Michele

O.K., but then I'm not really clear on your original comment. Would you elaborate? Edited: I see you did elaborate. Thanks. I still stand by my original assessment of the piece - and that is it is a piece of bullshit. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Rehma... I know I didn't pass any judgment on Bill....just on the piece. I don't think anyone is passing any judgment on Bill - rather, the comments are directed at the author of the article. Maybe I missed something somewhere, though...but I know I didn't make any comments about Bill. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Here's the jist of it... "Men used to be real men. Then women came along and stopped letting us conk them over the head and drag them around by their hair. Now men are all pussywhipped. I miss the real men." That help? And yes, Remster, there is a whole lot of shit floating around in there. Different kinds of feces, all mixed together. What a shit-pile. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Whooooooooooooooooooo-boy. What a load of bullshit. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sending along some viberoonies for Eric! Let him know we are thinking of him! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Goodnight, Jeanne. I'm going to try to read your post again in the morning. I am so tired tonight...I got lost somewhere in there. Sleep well! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, ordered v. disordered have very different behavior patterns...most of the time, the only way an "ordered" killer is caught is when he is "disintegrating", like Bundy did in his last 4 killings in Florida. They are less impulsive as a whole, able to maintain and contain, plan and think through things, whereas disorganized serial killers tend to be more opportunistic, and not able to contain/maintain, tend to leave lots of clues as to who they are, and so forth. This impulsivity or, conversely, the ability to maintain, can provide for them in jail. Bundy, using your example, was able to modify his behavior to such a degree - and be a value to the inmates in legal matters, et cetera (don't forget, he represented himself in one of the trials in FL, and had access to the legal library) so that he was not killed. He was thus able to be thought of as a valued individual - and further, (and in an ironic twist) was able to convince the FBI that he could help them solve the Green River Killers (I have the book, I should re-read it) and maybe provide more time for himself when he was nearing the end of his road...trying to bargain his way into more time by "talking about" the murders he had committed, confessing to more, and so forth. Dahmer, OTOH, was seen as value-less to those he was incarcerated with, and, also rather disorganized (sheer luck and choice of victims were his friend), and was very "indiscreet" when it came to his killings (evidence all around his house, witnesses, etc.). He was unable to create any value, and in fact his death had value to other inmates in prison by creating status - thus he was beaten to death. Take, however, the Hillside Stranglers. Buono, a smart, twisted, organized killer, has been able to reside fairly well in California prisons (to the best of my recollection...I could be off here...) whereas Bianchi, his cousin and partner in crime, once away from Buono, is the very reason Buono is in prison now - Biachi killed several women in Washington State, and was caught fairly simply (disorganized, impulsive). He then provided the evidence in the case against Buono, and that is primarily how they convicted him (along with damned good forensic and investigative techinques.) (I could continue, but I suspect you are bored...LOL). Anyway, the differences between organized v. disorganized are relatively clear, and easy to see in crime scenes - a professor once put it, "if there is an easily accessible crime scene, it's likely it's a disorganized killer".... Karla Homoulka's deal was not a death penalty issue - nor was her husband's sentence a death sentence. Karla was able to plead to 12 years (again, if memory serves), because she was able to testify against Paul Bernardo, who received 3 life sentences with no chance of parole. Karla, however, after striking the deal, produced videotaped evidence of her assisting in the killing of at least three victims. With time off for good behavior, Karla served only 9 of the 12 years, and unless I am greatly mistaken, is either about to be released or has already been released on parole. That's the sweetheart deal she got. That's what I meant, not that she walked away from a DP case - Canada, as you stated, does not have the death penalty. This jackass, however, did walk away; 48 times. And that's the tragedy therein... Considering he may well be able to establish himself higher on the pecking order than Dahmer, he might not be beaten to death with a mop...but a part of me hopes its not too long before we hear of his demise. And I feel horrible that I think that, but that's the way I see it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You're right, Bill. Oftentimes, serial killers will choose targets of opportunity and they will include prostitutes, run aways and homeless folk. Most people don't know they are missing to report them, and, like you said, they won't get any attention until bodies start turning up, and only then if several or more in the same area, with the same victimology, etc. Only then will they realize they have a repeat/serial killer in their midst. As to them being lab rats, there are things we can learn from them, no doubt. But "three hots and a cot" for the rest of his natural life just seems wrong. I understand why the prosecutor did it - there is now "closure" for 41 additional families (he was only charged originally with 7 aggravated murder/death penalty attached), and a trial would be a gamble, no matter how tight the evidence (remember OJ?). But still, something therein rankles me no end. I have recently heard that the plea bargain arranged and agreed to encompasses only the area/county (I think it's that narrow) he was charged in. Therefore, if a body turns up and can be linked to him, he may still receive the death penalty for that one if charged in another county or state. OTOH, the pecking order may establish itself in jail, ala Dahmer, and he will die the way he killed - brutally. I still think he, along with Karla Homoulka (another case, Canadian), got the sweetheart deals of the century. Sometimes, you gotta wonder about karma.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Wow, Jeanne. I can't say anything specific, but I'm one of those you so insistently put down. I am a woman, and I suppose I should be in the kitchen. but I am not a good cook (actually, I am, but whatever), and an even worse housekeeper. Plus I can't garden worth a damn. I am good at raising children, though, even though I don't have any. And no man I've ever been with needed Viagra - some needed more time than others, but not viagra. And they weren't reading republican newspapers at the time, either. As for Clinton getting sex, good for him. According to what I know, however, I have serious issues with him on many other levels, including the 6 or so attacks by OBL that he didn't do a whole hellofalot about. And lying under oath is pretty serious to me - I don't really care what he lied about...it's still an indication of morality and integrity. Lastly, Jeanne, your points might make a whole lot more sense if you stopped attacking people, and instead, addressed the issues. Sometimes, you sound like the people you claim to be racist and whatnot, you know? Relax, look at the issues, and see what you can do with them, and not rail against the particular poster, who happens to be a damned fine cook himself (Vinny, I mean.). Plus, he's really an interesting guy, and makes some interesting points, even if one doesn't agree with them. I just wish you'd stop attacking on a personal level and maintain some decorum, you know? It's getting hard to read, and decipher your views. But for the record, I can't wait to jump with you when we finally meet! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, well, how about I enter, and see what happens? I'm not getting my hopes up, although it would be a great "get well soon" motivator! Dunno about that...but thanks... And they will be accepted as graciously as they are tendered. Hey, for everyone who does enter, good luck! (And Sangiro, I can't say I saw it here first...the info was sent to me by a friend first...but you know I would if I could!) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm not terribly concerned if he's mad at me; I'm more concerned that he's all right. Mad I can deal with, you know? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Um, has anyone seen Nubain1/Clint Wright since this post? And the one he had deleted? He hasn't logged on since 10/22, and I guess I am kinda worried about him. Maybe he's just mad at me, or maybe something's wrong. But has anyone seen/talked to him since then? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

By going back to bed. It was too early when I woke up, I hurt too much, and I, too, had a late night. Unfortunately, it was at the City Council meeting and not in a plane...and I have no-one who'd take my boot off, abscond with my purse, or make me late for work anyway. So yeah, Sunnyone, sounds like you had it far better than me. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The sad part in this whole thing is that he pled guilty to 48 murders...and walked into prision - but will not get the death penalty. 48 women dead, and this sonofabitch gets to life the rest of his natural life in prision without parole... Thief of 48 lives gets to keep his. I understand why it was done, this plea...but I cannot help but think this guy got the better end of the deal. Andi, I do believe Crazy Ivan was joking - unfortunately it was in really bad taste, but I think it was a joke nonetheless. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, Atsau... Won't be there this weekend...still recovering from the first surgery. Also, any energy I have right now needs to be put towards work - you know, that thing which earns money so we can actually jump, remember?? LOL - but I should be out there sometime in November, even if it's just to take photos and to hang out. I'll let you know. Good to hear she had a blast, and sad to think she won't be joining us. But that's all right - she understands what you do, now - had a little taste of it...and skydiving, as much as its for us, really isn't for everyone. See you soon! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Good deal. Really well done. Set your mind, and went after it. Whahooooooooooooo! How'd your wife feel after her tandem? She coming back? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That she does. Indeed. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Angela [Quote] Read every post, then if you actually have something new to say, go ahead, This was brought up in another thread - I hadn't done my homework well. Glad to see you took the class! How was it? How many jumps did you get in? I hear the weather is so changeable down there this time of year. Isn't Scott Miller the best? He rocks. I remember when I took my class, I downsized during it at their insistence. I didn't take it with Scott - Jim Slaton and Clint Clawson were my instructors -a s well as Luigi and JC Colclasure - I was so bad they brought everyone out! LOL. Scared me silly, but I was fine. Were you able to make the downsize well under Scott's tutelage? Aren't sight pictures a bear to form and keep consistent in 5 jumps? Accuracy is not an easy thing to get. I'm still struggling with it, but getting better. Took me 10 jumps at my new dz for me to get anything near a sightpicture into my head, let alone accurate. Have you talked to your S&TA about your canopy choice yet? I read above that you hadn't yet talked (at the time of posting). I guess if Scott ok'd it and so did your S&TA, then we need to all shut up and sit back and watch. So really, how was the class? I am thinking of taking Scott's stuff when I get back east, because canopy piloting is a wonderful thing, and I figure if I learn from lots of different people, then I can be more well rounded and overall a more safe canopy pilot. I am interested in your response...I hope you enjoyed your class as much as I did mine! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I like the idea of a video helmet. Problem is, with a law enforcement person with me, unless there's an active investigation, wouldn't that be entrapment? I'm not sure, but I think there's an issue with that, but not being law enforcement, I am not sure what it is. Besides, it just might be a guy who doesn't speak the language well - I've seen some of his e-mails, and english is his second (or 3rd, 4th, ??) language. He may just not know what he has, and needs help describing it so that a jumper would be interested. The only part I am having difficulty with so far is most people know what they have, if they are a jumper. However, I can think of several ways a person wouldn't know - but all that is left to be discovered. In any event, I shall approach this like Mark said - fact finding, with whatever suspicions I may have pushed aside. Simply there to help someone. And if it starts to smell, then I shall take it from there. I will be contacting him today. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jan, you are so right. And know what? I am a blessed lady. I've got friends all over the place who send me little notes and pm's, and some who will take time out of their busy days to come spend time with me, or rescue me from my ineptitude...how kewlio is that? That is one for the blessing journal! Wendy... No, nothing wrong with being a girl. And a tough, articulate one, at that...but still...how embarrassing. Nick just came over and popped the heater right on. But that's the kind of day I've been having...so like I said, how kewl it was to get a wonderful hug from a gorgeous man in a warm and cozy house? Um, well, no. And to make it worse, it's one of those two bulb jobs, and I only had one bulb. So I suppose I will climb on a chair and get another bulb in there sometime. What if I fall, though? Maybe I should wait another year... Skycat, I've never lit a pilot light before in my life. But I like to think I am capable of figuring it out, you know? That way, I'm not really a helpless female.... Nick, again, thank you so much. And you're right - I just wanted someone to come over and take care of me. Glad you offered....'cause I wouldn't have thought to ask! LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Absolutely, Brian. The canopy control class is the best money I've spent aside from AFF. I took it at 40 jumps, and man, it improved me to a point where I remained in the sport. Take it, take it, take it.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, me too! And truth be told, I really can't do much with the canopy's risers I have now, either. But here's the thing, Angela. I've never caught any shit from anyone about my canopy choice, nor have I ever worried that I would. I know my choice is compatible with newbie jumping...and got great advice from people who taught me. I have to wonder what you're flying that you're concerned about "catching it" from others? A wingloading as you describe is, in my incredibly uneducated opinion, a good one for you. But again, it would also depend...it you fly a 170 at .9, kewlio. But if you fly a 129 at the same w/l, that might be an issue. If you don't understand why, then maybe you should find out? The other thing is, if you've had normal canopy progression, you would've been on student stuff 'til jump 2o (using the old regs). Which means you've only had 40 jumps on a canopy - and again, if you're normal, then you've switched and downsized for a bit. Let's call it until jump 35. Which really means you've only put 25 jumps on a canopy - assuming it's the same one - that is at .9 When you say you're sick of hearing about wringing out the performance, what do you mean? Are you utterly confident that: ~you can brake turn 35 degrees at 150 feet? ~land that canopy each time you fly it on your toes? ~comfortable and at ease flying it in most every condition? (within limits, of course...not talking about thunderstorms or winds at 25...) ~land it successfully in the Walmart parking lot because you got a bad spot? ~are accurate within your license requirements every time, in every condition? ~landed without causing issues for other jumpers on a high volume day when there's another 23 people in the sky with you? and so on. I honestly can't see how you've managed to do all that (and many many more things) in 25 jumps - or 30 jumps - or even 40 jumps - especially without canopy control classes. Hey, you might have. You might be a natural. You might be so wonderful that you've never had any issues. But that doesn't mean you won't, you know? And if you find flying a skybarge boring, make it exciting - learn how to fly the fuck outta that ol barge until you land each and every time to people saying "beautifully done, Angela. Absolutely perfect. Teach me how." When you can do that, and when that happens, then transition. Look. People may be giving you shit because they think you might hurt yourself. I've been given shit - but not because of my canopy choice, but because I was having seriously difficult landings...and that brought me to the canopy class. I figured out early that I wasn't going to just pick this shit up. And in fact, flying the canopy is one of the most dangerous parts of a dangerous sport...so I got instruction on things. And 38 jumps later, I am just now learning how it all works - at the same time - and doing it consistently. I'm not swooping; heck, I'm generally happy that I am in the area I planned on being in. Another question - how many hop n pops do you have? Hey, girl, I'm not asking this to take you to task. You can listen to me or not - your choice. You can listen to people like Hooknswoop, Iamdrennan, whomever else. I am simply asking you because you sound like you may not be ready for something you might be considering trying, and I just don't want a condolence thread with your name on it, you know? That would suck ass. "Deepest condolences to Angela's family, and to all those who witnessed her death. Blue skies, girl." People are just trying to get you to make informed choices, choices you are ready for. That's all. Not ragging you...just trying to help. Take it that way, and it takes on a whole new perspective, you know? No one is trying to take your freedom away, just make sure you're alive to enjoy it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Wow, Angela.... Have you pushed the envelope on every canopy you've flown? Can you take it to the limit, every time, and still be totally safe and within fair confidence that you won't crash into someone else, and won't kill yourself? I skydive to live, not to die. Pushing an envelope is for much later, not now, not when we are starting. It's for people who've been there, done that, and someday, if we don't push it now, we can push it then. How many jumps do you have? I have 78. What canopy are you flying? I fly a boat - err, Spectre 210. What's your wingloading? Mine is somewhat close to 1.1. have you taken a canopy class? I have. I looked at your profile, but you have nothing listed. Just wondering about your gear. And for the record, there is nothing wrong with flying big canopies. Also for the record, I have yet to have a long, boring canopy ride on anything, including the big assed student canopies. Like the one I had to cut from on jump 3. Now, that was exciting. If you don't respect the sport, it will not respect you. If you do not learn, it will not teach you. This stuff is not learned by osmosis...it is learned by taking a canopy control class, and by hard knocks. It is learned by working a "boat" canopy time and again, until, about 200 jumps under that same canopy, you might know a bit more than when you started. It is not learned by getting the smallest canopy you can find, throwing it on your back with no formal canopy training, and slamming yourself into the ground. That will teach you about good drugs and better surgeons, if you're lucky. If not, well, there's not much left to learn, is there? If you want to make all the mistakes others have made, then go your merry way and fly whatever you want - but like some of them (Paul Cousins comes to mind), you will get in over your head, and you might die. I sure hope you don't.... As for me and my choices, I think I'll learn everything I can from every incident posted, take the canopy classes whenever I can, learn from the experts, listen to those who've had years and years and many jumps in the sport, and then make my choices wisely and carefully. As are mine. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Absolutely...not gonna get hurt on this one. Lots of backup, lots of being in public. NO issues...and it's not paranoia, it's protectiveness. Besides, I may be bored - but I am not stupid.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I have been in touch via e-mail with him. I will be calling him later this evening. He said he wants to drop off the rig at my house...which will not happen, of course. Home addies are quite well protected in my world. But I will need to hook up with him at a local coffee shop - and rjf98, if you want, I will take you up on that, no problems. But it's kinda a long drive for you, isn't it? I do promise I won't be alone...if need be, I'll have my 6'4" (docile but don't tell anyone that) non-jumping brother with me...and worry not, I will be looking at all aspects of the situation. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~