Group Project

Tonite my classmates and I held a rehearsal in preparation to the group speech assignment. Everyone attended except Michael, he was under the weather due to a root canal. I know from experience that procedure can be very painful. Everyone was understanding of his absence. Despite his absence we to continue on without him. Each one of us Rockwell, Dolly and myself read our parts aloud to see how we sounded. Everyone gave positive feed back and constructive suggestions. I must say we did very well for the first time out. I was really impressed with Dolly's performance, after careful coaching she started to become more relaxed and less shy. Even her voice sounded a bit stronger, with a little more rehearsals we will be just fine. Although, we went over time that was originally set one (1) hour,we all walked away feeling confident in the progress that was made.

On a roll

Yes, we are on a roll. After the lost to the Cardinals Sat. night, the Mets came back and took the Cardinals by storm. Johan Santana, Pitched a gem of a game. He had a no hitter until the 6th inning. The Mets bats have come alive, especially Carlos Delgado, and Jose Tatis. They have been on fire, hitting everything in site. Carlos Beltran made a spectacular catch in center field denying a home run, literally snatching a ball from over the center field fence. I am proud of my team, they have come a long way. There has been many dry days. No hitting, no pitching etc. this is a welcome change from the Metropolitians!!

The one that got away!

Today the Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals, the Mets called up a pitcher Jerrod Knight, from Tidewater. He did not have a good start, giving up 4 runs in the first couple of innings. Although the Mets managed to come back from a 4 run deficient by tying the game, and then taking the lead 6 to 4. Our bullpen pitchers could not hold the lead and the Cardinals took the lead again 6 to 7. It looked pretty grim the rest of the way, until the ninth inning when Met player Tatis came up in the bottom half of the inning number 9 and hit a home run. This tied the game 7 to 7, it was tied until the 12Th inning when the Cardinals took the lead with a 2 run home run by Albert Puhjos, and won the game. This was the game that got away, because of our bull pen pitchers. This is an area that need to step up and become unstoppable. This is one flaw that need to be address. This was a long game that lasted over 4 hours, which I was very disappointed to see the Mets lose. The was the one that got away!!

The Amazins

For the past couple of day the Mets have been playing their best. Proving to all the sceptics that we are the team to beat. If they continue to play baseball with the enthusiasm and vigor, they will not doubt be the world champions. It is quite obvious that the firing of Willie Randolph was key. Since his departure they have been playing like the old Mets back in 1986. They seem happier and full of energy and with more power. Playing smarter and wiser, at the same time it really looks like they are having fun doing it. If all the bats in the line up comes alive then we will have a murderous row on our hands. Reyes, Chavez,Wright, Delgardo, Belton etc....It is a good problem have, a very good problems to have indeed.

IT'S A WONDERFUL DAY!!!

My AMAZIN-METROPLITANS, has moved into First place in the National East Standings, defeating the Philadelphia Phillie's. It was a long hard road, coming from a seven game deficient back in June. Although, we are now in first place, there are still many challenging struggles ahead of this team. However, with will and determination I believe we can pull off a champion season off. Since, the firing of ex-manager Willie Randolph, the Mets have been playing the way all NY Mets fans knew this team could. There is so much talent on the team, it would be a shame if they could not pull it off. There are many obstacles that we have faced like;injuries, and pitching, but with a little bit of pray and skills the amazins will be victorious !!! It's a wonderful day, indeed, Go Mets!!!

A toast!

As soon as I return back to speech class I was told that I had to do a speech. Needless to say I was not prepared. I was sick for last weeks class and was unaware. I immediately jotted some things on a piece of paper, which did not use. I decided my speech would be a toast to a bride and groom at a wedding reception. When it was my turn I could feel the butter flies in my stomach all the while telling my self that I was being silly and that I was not such a big deal. After all these classmates were probably as frighten as myself. The more and more that I spoke the words began to flow out of my mouth. I no longer felt nervous and began realize that I had accomplish the fears and apprehensions of public speaking. Don't get me wrong I know that it is more to public speaking, I just felt a great accomplishment of standing in front of the room speaking without the aide of prepared speech on paper. I think this class is going to be a good eye opener for me, the future, this will be a great learning tool both personally and professionally.

Mets vs. Phillies

Here we go again, the Mets and the die hard Philadelphia Phillies. It seems we (Mets) can not seem to put them away. They (Phillies) are a thorn in the flesh. No matter how well the Mets perform, it always boils down to a nail bitter in the 9th inning. It always comes down to "do or die" situation with the Phillies. The Phillies are indeed a nightmare to me and the Mets. Its like a re-occurring nightmare each time we play the Phillies, somehow they manage to beat us. Right now words can not explain how I am feeling at this very moment. I need to take a deep breath and re-group.

Day one of Vacation

My first day of vacation was simply lovely. It felt strange getting up at 10 am, not having to go into work. However, strange it was great with no plans, and no appointments. Just lounging and relaxing, taking it easy, something that I need to do for a long time. Although it was very hot and steamy, inside was cool and dry. I did venture out to the local supermarket (a few blocks away) for a couple of groceries. I soon return back home and watch a bit of television, unfortunately the game was not on, the Mets had a day off so there would be no game tonite. Everyone one deserves a day off even the NY Mets. Hopefully they will get some rest for the up coming series with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets always have a hard time with this team. I pray that that are up for the challenge, to take the lead and move into first place. They have been on a winning streak 9 games in a row and are playing well. Hopefully our pitchers will step up to the plate and take control. I am looking forward to this series with the phillies on tomorrow. LET'S GO METS

Postpond Vacation

This year I am not going on vacation, I am having a cash flow problem. With rent, car payments, and insurance due, I could not even think about going anywhere. So I will make other plans here within the city. I plan on going to a couple of baseball games at Shea Stadium, catch a movie, and probably do some spring cleaning that was put off in my home. Going on vacation takes careful planning and budgeting that I was not able to do this year. Because of my commitment to my education I can only realistically take a mini vacation to Jersey,Pennsylvania or some where upstate. I will call it a "Mental Health" mini vacation.

Statistics show that senior citizens who are 75 years and older that drive have an extremely high percentage of fatal car accidents during the daytime hours alone, not including night time hours. Some of the warning signs of unsafe senior driving is abrupt lane changes, failing to use the turning signal, keeping on the signal without changing lanes, and drifting into other lanes. The National Highway Transportation Administration estimated more than 28 million drivers in the U.S. are 65 and older. Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have found that senior citizens who stay behind the wheel are less likely to enter nursing homes or assisted living centers than those who have never driven or who have given up driving.

Some of the possible solutions are:
For Senior citizens who do not want to lose their privilege of driving should consider taking driving courses to sharpen their driving skills. I believe mandatory testing should be required. Screening to identify age-related declines in seniors should be a part of the regular process of license renewal.
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and insurance company records can help monitor the high-risk older drivers.
California has mandatory re-testing requirements for anyone involved in a fatal crash, or three or more crashes in one year. They also require drivers over 70 to re-test if they are involved in two or more crashes in one year. Taking collision preventive courses will also allow seniors to learn how to reduce the chances of being involved in an accident by following the traffic rules and avoid getting traffic tickets. Updating their knowledge of the rules, of the road, will enhance their driving skills.

Buffet Style Dinning

I recently visited MING’S “all you can eat” buffet style restaurant, located in Queens, NY. Whenever I think of a buffet restaurant, I automatically think of food that has been left out for hours on end and not being too fresh. I was reluctant to re-visit yet another one of these buffet style restaurants. Many people enjoy them because it offers a variety of foods which you can immediately access without having to wait. So I took another chance and looked for the following criteria’s: Atmosphere, Service, and of course the food quality. Today's buffet restaurants are very popular, with an up front price for the entire meal including desert and beverages it is an alluring deal. A variety of foods are available at a reasonable price. At a buffet restaurant, you can serve yourself large or small portions, based on the size of your appetite. Still some people prefer the traditional restaurant service by being waited on from the start to finish of your meal.

As I entered the restaurant I was greeted by a smiling hostess who showed me to my seat. Along the way I noticed pictures of fine art from china displaying manicured landscapes. Continuing along the winding path I passed many filled tables with people as they enjoyed their food. The restaurant’s layout provides privacy for many more tables in the restaurant. The restaurant is relatively clean, and the dress code is casual. I am seated by the hostess at a medium size table topped in a basic white table cloth. The lighting is supplied by a hanging stained glass lampshade with high backed cushioned booth seats which were meant to encourage relaxation. The hostess continues to shower me with attention by offering a beverage of my choice.

The relaxed family atmosphere makes conversation natural, encouraging people to linger as they eat. To my left are entrees: a row of dishes that has everything from eggs Benedict and waffles to prime ribs, and grilled mixed peppers, which were tasty as well as tender. To my right were desserts of cheese cake, peach cobble, chocolate cakes were on a long table that stretched from the drinks station to a chocolate fountain. I tried the chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream which was not as tasty as it looked. There also were cinnamon buns, Danishes, and fruit; which I tried together and was very please at the combination. There were marshmallows and graham crackers to dunk S’mores. The other entrees were lasagna that I found to be delicious, a build your own taco station with taco shells, ground beef with all the necessary ingredients for a messy feast.

Turning toward the Chef located at the cooking station which had a very long line for service. The station offered slices of roast beef, roast pork or omelet’s on demand. On the other side of the restaurant were overloaded tables of fresh salads and fruit, cheese platters and mounds of seafood on ice. Every so often the smiling hostess would return to check for any drink refill requests of my previous selection. By the end of my second plateful I was both stuffed and happy.

Including the tax and tip the price is sure to please any budget conscience consumer. This restaurant experience was in deed an exception to the rule, all of the food here was fresh and appetizing. I found the food to be delicious and tasty. The service and atmosphere were exceptional. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.

Continuing Education

Starting my educational pursuit in October 2006, of a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, I have encountered many interesting experiences. Although hard they made me more aware of my shortcomings as well as the strengths that I already possessed.

As a continuing education student there were many challenges that I faced once enrolled in DeVry. The challenge of juggling a full-time position and also handling a new academic schedule was quickly put to test. One of the tools that allowed me to succeed thus far is “Time Management.” By scheduling and utilizing a calendar for upcoming due dates both in my 9-5 and school activities/assignments. It helped in completing chores, and school assignments alike.

Using a proactive approach helped me to focus on the outcome of my homework, exams, and grades, I could not shift the responsibility of any educational obstacles that might arise. I continued to embrace different learning styles to help me to achieve my goal. Identifying problems and prospective problems I utilized tools such as: “T-Chart which weighs the “Pro’s vs. Con’s, Risk Analysis: Risk= cost x Probability.

Feeling better

For the past couple of days I have been dealing with a severe sore tough, along with swollen glands. It was very difficult to swallow let a long try to eat anything. Don't ask me how this illness came about, all I know is I woke up on Wed. morning with soreness in my tough. So I gargled my mouth out with salt water (Grandmother's remedy) and went to work. During the course of the day my tough began to feel like cotton balls, dry and on fire. My co-workers suggested that I drink plenty of tea with lemon, which I did but the condition got even worse. I started feeling real bad and begun feeling hot and cold chills. It was then I knew I was sick and I was puzzled about how I contacted this bug. I often wash my hands during the course of a day being very careful not to touch door knobs, where most germs hang out. Still I was sick, I took some home remedies and went straight to bed, hoping I would feel better the next day. To my dismay, I was exhibiting extreme symptoms with enlarged glands the size of walnuts. I immediately went to the doctor for medical treatment. I was diagnosed with a bacterial tough infection and was prescribed Penicillin for 10 days. This is just day 1 of taking the medicine and I am feeling a little better. Needless to say I have not completed any of my daily blogging, threaded discussions, or reading assignments since Tues. It is 12:57 am on Sat. morning, and I am trying to catch up. It is going to be a very long night for me.

Annual All Star Games

Tonight is the annual All Star Game and I get to see many players from around the league together. Along with NY Met player David Wright and Billy Wagner (the only two Met players) selected. It will be the National League against the American League, which will be very interesting to see. Each player was selected by the fan votes and the selection are based solely on the performance of the players. However, sometimes they are based on popularity instead of skills. Nevertheless, it is always great to see those strong looking players gather together in one stadium (Yankee Stadium).

Home Run Derby

I always look forward to the "Home Run Derby" festivities. This year it is being held at Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, one of the oldest Major League Stadium which is due to be torn down in 2009. This year most of the participants were not as impressive as last years players. Last year our own New York Met David Wright, came in second place, and Vladamir Guerrero, Anaheim Angles won the tournament. This year David Wright did not participate in the tournament, he decided not to enter. Unfortunately he was the only Met to represent in this years All Star game. Tonight Josh Hamilton, stole the show and hit a total of 28 home run "BLASTS". It was exciting to watch him hit so many balls out of the stadium. All of the players exhibited their home run hitting skills, I only wish I could have been there.

