Birchtree's Account Talk

[Steadygain]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

I think I just learned some unpleasant news and I'm sad to the point of tears. It's a Vietnam veteran thing among brothers. I never cry and I am now. The last time I cried was when my siamese cat passed and then it was for three days. I hope I'm overreacting but I have my doubts. This is truly a sad moment. I cried like a baby when my father inlaw passed five years back - he was a WWII vet and another hero. He came from a different generation and had my respect.

Dennis you're a soldier down to the bone marrow and these guys are way CLOSER than BROTHERS. It's a UNIT thing my friend but this all the more applies to the Vietnam Vets because everyone failed them and so all the more they had only each other.

But Birch - whenever we went out to fight - to get any Mission completed it was NEVER US FIGHTING THE ENEMY - IT WAS US FIGHTING FOR EACH OTHER - ALWAYS AND FOREVER THAT WAS THE FOCUS - YOU AND ME LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER. People in general have no clue the kind of BONDS we have because there is nothing else that comes close; and here I would include my wife, kids, parents and everyone else.

We're getting older Dennis and it's very hard to see a Brother fall; it's like a link in the chain that just snapped off - it's one less Brother for you to lean on and one less Brother to lean on you.

Your tears are WONDERFUL Birch - they are everybit comparable to the time that Jesus wept - because your heart is aching mostly for a Brother beyond all brothers ... it's hurting for the others - the rest of the guys - and there are still a whole lot left. But in part your tears are very painful - because you don't want them to ever be forgotten.

Birch it would be hard for me to get away right now. My daughter from Korea comes in Friday and then we're going to WV for a big reunion. BUT IF YOU NEED ME - I'M THERE AND WE WILL WORK SOMETHING OUT.

Hang in there man - I love you Birch - I love you a lot

 

[Buffalo_Nickle]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

I think I just learned some unpleasant news and I'm sad to the point of tears. It's a Vietnam veteran thing among brothers. I never cry and I am now. The last time I cried was when my siamese cat passed and then it was for three days. I hope I'm overreacting but I have my doubts. This is truly a sad moment. I cried like a baby when my father inlaw passed five years back - he was a WWII vet and another hero. He came from a different generation and had my respect.

Sorry to hear this. I am also A Vet (68-69) and am easily moved by any and all news about our generation and some of the best friends I have ever had. Best Regards !

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

Spaf just sent me a private message. I knew I had a reason to be sad and I can't stop the tears. He tells me the ship is in port and he has his ticket but no exact date. He's trying to take care of things for his wife. We have said our goodbye - and I reminded him that eventually the sadness will pass but his memory will be with me until it's my turn. He has always been a quiet hero like so many others. May peace provide some tranquility for him and his family during this time of duress. I can't stop crying and wailing - I know I'm going to be mournful for days.

 

[caymanbrac12]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

No animosity at all here, Birch. I read your thread all the time. I just get lost with all the "other" stock purchases, but, good for you for doing so well. I've always wished that you, with your obvious expertise and knowledge, would discuss and advise those of us without such, on what you do with your TSP....exactly what are your moves and returns? I think cayman's request is quite reasonable and would be a benefit to those of us who are most concerned with our TSP returns, not knowing much about the "other" stock market. It could be a real benefit to us, and I don't see how folks would show animostiy towards you for revealing that.....more like appreciation!

Lobo

My heart felt sympathies for you loss .... I can surely appreciate that feeling although we each handle it in our own way. May it make you stronger.

On to finance - I wasn't trying to embarrass you relative too you absolute gains from the end of 2007 to now - If you are 100% invested because just excluding last years dismal results I find it hard to believe that B&H has netted you a significant gain speaking only for the tugboat and even with the DCA - a lot of people lost a lot of money even with DCA.

As an example without the parameters limiting you by the TSP - my mother who retired as a judge 2 years ago from SSA after 40 years increased here return by 62% in 14 months without those restrictions based on some luck and good investing.

A friend of my who is a broker at GS whom I went to school with pumped up my portfolio in 3 days by 1.1m. As i said before you are more than
welcome to take a look at the statement with the appropriate deletions.

I am not trying to discredit what works for you but just too point out what's available.

Since my Father passed away, we have more than increased the overall portfolio by 250% of which I'm sure he would be extremely proud. My only regret is I can't share it with him but 38% of the money goes to finding and maintaining helpless and abused animal so maybe someone up there will look kindly on me but that really is irrelevant because my satisfaction is caring, loving the dogs and finding them good home although if it were up to me I would keep them all because of the emotional attachments.

best

cayman

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

Cayman,

It's always good to get an inside look at what big money is capable of doing. I've only made $447K in the last 19 weeks off the March 6th low. But I've moved my account from Merrill and have gone on margin at 3% interest rate charge. So far since 6/26 I've made 167 individual purchases on a DCA basis so I suspect once this leverage kicks in it should allow me to come on a little stronger when we rally. I'm still moving forward and making some progress. I'm getting prepared to start swing trading the tugboat in the near future. I'll be pushing some hefty shares around for the next 15 years at least. Are you wearing a neck brace yet from pushing all that horsepower off the red lights.

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

"This recession has been unique in that productivity actually increased. The only way this can happen is if corporations cut costs. The implication is that if demand picks up, the earnings rebound in the back half of this year could be a lot stronger than most expect."

http://www.raymondjames.com/inv_strat.htm

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

I thought I better get in early before I start singing that old Dell Shannon song - "Runaway". My little runaway, run, run, runaway. Therefore I bought: WFC, SGP, PFE, GWR, MDS, MDR, MLI, MYE, OLN, ONB. If we trend up over 200 points I'll be forced to come back and buy some more golden ladies.

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

I must admit that I did feel the initial pressure this morning to get me in at any price. Do you think I'm the only one? It'll be like trying to get through the doors of WalMart for the big sale - someone is bound to get trampled by the bulls. That sure is a sticky wicket of a VIX - that's alright it can take its time getting to 20. When it does I may shift the tugboat.

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

I believe we just caught the first leg of a Dow Theory buy signal - now we wait until next week for the Transports to confirm. When that happens mom and pop will roll. I can already see the dust cloud forming as the bulls race around the holding pen wanting a break through. You can bet there is another 100 points due before the close. I'm well on my way for my second $100K week. Snort. The second rule of finance is the more you own the more you can make.

 

[Frixxxx]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

The second rule of finance is the more you own the more you can make.

And the more you can lose:suspicious:

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

I've been there and experienced that - now we move forward with an intact holy grail and see where the green shoots pop up to promote the goldilocks economy.

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

"Vicious Stocks Stealth Bull Market Eats the Bears Alive! What's Next?"

http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article12236.htm

 

[Pschiffdicpal]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

I've been there and experienced that - now we move forward with an intact holy grail and see where the green shoots pop up to promote the goldilocks economy.

Bman, your run on the market is happeing my congrates and thanks for challeging me to get oft the lilley pad. I is going high snort:====

On personnal note I read about your friend spaf were here if you need us.

Your friend

Don

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

Thanks Pdip - glad you are making money. The January 2009 high on the Dow was 9088 - if we take that level out I'm back in to spend some $K. I'm going to catch a whipsaw eventually but I don't care - be in to win.

 

[Mcqlives]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

I believe we just caught the first leg of a Dow Theory buy signal - now we wait until next week for the Transports to confirm. When that happens mom and pop will roll. I can already see the dust cloud forming as the bulls race around the holding pen wanting a break through. You can bet there is another 100 points due before the close. I'm well on my way for my second $100K week. Snort. The second rule of finance is the more you own the more you can make.

Snort is right on! S&P now has a solid support to work up from. My, and yours, earlier bet at 1040 range may be blown right out of the water in another week!:nuts:
I have been riding that I for what it is worth but think that the dollar may be gaining in strength. If this trend continues then I will go to the S fund. Let's all hope the transports come in strong!

 

[alevin]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

Let's all hope the transports come in strong!

Hmm. What I've noticed while being out and about on Interstate and in vicinity of RRs lately, semi traffic up slightly, unless I just want to see it (my brother's a diesel mechanic). Howsomeever, train traffic still down significantly, so significantly, RR is doing major repairs at in-town road crossings right now. Replacing ties. They're looking to the future, but spending cap investment $ down at the moment-this quarter's earnings likely down.

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

We've got three more trading hours and the coiled spring is ready to unwind - so much money and prices are only getting more expensive. The value player says now is the time because time has come. I noticed that even Clester is hedging his bets not wanting to be left behind even at his level. Production is set to rebound when demand kicks in.

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

alevin,

That's exactly what a good investor tries to do - be observant. I was counting heads in Steak and Shake when they were trading at the $3.00 range. They just recently blew through $10 and I'm on for the ride.

 

[Mcqlives]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

Hmm. What I've noticed while being out and about on Interstate and in vicinity of RRs lately, semi traffic up slightly, unless I just want to see it (my brother's a diesel mechanic). Howsomeever, train traffic still down significantly, so significantly, RR is doing major repairs at in-town road crossings right now. Replacing ties. They're looking to the future, but spending cap investment $ down at the moment-this quarter's earnings likely down.

Now that you mentioned it, I've seen the same thing on our tracks here in Illinois and Missouri. But...truck traffic and river traffic have been increasing over the past couple of months. Transports come in up or down? I am hedging, obviously, on up!

 

[Birchtree]

Re: Birchtree's account talk

Well we did break the Dow up 200 points so I followed my discipline of chasing the market on the up moves. Went in and bought these lovely doves: GCI, TWX, KBH, EAT, IT, FLO, FNB, BWP, ATO, AVX. What will happen in the last hour today when the program traders step in - rocket ride is my prediction. Or I may take a silly slap. Snort.