larakiyomi

Actually I've been really happy at USPA and am very sad to go. There's a lot of interest and support growing for the social media and transparency things I've been working on and lots of potential for new programs that I'd love to be a part of. The reason I am leaving is that we saw this opportunity, now, to do a new magazine and I know I will kick myself in ten years if I don't give it a shot with Kolla and Pierre. Yeah, Parachutist is a lot tamer than what we're planning to do, but it has to be. I personally voted in favor of a lot of the taming down decisions as a member of the magazine staff, because it's a family-friendly publication; it has to be and it should be. I'd actually like to throw out a huge thank you to everyone at USPA - HQ and the board - for being more supportive than I had ever hoped for. They all seem genuinely excited for me and for this new adventure. Anyway, I know this is kind of an odd situation for people to grasp, but I don't really have any agenda for or against USPA. It's been a great place to work and I'll miss it and everyone there a lot. -Lara Blue Skies Mag

Yep, we're shooting for a July issue, then monthly thereafter, with either a December/January combined issue or a June/July issue - so 11 total per year. Sorry to have left that off the site, I'll put up a note explaining that now. Let us know if there's anything else missing, wrong or that you want to know about. And thanks for the shout-out, Krisanne!

Mine got stolen too, on my birthday! Idiot cut the satellite cable to get it out of my car Chill is a good one, Ethel is great too - their commercials crack me up. I re-discovered Bluesville online the other day, too. We can listen to the radio together millions of miles apart Katee! BTW, where the heck are you these days? Blue Skies Mag

Ditto! Perfectly said, Shimell. Chris, despite all my bitching and protesting, I had a blast with you and the FLCPA and all the crazy swoopers - thank you for all that! And thanks for being such a good example of just what Mark said - your passion, drive and focus is second to none and I admire you more than you'll know for it. Good luck to you and Michelle - and good luck to Al! He's got huge shoes to fill.

Just in case this is an Alti-2 you're talking about, you may want to check this out - http://www.alti-2.com/customer%20support/faq.htm#How_can_I_repair_my_mechanical_Altimaster_myself_Should_I_oil_the_mechanism_routinely. Even if it's not, just about every alti manufacturer I know of has excellent customer service and would be happy to fix it. Sorry for the thread drift Blue Skies Mag

Yay Ian! Have fun on your birthday date Blue Skies Mag

Hi London skydivers! I'm visiting London for the first time this weekend, arriving on Thursday - what great timing for this ! So ... who's going to be there so I don't feel like I'm walking into a room of total strangers Looking forward to meeting you all! ~ Lara ps - what time does all this London Skydiver craziness begin? Blue Skies Mag

Art! You'll be in my hometown

It's spelled "You're ignorant". And the word is i-r-o-n-y. ~ Lara (aka just another silly ) Blue Skies Mag

Yeah, the new guy's fault, I like the sound of that. It's all Ray's fault! ps - can't wait to meet you in Reno, Ray Blue Skies Mag

Or I could have made the FAQ easier to find what you were looking for! edit to add: that probably didn't make sense unless you knew that I used to work at Alti-2 and made that FAQ page Whatever you can't find on there, feel free to blame me now

More from the Alti-2 FAQ: How high will my altimeter go? Can I take it on a commercial aircraft? Operating range for the Altimaster II, Altimaster III, and Altimaster III Galaxy is up to 18,000’ MSL. The Altimaster Galaxy Stratosphere goes up to 30,000’ MSL. Above operating range, the altitude will be incorrect, but this will not damage the alti. Once in the operating range again, your Altimaster will display the correct altitude. It is safe to take your Altimaster on board a commercial flight, or check it in pressurized or non-pressurized baggage compartments. Make sure the altimeter is packaged safely, so it is not damaged in handling. Blue Skies Mag

We got back from the keys last night, exhausted, hungover (especially Sandy ) and sunburned. I think we would have made them proud! Hi Aunt Kimmie - please tell Jay, Ann, and Jaime hello again and thank you from us. It was too bad Danielle couldn't make it, but I'm thankful we got the chance to deliver her pictures and meet with Krystal's family. We really enjoyed sharing stories (and drinks) with them - they're awesome people, I wish we could have met under different circumstances! Didn't quite make it up in time to join them for the sunrise flowers the next day, but we did toss back some Heinekens and Mandrin at the crash site at a more reasonable, noon-ish hour. Places can be powerful, and it was strange to be standing in the waters where they spent the ends of their lives. Anyway, here's to the choms still on earth with us & celebrating each other before it's too late! ~ Lara Blue Skies Mag

We'll celebrate them with many Heinekens & the last of Bruno's Mandrin in Key West this weekend. Hopefully we can reach a level of squiffiness (perhaps even squaffed-ness) that would make them proud. Aw, who am I kidding, I could never approach the chom's high standards of partying - not many could. Blue Skies Mag

