Gato

Hey Guys - Got the ride situation in hand. Thanks for giving this your attention, and for those that sent PMs, thanks for taking the time to do so. Mother in law is a sweetheart and she's loaning me her Corolla. I think I got pretty lucky, my wife and her whole family are really cool people. They're all Trekkies and a good number of them belong to the NRA, and whuffos, every one. Back to the topic at hand . . . . It turns out that my car has a failed catalytic converter and exhaust pipe spring-bolt kit. It's causing a God-awful whistling and rattling, and robbing me of 90% power. So off I go to the muffler shop on monday, as no one will touch it today. Next time I'm just going to buy a Toyota or Honda. I'd rather deal with the cost of high quality than constant repairs and being stranded all the time. Hmmm. . . . There's probably a good lesson for skydiving gear in there somewhere. I'll think about it for awhile. I love this site - I want to marry it - I want to shave it - I want to lay with it in the pale moonlight and buy it a cocktail. Blue Skies and Quiet Cars, Chris - El Gato PS: Yes, I do feel the mods are honorable. They haven't discouraged me from being here, and they have spoken to me with respect. If you could ever even say a newbie deserves any. Is my nose brown? . . . . I can't tell. T.I.N.S.

Hey there - Well, I've been "through the wringer" trying to get my car running right. I've dropped at least $600 in the last 3 weeks (Hence, not jumping since Nov.18), and it quit on me today AGAIN! The mechanic is looking at it again tomorrow, but I'm pretty sure I'll be immobilized until monday or tuesday. (And yes, I am going to look for a new mechanic!) So here is my plea: I'm looking for another MRVS jumper who can give me a lift to the DZ this sunday, Dec. 17 (tomorrow). I'm offering gas and food/beer as compensation, in addition to being eternally grateful. I'm just outside downtown KCMO, very easy to find, and I won't smoke or fart in your car. I need to be back in town no later than 5pm for a gig. I know this is completely shameless and very short notice, and I don't care - I'll go non-current on the 18th of this month and I don't want to let that happen. Somebody please help! Send me an email or PM if you like, and I'll respond as quicky as possible. Thanks! Humbly Yours, Chris PS: I don't know if it's appropriate for me to post in this way in this forum. Honorable moderators, please let me know if I'm out-of-line here. T.I.N.S.

Hello KaiserD - From one student to another, I'm glad to hear you're OK - congrats on a non-fatal return to Earth! It's amazing how this sport forces us to look closely at ourselves and put our egos aside. I salute you for your owning your moments, and for taking responability for what happened. At my DZ, the owner is the radio operator, and he identifies us by the order of exit. Since I've been the heaviest student on every jump, I'm always the 1st one out and "Jumper number 1." I think some DZs make it very difficult to know when we should begin actively correcting and making decisions for ourselves. Why does this have to be so mysterious? My only off-DZ landing (Also my 3rd jump) came as a result of not understanding the first command from the radio, and then not making the corrections I knew needed to be made as I waited for the next instruction. So that 400 yard hike was ultimately my doing. One more quick thing, remember that it's not just about having to land on an object, it's also very much about the turbulence created by the objects. I've been taught that it can cause collapses, as well as other unpleasant anomalies. Keep us posted on your progress - take it easy. Gato PS: REALLY GLAD to hear you don't have a shattered tailbone (Coccyx - pronounced "cock six" - have fun with that!) - I have broken mine twice and if you had broken yours, you'd know it, no question. When you cough or sneeze, it feels like a 3 foot metal spike driven into your neck, through your spine, out your ass, and back up again. There's a lovely visual. T.I.N.S.

How about a copy of "The Parachute and Its Pilot" by Brian Germain? I had my wife drop the hint to my mother. I hope to find it in my stocking. If she wants to go all out, how about an accessories bundle: a pair of Sorz, an Altimaster Galaxy III, and Neumann gloves. Maybe a Bonehead Pimp Daddy if she's got the bucks. I saw this rabbit (Kokopelli) skydiver pendant that looks pretty cool, and it's not as obvious as a closing pin. See attachment. Here's a URL: http://www.badalijewelry.com/petroglyph-koko_c.htm Blue Sky Holidays! Gato T.I.N.S.

I'll say number 4 for the cool factor. Having said that, I noticed there were no Casio watches in your selection. As you may or may not know, they have the some of the most accurate and advanced timepieces in the known universe. Check out the Edifice series, very cool chronograph designs. I always feel a little smug when I can trump anybody else NOT wearing an atomic clock-calibrated watch. The government calibrates my watch every 2 days. You can't possibly be as on-time, or as precisely late as I am. Incidentally, you'll want to see how you look naked, wearing only the watch. I do this with my socks and gloves, sometimes with cowboy boots on. Avoid this practice when mall-shopping. Gato T.I.N.S.

Quote Once again you question my integrity by saying that I pulled below 2,000 feet. Quote OK, I'm a newbie, and I know I have no business being here . . . . and I'm risking a flaming . . . . and a scolding . . . . or a beat-down, but . . . . Jraf, my brother, no one is questioning your integrity. They are questioning your ability to exude altitude awareness. Is it possible you are 100% correct and your equipment is 100% accurate? Of course! It's also possible that you and your equipment may be wrong. This isn't an attack nor is it criticism - it's simply a fact. Every time you insist on posting sarcastic and inflammatory remarks in reponse to legitimate questions, that WILL make people question your integrity - and your motives. You are probably a very likeable guy, and you are CLEARLY gifted in the art of verbal combat. But these people aren't trying to fight with you - they are your brothers and sisters and they are tying to keep you alive. Have your altimeter tested, get yourself a data recorder, and find out the truth. Then we can blow this thing and all go home. Best of luck and Blue Skies to you, Gato PS: To all the experienced jumpers and the honorable moderators, I humbly apologize if I have over stepped my bounds. I will now sit quietly and await whatever consequences may come. T.I.N.S.

Hello again - Well, I've found out that all 3 of the panels that retain the goggle strap can be removed. They are attached with aircraft screws, which may eliminate the need for any slathering at all. But slatherin' . . . and sandin' . . . and polishin' are a whole lot of fun. I've actually done body and refinishing work on electric guitars (Two pics of some of my work attached below, and my trademarked logo) for quite a few years now, and I just thought this would give me a chance to be a bit creative in the cranial region. Hey, it's either this or I take up quilting. I won't be ready for that until I can't jump anymore. Thanks for your input, guys! Gato PS: I have seen a pig wearing lipstick - I bought her a drink. T.I.N.S.

I'm pretty sure I'll have to do a bit of modifying to make it snag-free, but I'm an industrious gentleman. And I have lots and lots of epoxy. I would like to hear about anyone else's snow helmet mods, if you all would be willing to share them. **RETRACTION/APOLOGY: By the way, sorry about the "completely gay" comment in my first post - I think I'm picking up my students' diction and habits. (Just yesterday, I must have sent at least 673 text messages, told 7 bands that they suck, and lied to my parents about my grades.) Cautiously yours, Gato T.I.N.S.

OK, I know this is coming on the heels of yet another helmet thread, but I just had to share some pics of a helmet I just scored. It's called the Ovo Titan, and from what I understand the company is no more. There are a few lurking about, however, and I got this one brand new. I'll have to remove the goggle retainer in the back and do something with the sides, but it was just too cool to let go. I wanted a ski-type helmet with hard protection over the ears, and this was one of the few snow helmets that didn't look COMPLETELY GAY. This one reminds me of one of the speeder bike helmets in Return of the Jedi. GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! If you're turning 40, is it ok to say you're stoked? I am. Blues and such, Galactic Gato PS What's up Jeremy? callin ya right now. T.I.N.S.

Hey Lince - Welcome to the forums! I have only 6 jumps so far, but I can tell you that static line is a blast! Granted, we have to work our way up to higher altitudes, so we essentially have to earn the freefall that you'd get from a tandem or AFF jump. But you'll get a rush out of leaving a plane in flight no matter how you do it, I can assure you. My decision to go static line was driven by the desire to fly solo, and to become a licenced skydiver. If I had thought I'd only jump once, I probably would have done a tandem instead, as AFF wasn't really an option at the time. My static line First Jump Course (gear and lift ticket included) cost less than a tandem jump, so it also made good economic sense to me. Be sure to visit a couple of DZs if you can, not only to compare prices and facilities, but also to get a "vibe" you're comfortable with. (sorry about the preposition!) Also, different DZs have varying rules concerning beer - for instance, at my DZ, students are not subject to beer rules until graduation (according to my instructors.) Here's a phrase that you'll want to memorize: "When in doubt, talk to your instructors." You will see and hear it often. It is good. Let us know how it goes, and HAVE FUN! Big Blue WARM Skies, El Gato T.I.N.S.

Hello Tyrion - Well, to be honest, it's something a lot of people do here at my DZ. And I was told to either grab it with my teeth, or as you and I both agree, to slip it into my suit before unstowing the brakes. I live, I learn, I adapt, I go to the dentist. Thanks! Gato T.I.N.S.

Good day to you all - So I had jumps 5 & 6 yesterday, both PRCPs (I blew the first one, passed great on the second). I was flying a 9-cell PD 300, and my exit weight is 230lbs. The ground temp was around 43F - 45F, which is about 10 degrees colder than I have jumped before. Our DZO was guiding me down on the radio, and he let me play around a bit before the landing sequence. I tried half-brakes, a couple of 360's, and a couple of practice flares. It was very cool to be in control of the situation, keeping the target within my wind-cone and trying to stay aware of obtsacles below. Then he had me turn onto my downwind leg at about 1100'. When it came time for my base leg, I made a 90 deg. right toggle turn and immediately felt a very dramatic loss of altitude. Same thing on final approach, right toggle to my shoulder, and 10 or 15 feet of altitude - just gone. I understand this is a normal occurance, but what I want to know is if the altitude loss is greater when the temperature is lower, or is it just that I'm just more aware of things in general. I have noticed a bit of a loss in some turns, but nothing like yesterday. AND - I broke a tooth when I bit down on my practice ripcord. Thankfully, it was a previous root-canal and didn't hurt. So there I was . . . flying my PD 300 with a hunk of tooth and my RC swimming around in my mouth. From now on, that fucking cable goes in my fucking jumpsuit before I unstow the fucking brakes. Fuck!! Do I now owe beer for my first tangible skydiving injury? Yours Bluely, Gato PS: Sorry for all the gratuitous profanity, I just needed to vent a little bit - I STILL have to do another PRCP before my Clear and Pull! T.I.N.S.

EXTRA-LONG POST COMING: This country is not a Utopia, and it never will be - our attempts to achieve perfection are FUTILE. If you think for one minute that banning smoking in ANY place will deter a smoker from lighting up, you are sorely mistaken. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet. Do you think arresting someone for smoking pot or crack has any effect on their addiction to the drug? Most people go looking for a hit as soon as they post bond/bail. This is nothing more than people trying to force their will on others - we've gone to war over less. Good luck trying to keep the government out of your personal affairs once laws like this are enacted. Oh, wait - it's too late for that. At one time in our history, it was illegal to beat your wife with a stick bigger-around than your thumb (This is where the phrase "As a rule of thumb" comes from.) Check it out. Oral sex is STILL illegal in some states; good luck smoking a pole in public. Forget about "In the butt, Bob." How many non-smokers will be upset when phohibition returns? Don't laugh - it's coming. Here are some other fun/disturbing facts: It is illegal to walk down the street in Maine with your shoelaces undone. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal for a man to purchase alcohol without written consent from his wife. In Nebraska, a parent can be arrested in his or her child can’t hold back a burp during a church service. It is also against the law to sneeze in a Nebraska church. When a man meets a cow in Minnesota, he is required by law to remove his hat. In Texas, it is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing. In Ohio, women are prohibited from wearing patent leather shoes in public. In Cleveland, Ohio, it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting licence. In California, it is illegal to threaten a butterfly, let alone kill one. In North Dakota, it is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on. No store is Providence, Rhode Island, is allowed to sell a toothbrush on a Sunday. But they can sell toothpaste and mouthwash on the Sabbath. In Atlanta, Gerogia, it is illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp. It is illegal to spit into the wind in Nebraska. In Kansas, it’s against the law to catch fish with your bare hands. In Oklahoma, it is illegal to get a fish drunk. You also risk arrest, a fine or a jail sentence if you are caught making “ugly faces” at a dog. You may not eat cottage cheese after 6pm on a Sunday in Tampa Bay, Florida. In Muncie, Indiana, it is illegal to carry fishing tackle in a cemetery. In Chicago, it is illegal to go fishing while wearing pyjamas. In New York, a fine of $25 may still be levied for flirting. This old law prohibits men from turning around on any city street and looking “at a woman in that way.” A second conviction for this crime requires the offender to wear a pair of racehorse blinders whenever he goes out! T.I.N.S.

Greetings - My bandmates know about it, and I'm pretty sure they think I'm out of my mind or have a death wish. My keyboard player is OK with it, and I think he knows it's another way of getting to know oneself at the core. The lead singer was/is concerned they'll have to find another guitarist - she's so fucking sweet! I don't tell my students about it, as I don't think their parents would be too cool with influencing their kids in that way. I think most people have a general misconception about the sport and they tend to assume the worst about us. It's a shame they can't understand the motivations we have or the very natural fears we must overcome to do this. They aren't afraid for the scuba divers, though, which I find strange. Cheers, Gato T.I.N.S.

Welcome - There's a policy around our DZ - dirt dives are free. When I was thinking too much and psych-ing myself out, 2 of my instructors put me into a hanging harness and had me practice my sequence and emergency procedures. This really helped reassure me that I can save my own life. Remember that fear is a physiological response, not just a bunch of thoughts that you can "think away". Try to notice how you physically feel when you are experiencing the anxiety - then focus on breathing deeply and releasing whatever muscle tension you may have. Also, try to make yourself smile as you do it. This works on the ground, in the plane, and under canopy. Above all, notice what's happening RIGHT NOW, and you'll see that there's not that much to fear. By all means, go back out to the DZ and chill with the other jumpers. At the very least, the more exposure you have to the sport, the more comfortable you will be with the whole situation. Having said all that, don't let anyone try to talk you into doing anything you don't feel right about doing. Just a newbie's 2 cents-worth. Best of luck, Gato T.I.N.S.

"Are you using the whole fist, Doc?" OR "Stop . . . standing . . . on . . my . . balls!" OR "No more waxing my nutsac . . . where's my can of Nair?" OR "Damn, woman - I said NO TEETH!" I just noticed these are all crotch-related - perhaps I'm a bit fixated. Gato T.I.N.S.

Hey Skyhumans - Well, I had my 4th jump today, the second PRCP, and I could not be happier! This is the first jump where I felt everything went as well as it could, and I'm convinced it's because I practiced my moves and audible for the last two weeks (See privious thread on PRCP Practice.) All I had to do was climb out, and my training took over. I added a smile to the sequence, and it actually helped! I was a bit scared on the way to altitude, but just as I began to notice I was scared, I also noticed the muscle tension I was carrying. Focusing on breathing, relaxing, and releasing the tension kept me plenty occupied during the plane ride, so I was too busy to be scared. By the time I had to exit, I was actually happy about it! (Normally when the door opens, I just sit there and think, "Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck I'm scared." This new way is much more fun. Having found my sacred rhythm, I will now pay tribute to the lord of malted barley . . . . . . Later, Gato T.I.N.S.

OK, I know I'm a low-timer (VERY LOW), but I'm interested in the age of the individual to whom you are referring. (Please read carefully before you decide to flame on me.) The reason is that I read some research awhile back that indicated that the ability to fully assess risk doesn't fully develop in the human brain until around age 25 or 26. I don't remember the source of the information, but I seem to recall 60 Minutes doing a piece on it, or maybe it was 20/20. I don't make the assumption that this is true, but it certainly helps explain a lot of stupid shit we've ALL done when we were in our early 20's. It's normal for young men to be as young lions, invincible and ever-powerful. I haven't been a jumper for long, but as a 39 year-old male, I observe plenty of REALLY DUMB phenomena in everyday life - i.e., the two guys hauling ass on GSX-R Suzukis at 80mph while riding wheelies RIGHT NEXT TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY! (If you are doing this, you ARE a dumb-ass, and your dad should take your bike away from you.) If you really want to get his attention, you or someone else should take him to visit an Intensive Care Unit or an ER - and let him SMELL it! (Bedpans have a way of waking you up.) Then let him know you'll make sure to have his rig brought to his room if he ever ends up there. Yours Bluely, Gato the Humble Newbie T.I.N.S.

Congratulations, Gretsch & Dragonlady! You've crossed a big divide that can exist between a wife and husband - no small feat! I became obsessed with jumping a few months ago, and I have to say that my wife is a very very patient person. For awhile, I couldn't talk about anything else, much less think about mundane issues. Then, about 3 months ago, she scored a dream job (after working sporadically as a freelance writer for a few years). All of a sudden, the pressure on me to make most of the money was lifted, and she bought me my First Jump Course. God, I love that woman.

*** . . it may be beneficial to practice while laying on a large cushion/pillow/bean bag chair to eliminate feedback from your feet and leg muscles. You see, most people depend upon feedback from their feet and leg muscles for balance. *** Hey, thanks riggerrob! I had been wondering what to do about that aspect. Thankfully, I've been doing a lot of excercise focused on core training, and I've found it easier to "floor dive" when you have some muscle to push with. Washboard abs photo coming soon . . . . Blueness, Gato T.I.N.S.

Hey Kevin - Thanks for the reply - skybytch advised me to keep posting my experiences, so as long as you all are cool with it, I'll keep doing it. I was told that the look and reach steps are kind of simultaneous, so my modified audible goes like this (metronome set to 60 beats per minute right now): 1 --- "Dot" and- "Go" 2 --- "Arch" and- "Reach" 3 --- "Pull" and- "One" 4 --- "Thousand" and- "Two" 1 --- "Thousand" and- "Three" 2 --- "Thousand" and- "Four" 3 --- "Thousand" and- "Five" 4 --- "Thousand" and- "Check!" Damn, it took awhile to type that and make it look right. Hope everything is going well. Gato T.I.N.S.

Hello DZ.commers - I just completed my 3rd SL jump, which was my first Practice Ripcord Pull (PRCP). The climb-out, hang, and go sequence, as well as the pull itself went very smoothly, but my JM told me I was kicking my legs a bit, as if searching for something to stand on. Anyone else had this problem? I think it's partially because I didn't practice my arch enough before the jump, and (This is probably it-) I allowed myself to rush to make a load after the PRCP class. Before I even had my first jump, I had promised myself that that is one mistake I WILL NOT MAKE! I was amped-up after the class (We rehearsed mals and hard-pulls with me in a harness hung from the ceiling.) and I didn't give myself the chance to calm down before the actual dive. I may start calling myself The Sloth just to remind myself to calm down. Sometimes Gatos move too fast. Having said all that, I since discovered a way to practice my sequence in a more practical and realistic way. First, I made a red 4" disc which I velcro'd to the ceiling (It's my house). Then I realized that the audible sequence is made up of 16 words, which I think of as 1/8 notes (Count 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and) so the audible can be broken down into 2 measures in musical terms. Using a metronome at a slow tempo, I worked out a way to start my count as soon as the JM says "Look Up." So I loop my dummy RC through my belt twice to simulate a little resistance, stand to the left of my disc, and rehearse the climb-out, etc. I make sure I'm already standing with my legs apart to facilitate the clean arch and run through the entire sequence to "Check." So far, I've been feeling a lot more confident and I'm practicing every day. I'm hoping this isn't a bad idea, and I'm interested in what the experienced jumpers think of this. Now if I could just find a way to simulate the door opening . . . . . Many Blues, Gato T.I.N.S.

Hello AFFI - I get it - what you said is the reasoning behind my original post. I was also thinking more in terms of ONLY sharing jump stories, not giving each other advise. But I definitely see where you're coming from. Like a good student, I sit corrected.

Hello Skybytch - Thanks for your words of encouragement - they are appreciated. So I'll take time every now and then to post my progress, if it's OK with the DZ community. Yours Bluely, El Gato T.I.N.S.