text:
covered by Bruce Springsteen
MY PERSONAL TOP 10
SXSW KEYNOTE
Alejandro Escovedo - Always a friend
First performance: 14/04/2008
Bruce covered the song 4 times:
Always together with Alejandro Escovedo. The first performance was during the magic tour and the song was officially released on the on the EP Magic Tour's "highlights".
2008-04-14 - TOYOTA CENTER, HOUSTON
In April 2008, it was announced that Alejandro Escovedo will be managed by Jon Landau (Bruce Springsteen's longtime manager) and Barbara Carr. During the 14 Apr 2008 Magic Tour show at Toyota Center in Houston, TX, Springsteen paid homage to Escovedo stating that he "has been making great music for a long, long time". Escovedo took the stage and performed always a friend, the lead single from his then-forthcoming album Real Animal, as a duet with Springsteen.
2010-07-23 - THE STONE PONY, ASBURY PARK
Bruce joins Alejandro Escovedo on stage at the Pony for three songs
2011-01-15 - PARAMOUNT THEATRE, ASBURY PARK
Bruce guests at the 11th annual Light Of Day benefit for Parkinson's disease.
2012-03-14 - AUSTIN MUSIC HALL, AUSTIN
Bruce makes a surprise appearance at the conclusion of the 30th annual Austin Music Awards, joining Alejandro Escovedo and his band along with Joe Ely for four songs, including Escovedo's "Always a Friend".
Songinfo
Always a friend is a song written by Alejandro Escovedo and Chuck Prophet and released on Escovedo's 2008 album Real Animal. It is the album's opener and first single. The album was released on Back Porch Records on 24 Jun 2008 and the single was released on 22 Apr 2008.
Other cover versions
Bruce on the artist
2021-04-28 SiriusXM Studio, New York City
Bruce plays the song during the 21st episode of 'From My Home to Yours', themed "Waiting on a Friend", which is about special rock 'n' roll friendships.
In April 2008, it was announced that Alejandro Escovedo will be managed by Jon Landau (Bruce Springsteen's longtime manager) and Barbara Carr. During the 14 Apr 2008 Magic Tour show at Toyota Center in Houston, TX, Springsteen paid homage to Escovedo stating that he "has been making great music for a long, long time".
"Coming out of New Jersey, I've always been a big fan of the Texas songwriters... so I always like coming down this way to get a chance to see a few of my friends, folks whose work I admire, there's been a fellow, one fellow who's been, been putting out good records for so long, he's gonna come up and he's got a new record coming out on June 10th: Alejandro Escovedo .."
Wasn't I always a friend to you?
Do you wanna be my friend? (ooh ooh)
Every once in a while honey let your love show
Every once in a while honey let yourself go
Nobody gets hurt, no, no (ooh ooh)
Nobody gets hurt
We came here as two, we laid down as one
I don't care if I'm not your only one
What I see in you, you see in me
But if I be wrong smoke my smoke, drink my wine
Bury my snakeskin boots somewhere I'll never find
Still be your lover baby
O-o, o-o o-o
Do you wanna be my friend? (ohh ooh)
Every once in a while, honey let yourself go
Every once in a while, honey let your love show
Well, I could be an astronaut on the wrong side of the moon
Or wrapped up like a baby on a bus under you
Where ever I go you go with me
But if I do you wrong, take the master suite, I'll take the floor
Sleep in late, get your rest, I'll catch up on mine
Every once in a while, honey let yourself go, go!
Nobody gets hurt, it's only love, love, love
Sources : Brucebase Springsteenlyrics The Killing Floor Wikipedia E Street Shuffle


Music instruction has always been a major part of our homeschool. A music-rich experience for children – singing, listening and moving – provides a huge benefit to children as they progress into more formal learning.
Research has found that learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain's circuits in specific ways.
Though not all students will pursue a career in music, providing music education can be both a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
While attending a symphony performance last month, the conductor spoke directly to the youth in the audience. He stated that to become a musician one needed to do only a few things: take lessons with a great teacher, listen to great artists, and practice. He then explained that lessons should include the study of music theory and composition, not just how to play. He also stated that performance is an important part of the practice piece – becoming comfortable playing for others and receiving accolades for your hard work.
My son first expressed interest in learning piano when he was about four years old. In the beginning, we had a little trouble finding an instructor who was willing to work with a child so young.
His first instructor was a gem. She related very well to young children and my daughter began taking piano lessons with her as well. When he was a little fidgety, she would incorporate other instruments to keep him interested and engaged.
As he has gotten older, his interest in piano has only grown. My daughter, on the other hand, chose to continue her music studies with the violin. This was partially prompted by our move to California. We were initially partnered with a charter school that provided the option of violin or guitar lessons as part of their enrichment.
Though we didn't stick with the umbrella school, my daughter continued instruction in violin. We are fortunate to have a private tutor who adjusts her teaching methods to the learning style of each child. Additionally, she works with each of the kids on music theory and composition.
I started playing clarinet when I was in fifth grade. While I enjoyed Symphonic Band when I was in high school, even participating in district honor band each year, theory and composition wasn't taught. With 60+ students, my band teacher just didn't have the time. My children are thereby much more knowledgeable than I.
We have many CDs of classical masters in our home library. We enjoy listening to them while we read or do chores. The kids also spend hours watching videos of their favorite artists on YouTube and then trying to emulate them.
Whenever possible, we also attend the concerts of professional musicians. In addition to the North State Symphony performances, we have also seen The Piano Guys, Alpin Hong, and Lindsey Stirling perform live. We all know that attending concerts is fun but there are hidden benefits as well.
Listening to music elevates you mood. This is attributed to the fact that a live performance brings a more memorable experience when compared to a video taped clip. Additionally, there is more joy to listening to live music, as a performing artist gets to share his or her sentiments with the audience. He or she can freely express emotions and it helps in passing across a certain idea to the audience.
In live concerts, artists involve the crowd in singing along, clapping and even dancing. For this reason, live music can be used to bring people from different backgrounds together.
Additionally, most performers will offer an opening act or two to get the crowd excited and on their feet. These acts may be bands or individuals you have never heard of and attending a concert gives you a chance to experience their music live. You may discover new sounds that you didn't know you liked.
You don't have to go to a large venue to experience the fun of a live concert: many communities offer live music as a way for people to socialize and visit in a safe setting. Local bands may play live in parks or venues, and attending these shows gives you a chance to get out, meet new people, and get involved in your community.
Your ability to play well is fostered primarily by the amount of time you spend playing well. Practice lets us execute a task while using less and less active brain processing. It makes things automatic. When performers master one aspect of their work, they free their minds to think about another aspect.
Practicing regularly goes way beyond music — it's a skill that has hugely positive ramifications for personal fulfillment and lifetime success. The trick, though, is that self-motivated discipline isn't exactly first nature for most kids, so it's up to families to help create positive, engaging and fun ways to practice as a path towards self-motivation.
Great accomplishments do not come easy. Practice can be grueling at times, but improvement in any instrument or at any activity requires hard work. Every student (and teacher!) has days where they don't feel like practicing, but we all do things we don't want to do when we are working towards something valuable. Getting your children to practice, even when they don't want to, is just one part of the process when your child is learning an instrument.
My son has never needed reminders or incentives to practice. He will sit down at the piano multiple times throughout the day to practice – both pieces he is learning with his instructor as well as pieces he is composing himself. We have come to discover that he does best when his practice time is divided up throughout the day rather than all in one siting.
My daughter, on the other hand, has not had the same level of enthusiasm. In the fall of this past year, however, upon encouragement she auditioned for youth symphony. She worked hard with her instructor and was over-joyed to be selected for second chair. This opportunity has provided her with the inspiration to practice more often – a little competition goes a long way.
We have also learned that my son practices in this way because the piano is easily accessible to him. He can hardly walk past it without sitting down to play a short piece. Taking this into consideration, rather than packing up the violin after each day's practice, we now leave the instrument and bow out all the time. Now, as our daughter goes about her day, she can pick it up and play whenever she likes as well.
In addition to improving creativity, learning and performing music cultivates many skills that will continue to be useful to your child throughout their lives. The act of learning and playing an instrument, the encouragement of a teacher and the enthusiasm of a proud parent, will build in a child a sense of pride and confidence. Additionally, assigning pieces for a performance helps to teach students about setting goals and obtaining them within a specified time frame.
Much to the delight of parents, our music teacher provides her students with an opportunity to perform at a recital twice a year – once in the fall and again in the spring. In addition to providing the kids a venue to share what they have learned, they come away inspired by others and often hear pieces that they would like to learn themselves.
Here's a peak at their spring recital a year ago, Spring Recital: Japan & Norway edition.
I mentioned earlier that my kids enjoy watching their favorite artists on YouTube. Inspired by The Piano Guys' Charlie Brown Medley, my son recently began volunteering to play the piano at a local retirement home. He performs twice each month and has a growing fan base.
I certainly have no idea where the interests of my children will lead them in the future or what career path they may choose. In a related post, I outlined 5 Steps to Cultivating Passions in Children. Regardless, I know that a foundation in music education will help to encourage self-discipline and build skills in cooperation, creativity, and communication.
Discover more posts in the series by visiting iHomeschool Network's Growing a Success.


