tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187803730965853522024-02-20T16:13:08.444-05:00Teaching on the Jersey ShoreBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-17056375882772474002012-10-23T09:29:00.000-04:002012-10-23T09:30:41.076-04:002 weeks left and Debate 3 reaction...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVse3hGeGaU-tnoaf-yslqPkKkRawcxtZ-nMZ8X7HDrz8yQe2FbxTorUnq2pSfEeFZkQtK0kpkGO7GowqmNQi7lOtg4jMCHn-FmixI2zd4v6eznU7qOnOYpszKZkVCvCxFXMH_wseNgA/s1600/10-23-2012+Electoral+Map.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVse3hGeGaU-tnoaf-yslqPkKkRawcxtZ-nMZ8X7HDrz8yQe2FbxTorUnq2pSfEeFZkQtK0kpkGO7GowqmNQi7lOtg4jMCHn-FmixI2zd4v6eznU7qOnOYpszKZkVCvCxFXMH_wseNgA/s640/10-23-2012+Electoral+Map.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Some observations of this past week:<br />
<ol>
<li>CO & VA have been pretty solidly in the "Leaning Romney" category throughout.</li>
<li>IA, OH & NH have been jumping in and out of the "Tossup" category from the "Leaning Obama" - NH more so.</li>
<li>WI has been in the "Leaning Obama" category for over 24 hours - still 68% Obama, but not "Solid" </li>
</ol>
To all objective observers any movement is in Romney's direction.<br />
<br />
Last night's debate:<br />
From the little I saw and the reactions I have read, Romney made a solid appeal to the "undecided" crowd. He articulated a very pragmatic and nuanced perspective on our relations with China (it almost sounded like an article from the Economist) that softened some of his hawkish rhetoric (especially during the primaries) and related foreign policy to Americans' everyday lives.<br />
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I mentioned Zbignew Brzezinski on Facebook last night. Though he did give Romney credit for his China statements, he viewed Obama as more comfortable with his knowledge and articulation of foreign policy. As a Political Scientist (my MA emphasis was in International Relations) I agree. Obama's performance will be applauded in policy-making and academic circles around the country; however, these same circles were surprised the Nixon won in 1972 because "everybody they knew had voted for McGovern."<br />
<br />
Brzezinski viewed Romney's responses as "repeating prepared talking points" - he did not appear as comfortable with or knowledgeable of his foreign policy statements. Whether Romney intended to or not, this approach will likely play better with the average voter. American's notoriously care little about foreign policy or foreign affairs. There are a variety of reasons, none of them having to do with intelligence or political engagement, that we are more parochial in our political knowledge. Romney's statements related the nuanced world of foreign policy to domestic politics and the everyday concerns of Americans in a way that Obama did not.<br />
<br />
If the two were giving presentations in my foreign policy or international relations class, Obama would likely get the better grade; however, put the two in my federal government class, and Romney would likely get the better grade.<br />
<br />
Due to the less "hawkish" nature of his statements and his ability to frame his foreign policy in a way that is more immediate or tangible to most voters, I give Romney the "win" in debate 3.<br />
<br />
Brad<br />
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p.s. - Yes, we all love teachers...now go vote (early and often for those in Chicago) <br />
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<br />Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-37374283977377728712012-10-16T08:51:00.002-04:002012-10-16T08:51:27.076-04:00How many days? 21! Har Har, Hardee Har Har.New feature today...a picture! I hope it works:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCeZ8ZK5VhBUEOFnZ2RgVNJFgJjTSZvJm4D1wZo0P05YM2laVpyHg_BoS0G1eMa-49dxMr5Jgymd6I1GTn7-xF1H6wjTjuYsi1IK-lFNzuHOv8tSATyc60KRlniz2de43JHGjpVGF3lM/s1600/10-16-2012+Electoral+Map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCeZ8ZK5VhBUEOFnZ2RgVNJFgJjTSZvJm4D1wZo0P05YM2laVpyHg_BoS0G1eMa-49dxMr5Jgymd6I1GTn7-xF1H6wjTjuYsi1IK-lFNzuHOv8tSATyc60KRlniz2de43JHGjpVGF3lM/s640/10-16-2012+Electoral+Map.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
According to Intrade, CO and VA really are too close to call...less than .5 separates the two candidates.<br />
<br />
Senate: No change. <br />
<br />
Tonight's debate:<br />
Best case for Obama: He stops the rise of Romney in the polls - he has little to no chance of retaking FL, NC, MO or any other "battleground state"<br />
Best case for Romney: The same Obama shows up for this debate that showed up for the first. He takes a solid lead in VA & CO (a major polling firm has already stopped polling in VA - conceding it to Romney), take a "leaning" lead in OH, NH & IA, and puts PA & NV solidly into play.<br />
<br />
I strongly recommend NOT watching the debate live...wait for tomorrow so that the "undecided voters" who ask the questions can be properly vetted (because <a href="http://michellemalkin.com/2012/10/15/a-reminder-about-the-last-plant-infested-cnn-run-town-hall-debate/" target="_blank">CNN will make no effort to do so.</a>)Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-87001019636991212912012-10-09T14:58:00.001-04:002012-10-09T14:58:18.335-04:004 weeks and counting...This week's post was delayed due to my assuming my new job as Interim Dean for the School of Social Sciences and Human Services yesterday - just too busy to post yesterday!<br />
<br />
After my post last week, my wife's uncle sent me this <a href="http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2012/10/04/updated-election-forecasting-model-still-points-romney-win-university" target="_blank">Updated Election Forecasting Model</a><br />
I had seen it (and other models) before. Though I respect social science modeling and predictions (I'm a Political Scientist myself) I have more faith in predictions that people put money behind. "But aren't the scholars at CU putting their academic reputation on the line?" you may ask. Yes, and no. If they are wrong, they have margin of error, unforeseen variables, and anomalies to save their reputation. Gamblers/investors lose their money if they are wrong - nothing to fall back on to save themselves.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.270towin.com/2012_election_predictions.php?mapid=FLY" target="_blank">Here's this weeks map.</a><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obama: 303</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romney: 235<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The big news is Florida flipping into Romney's column.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Across the board there is some movement
towards Romney, but not enough to even pull him into the 40% range in the swing
states he is losing on this week's map.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Senate Partisan Caucusing prediction:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Democrats: 52</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Republicans: 48<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Indiana's Senate race is only 51% in the
Republican column...53-47 is a possibility next week.</span> </span><br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span> </span></span>Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-80020019862982217372012-10-02T11:43:00.001-04:002012-10-02T12:00:47.822-04:00T-minus 5 weeks...UPDATEI have been relying a lot on Facebook to keep people updated on my life. However, this update is too long for a status - I need a blog.<br />
<br />
I used to frequented a sports gambling site called TradeSports.com. The format they used was of a futures exchange. In addition to sporting events, they would have social, political, weather, and all other sorts of events to "bet" on. I am not a gambler - and have never gambled in my life (except at Grandpa and Grandma Young's New Year's Eve parties) - but I found the gamblers at TradeSports more accurate than the pollsters. In fact, their state-by-state electoral college prediction for 2004 was exactly right.<br />
<br />
Tradesports.com went out of operation a few years ago; however, Intrade.com took over the non-sports side. As of 10/1, the electoral college outcome looks like this:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.270towin.com/2012_election_predictions.php?mapid=DsC&referring_service=blogger#.UGsKR29VNhA.blogger">2012 Presidential Election: Electoral Map</a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Obama: 332</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Romney: 206</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Colorado, Florida and Virginia have been slipping slowly away from Obama over the past 24 hours; however, they remain above 65% likely to go Democratic. Don't get to excited or disheartened about the map - 5 weeks is a long time in politics. Also, the phrase "October Surprise" has nothing to do with the Great Pumpkin.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">I hope to post these predictions every Monday until election day - and I'll link this over to Facebook so my friends can see it quickly.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Brad</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">**UPDATE**</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">The Senate is expected to go as follows:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Democrats: 50</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Republicans: 48</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Independent: 2 (Bernie Sanders, VT, caucuses with the Democrats. The ME independent will likely caucus with them as well)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><br />Partisan Caucusing prediction:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Democrats: 52</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Republicans: 48</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span> </span>Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-71137080592391698522011-09-12T20:52:00.000-04:002011-09-12T20:52:03.714-04:00Back to School...I am back into teaching at OCC. The Fall Semester started last week and I am settling into my routine. I did not have as many "first-day-of-school-late-to-class-no-clothes-or-lesson-plan" nightmares during August as I have in the past. I think it is due to the fact that I spent a good deal of time on campus during August (finishing a special project for my VP, learning our new online course management system, assembling my tenure application material, etc.) so I never really had to "go back" to school - I was already there.<br />
Hurricane Irene ruined our last best chance to hit the beach before school started back up. The boys are in swimming lessons every Saturday morning through October and my schedule does not have a "free" day until late September (right before my tenure application is due!) Therefore, our beach going is likely over until next Summer.<br />
One positive note about Irene...we cleaned out our garage the weekend before she hit. As it became apparent that she was headed our way, we decided to try to fit our minivan in the garage (just in case a tree fell on the driveway.) With some minor organizing (and by folding in our van's side mirrors) we got it in the garage rather easily. Up until this point, we had "eyeballed" the van and garage and decided that it wouldn't fit. Now that we know it will fit, we can keep it safely locked up whenever we need to.<br />
Once again I am dealing with troubling issues at work - it seems that September is the time for those lately - and once again I am finding my only comfort as I turn to my Heavenly Father and Savior. Perhaps September is the "humbling" point in my own Nephite-like pride cycle. Even if it isn't, I am grateful to know that I have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who are there to comfort me when the world cannot provide comfort.<br />
<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-40332281914508853042011-06-01T15:58:00.000-04:002011-06-01T15:58:28.167-04:00Summer is here...The past two days here on the Jersey Shore have been hot - "stupid hot" in fact. I am looking forward to today's "tornado alert" to hopefully blow in some cooler weather before I have to tackle the jungle that is my lawn.<br />
<br />
The lawn...we took some initial swipes at it with our push-reel mower; however, the weeds that make up 30-40% of our lawn (or so it seems) just grow too fast and too tall for our push-reel to accommodate. Given that fact, the size of our lawn, and the amount of leaves that we have to rake and bag each year (over fifty 33-gallon leaf bags!) we decided to purchase an actual lawn mower. We decided on a battery-powered model over gas (too expensive and smelly) or corded-electric (yard is too big and electric cords around a lawn mower is just asking for trouble.) We were able to get it through Amazon.com. I had a gift certificate from a textbook publisher (I do regular academic reviews of textbooks and online learning platforms) plus we could get free shipping. It arrived yesterday and the battery is now charging up. If all goes quickly I could have the front yard done tonight and the back done tomorrow or Friday. Hopefully before Friday - I like to leave Fridays free (during the Summer) for time with the kids.<br />
<br />
The kids...are all growing up way to quickly. The boys' hair is about 10" long (last we checked) and should be ready to cut and donate by early fall (at the latest!) They are growing so independent - their personalities and age difference are really showing. I guess I've always thought of them as "the boys" and thus treated them very similarly (with minor adjustment for personality type.) But there is a lot of difference between them that can be better explained by age. I really hope I am up to working with them. I sometimes think that I am failing at being the kind of father I want to be. If I am failing now, how do I have any hope later?<br />
Aside from their hair the boys are involved in cub scouts and love to play outside. They love to read and watch Pokemon. Last night we introduced them to "Mr. Bean." My oldest was laughing so hard he had to stop eating so he wouldn't choke on his food.<br />
My daughter is growing up too fast as well. Her strong little personality is evident in all she does. She is very good at telling everyone what to do (she even started counting at her oldest brother when he didn't do what she said - just like my wife and I do.) She knows so many words, signs, and songs. She sings to herself all the time.<br />
My family is my joy and my anchor. I am so blessed to have them!<br />
<br />
I'll do my best to keep up a little better with my blog. I plan to continue my Lent resolution of posting only non-political items (unless they are really important and relevant.)<br />
<br />
For now, my daughter just woke up from her nap,<br />
<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-38831338157948523442011-03-13T20:40:00.005-04:002011-03-13T20:49:02.065-04:00Lent begins...OK, so lent began on Wednesday - I know!<br />
I did post my Lent commitments on Facebook, but thought I should elaborate here. First, no political posts on Facebook or on my blog. It has been hard - and will be really hard this coming week especially. Normally I can get my "fix" of politics in the classes I teach. This next week is Spring Break - so no classes. So why did I give up political posts for lent? As with any good (non-Catholic) lent commitment, I have chosen something that I do frequently, I normally enjoy doing, but that I feel is not so good for me. I want my blog and my FB status to be about me and my family. I want it to be the phone call back to all my family back West that I don't have the time to make. They know I'm politically opinionated, but they want to know how I am feeling, what I am doing in my career, what the kids doing and how are they feeling. All of these things are easy to ignore when I just link to the latest political article or video. My elimating politics from my posts could do two things. First, it could eliminate my posting altogether. I really hope this doesn't happen (and is why I have two Lent commitments) but it could. Second, it will change the nature of my FB and blog posting and get me into the habit of regular posting about things that my family really would like to hear.<br />
OK, my second commitment is to eliminate late-night television and movies. My wife and I have shared that particular activity for many years now. It began when we started watching Star Trek: TOS via our Netflix subscription and continued through TNG, DS9, Voyager, The Office, all of the Food Network competitions, and beyond. We really had a field day when we got Netflix's Instant View function installed on the Wii. Well, after finding that season 2 of Buck Rogers <b><i>really sucks</i></b> we decided to take some time to rediscover other activities. We started reading an Orson Scott Card book out-loud (like we did with Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and the Hunger Games trilogy) and have spent some time just talking. In addition to time with my wife, I think I may actually have some time to post something worthwhile on my blog (or at least on Facebook!) As with my other Lent commitment, I think this one will help me improve myself and my relationship with my wife. We will probably return to some of our favorite late-night television (it really is an interactive and "connected" experience that we share) but we may be more discriminating in our choice of programs. I hope it will also remove the TV as the "default" activity.<br />
That's all for now. I'll let you know how I'm doing as Lent moves along (on the 2nd commitment - you'll know how I'm doing on the first!)<br />
<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-76521923528631377752011-03-03T15:05:00.000-05:002011-03-03T15:05:49.897-05:00Don't mess with Texas...I'm sick.<br />
When I get sick, I get cranky.<br />
Here's my cranky...<br />
<a href="http://iowahawk.typepad.com/iowahawk/2011/03/longhorns-17-badgers-1.html">Longhorns 17, Badgers 1</a><br />
So why did Paul Krugman get a Nobel Prize when he can't do undergraduate statistics?<br />
<br />
In other news, my son is doing much better regarding his hip pain. He has been pain free for about 6 weeks. We have an appointment with a specialist later this month (that was their first opening) so we can see "what happened" and perhaps answer the question "will it happen again?"<br />
<br />
OK, I'm coughing too hard and my throat and body are in enough pain - I've got to go!Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-74745561528841793302011-02-20T20:40:00.000-05:002011-02-20T20:40:03.257-05:00I really have to say something...Though I've had little time to blog lately, and still have no time, I have to say something about the reform/union issue in Wisconsin...<br />
The merits of the legislation and the tactics being employed to pass/prevent said legislation are purely political questions - meaning there are no right or wrong answers, simply winning and losing answers.<br />
<br />
There is on issue that is not at all a political question, rather it is a moral and/or ethical question that has a definite "right" and "wrong" answer...<br />
Can you call in "sick" to work when you are not really sick?<br />
Say I called in sick at work. Later that day, while cruising Seaside Heights, I am caught on camera by a news crew covering a story about the location of "The Jersey Shore." My boss sees that story and me downing a huge funnel cake (I would too!)<br />
I would be fired. No questions asked. Perhaps I would be formally reprimanded (as a first-time offender) but all trust would be gone and I would never get a promotion.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, here are the people who are teaching Wisconsin's children and youth:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/vicki-mckenna/from-a-nurse-teachers-swamped-clinics-in-madison-friday-to-get-sick-notes/10150104228318150">Teachers swamp clinics in Madison Friday to get sick notes</a><br />
<br />
And here are their willing accomplices in this fraud:<br />
<a href="http://maciverinstitute.com/2011/02/fake-doctors-notes-being-handed-out-at-wisconsin-gov-union-rally/">Doctors handing out fake medical excuses at WI union protest</a><br />
<br />
All of these folks should be severely fined, if not fired. The doctors' licenses should be revoked and their teaching/clinical positions at UW Madison terminated.<br />
<br />
Finally, if any one of the people engaged in this practice are members of my own faith, they should turn in their recommends right now - they obviously have no meaning to them (something about "honest in your dealings with your fellow men....)<br />
<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-79633541133726206052010-12-21T22:11:00.000-05:002010-12-21T22:11:03.497-05:00Marathon day of medical issues...So we took my oldest into the pediatric orthopedic specialist today. He hasn't been able to walk much at all since Sunday evening - so we are definitely hoping for some answers. The doctor didn't find anything "structurally" of concern (through examination and an additional x-ray) so he ordered some "STAT" lab work. We drove down to the hospital and went to the outpatient lab so they could draw some blood. Immediately after they finished with the last vial (5 or 6 total) my son went very pale, clammy and looked like he was falling asleep (all while dry heaving at regular intervals.) They called for a "quick response" (I think that was the term) and got him onto a stretcher and down to the ER. All of this was made somewhat more difficult by his lack of mobility and pain from the underlying condition that brought us to the hospital in the first place. He quickly stabilized, but he was still looking all pale and tragic. They moved him over to Minor Care and had a pediatrician look him over. The pediatrician said there was nothing wrong - BP, pulse, blood oxygen, blood sugar, etc., all normal - and that it was probably just basic wooziness over needles. We watched David Attenborough while they periodically checked his BP. After the third check they declared him fit to be released. He got a popsicle and I wheeled him out of the hospital about two hours after we had checked into the lab.<br />
<br />
All that drama and we still have no idea what is wrong with our little boy. The ER pediatrician mentioned something about kids recovering from colds and having localized pain about 3-4 weeks later, but he didn't elaborate. My son has made comments about building ramps in our house for his wheelchair - or at least having an "upstairs" and "downstairs" wheelchair for him to use. I don't think we're anywhere near that point - and told him so - but the idea has crossed my mind (worst-case scenarios come naturally to parents, especially to me when you consider who my parents are!)<br />
<br />
Tired and out of words,<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-47023855591211600922010-12-17T19:50:00.000-05:002010-12-17T19:50:24.686-05:00Why can't parents "make it all better"?My oldest went into the doctor last week. His hip was doing better after his limping rather severely through Saturday night and Sunday. However, the pain has now moved to his left hip/thigh. He was having difficulty even getting off of the couch for dinner due to the pain. After dinner he was in his room crying due to the pain. It absolutely devastated me.<br />
<br />
Right now he is watching Charlie Brown's Christmas with his siblings. If he is still in as much pain as before, we will have to call the doctor and perhaps head to the ER. I hope not. I hate the ER, and I know he would too.<br />
<br />
Again, why can't I just make it all better?<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-66807536776321020202010-12-06T21:09:00.000-05:002010-12-06T21:09:54.939-05:00Can I be "proud" on Sunday?Yesterday was Fast Sunday (if you're not LDS, you may have to look that up on wikipedia or something) and my family had a pretty impressive day. I have regularly fasted for the standard two meals (Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast works best for me) while my older son fasts for just Sunday breakfast. My wife has not fasted since early 2008 due to pregnancy and nursing. Well, yesterday she joined us in fasting for Sunday breakfast. It was an awesome experience overall. None of us complained or acting like we were hungry, tired or miserable through the entire experience. I even think we had a noticeably more positive spirit in the home while we were fasting.<br />
<br />
Another part of Fast Sunday that I am "proud" of is the testimony meeting part. We have been sharing our testimonies with each other as part of Family Home Evening for several months now. My wife and I have been encouraging our boys to share their testimony in church. We have tried to set the example by having at least one of us share our testimony each month. So Sunday I tried something a little different...I asked if one or both of them wanted to go up with me so we could share our testimonies "together." My younger son eagerly accepted my offer and we went up together. Once we finished my wife repeated the offer to my older son. One of the young men in our ward (who was sitting in front of us) got in on the "let's go up together" discussion (reverently of course) and so all three of them went up and shared their testimonies one after another.<br />
<br />
Overall, it was an amazing day! My boys are growing up so fast. It's a good thing to see them growing up in righteousness too.<br />
<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-66289091610580217332010-12-04T22:25:00.000-05:002010-12-04T22:25:41.522-05:00For the first time in 2 years...Today we broke out the Christmas decorations and began "festivizing" the house. We haven't selected a tree yet, but we knew we had to get a start on decorating. All of the kids were very excited. Last year we were in Utah for Christmas, so we didn't decorate our house at all. So the older two are excited to get back to decorating, while the youngest is experiencing her first "aware" Christmas at home. I had a great time! Once we got some lights in the windows, I turned off all the other lights in the house and we just watched and listened to the Christmas music in the background.<br />
<br />
The holiday season has definitely started!<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-29805334078301338292010-12-02T20:18:00.000-05:002010-12-02T20:18:31.623-05:00On my honor, I will do my best...After a preliminary visit in early November, we signed our older son up for cub scouts tonight. He had a great time (again) with the other boys. They drew pictures of themselves "being good citizens" and then shared their drawings with each other. They also practiced "fall out!" When my son asked what that meant (after the meeting) I could only come up with "It means get out of your bunks (or barracks) and line up!" I'll have to look it up online (with him) so we can learn together.<br />
<br />
Of course, I was a cub scout. I earned every skill award and Webelos pin available. I think I even earned the Arrow of Light. I then entered Boy Scouts and tore through the requirements quickly. I was a Life Scout by age 13 (or 14, I forget.) It was the year I turned 13 that my dad became seriously ill with cancer (brain tumor) and we moved from a ward with a large and active scouting program to a ward that had a small and fairly weak one. Dad had been an Eagle Scout himself, and was highly active in our scouting program. He had really helped me stay focused. Due to his illness, my attention was distracted and ultimate turned to other academic and musical pursuits. Though I never earned my Eagle I can honestly say I don't regret it (when my son earns his I may feel regret at not being able to sit in the Eagles' nest at his court of honor - so that may change.)<br />
<br />
That being said, I am looking forward to scouting with my boy ("boys" if my younger son decides to join) for the next several years. Maybe they'll end up being big-time Scouters like their grandfather and great-grandfather. Or they may be like their father and his brother and pursue other interests. Either way, I will enjoy the adventure with them.<br />
<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-87484337287836410062010-12-01T21:28:00.000-05:002010-12-01T21:28:27.413-05:00One big step forward...Today my Dean and I met with the VP of Academic Affairs for my semi-annual non-tenured faculty conference. Both of them were impressed with my performance over the past 6 months. The VP suggested some activities that I should pursue during the Spring and Summer to strengthen my tenure application (due October 2011) but did not indicate any areas where I needed any change or improvement. He is therefore recommending (to the President) that the Board of Trustees renew my contract for the 2011-2012 academic year. That basically means that I am 99.9% certain that I will be renewed.<br />
