Airman1270

...And patient care comes first, the plane can wait or divert of needed. the patient needs to be stable before moving them.. so you got a good show of an otter flying circles. to the medics it was patient first planes later! _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I'm sorry Joe, I thought I addressed that point: The injured guy was receiving treatment. There were enought EMT's on the scene that a few were just standing there watching. Available and ready to help, of course, but just watching. (Not a bad thing - better too many than too few.) It would not have interfered with the quality of medical care if one of these guys had stepped away from the group for a minute and moved the truck a short distance to the side. The harsh response to the request seemed out of line. I did not identify the DZ (because it really doesn't matter) but Tom B. jumps there. His post about having a poor relationship with the local rescue squad sheds some light on this. By the way, the incident occurred in the early '90's. None of this is intended as a personal smear, and I hope we're not trashing the people who are currently serving. Cheers, Jon S.

Not that I've been around much this year, but it's been more than two years since I've shared a DZ with "Treetop." He used to be a fixture at DZ's in north Georgia. Hope this is a temporary exile. Where you at, Tree? Cheers, Jon S.

I broke an ankle while playing softball in high school (outfield collision.) Several years later I broke my other ankle on my first jump (brain fart on the PLF.) The same doctor treated me both times. After the jumping injury, he strayed from his field of expertise by commenting that I shouldn't be jumping out of airplanes. I asked him why he didn't tell me to give up baseball. He didn't have an answer. On another occasion I witnessed an injury. The jumper had a bad landing on the grass near the runway. The EMT staff was doing their thing while the Otter slowly circled the DZ. When someone asked one of them to move their vehicle so the plane could land, he received a boatload of attitude, something along the lines of "we're helping your friend, etc. etc." However, I did not think the question was unreasonable. They had plenty of people there, and the injured guy was being treated. Several EMT's were standing around watching. It would not have compromised their professional efforts if one of them broke away from the group briefly and moved the truck. It was neat watching that Otter, though. That thing can fly almost as slowly as a hot air balloon. Cheers, Jon S.

A few years back I got away with placing my 10" "Bart Simpson" doll on top. I tried again last week and my wife took it down while I was out of the house. She's not much into the light-hearted humor thing. Maybe I'd try slipping a condom on the top branch, if I didn't have to worry about explaining to the kids what it is. (They grow up soon enough - let them be kids for a few more weeks.) Cheers, Jon S.

This is insane. All you need is a quick briefing regarding wind direction, EP's, etc., if that. Your next jump need not cost any more than the going rate for a jump ticket. Not only are you capable of jumping safely, you can even do a small way and will most likely fly just fine. I've spent my entire jumping career averaging fewer than 50 jumps per year, and have returned several times after layoffs as long as seven months without having to go through formal retraining, etc. Many of these situations occurred when I had fewer than 200 jumps. The biggest hurdle you'll deal with is the current mind-set among many jumpers who think that, because they make a lot of jumps, week after week after week, then anyone who doesn't meet this schedule is inherently dangerous. You may not be ready for a night 24-way with borrowed gear, but you can make a skydive without posing any additional risk to yourself or others. It seems to me that if the DZO is so damn paranoid he should get out of the business and do something else with his life. I, too have an "A" license. Nothing wrong with that. Best of luck. You'll be fine. Cheers, Jon S.

During my student years I sold more than 250 records, fewer than a dozen of which I later wished I still had. Given the state of my marriage, I guess you could say I "sold" my opportunity for a normal sex life to continue jumping. Oh, sure, she thought it was real neat when we were dating, and even made a tandem jump in 1990. But now she wishes I would just quit, and resents the time & money I spend at the DZ. (People who know me will get the irony, as I usually average around 40 jumps per year. This year I've been out of work a lot and have barely made 15 jumps since May, after a four-month layoff.) Anyone want to have an affair? Sigh, Jon S.

gotta ask - did you have the boss's agreement to eat his inventory whenever you felt like it? I'm assuming you did. This way you can note that before someone translates that as "at night I'd get stoned and then go to his shop and steal". It would hurt your position quite a bit. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ Yes, good point. I did have permission. In fact, I once left a dollar in the register. The next day he gave it back and said it wasn't necessary. I was expected to pay for pre-packaged items, such as beer, etc., but he didn't mind if I helped myself to the salad case. He trusted me completely, and I never abused his trust. Cheers, Jon S.

QuoteNot about John Lennon specifically, but what is your favourite Beatles-song ?... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ This won't be easy. My list is influenced by how much fun I have playing the songs on the guitar. My current playlist includes "Please Please Me", "She Loves You", "No Reply", "I Saw Her Standing There", "This Boy", (I did a to-DIE-for version of "This Boy" at open mike night a few years ago ), and a killer arrangement of "And I Love Her." Other favorites over the years included "I've Got a Feeling", "Two of Us", "Drive My Car", "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away", "Because", "It's Only Love", "Lucy in the Sky...", and "I'll Be Back." Songs I've always enjoyed, but have never worked out solo versons of include "Get Back" and "If I Needed Someone." Some of their songs can be frustrating because, while they're easy enough to play, there's not much point in doing so without the vocal harmonies. Ah, the memories. I think I'll be taking the guitar out later. Without a job I sure can't get to the DZ. Cheers, Jon S.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Fair enough. I, too, ASSumed he meant something other that what he appeared to be saying. By the time I was off static line I knew when to pull, and didn't have to ask. If the intent is to get some air time with a new rig, I'd recommend something high enough to give it a good workout, but not so high that he begins to lose circulation in his legs. Perhaps 8000'-ish would be a good start. The people who suggested he speak with an instructor are onto something. Welcome, dude! Congrats on the new rig. I had to wait over 20 years before I got mine. Cheers, Jon S.

I was never much into pornography, strip clubs, etc. My attitude was "what's the point?" (After all, I can stay home and not get any for a fraction of the price. ) But I did buy the PLAYBOY magazine with the Lennon interview, and kept it for many years. Then my sister gave me the complete interview, including the unpublished stuff, in hardback book form. At this point there was no reason to keep the magazine, so I looked at the pictures one more time and threw it out. Perhaps I should have kept it. The interview was conducted in September & October 1980. I reread the book last week. There was one place (page 105) where he reflected on Ghandi, Marty King, and other non-violent protesters, saying how ironic it is to be such an outspoken advocate for peace that you get shot. Speaking of irony, in another interview a few years earlier he mentioned that one of his favorite Beatle tunes was "Happiness is a Warm Gun." I wonder how many radio DJ's were either warned not to play the song or were disciplined for doing so? Sort of like when Freddie Mercury died of AIDS in the early '90's - suddenly the "classic rock" stations were no longer playing "Another One Bites the Dust." Cheers, Jon S.

