Random Things Going Through My Mind…
Filed under: General, In the News, Military, Scouts, Web Development
- Why are we still calling Pakistan a key Ally? It just doesn’t seem right based on current details coming out of Pakistan.
- Will I ever start working on CSPCorner.org? I’ve been wanting to start a resource for CSP Collectors that has the potential to be just as good as The Internet Guide or OA Insignia. I think I’m hoping someone beats me to it, unfortunately I believe all of the sites that started showing potential have since been abandoned.
- I passed the State Social Work exam for my Certification on Friday, now I have to study for and pass the National exam. I’m nervous.
- Should I get a personal trainer to help motivate my change in lifestyle? I keep telling myself I need to get in better shape and I keep having the military tell me I need to get in better shape, but I procrastinate. Maybe I’ll see where I am in December.
- I wanted to buy a couch this weekend, but I refuse to shop during a Veteran’s Day Sale.
S.C. Mom Scoops Al-Qaida
This is awesome…
“I realized, oh my gosh, I’m sitting here, I’m a fat 50-year-old mom and I’ve managed to scoop al-Qaida,” said Mansfield, who uses that name as a pseudonym because she receives death threats.
Read the whole story.
My favorite quote form the story:
“It gets really challenging when you’re trying to do that and cook spaghetti at the same time,” she said.
UW-Whitewater Crisis Situation Policy
Well UW-Whitewater, the school that I am currently attending decided to clarify their crisis situation policy:
To members of the UW-Whitewater campus community,
The Virginia Tech community suffered an extraordinary tragedy on Monday when more than 30 people were shot and killed and many others were wounded. Our thoughts turn to the Virginia Tech campus in this time of crisis.
In response to the situation at Virginia Tech, members of the UW-Whitewater administrative team met this morning to review campus polices and responses to emergency situations. UW-Whitewater is a safe and secure campus and we have felt comfortable in that knowledge. However, as the Virginia Tech situation shows, incidents can happen and the campus must be prepared.
In a crisis situation on the UW-Whitewater campus, all communication will come through broadcast emails and the campus homepage. It is vital that you read the broadcast emails and check the home page for important information. The Web address is UWW Home Page
Residence Life will make contact with all resident assistants today and they will schedule floor meetings this week. Specific information on these meetings will be made available to those who live in the halls. If you have any questions or concerns, please address them with your resident assistant or hall director.
In a campus violence situation, here are some ways to try to secure and protect yourself:
1. Lock or block the door.
2. Close blinds or cover windows. Stay hidden from view.
3. Call 911 or from a campus telephone call 9-911.
4. Look for a safe route of escape, if available.If the situation at Virginia Tech is causing you stress or anxiety, the University Health and Counseling Services is available to help. You can reach Counseling Services at 472-1305.
A moment of silence for the Virginia Tech victims will be held tonight prior to the Warhawk wheelchair basketball game. The game begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Williams Center and is a benefit for injured resident assistant Tony Sabel.
After reading the announcement that was broadcast emailed to the UW-Whitewater community I have two questions:
1) How do we find out there is a crisis situation on campus? I understand that we should check our email and the website for updated information but is it reasonable for us to constantly check just in case there is a crisis? Why not have a siren or a PA voice that says “hey students and staff the shit is hitting the fan.”
2) How are those of us in class supposed to check the website or our email? Not all classrooms have computers and/or access. Would it be difficult to appoint or get some volunteer in every building to spread the word in the case of a crisis situation? There are some support staff that sit at an office all day and that could be alerted by email or even better a reverse 911 type system and spread the initial word and give the all clear.
I can tell you if I was in charge or working towards a safe campus a big priority would be putting phones and / or PA systems in all classrooms. The inability to communicate directly with students, faculty, and staff in an emergency situation is inexcusable.
Skipping School
So I decided to skip school today. I was on the interstate heading towards Whitewater when I came across a big slow down. Then I realized the interstate was closed and everyone was taking an exit that led back into Madison. I figured no problem I would cut through Madison and jump up on the Beltline and take Hwy 12 through Cambridge and Ft. Atkinson, when I heard on the radio that the Beltline was a mess too. At this time I called my professor and left a message saying I just couldn’t get to Whietwater and drove back home.
That little bit of snow did a lot of damage today due to the below zero temperatures. Guess they needed to use more sand…