skylord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy7caLCWiT4 There you go! Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

This was a wonderful service, and for those in attendance, the story about the sheriff's academy instructor getting all wound up by the "shrimp" that wouldn't polish his boots was the best I've ever heard. Shindig was already a retired and decorated Marine, HALO instructor, former DI, and a whole slew of other accomplishments, when he reported to the Sheriff's academy. "The Dude", as the much younger academy instructor called him, would not polish his boots. The Sheriff's Academy instructor let this get under his skin. It bothered him to the point that several weeks later, he could not sleep, so he got up, turned on the Discovery Channel, and saw a special on HALO: Freefall Warriors. We skydivers were already in stiches, we knew what was coming. This instructor said, "And suddenly, on TV, was that dude." Can you imagine that? A student who so gets to you that you cannot sleep, you turn on escape TV, and there he is. The Dude. A marvelous, wonderful, and heartbreaking ceremony. I watched from the ground the ash dive, and fly by. One of the most poignant tributes I've ever seen. I cried. I watched his kids play, and I cried some more. I watched my mentor in the sport hug and kiss the widow in front of me, and break down. Then I stepped up to pay my respects, and Gage, the older son and de facto man of the house at seven, took my offered handshake and turned it into a skydiving handshake. I cried. I told everyone around me that was the way I want to be remembered. A wonderful job by the Elsinore family, and I am left otherwise speechless.........my two cents. Bob Marks Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Shark and the rest of my Elsinore DZ family, I am so sorry to hear of this news. While I didn't know him well, he was always accessible and had answers for me as I went through my perpetual re currency training. All thoughts and prayers to you all, his family, and Shindig...... Bob Marks Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Rosa, Happy Bday Sweetie! Now stop looking at me as a slab of beef on the meat market of love!!! Yours always, Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

All, I think I originally saw this on skydivingmovies.com, but I am trying to locate a short fiction film that I think was filmed in Florida, and involved a 90 pound weakling guy, a gorgeous woman that he tried to propose to in freefall, and a tattoo artist/jump pilot that kind of tied the whole twisted mess together. Does anyone know what I'm talking about, or better yet have a link to the short film? Thanks! Bob Marks Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

All, I attended the services today, and I passed on the postings from this thread. What a true American hero. Jeff was both a student and mentor, part of what i see as a very healthy balance in life. Eagle scouts, combat infantry men, and family spoke of a life that made me proud. A Major General attended, and handled it very well. He said the issue is not the controversy over the war and whether we should be there or not. It was remembering a young, brave soldier who fulfilled his sworn duty to uphold the Constitution of the United States and obey orders from superiors especially in wartime. He did just that. Jeff was recognized as an avid skydiver, and that this was a passion for him. This was my first full honors military ceremony. I was moved very deeply. The VFW was there too, in an incredibly impressive turnout. I came away with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices our veterans make, and have made over the years. More later, as to helping his widow..... Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

OK, so how does it know to do that? I am stunned...... Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

What a miracle of life...I am in speechless awe. How can you reconcile the law of entropy and this? I am again, and rarely, speechless. Hold on, my home phone is ringing. I am being asked by the Carlsbad Police Department if I am missing a little tiny blue ball. Sorry, just kidding. But this is truly amazing. Bob Marks Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

I just did what I said I would do, and heard back from Jeff's widow. I printed out the posts and will deliver them . She has not seen them, but may need help and assistance. If that is the case, I intend to offer her help. I will let you know. Please understand she has not asked for anything, but I know how things pile up. I am just asking those of you who can to please be ready to help. Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

I got a great suggestion via PM to print out the condolences and deliver them this Saturday. I am doing that now and please let me know if there are any objections. Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Nate and all, I only live about a mile from where the service will be, so I plan on attending. If you cannot make it, if you wish I will pass on your condolences as well as anyone else who cannot make it. I am forever in awe and debt to those young heroes who give everything to a cause their country is fighting. I never met Jeff, but I cannot say I never knew him. We shared the sky together. Any of you can email me anything you would like me to give to his young widow, if you like, and I will take it with me. [email protected] is the email. Bob Marks Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Rrriiiight. I loved the video, but I have been out of school way too long to remember what I was looking at. What was the big blue ball getting walked around by a string with two stubby legs? It truly is amazing, though. Can someone who knows what happens in a cell maybe give a overview? Thanks! Bob Marks Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

It was filmed at the old Quartz Hill airport near Palmdale/Lancaster. I know because over 30 years later I lived there only about 500 ft from the location. I recognized the street I used to walk my daughter to school on. Yep, good ol' Quartz Hill. They built over the airport in the very late 80's or early 90's. Oh, I'm talking about the MST3K Skydivers movie.... Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Congratulations! Great job. On my practice pulls (we got to altitude) I kept grabbing my main side instructor's altimeter. At pull time on the video I reached back, grabbed his altimeter again, and he pulled for me. On level 1 you can still pass, and I did. On the ground I was asked what I learned. I told them I should not pull on the instructor's altimeter. It does not deploy the parachute and annoys the instructor. Congratulations again, it is so worth it!! Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

I am sad. Great actor, taken from us. Someone once told me that the sign of middle age is grieving over more funerals than rejoicing over weddings. I loved his work..... Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

[reply Number 2, you will always be my brotha from anotha sista! Frenchy, Miss and love you!!! How come you never write??????? Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Bro, PLEASE don't misunderstand me, I am not kicking you while you're down, and I'm sorry if it came across that way if you're referring to me. I deeply feel for you, and getting a "better" job will not necessarily take care of living a better life. Everything nowadays is so much more complex and volatile. Get a solid job, max out your contribution to your retirement, and save as much money as you can. I have not figured it out at 48, my man. Some of my most recent lessons. (Humor Mode On): I'll never forget when Frenchy told me he was hetero. The whole "FGF" facade was "Frenchy Goggle Fraternity". It actually stood for "Fake Girl Fornicator". The truth will set you free. (Remember, humor mode still on). Women want to be me, and men want to be with me. Oops, I think I got that backwards. (Humor mode off). I'll PM you with the rest, but really, just chill and give it some time. Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Easy, there buddy. A couple of thoughts from a guy almost twice your age. Been there, done that. First wife was bi polar, I was married to her for 12 years. NO sign of problems until she had an episode in 1990. She got a message from God she was supposed to go and be with a noted brain surgeon at all costs to her, and the doctor's marriage. She left me with three young children (9, 7, and 3). I raised them all by myself and she ended up commited to a mental institution. She is really a great person, but ill with something she cannot help. Second wife had alcohol issues, got drunk, and screwed around. Long story short, I learned much more about me than about women. You seem to be a great guy, one who will be faithful and loving to some lucky woman, and who is the kind of guy I always heard women want. I think you have serious self esteem issues that are causing you to settle WAY below your grade. I would ask you, did you date around much or did you fall for the first woman that showed an interest in you? What you do with your buddies is up to you, but in my book that is inexcusable. Don't get violent, just learn about yourself, and the women/friends you choose. I'm still learning the lesson myself, but I hope this helps. Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

This is a great statement. I learned much from it. I think this is a valuable point of view. Bob Marks Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Bears, too. Remember the one that kept eating fermented berries and stumbling around campsites? Or was that a boogie? Hmmmm. Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

This is an addictive sport, trust me, I know! I have three children, 23, 21, and 17. I'm not a "mum", but as dz.com's most eligible bachelor with children, I can make a few comments. Who is "making" you feel guilty and "irresponsible"? No one can do that. But you do have an obligation to yourself and your children. Are you health and life insured for skydiving? If you are injured, will your income continue? Will your health expenses be covered? Simply jumping is not a reason for people to try and put the guilt trip on you, but if you have children in my opinion it is imperative to make sure they are taken care of in the event something unforeseen happens. In advance. Making you feel guilty about putting your life at risk is misplaced. Asking about how your children would be taken care of in the event something happens is not. Keep living, but be responsible to those that count on you. Bob Marks Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Air Traffic Control. FAA type. I am here to help!! Bob Marks Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Yes! "Mythbusters, After Hours" on Cinemax, or PPV. Or a "Mythbusters Gone Wild" DVD. I should have been in marketing. Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Wow. Memory lane here for me. I ran competitively in high school and two years in college. Mile: 4:46 (1976) 2 Mile: 10:09 (1976) Half Marathon: 1:21:00 (1979) I got way out of shape, and then got back in shape. California International Marathon: 3:11:53 (Dec. 1993) Boston Marathon: 3:21:27 (1994) Marine Corps Marathon: 3:17:XX (1995) California International Marathon: 3:10:23 (Dec. 1995) Boston Marathon: 3:31:XX (April 1996) Absolutely the time of my life, and I am working on getting back to something decent at 48 years old. Right now? I could do a mile in about 5 and a half minutes. This assumes an ambulance is on site and immediately picks me up at the 1/4 mile mark in full cardiac arrest. Bob Marks Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

I'm so confused. Are we talking about feet and ankles by "down there"? Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman