DCZ Collectors Lounge - Blogs http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ This is the official home of NASCAR Collectors! en Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:18:45 GMT vBulletin 60 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg DCZ Collectors Lounge - Blogs http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ The Race Pool http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/believe/87-race-pool.html Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:29:16 GMT Before the season started, me and some friends decided to get together and have a weekly racing pool. There's a total of 8 of us and we agreed to put up $50 apiece into the pot. The pot will pay out three winners at the end; $50 for third, $100 for second and $250 for first place. Racing, money and friends. How could I say no? :thrasher:

So anyway, we're what, halfway through the season now? I've been in first place since week 2 or week 3 and have controlled it pretty well. Our points system is unlike anything I've done with racing before, but here's the lowdown. We each get three drivers per week. We get a point for whatever position they finish in. If Driver A finishes third, we get three points. Also, if Driver A leads a lap, that's a -2. If Driver A also leads the most laps, that's another -2. To greatly reward picking the winner, the winning driver actually gets us -10, although it's really -12 because that guy obviously led at least one lap. We also get -5 if one of our drivers gets the pole. It slowly evolved as we got used to it, but basically we have three rounds where we each get one pick. Each round is randomly picked by a random member. That way, no one has the first pick in each round unless they get pulled that way. The order is pulled on Monday and picks are made on Tuesday. Unfortunately, we don't get see any practices, but that's okay. Like I said, there's 8 of us. First off, there's me, no need for further description. Then, we have Caesar, a long time friend of mine, works for Pepsi and is a Jeff Gordon fan. Next is Joaney, wife to Caesar, bit airheaded and loves Kasey Kahne, could have been in those Allstate commercials easily. Next is McCall, longtime friend of Caesar, all around good guy, big time Junior fan. Then we have Lisa, also known as Doc (pharmacist), childhood friend of Joaney and a fan of Jimmie Johnson. Then we have Steven, boyfriend of Lisa (known as Smurf now because of his height) and fan of Kyle Busch. Then we have Jimmy, brother of Lisa, Junior fan I believe. Last we have Butch, father of Lisa and Jimmy and also a Junior fan.

Having this pool going on has made the races a lot more intense and interesting while watching it with one or more of my fellow competitors. Bad luck for some driver makes for a lot of trash talk among us. Those are the basics and I'll update each week. ]]> Believe http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/believe/87-race-pool.html In the blink of an eye.... http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/86-blink-eye.html Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:38:27 GMT *I viewed the post w/the You Tube video of the NASCAR Mexico driver, Carlos Pardo meeting his untimely end, and was moved to write this. We watch,... I viewed the post w/the You Tube video of the NASCAR Mexico driver, Carlos Pardo meeting his untimely end, and was moved to write this.
We watch, cheer, buy merchandise, tease each other, criticize, praise and make fun of these guys, but I think, (at least I know I do,) we forget how near death they are just to satiate their competitive fires, to entertain us and to make a very comfortable living.
They go faster, and the cars get better but there has to be a time when the speed and the competitiveness will be greater than the safety devices, or death will seek out and find that place where nobody thought of anything happening as has seemed to have occurred in Mexico. It can all go away in the blink of an eye.
Safety is an ever moving target, and we can put band-aides on the leaks, but we will never seal the tire completely.
At times like this, I feel like giving up the sport I love the most over them all. I am a baseball, football, basketball fan and a fan of other sports as well, but motorsports is and always will be my first love.
It seems like such stupid thing when tragedies like this occur. What greater good does this thing called racing serve? None I guess in the greater scheme of things.
But it is revered by a great amount of people world wide in all of it's forms. From Karting to F-1 and every type of means of motorized apparatus in between, they all seek to go faster than their friend and competitor.
My thoughts and prayers go out to that driver in hopes that he may rest in peace, and to his family that they may rest assured that they will be reunited w/him one day in the Kingdom of God.
I think of not watching anymore, but after awhile, that will be all it is/was, a passing thought.
Passing, yeah, passing. We love passing.
There is another race in a few days, and I'm pretty sure Carlos Pardo would want us to watch. I know.....I will. ]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/86-blink-eye.html Backs against the wall........ http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/84-backs-against-wall.html Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:33:22 GMT Tomorrow night may bring another long year to an end.
Game 6 of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs is tomorrow night in Pittsburgh at the "Igloo", Mellon Arena.
It could end an era, as I believe this is the last year at this venue, and it could very well end another season for the Penguins.
IMO, They have nothing to hang their head about. After a great start, the real personality of this team was seen, and they fell in the standings like a rock.
Before it was too late, Pens front office staff realized and remedied the situation.
A new coach was procured, and some big moves were made, and they clawed their way back into playoff contention, where the talent of the team took over and they made it through the playoffs to the finals, to meet their nemesis of last year, the Detroit Red Wings.
Last year, the Wings won due to the Pens youth and inexperience. That and a slight edge in talent.
This year, the Pens are a much better team. But in their own right the Wings improved as well, picking up Hossa from the Pens in the off season. The player that made the big difference in the Pens last year, is making the difference in the Wings this year. The Pens are, after some personnel moves, a significantly better team than went to the "Finals" last year, but the loss, and in contrast the gain for the Wings ( Mr. Hossa) makes a big difference to both clubs.
Well, back to where before all of this rambling I began.....the Pens backs are against the wall.
If I were in this position, I can think of no where I would rather play than where this game will be held.
In the Civic Arena, Mellon Arena, or "the Igloo". What ever you choose to call it, it is the original and historic home of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Should the season end there, again, they have NOTHING to be ashamed of. They had a great season, and put up a valiant effort.
The Wings, at this point as has yet to be proven or seen, are a better team. The final results are still to be determined. It is my hopes that the Pens win tomorrow night and it will all be determined by game 7 in "Hockey Town", Detroit, Michigan.
Should the Penguins win there, it would be even sweeter as the Wings celebrated and held the Cup in our rink last year when all was said and done.
Either way, I will be happy. The Penguins are still young and have next year to look forward to and a new arena to play in. There should be many Cups in this teams future if they can keep them together.
On the other hand, if it goes 7, and they still fall to the Wings, they did better than last year, and the better team won.
Should they win in Detroit, even better.
They will be Cup Champs, and they won without, or should I say despite Hossa.
Either way, the game is alive and well in Pittsburgh and Detroit and that is a good thing. Congratulations Red Wings fans. You have something to trully be "proud" off.
All of the Penguin fans in Pittsburgh or where ever you may be, DO AS WELL. ]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/84-backs-against-wall.html Today my heart is broken............ http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/83-today-my-heart-broken.html Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:28:56 GMT *Today my heart is broken. I lost a living thing that is as close to me as my parents were, and my wife and children are. The day after I got... Today my heart is broken. I lost a living thing that is as close to me as my parents were, and my wife and children are.
The day after I got married, my wife and I went to the pound to get a" Puppie".
That was my wife's idea, and it was a cool idea I guess as I never cared for big dogs. So a "Puppie" would work out.
Well we arrived and walked up and down the cages and around the other side and up and down another set. There were very many and they all were very loud. Some barked, and some whined. Some jumped on the gate vying for your attention and others acted like they wanted to rip you apart.
They were all fairly large so none really caught my eye. There was one though that she liked. It was large, all white and sat in the back, kind of unassumingly and did not vye for any attention. She (my wife) knelt in front of the cage and he came out and looked at her. He sat for a second, she reached out and he sniffed her hand. Licked it and then turned and walked back into the kennel and sat down. She was sold. We adopted him, and were to find out that day, that he had outlived his stay on more than one occasion. They have a determined length of time, and if no one adopts them, they are put down, but he was such a well mannered and behaved dog, that the staff didn't have the heart to put him down. He dodged the bullet that day as he went home w/us, He was scheduled to be put to sleep in the morning the next day.
He went home w/us and was immediately a friend. He as great w/kids, and we have had various cats over the years and he never bothered them, or any other animals. You could say he was the perfect dog. He was house trained and never destroyed anything. He had a personality all of his own
He was approximately 2 years old when we got him, and our tenth anniversary is coming up on November 22nd, so he was going to be around 12 or 13 soon. Pretty old for a dog who is a Lab, Shepard mix.
Well lately his heath had been failing and he was having trouble getting around. He had been diagnosed w/Cushing's disease, he had hip displaysia, and he had had a blood clot in his tail, which had killed his tail and it had to be amputated. Through it all, he stayed as playful and as great a companion as he had been his whole life.
Well, last night during the night he needed out to go to the bathroom. He had been having more and more trouble moving lately and he got outside, and had to sit and then couldn't get back up to get back in the house.
As hard as he tried, he couldn't regain his feet. My wife and I assisted him in and pondered all night as to what we were going to do. I hoped against all hope that he would be OK after he laid around a little bit and rested that he would be OK and that he would be able to continue to live, but when he was left out again in the morning, the same scenario played itself out. Again, it took both of us to assist him back in, and his rear hips are very touchy. Hence when we had to help him up, he would yelp in pain.
We talked and decided that this was no quality of life for him, and as hard as it would be to loose him, he would be better off put down.
We took him to the Vet's this morning and I thought that having him put "to sleep" would be the hardest part, but as they injected him, he screamed as the injection was almost completed.
Now do I not only miss him and feel bad for doing this to him, I believe he died in pain, and that is/was the last thing I ever would have wanted to happen to him.
Somewhere I hope he is still watching, running through the fields, and jumping and barking. I hope he knows he is loved and that I am so sorry that his last memory was of pain and fear. I miss you Baby, sleep w/the angels.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: Cristopher pics 008.jpg Views: 11 Size: 1.69 MB ID: 1   Click image for larger version Name: Baby Lee King 2.jpg Views: 6 Size: 1.22 MB ID: 2   Click image for larger version Name: Baby Lee King 3.jpg Views: 8 Size: 185.2 KB ID: 3   Click image for larger version Name: Baby Lee King.jpg Views: 9 Size: 62.3 KB ID: 4  
]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/83-today-my-heart-broken.html Expecting to hear one thing and hearing another http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ronmcc/78-expecting-hear-one-thing-hearing-another.html Sat, 16 May 2009 15:31:32 GMT I've tried to write this blog on more than one occasion.Finally after much thought here goes nothing.
On February 23rd I went to the Doctor.My blood pressure was high.165/101.I told the doctor that I did'nt feel well and he asked me what I wanted him to do?I replied"what do you think I ought to do"?The doctor said he doesnt treat patience for general medical.I asked if he felt i needed to go to the ER across the street?The doctor told me to go home a 60 mile drive and relax.By the time I got home my blood pressure was 178/111.I called my doctor and she said to come in immediately.I was cold,clammy,perspiring,numbness on my left side.I drove the 11 miles and almost crashed in to the guard rail.I made it to the doctors and the receptionist said "oh" and I was brought in immediately.The nurse started taking my blood pressure and assesing me.BP was 180/115 pulse was 107.The Doctor came in and she started assesing me.I told her about the numbness etc.She tested me for a stroke.I could'nt feel anything she did with spike roller needles etc.They called for a ambulance.The ambulances were busy and they had to send one from a neighboring community.They threw me on the gurney and took me to the ER.On the way the paramedic tried to start a IV.After 5 times of trying I told him to pull the ambulance over and try when we are not traveling down a highway at 70 MPH.They pulled over and the Paramedic still missed the vein.(As I told the paramedic "I Hvae thick skin and bad veins.My veins blow real easy".)I told them to just get me to the ER.We arrived at the ER and the ER doctor met me at the door and told me they were going to get me out of here asap because he didnt feel I was having a stroke.They could'nt life flight me out because of the bad weather.The transport ambulance showed up in 2 hours.I took the 75 mile ride to the lovely Napa Valley.I arrived about 21:30 and went directly to my room on the cardiac floor.I went through all the greetings and 100s of questions.Finally I got to sleep about 01:30.The lab came in about 05:30 to draw my blood.To say I was less than happy was a understatement.The nurse came in and said I would be undergoing numerous tests today.
They arrived at 08:00 to take me down for my tests.I had a x-ray of my chest,CT of my brain and last but not least a MRI of my brain.I was done at 11:30 just in time for lunch.WooHoo.I ate my lunch took a nap and watched TV and hung out the remainder of the day.
The next morning a lady came in about 8:00.She introduced herself and said she was a neurologist.My first thought was like what are you doing here.She asked me numerous questions,verbal tests and checked me for numbness.I am sitting here in the bed and she says they found white lesions on my brain and she is 95 percent sure I have Multiple Sclerosis.To say I was in shock was a understatement.I could here her talking but didnt undertstand what she was saying.The nurse came in immediately after the doctor left.She asked "if I was ok" I had tears in my eyes and told her yeah I was fine.She told me "they were starting Predazone IV to help stop the progression of the MS".I told the nurse I needed to call my family.The nurse left me alone to do so.I had to call my parents first.My dad needed to go to my wifes work and let her know of the diagnosis.
I called my mom and told her and she wanted to chat.I told my mom "I was in no mood and that dad needed to tell my wife in person".My dad called me back.My dad doesnt cry very often.He was crying when he called.I told him what I needed.He notified my wife and she called me about 12:30.We talked and I told her we would get through this.
14:00 in walked a Physical Therapist.Was I in for a rude shock.I tried to stand up and lost my balance and fell back on the bed.The PT helped me back up and we walked out of my room.I walked down the hall with my hand on the wall.I couldnt walk in a straight line and was very unstable.The PT said"welcome to MS".We both laughed.She said I would be "experiencing all kinds of stuff in the next few days".She also said "the simple things in life you took for granted were now going to become a struggle".How right she was.I was moved to the Acute Rehab Unit.I had my own room WooHoo.
The staff came in and assesed me.I was a mess.I had numbenss on left side,reduced strength on left side,short term memory loss,weakness in left leg and hand,speech and swallowing problems,I also had a delay of 3 to 4 seconds and my eyes dont track properly.I spenmt the next 8 days in Acute Rehab.The simplest of tasks now became very difficult.My stamina was gone and I was tired in about 10 minutes whether it was Physical or Mental exercises.
The staff kept reminding me that the MS diagnosis would hit me.I had been in good spirits and was dealing with the diagnosis.I had Physical Therapy,Speech Therapy,Occupational Therapy every day for 3 hours a day.After 8 days I was free from the hospital.
My dad came and picked me up from the Hospital.I left the hospital with a bunch of work orders and RX.I had made some progress but not a whole lot.Long slow road ahead of me.I almost fell getting into the car.I got in and my first request was human food.We went to my favorite pizza place.
The next day I recieved another reality check.I had to take my RX in for a cane and shower chair.I made all my appointments etc.I was exhausted after about 30 minutes and had to take a nap.
The next day I started outpatient rehab 2x a week 3 hours a day.To this day I still go to rehab.
I still suffer from left sided numbness,nerve pain,reduced feeling on my left side,weakness on my left side,delay of 3 to 4 seconds,no depth perception,eyes dont track properly,thick tongue,swallowing issues,short term memory loss on a daily basis.I had a follow up MRI Thursday and will see my Neurologist next Thrusday.We will decide on a drug regimen.I'm so looking forward to injecting myself daily,every other day or once weekly depending on the drug we decide.
My life has changed immensly.I can not work,I cant drive (I veer to the left).I have a new job title.Lead domestic engineer when I am having a good day.I have good days and bad days.If it is bad day I relax and hang out.I have to be able to attend PT.I have had to change the way I do daily tasks that I took for granted.I've learnd how to conserve my energy which is a big deal for people with MS.
When I'm not doing PT I am online doing research on MS and why one beer makes me so sick.I just had discovered Hop Hound beer while we were in Daytona.I had heard alcohol would make me ill and it did.Another lesson learned.
I also do reseach on what meds are out there and I spend a lot of time talking to people who have MS.Over all I take it one day at a time.A good day is a good day.A bad day can be very bad.
I have a positive attitude.I have a 4 year old son.I dont want him having to push me around in a wheel chair.This thought drives me when I am having a bad day.
I have been out in public twice where I needed to use my wheel chair.That was another reality check.I cant walk long distances.I use my cool vest when it is warm and I am outside.Sunblock doesnt work real well anymore.I burn easy when I wear shorts.LOL.
I love the people that make comments to me when I am riding on a electric cart at the grocery store.I tell them I'll trade you bodies for one day and that usually shuts them up.
The prognosis is TBD at this point.Depending how the drug regimen works.I have 4 choicesif the first fails.THe MS will never go away.The Doctors dont know what causes MS.They dont know if MS leads to other Neurological problems.A lot of unknowns.But I stay positive and take one day at a time.So now you know why I am on DCZ a lot lately and will be for the future.LOL.I can see Franklin cringing now.LOL.Thanks for reading. ]]> ronmcc http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ronmcc/78-expecting-hear-one-thing-hearing-another.html <![CDATA[A negative "air" about this place. (Pure conjecture on my part, read w/an open mind)]]> http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/74-negative-air-about-place-pure-conjecture-my-part-read-w-open-mind.html Thu, 07 May 2009 20:35:41 GMT Recently, there seems to be a "negative air" about this place. Someone makes a post or authors a thread, and before the post is done, or the thread is a few seconds old, someone is making a reply or a post that is just aching to start a battle. Be it anti Jr. (which most are) or just plain negative.
I have been thinking very hard about this, and I still cannot decide if it is the bad economy and the effect it is having on us all, and the pressure we are all under, or what it is, but to me this seems totally unnecessary.
I am as guilty as the next guy, but upon seeing, or as one may say, discovering this, I have decided to make a concerted effort to try to be less negative.
I have noticed that the Jr. "bashing" is getting way out of hand. To hear, or should I say read all of the negative Jr. posts, and/or threads, one would begin to think that Jr. is everything bad about NASCAR. To hear/read these posts, He is the reason that, there are no sponsors, the races are long, boring, have no passing whatever is wrong.
He sells too much, he sells too little, Action makes too much of his stuff, his fans are idiots, HE is an idiot, I could go on and on.
If you are frustrated, say what's really on your mind, OR if you don't know, don't say anything. It can't always be Jr. or his fans that are the "Root of all evil". We all get frustrated, and the (what seems as) number one way to vent that frustration is to "slam" Jr..
We're all bound to have differences of opinion, and that will never change, BUT, must we always call someone out who aggravates us? Take a deep breath and let it slide. I have found, if someone says something that "pisses" me off, if I walk away, or close the browser window, go somewhere else, be it away from the PC, or even just surf the web for awhile, and then come back later and check a few different threads before I come back to that thread/post, I see things a whole lot differently.
Less negative posts, lead to a whole lot less negative responses. Less negative responses lead to a whole lot less hurt feelings which in time lead to more positive posts, better relationships and a whole lot nicer place to be.
Again, I am as guilty as anyone, but I am making a concerted effort to make less antagonistic posts and replies. I hope we can all see this and all try to be better friends to each other, rather than being the die-cast, sports, and literary police. It's just not our place to put everybody else in theirs.....again, it's just my opinion, BUT hopefully more of us will agree. Just maybe....... ]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/74-negative-air-about-place-pure-conjecture-my-part-read-w-open-mind.html A Home Opener for the ages.... http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/71-home-opener-ages.html Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:55:18 GMT *Recently in the news, you may have heard of the three Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty last weekend. They... Recently in the news, you may have heard of the three Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty last weekend.
They responded to a marital dispute, and were not informed by 911 (although the operator was told) that there were weapons involved. Upon entering the residence, four responding officers were shot and three killed.
It has pretty much been the talk among the public service community. A large memorial was held in the city, w/a parade etc.
Today was the Home Opener of the Pirates 09' season. There were the typical opening day ceremonies, but today was different than most. The excitement was tempered by the somber tones of bag pipes as the surviving officer was in attendance and a tribute was held for his fallen comrades.
The Pirates wore "PBP" hats and "PBP" patches on their sleeves. Flags were at half staff, and there was a fly over by the local Air National Guard. It was a very moving and emotional experience, even on television. I dearly wish I could have been there and in uniform to pay my respects. Being an emergency responder, we rely on 911 as our eyes and ears until we are on scene and can make our own assessment. This is truly a sad and severe wake up call, that the next call, could be your last.
Couple this w/the loss to the baseball world as well of Harry Kalas, and Mark Fidrych, there were many a tear shed today.
All was not sad this day though, as it also marked the 50th year of service to the Pirate organization by World Series winning pitcher Steve Blass. He pitched two complete game wins in the 1971 season when the Bucs defeated the Baltimore Orioles for the World Series Championship.
He now is a home television announcer and they paid tribute to him and his dedication to the ball club and his various charities and organizations.
The real reason they were there though, was baseball, and as everything in life, the show must go one. And go on it did.
The Bucs continue to look up. They have had a decent team in recent years offensively, but their much lauded pitching staff continued to fall short of their potential. This year so far, out of all seven games played, they have had six "quality starts", that being six or more low pitch count successful innings.
Today was extraordinary.
Zach Duke took the mound and pitched a gem. A four hit complete game shut out. Now granted, it was against the Astros, who have been on a losing streak, since winning on their opening day.
But today was a day of tribute, memories and the hope for a new day.
That new day looks, at least for now, like it may be arriving in Pittsburgh.
As I stated in my previous blog, .500 would be like a playoff birth for the normally underachieving Bucs, but right now, they are one game over .500, hitting the ball, pitching well, and even the defense is sparkling.
I know it's a long year, but I am usually a patient guy and right now, I am enjoying seeing winning baseball again, in the 'Burgh.
As always,
"Let's Go Bucs!!!" ]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/71-home-opener-ages.html Blog from the Man Cave April 13th 2009 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/geebi/69-blog-man-cave-april-13th-2009.html Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:18:07 GMT Well it's Monday again. Just got in from working. Still thankful that our work has not slowed down too much. But when you live in a smaller town and have a good name that sure helps when times get like they are now.

I am sitting here waiting on a call to meet a guy to purchase yet another handgun. I love them. They have became my new passion as of late. I know they cost more than the cars I used to collect but they are so much more fun for me. If I get tired of looking at one or don't like it I can have it sold within 24 hours normally.

I am also waiting for my TN Handgun Carry Permit to arrive in the mail. It was mailed last Monday. That is another great thing about my state, we get to carry them after taking the class. I have never in my life been in a situation where one was needed to save my life but today might be that day. The way people are getting and the way the economy is it looks like it will get worse before it gets better. I don't want anyone messing with my family no matter where we are. I know a lot of people don't see eye to eye on guns but I love them and will continue to support the NRA and local groups that fight for my 2nd amendment right. I am not a gung-ho Republican and I don't talk down on the Democrats because most of them are anti-gun. I am no politician. I just want to be left alone.

On another note, the 2009 NFL Draft is in 2 weeks and I cannot wait. The excitement of who your team will take and the way it pans out until season starts is awesome...for football fans.

Until next time.....out. ]]> Geebi http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/geebi/69-blog-man-cave-april-13th-2009.html <![CDATA[The 09' Pittsburgh Pirates season is underway......]]> http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/68-09-pittsburgh-pirates-season-underway.html Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:12:48 GMT Well, two series outta the way for the 09' season, and the Pirates are @ .500. That is way better than what I thought they would be at this point in the young 09' season, and they could have swept one series and won the other.
They are playing their typical (as has been the norm for this core group of players) fundamentally deficient baseball, even as they managed to turn a triple play against the Reds in their last outing.
Andy LaRoche at third had three errors in two consecutive games. He later in the series hit a homerun, but IMO that does little to redeem him.
The Jason Bay and Xavier Nady trades are still looking bad, but they received a lot of players in those deals so time will tell what happens in the end.
Andy was benched in the last two games and the defense was improved.
No, they are not a playoff team as they are playing now, but .500 would (at this point) be like a World Series Championship this year. It all rests on the shoulders of the pitching staff.
It is as they say "a long season" and w/156 games left to be played, I am again along for the ride.
Next up, the "Home Opener", Go Bucs!!!!


]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/68-09-pittsburgh-pirates-season-underway.html Blog from the Man Cave April 7th 2009 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/geebi/66-blog-man-cave-april-7th-2009.html Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:10:12 GMT Wow, been forever since I posted to my blog. I feel like so much has passed and I have not posted since October. Well my football season went to hell... Wow, been forever since I posted to my blog. I feel like so much has passed and I have not posted since October. Well my football season went to hell as I expected it too. I am so glad my team has started the complete rebuilding process. New coach, new attitude, new players and the draft coming up at the end of the month.

Easter is coming up on us this weekend and it looks like the weather is going to pan out nice this year. It's funny, Sunday I was working in the yard in shorts and a T-Shirt and Monday and today it's freaking snowing. Tomorrow it's supposed to be back up to 66 degrees.

Spring turkey season if underway here in TN. So far it's the old man 1 and me zero, but that is ok. We have a great time every year and I am just glad he is still around and still in good enough shape to get out like we do. We also just spent 3 nights camping and hunting on one of our closer Wildlife Managment Areas that has 80,000 acres of hunting paradise, with no luck I might add. It was still fun, 2 of my cousins went and we had a blast. The first night it rained enough to raise the Amazon River up to flood stage. Thank goodness we don't rough it in tents anymore, I don't know if I am getting softer or smarter...I think it's the latter.

I am going to try and update this a little more regualr from now on. ]]> Geebi http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/geebi/66-blog-man-cave-april-7th-2009.html <![CDATA[One of my old "Jobs"....]]> http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/65-one-my-old-jobs.html Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:46:32 GMT *I was surfing the internet the other day, looking for pics that I could possibly find of cars that I may have worked on at one time. I was a... I was surfing the internet the other day, looking for pics that I could possibly find of cars that I may have worked on at one time. I was a welder/ fabricator at a local establishment called, "Mike Kase Race Cars". The man was a very enterprising individual. His grandfather invented a patented solder and he inherited the business. It was called Kapp Alloy. That made him financially secure. I met him when he became interested in the local sprint car scene, and I was helping a local guy w/his race car. We talked, and he hired me to help him w/his side business, building race car chassis.
He had built his own cars for years, and at one time had the NHRA record holding "Worlds Fastest Funny Car". The Amazing Speed Racer. There were pics of this car in my signature for awhile, and more than likely will rear it's ugly head again several times in the future.
He never did anything half way, and had a vision of a sprint car w/a Hemi engine in it. BUT, that is for another tale some other day.
Before that part of my life, I lettered signs and race cars. So, back to the subject of this, "blog".
I was looking for pics, and a name of a local driver came to mind, and I Googled his name.There were a few entry's that came up, but all were text, except for this one. It had this pic....


