It's Franck's birthday! Woooohoo. Happy Birthday to everybody's favourite Frenchman. I hope he is having lots of lovely cake and celebrating as is appropriate for one's 32nd birthday. Meanwhile, I need to return my attention to more Formula 1 shaped things, so here's what's catching our eye at the moment:
- As Pat pointed out yesterday, we seem to be on a bit of a redesign tip at the moment, so it's only fair to point out the brand new Viva F1 site, that is actually the new destination for Pitlane Fanatic fans. It's a fresh year and a fresh start for the blog and forum, and they kick off with a great post about G forces, and a book review as well.
- Good news for Kubica fans as it looks like he will remain at Renault after concerns emerged at the end of last year regarding the investment by Genii Capital. His manager said there weren't any real doubts but they just had questions that needed answering, and it absolutely wasn't about money. Whatever it was about, it looks to be sorted now.
- I also wrote a post yesterday about the complaints from Peter Windsor over the summer shutdown. He has some interesting points but it doesn't look like he has much support, so I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the topic.
That'll do it for now. Don't forget to put yourself on the listener map if you haven't already, and I will see you in the comments.
Happy birthday Franck!
PING
Happpppy Birthday Franck!!
May your Sidepoddreamscometrue!
Happy Birthday Franck.
Is Amy starting her cake photo search early this year?
the cake search faltered last year, they just stopped appearing!
peoples, i shall bid you an early goodnight, as i am dead from the morning start. talk tomorrow.
adios mr c
Goodnight Mr C, I am going too.
Good night
G'night Mr C
Coders & dawn awakenings - do not mix
Night guv! :)
That's me going BTW. 3G internet is about to die.
Ta'ra
byye
Tom G, following the maths discussion we had a couple of days ago, I could give you more detailed advice if you emailed me (alianora . lacanta AT yahoo . co . uk (without the spaces)). I have taken Pure 1, which I believe includes all of Core 1 (Cores 1 and 2 used to be Pure 1 until the exam board worked out that it was virtually impossible to learn the syllabus in a single academic year).
Back temporarily after watching a bit of GP2 for tomorrow's review post.
I missed Dank's somewhat related blog post from MCM so I will rectify that now.
I heart Dank
I haven't got used to the waking hours for work yet. I want to stay up another hour but I shouldn't. I was up til 5am at NY, 4am next day, 3am next, 2am last night. It is now 1.10am and I know I should go to bed but I don't feel tired enough.
Every night since 2 days ago has felt like an early night, such was the consistency of my late nights over the break :-)
A warm milk based drink can be a natural sedative for some
Same here, good job I'm on lates this week
I just had chicken cup-a-soup which helped. And I've laid off the beer. Mainly that's because it is too cold in here but partly because with any alcohol I know I sleep in too long.
My comment on MFC got moderated, I must not have posted there before.. oops..
Bedtime. If I comment when at work before lunchtime you may shoo me as I have a lot to do in the morning.. apart from the first hour of the day maybe, that could be quiet. Night.
Goodnight Pat
Hey, Sidepodcasters!
At Pat W's behest (and it's too bad that I just missed him here, oh well), I'm stopping by to put in a plug for a fantasy racing game that I run that Pat's played in for the last year or so (and that I think he's come on here to talk about a few times). We're looking for a few new team owners this year, mainly because we're expanding our league upward from 10 teams, and also from losing one team owner. My wife...says she can't play due to her having a baby. What a lightweight. Anyway, the league uses drivers from F1, IndyCar, ALMS, GrandAm and NASCAR Cup, and each team is comprised of 14 drivers that each team owner drafts in an online convo that we're doing a couple of Saturdays from now. During the season, you can trade drivers with other owners or pick up free agents. To keep this post short, most of the sketchy details are available on my blog, here:
http://speedgeek.blogspot.com/2008/10/fantasy-racing-teaser-for-all-of-you.html
There's verbiage in there about the NASCAR Truck series. Ignore that, we don't use it anymore. Unless, that is, people want me to re-include it if Nelsinho gets a ride...
If you're interested in playing or if you'd like more information, my e-mail address is somewhere in the text of that blog post, or on my Blogger profile page.
Sorry if I stepped on any toes with this late-night (for those of you on the early side of the Atlantic) infomercial. Love all of the stuff here and on many of the other F1 blogs that you folks write, and here's looking forward to a great season of racing in 2010!
Not at all, we're open to all kinds of discussion here
We'd be familiar with the F1 drivers , the others not so much [for most of us]
Will take a peek though, thanks
No problem, Bassano (if I can call you by your first name; after listening to Sidepodcast for a full year, just about everybody here seems like a celebrity of sorts to me :) ). It's a league for a pretty specific sort of race fan: the type with the desire, and most importantly, the time to follow a bunch of different series. And that's not only following on TV, but also news sites, sanctioning body sites, rumor sites, etc. I'm just relieved to have found 10 or so people like myself to play against so far. Anyway, Pat thought maybe 2-3 people might be interested, so I thought I'd stop by.
Is definitely worth plugging, even more so if you can be around to big it up mid evening (UK time)
8 - 10pm seems to have more people online, you'll likely get some interest if you catch the right people
Cool. I'll have to re-plug sometime tomorrow late in my work day. Thanks!
If you're stateside, we have more than a few U.S. listener's that would have some local knowledge too
If people who listen are listeners, and people who read are readers, and people who watch, watchers, what do you call someone who does all three? (this isn't a joke with a bad punch line, i'm genuinely interested)
If they chat - commenters
If they don't - lurkers
:D
hmmm :P
To what media are you referring, or do you mean in general?
If I took the Feeder Series as an example, I have listeners, readers and at some point in the future #confidential i will have watchers;
what do you call someone who visits my site who takes in this content, i'm looking for a word of a phrase
*or a
Feeder-ites? ;)
hehe
Feeder Fans
ooh i like. theres a word on the tip of my tongue but i cant work out what it is. i hate it when that happens.
like; content users, but not
I guess they are Media Consumers, in a non-spending way
yeah, i like that. thanks
I'd go with "Feedies"... :)
Or, patrons. Maybe that's the word you're looking for? Guessing...
Patrons isn't used much this side of the pond
Feedies, I like though
Thank you for your hlep! I said i'd be in bed before 3 as I have to get up early (11am ;) ) to go for a ride to go see my other half. Adios
Less than 8 hours is ok, keeps you on your toes a little ;)
Night Jon
Yesterday I went to sleep at 4am, and woke up at 3.30pm. Winner :D
Students! [tuts and raises eyebrows ;)]
heh, I know far more about F1 than I do any of the series in the states (right now)
Hello, folks. I decided to rest all day yesterday, and am back to work today... at home. :D
How's everyone?
i am great, how are you?
I'm good. Lotsa requests to sort through though... Good thing a lot of this is junk mail. :D
nothing like time off work to make you really hate your inbox :D i had a good day as my optometrist gave me some sample daily contact lenses. The price has really come down since i last looked into it. I will see you in hell, contact lenses that require cleaning!
My personal work inbox is fine - it's our group's work inbox that's gone to pot. :O
Oooo... Contact lenses. Has your grade changed, BTW?
nope, not enough to warrant getting stronger lenses anyway. Their testing stuff was all cool and computery, puts my old optometrist to shame and makes "which is clearer, A or B" 20 times quicker. She then showed me the scans of the back of my eye in 2D and 3D! Inside of my eyes is ugly!
They do that now - and in 3D? That sounds interesting and gross at the same time...
:)
it just proves i had no idea what i was looking at because there was one alone vessel that looked about to burst to me but the expert says it was fine. I might sue her if i wake up blind :D
alone? Blood! Gah!
Hehehehe. If she says you're fine, you'll be fine. :)
I think we're alone now...
...doesn't seem to be any one a-round.
Hmmm. It is all quiet. It looks like everyone is catching up with work and all that. Anything interesting happened last night?
I was just really doing the Tiffany song. But yes it might be true.
Hahahaha! :D
So this is probably going to annoy a few people. For Christmas I was given some socks (so far, so normal). Except these socks are actually called, "oddsocks". You can't pair them you don't get pairs so they are designed to be odd...
I am so sorry Christine: http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/photo-385
They're actually not all that different. Similar colors, just a somewhat different design. :)
that is a terrible idea! No such thing as odd socks in my cupboard because i bought ten pairs of the same colour, brand and style. Throwing out all my old socks was liberating.
Hahahahaha! You really thought that through, didn't you? That is sneaky-smart! :D
Good Morning!
