skymiles

I can’t wait to read all the independent scientific research that concludes the non-existence of global warming. I’m sure a movie based on it will be out soon. At some point in time, when the evidence is overwhelming, there are no longer two sides to every story. All that’s left are a few individuals who, for some reason, are happier to bury their heads in the sand. A few hundred years ago, it was commonly believed that the earth was flat. Where’s that side of the story today? Phil

Yes,, if that is what is take to stablize that portion of the world, YES True stability can only come from within. This is called democracy. Everything else is imperialism, communism or fascism. I learned that in high school. Phil

My notebook was stolen last week. Is it possible to track it using its MAC address or other such thing if the perp goes online? Phil

McCain is trying to get on the right side of history. Phil

So you're proud of not thinking for yourself. Indeed, a strange thing to say. Phil

It is only one story of many real stories. Phil

Just as the first jumper of the load was about to land the wind shifted 180. But by that time the landing pattern was set and all the jumpers landed down wind including the only newbie on the load. Nothing out of the ordinary except that the newbie was Tiger Woods. He came in fast and flared too high, and as he touched down he fell forward into a loose PLF. Uninjured, he jumped to his feet. Tiger had completed AFF the day before and was now working on his A license. The staff instructors at the DZ were not involved. A friend of his who is a Navy Seal Leap Frog arranged his training at the DZ and involved 3 other instructors. Tiger and his small entourage used a room away from the tandem students and visitors. The whole thing was very low key – no press, no sponsors no on lookers. The experienced jumpers knew he was there but were all very nonchalant about it. Skydiving is indeed the great equalizer. Apparently, Tiger has wanted to skydive for some time and now would like to jump regularly (at least one day a month). I just hope he’s open to jumping with other regular skydivers at the DZ and doesn’t isolate himself. No doubt, Tiger Woods could be a publicity bonanza for skydiving, as long a he stays healthy that is. I applaud him for pursuing his other passion; however, I hate to think of the negative ramifications if he got banged up. Lastly, I will not disclose the DZ or upload the video of his landing.

Without a massive increase in troops on the ground and a new strategy to win (or any strategy for that matter), there are only two choices 1) withdraw in defeat or 2) stay and be defeated. The only difference is the US body count. Phil

No matter how strong the evidence, there will always be a wack job to dispute it. Phil

You presume that no more attacks would have occurred if the U.S. had responded by doing nothing. That is a fatal error in the logic of your argument. Quite the contrary would probably have been true. Just look at the additional terrorist plots that have been foiled around the world. When Clinton did nothing about the U.S.S. Cole attacks, for example, it emboldened the terrorists to commit yet more attacks. And likewise, if we pull out of Iraq immediately, you will give the terrorists a safe haven from which to operate, a large source of revenue, and the uplifted spirit to continue doing evil around the world. The terrorists love weakness in their enemy: it does not produce charity from them - it is to be exploited. The idea that if we leave them alone, that they will leave us alone, is false. They've already proven that, prior to 9/11. You have two choices: You can fight them, or bend over and kiss your ass goodbye. I see you bending over. So in your mind, the ONLY choice was to invade Iraq or do nothing. Do I understand you correctly? Phil

Of course not. Not smart enough to be a good and effective president, but certainly not an idiot. What is surprising however, is who asked this question. Last night on MSNBC’s Scarborough Country, Joe Scarborough, a conservative commentator and former Republican Congressman, had a segment called “Is Bush an Idiot”. It’s becoming clear that Republicans too are increasingly turning against Bush. Phil

If you've got magazines in your bathroom, you’ve got a problem. Fiber anyone? Phil

What’s it like in the tunnel during this heat wave (+100 F)? Bearable / unbearable? Phil

Ok, but does anybody have any experience with Smart reserves packing bigger than they ought too. Phil

Ever heard of it? My riggers have complained that my Smart 150 reserve packs very tight. After the third complaint, I contacted the manufacturer of my container (name withheld) and their rigger said to send it in and he would check it out. He repacked it (no charge) and agreed that the pack job is tighter than most but the container itself is within spec. He also said they have put hundreds of Smarts in their containers with no problems. I asked what is the problem then. He said some reserves seem to pack larger than others of the same make, model and size. He called this phenomenon “mystery bulk” and thought that differences in nylon material thickness from one lot to another could be responsible. Is anyone familiar with this? Phil

Is it possible to continuously record from a webcam (USB type) and to review it later? If so, is special software needed? Thanks, Phil

OMG!!!! Texas obviously needs more guns! Get to it people. Phil

I felt it as well. Your description is very accurate. Phil

If I were you, I wouldn't jump there on weekends either. Phil

It’s official - Skydive Imperial is open for business this weekend. Just got an e-mail from them saying so. Phil

I would stay away from San Diego for now. The skydiving operation was recently taken over by the previous owner, Buzz Fink. The last time he managed the DZ, essentially all the instructors quit and went to Elsinore or Perris. According to 3 instructors I spoke to, they left because they were not given enough time with each student for proper instruction. I hope the same thing doesn’t happen to the current instructors at SD– they are top notch. Furthermore, Andy Witcomb (the owner before Buzz), took all his new student and tandem rigs (parachutes and harnesses) with him when he left last month and I don’t know if they have been replaced yet. I hope Buzz isn’t using his old student equipment – that stuff was getting long in the tooth. Phil

Remember when Sen. Ted Kennedy continued reading “My Pet Goat” to a bunch of school kids after he was informed the country was under attack. Oh, that was funny. Phil

You are absolutely right – why did Andy invest in an operation that wasn’t his outright? I can only imagine the conversations or contract wording that made him believe it was safe to do so. I always feared that he would be screwed over, but I hoped for the best. And yes, we can all learn from this. A qualified lawyer must review all contracts in order to assign the most cynical interpretation to each clause because right and wrong, unfortunately, have no place in business. Nonetheless, I wonder why Buzz would even want to take on the civilian skydiving operation again. After all, he sold it in the first place because he was “burnt out”. That’s what he told Chuck Apley in a telephone conversation anyway. Also, as far as I can tell he doesn’t jump anymore, and it’s not like he needs the money. Back in October, Buzz was bragging loudly in the experienced packing area that he was buying a 7 million dollar house in Coronado, CA. Phil

This past Saturday, in touching tribute to Andy Witcomb in recognition for his last day as DZO of Skydive San Diego (SSD), the staff presented him with a framed picture of all the staff signed by everyone. However, it was not a time of celebration because everyone knew that Andy’s leaving was not by choice. In a slick business maneuver, Andy was forced out by Allen “Buzz” Fink, the previous DZO. Ever since the news broke about a month ago the morale at the DZ hit rock bottom. Two years ago, Andy bought the civilian skydiving operation (AFF, tandems, experienced skydiving) from Buzz Fink. However, it was not a complete transfer of ownership; Buzz Fink remained in control of the DZ in general, the multi-million dollar military contract, and he took a cut of income generated by Andy. Before Andy, SSD was a dusty tandem-mill operation with little regard for experienced jumpers. Our on-site rigger was driven off the DZ, and at times the packing area was simply a dirty tarp on the sun baked ground. Moreover, most of the jump masters had left the DZ in a dispute with Buzz Fink, which explains why many instructors at Elsinore and Perris are from San Diego. However, once Andy Witcomb took charge, the DZ was steadily transformed into a world class operation. He bought new student and tandem rigs, built a huge covered packing area with TVs for the fun jumpers, instituted experienced jumper loads to keep the plane turning, built a bunkhouse and a sundeck with BBQ pit, irrigated the landing zone, installed flush toilets, organized boogies and night jumps, and much more. Now that the DZ was a thriving operation, Buzz Fink decided to take it back. It doesn’t seem to matter to him that Andy poured his heart and soul into making the DZ a success, and that he mortgaged his house to do it. It doesn’t seem to matter to Buzz Fink that he has deprived Andy and his family of their livelihood. Buzz Fink’s action may be legal, but that doesn’t make it right. There is a saying “it’s just business, it’s not personal”. That may be true when referring to the competition, but when it’s a business partner, you bet it’s personal. I also take it personally when it’s a friend and fellow skydiver who has done more for skydiving in San Diego than anyone before him. I spend a lot of money skydiving, and my money is not going to line the pockets of someone who thinks his conduct is acceptable. There are many other skydivers at SSD who feel the same way, and some, like me, have decided to take our business elsewhere. Fortunately, for us Elsinore and Perris are not too far. Lastly, I would like to thank Andy for all his hard work – it did not go unnoticed. I think I can safely speak for most everyone at SSD; you are a man of integrity and have gained our utmost respect as a friend, skydiver and DZO. Andy, I will jump with you anytime, anywhere. I’m honored to know you. Blue skies and best wishes for the future, Phil

There are draw backs with the split ring too. The end of the split ring can snag the canopy. This happened to a buddy of mine and it torn a hole in his brand new VX. Phil