Friday, January 02, 2009
Friday, February 09, 2007
School Update
Well I keep thinking I'll update some other time,
so I decided to at least throw something together here
rather than just procrastinating.
Here are my essays and Small school assignments so you
can see that I actually am somewhat busy.. :D
A small paragraph showing an instance of time, slow motion:
The Dive
The propellers shrill drone intensified as we pierced through the cold black sky. Plunging through colossus gray clouds we were fast approaching the lights of a small city, a mere mark upon the grim endless plains below. I shifted over as rugged beat-up black digital camera floated by my head towards the cabins smooth white ceiling. A mixture of chocolate chip cookies and gas fumes could be tasted as I sharply inhaled at each drop. My heart fired bursts of adrenalin though my body while my fist clenched unfailing to my only security, the double seat belt strapped across my chest. The leather black seat seemed to crush me from behind yet somehow my stale laughter managed to penetrate the tense atmosphere of my friends small durable yellow bi-plane. As I cautiously glanced around I could see fire glimmer in my friends’ eyes. As I prepared myself for yet another dive, I could feel a passion for flight surging through me.
~ Andrew Baab
A small assignment depicting a thought or feeling with concrete sentences:
Tranquility just the beginning
Glimmering sunrays splash across your face in an array of tinted colors reflecting from a golden sunrise over the crimson molten ocean.
Drifting off to sleep with your mothers soothing arm still around you, even though sleep silently engulfed her over an hour ago.
Peacefully day dreaming while floating in the sent of soft lush grass, listening to a rippling brook under the cool shade and gentle colors of your favorite apple tree.
Sluggishly laying by the ocean while a cool breeze rustles the tall slender grass all around your lightly sunbathed body.
Swaying in a hammock as a light warm breeze slowly flips the pages your childhood fairy tale book, while the slow quiet lull transports you into a world of fantasies and dreams.
Having a passionate crowd moved to tears, give a standing ovation after your absolutely inspiring impeccable speech.
Enemies cease fire as a small smiling child amiably walks through the deeply intense battle field, tenderly he holds a snow white daisy up to a young dieing solder, with a serene smile he takes his last breath.
Slipping effortlessly into death as you embark eternity, absolutely confident of where you will spend it.
Soothing waves of the afternoon heat softly stir you out of your fantasies and dreams, as you feel a majestic change in environment.
Watching the fantasies diminishing into the reality of a beautiful vibrant sunset and blissful weather.
Gliding along the broad empty road with the colors of sunset soaring behind you as the crisp clean sky ahead speckles with stars.
~ Andrew Baab
They wanted an essay on my personal culture, that was fun! :
My Personal Culture
Since the day I was born, January 13, 1987, Greeley Colorado, I have never lived in the same house for more than two years. Living in Brazil for fourteen years, Canada for five years, and the United States for one year I have at times pondered, where might I belong. My parents, missionaries in Brazil, have worked with churches and opened Baptist seminaries for the past thirty years. Three of my sisters are currently living in Brazil and one is living in Japan. Having such a different upbringing my culture is hard to place a finger on, due to the differences in culture we vary a lot from the traditional all American, Canadian, or Brazilian family; I also carry little pieces of culture in from my vast array of ancestors.
My heritage is traced back to Ann, cousin of the Blessed Virgin Mary thru Howell The Good, an early Welsh King known as the most famous giver of laws who died in 950 A.D. Jumping 747 years to 1697, John Howell of Philadelphia, a mason by trade, sailed from Wales to America. He resided in Philadelphia until his death in January 1721. He was a member of “The Society of Friends”. Two generations later, Sarah Margaret Howell, married James Wilshire Monk. She gave birth to five children. Sarah’s eldest child, Mary Jane Monk, married Sinclair Leonidas Spurgin. Leonidas Spurgin side of the family changed their surname from Spurgeon to Spurgin to disassociate themselves from Charles Spurgeon, who they believed to be to a religious fanatic. Mary gave birth to four children, her second child, Ethel Vashti Spurgin, married Albert Christian Baab and they gave birth to seven children. Albert’s oldest child, Robert Sinclair Baab, married Dorothy Bass. Their youngest child, John Albert Baab, my father, was born in Greeley Colorado, January 1, 1957. He met Yvonne Frederica Shuttleworth at a conference in Canada, she was born in Glaucaster, England. My mother is the daughter of a British father and Jewish mother. My parents have successfully raised a tri-national family.
Traditionally my family keeps the American thanksgiving in November, and the Canadian thanksgiving in October. We keep the independence day of the country in which we are living. We are influenced by many of the Brazilian traditions such as São João, large soccer tournaments, and birthdays which will always have a Brazilian flare in my family. At Christmas we always have trifle, an English dish. Our family does not eat pork at home because of my mothers Jewish background . Growing up in a Christian family I have learned a great set of values. I believe in the God of Abraham who sent His son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins and purchase a place in heaven for us.
I call us, “Third World Culture Kids”. I have extended this label to a large group of people throughout the world. With our similar backgrounds, and distinct patterns in how we have been raised, it is easy to understand and associate with each other. Most of us have no direct claim to any specific country or even culture, more often than not, we claim the country and part of the culture in which we are not currently residing. We do of course carry large cultural trends from our parents backgrounds, but we incorporate that culture along with our constant association with our other cultures.
As portrayed in my background I have British, Jewish, Welsh, and Irish blood. I am the son of a British naturalized Canadian mother, and an American father. I have an American, Canadian, and British passport and an American, Canadian, and Brazilian drivers license. I speak and dream in English and Portuguese, and my accent is foreign to everywhere I go. My family holds primarily to North American traditions and holidays, though I have lived over half my life in Brazil. I am a Third Culture Kid.
~ Andrew Baab
A Life of Leadership
Daily, life’s walk exposes us to a diverse span of leadership models. Our friends , family, and co-workers all have perceptible differences in how they deal with their leadership roles. Our president is an exceptional example of leadership. While the whole country looks to him for significant decisions. He must choose wisely to preserve upright and concrete leadership. It is important that we examine our leadership techniques because often times our future success is a product of those methods. Focusing on the three typical aspects of leadership and concentrating on these categories, we will generalize the majority of society into distinctive types of our everyday leaders: the destitution of the Disparager, the oblivion of the Spectator, and the assistance of The Supporter.
The lowest example of effective leadership is displayed by The Deprived Disparager. The Disparager constantly approaches tasks with an unfavorable attitude, being painfully judgmental of the team or assignment and sometimes even looking for ways that he might impair the task by raising personal problems. For instance as the days came to a close, the Disparagers co-workers could overhear his criticisms echoing from the manager’s office. The Disparager’s main achievements are usually harmful, putting others down, discouraging what could be great work, and many times draining the very life of those around himself. After smugly complimenting his co-worker on a job well done, the Disparager adds, “considering the time you had,” to his comment. As a friend, the Disparager is inwardly unsympathetic and regularly very critical and disapproving towards all acquaintances. Anything that does not fit in his biased parochial box is usually coupled as a personal invasive transgression.
A faintly healthier role in the leadership chain is that of The Silent Spectator. The Spectator chiefly observes tasks from afar. Selectively he will join a task if there is some personal benefit and occasionally when told. As a rule he generally sits back and watches. While his achievements are virtually always owing to a Supporter prodding him onwards. The Spectator will quietly introduce himself a new employee. The boss must instructs him to show the newcomer around. Seldom volunteering for a task, the Spectator subtly performs his duty working in an imperceptible way. He fears the possibility of being assigned another chore. Quickly after a brief tour the Spectator will dismiss himself to a ‘more important task’. Quietly he will edge past the boss' office, avoiding any further assignments. As a friend he seldom offers either praise nor criticisms. Keeping his own thoughts personal he conveys himself as quiet and many times to an extent, apathetic. The Spectator is fairly tolerant of differences though he will sometimes criticize surreptitiously, never blatantly, and seldom visibly.
Portraying a fundamental doctorate in leadership, we have The Stimulating Supporter. Coming towards most, if not all tasks, with a contributive attitude, he also extends out of his way to help those who necessitate assistance. For instance if The Supporter perceives that a new employee has no car, he will willingly pick his co-worker up on a daily basis. Usually having an unrevealed list of innumerable achievements, in addition to his successful accomplishments, he has developed countless lasting friendships. Through the Supporter's uplifting attitude, alternating his time between the grueling tasks and significant jobs, he has become a friend and companion to all. Upon detecting a problem with a colleague the Supporter will confidentially discuss the hindrance in private before it becomes a severe setback. If a Supporter observes a dramatic reduction of one of her student's grades. She will discreetly take that student aside. By discovering the academical and family problems the supporter is able to help the student not only with tutoring, but also as a supporting pillar through personal issues. Possessing a considerate understanding and generally unbiased view, the Supporter is incredibly approachable.
After this brief analysis of leadership, we are likely able to identify ourselves with one category or maybe portions of the three categories listed. From the foulest illustration of The Disparager to the inspiring example of The Supporter, we have an ample collection of different attitudes, achievements, camaraderies, and open-mindedness to which we might aspire. There will always be every level and blend of leadership in our life. We must know what will work most effectively towards our life goals and ambitions. We need to comprehend the cosmic stream of opportunities that are accessible and understand that there is no feat unachievable. We must choose the leadership qualities we perceive to be supporting of our ambitions and implement them. Our world needs more Supporters to rise as examples and leaders for our future generations.
