Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Holy Mother of Pizza (Face)
Not all of my posts are about Dale Jr. and/or NASCAR happenings. Sometimes I throw other things in the mix. But I must add a little warning here because what I am about to write about is not for the faint of heart. This post is about the job I lost two years ago on June 1st, and since that anniversary is almost here I thought I would write about it a few days early.
******
"He" arrived on the scene in the Spring of '05, (in late April.) I had just buried both my parents within the past four months (Dad in late December and Mom in late February), and was thrust into a whole new world of estates, wills etc. of which I knew nothing about. I had been appointed executrix and I learned a lot in a hurry. Because of my world having been tossed upside down, I was not the easiest person to be around ~ especially at work. And so the saga began...
I heard about "him" long before he became the terminal manager where I worked. The terminal where he was coming from said he ruled with an iron fist and no one had a good word to say about him. I think he was only 28 at that time. Once he arrived, he rode herd like there was no tomorrow, setting people up and then firing them. We never knew who would be next, and a lot of us never knew what hit us either. People that were there many years found themselves on the outside looking in. Sixteen months after he got to me, he also got to my husband. He had worked there 11 years. This is how I felt about him:
That man acted like he was God, and his appointed assistant sidekick trailed him everywhere as a sort of bodyguard because he knew he was a marked man. There were a lot who wanted to punch him a new attitude, me included.
This is the company we worked for at the time; they still aren't a very nice company to work for either, because they have no regard for decent hard-working people.
And so, after he worked there two years wreaking havoc on dozens of good, hard-working people, that good-for-nothing b*st*rd left the building. Can you believe that? After all those trumped up charges, all those railroaded people, all those kicked-to-the-curb nice people, and he had the audacity to leave the company. Wow! What balls.
And so I say, may bad karma follow him wherever he goes and I can only hope he roasts in hell.
Oh, did I mention that he was not very nice on the eyes? This became his nickname behind his back very quickly:
Hey, RJS, this is for you:
...warning over; I never said I was a goody two-shoes either. Don't think any less of me for publishing this post. The devil made me do it.
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Monday, May 28, 2007
Never Forget Them
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Saturday, May 26, 2007
He Coulda Been A Contender
I very rarely post on a Saturday, but today I want to honor a hero.
John Wayne was born 100 years ago today. And I still think he'd have made a great president.
posted by Cheyenne at 12:02 PM comment(s) made:
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Friday, May 25, 2007
One Sweet Ride...
...and it starts fourth in the Coca Cola 600 Sunday evening.
I'll be there front and center (of my TV, that is); will you?
The special paint scheme is just one of the many cars honoring the military and their families.
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Oh, Charlotte, I Miss You So
The 1.5 mile paved oval opened on June 19th, 1960.
For years, this facility was named "Charlotte Motor Speedway". The name was changed in February of 1999, as Lowes bought the naming rights.
I remember back then that it was only supposed to be named Lowes Motor Speedway for ten years, but I hadn't done any research lately to back that up and thought perhaps I had been dreaming, once again. So I did the mighty Google thing and this is what I found:
"Another name change among SMI racetracks occurred in February 1999 when SMI awarded the naming rights at Charlotte Motor Speedway for one decade to Lowe's Companies, the home improvement giant, in return for a winning bid of $35 million."
What it means is that Lowes Motor Speedway will be reverting back to Charlotte Motor Speedway by February 2009. And that is a good thing. I have been choking on that Lowes deal since it was changed. And of course, that 'Johnson fella' has added fuel to the fire making me even more irate.
There is a Lowes store being built this very minute approximately 5 miles from our house. I will admit to stepping into a Lowes store once since that name change in 1997, but only because I had to (they were practically giving away the decorative gray landscaping stone I needed) and not because I wanted to. I just hope I can live up to my standards and stay out of the new store. Oh dear Lord, please help me be strong! (My husband doesn't care about any naming rights, he goes wherever he wants to go, much to my chagrin.)
And if Lowes Motor Speedway doesn't revert back to Charlotte Motor Speedway, then I know for a fact that I will not visit any more Lowes stores. Ever. And that's a promise. Really.
*************************************
By the way, does anyone want to borrow my name for the next ten years at $35 million? Oh, wait a minute, I have to factor in inflation. Uh...I'll get back to you on that new figure...
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Monday, May 21, 2007
I'm Not Prejudiced
I was raised in a Ford family, although my Dad wasn't always a Ford owner. My older brother was responsible for changing Dad over. Well, actually I really can't say that either. Let's just say Dad didn't always drive a Ford. He mixed it up along the way with a Willys, lots of Jeeps, I remember a Plymouth one time, even a Kaiser. Never any Chevys. I do know that he started his marriage owning a Ford.
It was my brother who was so gung-ho on the Fords. He would sit for hours drawing cars and perfecting the blue oval Ford script free hand, both in school and at home. He went on to work for many dealerships in the Valley, he was a stockcar champion at a local track that no longer exists, and has been a certified mechanic all his life. He now owns his own inspection station.
Once my brother became that "100% certified Ford boy" that's all that was ever talked about. I don't think, to this day, that he's ever owned another make of vehicle other than the Jeeps that he also raced at hillclimbs. He was champion of several of those too.
So with all those Fords around me as I was growing up, it was only natural that it spilled over to me. My first car was a yellow Ford convertible that I bought from my brother. Since then I have owned many Fords, including a Mercury at one time. And I am now the proud owner of a 1997 GT Mustang (which I special-ordered) with less than 3,000 miles on the odometer.
We also have a 2006 Ford F-150 King Ranch pickup. And I might mention here that my husband was a Mopar man...that is, until he met and married me. At one point in our marriage, we had over 20 vintage Mustangs that ranged from 1964 to 1973. We are down to 8 besides mine. They are all housed in a huge garage/barn that we built just for that purpose so the neighbors that built nearby wouldn't have anything to complain about.
Now, the whole point of this post about me not being prejudiced is that when it comes to NASCAR, I don't care what make vehicle any particular driver races. Dale Jr. races a Chevy, and truth be told if he raced a Yugo, he would still be my driver.
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Friday, May 18, 2007
A Change Of Pace
Thursday evening we were treated to a special preview screening of this movie. Since we received four tickets, it was decided that my daughter and her significant other would go with us.
It was a great movie (recommended by me for all to see), and at least it got me away from my constant thoughts and worries as to where Junior will end up.
My favorite character is Puss-In-Boots (Antonio Banderas, need I say more?) The next movie on my list to see is Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End. Johnny Depp, need I say more?
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Wednesday, May 16, 2007
I Am Shocked Beyond Imagination
NASCAR handed down the penalties to the #8 team for having the wrong brackets on their COT car this past weekend during practice and qualification. The correct brackets were on for the actual race where he finished 8th after qualifying 21st. Sounds to me like they did the team a favor and that is exactly what Tony Eury Jr. said too. Remember, they qualified 21st using the 'illegal' brackets, but they finished 8th using the NASCAR-sanctioned brackets.
The penalties incurred are 100 driver points, 100 owner points, $100,000.00 fine for Tony Eury Jr. and $100,000.00 fine for Teresa Earnhard. Also, Tony was suspended until the Pepsi 400 July 7th and on probation until the end of the year. Junior was 12th in points and is now 14th, a mere 54 points out of 12th place. I think he'll be OK because Tony said the team will be kicking ass. You go Brew Crew! Give 'em hell.
I think these penalties are a tad harsh. I mean, I wouldn't hand them out to my worst enemy. So, needless to say, I am very puzzled. DEI is appealing the harshness of the penalties, but not the infraction even though it is said to be an honest mistake.
Well, at least Tony has a sense of humor about it all. He said he will be in the record books as the first crew chief to be penalized involving the COT car. And since Junior said from the get-go that he would pay the fine, Tony wanted to know if he could borrow his plane so he can go to Maui for two weeks. Not so fast, Tony. You will still be needed because as we know, all suspended crew chiefs are in touch with their crew and driver on race day.
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Monday, May 14, 2007
What Next?
That's what he seems to be thinking in this photo:
Do you suppose he is asking himself these questions?
- Will I lose points? And if so, how many?
- Will Tony Jr. be suspended? And if so, for how long?
- How much will it cost Tony Jr. in fines?
- How much will it cost Teresa in fines? heh heh ~ like I care
- Who the hell did that anyway? It must've been Teresa ~ she doesn't want me to win any races or championships. I saw her with that screw driver skulking around the garage.
Those in the know are aware of what I am referring to above. Dale Jr.'s car did not pass pre-race inspection on Saturday. Someone tried to be funny. The brackets that hold the NASCAR-issued wing were not what they were supposed to be. Not according to NASCAR. I am assuming the correct ones were on for the practices and qualifying? If so, how did the "wrong" ones get put on and when did it happen? So many questions, none of them answered. (Something to do with the placement of the holes in the brackets.)
Problem is, this is the first COT infraction, and it is my understanding from everything that I have been reading on the subject, that the penalties will be severe. NASCAR has to set new precedents for the COT rules. So I am expecting the worst. Just in case.
Dale Jr. has been through so much, and now this. I guess NASCAR is going to enjoy kicking the man when he is down. We'll know by Tuesday just how much NASCAR dislikes Dale Jr.
I was so hoping he would win the race to overcome this latest episode in his life, but it was just not to be. And no matter how much I yelled and carried on, Jeff Gordon's over-heated car just would not blow up. Where the hell is Teresa when I need her?
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Friday, May 11, 2007
What Do You Think? Possible?
Yes, I stole this, so sue me. It tickled my fancy and it would please me to see him driving for RCR using the #33 number (if it's available). My first preference is, of course, the #8 ~ the number we have all come to love. But you know how Teresa can be. 'nuff said.
So now the waiting game begins, but Richard Childress said it best: "He needs some space." I am willing to give him that space. I will not speculate in public, although most would say that is what I did here. No, I didn't. That is just a possibility, not my final thought.
It's nice to think of Dale Jr. hooking up with a high-power team like RCR or JGR, but I really don't think that is the best idea either. I am thinking he would be better off if he partnered with another team, not just become a fourth driver. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
posted by Cheyenne at 1:26 PM comment(s) made:
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Thursday, May 10, 2007
Movin' On
The scheduled news conference lasted an hour, but two words stick out in my mind: "I'm disappointed." I know he's disappointed...but I think it was time to move on. Really. DEI had nothing to offer him in the immediate future.
The contract negotiations? "We weren't even in the same ballpark." That says everything right there. Teresa wasn't even planning, from day one, to share the company with Dale Sr.'s children. Shame on her.
For now, we can only hope that good things come Junior's way. He deserves it, and even the 'Junior bashers' know that's the truth.
During the entire conference you could see the tiredness on his face. He wore it like a badge of honor. I hope now that the air has been cleared that he can go on with his life and make the right decisions.
One other thing stands out amongst all the words that were said, and that is the fact that Dale Jr. had asked Darrell Waltrip to be at the conference with him. Sort of like a stand-in father. God bless his soul, he was there for Junior. I know his Dad was too, and I am sure he silently patted him on the back, gave him a hug, and said "Good choice, son."
Much as he'd rather have stayed at DEI, a comfort place, he needed to get out from under "her" thumb. This is a photo of happier days with Teresa:
posted by Cheyenne at 1:32 PM comment(s) made:
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Major Announcement
At 11:00 AM this morning, there will be a major announcement coming out of the JR Motorsports complex.
According to Dale Earnhardt Jr., he will be talking about "some ideas I've got for the future."
Ever since this news broke on Wednesday there has been nothing but speculation on everyone's part. I'm not even guessing and keeping it to myself. I will find out when the rest of the nation does.
Whatever his announcement is, if he is in fact leaving DEI, then no matter where he goes or what number he drives etc., I will follow him. He will always be my driver no matter where he ends up.
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Ho Hum...Is It 2008 Yet?
I really don't have much to say since the last race. I mean, I watched it~and after having to wait another day due to rain, I wasn't all that impressed. Gee, I wonder why. They could have cancelled the race for all I cared. So big deal...JJ won again. What else is new? I guess I knew it would be one of three that would and will win the remaining races this year.
(This picture has nothing to do with my post; just wanted to show an unkempt-not-much-hair-left JJ)
Darlington is next. Yeah they call it The Track Too Tough To Tame. What a joke that is this year. One of those HMS drivers will take that bull by the horns and toss it into next week, and then some.
I am slowly coming to the conclusion that I'm not that enthusiastic about any up-coming races, or the rest of this season for that matter. And so I will approach this weekend with much trepidation. I will watch the practices, the qualifying, the interviews (well, some of them), the pre-race shows, and I will watch the actual race. But that doesn't mean I have to like it, especially when I know how it's going to end. Three guesses, and as they say, the first two don't count. Well in this case, yes they do count.
There was a lot of talk and writings pre-season how HMS was testing all over the place. Because of that, they got a huge advantage on the handling of the COT car. It's not like the other teams couldn't do that too. Some did, just not as extensively I suppose. And as everyone is now saying, HMS did its homework and it's paying off. That's why they are taking poles, winning races, finishing in the top 5 etc. Boring on my part, and I guess quite exciting for HMS fans. And boy, do they ever love jamming it down our throats, especially us Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans.
