Here we go again.

One of my best friends graduated from the AF academy in the late 90s. He served his required time with distinction, then left the service. He’s gay, although I don’t know if even he knew that that when he went in. Back then, the policy was still “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” After coming out he had to be very careful that nobody he worked with found out about his orientation. It was stupid then, and it’s stupid to take steps backwards now. When they finally lifted the restrictions, most everyone in the military shrugged and went about their business. For the most part they just don’t care what kind of genitals you have or what kind you prefer. They just want to do their job.

Shit. I might just re-up to the executive membership this year. I don’t shop there as much as I used to but I could still probably manage to get enough rewards to cover the membership price.

Was sappenin’?

Has he ever actually been on the rails?

I don’t know how other schools/districts are handling this issue, but in my kids’ high school they have plastic storage bins in every classroom. Some classes have one big bin by the door. Others have multiple smaller bins at each group table. When the kids enter the room, they are expected to put their phone in the bin and leave it there until the end class. The bins aren’t locked or put anywhere they can’t be reached in an emergency.

From everything I’ve heard from both teachers and students, this new policy is working wonders to increase student engagement and interaction. I honestly don’t see any downsides. The only people I’ve seen complaining are helicopter parents who are upset that they can’t get ahold of their kid at any moment of the day.