<br />
This is a great relief. I enjoy what I do and I think I do it extremely well. It's a good feeling to have my supervisors say so. <br />
<br />
Looking forward to receiving the official letter from the Board later next week,<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-4130850979560819202010-11-30T20:17:00.000-05:002010-11-30T20:17:07.693-05:00This is the dilemma I face lately...As I have mentioned in a few of my recent posts, I am tired. I have a few explanations - the fact that I get to bed late, my increase in biking (versus October) and work-related stress. The "getting to bed late" part is the one I can really control. However, my only alone time with my wife is after 8pm when all the kids are in bed. I want to spend as much time as I can doing stuff with her (which is why we've gone to sleep at 11:00 or later for the past 2 weeks!); however, I really should get to bed by 9:30 or 10:00 at the latest or I will crash and burn at some point!<br />
<br />
So what do I do?<br />
<br />
I will be staying up again tonight...probably...I think...yea, that's what I'll do.<br />
<br />
Crash and burn, here I come,<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-91427220194954296742010-11-29T21:27:00.000-05:002010-11-29T21:27:00.158-05:00Bike troubles...First, an injury update...<br />
<br />
My older son is still limping, but the x-ray came back negative. He probably just pulled a muscle or strained some soft tissue in another way. I'd say he should rest and stay off his leg for a while, but I don't think boys his age know how to do that unless they are really sick.<br />
<br />
For the first time in a while, Aldetha is out of commission. This morning while performing my pre-trip inspection, I found that her front tire was about 50% flat. I attributed the air loss to the sub-zero temperatures overnight and used our full-size manual pump to inflate the tire. It stayed inflated through my entire morning commute and seemed solid when I got to OCC. This afternoon I decided to check her out before I got changed into my biking clothes. Sure enough, the tire was flat again - this time entirely! My portable air pump was ineffective and I didn't have a spare tire anyway. I had my family pick me up and Aldetha will be headed to Padi's Pedal for a replacement tire and a long overdue accessory installation (my family got me some side-racks for Fathers' Day that require professional installation with my old-school rear rack) and overall check-up. My older son's bike also needs some reassembly work. I think we'll be able to get them in and out by Thursday so I can get back to biking by Friday.<br />
<br />
I definitely need to keep up on my exercise. I feel so much better when I do and it is the only way I can survive the holidays without adding extra weight (I know I do not have the self-control to maintain my weight by limiting calories.)<br />
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"It's the most fattening time of the year,"<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-5022709019571997412010-11-28T20:54:00.000-05:002010-11-28T20:54:35.695-05:00Injury updates...In honor of my Utes win over "they who must not be named" from Provo, and my Chicago Bears' win over the Eagles, I thought I'd post something football related about my family. I love football and other sports analogies, but they have been horribly overused and abused by our society. I will therefore go with the standard injury update.<br />
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Daddy [likely] - minor stomach pains after eating fatty foods (pecan pie and milk chocolate being the latest culprits); general fatigue from lack of an early bedtime; continued sharp left elbow pain (when pressure is applies) from fall 3-4 weeks ago (I was holding my daughter and my elbow took the full force of my backwards fall.) <br />
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Mommy [likely] - neck and head pain from "throwing out" her adjustment from last week; fatigue (see Daddy); foot pain (wore some awesome - and hot - boots to church today; unfortunately, they lack support for standing/walking for long periods of time)<br />
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Older son [questionable] - hip pain and accompanying limp (possibly from injury 2 weeks ago), x-ray taken on Friday but no report yet; possible fatigue manifested by sleeping-in more than his siblings (he could also be turning into a tweenager)<br />
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Younger son [likely] - no injuries to report<br />
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Daughter [likely] - fatigue (though she slept for 11 consecutive hours last night); minor "bonkahead" as she calls them (no concussion indicated); moderate Mommy separation anxiety.<br />
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Overall, we are favored to survive this week. The spread is 7.5 and the over/under is 44.5,<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-57211851981190891432010-11-27T21:29:00.000-05:002010-11-27T21:29:53.731-05:00Saturday is(n't) a special day...Well, I did accomplish a lot today. The boys bedding got washed, as did another load of laundry. Two loads of dishes got washed, the upstairs hardwood got "vacuumed" and the entryway stairs got swept. I also got grades completely caught up in over a third of my classes. Overall, very productive. Plus the Utes won. Who cares <i>how </i>they won, the point is: <i><b>they won!</b></i> I didn't watch any of it - I don't know if I could have even if I wanted to. I would have turned it off after the 13-0 score in the 3rd quarter.<br />
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So why is today not special? I don't know. I really needed to get some OCC work done, but I think that is the culprit. My mood (and I'm pretty sure my family's mood) takes a bit of a dive when I spend lots of time on the computer (most of my grading and "work" is through OCC's online portal "Ocean Cruiser" or the more general "Blackboard")<br />
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So what am I doing typing a blog entry when I've already spent all day on the computer? My wife is downstairs and I think she is done with her Primary preparation. I think I'll go downstairs and see if she wants some company.<br />
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I know I could use some,<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-9595166769243489232010-11-26T21:47:00.000-05:002010-11-26T21:47:39.384-05:00Black Friday...My "Black Friday" started late on Thursday at Toys R Us. I drove by at 11:30 to see over 200 people lined up still waiting to get in (they opened at 10pm!) I quickly drove on to Walmart.<br />
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Walmart does not close anymore. How, you may ask, do they handle time-sensitive sales, then? Well, they wrap the goods in black plastic and put employees of various levels of effectiveness as "guards" to prevent anyone from buying anything. Depending on which employee you got, you were allowed to (a) TOUCH & SEE NOTHING; (b) look, but don't touch; (c) pick what you want, but stay on the spot until 12am; (d) take what you want and go stand in line to wait to check-out at 12am; (e) "I'm not sure what's going on, so..., whatever!" Needless to say, I didn't find much and I plan to never go to Walmart for Black Friday again.<br />
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The family and I headed out to join my wife in her mid-morning sales run. We ended up staying out until 4pm! We got lots of good stuff, but were not as organized as we would like...(grrr!) The Asbury Park Press did not deliver our paper yesterday. I lodged complaints both online and via the phone system (nobody was at work) so we got both yesterday and today's paper today! A lot of good that does us! Asbury Park Press, welcome to my "enemies list"...say hello to Walmart.<br />
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Our last errand was over to Community Hospital to get an X-ray of my oldest son's hip. He's been limping and complaining of pain for over a week and our chiropractor recommended we get him checked just in case his growth plate or something else more serious is damaged (just to be safe!) We'll get the results tomorrow - so I'll let you know what's up then.<br />
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Time to eat ice cream and watch something silly,<br />
BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-20827329265315727502010-11-25T19:07:00.003-05:002010-11-25T20:38:29.013-05:00Thanksgiving Day!We had an absolutely fabulous time at our Thanksgiving dinner. Although the food was awesome, the socializing was really the best. From the moment I walked through the door I was continuously involved in conversations on topics from football to homeschooling, parenting to politics, career to cooking. My two younger kids probably didn't get enough to eat because they were so busy playing with all their friends. My oldest probably got enough just because he is more mature and is beginning to turn into a tweenager.<br /><br />The downside of such an exciting social event is that my kids all came home somewhat crabby. No nap, general fatigue, low blood sugar, post sugar-high letdown, over stimulation - you can take your pick as far as explanation. By 7pm they were all in bed and by 7:30 they were all asleep.<br /><br />I would love to be in bed asleep; however, I have the late-night post-Thanksgiving shopping run (my wife is taking the mid-morning run.) I will be headed out for 10pm and 12am sales. Hopefully the real crazies will be waiting for the HDTVs, laptops, and blu-ray players that go on sale between 3am and 5am (after I'm home in bed!)<br /><br />Mmmmm, home in bed,<br />BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-4129536032686775882010-11-24T20:58:00.003-05:002010-11-24T22:05:18.993-05:00Continuing our only Thanksgiving tradition...My wife and I brought very few family traditions regarding Thanksgiving Day to our marriage in 1999. From 1999-2001 we actually went to both sides of the family for some part of Thanksgiving. When we moved to California in 2002, we had a two-year tradition of eating out for Thanksgiving dinner - which is when I first had duck. That died with 2004 as we hosted family members who were visiting California to escape the cold of Utah and 2005 as we hosted even more family members and friends from our ward. In 2006 we traveled to Utah for Thanksgiving. We spent Thanksgiving Day with my in-laws and that Saturday with my family.<br /><br />Our move to New Jersey and my teaching schedule at OCC ended any traveling over Thanksgiving. We invited a couple and their infant son over to our apartment for 2007. By 2008 we had moved into our home and we hosted the missionaries and a larger family from the ward. In 2009 we hosted the missionaries, a family from the ward, and one of my wife's former mission companions and her family (husband and 3 children.) This year we decided to just have a quiet Thanksgiving at home (unless we got an invitation from someone - which we did and we are so excited to go!)<br /><br />Aside from the Thanksgiving Day meal/socializing, we have tried different "traditions" out to make the Thanksgiving holiday more meaningful. We tried having a "Thankful Tree." Beginning 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving you cut-out pieces of construction paper (beginning with brown for the truck and branches and proceeding to red, orange & yellow for the leaves), write one thing you are thankful for on the paper, and tape the paper to the wall as part of the "tree" you are forming. You put one piece from each family member on the tree each day. By Thanksgiving Day you have a fabulous Fall-looking tree with all the wonderful things you are thankful for written all over it. This lasted from either 2004 or 2005 through 2008. I think we may have tried to start it last year, but we never even mentioned it this year.<br /><br />The tradition that has really become a <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">tradition</span></span> is our Thanksgiving Eve dinner. This tradition started in 2005 and involves us preparing and eating (on the night before Thanksgiving) the Thanksgiving meal that Charlie Brown prepared for his friends on the "Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" special: toast, popcorn, jelly beans (preferably Jelly Belly), pretzels, and a parfait. After the meal, we watch the special (along with Garfield's Thanksgiving.)<br /><br />This year's edition of that tradition was awesome. My daughter loved it (it was the first year she could really appreciate it) and my boys enjoyed seeing her reaction to it. My wife found a great smoothie mix to use as the parfait and I picked up a quart each of Soy Nog and Soy Chocolate-Mint Milk to accompany the meal. We made too much popcorn, so we had to eat the rest while watching the two specials.<br /><br />Overall, a fabulous evening. If you want to see pictures of our meal, you'll have to find my wife on Facebook!<br /><br />BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-43911873546416421182010-11-23T20:14:00.004-05:002010-11-23T20:33:30.711-05:00A cycling issue...As most of you know, I commute via bicycle on a regular basis. There are a few things that will prevent me from biking no matter how I feel: Winds over 20mph and snow/ice. Aside from occasional illness or outright laziness, I am pretty dedicated. I try to avoid the major roads in my commute (Jersey drivers scare me and the roads normally don't have big shoulders) so I end up in a lot of suburban neighborhoods. My commute is normally a time to prepare myself for the day ahead or unwind and relax in anticipation of enjoying my family.<br /><br />I bike into work early enough that idiot drivers are not normally a problem. The ride home, however, is usually around the regular commute time for everyone else. This increases the number of drivers and their aggressiveness. That I can understand, so I am more vigilant when riding home. The thing that really bugs me (probably because it happened just today) is when someone honks in close proximity to me when I'm biking. I don't care what other motivation you may have to honk at someone - the only time the horn should be used is for imminent danger! This is especially true when cyclists are around. For us, there is no such thing as a "hi there" honk or anything like that. All honks are loud, startling and rude when done near a cyclist. Unless there is imminent danger, honking near a cyclist is plain wrong.<br /><br />There. I'm glad I got that out of my system. Now I can quit fantasizing about shooting the tires and windows out of the next car that honks at me! (maybe)<br /><br />BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-14802837021579907142010-11-22T21:04:00.002-05:002010-11-22T21:19:55.613-05:00Trying to change for the better...Some experiences this past weekend have caused me to really look at my relationship with the members of my immediate family (wife and kids) very critically. As I have done so, I realize that I am definitely not being the husband or father I want to be.<br /><br />With that realization in hand, I needed to determine the cause. And guess what...it was me. I mentioned on Saturday that my oldest was kind of moody. Today when I got home from work, even though it was really late (6pm) I came in with a positive attitude (I chose to do that!) I spoke only in a positive or calm voice, especially when offering correction to my children. The change in my behavior definitely set a much better tone for peaceful conflict resolution.<br /><br />I haven't had much of a chance to talk with my wife (I mean <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> talk) so I don't know how our interaction will turn out. I do know that I am very happy and that I feel very close to her.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Did you have an amazing day at work?</span> you might ask. No, not really. I enjoyed teaching, but even more bad news (RIFs and the like) came down today. So I am convinced the independent variable was my attitude and effort.<br /><br />So now what? Now I finish this post and go about wooing my wife, <span style="font-style:italic;">that's</span> what!<br /><br />wink, wink, nudge, nudge, "know what I mean?"<br />BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818780373096585352.post-85674055262662185262010-11-21T16:29:00.002-05:002010-11-21T16:37:13.036-05:00Short for Sunday...It's Sunday so I'll only make two comments:<br /><br />1. <a href="http://utahutes.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112110aaa.html">We finally remembered how to win!</a><br />The past 3 weeks have made me very nervous about next week's game at Rice-Eccles - the two teams are headed in the wrong directions for my comfort.<br /><br />2. I really like Governor Christie.<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://s0.videopress.com/player.swf?v=1.02" width="400" height="226" wmode="transparent" seamlesstabbing="true" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" overstretch="true" flashvars="guid=iELsTYea"></embed><br /><br />BradBradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06023168352226694202noreply@blogger.com1