As a kid I was never really interested in flying models. I could only imagine my first crash with an expensive balsa wood airplane, and the ensuing rebuild.

From then until now two things have taken off (literally):

1. Foam Models
2. Electric Flight

When it comes to racing, I figured my story arc would go something like this:

1. Start a race
2. Finish a race
3. Don’t be last
4. Podium
5. Win

I’ve managed 1 & 2 so far, but yesterday I got a taste of victory, while skipping steps 3 & 4.

I love a beautiful woman just as much as the next guy, in fact I’m married to a beautiful woman. But it has also taken me 38 years, plus having a daughter to realize that our objectification of this beauty is embarrassing. It’s cultural sexism that needs to stop.

Part of the problem (and also the solution) are the male influencers (read: people in charge) of whatever sport, hobby, activity, field, etc. that lacks female involvement. If you’ve heard the phrase, “it’s a male dominated [sport, field, industry, etc.],” that’s a smoking gun. Now it’s time to look towards the top brass to see who’s creating/fostering this environment, and point them in a better direction.

After my son badgered me to bring down my old HPI RS4, I caught the bug… again. So we went to the local track to find out what classes they run so I could get my car prepped. While cul-de-sac crashing is fun, I find competition is a better measuring stick to live by.

The track manager told me that any spec class car would cost $1000 to build. Yes, 1000 USD, as in $1k. I was stupefied. Continue reading →

Since Jules was so excited to get out my radio control car from the garage, he was naturally excited to drive it. I failed to explain to him how fast it goes before turning the controller over to him. It was like the first time I shot a rifle with a hair trigger. As my friend had just begun to explain how sensitive the trigger is, I had already shot it. It went something like, “Now, you’ll want to – BOOM!”

“Barack Obama shooting” by Pete Souza – White House (P080412PS-0464).