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  2. JerryBaumchen
    Hi 17, I've been thinking the same thing. I'll send him an email & see what he says. Jerry Baumchen
  3. dudeman17
    A bit off topic, but... Which brings to mind that we haven't heard from Rob in a while. His profile says he hasn't logged in since last September. Does anyone know if he's all right? ----------------- Does that mean that their fresh repair looked old and well-worn? hehe
  4. JoeWeber
    That is soooooo... hot!
  5. dudeman17
    Wow, ok, that's cool! Their original post said they weren't going to do that, but their instructors probably pitched a fit and said 'let us, let us!'. A bit of advice - if you're going to wear a suit*, do like Cooper and leave the tie behind, and wear a shirt with a button-down collar. The wind whips loose stuff around, and a normal collar will rake your neck! *(Edit to add - the exit speed of that jet is pretty high, you'll want to inquire beforehand whether they'll let you wear a suit at all.)
  6. Yesterday
  7. Phil1111
    The Lincoln Project has finally turned its attention to the Hitler/ Trump debate. From 7 hours ago Pretty much nailed it.
  8. DanCooperHimself
    DB Cooper: Cool, Calm, and Collected or Reckless Sociopath? Was DB Cooper truly the cool, calm, and collected mastermind we often imagine, or was he a reckless sociopath teetering on the edge of chaos? The Calm Facade To many, Cooper appeared the very definition of composure. His interactions with the flight attendants and crew were polite and methodical. He made no unnecessary threats and even ensured that his demands were precise and clear. His demeanour during the hijacking conveyed a man in control, someone who had meticulously planned every detail. His confidence was palpable, perhaps even infectious, making it easy to see him as the archetypal "gentleman hijacker." The Evidence of Recklessness However, beneath this veneer of calm lay a series of actions that suggest a far more reckless and dangerous individual. Cooper’s lack of demand for specific parachutes and his choice of a 24ft canopy, suitable for sport jumping rather than a high-stakes escape, indicate either a profound miscalculation or a death wish. Jumping into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, at night, in poor weather conditions, with a cotton money bag fastened to him by paracord, borders on the suicidal. These actions do not reflect the careful planning of a master criminal but rather the impulsiveness of someone with little regard for their own life—or anyone else’s. The Sociopathic Tendencies Cooper’s apparent indifference to his own survival and the lives of those around him is perhaps the most telling aspect of his character. His use of Benzedrine, an amphetamine known for its ability to keep users alert and awake, suggests an individual willing to use dangerous substances to maintain his edge. The presence of what appeared to be live explosives and possibly a gun indicates a readiness to escalate the situation to deadly levels if necessary. Mike Vining’s assessment that the bomb was a fake because of exposed wires being "unsafe" seems to miss the point. Cooper was not an engineer prioritising safety; he was a man willing to risk everything. His actions were inherently unsafe and careless, from the moment he stepped onto that plane to the moment he leapt into the unknown. The Moral Vacuum A pivotal trait of sociopathy is a lack of empathy, a moral vacuum where one’s actions are driven solely by self-interest without regard for others. Cooper’s hijacking was not just a crime; it was a profound act of selfishness. He put the lives of the passengers, crew, and even himself, in jeopardy for a significant sum of money. His detachment and lack of visible emotional response to the danger he created is indicative of a man operating without the constraints of a typical moral compass. The Enigma of Human Nature Understanding DB Cooper's psyche requires delving deeper into the juxtaposition between his apparent composure and underlying recklessness. This is not merely a tale of a calculated heist but a narrative that challenges our perceptions of criminal behaviour and the human capacity for risk and disregard for consequences. The Thrill of the Unknown Some theories suggest that Cooper was a thrill-seeker, motivated by the adrenaline rush rather than the financial gain. The very act of hijacking a plane and parachuting into the wilderness is an extreme form of thrill-seeking behaviour. This perspective aligns with the characteristics of sociopathy—where the need for stimulation and a lack of fear can lead to increasingly risky actions. A skydiving course back then was $40 or so. He had $40 that day. A $20 for the fare and a $20 for the drink. The man wanted money. The Legacy of DB Cooper The enduring fascination with DB Cooper is partly due to the mystery that surrounds him. His disappearance without a trace has left the story open-ended, inviting speculation and myth-making. However, beyond the legend lies a cautionary tale about the perils of glorifying criminal acts. While Cooper may be seen by some as a folk hero, a deeper look reveals a disturbed individual whose actions were far from heroic. The Sociopath's Shadow In examining Cooper as a sociopath, it’s essential to understand what this entails. Sociopaths often exhibit a superficial charm and a keen ability to manipulate others. Cooper’s polite demeanour and methodical approach fit this profile. However, their charm masks a profound lack of empathy and a propensity for reckless behaviour. Cooper’s willingness to endanger lives for his own gain exemplifies this dangerous blend. The Moral Implications The story of DB Cooper is a stark reminder of the ethical implications of romanticising outlaws. While the mystery of his fate intrigues us, it’s crucial to remember the fear and danger he imposed on innocent people. His actions were not those of a misunderstood genius but of a man indifferent to the suffering of others. A pivotal trait of sociopathy is a lack of empathy, a moral vacuum where one’s actions are driven solely by self-interest without regard for others. Cooper’s hijacking was not just a crime; it was a profound act of selfishness. He put the lives of the passengers, crew, and even himself, in jeopardy for a significant sum of money. His detachment and lack of visible emotional response to the danger he created is indicative of a man operating without the constraints of a typical moral compass.
  9. base698

    Time Left: 29 days and 19 hours

    • FOR SALE
    • NEW

    Gray and Royal Mirage with PD160R and no rides! Container has about 350 jumps on it. Manufactured in 2014 and hasn't been jumped since the start of 2020. Cleaning out my closet sell, make offer.

