wolfriverjoe

One of the "points" of a claim of self defense, as taught today, is "Retreat was not practical." The "Castle Doctrine" removes this requirement (in one's home or car) and the "Stand Your Ground" law in Florida removes it in public. These laws have been passed because there have been numerous legitimate self defense cases prosecuted because the DA decided that he didn't believe in self defense and would prosecute cases where (for example) someone shot an intruder in their home when they could have fled to safety by jumping out of a second floor window. BUT... just because retreat is no longer required doesn't stop it from being a good idea. And apparently, Zimmerman got out of his car and started looking for the guy. I don't know Florida law well enough to say for sure, but it would seem to me that he put himself into danger by doing that. That makes the claim of self defense a lot harder to substantiate. And while I am not "many Americans" and I am a firm believer in the right to keep and bear arms and the principle of self defense, I don't believe it is perfectly Ok to shoot someone for "fuck all reason." Deadly force is legal to use only in response to the reasonable belief that one is in danger of death or great bodily injury. And given the shitstorm of legal repercussions following a defensive gun use, pulling that trigger (or even pulling out a gun) is something I would really, really rather not have to do. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

I'm going to guess the hind leg of a deer. Big enough animal and they are prey, so a predator eating the meat and leaving the bones behind is reasonable. Do you have deer around you? "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Ok, thank you. I had missed the part in the "Deleted" sticky. I think we disagree on the degree of this. Speculation seems to be allowed, but it's preferred to have at least some basis in fact. Wild speculation by people who weren't there and have no direct knowledge of the situation seems to be discouraged, as are posts that say "don't speculate." And Billvon's resonse helped clarify too. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Some guys do note the early "milestones." I've mentioned 1, 3 and 6 month "anniversaries" of first date, first kiss or first night together. Not a big deal, just something like "It doesn't seem like it's been a month today." It has gotten responses ranging from "who cares" to "wow, I didn't realize it and it's nice that you did" to "I know. I was thinking about it, but wasn't sure if I should say anything." And if I get hollered at for trying to be nice, especially if I know I didn't do anything wrong and she is just venting because she feels miserable than I have been known to get flowers or something. It's just to say "I know you feel lilke crap and I hope you feel better soon, I hope this helps." Tell him you're sorry you lashed out and that the flowers were very nice. If you yelled and you apologize then I'll bet very heavily that he will accept. I would. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

I agree that's fucked up. I thought that program started under Bush. Am I wrong? Um no. That's patently ridiculous. The BATF has been pulling crap like "Fast and Furious" (it was "Project Gunwalker" to start) for a long time. There's a certain amount of debate over how involved different Presidents and their Attorneys General were involved or even knew about until the shit hit the fan. And there is no blanket exemption for any "religion". There are specific ways for groups to apply for an exemption, the Amish are the best example I know of. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Some of us are starting to have to. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

I believe that, in about a third of the states, it is outright illegal for someone under the "legal drinking age" to consume alcohol at any time. In another third or so of the states (was this way in Texas), an underage person can consume alcohol as long as they have a parent or legal guardian present. And in the rest of the states, the underage person might not be breaking a law by consuming alcohol, but someone somewhere along the line broke a law by getting alcohol to that person who is not of the "legal drinking age." (I'm not sure if I have my percentages right there, but that's about how it was when I last looked into the various state laws regarding "legal drinking age.") I can't speak for any other state, but Wisconsin includes "possession" too. Someone under 21 cannot even legally hold a can of beer, open or closed (parents present and giving consent excepted). And if it's detectable in your body, either by breath or blood test, you are in "posession". "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

I don't think he will ever be able to return to a "normal" life. No matter if he is 'no billed'; charged, tried and acquitted; or charged tried and convicted. He will always be "That Zimmerman guy that shot the kid." It's one of the consequences of pulling out and using a gun. The more I hear, the less inclined I am to think he was in "reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury." I see it that he panicked and overreacted. But I don't have all the facts. I haven't seen the police reports or read the statements of those involved. So I really don't know what happened. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Bolding mine. Where in the rules does it say that? And are the particular rules for the Incidents forum? I'm not trying to be picky, I'm asking it as an honest question. The closest I could find is this in the "When You Post Here" sticky at the top of Incidents: "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

