Beachbum

Anyone know the origins of the rubber chicken bounce-proof thing?? I've asked a fair number of folks who've been around quite a while ... everyone knows about it, but not where/who started it. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

well, at risk of showing my age ... how about some Bloodrock or Mountain? As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

all logos and such must be covered from both sides??? ... so for instance, if Red Bull doesn't want to pony up, their sponsored atheletes would not be able to fly their canopies that have the logo on them ... ??? Is it fair to make someone change their gear, especially something as important as a canopy that a swooper might have done hundreds of practice jumps with ... or the rig holding said canopy that they have practiced their harness control in ??? Not to mention the expense/hassle of covering logos on packing tents, what-have-you or replacing them with unmarked substitutes. As for the "if they aren't willing to pay, too bad" train of thought ... not all sponsors have unlimited advertising budgets. To me, this attitude seems to unfairly disadvantage smaller companies. I agree that the pressure might have come from large sponsors, but that doesn't mean a dz has to go along with it. There ARE times when saying no to pressure applied via promised additional funds is the right thing to do, I believe! Coming next at Spaceland ... otters with blimp style ad screens on the bottom so they can sell ad space to show in the exit sequence on all videos??? As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

As far as I'm concerned, it's BEEN that time for many years. I've always tried to do my part, but getting the attention of people who don't want to know, or be bothered to think for themselves is a very tall order!!! As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

On some small scales, but ones that might be seen as signifcant symbolically, this has already happened. People used to be able to go into the Pentagon unescorted. Not all of it. But parts of The Building were accessible to the general public. Public buses & taxis used to run under one of the E-ring sections to an open-air section between corridors. People used to cut through the Capitol Building. One can't do either anymore. /Marg You're right ... the entire D.C. area is a very good example. I remember being able to park right on the mall back in the 70's. I hadn't been back up there until a couple of years ago. I was expecting changes, but not as severe as I encountered. The capitol of the land of the free ... all barricaded in!! As for the "release without sensationalism" thought ... that WAS a rhetorical question, right?? ... ;) ... As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

and to continue in that vein, only a bit less veiled ... The past admininstration removes some rights for those reasons ... The current one allows the loss of those rights to stand, or furthers them ... The next administration continues the trend ... Result is that the public loses rights over a period of time that eases people into it slowly, such that most barely notice the changes. Young people never knew the former liberties, so don't miss them ... and the trend continues. As for your mention of the interpretation of the constitution ... a common political practice these days. I've seen it in action here in Texas. Any time following an interpretation of a law as originally framed conficts with their goals, legislators want to (and mostly get away with doing!) interpret laws based on today, without regard for the context in time that caused the law to come into existence. A long winded way to say they're twisting their forerunner's words to their own ends, I guess! The really sad part is that with both the liberties being lost and the laws being distorted, most people either don't take the time to notice, or just don't seem to care. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

I also feel it's not been objective, although many writers DO make an honest attempt to be. To me, the value in reading certain writers versus the "you can post" places on the web is in their viewpoint and thinking. I can't claim to be totally open minded about a lot of things even as much as I try to be, but if people can't read other's opinions who they have learned to place some value on over time, how can they ever really learn? The "you can post" forums and blogs on the web seem to only perpetuate already held opinions for most, not help people form or adjust their's. Yes, newspapers are on the way out, and I think it will be a very sad thing when the are gone. I'm another "read him in the sunday papers" reader of Safire. I always enjoyed his writing, even when I did not agree with the content. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

I know some folks have "accepted" the invite on the FB page ... including Dave and his better half (don't know if Morgan is jumping, since she'd now be jumping 2!!), Super Dave, Brian who was on our Relay for Life team one year, Travis (I met him at the last one, I think) ... and a bunch of folks I don't know. Kay, of course ... and at least a few of the old AOT folks who no longer jump are coming just for the reunion. If anyone showing up plays guitar or anything that works with them ... bring it along ... see if we can't get something going!!! As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

I posted about the one in Dallas thursday. I just got back to town ... haven't yet seen any more details so far. In response to the folks who seem to think it's ok to do this to someone because they feel the person would have done it anyway even if the FBI hadn't provided them the opportunity ... are you trying to say that all the people you know who make brash statements follow up on them? My experience is much more the other direction. Very few people seem to actually make good on stuff like that. I think there are very good odds in this particular case that if the FBI hadn't contacted this kid and kept him going, he never would have done anything on his own. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

I'm up at my mom's north of Dallas, and tonight on the news is a story about a 19 year old kid they busted for trying to blow up a Dallas skyscraper. VERY few details, but the lead-in indicated that the FBI found the guy on a website, and from the sound of it, pretty much pointed him at the building and provided him a fake bomb, then busted him for trying to detonate it. If it really went down that way, I am SO impressed with the prowess of the FBI (again!). Sure going to be interesting to see how the total story lays out once all the info is available! If the kid was really a terrorist and capable of creating a bomb and executing a plan to blow a large building, great that they got him, but if they turned him into one as it appears may be the case .... As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

I was told it will be an otter. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

Got word today that TWA will be there to handle wingsuit organizing/instruction. Come out and flock (or make your first ... beer!) !!! As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

I wonder what insurance rates are like overseas compared to the US?? As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

I also fly a Tri 160 just at 1:1. I've done a rear riser landing with brakes stowed, and didn't have problems with it trying to stall. I HAVE had a canopy course from Scott Miller during which we discussed such, and I've done quite a lot of practicing with risers up high, so was quite comfortable when I needed to land it that way. Trickier yes, but if you have practiced flying that way, quite doable even for those of us with low #s. Just like learning to flare in the first place ... if you have practiced using rears then you have a good idea where the stall point is so you just don't go there. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

It's that time again! This year, Kay, Jan, and others have also organized a reunion to coincide with the boogie. They have some events set up, babysitting arranged ... the works! Come jump, or if you are an old AOT jumper and don't jump now, just come say hi to old friends and party!! Planned aircraft is an otter. (ps ... that saturday night dinner is done by one of Todd's friends who makes a GOOD meal - almost worth the drive by itself!!!) Below is from an email I got from Kay: This is going to be a fun weekend to catch up with all of our friends and tell stories (lies) about the good old days, so don’t be looking for any hard core time frame of events. General Information: No registration fee. Jump tickets $25 or less. Saturday Evening Catered Dinner at the DZ: tickets $10.00 each (ages 10 & under free). T-shirts will be $15.00 each, be sure and place your order below. Large tent available for packing and visiting. Conference room in FBO is also available for visiting in air-conditioned comfort for anyone who can’t handle the heat! Friday, October 2, 2009 People start arriving in town. We will provide packets of information at the DZ and Vineyard Court with local attraction brochures. Noon-Sunset: DZ is open. Please get in touch with Kathy Spillers at the DZ if you wish to get current prior to the boogie or have any other questions about jumping. Skydive Aggieland, Inc. 6104 SH 21 East, Hangar W21 Bryan, TX 77808 Phone: 979-778-JUMP (5867) http://www.skydiveaggieland.com/ Kathy Spillers at kathy@skydiveaggieland.com 6:30 pm – Welcome and Mixer (BYOB) at Vineyard Court-Rm 123 Vineyard Court Executive Suites 1500 George Bush Drive East College Station, TX 77840 Phone: 979-693-1220 www.vineyardcourt.com Dinner will be in the traditional AOT style; the group will decide where to go about 10 minutes before the restaurant closes. Saturday, October 3, 2009 Load organizing by Larry Henderson. There will be a sign up sheet for observation rides and Spotting Competition (wind drift indicator accuracy). Spotting Competition slots in the 182 are estimated at $25 each, with a $5 gear rental. 12 wind drift indicators have been purchased, and sign-up will be 1st come, 1st served basis. The classroom at the FBO is open to guests, feel free to gather there and visit. 8:00 AM: DZ opens Noon-1 PM: Lunch DoubleDaves Pizza: 1st come-1st serve. You snooze, you lose! 5:30 PM: Group Photo Sunset: As the sunset load lands everyone gather at the peas for a short memorial, hymn and missing man fly-by. 7:30 PM: Catered Dinner: $10.00 each, kids 10 & under eat free. Menu: prime rib, shrimp salad, chicken pasta, veggie dish, green tossed salad & rolls (subject to change) Sunday, October 3, 2009 8:00 AM: DZ opens Noon-1 PM: Lunch DoubleDaves Pizza: 1st come-1st serve. You snooze, you lose! Additional Information: Babysitting Services provided by ASCE-TAMU Student Chapter: Parents needing this service please contact Alyssa as soon as possible. Please Note: she is in class from 8-5 but will return calls/emails within 24 hours. ASCE decided to set aside the money they make babysitting for Shack-A-Thon which is an event hosted by Habitat for Humanity in the spring semester. Alyssa Politte Outreach coordinator, American Society of Civil Engineers Phone number: 713-398-8042 apolitte08@gmail.com Remember to please stop by manifest and ask Kathy to download any videos or photos you take during the weekend. Be sure and provide your contact information if you wish to receive a video and we will contact you when they are ready. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

An awful lot of serious bickering going on for "no problem" ... LOL!!! What I suggested would have taken care of all the concerns I've seen addressed by those with reservations (which I share) about a pres mandating an audience with school kids. From what I have read, for some it may be just because of the "who", but for others like myself it is more about the concept itself than the content of the intended speech. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

ok ... I read thru the thread, and as seems to be "the usual" with stuff like this, the discussion has degenerated significantly and nobody offered a real solution. I don't have kids, but my opinion is that I don't feel it is appropriate for ANY politician to give a speech to school children that they are required to listen to/view. Seems quite simple to me ... run the speech on public tv at say, 7pm ... let parents sit and watch it with their kids if they choose, or have their kids not watch it if they choose. If they want to screen it first, most people have a vcr/dvd or some way to record it then play it back if they deem it ok for their kids. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

I'm another who saw a large part of the trial. I personally believe he did it, but also think the jury did the correct thing within the constraints of our legal system. The prosecution didn't prove their case, plain and simple. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

Cool!!! You forgot to add surfboards & wetsuits to that list ... :) ... I'm sure gonna try to make it ... Port A is where I started surfing way back when. Also some pretty decent fishing around there for those who do that. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

no shit ... not even in the same ballpark ... NICE!!! As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

Got a chance to meet Bob and look through his scrapbook one year at Lost Prairie ... can't remember what the earliest was, but it defintely WAS way back there, so I wouldn't be surprised. If he's ever where you have time to take a look you might ask him for a peek ... very interesting (as are a lot of his stories)!! As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

Not an "every jump" check sort of thing ... but just being sure it's made solidly, do as mentioned in other threads. When it's repack time, put the rig on and pull it. Not a bad thing in terms of familiarity with the motion needed to remove it, and the amount of pull force needed in an unhampered chop situation, either! My rigger has encouraged this, and I think that many do the same. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

Thanks for the input folks!! John and Brett - I hadn't looked at it that way ... good point about the alti. The one chop I had was a lineover, and I DID refer to mine after locating handles. May have been the wrong thing to do ... I was able to fly it stable with left risers, so once I had it headed the "right" direction, stayed on that, right hand on cutaway in case it went to shit and needed an immediate chop, while positioning where I thought my stuff would land on dz (it did, and I still chopped above 2K). No - had not considered that my rig could be so distorted about me that the straps would be anywhere but my shoulders. With a rig made to fit, is that really very likely to happen? I may have someone yank around on me to see what happens! Labrys - another thing I was only looking at from my viewpoint ... thanks! My suit is tight since I'm fallrate challenged, and I hadn't thought about baggy suit folks. I only jumped a t-shirt once and didn't like that because of exactly that problem ... looked down and it HAD blown loose and up over my handles ... never again since! And Dave ... I believe my 2nd post delineated why I brought it up ... not trying to add a step. One reason was just to generate discussion to get other input, which my 2nd post did better at ... you posted your thoughts ...

First, SURELY others have an opinion on this. I didn't expect the amount of posts that boob pics generate ... but geez!!! Perhaps it should have been in the instructor forum?? To Chubba ... I'm not (nor would ever) advocating a student do differently than their instructors tell them. Once past student level, I believe we ARE allowed to think for ourselves a bit though, and this was in my mind and it makes sense to me. You're entitled to think however you want too!! My post was meant to 1) inquire if this IS taught anywhere, and 2) get people to think about the concept and comment about it's viability or lack thereof based on their experience (not just say "it's not what I was taught" ... that part is obvious in my original post!). 3) if it makes sense to many people as it does to me, generate discussion as to why it is not taught As for where my eyes are looking, I can think of at least one very important thing to keep track of ... my altimeter. If I can find my handles easily regardless of my rig's orientation on my body using the method I described, why NOT do it?? It does have the advantage that sight doesn't necessarily have ... speed of locating handles in the event of my rig being distorted around my body (possibility of which is what got me thinking about this in the first place). Dru ... thanks! I've only been around training programs at a couple of dz's, and have talked with folks from a few others about it ... nobody I'd spoken with about it was aware of anyone teaching this. I'd be interested to know if that concept came from a dzo, head instructor, or who over there? I'm one of those on the plane who go straight to my handles, but I am also aware that odds are high that they won't be in that same spot in the event that I need them. The one cutaway I've had, I followed the webbing without thinking about it, then realized it after the fact - didn't think to do it. A side note ... I WILL visit that dz one of these days ... used to live in Wilmington, and still have friends there. Miss it!!! Wendy ... I'm going to try to get up for DeadMan ... hope you'll have a bit of time to say hello and talk a bit. I might even get brave enough to get in the air with you ... Nina's told me you'd be gentle ... ;) ... LOL!! As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

Ok ... I've been mulling this thought over for quite a while now and decided to post it. I have discussed it with people who have a lot more time and experience in the sport than I do (who seem to agree with me that it makes sense), but nobody has an answer as to why this is not done. When going for cutaway and reserve handles, why are we not taught to grab webbing at our shoulders and follow it down to handles? In this way, you are never going to not find them, no matter how twisted your harness may be around you, or whatever. The webbing MUST lead you to the handles, right?? Doing this consumes very little time, and I'd guess most likely about the same or even less time than looking, then grabbing ... try it for yourself with your rig on!!! Aside from getting your hands to your handles, it also keeps your eyes freed up for other purposes, and seems less likely to effect body position like dropping your head can do. As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?