Ragnarok

I would take the hit for the team and carry this out.... Seriously, Grace is what is letting this woman live her life. Jesus already died for our sins, according to the Bible, but I don't think she got past the Old Testament......... _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Received the following from (Name removed for privacy) who was a Director with SW BELL in Mexico City. You remember I spent five years working in Mexico. I worked under a tourist Visa for three months and could legally renew it for three more months. After that you were working Illegally. I was technically illegal for three weeks waiting on the FM3 approval During that six months our Mexican and US Attorneys were working to secure a permanent work visa called a FM3. It was in addition to my US passport that I had to show each time I entered and left the country. My wife was the same except hers did not permit her to work. To apply for the FM3 I needed to submit the following notarized originals (not copies) of my: 1. Birth certificates. 2. Marriage certificate. 3. High school transcripts and proof of graduation. 4. College transcripts for every college I attended and proof of graduation. 5. Two letters of recommendation from supervisors I had worked for at least one year. 6. A letter from The Chief of Police indication I had no arrest record in the US and no outstanding warrants and was "a citizen in good standing." 7. Finally; I had to write a letter about myself that clearly stated why there was no Mexican Citizen with my skills and why my skills were important to Mexico. We called it our "I am the greatest person on Earth" letter. It was fun to write. All of the above were in English that had to be translated into Spanish and be certified as legal translations and our signatures notarized. It produced a folder about 1.5 inches thick with English on the left side and Spanish on the right. Once they were completed my wife and I spent about five hours accompanied by a Mexican Attorney touring Mexican Government office locations and being photographed and fingerprinted at least three times. At each location and we remember at least four locations we instructed on Mexican tax, labor, housing, and criminal law and that we were required to obey their laws or face the consequences. We could not protest any of the Governments actions or we would be committing a felony. We paid out four thousand dollars in fees and bribes to complete the process. When this was done we could legally bring in our household goods that were held by US customs in Loredo Texas. This meant we has rented furniture in Mexico while awaiting our goods. There were extensive fees involved here that the company paid. We could not buy a home and were required to rent at very high rates and under contract and compliance with Mexican law. We were required to get a Mexican drivers license. This was an amazing process. The company arranged for the Licensing agency to come to our Headquarters location with their photography and finger print equipment and the laminating machine. We showed our US license, were photographed and fingerprinted again and issued the license instantly after paying out a six dollar fee. We did not take a written or driving test and never received instructions on the rules of the road. Our only instruction was never give a policeman your license if stopped and asked. We were instructed to hold it against the inside window away from his grasp. If he got his hands on it you would have to pay ransom to get it back. We then had to pay and file Mexican income tax annually using the number of our FM3 as our ID number. The companies Mexican accountants did this for us and we just signed what they prepared. I was about twenty legal size pages annually. The FM 3 was good for three years and renewable for two more after paying more fees. Leaving the country meant turning in the FM# and certifying we were leaving no debts behind and no outstanding legal affairs (warrants, tickets or liens) before our household goods were released to customs. It was a real adventure and If any of our Senators or Congressman went through it once they would have a different attitude toward Mexico. The Mexican Government uses its vast military and police forces to keep its citizens intimidated and compliant. They never protest at their White house or government offices but do protest daily in front of the United States Embassy. The US embassy looks like a strongly reinforced fortress and during most protests the Mexican Military surround the block with their men standing shoulder to shoulder in full riot gear to protect the Embassy. These protests are never shown on US or Mexican TV. There is a large public park across the street where they do their protesting. Anything can cause a protest such as proposed law changes in California or Texas Please feel free to share this with everyone who thinks we are being hard on illegal immigrants. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Quit your bitching, you limey wanker!!!!! (J/K!!! - Dude, I feel ya. I worked with a few blokes with the RAF (gunners) and they were amazed that liquor was so cheap over here. Peace!) _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

I have a germ phobia. I try not to even touch the doorhandle in a public place, let alone the toilet handle. I use my foot ALL the time, unless I am in my own home. I wash my hands and if there are no paper towels, I wipe then on my pants - or grab some TP in a pinch. At the DZ, I use alcohol hand sanatiser.............. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Colorful. Tri-190 _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

And we are all coming over to your house for cookies and beer!!!!!!! _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

That is because women use 100 a day, men just use 14. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Like Stitch, I was thinking omlette. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

South Park followed by Mind of Mencia - AWESOME!!! _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

That was just about cool! _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

One of the swoopers at my DZ did this. I asked him why. It reduced drag was one of the reasons he stated. I agree with this logic. You pack it, you jump it. As long as you are not doing anything illegal or unsafe, I do not see the cause for concern. Just be careful so you do not hang up on anything while in the aircraft....... _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

I smoke on occasion, but I think it should be banned in any public place that admits/serves anyone under 18. I also think that pot should be legal. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

If you choose to raise your hand and enlist, you are entitled to serve in any capacity you choose. If you can hack, great to have you aboard. I would rather have someone with heart and will than just simply the competence - male or female. My 0.02. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Food for thought.... This is an Airman's response to Cindy Williams' editorial piece in the Washington Times about MILITARY PAY, it should be printed in all newspapers across America. On Nov. 12, Ms Cindy Williams (from Laverne and Shirley TV show) wrote a piece for the Washington Times, denouncing the pay raise coming service members' way this year -- citing that the stated 13% wage was more than they deserve. A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this. "Ms Williams: I just had the pleasure of reading your column, "Our GIs earn enough" and I am a bit confused. Frankly, I'm wondering where this vaunted overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service) and my bank account. Checking my latest earnings statement I see that I make $1,117.80 before taxes. After taxes, I take home $874.20. When I run that through the calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413.60 before taxes, and $10,490.40, after. I work in the Air Force Network Control Center where I am part of the team responsible for a 5,000 host computer network. I am involved with infrastructure segments, specifically with Cisco Systems equipment. A quick check under jobs for Network Technicians in the Washington, D.C. area reveals a position in my career field, requiring three years experience with my job. Amazingly, this job does NOT pay $13,413.60 a year. No, this job is being offered at $70,000 to $80,000 per annum... I'm sure you can draw the obvious conclusions. Given the tenor of your column, I would assume that you NEVER had the pleasure of serving your country in our armed forces. Before you take it upon yourself to once more castigate congressional and DOD leadership for attempting to get the families in the military's lowest pay brackets off of WIC and food stamps, I suggest that you join a group of deploying soldiers headed for AFGHANISTAN; I leave the choice of service branch up to you. Whatever choice you make, though, opt for the SIX month rotation: it will guarantee you the longest possible time away from your family and friends, thus giving you full "deployment experience." As your group prepares to board the plane, make sure to note the spouses and children who are saying good-bye to their loved ones. Also take care to note that several families are still unsure of how they'll be able to make ends meet while the primary breadwinner is gone -- obviously they've been squandering the "vast" piles of cash the government has been giving them. Try to deploy over a major holiday; Christmas and Thanksgiving are perennial favorites. And when you're actually over there, sitting in a foxhole, shivering against the cold desert night; and the flight sergeant tells you that there aren't enough people on shift to relieve you for chow, remember this: trade whatever MRE (meal-ready-to-eat) you manage to get for the tuna noodle casserole or cheese tortellini, and add Tabasco to everything. This gives some flavor. Talk to your loved ones as often as you are permitted; it won't nearly be long enough or often enough, but take what you can get and be thankful for it. You may have picked up on the fact that I disagree with most of the points you present in your opined piece. But, tomorrow from KABUL, I will defend to the death your right to say it. You see, I am an American fighting man, a guarantor of your First Amendment rights and every other right you cherish. On a daily basis, my brother and sister soldiers worldwide ensure that you and people like you can thumb your collective nose at us, all on a salary that is nothing short of pitiful and under conditions that would make most people cringe. We hemorrhage our best and brightest into the private sector because we can't offer the stability and pay of civilian companies. And you, Ms. Williams, have the gall to say that we make more than we deserve? Rubbish! A1C Michael Bragg Hill AFB AFNCC We also get paid salary, wether we work 40 hours a week, or 120. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

I had it done in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Military base. I paid nothing, benefit for being active duty. I had a pre-op consult/exam that took all of an hour. After I got to Ft. Campbell, it was another few exams, and later in the afternoon, I had the procedure. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

In lasik, there is a flap. It needs to heal - though it never fully heals - and it may get loose. THis is a rare problem. In PRK, there is no flap, and the surface of your eye needs to heal. I may be able to jump in another couple weeks if all goes well. Is is just your eyesight, afterall............ _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

A big two thumbs up for this procedure! Outside of the day or two of intense discomfort, which Percocet worked well, I am amazed. It is like I am seeing everything for the first time. All the colors and everything is just so clear! I am grounded for 30 days, not too big of a deal, I can still hang out at the DZ and buy beer. Another jumper with a coach rating is going to hook me up with a currency dive, so it is all good. Oh, I broke up with my girlfriend - but it is ok - she was psycho. If anyone is thinking about getting this done, I will be happy to share my experience. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

I am 20/20 3 days post-op. I anticipate to be 20/15 or around there. I am pleased and would do it again. I am still taking percocet, but I am comfortable. The blurriness from time to time is annoying, but I am getting the week off work so all I do is lie around and relax. I am not really good for much else.. I highly recommend it if you are thinking aboug getting corrective surgery. Now all I have to do is wait until the Doctor clears me to jump......... _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Blue Moon is good - for a Coors product anyway. I like white ales and Blue Moon is adequate in a pinch. As for a slice of lemon or orange, well, if I wanted a fruit salad, I'd order one. Fruit does not belong in a beer - unless you are a female.............. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

OK, now I am starting to get nervous. I leave tomorrow. I am having it done in less than 36 hours. I am thinking I should be elated, but I have this sense of fear - kinda like the first time I jumped. Since I have so few replies to this thread am I to gather that very few out there have had this done??? _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Getting RPK. Like Lasik, but without the flap. I am getting it done in Ft. Campbell. No jumping for thirty days, gonna be pushing the currency issue, but small price to pay for not having to wear glasses anymore. I will be jumping Monday, though. Anyone here have it done? What did you think? _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

I used to have mine done. Chicks at the bar would always want to put their hand down my shirt and feel........... _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Excellent. Could this maybe be included in an FAQ or something of that nature? Would be helpful for others to learn from this as well. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Had this happen this past weekend. My fingers (first three on my left hand) got caught in the brakeline between the toggle and the loop on the riser. Started to spin, stopped by pulling on the other toggle to level off, checked for traffic and alti. Then I proceeded to free my hand. Scary shit, people, trying to free my hand while spinning. The line kept getting tighter and tighter. Well, it occured to me to pull the line with the other hand to loosen the line over my fingers. Took a bit, but managed to free my hand. I was wearing gloves, but still managed to cut my finger a bit. I asked another skydiver (I only have 40 jumps) what would be a better way to get my fingers out if it happened again. I was told to basically grab the line above my hand to get it loose, then work my hand free. Easy enough. Now, I pay attention when unstowing my breaks to make sure I keep my fingers from getting tangled in the line. Any other advice/tips that I need to know??? _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever

Hell, I am impressed that he got into the formation in the first place, with all those line twists and all...... damn impressive canopy piloting............. _________________________________________ Twin Otter N203-Echo,29 July 2006 Cessna P206 N2537X, 19 April 2008 Blue Skies Forever