One of my all-time favorite memories about the Halloween season, actually originates from my music class in elementary school. It is one of my earliest memories of learning about classical music. We studied Mussorgky's : Saint John's Night on Bald Mountain. Though the intricacies escape me, it's basically about how the witches gather together to celebrate their sabbath and call forth the Black God : Chornobog. The man who witnessed this worship service of the witches, saw Satan himself. When morning came, the worship service was over, and the man who witnessed the events was left to ponder them. The outcome is ambiguous and left to the listener. I remember being swept with ranges of emotion from excitement, resolve, and of course trepidation and back to relief when daybreak came. It's an intense piece of music that captures the essence of what the spirit of Halloween is to be about.
I've also found out, that it's based on a short story by a Ukrainian author named Nikolai Gogal. Now Gogal is a name that you just expect some scary stuff from, and his short story is scary and gruesome. Hard to believe people had cognitive thought when they didn't even know what indoor plumbing was. What's even more scary is that the musical piece and the story from it, even though has a central theme too it, one would be hard pressed to find that it was actually based off of this short story.
Addendum: I had thought I had left a link to some material regarding the material, but alas I did not. So, Easter Egg hunting time folks, try to find some of the eerie left over candy from last night's Hellabaloo.
That's a phrase Michael Savage uses - he may say that he coined it, but really who can be sure?
This is for all the people, who, bless their heart, , give everything away when someone talks to them. I appreciate the fact, that every single one of us, from time to time gets to feeling blue, and not connected to the rest of humanity. In my profession - of my choosing, so I have nothing to complain about - I talk to a lot of people. I get to go into their homes, and spend an hour or two with them. This is an experience I had early on in my career, it was December of 2006. I was with my managing partner (MP), so it can be verified.
In order to keep confidentiality I will not be using names. So I meet with Joshua and we begin to talk. He opens up first about his hot girlfriend -
Joshua: Hey Bob - thanks for coming over. My girlfriend isn't here, but she's hot. Way hot. She's a stripper at the Bush Company . . . Bob: ----- (looks at MP, he sits back and keeps his mouth shut) Joshua: she probably cheats on me, I know if I were as hot as her, I would. But she still comes home about twice a week. Bob: Congrats. The purpose of our meeting today is . . . Joshua: I mean - she's smokin' hot. (Puts hands in cupped shape in front of his chest) Those babies are natural - D's. (Smiles). And when she works it she really works it . .. (continues on) Bob: (Thinking to self )- "Really? How did I get myself here? . . . I mean he seemed nice enough at the bank. What? He's unbuttoning his shirt?" Joshua: I got these tat's in California - yeah I got picked up for being in a brawl at a bar. They were going to charge me with a felony - in fact I was even in San Quintin for a day - but then the case got dropped. . . Bob: to introduce myself and my company, and to determine if I could be of assistance to you in accomplishing one or more of your financial goals with the services. . . Joshua finally shuts it for a bit - with odd verbal diarrhea from time to time -
Then I begin to explain the different classifications of ratings and how they are determined when I hear:
Joshua: Oh my family is tough stock. My mom and dad are still going strong. They're both in their late 80's. In fact my mom called the other day - she's blind - but she was calling to complain about my dad. I asked: Mom, how're you doing?
Mom: Oh, I'm fine. But your dad can't get a boner.
Joshua - laughs loudly at this - and begins to talk about viagra, but how he doesn't need it. But will be glad it's available when he's 80.
Bob: Well thanks - if you don't have any further questions, I'll put together a plan about what we discussed and get back with you in a week. . .
Happy Wednesday, this is the historic 18th edition. Welcome - strap yourselves in and get ready to ride!
Rides over, get off!!!!
So here we are again - I'd like to play a game. This will require some involvement other than my wife's witty cousin Gina. I'm sure she will set a good example and lead into the foray with guns blazing.
So before I continue on with the game - all that is needed is to click on the comment link at the bottom of this post. Then just type in a phrase or a few words. Now - today's game is Perfect Phrases for that Inopportune Moment: yes brevity is not a strongsuit of mine. It dates back really to my great-grandmother on my father's side, when asked if she preferred . . . . (what? ----I'm distracted?) Ohhh. Yes. Forgive me. Perfect Phrases - so each person needs to think of a perfect phrase (or imperfect) in a given situation. For example: Perfect Phrases from a Nature Documentary -
Bob: What if hamsters fought in the American Revolution? (puts two hamsters down and stands back to watch). Steve:(back to audience) BAAA! (turns around, embarrassed) Gina: Tonight on The World of Insects - fondue! Tony: One of the best things you can do, of course, to these charming chihuahuas is to set fire to them. Chris: Now how do you put the leopard back together? Ryan: Turtles are usually a slow animal - but ... (spins one around and watches it race off).