Hehe.
There is nothing in this world worse than folding identical black socks that are subtly different and yet these differences seem invisible under visible light conditions!
i never paired socks when i did washing and was often late in the mornings trying to find matching ones. Never again! These days i tend not to year shoes that require socks so now i have far too many :D
Hey Gavin. How are you this fine morning? :)
Good man. Hope you are too!
I'm not as cold as yesterday because I took a coffee Thermos with me on the train, therefore defeating DSB's miserly policy of not heating up the trains :D
youll find they arent black, they are very very very very dark blue
Hahaha! Sounds like a good idea, that. :)
Over here, it's a bit too warm for January...
midnight blue?
not sure, ask father ted :D
Are you in the tropics or do you have 'normal' seasons?
It's certainly the coldest winter in Denmark for a while - normally the temps are in the low positives, but we won't go above zero all week and inland Jutland went down to -19 one night.
But it's still air and snowy so for the most part it's really nice...
Tropics. We only have two seasons: sunny and rainy. ;) Nah, I'm oversimplifying it. Normally, December and January tend to be chillier than the rest of the year (although it's still very much sunny), but that's about it. Lowest temperatures in the country are just at 10 C, while in Manila, it rarely goes below 20.
How can you even put those on your feet??
I had a mate who wore odd sneakers/trainers all the time...
Alex Wurz used to wear different-colored racing shoes when he was at Benetton.
10c is cold anywhere!
Not when you compare it to 0c. ;)
Or -10c :P
Have we discussed that Shov is going to be Schumi's race engineer? What did the Brawn fans have to say about it? http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2010/01/the-latest-on-schumachers-new-engineer-at-mercedes/
We have - just saw it...
Good for Shov. In some ways, he'll be an easier assignment than Jenson, but much harder in other ways as well. But ultimately, it will be a good thing for Shov's career. All of Schumi's previous race engineers have gone on to better things:
Pat Symonds became Number Two to Flav at Renault (pre-Crashgate)
Giorgio Ascanelli is now the Lead Technical Boffin at Toro Rosso
Luca Baldiserri has now handled a number of on- and off-track positions at Ferrari
Chris Dyer, if I'm not mistaken, is now the Chief Race Engineer at Ferrari
I'd love to know after he is finished with Schumi what the difference is between him an Button, wouldn't you?
Ooooh. I'd love it if Shov talked about that. Although I'd have to admit that Pat Symonds' comparisons between Senna, Schumacher, and Alonso (all of whom he worked with) would be much more interesting.
I am sure he has a lot of free time to write a book these days ;)
:D
I would buy it.
As would I - he just has too many good stories: The Toleman Days, Ayrton Senna, The Benetton Intervention, Flav's Arrival and Coup, Michael Schumacher and the Title Days, David Richards, Renault and Flav's Return, Fernando Alonso, Spygate Mk II, and Crashgate. And plenty more in between.
By the way, anyone else following the progress of Bloodhound SSC? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8439516.stm
It's a really cool project run by Lord Paul Drayson - who is also a racing driver and team owner in the ALMS :D
They're also offering to put your name on the tail fin for a tenner!
Morning All.
About the karting event.
I can record some Audio during the karting event if you like. I'm taking my camera to the NEC anyway.
Maybe a bit of Qik streaming too, battery/signal allowing. Dependent on whether people would be ok with that.
:)
I knew it would upset you. I blame my father's wife who gave them to me.
welcome to my first eee comment. silly small keyboard!
w000000t! :D How is it so far?
me likey :D it comes with sooooo many useless programs ill never use though!
time to clean up, then?
once i work out how! add/remove programs doesnt work like it does in windows!
this is linux?
correct.
which linux do you have?
apparently its a "highly customised debian based xandros"
Apparently there is no ways they could put Jock with Schumacher - he has said in the past some very unflattering things about Schumacher including that he cannot handle pressure.
Some were saying he might pirate some people from Ferrari, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
Oddly enough, Alonso isn't bringing anyone from Renault, either...
Fat Fingered Gavin cannot use his for that reason!
No need. Ferrari have some good people there now?
The Win XP version also came bundled with a load of crap too!
Well, yes, but right now, they're closer to Felipe than Fernando. It would've been a lot easier for Fernando to fit in at Ferrari if he had some familiar faces around him.
I don't know this one :(
I was surprised that Alonso agreed without taking some of his guys. I actually think Alonso was desperate for a seat. Talking about desperate Nick Heidfeld has been offered the third seat at Mercedes but is actually also now considering joining Ralf at DTM or in sports car. Apparently the seats at Sauber and Renault are filled - this according to Bild
Why would you tell me things like that??
That's... I'm sorry, that's insane. I mean, Nick isn't the best driver out there, but he's the best free agent right now. I'd be very surprised if Sauber and Renault both passed him over.
I remember saying before that at this point in his career, Nick had to go all-in and make a bold gamble - and that's precisely what he did by waiting for that Merc seat - only to lose out to Schumacher. If Sauber and Renault both don't like being treated as Nick's 2nd or 3rd choice, is this the price Nick will have to pay now?
I replaced my Linux eee with Cruncheee another Linux distro - the other one that worked well was Easy Peasy - lest minimalist - might be an idea to use this OS if you can live with the name!
To mess with your mind, obviously :P
Mmmm... Cruncheee... I LOVE that name. :D Easy Peasy too. :)
Or you could argue that Nick is old, not that quick and a new fresh face might bring a sponsor and could be moulded to fit the team?
that sounds waaaaay beyond me. And for what I will be using it for there is really no need for me to fiddle with it.
It depends on who they're passing Nick over for. If it's a young promising rookie like a Petrov, perhaps. But if it's an even older face like Pedalo... perhaps not.
And he kept Kubica honest, so he can't be that slow...
I got to the end of F1 Racing and laughed at how it ends as out of date as it starts, with the column on how there is 'no way' Schumacher will go to Mercedes :D
A word of warning Amy - I have tried a few flavours of Linux and some require a lot more effort than others to get working properly. If you are happy with the version already on there and can use it, keep it and just learn the nuances of Linux.
F1 Racing has always been like that. It's why I stopped reading it for a while...
This from Alan Henry, who got the Jenson to McLaren move spot on before anyone else!
Although to be fair, F1 Racing's staff included Schumacher as a 'possible' for the 2nd seat at the start of the mag.
indeed. As long as I can use the web browser, thats all I'll need when Im away and when I get home Ill probably sell it again.
Linux is nice though - it's just that there are a few things in Windows I cannot live without. Having said that, it was fun to use and learn it ;)
Reading between the lines it relates to sponsorship deals. Sauber may have to go with Fisi to get competitive deals on the engine. Nick has been ruled out with Peter saying it is an experienced driver that will bring something new to the team and be a "surprise". Fisi has driven for Sauber so I an mot so sure about this rumour. This is a real wild speculation - I think they have a contract with Sato - to make an all Japanese line-up with Panasonic as the title sponsor. He is looking for a long term option for team and this might be the solution (hence why they have not changed the name so BMW is still there). Renault is very quiet - I thought Nick would be going there (and in my opinion it is a better option than Sauber) but apparently since the sale it will not be an option. Nick seems to have been on Bob Bell's shopping list but things have changed.
'sup.
Sato for Sauber would be... a very interesting gamble of a choice. I'm not sure Peter can afford rebuilding THAT many spare chassis with both Taku and Kamui around...
As for Renault, who do you think is in line for the 2nd seat?
Ello Mr Turkey Machine. :)
If you change go for Easy Peasy - it is very easy to get things working especially on the eee (it was designed for it) otherwise stick with Gavin's advice.
Haro!
Very Engrish of you, Gavin-san. :D
In the end I decided I liked Mint the best...
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/01/spacestories-gallery/all/1
Wired's Space Stories of 2009 (For Steven later...)
The best Lightning photos you'll see all day :D http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/12/pl_arts_sugimoto/all/1
#sidepodspace
In wet weather Nick's is one of the fastest drivers - Silverstone 2008 in space of about four or five laps overtook four cars in two double overtakes (including Alonso and Kimi) to get into second.
He still beat Robert this season and has two fastest laps to Robert's none during 2008.
#sidepodlightning :D
Yeah I was playing Devil's Advocate a bit because he has earned a seat in my opinion. I'm just speculating on why such a driver cannot find a seat as yet.
no idea - I think Pedalo will go to Campos - just a hunch.
There was an emphasis on surprise - the only other surprise I could think of with experience is Davidson or Ralf! But Ant has no fairy Godfather either and that is waht the team is needing funds. Same with Renault.
:D
If Nick ends up not getting one, it'll be down to one reason and one reason only: money (or the lack of it for Nick).
I remember someone mentioning before that Gravity has a stable of drivers whom they can tap for Renault (sounds familiar much?) Although I'm not sure if I understood that correctly.
He gambled on the Mercedes seat - the rest are filled or you pay to fill. I think he had to do it. I think he would make a good sportscar driver.
Le Mans? Get an Audi drive, perhaps?
He had McLaren backing back in the day. Or are we forgetting that? ;)
It got him to F1, but not to McLaren, sadly...
McLaren was always attached to his ties with Mercedes.
two decades ago! ;)
1998 and 1999
Ye gods, I'd almost forgot he was an F3000 driver in 1999!
and the 90s were two decades ago! ;) ;)
:P
Didn't he get passed over for Raikkonen?
That's right. And he never got a look in again.
They both had the chance to prove themselves at Sauber. The upshot was that Nick had already had a season in F1 with that dire Prost AP03 and knew all the circuits on the calendar in an F1 car. Raikkonen didn't and STILL wiped the floor with him. No wonder McLaren made the right call.
F3000 champion in 1999. In his rookie year (1998) he gave Montoya some serious competition and won three races. In the final race of the season he was demoted to the back of the grid from pole position, after his team used non-compliant fuel, he finished the race ninth and out of the points, losing the championship by seven points to Montoya. Nick never had much luck.
I wouldn't say wiped the floor - Nick did outscore him, after all. But I guess they saw that Kimi had more potential (and Mika probably endorsed him too).
How can you say Kimi wiped the floor - Nick scored more points and the only podium for Sauber? Sure Nick had experience of the tracks
2001 Brazilian Grand Prix (wet as I recall). Plus, people were raving about Raikkonen's 4th places in an inferior car and not being too far off the leading trio.
One race does not wipe the floor - Nick got a podium which Kimi did not get all year and 50% more points. I agree Kimi showed huge talent and Macca could see more growth.
Here's an article about Brabham and Bernie from Speedhunters. Some excellent Pics too: http://speedhunters.com/archive/2010/01/04/retrospective-bernie-and-brabham-the-grand-prix-pirates.aspx
Actually I think it was Brazil that Nick got on the podium - are you not a little confused?
Heidfeld had 5 6th places, a 4th, and a 3rd. Raikkonen had 2 4ths and a 5th and a 6th, but never finished lower than 8th when he took the flag. That Heidfeld is Mr Consistent with regard to finishes means he doesn't have the outright speed that teams are looking for.
No, I was referring to Heidfeld's podium in Brazil, Raikkonen got 4th in Austria and Canada.
Is that wiping the floor? Best results Kimi had was 2 fourths compared to a third and a fourth - then you have one fifth and a sixth compared to five six places.
OK, I might be salting my words somewhat. I remember Raikkonen's performances more vividly than Heidfeld's. The guy hustled the car better.
I feel like we've been here many many many times before.
That is actual a style thing - Nick is like Jenson very smooth - now you know why those are two of my favourite 3 drivers.
Great article, even greater pics. The pictures... just awesome.
And that is why McLaren hired him instead of Heidfeld. Don't rely on the stats too much! I also remember Kimi was doing well at Imola until the steering wheel broke and he crashed it...
many many many many many many
Too many times.
I feel stats should be used to support a discussion, not be a discussion. I hope that's what I can do with my blog...
Kathi lives! Did Kathi get my email?
Speedhunters is actually a very good website. I don't care for the drifting, but they have done loads of articles on F1 and sportscars that have been very well written with excellent photos!
I was unliving for a bit?
Yes I did.
you were probably asleep :D
The sport is about scoring points - so it is actually more than stats - it is the currency for success, it wins championships. One point makes or breaks you as a world champion. Jenson dominated this season from the start, yet people still question his driving and his worthiness as a champion.
You are right, but that is a very cold and unromantic view of a very artistic and passionate sport. I doubt the Tifosi loved Schumacher, Mansell, Villeneuve and other because of the number of points scored ;)
I don't like jet lag, I don't like cold weather. experiencing both now
You might be able to make that case for Schumacher... Definitely not for Nigel or Gilles, though. ;)
Ouch. Hey Mr Wolf. If I may ask: you see, I just booked race tickets for Shanghai in April. :D What's a good hotel in Shanghai you can recommend?
the last few times I went I stayed in one of the Holiday Inns, let me dig out which one was that
Yes, please do. :) Thank you!
Booo. Are you waking up at crazy times?
You have to understand I am a cold analytical type - so I like strategy hence when Fernando beat Schumacher first time - it was a strategic victory. I once liked Fernando (when he beat Schuey). But somebody has to love the Jenson's and Nick's of the world - it would be very dull if we all loved Lewis.
got it, Holiday Inn Vista - it was quite good compromise price, quality, location
the other hotel I stayed few times was Pacific Hotel on Nanjing Road West. also OK, very good location
It would be very nice if we all loved Lewis - or waved back at him ;)
normal times, which is crazy in my case :-)
will look up both of them. thank you very much, Wolf. :)
The trick is to try and wake up at 'breakfast time' before you land, try and stay up until tea time and then you'll sleep for the night. I have done that a few time and had no jet lag!
It would be booooring! If he waved to me I would wave back which is more than I would do for Schuey.
the Pacific Hotel gets mixed reviews, some great, some very bad. I think it depends on your luck what room you get. I was always lucky I think :-) there is Radisson right next to it with great breakfast and lots of F1 people, Marriot with even more F1 people within 5 mins walk (not counting the time needed to cross the road :-) )
Ahhh... now you're talking! Thank you for that, Wolf. :)
Have found a way of acquiring two tickets for Autosport International for the price of one. But it's not guaranteed.
If you call the hotline (0844 579 3188) and say you have been given promo code "AS04241" and wish to enquire if it is still valid, the operator will probably tell you that because it's last year's code, which it is.
The rest is down to you. You'll need use your charm, or say how disappointed you are (but don't be a complete git about it) and they'll offer you the same two-for-one offer this year, so £31 for two tickets rather than £62.
Like I say, not guaranteed to always work, but it did for me this morning and couple of the guys and gals over at Pistonheads.
Oooh did you find the offer on Pistonheads? Thought you weren't keen on that site? ;)
I'm not. But I <3 Google.
:D
I'd be quick about that, then, lest they notice something is up and decide to have a policy on it. :)
Unless they're having big problems shifting tickets!
In which case they should release a new promo code. :)
Too quiet around here......
At work, and snow is really bad. Might get out early.
or maybe not *pushes out bottom lip*
Don't get snowed in!
Morning all
Hello!
Morning!
Still...
Morning, Lukeh! Just about. ;)
I did get up at 8! But... I may have fallen asleep again. oopsy.
:D
Bloody students.....
;)
Why do all the good things happen in Selfridges in london? Lou met a certain formula one driver there, and now this excellent exhibit
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8439976.stm
I have no idea why I want to go see it. I just do!
Shhhhhhh :)
What's the story behind the cover, Lukeh?
Now I have a job and have to get up at 7am on a regular basis I quite rightly feel aggrieved!
Well the last few tracks (Exogenesis Symphony) of the album are based upon starting a new life away from earth, so I'm assuming it's based on that, the idea of looking back on earth. The colours are supposed to look like a corridor as well as something else but I forget what...
plus it's just lovely and colourful :D
7am ... lucky you! 5am for me :P
I get up several times a week at 6 or 7am for work still! It's not all lazy lazy lazy :P
It reminds me of the end of 2001: A Space Odyssey ....
Happy Heidfeld says he's still confident of a 2010 drive in F1 despite someone bumping his way ahead of him in the Mercedes queue
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80736
Pretty much confirms Sauber drive for me really. Although stranger things have happened...
#MFC Facebook blocks some sort of deletion service: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8441080.stm
I'm not sure why you would want to do this though?
Peter Sauber has confirmed that it will not be Nick - most recent speculation is Fisi. Haug has also only confirmed contact with Nick about the third test driver option.
I think Sauber should be brave an go for Sato and then there can be an all Swiss-based Jap team and we can pretend its WWIII
Could still be Renault.
Rich, is there something we should know about you?
I'm just ever so slightly scared.....
The Italians/Latins, the Germans, the Brits, the Japs, the French, the Americans, the Indians... We can go on and on here...
And we should stop right there before someone says something stupid :P
Raikkonen: WRC title would mean more - http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80735
Firstly - That's another Ex-F1 driver saying that they're glad they left the sport
Secondly - This sounds to me like a long-term commitment
Thirdly - If he enjoys a WRC Car 10 times more than the S2000 he's not gonna like it when they go to S2000 rules next year :(
I like knowing that his nephews are three and four and already karting. More Raikkonens please!
Hmmm... So he likes it now... But he'd have a reason to leave... juuuuust in case. ;)
By any chance do you mean...
TITUS RAIKKONEN?
Still the best name ever
No worries I am a complete pacifist and hate nationalism in all of its forms so it was actually a joke. Peter said it would be a "surprise". I do not rate either Pedalo or Fisi very highly but Fisi is better. Surprisingly yes I would go for Sato if that was the choice. We have also forgotten about Bourdais!
I was shocked to see Titus did not make the top 10 baby names in New Zealand of 2009.
The original interview was longer, but I found it only in German. :(
:P
As has the F1 community. ;)
:D
What I have read it seems unlikely they want one of their drivers.
Booo other languages, booo! ;)
I also like that his most hated part of military service was getting up early. He'd fit in so well here.
S'alright, he should stick with Peugeot anyway!
I think Nick should join Kimi and go Rallying. He also likes motor-cycle racing but I doubt he would challenge Rossi
SNOW! Not enough to cause travel chaos, but enough that the train companies cancel trains cos they can't run a service in this country adequately.
It's the same everywhere mate. The trains in Denmark are useless too and it took a week for the councils to salt and clear the roads :(
I walked on the road this morning to work (main road, 4 lanes, busy traffic at 40 mph) because the pavements were frozen solid and so treacherous I slid about a yard in one foul swoop.
trains run fine here (when they don't stick out of hotels) and they just leave the roads white. Your countries are weird.
You leave the roads white? How do you drive/cycle/walk???
Easy. on top of the snow. Stops ice from forming
You just walk on the snow.... The problem is if you thaw it out and it refreezes, then you get ice. Leaving snow isn't a problem at all.
So why bother salting then?
They must plow the rail lines, surely?
It's fair to say we are not geared up for the cold.
We're not geared up for anything in this hellhole. :(
A heavy snow fall has basically just started, like 2 minutes ago, and my mum has phoned home saying they may be closing the school. Nuff said :)
If there's anything wet on the ground like rain or slush, you need to grit to stop ice forming. You're definitely best of leaving snow alone though.
no snow where i am.. just ice.. the tiny amount of snowfall we had overnight has gone already
I don't know. They just put these little stones out occasionally or sand if it's very icy.
don't know.
Anyways talking about grit is a moot point. My county has run out.
How Stuff Works: http://science.howstuffworks.com/road-salt.htm
Still doesn't explain why you wouldn't just leave the roads white...
our trains stop running and the transport system goes into chaos because its too hot :D
do you think snow will close Greggs?
Nah, Greggs keeps going no matter what.
Right?
I guess because you don't have enough snow and it's too warm so the little snow you have melts and forms ice over night when it's colder and then kills people.
No danger of that happening here so they can just leave the roads white. And spiked tyres are allowed here unlike other European countries.
Of course not - how can Greggs be awesome if it is closed for the snow?
It better because no-ones been shopping in our house and I'm a hungry hippo!
Bingo. When I went to Iceland a couple of years ago they all had spiked tyres on their cars, and they sound like loads of dog's claws running on hardwood!
Finland shuts down during June/July, there are no trains during summer #slightexaggeration
Same for Denmark in July. Feels like everyone leaves!
We're the only country that can't get anywhere on our train system on Boxing Day. Consequently, we had to run my brother down to London to see his girlfriend by car. Early start Boxing Day nearly killed me. :(
That was worth the trek :)
They were open!
om nom nom?
Hi all!!
I'm still alive and lurking! lol
ohhh yes :)
LTRFTL?
(Long Time Reader, First Time Lurker)
The UK is terrible in the cold....Because we don't get proper winters our goverment choose not to invest in cold weather equipment. There's a policy of waiting until the last possible second before committing funds for gritting etc...
Yet we'll splash millions translating leaflets into 80+ different languages...
I do find it funny though that the bad weather only gets reported if the South East gets a little chilly..
Right i'll step back off my soapbox....
Bought my Silverstone tickets today...Bernie I despise you!!
There was quite a big queue as well. Clearly everyone is taking the same idea of 'it's snowing heavy! we must fill up our tummies in fear of this winter of discontent!'
That or because it's lunchtime. I prefer my idea.
:)
Very good, what did you get?
LTRPSTLLR
Long Term Reader/Poster, Spent To Long Lurking Recently
Happy Birthday Franck!
Also, it's a snow day for me today - college is cancelled and I've spent most of the last hour helping Mum to clear the driveway. Conclusion? I'm rubbish at clearing snow away...
So I didn't actually plug my gamboling article yesterday... But as this one is all about answers from the comments... What was the first film you remember seeing : http://www.gamboling.co.uk/2010/01/what-was-first-film-you-remember-seeing.html
Replied! Many scary moments have returned to my mind :)
*cries*
Oh no! What are the chances of me remembering something like that? :(
Oh dear. At least I didn't do it on MCM.
grrrr why can I never comment on your blog *kicks chrome*
Replied. Sky was wonderful!
I'm using Chrome and commented just fine. Yours must be broken. *laughs maniacally*
Chrome on the EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPC?
its really odd because I can never comment on blogger blogs when I use Chrome. Google own them both! And I know it works for other people!
didnt you have problems with mine too when I was on blogger? Maybe blogger doesn't like you? Which is just rude really
noooo I am on the Vaio now :D
Ooh, I know. The first film I remember is my first Film Watch, cos that's the time I started paying attention.
http://www.smarterthanyouraverage.com/2009/04/23/film-watch-01-groundhog-day
Yay for plugging! :)
wooo, internet explorer to the rescue. Ugh.
Lunchtime.
Some #sidepodspace news, some planets have been found:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8440392.stm
ooooh, colourful
Wired had some cool pictures of them: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/01/spacestories-gallery/all/1
Check out the article tags :D
James Allen on this morning's Raikkonen interview: http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2010/01/raikkonen-feels-that-f1-is-on-the-wrong-track/
Hmm, he seems to have a different take on the comments...
:)
I just like Kimi's comments on the 2009 Ferrari and that five races aged Fisi 10 years! How much aging did Badoer experience in just two?
morning all.
(haven't just woken up, been busy)
Afternoon for those in civilised company. ;)
for a second there... ;)
Kimi interview in english:
http://en.redbulletin.com/articles/kimi
Is it this to Ferrari?
This may be referring not only to Ferrari, but perhaps to his other previous teams as well, like McLaren.
i forgot a must comment monday:
http://www.f1minute.com/2010/01/04/04-jan-10-kubica-set-to-stay-at-renault/
#sorrychristine
He's so like Lauda it's not funny!
So this is probably going to annoy a few people. For Christmas I was given some socks (so far, so normal). Except these socks are actually called, "oddsocks". You can't pair them you don't get pairs so they are designed to be odd... {Comment #65}
I really, really like that idea! :)
maybe... at least McLaren didn´t say to the world that: "Then, we realised that our team needed a driver capable of really getting involved with the engineers, a characteristic that was not part of Kimi’s genetic make-up, even though he is an amazingly talented guy..."
I can record some Audio during the karting event if you like. I'm taking my camera to the NEC anyway.
Maybe a bit of Qik streaming too, battery/signal allowing. Dependent on whether people would be ok with that {Comment #96}
I'm certainly OK with it :) I'm hoping to do some recording (non-live) and I think there will be other people recording stuff too.
I'm translating the whole interview at the moment. Because I at least find it quite interesting.
*reads comments*
or not
Ah, but is it correctly translated by the magazine or do you differ? ;)
The translation isn't into German left out a few things.
I remember that and I thought how nice?
that isn't is too much.
I was surprised that Alonso agreed without taking some of his guys. I actually think Alonso was desperate for a seat. Talking about desperate Nick Heidfeld has been offered the third seat at Mercedes but is actually also now considering joining Ralf at DTM or in sports car. Apparently the seats at Sauber and Renault are filled - this according to Bild {Comment #115}
:O
There is some serious lack of sense going on in F1's driver situation. I'd have thought Nick should have been a certain choice for either Sauber or Renault. I guess this means Jerome d'Ambrosio will be the first F1 driver with an apostrophe in his name since USA 1959...
Hopefully Fisi has the Sauber seat, because the only other rumour I've heard recently places the somewhat underwhelming Pedro de la Rosa there...
Boooooooooo, from alan baldwin on twitter
French court overturns Briatore's life ban from F1. More on reuters.co.uk soon
what? shoot.
breakout thread coming.
What the...?
Twitter now be going mad with news about the overturning decision from the courts
That's crazy. Means he can still be in charge of QPR for a start!
Uk weather warnings:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_warnings.html?day=1
I may be posting this because it actually affects me for once ;-)
That must be why they did it!
what??
I am still mulling over Peter Sauber's guess who I have signed...
“I find the combination that we have is a good one,”
"With Kobayashi, sure, it's a bit of a risk, but I've got a very good feeling. The other will be an experienced man who brings his familiarity, but also new ideas and new knowledge into the company."
“I know [who it is] – but we are not as far as being able to announce it. You will be surprised who it is – but the mix is important for the team. The direction was clear early on, when there were six experienced drivers on the market.”
Who could the six be with that much experience?
Pedalo is slow
Fisi drove for the team in 2004
JV drove for them and was fired
Sato - he has experience?
Christian - hardly new blood?
Bourdais sure would be a surprise but did not seem a team leader?
I know, it must be PK with his dad!
ping: http://sidepodcast.com/2010/01/05/french-court-overturns-briatores-f1-life-ban/
Also, that was a little weird. Posted the comment but all the buttons said "Reply".
Or you could argue that Nick is old, not that quick and a new fresh face might bring a sponsor and could be moulded to fit the team? {Comment #121}
I'd probably argue that Gravity (Renault's new part-owners) were desperate to get one of their drivers in (they sponsor several drivers in feeder series, of which Jerome is the best) and Sauber is a bit short of money (of the three candidates, Nick was the only one who might have asked for a salary) and/or Peter thinks Fisi is better than Nick (because there's no possibility that he could think Pedro is better than either).
It's not age in the Sauber case because Nick is the youngest of the three candidates. He's definitely faster than any other candidate for Renault's other seat and is faster than Pedro (the speed comparison with Fisi is arguable). In Renault's case it could be the "fresh face might bring in sponsor and could be moulded to fit the team", though - in a sense, Jerome could be a condition for forging/sweetening the Gravity/Renault deal and would undoubtedly be flexible due to his rookie status.
http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/renault-confirms-boullier/
Renault confirms Boullier as team principal.
I wonder if they timed this to send a message that Flav's not coming back, ban or no ban.
I think you have summarised it all rather well - I am sure it is going to be a fresh face from the Gravity pool. I think Nick is a lot better than Fisi - if for no other reason he has never been dominated by his team mate the way Fisi has routinely been. Nick is 32 so he is not that ancient either.
I still say that Sato would be better than Pedalo and Fisi has aged 10 years according to Kimi!
either way, I am going to sleep now. NY Resolution fail.
Night Amy
fourstar and I were working at the same computer just now. I said, "ah I know where it is this is on a page I was on earlier". And so I opened up the history and found the page. While I was doing that I sang a little of "If I could turn back time".
Fourstar responded, quick as you like, with "shh, you're over Cher-ing".
Night Amy.
Night Amy!
:D At least it's a step forward. ;) Night Amy.
Hehehe, shh. Don't encourage him.
Night Amy.
You may have to get used to it slowly - it helps I think...
Isn't that from Aqua, though?
I think Aqua added an 'only'
Ahhh. So they did.
And R Kelly added "the hands of"
That's all I can think of.
I'm amazed, Christine. I'll leave you to wonder whether this amazement is a good or bad thing :)
I will take it as a good thing, because I can never normally participate in music conversations. I don't care if it's good or bad music, I know stuff!
Good point :D
:)
I think Nick is a lot better than Fisi - if for no other reason he has never been dominated by his team mate the way Fisi has routinely been. Nick is 32 so he is not that ancient either. {Comment #338}
Fisi's only been dominated by his team-mate for three-and-a-bit seasons, and two of them were by a driver some argue is the best driver in F1 (and would therefore have beaten anyone). Nick's been dominated in one season (2008), though I will concede that there were sound regulation-based reasons for that domination and the tables got turned the season after that.
The age point is relative. 32 compared to 24 (Jerome's age) is ancient. 32 compared to 37/39 (Fisi's and Pedro's ages respectively) is a spring chicken.
I still say that Sato would be better than Pedalo and Fisi has aged 10 years according to Kimi! {Comment #338}
The first part of that sentence I agree with completely. Sato has leadership skills, speed and experience and wouldn't do that badly in the context of the Sauber seat. I'm not sure how one is supposed to figure out the latter...
Fourstar responded, quick as you like, with "shh, you're over Cher-ing".
Isn't that from Aqua, though? {Comment #347}
Cher sung that song in 1989, five years before Aqua were formed.
I would go for Sato over Fisi - he really made a hash of the Ferrari drive. I cannot remember but I think Kovy towards the end of the season did better than Fisi and scored a few more points. Fisi is still way better than Pedalo who is ancient and not raced recently and he is no Schumacher.
I can't go back outside so I'm about to blitz my house. Finally getting round to listening to some of the SPC Christmas output! I'm really enjoying it even if it is belated....
I am simply amazed that you guys find the time to put out more podcasts than I can reasonably listen to :P
:)
we do our bestest.
What are you listening to?
Currently your awards show #sorrychristine
Keep trying ;) It took me about two months to get around to listening to SidePodRadio - one international flight took care of that :)
No, that's good. Enjoy :)
I can never be mad at anyone for not keeping up with podcasts.
Good! I also haven't listened to anything apart from the advent calendar since before Abu Dhabi. Ooops. I will get caught up :P
I'm always good at missing stories when they come out so how many days ago did the USF1 website finally change?
christmas (ish).
sneaky people. I always miss the news at this time of year.
time for me to disappear again. see you all sometime when I get a spare 15 minutes to follow F1. life here is busier, but great :)
See ya later ;)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2007/03/01/grandprix_saboteurs_feature.shtml
Really good interview with Joe about Saboteurs from a couple of years ago.
Interesting that it's Steve Bunce interviewing him ... didn't think he was into F1?
No, have never picked that up. Mainly boxing and football innit?
Hey all.
Hey buddy.
Yeah that's what I thought too!
The last one I listened to was the one I sent the voicemail to. Haven't caught one since, since migrating computers.
actually, I'm supposed to be going to watch Mythbusters with the boy, but I think he's wrapped up in building something right now.
http://bit.ly/7gR7lC
"There's a deer on the track"
"A dear?"
"yes, it's like a horse with horns"
"haha, yes, a deer, oh dear"
classic
Evening all!
:D
Hahahaha, brilliant!
Tidying up is not going well. I'm trying to unpack which I really should have done months ago. I'm very easily distracted though!
Predictable as ever from myself but... does anyone who knows anything about coding know anything about something called Prolog concerning java?
prolog is a language of its own, no? or can you call it from java?
you're unpacking to go away?
Sort of... I can't find any of my clothes. Most of my summery stuff is still packed from moving house :P
Well we're not sure. We've not done prolog (none of us actually know what it is as we've never been taught it?) but we have to put a prolog program into Java. Which has just blown my mind because, even though I don't mind doing Java, we've never been tsught anything regarding putting pre-built programs into our code. or at least we think it's a program, it's a .jar file at least we're working with. I realise how badly explained that is but... that is all I literally have to go off!
Things I learned today...
Two people had the final say on Legard's inclusion within the BBC F1 team.
1. Mark Wilkin (BBC F1 Editor)
2. Martin Brundle (some ex-F1 driver)
Brundle was presented with the choice of Legard or David Croft after Ben Edwards was unable to agree terms.
So now we know who is to blame for all of this.
PROLOG is it's own (interpreted, I think) language like perl or Python (in the sense that it's interpreted).
The programming is WAY different, though. IIRC by looking at the one prolog program I had to do, you make assertions (like, James has passed class X, although syntax ain't like that) and then you can do stuff with those assertions.
Barrowman!!!!! *shakes fist*
...oh.
Brundle!!!!! *shakes fist*
a .jar file is actually just a .zip file with a different name, you can unzip it and see what the contents are if you want to poke around.
Unfortunately I've never used Java to work on Prolog, always used a prolog interpreter
err... different file extension.
ahhh, that makes more sense to me, it's just a matter of making java use the jar package within the code then if I;m understand the brieifing correctly. Hmm. *puts thinking cap on*
do you actually have to write any prolog code right now?
