< When you took the Indy car class did they emphasize accelerating throughout the corner? Supposedly even a little bit of throttle will transfer weight to the rear so your ass end won't slip out.

That's exactly right and you used the correct word *little* when applying the throttle. It's hard to get used to heel-toe pedal when downshifting very fast into a corner and applying the right amount of accelerator when your heel leaves the brake pedal and your foot is then fully on the accelerator. Most of the other drivers were spinning out because of bad timing on there RPM/downshifting, but my lead foot spun me. It's ripping fun when it all works and you can really feel the smoothness the teachers talk about.

Building a telescope is a project best accomplished through a club with member involvement. Experience is everything and what better way to learn from when those problems arise.

I joined the Chabot Space Center and Observatory in Oakland, CA and have learned more in one month than a year of trying to learn on my own. They offer a scope building class but I don't have the time right now. Interacting with professional astronomers and amateur astronomers is truly rewarding for the mind (less headaches).

I've never been to a star party but have run into a few amateurs with there scopes setup and it always amazes me how friendly they are and happy to chat the night away. I think it keeps us from realizing how cold it is.

Have fun,
SteveS