Working to Walk

Newt?

2012-01-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

Why hasn't Mitt locked this thing up yet? He's been running for president since 2007. He's raised more money than any of his competitors. He's had only one wife, and has the religious conviction and will power to not drink coffee or alcohol. (Quite impressive.) But after losing (just barely) in Iowa and South Carolina after having once been believed a shoo-in in both states, his stranglehold on the 2012 GOP presidential nomination has loosened, allowing Newt to improbably connive his way to center stage.
Maybe this ad was Romney's downfall?

The Colbert Report
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Maybe it's his general awkwardness?

Maybe it's his recent string of inexplicable decisions, led by his refusal to release his tax returns, artificially elevating the importance of the issue even as it's a standard practice for presidential contenders to do.

But bottom line is this:

Tragedy on the Slopes

2012-01-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

This is sad - freestyle skier Sarah Burke, the dominant X-Games competitor and leading proponent in getting women's halfpipe skiing into the upcoming Winter Olympics, crashed in training on January 10, suffered a ruptured artery in her brain, and succumbed to her injuries Thursday morning. I admit, I didn't know who she was prior to this news breaking, but this clip gives an idea of who she was:

Very sad for her husband and her family. They've set up a fundraising site to help them deal with the half million dollars in medical bills accrued. Here is a well-written tribute to the trail-blazing skier.

Cheer up! We live in a beautiful world, where tragedies and accidents are possible and occur everyday, but that's no reason to stop living, right? Burke died doing what she loved, and her legacy will continue long into the future: her organs were dispersed to needy recipients after her death, ensuring that she will never be forgotten.

Time is Nothing // Around The World Time Lapse from on Vimeo.
href="http://vimeo.com/kiendawtcom">Kien Lam

Denard is the Coolest

2012-01-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

You don't see many college football superstars in the front row supporting their school's basketball team:

I'd be remiss too if I didn't revel a bit in UM's 3rd consecutive hoops victory in the ongoing rivalry with Sparty. This was a great game; it helped (just a little) to soothe the sting of that football losing streak.

Stem Cell Updates

2012-01-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

Here's some information I've read recently:

First, bad/sad/mad news: stem cell con men.

Don't worry, I'd never buy stem cells from Ecuador. Peru maybe, but not Ecuador. I've been to Ecuador and I don't even want their bologna sandwiches (explosively bad experience...don't ask), let alone their stem cells.

Some good news: scientists in Germany have found out how to see inside a living spinal cord, a new ability they've called a 'leap forward in regeneration research'. Before, the cord was opaque and you could only study the effects of a treatment by removing it; now, using a special solvent and a florescence method called ultramicroscopy, they can create 3-D images of individual regenerating axons. Very cool!

Another update is on an enzyme being developed called chondroitinase aka ch'ase. This link describes ch'ase and also provides myriad examples of its beneficial effects in animal trials. The exciting thing for me is its primary target is chronic injuries, a unique thing in SCI treatments.

Here's another study that seeks to combine ch'ase with 2 other treatment ideas to make sort of a spinal cord therapy milkshake, that can first degrade the scar tiisue around the injury site and then build the nueral connections back up. Beware: large scientific words!

More long words in this one, but also a picture, so you're welcome! The key to this study seems to be the simultaneous deletion of two distinct enzymes, as that results in near double the axon regeneration of focusing on the enzymes separately. Apparently the researchers are getting baller results....so hurry up bro!

Brunette Girls Key to Victory....Duh!

2012-01-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Epic press conference after Michigan polished off Va Tech. Yes, victory was extremely lucky, what with two interceptions reversed, an overtime touhdown reversed on replay for them, countless special teams miscues by, according to reputation, the highest performing special teams team in the country, including a fake field pass tipped by a Va Tech player and caught by the long snapper, maybe the one player on the team whose name I didn't recognize. Crazy game. And yes, other victories along the way involved good fortune as well (ahem, ND.) But sometimes luck is made rather than just received, be it from hard work, serendipity or just being due. I think after 2008-2010 we deserved it. So cheers and farewell to a terrific season, bon voyage to the seniors departing on a high note after roller coasters of careers and come on 2012, I can't wait for more college football to arrive.

A last prediction: LSU 24, Alabama 17. LSU deserves it, having beaten 'Bama, Oregon and West Va already this season, all on the road. And I don't like (former Sparty) Nick Saban.

Why so serious Kenzie? (holding 'Sugar' sign.)

Great Links

2012-01-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

Wearable Robot Helps Paralyzed Detroit Firefighter Walk: MyFoxDETROIT.com

Here's a great interview with injured Rutgers football player Eric Legrand. He made the cover of Sports Illustrated too. We're doing a lot of similar things in our recoveries, which is cool. He's got a great attitude and is very inspirational. Check out a portion of his interview:

What's the status of your rehab at this point?:

"Since the injury occurred, I've been pretty successful. A lot of people didn't think I'd be where I'm at today. … I'm doing this walking program that's five days a week from 3-4:30. I walk for an hour and then I get on the mat and have to sitting up drills. I was able to sit up 35 seconds, 23 seconds by myself. I'm working to get to 30 by myself and just working every day on that. And, actually, the doctors are wondering how I'm doing that. They actually want to run a test on me to see now if I have the motor function below my injury, where I was hurt. So I'm very excited about that."

So you're doing stuff now that is defying medicine?:
"Oh yeah. From when they first told me I'd never walk again or come off the ventilator and I'd probably be on a feeding tube the rest of my life, they didn't think any of this. Now when they see me, it's like, ‘Wow.'"

When the accident first happened, did you know immediately you were in a lot of trouble or were you unconscious and not really knowing?:
"You know how in Hollywood movies, when somebody gets knocked out, you see stars and everything and the vision gets blurry? … You wonder if that's the real thing. Well, it is. As soon as I hit, everything was just blurry and I felt like I was seeing stars. When I got on the ground, I just could not breathe. I had the wind knocked out of me and everything. … I was like numb, like when you get it in your shoulder. I was just thinking it was a full-body stinger. … Then I couldn't move and I was like, ‘What's going on here?'"

Any regrets about playing football given what you know now?:
"No regrets. I believe everything happens for a reason. I was supposed to play for 15 years of my life. … Now I'm putting my passion toward football in another direction, toward sports broadcasting. It's something I always wanted to do, so I'd always be around the game of football."

Are there doctors out there that have projected that you will walk again?:
"I honestly can't tell. That's the thing with spinal cord research. I'm trying to spread awareness about it. It's so unknown and not a lot of people know about it. … You never know because everybody's injury is different and everyone's severity of it is different. The way I was, people never I would be where I'm at today, being here able to sit and talk to you. … The doctors honestly do not know."

Keep it up Eric!

Sugar Bowl Tonight!

2012-01-03T11:02:00.001-08:00

This is Michigan, fergodsakes.

It's finally arrived. After a lengthy layoff, Big Blue will take the field in the SuperDome tonight for the 2012 Allstate (you're in good hands) Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech. A lot is on the line: Big Ten pride, after everyone but Sparty choked, an 11 win season, momentum going into next season, a last minute recruiting boost...

The season will still be considered a success no matter what happens. Back in January, or even August, if I had to predict a win total I would've been satisfied with 8. Well, expectations have changed and Michigan football is back. And how sweet it is.

Rushing the Field, In Stages

2011-12-29T11:38:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how quickly 7 years of anguish can disappear....in the time it takes a whistle to blow and 10,000-odd people to descend a brick wall and soak in as much joy from this victory as possible because of the first-hand experience knowing how fleeting it can be. The last time they rushed the field at Michigan Stadium was the 2003 victory over Ohio (also the last time they beat the dreaded Buckeyes); usually the line of police are enough to dissuade any celebration from getting out of hand, but this party could not be stopped. May it continue on Tuesday in New Orleans!

Young Family Christmas Letter 2011

2011-12-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

Well, it’s that time of year again. You know it is Christmas time in Michigan when you hear people complaining about the lack of snow one day and it’s over abundance the next. They want a white Christmas but not too cold of one, because then they’ll need a hat and that might mess up their hair, but not too warm of one, because then the street’s all dirty and mushy and it tracks in the house and makes a mess and is totally un-Christmas-like…Ugh. You live in Michigan. Get over it. Fly south for the winter like some geezers I know, or embrace the gray skies, the mashed-potatoey-with-all-the-fixins’ slush-filled streets, the cut up grass clumps from the errant snow plow driver who comes at 4am because when is a better time to drive repeatedly up and down a driveway in a big-ass noisy truck than 4 o’clock in the (censored…it’s Christmas!) morning…oh, am I complaining? Florida, here I come.

And now, a Young family quiz:

1. Which family member no longer needs glasses/is awesome?

a. Mackenzie, Jon, Doug or Kim
b. Cam, who has 20/15 vision and would totally fly jets if they came with a ramp

Correct answer: (b). It feels great to be a non four-eyes. (Aside: Jon just got new frames, ostensibly an early Christmas present, and now ever so nearly resembles an almost 30 (with a slight paunch), scruffy Harry Potter. Aside #2: Speaking of Harry Potter, we visited his wizarding world in Orlando in March for Spring Break. Butter beer truly is delicious.)

        2.       Which Midwestern university sports college football’s all-time winningest football program?
                   a.       Cow College aka Moo U aka Lansing Community College
                   b.      Notre Dame
                   c.       Ohio State (Penitentiary)
                   d.      The University of Michigan

Correct answer: (d). Mackenzie is on pace to become the family’s fourth U of M grad this spring, assuming everything goes according to plan. Industrial engineering. Geez, piece of cake. It’s like they’re printing degrees down in Ann Arbor. (Aside: My commencement speaker was Roger Penske, a guy who owns a bunch of trucks, and a NASCAR team; I’m rooting Mackenzie gets stuck with someone lamer, like Joe the Plumber or Ronald McDonald. Aside #2: Jon keeps plugging away at his associates degree, and could conceivably complete the U of M quintet in, let’s see, 2024 or so. Aside #3: Ok Sparties, we get it – you’ve won 4 straight years. I cry myself to sleep every night, you happy now?!)

3. Rank the Young’s by amount they exercised during 2011, from most to least:

a. Cam, Doug, Kim, Mac, Jon
b. Let’s face it, that’s obviously the correct answer

Correct answer: (a). I spend 3 hours a day, 3 days a week at the gym, doing a lot of assisted walking, standing, lifting, balanced sitting, etc. I obviously am the winner. Second place was a bit more challenging to figure out however. The elliptical machine in the basement routinely sports a thin layer of dust, but when it is in use, it’s usually Doug gasping for air, head buried in a business magazine. I guess Kim’s frequent ‘walks’ (aka gossip sessions with the girlfriends) count, so she comes in 3^rd place. Mackenzie’s been away at school, making his physical activity hard to gauge, but even speedwalking to class once a week when he’s running late would assuredly put his exercise above Jon’s.

It’s been an action packed year, as I’m sure you can tell, filled with a few getaways to tropical locales for Kim and Doug, tailgates (8 to be exact…gotta love that packed home schedule) in Ann Arbor, hard work at everyone’s respective jobs (Doug and Jon: Behler-Young, Cam: Steelcase, Mackenzie: schoolwork, Kim: mothering), and lots of time spent enjoying each other’s company (Ok, I better wrap this Christmas letter up before it totally jumps the shark.)

We wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a happy, happy 2012!
The Young’s

New Walking Video

2011-12-19T13:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a video from last week. I walk like this 2 or 3 times per week, sometimes using electric stimulation on my legs to help facilitate some movement. We're kind of experimenting with that, but I'm willing to try anything that will help. I keep getting stronger and adding stamina and endurance, so stay tuned for updates on my continuing progress.

Bonus videos!

More hilarity from the Ellen. The best part is he's obviously devastated, being turned down by his lady, and you can just picture the producer of the show panicking backstage and flipping the lever to start the gift-giving, making the audience go wild. Talk about adding insult to injury.

See ya!

I love large mammals. Not the sound I was expecting - they haven't hit rhino puberty obviously.

Hilarious prank. Beware of a potty mouth towards the end of the video. This blog does not condone such crass language :).

Human Exoskeleton Presented at TEDMED

2011-12-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

TEDMED is, in its own words, "TEDMED’s mission is to help America and the world understand the great challenges of health and medicine, connect the right people and inspire the leadership we need.
TEDMED’s annual event is three days of passionate explorations, nonstop discussions, stimulating field trips to leading national medical institutions, meeting extraordinary people, making surprising intellectual connections and making lifelong friends. TEDMED is committed to generating new ideas and celebrating innovations that can lead to better health outcomes for 300 million Americans…and the world."

Nurture (my employer) actually presented at TEDMED this year, so I followed it closely on social media, and was able to gain an appreciation for the creativity and innovation gathered there.

Eythor Bender, of Ekso Bionics, presented at the show - check this out.

Not a perfect solution, kinda bulky, and of course battery life is an issue, but a pretty cool solution to the problem of paralysis. I can't wait to see how this develops in the near future.

Check out the other TEDMED videos too...surgery without knives? Tissue engineering that could 'print' new organs? Why not?

Check-in on the GOP Race

2011-12-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

It wasn't too long ago I opined that Rick Perry might have the inside track to the Republican nomination for President, what with his conservative bonafides and presumptive frontrunner Mitt Romney's authenticity issues. Well, that was before he was confirmed as a total doofus. He still has a large warchest (of pre-doofus-confirmation fundraising monies), but for all intents and purposes, he is out of the race.

One-time frontrunner Herman Cain has run into a multitude of well-documented problems as well, most of his own creation. I found this profile to be an instructive look at the candidate. Here's a relevant excerpt:

"Let us pause here to make a necessarily severe assessment: to say that Herman Cain has an imperfect grasp of policy would be unfair not only to George W. Bush in 1999 but also to Britney Spears in 1999. Herman Cain seems like someone who, quite frankly, has never opened a newspaper.

But I suspect Cain’s flubs are unrelated to intelligence. In 2010, Julian Sanchez of the Cato Institute set off a lively debate by suggesting conservatives had fallen prey to “epistemic closure,” a fancy way of saying that they were getting all their information and opinions exclusively from one another. This may or may not be true of the conservative movement. But it is certainly true of Herman Cain.

“I can honestly say that if I hadn’t been on the radio, I wouldn’t have been as familiar with the issues as I am now,” Cain has written. “I believe that having that program was God’s way of forcing me to understand the critical issues confronting our nation.”

In short, Cain’s briefings on politics came from heated right-wing callers on talk radio. “Epistemic closure” is probably too mild a term for such conditions."

Based on the junk circulating on talk radio, of either political persuasion, it seems we are fortunate Cain's meteor is losing altitude.

That brings us to the new leader in the flavor-of-the-week race to find the best alternative to Romney: Newt. That he is even still in the race is amazing to me, after his ill-advised June vacation to the Greek Isles prompted a mass exodus of most of his campaign staff. But, in his own words, '“I told somebody at one point, ‘This is like watching Walton or Kroc develop Walmart and McDonald’s.’” — Newt Gingrich, on his own presidential campaign.'

With an ego like that, the 'idea man' of the GOP is liable to come through with some innovative, risk-taking, maybe a little off-the-wall initiatives, right? His latest is a doozy: putting poverty-striken children to work as janitors in their schools. Ok, Newt. Good luck with that one.

Maybe Mitt's the guy after all.

I thought this was interesting, and presented in a cool way:

A beautiful video of Earth from space:

Earth from Michael König on Vimeo.

Time Lapse View from Space, Fly Over
NASA, ISS

I love watching lightning strikes from above. Very cool.

Videos for Saturday

2011-12-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

Try not to get a headache from the overwhelming cuteness:

They're the modern day Penn and Teller: Rosie just sits there, mute, deer-in-the-headlights like you'd imagine a 5 year old might, while her 8 year old cousin, the incredibly bubbly Sophia Grace, does all the talking.

This is funny too:

Daddy butter? Left handed washing glove? Mormon disco ball? Ron Paul workout video?

Dogs are the best:

Occupy...

2011-11-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

This is surreal (wait for the 2:30 mark):

Hard to believe this kind of thing happens in the US, what with the right to peaceably assemble, which it appears that unthreatening group of 15 or so UC Davis students is doing. Here's an interesting read, which espouses sympathy for the pepper-spray triggerman, a Lt. John Pike, not for his sadistic, reckless hosing of peaceful young people, but for now becoming the personification for a broken system. The militarization of police forces, let alone campus police forces (!), has gotten out of hand, resulting in incidents like this one, where the response vastly outweighs any, if any, crime committed.

And here's the UC Davis chancellor walking to her car that night, and the students responding with a super-creepy glare of silence. Uber effective.

Delish!

Here's another compilation of links with some commentary on the protests, the over-reaction by many police forces, how these occasions of civil unrest compare to other times in American history (see: 1960s), and the irony that the police officers brutalizing these protestors, deservedly so or not, are the very public employees losing their jobs and their pensions due to the corporate greed and malfeasance that the people are protesting in the first place.

And finally, here's a bit more perspective on the 99% vs. 1% protest. Turns out that 99 number might be a tad low.

So that's disappointing...

