PrairieDoug

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Everything posted by PrairieDoug

  1. PrairieDoug
    Yes, bro, finding this funny does make you seem like a jerk. But I'm sure you're really a great guy who's just had a temporary lapse of decency. Doug
  2. PrairieDoug
    The fact that you are asking this question is a great sign. People who aren't aware of their limitations rarely overcome them. Just don't beat yourself up to the point skydiving stops being fun. I've been little surprised how much variation there is in skill levels relative to jump numbers. This is partly due to natural ability, but I think mostly it reflects a desire to keep improving. Some people stop learning once their A license card is filled out and rarely stray from their very narrow comfort zone. Others never stop watching, asking questions, and pushing their limits. Even though I'm strictly a weekend fun jumper, I've tried to adopt the philosophy of being a perpetual student of safety issues, RW skills, and canopy flight. Good luck! Doug
  3. PrairieDoug
    I like my Icon a lot. But I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the modern containers out there.
  4. PrairieDoug
    I firmly believe less is more when it comes to rig colors. I like the color combo you're working with, but would lose the tie dye. It's gonna be your rig... get what looks good to you.
  5. PrairieDoug
    The Washington Post had an article about roadside memorials this week that was prompted by a decision to remove memorials that are considered a safety hazard. I think that memorials which meet some safety guidelines should be allowed for a short period following an accident, but not left indefinitely. The site where someone was lost can have significance to family members.
  6. PrairieDoug
    I'm deeply saddened to report that Terry Arnold, a long-time skydiver and rigger, suffered a fatal heart attack last night. Terry lived in Maryland and jumped most frequently at Skydive Orange in VA and at Cross Keys in NJ. No word yet on arrangements. Terry was one of my skydiving mentors. He set a great example to follow and I'll miss him. Doug
  7. PrairieDoug
    Cool... I'll be there ! Doug
  8. PrairieDoug
    Well said, Chris. This is a somewhat disturbing perspective on humanity, but also an accurate one I think. We must deal with what is, not what we would prefer things to be.
  9. PrairieDoug
    Andy -- I had a recent experience on a much more modest scale. I opened my front door the other night, took a whiff, and immediately thought "There's something dead in here." I keep a lot of pets and was worried one of them had gone to there eternal rest. Turned out that I had left a mouse lying around after feeding my snakes. All it took was one freakin' dead mouse to stink up the whole floor.
  10. PrairieDoug
    I keep 2 pet snakes -- a ball python and a corn snake. They are beautiful, graceful in motion, and very low maintenance. Come to think of it, I'd like to meet more women like that. Doug
  11. PrairieDoug
    Mark -- One of the concerns you expressed was about the impact of jumping on time with your family. As a father of four, I'm familiar with the conflicts that can arise. The key is balance... a word that is missing from the vocabulary of many skydivers. While it's important to jump often enough to stay current, you can have a life outside of the sport. Doug
  12. PrairieDoug
    Jennifer -- My thoughts are with you. May you find solace in good memories and the support of friends. Doug
  13. PrairieDoug
    Chelle, may this be your best year yet. Doug
  14. PrairieDoug
    I think this approach sends the wrong message to students... "my wallet is more important than your life." Some students might be reluctant to execute emergency procedures because of the possible expense.
  15. PrairieDoug
    There were a number of thefts at Rantoul last year, including jump tix and camera equipment. Fortunately, the lowlife responsible for them was caught by security and AFAIK everything was recovered.
  16. PrairieDoug
    That must have been quite an experience. The cover is great!
  17. PrairieDoug
    Good question, Jennifer. I'm OK with my education/career path. I was kind of a late bloomer academically (very unfocused in high school), but ended up getting a PhD in economics. I'm currently a partner in an investment firm that specializes in financing alternative energy projects (primarily wind power). To broaden the question, my biggest regret in life is that I didn't take better care of my mom when she was terminally ill. I was a self-centered teenager at the time and didn't fully grasp what was going on, but the bottom line is that I wasn't there when she needed me.
  18. PrairieDoug
    Walt -- I went straight to the centerfold without reading the article. Your observation made me completely lose interest... I'll just have to find something else to fantasize about. Doug
  19. PrairieDoug
    C'mon, I can't be the only guy who thinks it's sorta hot.
  20. PrairieDoug
    Exactly.
  21. PrairieDoug
    Bill -- I'm seeking clarification, since that statement conflicts with the manual for my canopy (Pilot). The manual states to leave 24-28 inches unstowed to prevent line twists. Does your statement reflect a belief that the risk of a snagged line takes priority over the risk of line twists (makes sense) or that you disagree that more unstowed line reduces the risk of line twists? Thanks for your time. Doug
  22. PrairieDoug
    Requiem for a Dream ... was intrigued by comments about it on another recent thread. I highly recommend it. Next up: Batman Begins Doug
  23. PrairieDoug
    A contrarian view... OK, she could lose a couple of pounds, but she's not what I would call hideous. She certainly wouldn't be the worst I've been with. Doug
  24. PrairieDoug
    Definitely!
  25. PrairieDoug
    Aerodyne's manual for its main canopies says "stow all the lines but leave 60 to 70 centimeters free to prevent line twists." Edited to add: Or approx. 24-28 inches