Wednesday Updates after 7:53pm


Today, I went on a field trip with students to the Pomona Raceway Fairplex
for the 15th annual Career Opportunities Fair sponsored by NHRA and the US Army.
We won first place in the multimedia challenge last year.

- Check out this link. Click here.

- This evening, I received an email from Daniel L. Hayes in San Marcos, CA. He claimed that because there was a quote in the AP article about RangerAl "being an old dude...", I was a self-serving pompous ass. Let me explain a few things here:

I was called by the author of that article, Ron Harris, in the evening during the last major battles of the fire. The article was supposed to be about using internet technology during this disaster. I was following the scanners, news, message boards, and posting all night long.

I have never been interviewed like that before. It was a casual conversation that lasted awhile about all sorts of subjects. Ron was typing as I was speaking (I heard him on the phone).

I spoke at LENGTH with MANY positives about our fellow webmasters and helpers (such as Ranger Al, Phil from AWUA, Scott from ROTW.net) on the mountain. The particular quote in question was taken out of its full sentences and context. I do not know Ranger Al personally, but I certainly did NOT say any negatives about anyone (except the TV coverage).

The author decided what he wanted to write and compresses things to fit his story. Did he call me to check on accuracies before he published? No! By the way, I don't have five kids or only one dog.

For those out there who know me well, maybe you could write Daniel L. Hayes and let him know what you think.

I was contacted by AP (Washington office) earlier in the week, and did NOT interview. Supporters around me encouraged me to accept doing an interview. I hardly ever look for credit for my work; I am too self-conscious. I brag about my students' work all the time. Ask Brenda Meyer from the Crestline Chamber of Commerce. I was even embarrassed after the pictures were taken.

If ANY part of the article offended anyone, I truly apologize. I am a teacher who was trying to assist others during this hard time. For those who know me as a teacher or on a personal level, they can assure you that this is true.

This one stings,
-- Joe Urbz

PS> I am also refunding all the money our readers have generously donated for a hi-speed connection.

Posted: Wed - November 5, 2003 at 06:09 AM      

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