1100 MDT
Since the Basics are in placement testing almost all of the day, it should be relatively uneventful.  Of course, by the end they should be mentally spent.

Seeing the schedule for today, I got one of those feelings:
"I need to give parents this suggestion".

Before I reached the Academy in 1984, I had almost no exposure to the military or the military life.  And being at the top of my high school, I was a straight-A student as well as a varsity team captain.  In other words, I had not had experience being yelled at.  I had always done everything well.  Typical big fish in small pond.

As a result, when the school year began, I spent much time tending to the things that helped prevent begin yelled at by the upperclassmen - shining my shoes; fixing my room; studying military knowledge.  When the time crunch took place each day, I would place more emphasis on the military aspects than the academic aspects.  In hindsight, that was a huge mistake.  The core academic courses at the Academy are the foundation of the four-year education.  Without a solid foundation there, the Academy experience can be very painful. 

With that said, when your Basic enters the Academic year, my personal opinion is that you should tell them these words over and over.

"The Academy will kick you out faster for getting three F's in your classes, than for not shining your shoes three times". 
Sounds silly, but its a simple message to convey the point.

1155 MDT
I was able to check my emails from my home this morning and had three people ask about downloading the video clips to their computers for their personal use.  

For the four clips I've posted thus far, I have no objection for any of you to download them to your PCs for person use.  Two of the people asked how to do it.  That is a bit trickier since I'm not a webmaster.  But here is what works on my computer.

When you see the link, place your cursor over the text.  Click on the "right" mouse button.  This will open up a window.  One of the selections should be "Save Target as".  Click on this with your "left" mouse button.  It will then give you a choice where to save it.  Choose some directory on your computer.  I usually choose Desktop so I can find it.  After that, Click on "Save".  This will begin a one minute download over DSL or an over an hour download for dial-up.

1445 MDT
Somebody asked if I could post any photos I take in Slide Show format instead of thumbnail.  I went back and modified yesterday's photos.  The only downside is that it expands the window to the left.  But it allows you to scroll through rather than opening and shutting each picture.  I'll try to post the future photos in WebGuy notes that way. 

Also, my children want me to spend some time with them today, so I'm going to take them out.  I'll try to get the schedule for tomorrow activated by 2000MDT.

1930 MDT
I just posted the schedule for tomorrow.  The Basics are going to be quite busy shuffling from one event to the other.  Looks like they will begin their lessons on the Core Values:

(1) Integrity First
(2) Service Before Self
(3) Excellence In All We Do
It's good to see them getting off to a good start.

Have a good night.