CrazyThomas

Good theory. I don't know that I could ever date a skydiver, because I am a "not-so-right in the head" BASE jumper. The two don't always get along. And I don't know that I would want to date a BASE jumper. That would be way too stressful. Watching someone I care for BASE jump. And then having her watch me. And what if something ever happened? Well, guess who would be watching. Me or her. And that's not something I ever want to see. Another reason I prefer to BASE jump solo, and without ground crew. It's more than a spiritual thing. I am trying to be nice to everyone I love, and care for. Because I would much rather them just get a phone call then actually have to watch it. Either way, it's like Chester Cheetah says: "It's not EASY being CHEESY!" Peace, Thomas

Cool pic. Sure, a little unusual, but I usually never pass up a chance to see a little (or BIG in this case) bush. Thanks for sharing. Peace, Thomas

Free advertising for USPA? dropzone.com supports USPA last time I thought. when was the last time I thought anyways? must have been a beer or five ago. Peace, Thomas

Hey, $50 is getting off pretty easy. In my sick, demented mind, I bet my life on a single parachute. Maybe I should stop betting? Maybe I should lose a bet? Maybe I should shut up? Any thoughts out there? Peace, Thomas

WOW! Hell-a-good statement. Yes, power does corrupt. And titles are even worse. "I'm the boss, so what I say goes." pfffff... The best company I ever worked for had no titles. They had leaders. Titles? Dime a dozen, and exploited for power. Leaders? Good things. Knowledgeable people, that know how to organize ideas and people. Much tougher than just enforcing rules. Here's a leader's question. "Does everyone hate me yet because of what I say?" That is why you call me Crazy Tom. My good friends spawned this name for me, and I like it. It offers an explanation in itself, as to why I am the way I am. Because I just do not give a damn. I think I heard Eminem say the same thing. Beautiful concept. Once a person gives up guilt, fear, and morals, anything is possible. But, a person has to honestly give up guilt, fear, and morals. I don't fear death. It happens to all of us sooner or later. And I don't feel guilty about saying that. And I didn't have many moral problems last night at the bar with this woman......huh huh. Peace, Thomas

>> okay Faber....I couln't pass on this one. This has "Jerry Springer" all over it. ( Sorry ,just a little American humor.) Sounds like BASE board. Why even say that? Maybe he has no clue what Jerry Springer is, so how would he enjoy the joke? Or are we just being American and thinking we are funny? >>Sounds to me like something is missing from this episode, though. I mean, are they against you because of your BASE jumping, or is it that, plus something else? Wow, another good american comment. Always paranoid someone is hiding something from us. >> I have a hard time imagining why a DZ would discriminate against you just for being a BASE jumper, who had an accident and got injured. That is why you failed.--Master Yoda. Why have a hard time believing this? People are people. Some are good, and some are evil. Do you believe also that every police officer follows the laws and rules in enforcing the laws? I hope you don't fall into that trap. There ARE corrupt police out there, and I hope for everyone's sake, noone has to run across one. They are not fun, nor fair to deal with. Phone call to a lawyer? Yeah, right. I tried that argument also, but it didn't work. >>There are alot of BASE jumpers here in the States that hold ratings such as ST&A, Tandem, AFF, etc...., and are active in those postitions. Aaahhh....America the wasteful. But those BASE jumpers holding those ratings most likely have to break laws to BASE jump. So USPA allows law breakers to have ratings? What a great double standard. Hipocrites! >> One thing I'd deffinately not do, is move to a different DZ. Stand your ground. Hang in there dude! You've got the best of both worlds going for you. You want to progress in the great sport of skydiving, and, you want to continue BASE jumping. I know this does not help you much, but, I don't think anyone else but you knows the answer to your problem. How do you know that doesn't help him? What if that is what everyone is telling him? Another sticking point, here: >>You want to progress in the great sport of skydiving, and, you want to continue BASE jumping. What, BASE jumping is not a great sport? Look at what forum you made that comment in. Not a skydiver's forum. Have you ever BASE jumped? I believe it is the BEST sport there is. One reason, is we are self regulated. Try that with USPA. Sorry. I didn't mean to flame you Rod. Or seem like I was being mean. I just wanted both sides of the story out on the table. Fair enough? Peace, Thomas

