Zennie

I noticed in the registration requirements that you need to send a 2x2 photo for the ID badge. Are we going to be able to send an electronic copy in lieu of the photo like we did last year? - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

Takeoffs don't bother me anymore.... I used to be terrified of them pre-skydiving. I still hate landing. Funny thing happened on a flight about 4 months ago. We took off and about 15 minutes into the flight we hear KA-WHOOOOOSSSHHHHHHH!!!!! from the main cabin door. And it kept Ka-Whooshing. The stewardess was in her seat right next to the door and kept looking at it ... then at the cockpit phone... then atthe door... then at the cockpit phone again. She sorta cautiously sidestepped away from the door and started talking to the cockpit. About this time people sort of realize things just ain't right with the plane. I also noticed people around me freaking out. Interestingly, I was in this weird "problem analysis" mode. I thought "OK. The pilot still has control of the plane, we're turning around and he's going to a lower altitude so we probably didn't lose any flight control." Since the others around me were freaking (quietly, but you could see it on their faces) I pretty much told them what I was thinking. Funny thing is we get down on the ground and a bunch of them around me and thank me for helping them stay calm. They said that since I was so calm about it, it helped them. I'm positive I wouldn't have handled it this way had I not been a skydiver/BASE jumper. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

"Lizzie Altgeld" Ummmmmm...... no. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

Hell, I'll do it for free. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

I posted this on the BASE Board, so I might as well post it here as well.... I'm putting together a little video from the stuff that 346 & I shot while at the Memorial Day Boogie. If anyone has video and would be willing to share it, I'll put it on the video as well. I'll cover any shipping costs that might be involved. I'm NOT doing this to make any money or anything. Sort of my way of saying "thank you" to everyone for making the boogie such a good time. I'll give it to anyone that wants a copy when I'm done. I still need to figure out a way to do it without going in the hole on shipping/media costs though. Anyway, drop me a note of you'd like to contribute (don't worry, I'll add a credits trailer if people do) or have questions. My email is ted_biggs@yahoo.com. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

And that's because it seems like price is inversely proportional to the amount of fabric in the garment. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

I've gotten several recommendations of that book myself. Looks like I need to go buy it.

My thoughts exactly. Yeah... like a BASE canopy with a mesh slider freepacked (with a BASE pack job) into a container. A 32" PC & 9' bridle would be helpful. Basically a BASE setup in a TSO'd skydiving rig to satisfy FAA regs. All that said, I wouldn't recommend pulling in the sub-1000 range unless you have some experience with terminal BASE jumps. Misjudging altitude at terminal that close to the ground is extremely unforgiving. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

Yeah, saw that. I'd love to have our beloved sport portrayed on US currency for all to see, but I have a feeling the center one will probably be chosen. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

BSBD - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

Heh. You could also reach over and say "I wonder what this little silver handle does..." - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

Different point. His original point is how to handle a situation where a person you don't know starts treating you like crap for no reason. In other words, his question related to social protocol. You brought up acceptance, and my point is that I don't think he was concerned with being accepted or even liked because he already has a very cool and very attractive girlfriend. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

Trust me, cloudseeker doesn't need the approval of any other chick... he's doing just fine as it is.

Coolio! Thanks Dave & Cyber for all your work! - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

OK stupid question.... but who makes the Defiance? - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

For those of you who have voted for the Gargoyle, I'd be interested in hearing what features the rig has (or implements better) that the others do not. I've only jumped a Warlock pin rig, so I have nothing to compare against. I'd just like to hear thoughts from people who have. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

I'm not even going to comment on what I consider to be a low pull anymore. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

Yup. I've been bitching about that for a while now. I know it's not going to happen, and I agree that fiscally it probably doesn't make any sense, but it really should be called USSA because that's really it's sole constituency. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

I'd love to meet folks but I only have $45 to last a week & a half. Sucks being a financial gimp. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

First off, congrats on your first jump(s)! Jimmy & Marta are awesome! When I was in Moab after Memorial Day J&M took myself & the San Marcos crew to a nice PCA/static line jump spot, fixed us up & jumped with us. They also hooked me up with a second group of jumpers who came out later in the week & pointed us to some really cool jump spots. Just hanging out with them I learned a ton about a variety of things. They're so easygoing, patient, generous & knowledgable. They're just all-around good people.

And... "Must know field first aid. EMT certfication preferred." - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

Oh, one thing I thought of... "Must be willing to help me get my Bonk BASE number." Yes I know it's technically called "Screw BASE", but I don't think that would pass the censors. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

I know we can come up with a doozy if we put our combined sick, twisted minds together on this. So I'll here's the deal I'll make with y'all... We come up with the "ultimate" skydiver/BASE jumper personal ad and I'll personally post it to Yahoo Personals. The only rule I have is that it has to be something that has a fair shot at passing the screening process. I think we can be pretty ridiculous & suggestive so long as we aren't totally obscene. Oh and we'll need a nice catchy title for the ad too. lol I'll let everyone know what I get back... if anything. I'll give the title a shot... "Skydiving Pimp Daddy Seeks Submissive DZ Mistress" But maybe even that's a little much.... - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

Yeah, I guess I'm one of the fortunate ones in that my mentor, 460, has been around the sport for quite a long time and is a student of it's history. Naturally he passed that along to me as well. What's such a damn shame is that many of these people are still around and so few people even realize it. As 460 says "BASE is one of the few sports where you can still meet your heroes." This sport has a very colorful history with equally colorful people. And the people who brought us here... the Boenishes, the Harrisons, Smitty... the list goes on & on... deserve recognition & respect for their accomplishments. - Z "Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon