NovaTTT

Right - it's not a good idea. The ALS flap does it's job well and isn't hard to work with. Removing it is a lousy and dangerous idea, IMO. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Yes. Very interested. I don't mind the cryptic and allegorical ramblings, but I would prefer them to be plain-speech so they are more easily (and quickly) understood/followed. Warnings? We don't need warnings. If you are reading this and are a USPA member, the writing is on the wall. As a membership we're being fucked in the ass - hard. If you don't know that already, Slyde's warnings are pointless anyway. "USPA does good for us - standards, licensing, access, insurance, etc." Sure - but taking our money and giving it away (theft?) without the due process which (imo) the Membership demanded? Where was our fair representation there? That's just the big one. One that alone possibly outweighs the benefits. What this discussion needs is a set of possible solutions and a group willing to act to fix USPA - which may be unfixable. The massive wheel of bureaucracy stopped? Good luck with that one. Mark - are you reading this? C'mon, man. You have friends here. Lay it out so we can back you up. N "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Nice photo. We don't see gear like that on the DZ anymore. You should post it with a story in History & Trivia. Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Write the mayor. It's wrong to sequester those good ladies. Turn them loose! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

BSBD. Hang on to those memories. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Nothing - the reserve parachute is the same and completely unchanged. The Skyhook, which is located outside the freebag, is the difference. In simplest terms, the Skyhook connects the reserve bridle, the main riser, and the reserve pin. In the event of a cutaway, the main acts to extract the reserve directly, acting in lieu of the reserve PC. In the event of a total malfunction and reserve deployment, the Skyhook is designed to disengage from the reserve bridle and the reserve would deploy normally. Edited to add: Skyhook "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Karma doesn't "bite back". If karma is real, as some believe, the influence is on the next life, the reincarnated life. Not this life. Bad karma? Don't worry about it. You're not going to "pay" in this life. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Great summary and info. Thanks. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

10% of $60M is $6M, not $600k. Edited to add: I see it's been discussed already. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Yeah - like I don't have enough headaches in my life already! Great point, though! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

We're not talking communism or politics here, Zoom. That's SC. We're not even talking about Slyde and his situation. I didn't intend my comments to move the discussion from SE, Inc v Asswipe, which case and relateds is what this thread is about. Dizzy and USPA have no direct connection, obviously, but it seems you have the mistaken belief that free speech has no limits or constraints. It does. In America, our Constitutionally guaranteed rights (viz the Bill of Rights) are limited by their effect on another. My rights don't outweigh another's, so I am limited in my ability to express or use those rights. In America, free speech, as one example, is limited by a standard of injury and liability: slander and libel. So while the Internet gives some a feeling of anonymity and invincibility, that feeling is false. Unpopular speech does not equate to libelous speech. and one can be held accountable for things posted online. The discussion of elected representatives and their policies &c. can and should be done in the open. That is the position I stated so I don't understand your post anyway. I support Slyde's and anyone's right to free speech. I support their right to hold unpopular (if sometimes ignorant) opinions. I support their right to hold opinions that differ from mine, even if I oppose their view. Specifically, I support Mark's position and hope he is successful against USPA. Edited to correct misspelling "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Well, John, you're right, about the BOD members, and I try to remember the names that go to his comments. It's the references and the jumbled tie-ins (multiple threads, discordant messages) that keep one working to understand him. I think you're right, as well, about his trying to keep himself shielded. Nonetheless, it is my belief that in this forum, especially in regard to elected individuals, that open discussion of topics is not only OK but beneficial. Despite all the remarks and questions about his sobriety and lucidity, I consider Mark to be a smart guy and right on the money in regard to his complaints. If he were direct I think he would be better received and he would have people openly on his side. But on the other hand, what skydiver isn't a bit crazy???? .02 N "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Probably he's been banned, even the new fake names he was using. Too bad, I suppose. He's hard to follow, and has a high personal stake in things, but his message is nonetheless important. If only he would try to be less cryptic and better understood. As for Amazon - maybe she's joined the slutsketeers?? WTF?!?!?!?!? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

It sounds a large and time-consuming task. If you happen across the terms, I hope you'll post them for us. Thanks for all you do. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

No doubt the lawyers are cashing in - but at least they're providing a service. That USPA has settled is another blow to the Association, and moreso, the members. Slyde is looking more rational and better informed by the hour. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Jan, do we know the terms of the settlement? "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

We won't know until you post the pics that prove it. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Sure - we'll put all the skinny folks in the base and see how that works. Seriously, John - I know you're right, but we of athletic build are good, too! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Right. It's hard when reality suppresses our dreams, drives and desires. And the insensitive guy who first replied has a good message that was lost in the delivery. Check with your doctor. Your age, height and general health matter. Give up weight training, if you're lifting. Take up a daily aerobic exercise routine. Walk and/or run, calisthenics, swimming. Modify your diet so you are eating low-fat, high protein foods (skinless chicken, lean beef, beans). Avoid fried foods, sugar (including soda, kool-aid, etc.), butter, mayo, etc., and 'bad' carbs like bread and pasta (eat whole grain brown rice and fresh potatoes). Eat lots of fresh veggies. Give up alcohol and drink lots of water. Plain ol' water. It's hard to give up beer but worth it in the end. The change in diet and exercise will make you feel tons better in general and the associate weight loss that you will probably experience will put you at a good skydiving weight. Unless you're jacked like Arnold used to be, 250 is probably too much weight. How tall are you? Even if you're 6'4", 210 can be a great, if not ideal, weight. Think

Your question and suggestions brought back some nice memories. I lost my sense of smell in 1996 but I remember enjoying those smells. My favorite smells were X-rated, but o so sweet. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Wow - that is a serious piece-of-shit looking van. Perfect for the dz. It hope it's as much fun to work on as it looks to be. The spare tire is gone from the 'after' pics - did you lose it or is it out for repairs? If it were mine, I would paint "It's Beer-Thirty Somewhere" on the side. Have fun and enjoy the ride! N "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

I'm enjoying Slyde's comments - on one level. Clearly he's upset that as a professional and long-time demonstration skydiver he feels he's being fucked by USPA. News flash: We've all been fucked by USPA. Why blame Skyride? They're conducting business that was condoned by USPA via the tune of lifetime memberships and x $M. It's hard to follow Mark because of the way he screws up the language and uses terms and meanings known only to himself. In a school of fish (members) we feel safe in numbers, but some of those fish get predated and even the safety of numbers is an illusion. It's not safety, it's a margin of error. So we toe the line and keep ourselves safe and pay Cary and Cronies big bucks all the while saying, "The enemy of USPA is our enemy!" Fuck that. I don't know the details of Mark's case, but I know that he has the right to speak out (here, within the guidelines of dizzy TOS) and I support his right to be heard. Keep on truckin', Mark. I don't think you'll be successful against USPA, but I hope you are and I wish you luck. If you ever come to NY you'll have someone to jump with. Nova "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Dude- Your profile tells me you're used to begging but it also tells me you're a senior rigger with back & chest ratings - so I don't know why you're panhandling here. 36 jumps, 1 year in the sport, aerial photog. Maybe you're military trained and haven't heard of the rigger's reference: Poynter's 'The Parachute Manual', vols 1 &2. Maybe your profile is full of it. Check Poynters. Everything you want to know is in there. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

TUG??? TUB!!! "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

Right. Normally I would say, sure, you know what I meant, but since we're talking with a new jumper I will accept the heat and say I should have separated those nuisances from the pumping brakes sentence. Thanks for pointing out my typo. New guy - don't unstow the toggles if you have linetwists! Undo the twists and then go for the toggles. "Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73