So on and so forth: So without further adieu . . .
So Amber's gone again. I'm on a budget as I'm saving for some very important things, so she needn't worry about coming home to a new HDTV, or other new techie item that has come out. She needn't worry that the boys and I will spend each evening at Carl's Jr. or some other eatery. She needn't worry that we're downloading PPV's or ordering something that she will never use or benefit from. However. . .
When our entertainment is sidelined due to inclimate weather, or lack of discretionary funds we tend to turn on each other. Now, last night I was able to accomplish something that I've been working on, well, since the birth of our first born. It's something that I had nearly given up on. Let this be an event for all to remember, and most importantly to bolster your fortitude. To never give up, never surrender. For when all is bleak, and you think there is no where to turn. You can still accomplish your goals. BEHOLD!!!!
So it's been a few days. It's unbelievable the amount of voice mails, e-mails, and other forms of contact from my faithful followers I received after not posting since last Thursday. What can I say - I'm back. So gather around the seal-oil burner and get ready for a new yarn to be spun.
October 28, 1994
Just
They say I'm depressing, maybe I'm having fun. Don't send me to the store just to be left alone. I go where I want, saying things full of meaning but no one hears. They just let me be. Don't try to understand, just let it fill in. You too will have fun in the cerebral cortex of Juan Valdez.
Envy
Everything is going as planned. Nothing could be better.What more can you ask for? Perfect in every way. I did an excellent job.
Sunglasses
Wing around grabbing for answers Can't do anything. You're a screw up! Nobody likes you. The way you walk, talk, breathe, sleep, eat. There is no answer for you. Just be as inconspicous as you possibly can.
V8
Nothing you do is original! You feed off others like a hyena on a zebra. Mixed together with a smorgusboard of ideas in which contradict each other. You make me sick.
#5
I stand at the end of the hall, like a little child waiting for the time I could make it down, and see what no one else understands. They call for me, stand and make fun not knowing I think they're all dumb. I look in the mirror and see myself as if I am normal. No one understands, Mom says she loves me, but cries herself to sleep. While dad stays silent never reading to me. I do everything as normal as society wants, but still no one will accept me completley without thinking that I can't do it.
Fluffy
The dog is so nice, never barks or bites. They all run around, pull the tail, nothing happens right. Owners praised for such a good dog, sits and stays. Never begs for food, even after having none for days. Cutest little dog ever known, Little girl Lisa goes to play with it. She is nice to the dog he plays along, until she touches his ear. Then he bites into the carotid artery and she is lying on the ground draining.
Now - I think that blogging is fun, in fact it's a nice little 15-20 minute escape from the world as I plop (stop that) down my (shut it, Mark) thoughts. I guess some people have taken this blogging to a whole new level. I've never been one who really enjoyed school work, just for school work sake. Even now - I don' t see the relevance in writing a dissertation on the inner turmoil of Daniel, in the novel adaption from the motion picture The Karate Kid. There are, more than several of you folks out there, who have seemed to make blogging an assignment. I came across an advertisement for ghost written blogs. Seriously.
Now I don't know what the annual revenue of said business brings in, but really? It's not like you're trying to get out of writing a paper for World History, or obtaining your Masters with blog writing. There are folks out there, who have hired some complete stranger to write down a blog, it can come in either once a day, once a week, once a month, or even quarterly issues. I'm at a loss to have anything else to say on the matter.
And now for something completely different: Sheep lined Denim Jackets.
So I realize that this may be more serious-minded than previous blogs. I've been critical of Sarah Palin, and I think with good cause. However, I was lucky enough to vote yesterday for the next President of the United States. I still cling to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and voted for the person in whom I believe will serve the Constitution best.
In the opening statement of the Constitution it lays it's mission fairly straightforward. In order to form a more perfect Union the Constitution does several things, one such thing is to: "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity". I have several sources of information that I will direct you to that lays the case that Barack Hussein Obama is not ready for leadership and protection of the Constitution, but rather lead our country with more political leanings toward socialistic tendencies. I suggest you left mouse click the links and open in a new tab or window.
