Liz Clarke’s “One Helluva Ride”

Out of my curiosity, I attended a reading and book signing of Liz Clarke’s new book “One Helluva Ride: How NASCAR Swept the Nation” for many reasons, which I’ll explain.

To summarize the book, it’s simply a retracing of the history of NASCAR through the eyes of Liz Clarke.  What she saw was a southern sport that started on the dirt tracks in the 1950s and has expanded to the global economy where races are going international and international faces are driving these stock cars.  The book also keys in that the rise of NASCAR starts with the personalities like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Jeff Gordon.  Without these personalities, NASCAR would be stuck on neutral and had no room of growth.  She also mentions three events that change NASCAR:

• The 1979 Daytona 500 is where NASCAR became into the national lexicon with many storylines from Richard Petty winning the 500 to the brawl between Cale Yarborough and Bobby Allison after the race. 
• The 1992 Winston running under he lights started NASCAR to become mainstream and respectability.
• The 2001 Daytona 500 is where lost its soul with the death of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., but also started becoming corporate with new sponsors, new personalities, and new tracks.

Overall, the sport is in good shape, but it does have to wonder what direction NASCAR wants to go next and it’s still up in the air.

If you’re a casual fan, a racing historian, or like a good read, “One Helluva Ride” pinpoints the past, present, and future of NASCAR.  There are two NASCAR books every fan must have:  “Sunday Money” by Jeff MacGregor, which gives a point of view of why fans love NASCAR and their unique efforts of loving the sport.  And now, you can put in “One Helluva Ride” which tells its rich history and the image it wants to be.

Now, the real reason I attended the session is to see Liz Clarke (no, not that “reason”).  There are two guarantees on my emails to Mr. Tony:  John “Junior” Feinstein, and Liz’s demoralization of Canada (there are others, but those are my go-tos).  If you listen to the Tony Kornheiser Show, you know Liz’s hatred of Canada is of one reason:  Anne Murray’s “Snowbird.”  According to her, when “Snowbird” was released, the country’s cultural significance jumps the shark.  What also happened when the song came out was Canadians weren’t tipping to U.S. restaurants; terrible music from Crash Test Dummies, Shania Twain, Nickelback, and others; a wasteland of talent; the terrible Dracula movie while doing ballet (I made that excuse up, but the movie does exist and it was pitiful); the lack of activity since it’s cold; and other excuses you can put in.  She has changed her point of view on it a little bit since, but it’s always fun to poke the bear and Liz and I have exchange some emails about Canada (by the way, I’m not Canadian if anyone wants to know).  Just found her reason of hating Canada over the top, but that doesn’t discount that Liz Clarke is a wonderful writer and wrote a great book.  Junior on the other hand…

Disclosure - Several things:

• I didn’t have a friend who had an Anne Murray t-shirt.  I wanted to listen to her reaction if someone was wearing one, ordering an Anne Murray album, or DVDs of Anne Murray.
• Came in solo and the presentation was solid.  Got my copy and it was autograph by Liz.
• I wanted to download Anne Murray’s song “Snowbird” to show Liz my friend, the iPod Touch.  However, I had no good wi-fi connection.
• After the session, I headed home, ate dinner, typing this post and at the same time, bought Anne Murray’s “Snowbird” on iTunes.  Ninety-nine cents more for Ms. Murray.
• I don’t get why Liz is all pent up of hating “Snowbird”.  I don’t care if she hates the song, but this Canadian culture “dreck” is only 2 minutes and 15 seconds.  That’s peanuts compared to the most overrated song ever:  Led Zeppelin’s 8 minute, 3 second alleged classic song, “Stairway to Heaven.”

The 3rd Annual Funniest Sports Celebrity in Washington (or whatever they called it)

This was the first time I went to the DC Improv to see the Funniest Sports Celebrity thingy.  I was waiting for my friend, but got held up, so I came in solo.  The only reason I came in is to see Marc “Nigel” Sterne.  If you remember last year’s contest, there was controversy and mayhem when Lindsay Czarniak won last year, but the applause meter went to Nigel.  I can tell you that it was justified.  Lindsay is not a good comedienne, but has “other” talents that make up for it, especially bending. 

