Entries from August 2005 ↓

Today was the first day for staff to report to the new library at TCNJ. While there is still a lot to get done before we open to the public, and some minor glitches here and there. So far, so good. The new library is beautiful and much more inviting then the old one. It should lead to a lot more people wanting to come there to study. I’m looking forward to getting used to it.

The Hut Hundred is one of seven “big” midget races held every year. I say seven because these are the most known races and the ones that are giving extra weight in the National Midget Driver of the Year Award. This is the fifth one of the seven that I’ve made it to. It was also the first time to actually see a race at the Terre Haute Action Track (although I did stop and look at the track a few years ago while driving from Tri-state speedway to Puttnamville during Indiana Sprint Week a few years back). Continue reading →

Saturday morning it was off to Springfield, Illinois to watch an early afternoon USAC Silver Crown race at the mile in Springfield. This is one of only four dirt mile tracks in the United States (and maybe anywhere?) that still race cars on a regular basis. This was the last one I made it to with today being the first race I saw at the historic track. Continue reading →

On Friday night, August 19 it was on to Gas City I-69 Speedway for the second night of USAC Indiana Midget week. Like Lawrenceburg, also on tap were the weekly traditional sprints. Before heading to the track I went to the Indiana State Fair. I’m a big fan of state fairs. Well, at least good ones like they have in the Midwest. Continue reading →

On Thursday night, August 18, I went to see my first race ever at Lawrenceburg Speedway in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. This was my first race of 4 over 3 days at 4 different tracks. All four of these tracks are new to me. I was planning on driving, but I found a cheap last minute air+rental car package to Indianapolis so I decided to fly. It was somewhat of a gamble to take the flight since it was on Northwest airlines and a strike was looming. As I write this I’ve checked into my return flight and so far things are good (even though the strike is on). Hopefully they’ll stay somewhat on schedule. Continue reading →

On August 13 I went to New Egypt Speedway for the URC sprints plus a regular show. The races were pretty good but a few of the top drivers in the modifieds were eliminated by a first lap crash. Continue reading →

On Tuesday, August 9, I went to the Reading Fair to see the Slingshots race on a small track at the New Reading Fairgrounds. For those who don’t know what a slingshot is, the look like a 1/3 size D.I.R.T. modified and are powered by a 35 h.p. Briggs and Straton engine. The track was a pretty small paper clip track. There was a good crowd on hand for the races. The fair was a pretty good value as your $8.00 admission included all rides, concerts, and the races. Continue reading →

Today was my last day to work in the old library at The College of New Jersey. When I return to work next Monday, it will be in the new Library at TCNJ. I’m looking forward to the new digs.

I thought the licenses that came on boxes of software were bad enough, but this is going overboard. It seems the some book publishes are using shrink-wrap contracts on books according to an article in the ABA Journal eReport (published by the American Bar Association). The article questions the validity of these licenses because they may unlawfully limit fair use, and it is unclear how they can be enforced. It appears it will be up to a judge to decide once, and if, a lawsuit is filed. That said, even if they are unenforceable I really hope consumers (personal, academic, and corporate) will refuse to purchase these items. Actually, I hope they don’t purchase any items from these publishers. I really doubt it will happen, but I hope so none the less.

On Saturday, August 6 I headed to my third NASCAR modified tour race of the year. This race was at Riverhead Raceway out on the eastern end of Long Island. We were a little concerned about summer traffic. However, we got out there pretty easily with very few slowdowns. Once we got to the track, we BBQ’d some chicken and drank a few beers and waited for the gates to open. The one thing that Riverhead did (and some other asphalt tracks do) that I don’t understand is they didn’t open the grandstands until 3 PM, but they started practice before that. Don’t they think fans want to see practice? Continue reading →