freeflynick

Thanks Coreece - I found some similar devices for about $20 and will give them a try. I'm not too concerned about the compression as long as the output doesnt totally suck, it will be a decent solution for what I need. Thanks everyone for your input!

Bummer.....Unfortunately my PC is an all-in-one type, and so it is not possible to install a card like that as far as I can tell. Thanks for the reply though! Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

I recently dragged out my old Sony PC100 miniDV camera and tapes, and bought a Firewire/USB cable, but cannot get the computer to recognize the camera. I've tried Adobe Premier Elements to connect (it has a Firewire device option) but no joy. Does anyone have any advice on how best to connect this old device to a computer to download these old vids? Thanks! Nick Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

Unfortunately not very realistic. I worked as a safety diver at a helicopter escape training center and did one study where we had about a dozen "escapees" in the dunker, and a few divers on the outside who would block random exits and things to make it a little more tricky. And we were blindfolded. For 6 or 7 roll-overs we all got out fine, no biggie. Then the client (who was investigating a multi-fatality ditching) said this is all very good, but not very realistic. So we were told to add a sense of urgency to the situation. Next run, we capsized, waited 5 seconds, then it kicked off! My window we being blocked, but I had 4 or 5 guys trying to get out of it! I eventually got out of the scrum, when someone swimming over the top of the seats knocked my head, rotating me just over 90 degrees. I tried to orientate myself numerous times, and despite the fact that I had built the helicopter configuration and knew the layout better than anyone, I could not find an exit. After 1min 45secs I eventually admitted defeat, put my hands on my head and got given an air bottle. Every time I fly to the rigs, I make sure I get a seat with good access to multiple exits and try to avoid being around some of the more well fed passengers! Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

Annette, My UPSA membership has become a pretty random event so I don't come across many of your articles, but when I do I have been thoroughly impressed! I work in deepwater drilling and the normalization of deviance is a phenomenon that we have to be critically aware of as we are pushing into deeper water, deeper wells, higher pressure etc. When pushing new frontiers there is always inherent risk involved which we must manage, but NoD is always lurking. This was a really good write up on the subject, but I really enjoyed the link to the Randomness article! Anyway - wanted to thank you for your great articles, and say that I had the pleasure of hanging out with Brett in Cape Town back in 2009 and hope to get to meet you as well if our paths cross again. Give him a hug from me! Cheers, Nick

I've always liked this joke and usually put BMW drivers top of my stereotype crappy driver list. I read something one day that went along the lines of "The turn signal has been around for 100 years in one form or another, yet apparently BMW still can't make one that works" and one BMW driver replied "BMW's do have turn signals.....only poor people can't see them!"! Well played, BMW guy! Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

Could make for some good photos!! I probably want to find out if I can still fly headdown before I try that though!! Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

And which lucky bastard won an hour free tunnel time when it opens?? THIS lucky bastard!!! Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

Beautiful post John. I remember the bench well, rested and watched landings there many times. I would lean towrds Option 1. I think it is a testament to one of the greatest aspects of skydiving - the amazing people and how much they care for each other and the memories of those lost to the sport. I think its place is by a landing area for jumpers new and old to enjoy, and the message on the plaque is as true now as it was when Kelly saidwrote the words on it. That said, I think it would be a cherished memorial for either her husband or her son (do you know if he got to college to use the fund set up?). And here's to you John, for your kind and thoughtful efforts to keep her momory alive and kicking - people like you make the skydiving community special. Cheers, Nick Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

Or....do a tandem?? I know, I know, but its an option! Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

I've always loved the Mark Knopfler solo towards the end of Sultans Of Swing - about 5:00 in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlJxDgONeDQ&feature=fvwrel Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

Generally the suicide doors make getting the car seat in and out fairly easy, except when you are parked close to someone, makes it awkward but still very doable, but the passenger seat will have to be moved forward quite a long way to fit it in. Kids weren't an issue when I bought mine! Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

I have had one for over 4 years now and have had no issues with it at all. I got an aftermarket sunroof put in and I get quite a lot of wind noise at freeway speeds, but not sure how much is due to the sunroof and how much is caused by the fact that I am essentially driving a brick! I love the 3 windscreen wipers. Haven't used it much offroad but have been told it handles itself well. Have had a baby recently and with the baby seat in the back, the front passenger seat has to be quite a long way forward. I got the blue one - SO call its the PortaPotty on wheels, but I don't mind - I love it! Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

Or (if you have the money!) check out the new Norton Commando (see photo) - this is my 2nd dream bike. The first is the Egli-Vincent rebuild. Nice, but pricey....... Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."

My first (and current) bike is a Triumph Thruxton. It looks great, is easy to work on, easily customed, and is really easy to control. 900cc but not nearly as powerful as modern bikes - it is essentially a 1960's bike with better brakes, better electrics and no leaks. The new ones are even EFI (although they put fake carbs on it to make it look authentic!). I love it - very reliable, sounds amazing (Triumph Off-Road pipes), turns heads and handles nicely. Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models."