Photos and Essays
- 2012-05-09: Touring Club Automotive Track Day - Heartland Park Topeka: I still need to post-process these. If you are looking for your photos, then let me know who you are, and what your vehicle looks like, via this contact form, and I will make yours a priority. Thank you.
- 2011-10-01: Go-Cart Images are here.
- 2011-10-02: Motorcycle Track Day - Heartland Park Topeka are here.These are incomplete. I will post more.
- 2011-09-14: Touring Club - Heartland Park Topeka are here.These are incomplete. I will post more.
If you are looking for your photos, then let me know who you are, and what your vehicle looks like, via this contact form, and I will make yours a priority. Thank you.
What ever happened to that Paul guy, and why isn't he returning my calls about job opportunities?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is keeping me down. It's like having the flu, and being drunk (I don't drink), only you never get better, and never get sober. Physicians do not yet know what causes this. There is no known cure, and no known medication to relieve the symptoms. My guess: it's an immune system malfunction.
Why sell prints through RedBubble?
I sincerely hope that you find photos that you love. This gives you an opportunity to get them, and RedBubble handles the printing. Most of the cost goes towards actually printing the images.
What about the motorcycle racing news?
Eh? People race motorcycles? I can't keep up with that these days. It is like ballet though isn't it.
![2011-09-14 - Heartland Park Topeka - Touring Club - C.J. McAbee's Formula 500 Car [small]](https://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pKFEKOaHk3fMRQf4Pc26wLaDSpz7vJ-kAkNLR_1Dsz5ZsMOl1rYuFmUz3CzFk-qdR8gZUeS7ZJUI/2011-09-14%20-%20Heartland%20Park%20Topeka%20-%20Touring%20Club%20-%20C.J.%20McAbee's%20Formula%20500%20Car%20%5Bsmall%5D.jpg?psid=1)
Essays
Motorcycles
- Five Essential Pieces of Motorcycle Apparel for Spring Riding
- The Ducati Diavel for Best Cruiser? Here’s Why.
- Loud Pipes Lose Rights
- Countersteering (includes a great video by IanJSeattle): are you thinking in terms of gyroscopes? Here is a better explanation.
- Gyrobike’s Gyrowheel: Maybe Too “Stable” For Steering? This one includes another countersteering discussion.
- Anti-lock Brakes for Motorcycles: ABS was disliked in early implementations. These early implementations included power brakes or linked brakes, modern ABS systems do not.
- Airbags for Motorcycles: here is a review of what is, and will be, out there.
- The World’s Best Motorcycle Frame Sliders: Woodcraft 4 Inch Puck!
- DEER WHISTLES DO NOT WORK!
- A Pickup Truck Driver’s Road-rage Risks the Lives of Motorcyclists
- “Lucky Biker” Motorcycle Crashes With Amazing Saves Videos, and a discussion about the author's worst crash
- So that’s what a tank slapper is…
- Lee Parks at the MotoGP 2008 Red Bull Indianapolis Inaugural GP (2008-08-29), and a description of Lee's Total Control book and course
- Here is an Android heads-up (HUD) moving map GPS system.
- You can view more videos, essays, and press releases about riding safety here.
- The Essay Where I Attempt To Mini-review Every Motorcycle That I Have Ever Ridden And Discuss My Ambivalence About Harley Davidson
Motorcycle Racing
- Free MotoGP Videos
- Cool Mike Kidd Flat Track Racing Video
- Wayne Gardner Riding Video
- Little Scooter Passes 3 Sport Bikes In 2 Corners!
- OTT Interviews Santiago “the Ironman” Villa: the World’s Toughest Road Racer
- Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP Grand Prix Collin Edwards and Ben Spies Conference
- Rossi Is Going to Ducati: It’s Official. Here is what I, Yamaha, and Ducati, Have to Say
- Rossi and Lorenzo Comic Books
Android
Other
Yngwie Malmsteen Live, Tokyo, 1985
In 1984 I got to see these guys open for AC/DC.
- At 4:23 the band starts.
- The first guitar solo is at 6:07.
- The keyboards and guitar do a high-speed Baroque-thing simultaneously at 9:55.
- 35:00 is the beginning of I am a Viking. Watch that.
- 44:47 begins an almost 10 minute long guitar solo.
Unfortunately the video's audio quality is not best, but you can still get the idea of what this was like.
