WHY NOT?

    So many times I have helped other in my life that I can't remember.  I am married, 3 kids, wife works, I work and well we have everything we could ever want.  I am not rich nor poor, live pay check to pay check like most Americans do but I am as happy as can be.  After all, money isn't everything.  The house, the cars and every other nice thing we owe, it isn't everything.  To me, my families health is the most important thing and then our happiness.  Being healthy brings happiness so that is why it comes first.  In all my life, I have never been "given" anything just because, but today, I was.
    My wife and I recently found out that one of our 4 year old twin boys has difficulty seeing and will be needing eye glasses.  It was pretty hard on my wife and I because he is only 4 yrs old and will be required to wear eye glasses.  As a parent, well I don't want to see my children hurting or in a "strange" situation. I guess to me, wearing eye glasses as a 4 year old is a bit strange.  But I was only being selfish and not looking at his needs. So anyways, today, we went to get his eye exam and eye glasses.  To our surprise, he was so happy to be there and was so excited that he was wearing the eye glasses.  He was already saying to us that he can see better and felt that he was a whole new person.  My wife and I were so shocked.  We couldn't believe it and were so thankful.  So as we are about to pay for the exam and eye glasses, my wife gets told by the lady behind the cash register that someone wants to pay for our kids eye exam and eye glasses.  We were like "what?".  Shocked.  We met this person and told him that we were thankful, but could not accept his offer.  After a few more words exchanged, we were finally brought to tears and had no choice but to say OK.  But that was not the end of it.  He then asked about our other twin boy. About what he needed or what he wanted.  We told the man, " nothing sir, nothing at all".  He then said, "come all yall, there has to be something".  So with out letting us answer, he said, why don't you go and get $100 worth of clothes for your boys each and then come back and see me here.  I will pay for it all and you guys can then have a good evening.  We couldn't believe what was happening.  I told my wife, well "why not".  Lets see it as a blessing.  I mean we had money, they didn't need clothes, and we could of payed for the eye things ourselves.  But for ones in my life, I said what the heck, "why not".  after about an hour or so shopping around for our boys, we got them some cool stuff that they might need in the near future.  Things like clothes and shoes for next school year.  It was an awesome feeling that I can not explain.  As my wife and I were picking out clothes, we were talking about why we thought this guy was doing this.  I said that well I am in uniform and he wants to thank me for my service to our country.  But she said no, not that again. I don't think that is it.  So I  then said well what could it be?  My wife then replied " it is a blessing"  just a blessing.  It don't matter why or from who, just be thankful.  So we did and well we are.  And for ones, I sucked it up and gave in.  Taking what was a "gift" from someone without even an answer to the reason why.  So today, as we got home, I reflect back at what was truly a wonderful day.  Not for me or for my family, but for the person that gave us this gift.  The gift that I got was the same gift that I had given to someone years ago.  What goes around truly comes right back around.  So "why not"...

Response to "what is love"

What is love?...well, love is what it means. It is something that is in all of us. Whether we want it or not, LOVE was given to us as a gift from our creator. Who ever you think that is, that is where it comes from. Love is hard to see, hear and sometimes hard to feel. Love comes from the brain and is past through the body so fast that we sometimes miss the signs. When we get butterflies in our stomachs, it is LOVE that we are feeling. Our emotions are being processed by the brain and our body is just responding to what we "must" feel. Ever person feels love. It might be expressed differently, but it is still love. 
What does love have to do with it? Everything... Love is always the first thing and the last thing we think.. It will be with us even after our bodies become dust. The human body has something called "soul" that is the natural state of love that all humans have. It is because of LOVE that we were created and it is LOVE that we will die one day. Hate, fear or even abuse could block the signs of love. But it still remains in us because we can not get rid of it. No matter what the situation, Love is Love. So wonderful and so powerful that we can't help but smile. So next time you see someone smile, know that it is love that they feel, and of course, you can't help but smile back... Love, so much of it is out in the world that we don't even understand it.

"We Do Bad Things to Bad People"

Well Lily, you are correct about in today's world everything is being put out there. For one, the photos are already out... I have seen them and yeah, they are not to pretty. But from a Soldier's point of view, one that has "been there, done that", 
well they are all the same. These pictures are no different then that of other "bad guys" that we have captured. One reason that they are more important then others is because they would mean a lot to most people. I mean look at the response that most of the world had, especially the United States. All the cheering and the "relief" of stress was felt all over the world. It has been 6 days since that day and we are still responding like crazy. For most Americans, the photos will be the last straw. Look at what happen to Saddam Hussein when he was captured in 2006. I was there in Iraq when he was Executed. When the U.S. Forces captured Saddam, it was a huge relief for most Iraqis, because he was a terrible man. Just like Bin Laden was to the U.S. So when he was captured and sentenced to death by hanging, most Iraqis didn't believe it would happen. But when the photos and the video was put out to the public, well that was what everyone wanted. And in the end, it was their closure to many years of torture and abuse. 
So even if it heals only one person, just one American by freeing him or her of all the pain and discomfort, to me, it will be worth releasing the photos... Who ever doesn't want to see them, don't... Who ever does, well you guessed it... just a click away.. they will be out very, very soon... Besides, just like my buddies say " We Do Bad Things to Bad People".. Special Forces Group...




When you have time.... please watch video...

WINDS OF TIME

            For years American’s have grown accustom to relying on fossil fuels as their primary energy source.  This energy is nonrenewal and has forced the American populace, and the American Government to become depended on foreign countries to meet produce fuels to meet the energy need of the nation.  Within the borders of the United States, there are an untapped resource of unlimited potential that has not been resourced proper, has been mismanaged, and has had little funding .  With the rise of fossil fuels, the inconsistent production of fossil fuels, and the threat to national security looming in the near future, a new resource is required immediately to meet the nation’s energy needs.  One of these resources is wind.  Even though wind has been around since the beginning of time, it is not until just recently that we have begun “capturing” the wind.

            It is only a matter of time that we run out of fossil fuels.  In fact, “based on the increase in consumption as well as reserves, the conclusion is that current trends suggest that all fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) could be depleted within decades, possibly as early as 2060.” (Burek, 2010)  Nearly 70 percent of America’s requirements for electricity are generated by fossil fuels.  In fact, coal is the leading fossil fuel that generates electricity and since it is a nonrenewable resource, finding an alternative source is critical.  Fossil fuels are considered nonrenewable resource because once extracted, it is refined into a number of fuels and cannot be replenished once it is burned.  One alternative is the windmill.  Unlike fossil fuels, the windmill and other renewable resources (other than water) supply less than 1 percent of the electricity generated in the United States.  One can not get a true average of what a windmill would produce, but “some modern wind turbines generate as much as 3.6 megawatts of electrical energy.” (Daugherty, 2005)  Also, there is a huge difference in location and when and how the wind blows.  Understanding that the wind direction and speed is different everywhere and that catching the wind all depends on the right time at the right place.  In comparing the windmill to fossil fuels, the windmill could not generate the same capacity of electricity that is being produced by fossil fuels today. 

Although wind is the fastest growing power source of its kind, it still won’t provide but 12 percent of the earth’s electricity within two decades.  Here in America, places such as Texas, Oregon and Kansas are harvesting wind farms that have helped the wind-energy output by over 60 percent last year.  Most people do not believe the hype when it comes to renewable energy and some even blame it for oil prices to go up.   Other ways to help the environment and help reduce the energy that is being used are the use of conventional fuel through efficiency incentives.  “Strict standards can cut energy use in everything from air conditioners to cars.  Compact fluorescent lamps use a quarter of the electricity of incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light.” (Rossevelt, 2002)  In the end, it still is a matter of choice when it comes to helping the environment.  Whether by pressure from the utilities department or strict standards enforced by the Government, we still have a lot to learn when it comes to doing the right thing. 

 Better yet, tell me what you think?

http://youtu.be/FpucONE7WWk

Work Cited

Burek, S. (2010). When will Fossil Fuels Finally Run Out and What is the Technical Potential

for Renewable Energy Resoruces? International Journal of COMADEM. 13(4)22-27, 6p

Daugherty, Michael K.; Carter, Vinson R.. Technology Teacher, Feb2010, Vol. 69 Issue 5, p24-28, 5p

Roosevelt, M.; Sekiguchi, T.(2002).The Winds of Change. Time. 160(9), 40

response to Iraq

Yes, indeed there has been a lot of improvements in Iraq since 2003, but we shouldn't forget why and how it came to be. First, we owe it to the men and women that have given their lives for not only our country, but for Iraq as well. They not only suffered, but their families will continue to ponder their lose forever.
I too have "been there, done that" and my opinion is that Gen. David Petraeus is the reason Iraq is a better place today. I too was there in 03/04...Very bad place to be, but yet we were the outsiders. No running water, very little electricity (if at all), no education policy, no rule in government... We conquered Iraq with no expectations of where we would do with it once we took it. We as Americans cheered and loved when Saddam was executed, but it was not that that changed the Iraqi government and way of living. Instead, it was the "surge" that Gen. Petraeus brought with him, which kicked the enemies butt and was able to give the Iraqis a new beginning. I was there when the surge came to be and I tell you, it was no joke. We lost a lot of "American", I lost some good soldiers and dear friends of mine. A battle that was not over until the "enemy" got the picture. The picture would be that we wouldn't leave until they all were out of Iraq or killed. 
I know what you mean when you say that the view from above is a whole different view. I was "lucky" enough to fly over head a few times. Flew over Baghdad to Najaf and Fallujah for some butt kicking.... loved every part of it. Real battles that will go done in History. You're right, back then there wasn't much of a city or even life it self. But years later, things were different with the "city lights" in full force. A view from above is not the same from as below. The people of Iraq are still complaining about how little they have and about how "we" owe them things to come. What is missing is that they now need to figure it out on their own. We not only should leave the Country of Iraq, but we "must" do it NOW.... Seems that I still have buddies going there and this will be there 5th or 6th time..now it is all about training them, but they are not as educated as us...they can not grasp the knowledge as we do... I will take another 20-30 years to get Iraq straight. A better place for Iraqis? Yes... A better place for us all... not really... In the end, we didn't change much...just like sweeping your kitchen... eventually, you will have to clean it again

RESPONSE TO BLOG 2

TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER


First of all thank you for what you do for this country... As a fellow "troop" myself, I understand your pain... Regarding the situation with the child being two young for day care and only having 6 weeks of time off, I can complete understand your fustration. I have a 10 year old daughter and 5 year old twin boys, so when it comes to child concerns, let me be the first to tell you that they come first.. My family means everything to me and I am will to do what all it takes to take care of them. So as a supervisor myself, I am quick to take care of my soldiers because I know that they will take care of me in the end.... I will allow my soldiers to take care of their issues as much as possible... As far as I know, it isn't the Military or the Navy doing this, it's the "leadership", the superisors. They have the discreation to do what they want. They have the power to do and say as they please... they should of allowed you to take care of that issues before it becomes an "issue". So blame the Leaders, not the Unit....

GO SPURS GO....

COME ON SPURS, WE MUST WIN TONIGHT..... LETS GO...

Government Shutdown response

Yeah, you are correct, this is out of control... I mean really, is it that serious for people to start talking that dumb? When it comes down to threats and other negative remarks on each other, you know it has gone to far. It is one thing to shut down the "government", but to continue to blame each other on the reason why it will shut down is just plain stupid. 
I am in the Army and I tell you, I was very, very close to not being paid. Well as a matter of fact, I will probably still only get half of my pay this coming week, but will get it back at the end of the month. What is sad is that I understand why we are heading in this direction and that I am willing, again, to sacrifice my self and family to the good of the nation. I know why we are in a bad economy and understand that it is everyone's responsibility to ensure we get through this. If we don't do something about our budget, we will be in a bad situation. "Companies don't like uncertainty, and if they start seeing that suddenly we may have a shutdown of our government, that could halt momentum right when we need to build it up - all because of politics," President Obama said. It is once again sad that we all just can't come to a conclusion. Right or wrong, lets all make a choice. Stick to that decision and go forward from here...Good luck America.....

In this video, this people just don't get it....freaking close these place down, fire some people that don't do a good job, cut my military pay. Whatever it takes to get us a better future, lets make it happen.... Tourism? Museums? Come on people...........

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/04/06/National-Politics/Videos/04052011-51v/04052011-51v.jpg

GO SPURS GO...

Glad Spurs won today.... We needed that win... Now hope Lakers lose... Playoff games just a few weeks away....
For more info on Spurs, click below...

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/sas

Not again....

The Spurs lost their sixth game in a row, falling to the Rockets 119-114 in overtime.  Freaking getting tired of the Spurs losing.  Hope they will get back on the wagon during playoffs.... just 8 games left......Go Spurs Go....

Performance-enhancing drugs

            Ever since I started to play sports in middle school, I have always wanted to be the best, the strongest, and the most important player in any game.  I am not a big person nor am I a skinny guy either.  The average Army Soldier today is 5ft 8in, 176lbs.  Today, I am 5ft 9in and weight 182lbs.  Since it is a matter of national defense and life or death situation, it is my job to be in great shape and in good health all the time.  I must maintain my current weight and must be drug free so that I can be focused on doing my job to the best of my ability.  I must admit, I have been tempted and pressured a few times in my career to take performance-enhancing drugs, but I have never tried them for a good number of reasons. 

            When we hear the phrase “performance-enhancing drugs”, the first thing we mostly think about are steroids.  Steroids are a type of enhancements, but there are many other types of categories and classifications.  I remember many times as a child, I would hear stories about wrestlers and other athletes who were on top of their sports because they were using steroids.  Back then, it wasn’t a big deal as it is today.  One could just be told to stop using the enhancing drug and then nothing would happen, but in today’s world of sports, it would be a career ender.  I agree with today’s rules and regulations on performance-enhancing drugs because they are not safe at all.  No matter what it is you are taking them for, you will pay the consequences in the future. 

            Not all performance-enhancing drugs are for sports figures or for gaining satisfaction purposes, but some can be used for medical reasons.  One might think that all painkillers are the same, but some can hide and kill the pain so that you could perform as if you don’t have an injury or an illness.  Even drugs to control your nerves could be a type of performance-enhancing drug.  In 1999, Barry Bonds, one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game suffered an elbow injury which would take a while to heal.  No big deal since that was a pretty common injury in baseball, but he would be back in the game in no time because he had taken some performance-enhancements to allow him to heal faster.  Later, we would learn that the injury was more serious that what anyone thought.  According to reports in the San Francisco Chronicle, “Kimberly Bell, who says she dated the ballplayer for nine years, told the jury in Bonds’ perjury trial that baseball’s home run champion blamed a 1999 career-threatening elbow injury on his steroid use.  The drugs ‘somehow caused the muscles and tendons to grow faster than they could handle and (the elbow) somehow blew out,’ Bell said Bonds told her after the 1999 baseball season.”  http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/28/MNMR1IKVC3.DTL Not all cases dealing with enhancing drugs are so hidden that it would take an injury to finally admit to using them, but in some cases they are quite noticeable. 

            Bodybuilding is a sport that has always caught my attention because of the beauty of how the body can become.  I have been lifting weights for the past 7 years and have not notice much change in the way I look.  As stated before, I have came close to taking enhancements such as steroids because I had reached my limit in to how much I could lift and how much my muscles could grow.  I was not happy on how I looked or felt.  I wanted to be the best I could be and at that time, I knew that I could do better.  As I pondered the thought to use steroids, I would remember what my wife Janie, had told me years ago. “Babe, do you really think it is worth it and do you really know what you are doing.”  The answer was no, I had no idea what I was doing and I didn’t think it was worth it.  I had already done some research on steroid use and was just surprised to learn what I had read.  Today, some people think that I am or were at one point taking steroids because of the way I look. Like I mentioned before, I am not a big guy and I am not the strongest either.  I could understand why someone might think that I am on an enhancement, but after you get to know me and after you have done some research on performance-enhancing drugs, you would know that there is no way I have or will do that stuff.  I have had the honor and privilege to meet some of the world’s best sports athletes and trust me, I could tell you who is on the “enhancements” and who is not.  A picture can tell you a thousand things, but it could also be misleading.  It is not until you see it for yourself that you will start to understand and believe the story behind the photo.  I have a few pictures of me beside some of these sports icons and by comparing me to them in statue, well you could think whatever you may want. 

            The consequences to taking performance-enhancing drugs are just not worth it in my point of view.  They are not only wrong to take, but could be a career ender or even life ending situation.  Like I said before, I have been in the Army for 14 years and if I was taking steroids, I would have been kicked out for sure.  I love to be in great shape, but I will not go out of my way to do whatever it is that I have to so that I can excel in my body and performance.  I do take substances such as vitamins and protein supplements, but these are never classified as performance enhancers.  Very few people should be using performance-enhancing drugs, but only under the care of a physician and for a limited time only. 

Williams, Lance (2011, March 29) Barry Bonds’ ex says he discussed steroid use. <http://www.sfgate.com

De Los Santos, Janie. Personal interview. 24 August 2005






Here are a few pictures of a few "meat heads"...
I am pictured with them so that you can see how big of a difference they are.  You can make  you own conclusion and decide whether or not they are using "performance-enhancing drugs.


  

Mr. Olympia and I in 2009- Fort Hood,Tx

                                                                                              

Texas Shredder and I in 2011- Lubbock,Tx

Dave Goodin- Texas Shredder
5'8, 178 lbs

Jay Cutler - Mr. Olympia
5'9, 275 lbs

Me at first contest in 2007
5'9, 165 lbs

                            

Response to Brad Shaw

  As a fellow soldier myself, I can relate to what Brad Shaw is talking about when it comes to the Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell (DADT) Law.  However, I don’t support this repeal disagree for a number of reasons.  There have been gay, lesbian, or bisexual service members that have served this country for many years and it isn’t until just now that they can come out in the open.  While it is true that open service members do not undermine military readiness, troop morale or national security, I do believe that it will affect job performance and cohesion.    Understanding that we all have a job to do, having the right person at the right place is critical in my eyes. 

   I have been in the Army for 14 years and I have seen just about everything.  I have had the experience in working with homosexual right beside me in both garrison and at war.  Having to participate with training and real life and death situations you would think that it wouldn’t matter what their sexual orientation are, but trust me, it does.  For an Infantry Soldier like myself, I have no time for the consideration of others when dealing with feelings and issues out of the ordinary.  It is already hard to begin with just dealing with regular or soldier like problems, much less having to deal with same sex issues, living conditions, and considerations towards others. In all honesty, I don’t mind working with homosexuals, but if and only if we can accomplish the mission all the same.  Couldn’t really get too involved with this topic since I am still on active duty.  The only thing we can do is deal with the change that is here and make the best of it.  I do believe in equal opportunity and show respect towards others.       

Amnesty

   Having both parents that were born and raised in Mexico, I can relate to what millions of Mexicans are going through: both here in the U.S. and across the border.  Why do many people risk their lives to come illegally to the United States?  That my friends is the million dollar question.  For years, this country has been arguing with itself on the laws on whether or not to allow amnesty to those who are "undocumented aliens."   It is only a fraction of those aliens that are breaking the law and causing resentment for many American citizens.  It is not fair to the many millions of other Mexicans that are here undocumented to have to be deported because they have not done anything wrong.  The only thing most are doing is helping their families by getting out of poverty and displacement.  Their country has pushed them to the limit that they have no choice but to cross the border and seek a better way of living. 
   It's true, "they have broken the law" says John F. Kavanaugh, but "let us be vigilant and charitable" as well.  Why can't we instead take them in and help them with food and water, and other resources that we as Americans take for granted.  Even though they have been here for many years and have had children born in the U.S., we are still trying to push them back to their country.  A strange place that has forgotten them and will show no mercy.  Here in the U.S. both political and church officials have gotten involved so much that it is threatening communities, schools and work places.  From unable to hire or unwanting to hire because of their legal status, most Americans are afraid to make a decision based on what they think the law says, not by what is the right thing to do.  Yes, the law is the law, but how far are you willing to go to see a poor family starving with no shelter or even clothes on their back.  Let's not forget "the Good Samaritan" or of the "least of our brothers and sisters" in Matthew 25.
   To me, amnesty is the answer if and only if the person is in good standing with the law and someone who contributes to  the community and their family.  For many years now, the United States has been securing it's border but with little or no protection.  We should not worry about illegal immigration more than other concerns such as the war on drugs.  So next time you see or hear about an undocumented  person, think twice about how you get your food or you who prepares it for you to eat.



Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. Writing Arugments: A Rhetoric with Readings. 8th ed. New York: Longman, 2010. Print

FOUND IT..

OK, I found the book that we need for this class....now going on vacation during Spring Break and hope to you guys when we start next week....

Looking for books

Just completed my first class with OU..... looking forward to getting started with this class... One problem, I can't seem to find the book/books for it.  Can anyone help?.... Lets get start on the right foot. Later.

lets go

Hope to start here soon. Still need to complete another class.