tso-d_chris

"No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people." P.T. Barnum must have been a Republican. ... Do you hear that deafening silence? I think it is coming from over there ==> .

I don't mean to imply that that was the original purpose of the ceremony. Ritual has been around much longer than Christianity. Jung even found religous symbolism in the collective unconscious. Some people need that symbolism and ritual much more than others to experience their relationship with a higher power, whether that higher power be Jesus, YHVH, Nirvana, Shiva, Allah, the Tao. But the symbolism is not the message. The I Ching (yin / yang), the Star of David, and the Masonic Lodge's Compass and Square all represent the same relationship between the masculine and feminine. For that matter, the relationship between sin and cosine in a right triangle was likely used for the same concept by the Pythagoreans. This duality is a basic tenet to nearly all religions worldwide. But we don't think of the Taoist and the Jews and the Christians and the pantheists as sharing basic beliefs. We look at them as different from one another instead of being similar, when their similarities far outnumber their differences. It may not be the purpose of the ceremony, but it is a result of it. An old Sufi proverb comes to mind: "We should love the water more and the pitcher less."

It seperates "Us" from "Them." Which, ironically, is exactly opposite of JC's message, as I understand it.

To make it an accurate metaphor, he would have to know that it is going on, and not do anything about it until it was common knowledge among his entire university student body, and the student boies at most other university, and only then did and only then did anything about it. And, of course, the guilty party would have to lack any sort of qualifying experience. Then, yeah, he should be canned as well.

I thought using commercial jetliners as missiles to destroy important buildings was the idea of Tom Clancy. He may not have condoned it, but he did write about that very scenario in Debt of Honor and Executive Orders long before 9/11.

Thanks. I thought it was interesting that, generally, the Republican presidents of the last few decades have been less fiscally responsible than their Democrat counterparts. The general perception seems to be just the opposite.

Let's stay on topic, shall we?

You are using flawed logic. Students are the clients (for lack of a better term) of professors, not the subordinates.

How could a proper spot not be beneficial? lighter loadings require longer spots. If the student is given a proper spot, they will not overshoot the landing area. If they overshoot, the spot was too short. I've seen too many student jumps at very low wingloadings, and land in their designated landing area with minimal radio assistance to believe that a large canopy causes students to overshoot the landing area.

That's the point. How many votes do you think Nader or Badnaric would have received in 200 or 2004 if their supporters could have hedged their bets on another candidate, so as to not feel as though they were throwing away their vote?

Interesting idea. I think it would work better than the current system. I would suggest the top 10 candidates get on the general ballot, with ranked voting.

I disagree with much of McCain's political opinion, but I believe he would have made a good, honorable president, had he survived the primaries and won the electoral college.

I found this to be interesting reading. Okay, maybe not interesting, but enlightening, nonetheless.

By this logic, no one could know they were straight before having sex.

I don't get that impression from many jumpers, who believe that having an AAD should not play a part in determining their normal skydiving and emergency procedures. They don't understand that the added complexity of the system adds potential for more problems.

Much of the Netherlands is below sea level too, IIRC, and they take adequate precautions. It is a challenging, but not impossible situation to deal with. Besides, it would really suck to lose the city with the nation's best food.

I know of one drop zone that consistently puts students out on Goliaths (395 sq ft) for their first AFF jumps, without problems.

The advice to try before you buy is very good. Helmets come in all shapes and sizes, just like heads. You need one that will fit your head properly, and you can't tell that from a catalog. As far as quick shipping, I or most any other gear dealer will be able to accomodate for most models they carry.

HA HA HA. XP is so far behind the curve in comparison to OS X, I gave away my PC and all but refuse to use anyone else's. Apple's ease of use and capability is unmatched in most areas. Gaming, of course, is a notable exception. Apple's superior security also makes getting a virus extremely difficult. Granted, Windows Vista will be out last year this year late next year (without all the anticipated features), but then again, Leopard will be available at about the same time, and will likely cost less, while offering superior functionality.

While I have not heard GHWB say anything bad about W's actions as president in the interviews I have heard, Praise for his son's decisions has also been conspicuously absent, unless I am just reading/hearing the wrong interviews.

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote. -- Ben Franklin.

In principle, I agree. Unfortunately the best candidates always seem to be eliminated at the primary level. How would you suggest getting past this problem? This is not directed specifically at rehmwa, but rather anyone.

IMO, static line is best, then tandem progression and lastly AFF, instructors being equal. However, AFF with good instructors is far better than static line with less qualified instructors. AFF leaves the student short on canopy experience and/or skills in comparison to static line or a tandem to AFF progression.

It is too early in your jump career to make this decision. It is a good time to learn the characteristics of each. Performance Designs has excellent information available on their website. You can also search these forums. I recommend asking a rigger or two, though, whenever you want information about gear. Your instructor will likely have better insight into what is an appropriate choice for you. It depends on what matters to you. Some rigs are known for their comfort, such as Jump Shack's Racer. Others are known for their excellent value, such as the Icon or Wings. The Infinity may well be unmatched for attention to detail, especially cosmetically. The Vector is the only skydiving rig available with the Skyhook RSL. The Javelin is quite popular for good reason. As a general rule, you cannot buy a (brand new) bad container. Most any custom harness is going to be pretty comfortable. They are almost all very secure in any body orientation during freefall. In other words, it's like trying to decide between a Toyota and a Nissan or a Ford and a Chevrolet. It is a matter of personal preference, and not safety or reliability. You will find that most people like what they have, which seems to indicate a difficulty in making a bad choice. Both manufacture fine canopies, as does Icarus Canopies. Talk to your instructors and riggers. Take advantage of demo programs and try a few canopies that yor instructors feel are appropriate for yourcurrent skill level, when the time comes. And finally what are the chances of resale once I begin to downsize.Quote Large canopies maintain a better resale value than tiny ones. Almost all new skydivers starrt with a fairly big canopy, and that is not likely to change when sell your gear, so the demand will likely be there. Chris The Skydiving Outlet - Deland 1 (800) 249-1542