katecooper

Hi Amazon I assume this question is for me? The answer--it depends. It depends on the currency, competence and confidence of the individual jumper, and it depends on their size and definition of "Big Way". Big difference between wanting to be able to successfully and safely be able to do "fun" 40+ ways at a boogie vs. being one of the team members being selected for the next World Team. Everyone will have different goals, and different answers to your question. As a rule we (P3) ask for participation on a P3 Big Way Camp before a P3 100 way camp--these two events can be done back-to-back and usually (so far at least) have resulted in 100 way completions for the campers. There are minimum requirements to attend the camp. The next step--to receive invitations to larger 100+ sequentials, state, national and world records will depend on the individual jumper. I've seen meteoric advances by some but most take a more conservative route, preferring to do several camps (BWC and 100 camp) to hone their skills and expand their comfort zones. Hope this helps! kate

Hi NB (I'll not use your real name since you seem to prefer posting with this one) It was great seeing you at the camp and we look forward to more jumps with you. You do need to think about your "choices" on actions in the future, but I think you have a long and promising Big Way career in front of you. I saw you had been accepted to the "A" team for the upcoming Texas State Record and that will be a great opportunity to learn from other coaches and maybe even get a shot at doing the 160 way! I do recommend getting a slightly larger jumpsuit--granted you can dive quickly (lord knows we saw that). When we asked you to wear a large sweatshirt to slow down your fall rate we meant that you should wear it OUTSIDE the suit, not stuffed under it to keep you warmer. As for the "low" pull--it happens to everyone sometimes--just don't complicate it by spiraling down. Dan HATES it when someone lands before him--but landing in the opposite direction from him is what really steamed him. The low pull wasn't that big of a deal. I look forward to seeing you in Texas and directly afterwards again in May. Blue skies ps. the barrel roll was really cool. Do it again on one of my dives and I'll kill you. pps. If you really want to get on the cool dives bribe the organizers (cough) don julio (cough)

WOOHOO!! 60 for 60--very cool. Go get 'em guys!

Nope, you have to share it with me. WOOHOO!! Thailand here I come! Shall we have crepes again in Bangkok?

www.feedbooks.com free books for your Kindle (or other ereader). Oldies--but many goodies. I love my Kindle!

I would be interested in a ride (or shared shuttle) from LAX or LA vicinity Tuesday noonish the 20th of January. I'm flying in earlier but staying with a friend in Malibu so pick up from there would be perfect but I'll wend my way to LAX if needed. kate (respond via email as well as dz.com if possible) katejumps at square1 dot com see you in California!

Garlic. I'm cooking dinner for a bunch of peeps and listening to Trans Siberian Orchestra. :D Life is good.

Fantastic. Thank you for sharing this special memory. Bravo indeed. kate

bump for the cause...

I've received an email about a potential movie project involving none other than our very own Dan Brodsky Chenfeld. The treatment for his movie and script is being looked at for possible financing and there is a "vote for" option. The more votes any treatment gets, the better the chance it gets funded, simple math. You certainly do not have to go through with it and it does require registration--but to have a movie about skydiving that doesn't involve drug running would be pleasant, wouldn't it? Dear friends of Dan B.C. and/or skydivers in general! Dan B.C. is a living example of setting and achieving goals. One of his perhaps little known but longtime goals has been to make a mainstream movie depicting skydiving and skydivers in a positive and more realistic light than previously before seen on the bigscreen. It turns out that Dan’s own story is the stuff great movies are made of: In 1992, he made an amazing, almost impossible, comeback from devastating injuries incurred in the twin otter plane crash at Perris Valley to compete in the 1992 Nationals. His perseverance and courage during that time inspired many. It’s a real triumph-of-the-human spirit story. From this story, we co-wrote a screenplay titled “Above All Else”. A production company called Audience Alliance makes films that “entertain, enlighten and inspire” and they seem very interested in financing our movie. However, prior to Audience Alliance "green lighting" (giving the okay to) a movie idea, they ask members for feedback. A positive response does influence the final decision. So that’s where you and our skydiving family comes in! We’re asking all our friends, and friends of friends, to join the FREE MEMBERSHIP and fill out the survey for Above All Else. It can really make a difference. Here’s what to do: 1. Go to: http://www.audiencealliance.com/studio/aboveallelse/aaetreatment.php. Read the Treatment (synopsis) of what the story’s about. If you want to check out other information, at the bottom of the page are buttons for Slideshow (photos), and three articles on Dan. 2. When ready, Click the green “Greenlight” button on the Treatment page (the link above). A prompt will come up to either “Join Now” or “Log In”. 3. Click the “Join Now” button. Fill out, choose a Login Name and Password, and click “Join Now” at the bottom. The confirmation email may take a little time to show up. Once it does, an Email will come with a link to verify your email address. Once you click on that, a Confirmation will be sent confirming your Login and Password info. 3. Go back to: http://www.audiencealliance.com/studio/aboveallelse/aaetreatment.php. Click the green “Greenlight” button again, and this time click the “Log In” button, Log In, and the survey should pop up. 4. Fill out survey and Submit. For further kicks, check out their main page: www.audiencealliance.com There is a little video of a guy that they made announcing our movie. Just below that is Norman Kent’s famous Sunset Skydiving photo with information on “Above All Else” next to that. Thank you for taking the time, and making a difference to help bring a great story to light. ************************************************************************************ Thanks to all who take the time to read and vote! blue skies kate

My thoughts go to Janna and the So Cal Crew today. Dark skies in Denmark..... love to all kate

I'll play....slow day here :D 1. Whats your name? Kate 2. How old are you? uh, 47. 3. Why did you decide to start jumping out of airplanes? Seemed like a pretty darn cool thing to do 4. Are you single or taken? SO taken :D 5. Do you have kids? Nope, but my husband has a 9 year old boy, so maybe that's a yes? 6. What do you drive? Red bicycle. 7. Have you ever done a kisspass? Oh yeah. 8. Where do you live? Copenhagen, Denmark 9. Do you have any pets? Not in my "new" life, but I had cats before. 10. How many jumps do you have? 8750 11. What color eyes do you have? Green. 12. What is your nationality? USA 13. Have you ever dated someone you met off the internet? Nope 14. Favorite Movie? Hmm. A lot there to choose from. I'm particularly fond of the Coen brothers films. 15. What do you do when you arent skydiving? Studying Danish, thinking about skydiving, organizing future skydiving events and projects, memorizing 4 way and 8 way blocks and randoms ;) 16. Have you ever BASE jumped? yes 17. If not... do you want to? When I'm good enough - yes. 18. Do you have siblings? A sister 19. Where do you want to travel to the most? Australia. Iceland. Hey--maybe we can all throw in some money together and buy Iceland?. 20. What's your favorite color? Green. 21. Where was the last place you flew to ( not skydiving )? Brussels, Belgium.

I might join in on the shuttle. I'm visiting with some friends in Malibu and I haven't sorted out my escape plan to Perris yet. This is leaving from LAX about 1:00 pm I take it? kate

Greetings http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/videos.shtml Watch Dancing 2008, turn up the sound, and smile. Enjoy, and keep dancing... kate

Outstanding If it helps I've got one (in Perris) that was used in the staged (not live) Honda commercial that I'll add to the mix. White. Kate size. Carsten has also offered his yellow suit (is here in Denmark) that was used in the filming (the flash of the camera) Craig--if this helps bring in more money the suits are yours to raffle/sell/pawn/trade. kate edited because I'm blond and realized the suit is in Perris, not Denmark. Doh!

I've had several people email me saying they saw me on Irish and UK tv in the last day or two. How cool is that! :D Thanks BJ and Honda and the rest of the crew. It is going to be fun to watch the progressions. Oh, and this dropzone.com conversation is linked to the difficultisworthdoing.com website.... kate

Hey Bill you missed the Tea Pot we built today. One take--complete with steam rising from the spout (smoke on jumpers feet). oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL! kate

Thanks I'm in Texas this weekend (Houston) so I'll check to see if Al is around, if not I'll see him in Perris during the May camps. I'll check with Norm as well. blue skies! kate

21-24 August two Skyvans, one Grand Caravan will be flying at Maribo, Denmark Calling all Freeflyers, Wingsuiters and FS jumpers to enjoy the fleet of aircraft this weekend. Possibility for jumpers to ferry from Spa, Belgium in the aircraft. We will also be hosting the Danish National FS Record! www.team-octopus.dk for further information blue skies! kate kate (at) earthlink (dot) net for further information

Hi, I'm putting together a presentation on large formation FS and I'd like a photograph of the first 100 way (Muscogee 1986) and the first 120 way (Quincy 1986). I'm looking to show the evolvement of formation design. Would also be interested in the 72 way (deland 1983) If anyone can scan and send me pics I'd appreciate it. I've got some pictures but they are in storage in California and I'm in Denmark! thanks in advance (also posted in RW forum) kate mail to: katejumps (at) square1 (dot) com

Hi, I'm putting together a presentation on large formation FS and I'd like a photograph of the first 100 way (Muscogee 1986) and the first 120 way (Quincy 1986). I'm looking to show the evolvement of formation design. Would also be interested in the 72 way (deland 1983) If anyone can scan and send me pics I'd appreciate it. I've got some pictures but they are in storage in California and I'm in Denmark! thanks in advance (also posted in history) kate mail to: katejumps (at) square1 (dot) com

I stand corrected. I have been told that when one accepts citizenship in Denmark they walk you down to the US embassy and have you renounce your US citizenship. I guess that would mean that Denmark does not recognize dual citizenship? Sorry for the misinformation--I'm new at this. k

I am an American citizen married to a Danish citizen and living in Denmark. I have Danish residency (Temporary), thanks to our marriage, but will not be eligible for Danish citizenship or permanent residency for 7 years. Denmark does not recognize dual citizenship. At this time in my life I am NOT interested in trading my blue passport in for a red one, but I cannot say what the world will be like in 7 years when I am eligible. I doubt I will switch, but will not make that decision now. I will be allowed to stay on in Denmark without taking citizenship by maintaining my residency (like a USA Green Card program). Denmark requires proficiency in Danish to get residency (written and oral) and backs it up with free language instruction for 3 years. In order to get Danish citizenship one needs to pass a very strict test that covers not only language skills but also social, political and economic questions about the country. ACME---move to Italy (or wherever your heart takes you), study the language, learn the people. The decision to change citizenship will not have to be one made lightly. Find out if you like being an expat first! My opinion: Every US citizen should live outside the USA for at least 6 months. You would get a better idea of how the rest of the world looks at "us". The experience has changed me and (at this time) I do not see me moving back to the USA in the near future--although I would not mind exploring other countries in if my husband were able to relocate. that is my two kroner worth in any case. kate edited to reflect that the USA DOES recognize dual citizenship

I went with RMI Ranier Mountain Guides a couple of years back. {url}http://www.rmiguides.com{/url} I was very impressed with the expertise of their guides and prefessional operation, and we had a wonderful trip. Most (not all) of the group summited and some of us trekked across the bowl to the "True" summit on the other side. Go Go Go Go you will not regret it... kate

Airtwardo slotperfect LouDiamond howardwhite piisfish bbarnhouse katecooper Arriving Tuesday, leaving Friday. No rig--but I will have a backpack of cool samples and a copy of the New Square1 catalog to show off!