What Kind of Work You In?

Nope. My specialty was in operations, planning, and training although analysis is a big part of that. If you need to know how to set up medical support for invasions of small and large countries and for air, sea, land combat...I'm your man. I also have a military background in logistics.

After I retired I did some independent contractor/consulant work in Texas teaching foreign military students as part of the U.S. State Department liaison program. Talk about eclectic group. Two Bulgarians, two Koreans, one Thai, one Filipino, and one Hungarian. East really did meet West. It was a great job. After that gig ended because I was underbid by some guy who didn't really need a job and probably didn't realize the self-employment taxes, etc involved. I was between jobs for awhile which allowed me to truly appreciate what my wife does since she worked part time as a hospital dietitian. Then via networking I was interviewed for this position. This company has a lot of former military primarily because of our work ethic, our knowledge of the government systems, etc. Anyway I did do a short stint as a medical administrator and know my way around the medical system so they figured I qualified. They made me a good offer and here I am in the great Pacific Northwest.

By the way...how is the wrist?

My wrist is much improved. Getting better every day. Thank you for asking.

Your background in the army is certainly fascinating. I remember some of your stories from Cigar Talk. This definitely tells a little bit more, however. —J.J.

So you're a mechanic? Just kidding. Seriously though, I'm not totally "up" with database engines. What do they do? —J.J.

[big_bish]

When I'm brainstorming new ideas to fix problems of for a new design, I use paper and scribble. The actual design of the part is 3d. This summer I work on a research project for them to buy testing software. After we get the package we will be able to design, and simulate tests on the water heater without ever building a test prototype. Very cool stuff.

big_bish

I had no idea, really, that water heaters were so complex. I guess, these days, the technology just gets smarter and smarter! So, the purpose behind water heater design is to create a better, more efficient piece of equipment. By doing so, you are improving quality of life for the owners thereof, and in the end have created a better world for generations to come. Sweet! —J.J.

[jsl]

I must have been sleeping while this thread was developing! LOL I retired a few years ago from working as local muscle for the Chicago mob! I am now a computer geek-- senior programmer/analyst in the insurance industry. I also sell insurance on the side-- I know dat yous all wanna buy some, right?

I will mooch a pie from JJ, though! Come on, bro...how about a nice pie!?!

Forgive me, Don Jim. You are absolutely right: I owe you a pie. What's your pleasure? Chocolate Bourbon Pecan, White Chocolate Brandy Almond, Toll House Cookie—those three ship the best among our extensive line. (I think a Chocolate Kahlua Mousse Pie would arrive a little worse for wear.) {:>)

They all freeze very well, so you don't have to be in any hurry to break 'em out. I should have thought of getting you a pie for Christmas dinner, but ever since your leg-breaker, Vido, took a wooden mallet to my finger nails I haven't been doing my job quite as efficiently as before. But, hey, you always have New Years, right? —J.J.

[jsl]

JJ,

EXCELLENT!!! The White Chocolate Brandy Almond sounds AWESOME, bro! I don't want you to think that you owe me a pie, though. Rather I would prefer that you think of me as a field taste-tester. I will surely post a review!

PS I will have a talk with my boys about that mallet incident!

The way you two guys are talking...ever think of a pie box pass?
Of course cigars a little easier. It would take a large box to ship 10-15 pies/cakes, etc.

....If is is chocolate, I will eat it.

[Pablo]

I checked..."Lowland Gorillas" at Top25Cigar and Club Stogie have no hierarchical (sp?) structure!

We're all equal...we love cigars!

-Paul

[Pablo]

Thats it, I'm buying the url www.top25pies.com!

-Paul

I am a Region Manager for a multi-national, Swiss based building materials company. We have a "solid" foundation in cement, concrete, aggregates and mineral/chemical admixtures. People sometimes say we are "all mixed up and sort of set in our ways".

Aw crap! I wanted that one! —J.J.

[rjs]

I'm with jsl. I'm out of it with this thread. I'm embarrassed to say that this is my first visit to this part of the forum.

Anyway, I'm also in a family business. We breed and propagate plant material, grow and wholesale fresh flowers and floral supplies, make bouquets for supermarkets and do some mail order fulfillment. We are California based and have been in business 95 years. My Dad and I have also been know to enjoy a cigar or two, although I can't speak for the rest of the family or company.

... I like smoking cigars ... because you can never be in a hurry when you're enjoying a good cigar... rjs

[jsl]

I can't be in a hurry when I'm smoking a cigar? I wish! My favorite part of a cigar is the 1/3 and 1/2 way marks. I am sometimes obsessed with getting to those points that I miss the scenery along the way! Perhaps some therapy would help! LOL