Inspiration

Thinking about doing some book reviews that pertain to people I have found to be very inspirational to me personally.  Amazes me those that do extraordinary things.  Working hard lately, plus Christmas and all I haven't been writing as much as I want to.  Not discouraged by it, but I am working on things I will be posting.

Are we justified?

MAGNIFIES - Iraq Abuse Scandal Front Page

This link will take you to a page on MAGNIFIES, that is called the "Iraq abuse scandal front page." Meaning that this has become so big now it warrants it own "section." The abuse of Abu Ghraib was only the tip of the ice burg.

Now we are finding out that the abuse is much further reaching, up to and including elite seal teams, and Rangers. The scary thing is that this is just what we know so far. With so much being done over there in secret, who knows what else has gone on and continues to go on.

If we have such little control over our commanders in the field, this is yet another reason we should not be in Iraq, or have elected this administration to another term. This scandal, as well as the next one that is sure to arise should serve as a reminder that we are not a victim in the war on terror, but a active participant.

Another day in Cali

Promised I would write more about things in my life and such.  So, since the last couple of posts have had more of a commentary spin, thought I was over due to get one of these out.

Got a email the other day asking me how I stay connected with the internet when I travel so much.  Thankfully to our friends at Starbucks, I am usually never far from a high speed internet access.  Sometimes I actually go in and get a “Venti Mocha.”  While at other times (late at night) I will just pull up close to the store and I can access the wi-fi from there.  Makes chatting with friends at night pretty easy too.  Luckily there are a lot of Starbucks out here.

One thing I am asked about a lot is what is like living in a truck.  Guess that depends more on when you ask me..lol.  Some days it is fine and it is just what I do.  Other times it drives me totally crazy.  Being a trainer doesn’t help too much since the space in here isn’t exactly posh.  Most people’s walk in closets are larger then the entire living space of a semi.  You learn to get creative with the space you have, or what you must have verses want to have.  For example I use to have a tv/dvd in the truck.  Since reception is never really good (unless you get satellite) I finally decided not to keep it in the truck.  The space was valuable and now it is somewhat a mini library.  Since I carry a laptop with me, I use it to watch DVD's.  Since I now have a ibook, I use it for music, movies, course email and internet.  In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I am a huge laptop fan.  Don’t know why anyone would want a tower.  Now here is my personal endorsement time; if you are looking for a new laptop or tower for that matter, get a APPLE.  Simply put, they kick PC ass.

Will be leaving this afternoon to run down to San Diego, CA., then return to Oakland, CA.  Will be returning to Seattle, WA., this weekend.  Not sure what I will be doing between the two.

Right now I am at a Carrows in Oakland, CA., getting breakfast and getting this done.  Will roll over to the Starbucks and get this posted.  Plus I am trying to get a book review done for here and maybe get it posted in thee next couple of days.  Since reading is a huge part of going to school I am going to try and do book reviews on this blog too.  Want to try and do one at least every two weeks.  Think that is a pretty good goal to work on.  Help me keep focused.

Is this who we are

News

Makes me sick to think this is who we really are. Maybe we just don't know or care about what and who we are. Worked for Barry Bonds, so why not for the rest of US?

Missouri students sent home due to T-shirts

News & Politics

Is this the new world order? What is going on? Still to this day I am completely dumbfounded by people who think they have ANY right to make judgments of others. Furthermore, can anyone tell me who said it was ok for anyone to judge another?

Without a doubt I will hear from those who can't support their claim other then with the age ole "the Bible told me so." Yet, I challenge you to show me in the Bible to support your claim to be judge and jury? Please, let's be very clear here...do not bring me scripture about discernment, only relevant scripture to support your claim to have the right to judge another.

Now, while you are scratching your head over the difference, I have been doing some additional research on the Webb City High School. Below is excerpts from the Webb City High School.

As always....all comments are encouraged and welcomed!

From the Student Hand Book of Webb City High School; page 6-7, Titled "Dress and Personal Appearance;"

All aspects of dress and personal appearance are extremely important
In developing the best atmosphere for educational attainment. Students are expected to be well groomed and neatly dressed at all times. Dress and appearance must not present health or safety hazards, be indecent, disruptive, distracting, or inappropriate for the classroom.
Although final decisions as to the appropriateness of dress and personal appearance is determined by school officials, the following rules serve as guidelines:

1. Shoes must be worn at all times.
2. Shorts are not acceptable. Length of trousers and slacks must fall at least below the calf.
3. Head coverings in the building are not acceptable.
4. Attire must be worn in the manner for which it was designed and must be free of obscene or suggestive
markings, advertisements of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, and/or other products deemed inappropriate by school officials.
5. Halter tops, spaghetti-strapped tops, transparent blouses/shirts, lingerie or lingerie-look outer attire, backless apparel, or items that fail to conform
to accepted standards of modesty and good taste are not acceptable.
6. All tops must have enough length to extend beyond the waistband of pants/skirts at all times. Sleeveless shirts must have modest arm holes. Girls%92 tops must have at least 2-inch straps.
7. Layering of clothing is appropriate if when worn together the combination fulfills the requirements of the dress code.
8. Dresses and/or skirts must be no shorter than 3%94 above the knee.
9. Attire or wearing of attire in a manner that suggests gang association is not acceptable.
10. Torn or tattered clothing is not acceptable.
11. Unnatural hair-coloring (fuchsia, green, blue, etc.) is not acceptable.
12. Body piercing, other than ear piercing, is not acceptable. Boys earrings are limited to studs or tight-looped styles.

STUDENTS VIOLATING THE DRESS CODE ARE REQUIRED TOCHANGE AND ARE UNEXCUSED FOR TDETENTION MAY ALSO BE ASSIGNED.

From the Student Hand Book of Webb City High School; page 2 Title "Statement of Philosophy;"

We realize the uniqueness of the individual and believe in the right ofeach person, regardless of ability or aspirations, to an education that isgeared to his or her own needs in-so-far as the satisfaction of those needs does not interfere with the overall welfare of the group. It isimportant that the student be recognized for his or her own value as ahuman being through the academic program, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities. This recognition should encompass eachfacet of school and community life.

From the Student Hand Book of Webb City High School; page 2 Title "WCHS MISSION"
The relentless pursuit of student learning and success.

From the Student Hand Book of Webb City High School; page 9 Title "Behavior Rules;"

DRESS CODE VIOLATION: Students violating the dress code will be subject to the following consequences:
First Offense:1 Hour Detention
Second Offense:3 Hours Detention
Third Offense:2 3 Hour Detentions

From the Student Hand Book of Webb City High School; page 41 Title "Harrassment;" (Misspelling is not mine)

It is the policy of the District to maintain a learning environment that is free from harassment because of an individual%92s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation. The School District prohibits any and all forms of unlawful harassment and discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation.

It shall be a violation of District policy for any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of this District to harass or unlawfully discriminate against a student through conduct of a sexual nature, or regarding race, color, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation as defined by this Policy.

It shall also be violation of District policy for any teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of this District to tolerate sexual harassment or harassment because of a students race, color, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation, as defined by this Policy, by a student, teacher, administrator, other school personnel, or by any third parties who are participating in, observing, or otherwise engaged in activities, including sporting events and other extracurricular activities, under the auspices of the School District.

For the purposes of this Policy, the term "school personnel" includes school board members, school employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, or persons subject to the supervision and control of the District.

The school system will act to promptly investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of unlawful harassment or unlawful discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation; to promptly take appropriate action to protect individuals from further harassment or discrimination; and, if it determines that unlawful harassment or discrimination occurred, to promptly and appropriately discipline any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who is found to have violated this Policy, and/or to take other appropriate action reasonably calculated to end the harassment/discrimination.
Revision of Policy 2130 Adopted 12-14-00

For more information, please contact the superintendent:
Dr. Ronald Lankford, Superintendent
Webb City R-7 Schools 411 N. Madison
Webb City, MO 64870
417-673-6000

To contact Webb City High School;

Webb City High School
621 N. Madison
Webb City, MO
417-673-6010

Surprise, surprise, surprise.....

MSNBC - Legislating your sex life

Well, I was wondering when someone would write about this. It has been one of my fears for over a year just as the re-election season was kicking off. The amazing thing to me is when did we ever think we are "free?" This article only touches on a couple of laws out there.

We came here to be free from .... what? Now countries all over the glode are reporting increased inquiries from American citizens about desire to move to their countries.

Are we on the right path?

Learning all over again

   Going up the “Grapevine” as I write this, with my trainee driving.  Not sure it is worth noting, but just thought since I am a truck driver some of you might wonder where I go and such.  Most of the time lately I have been on the west coast going up and down from southern California up to Seattle, WA.  Sometimes I go up to the Canadian border and as far south as the Mexican border.  With runs out to Salt Lake City, UT., Las Vegas, NV., Phoenix, AZ., and everywhere in between.  Now I am going to be adding runs to FL to my regular schedule too.  Looking forward to it because it opens me up to meeting so many other people and doing what I really love to do and that being photography.  In the coming weeks I will write more about my plans over the next couple of years and somewhat a big part of having this blog.  Hope to hear from people and making new friends.

    As for the title of this entry it has mostly to do with this new laptop and learning everything over again about using it.  Like tonight I am trying to figure out how in the hell I can put a hyperlink (web page addy) into a email I was trying to send.  At this point I haven’t been successful.  So anyone out there that knows Apple and more specific Entourage and can help me please...PLEASE feel free to tell me what I am doing wrong.  Guess I will be taking those classes at the Apple store after all...hahaha.

    If anyone ever has any questions for me please write and ask, I will make sure to answer.  Thanks for reading my blog and talk to you soon.