vonSanta

For some of us the worst thing that can happen when we pee (without a wood, that is) is that we lose hold of the Precious One. It hurts like hell when it slaps onto the floor Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

So you see criticism of a president prior to/during a war as a betrayal? Bit too broad for my tase. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Dude, the way some of his conspiracy theories were, he'd probably claim "the Jews controls the Americans, so they get them to support Bin Laden and pay him to get the Twin Tpowers down so they can steal iraqi oil and still blame the Arabs!" I shit you not, I heard something like that. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

I was with an acquaintance and we went over to one of his friends to get a DVD player my friends pal had borrowed. The guy is Lebanese and just came home from a 3 month trip there. He's retired (at age 35, no physical ailments, gotta love the welfare system here) so he usually takes his retirement check and then goes off to Lebanon. Anyway, he showed me some of the souvenirs he had picked up. A beautiful, well made Bin Laden statue thingy. Had Bin ladens face and a miniature of the WTC, with a plane going into one of the towers. Socket was of high quality wood. Heavy thing, well made. A Saddam Hussein lighter, also well made. A US GI lighter-thingy. Press button, US soldier gets flame through head. Some pictures (printed from computer) of crashed US helicopters I asked him if he hated the US. "No. Only Americans. Their land is beautiful enough". Asked him whether these things were common in Lebanon? "Yeah, most have them". He told me that the US has "underestimated our hatred for Bush the Warmonger", and the level of insult and opression the Arabs feel. And how the "Operation Iraqi Freedom" is seen by the vast majority as nothing but a lie to cover up the stealing of oil. He also launched into a whole range of conspiracy theories. And of course he easily managed to portray the US as a hypocritical(sp) country. Support Saddam. Give him bacteria etc. Saddam gasses. US vetoes UN resoluton against Saddam. Then Saddam bad, two wars. Supply Bin Laden with arms and money. Then go after him. I was quite shocked. He was not a raving fanatic or anything - more like resigned yet very resolute. I think we in the West have no idea just how much animosity there is towards the US in particular. France and Germany aren't much better in their eyes and Britain is almost as bad as the US. And it's not about religion. It's about pride. Recruitment of "foreign fighters" to Iraq is high, he said. And he claimed that more and more suicide bombers were willing to take their fight to Iraq. And, of course, that fundamentalism had had something of a rejuvination - in essence it's used as a unifying matter between groups of people with different values but sharing one - hatred of the US. He also said that they don't hate "the freedom Americans have". He doesn't care one way or another. He hated the humiliation, the selective support of "good/bad" guys, the black and whiteness Americans see the world with and the "we're strong so we do whatever we want to". His words and values, not mine. I need to reiterate that the guy isn't a fanatic - in fact he was a quite nice guy. There's *serious* need for some PR campaign in the middle east. And, more importantly, he said that he thought the best way of defeating Arab terrorism would be to "understand Arab culture and respect it, rather than piss on it and claim own superiority". But he doesn't care if the US does that because if they don't, they'll suffer the consequences and that is just as good. What a mess. I'd doubt US politicians when they say Arabs are coming around with a more respectful and friendly attitude towards the US Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Just curious: aren't you poor Americans already in enough debt? And are you ready for some more so you can have the prestige of being ahead the Chinese (they're coming strong)? The money the government borrows will have to be paid back. And we'll be at the mercy of our children then. If they're too pissed, guess who goes into a low quality "nursing" home? Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Leave it to Danes to find chemicals Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

jessd, I was scared shitless when I started out. Just ask my sister (DrAvalanche). She basically had to pep talk me once every two days just to get me comfortable enough to go to the DZ for the first 6 AFF levels And when I was there I'd be "oooh clouds, mebbe they cancel the jump" only to feel a ton of bricks fall down when my instructor came by with a smile and said "let's do the briefing". Ugh. I loved the actual skydive but absolutely hated the waiting on the ground and the ride to altitude. Thought the fear would never go away. It did. Turned into a big woohoo love-fest instead and I like the person I am when I'm out jumping. If only the %/( weather would clear up. 3 jumps since October Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Fixed clickies. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

At least yopu didn't land in a tree on yuor first jump. Most fail a few levels. Don't worry - see it as an excuse to do another jump

You're not a very nice person Faber. Maybe I'll cry a bit coz you're such a meanie. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Well, he'd have a very short career, but maybe Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Well, now that I have my certificate, my RW stamp and my own gear I plan on travelling this summer. What DZ do you jump at (when you're not BASEing)? If I drop by, you better have some coffee ready. Black. Hot. And Now. Oh yeah. But, only about 8% of what we pay in taxes go to our socialized medical system. The vast majority goes to "welfare". And when i finished my studies I ahd to go on welfare for a month. Guess what? Because I am a single male living within my means with no kids, they ordered me to pay it all back. And I have to pay back the pre-tax amount, not the amount I actually got! And I could be JUMPING for that money! Surely NOW you see why I am so upset Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Hahahah! He actually OWNS a Ford. With tilted windows and extra wide tires. Dude, you've nailed it! Very true and I am open to this as well. Yes, but he is saying this based on a *tandem jump* which is like sdgregory says "...like licking the...". I got the impression he was semi-dissing the sport as a whole and those who participate in it. Well, that's his opinion and it doesn't particularly matter to me. I'm just annoyed by the fact that it's based on so little experience... Yeah, same here. Same with first time students (meet a lot of those when I pack at Q). But that's a whole different discussion, no? I also get some who say "it was sorta boring" - but there again, it was a SL jump, it's nothing like what comes later. Up to everyone to form their opinions. I just wish it was done on a more solid base. Well, I was in his car when he was driving around at night here in Aalborg. It was scary (since I wasn't in control) but it was much fun. Laughed the whole time. If I could afford it, I'd take up racing of some kind. Right now I gotta contend with the semi-free Live For Speed racing simulator No Ford in it though, heh. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Well, I hate it because I for some reason feel it's conceited, uncomfortable, snobby and against the working class who must unite to fight the oppression of the evil capit... I dunno. I feel uncomfortable in it. Not me. Like a liar. And for the mating game it would be an indicator of wealth and all the connotations that come with it. I am not sure I want to be part of a game where conceit and deception are the major scoring variables. I know the signalling power of different types of clothes. But, as a man once said - once the functionality requirements are met (protection, warmth, modesty), the rest is pure vanity. I find vanity to be narcissistic and disgusting, so I don't like feeling it. So I avoid ties Oh shite, now I've made my lack of style into a philosophy. Rationalization rocks! Maybe the ladies would find it sexy. They'd ditch me two days later when they found out the truth though. On the other hands, I would get laid. . In Denmark? Hah, we have the highest living costs in the world, apart from Japan. And we're taxed more than them. Gimme tree dollars and stop being such a scrooge Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

your probaly large about girls then i guess Heh, I don't get what you're saying? Oooh wait, I think I do. If I am right, then yes I am. You stupid Dane Stop making sense and making me look like a hypocrite! . Come to think of it, it comes off, so it really doesn't matter. G-strings are easier to rip off though. Yeah, that's it! That's why I like 'em better than grandma trousers - it's a matter of functionality! Will do. But I'm not gonna let *you* get hold of any of the pictures. I bet you'd post them on all the club's message boards along with the comment "Look! A penguin!" Bastard Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

It's a tough life gregory, but someone has to do it The key is not being around when it does bounce. be mobile. Blitzkrieg. This tactic is not good when applied to DZ's though, as you'll run out of them way too quickly. But it's great for convenience stores

I take offense with the term "white". I'm caucasian. And you're all racists who should be shot and dragged through the streets and set fire upon, upon which I'd use a spoon to pop out you e... Seriously, what struck me as odd was the use of a capital '"W" in white. That singles it out and the use of a capital letter for an adjective in an English sentence was discontinued long ago. So they've deliberately used it for whatever reason. On the other hand, the perpertrator is described in the same manner. Had he been any other colour it'd be clear that there was an attempt at distinction - us vs them - and I'd call that blatant racism. As it stands it might just be cultural preference, i.e how they write stuff in that area. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

I had a recent conversation with a fellow who did one. He basically stated that he couldn't see the whole point of skydiving. Sure, it was a little scary, but no biggie. And then he fell for a while, which was unusual and kind of nice, but nothing much happened. The canopy ride was nice but nothing exceptional. He doesn't understand why I spend all the money on it and all my weekends when the weather cooperates. The money would be better invested in racing cars. I tried telling him that a tandem ride is sort of like sitting in the passenger seat of a car on a race track. You don't get to brake, setup the race line, apply throttle, shift gears and stuff. Plus, his ride was more of a race down a runway than on a cool race track. Tried explaining the challenge of flying in a sit near others, or just flying with others. Or of a max toggle turn on, say, a 149 ZP canopy. Or of a zero wind landing where you go surfing over the ground. Tried with all the milestones there are and all the accomplishments you feel you go through. Nothing. He had tried freefall and what I described was basically ok he gathered, but it was just variations on what he tried. And it'd get boring within 100 jumps. Admittedly, skydiving isn't for everyone and some will find it boring etc. But this dude is basing it on faulty information! A tandem is just a wee taste of a very big cake! It'll work for most, I'll admit that. And it brings in more people into skydiving than it puts off by a very large degree. But what if the guy who's put off is the very dude you want to start in the sport? "The cool stuff comes later" isn't a very convincing argument. I've basically agreed with him that it's not an exciting sport for some. I disagree with the grounds he made that conclusion on however - far too inadequate. Is it a problem that tandems only give a small taste of what's to come, or is it a "feature"? As in "if you like that, you're gonna *love* this...? Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Coolness. It's a good bit faster than skydivingmovies.com for me . Thanks man, appreciate it. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Aww, you chaps are making me feel bad. My brother will probably get married soon. Which means I have to go (will be fun). But the dressing up bit! I never understood this part of human behaviour. For chrissakes, I'm the same whatever I wear! Why not go naked instead and drop all the pretense? AGH! And I dress poorly. No colour coordination, I wear what's comfortable. And suit/tie etc makes me feel *really* uncomfortable. First of all physically, but there's also a feeling of deception - who the hell am I trying to fool? And do the others think they can fool me? It's a silly ceremony! Not a tenth of as important as what happens later. And it gets started off with people dressing up and being pompous and pretending to be all dignified and stuff! AAAAGH! Man, I'm gonna fear this wedding thing. I made it through the baptism of his kids with only a few 'well meaning' comments, but a wedding is upping the ante a bit. You're saying that I should just bite the bullet out of respect for my brother and his bride? I would do that, no question about it. But dude. I'd frigging hate it Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