We used to have that. For example, the law in Illinois was 21 and the law in Wisconsin was 18. So the 18, 19 and 20 year olds would drive from Illinois up to Wisconsin, get drunk and kill themselves and others on the way home. They called it a "Blood Border". That sort of thing happened along a lot of state borders and was one of the reasons the Federal government blackmailed the states into enacting 21 year old drinking laws. Yes, Blackmailed. Also known as extortion. They threatened to withhold highway funding (you know, the tax money paid by citizens of each state into a large highway fund administered by the fed) if the drinking age wasn't raised. They did the same thing a few years later with the seatbelt laws. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Well, if they live in Georgia none of that applies. All that is needed for a CCW permit is a clean background check (no felonies, no "nutter" designation by a court). There is no requirement to demonstrate any knowledge whatsoever regarding the law or the safe operation of a firearm. Don Well, in Wisconsin, they only need a valid Hunter's Safety certification or a DD-214 (honorable discharge from the military). And there isn't any time restriction on either of them. I know an 80 year old Korean War era vet (didn't actually serve in combat) who got his permit based on serving 55 years ago. He has no clue about what the laws on self defense really are, has stated that he's willing to drag someone into his house and put a kitchen knife in their hand to "prove" it was justifiable self defense, and a few other very scary statements. The smart ones take a class that covers the laws and when you can and can't take action and what actions are appropriate for what situations and what the repurcussions are going to be. I know a few of those too. They have either Hunter's Safety or an Honorable Discharge, but realize that they need to know a lot mre than they do now if they are going to do it right. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Maybe, under limited conditions (non-hazardous jobs, no posting to a combat zone ect.). IIRC, 17 year olds can enlist and go to boot camp (someone who actually knows will more that likely correct or clarify this). Unfortunately, just like using jump numbers for downsizing or camera use, you have to have something. And age is the best choice we have. It isn't perfect, but unless you want to subject everyone to some sort of "adulthood" test, then we're stuck with it. The nightmare of creating any sort of "adulthood" tests makes me shiver. Not being able to vote, or enter a contract or even jump from a plane until you pass something mandated by the govenment is far too Orwellian for me. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Did the test subjects have any experience or training with firearms and the legalities of the use of deadly force? I would think that the general public (no training) would respond differently than someone who has had training and experience. A lot of "Yahoos" think that a carry permit give someome a lot more freedom that it really does. A lot of them don't realize the full ramifications of being armed and the full consequences of using deadly force. I know a CCW instructor and she says that about 25% of her students decide not to take on the responsibility and potential downsides of carrying in public after sitting through the class. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

I disagree. People mature differently. Some clearly do not have the maturity to serve, fight or vote, simply based on the number of years they have been on the Earth. Well, then the age of maturity should be raised for voting, joining the military, signing contracts, working in hazardous jobs, and on and on and on. I agree that there should be one standard for this sort of thing (with certain exceptions like driving). It seems to me that 21 year olds who have just become legal to drink don't behave any differently than (in my youth) 18 year olds who had just become legal to drink. They revel in their new "adulthood" and learn the hard way that there are consequences for their behavior. Some have easier lessons (hangovers, minor damage/injuries) others have much harder lessons (serious injuries, killing other people, dying themselves). Interstingly, while a person can get a commercial driver's license at 18, to operate in interstate commerce (crossing any state line) the federal rules mandate a minimum age of 21. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

That has absolutely nothing to do with what actually happened. Wendy P. Oh, of course it does. "2+2=4" wlsc has already proven his/her inability/unwillingness to form an actual argument about anything. Not really the best way to start off your career as a Speakers Corner contributor... Oh, I suspect this is not the beginning of Kevin's career in Speakers Corner. You mean some people haven't recognized that sock puppet for who it really is?? We so need a "Name That Sock Puppet" thread on here. Kinda like the "Name That Rack" thread, but without the boobies (Boobs, yes. But not boobies). "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Did you check the batteries? (obvious, but often overlooked) I've had ones on the shelf (well within the dates on the package) that were dead on opening. The itty bitty springs suggestion is also a common reason. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Has a grand jury issued a "no bill" already? I read it as the investigation is still ongoing, and he could still face charges. And there was an AP story last night (I can't find it right away this morning) that stated that Zimmerman had marks on his face and grass on his back consistent with a struggle. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

So you are saying the chances of me getting sponsored by a jumpsuit company are slim? I think you'd do better with a skin cream or suntan lotion compay. But were would you put the logo patches? No, wait... I don't think I really want to know the answer. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Vigil has taken a decent sized share of the market, given the issues that have come up. Argus was doing the same until the cutter question came up and their reaction to it was... Less than ideal. I don't think there's any serious issues with either of them (except for the Argus cutter) and wouldn't have a problem jumping them (again, if the Argus cutter questions had been addressed). But neither of them was that much lower in price. And neither of them has been around long enough to have a real answer to the life limit questions. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

No one. Especially not the American people. Just like every other election.... a choice between Shit Sandwich and Shit Sandwich with mustard. More like Ketchep (red) and...well, what's a blue topping? Bad mayo? How about a choice between a Turd Sandwich and a Giant Douche? "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Paul, please turn your access pass to the internets in. Your browsing privileges have been revoked. And yet the concept behind it is sound. There's no fundamental reason it couldn't be real. Nothing in the project is all that far off of what could be done. I'll wager somebody builds a real one before, say, Jeb "lands" with his wing suit project. Well, the technology for an "exo-skeleton" is very primative, but there. They are working on it for paralyzed people and soldiers. The technology for the motors and batteries is advancing very rapidly (that was mentioned on the Jamie Hyneman site). The stuff they are doing, particularly with R/C helicopters is nothing short of amazing. But ornithopters are not practical. The surface control necessary for them to work is way too complex. You have to be able to lift the wing up and forward in a configuration for minimum drag, then reconfigure for maximum lift and move it down and back. The "sensing ability" and feedback/control circuitry is well beyond any current technology. Getting "strap on" wings and a small motor is certainly doable, Ultralights are pretty common. Powered hang gliders are available too. But I'd bet pretty heavily that we won't see a one-man ornithopter in our lifetimes. That doesn't negate your comment about it happening before someone successfully lands a wingsuit, however. Edit to add: I was composing when you wrote about successful wing movement. It's doable to a certain degree. But in an ornithopter big enough to carry a person, there will be no room for inefficiencies. Rememeber, as size increases, weight cubes. That's why the Condor is the biggest bird. They simply cannot get any bigger and fly with the capabilites available to them (muscle power, bone strength, ect.) "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

How many phones has Ericsson sold since then? Along with all the other companies that make them. I'm going to guess that it's a few more than the

Different people react differently. Some experience "sensory overload." It's such an alien environment that you simply can't take it all in and sort of shut down. The tiredness is pretty common. It isn't as much physically taxing as mentally. And you can get really tired out from the mental stress of the jump. Especially if you aren't used to it. The ear issues are pretty common. Earplugs are for noise reduction and won't help with it. You have to learn how to clear your ears, or learn to live with the discomfort. As far as a "ruch" goes, some feel it, some don't. I get a strong adreneline blast when I jump, and a hell of an endorphine hit after I land. But that's really only a small part of why I jump.There's so much more to it than simply an adreneline rush. Some of it I can't explain in words. Worth trying again? That's up to you. It's quite possible that the whole experience was so far outside of of what you know that you really couldn't take it all in (that's basically what I mean by senesory overload) After having done it once, the second time may be much different because you have a base of experience. That's one of the reasons why some AFF programs require a tandem for the first jump. It get the whole "Holy Crap!! I just jumped out of an airplane!!" reaction out of the way under more controlled circumstances. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

Well, isn't that true for most "practical jokes" of this type? It's usually not terribly funny to the person it's being played on. This reminds me of the "joke"in a 182 where the exiting jumpers shut off the mags on the plane and take the key out the door with them. Some find it funny. Many find it less so. "There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo