Where to start? The week has started off very poorly, especially compared to the week I had last week. It all started on Sunday night with a computer project. I am completely illiterate when it comes to computers, because they have never been something that I have been all that interested in. I had an Excel project that was due for today at 9.00am and I strolled in with it at about 11.30. Immediately losing marks that I couldn’t afford to lose, as the project was horrible already. I’m not going to say that it wasn’t my fault but I do feel a bit hard done by, losing those marks after the work I put in to it. I mean for the sake of an hour or two. The day sort of snowballed from there. After missing that class I went on to missing the community hours that I was due to do for our soccer program and then I managed to forget Math homework for my next class, that I had spent 2 hours doing the night before. The only good thing that came from the day was training and hopefully getting to bed before 00.00 tonight. I’m not sure if this is as bad as I am making it out to be or I am just being a woman about the whole thing. I suppose it was always going to be hard to match the week I had last week.

Embry-Riddle men’s soccer won the Florida Sun Conference on Saturday night. I am sure that many of you do not know this as the Avion (the student newspaper) always seems to forget to give us any sort of decent write up, or even a back page spot. We won the conference with three games to spare and a 7 and 0 record, not a word said. I imagine if it were Basketball, there would be a bigger deal made. Don’t get me wrong, I would be happy for them if they did and I hope they do. I just think a bit more recognition for the team and management would not be OTT. Anyway I’m getting off the point. The game on Saturday was also one of the team’s best performances this season. If everything goes as planned we can keep improving and win regionals and maybe even nationals. We might even get the back page.

After this, and still on a high from the game, we all set off for Coyote’s down near the beach. It was a great night. It being bike week, we thought we would have trouble finding a bar not full of bikers but as it turned out when we got there the place was practically empty accept for the crowd that came with us. So the banter started and it was easily one of the best nights I’ve had in America. It’s up there with Texas, where I went for the hurricanes.

To go back on myself a bit, last Thursday I went to Yoga for the first time in the fountain room at the student village. We had a game on Wednesday night and we got the day off from training, so I thought I would go and check it out. I thought it would be relaxing and it would be a lot of stretching and so on. It wasn’t quite what I expected, more about auras and that sort of stuff. I’m not knocking it, it’s not really my cup of tea but I can see why people like it all the same. I wouldn’t mind checking out some of the clubs in college, like the sky diving club and many others, if I had more time.

I couldn’t end this entry without saying something about the elections. I’m not exactly an expert; it is a bit similar to computers with me. But tonight I had an informal debate set up by our group learning committee. We discussed topics like economy, education, and health care, etc. plus the views of each candidate. It was very informative and I would feel confident enough to at least hold a decent conversation about it. It was a good thing to take part in and to see how passionate some of the students are about politics. I honestly couldn’t say who I would vote for if I could vote, but I think it would be a waste for someone to just make an uneducated decision or not even vote at all. There is so much you have to take into consideration and we only reached the tip of the iceberg tonight. I think that people probably only take into account the topics which most effect their lives and base their decisions on this. Anyway that is all I really have to say and about all I know, so I’ll leave it here. Cheers.

Hey everyone! I tell you as the semester goes further along, the more sleep deprived I become! I enjoy my time here at Embry-Riddle even more, even with the lack of sleep! I love spending time with all of my friends that are on my hall. They all help to calm me down while I am stressing out for the next exam. I thank Mike especially, because I know I have to be getting on his nerves sometimes as I complain that EP can be so overwhelming sometimes. He told me that the hard part is over: figuring out what I want to do in life. Now I have the easy part of just getting everything done. I start to think of his saying whenever I am in chemistry class and feeling lost at how to find the theoretical yield of a reaction. Things are getting better in chemistry. Now we’re doing thermodynamics and the problems don’t seem too hard at the moment. I have been making myself a second home here at the chemistry tutor labs, and they are very willing to help me whenever I need help! If things start to get worse again, I will be sure to talk to Dr. Cameron (trust me there is no way I can fail this class), who is willing to help any one of his students out! I got a 61% on the first test and I was excited. I was a point or two away from failing so I know I need to buckle down and study hard for the next test in a few weeks.

