Best Digital Shots Photoblog

A Puppy is Born in Turin, Italy - The Ducati Cucciolo

2011-12-17T22:15:00.000-06:00

In 1944, Aldo Farinelli developed a four stroke engine that could be mounted on a bicycle. Due to the great demand for the Cucciolo, S.I.A.T.A. (the developer) teamed with Ducati and in 1946 the Ducati Cucciolo was released to the public. Ducati continued to refine the engine and in 1948 Giovanni Florio of Ducati put the T3 into production. The T3 was a 3 speed system with a grease lubricated valve gear. In 1949, the T3 engine was combined with Caproni frame to become a light motorcycle eventually leading to the Ducati 60. Great fuel economy and the powerful engine made the Cucciolo a hit with hundreds of thousands of engines and bikes being sold. More importantly for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Ducati 60 Sport opened the door to racing for the now infamous Ducati line.

You can learn more about Ducati and Cucciolo at http://www.Ducati.com/

You can see more motorcycle photography at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Colorful Pot Scrubbers in the Wild

2011-11-29T18:49:00.000-06:00

Much to my surprise, the Internet is awash with pot scrubbers. Yet, most pot scrubber images are staged in a controlled environment. Look for yourself! Fortunately these colorful scrubbers were for sale in an open container at the park a few summers back.

Birds Perched Atop Mast and Anchor of Fishing Boat

2011-11-29T17:23:00.000-06:00

Birds perched atop mast and anchor of fishing boat seem at ease. You can see more photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com

Pelican in Marina at Sunset

2011-11-27T17:57:00.000-06:00

Pelican in Marina at Sunset.

Majestic Boy Boxer - Peru

2011-11-25T11:30:00.000-06:00

A majestic sweatered boxer in dawn light Ica, Peru. You can see more shots from Peru at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Skywheel Beach Fun at Sunrise

2011-11-19T23:24:00.000-06:00

Skywheel Beach Fun at Sunrise

Skywheel Fun at The Beach

2011-11-15T08:47:00.000-06:00

Skywheel fun at the beach.

Seagulls on the Beach at Sunrise

2011-11-13T00:12:00.000-06:00

Seagulls on the beach at sunrise on a crisp Fall morning.

Beautiful Fall Sunrise at The Beach

2011-11-12T23:45:00.001-06:00

As winter begins to set in, it's a perfect time to visit the beach and quietly enjoy God's magnificent work. The above shot was taken at sunrise and, although it was a little breezy and a little cool, the lone fisherman at the end of the pier and I both were blessed to witness the start of a beautiful day.

It Appears that Golden Silk (Banana) Spiders Do Not Like to be Rocked Like a Hurricane

2011-09-22T22:30:00.002-05:00

The Golden Silk Spider, or as it is sometimes known, the Banana Spider, is the second largest spider in North America (only the trantuala is larger). You'll find them from Florida up through the Carolinas. This particular one was resting in its large beautiful web in Alabama. The Banana Spider is fairly docile and spends the majority of its time weaving huge orb shaped webs.

During Hurricane Irene, my Mom called to advise me that her friendly Banana Spider (who was soon to be a mom herself) packed up and moved right before the hurricane headed their way. Interestingly, my Mom's observation and the Banana Spider's behavior appear to be more than coincidence. At the website for the Shady Grove Training Center in Ocala, Florida, the folks at the Training Center also note the Banana Spider's ability to warn of hurricanes. Please visit the following link for their experiences. http://www.eqeq.com/Wildlife/Golden%20Silk%20Spiders%20and%20Hurricane%20Warnings%20043007_files/frame.htm

For other widlife photography please visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Black and White Photography American Village Montevallo, Alabama

2011-09-22T01:28:00.001-05:00

American Village in Montevallo, Alabama provides excellent educational resources regarding America's Colonial past and our pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Visitors can walk the grounds of an immaculately groomed and maintained American village with its period dressed citizens. Since its inception, American Village has welcomed and taught scores of school children and adults alike.

Although permanent photography did not exist during Colonial times (it came about in the early 1800s through the work of Joseph Niepce, Henry Talbot, Louis Daguerre and others), Johann Heinrich Schulze did discover prior to the American Revolution (in the early 1700s) that silver salts darken when exposed to light. His discovery served as a major impetus in photography's development.

In an effort to gain a period feel, this photograph was processed with a selenium and sepia treatment.

Learn more about American Village at http://www.americanvillage.org/

See more black and white photography and photography from American Village at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Beautiful Muscle Milk Girls - Promoting a Winning Combination of Muscle Milk and Supercross/Motocross

2011-09-07T14:01:00.001-05:00

Muscle Milk, what is it? In a nutshell, Muscle Milk is a protein-enhanced, sports-oriented nutritional product produced by CytoSport. It comes in five flavors, chocolate is my favorite, and is available ready to drink, in powder form, as a bar, or in oats as a meal on the go.

Greg and Mike Pickett founded CytoSport in 1998. At their website, they clearly state that they do not support the use of performance enhancing drugs or steroids and that their products do not contain those substances or any other banned substances. In fact, they claim to take great pride in ensuring that their labeling provides full and accurate information regarding all of its products’ ingredients. To that extent, I was impressed that CytoSport’s “News” section did show that the FDA had made an inquiry into the use of the word “milk” in Muscle Milk’s name. CytoSport seems to be on top of this inquiry. It’s logical to me that Muscle Milk is as much milk as Soy Milk, Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Rice Milk and other similarly labeled lactose free products. I’m sure the Picketts will let us know as soon as the issue is resolved.

Finally, it was not the beautiful Muscle Milk Girls who got me to try Muscle Milk, but the repeated inquiries from my son about the product. Not only is it a regular sight on the motocross and supercross tours, Muscle Milk is now a regular product at the super market and convenience stores.

To learn more about CytoSport and Muscle Milk visit http://www.cytosport.com/

To see more Muscle Milk Girl Photography visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

It is Official, Danica Patrick Leaves IndyCar to Race Full Time NASCAR

2011-08-26T18:14:00.001-05:00

Danica Patrick makes it official; in 2012 she leaves IndyCar and will race full time for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Danica has already been driving on a part-time basis for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports in that series.

Additionally, however, she joins Tony Stewart’s Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Team. Her goal appears to be to drive full time Sprint Cup by 2013. To that end, Stewart hopes to add a third Sprint Cup car to his team next year in an effort to maximize Danica’s track time. While Danica has stated that she would love to make her Sprint Cup debut at Daytona, she also says that she’ll defer to Stewart, and Tony has yet to make any schedule announcements.

Generally, while some fans think that Danica is making a mistake leaving IndyCar, many drivers and fans in the NASCAR and IndyCar series are wishing her well and anticipate that she will have decent success on the track. Clearly, Danica’s move should be a boon for NASCAR and an economic winner for Danica.

Go Daddy will continue to race full time in the Izod IndyCar Series. Although it has not announced who will be its driver or what car it will sponsor, Go Daddy struck a multi-year deal with Mario, Michael, and Marco Andretti with the understanding that an Andretti Autosport IndyCar will race under the Go Daddy logo. Mario and the family will also make appearances in Go Daddy commercials. Please, no bikinis!

You can see more NASCAR, IndyCup, and Danica Patrick Photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

You can learn more about Danica Patrick at http://www.danicaracing.com/

You can learn more about JR Motosports at http://www.jrmracing.com/

You can learn more about http://www.stewarthaasracing.com/

Monster Energy Drink Girl and IFBB Pro Bikini Competitor Dianna Dahlgren Returns as Miss Supercross for 2012

2011-08-26T08:10:00.000-05:00

Super sexy, super fit, Monster Energy Girl Dianna Dahlgren returns as Miss Supercross for 2012. Feld Motor Sports announced that Dianna will return to the track for her second year as ambassador, reporter, promoter, friend, and fan of Monster Energy AMA Supercross when the new season roars into Anaheim, California’s Angel Stadium on January 7, 2012. Dahlgren feels blessed and remains excited about returning to the track.

In her time off from Supercross, Dahlgren competes in the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) pro bikini division. The IFBB is the world’s premier bodybuilding competition and was founded by Ben and Joe Weider in 1946. Among other things, the IFBB created the Mr. Olympia competition in 1965 and Ms. Olympia competition in 1980.

Recently, Dahlgren finished 4th at the Pro Bikini 2011 IFBB Europa Super Show. You can see her compete this weekend (August 27th) at the Stryker X Phoenix IFBB event at the Mesa Arts Center.

To learn more about the IFBB Professional League visit http://www.ifbbpro.com/

To learn more about AMA Supercross visit http://www.amasupercross.com/

To learn more about Dianna Dahlgren visit her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dianna-Dahlgren/400581705606/

You can learn more about Dianna Dahlgren at her Monster Energy Drink, Monster Girl site at http://www.monsterenergy.com/us/en/monstergirls/dianna-dahlgren/

You can see more AMA Supercross photography, Dianna Dahlgren photography and Monster Energy Drink Girl photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Izod IndyCar Driver Pippa Mann Injured During Practice for Sunday's MoveThatBlock.com Indy 225 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

2011-08-13T20:35:00.000-05:00

I am a big fan of English IndyCar driver Pippa Mann and looked forward to her second race in the Izod IndyCar Series this year. Pippa finished 20th during this year’s running of the Indy 500, and was scheduled to drive for Rahal Letterman Lanigan in this weekend’s MoveThatBlock.com Indy 225 Izod Indy Race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This morning, however, Pippa crashed during practice and had to be removed from competition until cleared by IndyCar medical.

Pippa hit the wall hard, but was able to walk to a stretcher with the help of rescue personnel. She was transported to Concorde Medical Center for initial evaluation, and will have further tests (to include an MRI of her back) Monday in Indianapolis.

The photograph above is from last year when Pippa raced in the Firestone Indy Lights Series. You can learn more about Pippa from looking at some of my earlier blogs at
http://bestdigitalshots.blogspot.com/2011/05/pippa-mann-will-make-izod-indycar-debut.html and http://bestdigitalshots.blogspot.com/2010/10/firestone-indy-lights-race-driver-pippa.html

You can also learn more about Pippa at her website http://www.pippamann.com/

You can learn more about the Izod IndyCar Series by visiting http://www.indycar.com/

You can see more photographs of Pippa Mann and other Izod IndyCar drivers at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

IndyCar Driver Justin Wilson Breaks Back in Crash During Practice for Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio

2011-08-07T15:39:00.000-05:00

IndyCar driver Justin Wilson remains one of Britain’s hottest motorsports’ drivers. Following a 2004 stint in Formula One, Wilson excelled while racing in the Champ Car World Series. In 2008, Wilson raced in the IndyCar Series for Newman/Haas. Wilson raced for Dale Coyne Racing in 2009 (where he finished 9th in the points race) and in 2010 he signed with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing to drive its #22 Z-Line Designs car.

Continuing to drive for Dreyer and Reinbold this season, Wilson currently sits 14th in the standings as the series races today at Mid-Ohio. Unfortunately, yesterday, during practice for today’s race, Wilson spun out between Turns 1 and 2 crashing his car and suffering a compression fracture in his back. Wilson appeared to run wide in turn 1 and as he crossed the uneven surface bounced into the air. Wilson had to be removed from the car and was flown to Mansfield Medical Center. Tests confirmed that he suffered a compression fracture to his fifth thoracic vertebrae.

Wilson was flown back to Indianapolis for additional hospital care, but he remains active on Twitter and appears to be in good spirits. As recently as one hour ago he twitted the following during today’s race, “Now in Indy thanks to AirMed. Don't have Versus but have timing and scoring.”

(Shots above of Wilson at Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds, Alabama)

You can see more of Izod IndyCar Racing at http://www.indycar.com/

You can learn more about Justin Wilson at http://www.justinwilson.co.uk/

You can see more Izod IndyCar Photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Rockstar Energy Drink Girls and Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Head to Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, NY

2011-08-04T20:19:00.001-05:00

Although many of this year’s racing series are starting to come to a close, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out and cheer, along with the Rockstar Energy Drink Girls, for your favorite riders. The Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Series heads to New Berlin, New York August 13, 2011 for the Rockstar Energy Unadilla National. Practice begins at 8:30 am and opening ceremonies kick off at 12:00 noon.

In the 450 Series, Ryan Villopoto currently sits 1 point ahead of Ryan Dungey and 9 points ahead of Chad Reed. In the 250 Series, Dean Wilson sits 13 points ahead of Tyla Rattray and 17 points ahead of Blake Baggett.

The Unadilla Valley Sports Center complex is located at

5986 State Highway 8

New Berlin, NY 13411-4412

Latitude: 42.699058
Longitude: -75.321787

Coordinates:

42.699058, -75.321787
N42°41.94348, W075°19.30722

The closest airports are Albany County Airport (Albany, New York); Binghamton Airport (Binghamton, New York); and Syracuse Airport (Syracuse, New York).

You can also catch the Rockstar Energy Drink Girls at a 2011 Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing event, 2011 King of Wake Pro Wakeboard event, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing event, or at a Professional Bull Rider Event. For more Rockstar Energy Drink info visit http://www.rockstar69.com/

Visit Unadilla’s Website at http://www.unadillamx.com/home.html/

Visit Racer X Online for More MX SX action at http://www.racerxonline.com/

Visit Lucas Oil AMA Motocross at http://www.allisports.com/motocross/

For more Rockstar Energy Drink Girls, Monster Energy Drink Girls, Motocross and Supercross Photography visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Scott Pruett, and Memo Rojas Remain Atop the Grand-Am Rolex Racing Series Points Standings

2011-08-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

Grand-Am Rolex Racing took a short hiatus this weekend, but will be back on track August 12^th and 13^th at Watkins Glen, New York. Last weekend the Pruett/Rojas Team claimed the DP victory in the American Red Cross 250 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ. The Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Team kept their TelMex Riley BMW atop the Daytona Prototype standings. Currently, Chip Ganassi Racing with Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas lead SunTrust Racing with Max Angelelli and Ricky Taylor by 29 points. BMW sits atop Chevrolet by 10 points and chassis manufacturer Riley Technology is beating out Dallara by 42 points in the series standings.

The shots above are from the Ganassi Team’s victory earlier in the year at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama.

To learn more about Grand-Am Road Racing go to http://www.grand-am.com/

To learn more about Chip Ganassi Racing go to http://www.chipganassiracing.com/

To learn more about Scott Pruett go to http://www.scottpruett.com/

To learn more about Memo Rojas go to http://www.memorojas.com/

To see more Grand-Am Road Racing Photography go to http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

AMA Motocross and Supercross Rider Chad Reed Suffers Severe Crash at Spring Creek, but Remounts Bike and Retains Series Points Lead

2011-07-17T08:20:00.000-05:00

Chad Reed equals tough competitor. The TwoTwo Motorsports rider currently leads the AMA Motocross points race, but this weekend he suffered a close call at Spring Creek in Millville, Minnesota. Early in Moto 2, Reed and Villopoto were dueling for first. As they crossed the highest jump on the course, Reed left the bike and fell 20-30 feet. Amazingly, a dazed Reed remounted his bike and finished 14th to capture fifth overall. He now leads Villopoto by 6 points and Dungey by 7 points going into Washougal next week.

To see video of the crash, go to Speed TV at http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/video-chad-reeds-superman-crash/

To see more Chad Reed, Ryan Dungey and Ryan Villopoto Photography go to http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Joe Gibbs - Christian, Coach, Champion, Hall of Famer, and NASCAR and Motocross Race Team Owner Shares Something Special

2011-07-11T21:52:00.000-05:00

Joe Gibbs, Coach, Author, NASCAR Team owner, Champion, Football Hall of Famer, NHRA Team owner, Motocross Supercross Team owner - there are many ways that Joe Gibbs has become known to sports fans of all ages over the past three decades, but what constantly resonates with all of Coach Gibb’s accomplishments is his strong faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ.

