Michele

Lots of vibes and hugs heading your way, Alt..... See? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~HUGS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

'Kay, so if the God of Finances smiles on me, I will be there...in the mean time, I figured out that if I don't pay the electric bill, and stop eating for 3 weeks, and pay only 1/2 of my car payment, I can actually take the Canopy Control Class this week (Wednesday, to be exact...). So all you really most excellent swoopers, all you fast as heck sky gods and goddesses, all you massively wonderful jumpers, watch out! I'm gonna outswoop each and every one of you!

I've seen you do them on the ground, Lummy..... Good luck, Lum! No, really, I definitely mean it. Good luck! (uh, who's flying camera on that one? A DZ.com moment in the making....) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, Jimbo - No problem...but it won't be from the experienced jumper's view, just the beginner's perspective... (Edit:Confirmed with Team Extreme that Wednesday will be the day) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Update..... It looks like neither of the two held subjects taken into custody this morning is the sniper. Whether or not they have something to do with this is still uncertain... Chief Moose has just held a press briefing, stating to the effect that "we have not understood your last message, some of the audio was not clear. Please call again"...which would seem to indicate that the sniper is still at large. Chief Moose is talking directly to the sniper again. Last night and now this afternoon... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Anyone take the canopy control class at Perris? I am hoping to take it this week, not to learn to swoop, but to learn how to fly and more importantly to LAND safely....I was just wondering if anyone had any experience, and knew what I could expect? Thanks in advance... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I would like to start a condolence thread for both Bob and Shannon...discussion of both fatalities are in the Incidents Forum (as they should be), but I wanted a separate place for expressing loss... to Shannon, who flew with style, grace and beauty, your smile and your energy will remain with the women of JFTC, and you will be forever remembered...Blue skies and white puffies eternal... and to Bob, who always had a cheerful word for me when I was frustrated, and who gave amazing hugs - you will be missed, and your loss echoes through the world...Blue skies and white puffies eternal... Ciels- Michele

Sorry about that, Dyevout... Sometimes, the seller will ship it to you without the use of an escrow, if he knows you or your rigger. I had the gentleman who sold me my main ship it directly to my rigger, so he knew I was having it checked out. It passed, so I sent him a check for the cost of the main, and the cost of the shipping, and an additional jump tix amount because he trusted me and my rigger... It's all in how you set it up and negotiate it. Good luck! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

MSNBC is reporting that there is only one person in custody...there seems to be some confusion about how many people there are in custody, though, because other sources are saying there are two. Someone said there was originally two "persons of interest" held, but one was released. The white van has been impounded. No gun has been found in the van or at the phone booth. A search warrant has been issued for the house the white van was registered to. I hope it is the guy. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well, neither do I...I do it in the living room, and bought a book on it -soemthing like $20. I figure you could prolly get good stuff from the net, you know? I'm not taking classes, just trying to do it from a book. I know that's not the best way, but it's a start... And yes, Valium will knock you flat for a while if you're not used to it. Drink lots of water when you're awake, it helps to flush the crud from your system. Also any sort of regular multi-vitimin, because your body needs help right now to heal. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No flames from me, mi amigo...I'm sorry you're hurting, and hope you heal very quickly. As for the tips, you have them right on. I wish I did more of them (especially the walking part...), but I recently started Yoga and while I feel like a total idiot doing it, my body feels better when I do it. One of my favorite sayings, which is applicable from exercise to cleaning the fridge, is "you don't have to like it, you just have to do it..." take care of yourself, and rest that back and neck. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

There is a thread about it (but not much info yet) over in incidents. I have no idea who it was, but am holding my breath as well. In the mean time, sincerest condolences to the family, and to all the skydivers who witnessed this... Blue skies and big white puffies, my friend... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Finally, someone has found a way to reward loyal constituency for voting for him. How grateful everyone must be! With 100% of the votes, this guy must be worth his weight in gold or something. What a magnanimous gesture. http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/meast/10/20/iraq.amnesty/index.html There has to be a reason. I just can't fathom it.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, Randy! Yup, totally correct. I haven't seen any crime scene photos, live 3,000 miles away, am not any kind of expert, and am purely guessing my ass off. But isn't that what this thread is for? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, Blind, for the reminder. I am still somewhat obsessive about getting a gear check...I don't think I've been on a load that I haven't gotten one from a very experienced jumper (and generally from an instructor). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Didn't my paragraph explain it? Cause there is no way in hell I did anything with my Dad.... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Steve, you are one truly sick and disturbed pup... If I recall correctly, the first number can be substituted for *ANYTHING*... including spending the day with your 80 y/o Pop, and laughing at him while he's sitting on a Harley....the first number is not relegated to humps any longer.... Ciels- M. ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not having my crime classification material handy, from memory: 1. Serial killer is commonly defined as a particular victim and/or victimology killed with a "rest" between killings. It is generally understood that serial killers have at least 3 victims before they are defined as such. The rest period is *not* one day, and according to statistics, is generally thought of in terms such as months or Lunar cycles (not that the moon has anything to do with it, it's just a frame of reference for a time period). They are also considered "organized" in crime scene analyses, and has overtones of sexuality inherent (also referred to as sexual sadistic killings)(but not like most people think of sexuality, though, even in BSMD circles...), adn there is a certain commonality/ritual that is apparent in each scene. Some readily recognizable serial killers: Randy Kraft, Ted Bundy, the Hillside Stranglers, Aileen Wuornos, the Green River Killer. 2. Spree killer is commonly defined as someone who kills with NO rest period - such as this shooter - but who generally is caught, shot, or suicides in a short amount of time (generally not more than several days). There is usually (but not always) a specific victim/victimology, and are considered "disorganized". Some easily recognizable Spree killers are: Andrew Cunanan, Richard Speck, and Charles Whitman (the Tower Sniper in Texas). So neither of these catagories actually define the murderer back east. He is not a serial killer as he takes no time off to "rest", is not specific in his victimology, and there is not a recognized sexual aspect in his shootings. Neither is he a spree killer, because he is clearly organized, no specific victimology, and is not burning out or getting sloppy enough to be caught, and he clearly hasn't suicided yet. As to AQ being the prime motivator in this, I have mixed emotions. Yes, I too recall clearly the pronouncements of OBL stating in his tapes that there would be personal terrorizing - if I recall accurately, the phrase was "in your streets, your stores, and yes, your golf courses" - and to be sure there were some 2000 american citizens trained by AQ, and returned to the US. An additional aspect in favor of AQ is the locality - near the capital of our country, in/around the DC area. OTOH, the phrase "I am God" is not something I think the fanatical muslim would utter. The use of the word God would not be there - it would be Allah, I think. Secondly, there is something in the use of the Tarot card which reeks of westernism and western culture (tarot card reading was a European creation, Roms/gypsies, etc. many hundred years ago). And thirdly, the concept that someone would claim to be God would be a heretical statement to any devout believer, especially muslims. It's the kind of thing that you can't claim to be if you want your 72 virgins (or white raisins) in the afterlife. Lastly, I would have thought there would have been shootings in many cities at once, or in very close proximity, if it were to terrorize. As it stands right now, we on the west coast send our sympathy, but don't yet duck as we're putting gas in the car. It would be effective if there were many episodes of sniper shooting at once in, say, 5 cities...but one fairly small region 3,000 miles away hasn't scared *me* yet. I'm still buying gas and going to Home Depot...did that make sense? LOL, I am trying to articulate it, but it's slipping from my grasp at the moment. Sorry. As to him being a wanna-be, yes, that's possible. But I don't give that too much credence, only because someone 25 y/o or less is not as "contained" yet - still is impulsive to an extent - to be able to carry this out for this long, without saying something to someone which would get him police attention. I expanded my age range to 30-40 for that very reason - this is someone who has had many years of experience at controlling himself, others, and his immediate environment, and doesn't talk, and has a very set routine, and specific communication with his circle of people...limited, as it were. And, I could be totally wrong on all counts.... (Edit: Thanks, vectoryBoy...I don't know much about weapons. I appreciate the info! Didn't realize there was that sort of stuff available...but now that I think about it, yes, of course! ) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Rawk on, Lisa! Made me cry, you know? You jumped for so many many women, and did so much, and I am so proud of you. Much love M ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, John... Curious as to why you think he's under 25? And why do you preface it with "assuming it is not linked to Al Queda (while I don't think it is, I'm interested in your thoughts thereon). And I also agree with you, the lack of casings found would indicate he uses his vehicle as a platform, because he simply does not have the time to retrieve the brass ejected. I do have a difficult time calling him a sniper, but there really isn't anything else coined and commonly understood to call him, you know? He's not a spree killer, and not a serial killer, according to the FBI's definitions. He is far out of bounds with what we normally understand as a murderer. What he is doing is sniping, as distasteful as that is to those who understand what it is snipers do...so, what shall we call him? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well done, Viking!! You got a great shot with the football, and you just wanna laugh right along with the dude in the fire truck. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Flyhi, you cracked me up! LOL, yes, Hilary is one possibility... As to the murderer/sniper... 1. Pattern of shooting would indicate either a stable job which is an "outside" kind of job, or one which has delivery and is a solo kind of thing - someone who works alone and has no "set" time to be at point A or B... earns a medium income for the area 2. Lives within 5 miles of the first 5 shootings. 3. Not necessarily military trained, but someone who has hunted extensively. 4. Lives in a house which is quite "squared away" 5. White male, 30-40 years old, no prior arrests. 6. Married 7. Obsessive type personality - probably some sort of "stalker" behavior in his past. 8. Very neat in appearance - clean, well groomed. One of the things which will be important to him is the concept "a place for everything, and everything in his place". 9. Is not well respected in his job, life, family. Tends to feel powerless in his world. May be a child of someone in law enforcement. 10. The tarot card is a tease - there is no "majical" conenction - just something to "scare" people with. 11. Above average intelligence, but an under-achiever in most respects. 12. Will either suicide or get suicided by cop when they finally get close. 13. They will find a ton of "Soldier of Fortune" type stuff in his home, as well as additional weapons. 14. He is not a Timothy McVey type...isn't part of the militia (would not have been able to become part of that organization well. He'd run it his way, despite not knowing what he's doing. I know what I mean, but I can't express it well.). This is a person who is controlling an entire region - not just a city. He pays great attention to the media/police, and makes sure that they are wrong...schools safe? Shoot at a school. No weekends? Shoots on a weekend. All adults? Shoot a child. The victim selection is not important - gender, race, age, etc. - is not important to him at all. The place of shooting is not important - other than it's a place that can allow for a quick get away. He is too controlling to allow himself to become the "victim" of the police (which is why I think #12). He has expanded his area because of the huge hue and cry of a military support aircraft being in his original area. He is demonstrating that no matter what the feds and locals throw at him, he can strike and get away with it. I do not believe that he is working in a team (only 18% of serial killers do so) but if he is, it is a male/male partnership... Just my thoughts. It should be interesting to see how accurate we are if (yes, IF) he is ever caught. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

1:0:0 (Edit: Fine...How's this? One Afternoon Spent with My Father doing a charity appearance....) Spent the afternoon with my father doing a charity appearance with Olive Crest, which works with foster and adopted children and their families. It was a Bike for Olive Crest, and Dad got to ride on a Harley for the first time. Even though it went all of 4 mph, and the driver was "walking" it, Dad was holding on ("clutching" was the term I thought of first) and looked like he was scared to death....it occurred to me at that point that there is no hope whatsoever that my Dad will ever do a tandem.... Even though it wasn't jumping, it was wonderful to spend time with Dad, and do something for others at the same time. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ground. In the landing area. Waiting with a video cam. Giggling like a fool. I "converted" one. He did a tandem, and looked so terrified on the video during exit, and didn't enjoy himself at all. He won't even talk to me now. No loss, either.... But I have great blackmail video....tee hee... I'm working on someone right now - but he's a big boy. He's 245, 6'3" retired professional boxer (Hi, Rocky! Yes, he's lurking...). He saw some pix at my desk at the office, and wants to do it. . AFF at Perris is the way to go, 'cause he's a little big for a tandem according to the staff there. He's not sure about AFF, though...and frankly, I'm not sure about him in AFF either...fall rate and all that. And I am gonna be on the ground to get his face on vid, as well. Can't have too much blackmail info on friends and co-workers. Any suggestions? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

(pssssst, Will....I didn't even bother with that...if it's invisible, then it's invisible....)..... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~