Ball State Cardinals

In the Top 25 for the first time ever.

I went to Grad School at Ball State.  Indiana is first in my heart, my alma mater, but I am still happy when BSU is doing well.

Though it still hurt when they beat us.

Wedding Pictures

Here are a couple of photos from the wedding.

We’ll upload the rest of them to a photo sharing site once we get them and I’ll post the link.  You can click each photo to enlarge.

Back Home Again in Indiana

Martinsville High School in Indiana just gained a hell of Band Director. (And I’m going to miss a great friend)

Jimmy Chitwood

Indiana University Men’s Basketball Team, undefeated in the Big Ten.

The Indianapolis 500 part duex

If you didn’t watch it, this year’s Indianapolis 500 was even more exciting than usual. There was a ton of on-track passing and 23 lead changes. The race only went 166 laps due to rain but that didn’t take much away from it. Watching the sudden change in strategy when the teams realized the rain was coming almost offset the early finish.

I was lucky enough to get hold of some close-up images of the race. Here’s the race winner, Dario Franchetti, crossing the finish line in the middle of a downpour.

Some mid-race action with #11 Tony Kanaan, #3 Helio Castroneves, #27 Dario and #6 Sam Hornish Jr.

#6 Tim Hereyford in close pursuit of #1 Joe Grindstaff.

#26 Terry Swift, thrilled to complete a lap without being put in the wall. He obviously doesn’t realize that Hawey “The Hammer” Wells is closing fast behind him.

The eyes of a true racer, #89 Mike Scott.

Dario in Victory Lane with his wife, Ashley Judd. Congratulations Dario.

Indianapolis 500

If you’re from Indiana, there’s a good chance that the first thing that comes to mind when someone brings up the Month of May or Memorial Day, is the Indianapolis 500.

If you’ve never been, it’s one hell of a treat. The people watching is unparalleled and the first green lap is one of the most amazing things you can ever experience.

I try to go every year but rising airfares kept me away last year and it’s starting to look the same way this year. Also, both this year and last I was in the middle of a big project at work that limited the days I could take off. This year tickets have been $500 plus since I started looking about a month ago and now they’re up to $650 if you can find a seat. Here’s the current view of Southwest’s availability:

Next year I’ll have to adjust my budget and plan so I’m not sitting at home watching the race on TV. Unfortunately, I said the same damn thing last year.

The sting is lessened somewhat by the fact that for the first time, the race is being shown in HD.

Fortunately, the internet makes it a lot easier to be half a continent away. One of my the best websites for keeping up with all the gossip is Trackforum.com. The past few years it has featured great pictures and commentary from a gentleman that goes by the name Walter Zoomie. Here is this year’s edition.

Kurt is up in Heaven now

Kurt Vonnegut, 1922 – 2007.  A brilliant curmudgeon to the end. R.I.P.

‘And if I should ever die, God forbid, I hope you will say, “Kurt is up in heaven now.” That’s my favorite joke.’

Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country

Boom goes the Dynamite

I’m sure you all remember this (from March 2005):

I’ve watched it a hundred times and it’s still just as painful/funny/disastrous.

Well, two years later and Mr Collins seems to be doing fine for himself. Good for him.

Winter

For those of you freezing in the Midwest, Calvin and Hobbes:

No Fun League

The NFL has threatened to sue a church in Indianapolis, Indiana to prevent them from showing the game to their congregation on a widescreen television.

What a joke. I don’t care if it is (as they claim) an infringement of copyright law. As long as no one is making money, what difference does it make that 200 people are watching the game on one TV as opposed to 200 TVs? What’s even worse, the NFL gives an exception to bars. They can show the game AND charge at the door.

What arrogance. It’s not enough that almost 50% of the country sits down to watch the game, they want to mandate where you sit down to watch the game. What’s next? Licenses to have Superbowl Parties?

Screw them, I say. Show the game. Let the NFL deal with the horrid press that will come if they initiate lawsuits.