NickDG

Then this may interest you a bit. The Navy just made a big change that will bring new meaning to the phrase, "Up Periscope!" http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/02/23/women.sub.duty/index.html?hpt=T2 NickD

>>Keep an eye out for the ladies at DZ!

In that last photo you're sporting the Marine Corps uniform of the day, with a National Defense Ribbon, and what looks like Navy rank. Are you a Corpsmen? Or are you just "bigging" yourself? LOL . . . NickD

Holy shit! Does Bob know that, LOL . . . Wow Sparky, you and me are more simpatico than I ever thought! NickD

There's the second fly in the ointment. If you didn't commit to teaching skydiving full time I wouldn't take you on. Part time skydiving instructor always sounds like part time brain surgeon to me . . . NickD

Thanks for the complement . . . The fly in the ointment would be after I gave you a five year PHD in student instruction you'd earn the same 20 bucks a jump as a 90 day moke wonder! NickD

I grew up on the upper west side of Manhattan. Those guys upstate are all fairies. Hit the LIE and head out to Long Island to jump . . . http://www.skydivelongisland.com/ NickD

The "rule" should be apprentice under an 20 year Instructor veteran until he/she deems you ready to touch a student. Apprenticing under me would take you about 5 years, and I'd still be forgetting to tell you some things . . . NickD

Jumping (any kind) is just fun. Woman are dangerous . . . NickD

Julia got an iPhone furnished by her work. On day two she dropped it and the glass shattered. On day three work replaced it with a new one whereupon we found the phone coverage blew chunks. And it's not like we're in Podunk, USA, we're in Los Angeles! A few weeks later, the final verdict is very cool and very worthless . . . Go Droid and be happy! NickD

>>Where's Judge Judy when we need her?

Invented by LisaH and certainly puts her in the running for the USPA Achievement Award. Because it makes you feel great right before you say "Oh fuck . . . !" NickD

"Bags" still with USPA? What do they do, roll him in under an oxygen tent? I also noticed Needles received the USPA Lifetime Achievement Award. That bauble once had some cache but they are handing it out like candy. Jerry & Sherry Schrimsher? Really? The ULAA should be reserved for those making game changing contributions. But all too often it’s the parting gift for working at USPA Headquarters. Yes, service to USPA is one specifically cited qualifying factor for the ULAA, but they should strike that out. Somehow it’s like the Congressional Medal of Honor being awarded to, well, a member of Congress. USPA has some lesser awards that would have served in more than a few of these cases. Let’s take a stroll down history lane, shall we . . . Joe Crane, Awarded in 1971 (posthumously) "For unselfish and dedicated service as founder, president, and chairman of the board of the National Parachute Jumpers and Riggers and its successor, the Parachute Club of America." [No problem with this one, Joe was the very definition of a game changer.] Lew Sanborn, D-1, Awarded in 1972 "For originating safe and reliable parachute equipment, for pioneering work in freefall photography, and for many other contributions to the sport and USPA." [The main thing Lew did that oddly isn’t mentioned in the citation is develop (along with Jacques Istel) the three hour first jump course for civilians. That alone did more to create “sport parachuting” than anything else to date.] Steve Snyder, D-5, Awarded in 1973 "For pioneering contributions through the years to the saving of lives and the improvement of parachute equipment." [While Steve didn’t invent the ram air parachute he did perfect it and bring it to market for skydiving, and eventually all the other sister sports.] United States Army Parachute Team, Awarded in 1974 "Generous and dedicated sportsmen, celebrated competitors, respected leaders who since 1961 have introduced parachuting at its best to worldwide millions and have brought honor and distinction to the sport." [Yes, promoting sport parachuting is certainly a side benefit to the Knights, but they are primarily a military recruiting device and as such I’m on the fence with this one. Besides this bestowment had more to do with a particular USPA board member who had a certain affectation for fit young boys.] Lowell Bachman, Awarded in 1975 "For service to the United States Parachute Association and all competitors as judge and chief judge at countless national championships, and as a dedicated leader in the development of judging excellence." [Lowell gave credibility to jump judges that lasts to this day.] Russ Gunby, Awarded in 1977 "A founding spirit who saw the future when others doubted. As author, executive director, and P.C.A. president, he gave countless hours to build the early framework of our sport." [Russ was the first true “skydiving instructor, and the “father” of all modern instructors. This award was well deserved just on the strengths of the books on skydiving he authored. His book “Sport Parachuting” was the bible for early instructors, and still sits prominently on my bookshelf. On those nights when I didn’t think I could drag myself back to the DZ for another day of dealing with the B.S. I’d grab that book to re-fire the dryness in my soul. Should be required reading for all fledgling instructors.] Len Potts, Awarded in 1978 "In recognition of personal sacrifice and countless contributions to skydiving and this organization spanning our decades as a sport. His past is our present." [I feel like the guy handicapping the Oscars that says about a movie, “Sorry, didn’t see it!” But other than hearing his name over the years, I’ll be damned if I know what he did. That alone makes the award questionable.] Dan Poynter, Awarded in 1980 "Prolific author, distinguished instructor, preeminent parachutist, whose service to skydiving spans more than 20 active years." [Dan was the archetype of the modern “motivational speaker” long before any of us heard that phrase. But his writing the bible for parachute riggers, past, present, and future, more than earned him this award. The Parachute Rigger’s Manual is the very definition of a “great work.”] Norman E. Heaton, Awarded in 1981 "In eleven years of devoted service as executive director, he contributed substantially and uniquely to USPA's greatest growth." [Norm deserved the award for a couple of reasons. He held P.C.A. together in the lean years when he ran headquarters out of an old San Francisco whore house and kept the membership files on index cards in a shoebox. And I’ve always liked this quote from him, "... It makes no difference what is one's `bag' in this game: we all do exactly the same thing: jump out of airplanes. This is the root, the very basis of any amount of camaraderie inherent in this sport of parachuting. Any attempt to belie this is an attempt to destroy the common good of all. No one can justifiably degrade or isolate someone else because their thing in parachuting doesn't happen to be your thing. And vice versa. We all put our rigs on one strap at a time." And I hope that puts the kibosh on that silly Freeflyer patch!] James F. "Curt" Curtis, Awarded in 1983 "A total contributor to our sport and USPA: competitive champion, headquarters executive, drop zone owner, safety officer, director, board chairman. [No way on this one. Pure USPA nepotism at its finest.] Chuck MacCrone, Awarded in 1984 "In recognition of outstanding contributions to sport parachuting and as a testament to his unparalleled service as president, FAI-IPC." [Some serious cross organizational ass kissing going on here.] Jack Bergman, Awarded in 1986 (posthumously) "USPA Director 1967-1984, Treasurer 1967-1984, National Championships Meet Director 1975-1984. With selfless devotion he gave a quarter century to skydiving and USPA." [Jack was a great guy and the “financial bookkeeper” of USPA and to his credit he published USPA’s budget in a way the average jumper could read and understand. Other than that though this one’s a bit of a stretch.] Carl Boenish, Awarded in 1987 (posthumously) "A prolific and talented skydiver whose lifetime of pioneering freefall photography brought unforgettable images and better understanding to fellow jumpers and the public." [Carl already deserved this award for the wonderful films he made of skydiving. Films that motivated a generation of jumpers to bigger and better things. And he did that even before he became the “father” of modern B.A.S.E. jumping. I knew Carl before he died and was actually at this particular award ceremony and B.A.S.E. jumping wasn’t even mentioned.] J. Scott Hamilton, Awarded in 1989 "For service to USPA and the skydiving world 1967-1979, a Collegiate League director, Safety and Training Committee chairman, and USPA president." [Another USPA parting gift.] Ken Coleman, Awarded in 1990 (posthumously) "World and national champion who created the accelerated freefall program." [AFF will always be Ken’s legacy being “the” game changer. He also taught us to be really careful around hot air balloons.] Loy Brydon, D-12, Awarded in 1993 "In recognition of major contributions to parachuting in the development of equipment, freefall techniques and competition-an original role model of the total skydiver." [By the time I started jumping in 1975 Brydon was the total anti-model, with his crew cut and spit shinned boots, of the “total skydiver.” Sorry, not enduring enough for this award.] William H. Ottley, D-298, Awarded in 1994 "In recognition of more than three decades of dedicated service to skydiving and USPA, as board member, vice president and executive director." [Bill pulled USPA back from the brink of bankruptcy and extinction in a time when USPA didn’t even have enough money in the bank for the next board meeting. And if you ever had the opportunity to hear him speak on the history of the sport you know he "killed it" leaving us in tears of laughter, joy, and yes, even pride.] Dick Barber, C-2375, Awarded in 1995 "For dedicated service to all competitors as a judge at countless U.S. Nationals and world championships, and for the inspiration provided to judges." [Lowell Bachman already did all that, sorry, no repeats please!] Clint Vincent, Awarded in 1997 "Selfless service for the betterment of all aspects of skydiving and in support of all skydivers." [Another hand out. Thanks for playing, here’s your door prize.] Patrick M. Moorehead, Awarded in 1998 "For unselfish dedication to the United States Parachute Association since 1969 as an ambassador extraordinaire while traveling the world as a member of the board of directors and as a professional skydiving performer." [A bit of a self promoter is old Pat, but hey, that’s show biz! But he’s more in line with the type of jumper that should be getting this award.] Sherry Schrimsher, Awarded in 2002 (with Jerry Schrimsher) "For their selfless dedication to USPA's competition and instructional programs and as leaders of the community while serving on USPA's board of directors." [Unbelievably undeserved. In fact the erosion in credibility of instructors began on her watch leading to the mess we are in today.] Jerry Schrimsher, Awarded in 2002 (with Sherry Schrimsher) (posthumously) "For their selfless dedication to USPA's competition and instructional programs and as leaders of the community while serving on USPA's board of directors." [I wanted to steal an airplane and fly it into USPA headquarters after this one, if you can’t guess, it still chaps my ass to this day. Total Bozo!] Al Krueger, Awarded in 2003 "For almost 40 years of dedication to the sport and especially USPA as a board member, U.S. Nationals meet director, world skydiving champion, and inspirational visionary." [A true American hero from a time when the word “hero” actually meant something. Selflessness on the drop zone doesn’t begin to describe Al.] Gene Paul Thacker, Awarded in 2004 "For over 40 years of contributions to USPA and the sport of skydiving, particularly in the Style & Accuracy community as an athlete, coach, leader, inspiration, volunteer, conscience and catalyst." [Meh, yeah, okay, 2004 was a weak ass year.] Jacques-Andre Istel, Awarded in 2007 "In recognition of his pioneering spirit as he promoted skydiving in America, United States Parachute Teams, and collegiate parachuting competition while serving the United States Parachute Association and its predecessors." [A total loon but certainly a game changer. Anyone who works on a DZ or jumps today owes it all to Jacque. He kept his sense of humor right to the end too. I once watched as a dumb ass DZO, with no clue who he was, tried to sell Jacque a tandem jump. Riotous laughter ensued.] Something even more telling is who’s not a recipient, and usually for bullshit political reasons. Now that would be a list! NickD

>>then you go and use a word like "numpty"

It seems you don't see great ones much anymore. This fellow is pretty good. His Arnold Schwarzenegger is run of the mill, his Robert De Niro is better and his Sylvester Stallone is okay, but his Morgan Freeman is outstanding! http://www.break.com/index/perfect-morgan-freeman-impression.html NickD

There was a rigger here in So Cal who was replacing traditional kicker plates with plastic coffee can lids. His argument was they were safer to people on the ground, but I think "cheaper" was his underlying point. In the same vein I once asked the late owner of the Perris Ghetto why he always wore a hard hat outdoors. He told me because one day he got beaned by a lead rigger's seal. I laughed and said, well, that's one in a million, and would surely never happen again. His answer was if there was a film camera set up to record the area around Perris for the last thirty years, and you watched that film at a very high speed, you'd see it was raining lead seals . . . LOL! NickD

And for the rest of us . . . ? NickD

Heard during Czech vs Russian Hockey . . . One announcer asks the other, "What language are they speaking down there?" To which the other announcer answers, "On the Czech bench they're speaking Czech, on the Russian bench they're speaking Russian. And on the ice, to each other they use English, but it ain't very nice." LOL . . . NickD

The next time we get into a "real war" with large amounts of prisoners being taken all this neo-con republican bullshit will come home to roost . . . NickD

Don't listen to Airtwardo . . . Here's where he puts in, in Paris! NickD

I can't be the only one that sees this comparison? NickD

>>What's this mal called?

That's exactly what came to mind when I first watched it, there's that pesky old Prandtl–Glauert singularity. What warped posted is a just a video or film low resolution transfer anomaly. NickD

I think the confusion comes from this: There is a loop hole in the 25th Amendment. It says the VP becomes President in the event of the President's resignation, death, OR after a written declaration the President can no longer discharge his duties. If no letter exists beforehand and the President is medicated or under anesthesia he can't write or sign such a letter. In Reagan's case, the Press was correct in their concern although I'm not sure Reagan was medicated right off the bat. But if he was (and no one knew one way or the other at the time) than legally no one was in charge. And that's what made Haig's statement troublesome. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-fifth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution NickD

I re-did them with Ospho (Phosphoric Acid) and it got what little rust was left in the tanks out, but thanks for the offer. It that hadn't worked I was going to use the electrolytic reverse plating process method. That's filling the tank with water and a small amount of baking soda. then hanging a sacrificial metal inside the tank and running a small amount of electric current through it. It takes a day or two but works . . . NickD