TallGuy

Excellent distinction. I guess for the most part I think the courtesy should be extended in public as well. For example I don't think it's right to take pictures of unsuspecting sunbathers at a beach either without permission. But that's a broader topic best left for another post.

I've become aware of a rather troublesome trend in our community. Skydivers are becoming more and more inhibited at social gatherings. As an example. I hosted a jello wrestling competition at a boogie this past weekend. As I attempted to get people to participate I kept hearing the same thing. "I would but there will be too many people taking pictures. I don't want that to end up on the Internet." Here is a person who wanted to join in on the fun and have a good time but they opted not to because they were concerned that observers couldn't be trusted not to display or distribute evidence of their actions to people they may not want to see them. They were right. Upon starting the event. I requested that everyone put their cameras away so their friends could feel free to cut loose. But the onlookers couldn't be persuaded. On a couple of earlier occasion during a tradition called "naked on the numbers" where several people covered a couple numbers on the ground (at an undisclosed location) head to toe, naked. Some clothed individuals who didn't want to participate properly came out with cameras flashing and video rolling, They even hid the participants clothing. Now don't get me wrong I've certainly made jokes at another's expense and have played many pranks expecting the same in return. I'm even guilty of having a cam out at the wrong time before I had thought it through. But it seems like people are perhaps going too far and detracting from the fun. So now I'm questioning the values and integrity of the people I know and love. And I'd like to know your opinion. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding their motivations? Or maybe like I did, they simply haven't thought it through properly? I wonder if they are putting their desire to record and distribute titillating memories ahead of their friends' desire to enjoy themselves in a low or no consequence environment. If so as a community should we be encouraging, discouraging, or ignoring this behavior? Before you answer you might want to consult with someone who was in skydiving before digital video and photography became so common (if you don't already have first hand knowledge). Ask them what the parties were like back then. Do they feel we are more or less reserved and why they think that is. I think we may be cheating ourselves. Media is nice but I'd rather fill my head with memories of my friends living life to the fullest than fill my scrapbook with anything less.

Sweet! monkycndo made another 100 to add to yours. And chopchop was nice enough to provide us with some padding to put under the ring. Still no lighting as of yet but maybe enough folks will be wearing head lamps. Should be a great one. Weather forecast looks fantastic!!!

I've been actively recruiting and we already have a few female volunteers. So we're off to a good start The bracket idea is a good one. To collect prize donations perhaps we can charge for the opportunity for any guy to take on two or three of the ladies at once. I think judging should be left in the hands of an individual that can accurately judge amateur wrestling and be fair. I'm worried that letting the audience judge might cause it to be more of a popularity / swimsuit or lack thereof competition. We need to treat our friends better than that. Also, still need someone to step up and offer to make jello shots. Let me know if money is the issue and I should be able to help out.

It's done. We've got approval to have jello wrestling on Saturday night of the boogie. Ray made me promise that everyone would be of age. Luckily, I believe there is no age limit to wrestle in jello. Oh yeah and he told me he didn't want to see naked Tall Guy. But he didn't say anything about the rest of you. Thanks to some assistance from McBeth and pfraser we've got enough wrestling jello mix to make 100 gallons on the way. It'd be great if someone could bring some portable lighting and maybe some real Jell-o shots? to get everyone socially lubricated. And of course we need volunteers to wrestle. We might even line up some prizes. My personal preference is of coarse for a bit of girl on girl action to get the ball rollin. Bring your swimsuits even if you don't PLAN to participate "Beware the splash zone!". Don't worry this stuff doesn't stain and we'll be setting up near the showers so you can get clean in a jiffy.

Get a room you two.

Doh

Dunno, just going off of what the website said. Historically they've done a dailies type collection of video that was submitted over the course of the boogie. Followed by whatever masterpieces the boogie participants have compiled over the year. And yeah after that comes the "stupid stuff" . I think it'd be a bit unrealistic to expect anything like the Flyboys Film Festival. I doubt there will be any judging and such. But I'm sure we'll be seeing some good stuff by Groovalicious and perhaps even an oversized diva.

Yeah I think that kinda evolved or devolved (depending on how you want to look at it). So I was thinking. How hard would it be to set up a ring for Jello / Pudding wrestling. I'm thinking an oversized kiddie pool would be the easy part but how would you get that sucker filled? ---Editted to add--- I love it when I answer my own questions! This is quick cheap and easy just like some of my favorite people in the world.

Can you believe it's the 20th Anniversary of the American Boogie? That's quite an amazing run! With a sweet fleet of planes, Roger Ponce and Kaleidoscope organizing RW, and with Guano and Groovalicious doing freefly organizing I don't question we're in for some amazing jumps. Hell I might even throw together a couple high risk no brain jumps myself. One of the things I loved about my past few years at this boogie has been the crazy stuff that goes down when the props stop turning for the day. I'm sure the "Film Fest" will be a hit. Plus, let's face it just add beer to skydivers and you're pretty much guaranteed a good time. But I'm wondering what else we can do as a group to help the 20th Anniversary be one for the books? In the past we had folks like Mike Mitchell and Bob Ash put big things together to keep us entertained. But that torch has been passed. Personally I'm short on ideas outside of bringing back favorites such as the "Wheel of Carnage". And how can you call an event The American Boogie without apple pie . If anyone else has any good ideas I'd love to help.

Just teasing (the other goofs on here more than you). Sounds great. I look forward to it.

Soliciting DZ dot commers for a 56 way attempt? There is a recipe for disaster. Will there be any other 20+ way and formation load organizing? I'd totally be up for some of that action.

Why nobody. brianfry713 Elisha Feeblemind johnsw71 McBeth monkycndo NWFlyer TallGuy vdschoor Beth you list Nazi!

brianfry713 Elisha Feeblemind johnsw71 McBeth monkycndo NWFlyer TallGuy vdschoo

I had a discussion with JP on the topic of suicide once (don't worry I'm quite content with life). He told me that it was a long term solution to a short term problem. It was a powerful statement and one that will stick with me. I hope it will stick with you. You were a leader of men JP. But why is it that leaders are so good at giving advice and so bad at taking it?

Girl... you aint right

In my 5 years as a jumper in Northern California I have never heard anyone claim to have done so. I have heard that if you coordinate it early you can get the balloon pilots that launch out of Skydance in Davis, CA to take you up but to the best of my knowledge nobody has done that either. I'd say keep calling around. Here are some of the issues you should be aware of. 1. Balloon safety. I have heard that when a balloon loses the weight of the jumper something happens that its shape gets distorted and somethow this poses a potential threat. (not sure how, but I'm not a balloon pilot). Apparently this can be offset by having the burners on during the jump . I'm not sure if all balloon pilots are savvy to this. I might be just talking out of my ass. "Burner" Born who flies his balloon "High and Dry" for Skydive AZ could give you more detail. 2. Vineyards = grape stakes = big owie Choose where you are jumping out carefully. 3. Trespassing. Balloons go where the wind takes them. Farmer McNasty may not appreciate your presence on his property. Balloons commonly land in such areas so hopefully the pilot will have foreknowledge of the area you'll be exiting over. 4. Chase Vehicle. You will need to coordinate with someone on the ground who knows how to get around the area to pick you up. Balloons always have one so it "shouldn't" be a big problem Try to convince the balloon business that if they are willing to accommodate you. You may be able to introduce them to a whole new niche market. If you succeed let us know. We'd love to play too.

I call my car Tandem. My father pointed out to me that it looks like one car humping another. Leave me alone. it's the only car I could find that I could fit propperly in.

Just saw these pics and had to pass on this link. http://www.verytasteful.com/shorts/wcgs.html

The difference a haircut makes.

Have you told him that you don't enjoy his company and that you would like to be left alone? If you have I'm going to have to go with ignoring him as well. Once this he sees you can not be counted on for meeting his wants/needs hopefully they will find some other person or thing to get it done. Is the he actually stalking you? If someone is not respecting your space and privacy you should probably set up a formal plan (respective of your association) to stop it. To be fair you should give a warning before you follow through.

Ummm drink whatever you like. Have fun. Just be carefull on the rocks and around the ledges. Perhaps bring a muzzle and handcuffs for whoever is giving you a lift to put on you during the ride back.

So will this jungle juice be at the red nighty party? Oh, I think having it on the fire tower is quite enough. You drink it like beer but it hits you like tequila. I've heard it said that it is a virgin concoction. But to that I must call ... Shenanigans!!! Placebos don't make your eyes cross the way Marcel's did.

Perfect. We'll do our best to provide some decent material.