tigra

Brian, I agree with you. They created the situation, NOT the donors. Some places used to pay for blood donations. It was very common for homeless people to sell their blood, or donate just to come in from the cold and have a free meal. I don't have the stats, but I'm sure hepatitis was a much bigger problem than HIV or AIDS, but that's what got the publicity. (And this isn't just an American issue, either.) It IS a knee jerk reaction and almost 20 years later, they are still revising their criteria and banning more groups. I really was not happy when I gave up a day of jumping to donate platelets and got myself to Lifesource at the crack of dawn on a Saturday only to be turned away because of a recent trip to Mexico. (Which only a couple of months before had been OK.) Anyway, I don't really know what the solution is. Only that the people who suffer in the end are the ones who need blood. And also, to this day, even with all the screening and testing and "banning", I don't think the general public trusts the blood supply. A friend of mine just had a baby (C-section) and she lost a lot of blood and needed a transfusion. She decided not to breastfeed because of it, even though the doctors assured her it would be fine. I'm not defending the blood banks' policies, but I would still encourage anyone who is eligible to donate.

Once upon a time, these organizations were far less choosy in accepting and distributing donated blood. As a result, people became ill, many died. Now, organizations like the Red Cross and Life Source have to go a little overboard to make sure the blood supply is safe. Its an unfortunate situation for everyone as far as I'm concerned. A lot of healthy and willing donors are ineligible because of where we have traveled or certain lifestyle choices. And so many people out there who would be eligible donors who won't donate for any number of reasons. I don't know what the solution is, but the result is a shortage at all the blood banks. I encourage anyone who is healthy and eligible to donate blood whenever they can. And if you hesitate because of health concerns to yourself, talk to a healthcare professional about it. Donating blood is safe, generally painless, and doesn't take very long. maura

Kat and Roger are good people and they stand by their products. I'm sure they are also frustrated by the delays, but want to make sure the product is good and as "bug free" as possible. Be patient, everyone!

Yes, it rocked all right! I forgot to mention the awesome fireworks Thursday night. I think they topped to 4th of July show! (which was also awesome!) John's 3rd place entry at the film festival was a great collection of funnels (mostly exits, some 10 way) edited to "Another One Bites the Dust"-- Very reminiscent of the videos Roger would throw together and lots of fun to watch! I've got to say it again- Free Coaching for all disciplines! I think one of the funniest things I heard all week was from a visiting jumper from ASC. He was standing in line for his dinner- leg of lamb, au gratin potatoes, grilled asparagus, roasted veggies, and he said....... "Scotty Carbone is going to have to kick it up a notch!" Yes, indeed, thanks to Tim and Ramon's cooking and Nicole's bar tending (possibly the 3 hardest working people at SDC) we were always very well fed! Roger paved the way. Missy, Rook and their very hard working staff made it happen! Thanks again! maura

Hi all, I just got back home after spending the week at Skydive Chicago's Summerfest, and I thought I would share some of the highlights. OK, it wasn't Rantoul. It WAS a nice, safe, low key boogie, and I think its safe to say a good time was had by all who attended. There wasn't a big turnout, but there were 3 Twin Otters to jump from, and the wait for a load was rarely more than 15 minutes (usually less). Team Alchemy and the Sugar Gliders were doing free coach dives for the freeflyers, and the belly flyers had Max Meijer organizing the more experienced group (2 plane shots on Saturday) and Billy Webber and Sandy Grillet coaching and organizing as well. Because of the smaller crowd, most of us were able to take advantage of one on one coaching with some of the best in the sport. The weather had its moments, but every day saw plenty of "jumpable" hours. Missy and Rook did a great job making sure we were entertained when we weren't jumping. There was a climbing wall, a big inflatable slide, a dunk tank and a few other "toys" that kids of ALL ages enjoyed. At night, there were bands and DJs, and last night was the film festival. (The local entries definitely enjoyed a "home field advantage" in the competition.) Throughout the boogie, you could walk through the campground or the hangar and see lots of friendly faces and people having a good time. We ate like royalty, with dinner prices ranging from $5.00 all you can eat pizza and pasta to $9.00 for a steak dinner. (Not to mention some of the lunch specials at the Ali Bear Cafe.) The week saw some die hard belly flyers crossing over and sitflying and freeflying, and some freeflyers belly flying as well. Saturday's Hybrid challenge was a big success as well. All in all, I have to say, it was a well run event and the vibe at SDC was just amazing all week. As far as I know, the most serious injury was a broken finger. Great job, Missy and Rook! I had a fabulous week, and I don't want to go back to work tomorrow! WAAAHHHH! STL! maura

I purchased a "never jumped" oxygen from a 300 way participant. I love the helmet, even if I'll never use the O2 set up. $150.00 is a great price for that! I also have a factory diver, but prefer the oxygen by far. I have not had any problems with the flip up mechanism or fogging. I usually leave the lens up until the door light comes on. I don't flip it up during my canopy ride, I've never felt the need to do that. (Fogging has never been an issue for me.) Viking, find a helmet that fits you well. I used to jump my factory diver without the visor and with sunglasses. I lost a few too many pair of sunglasses and got sick of buying new ones, switched to goggles for a while, then put the visor back in for a couple of different reasons. (Including a freefall accident that resulted in a nasty black eye!)Now, I actually prefer the feel of the full face, and the quiet. If your gear store has a demo program, I would try as many different helmets as you can before you buy. Everyone is different, and the helmet that fits me best may not work for you. blues...... maura

Looking forward to seeing you there, Brian!

I used to donate platelets pretty regularly. Unfortunately, Lifesource no longer likes my annual Mexico vacations, so I can't donate anymore. It does take a while, and they have both one arm and 2 arm machines- the 2 arm machine is quicker if I remember correctly, but the one arm machine is a little more comfortable. (only one needle) You can watch TV or a movie while you are donating and its not painful, maybe just a little uncomfortable. They use platelets for cancer and AIDS patients as well as burn victims. (among other uses) When my uncle was going through chemo, he always felt better after a platelet treatment. Check it out if you are a blood donor already. you can actually get on a schedule and do both. maura

Every case is different, I guess. I broke my tib fib as well (at the ankle). I had a plate, a pin and 7 screws. My first doctor said I could just leave them in, and the SOONEST they could come out would be in 2 years, but said that plenty of people kept the metal in and it didn't bother them. The ortho I went to for all my follow up again initially said 2 years, but recommended getting it out. He said removing it would help the bone grow, and I was young enough (at 36) that it was worthwhile to do. As it turns out, just a few months after the cast was off, and the swelling had pretty much gone away, you could see and feel the screws under my skin, and they just became more prominent as the months wore on. Can anyone else relate?? Also, the metal was extremely sensitive to temperature changes. On cold days, rainy days, days where there were just storm systems building up in the area, my ankle would just ache! The doc gave the OK to have it removed after a year, and I waited a couple of months to have it done "in the off season". No regrets! I have close to 100% range of motion and while my ankle will never be "good as new", its good! And, I'll add that I just never felt comfortable jumping or landing with the metal in my ankle! And, I did keep it. I have it all in a bag somewhere, but I never got around to making jewelry or a wind chime with it like I told my doctor I would! Sorry for the long winded response! Peace & Blue Skies! maura

Zute Sute makes freefly suits. And she's got skydiving connections around the world, so Brazil isn't such a stretch- she made pretty much all the suits for the Venezualan national record a few years back. She'll be at Rantoul this year, so if you are there, check out her booth. Vertifly, she'll work with you on the design. She can do plain and simple or extravagent, and anything in between. maura

The skydiving scenes may have been more realistic, but the plot and the acting were far worse than Dropzone, IMO. But I doubt I'd pay more than $5.00 for a DVD of dropzone either!

Kris, Why not ditch Rantoul and come to Summerfest??? maura

If I could get it for $5.00, I'd buy it just for a joke. No way I'd pay much more for it though. That was a TERRIBLE movie!!

Definitely respect the family's wishes, and don't crowd the hospital. Sorry, maybe I mis-spoke a bit there. Too many "well wishers" can be overwhelming. But if there's a way to see if they need anything and get it to them........ With any luck, he'll keep getting better, but he'll still have a long recovery ahead of him, and he and his family will appreciate the support of the community. maura

Hey guys, For people in the area who want to help out, maybe stop by the hospital and see if there's anything you can do for Eric's family. Bring them sandwiches, offer to sit with Eric while they take a short break (if they're allowing visitors outside immediate family), maybe hook the out of town folks up with a place to crash or shower?? Just a thought! More good vibes are coming from Chicago. I don't know you Eric, but hang in there! You are loved by a lot of people! maura

Coach jumps are very helpful, but all airtime is good! If you've got a buddy to do 2 ways with, go for it. You will learn by jumping with someone even if he's at your same level or less experienced. You don't need a coach to do a drill dive. I'm not knocking coaches, really, but if you have enough money for 3 jumps with a buddy or just one with a coach, you are probably better off making the 3 jumps. (just my opinion) Soak up the "free" coaching on the ground while you are dirt diving, or like Quade said, find a 4 way guy to show you some good exits. There are always people around to help. I know of one reasonably foolproof 2 way exit, with one person inside the plane (diver) and the other out (floater.) The person on the inside takes both shoulder grips of the person on the outside. Its actually a good way to practice both diving and floating, plus getting the exit timing down. And, it usually works! good luck and have fun! maura

That and the witches who can patch you up with a flick of a wand and a potion if you screw up!

Yeah, they feed us a little too well at SDC!

Yes, what fond memories of my student jumps!

Give her a break! She had to wait an extra day for her copy!!

Nah, at some point Ron and Hermoine are getting together. Harry will probably end up with Ginny by the end of the series.

Actually Brian, Terry was just beating someone else to the punch by posting this. If he hadn't, I'm sure Quade would have. But, I'm with you. Lets leave any further discussion to the lawyers! Peace and Blue Skies, maura

Hi Terry, Its true I helped with the fundraiser for her son. She was a single mom with a toddler at the time of her accident, and immediately following the accident, her chances for survival were not good at all. It is truly miraculous that she did survive. I was not a witness to the accident, it happened late on a Friday night/ Saturday morning and there were several witnesses, including the people who saved her life. I am not currently in contact with Julie. I tried to email her just last week, and it was returned as an invalid address. Peace and blue skies! maura

There were a lot of copies today at the Costco by me- for $15.69 or something. I'd already picked mine up from Barnes and Noble yesterday. And I agree, its a great read. I keep forcing myself to put it down for a little while and do something else!

Emma, I hate to see new people get labeled as TROLLS simply because their profile is incomplete, or they state an unpopular opinion or ask a "newbie" question. But this guy is so obviously a TROLL! Come on! Did you see his post in the woman's forum?? maura