My First romance with F1

It's been a while since I wrote about F1. My missus thinks so too. I'll have to be brutal here.

I started enjoying F1 in the early 90's. But back then in Singapore, we only had small articles in the local newspaper letting us know who won and where the race was held. It was never shown 'live' on TV. Not even delayed telecasts. I kept reading the name 'Shumacher' in the sports section. And sometimes with a photograph of him. But that was it.

Then our first local cable TV provider, Starhub, came into the picture when it was introduced to the nation. Soon we were able to catch 'Live' F1 in our homes. That's when my passion for the sport really grew. Soon I learned more and more about the sport. How it all worked. The drivers, the rules, the tracks and the politics. It was all so fascinating! It wasn't just a case of cars going round and round on a track. It was much much more than that! I never missed a single race. My hall has a large TV and it was always full blast come Sunday race nights. The whole family including my Mum, who initially hated the sounds, joined in to watch. It really was a blast the neighbours even heard.

I heard stories from my Dad about how F1 actually ran in Singapore way back then, the 60's I believe. Imagine my joy when it came back in 2008! Meeting the drivers, seeing the preparations, feeling the hype. I got the Fridays tickets, for myself and the wife. I so wanted to get the Sunday's race day tickets but the wife couldn't get the day off. And I didn't wish to spend that special night on my own. No regrets.

The wify and I got to meet Lewis Hamilton on that Thursday night. Got interviewed in the papers for it. That's already been written about in this blog.

Now here's when my love for F1 went down the road.

Read next blog.

After all this time, I've forgotten how to use this blog composing part. All those fanciful fonts and jazz. So to hell with it.

It's the 28th of March today, around 0137 hrs. and I'm at my usual place, under the block across the coffee shop. Using my brand new laptop I got 2 weeks back. Tell you more about why and how I got it later. I will however tell you why I'm always here.

There aren't many places a person like myself can find solace of solitude around this estate, let alone this country. So, here, around my neighbourhood is one of a few places I feel I can just sit down, read the 'evening' newspapers and then contemplate about the day gone by. Also I'd then catch up on the online news, which always fascinates me. Also this is where I'd enjoy my usual beer and smokes, as I don't do so at home.

But more than anything, this is where I feel closer to Gizmo and Chuee. For this is where I have the company of about 6 neighbourhood cats! I've made it a point to feed them, as they come and go, every night. They sit with me now, around me, on my table even sometimes. They are familiar with my voice, my presence, even from across the road. They'd see me from a distance and I guess from their acute sense of sight, they'd start meowing really loud. And as I walk past them, saying hello to them, they'd all start following me to my favourite seat. I do feel like the Piped Piper sometimes.

Oh wait, let me go feed mummy cat.

And this is where I write.

It's nice to feel that I'm back doing what I feel I do best, writing. Yes it's been a long time. 

2010 F1 Thursday

Yippy Yippy Yah Yah Yay! We did it again today!

Photos with a few more drivers!!

Though this time we didnt get to walk into the pit garage. The dumb thing is we could have, but we kept taking those photos and chatting with other fans that by the time we ought to have gotten onto the the circuit, we were already way too far off and tired. Oh well, still it was so fun! But then again, there's always next time.

Here's Ling with Heiki Kovalainen. He was nice, Ling was shy.

Vitaly Petrov zooming past us. Meeting him was the funniest! Unbelievably our pen ran dry just as he was signing his autograph. He gave a comical signing in the air effect and giggled with Ling. Luckily we had another fan near us who lent us his marker. 

That lady behind Vitaly, (whom I believe is his Mum), was the nicest person we met that whole night. She tickled Ling and ushered her to go on and get the autograph the 2nd time around almost pushing Ling through to the front. I've seen her on TV and I tell you, I've always thought she was the most beautiful lady they show during F1. Meeting her, I say Oh Yes She Is! (Psst, I got to shake her hand.)

Here's Sakon Yamamoto with Ling. Without a doubt the friendliest and most welcoming of the drivers we've met so far. Truly a humble person, he stopped to take photos and sign autographs with everyone on his way. Almost a bit like Lewis Hamilton when we met him in 2008. But here's the real cool thing about this kind man that we found really strange; he walked alone! Everyone else we met had minders but this guy could have passed off as a tourist in the dark had we not recognised him!

Ok finally, here's my favourite. The nephew of the probably the best driver ever. Bruno Senna, nephew of ( Do I really need to write this? Ok, Ayrton Senna!!) . I had to have this one photo so I got Ling to take the back seat for this. That missed photo with Lewis got me lots of flak from everyone, so I had to have this. This guy was so patient that when the camera didn't work right the first time, he waited for us to get the the 2 nd image done right. With a thumb's up to add!

We met Robert Kubica and got his autograph too but he was the only one who didn't wish to take photos with anyone. It's ok, I've not really said very nice things about him before anyway, and as I've said, I've always thought he was a bit of a snob. Now he proved it.

He did apologise to me though and said he had to go. I just said, 'Ok then, good luck anyway.'

( That 1 snap we got of him was further blurred with a big bright light shining in the background, but how can you miss that nose of his.)

Yes yes I have a big nose too. Shut up.

Some more photos with a few officials and of course the autographs soon.

Alo.

Look out the window, sometimes.

Formula 1 Early Bird Tickets

I received an e-mail a few days back, similar to the one I got last year from the Singapore F1 team. Basically it allows me to get the early bird tickets before they go on sale to the public on the 1st of March. This allows me to get the better seats before the general public grabs them. 

Quite frankly, I haven't yet made my mind up about which tickets I should get. Honestly I don't even know if I'd attend this year. If I do, it'd only be to see the return of the King of F1, Michael Schumacher. 

Most probably, I'd do what we did the first time we went, in 2008. Ling and I on a Friday walkabout and then catching the race on TV. That's about the only plan that makes sence. Everything else for me would be a case of been there, done that.  

F1 Tickets - Singapore F1 Tickets - Singapore Grand Prix

Leonids Meteor Shower 2009

TheSkyX™/Software Bisque  

Come this 17th and 18th, we will get to welcome the LeonidsMetoer Shower. Normally showering us with around 20 or 30 meteors an hour, this time it's expected in the hundreds. 

For us here in Asia, it's an added bonus as we would have the best seat to view them. The added fact that it would be moonless also makes it for better viewing. 

Read my earlier posts on Meteor Showers for best viewing ideas and some basic dos and don'ts. Happy viewing!

Depeche Mode - Hole To Feed

Here's the Third video from Depeche Mode's latest album, Sounds of the Universe. Careful, it might just turn you on.  

Depeche Mode - Hole To Feed
   
Depeche Mode MySpace Music Videos

2009 Singapore F1

Well I had to write about it eventually.

I've been keeping my experience of the Singapore F1 locked up for a while now and I've had numerous friends calling me and writing me for my thoughts. The truth is, I don't quite know how I feel about the race weekend.

Did I enjoy it or not? I can't quite say. It's weird, I know, but that's exactly how I feel. I can't put my finger on it. I got to do just about the same things I did last year. Actually a bit more even. But yet I feel a sense of emptiness.

One thing I have to apologies for is the failure to take more photos. I use a very normal camera and it has been letting me down a bit lately. I ought to have had it fixed proper before the race but I thought it will make do. Still I don't regret it cos there were many moments I could have taken some photos but I didn't cos I just never thought of it.

The whole excitement of F1 Singapore somehow wasn't there for me. I know I was looking forward to it and writing about it and all but when it was here, I didn't quite enjoy it. It all felt somewhat mooted.

To be honest I enjoyed that one Friday at last years race more than the three days this year. I got to see the drivers again this year, and at the Paddock club as well, I got to the pit garage again, I sneaked in to the Paddock party and I also got to see Chaka Khan at the VIP Village club. Yet I still have to say it just wasn't there for me. I would be arrogant if I were to say "been there, done that" but that is how I feel.

One thing that really bothered me a lot was the fact that most of the people who were there were not even really there for what it was meant to be, F1! The whole thing felt too much of a carnival and a circus all wrapped up into one huge comical situation. Yes, Yes I know what some of you might be thinking now. That it was suppose to be a big party as well and that all the extra distractions and entertainment was there to to give the whole thing a livelier atmosphere, right?

But that is the very problem. That's all it was. One big party. The cars racing around the track was just another part of the party! Not the reason for it!

I thought I got good seats. OK the view was decent but they were very very uncomfortable. That is still OK but the people were moving about all the time. Getting in through their rows, moving in front through the aisles, they just couldn't keep still. And the guy sitting next to me stank of alcohol while the lady getting into her row behind spilled her beer on me!

I would never ever recommend getting the Marina Bay seats to anyone ever again. Unless you are very short. And I mean very short cos I'm not at all tall and yet they hurt like hell. You can forget about getting comfortable, or occasionally leaning back or anything like that. They are the worst seats, period!

And from what I got from some new friends I made during the race days, theirs wasn't any better. They invited me to their seats in different grandstands around the circuit (we just exchanged tickets for a while). In fact, some of them, who paid top prices for the tickets, actually told me that they decided to join the walkabout crowd instead.

As for the race itself, I have to say it was boring. A couple of accidents brought the 'Oooos' and the 'Ahhhhs' out from the crowd but that was about it. The circuit itself is to blame. Yes I know it is a street circuit but still it is no Monaco. No chance whatsoever for overtaking. Look at what happened to Adrian Sutil and Nick Heifeld and you'll understand.

It is pointless if the only way the starting order of the race could be rearranged during the race itself is if there is a team member who cheats and the safety car comes out to give you a new gamble. Otherwise, you have no chance to see a proper race where the faster driver is actually able to overtake the driver in front simply because he can.

We might as well cancel the race and call it decided after Saturday's qualification. Only accidents and pit stop gambles can otherwise change the outcome. And we all know that next year's new rules mean no more refuelling, only tyre change during the pit stops.

OK, enough blabbering for me now. I have so much more to say about the Singapore F1 experience and I have some photos too. That'll have to wait till my next postings.

And bythehoo, will some of you please write in and share what you think of your seats and maybe we can all figure out the best place to be next year and the best seats that we can all recommend to everyone.

That is, if I ever go to Singapore F1 again. Really, the novelty has actually worn out for me and unless something very different is done for next years race, I would probably give it a miss.

The New Paper journalist Misfires

In The New Paper ( 23 September 2009 ), an article was written by a Sylvia Toh Paik Choo. Read article here . 

 

In that article she wrote about Lewis Hamilton and his visit to The Paragon last night. She mentioned how differently Lewis behaved compared to last year when , she wrote, "his stop at Ngee Ann City boutique for some clothing line had all the trappings of a little emperor's arrival."  

She also wrote, "he was 'securitised' every step of the way and no one could get close to get a question in, never mind photographs and autographs." I promptly e-mailed her and told her that she had made a mistake. That he wasn't like that at all. I even advised her to seek the clarifications of her colleague, Mr Lim Han Meng, who interviewed me about my meeting with Lewis. Below is what I wrote to her;

  ...................................................................................................................................... Hello Ms Sylvia. I read your article in the New Paper today about Lewis Hamilton and I couldn't help but write in to you. You mentioned how it was almost impossible to meet up with him, to get photographs or autographs even, last year. I have to disagree with you. You may wish to confer with your colleague, Mr Lim Han Ming, who interviewed me about my fiance's and my chance meeting with Mr Hamilton last year. 

It was during the time that everyone was calling him arrogant and snobbish. The funny thing was, and I didn't mention to you colleague, he was walking with only one other person in the dark back alleys towards his hotel when we met him. We did get his autograph and had a photo with him, which by the way, was his suggestion. Both autograph and photo were published in The New Paper on the 6th of October. 

You may read that article on my blog http://6ix-6ix.blogspot.com/2009/04/lim-han-ming-mon-oct-13-2008the-new.html or on asiaone here http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/Motorworld/Story/A1Story20081013-93487.html. 

I thank you for reading and I sincerely apologise if I in any way intruded into your time. You can contact me for clarifications at ******** Thank you and God bless. Your humble F1 fan, Dave Khaira.

....................................................................................................................................... 

Below is her reply; 

'Thanks, and good luck!'

................................................................ What a kind reply.  

I need not say more.

My 2008 F1 Experience

I thought I'd write a little more about my experience of last year's F1 race in Singapore.  

As it was very late by the time I'd realize that I'd be able to make it to the race, I only ended up with the Friday's Walkabout tickets. For myself and Ling. But that was where the fun began. I did feel a little disappointed for not getting tickets to the race proper but I still felt that at least having the little experience was better than nothing. The best part, as far as I was concerned was that I'd have Ling by my side. That may sound a little mushy but you understand.  

We decided to walk around the area on the Thursday before the race weekend. I just wanted to see how the preparations were going on. I saw the lights being tested a few days before but I thought I'd like to see what else was happening.

Final preparations before the big weekend.  

As we were walking along my old school, SJI, along Bras Basah Road towards the track side, we noticed the full glare of the lights in the distant. There was a sense of electricity in the air, no pun intended, as we saw many foreigners in the area as well. 

We understood that they must have come from all corners of the globe to catch the first ever night race in Formula 1. Like us, they must also be trying to get familiar with what was going to happen in the following days. The rest of that night is pretty much summed up in the article that was written about us in The New Paper here.

The Friday couldn't come fast enough. We took the train to City Hall and we got a couple of hot dogs from a bread shop in the basement. It was around 6 in the evening. We went in through the Gate that was near the station itself and we could already hear the roar of the cars from the support races. The crowd there was huge, both inside and out. Many people who didn't buy tickets were gathered all over the perimeter to catch a glimpse of the action. 

  One of the first things we did as we got in was to purchase the ear plugs and poncho set. At $2 we thought it was really cheap. We only found out later that nothing else there was! Everything they sold there that was basically needed by human beings were sold at ridiculous prices! Thank God I managed to sneak in a water bottle and some curry puffs.  

We then proceeded towards the huge Marina Bay staircase entrance. There were a lot of shops selling merchandise from the various teams and also some from Singapore GP. We couldn't care less about the SGP stuff so we went straight to the team stores. Singapore GP should really start thinking twice about the crap they are selling at those crazy prices. Who in his right mind would pay for all that when they can buy the official team merchandise for the same price?

Anyhoo we didn't buy anything at that time yet. We thought we'd look around to see what else was in store. I knew I was going to buy something but I just didn't know what yet. As a souvenir perhaps. Anything. 

We proceeded to walk back and cross over to the Padang area. We basically walked around the whole perimeter, looking at all the interesting displays and the performances they had there. I especially liked the antic luxurious cars sector the most. That was near the ocean next to the Padang garden.

 

Some of the greatest cars ever. The background music was being performed by a local group.  

We kept walking until we reached the Esplanade itself and we walked along the bay. We saw 'live' bands performing there as well. The whole place was swarmed and I enjoyed seeing groups of people carrying big Ferrari flags as they walked around. I only saw that previously on TV. Never thought I'd see that here. 

  We doubled back to the Padang as we knew the first practice run was about to start. We ended up on the other side of the Esplanade bridge near where the old Merlion use to stand. Strangely I found out that that area was eventually barricaded the following days. Probably due to the fact that the crowd was basically holding on the fencing itself and it was a little dangerous. So once again we were lucky that day. 

The cars came to a near stop as they made that corner. This was at the infamous turn 13. It was around 7 p.m. and I remember clearly the first time the sounds of F1 cars was heard in Singapore. That is a sound I will never forget! As we stood on those concrete benches I heard what sounded like a haunting scream in the distance. It was indeed frightful and I remember telling Ling later that it sounded like crazy blood thirsty vampires being let loose into the night. The crowd around us gave out a really loud cheer at that moment.