Despite winning the Super Bowl three times as Head Coach of the Washington Redskins, owning three NASCAR Cup Championship Teams, being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and numerous other achievements, Coach Gibbs has fallen a few times along the way dealing with the same struggles many of us face. His rock, however, has been and still is Jesus Christ.

As he states in his recent book, “Game Plan for Life: Your Personal Playbook for Success”, "the bottom line is that I have found something special, something that works, something that has given me a sense of peace and purpose and fulfillment…” In Game Plan, Coach Gibbs, along with Jerry Jenkins (author of the Left Behind Series and numerous other books), and research experts discovered what concerns men have about life and success. Coach Gibbs and other notable people set forth a plan for addressing those concerns leading all of us to that “something special.” Its simple and straight forward, in the Game Plan for Life, God is the Head Coach and the Bible is the playbook.

To find the secret of success, salvation, peace, purpose, and fulfillment, read Game Plan for Life and “The Playbook”.

When you have finished Game Plan for Life, I encourage you to pick up Coach Gibbs’ autobiography, “Joe Gibbs: Forth and One” that was also written with Jerry Jenkins and published in 1992.

To learn more about Game Plan for Life visit: http://www.gameplanforlife.com/

To hear Joe Gibbs “I am Second” visit: http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/joe-gibbs/

To learn more about Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR visit: http://joegibbsracing.com/

To learn more about Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross visit: http://www.jgrmx.com/cgr/community/home.htm

To see more Joe Gibbs, NASCAR, and Supercross photography visit: http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Paige Duke Fired as Ms. Sprint Cup due to Private Nude Photos of Her Taken While She was a Freshman in College Surfacing on the Internet

2011-07-08T18:48:00.000-05:00

This week, Sprint fired twenty-four year old Paige Duke from her job as Ms. Sprint Cup due to a violation of the morality clause in her contract. WSOC TV Charlotte and numerous other media sources report that six years ago, while a freshman at Clemson University, Duke sent nude pictures of herself to her boyfriend. These pictures were private and never intended for others to view. Recently, however, the pictures appeared in mass emails and across the internet. Ms. Duke contacted her ex-boyfriend who has denied any knowledge of the pictures being published. Ms. Duke, her family, and family lawyers are seeking the source of the photos and contacting websites to have the nude photos removed.

Ms. Duke has been devastated by the pictures surfacing and her firing, but she understands Sprint’s position. Many fans, however, have come out in support of Duke and want her reinstated. Regardless, Ms. Duke views this as an opportunity to reach out to teens and college students and warn them about the possible consequences of sexual texting and emailing, and to hopefully prevent others from making the same mistake.

McDreamy - Patrick Dempsey - Stars as Dylan Gould in Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Continues to Stay Busy with Grand-AM Rolex Racing and Grey's Anatomy

2011-07-06T22:50:00.000-05:00

Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey takes his love of cars and racing to the big screen in the latest installment of Transformers. In Transformers: Dark of the Moon, McDreamy plays rich car collector Dylan Gould. Carly Spencer, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, works for Gould. Sam Witwicky, Shia LaBeouf, is beside himself with jealousy. You’ll have to watch the movie to see whether Gould turns out to be a bad or good guy in the end.

About his racing career, Dempsey claims that his wife ran him off the couch from watching Speed TV and he went to Skip Barber Racing School. Currently, Dempsey owns and drives for Dempsey Racing in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series GT Class. He and racing/business partner Joe Foster drive the No. 40 Visit Florida Mazda RX-8 GT car. At this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, the team had a career best 3rd place podium finish. Dempsey led 24 laps of the race.

As Dr. Derek Shepard on Grey’s Anatomy, McDreamy has won the hearts of millions of fans, but recently there have been questions about whether he will continue on the series. In the past two months, some articles claim that Season 8 will be his last, but last week on Lopez Tonight, Dempsey indicated that season 9 was in his future. Guess we’ll have to wait to get the final word.

You can see more of Dempsey Racing at http://www.dempseyracing.net/

Visit Transformers: Dark of the Moon at http://www.transformersmovie.com/

You can learn more about Grand-Am Racing at http://www.grand-am.com/

See more photographs of Patrick Dempsey and Grand-Am Racing at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

AMA Supercross and Motocross Star Chad Reed and Family

2011-06-27T00:34:00.000-05:00

AMA Supercross and Motocross racer Chad Reed with wife Ellie and son Tate or "TwoTwo" celebrate win in Las Vegas at this year's final AMA Monster Energy Supercross event. Reed had a strong 2011 season finishing 2nd overall in points by only a 4 point margin to 2011 season Champion Ryan Villopoto.

Reed continues his winning ways and currently in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship (after five rounds) carries the red plate leading 2nd place Ryan Villopoto by 8 points and third place Ryan Dungey by 21 points.

Next Saturday, July 2nd, Lucas Oil AMA Motocross racers head to the Redbud National in Buchanan, Michigan.

To learn more about the Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship go to http://www.allisports.com/motocross

To learn more about Chad Reed or TwoTwo Motorsports go to

http://www.chadreedracing.com/

To see more supercross, motocross, and motorcycle racing photography visit

http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Ken Roczen - Monster Energy AMA Supercross and FIM MX2 World Motocross Uber Racer

2011-06-22T23:01:00.001-05:00

AMA Supercross and FIM World Motocross rider Ken Roczen continues to impress. The 17 year old German racer finished out the year with a 3rd place SX Lites finish in the final Monster Energy AMA Supercross race in Las Vegas. The Red Bull Teka KTM racer currently leads the MX2 World Championship points’ race after winning his third Grand Prix race this past weekend in Spain. Despite having significant back pain, Roczen worked through the pain and plans to rest up before the Swedish Grand Prix on July 3, 2011.

In 2009 Roczen, at 15, became the youngest rider ever to win a Grand Prix Motocross event. Last year, at 16, Roczen finished second place overall in the MX2 World Championship to his current KTM teammate, Marvin Musquin. Despite still being quite young, Roczen is a veteran racer who has been racing since he was three years old.

Roczen should bring us many more years of great racing. Congratulations and good luck Ken. Herzlichen Glückwunsch und viel glück!

For more information on Ken Roczen visit his website at http://www.ken-roczen.com/

You can also learn more about Ken Roczen at KTM Racing’s website at
http://www.ktm.com/us/factoryracing/mx/mx2/team/details/racing/detail/Rider/roczen.html

You can see more Ken Roczen Photographs at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Director Michael Bay - Transformers: Dark of the Moon "TF3" - Coming June 29, 2011

2011-06-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Coming June 29, 2011 in 3d and IMAX 3d, Transformers: Dark of the Moon "TF3" with beautiful Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (above), Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Turturro. Directed by Michael Bay (above) and produced by Steven Spielberg. Visit http://www.transformersmovie.com/ for more information and visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/ for more photographs of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Michael Bay, and NASCAR autobots.

Glen Wood of Wood Brothers Racing Voted Into NASCAR Hall of Fame

2011-06-14T22:32:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Glen Wood on today's selection into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Wood joins Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, Richie Evans, and Dale Inman in the 2012 class of inductees. It is great to see this solid, well respected, racing family receive recognition. I am sure, despite this year's Daytona 500 victory and the Hall of Fame selection, that Wood Brothers Racing will not rest on their laurels (they haven't done so in over 60 years) and that we'll see them in victory lane again before season's end.

To learn more about Wood Brothers Racing visit their website at http://www.woodbrothersracing.com/

To see more NASCAR photography visit http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

To see my earlier blog on the Wood Brothers go to http://bestdigitalshots.blogspot.com/2011/03/glen-and-leonard-wood-wood-brothers.html

To see my earlier blog on Trevor Bayne and this Year's Daytona 500 go to

http://bestdigitalshots.blogspot.com/2011/03/trevor-bayne-youngest-ever-champion-at.html

Violent and Deadly Tornadoes Strike Alabama in April 2011 Bringing out Strong Character in Victims, Family, Friends, and Strangers Alike

2011-06-07T16:07:00.002-05:00

Violent and Deadly Tornadoes Struck Alabama in April 2011. The Photograph Above from the Birmingham Area (I have intentionally not labeled my tornado damage photos with a specific location) Shows Both the Character of the Storm and the People It Touched.

You can see more of my tornado damage photos at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Peru - Biodiversity, Desert, Olives - Peace and Hope in Apparent Desolation

2011-06-07T00:24:00.002-05:00

Peru is one of the most biologically and ecologically diverse countries on earth. Of the 104 ecosystems in the world, Peru contains 84. Further, 28 of the planet’s 32 climates exist in Peru. Looking on a map, you’ll see the world’s longest mountain range, the Andes, running north and south through the country paralleling the Pacific Ocean. The mountains form a natural divide with the jungle (along with the Amazon, the 2nd longest and most voluminous river in the world,) on the eastern side and temperate to desert terrain on the western side down to the Pacific. Take a look on Google Earth!

Wildlife and plants abound in Peru. When heading south from Lima along the Pan-American Highway, however, expect to see (for many hours of driving) few plants, plenty of sand, and only brief glances of the great Pacific. That being said, you'll find tons of olives growing in many Peruvian desert towns. (Olive trees were introduced by the Spanish during their conquest of Peru.)

Above, you can see the olive grower handling a juicy ripe olive (I thought green olives were a different variety from black olives and it was only after getting to Peru I learned the ripe/unripe distinction). Peru’s olive industry continues to expand. Currently, Peru ranks approximately 10th in world olive and olive oil exports.

Please see my earlier post at http://bestdigitalshots.blogspot.com/2008/04/offering-of-eternal-peace.html with a photograph of a grower offering me an olive. There, I wrote of the deep symbolism to me of that offering along with the significance of the olive crop to small communities, a brief history of the offering of an olive branch and its representation of peace, and how any and all of us can achieve perfect peace (the peace that comes from knowing God’s love and His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ).

To learn more of God’s love, Jesus Christ, and salvation go to: http://www.sbc.net/knowjesus/theplan.asp

To learn more about Peru’s Biodiversity go to:
http://www.discover-peru.org/category/biodiversity-flora-fauna-peru/

J.R. Hildebrand - Gentleman, Scholar, Indy 500 IndyCar Driver, Household Name

2011-06-03T23:35:00.001-05:00

J.R. Hildebrand, IndyCar driver, Rookie, Math Nerd, Household Name, Gentleman, all of these things and more. Last weekend, IndyCar rookie J.R. Hildebrand led the 100th running of the Indy 500 with one turn to go before the checkers. Rapidly approaching lapped traffic Charlie Kimball, it happened; Hildebrand began to pass on the high side, got into the marbles, and crashed. To give you an idea of how far in front of the rest of the pack he was at that time, Hildebrand and his destroyed #4 National Guard, Panther Racing, Izod IndyCar scrapped down the wall for a 2nd place finish to Dan Wheldon who blew by him right before crossing the bricks.

As a fan, it hurt to watch, but then, based upon Hildebrand’s post race actions, much (maybe most) of the anguish and disbelief quickly changed to respect, and amazement related not to the wreck, but to Hildebrand’s humility and class. Despite a multi-million dollar mistake, Hildebrand never whined, made excuses, acted inappropriately, or behaved as most expected. Instead, he spoke of team (his Panther Racing Team, sponsors, and all of the Service Members behind his #4 National Guard car). Wow!

John R. Hildebrand, Jr. started racing at Infineon Raceway when has was 14 years old. He won the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Championship and raced part-time for Dreyer & Reinbold during the 2010 IndyCar season. He then signed a multi-year contract with Panther Racing starting with the 2011 IndyCar season. Currently Hildebrand sits 8th overall in points.

So, where would this 23 year old rookie likely have been last weekend if he had not been racing in the Centennial Indy 500? It’s a good bet this National Merit Scholar would have been preparing for today’s (June 3, 2011) MIT Commencement ceremony. Instead of crossing that stage (he was offered a full academic scholarship to MIT in 2006) he is preparing for his next IndyCar podium visit.

You can learn more about J.R. Hildebrand at http://www.jrhildebrandracing.com/

You can learn more about Izod IndyCar at http://www.IndyCar.com/

You can see more photographs of J.R. Hildebrand and other IndyCar drivers at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Brad Kesolowski on Pole for Tonight's NASCAR Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway

2011-05-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

Brad Kesolowski sits on the pole for tonight’s running of the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Brad comes from a racing family, and he has been racing competitively since he was 14 years old.

In 2004 Kesolowski moved up to the Nascar Camping World Truck Series, and in 2006 he started to race part time in the Nationwide Series. In November 2008, Brad made his debut appearance in the Sprint Cup Series. Last year Brad won the Nascar Nationwide Series points Championship.

The twenty-seven year old driver currently drives the #2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger in the Sprint Cup Series and #22 Discount Tire Company/Ruby Tuesday Dodge Challenger in the Nationwide Series for Penske Racing.

You can learn more about Brad Kesolowski at http://bradracing.com/

You can learn more about Penske Racing at http://www.penskeracing.com/

You can learn more about Nascar at http://www.nascar.com/

You can learn more about the Coca Cola 600 http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets/coca_cola_600/

You can see more photographs of Brad Kesolowski and other Nascar stars at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Alex Tagliani on the Pole for Today's 100th Running of the Indy 500

2011-05-29T09:44:00.000-05:00

We are two hours away from the start of the 100th running of the Indy 500 and on the pole with a 227.472 mph qualifying speed sits Canadian Alex Tagliani. Tag started racing when he was 10 years old. He married his wife Bronte in 2003. When not racing his No. 77 Sam Schmidt Motorsports IndyCar, he enjoys sporting activities, movies, music, and video games.

You can learn more about Tag at http://www.tagliani.com/

You can learn more about Sam Schmidt Motorsports at http://www.samschmidtmotorsports.com/

You can learn more about Izod IndyCar at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

You can learn more about the Indy 500 at http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/indy500/

You can see more photographs of Alex Tagliana and other Izod IndyCar stars at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Tenacious and Talented Simona de Silvestro Qualifies for 100th Anniversary Indy 500

2011-05-24T20:26:00.002-05:00

Tenacious and talented Simona de Silvestro suffered a fiery crash last Thursday during Indy 500 qualifying. Yet, and despite severe burns to both hands, Simona, in what I have seen as typical Simona fashion, came back on Saturday with taped hands and qualified 24th for this year’s 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in a backup car. Of course, this speaks volumes for Simona’s team as well.

Over three years ago, Autoweek named Simona de Silvestro one of the fastest women you will ever meet. Rightly so, Simona’s history is going fast and letting her track actions speak for her. Originally from Thun, Switzerland, Simona now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and races in the Izod IndyCar Series.

She started racing when she was six years old and made the move to racing in the US in 2006 where she raced in Formula BMW USA. In 2007, she moved to the Atlantic Championship series and strongly competed through 2009. 2010 was her rookie year in the Izod IndyCar Series where she drove the No. 78 car for Team Stargate World/HVM Racing. Last year, she was one of a record five women drivers who qualified for the 2010 Indy 500. With Danica Patrick, Simona took to Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s high speed oval along with Sarah Fisher, Ana Beatriz, and Milka Duno. Simona finished 14th in the race and took home Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honors. This year she races for HVM/Entergy Nuclear Clean Air Energy #78 Team.

