mrubin

A successful launch and recovering 2 out of the 3 boosters is pretty impressive. I'd call this a win for SpaceX. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBr2kKAHN6M&feature=youtu.be Live feed from Starman (the dummy in the Tesla). "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

It was like watching a sci-fi film. Incredible! "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbSwFU6tY1c Here is the live feed of the launch. Should be interesting to see if it works. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

https://nypost.com/2017/11/28/this-smart-condom-is-like-a-fitbit-for-sex/ "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I voted 2500 ft. Not because I don't think you can't safely pull or even exit lower, but because the question is what would make me uncomfortable. If I don't know the jumper well and I hear that they are planning to pull at 2500 I would question that because I don't see any reason to pull that low on a 4-way. Just because you can do something doesn't always mean that it is a good idea. There are few things more useless than altitude above you. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I am not a doctor so keep in mind that I have NO medical training and my opinion is worth what I am being paid for it, which is nothing. If it cleared up after 4-5 seconds and you didn't have any issues after that, then I would think that you did something to equalize the pressure. Maybe you held your breath for the first few seconds or swallowed after the first few seconds. Pay attention to how it feels on the ride to altitude. If you feel the pressure building and you can't equalize, tell your instructor. It might be best not to jump that day if that is the case. Before your next jump, talk to your instructor about this. If it happens on more jumps it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor. Again, I have no medical experience at all so if someone who does sees that I am off base at all, please correct me. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Did you have a stuffy nose or history of sinus issues? It sounds like you had trouble equalizing pressure during the first few seconds of your skydive. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I understand your frustration with not being invited to jump with the LO. We all want to be included and have the opportunity to learn and improve our abilities. But at a certain point you need to take matters into your own hands. I don't know how busy your dz is but I know that LO's are often quite busy running around doing a job more difficult than herding cats. The best way to get on a jump with an organizer is to go up to him/her and ask when you can get on a load with them. Depending on the skill level and size of the group, the LO might tell you that you don't yet have the skills to safely be part of the group at the moment. If that happens, gather up the other new, male fun jumpers you mentioned and jump with them. If you're not sure what to do, go up to the LO and ask him/her to organize something for you guys. They should be able to give you a dive plan for your group. This is a great sport with a lot of amazing people and it would be a shame for you to give up something you love because of something like this. Remember that you are the one in charge of all aspects of your skydiving, including your safety, your attitude, and your participation. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

https://www.menshealth.com/health/man-three-foot-penis-eleven-pound-testicles-tlc-body-bizarre "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I think that most skydivers would find it easier to check if it displayed the altitude and not just the pressure. We are used to checking that our altimeters are zeroed and, in my opinion, it would be easier to check for the same thing on our AAD. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Sometimes I think how it would be cool to live somewhere that has different seasons. Then I remember that most seasons suck and I prefer nice weather all year long in Southern California "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Only firearms with the technology known prior to December 15, 1791 can be owned by the public. That would have prevented this shooting. But that is not what the pro gun control crowd is arguing needs to be done. You say that you will listen to ideas but then totally ignore what others are saying. The only way that there can be real improvement is for both sides to stop yelling at each other and work together to find a compromise. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

http://www.voicenews.com/news/asteroid-to-come-within-feet-of-earth-s-surface-next/article_10e4f0ff-430a-5d24-a662-ad823ed53605.html Just a reminder to always check your units. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Get a suit with booties. The extra power will be nice and you will adjust to it within a couple jumps. If you are concerned about how they will impact your flying, do a solo or a 2-way with an experienced jumper for your first jump with it. I slip my booties off under canopy on most jumps, but that's to protect the booties from wear more than anything else. You should be able to point your toes in them if they fit properly. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Of course I want to hang out and take part in the camaraderie but I don't ever drink any beer offered. I have bought 2 cases of beer for a couple of occasions but I'm a bit uncomfortable with it. So I was thinking about bringing in something else (soda, or cookies, or something else...?)but didn't know if it would be weird or offensive. I still feel like the new kid on the block and have trouble fitting in anyway... so it's like I feel pressured to buy beer that I don't know much about and don't even drink myself. Would it be weird to bring in something other than beer? Will it be looked down on? I don't think that anyone will fault you for bringing something other than beer. I've always felt that the main reason beer rules are enforced so much on new jumpers is to encourage them to hang around at the end of the day and really become part of the community. Hang out, listen to the old guy's stories, and enjoy the people that make up the skydiving community. And if your dz has a bunkhouse, its okay to indulge in a few beers and spend the night. You even get the added bonus of another day at the dz. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

So you're saying I'll have to spend Sunday with them too? "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Just my luck, last day of the world and I'll be spending it with my in-laws. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

They know what they are getting themselves into when they invite you on the jump. A lot of experienced jumpers enjoy helping the new jumpers learn and have fun. I love to jump with new skydivers. When I first started I got a lot of free coaching and help from experienced jumpers and organizers and now that I have some knowledge, I like to pay that forward. It is a great feeling to see a new jumper's reaction when you land from a great four-way. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

That's crazy! I remember when I was in elementary school there was a partial solar eclipse and they still let us out. They just stressed the importance of not staring at the sun. It's a shame that all those kids will remember of this eclipse is being locked inside by their teachers. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Would that be good for multiple impacts or would it deform on the first hard hit and need to be replaced? "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Thanks for the recommendations! I'm thinking I will head over to the Whitney Portal but stop for a quick hike at the Mobius Arch Loop Trail. Also planning to stop at Mono Lake and if time permits, Manzanar. How much time should I expect to spend at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest? I don't have to be in Tahoe until late and am used to getting an early start on the day. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Next week I'm heading up to Tahoe for my cousin's bachelor party. Everyone else going is flying from San Diego to Sacramento and driving the rest of the way. Since I live in the LA area and flights are expensive, I've decided to drive. I'm going to drive up the 14 to the 395. The others wont be arriving until about 10pm so I'm in no rush to get up there. What are some good places to stop along the way? "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Taking a look through the classifieds, that seems pretty similar to what others are asking. I also came across this in case you hadn't seen it: http://www.dropzone.com/classifieds/Detailed/Main_Canopies/Aerodyne_Pilot_188_ZPX_198722.html "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Practice your exit on the ground with your instructors. On the ride to altitude, take deep breaths to help keep yourself calm and relaxed. Multiple times on the ride up, visualize the entire skydive going exactly as planned. And I mean the entire skydive, from starting your setup in the door to landing safely. Smile and have fun. "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery