LuvToFly

Study, train, ask questions, and understand what to do in any given situation. If you can do that, you will have not only faced, but dealt with "unreasonable" fears. I say, "unreasonable" as this is not to suggest that we ever lose the fear which can be called respect for gravity. There are much safer sports to engage in, and risk, no matter how good you are, will always be there. As a matter of record, it's some of the most experienced skydivers that have had some of the most serious of accidents from low turns by not putting enough fear into the equation to provide that conservative margin of safety. We believe we can pull it off every time - and that can lead to complacency. Complacency is much more dangerous than a healthy (the non-freezing kind) fear in this sport from my humble observations. Knowing what to do by heart if things don't go as expected is 1/2 of the key. The other half is common sense. Stay on the ground if the wind is too strong. Don't make a jump if you don't feel up to it. The hell with peer pressure. Use good judgment. If you can keep both of those in check, you may have a very positive experience in the sport. PS: I am NOT an instructor. Consult yours for any training recommendations. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Using fatalities as a gauge to determine involvement is not a fair assessment for this purpose. The US troops were regarded as the best Allied fighting force and best equipped in the world at that time. In fact they were a major player in the liberation of Europe and could have suffered many more casualties if the above were not true. In this case, measuring US fatalities does not link directly to how many enemy troops or resources were destroyed either. So I think the answer is, yes, without the US involvement in WWII it would be a very different world in Europe today. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Couldn't really call that, "selfish." It's how a parent feels who loves their children. Being a parent really changes that whole dimension. I had not been "afraid" of death my entire life. When I became a parent of two boys though, things changed without me even noticing. Like you said, I wanted to live as long as possible, did actually reduce certain risks to physical well-being - and it was worth it to me. A small price to pay to not miss one the greatest shows on earth - to participate in turning fragile babies into young men. What a privilege! I completely understand where you are coming from. Now that they both are in college, and being single, I've enjoyably reverted back to the former views on things. It's not that I was ever afraid of death because I hold a pretty strong faith, but just that now with my sons doing so well in life I feel like I can move on with other things that appeal to my inner self. Like throwing my sorry butt off of high places and living to tell about it... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

"Buttocal?" LMAO Yes, as in kiss my buttocal area Or: LMBO "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

"Buttocal?" LMAO "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

The fact that the male category has such a greatly diminished life expectancy has clear unpinning reasons. If you just use defense, for instance, only 2% of the entire casualties in Iraq were women. This despite some former feminist notions to have women on the front line. That is, those who do not acknowledge any differences between men and women consider it a slur to deprive a woman of the chance to be on the front lines. Just as true in civilian areas, statistically men occupy over 90% of the jobs considered most dangerous. The interesting part is there doesn't seem to be any equality issues raised by those who have spoken most loudly as to women's rights in regards to these ongoing statistics. I've not heard one peep from some otherwise noisy lobbyists saying, 'hey, not enough of us women died on that construction site." hmmmmmmmm... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

what if you think marriage will be the death of you? http://www.me.utexas.edu/~ans/Pro/lle.html Average Loss of Life Expectancy (LLE) Activity, risk, or state and associated LLE in days Being male 2800 Being unmarried 2000 This confirms my theory that married men don't really have to die sooner, they only do so to get away from their wives. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Finally, something I can't disagree with... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Clicky "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

A lot of emphasis is placed on a New Year starting in the US. It's typically associated with a fresh start, new chances, and unforeseen possibilities. But when you think about it, that's what keeps a lot of people going. Whether realistic or not, many feel that certain sense of slate-cleaning during the turnover where you believe that things can be better than the year before, and that keeps many going. Call it the human spirit or faith, our innate sense that either we, or a new set of circumstances may make a positive difference is what causes a lot of folks to get up and try again. It's pretty easy to see why as the alternative thought is that one is doomed to repeat whatever poor choices or bad luck a person may have had in the recently-departed year. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Hope nobody plans on going deep. Looks like a lazyboy might be a great way to plow the lower forty... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

You are absolutely right, it shouldn't matter. But the mere association with suspicion is enough to trigger an investigation. It's not equitable, but it's the way it currently is. The question, again, is what specific plan should supercede this to afford the kind of security we want while finding that balance between civil liberty and cooperating with screen practices? I just can't see this in the same seemingly paranoid way you continue to express this. I'm concerned about government spying, but in truth I am more concerned about terrorist mindsets. My government may be a major screw up in areas, and even poke it's nose where it doesn't belong from time to time, but none of that can be compared with a people that have sworn their hatred and destruction of the United States and it's people No country wanting to be truly free is ever free from some imposition on it's citizens. How much and what kind can be argued. But to believe that security practices should be akin to mind-reading so as not to infringe is not realistic. And as long as that is true, some innocent citizens will be detained. It's not a perfect science, and never will be because those who live for our destruction will continue to try to find loopholes where we do not have best practice in place for security in a given area of our lives. As I said originally, it's a hell of a thing to try to do and find that balance. But to do nothing, to have no policies in place is not the answer either. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

John, Never implied that either condoms nor flour was dangerous to aviation. We all agree on that. What is not clearly understood is how the screening process should be run to afford civil liberties while agressively pursuing security. The point of the argument is that no one knows what is contained until it's analyzed. And if analysis is faulty or takes three weeks, then shame on us. I'll be the first in line to say that must change. But a biological agent could easily exist in powdered form and with that, you could at least kill everyone on a plane. I like Bill's thoughts about better use of technology here - sniffers, etc. But working with what we have at the moment, I'm not sure there is any other way to do things than to carry a healthly suspicion. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Agreed to the first part Bill. You'd only need a battery actually to produce the hydrogen necessary to cause a small explosion. But can't agree with the principals you laid out. Principals, adherance to the constitution, rights to privacy are all good things, but that is not a plan. Neither is relying on the good deeds of the passenger. Everyone on flight 93 is dead, and although admirable, I bet you mostly all their surviving husbands, wives, mothers or fathers wouldn't mind a little bit of intrusiveness to have their loved ones back again. The flight 93 model you referred to is not a plan, nor a strategy. By the time that model comes into play, it's already too late. Proactive security is necessary. How to implement that is the question. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

***Neither a condom with powder in it nor a CD can be used to hijack an airplane...Quote If you mean what you said above literally, then I'm not sure I could agree with you. Condoms filled with Calcium Carbide could easily be made into an explosive mixture with just the addition of water, something readily available on-board. If that mixture was then contained in a screw-top container and ignited, it would make quite a blast. It may not be able to blow up a plane, but if the highjacker convinced the people that this was just a "mild" example of what he could do, I think it's highly possible someone could make an attempt to seize control, and at the very least, cause a lot of people a lot of trauma and expense to deal with 'em. The TSA likely could not tell what powders are benign, drugs, etc. So they probably have to check everything out. As I mentioned, I'd have no problem with them looking over anything I'd be carrying - then again, I don't carry any suspicious looking (at least to them) compounds stuffed in condoms. Invasion of privacy? Sort of, but we knew things were going to change after 9/11. And even though some say that was just an excuse to tighten the grip of the invasive government, the fact is that 3,000 people died that day because practices were loose on many security fronts, - something that was allowed to drift long before there was a GWB. The game changed. They came to our soil, killed our people, and if someone has a better plan to protect us, let's hear it. All I've heard from those against so far, is just that. Against, with no alternate, doable plan. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Dude, now you are attacking people on the forum just because they don't see things in the same way that you do? Someone could easily get the impression that you don't like living in the US at all unless it is arranged the way you want it. A nice idea, but not in touch with reality. Telling well-meaning people on the forum that they are fascists degrades a lot of people here, and I think you owe folks an apology. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Way to go! I've known SO many people with alcohol addiction that have tried, and failed, and tried again, and failed, and have given up. Most never even made it to a year, let alone 7 as you've been able to do. For those who have never witnessed it, it's a hell of a thing to kick. Much worse than cigarettes. It's easiest to never start, and in that regard, I've been lucky. But many have not, and some of the people I grew up with are in the cold ground today from one or both of these. Even my own brother died from a bad liver, and while not the root cause, his demise was greatly hastened by alchohol. You're doing the right thing, and I applaud everyone's courage who have posted on this thread about their success story as well. A lot of people who joke about what you've done couldn't put down their cigarettes for a week let alone take on this feat. Great job! "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

The Iranian "president" (seems like a terrorist with a title to me) has been goading the free world with unveiled threats of nuclear weapons possibilities. Knowing how the Iranian government in past times liked to bullshit it up, they may be farther off then they are leading the world to believe from having a viable firing solution. However, if you wave a plastic revolver in an officer's face and tell 'em your going to shoot 'em, it really doesn't matter whether it was real or not. You shot off your stupid mouth and got yourself taken out. However, I'd be surprised if the countries in question followed through on any such action. Seems like a lot of countries these days don't have the stomach for armed conflict on a large scale (and may not be willing to make the investment). More insidious though is the possibility that some of these countries don't want to burn bridges for when it comes time to do business with 'em in the future. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Here's the short version: "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

the TSA acting as a surrogate for the DEA anyway? Shouldn't they restrict themselves to confiscating Medals of Honor from 86 year old WWII heros, in case they use them as throwing stars? Hey no argument there. The whole system is totally whacked. All the more reason to err on the side non-controversy if you can help it when dealing with these folks. In terms of what their, "charge is" at the gates, it may be they're told to look for everything... we don't know what their instructions from supervisor's are regardless of their written charge (although it's clear they are not catching everything...) I for one am glad they are there at all though. We need someone to at least try to weed out the shoebombers, etc - I'd like it to be a perfect exclusion, but the intention of providing protection for air travelers is one that needs to be agressively pursued unless one takes the train (in which case, the plane will probably fall out of the sky and hit the train..) "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Don't think anyone is arguing that, and certainly I did not suggest that. But being foolish can get you detained, accused, or held - not only in this, but other situations as well. It doesn't have to be a crime to cause you a lot of hardship. So THINK! If she was carrying flour in tupperware, they may not have had the same reaction. (I knew someone who did this, at Phila airport, it was inspected, no problem) That's like going through security with lots of funny looking, pointed ends, hand-rolled cigarettes. There is nothing wrong with that - and it's completely legal. But why stir up the pot (no pun intended) I could roll 'em when I get to where I'm going and avoid the whole thing. We're not talking stupidity here, we're talking lack of common sense. I think the TSA has made a tremendous amount of screw-ups, attack people for totally benign reasons, and not check some things that are supposed to be banned (I've traveled with MANY people that kept their hook knives in their leg straps right through security with never a question, either on X-ray or personal inspection). At the same time, having a TSA job these days really sucks. There is so much pressure on those folks these days that they are probably trigger happy. So don't give 'em anything to complain about and you'll sail right through - and isn't that the goal? Now if you know that, and someone says anyway, "hey, nobody's gonna make me change what I carry and how I carry it" then they're just an arrogant asshole. And that's another story... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Okay, here are some condensed theories: 1) The grass is always greener on the... 2) One in the hand is worth two in... 3) All cats have nine lives, so... 4) Time heals all wounds... 5) Absence makes the heart grow fonder... 6) A rolling stone, gathers no moss... 7) A penny saved is a penny earned... Okay, getting off track... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

The thing is, if you have to err in a certain direction, why not err in the direction of not screwing around with the TSA? Hell, I even take my hook knife off of my rig, having sent it through via luggage just to keep 'em calm. One time, they said they detected explosives on my gear bag. Second test proved it wrong. It's way too tense at the TSA gates to not think about what you are bringing across the gate. Even if it's benign, it can cause you a lot of grief. Why chance it - especially when carrying drugs in condoms is not uncommon? Whether one thinks drugs could "hurt" anyone is really not the point. Don't screw with the gate cops. Relatively speaking, they don't have a lot of knowledge about drugs, so they're going to hang you up there just in case and just to make a point - right or wrong as that might be. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

It's going around. One of my sons just got the same thing. Take care, and rest..... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Ah.. but the real question is how will the court ever know if Letterman is complying with the order? He'd have to wear a "Brain Bracelet" to assure that his thoughts go no where near this woman. A little touch to enforce. My guess is he's thinking some very "special" thought about her, right now.... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky