tigra 0 #26 July 18, 2008 QuoteQuoteQuoteI have nothing but respect for the man that built such an amazing DZ. Wish I could have met him. Is that respect tempered any by the fact that he was an illegal drug runner and did felony prison time? Seriously, dude you might wanna watch what you say around here. I didn't know the man, but there are plenty of people here who did that might take a lot of offense to that statement. Seriously, Skittles, even people who knew and loved Roger know he had a history. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflymickey 0 #27 July 18, 2008 QuoteQuoteQuoteI have nothing but respect for the man that built such an amazing DZ. Wish I could have met him. Is that respect tempered any by the fact that he was an illegal drug runner and did felony prison time? Seriously, dude you might wanna watch what you say around here. I didn't know the man, but there are plenty of people here who did that might take a lot of offense to that statement. 58 jumps, 1 year in the sport, and this guy is telling people they better watch what they say. Absolutely hysterical. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkeenan 14 #28 July 18, 2008 QuoteWell, one thing you can say about Roger is that it was almost impossible to meet him without forming a strong opinion, good or bad. I never said that Roger was a "bad" person. I do, however, object to the myopic view of many of his admirers (a lot of whom never knew him and never set foot at SDC while he was alive). When the mere mention of a negative fact brings "threats" from some 50-jump wonder, I think that's wrong. Roger was not perfect. There is no Easter Bunny. Will the mention of these facts get my ass kicked at SDC ? Roger Nelson accomplished a lot in his life. He advanced the art of skydiving and imparted his knowledge to a great many people. He was an organizer who could inspire outstanding performance from groups of individuals. I, too, will be interested in reading his book. However I feel that, like most of us, Roger would not go to great lengths to elaborate on his mistakes and weaknesses. Now that he's gone, those who stand to profit from his legacy can certainly be expected to downplay these aspects in the editing of his story. Kevin Keenan_____________________________________ Dude, you are so awesome... Can I be on your ash jump ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #29 July 18, 2008 The easter bunny comment might, but the rest is pretty much spot on ............. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #30 July 18, 2008 Quote The easter bunny comment might, but the rest is pretty much spot on ............. Where as CARL on the other hand..... ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyD 0 #31 July 18, 2008 QuoteNot sure where the best place to post this... Roger (my dad) wrote a book before he passed away. In his own words his describes the adventures of his life. Due to be released at the end of September. Check it out: www.SugarAlpha.com [clicky help anyone?] Is the book truly going to be a tell all? I will definitely buy and read it if it is. I grew up in the area and man the stories that were floating were unbelievable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #32 July 18, 2008 Maybe the book will tell us what he really did with all that gold! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #33 July 18, 2008 Quote Maybe the book will tell us what he really did with all that gold! I thought they were South African Krugerrands...We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #34 July 18, 2008 Yes, South African GOLD krugerrands ............. That's what I always heard! Kept them close enough to dig up as needed, but not so close that it would be obvious! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cderham 0 #35 July 18, 2008 Thanks Melissa, I can not wait to read it. For us that know your father. it will be a great reminder of all the stories he has told us over the years. I can not think of a single time that I do not think of him when I walk thru the hanger door of SDC. You and Rook have done great things with SDC but , no offence it's still not the same with out him around. Chris It's Jimmy Time!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Fast-As-Fuck/6099474213 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MissMelissa 0 #36 July 18, 2008 Ha ha ha!! Kevin, you are funny!! I AM overseeing the editing the book! I AM self-publishing the book! I AM having my boyfriend do the artwork for the cover! I AM overseeing all the work and fronting all the money. And let me tell ya, I do hope to make a profit because of all the work involved and to pay back these expenses, but there's no downplaying buddy -- the stories on the website are the raw, unedited words from Roger himself!! I love the little assumptions people make. I assure you - we're keeping it real! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MissMelissa 0 #37 July 18, 2008 And I'm not sure by what people mean by a "tell all"... but the book is about a certain era based on his life. Going to Nationals with a rookie skydiving team and doing the "other" thing he did on the side. The only thing we had to change were a few names I've read the book in its entirety -- it's amazing, gripping, captivating... and to believe he was my dad!!! I don't want that story line changed. He did elaborate a few details (I had to confirm with mom), like the ole fish stories, but that was my dad, right?? It's a fun story. And I'm glad so many are interested. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 34 #38 July 18, 2008 Quote Roger (my dad) wrote a book before he passed away. In his own words his describes the adventures of his life. Due to be released at the end of September. I'll definitely buy a copy. Later on he took an otter with him to Gold Coast Skydivers for a boogie and promptly organized a friend's 100th jump for fun. I still have the video somewhere. Big shit-eating grin on his face before boarding the plane. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #39 July 18, 2008 QuoteIt's a fun story. No doubt. One of the best things about skydiving is the characters that have and do participate in it and the stories they can tell. I look forward to reading the book! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #40 July 18, 2008 QuoteQuoteQuoteI have nothing but respect for the man that built such an amazing DZ. Wish I could have met him. Is that respect tempered any by the fact that he was an illegal drug runner and did felony prison time? Seriously, dude you might wanna watch what you say around here. I didn't know the man, but there are plenty of people here who did that might take a lot of offense to that statement. What he stated was a fact. Even the excerpt provided to promote the book is about his drug running days, so it's not like what he said is a slanderous fabrication or something. Roger's own daughter posted that excerpt of her Dad's drug-running. So I don't think you should be threatening someone for simply speaking the truth, a truth recognized by everyone, including his own daughter. You can dislike that part of Roger that was on the wrong side of the law, and still have great respect for what he did after he got out of prison, using his tremendous talents productively to build his dream drop zone. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #41 July 18, 2008 QuoteYou can dislike that part of Roger that was on the wrong side of the law, and still have great respect for what he did after he got out of prison, using his tremendous talents productively to build his dream drop zone. Well spoke.Performance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigway 4 #42 December 3, 2008 Does anyone know when this book is released? It said the 25th of October but it does not seem to be and the site has not been updated. .Karnage Krew Gear Store . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brains 2 #43 December 3, 2008 I have been waiting for its release also. Seems they ran into troubles with getting it released or something? Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdvr 210 #44 December 3, 2008 Count me in for a copy. Melissa, I met and jumped with your Dad in Quincy when he brought in the C130 . He had an infectious laugh and an energy level that was amazing. I wish I could have gotten to know him better. IS there a place we can register to be notified?Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billeisele 130 #45 December 3, 2008 I look forward to reading it. I had the pleasure of jumping at the "old" DZ, the new DZ, on the Ironman and on a couple of his world records. Each of us has a past, some are more colorful than others. Life is about making memories, mine at Skydive Chicago are all good. What a great guy. And to Max, TJ, Klink, Sandy, Rook, youself, etc. - Blue SkiesGive one city to the thugs so they can all live together. I vote for Chicago where they have strict gun laws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #46 December 3, 2008 Here's a wild idea; why don't you send Melissa a pm and ask? She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigway 4 #47 December 3, 2008 I sent Missy an email about a month ago but with my email being a online shop email it is known to go to spam. NEver thought of sending a PM as i never see her on her. Anyway, just asking in the thread she started thinking someone might know something. Can't do anything right on this site can ya .Karnage Krew Gear Store . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MissMelissa 0 #48 February 17, 2009 Aloha Friends!! After finishing another grueling round of editing and re-reading these posts, I'm all stoked again for the publication of the book. I was a little naieve to think it would be out in September. We did update the website and it will be (for sure) out on April 1st (seriously)!! Since I've mostly been solo on this task and doing life, it's taken me a little longer than I thought to finish. So why the long editing process? We had to fill in some missing gaps and under developed characters and other sorts. Since this is based on the true story of his life there was further research necessary to dig up details on certain events to keep the story line as true as possible. Truest as we all have our different perspectives, of course. Now that the editing is going through the final read through, we're drafting the Introduction, Epilogue, Dedications, and Disclaimer (believe me - some names had to be changed to protect the innocent & the guilty!!). I'm so excited and so nervous to share this intimate account of my dad's life. I'm just so over the controversy about him -- really I just want people to enjoy this book. It's just totally epic and I still can't believe that this was my own dad!! So cool. I've had some trying times getting to this point. It's been an emotional roller coaster to relive all this, dig up old information, etc. I've cried, laughed, got goosebumps, and got pissed off in the 25 chapters of this amazing tale. So - April 1st people! You can check out the updated details at: www.SugarAlpha.com. word. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DJL 235 #49 February 17, 2009 QuoteAloha Friends!! After finishing another grueling round of editing and re-reading these posts, I'm all stoked again for the publication of the book. I was a little naieve to think it would be out in September. We did update the website and it will be (for sure) out on April 1st (seriously)!! Since I've mostly been solo on this task and doing life, it's taken me a little longer than I thought to finish. So why the long editing process? We had to fill in some missing gaps and under developed characters and other sorts. Since this is based on the true story of his life there was further research necessary to dig up details on certain events to keep the story line as true as possible. Truest as we all have our different perspectives, of course. Now that the editing is going through the final read through, we're drafting the Introduction, Epilogue, Dedications, and Disclaimer (believe me - some names had to be changed to protect the innocent & the guilty!!). I'm so excited and so nervous to share this intimate account of my dad's life. I'm just so over the controversy about him -- really I just want people to enjoy this book. It's just totally epic and I still can't believe that this was my own dad!! So cool. I've had some trying times getting to this point. It's been an emotional roller coaster to relive all this, dig up old information, etc. I've cried, laughed, got goosebumps, and got pissed off in the 25 chapters of this amazing tale. So - April 1st people! You can check out the updated details at: www.SugarAlpha.com. word. I still think this story should have been written just like the camp-fire stories - like the movie "Big Fish" - ending with mysterious helicopters flying into the sunset and no acknowledgment as to what was or wasn't real."I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skydave103 0 #50 February 17, 2009 Quote Aloha Friends!! After finishing another grueling round of editing and re-reading these posts, I'm all stoked again for the publication of the book. I was a little naieve to think it would be out in September. We did update the website and it will be (for sure) out on April 1st (seriously)!! Since I've mostly been solo on this task and doing life, it's taken me a little longer than I thought to finish. So why the long editing process? We had to fill in some missing gaps and under developed characters and other sorts. Since this is based on the true story of his life there was further research necessary to dig up details on certain events to keep the story line as true as possible. Truest as we all have our different perspectives, of course. Now that the editing is going through the final read through, we're drafting the Introduction, Epilogue, Dedications, and Disclaimer (believe me - some names had to be changed to protect the innocent & the guilty!!). I'm so excited and so nervous to share this intimate account of my dad's life. I'm just so over the controversy about him -- really I just want people to enjoy this book. It's just totally epic and I still can't believe that this was my own dad!! So cool. I've had some trying times getting to this point. It's been an emotional roller coaster to relive all this, dig up old information, etc. I've cried, laughed, got goosebumps, and got pissed off in the 25 chapters of this amazing tale. So - April 1st people! You can check out the updated details at: www.SugarAlpha.com. word. Can't wait to read it! But it's coming out on April Fools Day?!!? Is this one more prank Roger made happen? JKLifeshouldNOTbeajourneytothegravewithawellpreservedbody,buttskidinsideways,cigarinone hand,martiniintheother,bodythoroughlyused upandscreaming:"WOO HOO!! What a ride!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites