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The DNC filed suit against a theater that was going to show Stolen Valor. Apparently the show was sold out and refunds are now being made. So much for freedom of speech, getting it off the airways, and equal time! Blue skies, Jim

Three way hybrid was launched today (10/15). @-belly with a hanger. Exit rolled over out the door, but otherwise flew normally. Mike Blanton, David Eckman and ???. Blue skies, Jim

This is really great. I am going to send it to all my veteran and active duty friends. Hope you didn't waste a lot of time creating this wish list. Blue skies, Jim

Gosh Bill does this mean you recognize possible defeat since you could be believing in fantasy instead of reality? Blue skies, Jim

Skydive DeLand and Rob Laidlaw are hosting a series of Big Way Formation Camps with Camp #1 being held this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The camp is to be a blend of wind tunnel, 12 ways, 20 ways, formation loads and high altitude formation loads. The camp format allows for a lot of personal coaching to refine new skills or push one's envelope. The camp will be organized by World Team and Texas State Record Captain Rob Laidlaw as well as several other top coaches who will be announced shortly. The theme of the camp is to start working in smaller groups and build to formation loads over the 5 days. The camps will be an excellent opportunity to work towards the goal of joining the next possible 06 World Team 400 way. The camp will utilize Skydive Deland's RocketVan, Super Otter and the Super Porter. Another aircraft may be added if registration warrants it so register early. The wind tunnel portion is optional but highly recommended as it will help everyone to better "own" their space in a large formation. The techniques that the camp will focus on are the skills necessary to build large formations using loops and whackers in the design. There are only a limited number of slots for the tunnel so book early. The camp will specifically cover: The Skydives: * exit techniques * diving and floating * the stadium set up * approaches * formation building * docking technique * flying the formation * breakoff and tracking techniques for Big Way formations * flying your canopy in traffic The Wind Tunnel * aggressive fall rate techniques * flaring techniques * own your space * grip taking The process of training will be the same successful approach used by Rob Laidlaw at the camps held at Skydive Dallas, the TSR warm ups, and working with the Thai World Team group. The camp will be conducted with the same positive-low pressure-fun atmosphere that works best to foster performance in us all. Come join us whether just starting big ways, looking to remain current, or have the opportunity to try new slots and skills and have your potential pushed a bit. To register you must have flown into a 16-20 formation. We do reserve the right to keep those needing more focused individual training in smaller groups rather than progressing to larger groups if unsafe to do so. The cost is $460 for 20 jumps, 9 of which will be formation loads, 4 from 17,000 feet with oxygen. $100 deposit required ($50.00 non refundable) $270 for 20 minutes coached tunnel time Register through the Big Way database . For more information e-mail Rob at robsdu@aol.com or call 386-801-8510. Blue skies, Jim

Just shows you how much some judges really know about things. He wants the FCC to regulate all incoming data streams from outside the US? Some countries have tried that for years without success. You would almost have to sever all internet connections including cable and satellite to entirely stop the data flow. Blue skies, Jim

Meeps, meeps, meeps.... Blue skies, Jim

Although the data is 1998 and may have changed somewhat it is interesting to note who the largest were since most people assume the largest are US Olil Companies. From Gibson Consulting On-line: COMPANY WORLDWIDE OIL PRODUCTION Million barrels per year, 1998 Saudi Arabian Oil Co.* 3028 Petroleos Mexicanos* 1278 Petroleos de Venezuela* 1258 China National Petroleum* 1168 BP Amoco + Arco 963 ExxonMobil 894 Royal Dutch/Shell 859 Nigerian National Oil Co.* 772 Iraq National Oil Co.* 770 Kuwait Petroleum* 757 Chevron + Texaco 756 Blue skies, Jim

Thanks Blue skies, Jim

After reading many and participating in a few discussions over the last few years, it has become very apparent that we have a few quys playing the devil's advocate here. I have to admit I've done it a few times too. Anyone else get their jollies by stirring the pot? Blue skies, Jim

And I can respect you for admitting that! Plus your photos are great!!! Blue skies, Jim

Just a thought? How are they gona' control the used fuel rods? Is it possible that the used rods could be used in a dirty bomb? (This is a real question guys.) Blue skies, Jim

Yes perfectly clear thanks. I guess my confusion was coming from the earlier posting that gave me the very slight impression that you were a little biased. Blue skies, Jim

Oh I see what you're saying now! It is ok if I own the station to tell my editors and producers to lean favorably toward Kerry in everything they broadcast, and to playdown any Bush activities. But it is a violation of the "public trust" to be open and above board and broadcast a documentary that does the same thing. That clears it all up. Blue skies, Jim

You keep talking about most Arabs while everyone else on this thread is talking about terrorists. No one is classifying a whole race of people. Can we agree to that? This is not a difficult concept to understand. Blue skies, Jim

Being nervous is good, it keeps you thinking about what could go wrong and keeps you aware. Think about each aspect of the jump(s) including the walk off the landing area. Visualize how you are going to handle each situation. I herniated L4 and fractured L5 during a hard opening a year ago last August. After 2 months doing nothing and 4 months of physical therapy, it was my turn to return to the skies. I was very, very nervous especially when thinking about the jump on the ride up and when nearing deployment. All I could do in my situation was think about tracking from the formation, clearing my air, checking for other jumpers, getting big, getting big, wave off, deploy, risers.... Everything went well and I've had a great year. I still get backaches when I don't exercise, so do what your MDs and PTs tell you to do! Blue skies, Jim

As was said in another thread bill that's all historical information not news! We are talking about today! You are living in the past and will someday have to pay the price for your beliefs. I hope I am wrong, but Lord help us all if I am right and you are wrong. Blue skies, Jim

During my first jump year I started getting slammed on openings and realized I was not breaking out of the track and getting big before I pitched. Just waving off doesn't really slow you down much. It's not a good habit to have. Blue skies, Jim

I never claimed they did not have the same values as "normal" people! Those are your words Bill. My point was that your comment that they are just like us is wrong and very naive. Let me ask you a few questions to illustrate what I meant when I said they are not "just like us": 1. How many American states can you list that treat women like they are treated in the middle east? 2. How many American parents can you list that allow their 11-16 year olds to become suicide bombers? 3. How many American judges would allow a jury to cut off the right hand of a burgler? 4. How many American juries would take part in stoning an adulterous woman? 5. How many American Methodists attempt to assasinate Catholic priests or Jewish Rabbis? 6. How many American women are denied equal rights by law? 7. How many American men can kidnap their children from the custodial spouse and get away with it? 8. How many American Protestants have vowed to kill every Musilm simply because they are Muslim? 9. How many Americans believe if you commit suicide you go to paradise? This list could go on forever, but I think you get my point. Blue skies, Jim

Nice photo. Pink looks good on you! Blue skies, Jim

That comment was unjustified Bill. I am not a racist and I doubt seriously that you are old enough to have remembered comments like that. You may have read it somewhere. Blue skies, Jim

For the last two or three years usually in the spring, we get very hazy days that smell like smoke. It was smoke from Mexico where they were burning cane fields. Blue skies, Jim

And that's the problem Bill. they are not just like us, they don't think like we do, their value systems are different, and life is very, very cheap to them. In order to resolve issues with them, we must understand how they think and why. Then approach them from positions that they understand and respect. To treat them like us/Americans who they despise and disrespect does not solve the basic problem. Blue skies, Jim

Just wanted you to know. Blue skies, Jim

You're right! I forget how suit happy we are in the states. Blue skies, Jim