Just Joe: Random Thoughts From a Community Activist

First....thanks to those who left some nice comments on the last blog.  They were appreciated.  

*I went and saw The Lorax this weekend.  As I watched I couldn't help but connect the smoking ban in parks issue with the theme of the film.  One line stood out to me during the movie:  "Unless someone like you cares a whole lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not."  There is so much truth to that line. The world needs changing.  If more people would stand up to make that change think about the things we could do!

*The same day the article came out in the Union Tribune about the smoking ban issue in Santee there was another article involving Santee.  It was announced that the Santee School District had made 15 temporary teaching positions permanent.  All that has been on the news about school districts as of late has been about school board scandals or employee layoffs.   Kudos to all involved for doing something so remarkable in such crazy economic times.

*I think our society has taught our children there is no need to strive for achievements.  Don't think so?  Why do the sports leagues feel the need to give every player of every team a trophy or medal just because the played?  Why do the schools pass out students awards every month or so and make sure that each student receives an award through the course of the year.  I for one do not like either example. What does it teach the kids?   If you doubt for a minute that this is a problem I want you to go have lunch on the campus of UCSD and then come back and talk to me. 

*I knew that being an activist would mean I would be vulnerable for attacks from people who disagree with me but I never imagined there would be such hateful reactions. I am very thankful for those of you who have made positive comments to keep my spirits up and I am very thankful to my family and friends who have encouraged me to keep my head up and not lose focus.  I know I have to learn to take the negative comments with a grain of salt.  That's easier said than done but I am trying!

*It's official...Chick-Fil-A and In-N-Out are headed to Santee! They will be on opposite sides of the driveway that enters between Lowe's and Kohl's.  In-N-Out will be on the Kohl's side and Chick-Fil-A will be on the Lowe's side. 

We all know In-N-Out has a very basic menu.  Are you aware of the "secret menu" that you can order from?

Animal Style Burger:  They grill mustard into the burger and add extra pickles, extra sauce and grilled onions.

Animal Style Fries: Fries get topped with secret sauce, onions and melted cheese.

Protein Style Burger: Wrap any burger you want in lettuce instead of a bun.

Extra Meat: The single burger and Double Double are on the menu.  But you can order a 3x3 or a 4x4 as well.

The Flying Dutchman: Two beef patties and two slices of cheese....that's it!  Nothing else..not even a bun!

Finally....thoughts and prayers to legendary comic Gallagher and his family!  The watermelon smashing funny man suffered a heart attack last week and was put into a medically induced coma.  He came out of that coma today and was telling jokes and was in good spirits.