floatnfly

Southwest isn't that bad. I used to get the "Welcome Wal-Mart shoppers" vibe when I flew them, but not so much anymore. It still kills me to hear passengers that complain about something insignificant and act high and mighty, just because they are on an aer-o-plane. Hey... you only paid $59. Sit down, shut up, and enjoy the cab ride. Not using a 'hub-n-spoke' system is great for the point to point crowd... as long as they're flying where you want to go. Although my wife used to fly for them and I'm a bit biased, Continental is still a top notch airline. I'll go out of my way and pay more (within reason) to fly Continental over another airline. I know loads of people love them, but I avoid Delta every chance I get. About the extra charge for bags... Have you seen how much shit people are lugging up to the ticket counter these days? Kind of the same reasoning everybody thinks they need a SUV to carry all their 'necessary' crap everywhere they go. Quite some time ago, I took a weekend trip with some friends. I had three bags, but one was camera gear and one was a computer bag. All I really needed for the weekend away was in the third bag... a backpack. A couple of my traveling companions also had three bags each : a huge rolling bag, a large roll-aboard bag (carry on), and a backpack. There were also a couple of purses in the mix. This phenomenon is heavily slanted toward female travelers, but there is a large number of guys that fit into this category. Some folks just can't be without their stuff, even if it's just for a day or two. Makes me think of a George Carlin routine...

The posting police came out and instructed me to "Please continue this in the thread I already created." So, I am complying. This was discussed in this thread some months ago as he was detained and placed in custody to await trial. He has had his trial and is now convicted. Some details that were omitted before will shock you. For those who wondered if the children he molested were the children of skydivers: Indeed, they were. They were his own step-daughters; primarily the younger one. She was subjected to his molestation beginning about age 6 and continuing through about age 16. For those who spouted the 'innocent until proved guilty' line: He admitted it to his then wife, Barbara; a detective; and a few skydiving friends. He then fled the country with the help of a few high profile South African skydivers. It sickens me that those who aided and abetted him are parents of young children, as well, and still chose to help him elude this heinous crime. Some example they are setting for their own children. One accomplice still maintains that this is "... only family, religious, and psychiatric matter, not a legal one." This person sat on my couch in my living room and said that to me. As of that very instant, he was no longer my friend. Disgusting. Barbara Harding and her daughters have had a shitstorm of trauma, guilt, and fear to deal with the past year an a half in addition to the horror the youngest daughter has endured for the 10 years prior. The battle is not over... It's only begun with this slight victory of the first conviction. The following is from Barbara and posted with her permission. Names of the minor children have been omitted. If you know the family, you already know their names, anyway: Yesterday was a painful and emotional day in court for those of us present to support Barbara and her daughter. I can't even begin to imagine what was coursing through their minds and bodies as they faced this beast in court. Although we didn't get the intended outcome when we walked into court that morning, it's still a great step toward healing. If you know Barb and the girls (or not) and want to send some words of support, drop her a note at bharding @ cfl.rr.com She may not answer right away or at all, but would probably appreciate the outreach.

This was discussed in a thread some months ago as he was detained and placed in custody to await trial. He has had his trial and is now convicted. Some details that were omitted before will shock you. For those who wondered if the children he molested were the children of skydivers: Indeed, they were. They were his own step-daughters; primarily the younger one. She was subjected to his molestation beginning about age 6 and continuing through about age 16. For those who spouted the 'innocent until proved guilty' line: He admitted it to his then wife, Barbara; a detective; and a few skydiving friends. He then fled the country with the help of a few high profile South African skydivers. It sickens me that those who aided and abetted him are parents of young children, as well, and still chose to help him elude this heinous crime. Some example they are setting for their own children. One accomplice still maintains that this is "... only family, religious, and psychiatric matter, not a legal one." This person sat on my couch in my living room and said that to me. As of that very instant, he was no longer my friend. Disgusting. Barbara Harding and her daughters have had a shitstorm of trauma, guilt, and fear to deal with the past year an a half in addition to the horror the youngest daughter has endured for the 10 years prior. The battle is not over... It's only begun with this slight victory of the first conviction. The following is from Barbara and posted with her permission. Names of the minor children have been omitted. If you know the family, you already know their names, anyway: Yesterday was a painful and emotional day in court for those of us present to support Barbara and her daughter. I can't even begin to imagine what was coursing through their minds and bodies as they faced this beast in court. Although we didn't get the intended outcome when we walked into court that morning, it's still a great step toward healing. If you know Barb and the girls (or not) and want to send some words of support, drop her a note at bharding @ cfl.rr.com She may not answer right away or at all, but would probably appreciate the outreach.

No kidding. I'll create a new post with an update.

I've had the opportunity to meet some great people in this sport and to also meet some people who are Greats in this sport. Wes was one of those Greats and I'm happy to have known him and proud to have had him as a friend. Sad to say I haven't seen him much the past couple of years. I'll miss being able to tell him that "Your Canon is ok, but when you get serious and learn a bit about photography... I might let you hold my Nikon." Photography, blues music, and big brimmed hats... that's what I'll always carry in my mind to remember Wes. Wes was from a different era in the sport and one of those 'One-of-a-kind' dudes. There aren't many of his ilk around anymore. There are many incredible skydivers in Deland, but there are four in particular I hold in high esteem: Gus Wing, Wes Rich, Rags Raghanti, and Charlie Kenlin. We've lost Gus and Wes. If you didn't get a chance to know them, you've missed out on a chance of a lifetime. If you don't know Rags or Charlie, now's your chance to make a pilgrimage to Deland, seek out these men, buy them a drink, and listen and learn. Forget about skydiving... these are just great men to know in your life and appreciate them before they or you are gone from this Earth.

Here's one I took a while back...

Since I don't 'hang out' on these damn forums as much as some of the forum ninnies here, maybe I should post this here instead of The Bonfire: The scumbag, Graham Harding, has been brought back to the U.S. to face his charges. Will justice be served? Maybe you defenders of your sacred ex-skydiving champion would like to ask two Deland girls and their mother about it. http://www.news-journalonline.com/.../wvlWEST02120608.htm With video: http://www.cfnews13.com/...to_south_africa.html http://www.witness.co.za/...lobal%5B_id%5D=17009 Now... on to doing something about the mindless fools who helped this contemptible piece of excrement flee for a year. C Ya, Mikey

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The scumbag has been brought back to the U.S. to face his charges. Will justice be served? Maybe you defenders of your sacred ex-skydiving champion would like to ask two Deland girls and their mother about it. http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/WestVolusia/wvlWEST02120608.htm With video: http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2008/12/5/sexual_abuse_suspect_arrested_after_fleeing_to_south_africa.html http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=17009 Now... on to doing something about the mindless fools who helped this contemptible piece of excrement flee for a year.

I just got word that the scumbag child molester, formerly known as Graham Harding, has been detained. I have no details yet, but I hope it is true. If so, this is a good day. C Ya, Mikey

floridadiver81 proudly proclaimed: "One more child molester off the street. I was involved!" Totally awesome! Maybe we can do something about this one: http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/fugitives/cac/harding_gd.htm http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global%5b_id%5d=16685 Wake up, skydivers!! Why has no one talked about this openly? Is it because he was 'one of our own'? Graham Harding is still a scumbag, yet ties run deep. Some folks (especially here in Deland) think we should look the other way... turn the other cheek... or whatever such nonsense people spout when they are defending their beloved, former world champion skydiver turned child molester. He and his circle of friends that helped him escape to South Africa need to be held accountable. You hear that Deland South African faction... you aided and abetted a felon fugitive. Congratulations. Here's another gold medal. Now hang them all around your necks and go jump off a bridge. C Ya, Mikey

Isn't that one's right, as a dues paying member (owner)? I don't post much here, but this issue really pisses me off and I had a multi paragraphed soapbox typed in this reply. However, I decided to delete it. Just pointless, probably. Kinda like bitching about income or property tax. At least I can choose to opt out of the USPA... ...and I did several years ago, so it's not like I have a dog in this fight anyway. C Ya, Mikey

Tahini is a cornerstone ingredient for a good, authentic, traditional hummus. Also use enough garlic to repel a troupe of vampires. If you use herbs, only use fresh instead of dried. Mikey

I met Lee in Monroe, GA back in 1996. Our appreciation of good beer and dark, dry humor made us instant friends. Since we worked on the same construction crew and spent our weekends at the DZ, Lee and I were around each other 7 days a week. I have been using the phrase, "Be rude not to." ever since. Our crew used to meet to get paid most Fridays at the Crazy Horse Saloon in Atlanta. For those of you that do not know, the Crazy Horse is a full nudity 'gentlemen's club' that had a $5 steak lunch on Fridays. Lee and I would choose a table in the back corner of the room away from our workmates and the entertainment: I, because I couldn't afford to stuff dollars in a dancers garter and my wife insisted I not participate. Lee, because, in his words, "I don't want that whore shaking her nasty cunt over my food!" That's something else Lee and I share...no mincing of the words. What you see is what you get and we'll say anything to anybody. I had not seen him much over the past few years, except for his trips to Deland. Seeing Lee was always a treat. It's sad that I'll not get to see him again. My condolences to his wife and family. Mikey

Hey There- does anyone know where I can find a,or have a link to a "Save A Connie, Kill A Whale" t-shirt? Thanks in advance.