Thursday Coffee: Looks Like I Am Going Remote For A Bit

You'll have to pardon the grammar errors for once I'm afraid. You see my computer broke so I am posting remote. It's not like usual where I write up a post and then copy and paste it. I'm writing in the blogger app on my phone for the first time ever.
So not sure how this will come out as you read it the first time. Though if you are reading it and it looks flawless it probably means I went back and edited it after getting my computer back. It is definitely an adjustment for me not being able to use a computer, but I think I can manage.
Just going to be an issue when it comes to school possibly so definitely have to get it fixed at least for that. 
I'm working on finding ways to do what I did on it for the most part while I can't use it. Though it is interesting to see some of the ways that it can be done. Mind you there are limits to how much like a computer I can work on a phone or Kindle. But I am managing since it is just a matter of being creative and working around things like I used to do.
I'm not beat yet not by a long shot. I just have to find ways to work around things for a little while. As I have said before I refuse to be beaten. I will find a way no matter what. I may have setbacks, but I will persevere.
I am taking my chance and making something of myself in society. And, nothing is going to stop me from making that dream come true. For some a good run gets their adrenaline pumping but for me it is writing like I am doing here.
It gets me pumped up and ready to go. I will try the copy and paste method tomorrow just was in a hurry to post today. I wanted to write here so bad. So you may see a second post today. We'll see just depends on how things go.
Sorry if this post is short I will make it up to you in the long run. Feel free to leave questions and comments below. And, please sha re with your friend and family. As for me I am going to see what else I can get done before I eat. *Tips his hat and walks out the door. *

Tuesday Thoughts: Dear Dad

            Me and my dad aren’t really good at sharing emotions, just a hang up for us. But we are learning. Pam I hope you are reading this and make sure dad does too. Hopefully it gives him some insight into how I look at him.

Dear Dad,

            Since we started communicating again I have learned a lot of what has gone on in the past as well as what goes on behind closed doors with the family. And, I know you wanted to keep me safe from that part of the family but I would rather be in 100% with you and help you shoulder the burden it can be at times. I’m sorry I caused you so much pain as a teenager. It wasn’t you it was feeling isolated socially that made me run to Portland. And, that wasn’t the best choice for e academically. And, yes I have some problems, but you raised a respectable sun that does his best to run his household responsibly. I’m working on doing better than you did like you hoped I would someday. I hope to make you proud eventually.

            I know you worked a lot when I was a kid because you thought that was what you thought that was the right thing to do as well as you like to keep busy. Me I just wanted my dad around to spend time with. But, I do understand why you did what you did. I also get that you were trying to do with your encouragement method though I pat on the back would have helped me with. But I get it now. I hope you can understand that sports were never really my thing. I’m a geek/nerd. I’m into Science Fiction and Fantasy type stuff. Like tabletop games and computer games. I tried to do well in sports to impress you, but never could quite get it to fit me.

            I get that you wanted me to follow in your footsteps during high school, but I just couldn’t handle the stress. I’m sorry for that. I might have done better with a work from home job as well as studying who knows. But I am glad I worked at Beech Ridge while I did in the summer time. It taught me a valuable skill. That being how to deep fry without a timer. I also want to thank you for helping me be able to work with the Drama Club on the plays I worked on. It was a rewarding experience and I learned a few things as well. Yes, I was bullied in school but thought I had to stand up for myself to fix it. Didn’t want you to have to save my butt every time.

            It worked out in the end. We may clash at times I’m not going to lie. But I am glad you are my dad and I am proud to have you as my dad. I know you don’t get why I want to spend time with you completely. But, it’s because I know I only have you for a limited amount of time and I want to make the most of it. Whether it is BBQs or going to the races or just sitting around telling stories. And, trust me that visit when Matthew and his wife were up that we spend the whole time sitting around telling stories meant a lot to me.

            It was even great when you and me sat watching tank builders building tanks. And I will gladly come watch races with you, but I am bringing something else to do during the less interesting parts of it. Just so I don’t annoy you when you are into it more than me. And, you are definitely invited over for football this fall. I didn’t get a chance to tell you, but I am getting cable. And, I wrote this for the public to see dad because I want them to now I am proud of you and thankful for the things you have done for me. Even though I know I can be a pain in the butt.

            I’ll wrap this up though since I know you aren’t as into reading as me. Just wasn’t a favorite thing of yours as it was mine. So feel free to leave comments and questions. And, everyone is welcome to share this. As for me I am going  back to the grindstone with more writing and studying. *Tips his hat and walks slowly out the door. *

Monday Beginnings: The Baltimore Police Report

            Finally, finals are done with and I can get back to my routine at least for a couple weeks. And, fair warning this is going to be a soap box sort of column today. Tomorrow will be a more personal one.  Now, last week the Justice Department’s Review of the Baltimore Police Department came out. I can’t say I am surprised about the results that show that the department has a problem when it comes to policing African- Americans. But, that does not mean I am giving up on the department and saying the situation is hopeless. It’s going to take some work, but the department can be fine-tuned to being a respectable police department that can be a shining example for the country.

            First you have to root out any of the problem people in the leadership. The ones promoting bad policing. Those that make it hard to report problems and encourage using too much force. As well as those who encourage racial profiling, which has been proven not to work.  You have to have a strong leadership that believes in what you are trying to accomplish or it is not going to succeed. This is part of the foundation you are building.  Once leadership is in order you start encouraging people to start filing complaints and building their trust again within the department.

            Second thing is to get officers a bit loosened up and interacting with the communities they police on a friendlier basis as if they actually belong to the neighborhood and are not just wardens there. Get them eating from the local eateries and talking with the local people about what is going on in the neighborhood. Playing around with the kids when they have some free time. Even helping with homework if they can if it is being done outside. In general, setting a good example for kids to follow as well as adults and being part of the community. It helps build trust and comradery between the community and the officers who police it.  It will take time but stick to it.

            Third as the fine tuning is going on invite the public to be part of the process. Hold meetings for the public to comment on what is working and not working. Make them feel and be part of the fine tuning process. The more the public feels they are heard the happier they will be with the outcome of the fine tuning. And, the end result you are looking for is the public trusting and being happy with its police department once more. The public doesn’t want crime in their streets but they also don’t want cops treating them like second class citizens. They want a police force that inspires confidence and trust among the citizens. As well as feels like part of the community.

            Fourth and final but not least, implement these changes in how future cops are trained. Including what they reach for first in a need for force situation. Teach them de-escalation tactics strongly. Make them train longer if it gets you better officers. Make sure you are only getting the best people to be officers. That is what you want for your police department after all. I don’t mean make them robots, but make sure they can handle the day to day rigors of the job. They can still be human but we don’t want them losing their cool under pressure either. It’s fine if they need to talk to someone after a situation, but they need to be able to handle the situation at the time they are dealing with it. Remember this is about building for the future.

            I’ll climb off m soap box for now, but I can foresee this being a continuing issue for the foreseeable future. Feel free to leave questions and comments below. Share this column with all your friends and family please. As for me I am going to do some reading and call it a day. I apologize for this being so late was a long day. *Tips his hat and walks out the door. *

Sunday Chit Chat: Just Some Ramblings

            I was planning to write yesterday, but for the first time in a while I got sucked into a book and lost track of time. It felt great to me even if I did lose writing time. I mean I know I read all the time for class, but it’s not the same as reading for personal enjoyment. There is just a feeling you get when you read for yourself. And, it has been a while since I just sat down here and chatted with you, my readers, without having a message in mind to share with you. You know just general chit chat.

            And, there has been a lot going on in my life lately that I wanted to share with you as well. For one I have started writing someplace else besides here. That place being Odyssey and my writing for there is an article a week. Though here is where you will find me being more personal as well as more of my local stuff in some cases, such as my rants against the governor of my state unless he blunders on a national level. This week head on over there to see my calling for community involvement. I’ll be posting a link to the article on my Facebook pages and my twitter as well as anywhere else I can think to. They are a great company and let their writers have free reign over what they write. As well as having a great editing staff along with excellent staff in the social media department as well. I cannot say enough good stuff about this company.

            Now the second new thing is that I am part of the midnight broadcast of “That Damn Radio Show”, which you can find on Facebook where the links are posted to the show. It airs at noon and midnight live. In between those shows there are old radio shows and cool music. I will only be on the midnight show though I encourage people to listen to both shows and give the stuff in between a listen and see what they like. It will allow me to promote my writing as well as other people’s stuff that I enjoy. I am looking forward to getting started with it. I encourage everyone to tune in tonight at midnight.

            On top of those two major changes I am full time at SNHU and enjoying it though at times I get behind in my work. But, that is from my own issues and not the work load. The teachers are all incredibly supportive as is my advisor. And, I feel like I’m growing as a writer as well as a person as I continue my journey through college. I’m in my junior year right now for those wondering and I still feel like I have so much to learn. But, maybe that is one of the secrets to life. To never stop learning as you walk through life. It’s a good principle to live by I think anyways. Maybe it just fits for me as well as those who are addicted to learning. I know crazy as it sounds but I am hooked on learning.

            While doing all of that I am still trying to get out of the house more as well as getting some personal writing done. Keep this blog going as strong as possible and have a social life. Plus, make appointments for my health. It gets pretty crazy at times. And, at times I am not the best at some of them, but I am trying. I thank everyone for having patience with me as I work at balancing all of this. And, to the local Dunkin Donuts for keeping the ice coffees coming. Trust me coffee helps a lot at times. For most writers coffee is an important part of the day. Now if I can just get better sleeping hours I would be doing much better.

            But, I have rambled on long enough for one day. I’ll try to be here more often now that things are starting to streamline a bit more. Feel free to leave questions and comments below. And, if you want my columns to appear in your inbox enter your email address in the box below where it says follow by email. As for me I am going to do some more reading and check on grades before working on next week’s article a bit. *Tips his hat and walks out the door. *