Anyway, here was the rundown:

• Judges were Dexter Manley, Lindsay Czarniak, Dan Hellie, the Marc Burch dude from D.C. United, some woman from SportsTalk 980 in DC with the last name Fantaskey (not kidding), and Cheese Boy (Dan Steinberg).
• Professional comedian came up to warm-up the crowd.  Not so much.
• Nigel was the first contestant.  I’m going to give little details of his routine:
  • The personal massage known as “Dexter.”
  • The British routine
  • “The Triangle”
  • Singing “Semen and Yogurt”
  • Funny crap!!!
• Levan Reid from WUSA 9 here in DC wins the Peter Rosenberg Award for the worst performance of the night.
• Some stupid intermission with singing from cue cards and another comedian.
• SportsTalk 980′s Frank Hanrahan was next and did ok.  Nothing really popped out.
• Former D.C. Divas running back Monica Livingston was the last contestant and had some funny material about Lesbianism.  She was very good and should do local comedy acts.
• Last act of the night was Robert and had funny material about cereal brands trying to one up not only each other but themselves.

And the winner is…

.

.

.

.

.

[Anticipation is killing you, huh?]

.

.

.

.

.

MARC “NIGEL” STERNE!!!

Why this is bolded?  It was worth $35, plus the dinner I had and satisfied going home. 

Other observations from tonight:

• I was surrounded by members of the D.C. Divas.  Yes, I was scared, but somehow hold it in pretty well.
• Some old guy (late 50s-mid 60s) in the middle was trying to hit up on Lindsay and order her a drink.  You sly dog.
• Cheese Boy can drink beer, even two in the same night.
• Notable celebrities: Rick “Doc” Walker.  That’s all I have.
• The turkey sandwich is very good.
• For this whole event, this made me wonder:  I deserve credit to use “Zornado” in the lexicon of sports.  I don’t want money or fame, just recognition.  If you want proof, listen to Tony Kornheiser podcast from February 10, 2008.

Tracy’s Random Thoughts, February 2008 Edition

Yay, February has one extra day this year, that means more suffering for everyone who reads this blog (I do care, but I’m not going to burst out in emotions like others).  Here we go:

1.  The Super Bowl

Game:  People, it wasn’t the greatest game of all-time.  The first three quarters were dull.  But, I will say it was an exciting 4th quarter.  If I had to pick the best ending, I will still have to say the Rams-Titans because of the lats second effort by Kevin Dyson and left it one yard short.  However, the Eli escape and catch by David Tyree on top of his helmet is the best play in Super Bowl history.  Before the game, I didn’t have a favorite because as a Skins fan, you wondered if the Skins and Giants switch places in Wild Card weekend, the Redskins would be in the Super Bowl.  However, I sort of rooted for the Giants because I really hated the Patriots after Spygate has opened a new can of worms.  I thought the Pats would win, but I do feel happy that the Giants win and Michael Strahan, Eli, and others get the trophy.  Also, when the Giants win the Super Bowl, the Redskins win the following year, so there is hope with a new head coach, Steve Spagnuolo, Defensive Coordinator for the Giants, book it.

Ads:  The quality of the Super Bowl ads are getting lower and lower.  I say this crop was a bit better than last year, where the best ad was CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman and Oprah.  You know the ads were terrible if Bud Light is having a down year.  The exception is the Clydesdales, but it was ok.  The best ad in the Super Bowl was the parade balloons of Stewie and Underdog fighting for Coke and Charlie Brown gets it.   It was sweet and if you get it, it was very funny.  The other ad I liked was the “Night at the Roxbury” ad and Chris Kattan makes a cameo appearance, which I saw miles away, but it was a great ad.  Gladly, Kattan has something to smile about in 7 years.

As for the others:

• E*Trade with the baby talking – I didn’t like it because it was ridiculous and too much Baby bob potential, which I don’t want to visit again.
• Danica Patrick needs to win races, not the crap she pulled.  Only Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova can pull that off.
• The one with the screaming animals on the Bridgestone commercials were okay, but I like it a lot with Alice Cooper and Richard Simmons.
• That FedEx commercial had the right idea, but the execution was pitiful.
• Doritos is smart using user-generated commercials.
• The most effective commercial that day:  The Pedigree commercial about dog adoption during Puppy Bowl 4.  Honestly, I nearly cried after the people bypassed Echo, the dog, for adoption.  It made me want to adopt a dog.  Luckily, our family has Puffy around and she has some to play with (or in my case, licking my toes like people lick frogs to get high).
• Finally, bring more monkeys in suits, not talking animated pandas with Southeast Asian accents.

2. Super Tuesday

After Super Sunday, it’s off to Super Tuesday.  For Republicans, it’s likely John McCain will get the Republican nomination, although detested by conservatives.  On the Democrat side, I’m going to ignore the polls because you are going to get a lot of people voting and make the sample unreliable.  But, there is no denying Obama has the momentum and has the Verizon network with him.  My guess is he’s going to win the Democratic nomination not on Super Tuesday, where it will be close, but he’ll blow out Hillary in the other primaries in the next month.  Fo who I’m voting for, go to my previous blog.

Also, I have been paying attention more about Super Tuesday than the Super Bowl.  If you were going to tell me that a year ago, I would have a subtle laugh.  However, it did happen and I feel “intelligently diverse” if that comes on the lexicon.

3. Water

I’m not sure if I mention this but since Lent is coming up, I agreed to give on soda this year.  Problem is not giving up on soda, but my fascination of why people buy bottled water.  Is it healthier?  Is it convenient?  I’ve drink bottled water before and here’s my answer:  it’s the same crap from your sink or water fountains.  People are shelling out $1.25 to buy bottled water?  I tell them, buy a filter for the faucet.  That’s why in stores, I buy fruit water because it has more value in taste and price than bottled water.  Fruit water is the way to go.  Yes, that’s right; I’m promoting fruit water as a great source of thirst.  If PETA can promote beer over milk, then I’m for fruit water over regular water.  Of course, if I’m in a desert and I have one dollar and the nearest area only has bottled water, I’ll buy it.  I blame global warming.

4. Recycling

I’ve worked in Northern Virginia and DC and what I am surprised is the lack of recycling bins around Northern Virginia and DC.  I have no idea why, is it cost-consuming?  Is there a conspiracy theory that the trash people don’t want recycling bins because there would be less trash in trash cans?  I really would like to recycle anytime, but I’m not traveling all my stuff to go to a Virginia Recycling Center.  Of course, if Virginia pays cans for ten cents, I might be interested.

5. “_____ Nation” 

ENOUGH!!! 

 6. The Tony Kornheiser Show

It’s great to have Mr. Tony back.  The animal revolution, “Death Star Radio,” Callaway drivers with 11 degree loft, and others.  Locally, it’s the best radio show in DC, but it has a huge following on the podcasts.  It is a must listen.  It’s a great companion with NPR. 

That’s all for me, but before I go, can anyone give me tips about Chicago?  I’ll be going there in June and I want some action (no, not that type of action). 

Why I’m voting for Barack Obama

Yes, it’s an excuse to do it before Super Tuesday, but it’s worth a shot (for no one):

1. Obama brings such inspiration and hope to everyone and from his demeanor and speech, he has that gentle authority to believe, we can change.
2. On healthcare, his plan is the absolute best as everyone can afford healthcare and would provide mandates.  Also, this is the most universal health care out there, not the mandates the Democrats wants.
3. Obama might be the only person to not only unite the country, but the whole world.  Of course, there are going to be battles he can’t win, but he would bring a worldly focus that globalization is here and the people need to see that.
4. I’m not a financial expert nor to be one, but looking at most of the financial media, Obama’s plan might not be the best, but is in the top of the president’s list.  I can tell you this, if he selects Mark Warner for Vice President, the economy will recover.
5. I don’t care about lobbyists’ money and where it goes, that has been politics forever. But if you except money from Rupert Mur…uh excuse me, Rupert “F’N” Murdoch from the Democratic party, you don’t deserve my vote.  (Look at past posts about this reason)
6. Obama has the instincts of what is going on out in the world.  He knew it was a bad idea to invade Iraq and he knows there’s a bigger dilemma like in Africa.  Although he doesn’t have the experience, his instincts are second to none (except Ron Paul, who has huge support from the military).
7. He actually thinks about the question and gives an honest response.  People say he’s a bad debater.  To me, he’s an unnatural natural.  He does give pauses and umms, but at least he’s thinking for his answer, not the best answer.  He might take lessons of quick wits from another Chicago native, Bonnie Hunt, but if you want a one and one debate, he will shine.
8. He’s a unique combination of an intelligent person on the job, but off it, he would like to hang out at a bar or have family parties.  He has that vibe and it feels authentic.
9. He’s the next generational president meaning an overhaul of policies and advancing the country to new boundaries.
10. He wants us to look at him as a person and forget what the book cover looks like read inside and you get details and a fascinating story of who he is and he is very frank among talking to the people, which I really like.
11. Finally, Hulk Hogan endorsed him, meaning the song “Real American” by Rick Derringer, Obama can use that song.

I hope people vote in the Super Tuesday states and vote early, because Fat Tuesday is tomorrow, and for Giants fans, a 3 hour vigil of Eli Manning.