De Silvestro consistently demonstrates that she is quick to learn, not afraid to attack a race course, and adept enough to provide valuable feedback to the team. Her performance in the Atlantics was noteworthy and her IZOD IndyCar Series performances continue to improve overall. Last year, her one major scare came at Texas Motor Speedway when her car caught on fire and, as I and others watched, it appeared the safety crew responded in slow motion. Thankfully, Simona escaped with only minor burns. Despite her short time in Izod IndyCar racing she has already received numerous honors, finished in the top ten four times, finished in the top five once, came in second in the Rookie of the Year chase, and received the Tony Renna Rising Star Award.

Again, if Simona stays her present course, she will be a serious future contender for the IndyCar Series Championships. I know that she will continue to push her No. 78 car to its limits. Who knows, this year, perhaps the first woman to earn a podium result at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (De Silvestro in 2006 Formula BMW USA Series), will again rise to the podium, but this time at the 100 Anniversary running of the Indianapolis 500.

To learn more about Simona visit http://www.simonadesilvestro.com/

To learn more about HVM Racing visit http://www.hvm-racing.com/simona.html

To learn more about IndyCar visit http://www.indycar.com/

For more photographs of Simona visit http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Pippa Mann will Make Izod IndyCar Debut at the 100th Anniversary Indy 500 May 29, 2011

2011-05-22T22:53:00.000-05:00

I’m happy to report that Pippa Mann has leaped to the Izod IndyCar Series and she has done it in a big way by qualifying for this year’s Indy 500. The 27 year old Ipswich, England native will drive the No. 36 car for Conquest Racing. Bump Day tested patience as teams not only battled each other’s times, but they had to deal with difficult weather as well. Pippa managed to turn a 223.936 time before rain caused a delay. That time earned her a spot in the starting field for the Indy 500. Although the rain cleared and qualifying continued, Pippa’s time was good enough that she did not have to go back out on the track and defend it. She will start 32nd in the field when the 100th Anniversary Indy 500 starts on May 29, 2011 at 12:00 pm EST.

You can go back to my October 23, 2010 blog, http://bestdigitalshots.blogspot.com/2010/10/firestone-indy-lights-race-driver-pippa.html, to read more about Pippa Mann and you can go to the links listed below.

You can learn more about Pippa at
http://www.pippamann.com/

You can learn more about Izod IndyCar at http://www.IndyCar.com/

You can see more photographs of Pippa and other IndyCar drivers at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Ryan Villopoto 2011 World Supercross Champion Ready to Start MX Season at Hangtown

2011-05-20T23:36:00.002-05:00

Ryan Villopoto, on his Monster Energy Kawasaki, won a deserved AMA Supercross World Championship title this year. RV2 consistently raced his way to the podium throughout the AMA SX FIM Championship season winning more times than any other rider on the circuit. His only zero point outing of the year came in Round 11 Jacksonville, Florida when Ryan had a DNQ after crashing in the heat race and LCQ. Despite the DNQ, Ryan finished four points ahead of Chad Reed (who won the final race in Vegas) at the end of the year.

RV2’s victory this year was especially sweet after coming off of a major injury last season. Having won 7 of 13 races in 2010, Villopoto crashed during Round 14 in St. Louis and broke his right leg. Ryan required surgery to set and stabilize the leg forcing him to be out the remainder of the season.

Twenty-Two year old Ryan comes from Poulsbo, Washington. RV2 started his professional racing career in 2006 when he raced in the AMA SX Lites West division. He went on to win the 2006 AMA MX Lites Championship and SX MX Rookie of the Year honors.

Not resting on his SX championship, RV2 will be back on his bike this weekend battling Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey as the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA MX season gets started at Hangtown. Look for continuation of great racing.

You can learn more about Ryan Villopoto at http://ryanvillopoto2.com/

You can learn more about the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross at http://www.allisports.com/motocross/

You can learn more about AMA Supercross at http://www.amasupercross.com/

You can see more photographs of Ryan Villopoto at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Monster Energy Drink Girls Leslie Kay and Dianna Dahlgren - Fans of AMA SX Lites #15 Dean Wilson

2011-05-18T23:15:00.001-05:00

Say it ain’t so. You heard it from Elaine Alden (see my blog entry below), and now you hear it from Monster Energy Drink Girl Leslie Kay and Monster Energy Drink Girl a/k/a/ Miss AMA Supercross Dianna Dahlgren, they too are huge fans of AMA SX Lites Rider Dean Wilson. I gave you a little information on Dean in my earlier blog. You can bet, based upon his performance this year and with such strong support of knowledgeable fans like Elaine, Leslie, and Dianna, I will be keeping an eye on him to win it all next year!

Leslie Kay is a professional model from Florida who now lives in the Orlando area. In addition to cheering on #15 Dean Wilson, she enjoys music and the Orlando Magic (among other things). Dianna Dahlgren is from California and currently lives in Los Angeles. Her favorite Monster athlete? “Dean Wilson!” She isn’t much into court sports, but loves offroading and snowboarding. She has been busy this year as Miss AMA SX. To learn more about Leslie or Dianna, you’ll have to visit their Monster Energy Drink Girl websites.

You can learn more about Leslie at http://www.monsterenergy.com/us/en/monstergirls/leslie-kay/

You can learn more about Dianna at http://www.monsterenergy.com/us/en/monstergirls/dianna-dahlgren/

You can learn more about Dean Wilson at http://deanwilsonracing.com/

You can learn more about AMA Supercross at http://www.amasupercross.com/

You can see more photographs of Dianna, Leslie, and other Monster Energy Drink Girls at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Monster Energy Drink Girl Elaine Alden - Monster Fan of AMA SX Lites Dean Wilson

2011-05-17T19:35:00.002-05:00

Monster Energy Drink Girl Elaine Alden hails from Miami, Florida and is a big fan of AMA SX Lites rider Dean Wilson.

Dean Wilson finished second overall in 2011 AMA SX Lites East. Dean brings an interesting history to AMA SX. He was born in Scotland, raced in Canada, and now lives in Southern California. Dean turned Pro in 2010, but fans had high expectations for his immediate success because of two AMA Amateur National titles and a most outstanding rider award. Dean’s 2011 AMA SX Lites second place overall finish speaks most of his continued ability to win, even at the Pro level. Two of the three races won by Dean this year were the AMA SX Lites in Atlanta and AMA SX Lites in Arlington, Texas. He is pictured above at the Atlanta and Arlington events (on the podium and on his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki). He also won in Toronto.

The above picture of Monster Energy Drink Girl Elaine Alden is also from the Atlanta race. She enjoys modeling, art, and country music. To see her favorite sports, dislikes, and her interesting fun fact or talent, you’ll have to visit her Monster Energy Drink Girl website.

You can learn more about Elaine at
http://www.monsterenergy.com/us/en/monstergirls/elaine-alden/

You can learn more about Dean Wilson at http://deanwilsonracing.com/

You can learn more about AMA Supercross at http://www.amasupercross.com/

You can see more photographs of Elaine and other Monster Energy Drink Girls, and Dean and other AMA SX riders at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Monster Energy Drink Girl Ashley Sarto - AMA SX Las Vegas

2011-05-13T13:03:00.001-05:00

Ashley Sarto, above, was another lovely, hard working Monster Energy Drink Girl at the AMA Monster Energy Supercross finale this past weekend at Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas. In Vegas, Ryan Villopoto on his Monster Energy Kawasaki captured the title World Supercross Champion. Ashley comes from Hampshire, Illinois and is a sports loving tomboy who likes to work out and explore new things.

You can learn more about Ashley at
http://www.monsterenergy.com/us/en/monstergirls/ashley-sarto/

You can learn more about AMA Supercross at http://www.amasupercross.com/

You can see more photographs of Ashley and other Monster Energy Drink Girls at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Monster Energy Drink Girls - Monster Marketing - Beautiful Monster Girl Sonni Pacheco

2011-05-13T12:23:00.005-05:00

Monster marketing, Monster Energy, Monster Girls, and …. equaled better-than-expected 1st quarter earnings for Hansen Natural Corp, the maker of Monster Energy drinks. Thursday, Hansen reported net income of $55 million for the 1st quarter 0f 2011 almost doubling its $32.6 million from the 1st quarter of 2010. But, that isn’t what this note is about. It’s about the girls that wear that unmistakable, monstrous "M." Look above around Sonni’s neck. Yes, that "M."

Monster Energy Drink Girls are a huge part of numerous sports, to include AMA Supercross. On Saturday, Ryan Villopoto, on his Monster Energy Kawasaki, captured the title “World Supercross Champion” by amassing the greatest points total for the 2011 AMA Monster Energy Supercross season. At each of the events, Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas being no exception, Monster Energy Drink Girls played a key role with crowd and riders.

Sonni Pacheco, above, was one of the lovely, hard working Monster Energy Drink girls at Vegas. Twenty-two year old Sonni grew up in Pitt Meadows, Canada right outside of Vancouver, and claims to have been a frog loving tomboy when younger. Today, she is modeling and looks forward to working with Monster Energy Drinks for years to come.

You can learn more about Sonni at http://www.monsterenergy.com/us/en/monstergirls/sonni-pacheco/

You can learn more about AMA Supercross at http://www.amasupercross.com/

You can see more photographs of Sonni and other Monster Energy Drink Girls at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Bret Michaels Rock Hard - Ride Hard AMA SX Award Goes to Chad Reed

2011-05-10T21:41:00.001-05:00

In January, Bret Michaels announced the creation of the “Rock Hard - Ride Hard Award” to honor the AMA Supercross rider who proved to be the hardest charging, greatest comeback, championship focused rider of the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross season. Michaels, who suffered and conquered numerous obstacles in past years, donated thousands of dollars for the award.

Bret Michaels has long been a fan of motorcross as well as a rider himself. He knows that for all SX riders, the toughness of the sport, and the level of competition make it only a matter of time before every rider goes down hard. Yet, it is not how hard or far you fall, but “how you roll with the punches and get back up that counts.”

On May 7, 2011, Michaels was on hand at Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas to personally present the 1st Bret Michael’s Rock Hard - Ride Hard Award, a $10,000.00 check, and a guitar signed by Bret and members of the group Poison, to Chad Reed and family. Michaels jokingly challenged Reed to ride the course with the refrigerator sized check. Reed’s lovely wife Ellie and handsome son Tate were also on hand for the award.

Reed had a strong 2011 season finishing 2nd overall in points by only a 4 point margin to 2011 season Champion Ryan Villapoto. Reed kept pressure on Villapoto and Ryan Dungey to the very end by pushing hard and winning the final event of the season at Vegas. Reed, a former champion, came off of a tough 2010 season where he missed competition events due to numerous health, personal, and other factors. After failing to secure sponsorship for the 2011 season, Reed took on the onerous task of forming his own team, Two Two Motorsports.

You can see more Bret Michaels, AMA Supercross, Chad Reed Photography by clicking on the link and visiting my website http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, The World's Hottest Woman

2011-05-04T18:01:00.000-05:00

Maxim Magazine has just announced that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley tops its list of the world’s 100 hottest women. If you read my March 2, 2011 blog entry below, or perhaps you’ve read it somewhere else, you’ll know that beautiful 5’ 9”, 24 year old, Victoria’s Secret Angel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has replaced Megan Fox and will play Carly, Sam’s (Shia Labeouf) love interest, in the upcoming Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie.

Currently, and for the past year, Rosie has been dating Jason Statham. While new to the movie scene, Rosie has been hot in the fashion industry for the past few years. Earlier in the year, MTV named her as one of its “Breakout Stars to Watch for in 2011.” With all of this attention on and off the screen, it’s a sure bet that we’ll be seeing much more of Rosie in years to come.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon, is set to be released on July 1, 2011 in 3D.

The Maxim Hot 100 list is in Maxim’s June issue, which will be in newsstands May 10^th.

Visit http://www.transformersmovie.com/ to see the announcement and the Big Game Spot trailers.

Visit http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/ for more photographs of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Michael Bay, and Josh Duhamel.

After Bristol, Kurt Busch, Driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge Charger, Rises to the Top of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Standings

2011-03-20T20:45:00.001-05:00

Four races into the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup season and Kurt Busch is on top in the overall points standings. Kurt, Crew Chief Steve Addington, and crew members such as “Stretch”, “Mule”, “C-Dub”, and others have kept the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the top 10 in every race this year. Busch finished 5th at Daytona, 8th at Phoenix, 9th at Las Vegas, and 7th at Bristol. Of course, in his free time last weekend, Kurt qualified for the Gainesville Nationals making the field for the first time in an NHRA Pro Stock race. The team heads to Fontana next weekend.

To learn more about Kurt Busch, visit http://www.kurtbusch.com/ (cool timeline)

To learn more about the Kurt Busch Foundation, visit http://www.kurtbuschfoundation.org/

To see more NASCAR Photography, visit http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Monster Energy Girls - AMA Supercross - A Winning Combination

2011-03-12T23:45:00.000-06:00

     AMA Supercross Monster Energy Drink Girls at the Georgia Dome equal monster marketing. Don't prejudge them (if you are inclined to do so), the Monster Girls are more than pretty smiles and shapely bodies. They are true ambassadors of the sport who work hard on the track during the events, and interact with fans and riders alike.

     For me, after several events, I am now a huge fan of AMA Supercross. No, its not because of the Monster Energy Girls, but due to the overall energy at these events. Give me 70,000 screaming fans inside a dome with breathtaking to-the-wire racing and it spells success. It's great! The sound, the smell, the flames, the roar of the crowd, and the thrill of not knowing (even if your rider is way out in front) whether he will make a mistake, suffer from another rider's mistake, or be overtaken by the speed, power, and skill of the rider behind him.  It's kind of like the last minute of a March Madness basketball game or the end of a Stanley Cup match, anything can and will happen, and (just like these other indoor events) SX fans get to see all the action up close from start to finish.

     Tonight in Indy, the excitement was on again as Villopoto took the victory with James Parker right behind him.  Ryan Sipes ran a great race to win his first SX Lites race.  My words can't do it justice. You've got all week. Do some research (learn what a holeshot is). Find a rider to cheer for.  Then, next Saturday, head down (or up if in southern Florida) to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium (or settle back on your couch tuned in to Speed TV) to watch all the action.

You can learn more about AMA Supercross at http://www.amasupercross.com/

You can see more AMA Supercross and Monster Energy Girls photography at
http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Mini Golf Memories - Black and White Photography by Best Digital Shots Photography

2011-03-11T21:44:00.004-06:00

Miniature Golf, Minigolf, Mini Putt, or a hundred other names, who older than thirty can’t remember seeing and playing those wonderful courses at the beach, at camp, or maybe even in their hometown. I could never seem to get the ball past the windmill and I was always disappointed when on the eighteenth hole I would sink that last shot and not be able to recover my golf ball.

It was great fun for old folks, families, children, and all ages of couples on a date. Sure, you can sometimes still find those miniature courses with all of the beautifully made, wonderfully designed, and colorfully painted obstacles, but more often than not the only playable course that probably exists within range of one tank of gas is just a miniature golf course (you know, just that, a little golf course for putting without all the stuff).

We recently came across what I often see today (an abandoned minigolf course). Sometimes the obstacles are well designed and still colorful, but regardless of their quality, they all usually seem to have a certain type of sadness. As I downloaded these shots and more that you can see at my website, http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/ I thought of two Smokey Robinson songs. The first song that came to mind was “Tracks of My Tears.” Just a few lyrics to remind you of this mega hit and you’ll see why it came to mind.

          People say I'm the life of the party
          Because I tell a joke or two
          Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
          Deep inside I'm blue
          So take a good look at my face
          You'll see my smile looks out of place
          If you look closer, it's easy to trace
          The tracks of my tears..
          I need you, need you”

Next, I thought of “Tears of a Clown.” Again, a few lyrics.

          Now if there's a smile on my face
          It's only there trying to fool the public
          But when it comes down to fooling you
          Now honey that's quite a different subject
          But don't let my glad expression
          Give you the wrong impression
          Really I'm sad, oh I'm sadder than sad
          You're gone and I'm hurtin' so bad
          Like a clown I pretend to be glad
          Now there's some sad things known to man
          But ain't too much sadder than
          The tears of a clown, when there's no one around
          Uh hum, oh yeah baby

     So sad! I’ll leave it at that. Enjoy the photographs, and memories. Listen to Smokey as you view them at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/ under the “Travel” button.

Glen and Leonard Wood, Wood Brothers Racing - Black and White NASCAR Photography

2011-03-11T01:27:00.001-06:00

I recently started a gallery on my website http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/ of black and white photographs of NASCAR drivers. The gallery is under the NASCAR gallery at the site. I could think of no better start than posting a picture of Glen and Leonard Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team in NASCAR having started in 1950. Glen started racing for the team in 1950 and raced through the 1964 season. A look at Wood Brothers' drivers throughout the years reads like a who's who of racing with such names as David Pearson (winner of the 1976 Triple Crown of NASCAR and 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee), the Allisons, Cale Yarborough, A.J. Foyt, Neil Bonnett, Hut Stricklin, Kyle Petty, Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip, Elliott Sadler, Ricky Rudd, Ken Schrader, Bill Elliott, Marco Ambrose, and most recently Trevor Bayne.

Glen Wood's impact on racing and importance to the sport has been recognized by NASCAR's Hall of Fame voting members through their selection of him as a nominee in both 2010 and 2011. Most recently, in this year's Daytona 500, Wood Brothers Racing continued to add to its storied tradition when Trevor Bayne in the No. 21 car became the youngest ever (at 20 years old) Daytona 500 Champion.

To see more about Wood Brothers Racing visit their website at http://www.woodbrothersracing.com/

To see more black and white NASCAR driver photographs visit http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

AMA Supercross Atlanta and Daytona Excite Fans - Same Three on Podium after Huge Crashes

2011-03-05T23:20:00.000-06:00

     Wow, AMA Supercross excites all ages! Last week in the Georgia Dome nearly 70,000 people cheered for their favorite riders as dirt flew, motors roared, and flames leaped into the air during the main events. Tonight, under completely different track conditions at Daytona International Speedway on the GOAT Ricky Carmichael designed course that had more sand, presented a different line every lap, and was part motorcross and part supercross, the fans again experienced the wild excitement that continues to bring huge crowds trackside week after week.

     Last week in Atlanta, James “Bubba” Stewart took the holeshot, but allowed Chad Reed to catch and pass him early in the race. Stewart fought back and as the two came to the white flag, it was neck-and-neck as the riders aggressively fought for first place. Then, it happened! No. 22 Reed and No. 7 Stewart tangled up, crashed, and fell to the dirt allowing Ryan Villopoto to take the victory (and the points lead) while reigning champion Ryan Dungey took second place. Reed finished third and Steward forth.

     Tonight at Daytona, James Stewart again blasted from the gates and took the holeshot. In a magnificent display of riding, Stewart built up a huge lead. Then, it happened! Stewart in a single bike crash flew head-over-heels as his bike continued without him off of the track. Stewart, in what was clearly a very hard crash, stumbled around for what seemed like minutes. After apparent dizziness, confusion, and more falls, he remounted No. 7 and reentered the track. After the fall, Ryan Villopoto moved into first place where he remained to receive the checker flag and the first back-to-back Daytona Supercross victories since Ricky Carmichael. Stewart displaying amazing fortitude, raced hard to finish in the top ten and a standing ovation. Chad Reed took second, and despite what had earlier been a horrible weekend, Ryan Dungey secured the last podium spot.

     The shots above of the three podium finishers from both weeks are from Atlanta. Next week, AMA Supercross heads to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Be sure to watch full coverage of the series on Speed TV with Erin Bates.

To see more of AMA Supercross visit http://www.amasupercross.com/

To see more AMA Supercross Photography visit http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Trevor Bayne Youngest Ever Champion at Daytona 500

2011-03-03T22:51:00.000-06:00

     There is no better example of the American Dream than Trevor Bayne winning the Great American Race. The day after his 20th birthday and in only his second NASCAR Sprint Cup race, Trevor Bayne wins the 2011 Daytona 500 becoming the youngest driver ever to do so. What more could this wholesome young race car driver from Knoxville, Tennessee do after beating some of the top drivers in the world and pocketing almost 1.5 million dollars? Praise the Lord, skateboard around the infield of the Daytona International Speedway, and receive a call from the Whitehouse congratulating him.

     Racing fans and non-fans alike have been swept up in what some are calling Trevormania. Everyone is excited and it is easy to find something to love about this young man. To me of special note, beyond his demeanor, great driving skills … is his outspoken and upfront expression of his Christian faith. Trevor was quick to point out after the race, the significance of Christ, prayer, and missions work in his life. In fact, Trevor promised part of his winnings to further missions’ activities (Back2Back Ministries) that he has already been a part of. Of course, this attitude and behavior are not new to Trevor, his Associate Pastor at Fairview Baptist Church, and numerous others have made it known that Trevor has long tried to live his faith.

     Trevor has made it clear that he finds peace in knowing that God is always in control, whether he (Trevor) is winning or losing. In fact, Trevor says his greatest expressions of faith have been when he is having a bad day. Now, with his new stardom, he has demonstrated that he will use the Daytona Championship platform as another tool to share Christ’s love with others.

     To see more of Trevor in Victory Lane at the Daytona 500 go to http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

The Excitement of the 2011 Daytona 500 - Transformers 3 Michael Bay, Josh Duhamel, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and NASCAR Autobots

2011-03-02T22:07:00.000-06:00

Daytona 500 fans were greeted at this year’s race by Grand Marshals Michael Bay, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, and three NASCAR Autobots. The Transformers: Dark of the Moon actors and director sounded those famous words “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.” Additionally, The Target No. 42, Lowes No. 48, and Amp Energy No. 88 Autobots made a lap around Daytona International Speedway.

Beautiful Victoria’s Secret’s Angel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley will play Carly, Sam’s (Shia Labeouf) love interest while Josh Duhamel continues as Major William Lennox. The trailers look as Director Michael Bay will deliver more intense action as the Autobots continue to battle the Decepticons upon learning that a Cybertronian spacecraft on the Moon holds secrets that may be critical to either a final victory or a final loss.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon, is set to be released on July 1, 2011 in 3D.

Visit http://www.transformersmovie.com/ to see the announcement and the Big Game Spot trailers.

Visit http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/ for more photos from the 2011 Daytona 500.

Stormy Birmingham Race Course with Greyhounds and Perseid Meteors

2011-02-05T08:45:00.000-06:00

One stormy evening while traveling home the combination of clouds, dusk, and lightening made for some interesting light. Fortunately, I had my camera, but had to quickly think of a place where I could take full advantage of the light. About that time, I passed a sign for the Birmingham Race Course and off I turned. It had literally been decades since I had been to the track. In fact, the only time I had been there was for a business outing, and they were racing horses not greyhounds. As it turned out, the lighting and location were great. As it got a little darker and the sky cleared, you could occasionally see a few Perseid Meteors streaking across the sky. If you look closely at the bottom photograph above, you can see Perseid Meteors. I also took some shots of the greyhounds and found out about greyhound racing (something I knew nothing about).

I have not yet posted any of my other Perseid Meteor photographs, but hope to have them on my website http://www.BestDigitalShots.com within a week or two.

Accident Under the Bridge - Available Light Photography

2011-01-31T23:25:00.000-06:00

One night, my youngest son and I were out playing with the camera taking some hand-held available light photos. No, we did not come upon an accident that just happened, but this shot of debris under a bridge made us think of one. The lone tire, scattered debris, headlight shining on the bush from some upward area, and finally, a piece of driftwood lying face down with its right calf open and moist made for an interesting photograph. Fortunately, nobody was directly injured, although I am sure that the tire and other junk can't be good for the environment, and during the day it is a real eyesore.

At about the same time, we also went out and took some pictures of the Perseids meteor shower using a tripod. In addition to learning some cool things about art, nature, and science, he was learning about such boring inane things as shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, camera shake, focal length ......

In the end, after a slight diversion from a five foot rattlesnake making its way across the road in front of us as we looked for a place to park, our greatest fun was being up almost all night in the middle of nowhere looking up at the beautiful vast heavens and spending quite time together.

I will post some more night pictures on my website at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com

Cleveland Indians Top Prospect Drew Pomeranz and Ole Miss Baseball Coach Mike Bianco

2011-01-24T00:16:00.002-06:00

     This is one of my favorite photographs of Collierville, Tennessee native and Ole Miss baseball star Drew Pomeranz. It was taken during the 2008 SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama. I added an art effect while processing the image in Photoshop. I particularly like Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco’s posture of hands-on-the-hips and toe-to-toe with the 6 foot 5 inch tall (then freshman) Pomeranz.

     Pomeranz continued to improve after 2008 (pitching for Team USA, SEC Pitcher of the Year, Golden Spikes Finalist) and eventually went 5th overall in the 2010 MLB draft to the Cleveland Indians landing a $2.65 million bonus.

     Last week Drew and a few other top prospects got invitations to attend Indian’s Spring Training in Goodyear, Arizona. The Indians are hoping that the tall lefty (with his strong fastball, unique breaking ball and changeup) will make it to the majors in relatively short time. If all goes well, plan to see him pitching in Akron for the Aeros by the year’s end and hopefully in Cleveland sometime in 2012.

     Drew comes from a long line of baseball players (his father, Mike, played at Ole Miss and his brother, Stuart, was drafted by St. Louis in 2003 and currently pitches for the AA Tulsa Drillers). I, along with all Indian fans I'm sure, wish Drew the best this year and in his baseball career.

     To see more college and MLB baseball photography, visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

GRAND-AM Racing Kicks off at Daytona with McDreamy, Jimmie Johnson, Dario Franchitti, and a host of others

2011-01-22T01:56:00.000-06:00

GRAND-AM Road Racing kicks off its 2011 season at Daytona International Speedway on January 27th and 28th with the Continental Tires Sport Car Challenge GRAND-AM 200. American muscle cars and hot imports will take to the track to determine which cars and drivers reign supreme in one of America’s fastest growing racing sports.

     That same week, Daytona International Speedway will host the GRAND-AM Rolex 24 at Daytona. This Rolex Sports Car Series event will pit some of the greatest drivers from NASCAR and IndyCar against many of the season-long Rolex Series GT and Daytona Prototype drivers. This year’s lineup will feature 5 time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson, IndyCar driver Ryan Briscoe, 2 time Daytona Prototype Champion Alex Gurney, 3 time IndyCar (2 time Indy 500) Champion Dario Franchitti, Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey “McDreamy” and a host of other famous names.

     You can learn more about GRAND-AM Racing at http://www.grand-am.com/

     You can learn more about the GRAND-AM 200 AND Rolex 24 at Daytona by going to Daytona International Speedway’s website at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/

     For more racing photography visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Race Car Driver Danica Patrick Sure Gets Around

2011-01-14T00:15:00.003-06:00

     From my earlier posts, you can probably tell that I am a Danica Patrick Fan. The more I learn about her, the more I hear her, the more I see her, and the more I am around her only strengthen my admiration. As much as I initially wanted to be a naysayer, I couldn't. Why? Danica gets around. She gets around the track, regardless of whether it’s IndyCar or NASCAR. She gets around charitable causes. She gets around football. She gets around television, radio, and all kinds of other media. She gets around everywhere all the time! When does she rest from or practice for all that getting around?

     Today, you can find her addressing our military on CNN Salute to Troops (alright you grumblers, she didn’t go overseas like some of the other IndyCar drivers). Earlier this week she was in Mobile for the GoDaddy.com Bowl where she was guest speaker at the Mayor’s luncheon, flipped the coin for the game, presented the winning trophy, served as Grand Marshall for the Greer’s/Mobile Press Register Mardi Gras Parade, and made her husband happy at the same time because she was learning more about football.

     Twenty-three days seventeen hours from now (give or take a little), viewers of Super Bowl XLV will see “GoDaddy Girls” Danica Patrick and Jillian Michaels busting through walls in superhero costumes saving small businesses that are operating without a web presence. Then (in another Super Bowl XLV commercial), Danica and Jillian will introduce us to the new blonde “mystery” GoDaddy Girl. You know, busting down walls and being a superhero are hard work that take time and practice.

     Finally, from Texas and Super Bowl XLV on February 6th, Danica will head to Florida for the February 19th NASCAR DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway where she and other NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers will battle NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers in a 120-lap, 300-mile race. In case you didn’t catch it last year, DRIVE4COPD is a public health initiative to educate people about COPD and encourage those at risk to be screened for the disease. COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the Nation’s 4th leading cause of death. People with COPD have greater difficulty over time breathing and may have chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. While it can’t be cured, early diagnosis is important in managing and mitigating lung damage. Sorry to digress, but it’s important and yes, Danica Patrick is an Ambassador for DRIVE4COPD.

     The NASCAR Nationwide Series being off and underway, Danica has committed to drive in the NASCAR Nationwide Series again this year for JR Motorsports while also continuing to drive in The Izod IndyCar Series for Andretti Autosport. What she has not committed to yet is whether at the end of the 2012 season (when her contract us up at Andretti) she will exclusively race fulltime NASCAR or IndyCar. Regardless, I am sure Danica will still be getting around.

     You can see more Danica Patrick photographs as well as photographs of other NASCAR and IndyCar drivers, crewmembers, family, and friends by going to http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Tybee Island Lighthouse - Picture Perfect Day

2011-01-12T23:06:00.001-06:00

Although I am only sometimes partial to my photography, I feel blessed to have captured what I believe is one of the best photographs of Tybee Island Light Station, Tybee Island Georgia.

   In 1732, General James Oglethorpe, Governor of Georgia, ordered a marker to be built on Tybee Island to guide ships into the Savannah River. In 1736, the first tower was completed, and rose to a height of 90 feet. That tower did not last long and had to be rebuilt in 1741, and again in 1773. In 1790, the US government took over the lighthouse and it was lighted for the first time. From 1790 through 1933, the lighthouse was lighted by either candles or through oil lamps.

   In 1933, electricity came to the lighthouse and it has since powered the lighthouse light. Currently, a nine foot tall First Order Fresnel Lens (named after French Physicist Augustin Fresnel who in approximately 1822 designed a lens to maximize light efficiency) is installed in the lighthouse. Fresnel lenses are generally classified in 6-7 orders (depending on your source) with the first order being the largest and most complex of the lenses.

   The lighthouse has had numerous renovations over the years with the latest being in 1998 (after huge efforts, mass fund raising, and tireless work on the part of the Tybee Island Historical Society and its Friends). Currently, the lighthouse sits at its height reached during the 1867 construction (154 feet) and 178 stairs lead you from the ground to the top. The current day mark on the lighthouse is the same as the 1916 day mark (the color scheme used to identify the lighthouse during the day).

   In 2002, ownership of lighthouse was given to the Tybee Island Historic Society under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. Today, you can visit the well preserved lighthouse along with a museum and surrounding houses on the five acre site.

   For more information on the lighthouse, visit the Tybee Island Historical Society website at http://www.tybeelighthouse.org/or call them at (912) 786-5801.

