A Paul Newman Memory

Today, Paul Newman died at age 83 and I have a story to share.

Mrs. TINSC and I were at a Michigan 500 CART race at Michigan International Speedway. This was in the old days of the 1990's when they packed in big crowds.

We were living in Illinois at the time and would spend the evening before the race in Battle Creek. In the morning, we'd eat at Bob Evans and then head out to the track where we'd get there early to find a spot on the infield in the 3rd turn. In the 3rd turn, you could see the back straightaway where the cars would whip off of turn 2, duke it out on the straitaway and then hang on for dear life in the 3rd turn.

We always got there early to get our spot and therefore had time to kill. In those years, we always took a walk around the WHOLE track. Michigan Speedway is a 2 mile oval so it's quite a hike to walk the whole thing, but there were always interesting things to see on the infield.

So we're walking around the backside of the pits and this helicopter lands. We didn't think much of it. Then, the door opens and Paul Newman walked out and walked right past us! It happened so fast, he was gone by the time I realized he had just walked past us except for the fact that i was hanging on to Mrs. TINSC. She was just a tad bit weak kneed.

And I'll never forget what Mrs. TINSC said to me: "Wow, Paul Newman! That made the whole day worthwhile!"

At the time, Paul Newman owned a great CART race team with Mario Andretti as his driver. Eventually, both Michael and Mario Andretti would race for Paul Newman.

I know that a lot of people are going to talk about Paul Newman's contribution to hollywood, but I will always be thankful to Paul Newman for his contribution to auto racing.

He was a remarkable man who did some really cool things. Some of those things he did for himself. Other things he did for the less fortunate.

I am thankful for all the years he participated in auto racing and I'm glad I bumped into him once at the speedway.

Sen. Clinton - Actions Speak Louder Than Words

I'm afraid, it seems like Ms Rodham must have a different definition of "we" and "everything" Last week, she cancelled out of a ralley at the UN (in her home state) against President Ahmadinijad's visit to the UN. Sen. Clinton's spokesman said she was concerned that the rally had become a "partisan political event" - although her own participation would have ensured the opposite. So what does this tell us of Sen. Clinton's recent remarks at the AIPAC Policy Conference last June? I believe it tells us that she is an insincere politician who doesn't really care if Iran incinerates Israel.

Let us review what Sen. Clinton said at the AIPAC Policy Conference. Shall we?

>The second principle is simple one; no nuclear weapons for Iran. Iran is a country whose leaders, whose President denies the Holocaust. He defies the international community. His government trains, funds, and arms Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists in attacking Israeli civilians. He threatens to destroy Israel; just this week he said that Israel is about to die and will soon be erased. We can never let Iran obtain nuclear weapons. The next President will have to deal with the Iranian challenge from day one. This is not just in Israel’s interest; it is in America’s interest and the world’s interest and this is a threat that I take very seriously. I’m a co-sponsor of the Iran Nonproliferation Act. I support calling the Iranian Revolutionary Guard what it is--a terrorist organization.

I have also said that should Iran ever--ever contemplate using nuclear weapons against Israel they must understand what the consequences will be to them. BUT WE MUST DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO PREVENT SUCH AN UNTHINKABLE DAY FROM EVER HAPPENING (emphasis mine) and the best way to do that is to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons in the first place.<

Apparently, doing "everythingin our power" didn't include attending a rally against Iran's nuclear weapons program in her home state.

Moshiach is coming!

So I was passing some time after work today with my local Lubavitcher Rebbe. And I says to him: " I see signs Moshiach is coming." He says: "Good! So do I!"

So I says: "Let me tell ya! I see signs and wonders. The Cubs have won their division title. And if they win the National League Championship, Moshiach will be even closer. If the Cubs win the World Series, Moshiach will come. I know this! Do you KNOW how many people have been born, lived and died since the last time the Cubs have won the World Series?"

The Lubavitcher Rebbe listened attentively. He tapped his fingertips together, kinda like Don Corleone in THE GODFATHER and said: "I have somewhat different criteria... but whatever works for you!"