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I sure was pissed off with how they sold tickets for Vancouver -the end of this month. Really wanted to see them but they were sold out in 2 seconds online, even after adding another concert- no way could locals get tickets. Then everywhere else in the world tickets could be purchased from scalpers and I refuse to go that route. I was also pissed that I bought the cd/dvd/book with pics for $30. --- found I couldn't stand the cd except for maybe Vertigo...the DVD was better with surround sound but still very disappointing. The black & white dvd of Rattle & Hummmm rawks! They were in it for the music for sure then...... booooo to U2 SMiles eustress. : a positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being.

In 1990 the CISM permanent technical committee was conducting a comprehensive study about cut-away failure with a view to ending a ten-year series of fatal incidents in civil and military parachuting. I have an old CISM-Parachuting Cut-Away Failure Technical brochure No. 48e by Rene Maire 1992 and reading it helped me understand panic/no pull to some extent. The first page of report is dedicated to Jens-Henrik Johnsen aged 37 who died in a tragic parachuting incident March 14, 1992. He realized his main parachute was not functioning properly and, therefore, initiated the normal cut-away procedure, but he hit the ground with the reserve parachute completely intact in the pack. Irony of his death is that he had firmly committed himself to prevent this type if incident. He had been studying psychology and would soon have completed his doctorate at the University of Stanford. For several years he had been analyzing a variety of personality profiles collected from hundreds of parachutists in a continuous attempt to find practical approaches to prevent cut-away failure. (term applied to skydiver that initiates emergency procedures with cut-away but does not complete procedure with reserve pull) So-called information processing cerebral processes, i.e. physiological and psychological mechinisms which the brain uses to code the information received from internal and external environments, to store it, compare and integrate it with available knowledge, retrieve, use, ----and "forget it" and plan and implement reactions. Interactive processes are explained using a model. 1. Initial interpretation of incoming information-(via eyes, ears, visceral receptors...) 2. Cognitive interpretation of incoming information. After input information is received by the receptors, the signals are transferred to the working memory. A skydiver who has practised and automated the emergency procedure while in a relaxed state will be able to make optimum use of this knowledge as long as he/she remains in a functional state corresponding to that in the training situation. Re: the emergency procedure is stored in "lower memory." When malfunction causes a state of panic, the brain cannot access "lower memory" In such a situation, rated "extremely dangerous", only the "higher memory" locations are available. Unpredictable panic reactions even occur for experienced skydivers that have dealt with emergency situations previously. Re: managing to cope with an emergency one time and saving their ass......can often feel even more terrified when they experience the same situation for a second time. The fact that the jumper "got off with fright" it is only afterwards they realize it..with dismay...what could have happened. When experiencing a similar stressful event again...the memories of fear are recalled by the brain from previous situation and can block those memory locations which store the programs for extreme danger to acquire the necessary knowledge needed to survive the second time. So, in order to avoid your brains process it would be so intelligent to do your repetitive practise of emergency procedures in a state of extreme panic. This is not entirely impossible as panic only arises in a real emergency. Training situations should at least simulate conditions which are as similar to the real situation as possible. The skydiver should practise under the influence of (the most intense possible fear) The state of excitation existing at the time of training re: emergency procedures plays an important part in retrieving the stored information at a later date. SMiles

I threw my king size waterbed in the garbage...many many years ago. Keeping the frame I replaced the waterbed with futon...stuffed 1 ft. thick with layer of foam in the center............. Never slept better in my life!! SMiles

wish I didn't read CSPA chat- hard to realize there are skydivers in my country that are so "wuffo" to BASE. I have found the media have a temperment of some mentality when it comes to BASE in B.C. Re: they have a understanding that sensationalizing BASE jumps is not acceptable. I remember a jumper I did fjc training with that annouced she wanted to BASE a building in the centre of Van. city for her 200th. jump. The next year she did this- only she went to the top news reporters to report the time, place she was making her jump, expecting publicity to be awesome....then attempted to make her jump. The media didn't go for it....except back pages of local rags reported BASE jumper was in hospital suffering with broken leg as result of jump off building. I am so, so fortunate I have known a BASE jumper and grown over years to respect the hell out of him, over and over and over again. When you skydive with a BASE jumper and watch their progress in accuracy year after year giving back to the sport they love -doing tandems. You watch their canopy flight increase with precision- you watch their proffesional demo jumps with pride--you watch their skydiving skills bombard the skydiving community--you watch their birdman flight become supreme--you watch and respect grows, you watch and feel the enthusiam they have with "wuffos" and see young jumpers new in the sport year after year because they have been totally inspired by him. Your favorite video of cave BASE and pics of bridge day are of course, of him. Then you can feel nothing but "sorry" for those that do not know at least 1 BASE jumper! SMiles

The Veterinary Medical Association uses these terms... Also stated: and: Harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) are ice-breeding species that migrate annually between arctic and subarctic regions of the Atlantic. The northwestern population moves between Davis Strait in summer and whelping grounds in late winter. Females give birth in March; young harp seals are weaned after approximately 12 days and hooded seals after only 4 days; the young of both species are immediately abandoned by their mothers. These 2 species, but particularly the harp seal because of its large numbers, have been the basis of the seal hunt in Atlantic Canada for more than 200 years. SMiles

Give your head a shake, If you feel like venting at least find something viable to vent, or take a moment to check what your reading...and where the source is from??? Our goal is simple: to maintain a healthy, strong, sustainable population for years to come. To become a professional sealer, an individual must apprentice under a professional sealer for two years. This ensures that appropriate training and skills are passed on. Our management plan for the annual seal hunt is based on solid science that is reviewed by scientists from Canada, the United States and Europe. We monitor the population yearly, and conduct an intensive survey every five years. Scientists from around the world have participated in the review of the 2004 survey results. In addition, scientists from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) participated in this review. With this scientific data in hand, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans develops a management plan, based on sound conservation principles. We establish a healthy baseline for the hunt that ensures a seal herd of 70 per cent of its highest known abundance. Numerous organizations have studied the hunting methods used in the Canadian seal hunt and they have found them to be humane. The hunting methods presently used were studied by the Royal Commission on Seals and Sealing in Canada and they found that the clubbing of seals, when properly performed is at least as humane as, and often more humane than, the killing methods used in commercial slaughterhouses, which are accepted by the majority of the public. Methods used to kill seals in Canada were found to be generally more humane than the shooting of animals for sport. The Commission also found that no methods of killing which have come to their notice, other than clubbing or shooting, achieve acceptable standards of humaneness. The Canadian seal hunt takes place in and around the primary whelping patches off Canada’s Atlantic Coast. These whelping patches occur off the northwestern coast of Newfoundland (commonly referred to as the Front) and in and around the Magdalen Islands and Prince Edward Island (commonly referred to as the Gulf). P.S. can't imagine what knowledge you have about Canada and pot???....you have one thing right, us Canadians do know how to have fun. SMiles

...this animated short demonstrates a boy's willingness to sacrifice to help his aquatic avian friend achieve his dream. Penquin SMiles

use contraceptives clip for teenagers... at least keeps your attention loud and clear!! http://www.boardsmag.com/screeningroom/animation/1146/

Just my "rant"--- U2 Vertigo concert in my city (Vancouver B.C.)is April 28th & 29. I am a huge fan- the ban rawks but couldn't believe the hassle trying to buy tickets. Some of my friends lined up for 4 hrs. to buy direct from Ticket Master, the rest of us (over 25 at separate locations)were online the second the tickets were up for sale...we even asked everyone we knew to help us purchase online. Not one of us got tickets....re: no tickets available. Online they announced the second show (April 29th.) after 10 minutes, and even so...still "no tickets available." Now.............forced to buy from scalpers and I detest them all.........none seem to be local, infact seems they are for sale everywhere in the world except local. Sucks major.... http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/02/07/u2_ticket_apology/ I figure the band was more involved to capitalize...re: Steve Jobs (Apple) designer ipod was a flop....charging fans for the right to buy tickets??--fan club charge....ticketing charge...handling charges..facility charge.... What the hell is a reserved "standing floor ticket" or a reserved seat ticket???? I certainly have lost the adrenalin rush to be at the concert now....refuse to buy from a scalper, and am not impressed with U2's "soz for online snafu." This month U2 has been holding full production rehearsals for its 2005 Vertigo tour in my city (Vancouver, B.C) at General Motors Place arena. Wow! they will save huge bucks here in Canada!! A friend saw Bono in Coast Mountain Sports at Pacific Centre here--buying some hiking boots... wow, I am not so impressed. The band broke from rehearsals to attend its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 14th in New York City. http://www.u2.com/news/index.php?mode=latest Correct math for a rock and roll band??? Don't capitalize on your fan base or else you're just rubbing two sticks together searching for fire. SMiles

hmmm, "the butterfly theme"....before I started skydiving. The first attached I did not design myself, but the 2nd. was my design. 1. upper right arm 2. lower back at least the wings have some resemblance to skydiving but my next tattoo will be skydive related. I design custom skydive graphics: i.d. skydive graphics but cannot figure out why my 3rd. tattoo has become the most difficult to design??? SMiles

hey, not bad video either... luv the rw with teddy bear (Lelly).. top of the pops, jr. sport magnolia, space games... SMiles

I read information here about some adverse effects of cannabis on health. Article does not compare safety of cannabis with alcohol or nicotine. There is no statement or proof in this article that Cannabis is not safer than alcohol or nicotine, so what is your point?? You certainly have not rained on anyones parade. SMiles

It's 2:07 a.m. ---76 WPM with impressive accuracy skills!! (thanx to Mavis Teaches Typing!!) I am so proud SMiles

Gruesome discovery of 40 bald eagle carcasses in February NORTH VANCOUVER B.C. Canada– The worst slaughter of eagles ever seen is under investigation. The birds' talons, tail feathers and wing tips had been cut off, possibly for sale on the black market. It's still unclear how the eagles died. Bald eagles are on Canada's protected species list. Thor Froslev, manager of the Brackendale Eagle Reserve where 1,975 eagles were spotted this year in the park's 19th annual bird count, said he's not optimistic anyone will be caught. British Columbia's population of bald eagles is about 20,000. They flourish here in part because of the spawning salmon and dead or dying fish are an important food source for all bald eagles. Bald eagles mate for life and are believed to live 30 years or longer in the wild, and even longer in captivity. http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/02/21/eagles-040221.html Major devastation to magnificent, majestic beauty, SMiles

Sarah made her video re: World On Fire for $15. rather than $150,000 and donated $$$ to make a difference to over 1,000,000 people. The World On Fire video can be watched: http://www.sarahmclachlan.com/ that explains where all the $$$ she donated went. Interesting things like cost of make-up and hair equals $5,000. a day !!....and that $5,000. would pay for 1 years schooling for 145 girls in Afghanistan. Also cost for production assistant 1 day, on set sound playback, filming equipment, 2 hrs. of film stock, catering for one day, studio costs, camera and art department, cost of electricians, editor & editing and post, directors fees, producers...... I purchased Afterglow Live, from her two sold out concerts at The Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto. CD/DVD for only $15.cnd and includes 5.1 DVD with 23 live tunes!! Saw her live in Vancouver Jan. 30th (18,000-seat GM Place) for Vancouver Tsunami Benefit which raised $3 Million. The night featured performances from a selection of artists tied to Vancouver record label Nettwerk, including Sarah McLachlan, Avril Lavigne, Sum 41, Barenaked Ladies... We all just got tickets to see her live -(Kelowna- April 16th.) She has so much class, what a woman, what a voice!! 2005 tour: http://www.ticketsnow.com/tickets.cfm?e=763&v=&d=&s= SMiles

ya I got Ben Affleck too.... suppose cause I chose skydiving- picnic up on mountain top........?? Apparently I lust after an action guy that is strong and in charge that will protect me at any cost.... Ben Affleck???? uggg SMiles

.........kitty got your balls?? Cats love the rolling action of balls. Wonder if kitty was expecting the Nobbly Wobbly (popular ball toy for cats) with a jingle bell inside for extra fun?? http://www.cattoys.com/balltoys.html SMiles

way back I hated dealing with .bmp files and to this day call them "bump" files rather than bitmaps. SMiles

I have type 1 Diabetes and my blood sugars just get higher when I drink--- do not get drunk --- have to inject extra insulin which is the shitzzz. Vodka/Gin is only booze I can get inebriated drinking- (depending on what it is mixed with.) Last night was drinking "Purple Haze's" mixed with mango vodka, blue curraco, cranberry juice.... mmmmmmm, but too sweet to get me drunk! SMiles

Was just reading article on Jakalope, and went to check out the website www.jakalope.net which is interactive and I do not get it?? Sound plays...view image and click on little moving circles for desktop views....then numbers appear, click on those---??? Need help to figure this out........... thanx What is a "quasi supergroup - albeit only for hardcore aficionados familiar with the industry????" article: http://start.shaw.ca/Start/enCA/Entertainment/EntertainmentNewsArticle.htm?src=e020223A.xml SMiles

Hi, attached pic scanned & cropped -wondering if anyone can recognize tandem master by name? Photograph by Jan Brunt, (skydiving #282) tandem skydive last fall over Kenya thanx SMiles

Hi, attached pic scanned & cropped -wondering if anyone can recognize tandem master by name? Photograph by Jan Brunt, (skydiving #282) tandem skydive last fall over Kenya thanx SMiles

I have just experienced the adrenaline rush of buying a home- it is depressing to read it is impossible for first time home buyers to buy in Cali. tears.....shitzzzzz to hear- $3000. a month- whatz with that????? I live in Canada- have been freaked about the responsiblility of "mortgage payments" for far tooo many years. While raising our boys and renting (& skydivin)...we were able to scrape up a downpayment of $30,000---and then we got "brave" enough to buy. What a rush receiving the letter from our bank stating: We are pleased to inform you your application for a mortgage has been approved. $156,825.00 is the amount. Interest rate and annual % rate= 5.800000% fixed for 5 yrs........$984.81 monthly mortgage (principal and interest) sweeeeeeeet!! Talk about time to celebrate!! Our beauty home & property in Fraser Valley, Van. B.C. is 23 yrs. old -but built solid wood- 1800 sq. ft., new roof- awesome wide street newly paved & very quiet, very private property with huge back yard (my park), split level home with master bedroom & bath, kitchen, dinning, den, 1 bdr- up. Laundry room, huge 1 bdr, bath and huge living room with fire place down. Enclosed garage, huge wood deck off back porch, wood shed and water feature in back yard. All appliances working great- floors are beauty wood (floors & kitchen recently renovated with class) New furnace and water heater, double glazed windows. Landscape is gorgeous surrounded with maple trees and beauty view of Mnt. Baker. D.Z. is just down the hill.

Avril Lavigne, Sarah McLachlan, Sum 41 and the Barenaked Ladies were live on stage Sun. night here in Van. B.C. for The One World Concert for Tsunami Relief http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1107018096198_30/?hub=Canada of course, Sarah stole the show, what talent!! what class!! SMiles

It is great to hear positive feedback about recovering heroin addicts. Your Mom must be a "sweetheart" Did that program continue? Still being used now in the UK?? How did the program work, giving medical grade heroin for free? Was the amount reduced slowly, or the times given reduced? Was methadone or hydromorphine used in combination with medical grade heroin? Were there trained people to do follow ups on addicts and research? Was the program done in a "closed" environment or "open" re: drop in to a center while living on the street or live right in a recovery rehabilitation center?? I would think so much would also depend on the kind of support in place, for addicts that had stabilized/recovered. SMiles