This was my first attempt at painting and lettering a race car. Man, looking back at it, it sure is dated. But at the time, it was cutting edge. All of the cars that ran in California in the CRA at Ascot and in Arizona at Manzanita ran what back in the day were called "California Paint Jobs". LOL! It looks like a I stood back and threw color at it and whatever stuck stayed on there. It really brings back the memories though. It was a box Laverne Nance car, and up until then, all of his cars that he helped guys w/were white w/red and black numbers and letters and a red pin stripe.


I think that may be where I got my affinity for that color combination, as you have seen me write elsewhere on this forum.
Well, that's a little trip down memory lane, and a glimpse into how I got into racing and why I love sprint cars so much.
If you ever see any pics of George Bischoff in a sprint car #3B grab em' and shoot em' my way. Chances are, I painted and lettered that car!

:top:
 ]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/65-one-my-old-jobs.html My Daytona 2009 Experience! http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ronmcc/55-my-daytona-2009-experience.html Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:24:35 GMT Wow where do I start.We flew all day Wednesday and arrived around 4:30 p.m.The temp was mid 70's and humid.
Thursday was the duals.We all went to the duals.Wife,son and my parents.To say I was estatic was a understatement when Jeff won.We went to Steak and Shake.Needless to say S and S puts In and Out to shame.A must is the 1/2 and 1/2 shake split down the middle of the glass.
Friday we went to Breakfast at Disneyworld and had breakfast with Pooh,Tigger,Mary Poppins,Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland.After breakfast we went to Sea World.I had to see my good buddy Shamu and friends.A must do but yet again not cheap.For dinner we tried CICi's PIzza (famous line jumper commercial).For $5.99 per person the pizza and salad were a steal.To bad they are not on the West Coast.
Saturday my dad and I went to the Nationwide race.What a race.Not a Tony Stewart fan but he was driving a Hendrick car.Great race again.I learned alot about the draft that the TV doesnt show.We went to Fuddruckkers for dinner.We left early to attempt to go diecast shopping at the flea market before the race.The traffic was horrible and took approximately 2.5 hours to drive 57 miles.
Sunday we left early yet again to arrive in plenty of time.We ended up walking 1.5 miles just to catch the bus in our parking lot.We attempted to look at the trailers because they were suppose to have new arrivals for items both on Friday and Saturday.Needless to say we left dissapointed.The trailers did not have any flex fit hats or any new shirts and or diecast.I liked the race till the rain came.The jet dryer took one lap and stopped drying.I knew we were in trouble then.Jeff would of won if not a top 3 finish.
Monday was a free day.My son and parents went to Cape Caneveral to see the Space Shuttle.The wife and I went and bummed around Orlando.We had Mexican food for dinner.
Tuesday "The Boys" went to the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum.We had a good time and saw some very rare cars of Drag Racing and Salt Flat Racing.For dinner we went to Joes Crab Shack.
Wednesday fly home.
This was the first race I have ever attended where I did not purchase a T Shirt or piece of diecast.Needless to say the trailers were lacking in T Shirts.Diecast was $65.00 to $70.00 plus tax for a standard 1:24 car.
The RCCA trailer was in the infield.Supposedly the trailer had all of the apparel of all the top drivers which to me is dumb.I have yet to confirm the rumor.
We went to Wal Mart,Target etc and found some 1:64 hoods and Daytona 500 Hendrick 25th anniversary cars.I was unable to complete a set of Jeff and Jimmie.
I would highly recommend attending the Daytona 500.I would sit in the Earnhardt Terrace in a row 48 and Sprint Tower row 30 again.The views are incredible.The only drawback in the Sprint Tower is the building partially blocking the view of the back stretch for about 200 feet.The stairs were fun considering I am still getting back into shape after heart surgery.
We had 7 very,very busy days.Needless to say we all are very tired.We came back with a lifetime of memories. ]]> ronmcc http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ronmcc/55-my-daytona-2009-experience.html The eyes http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/believe/47-eyes.html Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:57:01 GMT The eyes are the window to the soul. The eyes are your windows to the world around you. Eyes, do you take them for granted? You don't think so? Next time you're in a crowded room or walking down a crowded sidewalk, cover both eyes or shut them, doesn't matter, and see what happens as you walk. Or rather, feel or hear what happens as you walk. Imagine a world of darkness of total blackness that is still full of familiar voices, familiar sounds, familiar smells. We love to "watch" races, we love to "see" our friends and family. Ever notice that a lot of times when you are at your most frustrated or most angry, that you shut your eyes? Maybe it's instinct, your mind closing the blinds on the windows to maybe stave off the flow of frustration. Ever notice that your eyes widen and dialate in those "fight or flight" moments? Its as if your brain throws those blinds up as high as it can in order to take in as much information as it can so that it can process it quickly to help with the situation. Our eyes shut when we sleep. Is it to keep our eyes damp? Surely not, as we would continue to blink. Its almost as if the brain steps in again and tells us to take it easy and enjoy the movie that it plays on the back of our eyelids. Those dreams are mostly good, too often bad and way too weird at times. Just imagine if you couldn't make some of those dreams come true that you "see" in your brain. If you do nothing else tonight, today, tomorrow or next week, make sure to keep your blinds thrown high and take in what you see around you. You never know what the world holds, but your eyes can behold a lot if you let them. ]]> Believe http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/believe/47-eyes.html NASCAR is losing another legacy... http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/racersimage/46-nascar-losing-another-legacy.html Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:20:05 GMT It's almost official. An agreement was reached today between Petty Enterprises and Bobby Labonte to go their separate ways. It's probably only a matter of days before the announcement comes that Gillette Evernham Motorsports has taken what's left of PE and merged it into their 3 car operation and become a 4 car stable. GEM will most likely keep the famed 43 on the track but it will no longer be a Petty run car.