We make fun of Sarah Palin - being a governor of Alaska, and expecting her to have foreign affairs experience - when in fact, each of us know full well that she doesn't have any. No big surprise there. However we seem to think that Obama is qualified, even though he was still lacking in that area, and tried to mask it with a week long trip overseas. Let us not oversee the fact that his own running mate, Joe Biden, feels that an Obama Presidency will bring crises to the nation. That was sentiment was brought to light just today.
Okay, I'm done with this. It's giving me a headache. The beauty of our country is that we have peaceful elections, although there are rumors circulating that there will be riots on election day, and we are a country of patriots. Overweight? Yes. Undereducated? Sertainlee. But have no doubt, if we see our country going down the tubes in a serious way, we'll step up to the plate and make sure it's not gonna happen. Of course, unless American Idol is on at the time.
I posted a mini-blog prior to this blog. I hope that I didn't confuse any of you with the multiple postings. Where to begin . . . what to blog about. . . ?
It's interesting to think about where we are in the world. My friend Steve has, on his blog, a short snippet from the Conan O'Brien show, and he's (Conan, not Steve. Thank you Scott.) interviewing a comedian whose bit is: We are living in the most amazing time, but no one is happy. My favorite line is about the newest technology; being able to access the Cyberspace while flying through the air in a metal tube. (Airplanes.) They fly over the Bermuda Triangle, or Wyoming - what have you - and lose their internet connection. The guy sitting next to him gushes: "This is Bull----" (I realize that it's my own blog and I don't need to bleep out the remainder of the word, but I have a problem with typing shit.) {yes. Mark. I know that most of what I type is ----, very witty, good for you.} (Where was I?) [oh yes.]
I can't believe that they replaced Terrance Howard with Don Cheadle for the sequel to Iron Man. An upgrade for sure, but even T.H. was caught off guard. He was told on a radio interview that he was being replaced, and the reason was due to financial differences. Terrance didn't know anything about it. Awkward. I guess Hollywood realizes that if they can't tell the difference between two black actors, neither will we. Perhaps they should have Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) reprise his role from Tropic Thunder and play the black character himself. That way Rhodie can still have blue eyes.
My friends - this is just a mini-post, and not the blog for the day. I came across this great cartoon and thought I would share. To find more of these ingenious satirical thoughts of David Horsey's fabulous work @ http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/horsey/
It's Blue Monday - welcome to my world. This is the historic 11th post of the Blog. You're welcome.
So Amber has been dropping slight hints as to when I'm going to put pictures of our offspring on the cyberspace. I find it amusing the habits the females utilize while dropping hints. Such as when I am watching a sporting event of either football or girls bouncing on trampolines, Amber says: "Bob, when are you going to put cute pictures up of the boys?" I answer: "Sure, I'd love some hot wings. Hey, what did we do with that mini-trampoline we had?" Other times, she will send quick notes via e-mail: "Bob, those pictures of the boys we took last week, will you put them up on your blog?" The subtlety is beginning to become more obvious. Since I pride myself on being very progressive, understanding, supportive and a loving husband I respond back: "Start your own blog. This ship has taken off, and I didn't bring any pictures of these "boys". Have you found that mini-tramp yet?"
Today I realized that this blog, this ensign of truth, would be incomplete without pictures of my two boys. I came to this conclusion when I woke up this morning, I found my frozen hot wings,Johnsonville Brats, Mt. Dew Amp'd, Pizza Rolls, and various other goods sitting on the counter, thawed; and I noticed behind the couch: the mini-tramp taken apart and stowed away. I knew what I had to do.
So there is an addition to this blog: You will find a slide show that features my boys. It will be located in the blue box to the left (your right) of this blog underneath the daily quotes. Happy viewing and good night!
August 29, 2008; 5:30 A.M. the alarm went off, and the local AM radio station turns on. A caller mentions that Governor Palin is the VP choice of John McCain. My stomach sank. It can't be true. A month ago, she was on a national television conference and publicly stated that she didn't want the VP job because it was unproductive and really that she had no idea what a Vice-President did. Talk about one of the first of many steps to embarrass Alaska. Additionally, she had recently pushed AGIA to spend $500,000,000 of Alaskan dollars to a Canadian company for a gas pipeline with no promise of getting the pipeline done. There was even an Alaskan company already working on a gasline project that would not have cost the State one cent!!! We've lost the Presidency. No - it's a nightmare, a dream, a delusion, wake up Bob, for the love of SPAM wake UP!!!
I get out of bed, turn on the tellie - my fears are confirmed. Yes John McCain, has chosen Sarah Palin as his running mate. I can't fight it, I can't yell at the t.v. loud enough for McCain to hear me. I accept the truth. I allow feelings of pride and even excitement to touch me as I realize that as the State of Alaska is beginning to celebrate our 50th anniversary of joining the Union (that's becoming the 49th State of the United States) that we have an Alaskan on the ticket for the Presidential Elections of the United States of America.
Since that day - whenever asked how I feel about Palin, I respond with "I'm proud for Alaska, but I didn't vote for her as Governor. She gets things done, but I don't agree with them." I admit, I'm a complex human being. (I think it may have some dealings with being a half-breed.) I'm a conservative republican, from an area that is liberal democrat. I don't view Sarah Palin as a conservative republican. She is the highest spending Governor in the history of Alaska, and we've had some liberal Governor's in our time. Her views on leadership, is basically: you do what I say, because I'm right. If you cross her in any form, then look out. All of a sudden you're not "Towing the line." You're not a "real republican." You're not a "patriot."
The RNC comes around - and she gives a great speech, as I knew she would. Everyone gets jazzed, everyone is excited, then reality sets in. Now it looks like Barack Hussein Obama is likely to get the Presidency. As much as I think VP Palin would be ill-equipped, I'm not voting for Obama, I actually have a sense of dread for an Obama Presidency. Government is not a solution, it's a variable in the equation for a solution. (Preferably after a minus sign).
I don't know how this blog got so serious - I started it with the intention of sharing a website my friend Grant sent me. You can click on it where ever you see an Alaskan in the Whitehouse. Or on that last spot.
It may come as a shock to many of you that I do not put a lot of thought into these blogs. I mean, they're blogs to capture the randomness of thought. Some may take them a little more seriously as a new form of golden plates to record their history, or even more as a glorified soap box to upstage the "Man" and become their own version of Bob Woodward. So here goes my thoughts, and damn right it is "My Way or the Highway".
I take this time to reflect back, Halloween is two weeks away people. Is that reflecting forward? Anywho. . . back in the day when I was in Rural Idaho gaining secondary education to pave the road for my future; My roommate Steve and I were concocting an idea to help bring some festive mood to the otherwise conservative, rural town of Rexburg. Everyone else was purchasing pumpkins and decorating them by cutting them open, scooping out the innards, cutting designer holes and placing a candle inside. Steve and I didn't think that way.
We pooled our loose change together, mostly nickels, lint and pennies. Steve would often revert to using his home currency of Canadian nickels, with the beaver on it. Once we realized we didn't have enough money, we went over to the girls apartments and kyfed a small pumpkin. Steve would distract the girls, by showing them his Canadian currency followed by an Irish Jig, while scatting to the tune of Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam. I would look over several of the Marrows (squash, which includes the pumpkin) and pick out one that would suit our needs. After interrupting Steve's scat to see if it was fine with him, I then swiped the pumpkin.
Once back to our lair - Steve and I feverishly worked on our pumpkin. After a fist fight and post fight make-up cuddling we unveiled our masterpiece.
Welcome - Not much to say today. I'm emotionally preparing myself for an Obama Presidential Term. So it's been about a week since I began this voyage in this the cyberspace; and I believe that I may be experiencing some cyberspace madness. What is space madness? Check this out. . . it may take awhile.
My friends, look - tonight is the third and final debate between Barack Hussein Obama and John Sidney McCain. I imagine we will hear this more than anything else: My Friends, and Look. We can make a drinking game out of this: if hard liquor is your preference you are welcome to that, but be prepared to call in sick for work tomorrow.
Speaking of games, my friend Steve and I came up with an idea a few years ago that is still in the mill. It is a board game titled "Life of the Party". It is a game of quick wits, creative thinking, and a load of laughs. One game which is fun is the Alphabet Game. A group of folks, with a minimum of two (2) enact a given scene in which each sentence must begin with the subsequent letter of the alphabet, beginning with a random letter. The performers must go through the entire alphabet once. Typically done within a 90 second time period.
