Formula 1 '11::Race 01

This is going to be a great year for Formula 1. Some highlights and things to look for in the coming races:

• Before the start of the race, the 747 flying under the helicopter was a really cool shot! I don't know if that was planned, or an accident, but either way, it was sweet.
• Getting rid of the double diffuser made an absolutely massive difference. For overtaking, you don't need DRS (Drag Reduction System). You don't need KERS (Kenetic Energy Recovery System). You need clean air to the front wing! Did you see how close all the guys were racing? Wow, exciting stuff to come this year.
• Rubins needs to retire. Seriously. He has become a product placement guru; not a professional race car driver. Whenever he sees a camera pointing at him, he is more concerned about getting his sponsors seen than getting on with his job. Was he hoping the Mercedes he took out was Schumacher?
• Here's Alonso talking about the new button on the steering wheel for this year to control the DRS. Contrasted with what Webber had to say. How people like Webber, I'm not sure...what's he going to complain about next? Enjoy your $6.2 million a year and drive! (or retire?)
• "You have to understand that in qualifying we’re using it every single time we’re at full throttle, so it’s pretty busy. I’m on for a challenge. I’ve done Formula 3000 races round Monaco with a gear stick, so we can drive with one hand, this is not the problem." ~Alonso
• "For us to have to get used to the overload, it’s just an added bit of tummy-tapping, head-rubbing, multi-tasking which is a fraction unnecessary for qualifying, maybe." ~Webber
• Vettel is an impressive driver in an impressive car. He tends to have the same mindset as Alonso. He drives, doesn't complain and enjoys himself. I like drivers like this.
• Speaking of the Red Bull and Vettel...Are we seeing the beginning of dominance similar to the Schumacher-Ferrari days? Let's hope not!
• Well done Petrov, Perez, and di Resta. 

That is all for now. Next race Malaysia, April 10th.

Headlight restoration

With as nice as the weather has been recently (relative to how it's been for the past 4 months), I've been doing a lot more with my car. Last weekend I changed the rear brake pads. This weekend, I cleaned the interior and used the Mother's headlight restoration kit to take the yellow out of my headlights (or at least that was the sales pitch from the commercials). I took pictures before and after, so I could see how well it worked. Here's the result.

Before

After

It is an improvement, but maybe not as drastic as I hoped. Granted, in all it took me 30 minutes, so it's not bad for such little effort. I should be able to improve them more, but I need to wait for my cordless drill battery to recharge, then convince myself that it would be worth the effort.

Next weekend's car task: replace the exhaust manifold gasket. Maybe I'll get an aftermarket uppipe while I'm at it, haven't decided yet...more research required.

Fire!!!...

...in the picture! I had to be careful not to char the front of the lens, but other than that, I think it was pretty safe. Some cool shots, which required little effort/skill. I'm loving this lens! Be sure to check these out full size, it's pretty impressive.

The full flame/frame, un-cropped

1:1 crop!

From the top! Was a little worried for the lens on this one, but worth it!

Possibly the best lens ever?

...I'm not asking sarcastically either. I have a lot to learn about this lens, and photography in general. This lens is currently way out of my league. But anyway, here's my first attempt. 

Can you guess what this first picture is of?

Hint: it has the opposite effect of the drug found in this.

The later of which doesn't help when playing this.

This is a 1:1 crop. Look at the individual pixels!!!

Difficult choices

Went skiing with my sister and brother in law last weekend at Killington. Had a great time, even though there was a little bit of rain. Had a difficult decision to make when we stopped for lunch at the top.