Something To Read...

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Teachers Should Bring Guns to School?!?!?

     There is definitely a credible danger facing all levels of American public and private schools today.  From the first most notorious modern day massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999 where 12 students and 1 teacher were murdered to the now infamous 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conneticut that left a total of 27 killed; 20 of them children, we found out just how dangerous guns can be when placed in the wrong hands.  Since the latest shooting at Newtown, some people have suggested that teachers should be allowed to bring guns into their classrooms.  A bill was actually filed in Missouri that would allow teachers to obtain a concealed weapon permit so they could legally bring a gun to school.  Is this the best way to deter a would be shooter from coming on campus?  Although this is a serious issue that requires the attention of legislators, by allowing teachers to bring guns to school, they could very well be providing an assailant; student or visitor, with the means to create more havoc.  What are some viable options?  Possibly providing only one secure point of entry at schools would help.  The downside to this is that it could create a "prison" like atmosphere among the attending students.  This is a tough situation to which the answers are even tougher.  No weapons should be brought on campus.  But, if that's the case, then what else should be done?


Visit my blog at http://AFewScrewsLoose.blogspot.com if you like to read stories.

Trayvon Martin



Trayvon Martin

     By now I am sure we all have heard something about the killing of 17 year-old Trayvon Martin.  He was shot and killed on February 26, 2012 by over zealous neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman.  Zimmerman dialed 911 and reported him as a suspicious person.  He labeled Trayvon Martin suspicious due to that he was wearing a hoodie and, at the time, the only other thing that Zimmerman knew was that the child was black.  There is an audio recording of the 911 operator asking him if he is following Trayvon Martin and Zimmerman says yes.  Then, the operator informs him that the police don't need him to follow Trayvon; nevertheless, Zimmerman continues pursuit of the 17 year-old. 

George Zimmerman is Hispanic and Trayvon Martin is black so the racial dynamics are there.  What happens next is unknown for the most part but the ending is very tragic.  However, there are some facts that stand out.  We know Zimmerman's state of mind because, during the 911 call, he makes a statement that 'THESE assholes always get away'.  What was he referring to? Only he knows for sure.  The ONLY thing that he knew at the time was that the child was black and wore a hoodie.  He didn't see him commit any crime.  What makes him an asshole?  Another thing that we know is that when performing neighborhood watch duty, you are not told or encouraged to carry a gun.  The name in itself says "watch" not shoot!  We also know that Trayvon Martin was unarmed.  So, from what we know, use of a gun should be considered excessive force on an unarmed child.  Zimmerman claims that Trayvon Martin broke his nose and he was scared for his life.  Was that before or after a gun was pulled on Trayvon by who he knew as a stranger?  If he was so scared then why did he pursue an "asshole" especially since he knew the cops were coming?  And furthermore, you mean to tell me a tough guy couldn't beat a 17 year-old child in a fight?  Lastly, we know that after Zimmerman confronted Trayvon Martin and the end result is the child's shooting death.  So far Zimmerman remains a free man.  Playing devil's advocate, let's imagine that Zimmerman was a black man and Trayvon Martin was a white child...

 I know that it's impossible to know but, with all things being even, would a black man, on neighborhood watch, have been arrested for shooting a white child?

Do you believe that Trayvon Martin was racially profiled?

Do you believe that George Zimmerman should have been arrested?

ALL comments are ALWAYS welcome!!!



George Zimmerman



Do You Like To READ???

     This is an very inspirational book about overcoming obstacles, understanding many different levels of love, and embracing and renewing family relationships.  If you have ever fallen in love unexpectedly, if you ever had seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against you or if you ever longed for the family closeness that you had as a child then this EBOOK is definitely for you!  Learn what it's really like to be hospitalized, to feel helpless, and to regret words said in anger.  If you like true stories and being completely entertained, then this is a must have!  Follow along on my blog http://rickysnewbook.blogspot.com or twitter account https://twitter.com/#!/Rickysnewbook to get the behind the scenes story and extra details about the EBOOK.  Please reserve your copy today and be one of the first 1,000 readers to enjoy $5 off the retail price!  Make sure you get a copy for you or that advid reader that you know.  Go to http://rickysnewbook.blogspot.com .

RESERVE A COPY OF MY EBOOK TODAY!!!

Why do I think this EBOOK is worth your hard earned $15 - $10 if you are one of the first 1,000 to reserve a copy???  Well, if you know somebody who has been cooped up in a hospital room, or has fallen in love unexpectedly, or has been scared or confused then, this would be a GREAT gift any day of the year.  Anyone will totally relate to this story. 
     My name is Ricky and I grew up in the 1980's.  It was a more fun and a lot safer time.  I was heavily into football and college basketball -- Go HEELS!  I wanna write some feel good and inspirational stories; possibly even a movie script.  I'm trying to bring that fun, comfortable, and safe feeling back in this morbid time of fear and turmoil.  So feel free to sample some of my writing on my blog.  My blog is here but if this is posted elsewhere then it's at http://rickysnewbook.blogspot.com/  There I have excerpts of the first draft posted and you can even follow my twitter account at https://twitter.com/#!/Rickysnewbook  I made it especially for giving insight about my writing, thinking, and the EBOOK.  I promise it will be a way to get the most for your $10; as one of the first 1,000 readers/buyers.  The money is for the appreciation of what I am sharing in the book about my life, because it's a great true story, because everything I make on this one is gonna help fund my next project, and because everyone that reserves a copy is going to get $5 off my next book.  My next book is an action thriller about what would happen if China flexed its muscles in the U.S.  It came to me in a dream.  If for nothing else, thanks for your time and thanks in advance for buying my EBOOK!  The official release date is slated for February 20, 2012 but I will update on my blog, twitter, and email if I get the editing done earlier; maybe in time for Christmas.  Please leave your email address below where I can give updates and information on my ebook and release date.  AGAIN THANK YOU ALL!

Music And Me...

     What are my music tastes and what were my main influences?  Hello, I listen to music quite a bit and I find myself liking many different types.  And guess what? I am not afraid to say it. There is a certain stigma that comes with liking music that "you shouldn't like" due to your race or culture. I was never big on doing things according to others.  I grew up in the 1980's and at the time, there weren't a lot of the themed music stations. The few radio stations, at the time, played everything. It was an era of skating rink birthday parties and dodgeball. Well, naturally, my tastes grew from there. I had a pretty happy childhood; even though, we did have our struggles, I really enjoyed it! I loved sports and I was good at them. I had many friends and many positive influences in my life.  Why do I like the music that I like today? There are a few reasons that stand out.
     I touched on it briefly; however, it started my love for music. Growing up, we had radio stations that played Top 40 music. The internet didn't exist and neither did radio stations that specialized in one particular type of artists. Like it or not, I had to listen to R & B, pop, country, rock and roll, and rap all on one station.  Well, I did like it! As I was exposed to more music, I began to seek out similar music from different singers. While listening to Aerosmith's "Dude Looks Like A Lady", I would stumble upon The Rolling Stones' "Jumping Jack Flash" and so forth.
     Now at home, I would hear mainly Motown because that was from my Moms generation. This started my thirst for Rhythm and blues or R & B. It was not only about the singer, I enjoyed the beat and the lyrics too. How could you not enjoy the infectious beat on James Brown's "The Big Payback?" I play that now still today. And let's not forget Mr. Michael Jackson. It was safe to say that I was hooked from the very first note.
     Then, the 1990's came along with Alternative and Gansta Rap.  I had already started listening to rap in the '80's but this was more hardcore than DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince's "Parent's Just Don't Understand." One of my all time favorite groups is NWA. Yeah, they were an in your face rap group that talked about everything that your parents feared and never apologized for it. But, it was really good music! The beats and the lyrics were well put together; just perfect and it was the first time that I heard a black group be so defiant. Alternative, as it was called at the time, was ushered in by R.E.M. I liked them because it was different and good. Their "Losing My Religion" was a classic. I have many of their songs on my ipod today. many other groups would come along in this genre but R.E.M. was the first that was really commercially successful.
     Now, when it comes to classic rock, I have to give thanks to my first...well you know. She was a beautiful, free-spirited soul that captivated me. I had already been listening to The Eagles "Long Run" so it wasn't new. However, there was so much more to it. For instance, Eric Clapton's "Cocaine" is a good song that I might not have heard if she wasn't in my life.  So I dove into this category and found many great artists. Through this, I became even more musically diverse. From Kansas to Creedance Clearwater Revival, there are too many too list. Thanks Ms. X!
     When it comes to country, I listen to a few artists. My first was probably Dolly Parton though. Way back in the day, her duet "Islands In The Stream" and "9 to 5" were good ones. But, more so in the 1990's, Shania Twain made it interesting again. I think that a women's sex appeal is highly underrated. What man hasn't done something for no other reason than the fact he was following an attractive woman? Countries have fallen. Anyway, she had some great songs such as "Still The One" and so I got back into country. I prefer female country artists but there are a few male groups such as Little Texas' "What Might Have Been." Great song!
     I could go on and on but you probably want to leave a comment so I will shut up.  Way too many artists to list; I couldn't do it real justice. But, I have given you some insight. Being a black male, it is not popular to like most of the music that I like. You know what I say...ef them. Starting back when going to the skating rink was cool, I learned to enjoy and appreciate many different types of music. I am grateful that I do enjoy it all and I think it also had to do with my overall attitude towards life. Today is gonna be a good music listening day!

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Tools To Become An Effective Manager...

    Throughout my employment experiences, whether it was as a leader or a follower, the thing that determined my overall job satisfaction was the effectiveness of my supervision.  A great effective manager can make a somewhat stressful job a much more pleasant environment.  It's the managers that understand their role that have the most motivated and dependable employees.  Please don't think that just by title alone, you can rule with an iron fist.  Nobody likes orders shouted at them in a disrespectful manner.  If you are a manager or will become one soon, then I suggest that you take heed and sharpen up these 5 qualities of an effective manager.
     Be an excellent communicator!  You must be able express what it is that you want carried out in a precise manner.  Everyone can't follow the level of instructions easily.  You must know the employee that you are talking to and give tailor-made directions.  People comprehend and work on different skill levels so this would definitely help in the communication department.  Also, remember to listen to any special needs or requests so your employees will have the proper tools needed to complete their job.
     Be fair!  I have worked for different people in my life and the ones that stood out the most, were the managers that were fair.  If you are a manager remember that employees notice everything.  So if you "show" that you have favorites, it will be questioned and resented by everyone else on some level.  For example, if you send someone home early today, then send someone else home early tomorrow.  Give everybody a chance to enjoy the few perks that are offered and you will be much more appreciated.  There is no need to add drama to the workplace by showing favoritism.
     Be knowledgeable!  There is nothing more disenchanting and depressing than going to work for a boss that is clueless.  Employees will lose all respect for you if you do not know if you don't know how to direct them.  If there are different areas of expertise, then you must work to become efficient in all of them.  You should be able to answer any questions that arise correctly.  An employee will take what you say more serious if he or she knows that you know what you are talking about.  You will be more involved in important decisions because you will be more assured with your self worth.
     Be confident!  Being able to solve problems is good.  Being confident that your solution will permanently solve them is priceless.  Not every decision that you will have to make will be the best one.  However, you must be confident, that at the time and current circumstances, you have made the best decision.  When you are confident it shows in your expressions and your demeanor.
     Be a good decision maker!  Be able to make good decisions based on information and facts.  If you come across a theme that you might not be that familiar with, then be able to make a very educated guess.  Stay informed of any new techniques, rules, or procedures so you won't base any decision on out-dated material.  Making good and quick decisions will make your employees comfortable when approaching you with a problem and you will be better informed.
     These are five of the best qualities of an effective manager.  There are more qualities that you should possess , but if you start with these as a foundation, then you will be well on your way to being the best at your workplace.  By being a good manager, you will make work a more pleasurable experience for your employees and it will result in better work performance.

They Burnt The Quran...

     Well, they finally did it!  It was talked about last year around the anniversary of the September 11th attacks.  The dishonorable Reverend Terry Jones must have lost his mind.  Mr. Jones and his church, the Dove Outreach Center, decided to put the lives of U.S. military members in further jeopardy.  He selfishly took it upon himself to create a more hostile environment because of a personal crusade.  Although he did not commit any crimes, as far as I know, he placed shame upon himself and this great country by his despicable actions.  As a man of the cloth, I would think he would know better and have more respect for others.  Atleast I thought.
     Somewhere, on or about March 20th, Terry Jones and his crew burnt the Quran.  The Quran is essentially the Bible of the Muslim faith.  Not only did he burn it, he had the audacity to broadcast it online.  Apparently, he put the Quran on trial and found it guilty of training and promoting terrorist activities worldwide.  Yeah, he's crazy.  He blames a sacred Book for the actions of ignorant individuals.  Make no mistake, terrorists rank among the lowest forms of life.  However, all Muslims are not terrorist.  And, it's not the Quran, it's the people that wrongly use it to influence weak-minded individuals to commit horrible crimes.  His actions caused an uproar among devout Muslims around the world to include those residing in the United States.  In Afghanistan, people have taken to the streets looking for anything American to destroy.  In one case, 11 people were killed including 7 foreigners when they stormed a U.N. compound on Friday.  Afghan President Hamid Karzai issued a statement that called the incident a crime against a religion.  He further stated that it was a disrespectful and abhorrent act.
     Yes, other countries have burnt the American flag and worse; that doesn't make what Jones did right.  Do stupid things that will cause yourself harm not others.  What do you think?  Do you agree with what he did?  Just because you have the right to do something doesn't make it morally correct.