steveorino

that IS label, you know. No, I was responding to your implication that it is bad being a "newb" I simply said being a 'newb' isn't a "stigma' it is a fact. So what if you are a newb??? Everyone was or is a newb at something or at sometime. That is a fact, not a stigma. If you feel it is a stigma then either you are insecure about yourself or you jump at a DZ with 'skygod' mentality. BTW, AFFI, TI, IADI, PRO rated jumper isn't a 'label' they are ratings. My point was you can have them (as I do) and still be a 'newb' steveOrino

What stigma?? IF there is one - why does it bother you? I have 1700+ jumps. I'm an AFFI, TI, IADI, PRO rated jumper, but when it comes to my latest passion (wingsuit flying) I'm a newb. I learn from those who have far less total jumps than I do. Being a "newb " in a WS is nothing I think about. I just ask for advice ... listen ... and progress. steveOrino

I would agree, but take in mind I'm a newbie when it comes to WS. I am an AFFI and the ability to stay calm, know my heading, get stable after being VERY unstable (think freaked out AFF student) have been very helpful in my new passion. Learn to fly your body. Get to the point where there is less thinking and it is more natural. steveOrino

Oh yeah... you're right. That was the last time a Heisman trophy winner won his bowl game the same season, right? That game is still the best national championship game I have ever seen. And WHO won that game? steveOrino

Yep, lots of me, and some of my artwork steveOrino

Tremendous response to typical whuffo questions. steveOrino

Some stats for you OU fans! 1-3 OU's record against Texas in the last 4 years 0-5 OU's bowl record last 5 years Big 12 Championship Game AKA teams beat by Texas Heisman Trophy AKA Best QB beat by McCoy & Tebow steveOrino

My bad, I shouldn't have cropped the picture. Here it in original size. steveOrino

Sweet! steveOrino

At the time we did not know what was wrong we only smelled something burning, plus when the pilot says "Get Out" you do not argue. steveOrino

Thanks! That insight came from "MY" mentors, Lloyd, Spanky, Bigun, and Michael Wadkins. steveOrino

Yep, I believe the exhaust manifold fell off (C-182) We smelled something and about the time was asked, "Do you smell that?" the pilot said, "Get out!" We did, the first 2 went to main and latter two went reserve. The first out were out around 1900- 2000 feet, the last two out were out more around 1700-1800 feet. I landed in a yard, two landed near a highway, and one in a clearing in the forest we were over. Moral: Be ready! steveOrino

The bigger question in my mind is not how quickly I can earn the coveted AFFI, but will I be a good mentor and quality AFFI? IMHO jump numbers and time in sport may add to that quality, but it is certainly not a guarantee. I first tried for my AFFI at around 600-700 jumps and 3-4 years in sport. I was not able to complete that course and I attempted again this summer with 7-8 years in with 1600+ jumps.( passed ) Was I a better AFFI candidate the second go around? Oh by far! The additional jumps helped but so did more time in the sport. In those additional years not only did I accumulate more jump #s and ratings (IADI & TI) but the time in sport exposed me to more students and situations these students put themselves (and the AFFI) into. So my suggestion is to INVEST the time (1-2 additional years in your case) and you will not only be "qualified" but you most likely will be a better mentor and Instructor. If you feel you are ina hurry bear in mind I earned my AFFI when I was 53 years old -- if anyone had a reason to be in a hurry it could have been me. Good luck and remember, "Be a mentor!" steveOrino

http://www.Vimeo.com/2494899 steveOrino

Counting down until he is banned ... FYI. I had 1650+ skydives and wasa an AFFI, TI and IADI before I put on my first one. Best decision I made is to not rush into any discipline. I also had 350+ jumps before I filmed tandems. steveOrino

I'm considering it. Here is a page (1 of 6) that I sent to the syndicates back in 2003/2004. You can see the "serial" idea I used. The gag-a-day concept wouldn't be too hard. You never know. What really kills me is that I always thought my NEIGHBORS strip (found on my Myspace/photos section) was a lot better. steveOrino

My pleasure. I'm not sure I want to pay the price of syndication , but I guess I was wondering what might have been. steveOrino

5 years ago I drew a strip about turning 50 (PUSHING 50) I thought it would definitely meet the Baby Boomer market. They are the last generation to regularly read newspapers anyways. I received this "rejection" letter from the late editor, who has since died in an accident. I often have regretted I did not redraw the strip with "gag a day" one liners, which King features like. Attached is the letter with the personal note (a first for me after dozens of form rejections through the years about strips I wanted to do) and a sample strip (that did stand alone. steveOrino

I've had two physicals as a TI, and never received the glove treatment. And I do have a prostate --- it reminds of that every morning around 3 AM steveOrino

The DZO wanted it longer with more stuff. Here is the latest. www.xtreme-visuals.com/videos/SDA-PROMO-2009WMV2.wmv steveOrino

The wingding font that made the airplane can't be turned the other way. I tried a more cartoony airplane that faced left ... doesn't look as good -- still searching steveOrino

I see your point -- I'll see what I can do steveOrino

I've been doing 1 minute promos for our DZ's video every year since since 2003. This year I'm condensing it down and making 4 different ones for AFF, Tandem, Tandem Handcams & IAD that will be shorter. The WMV file is pixelated, but the actual promo is real sharp Opinions? http://www.xtreme-visuals.com/videos/SDAPROMO2009WMV.wmv steveOrino

no problem for me and mine -- Obama promised no tax hike for those making less than $250,000 ... $200,000, I mean $150, 000 ... yeah, right! steveOrino

I was in Bragg at that time with ODA 552 Co B, 2nd Bn, 5th SFG and I remember the "sabatoge" incidents. Creepy memories from my distant past. steveOrino