We have 34 authors now -- all Ex-Foxsportsters with about 15 yet to respond. I think we have the bulk of folks here so we need to make some decisions on how to run the blog moving forward...Speedbeagle inspired me with her Constitution questions!
***Right now I (klvalus) am the only administrator on the blog. This means I am the only one that can approve changes to the appearance of the blog and approve new authors (if we keep this private). Do you want to all be administrators? Do you think I should continue as the only one? Have a few people?
***Do we want to keep this blog private (which means you must be an approved author to read, post or comment) or do you want to make it public? Public means anyone can comment/read. If we go public I think we need to be careful about referencing Foxsports.
***Do you want to invite non-ex-Foxsports blogger that have similar interests or you know from other websites/places or keep this primarily "the gang"?
***What changes do you want to make to the blog? Any additional gadgets you would like on here? Color changes? Anything??
_________________________________________________
For what is worth -- my opinions.
My "vision" for this blog was to recreate our Foxsports community here and have a central place to have the group blogs and to drive traffic to our individual blogs.
I am happy to continue as the sole administrator or share these duties with some or all of you.
I am torn on public v. private. My other blog is public and is what I am using to try to get into the NASCAR Citizen Journalist thingy...it is nice to know who is on here and to not have to watch what you say as much however keeping it private means no fresh blood too. If we go public, like I said above, I think we need to be careful about referencing Foxsports (I'll take out the subtitle for example).
I am open to any new members -- I trust you guys to have cool friends! LOL If we keep it private I do have "banning" power...maybe if public too...not sure about that.
So SPEAK UP!! Let me know what you guys want to do...simple majority rules I guess!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Take This Test
Ok, not exactly sports related. I'm just curious.
Below are 10 of 100 questions taken from the test that one must pass in order to become a naturalized US citizen. I use the test as a diagnostic tool when I teach government. The difference here is that the students have to answer 99 questions instead of 10(we don't worry about the question which asks about which form you use to apply for citizenship.)
If you're not a US citizen, go ahead and take the test(this means you, Tez and others). I'm always curious about how much those who were educated outside the US know about our government and history.
Below are 10 of 100 questions taken from the test that one must pass in order to become a naturalized US citizen. I use the test as a diagnostic tool when I teach government. The difference here is that the students have to answer 99 questions instead of 10(we don't worry about the question which asks about which form you use to apply for citizenship.)
If you're not a US citizen, go ahead and take the test(this means you, Tez and others). I'm always curious about how much those who were educated outside the US know about our government and history.
- What is the Constitution?
- What do the stripes on the flag mean?
- Who elects the President?
- Name the two senators from your state(and please identify the state). For those outside the US, name two current US senators.
- What makes up the Executive branch of government?
- Who becomes President if both the President and Vice-President die in office(5 bonus points if you can name the person who currently holds that position)?
- Name one Constitutional requirement for becoming President.
- What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
- Why are there 100 senators in the US Senate?
- Name three rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
There is no time limit, and you all are on the honor system not to google the answers.
Despite Slow Season, Dale Earnhardt Jr Continues To Shine
Dear Dale Jr,
In the last few months, I have taken the liberty to try and bring some sort of closure to all the fans that have chosen to take a disliking to you. Now being a writer for one of the many independent NASCAR websites that are on the web today, as well as climbing over to the blogging side of NASCAR, and posting at the various NASCAR social sites that are at the fans disposal. I can say it’s been a real pleasure taking the initiative to write what I felt were some very interesting, as well as informative posts about your racing career, while at the same time using your accomplishments as the backbone for each and every story.
It wasn’t hard to depict exactly what you have done throughout your racing career, because the facts always tell the true story and they never lie. Now what I found really intriguing was that your name is on the top 10 list of just about every stat that is out there, with the exception of just a couple. I not only searched through the Sprint cup archives, but I also went a step further and dug right into the Nationwide series as well. After all, there are still a few cup drivers that have chosen to pursue that championship as well, so why not also include them in the posts that were written. Since your career just about speaks for itself, it was easy to just put an ear to them, and as I listened I also began typing away as the golden nuggets magically came to life right before my very eyes.
Well the reason for this letter was not to continue on a path that I have already travelled, but instead today I shed my writing pen, and I toss away my bloggers attitude, and write to you as a friend. I just wanted to start off by saying thanks for the many memories that you have graciously brought to your fans, and at the same time the really awesome example that you have been portraying as a human being, even through all the heartaches that you have been experiencing. Little do you probably realize, is the huge impact that you have had away from the track, to those that have chosen to adopt you as their favorite driver. You have more then exemplified what a true and caring heart that you have, which lies beneath the persona of being NASCAR’s most popular driver. Because as we all know a persons true character usually implodes during the rough, or should I say the difficult times.
I’m not here to expound on the many miscues that you have had to deal with since the season has started, but instead it’s the way that you have handled the heartbreaking mistakes that seem to be plaguing the team. I can’t imagine what you are going through, especially when there are those around that are just waiting for the opportunity to kick you when you are down. But kick as they must, this is where your true character really shines, and out shadows anything that they can throw at you. And it’s because of how genuine and truthful that you are, that makes them dislike you even more. It’s sad to say but character has been lost in our society today, but watching the way that you handle yourself even when you aren’t winning. It’s easy to say that you still have the heart of a champion, and a character attribute that many who have chosen to dislike you can learn from.
Just watching the way you have handled all the adversity that has come your way, you still manage to break out that big smile along with a positive ambiance that flows from you that can easily make the nay-sayers foam at the mouth. And it’s from that same foam where all the hate, and disgusting words are always spouted from the so-called fans that have no idea the pressure that you are under. It’s really sad that some have started their own crusade to attack a driver who has really done nothing wrong, except to strap himself behind the wheel week in and week out, while giving his all just like any other driver out on the track today.
For those of us who have chosen to support you in your times of trial, let it be known that we understand that no one person is perfect, and far be it for anyone to think that you are some sort of god with inhuman type characteristics. Whenever I look at the true test of character, it’s not how you handle winning. Because with winning your emotions flow automatically. But instead it’s how you handle defeat that shows you’re true character, and it’s easy to see that you are consistent no matter what the circumstances are.
Life itself is not always about the ‘W” in the win column that is important, but it’s the “W” in the peoples lives that you have touched in a positive way which can be just as important. Your father would be really proud of you if he were alive today, because of the positive way that you have portrayed the sport that he and his father so much loved. And that alone carries a lot more respect than any trophy can ever bring you, because just like the trophy it has to be earned. Dale, just remember that your fans love you for who you are, and that is something that no trophy can ever fulfill because it has no feelings on the inside. So whatever you do don’t change a thing about who you are or what you believe in, because the measure of a man will always come down to the way that you have portrayed yourself. And you have passed that test with flying colors.
Good Luck on the rest of your season, You’re Friend, Sal Sigala Jr.
In the last few months, I have taken the liberty to try and bring some sort of closure to all the fans that have chosen to take a disliking to you. Now being a writer for one of the many independent NASCAR websites that are on the web today, as well as climbing over to the blogging side of NASCAR, and posting at the various NASCAR social sites that are at the fans disposal. I can say it’s been a real pleasure taking the initiative to write what I felt were some very interesting, as well as informative posts about your racing career, while at the same time using your accomplishments as the backbone for each and every story.
It wasn’t hard to depict exactly what you have done throughout your racing career, because the facts always tell the true story and they never lie. Now what I found really intriguing was that your name is on the top 10 list of just about every stat that is out there, with the exception of just a couple. I not only searched through the Sprint cup archives, but I also went a step further and dug right into the Nationwide series as well. After all, there are still a few cup drivers that have chosen to pursue that championship as well, so why not also include them in the posts that were written. Since your career just about speaks for itself, it was easy to just put an ear to them, and as I listened I also began typing away as the golden nuggets magically came to life right before my very eyes.
Well the reason for this letter was not to continue on a path that I have already travelled, but instead today I shed my writing pen, and I toss away my bloggers attitude, and write to you as a friend. I just wanted to start off by saying thanks for the many memories that you have graciously brought to your fans, and at the same time the really awesome example that you have been portraying as a human being, even through all the heartaches that you have been experiencing. Little do you probably realize, is the huge impact that you have had away from the track, to those that have chosen to adopt you as their favorite driver. You have more then exemplified what a true and caring heart that you have, which lies beneath the persona of being NASCAR’s most popular driver. Because as we all know a persons true character usually implodes during the rough, or should I say the difficult times.
I’m not here to expound on the many miscues that you have had to deal with since the season has started, but instead it’s the way that you have handled the heartbreaking mistakes that seem to be plaguing the team. I can’t imagine what you are going through, especially when there are those around that are just waiting for the opportunity to kick you when you are down. But kick as they must, this is where your true character really shines, and out shadows anything that they can throw at you. And it’s because of how genuine and truthful that you are, that makes them dislike you even more. It’s sad to say but character has been lost in our society today, but watching the way that you handle yourself even when you aren’t winning. It’s easy to say that you still have the heart of a champion, and a character attribute that many who have chosen to dislike you can learn from.
Just watching the way you have handled all the adversity that has come your way, you still manage to break out that big smile along with a positive ambiance that flows from you that can easily make the nay-sayers foam at the mouth. And it’s from that same foam where all the hate, and disgusting words are always spouted from the so-called fans that have no idea the pressure that you are under. It’s really sad that some have started their own crusade to attack a driver who has really done nothing wrong, except to strap himself behind the wheel week in and week out, while giving his all just like any other driver out on the track today.
For those of us who have chosen to support you in your times of trial, let it be known that we understand that no one person is perfect, and far be it for anyone to think that you are some sort of god with inhuman type characteristics. Whenever I look at the true test of character, it’s not how you handle winning. Because with winning your emotions flow automatically. But instead it’s how you handle defeat that shows you’re true character, and it’s easy to see that you are consistent no matter what the circumstances are.
Life itself is not always about the ‘W” in the win column that is important, but it’s the “W” in the peoples lives that you have touched in a positive way which can be just as important. Your father would be really proud of you if he were alive today, because of the positive way that you have portrayed the sport that he and his father so much loved. And that alone carries a lot more respect than any trophy can ever bring you, because just like the trophy it has to be earned. Dale, just remember that your fans love you for who you are, and that is something that no trophy can ever fulfill because it has no feelings on the inside. So whatever you do don’t change a thing about who you are or what you believe in, because the measure of a man will always come down to the way that you have portrayed yourself. And you have passed that test with flying colors.
Good Luck on the rest of your season, You’re Friend, Sal Sigala Jr.
SOMEONE I WANT YOU TO MEET
By David Johndrowhttp://fireandgrace.blogspot.com/
His name is David. I have never met him face to face but I know him. His stories will bring a chuckle to your mind. His thoughts are deeply faith based. His accomplishments are many in service to the Lord. His words can be inspiring to believers. His knowledge is one of the gifts from the Holy Spirit. A true believer in the works and miracles of the Lord.
Just by a random chance I happened to arrive on his site a while ago and I have visited frequently since then. We have exchanged emails discussing the bible and other issues. He encouraged me in researching the Spiritual Gifts. He encouraged me in not giving up in my desire to do evangelical work. I consider him a friend.
Larry
Sunday, July 26, 2009
First, he gets caught at an airport with a water bottle that has been tweaked so that it hides things in a secret compartment. In fact, in this case, there was trace evidence that there was an illegal drug in that compartment. Charges were dropped, but still, the company was embarrassed.
Next, the same employee is accused of financing a huge dog fighting ring where dogs are tortured for financial gain and personal entertainment. In fact, this is reported to be one of the largest dog fighting gambling rings in the country!
Okay, it's time to call this employee in and here his side of the story. You call him in and he says everything you want to hear. "I have nothing to do with any of this!" Great, as long as he is telling the truth, all will wash out in the end and we can go about our business as usual.
Oopps!!! A trial happens and your employee is found guilty and sentenced to two years is prison!! Ouch, that does not look good for our company! What an embarrassment! Two years go by and your former employee is released and has paid his debt to society.
He would like to come back and have his old job. True, there are other people in your company that have done terrible crimes as well, and they are playing, so what about this guy? People seem to think that you owe it to him to let him play? Do you?
Is working in your company a right, or a privilage? Don't you have the right to say who represents your company?So, maybe you take him back, maybe you don't. Maybe you tack on a suspension of your own to show that you didn't appreciate how he made your company look. My question isn't should this employee be allowed back, but why is it that the NFL apparently owes employment to Michael Vick when any other company in the world (outside of sports) would be free to say that they are not interested in hiring him?
Just so you know that I'm not going spineless on this one. I think the NFL should take Vick back. However, I would suspend him for another year so that he can prove that he has rehabilitated. People say that he has been an awesome person the last two years. Sure he has! He has been locked up! Most of his decisions are made for him behind bars. Now that he is out on his own, let's see what choices he makes for his life. Then and only then would I give him his "second" chance.
How about you?
What would you do if you were Roger Goodell?
More Blogger How-To Videos
Hey everyone!
I just found a gold mine of Blogger how-to videos on YouTube in addition to the one Gene showed us a few days back. The guy teaches you everything from the 101s of setting up a basic blog, to advanced ways of customizing your template with different colors, to even inserting Technorati tags which help with the marketing of your blog. He also goes through all of the different settings and tells you what they mean. I watched every single one of these and found all of them extremely helpful!
Check them out at this link:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=marketingice&view=videos&start=20
----gonger93
I just found a gold mine of Blogger how-to videos on YouTube in addition to the one Gene showed us a few days back. The guy teaches you everything from the 101s of setting up a basic blog, to advanced ways of customizing your template with different colors, to even inserting Technorati tags which help with the marketing of your blog. He also goes through all of the different settings and tells you what they mean. I watched every single one of these and found all of them extremely helpful!
Check them out at this link:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=marketingice&view=videos&start=20
----gonger93
Our First Blogspot Race Chat
Sorry to post and run, but we're at lunch and the battery on the laptop is getting low. I'll be back after lunch and can get plugged in. In the mean time have fun!!!
Let's go racing!!
Let's go racing!!
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