tjm

Mostly in the past year and a half. Up until almost a year ago I did only "open field" demos. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

Post your average number of demo jumps each year? Lets here from the ones that do the low to no paying demos, and the ones who make good money or a living off of it. I only do about 10-20 no paying (for cost) demos a year right now. Approx. 4-6 college football games and other college sporting events, approx. 6-8 misc. softball/baseball fields for various age groups, and a few other misc. demos a year. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

It does. It's called 'seasoning' and yes it adds a positive flavor to the product... Don't like that analogy. Historically, seasonings were used to cover the flavor of meat that had gone bad in hot climates. Don't like that analogy. Historically, seasoings were used to keep meat from going bad in hot climates, and even kept in smoke houses at more elevated temperatures. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

How does the employer gain from his share of Social Security tax? Is that his/her choice? Your argument is totally bogus. Like childless couples who pay for the schools you attended? Your argument is both selfish AND bogus. I'll agree I could have made my point sound better. Ok, I'll try a different route. The childless couples did not pay for the school I attended. My parents did and I now do, through taxes they paid and the ones I now do. I also paid taxes in school when I started working, so I was paying directly for my schooling for a little while. The childless couples used the provisions provided by their taxes in other ways. Its the law, just like healthcare now, that the employers have to pay for social security. I never said that should be a right or that I agree with it, and I'm not counting on it in the future for myself. I think its selfish to count on things like that because its depending on others, unless you get back as much as you put in. That is not the case, because a lot of that money goes elsewhere. Will it be there when I retire? I won't count on it. I would rather rely on my own means of financial security because I am not selfish. Lets use the public/private schools as an analogy. Jim goes to a public school because its paid for by taxes. Jane goes to a private school that her hard working parents pay for, just a many do for health insurance. Is it fair for Jane's parents to pay more tuition so Jim and everyone else can go to the private schools? Yes there are things that taxes pay for that I find are not fair. Health insurance is now one of them. I don't think its selfish, I just don't think the government should control every aspect of my life. Its should I say, soci.... nevermind thats been beat to death. I just don't think its a good situation or the American way. Side note: These have been some good discussions. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

I've only been doing this for a couple decades and a half - but I have to say that this thread is about giving the best freefall instruction or safety techniques as predicted by performance and training qualifications. As far as sharing the culture? that happens by jumping and being around jumpers - not in the class. I understand what you are saying and agree, buts it a topical non sequitor Agreed, I was a little drunk and tired last night when I posted. I was a little out of context for this thread. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

If I pay taxes for services, it does not give me the nature right to be provided an oppotunity to pay for another service (healthcare) I might need in the future. I pay taxes and I use what its paying for. Not the same as I pay taxes for the opportunity to use the roads and schools, and still pay a quarterly premium if not needed at the time. I pay taxes and get something back, while the small business owners are forced to provide health care to employees at his own expense with nothing to gain. Well he may sleep better at night, but that should only be his/her own choice. Is this not providing for one group at the expense of the other who has provided for themselves on there own? If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

typical "I consider I have a lot of experience, so therefore I value experience...and so should everyone else" I know quite a few jumpers with decades behind them that I wouldn't point to a student for any reason. We spend more time cleaning up bad outdated advice from these guys than we do teaching new fliers. And I know a handful of newbies that just have the knack for teaching and coaching. 1 - very defined skills requirements (Either demonstrated on site or previously observed by the course director or validated by some trustworthy source) 2 - demonstration of knowledge of the subject and demonstrating ability to teach the subject 3 - advocacy from the DZO or S&TA that the individual would be a good instructor skills....not time....not numbers are what matters knowledge.....not time....not numbers are what matters a referral doesn't hurt either showing the ability to teach sure helps too that said - someone with a lot of USEFUL and APPLICABLE skydiving experience would certainly have the edge over someone new with a similar commit level.......That's called an 'advantage', not a 'prerequisite' IMHO I'd rather leave a bit of discretion to the directors in deciding who's in and who's not, and then have the directors monitored periodically to make sure they have the judgment necessary for that responsibility I mostly agree, but old timers are not neccesarly more skilled and worthy of instruction, but still have something to offer. Skydiving is not just some sport for jumping, showing skills, staying within safety boundaries and getting paid. Its a lifestyle. A lot of old timers know the "spirit",if you will, and why we developed this into a lifestyle way back when. Its bitter, sweet the way it has improved from the "if it was safe, then everybody would be doing it" days to the it can be done as safe as possible days. Shit, I love jumping out of a plane knowing I am dead unless I do something about it. I think more of the traditional skydiving is dead in modern skydiving and more engrained in BASE jumping. Don't ge me wrong, I love advances in safety for the sport, but the experienced ones can let it be know why we take the risk and hopefully pass on a little bit of the spirit of the past. Again, its not all about giving the best freefall instruction or safety techniques, but some of it is about the experienced passing on the original mindset, hopefully. I was lucky enough to learn a good bit from some old timers. -tj If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

Thanks.

Well lets just take the organs of the guy who drinks and smokes alot. He should be forced to give all or some of his organs up! Or the healthy guy who doesn't actully need both kidneys. Or the the kid who works hard for good grades should give up some of his points to help another student who doesn't give a shit or one who isn't as smart, so that they have an equal opportunity to get higher education. Its flawless, ethical and down right makes sense. REDISTRIPUTE THE WEALTH! Whos with me? The new health care bill should cover the transplants it anyway. Probably the grade transfer too with all the hidden agendas within the bill. Would I be right in my guess that you were like so many others willing to let someone else redistribute the responsibility of going to war in your place to protect all of your rights you claim for yourself? Completely opposite to what i have been saying (please come up with better points). I pull my own weight. I pay for my cost of living. I pay for for my privelages like health care (well not a privelage anymore). I would go to war in a heart beat if drafted. I actually considered the armed forces as a career very seriously for a while (both parents served in the Air Force in which my dad retired). I would have to start in infantry for the Marines or Army though if I had to choose. To answer your question, know you would not be right. Again, I AGAINST the redistripution of wealth. I pull my own weight. Not a shot at you, seriously, but if I had a bad experience with the health care system, which I have not (only a dislocated shoulder with minor rotator cuff tearing), my first thought would not be to blame the "Man", Health Care, or complain. I would suck it up, remind myself life is tough, and get back to thinking of a way and opportunities to improve my situation. And of course take ACTION for myself. I realize nothing is owed to me. Well, there are certain inalienable rights. Not an Inalienable Right: -Health/Flood/House/Renters/Car/Life/Retirement/etc. Insurance -Payment for a Luxury Car so I ride on the government provided roads a little safer and more comfortable. -Means to be provided a compensation for buying only organic food to live longer and decrease my health care usage -Payment for a gym membership to improve looks and health. -Internet/Cable or Sattelite/Computer/ Higher education beyond high school privileges. Health Care = Privileges. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happines, IMO, does not mean others citizens providing this for you. -tj If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

That is my position. I have a good job, good health insurance, am in good health, and pay far more tax than most. I STILL think this is a good law for the country as a whole. I knew you would have no problem saying it but the other side has a valid point as well..... what about a middle class family that does not have it as good as you but can afford healthcare and gets by.... is it fair to tax them more? I don't know that it is.... I think on paper the concept of this is great but in reality it is not sustainable.... we shall see..... +1 Its been beaten to death, but Its not about change in general. Its about this particular bill that is pasted. Just because you spray air freshener in a bathroom with shit still in the toilet. Its still just a temporary solution to the smell (or healthcare system). In this case the two combine to make some much worse hybrid smell. They used the cheap, fast, and easy to push through congress "air freshener" The tolilet needs to be flushed. I'm not saying Rebs have the answer, so please no, "Well when are the Republicans going to do something to improve healthcare. Atleast we are making some progress." Thats not my point, just opposed to this particlular bill. -TJ If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

Well lets just take the organs of the guy who drinks and smokes alot. He should be forced to give all or some of his organs up! Or the healthy guy who doesn't actully need both kidneys. Or the the kid who works hard for good grades should give up some of his points to help another student who doesn't give a shit or one who isn't as smart, so that they have an equal opportunity to get higher education. Its flawless, ethical and down right makes sense. REDISTRIPUTE THE WEALTH! Whos with me? The new health care bill should cover the transplants it anyway. Probably the grade transfer too with all the hidden agendas within the bill. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

+1 If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

Does anyone know the vertical height that an ejection seat would reach if the plane was in a static position? I know it propably varies with the plane, but maybe an average, and is it enough to for the canopy to reach full inflation? Survivalble above hard ground. I've seen some low bell out videos on a few "extreme" video shows. Side Story:A salesman took me out to lunch a while back, and told me his ejection story from Nam. Some young rookie hot shot was flying with him training for night landings, and the rookie missed the cable trap thinga ma giger. After lifting off again, he freaked out because he thought he was to close to the water and punched them both out with nothing wrong. The salesman said he was less than happy, because he had to spend 2 hrs in the water and dark before a patrol boat (part of the fleet) got to pick him up. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

I've done it a few times when I was younger. We constructed a makeshift shed about 8' x 8' or there abouts. The cieling was only 6' high. Wooden frame, scrap tin walls and roof that were loosly put together(you want some O2 to to be able to get in). We strung 1x1s from wall to wall to hang the meat with coat hangers or something similar and used an old truck rim for the wood pit. I forget the temp. Maybe 175-200 F, but don't quote me on that. Don't let the wood flame up, just let it smolder and your golden. This was was for a lot of meat at a time, so smaller is fine too. Small is big, don't get carried away with the wood. It can over heat fast. And no oil drums, steel will soak up some of the oil. Especially when stored in elevated temperatures. Also, don't burn painted barrels. -tj

Top left roll has a vagina....or I need to get laid. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

It made me just shake my head.... I'm only half way through reading the entire bill.... I have not read that part yet. Can you post a link to it?

It is risky, but i use primarily one password or minor variations of it and definately don't right it down. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

I bet the founding fathers did not think that PROVIDING for the common defense... would have the amount of mission creep we have seen in the last century either... things like you aresupporting while our troops are in Kosovo. If we are going to play COP to the whole fucking world I want to make sure we are protecting and serving our OWN people here at home. Yeah, the war sucks, we get it. I'm republican, but am not fully for the war. Stop using that as an excuse for our lack of progression. Like the war has set us back another 30 years of technology and social advancements. When is Obama bringing the troops home as promised, and contributing to Bushes mistake and pouring money into it? I can here it now: Well, its eight years of, boo hoo, Bush that makes it so hard. Obama does not even express concern for it now, and is too worried about fastracking legislation through congress. Now wipe those tears, remember the savior is now in office, and the scary monster is gone. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

The water (or the surface) does not have to be below freezing(32 degrees) to freeze, if the surrounding pressure is not atmoshperic. But yes an exothermic reaction will lower water's, as well as other things, temperature compared to its surroundings. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

Your also forgetting about the jews, illegal mexicans, and various legal immigrants. Joking aside, I noticed that it seems alot are against it for that reason. Some are just flat out racist, and some may just see a social trend in attitudes and antics for a particular group of people. I only hope that that thinking is not the majority of the opposers. I can only stick by my beliefs and not some party. I claim republican, but share views from both. Thats why I never brought up anything trashing another party or justifying one party over the other. Stick with your own beliefs and not the popular belief of the side of your chosing. Side note: We don't throw rocks, we are toting guns remember. You never know when we might need to defend ourselves via semi-auto/automatic weapons at a political event. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

Hey I am down with the dog eat dog world you want as well.. I would love to keep that 30K+ a year I pay a year in taxes.... I can live after it all falls apart.. and be very well off. I bet very few of you on the fringe right will like your brave new world. If I pay for a service(taxes), it does not give me the nature right to be provided an oppotunity to pay for another service (healthcare) I might need in the future. Paying taxes in return for government funded provisions has nothing to do with health care. You pay taxes and get something back, while the small business owners are forced to provide health care to employees at his own expense with nothing to gain. Well he may sleep better at night, but that should only be his/her own choice. Is this not providing for one group at the expense of the other? If not, please explain. If yes, how is that justifiable? If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

I am sorry for whatever you went through, but I never said I had the Cadillac health insurance plan. Only I realize it is in fact just insurance. They are out to make a buck. The more you make them spend, the more they will make you spend. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

"WE are all in this together..... I would rather live in a country... that lives up to this promise. I once swore to uphold that Constitution." We are all in this together only if we chose. It is a "free" country. Being forced to share your resources with anyone, IMO, is not what the creators of the constitution had in mind. "I guess it is not so important to so many of those who claim to be so Patriotic that they forget their fellow Americans." Forgetting one group, in my case the legitimate hard working class who are self sufficient, to help out another group is not the way to do be patriotic and is i fact forgetting fellow americans. If it is patriotic, then explain how? Alot of those for the health care bill, IMO, are more selfish in that they just want to make life easy for themselves at others expense. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

ATC = Air traffic Control. Awww. I missed that on my blackberry. So, yes, yes, and yes. All three with the same respond. IMO still irrelevant to the health insurance issues. My paying for a service, does not mean I have a nature right to pay a premium to a guy to finance another service when it is needed. Is this what your insisting? I didn't quite understand your respond to the answers I provided to you questions. If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!

As you said above, if they throw away the opportunity then it is not there. Just because they through away an oppotunity does means those who embrace there's or creates there's should suffer for it so that they can have one later on. Completly immoral just not right. You only get one chance at life if you mess it up, of course it will be heard to get back on track. It is infact life, she will throw all she's got at you. Of course I said early to kick life in the nuts, but I just refered to life as a she. Contradiction, I know, but he must have payed for a sex change which was allowed by the new bill passed. :) Joking aside, I'm on my blackberry right now and, Can't follow along good right now, so Billvon I'm not sure if we are agreeing with each other or not. I'll check into in a little while.:p If you're not living on the edge; you're taking up too much room!