Ben & Shae Cecka's family in Gilbert, AZ

I’d just like to point something out real quick that has truly irritated me with the recent news coverage of Katrina and it’s subsequent change for Rita (for reasons which I clearly understand).

American citizens leaving their homes on a long-term basis because they were victims of a catastrophic hurricane does NOT make them refugees!!!

One who flees in search of refuge, as in times of war, political oppression, or religious persecution.

They are victims… plain and simple… and my heart goes out to each and every one of them.

Don’t believe me? Try searching “refugees” on any major news publishing website. See what comes up in the top ten.

Johnathan was in his room fussing a little bit and I found it odd that he was crying and didn’t come to me. I went into the room and he had crawled up on the futon with a pile of books and his face lit when he saw me. “Bah?” he said, as he put his hands together and opened them thumbs out, a perfect ASL sign for “book.” “Book? You want to read a book?” I asked him. I sat down on the futon, plopped him in my lap, opened a book and he was satisfied.

Not only am I totally stoked that Ji is using signs and words (and sometimes sound effects) to communicate what he wants, but I absolutely love it that he wanted to read and requested it of me!

Long story short, I was reading news articles and blogs about the death of my good friend Conrad. It was really strange to see people talk about him that didn’t know him, and this one guy said the following and it kinda set me off:
“Conrado Salinas sounds like a hispanic name……TJ is a dangerous and seedy town…..wouldn’t gothere if you paid me.”
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Since yesterday was so eventful, I thought I would post my own version of the events, starting with Wednesday.

On Wednesday I flew down to San Jose for a meeting with Longs corporate in Walnut Creek, CA. We were there to discuss many issues that pertained directly to my job. It was a stressful meeting in the least, but overall was very productive and I think everyone walked out happy. Upon leaving, I had agreed to a 9:30am conference call the next day with their lead software personnel to discuss update and patch implementation in the stores that we support. With this in mind, we can lead into the rest of the story.
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