~ Andrew Baab
The Cost of Freedom
Sitting down to “The Lord of the Rings” with a large bowl of popcorn you slowly lean back on the couch with your children on either side. Suddenly a bright flash outlines your window against the jet-black night shortly after the sound of thunder rolls in from the distance. You smell the dust seep through the air as rain hastily rattles across the roof. Another crash pierces through the somber rain outside while a dull tremor vibrates the house. You look down at your son's large questioning eyes as he holds back tears. A small white shaking hand grasps yours as the frightened voice of your daughter questions, "Is it them? Are they here. What will we do?" The soft rhythm of machine guns echoes through the room for a few moments, and you feel a throbbing pain grip your heart as you struggle to think over your limited options. Unconsciously you find yourself whispering, "I will protect you, I'm still here." Your voice fades to a lull while the world accelerates to its grim reality. You cannot protect them. You have no options. The invading forces should have been wiped out far from America. They were never supposed to cut their way this far inland. It cannot be true. You were never trained in anything other than being a citizen. Always assuming your taxes would pay for protection, you had never even imagined having to fight for your own life.
Grabbing your children's hands you walk towards the garage as fast as their little legs can carry them. As you tear out from the garage in your small car, a rattle and a few dull flashes burst from across the road. Your shoulder starts burning while your hands begin clamming up. Your fingers slip as blood begins to trickle across the wheel. They won't catch you nor your children. The car's headlights shove aside the dark revealing your neighbor's bodies tossed in their lawn. Driving as fast as possible you break from the small compound of country housing. A little later the lights of a small city loom up ahead. While still rolling into the checkpoint your door is ripped open while an m16 is forced into the car. You hear your children's fading screams as the other doors are opened. A voice calls for a medic and a few children run over placing you on a stretcher. You glance at the checkpoint guard, young in his early twenties. Before you pass out, you see a group of civilians arming themselves with a few weapons while a Marine DI barks out the last orders those kids will probably ever hear. You fade into not the demise of your country, but the demise of your known world.
Living in an overly protective - comfort seeking population, Americans are seeing a rise in insecurity and lack of direction in their youth. Training which puts one through difficult situations not only helps in case of an attack, but it also gives the much needed mental assurance and leadership skills which are slowly slipping from this country's grasp. It is easy to forget that since the day man walked this earth there has always been war somewhere in this world; there will always be a cost to freedom. Since before America's independence this nation has built its foundation on the lives taken in war. In 1730 with the French Indian war, blood flowed among the settlers in The New World. Later in the year of 1776, the United States of America drenched in sweat, war, and blood seized independence from Britain's grasp. Again, 1865, a country torn by slavery shed the blood of thousands in a ludicrous dream of freedom and equality for all (Lee). Even with this violent history, Americans are living a life of fairy tales. Adopting a mentality of leaving the menial and filthy task of war to the government. America is still under the constant threat of genocide especially with the advancing technologies and colossal amassing world forces. America’s military has become high-tech with missiles in Iraq being guided from American soil (Gill). Superior weapons and advanced technologies work wonders on enemy territory, but on American soil technology is rendered nearly useless especially since that technology can be used against themselves. A political article on conscription stated, "highly skilled professionals are needed, not just men with combat skills" (Gill). There is a need for combat knowledge skills when it comes to defending our lives. Highly skilled professionals are an asset but personal defense is a must. A Marine Sargent accurately said, "This nation belongs to all of us, it is our duty to be ready to defend it" (Communication). Americans need the ability to defend their nation. The mental assurance and self awareness that gives America abilities that can only be instilled through mandatory training.
There needs to be a program that would prepare America for intense situations. A program that would give the extra mental assurance, physical endurance, and remind everyone of the freedom they are sometimes forced to protect. A website bent on alerting America of its dire situation wrote, "Currently, an estimated 65.2 percent of U.S. adults, age 20 years and older, and 15 percent of children and adolescents are overweight and 30.5 percent are obese... An estimated 400,000 deaths per year may be attributable to poor diet and low physical activity" (obesity). Heart disease and diabetes are skyrocketing with the poor health in this country. The military cannot prepare everyone physically, but having a mandatory boot-camp as a motivator would keep Americans physically fit, engaged in sports, and watching their diet. Through a simple move, the government could eradicate many of the health problems present in today's society pushing this country to reach its full potential (Armstrong). The majority of Americans are wallowing in fats, comforts, and entertainment from dawn to dusk. With less than 35 percent of the American population conditionally fit, America is not prepared for war.
Boot-camp provides an ambient where one's limits are put to the test preparing men and women for life's realities. Recruits are forced to learn survival as they carry out strenuous tasks with little sleep on minimal amount of food. Stretching the bodies physical limitations recruits are taught the fundamentals of war and strategy. Survival strategies are taught with group activities like the crucible, where recruits are pushed to see their importance not only individually but also as a team. Push-ups and pull-ups prepare the upper body while hiking, running, and sprints stimulate the lower body. Thirteen weeks of boot-camp prepares ones mind and body for situations in which survival will be required.
Americans must understand how to maturely use the weapons at their disposal. One of Americas greatest presidents George Washington said, "A free people ought...to be armed..." (Washington). Really, what good is a freedom that cannot be upheld by the population that lives under its label. To defend your own country you must be prepared not only physically but you must have a weapons knowledge. A mandatory boot-camp teaches the basics of weaponry through drills, hours on target practice, and keeping the weaponry always up to inspection standards. Boot-camp would prepare America for the fighting that is to come.
