[With thanks to roykeane11]

I can’t tell you that I watched the end of today’s Cup race without emotion. In fact, the last several laps were actually exciting, and that had a lot to do with double-file restarts. Kudos to Kahne for making it happen for Petty (et.al.), and kudos (can’t believe I’m saying this) to NASCAR for actually doing something worthwhile for the fans for a change.

However, as much as I was happy to see American (at least formerly Michigan) muscle in the form of Dodge take that checker, just in front of another rarity lately – an owner/driver, and who else could it be but Smoke-can-DO-this-this-year – AND, yet another cool deal with one helluva’ vegamiter in Marcos Ambrose rollin’ in third … wow … all VERY cool … BUT …

Has ANYone been following the rest of the world’s events this weekend … last week … last month?

I feel so blessed to even be able to watch such a race, no matter “who” won … no matter “who” ran well … no matter “who” entirely fucked up out there or in the booth or in NASCAR’s “imperial HQ’s”, which is normally what I gravitate toward writing about when I feel like writing here anymore, granted, grin …

Yet, enough grins.

Who knows who NEDA is?

If you do, then, good. If you don’t, then no doubt you should.

WE ALL SHOULD.

Her death in Iran is no less powerful than our own “shot heard ’round the world”. Simply because what is perceived there can often seem an entirely ludicrously different world-view (to us), and has happened in a part of the world we’ve grown to despise for many reasons NOT directly due to any circumstances the people forced to live there have created in and of themselves … doesn’t mean that this ’shot’ should not be felt by every single one of us.

Neda’s death resonates.

It fucking RESONATES.

Watch the footage. Watch news channels – search ‘Neda’ on YouTube or otherwise. Do NOT let your children see it unless they’re old enough and/or you’re fully prepared to explain it RESPONSIBLY … but SEE IT for yourselves, and then try to tell yourselves “that’s OK – it’s just Iran”.

Screw that prejudice RIGHT now, because NOW’S THE TIME. (Ummmm … might wanna’ take a look at North Korea and China about now, too, but I’m just sayin’ … sigh ..)

Neda, the name/word, is supposed to mean “voice”. The horrific fact AND footage of her death in Iran this weekend? Could not be more clear AS a voice for change.

Does everyone hear it?

I wonder.

Light a candle in your window every night, not just for Neda, but for ALL of those who seek freedom of expression – among so many other freedoms – UNTIL THEY HAVE IT.

Do we have to LIKE or AGREE with Iran, as it HAS stood?

Hell no.

Do we have to like what these brave citizens are trying to work out right now? Their freedom to say ‘NO – ENOUGH.’?

YES.

LIGHT IT UP.

Is this all we can do?

Perhaps, for now. But hopefully not for long.

On this Father’s Day Race Weekend, I salute the fathers of OUR COUNTRY – my ancestors and father, included. Those who fought and died for FREEDOM.

May we always, then, LIGHT IT BRIGHT, for those who follow in their brave footsteps.

* Edit Point: The name/word ‘Neda’ is also said to mean: calling and/or divine calling.

P.S. [much later] … LOL … you’ve really gotta’ hear what Chavez is now sayin’ about Iran’s election’s “triumph”, grin … sorta’ like … well, no, this is a racin’ site, and this shit is truly the sign of some VERY slow …. slllooooooowwwwwwww minds. But, hey … turn on a NEWS channel for a change, and laugh your ass off, at least at the idiots still clingin’ to dictatorship … because, I mean, uh … WOW. SERIOUSLY??

Jorge Ramirez, chief of the intensive care unit at Calderon Hospital where Lusk was taken, said the motocross racer suffered severe brain damage and a possible spinal cord injury.

Lusk won a gold medal at the 2008 X Games. He was injured Saturday night when he failed to complete a full rotation while attempting a Hart Attack backflip and slammed headfirst into the dirt. Lusk crashed in almost identical fashion in the freestyle semifinals at the 2007 X Games but was not hurt.

He had a successful 2008 season, winning Freestyle gold at the X Games and silver in Best Trick when he landed the first double-grab Hart Attack backflip. He won a bronze helmet in Freestyle at the Moto X World Championships in his hometown of San Diego.

Ramirez said Lusk died with his parents and his wife, Lauren, at his side.

