blkangus_99

I have .45 Colt dies (RCBS carbide). If I wanted to load for a .454 Casull would I be able to do so by adding a .454 sizer die to the set? I think I could back off the other dies and use them but the sizer die I'm suspecting would be too short to full length resize the cases. Am I correct in my reasoning or will I have to purchase the whole set for the .454?

I have developed some fairly decent loads over the years. My question is does it pay to neck turn? I do not bench rest shoot, but I do quite a bit of prairie dog shooting. I'm thinking that other than developing more confidence in my loads it might not help much. Further even if it did help a bit I'm not sure that under field conditions it would be noticeable. Any thoughts out there? If you believe it would help can you suggest equipment - Sinclair, RCBS ect.

One of my kids is what I believe would be termed "gifted." (Academically). There is no gifted program to speak of in our school system. Currently here is the situation:

1. Youngest in her current class (6th grade).

2. Took 7th grade math this year - top in the class.

3. Tested into Algebra rather than 8th grade math recently.

4. Principal wants her to jump up to 8th grade.

5. Iowa Basic scores of 99 (Percentile) in every category).

6. Adjusted fairly well socially.

I am concerned that if we bump her up she will be entering college at 16. I have no question that if she continues progressing at her current rate she would be capable of college work. Conversely I am concerned that if we keep her in her current class we would be doing a disservice to her. (She wants to be bumped up).

Other than being at the 99 percentile what can the Iowa scores tell us? The results they gave seem incomplete - just the percentile (NPR) and the standard score (SS) nothing else.

Are there requirements that school systems accommodate gifted students?

I believe a friend of mine is in need of more help than he is currently getting. I do not believe he is a danger to himself or others at the present time.

Description:

As a kid he was put in "Title One" while in school. He was later diagnosed with a learning disability. It turns out he is very intelligent - now an Electrical Engineer. He is currently married although that may change if he doesn't get help. Owns a business which is poised to make very good money because of the products he has developed.

He has a counselor but to my knowledge has not seen this person in a while. He is taking prescription medication.

Stressors: Picked up for a DUI several weeks ago. His mother was recently diagnosed with what he believes is a terminal illness (I am told by her that he is mistaken the illness can be managed). His business is involved in at least one law suit.

Recent actions: He met me for lunch last week. I asked about his mom - he teared up and couldn't talk, said he needed to be alone and that he had to leave. I was able get him off the subject and spent about an hour with him working on a project. He also mentioned that he hadn't slept very well recently. Had woke up at 4 that morning and the week before had gone without sleep for several days while working on a business project. He then left to spend time with his family - they were gathering to help his mother. Several days later his mother asked him if he was taking his medication. He became very angry, used extremely foul language and took three days worth at once. He then left. I have spoken with him since - he never wants to see his family again, he is obsessed and very angry with the officer who arrested him for a dui. He believes the officer injured his hands when he was cuffed. He has not seen a Doctor regarding that injury and claims he know there is nothing that can be done about the injury. He seems to focus on one thing at a time and can't let go of it. At times he is very talkative and happy and then it is like a switch is thrown and the darkness comes. He seems to talk with me and another friend and trusts us. He also is drinking.

I think he needs some inpatient mental health treatment. I do not know how to get him in. I do not believe he meets the requirement for involuntary commitment - must be a danger to himself or others. (although maybe taking 3 days of pills meets the def.). Any ideas on how to approach this. I am planning on getting some input from a professional tomorrow - perhaps an intervention. I hate to do this too him but if something doesn't change he'll lose his wife, family, business etc.

Sorry for rambling. There is a lot more to the story here but I have to stop somewhere.

I can't remember where I read about this and would like to know if I remember it correctly.