We have to swallow our pride and go on. We have to admit HMS is the best team *gag* out there right now. But you know what?
WE DONT HAVE TO LIKE IT!!!!!!
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Monday, May 07, 2007
New Beginnings
Local racing is under way in our area. Last year my daughter and her significant other were on the pit crew of a friend's car. This year they are running their own car. This is a totally new experience for them, and I hope they do well.
I don't really know the significance of the number he chose (81) but I would guess that it is his birth year. No need to tell you, I love the "8" part.
Here's Jeff and the car he drives:
-photo courtesy of Henry Wilt
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Friday, May 04, 2007
Tony, I Know Exactly What You Mean
Hopefully this will be my final post on this subject.
He said "Everybody complained about how vanilla I was and how they didn't like it. Obviously either way, I can't win and I can't make everybody happy so I might as well do it my way."
Our local newspaper conducted an online mini poll. The question asked was: Tony Stewart says NASCAR is like professional wrestling because of too many debris cautions. Do you agree:
The answers were: Yes ~ 72.4% No ~ 27.6%
I hate to beat a dead horse, but I agree with Tony and I honestly believe that he should be able to state what is on his mind (within reason, of course). Because if certain things are left go and cast by the wayside, then nothing ever gets accomplished. I remember when all Dale Earnhardt Sr. had to do was open his mouth and things got done mighty fast. Why can't we have that now? What has happened to our sacharine, politically-correct drivers and our once-beloved sport?
The main thing here is that I really don't think Tony's thoughts are that far-fetched. Just think about it: review the finishes of every race thus far. For the most part, were they not close, tight finishes? Why is that do you suppose?
Just exactly who is "NASCAR" and who decides what actions to take when a driver or crew member is out of line according to their rules? Is it just one person, or are they always the same group of people that make the decisions? Really...inquiring minds want to know.
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Thursday, May 03, 2007
Shankweiler's Drive-In
This drive-in is "just up the street" from my house. Its claim to fame is that it is the oldest drive-in in the country and the first one in the state of Pennsylvania. Their season starts May 4th with a pair of Disney films.
We've visited it a few times since we moved to this area. There is a strong possibility though that it may no longer be in operation within the next ten years or so. Why? They are going to have to eventually change over to digital projection making film obsolete, and that can be mighty expensive. They don't use speakers anymore either. You listen on your car radio or a portable stereo radio. Nice.
It is a family-oriented drive-in and a great place to take the kids and not have to fear they would feast their little eyes on something they shouldn't. (Well...on the screen at least ~ *wink*wink* ) Family togetherness is falling by the wayside much too quickly these days. I believe everyone should experience seeing a movie at a drive-in at least once in their lifetime.
In 1958 there were 4,063 drive-in theaters in the U.S. There are only about 402 left and 33 of those are in Pennsylvania. More and more of these great little pieces of nostalgia will meet their demise due to the greedy land developers waving all that green stuff around. So do yourself a favor and get thee to one before they too become extinct due to so-called progress. And don't get me started on that subject...
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Wednesday, May 02, 2007
From The Mouth Of Dale Jr
"It's been a rough couple of weeks for a lot of people in Virginia. I hope we can come in and for at least a few hours help entertain them and let them know we care about what they've been through.
"When you see the idiots throw stuff on the track at Talladega, you wonder what in the world some fans are thinking, but I think this weekend will reaffirm the positive impact NASCAR can have. I think it will be one of those events where we get together with about 100,000 friends and help the healing process for everyone.
"I expect it to be a night that makes me proud to be a part of NASCAR and to play a positive role in people's lives."
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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Tuesday, May 01, 2007
We Are Not All To Blame
Why is it that the media and others always blame Earnhardt fans for allegedly throwing beer cans and other garbage at Gordon?
Who decides that it's Earnhardt fans anyway?
You know, there are 41 other drivers besides Junior and Gordon, and I'm quite sure thay have lots of fans who are just as tired of seeing a Hendrick car win. As a matter of fact, I am at the vomiting stage.
So unless you know for sure that they are indeed Earnhardt fans doing it, would you please stop spreading that kind of garbage around? People are so quick to judge.
I'll tell you what though...beer shouldn't even be allowed at the races. If people can't do without it, then they can buy it at a concession stand and drink it from a plastic cup. It doesn't deserve anything better than that anyway, because all it does is create rowdy fans who don't have the sense to come in out of the sun in the first place.
posted by Cheyenne at 12:08 AM comment(s) made:
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