Thanks for the responses. I kinda guessed this conversation would degenerste into a discussion of drug use. The personal information being asked for included such things as detailed salary histories, and questions like "What did you like best/least about your former jobs", as well as "reasons for leaving." While the salary info is none of their business, these other questions can be addressed in an interview. I see no reason to clutter the application with this drivel, and screen out good people because they balk at writing it all down on a legnthy form. The credit info is also none of their business. Several people have replied that they need this in order to protect themselves againt potential thefts, the reasoning being someone in debt might be tempted to steal. Again, I have a solid employment history and a clean criminal record. It would seem that this would indicate that I have no history of stealing or causing trouble. Drug testing is an offensive, intrusive, expensive procedure which insults human dignity and creates an administrative hassle for the employer, while in turn doing nothing to ensure sobriety on the job. Furthermore, if someone is doing drugs to the point where it will impair their performance, this will be evident without a lab test. The issue is not drugs, but that the job is not being done correctly. This is what must be addressed, regardless of the reason, be it general incompetence, or temporary lack of focus due to personal issues. My exposure to the party runs the gamut from sporadic to zero, but in the late'70's/early 80's there was a period of five or six years where I never would have passed the test. Even so, I arrived at work sober, did an excellent job, and was held in high regard by my employers. I worked for over two years at a deli, and by hiring me the boss & his wife were able to go home in the afternoons rather than work the entire 14+ hour day themselves. I was responsible for dealing with customers, handling money, and securing the store at closing time. After work, I'd usually go home, get stoned, and play my guitar for a few hours before going to the local bar until the wee hours. It was not unusual to stop at the store for some potato salad, etc. at 4:30am. In fact, one night I was there when the bread delivery arrived, so I put the bread into the display case to prepare for opening. When the boss arrived at 5:30 he said "Oh, look - Jon was here!" I don't know if he knew about the pot smoking; if so, he didn't care. What he knew was that the store was in good hands and the job was being done to his satisfaction. Yet, according to the current drug testing proponents, I should never have been hired in the first place. The issue of C.Y.A. is a valid concern. I believe we should get away from the mind-set that the employer is responsible for the actions of employees. Example: If the UPS truck runs a red light and hits someone, the driver is responsible, not the company. By holding a drivers' license, he is presumed to understand basic traffic rules. If he violates these rules and causes a problem, he should be held responsible regardless of who owns the vehicle he is driving. The driver is the only person who has any control over how the vehicle will be operated. With all due respect to the legal industry, who rely on lawsuits for their income, it is immoral to demand that any third party be forced to pay for someone else's error. We can exert some influence in this direction by welcoming, rather than trying to avoid, the opportunity for jury service and not being hornswoggled into giving in to cheap appeals to emotion. When workplace drug testing was introduced in the mid-'80's, proponents acknowledged the offensive nature of this procedure but claimed it was a compromise that was dictated by public safety concerns. They always referred to such things as pilots, truck drivers, and customs agents, etc. as occupations in which this might be warranted. It wasn't long before this was expanded to indlude the teenage clerk working the Wal-Mart check out lane. They lied to us. Back then, when most companies did not do this, people who worked for those that did had an opportunity to refuse and go elsewhere. But, NO, they were intimidated by the accusation of "something to hide" and failed to take a stand for common decency. They are the primary reason we are where we're at today. Cheers, Jon S.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ If you have to ask "when should I pull" you have no business buying a rig. If you have to ask after making more than a dozen jumps you should quit skydiving. Now. Cheers, Jon S.

This is primarily directed at people who own businesses and claim they can't find good help. I'm looking for work and almost interviewed with a company yesterday. I was greeted warmly and directed to a table to fill out a lengthy application which asked for far more information than seemed relevant. As I slogged through this mess I noticed that I was required to "answer every question", would be forced to sumbit not only to a pre-employment drug test (which itself is offensive) but random testing during my tenure with the company. In addition, they wanted detailed accounting of the places I had lived, as well as "permission" to do an exhaustive credit check. I can ASSume no permission, no job. Perhaps I should point out that I wasn't applying for a position at the White House, FBI, Miami Customs, or looking to drive a HAZ MAT truck. This was a local small business with no "public safety" concerns. In addition, I already have a solid, verifiable employment history, a clean driving record going back nearly 30 years, and a clean criminal background. While filling out the paperwork several employees were carrying on a conversation peppered with several uses of "fuck" and other blue language. As an adult and a skydiver I am accustomed to hearing and occasionally using such language, but it seems kinda low class to speak this way in the company of guests on whom you might want to make a positive impression. After filling out the form, I left it on the receptionist's desk and walked out, having concluded I don't want anything to do with these people. Meanwhile, they've been interviewing applicants for at least two weeks and still haven't filled the position. I long ago lost the ability to take seriously the complaints of business owners who claim that they can't find good help when they seem so eager to begin the relationship by treating people like crap. All I want is a brief meeting with a supervisor to learn what the job is all about and determine if I might be the right man for the position. If so, I can then provide all relevant information. I'm not afraid of a background check. While I'm disgusted by the whole drug testing thing (because it's an insulting procedure that does NOTHING to ensure workplace sobriety) I'll reluctantly go along with it to get the job. But what is the point? Why do you need my credit report (which, by the way, makes me look good)? How does your company suffer if you DON'T treat people this way? I've done a wide variety of things over the years, including food service, manufacturing, shipping/receiving, electronic assembly, sheet metal work, drilling, and radio, and have done very well at all of these jobs. I have solid references. What more do you need? What are you afraid of? Cheers, Jon S.

