pirana

I had a very similar thought this weekend while turning away a Saturday morning visitor. He gets out of the car carrying a Bible and some pamphlets. His entry topic was discrimination, which was also printed in big block letters on the top pamphlet. 1st thing he asks is if I think people will ever stop discriminating against each other. (After some small talk about my flowers). I told him not in my lifetime, mainly due to resistance to change and the human need to identify with local like-minded people. So he asks if I'd like to hear a relevant passage. I decline, very politlely, and see him off with a handshake. I wasn't up for the discussion at the time, but as he walked back to his car I thought that the real reason religion has not appealled to me since about age 8; aside from all the oogie-boogie stuff) is that there just is not the need for it For things that are knowable; critical thinking, logic, investigation, experiment, etc are far better tools. For things we can only ever guess at, any answer is as good as the next. Reason for existence? Strawberry jelly of course. Prove me wrong. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/141941/if_right-wingers_got_their_way%2C_22%2C000_americans_will_continue_to_be_killed_by_lack_of_health_care_each_year/ Child's play when compared to the 37,000+ killed in vehicular accidents in 2008. I say we overhaul transportation. We'll finance it by a special tax on the wealthy; enough of them to get the money we need, but not so many of them that they would constitute a significant voting block. We'll have the government take over all the auto manufacturers, subsidize the purchase of cars, eliminate insurance as we know it,. . . Hey, wait a minute! Propoganda, or reality - YOU DECIDE. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Age may play a large role in how fast it heals. My first knee surgery I was 19. It was major stuff, opened up the old fashioned way following what was called "complete derangement." Not sure exactly what that means but from the time of injury until surgery my lower leg was stuck at 45 degrees left of my thigh. 3 months after surgery I was going full tilt with no symptoms at all. Second surgery at about age 48 (same knee - orthoscopic), it took 6 months before I could really push it and 2 years at least before I got back enough range of motion to say it was something close to normal. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Hard deck to me means the altitude I will not violate without deploying. That being said, I violated it once. My hard deck for the main (135 Stiletto) is 1800. (Normal throw-out is at 2500). With a mal, it depends on what is happening. Nasty high speed stuff would get chopped immediately (usually in the saddle at 1800). Something I think is fixable, I work it to 1200 at the lowest. Below 1200 it's silver handle time. If for some reason I found myself in freefall at 1200, straight to silver. Not qualified for this to be advice; it's just what I do. I run thru this in my head every single plane ride. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Huh? " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

I'll second that. Top notch. Royal blue is the new black. p.s. - No matter what people might say, it is NOT me at the bottom of her photo gallery. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

The thread is about new jumpers, and retaining them, right? Why bring up wingsuits, cameras, competition? Sounds more like you are scaring them away. I still think sound used gear and AFF graduation is easily accomplished for under $5K. (For the record, I put it all on a VISA and took 2 years to pay it off.) Maybe your area is a bit pricier than the Midwest. Could be some influence of needing to look sharp. I noticed the comment about spending all that money and not wanting to be like a student (or something like that). " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

I think your prices are way high; except the suit. Just got a state-of-the-art RW suit for $350. It's all a noob needs for at least a couple hundred jumps. Used can easily be had for half that. $7K for training?! $1500 for AFF seems more like it. $4K for a used rig with AAD? Maybe not too far off, but easy enough to score it for $3K or less unless the AAD only has a year or 2 on it. Even the fancy Pro-Tec is what? $50? Still jumping the one I bought new 14 years ago. Does a noob need more than that? I read somewhere (I believe the source was USPA) the average fun jumper makes 70 or 80 jumps per year. Under $2K per year in the USA. Not being a nit, but it just seems you painted a worst case financial scenario. I think $5K to get started and $2K per year for jumping is a more realistic average. If somebody has money to burn and wants all the latest in brand new condition, that is up to them, but it is not necessary and probably even wasteful since they'll be replacing most of it soon enough. As far as 20-somethings maybe not having that much cash; where there is enough will there is a way. At our DZ they pack, mow grass, work manifest, fuel the plane etc. as they learn. I've watched a few of them move on to AFF & Tandem ratings. (I remember when they were only soooooooooooo tall). They do what it takes to stay in the sport, some making it their livelihood; most just making it so there is no out-of-pocket for their jumping. It's certainly not a cheap sport, but the expenses are manageable if one is hungry for it. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

I'm just right up front and tell them to make themselves available by getting to the DZ at least once per week, and accepting that there are those that will jump with them and those that will not. Worst that can happen is someone will say no. The more they show up, the more people get familiar with them, the more people see they are making an effort to learn, the more they will get invited on jumps. But I also make sure they do not take it wrong when someone says no. When the experienced jumpers want to crank out some points with people at a similar level; just accept that. Most importantly, be open to learning and sincerely be in that mode. I'm really wary of new people that nod and keep saying "yep" but aren't really listening. Stick around a bit after the jumping; listen and learn. It's very obvious who is really trying to soak up the knowledge and improve their skills and who is in that mad-skills-with-100-jumps-and-I-already-know-everything mode. Persevere; soon enough you will be the one paying it back and trying to keep the next generation of new jumpers from drifting away. (General advice - not aimed at "you"). " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Regulation and an open market are both a must. Got to have regulatory oversight because market forces (while working very well over the long term) leave consumers open to predatory vulture like companies that don't really think about the long term. Got to have competition or the whole shabang just turns into another entitlement program run by a single entity with no incentive whatsoever to operate efficiently. Kinda like my favorite refrigerator magnet: Trust everyone, but brand your cattle. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

There have been, for decades, offered up by clear-thinking non-politicized experts. Best one I ever met was a guy named Uwe (forgot last name) from Germany. Hillary had him on board for her last go round at reform. There are lots of them around. Directors of hospitals, CEO's of health plans, even Joe Schmoe analysts like me. But you got to find at least a handful that can play the game without selling their soul; and who can stomach all the assholes involved without calling them that. Truly rare individuals. Eliminate employer involvement. Single set of national regulations. Absolute minimal exceptions or special rules. (Tempted to say none, but there might be a few worthy exceptions to consider). Medical malpractice reform. On this one I know next to nothing; but from what I've heard of premiums - something is broken. Clearinghouse where all carriers offer plans; must offer standardized plans; optional to offer additional plans. Clinically proven treatment regimens only. Want a backrub, fine - you pay for it. Wanna get poisoned in real tiny amounts by a homeo-voodoo guru, fine - you pay for it. Everyone covered with a basic plan, with options for other coverage. Sliding scale premiums. Standardized reimbursement calculations. Eliminate Medicare and Medicaid and any other Medi stuff. One program. Require all health care financing (insurance) and all health care delivery (providers) be not for profit. Mandatory electronic processing of damn near everything. Harsh penalties for fraud by any involved parties (providers, insurers, patients). Agents, state regulatory bodies, and employers no longer have a role. Reality is sometimes that harsh. Let's hope what we end up with after the politicians finish deciding who they can afford to piss off the most isn't unbelievably complex and incredibly expensive. One sure sign that they are up to the same old shit will be if they start granting exemptions; especially to themselves. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

With some of the points being made. Especially the one about public education providing a scary insight into what could become of our health care system. Basically, a very small proportion (those that can afford it) pay $10 to 20K out of pocket (after already paying taxes to a school district) to send their kids to real schools. The rest of us pay about $10K per student per year to send them off to union run social service centers disguised as schools. I'm torn on whether or not full privitization would be a good thing. On the one hand, too many people would spend the money on 6 packs and cool doo-dads instead of on their kids. But then, with parenting like that they probably weren't going to get anything much out of school anyway. On the other hand, every kid deserves a shot at a decent education regardless of how hard their parents resist. But just how much of a shot does a kid have if the parents are doing their best to propogate ignorance and the kid is not a natually high acheiver to begin with. Huge dilemma. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Uhh...God has a plan that us mere mortals could never understand. i really like your avatar.. and find it very offensive, maybe the mods should look into this.. I never know that a yield sign was a gay thing. Must have missed that memo. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Haven't spent time in Europe in ages, so will not even guess at the current state of popular culture there; but here is wierd. Sensationalism and superficial cool rule the day. The need to be "in" on something rules the night. It's not everybody, but there are enough of them, and their effect is multiplied by this whole interweb thingy. Also, watch our network news sometime. Going by that, about 80% of the population mostly wants warm fuzzy "human interest" information; about 15% want "sky is falling" and the 5% who actually want news of the day watch BBC America (or other such similar stuff). Our culture no longer places a premium on facts and hard information. Most people just want to be made to feel good, or important, or both. Why People Believe Wierd Things is a great read on the topic. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

I think it's very interesting insight into Us Darn Humans. Better than taking Psych classes. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Yes. Next election I'm writing in for Wil E. Coyote. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Quote>Those labels are rather infantile in my opinion; a form of groupspeak (or mobspeak) for those that think and act divisively. Uh huh. And what do you think of people who do not support the free-market structure you endorse? There is no chance that you label people based on their view of a free-market? Interesting. You might be the first free-market guy on the planet who has done this. "Just don't touch my private property, don't tax me, and don't impose laws on me. Thats all I want."Quote I'd call them not very wise, or experienced, or studied, or immature in their level of clear thinking. None of those are a putdown; just a reflection that some have the wherewithall to put away their emotions and the experience to apply to the ideals. There is a reason many cultures pay great respect to their elders - some unfortunately do not. And I never said most of what you quote. You keep putting words in my mouth because you think you know my agenda and that it is politicized. My agenda is to lead a principle-centered life, and a couple of those principles are personal responsibility, ownership, awareness, etc. I would like to see more people do that and fewer make everything they do not like about their life somebody else's fault. On the topic of the OP, if a person wants to make more money, they should build their skills and change jobs and make more money - not ask for a law that simply gives them more money. If a person is working for minimum wage, the problem isn't the legally mandated minimum wage - it is their marketability and lack of ownership for the fact that all they can demand is minimum wage. (The post is about minimum wage, remember). Skipping answering further since it really is all rooted in the same fundamental issue: People taking ownership for who they are. I do understand that some are dealt a tough hand. In this country, that is a small portion of the population. I've taken to calling myself a Responsibilitist. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Even if it is only 1 entity handling the administrative work, it is still insurance. Assuming there will be funding from multiple sources, and payouts to multiple providers, and review for necessity of care, and disease management, and pricing calculations, and tracking of outcomes, and.... Hmmm. Guess this whole overhaul of delivery and financing isn't quite as simple as some thought. Well, no bother, let's make it simple. Let's allow everyone to go wherever they want for care, get whatever whacked out treatment they want, let providers bill whatever they want, pay 100% of all billed charges, ignore assinine treatment regimens and bad outcomes, give everything away for free, and tax the shit out of whoever we have to in order to pay the bill. As O'Rourke once said "You think health care is expensive now, just wait until it is free." " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Of course not, but our free will is a part of His plan. And because of that there will be suffering until we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. That is so ridiculous it is pretty much undefineable. That logic under any other topic would probably get a person labeled neurotic. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

OK, not a Fundie; but let me ask a question first: Did you ever watch Mork & Mindy? " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

Just saw parts of MIB the other evening. This thread reminds me of some of the lines: "Elvis isn't dead, he just went home." Whatever the line is when he mentions the need to collect evidence, and ends up buying all the CT rags like National Enquirer. Not to mention all the fuzzy pictures and ignored outright fraud. Doesn't faze CTers though. Even after people got busted making crop circles and admitted making others, the CTers ignore it. Anyone who doesn't agree with them must be part of the CT. Kind of like the fact that not one video of Bigfoot or ET or Nellie is in clear focus. It's as if a requirement for being a CTer is that all photos be taken out of focus and videos be taken while jiggling the camera. Must be in their job requirments. INTERVIEWER: "Let me see you wiggle that camera." (Interviewee, furiously jostling video cam while shooting flock of geese flying in front of swamp gas with Venus in background) INTERVIEWER: "Oh man, that is nice, great job! You're hired." " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

OPEN THE DOOR; I'M BEGGING YOU, OPEN THE DOOR. DON'T YOU KNOW A JOKE WHEN YOU HEAR ONE? OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!!!!! (turning towards the monster) HELLO THERE HANDSOME! " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

don't open the door at any altitude you aren't comfortable pulling your main (no matter how much the TMs complain about the heat) don't crack the door such that a pilot chute can get out but you can't I had assumed this year's PAC would follow the same procedures as an Otter. Don't know if it is different because of the plane, or the pilot, or if DZO's just decided to do things differently. We used to open the door all the way on the Otter and the general rule seemed to be all the way or not at all. Now with the PAC it seems like the general rule is a few inches and no more. I'd rather have it closed than open a foot. Glad I'm almost always near the back in a plane flying with the door open only 6 inches. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

I do not, and did not slot liberals or conservatives into anything I said. You are doing that. Those labels are rather infantile in my opinion; a form of groupspeak (or mobspeak) for those that think and act divisively. I don't think any political faction has the market cornered on laziness or productiveness. I do not have any workers to abuse or fire. So you think when a business is in a crunch they should not cut costs? Do you think they should just bleed away their capital until they go under? In honor of their employees of course. Tell me what economic model would call for an employer to pay more than they need to. What kind of voodoo world would it be if an employer paid someone $30 per hour when they could get someone to do the job just fine for $20 per hour? Just like any other asset; a person's labor is worth what they can get for it - no more. That appears to be in direct contradiction to most of what you posted. So you tell me, what do you think is a better formula for determining the worth of a person's labor? Everyone gets the life they chose by virtue of all the little decisions they make along the way. They may not be able to predict the consequences, but that in no way makes them any less responsible for their choices. There is no perfect path, and no perfectly predictable path, but every person sets their own path in itty-bitty course changes caused by all the itty-bitty as well as the really big decisions we make every day. To deny that means a person hands over responsibility for their life's path to other people; which is unfortunately how a lot of people behave. They do not want to own who they are, where they are, how they live, etc. In effect they do own it even in the face of their superficial denial, but that little nugget of reality is too much to bear. My utopia is where everyone takes ownership of their life, the parts they claim not to like as well as the parts they do like; instead of taking credit for what they've acheived while placing blame elsewhere for everything they percieve to have failed. But I digress; I am truly interested in how you would determine the value of someone's labor if it is not what they could get for it on the open market. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

One of my mantras: Work hard, play hard, have fun. Another is: How you do anything is how you do everything. A person is diligent, or they are not. They have integrity, or they don't. They are self-aware, or they are not. Where a person is with those things is reflected in every facet of their life. Character traits go to the core of who a person is. " . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley