johndh1

You know, odd as it seems to take pictures of the at the funeral, I've heard that it's not been that long ago that it was tradition to set the deceased up in normal positions, like at a dinner table or in a parlor chair. That was just odd! Roll Tide Roll

I was watching a show about the Columbia's last trip the other day, I think on the History Channel. It showed real time at command control as all of it was happening, and to see the look on those people's faces when the realization hit them was very saddening, even after all this time. I was probably 10, and for some reason home from school watching lift-off when the Challenger exploded. I remember having nightmares about it. Roll Tide Roll

Billy, There's one of those up around Nashville I think, and (IIRC) it was the location of a Patricia Cornwell book several years ago, Body Farm. As for Grimmie's Viking funeral, I've always thought that was cool myself. Roll Tide Roll

Oh, no - he did a good enough job proving that himself. I was content to sit back and watch and keep my mouth shut (believe it or not) Roll Tide Roll

I had a wanna-be camera jumper tell me that I "took too long in the door" on my first AFF years ago after he had an off-airport landing. My two instructors and I made it back. He never relented. It was funny for a couple years to see people's expressions as he recounted the story many times around the bonfire. Roll Tide Roll

I'm all for cremation. I see no sense in taking up more space once one is no longer breathing. I also don't think you should feel guilty for your cynicism regarding trite words spoken at the memorial. I've said for a while I thought it would be hilarious to have the ashes baked into cupcakes and handed out to a few key people who find at the bottom of the little wrapper the words "EAT ME." Roll Tide Roll

Bill Von .., As self-absorbed as you may be and while this particular website may seem to guarantee you the authority you've always craved , it saddens me to inform you that internet postings are not necessarily considered evidence as defined by Georgia State Law . Sorry! Blues, Cliff I couldn't say what Georgia does (or how that matters where this incident is concerned), but testimony under oath is acceptable in Alabama. Roll Tide Roll

This is CLEARLY an admission, no? And how "sure" are you? Sure enough that you'd ever want to meet in person with about a dozen angry plane owners to discuss their trivial gripe over what you did with their property they worked so hard for? Trust me, Sizzlechest, you don't. Roll Tide Roll

>Sigh< Where to start... It happened just as stated. Believe me, a LOT of people who suffered the consequences and aggravation remember the details. Yes, there was debate with some angry plane owners and the board wanting someone to be punished for it, and that almost happened. Almost, NOT in quotes. The actual culprits were not the ones who would have been held responsible because they were there after the people responsible for completion of requirements of the hangar lease had already returned to Georgia. I was part of the removal because I didn't think Rob and Laura deserved the trouble, and just to make the damned situation go away - plus, I was tired of smelling the fucking thing. No, I'm sure it wasn't under Cary's orders; it does, however, give example of certain mentality and atmosphere cultivated amongst his minions (your word, not mine). To debate whether it was a juvenile prank gone awry, put on by 20- and 30-somethings is one thing, but to deny it ever happened is completely ridiculous. If you were there, cliffwhite, you know it happened, and if you weren't, then you should shut up because it's not your place. Either way, if there's anyone holding credentials with which to call into question MY credibility, it's certainly not you. This thing was left on the concrete ramp in the middle of a long row of T-hangars, in the hottest of Alabama Summer, during a time where there happened to be very little wind, a period of heat and stagnance - hence the added permeation into the hangars and contents. But then again, maybe I've just made up this whole elaborate story out of envy, eh? Every time I step out of my slopeside Breckenridge condo, it's all I can do to maintain my composure as I think of what it must be like wake up Cary. I quickly remedy this by looking into the mirror, where I am reminded that I'd rather keep these good looks and this location - the modesty is lagniappe. --John Doe PS: As for my mother, well, we think we've gotten her back on track and she's mended her naughty ways. The words and actions of her "idiot" speak for themselves. Roll Tide Roll

Actually, it was noticed by a few, but most people who were affected were weekenders - remember it was left Sunday night, and that area of the airport was a ghost-town weekdays. The other thing was, arrest warrants were almost issued for Rob & Laura (the "responsible parties" in the previous lease), who I know had nothing to do with it. The longer it stayed out, the better the case and more revolting the offense. And to think I never got my "Thank You" card. Roll Tide Roll

Nice! As if you didn't know, that particular act did nothing to cause grief for Billy, nor Mr. Browning; however, it DID leave a lasting impression (in more ways than one) on the other tenants of the airport and neighbors of the ASC hangar - most of whom prior to this had no problem personally with them (you) as neighbors. I know this because most of them were my friends and acquaintances at the time, and I helped clean the shit up, but it took a bit longer to air-out a million dollars' worth of airplanes. I never cease to be amazed... Roll Tide Roll

Randy, I'm still trying to figure out what he wants everyone in your position to do (or to have done already) differently - for example, he names a number of people who in his mind haven't fought hard enough (including Peek, which is completely inaccurate), and yet claims Jan has done way too much (and for the wrong reasons, another complete inaccuracy) in this whole thing. Speaking of Jan, I'm also trying to figure out how her position on the subject changed or was accelerated since the day she wasn't re-elected to the board; she appears to me to be of the same brilliant mind she was years ago, and still supporting her assertions and statements with facts...unlike some others. His assessment of sour grapes on her part being her motivation is one of the most ridiculous and personally insulting claims I've seen aimed at her, and that's saying a LOT in this atmosphere where people who seem to be on either side have tried to make her the scapegoat - also validates his Certificate of Cluelessness. I would place alabamaskydiver in the category of people who need to spend several weekends reading threads and posts on here before showing up and spouting senseless drivel - the same class as the people who suddenly get a user id and then jump in with "I'm new on here, could someone please explain to me the problem with Skyride..." Roll Tide Roll

Please, people, stop the madness; it's all because everyone's jealous of Cary's crib and whip! Every complaint is just based on lies of jealousy! Can't we just let this ingenious entrepreneur promote the sport and make all our lives better, everyone wins, right? After all, "fortune favors the bold..." Ben Franklin's rolling over in his grave. Roll Tide Roll

Hey Billy, wonder if that would work with a speeding ticket? Roll Tide Roll

I don't think the moderators' scrotal-follicle status has anything to do with whether or not your post is removed, but rather if it meets a certain criteria. As for the website, I'll agree it's intention is little more than a tasteless joke (though I find it hard to believe adults created it). It is in bad taste, but little less than I would even take the time to protest; however, it's a precursor to the even more offensive "Cat AIDS" project and the "Villy Bance" mannequin that was videotaped dropped out of an airplane - both also "jokes." Ha...................ha. Roll Tide Roll

I think there are plenty of instances of laughing with and laughing at someone. It's clear to me that page is the latter. Roll Tide Roll

I should clarify that I've never seen anyone at a non-SRGC-taking dz who was pissed and made a stink about not getting their money back after a weather problem, so I suppose they either did get it back or rescheduled. My only "counter" time at a dz was helping Sandy at Pell City before ASC was there, and we were always accommodating - so much so that knowing the geography of Alabama I would never let someone drive past other dz's to get to us without suggesting another might be closer (Cullman, Opelika, etc.). I personally believe they reciprocated. At the same time, no one ever asked for their money back that I remember either, but maybe that was because they didn't drive 500 miles to get there after they were told it was in their hometown - they didn't have to make another mislead trip. I do, however, remember the van-loads of people showing up early in Skyride's debut, who swore they talked to me specifically, and that I ran their credit card deposits already (or either they already paid in full), and it was so hard to explain to them what was happening...but that was a decade ago, back when it didn't matter, when it was an "Alabama/Georgia" problem, and not the problem of the numerous dzo's or USPA I contacted at the time. Ew, come to think of it, those were also the days when (w)rec(k).skydiving was actually looked-at by someone other than Peanut! For that reason I want to just keep my mouth shut about it sometimes and jump wherever, and satisfy myself with the fact I "don't have a dog in this fight," but this damned conscience and idea of "wrong will always be wrong" keep showing up. Plus, some really special people have sacrificed much more in the quarrel than I ever will, and my respect and defense for them won't go away. They've held up under such adverse circumstances and personal attacks, and still they persevere. I think they're awesome! Roll Tide Roll

The weather aspect is something everyone has to deal with if it's a legitimate concern that day, I'll agree, but the girl in particular bought her skydive for Outlaw Field. Since they're no longer able to offer the service at the location, suggesting she go to Cedartown is unacceptable. That's my biggest problem with this particular situation, not so much the weather delay. Still, it's the same story over and over. Geez, as I type this, there's an ad just to the left on this page of "Skydive in Alaska" from Skyride. Roll Tide Roll

May be, but still I don't get the gag-order imposed here unless someone has something to hide. If a hospital botches an operation and settles with someone for millions, of course the gag-order is going to be included in the settlement, because who would go to a hospital who they saw on the news did whatever that bad? Hence my suspicions, WHO here, exactly, has something to hide in the case? Who would have to deal with the consequences if it were known just who all messed up in this case, and how, or who would be humiliated at the fact that maybe the settlement wasn't quite reasonable, and perhaps the outcome would have likely been well to the contrary? I think the only person who has been routinely and publicly whipped from those who either think they understand why USPA settled or those blatantly on the side of Skyride was Jan Meyer, the one with the gag. I do think it's possible that the insurance company influenced the settlement, but unless we know the terms and how it came about, we can't know whether or not they received good advice on the matter. I've met the attorney who I understand handled it, and I was not impressed. Either way, now the term "drop in the bucket" would certainly make me feel stupid having gloated very loudly about the first suit results, if I were a thinking person who had done something like that. Roll Tide Roll

...But it was clear from the day after USPA got involved with skyride that an organization such as USPA can't legally do that... I'd still like to know which "official" you reference, is it a secret for some reason? Why can't they explain on here? Maybe I was a little harsh on you last night, and I apologize for that, but I STILL do not see how the USPA "can't legally do that" since the settlement was made and the subject wasn't really approached, just given in to. Nothing was proven, was it? Roll Tide Roll

I don't think there's a BIG conspiracy either, just a small one maybe. Show me exactly where USPA's lawyers "informed them," if you have the documentation or otherwise. As far as losing anything, I would rather our purported representatives stood their ground against it. Maybe that's the only place you and I respectfully disagree, and something I will not relent in the forseeable future - it's just a moral stance as far as I'm concerned. $10 mil - "we don't know how much they did lose...but it was a lot less than that?" Really? Do tell what we "don't know" that was "a lot less." I CAN ask all I want, and I deserve the answers everyone else does, in spite of your defensive and cynical tone. You DON'T speak for Jan as far as what information she will share, and your statement immediately following that which I refer only proves you recognize my assertion of secrecy in this organization, you have to admit that: "I doubt anyone that wants to be affiliated with USPA next week is going to tell you anything today." We agree! Oh, and I have never asserted or felt USPA was "out to get me." Nice try, though. Roll Tide Roll

Pilotdave, perhaps some of the USPA board members which you seem to defend at this time would like to speak up for themselves regarding their decisions on our behalf, rather than have you abstractly defend them? And before you suggest "asking them myself privately," via note or mail or whatever, that hasn't worked either. Crickets chirping yet again... Roll Tide Roll

Don't even. Not close. Roll Tide Roll

The reason for what? For settling the lawsuit with skyride? YES! It was because they were going to lose. Is that right?! Glad SDAZ didn't feel that way, they seem to have made bank after all their hard work, though that's my own personal observation - I would think they would rather had never gone through this whole ordeal to begin with, regardless of the possible monetary outcome to their well-deserved benefit. USPA knew they had fucked up right after skyride filed the lawsuit. I heard a USPA official say that USPA was most likely going to lose very soon after the lawsuit was filed. completely unfounded. I believe USPA EC fucked up there, or were completely stupid, or maybe in some people's opinions profited from it. Jury's still out on that, but I personally have no certain opinion one way or the other. I'm sure the settlement was decided by USPAs lawyers and insurance company. I'm sure secrecy is one of the terms of the settlement. Another term of the settlement, I assume, is to stay out of skyride's business practices. Oh, we agree on all that. Add to it the Executive Committee as far as the blatant secrecy - however I do not think USPA's Executive Committee's covert and secretive choice to decide to unilaterally remove the organization's ethical and moral obligation of the business practices of a subversive unit within our midst benefits any of us, rather hurts us all. I am not convinced in your game of Devil's advocate. Roll Tide Roll

I think it does, and maybe what remains of USPA will be forced to grow a set of balls and get rid of the limp sacks who have been hanging on too long in their positions. It only proves that when smart people with fortitude stand up and hold their front against a bulwark of deception and greed that threatens their whole environment ("fortune favors the bold" C-roach says, in a misquote from Ben Franklin), that they will win in the end, however painful and long the trip will be for the the few martyrs who prove the old theory of just people prevail. Roll Tide Roll