Another day, another fortnightly post.  We're now in the first week of the summer break as far as the F1 season is concerned but the Sidepodcast community continues unabated. We all watched the Hungarian Grand Prix last Sunday, a track that doesn't normally produce exciting racing and is probably my least favourite track of them all, but was spiced up by the weather and produced some great overtakes and yet another wet-race win by Jenson Button.  It seems that once again this year he can produce the goods in the rain where Vettel can't.

You may remember my last post two weeks ago about the World Matchplay Championship darts in Blackpool, which was played to its conclusion the Sunday before last.  In the end, Phil Taylor showed he's back to his best after defeating James Wade 18 legs to 8.  We didn't wait long for the next televised PDC event, the European Championships in Dusseldorf, Germany held just four days later.  Once again, Taylor was the victor in the final but in a much tighter match, eventually beating Adrian Lewis 11-8.  The other major highlight of the tournament was a nine-darter made by the eventual runner-up in his semi-final match against Raymond Van Barneveld.  So it seems that Phil Taylor is not on the way down as some people had speculated.  He'll turn 51 next Saturday, yet there's no sign of his dominance in the sport weaning.

And now to the future.  By the time this daily is published, the first night of the 2011 Edinburgh Festival will have been and gone.  In the last couple of years I've started seeing some stand-up comedians strut their stuff on the stage and Wednesday night was no exception.  I've lived in Edinburgh my whole life so it's about time I started taking advantage of the wealth of arts available to be enjoyed.  The first two days are mostly previews before the Festival proper kicks off on Friday but that hasn't deterred me - it's where the cheapest tickets are available.  So if you're interested in attending an arts and crafts event, a stand-up comedian, a theatre play, a contemporary dance routine, a classical/modern music gig or if you just want to browse the many free acts performing around the city centre, you have until the 29th of August to come to Edinburgh and get yourself cultured.

And now to continue the theme of memorable moments I've been establishing over the last couple of months, this week is, again, a little different.  There's no Grand Prix for the next three weekends so this time I've decided to focus on the professional career of Britain's original motor racing playboy - James Hunt.

  • Englishman James Hunt made his British Grand Prix debut in 1973 at Silverstone, where he qualified on the 5th row of the grid in a Hesketh-owned March Ford.  Commentator Raymond Baxter described his qualifying lap later on in the clip as, 'a very creditable effort indeed by this young driver, who's really making a mark for himself.'  He went on to finish 4th in the race.
  • No-one could accuse James of being a dispassionate man, as this clip from the Monaco GP from 1975 shows.  Clearly frustrated at being punted into the barrier by a Tyrrell, he resorted to take his anger out first on a marshall and then the car that booted him out of the race.
  • No doubt his proudest moment was in 1976, the year he won the World Championship.  The Japanese Grand Prix was a wet and misty race - so much so there was a chance the event would be cancelled - but it went ahead and Hunt, despite a puncture and a delayed pit stop, went on to finish 3rd, which was enough to seal the title.  God knows whose idea it was to hire the commentator, 'Is Hunt still in the Championship hunt?'.  I mean. come on!
  • As reigning World Champion, James was high in demand for advertising campaigns and the like, such as this ad from 1977 co-starring comedy double-act Morecambe & Wise.
  • Success doesn't last forever, unfortunately.  James continued in F1 for three more years, leaving McLaren and joining the Wolf team in 1979, but he was never competitive.  His last Grand Prix was at Monaco where he crashed out.  He announced his official retirement from racing shortly afterwards.
  • After he retired from competitive racing he got a job as co-commentator for the BBC with Murray Walker in 1980, a partnership that would last for thirteen years.  The opening race in Argentina gave us a taster of the collaboration and attitudes that was to follow between them.
  • James, amongst other things, was not one to be sympathetic with drivers whom he thought didn't try hard enough on-track.  Such as the '89 Monaco GP where he made a very pointed comment about Rene Arnoux.  Murray Walker in the meantime tries to carry on with gravitas.  Be warned, there's a bit of strong language in this clip.
  • Not only that, but he was also highly critical of back-markers, especially those who he felt were impeding drivers who were trying to lap them.  A prime example is when he calls Andrea De Cesaris an 'idiot' for blocking and almost taking out Nigel Mansell at Imola in 1990.  Although, looking at the footage, he kind of deserved the jibe.

James had been a hard drinker and drug-taker throughout his life, such was the playboy lifestyle that he enjoyed throughout his heyday.  Perhaps this was the main precipitant for his sudden death in 1993 at the age of just 45.  But with such a young loss of life, the impact he's made to the world of professional motor racing is apparent, even drawing parallels with the F1 career of Kimi Raikkonen, of all people.  Is this meant to be a good thing?  Depends on who you speak to, I suppose.  See you in two weeks.

cmcb

189 responses

  • Mr C03/08/2011 at 23:09

    eh-oh mr colin's daily.

  • Pat W03/08/2011 at 23:19

    I'm proper jealous that you live in Edinburgh and can see all these stand-up acts.

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)03/08/2011 at 23:23

    Every time I see the Scheckter crash it looks worse. I have only ever seen it up to the accident before but the aftermath is terrifying with all sorts of people on the track who should not be there.

  • Sidepodcast Update03/08/2011 at 23:45
  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 00:50

    Have you seen these recent posts on sidepodcast.com?

    I'm working on it. :)

    Will have to carry on tomorrow/Friday.. tired now.

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 00:53

    Have you seen these recent posts on sidepodcast.com?

    I'm working on it. :)

    hehe.

  • Matt G04/08/2011 at 01:25

    Nice daily, F1 history is great :)

    I love some the James Hunt commentary clips, we need that these days, DC & Martin are much too subtle.

    Also, does this path i found on my walk yesterday look familiar? (esp. in the lead up to Spa ;)

    http://twitpic.com/60km32

  • Sidepodcast Update04/08/2011 at 05:45
  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 06:09

    Also, does this path i found on my walk yesterday look familiar? (esp. in the lead up to Spa ;)

    Can you take it easy flat or do you bottom out and spin off?

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 06:10

    Awesome that today is officially James Hunt day. The more I learn about him, the more I like him :)

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 07:41

    I tried Garageband on the iPad last night - I can't play any kind of instrument to save my life, but the smart instruments in the app make it very easy to play. Think I'm gonna have to have a proper crack at this!

  • rg in italy04/08/2011 at 07:55

    Heikki is my new favourite driver... http://yfrog.com/h72q2nyj

    Great man.

  • Marti04/08/2011 at 08:10

    Morning :)

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 08:19

    morning all

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 08:22

    Also, does this path i found on my walk yesterday look familiar? (esp. in the lead up to Spa ;)

    http://twitpic.com/60km32

    I love it :)

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 08:29

    A hex on BT, for making me come in to work for an hour or so on my day off. At least I won't waste it sleeping and can get stuff done after. :)

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 08:29

    Are you doing a post for the VivaF1 blog swap this time Pat?

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 08:30

    A hex on BT, for making me come in to work for an hour or so on my day off. At least I won't waste it sleeping and can get stuff done after. :)

    How's it going with your sister coming to visit? Are you having a good time?

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 08:30

    Are you doing a post for the VivaF1 blog swap this time Pat?

    Oooh are they having a blog swap?

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 08:30

    Oooh are they having a blog swap?

    Aye - found out yesterday

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 08:33

    Are you doing a post for the VivaF1 blog swap this time Pat?

    I'm hosting but I don't know if I have time to write anything

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 08:36

    How's it going with your sister coming to visit? Are you having a good time?

    Yes very good thanks. We spent the weekend and Monday going to Dad's place (his birthday), then Mum's and our grandparents before the theme park.. I worked the last two days as she was off shopping and sightseeing with others but had some nice relaxing evenings afterwards at Mum's with food and talking, makes a really nice change from sitting on your own reading the internet or watching DVDs. :)

    I'm heading over to Dad's later where apparently we're having a barbeque because it has been hot and sunny all week - although it started raining hard last night. She goes back tomorrow via Gatwick so I'm working again then.

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 08:36

    I'm hosting but I don't know if I have time to write anything

    Aye - same here. I think I''m hosting two, but may not find any time to write until next week

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 08:37

    Oooh are they having a blog swap?

    http://www.vivaf1.com/blog/?p=7869

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 08:40

    Aye - same here. I think I''m hosting two, but may not find any time to write until next week

    Looks like posts aren't due until the weekend of 13-14 so that's not as urgent as I'd though

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 08:40

    Looks like posts aren't due until the weekend of 13-14 so that's not as urgent as I'd though

    thought

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 08:41

    Thanks for the link - I have offered to write and host. I think we should do one onetime with our non-motorsport blogs too ;)

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 08:43

    Thanks for the link - I have offered to write and host. I think we should do one onetime with our non-motorsport blogs too ;)

    Well, I'll be doing a new entry on Something for the Weekend later on, so if anyone fancies a music-type post on that at some stage, you're all more than welcome

    :)

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 08:46

    Thanks for the link - I have offered to write and host. I think we should do one onetime with our non-motorsport blogs too ;)

    ooh interesting idea

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 08:48

    ooh interesting idea

    Jackie was OK with it when I asked her a few months ago, just have to think about timing...

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 09:05

    Jackie was OK with it when I asked her a few months ago, just have to think about timing...

    Hehee... we should all just get one big giant blog for bouts of Guest Posts

    :D

  • Sidepodcast Update04/08/2011 at 11:45
  • Nick04/08/2011 at 11:52

    Looking at today's autosport, the 3 picks each system I suggested might happen between the BBC and sky.

  • Marti04/08/2011 at 11:52

    Hello again :)

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 12:17

    ping: http://www.f1minute.com/news/renault-evaluate-the-fire-damage-on-nick-heidfelds-car

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 12:17

    ping: www.f1minute.com/…ick-heidfelds-car

    *Hungarian Grand Prix, not the German?

  • Journeyer04/08/2011 at 12:19

    ping: www.f1minute.com/…ick-heidfelds-car

    *Hungarian Grand Prix, not the German?

    At least the audio was right. If it wasn't, that would've been painful. :D

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 12:19

    *Hungarian Grand Prix, not the German?

    At least the audio was right. If it wasn't, that would've been painful. :D

    ooh, good spot people.

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 12:32

    f1minute fixed now, cheers all: http://www.f1minute.com/

    also updated on the app. have i mention the f1minute app today? you can buy it from itunes and it's quite lovely.

    http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/f1minute/id441832606

    #everymistakeisasalesoppertunity

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 12:36

    also updated on the app. have i mention the f1minute app today? you can buy it from itunes and it's quite lovely.

    I love it on the iPad!

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 12:38

    I love it on the iPad!

    yay. i saw your itunes review, but have no idea what it said :)

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 12:41

    @SENNAmovie: UK Fans: To answer a number of tweets, SENNA is out on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on 10 October. You can pre-order at Amazon, Play etc now.

  • Amy04/08/2011 at 12:42

    @SENNAmovie: UK Fans: To answer a number of tweets, SENNA is out on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on 10 October. You can pre-order at Amazon, Play etc now.

    and the mclaren eshop, weirdly :)

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 12:44

    yay. i saw your itunes review, but have no idea what it said :)

    It said "It's very easy to use and this app gives good and fast news about Formula 1. Her homepage (f1minute.com) is also good"

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 12:45

    and the mclaren eshop, weirdly :)

    Already sent the link to Mrs. Goat (who also enjoyed the film). It's my 30th at the end of October...

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 12:46

    It said "It's very easy to use and this app gives good and fast news about Formula 1. Her homepage (f1minute.com) is also good"

    *hugs*

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 12:48

    Already sent the link to Mrs. Goat (who also enjoyed the film). It's my 30th at the end of October...

    Happy early birthday or a belated happy birthday young sir.

    ;)

  • Journeyer04/08/2011 at 12:50

    @SENNAmovie: UK Fans: To answer a number of tweets, SENNA is out on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on 10 October. You can pre-order at Amazon, Play etc now.

    Yeeeees!!!

  • lou04/08/2011 at 12:54

    @SENNAmovie: UK Fans: To answer a number of tweets, SENNA is out on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on 10 October. You can pre-order at Amazon, Play etc now.

    2 days before my birthday! wonderful!

  • Marti04/08/2011 at 12:56

    2 days before my birthday! wonderful!

    Then we all know what present will you ask for! :)

  • lou04/08/2011 at 13:09

    Then we all know what present will you ask for! :)

    hehe!

  • RubberGoat04/08/2011 at 13:32

    We totally just got buzzed by a Navy helicopter!

  • Christine04/08/2011 at 13:53

    Ping: http://www.f1bigpicture.com/news/make-a-break

  • Lynch04/08/2011 at 13:58

    Hmm.. I just thought:

    "Wouldn't it be good if we had bernie medals this season, might make it more of an interesting end to the season!"

  • Christine04/08/2011 at 14:36

    F1Minute is 900 episodes old. Planning a little anniversary blog post, with some behind the scenes stuff. If there's anything you've ever been curious about, now's the time to ask :)

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 14:37

    F1Minute is 900 episodes old. Planning a little anniversary blog post, with some behind the scenes stuff. If there's anything you've ever been curious about, now's the time to ask :)

    Ohhhh congratulations

    :D

  • Amy04/08/2011 at 14:42

    good news, since I booked my Singapore hotel way back when they've made their wi fi free! :D

  • lou04/08/2011 at 14:43

    good news, since I booked my Singapore hotel way back when they've made their wi fi free! :D

    ohhhh thats amazing!!

  • Amy04/08/2011 at 14:44

    ohhhh thats amazing!!

    in lesser good news Pamela is having trouble with getting leave for Korea :(

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 14:44

    F1Minute is 900 episodes old. Planning a little anniversary blog post, with some behind the scenes stuff. If there's anything you've ever been curious about, now's the time to ask :)

    Congrats. :)

  • Amy04/08/2011 at 14:44

    and by lesser good i mean not at all good

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 14:47

    I managed to escape from work some hours ago, so I had a little bit of lunch at mum's and have come home long enough to catch up with golf blogging:

    http://thoughtsofpat.wordpress.com/2011/08/04/a-round-of-golf-17-july-2011/

    http://thoughtsofpat.wordpress.com/2011/08/04/a-round-of-golf-23-july-2011/

  • lou04/08/2011 at 14:48

    F1Minute is 900 episodes old. Planning a little anniversary blog post, with some behind the scenes stuff. If there's anything you've ever been curious about, now's the time to ask :)

    ohhh congrats Christine!

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 14:50

    F1Minute is 900 episodes old. Planning a little anniversary blog post, with some behind the scenes stuff. If there's anything you've ever been curious about, now's the time to ask :)

    Could you please tell us how things were when you started, compared to how they are now? In terms of production time etc. Interested to know how/if practice and experience makes a big difference.

  • lou04/08/2011 at 14:50

    in lesser good news Pamela is having trouble with getting leave for Korea :(

    noooo :( aw i miss Pamela, say hi to her for me when you see her/ speak to her. I'd say give her a hug for me but you don't like hugs so ;)

    I really hope Pamela manages to get leave sorted..

  • Christine04/08/2011 at 14:52

    Could you please tell us how things were when you started, compared to how they are now? In terms of production time etc. Interested to know how/if practice and experience makes a big difference.

    Will do :)

  • Amy04/08/2011 at 14:53

    noooo :( aw i miss Pamela, say hi to her for me when you see her/ speak to her. I'd say give her a hug for me but you don't like hugs so ;)

    I saw her on Tuesday for dinner, and yes, there were no hugs.

    I really hope Pamela manages to get leave sorted..

    she says its 50-50, I have my fingers crossed!

    Thats one good thing about my work, they never really ever say no to leave. I worked out in total this year I'll be taking 30 days leave which is more than I realised :) My boss also gave me a $50 prepaid Visa today for no reason so I am job-happy at the moment :) I'm clearly easily bought.

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 14:55

    in lesser good news Pamela is having trouble with getting leave for Korea :(

    boo

  • Pat W04/08/2011 at 14:56

    I'm making a mental note to watch all these videos in the Daily tomorrow night, I have to go again now, in search of spray paint for the big scratch on my car, then off to Dad's for food and board games. :)

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 16:45

    Afternoon

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 16:54

    in lesser good news Pamela is having trouble with getting leave for Korea :(

    Ouch, not good. Has she changed jobs or something, you guys are normally on top of stuff like this

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 16:55

    the premiere league is struggling to cope with twitter (and they don't even have lewis' swearing to deal with):

    "Maybe if it wasn't for Twitter and this instant media it may have got resolved on Monday morning with me and Joey in my office. The problem with Twitter – we need to get a hold of this. We have got nothing from the Premier League on how to deal with this."

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/04/newcastle-alan-pardew-joey-barton

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 16:57

    the premiere league is struggling to cope with twitter (and they don't even have lewis' swearing to deal with):

    Is it spelling they are having difficulty in or just not being idiots and thinking before they write?

  • Sidepodcast Classics04/08/2011 at 17:00

    Enjoy a little something from the sidepodcast.com back catalogue.

    - Live: Singapore - Free Practice 2

    Originally published 25/09/2009

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 17:01

    Is it spelling they are having difficulty in or just not being idiots and thinking before they write?

    criticism. mainly. don't like players having a voice.

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 17:14

    criticism. mainly. don't like players having a voice.

    Isn't it common sense to not to criticise your employer publicly, especially if you want to renew your contract?

  • F1Wolf (in Shanghai)04/08/2011 at 17:17

    Isn't it common sense to not to criticise your employer publicly, especially if you want to renew your contract?

    can I criticise 2 airlines if I still need them to bring me back ?

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 17:17

    can I criticise 2 airlines if I still need them to bring me back ?

    Sure, why not?

  • F1Wolf (in Europe)04/08/2011 at 17:18

    why that old Shanghai thing keeps appearing next to my name I have no idea :-)

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 17:21

    why that old Shanghai thing keeps appearing next to my name I have no idea :-)

    You're in Europe now? Busy bee that you are

  • F1Wolf (in Europe)04/08/2011 at 17:22

    You're in Europe now? Busy bee that you are

    I am, but my luggage is not :-( or is, but somewhere else in Europe thanks to two airlines messing up

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 17:22

    I am, but my luggage is not :-( or is, but somewhere else in Europe thanks to two airlines messing up

    Bugger!

  • F1Wolf (in Europe)04/08/2011 at 17:25

    Bugger!

    yea, bugger, especially when I am to be in different place almost every day in next week or so ... will be interesting

  • Sidepodcast Update04/08/2011 at 17:45
  • rg in italy04/08/2011 at 17:47

    the premiere league is struggling to cope with twitter (and they don't even have lewis' swearing to deal with):

    More down to the way Barton works and the Newcastle board which doesn't even need anything to annoy the fans. Though I can't stand following any bar the spurs (and forssell)players because they aren't worth it.

  • Lukeh04/08/2011 at 17:53

    evening all :)

    More down to the way Barton works and the Newcastle board which doesn't even need anything to annoy the fans. Though I can't stand following any bar the spurs (and forssell)players because they aren't worth it.

    It's quite wierd the gulf between how F1 treats twitter and how football does. Plus drivers on twitter seem to be a lot more likeable than footballers do to me at least.

  • rg in italy04/08/2011 at 17:58

    It's quite wierd the gulf between how F1 treats twitter and how football does. Plus drivers on twitter seem to be a lot more likeable than footballers do to me at least.

    I agree. Can imagine easier to hold a convo on twitter with f1 folk than football.

    Interesting to look at rohan ricketts, because some of his comments on there and the blog will affect his chances of decent employment.

  • Janna04/08/2011 at 17:58

    It's quite wierd the gulf between how F1 treats twitter and how football does. Plus drivers on twitter seem to be a lot more likeable than footballers do to me at least.

    I know this is a generalisation but I think F1 drivers are better media trained. The F1 drivers (of whom there are far fewer than Premier League football players) understand the brand better.

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 18:17

    I'm joining the funding for this brilliant little Kickstarter project :)

    Only 2% away from their funding target

    http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/721230440/c-dock

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 18:18

    I know this is a generalisation but I think F1 drivers are better media trained. The F1 drivers (of whom there are far fewer than Premier League football players) understand the brand better.

    Very true

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 18:24

    Evening folks

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 18:26

    Good news for me - series catch-up of Season 6 (or 32....) of Doctor Who starts tomorrow, meaning I can finally catch episodes 5-7

    :)

  • Janna04/08/2011 at 18:28

    Good news for me - series catch-up of Season 6 (or 32....) of Doctor Who starts tomorrow, meaning I can finally catch episodes 5-7

    New trailer for Season 6 part 2 here http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/dw/news/bulletin_110804_01

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 18:29

    I know this is a generalisation but I think F1 drivers are better media trained. The F1 drivers (of whom there are far fewer than Premier League football players) understand the brand better.

    Without wishing to come across poorly, I wonder if this has a difference in terms of education. Let's be brutally honest here, top level racing drivers rarely come from the same social conditions as footballers and often that can extend to expression, especially in various forms of media.

    Or maybe that's nonsense?

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 18:36

    Or maybe that's nonsense?

    I think it's more of a difference between the cultures of football and F1, personally.

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 18:37

    I'm joining the funding for this brilliant little Kickstarter project :)

    Sounds good. Good luck to him!

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 18:38

    I think it's more of a difference between the cultures of football and F1, personally.

    There is that as well I suppose.

  • Christine04/08/2011 at 18:38

    Ping: http://sidepodcast.com/post/celebrating-fifteen-hours-of-f1-news

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 18:43

    Hehee

    @wtf1_co_uk: Sky talk F1. Hamilton won the title in '07, Force India aren't UK based & there's a driver called Fernandez - http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,,12870_7067060,00.html

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 18:47

    Hehee

    *facepalm*

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 18:48

    *facepalm*

    The 2012 coverage will be awesome

    ;D

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 18:50

    The 2012 coverage will be awesome

    Hopefully, we'll never need to find out

    #Streams

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 18:52

    #Streams

    Hehee

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 18:58

    #Streams

    that's not going to make anyone angry, oh no.

    ask pat about indycar streams this year.

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 18:59

    that's not going to make anyone angry, oh no.

    Yup, tis going to be extremely frustrating

    I hope I don't crack and fork out to Murdoch

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 18:59

    Yup, tis going to be extremely frustrating

    actually, my biggest fear for next year is 100 comments a session "anyone got a stream?" and so on.

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 18:59

    ask pat about indycar streams this year.

    Best not. It took months to repair the town afterward

    ;)

  • Mr C04/08/2011 at 18:59

    Best not. It took months to repair the town afterward

    :) :)

  • Alison04/08/2011 at 19:01

    Hellooooo :)

    What a fab daily. I must have about 15 times as much James Hunt knowledge as I had before.... :D

  • rg in italy04/08/2011 at 19:16

    Or maybe that's nonsense?

    I agree. Coming from someone who played for probably the most upper class team in the league structure.

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:00

    "Off the top of my head" trivia question if anyone is about

  • jpancoast04/08/2011 at 20:04

    The more I read/hear about James Hunt, the more I wish he still existed and raced today :)

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:05

    Q: For two points, how many Grand Prix did Helmut Marko compete in?

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 20:13

    Evening all

    Q: For two points, how many Grand Prix did Helmut Marko compete in?

    I know so I am not going to answer.

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 20:14

    Q: For two points, how many Grand Prix did Helmut Marko compete in?

    For 5 points, how many did he interfere with? :)

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 20:16

    Evening all

    Hi Steven

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 20:16

    For 5 points, how many did he interfere with? :)

    Too long. Thanks for the points.

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:17

    I know so I am not going to answer.

    Did you see it on Twitter?

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 20:17

    #sidepodspace

    NASA think they have found water flowing on the surface of Mars. This could be huge news.

    http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/MRO/news/mro20110804.html

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:18

    For anyone who hasn't seen this answered on Twitter, any guesses?

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 20:18

    Did you see it on Twitter?

    No. I heard it a while ago

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 20:18

    Did you see it on Twitter?

    It's very easy to find the answer

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:19

    It's very easy to find the answer

    No, it's not.

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 20:19

    NASA think they have found water flowing on the surface of Mars. This could be huge news.

    I saw some of the press conference earlier. Haven't we had this story before or was that just evidence of previous water?

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 20:19

    No, it's not.

    So it's not 10 then?

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:20

    So it's not 10 then?

    He only competed 9 F1 races - the question was how many "Grand Prix" did he compete in?

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 20:22

    I saw some of the press conference earlier. Haven't we had this story before or was that just evidence of previous water?

    Before they had evidence of water under the surface and suggestions that the ice at the poles is not dry ice but water. This is the first time they have found evidence of what may be flowing water. They have found white salts under the surface as the result of one of the wheels on one of the rovers seizing and dragging along the surface and digging in.

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 20:22

    He only competed 9 F1 races - the question was how many "Grand Prix" did he compete in?

    Fair enough, someone ought to change the Wikipedia entry then :)

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:23

    Fair enough, someone ought to change the Wikipedia entry then :)

    Nope - the Wikipedia entry is also correct

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 20:23

    He only competed 9 F1 races - the question was how many "Grand Prix" did he compete in?

    Depends whether a grand prix is a grand prix meeting or a race

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:23

    Depends whether a grand prix is a grand prix meeting or a race

    Grand Prix races

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 20:24

    Depends whether a grand prix is a grand prix meeting or a race

    Whatever, too much time spent discussing an interfering git in my eyes :)

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 20:25

    NASA are clearly taking the Martian water seriously. Normally their front page loops through 7 or 8 stories - 1 every few seconds. Today they only have one. Never seen that before

    http://www.nasa.gov/

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 20:25

    So participants aren't competing then, on track?

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:27

    So participants aren't competing then, on track?

    It's the difference between a non-Championship event and a World Championship event, but not including Trophy events which did attain GP status.

  • Bassano [Entertainment Officer]04/08/2011 at 20:29

    It's the difference between a non-Championship event and a World Championship event, but not including Trophy events which did attain GP status.

    So this is wrong then

    A friend of Jochen Rindt, he entered racing, and eventually participated in 10 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, debuting on 15 August 1971

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:30

    Helmut Marko competed in 10 Grand Prix (9 World Championship and 1 non-Championship). He attempted 11 GP's, but could not qualify for Germany 1971 (August 1st, 1971)

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:30

    A friend of Jochen Rindt, he entered racing, and eventually participated in 10 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, debuting on 15 August 1971

    He entered, but did not qualify. Therefore, it's not a race start.

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 20:30

    He entered, but did not qualify. Therefore, it's not a race start.

    Sorry, he entered two weeks earlier, but did not start

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 20:45

    I saw a couple of interesting stories earlier today.

    First we used to have two moons but the little one crashed into the big one very slowly

    http://uk.news.yahoo.com/earth-could-had-two-moons-171728476.html

    Jumping out of a plane at 3500ft and having both parachutes fail could result in a broken ankle. Sounds dangerous

    http://uk.news.yahoo.com/skydiver-falls-3-500-ft-and-only-breaks-ankle.html

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 21:32

    First we used to have two moons but the little one crashed into the big one very slowly

    The idea of a splat impact is intriguing.

  • Lukeh04/08/2011 at 21:33

    First we used to have two moons but the little one crashed into the big one very slowly

    I'm sure there's an f1 metaphor here somewhere.

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 21:34

    I'm sure there's an f1 metaphor here somewhere.

    Two lotuses?

  • jpancoast04/08/2011 at 21:34

    I'm sure there's an f1 metaphor here somewhere.

    was the little one being driven by David Coulthard?

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 21:35

    uk.news.yahoo.com…breaks-ankle.html

    It also could result in bad reporting. The article actually says that she got her reserve tangled in the main chute because she failed to release it properly.

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 21:35

    The idea of a splat impact is intriguing.

    Space is a cosmic car crash

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 21:35

    I'm sure there's an f1 metaphor here somewhere.

    It was a slow crash. In astronomy it is called doing a Piquet

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 21:36

    It also could result in bad reporting. The article actually says that she got her reserve tangled in the main chute because she failed to release it properly.

    A bit harsh when she only jumped from 3500 ft. You don't have a lot of time between jumping and landing from that height

  • jpancoast04/08/2011 at 21:39

    A bit harsh when she only jumped from 3500 ft. You don't have a lot of time between jumping and landing from that height

    aren't they supposed to detach the main before releasing the reserve?

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 21:41

    aren't they supposed to detach the main before releasing the reserve?

    Anyone done a parachute jump? I can't believe no-one here has jumped out of a plane

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 21:43

    A bit harsh when she only jumped from 3500 ft. You don't have a lot of time between jumping and landing from that height

    I'm not saying I'd do any better. I'd end up like that second moon in the other link ;)

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 21:43

    Anyone done a parachute jump? I can't believe no-one here has jumped out of a plane

    I can't believe why anyone would want to.

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 21:44

    I'm not saying I'd do any better. I'd end up like that second moon in the other link ;)

    :D

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 21:44

    I can't believe why anyone would want to.

    I have planned to do it a few times but never made it yet

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 21:45

    I have planned to do it a few times but never made it yet

    It doesn't appeal to me at all. I'd much rather pilot the plane personally.

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 21:46

    It doesn't appeal to me at all. I'd much rather pilot the plane personally.

    I have always resisted that because if I did it once I would want to do it again and again and that is just too expensive.

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 21:56

    I have always resisted that because if I did it once I would want to do it again and again and that is just too expensive.

    The trick is not to have enough money to afford to do it again ;)

  • Rubbergoat04/08/2011 at 21:57

    Anyway I'm off, I'm a bit knackered now because I went for a late run:

    http://runkeeper.com/user/RubberGoat/activity/46281730

    See ya later!

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 21:58

    The trick is not to have enough money to afford to do it again ;)

    That does nothing for the addiction. One day I will get a pilot's licence but it is not top of the list yet

  • Leigh O'Gorman04/08/2011 at 22:29

    Anyone done a parachute jump? I can't believe no-one here has jumped out of a plane

    Not-A-Chance

    :)

  • Alison04/08/2011 at 22:54

    Dear sidepodpartypeople, please teach me to be more organised. I really should be asleep, instead, I haven't packed anything for my HOLIDAY. Oops.

  • guille230604/08/2011 at 22:55

    Hi!

    Anyone done a parachute jump? I can't believe no-one here has jumped out of a plane

    I'd like to, but it's too expensive...

    I jump repeatedly from a wall while climbing, if that counts. The best one was a 10-meters near free-fall before being caught by the rope :)

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 22:55

    Dear sidepodpartypeople, please teach me to be more organised. I really should be asleep, instead, I haven't packed anything for my HOLIDAY. Oops.

    Don't worry about it. It will get done in time. If you need sleep then sleep. You will feel better in the morning if you do what you can then rather than if you stay up half the night to try to do everything

  • Alison04/08/2011 at 22:56

    Don't worry about it. It will get done in time. If you need sleep then sleep. You will feel better in the morning if you do what you can then rather than if you stay up half the night to try to do everything

    I have to start work at 7.... :D

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 22:56

    I jump repeatedly from a wall while climbing, if that counts. The best one was a 10-meters near free-fall before being caught by the rope :)

    You need a longer piece of rope to simulate a parachute jump

  • guille230604/08/2011 at 22:57

    Dear sidepodpartypeople, please teach me to be more organised. I really should be asleep, instead, I haven't packed anything for my HOLIDAY. Oops.

    You've come to the wrong place. I always pack in the middle of the night before a trip. Little sleep is good for the jet-lag

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 22:58

    I have to start work at 7.... :D

    Give yourself an hour to do it when you wake up. Remember work expands to fill the time available so if you have all night the work will take all night. If you have in an hour in the morning everything you have to do will take an hour

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 22:59

    You've come to the wrong place. I always pack in the middle of the night before a trip. Little sleep is good for the jet-lag

    Not so good when she is driving though

  • Alison04/08/2011 at 23:00

    Give yourself an hour to do it when you wake up. Remember work expands to fill the time available so if you have all night the work will take all night. If you have in an hour in the morning everything you have to do will take an hour

    This is true. I want to come back after work and finish and have a shower but Nick disapproves. Might just do it anyways.

  • guille230604/08/2011 at 23:00

    You need a longer piece of rope to simulate a parachute jump

    for a longer fall I seriously doubt a climbing rope will hold when braking. you have bungee jumping for that (another thing I'd like to try...)

  • Alison04/08/2011 at 23:00

    Not so good when she is driving though

    True story.

  • guille230604/08/2011 at 23:00

    Not so good when she is driving though

    nope...

  • Alison04/08/2011 at 23:00

    for a longer fall I seriously doubt a climbing rope will hold when braking. you have bungee jumping for that (another thing I'd like to try...)

    It's fun!!

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 23:01

    This is true. I want to come back after work and finish and have a shower but Nick disapproves. Might just do it anyways.

    I never thought I would say this but Nick is right. That just gives you more procrastination time and more time to find things you HAVE to do.

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 23:02

    for a longer fall I seriously doubt a climbing rope will hold when braking. you have bungee jumping for that (another thing I'd like to try...)

    I am prepared to do a bungee provided it is over deep water. I really don't fancy it over hard ground

  • Alison04/08/2011 at 23:03

    I am prepared to do a bungee provided it is over deep water. I really don't fancy it over hard ground

    You don't hit the ground!

  • guille230604/08/2011 at 23:03

    It's fun!!

    yeah, but there aren't any places to do it near were I live :(

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 23:04

    You don't hit the ground!

    And if something goes wrong? Why wear a seatbelt in the car because you are not meant to hit the windscreen?

  • guille230604/08/2011 at 23:04

    I am prepared to do a bungee provided it is over deep water. I really don't fancy it over hard ground

    but that's part of the appeal ;-)

  • guille230604/08/2011 at 23:06

    And if something goes wrong?

    it will go as wrong as it can go if the parachute fails (a broken ankle, apparently :-) )

  • Alison04/08/2011 at 23:07

    And if something goes wrong? Why wear a seatbelt in the car because you are not meant to hit the windscreen?

    You're probably in a lot of trouble whatever you're over.

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 23:08

    it will go as wrong as it can go if the parachute fails (a broken ankle, apparently :-) )

    Except with a bungee you are falling head first

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 23:09

    You're probably in a lot of trouble whatever you're over.

    True. But less trouble overwater

  • guille230604/08/2011 at 23:09

    Except with a bungee you are falling head first

    better! no broken ankle...

  • Alison04/08/2011 at 23:09

    Except with a bungee you are falling head first

    No sense no feeling.

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 23:09

    PING!!!!

    Lukeh daily

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 23:09

    better! no broken ankle...

    :D

  • Eric the baker (on vacation in the Middle Ages)04/08/2011 at 23:11

    A cheery hello from me. Going through motorcar and technology withdrawl. Sneaking wi-fi from local shop. Had to feed the beast :)

  • Steven Roy (Chief Engineer because of the accent)04/08/2011 at 23:12

    A cheery hello from me. Going through motorcar and technology withdrawl. Sneaking wi-fi from local shop. Had to feed the beast :)

    Shops with free wifi are the best. Who cares if McDonald's are creating an obese generation. THey have free wifi and you don't even need to go inside to use it