vonSanta

Heh, you have a very cool writing style

So the relationship between the two is constant, even at high speed? I.e speed isn't a significant factor? I'd imagine that a turn would be different from straight flying (the outher risers would be moving at a slightly higher speed). A turn alters the profile of the canopy - does this significantly alter the force distribution? Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Very nice blue purple rig. You gotta post a pic of you wearing it. Doing so adds +7 to your Charisma according to my Dungeons & Dragons (hey, dragons swoop) book. If you have a hot suit, well +20 to Flying skill. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Heh, in Sweden tunnel time is called "feg-flygning". A very nice little alliteration. *Very* roughly translated (hard to do since there are lots of implicit connotations) it means "coward-flying" or "flying for cowards" . Gotta love Swedes. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Heh PhillyKey, I have some US friends that say the US hasn't changed one bit freedom wise after Bush took office. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

So if he uses weird numbers, why is it 3 in the Bible? His spirit were in the authors and everything. Oh well, doesn't matter. I need to go see the "four corners" of the world. And jump off the edge - wonder if I'll get some decent freefall time?. Spirituality is fine. Too bad so many have fallen victim to the control of a minority with absurd claims. I think God is probably a bit miffed about all these people ruling others or telling 'em what to do "in his name". I know *I* would be if I went through the trouble of creating a universe only to have some stupid bipedal carbon based life forms claim outrageous things. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Yep. Retribution and revenge are way different from immediate protection of loved ones. And I must say I wonder a bit about the mental state of some people who almost jump with glee and brag about the hideous things they want to do to a human - if some criteria are met. To me, it's simple. If I can control myself - let the law handle it. If I cannot - kill the offending person, but do it cleanly and without leaving much trace. A hunting rifle is very accurate - it'd be a small task to kill the dude as he walks outta court a free man on a technicality. But why the need to be savage - and why the oh so irrational "protection by torture" arguments? It'll only mess up your own psyche (not many people can go through that unchanged) and your kids (seeing Daddy being Bubba's Bitch will do them little good). If it has to be done, be smart and effective. "B-b-b-b-but he did those *horrible things* to the children!" Yeah. He's dead now because of it. Think he'll do it again? Mission accomplished. We failed to protect our loved ones, but we've helped protect others. Maybe. If the guy was guilty. Which we don't know yet. But burn the witch, because sorcery is such a horrible crime that we do not need a trial! Think he'll 'not do it again, only he'll not do it to a higher degree' because you torture him before you shoot 'im? A dead man is a dead man guilty or not. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Yah and the guy survived. Was he paralyzed? If not, he has nothing to whine about, really. The reserve saved 'im. What caused it to blow up like that I dunno, though. But he lived through a double mal. He should be kissing the ground with a smile. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Dunno about the intent of the post and won't comment on it. I'll just say there seems to be a hole in the armor on some model TBMs - or possibly it was done later at the museum? Seen from pilot's seat it's visible. Also from wireless operator's seat Finally, the gap to the side can be seen in both pics, and this photo shows it quite clearly. Other than that, while self sealing tanks helped reduce the risk of fire, it didn't eliminate it. 20mm HE rounds could blow quite large holes. There are pictures of burning Avengers out there. This link claims one of the other crewmen bailed, but that his parachute didn't deploy. I dunno. The guy obviously served. He probably didn't screw up too much. He got a medal along the way. He's no more of a hero than any other Avenger pilot though, I'll agree with that. Basically came in a wee late for the really hard missions. But he was there. He flew and took risks. It may not be "heroic" in times of war, when all must take risks, but it's at least a *bit* ballsy. I know it'd scare me. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Heh, pretty funny stuff. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

I'd consider it a skydive fatality for the very reason you mention. How is such a situation categorized - as general aviation casualties or skydive casualties? Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

That'd be downright stupid and counterproductive. "Oh, the guy has done some drugs and now wants to better his life. Let's kick and hold him down so he turns into a criminal instead and we can waste money that way!". Our government gives both stipends and loans to all students, including non citizens. It's worked out so far. An educated population is an investment. The state'll earn more through taxes etc, so why not? Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Who're Creed? First time I heard of 'em, someone said they sucked so bad they could get a planet to pass inside a straw. Hm. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Hahah, LOL! Man, these guys take the piss on the "evidence at all cost!" people in the health industry . Gotta show this to my sis. Also; read some of the replies to their article - they're pretty good too (example): Well done, an article to bring a smile to the reader. I have often proposed a similar randomized controlled trial with respect to other such obvious phenomenon as oxygen requirements in humans. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Anyone that's been there, understands that. Anyone that hasn't, just has a hard time understanding. As told to me once, a while back when I had serious problems, "why can't you just be happy?" If only it was that easy. Oh yeah, I just love the "snap out of it" "encouragements". As far as pain goes - I'd wager to say that the internal *hell* a depressed person goes through every waking second cannot be understood or approximated by someone who've never been depressed. it's not about being sad. Or having a bad week. Or being dumped by a loved one. It's about every second being a struggle, of a mind that screams and pleads and claws. There's no rationality about it. It's the absolute loss of hope and faith. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is adding value to your life. No amount of money, friends, recognition etc is worth anything. The finest meat is ashes on your tongue. Suicide is selfish in a way. But you can only handle that surreal pain and hopelessness for so long. Every second you're pushing it. Sleep, blissful sleep, is the only respite you get. I've been there. Every few years I get a depression. Just happens - didn't ask for it, nothing "bad" happened. It just slips in and take root. I think the pain is different from sorrow. And one definitely cannot "snap out of" either. Chute, you have my full sympathies. I can only wish for strength for you and Kat69s loved ones Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

I doubt the majority of whuffos would consider a skydiver "cool" based on him/her skydiving alone. The ones I've talked to either say I'm stupid for needlessly risking my life or unimpressed. A few have said" cool, Iwannadothattoo", but that's at bars mostly. I skydive because it's so much fun and it enriches my life. I do it in spite of the risks, not because of 'em, so I'm probably not an adrenaline junkie. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Just had this wonderful sport teach me a lesson. Was a bit chilly at -2C on the ground so I decided to wear my jacket. "Be really thorough when you check your clothes for skydiving suitability." That's the lesson, or one of 'um. I had checked my jacket to ensure it wouldn't get in the way/obstruct in any way - tucked it in, asked a more experienced skydiver if it looked good, it did. Was doing a 3-way from 1500 (the only bellyflying I've done so far was to get qualified to jump with others). Went well even with our bulky clothes - held a star, looking at the beautiful white scenery around us. 1200 - track away. Tracked a wee bit too long - 950 on the altimeter when I went to pull. Nothing. Hard pull no biggie, pull harder. Hmmm, not good. Oh shite. Might have to go for silver, last try Oh yes, out it goes, phew. Canopy and traffic - no prob. Altitude check - 550 meters. 550? Eeek. That's 50 below my decision altitude, but it's under canopy after doing my checks. Anyway, it spooked me. I've learned my lesson though - I'd rather freeze a bit than have that happen again. I grabbed the handle *and* my jacket when I reached back, which was what lead to the "hard pull". Even though I thought I had it covered and checked and everything, the jacket came in the way. And altitude goes by *real* fast when something doesn't go as planned. Obvious and I knew that beforehand, but experiencing it really brings home the point. Jackets are no good for skydiving . Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Aaaah, the good ole evil jeanne is back! And I'm the first to get to know. How 'sweet' of ya Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Yup agreed, Billvon for the save. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

I'll take #7 Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

I'm so on it. I'd need a Vice Reverent with a Saviour complex though. Someone to "weed" the bad ladies from the good ones. You up for it? Nirfur - God of All Things Yellow And Furry. Good start. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Well, here in Denmark we have a priest in our Danish People's Church that's an atheist. And he's been allowed to continue as a priest. While bigamy is not technically legal, I'm sure we can find a liberal-minded judge that can help us. Yay! I'm getting married! Twice! And with hotties. Life is good Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

Complete quote: "Adventure parachuting is the fastest growing market in the world" Taken from this thread about the new NZ jumpplane that crashed. In a recent thread Kallend pointed out that while skydiving had an explosive growth in the 90's, in the last few years USPA membership has actually declined. Does the guy with the "fastest growing" quote know something Kallend doesn't, or is he just trying to soothe potential buyers? Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst

I was asking others WITH medical explanations to assist us in our debate as I am not a Dr. nor do I study medicine. Semantically speaking, you asked for a doc. The person you're discussing this with is just that. Sorta cool, no?

Well, marry me. We'll live on different continents, have our own lives and then we'd be answering "so, when are you gonna get a divorce" question instead. Plus, sex will be much more exciting since technically we'd be cheating all the time. My suggestion has nothing to do with you being a hottie. Nothing whatsoever. Anyway, so what do you answer when people ask you that dreaded question? I thought I had it under control, but I don't. Need some fail safe answers -and quick, as that question seems to come more and more often the older I get. Nightingale wrote They're on my case because I haven't brought anyone to meet them in something like three years. I haven't brought back anyone since I was 16 - I'm 28 now. I bet they're wondering whether I'm straight or not . I just don't want to. I really didn't want to explain why. Its just that when you have a couple of BAD heartbreaks right in a row, you start picking people that are fun to hang out with, but that you aren't that "in to" so its emotionally safe and you know you're going to have a good time, but no matter how things turn out, you're not going to get hurt again. Wot, what are you, my twin? How YOU doing? I do the exact same thing. No wonder we aren't getting married just yet. Mebbe I'll marry you if Kelel says no. Or marry you both. I really didn't want to say "Grandma, I haven't brought anyone home because I've been dating losers on purpose." THAT would NOT have gone over well. HEY! I'm no loser. Goofy, yes, but no loser. Now you've done it. Thanks for putting me back into my cell of self imposed isolation due to unimaginable heart ache. And it's all your fault. Yeah. No, I don't resent you - I mean how bad can it be to have an everlasting festering open gaping wound in the heart, letting all the wolves out there get the scent of a wounded prey? Thank you. Thank you so much. Santa Von GrossenArsch I only come in one flavour ohwaitthatcanbemisunderst