First two days were rather difficult : some 80 pips lost due to several errors:
trading stubbornly a range on the 'wrong foot'
chasing the market
I tried to keep positions longer than what is required by quick scalps to yield more profits; in fact I forced myself to leave open losing positions ( which is absurd for a scalper) . I closed several positions at 10 pips loss.
So far I paid an add-on to trade with my principal broker. ( a third party program). I was fed-up to pay and decided to trade directly the broker's platform. They have developed a trading application for fx traders and I have to admit they did a good job. So, good bye the add-on and the monthly fee. But in the process of getting used to the new platform, I made errors which have cost me some money. I am OK now with the new system.
The last three days of the week , I have been busy with the usual scalping activity yielding 5 to 10 pips a day.
sábado, 24 de mayo de 2008
viernes, 23 de mayo de 2008
Oh, The Irony of Politics
I try to bite my lip when political issues come up in conversation. I usually fail. And this is no exception. As I read the news today, I couldn't help but notice a picture of one of my "favorite" pastors, Rod Parsley. Don't ask me why I like to watch him. He distorts the Gospel, and in reality preaches a false gospel of health and wealth. But he is so intense. And his ability to twist scripture is amazing (in a bad way). I haven't watched him in years, but before we had kids Leslie would often come into the room and find me watching the hour of power, or whatever it was.
Anyway, back to the news. I saw this video with a caption below it about McCain's pastor problems. I thought, "I didn't know McCain went to church in Ohio!" That would be some commute for him, whether from DC or from Arizona (Rod Parsley lives and is pastor of a church in Columbus, OH). So I watched it. I heard McCain praise Parsley as one of the "great leaders in America" and something about "a moral compass." I thought to myself, "he doesn't know what he's saying or what he's getting himself into with this guy." Then he walks across the stage and shakes his hand. In that moment I was awed at the stupidity of political staffers and strategists. Rod Parsley doesn't represent evangelicalism any more than Rev. Wright represents "the black church." Now that's of course a whole other issue wherein many in America have generalized and stereotyped African Americans as a group based on color, but would never say "the white church." But I won't open that can right now.
The irony is that both men, who are both hungry for power, sacrifice so many things in joining together and end up creating a mess. I'm not talking about issues of theology and truth. I'm just pointing out the sickness of politics. "Who didn't check this Parsley guy out?" I can hear McCain saying. And I can imagine Parsley's inbox filling up with emails from supporters once McCain openly criticizes and rejects him. Both, I'm sure, are scrambling to do damage control.
But I've come to tolerate as much in our nation. That's politics in America. What sickens me more is what ABC did in this piece. How many hours of footage did they go through to find just the right clips to juxtapose next to each other to "create" these problems. Oh, I'm sure there are plenty of people upset by this. But what ABC is trying to do is create the same problem for McCain that garnered so much attention for Obama. That'll get the ratings up! Whether I like McCain or not, like Parsley or not, does ABC expect me to believe that any presidential candidate is going to find a pure band of supporters who share exactly every single view that they do? Of course there are views that Parsley will have that McCain will disagree with, just the same as Obama and Wright. Why can't the guy shake his hand on stage without ABC trying to attach all of Parsley's views on McCain? Good night, Parsley isn't even his pastor. Yes, McCain's staffers were dumb to set this up. They brought this upon themselves. It was a political mistake in the rules of politics. And because of the smirk on Parsley's face, I don't feel sorry for either one of them. But that is all so miniscule in comparison to the utter disdain I have for what ABC and other media outlets do to drive up ratings.
And that is why I say, "Rick and Bubba For President!"
Speaking of good books, a good friend of mine sent me an email about a book his brother has written. Baron (and his wife Jamie) took me under their wings when I was just a young pup in Hawaii. They played a large part in my spiritual growth during that time, and were very much my family away from family while I was there. Anyway, Baron's brother Eric has written the first in a series of books that is similar to The Chronicles of Narnia series, by C.S. Lewis. The name of the book is, Ryann Watters and the King's Sword. It sounds like the age range is for kids 9-15, so I'll have to check it out to see if my kids are ready for it. But I thought some folks out in blogland might be interested. If you want to hear more from Eric there is an interview on You Tube from a local Orlando show that you can watch. That got me more interested in the book, and it was fun seeing how much he reminded me of his brother. Here is part 1 of the interview, and here is part 2. You can find the book on Amazon by clicking here. And by the way, if you ever order from Amazon feel free to use any link here on my blog when going to order (even if you're not ordering that product). It doesn't change the price or experience for you, but I do get a referral fee which allows me to pay the extra portion of my electric bill from my daughter's nightlight.
Anyway, back to the news. I saw this video with a caption below it about McCain's pastor problems. I thought, "I didn't know McCain went to church in Ohio!" That would be some commute for him, whether from DC or from Arizona (Rod Parsley lives and is pastor of a church in Columbus, OH). So I watched it. I heard McCain praise Parsley as one of the "great leaders in America" and something about "a moral compass." I thought to myself, "he doesn't know what he's saying or what he's getting himself into with this guy." Then he walks across the stage and shakes his hand. In that moment I was awed at the stupidity of political staffers and strategists. Rod Parsley doesn't represent evangelicalism any more than Rev. Wright represents "the black church." Now that's of course a whole other issue wherein many in America have generalized and stereotyped African Americans as a group based on color, but would never say "the white church." But I won't open that can right now.
The irony is that both men, who are both hungry for power, sacrifice so many things in joining together and end up creating a mess. I'm not talking about issues of theology and truth. I'm just pointing out the sickness of politics. "Who didn't check this Parsley guy out?" I can hear McCain saying. And I can imagine Parsley's inbox filling up with emails from supporters once McCain openly criticizes and rejects him. Both, I'm sure, are scrambling to do damage control.
But I've come to tolerate as much in our nation. That's politics in America. What sickens me more is what ABC did in this piece. How many hours of footage did they go through to find just the right clips to juxtapose next to each other to "create" these problems. Oh, I'm sure there are plenty of people upset by this. But what ABC is trying to do is create the same problem for McCain that garnered so much attention for Obama. That'll get the ratings up! Whether I like McCain or not, like Parsley or not, does ABC expect me to believe that any presidential candidate is going to find a pure band of supporters who share exactly every single view that they do? Of course there are views that Parsley will have that McCain will disagree with, just the same as Obama and Wright. Why can't the guy shake his hand on stage without ABC trying to attach all of Parsley's views on McCain? Good night, Parsley isn't even his pastor. Yes, McCain's staffers were dumb to set this up. They brought this upon themselves. It was a political mistake in the rules of politics. And because of the smirk on Parsley's face, I don't feel sorry for either one of them. But that is all so miniscule in comparison to the utter disdain I have for what ABC and other media outlets do to drive up ratings.
And that is why I say, "Rick and Bubba For President!"
Speaking of good books, a good friend of mine sent me an email about a book his brother has written. Baron (and his wife Jamie) took me under their wings when I was just a young pup in Hawaii. They played a large part in my spiritual growth during that time, and were very much my family away from family while I was there. Anyway, Baron's brother Eric has written the first in a series of books that is similar to The Chronicles of Narnia series, by C.S. Lewis. The name of the book is, Ryann Watters and the King's Sword. It sounds like the age range is for kids 9-15, so I'll have to check it out to see if my kids are ready for it. But I thought some folks out in blogland might be interested. If you want to hear more from Eric there is an interview on You Tube from a local Orlando show that you can watch. That got me more interested in the book, and it was fun seeing how much he reminded me of his brother. Here is part 1 of the interview, and here is part 2. You can find the book on Amazon by clicking here. And by the way, if you ever order from Amazon feel free to use any link here on my blog when going to order (even if you're not ordering that product). It doesn't change the price or experience for you, but I do get a referral fee which allows me to pay the extra portion of my electric bill from my daughter's nightlight.
jueves, 22 de mayo de 2008
Sad News
Those who know me probably know the impact Steven Curtis Chapman has had on my life. If not, you can read more about it here. Pray for their family today. My heart is killing me for them.
MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME
NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.
Here are some videos of Maria.
MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME
NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.
Here are some videos of Maria.
martes, 20 de mayo de 2008
China Party
Yesterday, as I was taking Munchkin to school, we had this conversation:
Munch: I wish we had an airplane, Daddy.
Me: Really? Where would we go in it?
Munch: China.
Me: Oh really? And what would we do in China?
Munch: We'd have a China party!
Me: And what is a China party like?
Munch: That's where Mimi gets her good china out.
Not even four years old and already liking the finer things in life. That's my Munch!
Munch: I wish we had an airplane, Daddy.
Me: Really? Where would we go in it?
Munch: China.
Me: Oh really? And what would we do in China?
Munch: We'd have a China party!
Me: And what is a China party like?
Munch: That's where Mimi gets her good china out.
Not even four years old and already liking the finer things in life. That's my Munch!
lunes, 19 de mayo de 2008
Sportsmanship
My dad actually sent this to me. It's rare that what he sends isn't funny or political. This is neither. I'm not much on all the mushy stuff that goes around the Internet, although I'll admit that in the last year I've been more easily moved by the better of it. But I was glad I took the time to watch it, and I think I need to show it to McGrooter too.
sábado, 17 de mayo de 2008
16th May scalping session
I must say I had a pretty good day , everything went beyond expectations: 49 pips for 10 trades. If there is one thing I look very closely, it is the average win and loss percentage.I had a 5.4 pips / trade winning average which is higher than the usual 1 or 2 pips/trade.
It's quite simple : you must strive to have the winning average close or higher than the average loss, or your win/loss ratio will have to be above 50 %. When scalping, my win/loss ratio is around 65/70 % which allows my winning average to be slightly below my loss average, though it is not an optimum situation.
In any case, I will do everything to avoid having any loss higher than 7 pips, otherwise it takes too long to get back the loss ( remember: if your average win is 1 or 2 pips, you need 4 to 7 winning trades just to recover this loss: allowing a greater loss is not good and put strains on your trading).
Cutting early losses makes sense because if you have a good knowledge of your trading statistics, a 7 pips loss will not affect your confidence since you have no doubt you will recover this without taking any additional risk. You just let the statistics work for you. The first lesson I learnt is that a trader that can't cut a loss will not make it at trading forex. You just can't think twice or hope , or wish that the trade will recover: at minus 7, I cut the trade. You wait two more seconds and the score is minus 10 then minus 15 . Wrong bet.
It's quite simple : you must strive to have the winning average close or higher than the average loss, or your win/loss ratio will have to be above 50 %. When scalping, my win/loss ratio is around 65/70 % which allows my winning average to be slightly below my loss average, though it is not an optimum situation.
In any case, I will do everything to avoid having any loss higher than 7 pips, otherwise it takes too long to get back the loss ( remember: if your average win is 1 or 2 pips, you need 4 to 7 winning trades just to recover this loss: allowing a greater loss is not good and put strains on your trading).
Cutting early losses makes sense because if you have a good knowledge of your trading statistics, a 7 pips loss will not affect your confidence since you have no doubt you will recover this without taking any additional risk. You just let the statistics work for you. The first lesson I learnt is that a trader that can't cut a loss will not make it at trading forex. You just can't think twice or hope , or wish that the trade will recover: at minus 7, I cut the trade. You wait two more seconds and the score is minus 10 then minus 15 . Wrong bet.
miércoles, 14 de mayo de 2008
May 14, 2008
Only seven more days of school until Leslie and the kids are done. Actually, Leslie will have a few more days of post planning, but the big hurdle is getting to the last day of school. We're all anticipating that!
Just when I think Leslie is improving vastly, she seems to have another setback. I'll spare you the details, other than to say that it is more stomach issues. I don't know if this will be her normal for a while or if this too will end soon. I hope that for her sake it is close to over. Her strength does seem to be returning. Tonight, while I was reading to McGrooter and getting him in bed (one really tired little man), she was going over the catechism with the girls. When I went into their room, Aggie promptly recited the answers (with a beaming smile/smirk on her face). The Munch chimed in on a few of the answers from her bottom bunk. It was a fun moment, but McGrooter protested our seeming neglect of him in the practice. Leslie reassured him that she had taught him these things when he was younger, but we haven't practiced them. It was a good reminder that we need to have another go at it. Even if jealousy was his motivation, I was thankful that he was at least interested.
I'm pretty brain dead tonight and can't think of any more updates. Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for us. Sometimes it feels so petty sharing our life events on this blog, knowing that so many are dealing with so much more. Yet I feel such a great need for prayer. So thank you!
Just when I think Leslie is improving vastly, she seems to have another setback. I'll spare you the details, other than to say that it is more stomach issues. I don't know if this will be her normal for a while or if this too will end soon. I hope that for her sake it is close to over. Her strength does seem to be returning. Tonight, while I was reading to McGrooter and getting him in bed (one really tired little man), she was going over the catechism with the girls. When I went into their room, Aggie promptly recited the answers (with a beaming smile/smirk on her face). The Munch chimed in on a few of the answers from her bottom bunk. It was a fun moment, but McGrooter protested our seeming neglect of him in the practice. Leslie reassured him that she had taught him these things when he was younger, but we haven't practiced them. It was a good reminder that we need to have another go at it. Even if jealousy was his motivation, I was thankful that he was at least interested.
I'm pretty brain dead tonight and can't think of any more updates. Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for us. Sometimes it feels so petty sharing our life events on this blog, knowing that so many are dealing with so much more. Yet I feel such a great need for prayer. So thank you!
martes, 13 de mayo de 2008
today's scalping session: +28 pips
Well, contrary to what I said in my previous post, I'll post the daily results as I have nothing else particular to write today . This is the usual scalping activity, though I try hard to escape from the scalping routine :-) . I am convinced there is more money to make in long-term movements but I can't grab a trend for the moment.
If you look closely to the table , you will see that several trades have a very short duration: sometimes less than 6 seconds. I hope my broker will not kick me out . I read in a forum that brokers sometimes " flag" scalpers and give them quotes with some slippage to discourage this activity.So far, I haven't noticed anything similar . Anyway, I couldn't care less : a breakout is a breakout and that's what I trade :-) . I am not using dirty tricks or cheating the platform: just trading short-term movements.
If you look closely to the table , you will see that several trades have a very short duration: sometimes less than 6 seconds. I hope my broker will not kick me out . I read in a forum that brokers sometimes " flag" scalpers and give them quotes with some slippage to discourage this activity.So far, I haven't noticed anything similar . Anyway, I couldn't care less : a breakout is a breakout and that's what I trade :-) . I am not using dirty tricks or cheating the platform: just trading short-term movements.
sábado, 10 de mayo de 2008
Another Friend With Cancer
A few weeks ago I received an email from some friends of mine through MTW, Peter & Stowe Shockey. Stowe has been diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer. I hurt so deeply for them. I guess I am now in tune in a way I haven't ever been before. You can read their story on their website here.
I first met Peter & Stowe at an MTW event known as the Vision Retreat. This is for people who are seriously interested in missions, and they were praying how the Lord might use them on the foreign field. They are both writers, and Peter is a filmaker. He and I hit it off immediately as he was interested in using film to extend theological education. So we talked shop and exchanged ideas, even though Peter is a professional and I'm just a hack. We've stayed in touch and met again this past November at the Global Missions Conference. There they got to meet Leslie and Stowe and Leslie had the opportunity to get to know each other. Little did any of us know the impact that would just a few months down the road.
The Shockeys have two daughters, and I would ask that you pray for their entire family. They have a very difficult road in front of them.
Today, I returned from a short trip to Macon to attend the Central Georgia presbytery meeting. Leslie had a rough day with her stomach and so as she was resting this evening, we read a new blog together. We don't know these people, but the wife has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was sobering to read, but it reminded me of how much we have to be thankful for. You can check out their blog here.
I had the chance on Friday, on my way to Macon, to stop in and have dinner with my parents in Griffin. They took me to J. Henry's, and we had a wonderful dinner together. We ran into a handful of people there who know Mom and I joked, as I have many times, that I'm going to get a t-shirt made that says "I'm Jody Wallace's Son." I've rarely gone anywhere in Griffin with her that we haven't seen someone she knows. Friday night we visited with one of the principals she used to work for and the chairman of the school board (who sent a wonderful piece of cake to our table). It makes me proud of my mom because she has had such an impact in that community. I think they're really going to miss her when she retires next month. But I am so glad she is finally getting to do so.
I know I am rambling tonight, but my head and heart are full of the many things I have to be thankful for. Coming home always makes me especially thankful for my wife and children. They have been such troopers during the ups and downs of life. Tonight it was such fun to give piggy back rides, and hugs. Spending time with my parents makes me especially thankful to have such opportunities. Even though our visits are so often brief, I am thankful for our relationship and our closeness. I'm thankful for my brother, who I spent years fighting with as a kid, because now we are really good friends. I got to see him briefly on Friday in between church visits and have lunch with him. His unconditional love for me is refreshing. I am thankful for the Body of Christ, as I witnessed a presbytery meeting today, during which men graciously dealt with the "business" of the church and shepherding their flocks. I am thankful for the Timberlakes, who graciously hosted me in their home Friday evening, and cared for me as a friend even though they didn't know me. Most of all I am thankful for a God who loves me, and continues to do so. I'm thankful for His care for me, even when I feel like my life is a wreck, and the constant reminders of His graciousness to me through my family.
I first met Peter & Stowe at an MTW event known as the Vision Retreat. This is for people who are seriously interested in missions, and they were praying how the Lord might use them on the foreign field. They are both writers, and Peter is a filmaker. He and I hit it off immediately as he was interested in using film to extend theological education. So we talked shop and exchanged ideas, even though Peter is a professional and I'm just a hack. We've stayed in touch and met again this past November at the Global Missions Conference. There they got to meet Leslie and Stowe and Leslie had the opportunity to get to know each other. Little did any of us know the impact that would just a few months down the road.
The Shockeys have two daughters, and I would ask that you pray for their entire family. They have a very difficult road in front of them.
Today, I returned from a short trip to Macon to attend the Central Georgia presbytery meeting. Leslie had a rough day with her stomach and so as she was resting this evening, we read a new blog together. We don't know these people, but the wife has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was sobering to read, but it reminded me of how much we have to be thankful for. You can check out their blog here.
I had the chance on Friday, on my way to Macon, to stop in and have dinner with my parents in Griffin. They took me to J. Henry's, and we had a wonderful dinner together. We ran into a handful of people there who know Mom and I joked, as I have many times, that I'm going to get a t-shirt made that says "I'm Jody Wallace's Son." I've rarely gone anywhere in Griffin with her that we haven't seen someone she knows. Friday night we visited with one of the principals she used to work for and the chairman of the school board (who sent a wonderful piece of cake to our table). It makes me proud of my mom because she has had such an impact in that community. I think they're really going to miss her when she retires next month. But I am so glad she is finally getting to do so.
I know I am rambling tonight, but my head and heart are full of the many things I have to be thankful for. Coming home always makes me especially thankful for my wife and children. They have been such troopers during the ups and downs of life. Tonight it was such fun to give piggy back rides, and hugs. Spending time with my parents makes me especially thankful to have such opportunities. Even though our visits are so often brief, I am thankful for our relationship and our closeness. I'm thankful for my brother, who I spent years fighting with as a kid, because now we are really good friends. I got to see him briefly on Friday in between church visits and have lunch with him. His unconditional love for me is refreshing. I am thankful for the Body of Christ, as I witnessed a presbytery meeting today, during which men graciously dealt with the "business" of the church and shepherding their flocks. I am thankful for the Timberlakes, who graciously hosted me in their home Friday evening, and cared for me as a friend even though they didn't know me. Most of all I am thankful for a God who loves me, and continues to do so. I'm thankful for His care for me, even when I feel like my life is a wreck, and the constant reminders of His graciousness to me through my family.
miércoles, 7 de mayo de 2008
7th May- scalping results + 28 pips
I post these tables for those who would be interested in seeing characteristics of fx scalping trades. It shows that scalping is one way of doing trades ,though it's probably not the most comfortable one : it is a stressing and time consuming activity. A positive aspect is that your risk is minimal as the rule is to cut immediately a trade going south.
I am presently more attracted to longer term trades with more potential and I spend a considerable time developping trading strategies. That's why I will not post daily scalping results anymore. My point was just to show that fx scalping is possible, but I don't think this activity would help you build a fortune :-)
I am presently more attracted to longer term trades with more potential and I spend a considerable time developping trading strategies. That's why I will not post daily scalping results anymore. My point was just to show that fx scalping is possible, but I don't think this activity would help you build a fortune :-)
CancerSuperhero.com
Today I got to work from home, so I was here when the gang arrived. And I was glad, because today some special t-shirts also arrived via UPS. I got them in time for Mother's Day, but of course couldn't wait. So I put one on each of the kids, and mine on me, and we marched into the living room where Leslie was sitting. Her reaction was worth every penny for the shirts, and all the time designing and uploading them to my newest project, cancersuperhero.com.
So here are the kids with their shirts from the front, from the back, and just a cute one of them on the couch. And I got one too. And yes, the Munch has her bathing suit on. She pretty much puts it on every day within 15 seconds of walking in the front door.
So why did I do this? Well, I wanted to celebrate the fact that Leslie fought cancer bravely. She endured surgery, radiation and chemo, and more chemo. She did it while keeping a full-time job teaching. She did it with three small kids. And she did it with a husband who was juggling three jobs, including one that involves frequent travel. And in doing this I thought, "other people might want to celebrate the same thing with their loved ones." So I created the same design with different relationships. It's not to celebrate cancer (duh!), or even becoming a "survivor." A lot of people fight cancer and lose the battle. But the way they fight is honorable. In an age where honor is missing, replaced instead by celebrity, I wanted to try and bring it back for Leslie.
Let me also say what I didn't intend by doing this. I did not intend to diminish God's glory in honoring Leslie. Any of you who know us know how we have only had Christ to cling to through this experience, and we are more than aware (we are deeply grateful), that by Christ's sufficient grace to us, we have gotten this far. I picked the term "superhero" because superheroes are human (typically). None are completely invulnerable. None are omnipotent. But they each something with "super human" strength. And I think Leslie has fought with the same strength.
So if someone you love has fought or is fighting cancer, celebrate their bravery, strength, and endurance. Visit cancersuperhero.com if you want and take a look around. I'm still adding a few more relationships, and I still need to tweak the way some things are showing. Many of the shirts have a bunch of different colors available, but you don't see those until you click on the individual item. Not all shirts have the "fighting cancer" logo on the back, and some of the sweatshirts and polo shirt has a smaller version of it on the top/back. Anyway, feel free to send me your comments/questions/suggestions.
The kids have already asked if they could wear them to school on Friday.
Oh yeah, and here is Leslie with her new hairdo.
So here are the kids with their shirts from the front, from the back, and just a cute one of them on the couch. And I got one too. And yes, the Munch has her bathing suit on. She pretty much puts it on every day within 15 seconds of walking in the front door.
So why did I do this? Well, I wanted to celebrate the fact that Leslie fought cancer bravely. She endured surgery, radiation and chemo, and more chemo. She did it while keeping a full-time job teaching. She did it with three small kids. And she did it with a husband who was juggling three jobs, including one that involves frequent travel. And in doing this I thought, "other people might want to celebrate the same thing with their loved ones." So I created the same design with different relationships. It's not to celebrate cancer (duh!), or even becoming a "survivor." A lot of people fight cancer and lose the battle. But the way they fight is honorable. In an age where honor is missing, replaced instead by celebrity, I wanted to try and bring it back for Leslie.
Let me also say what I didn't intend by doing this. I did not intend to diminish God's glory in honoring Leslie. Any of you who know us know how we have only had Christ to cling to through this experience, and we are more than aware (we are deeply grateful), that by Christ's sufficient grace to us, we have gotten this far. I picked the term "superhero" because superheroes are human (typically). None are completely invulnerable. None are omnipotent. But they each something with "super human" strength. And I think Leslie has fought with the same strength.
So if someone you love has fought or is fighting cancer, celebrate their bravery, strength, and endurance. Visit cancersuperhero.com if you want and take a look around. I'm still adding a few more relationships, and I still need to tweak the way some things are showing. Many of the shirts have a bunch of different colors available, but you don't see those until you click on the individual item. Not all shirts have the "fighting cancer" logo on the back, and some of the sweatshirts and polo shirt has a smaller version of it on the top/back. Anyway, feel free to send me your comments/questions/suggestions.
The kids have already asked if they could wear them to school on Friday.
Oh yeah, and here is Leslie with her new hairdo.
martes, 6 de mayo de 2008
my fx trading screen : just FYI
For some reasons , I use a single screen, so at first sight it looks a bit cluttered. It's a question of habit: I have everything I need under my eyes and I don't need to turn my head to browse various screens.
fx scalping : not as easy as some would believe
12 trades today for no gain, but no loss either. Nothing to do with luck, just hard work to get back the early losses. You don't bring in money everyday. For a scalper, the most important thing is to have the average profit higher than the average loss ; if not, the trader has to have many more winning trades than losses. Which was the case today.
lunes, 5 de mayo de 2008
Singing and Dancing
I've had a couple of videos in the works as of late, but we captured a new one recently that prompted me to finish them and get them on the blog. The first one is of Munchkin singing, a song she made up of course. You have to get to about one minute into the video to see the funniest part.
The next video is of Aggie singing and dancing, and then the Munch joining her. We obviously ;-) have some serious talent on our hands! The video they're dancing to is Aggie's favorite "movie" which she has watched incessantly since Christmas. Thanks to Mimi!
The next video is of Aggie singing and dancing, and then the Munch joining her. We obviously ;-) have some serious talent on our hands! The video they're dancing to is Aggie's favorite "movie" which she has watched incessantly since Christmas. Thanks to Mimi!
domingo, 4 de mayo de 2008
Kids Will Say The Darndest Things
If you haven't looked at Leslie's blog lately, she has finally updated it, and with a good post about some of the things the kids have said recently.
It was a challenging weekend for us all. Leslie continues to feel exhausted. She says she still feels like she did during chemo. She was able to get out on Saturday, but has paid for it. That, and she has tried to do too much around the house. I guess it points out my own inadequacies as a housekeeper. I did manage to get the yardwork done, and most of the laundry. But even that is still folded on the couch since I don't know where everything goes. I think the hardest part is that we all feel like everything should be back to normal, but life still feels far from that. There is just always so much to do, and I guess that is true in everyones' lives. I think when Summer gets here we might finally start to get caught up.
It was a challenging weekend for us all. Leslie continues to feel exhausted. She says she still feels like she did during chemo. She was able to get out on Saturday, but has paid for it. That, and she has tried to do too much around the house. I guess it points out my own inadequacies as a housekeeper. I did manage to get the yardwork done, and most of the laundry. But even that is still folded on the couch since I don't know where everything goes. I think the hardest part is that we all feel like everything should be back to normal, but life still feels far from that. There is just always so much to do, and I guess that is true in everyones' lives. I think when Summer gets here we might finally start to get caught up.
sábado, 3 de mayo de 2008
HP 35s
Look at that , man : that's a beauty. Those who read this blog have noticed I am a big fan of HP handheld calculators. Have been since 1980, starting with the HP 34 c.
July 2007 press release says: "HP today unveiled the retro HP 35s Scientific Calculator in commemoration of the original HP-35, the world’s first handheld scientific calculator launched 35 years ago. The new calculator is also HP’s most advanced scientific programmable calculator, featuring ample memory for keystroke programming, equation solving and more than 800 storage registers; 100 built-in functions; and a large, two-line display with adjustable contrast to easily view entries."
The suggested US retail price is around $60. Don't ask why but I paid last week 89 euro or the dollar equivalent of $137 here in Europe. Damn, I have noticed that we end up paying everything twice the price in the EEC: from contact lenses to about everything else .
Same with cars : I have to replace my old Merc 250 E with something more punchy. What about the new Mustang GT ? Prices start around $ 30.000 in the US. Fair price. O.K. I want one ! Well, you've got to be patient , son .
Nowhere to find in my country. Not distributed. I would have to go to a foreign importer specialized in US cars and after some research I understood I would have to pay twice the regular price at least. I don't even speak about the hassle of all the administrative paperwork.
Well, at least I can have dreams, it's still free in this country.
July 2007 press release says: "HP today unveiled the retro HP 35s Scientific Calculator in commemoration of the original HP-35, the world’s first handheld scientific calculator launched 35 years ago. The new calculator is also HP’s most advanced scientific programmable calculator, featuring ample memory for keystroke programming, equation solving and more than 800 storage registers; 100 built-in functions; and a large, two-line display with adjustable contrast to easily view entries."
The suggested US retail price is around $60. Don't ask why but I paid last week 89 euro or the dollar equivalent of $137 here in Europe. Damn, I have noticed that we end up paying everything twice the price in the EEC: from contact lenses to about everything else .
Same with cars : I have to replace my old Merc 250 E with something more punchy. What about the new Mustang GT ? Prices start around $ 30.000 in the US. Fair price. O.K. I want one ! Well, you've got to be patient , son .
Nowhere to find in my country. Not distributed. I would have to go to a foreign importer specialized in US cars and after some research I understood I would have to pay twice the regular price at least. I don't even speak about the hassle of all the administrative paperwork.
Well, at least I can have dreams, it's still free in this country.
Rainy Saturday
A rainy Saturday isn't such a bad thing. We need the rain. And there's a ton of stuff that needs to get done around the house. I have piles of clean laundry that need to be put away, and piles of dirty laundry that need to be washed. Same with dishes. Then there are a few toys scattered about. There are websites that need to be updated, and videos that need to be edited, but those will have to wait until tonight. Of course, the grass needs to be cut again, but I don't think today is the day for that. I keep telling Leslie how much a riding mower would cut down on the time it takes to cut everything, but she's not going for it. Right now I am waiting on a phone call from a missions committee that is meeting today, to answer some of their questions and explain some things to them. So I thought I would try to write something. After all, it's been several weeks now since I've written anything.
It's been a very busy past few weeks. I just returned from a trip to Ohio and Kentucky. By the end of the week, Leslie really wasn't feeling well, with a sore throat among other things. The doc called her in an antibiotic and by last night she was starting to feel better. So she is at a shower for a friend from years back, and then an "end of chemo" party for the son of another friend of ours. He's just a tot, and has really had a rough go of it. Leslie had her appointment with the oncologist on Monday, and he was very optimistic. They've scheduled her colonoscopy and CT scans. I can't remember the dates.
My mom had a heart cath yesterday. They found her front artery was blocked about 40%, which is actually good news in that they can treat that with diet and exercise. So we were all a little relieved that she didn't have to have angioplasty or a stint or anything else more serious. I talked to her last night and she sounded really good.
The kids are all doing well. McGrooter has had a real hard time with his allergies this year. I think a lot of people have. His eyes have been so swollen and nothing has seemed to really help. But I do think he is finally beginning to feel better and his eyes don't seem as bad.
Aggie is continually entertaining. As I started writing this I heard her singing. When I looked at her, she exclaimed, "I'm at church. We have to be quiet." She was singing while holding her baby. She makes up many of her own songs. Now, she and the Munch are playing "swimming pool" with their baby dolls. They both have swim suits on, and a blanket spread out that is their swimming pool. Wait, now they've announced it's a picnic.
It's time now that I need to fix lunch. I'm sure my scattered ramblings have made little sense anyway. I'm either really tired or my allergies are hammering me. Okay, off to the kitchen I go...
It's been a very busy past few weeks. I just returned from a trip to Ohio and Kentucky. By the end of the week, Leslie really wasn't feeling well, with a sore throat among other things. The doc called her in an antibiotic and by last night she was starting to feel better. So she is at a shower for a friend from years back, and then an "end of chemo" party for the son of another friend of ours. He's just a tot, and has really had a rough go of it. Leslie had her appointment with the oncologist on Monday, and he was very optimistic. They've scheduled her colonoscopy and CT scans. I can't remember the dates.
My mom had a heart cath yesterday. They found her front artery was blocked about 40%, which is actually good news in that they can treat that with diet and exercise. So we were all a little relieved that she didn't have to have angioplasty or a stint or anything else more serious. I talked to her last night and she sounded really good.
The kids are all doing well. McGrooter has had a real hard time with his allergies this year. I think a lot of people have. His eyes have been so swollen and nothing has seemed to really help. But I do think he is finally beginning to feel better and his eyes don't seem as bad.
Aggie is continually entertaining. As I started writing this I heard her singing. When I looked at her, she exclaimed, "I'm at church. We have to be quiet." She was singing while holding her baby. She makes up many of her own songs. Now, she and the Munch are playing "swimming pool" with their baby dolls. They both have swim suits on, and a blanket spread out that is their swimming pool. Wait, now they've announced it's a picnic.
It's time now that I need to fix lunch. I'm sure my scattered ramblings have made little sense anyway. I'm either really tired or my allergies are hammering me. Okay, off to the kitchen I go...
viernes, 2 de mayo de 2008
Fewer jobs lost than forecast : +58 pips EURUSD
I don't often trade stats for the simple reason that economic stats are rather unpredictable , especially the jobs ones. Forex is a school of discipline but I allowed myself some room to play this one. The assumptions were the following: an average or slightly disappointing figure wouldn't sink the USD that much , especially with the actual recovery we have seen the last few days. But a positive or better number than anticipated would have a definite impact. Anyway, from time to time you have to allow yourselves to follow a hunch to release the pressure and give way to 'gambling' instincts . The amount involved in the trade was minimal, I was looking for fun but I am not crazy either. Stats trading can be devastating on your bankroll.
jueves, 1 de mayo de 2008
QuoteTracker
As written on their website: QuoteTracker is a Windows program that integrates with various datafeeds, brokers and financial sites to provide you with streaming real-time quotes, Live intraday charts with Technical Indicators, Level II quotes, Time and Sales, alerts, news monitoring, and everything else you may need to trade in today's market.
It also ties into major brokers to give you full Integrated trading from within the software.
Best of all: it's free.
I just discovered this amazing charting software and I must say I am extremely satisfied with the forex graphs : they are very clear , precise and the traders mind detect immediately any change and can act upon it.
It also ties into major brokers to give you full Integrated trading from within the software.
Best of all: it's free.
I just discovered this amazing charting software and I must say I am extremely satisfied with the forex graphs : they are very clear , precise and the traders mind detect immediately any change and can act upon it.
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