Wow. Reading this reminds me that today is the second anniversary of Mom's death. She was always paranoid about air travel and didn't like me jumping but was never ugly about it. (Of course, that broken ankle on my first jump did little to enhance her confidence.) She'd express some interest and ask questions, and even came to the DZ with me a few times. In my early days, when I was still living in her house, I was packing on the front lawn and she reached down to touch the nylon to see what it's like. I said "Hey, are you trying to kill me?!" She jumped back and said "OH, I'm sorry!" It took a minute to explain that I was only kidding, and that there's no way she could do any harm by touching the gear. In fact, I stopped jumping my Strato Cloud in 1993 and let the kids play with it occasionally. They'd crawl inside & roll themselves up, etc. Last year, when I untangled the mess and hooked it up to the rig to jump it again, my wife asked whether it might be damaged by this treatment. I told her there's nothing they could do, short of using scissors, that would place more stress on the canopy than would a normal opening. Cheers, Jon S.

Hmmm... whatsit mean if my ring finger is longer than my, uh, "member?" (Turn a negative into a positive)..."C'mon ladies - I won't hurt you and I won't take up too much of your time?" Cheers, Jon

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ HA! Every year I try this, but my wife seems to have "issues" and demands blah blah... One year I put my "Bart Simpson" doll on the tree to serve as an "angel." The funny thing is she didn't make a fuss about it and take it down. I do have a warm spot for blue lights. I usally string a few colored strands along the porch rail, and arrange two blue strands in a cross shape near the door. It really stands out in contrast to my neighbors, who put a lot of effort into their massive displays. And, I was just being silly with that remark about white lights being "tacky." Sometimes they can look quite nice. I was responding to the people who say the same thing about colored lights. So, real tree or artificial? Stupid question, I guess. Of COURSE a real tree... Cheers, Jon S.

Why don't you do the "research" and let us know what you came up with? ......... Cheers, Jon

I prefer colored. Walking down a quiet street with all those pretty colors really makes the Christmas season. Yet, it's come to my attention that many people prefer white. Or worse, they throw a few white lights outside, decorate the house with some wreaths, then spotlight the entire structure. All white, no color. I can't grasp this; personally, I think it's tacky. Still, it beats no decorations at all, I guess. What are your thoughts? Cheers, Jon

Married at 33, first child at 35. Two more, one when we were 37 and the third at 41. Many advantages to waiting. For one thing, the irritating day-to-day stuff is real easy to deal with, especially after listening to several years of valuable family & child rearing advice from people like Dr. Dobson ("Focus on the Family") and other similar programs on Christian radio. I already did the things a single man in his 20's would want to do, and don't feel I'm being deprived when I stay at home playing "Sorry" while others are partying at the clubs. Of course, there's the energy thing, but (...huff...puff...) I can adapt... Cheers, Jon

They could expand the parameters of the program by showing a more comprehensive array of things cops do, such as helping people at accident scenes, directing traffic, serving warrants for court no-shows, or harassing "free" Americans at roadblocks. Perhaps a program could be dedicated to these canine nazis who prowl the interstates hassling out-of-state passers-by with phony charges of "failure to maintain lane" or window tint violations, which then escalate into "Mind if we have a look around...." To keep it real, they should not only show the times when they actually find something illegal, but the numerous times they don't turn up anything and let the people go. Of course, this would put a big dent in their facade of actually respecting the Bill of Rights, which up until a few years ago was understood by most police agencies and every American adult to prohibit "fishing expedition" searches. Sorry if my attitude seems harsh, and no, I've never been in trouble and have no personal axe to grind. But in my years of doing radio news I've spent several years reading police reports and it seems that when a department gets a canine unit the first thing to go is any concern for your constitutional rights. Hint: If a cop asks to search your car, the answer is always "No." If he has a valid reason to search, he won't be asking for your permission. Cheers, Jon S.

If you can afford to make 200 jumps in 18 months, you can afford to buy your own gear. Check the listings in the magazines for good used gear, or buy something new if you have a solid idea of what you want. There's nothing wrong with making a lot of jumps. I'd do it too, if I could. But don't think you must commit to this sport full-time in order to be a skydiver. Even if you can only make a few dozen jumps a year, you can do it safely and have a great time. Your learning curve won't be as dramatic as that of your peers, but you'll get there. Best of luck! Wish I could join you. Cheers, Jon S.

Sorry to hear this. While I've never jumped at SDLI, I understand Ray M. has built up a pretty nifty operation at Calverton. Damn shame to see it threatened. I guess everyone will have to go to the private operation at East Moriches and share the Cessna (that is, if you show up on a day they are not reserving the plane for "club members only.") Be sure you don't bother the locals for gear checks. You don't want to be ostracized as a "wimp" who's afraid to jump. And don't ask too many questions, or you, too will find yourself banned for life. Until Ray expanded to Calverton, skydiving on Long Island was difficult, at best. The only alternative was that long drive through NY city limits, including tunnels, bridges, tolls, etc., to reach places like Ellington, Gardiner, or Albany. Hope you guys don't have to return to this situation. After more than 30 years on LI, I moved to another state 14 years ago and have never regretted it. Cheers, Jon S.

You guys are bringing back memories... Early February, 1992, over Ellijay, Georgia. About seven of us on a Cessna 411 doing a sunset load. I should have landed out but I thought I could make the airport, and landed in low trees just a few feet short of the grass at the end of the runway. Meanwhile, it was cold and nobody was outside watching. The others landed and went into the hangar, while I slowly extracted myself and my main from the trees as the daylight faded. (Side note - I was fairly new to the DZ and nobody noticed me missing.) After awhile it occurred to me that nobody knew where I was. I watched the cars leaving as I walked back up the runway. As I approached the hangar I saw one last car turning out of the parking lot. His headlights illuminated me and he abruptly stopped and apologized for failing to notice my absence. They were still talking about it several months later. No hard feelings, these things happen. But I wonder why nobody wondered why my car was still parked there. Cheers, Jon S.

To properly evaluate what you're brother is doing, you need some basic information. Before this can happen, you must agree on a method of communication that will allow for the exchange of information without you dismissing said exchange as "preaching", "prosyletizing", or some variation of "shoving xxxx down my throat." I'll be brief. A good analogy would be a fire in a resort hotel. The fire is small and contained, for now, but will become lethal if you don't get out soon. Your brother has discovered this and is trying to let people know so they can make an informed decision to reconsider their current place in life and choose a path that will result in their being "saved." The trouble is, they see no evidence of a fire, they like things the way they are, and they don't want to believe that a fire is possible. They're not being hard-headed; rather, they're being perfectly rational. If you can show them some proof they will consider it, but for now he can't prove it and they're getting sick of him talking about this every time they cross paths. Your brother has a valid point. However, if he is a new Christian, he may be allowing his enthusiasm to interfere with his ability to understand your position (even though he himself held the same position for most of his life.) He has done what Jesus asked: he told you about Him. If he wants to maintain his relationship with you and persuade you to consider the Gospel, he can do his part by praying for you and doing his best to grow in his faith without driving people away. One test is the ability to participate in a conversation with a non-Christian without peppering the talk with "Christianese" and frequent refernces to spiritual matters. Of course, this works both ways. If you're in the habit of making unkind references to his faith and saying critical things, even when he didn't mention it first, he will be hurt, insulted, and defensive. It is not "preaching" when somebody offers Biblical information in response to someone else's misunderstanding. (Example: Joe says "the Bible says it's okay to kill Jews." Bill says "No, it doesn't say that. In fact, Jesus said..." At this point many people would accuse Bill of "ramming religion down my throat", when all he was doing was responding to Joe's comments and correcting what is either 1) a misunderstanding, or 2) a deliberate effort to mischaracterize Christians and portray them as something they're not. It would be no different than if someone accused all skydivers of cheating death in low-pull contests, and you spoke up to clarify the matter.) There is a reason Jesus is the most influential, most thoroughly researched person in all of recorded history. When you're ready, give Him a chance to prove Himself real to you. If you're curious you can begin by asking your brother what led to this change in his life. He can help by answering your questions and providing information in small doses. Cheers, Jon

My intent here is not to get into a useless debate about guys leaving the seat up. (Personally, my attitude is "open when in use, closed when not in use.") Over my many years on this planet, I've noticed that many of you ladies who complain about the seat are yourselves guilty of leaving the lid open. I believe that, in addition to it being more asthetically pleasing, closing the lid prevents things from being accidentally dropped in, which must then be retrieved, and provides the added bonus of keeping the thirsty dog away. Your thoughts? Cheers, Jon S.