Good bye SHEA

I've know for years that the NY Mets were going to get a new stadium. I welcomed the new change. However, it did not hit met until today the realization that it was actually going to be tore down. Suddenly it brought sadness to my heart. Although, I welcome the new stadium "Citi Field",it is going to be hard to say good bye to Shea stadium. I have many fond memories of the 69 Mets, winning the World Series and all the great miraculous wins they had. I also have personal memories of when my big brother Fred (now deceased) took me to the stadium (off season) and we climb over the fence and ran the bases together. So excited, I slid on home plate, I went into the dugout and marveled in the fact that I was actually in Shea. We imagined that we were Tommy Agee #20, Cleon Jones#21( Mets center & left fielders) who were one of my favorite players. We pretended to catch a deep fly balls, what a thrill it was which, I will never ever forget. With 36 more games to be played at Shea stadium, sadly it will be replaced with the new "Citi Field", scheduled to open in 2009. Shea Stadium will forever hold a special place in my heart. It will be very hard to say good bye.

Good times

Today I had lunch with a good friend of mine. We had not seen each other for quite a long time. With our busy schedules it is often difficult for us to get together as much as we would like to. Our agenda was to see a movie and then get a bite to eat. We ended up just eating good food and having good conversations, catching up on things that have been going on in each of our lives. She told me she recently bought a second home in Brooklyn, NY a 3 bedroom and 1 1/2 baths. We worked together for many years ago, I was her supervisor which turn into friendship. From then we always kept in touch by phone calls or scheduling ladies night out. Although we did not get a chance to go to the movies, I really enjoy spending the day with her.

Lucky 7!!!

Date: July 11, 2008
Time: 11: 58 PM
Place: Home laptop

This has been a glorious day for me. Not only is it Friday and there is no work for the next two days, I received some unexpected Met tickets to tonight’s game with the Colorado Rockies playing at Shea Stadium. A co-worker (I forgot his name) could not use them and was looking for someone deserving Met fan like myself to give them away to. Although I had a scheduled training session with my personal trainer I immediately called to cancel. The thought of being at Shea while they are playing so very well thrilled me. So all bets were off and I attended the game with Keith my finance also a Met fan. It seemed that every fan there shared my happiness and excitement about how well the Mets were playing lately. It was a great game needless to say the Mets won another game tying their record of 7 in a row back in 2006. We are looking good and we are finally on a roll.

6 in a row!!!

Date: July 10, 2208
Time: 11:00 PM
Place: Home laptop

I just arrived home from school very tired but yet excited to hear about my Metropolitans Mets. You see they have just completed a 3 game sweep of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. They have managed to win 6 games in a row. Which I am sure brought smiles to every Met fan alive. They have been struggling for the first half of the season. Their playing has been awful to say the least. Personally I have been very frustrated with the whole team. There is a lot of talent on this team and there is no physical reason for their terrible play. Yet game after game they continue to play like little leaguers. One player in particular who gets on my last nerve is Carlos Delgado (1st base) I can not understand why he is still on the team. Offensively he is the biggest “rally killer” and in my opinion has not contribute to the team at all. He swings at pitches that are not even in the strike zone and looks silly doing it. Despite all his short comings my Metropolitans have prevailed to win 6 games and is in the hunt for 1st place in the National League East standings. Look out Philly’s I am going to sleep well tonight

Date: July 9, 2008
Time: 7:00
Place: DeVry Lab


The End Of The World
The reality of "the end of the world" is sometimes frightening. Many things that are written in the bible have somehow come to past. I can not explain it but the many prophesies of wars, earthquakes, and the unexplained weather storms, often not being able to tell the difference from summer and winter leaves me scratching my head. I have read and seen stories of the end that would be coming soon and thought it would never, ever happen in my life time. However, because of all the many disasters that I have witnessed I am not so sure that it will not happen. Will this world really some day come to an end? Or is this just a coincidences happening at such a high rate of speed. Watching the news on television and seeing all sorrows, global warming etc... can be depressing.