly elected JFK, Tricky Dick, and "Tail Gunner" Joe McCarthy). However, only two years later the D's regained the majority, because the R's only wanted to continue fighting Truman, and failed to get the economy back on track. This should be a lesson to the D's: don't let Shrub-hating make you loose sight of the bigger picture !