As for the other classes: Calculus 1 is going great! I am so happy that I actually know what the hell I am doing in that class. Dr. Young is such a laid-back guy that I enjoy coming to calculus class. I got an 85% on the first test, and the problems that I missed were just some simple algebra errors. We’re starting to get into more difficult calculus now, but I know as long as I put my mind to it I can handle anything. World History is also going well. I got an 89% on the first test, plus a perfect on our “improvement points” quiz so I know I have over 100%. And we just took a test the other day so I know I definitely aced that test as well! Chem lab is going great. At first I was scared of Mrs. Coslow because she expects you to know so much, when in fact she wants you to use the knowledge that you already have and apply it to the class. She really has helped me to believe in my own problem-solving and thinking ability. I believe that I have a B in the class, but it’s nothing less than that, and I have plenty of time to bring the grade up to an A! Oh, English is also going great. I believe that I have a rough draft for a paper due on Friday, but it won’t take me that long to write the paper. And last but not least, EP 101 is going great. I finally am working on figuring out my topics for my two technical papers due before the end of the semester. More than likely it will have to do with space exploration to the moon and Mars. I’ll tell you exactly what they’re about when I have the topics listed in more detail. Basically school is great–challenging, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Now lately I have been feeling sick. I found out that since I am from up north (OHIO) that allergies can kick someone’s butt down here in Florida! So yeah, I have the whole NyQuil commercial in my head since I seem to have all the symptoms! But I will work through it and I have the water bottle handy to try to cure my dry, scratchy throat! Ok everyone I am off to chem lab, but I’ll keep you all updated on my progress very very soon! Take care and talk to you later! Adios mis amigos!

*~Terryel~*

Hello to all my journal readers, we here at Riddle are over halfway done with our semester and classes are really going into overdrive. Many classes of mine such as my management class, my success skills class, and my English class are having me write either a short paper or an actual research paper. In other classes such as Meteorology and Aeronautics I have taken a few tests already. Overall, I have been working almost non-stop to try and complete all the assignments I am assigned as well as try to stay up to par in my flight class. I have taken a few flights since my last journal entry and am still working between simulators, flights, and orals to try and get my private license. I will not have my license by the end of the semester because of all the delays from hurricanes, improper paperwork, as well as some instructor conflicts, but I do expect to have it early next semester. My main goal is to go home back to California summer of 2005 with my Private Pilot License and Multi-Engine rating. As for my academic classes, as you know, they are very busy, but my Aeronautics class has proven to be my favorite. For pilots who truly have a passion for flying, it becomes a very interesting class and one that I have personally found to be easy to study for. From learning how to use a flight computer to attaining the knowledge to plan a cross-country flight, the class has been my favorite. My toughest class right now has to be Meteorology. I am not sure whether it is the time (afternoon) or just that I am not interested in the subject, but I have a hard time recalling the information. Because of this, I did not perform well on my first exam, but it served as a wake up call and now I am focusing more on that class than any of my others.

I’ve met quite a few people here at Riddle, though few are from California, it has been a great experience thus far. Most of the people I hang out with are here at my dormitory which is McKay Hall. Because we are a dormitory that was built like a motel, we really don’t get exposed to many people from our floor (no hallways or common areas), but I have met a few people around here that are funny and fun to hang out with. I’ve also met a few international students from countries such as Sri Lanka, India, as well as Honduras. When you walk around campus, you notice that there is a very large international population here at Riddle. It proves to be a benefit because from seeing more cultures, one has the habit of becoming more open to many different activities. So far, as half a semester has gone by, I have had a great experience here at Riddle and I am looking forward to a few more years here.

I will be going home back to California the day of my high school’s homecoming and stay there the weekend and that makes me happy because I get to see friends, family, and others I have not seen in a while. Though Riddle is having its homecoming the same weekend, I figure I’ll be here for the next three years to see it; I also decided on going home because I am not going home for Thanksgiving.

Well, to end this journal, I’d like to make a request to any readers who read my journal or any others, to give us any questions that we may be able to answer. Sometimes I tend to forget some subjects off my journal, so remind me or any other journal writer what is you as a reader would like to know more about. Post all requests on the WebBoard. We’ll try to answer them as complete as possible. Well, until next time, Later!

Hola! I hope all of you are doing well…and at least getting started on your ERAU applications (if that applies to you). Today (10/24) is my birthday…woot!…which means only 2 more years to go 😉 Things around ERAU have been pretty busy lately, and I’m proud to say we’ve been hurricane free for about a month now. Homecoming weekend is coming up November 5-7, there will be a lot of airplane static displays and all that fun stuff, so if anyone is looking at making a campus visit, now’s a good time + the weather is cooling down a bit and is perfect. Look for me in the color-guard. Hooah Special Operations!

This week is Biketoberfest…it’s impossible to get around Daytona. My friends and I left the dorms yesterday around 1:30 in a futile attempt to go to the beach. It took over an hour to make what should have been a 10 minute drive down International Speedway, then we drove around trying to find a parking spot that wasn’t filled with bikes, rather unsuccessfully. We gave up around 4 and made our way through the traffic again. Maybe next weekend. Seeing all of these bikes makes me want to get one of my own..better start saving now if I want to get one before Bike Week.

There is certainly always something to do around here. Ocean Deck is my current favorite. I’m not really a fan of clubbing all that much, so Ocean Deck is a nice relaxed atmosphere right on the beach with lots of live music. We went to Pleasure Island (part of Downtown Disney in Orlando), which was fun, but half the clubs are limited to over 21.

Classes are good. Remembering to go/waking up on time is another story, but I’m doing pretty well. I had my first speech in COM219, and I was completely unprepared for it. I walked in late because Lead Lab ran late..and walked in just as the person before me was finishing up. Not fun. But mid-terms are over (they were easy, no worries), so everything is a lot more relaxed now, and I really feel like I’m getting to know my professors. Same goes for my advisor, we’ve met quite a few times and she’s awesome. **Ask for Mary Theokas** I’m trying to work in a semester of study abroad, while still keeping my ROTC scholarship and she’s been very helpful in finding the right people for me to talk to and get this thing done. Working in Career Services is also proving to be pretty helpful. I’ve gotten to know all the program managers, so when it comes time for my Senior Co-op/internship, I think I’ll be pretty set! The people here are absolutely amazing. I was really hesitant about coming here. I had planned to attend The George Washington University in DC and changed my mind…the decision became even harder when my best friend decided on UMD, and I didn’t want to give that up, but I have met some awesome people down here. We’re all in the same boat and I consider myself lucky to call them my friends. It’s a little awkward at first, but living with these people 24/7 certainly helps break through those barriers..

Special Operations is still intense. I think I talked my neighbor into trying out in the spring. We divided up into rifle team and colorguard.. and I’m part of the latter so between homecoming and Veteran’s Day coming up… we should be pretty busy. I definitely feel like I’m improving on the team, and it has made me so much more prepared for everyday ROTC in terms of uniform wear, core knowledge, drill, and confidence. We did a Group Leadership Project (GLP) the other night. It was so much fun..we had to get from 1 point in the woods..pick up a package…and drop it off at another point…without getting captured by the ‘enemy’. It was all about escape and evasion so we had to memorize the code of conduct for POW’s. I was the last to get caught and put up a pretty good fight, but if you want to know what really goes on, you’ll just have to come out for the team at some point.

President Bush came to town last weekend. I got to go through the College Republicans and hear him speak, which was awesome. We’re going next weekend to rally support throughout Volusia County. Those of you that are old enough to vote, you know what you need to do..

As always, melcg2004 on AIM, pugh754@erau.edu, Have a lovely day.

Hello all, and welcome to another installment of Darryl’s Journal, haha. What’s up guys? Well, I actually have something going on this week!!! I FINALLY got moved into my new apartment. It’s pretty sweet, garage and solid wood cabinets and everything. I am so excited to finally have a place to live. It’s not the first time that I have lived in an apartment. I had a place in Orlando over the summer before I came to Riddle. OOOoohh, I haven’t told you guys about that yet!! Well, this past summer I got an internship with Walt Disney World (technically called the “College Program”) where I was able to work in the park with all the guests and everything, and it was AWESOME. You interviewed under the possibility of working different sectors of any of the four parks and numerous resorts. You could choose anything from housekeeping, to custodial, to attractions, to food and beverage, to quick service food and beverage (kinda like fast food). It was the best. I was able to get into attractions, which meant that I actually worked on the rides getting people on and off and through and everything. I worked at my favorite theme park, EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow), which means that I worked with people from around the world. Japan, Italy, China, Germany, Mexico, Canada, UK, Norway, France are the countries that are represented around World Showcase (plus America). I worked at Test Track. Yup that’s right, Disney and GM’s huge project which turned out great. If anyone would like to hear more about it send me an email some time. I have hundreds of stories.

School is going ok. It always gets thicker around this time of year. Back home it’s getting cold, but in Daytona still feels like August. Biketoberfest is going on right now. There are WAY too many motorcycles here right now. They are all of course way too loud, but what can ya do. I’ve got some new friends. I generally keep to myself and talk to everyone from home more, but Jon and I have had to do some Tech Writing homework group style so we’ve had to come after school and chill in the computer lab and do a little work. Other than that, all is well. It’s getting late here and its Friday night so I’m gonna get offline for a little bit and hit the bed. Later to all of you folks out there, night guys.

The weeks just keep on getting crazier and crazier, and I’m loving every bit of it. Midterms are over and done with. Fortunately they all went well for me; nothing was out of the ordinary or unexpected in as much as the testing was concerned. The only major problem has been a change in professors for my physics class. The original instructor left on medical leave, and there’re been some problems with people adapting to the new teaching style. I’ve found it personally difficult just because the teacher is explaining ideas that I already know and have worked with in the past in ways that serve to only confuse and stupefy me. My solution has been to work primarily out of the book for the class instead, and only then integrate this knowledge into class in such a way that the translation of what the instructor says reinforces what has already been learned. With a test coming up on Friday, it should be interesting to see just how effective my attempts have been with this.

My roommate has turned out to be cooler than I could ever have imagined. My last several roommates both in and out of college have brought little more than headache and frustration, but this time around I think things are finally going well. We’re both easy going and respectful towards each other; he keeps the rest of the hall out of the room when I try to turn in early and I make sure he stays out of trouble and remind him of certain moral guide posts. Basically, we’ve both got each other’s backs. (He’s Tyler Shoemaker, and he approves this message.) Outside that, my social life has similarly gone well. A good balance of going out with friends; helping friends along in their classes, physical training, and other endeavors; and the occasional party converse to studies and ROTC-related activities has livened me up beyond what I was used to back at UNC. One major thing I have noticed that is different from the UNC/CU Boulder/CSU environment that I grew up around is that this school has a much more reserved and conservative feel to it; there just isn’t as much a free-living atmosphere here as in Boulder, Ft. Collins, or Denver. Part of that is the gender gap: most guys go out with specific intent towards finding the opposite gender rather than being foot-loose and fancy free. It makes going out seem more of a contest and more draining than it really should be if people went with the intent of simply enjoying themselves. Although comparing this place to Boulder’s couch-adorned Hill and pedestrian night life might not be a fair relation.

NROTC is still going strong and well. With my PT scores, grades and successes in the battalion continuing, I feel that I’m becoming more and more of an adequate candidate for scholarship. Being an Aeronautical Science major, I’m at a disadvantage because it’s not considered by the Navy to be a pure tech field. However, if I present myself competitively in all other areas, I should hopefully do well against the Navy’s decision board. I joined the Color Guard team some weeks ago when it started up here. Four other members and myself just completed our first performance for the local Navy League’s Navy Birthday celebration. Despite a good many mistakes on my part, the NROTC Unit’s captain and several other active and retired officers commended the entire team on an excellent performance. As well as we did, however, things could not have come together as smoothly would it not have been for our Color Guard Commander’s excellent training and dedication to make sure we were excellent in every step we took. It was because of his work that we were able to go from complete novices to a proficient Color Guard demonstration team in less than two weeks. Practices took up a goodly amount of time, from one to three hours per day every day, but I feel as though even that might not have been enough. I’ve begun to weigh the costs of some other activities I’ve become a part of and will most likely elect to drop drill team and SpecWar club simply because my focus has begun to wander from confidence in my studies instead to worrying about what little time I have available for anything. Needless to say, these things will still be around next semester and even in following years. Right now my grades are paramount and what ever other personal interests I may have must be laid aside for immediate successes in the overall goal.

Been hearing from a few of you on questions about the school and otherwise. I would like to thank all of you who have contacted me either through email or through the discussion boards. There haven’t been many so far, but I’m sure that will change as the school year moves on and more students start looking into colleges of interest. Remember, if you have any questions or concerns ask any one of us or all of us and we’ll be more than happy to help out. It’s a good group of people here; I’ve spotted out several of the other journal writers (though they probably didn’t notice) and know they’re decent people.

Onwards + Upwards,
David

Finally back in school for about three weeks and only one day canceled (Hurricane Jeanne). I guess it sounds awkward that I am relieved that school is back in session, but it‚s due to the fact that we already have one Saturday school day scheduled in December. Though it is only one Saturday, it is still a drag because it is right before finals week. So I guess being back in school without cancellations because of hurricanes relieves all of us here at Embry-Riddle from having to go to school on Saturday.

Classes here at Riddle have finally begun to take shape as well. In the weeks during the hurricanes, we were unable to really settle down into our classes and really find out how it was going to be within them. Luckily, our add/drop dates were extended and we still had a few days when classes resumed to decide whether we wanted to stay in a class or not. Luckily, my schedule was set correctly. Though I am taking six classes this semester, I feel that it has not been difficult to keep up with work. I have all my class work, homework, appointments with advisors, club meetings, and other events scheduled so that I may able to handle all of them accordingly. It has been a lot of reading here in college, so be prepared to read more than you probably ever have in your entire life. (unless your hobby is reading) Besides reading, be prepared to write papers on topics that you will have to create yourself. For some reason, professors like to leave papers as open topic papers, provided they relate to the course. Reading and writing will prove to be the two principal skills that one will need when entering college; Embry-Riddle is no exception. So be prepared and if you can take Advanced Placement English Language and Literature, you will eliminate six of the required nine communication credits.

On the extracurricular side of Embry-Riddle, a club and activities fair was held about two weeks ago in which students here were exposed to the many extracurricular activities that are found on campus. There are a substantial number of clubs and organizations on campus to feed the student‚s interests and needs. Clubs such as the Skydiving club, Surf Club, Modelers club, etc. and organizations such as the Eagles Flight Team, ERAU College Democrats, as well as others were on display. I personally decided to join the Flight Team because I discovered that it was an organization that refined piloting skills, advanced basic piloting concepts, and also flew in national competitions. I was also interested in a few clubs, but will look further into them at a later date.

As for my flying activities so far I finally had the opportunity to fly on Saturday October 9. It was a two-hour flight that took me around north-central Florida up and down the coast. It was a fun and educational flight. I took off from Daytona Beach International Airport, flew to a practice area north of Daytona Beach, flew back in to a nearby airport in Deland, then took off again back to Daytona Beach and landed safely. While in the practice area, since I had one hour previous to this flight, my instructor and I practiced basic maneuvers and had the opportunity to experience what certain pilot inputs do to an airplane, such as pitching up and down, etc. Overall, it was fun, and I know that as I log more flights, my experience here will only improve.

On another note, Daytona Beach has been a great place to come and live. The town is dormant at times and seems to be a ghost town at times, but on the weekends it is lively beachside and mainland. The beach here is nice and warm, unlike west coast beaches, and the beachside resorts, restaurants, entertainment areas, and stores, always provide an alternative to the non-water loving people. From places like Starbucks, and Johnny Rockets, to entertainment like bike-riding and even movie theatres, the beachside has it all. I have had fun the few times I have visited, and look forward to heading back more often.

Not having a car, at times, can be tough. There are days where it is just too hot to try and walk around the area and even around campus, other days are filled with rain, so if you can, bring a car or prepare to be riding with friends or on a bus. Orlando and its resorts are about 45 minutes away with Jacksonville up the coast. So no matter what you like, it is probably somewhere around here. It has been a fun experience so far here at Embry-Riddle.

Until next time, later!

Hello again. Things seem to be settling down from all of this hurricane business. I’m kinda sick of them, so hopefully Daytona has met the quota for the next four years.

The activities fair was a couple weeks ago, definitely check it out when you come here. All of the organizations have been getting in full swing. I joined the Special Operations drill team, which has turned out to be pretty challenging. Three nights a week of some hard-core physical training is tough, but we also get to spin rifles and drill. The guys on the team and staff are fun though, so it should be a good time. AFROTC has been time consuming, to say the least. It’s a good program, and I’m enjoying it, but it should definitely be worth more than one credit. I also signed up to be one of the drum majors for the cadet band. The cadet in charge is starting it from scratch and not getting much support, so if you’re in DB and AFROTC next fall, I better see you with your instrument in tow.

After all the interruptions, classes are just now getting into quizzes and presentations and such. There’s a definite switch from high school..there is a lot of reading to be done outside of class, and you’re responsible for knowing it whether it’s covered by your professor or not. All my teachers seem to be pretty laid-back though, and I haven’t had to do any intense writing or anything as of yet.

Going to the beach at night is a new favorite past time for the people on my floor. We usually just check out Ocean Walk or the pier but it’s nice to just walk along the water. Makes for a cheap date too! 🙂 We also checked out the clubs on Seabreeze. Razzles was pretty lame, Fuel gets good reviews, and the guys are big fans of Molly Brown’s. It’s always fun when you run into nameless professors downtown at 2:00 in the morning, who are partying just as hard (or harder) as you. I’m having a lot more fun than I was at the time of my last post…I’ve made some really good friends and there is always something fun going on, especially at 3 AM when I have PT for ROTC at 6:30…

I got a job on campus, and I definitely recommend it. Very simple stuff, a convenient location, and a relaxed atmosphere make it worthwhile. I work in career services, but I wouldn’t really call it work. If you like the movie Office Space, you can definitely handle an on-campus job.

You know where to find me. Later on.

Hey yall! What’s up? Well, it has been crazy around here with all of the work that has to be done. Since the hurricanes killed the school schedule all of the teachers are pressed for time and have to either cut out some work or cram it all in. My teachers have decided to do a little of both. I’ve been working non-stop on all this homework and stuff. Other than that school is going pretty good. My apartment which is supposed to be finished is still being built. It’s difficult moving from hotel to hotel while trying to do homework and everything else associated with college. It leaves you hoping that you will have a place to stay when you check-out. Not much has been happening in Daytona. Biketoberfest is coming up and the end of October so I guess everyone’s waiting for that. I’ll probably leave town for Orlando or go back to Tennessee when it comes around. I’m not really into Harleys and big motorcycles like that. But who knows, maybe it’ll be ok. I’m used to Gatlinburg, TN. When they have a motorcycle show it becomes quite a spectacle. Mostly it’s just loud and annoying. But we’ll see. My apartment was supposed to be finished September 16th, but now they’re saying it will be the middle of October. Let’s hope it’s done soon. Well, off to do more work. Later guys.

Welcome back everyone. Now that the journals are being posted and things are under way, the rest should be good to go. Nature’s decided to start playing nice for a change, and out of her generosity, we’ve just completed our first couple of full weeks of class. Overall, everything has moved on smoothly after the tumult of the season; most classes are on accelerated syllabi and a very few have resorted to extra days. Strange as it feels after only two weeks of solid classes, we’re all getting ready for mid-terms coming up. Next week I will trudge through exams in all of my classes and tend to status reports, then it should be business as usual thereafter. Classes have been easy so far, and I don’t expect much problem from these exams.

One point that I have personally revisited and have seen many other students suffer from is overload. Something that freshmen love to do is to involve themselves with as many highly demanding activities as they can, either because they like to do all these things or because they misinterpret the external pressure to ‘get involved.’ In the end, this hoarding leads to low grades, no free time, and overly grumpy individuals. It’s important to remember when you get here, as well as to plan for ahead of time, that you can’t do everything in your first year, nor should you try to. Plan to give at least a month’s worth of feeling things out and just getting used to the new environment before jumping headlong into the half-dozen other extra curricular activities available beyond the daily social life. Then, when you understand what’s really out there and what you have time for, there’s not the issue of biting off more than you can chew. You’ll be here for four years. Spread things out and you’ll have plenty of time for everything you want to do.

NROTC has been treating me very well lately. I’ve noticed the regular physical exercise in the mornings do wonders for an active mind, and the activities and field trips we’ve done so far have helped make strong ties with my fellow midshipmen. This past weekend, about 60 midshipmen, officer candidates and the captain toured the USS Carney and helicopter squadron HSL-44 in Jacksonville. A fantastic experience in and of itself, the tour gave many of us the chance to see what surface and aviation warfare is about so that when the time comes to decide on warfare designators, we’ll have a good idea of what we really want to do. It was also a nice excuse to show off the uniform for an extra day during the week. More such excursions are on the way, including a visit to an EOD (Special Warfare) group where it’s been giddily rumored we’ll be able to catch them blow up a vessel of some sort. I am quite pleased with the caliber of individuals involved with the battalion. There is certainly a deeply-rooted drive in many of them, and that alone is very refreshing and inspiring to me, as now I feel as though I’m in an environment where I can make good use of my talents — that is, once my schedule allows time to conduct the many projects I wish to press forward with. It’s a good bunch of people, all every willing to help everyone else however they can. And that’s the news from Lake Wobegon. Looking forward to hearing from all of you on the discussion boards or email. Onward + Upward