Mockingbird

I'm pleased... my threads are usually duds. If I get to attempt this again tomorrow, I may return with yet another question. Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

WHOA!!!!!!! Congratulations!

Hi, Mike. Yeah, thanks. I figured that out late last night. (I have a Mac, so for me it's actually "Control-Click"

Actually, I have VLC; I guess I need to check the preferences so it'll play whatever I download. Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Thanks, dragon2. As so often happens with .wmv's on my computer, it buffers, plays for a while, stops, indicates that it's buffering again, and then goes black. It looks like it was going to be a really helpful video, too! I'll keep trying. Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Thanks, tdog. This is what I was inquiring about.

Right. I wasn't asking about separation. But I'll hold on to Tom's explanation for reference!

Thanks, rasmack. What I had in mind was one of the requirements on the yellow card for an 'A' license. It says: "Dive a minimum of 100 feet after another jumper and dock safely without assistance from the other jumper (two times)." When I did this jump with a coach, I was told to leave at the same time, and as it turned out (once I got stable and looked for her), she did seem to be at least 100 feet away. On another jump, it was suggested that I wait one second. My exit wasn't very good and I flipped, which took a few seconds to recover from, so I don't know if the other jumper woulda' been 100 feet away or not if I'd had a stable exit. So ideally speaking, and based on the requirement as stated on the yellow card, if my exit is stable, how long would I need to wait after the other jumper leaves? Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

If you have to dive out a minimum of 100 feet after another jumper, how long should you wait to exit? (This is one of the requirements on the yellow card for 'A' license.) Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Someone called into our local talk radio this evening and said that the company he works for had a GREAT day--- more productive than usual. Why? 'Cos they didn't have to stop and explain how to do something or find someone to translate instructions. He works for a construction company. Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

What will they think of next? Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Hmm, sounds like a move that's beyond my experience level! But I'll remember that tip for the future! Makes sense-- grab the front risers before they become fully taut again. Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Hi, Hookitt. I think the risers are the wider ones (type 8). I really like this idea. (Yes, I'm acquainted with VetWrap; I had a hunting dog!) (Nice neon colors, too!) I think I'll take a couple of them with me in case the dzo says to go for it. Thanks. Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Thanks, Stratostar-- that's the perfect solution... to tell the truth, I didn't even think about talking to the dzo about it. But going straight to the top will no doubt save me a lot of time. (I don't see the dzo very often; I guess that's why I didn't think of going to him with the problem.) TANX.

Oh well. Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

I thought about a cortisone shot for about 5 seconds and decided Nuh-uh. Besides, there's not really any swelling in the joints, just pain, and they don't straighten out all the way, so they look a little bent. I don't have any trouble using them to pack, just grasping the risers and pulling for more than about 2 seconds. Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Do you have a picture of connector links (where he connects the rings)?-- I don't know for sure what part of the riser that is. Is it where the four lines join the top of the riser, at that cylindrical-shaped metal thing? Thanks for the Dunham link-- I'll hold onto it just in case. Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Gee, I wish you were at my dz! Suppose I could wear something like a toggle or a dive loop on my wrist under my sleeve, and after the canopy opens I could connect them somehow to the rear risers... Can you envision something like that? Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

What do you mean by "stab" the brakes? Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Your suggestions are good; and I appreciate your seeing the broader implications--- I mean for others out there who are having the same problem and what can be done by many dzs. I'm in a hurry to get to work, but I just wanted y'all who replied to know that I appreciate it! Back in 8 hours! Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

So that the riser kinda' turns into a J shape when your thumb is pointing back up? It sounds hard; but if I understand what you're suggesting, I'll try it. I'LL TRY ANYTHING. I'M GETTING DESPERATE. Does that work on front risers, too? Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Can somebody please help me think of a solution for this problem I'm having? I'm not being allowed to downsize (I'm using a 230 main) until I can do certain things such as Fly and flare the canopy with rear risers, including the pattern and landing flare. (There are other requirements as well, but they aren't a problem for me.) I have arthritis in the middle knuckle of several fingers and I just can't find a comfortable way to grip the risers that would allow me to actually flare with them. Using the toggles is not a problem because I slide my whole hand into them and pull down on them with my palms. Gripping something small is really hard for me, especially with my left hand. My upper body and arms are getting stronger from a home gym I bought, but my fingers seem to be a hopeless case. Being able to steer and flare with rear risers can be a life-saver, so I need to come up with a solution--- a different way to place them in my hands, or SOMETHING. Does anyone have an idea to share? Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

NEVER been in a Skyvan (opens at rear, right?)--- but it sure looks like fun! WoooHOOOOO! Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

Ha ha--- i looked down too much my first few jumps, too, and have video to prove it; yet I NEVER remembered looking down and seeing the ground. Total overload in head, I guess. Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"

I don't have door fear-- I have bench fear (surely there must be a name for this); that is, I get really nervous on the ride up to altitude. But as soon as we start moving toward the door, it goes away. What IS that called? Blue skies & happy jitters ~Mockingbird "Why is there something rather than nothing?"