ZuDfunck

I Love You, Petty, and Favre

When a commenter caught my eye with this I was thinking Richard Petty, not Tom. But I dig Tom Petty and no doubt Favre so if you are in the Big Apple this summer check this out:

An Official Selection of the Midtown International Theater Festival and pending acceptance into the New York Fringe Festival, “I Love You, Petty, and Favre” is a heart warming and heart breaking love story about a Wisconsin couple that spans 25 years.  The main character, Brian, is an obsessed Packer fan, so much so that he marries a girl named Brett.  Brett in turn, has her own obsession with music, mainly that of Tom Petty.  Sports fans will certainly enjoy this play, particularly those that love Brett Favre.  In a hilarious and memorable scene, Brian takes his 3 year old son and 5 year old daughter to their first football game.  In another, Brett fulfills Brian’s fantasy by throwing on the pink jersey of his favorite player and putting on a “show”.  A touching and funny story about love, football, and music, it is a show that that anyone can enjoy.

“I Love You, Petty and Favre” runs July 14th – August 10th.  Tickets and official showtimes soon to be available.

2008 NBA Playoff Picture

            

Eastern Conference	Western Conference
vs. (1) BOSTON   vs. (8) Atlanta (Boston won 3-0)   vs. (2) DETROIT   vs. (7) Philadelphia (Series tied 2-2)   vs. (3) ORLANDO   vs. (6) Toronto (Orlando won 2-1)   vs. (4) CLEVELAND   vs. (5) Washington (Series tied 2-2)	vs. (1) LOS ANGELES   vs. (8) Denver (Los Angeles won 3-0)   vs. (2) NEW ORLEANS   vs. (7) Dallas (Series tied 2-2)   vs. (3) SAN ANTONIO   vs. (6) Phoenix (Phoenix won 3-1)   vs. (4) UTAH   vs. (5) Houston (Utah won 2-1)

NBA Playoff time when the NBA plays for real. ZuD is pulling for a Celtic/Laker NBA Final don't know what the odds of that are but it will certainly make ABC happy as the previous finals have been tiresome and predictable. Here's hoping for a great set of match ups which we get in the West every year. Too bad TNT is stuck with the East this year. Graphics from NBA.com

Are You A Twitterholic?

   

Signs and symptoms of twitter ABUSE

Health
     * Continuing to twit even though you have health problems that are affected or caused by your twittering 
Financial issues
    * Paying bills late; collection agencies calling
    * Inability to keep track of your money
Legal issues
    * Driving while under the influence of Twitter (DUIT)
Risky behavior
     * Putting yourself or others in danger
Employment or school
     * Continuing to twit even though you realize your job or education is in jeopardy
     * Missing work or school, or going in late due to twitter use
Family and friends
    * Feeling annoyed when other people comment on, or criticize your twitter habits
    * Feeling remorse or guilt after twittering
    * Associating with questionable acquaintances or frequenting out of the ordinary locations when twitting
Social life
    * Scheduling your day around twittering
    * Focusing recreational activities around obtaining twits, twitting or recovering from twitter use   
    * Twittering alone or in secret

Have noticed in my 3 week adventure with twitter a strong dependence by some folks to be engaging in online, all the time, twitter activity. Ultimately the test is can you go a day without it? If not, you are probably a twitterholic.

ZuD's View on HBO's The Wire, Salem Witch Trials and 2008 Presidential Primary

Forgive the off topic, some say inappropriate and in bad taste post:

When I look at what's happening on the Wire
And see what is about to happen
The ill begotten wire tap frees Marlo and his Crew
I think back to why we need these constitutional protections

It wasn't that long ago in this country
If a man suspected a woman of being a Witch
all he had to do was claim it
and BOOM! One less woman in town

Say today
If Obama was to loose his cool on some debate tactic gone wrong
He could yell to Brian Williams
WITCH!

Hillary would be off the stage
Up for Trial
And Bill Clinton would be partying the next day
at some local TGIF, picking up strays.

Do NASCAR Fans Watch HBO's The Wire

Every Monday nite I hurriedly access Comcast's on Demand and watch a sneak peak of The Wire, If you are a fan you know by now that Omar got popped buying a pack of Newports and all hell is about to break loose for the Good and the Bad guys. I wanted to post about this show as I have in the past but was concerned as to whether or not NASCAR fans can be HBO drama fans, such as The Wire, John from Cincinnati or the prematurely shelved classic Deadwood.

So I'll open it up in the comment section and you give me your thoughts. Right off you're entertainment dollars might be going to DirecTV or Trackpass and don't have monies left for HBO, or digital cable. Yes ZuD does recognize all is not good for many of us. But if we can put aside that Magilla, What Do You Think?

And here is an image of my boy Omar, who I thought could have had a spin-off series once the Wire ends one episode from now:

Purchasing a HDTV Justification, Part 2

When I was a kid I would skip High School and go downtown to see the Cinemascope or Panavision movies that Hollywood was putting out to compete with the 19 inch black & white screens of television. I always dreamed that I would have that format when I would watch those movies again on NBC’s Saturday Night at the Movies. Fast forward to today when that dream came a reality with HDTV.  And now sports comes on HDTV and to that, Auto Racing in High Def!

As I said in a previous post that I understand the fiscal realities of today’s economy but if you factor in the high cost of going out to a show or movie the meals the concessions and all it really is a bargain to get a HDTV and Hi Def programming source, which becomes a whole different kettle of fish because the limitations of the amount of channels you receive with cable versus satellite, but I digress…

The key is film director’s vision is wide screen, football fields are wide, and to have six times the definition of images really pleases the eye and senses and captivates one to the point of ecstasy!

So take that government check that is coming from our current president and spend it on a device that will bring pleasure even when it's turned off, cause they really are sharp space age looking contraptions that will delight and dazzle you and keep you off the streets at night.

NASCAR Blogger ZuDfunck Opening Week Remarks

I want to say after less than a week of being a NASCAR Blogger-

Yeah Sure! Less than a week, so how can I claim the title of NASCAR Blogger?

Because ZuDfunck says so (to borrow a phrase from my favorite WWE wrestler)

That NASCAR fans or fans of NASCAR Blogs are the best fans in the WORLD!

And that’s not just me playing up to you or sucking up, whichever you prefer. I truly mean it. I wish I’d exposed myself sooner! WHAT? Did he just say that?

No really- I use to hide my affection and interest- nay, fascination with stock car racing. Now granted, it’s only been 3 or 4 years, but all the same. Thank you for your attention and interest. I will attempt to keep the Mojo working and devote my energies and interest in the sport to elevate the NASCAR community of Blogs and those out there reading and writing posts about NASCAR.

Going to your First NASCAR Race?

Ok, dyed-in-the-wool NASCAR Fans don't get upset with ZuD. I present this (a bit dated) list as a public service to the liberal, Democrats or naive who may not fathom what they are getting into when they attend their first NASCAR event:

Eight tips for your first race, blue-state edition

Talladega Nights director and co-writer Adam McKay offers these eight suggestions — in honor of Junior's No. 8 car:

1. First, get an ice scraper and remove that Howard Dean bumper sticker.

2. If you bring your own beer, don't bring Amstel Lite or Heineken. Bring Budweiser. That's what Junior drinks.

3. Instead of that Polo jacket, wear a Junior red jacket and cap.

4. When you don't know what to do in a crowd, stand up, pump your fist in the air and yell "Whooo!"

5. Go ahead: Grab yourself a turkey leg. There are worse things to eat. Like soy bacon.

6. If a drunken rube demands that a woman show him her breasts, she should say: "I'm sorry, sir. I'm a cop." Or even better, "I'm sorry, sir. I'm a lesbian cop."

7. Do not bring a copy of The Kite Runner to read. Or, wrap it in the outside jacket of the Dale Jr. story.

8. It can take four hours to leave the track. Bring a good book on tape to listen to or NPR's This American Life. But if you drive with the windows down, it's safer to play Hank Williams Jr.'s Greatest Hits.

Via USA Today

Budweiser Shootout 2008 Results

ZuD isn't  stat guy but I know some you are here ya go:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Order of finish for Saturday's   Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway (Lap length: 2.5 miles;   Starting position in parentheses):

 1.  (7) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 70, 143.3.
 2. (10) Tony Stewart, Toyota, 70, 108.5.
 3. (18) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 70, 79.2.
 4. (22) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 70, 80.1.
 5.  (6) Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 70, 102.3.
 6. (16) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 70, 85.7.
 7. (19) Dave Blaney, Toyota, 70, 99.4.
 8.  (2) Mark Martin, Chevrolet, 70, 76.0.
 9. (12) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 70, 68.9.
10.  (8) Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 70, 62.5.
11.  (3) Michael Waltrip, Toyota, 70, 66.3.
12. (20) Carl Edwards, Ford, 70, 79.0.
13. (15) Dale Jarrett, Toyota, 70, 38.1.
14. (21) Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 70, 50.1.
15. (13) Ken Schrader, Dodge, 70, 45.9.
16. (11) J.J. Yeley, Toyota, 70, 43.7.
17. (23) Ryan Newman, Dodge, 70, 42.4.
18.  (1) Kurt Busch, Dodge, 70, 55.3.
19.  (5) David Gilliland, Ford, Accident, 48, 69.0.
20. (17) Greg Biffle, Ford, Accident, 48, 33.6.
21.  (9) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, Accident, 47, 58.7.
22.  (4) Jamie McMurray, Ford, Accident, 24, 90.4.
23. (14) Bill Elliott, Ford, Accident, 15, 23.3.

---

Race statistics 

Time of Race: Average Speed of Race Winner: 140.751 mph.
Time of Race: 1 hour, 14 minutes, 36 seconds
Margin of Victory: .136 Seconds.
Caution Flags: 4 for 16 laps.
Lead Changes: 17 among 8 drivers.

Lap Leaders: M. Waltrip 1; D. Gilliland 2-3; M. Martin 4; M. Waltrip 5; D. 
  Earnhardt Jr. 6-22; C. Edwards 23; D. Earnhardt Jr. 24-27; D. Blaney 28-31; 
  D. Earnhardt Jr. 32-37; T. Stewart 38; D. Earnhardt Jr. 39-41; J. Gordon 42; 
  D. Earnhardt Jr. 43-49; D. Blaney 50-52; D. Earnhardt Jr. 53-60; T. Stewart 
  61-68; D. Earnhardt Jr. 69-70.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Led, Laps Led: Dale Earnhardt Jr. 7 times for 
  47 laps; Tony Stewart 2 times for 9 laps; Dave Blaney 2 times for 7 laps; David 
  Gilliland 1 time for 2 laps; Michael Waltrip 2 times for 2 laps; Carl Edwards 
  1 time for 1 lap; Jeff Gordon 1 time for 1 lap; Mark Martin 1 time for 1 lap.

Awaiting Daytona 500 Qualifying

As we paused to grab our breath from that excitement filled Bud Shootout and await qualifying today on Fox at 1pm EST I wanted to share the experience and elation I felt when I flipped on the HD channel of Fox and saw in High Definition the Old Daytona Track in the splash of lites and depths of color that must be truly awesome to see in person.

Man what I felt being 1500 miles away must be just spectacular up-close in the stands. The sounds sights and smells must be magnificent but yet and still it is all that in my living room. I can’t think of any sport except for football that provides that kind of intimacy via TV and in HD it’s breathtaking!

So I will have my Bacon and Eggs, Ruffles and Dip, Coke and Ice ready at 1pm to soak in all the drama that comes with making the big one or packing up and going home…