Not the complete solution, boot-camp is a means of preparing the American mentally for the world that exists all around them by giving a physical goal, the ability to protect themselves, and preparing them for the pain existent in protecting one's freedom. For years America has turned a blind eye towards the wars constantly raging in the distant corners far outside the USA. Forgetting the possibilities of foreign technologies bringing war right to America's doorstep. America must not believe solely in their nation's military. Instead they must believe in themselves to protect the future and their freedom.
~ Andrew Baab
so I decided to at least throw something together here
rather than just procrastinating.
Here are my essays and Small school assignments so you
can see that I actually am somewhat busy.. :D
A small paragraph showing an instance of time, slow motion:
The Dive
The propellers shrill drone intensified as we pierced through the cold black sky. Plunging through colossus gray clouds we were fast approaching the lights of a small city, a mere mark upon the grim endless plains below. I shifted over as rugged beat-up black digital camera floated by my head towards the cabins smooth white ceiling. A mixture of chocolate chip cookies and gas fumes could be tasted as I sharply inhaled at each drop. My heart fired bursts of adrenalin though my body while my fist clenched unfailing to my only security, the double seat belt strapped across my chest. The leather black seat seemed to crush me from behind yet somehow my stale laughter managed to penetrate the tense atmosphere of my friends small durable yellow bi-plane. As I cautiously glanced around I could see fire glimmer in my friends’ eyes. As I prepared myself for yet another dive, I could feel a passion for flight surging through me.
~ Andrew Baab
A small assignment depicting a thought or feeling with concrete sentences:
Tranquility just the beginning
Glimmering sunrays splash across your face in an array of tinted colors reflecting from a golden sunrise over the crimson molten ocean.
Drifting off to sleep with your mothers soothing arm still around you, even though sleep silently engulfed her over an hour ago.
Peacefully day dreaming while floating in the sent of soft lush grass, listening to a rippling brook under the cool shade and gentle colors of your favorite apple tree.
Sluggishly laying by the ocean while a cool breeze rustles the tall slender grass all around your lightly sunbathed body.
Swaying in a hammock as a light warm breeze slowly flips the pages your childhood fairy tale book, while the slow quiet lull transports you into a world of fantasies and dreams.
Having a passionate crowd moved to tears, give a standing ovation after your absolutely inspiring impeccable speech.
Enemies cease fire as a small smiling child amiably walks through the deeply intense battle field, tenderly he holds a snow white daisy up to a young dieing solder, with a serene smile he takes his last breath.
Slipping effortlessly into death as you embark eternity, absolutely confident of where you will spend it.
Soothing waves of the afternoon heat softly stir you out of your fantasies and dreams, as you feel a majestic change in environment.
Watching the fantasies diminishing into the reality of a beautiful vibrant sunset and blissful weather.
Gliding along the broad empty road with the colors of sunset soaring behind you as the crisp clean sky ahead speckles with stars.
~ Andrew Baab
They wanted an essay on my personal culture, that was fun! :
My Personal Culture
Since the day I was born, January 13, 1987, Greeley Colorado, I have never lived in the same house for more than two years. Living in Brazil for fourteen years, Canada for five years, and the United States for one year I have at times pondered, where might I belong. My parents, missionaries in Brazil, have worked with churches and opened Baptist seminaries for the past thirty years. Three of my sisters are currently living in Brazil and one is living in Japan. Having such a different upbringing my culture is hard to place a finger on, due to the differences in culture we vary a lot from the traditional all American, Canadian, or Brazilian family; I also carry little pieces of culture in from my vast array of ancestors.
My heritage is traced back to Ann, cousin of the Blessed Virgin Mary thru Howell The Good, an early Welsh King known as the most famous giver of laws who died in 950 A.D. Jumping 747 years to 1697, John Howell of Philadelphia, a mason by trade, sailed from Wales to America. He resided in Philadelphia until his death in January 1721. He was a member of “The Society of Friends”. Two generations later, Sarah Margaret Howell, married James Wilshire Monk. She gave birth to five children. Sarah’s eldest child, Mary Jane Monk, married Sinclair Leonidas Spurgin. Leonidas Spurgin side of the family changed their surname from Spurgeon to Spurgin to disassociate themselves from Charles Spurgeon, who they believed to be to a religious fanatic. Mary gave birth to four children, her second child, Ethel Vashti Spurgin, married Albert Christian Baab and they gave birth to seven children. Albert’s oldest child, Robert Sinclair Baab, married Dorothy Bass. Their youngest child, John Albert Baab, my father, was born in Greeley Colorado, January 1, 1957. He met Yvonne Frederica Shuttleworth at a conference in Canada, she was born in Glaucaster, England. My mother is the daughter of a British father and Jewish mother. My parents have successfully raised a tri-national family.
Traditionally my family keeps the American thanksgiving in November, and the Canadian thanksgiving in October. We keep the independence day of the country in which we are living. We are influenced by many of the Brazilian traditions such as São João, large soccer tournaments, and birthdays which will always have a Brazilian flare in my family. At Christmas we always have trifle, an English dish. Our family does not eat pork at home because of my mothers Jewish background . Growing up in a Christian family I have learned a great set of values. I believe in the God of Abraham who sent His son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins and purchase a place in heaven for us.
I call us, “Third World Culture Kids”. I have extended this label to a large group of people throughout the world. With our similar backgrounds, and distinct patterns in how we have been raised, it is easy to understand and associate with each other. Most of us have no direct claim to any specific country or even culture, more often than not, we claim the country and part of the culture in which we are not currently residing. We do of course carry large cultural trends from our parents backgrounds, but we incorporate that culture along with our constant association with our other cultures.
As portrayed in my background I have British, Jewish, Welsh, and Irish blood. I am the son of a British naturalized Canadian mother, and an American father. I have an American, Canadian, and British passport and an American, Canadian, and Brazilian drivers license. I speak and dream in English and Portuguese, and my accent is foreign to everywhere I go. My family holds primarily to North American traditions and holidays, though I have lived over half my life in Brazil. I am a Third Culture Kid.
~ Andrew Baab
A Life of Leadership
Daily, life’s walk exposes us to a diverse span of leadership models. Our friends , family, and co-workers all have perceptible differences in how they deal with their leadership roles. Our president is an exceptional example of leadership. While the whole country looks to him for significant decisions. He must choose wisely to preserve upright and concrete leadership. It is important that we examine our leadership techniques because often times our future success is a product of those methods. Focusing on the three typical aspects of leadership and concentrating on these categories, we will generalize the majority of society into distinctive types of our everyday leaders: the destitution of the Disparager, the oblivion of the Spectator, and the assistance of The Supporter.
The lowest example of effective leadership is displayed by The Deprived Disparager. The Disparager constantly approaches tasks with an unfavorable attitude, being painfully judgmental of the team or assignment and sometimes even looking for ways that he might impair the task by raising personal problems. For instance as the days came to a close, the Disparagers co-workers could overhear his criticisms echoing from the manager’s office. The Disparager’s main achievements are usually harmful, putting others down, discouraging what could be great work, and many times draining the very life of those around himself. After smugly complimenting his co-worker on a job well done, the Disparager adds, “considering the time you had,” to his comment. As a friend, the Disparager is inwardly unsympathetic and regularly very critical and disapproving towards all acquaintances. Anything that does not fit in his biased parochial box is usually coupled as a personal invasive transgression.
A faintly healthier role in the leadership chain is that of The Silent Spectator. The Spectator chiefly observes tasks from afar. Selectively he will join a task if there is some personal benefit and occasionally when told. As a rule he generally sits back and watches. While his achievements are virtually always owing to a Supporter prodding him onwards. The Spectator will quietly introduce himself a new employee. The boss must instructs him to show the newcomer around. Seldom volunteering for a task, the Spectator subtly performs his duty working in an imperceptible way. He fears the possibility of being assigned another chore. Quickly after a brief tour the Spectator will dismiss himself to a ‘more important task’. Quietly he will edge past the boss' office, avoiding any further assignments. As a friend he seldom offers either praise nor criticisms. Keeping his own thoughts personal he conveys himself as quiet and many times to an extent, apathetic. The Spectator is fairly tolerant of differences though he will sometimes criticize surreptitiously, never blatantly, and seldom visibly.
Portraying a fundamental doctorate in leadership, we have The Stimulating Supporter. Coming towards most, if not all tasks, with a contributive attitude, he also extends out of his way to help those who necessitate assistance. For instance if The Supporter perceives that a new employee has no car, he will willingly pick his co-worker up on a daily basis. Usually having an unrevealed list of innumerable achievements, in addition to his successful accomplishments, he has developed countless lasting friendships. Through the Supporter's uplifting attitude, alternating his time between the grueling tasks and significant jobs, he has become a friend and companion to all. Upon detecting a problem with a colleague the Supporter will confidentially discuss the hindrance in private before it becomes a severe setback. If a Supporter observes a dramatic reduction of one of her student's grades. She will discreetly take that student aside. By discovering the academical and family problems the supporter is able to help the student not only with tutoring, but also as a supporting pillar through personal issues. Possessing a considerate understanding and generally unbiased view, the Supporter is incredibly approachable.
After this brief analysis of leadership, we are likely able to identify ourselves with one category or maybe portions of the three categories listed. From the foulest illustration of The Disparager to the inspiring example of The Supporter, we have an ample collection of different attitudes, achievements, camaraderies, and open-mindedness to which we might aspire. There will always be every level and blend of leadership in our life. We must know what will work most effectively towards our life goals and ambitions. We need to comprehend the cosmic stream of opportunities that are accessible and understand that there is no feat unachievable. We must choose the leadership qualities we perceive to be supporting of our ambitions and implement them. Our world needs more Supporters to rise as examples and leaders for our future generations.
~ Andrew Baab
The Cost of Freedom
Sitting down to “The Lord of the Rings” with a large bowl of popcorn you slowly lean back on the couch with your children on either side. Suddenly a bright flash outlines your window against the jet-black night shortly after the sound of thunder rolls in from the distance. You smell the dust seep through the air as rain hastily rattles across the roof. Another crash pierces through the somber rain outside while a dull tremor vibrates the house. You look down at your son's large questioning eyes as he holds back tears. A small white shaking hand grasps yours as the frightened voice of your daughter questions, "Is it them? Are they here. What will we do?" The soft rhythm of machine guns echoes through the room for a few moments, and you feel a throbbing pain grip your heart as you struggle to think over your limited options. Unconsciously you find yourself whispering, "I will protect you, I'm still here." Your voice fades to a lull while the world accelerates to its grim reality. You cannot protect them. You have no options. The invading forces should have been wiped out far from America. They were never supposed to cut their way this far inland. It cannot be true. You were never trained in anything other than being a citizen. Always assuming your taxes would pay for protection, you had never even imagined having to fight for your own life.
Grabbing your children's hands you walk towards the garage as fast as their little legs can carry them. As you tear out from the garage in your small car, a rattle and a few dull flashes burst from across the road. Your shoulder starts burning while your hands begin clamming up. Your fingers slip as blood begins to trickle across the wheel. They won't catch you nor your children. The car's headlights shove aside the dark revealing your neighbor's bodies tossed in their lawn. Driving as fast as possible you break from the small compound of country housing. A little later the lights of a small city loom up ahead. While still rolling into the checkpoint your door is ripped open while an m16 is forced into the car. You hear your children's fading screams as the other doors are opened. A voice calls for a medic and a few children run over placing you on a stretcher. You glance at the checkpoint guard, young in his early twenties. Before you pass out, you see a group of civilians arming themselves with a few weapons while a Marine DI barks out the last orders those kids will probably ever hear. You fade into not the demise of your country, but the demise of your known world.
Living in an overly protective - comfort seeking population, Americans are seeing a rise in insecurity and lack of direction in their youth. Training which puts one through difficult situations not only helps in case of an attack, but it also gives the much needed mental assurance and leadership skills which are slowly slipping from this country's grasp. It is easy to forget that since the day man walked this earth there has always been war somewhere in this world; there will always be a cost to freedom. Since before America's independence this nation has built its foundation on the lives taken in war. In 1730 with the French Indian war, blood flowed among the settlers in The New World. Later in the year of 1776, the United States of America drenched in sweat, war, and blood seized independence from Britain's grasp. Again, 1865, a country torn by slavery shed the blood of thousands in a ludicrous dream of freedom and equality for all (Lee). Even with this violent history, Americans are living a life of fairy tales. Adopting a mentality of leaving the menial and filthy task of war to the government. America is still under the constant threat of genocide especially with the advancing technologies and colossal amassing world forces. America’s military has become high-tech with missiles in Iraq being guided from American soil (Gill). Superior weapons and advanced technologies work wonders on enemy territory, but on American soil technology is rendered nearly useless especially since that technology can be used against themselves. A political article on conscription stated, "highly skilled professionals are needed, not just men with combat skills" (Gill). There is a need for combat knowledge skills when it comes to defending our lives. Highly skilled professionals are an asset but personal defense is a must. A Marine Sargent accurately said, "This nation belongs to all of us, it is our duty to be ready to defend it" (Communication). Americans need the ability to defend their nation. The mental assurance and self awareness that gives America abilities that can only be instilled through mandatory training.
There needs to be a program that would prepare America for intense situations. A program that would give the extra mental assurance, physical endurance, and remind everyone of the freedom they are sometimes forced to protect. A website bent on alerting America of its dire situation wrote, "Currently, an estimated 65.2 percent of U.S. adults, age 20 years and older, and 15 percent of children and adolescents are overweight and 30.5 percent are obese... An estimated 400,000 deaths per year may be attributable to poor diet and low physical activity" (obesity). Heart disease and diabetes are skyrocketing with the poor health in this country. The military cannot prepare everyone physically, but having a mandatory boot-camp as a motivator would keep Americans physically fit, engaged in sports, and watching their diet. Through a simple move, the government could eradicate many of the health problems present in today's society pushing this country to reach its full potential (Armstrong). The majority of Americans are wallowing in fats, comforts, and entertainment from dawn to dusk. With less than 35 percent of the American population conditionally fit, America is not prepared for war.
Boot-camp provides an ambient where one's limits are put to the test preparing men and women for life's realities. Recruits are forced to learn survival as they carry out strenuous tasks with little sleep on minimal amount of food. Stretching the bodies physical limitations recruits are taught the fundamentals of war and strategy. Survival strategies are taught with group activities like the crucible, where recruits are pushed to see their importance not only individually but also as a team. Push-ups and pull-ups prepare the upper body while hiking, running, and sprints stimulate the lower body. Thirteen weeks of boot-camp prepares ones mind and body for situations in which survival will be required.
Americans must understand how to maturely use the weapons at their disposal. One of Americas greatest presidents George Washington said, "A free people ought...to be armed..." (Washington). Really, what good is a freedom that cannot be upheld by the population that lives under its label. To defend your own country you must be prepared not only physically but you must have a weapons knowledge. A mandatory boot-camp teaches the basics of weaponry through drills, hours on target practice, and keeping the weaponry always up to inspection standards. Boot-camp would prepare America for the fighting that is to come.
Not the complete solution, boot-camp is a means of preparing the American mentally for the world that exists all around them by giving a physical goal, the ability to protect themselves, and preparing them for the pain existent in protecting one's freedom. For years America has turned a blind eye towards the wars constantly raging in the distant corners far outside the USA. Forgetting the possibilities of foreign technologies bringing war right to America's doorstep. America must not believe solely in their nation's military. Instead they must believe in themselves to protect the future and their freedom.
~ Andrew Baab
Sunday, December 24, 2006
The King and I
While staying with the Jones, there was a community theater putting on a play for "The King and I". I was not interested, aware of the huge time consumer it would be. Finally the day of the tryouts I decided to give it a shot, Lori picked out the song "Just a Wayfaring Stranger" (Awesome song). I tried out and was chosen for a role as "The Khralahome". It was great to not only be in a play, but to learn a new skill alongside the Jones. I learned tons about acting, made some great friends, and enjoyed seeing crowd after crowd go away with teary eyes. It was also amazing to see the amount of behind the scenes work that went on for a production. Lori, Mrs. Jones, and Stacie worked endless hours on costumes and props. It was phenominal to see the actual amount of practice time that took place. Finally everything fell into place before the show times and everything ran smoothly!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
ERT Second Phase
The second phase was exhilerating. Our cram packed schedule of Search-And-Rescue, Responding to Emergencies, Special Response Diver (NAPD), Basic Fire Fighting, Basic High-Angle Rescue,
Deployment to El Paso, and many other subjects all in the short period of ten weeks.We were part of the battalion even though we did not train with them. Our wake up time was 4:55
and then we usually started off with PT, after which we had breakfast and then we would go off to our classes. Depending on the dubject we would ether have a 
physical day or a slow class day. We had excellent professors for each subject who could usually make even the most boring subjects interesting.We had great audio visual to work with.
Hospital helicopters, made up fractures, dummies and fellow responders to practice our skills on. The times that stick with me the
most would be the dive trip in Florida and the El Paso Flood Relief.It is HARD to imagine going to Florida in the middle of summer and not visiting the beach. Well ... we went ocean diving once but we never touched the beach..
Our ocean dive was a 70ft dive to an old shipwreck, we saw many tropical fish and even a large baricuda, the water was very choppy and many of us (inc. me) got sea sick. We did two 20min dives, and than we headed back to the church we were staying with.
You wouldn't think of flood relief as fun, but it was almost like treasure hunting, we found what we could salvage for the people an then trashed and cleaned up the rest. During our two week trip to El Paso we also got treated to a really nice resteraunt where there was nothing on the menu less than $20, and we went MOUNTAIN CLIMBING!!! 7,600ft we started at around 3,000 and climbed, starting on the path and straying to the rock walls we at times were scaling sheer rock with no safety equipment
whatsoever. At the top were a few air towers and some barbed wire enforced with do not trespass signs. The climb down was not near as 
fun, we had taken barely enough water on the ascent We drank on average of 20lt of water every day because of the heavy work in such hot weather. It was sad to see the amount 
of furniture, cars, electronics, and many other things utterly ruined due to the flooding.Our Counceling classes were actually quite fun, and our firefighting was alot of fun also the fire fighting class was a blast! We put out a car fire and had to rescue victms from a burning house(STAGED)
the suits are very hot! and bulky but they would protect you from a fire. Playing with the hoses was a lot of fun also, the pressure they exert is tremedouse! BEST DAY EVER in ALERT was the last day, not because I was leaving but because of the events that took place.
I woke up in a good mood to the last day at ALERT, Pt was fun as we did a jody run for the last time, I managed to pass the firefighting test which I was sure I'd Bomb, at lunch I promoted to Responder First Class, I got $75 dollars for promoting which I of course spent, I cleared up all my paperwork and got the last signatures I needed before I left. The afternoon went well and I got to put out a large fire, I recieved a random gift witha $20 gift cert. for Walmarts,
and then supper was great, while I was at supper a Montez asked me if I still wanted to go flying, so things kept getting better, I went to Capt. Dankers and we had some speed Volleyball, after that I went flying over to Tyler with Montez and we did 
some field takoffs which feel like a roller coaster, after we also did some stalls and no gravity drops!!! It was perfect, I got back around midnight which is way after bedtime, and started a pillow fight, we got dropped and then I went to bed.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
5 Weeks of Fun
After Basic I got 5 weeks to rest up before the next fase,
I stayed with a very nice family working on remodeling with their father.
Throughout the duration of my stay we put up a room addition and worked on many other projects.
On mondays we would play soccer, and on thursdays we played basketball.
While I was there I also went Ice skating (Awsome), swimming various times, learned many new card games, watched a good number of movies, went grape picking, had to rescue maidens in distress out of gas :p !!
I had a wonderful time, even though the reason of my stay was to pay for my A.L.E.R.T. courses I will leave sad, and miss them
They have 8 kids:
Michael - Married, I often work with himAmy - Very active and fun, someone who would probably never manage to bore you. Excelent personality!
Stacie - A very nice girl who just graduated with a History Major, plays the harp and piano
Lori - Extremely good at math and just graduated with a music major, excels with the piano and flute
Brian - Quite mature for his age and a very stable, fun guy
David - Working on his schooling and was accepted for the role of razul in the city's 'Aladin' play
Timothy - The youngest boy in the family, also accepted for the role as a guard in the 'Aladin' play
Katie - The youngest girl in the family, very happy and creative
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
2006 Basic Training, A.L.E.R.T.
Basic Training
Probably one of the more interesting times of my life has been A.L.E.R.T. I did not actually know what I was getting into, but it has been a great help in getting me focused on God, and has worked on my endurance, stamina, an motivation.
R-Night:
Our introduction to A.L.E.R.T. Captain Rowh introduced us to our superiors, took a few pictures of us still in our civilian attair, gave a small speech, and then the fun began!
As we were ordered to our positions everything was looking quite normal. They briefly taught us the correct position of attention, then the correct manner to address authority, and lastly why and when we should come to the position of attention. We were ordered to read through our instruction manual while the dropped us for pushups at every code infraction. We probably did 200 - 250 pushups that night. Our heads were shaved and our uniforms and equipment were issued, Nave blue, a color we would get to know quite well. We were ordered to dump all personal belongings and they took all means of telling time, food, gum, candy, pain killers, non-subscription medication, sunglasses, and any distraction. We were hiked carrying full duffel bags a few miles in the pitch black to our barracks. We were dropped a few more times, showered, and bed.
Day's Fly By Slowly:
As the weeks went on we managed to get used to the 24/7 rigorouse exercises of boot camp. Those who could not subject to authority or were not physically able to keep up were dropped from the program, some dropped due to injury. Each week as we could not think of any way for it to be more difficult, but thay always managed to make it just that much harder.
Challenges:Throughout the 9 weeks there were many struggles. Here are the more difficult obsticales:
Voice Lockdown (3 weeks) - We were not to communicate(voice) with anyone other recruit, for the higher ranks where we used the proper protocall ("Recruit Baab respectfully requests permission to (ask a question)/(make a statment).
Multi-day Alarm - We would be anywhere, a mile away or sleeping in ou bunks. They would sound the alarm and we had a few minutes to have our hiking pack ready with all the required items. If you missed and item, did not have your cantene full, or arrived late to formation you would have to carry a large log on your pack as well as knock out 30 pushups with your full pack on for each item you missed.
12 Hour hike - We accomplished a 34 mile hike, fast paced over 12 hours. The last 3 hours were hardest as legs began to cramp.
Responder challenge - We awoke to a multi-day alarm around midnight, given coordinates, told to save a hunter, and find the materials salvage him. We hiked all night, found the materials, and finally picked the hunter up around 5am. I and another Recruit carried his 120lb pack the distance back to camp, and the others carried the hipothermic hunter on a stretcher. We also performed a river crossing with the hunter on a stretcher. We arrived at the barracks after the sun was pretty well up and they sent us to bed. 20 minutes and we had another multi-day alarm. I forgot to refill some water and was issued a log. We were given many objectives to complete, we managed to finish them by around 6pm, this time we were actually able to sleep.
24 Hour Hike - If the 12 hour hike was bad, the 24 hour hike was much worse. We left at around 7am and hiked up and down the mountains in Alabama, under a torrent of rain, and through probably every river possible to hike through in those mountains. It was a Cold rainy day. At night fall we hiked on roads, we couldn't stop and a few hiked on injured limbs; everyone had chaffing, blisters, cuts, and bruises. We finished the hike at 24:13 hours, and 52 Miles. A 7 hour busride back to the barracks and 35 exausted Recruits sleeping in every nook and cranny of that cold steel bus. Until then I did not think people could sleep and hike at the same time.
"And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. ..... .... ..." Revelations 6:8
Satuday Inspection - Every saturday we had to clean the barracks to perfection, have our uniforms perfect, and have or juristictions perfect. We had harsh correctional thrashings if we failed. one of the last thrashings was 1 set of 200pushups and then piramids from 30 down, bear walking 300M, 300-400 P.O.W.'s, runs up and down heartbreak hill, lunges up and down heartbreak hill. supermans and mountainclimbers in the sand.
Promotion Day:
The last week was nice, things went smoothly as we drilled for promotion day. We did a few presentations of our skills, had a cerimony and then a banquet. 33 out of the 44 that entered were promoted to the rank of responder.
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