Chris Da-Ming

Let's get Things Started, Again!

2009-04-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I’ve been taking some time away from blogging these past few months, and its all because I needed to spend some quality personal time with myself. Since I began taking a pre-law course at San Francisco State this fall semester, I hardly have any time on my hands to sit down and express myself personally or professionally anymore. In the past weeks, instead of sitting in front of my computer and writing a paragraph or two, I now spend most of my time taking timed essays and working through logic puzzles. Working through logic puzzles is something I never imagined myself doing back in high school—puzzles were for the dweebs and geeks—but candidly speaking, I get a real kick out of it! In fact, I think logic puzzles help with analyzing hypothetical questions in class. I’m not sure how many of my readers are aware of this, but pre-law hypo exams are extremely vigorous. I’ve already taken a few practice hypos in class and the one thing I've learn quickly is how little time you have to respond to the question, evaluate the facts, and analyze the problem. I remember during my first hypo, my thought process was scattered all over the place and before I knew it--time had run out. Since that moment, I try to utilize majority of my time practicing and studying for the next hypo.

On another note, I also want to take some time to mention a couple of extremely useful books that helped simplify my life this semester. I’ll even go as far as to say that after I integrated these tools that were featured in the books into my writing, I could see a significant improvement. Now, the good thing is that you can find these books just about anywhere, so there is no need to fret about where to grab them. The next, is that they are very inexpensive---roughly $10-$15 max. The first book is called, 501 Grammar and Writing Questions. This book has several exercises in each chapter that review simple rules on word and sentence structure such as, subject verb agreement, pronoun usage, and grammar and punctuation exercises. The second book is called, Legal Writing in Plain English, which also has a ton of exercises, especially, for those who want or are working in the legal field. I won’t give away all the details from this book, but the most pivotal tools I obtained from this book is that all writers must transform themselves into four characters when sculpting a piece literature. If you’re interested in improving your writing or know someone who could use one of these great resourceful books, just click on the link down below.

Take it easy.

Chris

P.S. Today, I would like recognize the lost of a great high school friend---Kimberly Plump---R.I.P.

Jasmine Sullivan: "In Love With Another Man"

2008-07-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

54 Years After Brown v. Board: The Deceit of Equality of Education

2008-05-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001(NCLB) was enacted with the goal of improving academic achievement in public schools through the implementation of assessment and accountability provisions, which are designed to focus increased levels of attention on under-performing groups of students and to close the achievement gap between them and their peers. On its face NCLB appears to be a policy to that recognizes the inefficiencies in public schools and the need to bring about educational equality. However, NCLB is not quite what it appears to be. In the year 2006 the Civil Rights Project at UCLA (CRP) conducted a comprehensive study of NCLB, which made several findings that indicate that NCLB did not have a significant impact on improving student achievement or reducing the achievement gaps.

The CRP reviewed data from six selected states (California, Virginia, Arizona, Georgia, New York and Illinois) where the policy had been in effect for six years. NCLB allows states to design and create its own method of accountability assessment known as, Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). One goal in particular requires all schools and students meet the academic standards for mathematics and reading by 2013-14. To reach this goal, an academic timeline scale was developed called, the “annual measurable objective” (AMO) . According to the policy brief, “In all six states, the performance targets were raised in 2004-05 after remaining the same during the previous three years.” For example, in California the performance target remained at 13% for three years, then in 2004-05 it increased to 23%. Many officials believed the higher increase on standard performance levels, the larger increase of schools that would be placed under the “needing improvement” status. Thus subjecting school district’s to state sanctions . “For example, within California and Virginia, the number of schools identified for improvement increased quite dramatically—176% increase in California and a 94% increase in Virginia over five years”.

