Missouri National Guardsman Jeffrey Pennington, formerly First Sergeant with the 1137th Military Police Company out of Kennett, was most recently deployed to Iraq in the capacity of Master Sergeant with the 1175th Military Police Company out of St. Clair, Missouri.   Jeffrey Pennington sends along his first communication to us since his recent deployment to Samarra, Iraq. We present his message in installments, with minimal editing for clarity throughout. Here now, MSG Pennington's message:

On this July 4th, since others are addressing the patriotic, political, and recreational aspects of the holiday in a major way---I'm going to go with a uniquely American pop-cultural moment I experienced some years ago. Like a hundred, give or take.

With the leadership of the three senior members of the team (Isaac Laseter, Kirby Coleman and Ben Becker), the semo.net Civic League Baseball team sealed their Championship of the 18-team league regular season with their 8th straight win finishing the season undefeated. Front Row: Christian Nelson, Ronin Rice, Jonathan Ausbon, Justin Moffitt Second Row: Ben Becker, Austin Nelson, TJ Abney, Isaac Laseter, Matthew Burcham, Roshawn McCain, Kirby Coleman Assistant Coach Brian Becker, Head Coach Mike Coleman

ICANN adopts a new Web Site naming convention. http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9978448-7.html Get Gas Prices on your Phone http://GasBuddyToGo.com Battery Powered iPod Dock http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/07/01/cute-little-batteryp.html Sony Vaio Dual Core Widescreen for $499 (shipped) on Woot http://www.woot.com/ How to Photograph Fireworks with a Digital Camera http://www.gearlog.com/2008/06/how_to_shoot_fireworks_with_yo.php

The revolution is officially underway; and it has been gasoline shock, of all things, that has propelled us headlong into the battle to restore stability---and quality---to our everyday lives. This nerve-jangling moment promises to transform virtually every aspect of U.S. life, from city planning, to house-hunting, to recreation, to what constitutes “the workplace” of the future.

The offices of semo.net will be closed July 4th, 5th and 6th in observance of Independence Day. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 7th. Thank you, and happy Independence Day from the staff of semo.net!