ironbut

Watched the last episode last night and I thought the series finished strongly. I guess I could have lived without one or two seasons but overall, it was a real pleasure to watch unfold.

Amazing!

Yeah, I usually don't put much stock in the rumors like the Audi/Alonzo stories but they did just hire Stefano Domenicali. Out of my post, I think that the financial troubles are by far the most important. While Caterham and Marussia are the most obvious, Sauber, Lotus and Force India are all just holding on by a thread. The big problem here is sponsor's trust that they are putting their money in a solid, prestigious place that will reflect well on their products. When there are plenty of sponsors, everybody can "share the load" (although there's usually 1 or 2 primarys). When a team goes under, it's usually because of problems with a primary sponsor but, all those other smaller guys have to get in line to recoup what they can in the courts. That makes shareholders worry. Should they just pull out now and live with their losses since F1 is not the ad venue they thought it was? I think you can see the problem with 2 teams going down in a season. They will have to alter qualifying as it is. It's been said that there needs to be at least 16 cars starting a race (I think it's in the contract for sponsors/tracks etc). If it comes to that, I guess it's written into the teams contracts that they will have to make up the difference and field a 3rd car.

Lot's of wild F1 news will be revealed during the Austin telecasts (or maybe not so new if you've kept up with rumors). Caterham won't be there since they entered "administration" (the factory is closed). Marussia may also enter administration before the race unless they get bailed out. Audi to field a team in 2016 with Alonzo as one of the drivers and Red Bull one of the sponsors? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/11189059/F1-chiefs-under-fire-over-finances-with-Caterham-and-Marussia-close-to-collapse-and-others-under-threat.html

Always loved Morgans Graham. Just keep the termites away!

RIP Jack! My first (big act) rock concert was the very same Cream farewell tour as that video. (Chastain Park, Atlanta 1968) In fact, their very first song was White Room! I have "Songs for a Tailor" that I'll play today.

Happy B Day Marc! Have a sip_puff_listen on me today.

Happy Belated Dusty! Just keep celebrating until you feel better!

Looks dangerous,.. too close to water's edge with such tremendous horsepower!

Happy belated! And enjoy that belated cake too!

Happy B Day Carl! Enjoy!

Haven't started watching Enlightened yet but this video really raised my opinion of Laura Dern about 1000%!

That was an amazing game! Nail bitting to the end.

Happy B Day Peter! Have an excellent day where ever you are!

Hope you had a great B Day Vicki!

Beautiful course in Sochi (as I suspected) without a hint of political unrest leaking into the first race there. Talk about a contrast of social views when Putin sat with Bernie (but Bernie being the ultimate in ass kissers probably neutralized Putin's love of charging into conflicts). I'm not surprised to see Hamilton rising to the top at the end of this season. I've always thought he has "the heart of a champion" while Nico is lacking something I've never been able to put my finger on. Of course, the "double points" at the season finale could throw a monkey wrench into everything that's happened in the preceding races but I certainly hope that doesn't happen. I've suspected that Bernie and NBC cooked up that whacked idea to hold ratings up for the last race. Thank god they're thinking of axing that for 2015!

$$$ stuff. I've always wondered how the difference would sound. Let us know what you think.

I wouldn't underestimate what kind of engine Honda will come up with or how ruthless Ron Dennis could be to put together a stunning run for the championship. When Honda was supplying engines to Williams, the money and manhours they threw at the effort was almost considered unfair. You can be assured that they're re entry into F1 will be a cost no object effort that will make most other engine programs look like a joke. And while I'd never let Ron Dennis in my house, if I wanted to win a championship at all costs, I'd look no further!

No matter what the outcome, it's a terrible thing that's happened to Jules Bianchi. I haven't really thought much about what Vettel's move to Ferrari means for Alonzo. He is my favorite driver but I believe this will be his last major move before he retires. And until he officially declares his intentions, it all guesswork IMHO. What isn't guesswork is what a huge impact Vettel's decision has on Red Bull. I kinda suspected that things were out of whack at Red Bull the last couple of seasons and this has really confirmed that to me. IMHO it all started after Webber left and Helmut Marko actually joked about Mark's character after he was gone. I'm sure that did not go over well up and down the paddocks. Then, while Bernie Ecclestone was under (legal) fire, Christian Horner is the short list to replace Bernie as the Chief Exc. of F1. Next, Adrian Newey leaves the pit wall for a "consulting" position. Helmut Marko announces Red Bull is the "works" team for Renault. Vettel to move to Ferrari in 2015 (as soon as his contract allows). Marko announces Kvyat to move to Red Bull. What I see here is Marko (who is a consultant) calling the shots. Kvyat is his choice. If you recall all the time and hand wringing it took with Ricciardo, with all the great choices out there, this time the choice was made in a matter of hours? WTF? My wild ass guess is that Red Bull is showing the difference between a racing/auto organization and a profit driven sports drink company. Would they have endured the awful seasons that Williams has? I say "No way". I think that just one bad season is tearing the team apart. Heck, Ricciardo is right up there and could still win the championship!

Holy shit! Talk about shuffling the cards. Of course, we won't know for sure until the smoke clears. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/116164

I just got an email that they've extended the Free Exhibit passes till midnight Monday online. http://www.aes.org/events/137/registration/

Very sad end of era stuff! But, who knows what those guys might spawn next?

Just thought I'd give you So Cal folks a heads up. This year the Audio Engineering Society's big US convention is happening at the LA Convention Center. If you move fast (the deadline is tomorrow) you can still register for an exhibit hall pass for free. I'm not sure how much they'll charge at the event but it's usually not very much. Anyway, even though there won't be much in the way of headphones and headphone gear, if you'd like to see how the other half lives and the kinda stuff we like to drool over, check it out. Also, if you're in the market for a nice pair of studio monitors, this is the event for you (although considering the typical show conditions, Vintage King is the "place" for you in LA). So, even if you're just considering going, register today or tomorrow so a free badge will be waiting for you if you go. Oops, forgot to say that the show is next weekend.

Thanks for the well wishes all. As mentioned earlier, I usually do my celebrating at the jazz festival and I'm still in recovery mode. The 49er's winning today was the icing on my the cake!

That's a tough act to follow but,.. Have a fantastic day my Birthday Brother!