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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Storms in Spring

Sunset after a spring storm.
   Spring time in Texas brings rather turbulent atmospheric conditions with it. Thunderstorms that can escalate to rather severe storms including some really violent tornados. Luckily this sky resulted from only a passing shower and the Ft. worth Middle School City Track meet was able to run the full course after just a slight delay. In the meantime, the skies created a wonderful sunset for event winners to enjoy.
Christian Fell tries to touch the sky.
Sprinting for the finish of the 4x100 relay.

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Another Johnson Win

  Spent another night at Texas Motor Speedway, this time for the Duck Commander 500 Nascar Sprint Cup race. An evening sitting on the roof of a big building getting the view that most people get of a NASCAR race on TV. Kind of cool to see the whole race from above, and I get to turn the camera where I want and not wait for the replay to swing that way. Had a bunch of friends to hang with since the lights are so bright every bug within a days flight seems to be swirling around them. They were trying to get their own view of Jimmie Johnson winning his 5th race at the Texas venue. Not a bad evening at all on a comfortable spring evening, but all the action really made me long for a cold beer.

That is the view, cars going round and round.


Rain held off but made for a really nice evening.

LAte race cautions bring frantic pitstops.

A late restart and Johnson is still leading.
A few of my friends on the roof.

Johnson sparks the fireworks.
The obligatory donuts.




Monday, April 6, 2015

Tiny BMW

     Here in the big state of Texas, everyone loves big luxury sedans. When you look on the streets in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, by the count BMW sedans are considered some of the best since there are so many around with the big 5 and 7 series out sizing even some of the traditional american luxury boats. Most of those owners don't know that the firm used to build one of the most unusual and tiniest of the subcompacts around. The Little Isetta 300 which was so small it only had one door and it opened forward.
   Dick Coup has restored one and gets a laugh wherever he goes with it. When he climbs out past the steering wheel it is completely understandable. It makes the ultimate clown car, but I doubt that you could fit more than the suggested number of occupants regardless how unusual their costumes are.
The 13 hp one cylinder BMW Isetta 300.

A turnkey to amuse kids, and a number 3 for the adult race fans. 

Dick Coup gets a chuckle from the unusual entry.


Sunday, April 5, 2015

Kitesurf Video

  Spending time outside and burning a little energy is always a favorite pass time for me. Usually I am way too impatient to document any of it though, so there is not much in the way in proof of the foolish escapades I seem to get into. Last week, with the first really warm day of spring and just a light breeze on the lake I decided to try out a new extension grip I made for my gopro camera. It still needs a little work on the angels and I need a way to attach it to me while I am not shooting (one handed kite steering is a bit difficult) but overall it works pretty well and gives a neat angle of view. https://vimeo.com/124149000?utm_source=email&utm_medium=clip-transcode_complete-finished-20120100&utm_campaign=7701&email_id=Y2xpcF90cmFuc2NvZGVkfDRkMDE2ZDI5NjFiN2UxZjI2ZmNjNmI4MjVkZjA0YWU3NzAxfDIwNjg0NTl8MTQyODI0OTQ4M3w3NzAx