They Were The Opening Act
Almost everyone came for AC/DC, and AC/DC brought everything they had:
- Fake cannons? Check. (They sounded real, and fire shot out of them, until the cannons' amp blew a fuse, then it was quiet fire shooting out of them.)
- Fake bells? Check.
- Fake TNT? Yes.
- Angus' school uniform. Yep.
- Angus plays a solo off-the-stage, and in-the-crowd, on some guy's back? Check.
Yngwie Malmsteen's band's props? They have long hair, and he has a piece of tape on his guitar that says "PLAY LOUD" on it.
After That Concert They Were Off The Tour
Something really weird happened; after each AC/DC song there were fewer people in the stadium. The place was almost empty by the time Angus played his solo.
This was a time when Heavy Metal wasn't played on much of the radio. In my town, major bands played shows at a loss (according to a local union roady). The shows existed to sell records; these days the records exist to sell concert tickets.
There Was Magic At That Concert, And This Video Shows Us How The Magician Does Some Of It
Note: there are some guesses here. If you know more details, then please comment below.
He Played A Solo With His Teeth!
Yeah, but here we can see that he is actually using hammer-ons. There were no teeth harmed in the making of that solo.
His Feedback Moved Through Each Row Of The Crowd!
There appeared to be a standing wave that moved through the crowd from the front of the stage to the back, slowly. In the video, during that sound, the camera focused on the keyboard player. He was slowly twisting a potentiometer. A synthesizer can slowly change the pitch, in a more consistent way, than a guitar player can, but we were all looking at the guitar! (Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!)
This part is a guess. I can't tell the difference between a mode, where a standing wave creates more volume, and someone cranking up the volume when a specific note plays. One would need to make measurements in different places.
Then At One Point He Held The Guitar In A Specific Spot, And The Feedback Made It Sound Like A UFO!
In this video, Malmsteen holds up the guitar, then looks at the audience, then looks at the guitar. While we are all looking that the guitar (see 55:49), he tweaks a potentiometer on a piece of equipment (see 55:53). Maybe he was tweaking a digital delay.
Weird
We can see Moog Taurus Bass Pedals at the edge of the stage, but I didn't see him play them during this video, or during the other concert. A Taurus-like analog synthesizer would make an awesome guitar effects device, but they can't do that out-of-the-box, because they don't have a place to plug-in a replacement oscillator.
Since the 1980s, I wondered why guitar synths were designed as (mistakenly) glitchy MIDI controllers, when the guitar itself could replace the oscillator, in an analog synth, or a digital representation of one, and that would have no tracking problems at all. I thought that this was my idea, but Wikipedia now tells me that these existed in the 1070's. They are coming back in style in recent days: the guitar gets digitized, and that gets sent to a digital emulation of an analog-synth.
Places Where I Have Been
States That I Have Lived:
States Where I Have Worked:
States Where I Rode Motorcycles (Florida was a scooter):
States That I Have Traveled-to:
Countries? I've only been to the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas [Traveled] [Lived] [Worked] [Rode] California [Traveled] [Worked] Colorado Connecticut [Traveled] [Worked] Delaware [Traveled] Florida [Traveled] [Lived] [Worked] [Rode] (scooter) Georgia [Traveled] Hawaii Idaho Illinois [Traveled] [Worked] [Rode]
Indiana [Traveled] [Rode]
Iowa [Traveled] Kansas [Traveled] [Lived] [Worked] [Rode]
Kentucky [Traveled] Louisiana [Traveled] Maine [Traveled] [Lived] [Worked] Maryland [Traveled] Massachusetts [Traveled] [Worked] Michigan [Traveled] [Lived] [Worked] Minnesota [Traveled] [Worked] Mississippi Missouri [Traveled] [Rode] Montana Nebraska [Traveled] New Hampshire [Traveled] [Lived] [Worked] New Jersey [Traveled] [Worked] New Mexico [Traveled] New York [Traveled] [Lived] [Worked] North Carolina [Traveled] North Dakota Ohio [Traveled] [Worked] Oklahoma [Traveled] [Lived] [Worked] [Rode] Oregon Pennsylvania [Traveled] Rhode Island [Traveled] South Carolina [Traveled] South Dakota Tennessee [Traveled] [Worked] [Rode] Texas [Traveled] [Lived] [Worked] [Rode] Utah Vermont [Traveled] Virginia [Traveled] West Virginia [Traveled] Wisconsin [Traveled] Wyoming Washington Washington D.C. [Traveled]
Five Essential Pieces of Motorcycle Apparel for Spring Riding
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This motorcycle clothing article is by our guest: Sam Mauzy.
Looking your best on the open road is an essential part of spring motorcycle riding. Aside of your motorcycle, your apparel is just as important. What you wear is what sets you apart from other riders and in some cases allows you to be identified when you ride out in large groups. Spring riding brings sudden changes in temperatures, so a variety of apparel options is important for a comfortable ride.
1. Motorcycle Jacket
Your jacket is one of the highlights of your motorcycle apparel. Not only does it protect you from the elements, it also provides comfort and style. There are several types of jackets that you can select from based on personal preference and budget. Initially you should look for a jacket that maintains a proper fit. Look for a jacket that is most comfortable as you are sitting down and in the position you typically ride in. Extra room in the shoulders and sleeves that fit you comfortably is also important. A removable liner in your jacket is helpful, especially during changing spring temperatures. You may want to consider an interchangeable jacket that will suffice during both warm and cooler temperatures. Select a jacket that is either waist-level for the summer and maybe a longer below the hip or mid-thigh jacket for cooler ride days. Material options depend on your preference. A popular jacket material is leather. Choose between top grain, split, suede and full-grain leather. You can also try out denim, mesh or waterproof jackets made from breathable Rain-guard to create a barrier between you and the elements.
2. Motorcycle Pants
Keeping your legs covered at all times is important when cycling in the spring. Pants should be an important part of your motorcycle wardrobe. Most people think that leather is the first option for most riders but often takes several wears before you are able to get them to fit to your physique. While leather is one of the most popular choices, there are other styles to choose from for spring riding. Textile pants are easy to wear and are generally comfortable from the moment you put them on – no breaking in required. Motorcycle pants with a Kevlar-weave look less like riding pants and more like traditional jeans --this is more of a contemporary look that is different from the classic leather apparel. Modern motorcycle pants are geared toward making the rider comfortable at all times. Pants that combine a polyester/nylon blend along with leather, still give the look, smell and feel of leather but offers breathable ventilation and support exactly where you need it. A good pair of motorcycle pants should also include zippers and pockets for adequate storage. Sturdy pants that are comfortable and functional at the same time should be your goal when choosing the best motorcycle pants.
3. Helmet
Your helmet is your main source of protection in the event of an accident. It should fit securely but also be breathable for long trips in the spring and distance rides. Choose a helmet that is lightweight but also functions per your riding needs. You may want to consider a dual sport helmet that includes both a face shield and visor, so you can take your bike from dirt to pavement in seconds flat. Proper ventilation and easy vent release is essential in a good helmet. While the helmet serves its safety purpose, it should also be visually appealing. Helmet designs can be custom made to include the color and design of your choice.
4. Gloves
A good motorcycle glove should fit perfectly and feel like it isn’t there. There should be no room for bulky fingers and slippery grips. Gloves are designed to first and foremost protect your palms and fingers in the event you face pavement or terrain. When riding in spring temperatures, your hands can get sweaty. A good, breathable glove will offer you the ventilation and flexibility you need to have a safe ride. You should have your gloves custom sized – this will prevent bunching, unnecessary wear and in some cases skin blisters.
5. Vest
A motorcycle vest represents a fashion statement when you are on your bike. Vests, generally made from leather are the home of patches, designs and embellishments based on clubs, bike associations and motorcycle rallies. Vests can be worn alone in the warm spring months or on top of a jacket and other clothing if the weather is cooler. It can also provide a layer of protection from objects and abrasions when you are on the road. A vest will also serve as a wind-breaker as you are traveling.
Sam is a Harley fanatic and chooses his motorcycle clothing not only for its style but for the safety elements as well.
Words of Wisdom
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Words of Wisdom: from a deaf, Jewish, Mexican man who helped me study the words of ancient rabbis and Flatland-as-a-metaphor for the human condition (I can't make this stuff up.)
- Let the woman make all the decisions about furniture placement. This is not for you to do.
- If the woman asks, "Are you hungry?" this is not a yes-or-no question. She is telling you that she is hungry. Go get something to eat.
The Ducati Diavel for Best Cruiser? Here’s Why.
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Here is why it works:
My SV650S, a sportbike, is uncomfortable on my wrists. I need to sell it now. Hopefully to someone who will either love-it, or race-it.
My cruiser, a V-Star, allows me to sit comfortably for hours, but required a windscreen to do so.
My Ducati Monster has ergonomics that are similar to the Ducati Diavel. Anywhere between 45 MPH and 85 MPH provides enough air to literally hold-me-up for hours. I don't feel like the wind is pushing me, and I don't feel like I am doing pull-ups. It's like how I feel sitting behind the windscreen of on my cruiser, even though it looks nothing like that.
The Monster actually works well for cruising, and the Diavel is like a torque-y, massive, Monster.
Journalists are always complaining about adventure bikes that don't work-well off-road, but naked bikes, and on-road adventure bikes, give the comfort that an aging sportbike rider, who doesn't want a traditional cruiser, needs. They actually work quite well for cruising.
The Diavel is like nothing out there, but is closest to a V-Max, or Triumph Rocket III, and many folks call those 'cruisers', so it fits.
More? Here's what I think about every motorcycle that I have ever ridden.
This is the controversial Ducati Diavel. The image is by http://www.flickr.com/photos/desmodex/ and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic.
Here's my SV650S ABS. We are only riding in the parking lot; Gershwin's helmet isn't DOT approved.
My V-Star, with windscreen, after a long ride to Memphis TN.
My Ducati Monster is like a miniature Diavel. Here it is with the world's largest frame sliders.
How I Learned the Manly-way to Deal With Distress
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When guys are upset they do-stuff to keep busy.
That's something that I didn't understand until Colin McCann took me to the PSTV newsroom one night in 1987. I started out sad, but once we got to work, I couldn't have any negative thoughts. The news was about to start; the stories needed to be written, and the TELEPROMPTR needed to be cued. That was the first, and last, time that I ever did those things, so I had to concentrate, and focus.
Keeping-busy in times-of-distress is probably something that most guys learn from their brothers, or father, when they are like 10, but it's something that I didn't learn until I was 19. That newsroom experience changed me.
Thank you Colin.
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Why Creation Theory and The Theory of Evolution Are Not Remotely Similar
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We hear things from fundamentalists like:
- "Evolution is not a law, it's only a theory."
- "Evolution is not a fact, it's only a theory."
- "Evolution is equivalent to creation theory; they are both theories."
When creationists say things like that they are using the words "theory", "law", and "fact" in a completely different way than how scientists use those words.
Here's how Ramon Bautista explains the meaning of the scientific words:
[quote]
"Laws tell you what's happening... Theory is telling you, or at least trying to tell you, why something happens.
Example:
- law of gravity=what goes up, must come down
- theory of gravity=graviton
[/quote]
For scientists theories are always theories. They can never become laws, and they never become facts. That said, there has never been a single piece of evidence against the theory of evolution; and there has never been a single piece of evidence for the creationism. These are very different uses of the word theory.
Frank Steiger
I discovered Frank Steiger's website only after I wrote my essay. Mr. Steiger covers the same issues— in more depth.
- Frank Steiger: Is Evolution only a theory?
- Creationism and Pseudo Science by Frank Steiger
- Creationists then sent ignorance-filled emails to Frank Steiger in response. How so? Not a single one addresses any real criticism. In fact, there aren't any issues that can over-throw evolution. Every piece of relevant evidence— in every scientific discipline— supports evolution. Yes, there are occasional tweaks— such as when Richard Dawkins explained that survival-of-the-fittest is on the gene level, and not at the species-level, but even big-ones like that, only add to our understanding.
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Did Richard Dawkins Really Change His Mind About the Existence of God?
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John Bingham— the The Telegraph's Religious Affairs Editor— posted "Richard Dawkins: I can't be sure God does not exist". Richard Dawkins— in the post's video— does not contradict his previous statements.
One can logically prove that something is not-always-true by finding one counter-example, but one cannot prove that something doesn't exist in the same way. One could simply not-yet seen the counter-example.
"I can't be sure that God does not exist," is not like "God exists, but I can't be sure of that," because saying "God exists, but I can't be sure of that," violates the at-least-one-counter-example logic, and saying "I can't be sure that God does not exist," is supported by it. That's also why it was said with those exact words. It's not a double-negative; it's not a crisis of faith, and it's not an about-face.
Science depends-on, and is concerned-with, natural-processes only. Religion, in-most-cases, includes non-natural stories and explanations. Science truly is at-odds-with religion.
Atheism and agnosticism are belief-systems, but they are different than religious belief-systems, because religion includes the supernatural, and atheism does not.
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