“He was in a medicine-induced coma as a protective measure, and the medicine was being reduced to see how his organism responded,” he said. “That didn’t mean he was going to wake up. He was in shock and that got worse last night, until he stopped responding and entered into cardiac and respiratory failure.”

Lusk lived in Temecula, Calif.

HOWEVER … SOME of a LOT is about to change around anglerred, and SOON! Just thought you should know … or, be surprised! Either/or, as it’s happening anyway!

But … let’s give our loyal anglerred readers the FIRST hint first, ok, Grump?

Part of that is ALLLL about what angler’ll be doin’ on Sunday during race-time, thanks to reacquainting myself with a fairly local “establishment” I’ll no doubt be posting far more about soon – provided its venerated owner doesn’t boot me out this weekend, of course!  (Hey – it could happen … ya’ never know, grin, though since he’s not a JJ fan, I think I’ll be safe!)  Then again … being the only TRULY NASCAR-HEAVY such establishment in quite so MUCH of such a wide area here, AND the proud owner of a VERY distinctive infield bus you’ve ALL seen either on SPEED by now, or even in my own former ad work for MIS?  I’m thinkin’ that he and I will get along pretty damned well enough to give you lots more inside info next week, lol …

SO!  If there’s any doubt about what I’ll be DOIN’ during race-time THIS upcoming Cup race?  Please allow me to dispel that mystery by givin’ you a REAL good hint before the POST-race posts come to ya’ later, then, grin:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Yeah, ok … so not so earth-shattering unless you’re actually there “tearin’ it up” with me, of course, grin … but, in lieu of THAT?  Oh, there’s more … FAR more to come to anglerred not so long AFTER this race weekend – especially if this “race”, sigh, (COT-WITHstanding) turns out to be boring as all hell (yet again).

Yet, about THIS NEXT hint?  I’m thinkin’ … “Daddy, ya’d STILL better hide your daughters” once THIS beast hits any street near you, lol:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Yup – you’ve already seen this vid here before, so, what’s the “big deal” about it NOW?

LOTS.

Lots more to come in ALL areas Series3, PitViper and SO much more from TPI – so … don’t just ’stay tuned’, folks … tune UP!!  It’s time for TPI, anglerred, and some other really cool entities & people to come together and start finally ‘tearin’ it up!’ (And not just on race weekends anymore …)

‘Burnin’ it down’, later, of course, is totally up to YOU … but you can guess what angler & Grump are gonna’ be doin’ soon, either way – and thank GOD I don’t have a ‘wife’ to give me that ‘look’ before or after I do! I’m simply stayin’ as smart in that way about this as someone else I know (AHEM – you know who you are, grin), and stayin’ EQUALLY quiet about THAT part. After all … I’m not THAT much of an idiot … yet, anyway …

Much more to come, then, soon … and I’d really hate ta’ see ya’ miss it, lads & lasses, as sure’n enough, it’ll put some TRUE Irish in ya’ – and THEN some, no matter what “your” manufacturer. Because, fast?  Is FAST, no matter the make, especially with TPI behind the build.

And that was my LAST hint, ahem … at least for now.  Once you’re still cravin’ speed after Sunday, tho? REAL muscle again?  Jump back to anglerred, and stick around for some seriously wicked-fast fun comin’ from all different directions, and SOON.

Happy Race Weekend in the meantime!!

(And then … hehehe … wicked grins ALL around for what’s comin’ to truly get yer racin’ rush back – and FAST.)

The race vehicle pictured is from a collection of photos taken during Speed Weeks and has no connection to this story.

The vast surface of the Salt Flats are just waiting for those bold enough to design, build and attempt to take their place in the history books. Tragically, one who dared to live the dream was lost today.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AFP) – A motorcyclist was killed after losing control of his bike at 385 kilometers (239 miles) per hour and crashing on Utah’s famous Bonneville Salt Flats, authorities and reports said Thursday.

The American Motorcyclist Association said in a statement on its website that 49-year-old Cliff Gullett of Montana was killed in an accident during a time trial at the location, around 185 kilometers (115 miles) west of Salt Lake City.

The AMA said Gullett was competing in the 500cc class during a time trial speed racing event when his bike crashed. Reports said Gullett was aiming to set a record for the fastest two-stroke, two-cylinder motorcycle.

The Salt Lake Tribune cited police investigators as saying Gullett was travelling at 239 miles per hour before the crash.

The Bonneville Salt Flats have been used as a speed testing ground since 1896 and became famous in 1935 when British motorsport legend Malcolm Campbell broke the world land speed record at the site.

********************

At anglerred, we love all things fast. Some, more than others. Grumpy is not much of a motorcycle fan. I can say that anyone who has the stones to ride one at speeds over 100 mph is a better man.

We extend our most sincere thoughts, prayers of comfort and support to the family, friends and team members of Cliff Gullett.

Godspeed, Cliff Gullett

HONOR, COURAGE, EMAIL

The Official eMail Our Military Blog

Supporting Our Military, One eMail At A Time

The 11th Hour

Ok, not exactly. But, there are only 11 hours left for us to get the job done and reach 100% of our goal.As of 12:15 PM est Operation Soldier Care is at 56% and has raised $2811.00 for sun/skin care packages to our troops in the desert.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about taking care of the service members who volunteered to serve our country unselfishly. That’s it. Plain and simple.

Every $1 donated counts toward the purchase of a care package and no amount is too big or too small. So, if you can help please do!

If you can’t contribute financially, please consider sharing this page with someone you know, blogging about us, and sharing this information across your social networks.

To make things a little more fun, Mike Neumann has made a date with a hair clipper and some Hooters girls if we can meet and exceed our goal by midnight tonight. (Read below) [Click to take you to "where" to "read below", grin ...]

Finally, don’t forget you can always correspond with a service member on a one-on-one basis or send a one time message of support through eMail Our Military!

Blog of the Day Awards for Saturday August 16, 2008:

A Blog of the Day Award goes to Operation Soldier Care!

HONOR, COURAGE, EMAIL

Supporting Our Military, One eMail At A Time

This is our final weekend to make it happen for Operation Soldier Care, our project to send Mary Kay sun/skin care packages to our troops battling the desert heat. Our project ends Monday the 18th.

We have reached higher than we ever thought possible. As of this writing, we’ve currently raised $2411.00 for the care package project which is the eqivalent of making it 48% of the way toward our goal. We’d love to make it all the way. However, we can’t do it alone. If you could take some time and help us spread the word we believe it will make all the difference.

What a great idea, what a great blog … and what a GREAT opportunity for anglerred to help this and other efforts to SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!

‘Operation Soldier Care’ and ‘Email Our Military (U.S.) are both now on our blogroll, so you may jump there any time you come to anglerred for more info on what they’re doing & how YOU can help … plus, how YOU can get in touch with our service men and women – and their families and friends – to truly say THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICES, EVERY SINGLE DAY.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELL DONE, OSC!

[UPDATE: Just thought ya' might wanna' see a glimpse of what you'll read when you click on that "eMail Our Military" icon (above right), and/OR, if you're later hunting the site down in our blogroll ... A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR MISSION AS AN U.S. CITIZEN WHO SUPPORTS OUR TROOPS - NO MATTER YOUR "PERSONAL POLITICS" - AS THESE ARE OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS, FATHERS AND MOTHERS, SISTERS AND BROTHERS ... OUR FRIENDS OUT THERE, WHETHER WE KNOW THEM OR NOT. GET TO KNOW THEM & MAKE SURE THEY KNOW THAT THEY HAVE YOUR SUPPORT!!:

Welcome to eMail Our Military!

Thanks for visiting and taking the first step towards making a difference in the life of a military service member.

Our troops deserve our respect, encouragement and admiration for their tireless dedication to keeping us safe and secure. As they are separated from their loved ones at home, your participation through eMail Our Military gives our troops the support they need and deserve.

Please help keep the support, motivation and encouragement going to our troops by joining our effort.

Better said, and DITTO , then. - angler]

“Back In Black”, INDEED.

Gotta’ thank Grump for this one, because his post on this new “#3 Die-Cast BS-series-BS (did I mention BS?)” subject earlier today (along with our subsequent comments,) inspired me to take yet another look at what REALLY counts in terms of remembering not just a “legend” or a “merchandising tool” to some now (obviously) – but to also consider how “I” would want to best honor my own memory of a father, a friend, a lover, a partner (in life and/OR in business) … especially if he’d been a RACER with the passion, character and caliber of a Dale Earnhardt, Sr. – human faults and all.

With that in mind, then:

LET’S TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT WHAT CONSTITUTES A FAR MORE HONORABLE MEMORIAM, at least in my (rarely humble) opinion:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And still, another, as Richard Childress AND Tony Stewart talk about Dale, Sr. AND the Series3 project as the “#3 INTIMIDATOR” one-of-a-kind custom ‘69 Chevy Camaro ran across the Barrett-Jackson block earlier this year:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And then, let’s also take a deeper look at the gifted custom car-builder who was commissioned by Richard Childress to build this limited-run beast – a man who has told me, personally, how honored HE has felt about his team’s part of creating and building the Series3: Brook Phillips, President of Total Performance, Inc.

Jump here for more on TPI, the Series3, AND TPI’s pretty damned hot “Pit Viper”, too … because Brook Phillips is another “white hat” in this ongoing “die-cast” story.

And, uh, grin … that whole “hat-thing” you’d understand better if you’ve been following our prior “discussion” of this rather ugly matter today. Otherwise, let’s just say – Brook Phillips & Co. is another one of the “good guys”, and I’ll leave it at that, for now.

RACE ON, SR.

Hey, everyone … just a reminder that, not only do we encourage and LOVE it when you comment on whatever our stories or rants of the day are, don’t forget to check out our comments link at the bottom of each post, too – even if you’re not commenting yourself. Sometimes they’re silly & conversational … but sometimes? (Especially when Grump or B, or even Marc, grin, correct the crap out of me … or simply enlighten me further … or share their own views – whatever it might be, as they always have somethin’ to add that either questions, challenges or betters anything I ever write here?)

SOMETIMES?? THE COMMENTS ARE MORE FUN TO READ THAN THE POSTS, lol …

Honestly – you’re ALL welcome to participate … and, yes, even when you disagree with us vehemently. (Perhaps even that last Confederate Flag comment will move you to ‘disagree vehemently’ … who knows, lol … lots of subjects and viewpoints to choose from, in any event.)

So, quit wadin’ around, and dive on IN – the water’s great!

Just so you know, though – while we “moderate” first-comments to keep spammers outa’ here, we never disallow comments just because they’re opposite to our own views. Perfect example occurred just last week, when a reader was truly fired up and ended up callin’ me a few pretty nasty names, grin … (Trust me – wasn’t the first, and won’t be the last on THAT score … so, no worries.)

Anyway … get TO it!! Write comments … READ comments … become a true PART of anglerred, and then maybe someday we’ll start talkin’ forum! (hmmmmmm … just a thought, B – don’t panic!) Havin’ fun with anglerred is why WE’RE here, after all … plus, it keeps me off the streets a bit more, which inevitably assists me in my constant quest to remain out of speeding ticket hell, grin …

Be well, and thanks for being a part of anglerred – whether you comment or not,

angler

There’s Always An Angler, er … Angle …Racin Thru The News Feb. 25, 2008

 

9.1	excellent
	Fun content on a variety of motorsports topics. Great format with comments section.
1 of 1 users found this review helpful

Pretty neat, huh? Every once in a while I check out where we’ve been listed and/or rated in blogdom thus far, to see if there have been any notable changes, and to my surprised chuckle today, when I looked a bit deeper — the above is our first review (back from February, it appears, lol) at blogged.com! (So, since it’s June … now you know what “every once in a while” means, grin … just felt like diggin’ a bit more today, I guess.)

Lookin’ good, Grump & B!! Our general rating on this site has been 8.6, which is nothin’ to sneeze at, especially considering all of our esteemed colleagues out there & their own ratings, content, etc. … but thank you to this anonymous reviewer for the extra kudos, as they’re most appreciated!

[Guess that means that we'd better keep at this a bit longer, huh, guys? grin ... in fact, it's motivating me to get to those Baja, etc. posts I've had "on my list" for well over a week or two now, and yet haven't had time to tackle yet. Of course, it'll be most helpful for me to accomplish this once I have a massive tree removed from atop our roof after this week's storm, of course -- though some of the 'equipment' these tree-removal men are sportin' turns out to be very distracting, indeed, and some not necessarily in such a bad way, hehe ... ahem, but I digress.]

Keep up the great work, B & Grump! Catch ya’ later!

angler