   For more photographs of the Savannah, Georgia, the Tybee Island area or other great travel spots, visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Despite Sleet & Snow - NASCAR Racing is Almost Upon Us Starting at Daytona International Speedway

2011-01-10T00:57:00.000-06:00

Wow, it seems we were just watching the tail end of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Now, despite snow and sleet falling from the Deep South to the Northeast, the 2011 NASCAR racing season will quickly be upon us. A newly resurfaced Daytona International Speedway, which drivers describe as smoother with more grip, and a 10 foot wider pit road, bode well for fans and drivers alike in the upcoming 2011 season that will start for fans in less than two weeks.

NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest
January 20th through 22nd - fans can see their favorite drivers at Daytona and enjoy all sorts of racing activities.

Budweiser Shootout
February 12th - Daytona International Speedway hosts the All-Star race featuring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ stars.

Gatorade Duel
February 17th - Daytona features two 150-mile qualifying races to determine the starting lineup for the Daytona 500.

DRIVE4COPD 300
February 19th - NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway will match NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers against NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers in a 120-lap, 300-mile event.

Daytona 500
February 20th – Daytona International Speedway will host the 53rd Daytona 500, “The Great American Race,” where NASCAR’s best Sprint Cup drivers will compete in one of the biggest, richest and most prestigious events in NASCAR.

Have fun. Support your favorite drivers and visit your favorite tracks (maybe explore a new track this year). Hope to see you there. In the meantime, see more NASCAR photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

AMA Pro Supersport Racer Huntley Nash - Black and White Racing Photography from Barber Motorsports Park

2010-12-29T01:18:00.000-06:00

AMA Pro Supersport rider Huntley Nash finished strong at Barber Motorsports Park in the final races of last season. In addition to winning the Saturday race, he also took home the Liquid Performance Most Laps Led Award for leading 21 of the combined 34 laps raced by the Supersport riders on Saturday and Sunday. Nash, from Marietta

Georgia

, raced last year for LTD racing. Viewing LTD’s website, I am not sure whether the rising 18 year old will be racing with LTD in the 2011 season. If anyone has knowledge of his plans for 2011, pass it on. For other AMA Pro Racing Photography visit http://www.BestDigitalShots.com

The Birth of Jesus Christ - A Baby Changes Everything

2010-12-19T17:14:00.000-06:00

     Who among us has not been affected by the birth of a baby, whether it is our child, grandchild, brother, sister, friend, family member, stranger, or neighbor. Suffice it to say that while the birth of a baby typically has some impact or impression on all whose life he or she touches, the birth of Jesus Christ changed “everything” for “everyone” forever.

     The beauty and story of the birth of Christ to a virgin teenage girl is touchingly told in "A Baby Changes Everything" sung by Faith Hill on her 2008 album “Joy to the World.” The song was written by Tim Nichols, Craig Wiseman, and Rev. KK Wiseman (a fellow Vandy alum). Please listen to the song at http://www.myspace.com/faithhill/music/songs/a-baby-changes-everything-30237250 or see the video at http://www.cmt.com/videos/faith-hill/291605/a-baby-changes-everything.jhtml

     The lyrics for “A Baby Changes Everything” are written below. Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph’s trust and faithfulness, Jesus’ birth in humble surroundings, and the path to salvation can be found in the Bible. Any life can be turned around. We are all sinners and lost, but all can have eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.

A Baby Changes Everything

Teenage girl, much too young

Unprepared for what’s to come

A baby changes everything

Not a ring

On her hand

All her dreams and all her plans

A baby changes everything

The man she loves she’s never touched

How will she keep his trust

A baby changes everything

And she cries oh she cries

Oh……

She has to leave go far away

Heaven knows she can’t stay

A baby changes everything

She can feel it’s coming soon

There’s no place, there’s no room

A baby changes everything

And she cries ………

Oh she cries ………

Choir

Shepherds all (Shepherds all) gather ’round (they gather ’round)

Up above the star shines down

A baby changes everything

Choir of angels say

Glory to the newborn king

A baby changes everything

Everything, everything, everything

Hallelujah (Hallelujah)

My whole life is turned around

I was lost and now I’m found

A baby changes everything

In Luke 1: 26 Now in the sixth month [after that], the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth. 27To a girl never having been married and a virgin engaged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, Hail, O favored one [endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women! 29But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled and disturbed and confused at what he said and kept revolving in her mind what such a greeting might mean. 30And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace (free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God. 31And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus. 32He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David. 33And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end. 34And Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no [intimacy with any man as a] husband? 35Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God. 36And listen! Your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is now the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. 38Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. And the angel left her.

In Matthew 1: 18Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place under these circumstances: When His mother Mary had been promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be pregnant [through the power] of the Holy Spirit. 19And her [promised] husband Joseph, being a just and upright man and not willing to expose her publicly and to shame and disgrace her, decided to repudiate and dismiss (divorce) her quietly and secretly. 20But as he was thinking this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary [as] your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of (from, out of) the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. 22All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet. 23Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel--which, when translated, means, God with us. 24Then Joseph, being aroused from his sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him: he took [her to his side as] his wife. 25But he had no union with her as her husband until she had borne her firstborn Son; and he called His name Jesus.

In Luke 2: 1IN THOSE days it occurred that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole Roman empire should be registered. 2This was the first enrollment, and it was made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And all the people were going to be registered, each to his own city or town. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5To be enrolled with Mary, his espoused (married) wife, who was about to become a mother. 6And while they were there, the time came for her delivery, 7And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn. 8And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened. 10But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. 11For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! 12And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. [I Sam. 2:34; II Kings 19:29; Isa. 7:14.] 13Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]. 15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing (saying) that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. 16So they went with haste and [by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. 17And when they saw it, they made known what had been told them concerning this Child, 18And all who heard it were astounded and marveled at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary was keeping within herself all these things (sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them. 21And at the end of eight days, when [the Baby] was to be circumcised, He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22And when the time for their purification [the mother’s purification and the Baby’s dedication] came according to the Law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord-- 23As it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every [firstborn] male that opens the womb shall be set apart and dedicated and called holy to the Lord-- 24And [they came also] to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout [cautiously and carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 27And prompted by the [Holy] Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the little child Jesus to do for Him what was customary according to the Law, 28[Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God and said, 29And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word. 30For with my [own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation, 31Which You have ordained and prepared before (in the presence of) all peoples, 32A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was before unknown] and [to bring] praise and honor and glory to Your people Israel. 33And His [legal] father and [His] mother were marveling at what was said about Him. 34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against— 35And a sword will pierce through your own soul also--that the secret thoughts and purposes of many hearts may be brought out and disclosed. 36And there was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood, 37And as a widow even for eighty-four years. She did not go out from the temple enclosure, but was worshiping night and day with fasting and prayer. 38And she too came up at that same hour, and she returned thanks to God and talked of [Jesus] to all who were looking for the redemption (deliverance) of Jerusalem. 39And when they had done everything according to the Law of the Lord, they went back into Galilee to their own town, Nazareth.

In Matthew 2: 1NOW WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, 2Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him. 3When Herod the king heard this, he was disturbed and troubled, and the whole of Jerusalem with him. 4So he called together all the chief priests and learned men (scribes) of the people and anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5They replied to him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are not in any way least or insignificant among the chief cities of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler (Leader) Who will govern and shepherd My people Israel. 7Then Herod sent for the wise men [astrologers] secretly, and accurately to the last point ascertained from them the time of the appearing of the star [that is, how long the star had made itself visible since its rising in the east]. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search for the Child carefully and diligently, and when you have found Him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him. 9When they had listened to the king, they went their way, and behold, the star which had been seen in the east in its rising went before them until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was. 10When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy. 11And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts--gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12And receiving an answer to their asking, they were divinely instructed and warned in a dream not to go back to Herod; so they departed to their own country by a different way. 13Now after they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, Get up! [Tenderly] take unto you the young Child and His mother and flee to Egypt; and remain there till I tell you [otherwise], for Herod intends to search for the Child in order to destroy Him. 14And having risen, he took the Child and His mother by night and withdrew to Egypt 15And remained there until Herod’s death. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, Out of Egypt have I called My Son. 16Then Herod, when he realized that he had been misled by the wise men, was furiously enraged, and he sent and put to death all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that territory who were two years old and under, reckoning according to the date which he had investigated diligently and had learned exactly from the wise men.

"Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,

Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)

All lyrics are property and copyright of their respective authors, artists and labels.

Beautiful and Fast - Firestone Indy Lights Driver Carmen Jorda

2010-12-14T22:50:00.002-06:00

22 year old Firestone Indy Lights race driver Carmen Jorda started strong in 2010 for Anderson Racing. She completed 5 races with one top ten finish. Later in the season, however, she missed numerous races.

Originally from Alcoy, Spain, Carmen now spends time in Miami, Florida as well as in Valencia, Spain. Most recently, she was seen at GQ Magazine Awards 2010 in Madrid, Spain. Carmen is still shown as one of Anderson Racing’s current Firestone Indy Lights drivers. You can see more racing photographs of Carmen Jorda at the following:

http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

http://www.andersenracingteam.com/

http://www.carmenjorda.com/

NASCAR Great Jimmie Johnson Wins Unprecedented 5th Cup Championship in a Row

2010-11-22T23:32:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Jimmie Johnson, Chandra Johnson, Genevieve Marie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports, and the entire Lowes No. 48 Chevrolet Racing Team for an unmatched five NASCAR Sprint Cup Championships in a row.

While on the track, Johnson's skill, competitiveness and drive have resulted in all kinds of awards, winnings, success, and accolades. His current victories set him on a pace to break the records of numerous past drivers and place him on top of the list of greatest drivers of all time.

When the Johnson are not at the shop or the track, they are busy giving back to the community. In 2006, Jimmie and Chandra set up the Jimmie Johnson Foundation to help people in need, and each year the Foundation hosts a major fundraising golf tournament in San Diego. In 2007, the Johnsons also set up Jimmie Johnson’s Victory Lanes for campers at Pattie and Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction Camp. In addition, Jimmie and Chandra support numerous other charitable organizations.

Interestingly, through the years, it has been great to watch Johnson mature. With the addition of Genevieve Marie (born on July 7, 2010), he seems to have a special calm and peace about him on race day. His love for her, and her place in his heart and life are readily visible to anyone that has seen them together.

Here is wishing the Johnsons a wonderful off season. If you would like to know more about the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Pattie and Kyle Petty's Victory Junction Camp, or some of the other charities that the Johnsons support, go to the following websites.

http://www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org/

http://www.marrow.org/GIVING/Hendrick_Marrow_Program/index.html

http://www.victoryjunction.org/

http://www.wish.org/

Thanks!!!

Colorado Rockies Name Vanderbilt Alumnus Casey Weathers to 40 Man Roster

2010-11-20T00:35:00.000-06:00

        Today, the Colorado Rockies added pitcher Casey Weathers to their 40 man roster. The Rockies drafted Weathers as their first pick (number eight overall in the first round) of the 2007 draft. Weathers pitched for Vanderbilt playing along side David Price, Pedro Alvarez and many other great players.

        In 2006 he played on the US National Team that won Gold at the FISU World Championship. He was voted first team All American in 2007. In 2008 he was selected and played for the United States Baseball Team in the Summer Olympics helping the team secure Bronze. In 2008 Casey had to undergo Tommy John Surgery on his right arm. After sitting out 2009, he pitched for Tri City and Class A Modesto. Despite a few difficult games, he progressed throughout the season to finish strong.

        I have kept up with Casey since watching him play at Vanderbilt, and am glad that his surgery and rehab appear to have gone well. I look forward to seeing him smoke his fastball past MLB’s top talent or catch them looking at one of his hard breaking strikes before slowly walking back to the dugout.

Visit http://www.BestDigitalShots.com for more great baseball photography.

Tampa Bay Rays and Vanderbilt Alumnus David Price Front-Runner for 2010 American League Cy Young Award

2010-11-17T22:14:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is potentially another big day for Tampa Bay Rays’ pitcher David Price. On Thursday, November 18, 2010, at 2:00 p.m., the American League Cy Young winner will be announced. Earlier, the players voted David Price the American League’s Most Outstanding Pitcher of the Year. In the players’ choice award David beat out Felix Hernandez and C.C. Sabathia, the two other most likely pitchers in contention for the Cy Young. David Price finished the season with a 19-6 record and a 2.72 ERA. Additionally, he was selected to, and started, the All-Star game this year.

By all reports, David is excited, but remains humble. As someone who watched David grow as a player at Vanderbilt, it is great to see him continue to excel both on the mound and as a leader. It is not surprising that David won the players’ vote. In what many consider a tight race, if the Baseball Writers’ Association looks beyond the stats (even though David did have great stats) and looks at the candidates’ impact and performance both on and off the field, I am confident that David will come away with the Cy Young.

Visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/ to see more of David Price and other Vandy players.

News Orleans - One of the Best Cities in America for Photography

2010-11-15T20:09:00.001-06:00

        New Orleans is one of the best cities in America to photograph. Its long history and cultural diversity can be seen in everything from its people, to its businesses and buildings. This above back and white photograph of the New Orleans’ Skyline was taken from across the Mississippi River. The other black and white cityscape of New Orleans was shot from the top of one of its skyscrapers. Notice the Super Dome in the background.

        While in New Orleans, my family and I stopped at Saint Louis Cathedral near Jackson Square. As we got there, it started to rain and as I looked over I caught what I thought was an interesting picture. In the photograph, notice the businesslike priest (?) in the center of the photograph and the lady and man on the right and left sides. All are busy on their cell phones. Then, notice the older gentleman in the background on the electric scooter in the "try Chai" shirt sans cell phone. Whether his message is "try Life" or whether he means "try spiced tea or yogi tea" (claimed to nourish the body, mind and spirit), what was clear is that he was free-wheeling and had no urgency or need to talk with anyone at the moment.

        The colorful photograph above is the Shops at Jax Brewery New Orleans photographed from the Mississippi River side. At the Shops, you can enjoy food, shopping, people watching, or just relaxing at this converted 110 year old brewery across from Jackson Square and next to Cafe Du Monde.

Visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/ for more photographs of New Orleans.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase - Hamlin, Johnson & Harvick Teams and Drivers Focus on Championship

2010-11-13T12:59:00.003-06:00

NASCAR fans, the value of “Team” has come to the forefront since last week’s Sprint Cup AAA Texas 500. Before Texas, with three races left in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship, Jimmie Johnson led Denny Hamlin by 14 points and Kevin Harvick by 38 points. After Texas, with Hamlin’s huge victory (a sweep for Hamlin at Texas Motor Speedway this year) he moved into first place in the Chase and leads Johnson by 33 points and Harvick by 59 points.

       Pit crew performance always plays a key factor, but last week its impact was center stage. While deviations in crew performance and errors sometimes happen, Jimmie Johnson’s pit crew struggle last week became the main event (along with the Gordon – Burton fist-a-cuffs and Kyle Busch’s gestures and comments) until the checkered flag dropped. Early in the race, after Johnson made his way to near the front of the pack, he pitted, but due to slow pit time Johnson fell back into the pack giving up valuable track position. If that wasn’t enough, the same thing happened on a subsequent pit stop.

       Then, the Gordon – Burton main event happened. In short, while on a caution lap, Burton crashed Gordon. With both cars stopped, a seething Gordon climbed out of his No. 24 and stomped towards Burton. Gordon pushed Burton and exchanged words as a fight ensued. Fortunately, NASCAR officials were on hand like referees in a hockey match to break up the scuffle. With Gordon out of the race, the No. 24 Gordon pit crew moved a few spots down pit road and the No. 48 Johnson pit crew was sent to the locker room for the remainder of the race (after making a stop to clean up the No. 24 pit). Gordon’s No. 24 crew finished the race for Johnson without a problem demonstrating, albeit in a unique way, the overall importance of team to achieving victory (Gordon and Johnson are both part of the Hendrick Motorsport Team). Gordon’s No. 24 crew will finish out the season in Johnson’s pit and Johnson’s crew will finish the season for Gordon.

       Now, back to Hamlin’s Joe Gibbs Racing Team. Crew Chief Mike Ford, Scott Woods, Mike Hicks, Brandon Peagram, Nate Bolling, and the rest of the team have plenty to smile about. Not only did they reign last week, they have performed brilliantly throughout most of the season. In May, Hamlin’s team won the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Crew Challenge beating out Burton’s team in the finals. The FedEx Toyota Team also scored honors this year by winning the 2010 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award for the second quarter of 2010. The Texas performance, brings Hamlin’s Team one step closer to the Chase Championship and the coveted annual Mechanix Wear MVPC Award. It also puts an exclamation mark on “Team” in a sport where drivers are often the only front page news.

       Finally, as the week progressed, barbs were exchanged between members of the Johnson crew and Hamlin crew in what appears to be a competitive spirit. Kevin Harvick and Team have been able to quietly sit back and focus on this weekend’s Phoenix race while noting that spirited jousting is fine. At the end of the day, however, results speak the loudest and some pre-race words may be tough to swallow.

Visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/ for more NASCAR Photography.

NASCAR Comes to Talladega - Johnson, Hamlin and Harvick in the Chase

2010-10-27T00:41:00.001-05:00

Before you eagle-eyed NASCAR fans say anything, (you’re right) that is not Johnson’s 2010 car pictured above. Now, let’s move on. This weekend, NASCAR comes to Talladega Superspeedway for The Amp Energy Juice 500. The race for NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Championship is down to three drivers with four races left. Jimmie Johnson holds a 6 point lead over Denny Hamlin and a 62 point lead over Kevin Harvick. Talladega could very well be the key to this year’s championship.

Talladega Superspeedway has long been known for the “Big One”, and you never know how many cars will be taken out when it happens. Talladega Superspeedway is a 2.66 mile tri-oval with 33 degree banks (NASCAR’s steepest) at the highest points. While the fastest qualifying speed was more than 212 mph back in 1987, NASCAR has since put restrictor plates on cars at super speedways reducing speeds to less than 200 mph. As such, there is plenty of three and four (sometimes five) car side-by-side racing on the 48 foot wide track giving everyone an opportunity to suffer for someone else’s mistake.

This year at Talladega's spring race (The Aaron's 499), after a record 88 lead changes and 29 leaders, Kevin Harvick finished 1st and plans to repeat this weekend. While Hamlin has not won at Talladega (and has only one prior restrictor plate victory), he has finished out the season strong over the past few years and feels confident going into Sunday. Finally, what can I say about Johnson and the “Chase” for the championship. Over the past few years it has been anticlimactic for fans as Johnson racks up championship after championship. Nothing can be taken away from Johnson or his great team, but it makes you wonder whether the Chase has been good for NASCAR. Fortunately, this year the points’ margin is small enough that the Championship remains up for grabs. Hopefully all three contenders will still be racing when the checkered flag is waved. For more racing photography visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Firestone Indy Lights Race Driver Pippa Mann

2010-10-23T01:32:00.004-05:00

     England's 27 year old race car driving Pippa Mann just closed out a great season driving in the Firestone Indy Lights Series. Despite breaking her hand, Pippa finished out the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season 5th overall in points. Her strong season concluded with four top 5 finishes in her No. 11 Sam Schmidt Motorsports Firestone Indy Lights car. Overall, she won one race during the 2010 season, had 7 top ten finishes, 3 poles, and led 102 laps. Pippa definitely appears ready to take it to the next level and race in the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series.

     Pippa was born in London, and started racing at 13 in various karting events. She pursued karting in Italy (she speaks fluent Italian) and eventually returned to England in 2004 to race in the UK Formula Renault Championship. She raced in the Formula Renault Eurocup in 2005 and 2006 for Comtec Racing. In 2007 she signed with P1 Motorsport and competed in the World Series by Renault. She raced with P1 again in 2008.

     In 2009 Pippa started her Firestone Indy Lights season racing for Panther Racing Throughout the season her driving continued to improve giving her numerous top 15 finishes and 3 top ten finishes. She started the 2010 season with Sam Schmidt Motorsports.

     Pippa is a confident, affable driver. I wish her well and hope she moves from her off season Audi A3 Quattro to a shiny new 2011 Izod IndyCar next year. See more of Pippa at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Danica Patrick Best NASCAR Nationwide Finish, New Hot Wheels Car, and More Races

2010-10-21T09:49:00.001-05:00

Danica Patrick finished a Nationwide career best 21st at Charlotte last Friday night. This weekend, while NASCAR’s Sprint Cup drivers will be racing at Martinsville, Danica and the other NASCAR Nationwide Series folks will be at Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis competing in the Five Hour Energy Drink 250.

In addition to finishing out this year’s Nationwide races, Danica has committed to starting the first four NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2011. The ten consecutive race run for her should provide great experience, and I anticipate a top ten finish (perhaps more than one) before it is over. Despite much of the criticism aimed at Danica, anyone who objectively follows her will have to admit that she has talent and a good work ethic.

Finally, for you kids and other Hot Wheels fans, Danica, the rest of her crew and sponsors have put together a special GoDaddy No. 7 Hot Wheels paint scheme for the final Nationwide race this year at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2010. JR Motorsports, GoDaddy, and Hot Wheels announced this week that Danica will race a flashy black No. 7 car with green flames at Homestead. A scale Hot Wheels version of the car will be available at Homestead and in retail stores on November 20th. To see more photographs of Danica Patrick visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

2010 AMA Superbike Race Champion Josh Hayes

2010-10-14T22:02:00.001-05:00

Josh Hayes winner of the 2010 AMA Superbike Championship. The first for Yamaha since 1991. Hayes powered his Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 Yamaha to close out the season at Barber Motorsports Park, Alabama 14 points ahead of rival Tommy Hayden.

Hayes' years of hard work finally paid off as the Mississippian shut down Suzuki's seven year championship reign. Yamaha and Hayes have agreed to continue their relationship for at least the next two years meaning we'll be sure to see both Josh and his wife, Melissa Paris (who also races on the AMA circuit), at the track.

Danica Patrick to Race Six Remaining NASCAR Nationwide Races

2010-10-09T11:12:00.000-05:00

Her full-time job done for the year, Danica Patrick now faces greater scrutiny and stress in her effort to finish out this year’s remaining Nationwide Series races. Despite a strong second place finish at last week’s Homestead-Miami IndyCar event, she has struggled all year and finished only 10th in the IndyCar final points standings (her worst since racing as a rookie).

Adding insult to injury, Danica’s once loving fans loudly booed her at this year’s Indy 500 when she was overly critical of her car and crew. Further, she has taken plenty of heat from NASCAR and IndyCar fans alike throughout the season regarding her ability or inability to drive in NASCAR and its impact on her IndyCar racing. Yet, Danica remained tenacious and focused while she racked up a record setting 33 consecutive IndyCar finishes, and she seems upbeat about competing in the final Nationwide Series races.

Despite her effort, most fans appear not to expect great racing from Danica in the remaining Nationwide events due largely in part to her dismal 2010 NASCAR Nationwide performances. Her average Nationwide finish this year has been around 30th place. Yet, with six races remaining, word is that Danica also knows that something has to change, and one of those changes may include a driving coach to improve her NASCAR driving.

While this weekend may be too soon to see any appreciable results of additional training or technique, you can bet that many eyes will be watching as Danica muscles her No. 7 Tissot JR Motorsports Chevrolet around the track for the Camping World 300 at Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, California. For Danica, cheers rather than boos and a finish better than 31st will be a huge step in the right direction.

2010 IZOD IndyCar Champion - Power or Franchetti?

2010-09-23T17:56:00.001-05:00

Will Power has to be looking over his shoulder as the IZOD IndyCar Series goes into its final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 2, 2010. Dario Franchetti trails Power by only 12 points going into the race which puts him in position to pull off another Championship. Last year, Franchetti entered the Homestead race 4 points behind Scott Dixon and 4 points ahead of Ryan Briscoe. In that race, Franchetti’s strategy of limiting fuel pit stops worked great and he ultimately won the race and IndyCar Championship in what turned out to be the first ever IndyCar event that went from start to finish without a caution.

While Power has secured the Road Course Championship (IndyCar earlier this year decided to do a Road/Oval Championship and overall Championship), he’ll need to race well at Homestead to take home the grand prize. Power has raced great this year on road courses, but sits in 10th place overall on oval courses with no oval course wins. In his only prior start at Homestead, Power finished 25th in the 2008 race due to mechanical problems. Franchetti must be fond of Homestead after last year, and this year he currently sits at the top of the Oval Course Championship standings with 2 oval course wins.

Both Penske Racing and Ganassi Racing have done well this year in IndyCar, but in the end, fans and insiders alike are giving the Championship nod to Franchitti due to his experience and prior oval wins. I would not be so quick to count Power out though. It was only in 2009 that he got a temporary job racing for Penske before being signed fulltime for the 2010 season. Power is a great competitor who has raced marvelously this year. I am sure that he and his Penske Racing team will have their sights set on his first oval win and the overall IndyCar Championship.

Falling in Love

2010-09-08T10:56:00.003-05:00

      I am sitting here listening to Jason Gray’s “More Like Falling in Love.” Wow, it says so much at so many different levels. Who can’t remember that first true love? That heartfelt feeling, that joy, that effortless commitment, that….

    Chances are if love was with a person, a church, a religion, a club, a car, or some other worldly thing, that love, for a myriad of reasons, has diminished or vanished. Fortunately, swept off my feet, eternal love exists and can set you free of failures, sin, hurt, mistrust, fear ….

    The Bible speaks God’s promises. Promises that are always kept, promises that are always met, and promises we can totally trust in. No matter where you are in life, what your transgressions, God loves you. He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love. (Psalm 145:8). He loves you so much that he sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for your sins. (1 John 4:10). Thus, because of his love, his rich mercy, you are made alive with Christ even when you were dead in transgressions. Through God’s grace, you are saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5).

    How do you find this eternal love? First, confess to God that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness, and that you are sorrowful and regretful for those sins and wish to turn away from them with God’s help. Second, commit your life to Jesus Christ, for whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16-17).

    The lyrics to “More Like Falling in Love” are written below. I encourage you to visit Jason’s MySpace site at http://www.myspace.com/jasongraymusic and listen to this wonderful song.

Give me rules

I will break them

Give me lines

I will cross them

I need more than a truth to believe

I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes

To sweep me off my feet

It ought to be

More like falling in love

Than something to believe in

More like losing my heart

Than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out

Come take a look at me now

It's like I'm falling, oh

It's like I'm falling in love

Give me words

I'll misuse them

Obligations

I'll misplace them

'Cause all religion ever made of me

Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet

It never set me free

It's gotta be

CHORUS

...It's like I'm falling in love, love, love

Deeper and deeper

It was love that made

Me a believer

In more than a name, a faith, a creed

Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me

Christ lives, moves, and breathes. Go, get caught up and called out. Get changed. It’s not a religion. It will set you free. Fall in love with Jesus.

Simona De Silvestro - Future IndyCar and Indy 500 Champion?

2010-05-14T21:30:00.004-05:00

In 2008, Autoweek named Simona De Silvestro one of the fastest women you will ever meet. Rightly so, 21 year old Simona De Silvestro has a history of going fast and letting her actions on the track speak for her.

Originally from Thun, Switzerland, Simona now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and races in the Izod IndyCar Series. She started racing when she was six years old and made the move to racing in the United States in 2006 where she raced in Formula BMW USA. In 2007, she moved to the Atlantic Championship series and strongly competed through 2009. This year is her rookie year in the Izod IndyCar Series where she drives the No. 78 car for Team Stargate World/HVM Racing. Presently, she is one of a record five women drivers competing to qualify for the 2010 Indy 500. Along with Danica Patrick, Simona will take on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s high speed oval with Sarah Fisher, Ana Beatriz, and Milka Duno.

De Silvestro has consistently demonstrated that she is quick to learn, not afraid to attack a race course, and adept enough to provide valuable feedback to the team. Her performance in the Atlantics was noteworthy and her current IndyCar season performance has been much better than her 20th place standing would indicate. This year she has lead four laps and absent things like a mechanical problem and cut tires would have finished much higher in each race. During the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park, Simona was set for a top ten finish when she made a shifting mistake entering turn 5 (Charlotte’s Web) to bring out the final caution of the race.

If Simona stays her present course, she will be a serious future contender for the IndyCar Series Championships (I am not sure I like this new road track, oval champion concept). Despite some analysts’ predictions that she will be limited to a middle of the field finish at this year’s Indy 500, due to the limited strength of her team, I know that she will push her No. 78 Stargate/HVM car to its limits. Who knows, perhaps the first woman to earn a podium result at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (De Silvestro in 2006 Formula BMW USA Series), will rise to the podium at the Indy 500.

Danica Patrick Ready for Win at Indy

2010-05-13T03:16:00.010-05:00

Danica Patrick, despite having a slow start in the Izod Indycar Series, remains upbeat and confident about the upcoming Indy 500. Although some people question whether Danica’s NASCAR Nationwide races have negatively impacted her Indy driving, she is quick to point out she doesn’t believe it is a problem. Instead, she sees herself going through a slump like many athletes experience over their career. Further, her less than stellar finishes this year seem to be the result of numerous small complications and (oh yeah) there has been only one oval race so far.

Still, I cannot be critical of Danica. Anybody who objectively follows Danica will clearly see that she works hard and keeps a hectic schedule on and off the track. During the recent Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park, I observed Danica numerous times. Regardless of any personal stress that she may or may not have been experiencing, she remained focused on racing while still finding time to cordially greet fans and media alike.

Back to Indy, I wish Danica the best and believe that history bodes well for her. During her previous starts at Indy, she has qualified 10th or better each race, and she finished in the top 10 four times. Also, with Andretti Autosport, Danica and the No. 7 GoDaddy car are part of a strong team. Finally, with the recent announcement of a dual championship in the Izod Indycar Series (one for oval courses and the other for road courses), Danica’s quest for a championship this year is just starting.

Study, Support, and Demand Green Chemistry

2010-03-25T23:23:00.005-05:00

Study, Support, and Demand Green Chemistry - A Public Service Announcement from Carey and Joshua Spencer. The Brown Pelican was an endangered species until last year due in large part to the negative impact of DDT. Chemical and pollution related diseases cost society billions of dollars annually. Be aware of any negative impact of "progress" and look for cleaner, more efficient, and less dangerous solutions.

Childhood Obesity - Think About It- Fly High and Far

2010-03-25T10:29:00.005-05:00

Childhood Obesity - Think About It. A Public Service Announcement from Carey and Joshua Spencer. Ms. Obama's Let's Move program has brought much needed attention to a serious problem impacting many families. We know that the solutions for childhood obesity may be difficult to implement. A simple theme for parents, however, is "Think About It Mom and Dad. Obesity keeps me from flying as high and as far as my friends. Please help me eat the right foods and exercise more often. Love, Your Child"

Childhood Obesity - Think About It- Health Problems & Early Death

2010-03-25T10:24:00.002-05:00

Childhood Obesity - Think About It. A Public Service Announcement from Carey and Joshua Spencer. Ms. Obama's Let's Move program brings needed attention to a serious problem impacting many families. A difficult message to hear is "Think About It Mom and Dad. Obesity can cause me to have health problems and die young. Help me eat the right foods and exercise more often. Love, Your Child"

American Clock - World Made

2010-03-24T12:39:00.004-05:00

My 7th grade son and I both enjoy photography and love people. In the above picture, we tried to create an image that exemplifies the value of diversity, benefits of inclusion, and detriment of hatred and prejudice. After looking at a picture of his classmates lying in a circle, we felt that the diversity of students, as well as the circular pose, provided the perfect start for our image. To achieve a more colorful image, we decided to greatly saturate the photograph’s color.

America's Founding Fathers wisely adopted the motto E Pluribus Unum ("out of many, one") to describe our country. Diversity is our strength. It gives us the ability to set high ideals and standards; to lead families, communities, states, our nation and the world; to be strong, creative, loving, compassionate and caring; and to be able to solve and work to solve many of life’s problems while not forgetting that individuals are the basic and essential elements of humanity.

In the image, the children are lying in a circle. Each child represents one small part of the measurement of time on a clock. As the hands of the clock constantly turn, they pass over every part of the clock’s face measuring infinite portions of seconds, minutes and hours. No one part, whether a second, minute, hour or portion thereof, is greater than the next, and all are necessary for the measurement of time past, present, and future.

My son and I are sure that each child on our people clock has a special moment. How great it must feel to represent 12 and 6 when the time is 6:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m., or 12:30 p.m. Yet, in the big picture, those exact times last less than a second, have no greater weight than any other time, and require the existence of every other fraction of a second on the clock to give them value and meaning.

Our hope is that people viewing American Clock - World Made, will immediately see and respond to differences in the children’s skin color, appearance, and clothes while at the same time feeling their bond. We hope the American flag will place the children within the larger context of community and country. Hopefully, people will embrace and understand that no matter how insignificant they feel (even if they feel they are only a small portion of a second); they are an integral part of family, community, state, country, and the world. Finally, we hope that people who feel too significant will understand that they cannot be measured, belong, do their job, or live a complete life without every other individual who has touched or will touch even a small portion of their life.

Whether we perceive our self as a second, minute, hour, or a portion of those, let each of us love all people.

Nicole Branagh - AVP FIVB Olympic Volleyball Star

2010-01-14T21:58:00.004-06:00

Looking back over my blog (http://bestdigitalshots.blogspot.com/ if you are not looking at my blog), I realized that I had not written much about Nicole Branagh nor had I posted her picture. As mentioned in my previous post, Branagh will partner with Misty May-Treanor for the 2010 AVP season.

Branagh is coming off a hot season where she won AVP Best Offensive Player and MVP honors. In 2009, she and partner Elaine Youngs (“EY”) won nine AVP championship matches. Nicole and EY placed fifth in the 2009 FIVB World Championships and they also claimed a bronze medal at Gstaad and a silver medal at Klagenfurt. Together, they were named AVP Team of the Year and 2009 AVP Crocs Cup Champions.

Branagh played collegiate volleyball at the University of Minnesota where she was twice named as a second team All-American and three times named as a first team All-Conference player. In 2000, she was named Big Ten co-player of the year. She still holds the Big Ten record for most kills. After college, she played on the U.S. National Team helping it win a bronze medal at the 2003 Pan American Games.

Her beach game started in 2004. She received AVP Rookie of the Year honors in 2005. Since then, Branagh’s game has steadily improved leading to Most Improved Player recognition by the AVP in 2006 and 2008, and Most Improved Player recognition by the FIVB in 2008. During 2008, Branagh and Youngs competed in the Beijing Olympics. The pair defeated teams from the Netherlands, Germany and Cuba to advance to the quarterfinals before losing to the Chinese team of Chen Xue and Xi Zhang. During AVP and FIVB play that year, they finished as the third ranked team on the AVP Tour while winning four medals on the FIVB Tour. Interestingly, it was Branagh and Youngs (after the Olympics) who put the brakes on Walsh and May-Treanor’s amazing 112 match win streak.

Off the sand, Branagh supports Sports for Kids in South Africa, a Home Field Advantage Project. The project plans to provide access to clean water and build volleyball and soccer facilities for disadvantaged children outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. You can learn more about the project by following the link at Branagh’s website: http://www.nicolebranagh.com/ssp/home

Finally, I am looking forward to an exciting year of AVP and FIVB volleyball. May-Treanor and Branagh should pair up well and they are clearly one of my preseason favorites to finish at the top nationally and internationally.

Walsh May-Treanor Sports Team of the Decade

2010-01-10T19:23:00.003-06:00

Volleyball greats Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor picked off the U.S. women’s soccer team, U.S. women’s basketball team, U.S. men’s basketball team, the 2005 Discovery Channel Cycle team led by Lance Armstrong and the 2006-2008 German National luge team to claim Universal Sports’ “Olympic Team of the Decade” title. Universal Sports (www.universalsports.com) is a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners that focuses on and provides year round coverage of Olympic and lifestyle sports. In 2009, Universal Sports gave families in approximately 60 million American homes the unprecedented opportunity to view 7,000 hours of television and more than 100,000 hours of online Olympic and lifestyle sports programming. Its coverage included 50 World Championships, 180 World Cup and 50 Grand Prix events.

Folks outside the volleyball world most likely first heard of May and Walsh during the 2000 Sydney Summer Games. May and Holly McPeak placed fifth that year in women’s beach volleyball. Walsh and the United States Women’s Indoor Volleyball Team finished fourth. Four years later, Olympic viewers saw Kerri Walsh and May capture gold medals for the United States in the 2004 Athens Summer Games. May-Treanor (she married baseball catcher Matt Treanor in 2004) and Walsh repeated this feat in 2008 at the Beijing Summer Games when record numbers of viewers again saw them bring home gold medals.

May-Treanor and Walsh, however, were winning volleyball matches much earlier than 2000. May-Treanor won First-Team All-American honors 1996-1998 while playing volleyball for Long Beach State. In 1998, Long Beach State went undefeated with the school being named NCAA Champion and May-Treanor being awarded NCAA Championship Co-MVP and the Honda Broderick NCAA Athlete-of-the-Year. May-Treanor played in AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour (“AVP”) and Federation Internationale de Volleyball (“FIVB”) volleyball events in 1999.

Kerri Walsh became only the second person in NCAA history to win First-Team All-American honors all four years (1996-1999) of college. While at Stanford, Walsh won 1996 Final Four Most Valuable Player honors while leading the Cardinal to its third NCAA National Championship. Walsh also helped the team win its fourth National Championship in 1997. Interestingly, Stanford had to defeat Long Beach State with Misty May to advance to the 1997 championship game against Penn State.

Hesitantly, in 2001, Walsh accepted an invitation by May-Treanor to take to the beach. This combination was the start of one of the most winning teams in sports history. The team won a combined 89 straight matches in 2003 and 2004 on the AVP and FIVB tours. They won AVP Team of the Year honors for 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Around those same years, May-Treanor was named AVP MVP 2005-2008, AVP Best Offensive Player 2004-2008, AVP Best Defensive Player 2006 and 2007, and AVP Best Defensive Player (Defender) 2008. Walsh won AVP MVP 2003-2004, AVP Best Offensive Player 2003, and AVP Best Defensive Player (Blocker) 2008. The team of May-Treanor and Walsh won the AVP Crocs Championship in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

On the FIVB World Tour, the team of May-Treanor and Walsh were Tour Champion in 2002 and they captured the SWATCH FIVB World Championships in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Walsh individually won the following FIVB honors: FIVB Best Blocker 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008; FIVB Best Hitter 2005, 2006, 2007; FIVB Best Offensive Player 2007; FIVB Most Outstanding 2007; and FIVB Sportsperson 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008. May-Treanor was awarded the following FIVB honors: FIVB Best Defensive Player 2007, 2008; FIVB Best Offensive Player 2005, 2007, 2008; FIVB Best Setter 2005; FIVB Most Outstanding 2005, 2008; and FIVB Sportsperson 2007, 2008.

By any measure, Walsh and May-Treanor fully deserve team of the decade honors. Whether facing the best in the United States or the world, they consistently (the Gold Medal victory in China marked their 108th straight match victory) finish on top. Walsh and May-Treanor carry this same drive, devotion and dedication off the sand. Both women have set up foundations to help worthy causes, and you will find each of them providing a helping hand or word of encouragement to fans at volleyball events.

During 2010, May-Treanor will partner with Nicole Branagh while Walsh and volleyball star husband Casey Jennings have their second child. Although Branagh is fairly new on the circuit, her play has continually improved and she has accumulated numerous victories and awards in her own right. Walsh, although not playing, continues with her off court passions and she has been an outspoken advocate of NCAA Sand Volleyball. In the final word though, both Walsh and May-Treanor look forward to again playing together and winning Olympic Gold in 2012.

Thanksgiving - Shout to the Lord

2009-11-24T00:13:00.007-06:00

Amanda loves the Lord and loves others. She gladly serves the Lord and serves others. She is a leader and a light. Always there day and night. Every time I see Amanda I see her as she is above, full of joy and Christlike love.

We were in a small village where people had few material things compared to our way of life. Yet, we regularly encountered happy loving children who were always eager to give thanks for the little bit of time and love we shared with them. As we prepare to spend time with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I recommend that people go back and review the history of America’s Thanksgiving. You will find, whether it was the Pilgrims, George Washington, Abe Lincoln or through another proclamation or act, the basis of our Thanksgiving has always been to give joyful thanks and praise to God. No matter what our circumstance, we can find not only peace, but joy in knowing God’s goodness, mercy and truth. This Thanksgiving and everyday, please remember to:

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his
presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he
is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we
ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his
pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him,
and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy
is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
(Psalm 100:1-5 KJV)

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship
the Lord with gladness; come before him with
joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he
who made us, and we are his; we are his people,
the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with
thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks
to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good
and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues
through all generations.
(Psalm 100:1-5 NIV)

Happy Thanksgiving. Any praise to God is a joyful noise to the Lord. If you care to literally shout for joy, I recommend singing along with “Shout to the Lord” by Darlene Zschech. The lyrics are written below and you can hear the song by clicking on the hyperlink at the end of this post which will take you to Darlene's myspace site.

My Jesus, My Savior,
Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days
I want to praise
the wonders of Your mighty love.

My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
let every breath, all that I am
never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth,
let us sing
power and majesty, praise to the King;
mountains bow down and the seas will roar
at the sound of Your name.

(Key Change)

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

http://www.myspace.com/darlenezschech

Helicopter Dunker Training

2009-11-21T23:02:00.010-06:00

Jim, see my last post, got me looking through my old Army photographs. Yes, that is me and that is FEAR on my face. As part of training during the safety officer course, we got to experience the dreaded helo dunker at Pensacola NAS. Before going to Pensacola we had heard rumors about people drowning during dunker training. To make matters worse, we did not get dunked until after we had completed all of the other water survival training. As I recall, successful completion of the other training was required before the dunker, and some folks did not make it that far.

So, after repeatedly swimming the length of the pool with all of our flight gear, I was now going to have to be strapped into an over sized 55 gallon drum, dropped into a deep pool and rolled (sometimes left, sometimes right) upside down under the water. After the device stopped, I was to release my seat belt and depart a certain way through a preassigned exit and swim to the surface.

By then, I was fatigued and not too confident (despite the fact that divers would be in the water with us). Oh yeah, I almost forgot, it wasn't just me in the barrel each time, it was me and five of my fellow pilots. Also, we did not just have to go in and get out of the dunker once, we had to do it four times. The first time we had to depart through the closest window, the next time we all had to depart through the main cabin door, next we had to depart through the closest window while wearing blackened goggles so we could not see, and last we had to depart through the main cabin exit while wearing blackened out goggles. The picture above was the last run where I had to go from the cockpit into the cabin and out of the cabin door while wearing blackened goggles. Fortunately the dunker was rolling to the right so I could get an extra breath of air (more than the guys in the right seats that time).

I feel a little better now after doing google searches for the helo dunker and finding that I was not the only one intimidated by it. I have seen it described as "insane", "causing all spatial orientation to be gone", "terrifying", "evil contraption", "the worst and scariest training sessions", "tough", "dreaded training device", and more. Fortunately, I successfully completed the program and discovered a new found respect for flying over water.

The Army Family

2009-11-18T01:59:00.011-06:00

Recently, Jim, a lifelong Army friend, got in touch with me and sent some pictures from the good old days. After the initial shock of “wow, I am getting old”, I immediately smiled and remembered how young I was back then and how great those seemingly tough times were. After receiving his pictures, I dug through some of my old pictures and found this one that he had a crew chief take of us or that was taken with the camera on a tripod.

Looking back, I find it harder to believe that the Army let youngsters (some of us under 21 years old) not only fly its helicopters, but be pilots-in-command. Amazingly, we were extremely skilled and proficient doing tasks and missions that had little margin for error and major consequences for mistakes. As I recall, our philosophies were fairly simple and included principles like, “Big Sky, Little Bullet”, or “Takeoffs are Optional, Landings Mandatory.” We had many more phrases to live by, some printable and others better left unsaid. Yet, it really wasn’t these simple sayings that got us through, it was more the camaraderie, sense of being, sharing of information, caring, and knowledge that each of us had the other’s back.

I know from being in the Army, talking with friends that are still in the Army, or talking with those who have recently retired, that the bond described above still exists and, in my opinion, remains the core of how and why our Army operates so well from the platoon level up. I know from being in the Army and growing up as an Army “Brat” that this special relationship also permeates military families.

Rarely have I seen a similar bond in the civilian community, nor have I seen a good understanding by most civilians of the military community. This was recently demonstrated after the Fort Hood tragedy when many reporters showed a complete lack of insight into how the Army lives stateside. Their reporting refreshed my memory of a comment I heard many years ago from a television program where a reporter asked a young wife at Fort Stewart, Georgia (whose husband was being redeployed) about the war. Her reply, as I still vividly recall, “We are at war, America is at the mall.” Unfortunately, she was right on the money and some of that “at the mall” obliviousness was demonstrated after the Fort Hood shootings.

Fortunately, though, I know in my heart, although unfair and hard (more so since they were betrayed by a family member), each of those soldiers and families will have each others’ backs and their bond will continue to hold strong. Hopefully, the attention from this tragedy will cause the media and individuals without connection to the military to work harder to understand the difficulties, sacrifices and lives of those actually fighting and their families back home.

Veterans Day - Tomb of the Unknowns - Birmingham

2009-11-11T11:50:00.007-06:00

“The Great War”, World War I, officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. Fighting, however, actually ceased seven months prior to the Treaty when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926. An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday known as "Armistice Day." Public Law 380, on June 1, 1954, changed Armistice to Veterans and November 11th became Veterans Day.

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. At 11:00 a.m., a color guard renders honors to America's war dead during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The ceremony takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater. For more information, go to The United States Department of Veterans Affairs site at http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

The Nation’s oldest and largest Veteran’s Day celebration is in Birmingham, Alabama. As part of the celebration each year, a National Veterans Award is given to honor an outstanding veteran in the United States who has made the greatest contribution to further the patriotic interests of veterans and veteran organizations throughout the country. The recipient of the National Veterans Award for 2009 is Admiral Frank B. Kelso II, USN Retired. The dinner speaker at the award ceremony will be Mr. Thomas T. Tradewell, Sr., Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Judson E. Bennett, Jr., director of the National Museum of the United States Army, will be the guest speaker for The World Peace Luncheon. The celebration is capped off by a parade through downtown Birmingham from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. For more information, go to The National Veterans Day site at http://www.nationalveteransday.org/

Volleyball Great Holly McPeak Inducted into Hall of Fame

2009-11-05T13:37:00.009-06:00

On October 30, 2009, the Volleyball Hall of Fame inducted college, FIVB, AVP, and USA Olympic volleyball star Holly McPeak. Holly has been a mainstay in volleyball since leading her 1990 UCLA team to a NCAA championship. She competed in the inaugural Olympic Beach Volleyball Games in 1996 and the 2000 Olympic Games, finishing fifth both times. She and Elaine Youngs (EY) won bronze medals at the 2004 Games in Atlanta. Winning in Marseille in 2002, Holly became the first woman in volleyball worldwide to surpass $1 million in career winnings. She has won titles with seven different partners and has been ranked in the top ten six times in the AVP Tour and seven times in the FIVB Tour. Overall she has won 72 titles and her career earnings now top more than $1.6 million.

While her awards are numerous (any list of her accomplishments would go on and on), she remains personable and self driven to stay in shape, promote the sport, and encourage players and fans alike. Despite announcing her retirement this year at age 40, Holly can still be seen at many of the AVP events. She is currently scheduled to appear as part of the Johnsonville Hot Winter Nights Tour on January 17, 2010 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

It is fitting that Holly was part of what may be an induction group that hopefully leads to the Holyoke site becoming the international repository of volleyball greatness. In addition to McPeak, the Hall of Fame inducted Ivan Bugajenkov of Latvia, Ana B. Moser of Brazil, Siegfried Schneider of Germany, Nikolay Karpol of Russia and Paul Libaud of France. While the Volleyball Hall of Fame has recognized international volleyball individuals and entities for more than fifteen years, currently there is not a recognized true world hall of fame for volleyball. This year, there has been discussion that hopefully leads the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB), at its November 25, 2009 meeting in Toyko, to agree to a combined volleyball hall of fame. Holyoke could not be a more perfect setting for the world hall of fame since it has been the home of volleyball since it was founded there in 1895 by William G. Morgan.

You can find out more about the above and volleyball in general at the following sites:

Volleyball Hall of Fame http://www.volleyhall.org/
Holly McPeak http://www.hollymcpeakusa.com/
AVP http://www.avp.com/
FIVB http://www.fivb.ch/
USA Volleyball http://www.usavolleyball.org/

More pictures of Holly in action can be seen at
Best Digital Shots http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

We Live We Love

2009-09-14T01:29:00.006-05:00

It has been too long since I have set down to write or look at my photos. On 9/11, however, my family was away and I took time to look over some of my photographs while listening to music via computer. Technology truly blesses lovers of music, art, and many other things. What a tool for learning, reminiscing, and sharing.

9/11 closely touched me as it did many people, and it has caused me to suffer many emotions. Today, however, my focus was on love and mostly on love between fathers and sons. As I drove my youngest son to school this morning, we listened to John Vigiano, Sr. on NPR’s Morning Edition. Some of you may know of Mr. Vigiano and his sons through the Academy Award winning film, Twin Towers. On 9/11/2001, John, Jr. served as a New York firefighter and Joe Vigiano served as a New York policeman. Both were killed during the attack.

As my young son set beside me, Mr. Vigiano proudly told of his sons’ career paths (Mr. Vigiano also served the City as a firefighter) and his last conversations with his sons. During the afternoon of September 10, 2001, Mr. Vigiano talked with John, Jr. and they closed the call by telling each other “I love you.” After the attack on 9/11, Mr. Vigiano talked with his son Joe and their last words were also “I love you.” As we pulled up to the school, my son paused and listened as Mr. Viagiano’s reflected, “"I don't have any could've, should've or would'ves. I wouldn't have changed anything. It's not many people that the last words they said to their son or daughter was 'I love you.' "

It was not my intent to come home and write about 9/11, but as I looked through my pictures, I saw the one above taken of my son in front of the Trade Center shortly before 9/11. Fate also had me listening to Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin. The youtube video I fortuitously watched included Harry’s wife and son telling of his untimely death at an early age and Josh (his son) being the inspiration for the song. It was touching to hear Josh (who looks like his father) explain how people are always wanting to get close to him and tell of the huge impact his father’s singing made in their lives. You can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etundhQa724&feature=related

Finally, as I pushed in my WowHits 2007 CD in the car, I was greeted by Superchick’s We Live. The lyrics are as follows:

There's a cross on the side of the road
Where a mother lost a son
How could she know that the morning he left
Would be their last time she'd trade with him for a little more time
So she could say she loved him one more time
And hold him tight
But with life we never know

When we're coming up to the end of the road
So what do we do then
With tragedy around the bend?

Chorus:
We live we love
We forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
Today we remember to live and to love
We live we love
We forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
Today we remember to live and to love

There is a man who waits for the tests
To see if the cancer has spread yet
And now he asks, "So why did I wait to live till it was time to die?"
If I could have the time back how I'd live
Life is such a gift
So how does the story end?
Well this is your story and it all depends
So don't let it become true
Get out and do what we are meant to do

Chorus

Waking up to another dark morning
People are mourning
The weather in life outside is storming
But what would it take for the clouds to break
For us to realize each day is a gift somehow, someway
So get our heads up out of the darkness
And spark this new mindset and start to live life cuz it ain't gone yet
And tragedy is a reminder to take off the blinders
And wake up and live the life we're supposed to take up
Moving forward with all our heads up cuz life is worth living

Chorus (to fade)

You can do the lyrics justice by listening to the song from the Beauty from Pain cd at http://www.superchickonline.com/music_bfp.php

Thank you Christ; Superchick; John, Sr.; Harry; Joshua Chapin; Dad and my sons. Thank you for your love, words, music and the gift of loving, living and forgiving.

Some Airlines to Charge For Checked Bags

2008-06-13T22:03:00.003-05:00

(I took the above picture on a flight from Florida. A Southwest Airlines blended winglet helps save fuel and serves as a good surface to advertise on.)

As people try to figure out how to drive from their homes to the store, purchase a gallon of milk and loaf of bread, and get back without spending twice the hourly federal minimum wage ($5.85 per hour now and scheduled to increase to $6.25 per hour on July 24, 2008 pursuant to the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007), the airlines try to figure out how to transport Nashville’s approximately 10,000,000 passengers per year and the rest of the flying public from point A to point B with jet fuel prices that are 92.7% higher today than they were a year ago ($168.10 per barrel on June 6, 2008 as reported at IATA.org). As part of an answer to the latter question, American Airlines recently announced that starting June 15, 2008, certain passengers would have to pay $15.00 to check their first bag. United Airlines and US Airways announced Thursday that they would charge a similar fee. To date, Southwest Airlines, Nashville’s largest carrier, has stated that it will allow passengers to continue to check two bags free of charge.

The baggage charges have already started a heated debate among passengers and provided fuel for Southwest Airline’s new advertising campaign focused on the other airlines alleged nickel-and-diming of passengers. Another possible backlash to the charges (as passengers try to solve the former question above) may be increased weight in aircraft cabin overhead bins as passengers stuff more items into their carry-on bags to avoid checked bag fees. Of course, stuffing the overhead bins is the exact opposite of what safety consultants and the FAA recommend. As recently as October 1, 2007, the FAA provided the following tips, among others, for flyers to consider when carrying on bags: 1) Think Small (usually 45 linear inches maximum size and nothing oversized), 2) Think Smart (check more and carry on less), and 3) Think Safety (don’t stack items in the overhead bins and carry-on items may fall and injure someone in flight or during an emergency evacuation). Finally, passengers should know that the airlines may in certain situations require some or all of your bags be checked.

All of this dime squeezing is sure to cause tension at the airport. As a result, now more than ever, passengers should verify luggage size and weight restrictions with their airline before they fly. Hopefully, passengers and airline employees will be patient as the public struggles to meet its financial needs and the carriers juggle economics, aerodynamics, safety, technology and regulation to continue to provide safe and reasonably priced commercial aviation transportation.

Pedro Alvarez

2008-06-04T23:40:00.002-05:00

The MLB draft starts in less than twelve hours. For Vandy fans, the televised draft has been wonderful. Last year we cheered for David Price, Casey Weathers and other great Vandy players as they were selected. This year we'll cheer equally hard for the pack of Vandy players that Pedro Alvarez will lead in the Draft.

As a Vandy fan and alumni, it has been difficult during the past many years as I have often taken heat from my Alabama, Auburn, Duke, Carolina and UConn friends. I would explain (consistent with Chancellor Gee's philosophy of course) that Vandy's focus is on academics, but in my heart I would say, "hmmm, what about Duke, Stanford, or ....." (what is Nick's (Chancellor Zeppos) philosophy? We are spending some much needed money for athletic improvements).

Over the past few years, football, basketball, baseball and numerous other Vandy teams have been competitive and exciting to watch. By chance last year, I even saw the first Vandy team to ever win a National Championship (Vanderbilt's Women's Bowling). I didn't even know we had a bowling team, but I was proud, especially after learning of the team's 3.49 grade point average to go along with their athletic skills.

Well, back to baseball. My family and I were fortunate to watch some of Vandy's games in person this year and last year. The level of play was excellent, the work ethic tremendous, the team camaraderie exceptional and fan relations warm and open. After talking to some parents and grandparents of the players, it is clear the Coach Corbin is the commodore and catalyst and that the Coach's love, skills, knowledge and professionalism go into everything from playing the game to properly standing when the Star Spangled Banner is played. Go Coach Corbin!

Finally, lets look at some of the team this year as the draft nears. Pedro Alvarez is a great hitter and is expected to go number one or number two in the first round. He is a National and SEC Player of the Year Candidate and First Team Preseason All-American. He has great stats and his leadership and character skills are tremendous. Look elsewhere for all of the possible twists and projections discussing everything from Scott Boras to amount per slot to economics to....

Next, Ryan Flaherty at shortstop. He is a First Team Preseason All-American, A Golden Spikes Semifianlist, Student Athelete of the month, and the list goes on. He has great stats and is consistent with good leadership ability. In his spare time this year (right) he even wrote a journal and spent many hours communicating with fans. (See it at Vandy's baseball website).

Pitcher Brett Jacobson should also go fairly high in the draft. Finally, outfielders David Macias, Dominic de la Osa, and Jonathan White are hopeful of going high in the draft. Last year Dominic was drafted in the 10th round, but came back to play for Vandy. Catcher Shea Robin has also been coming on strong this year. His bat has been hot and he was selected as one of 12 semifinalists for the Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top collegiate catcher. Alvarez and Macias won First Team All-SEC Honors this year and Flaherty, De la Osa and Alex Feinberg won second team honors.

Wow, have I missed anybody. If so, go to Vandy's baseball website, http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/vand-m-basebl-body.html and find out more.

Good Luck to all Vandy's eligible players in the draft!

Magnitude 8.0 Quake Strikes Peru

2008-06-03T00:24:00.005-05:00

We arrived on a mission trip to Peru approximately two months after a magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck the Ica and Lima Regions of Peru. The lady in the foreground looks towards a leveled building in Ica.

On August 17, 2007, the quake hit hard the cities of Ica and Pisco. Over 50,000 homes were destroyed and only 20% of the city of Pisco remained standing. Over 500 people died, with the majority of those in Pisco. Seventy people were killed when a church in Ica collapsed during a service and 148 people were killed when a cathedral collapsed in Pisco. Over 1000 people were injured and more than 100,000 people were left homeless. The quake took down houses made of reed and mud as well as destroying landmark buildings and a much visited rock formation on the coast known as the cathedral. After the initial quake, numerous aftershocks measuring greater than magnitude 5.0 were recorded.

During our visit, thousands of people continued to be homeless and debris lined the streets. We saw very little work with large machines and it appeared that most of the work was being done by hand. Today, recent reports show that many people in the Pisco and Ica areas are still in dire circumstances and need assistance.

The Salvation Army and The Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board members were at the disaster spot almost immediately. You can donate to the Salvation Army Latin American Disaster Fund by clicking on the link below.

https://secure.salvationarmy.org/donations.nsf/donate?openform&projectid=IHQ-LatinAmerica

or you can send donations to the IMB at the address listed below:

International Mission Board
World Hunger & Relief Ministries
PO Box 6767
Richmond, VA 23230.

For giving assistance or further information,call (800) 999-3113 or e-mail the IMB at WorldHunger@imb.org

Finally, if you need more information please email me and I will provide any assistance I can.

UK Wildcat Outfielders Sawyer Carroll and Colin Cowgill

2008-05-24T01:09:00.003-05:00

I felt fortunate to see two great hits by Sawyer and Colin in the same inning during their game against the Ole Miss Rebels in this year's SEC Baseball Tournament in Hoover, Alabama. For this picture, I was even luckier to catch them both together meeting with Coach Bohannon during an Ole Miss pitching change. Because of the high noise in the picture I applied some art effects in Photoshop to get the above results.

Sawyer Carroll and Colin Cowgill are excellent baseball players. They were recently selected as First-Team All-SEC outfielders and named as Golden Spikes Player of the Year Semifinalists. They are also on the Dick Howser and Brooks Wallace Player of the Year watch lists. Sawyer leads the SEC in batting average (.416) and RBIs (77). While Colin leads the Wildcats in home runs (18) with a .364 batting average and 56 RBIs. Colin also leads the team in walks and he has stolen 20 bases.

Late Thursday night, my son and I left near the end of the game because he had one day of school left. The game was back and forth and at the time we left, it appeared UK had it locked up. We rushed home and turned the television on only to see Ole Miss outfielder Mike Guerrero slam a walk-off homer in the ninth to beat Kentucky 8-7.

Kentucky has a great team and I'll be looking to see where they go in the NCAA Tournament.

Relax and "Try Chai" or Make a Call?

2008-05-13T01:24:00.005-05:00

I took this photograph during a summer rain shower while standing in front of Saint Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. My primary purpose in taking the shot was to capture the gentleman resting against the cannon using his cell phone. I felt that the man, cannon and contrast between black and white would create a dynamic image.

After waiting a moment to see if the "Try Chai" man would move from the background, I took the picture. When looking at the picture to determine the best crop before printing, I noticed that everyone except the "Try Chai" man was busy on the cell phone.

Malcolm Woldenberg and Stephen Goldring

2008-04-27T21:06:00.004-05:00

In Woldenberg Park, New Orleans, Uncle Mal explains to my son and another child about mankind’s great social responsibilities. Malcolm Woldenberg and Stephen Goldring were successful business men, prominent leaders and committed philanthropists who gave to numerous health, education, welfare and cultural organizations. Their work continues today through the Goldring Family Foundation, Woldenberg Foundation and other family foundations.

Mssrs. Goldring and Woldenberg founded Magnolia Marketing Company and built it into one of the largest liquor distributing companies in the United States and one of the largest privately held companies in New Orleans. Both men were civic minded and socially responsible. The men and their foundations supported and continue to support such institutions as Tulane University (Tulane’s Freeman School of Business undergraduate, graduate and executive programs are housed in Goldring/Woldenberg Hall and Goldring/Woldenberg Hall II), the University of New Orleans (Ogden Museum's Stephen Goldring Hall), the Jewish Federation of New Orleans, the Anti-Defamation League, Temple Sinai, the Henry S. Jacobs Camp, Touro Infirmary, the Audubon Institute, United Way, the Jewish Children's Regional Service, Lakeshore Hebrew Day School, Children's Hospital, the Dorothy and Malcolm Woldenberg Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Center and numerous other causes.

You can learn more about Malcolm Woldenberg and Stephen Goldring at numerous places, to include, The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, The Freeman School of Business, and The Jewish Community of New Orleans by Irwin Lachoof and Catherine C. Kahn, published 2005 by Arcadia Publishing.

Fortunately, my son and I met Mr. Woldenberg via his statue and namesake park located between the French Quarter and Mississippi River. We would appreciate any comments or feedback from anyone who knew these gentlemen or anyone who has been touched by their generosity.