In any given day in the Dallas Fort Worth area, there are nearly 4,000 men, women and children who are homeless. Many live on the streets, in cars and in shelters. Austin Street Center provides food and shelter at night to homeless men and women---many who actually have jobs but do not make a large enough wage to secure permanent housing. Ascension has been involved with Austin Street Shelter for many years by providing a hot meal throughout the year.
On Saturday May 4 Ascension will bring and serve dinner at Austin Street. Please join us as we meet at the church at 5:30p. Bring two (or one or more) cooked party-size lasagnas wrapped (preferably in newspaper). We need at least 50 lasagnas and 15 servers. This is a great opportunity for parents and children ! It is very important we know how many lasagnas and servers we have, so please sign up in the Narthex, click on the icon above, email Brian Kasper or call 972-358-5965. Thank you !


Last Saturday I visited starmark and spent some good hours after some really long time. The only condition was "NO SPENDING AT ALL". The days of Rs 5000 per month on books are over (Thanks to the companies that allowed me the luxury that time). Now my total income per month is less than Rs 5000 🙂 …. Things are good at my end, its good to work on some of the interesting things. Anyway, at starmark I stumbled upon Sramana Mitra's books, I fell in love with it. I spent few hours and most of the time, I am going back to her book. I liked the true experiences of Entrepreneurs.
Since I am on a very strict budget (I even forgot my atm card number time as taking money out of ATM is a rare occasion these days), I ended up buying one book (Old habits don't die easily), book on insurance (I bought it as it was written by someone whom I trust).
So issues, I will be buying her book soon :). For the time being one should not miss this page http://www.sramanamitra.com/entrepreneurship-case-studies/. Thanks for all your hard work in providing so much information for all of us. Thanks again.


It's likely that if you follow me at all you have seen how completely I wrecked my Twitter feed last week by posting a dozen remarks about my time at Planned Parenthood. It's also possible that even if you never heard of me a week ago, I'll have cropped up on a website you visit.
The kinds of things I experienced as an employee at a women's health center are not unusual. The 1990s were a time of heightened rhetoric about abortion and women's rights, and they were also a time when there was less surveillance and fewer methods for tracking people who attacked clinics. Things have improved in that sense, but clinics all over America, whether they provide abortion or not, still get harassed on a regular basis. And the rhetoric that fuels that harassment is the same toxic message that encourages people to shoot up, bomb, or burn down clinics.
If my experiences weren't that unusual, why did people all over the internet suddenly decide my story was worth talking about? Following the attack on the clinic in Colorado Springs, people were trying to make sense of the violence and hate. Above all else, what helps us make sense of the world? What helps us connect with our fellow humans?
From back in our cave-dwelling days, humans have used stories to help us find our place in the world and process the things that happen to us. Stories have helped us to understand other people and the things they've been through. We may be hunched over a glowing electronic device instead of a fire now, but we're still looking for sense. We're still looking for stories. My small story got spread so far and wide, because it helped people understand and deal with the brutal attack that had just happened in Colorado Springs. That was the reason I shared it in the first place. Telling that story helped me process what I was feeling about people being murdered by someone motivated by extremist rhetoric.
I'm still trying to do clean up on aisle three, because my inbox contains about 200 unread messages. I imagine at some point, I'll have something more to say about all of this, but for now, that's my thought. We need stories. We need more of them. We need them from all kinds of people.


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Home Cycling Van der Poel shares in Strava the brutal details of his triumph in the Amstel Gold Race
Van der Poel shares in Strava the brutal details of his triumph in the Amstel Gold Race
The Dutch cyclist raised to his Strava account the data of the Beer Classic, where he won the sprint after a spectacular comeback.
Mathieu Van der Poel wanted to share with his followers the performance data in his incredible victory in the Amstel Gold Race, where the Dutch added a triumph of prestige after staging a spectacular comeback in the last 3 kilometers of race.
Van der Poel He uploaded the data to his Strava account, where he already has more than 33,000 followers. In the activity of the Amstel Gold Race, which already has about 7,000 kudos, the Dutch cyclist shows that he completed the 260 kilometers of the race in 6: 26: 20 with an accumulated positive difference of 3,488 meters, an average power of 337 Watts and a total work of 6.440 kilojoules.
Van der Poel maintained a cadence of 84 pedals per minute on average and peaks of power of up to 1,400 watts, with an average heart rate of 140 beats per minute. In addition, during the tour the Dutch cyclist burned 4,257 calories.
The records of the Dutch also had an impact on the many segments of Strava included in the areas through which the route passed. L Van der Poel power data soars in the area of the Kruisberg, where he tried to break the race to 40 goal (up to 634 watts in sections to 9%), in addition to achieving the KOM (the best time) in the Keutenberg and complete the 15.9 kilometers of the return to the final circuit in 21: 50, with an average of 353 watts, with slightly better times than Valentin Madouas, Romain Bardet or Alessandro de Marchi.
Van der Poel also achieved great records in the Bemelerberg and in the section before the goal of Oevergrubbe before facing the final sprint. On the Vilt Van der Poel straight, he completed the final 0.7 kilometers in 41 seconds by rolling at 60.6 km / h and averaging 866 watts and a heart rate of 190 beats per minute. A data of a test that has allowed him to be known worldwide in one of the most recent exhibitions that are remembered in cycling.
Van der Poel shares in Strava the brutal details of his triumph in the Amstel Gold Race Reviewed by LALASPORT on 4/26/2019 06:05:00 PM Rating: 5
Tags : Cycling

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Guatemala is known for being one of the most dangerous countries in Central America; nevertheless, it is not its fault that it is the way it is. During the Cold War there were many factors involved and many events that led to the Guatemala of today. It all began with the election of Colonel Arbenz during the "Ten Years of Springtime" which ended because President Eisenhower was influenced by his connections to Guatemala´s "state within a state," (TWT) the United Fruit Company.
His decision disrupted a prosperous time for the country and created a dictatorship that gave birth to an army that caused a civil war which lasted over thirty years.
Followed by a genocide that has the worst human rights record; it marked the beginning of a totally different Central American country that is now scarred and has not yet fully recovered from this disastrous event. Sometimes actions are committed for the right reasons but in a wrong way; the United States did exactly that. They changed an entire nation for their own interest by having most of the country under the control of an American-owned business, and ended up destroying it slowly and painfully with the result of a genocide and a thirty-year civil war.
On the other hand, the Soviet Union only stood aside and let the country's communism be taken over. From 1945 to late 1954 there was a time of prosperity in Guatemala known as the "Ten Years of Springtime. " Juan José Arévalo, who was the president at this time, began the period of enlightenment by establishing the nation´s security system and health system. He also created a government bureau "to look at Mayan concerns" (TWT). He was followed by Colonel Jacobo Arbenz Guzman who won the elections of 1951.
During this time, most of the land in Guatemala was controlled by the United Fruit Company which was an American-owned company that directed the other two big enterprises in the country, the International Railway of Central America and Empress Electrica. Statistically speaking, seventy percent of the farm laborers and arable land were run by two percent of the landowners. One hundred sixty thousand acres of this territory were uncultivated so Arbenz came up with a land reform to redistribute these pieces of land to peasants, letting them have individually owned small farms.
The company was compensated but it still disagreed with the reform even though they did not lose much money. The United Fruit Company not only owned land though, it also owned the telegraph and telephone system of the country and most of the railroad track; therefore, it was labeled the "state within a state" (TWT). Connections between this huge enterprise and the United States' government were really close, especially since so many members of both organizations had personal relationships with one another (TWT). This was the initial push towards American involvement in Guatemala.
What actually convinced President Eisenhower to step in, was when "Nicaragua's president, Anastasio Somoza, solicited U. S. assistance to overthrow Arbenz" (Cold War Museum). The country was labeled "communist" and under this excuse, the containment policy was put to action. Aid was sent to the Guatemalan Army, including CIA planes and a CIA army. Jacobo Arbenz Guzman was overthrown and fled to Cuba (TWT). After the intervention, Colonel Castillo Armas became the new president after being chosen by the United States, "ensuring the promotion of American interests in Guatemala" (Cold War Museum).
The "Springtime" was over. After Armas, a succession of military dictatorships followed but, the economy of the country began to drop and the gap between rich and poor just got wider; guerrilla groups were beginning to appear. Since the 1960s, the CIA created links with the Guatemalan Army unit, also called the G-2, which killed thousands of Guatemalan civilians by having their own "torture centers and body dumps throughout Guatemala" (TWT). Public reports revealed that this army was the most repressive and in 1977, United States president Jimmy Carter cut off military aid (TWT).
Argentina, Chile, and Israel continued to play a major role by supplying weapons, building munitions, and training the Guatemalan soldiers. A genocide, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is "the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group. " This event marked the 1980s for Guatemala. Violence was inevitable for the country, especially with an unstable government, a strong army, and a guerrilla group ready for a rebellion.
The soldiers of the Guatemalan army called themselves a "killing machine" and they began a "systematic campaign of repression and suppression" (PPU) against the Mayan Indians, a guerrilla group that was part of the resistance. For two years, they were hunted down and murdered while the army's perception of the Mayan communities only grew worse with time. Six hundred twenty-six villages were destroyed, or "disappeared"; children were beat against the walls and thrown down pits, men were tortured until death, and women were sexually abused and tortured at the same time. This became known as the "Silent Holocaust" (PPU).
As a result, around 70,000 people died during this event and in the following years, from 1966 to 1990, an estimate of 200,000 murders occurred. There was almost a complete extermination of the Mayan communities (PPU). In 1986, "civilian rule and a new constitution were set up because, but the army held on its power because half a million Guatemalans were/are members of the army" (PPU). It took the Guatemalan leaders from both sides, the government and the resistance, five years to sign a peace agreement created by the United Nations to stop the thirty-year Civil War.
In 1994, the United Nations set up a human rights monitor in Guatemala called MINUGUA (TWT). MINUGUA highlighted many cases of torture and murder and came to the conclusion that human rights are violated on a daily basis. Guatemala today is still standing on the hope of a peace agreement that is still in progress. This peace agreement would also represent "democratic leadership, rights for indigenous people and displaced communities, demilitarization, constitutional reforms, an end to impunity, a Truth Commission, political participation, and attention to socio- economic issues such as land reform" (TWT).
The United States can help Guatemala by stopping the aid they continue giving to the army (TWT), by supporting political and economic reform, and ending the war they have against the Guatemalan people. Today, there are still investigators looking for those who survived the genocide or were a part of it to continue to bring justice to the Guatemalan people for their incredible loss of lives many years ago. For example, just recently, General Efrain Rios Montt, who ruled Guatemala from 1982 to 1983, was just convicted to eighty years of prison for the genocide of his people (CNN).
This is the first step the country of Guatemala has taken to move on from its horrible past. As is obvious, the Guatemalan country suffered greatly with the Cold War because of all the problems it created. The United States aided this country because of the containment policy at first but ended up supporting the army that caused the genocide, and eventually creating a civil war that lasted thirty years. Guatemala is doing much better in modern days, but it still has not fully recovered from such events that occurred in the past, a huge scar was left behind.


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Pompeo Begins 7-Nation Tour Amid Global Lockdowns and Trump Election Battle
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo / Getty Images
Adam Kredo - November 15, 2020 9:30 AM
PARIS—Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in a locked down Paris Saturday morning to start a 10-day jaunt across Europe and the Middle East that comes amid a backdrop of the Trump administration's last-ditch legal efforts to remain in office.
The nation's top diplomat is likely to offer private assurances to world leaders that if former vice president Joe Biden takes office, the Trump administration will assist with an orderly transition. Many of the leaders Pompeo is scheduled to meet have already congratulated Biden on his win. Pompeo's seven-nation tour also will take him to several Middle Eastern hotspots—including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—where Iran's global terrorism operation is likely to be a secondary focal point with world leaders.
Pompeo raised eyebrows on Friday when he stated during a press conference at the State Department that there will be a "smooth transition to a second Trump administration." While Pompeo, like other top administration figures, maintains that Trump won the 2020 presidential election, he clarified a day later in an interview with CBS News that an orderly transition will take place before Jan. 20 no matter who is declared the victor.
"Our adversaries should know that we're ready, we're continuing to work, we'll work all the way through January. And then on January 20th, we'll have a transition, whether it's to a Trump administration—a second Trump administration as I spoke about today—or to an administration led by former vice president Biden," Pompeo said.
The trip also comes amid the still growing coronavirus pandemic, which has initiated a new wave of global lockdowns. Pompeo had virtually no public press conferences scheduled as the trip began, which are usually customary with visits by senior U.S. officials. In Paris, the city is two weeks into a monthlong, full-scale lockdown. Most of the Middle Eastern countries Pompeo is scheduled to visit also are shut down due to the virus.
The trip began with a spark of controversy: Pompeo will visit Istanbul, Turkey, but will not take meetings with the country's leaders in the capital, Ankara. U.S. officials who briefed reporters ahead of the trip said Pompeo wants to focus on issues of religious liberty, and he is scheduled to meet several prominent figures, including the Greek Orthodox Christian leader Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Turkish political leaders view Pompeo's agenda as a snub, with the country's foreign ministry calling his meetings "extremely inappropriate."
During his two days in Paris, Pompeo will meet with French president Emmanuel Macron and participate in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor victims of the city's most recent terrorist attacks. These events will be tightly managed and limited to a small pool of reporters that excludes most of those traveling with the secretary on his plane.
From Paris, Pompeo will head to Istanbul.
He also will travel to Georgia for meetings with President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, and Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani. While there, Pompeo will "reaffirm our support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," according to a senior State Department official, who emphasized the Trump administration "condemn[s] Russia's invasion in 2008 of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which still remain occupied by Russia."
As with past trips to the Middle East, Pompeo will work to "counter the Iranian regime," according to the State Department. This will include powwows with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the U.A.E—all of which share the United States' concerns about Iranian-backed terrorism.
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Stories and Photos by Niosa & Co
Across Sweden by bike, 8-24.06.2008
Nikolay Osadchiy, 10.07.2008
mail: niosa at mail dot ru
Route points: Helsinki - Stockholm - Vanersborg - Goteborg - Mullsjo - Helsingborg - Copenhagen, ~1600 km
Esplanade park - Runeberg statue
The purpose of my visit was best described as a bicycle journey. At least these were the words that were written in my visa application to the Finnish embassy in Moscow in May. Surprisingly, Finns believed me and provided me with the visa. This gave me confidence since there were no more bureaucratic hurdles left to be negotiated. I had already bought the train ticket from Moscow to Helsinki, the ferry ticket to Goteborg and a return SAS air ticket from Copenhagen. So I needed only to take off and start cycling.
Traveling by train is a common experience in Russia, but traveling by train abroad leaves a slightly different impression. Even the people traveling in my compartment looked different. My companions included a very noble-looking, religious person, a woman dressed strictly in black, connected to an orthodox missionary church in Helsinki, and her companion - with the appearance of an old-fashioned photographer from the 19th century. His heavy tarpaulin-coated camera was probably from the same period. They both looked so respectable and unusual in my compartment that the customs inspectors did not even bother to glance at my bike.
I was particularly struck by the transformation in the scenery after our train crossed the Russian border. The contrast between the god-forsaken places on the Russian side and the carefully landscaped territory in Finland is really striking. However, even stronger contrasts lay ahead.
Helsinki - the Baltic sea
I had very little time to explore Helsinki (as my ferry was due to leave for Stockholm within five hours of our arrival). However, I had the chance to familiarize myself with local bicycling rules. Bicycles are regulated by a separate system of traffic lights, which are synchronized with the local vehicle traffic lights system. Similar systems exist in many other cities. It seems that city borders end, where special bike lanes end.
Helsinki Cathedral (built in 1830-1852 for Tsar Nikolay I)
The Silja Line ferry
Helsinki Harbour
Marine castle Suomenlinna
The gigantic Silja Line ferries cross between Helsinki and Stockholm overnight, traveling at 30 km/h. An extra 10 Euros is charged for transporting bikes, which are parked in the hold - the same place as cars. There were only two or three bicycles on the ferry (with several thousand passengers aboard) - so cross-border bicycling does not seem to be too popular.
There is almost nothing that cannot be found on these immense ships - including casinos and hairdressers. Having a haircut on the ship is likely to result in you being taken for a natural Swede in Sweden - or possibly as a Finn, in case your hair is cut in the different direction. Only Estonian hairdressers are able to incarnate these magical transformations. I had my hair cut especially to check this.
There is a strong wind on the upper deck
Inside, the ferry resembles a small city street
The ferry docked in the northeast of Stockholm, and I bicycled to the center via the coast to Skansen - an island with a museum dedicated to traditional Swedish architecture. However, these pretty houses are not that old. In Russia, people still live in buildings of this type. Almost all buildings on the island are made of wood and sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between a modern country house and a house that is over a hundred years old. Stone architecture never became popular in Sweden, which explains the frequent fires that broke out, especially during wars.
The center of Stockholm is full of crowds of tourists, who travel to the city in identical, large buses, walk around several blocks, visit a cafe and leave for another center. It did not bother me unduly to find that most museums were closed on Monday and so could not be visited. Instead, I was free to enjoy the working city from all available viewpoints. One of the funniest sights was watching men wearing ties and jackets, cycling in shining shoes. Bicycles have become very popular as a means of transport, especially since Stockholm adopted a payment system for cars entering the city center. I did not see even a single special signal around!
Riddarholmskyrkan
Wrangel Palace
Vasagatan
Terrain: paved but not defeated
Nordic Museum
Central street
Streets in the north are straight and plain
Bicycle fashion
Fences in the city are very delicate
There were three things which I needed to buy in Stockholm - gas, maps and food. I found camping gas in the Intersport store. One double-sized balloon helped me cook for the next two weeks and I donated the remainder to another Intersport store in Copenhagen. Good maps, covering the whole of Sweden can only be found in a shop, which is located across the street from the central railway station (Kart Centrum Vasagatan, 16). Travelers should keep in mind, that other shops only sell local maps. Food could be bought in the shop next to my hotel. My only mistake (due to not knowing the language sufficiently) was to buy a carton of juice - without realizing that it was a 1:7 concentrate!
Tricycle memorial
Even banks in Stockholm were built of wood
Welcome to the military camp
Warfare takes place according to schedule
The start of my journey
On the next day I had a short bike ride around Stockholm, and watched an old shipyard full of deserted vessels. It was probably just as well that I had to check out from my hotel by midday. There was no need to stay any longer in the city and I wanted to keep ahead of my schedule. It was a good decision, because on the very first day a strong contrary wind kept my progress slower than I had planned. Furthermore, soon after leaving the city I found myself on the territory of a large military zone. After encountering military vehicles on my route, I had to turn back at the nearest military roadblock. Nevertheless, I found a public road which crosses this zone and can be used by the public, except at times of military exercises. Information on scheduled military exercises is posted at the entrance. Interestingly, the message starts with the words "Welcome"!
The wind continued throughout the day and when I turned west, my speed dropped to 10-13 km/h. This region is almost flat and practically without woods, which makes it extremely difficult to cycle against the strong wind from the Atlantic Ocean. For the first 100 kilometers it felt as if I was cycling uphill all the way, and it was wonderful to finish them on the bank of a small warm river near a beavers house.
Even tanks follow the rules of the road (in the military zone)
Quarter-mile post. One old Swedish mile equals about 10.7 km
When the wind was strong, I had to slow down to 10-13 km/h.
When there are no wings it's just a shed...
School holidays! (Loa)
Bridge over Klaralven
The next morning the weather was slightly calmer. It started drizzling, but the wind was not as strong. Riding became easier, and the appearance of woods and some sort of terrain changed perception of the surrounding scenery after having cycled across plain fields all day.
Traffic on country roads in Sweden is not heavy, but vehicles are driven fairly fast and the road shoulders are sometimes quite narrow. I was quite relieved that my route avoided the faster roads on the map. I cycled over unpaved roads - grader roads, logging roads and over fields. As Swedish soil is composed, for the most part, from sand and crushed stones, riding along such roads is pure pleasure. The only disturbance is made by terrain. Most of these hilly roads lie in areas which have not been touched by asphalt rollers. Certainly they could have been avoided by cycling on the higher grade roads, but then I would have missed the fast downhill sections and beautiful countryside. The quality of the roads is good and there are very few potholes, even on logging roads. Clearly, they are built to serve the forestry industry over the long term. The logging network is so dense that it compensates for the absence of linear cutting.
Langbjorken
Road to Ramnas
In the past, people could purchase milk here. Today it is no longer available..
Blast-furnace in Loa
Pig iron production scheme
Textile mill in Filipstad
Swedes are very fond of American cars
Cokery in Loa
Kyrka in Munkfors
You need to be prepared for the local mosquitoes
Ljusnaren
Near Munkfors
Wood piling and dressing device
Wood loading
Presence of forestry is noticeable everywhere in the woods. I was disappointed to see the extent to which the some areas have been deforested. However, at the same time, I also saw lots of newly planted trees (which will then be cut down). Cycling across these woods does not expose you to the wildness of nature. These forests have been excessively tamed and domesticated. Even the firewood is chopped (and used for heating in many of the houses nearby) by a special chopping machine, not by manpower.
Although Swedes do use other means, in addition to firewood, to heat their houses, gas and central heating are not so frequent here. Instead of gas heaters, in the basement they use a special box, which looks like a fridge, for heating purposes. This box is placed over two pipes - each several cm in width - which are buried 50-200m into the ground. This box pumps antifreeze through one of these pipes, and the antifreeze comes back up the other pipe a few degrees warmer (due to the heat of the earth). The difference in temperatures is used to warm the house. The same principle works for warming hot water inside water taps. However, I have to admit that water is tepid rather than hot. It is warm enough to take a shower, but not to enjoy a bath.
It is possible to find showers in some camps (although there are not too many camps in these areas). In any case, I preferred swimming in some of the numerous lakes nearby and slept in my own tent rather than in hostels. There are abundant lakes, forests and endless hills in this area. The further west you move, the more lakes you see around you and the hills become steeper. The highest concentration of lakes and hills can be found somewhere across the border with Norway, which was about 20 km from one of my campsites. However, on this visit I was not going to Norway. For me, the most beautiful part of Sweden was not on the coast or the extensive plains or inside city centers, but here to the north of Lake Vanern. Perhaps one can find even wilder and more picturesque views further to the north of the border, but that lies beyond the scope of this journey. So I turned south near the border.
Mosquitoe territory
Canadian geese. They were brought to Sweden in the previous century for hunting.
Deers roam freely in Vanersborg and can be a nuisance to the locals
Lenungshammar
Lake Rottnen
Lake Vanern and Vanersborg
Next, I planned to cycle to Lake Vanern (the second largest in Europe after Ladoga), Vanersborg, and Goteborg. I arrived in Vanersborg on the fifth day since I started cycling from Stockholm and spent a day there. I visited my friends who live here. This allowed me to take a closer look at the lake itself and the special distinct circular hills near the town. People here believe that they were formed after the eruption of a volcano and care for them as a place where, traditionally kings used to hunt. Foreign kings and even a US President have visited this area. Together with my friends, we made a short trip to the western coast and visited a small town - Uddevalla.
There is a wonderful, quiet road from Vanersborg to Goteborg which runs along the right bank of the powerful Gota Alv River. Travelling this way, one passes through another small town - Trollhattan and can visit the half-destroyed castle Bohus Fastning in Kungalv. (I had not heard about trolls in Trollhattan althought this place is better known as the location of Saab's headquarters.)
Kyrka in Gunnarskog
Horses on duty
Such posters are helpful in finding local places of interest
Caves - formerly used for mining and firing limestone
An old Gota Alv bed. Nowadays water flows through a dam
Lake Vanern
Big plain to the east of Vanersborg
Bridge across the strait in Uddevalla
Draw bridge over Gota Alv in Trollhattan
Gota Alv
Kyrkeby
Goteborg
I spent the following two days in Goteborg. As in Stockholm, I preferred to explore the city rather than visiting museums. However, there were two museums that I felt I had to visit: Kunstmuseum - unfortunately, the most interesting galleries were closed for renovation and only the modern art galleries were open. A really strange sort of art. And the car museum, located on Volvo's premises on the northern bank of the Gota Alv, about 12 km outside the city center.
The city-center skyline is dominated by the 23 storey Lilla Bommen skyscraper - one of the tallest buildings in Sweden. One can reach the 20th floor via the elevator, but there is a 30 crown charge for climbing to the 22nd floor.
Like most tourist-oriented cities, Goteborg also offers tours along the river and seaside. Every Wednesday an old Bohuslan steam-powered ship takes people around the neighboring archipelago. Perhaps I would have passed this boat unnoticed, had it not been for a friend of mine, who, a long time ago, worked on the Bohulsan. This is not the time to describe the detailed workings of a steam engine (and I am sure that you are well versed with them in any case), but one can get acquainted with its construction just by seeing it here.
Bohus Fastning
Boiler house in the center of Goteborg
Lilla Bommen
Fresh shrimps
This is not a fridge, but a heating device
A cycle stand
Goteborg: a view from above
A bridge in Goteborg
Goteborg - panoramic view
Arial photograph of the main Volvo plant (at the entrance)
Inside the Volvo museum
Volvo for ladies. This car was constructed (exclusively) by 6 women
Smaller than the smallest!
Goteborg prepares to watch football game Russia-Sweden
Trams in the city are not particularly modern
The Bohuslan steamship (1914)
The upper deck: cognac and mineral water
Steam boiler with three fuel-oil burners
Engine-room
Ship's compass
Every respectable citizen in Goteborg claims to own wind power shares
Engine links
Close your ears please! To-tooooooo!
Looks like the largest container ship in the world, doesn't it?
Port in Goteborg
(Ostra Nedsjon)
A Kyrka in Hedared - one of the oldest in Sweden. It is constructed very simply. The bell tower stands separately to the right. Buildings like that are common in the north of Sweden and in Norway.
Cutover patch
Mullsjo
After leaving Goteborg, I was on the final stretch of my journey. Next, I visited a small town called Mullsjo, which required cycling into the Swedish interior away from the coastline for a second time. The only reason that I decided to make this detour was due to the fact that my visit coincided with Midsummer's Day, one of the most popular holidays (after Christmas) in Sweden. Around the 22nd of June, the locals wear traditional clothes, dance, sing, play different instruments and even visit churches. In other words they do all those things which are so rare in their usual life. This must really be a true holiday, second only to Christmas. I never thought that I would see Swedes drinking and singing around the table!
Near my camp on the bank of the Lonern (Dalum)
Hotel Mullsjo
Installation of the central post
Holiday in Mullsjo
17-th century fashion design
Inside Nykyrka
Choir in the Nykyrka (Mullsjo)
Dances around the water!
Mullsjo-Helsingborg
I stayed as long as I could, celebrating the Midsummer's Day holidays, which left pretty little time for the remaining part of my journey. I took leave of my friends and left this wonderful place. I covered the remaining 320 kilometers of my journey in one and a half days of intense cycling facing again rain and the western wind. I left after lunch and was cycling late into the evening when I came across a moose for the first time. He was moving slowly in the middle of the road and I managed to reach my camera before he looked back and saw me. He immediately fled across the woods crushing branches on the way. It was too dark for a good picture, but you can see him running away on the video at the bottom of this text.
The next day I was riding along a sandy beach when the tide was out. Have you ever heard shells crackling on sand under bicycle wheels? You have to try it!
Farm houses near Tranemo
An old railway near Ambjornarp. Sometimes they are transformed to rather boring bicycle routes.
Daredevil on pedals
Lagan mouth
Southern Swedish roads
Heavy German artillery. Slowly heading towards Goteborg.
Kronenberg: to be or not to be...?
Reaching the Danish coast
Modern Danish boats
Nyboder - old kings' marines block
Copenhagen, Danmark
Park Tivoli
In the past, Denmark has threatened Sweden for centuries, but nowadays it is just an ordinary European neighboring country watching ferries arriving from Helsingborg, through the parapets of Kronenberg. I arrived in Denmark on the 22nd of June at 8 p.m. and at 10 p.m. I achieved Copenhagen. I have never seen a city like it before. A city of contrasts - these words from a famous Russian film - are particularly appropriate. First of all, Copenhagen is a huge agglomeration along the eastern coast, which is in striking contrast from the rest of Denmark - a predominantly rural country, located to the west of the capital. Copenhagen is a city where it would be difficult to feel comfortable without a bike - simply because everyone uses bikes. Bike traffic are words that really do make sense here: people ride in different lanes at different speeds, hundreds of bicycles stand at parking meters (for free), making it difficult to find your own bike. Streets in the center are full of tourists who did not rent a bike at the central railway station and treat the other people cycling around with caution. Clerks wearing ties, mothers with babies, ladies with and without poodles - they all cycle, either on cycles or on tricycles. This stream of cyclists is forever twisting, pushing, steering along the city's old, narrow lanes, which are surely in love with orange colors. Who mentioned traffic jams? I did not see any in Copenhagen.
I had one and a half days left for roaming around the city - but it was clearly not enough. Once again I avoided museums, either because it was Monday (again!) or I simply had no desire to visit them. Instead, I enjoyed meals cooked from crocodile and cangoo meat which tasted like chicken or beef. Possibly they were birds or cows in their previous incarnation.
Despite the fact that some vandals had punctured my wheel by putting a nail through it because I had parked my bike in the wrong place at night, I really loved Copenhagen - for its old architecture in a modern setting, for its crazy people drawing cartoons about Mohammed and naked women on city hall walls, for bicycles hanging on fences and perhaps for the crocodile meat. I will certainly return someday!
As my plane left Copenhagen in the afternoon, I watched the waves in the Baltic sea lit up with the sun's rays and the multicolor farms below, while an old lady from Vladivostok seated next to me told me about her visit to Paris and Rome. We were flying to Moscow - a city which is losing its character and becoming more like just any other world capital - multilingual, plenty of tourists on the streets, bright souvenir shops and smells of snack-bars around street corners. On my journey, I was exposed to strong contrasts, some of which I mentioned in this account. However, I found that the people were really not that different. Russians are accustomed to talking about the destiny of their country and its special place in history, which is only heightened by the distinct gap in technological development between Russia and Europe. However, I did not feel there was any meaningful gap in people's minds. In my opinion, our peoples today have much more in common than otherwise.
Danmark FOR SALE
Marmorkirken (Frederik's Church)
Strong drinking culture
Parking - allowed unless the fence is painted
Watch your Stradivari!
Delivery service bicyclist
Wheels can be pumped up near a bicycle shop
What do you think baby carriages look like over here?
Christiania - a district of freedom and youth in the east
I subscribe :)
Waiting hall in the airport
Oil goes up, stock prices fall, and no more jams!
Double-decker parking near the central station
Bicycling weekdays
Compatriots are always visible
Cycling with a dog
The crossing from Sweden (on the left) to Denmark (on the right) can be negotiated in different ways. (Bridge over Skagerrak)
CPH Design (Christians Kirke)
Electricity powered vehicle
That was the film!
Choir in Nykyrka
Dancing on the lake, Mullsjo
Engine-room of S-S Bohuslan - steam engine at work
Instruments of Swedish lumber-men
Loading wood
A moose on the shortest night of the year
Bicycle traffic in Copenhagen
Route comments
The whole trip lasted 17 days during which I crossed over 1,600 km. I covered 1,270 km on the route from Stockholm to Copenhagen, which took less than 9 days. The altitude levels on the route ranges from 0 to 400 meters above sea level. The altitude accumulation can be estimated as 16,700 meters. On other days I cycled for about 300 km without luggage. Cycling on sand roads lasted for 35-40% of the time on the route.
In the end I want to thank kindly people who let me make this journey come true. These are my friends in Vanersborg (Gunnar and Pia) and Goteborg (Ove and Britta) and their children. Also I'd like to say that this text couldn't be written so readable without assistance from Hissam Latif. And of course this trip couldn't be realized without kind patience of my parents. Hope you had a good reading!
Route timetable:
Day Place Distance - including all extras, km Distance - route only, km Climb, m
7 Sat Moscow (train)
8 Sun Helsinki 26,9
9 Mon Stockholm 72
10 Tue Stockholm-Sevalla 128,8 112,2 1285,1
11 Wed Sevalla-Sikfors 156,1 156,1 2048,7
12 Th Sikfors-Filipstad-Sunne 148,4 148,4 2214,2
13 Fr Sunne-Gunnarskog-Arvika-Bengtsfors 139,9 139,9 2529,5
14 Sat Bengtsfors-Dals Langed-Vanersborg 102,6 102,6 1312,7
15 Sun Vanersborg 16,6
16 Mon Vanersborg-Goteborg 116 116 1749,4
17 Tue Goteborg 65
18 Wed Goteborg 25
19 th Goteborg-Harryda-Dalum 142,4 142,4 2036,8
20 Fr Dalum-Mullsjo 37,5 28,1 419,1
21 Sat Mullsjo-Tranemo-Fegen-Kinnared 146,4 137,6 1445,3
22 Sun Kinnared-Torup-Bastad-Angelholm-Helsingborg-Copenhagen 185,3 185,3 1676
23 mon Copenhagen 39,3
24 tue Flight to Moscow 30,8
Total 1579 1268,5 16716,8
PLT file with route track (filtered)
Route track at the Google maps
Climb plot (thanks to Tim Alekseevsky!)
A list of 325 campsites in Finland with geographic coordinates (GPX, KML and WPT file formats)
A list of 537 campsites in Sweden with geographic coordinates (GPX, KML and WPT file formats)
Stories and Photos by Niosa & Co.


-A lot of uncertainty about the future as a result of the merger. AGE may lose its culture.
First of all, am I missing anything here? Can anyone add additional pros and cons?
Second - Long-term I'm really leaning toward Wachovia given its more robust platform and flexible business model. I am just having a hard time getting over the uncertainty right now with the merger. Has anyone recently started at AGE/Wachovia new in the industry that can comment? Would you recommend getting in right now?
Edward Jones seems like it might be better short term because of their structured training program. They leave no stone unturned.
If you were starting out new and faced with this decision, what would you choose and why? Thanks in advance for your insight.
While considering my slightly limited knowledge about being a FA for the long run... If I had to choose I would say Wachovia/AGE. I don't have the greatest impression of Edward Jones but I think they may be really good if you are totally new in financial services. I hear they train pretty well but I have heard they have a very limited product offering relative to a Wachovia. I am pretty sure AGE also has a pretty descent training program. I am pretty sure that anyone on this board who doesn't have an affiliation with either firm would probaly say Wachovia/AGE is a more presigious firm. Just my opinion, though. I won't bother answering you with any wishy washy hypothetical questions. That is one straight up, non qualified opinion. Kind of rare on this board when these types of questions have been asked in the past.
I was in your same shoes a few months ago, and am starting at Wachovia in a month.
It seems that EDJ focuses on 'door knock or bust' whereas Wachovia doesn't really care what you do, as long as the results come in. AGE has a very good training program, which is being adopted by Wachovia. I got the feeling that a rep at Wachovia had much more flexibility than a rep at EDJ. They could structure their business however they wanted, rather than just being a mutual fund salesman. Also, I believe AGE ranks just about as high in advisor satisfaction. The main factor in my decision was the type of people I met from both firms. One of the EDJ advisors tried selling me on how EDJ was great because of company trips and showed me tons of pre-made packets, folders, hand-outs, etc. It seemed routine. The Wachovia manager I met with said he really had no idea how the training program was structured, but he did know what it takes to make a broker, and that if I wanted it bad enough, he could work with me to make it happen. The point I'm getting at is that things like initial payout, training program, and company prestige don't matter nearly as much as the personalities of the people in your office. Find somebody who is not just willing to lend you a hand, but who you would most like to become.
Well I have a buddy that currently works for Wachovia (formally Atlas) and he cant wait to get out. He is going to come to Jones. The payouts are fairly similar but the atmosphere isn't so good. He has to split time between two branches and work with tellers/bankers that just are difficult to work with. Not to say it couldn't work but just keep that in mind if your going to be in a branch. The main reason he is coming to Jones in the single office per FA model that we have at Jones…oh and if you think going to Wachoiva is going to give you more flexibility…think again. My buddy is constantly being hounded on what he needs to push this month…and he is a $1MM/month producer. One plus about being in a bank is you know where the assets are. Not as much cold calling is involved when you work in a bank.
Thanks for the replies, they are all helpful.
TSS - I agree, one of the things I liked about Wachovia was the fact I can run a business how I see fit. If I want to doorknock, I doorknock. If I want to cold-call, I cold-call. If I want to do seminars, I do seminars. As long as it produces results. AGE does rank high in advisor satisfaction before the merger, but I'm not banking on that to remain the same. From what I've heard (which was admittedly from a EJ guy) Wachovia's culture can be very cut throat. The EJ guy said he had a friend that started at a Wachovia that was three stories with an open atrium in the middle and offices along the outside in a rectangle. The lowest producers were at the bottom, the middleweights were on the second floor, and the top producers were on the third floor. He said the happiest day for someone on the second floor was to see someone on the first floor quit, because they got to divvy up the clients/assets. And the happiest day of a broker on the third floor is when a guy on the second floor quit cause they got to divvy up his clients/assets. I don't know if this is typical of Wachovia (I know that many firms are very cut-throat). I like the former A.G. Edwards culture as opposed to this, but am just unclear on what the new org. will look like. Can you/other Wachovia people describe their culture? Also TSS, are you new to the industry or did you move from another B/D? What type of payout are they giving you - Wachovia or A.G. Edwards? Eye - I should have clarified that I was referring to starting with Wachovia Securities, not with Wachovia Bank. We don't even have any Wachovia Banks where I live so I don't know if it is quite the same situation.
With the list you provided I would say AG Edwards. I work at Jones and I think its a great firm to work with from beginning to end but our motivations are different.
I'm suprised you put highly structured training in the Cons list for EDJ. If I'm a new guy, I want all the structure I can get until I figure out what the heck I'm doing. Sounds like the training at AGovia might be akin to throwing the baby in the pool to teach him to swim.
The only thing Jones tells you that you have to do is doorknock during the training process. From there if you want to switch to cold calling or seminars, more power to ya. It's your office (once you get one), run it the way you want. Again, if I'm the noob to the industry, I don't want to have to think about things like how do I structure my business, what brochures to hand out, what flyers to mail, where to have them printed, etc. I want to focus on survival. How do I land new clients. Where do I find them. What do I say. If there are already brochures or flyers already made by the company, great. One less thing for me to worry about. Anything that can help me do that is a bonus.
You're right spaceman, I actually meant to put it in the "pros" category rather than the "cons". I do see the highly structured training as a big benefit. AGE is supposed to have good training as well, it was ranked high in the Training magazine top 100, but I don't know if it's got the same structured approach. TSS, have you been through the training? Did you feel well prepared?
People who make it in this business (for the most part) could make it at any "name" brokerage. Prestige, product availability, and training are down the list as to how you become a successful broker. Do you prefer to work alone or would you be more comfortable in an office with other brokers? Do you want an office on day one with higher expectations, or work from your home until you earn an office? Culture is such an overused word here. What does it mean to you? I am with WachWards, and there have been two major changes in my business. The product availability has been increased tremendously, and sights have been set higher. That is it. My manager is still the same person, the other brokers are still the same. As far as training, AG training is recognized as one of the best. Does it prepare you for what you face, not really. They can tell you about different products, methods of prospecting, how to close, blah, blah, blah, but the most difficult thing starting out is being able to hear "no" 50 times a day and continuing to prospect. That is the same at every firm. Do not believe all the kumbaya (sp?) you hear in the interview, it is BS. Go with the situation that feels right and do not look back. One last thing, do not be concerned about changes. This is an everchanging business. Jones or Wach could look very different in two years than they do today.
Thanks Primo, I appreciate the post. Culture may be an overused term, but more than a buzzword it describes something very real. For example, within 10 minutes of an interview with UBS I knew it wasn't the place for me. In particular, when I refer to culture in this context I'm talking about the wirehouse type feel which I associate (perhaps wrongly) as being cut-throat, take-no-prisoners vs. the more down to earth approach which companies like the former AGE and Edward Jones possess. This does not mean that I don't hold myself to the highest of standards, only that I also value other things such as cooperativeness in a company. One is not better than the other, only certain people thrive in the different environments. I identify more with the values of the former AGE and Edward Jones.
Primo, can you expand a little on what you mean by "the sights have been set higher"? Thanks.
Please tell what you mean by cut-throat, take no prisoners. At AGE, $350m was club level, you were recognized. At WS, $350m is below average.
I'm coming from a different type of financial service sales business and have not even begun the training program yet. Don't get me wrong, the training program at Wach/AG is very structured. It's just not nearly as important as the specific people who you'll be in close contact with when you start producing. I like the environment of having veterans in the office who i can ask quick questions to if something comes up. That's why I prefer the wirehouse route rather than EDJ personally.
As far as compensation, i've got a salary of just under 40k for up to 2.5 years. At EDJ, they were talking much less than that (25-30k in my area) for just one year. I'm young and haven't built up much savings, so this will help out quite a bit while getting my feet on the ground. One thing I like about wachovia is the focus on fee based business.... it seems like EDJ is starting to head towards that direction, but that its a work in progress. As far as the cut throat atmosphere, the office i'm joining actually just had a guy leave, and the other brokers were talking about how they'd divide the book up. I dont know the whole story, and instinctively this would seem like a negative, but when I think about it, I would probably respond the same way... thats just how sales is - competition is competition.
Primo - What I mean by cut-throat is when the people around you - your co-workers - want and even hope that you will fail. I can understand dividing up a book from a broker who's left (what else are you going to do?), but I personally can't identify with wanting and hoping the people around me fail. Does that make sense? That said, I don't know if Wachovia/AGE falls into that category or not. What would you say based upon your experience working there?
TSS - The items you mentioned are definately big pluses for me as well. The fee-based focus, being surrounded by more experienced advisors, and a reasonable starting salary.


text:
Gardzienice Pierwsze  is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Piaski, within Świdnik County, Lublin Voivodeship, in eastern Poland.

References

Gardzienice Pierwsze

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Market & Shopper Trends – What might this mean for your products?
Legislation & Regulation – Why does it matters and how do you stay onside?
This event runs from 9.30am – 4.00pm (timings approximate and subject to change). Breakfast and lunch is included.
Further information including speakers and the day's agenda will confirmed soon.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available, please contact events@fdf.org.uk for further details.
Sabine is a Business Case Consultant supporting global FMCG manufacturers to develop internationally. With her technical background and an MBA , she combines technical expertise with business acumen to help manufacturers making better investment decisions.
Some of her recent projects include investment analysis for cold storage in Nigeria, scenarios assessment for a textile manufacturer in the Netherlands, but also development of several business cases for a number of companies e.g.: expansion of a food facility in the Netherlands and an animal feed mill in Mozambique.
Neil joined Royal HaskoningDHV Industry & Buildings team in 2017, with a specific focus of supporting FMCG clients to deliver high performance operations within their businesses and supply chains using an IoT strategy.
He is an experienced manufacturing / engineering consultant with over 30 years' experience associated within the food, drink and packaging industries. Neil's experience has been developed from working at Senior Management levels within leading UK Food & Beverage businesses. A seasoned consultant who has helped clients both nationally and internationally with the delivery of feasibility studies and business case analysis, technical due diligence, performance improvement and capital project management. Neil's project management experience has been developed by his involvement in multiple high value automated food and drink factories (both brownfield & greenfield developments) projects. Neil is a qualified engineer (IEng) and a member of the Institute of Engineering & Technology (MIET).
David spent 14 years at Asda (Walmart) in their commercial or "Trading floor" as it was known, the last 10 as Commercial Director. During this time, he had buying responsibilities across most trading categories. This included working with the Biggest UK FMCG brands and a wide variety of own brand suppliers.
Since 2012 he has been involved in various consultancy and coaching roles with retailers and FMCG manufacturers, (branded and own branded). Usually supporting business development around the commercial relationship, but now also helping manufacturers build their commercial capability by developing in house training academies. Indeed, GSCOP ltd is proud to partner the FDF providing all their commercial training needs.
Carole is a Technical Specialist working in the Product and Ingredient Innovation Team at Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL). Carole is a Food Science graduate from Reading University and also has a Masters degree in Nutritional Medicine from Surrey University. Carole worked for LinTech before joining RSSL working in the Product & Ingredient Innovation Department. During her time with RSSL, she has undertaken both ingredient evaluation and product development projects on a contract basis for clients across a wide range of food categories.
Some of the product development projects that Carole has been involved with include development of dairy alternatives and vegan meat alternatives based on plant proteins. Carole has also worked extensively on sugar reduction evaluating both high potency sweeteners and bulking agents in beverages, confectionery and baked goods.
Murat joined Ipsos MORI in September 2018. He currently heads up the advisory services for the company. He works with clients to identify growth opportunities and address their strategic business issues, especially in disrupted industries.
Murat has a background in strategy, marketing and commercial leadership roles, having previously worked in BAT, Kantar, Beverage Partners and P&G.
Murat studied Business Administration at Bogazici University in Turkey, and graduated with a BA (Hons) in 1998.
A specialist in Shopper research, James has twelve years of experience in helping clients win at retail.
James works with clients to understand and optimise retail spaces, making connections across continuous and ad-hoc research, for Consumer Goods, Retail and Technology businesses.
Prior to Ipsos James held similar roles at GfK and Nielsen. James has also worked at SPA Future Thinking and Millward Brown where he began in research.


The aim of this article is to provide those in daily contact with children and adolescents with Down syndrome, including parents, teachers, classroom assistants and pre-school staff, with information that will enable them to help the children to talk more and to talk more effectively. It will also explain the need to take account of the children's speech and language difficulties when involving them in classroom and school activities, and when teaching them to read. The article should also be useful to speech and language therapists, as it provides a guide to recent research and sets out the principles that should inform speech and language therapy programmes for children and adolescents with Down syndrome, drawn from that research.
Since I last reviewed the information available on this topic in 1993 , there have been many important papers [2-8] and book chapters [9-22] published on speech and language development, and several books [23-25]. These publications have all contributed is some way to an increased understanding of the language learning needs of children with Down syndrome and there is now considerable agreement among the experts on the principles which might guide effective interventions [2/5/10-13/25-27].
The title of my 1993 article was 'Language development in children with Down syndrome: reasons for optimism'. I am even more optimistic as a result of the new information available now. The evidence suggests that most children and adults with Down syndrome could be talking more, talking more clearly and talking in longer sentences if we could provide those in daily contact with them with relevant practical guidance.
This does not mean that everyone should be working all day, everyday, on intensive language teaching activities, though in our experience, some structured teaching each day is important and I will return to this later in the article. It means that we can probably all improve the effectiveness of most of the normal everyday interactions that we have with children with Down syndrome, as parents, teachers and carers. If we have some insight into how children learn to talk and into the specific difficulties that may be slowing up this process for children with Down syndrome, we can create a more effective language learning environment.
At The Sarah Duffen Centre, we provide speech and language intervention through early development group sessions for children from birth to five years. We have also been engaged in research in this field for almost twenty years, so in writing this article, I am drawing on our own practical and research experience [28-34] as well as the published literature.
What is the typical profile of speech and language development for children with Down syndrome?
How much do children with Down syndrome vary in their progress?
What does recent research tell us about the possible reasons for the delays and difficulties with talking experienced by most children with Down syndrome?
Does the research provide any guiding principles that should inform intervention activities?
What are the practical implications of this research for those caring for or teaching babies, toddlers, preschoolers, or children in primary school, junior school, secondary school or college?
As mine does for you?
And let me slip in.
Ever since I was a little child I've thought about how far my dreams can really take me. I've spent most of my life working toward my dreams: the dream of finding a fulfilling relationship, a career that I'm passionate about, a body that I'm proud of and spiritual abundance that can comfort me in times of need. I spend hours of my time everyday, every week, and every year taking steps toward achieving those dreams, and I can honestly say that I've been able to accomplish a lot of the things I've set out to do.
The key to achieving your dreams is to have a detailed plan that will allow you to form good habits along the way. All the successful people I've met in my life have a certain pattern for the way they do things, and those patterns end up translating into habits that stand the test of time. If you want to achieve your dreams, then I'd suggest making these 3 habits a part of your life.
If there is anything I know about people who achieve their dreams, it's that they fight for their dreams like their life depends on it. They live life to the fullest and love what they do, but they know that if they aren't spending an adequate amount of time everyday getting closer to their goals, then someone else out there is. They realize that they can't spend hours everyday lounging on the couch or surfing the web—they have to act!
Following your dreams can take a toll on your body and your soul, but those who know how to achieve their dreams understand that if they don't take care of themselves physically, mentally and spiritually, they won't make it through. If you want to perform at your peak, you need to follow a clean diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and healthy protein. You also need to exercise at least a few times per week. And lastly, you need to get in touch with your spiritual side—going to a religious ceremony or even practicing regular meditation can do the trick.
When I say this, I'm not talking about lying, cheating or stealing to get to the top, but people that achieve their dreams are always willing to go the extra mile when others only want to rest. If you want to achieve your dreams, you have to learn how to be ferocious about chasing what you want. Sometimes you'll have to sacrifice free time to work another hour or finish up a project, but that's ok, because it will put you one step closer to achieving your dreams.


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text:
Outrage after man caught on video attacking pregnant seal
April 28, 2016 / 5:44 PM / CBS/AP
LIHUE, Hawaii -- Federal authorities are asking for the public's help to identify a man seen on video apparently beating an endangered, pregnant Hawaiian monk seal, reports CBS affiliate KHNL.
The 18-second long video was shot around 7:45 Tuesday night at Kauai's Salt Pond Beach. It appears to show a man repeatedly striking a monk seal in the shallow water.
Wildlife officials say the animal, identified as RK30, is about 17 years old and pregnant. She has survived many hardships including shark bites and a fishing line wrapped so tightly around her neck that she is permanently scarred by it.
"She's a well-known adult here on Kauai for being a survivor as well as being an excellent mother," said Jammie Thomton, NOAA Kauai Marine Mammal Response Coordinator.
The video was posted on Facebook and caught the attention of many people, including the mayor of Kauai County, Bernard Carvalho.
A pregnant 17-year-old monk seal named RK30, who authorities say was seen on video being attacked by an unknown man on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. CBS affiliate KHNL
"I share our community's shock and disappointment as this behavior is both unacceptable and illegal," he said.
Witnesses of the attack called police who then notified the State Department of Land and Natural Resources and federal fisheries officials. They were able to find RK30, but not the suspect. Thomton says she survived and shows no signs of trauma from the recent incident.
Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and state law. To harass, disturb or injure a monk seal is a crime.
"The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world and they are endemic to Hawaii," said Carvalho. "They deserve our respect and protection, and our gratitude goes out to the bystanders who immediately contacted authorities. I urge anyone with information on the suspect to please report it."
To report information on this incident, contact NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964.
Rapper formerly known as Kanye West named suspect in battery probe
First published on April 28, 2016 / 5:44 PM
CBS/AP


From funding basic state services to cleaning up Iowa's filthy waterways, there is plenty the Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature needs to do. Yet lawmakers again insist on prioritizing an anti-abortion agenda that panders to extremists.
The original bill brought up for debate in the Senate was viewed as bipartisan, but an amendment changed language to define an unborn person as "fertilization to live birth." The Republican-controlled Senate passed the bill, and early this week, a House subcommittee advanced it. That may be as far as this legislation goes, but don't expect its backers to give up.
Giving a fertilized egg the same rights and protections as a person lays the groundwork to ban terminating a pregnancy. The legislation is yet another attempt by GOP lawmakers to define when life begins - like they did with the "fetal heartbeat" law struck down by a court as unconstitutional.
Sioux City Journal. April 4, 2019.
(asterisk) One in 10 Iowa teens report "having a plan to kill themselves," a 53 percent increase since 2012.
(asterisk) One in 20 Iowa teens have attempted suicide within the last year.
The study for 2018, which was released in March, included more than 70,000 teens in grades six, eight and 11.
Achieving a decline in the troubling, unacceptable statistics about teen suicide in our state must be a priority.
We believe one significant contribution to what should be a state strategy is a bill passed by the Iowa House last month through which the framework of a new state board-supervised mental health care system for children will be created. We urge Senate approval of a companion bill.
The legislation shouldn't and we don't believe will represent the end of discussion about issues like teen suicides or children and mental health in Iowa, but rather it's a valuable, if not overdue step in the right direction.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Iowans age 15 to 34 and is the third-leading cause of death for Iowa children age 10 to 14. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens age 15 to 19 in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control.
"Reports of suicide in teens have increased almost 200 percent since the 1960s, compared to a 17 percent increase in the general population," Foundation 2, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, not-for-profit human service agency offering crisis prevention and intervention programs to people of all ages, reports on its website.
The response of Iowa to teens and suicide isn't limited to state government. Indeed, all Iowans - families and friends, educators, health care professionals and public leaders - must be engaged for progress to happen on this front.
It will, to use the words of a well-known, oft-quoted saying, take a village.


Hakkasan Las Vegas is an immersive 80,000-square-foot, five-level space that offers a variety of environments and experiences.
Many Las Vegas visitors hit Hakkasan's mighty facade inside the MGM Grand and head straight upstairs to watch Tiësto or Calvin Harris hold court.A place with a name that may difficult to say, but is extremely memorable.Brake Checks Gone Wrong - Road Rage and Instant Karma - Duration: 10:39.
Hakkasan Las Vegas Nightclub is a best Vegas nightclub in the MGM Grand Hotel that opened on April 2013 that underwent a complete remodel and redesign of the old Studio 54.Located in the MGM Grand, this tri-tiered nightclub buzzes with the most cutting-edge and creative technology on The Strip.
MGM Resorts International and Hakkasan Group announced in Las Vegas the partnership of a joint venture hotel management company that will be named MGM Hakkasan Hospitality. Throughout the day, Hakkasan will progressively move from a full service restaurant, too a 3 story nightclub at Night.
The strategic union will focus on the design, development, and management of luxury resorts, hotels, and residences under the MGM Grand, Skylofts, Hakkasan, and Bellagio brands at key destinations like New York, Beverly.Hakkasan one of the worlds most famous clubs In the MGM Resort To have real fun you must book a table Closer to the DJ not Upstairs in the Boxes on the corners 3 Level and in on the Main Floor Double check always with. Purchase your Tickets for admission, general admission, guest list, vip tickets, bottle service.
High Resolution Low Resolution MGM Grand - Hakkasan - Atmosphere.


text:
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Metformin use and risk of cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cohort study of primary care records using inverse probability weighting of marginal structural models.
Farmer, Ruth E; Ford, Deborah; Mathur, Rohini; Chaturvedi, Nish; Kaplan, Rick; Smeeth, Liam; Bhaskaran, Krishnan; (2019) Metformin use and risk of cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cohort study of primary care records using inverse probability weighting of marginal structural models. International journal of epidemiology. ISSN 0300-5771 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyz005
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Background:Previous studies provide conflicting evidence on whether metformin is protective against cancer. When studying time-varying exposure to metformin, covariates such as body mass index (BMI) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) may act as both confounders and causal pathway variables, and so cannot be handled adequately by standard regression methods. Marginal structural models (MSMs) with inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) can correctly adjust for such confounders. Using this approach, the main objective of this study was to estimate the effect of metformin on cancer risk compared with risk in patients with T2DM taking no medication. Methods:Patients with incident type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were identified in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), a database of electronic health records derived from primary care in the UK. Patients entered the study at diabetes diagnosis or the first point after this when they had valid HbA1c and BMI measurements, and follow-up was split into 1-month intervals. Logistic regression was used to calculate IPTW; then the effect of metformin on all cancers (including and excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) and breast, prostate, lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancers was estimated in the weighted population. Results:A total of 55 629 T2DM patients were alive and cancer-free at their study entry; 2530 people had incident cancer during a median follow-up time of 2.9 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1.3-5.4 years]. Using the MSM approach, the hazard ratio (HR) for all cancers, comparing treatment with metformin with no glucose-lowering treatment, was 1.02 (0.88-1.18). Results were robust to a range of sensitivity analyses and remained consistent when estimating the treatment effect by length of exposure. We also found no evidence of a protective effect of metformin on individual cancer outcomes. Conclusions:We find no evidence that metformin has a causal association with cancer risk.
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Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health > Dept of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology
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