NASCAR has basically closed the book on it's famed history and has started a new one. In the last eight years NASCAR has lost two major icons from it's past beginning with the untimely death of Dale Earnhardt Sr. Richard Petty is still around, however, the team is almost threw digging their grave. Gone are the days of the guys working hard to make a living and pay for their race cars. No more Petty Enterprises, no black #3, and before long it would appear that the Wood Brothers will close up shop as well.

NASCAR's new book to reflect it's history as it is now will be all about corporations and political correctness. Brian France wanted to make a difference and make a name for himself. He succeeded but even he has been rumored to be moving on to other things. Brian may have brought a fresh perspective and youth to the reins of NASCAR but that's not what NASCAR was built upon and in my opinion he has failed to improve the sport. The sport continues to grow financially but how long will these corporations pour their money into the teams they bought out just to have their brand shown to a declining group of viewers? What happens when George Gillette wakes up and realizes that exposure from normal television ads is more adequate and inexpensive as having your name plastered on a NASCAR team? Ray Evernham has left, so who would run the team then?

As a fan of NASCAR, it's troubling to see the direction that NASCAR has taken. More and more owner's are dependent on investors but just as the casual fans come and go, who's to say these investors won't deem NASCAR as a failing choice of exposure. Maybe when Michael Waltrip finally retires from driving he can become NASCAR's Official Spokesperson. They sure need some more excitement than they're getting from the current leaders. How many more excuses can NASCAR give for declining ratings? I'm sure Michael could help out because we all know he's had plenty of chances for excuses everytime he wrecks a car and loses a race. He could even put a positive spin on things and maybe even make some positive changes! It's worked for Vince McMahon placing wrestlers in charge of the RAW brand and SmackDown brand int he WWE.

I'll never forget Petty Enterprises giving Bobby Hamilton the best break he had after joining the Winston Cup Series. I'll never forget that he won the first race in 1996 for PE in over 10 years and turned around and did it again in 97'. I'll never forget that PE gave Bobby the first of his 2 Top 10 finishes in the final standings in 1996. I'll also never forget the disagreement between Bobby and Kyle over who was receiving the good equipment and the failure as a driver that Kyle became at PE and the champion Bobby went on to be. Petty Enterprises is gone as we know it. NASCAR's famed history is all but wrapped up. Hopefully the series will make a turn for the best and write another exciting book in the future about the NASCAR of today. ]]> racersimage http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/racersimage/46-nascar-losing-another-legacy.html 1990-2008 Nascar collection http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/tk1251/45-1990-2008-nascar-collection.html Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:50:52 GMT need to sell a few older Nascar items.. If you have been hunting some early things, as in the first 2 #3s made , still in boxes.. Have over 2000... need to sell a few older Nascar items.. If you have been hunting some early things, as in the first 2 #3s made , still in boxes.. Have over 2000 pieces..Let me know....TK ]]> tk1251 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/tk1251/45-1990-2008-nascar-collection.html