NASCAR. National Association for STOCK Car Auto Racing. At one time a person could just look at a car and tell you the brand name, year, and probably the model. This is as things were when NASCAR got it’s start. You had a car of about any brand. FORD, MERCURY, HUDSON, CHEVROLET, OLDSMOBILE, PONTIAC..etc. If it was manufactured in USA it was probably represented on the track. These cars were mostly bought at a dealership. Many were actually driven to the race track and home again. The men who drove these cars also worked on them and made many modifications that would end up in autos produced at the factories. Then in the late 1960-early-1070. Detroit lost their imagination and all cars started looking alike. But it was still a win on Sunday Sell on Monday, situation for the manufacturers. A person could still go to their local dealership and buy a car like they watched win. As NASCAR grew so did the advertising opportunity. The time of the Shade Tree Mechanic racing was coming to an end. It took money to be competitive. I can attest to this. I ran dirt tracks. It was just a hobby, something to have fun with. I remember it cost me $12 to enter the race. I won the Trophy Dash, (trophy dash was a race between the 4 fastest qualifiers usually about 4 laps long), I won my heat race, qualified for the semi-feature and finished 2nd. The Feature the big money race I finished 5th. I went home with a trophy and $9. The trophy probably cost $3 so I may have broken even. I was earning the average salary at the time. But eventually the local track was invaded by people with sponsorships. They had twice as much money in their car than I made a year, Now NASCAR has (in the name of safety) brought out their own model. They all look even more alike. Wait, they are alike. Can I go to my local dealership and buy one of these basic models. Nope. Why call them FORD, CHEVY, TOYOTA. The auto manufacturers are pouring money into a car no one can buy. What they are paying for is a sticker with their name on it. It may be me, and probably is, but Since a certain person whose shall remain nameless but his last name starts with the eighth letter of the alphabet, NASCAR has been on a downward spiral. They wanted to change their image and do away with the “redneck” image that supported them throughout the years. Silly rule changes. Example: A car passes inspection before the race. after banging each other, the wall, etc, the car come in and it is .0064 inches lower than it started. Slap a fine and penalty. A weakened spring, lower tire pressure, any number of things could cause this in the natural course of a race. NASCAR has always allowed a certain brand name to make changes because they could not keep up with FORD. (I am a FORD man). Now they still make exceptions for the cars carrying that other brand sticker. But I leave this up to you to decide. STOCK CARS meant cars you could purchase at you dealership. Because this is no longer possible. Shouldn’t the “S”tock” be dropped from the name and just be NACAR (National Association for Car Auto Racing) In closing I personally do not like the “CHASE’ Championships should be won on a show of consistency throughout the year. And this idea of guaranteed starting positions…. If you had 43 cars come in and post faster times than any of the “Stars” That would mean 35 of those cars would not make the race and slower cars would be in the race. DUH. That’s the way I see it Views: 116
Author: Wayne Lawrence
Half Court uh Half Field Football
The Big Ten has announced a rule change for Saturdays football game at Wrigley Field. Northwestern University is playing Illinois at Wrigley Field Saturday. But with a twist. They say the the middle of the east end zone is too close to the playing field. So Eight months ago both schools and the Big Ten approved the layout of the field without any Safety Concerns . But after the field was layed out a conference official decided the heavily padded wall was a Safety hazard. Maybe the stadium has had some changes since the Chicago Bears played their games there. Or the field was just lain out poorly for this game. But for the Northwestern Vs Illinois game, all kickoffs will be to the East end of the field. At possession changes all offensive plays will be toward the West end zone. This being said, I wonder if, I am a defensive player and I intercept a pass, do I run East (as I should) or do I a reverse and run West. A coin flip was held by the conference Friday and Illinois will sit on the West end bench the 1st half, with Northwestern occupying the West end bench the 2nd half, and overtimes. I realize that player safety is of utmost importance. But after a year of planning, couldn’t they have figured out a better layout or decide it could not be safely played. But to wait until Friday, the day before the game? This could be an interesting thing. Probably a One Time Ever Event. I plan to watch just for the novelty. Game time is 3″30 pm EST, on ESPNU ( at least in my area). Watch it. I’ll bet even the officials get confused. That’s the way I see it. Views: 120
Motorcycle Helmets ??
Should Adult Motorcyclists be mandated to wear helmets. Let’s see. I remember my Dad telling me I was hard headed. Maybe that is why I never wore a helmet in my younger years. No not really I liked the feel of the wind blowing through my hair. I didn’t like the weight of a helmet, it made me feel more tired because I had that extra weight for my neck to support. Then there was the fact that it obscured both my peripheral vision and my hearing. But the most important thing was the heat. It sometimes felt like my brain was frying. Now that I am older. I don’t have to worry so much about the wind blowing through my hair. (I don’t have that extra padding). For some reason I think my head isn’t as hard as it was. It just might break open like an egg if I crash. Helmets have improved since I started riding. They are lighter. Better designed. Made with vents to let air in. I still think I should have the right to decide if I want to wear a helmet. City riding I usually wear a helmet. Too many cages (cars with texters, eater/drinkers, cell phone talkers, (without hands free devices), and many more reasons. But on the highway I make the choice. The people I ride with have CB radios, and with the in helmet voice activated mics we can talk while we ride. I can listen to my radio, Ipod, etc. This makes these runs more fun. But if I am riding by myself and just want to get away. I opt to not wear a helmet if I am in the country. By the way I usually avoid interstates. Nothing to see or enjoy there. But highways and side roads generally take me past things I normally would not see or even know exist. I have found many interesting things this way. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is urging ALL States mandate helmet laws. (NO CHOICE). Their reasoning. Motorcycles (it doesn’t say if this includes scooters) make up 3% of vehicles on the nations roads. but account for 13% of fatalities. Head injuries is the leading cause of these fatalities. We don’t know how many or the break down of causes. We all know there are other causes. But I can believe that Head injuries could be the leading cause. I just don’t know what that lead is. Their claim is that a helmet that meets Federal Transportation Specifications is 37% effective in reducing these fatal injuries. This would mean your chances of surviving with a helmet on is (I am NO mathematician) about 1 in 3.7. Is that right? You math people figure it out. But do they have conclusive proof or is this just conjecture. They force you to wear seat belts because they “save lives” But they never give you the probability of survival with out seat belts. I’m sure Seat Belts also cause deaths. But that is another argument. Their claim is that Helmets will reduce deaths. Maybe, and probably, but without more concrete proof we’ll never know for sure. We just had an 11 year record breaking low in motorcycle deaths. Maybe more people wearing helmets??? When I first began riding as a teenager, a very good friend was injured in a motorcycle accident. Not his fault. He has spent the rest of his life in a wheel chair. And achieved much more than I ever will. As for me I want my freedom of CHOICE. The margin of survival with a helmet just isn’t that compelling to me. But I admit I wear my helmet more than not. But let those who ride decide. That’s The Way I See It. Views: 136
Dickie Vitale Running up Score
Dick Vitale is a truly nice man. I met him in person one time and we had a delightful conversation. I respect him tremendously. But while watching a basketball game last night, He really made a strange statement. Duke who is always running up the score on lesser teams, and Mr. Vitale rarely says anything about it. They can have a 40 point lead at half time and keep playing their STARTERS. But last night he began talking FOOTBALL. He admitted he had not seen the game and apparently hadn’t read about the game in question. It was the Big Ten game between Wisconsin and Indiana. Coach Bill Lynch said he was not upset with Wisconsin scoring so many points. Except that his team allowed it to happen. The score, if you missed it was 83-20. I know it sounds like a run up. But what Mr. Vitale doesn’t understand is Wisconsin took out their Starters and played the boys who don’t get much playing time. To me this doesn’t count as running up the score. After all who would want to put these subs in and not let them play ball. You look for opportunities like this to actually give your subs real game experience. It just happened that Indiana’s football team, was having a really bad day and was unable to keep up with Wisconsin’s second and third string. Teams have days like that. I remember one Monday night bowling I rolled a 630 series. Tuesday I bowled on the same two lanes and had a 384. I wasn’t too proud of that but I worked harder on that 384 than the 630. How did it happen? Heck if I know. You just have those days. Mr. Vitale do you really think that a group of players who rarely get into a game should not play hard. It kind of reminds me of the Indianapolis Colts throwing a game that would have given them a perfect season. Difference is they benched their starters in fear of “injury”. Those players will probably never have a chance to play a perfect season again. The Wisconsin subs may never get another chance to get this much real game experience. Mr. Vitale I Believe you owe the Wisconsin Badgers an apology That is how I see it. Views: 101
Kill Pens
Remember a couple of years ago, Michael Vick was in trouble for “Dog Fighting” Some people were brought up around this and didn’t know it as being wrong. Just like another sport like Dog Racing. You may have already known about it, but I just learned this morning about “Killing Pens”. Some states have them, some don’t, and some are shutting them down. Indiana Natural Resources is considering the legalization of them today. From what I have seen and heard and read. ‘KILLING PENS’ is a way to train hunting dogs. The way it works is this. A Coyote or Fox is put in a pen with a number of dogs who attack them. Indiana claims theirs will be different. The animals will be in an open pen. and the Coyotes and Foxes can hide. But can’t a Dog go where a Fox or Coyote can go. They will still be in a pen and running for their lives. My question. Aren’t Coyotes and Foxes canines just like dogs? If Indiana does this why not make it a money maker. Let the gamblers come in and place a bet on which dog or pack of dogs will kill the Coyote or Fox. But Wait. Isn’t that how Dog Fights are run. But since this would be state sanctioned, that makes it legal.. Right. Can legalized Dog Fights be far behind. I say this is CRUEL and should not even be considered, in any state. What do you think? This Is How I See It. This just in Indiana Department of Resources has voted to create a permit to allow KILL PENS. Shame on you Hoosiers. Views: 393
College Athletic Scholarships
Today you here so many “student athletes” complain about the College/University making money on the games they play. To all of them I say HAH. Sure the school the NCAA make money from your games. But consider the benefits you are getting. Generally a full scholarship. Most include Tuition, Books, Room and Board, Tutoring, And in some cases I know of transportation to and from classes and practice, some even get you part time jobs, so you legally have spending money. You get to continue playing a game you love. Academic scholars do not get the attention or many of the perks you do. They participate in academic contests but don’t expect payment. They do it for the enjoyment. The same thing you should be doing it for, Don’t get me wrong I’m not against Athletic Scholarships. More people use it to get an education they would not ordinarily be able to afford. But just add up all the expense of all your scholarship and PERKS. Do you realize that you are making more than most people your age are making. I think the Athletic scholarship program is being abused. But only by a few so called Student Athletes . The only reason they attend College/Universities is to audition for a job in the pro ranks. These are the ones who I feel great you made it you are getting paid BIG money for something I would do for $50,000 Because I really love the game. The one thing the NCAA needs to and I feel OBLIGATED to do is this. After the investment made in you. IF you do not complete the 4-5 years to fulfill you obligation (getting a degree) either YOU or the TEAM acquiring you should reimburse the scholarship fund in full with interest. It is only a drop in the bucket compared to your salary. After all this is where you served your apprenticeship. Those who do not go on to play in the pros but complete the course to graduation will not make near what you make. But most of them were there to get an education and enjoy one last hurrah in a game they love. I heartily urge the NCAA to follow up on this recommendation. That is the way I see it. Views: 113
Oregon Ducks NEW Basketball Floor (?)
Have you seen the newly designed floor for Matthew Knight Arena? At the risk of offending Ducks fans. I must make this comment. YOU HAVE TO Be KIDDING. If you haven’t seen the floor I suggest you check it out. It is aesthetic, A piece of art. But what is not is conducive to basketball playing. I think it should be banned by the NCAA. I think it is an obvious attempt to confuse visiting teams. As a basketball player I would hate to walk in and see this floor. It would take a lot of floor time to be able to know where you are on the court. It is so radical. I know, perhaps, that I am not your ordinary player. When shooting the ball I rarely look at the basket. I play by floor position. I maybe could still pick out a spot on the floor to shoot from, but it seems that this design would be more confusing to find that spot. Defensively it probably would not make a difference to me. From the photo I saw. The three point stripe is clearly marked. The Key is clearly marked. The free throw line is clearly marked. But the important 10 second line is practically non-existent. I wonder how many Over and Back calls will be made. I remember when a new high school was built and they installed the NEW (at the time) rubber floor. The rubber made a difference in the bounce of the ball and you could see the home team had an advantage because they practiced there and knew the characteristics. But away games they struggled because they played on a wooden floor. The floor may appear different in person. I’ll never know. But as it appears in the photo it is a distraction to the game. And I think the NCAA needs to take a look and determine if it is meant to give the Ducks a “HOME COURT ADVANTAGE” This is just as I see it. Check it out yourselves, and decide for yourselves. Views: 112
Who is paying for the “BAILOUT”
The bailout of the banking system was either poorly planned or….A very well thought out scam. I Think the banks had already made their money. They were not really LOSING money. They were squandering the profits on BONUSES and such. I read about one company that limited Bonuses to the average pay of all employees including the lowest paid employ to the highest. The Bank Bonuses I’ m sure far exceed this standard. I know the people we have elected are nearly all millionaires and they stand with the people who made them millionaires rather than the people who actually vote them in. After all they probably came out ahead themselves by giving the bailout. Now I am a common sense person. Common sense says that the way to help the people, would have been to simply buy out the loans the banks had that people were really struggling with. Now I’m not talking about the people who make huge amounts of Income, and simply were losing money because they bought homes for more than they were worth, because they could get these low cost loans. I’m talking about the lower middle income person who trusted the banks. And were trying to realize the American Dream of home ownership. Common Sense says buy these if you must feel the need to help the banks. Offer them to the victims of the low cost loan system (the afore mentioned lower middle class) at a similar or even lower rate. Let these people stay in their homes. They would still be paying property tax. Maintenance costs. Utility bills. ETC.. generating business. But by giving money to the banks,,,,What did they do started a big foreclosure trend and now resell or whatever they want with the property. (Probably getting tax breaks) But I have strayed from the topic. How the government is supporting the buyout is by making the Elderly pay. How you ask? The Government who will get their high retirements, not from Social Security, But from their guaranteed retirement Which is more than I made while working. The plot. We have “X” number of people who draw Social Security. (Many of whom lost their nestegg to the “DEPRESSION”) and Social Security is their only source of income. So you take “X” number of people and not give them a raise (because even though medical costs, Utility bills, Insurance etc keep increasing the rich people ruling us say there is no cost of living.) So you take “X” x “Y” (unknown raise) So “X”= People on Social Security. “Y” = unknown possible raise. “Z” = bailout money, Therefore “X” times “Y” time 2years equal “Z” Social Security pays the bulk if not all the bailout. Thank you Social Security recipients. That Is How I See It, Views: 86
Politicians and Common People
I don’t claim to be a scholar. I merely approach things from a common sense view. That is to say …if I look at all sides of things that I can see, and it seems logical then I accept that as a best answer. I have never affiliated with any political party. My view is this. THERE IS NO PLACE IN GOVERNMENT FOR POLITICS. When we elect a Republican or Democrat the party dictates what line should be taken on certain matters. The Democrats have their pet projects. The Republicans have their pet projects. It is a constant struggle of pet projects. But do these pet projects include what is best for the country or for select companies, groups, etc. I can not think of any member of Congress, Senate or actually anyone in power who is not really wealthy compared to most common people. I did read about one man elected to Congress several years ago from a small district. It said the man’s net worth when elected was around $25,000 By the end of his term his net worth was closing in on 1 million dollars. In school we were taught. Government of the PEOPLE, By The People, For the People. To me it seems that has revolved to Government of the People, By the Wealthy, For the Wealthy. The wealthy and influential people have so many loopholes in Taxes for example that we the common people do not have. The people on Capital Hill and even at the State Level have no idea of the real world. The way they look at things are To use an example of the rises in gas prices. I don’t know how many have investments or ties to the gas industry but i’ll bet it is considerable. The way these wealthy politicians look at things is “I can afford it, if you can’t that is your problem.” Meanwhile they are getting richer from their investments. So many of these people stay in office for too long. I don’t think the founders of our country USA ever intended for the people who represent us to make it a career. It was meant to be a service to support and bring the wishes of the people to light. Then make decisions as to how best meet these issues. But do these people who in many cases do not even reside in the area they represent. They may maintain a residence there. But spend very little time there. they have no real day to day contact with the common person. When and if they visit their home area they surround themselves with the influential and rich. They do not see the struggling that common folk are going through. So they think everyone is as they are. Anyone who is struggling is a minority. Surprise We who are struggling in this time of economic depression, are the MAJORITY, silent though we may be. Silent only because our cries land on deaf ears. WE THE PEOPLE need to find a way to put our peers in the offices. So we may be represented and Not just the wealthy and Big Business. I am in favor of term limits. Thus inspiring our representatives to do their best to fulfill their obligations to the electors, return to civilian life and not make a Career of Ruling our Country. Mind you this is only my opinion based on what I see as the truth. And thus ends my first views From The Middle. That Is How I See It. Views: 99
My views on news sports etc
Welcome to my blog. My posts will be derived from the way I see things. Views that come from my lower middle class existence. There is no set topics as of now, and may vary from post to post. Some may be political in nature, some on sports, Some on Religion. Whatever trips my trigger at the time. They may or may not be on proven fact. Just my understanding of things. Some things may be tongue in cheek. Sometimes just ramblings of whatever crosses my mind. Looking forward to comments. (no attacks on me) just how you feel about my observations. We both may learn from each other. Views: 99