 

And the Devils are let loose. 

  Everyone around us started to cheer louder and louder as we heard them coming closer and closer. As I write this, I'm having the same goosebumps I felt at that moment. Suddenly, the first car came around the corner and there we all stood, stunned at the deafening sound it created. Everyone clasped their hands to their ears, even those who were wearing earplugs! The ground beneath us shook violently as each car zoomed past. 

There was a British couple standing next to us and we smiled at each other. We began talking, shouting rather, with each other.We found out they were actually here, for the race, to have their honeymoon! Wow! 

When I found out they were from Britain I couldn't help but show off the photo we took the night before with Lewis Hamilton. Both of them stood amazed with their jaws opened. Ling showed them the autograph and the lady said we ought to frame that, which we eventually laminated bythehoo. 

They kept asking us how we managed to get that close to him and more on how the experience was. They also asked for the hotel he was staying in and we told them. They said they were going to try the same that night. 

The young lady was obviously overwhelmed by the sounds so I remember giving her an extra packet of the earplugs and poncho I had and she kept saying "thank you" to me. It's sad that we didn't exchange names or contacts. It would have been nice to know how they are today or if they're coming over again.

After the first practice ended Ling and I continued with our walkabout. It was then that we went to one of those stores to buy a team product. I had set my mind on Team McLarens cap. I just couldn't decide which colour I wanted, the striking rocket red was a bit too shocking a colour for me so I set on the silver cap. It cost S$70 and I got to wearing it immediately. I've since kept it in an air-tight bag. Such a cheapo I am, huh?

   

"You guys went for F1 and all I got was this lousy cap. Lewis Hamilton who?" 
   

There was this funny incident that occurred at the store, which was near the Padang.There was a Japanese man standing next to me as I was making my purchase. I only heard part of his conversation with the girl at the counter. Ling heard most of it. This poor man was looking to purchase a pair of ear plugs. It was a Mclaren store after all and the ones they had were the official Mclaren ear plugs. Not the ones on their official website, these were a little grander. He got a shock when she told him it cost $60!

 

Behind the scene. Team Honda's last season.  

The poor guy looked stunned as he turned away and he stood there looking very confused. Ling, being the ever good Samaritan that she is, went up to him and told him about the cheaper options. She directed him to the location where we got our packs. He kept thanking Ling. What I don't understand is how that young girl at the store could tell him that that was all there was. Couldn't she have helped him a little further. He obviously wasn't looking for souvenir earplugs. He just needed earplugs.

   

More behind the scene video from Toyota. I know the videos are shaky. Do forgive me.  

We watched the 2nd practice run from somewhere near that Marina Bay stairs. It was there we got to see Massa taking his car for a ride going the wrong way and not making the corner. It was amazing to see how he spun his car around

so fast and got back on the track.

   

This video has made many of my Ferrari loving friends very envious. A sneak peek into Ferrari's Fortress.  

We stayed around for a while after the final practice ended before we joined the rest of the crowd towards the exit. It wasn't as much of a hassle as some people complained it was, getting out of the circuit area.  

It didn't matter that we couldn't watch the next two days at track side. We felt we got the best out of the deal already. Meeting Lewis Hamilton and some of the other drivers, plus getting up close to the pit garage was great enough. 

Seeing some of the teams going about their pit practices was also a bonus. 

I don't know what would be in store for us come this few days ahead but I do know we'll try to have as much fun as we did last year. Maybe even more, if possible.  

Till next time, when we meet on the other side of the track, I wish you guys a fantastic Formula 1 experience.

Trophy Presentation In Singapore F1 2009

 

Here's a thought I had. I may be wrong but I don't recall any much fanfare or celebrations during the trophy presentations in Singapore F1 last year. If I am wrong, I apologise. 

I thought, knowing Singapore's enthusiasm for fireworks, that it would be a given. We have fireworks for just about every celebration there is throughout the year. The National Day is a big draw for fireworks fans like myself and the thousands that show up around the venue. We don't care much about the parade itself since it is basically the same crap every year and it becomes so predictable but the fireworks, we all try not to miss that. They are just so amazingly beautiful!  

Then we have the invited guest from around the world who come in during the month of August and show us a fifteen minute performance which is even more spectacular. Though this year we didn't or maybe I didn't know. We had them from France, South Korea and from a few other countries before.  

Now imagine the scenario. Just as the top 3 drivers salute the National Anthems for the top driver and team, and as they are given their trophies, they'd would traditionally pop their champagnes and celebrate. Imagine if just then a spectacular, albeit short but powerful fireworks display is executed further up the bay near the Singapore Flyer.  

Oh wait! How about this? 

How about launching some fireworks during the victory lap! Or maybe a laser show to boot! It takes about 3 mins for the drivers to come around during the victory lap. That could make a 3 min show! 

 

O.K. I think I'm getting a little carried away here. A little over my head. I'm sorry. I just like imagining stuff. Oh well.. . . .a light bulb was invented by imagination. And then it was the other way around. I get too excited. I truly apologise. 

I don't know if any other F1 venue has ever had a fireworks display celebration and even if they had it would be in daylight, rendering it useless. We are still the only night time F1 track remember? 

Imagine the effect that will have! The drivers would be able to see it, as will the ticket holders around the pit garage. We'd also most likely see it even all the way from the padang! Especially if it is also shown on the mega screens around the track at the same time. 

Those who don't see it 'live' still get to hear and feel its thunders! And the best part, the entire world would be able to watch it on their screens. I don't think that has ever been done, but it would make a spectacular finale for a spectacular weekend. 

I hope the authorities would do something like this for this year. Imagine the Grandeur. Imagine.

Goodbye Nine Inch Nails

This is the last song from their last concert. Thank you NiN for the memories, and it was nice to have been a part of your journey. Wish you guys all the best. Thank You. thank you : synthetikz

The Moon

Here's my favourite character from one of my favourite comedies, The Mighty Boosh. I enjoy disturbing Ling and my friends by talking in his manner. Very funny.

Iridium Flares

image : quezi.com

Iridium flares are a little harder to observe but a lot more fun.

Imagine a scenario (like I've experienced many times before), where you are standing along the streets somewhere and you are staring up into space. People are walking past you and they are wondering what you are looking at. They look in the same direction and they see nothing except empty space. And they think maybe that's what you have between your ears, too much empty space.

For the few who'd dare, they'd probably walk up to you and ask you what it is you are looking at. You tell them to hang on for a couple of seconds and keep watching at that exact location in the sky. Just then, a bright light suddenly appears! It lingers for a few seconds as it streaks across the sky and then it vanishes. Everyone is a little surprised and they are all wondering what that was. As they turn back to ask you, they realise that you have already walked away. Cool? Well I think so.

What they don't know is that they have just witnessed a flare from one of the many Iridium satellites we have up there. Basically it's just a reflection from the sun on one of it's antenna panels. These flares reach a magnitude of -8. In effect making them the third brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon!

Iridium Satellite and what causes the Flare.

image : satobs.org

Go ahead and make this a hobby. It is really fun. You can locate the next flare in your area at http://www.heavens-above.com/. Just key in your location and you are done. Absolutely free. Amaze your friends with perfect prediction. Every time. Remember, some of this flares are so bright, they can even be observed in the daytime! Read more about them at that site or even Wikipedia.

To observe, you only need a basic compass and the simple ability to gauge inclinations or altitude.

Enjoy.

Nelson Piquet's Crash

image : timesonline.co.uk Will someone please give Nelson his lolly pop back? This moron of a driver has officially claimed that he was indeed told to crash his car during last year's race in Singapore. His statement is obviously a case of sour grapes towards his ex team and especially his ex boss Flavio Briatore. It is impossible to believe a driver would intentionally risk his life and limp to help out a teammate.

 Anyhoo, what gain is there for Alonso or Renault as far as the championship is concerned? They were already out of the run for the year and that one win wouldn't really have done them a whole worth of good. Watch the video and tell me if at all it is indeed possible to choreograph such a perfect 'accident'? 

I wonder if Nelson realises that he is in effect kissing his carreer as a race car driver goodbye. No racing team, F1 or not, will ever hire a cry baby like this. One who spills the beans on his ex team. He has just opened a can of bullshit for himself. Hope he enjoys it. Read his confession in full here .

Video : Times online

NiN postcards

Send me your address and if I still have some of this postcards left, I'll mail 1 to you. They just completed their final show and this is just my way of waving goodbye. At least till we all meet again someday, in our own way.

Star-chasers Inc.

      I guess that's good enough a way to describe one of the many things I enjoy doing. Star chasing.   

      Actually I chase satellites more often and I'll explain in a while. As most of my friends (everyone of them in fact) will attest to the fact that I'm an avid nature lover. Everything that has anything to do with the great outdoors. Even the neighbourhood teenagers that I occasionally get to meet. I try my best to introduce them to the marvels of nature and astronomy.

       Now, satellite chasing or tracking is precisely just that, chasing, tracking and watching the satellites as they zoom past above us in the night sky. O.K I can almost hear some of you going "hey, that's not nature, it's man made!' That's what Ling says to me all the time. But you see, to me that IS the wonder of it all. If we didn't have satellites, it be impossible for us to see, know and admire the universe beyond. Think about the Hubble Space Telescope and you'd understand. If we don't send these satellites out there, we're practically saying goodbye to mankind. More on that another time.

Satellite tracking is a marvelous way to admire how far we as the human race have come. Every time I see one, I go 'Whao, that is so cool'. Allow me to share with you how you too can observe these satellites. Frankly it is really easy. If you have a basic understanding of the night sky, you'd have no problems. For those who are really new to this, here's a general rule of thumb. If it twinkles, it's a star. If it stays constant, it's a planet. 

Chances are you've probably seen most of our neighbours in the Solar System already. You just didn't realise what you were looking at. If you are in this part of Asia as I am writing this now, step outside (at night of course) and look straight up. You'd see this really bright 'star' It's the brightest thing around except for the moon which will rise much later. What you are looking at is in fact planet Jupiter
  Jupiter and its 4 moons image : utahskies.org

  Now, if you have a pair of binoculars, use them and have a look at Jupiter. If you can stabilise your hands and observe very carefully you'd be able to see 4 of it's largest moons. The other planets that are easily visible to the naked eye are the brightest of them all, Venus. The red planet Mars. The ringed giant Saturn and the little one Mercury. Here's a good free website to download. You only need to key in your approximate location and it'll point out to you what is exactly above you in real time. It is at http://www.stellarium.org/ .

  You can also use this site to observe stars, galaxies and constellations. Ever wondered what your Zodiac sign actually looks like in the sky? Well go ahead and find out. Satellite are a little different. Mainly because they zoom past so fast. In about 6 minutes or less, it's all over. You need to study the sky chart a little better to really know where to look. The placements of each bright star is vital as you need to use them as markers.

image: xyberlog.com

  Get yourself a compass though quite frankly you wouldn't need it if you observe the sky charts and stars. A good watch is a must. O.k, any watch will do, just that you have to set your time accurately. Down to the second. Satellites, just like all celestial objects in the sky are measured in Magnitudes. That basically means brightness. It's rather easy if you understand golf, where a negative number is a good thing. For example, the brightest object in our sky is obviously the Sun. It's magnitude is minus 26.7 (-26.7). Then we have the moon at minus 12.7 (-12.7). The brightest planet, Venus , is at minus 4.4 ( -4.4). So you see, the more positive a number, the more difficult it will be to see it

. The International Space Station. Image: flashladybug.com

  Last week, I got to see the International Space Station twice. On most days it's magnitude is around minus 2.0 (-2.0). Here's the best part. The Space Shuttle Discovery was docked to it! So I saw it at mag. -3.1. The excitement of watching it was amazing. To think that there were 13 people up there at that time and the possibility that 2 of them may have been doing maintenance outside as they space walked! Of course I couldn't see the astronauts but the thought that I was watching them from down here was great

! image: galaxywire.net

  Yes, sure, there are people out there who see a satellite once and say "So, is that it?" I've had some people say it looks no different from a plane as it approaches the runway for a landing at night with it's main lights on. May be true. May look the same. But to know it's not is the point. I do feel sad when they say that to me. Not for myself but for them. For they don't seem to appreciate what they are seeing. Well to each, his own.

  Here's where you can get those sky charts and information on when the next satellite will be zooming over your night sky. Once again, it is a free website and once again you'd only need to key in your location. You'd also be able to track a whole list of other celestial objects from here. Do try to track the ISS if you can. Or better yet Iridium Flares. I'll write about them later. Go to http://www.heavens-above.com/ .

  I just saw 2 satellites yesterday and 3 today. How many will you see?

Ferrari in a Knot

Let's see... Ferrari is now in a kind of a knot I think. More so their fans. How do I or anyone go about this. 

O.K. Let's try. Luca Badoer is obviously out and Giancarlo Fisichella has replaced him. Fisi, being an Italian, driving for an Italian team, proclaimed, 'He is in seventh heaven'. Here starts the dilemma; 'How now, brown cow?'.

We have Fisi. Will he remain in Ferrari? Remember, that's who the Italians want. Ferrari as well. Yet we have heard that it is quite likely that Fernando Alonso may be joining the Scuderia next season. Presumably to replace Kimi Raikonen. 

How about Massa? Well he is still recovering.

'See you later, Alligator'. Kimi, with his usual pride, has claimed that he is not worried to be dropped by Ferrari because as he said "I'm still young and I'm sure that other teams will still hire me". The problem with that, my friend, is that the other teams are not quite in the calibre of Ferrari. And I doubt any other team among the top few will hire him. It will probably be the beginning of his downward spiral, as far as his career in F1 is concerned. 

'In a while, crocodile'. That's what Ferrari are obliged to say to Fellipe Massa. He took a bullet for them and I don't think they would be that cruel to sack him next season. They'd lose a lot of fans, not only from Brazil. And I don't think they'd dare do that. Not someone from Aryton Senna's home country. And especially not when he's obviously a better driver than Kimi. They'd have to give him a chance to return.

That brings us back to; 'How now, Brown Cow?'. So will it be Kimi, Alonso, Fisi or Massa next season for Ferrari?

Spa-Francorchamps 2009

I've always looked forward to the Spa race. In my mind it is without a doubt the 'Mother of all Racetracks'. From turn 1 all the way till the end after Kemmel Straight of turn 5, that has got to be the most awesome stretch of any F1 circuit. Full throttle all the way! (well, almost.) Well this year's race proved no different. Once again it so far the best race of the season, as far as I'm concerned. But then again it just keeps getting better. Yet another new face on the podium and a new team as well. To see Force India's Giancarlo Fisichella giving Kimi Raikonen's Ferrari a run for his money was just too sweet. It was also nice to see Kimi back at the top of the podium. Good one Kimi. Like I said before, he is carrying all of Ferrari's hopes on his back alone. Still, it was interesting to note that he only made it because of the KERS on his car which he used nicely after the safety car came in. Had it not been for the KERS, I doubt he could have held on to that lead or even got it. Force India, well what can I say. They've made not just Asians proud but all F1 fans. That is what we need F1 to be and I can't say that enough. A closely fought F1 championship is an exciting F1 championship. Why bother watching if the title is already decided halfway through the season. Even the drivers wouldn't be as motivated to give it their all. Now with only 5 races left, they all still feel that there's a chance to get something in the bag. And watching them fight it out till the very end of one season will only make the next season even more exciting for all of us to anticipate.