What a fucker. That's not a parasite - that's a bloody virus. I feel for you man. However, as you said, karma will hit that guy, and hit him hard. The nice guys/girls/listeners will be screwed short term simply because of their very nature. I still believe that longterm, perhaps thans to lessons like this, they'll come out on top. Slug wrote: It not healthy to go thru life bitter or pissed off, however now you know the rules of the game so now you have a equal chance to win in the game of life. Yeah I agree there is a disctinction between cynical and realistic. However one of the properties of cynicism is its ability to infect one's perception of what is real - to sort of piggyback on what's "real". So one has to be careful. So know I just have the attitude you know everyone is a asshole except you and me and I'm not sure of you. Hm, are you sure this isn't counterproductive? That attitude didn't really bring me much good, probably because it was a product of the bitterness from experiences rather than the experiences themselves. Being cautious is one thing. if you're overly suspicious you might just be doing the self fulfilling prophecy thing - people will mistreat you because of it? Zenister just got stabbed big time and from what I have read he did nothing to provoke it, so obviously the above isn't the case for him. I am not sure that it is wise to take the behaviour of one idiot and extrapolate on the whole of humanity. I guess despite all I have more faith in my fellow man than that - or at least I try to have (I fail now and then). They were all the same size but the alpha male controled the other two by restricting access to the other dogs food and water supply, bedroom etc. People are the same way. We are social animals and there is a hierarchy, this is true. It's also true that there are other social structures than dominant/submissive found in our species behavioural pattern. Not all are good - the sneaky virus relationship pattern Zenister discovered too late is one. But there are good, decent, healthy patterns out there. We tend to make films about 'em, but when they happen in real life, they're much better than what Hollywood can portray. After a while you'll be able detect who these people are real quick. First time same on them second time shame on you! Yeah: learn from experience. Preventing a knife in the back ain't the same as being cynical. I still get screwed by a leache once in a while but it's rare & never a surprise once you look for the signs they stick out like a sore thumb. I never get srewed by the same leach twice. No sceaming or yelling wailing or flailing. I just immediatly minimize my exposure. This is the best response I've seen and know of. Just cut away, take your losses and move on. In Zenisters case that'll take time though, considering the seriousness of the situation. Best longtime friend, the dude you're supposed to trust for almost anything, and he does that? Makes you lose faith in people. I really do feel for Zenister and hope this won't fuck him up long term, which is why I'm writing this response . Trust no one and believe nothing and you won't be disapointed! And you'll be left with a loveless life of distrust, with a lack of faith for your fellow humans, always considering what motivates them and always thinking that it's something selfish. Which it might be, probably is. But it is worth remembering that some people feel good doing good stuff to others. It's still selfish but at least it's good to others. There is *some* hope out there, despite it all. Start looking around at the clique's, and the sweet young things and male dogs at the DZ. Life's a game it's your choice if you want to play, just be prepared to lose once in a while and pay up. Or watch the action and enjoy! Heh, I'm just chilling with a beer watching 'em play their game. I like my own game better, coz I get to set the rules . It's been the key for my contentment/happiness. Their rules are just as absurd as mine, so why not go for some that are fun for me? Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

I got rubber cheques. They all bounce. Better them than me though. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Nothing wrong with the conversion. It's the same formula Italian males use when converting the length of their sex organ to Imperial, to inform all the good American ladies out there on the interwebnet-thingy. . Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Yep, that is the original meaning. Does this mean we get to call HappyThoughts "GayIdeas"? Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Yeah, it's sorta cute, eh? Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst