text:
Wet work
Posted by ESC on February 28, 2003
In Reply to: Wet work posted by TheFallen on February 28, 2003
: : In a recent article in the New York Times
this passage occurs: '... the Albanians ... did
: : wet work for the K.G.B.' Does 'wet work' mean 'dirty work'? If so, why?
: It means more than dirty work. "Wet work" is spy slang (and allegedly CIA slang) for missions involving killing someone - also known as "sanctioning" someone. I imagine it's called "wet work" because it sometimes gets a bit messy.
Here's a source:
Wet Work: Western slang for intelligence operation involving murder or assassination. COVERT TERMINOLOGY http://www.geocities.com/s75j88w68/covert_speak.html


text:
Tourist Attractions
India's amazing diversity offers you everything that you could ever want in a holiday.
Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a spectacular coastline Goan beachsurrounded by three seas, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities.
At any time of the year, India can offer you a dazzling array of destinations and experiences. In summer, when the subcontinent is sizzling, there are spectacular retreats amidst the heady beauty of the Himalayas or Agra Fortthe lush heights of the Qutub Minar, DelhiWestern Ghats with cool trekking trails, tall peaks to conquer and stretches to white water for adventure seekers. In the cool of an Indian winter, cities come alive with cultural feasts of music and dance. The balmy weather is an ideal time for you to go century hopping in romantic cities studded with medieval forts and palaces.
The sun drenched beaches are inviting and wildlife sanctuaries with their abundance of flora and fauna are a buzz with the nurture of the young.
India, always warm and inviting, is a place of infinite variety – one that favours you with a different facet of its fascination Bahai Temple every time you come on a visit.
Come, visit India, the land of the legendary Taj Mahal, offering great natural beauty, exquisite ancient temples, palaces and forts, fascinating variety of landscapes, Visit Indiaculture, delicious cuisines, colourful festivals and shopping delights.
Explore India...........
Embassy Working Hours: 09.00 AM to 05.30 PM (Sunday to Thursday)
Consular Working Hours: 09.00 AM to 12.30 PM (Sunday - Thursday)
Powered by: Ardhas Technology India Private Limited.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Here are the next three square's of the Circle Of The Sun-Mystery CAL, we are now officially 2/3 rd's of the way through the crochet along woohoo! I am using the same color scheme as the first three Circle Of The Sun squares.
Each weeks square is more detailed than the last. For instance on this square row two is layered by row three (the wine color) and row four (the variegated color), row two is yellow and it is almost invisible unless you look at it from an angle or get a glimpse through a corner of a wine petal. What this does is give some lift or a bit of dimension to the square while the different colors give a unique look and feel like the rose-pink overlaying the lilac. Maybe its just my eyes, but it appears like the lilac has more of a purple look under the rose then it does over the yellow where I stitched it.
Block #5 reminds me of a wheel, a different spin on overlay design? You can see the background colors on this block really well. I think I am in love with this technique, I can foresee making many different items like place mats for the dinning room table, a nice jacket, Christmas ornaments, garlands, coasters, Jewelry; Tatsiana of Lilla Björns Crochet World (who is the designer of this CAL) also has patterns for bracelets which are really cute I figure that would be a good place to start and of course this project is going to be a pillow.
When I start thinking about the different items I could make using this technique by itself or with other techniques there are limitless possibilities, sometimes to many possibilities, I get stuck thinking about them and don't get much crocheted! So far block #6 is my favorite block, there is quite a bit more overlay in it, as a matter of fact there is an entire row underneath the variegated petals that you can barely see, the hidden row is pushing up the flower in the middle of the square giving it dimension.
For this blog post I have taken a picture of the back of the three blocks so you can see the different between the front and back. For instance the rose-pink spokes in block #6 can not be seen from the back at all.
As you can see with the overlay technique you really only have one side that can be visible. It does look completely different then the front and ya my finishing off is a little messy but not bad. The blocks that are made with the overlay technique are fairly thick blocks, they wouldn't do for a sweater, but would make a great jacket or even a coat. Anything where you may want a thicker crochet this would work beautifully.
Link to: Circle Of The Sun Mystery CAL
Until next time,
Keep On Hook'n
If you would like to make this using the colors that I used go to my Ravelry Project Page


text:
The conference seeks papers devoted to issues that arise in all stages of deploying a market mechanism to solve a problem. This includes, but is not limited to, theoretical and empirical examination of questions such as:
Sample areas include:
- Is a market the right mechanism for the problem? What are the externalities involved? What are the issues with central planning?
- How should novel markets be organized? What is the "right" micro-structure for a given problem?
- What is the best way to provide incentives? Is (real) money necessary?
- Will the use of markets lead to the creation of artificial economies and what can we say about these economies?
- What new problems arise because of the special nature of these markets (e.g., from everyone wanting to use a cluster around the time of a conference deadline)?
- What protocols need to be in place for agents to participate in such markets (including everything from practical matters like integrating bidding protocols into the system to theoretical questions like incentive compatibility)?
- Is there a need for new mechanisms for specific applications (e.g., auctions used in sponsored search were never used in other settings)? If so, what properties of applications warrant such mechanisms?
Sample areas include:
- Content delivery networks
- Resource allocation in networks and distributed computing
- Sponsored search auctions
- Prediction markets
- Allocation of landing slots in congested airports
- Road pricing
- Student-school matching
- Kidney exchanges
- Combinatorial auctions
Submission Deadline
April 15, 2011
April 15, 2011
Notification of acceptance/rejection
May 27, 2011
May 27, 2011
Final versions of archival papers due
June 15, 20
June 15, 20


text:
- Audrey2
- 7 years ago
- Wedding: July 2014
A whole year later and I'm still in love with this wedding ring which I found before my e-ring even arrived:
I think it's the most beautiful wedding ring I've ever seen.
The trouble is, you can only order online (can't try on in person) and each ring is hand made to order, so you can't return it just because you don't like it. If I order this ring, I have to be sure about it.
I bought a silver band which was the closest thing I could find to this ring for a reasonable price. Here it is with my e-ring:
Do you think the floral band posted above would work with my e-ring??
Or, do you think I am being silly and I should just get a plain band? I'm not in love with the plain band look in the same way, but at least I know it will look classic with my e-ring. These pics are also of a silver stacking band btw (real band will be in palladium):
I already know that I DON'T want a diamond band – I've tried on lots with my e-ring and it's not working for me. It's between plain or patterned. I do have a second option for a patterned band, but it's a lot more expensive than the floral band and honestly I love the floral band more.
Should I go for it and rock the floral band or stay safe with the traditional classic option? Thank you bees 🙂


text:
Narrow day with much less action than yesterday. Some profitable trades,some stops - mostly balancing each other, and one nice hit on GS for 85 cents.
Session Time: Tue Apr 20 00:00:00 2010
[03:18] {KSystems} Good morning
[07:20] {vasilisa} Good morning
[07:56] {magoo} giddy-up:)
[08:22] {Threei} 7:01:10 AM
[08:22] {Threei} The Goldman Sachs Group Inc Reports Q1 $5.59 v $4.00e, R $12.8B v $11Be
[08:22] {Threei} - Net investment banking revenues $1.18B, +44% y/y, -28% q/q
[08:22] {Threei} - Trading and principal investments revenues $10.25B, +60% q/q
[08:22] {magoo} morn vad
[08:22] {Threei} magoo :)
[08:23] {magoo} cramer last nite SELL LVS MGM..buy wynn
[08:23] {Threei} 20 Apr 2010 08:14 [GS] BofA/Merrill Lynch reiterates Buy rating, price target $220
[08:23] {Threei} 20 Apr 2010 08:12 [GS] General Council: Reiterates that SEC charges are unfounded - conf call
[08:24] {magoo} we need a pullbk to get long GS
[08:24] {Threei} MGM Price Target raised to $12 from $10 at Deutsche Bank; Reiterates Hold rating (14.83, 0.00, 0.00%)
[08:24] {Threei}
[08:25] {Threei} MGM Goldman adds to Conviction Buy List (22.77, 0.00, 0.00%)
[08:25] {Threei} LVS Price Target raised to $29 from $21 at Deutsche Bank; Reiterates Buy rating (82.91, 0.00, 0.00%)
[08:25] {magoo} just telling u cramer last nite...he has followers, but hey, he sux
[08:25] {Threei} Cramer's call seems to be, ummm...
[08:45] {magoo} u readin GS lord vader?
[08:45] {Threei} premarket?
[08:45] {Threei} normally, no...
[08:46] {Threei} 165.5 was an obvious break
[08:46] {magoo} no kidding took iy
[08:46] {magoo} out here .71
[08:46] {magoo} .69 that is
[08:47] {magoo} 165.39 - 166.69
[08:47] {magoo} just feels "UP" overall
[09:01] {Threei} MGM starts looking interesting for a break in all time frames
[09:02] {Threei} 14.40 is support so far,
[09:02] {Threei} then resistance levels:
[09:02] {Threei} today, .55
[09:02] {Threei} from daily, .60-.75 zone
[09:03] {Threei} so, the plan would be to combine regular break on intraday with aggressive entry on daily
[09:03] {ese} morning ...vad...... mags
[09:03] {Threei} by taking .55 break, stop under .40
[09:03] {Threei} ese :)
[09:04] {Threei} then if market stays strong partial out in .70 - .75 area
[09:04] {Threei} and see if we get all-out break
[09:04] {strider} would you take .55 break before open?
[09:04] {dptl} good morning
[09:05] {nemo} hello
[09:05] {Threei} I think so strider
[09:05] {Threei} dp, nemo :)
[09:06] {ese} price target on B of A $220.00 BAC
[09:06] {ese} whats that all about
[09:07] {fernp} Good morning everybody
[09:07] {Threei} fern :)
[09:07] {strider} morning all
[09:07] {Threei} strider :)
[09:07] {Threei} opening volaitlity is often a killer...
[09:08] {Threei} safer to wait it out of course
[09:08] {RonS} gm all. ese, i read: BAC 220 call on GS
[09:08] {Threei} Ron :)
[09:10] {ese} gm ron
[09:10] {dino} gm all
[09:10] {Threei} dino :)
[09:10] {ese} was reading vads post above......maybe some of the posts are not there
[09:11] {RonS} dino, playing cagc long today?
[09:11] {Threei} you mean tyhis:
[09:11] {Threei} 08:14 [GS] BofA/Merrill Lynch reiterates Buy rating, price target $220
[09:11] {Threei} ?
[09:12] {Threei} it's BAC's target for GS
[09:13] {Les} cheeky bastards BAC
[09:13] {Les} morning
[09:13] {shorty} good morning all
[09:13] {Threei} les, shorty :)
[09:13] {dino} depends ron, on screen
[09:13] {dino} stt?
[09:14] {Threei} 07:09 STT Reports Q1 $0.75 (ex charges) v $0.75e, R$2.3B v $2.2Be
[09:14] {Threei}
[09:15] {Threei} MGM, ideally it would give us nice juicy consolidation while opening volatility dies off, then break resistance and climb steady
[09:17] {dino} lol ron cagc print 33.16
[09:19] {RonS} i hate that stuff. screws up the charts.
[09:19] {lasertrev} morning
[09:19] {Threei} trev :)
[09:29] {magoo} morn trev
[09:31] {magoo} aapl 2 pt dump
[09:32] {Threei} who took premarket break on MGM, half out here
[09:32] {jfjf64} mornin
[09:32] {Threei} jf :)
[09:32] {dino} esi
[09:32] {magoo} reports after bell aapl..so careful
[09:32] {jfjf64} see i missed good day yest
[09:32] {nemo} should blow through the roof
[09:32] {dino} esi gap fill
[09:32] {magoo} nasty GS bar down
[09:34] {Threei} WFC. looking for enry on pullback
[09:34] {Threei} under .20
[09:35] {Threei} .10 break
[09:36] {magoo} GS SLAUTERED
[09:36] {Threei} stop under .05
[09:37] {ese} L nvda .20
[09:38] {nemo} rinse
[09:39] {Threei} Long Setup: MGM .75 break
[09:39] {Threei} if holding .70
[09:40] {Threei} invalidated
[09:41] {Les} aig
[09:41] {Threei} .60 break
[09:42] {Threei} if holding .55
[09:42] {nemo} aig or mgm
[09:42] {Les} aig presently .30
[09:42] {Threei} MGM of course
[09:44] {Threei} WFC, what a bounce
[09:44] {dino} esi, apol, dv
[09:44] {dino} stt lod
[09:44] {nemo} it bounced right at yesterday's close
[09:45] {dino} ferts rosey today
[09:46] {dino} titn l .50
[09:46] {shorty} STX...breakout of .30?
[09:47] {Threei} nah
[09:47] {shorty} ty
[09:47] {nemo} wfc pullback
[09:47] {dino} ioc luv
[09:50] {RonS} jef whacked off earn beat
[09:51] {Threei} Long Setup: WFC .50 break
[09:51] {Threei} stop under .40
[09:51] {magoo} in
[09:53] {magoo} out-.10
[09:53] {nemo} out +.07
[09:55] {magoo} held .40 well
[09:55] {Threei} that was support for stop placement
[09:55] {Threei} why exit beforte it's broken?
[09:55] {magoo} i reentered .45
[09:56] {magoo} no worries
[09:56] {magoo} plus i have 1k GS
[09:56] {magoo} ta,king alot of focus
[09:56] {magoo} 161
[09:56] {Threei} 1:1
[09:57] {fernp} ty Vad (good stop :-) )
[09:57] {dino} apol sm l .01
[09:58] {Threei} welcome sir
[09:58] {magoo} out WFC .63 TY +.18
[09:58] {Threei} :)
[09:58] {magoo} out GS .81 + 1.81 TY boss
[09:58] {Threei} ok... I'll take credit if you insist
[09:59] {magoo} it helps your log for public lol
[09:59] {shorty} Having issues with arca today. Not letting me buy for some reason. ISL no problem though.
[09:59] {Threei} I also waved away some of that ash cloud in case you didn't know
[09:59] {shorty} Blew a big fart Threei?
[09:59] {Threei} ok, this doesn't help the log :)
[09:59] {Les} cute shorty
[10:00] {Threei} WFC 1:2
[10:00] {shorty} Forgot, I will stop.
06[10:00] * magoo slaps shorty around a bit with a large trout
[10:00] {Threei} (EU) Reportedly airlines have moved to call on the EU for support following travel ban
[10:00] {Threei} COOL Signs partnership agreement with Martha Stewart Omnimedia (0.91, +0.07, 8.74%) (related MSO )
[10:00] {Les} aig
[10:01] {magoo} last time this volcanoe blew was 1820...but it had little to no effect on airline travel
[10:01] {Threei} SEED Ticking higher on takeover chatter circulating (9.74, +0.43, 4.62%)
[10:01] {RonS} lol
[10:03] {magoo} aapl still selling boss
[10:04] {Threei} keeping an eye on ARRY
[10:04] {Threei} to see whether it has a chance to turn into momo
[10:05] {Threei} 4.10 break may do just that
[10:06] {nemo} wfc pullback
[10:06] {nemo} in arrry
[10:07] {Les} vad, u read MOS? consolidation here for move higher?
[10:07] {fernp} stop under 4.00 , Vad?
[10:07] {Threei} yeah
[10:07] {Threei} MOS, I think so
[10:07] {Threei} stop is a bit too wide for my taste
[10:09] {Threei} ARRY bidder is for real
[10:09] {strider} at 4.05?
[10:09] {fernp} .
[10:09] {Threei} was
[10:10] {Les} yeh I had aggressive entry .06 on the back of that
[10:10] {ese} nvda stoped .09 -.11
[10:10] {jfjf64} rig
[10:11] {jfjf64} .97
[10:11] {Threei} oh well
[10:12] {jfjf64} 1/1
[10:13] {Threei} CIEN Hearing group has lowered rev guidance in relation to Nortel transaction; Lowered GM guidance at analysts day (timing uncertain) (16.76, -0.58, -3.34%)
[10:13] {shorty} wow
[10:16] {jfjf64} rig a rig
[10:17] {strider} MRK
[10:18] {jfjf64} buy mama a new pair of shoes
[10:18] {Threei} nice one jf
[10:18] {jfjf64} ty
[10:19] {jfjf64} cant deni vol
[10:20] {Les} out mos. sputtering
[10:21] {Les} might short on next bounce
[10:22] {jfjf64} nus strong nice flag pattern
[10:22] {dino} stt sm l .00
[10:24] {dino} apol out flat
[10:24] {shorty} back in a bit
[10:27] {Threei} who asked about kangaroo tail couple days ago?
[10:27] {Threei} see CIEN bottom bar?
[10:27] {Threei} this is close
[10:27] {Threei} just teo bars around it are a bit too long
[10:27] {dino} no i was asking about the hot wings
[10:27] {jfjf64} 1/4left rig
[10:27] {RonS} i heard in passing yesterday that: "Obama is going to Wall Street Thursday to sell his financial reform". Does anyone have specifics on this?
[10:28] {Threei} sorry dino, we only have sweet and sour today in menu
[10:28] {dino} none of it matters ron
[10:28] {Threei} Ron, he will speak in NY
[10:29] {Threei} and as we all know, he speaks rarely, so everyone will listen
[10:29] {Les} me asking about kangaroo tail. I see what you mean
[10:29] {RonS} timing? and dino, market will selloff when he opens his mouth, and recover when he shuts up...imo
[10:29] {Threei} timing is political
[10:29] {Threei} positioning for midterm
[10:30] {Threei} the only issue where he is likely to get a traction
[10:30] {Threei} 'I am with you, hating Wall Street fat cats"
[10:30] {dino} anymore i think he's on ignore ron
[10:30] {jfjf64} comon vad dont be a hater
[10:30] {Threei} watch for him to get confrontational in that speech, IMO
[10:32] {Threei} am not jf... I am more like:
[10:32] {Threei} what is it about socialism that no matter how many times it fails, it never loses its charm?
[10:32] {Threei} watching CIEN
[10:32] {dino} its about power
[10:33] {RonS} seems people are hard wired that they can get something for nothing
[10:33] {Les} we can all live in perfect harmony...
[10:33] {Threei} of course Les
[10:33] {fernp} SJM any read, Vad?
[10:33] {Threei} that's what wolves tell sheep just before the dinner
[10:34] {Threei} I would try it fern, but no more than half lot
[10:34] {dino} lol
[10:34] {jfjf64} grr missed my perfect setup look at hig
[10:34] {fernp} ok
[10:34] {dino} apol rinsed
[10:34] {jfjf64} 5 min .20 break
[10:34] {jfjf64} grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
[10:34] {Threei} was clean setup jf...
[10:35] {jfjf64} i need scanner that brings me thatttttttttt
[10:35] {Threei} (GR) German lawmaker: Reiterates views that Greece might need more aid if the country cannot reassure markets
[10:35] {Threei} ***Reminder: On Apr 19th: ECB's Weber stated that Greece might need additional aid beyond the 30B pledged under current framework in comments made to to lawmakers . The WSJ reported that Weber Feels Greece could need approx 80B
[10:35] {Les} looking like scalping day today. MOS ain't playing ball
[10:35] {RonS} dino, cagc flagging. do you think a break play would bring much momentum?
[10:36] {dino} yes
[10:36] {dino} pulp type when going up
[10:36] {Threei} jf
[10:37] {Threei} ISCan signalled HIG JBE at 10:09
[10:37] {Threei} HIG at 10:09 AM 4/20/2010: Crossed daily highs resistance. Next resistance 28.25 from 4/12/2010.
[10:37] {jfjf64} really
[10:38] {jfjf64} need to get
[10:38] {jfjf64} last time i tried was very hard for me to get going
[10:39] {Threei} kidding?
[10:39] {Threei} 3 min procedure
[10:39] {ese} L imgn .74
[10:40] {jfjf64} i was playin around for 3 days
[10:40] {fernp} .80 break is the trigger for CIEN, Vad?
[10:40] {ese} opps .73
[10:40] {jfjf64} lol
[10:40] {Threei} not sure fern
[10:40] {fernp} wide stop, no?
[10:41] {Threei} if you are OK with just using my layout with no modifications, it won't take more than 5 mon to instrall everything
[10:41] {Threei} if you want your own modificvation, then you ned to play with it
[10:41] {Threei} yes fern... fuzzy a bit
[10:42] {Les} gs 161
[10:43] {ese} out imgn 1/2 at .84 remaining .85
[10:43] {jfjf64} sounds lk plan
[10:43] {ese} +.12 basically
[10:43] {dino} stt stopped -.26
[10:47] {dino} klic l .43
[10:47] {RonS} dino, tqnt
[10:48] {dino} may have bottomed
[10:49] {Threei} CIEN Hearing being defended at Credit Suisse (timing uncertain) (16.93, -0.41, -2.36%)
[10:53] {Les} got a read on WFC vad?
[10:53] {Threei} not beyond spelling it
[10:54] {Les} ok was thinking descending triangle to b/d with market help...
[10:55] {Threei} problem is, we have a very narrow range with no follow through
[10:56] {Les} follow through... in market or wfc?
[10:57] {jfjf64} cyh
[10:57] {Les} market I guess
[10:57] {nemo} shy'd it move jf
[10:57] {nemo} why'd it move jf?
[10:59] {jfjf64} nemo 1 minn cleanin my crystal ball
[10:59] {nemo} so, no news?
[10:59] {strider} too much information.
[10:59] {nemo} bah hah aha
[11:00] {jfjf64} imm not a news guy
[11:00] {jfjf64} price vol
[11:00] {jfjf64} thats it
[11:00] {jfjf64} keep it simply
[11:01] {strider} keep it simply what?
[11:01] {jfjf64} .42 break
[11:01] {nemo} o.k. it was earnings realted, where t's at is R3 on pivot, might be done for the day
[11:01] {dino} ron ty on cagc breakout, +.30
[11:03] {dino} ioc hod
[11:03] {Les} mos
[11:04] {RonS} ty +.50
[11:05] {jfjf64} ya with me nemo
[11:07] {Threei} ok... will market break and start its usual "up and up" routine?
[11:08] {Threei} is the question
[11:08] {dino} gj ron
[11:09] {jfjf64} 1/1 nemo
[11:09] {jfjf64} half out
[11:09] {dino} titn to .62
[11:10] {magoo} and part B vad: who is / are best bounce candidates
[11:11] {Threei} WFC is my numer uno, mags
[11:11] {Threei} number
[11:11] {dino} ioc sm l .25
[11:11] {dino} out titn +.13
[11:12] {Threei} CAT too
[11:12] {ese} wtf....keeps cutting me off
[11:13] {ese} if you all don't wanna talk to me just say so
[11:13] {dino} cisg
[11:13] {ese} L nvda .969809
[11:13] {Threei} lol ese
[11:15] {nemo} ah no, got a phone call
[11:18] {strider} GS spike
[11:18] {fernp} WFC .40 breakdown , Vad?
[11:18] {Threei} first attempt at the break is rejected
[11:19] {Threei} not by me fern
[11:19] {fernp} ok
[11:19] {Threei} unless we get some news event killing the market
[11:19] {Threei} my strategy for the day remains breakout or tight range,
[11:19] {Threei} but no breakdown
[11:20] {Threei} again, barring some suddent news development of course
[11:20] {fernp} yes, i understand
[11:20] {RonS} aig
[11:20] {Les} aig got some spunk today
[11:25] {magoo} i hate AIG..and no, didnt try it today
[11:29] {RonS} ...bad 'tude dude. aig as pulpy as a cheetoh. only time i've seen a reverse split work
[11:31] {Les} cat
[11:31] {Threei} Long Setup: CAT .05 break
[11:31] {Threei} it's a play for the market break
[11:31] {Threei} if you don't believe in it, skip it
[11:32] {strider} STOP?
[11:32] {Threei} stop under .90
[11:32] {strider} ty :)
[11:32] {Threei} probably half lot
[11:32] {dino} fdx, ups not participating
[11:34] {Threei} AIG again
[11:35] {Threei} if market starts that break and run, CAT won't be a scalp for me
[11:36] {Threei} 68.50 is not out of question
[11:38] {RonS} imax...wtf...need to keep tis on radar
[11:42] {dino} aos, algt
[11:43] {Threei} CAT held support beautifully, and is very willing
[11:43] {Threei} market help is the only lacking element so far
[11:49] {dino} out klic flat
[11:49] {Threei} see how in a clean setup lines in the sand are drawn
[11:50] {Threei} 67.90 - 68.05
[11:50] {Threei} both are tested, not broken
[11:50] {Threei} shaken, not stirred
[11:51] {Threei} US) Democratic Senate Aide: Senate will not begin debate on financial reform bill until next week
[11:52] {Threei} for odds improvement, it would be great to see this consolidation startinh making higher lows within a range
[11:52] {Threei} for instance, not lose .95 anymore while retesting .05
[11:52] {dino} aos sm l .90
[11:54] {Threei} market is breaking
[11:54] {Threei} CAT, can you follow?
[11:54] {Threei} WFC can
[11:54] {magoo} i smell a bear bar-b-q
[11:54] {Threei} me too
[11:55] {Threei} CAT invalidated for now
[11:56] {Les} wfc broke its range
[11:58] {Threei} mags, jf
[11:58] {Threei} GS 162 break
[12:02] {Threei} (EU) ECB's Weber: "Divergence" in the Euro Zone could hamper monetary policy, sees an "urgent need" to manage the exit from extraordinary policies
[12:03] {Threei} WFC relentless
[12:08] {Les} gs ain't following, what gives?
[12:09] {Threei} you want to learn all the reasons behind all the buy and sell orders?
[12:09] {Les} yes
[12:09] {dino} lol
[12:09] {Les} :Pf
[12:09] {Threei} have mercy on your brain...
[12:09] {Threei} trust me, life becomes so much easier whn you stop thinking
[12:10] {Threei} stocks start behaving, volcanos start chosing other countries to erupt in and girls start liking you much more
[12:11] {Les} hmm now that you put it like that...
[12:11] {magoo} \STEC
[12:11] {magoo} STEC
[12:12] {Threei} first GS target is between .40 and .50 for me
[12:13] {magoo} .44 the 200 vad
[12:13] {Threei} cool
[12:14] {Threei} thought of taking .30 - .35, then greed took over
[12:14] {Threei} chart is clear till 164
[12:14] {magoo} yea..me to, thought about .27, no do
[12:15] {Les} I was dreaming of $1
[12:16] {magoo} was i in it?your dream?
[12:16] {Threei} I don't want to know
[12:17] {Threei} stubborness with which it takes these huge offers is impressive
[12:17] {Threei} saw that?
[12:17] {Les} mags does gs
[12:17] {Les} sounds pornographic
[12:17] {Les} yes
[12:17] {nemo} impressive how the market decides to take off at lunch time
[12:18] {nemo} look at the cat consolidation between .80-..85
[12:18] {Threei} CAT did some other setup
[12:18] {Threei} went up but not on my terms
[12:19] {nemo} yeah, consolidated right near that hammer low and DB'd
[12:19] {Les} out +..20 hoping for reload
[12:20] {magoo} needs to take fitty now
[12:22] {Threei} told you WFC was number uno
[12:22] {Threei} did the best on this market break
[12:22] {Threei} GS went up more in absolute trems but you can't play the same size on GS
[12:27] {Threei} (GE) Germany reportedly extends airspace restriction to 0000 Wednesday
[12:27] {Threei} first portion out
[12:27] {Threei} GS
[12:27] {Threei} .46
[12:27] {Les} airline
[12:27] {Les} airlines
[12:28] {dino} that may explain ups, fdx
[12:28] {Threei} if you want to know the name of a true moder hero, it's Tumpell-Gugerell
[12:29] {Threei} (EU) ECB's Tumpell-Gugerell: Making progress in stabilizing the Euro Zone economy
[12:29] {Threei} offering next portion .90
[12:29] {magoo} .87 here
[12:29] {Threei} .86999
[12:30] {Threei} out 1/4 more .82
[12:31] {Threei} don't want to wait out that another huge offer
[12:32] {magoo} ,85 here
[12:32] {magoo} out
[12:32] {Threei} 163.30 is next target
[12:32] {dino} sm l algt .60
[12:33] {magoo} i have 1/4 left too
[12:33] {Threei} and 163.80 last
[12:33] {dino} too soon
[12:34] {Les} nice play. I stopped out flat 2nd time thinking it was finished. damn that thinking
[12:35] {Threei} told ya
[12:36] {magoo} this type stock all about getting proper entry, giving it enough wiggle room, and letting winner WIN
[12:36] {Threei} and hope Tumpell-Gugerell is opn your side
[12:37] {Les} yeh got burnt earlier friggin around with 161 entry. will let you guys guide me through
[12:37] {magoo} thats what u pay us for
[12:37] {Threei} hardly possible Les... seriously
[12:37] {Threei} this is clear case of play if you understand how,
[12:38] {Threei} there is no way to take you through this kind of play
[12:38] {Les} yeh yeh
[12:38] {Les} but your setup
[12:38] {Les} when I saw it, was what I was lacking earlier
[12:39] {Threei} this is right way to approach it
[12:39] {Les} and stupid me for not monitoring the trade closely. bounced of vwap before pushing higher
[12:39] {Threei} it's like mosaic
[12:39] {Threei} create your trade from many pieces
[12:39] {Threei} one of which can be our comments
[12:40] {Threei} but there is a good reason for me simpl;y saying "mags, jf, GS" insteade of traditional way to alert
[12:40] {Les} out AOS +.25 ty dino
[12:41] {Les} sure vad, but will continue to paper trade it, even when moving over to laser
[12:41] {Les} valuable skill to learn IMO - momo
[12:41] {Les} and these fast movers
[12:42] {dino} algt stopped
[12:49] {Threei} too bad last piece of GS didn't get there
[12:49] {magoo} yea, out
[12:56] {Les} cat 68 again
[12:58] {Threei} pure joy:
[12:58] {Threei} * KSystems_ was kicked by ChanServ
[12:58] {Threei} eternal circle of life... KSystems creates ChanServ... ChanServe kicks KSystsems out..
[13:00] {dino} algt perhaps db
[13:02] {Threei} lol... CNN guy said "pesky volcanic erruption"
[13:02] {Threei} he would fit in our room
[13:04] {dino} cagc animal
[13:17] {magoo} where u like gs vad
[13:17] {magoo} sigh
[13:18] {Threei} pretty random for now
[13:20] {Threei} don't sigh mags
[13:20] {Threei} you really have no reason to
[13:20] {Threei} no stock is readable all the time
[13:21] {Threei} it's not about catching every move
[13:21] {Threei} it's about catching the moment when you can read the move
[13:21] {dino} algt capit
[13:22] {Threei} and you must admit, last few days I did what I rarely do, accomodating your love to extreme movers :)
[13:24] {magoo} YES U DID! and you were smiling too
[13:24] {Threei} rather smirking
[13:24] {Threei} but that's because smile doesn't come naturally to me
[13:24] {Threei} I almost feel like my face is cracking
[13:25] {Threei} muscles that never work suddenly get involved
[13:26] {shorty} c/h on CIEN?
[13:26] {Threei} I don't see it
[13:27] {Threei} why didn't I like IMAX .60 break...
[13:33] {magoo} gun to vads head...i think aapl gets 25 points DOWN after earnings tonite
[13:34] {Les} vad's head is pretty valuable, does it have to be his?
[13:34] {magoo} well, not mine, any suggestions??
[13:34] {nemo} o.k. shotgun to les's head then
[13:34] {Les} ok, vad it is
[13:34] {Les} oh get back in your box nemo
[13:34] {Threei} sigh
[13:35] {nemo} yeah that was beneath me...much to easy
[13:35] {magoo} your not one too stand in front of a lynch mob are u les lol
[13:35] {Threei} not without machine gun at least
[13:36] {nemo} you want a bar or a saw...you can get flanked with those tripod mount jobs
[13:36] {Threei} saw... too messy
[13:36] {Les} bunch of rambos
[13:36] {Threei} and have to let them too close
[13:37] {nemo} Squad Automatic Rifle
[13:37] {nemo} usually in 556 nato
[13:37] {Les} "minimi" in our parlance
[13:38] {Les} http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_Minimi
[13:38] {nemo} carrying a mini, no there's a chore
[13:39] {Les} the last year of service of the following gun in my army, I was infantry recruit...
[13:40] {Les} http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAG_58
[13:40] {Les} son of a bitch to carry, but when you let rip....booyah
[13:41] {Les} minimi was plastic toy by comparison
[13:41] {nemo} 7.62 is alot of lead
[13:42] {RonS} jef getting shot
[13:43] {RonS} will gs crack 160?
[13:45] {Threei} anyone's guess Ron
[13:45] {Les} I was lucky nemo, went through as transition was occuring from 7.62 to 5.56. got to see two generations of firearm
[13:45] {Threei} (US) US Senators Grassley and Conrad have reportedly introduced more legislation for tax credits for ethanol
[13:45] {Threei} - follow up: hearing Lazard has made positive comments in ethanol names follwing the recent report
[13:45] {nemo} now US going to 6.8
[13:47] {Les} ?
[13:47] {RonS} ...adm must want the price of corn up
[13:48] {Les} USG 20 b/d?
[13:49] {RonS} syk at 52 week high before earnings this pm
[13:51] {RonS} check the 6 mo daily on CREE. 9.5 mil sh short, 15% of float and reports ah
[13:52] {Threei} no read Les
[13:52] {magoo} cree reports after bell
[13:52] {Les} ok
[13:52] {Threei} US) Fed's Plosser: In support of ending emergency powers; current regulatory proposals risk politicizing the Federal Reserve
[13:53] {RonS} lol...like the Fed has never been a political entity
[13:54] {Threei} got a great illustration to that Ron
[13:54] {Threei} gimme a few to find it
[13:55] {Threei} here it is
[13:55] {Threei} notice the name of the image
[13:55] {Threei} http://realitytrader.com/vad/Crime%20of%20the%20Century.jpg
[13:56] {RonS} meaning, you shot that?
[13:56] {Threei} I wish
[13:58] {Threei} and the result of that crime:
[13:58] {Threei} http://realitytrader.com/vad/image001.jpg
[13:59] {Les} what medal is that?
[14:00] {RonS} yep
[14:00] {Threei} ARIA Presents Preclinical Data on Its Investigational ALK Inhibitor, AP26113, Demonstrating That It Can Overcome Mutation-Based Drug Resistance in Cancer Models (3.83, +0.09, 2.41%)
[14:01] {RonS} Presidential Medal of Freedom
[14:01] {Threei} Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States
[14:01] {Les} freedom...lol
[14:02] {RonS} http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidential_Medal_of_Freedom
[14:02] {Threei} that award took place on November 9, 2005
[14:02] {Threei} couldn't they wait 3 more years?
[14:02] {Les} delicious, just as the bubble is about to burst
[14:02] {Threei} what irony eh
[14:03] {Threei} actually his whole life is full of such
[14:03] {Threei} can you believe he was one of the closest allies of Ayn Rand
[14:03] {Threei} her favorite student
[14:03] {Les} still haven't read this character yet, but yes I remember this fact
[14:04] {Threei} CYCC Oncology Targeted Pipeline Highlighted in Six Presentations at AACR conf
[14:04] {Threei} - CEO: "Among the six abstracts, we are pleased to have data presented for the first time with regar... (2.72, -0.04, -1.45%) more...
[14:05] {Threei} IMMU New Blood Test for Detecting Early Stage Pancreatic Cancer Correlates With Response to Clivatuzumab Tetraxetan Treatment
[14:05] {Threei} 100% with a 68% Specificity... (3.75, +0.03, 0.81%) more...
[14:05] {RonS} wfc battle going on...
[14:05] {Threei} EU) ECB's Weber clarifies earlier reports; claims never told lawmakers Greece would need 80B
[14:07] {RonS} ???...100% w/ 68% specificity?
[14:07] {RonS} i thought humans only had one pancreas
[14:07] {Threei} claims that the figures were based on a false interpretation of what he said
[14:07] {Threei} - Reminder: On Apr 19th: ECB's Weber stated that Greece might need additional aid beyond the 30B pledged under current framework in comments made to to lawmakers . The WSJ reported that Weber Feels Greece could need approx 80B
[14:08] {nemo} usually, but pancreatic cells can break off and create multiple secondary pancreases
[14:08] {Threei} you sure you want full text Ron?
[14:08] {RonS} really? is that a joke?...why do i sound like Les?
[14:08] {Threei} 'cause I can post it... but I bet no one will be able to read it all
[14:09] {RonS} ...no. just an exec brief...:D
[14:09] {Les} piss of Ron
[14:09] {Les} off
[14:09] {Les} :)
[14:10] {RonS} lol
[14:11] {Les} MS close to 30 b/d. a little consolidation....
[14:24] {Threei} mags
[14:24] {Threei} GS
[14:24] {Threei} 161 break
[14:24] {Threei} sto .85
[14:24] {Threei} just a scalp most likely
[14:26] {Threei} same setup again
[14:28] {Threei} not this time
[14:40] {Threei} Long Setup: WFC .55 if holding above .50
[14:42] {nemo} is this a 05 hunt, that was a helluva volume on that rop
[14:42] {Threei} .50 cross is questionable
[14:42] {Les} gs again?
[14:43] {Threei} after one more drop, maybe
[14:43] {Threei} GS, most likely
[14:43] {Threei} (CA) Canada Fin Min: Aiming to create an 'alternative' for the financial transaction tax
[14:46] {dino} ugh
[14:48] {Threei} VXX new 52 week low
[14:48] {Threei} unfrikinbelieavble
[14:48] {Threei} but pleasant
[14:48] {Threei} TIVO...
[14:48] {Threei} I wish market was more active
[14:48] {Threei} this one is a nice climb candidate
[14:48] {Threei} look at daily
[14:48] {shorty} slow climb up
[14:49] {magoo} appl launch
[14:50] {magoo} hit that GS vad.99 -.29
[14:51] {Threei} cool beans
[14:51] {Les} yeh out +.24
[14:51] {Les} still, hard to learn to wait out the pullbacks and save many a stop...
[14:54] {dino} c reverse split talk
[15:00] {fernp} QQQQ if breaks .85, Vad?
[15:00] {Threei} I think so
[15:01] {fernp} ty
[15:01] {fernp} .78 valid stop?
[15:02] {Threei} just under .80, yes
[15:04] {shorty} Threei, did ARRY go momo today? I see it on the chart that it climbed fast, but I was away.
[15:04] {Threei} no
[15:11] {shorty} ZION break?
[15:11] {shorty} never mind
[15:17] {magoo} vad, lets watch GS
[15:17] {Threei} I do
[15:17] {Threei} I juist don't see anything yet
[15:20] {fernp} no go QQQQ
[15:33] {Les} Schwab paying $200M to settle issues with investors who lost in mortgage backed fund
[15:33] {Les} Chucks daily chart is interesting
[15:37] {magoo} gs crazy spike
[15:39] {dptl} good evening all....see ya tomorrow
[15:39] {shorty} bye dptl
[15:39] {RonS} cya dp
[15:40] {dino} cagc hod
[15:41] {RonS} nuts
[15:41] {magoo} surrender
[15:41] {magoo} nuts
[15:41] {dino} sjt drop
[15:41] {Threei} take care dp
[15:42] {dino} too fast
[15:42] {dino} cya dppppppppp
[15:42] {shorty} good night all. See you tomorrow, a demain.
[15:42] {magoo} c u both
[15:42] {dino} damn dial-up
[15:42] {Les} oui oui ciao
[15:42] {dino} cya shortster
[15:42] {magoo} shorty WAIITTTTTTTTTTT
[15:42] {Les} duck
[15:42] {shorty} POW, right in the kisser
06[15:42] * magoo slaps shorty around a bit with a large trout
[15:43] {shorty} lol, thanks
[15:44] {Threei} lol
[15:44] {Threei} take care shorty
[15:49] {Threei} whole afternoon is marked by lack of movement
[15:49] {Threei} as it was a pattern for a long while
[15:49] {Threei} changed lately, but today it's back
[15:54] {Threei} so, who we have today
[15:54] {Threei} AAPL
[15:54] {Threei} ALTR
[15:54] {Threei} JNPR
[15:55] {Threei} YHOO
[15:55] {Threei} GILD
[15:55] {RonS} vmw
[15:56] {RonS} a.m. wfc
[15:57] {magoo} im not playing afterhours
[15:57] {nemo} apppl dropping
[15:59] {magoo} tired..im up...im out
[15:59] {Threei} thank yo all
[15:59] {Threei} have a good evening, see you tomorrow
[16:00] {Les} you gonna have a crack at after hour specials?
[16:00] {jfjf64} good night all
[16:00] {Threei} CSIQ Guides Q1 shipments 189MW to 191MW (21.33, +0.40, 1.91%)
[16:00] {fernp} Good evening everybody. See u all tomorrow
[16:01] {RonS} cya fern
[16:01] {Threei} CSIQ Halted: news disseminated (21.33, +0.40, 1.91%)
[16:02] {Threei} CREE Reports Q3 $0.47 v $0.44e, R$234M v $224Me
[16:02] {RonS} getting smacked
[16:02] {Threei} Guides Q4 $0.48-0.51 v $0.47e, R$255-265M v $242Me
[16:03] {Threei} MSFT To make significant announcement related to SQL server
[16:05] {Threei} YHOO Reports Q1 $0.22 v $0.09e, R$1.6B (unclear if comparable) v $1.2Be
[16:05] {Threei} JNPR Reports Q1 $0.27 v $0.26e, R$913M v $906Me
[16:05] {Threei} GILD Reports Q1 $0.99 v $0.96e, R$2.1B v $2.1Be
[16:07] {Les} tried catching cree on 75 rebound but way to fast for me. c u's tomorrow$
[16:11] {RonS} msft call scheduled for 7:30 pdt in the morning...weird
[16:15] {RonS} stx reported...beat and trading up


text:
[People I know are in this picture. I am not in this, that or I can't pick myself apart from all the knobs. Pretty common problem actually.]
And now we get to the article you have all been waiting for, where I break down the Citadel's NROTC program! Going for a commission via NROTC is considered the wiser, safer, less horseshit way of becoming a US Marine, versus just enlisting. Other than going to OCS or PLC, it's the most popular route to a commission. Now, units and lifestyle vary. Someone who went to Partyville State Bro college is not gonna have exactly the same type of midshipman experience I did, for obvious reasons. But the doctrine and scope of training is the same, so here's my perspective on things.
As stated before, I went to the Citadel with an NROTC, Marine option scholarship. I was therefore a midshipman in the naval reserve, paid a lovely 250 dollar stipend each month along with a book allowance and tuition paid for. I was one of 8 freshmen to get in with this, and we were given a ribbon to wear on our uniforms with an EGA on it. Your feeling of accomplishment and distinction goes away when you recall what I've said in previous articles about standing out at a school like the Citadel. Having that ribbon makes you a target, makes it easier for upperclassmen to pick you out and pick on you, whether out of jealousy for your scholarship or because they are service snobs and don't like Marines. Even though I earned that ribbon, cadre would punish me for uniform imperfection by ordering me to take it off. Upperclass who were midshipmen heard about this and told me to disregard such orders, as well as not bracing while in Marine Corps issued uniforms. It was an unresolved back and forth between Marine uppers and non marine contracts, wasn't much I could do about it.
All cadets with a scholarship(often referred to as a contract) are in ROTC, but not all cadets in ROTC are contracting. If you aren't going for a contract, it is just a one credit hour class, and a fairly easy one. Death by powerpoint, and the tests are easy as hell. We spent a month worth of classes watching some british mini series about the royal navy, and even though they turned the lights off, the navy LT who taught my class would get on you for trying to get some needed sleep during the movie.
If you have to commission, and it has to be the Citadel, do it as an enlisted MECEP. From what I understood, they didn't have to be knobs, or live on campus as part of the Corps of Cadets. All they had to deal with was classes, and typical Marine Corps bs.
If you are a MECEP,contract or wanting one, you have to be involved in the NROTC's so called "Marine Contingent". It's organized as a company with five platoons, each from a different SCCC battallion. Its chain of command muddies the water with the Corps of Cadets. A guy who has no position in the Corps might be a platoon leader in the marine unit, for instance. Our contingent 1st Sergeant was also my cadre CO.
Being in the contingent required your participation in 3 PT sessions a week at 0500, which earned you minor scorn back at battalion from knobs who were still sweeping galleries while you took a shower after PT. Every thursday from 4 till before dinner mess(if lucky) you had a "lab", where the unit formed up on the parade field and usually did something physical or had a class on land nav and formations, Physical activities ranged from fun stuff, like obstacle/endurance courses, to hum drum like CFT's. We also went on conditioning hikes with packs, I forget how much weight it was but it was heavy as hell. Upperclassmen had priority when getting issued the more ergonomical and newer gear, I had some old BDU color pack thing from the 80's. The army rucked more than us, but their gear was either a lot better designed or they didn't carry as much on their backs. When hiking they also seemed a lot less supervised and like they were going on a nice little stroll, objectively speaking we humped harder than they did.
The closest we recieved to tactical training was low budget to say the least. We learned how to give covering fire and advance in groups of two(I'm up-they see-me I'm down- type shit), while wielding imaginary rifles and making gun noises with our mouths. We once did squad formations, also with imaginary weapons, and very rarely we pulled out rubber duck m16's. I would see the army guys training at the same time as us, they always had really cool looking rubber guns, they even had eastern bloc replica weapons and RPG's and would set up make shift bunkers with camo netting. It always looked like they had the money to do stuff we wanted to do but had to play pretend with. We once learned room clearing, where the walls and boundaries of rooms were denoted by ropes on the grass laid out in squares. Real exciting stuff.
Occasionally we would have a classroom instruction period during lab before we put skills into practice. These usually consisted of some motivator sergeant or corporal, MECEPs most likely, giving us a powerpoint about squad and fireteam formations or about land nav. These marines had the impression that we were probably not very smart or able to focus on something for more than a few minutes at a time. They would make deprecating jokes about how this was all boring and hard but we had to bear with it, as if it was calculus or something. They would have us stand up and stretch every 15-20 minutes. I was, you know, a college student, and didn't have a problem sitting still and taking notes. I don't get why everyone else would, but sure enough even college officer candidates live up to the stereotype of the dumb, muscular marine who isn't book smart.
The land nav classes in particular were a huge let down for me, because they were EXACTLY the same as the ones I had done for four years in JROTC. Exactly the same outdated map of fort benning with the same locations to find, exact same powerpoint we used in high school. At least I could say I knew what I was doing, unlike a lot of the clueless fellow officer candidates who were scratching their ape brains about azimuths and such.
One to three FTX exercises are held during semester. They take up one to three days. Mine was 2 days and a night bivouac in Charleston Naval Weapons Station in september. Pictures of FTX on the contingent's website sold me the most on going to the Citadel over other schools, so I was surprised to find out I hated every second of it. We built fighting holes, rucked like 9 miles, did a landnav exercise. It rained and was miserable, I had at least an inch deep puddle of sweat in my boots at one point, how humid it was.
The culture of the ROTC unit is a lot less hostile than in the SCCC. 4th class system isn't in effect during training, so its the only time upperclassmen don't make you act like a retard and treat you like a person. The Marine officer instructors(MOI and AMOI, latter is an SNCO, gunnies usually) were professional and polite. But being in a Marine Corps environment, I did witness some of the stupidity described by others on this site. Our unit platoon sergeant got racked out by some motivator NCO, and so he came to us and in his most exasperated sarcasm, apologized for being such a horrible leader. That he would fail to set the example by having missed a notch on his belt or some such, he had lapsed in his integrity, he hoped we would all forgive him for being such a poor example and shaming the Marine Corps and the Citadel.
A few stories for you of douchebaggery. I always figured it was the Citadel's culture contaminating the unit, but knowing what I do now, the Marine Corps is certainly capable of negative experiences such as these:
During a timed 3 mile run, I did what I was wont to do in cross country in high school. As people started catching up to me or passing me, this would motivate me to push it and speed back up to beat them. One particular motard saw this and racked me out for doing it, something like " Oh hey bitch you're not gonna put out all the way when people aren't around huh". Another time we were running on a track. We had a motto in cross country, "finish strong". I would pour out whatever was left in me for the last leg of the journey. My unit squad leader yelled at me for doing this, saying I should have been running that hard the entire time. Well, shoot, maybe next time I will just not bother to put in all my effort, so no one can accuse me of holding out by being totally unexceptional . What the fuck.
The biggest blow to my opinion of fellow midshipman came at the end of FTX. As we waited for hours for the bus to come pick us up and take us back to school, we were given lunch in the outer part of Naval Weapons station,and it was pretty chill. I decided I would do something nice, and take my trash and that of others to the dumpster on the fence, across the way. When I came back, all the upperclass midshipman jumped on me for walking a hundred feet away by myself without a battle buddy, even though I was in plain view the entire time. In an instant my fellow midshipmen reverted to being Citadel upperclass, and I was a stupid knob. Back and forth, I heard "who the fuck is that?"," is that knob gaudy"? " doesn't that knob have a contract"" " I cant believe they give nasties like him scholarships, what bullshit". The culmination of all my frustration was in this moment, it was rock bottom for me in terms of morale.
To change gears slightly, my experience being at the Citadel and in the marine unit was a constant realization that everything I had planned my life around, everything I thought about who I was and my mission in life, was completely wrong. It was a destruction of my self image and my imagined dreams. The first week I stood up and was made to swear the oath. Every word felt like a lie, and I didn't understand what the hell was wrong with me.
When in training or in academic buildings, fellow midshipmen were still full motard. They proudly joked about being yut yuts, oorah marine corps this and that. In high school I was much the same. I realized then that I had been trying to be something I saw on TV, something divorced from reality, and here I was surrounded by people who were still in fantasyland. They looked so absurd to me, and I couldn't get myself back into their mentality. They took pride in being meatheaded neanderthals, and it offended me to be associated with them. It felt offensive for others to judge my intelligence based on my uniform.
The bloodthirsty cadences, I couldn't sing along anymore because I was comprehending what we were saying. On the Marine Corps birthday we had 0500 spirit run, a staff sergeant had us sing "napalm sticks to kids". Corpsmen would give us lessons on tourniquets and field questions about injuries, and I found myself unwilling to listen to any of it.
When I was in high school I would look at myself in the mirror with my high and tight cut and say "I am a United States Marine." I would imagine myself in MCU's or dress blues, older, stronger, perfect.It felt good, I was so sure it fit. But before labs at the Citadel, I would look at myself in the mirror, above a sink where I brushed my teeth and was made to urinate. Here I was, wearing MCU's, or boots and utes, just like I had always wanted. I no longer saw a marine in the mirror. I saw a skinny, tired 19 year old kid, wearing a hand me down uniform that was too big for me. I was wearing a costume, pretending to be something I wasn't and doing a horrible job at it. I had zilch in common with anyone, even less without a desire to commission. People resented that I had a full ride and a path to commission, yet wasn't motivated or boss at anything. There was no longer any doubt. I didn't want this, and I was getting out.
They try to really make it a pain in the ass for you to leave. You get counseled by multiple MOI's, they try to guilt you into staying in, making you feel like if you leave, you will never accomplish anything else. I felt like someone who actually was motivated deserved my scholarship, someone who didn't have any qualms about it all. What good would I be to marines under my command if I didn't believe in the mission, the organization, the culture, the war? No good,and thats the part no one counseling me seemed to understand.
If you get a 4 year scholarship out of high school, you don't incur any financial obligation to the Department of the Navy until the start of sophomore year. I didn't want to waste anymore taxpayer money or time, mine or the Marine Corps's. I left after finals in the fall, and transferred to a school in the state where I was from. I dropped my scholarship, my career, an entire life I had been setting myself up for. I have turned a new corner in my life, but the experiences I have been through are still very much a part of me, they brought me to where I am now. It is for that reason that I sing the Sand Castle Blues, and I still have a few stories left to tell, for my benefit, and for that of anyone who can be saved from making a big mistake with their lives.
[More stories from me and others about El Cid at http://brokengrayline.tumblr.com/ If you went there or know someone who did, and you didn't fit in, you aren't alone. You are among friends. Drop us a line]


text: Long day, ha? Tell me about it…I woke up at 4;30 a.m., I had to travel for about two hours and then start working. It wasn't really a big deal what I had to do, you might say, "That's nothing, just cleaning the house." Yet, when that house is so big that only vacuuming takes you approximately two to three hours, 'nothing' quickly changes into 'quite something' :)) Continue reading "Just one of those days…"


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SharePoint 2013 WCM Bootcamp in the Netherlands
SharePoint 2013 offers new and improved capabilities for building public-facing websites. Find out how to leverage those capabilities to build modern public-facing websites.
On June 11 in Utrecht, The Netherlands Microsoft Netherlands organizes a day-long event focused on the new and improved capabilities that SharePoint 2013 offers for building public-facing websites.
During this SharePoint 2013 WCM Bootcamp you will learn how to build websites using responsive web design and bring your website to live using the SharePoint 2013 content publishing capabilities. Additionally you will learn how to plan, design and build websites by making the best use of the new functionality that SharePoint 2013 offers you.
The event will consist of two tracks: one focused on the user experience side of public-facing websites and one focused on their architecture. Together you will have a unique opportunity to learn how to build great websites with SharePoint 2013.
I will be presenting sessions in the architecture track. Other presenters are Fredrik Holm (Senior Program Manager Lead at Microsoft, where he leads a team that is responsible for Web Content Management features in addition to many Search based features) and Josh Stickler (Program Manager at Microsoft, where he's responsible for a variety of SharePoint 2013 Web Content Management features, including the Design Manager and Variations).
Register now for the WCM Bootcamp and see you in Utrecht on June 11.


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San Diego, California, September 7, 2016: Great news for San Diego homeowners planning a kitchen remodeling service. 2016 pulse of the City award winner Groysman Construction has recently announced to extend a FREE in-house consultation with its expert kitchen remodeling service.
"We are excited to announce that we are presently extending a free in-house consultation with our specialist kitchen remodeling services. You can order for onsite consultations and our remodeling experts would be right there at your home, bang on time. We will visit you with different material samples for your kitchen, such as woods and tiles. Most importantly, we will sit for a thorough discussion with you on every detail of the kitchen, including kitchen counter-top options and appliances- keeping in mind the particular feel and space of your home. Your typical specifications would be kept into consideration at every step we take with your kitchen", stated Boris Groysman, a licensed home remodeling expert and the man behind Groysman Construction.
A name of big repute across San Diego home renovation sector, Groysman Construction has been operating for more than 3 decades now. The family-owned & operated custom remodel & construction firm specializes in both whole and partial house remodel and renovation services.
"Customer convenience has always been primary for us and we make it sure to support you with premier yet affordable services. Our current free in-house consultation offer will enable you to save great on your home remodeling project as here you will have the entire planning done at just no cost. From color schemes to wall patterns to materials to flooring to lighting schemes- we will help you with all. With us, you are guaranteed of a practical, pleasant and cozy kitchen complementing your home and typical lifestyle. In case, you have plans to extend your kitchen, we can even assist with the drywall removal service."
The kitchen design and remodeling specialists from the company take to innovative software & technologies to get clients a vivid view of the remodeled kitchen- prior to setting out for actual renovation. Boris and his team work with all sizes of kitchens and for smaller kitchens, the company assures smart color schemes that will make the space appear more spacious and welcoming.
Added to kitchen renovations, the company is known for best bathroom remodeling services around, backed by a 5-year warranty. Other services provided by the company include room conversions, flooring installation, room additions as well as new home build-up.
"We are here to make your habitat more comfortable, functional and pleasing- whether you are planning a kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling or a room addition. We only use certified materials & time-tested techniques to ensure the best remodeling works. Your convenience is the most vital to us and we always guarantee legalized room addition", added in the manager from Groysman Construction.
To get your in-house free consultation from Groysman Construction, visit https://groysmanconstruction.com.
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/embed/MDbNDQWHaL8
Media Contact
Company Name: Groysman Construction
Contact Person: Boris Groysman
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: 858-342-3280
Address:San Diego, CA
City: San Diego
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: http://groysmanconstruction.com


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|Andrew takes a look at the new vampire thriller from Artsploitation, Children of the Night.
|"The Church of Scientology"
Shot on high definition digital video at the unusual frame rate of 29 frames per second as opposed to the usual 24, Children of the Night occasionally looks very beautiful with the remote Argentinian countryside and other times the handheld cinematography looks downright inept. Largely shot at night in soft focus, many scenes of action are so dimly lit you can't see anything, detracting from the staged bloodshed and mayhem ensuing. For an ostensibly practical effects driven film, all the work is wasted by shooting it in such low light levels. Not to mention the gross out gags aren't particularly original. There are a few surprises near the end involving kids playing jump rope with intestines and soccer with a severed head but even that just feels like wannabe Eli Roth. You know you're in serious trouble when you look to someone like Roth as a source of inspiration. The closest thing to an original gross out gag in the film involves a human victim bound and chained with a garden hose valve surgically affixed to his belly button whenever the little kids feel like a swig. Every now and again a halfway decent setup will present itself such as a crane shot lifting above the elder overseeing the orphanage as children encircle her and the close-ups of actors faces lit in amber light don't look bad.
|"Wanna read a bedtime story?"
-Andrew Kotwicki
Share this review, blood sucker!


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Looking for an Opportunity to Volunteer?
Submitted by billadmin on February 19, 2014 - 4:41pm
The LDCA is a volunteer-managed homeowners association. We welcome participation from our residents. If you are interested in serving as a Committee or Board Member or finding out more information, please contact any Committee Chair or Board member.


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Talent Q, created by Korn Ferry, is a common test provider used by DEWA. Through us, you can gain access to this exam for further preparation for your upcoming interview. A unique feature this exam holds is self-assessment. Meaning, depending on the answers you choose, the test will analyse you and find suitable questions that are suited to your level. Furthermore, the exams are not very long. The maximum length is 16-minutes to keep you from distraction and overwhelmed tendencies that go along with endless examinations. To find out more information, click here.
Overall the recruitment process with DEWA has been rated positive. The company however takes it's time to contact you. Don't be put-off if you aren't contacted for up to a month after applying. Nevertheless, once the recruitment process begins, you can expect to hear back one way or another relatively quickly. Below is a breakdown of what to expect in the upcoming weeks:
A common interview question that is brought up is your commitment to DEWA. Don't be surprised if the company asks if you are willing to stay with them for the next 6 years. Consider your answer before you enter the interview. Below are a few other common interview questions:
DEWA, Microsoft and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with JobTestPrep or this website.


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The purpose of this roundup is to put the highlights of all things Star Wars from the last week in one location. If you read this each week, you should be able to converse fluently with any Star Wars fan on everything from the latest Star Wars: Episode VII developments to the latest toys. And maybe you'll even share with them something that they might have missed.
Let's get to it!
Episode VII Movie News Summary
Entertainment Weekly briefly spoke to J.J. Abrams who had this to say about "Episode VII":
Which of the previous Star Wars films best exemplifies what youre aiming to do in terms of the spirit or tone of Episode VII?
"Impossible for me to say because it's going to be an evolving thing. I would say we are working really hard to make a movie that feels as emotional and authentic and exciting as possible. Whatever your favorite Star Wars movie is and how to compare it is really sort of subjective."
Media and fans have been offering you a ton of unsolicited advice about to how to approach the film. Is there any particular thing theyve said that youve taken to heart?
"It's been nice see that how important it is and to be reminded how important it is to so many people. We all know that [creator George Lucas'] dream has become almost a religion to some people. I remember reading a thing somewhere, someone wrote about just wanting [the new film] to feel real; to feel authentic. I remember I felt that way when I was 11 years old when I saw the first one. As much of a fairy tale as it was, it felt real. And to me, that is exactly right."
A big question for Star Wars fans has been how the books, comics, and games set after "Return of the Jedi" would fit into the carefully crafted continuity set by Lucasfilm over the years. While it looks like Lucasfilm and Disney would be starting a new continuity with "Episode VII," novel editor Shelly Shapiro seems to indicate that's the case in an interview with Suvudu:
What kinds of things can we look forward to in the world of Star Wars fiction?
We've got the excitement of a whole new Star Wars future unfolding as information about the new movies rolls out, and I anticipate that we will be brimming over with ideas for new fiction tying in to the new continuity both of Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, and of the standalone movies that have been announced. Not to mention the new upcoming REBELS animated series. So lots more novels, more series, more original ebooks and stories
Whether 'new continuity' means a full reboot or fitting new elements into the existing continuity remains to be seen. We'll see what Lucasfilm and Disney have to say. I'm personally in favor of a full reboot as I don't want to see the filmmakers constrained by every bad comic or novel from the last 30 years.
As expected, Mark Hamill has been training to get into physical shape for 'Episode VII," at least according to his good friend Robert Englund. Yes, Freddy Krueger. Comic Book reports from the Nashville Comic Expo:
"Mark nowthey've got Mark in the gym, because Mark's coming back as Luke Skywalker. They've got him doing his sit ups," said Englund.
On the casting rumor front, Latino Review reports that Saoirse Ronan has auditioned for a role in "Episode VII."
I tried to find out what Ronan went in but they wouldn't tell me. During the conversation what was very interesting was that there will be a female villain part as well. NOW I'm not saying Ronan went in for that part, for all you know Ronan went in for the Solo daughter.
Latino Review also says that Benedict Cumberbatch is actually in the film after all:
In fact, he will be in all three Star Wars films! It's all a smoke screen. Folks, remember when Cumberbatch denied being Khan for over a year? Same situation here .
Technically, his part in Episode VII is very small but the role is much bigger in Episode VIII and Episode IX.
Latino Review wasn't done. They then got word on some more actors who auditioned:
According to sources, The Butlers David Oyelowo went in for some unknown role. But here is the kicker. You know who just went in to meet with JJ Abrams personally? Fruitvale Stations Michael B. Jordan.
(Photos by Getty Images)
Entertainment Weekly caught up with Jonathan Rhys Meyers and asked him about those "Episode VII" casting rumors:
But the 36-year-old actor who has starred in films like Velvet Goldmine and Match Point and played Henry VIII on Showtime's The Tudors brushes off the reports, telling EW that, for the moment at least, the Star Wars speculation is just that. "Look, I've worked with J.J.," says Rhys Meyers, who co-starred in Abrams' Mission: Impossible III in 2006. "But I don't believe rumors."
Check out the link for more comments.
Ewan McGregor continues to happily field questions about "Episode VII" as shown over at Express.co.uk:
"The problem is that I played the young Obi Wan and they are going to be looking for an old Obi Wan and that's Alec Guinness's territory," says Ewan, 42, who insists he's still harbouring hopes of a return to the franchise made famous by director George Lucas, with original cast members including Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.
"I'm waiting for that call but I think they're more likely to want an Alec lookalike than me."
Could he come back as a hologram recording? That would be cool.
OneHeadlightInk.com reports a new rumor that "Episode VII" will be partly filmed in New Mexico. Will it double for Tatooine? Some other planet? We'll see if this rumor turns out to be true. But Latino Review took it a step further and says filming will take place in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Start getting your telephoto lenses ready.
Updated Themes with Michael and Ben- Star Wars Imperial March – Ben Schwartz (Parks and Rec, House of Lies) and Oscar Award Winning Composer Michael Giacchino (Up, Star Trek, Lost) brainstorm ideas to update the Imperial March for JJ Abrams' new Star Wars films. Turns out, JJ was "not interested." Unintentional special thanks to the genius Bill Murray and Paul Shaffer.
Bleeding Cool – Concept Art From The Star Wars Crossover Episode Of Phineas And Ferb
Also, check out this tweet from the creator of Phineas and Ferb:
Seth Green went on Reddit and gave the scoop on the status of "Star wars: Detours":
So there's actually been quite a bit of talk about this, but Detours is just on hold currently. We have 39 finished episodes and around 62 finished scripts. But that entire show was created before the decision to make more Star Wars movies, so our show (which was created by George Lucas) is an animated sitcom in the world of Star Wars, so we had a lot of conversations with Kathleen Kennedy about Star Wars in not just the next 3 years but the next 30 years, and when you're in as privileged a position as we were to be able to work on Star Wars content with its creator, you get a great sense of responsibility to the whole. I was introduced to Star Wars as a child and it was without any ironic or comedic lens, so I saw Darth Vader as scary, and I saw all of those messages very very clearly. We didn't think it made any sense, in anticipation of these new movies coming out, to spend the next 3 years with an animated sitcom as 3 generations' of kids first introduction to the Star Wars universe.
I've had a lot of parents approach me in the last few years where they showed Robot Chicken or Family Guy Star Wars before they showed them regular Star Wars. The writers on Robot Chicken and I are seeing this a lot. The same way we were introduced to classic music through Bugs Bunny or Tom & Jerry, kids are taking our ironic interpretations of He-Man or other pop culture icons and never having the opportunity to meet them sincerely. It's a really bizarre thing to wrap your head around, and because I've witnessed it firsthand, it made me more thoughtful about what we were putting it out.
I do feel that Detours is a timeless bit of entertainment. Media distribution is changing so quickly, so dramatically, that can you even imagine what distribution of content will look like in 5 years? In a day and age when Netflix series are nominated for the top accolades TV has to offer, what is to say what it will look like when the new Star Wars movie comes out? So Detours can sit on a shelf until the Star Wars movie comes out without losing any of its lustre, because what we've created is very funny, very smart and like I said before, timeless.
Around The Web
Ukulele Star Wars Medley Ukulelien Ft. Consider the Source
The New York Times – This article details the multiple parties vying to build at the Presidio in San Francisco and the difficulties that George Lucas has had with those in charge:
The current Presidio project also involves a high-profile figure: the filmmaker and "Star Wars" creator George Lucas, who is one of the finalists. He hopes to build a Beaux-Arts-style museum that would combine 21st-century digital art and what he sees as its 20th-century antecedent: the sprawling collection of book and magazine illustrations he has assembled over four decades. It includes deep holdings of works by Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell and other leading figures from America's golden age of illustration.
The Lucas proposal, which comes with a pledge of $700 million of his own money, has been endorsed by the city's mayor, Edwin M. Lee. But that does not guarantee its success. In an interview, Mr. Lucas said that the Presidio staff and board had "stalled" for four years on the project and snubbed his taste in architecture as an exercise in mere "mimicking." Should San Francisco reject his latest proposal, Mr. Lucas is threatening to build his pop-culture palace in Chicago.
Informed of Mr. Lucas's comments, Craig Middleton, executive director of the Presidio Trust, said, "I just don't want to go there."
The Hollywood Reporter – Harrison Ford to Receive Career Achievement Honor at Hollywood Film Awards
ComicBook.com – How Freddy Krueger helped Mark Hamill get the role of Luke Skywalker
"And Mark was on my couch with a Heineken in one hand and a slab of cold pizza in the other. So, I said, Mark, I think you might be right for this Luke Skykwalker," explained Englund. "He got on the phone and the rest was history."
Hayden Christensen for RW&CO. – Limited Edition Menswear Collection
Geek Tyrant – Fun Star Wars Themed Cartoon Style Pin-Up Art
Houston Chronicle – Han Solo's frozen image pops up in photo from Mercury
Little Anakin as Darth Vader: Star Wars Parody
Time-lapse of Joe Johnston drawing a Scout Walker
Star Wars Blu-Ray Changes – New Scenes! More Porkins!
Books and Comics
KJA Blog – Star Wars author Kevin J Anderson remembers author A.C. Crispin.
Eleven-Thirty Eight – Jason Fry Talks Jupiter Pirates, and the Highs and Lows of "Non-Fiction Fiction"
Suvudu – Brian Wood Talks Star Wars' and Why Some Fans Are Angry About His Princess
I like that you've portrayed Leia in such an active role. She's leading an important secret mission and is a seriously skilled pilot. How did you choose to go in this direction?
This has been a source of some minor controversy and some angry emails sent my way, and to be honest it surprised me. I can't see how anyone can watch those original films and not see a Leia that is not just capable, but totally likely to do everything I have her doing in my series. Look at A New Hope: the first overt action she takes is to shoot a stormtrooper. She goes face to face with Vader and doesn't blink. She successfully resists torture. She bluffs Tarkin and watches the genocide of her own people as a result. She takes over her own rescue, brandishing a blaster rifle. She helps fly the Falcon. She runs the Yavin mission briefing. What is she, twenty years old?
I wrote what I felt was inside her, based on all that and what she goes on to do in Empire. It just made logical sense, and I was looking for a reason to do it. I felt that, post A New Hope, she was probably hurting the most out of the whole cast, and would therefore be the most gungho to continue the rebellion against the empire.
Celebrate Star Wars Reads Day II by getting a shirt at WeLoveFine.Com! Find out more about Star Wars Reads Day here.
Video Games
Angry Birds Star Wars 2: Official Gameplay Trailer!
Angry Birds Star Wars II: Darth Maul Teaser Trailer
Rebelscum.com – 2013 Christmas Ornaments Found At Toys "R" Us
Gentle Giant Star Wars Darth Malak Statue KOTOR Knights of the Old Republic Unboxing In Hand Review
Geek Tyrant – STAR WARS Inspired Onesies for Adult Men


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STICKY BLOOD and rising star HEKKY never stray too far from the radar. Earlier this month, their latest offering, Getaway Car was featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC. Now the pair have unveiled a spanking new video to the dark electronic hip-hop number.
Getaway Car is taken from STICKY BLOOD presents HEKKY upcoming AA single Getaway Car/My Area, set for release on 30th October via iTunes.


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Becoming a Fitness Specialist: Pros and Cons
Fitness specialists, also known as fitness trainers, lead and motivate people to exercise. Take a look below at some of the other pros and cons to becoming a fitness specialist.
|Pros of Becoming a Fitness Specialist
|Good job growth (13% increase in employment from 2012 to 2022)*
|Minimal job requirements in certain circumstances*
|Employment growth is expected from a growing elderly population seeking to become more active*
|Additional job growth for fitness specialists may come from a national need to combat obesity and other health problems*
|Cons of Becoming a Fitness Specialist
|Weekend, evening, and night hours are needed depending on your clients*
|Traveling from gym to gym or home to home is often necessary of fitness specialists*
|Many fitness specialists also hold down other full-time jobs*
|Average income for fitness specialists is below the national average for all occupations*
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Essential Career Info
Job Description
A fitness specialist typically works in a gym, health club, or fitness center. You may work with clients one-on-one or in small groups. In some cases, a fitness specialist leads larger-sized classes. Regardless of the work environment, your goal as a fitness specialist is to get people exercising. You'll demonstrate exercise routines so that your clients know the proper techniques to use and how to avoid injuries. It's important to keep in mind the level your audience is at. If you're working with beginners, you have to lead them through beginner exercises. You'll also want to enforce all safety regulations at all times to keep everyone safe throughout the exercise.
Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2014 reported that fitness trainers earned around $18 an hour which resulted in an average annual income of $39,000 or so (www.bls.gov). The top ten percentile of wage estimates for this vocation was noted to be about $67,000. Management, scientific and technical consulting services paid fitness trainers the highest income on average in 2014. Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, California, and New York were the states that paid the highest on average for fitness trainers.
Occupational Requirements
Education and Training
You'll almost always need a GED or a high school diploma to become a fitness specialist. Some employers are starting to look for fitness specialists that have bachelor's or associate's degrees in an area like kinesiology, physical education, or exercise science. It will also be beneficial for you to take classes on group fitness and exercise techniques.
However, first and foremost, you'll need training to properly teach exercises. If you don't acquire this knowledge through post-secondary education, you can look into receiving training materials from a nationally recognized athletic organization. There are various visual and audio items you can use to educate yourself along with workshops and seminars.
What Do Employers Want?
Most employers are looking for fitness specialists with excellent motivation and speaking skills. You have to be able to properly explain the exercise while remaining upbeat and encouraging. Employers want a fitness specialist that can attract customers and keep getting them to come back on a regular basis. In May 2012, several job postings were examined from real employers looking for fitness specialists and summarized for you below.
- A fitness specialist job opening in Virginia calls for each applicant to possess a professional demeanor and have a bachelor's degree.
- A Maryland athletic club is looking for fitness specialists with two years of experience in this field.
- In Minnesota, a fitness specialist position is available for people with first aid certification.
- A community college in Illinois requires a fitness specialist that is proficient with Microsoft Office programs.
Standing Out as a Fitness Specialist
Fitness specialists who take the time to acquire a professional certification or designation demonstrate a commitment to fitness and professionalism to the field. You can stand out from your peers with a certification from the American Council on Exercise. The certification option a fitness specialist would be interested in is the Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist Certification. To qualify for it, you need to have at least 300 hours of work experience in exercise programs. You must also have a CPR and AED certification, and you must meet the minimum age requirement of 18. Study materials are also available that can help prepare you for the examination you need to take for your certification.
Other Career Options
If you'd like to apply your skills as a fitness specialist towards rehabilitating people, consider becoming a physical therapist assistant. By meeting and observing patients, you can help assess the physical injuries and difficulties they're having. As you work with a physical therapist, you'll aid patients in performing exercises as part of their treatment. Additionally, you might treat patients by stretching or massaging them. In May 2011, the BLS found that physical therapist assistants earned roughly $51,000 annually on average.
If you want to focus on preventing injuries in other people, look into starting a career as an athletic trainer. Often hired by athletes, coaches or sports organizations, you come up with a program that helps prevent illnesses and injuries. You'll walk athletes through these routines and apply protective items, like braces, bandages, or tapes to them beforehand. At the end of the day, you have several other tasks, like report writing or record keeping, to perform as well. The average yearly salary for an athletic trainer is about $45,000 according to the BLS in May 2011.


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So we left Allie at home to guard the house, lest any of those renegade birds decide to break in to steal the valuables, like kitty treats or warm, soft kitty blankies,
|Yeah, and you stay OUTTA here!
And with Sadie on the bench seat at the back of the van
|Car Ride! Yaaahhhhhoooooo! Car Ride!
And Eddie in his crate in the middle of the van
|What? Huh? Am I goin' home now?
And Petey riding shotgun - sort of - beside me in the front of the van
We headed off to the Saanich Peninsula. Rather than going down Hwy One over the Malahat, a pretty but not always safe mountain highway, which would have taken us south to Victoria, from which we would head north up the peninsula,...
|Hwy 1 down and 17 back up, or pretty little ferry ride across the bay???
(Map from http://www.explorevancouverisland.com/)
....we decided to take the little ferry from Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay, which would put us on the peninsula just a short drive from the vet's.
We had read a lot of stories about ferry lineups on this route, so we allowed lots of time. Here's our van in the long, scary lineup at 9:50 AM, waiting for the 10:25 ferry:
|It's lonely being first
Eddie, Sadie and I got out for a little walk while we waited. There's not really anywhere to walk a dog there - just a narrow road with no sidewalks, and private "NO TRESPASSING" properties with very pretty beachfront that I could only photograph from the ferry terminal.
Then I glanced up to see a big, big dog standing on the empty road, no human in sight.
I hustled my dogs into the van, in case he wasn't friendly, and turned around to see him trotting towards me.
|Hi! Gladtoseeya! How're ya doin? Can I haz a cookie or a pat on the head!
|What's that black box in front of yer face???
Very friendly, lovely boy, though I still didn't let him meet and greet my crew. He had no collar or tags - had I not had a vanful of dogs, I would have been tempted to offer him a ride to the nearest animal control. However, we were surrounded by First Nations lands, so chances are he lived in the vicinity as many of their dogs are allowed to roam free.
We travelled across on the M.V. Klitsa, which according to a nearby sign holds 22 vehicles on average. A baby compared to the big ferries that travel to the mainland and back, but rather more picturesque.
The trip across takes about 25 minutes, and is very pretty. The green hills surround the bay, with mountains in the distance on the open side of the inlet.
Those green hills are spoiled only by the high density development - sure brought to mind a song from my youth....
|Little boxes on the hillside, little boxes made of ticky-tacky....
Little boxes, little boxes, little boxes all the same....
The boats in the marina, however, more than made up for the sameness of the little boxes on the hillside - there were boats of all sizes and shapes and colours:
|Red ones....
|and blue ones.....
|Ones that looked homemade....
|And ones that were futuristic.
|And little tow-alongs with cormorants sunning their wings.
|And even boats in for repair - and the sign waaay in the back says "Tomorrow".
And then there were colorful kayaks and canoes racked up waiting for spring:
|Kayaks on dock
|Canoes waiting for spring
But my favourite was one off by itself in the shadow of the hills, all black and ominous, a pirate boat lacking only a skull and crossbones hanging from its mast and Captain Hook parading along the deck:
|Avast, ye landlubbers, avast!
On the peninsula, we stopped to pick up Cora, one of the directors of Broken Promises Rescue for whom I'm fostering Petey, and then headed off to the vet. Petey was an angel, and submitted to all sorts of pokes and prods and very personal intrusions, and soon the bill and the estimate for other work was presented, and we were on our way back home.
Petey slept like a log the whole way back, exhausted from his medical ordeal.
Those vet visits are enough to make my head spin!
Or maybe Dr. Poke 'n Prod just turned me right inside out when she was fishin' around in there.
All in all, we had a very nice day full of new experiences for Eddie and Petey, a favourite activity for Sadie (riding in the car), and some photography opportunities for me.
And tomorrow will be February 1st - which on Vancouver Island means winter is over and spring has begun!


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The Sumatran orangutan is one of the most industrious primates known to exist. They have been documented to break off narrow tree branches, clear them of foliage, sharpen the tip, and use them as tools. In fact, they use the stick to jab into termite nests and eat the insects. They also use the sticks to drill into bees nests and sample the honey. That said, they are listed as one of the world's 25 most endangered primates. This makes every birth among the species valuable.
In this video, you'll see a pregnant Sumatran orangutan give birth. The clip is considered to be the most detailed live birth of this type of primate. While the images are graphic, it is a natural birth.
It also reveals the deeply affectionate maternal instincts of the primate. Right after delivering the cub, the mother begins licking off the amniotic sack and fluid from off the infant. She then uses a form of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to suck the amniotic fluid from the baby's lungs. It is at this point the newborn begins to cry out and makes its first sounds.
If that wasn't enough, what comes next was even more endearing. The mother orangutan carries her baby to her zoo keepers at the wild life preserve and shows the baby off to them. It isn't every day that a member of the animal kingdom shares the joy of a birth with human beings. Watch the video and you too will agree that while all life forms deserve to be protected, the Sumatran orangutan warrants mankind's protection.


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AsianCamModels.com - want sex chat with hot Asian girls? Okay!
G'day to you again, my Asian porno cam loving people. Let's get this show right on the road to sexual paradise with yet another review of a blistering hot site dedicated to Asian cam models. So, cook yourself up a batch of noodles, crack open a bottle of Asahi, and sit back and relax as the self-styled Asian Sex Cam Expert gives you the low down on AsianCamModels.com.
This site is an Asian-only portal of an all-bases-covered adult sex chat site named Cams2Chat.com. You might have heard me mention that name before, as I told you about it when I reviewed TrannyCamModels.com. Seems that AsianCamModels.com is an Asians-only subdomain of Cams2Chat.com, and then TrannyCamModels.com is a further subdomain of AsianCamModels.com. All these main cam sites are owned by a Nevada company called Labuyo, although AsianCamModels seems to think it is owned by a different company called Interactive Management Systems, as it has been since it first popped online, way back in 2004. My best guess would be that Lubuyo bought out IMS, but ain't got around to updating this site yet, but I ain't saying I'm deffo right. Anyway, that's enough of the boring background stuff about AsianCamModels.com, let's get on with the streamier side of things!
What do I think?
My initial thoughts about AsianCamModels.com are positive. Lots of Asian cam models were online, and I liked the colour palette of purples and pinks against a black background. As I mentioned before, I like adult chat sites where the effort's gone into the way it has been put together as it reassures me that I'm likely to have a decent enough experience at the place. The main menu is made up of typical thumbnails, and here the mouse-hover cam tactic actually functions! Sadly, there ain't much more info to glean from the menu screen, other than the language the model can chat to you in. The US Flag = English here. Most seem to be from the likes of the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand, and most of them have good English.
You can see which models are currently available to chat from a handy little menu, or you can look at all the many profiles. There are over 4,500 profiles to look through, but I think that quite a fair number have been dormant for some time. There's also your favourites screen that you can save the profiles of your top Asian babes to if you've gone through the registration process here, and you can review and edit your own personal profile if you filled one in, plus gather any messages you might have received back from the performers (another members-only feature). The menu is completed by access to the support functions, and the FAQ page.
That, folks, is about all I have to tell you about the site, as that's all the site really has to offer. As you will know if you're a sex cam expert like me, these cloned sites usually strip away most of the bonus features that are found on the parent site, and AsianCamModels.com is no different.
Some little extras
A few images and videos. The tamer versions are free, and you have to pay for the more explicit ones, as you might imagine.
If you're already a member of that parent site I mentioned or TrannyCamModels.com it means you're automatically a member of this site. If you need to register here it's not exactly taxing. Just select the registration option from the menu, then enter your username, a password of your choice and a screenname. You also need to tell the site if you're male or female for some reason, and add a valid email address to which your confirmation email with be sent. Indicate that you've scruntinised the T&Cs and click "Join". Once you've replied to that activation email, you're a member.
How to chat
Free chat is free but comes with a limit of one hour per model. Once you've used your free chat allocation, you can't engage with that particular Asian porn cam performer again for free chat for a full 24 hours. The only other chat options are Group Chat and Private Chat. These are the same (and cost the same) but with Private chat it's just your and your chosen model, All models charge the standard rate of one credit/dollar per minute, which is right down at the less expensive end of the sex porn cam market.
What's the video quality like?
I guess it ain't too bad, although I have seen better. The enlarged view is better than full screen view, as that gets rather blurred.
Money, money, money
You can buy packs for $25, $50 or $100, and as I said it's basically one dollar = one credit = one minute. Buy packs on Tues/Wed/Thurs for a 10 percent bonus. You can probably go to TrannyCamModels and buy credits there, as there's an auto 10 percent bonus with each purchase (or at least there was the last time I looked). You can then use your bonus credits here.
How to pay
You can use CCBill, EPOCH or DHD Media. There are different payment methods available via each of these, including Visa, MasterCard, Ukash, Paysafecard or Click2Buy.
The number of models
There are 4,500+ profiles on the site as I mentioned before but I think about 3,000 of these are dormant. There's usually a good 100+ online whenever you pay a visit.
Customer service
Contact web form and chat applet. Unlike TrannyCamModels.com I did at least get a response when I used live chat, but the person manning the chat was not the most useful chat rep I've ever encountered.
Thumbs up and thumbs down
Thumbs up
✔ - At a nice price - it's slightly less than a dollar a minute if you get your credits when the deal is on
✔ - Always a good selection of models to choose from
✔ - Most of the models are very approachable and talkative
Thumbs down
✖ - The models don't like it if you hang around in free chat all the time
✖ - I'd like to be more confident about the support options
My considered opinion
There's a great deal that's positive about AsianCamModels.com, and if you're looking for screens full of gorgeous Asian models to have a natter and then play sexy games with, then I think you really need to be heading there. My only qualms are the support functions as I'd like to see phone numbers and email addresses. But then again, at only a dollar a minute, who the bloody hell am I to complain?