biomath

I'm Mike. I'm a Research Engineer at an odd company in Menlo Park. We're a non-profit, non-government, non-academic group that is chartered by the State of California to do work for the advancement of the peace and prosperity of mankind. Really, that's in the charter. It sounds kind of crunchy-granola and esoteric, but we mostly do advanced R&D for the military. I guess there are two distinct paths to peace... Right now, I build 3D worlds for simulation. Anything that pays you to learn about photography can't be that bad. I just need to figure out how get funding for a skydiving research project. --- Mike

I'm spoiled rotten. Peet's Major Dickason's, Espresso Forte, or Arabian Mocha Java, always less than 1 week since roasting. Ground and brewed by my super automatic Gaggia Synchrony. It rocks; one touch espresso is proof that engineers are good for something. After a few cups I knew I couldn't go back to Starbucks and got work to buy a Gaggia too. For the true addicts: www.wholelattelove.com Check out the treatise on the chemistry of perfectly steamed milk.

I'm with you. I knew that I had the B easily, but I worked hard all September for the C. I just finished everything today.

Hi, Would one of you all PM me celljumper's phone number? I'm supposed to car pool with her to Hollister tomorrow and we haven't exchanged numbers or set the details. It was great to meet you all. See you tomorrow. Thanks, Mike

Sounds good, I'll be there. It will be fun to meet you all. I should mention that my avatar is just a random picture I found on photo.net. I'm 30 years younger than that guy.

Hi, I had no idea that there were _so_ many jumpers right next to me. Now I feel a little dumb for flying down to Perris everytime I needed to feed my addiction. How many of you are there near Menlo/Palo Alto? Cheers, Mike

Hi Everyone, I need some advice. I bit the bullet and ordered my first set of gear (container, main, reserve, Cypres2). The gear shop is known for great customer service. They were really helpful in guiding me through all the components and options. The rig came in early so of course there had to be a bit of bad news to balance out the good: instead of all stainless the rig only had stainless on the three rings, not the chest and hip rings. The nice lady at the shop said that it was her mistake. She suggested that the shop would refund the price of the stainless chest and hip ring option. So here are my questions: do I make the shop pay for the modifications to the harness to put the stainless in, or is that unreasonably nasty? The rig being out of commission for a while is no problem as the main is not in yet. I already have a deal for free rentals until the rig is ready. Also, would switching the rings weaken the harness? I know it would still be safe or else the rigger wouldn't do it; I'm wondering if the work would shorten the life of the harness. Thanks for your advice. Regards, Mike Extra information: the rig is a Talon 3 with a Sabre2 190 and a PD-Reserve176. And yes, I'm totally stoked about finally getting my own stuff that will fit just right. No more jumping whatever is available for rental/ crappy student gear.