Definitions by Airrider

idiot lights

A derisive term for warning lights in a car dashboard or any similar arrangement in a vehicle's cockpit. So called because they light up when the operator is being an idiot and letting something go wrong.

Check Engine, Oil Pressure, Battery...all idiot lights that won't switch off. I need a new car.

idiot lights by Airrider October 10, 2009

Waldo 

In the special effects business, any mechanism that operates using a 1:1 movement ratio rather than using conventional input devices (levers, switches, knobs, etc.) or preprogrammed movement sequences. Waldo devices are often used for filming complicated live-action sequences, such as smoothly controlling a humanoid or lifelike animatronics system, making a radio-controlled full-size vehicle act exactly as if there was a real driver behind the wheel in a stunt sequence, etc. Simply put, they are used when intuitive controls are needed above all else.

The Mythbusters used a Waldo rig to make a bus roll itself over in their Demolition Derby Special.

Doc Ock's tentacles in Spider-Man 2 were controlled by a miniature Waldo setup. Where the controllers put the tentacles in the model, they moved behind the actor.

Waldo by Airrider October 10, 2009

suicide door 

A car door whose hinge is near the rear of the car rather than near the front of the car. So called because it tends to fly open if caught by the wind (especially in the case of poor panel fit or an open-top car that does not channel air efficiently) rather than shutting right away, causing the car to become unbalanced at speed and leading to numerous other possibly fatal results, such as the car being thrown to one side and crashing or an occupant thrown out of the car.

They used to put suicide doors on a lot of cars in the '20s, but now we know better.

suicide door by Airrider October 10, 2009

Buzzing The Tower 

An aerial stunt in which an airplane tries to fly as close to a control tower as fast as the pilot can come without collision.
Obviously only acceptable if staged because it is so dangerous.

I'm pretty sure you could get in real trouble with the FAA for buzzing the tower without permission.

Buzzing The Tower by Airrider October 9, 2009