Gato

I've been doing a lot of writing lately, and contemplating going back to school, and my wife tells me this evening she's bought me a Mac Powerbook!!! I almost cried. Since I spend only about 3 or 4 hours a day teaching music, I've been doing all my writing at home, which means I'm alone for too many hours during the day. Anyone who's ever worked from home knows the danger of depression creeping in. She recognized this (it's happend to both of us) and had them install an airport card for me, making it possible for me to be one of those assholes who spend all day at Starbuck's with a laptop. I can't wait. Jen is a writer for a major ad firm here, and is one of the best I've ever read, seriously. And this woman, who kicks major ass at what she does, is encouraging me to write for a living! I hope your significant other has this kind of faith in you - I'm blown away by how much she believes in me. Thanks for listening, Gato T.I.N.S.

Well, at 19, I had a brief affair with a 36 year old French woman, and I can tell you that there aren't that many women who can suck-start a DC-10. She could. T.I.N.S.

Well said, sir. T.I.N.S.

I knew it!! My wife would most certainly agree with you. There's something complete and primal about it, like TOTAL acceptance of the other person, body and soul! T.I.N.S.

This thread is sounding more and more like a porn audition. And to finally answer the original question, yes, it is acceptable. It doesn't make you gay, just bi. T.I.N.S.

I smell burnt toast. T.I.N.S.

Does your girl let you kiss her after she's ground one off on your face? Also, are you referring to "snowballing" or just kissing after the swallow? T.I.N.S.

I'm seeing a pattern, here. Just kidding - for me, it was seeing the first moon shot in '69 at the age of 4, then Star Wars in the 4th grade. Then, when I was 16, I developed a crush on Marilyn Chambers after seeing "Insatiable." So I'm a perverted geek. T.I.N.S.

Exactly!! Might I also suggest, if you have access to it, making a Static Line jump? There's no freefall to speak of, but all you have to do is climb out and let go, then fly the canopy. When I went uncurrent a few months back, that one SL jump I did to get reoriented was wonderful! I know you've done AFF, but honestly, that jump was so much fun for me, I'd recommend it to anyone feeling freaked out over jumping. Not much to think about except relaxing and flying, and you get some good canopy practice. By the way, I noticed the OP of this thread now has 75 jumps - very cool. It can be done. T.I.N.S.

You are SOOO not alone. I was scared out of my mind on my first few jumps, and I also had a kick-ass instructor named Gary on 3 of my SL and PRCP jumps. What helped me the most was doing EPs in a hanging harness, and realizing I had truly taught my body to react correctly, to make the right call if things go to shit. While this didn't cure my door fear, it helped create what I'll call "confidence momentum" that builds up every time I jump. Here is a short list of my fears, some I've conquered, some I'll never conquer: Aircraft emergency (Including engine failure, fire, pilot heart attack, wind shear). Broken harness or leg strap. Container lock. DOOR!!! (I used to be afraid my fat ass would get sucked out, but we're wearing parachutes, aren't we?) Hanging from a wing strut. Hitting the tail on exit. Losing sight of the DZ. Losing altitude awareness, forgetting to pull. Landing hard, breaking somthing. Doing something stupid and getting bitched-out by the DZO. This works very well for me: The moment I get settled into position on the plane, I begin breathing as deeply and SLOWLY as I can, and concentrate on relaxing my toes. Once I feel my toes relax, I move on to the rest of my feet, legs, etc. until my whole body is as relaxed as possible. By the time we're on jump run, I'm feeling good, and actually anticipating the Door call. Plus, it gives me something to do on the ride up, and keeps me from low-probability catastrophizing. (Dig that psych term - and, yes, I've had therapy.....) Best of luck to you! T.I.N.S.

I'd have to agree with you - I just got the DVD on friday, and I like it a lot. I'll post a review of it in the gear section. T.I.N.S.

Honestly, I thought about buying that one, but based on the reviews in the gear section, I decided to get "Packing Made Simple" instead. I think it'll be a bit more informative than "Pack Like A Pro" - 3 different methods of packing (pro, flat, and psycho), and 3D graphical representations of an RSL, the 3-ring system, and canopy components. I'm starting to sound like a salesman/troll, so I'll shut up now. T.I.N.S.

Thanks, guys. I'll go ahead and order it, and probably the Sid's Rigging CD as well. T.I.N.S.

I was just wondering if anyone has seen this video by Matt Davies. I know how to flat pack, and I would like to have a good visual reference for when I'm not at the DZ. Obviously, I'll look to my instructors for pro-packing instruction before any jumping of my own packjob takes place. His price ($19.95 + shipping) is really great, and it looks to be pretty informative. Anyone? T.I.N.S.

I'm a guitarist in a group called Hothouse here in Kansas City, doing mostly R&B, soul, and disco. I also teach guitar and music theory, both privately and at the KC School of Rock. Go forth and rock, sir! T.I.N.S.

You too, sir. Congrats on the new canopy - I hope it has many vibrant colors, and soft openings and landings for you. T.I.N.S.

Sooooo.....what did you get? T.I.N.S.

There's a green (collard?) called "Poke", that, when used correctly, will make you think you're going to shit out your kidneys. Pretty good sauteed with bacon. T.I.N.S.

Good!!! Very good! It's always better to be by yourself for the right reasons than be with someone for the wrong reasons. And you can be sure that your ex will be "relationship hopping" - you will not be the last woman to dump him, I can assure you! You'll land on your feet (or on your back, knees, etc.) - Best of Luck! Gato T.I.N.S.

I tell people (now) that it's just a metaphor for sex: Most of the time, it lasts about as long (if you include the climb to altitude.) There's always a climax (which may or may not be proportional to how long you're in the saddle.) If you do it right, there's no wet spot. Oh, and you have to pack afterward. T.I.N.S.

November 3rd, about 5 weeks ago. Dammit. And yes, my friend, you have it good. We're having recurring ice storms here in the midwest. I'm trying to talk my wife into moving to Florida, Arizona, Texas, or New Zealand. T.I.N.S.

Are you saying I can't drive and watch skydiving videos at the same time???? I went to the Apple store today, and checked them all out. The iPod Touch is soooooo damn cool! The only one I would absolutely not get is the new Shuffle, for its lack of a display. I would assume it's more for workouts and running, etc. Nightingale, you inspired me to go looking for specs on the Video iPod, and I found one on the Apple online store. It's brand new, and basically the same as the current Classic model (80GB, 2.5" color display) but I got it for $219 and it's compatible with my current OS 10.3.9!!!! For anyone that's interested, they also have a few of the U2 Special Edition models (black, red dial, U2's signatures engraved on the back) for $200. I think it's only 30 gigs, though. Thanks for helping me out, peeps! T.I.N.S.

So I received a $250 gift card for the Apple Store for my birthday. I have to update my operating system (Tiger, Leopard, anyone?) to use a new iPod. Also, I don't want one of the first generation iPhones. If you have an iPod, tell me what you like about it, and what you don't like. I'm supposing an iPod is similar to a parachute, in that you choose one for specific reasons. I honestly hadn't considered getting one until now, which I know is lame, so I don't know what I'd want it to do beyond storing music. (Incidentally, I would never dishonor my wife's gift by selling the card.) Thanks for tuning in..... Gato T.I.N.S.

When I was 19, I worked as a prep cook at a Chinese restaurant. One afternoon, the owner walked into the kitchen and handed me a 10"X10" cardboard box and said, "Here, put these through the grinder a couple of times." I opened the box and realized they were red pepper pods; yes, the really, really hot ones. So I ground them up and stored them, and went back to what I was doing before. A few minutes later, I had to take a whiz, so I went to the bathroom, did my thing, and washed my hands afterward. Then I went back to the kitchen and started prepping some chicken for frying. It was at this point that the kitchen seemed to become very warm. Then my pants started to get warmer. I suddenly realized what was about to happen, and I sprinted back to the bathroom. Next I was standing at the sink with my pants around my ankles, splashing cold water on my willy as fast as I could, screaming and laughing at the same time. I heard the owner laughing from inside the kitchen - he had been watching for my mistake the whole time. The lesson: Wash your hands BEFORE and AFTER you touch yourself, kids. T.I.N.S.

"Has anyone seen my Coors Cutter Party Ball?" T.I.N.S.