Secondly, since it’s enactment the CPR found conflicting information to whether the facially well-intended policy was living up to its name. CPR reported it was difficult to know if whether the NCLB was having an effect on improving academic performance. According to CPR, “States may report that more students are reaching proficiency on state assessments, but this does not necessarily mean academic performance is improving.” When CPR compared state assessment tests to analyses trends of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and found discrepancies in the results. State assessment testing in all six states show a higher inflation to the amount of students meeting the proficiency goals, while NAEP report only a third of those scores. For example, in Arizona the state assessment for reading show 71% proficiency rate, while the NAEP report 24% for reading. The CPR reports there are a few possible reasons to explain these discrepancies, that state assessments are limited to the range of domains it can test. “Once these are decided on, teachers in high stakes situations may teach to the test, which leads to inflated results—test scores increase but without a corresponding increase in knowledge.” Another reason is that rather than testing for higher order or complex thinking skills, the test reflects a narrower range of learning goals. This is detrimental to low-performing students because there are more incentives for teachers to teach to the test in order to increase the number of students meeting proficiency.”

The stakes are higher for “improvement schools” compared to schools that meet the AYP standards. Improvement schools receive far less funding from property tax dollars, thus they are far more under-funded to “meeting AYP standards” schools. In addition, sanctions under NCLB force improvement schools to allocate funding to professional consultation and other academic services, which continues to deprive them from meeting assessment goals because student populations in theses schools are far greater in number to “meeting AYP standards” schools. According to the report, “For the 2004-2005 school year, the percentage of students attending improvement was 23.1% out of the total state’s school enrollment.” Students who attend these schools are adversely affected; the CRP found that many of these schools have an increasingly higher percentage of minority students attending.

In the Law Review article, by Robert L. Carter, Public School Segregation: A Contemporary Analysis. Carter writes, “public schools today are still regarded as “black schools” and others as “white schools”, and black schools have the lowest test scores.” Carter’s argument is parallel to the CRP’s policy brief, which shows:

In all 6 states, Black and Hispanic students compromise a higher proportion of enrollment for schools identified as needing improvement than schools that made AYP. In California and Illinois, for instance, improvement schools serve a school body that is more than 75% to 85% black or Hispanic, while schools that made AYP serve a student body less then 40% minority students in California and 20% in Illinois.

Schools listed as “improvement schools” are serving low-income minority populations. While these schools are struggling to meet the standards levels, they also are hit with more sanctions than opposed to schools that meet the AYP requirements. Therefore, the decision in Brown I, and the decree of Brown II have had an insignificant effect redressing the segregation that still exists in public schools today. Carter suggests that the Supreme Court’s recent decision to remove the judicial supervision in public schools would only allow the system to painfully regress.

The length of judicial supervision should not be relevant…federal courts should not run our nation’s educational system, BUT they should have a serious obligation to stand guard for as long as it takes to ensure that the constitutional right of black children to equal education is fulfilled.

After 54 years of Brown v. Board, public schools are still inherently segregated and minority students are still disadvantaged to the education afforded to white students. NCLB attempts to remedy inefficacies and instill accountability for academic achievement for all students attending federally funded schools, but the policy’s means to achieving it’s ends are egregiously flawed. The sanctions imposed to “improvement schools” are far more disadvantaging to students of color. While this policy is facially attempting to bring equality, the only means to address achieving proficiency standards are to allocate more funding to their scarce resources.

Catching Up with Me: Work, School and Play

2008-03-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

Wow!

Since my last written statement things are quite busy in my life. The externship opportunity at SF State is going extremely well. Mondays and Wednesdays you can find me at 850 Bryant St, San Francisco (Hall of Justice) working in Department 22. It's the dedicated calendar courtroom for other courtrooms within the Hall of Justice. When criminal charges are filed the Defense Council and D.A meet in Department 22 where the judge (Honorable Judge Tsenin) assign a date for a preliminary hearing or trial. So far, I'm enjoying everyday I there and I walk away retaining something was unaware of before.

As for my other classes, its going good but my Constitution and Individual Rights course is a pain in the hinney!

Obama's Speech on MLK

2008-01-21T14:53:00.001-08:00

Celebrating Dr. King's Legacy

2008-01-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

Relationships

2008-01-08T11:14:00.001-08:00

Looking to a relationships for love is like looking outside of oneself for a lifeline. It's also putting the cart before the horse. Until we discover love within ourselves, we can't authentically share it with anyone else. We confuse the rush of romance for love and give it more weight than it deserves. We give great importance to the symbols that Hollywood has assigned to love - good looks, great sex, an air of success and certain refinements. We are all attracted and entrapped by them. Although these maybe gorgeous accessories, they are not the basis for building a solid lasting relationship. They have absolutely no connection to love because they don't sustain us or satisfy us over time. In other words, it runs out.

Love is everlasting, Love is the activity of life. the active power in everything created, it is present everywhere, at every moment, in exactly the same degree. We are sustained by love and could not separate ourselves from it even if we tried. Love binds us to God, to one another, yet allows us individuality at the same time. A loving relationship is a precious thing, but it's not where love begins. A romantic relationship provides us with an opportunity to express love, but with or without a relationship, love exists in us and as us.

Try not to fall in love with someone partnered/or married to someone else or on the rebound. There are great risks involved. For instance, your "sweetheart or love" is the only person "you know you love deeply from your heart" and you feel the "only" person you will ever love again during your lifetime (no, not a case of infatuation, but true love). Age is definitely not a factor. The young at heart experience alone surpasses the greatest lover. He/she r has a heightened awareness of tender loving care and the propensity to be in touch with your "inner" feelings and perhaps a resourceful teacher. For the first time, you are filled with intense feelings of "love, peace, contentment, joy and passion." You are in love with the feeling of being treated so kindly again. All of your thoughts/feelings are consumed with love. Your "heart skips a beat" and the feeling of "I love him/her with all of my heart is again a part of your spirit." You appreciate and cherish every precious moment.

Although, absence makes the heart grow fonder, you've become familiar with loneliness and alienation (no choice of your own). This infectious smile sends you over the edge. You have never felt a love like this before. You crave intimacy, perhaps, a hug, a slow kiss, dinner, a walk along the beach, to even hold hands when you can, a quick embrace or a rub on the neck, a wink a love note or held snugly in your lover's arms.

New Video: Skillz "07 Rap Up"

2008-01-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve: It's good!

2007-12-31T20:34:00.000-08:00

After a night of listening to callers report drunk drivers and overzealous party goers, it's time for some relaxation and fun. This year for New Year's eve I'm staying home with family. I'm not interested in driving to the city (S.F) to dance in the cold, pay $40 to enter a club to get out three hours later and find out that your vehicle was broken into by a homeless person. Instead, I'll sit inside a warm house with family and friends a watch the ball drop on television. In 2008, I'm reaching for the stars! This will be an important year--I'll be graduating during the fall semester. I plan to take advantage of participating in a few internships in San Francisco. I know that with time and dedication, I will be able to reach my dreams and goals. Happy New Year's to everybody that stopped by my page. Take care.

Just a reminder to a my readers to post a message telling me about the things you plan to do or took part of on New Year's Day.

Chris

Assassination of Benazir Bhutto

2007-12-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

The lost of Prime Minister Bhutto struck the hearts of people around the world. The conflicts in Pakistan continue to engage our minds. When will the selfish act of terrorism stop the killing of innocent people? This clip is in memory of the Benazir Bhutto. It depicts the last political rally she attended for the upcoming elections in Pakistan next month.

Chris

Throw Back Reality Show:

2007-12-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

Playing with Onstar

New Video: John Legend "Show Me"

2007-12-26T23:46:00.000-08:00

John Legend's new video is a conversation piece in it's self. I'm not sure how well the album has done in sales, but its one album that I make sure to play once or twice a week. John's Legend name speaks for itself. His use of words and musical sound is genius, especially given that today we no longer hear substantive music played on the radio. I'm posting this video because its important to uphold quality music. Hope you enjoy (I always do).

Chris Da-ming

C-Daming on Christmas Day

2007-12-25T22:41:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings to all my family and friends, its been one amazing year. I can remember at one point when I thought finishing college was unreachable. Just the thought of the time it would take me to finish sent me into a cloud of frustration. In fact, moving forward also ment getting older and out of touch with my youthful years. Today, only some of these things are true. LOL. I definitely feel older than a few of my fellow classmates, but my drive to achieve superseeds those superficial thoughts roaming within my head. This year, I have fought and challenged myself in every aspect of my life. That's right. Every part of my life i.e. personally, professionally, physically and spiritually has progressed imensely. Above all, I can only give complete thanks and respect to my lord and savior for being my recourse and protector. God, there were moments I wanted to let the bad and unholy overwhelm my mental and physical capcity, but it was your grace and will that came to my recourse. I thank you for your guidance and direction, you are worthy to be praised.

Before ending this brief words and thougths I also would like to wish everyone peace and success in the coming year!

Happy Holidays,

Chris Dominguez

Merry Christmas from The Obama Family

2007-12-21T12:11:00.000-08:00

Here is the United States next President (you never know) wishing you a Merry Christmas.

Chris

Jill Scott: "My Love"

2007-12-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

Jill_scott-my_love-dvdrip-xvid-2007
Uploaded by fejay9one

I can remember back in 2001 when Jill Scott first came out with her first album. I thought she was just another biter of Erykah Badu's swag, but Jill Scott has proven herself to be a staple within "soul" music. I remember going to see her in concert @ the Paramount in Oakland, she was amazing to hear live. This is her second single off her latest album "The Real Thing: Words and Songs Vol. 3" entitled "My Love". If you haven't thought about purchasing the album, I just want to share that Jill takes you on a journey that makes you wish it would last forever.

New Video: Trey Songs "Can't Help But Wait"

2007-12-17T16:16:00.000-08:00

Trey Songz - Can't Help But Wait (New)
Uploaded by foxysoul

Over the weekend I tuned into an episode of 106 & Park and caught Trey Song's new video, "Can't Help But Wait". It's nice. I'm not sure if I will agree with the words in this song. It's not my style to play second to another man in position. That's wack. Furthermore, I don't think I would appreciate a guy waiting for an opportunity to be with my girl. That's crazy. Playing with another person's emotions can catch you a beat down. Trey Song's should probably play his part down.

Chris

GGCC X-mas party

2007-12-15T23:19:00.000-08:00

Most of you all know that I work for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as a call-taker for 911 emergency. Tonight our communication center celebrated its annual Christmas party at the Marriott Hotel in Fairfield. Each year the xmas party brings employees together under one room to enjoy some fantastic food and dancing. It's a great way to release the frustration that work brings us throughout the year. This year we did an excellent job raising money to raffle some nice prizes. We gave away a 36 inch flat screen T.V., a Panasonic Camcorder, a George Foreman grill and a 50/50 raffle (the winner took home $640). In addition, the party allowed up to reflect on some wonderful times our center shared during the year. A few months ago our we lost a co-worker who was extremely dear to our hearts. Mrs. Holly Ann Harris always made your day every chance and opportunity she had. She was that special individual. She was responsible in coordinating several raffles and fundraisers at our center, she made sure that we shared special moments together. Celebrating the holidays without her for the first time, collectively, rips away at our hearts. In dedication to Ms. Holly's hard work we honored her with a plaque for her daughter, Tashuan Harris. It was a special moment for everyone inside the room. Her efforts and dedication will never be forgotten and will be deeply missed. Mrs. Holly if your reading this blog don't forget to finish the quilt I wanted you to make (BK). I know your having a blast in heaven. Thinking of you always.

Here is a photo I took of myself before the party.

Merry X-mas

Chris

Me and Study hanging out at Starbucks (Vallejo)

2007-12-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

Just a teaser of study was completed today and I still have three other chapters to review. College life is crazy, but its worth every moment. I believe I was thinking about this coming finals week.

Chris Dominguez

I'm gonna be a $350 an hour man

2007-12-12T23:56:00.000-08:00

That's right. One thing day I will reach my goal of becoming a $350 an hour man. I'm a guy who is optimistic about my dreams. It's something I've had since I was a little boy. Perhaps my infectious drive comes from my childhood memories. My mother was a single parent raising three boys who also drove one hundred and twelve miles a day to pay a mortgage. My brothers and I were at home alone on several occasions, as a result, the experience produced a self-independence within me. When you live in a single parent home you are sometimes more limited then others. Yes, having the basic needs is important, but it prevents you from experiencing what other children are rewarded for. While a pair of tennis shoes from Payless Shoe store could remedy my needs, still a pair of the latest Nike tennis shoes were cooler. Sorry, its the truth. I acknowledge that I am a better person today and that this experience is a part of my road to success. I'm not settling. I'm going to reach the top. It's mines. Watch out world because here I come.

Till the next time,

Chris Dominguez

Man Faints From Weight Lifting

2007-12-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

Guy Faints While Weight Lifting - Watch more free videos

When christmas break comes around in a few days I'll be spending my time in the gym. This video clip is really funny, it shows not everyone can go hard.

Chris

The Expression of Words: A Breath of Fresh Air

2007-12-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

Quit giving her the power over you, your trying to make a better life for yourself.
Her inability to cope with where you are in life can be seen in her actions.
Support yourself, find something to keep yourself busy.
Stop begging her.
You are the injured victim, but don't act like a victim.
Your only 50% of the relationship, she's the other half.
She put you here.
She's telling you where she is in her life (without using words).
You can't give her an ounce of your attention and time
Instead, take time to rest, go to the gym and express yourself (this is naturally you)

This is not your fault.

Chris Dominguez

"Slow Week"

2007-12-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Some of you may already be aware I'm gearing up for finals in the coming weeks. It's the final stretch of school, so I'm putting my time where it will best serve my interests. Two days ago I received an e-mail from a friend asking me to post some more photos of myself. I'm a modest guy who prefers to post writings and thoughts--with a few music videos here and there. I will try to compromise my personal views for those who stop by my page more often. I will try to keep you updated with what's going on in my life. I have a few events I'm attending this month, which I hope you find of some interest. This is all for now.

Chris

New Video: Kelly Rowland "Work"

2007-12-05T17:33:00.000-08:00

Kelly rowland - work [new]
Uploaded by cocomoor

New Video: Tamia "Almost"

2007-11-30T01:46:00.000-08:00

Tamia - Almost [NEW]
Uploaded by PeteRock

There is one thing I have to say about Tamia, she's a 10! No pun intended (Mr. Hill). One of my favorite jams of hers is "Officially Missing You". Now that's how any man would want his girl to feel. Ladies, when us guys are out here working hard in order to keep the lights on and the mortgage company from calling, remember to let us know you are missing us. There are two benefits to this. First, it let's us know were important to you. Secondly, it keeps the relationship fresh and sexy.

Chris

Good Morning!

2007-11-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

Just getting out of bed. Today, I have a full day of classes, so its likely I will be busy hanging out with my girl Study.

Chris

New Video: Jaheim "Never"

2007-11-28T08:38:00.001-08:00

Jaheim - Never [New Video]
Uploaded by Yannicklord

My Girl Study

2007-11-27T19:06:00.001-08:00

Since I have less than 24 hrs to turn in my lab assignment, I plan to stay in tonight to make sure every answer is correct. I thought this would be an excellent moment for me to expose some light on my relationship situation. Me and my girl Study we've been acquaintances for a little over 22 years. Just within the last 5 years we decided to take our relationship to the next level. We spend long hours together, sleep together and when moments are stale we even doodle together. We are committed to each other. The thing I like about this girl is that she's patient with me, but that's not the only thing that keeps me fired up about her. I like her because she knows my mother, my dad, my brothers and she even knows all my homies. Now I don't know about you, but when a girl can connect with so many people that are important to you, it demonstrates how resourceful she will be in your life. However, like every relationship me and Study have had our bad times. Sometimes she is hard to interpret and difficult to get along with. At times she irritates me, sometimes she embarrasses me (if I fail to give this girl my time, I will make a fool of myself later). Throughout our years together she's kept me on my toes, fresh and rejuvenated. She's my Boo! She's the one thing in my life that has never mistreated me, cheated or lied to me. I think I want to share the rest of my life with her.

Study, will you marry me?

Chris

Throw Back Video: New Edition "If It Isn't Love"

2007-11-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

New Edition - If It Isn't Love
Uploaded by New-Edition

Thanksgiving Day Photos from Work

2007-11-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

Sometime last night, I was contemplating what to write for today's blog. Now that we are post-Thanksgiving Holiday, I thought I should show you a few photos from work last night. This is the first set of photos I have posted showing the 911 communications floor. Yes, 911 calls in the Bay Area are taken from inside this small room. As you can see, there are many stations, in which, call-takers answer emergency calls. Last night , was pretty busy----several calls for drunk drivers and calls for fights between, Day After Thanksgiving shoppers.

Chris

A Thanksgiving Day Shot

2007-11-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm just waking up from a somewhat long night. I spent sometime last night with my girlfriend's family. It's always nice to see her family concentrated under one house. Today, I will be spending the first half with my family and the second half with my co-workers. It's never any fun to go to work on a holiday when everyone else is off having a good time. I initially thought I would have Thanksgiving Day off, but I misinterpreted the schedule at work. Its all just a bunch of malarkey!

Thanksgiving day is special because it allows me the opportunity to reflect and appreciate all the contributions I've received throughout the year. I have been through some challenging days within the past month, both, personally and professionally. There were times I wanted to give up--and yell, "SUPERCALIFRINKINWHATEVER", still I held onto my morals and acknowledge that my experiences were brought on by the conditions of life. There is a motto I live by, that I would like to take a moment to share with you, "Life is a changing variable". Life is always moving and evolving, this is why we as individuals are unable to predict what is to come of tomorrow. When you find yourself being challenged, you never imagine it will happen to you. For some, when life infringes or weights them down they loose the ability to move in the direction of their dreams. I'm proud that when my moment of change arrived that i had my family as my recourse--supporting and encouraging me to continue moving ahead. On this day of Thanskgiving, I want to say THANK YOU to each and everyone of you for your words of wisdom and direction.

I'm wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday.

Chris

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2007-11-21T19:46:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving day is always a blast to celebrate. Its a great time to relax and share with our families and friends. While your having your second serving of turkey or dressing, take a moment to think about someone less fortunate. Sometimes our own problems seem severe, but the truth of the matter is that there's someone out there whose problems are far much greater. Remember that today is not only to reflect on our own personal accomplishments, but to to think and pray for those less fortunate.

As always take care and Happy Thanksgiving!

Regards,

Chris

Chris Brown, With You

2007-11-21T10:06:00.001-08:00

With You - Chris Brown World Premiere Video

Add to My Profile | More Videos

More Photos

2007-11-20T22:57:00.000-08:00

More photos from Friday's Leadership Vallejo (LV) meeting

A Day At City Hall

2007-11-20T18:24:00.000-08:00

Last Friday I spent the entire day with Leadership Vallejo (LV) down at the Vallejo City Hall building. This may sound a bit bizarre to a few of you, given that I am majoring in political science. I never felt compelled to drive down to City Hall and walk inside to tour the building. Candidly speaking, prior to LV my relationship with local government was watching it on a public access television. Now, I have gone inside the building to pay a water bill, but never to explore the other bureaus inside. At first glance, the building seems a bit small and limited. However, it has about 4-5 floors and enormous space. My trip to City Hall was arranged by the Leadership Vallejo program, which allowed our group to learn about the services and departments that help to keep Vallejo running. We spent the first half of the day discussing the city's responsibilities, the city's Charter, the fiscal budget and the relationship between the city and the State of California. Every time, time I attend an LV meeting, I grow by leaps and bounds. What a resource this program has been for me.

Like always, I try to be a brief with my blog entries, so I will leave you with a few photos for you to view.

Chris

Kanye West speaks out for the first time

2007-11-19T23:02:00.000-08:00

Last week we learned about the tragic death of Kanye West's mother, Donda West. When I initially heard the news, I immediately connected his pain to the unconditional love I have for my own mother. Moments like these are never easy to endure. My thoughts and prayer go out to the West family.

Chris

Letting Go...

2007-11-19T22:23:00.001-08:00

It's been years for us.
Good and bad times, we shared them together.
Something came to me saying, "it's not me, it's you".
I didn't want to listen, so I stayed thinking it couldn't be true.
Confronted you on several occasions, yet you were to coward to admit it.
It's a shame you let me get away...time will prove this!
It's not personal (so you would say)
For now it's over

This road I take now---is a road I take alone

Letting go........

Chris

Hard working Brotha

2007-11-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

I was walking to class a couple of weeks ago, and ran into an old friend (S.T.). She said, "Its good to see you. You must be on your way to class?" She was right, she saw me rushing to my first class of the day (PLSI 300). You know when your in the zone you never anticipate running into someone you know. We conversed briefly, then said our goodbye's.

Later, in the week I received an e-mail, in which she wrote, "every time I see you your always rushing, on the go or appear tired." I had to laugh, because she may not have noticed that I'm a hard working brother! That's right. I work 12 hour shifts, each day over weekends. This is my means of paying for my college tuition. I begin work at 5:45 p.m. and I get off at 6:15 a.m. the following day. My Monday's are the toughest. My first class begins at 11:10 am, so this only gives me time for a short nap. The most grueling part is that I commute from Vallejo, which requires me to leave about an hour earlier to get to San Francisco. This photo shows you the appearance of a hard working brother, and if you look closely you will see the "Trader Joe" bags under my eyes.

Chris

Barry Bonds Indicted

2007-11-15T21:45:00.001-08:00

A federal grand jury has charged Barry Bonds with four counts of perjury and one count for obstructing justice. In 2003, Bonds came under fire with his, then personal trainer, Greg Anderson. Anderson, who was indicted by a grand jury and later charged with supplying anabolic steroids. If Bond is convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

Nice Photos

2007-11-15T18:02:00.000-08:00

This clip is interesting:

Season's Greeting from Chris Brown:

2007-11-15T15:45:00.000-08:00

A family friend sent this to me the other day. They mentioned it would be appropriate for the coming days, so here I am passing it on to you:

Watch Chris Brown?s THIS CHRISTMAS Music Video
Uploaded by SonyPictures

Checkout Alicia Keys New Video:

2007-11-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

Leadership Photos

2007-11-15T15:14:00.001-08:00

Leadership Vallejo

2007-11-15T14:32:00.001-08:00

This Friday, (November 16, 2007) I will be attending a monthly meeting with Leadership Vallejo members. Some of you are aware of my participation with this program, but for those who are still uninformed, please checkout the website: www.leadershipvallejo.org If you click on the website, check out the photos uploaded on the page. Currently, I serve on the program's community team. As of this moment, we are developing a project along Tennessee Street (the street has a historical connection with Mare Island Shipyard). When Mare Island was a active military base, Tennessee Street was one of Vallejo's staple locations. One of the reasons is because it's the only street to access Mare Island from the I-80 freeway. Today, since the military base's closure the street has become festered with litter, over grown city trees, graffiti, old newspaper receptacles and smoking shops. Studies have show when areas are left unmaintained, crime rates are likely to increase. The city of Vallejo has the potential to become a staple within the Bay Area region, but it takes one person (me or you) connecting with others to compel change.

Anyhow, its day one of the start of my vacation week from school. I'm feeling like getting out tonight. Maybe I'll checkout a movie.

Chris

Get Alicia Keys Album!

2007-11-15T01:36:00.000-08:00

Who Am I

2007-11-15T00:49:00.000-08:00

It's a good time to use this moment to become more aquatinted. My name is Chris Dominguez, 27, born in San Francisco, but now living in Vallejo. You might have seen me in traffic, walking through the trenches or studying in the library. Yes, the library----its probably the place where I spend most of my time, right now. If you were wondering how does a brother have a last name like DOMINGUEZ, it's because my father is part Mexican. Its funny that when I'm around African American's, they seem shocked a put a distorted look on their face. Then when I'm around Hispanics---its like "Oh yeah" and then they ask me, "How?" Sometimes, I feel its best not to waste my time grappling with poplar misconceptions, but clarification never hurts.

Moving along.

I am attending San Francisco State University (SFSU), so far I have enjoyed its rich diversity and campus life. Its a wonderful experience meeting people searching for the same thing (reaching for the stars). If your wondering what I do for a living, I currently work with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as a call-taker for 911 emergency calls. I'm often asked if I enjoy this line of work and I always respond with a smile (silence kills). I'm the 2nd born child of three boys, my mother is retired from 31 years from working for SBC. I am the first of her son's to attend college (at the University level) and the first to be graduating. My mother is a special part of my life, I am proud to share that she has given me the best guided experience and I love her for it.

Writing is therapeutic. I have enjoyed spending time writing and releasing my thoughts. I hope that you will enjoy this place I call home.

Chris

Give me a break

2007-11-14T18:45:00.001-08:00

Doesn't it feel like there is always someone asking for your assistance? Its like your needed for everything? It makes you want to get up and scream. I'm beginning to think it's an internal creed developed during childhood years. Just the other day, someone approached me with, "What are you going to be doing around 4:00 pm tomorrow?" My first instinct was to say, "nothing" given that I am a kind hearted type of guy. Besides, what could go wrong? But after giving myself a second thought it allowed me to come up with a good excuse, so I replied, "I got this mid-term paper I'm working on." Thank god it worked! It's a catchy situation because you always feel obliged to do something, but sometimes you need some time for yourself.

By the way now that I am officially done with classes this week. I am official on Thanksgiving vacation break. I will be spending time with my family and girlfriend. After completing my last paper and working over the weekend its time to relax.

Till the next,

Chris

Working on my second paper for Jurisprudence

2007-11-10T13:31:00.001-08:00

Well, here is my first official blog page! After spending hours and years reviewing what other bloggers are doing around the world. Its my turn now to share my experiences, so with that said let us begin. Today I woke up around 11:30 am to begin finalizing my outline for a paper that I am working on in my Jurisprudence class. Its due Wednesday November 14, 2007. I'm writing on a case that went before the Supreme Court, PGA TOUR v. Martin. Martin is a professional golfer with a disability that causes acute pain when he walks. His request to use a golf cart to alleviate the pain he suffers was denied by the PGA Board. The PGA Tour claimed the "walking rule" was substantive to the nature of the competition and its purpose was to inject fatigue into players during an 18 hole competition. Martin filed suit against the PGA Tour, in which, the Supreme Court ruled in his favor. I'm writing in support of the Supreme Court's decision--arguing against the dissent written by Justice Scalia and Justice Thomas. Wish me the best of luck--this is all new to me.

My time is extremely limited, so this is probably the best time for me to stop free writing and get back to my term paper.

Until next time, take care.

Chris Dominguez