This is my first time reading this as well. While the original post comes as a surprise, seeing how far this individual has come since then, the moral of the above story is that with the right mindset, the right teachers, and a sound strategy, anybody is capable of changing.

That said, I don't see how re-hashing this thread accomplishes anything. All parties have moved on, and the aforementioned individual has earned the respect of the individuals in this group through his successful work and work-ups and his willingness to get help from some of the most skilled players gracing this site.

I feel that Ted should close this thread once and for all for full closure.