    $1,999.00

    , Florida - US

  10. billvon
    If Trump's elected, he is a shoe-in for Health and Human Services secretary.
  11. gowlerk
    This is the stuff you get when you elevate sports stars to the level of commencement speakers. His ability to kick field goals is just sooooo inspirational.
  12. bfelt

    Time Left: 29 days and 18 hours

    • FOR SALE
    • USED

    PD Sabre1 135 for sale DOM – 3/2000 Serial – LS135-018545 – closet queen 300+ Jumps – 1 patch on center cell – Some sun discoloration – pull tested by PD - full pass After market black spectra lines - 50 jumps on new lines in 2022 – slinks Bra on collapsible slider $800 or offer plus shipping

    $800.00

    Monona, Wisconsin - US

  13. gowlerk
    Here is what "Republican law and order" looks like on the ground. https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/us/daniel-perry-texas-pardon-recommendation/index.html
  14. kallend
    ? My 1946 MG has some cast aluminum parts.
  15. F104 Starfighter
    80 Jumpers at $150 = $12,000. 80 Jumpers at $200 = $16,000. Does shutting down the Engines for reloads add a significant amount to the operating costs?
  16. Nicholas Broughton
    I did and was over the moon when I heard they will be doing tandems from the DC 9-21 the weekend of July 6th and 7th. I’m going to get the chance to jump a jet!
  17. JerryBaumchen
    Hi Mark, Agree 100%. About 30 yrs ago, I bought a well-worn Vector II Tandem rig for resale purposes. I sent it back to UPT for some harness work. IMO the work that they did was quite cheap [ for the amount of the work ] and you could not tell it had been repaired once they finished with it. Jerry Baumchen
  18. JerryBaumchen
    Hi folks, I think this belongs here; back to the Dark Ages we go: he told a college graduating class that one of the "most important titles" a woman can hold is "homemaker." NFL's Harrison Butker is slammed for speech on women, abortion : NPR Jerry Baumchen
  19. JerryBaumchen
    Hi folks, And, then there is this: Summer of 2023 was hottest in 2,000 years, study finds (msn.com) Jerry Baumchen
  20. skyllama29

    Time Left: 29 days and 15 hours

    • FOR SALE
    • USED

    Selling my rig because I don't jump anymore. Xaos 27 cell 88 is in great condition and flies awesome! It comes with a PD Optimum 135 which opens beautifully as I had to use it a couple of times before I bought the Xaos. The Javelin NJK is in great condition. There are leg pad covers that have protected the rig from all of my old swoop shenanigans. IT IS A PULL OUT SYSTEM. I used to have a bit of a lazy throw so I preferred the pull out and knowing the container was open. It's easy to get used to and I think more effective. Please contact me by email if you are interested! [email protected]

    $3,000.00

    , Connecticut - US

  21. wmw999
    It’s just so depressing, frankly Wendy P.
  22. billvon
    In fact, I'm buying a coal powered truck. That will really own the libs!
  23. CygnusX-1
    7. What has that glacier ever done for ME? It going away does not affect my life directly, so I'm not changing anything.
  24. Cola
    That's a fairly high bar, but I like your thinking. This was likley obtainable only in a 1985 world when getting Coops would have been a much bigger deal. Anyone care to speculate on what is or could be obtainable these days if someone were find Coops? (How about a ticket to Ireland and a few pints at your local establishment?)
  25. skydivestore

    Time Left: 29 days and 14 hours

    • FOR SALE
    • USED

    Sunpath Javelin (RSK-1) with Reserve and AAD (Pre-Owned) DOM 6- 2016 - 350 Jumps in Very Good Condition PD Reserve 113 DOM 6-2021 - No Rides Cypres AAD 03-2021 All in very good condition.

    $4,125.00

    Inverness, Florida - US

  26. Phil1111
    Doesn't help at all. I can't see the computer monitor because of all the forest fire smoke in the air. Hopefully the wind will change then blow from the south and I can try tomorrow.
  27. billvon
    Predictions: 1. No it didn't 2. Of course it did, that happens all the time, that's nature 3. It was cold in Antarctica last night 4. There's this one glacier in Greenland that is STILL GROWING - explain THAT! 5. I never said the climate wasn't warming, but it has nothing to do with us 6. Al Gore is stupid and you worship him like a god you sicko Top predictions are 2 and 4.
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