jman

I think a lot of people feel the same way. I made two static line jumps when I was sixteen, but I really didn't have the dollars to go farther until I was over forty. I made the decision to at least get my A license and now have my C. My favorite skydiving mentor didn't start until he was in his late 50's and has shot video for the 4 ways at the nationals. He has also participated in many pops type records. So it's never too late. Skydiving is a sport that you can participate in for a long time unlike other sports that can beat on the body that I have participated in.

I previously worked in publishing, so I learned the old Mac systems. When I left my job I bought a pc so that I would be on the same plane like everyone else. Four years later, I think my pc laptop would be most useful as a doorstop. I bought a new Mac & I love it. The only way I will use a pc again is at a job where I would get paid to use it.

Not disputing whether the photo is real or not, but I've seen some pretty level jets going by the Ranch to approach Stewart. That's a small airport so I'm sure in more congested areas it would not be unusual to see close commercial air traffic at level flight.

I did. It was very interesting. Your question says it all. Did enough people see it? Just like the show was talking about last night. Who see's what the most on TV, is what becomes the "truth" or "reality" to most people. It's sad that the "real truth" gets buried under whatever gets the most air time.

Yes, TV clips are often narrated by someone who is clueless & it doesn't give an accurate account of what is actually happening. Check some clips out here. http://www.skydivingmovies.com

As kingbunky said: restrictor plate races are a crap shoot. It could be anybody, but yes, the stronger cars/teams are typically up front. That's why I voted for Tony in the poll, even though I'm not a Tony fan. Tony Stewart is without a doubt is the guy to beat this year. He & his team led by Greg Zipadelli are the best out there. As simplyputsi said: never ever count Mark Martin out. That son bitch can drive. Mark Martin has been my favorite since he had a big 0 in the win column of the Winston Cup/Nextel Cup series dating back to 1989. I would love to see him win some races this year on a part time schedule.

I thought her ending would finally make it possible to turn on the radio or tv and not hear some stupid story about her. Apparently I am far from the end of hearing stupid ANS stories.

I don't know a lot about them, but a company called Choicepoint, might be a place that could help you. If you know a business owner, mortgage broker, attorney, etc. they may have an account with them. They are a company that employers, landlords or anyone looking for background information will use. If someone can see what happened to you, they won't be renting these people anything.

The first thing I did when I got divorced in 2002 was take an AFF course. Actually, I took the course in July and wasn't legally divorced until August. It was the best decision I could have made.

I do feel that I get a pretty good value for my taxes....This is a pretty inexpensive and easy country to live in. Things must be better in your neck of the woods, than it is in Connecticut. Taxes here are outrageous. If you are hurt bad, there will be a helicopter to get you to the hospital....Our infrastructure (rail, highways, air) are pretty good...Yes there is traffic in cities but the interstate sys is bad ass....Food and gas are cheap....Housing inexpensive almost everywhere..... Helicopter service is good here, but that's probably because the interstate system is abysmal. Food & gas are probably like other parts of the country, but housing costs have tripled here in 5 years. That's great if you owned a home prior to 2001, but it's now way overpriced for what you get.

You haven't figured out, yet, that UntamedDog is a Troll? I don't know why he doesn't call himself Dumb Dog?

Now just imagine what one of these kids is going to do when they turn 18 and can put a rig on their back and jump out of an airplane. They'll still have to learn about safe parachuting; altitude awareness, emergency procedures, and canopy control. I think that it's great that kids can get to experience and learn body flight. You're right about 2 things: 1."Imagine" how good these kids could be by the time they skydive. 2.They will have to "Learn" safety, altitude awareness, ep's etc., associated with an actual skydive. My concern would be what I've seen with the advent of climbing gyms. Climbers learn certain skills in the gyms and then head outside into the "Real World" of climbing. Many are unprepared to deal with the situations that arrive when they leave the controlled atmosphere of a gym. Some are just naive and others are the cocky know-it-all types. I have seen the dangers that this brought to climbing and how the result will effect the public view of the sport. By public view, I mean the people who introduce new laws and control access issues. Education will be vital to teach people that skydiving will be a whole new level of adventure. Skydivers will need to recognize this now to prevent problems in the future.

I'm drunk?... Well you're ugly, but I'll be sober in the morning.

So basically auto mechanics just moved into the number 2 spot of professions i hate, still behind lawyers, and now ahead of insurance agents/adjusters/workers I would put auto salesman above auto mechanics on the list.

I saw first hand a person buy a $500 dollar Gucci purse with a FEMA debit card. The employee at Gucci and I could not believe it. The problem is with the person who sold the purse and the people selling anything else that isn't a necessity.

Elisha, I have recently heard packers/riggers talking about a different train of thought about slammers. They don't roll the nose anymore. They say the critical part of the pack job is to have the slider tight to the canopy. Even being a little loose can cause a slammer. Make sure as the canopy is put into the bag, the slider stays tight to the canopy. Check with the packers/riggers at your dz about what they think.

Hi Jared I jump at the ranch as well. Like skymama said, there is a lot of good info on this site. Look for questions in the forums similar to ones you may have to see what other people have asked and what kind of answers they received. Read Tom Buchanan's & Kim Emerson's S&TA articles on the Ranch website. http://www.theblueskyranch.com/STA.php First things first though... Pay attention to your ranch instructor and complete your student training. Most of the experienced jumpers will also be glad to help you as well.

When I called skydive ne up they seemed prety bothered by my questions. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not sure why dz offices seemed bothered by phone calls, but several I have dealt with seem that way. However, I did my aff at Skydive New England, and they were excellent. The instructor that I did the most work with was Barry, but all the instructors were great. The dz can be a little breezy midday at times so you may lean toward morning or late afternoon jumps. Have Fun!

There are also cards that have deals where instead of a 0% promotion if you transfer a balance in the first month or two of the card you get a low interest rate (2-3%) which applies until the balance is paid off. This is about the cheapest way of getting a loan you'll ever find. You're right sweep. I used a credit card with a 1.9% interest rate until the purchase was paid off. It was my best option. Cash is always king though if you have it.

freeasabird is correct. Generally Renters or Homeowners will cover your rig. Depending on the insurer. You may or may not have to schedule it.

I figure out why things that other people designed don't work the way they expected, and then either tell them how to fix it, or explain why it doesn't matter. I would have to say that from what I see day to day, you must keep busy.

I think that you are a skydiver when OTHER skydivers recognize and/or acknowledge your commitment to and respect for the sport and all it entails. If you are a moron or DGIT - regardless of your jump numbers - your peers will view you as a moron, not a skydiver. I like your answer. I remember an instructor telling me that first you are a survivor, then you become a skydiver.

am I crazy to contemplate at my age (50+), actually getting licensed? Not at all...In fact, you have plenty of time to become an accomplished skydiver. Larry Thomas(who's been a mentor to me) learned to skydive in his 50's. He is currently at the Nationals doing video for a 4-way team. He is also going to participate in a (SOS) Skydivers over Sixty world record attempt in September. Go for It!

one might assume it "falls" in under this....Wink Falling, jumping, or pushed from a high place, Y30 /103 / 2,795,546 / 36,165 The above list falls under the following: Event of undetermined intent, Y10-Y34, Y87.2, Y89.9 I would think a skydive would be a "determined" intent

Are you talking about hypothyroidism (low thyroid) "Hashimoto's" or hyperthyroidism (high thyroid) "Graves"? I have been dealing with Hashimoto's for several years and it isn't fun. My worst symptom has been "extreme fatigue". I call them my coma episodes. I went to see an Arthritis doctor about it because it is an autoimmune disease. I was never sent to an endocrinologist, although I would recommend going because I have symptoms that I believe could be reduced or eliminated. I have also wanted to go to a natureopathic type doctor, but most insurance companies will not cover them. It's not an easy road, but, I know people have very different results with treatment. Search the web...there's a lot of info. Good Luck