Some People Love Walmart A Little Too Much

DES MOINES, Iowa While some students head for the beach on spring break, sophomore Skyler Bartels at Iowa's Drake University went to Wal-Mart.

The 20-year-old writing student from Nebraska thought he'd spend a week at a Wal-Mart Supercenter in suburban Des Moines as a test of endurance and to maybe generate a magazine article.

For 41 hours, Bartels watched shoppers, read magazines, watched DVD movies and played video games. He ate at the in-store Subway sandwich shop, but didn't sleep much, occasionally dozing in a lawn chair. Bartels says he got so tired, he began hallucinating and went home, thinking the project had failed. But a Des Moines Register story that made the Internet changed that, spawning network T-V interviews and discussion of a book deal.

Wal-Mart says it's not overjoyed at the long-term visitor, noting, "We're a retailer, not a hotel." But a spokesman notes that Bartels didn't break any rules.

This Just Isn't Our Year

I had a meeting this morning with my principal and she informed me that Taylor is not going to renew my contract for the 2006-2007 school year. So, I am back in the same boat I was in last year, looking for a new job. It feels like dejavu. Hopefully Lisa's job turns into a full time position otherwise we will both be looking for jobs this summer. We would sure appreciate any and all prayers as I begin the long journey of job searching once again.

Honoring the Fallen Soldier

This was an e-mail sent to one of the teachers, by a student, where I work. This past week a young local soldier was put in the ground and this is a recount of what this particular student experienced while he was present. I found it to be very touching.


Monday I stood in freezing cold weather to honor Seargent Rickey Jones, a man who died for my freedoms and the freedoms of millions of Iraqies. He died in a country that I believe he should have never been in this long. He died too young. Something dawned on me though as I was complaining about my fingers and my ears hurting, that this young man is dead. He didnt deserve it, He deserved to grow up get married and have some kids. He chose to take a chance to die for what he believed in, therefore I took a chance to stand for what I believed in. I stood for a bout an hour and a half and when I seen that casket pass with the American flag draped over it, I realized what kind of sacrifices it takes to have so many blessings in this country. Believe me folks this is far from perfect, but we have better than so many other people. I think Mr. Jones knew that and that why he went back. He wanted others to have what we have. I admire him for that and I'll never forget the day I seen his casket in that hearse with the governor in the front seat. Another thing happened that day that I'll never forget. An older veteran, probably a WWII veteran was in the procession. And with his hands shaking, he raised one up and waved at us and said thank you. I was there to say thank you to Mr. Jones and to the other veterans of the previous wars. And here this man, this man who fought for our country who made the ultimate sacrifice, said thank you to me because I chose to stad on 31 with a flag. I made a very small sacrifice if even that and he said thank you to me. It was then that I really cried. I really realized what the meaning of being an American is. This man treated me as an equal in sense even though I coul d never match up to the type of man he is. I felt proud then, very proud of my country, Seargent Jones, that old veteran, and especially proud of my peers who stood out there with me in that freezing cold weather. You better believe I will always say the pledge from now on. I know now that Im lucky to be able to say it, and when I say it Ill always remember March 6, 2006. The day Kokomo stood still to honor Rickey Jones and the veterans who have died before him.
God Bless ,

Here is a slide show of the procession. (cut and paste it)

http://static.cnhi.zope.net/flashpromo/
kokomotribune/flashpromo/slideshow/J
onesFuneral030606/index.html

My Top Ten Car List

1. BMW M Roadster
2. Honda S2000
3. Corvette Z06
4. New Mustang GT 500
5. Camaro SS
6. Firebird WS6
7. Subaru WRX STi
8. Pontiac GTO LS6
9. Mazda RX-8
10. Mini Cooper S