NASCAR 09

The 2009 NASCAR season begins this weekend with The Daytona 500-The Great American Race. I've been around sports all my life and NASCAR is probably my favorite professional sport. My youngest son Kyle got me interested 4-5 years ago when he really loved and attending some races. Naturally, it increased my interest to the point that I soon started watching races almost every weekend. My oldest son soon began watching and enjoying the races as well. Eventually, it led my sons and I to Indianapolis to attend the Brickyard 400. This year, I'm scheduled to go back to Indy and, for the first time, attend the race at Bristol, Tennessee in March! I can't wait!

Many who don't enjoy NASCAR see no point in it saying "all they do is go round and round." Actually there's lots of strategy involved, especially from a technical standpoint. NASCAR drivers, crew chiefs, and crews are all highly specialized. I truly believe if you dislike NASCAR, you would really enjoy the experience of attending a race; it would definitely change your mind about the sport!

Hendricks Motors remains my favorite stable of drivers including 3-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and this season veteran NASCAR driver Mark Martin joins the team.

Thanks to my son(s) NASCAR has become my favorite professional sport. There's nothing like attending a race and seeing the drivers up close. Hope to see you at the track in 2009!!

The "Era" of Shakespeare

My sophomore Honors English class is beginning, what I term, Shakespeare and his Theater. It is one of my most favorite things to do during the school year. Personally, I not so sure that William Shakespeare wasn't the world's most intelligent person, considering that he was at least partially responsible for modern spoken English. My class seems very excited about reading "Julius Caesar" and learning about the life of this brillant man. Did you know that several years ago Pike Central High School offered a Shakespeare class? Ms Sims taught the course (she's in love with the man). I found it very sad that the class was only offered for one year because few students were willing to read and study his poetry and plays. Here's hoping today's PCHS students enjoy, respect and at least appreciate the man and all his work. He was and still is a most amazing person!!