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Hi there. Bill Booth here. I'm finally getting around to writing an autobiography, and could use some help. If any of my former employees, customers, or friends have any stories or photographs they would like to share from the period 1970 -1985, I would love to hear or see them. This was a very important period in the development of our sport, and I want to get the facts right. Thanks. My email is: [email protected]

the religious right's numbers are decreasing every year, and they see it. They are like a wild animal backed into a corner..... it is hard to guess what bullshit they will try to pull as they desperately try to hang onto power..... Contraception is next. The leak of the draft states that there is no liberty nor privacy in the constitution and is using that as the basis for overturning Roe v Wade. sadly they still have a lot of power but until the nones, the atheists and agnostics stand up and speak out against the religious running the country, well, the religious will continue to run the country. We still have dozens and dozens of congress, Senators, and governors that believe the world is 6000 years old. That alone is a problem.

I have the distinct misfortune of having the FOX News station on the TV screens closest to my desk (CNN is across the room). I'm watching all the criticism of the demonstrators at Alito's house (and other justices' homes), and the DOJ for not addressing these demonstrations. I do most certainly object to demonstrations crossing the line of civility -- from blocking the street to threatening or encouraging violence. My opinion is that the excessive behavior takes away from the legitimacy of the message (I encourage the demonstrations in a peaceful, respectful manner). However, where was the outcry from the FOX crowd for the past several decades as "demonstrators" harassed people as they sought healthcare (abortion providers), all the way to threatening, encouraging and perpetrating violence against the lawful conduct of healthcare? Yes, I know the answer -- this is just me shining a spotlight on the hypocrisy. [/rant]

an abject failure of government and policy at the most fundamental level. 4% of the world's population and something like 16-20% of the deaths. America is swarming in culture wars and division over ideology, not data nor facts. we stopped being the greatest country in the world a long time ago. We can still fix it but people cannot agree on the most basic set of facts, which makes the first steps to fixing it pretty much impossible.

What sort of 'traps' are you talking about? The one where he pretended he won the election, had all the fools attempt an insurrection and then get arrested? Or the one where he's a 'super rich man' who needs them to donate large amounts of money to him? Kinda like the "LOCK HER UP!!!!" thing with Hilary, what specific charges should Fauci face? Billions of vaxes administered. A handful of people with serious side effects. Clotting is a big issue with COVID. Lots and lots of people have had digits or limbs amputated because of it. So is myocarditis. While both have been reported as side effects from the vax, the rates are a TINY fraction of those occurring due to Covid itself.

When female skydivers are arrested and charged with child endangerment for skydiving while pregnant, will that be enough to get male skydivers concerned about the issue? Once a fetus is legally recognized as a person, all sorts of activities with even a small element of risk will potentially become felonies. Women will be held hostage by their biological status as incubators.

Nah, that didn’t work before Roe. Now, with it in the recent past people will realize they’ve lost something, but until cute blonde women start dying from bitched abortions it won’t matter. It’s kind of like a young woman or child who disappears. There’s a real correlation between color and publicity. Wendy P.

Hi Girl, Re: I do most certainly object to demonstrations crossing the line of civility -- from blocking the street to threatening or encouraging violence. Today, I'm with you. Tomorrow, who knows. You have to break eggs to make an omelet. Jerry Baumchen

Yes I am. Are you standing with Putin?

It was pretty cool to meet people, ask questions that popped into my head, and gain info I hadn't thought of. I did learn a lot in particular about preventing a two out scenario and how to deal with the different ways they could settle.

Bill, I was literally in diapers, a newborn actually, in 1970. This photo is from the wrong timeframe - it's 2014 during one of Tom's examiner courses. But feel free to use if it's helpful at all. And thanks again for all you've done for our sport. I'm truly grateful for my time in Deland learning from the masters. Can't wait for the book. Louis

Hi Robert, From your link: the chairman of the Fairfax County Republican Party, said last week the allegations were “a fluid story” I'm thinking the only thing 'fluid' were the body fluids that were exchanged. Jerry Baumchen

I have no religion, so in order to support the distinction (prior to same-sex marriage being legalized), I had always planned to apply for a civil union if I ever was motivated to get married. Along the same lines, I support adults' rights to enter into a plural marriage within the structure of their religion -- as long as they don't try to apply for the civil benefits to support more than one partner. If they can afford it, and all are willing adults, I could not care less how they form their family units.

Yup. Get used to it. The old joke that, as a student, I spent more time sitting on the picnic bench bitching about the weather than actually jumping contains 'more than just a bit' of truth. Depending on the culture of the DZ, wind & weather holds can be very educational. At the bigger DZ I jump at (lots of students) the instructors will gather up a group of students when jumping isn't happening, and sit and discuss/quiz all sorts of stuff. It's also a good time to get to know the rest of the community. The DZO there is a BIG promoter of the fun jumper community (cookouts, movie nights, competition events - The Hamm's Rigging Relays are hilarious - all that sort of stuff). Getting to know who folks are is a big step up for when you get your license. To echo and expand on what Wendy said (for when you get your license) - If the 'young hotshots' are still jumping and the 'crusty old guys' are sitting down, thing about it. Think hard about it. If the 'crusty old guys' are grabbing lawn chairs and cameras and heading out to the landing area, REALLY think about it. "Where are you guys going?" "We're gonna go watch the young'uns get some experience" If you sit it out today, you can always jump tomorrow. If you have to jump today, you may not jump again for a while. If ever. Last, but not least, BEWARE THE WEATHER HOLD!!! There are few things in this life more dangerous than a bored skydiver. A few years ago at SDC Summerfest, weather hold games included 'creeper bowling'. 2 person teams. One pushed, one rode the creeper at inflatable bowling pins. Standard bowling scoring. 5 frames for a game. Silly but fun. After it was all done, I heard Donavan (TI & airplane manager) remark: "Wow. Weather hold shenanigans and we didn't need an ambulance. I'm impressed".

Replying to Yoink (who started another thread but Wendy locked it and directed people to post here): The guy in the video is Paul Bertorelli, a main contributor at the AvWeb aviation news site. Who is also an active skydiver. So he'll understand flying & skydiving stuff better than your average youtube commenter.

A question for Chuck Akers and any other USPA BOD member here. What happens if a USPA member submits paperwork for a high profile Super Bowl demo and the COA is denied by the FSDO, but the member still does the high profile jump on the world’s stage? Does the USPA suspend that members ratings and membership?