Didnt even know about this thread,lol. Ive been remembering to click on the "New Post" link to see whats going on and found this there. I used to like to write,and can be very creative, I even took a creative writing class long time ago, but now the most I do is kids things for my gd's. When I was in high school we had to write a short story and it was gonna be a BIG part of our final grade for the year, so I got one of those"cheesy" romance magazines and copied(not word for word, and changed the names,lol) and got an A+ on it, Now that I look back (and I actually still have that story) doesnt say much for the teacher that thought it was so good!! I knew the Chicken Soup, had ALOT of categories but didnt know about the Nascar either, thats like the For Dummies books, they have everything, I wonder if they have a NAscar for Dummies,lol!
I knew about the NASCAR for dummies. I haven't checked it out though to see if it's any good. I do know that everyone in the NASCAR sub-culture uses terms and slang that most people do not understand. I would think that this book would explain these for would-be fans so they could at the very least understand the announcers on the television. Many people get confused with terms such as tight, loose, aero push, daft, drag, and checking-up. Then, there's the unlitmate new term dubbed by the media--lucky dog (when a driver who is a lap down is considered a luck do because he gets his lap back during a caution because he is the first driver a lap down). I will definately have to check out that book to see if it's any good. I do have the NASCAR Best Shots, another book of photographs that isn't listed there. I always ask for them for birthdays and holidays!
I just wanted ya'll to know that DH got me, "NASCAR for Dummies" while he was in TX yesterday, He didn't know why I wanted it because I've done so many presentations at college about NASCAR to educate people because it has its own langanuage and all. (I always get a book to take with me when we go camping.) Well, I've only skimmed through it, but it looks very thourough. I mean, it is complete right down to the correct engine size with drawings. The only thing this book cannot do is keep up with the rules that NASCAR changes every single race!
Well, I read the book, "NASCAR for Dummies." It is VERY good! Of course, I found all the spelling and grammar errors. (I have a problem. lol) Mark Martin (race car driver) wrote it. I do wish he would have elaborated on some things. For example, he talked about how the cars have to fit NASCAR's templates to comply with their rules. What he did NOT say is that all cars, no matter what their brand, have to fit at least 18 of 32 templates. He did go into the race tracks, types of speedways, and what to bring to a race event. Also, he talked about ways to become a fan--depending on how much a person wants to spend. I guess I'm going to have to email him and tell him that he needs to put in a chapter of terms so that new fans will know what the announcers are talking about when they say things like, tight, loose, drafting, dragging, trackbar, etc... He's obvisouly never been to a race as a fan recently because it literally takes hours to get out of the track after a race. It's always good to bring something to cook out because the track food is very expensive! It's easier to sit and cook out while the traffic clears.
I am seriously thinking about starting a book like this for fans. I could add to chapters as things come up. Many people I know will tell me, "I wish I had known about that!" Like I said, I would want to write stuff like this, for educational purposes.
I write thoughts down all the time. In fact if I want to remember something I write it down on my calender. I'm always checking it for appointments and errands I need to do.
TTFN,
~Shell
Train - I for one would love to hear about your train travels. I rode a lot when I was little because my dad worked for the now defunct Boston & Maine railroad & we could ride free. I have done both coasts & would like to do more myself.
I think that there are all kinds of wonderful stories out there to write and many of us like to read a story that is like sitting down with an old friend to catch up on the news.
I have written lots of newsletters, a few short stories and have two "book" manuscripts in works. The only thing I really have published, I self published a Christmas cookbook with some reminising, hints and several stories in it.
I enjoyed running across this thread.
Pippe
__________________
Be a positive force in someone's life today.
Now that I look back (and I actually still have that story) doesnt say much for the teacher that thought it was so good!! 
Chris
, Benjamin 
, and Trinity 
Create yourself a great day & may you be richly blessed. 
