This is the central page of the 31 Days to Building a Better Blog Project that I'm running here at ProBlogger.
What is the 31 Day Project About?
To put it most simply it's a month long series of posts here at ProBlogger designed to walk you through 31 tasks that you can do to make your blog better. You can read more about how the project works and how to participate in my introduction to the project.
The project is made up of two parts:
My Tips and Reader Tips
Below you'll find a summary of both. To keep up to date with the project subscribe to ProBlogger's RSS feed or to our daily email updates.
To participate with a tip of your own simply follow the steps outlined in this post.
Claim: Article describes coverage of the death of Medal of Honor recipient Ed Freeman.
MIXTURE OF TRUE AND FALSE INFORMATION
Example:[Collected via e-mail, February 2009]
Ed Freeman
You're a 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam. Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.
You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is half-way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day. Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.
Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.
He's coming anyway.
And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.
Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses.
And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times..... And took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.
Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, died last Wednesday at the age of 80, in Boise , ID ......May God rest his soul.....
I bet you didn't hear about this hero's passing, but we sure were told a whole bunch about some Hip-Hop Coward beating the crap out of his "girlfriend."
Medal of Honor Winner Ed Freeman!
Shame on the American Media.
Variations: In July 2009, a reference to the recent death of Michael Jackson was added to the article quoted above ("Michael Jackson dies and it's 24/7 news coverage. A real American hero dies and not a mention of it in the news. The media has no honor and God is watching"), and Ed Freeman's date of death was altered to 25 June 2009.
Origins: In March 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution designating the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 103 West Main Street in McLain, Mississippi, as the 'Major Ed W. Freeman Post Office'. McLain was the hometown of Ed Freeman, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War who passed away in August 2008:
"It is extremely fitting that we should name a federal building after Major Ed Freeman," Congressman Mike Simpson said. "It is an honor to have known him, and all Americans should be honored that he served our country and defend her in the manner in which he did."
The bill to designate the post office in Freeman's honor passed the U.S. House unanimously with a final vote of 384-0.
Freeman was a Mississippi native, and the Post Office that was renamed is located in his hometown.
At that time, the original version of the e-mail quoted above began circulating, a version that lamented the media attention given to "some Hip-Hop coward beating the crap out of his 'girlfriend'" (a reference to rapper Chris Brown's having been arrested in February 2009 on charges of battery against his girlfriend, Rihanna) while Ed Freeman's death received much less coverage. (These events were not simultaneous, as Ed Freeman had passed away in August 2008, several months before Chris Brown's arrest.)
In July 2009, shortly after the death of singer Michael Jackson, the piece was altered to reference him rather than Chris Brown, and to change the date of Ed Freeman's death to 25 June2009 in order to create the mistaken impression that Freeman had passed away on the same day as Jackson and that his death was therefore ignored by the media in the crush of Michael Jackson coverage. (As noted in the previous paragraph, Ed Freeman actually passed away in August 2008, nearly a year before the death of Michael Jackson.)
All of this posturing should not be allowed to obscure the accomplishments of the very real Ed Freeman, who at a White House ceremony in July 2001 was presented with the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush. President Bush said of Freeman on that occasion:
By all rights, another president from Texas should have had the honor of conferring this medal. It was in the second year of Lyndon Johnson's presidency that Army Captain Ed Freeman did something that the men of the 7th Calvary have never forgotten. Years passed, even decades, but the memory of what happened on November 14, 1965 has always stayed with them.
For his actions that day, Captain Freeman was awarded the distinguished Flying Cross, but the men who were there, including the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Crandall, felt a still higher honor was called for. Through the unremitting efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Crandall and many others and the persuasive
weight from Senator John McCain, the story now comes to its rightful conclusion.
That story began with a battalion surrounded by the enemy in one of Vietnam's fiercest battles. The survivors remember the desperate fear of almost certain death. They remember gunfire that one witness described as the most intense he had ever seen, and they remember the sight of an unarmed helicopter coming to their aid. The man with the controls flew through the gunfire not once, not 10 times, but at least 21 times.That single helicopter brought the water, ammunition and supplies that saved many lives on the ground, and the same pilot flew more than 70 wounded soldiers to safety.
General Eisenhower once observed that when you hear a Medal of Honor citation, you practically assume that the man in question didn't make it out alive. In fact, about 1 in 6 never did, and the other five, men just like you all here, probably didn't expect to.
Citations are also written in the most simple of language, needing no embellishment or techniques of rhetoric. They record places and names and events that describe themselves. The medal itself bears only one word and needs only one, valor.
As a boy of 13, Ed Freeman saw thousands of men on maneuvers pass by his home in Mississippi. He decided then and there that he would be a soldier. A lifetime later the Congress has now decided that he's even more than a soldier because he did more than his duty. He served his country and his comrades to the fullest, rising above and beyond anything the Army or the nation could have ever asked.
It's been some years now, since he left the service and was last saluted.
But from this day, wherever he goes, by military tradition, Ed Freeman will merit a salute from any enlisted personnel or officer of rank. Commander Seevers, I'll now ask you to read this citation of the newest member of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and it'll be my honor to give him his first salute.
Ed Freeman's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows:
Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, distinguished himself by numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights had a direct impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would almost surely have gone down, with much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriouslywounded soldiers some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor, extraordinary perseverance and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Last updated: 14 July 2009
The URL for this page is http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/freeman.asp
Jontz, Sandra. "Decades Later, War Hero Is Finally Awarded Medal of Honor." Stars and Stripes. 17 July 2001. CNN. "Bush Presents Congressional Medal of Honor." 16 July 2001. Idaho Press-Tribune. "Congress Names Post Office for Valley Medal of Honor Recipient." 18 March 2009. Idaho Statesman. "MOH Recipient Ed Freeman Dies." 21 August 2008.
13-year-old Erik Jones prepares for 2010 racing season with ASA Late Model Series and Owosso Speedway
Written by Matt Prieur
Thursday, 18 March 2010 00:00
Byron, Michigan (Thursday, March 18, 2010): Erik Jones has already started his 2010 racing season by competing in the Crate Late Models division during Florida Speedway at New Smyrna Speedway in Samsula, Florida. Now the real season begins for the Byron, Michigan teenager.
For the 2010 racing season, Jones, the 2009 Rookie of the Year in the Pro Stocks division at his home track of Owosso Speedway in Ovid, Michigan will compete for the 2010 Rookie of the Year title in the ASA Late Model Series (Formerly Northern Division).
The 13-year-olds' quest for the Freshman title begins at the fast ½ (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval of Toledo Speedway in Toledo, Ohio on Friday and Saturday, April 16-17th in the ASA Late Model Series' 2010 season opener, the Glass Breaker 125.
In addition to his ASALMS schedule, he'll also go after the Rookie of the Year title in Pro Late Models division back at Owosso Speedway and he'll also make select appearances at the Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan in their Pro Late Models class when his ASA Late Model Series schedule allows.
Last year was a great learning curve for me and my team. We had a great time racing the Pro Stock at Owosso and I am excited to go back in a Pro Late Model. The 13-year-old stated. I'm eager to run the ASALMS schedule and at Owosso this year for rookie of the year.
During Speedweeks, Jones' first appearance behind the wheel of a Late Model, he competed in the Crate Late Models division and was impressive throughout the marathon week of racing at the ½ (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval as he finished Ninth in the final Crate Late Models Speedweeks Points.
His best finish of Speedweeks was a solid sixth during the 50-lap Speedweeks finale for the Crate Late Models on February 12th. He also scored an eighth place showing on February 9th for his first of Two Top 10 showings.
A 14th place finishing position in his Late Model debut on February 7th and an 11th place finish on February 11th after starting at the rear of the field accounted for all four of his starts resulting in a finish of no worse than 14th in fields of at least 22 cars or more.
We all had a great time at New Smyrna Speedway, despite the cold rainy weather, The Byron, Michigan teenager continued. The track was very fast, the fastest I have ever raced on. The car was very good, and I learned a lot about running the track, with the help of (2010 Florida Speedweeks Super Late Models Champion) B.J. McLeod.
Jones also added; It was great to get to work with Jimmy Smith and Rich Lushes throughout Speedweeks. I'm very excited about the possibilities for the upcoming season. He ended.
Jones began his racing career at the age of seven racing Quarter Midgets as a member of Mid Michigan Racing Association (MMRA) in Waterford, Michigan and was recognized as the MMRA Rookie of the Year. In 2007, he was the MMRA Light 160 Champion.
In 2008 while still in Quarter Midgets, he moved up into the Light AA and World Formula classes and while competing in the 2008 Eastern Grands in Connecticut, he set fast time and a new track record in World Formula. He also qualified his Light AA into the A-Main and finished second overall.
The 2009 season began with Jones competing in the Pure Stock division at the Owosso Speedway and Three weeks into the season, the decision was made to move the then 12-year-old Jones into a more advanced division, the Pro Stocks, and the results were impressive.
He scored one feature win, which came on August 29th after beating defending track champion, Leo Smith in one of the most thrilling races of the season. Overall in 2009, Jones also racked up Three Top Five finishes and an impressive Eight Top 10 showings in 11 starts. Jones also scored Two Preliminary Heat Race Wins as well to finish Eighth in the final points standings and win the 2009 Rookie of the Year title.
For the 2010 season, Jones' #4 Chevrolet Impala will carry primary sponsorship from Paragon Corvette Reproductions as well as additional support from; Simpson Race Products, The Rock Fitness Center, Port City Race Cars, M.P.H. Promotions, and Paragon Racing Team.
The Paragon Racing Team consists of Car Owners and Parents, Dave and Carol Jones with Crew Chief, Jimmy Smith. The rest of the hard working crew includes; Ken Bond, Brandon Rose, Neil Wendt, Steven Wendt, and Tony Youngs.
To learn more about Erik Jones and the Paragon Racing Team, go to the teams' website at: www.paragonracingteam.com
Okemos Auto Service steps up to the plate in 2010 as title sponsor of the Sport Stocks
Saturday, 27 February 2010 00:00
Owosso Speedway and Fast Track Promotions Inc., are proud to announce the first divisional sponsor for the 2010 racing season as Okemos Auto Service of Okemos, Michigan will be the title sponsor of what will be known in 2010 as the Okemos Auto Service Sport Stocks.
Okemos Auto Service is a full service general auto, light and medium truck service center. Shannon and Robert Jenkins have been the owners since 2005. Okemos Auto Service offers complete automotive repair on any make or model.
Anything from light body and trim work to minor interior work; From Electrical to Electronics, Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Computers, Carburetors, Tune-Ups, Alignments, Suspension and Tires, Brakes, ABS, Traction Control, Air Bags, Instrumentation and Tire Monitors, Light Bulbs and Door Mirrors, Oil Changes and all other Fluid Maintenance.
In addition, they do Automobiles, Light and Medium Trucks, Domestic or Foreign makes. They'll even air up or repair your Bike Tires, Car Tires, Lawn Mower Tires, and even Pool Toys. They've been known to fix a Bike or Lawn Mower or two in a pinch and offer courtesy rides or service while you wait.
The Okemos Auto Service Sport Stocks division is one of the most competitive divisions at the Big O utilizing Front Wheel Drive Four and Six Cylinder machines. The division is considered the beginners class, but they race nothing like first timers and constant three, four, and even five-wide action is the norm on Saturday nights on the 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked paved oval.
Okemos Auto Service is located on the corner of Jolly and Jolly Oak Roads, one block west of Okemos Road behind the Value Tire store at 2360 Jolly Road in Okemos, Michigan. For more information, please call: 1 (517) 347-9985.
The second of the two co-headlining divisions at the Big "O" and one of the most competitive divisions in the state of Michigan as well as at the Owosso Speedway, the Modifieds will take to the track on 11 occassions with 10 of those nights run within the Weekly Local Racing Series in the chase for the 2010 Modifieds Track Championship.
11-time overall and seven-time defending track champion, Bill Luckhurst is in a position to add to his record number of consecutive and overall track championships, but those feats may be in jeopardy as the Ovid, Michigan veteran is currently without a ride for the upcoming 2010 racing season. This potentially opens the door for a slew of drivers to vie for the track title and the first one not named Luckhurst since the 2002 season!
Here are the 11 scheduled events for the Modifieds in 2010;
May 8th, May 22nd, June 5th, June 19th, June 26th, July 31st, August 14th, August 28th, September 4th, the 2010 Season Championships on September 11th, and the non-points 15th annual Owosso Fall Nationals on September 24-26th.
For more information about the 2010 racing season, please call: 1 (989) 834-5948, 1 (810) 965-6698, or 1 (989) 395-0533.
Affordable Tire and Service Center steps up support as title sponsor of the Pro Late Models
Written by Matt Prieur and Chris Fobbe
Tuesday, 16 March 2010 00:00
As the 2010 racing season gets ever so closer, sponsors are lining up outside the Owosso Speedway to be a part of the upcoming campaign, the tracks 69th year of operation. One more supporter of weekly short track racing has stepped up their support at the Big O for the upcoming season.
For the 2010 racing season, Affordable Tire and Service Center, located in Lansing, Michigan, was the title sponsor of the Pure Stocks division and for this year have stepped it up a notch and will be the title sponsor of what will be known in 2010 as the Affordable Tire and Service Center Pro Late Models division.
One of two co-headlining divisions at the Ovid, Michigan speed plant, the Affordable Tire and Service Center Pro Late Models will once again be on a bi-weekly rotating schedule with the Drive Train Specialists Modifieds for the 2010 season.
The dates in which the two co-headliners will be together on one night will be during the Labor Day Holiday Weekend Celebration on September 4th and again on September 11th during the 2010 Season Championships before wrapping up the year on September 24-25th during the running of the 15th annual Owosso Fall Nationals.
Affordable Tire and Service Center has been in business for over 40 years and is a certified dealer of Bridgestone, Firestone, and Dayton tires. Owner, Jerry Lupien, along-with his son, Chris Lupien are regulars in the Pro Late Models division with Jerry capturing the 2007 Rookie of the Year title in the co-headlining division at the Big O
Affordable Tire and Service Center is located at 610 Park Place near the intersection of Larch Street and Kalamazoo Street in downtown Lansing, Michigan. For more information, please call: 1 (517) 372-9801. A new website will be up and running soon.
ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights had a direct impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would almost surely have gone down, with much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriouslywounded soldiers some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor, extraordinary perseverance and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. 
