danornan

Watch out for your shadow! (Hope this isn't a repeat as I didn't read all of the replies) On my first night jump it almost took me out. Kept yelling for it to move but it followed me all the way to the ground... Dano

Lookma has something you will like. It is made of webbing, so it can fold. http://www.lookma.de/Starting_Page/Products/_The_Wedge_/_the_wedge_.html I've been using Frank's for about 2-3 years and never had a problem with it. It's out of the way, there when I need to read it and never forgotten. Dano

Lots of good suggestions and to me, IMHO, setting the pattern before boarding works best. I don't want someone changing the pattern at the last second. In general, the further I land away from the "spectator" landing area, the safer I feel. Too many people try to land/swoop/spiral as close to the peas as possible and as much as they think they see, they don't. I feel that there should be a separate landing area for anyone who wishes to make a so called swoop landing. I tend to open a little higher, come down a little slower and that gives me more time to pick a safe place to land. I personally feel that if you want to do something unpredictable, it should not be on the DZ. A predictable pattern will save lives. Dano

Hell, I bet he would organize a formation for Viagra that looks like an erect dick. He already has and I was on it....... Don't even want to describe break-off...... Dano

Scotty, Happy birthday you old fart! See you Saturday.... Dano

I find it interesting that dog owners seem to be in denial! Including my sister. She and many dog owners will say to their dog, over and over, sit! stay! no! to no avail and continue and continue and continue. I personally love dogs, just not at the drop zone. Dano

Crashtested, You have a lot of us simply shaking our heads. Hope you see the light before it is too late! Dano

Sally, It just won't be the same at Z-Hills without Charlie. He was always helping, especially the new skydivers. He will be remembered for a long time because of they type of man he was. My sincere condolences. Dano

thanks...maybe one of the moderators can move it over. Didn't see it. Dano

Not sure where this should go, but I thought you may find this interesting: Honda Commercial with many recognizable skydivers...... Lots on You Tube too. http://www.honda.co.uk/accord/#the-ads-jump with more details here http://difficultisworthdoing.typepad.com/ Dano

How about those with carts and cell phones? Stop in everyones way, chatting loud enough for all around them to hear, but oblivious to traffic building behind them.... Dano

Thanks Spoon, I didn't know Joel very well, but used to see him from time to time at the local DZ's around Florida and he always seem to have a big smile on his face. I got to make a few fun jumps with him and wished now that I had gotten to know him better. He operated on several skydiving friends and they always spoke so highly of him. What a tragic loss to his family, the sport and his local community! Rest in peace Joel......... Dano

Wish I could play but I already committed to guarding the sharks in the aquarium..... Scrambles is always a good time. Have fun without me ..... Dano

If you have read this far, and you seriously have an injury concern, then my recommendation is to not make the jump. The wait is not a big deal.. You can do it when you come back. People will make lots of emotional reasons, and then try to justify it with their logic. Just wait. It ain't a big deal. Make your mother happy! Dano

Not where I jump. We haven't done scrambles or even NSL in a few years, granted... but that also means no teams and it's not hard at all to hook up with a 4-6-8 way at all. I guess it depends on where you are. We are most certainly not a "maga" (sic) center. Guess you've never been to Z-Hills! We jump with almost anybody..... Dano

Nice looking bike, NOW, if you love your family, invest in the motorcycle riding class. There is a lot out there, that you are not even aware of, that can kill you. In addition to the class, get the proper safety gear. Everything has been mentioned, except, I think, gloves. You probably took a class to learn to skydive and drive a car, do the same for your bike! It is not all instinctive. Take it slow till you've put several 1,000 miles on the bike and always pay attention to everything around you. When you think you need to hit the horn to alert someone to your presence, think about what you could have done to have avoided the situation. Take full responsibility for EVERYTHING that happens around you and you will survive longer. Dano

Interesting thread but there is one main problem; religion is strictly FAITH and BELIEF. There is nothing logical about religion. Way too many contradictions. Want to believe in the tooth fairy? Fine! Tell me the difference between a fable and a bible story. Bibles and individual testimony are not considered reliable reference, so you either believe and have faith or you don't. Don't try to use your "buffet" logic of the hour or day. There is NOTHING logical about religion. It changes too much. Dano

My thinking is that most people have made up their mind and there is little that can be said that will make them change. In other words, if they hear that "their" candidate told a lie, and it is backed up with proof, then they justify their opinion by thinking that everyone lies! Seems many people have a hot button opinion, and all of the advertising and media hype, seems, is irrelevant. Dano

I am curious if there is ANYTHING that the "other" candidates could do or say that would change your mind at this point in the primary/election? It seems that most people (about 10% are undecided) have decided who they favor and the media keeps digging up revelations and snippets of what they said or did and I wonder if it really matters when it comes time to vote. What would really change your mind and is all of the new news going to really make a difference to you?? Dano

One of the main problems is when the public votes for a politician who claims to be able to make it all right and solve all individual problems. The main focus of the government is to protect us, not coddle us from the cradle to the grave. When you vote for someone who says he will solve all of your personal problems, you are part of the problem. Dano

I used to call on coal mines in that area in the mid 70's. Hard to believe that there is skydiving on the top of that mountain. Can't imagine what it would be like to land out! I hear the banjos in the background.... Have fun, wish I could be there. Dano

Just thought it seemed like fun and used it as a goal after getting my MBA. Wasnt even aware of that thing called "free fall." Thought you simply jumped, opened up the parachute and then flew down. Gave it a try, starting with Static Line and got hooked. Went up and made another jump the same day and then found out about Free Fall! Made the "skydive" even better. 2,500 jumps later, it's still fun and I can't wait to make the next one. Dano

Not too many local loads get off the ground at the "Hills" without a few remembrances of Johnny around 5-6,000 feet, soon after the door shuts! Tandem passengers that get to share in the local color seem to be amused! Johnny added a lot to the good vibs and will be remembered for a very long time. Dano

You got to try them on to feel the fit. I really like my Z-1 with an internal audible. Fits great and has great external peripheral vision. Get a motorcycle helmet bag. cheap, and room for additional items like gloves (don't store inside helmet because of the odor) and little things... Dano

Thanks for taking the time to prepare and share these documents. Hopefully all skydivers will read and try to understand them. Dano