Series 66

Nearly five years ago, I acquired this same securities license while with a different Broker/Dealer. A few months ago, the firm (which will remain anonymous for several reasons) announced this license was now a requirement for all brokers I manage, including me. At the time, the announcement was not a big deal considering I assumed that I already had this license. No big deal, right?

Wrong! For unknown reasons to me, the firm did not renew this license and the registration was terminated. What does this mean, you might ask? Well, it means that I had to study and take this exam a second time. Yep, you got it, I was really happy about this!

Regardless, another one under my belt, and I'm happy to have it over with again. Mainly because this summer has a lot of things going on, and this is the last thing I want to focus on!

Series 66 Exam: Uniform Combined State Law Exam
An exam administered by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). Successful completion of the Series 66 exam is equivalent to the successful completion of both the Series 63 and Series 65 exams. It is required by certain states in America, (in addition to successful completion of the Series 7) in order for an investment professional to qualify for registration as an Investment Advisor Representative.

Snowbird!

The spring skiing was incredible in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Over 200 inches of snow fell in the 30 days. Pretty sick! Thanks to the Pearts for including me in their annual Snowbird trip and sharing floor space with me. I wouldn't have been able to make it up the canyon to ski given it was closed all the mornings I skipped work. I had a great time and the skiing was the best all year!

Thanks Tate for taking photos. I'm happy that we got to make a few runs together before the end of the season; you still rip!

http://shawactionimages.blogspot.com/

Testicle Festival

Recently, I traveled to Montana for my brother's wedding party. We had a great trip and enjoyed our time spent in my home state.

Since moving away from Big Sky country nearly 15 years ago, I have forgotten some of the local traditions and humor. On our way home, my memory was prompted as we drove east on I-90 and spotted one of several signs.

Yes, this is a real festival that has taken place for many years. I've never been, but I can only imagine the endless amount of jokes; especially those shared by the locals. After all, we did have a ball (just not this kind)!

Season Slump

Most of you know that Tate blew his knee out and will miss the entire 2008/2009 winter ski season. All of us are bummed, particularly Tate, but I think I miss skiing with him the most. Deer Valley is a great place to ski, but just isn't the same without my buddy. I've seen a lot of mutual friends and all have expressed their disappointment regarding the injury.

Get better bro! Next year will be a good one!

Series 4: Registered Options Principal Examination

For the past couple of months, I have been studying and preparing for another securities exam. Yesterday, I passed the Series 4 exam and added another professional license to my name. The nice thing with this license, is that my boss doesn't have it. I do not intend to celebrate his failure, that's not my style, but he did not pass the test and has never retaken the exam. It's a nice feeling to have it over with while taking it just once.

The Series 4 exam is for managers supervising options sales personnel or supervising compliance. You must have a Series 7 license before taking the Series 4 exam.

Series 4 Test and Course Information

Test topics include:

Option Strategies
Equity Options
Debt Options
Index Options
Foreign Currencies
Customer Accounts and Orders
Supervision and Compliance
Employee Supervision
Business Conduct
Record keeping & Reporting Requirements

I am happy to have this one completed, and it proves to be a very valuable license.

Sometimes, achievements come with great work and sacrifice.......but the reward it worth it.

Tour of Utah Criterium-Stage 3

Last night was Stage 3 of The Tour of Utah. It was really cool to be downtown SLC and see this event live. The riders are amazing. The weather was beautiful and the company was even better.

I put together a short slide show highlighting some of the photos I took from the event. It was fantastic and I'm glad I went. Enjoy!

Road Cycling

To be honest, in the past I've found road biking less entertaining than mountain biking so my road bike has collected it's fair share of dust while sitting idle in the garage.

However, I've recently been riding a fair amount on the road and enjoying it. I have to admit I've been inspired a little bit by a girl (no names for now) but let's just say she is pretty darn cool. She has ridden LOTOJA twice and taken 9th, and 10th in her category both years. Yes, it's intimidating for me to ride with her; I can admit that with a humility! LOL! This Friday night we are going to downtown SLC to watch Stage 3 of the 2008 Tour of Utah, the Criterium stage. I went a couple of years ago and it was very cool to watch the event.

The toughest stage is ahead of them scheduled for Saturday. The Queen Stage of the Tour of Utah is a brute; 14,778 feet of climbing in 99 miles. Riders will see five KOM’s on their way to the finish at beautiful Snowbird Ski Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Along the way they will tackle the tough climb past Sundance ski resort, up and over the Alpine loop into American Fork Canyon.

Park City to Snowbird Course:

4 Climbs - Mountain Top

Finish Length: 98.1 miles, 159 kms

Climbing: 14,778 ft., 4,504 meters

I'm amazed at how committed the athletes are and by their achievements. What's even more amazing to me is how much the human body can endure. It is nothing short of inspirational to see them perform at their best.