Hey Trey -- you have to go to Mary Jane!! Winter Park is awesome. If you go, stay at the Beaver Village Lodge. It's a total shit hole, so bring your own sheets, but it's cheap, and the included breakfast and dinner isn't that bad. And hey, no making fun of me for having worked at a place called Beaver Village. As far as nightlife, it's been a few seasons since I lived there, but there were a few cool places and always a special somewhere. It's very chill, not too many tourists, so if you're looking to go out every night and tear it up, WP's probably not the place. Steamboat is down the road for a change of scenery, and so are hot springs for a day trip. You must ride the bumps at Mary Jane. I don't know what it's like since Intrawest took over, and there was talk of grooming more, which would suck, but I'm sure it's still amazing. Have fun! Lara Blue Skies Mag

And here I am breaking my promise to leave this thread. I just can't get any less upset, so sue me. From my first post: Post #2: #3, now pay attention here: #4: So forgive me for not remembering when I, or anyone who got what I was trying to say, has even once claimed that someone who breaks the law should not pay the consequences. For the record, yes, of course I believe that people who break the law should be held responsible, and be punished according to the law. The only reason I stuck my nose into this (the intelligence of which I'm really doubting) was to ask that my friend be treated like a human, instead of a freak to be mocked, called names, and humiliated. I know looking at the posts I replied to now, some stuff has been edited, and it doesn't look all that bad. But reading the things I read, really made me feel as though he was being treated like that. I guess I didn't make clear enough that there is a difference between sticking up for a friend's basic human dignity, and claiming they should be let off scot free for any and all actions. In case it's still unclear, my one and only point is that Erik is a human, a friend, and deserves to be spoken about accordingly. Lara Blue Skies Mag

Okay, last post and I promise to leave this alone

I don't disagree with you at all. I'm not saying he did the right thing, or that he shouldn't be held accountable. I also didn't say that he wasn't getting help, or that his friends haven't been helping him. I don't know what happened in this situation. All I know is that the name calling and demanding that he's burned at the stake aren't okay with me. Does he need more help? Yes. Does he need friends to be there for him? Definitely. Does life always go the way you think it should? Not so much. All I'm saying is that if these were the actions of a healthy guy who woke up one morning and thought, 'hey, it's a good day to be a dick and steal from fellow skydivers,' then by all means, carry on with the name calling and personal insults. But they weren't. Like I said, I don't have a clue what I'd like to accomplish by responding here. But I can't leave it if people trash my friends when they're not well enough to respond for themselves. Lara Blue Skies Mag

Can I say again, that this guy is not just a 'fuckin wierdo' or nameless asshole, he is a good friend to many, but unfortunately, he is very, very sick. Please, can we have some understanding here, and less silly name calling? Lara Blue Skies Mag

I don't mean to justify what was done, but there's more involved than just an ass stealing stuff. This guy is not well, and is working really hard to overcome his illness. He's a great guy, and someone I feel lucky to call a friend. No debate needed, I understand it was shitty what he did, and obviously questionable why he would put himself in a stressful situation like Rantoul. I just wanted to, I don't know. It hurts that he is going through such rough times, and that people understandably feel horrible things towards him. I don't know what I hope to accomplish with this post, but a little understanding of the situation might go a long way. He's a fellow skydiver on some hard times, and like all of us, deserves some respect and compassion, regardless of the terrible things he's done. Lara Blue Skies Mag

Hey, I heard someone was in an accident in a Ford once, so you should totally stay away from those, too. There's a lot more involved in any situation than just the make, model, and size. Saying every Sabre 2 out there is to be avoided because something bad happened under one of them is just not logical. (I was going to say it's the same as saying "hi, I'm stupid," but that might be a little harsher than deserved ) Lara Blue Skies Mag

Skydiving Weather from John Hobart rocks (and he's not bad either

What are you talking about Kim? Sorry to hijack the birthday thread with more of the damn fainting goats. Blame Isaiah. Blue Skies Mag

Happy birthday to you both! Jari, I hope you're having fun skiing, you bastard -- yes, I'm quite jealous. And Tonto, maybe something special will find it's way into your package that is going to the post today (promise!). I hear fainting goats are all the rage for birthday presents these days. :) Lara Blue Skies Mag

Does anyone have any advice for me - I have about 100 jumps and was thinking about my first wingsuit flight. I really want to swoop the pond and land the wingsuit without a canopy on this jump. JUST KIDDING!! This is really a Happy birthday to our crazy haired, jump whore friend, Ari Perelman!!! Have a great day, man and don't spend all your birthday money in one place (starts with a 'T' and ends with 'unnel') We love you, man!! Blue Skies Mag