2011-11-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

Geron, the first company to have an embryonic stem cell clinical trial approved by the FDA, is closing the trial in order to focus its efforts (and $$$) on cancer therapies. Hmmm...so that's a bummer. Obviously, more people suffer from cancer than from SCI so the market to recoup R&D dollars is bigger, but for such a high profile, famous trial to pull the plug is disheartening and can't be good PR for the Cure SCI movement.

Silver lining? There are plenty of other therapies progressing everyday, now research monies and charitable gifts won't continue going to a therapy that doesn't work, etc., but this still hurts.

To cheer you up:

2011-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

No predictions from me today, just a hope that we can get off the schneid and go into our final 2 home games with some positive momentum. Go Blue!

Some weekend entertainment:

Most newsworthy thing on the USS Carl Vinson since they dumped bin Laden. Too bad Sparty couldn't come through. Pumped for college hoops!

Oops indeed, Rick. Your campaign is done.

$4.3 million for this? Really? World's most expensive photograph seems kinda boring.

Gotta get this for the Bo-ster!

Working 2 Walk 2011

2011-11-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few great blog posts from the 2011 Working 2 Walk conference, held in Rockville Maryland October 16-18.

The first is a breakdown of many of the speakers, with a refreshing amount of the author's opinions thrown in. There were several promising presenters at the conference, therapies which offer promise moving forward, but also several disappointments, organizations that are either hung up by the FDA bureaucracy or spinning their wheels wasting time and money on therapies unlikely to succeed.

One company, InVivo, shows promise, with a therapy that creates a sort of scaffold to bridge the damage in the spinal cord and fill in the gaps with stem cells. I admire the founder's tenacity, which you can watch below, and it's obvious it will take people like this to get this thing cured once and for all.

The second post is a blow by blow breakdown, kind of haphazardly posted but available, on the Care Cure blog. Ironically, Dr. Wise Young, a hero of the SCI community and founder of the CC site, comes in for some criticism in the first link I posted for his trials currently occurring in China. Basically, there's no evidence that what he's doing in China, umbilical cord stem cells combined with lithium pills, is working. So that's disappointing.

So for the 'cure warriors', as that first link calls us, the news is both good and bad. Progress is occurring, albeit it plodding, due to both structural and scientific problems. There is a lot of hope, smart people, funding, prayer - all you should need, which means this is just a matter of time... but when that time is, no one knows. For now...I dunno, buy stock in InVivo and hope the FDA quits dragging their feet long enough to get some of these trials moving. (And here, not overseas, where all the good researchers are headed to escape the hyper-strict policies in the U.S.)

Best of Halloween 2011 and Other Links

2011-11-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Big game today on the road - Iowa lost last week to a terrible Minnesota team, so they'll be extra motivated this week. Add that to a tough stadium and a pink visitor's locker room, and this game could be more difficult than previously thought. Hopefully not that tough - Michigan 31, Iowa 20.

A good read - Steve Jobs' eulogy, by his sister.

The Danger Zone indeed.

Pretty cool.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
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Global warming is real, Tea Partiers, get over it.

2011-10-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

Cute doggie.

Yesterday's game was not quite as good as this one, but was pretty fun nonetheless.

The Best They Have To Offer?

2011-10-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Mitt Romney is considered the GOP frontrunner for president. Does he have the nomination locked up already? Let's start by examining his competition:

Sarah Palin? She and her big bus are headed back to Alaska, thank God.

Chris Christie? He and his big butt are staying in New Jersey. (He'd be a compelling general election candidate but is far too moderate to get the nomination in the first place.)

Herman Cain? You've undoubtedly heard of his 9-9-9 plan. Well, have you heard how bad it is? He is basically just on a promotional tour for a new book anyway (ala Newt.)

Bachmann and Paul? Too out-there. Santorum? Really? I mean, really?

That leaves his presumptive biggest rival, Rick Perry. Well...

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
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I think we've had our fill of Texas guv'nahs, but someone out there disagrees: Perry is leading the all-important fundraising battle, slightly edging out Romney, while they both are far clear of the rest of the field.

Perry has the conservative bonafides to win this, but his biggest problem seems to be himself. On reputation, he's a slam dunk nominee, but his debating incompetence has prevented him from rising to Romney's level in the polls. His new strategy of just not saying anything may slow his slide, but is it a way to gain ground?

Maybe. And that's because Romney, who's basically been campaigning since 2007, has been treading water since then, unable to gain any popularity among Republican voters. Evangelical Christians are a huge constituency of likely primary voters, and they still are wary of Romney and the whole Mormon thing. Oh and in 1994, he was ardently pro-choice, but now has apparently changed his mind. Too bad for him Youtube was invented. That that baggage hasn't sunk him already is a credit to his other strengths as a candidate. But it's that combined with his moderate views on the bailouts, taxes, and healthcare that may yet doom him in the primaries, clearing a path for Perry to Texas two-step his way to the nomination. (The irony of Mitt's moderate views is that they would boost him greatly in a general election. But the early primaries, particularly Iowa and South Carolina, lean hard to the right, and liberal orthodoxy like bailing out too-big-to-fail banks and raising taxes on the wealthy and providing healthcare to each and every American will not fly in those states.)

So is it Perry then? Well, it's gotta be somebody. These two have a few (thousand) debates left in the months remaining before the primary season starts to perfect their own unique message and shore up their bastions of support, before America decides which of them will take on Obama next November. It's shaping up to be an interesting fall.

Rough Game Yesterday, But It's OK (tear)

2011-10-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

This doesn't do justice to how high up in the clouds we were. I didn't even notice Michigan was in white pants until the 2nd quarter.

Another year, another disappointing outcome in the battle for state bragging rights. It's hard to pinpoint one play that turned the game around and crushed the spirits of Blue supporters, but the fourth and 1 on MSU's 10 that resulted in a 10 yard sack instead of a game-tying touchdown halfway through the fourth quarter might be the one. Instead of, I don't know, tripping on your own feet and falling forward for the first down, they inexplicably faked a hand-off and left Denard exposed to another blitzing Spartan, disguised beneath that hideous uniform. Giving credit where it's due, Dantonio and his coaching staff prepared a masterful defensive gameplan, blitzing and overloading our offensive line, and pressuring Denard to the point where he was knocked out of the game for the first time all year. For all his faults (calling Jim Tressel a tragic hero instead of a blatant cheater, allowing players to be released from jail and practice that same day while claiming to be an integrity-filled disciplinarian, generally being a grouch, etc.) the guy can coach defensive football.

All is not lost for the 132nd team in Michigan football history. A well-timed bye week will allow them to heal and rest, and prepare for the remaining 5 games that will define this season as a failure ala the past three years or as the first step in a return to the top of college football.

Speaking of college football: here's a must read first-hand update on the paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand. The title alone says it all: 'Paralyzed football player Eric LeGrand believes he will walk'. It was eerie reading it, as I remember being in his exact position, moving from in-patient rehab towards exercise-based physical therapy. He's now starting to do the things I've been doing for three years, and it's exciting to see some publicity out there for someone fighting to get there mobility back. I wish him, and all of us, the ultimate success of getting of our butts and out into the world again.

Great Video

2011-10-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a great video from CBS News. The doctor at the 3:35 mark encapsulates my motivation for training so hard in a neat, little sentence. Basically, until there is a cure, why don't we get people up and walking and exercising, so when the cure does arrive, they're ready. Makes perfect sense to me - I'm gonna be ready.

And now, some funny pictures:

Ummm...

Please, God.

Possessed.

Best friends.

Verlander For MVP, and Other Good Reads

2011-10-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

Party time!

If you're like me, you've, against your better judgment, been staying up late the past week watching the Detroit Tigers take on and defeat, in nail-devouring fashion, the New York ~~Overpaid~~ Yankees. The series win was truly a team effort, with huge contributions from unlikely sources: Max Scherzer, Joaquin Benoit, Don Kelly, and Ramon Santiago. The superstars, like Miguel Cabrera and my pick for AL MVP Justin Verlander (why shouldn't it go to him? He had the best season for a pitcher in a decade, several other top candidates (on the Boston Red Sox) just had the biggest wildcard collapse in baseball history, and he throws 100 mph in the 9th inning. C'MON MAN!), both played well, but haven't been the headliners they were from April to September. Without Cabrera and Verlander, and to a lesser extent Victor Martinez, this team would belong down with the Clevelands and Minnesotas of the baseball world (ie. 3rd place, ugh) instead of 4 wins from a berth in the World Series, and we'll need them to excel to have a chance against Texas' potent offense. Tigers in 6.

This is a little old, and I've been meaning to link to it for a while, as it is a both historical and remarkable read. A behind-the-scenes account of the hunt for Osama bin Laden, this New Yorker reporter has details so specific they've been accused of being exaggerated and/or fabricated (he either did a bunch of in-depth debriefs with notoriously tight-lipped Navy SEALs or has been reading too much Tom Clancy). Either way, it's a fascinating look at an important day in American history.

Another behind-the-scenes look at a newsmaking event of 2011, this retelling of a group of survivors of the Joplin, Missouri tornado is a well-written and emotionally impactful read.

Why read when you can watch:

An inspiring tale of survival.

An excellent question.

Rest In Peace Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

The legendary CEO passed away Wednesday at age 56. Think about how the products he invented and their effect on your life - the iPod, iPhone, iPad...how about the personal computer? A product he first created in 1976, you now can't live your life without it. If the measure of a man is in his legacy, in the mark he left on his fellow human beings and the world in which they live, then Jobs was a remarkable, unforgettable person. And I'm a PC guy!

Here's a recent, very personal look at the man, the myth, the legend himself.

UPDATE: This man truly was a genius. Here are some of his best quotes - the one where he predicts the impact of the Internet in 1985 is the best.

2011-10-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

Rock on

Headed down pretty soon for the 5th installment in our ~~September~~ October in Ann Arbor series. This looks to be another romp - look for Denard to throw the ball better (maybe rack up 200 yards passing and 100 rushing), the defense to be aggressive (a few sacks would be nice), and for me to be cold (an average of roughly 3 shivers per minute is expected). Prediction: UM 35, Minn 10.

Celebrity Sighting!

2011-09-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

On the left, no, that's not Kramer from Seinfeld, it's Cramer from Grand Rapids. On the right however, is Jeremy Gallon, hero of the Notre Dame victory, #10 in your programs and #1 in your hearts. Or at least just my mom's, who proclaimed him "one of my favorites", adding to a list of what must now include a baker's dozen Wolverines.

4 down, 1 more to go in this unique season-opening homestand. It's been kind of exhausting hitting the road every Saturday morning and returning under cover of darkness, but this is not me complaining - I've loved every second. There's nothing quite like watching a game at the Big House and I can't wait for Saturday when we get to do it again.

A Michigan Retrospective: 3-0 So Far...

2011-09-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

Michigan tailgates - fun for all ages!

So many great videos resulted from these first three games - these two are my favorite:

Great music, great visuals - both played during the pregame ceremony before the 'Under the Lights' extravaganza. It took several days after the game for the events of that day to sink in and achieve the proper significance. Pregame ceremony honoring Desmond, a flyover featuring a very slow moving plane (seemingly slower than Denard), a first half where it seemed we'd be blown out, 2 parachuters dropping onto the field during the halftime show, and then a 4th quarter comeback the drama of which will never be duplicated. 3 touchdowns in the final 1:08 of game time? The wheelchair accessible platform I watch the game from in the student section felt close to collapse after the final touchdown, there were so many people celebrating on it.

I've seen some amazing games at the Big House: a Rose Bowl-clinching whooping of OSU in '03 (our last Buckeye victory until...this year?), the triple OT comeback over Sparty in '04, Mario Manningham's last second touchdown to beat Penn St in '05, Tate Forcier's (remember him?) heroics to beat ND in '09...but I don't think any of them can match the up and down, back and forth, roller coaster of emotions felt during the game on 9/10/11.

During the pregame ceremony, they also had a 10 billion pixel camera taking a 360 degree image of the whole stadium. You could then zoom in on yourself in the stands and feel cool....or something. Unless during the split second the photo was taken you're sitting down or in the bathroom or picking your nose...

In the very center of this picture, you may recognize several people...There's a kid raising his right (in salute to the marching band?) and in the space between his head and his elbow is a Cheshire grin known and loved around these parts. Or the camera caught her during one of her patented Mega Sneezes.

So the first 3 games resulted in one epic win over a bitter rival, and two dicey starts-turned blowouts over directional schools. Spontaneity is fun and all, but hopefully in the next few weeks, they can play well for a full four quarters and let the spectators relax a little bit. Today brings to town a solid San Diego St. team, ironically the former home of much of our coaching staff, and it'd be nice to get on them early and not let up. But I have a feeling, with this team, we'll never lack for excitement.

Pretty Boy Floyd vs. Money Mayweather

2011-09-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

Even more questionable than his knockout punches were those shorts. Halloween come early?

That's what the fight has always been, spelled out well in this article. The preternaturally gifted native of Grand Rapids is rarely challenged in the ring, vanquishing his hand-chosen challengers as easily as he places a 50K bet at the Vegas casinos he now calls home. It really is a shame that he's developed such an unlikeable, albeit entertaining, persona - he truly is a wunderkind in the ring, a master of strategy and defense who rarely takes any punishment and dishes it out so quickly and suddenly you often can't see it until the instant replay. He could easily take his well-deserved place in the uppermost echelon of boxing history that he desires so badly, if only his ego didn't keep getting in the way. He wants to retire undefeated so badly he's been accused of ducking his most dangerous potential opponents, (ie. Manny Pacquiao, a fight that hopefully, hopefully happens. It would be one of the top 3 hyped fights of all time, guaranteed. Each fighter would stand to make $40 million - does Floyd love money enough to make this happen? Stay tuned.) when, ironically, his only chance of garnering the place in history his ego requires is to fight and beat the best fighters of his generation. Stand pat and retire undefeated as a second tier champ vs. take the fight the world wants to see, and either emerge as a legend or as someone willing to compete against the best. Seems like an easy decision, but 'Money' Mayweather doesn't make anything easy these days, at least when he's out of the ring.

In Floyd's defense, the interviewer is insane, but here's an example of his mouth being faster than even his fists. And no way Larry Merchant at age 30 would whup Floyd's ass.

Walking Yesterday - Another Great Day!

2011-09-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Walked a ton on Friday, more than usual. Look closely at Sandy's hands - instead of applying a lot of pressure to help me keep my hips and legs in a vertical position, she's barely pushing at all. I'm holding my hips up myself, using more of my lower back than I thought I was able to. It was definitely a challenge but it felt great, and receiving the trainers' congratulations afterwards felt even better.

Bonus:

So handsome...I mean, cool shoes.

Michigan vs Notre Dame Preview

2011-09-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

Well, the game we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. 9/10/11, Under the Lights, the first official night game in Michigan Stadium history. (There have been games that extended into the night, by means of overtime and whatnot, but tomorrow's 8pm start is by far the latest kickoff time.)

Something happened last week to get 'ol Brian very angry. Stay classy, Brian.

I've got about 20 friends from undergrad coming in for the game, to join 114K of my other closest friends, for what will surely be the highest attendance ever at a football game. As for predictions? This is a tough one. I'm still wary of our defense's ability to stop anyone after Western carved them up in last week's first half. Some choice halftime adjustments led to better second half play, but this ND team is very talented and well-coached, by the Bob the Tomato impersonator you see above. Denard will have to play a monster game, not quite equaling his breakout performance from last year, but close. It will likely come down to turnovers (last week's tally - UM:0, ND:5), and being at home with a sure to be well-lubricated crowd, I like our chances there.

Denard has 150 yards each rushing and passing, and Michigan wins 24-20. (Dear God, don't let it come down to a field goal.)

This year's hype video...pretty cool when it's on an HD screen the size of a house.

Last week's marching band halftime performance.

Michigan Preview

2011-09-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

The long-awaited day has finally arrived. After 9 months of predictions, speculation, and day dreams, the 2011 college football season will be born today, a possibly rainy September afternoon. But the rain won't deter 100,00 strong from rooting on the Wolverines as a new era begins in Ann Arbor, one hopefully more successful than the last. The return of tradition, power running football, and WINS starts today in the Big House.

Slightly cheesy, but catchy enough, and by a local band, so it warrants adoption.

Me and the inimitable voice of Michigan football Frank Beckmann.

Awkward...

Come 8pm September 10th...

Irish Destruction!

Heisman winner, future Heisman winner?

Making band cool.

Yup.

Their shirts say, "I'm too pretty to go to Michigan."

Riggghhtttt...don't think so.

A New Walking Video, plus some bonuses...

2011-08-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

This was last Friday, although I wish I had footage from therapy today - there are good days, and bad days, and today was definitely a good day. Sometimes, the spasms and stiffness in my legs and hips are too stubborn to resemble anything close to a smooth gait, and occasionally, like today, they cooperate and I can use the spasms and tone to my advantage. For now, check out this stroll through the gym, and I'll try to get some more footage soon.

Now, bonus video:

Skyliners Paris trailer from sebastien montaz-rosset on Vimeo.
Soon, I'll be doing this. On second thought...

Mackenzie in 20 years. (On the left, not the right.)

Squished! "Mom, whatever you do, don't break wind!"

Awwwwwwwwwwww....

Humans tricking animals, especially in costume form, never fails to amuse me.

Agreed.

You've got mail!

Jon Asleep

2011-08-26T05:19:00.000-07:00

From the recent O'Loughlin family reunion...a few rum and cokes and Jon's out like a light.

Walking Last Week

2011-08-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

Astute observers will notice something different between this latest video and previous videos I have posted. New wardrobe? Nope, same stylish clothes. Ability to levitate? Nah, gravity keeps dragging me down. Any more guesses? We flipped the walker around, so the blue bar is behind rather than in front of me. This subtle change actually makes a large improvement in my posture and my ability to lock my legs into extension and then initiate pulling them forward. (Compare to walking from May.) Without the bar in front, risk of epic faceplant increases, but my core is strong enough to balance and stay in position without it, so who needs that crappy little bar? Not this guy!

It is now easier for the trainers to assist my legs through the stepping motion; in trainer jargon, we've moved from "max assist" to "min-mod assist", so if you speak trainer, you'll know what that means. For those non-cultured English-only speakers, it means I am continuing to make progress, and that is all the motivation I need.

-----
On a related note, from the excellent Reeve Foundation research blog comes a post entitled "NRN Data: Activity-based Training=Functional Recovery". The research, done by the NeuroRecovery Network (NRN), a collaboration of 7 centers that offer activity-based rehab in a clinical environment, focuses on benefits from locomotor training to ASIA C and D patients (people with sensory and motor function below their level of injury. I'm technically ASIA A but (profanity-alert) f*** that, doctors don't know sh**, amiright?). Basically, this puts into published form what was already known: locomotor training (what I am doing) works and can help someone with an SCI regain function, sensation, and movement. Good enough for me.

------
The 3rd annual CSCIR (my gym) golf outing is upcoming - August 22nd at Blythefield CC, 1pm shotgun start for all you golfers out there. Let me know and I can email you a form to sign up to play, or if you simply would like to support scholarships for those un- or under-insured who wish to walk again someday. Thanks and God Bless!

25 days 'til Big Blue kicks off! Can't wait!

Debt Ceiling Aftermath

2011-08-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

Well, that was fun. A deal was finally reached, after months of negotiations and partisan bickering, and almost no one is happy with it. Congress is at a record high 82% disapproval rating, a well deserved rebuking that affects Republicans slightly more than Democrats, but basically puts them all in the same intransigent boat. Obama fares a bit better, receiving even 46-47% disapproval/approval ratings, although his performance hasn't been stellar. His 'leading from behind' strategy, where he hovers above the fray, and occasionally swoops in at the last minute has proved ineffectual and has effectively squandered possible advantages in debates over Libya, the economy, and the debt-ceiling. He and his cohort, as Jon Stewart describes about 3/4 of the way through the video below, are either poor, poor negotiators, or simply underestimated the crazy emitting from the other side's caucus:

The Daily Show - Dealageddon! - A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Compromise
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

But yes, Republicans were willing to threaten default up until the 11th hour, and look where that has us now: S&P downgraded US debt for the first time in history. How this will affect the economy remains to be seen, but it can't be good, as you've seen the DJIA drop 1500 points in a week and a half. So now that the Tea Party has won, passing a debt reduction deal with no tax increases, what will they do to celebrate?

The Daily Show - Daily Show: Dealageddon! - A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Compromise - Tea Party No-Win
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Before that trip to colonial Williamsburg (a great town by the way, delicious peanut soup), the next item on their agenda is a balanced budget amendment. At face value, this seems like a no-brainer. All the states have semblances of a similar amendment, and it will force the feds to live within their means. But it's not that simple (so the Palin/Bachmann types might have had this sail over their heads). Typically, revenues and expenditures run about 18 or 19% of our $14 trillion GDP. During the Great Recession (which technically ended in 2009, but whose ugly cousin Douple-Dipper may be coming to visit soon), revenues shrank to around 15% of GDP, while spending, what with the stimulus, increased entitlement payments due to aging boomers and social safety net spending like unemployment insurance, rose to around 23%. A balanced budget amendment would require that 23% number be cut to line up with wherever that 15% number ended up. That means in every future recession, the federal government will be unable to respond and do what only the federal government can: replace diminished consumer demand, stimulate a weakened economy with tax cuts and deficit spending, and respond to the needs of the laid-off or sick, who otherwise must simply fend for themselves until the economy recovers, which as we're currently experiencing, can take years.

We shouldn't be surprised by the extreme actions taken by the Tea Prty congresspeople; after all, they're simply doing what they said they'd do, which, in other circumstances, would be a breath of fresh air in a place as corrupted as Washington. But, bottom line, what they're trying to do is wrong and harmful for our country's future.

A Series of Beautiful Short Films

2011-08-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

I came across these videos on a friend's Facebook page, and thought they were great. Beautifully shot,
and able to demonstrate their mission with only footage, editing and music.
The description under each video on Vimeo said: 3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ....into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films.....

Which is your favorite?

Eat.

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Learn.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Move.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Negotiations of Various Importance

2011-07-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Everything in life is a negotiation - with yourself, over what time to go to bed or what to have for dinner (pizza or fish? No brainer!); with others, over who got there first or who cut the other off (Road rage!); or even with your Higher Power, at whom you declare that life isn't fair, or that He never hears your prayers. Your behavior in the midst of these daily negotiations determines and demonstrates what kind of person you are, the inner you that surfaces when you are stressed and at your most vulnerable. Are you a pushover? An ass? A sweetheart? A hard bargain? There are two high profile negotiations taking place right now, each with large amounts of money and pride at stake, but with widely varying repercussions if the bargaining were to go sour.

The first is the NFL lockout, termed to be the billionaires (the owners) vs. the millionaires (the players). The owners locked the players out over 4 months ago, after the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the player's union, and they have been negotiating ever since over issues such as a salary cap, a rookie wage scale, and the ability of teams to hold onto their free agent players. The conventional wisdom was that the owners would inevitably win, that the players would fold once they realized their checks weren't coming anymore. The players have held tough, and the talks have dragged on, to the horror of that all-important third constituency: those affected by the negotiations' results, but who don't have a seat at the table - the fans. The NFL has long been America's most popular sport, and with over $9 billion in revenues, that's a big pie to divvy up. It's also a viciously physical and dangerous sport, and one can see why the players would want a bigger chunk of that pie for putting their bodies on the line week after week. It appears that these negotiations will conclude this week, much to the relief of all parties involved, finishing just in front of the point after which the lockout would affect preseason games, and the $250 million in revenue each week of the preseason brings in. The NFL lockout has been contentious, thanks to the money involved and the existential nature of some of the players' concerns, but ultimately, reason will win out, and football will be played again very soon. After all: it's just a game.

The second negotiation making headlines recently is the battle over the debt ceiling being raged in Washington. I've been meaning to write about this quagmire for a while now, but for the past few weeks it seems a new development has occurred almost every day, with House Republicans obstinately digging in their heels, or President Obama walking (or storming, depending on where you get your news) out of a negotiating meeting. Where this negotiation differs from the aforementioned NFL lockout is this deal involves a hell of a lot more money, and this ain't just a bunch of guys in costumes hitting each other. Every serious commentator (most GOP presidential candidates obviously excluded) says that if August 2nd, the date after which the US can no longer pay all of its bills, comes and the debt ceiling has not been raised, there will be an economic catastrophe. Moody's and Standard & Poor's, the leading credit rating agencies, have issued warning after warning about the seriousness, and stupidity, of not raising the debt ceiling. So why hasn't it been raised yet? Isn't this a no brainer? Well, I guess welcome to politics in the year 2011, where it's more about making the other guy look bad then doing something necessary for your country.

This editorial sums up succintly and professionally my thoughts on the matter. President Obama has come to the table in seemingly good faith, offering up former sacred cows of the Democratic Party, knowing he must cave in to cuts on entitlements and other spending to make a deal. He's offered deals ranging from $1.5 trillion in cuts over 10 years, to an almost $4 trillion "Grand Bargain", packaged with various tax reforms that still keeps the ratio at over 3 to 1, cuts to increases. Speaker of the House John Boehner's eyes undoubtedly lit up when he heard any of those deals, as they would provide historic deficit reduction. Obama coming to meet him, making unsolicited cuts, handing them to him on a silver platter, making his job easy. But Boehner couldn't accept any of these deals, and he still won't. Why? Because this is not a normal GOP. (Tragically, it's not. The Tea Party has pulled it way to the right, so much that even Ronald Reagan, GOP patron saint, would be unelectable in 2012. After all, he raised taxes several times, and basically invented the budget deficit.)

Instead of gleefully accepting that deal and going down in history as a deficit-cutting conservative hero, Boehner has had his leadership wrested from him by his right hand man, the smug and smarmy majority whip Eric Cantor. Cantor has taken on the mantle of the Tea Party, and intoxicated on whatever swill they hand out at their meetings, has declared he will accept no tax increases, not even taxing billionaires' private jets, and has refused to budge one iota from that stance. With much of the House freshmen behind him, he continues to stand his ground and thus almost singlehandedly pushes America closer and closer to a devastating default. The members of his caucus seem to not even care about their constituents any more, so married are they to their broken ideology: the vast majority of Americans favor President Obama's approach, with a mix of spending cuts and tax increases, with an emphasis towards making more cuts. 71% of Americans in a recent poll blame the GOP for the current stalemate, while Obama escapes with a mere 48% disapproval.

The latest Tea Party gambit is perhaps their most sinister, and at this late stage of the game, when the fear of default should be motivating everyone with a pulse towards conciliation, blatantly partisan. Taking up valuable Congressional debate time this week is a balanced budget amendment, which on the surface seems like common sense, but has zero chance to become law. A balanced budget? That sounds great, right? Well, imagine if we had had to balance the budget during the Great Recession - when revenues shrunk from around 19% of GDP to just over 14% of GDP, spending would have had to have been cut proportionately. Say goodbye to unemployment insurance, TARP, most of the country’s investment banks, GM, the list goes on.

An amendment like this undoubtedly would have turned the Great Recession into something far worse. (A point of information: not once during the 16 years of the Reagan or Bush II presedencies were the budgets balanced. Hell, the debt ceiling was raised 7 times under Dubya alone. Granted, for less coin (usually $800 billion or so) than we need now (nearly $2.4 trillion to last until the end of 2012), but where was this reckless adherence to ideology then? Is spending only okay when a Republican is doing it, when his conservative rhetoric distracts from his actual actions?)

The forgotten constituency, just like the fans in the case of the NFL lockout, is the American public. We can do nothing but sit and chew our nails as our politicians, ostensibly working on our behalf, posture and preen and fail to make decisions, threatening our entire way of life. It'd be nice to balance the budget, pay down some debt, get out from under the chopstick of the Chinese, but the way to do that is to grow the economy, something which is hard to do when you're taking trillions out of it. There's an end in sight for this fiscal disaster, but only once people in Washington realize this is real life we're talking about, not some game where grown men run around in costumes with a funny shaped ball.

4th of July Highlight

2011-07-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend of the 4th, per tradition, on the turquoise blue waters of Walloon Lake in Petoskey with our dear friends the Smith's. 14 people, 6 dogs, 2 games of charades, many waterskiing wipeouts for Jon. Enjoy.

Good reads, and an Amazing Video

2011-07-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hopefully you're aware of the great spinal cord research breakthrough (I linked to it last month) of the quadriplegic who can stand independently and wiggle his toes, after having epidural stimulation implants inserted into his lower spine. The stimulation serves to rewire his circuits, so to speak, and is an exciting development in a fast paced and crucial area of research. Here is another link that can potentially answer all of your questions on the procedure, what it really does, and its potential in the future. A sample Q&A:

This technology will really only help the 10 to 15 percent of people with spinal cord injury who are basically about to regain the ability to walk a short distance using walkers or braces.

This comment understates the potential population that could benefit from epidural stim. It came from a prominent M.D., Ph.D. in the SCI field who makes reference to the cohort of very incompletely injured ASIA C and D folks who are already close to walking, assuming that they would benefit -- right now -- from epidural stim implants. While it may be the case that a stim unit could hasten their walking, the potential benefits extend well beyond the small number of almost-walking folks.

Good News!

I found this to be an interesting editorial, and highly relevant as well as it relates to both the healthcare reform and budgetary debates currently raging across the country. Medical researchers are constantly on the hunt for that next miracle drug, but the pace at which discoveries are made is often plodding and usually results in tremendous costs incurred in the R&D phase, which are then passed on to end users in the form of 5-figure price tags on medicines. And far too often, these drugs take an immense physical toll on an already weakened patient, and result in but a few months of added life. Therein lies the question: is a $90,000 per cycle drug worth taking if it gives you 3 months at best of added agony? Obviously it is no one's decision to make but the patient's own (lest Sarah Palin crow about 'death panels'), but if Medicare, the $700 billion gorilla caught in the middle of the current budget quagmire, is truly to be reformed and see serious cost reductions, ultra-expensive drugs that carry little to no benefit should be on the chopping block. Everyone should have the option of pursuing whatever course of treatment they and their doctor agree upon, but 100% on the taxpayer's dime? I don't think so.

Amazing whale rescue....best part starts around the 7 minute mark.

Clark Retirement Community LipDub from Clark LipDub on Vimeo.

Another GR Lipdub that went viral. This apparently took 8 takes to get perfect. See, old people can be cool too!

Amazing US Soccer Win

2011-07-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

I can't profess to be a big women's soccer fan, but as with other sports, I try to tune in during the biggest events, when that sport is on the world's stage. Usually, I'll catch highlights here and there, monitoring my favorite player or team's progress until they either make it to the high stakes games, which I'll actually watch, or they are eliminated, after which I'll cease watching, unless there's a hottie on a remaining team or something (Hello, Sweden!). I sure am glad I was watching Sunday morning for the US Women's match against mighty Brazil, which was for my money one of the most exciting sporting events I've ever seen.

Soccer is a game prone to incredible amounts of tension; goals are rare, especially in games of this importance, but can come at any time, requiring only a few well timed passes or a fatal defensive error. The tendency towards 0-0 or 1-0 scoreboards can make watching soccer on DVR impossible, as an impatience for scoring can compel speeding through the entire game to watch only the goals. But watching it live is another thing entirely, that unfulfillable desire to fast-forward to the good parts serving instead to heighten the tension, because you don't know when the good parts are coming, or how many there will be, or if there will be any at all. Well, there was a good part early on Sunday morning, followed by a few (referee-assisted) bad parts, before concluding with a barrage of fantastic parts that made for an exciting and dramatic finish that people will be talking about for years to come. And to think, this is only the quarterfinals. Get the Cup, ladies!

British announcers make everything seem cooler.

A Mea Culpa, and A Few Good Reads

2011-06-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

I've determined I'd much rather read than write, which has as much to do with simple laziness as it does with the quality of what I'm reading. Sports, politics, gossip, the politics of sports, the sport of politics, gossip about politicians and athletes...you get the idea. Much of what I read is trash, worth nothing, placed before my eyes to glean one or two nuggets and then be clicked away in favor of the next page, and whatever triviality lives there. But I also come across some great things, fascinating things, that make my search worthwhile. Reading is learning, and encountering that new idea, that new thing, that makes me want to get to the end as soon as possible but also never get there is what it's all about.

Here are a few items that are worth checking out:
A courageous first person account of the author's life as an undocumented, illegal immigrant, who was brought to America as a pre-teen and has lived in fear of deportation to a land he can't even remember ever since. As Congress debates the exceedingly worthy DREAM Act for the umpteenth time, this is especially relevant.

From one of my preferred economics writers is a breakdown of the battle over the deficit currently raging in Washington. Some stark truths: to truly dent deficit, entitlements, not discretionary spending is where the $$$ is; tax increases should be on the table, as average rates are at their lowest since the 1960s; the final package should be a mixture of conservative and liberal ideas; and to slow down rampant healthcare cost inflation, Medicare shouldn't pay for treatments that don't work. For example, read this and try not to rip your hair out.

And now, for the heartwarming: a pair of recently paralyzed college baseball players still were drafted last month. Pretty cool gesture in a sporting world that's usually so cutthroat.

I love the message of hope in this video even more than I do the futuristic product. And the Bond villain accent of the CEO is pretty cool too: "There's no such word as no."

Here's a great clip from the (former) UM strength coach, talking about his work with the paralyzed brother of a UM player. It gets at the basic reason I work out so hard - "No limits".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Jsf6znYH4&feature=BFa&list=FLPg6XHcL_5bE&index=7

Canadians Know How To Riot

2011-06-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

This was a riot the likes of which you don't often see anywhere in the world, let alone a picturesque Canadian seaport. But when there's hockey involved, and you're on the losing side, and you're a hockey-loving Canadian who apparently react very poorly to losing, those are as good of excuses as any to set cars ablaze and generally terrorize major downtown streets. These photos might help tell the story:

Looks like that's right downtown. Geez, mob mentality is a flamable thing...as are cars, apparently.

Eerily reminiscent of the view off the shore of Manhattan after 9/11.

Seriously? The word is this kid is a national team water polo player who has been subsequently suspended.

Wow. Maybe Boston should've just let the Canucks win.

As always, Taiwanese animators have a take on the situation.

But at least one lucky couple was able to find romance amid the fire, riot police and random violence.

All over a hockey game...I must say though, these Canucks put Sparty to shame when it comes to rioting.

Walking Last Week, and Great Therapy News

2011-06-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

And here's some pretty cool news - an unprecedented development in the recovery of a C-7/T-1 paraplegic. After months of intense locomotor therapy (very similar to what I'm doing) and an electrical stimulator surgically implanted in his lower back, this guy was able to fully stand and support his own weight, and even wiggle his toes. So even with a damaged spinal cord up near his neck, stimulation to his lower cord was able to initiate movement - a huge deal. It's good to see training-based therapy validated like this. Good motivation to keep on working too.

Tressel out at tOSU - Bummer Dude!

2011-05-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

Can't say I didn't see this coming - and it's probably a good move for the Buckeyes too, as the removal of Sweatervest may make the inevitable NCAA sanctions a wee bit softer. Believe me, the punishment is still coming though, and whether it's this year or 3-4 years down the line, they will get the penalties they so richly deserve.

It's always tough seeing seemingly squeaky clean sports heroes fall from grace, because it taints their accomplishments, and thus, your memories as well. If they are frauds, am I as well? You spent so much time and energy rooting for what turned out to be a sack of lies; it's like being robbed of a portion of your life. I'm obviously no Tressel fan, but I admired his success and the way in which he achieved it. But whether it's him, or Tiger, Barry Bonds, Pete Rose, Roger Clemens, possibly Lance Armstrong, or any of the many other fallen superstars, their legacies are irreparably damaged, along with the memories of millions of fans.

An interesting point....provocative, if nothing else.

The word is the timing of Tressel's resignation was timed to precede a particularly damaging report set to emerge from Sports Illustrated either Tuesday or Wednesday. I CAN NOT WAIT to see what's in that report.

Amazing photo. Big as a city bus.

The Grand Rapids lip dub - a World Record (for size, length, awesomeness, or something)!

An in-helmet look at playing quarterback. Doesn't look easy.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

This looks like a terrific documentary - I can think of no more deserving group of people. Real life heroes, who fought and died to protect the rights and liberties we so take for granted today, are national treasures and deserve year long praise and admiration. But on the summer day designated especially for them, to honor their sacrifice for us, let's stand up and say thank you.

Adventures of Bo SuperDog Episode 13

2011-05-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Bo has an interesting encounter with an unfriendly, unmoving beast.

Sooooo....right. This is awkward. Seems like May 21 has come and gone and we're still here, living our normal, everyday lives, completely Rapture-free. You thought it was your duty to warn the several thousand Detroit Tigers fans in attendance at this spring training game that 'the end of the world is almost here'? Did God himself whisper this information into your ear while you were deep in meditation or is this whole charade just a ploy to get us to listen to 'Family Radio', whatever 'Family Radio' is? Is FamilyRadio.com one of those sites that draws people in with a wholesome, conservative sounding name, masquerades as a legitimate source of news and opinion, then - BAM - brings the crazy so swiftly and nonchalantly that unwitting passersby might actually take it as fact? Since the only time anyone's ever heard of 'Family Radio' is right now, attached to this totally realistic and well thought out marketing ploy, that sounds like the case. Unfortunately, you guys aren't the only ones peddling such a scheme. (Right, Fox?)
So, in retrospect, the decision to wear this t-shirt advertising the approaching Apocalypse seems rather foolish, right? As it's now May 22 and fire and brimstone is not raining down upon non-believers? What's that? Speak up, you're mumbling...you must have misheard the whispered date and the world will actually end next month? Good grief. Looks like you better print some new t-shirts.

Stem Cell News and Video

2011-05-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

A cool video from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation website. The assisted walking on a treadmill the patients are doing in the video is exactly what I do during therapy, as well as the electrical stimulation bike you can see patients hooked up to.

Also from the Reeve Foundation site - an update on the first ever FDA-approved recipient of embryonic stem cells. You may remember the company, Geron, from the news last year when the trial was given the go ahead; now, it's moving to its second patient. The first recipient of the cells is reporting some sensory improvements, which is a good sign, obviously, and, hilariously, he's signed with an agent to figure out 'how to best tell his story'. Good luck with that, bro.

There is also a report on another drug that's showed promising results in an acute SCI Phase 1 trial. Passing Phase 1 means that the drug is safe and won't make you develop a third arm, or colorblindness, or something; even still, it's a good sign. I'm definitely more interested in treatments of chronic injuries, but the more trials and therapies being developed to combat SCI as a whole, the better.

Stem Cells in the News

2011-05-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

Every time I read a story like this, about someone with a recent spinal cord injury, it's heartbreaking. Not just because I know the acute-care horrors they are facing, from ventilators and crazy nurses to the mind-numbing uncertainty that comes with it all, but because I also know the longer-term struggles, the hopes of recovery that may flicker yet never quite disappear, and the monotony and solitude that can accompany a sedentary life.

It warms my heart, though, to think back on the support and love I received in the aftermath of my injury, and it is my constant hope and prayer that each person I read about is lucky like I was, and still am. Because I have hope, and without that, you have nothing.

But it's news like this which makes my attempts at recovery all the more frustrating. Dr. Sean Morrison, the director of U of M's Center for Stem Cell Biology and a major proponent of Proposal 2, the 2008 ballot measure which amended Michigan's state constitution to allow for embryonic stem cell research, is leaving to take a similar, yet much better funded job in Texas, taking a dozen or so colleagues with him. His departure is thanks in large part to having to "spend the last five to six years arguing with the Legislature about what kind of research would be permitted in the state, while in Texas they were looking for ways to invest billions of dollars into medical research." Cures are cures, no matter what state they originate in, but it bodes poorly for ours if we are having our top talent sniped away from us by those willing to make life-saving investments, while we'd rather argue about the sanctity of a petri dish that's about to be thrown into the garbage anyway.

Don't fret, there are great things happening in terms of research, as this feature in Fast Company attests. But my hope is that researchers continue to cast as wide of nets as possible in their search for cures, and not be dissuaded by the maniacal fringe.

Some levity:

Great Obama impression:

The real Kung-fu Panda:

bin Laden Dead

2011-05-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

To be a fly on the wall in that room...

Time's 'Red X' cover has been used but four times: to mark the deaths of Hitler, Saddam, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, Al-Qaeda's no.3 and the mastermind of the Iraq insurgency, and now bin Laden.

A poignant scene in NYC.

I was about to go to bed Sunday night, around 10:40ish, when I flipped back over to the Times website to quickly scan headlines and queue up any articles I may have missed that day, to be read the next. What I saw, blared across the top in 48-point font, would keep me up for the next couple of hours. 'Osama bin Laden Dead', it yelled. Wow. I had grown skeptical this day would ever come. Assuredly, bin Laden had already died of exposure in the mountains, or been killed by a drone, or a random bomb, his death in itself an act of defiance, denying America the closure and measure of revenge it desperately craved. But no, bin Laden was alive the whole time, living the past 5 years or so in the same town as Pakistan's equivalent of West Point, in a million dollar, highly secure compound. (Hmmmmm...something is rotten in the state of Pakistan.)

Here are a few resources to break down the inevitable questions this momentous occasion creates:

- a New Yorker piece seeks to answer some background questions, like where was he found, who was living with him, and what his death means for the future of al-Qaeda.

- the NYT's newest Op-Ed writer Joe Nocera takes a similar tack, asking if bin Laden's death makes the world safer, in relation to 4 specific areas: The Arab Spring (may help democratic reforms maintain momentum), Afghanistan (may help end quagmire), terrorism (the threat continues, with or without bin Laden), and American-Muslim world relations (still a lot of mistrust on both sides, not helped by NATO campaign in Libya).

- a Washington Post Op-Ed focuses on an interesting consequence as well - the effect of bin Laden's death on Obama's reelection chances. While Democratic candidates typically are considered weak on defense and foreign affairs while being strong on domestic issues, right now Obama is the opposite, making the upcoming campaign a unique and intriguing one.

- From Time, here are two detailed accounts on the successful mission, the first describing the scene in D.C. and the second the scene on the ground in Pakistan. Amazingly, intelligence only deemed the likelihood that bin Laden was even in the compound at between 50 and 80%. Good call, Mr. President. I love the confirmation of bin Laden's presence in the compound: "Visual on Geronimo."

Flower Girl Zombie

2011-05-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

Royal bridesmaid...or the undead? You be the judge...

The Comedian-in-Chief

Obama is a funny dude. He knows how to make fun of himself, and has great timing when delivering a line. Here are other highlights from his speech at the White House Correspondent's Dinner:

The Best of President Obama's Jokes:

On Donald Trump: "Now, I know that he's taken some flak lately but no one is prouder to put this birth certificate matter to rest than The Donald. And that's because he can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter, like, did we fake the moon landing? What really happened in Roswell? And where are Biggie and Tupac? All kidding aside, we all know about your credentials, and your breadth of experience. For example, on a recent episode of Celebrity Apprentice, at the steakhouse, the men’s cooking team did not impress the men from Omaha Steaks. There was lots of blame to go around, but you, Mr. Trump, recognized that the real problem was a lack of leadership. Ultimately, you didn’t blame [rapper] Lil Jon or [singer] Meatloaf, you fired Gary Busey. These are the kinds of decisions that keep me up at night. Well handled, sir! Well handled."

