seekfun

When you're at Best Buy next time, take a quick stroll through the Special Interest section of the DVDs. There's an IMAX movie called Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk from 2002 that covers this topic pretty well. And, it uses skydiving and base jumping as the backdrop for the narrative. The movie explores why people are drawn to high-risk activities and what other behavioral propensities they are likely to have. And yes, skydivers are more likely to have other addictions (drugs, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, etc.). But, it's all how you channel your energy. ~ topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

Isn't this the truth. The plate and 10 screws in my left heel look like a damn menagerie of scaffolding on the outside of a building. But, the heel works like a charm, so I'm happy! ~ topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

Who the hell burns 1 song to a CD? Of course we're going to burn playlists. Anyway, it goes back to the comments about following the rules. We're paying for music now, folks. Peace out, topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

I agree with you when you say that it's telling. The thing that drives me nuts is, the rules keep changing. And, they aren't exactly placed right in front of you. Only when you have problems and begin searching for answers do you find out that you're being stopped by digital rights management. The truth is that I have no problems following the rules and paying for music. But, I just wish they (the industry) would be up front about what the rules are. It's a relatively youthful industry right now, so I understand that the legislation hasn't caught up with the rapid use of the technology. Let's all hold our breath. Peace out, topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

I've had a few different digital music players and was rather skeptical about buying an iPod. But, now that I've had one for about 3 months, I'm sorry I didn't buy it earlier. It's super-simple to use, works like a charm, and has the easiest and most feature-rich user interface I've seen so far. That said, because I'm a computer geek for a living, friends and acquaintances assume I can fix ANY computer related problem. So, I get iPod questions all the time. In almost every circumstance, people are having problems with digital rights management. This is to say, they've tried to synch their iPod with a computer other than their own and then return to their own computer. Or, they're trying to copy song files from one computer to another. The rules about digital music rights are confusing as hell and seem to be changing almost daily. Therefore, I immediately remove myself from those discussions with people. I know it's a pain in the proverbial ass, but if you want to share some tunes with someone, burn a CD with the desired playlist and then import the tunes on your machine. Note: my understanding (as of press time) is that songs purchased from iTunes can only be burned to CD 7 times before they are "locked" from further duplication. So, be judicious about who you give your songs to. Peace out, topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

I've never had a name for mine, but it deserves one. I'll have to work on that. I've had pet names/euphemisms for other things, however. I remember referring to masturbating as "homework" for quite some time. It was a joke between a co-worker and me. "Well, I've got some homework to do tonight. See you tomorrow." ~ topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

I would say live at the DZ but go to school at the same time. You can't jump forever, and you should have a plan... "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

Well, here's your answer: Colored Bubbles ~ topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

No, "haven" isn't a word the way you used it, though you were close. You should have used "having", the participle form of the infinitive "to have". "doesn't equate to regretting having gotten it" ~ topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

I've seen a lot of skydivers thrusting. What the heck are you talking about? "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

Get Some! Semper Fi, Marines! Former HM2(FMF) Chris LaVesser 3rd LAR Battalion, 1MARDIV, 29 Palms Combat Assault Battalion, 3MARDIV, Camp Schwab "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

Option #3: You can do my homework for me. I have to write a paper on liquidity ratio comparisons among multiple Fortune 500 retailers. Interested??? "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

If you did lose it, you can have mine. I'll take the Sunday morning snuggling stuff, too, as long as it ocassionally turns into something involving panting. ~ topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

Husky, Any chance your hubby is developing self esteem or image issues? We men can get self conscious, too. Have you ever tried any counseling? For the longest time, I thought counseling was only for people with serious instablities, mental health issues, etc. But, when my marriage was ending, my wife and I went through some counseling and if nothing else, it fostered some tremedously productive communication. We still ended up parting ways, but we communicated better because of the counseling process. Good luck!!!! "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

I've always been an adventurous sort. I kind of stumbled into IT after college and the military because I had accumulated some skills and it paid well. I've been at it just long enough now that even though it's f&%^($G boring, it pays pretty well and I can afford to climb, ski, jump, buy cameras and whatnot. So, for now, I stick with it. "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

Squink, your AVATAR has potential, but we need it to be a wee bit bigger so we can tell for sure. "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

You just did. Stupid fucker. "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

If you're buying one that you will eventually carry into the caves with you--which I assume you will be--get one that is waterproof. We all know that caves will soak your gear. Also, never rely on the GPS as your sole means of navigating, though I think someone mentioned this already. Be proficient with a map and compass, and carry them as well--not the digital compass in your GPS--because some day you'll need them. Someone mentioned earlier two important things which I'd like to confirm as true--in my opinion: Thing 1: navigating with map and compass is easier than with GPS. GPS is best used on occasion to CONFIRM your position. Thing 2: When using the GPS, navigating with either UTM or MGRS is far easier than using Lat/Lon. I've navigated many hundreds of miles of Canadian wilderness and the GPS spent 99.99999% of the time in my camera bag. My map and compass, however, were always out. Final note: 2 point resection can get you out of a jam even when your GPS's batteries are dead. TTFN, topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

If you're truly noticing a significant problem with a rapid onset, I would suggest a CT Scan or similar imaging. At the very least, a doctor's appointment is advised. Now, don't forget! "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

GiaKrembs, I know this isn't representative of Amtrak's service, but I had a horrible experience travelling from Milwaukee to Denver once. The temperatures were so cold that the brakes kept freezing on the train. On two ocassions, they flew maintenance crews out in helicopters to thaw the train's brakes. Personally, I don't know how the cold can stop a train but not a helicopter, but it happened. On the return ride to Milwaukee, the train stopped in Chicago and could go no further, so they made us walk--with our luggage--three blocks to the bus station and take a bus to Milwaukee. Personally, I don't know how the cold can stop a train but not a bus, but it happened. Personally, I don't know how the cold can stop a train, but not a pedestrian walking three blocks to the bus station, but it happened. Good luck! "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

10 : ZERO : 1st Hybrid "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

kelel01, get some x-rays honey. I went for 2 1/2 weeks after my accident this spring before I found out I had crushed 3 vertebrae. I was in no pain, so I totally didn't believe the doctors, but no shit, 2 compression fractures and 1 burst fracture. And, ditto on the HOT TUB suggestion. You can even sit on the seat and pretend you're sit-flying. Get well! ~ topher "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

You'll have to switch to nookey at workey. "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

Just print out this thread and let him read it: Fellatio Rules "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins

I think you need to draw a line across the map. Above the line: Not suitable for staying current in the winter. Below the line: Suitable for winter jumping. Something like the Mason-Dixon line, only without such significant social consequences. "...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins