Ras

Lou, if I wasn't 6 years or so older than you, i would swear you would have been my neighbor and best friend when i grew up in Melrose and Hutchinson, Minnesota

THank you sir. I had went in to their web site and was overwhelmed at the great titles they have to offer. And if you are looking for some at reasonable prices, they have them along with others that are a bit spendy. But if it your birthday and with Christmas coming not too far from now, treat yourself to some goodies.

I've often wondered which is better. When you have "average" or "good". Elite and poor are quite obvious. Any thoughts?

I only know I spent a lot of time on the ramp guarding those big ugly C-124's at Lajes AFB, Azores in 67, 68, and 69!!! I have no idea about what show or episode but will watch with interest

Maybe I can hlep a little. I haven't used this for some time and it is somewhat tricky, but to lean the mixture you use the "ctrl key and the -" key (that is control and the minus key....to make it more rich it is the ctrl key and the + (plus) key. I've killed the engine while doing this but it never seemed to make me gain altitude easier as Ii thought might be the case. I am sure there are others that use this more expertly all the time and can add to this. A heck of a mission you've got going there Lou

This is a French Triplane (haven't forgotten about yours Ras!..it's next on my todo list!) THat will be much anticipated and apreciated sir.

I have my priorities in order, thank you. It is God, family and country. I will say no more but I needed to say that.

Though I dont agree with everything BH says, I agree with some of it and won't define that as of now. How come Americans, or Brits or the French or whoever,don't stand up and scream to bloody hell when then flag of your country is burned? When the bible is burned?. When an effigy of a world leader is burned.? Is it because we are so very afraid of upsetting them even more? Is it because we are so damn politically correct that we are willing to allow the people as individuals or groups that good common sense a decade or two ago would have called us insane?!!!

Nice screenshots Olham. And I like to see the labels on sometimes and they see who we are up against.

A great surprise Von Baur. Congratulations on your claims and your medals.

Well said Lou. This is in the thoughts of so many today and for many it is every day reminder. I hope no one minds this link as it isn't meant to be an advertising ploy,- I just to show you my passion above all else. And that is carving of wooden fish decoys. Most viewers would not know what this is about, so you could read about how a fish decoy is used by clicking on " me" area toward the upper right area of that page. I've been doing this since retirement 10 years ago and have made about 2,000 now. In another way this is a special day as the world championship fish decoy contest is being held in Monroe, Michigan and Ii have entered 6 fish for the competition in hopes of bringing home the trophy.. Though I am in Minnesota-they would mail it to me if I was honored with that award. Anyhow, the carving is related to this date. Here it is and again, I hope no one minds. I think if you check my profile area, it also shows my personal web page. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200518248490&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

Congratulations, DAD. And the same to the new Mother also

There will be a generation coming that will never see an air show or aerobatic demonstration.

Then you and others have an ongoing tally or count of the kills that each squad mate has? Darn, if that is the case I am missing out on something that gets my interest

I had zoomed in so it was close but not as close as it appears. Yes, I have wondered about the number of kills. Everyone is always at zero and it is disturbing. Mine has always been that way and never changes . Is there a way to fix that?

A couple of pictures from a recent flight.

Maybe disrespectful was not the best choice of words. I just don't know how to say it. As with most veterans that fought in any war, they hardly speak of it. I only know a few things, that he was wounded, that he spent 27 days straight in a foxhole and that alone must have been hell. I served in the USAF in 1967- thru 71 and though I was not in Vietnam, I lost two of my best friends in Nam. That alone was hell enough for me. Again, not wanting to judge our perspective, I like gore and blood to a degree and a great story line, its just that anything in WW2 (other than a flight simulation) for me doesn't feel right. I look forward to blowing away some tanks, sams, and etc. with the Black Shark helicopter Like I said, that doesn't bother me at all... guess I saw the videos of BIA and put my father in the place of those men and I should not have. I am just trying to be honest and know that many of you understand that. Guess I'll just sit back and lurk for a while.

All this is pretty amazing. When the first xbox came out I purchased it, and along with it Ghost Recon 1, Rainbow 6 and other games I can't remember. I enjoyed them. But it is so realistic now, I find it hard. Guess what it is, I've been looking for another game to supplement OFF and FSX ( the latter of which I dont do much anymore) and after looking at many, many videos during the last weeks have shyed away from the first person shooter type. A look at the Brothers In Arms Highway To Hell really floored me and it hit home for some darn reason when I thought of my father who really went thru hell in 1944 and 1945. He was with the 100th Infantry division (not the famed 101) but was in a number of lesser famous battles. One was near the village or town of Bitche, France. Thus, all the liberators of his division were from them on a member of the society called" Sons of Bitche". But I just can't bring myself to try a game (sim) however it should be called when my father went thru the real thing with a BAR rifle . It is almost like it would be disrespectful. yet , I can put myself in an F-16 (Falcon 4.), OFF, SH3 and SH4, , Battle of Britain and any other simulation and not have a problem with it. Its been interestesting looking at many of these, like Left 4 Dead, Stalker, Metro 2033. I am not judging or wanting to start a conversation about the morality of these games. I have seen much of it, but just have to wonder about our entertainment ? I've settled for the time being and ordered DCS (Digital Combat Simulator) Black Shark. A helicopter combat sim that for the total price of about $24.00 US should keep my hand eye coordination in check for OFF. A bit different and a small following, but great it appears if you like copters. http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/

THat is some great reading so far, Lou. Thanks for sharing it with us

Looks interesting the Half Lilfe 2 especially. Played the original years ago, but if you don't mind me asking if anyone is playing Silent Hunter 5? I did the original 3 and 4, and found myself immersed in both. Reviews of 5 are a little negative and yet I found positive reviews. My main concern with SH 5 is that I am afraid it would cut down on my OFF playing time more than I want. And the price is up there at $49.00. What Ii liked about the SH series is that you had to do some real planning.

You'll get that degree and that wrist and all back in order in good time. A speedy recovery and best wishes

I find it the same way. Early on, I used all labels and aids. Then I went to no labels, no tac and etc. But after wondeirng about the Aces and etc, I find i want and in some cases "need" to know who is on my tail that is flying so brilliantly.

Do you remember the time of year and approximate location? I once encountered him but it was before the HITR expansion and have looked since . I believe I was flying for Esc 3 and it was the spring of 1917? But it could have been earlier

Good to see your video Simon and see your part of the world. There is sitll time for fishing, so don't give up yet

I have a very good (like new) condition book to give away. Put it on ebay for $5.00 and it didn't sell. One of you fellas can have it for the cost of shipping. will have to stay inside the continental USA, I am afraid. All you have to do is send me a pm and pay for the shipping (about $3.000 unless you have one to trade that i haven't read before??