As I was saying in a thread that is now resting in peace, I do find some people in this world amusing. It amuses me to see the degree to which some people can turn a perceived “good” – to be in a position to race – into a source of sorrow. It really boggles my mind! Are things really going so well for some that in order to bring a balance to life, suffering/stress/whatever *needs* to be produced somewhere? Has this hobby called racing become the alternate source for this suffering? Well let me just say that I envy all you guys who are doing so well with everything that you need to *create* depression. To me, the impressions I got while reading two other threads made me picture someone falling into deep depression/misery/stress/sorrow because he/she found a scratch on his/her Benz SL600. Am I the only one seeing how amusing/absurd this is? A lot of people in this world are living in less stress and they don’t even have a car, any car. So I would just like to say to those that might become misguided by believing that a scratch on a SL600 can indeed put you in depression, to just take two deep breaths, go for a 20+ min run, take a shower and re-think your (absurd?) previous position. I’m sure you’ll laugh at it. Then maybe you will realize that you can enjoy very much what you do have, you will realize that you have things that others out there can only dream of, and you will realize that in fact it is YOU who is in control of your life – a very powerful position to be in, and a position that many people in the world wish they would be in. THAT would be a valid reason for depression.

So I hope that no body will be intimidated on exploring their passions or the things they like (anything in general) based on the failures and/or bad experiences of others who are also attempting to carry out their own so called “passions” - racing in this case. It’s really this simple: generating negatives out of positives is all done in the head and all under your control. *Nobody* is forcing you to carry out any of the positives you may have in your life. Being dealt a bad hand in life is however not in your control, and instead of making efforts in trying to find ways to feel depressed about something positive (to be in a position to race), why not spend the same energy to make the most out of your (possibly bad) hand. I do wonder how many people share this opinion on here.

 

Well, I dont think he was being depressed about the opportunity to race, so much as the inherent sacrifices it takes to get that opportunity. No matter what we do, if we want to be extrodinary in something, something else has to give (except for rich prodigy types).

Most men today have it good enough that we DO seek fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment through self-inflicted problems, such as sports. And even if some guy doesnt have it that good, its fun to escape and pretend thats all he's got to worry with.

I respect this behavior enough, because its a somewhat healthy alternative to one of the most evil sources of "fulfillment": consumer status symbols

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hatch2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well, I dont think he was being depressed about the opportunity to race, so much as the inherent sacrifices it takes to get that opportunity.</TD></TR></TABLE>
There is no inherrent sacrifice with having an opportunity to race. There's actually no sacrifice in the ability to race whatsoever.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hatch2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No matter what we do, if we want to be extrodinary in something, something else has to give (except for rich prodigy types).</TD></TR></TABLE>
Who, in this case, are you thinking is extrodinary?

 

I think that if one becomes so passionate about something that he allows it to ruin other parts of life then it really is a problem...be it racing or toy trains.
GFCP is a joke but actually has something behind it in my mind. Sure, it's not like real crack where you go through physical and mental anguish. But IF YOU LET IT, the go fast crack (an imaginary and mentally addictive drug) can ruin your life in many of the same ways as a real physically addicting drug can.

*shrugs*

 

This post sounds like a continued argument, that was, I must admit, very entertaining to read. However, I think this post doesn't clearly define what you're trying to say....

I'll give a half-baked try at it. 8)

Is the glass half empty, or half full? I think what you're saying is look at the possitives? This might be a oversimplified version of what you're trying to present, but the fact separate from personal feelings or opinions is the glass is half something... baked perhaps?

Though I agree that it's important to encourage new racers, it's also equally important to express the good the bad and the ugly. Racing is what it is and we make it more or less then what it is.

If racing is a 1/2 glass of beer, then yes I'm happy to have that, but how much we crave it is different for each person. Some get caught up in the excitement and the passion and as a result may find this destructive while others are perfectly content w/ this 1/2 full glass.

Is racing playing with physics, the joy of inner chemical experimentation, playing with big toys? I'd say it's all, but the added affect of releasing endourphins into the blood stream and perhaps, yes, yes, yes, the euphoric adrenaline rush could be considering intoxicating. (sorry for the "When Harry Met Sally" reference, just picture Melanie, not me. )

So yes it is good to be positive, but also good to show more then one perspective on the pleasure/disease we call racing. Do not bash someone for sharing his perspective if it isn't what you agree on... 1/2 full or 1/2 empty, racing is.

Sorry for the stupid metaphore, it's late, I'm thinking about racing too much, again, and should probably finish my 1/2 of beer and go to bed, so I can dream about which tires to buy before the Evolution School in August... or maybe I'll just stay awake a few more hours until I'm so tired I'm merely reduced to lump of biological waiste considering my own navel. (now there's a pleasant thought )





You say tomaaato I say tomahto.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by emwavey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think this post doesn't clearly define what you're trying to say....</TD></TR></TABLE>


That was my intention. I wanted to keep it on as much of a general note as possible in order to avoid getting too specific, or to make any specific references. Unless thoroughly provoked, I always find it hard to get any more specific/detailed in judgment about a person(s) or something that I do not know, or know sufficiently well enough. I was just trying to respond to what I saw written.

And btw, your reply as well as the others so far is actually better than what I could have done at addressing such a topic if I saw it!

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Some get caught up in the excitement and the passion and as a result may find this destructive while others are perfectly content w/ this 1/2 full glass.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Then maybe it is better/wiser for some to find an alternate hobby in which to find fulfillment/joy/good time? But then again, the beauty in all this is that we CAN be depressed about having 1/2 a glass of beer if we want to. But just don't expect the situation to ever change for the better unless you want it!

 

I agree that sacrifices have to be made for anyone to be extraordinary at anything, whether that be time, money (well, with cars, that's a guarantee, not a possibility), personal health, etc. There is also a point where those sacrifices become unhealthy (your wife leaving you because you work, sleep, and then head out to the track on Friday afternoon to return on Sunday night, then repeat...). This is what I think ultimately leads to that unhappiness (which I think is already being said) some of these people feel, or at least leads to the conflicts which make them unhappy. However, I also think that everyone has the capacity to control this aspect of their lives, although it seems like the majority of the population won't exercise that control. You determine your own involvement, you determine your path, you determine your own happiness. Granted, some situations make it more difficult than others, and some situations may not allow a person to find happiness in a particular thing (I sure am not getting that Impreza 22B anytime soon, no matter how happy it'd make me...), but I think it still remains to be this way.
I've known people who work three jobs just to feed their family and live in a shitty apartment in a shitty downtown area, and they're genuinely happy. I've also known a few people who can't seem to realize how good they have it and are continually depressed by what they don't have (tuition to a $30K a year school paid for, a car, a place to live, etc.). The first group of people know what I'm talking about. The second group...doesn't. I know I am happy with my life and my choices, and I appreciate everything I have and have had the opportunity to experience. Sorry to get all preachy, it's late, I'm tired, and I have a lot on my mind.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hracer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As I was saying in a thread that is now resting in peace, I do find some people in this world amusing. It amuses me to see the degree to which some people can turn a perceived “good” – to be in a position to race – into a source of sorrow. ................................ It’s really this simple: generating negatives out of positives is all done in the head and all under your control. *Nobody* is forcing you to carry out any of the positives you may have in your life. Being dealt a bad hand in life is however not in your control, and instead of making efforts in trying to find ways to feel depressed about something positive (to be in a position to race), why not spend the same energy to make the most out of your (possibly bad) hand. I do wonder how many people share this opinion on here.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Hracer, my sentiments exactly.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hracer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

...
And btw, your reply as well as the others so far is actually better than what I could have done at addressing such a topic if I saw it! ...

</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's much easier to be a critic then to actually come up with an original idea.
I appreciate the positive spin... keep it going!

 

Oh c'mon. Eric Idle said it best... "Always look on the bright side of lif."

(Or was that John Cleese?)

 

Alex, if you think that getting depressed at performing unsatisfactorily (to yourself) or whatever it is that depresses a person about racing is bad, try golfing. A bad day of racing will always beat a good day of golf.....Actually, there is no such thing as a good day of golf, so nevermind.

