GWACK - DADDY

2012 NHL All-Star Game

2012-01-28T18:32:00.001-08:00

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

2011 Highlights

2011-12-31T17:27:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 2011: PATRIOT CUP X

It's hard to believe how long I have been teaching 5th grade. One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is organizing our intramural sports program. Every year from September to January we play Noon League Football and the winning team gets their team name engraved on the majestic Patriot Cup. This year's game was no exception. The Steelers were crowned champions this year in a thrilling final against the Colts. In addition to setting up the schedules and teams I also post recaps of each game on our Office window, referee the games, and I usually submit pictures and an article to the local paper (CV Forum) after our big game.

FEBRUARY 2011: KEEFERS FAREWELL

In February, Keefers was deployed with his National Guard unit to Iraq for a mission scheduled to last throughout the rest of the year. We gathered at La Piñata in Fremont to enjoy a farewell dinner with Keefers before he left and as luck would have it, we were blessed to have Keefers return home for good shortly before Christmas! We're thrilled you are back with us. Great things lie ahead, Keefers!

MARCH 2011: WARD FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD

As Membership Clerk of the Ward one of my special assignments this year was to organize a bulletin board featuring pictures of all the members in our ward. In 2010, Brother Shaffer (outgoing Membership Clerk) took many of the pictures that you see on the wall in this picture. He ordered those pictures for me, and I took several others, and basically, I typed up name tags to go under each individual or family. It helped me to get to know many members of the ward who I never personally met and was an effective way to magnify my calling. I've moved on from being Membership Clerk and am now serving as Executive Secretary, but this is one job that I will always remember.

APRIL 2011: ASCD CONFERENCE

In April, the Assistant Superintendent invited me to take our district superintendent's tickets to this administrative conference in San Francisco. I jumped at the chance to attend and was able to visit with my principal while there, as well as a few other special surprises along the way. One unique meeting involved bumping into my older brother, Casey, who was there with the site staff from the high school where he's an Assistant Principal. I learned a lot about collaboration and being an effective school leader. As I set my sights on becoming a principal, this is definitely an important experience that will have helped on that journey.

MAY 2011: TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

It is nice to be appreciated and every May we have a special Teacher Appreciation Week at school that is such a blessing. The school community puts together a special luncheon at which I first saw this poster. The class put together a special gift card to Best Buy for me to purchase our new camera. I have a reputation at school for being a huge Jeff Gordon fan which inspired this design. I have to set: thumbs up!

JUNE 2011: WILL'S 5th BIRTHDAY

The start of summer is always a busy time, but we have enjoyed a new tradition to kick off our summer with Will's birthday on June 20. This year Will turned 5 and we celebrated with his Primary friend at Parsons Park with a special party. Both my family and Kari's family came over on Saturday and Sunday of his birthday weekend for parties, and on the first Monday off from school, we had a picnic lunch at Kennedy Park where we rode the train, and then went bowling with Chuck and Courtney. We really celebrated the heck out of Will's 5th birthday this year and it was a lot of fun. In turning 5, Will had a fun summer to enjoy before starting his first big year of school in kindergarten!

JULY 2011: CHEVY SWEET SEATS CONTEST WINNER!

That's right. I won some sweet seats to the A's game on July 28 against Tampa Bay. I couldn't believe it. First of all, I got an admin job as Special Ed Coordinator and one morning, while in between site visits, I got a call on my phone from a Chevy representative that I'd won their contest for these A's tickets. I was a bit skeptical at first, but the tickets arrived, and so after celebrating Grace's birthday with family and friends at Parsons Park, I took off with a couple of friends to the Coliseum. Once inside, I could hardly believe my eyes. The seats don't get much better than this! We were literally on the field, down the 3rd baseline, and we had a picture perfect day. The A's were ahead 6-0 before their bullpen decided to hand the game over to the Rays who rallied for a victory. Either way, the real winner that day was me with those sweet seats! Now if I could just get Ed McMahon to come knock on my door with my Publisher's Clearinghouse check.

AUGUST 2011: TWAIN HARTE VACATION

Kari's co-worker owns a cabin in Twain Harte and we worked out a deal to vacation there for a week after summer school ended. We're so glad we did. The private beach, mini-golf course, fun little shops and restaurants, and especially the Snack Shack made this week one we won't soon forget. Amy and Laina joined us for a few days and then it was Kari, the kids and I finishing out the week. This was a LOT of fun!

SEPTEMBER 2011: OLD TOWN SACRAMENTO

Kari and I have made a tradition out of going to Sacramento for Labor Day weekend for the past 6 years. We went to Sacramento, and even a little further out to Reno for Hot August Nights, in past summers. But we've found a nice little Hyatt in Rancho Cordova that we like to visit and the kids enjoy, and we're able to make a day out of going into Old Town to see the sights, visit the museums, do some shopping, and even squeeze in a visit to the Sacramento Temple, before coming home via the Jelly Belly Factory. This year's trip was fun because we bumped into my family in Old Town near the Railroad Museum, had dinner with Grand Ma Mary, and we even recognized a long lost less-active member of our ward performing with a singing group called Brass Farthing. There is always so much to do in Old Town!

OCTOBER 2011: PUMAS SOCCER

Will's first year of organized soccer was a lot of fun. Coach Victor was a great leader for the children. Will learned so much about the game and got his foot on the ball plenty of times this season. We played several games in October and our final record was 8-2. The team scored 69 goals and gave up 43. Our star player, Flavio, probably scored 63 of the 69 goals for the Pumas. Here I'm pictured with his dad (my right) and Galilea's dad (my left). We won this game - Game #6 of 10 - by a score of 4-3.

NOVEMBER 2011: THANKSGIVING

Grand Pop and Omi relocated to a new home this year and we were excited to visit them for Thanksgiving dinner. Grand Omi was in town from Virginia and so it was a happy reunion. The kids had a lot of fun with their cousin Laina and after dinner we enjoyed looking at some fun Mustang videos on the iPad. Right, Kari?

DECEMBER 2011: CHRISTMAS

"I can't wait another 10 hours for Christmas!" Will lamented the other day. I had to break it to him that it would not merely be another 10 hours. He has entire Leap Year between now and Christmas. We have the 2012 London Olympics between now and the next Christmas. But there is simply no greater feeling than seeing our three beautiful children at the top of the stairs, bursting at the seams waiting to enjoy Christmas morning. We spent the month preparing for Christmas with Sunday night sing-a-longs we call Advent, a special Christmas Eve breakfast and sign-waving activity at a nearby busy intersection, the Nativity play in El Cerrito with our Cousins, and of course, Christmas Day at home and with Kari's family. Her brother, Kenny, brought his family out from Utah to help celebrate the season and wrap up the new year.

All in all, 2011 was a very special year for many reasons. Have a very happy new year in 2012!

Food For Thought: Hypocrisy

2011-12-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

One should examine oneself for a very long time before thinking of condemning others. ~Moliere

Every man alone is sincere. At the entrance of a second person, hypocrisy begins. We parry and fend the approach of our fellow-man by compliments, by gossip, by amusements, by affairs. We cover up our thought from him under a hundred folds. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Friendship," Essays, 1841

He does not believe who does not live according to his belief. ~Thomas Fuller

Whatever you condemn, you have done yourself. ~Georg Groddeck, The Book of the It, 1950

Many of us believe that wrongs aren't wrong if it's done by nice people like ourselves. ~Author Unknown

Your religion is what you do when the sermon is over. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all. ~William Shakespeare, Henry VI

As no roads are so rough as those that have just been mended, so no sinners are so intolerant as those that have just turned saints. ~Charles Caleb Colton

All reformers, however strict their social conscience, live in houses just as big as they can pay for. ~Logan Pearsall Smith

The essence of immorality is the tendency to make an exception of myself. ~Jane Addams

That which we call sin in others is experiment for us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Experience," Essays, 1844

All of us are experts at practicing virtue at a distance. ~Theodore M. Hesburgh

Go put your creed into your deed. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The most melancholy thing about human nature, is, that a man may guide others into the path of salvation, without walking in it himself; that he may be a pilot, and yet a castaway. ~Augustus William Hare and Julius Charles Hare, Guesses at Truth, by Two Brothers, 1827

Politeness, n. The most acceptable hypocrisy. ~Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary, 1911

Hypocrite: the man who murdered both his parents... pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan. ~Abraham Lincoln

'Tis curious that we only believe as deeply as we live. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don't never have any trouble in regulating my own conduct, but to keep other folks' straight is what bothers me. ~Josh Billings

If it were not for the intellectual snobs who pay, the arts would perish with their starving practitioners - let us thank heaven for hypocrisy. ~Aldous Huxley

Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo. ~H.G. Wells

Affectation is a greater enemy to the face than smallpox. ~English Proverb

The injury we do and the one we suffer are not weighed in the same scales. ~Aesop, Fables

The hypocrite's crime is that he bears false witness against himself. What makes it so plausible to assume that hypocrisy is the vice of vices is that integrity can indeed exist under the cover of all other vices except this one. Only crime and the criminal, it is true, confront us with the perplexity of radical evil; but only the hypocrite is really rotten to the core. ~Hannah Arendt, On Revolution, 1963

Because hypocrisy stinks in the nostrils one is likely to rate it as a more powerful agent for destruction than it is. ~Rebecca West, The Strange Necessity, 1928

Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits. ~Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar for 1894

In the last analysis we must be judged by what we do and not by what we believe. We are as we behave - with a very small margin of credit for our unmanifested vision of how we might behave if we could take the trouble. ~Geoffrey L. Rudd, The British Vegetarian, September/October 1962

It is a good divine that follows his own instructions. ~William Shakespeare

The world is full of fools and faint hearts; and yet everyone has courage enough to bear the misfortunes, and wisdom enough to manage the affairs, of his neighbor. ~Benjamin Franklin

Most everyone seems willing to be a fool himself, but he can't bear to have anyone else one. ~Josh Billings

They are not all saints who use holy water. ~English Proverb

The true hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive his deception, the one who lies with sincerity. ~André Gide

God has given you one face, and you make yourself another. ~William Shakespeare

How seldom we weigh our neighbors in the same balance as ourselves. ~Thomas à Kempis

We are not hypocrites in our sleep. ~William Hazlitt

Children lack morality, but they also lack fake morality. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

When you say that you agree with a thing in principle you mean that you have not the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice. ~Otto von Bismarck

Hypocrite reader - my fellow - my brother! ~St Jerome

Almost all of us long for peace and freedom; but very few of us have much enthusiasm for the thoughts, feelings, and actions that make for peace and freedom. ~Aldous Huxley

When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty. ~George Bernard Shaw

The devil loves nothing better than the intolerance of reformers. ~James Russell Lowell

It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them. ~Alfred Adler

Live truth instead of professing it. ~Elbert Hubbard

Those whose conduct gives room for talk are always the first to attack their neighbors. ~Jean Baptiste Molière, Tartuffe

Most of us are aware of and pretend to detest the barefaced instances of that hypocrisy by which men deceive others, but few of us are upon our guard or see that more fatal hypocrisy by which we deceive and over-reach our own hearts. ~Laurence Sterne, 1760

Many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met on the street. ~Elbert Hubbard

Saying is one thing, doing another. We must consider the sermon and the preacher distinctly and apart. ~Montaigne, Essays, 1588

We are irritated by rascals, intolerant of fools, and prepared to love the rest. But where are they? ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

A man generally has two reasons for doing a thing. One that sounds good, and a real one. ~J. Pierpoint Morgan

History is the chronicle of divorces between creed and deed. ~Louis Fischer

Throughout our lives, we see in the mirror the same innocent trusting face we have seen there since childhood. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

If there existed no external means for dimming their consciences, one-half of the men would at once shoot themselves, because to live contrary to one's reason is a most intolerable state, and all men of our time are in such a state. ~Leo Tolstoy, The Kingdom of God Is Within You

People are very inclined to set moral standards for others. ~Elizabeth Drew,The New Yorker, 16 February 1987

A man who should act, for one day, on the supposition that all the people about him were influenced by the religion which they professed would find himself ruined by night. ~Thomas Macaulay

We have two kinds of morality side by side: one which we preach but do not practice and another which we practice but seldom preach. ~Bertrand Russell

Few love to hear the sins they love to act. ~William Shakespeare

He rightly reads scripture who turns words into deeds. ~Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

People will disapprove of you if you're unhappy, or if you're happy in The Wrong Way. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966

Be what you would seem to be - or, if you'd like it put more simply - never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might appear to others that what you were or might have been was not otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be otherwise. ~Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Loud indignation against vice often stands for virtue in the eyes of bigots. ~J. Petit-Senn

The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be. ~Socrates

Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others. ~Jacob M. Braude

Hypocrisy is an homage that vice renders to virtue. ~François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld, Maximes, 1678

A great deal of what passes for current Christianity consists in denouncing other people's vices and faults. ~Henry H. Williams

I desire so to conduct the affairs of this administration that if at the end... I have lost every other friend on earth, I shall at least have one friend left, and that friend shall be down inside of me. ~Abraham Lincoln

The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give to others. ~Author Unknown

How many observe Christ's birthday! How few his precepts!
O! 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments.
~Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack, 1757

Just remember, there's a right way and a wrong way to do everything and the wrong way is to keep trying to make everybody else do it the right way. ~M*A*S*H, Colonel Potter

My Problem? I Root for the Wrong Team.

2011-09-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

It's as simple as that. Maybe we've all experienced this at some point in our lives. I know I have, and believe me, in more ways than one. There are always going to be winners and losers in the game of life. Play a sport, a board game, and you know exactly what I'm talking about. Heck, watch a sport or a board game being played and you know what I mean.

At work there are a few strong personalities who take their rooting interest to a personal level to the point of tension and anxiety, practically, that gets created on campus. Instead of rooting for their team to win, it turns into a situation where it seems like people end up spending more time rooting for other teams to lose. In the end, we're just talking about a game, right? And at the end of the day, what should be most important is the fact that we have a common goal in working together.

I've thought about this a little bit tonight as this individual's favorite team has now advanced into baseball's postseason and one of my favorite teams - I have many of them - failed to return to the playoffs. So I suppose I'll have to go and face the music tomorrow, though not nearly as much so as a few other co-workers with much stronger rooting interests in this particular case.

In other aspects of life, I've encountered hostility when it comes to politics. To understand my political background, it's important to know that I grew up in what I thought was a Republican home. I recall our family supporting Ronald Reagan in each presidential election. By the time I turned 18 and was off to college, there was George H.W. Bush, and I increasingly spent more time forming my own opinions about issues I felt were important to a young adult such as myself. I voted absentee from school in Idaho at every election. My grandma introduced me to working an election and so one November I wound up doing just that. I've always been involved in the political process and have participated in it often.

The saga of Bill Clinton with Whitewater and Monica Lewinsky was a real eye-opener for me. I was somewhat disillusioned with the idea of politicians. The controversial election of George W. Bush in 2000 jaded me even further, and the mess that was 9/11 and the mysteries surrounding the events of that day and what followed caused me to cling to the political center if you will. I pledge allegiance to no political party.

My ideals and values are faith-based and I cling to that when it comes to making important life decisions. So it was even more frustrating when George W. Bush again won another controversial election before the historic campaign of our nation's first African-American President in 2008.

Through social media and e-mail I've made my feelings about important issues known to family friends. As a public school teacher, I have made a point to raise awareness about funding education and education reform that doesn't revolve around multiple-choice testing or severe consequences. I am not a lackey for anybody's union or simply parroting what I've been told to say. I genuinely care about my fellow teachers and public education as an important tool in society. I am proud to have my children attend the school where I work, for that matter.

So this evening I've been pondering the relationships I have in my life with others and how my rooting interests have caused there to be great distances emotionally and spiritually in my life. In many ways I'm saddened because something as silly as a political party or a professional sports team could not possibly be enough to discourage others from spending time together, trusting one another, or having a relationship. Could that be?

Clearly something else must be the problem and no one bothers to say anything, which then leaves me feeling the way I've just described. Why let that fester though? What's the hopeful outcome of that kind of lingering resentment? Is there a hopeful outcome? Could we let bygones be bygones and move on with our lives?

As I stop and think about the fact that my rooting interests are different from some of my loved ones, and there is now this gulf between us, I reflect on what it is that may have caused such distance if not for the fact that we don't cheer for the same sports teams all the time, or vote the same way, or have a number of other different personality traits. Obviously, this is not the case with many of my friends, but those closest to me, in my life .... this continues to be the case.

It must be that I've done something to bring this on. And yet, as I brainstorm my choices and actions, nothing comes to mind. My wife can't come up with that "thing" I have done to deserve any of this. So I suppose that it all boils down to the simple fact that I root for all the wrong teams. This is apparently my lot in life and I've got to accept it.

What bugs me so much at this point is the hypocrisy and gall that it takes to treat others in such hurtful ways when being treated similarly would hurt, we know it, and yet nothing is done about it. Apparently the Golden Rule is not one-size-fits-all. It only applies to people like myself who root for the wrong teams.

Folks, the only thing I want to point out through expressing my feelings tonight is the fact that it is OK for others to think and act differently than us. If they're family members of ours at any level, we accept them and care about them regardless. Heck, we may even discover something new about ourselves as we make an effort to get to know them better.

I've opened up a bit here and shared some real personal feelings about myself. Do me a favor and don't leave any comments, but think about what I've written here. Decide how fair it is to judge others for such pointless reasons and what could possibly be gained by being so far off the straight and narrow path that has been outlined for us by the Man Upstairs.

Arrrrrrrrrr........me pirate name!

2011-09-23T22:39:00.001-07:00

My pirate name is:

Captain Tom Cash

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You're musical, and you've got a certain style if not flair. You'll do just fine. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

This time, the economic crisis is no one’s fault but the government’s by Allan Sloan (Fortune Magazine)

2011-08-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

What the hell is going on? We thought the worst was behind us, but it wasn’t, thanks largely to fallout from the Standard & Poor’s downgrade of U.S. credit brought on us by the incompetence of our alleged national leaders.

Only three short years ago, the world financial system was on the brink of disaster after Lehman Brothers went broke in September 2008. Those scary times seemed to have disappeared in the spring of 2009. But now, things are even scarier.

Our current mess is different from the Lehman-related horror because it stems primarily from politics, not economics. The previous fear-fest came about because Lehman’s bankruptcy disrupted financial markets in unanticipated ways. Today’s crisis was completely avoidable. You can blame it directly on the fools who brought our country to the brink of defaulting on its debts in the name of saving us from . . . I’m not sure what.

Yes, the tea party types bear primary responsibility — but they couldn’t have done it without the cowardice and incompetence of the Obama administration, which let things get way out of hand. This whole fiasco just enrages me. And it ought to enrage anyone who wants the United States to act like a real country rather than some third-rate failed state run by fanatical factions that hate one another.

So why do I say today is scarier than 2008-09? Because this time not only have we got troubled financial institutions to deal with, but we have serious, substantial countries facing possible default on their debts. Including, heaven help us, this one.

Things were already bad because of fear and financial fragility afflicting Europe. But the problems took a quantum leap because of fallout from S&P’s totally justifiable Aug. 5 downgrade of U.S. long-term debt. The U.S. economy was listless enough, with gross domestic product barely growing — and maybe even shrinking — plus record long-term unemployment. (One telling statistic: The percentage of U.S. adults with jobs is down to 58.1 percent, from 64.7 percent in 2000, according to the St. Louis Fed. That, my friends, isn’t good.) The fear, loathing and political divisiveness are going to make things worse, not better.

Now, a few facts. The S&P downgrade is not — as some hate-filled knuckleheads inside the Beltway and in the hinterlands keep repeating — from fear that the nation is “broke” or lacks the financial ability to meet its obligations. S&P’s primary worry is that the United States might not summon up the political will to pay its debts. (Read the analysis for yourself at standardandpoors.com/ratings/us-rating-action/en/us.)

The escalation of our problems can’t be attributed to Angelo Mozilo of Countrywide Financial, a favorite villain. You can’t blame it on the other favorite bad guy,Goldman Sachs, or on the other usual suspects: Wall Street in general, greedy lenders and speculators, irresponsible borrowers seeking a free lunch by taking out mortgages they had no chance of repaying.

The root of our current problem is that there are no grown-ups in positions of serious power in Washington. I’ve never felt this way before — and I’ve written business stories for more than 40 years, and about national finances for more than 20.

Look, I certainly don’t worship Washington institutions. I called former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan the “Wizard of Oz” when he was known as the “Maestro.” I’ve said for more than a decade that the Social Security trust fund had no economic value and would be useless when the system’s cash flow turned negative — which I also predicted. But despite being an irreverent professional skeptic, I never felt there was a total absence of adult supervision in our nation’s capital. Now I do.

Parade of fools

I spent July on family leave, not writing columns, and watching with increasing horror as market-illiterate know-nothings, abetted by the craven leaders of the Republican Party (from which I’m about to resign) and the unspeakable ineptness of President Obama and his minions, brought our country to within an inch of defaulting on its debts.

Washington’s foolish politicians thought they’d reassured everyone when they stepped back from the brink of default with a deficit-trimming deal that’s so absurd that you have to laugh when you think hard about it. Then S&P did what it had previously warned it would do when it became clear that the United States might decide not to pay its debts. It downgraded our country’s credit. AAA credits are supposed to be rock solid. If there’s more than a remote chance of default, a security shouldn’t be AAA. End of story.

I have no love for S&P or its competitors Moody’s and Fitch, whose influence vastly exceeds their competence; they should have been stripped of their special regulatory standing because of the AAA ratings they bestowed on trashy mortgage-backed securities that contributed so much to the financial meltdown.

But I respect S&P for standing up and alerting investors to the idea that the once unthinkable — a default by the United States, the only country in the world that can use its own currency to pay external creditors — has become thinkable. Fitch and Moody’s have kept the U.S. debt rated AAA, which I sure wouldn’t have done.

Adding to the current sense of foreboding, at least for me, is the fact that the Federal Reserve, which rode to the rescue last time, is legally constrained by provisions of Dodd-Frank legislation that are little recognized outside the world of regulators and financial techies.

Back in 2007, the Fed could invent programs to bail out solvent but illiquid institutions. It could also turn investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanleyinto bank holding companies with access to unlimited Fed funding — and even infuse cash into non-bank basket case AIG directly and indirectly to forestall an uncontrolled collapse that could have made the Lehman Brothers disaster look like a mere rounding error.

The Fed’s actions begat their own set of problems (such as penalizing prudent savers by imposing ultra-low interest rates in order to help imprudent borrowers and the overall economy), which I’ve written about at length. But once the Fed began acting in summer 2007, you knew there was an institution around that could bail out the world, if needed. Now, at least in theory, the only government institution that’s supposed to do this kind of thing is the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

I respect the FDIC, which I forgot to mention in my previous column about the folly of expecting institutions’ “living wills” to end the need for financial bailouts. (Sorry about that.) However, the FDIC has nothing like the Fed’s power and international clout.

We’ve got this problem because our alleged leaders rolled over for too-big-to-fail companies rather than doing the right thing by breaking them up into pieces small enough to be allowed to fail.
If I sound angry, it’s because I am. Think of me as an angry moderate who has finally gotten fed up with the lunacy and incompetence of our alleged national leaders — and with people stirring up trouble from which they hope to benefit politically or financially.

Some policies and statements you hear from tea party types about the economy and the debt markets are utterly insane. Any competent economics instructor would give you an F if you asserted the same sort of nonsense on an exam. But all that aside, at least the tea party people have a story and a message. The Obama people have none — at least none that I’ve been able to discern. They don’t even know how to spread good news, which actually does exist. One example: This spring I was assigned to figure out how much taxpayers would lose on the Troubled Assets Relief Program — the much-maligned TARP, that supposed financial sinkhole. To my surprise, I discovered that TARP actually stands to make money for taxpayers.

During my research, I found that the Treasury had reached a similar conclusion but had put the information
into the public domain in such a low-profile way that few people saw it. Why wasn’t the Obama administration spreading the word that taxpayers had made money saving the world financial system? Beats me.

The one saving grace we have is that the rest of the world seems to be run by midgets, too. I don’t want to think what would happen if the United States, in its current disarray, had to deal with the likes of Mao, Hitler or Stalin at the height of their powers. Maybe there is some divine power watching over us.

The solution

Now that I’ve finished venting, let me make one more attempt to be reasonable — and show how relatively easy it would be to solve our problems while allowing both the tea party and the left wing to claim victory and go home. This requires (1) that we survive the 2012 election cycle (boy, that’s going to be a blast) and (2) that the winners recognize that our current federal income tax rules and rates, Social Security benefit formula and Medicare provisions are historical and political accidents rather than holy writ handed down to Moses by the Lord on Mount Sinai.

We need more jobs, more growth and more tax revenue. Note that I said more revenue, not higher rates. There are lots of proposals kicking around that would cut rates, eliminate the alternative minimum tax and broaden the tax base by drastically reducing itemized deductions.

Only about a third of taxpayers, primarily higher-income types, itemize deductions, so only they would be affected. Do this right, and you end up with more tax revenue from high-income people (which allows the “tax the rich” types to be happy) but lower rates (which lets the tea party folks claim victory).

On the entitlement front, we modify Social Security and Medicare formulas, imposing higher costs on higher-end retirees (which would include me, should I ever retire). What’s in it for the right-wing fanatics? Those programs’ projected costs drop. For liberal wing nuts? They can claim victory because people are living longer than when these programs were introduced and will collect more benefits over their lifetime than originally intended.

Yes, rationality is out of style, and fanaticism is the new normal. But do we really want a national life like the one we’ve had the past few years? All shrieking and no thinking? Today’s problems are horrible, but what are they compared with the Civil War, the Great Depression and World War II?

Enough screaming. As for me, I’m going back to the beach to finish my vacation.

Sloan is Fortune magazine’s senior editor at large.

Oath & Covenant of the Priesthood

2011-08-19T19:29:00.001-07:00

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Musical Memories

2011-07-22T10:31:00.001-07:00

Music has always been an important part of my life. I grew up singing and playing the piano.

I took piano lessons for 7 years and still play to this day. I've played for weddings and other types of receptions and I regularly play the piano at various church meetings, either for the choir or as a soloist. I also took voice lessons for a while during junior high with a lady in our ward.

I was president of the A Capella choir at my high school in my senior year, and participated in our Chamber Singers group. During my senior year, I was privileged to audition for and perform with the California All-State Honor Choir. We had performances in the spring of 1992 in both Sacramento and with the Southern half of the state honor choir at the Santa Clara Convention Center. What a tremendous experience it was to work with Perla Warren, one of the most sought after conductors in California.

On two occasions I was able to travel with the other kids in the choir and band at my high school to Disneyland to participate in their Magic Music Days program. Having never been to Disneyland growing up, what a unique opportunity this was not only to be at Disneyland, but to be a featured group singing with my friends in the choir.

I was able to enjoy the atmosphere and ride the rides I'd only heard about growing up. Don't get me wrong, I had a great time growing up and spending summers camping with my family. We really weren't a "Disney' family, so to speak. But if I was going to be able to get there, and twice (sophomore and senior years) I was going to take it. And we had a blast.

I've completely glossed over my involvement with community theater, but from a young age I was taking drama camp classes at both the Contra Costa Civic Theater and later the Masquer's Playhouse, which usually combined singing and acting. My classes with Bill Goldsmith at the Masquer's featured a performance of a children's musical, "Wheels" which we performed for our friends and family, and I still have a copy of the video of that performance. I played "Rock."

This led to some auditions that my mom brought me to for other endeavors in musical theater. First of all, I successfully auditioned for "The Most Happy Fella" at the Masquer's and it was a hit show. So popular, in fact, that the show was extended a weekend and I'll never forget it, because my family vacation to Lake Siskiyou was planned for the weekend of the extra shows and I was unfortunately not able to perform. Lots of tears.

But I would go on to perform in numerous musicals in the community and at the high school including Grease, Camelot, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Good News, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Hello Dolly, and more. I was so involved and loved being in and around the theater so much that I was allowed, by membership vote, to become the first official junior member of the Masquer's Playhouse at 12-years old.

This brings me to Ricks College. As an 18-year old, having moved out of the house to Rexburg, Idaho, and on my own for the first time, I continued to participate in any musical experience I could find. And more amazing opportunities materialized that first year.

I joined Richard Robinson's College Choir and served as Tenor Section Leader. We performed in various places in and around Madison County, and at different times on campus for the community, such as Christmas, and during the spring. These were big concerts, I might add. Next to Disneyland and the All-State Honor Choir, the biggest I'd performed in front of without question.

However, in the Spring of 1993, I had the most unique opportunity in my entire life to join a Priesthood Choir that would sing in the 163rd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We were going to sing in the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle, home of the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir! And speaking of big audiences, General Conference is broadcast all around the world via satellite and closed-circuit and was viewed by an audience in the neighborhood of millions of people, not to mention the thousands in attendance.

Many hours were spent practicing the songs we sang that night. The most memorable was "See, the Mighty Angel Flying."

April 1993 General Conference:
Priesthood Session

A summary from the LDS Newsroom recounts the events of that evening I enjoyed in the Tabernacle, a good 17 years ago:

Sensing that the congregation may be weary from sitting, having been edified by 90 or so minutes of instruction on honoring the priesthood and serving others, PresidentGordon B. Hinckley bade all deacons, teachers and priests to stand up and stretch. Next he invited all former deacons, teachers and priests to stand up. He then said he would like to say a few things to the boys, adding with a smile, "You old men can listen or sleep."

But President Hinckley's address - like the other sermons at Saturday's priesthood session - proved applicable to the entire congregation. The messages were enhanced by music from a priesthood choir from Ricks College, directed by Clyde Luke and Kevin Brower and accompanied by Clay Christiansen.President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, conducted the session. Prayers were offered by Elder L. Aldin Porter of the Presidency of the Seventy and by Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander of the Seventy.

I left in the fall of 1993 to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. My call to serve was to the Pennsylvania-Philadelphia Mission. I was able to participate in the MTC Missionary Choir on a few different occasions. From there, I was able to incorporate my piano-playing abilities into the homes of the members, investigators, and ward buildings in which I served, always earning the reputation of being a musical elder.

The most memorable experience I had as a missionary, and coincidentally, with music, in the mission field came when I began training Elder Nick Olson, from West Jordan, Utah. His brother Kevin was somewhat famous for having written several songs that were published in the New Era magazine. Nick was a piano prodigy and we had a ball playing the piano together for a few minutes after our district and zone meetings, and at church on Sundays, if called upon.

After returning home from Philadelphia I returned to Ricks for another year of school. I wish I was a bit more focused on an academic goal because that was not going anywhere fast. Fortunately I had the music program. Through participating in the Men's Choir I was able to sing in numerous weekly devotionals which often featured visiting General Authorities. I also took a class called Church Hymns which was taught by famous Church composer Darwin Wolford. (Brother Wolford was a member of the 1985 Church Hymn Selection Committee that put together our current green hymn book.) A requirement of that class was to lead the opening hymn at the devotional in the Hart Auditorium. What an experience that was!

In the Spring of 1996 I jumped at the chance to sing in a combined choir for the 166th Annual General Conference in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. And it was at this meeting when President Gordon B. Hinckley announced plans for the construction of the beautiful Conference Center where General Conference is now held.

April 1996 General Conference:

Saturday Afternoon Session

President Gordon B. Hinckley announced in the opening session of conference on Saturday, April 6 that Church architects and engineers are working to design a new meeting hall that will hold three to four times more people than the Tabernacle.
"As I indicated last October," President Hinckley explained, "this historic and wonderful Tabernacle is becoming increasingly inadequate in accommodating all who wish to attend these conferences and other large gatherings."He called the project a "big undertaking," but said the Church today "can do this more easily in our circumstances than could our forbearers in their circumstances when they built this Tabernacle."

I transferred to Cal State East Bay and my school-involvement with music took a backseat to my focus on obtaining a degree, teaching credential, and full-time job. However, I maintained an interest in music and continued playing piano at the University Ward in Berkeley.

It was my piano playing that helped me grow close to a circle of friends in the University Ward that was my anchor in the most difficult chapter of my life. Karen, Patricia, Brooke, and Stacey were my best friends and we did everything together. One of the many activities we enjoyed was a memorable trip to Lake Tahoe in November of 1998. Following that outing, we attended a YSA Conference in Fremont in January of 1999. It was there when I first met my sweetheart, Kari. We only met briefly at the conference but would meet later the following week at the Church Institute class by Chabot College where we made plans to go swing dancing in San Francisco the following weekend.

The rest, you can say, is history.

Needless to say, there has been an uninterrupted succession of musical memories in my life which have been so fulfilling and enriching. Music is and always has been the most important sustaining influence in my life. I have enjoyed having a piano in my classroom at school for the past 10 years. I play for my students. I love the piano I own now that my wife surprised me with as a Christmas gift two years ago.

I am grateful for music, and especially for my mother who encouraged me to perform from a young age, and religiously brought me to my lessons. Her support and love of music has inspired me to remain actively involved as a piano player. Last spring she invited me out to the Sir Francis Drake hotel to play for a reception following an educational conference, which I enjoyed. Most recently I accompanied our stake choir during the 50th Anniversary Sunday service which featured Elder David A. Bednar, in attendance.

I look forward to many more future opportunities to share my love of music with everyone I meet. And I encourage you to do that which you love the most and share your talents, whatever they may be, for the blessing and benefit of others.

FBI: TOP TEN MOST WANTED LIST

2011-07-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of criminal justice, and in another lifetime I was probably involved somehow in law enforcement.

I love reading crime drama novels. I religiously tune in to America's Most Wanted every Saturday night at 9pm on FOX. I was a bit disappointed that last night it got replaced by some other FOX-ish program about explosions or accidents. (Hey FOX - that's what TRU-TV is for.)

Anyhow, you name it - The First 48; 48 Hours Mystery - I'm all over it. Another quirky thing about me is that I have ALWAYS gotten a particular thrill out of visiting Superior Court and just ducking into a department to watch a case in progress. Maybe I was supposed to have been a lawyer. Who knows?

Whenever I have had a moment - and it has been awhile - I have enjoyed telling Kari that I'd like to go to court for an afternoon. You just never know what you're going to see. And it's a whole lot better than being IN the trial.

Jury duty? Bring it on. I find a good book, buy the newspaper, and head on down. Most of the time. After our nightmare summer of 2008 (minus the Disneyland vacation) I was summoned for jury duty, but I didn't have the stomach for it and let the judge know when I got in the box. Our crazy neighbor had a lot to do with ruining that summer, so I was excused from jury duty as the judge could tell I was not in the right frame of mind to be impartial. Normally, I've enjoyed being called.

And lastly, I have always taken my class to conduct two mock trials at Superior Court in the spring as my favorite field trip of the year, and through the years, have befriended one of our county's finest Superior Court judges, and former parent at my school, Leo Dorado.

Well, when AMW got pre-empted by this other yahoo program, I decided to visit their website and ended up following some links until I landed on the FBI's home page. I recall that there has always been, as long as the FBI's been around, a Top Ten Most Wanted List. So I decided to take a gander at who exactly is on the list. Turns out, right now it's more of a Top Eight Most Wanted List since there was a capture ("Whitey" Bulger) and of course, Usama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan by the Navy Seals. Plus, the name is spelled "Usama" and not "Osama." Those are names that might ring a bell.

I didn't think I knew much about the other eight men on the list until I did a little reading up on them. But they've all been featured on America's Most Wanted and actually I totally knew about a few of them (Robert William Fisher, for sure). But some of these other guys? Wow. When you get the chance, you can go to YouTube and see more in-depth video pieces on them. Anyhow, here's the FBI's latest version of their Top Ten Most Wanted List.

#1 - VICTOR MANUEL GERENA

Bank Robbery; Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - Armed Robbery; Theft From Interstate Shipment

REWARD: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading directly to the arrest of Victor Manuel Gerena.

BACKGROUND: Manuel Gerena is being sought in connection with the armed robbery of approximately $7 million from a security company in Connecticut in 1983. He allegedly took two security employees hostage at gunpoint and then handcuffed, bound and injected them with an unknown substance in order to further disable them.

#2- JOE LUIS SAENZ

Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - Murder, Kidnapping, Rape, Parole Violation

REWARD: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of Joe Luis Saenz.

BACKGROUND: On July 25, 1998, Joe Luis Saenz allegedly shot and killed two rival gang members in Los Angeles. Less than two weeks later, on August 5, 1998, Saenz allegedly kidnapped, raped, and murdered his girlfriend. Saenz allegedly murdered a fourth victim in October of 2008 in Los Angeles County.

Saenz is believed to work for a Mexican drug cartel, and is known to travel between the United States and Mexico. He may have removed his tattoos with a laser. He has reportedly made previous statements indicating plans to kill a police officer upon his arrest. He is believed to always carry a weapon.

#3 - ROBERT WILLIAM FISHER

Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - First Degree Murder (3 Counts), Arson of an Occupied Structure

REWARD: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of Robert William Fisher.

BACKGROUND: Robert William Fisher is wanted for allegedly killing his wife and two young children and then blowing up the house in which they all lived in Scottsdale, Arizona in April of 2001.

Fisher is physically fit and is an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman. He has a noticeable gold crown on his upper left first bicuspid tooth. He may walk with an exaggerated erect posture and his chest pushed out due to a lower back injury. Fisher is known to chew tobacco heavily. He has ties to New Mexico and Florida. Fisher is believed to be in possession of several weapons, including a high-powered rifle.

#4 - SEMION MOGILEVICH

Fraud by Wire; RICO Conspiracy; Mail Fraud; Money Laundering Conspiracy;

Money Laundering; Aiding and Abetting; Securities Fraud; Filing False Registration With the SEC;

False Filings With the SEC; Falsification of Books and Records.

REWARD: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of Semion Mogilevich.

BACKGROUND: Semion Mogilevich is wanted for his alleged participation in a multi-million dollar scheme to defraud thousands of investors in the stock of a public company incorporated in Canada, but headquartered in Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, between 1993 and 1998. The scheme to defraud collapsed in 1998, after thousands of investors lost in excess of 150 million U.S. dollars, and Mogilevich, thought to have allegedly funded and authorized the scheme, was

indicted in April of 2003.

Mogilevich may wear facial hair to include a moustache. He is known to be a heavy smoker. Mogilevich has his primary residence in Moscow, Russia. He is known to utilize a Russian passport, but may also possess Israeli, Ukrainian, and Greek passports.

#5 - GLEN STEWART GODWIN

Unlawful Flight to Avoid Confinement - Murder, Escape

REWARD: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of Glen Stewart Godwin.

BACKGROUND: Glen Stewart Godwin is being sought for his 1987 escape from Folsom State Prison in California, where he was serving a lengthy sentence for murder. Later in 1987, Godwin was arrested for drug trafficking in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. After being convicted, he was sent to a prison in Guadalajara. In April of 1991, Godwin allegedly murdered a fellow inmate and then escaped five months later.

Godwin is fluent in Spanish and may be traveling throughout Central and South America, and Mexico. He is thought to be involved in narcotics distribution.

#6 - JASON DEREK BROWN

Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery

REWARD: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of Jason Derek Brown.

BACKGROUND: Jason Derek Brown is wanted for murder and armed robbery in Phoenix, Arizona. During November of 2004, Brown allegedly shot and killed an armored car guard outside a movie theater and then fled with the money.

Brown speaks fluent French and has a Masters Degree in International Business. He is an avid golfer, snowboarder, skier, and dirt biker. Brown enjoys being the center of attention and has been known to frequent nightclubs where he enjoys showing off his high-priced vehicles, boats, and other toys. He has been described as possibly having bisexual tendencies.

Brown has ties to California, Arizona, and Utah. In the past, he has traveled to France and Mexico. Additionally, he may be in the possession of a Glock 9mm and a .45 caliber handgun.

#7 - EDUARDO RAVELO

Engaging in the Affairs of an Enterprise, Through a Pattern of Racketeering Activities; Conspiracy to Conduct the Affairs of an Enterprise, Through a Pattern of Racketeering Activities; Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments; Conspiracy to Possess Heroin, Cocaine and Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute

REWARD: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of Eduardo Ravelo.

BACKGROUND: Eduardo Ravelo was indicted in Texas in 2008 for his involvement in racketeering activities, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and conspiracy to possess heroin, cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute. His alleged criminal activities began in 2003.

Ravelo is known to be a Captain (Capo) within the Barrio Azteca criminal enterprise and is allegedly responsible for issuing orders to the Barrio Azteca members residing in Juarez, Mexico. Allegedly, Ravelo and the Barrio Azteca members act as "hitmen" for the Vicente Carrillo Fuentes Drug Trafficking Organization and are responsible for numerous murders. Ravelo has ties to Mexico and El Paso, Texas. He may have had plastic surgery and altered his fingerprints.

#8 - ALEXIS FLORES

Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - Kidnapping, Murder

REWARD: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of Alexis Flores.

BACKGROUND: Alexis Flores is wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of a five-year-old girl in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The girl was reported missing in late July of 2000, and later found strangled to death in a nearby apartment in early August of 2000.

Flores has ties to Honduras.

#9 - JAMES L. "WHITEY" BULGER

CAPTURED

Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) - Murder (19 Counts),

Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Extortion, Narcotics Distribution,

Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering; Extortion; Money Laundering

REWARD: The FBI is offering a $2,000,000 reward for information leading directly to the arrest of James J. Bulger.

BACKGROUND: James J. Bulger is being sought for his role in numerous murders committed from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s in connection with his leadership of an organized crime group that allegedly controlled extortion, drug deals, and other illegal activities in the Boston, Massachusetts, area. He has a violent temper and is known to carry a knife at all times.

Bulger is an avid reader with an interest in history. He is known to frequent libraries and historic sites. Bulger may be taking heart medication. He maintains his physical fitness by walking on beaches and in parks with his female companion, Catherine Elizabeth Greig. Bulger and Greig love animals. Bulger has been known to alter his appearance through the use of disguises. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and Mexico.

#10 - USAMA BIN LADEN

DECEASED

Murder of U.S. Nationals Outside the United States;

Conspiracy to Murder U.S. Nationals Outside the United States;

Attack on a Federal Facility Resulting in Death

REWARD: The Rewards For Justice Program, United States Department of State, is offering a reward of up to $25 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction of Usama Bin Laden. An additional $2 million is being offered through a program developed and funded by the Airline Pilots Association and the Air Transport Association.

BACKGROUND: Usama Bin Laden is wanted in connection with the August 7, 1998, bombings of the United States Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. These attacks killed over 200 people. In addition, Bin Laden is a suspect in other terrorist attacks throughout the world.

Bin Laden is the leader of a terrorist organization known as Al-Qaeda, "The Base". He is left-handed and walks with a cane

RED, WHITE, AND BASEBALL!

2011-07-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

It was the vacation of a lifetime shared among four friends; a baseball bonanza that stretched from Hayward to Houston. The trip would cover a total of 4,500 miles and crossed nine states in 10 days. The memories of that August 2006 trip are still fresh and will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Initially, there was skepticism at home at the thought of undertaking such an incredible journey. After all, it would be less than two months after the birth of our second child, and did I mention it would be 10 days long? My wife recently left for a four-day trip to Utah and I had all three children. Let me tell you how exhausting that was. I truly appreciate that my wife was OK with me going on this trip. I couldn’t have been with three greater guys than Derrick, John, and Jeff. We worked together at CSU East Bay’s Pioneer Bookstore and spent many a Friday night over numerous summers playing softball, and every fall and winter enjoying fantasy football together. We were good friends, and we decided that we would head to Houston to conduct our fantasy football draft with another friend who lived there.

In the process of planning this trip, we had a “Wouldn’t it be cool if…?” moment and decided that we would make the trip to Houston worth our while. Summer time means one thing for most sports fans: baseball! What better way to make our way to Houston than to attempt to coordinate the trip by visiting the ballparks between here and there, give or take a few? The planning began.

Early on I decided to write to the teams and explain our idea in the hopes that they might help us cut costs and send us free tickets. I have a knack for the letter writing which is a story for another time. Needless to say, both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks wished us well and sent us complimentary tickets. Score!

The way the trip was shaping up, it looked like we’d be able to hit Dodger Stadium, Chase Field in Phoenix, Coors Field in Denver, The Ballpark in Arlington, and Minute Maid Park in Houston. In terms of planning a trip like this, we factored in things like travel time between games and so we spread out the games by a couple of days in most cases so that we could mix in some sightseeing, and basically time to just catch some sleep and relax.

We budgeted for the trip, rented a car, set the dates for each of our stops, and then picked out a number of places we wanted to visit along the way, and then the countdown was on. I was anxiously looking forward to this incredible journey we were going to begin.

On the day of the trip, I realized exactly how long I would be gone, and the fact that my baby boy was now with us, and I felt overwhelmed by emotions. How could I take such a long trip? The feelings of homesickness kicked in before I ever took a step towards Houston. My family gathered together and we had a moment before tearful good-byes were said, and my friends promised they’d take good care of me. And away we went!

Los Angeles is just an 8-hour trip away and we pulled into Dodger Stadium about 45 minutes before the first pitch, which is about 3 innings before most of the “regular” fans show up. Rookie mistake? Anyhow, we tracked down the Dodger Dog booth and made sure to begin sampling each stadium’s staple treats. We found our seats and took in the view of the historic Dodger Stadium ballpark. It was very generous of the Dodgers to send us complimentary tickets. We sat up high along the first baseline and had a terrific view of the Think Blue sign in the hills behind the stadium a la the Hollywood sign. We enjoyed watching the old scoreboard throughout the game, and I must say there were endless different sections of seats and ticket prices throughout the stadium. As for the Dodger Dog, I was impressed but not blown away or anything. Better than the fare in Oakland, but not the best we enjoyed on the trip.

Dodger Stadium turned out to be nice inside with the food and vendors and all, but not one of the newer stadiums we would enjoy on the trip. Coming from the cavernous Oakland Coliseum where I grew up attending ballgames, I could easily relate to Dodger Stadium. The fans were cool from what we could tell and loved their Dodgers. They hung on to defeat Colorado that night on a walk-off home run by Andre Ethier, which started our trip off with a bang!

Making our way out of Dodger Stadium after the game would have been next to impossible if not for our trusty GPS device. It might be a good idea for first-timers to attend a day game at Dodger Stadium, if you ask me. Anyhow, we headed toward Barstow and called it a night there because we decided to make a detour on our way to Phoenix via Las Vegas. Who can resist the pull of Vegas if you’re that close? Having never been to Vegas myself, we decided to make a stop there along the way. Plus, it turns out that my friend John had a close friend living off the Strip, so we planned on making an afternoon out of Vegas, if you can do such a thing.

Mostly we hit the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. While inside, we ducked into a sports memorabilia shop and bumped into none other than Charlie Hustle himself, Pete Rose, signing autographs. I guess he has to keep hustling if he isn’t going to be in the Hall of Fame. That was a cool coincidence considering the nature of our being there. We ate lunch inside the Aladdin Hotel and Casino and made our way in and out of the hotels along the strip before deciding to head out. I definitely have to get back to Las Vegas with Kari one of these days. There was so much to do and so little time to do it on this trip.

One thing that we all realized as we headed towards Arizona was how smooth the trip had been to that point. There had not been a single word of disagreement or contention. We were all having such a great time traveling together. Having been on many a family outing together, this was somewhat unfamiliar territory for me. There are stresses involved in traveling together as a family that were not a factor here on this trip.

We stopped off at the Hoover Dam at the Nevada-Arizona border and took pictures on either side. We felt the hot, heavy winds blowing us sideways when we got out for picture taking on the Nevada side. As we wrapped around to just past the Arizona border, it was a bit calmer. The mighty Hoover Dam was impressive and awe-inspiring. But we needed to get to Phoenix, and that wasn’t exactly down the block.

Once on the long road to Phoenix through the desert, we were hit with a major storm and visibility was not so good. It started getting late and the occasional lightning strike in the distance was all the light we were going to get. Thank goodness again for the GPS device which kept us on the right track. Ultimately, we found our way to the hotel we planned on staying at in Phoenix in the wee hours of the morning and crashed.

The next day, when we finally surfaced from our sleep, we decided to head south to enjoy a day in Tombstone; home of the OK Corral. Vigilante Days were underway and so we strolled through town and hit the saloons and shops that remember the Old West and Wyatt Earp. Traveling through the desert was a new experience as well. The saguaro cactus filled in either side of the road as did the colorful mountains on either side of us. Off in the distance, you could easily make out the sheets of rain falling to the earth. Lucky for us, we were far enough away from the wet weather that it never hit us. But it was definitely hot.

That evening we drove back into Phoenix and found some parking close to the ballpark. Chase Field is relatively new and has a retractable roof. In the summertime, the roof is closed and the air-conditioning is on inside the ballpark. It was a nice relief to get inside, and even cooler were the free tickets we received from the D-backs to attend this game. The D-backs continued the home winning streak we had on our trip as they beat the Florida Marlins.

A few things I’ll remember from this game was the echoes made by the sound system, foul balls, fans cheering, or simply cheering sounds that were being pumped through the sound system. The food selection in Chase Field was second to none. The stadium was clean and new and spacious. We thoroughly enjoyed the game.

We made our way to the Grand Canyon on the next leg of our trip. We spent the afternoon enjoying a trip to the IMAX Theater on the way to the National Park to learn about the history of the Grand Canyon. And after we made our way down the last 50 miles of the two-lane highway that brings you to the entrance, we parked our vehicle, walked across the street, and that’s just about where our jaws dropped off and down the Canyon. Breathtaking does not even begin to describe the sights of the Grand Canyon. And what an international event it turned out to be as a host of people from countries in every continent seemed to be visiting. This is one place that attracts such an array of different people.

We stopped near the Four Corners before calling it a night in a motel in a border town in Colorado, of all places. In the morning we visited the Four Corners monument and were able to stretch into parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado all at once. We snapped a few group pictures with each of us in the four states and then visited some of the Native American arts and crafts that circle the monument before heading out.

We continued our appreciation of Native American history and headed to Mesa Verde National Park; home of the cliff-dwelling Indians. There we saw entire cities built into the sides of mountains. An entire nation of Native Americans lived and thrived for years on end in such a remarkable fashion. The design and architectural innovation of being able to strategically carve a city into the side of a cliff is just unreal.

At some point near Winslow, we got off the Interstate and visited the Meteor Crater. It’s the most well-preserved meteor crater on Earth. According to the website, “Meteor Crater is the breath-taking result of a collision between a piece of an asteroid traveling at 26,000 miles per hour and planet Earth approximately 50,000 years ago.” We walked around the crater and did some exploring in the museum to learn how NASA used the facility to practice later adventures to the moon. This was a nice find on our trip and I would recommend a visit if you’re in the area.

Our first marathon leg of the trip was still underway. We began a trip that would take us all the way through the Rocky Mountains and into Denver for a baseball game at Coors Field. The earlier majesty of the Grand Canyon would nearly be equaled in my opinion, as we came to a stop high into our journey in the Rocky Mountains. The panoramic view of the trees, and wildlife, and water, and the vast wilderness on either side was a sight I have nothing to compare to. It was simply spectacular and if nothing else, served as a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful country.

This was the one place where we actually got a speeding ticket. It was a bit of a speed trap, we thought, because as we wound down a hillside, suddenly the speed limit posted hit 35-miles per hour and up ahead a construction project was underway. Sure enough, the state trooper hit his lights and pulled up behind us. It took about 30 seconds of conversation between the young trooper and our gang of four, and we nearly had him convinced to join us for the rest of the trip. He went easy on us and we agreed to send in the fine instead of making an appearance the following month back in Colorado. But we labored on way to downtown Denver because our next game was going to begin that night.

We decided when we finally arrived in the parking lot of Coors Field to go in matching outfits to this game. While in New Mexico, we all picked out a matching Brazil soccer T-shirt that we decided to wear into the Rockies game. No particular reason. It drew plenty of attention as we found our seats out in right field. We wandered up into the upper sections of Coors Field and found the purple-colored “Mile High Seats.” The Rockies made a late comeback to defeat the same Arizona Diamondbacks team we watched play in Phoenix a few days earlier.

The driving madness was not over by a longshot. In fact, our second marathon leg of the trip was about to get underway. We had to split up this next stretch into driving shifts. We left the parking lot of Coors Field in Denver and hit U.S. Highway 70 which took us through the night on a drive through the dense fog and to a beautiful sunrise along the farmlands and fields of Kansas. We made a few pit stops along the way and when the sun rose and we pulled in to enjoy breakfast. It was a crisp, bright morning with a smell of freshly cut grass and a country breeze hit us. While the moment lacked the apparent beauty of the Rocky Mountains or the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, there was something very homey and powerfully patriotic about it. I pretty much had these feelings over and again at each stop of the way. No matter how far away I got from the SF Bay Area, I always felt like I was at home in a sense. The comforts we enjoy being in the US and the beautiful landscape and scenery we have just about everywhere is something I will always remember about this trip.

Our trip to Arlington, TX, continued through Oklahoma City. It was here where our emotions took a toll on us. We decided to visit the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building which Timothy McVeigh blew up in 1995. The makeshift memorials still line the cyclone fence just outside the reflection pool and the chair monuments along the grassy hillside. A statue of Jesus stands across the street with the caption, “Jesus Wept,” engraved at His feet.

We solemnly made our way through the memorial and took our time looking at the names of the innocent victims, and stopping along the fence to see the gifts and cards and remembrances of the many children whose lives were taken. Tears came without warning. It was a startling contrast to the scenes of beauty we had enjoyed at several stops we made to this point. The memorial is beautifully built, but I could not help but feel violated and attacked and hurt. It reminded me at that point that our freedom and security comes at a price. There are those who would do harm to us, and yet this is our country. This is a free land, and we should never take that for granted.

I have felt the way I did at the Oklahoma City Memorial on two other occasions in my life. Once was when I visited the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial as an eighth grader, and the other time was on the morning of September 11, 2001.

Later that afternoon, we arrived in Dallas and got set up at a hotel before the big game in Arlington that night. We reunited with a friend who met us at the airport in Dallas and then hit the pool, as the temperature was close to 110. Dallas was plain and simply hot.

The Ballpark in Arlington was, like most everything in Texas, big. It may have just been us, but we had a bit of a strange experience making our way into the stadium. Our friend, Derrick, who is Indian, and as you can see from the pictures, a very well-built guy, was singled out of our group and patted down before entering the stadium. The three of us made it through untouched. Why that was, I’m not sure, but it kind of tainted our visit to an otherwise beautiful ballpark. As most games go in The Ballpark, this was another slugfest that the Rangers actually lost to the Angels.

Center field was alive with activity near the Nolan Ryan statue. There is a two-story tier in right field, and there is another two- or three-story building for fans out in left and center field. Mainly, we’ll remember how hot it was at The Ballpark and the unnecessary frisking at the front gate that seemed rather like profiling to us.

The following morning we made our way to the final destination, Houston. We made a detour to where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. There is a memorial there to JFK, and we saw the grassy knoll and the Book Depository Building. There really is not much more to it than that, and there were no visitors other than us. I remember that it was kind of a creepy feeling I had thinking about what the atmosphere must have been like that day. It’s basically a street that takes you down to an underpass and then onto a highway, so whoever did the shooting only had a short period of time to do it. Mainly, that was kind of a creepy feeling I was left with, but glad we thought of stopping off there to see that.

In Houston, we met up with three other friends who flew in from the Bay Area, and our good friend, Earl, who lives and works in Houston. We sampled some authentic barbecue and made a day trip to the Houston Aquarium. A funny story about our trip in to Houston involved the hotel we thought we were going to stay at courtesy of the Entertainment Coupon booklet. Well, we pulled in to the parking lot of this hotel and there was plywood on just about every window and it was obviously shut down.

The kind folks at Entertainment Coupon were on it and before you know it, we were upgraded and put up in a nicer hotel, closer to where we wanted to be. So that was an unexpected twist to the trip.

Our final ballgame was a 1-0 Chicago Cubs victory over the Houston Astros. Minute Maid Park also has a retractable roof and the air-conditioning inside. It’s a newly-built stadium and has all the amenities one could enjoy. The center field hill with the flagpole on it seems like a daunting task for any player to navigate. For the fans, there is the little train atop the left field wall which runs when the home team hits a home run. We missed that, obviously. But this was clearly a fan-friendly ballpark with great food and during the 7^th-inning stretch, we not only sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” but they follow that with “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” which everyone sings. That was fun!

With a day left to enjoy in Texas, we made a final day trip to the Alamo in San Antonio, which we visited and explored. The neighboring River Walk shops were amazing and we stopped for lunch there as a whole group.

The final evening we were there we completed our fantasy football draft for the upcoming NFL season and hung out together as a group. We looked back on the good times we had crossing the country and visiting the ballparks and making these lifelong memories. The next day we would head to the Houston Airport and fly home. Our trusty rental mini-van never let us down and we had clocked just over 4,500 miles.

It was a whirlwind adventure. We learned a lot about ourselves and each other. Our friendships were sealed together permanently on this trip. We learned a lot about the beauty and magnificence of our great country. We were brought back in time to the uninhabited land that was touched by a meteor. This trip provided us with a front row seat to the history of the Wild West. We learned about the trials and heartache and despair from some of the darker chapters that are nonetheless part of this great country. Perhaps it will be the lessons that we learn moving forward that will inspire me. From the grassy knoll to the OKC Memorial; from the forgotten chapters of the Native Americans to the sacrifices made by the early pioneers who blazed trails through our new lands.

This trip I enjoyed five short years ago helped me realize how grateful I am to be an American. It also helped me realize how much I love and care for my family to allow me to take such an extraordinary outing. As we enjoy fireworks, barbecue, fairs, and celebrations tomorrow, wherever you are, be grateful that for better or for worse, we truly live in the most privileged, beautiful, and majestic country on Earth.

Graduation Day!

2011-06-03T22:29:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

SPIRIT WEEK

2011-05-27T20:58:00.001-07:00

This week was our Student Council SPIRIT WEEK! I have been an advisor for our Student Council now for three years, and this year's Spirit Week was a lot of fun. The kids picked several themes for each day of the week, and teachers and students alike were able to have a great time getting into costumes each day to make the most of it and really show off the school spirit. Enjoy!

SPIRIT WEEK

DAY 1: WACKY TACKY DAY

DAY 2: DISNEY DAY

DAY 3: '80s DAY

DAY 4: MISMATCH DAY

DAY 5: SPORTS DAY

BEST-PAID ATHLETES IN 30 SPORTS

2011-04-22T11:41:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

ASCD Conference (March 26-28)

2011-03-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction sent me this note last Thursday after school: I have a registration for the ASCD Conference this weekend in San Francisco. Would you like to go? I was honored to receive the invitation, but I was completely unfamiliar with the ASCD. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development is an educational leadership organization dedicated to "advancing best practices and policies for the success of each learner." It boasts 160,000 members in 148 countries from all levels and subjects areas of education. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association that "provides expert and innovative solutions in professional development, capacity building, and educational leadership essential to the way educators learn, teach, and lead." Within about 5 minutes after arriving at this conference, I quickly registered online and became a member. So let's make that 160,001 and counting!

The event was held at the Moscone Center, located in the South of Market Area. It's the largest convention and exhibition complex in San Francisco and has hosted events including the American Bar Association's annual meeting, the Game Developer's Conference, and even the 1984 Democratic National Convention. It's a short walk from the Powell Street Station to 4th Street, and you're ther!

I attended on Saturday and Monday. The district had a 3-day pass for the superintendent which I ended up using because he could not attend. There were nearly 500 workshops to choose from to attend. The exhibition hall was filled with the latest in anything and everything educational.

Every morning at 10am was General Session in one of the Moscone Center's three halls. This is where I met up with other leaders from my district. On Saturday ASCD recognized Outstanding Youth Educators and featured an address from Stanford University research professor, Chip Heath. I attended Monday's General Session to enjoy remarks from Harvard University's Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot.

The first workshop I attended was hosted by Sabrina Silverstein (below) and

Frances Rust (below). The focus was on Teacher Action Research and was designed to help us with teacher effectiveness, critical conversations, professional learning communities, and student achievement.

The interactive nature of the workshop, time provided to collaborate with other teachers - my neighbor in this workshop was a middle school math teacher from Singapore! - were so helpful and made my experience so much more meaningful. We left with so many important tools for inquiry, teacher evaluation ideas, and the process of action research.

As mentioned, Chip Heath was the featured speaker at Saturday morning's General Session. The author of a unique book entitled "Switch," Chip kicked things off by telling us that we can make changes by focusing on the bright spots in our lives.

Says Chip, "We found the answer in the research of some brilliant psychologists who'd discovered that people have two separate "systems" in their brains - a rational system and an emotional system. The rational system a thoughtful, logical planner. The emotional system is, well, emotional - and impulsive and instinctual."

When he started his talk, he described one of life's biggest changes: marriage. He showed us images that he found when he entered "marriage" as a search in Flickr's photo website. Check out what he saw.

For lunch today, a group of us went across the street to CHA AM Thai Restaurant.

I enjoyed gai yang (b.b.q. chicken). Delicious!

But right before lunch at CHA AM, we enjoyed listening to this morning's featured speaker, Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot. She reflected on her book "The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventures in the 25 Years After 50."

Another highlight of the weekend was bumping into my older brother, Casey, who was in attendance with other school leaders from his campus. We met up at the nearby Metreon where he was having lunch with his colleagues.

Overall, this was such a unique invitation. I was able to grow professionally by learning from leaders around the country in education, collaborating with teachers from around the world, and listening to such dynamic speakers such as Chip and Sara. I look forward to my newfound involvement with ASCD and the opportunities to get connected with these outstanding people.

Weekly Address: Traveling the Country, Winning the Future

2011-02-26T12:19:00.001-08:00

Political Neutrality

2011-02-16T21:38:00.000-08:00

ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD on Political Neutrality.

The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established.

The Church does not:

Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.
Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.

The Church does:

Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.
Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.
In the United States, where nearly half of the world’s Latter-day Saints live, it is customary for the Church at each national election to issue a letter to be read to all congregations encouraging its members to vote, but emphasizing the Church’s neutrality in partisan political matters.

Relationships With Government

Elected officials who are Latter-day Saints make their own decisions and may not necessarily be in agreement with one another or even with a publicly stated Church position. While the Church may communicate its views to them, as it may to any other elected official, it recognizes that these officials still must make their own choices based on their best judgment and with consideration of the constituencies whom they were elected to represent.

Modern scriptural references to the role of government: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 134

100 Nosey Questions

2011-02-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

THE BASICS

Name: Alex
Age: 36
Month of birth: July
Any Siblings? 5
Parents still married? Yes
Occupation: Teacher
Do you like your job? Love it!
Any pets? No
Hair color: Brown
Eye color: Blue
Shoe size: 9
Any Tattoos? No
Any Piercings? No
Current mood: Good
Current wardobe choice: Casual
What are you listening to? The washing machine.
Who did you last speak with on the phone? Al Shurtleff.
What do you currently smell like? Clean.

LAST....

Movie you watched: Crazy Heart.
Magazine you looked at: US Weekly
Thing you ate: Papa Murphy's heart-shaped pizza.
Book you read: Ringer by Jerry Spinelli
T.v. show you watched: Beyond Scared Straight
Time you criedThis morning when I read: "The King's Emerald."
Took a shower: This morning.
Got a real letter (a.k.a Snail Mail): Just today - my Valentine's Day gift arrived!
Ate at a restaurant (not fast food): Will, Grace and I ate out on Thursday night.
CD you bought: Nellie McKay - Face of a Faith

What is/was....

The best thing to happen to you today? Treating my wife to Valentine's Day gifts and surprises.
Your most prized possession: My family.
Your first vehicle: 1989 Ford Escort (dark blue)
Your current vehicle: Mazda 5 ('08) & Ford Taurus ('01)
Your favorite quote: "A word to the wise ain't necessary -- it's the stupid ones that need the advice."(Bill Cosby)
You bedtime (on average): 10:30pm
Your best trait/characteristic: Thoughtful.
Your worst trait/characteristic: Impulsive.

Do You....

Store things under your bed: No.
Daydream: Yes.
Have a computer at home: Yes.
Live in the city, suburbs or country: City.
Live in a home, apartment, duples or mobile home: Apartment.
Own a cell phone: Yes.
Have a good luck charm: No.
Collect anything: Yes. I have collectible spoons from over 40 different states and countries. I have a collection of Jeff Gordon memorabilia. To name a few.
Attend high school or college: I have an M.S. in Educational Leadership. ('09).
Make good grades: Always.

Have You Ever....

Had a surgery? Appendectomy
Had teeth pulled? Wisdom teeth.
Broke the law intentionally: No.
Ran away from home? No.
Broke a bone? Yes. I broke my left arm at age 4.
Cheated on a test/exam: No.
Had a friend pass away: Yes.
Been issued a citation/traffic ticket: Yes.
Been in an auto accident: Yes.
Lied to someone: Yes.
Been lied to: Yes.

Your Favorite....

Place to be: Home.
Place to visit: Temple.
Place to chill: Home.
Non-Alcoholic drink: Diet Pepsi.
Alcoholic drink: I don't drink alcohol for religious reasons.
Type of food: Pizza.
Meal/Food: Steak and potatoes.
Dessert: Almond raspberry cheesecake.
Shampoo & Conditioner: Old Spice Hair & Body Wash
Toothpaste: Crest
Salad dressing: Newman's Own Caesar Dressing
Ice cream: Chocolate Chip
Fast food establishment: In-N-Out Burger
Color: Blue
Season: Fall
Holiday: Christmas
Perfume/Cologne: Calvin Klein brands.
Video Game: Angry Birds
T.V. show: Beyond Scared Straight
Smells: Someone, somewhere grilling food. Mmmmm.....
Article of clothing: Slacks
Book: The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy
Children's Book: The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson
Candy: Look!
Car: Ferrari Testarossa

Do You Believe....

In Karma: Yes.
In God: Yes.
In Heaven & Hell: Yes.
That aliens exist: Yes.
That ghosts exist: Yes.

Your Opinion....

On the death penalty: Yes.
On reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in schools: Yes.
On homosexuals in the military: Yes.
The war in the Middle East: No.
Schwarzeneggar...Governor or Terminator: Terminator.
Current gas/fuel prices: Too high.

Church Snobs

2011-02-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

Let's just say that a major pet peeve of mine is 'the Church snob.' This particular individual can be anyone really, but there are distinct characteristics of being a Church snob that are easy to identify, and if you are one, can be easily fixed, if desired. If left untreated, this can become such a big problem that, before you know it, you may be left wondering what happened to all of your friends?

(1) Usually, the higher up the calling, the greater the snob. That's sort of the rule of thumb when it comes to dealing with theese individuals. And lately, I've noticed in talking with Kari, that it's easy for some individuals to so quickly and easily get caught up with their calling or responsibilities at Church, instead of "keeping it real," and just being yourself.

Obviously, where much is given, much is required. And so, when a calling is extended to us, we are to magnify it and do the calling to the utmost of our abilities. We go above and beyond to do whatever the Lord has asked of us. But He does not ask us to change who we are in order to fulfill whatever calling He has given us. If we are found worthy to be given a calling, there really should be no need to change in the first place.

Should it matter if we called to serve as a greeter? A ward missionary? Home teacher? Elder's Quorum president? Relief Society president? Bishop? Stake President? The answer to that question, unequivocally, is NO.

(2) It really matters to the Church snob what his calling is, or what callings he/she has had.

I was reminded about something President David O. McKay spoke about years ago that has been widely circulated in the Church called "Your PPI with the Lord." This is a very humbling, honest, and thought-provoking experience President McKay had with the brethren back in the day. It speaks very specifically to the entire idea of why we should avoid being a Church snob.

"Let me assure you, Brethren, that some day you will have a personal Priesthood interview with the Savior, Himself. If you are interested I will tell you the order in which He will ask you to account for your earthly responsibilities. (I love the part where he says, "If you are interested..." I guess you want to just stop what you were doing at that point, maybe?)

First: He will request an accountability report about your relationship with your wife. Have you actively been engaged in making her happy and insuring that her needs have been met as an individual?

Second: He will want an accountability report about each of your children individually. He will not attempt to have this for simply family stewardship, but will request information about your relationship to each and every child.

Third: He will want to know what you personally have done with the talents you were given in the pre-existence.

Fourth: He will want a summary of your activities in your Church assignments. He will not be necessarily interested in what assignments you have had, for in His eyes the home teacher and a mission president are probably equals, but He will request a summary of how you have been of service to your fellow men in your Church assignments.

Fifth: He will have no interest in how you earned your living, but if you were honest in all your dealings.

Sixth: He will ask for an accountability on what you have done to contribute, in a positive manner to your community, state, country and the world."

My favorite part in this whole PPI is question number four. President McKay tells us that the Lord will not necessarily be interested in what assignments you have had. Rather, how have you been of service in your Church assignments. So where does that leave us with the idea of being a Church snob?

(3) To the Church snob, the hand is more important than the foot.

President Dieter Uchtdorf spoke so powerfully on this subject in a recent Conference address. He said, "When our hearts are filled with pride, we commit a grave sin, for we violate the two great commandments. Instead of worshipping God and loving our neighbor, we reveal the real object of our worship and love—the image we see in the mirror."

A favorite part of this address was when President Uchtdorf spoke about an experience he had as a new General Authority while traveling with President James E. Faust:

"One day I had the opportunity to drive President James E. Faust to a stake conference. During the hours we spent in the car, President Faust took the time to teach me some important principles about my assignment. He explained also how gracious the members of the Church are, especially to General Authorities. He said, “They will treat you very kindly. They will say nice things about you.” He laughed a little and then said, “Dieter, be thankful for this. But don’t you ever inhale it.”

He continues, "That is a good lesson for us all, brethren, in any calling or life situation. We can be grateful for our health, wealth, possessions, or positions, but when we begin to inhale it—when we become obsessed with our status; when we focus on our own importance, power, or reputation; when we dwell upon our public image and believe our own press clippings—that’s when the trouble begins; that’s when pride begins to corrupt."

(4) There is an 'i' in team for the Church snob.

President Uchtdorf brings it home when he concludes by saying, "We are servants of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are not given the priesthood so that we can take our bows and bask in praise. We are here to roll up our sleeves and go to work. We are enlisted in no ordinary task. We are called to prepare the world for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We seek not our own honor but give praise and glory to God. We know that the contribution we can make by ourselves is small; nevertheless, as we exercise the power of the priesthood in righteousness, God can cause a great and marvelous work to come forth through our efforts. We must learn, as Moses did, that “man is nothing” by himself but that “with God all things are possible.”

Whether you're dealing with a person holding the priesthood, or the spouse of that person who is doing the "inhaling," President Uchtdorf puts this in perspective: "Pride is a switch that turns off priesthood power. Humility is a switch that turns it on."

(5) What's a snob to do?

So what do we do about being a Church snob? Or how we do deal with Church snobs? President Uchtdorf provided this perfect example of how we can put our callings and responsibilities into perspective:

"I once owned a pen that I loved to use during my career as an airline captain. By simply turning the shaft, I could choose one of four colors. The pen did not complain when I wanted to use red ink instead of blue. It did not say to me, “I would rather not write after 10:00 p.m., in heavy fog, or at high altitudes.” The pen did not say, “Use me only for important documents, not for the daily mundane tasks.” With greatest reliability it performed every task I needed, no matter how important or insignificant. It was always ready to serve.

"In a similar way we are tools in the hands of God. When our heart is in the right place, we do not complain that our assigned task is unworthy of our abilities. We gladly serve wherever we are asked. When we do this, the Lord can use us in ways beyond our understanding to accomplish His work."

I think that's the real secret to all of this. We need to choose to be humble. Be yourself. Don't change and try to become someone you're not. The Lord did not say to Peter, James, and John, "Let me follow you." He said, "Come, follow me." So, all of us are in fact, followers and there is but one leader.

In the words of President Ezra Taft Benson, “God will have a humble people. … ‘Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble.’

There may be more to this discussion, and points that I've missed or hadn't thought about, but this is just a major pet peeve of mine (ours) and so this may just be a good start to a meaningful, discussion and self-evaluation.

Every Time I Hear Complaints, I Think About This...

2011-01-23T08:41:00.000-08:00

The next time you hear someone complain about President Obama, I want you to remember what we spent eight years living with:

Accomplishments As President

Attacked and took over two countries.

Spent the surplus and bankrupted the treasury.

Shattered record for biggest annual deficit in history.

Set economic record for most private bankruptcies filed in any 12-month period.

Set all-time record for biggest drop in the history of the stock market.

First president in decades to execute a federal prisoner.

First president in U.S. history to enter office with a criminal record.

First year in office set the all-time record for most days on vacation by any president in U.S. history.

After taking the entire month of August off for vacation, presided over the worst security failure in U.S. history.

Set the record for most campaign fundraising trips than any other president in U.S. history.

In my first two years in office over 2 million Americans lost their job.

Cut unemployment benefits for more out of work Americans than any president in U.S. history.

Set the all-time record for most foreclosures in a 12-month period.

Appointed more convicted criminals to administration positions than any president in U.S. history.

Set the record for the least amount of press conferences than any president since the advent of television.

Signed more laws and executive orders amending the Constitution than any president in U.S. history.

Presided over the biggest energy crises in U.S. history and refused to intervene when corruption was revealed.

Presided over the highest gasoline prices in U.S. history and refused to use the national reserves as past presidents have.

Cut healthcare benefits for war veterans.

Set the all-time record for most people worldwide to simultaneously take to the streets to protest me (15 million people), shattering the record for protest against any person in the history of mankind.

Dissolved more international treaties than any president in U.S. history.

My presidency is the most secretive and unaccountable of any in U.S. history.

Members of my cabinet are the richest of any administration in U.S. history (the 'poorest' multimillionaire, Condoleezza Rice, has an Exxon oil tanker named after her).

First president in U.S. history to have all 50 states of the Union simultaneously go bankrupt.

Presided over the biggest corporate stock market fraud of any market in any country in the history of the world.

First president in U.S. history to order a U.S. attack and military occupation of a sovereign nation.

Created the largest government department bureaucracy in the history of the United States.

Set the all-time record for biggest annual budget spending increases, more than any president in U.S. history.

First president in U.S. history to have the United Nations remove the U.S. from the human rights commission.

First president in U.S. history to have the United Nations remove the U.S. from the elections monitoring board.

Removed more checks and balances, and have the least amount of congressional oversight than any presidential administration in U.S. history.

Rendered the entire United Nations irrelevant.

Withdrew from the World Court of Law.

Refused to allow inspectors access to U.S. prisoners of war and by default no longer abide by the Geneva Conventions.

First president in U.S. history to refuse United Nations election inspectors (during the 2002 U.S. elections).

All-time U.S. (and world) record holder for most corporate campaign donations.

My biggest lifetime campaign contributor presided over one of the largest corporate bankruptcy frauds in world history (Kenneth Lay, former CEO of Enron Corporation).

Spent more money on polls and focus groups than any president in U.S. history.

First president in U.S. history to unilaterally attack a sovereign nation against the will of the United Nations and the world community.

First president to run and hide when the U.S. came under attack (and then lied saying the enemy had the code to Air Force 1)

First U.S. president to establish a secret shadow government.

Took the biggest world sympathy for the U.S. after 9/11, and in less than a year made the U.S. the most resented country in the world (possibly the biggest diplomatic failure in U.S. and world history).

With a policy of 'disengagement' created the most hostile Israeli-Palestine relations in at least 30 years.

First U.S. president in history to have a majority of the people of Europe (71%) view my presidency as the biggest threat to world peace and stability.

First U.S. president in history to have the people of South Korea more threatened by the U.S. than their immediate neighbor, North Korea.

Changed US policy to allow convicted criminals to be awarded government contracts.

Set all-time record for number of administration appointees who violated U.S. law by not selling huge investments in corporations bidding for government contracts.

Failed to fulfill my pledge to get Osama Bin Laden 'dead or alive.'

Failed to capture the anthrax killer who tried to murder the leaders of our country at the United States Capital building. After 18 months I have no leads and zero suspects.

In the 18 months following the 9/11 attacks I have successfully prevented any public investigation into the biggest security failure in the history of the United States.

Removed more freedoms and civil liberties for Americans than any other president in U.S. history.

In a little over two years created the most divided country in decades, possibly the most divided the U.S. has ever been since the Civil War.

Entered office with the strongest economy in U.S. history and in less than two years turned every single economic category heading straight down.

Awake!

2011-01-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

From October, 1993 through September, 1995, I labored in the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission. The cartoon strip above is something I can honestly relate in ways that would make you shudder in disbelief. I have had many a door slammed in my face. I have been yelled at, insulted, and told to go away in such unpleasant ways it would make you wonder. I was grateful to serve a mission and to have the privilege of training three brand-new missionaries (Elder Crowther, Elder Olsen, and Elder Mordecai). While a missionary back East I was able to visit the Washington, DC, Temple and even bumped got to meet Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in town for a Stake Conference in Reading, PA.

Elder McMurray, Elder Oaks, and Elder Ward

So what's this all about?

Well, once a month for the past 2 or 3 months, on Saturday morning, the Jehovah's Witnesses stop by. It is a couple of older ladies, Betty and Lila. I have a soft spot for them because they are just so humble and unlike many of the JW's I met in Philadelphia, are non-confrontational. I failed to mention anything about our faith to them during our first visit, but it did not seem necessary at the time. They simply introduced themselves and the message they were bringing, plus the trusty publications: The Watchtower and Awake!

I gladly accepted their magazines, though, I'm pretty sure I did not actively look through them. They must have sat on the stairs and then wound up getting recycled. But they faithfully returned last month, and then this morning, we got another knock at the door.

Betty and Lila were here.

Instead of inviting them in to our crazy house which was not on my mind to begin with, I stepped outside and we got reacquainted. This time I came clean and mentioned to them that one of the reasons we get along so well is because my family also has a faith, and that as a young man of 19-years I left my home to serve a mission in Pennsylvania. I can relate to the idea of going door to door and through the years, I have made a few close friends who happen to be Jehovah's Witness. I told Betty and Lila that while we have many things that are different, what is more important to me is focusing on what we have in common. The idea of service, loving your neighbors, reading the scriptures, loving God: these are truths we have in common and can build a relationship around, even if we don't attend worship services together; even if other beliefs about the world and even details about our faith are wildly opposing.

So we had a wonderful conversation again this morning out front and I accepted the January edition of their publications. I am thinking that next month I might get an extra copy of the Ensign and Liahona from the Beehive Clothing store by the temple to share with them.

I remind Betty (the older of the two) of her nephew. She seems sweet. Lila seems a bit more militant and she knows her scriptures inside and out. However, it was funny because the first scripture Betty brought up was in Daniel 2:44-45, which is a good old Scripture Mastery about Nebuchadnezzar's dream revealed to Daniel and the "stone cut without hands." Basically, the gospel is to cover the Earth in the latter days.

We found many things in common and have built a little relationship that I think I'm going to look forward to each month. I am definitely not interested in inviting them in to the house for a "Bible lesson" and was very frank about that with them. Who knows what will happen? I know they mean well and they're out trying to do good in the world. All I know is, my "Betty and Lila" time is special. =)

(The noise you hear is Kari groaning in the background.)

Post #250 - Munchie Pictures!

2010-12-31T19:39:00.001-08:00

For my 250th post, I would like to share pictures of my oldest child, Claire, as just a young baby. I had fun scanning these pictures tonight. Our little Munchie is growing up so quickly.

Enjoy!

Thanks, Mom!

2010-11-29T22:31:00.000-08:00

Bridget, Oski & Alex

It was my pleasure to accompany my mom to several CAL football games this fall. I appreciate my wife allowing me to step out of the house to enjoy doing something I love - attend sporting events. Whether it's an A's or Giants game, or a trip to Sonoma to watch the NASCAR boys, Kari has long supported my love of sports. Or at the very least, tolerated it.

Two years ago my mom decided to scratch an itch she'd been having of attending an annual CAL football game by purchasing 2 season tickets. We sit in the north end zone and my brother-in-law James and I have split the games with my mom. I grew up attending CAL games with the mutual group at church once in a while. I attended many a CAL game in high school raising money for the Gauchos Marching Band by selling drinks and hot dogs.

And so it's been fun to return often over the past two seasons to see the Bears as they play a tough Pac-10 schedule. This season was no exception. Twice I was able to enjoy victories over Colorado and Arizona State. Unfortunately that momentum did not carry into last Saturday's season finale, which resulted in a 16-13 win for Washington. Coincidentally, it also happened to be the final CAL game at Memorial Stadium before it undergoes an extreme makeover and retrofitting.

Next season the games will be played in San Francisco at AT&T Park which should be exciting. I've always enjoyed going to CAL games, but I would say that the time I've been able to spend with my mom is worth more than any touchdown or field goal. It's priceless. So thanks for the great memories, Mom. I look forward to many more!

Go Bears!

Date Night!

2010-10-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

Last night after the Trunk or Treat activity at our ward, Kari's parents came over to watch the kids so that she and I could enjoy a date for the first time in a long time. Earlier in the week I suggested Speisekammer, in Alameda, which I know ranks at the top of Kari's favorite local dining spots.

If you're craving good German food, you can't go wrong here. It's a little bit pricey and parking isn't so great, but the dishes are large, the food tastes spectacular, and the service is attentive. For entertainment, there is live music, and last night, the Giants game was on a giant, flat-screen TV directly in front of where we were seated.

Kari has a signature dish she LOVES to get every time we go to Speisekammer: Wiener Schnitzel vom Schwein. I took the Rotisserie Huehnchen. We split a side of German fries. As we ate and talked about things, the game was nearing the end and it was a tense environment in the restaurant with people milling about in the area where we were sitting following the 2-2 game.

In the bottom of the 8th inning, Juan Uribe drove a pitch deep into right field and it landed in the front row of the bleachers to give the Giants a 3-2 lead. The place erupted. An inning later, as we enjoyed apple strudel with vanilla ice cream, the Giants closer Brian Wilson ended the game with a called third strike that resulted with thunderous applause, high fives, and cheers throughout the restaurant, including Kari and I.

I kind of felt bad for jazz singer Regina Maria Pontillo who was on hand to perform her music from the '20s, '30s, and '40s. She said, "Right now I wish I were a baseball game," which got her a big cheer.

For there, behind her on the TV, the celebration had begun:

Kari absolutely loved her dish and, as usual, brought home half for after church. I enjoyed every bite of brocollini, mashed potatoes, and herb-roasted chicken I was served. It was mouthwatering!

The baseball game obviously added some excitement to the event. I've never been in a restaurant with that kind of atmosphere, but it was truly electric. I tried The Englander in San Leandro during the World Cup which was loud. But this was out of control.

Maybe we'll have to go back during the World Series. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure Kari will go back to Speisekammer with me when baseball season has ended.

Meanwhile, goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Giants!

The Thrill of Victory!

2010-10-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday my friend Derrick invited me to join him in Palo Alto at the Stanford/USC football game. Just a few weeks back I attended the Stanford game on a late Saturday night against Wake Forest. This game was the ABC broadcast and started at 5pm (not 8pm!).

The scene above is what unfolded after kicker Nate Whittaker's 30-yard field goal crossed through the middle of the uprights with no time on the clock giving Stanford a 37-35 nailbiting victory over the might Southern California Trojans.

We just about lost our heads rooting for Stanford to win this game. It went back and forth in the second half after a 14-14 first half. Stanford outscored USC 23-21 in the second half in what turned out to be a HUGE victory for the home team. It's the third time in four years the Cardinal have defeated USC under Coach Jim Harbaugh.

Derrick and I met up with one of his co-workers, Bryan (a fantasy footballer) and we headed down to The Farm on Saturday afternoon. The weather was gorgeous. Both teams looked crisp during warm-ups, but that crispness quickly faded during the game as it turned into a shootout featuring two teams that could neither tackle or defend the pass. USC wide receiver Robert Woods had 224 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns on the night. Trojans QB Matt Barkely passed for 390 yards.

Stanford's QB Andrew Luck led his team on the game-winning drive with about a minute on the clock. He was 20-of-24 in passing on the night and threw for practically 300 yards himself.

It has been a lot of fun to attend Stanford games. First of all, their stadium is practically brand new and has lots of creature comforts: great seats, clean and spacious bathrooms, plenty of options for food items to choose from, and plenty of parking.

On top of that, my friend from school (a former parent of a student I coached in flag football) is the concessions director for Stanford and she is always happy to comp us food and drinks whenever we attend the games. Derrick and I enjoyed a few rounds on the night which made the game all the more worthwhile.

It seems strange that I'm enjoying Stanford football as much as I have been considering how big of a CAL football fan I've been all of my life. I'm basically sleeping with the enemy here. As you can see, I was fortunate to bump into a couple of Stanford band members (not that I'm particularly crazy about their band). But I must say, their football games have been a blast to go to and I've really enjoyed the hospitality and kindness shown by friends in attending these games.

My heart is still with CAL and I look forward to attending the games with my mom when I'm able, but lately, I must admit that I'm starting to get more and more enthusiastic about Cardinal ball as well! What's going to give?

"Looky" looky!

2010-10-02T15:13:00.001-07:00

I was fortunate to catch a performance of the Mark Morris Dance Group last night at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley. My younger brother, Dallas, has been dancing with MMDG for about a good four years or so. They make visits to Cal Performances twice a year, usually (September and May) and I've always taken advantage of the unique opportunity to see Dallas dance when I get the chance.

It wasn't so easy at first. I didn't think I'd be sophisticated enough to enjoy such high-brow entertainment as a modern dance company at first. I recall my first experience watching Mozart Dances and what made going at first to the show was just looking for Dallas. I'm not sure the music or dancing captivated me as much as seeing my own brother on stage performing in front of such a huge crowd with such an impressive group.

When MMDG returned for their holiday performance of The Hard Nut, I immediately became a huge fan of their work. That's probably the case with most fans of Mark Morris, in my opinion, because their version of The Nutcracker is a riot, and the climax of the first act with the snow falling on stage and all, just did it for me.

Kari and I then planned a getaway to Seattle in May of 2008. While there, among other things, we visited Dallas at the Paramount Theater and took in a performance of MMDG's L'allegro.

Each time I can see and almost feel how much more confident Dallas is with his dancing.
And there was one number before intermission last night - Looky - that caught my imagination in much the same way that The Hard Nut before it did. I saw an expression of confidence, joy, and inspiration in his eyes from my seat on the front row of the left tier (despite the electric grand player piano in front of me) that I've never seen before.

The performance after the intermission was another West Coast premiere entitled Socrates. It was the featured picture in today's S.F. Chronicle for the review of this weekend's performances in Berkeley.

I am very proud of Dallas and his accomplishments as a dancer. I will always look forward to catching his next performance of whatever MMDG is doing. What a true inspiration you are, Dallas.

Small World @ the A's Game!

2010-09-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

I was invited to join my dad, my brother-in-law, James, and my nephew, Aidan, at tonight's A's game at the Coliseum. We met up at the BART station, took the stroll across the bridge to the stadium, and took our seats along the third baseline. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was bright, sunny, and calm, and remained that way into the evening.

My dad & I.

Aidan & James.

So around the 6th inning I went on a snack run. While walking back to my seat I saw my sister-in-law, Popie, and my nephew, Dieter, on a little stroll of their own. I started following them and called home to tell Kari I saw someone who looked familiar. I tapped Kimberly on the shoulder and sure enough, it was her. (Whew!) I put her on the phone with Kari, took a couple of pictures, and said good-bye. That was fun.

The bright, full moon shone in the sky directly above the center field wall tonight. It was the ending to a dismal performance for Oakland, but a memorable night of fun with family at the old ballyard.

Teacher Appreciation Night

2010-09-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

As you can see, last night was a special night at Stanford Stadium for educators. About a month ago, Bay Area teachers could register online for 4 free tickets to the Stanford / Wake Forest football game. One drawback was the 8:15pm start time thanks to the national broadcast on ESPN. But the tickets were free and I have a unique connection to Stanford with a family from the school I teach at. So my brother Casey and I planned on going. We each brought a friend from the wards we attend. He brought his friend Alberto who I first met at Madelin's birthday party. I brought along my friend Dan and his son, Tyler. Dan's on the high council in our stake and his son Tyler is a student at the school where I teach.

The weather yesterday morning was grey and wet. I was thinking we'd be in for a drizzle but when we arrived in Palo Alto the weather was quite pleasant actually. It was dark by kick-off, but very pleasant. Stanford was dressed in black, surprisingly. Maybe it had something to do with playing at night. Who knows?

Here's a shot of Dan and Tyler. I mentioned that Tyler is a student at the school where I teach and that there's another connection to Stanford. A good friend Gale is the director of concessions at Stanford univeristy and she was kind enough to treat my mom, my brother-in-law and nephew and I at last year's Big Game when we went to Stanford.

Last Thursday Gale dropped off season ticket parking passes at my classroom and last night had us find whatever we wanted to eat and drink during the game and treated us. The garlic fries and hot links and cheeseburgers and all the refreshing beverages were delicious! That was very cool and generous and thoughtful of Gale!

Here's a shot of Alberto who, coincidentally, was attending his very first "American" football game. He seemed to have a great time and enjoyed the first class hospitality. I was glad Alberto could join us.

I bumped into another school family on the way out of the stadium last night. The boy to my left is Nick and the girl to my right is Keilani. That's Keilani's dad to her right. They were on hand selling food and drinks for their soccer team. Anyhow, it was a real treat to bump into them. Both Nick and Keilani are long gone from elementary school, but it definitely means a lot to still have such wonderful friends, like the gang I was hanging out with last night that means a great deal to me.

All in all, we had an excellent - albeit very late - evening at the Stanford football game. By the way, they demolished Wake Forest!

9/11 - We Will Not Forget

2010-09-10T23:16:00.001-07:00

Madelin's 7th Birthday Party!

2010-09-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

Claire, Will and I headed out to Milpitas to enjoy Madelin's 7th birthday party on Monday. The weather was perfect! We headed out to the pool at their home and got in a nice swim. The cousins got right to playing with each other and we tossed a football around in the pool. Bridget and James were there with their kids (Aidan, Molly, and Neil), and my folks were there as well.

As usual, it was fun to watch Will and Gabriela hit it off and play together. These two are hilarious together and the best of friends!

Will had fun in the park across the street from Casey and Eldy's home where the bbq and party were held. He found this little "restaurant" where he made his customers mac-and-cheese. He was content to play in this restaurant with Gabriela all afternoon!

The rest of us started a game of two-hand touch football out on the grass area. This was a lot of fun. Casey, James, Alberto, my dad and mom, Aidan, Claire, Bridget and I all teamed up for a fun-filled game that ended in a 35-21 decision in favor of my team! Yay us!

Madelin and the birthday festivities were next. She blew out the candle on her cupcakes after we sang the birthday song and opened her gifts!

As you can see, we played hard, partied hard, and had a memorable, fun-filled day of celebration at Madelin's 7th birthday party!

Disney Memories 2010

2010-08-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Another peek back at all the fond memories

of another fun-filled family vacation to

The Happiest Place on Earth!

WE. LOVE. DISNEYLAND.

Change Has Been Accomplished By Obama

2010-08-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is a radical break from journalistic convention, I realize, but today I'd like to give credit where it's due -- specifically, to President Obama. Quiet as it's kept, he's on a genuine winning streak. It's hard to remember that the inauguration was just 19 months ago.

Expectations of the new president were absurdly high. If Obama had done back flips across the Potomac River, when he reached the other side he'd have faced probing questions about why it was taking him so long to cure cancer, solve the Arab-Israeli conflict and usher in an age of universal peace and prosperity. But look at what he's accomplished in just the past few weeks.

Let me highlight four recent headlines.

"General Motors to launch stock offering": One of the many crises Obama faced when he took office was the imminent collapse of an iconic industrial giant. The demise of General Motors would have wiped out hundreds of thousands of jobs in the company and its supply chain, and, it's safe to say, would have been a mighty blow to the nation's psyche. Obama ended up pouring $50 billion into the company, acquiring a 61 percent ownership stake.

Critics complained about the advent of "Government Motors" and raised the specter of bureaucrats in Washington holding public hearings to redesign the Corvette. But now, after making more than $2 billion in profits so far this year, the restructured company is confident enough to sell stock on Wall Street -- and begin repaying the government's investment. The company was saved, workers kept their jobs, and taxpayers are going to get their money back.

That's nice work.

"Last U.S. combat troops leave Iraq": Obama campaigned as an early and vocal opponent of the Iraq war, calling it a distraction from the more important conflict in Afghanistan. When he took office, there were about 160,000 U.S. troops in Iraq on the heels of George W. Bush's combat surge.

Obama said he would bring our combat forces home and he did -- ahead of schedule. Before dawn on Thursday, the last U.S. combat brigade crossed the border into Kuwait, effectively ending the military misadventure that Bush named Operation Iraqi Freedom. About 50,000 American military personnel remain in the country to train Iraqi government forces, protect U.S. installations and conduct special forces operations. We leave behind a messy, uncertain political situation, which the Iraqis will have to sort out.

We also will have to deal with the most disturbing geopolitical consequence of Bush's elective war: The theocratic dictatorship in Tehran, its ambitions no longer checked by Saddam Hussein, is much closer to its goal of making Iran a nuclear-armed regional superpower. But Obama did as well as anyone could have with the situation he inherited. Even his scorched-earth Republican critics, by their silence, are acknowledging that the president has fulfilled his campaign promise to be "just as careful getting out of Iraq as we were reckless getting in."

"Gulf oil spill contained": When BP's Deepwater Horizon well went rogue, the Obama administration was criticized for being slow off the mark. Some of the criticism was justified -- the initial response did seem unfocused. But the administration managed to turn things around and quiet any talk of "Obama's Katrina."

Obama persuaded BP to put up $20 billion as a guarantee that the Gulf Coast residents whose livelihoods were damaged or destroyed by the spill would be compensated. Republican critics who called this a "shakedown" were quickly shushed -- by other Republicans. Meanwhile, the administration ramped up its response operation and found effective ways of keeping oil from reaching the shore.

The administration's claim that three-quarters of the oil was disposed of -- by nature or by human intervention -- before it could despoil the environment looks overly optimistic to some researchers. Moreover, serious questions remain about the long-term effects of the chemical dispersants that were used in unprecedented quantity. But a few months ago, who imagined that the president and his family would so soon be able to enjoy a day on a gulf beach and a meal of gulf seafood?

And finally, "President wades into mosque controversy": Yes, I'm serious. Supporting the mosque in Lower Manhattan didn't score any political points. But Obama saw his duty to uphold the values of our Constitution and make clear that our fight is against the terrorists, not against Islam itself. Instead of doing what was popular, he did what was right.

He still hasn't walked on water, though. What's wrong with the man?

eugenerobinson@washpost.com

The Best Day Ever!

2010-08-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

Our son, Will used to like to sing at the top of his lungs while riding on his tricycle, a song from Spongebob Squarepants: "The best day ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Well, if there ever was a day to call "the best day ever" and we could bottle it up and enjoy it forever, it would have to be today. Today is a very special day for our family. Claire was baptized and confirmed a member of the church today and so many close friends, ward members, and family members were on hand to enjoy it.

Our friends, the Hoovers, delivered a special gift to us yesterday in anticipation of Claire's baptism. Jen made this beautiful CTR "Baptism Blanket" just for Claire. It is soft and beautiful and incredibly thoughtful. Thank you, Hoover family!

Once we arrived we had time to get things set up as well as get changed into our baptismal clothing. Claire looked radiant in her white dress. (Mommy also looked radiant in her new outfit!) There was a special buzz and electricity in the air as the time drew near for the service to begin. It's hard to believe eight years have flown by so quickly, but it has indeed!

Kari's mom opened with a talk on baptism. It showed how we have to prepare throughout our lives for baptism and focused on the covenants we make with God when we are baptized. She did an excellent job and was able to really focus on Claire giving her talk while sitting directly in front of her and having Claire participate at different points.

The baptism itself was interesting, to say the least. The font was filled about two-thirds full and to make matters worse, the water was HOT! We're not talking bathtub warm or exaggerating at all. Claire said it felt like when the straightening iron accidentally burns her when she's getting her hair done. I could tell from the moment I hit the water that it was hot and then it hit me - Claire has to go all the way under. Yikes.

On my first attempt I thought I had it, and we really had to bend down there because it wasn't totally full. But her left hand, on my wrist, has showing, from what Kari's dad said. So I simply repeated the prayer and made sure the second time that she went all the way under. I just felt completely awful for poor Claire because I know that the water was unpleasant to say the least. But we did get the job done.

During the in-between time while we were changing back to our regular clothes, my friend Kevin who shot the video last Saturday, and the bishop, helped set up the video screen so we could share this:

CLAIRE'S BAPTISM

See more presentations by alexmcmurray Upload your own PowerPoint presentations

I got the idea for this baptism alphabet from a blog I found of a childhood friend. I basically adapted an idea I found and used it here today for Claire's baptism. It turned out great!

The special video presentation was followed by a video, about a minute or so long, featuring Claire sharing her testimony. Kevin's final product turned out just perfect! I was quite pleased with how well the video and the presentation turned out. It was especially cool because we had some non-member friends in attendance and this was a unique way to share the gospel and do some missionary work at the same time.

My mom gave an excellent talk on the Holy Ghost which involved a treasure chest and a key to open it with. It focused on the importance of why we need to have someone with the authority to confirm us members of the church.

I felt overwhelmed like never before as I began to give the confirmation blessing to Claire. Tears filled my eyes, and I could feel my voice start to waver as I completed the blessing. I am not sure I remember all that I said, but I know that I felt the Spirit throughout the blessing and Claire giving me a great big hug afterwards. That's a moment I will never forget.

Kimberly led us through the closing song, "Choose the Right Way." My friend, Ben Bronson, played the piano for the service. Amy and Bridget said the prayers. Sister Freitas printed the programs. And there were numerous families and individuals in attendance today.

Following the service, we enjoyed light refreshments in the cultural hall and we had quite a spread. It was so thoughtful of Kari's family and my family to contribute delicious desserts, fruits, chips, dips, and drinks, table coverings, and all kinds of other support for the reception following the baptism. We had a place for guests to sign in. I counted 63 names! I was thinking about 40. But 63. There were a LOT of people there!

We headed outside to take some family pictures before leaving the stake center. There were some colorful flowers which served as a nice backdrop for the pictures. We took pictures with all of our family members and then with our parents, and finally with our own family.

Here's a shot with my folks.

Kari's sisters, Amy and Kimberly,

along with LaVor, Ron, Kathi, Laina, and Dieter.

My family, including my brother Casey and his wife Eldy,

with their children: Madelin, Gabriela, and Alan; my sister,

Bridget, with her husband James, and their children:

Aidan, Molly, and Neil; and lastly, my parents, Alfred and Janet.

Claire looking cute as only she can!

Claire with her best friend and cousin, Aidan.

Aidan just got baptized last month!

Claire with her cousin, Gabriela, and both wearing similar colors and styles!

Lastly, Will, showing all the love he can for his best friend and cousin, Gabriela.

Today really was a special and memorable day for us. We will always look back on all the friendly faces and family members who were able to share in our joy and celebration of Claire's important decision to be baptized. Thank you.

YouTube Favorites Part VIII

2010-07-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

The last time I entered YouTube favorites was over a year ago in May. So here now are my updated YouTube favorites. Enjoy!

Thanks, Dr. Phil.

2010-07-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

If you're in the middle of a family feud — whether it involves money or not — ask yourself: Is it worth losing a loved one over?

Choose to forgive. Holding onto a grudge will only eat you up inside and cause huge family rifts. The only thing worse than not speaking to a family member for three years is not speaking to them for three years and one day.

Sometimes relationships need a hero. That means someone has to step up and be the bigger person to close the gap. Someone has to make the first move, the first compromise, to heal the relationship. Swallow your pride and be that person. Think about what the future holds if you do not mend this.

Think of how this feud is affecting the rest of the family. Are their other family members or children caught in the middle? Think of the unnecessary stress you may be putting on others. Dr. Phil tells two feuding siblings to consider their 84-year-old mother. "Let me tell you something. At 84 years old, she deserves the peace of knowing that her family is unified and intact," he says.

No matter how flat you make a pancake, it still has two sides. Step into the other person's shoes and try to see their side of the story. Try to understand the other person and why they acted in a hurtful way. Try not to judge them. Conversely, examine your role in the feud. Did you do or saying something hurtful? Did you promise something and then back out of your agreement? Keep in mind the other person probably has some valid points that you need to weigh and consider.

Ask yourself, if your family member died suddenly, what would be left unsaid? In a perfect world, if you could write the script of your life, what would your relationship with that person be like? Start creating that relationship now.

Reach out to your family member and ask them to talk to you. Start with an apology for whatever part you may have played in the feud. Take responsibility for your actions. Explain why this relationship is important to you and affirm your love for the other person.

Dig further into what may have caused this rift. If it's about money, ask yourself if that is the real issue. Examine your feelings about the person you're fighting with and get to the bottom of when it all began.

Consider hiring a financial expert if you and a loved one are at odds over finances. If you can't see eye to eye, perhaps a third party can help come up with a plan that will lead to a solution.

Create some boundaries where you can begin to heal the relationship, but you're not allowed to bring up the source of the feud. Take 90 days to focus on reconnecting, and rebuilding the relationship. If you're siblings, just be siblings for 90 days and keep the subject of the feud off the table. After 90 days, examine the issue. You'll have found some middle ground and the value of the relationship will be more important by then.

July 16, 1995 - Missionary Journal

2010-07-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

"The heat is on still, this Sabbath Day. I have been feeling burdened by my sins today and so church was just about the right time. Nelson challenged me to fast next Sunday, that by so doing I might grow spiritually and be comforted. I really appreciated talking to Nelson at church today.

"During Sunday School, I accompanied Fritz Dambrink with As I Have Loved You. Simple. Very nice.

"This evening we ate with Mary DeMott. Becky also was there. We ate pasta. With church so late in the afternoon, I am so hungry by the time church is over. Plus ... the hot weather."

*********************************

Interesting that I don't really recall very much of anything I put in this journal. I have an incredibly fuzzy memory of specific details. It appears that I was reflecting on myself and just feeling the need to be spiritually fed that particular Sunday at church. I'm sure everybody has had those feelings, and what better way to go to church than with a contrite heart and a determination to feel better and try harder.

It appears that once again my musical talents were put to work with another special number. The individuals mentioned in the e-mail are not coming to mind but I do know that throughout my two years I was regularly taken care of by wonderful church members in each area that I stayed. That's one thing that will always stick with me from the mission experience.

I stumbled upon my journals today as I was cleaning out the area underneath our bed. I think I'll spend some more time tonight reliving these events and reflecting as I read. These were two of the most important, developmental years of my life. I feel like I've been so out of touch with all that I did and the impact on other's lives that I have had. It's been a good shot in the arm to look over what I wrote and how I served.

Father / Son Golden Tee Open!

2010-07-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

To kick things off for the new week, Will and I headed over to the Golden Tee for a little miniature golf challenge. We were both a little bit rusty as we teed off on the first hole, but Will assured me he was ready to get to hole #19 to win us a free game. So off we went in spite of our rust!

Through the first nine, Will was hitting birdie after birdie. His style of play as you'll notice from the slideshow above was rather unorthodox. He'd hit the ball and then catch up to his ball, pick it up, bring it to the hole, and place it in or right at the lip of the cup before tapping it in. At this point I figured I might as well take my scorecard and eat it because there was no chance I would catch up to this maverick of the greens.

Walking up to the 18th fairway, buried behind Will by dozens of strokes, I watched as he wrapped up a handmade victory that seemed at times, effortless, for him. There wasn't a cup he wasn't comfortable walking up to through the course on the front and back 9 holes and dropping the ball into. Me, on the other hand? I got wet trying to reach into a stream of rushing water to retrieve one lost shot. Will reminded me coolly that my shot on the 17th hole was "on hole number six!!!" Yes, I went astray just a bit on my first shot of that hole.

He raised the victory finger after clinching the win on the 18th hole and from there tried to climb under the cage at the 19th hole where you can win a free game if you can hit a shot down the barrel of a cannon. He quickly realized that wasn't going to work. But we shrugged off the hope for a free game and decided instead to finish off the day by winning some tickets playing Skee Ball and some kind of ticket-issuing game featuring Spongebob Squarepants. Will earned enough tickets for a Tootsie Pop and we celebrated his victory at Parsons Park with a few fun-filled trips down the long, twisty slide.

I had a great time out with my boy this afternoon sharing a memory we won't soon forget. I'll get my revenge on the links the next time around!

Summer Memories

2010-07-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

Did you have a certain place you went every summer growing up? For me, it was Lake Siskiyou Campground, located near Mount Shasta. I don't remember the details of every trip, but I know that my family liked to drive up to Lake Siskiyou every summer. It's frustrating to me that I don't recall more details. I wish I did. Growing up with five siblings, we obviously had built-in friends to play with, and occasionally our grandparents or relatives joined us for the trip, or at least parts of the trip. Sometimes we'd take a day to travel across the Oregon border and take a walk around Ashland and either grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.

There are a few specific memories of the trips we took to Siskiyou growing up that stand out.

WAKING UP
First of all, there was the "getting there" that stands out the most. Going to bed the night before leaving to Lake Siskiyou was filled with great anticipation. It was probably more nerve-wracking than Christmas Eve, I'd say. We would also look forward to our bedroom lights going on at a crazy early hour, like 5am or something! Crazy, right? My dad would be loading up our brown, battered 1969 Dodge Van with everything we had in our garage. My siblings and I would be setting up our blankets, books, and things in the back seats, which were benches, so we could enjoy the trip. Through the center of the van was actually the engine, which would warm up during the trip. And you know what? We loved those trips up and back.

We looked forward to arriving at certain rest stops. In fact, there was always one rest stop by Lake Shasta where we could see house boats and water skiers and how high or low the water level of the lake was. We also knew that it was the last rest stop before we reached our destination. And there was always some shade there and we just looked forward to it. We had fun on our trips there and back.

FISHING
You have to understand that a fish would have better luck catching me than I would ever have catching a fish. But my dad, and Casey, my older brother, (to an extent) had an idea of what they were doing with a fishing pole. It was always the activity that had the most appeal and drama attached to it, because you never knew what you were going to pull out of the lake, if you were lucky enough to catch anything. Once or twice we may have rented a boat from the dock to see if we could bring home a bounty of fish. I can't remember a single bite or anything materializing out of those trips. I'm sure having me aboard the boat wasn't exactly increasing the odds in our favor.

Nevertheless, we would often drive a stop or two further from the beach to a little pier where my dad liked to fish. Us kids would spend the time near where the shore met the pier while my dad and Casey went further out to fish. But I am pretty sure we had more luck, in general, playing in that little area by the shore than they did trying to reel in a fish. We noticed the baby fish, and some were bigger than others, and liked to see if we could get ahold of them. There were also the mysterious crawdads that would emerge from underneath rocks that we were partially afraid of, and on the other hand, completely in awe of.

One occasion stands out where Casey actually got a bite and caught a fish. An actual fish. I believe there might have been a minor debate in regards to whether or not he, or our friend, Rachel, who joined us for the trip, actually caught the fish. But Casey was credited with the catch. I remember as we all were amazed at the *actual* fish he brought home in our 1969 Dodge Van back to the campsite. We then had to watch the ritual cleaning and cooking of the fish and see as Casey ate it how the whole fishing experience came full circle.

Beyond that, we did not grow into expert fisherman by any stretch of the imagination. That mostly had to do with our short attention spans (or perhaps just mine) and lack of willingness to listen and learn things. In retrospect, that was a huge mistake. Though I chose to remember how to play the piano. So, thank God for small favors.

STITCHES
After being tied up and pushed into a gravel walkway in my backyard by Casey shortly before the summer, I wound up needing stitches in my chin. The quick story behind my injury was due to our reenactment of a TV show. Anyhow, one memory that stands out was the removal of said stitches. After breakfast, I believe, we decided to have the stitches from my chin removed. Visiting a local hospital and having them properly removed probably would have been too easy. We were outdoors. We needed to rough it. So, naturally I took a position on our picnic table at the campsite and I believe my family tied my arms and legs to each end of the table (ok, I made that part up) and Dr. Dad climbed onto the table and proceeded to operate. Before long, (and I'm not sure how bloody of a mess I was) the stitches came out.

Years later, when that same chin had stitches removed from one of my many (but non-concussional) basketball injuries, I realized that having stitches removed is far less barbaric and relatively painless. Who knew?

THE LEG-TYING INCIDENT WITH MARY
My recollection of this event is very fuzzy, but the novelty and creativity of the solution to our problem, from a parental point-of-view, which I now have with three lovely children of my own, stands out with great poignancy. Apparently, my little sister, Mary, and I were having a not-so-fun time "playing" together, to the point of driving everybody crazy.

The solution? My dad, mom, or both parents, decided to get a rope - we had rope - and tether us together by the ankles. We then had to figure out a way to get along, first and foremost, and then to navigate our way around the campsite and to the nearby playground. I'm not sure we were able to use any playground equipment that way. The see-saw, slide, and swings would have been rather tough for a couple of kids to use tied together at the ankles. Still an ingenious idea.

SEE-SAW
Speaking of the see-saw, or teeter-totter, there's a piece of playground equipment that I don't think any of my brothers or sisters or I will forget. Or perhaps just my older brother. One year we were surprised to find a little playground set up near the campsite. We found a pair of see-saws there that were easy enough to use, but given a little bit of time, and a wicked sense of humor, became a lot of fun to play ... er, torture each other with.

You probably know how the see-saw works, but our version of playing with the see-saw was an act of pre-meditated punishment inflicted by the first person that was down. With the other person up, we had our choice of simply getting off of the see-saw and watching gravity do its work, or pushing up so quicky it made the other hit the ground with a thud, or not using your feet to slow your downward descent and making the person going up take a bump that might have sent them forward and off of the see-saw. Don't ask me how no one ever split their head in two with the see-saw, but there were moments when I wondered. I'm sure we might have gone back to the campsite a couple of times (or many) in tears.

TOWN
Going to the nearby town was always one of the highlights of the trip. As kids, going to the pizza parlor was always at the top of the list. Sometimes we brought the pizza back to our campsite. One time, we actually invited the sister missionaries from the local church all the way to our campsite to have a dinner appointment.

We had a favorite store where we would get a scoop of ice cream but the scooper was in a cylindrical shape and so that made it even more special, I suppose.

Weed, California, is a little town with a funny name that we'd swing through every once in a while. The College of the Siskiyous is located there, but it was mainly funny because it was like naming a town after an illegal drug that got us laughing whenever we went there.

One night we went to a drive-in movie and I want to say it was one of the Star Wars movies. But I just remember it because we were trying to watch the show and there was this major electrical storm erupting in the distance that was far more exciting, and just a bit scary, to watch. And we knew that we were going to have to drive through the two-lane, darkened, roads all the way back to the campsite from town after the movie, that made it even more scary.

JETS
One year my dad took us on a trip through the mountains or something. All I remember is that my grandma was in the van and we were on a winding, narrow, one lane road on the side of a cliff. My dad was creeping the van uncomfortably close to the edge of the road near the cliff, or so I seem to remember my cool-as-a-cucumber grandma suggesting, when all of a sudden all hell broke loose. And I'm still amazed we didn't gun it or go sailing off the cliff. But my dad held it together. Must have been his military background or knowledge and love of aircraft that kept us alive at that moment.

Directly in front of us, and it seemed pretty darn close, a couple of jets came ZOOMING across the front of our van. I mean, we could see the vehicle ID numbers on the windshield of those jets in the moment that time stood still as they flew in front of us. That's how close they were. And at first we just saw these beautiful, colorful, jets. But when the sound hit us, that was another wave of terror. Can 8 people pee in their pants at the same time? It felt like we had a chance because the size of the sound that these jets left in their wake was terrorizingly LOUD. At that point, talk of driving too close to the edge or doing anything but staying alive and breathing stopped. I don't remember the rest of that outing. Just the jets.

FLYING M RANCH
A couple of times we stayed at Siskiyou but then drove up to a little country town by the name of Yamhill, which is where my dad's family lives. We'd stay at a place called The Flying M Ranch where we'd spend time with our aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. I believe my grandma worked there. But it was cool because we would stay in a cabin. The bunk beds were like 40 or 50 feet off the ground where my siblings and I slept. We'd go and have picnics with our extended family.

There was a little spot to swim in that had a wooden plank in the middle of it to swim to. Airplanes would arrive and depart on a landing strip near the main lodge. It was fun to watch them come and go. The main lodge was cool because of the many animals they had on the walls, including the massive buffalo that greeted you at the front entrance. Near the kitchen were pictures of a movie featuring Erik Estrada that was filmed there. It was about fighting a forest fire or something.

We had fun catching crawdads and cooking them up with our cousins. I remember a couple of occasions where my dad would go out with his brothers and they'd bring their guns so we could go shooting. I fired a rifle, handgun, and shotgun for the first and only times in my life. I seem to remember my brother and cousin taking a .22-rifle and shooting at salamanders in a creek or something like that. Again, fuzzy memories.

PORTLAND
While staying at The Flying M, we would then drive out to civilization and visit my mom's family in Portland. Her brother Jay stayed in a place out in Portland with his wife, Carol, and their kids, Greg and Chris. We'd swim in their pool, have lunch, and then go into Portland to see the stores there. We did that maybe once or twice. But I remember it.

**********************************

I've got fond memories of many fun-filled summer adventures with my family. My folks were always thinking of ways to have fun together when the school year ended, and I'm not sure how all much fun they had taking six kids anywhere to do anything. I've got three and can't imagine what going on a camping trip would look like. But I credit them a great deal for thinking of us and bringing us out together where we could learn more about each other, rely on each other, spend time together, and have fun making memories that -despite their fuzzy condition - would last a lifetime.

These days, getting together on vacation with my own family involves about 30 something people. My older brother and sister now have spouses and three children each. My little sisters are married and have three children each. Kari and I have missed a few of the outings due to things like my teaching summer school, or us having a baby. We did manage to squeeze in one trip to Lake Siskiyou a few years back. Last summer, Claire was able to go to Lake Siskiyou with my family.

In 2007, my family - all 23 of us at the time -went to Disneyland. This year, my family is planning a trip to San Diego. I see the value in the trip because I fondly remember all the trips we took. But we have people now coming from Maryland, New York, and Idaho, which means that these trips are much more complicated to coordinate. We're not being awakened at 5am in our bedroom to go to the van anymore. We have our own kids to wake up and entertain every day. Hopefully we can do as good of a job as our folks did for us!

NASCAR FUN!

2010-06-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

For Teacher Appreciation Week this year, the families of my 32 students surprised me with a ticket and pit pass to the NASCAR race at Infineon Raceway which took place yesterday. For the past ten years now, I've enjoyed traveling up Highway 37 to Sonoma to take in the race nestled in the hills of wine country.

Jimmie Johnson took the checkered flag yesterday and as you can see from the slideshow above, the race was merely part of the fun in the daylong event. There are always plenty of fun things to see, interesting and tasty food to sample, and all sorts of colorful people to watch out at the races. I even bumped into Emmy Award-winning Headline News anchor, Robin Meade, who was on hand to sing the National Anthem.

As I enjoyed my *free* ticket and pit pass to the event this year, I reflected on the past nine years that I've made the trek out to Sears Point for the NASCAR race. Growing up I could not stand motorports. I rarely, if ever, thought about them. I was aware of the Indy 500 and NASCAR was off the radar for me. I kinda sorta knew about Jeff Gordon, who was making a name for himself while I was back East on a mission in Philadelphia.

My wife's father, Ron, used to take pictures for the paper of the NASCAR events in Riverside and Sonoma in the late 60s and has maintained an interest and enthusiasm in the sports ever since. It was Ron that first invited me to attend a NASCAR race and I was hooked from my first event back in 2001.

My interest in NASCAR grew quickly. I became a fan of the local boy, Jeff Gordon, who happens to be one of the most decorated drivers of this generation. He's a four-time champion, which is unusual, because in just about every other sport, I've never been one to cheer for the frontrunner or jump on a successful team's bandwagon. But I started a collection of Jeff Gordon die-cast vehicles and just about everything else with a #24 on it that has grown and grown and become an important part of my school classroom, in fact. All of my students are keenly aware of my interest in NASCAR and Jeff Gordon. They've treated me to race tickets for the past couple of years and each time I've had SO much fun and have felt so appreciated to receive such a generous gift!

Yesterday I was fortunate to bump into a former student out at the races. He's the big dude pictured with my in my profile picture: Matt. That was a real treat, and a reminder of the strong connection my classroom has had with my interest in motorsports. I left a bit early this year on account of it being my son's birthday and once again, it was Father's Day. Kari and I had her sisters and their husbands and children over last night, along with her parents. It was a fun way to end the day.

I look forward to NASCAR weekend every year, and yesterday was no exception. I had a fantastic time out at the races!

Last Fun-Filled Days of School!

2010-06-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks of the school year are always the most fun! We wrapped up an exciting week today with the 5th grade picnic at a cozy little spot tucked away off the highway in San Ramon called Little Hills Ranch. The kids went swimming, played softball, horseshoes, basketball, tug-of-war, and volleyball. We had bbq and listened to music courtesy of our DJ. The whole day was a lot of fun!

On Thursday, the other guy that teaches at my school - Mr. Silzle - and I officiated the second half of the intramural soccer championship game. We did our very own World Cup at the school during recess for the past couple of months in honor of the 2010 South Africa World Cup. Our version of the Spanish soccer team defeated our German team, 1-0, to win the title! We'll have an Awards Assembly next Tuesday to crown the champions. This was a very successful activity at the school and came to an exciting conclusion with our final game held this past week on Tuesday and Thursday morning.

This was a picture of the pre-game festivities on the field with both teams showing off their country's flag. We really had a great time with the soccer tournament with over 90 participants!

On Tuesday of this past week it was time for our Too Good For Drugs graduation ceremony in the Arts Center at our school. You might recall something called the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program. It changed and became the TGFD program. Anyhow, we had our final meeting and the kids received t-shirts and certificates of completion from the Deputy.

One of the most fun assemblies we have in June is something we call our Happy Feet Dance Assembly. Prior to the dancing we held an awards assembly for perfect attendance, Student Council participation, Citizen of the Yeard finalists, and so forth. But then comes the fun! Each grade level performs their own dance before the rest of the school that our P.E. teachers spend about a month practicing with the kids, as do we with our students prior to performing. Claire danced with the 2nd grade class to "You Talk Too Much."

Kari made it up to the school with Grace, Will, and even Dieter in tow, to watch the performance. She is such a supportive and amazing mom (and wife!) and I was very impressed at how she is able to do so much all the time. It meant a lot to Claire and I that Kari was there with the kids. That was very cool! Thanks again, darling!

Here Claire is being recognized for having contributed many, many Box Tops for Education box tops this year. She received a certificate and a Smencil for her efforts. What she wouldn't do is actually look at me while I tried to take a picture of her! Claire also - on a side note - won the school wide Bubble Gum Bubble-Blowing Contest today at Field Day. I think it's because she's missing both of her front teeth. Anyhow, she's the champion bubble blower!

Lastly, in case I didn't mention it already, my class enjoyed a trip out to Superior Court to perform mock trials. We do children's stories (Humpty Dumpty and The Three Little Pigs) set to both a civil trial and a criminal trial. The kids had a great time, although one of my students isn't pictured because she tried on an ankle restraint in the jury box (for the elder abuse case suspects) and got locked in there until the court clerk could round up a key to let her go. Won't make that mistake again, I'll bet.

There we were on the steps of the Oakland Museum heading home from the courthouse. It's been a very fun end to the school year, filled with trips and assemblies and exciting activities we've all been able to enjoy! Summer, here we come!

World Cup Fun!

2010-05-27T06:52:00.001-07:00

The boys and girls of Room 16 worked hard this week to create a little something fun for the upcoming World Cup similar to what we had a few months ago for the Winter Olympics. Check out our new display featuring the flags of all 32 countries as made by each student!

Fun @ the 2010 Bay Bridge Series!

2010-05-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

My class treated me again and again for the past five days in what turned out to be a sensational Teacher Appreciation Week! One of my gifts included a $50 gift card to the Oakland A's so I put it to good use last night as our cross-bay rivals, the Giants, came to town. My seat, 10 rows behind the A's dugout, cost me all of $5. Yahoo!

The green and gold put the Giants' top-paid star, (and former A) Barry Zito to work! We pounded him for the 6-1 lead and our pitcher, Trevor Cahill, went 6.2 innings of scoreless ball. He was dealing last night!

Rajai Davis got a nice 2-run double and stole third. A's newcomer, Coco Crisp, made his debut and also hit a double, (nearly a home run) off the top of the left-field wall.

My cheesesteak and fries were delicious! The ballgame was a blast. And it was sweet of my wife to give me a green light to enjoy a night out at the park! Let's go A's!

PERFECTION!

2010-05-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

Dallas Braden of the Oakland Athletics became the 17th pitcher in Major League Baseball’s modern era to throw a perfect game, retiring all 27 batters he faced in a 4-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Braden had six strikeouts and threw 109 pitches in beating the Rays at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. He got Gabe Kapler to ground out to shortstop to end the game and pumped his arm in the air as his teammates rushed to celebrate with him between the pitcher’s mound and first base.

Summer Movie Season - May 2010

2010-05-08T19:00:00.001-07:00

SUMMER 2010 MOVIE PREVIEW - MAY, 2010

See more presentations by alexmcmurray Upload your own PowerPoint presentations

Last year I posted the latest movies for the summer movie season every weekend starting with Wolverine starring Hugh Jackman, which I actually saw on opening night! This year's blockbuster opened features another Marvel superhero, Iron Man, in the highly-anticipated sequel starring Robert Downey, Jr, in Iron Man 2. I'm thinking about enjoying that next weekend as this year's summer season begins on Mother's Day weekend. I am mildly curious to check out Babies which is a documentary opening this weekend and it follows the lives of a few families in different parts of the world as they raise their baby from birth until I'm not sure when. It looks interesting is all. So, these are the movies opening this weekend! I'll be back again next month with a look at the movies due for release in June!

President Obama's Weekly Address (April 17, 2010)

2010-04-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Breaking Barriers Essays - Wow!

2010-04-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Alex,

Hope you are well. I need your help, for Jackie Robinson Day April 15, we are planning to have our in-stadium host Kara come to where you all are sitting and speak with you and two of your students Will and Kailani (both of their essays were really good) about how valuable of an experience it was for you and your students to participate in the Breaking Barriers essay contest, this will be shown on the big screen in the ballpark during an inning break.

When my interns sent out your tickets, they did not write down your seat location, could you send me the section, row and seat number as to where you are sitting, in addition we have reached to your local newspaper who may want to speak with you and your students and possibly take a photo, with that said we know that the children's parents have give permission for their children to be photographed and interviewed, is it possible for you to get permission from the parents so we are covered if they are photographed or interviewed.

Please let me know if this is something you can assist me with.

Thanks so much for your help with this and I look forward to hearing from you.

With regards,

Detra Paige

A's Fanfest 2010

2010-04-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

This morning I met my mom out at the Oakland Coliseum parking lot to attend the A's Fanfest. It's my first time attending this *free* event and unlike last weekend's picture perfect weather, it was rather grey and freezing cold. Claire opted out at the last minute to go with Mommy, Will, and Gracie to the Golden Tee's annual Easter Egg Hunt with Katy and Zoe.

When we arrived at the Fanfest we waited in line for about 10-15 minutes for the event to begin. Once inside we made our way to one of the autograph session lines. While waiting for 10:30am to arrive, we bumped into fellow A's fans, Popie, LaVor, and little Dieter. I also snapped a couple of pics of the A's most prominent players the roster this year - Ellis, Cust, Suzuki, and Chavez - who were participating in a Q&A session.

I had four players sign my Official MLB Baseball: Brett Anderson, Fernando Hernandez, Tyson Ross, and Cliff Pennington. Yes, I'm still wondering who they are.

It was cool to see the '72, '73, '74, and '89 World Series trophies on display. I also got to see '89 Series MVP Dave Stewart along with Vida Blue.

And before I left I picked up a Mathletics booklet for all 32 of my fifth graders. We already have tickets as an entire class to the game on Jackie Robinson Night - April 15 - for writing an essay about breaking barriers. When my kids complete these math workbooks, they'll get 2 more tickets. So that was pretty cool.

So here's to a great season, Oakland. I don't expect much, so surprise me!

King Tut Exhibit - SF DeYoung Museum

2010-03-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

My older brother, Casey, and I used a birthday present given to me by my older sister, Bridget, this past July 31: two tickets to the DeYoung Musem in S.F. to experience the Golden Age of the Pharaohs; the King Tut exhibit. The weather was picture perfect. Not a cloud in the sky. Amazingly, we were able to get to our destination with only one illegal U-turn onto MLK Drive which took us to the parking garage. We parked directly under the DeYoung and had about a 30-second walk to the tour entrance.

Once inside we got our audio tour listening devices, watched a 90-second presentation about the exhibit, and then walked through the double-doors into the ten galleries of exhibits on display featuring artifacts from King Tutankhamun's tomb, as well as artifacts from his father, Akhenaten's tomb, and other relatives. The gold and jewels and precious things were simply too beautiful to even attempt to describe. My eyes were treated to artifact after artifact that, in many cases, defy description they were so beautiful. And what is so amazing is the fact that these artifacts are thousands of years old, yet they appear to be the most sophisticated works of art I've ever seen.

It's a good thing we went today because the exhibit closes tomorrow, March 28. We spent a good two hours enjoying the tour at our own pace, along with the 22 different stops along the way with the audio tour. It also helped that it was just Casey and I that went because this was not really designed for children, in our opinion. I picked up a lapel pin in the gift shop afterwards. Casey picked out a couple of coloring books and an ornament, I believe. We also stopped at a $1 machine to have our names made on *papyrus* in hieroglyphics. I had McMurray done, and Casey had his son's name printed: Alan Enrique.

From there we headed home and had a great conversation about life and things in the car. It was fun to spend the afternoon together enjoying both a very spectacular and yet, highly educational experience.

ROOM 16 SCIENCE FAIR 2010 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-03-24T23:40:00.001-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Health Care Reflection

2010-03-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight I got a Facebook message regarding the health care mandate that hits the nail on the head for me and I wanted to post it here. Enjoy!

I'm not writing this to try to change anyone's mind or be argumentative, but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents as a doctor-to-be.

The US ranks 24th in life-expectancy among industrialized countries and has the highest mortality due to chronic and preventable illness.

We spend more than 3 times the percentage of GDP than the next most spendy country on health care(which I believe is the UK, but I don't remember).

Studies indicated this long before Obama took office or the issue began debate a year ago, and I can provide scholarly references if you care to read them.

I have personally been denied health care and my wife has been denied coverage and partial coverage for necessary procedures, leaving us with ridiculous bills that citizens in Germany, UK, Switzerland, etc. just don't have to deal with.

By the way, citizens and immigrants of/to Germany and Switzerland are required to have insurance, and neither is a socialist country, I'm using those countries as examples since I've lived in Germany for 3 years and am more familiar with the German-speaking world than other European countries).

As far as the healthcare mandate goes, I think it's necessary if you are also simultaneously forcing insurance companies to cover people who pay into the pool (which they should have been doing, by definition, for the last few decades anyway; it's not insurance anymore if you pay for more than you use or have to pay more when you DO use it).

If you force an insurance company to cover someone despite pre-existing conditions, you would risk having people abuse the system by acquiring insurance to get treatment for a pre-existing condition, then drop the insurance right after the procedure or treatment.

With the proposed regulation on insurance companies (which I, as a medical student and future physician, strongly support), it would be unfair to people who always have insurance and pay into the pot to have someone come in and pay for 1 month and get the surgery or pills they need and take off.

The mandate is designed to negate this potential abuse and to reduce OVERALL healthcare costs, which it will do since ERs and hospitals in general will no longer be financial black holes due to insurance not covering conditions or uninsured patients being treated.

Again, I'm really not posting this to be combative or anything, I just grew up in a family where simple things like having insurance weren't exactly a privilege.

If you've ever needed insurance and not been able to have it, it really does change things, and some people (myself included) really have not had access to healthcare at different points in their lives.

It is interesting that some people do not see the horror and doom and gloom of the health care reform that seems to be in or midst. The notion that this was*force fed* to Americans does not accurately reflect my experience.

Having lived for a year myself when I was 25-years old and no longer on my parents insurance policy, I'll never forget the afternoon I was student teaching and wound up having an exposed nerve in my mouth. I was in excruciating pain and immediately left for home. But I was in a dilemma because I could not afford an emergency medical procedure at the dental office, yet I had a nerve exposed in my mouth. Ever had that problem before? Try putting your hand in a cheese grater and see how that feels?

Luckily, this Japanese dentist in the adjoining dental office overheard my problem at the front desk. My dentist's office shared a front desk with the neighboring dental office. Anyhow, my regular dentist was out of the office, and the front office was trying to assess how this would be handled. The dentist of the other office simply said to me, "Please come in to my office."

I went in and was seated in a chair. He came in and sat down, numbed me up, and matter-of-factly treated my exposed nerve. And when he had finished the procedure, he made sure to let me know that there was no need to pay for anything.

The point of this story to me is how lucky I was that I did not have to deal with an outrageous dental bill, because I quite easily could have. Under this new health reform bill I would have still been on my parents' plan until I was 26-years old, which would have prevented that problem in the first place.

It has amazed me to see how over-the-top many people have become, and I can't lie, I was right there watching as history was made on Sunday afternoon and evening. I saw how this spilled over into Monday and today, where people are writing some of the most powerful, emotional, appeals for reason, common sense, and what-have-you than I've ever seen in my life.

I can see both sides of the coin here, but I simply have had a gut feeling that this is what is right for our country at this time. It felt historic. It feels right even now as I am typing. I am just proud of our country for doing what is morally right and taking steps towards taking care of our fellow citizens.

It is interesting that people would equate what is going on here with socialism, that we wold want to provide health care to all Americans. There are those that feel that providing health care to Iraqis right now is patriotic. But somehow wanting to provide health care to all Americans is socialistic? I'm not sure I buy that. No, I am much more of the opinion of the Lord who told us, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40)

May we strive to get along as we move forward, is my prayer.

My Sweet Little Gracie!

2010-03-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

Hoops Night!

2010-03-12T23:30:00.000-08:00

Got hooked up with Warriors tix this week from a friend. Invited my good friend, Chuck, and the bishop to hang out at the game tonight. The Warriors made it interesting as usual, but seriously, they're injury-riddled and anyhow, they gave up a 14-point 3rd quarter lead in the waning moments and lost to the Portland Trailblazers. Mainly, it was just fun to hang out with the fellas.

Statewide Day of Action! at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-03-04T20:36:00.001-08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

National Call for March 4 Strike and Day of Action To Defend Public Education

2010-03-03T21:15:00.000-08:00

California has recently seen a massive movement erupt in defense of public education — but layoffs, fee hikes, cuts, and the re-segregation of public education are attacks taking place throughout the country. A nationwide resistance movement is needed.

We call on all students, workers, teachers, parents, and their organizations and communities across the country to massively mobilize for a Strike and Day of Action in Defense of Public Education on March 4, 2010. Education cuts are attacks against all of us, particularly in working-class communities and communities of color.

The politicians and administrators say there is no money for education and social services. They say that “there is no alternative” to the cuts. But if there’s money for wars, bank bailouts, and prisons, why is there no money for public education?

We can beat back the cuts if we unite students, workers, and teachers across all sectors of public education — Pre K-12, adult education, community colleges, and state-funded universities. We appeal to the leaders of the trade union movement to support and organize strikes and/or mass actions on March 4. The weight of workers and students united in strikes and mobilizations would shift the balance of forces entirely against the current agenda of cuts and make victory possible.

Building a powerful movement to defend public education will, in turn, advance the struggle in defense of all public-sector workers and services and will be an inspiration to all those fighting against the wars, for immigrants rights, in defense of jobs, for single-payer health care, and other progressive causes.

Why March 4? On October 24, 2009 more than 800 students, workers, and teachers converged at UC Berkeley at the Mobilizing Conference to Save Public Education. This massive meeting brought together representatives from over 100 different schools, unions, and organizations from all across California and from all sectors of public education. After hours of open collective discussion, the participants voted democratically, as their main decision, to call for a Strike and Day of Action on March 4, 2010. All schools, unions and organizations are free to choose their specific demands and tactics — such as strikes, rallies, walkouts, occupations, sit-ins, teach-ins, etc. — as well as the duration of such actions.

Let’s make March 4 an historic turning point in the struggle against the cuts, layoffs, fee hikes, and the re-segregation of public education.

Patriot Cup IX Press

2010-02-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

This morning's C.V. Forum featured an article about the flag football championship game at my school. As previously mentioned, I've been organizing a flag football program every year at my school for the past nine years. This year's final game was exciting as ever, with the winning team - the Undead Pandas - taking the Patriot Cup, 26-18. The boy who won the MVP goes to the same ward as us, although he's in the First Ward. That was pretty cool!

The photo used in the article was taken about 3 weeks before the game when the superintendent, Jim Negri, visited to administer the coin toss with both teams over a special luncheon. For the first time out of all 6 years I've had the superintendent do the coin toss, the team that won the toss won the game!

Enjoy the article. I was tickled to see it in the paper this morning!

BIOGRAPHY REPORTS

2010-02-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

I know. Amazing. An actual posting about my job. Around this time every year my students complete biography reports of a famous American. This involves reading a couple of books on different people for about 2-3 weeks and then deciding who to write the report about. But it doesn't just involve a book report. My students were asked to make a puppet using homemade materials and then come into class in costume (or at least try with the costume) and give an oral report in character.

My students chose some past presidents including Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Teddy Roosevelt. I had a few First Ladies including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Eleanor Roosevelt.

I had astronauts such as John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. We had Olympians Kristi Yamaguchi, Babe Didrickson, and Jim Thorpe. We had escape artist, Harry Houdini. We had famous Native Americans (including Thorpe) like Crazy Horse, Sacagawea, and Sitting Bull.

We had literary types like Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Revolutionary heroines such as Molly Pitcher and Betsy Ross. Once again I had students choose American icons Henry Ford, Elvis Presley and Walt Disney.

This Wednesday we will have our grade level assembly and I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the other oral reports from other classrooms. If nothing else, doing a report like this has reminded me to appreciate all of the pioneers of our country and the importance that Americans have had in the history of the world.

Enjoy the slideshow!

2010-02-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

HIGHLIGHTS:

The President points to outrageous premium hikes from health insurance companies already making massive profits as further proof of the need for reform. Looking ahead to the coming bipartisan meeting on reform, the President urges members of Congress to come to the table in good faith to address the issue.

McMURRAY WINS THE DAYTONA 500!

2010-02-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

The first time I met NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray was in 2004 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. He had an appointment at the Target / Havoline trailer with teammate Casey Mears to sign memorabilia and take pictures. I purchased a 1:24 die-cast of McMurray's #42 Havoline Dodge which he signed for me. I also attempted taking this pictureh fortunately got a piece of me in it along with Jamie. He also signed a picture and the hat I was wearing, as did Casey. That was totally cool and worth the wait that day, if I remember correctly. It was the only year I went up the races on both Saturday and Sunday.

I first got to know Jamie when he began racing in the Busch Series on Saturday afternoons. I have no idea which race, but I caught the name "McMurray" on the scroll across the top of the TV screen indicating the positions of the driver during the race. So from there I began to keep an eye out for this McMurray guy, racing for the small, Brewski Motorsports team. That's another die-cast vehicle which I purchased.

Then, back in 2002, McMurray subbed for an injured Sterling Marlin who was out after a crash at Kansas Speedway, and he made his Cup debut filling in the #40 Coors Light Dodge at Talladega and one week later in just his second career NASCAR Winston Cup start, McMurray outraced Bobby Labonte to win the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC, setting a modern era record. McMurray had been consistent the entire night, and led 96 of the final 100 laps to score his first win. It is considered one of the biggest upsets in NASCAR history, with McMurray making his only start at Talladega Superspeedway, where upsets are common. McMurray did not race the next week. This was also set as the modern era record, for fewest starts before a win, and it is also the first time a driver won in his or her first start at a 1.5 mile track, the most common type of track in the sport.

In 2003, McMurray became a Winston Cup regular. He won the NASCAR Winston Cup (now Sprint Cup) Rookie of the Year competition by 37 points over Greg Biffle despite not winning a race. McMurray had 5 top-5s for the year and finished 13th overall. He began competing part-time in the Busch Series.

In 2004, McMurray and his team were penalized 25 points after the Food City 500 for an incorrect "x-measurement," which proved costly when, later in the year, McMurray missed the Chase for the Cup by 15 points. However, he had 23 top-10s during the season, including 12 in the last 14 races, and finished 11th in the points standings, which earned him a $1 million bonus. Had he made the Chase for the Championship, he would have been 4th in points. He won a Craftsman Truck Series race, joining a short list of drivers that have won a race in all three of NASCAR's top touring series (Craftsman Truck, Busch, and NEXTEL Cup).

McMurray left the #42 team after the 2005 season to drive the #26 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing. Owner Chip Ganassi was initially adamant that McMurray would not be released for 2006. However, on November 7, 2005, McMurray was released from his contract. McMurray was originally supposed to go to the #6 Ford in 2006, but since Kurt Busch was leaving for Penske Racing, and Mark Martin announced he would race for another year, McMurray instead took over for Kurt Busch in the #97 Ford (which was renumbered #26).

In April 2006, Jack Roush moved Jimmy Fennig from crew chief of the #26 Ford to head Roush's Busch operations. Bob Osborne, who had been crew chief for Carl Edwards, moved to head the crew for McMurray. In 2006, he was an adviser for the drivers below 10th and trying to make the Chase For The Cup, since he had been in that position in the past two years. McMurray's best finish of the 2006 season came at Dover where he finished 2nd.

McMurray began the 2007 season with crew chief Larry Carter, formerly from MWR and Penske Racing and sponsorship from Crown Royal and IRWIN Tools. On June 22, 2007 he won his 3rd career NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Pole, for the 2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350. On July 7th, 2007 McMurray won the Pepsi 400 by .005 of a second over Kyle Busch for his second career Cup win. The photo finish was the closest in Daytona International Speedway history and tied for the 2nd closest finish (1993 DieHard 500) since the advent of electronic scoring in 1993. McMurray finished the year 17th overall in the points.

In the beginning of the 2008 season, McMurray encountered a string of poor finishes that relegated him to 36th in points and not guaranteed a spot in the field when NASCAR reached the spring Martinsville race, and the 2008 points went into effect. McMurray was required to qualify for the race on time. He qualified 5th, locking himself into the field as the fastest of the Go or Go Homers. He earned an 8th place finish in the race, securing himself back into the top 35 in points and a guaranteed starting position for the next race. Throughout the remainder of the season, he steadily climbed back into the top 20 in points. On October 11, 2008, McMurray rallied to finish 5th in the Bank of America 500 at Lowes Motor Speedway. It was his first top 5 finish since his victory at Daytona in July of the previous year. McMurray finished the 2008 season with three 3rd place finishes, and will re-unite with former crew chief Donnie Wingo in 2009; Crew Chief Larry Carter has announced he is moving to Yates Racing to be crew chief for Paul Menard. Jamie McMurray finished 16th in the 2008 standings.

McMurray kicked off the 2009 season by dominating the final stages of the Budweiser Shootout, but lost the lead to Kevin Harvick on the last lap. McMurray finished second. McMurray had a good Speedweeks, finishing 9th in his Gatorade Duel. In the Daytona 500, McMurray ran up front and was a contender, but was eliminated from contention after he was involved in the race's biggest crash.

Roush Fenway Racing informed McMurray he would be allowed to do leave the team, as Roush Fenway needed to cut their teams down to the NASCAR-mandated four. McMurray expressed interest in finding a new team with new owners.

On November 1, 2009, McMurray won the AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, after leading over 20 laps and passing David Stremme with 8 laps to go, then surviving a green-white checkered finish to earn his second restrictor-plate win. As expected, Roush Fenway eliminated McMurray and the #26 team at the end of the season.

At the end of 2009, he left Roush Fenway Racing to drive for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing in the #1 car, replacing Martin Truex, Jr. who signed to drive for Michael Waltrip Racing. His departure came as Roush Fenway was forced by a new NASCAR policy implemented a few years prior that limited the amount of cars a race team could have to four, and the #26 was the team Roush Fenway chose to cut. McMurray reunited with Chip Ganassi in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

On February 14, McMurray won the 2010 Daytona 500 leading only two laps, the least in Daytona 500 history. He beat out Dale Earnhardt, Jr. who placed second.

Gooooooooooooooo Jamie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PA-Philadelphia Mission (1993-1995)

2010-02-12T22:51:00.000-08:00

FLASHBACK PICS: 2001-2009

2010-02-09T23:39:00.000-08:00

I brought home miscellaneous pictures today as I continue to organize my classroom and sort through things.

I am in the midst of working on a missionary photo album and scanning pictures of my time as an elder in the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission from 1993-1995. That will be a fun project. I have my journals from those years, and with pictures to go with it, I think it will make for some good memories to relive here on the blog and will serve as a real testimony builder. As well, it will be a fun way to share my life experiences with my little ones.

So these pictures feature mainly school and work experiences. There are some class pictures and staff pictures from various years. I also have pictures from a night a few years back when I made a School Board presentation about my flag football league.

I included a few photos from a special appearance I made as a V.I.P. waiter for the local Ed Foundation fundraiser dinner. You'll also find a variety of family pictures including my brother-in-law, Tom, with the lead singer of Metallica.

I have a photo from a night when my companion at the time, Elder Ward, and I were lucky enough to bump into Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve. That was in Reading, PA, I believe, at a Stake Conference.

I've also got a few pictures from Ricks College in Rexburg, ID, including one where I met baseball legend Dale Murphy after his Tuesday Devotional in the Hart Auditorium.

Anyhow, enjoy!

Bump Removal a Success!

2010-02-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

Everything seemed normal as I headed to work this morning. See the smile? Claire and I got ready and off to school we went. Except for one minor detail, that is.

After many months and two visits to my doctor, I took him up on his offer to visit a dermatologist to have my cyst removed. As I learned, a trip to the Surgery Department, and not the dermatologist, was required. I was all too happy to make the appointment because for the past year, it seems, this bump was been bugging me and I just had this gut feeling to get it removed. My previous experience in the Surgery Department in 2008 to have my appendix removed was fabulous. And other than a mix-up after my procedure on Wednesday afternoon that left me in the room for 30 minutes waiting for the nurse to set up my follow-up appointment, this was also very smooth.

Dr. Cappoccio explained the risks (possible infection, scarring) and I made the decision to go ahead with the removal. He injected the area in my neck with local anasthetic and proceeded to go to work. I learned - much to Dr. Cappoccio's amusement, I'm sure - that by "local," of course that means localized in your body and not in terms of where one lives. Yes, I am that dumb, apparently. He patronizingly (I'm suspecting) let me off easy with, "Well, you're not in medicine. Why would you know that?" Anyhow, that was funny and at my expense, but oh well. I was happy to provide a laugh.

It's been a day and the pain has vanished for the most part. I have the stitches and covering taped on and they should dissolve or come off in the next week. I am happy not to have that irritating bump on my neck anymore. And so that was pretty much the story of my week!

MAN VS FOOD: MY KITCHEN!

2010-01-30T20:21:00.001-08:00

Barbecue, bacon-wrapped bliss!

Tastes better than it looks!
A LOT BETTER!

GRACE - The First 6 Months

2010-01-30T00:15:00.001-08:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

President Obama's Weekly Address (January 23, 2010)

2010-01-25T20:13:00.000-08:00

The President talks about his first year fighting against special interests and barring lobbyists from his Administration, as well as the fight to come in the wake of a recent Supreme Court decision.

The President and the First Lady welcome young men and women from Washington, DC area high schools who are paired with mentors from inside the White House as part of National Mentoring Month.

Oakland A's Baseball 2010 - Reason to hope?

2010-01-11T22:57:00.000-08:00

Times have been tough for the Oakland A's. Last year was particularly uninspiring. The A's really didn't have too many "stars" lying around to blame their shortcomings on being injured. Eric Chavez was out most of the year with back problems, but we all saw that coming. He's a mere shadow of the player that won five consecutive Gold Glove Awards. Justin Duchsherer was going through a divorce and depression all while rehabbing an injury. I suppose we missed him on the hill. But the vaunted rotations of years past (Hudson, Zito, and Mulder)of which books were written and numerous stories told, are long gone. In their wake we have rookie sensation Andrew Bailey who represented Oakland at the All-Star Game in St. Louis. He's made for a fine replacement to Huston Street who just didn't seem to have "it" in Oakland in the end. But beyond these players, there really was not much to "hope" for in 2009 and what on earth are we supposed to be hoping for in 2010?

I watched CSNBA's season in review broadcast over the winter break and all it consisted of really were a couple of double-plays the A's turned last May or something. The A's single greatest accomplishment in 2009 as far as I'm concerned is the day they came back from 11-0 to Minnesota and won on a wild pitch. A close runner-up would have been Rajai Davis' scramble around the bases to beat Texas on the overthrown pick-off attempt in the 10th inning. But that's out of 162 games.

Gone are the days, it seems, that the A's "Moneyball" formula provided them with the most efficient bang for their buck. Nick Swisher is now a World Series champion in NY. Jermaine Dye and Johnny Damon went elsewhere to win world titles. Tejada and Giambi were caught up in the steroid scandals, though Tejada has managed to continue to be productive. But all of the A's best players of the 2000s are in other towns playing for other teams.

What's left really does not lead even the most casual fan to believe the Oakland A's will make any noise in the AL West. The Seattle Mariners have been on a shopping spree this spring. They picked up Chone Figgins to say the least. Meanwhile, the LA Angels signed World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, and the Rangers picked up slugger Vladimir Guerrero. Who did we lock down this offseason? Jack Cust. Just when you started to think it couldn't get any worse. This guy makes Matt Stairs seem like Rickey Henderson on the basepaths!

Duchsherer at least agreed to come back to Oakland where he feels at home. Bailey will be back to close out games, if there are any games to close out. He may want to just opt for relief duty. Patrolling the infield? We can all hope Eric Chavez will be back, but the expectations are minimal at best. Mark Ellis has been fine, but he's aging and not exactly producing numbers at the plate. I haven't the faintest idea of who half the players listed on the roster are at this point: Pennington, Fox, Miles, Petit, and Carter? Your guess is as good as mine.

The starting rotation next to Duchsherer? Gio Gonzalez seemed to settle down and could have some upside. Mazzaro had his moments. Besides Bailey in the pen, Ziegler remains along with his 15 minutes of fame from 2008 when he had the scoreless innings streak going. Let's face it. We're not the team that other clubs dread to come and face because of our lights out pitching rotation.

At best, the Oakland A's are probably heading for a 50-60 win season in this fan's opinion. It's a good thing the A's still have $2 Wednesdays and Dollar Dogs because if you had money to spend, you're better off going to see a competitive Giants team across the Bay in a state-of-the-art facility (AT&T Park).

I'm disappointed that we aren't doing more to continue the tradition of winning baseball here in Oakland. Through all decades (70s, 80s, and 90s) the A's have had a history of competing for postseason action with 4 titles to show for it. I'd like to say that next year's Craig Breslow bobblehead night would be reason to sign up for season tickets right now, but it just does not feel that way.

And just when you think it couldn't get any worse, former A's great and one of my childhood heroes Mark McGwire comes out with the obvious confession that he did, in fact, use steroids when he broke the single-season HR record.

Well ... at least we have the $2 Wednesdays. This team doesn't seem worth the paper those cheap tickets are printed on.

President Obama's Weekly Address (January 10, 2010)

2010-01-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

The President discusses the benefits of health reform that Americans will receive in the first year, and how reform will help build a new foundation for American families.

Make it a good one!

2009-12-31T23:23:00.000-08:00

Best of 2009 - TV

2009-12-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

Recently I received a copy of Entertainment Weekly magazine's "Best of 2009" in which they feature books, music, TV, movies, and more from the past year. I certainly wouldn't put many of their choices in my own "Best of..." list which got me to thinking what I would put at the top of the list. So, after spending some time thinking about the "best" and what that would be in my opinion, I think I'll go ahead and share the winners and losers in my very own list for 2009. Today's posting is a recap of my favorite programs I enjoyed this past year. Here goes...

TV SHOWS

There is a little caveat here that I do not watch TV like most people. I do not have the energy to try and keep up with programs on a weekly basis. I typically watch most TV programs on Netflix and a season behind the current one. So, with that in mind, here are a list of the top TV shows that I enjoyed watching this past year, in no particular order.

There is only one program I will watch regularly when it's on, and that happens to be ABC's Lost. I got hooked on Lost from its premiere episode about 5 years ago. I am not an obsessive, nerdy fan, which this show can certainly cater to. However, I have closely followed all the action and have a vested interest in finding out what happens to Benjamin Linus, Sayeed, Jack, Locke, Sawyer, Kate, Jin, Sun, Hurley, and all of the other characters in the show. That includes Jacob who we learned so much about towards the end of last season. And now, with the series finale approaching this coming February, I am on the edge of my seat to see how things finally play out. Last we knew, Sawyer and Juliette were trying to grab for each other's hands when the screen went blank and we were left to wonder. And that was back in the mid-'70s I believe, when all the original Oceanic 6 were reunited.

If there is one sitcom that I absolutely enjoy and laugh out loud at, it has to be The Office with Steve Carell as bumbling boss, Michael Scott. I have followed this show on Netflix and have not missed an episode through what would have been this year's programs on NBC. I'll have to wait until they're available online. Either way, the company picnic where Michael finally reunited briefly with his love interest Holly and they performed Slumdunder Mifflinaire was hysterical. Looks like Jim and Pam found out they're pregnant. But the hilarity comes primarily from both Michael and Rainn Wilson's Dwight Shrute. Honestly, this program just never stops with the laughs and is filled such an offbeat sense of humor and an unpredictable twist or zinger in every episode. Love it!

Right next to The Office in my opinion is 30 Rock which I also watch courtesy of Netflix online. The cast starring Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghey, Tina Fey as Liz Lemon, and Tracy Morgan as Tracy Jordan, along with a few others I enjoy, are just laugh-out-loud funny. Right now I'm at the middle of last season where Baldwin hits his mom forcing her to move in, and their nurse, played by Salma Hayek, briefly becomes his love interest. But it's these three (Baldwin, Fey, and Morgan) who always keep a smile on my face and keep me watching. Love 30 Rock.

My favorite drama, (and with humor intertwined, actually) is the Showtime hit starring Michael C. Hall in Dexter. Hall plays a blood specialist at Miami Homicide as Dexter Morgan. Right now I'm in the midst of the season on Netflix where Jimmy Smits is the hotshot D.A. Miguel Prado and Dexter finds out his girfriend Rita is pregnant. I love this show just because Hall is terrific, and he plays a guy who does kill, but he targets the scum of society in the process, so it's a show that challenges the way we look at people. The stories are so involved and dramatic and suspenseful as well, which makes for a get-your-popcorn kind of excitement you enjoy at the movies, but in the shape of a TV series. A rarity, in my opinion.

I'd have to go back early in the year when The Tudors was available on Netflix, but Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII, the King of England, is another program that I just could not stop watching. His love affair with Anne Bolelyn was mesmerizing and heartstopping in its intensity. He has really thrown himself full force into this character and the director has really captured the details and costumes and the essence of the time period in which thi series is supposed to take place. It is also a great history teacher and one can wind up feeling power hungry and omnipotent, practically, watching King Henry get what he wants watching this show. If you haven't considered this program, I'd highly recommend it. Very enjoyable.

I would have to put 48 Hours Mystery and America's Most Wanted into the list as far as true life crime programs are concerned. I am fascinated by courtroom dramas and crime stopping programs. I take my class to do mock trials at Superior Court every year and have developed a friendship over the years with a judge who was a parent of a child at the school where I teach. Both of these programs are exciting and enjoyable, but for different reasons.

With 48 Hours Mystery, they have typically chosen cases that on the surface seem like slam dunk convictions, but then there is a major twist either in the investigation, or post-conviction that suddenly challenges everything about what you originally had convinced yourself of what the truth was supposed to be.

Two episodes stand out for me this past year.

One involved a young lady who sold Pre-paid Legal who fell in love (or had a fatal attraction) with another salesman who lived in Arizona. He was a very bright and successful entrepreneuer and a member of the church who completely fell for this girl for all the wrong reasons. He winds up dead and she looks very guilty, but is she?

The other episode was of a man, Tim Masters, from Fort Collins, CO, who was wrongfully convicted for the death of a woman he couldn't possibly have committed. But the police detective pinned it on Tim, who was just 15-years old at the time, for some inexplicable reason.

And finally, AMW is on my list because they've nabbed over 1,000 captures in the history of that series and it is a show that needs to be on the air every week because its sole focus is on bringing in the scumbags who have committed horrible crimes. It feels almost like a public service that this program runs with the help of an unforgiving, strong-willed, and impressive host, John Walsh, who's own son was the victim of a crime that resulted in his death. I give Walsh so much credit for doing everything in his power - and he's done a LOT - to bring people to justice. I will always make time for AMW. They have a great website, too at http://www.amw.com/. Check it out!

Don't ask me why but I got hooked on Seth Green's Robot Chicken which is on the Adult Swim programming around 3:45am every night. Looks like it might be in between seasons or something, but I catch an irreverent episode of this 20-minute program on the DVR most nights when Grace sleeps through the night. Otherwise, it doesn't record because Kari is most likely feeding Grace and not watching this program. It's designed for the 18-35 male crowd and the sketches can get really obnoxious. So it's good to hit the "skip" button from time to time, but this show can also be absolutely hilarious and the sketches also tend to focus on current events, but involve '80s cartoon characters (He-man, Smurfs, GI Joe, Transformers, etc) in claymation form, or however that is called. But either way, very funny. Check it out, if you think you can stomach it.

Naturally, being a guy, I also am hooked on sports and sports entertainment. For some reason, back in the mid-'80s, my brother and I got hooked on professional wrestling. I lost interest later in high school ('90-'92) but when I got back from Philadelphia, and towards the beginning of '96, I got hooked once again on wrestling. It was no longer on Saturday mornings but now it was a Monday night program on USA Network for 2 hours. I've watched WWE's Monday Night Raw program forever through "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and the Rock, to Triple H and The Undertaker. Every year I'll thrown down some cash to watch the annual spectacle that is Wrestlemania. It's just something I do. Another one for the DVR to catch on Monday though, because I'm not sure that I actually focus on the "wrestling" itself as much as the characters and what they're doing. Plus, they have a new thing now where a celebrity guest hosts on Mondays and this has included Donald Trump, baseball's Johnny Damon, Bob Barker, Vern Troyer, Dennis Miller, and lots of others. Let's call it a guilty pleasure. Oh yeah, I'll occasionally catch WWE's Friday Night Smackdown as well, and the competition, TNA Impact on Spike TV.

I'm not a reality TV watcher, but Dancing With the Stars, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Survivor, and The Amazing Race will appear on TV in our house from time to time. I guess you can say that these programs are the "Best of..." as far as our reality interests are concerned. I'll keep track of who wins for a little fantasy pool competition that my own family does every year, but not really watch the shows themselves. Kari watches a bit more of the reality TV with SYTYCD I suppose. Claire enjoys that on the DVR as well. For Kari, you can also throw in Top Chef and any version of The Real Housewives whether it be Atlanta, New Jersey, or Orange County.

With the late night talk shows, I'll simply look for whichever cute actress happens to be appearing that week, or a comedian or actor (maybe) that I enjoy, and I'll record the program. I don't care if it's Conan, Letterman, Leno, Kimmel, Fallon, Carson Daly, or Ferguson. I click on the "Guide" button and scan for the upcoming week's guests and hit record. In terms of comedy, I think the best bet is Jimmy Kimmel. Letterman is a close second. I think O'Brien is trying to find himself once again doing the Tonight Show. It's definitely not his old show just yet. And Fallon is growing on me. Carson Daly is merely for whoever is on his show because the show itself is not fun to watch. And third, in terms of comedy (and occasionally first, in my opinion, depending on the show) is Craig Ferguson. Love that guy. Of course, we regularly watch Saturday Night Live whenever a new episode is on.

Being a sports-oriented guy, I record the 4am Sportscenter on ESPN every night to catch the highlights of the previous day's sports action. I'll also regularly follow the local sports teams as well as keep an eye out for the rest of the leagues in professional sports ranging from baseball to soccer and everything in between. Near the top of my list is NASCAR which runs from February through November. This is TV that we get to participate with by attending the event itself, so every year I'll be sure to catch a live game (or two or three) of baseball both in Oakland (trashy stadium), San Francisco (classy stadium), Berkeley (worse than Oakland) for college football, and occasionally a Niner or Warrior game, though it's been awhile. But it certainly makes for good TV.

So...that's my list of what I would consider the Best TV of 2009 for me. What are your thoughts?

Holiday Movie Weekend - December 11

2009-12-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

THE LOVELY BONES
After the Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong, director Peter Jackson scales down his scope - not to mention his budget - to adapt Alice Sebold's 2002 best-seller about the murder of a 14-year-old girl (played by Atonement's Saoirse Ronan).

A SINGLE MAN
Fashion icon Tom Ford makes his feature debut with this drama about a gay English prof (Colin Firth) reeling after the death of his partner.

Holiday Movie Weekend - December 4

2009-12-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

UP IN THE AIR
George Clooney plays a corporate downsizer obsessed with frequent-flier miles, and Vera Farmiga (Orphan) the fellow traveler with the boarding pass to his heart, in director/co-writer Jason Reitman's Juno follow-up.

TRANSYLMANIA

A group of doofy college kids spend a semester abroad in Transylvania. They meet vampires with silly accents. Cue inevitable high jinks.

ARMORED

Columbus Short (Stomp the Yard) plays a rookie armored-truck guard who finds himself standing between his fellow guards (including Matt Dillon, Laurence Fishburne, and Jean Reno) and the $42 million they aim to steal from their truck.

EVERYBODY'S FINE

A newly widowed dad (Robert De Niro) tracks down his three grown kids (Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsdale, and Sam Rockwell) when they all cancel their trip home for a visit.

THE LAST STATION

During Leo Tolstoy's last months, his wife (Helen Mirren) and his biggest follower (Paul Giamatti) clash over the legacy of the literary giant (Christopher Plummer).

Holiday Movie Weekend - November 25 & 27

2009-11-28T23:13:00.000-08:00

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
Disney's hand-drawn animated tale puts a new spin on an old story: A waitress (Anika Noni Rose) kisses a frog ... and then turns into a croaking creature herself. After a limited run in NYC and L.A., the movie opens nationwide on December 11.

THE ROAD
Adapted from Cormac McCarthy's bleak novel, the film stars Viggo Mortensen as a dad guiding his son through the perils of a postapocalyptic world, while Charlize Theron pops up in flashbacks of their old lives.

OLD DOGS

A shoo-in for your dad's favorite holiday movie, the comedy stars John Travolta and Robin Williams as two guys who get stuck taking care of a pair of 7-year-olds.

NINJA ASSASSIN

Korean superstar Rain stars in the martial arts pic, directed by Wachowski brothers protégé James McTeigue (V for Vendetta).

ME AND ORSON WELLES

For his first major dramatic role, High School Musical vet Zac Efron picked this Richard Linklater-directed film, in which he plays an aspiring actor who talks his way into Orson Welles' legendary '30s Mercury Theatre troupe.

THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE

A married woman (Robin Wright) looks back on her life in a star-packed ensemble drama featuring Julianne Moore, Keanu Reeves, Blake Lively, and Alan Arkin.

Holiday Movie Weekend - November 20

2009-11-20T22:09:00.000-08:00

NEW MOON
Part 2 of the hit franchise finds Bella (Kristen Stewart) forging an unlikely friendship with a wereworlf (Taylor Lautner) while vampire Edward (Robert Pattinson) is away. "Bella knows herself more now," Stewart says of her character. "You take her more seriously, and she's making these decisions that are going to determine the rest of her life."

BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS
This reimagining of the 1992 dirty-cop thriller from Werner Herzog (Rescue Dawn), casts Nicolas Cage as a good man gone deliriously bad in the post-Katrina Big Easy.

THE BLIND SIDE

Get ready to have your tears jerked: Sandra BullockGraw play a real-life Memphis couple who take in a homeless black teen - who goes on to become a pro football star.

BROKEN EMBRACES

The latest collaboration between Penélope Cruz and Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar (Volver) involves a call girl-turned-actress (Cruz), a millionaire, a film director, and a fateful car crash in the Canary Islands.

THE MISSING PERSON

Oscar nominees Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road) and Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone) headine this post-9/11 hard-boiled thriller.

MAMMOTH

Gael Garcia Bernal is a videogame tycoon, and Michelle Williams is his ER-doc wife in the first English-language film from Swedish director Lukas Moodysson (Together).

PLANET 51

An American astronaut (Dwayne Johnson) becomes an unwitting "alien" invader in this animated family flick set in a world inhabited by little green people.

STATEN ISLAND

Three disparate and desperate men (Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Seymour Cassel) come together in New York City's most frequently overlooked borough.

UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US

Murder, suicide, and arson loom large in this doc about the rise of black metal, genre born in early-'90s Norway.

President Obama's Weekly Address (November 14, 2009)

2009-11-15T16:41:00.000-08:00

HIGHLIGHTS:

The President looks back at a week where we honored those who serve on Veterans Day, and mourned those we lost at Fort Hood. He discusses the review he has ordered into the Fort Hood incident, and pledges to stand by our servicemen and women, as well as our veterans, as his most profound responsibility.

Horseback Fun!

2009-11-09T20:36:00.001-08:00

Thank you for a fun afternoon, Liz and Bella!

President Obama's Weekly Address (November 7, 2009)

2009-11-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

HIGHLIGHTS:

The President condemns the despicable attacks at Fort Hood, honoring those who were killed and injured. He also commends those who stood up to help and console those affected: even as we saw the worst of human nature on full display, we also saw the best of America. November 7, 2009.