How can such a simple concept be so feared? Is it all that bad when someone dies? They go to a happier place, or they face judgement. So, the only people left hurting are the ones left behind. Why would a dead person worry about this? Maybe there is no admittance into the pearly white gates until all people left behind have accepted the reality that their friend is gone. Or their son/daughter. Or their husband/wife. Maybe we are burdening the dead by mourning their loss. Me? I want people to have a party at my funeral. I want a couple of kegs there, and everyone drinks. Why make a funeral a sad time? I want everyone to have one last party with me, before I go into the ground for good. Seriously though, is death that bad? I think I've seen a preview of it, and it seemed to be nice. Why would I worry about going somewhere better? The main reason is to keep pleasing my friends and family by staying alive. I hate life. There it is. The truth. But, I am unwilling to do anything about it. And I am not in a hurry to die, but not scared to. Actually, I am looking forward to it. Like all good movies, maybe mine will have a happy ending? Peace, Thomas

A Girlfriend? or a girl, who is a friend? I have many friends that are women. I like to keep it on a friendship level with them, as it is much easier for both of us to tolerate each other. I have told them this, and some of them have told me this. Something like: "Let's just be friends." Come on, any women want to admit to using that line? Anyone? Sometimes it is just a nice way of saying: " I don't like you. You are insane." or: "You are ugly, and I don't want to be seen with you" or: "Any smart women would NEVER date you." here goes my pessimism again. Maybe I was put on this earth with the intention of never having a girlfriend. I had one before, but BASE came between us. I think I chose right, but I cried a long time. I still believe she is happier with my choice also. She was happy to come to see me skydive, but at night, it was a different story. "You're gonna do WHAT?" and then should I lie, or tell her what might actually happen. "I might go and do something that will kill me." girlfriends.........more trouble than they are worth for me at this current juncture. Too many issues, too many things to do, and WAY to many fish in the sea for me to hook into just one. Just one? Sounds like BASE again. One is all have, and I still bet my life for happiness? Sounds like a wedding vow. scary stuff, these thoughts. Peace, Thomas

Faber, Not to sound too pessimistic here, but consider this: Wait until the BASE jumpers you thought were your friends turn on you. Then, you see who really is a friend, and who was just pretending friendship while things were good. Because real friends will and do stick with you through good and bad times. Happiness and sadness, I can count on my REAL friends to be there for me to talk with. Even if I am rambling non-sense, or threatening my life, my real friends will endure and listen. They may not like what they hear, or like listening to me, but they WILL listen because they know I would do the same for them. So, if you just want someone to talk with, talk with a friend. I find good things when I trust someone enough to tell them about the not-so-sweet parts of my life. Friends. What a great concept. I should thank somebody for that idea. Thanks Friends! Peace, Thomas

I read about some things people learned in life. What I have learned, sometimes I wish I hadn't. Sometimes, I think to myself: "If only I didn't know some of the things I know, maybe I could be more normal, more liked, and hell, maybe even want to have a girlfriend." But, "what ifs" are a thing of the past, or a thing of the future. I try to live in the moment, because I never know when I may die. Really, if God wanted to tell people how long they are given on this planet, would you really want to know? I would ask God politely to keep it a surprise for me. Peace, Thomas any other thoughts?

Don't let the politics get to you. Sounds almost like you live in America. Some people don't like your life choices, so they what? decide to discriminate you in their own secretive ways. Too bad it is obvious what they are doing. Don't give in so easy. Show them that you are not a quitter, and not so easily swayed by their comments or actions. Peace, Thomas

Examples of speech that can get me put in jail? These are all hypothetical, and do not reflect my views. I hate you because you are a faggot!--hate speech I hate you n---er!--discrimination If you don't have sex with me, I will fire you!--while that may not put me in jail, I can lose my job over this. I have a bomb, and am going to blow something up.---No, I don't and would never do such a cowardly thing. But, even saying so would be a breach of national security these days. These do not reflect my views. I am friends with several openly gay people. I have a best friend who is black, so I don't even think of the n-word when talking to people of different colors. Sexual Harrasment? Brings law suits. and it should. this behavior should not be tolerated. A bomb? Smart terrorists like Osama Bin Laden do not announce their plans. Someone who announces a plan like this does not really want to follow through, but are simply crying for attention. Those are some examples of things to go to jail for saying. Hope that clarifies things. Peace, Thomas

So, I have a few interesting (I think) questions for discussion. It somewhat goes against manufacturer's recommendations, so it requires extra thinking. That's why I am asking. For some extra thought help. When is the wind too much? Are gusts more dangerous than pure wind velocity? I am facing a situation where my instincts say go, but my brain says no. The weather is less than ideal (snowy, windy, and gusty) and am thinking about a BASE jump. Not necessarily making one, but thinking about one. A 1200 foot object, with perfect landing conditions on the ground as far as clear fields. The wind would be somewhere in the 15-25 mph range, but gusts come and go, and gusts can get up to 45mph on the ground. So, if I timed the wind perfectly, and if the wind followed a pattern, I should theoretically be able to make this dreamed up jump happen. But, there are 2 ifs in that last statement, and it is mostly theoretical. Any input on this? Can this be accomplished, or has it been? Can this be somewhat safe, or should I just get drunk instead? Or better yet, just hang out with friends and have one or two, and not even get drunk? Thoughts, comments, and suggestions welcome. Let's hear what y'all think. Please be honest though. Peace, Thomas

nope. I don't care to tell about my life more than I have to. I have been to jail, because I said the wrong thing. I do not want to go back, so I am learning to keep my mouth shut more. If I kept my mouth shut more often, sure, less people would hate me or dislike me. I would cause myself less problems. And, I would not have gone to jail already. But, somehow, for some reason, I think I should tell people at least some of the things I know. Maybe I am trying to help? Does anyone care to listen, or should I stop posting here also? That would just be one more place I am not welcome. That's fine, and it would make my life easier, simpler, and less stressful. And some people still have the impression I don't think about what I say before I say it. pffff...keep dreaming. I wish I could speak that freely. Go hit the bong again? I would if I could. Then, maybe I wouldn't even want to talk. I would be busy taking a vacation in Stoner-ville. Peace, Thomas

How many countries have invaded the US because they disagree with our political structure? How many countries are inspecting our military strongholds because the US is stockpiling nuclear weapons? How many countries are wrought with frivilous law-suits? How many countries claim "Freedom of speech", but still send their own citizens to jail if the wrong thing is said? Do you understand the problem, or are you just trying to be patriotic, and support Uncle Sam no matter what he does? Peace, Thomas

No, no cheese with the wine. How about a beer, so when I am done with this wine, I have another drink ready. Talk about going at it with a reserve! Peace, Thomas

Good point about under-estimating risks and valuing the reward incorrectly. I also like your "heroine/BASE jumping" parallel. I asked my parents this same question. something like "Would you rather have me be a heroine junkie than have me sober and BASE jumping?" They chose BASE. I don't want to get into a discussion about experiences, or evaluation of reward. All that aside, I think BASE jumping is safer than heroine. Maybe, maybe not. You can't O.D. on a BASE jump. Sure, you can flat out die, but that's different. Ever hear about someone watching a friend O.D. on heroine? They don't just miss the p.c. and go SPLAT. It is a lot messier. And I can tell you that heroine will put a person in jail much longer than BASE. Also, there are treatment centers for heroine addicts. There is no rehab for BASE jumpers, only death. Peace, Thomas

Where is your girlfriend? oh wait, she just woke up. When does she have to be home? Peace, Thomas

It's like, talking to a brick wall. Why would I talk to a brick wall? Maybe I'm drunk. Maybe it is good conversation (someone who listens to me). Maybe I have noone better to talk to. I don't know. Am I still talking? Peace, Thomas p.s. Any ideas, softies?

First off, why the long walk? how about??? LAND CLOSER! or get a cab? or have a friend pick you up? Try breaking bones. This hurts more, and takes more healing time. I appreciate blisters, because that means I can walk again. Peace, Thomas

What? I didn't reply? OK, lemme try again. No, I don't want any of you to become BASE jumpers. And yes, I am disgusted with most of (not all) the skydiving community for what it has become. Not a group of people trying to enjoy a sport of freefall, but a group of "I have more jumps than you" old arrogant geeks. Seriously, numbers matter that much? I have seen skydivers that have 1,000s of skydives, still be brainless idiots. And that's not the point. I used to read Parachutist, about people wanting to ban hook turns. Seriously? Ban hook turns? another rule, thought up by people not enjoying the benefits of hook turns--ie:more speed, more swoop. I just wanted everyone to think about their own actions, for themselves. Why do hook turns? Are you trying to impress me, win a competition, or just have some fun? I just tried to have fun, and was dissed at the local DZ who was mainly RW jumpers, because I wanted to fun jump, or head down. I cannot and will not explain everything here. It takes life's experiences to know things. So, disreagard whatever I write, and go through it on your own. Have fun, stay alive, and don't cry to me when things go bad. Why was there a thread about someone charging someone for a signature? Because they didn't know reality. And they paid. HAH HAH!!!! Softies. Why is the world so soft these days? Go hard, go fast, and have fun! Rock out with your cock out! Peace, Thomas "Why try, when winning is pointless?"---Pritt E. Defeatist

Wow! Someone with the bravery to reply to this. I see a lot of views, and only one reply. Quade--I am not trying to get everyone to quit USPA. Who knows, USPA might be a good thing. I don't know. I am trying to make people think for themselves, a real challenge in today's world. It just seems everyone wants someone else to make rules for them, and decisions for them. And then when things go wrong, let's sue someone. Why is America a sue-happy society? Because noone wants to take responsibility for their own actions. If so, maybe more things would be legal. Laws are created (I believe) to side step around the legal issues. Trespassing laws? You can't sue me, because I said you can not go there. Skydiving and BASE were both born from people with ideas. Ideas that they believed in, and were willing to give their lives for. Think about all the deaths that occur in both sports, because people are willing to risk it all for something. Sounds like astronauts. Astronauts go through years of training to get on the shuttle, or on the rocket. They risk their life for an adventure many of us cannot have. Sounds like skydiving. Whuffos cannot understand why we jump from planes. Whuffos also are usually the people making the laws against something they don't understand. No, don't quit USPA unless you want to. you have read about the S&TA asking for money for a signature. Why would USPA be concerned? The S&TA also gets money from that same S&TA. Why bite the hand that feeds you? Peace, Thomas

what about these? Warning: Alcohol can lead to unexpected pregnancy. Warning: Alcohol can lead you to tell the truth. Warning: Alcohol can make you believe people want to hear your opinion. Peace, Thomas "Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut."---Ernest Hemmingway

If you want real carnage, try renting something called " Faces of Death" It is quite sick, as it shows real accidents and real death. if you want carnage, there you go. and if you want carnage with parachutes, try: "Beyond Extreme" It has footage of a BASE jumper slamming full on into a wall, and hitting it a couple times before landing on the talus. It also has some other injury footage. someone getting shot with a shotgun (didn't hurt them) and someone else doing a full body burn. cool stuff. if that is what you are looking for at least. Peace, Thomas

So, I just read something about an S&TA charging someone for signing a licensing card or something. Why does this surprise any of you? You may not have realized it yet, but MONEY TALKS. Skydiving is big enough now, that even USPA is becoming like uncle sam. Happy as long as money comes in. When action is needed, money starts the action. If no money comes in, or no financial gain is apparent from such said action, nothing will be done. Ever read the back of "Parachutist" magazine? something like "USPA is skydiving. Without us, there is no skydiving" and some other cute sayings that most people don't care to interpret. These sayings were enough to sicken me out of the sport. So, instead of enjoying relaxing, safe skydives, I now choose to illegally BASE jump. Sure, better chances of death, but at least I don't PAY someone to make rules for me. I decide my own. Jumping at night? pfff...still can't do it skydiving. Don't have enough (money invested) jumps yet. Not a problem BASE jumping. Why do you think so many DZ's hate to hear about BASE jumpers? Are we not good skydivers, because we BASE jump also? or does it piss everyone off that I may choose to pull at 400 feet on a terminal jump? Or jump from 250 feet? Sure, I believe my parachute will work. And for those who don't, keep believing that. Keep believing that site and this site are NOT jumpable. That keeps the heat off those sites. hah hah! USPA = Money. Simple equation if you ask me. And no, I did not re-new my USPA membership this year, just for this reason. Why pay for rules, when death is free? Peace, Thomas