Do we still make men like this?

[guest7]

I've always been impressed by Glen Curtiss's life story, especially setting the world motorcycle speed record at 136mph in 1907 with no brakes.

Have a look at his Wikipedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Curtiss)and scroll down to the 'Timeline' section to see his full list of acheivements.

Amazing stuff
GC

[guest18]

Yes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamish_MacInnes

Something also the Times today about him getting an another award. Iirc he was the man who was ice climbing in his socks to get better grip when an appalled Chris Bonnington (one of his proteges) asked if it did not hurt... his answer? "I don't know, my feet are numb anyway!"

and if you want to know if this country still produces bravery go look out some of the medal citations coming out of Iraq/Afghanistan just now. I really struggle to understand how some of these men and women get MC's etc and not VC's when comparing their exploits with their predecessors. Truly humbling stuff.

[squirrelciv]

Particularly liked the fact that he pioneered first take-off from a ship in 1910 but didn't land on one till 1911!! Did this happen on New Years Eve or did he just fly around in circles for a year???