wolfriverjoe

I can be a decent tipper, but the service has to be good. Show up at the table soon after I am seated to take the drink order, show back up in a few minutes if we needed "a few minutes to decide." Bring the food reasonably quickly, or an explanation why it might take a little longer. It's understandable that if they are really busy then the food might take a little while, but if it is taking an unreasonable amount of time, then tell me. Check on me every so often, and don't let the empty dishes pile up. They don't have to ask how everything is every time they go by, but if they go by 10 times without saying a word... Bring the check when the plates are empty. Again, I don't expect to see the check two seconds after I take the last bite, but if the plates are empty for five minutes and the server hasn't even noticed (or worse, has gone past the table a bunch of times without stopping...) Decent service gets 15%. Really good gets 20%. Worse gets less. I don't not tip at all, but I've left 1% (to the penny) on occasion. $36 bill, the tip was a quarter a dime and a penny. I spoke to the manager too. I don't know if it did any good because I haven't been back (and told the manager that I wouldn't). That time, the place wasn't all that busy, but the servers were far too busy standing around and talking to each other to provide decent service. "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 a lot of landmarks that are "truck accessible". Golden Gate Bridge, George Washington Bridge, Mackinac Bridge, Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel, Chicago Skyway, and so on. Except for the Golden Gate, I've been across all of the above with a large truck without being checked in any way, ever. If they really wanted to put fear in our hearts, simultaneously blowing up major intersections around a large city would completely paralyze it. They could damn near completely shut down Chicago with 6 small to medium sized truck bombs (Cube van sized, not Oklahoma City sized). And I have no problem with considering that a legitimate threat as well. It doesn't, however, negate the threat by air. The problem is that there is a finite amount of resources to deal with these threats. Do we focus on the threats that are the most threatening, or on the ones that are the scariest? Worldwide, VBIEDs are a far, far more common threat. But the pictures from New York on Sept 11 strike far more fear into people, even though it is the only time it has happened. And there was one small plane crashed into a building (without explosives on board) in 2010. It just started a fire. And I don't recall very much fear-mongering after that incident. Mainly because it was pretty clear that it wasn't very much of an event. It seems that the "threat by air" is far more psychological than tactical. "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 a lot of landmarks that are "truck accessible". Golden Gate Bridge, George Washington Bridge, Mackinac Bridge, Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel, Chicago Skyway, and so on. Except for the Golden Gate, I've been across all of the above with a large truck without being checked in any way, ever. If they really wanted to put fear in our hearts, simultaneously blowing up major intersections around a large city would completely paralyze it. They could damn near completely shut down Chicago with 6 small to medium sized truck bombs (Cube van sized, not Oklahoma City sized). "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

What's the payload capacity of a Twin Otter? Let's see... 22 jumpers with gear at about 200 lbs. each, equals 4,400 lbs. Or in other words, a couple of tons. Gosh, a Twin Otter could be the equivalent of kallend's truck carrying a couple tons of ANFO. And it would be harder to stop. The 9/11 terrorists showed how effective airplances can be. Nah, nothing to worry about here. Just because kallend says so. Where can you walk in and rent an Otter? For that matter, where can you simply walk in and rent any airplane? AFAIK, renting a plane involves a checkout in the plane to be rented. Usually a written and a checkride. The overall demeanor of the pilot is looked at as much as the skills. You don't want to hand that much value over to just any "yahoo." It's not like Avis. Admittedly, stealing an airplane isn't all that hard, The "Barefoot Bandit" proved that. "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

Polygrip. Or leave them on the ground. I know more than one jumper who has them. I'm guessing you have seen the "America's Funniest Videos" clip with the lady who loses hers during a tandem. Take reasonable precautions against losing them and you should be fine. "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 know what you mean. I landed after my first jump and said "I gotta do that again." And it's not a deathwish. Nowhere near. It's a lifewish. To be fully alive, truly experiencing it. Not just existing. captain1976 has the sigline "You live more in the few minutes of skydiving than many people live in their lifetime." That's why I do it. "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. And that line should be that the government proves that the possession of the wood is illegal, and not that items are summarily confiscated unless it can be proven the wood it NOT illegal. Wow. It's really rare that I disagree with you this much, but you're way wrong here. The laws about these kinds of products are really specific. Because there is no way to prove what is illegal and what is legal from the items themselves, there is a very strict and specific requirement for provenance (the paperwork that proves it is legal). Possession of the controlled items (especially by a manufacturer like Gibson) without the correct paperwork is a crime. Like ivory mentioned above (also including endagered furs like tiger or snow leapord) even consumer possession without the proper provenance can get sticky. Crossing international borders without it is dangerous. You may or may not agree with the necessity for the laws protecting the environment. You may or may not agree that corrupt governments make the laws inneffective. But the laws requiring proper documentation are pretty clear. The article in the OP calls it a "paperwork problem" and implies that it was a minor detail. No. The lack of proper paperwork is the crime. And it's not a minor one either. "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

This. I routinely see bicyclist blow through red lights and stop signs, ride down the wrong side of the road or the wrong way on one way streets, acting as if the traffic rules don't apply to them. I realize that they have the same rights as other vehicles, but it's often difficult to treat them as such when so many seem to ignore the responsibilities that being a "vehicle" entails. And yes, I realize that I am probably seeing a minority doing the wrong thing, but it really stands out. "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've always said (as the pilot) "If I yell 'Everyone out NOW', don't ask 'What?' because there won't be anyone there to 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

Really? Study your history. The Mennonites, Quaker and Amish have a lot more balls than you think. Probably more balls than a lot of people on here. They choose non-violence because of their beliefs. That doesn't make them cowards or pussies. "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 loved the clear distinction between the instructor and you (the "Not Me" and "me" part). That has got to be the best depiction of the "Door Monster" ever. And I laughed my ass off at "ready, set. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAArch". You say that you "could have done better..." Really? There was a lot more text and a bit fewer illustrations this time, but a lot of that stuff has nuances that are nearly impossible to get across in a drawing, and without the explanation, nobody that doesn't jump would get it. I hope you keep them coming. That really made my day. Thanks. Edit to add: Duhhh. (on me) I just figured out that you meant better on the jump. I always consider any jump that: A - You land safely at the end of B - You have fun doing is a sucessful jump. You will soon learn that every jump has some part that could have been done better. That's the challenge. And the fun. "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, note to self: Buy newspapers JerryBaumchen You can usually get copies of stuff from the paper itself. "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 with your sarcastic comments, you must be the comedian.... Like I mentioned, I wasn't making this post to ruffle anyones feathers, and I know I am a total rookie in this sport, and not trying to disrespect the people who have been been jumping for a long time. I know this topic draws a lot of controversy, and was just wondering if it truly is such a dangerous distraction, why there aren't stricter laws. And thanks to those who posted informative responses. ...and as far as my "Wang" is concerned, I have a big truck and motorcycles to compensate for that aspect of my life, I don't think a post on a blog is going to impress anyone #1 This has been covered hundreds of times. You are getting sarcastic answers because the people who usually post informative answers got tired of being ignored and argued with a long, long time ago. The only real "controversy" is new people who have no clue what they are doing who don't think that it's "all that dangerous." Read the two "Stickies" in the Photog forum. #2 It's not a rule because rules are very hard to get enacted for a variety of reasons. It took the death of a "Hundred Jump Wonder" in a wingsuit to get the minimum put in place as a rule for that. #3 The lovely ladies on here get very excited when someone posts a new picture in the "Glory" thread. I don't know if you'd impress them or not, but I have yet to hear them complain. "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

Oh No! That really sucks. FWIW, I did the same thing (more or less, vertical crack of the kneecap due to a fall) a few years back. I just had to wear a brace and stay off it. No rehab and I was back to normal in a couple months. I wouldn't jump until you can walk, run and jump off a short height (a couple steps or so) without pain. DISCLAIMER: This is my experience. I am not a doctor, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. Refrencing the flirting thing - I know TIs that are really good at reading people. They are really good at understanding what kind of person the student is and they tailor their behavior to that, acting in a way thet keeps the student the most relaxed and calm. That may mean being totally professional and business-like, no jokes or cracks. That may mean teasing, joking and pretending that they have no clue what they are doing. That may mean a bit of sexual teasing. It's all done to keep the student calm and relaxed so that they have the best jump possible. That may (or may not) be what happened with 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

THIS THREAD? No, it about Argus. "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

Don't put so many smiles on one line, no matter how happy you are. It messes up the formatting for a lot of us I'm happy for you about your boyfriend, but it's a bitch to read. "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

Guns. Although there are exceptions in both directions, the majority of Pro-gun pols are R and the Anti-gun are mostly D. And gun rights folk are often single issue voters. They may hate the R's stance on a lot of social issues, but vote for them (or against the D's) because of their stance on gun rights. "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

Although not a technically a "song", this was IMHO, one of his best things ever. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxB-ZePpS7E "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

Micduran is going to love this. "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 haven't owned an automatic since 1992. Yes, I'd teach someone, but I'd teach them in my Blazer, not my Porsche. "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

Yup. Afraid of heights big time. Put me on a ladder or a roof or something like that and I have trouble. I helped a friend do a roof a few years back. Everyone laughed that I jump out of planes, and had a lot of difficulty transitioning from the roof to the ladder and back. Altitude is a different story. No problems there. Either in the plane, jumping out or under canopy. Part of it is something a counselor pointed out to me a long time ago: I'm not so much afraid of heights as I am afraid of edges. "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, but now she has to find someone who needs a car moved from Philly to Fresno. "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

May I suggest "Tennessee Yeast Infection"? ROTF! I'll vote for that! Ditto! And don't forget to put the label on the bottle and take a pic for us. I'd like to see what you come up with for graphics. Right. Should he put the label in your Sick & Twisted thread? "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

plus you get extra points if you can pronounce her (family)name correctly when looking at her in the eyes Who looks at her eyes She has lovely eyes. And lovely everything else, 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

Hmmm! Have you ever been to the end of a rainbow? Yes. No pot of gold. Just laundry on a line. But the sheets looked really cool. And I am completely serious. "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