For example - Topic of conversation: Did you watch the Debates last night? Random Letter: F
Player 1: Fuh Cryin Out Loud - Obama can't answer a question directly to save his life. Player 2: Going for McCain eh? Player 1: How could you guess? Player 2: I have abilities. Player 1: Justice League type of abilities? Player 2: Klingon specifically. Player 1: . . . .
Player 1 loses, and a third player can jump in or start a new game.
So let's play a game - Topic: A Rebellious Elephant Ate a Biomechanic at the Beach. Random Letter: J
Bob: Just when Scott thought he was safe. . . WHAM! he was eaten by an elephant.
The other day I mentioned in passing that my squaw was in the homeland. Out in Western Alaska, it's a whole different world. I don't think even if I were to write a thesis on the subject, most folks would get a clear understanding of what life is like out in Bush Alaska. In fact, even writing a thesis would put the reader in the wrong frame of mind to understand the area. To best understand would be to learn in the traditional way of the Yu'pik. An elder would take a young one and show them how to accomplish or learn what needs to be learned. Stories are another way to learn. And just like everyone who tries to learn something, there will always be some who just don't get it.
So Amber was in this village in remote southwestern Alaska. In order to get to said village, she needed to get on a jet plane in Anchorage, travel 400 miles to Bethel, then get on a small propeller plane and take a 15 minute or so flight to the airstrip. The Airstrip is a strip of dirt laid on the tundra (tundra is a mossy biome that is relatively treeless), then she had to walk to the banks of the Johnson River, and get in a boat (usually just a 15 ft. Aluminum boat without a canopy, and a 25-50 horse-powered outboard motor) and travel across the river to the village. The village is also built upon the tundra - which typically sits on top of sand and permafrost. Buildings are typically built on pillars driven into the permafrost so that the house doesn't shift with the landscape. Instead of roads, the village is networked by a grid (sometimes an unorganized grid) of boardwalks. As Amber found out, you really are at the whim of nature. It all depends on your adaptability and knowledge on how to overcome certain situations. Amber was scheduled to come home, after a week long stay (including limited to no running water, and definitely no showers) on a Friday. It seems that all over Alaska it decided to become windy. In Anchorage they were having 80 mph winds, and at the airport the windgusts were providing Stage 5 Turbulent winds. The airport was shut down and flights diverted to Fairbanks. Amber, in the village was experiencing about 30-50 mph winds, and the small plane that she needed to take back to Bethel would most likely not be able to make the flight. It looked like she would be stranded in the village for a few more days.
Luckily, the winds subsided and it was decided that it was safe enough to make the flight to Bethel from the village, so now all Amber needed to do was to get to the airstrip. She got on the four-wheeler ATV and went to the riverbank. It's early October, and there was a film of ice forming on the river, usually during freeze-up the villagers are just stuck in their village until it is safe to cross. Fortunately it was just under an inch or so of ice, so they broke through the ice with the boat. The aluminum boat that isn't meant to be an icebreaker. There was a lady in the boat with Amber, who definitely wasn't from the village and most likely a newbie from the lower 48. When the boat got stopped due to the ice in the river, she immediately stood up and asked: "Is this where we get off?" She's lucky she didn't cause the boat to tip over, and have everyone get dumped into the frigid river. She sat back down, after everyone made it clear that this was not the shore, nor the place to get off.
Well - Amber made it safely to the other side of the river in time to catch the flight back to Bethel. Once back to Bethel, the winds in Anchorage subsided and the airport was re-opened and flights resumed. Amber made it safely home, even if it was an hour after her scheduled arrive time.
I've received some feedback regarding the blog, that seems to have irritated or may even have offended some of you. I DO NOT APOLOGIZE! The material in question is something of which, I as an individual have little to no control over, however it is something that means a lot to me, so I share the information. I will elaborate on why it means so much, and why you too should have some concern.
In regards to the Population of Denmark, a few of you have raised concerns about this, but not in a positive or proactive manner. I have received statements just simply asking: Why do you post this? Are you trying to be internationally weird? This has no bearing on me, why do you bring it up???
Polar Bears. The Polar Bear is the answer, right now the U.S. Government is researching on whether or not to add the Polar Bear to the Endangered Species Act. They come to this conclusion based on several factors, one of which being the population of the Polar Bear. Currently, as of this posting the Polar Bear worldwide population is roughly 25,000. The total bear population* is 575,000, making the Polar Bear roughly 4.35% of the total bear population worldwide. Alarming yes, the Polar Bear makes up less than 5% of the total bear population*, clearly action needs to be taken.
Now I come back to the Danish. As of this posting, their population ranks at 5.5 million (rounded up). The total world population is 6.6 Billion (rounded up). The Danish make for only .083% of the total world population. My friends, this is a travesty! How can we, living in the age of the Cyberspace, be able to allow this to happen?!? Clearly I move that the population of Denmark be watched on continual basis, and placing the Danish on the Endangered Species list. Could it be due to global warming or environment changes? Is it due to the financial crisis being felt around the world? Further study needs to happen. I will do my part, by posting this beloved member of our worldwide self on my blogsite. Please help the Danish.
* Total Bear Population in regards to the "Big Three": Brown, Black and Polar Bears. Not taking into account Koala, Panda, Bear Markets, Baloo, Winnie, or other types of Bears unless they be of the "Big Three".
So all last week my honey was out in the Bush, in a village so remote that they have to cross a river to get to an airport. I'll touch on that one later. . .
Anyway I was able to find some old photos from back in the day. I came across some of an old friend of mine, who really fascinated me. She was a local Idahoan, so I figured there would be some interesting personality quirks. I had no idea what I was in for, with my brief acquaintanceship with the irrepressible Stacey Hendricks.
During uncertain economic times, participants in defined contribution retirement savings plans—such as 401(k) or 403(b) accounts—may feel tempted to make immediate and drastic adjustments to their portfolio accounts. Such knee-jerk reactions are understandable—few things can invoke panic like the thought of losing everything you’ve worked to build.
Be Patient—These Are Long-term Growth Vehicles
But the truth is, defined benefit plans are designed for long-term, tax-deferred accumulation. And with many companies providing a “company match” percentage of what you contribute, such plans can be an ideal vehicle for retirement savings. And, generally, being in the market pays off. According to market historians, the stock market has registered twice as many positive return years as negative, and in the 57 positive years since 1926, 47 have yielded double-digit returns for investors.[1]
In addition, defined benefit contribution plans have built in features—such as asset allocation and diversification capabilities—that can help ride out market waves and maximize many savings opportunities.
Dollar Cost Averaging May Help Reduce Overall Risk
Since automatic pre-tax withdrawals are paid into your 401(k) accounts on a regular basis—usually with each check—you are already enjoying dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging is a systematic, disciplined approach, whereby you invest the same amount of money at regular intervals, rather than trying to time the market. When the market is down—along with stock prices—your money will buy more shares. When the market is up, you buy less. The bottom line: with dollar cost averaging, you are never “out of the action.” And over time, the purchase of shares at regular intervals can help smooth out the impact of short-term market fluctuations.
Keep in mind, however, dollar cost averaging does not assure a profit, nor does it protect against loss in a declining market. To be effective, there must be a continuous investment regardless of fluctuating price levels. Investors should consider their financial ability to make purchases through periods of low price levels.
Know Your Risk Tolerance
Knowing your financial risk tolerance is crucial when assessing how to manage your money. Regardless of how the market performs, some people are more comfortable with risk than others. Regardless, it is prudent to review your portfolio once or twice a year. Making changes to your account in response to a specific market turn is not necessarily advisable, but a balanced 401(k) requires a balanced, informed perspective.
Asset Allocation Is Key
In addition to knowing risk tolerance, a balanced 401(k) includes a mix of stock and bond funds. And within stock funds, you’ll want to combine growth, value and large cap funds with some mid cap and smaller funds. This way, you spread risk amongst a variety of investment categories, which can help to safeguard against being hit too hard if one fund doesn’t perform as hoped.
The “Age Percentage Equivalent”—A Strategy that Can Grow with You
Here’s a general approach: consider allocating the percentage equivalent of your current age into more conservative vehicles. In other words, a 25 year-old with the time to ride out market fluctuations can consider investing 75% in riskier funds, thus allocating 25% (the equivalent percentage of his/her age) into more conservative choices. As that person nears age 50 s/he could equally split the risk between more growth-oriented funds and bond-type funds.
By the time that person is 65, it may be a good idea to have 65% of assets in safer vehicles, while still leaving 35% to achieve potentially higher returns in riskier vehicles. By following a strategy similar to this, you can enjoy the benefits of diversification while adjusting your portfolio to suit your age, goals and current situation. It’s also a way to help ensure that your assets aren’t all invested in a down market just as you’re preparing to retire.
It’s Your Future
Defined benefit plans are a wonderful way to save for retirement and benefit from stock market potential simultaneously. But as with any investment, you want to make the right choices. By understanding your risk tolerance, taking advantage of dollar cost averaging, making careful diversification choices and adjusting those choices as needed, you can help ensure that the funds you’ve worked so hard for will be working just as hard to give you a comfortable retirement.
Look, my Friends; when I decided to make this journey, this Vision Quest, I did not fully comprehend all of the mysteries in this Cyber Space. It became abundantly clear, that you too, as my fellow-travelers may become lost. So today we are going to take care of some house-keeping issues. First off, Welcome. You are always welcome here (especially on Tuesday's try the Fried Hash, very good), my friends, look. At the top of the site page you will see a tool bar of sorts. I'll get to that later, when I want to.
Below the tool bar of sorts, you will see the Title Area - Welcome to My World - Hope it Affects You as much as it has affected myself. . . or something like that. It's a title, and probably will not be changing very often.
To the Left of that - Your Right - Is a Green Box; in that green box are various pieces of information about myself, and the current situation in the marketplace, because some people worry about that kind of stuff.
Below that is the Follower section, now several of you have already visited the blog but not added yourself to this - if you would so kindly add yourself to the follower section, it's a safety procedure. Be smart, add yourself or die.
Below the follower section is the Blog Archives. . . I'm hoping that they will stay safe there for posterity, and look forward to putting them on Ebay in the near future.
Below that is something near and dear to me; keeping an eye on the population of Denmark. I think you will find it fascinating as well. Check it daily.
Below that is a list of blogs I follow, in which gets me back to the Tool Bar of sorts.
Before I get back to the Tool Bar of Sorts, below the Green Box, is a Blue Box. In that you will find the Quotation of the Day. Check daily.
Below the Blue Box, is an elongated Blue Box, that has headline news. Don't know why I have that on there, just thought maybe you'd like an escape from this fun place to the scary, bad news real world...
Back to the Tool Bar of Sorts, and onto one of the very most interesting things I have found on my journey to date. You will find a search bar, next to that is Search Blog, Next to that is Flag Blog - which I think is really just for decoration. Finally, the most interesting thing there. . Next Blog. That is where I found my neighbor in cyberspace. Stephanie G. I have no idea who you are, but I'm following your blog, it happens to be about Health. I feel as though I got lucky. It could have been some foreign porn king or other smut launderer. I imagine my good friend Steve has such a neighbor. Check it out. And Welcome to My World.
My Friends, being the trendsetter, and Maverick from the North that I am. Being especially proud, independent, a lone wolf if you will . . . what-have-you - I am beginning a new stage in life. I am taking the stage of the cyberspace, going where none have gone before . . . posting my thoughts, beliefs, misnomers, misspellings, petty grudges, plagiarist tendencies, innuendo, and all original thought, in all the glory of Bob and all that I am - onto this new and scary world of blogging. Yes, my followers, it is a brave thing to venture out into the unknown. You are better for it, in following me here. So, take heed and witness the first steps into CyberSpace, this Internet, the World Wide Web, the vast void, as I begin to fill it with my girth and penetrate deeply into this new venture. I board now this template that has been prepared for me. So let the journey begin -
Instructions: Welcome to my World, Hope it Affects You as it has Me
If you are new to the site, please be sure to start your journey from the beginning. If you do not know where the beginning is, go ahead and click this ===> BEGINNING. There will be less heartache and misplaced feelings of rage. Welcome - strap yourself in, and get ready for an adventure! ! ! !
One of my all-time favorite memories about the Halloween season, actually originates from my music class in elementary school. It is one of my earliest memories of learning about classical music. We studied Mussorgky's : Saint John's Night on Bald Mountain. Though the intricacies escape me, it's basically about how the witches gather together to celebrate their sabbath and call forth the Black God : Chornobog. The man who witnessed this worship service of the witches, saw Satan himself. When morning came, the worship service was over, and the man who witnessed the events was left to ponder them. The outcome is ambiguous and left to the listener. I remember being swept with ranges of emotion from excitement, resolve, and of course trepidation and back to relief when daybreak came. It's an intense piece of music that captures the essence of what the spirit of Halloween is to be about.