 

what is a sacrifice to one may only be a benefit to another!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hracer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">generating negatives out of positives is all done in the head and all under your control.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Fair enough Alex. But for some folks this is easier said than done.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by phat-S &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
There is no inherrent sacrifice with having an opportunity to race. There's actually no sacrifice in the ability to race whatsoever.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Right, but it is necessary to sacrifice some time, money, etc. to go racing on a consistent and competitive basis for most of us. That time and money could also go into the family, home, etc...That's what I meant.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by phat-S &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Who, in this case, are you thinking is extrodinary?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Nobody, I'm talking about the persuit of becoming extrordinary at something, not some person in particular.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Fair enough Alex. But for some folks this is easier said than done.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I think this is the most important part of this discussion, and the part that those of you who dismiss RR98ITR's comments are ignoring.

Just because it isn't an issue with you doesn't mean it isn't for others. To think otherwise is insufferably arrogant.

 

Right on.

I think the thoughts here aren't really that far apart.

The meat in the sandwich is that SOME people do have difficulty controlling themselves in this "hobby." They continually throw cash at it in the hopes of going faster and winning. Often the money they throw is money they dont really have.

To some Scott came across as "racing will ruin you financially and personally" when I think what he was saying was "racing <U>can</U> ruin you financially and personally, so don't be that guy."

I could be wrong though.

 

I deleted the other post, yes me, becuase it no longer became a discussion of opinions when name calling began

if the same thing happens here it will be deleted again

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by urbanlegend21 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I deleted the other post, yes me, becuase it no longer became a discussion of opinions when name calling began</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's nice and oh so very P.C. and all, but it sucks that we all suffer the loss of a lot of good things said. I for one, would have liked to have saved some of it before it was sent to the bit-bucket. If we're going to censor on here, why not just be selective or at least give warning first? Or was there warning? I was away from the computer last night (imagine that!) and was later thinking that I wanted to copy some of the things said (my post particularly). When I logged back in later it was all just gone. I guess it hadn't reached the level of name-calling or whatever when I last saw it. Either way, kind of disappointing

 

it is not the Moderators job(s) to pick through the **** to find the nuggets. They have to do too much babysitting already. If people cant act like adults, the threads should get deleted.
I personally, appreciate the considerable time that they put in, voluntarily, to make this a better place.

 

I called names - Yes, it was me.

I had been provoked by two members who belittled my writing in general, and distorted the content of my writing in their responses.

If it is no longer permissible to respond to such things then this board will have much less attraction to me.

Scott, who's gonna call a turd a turd.....delete away Comrades....it's a freedom of speech thing.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by uncleben &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If we're going to censor on here, why not just be selective or at least give warning first? </TD></TR></TABLE>

If the threads require micro-management and babysitting to keep on-topic, then they dont belong here in the first place.

I have neither the time nor patience to do that. Besides, how old are all of you? I mean really...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RR98ITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I had been provoked by two members who belittled my writing in general, and distorted the content of my writing in their responses.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Just because you were provoked does not mean that you need to draw yourself in and respond.

There is a feature in every post, on the left, under the user's location thats called "report to moderator". Use it, and I will remove the offending remarks.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by elgorey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">it is not the Moderators job(s) to pick through the **** to find the nuggets. They have to do too much babysitting already. If people cant act like adults, the threads should get deleted.
I personally, appreciate the considerable time that they put in, voluntarily, to make this a better place.</TD></TR></TABLE>

WRONG!

This board is "high performance", and the moderators ought not to throw out the baby with the bathwater.

A strict PC Code is ultimately likely to be destructive to the vitality of the board.

Scott, who appreciates the responsibilities a Moderator takes on voluntarily...nevertheless....

 

Scott - i really do enjoy your writing and appreciate the time you volunteer here.

However, hopefully i'd just like everyone to cool off a little and re-focus the direction of the way things are going.

I dont want a strict PC code - we're all here to have fun, and that passion is what drives us towards racing/autocrossing/spectating/wrenching in the first place. What I do want is healthy discussions and grown-ups acting, well, like adults. I hate to see good posts being flushed because they're littered with poop flinging.

 

Yeah, it took about 40 edits for me to satisfactorily reply to ChrisB's post, and now I've got nothing to show for it and he probably didn't even get to read it.

That's almost as depressing as not winning....

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
http://www.teamSMR.com