tkhayes

If the USA put a base in Qatar/Saudi Arabia/Vietnam/Central America, you could be pretty sure it was there as a jumping-off point for eventual aggression thanks for making my point

I never said 'conquering'. Yes governments agree to us being there, but their citizens often do not. And they form militias (terrorists) to fight the 'agression'

ahem - communism defeated iteself in 1989 apparently no intervention, in the end, was required. And it is pretty arrogant of ANY country, oursleves included ot say that the advancement of communism was 'stopped' by us,

at least we agree on something - religion is the cause of all (most ) wars. If there were no religion there then would be no evil.

Hmm I seem to remember many 'going to war speeches' that said they don't like us because we are 'free' - what a load of crap. Yes, they don't like us because we are not like them - another of MANY reasons, but certainly not the exclusive reason why they do not like us. Countries like Norway, Sweden, Poland, whomever else in the world do not meddle in foreign policies, do not set up military bases around the world in foreign countries and do not force their values upon other countries in the name of 'freedom' I believe these are LARGER reasons why the world dislikes the USA so much. Why do we have military bases in Germany, the Phillipines, almost every corner of the world when so few others do? We extend and threaten with them. How nervous was the USA when USSR put nukes in Cuba? Would you (we) tolerate a Saudi or Iranian military base in Mexico? Certainly not. But for some reason, we seem to think it is OK to extend our military might around the world without extending the same courtesy or rights to any other country. Yet another hypocracy. TK

I disagree - I do not see "Non-Terrorist" or whatever NON-else anywhere in the definition of democracy. That just happens to be our current state of mind This "Free" country HAS in the past elected MANY governments that supported slavery and terrorism (I bet the British red-coats would have called the new settlers 'terrorists') So anyway, my point stands - we ask for democracy, we get it, then we criticize the results. one of many reasons America is disliked around the world - we are meddling in their politics to suit our needs. I think they call it puppet governments when the foreign country 'elects' the leader of our choice.

The USA wants to bring democracy (nee freedom) to the world. So we ask them to hold elections. The Palestinians do, for example, and they elect Hamas. Good for them. But now we deny them support and wish nothing but death and destruction on them. Iran has elections and they elect (albeit he is a nutjob) Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Same thing - now we have reasons to invade. I expect if we really let Afghanistan hold real elections, they would elect the Taliban, or something very close to that. Careful what you wish for.... who are we kidding? TK

I'm SURE it must be for our own good..... TK

the hell with 'rights' - how about we add some RESPONSIBILITIES to the constitution TK

'Why' does not actually matter - my older points were - more guns, more dead people, pretty simple. No handguns, and then no one could get killed by a handgun. Yes everyone has the right to defend themselves, but the more guns that are out there, then the more chances of 'innocent' people getting killed over measly disputes. All stated in this article, which supports my point, so I brouight it up. If you are looking for scientific, black and white, point for point, cause and effect, you will never find it, thus we disagree. If we all have the right to defend ourselves with deadly force, then we as a country should also believe that every country should be able arm themselves with nuclear weapons, therefore, we would all be safer. Its the same arguement, but on a different scale. I doubt ANYONE in this country would be in favor of that. So carry your gun and feel good that people are shooting each other over petty things. My solution is less guns - what's yours? TK

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/12/national/12homicide.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin I am pretty sure I predicted some of this a couple years back in a different gun thread - geez could I be right???? TK

I always get a kick out of these - everyone posts them as fact, but no one can show a link to the actual statute. Since all the Florida Statutes are online, I would think they could easily be found and/or proven personally I think it is bunk

Sad to report that one of our local jumpers, John O'Donnell was killed last night while rollerblading near his home in Oldsmar/Clearwater area. According to the news he was crossing a busy road/ntersection and was struck by an off-duty police officer, and died later in hospital - no charges are to be laid according to the story. Blue Skies John - he was really a nice guy and up and coming videographer with lots of talent. We are planning a memorial on Friday here at the DZ, no time set yet TK

11-19 - Customer Appreciation Boogie - For 9 days, all 13500' regular jump tickets are going for $19. Make sure you ask for the Boogie Tickets 18th - Grand Opening of City Hall, our new digs. Drinks and snacks as we present our new hangout for you skydivers. Come see the Big Screen, the internet cafe, game rooms and tour the classroom. 11-19 - Canadian Invasion #2 - Dollar Daze. Bring your Canadian $20 bills to use as jump tickets. * EC Freeflying with Kleug and Martin * 16-19 - Canadian Record Warm-up Camp with Guy Wright http://www.skydivecity.com TK

we rescue dogs all the time - go to the local Vet to see if he has a chip or tattoo and they can advise as well on the breed (if it is not obvious) and the course of action. Vets closest to where the dog was found may have seen the dog before - also a good place to hang the "Dog Found" sign. All purebreds have a 'rescue' organization, ie. http://www.aussierescue.org/ and you can contact the rescue for that breed, they will find a foster home for the dog until they can be adopted. Make a reasonable effort to find the owner - the dog probably has a Mom and Dad that are worried about their dog. Great job - my wife made me a Stray Dog Rescue Kit for the car, treats, a leash, stuff like that so I can better capture the strays I see. Hate driving by any dog on the road - just a matter of time before they end up road-kill TK

Here-Here!! just another of the hypocritical and paradoxal things that I see in Christianity (and religion in general) which makes me chuckle that anyone can be SOOOOO friggin' right and righteous about what is in the Bible. If i remember correctly, paper was not invented when it was all supposed to been 'written' and the books of Luke, Mark, Matthew, etc etc could not have been 'recorded' in any reliable way. Thus, most of it (if not all of it) was/has been passed down over generations, which pretty much makes it heresay at best. Does not stand the tests of any sort of reporting, recording or other reliability - just plain FAITH, which is fine of course - if you buy that bunk. From Genesis: 004:017 And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. 004:018 And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. 004:019 And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 004:020 And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. 004:021 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. Cain built a City? For who? Where did the people come from? - Lamech took two wives? Where did they come from? TK

I agree - radios should be used until the student demonstrates consistent and safe flying and landing patterns. Whether that takes 7 or 25 jumps. You do not have to 'talk' to them, just monitor them. The idea that you are on your own after 7 jumps is ridiculous.

so, like, if God is so almighty powerful, can He make a rock so big that He cannot lift it?

I disagree with the use of the word 'often'. I think 'seldom' is more appropriate. Most DZO's did not start DZ's because they had a financial goal in mind. They started because they like the sport and it is a passion. Sure, we need to make profit, but that is not 'often' chosen over safety. The two go hand in hand. The old saying "If you think safety is expensive, then try having an accident...." Skydivers, if they really think the DZ is 'unsafe' or is choosing profit over safety, is simply 'endorsing' that activity by jumping there. Let your feet do the walking and go somehwere else, thus removing the profit. TK

I'll give you example of where USPA worked for us, (and you). Years ago before you came into the sport, the gov't was trying to add an aviation tax to skydiving, aligning with a tax that airline passengers pay. This would have added 10-15% on the cost of all jump tickets. USPA successfully fought that as our (your) lobbyist in Washington and won that battle. That saved skydivers millions of dollars every year. When they see problems arising in DC, they are there to be your voice. If you think skydiving could do that WITHOUT USPA, I expect that it would be futile. Some will argue that they spend too much time on the DZO's, btu I agree that everything goes hand-in-hand. no DZO's, then no skydiving either. No skydivers, then DO's do not exist. We all work for many of the same common goals. They are our industry organization, and if you have ever seen what is going on in Canada, you would appreciate the fact thateven with USPA as such a small organization, is pretty effective at getting our voice heard in DC. Canada is systematically dismantling skydiving due to the lack of an effective organization and too much bickering between skydivers and their respective DZ's, DZO's, clubs, CSPA, and the Govt. nuf said TK

naive pajarito It must be wonderful waking up every morning thinking that torture is OK (and calling yourself a devout Catholic as well)

actually we just lowered our price back to $21 TK Z-Hills

I see a bunch of generalities here: who? Where? USPA traiing doctrines, BSR's and such all look pretty good to me. self regulation is NOT a bad thing Where? Not at any of the DZ's I see around here Are you blaming the regulators for the list of above problems that you apparently see? 'cause it sounds like a local issue to me There is no 'Rule' that USPA can make that will necessarily stop anyone from buying a smaller high performance parachute and then seeking out a place to fly it. sounds like you need to speak to your local DZO, 'cause it sounds like a local DZO problem. Again I do not see what you speak of anywhere around our area. TK

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Some of you have seen our new modular lounge, game room, internet cafe, AFF training and foosball, etc. We took entries for the naming of the buildign and are giving away a free day of skydiving to the winner. Entries we received are as follows: “Clouds Inn Lounge” “George” “City Hall” “It Looks Good but it’s rotten to the core” “Z-Lounge” “Sky Lounge” “Z-Spot” “Wreck Room” “FreeHall” “The Zephyr Hilton” “The Romper Room” “Hotel Hills” “Z-Pod” “The White House” “English Dave’s Doss House” “Lounge Lizard” “The Fly-By Lounge” “Blue Skies Lounge” “The Cave” “The Fallout Shelter” “The Pit” “TK’s” “The Cockpit” maybe highlight 2 or 3 so we can get some popularity of these names and then pick one – we offered a free day of Skydiving to the winner, so I am not disclosing who chose what names. Please participate, since this is something that is important, and we will be using it forever. thanks TK