Video of the Week
S.N.A.I.L. Spec Racing. Sunday Night League, Division 3 10/6/13
Recorder: RallyWagon (PSN: Rallywgn81)
(The opening banner on this one is wicked cool! Happy Birthday Rally!)
Picture of the Week
Photo by: Handlebar
The Swan Song
The doldrums is a colloquial expression derived from historical maritime usage, in which it refers to those parts of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean affected by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, a low-pressure area around the equator where the prevailing winds are calm. The low pressure is caused by the heat at the equator, which makes the air rise and travel north and south high in the atmosphere, until it subsides again in the horse latitudes. Some of that air returns to the doldrums through the trade winds. This process can lead to light or variable winds and more severe weather, in the form of squalls, thunderstorms and hurricanes.
The doldrums are also noted for calm periods when the winds disappear altogether, trapping sail-powered boats for periods of days or weeks. The term appears to have arisen in the 18th century – when cross-Equator sailing voyages became more common. Colloquially, the "doldrums" are a state of inactivity, mild depression, listlessness or stagnation...
We, sir, are in the doldrums. One could also say we are becalmed. I was listening to this (swan) song this morning and it really came to light what is really happening. We are witnessing the death of something that has been a part of our lives for a number of years now. The GT legacy, GTPlanet and S.N.A.I.L. will live forever but the foundation for our racing lives is almost finished. Yes, there is new land to build on and our new journey is sure to be epic. Some will transition seamlessly without emotion, but there are others that will reminisce and even mourn a little when GT5 gets placed on the shelf. It has been a close friend to many of us. The familiar format and music. We all have turned to GT5 when times are good and sometimes when they are at their worst. Our trusty partner in crime. Sit back, close your eyes, listen to this song and remember your greatest times with GT5. (Thanks Joe)
It may be a little early for our final goodbyes but we can all see the effects of the coming switch to a new Gran Turismo title. The grid numbers are shrinking and participation in events like practice night are starting to wane. It is no way a sign of an up coming Apocalypse. It is just the natural order of things. We will most likely continue to shrink (a bit) during this "transitional" phase but all will not be lost. The future of GT and this League is very bright and I see fantastic things for all of us in the very near future.
As the last few weeks of GT5 wind to a close, take a look around and remember all of your spectacular wins (and massive fails) during your time with this title. Most of us started 15 years ago with the original and have been playing non stop since but it was GT5 that offered the soil that helped grow our League. (And many of our friendships and rivalries) I think that one of our biggest hurdles will be the regular comparison of 5 and 6. It will be a long time before any of us completely lets go. There will be some that will always hold the candle for "5".
SNAIL will persevere on the new horizon. Our leadership and core members will make sure of that. Remember what it is all about. How we got here and revel in all that it GT5. The future is on our doorstep and as long as we remember our roots, we will never go wrong.
Race Clean, Race Hard, Race S.N.A.I.L.
I forgot the Cardinals were playing tonight and its kinda a family thing. And by family thing I mean Im just sitting on the sofa with some popcorn watching the game. 
👍
The payment is done.