Well in the bigger scale of the assignment it mentions sorting out different medical symptons and whatnot based in prolog, but the initial tasks require us to run a prolog engine in a java invironment. The only api I have at the moment is one called JIProlog but again, we're being required to do things that we've not actually been instructed about at all in the past 2 years! It's really bizarre.
Unfortunately at at least one of the tracks around here, drivers have hit deer a handful of times over the years and been killed. I was trying to find an in car video I had seen of Mustang hitting a deer on it's right front, but I couldnt find it. There was no way for the driver to avoid it (if he had tried to correct he would have been off into the wall), deers head ended up in the passengers seat. If a passenger had been there he probably would have been killed.
and i've always blamed brundle for that.
not sure if we knew this infor already, or just presumed it?
so they're giving you real world experience (trying to figure something out on your own with little help, which I have to do a lot)
shhhhhh, im a student :P
No I think I'll work it out soon enough. It was just the initial wonder of what the actual prolog stuff was when it hasn't been brought up at all by any lecturers
I think everyone presumed it?
I believe Brundle sees Crofty as a threat. Was interested about Ben Edwards though, he'd have been very good behind the mic.
really? last time it was discussed, we thought he didn't approve of croftie's more laid back style.
they have different roles, how is he a threat?
I can post my prolog homework program if you'd like to see it.
If it's not any hassle? I'd hate to go taking anything or anyone else's time from my own logistic problems...
Crofty knows his onions. His style (in GP2 Series at least) was quite energetic, knowledgeable and possibly encroached on his co-commentator, making them fairly redundant at times.
Going against the grain a bit, I'm not Brundle's biggest fan. I kinda get the impression he's ego is a little bit too big at times.
i don't think so. not with ant, nor maurice. he was basically flying solo when jonny noble was asleep in the box though.
i can only assume they had a falling out at some point?
If it (might possibly) help a fellow student, it's not a hassle. Plus it's just a simple "cp" command into the proper directory:
http://korriban.compnor.net/prolog/
Unfortunately it probably won't help.
If you have any questions you can DM me on twitter or something and I can try and help, must be going now.
Thanks, I really appreciate it :) if anything does come up I'll try not to annoy you too much about it :P
Byee!
Evening all
Evening all
Back at Classic Team Lotus today, mainly making phone calls helping out to try and sort things for ASI.
But I clicked onto GTPlanet.net and have found that there's a massive GT5 feature in the new Official Playstation Magazine, which exclusively reviews that the game will feature, along with NASCAR, the IRL cars and tracks! Plus, every circuit will have full weather effects and the ability to race it at night :D
http://www.gtplanet.net/night-racing-weather-indy-cars-irl-confirmed-for-gt5/
I am around - not too pleased with various bits of news today.
I don't know about you guys, but the prospect of blasting down Mulsanne in an LMP1 car at 200mph at night in driving rain is both scary yet exciting.
Oooooh, awesome. Summer 2010 right?
Right time to get a PS3 then....
#andgoes
March for Japan, as for the rest of the world - *shrugs shoulders* Pass?
Hopefully summer for us then although I can see it being autumn (although how much regionilization does a racing game need?!)... at least we'll be finally getting it in 2010 though :)
Evening. Am about to have a go at installing C&C Generals again and testing it online for the first time. Something my mate wants to try.
If you just want the main details, I suggest reading this:
http://www.virtualr.net/gran-turismo-5-playstation-magazine-reveals-new-details/
Oooh, excellent stuff. Although I'm sure there were night time races in the only GT games? or at least those few city tracks were... I forget their name
Nevertheless, cant wait! :D
*older
Ah the Clubman and Special Stage Route circuits, 5 and 11. Don't forget Rome Night from GT2 and the Paris "George V" circuit from GT4.
But this is the first GT where ALL circuits will be able to be driven at night.
Oooooooooooooooooh. Now I getcha. That's pretty awesome then.
I say again - Le Mans + LMP1 car + 200mph + night + rain = Terrifying, but at the same time an epic prospect.
Nightmare for the crashaholics amongst us.
#nothere
#buyingaps3 ;)
did we plug big pic today? can't remember, here's another just in case:
http://f1bigpicture.com/
Already have one.
Nice headline
Tis the reason why mine is still sitting besides me (although Uncharted 2 is bloody brilliant in all fairness)
GT5 is going to be the bees knees though. Possible alltime greatest console racer? Looking likely.
Hey RG are you around? Being the other Sauber fan who do you think Peter is hinting at as the other driver?
That was quick.
i think i've sat in that boardroom
If only Timo wasn't signed up for any other team :P
!!
with Bradley Lord :P
!!!
Mr C is one exclamation away from a mind being blown
(lets see how many !'s i can get)
Who gave me and my dad a tour of the factory
In a parallel universe Timo and Nick could be at Sauber - but realistically given that Peter said it was going to be a big surprise - a bit like Norbert's surprise was MS returning.
No I'm not around.
I have no idea in all honestly, I'm doubting its Nick, or Petrov, or Klien (which surprises me) or Timo (:().
Scarily thinking its gonna be either de la Rosa or Fisichella (both who I don't want, but out of the two I prefer Fisi).
Though, he might do a Schumacher and bring Diniz out of retirement
I'm surprised he hasn't exploded.
could do worse still and bring Ralf out - thought of that one - lots of experience, new blood to the team he he!
Ooooh, Heinz Harald Frentzen. Theres a shout.
Better not what with Schuamcher back....
Wendlinger?
He was there before Nick became my fan - they come from the same town as well.
I think Mr C did actually explode
sounds messy!
Got one at Christmas.
Steve Bunce interviewing Joe just sounds odd. He should stick to boxing.
Ok, lets play the "help Jon with his assignment" game....
Think of a race, where there was an accident (dosent have to be F1) and that if the marshals hadn't have done such a fast/good job, then the driver would be dead/seriously injured.
Diniz, Nuburgring 1999?
Although it's F1, Kubica at Canada? Or Felipe Massa with Hungary?
Zanardi, Lausitz
Kubica-Canada
Martin Donnelly-Spain
Zanardi-in IRL
etc
OOOH! Why didn't i think of that! Good shout.
Ooh, what about Capello's LMS crash at Monza?
"In addition, the FIA intends to consider appropriate actions to ensure that no persons who would engage, or who have engaged, in such dangerous activities or acts of intentional cheating will be allowed to participate in Formula One in the future.”
http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/
Can we not apply this to Schumacher returning!
mark hughes, not jonny noble. sorry jonny.
hey janna, wrong thread ;)
Sorry, can you move it or can I?
consider it done :)
Ahh procrastination, my favourite thing. This is blowing my mind tonight.
http://uk.akinator.com/
Even the really obscure stuff it's guessing right!
#sidepodspace
I saw a couple of comments earlier on exoplanets. NASA's official release on the first 5 Kepler discoveries is at the link below. The first planet outside the solar system was found in 1995 and now there are over 400 known exoplanets but none like Earth yet.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/kepler/news/kepler-5-exoplanets.html
woah. that's spooky
!!!
He guessed I was thinking of Jenson!
It got Muse's manager for god sake! Muse i can understand... but their MANAGER?
It got Alonso too!
It is awesome! And very distracting as I wanna keep trying more!
I may have him with my one. I'll let you know...
it didn't get Heikki :(
:(
haha. i was thinking of Anthony Hamilton and it said Bernie!!
It got JYS as well!
So far it's got 3 out of 3 here.
Hehehe. Hasn't heard of Joe Jordan though has he.
does it know christine on the internet?
Trouble is, it's slowing my Firefox down, so I'm still on person one! I'm on question 17 though, and he's not close!
He's struggling with Timo Salonen, Finnish world rally champion from the 80s. Closest he's got is Tommi Makinen :D
Mwahaha, i kept going with Ant Ham and he never got it mwahahaha
2 out of 2 for me. My trick, go through the Spurs team. #sorryCudicini
Ha! I chose Jonathan Pearce (Football and Robot Wars commentator), and he thought it was paul merton!
Hehe :D
he will next time
Couldn't get Henri Toivonen either :D
It doesn't know the Hairy Bikers.
It got Nick Heidfeld - even though I answered one question wrong (by accident!)
I tried. I got: someone you encountered somewhere :D
I quite like that name too :)
:)
Did not get Franck though.... sorry Christine
Apparantly Oliver Turvey is a friend of mine.
Boooo. Silly thing.
Rats! It got Loeb.
oooh good shout
I'm scared, went for Timo Glock
It asked me if he made me happy.....!
Didn't get Jonathan Palmer
And this is a surprise because?
He is now in the database! He is married? I said no.
My next fuest post is on Francois Cevert and it never got close to him. After guessing Ratzenberger, Clark and Peterson its final two questions were wash he a basketball player. That has to be unlikely.
We now it made you happy admit it. With Nick not in the picture I guess Timo will be number 1 even though I do not like Nick Wirth.
About the Akinator thing.... anyone else think the genie guy is the spitting image of Tonio Liuzzi?!
hey when - very sad he died so briefly into his career and was also a great classical pianist.
So that was what he was doing when not racing?
It's partly done but will take a few days before it is finished. I am not sure whether to post one at a time or to do a short series like before.
Hadn't noticed, but there is a resemblance.
I've beaten it 3 times now.
spread it one at a time!
so who were they?
ah-ha. we has a new "series link" box now, if that's makes any difference?
base of this post: http://sidepodcast.com/2010/01/01/most-prolific-contributors-for-2009/
Steven you really really need a blog.
Sidepodmod *gestures*
"Steven Needs a Blog, Steven Needs a Blog..."
It got Aslan (I'm currently watching Chronicles of Narnia)
Hairy biker Dave Myers, 1970s actor Derek Fowlds and Portugese Singing Sensation Tony Ferrino (aka Steve Coogan)
I don't do anything like enough original stuff to justify a blog
You don't have to do it often *cough lou (i know you're watching ;))*
There is no point having a site that does nothing for weeks on end. I would only have my own site if I had decent content going up on a regular basis
Funnily enough, didn't get Liuzzi when I put it to the test.
Haha
Oh my goodness
How embarrassing considering all his hard work modelling for the site!
yes?
*cough*
http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/The-Feeder-Series/269388571270?ref=ts
*cough*
It did not get Jo Siffert but it very quickly got to the ex lead singer of the Finnish Metal band Nightwish (Kovy's favourite group and mine).
I think you do - so go for it.
Duly noted :)
http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/mrc-jpg
what?!
WOOOOOOOOOOAH
OIII!!!! grrrrrrr
*is not here*
what?
!!!!!
:D I love the fact he doesn't have a picture!
True to life then. :P
I tried searching for it again and all I got was max mosley and ron dennis
#worryingtimes
I got Nelsinho but first guessed wrong with Bruno Senna.
Muse is playing on Holby City right now.
#lukeh
Yay!
Here's a picture of Mr C:
http://bit.ly/8rKQpj
looking for christine, it's so far picked katie price and james may.
:D
I don't know whether to laugh or not...
Awww I shouldn't laugh really
pingu: http://sidepodcast.com/2010/01/05/erics-in-enstone/
I don't like this game anymore.
It gets to pop stars very quickly even obscure ones.
Surely you're in the database now?
That's probably what people think of first!
It didn't get Tony Ferrino.
:D :D :D
It did not get our current most popular band Freshly Ground's lead singer - it does not actually like Africans very much
It got to Jeremy Clarkson very quickly!
This is rrrubish. I'm all ready for snow tomorrow, I've got my laptop so I can work from home, my mother rang to tell me it's snowing with her & heading my way, and what happens? RAIN - How am I supposed to sit in my pyjamas all day tomorrow with no snow :(
I confused it terribly with Milka Duno cos she is both an ex model, a racing driver and woman! he he USF1 should hire her - they will then get noticed in the paddock.
I think it's called a sickie.
Jon, you just got linked:
http://www.junioropenwheeltalent.com/2010/01/05/linkage-3/
Just found this, love it.
http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Most-Useless-Machine/
woop. i struggled with that guide, theres alot of conflicting info about WSR, so glad it's been read
In the style of *Good Morning Vietnam*
GOOOOD Evening Side-Pod-Caaaast!
That is awesome!
I need one of those
brilliant!
Hello
I like this use of twitter. This map plots all of the snow fall tweeted under #uksnow with a rating out of 10 http://uksnow.benmarsh.co.uk/
Hey, all!
It's not a great map. I can only see white out of my window but according to the map I have none
Hi
Good evening and greetings. Today didn't kill me, and tomorrow certainly won't!
Did you bobsled?
Nope, but I did sign out at lunch to go play in a snowy field, it'd be perfect for it!
I know we like to leave in groups but I've not seen people arrive in groups for a while :-)
Hi...
It's only plotting where people have tweeted in, it's not a proper weather map. I just like the idea of showing a trending topic like this graphically
Oooh I wanna go sledging. I fell over on a wet floor at work today though and I'm scared sledging injuries would be unbearable on the bruises....
I like the use of tech although I do think it is an example of how hysterical this country can get with a little snow... if it were a blizzard I'd understand it..
Only because nobody has reported any near you.
It just shows where the population is most dense surely. It's nothing to do with levels of snowfall at all.
I was playing C&C but the mate who wanted to play it online never showed up...
Ah, yes. Don't come with me would be your best bet, I'm bound to get hurt!
That probably has a big effect on what it shows
Abu Dhabi was 9.5 weeks ago.
Bahrain is in 9.5 weeks time.
I declare Halfway.
Oooh I think that might actually improve my chances! There's no way we'll both get hurt. You've already volunteered to be the injured one....
Just wanted to stop by today (or, tonight, for most of you) to say hi and put in a plug for a fantasy racing game that I run. Most of the details are on my webpage (linked below) or up above in comment #25. I unwittingly (unthinkingly, really) came by around midnight last night, and figured I'd just re-plug now.
http://speedge...r-for-all-of-you.html
I'm enjoying the Daily thread! Usually too busy at work to come by during peak hours, but not feeling too productive yet this week...
YAY
Oh no, not again. I know I've had a couple of accidents recently but I'm normally fine, honest! :D
Bilmey! It feels less than that!
Still too long!
Blimey even!
I say, astounding observation madam!
It flipping doesn't!!
Yep, that's a long time for me to get injured again while I'm missing F1, isn't it.
I'm looking forward to it. I've no idea if there'll be any takers here but always worth asking.
Some of us who aren't that busy at work tend to leave it open ;-)
Abu Dhabi was 9.5 weeks ago.
Bahrain is in 9.5 weeks time.
I declare Halfway.
Great news there! Bahrain can't come fast enough...
Um, pat isn't a woman...
:D though!
Haha, are you not so accident prone during the season then?!?!
:-)
Don't think so. I think this might actually be linked. Although, I can't remember getting injured last winter...
nice one, cheers speedgeek. the link seems to have gone a bit wonky. which page is it?
You'd better tweet then.
I say, astounding observation there humanoid.
;)
Maybe you are just clumsy? :P
Ah, hit by the shortener when you copied from the previous comment. Try this:
http://speedgeek.blogspot.com/2008/10/fantasy-racing-teaser-for-all-of-you.html
:D
Not normally, this really is unusual for me!
But I already know that there is snow because everything outside my window is white
Others may not want to look outside though. I didn't know it had snowed here until I looked on the map, then looked outside to double check.
We have about an inch and it's still falling.
Either that or someone's unwittingly painted your window....
Whoops, sorry there. Here it is:
http://speedgeek.blogspot.com/2008/10/fantasy-racing-teaser-for-all-of-you.html
Just have to take the opportunity to kiss up to everybody and say that this is a great community and I thoroughly enjoy all of the content, both blog posts and podcasts. I'm a touch behind on the podcasts, but about to fire up the Debrief from Dec. 20 to get me through the end of my work day. Keep up the great stuff!
Someone's gritted my road today! Hooray, now I won't feel like I'm about to fall over and die when I walk down the steep hill in the morning!
An inch??? What's all the fuss about then? I had to dig my car out of a 2 foot drift this morning....
Dorset's set to bear the brunt of it apparently.
Looked out the window......
Nothing.
But then I work from home, so if there's any snow day action tomorrow it's just a normal day. The only bonus is I don't have to drive to Farnborough in the morning for meetings.
The snow hit where I live at about midday, and I happen to be one of only 2 people in the office who doesn't need to drive to work. Means I'm in to work 2 hours early tomorrow to ensure the office opens on time!
That's what I heard too, and I just looked out of the window, nothing :-)
We're english. we don't do snow very well!
They have painted everything outside too and made it slippy
appreciate it. you know you're going to have to come back and remind us to pick drivers, because
we'rei'm forgetful like that.#yourfaultforlivingincumbria
#sorryalison
It wasn't a complaint, just information. I love snow driving, especially as my old Beetle can go places most cars can't. I'll be on my bicycle again tomorrow though
Off to bed now, still raining outside. Hope everyone who has snow has a safe, injury free day tomorrow :)
night janna.
just remember to remove your drivers plastic wrapper before the season starts.
I love snow. It really amuses me that all the schools are shut and people really moan about driving in the "awful conditions" but I've not had any problems getting anywhere once I've got off my street.
Goodnight, I shall try!
Night Janna
night
The snow has started here. I'm extremely impartial to it anyways so if it stays or goes, whatever.
Bye!
Simple - most people don't know how to drive in snow. We were wondering how the Trans-Siberian railway copes with Siberian winter.
Good night
you are today.
This is one you sign up to and play by email, but it has given me an idea. Andy Speedgeek, how about a second more basic game along similar lines, where people post their entry in a blog comment? No retaining drivers, just pick x drivers each week. I'd be willing to do work on that.
And the original game would obviously continue as normal in the current way?
"appreciate it. you know you're going to have to come back and remind us to pick drivers, because i'm forgetful like that."
No sweat. I'll make sure to at least come back in a week or so to ask around again, as I'll be closing the league to new teams on January 16th in order to be ready for the driver draft on the 23rd. I'm available for questions through the comments on my site or via my e-mail address in that link I posted up there. And I have a feeling that Pat might be willing to answer questions, too. ;)
you can send your snow to me. I want more than this little we have.
ahh. me and email aren't getting along so well at the moment.
Ever.
More than I have!
Yes. And you have to come and play SofaF1 and F1Wolf's games.
or that.
"how about a second more basic game along similar lines, where people post their entry in a blog comment? No retaining drivers, just pick x drivers each week."
Interesting idea. It'd be like the SpeedTV Wind Tunnel game that I played in last year. It was more fun than I thought it'd be, since I don't usually like "pick-'em" games. It helped that I won a prize...
What will you do when the pill peddlars and 419 merchants find a different way of contacting you?
"Yes. And you have to come and play SofaF1 and F1Wolf's games."
Definitely. It was mid-season or later last year before I realized that either one existed. Figured it was too late by then.
umm, that isn't the reason i don't like email.
Currently scheming another post for 'A Little Bit... Piquet'. Had no idea what to write about until I suggested to myself that I start thinking about Peter Windsor. Oh yes, that's more like it! :)
That procrastination game Lukeh linked to couldn't guess Rincewind.
Which is shocking.
Is it that people expect you to reply instantly to email when they should remember that it's not a time-dependent delivery medium?
Gmail is good for avoiding that. Although I've never got over MS ruining Hotmail.
If you have more Discworld you wanna try, have a go: http://uk.akinator.com/
nope.
Can't be as bad as Yahoo. No poxy IMAP.
what's wrong with hotmail?
Yahoo doesn't even do POP3 without charging for it (except on the iPhone)
It was ruined by Microsoft (see previous comment)
Think I'll try some more obscure gaming characters myself. I can't believe it got Manny Calavera so quickly.
I don't have a problem with the POP3 functionality (I have 2 email addresses, both work in Thunderbird, so in that sense it's kosher), but IMAP really is far better and should be done by default on Yahoo's servers alongside POP3.
Purleeze, Manny's so well known he could have his own chat show. With special guest Michael Jackson!!!
When you log in, what is the first thing you expect to see? Your emails, right? MS decided to create a 'home' page which seems to serve no purpose other than to 'tell me what's new in my network' and serve ads. I don't want a network, I want to look at my inbox.
Most people I ask have no idea what Grim fandango is even is! And even when I explain it they look at me wierd...
Guybrush Threepwood.
Dizzy Egg.
James Pond.
Dead guy trying to reap lost souls, no?
Long time since I played it. Needs a movie though, the storyline in Grim Fandango was solid.
I only got Pond out of that lot. And only cos I had a Mega Drive back in the day.
Still got it, still play it. Speedrunning Sonic's a blast! :D
Spot on
I heart Tim Schafer and all the stories he magically creates into wonderful, wonderful games.
Do you think it would know Commander Jameson?
Go for Waluigi or Birdo!
...you can tell I'm a nintendo fanboy, can't you?
He got Guybrush reaally quickly. This is too addictive.
Try Flimbo from the classic Commodore 64's Flimbo's quest.
Or the dude from Midnight resistance
Today is F1 Minute #666 - the devil's podcast. It's also about Flav. Draw your own conclusions. http://www.f1minute.com/2010/01/05/06-jan-10-flavio-briatore-ban-overturned-by-courts/
I <3 Christine.
Who doesn't?
So very appropriate. I hope you have managed to cover your bases by mentioning Max and Bernie too
Ahh procrastination, my favourite thing. This is blowing my mind tonight.
http://uk.akinator.com/
Even the really obscure stuff it's guessing right! {Comment #462}
It thought I was thinking of the Easter Bunny when I was thinking of Mickey Mouse. Wrong species...
Ok all...off to bed.
Night
...oh dear...oh dear, oh dear...
...Just tried to do Mr C and got Bernie!
*runs*
It's ok, I got him 5 questions later!
*phew!*
Mr C has half a sense of humour. Bernie has the money.
What?
Ooh! Got Jenson in 15 questions!
If its any relief, it didn't seem to get Eddie Jordan
night
Abu Dhabi was 9.5 weeks ago.
Bahrain is in 9.5 weeks time.
I declare Halfway. {Comment #576}
I would go to Halfway to celebrate (it's the first stop on the Sheffield tram's blue route), but I can't get an excuse to go there because college is shut for the day due to snow...
I just tried, and got Ross Brawn! What an insult to Ross!
Quick Question;
Best plugin to embed local video
Silverlight. I've yet to see it struggle compared to Flash.
flowplayer or longtail. both need playment to remove watermark. unless you want huge bandwidth bills, recommend youtube.
or dailymotion.
Im heading off now, think I'll watch that new star trek film in bed. Night all!
Aye, I'm off as well, just not doing the Star Trek thingy. Lotsa love.
laters.
:) byee.
Night Lukeh and RG
If you have more Discworld you wanna try, have a go: http://uk.akinator.com/ {Comment #642}
It got the Luggage the first time.
It's having more trouble with Glenda Sugarbean though. It first guessed Lessa from the Dragonriders series, which is at least a better guess than the "Easter Bunny/Mickey Mouse" one.
Then it did Mara des Acoma from the Empire Trilogy (I think not, since I've never heard of her...)
Then it gave me Hari Seldon (I thought we'd established this character wasn't a male adult?)
bye guys
Blimey, this is unusual for me, tired at only 11. What has today done to me?
Bye!
You what?!
I'm afraid I'm off too. Got an early start tomorrow. Bye!
byee
by chris.
Work day finally wrapping up. Thanks to all for helping me through a long afternoon!
No probs.
I think it has been a bit flat since the Flavio announcement, but it might just be me.
Time to squeeze in a GP2 sprint race for the blog post I was going to do today. Think I'll edit/post tomorrow though.
Right, blog post going nowhere, it's because I'm tired, I think it's time for bed.
In a rare turn of events for me, I'm getting a pre-midnight bed-time!
Night to the both of ya
Not going *just* yet, just said it'd be pre-midnight!!! :P
So we'll just keep you chatting and before you know it.... oopps!
I make it a regular thing that I catch either the midnight or 1am news on Radio 2. Perfect start to my day! :D
Plus, Sidepodcast isn't working properly on my mobile yet. Damn you live commenting, you'll be the death of me soon!
Just e-mailed Christine my latest guest post
http://sidepodcast.com/realtime/mobile
thanking you muchly.
Wha's tha difference?
works on older mobiles, doesn't refresh automatically.
Bah. Google sites are slooooow making my iPhone experimentation difficult and then I get a kernel panic. Perhaps I should give up and go to bed too.
It's about a famously good looking French driver so I am sure she will like it.
Didn't know she liked Prost.
/runs
nexus brought google to it's knees?
I am betting she has never heard of this guy
i see. it's almost worth waking her up :)
oooooor not.
I am having no part in that
Are you sure you wanted to post that?
assumed it was a different french driver.
Mr C, would you like a shovel to help there?
Arnoux's married.....
He can get brownie points for considering waking her but deciding against it.
Right, that's me definitely done. Eyes droopy, I'm off to sleep. Catch you tomorrow if I'm not swamped with work. Night all, safe journeys, be careful of black ice, and don't fall over!
Adios TM
Good night
(tom)
night tm.