On Michele Bachman: "Michele Bachmann is here. She is thinking about running for president, which is weird because I hear she was born in Canada. Yes, Michele, this is how it starts."

On His Waning Popularity: "[Seth Meyers] is a young, fresh face who can do no wrong in the eyes of his fans. Seth, enjoy it while it lasts ... Matt Damon recently said he was disappointed in my policies. Well, Matt, I just saw The Adjustment Bureau, so right back at you, buddy!”

Host Seth Meyers's Shots:
On Donald Trump: "Trump said he's running as a Republican. Which is surprising: I just assumed he was running as a joke ... Trump owns the Miss USA Pageant, which is great for Republicans because it will streamline the search for a vice president ... [Trump has] said he's got a great relationship with 'the blacks.' Unless the Blacks are a family of white people, I bet he's mistaken."

On The Media: "C-SPAN is one unpaid electric bill away from being a radio station ... Everyone knows how the MSNBC after-party goes: President Obama makes the Kool-Aid and everyone there drinks it ... Brian Williams came to dinner because it has the element he respects the most: cameras."

On Potential 2012 Republican Candidates: "As for a potential Republican field that could include Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich and Trump, that doesn't sound like a field of candidates -- that sounds like season 13 of Dancing with the Stars. And not the stars, the dancers."

On President Obama: "When you were sworn in you looked like the guy from the Old Spice commercials. Now you look like Louis Gosset Sr. If the president’s hair gets any whiter, the tea party is going to endorse it."

Story of the Week

2011-04-29T05:22:00.000-07:00

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG....who cares.

While the Royal Wedding has turned into a national obsession (curiously, Americans care way more about it than even the British do), it has overshadowed what would have been the major news story this week: the tornadoes picking up much of the Deep South and then haphazardly dropping it on its head.

Some of this footage is just incredible:

Sure seems like Mother Earth is angry at something, but no, Pat Robertson, I highly doubt it's the sodomites.

The before and after is crazy. More photos here.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

It seems appropriate, on Easter, the day Jesus rose again and ascended into heaven, to draw attention to the questions raised by Grand Rapids' own Rob Bell, the popular pastor, bestselling author of Love Wins and recent subject of a Time cover story. The book's subtitle, "A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived", hints at it's overall theme (disclosure: I've not read the book, but have followed the news and controversy over it, and am interested in the topics it addresses.) Put simply, it asks: Do you need to be a Christian to get into heaven? Obviously, this question and its subsequent discussion has sparked uproars in churches across America - if you don't need to be a Christian to go to heaven, what's the point of being a Christian? It rocks the very foundation the church is built upon: John 3:16, "that whomever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

But the question Bell presents at the front of the book is an intriguing one - is Gandhi in hell? According to a traditional Christian theology, yes, he is in hell. For that matter, then, of the 7-odd billion persons on Earth at this instant, billions of them are going to hell too. That's hard to accept, but that's what some interpretations of the Bible say. Kinda makes you want to become a missionary.

A quote from the article: "Bell insists he is only raising the possibility that theological rigidity — and thus a faith of exclusion — is a dangerous thing. He believes in Jesus' atonement; he says he is just unclear on whether the redemption promised in Christian tradition is limited to those who meet the tests of the church. It is a case for living with mystery rather than demanding certitude."

We'll just have to find out for ourselves when we get there.

And now: Bears.

Mama, Me, Mac (the chubby one :) ), then Jon.

God Bless the troops. Glad they have time to have at least a little fun.

This is classic. In the immortal words of Bubb Rubb, "Wooo Wooooooooo!"

Update Smorgasbord

2011-04-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

It may seem as if I've been obsessed with The Donald lately, but I confess to merely a fascination with the 2012 presidential race, and with presidential politics in general. And as His Trumpness is currently (statistically at least) leading the race for the GOP nomination, my focus falls squarely on his unfortunately-coiffed head (Learn the secret to his hair here!)

The Donald has been threatening a presidential run since at least 1988, when he took out full page newspaper ads criticizing Reagan's 'coddling of OPEC and Japan'. (Here's a great recent profile of The Donald.) In 2000, when he considered a run on the Reform Party ticket, his platform consisted of such political non-starters as a 14.25% one-time tax on all net worths above $10 million, and a single payer healthcare system. Obviously, he's reversed his political stripes, currently tacking to the far, far right: he favors interventions in Iraq and Libya 'only if we get to keep the oil', and a 25% tariff on all Chinese imports unless the Chinese play fair with their currency. And he has single-handedly brought back the birther furor, an argument no one serious takes seriously - even the great Bill O'Reilly went to the trouble of debunking it:

To be honest, I bet Obama hopes this sideshow continues, as it not only distracts attention, support, and fundraising $$$ away from legitimate Republican candidates, but also threatens to alienate the independent voters the future GOP nominee will need to defeat Obama. To his credit, he's proven he can laugh about the controversy, deftly deflecting it as the craziness it is.

One last anecdote - I came across this and it cracked me up:
From The ADN, April 3, 1993:

Sarah Palin, a commercial fisherman from Wasilla, told her husband on Tuesday she was driving to Anchorage to shop at Costco. Instead, she headed straight for Ivana. And there, at J.C. Penney's cosmetic department, was Ivana, the former Mrs. Donald Trump, sitting at a table next to a photograph of herself. She wore a light-colored pantsuit and pink fingernail polish. Her blonde hair was coiffed in a bouffant French twist. ''We want to see Ivana,'' said Palin, who admittedly smells like salmon for a large part of the summer, ''because we are so desperate in Alaska for any semblance of glamour and culture.''

----------

A therapy update: walking has been great this week. I'm feeling my muscles working well beneath me, and after losing very little strength from my 2.5 month layoff, I've already eclipsed strength and stamina benchmarks from last December. I lost 10 lbs over the winter, resulting in a particularly svelte figure, but I'm working to reverse that by upping my cookie and brownie intake. I'll try to come through with a video soon.

And now, by popular demand:

Sexy Sax Man! (Inspiration from my dear friend Andrew Dominguez, who perhaps wishes he was a sexy sax man.)

A great cultural combination: cellist Yo-Yo Ma and dancer Lil Buck.

And of course, tickling a penguin.

Youtube Hits

2011-04-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

This guy is getting his own show on Oprah's new network. It will be awesome.

Creepy, yet hilarious. I love some good performance art.

Wow, that girl went insane.

Trump 4 Prez?

2011-04-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

This can't possibly be true - 17% of respondents in a recent WSJ poll said they would support him for president. Seriously? It's fairly obvious his whole candidacy is a sneaky attempt to promote his craptastic tv show, but the fact that he's running close with Romney and Huckabee at the top of the prospective GOP field speaks to how pathetic that field is. It also reflects on perhaps the intellect of these survey respondents, but let's not go there. If Donald Trump can actually make some noise in a presidential primary, crowing about birth certificates and how rich he is, then maybe Glenn Beck is right, and this country really is doomed.

A word on that government shutdown we kept hearing about...the fallout will be very interesting to monitor. For now, there's this:

Glenn Beck - You're Fired!

2011-04-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

"Finally! A guy who says what people who aren't thinking, are thinking." - Jon Stewart

Despite losing advertisers and alienating viewers with his cooked-up crazy talk, Fox insisted on keeping Beck around until this week, when it was announced that his show would not continue past this year. Interestingly enough, as the economy improved, patience with Beck's anger and vitriol went in the other direction. People tired of the constant conspiracies and repeated warnings against a New World Order, or a caliphate in the Middle East aligned with the American Left, or Beck's so called 'puppet master', George Soros. I'd like to think this will banish Beck from the airwaves for good, but I'm sure he'll be back in some form or the other, trumpeting more of his 'theories' at the top of his lungs.

New Google Product

2011-04-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

From Google: "The mouse and keyboard were invented before the Internet even existed. Since then, countless technological advancements have allowed for much more efficient human computer interaction. Why then do we continue to use outdated technology? Introducing Gmail Motion -- now you can control Gmail with your body."

I tried it and I must admit, it's pretty awesome. And it is not, I repeat, NOT an April Fool's prank.

The Madness of March

2011-03-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

I am in mourning...for my NCAA tournament bracket, that is. I went chalk this year and pick all number 1 seeds to make the Final Four. What a stupid I am. All of my bravado from the weeks leading up to the tournament is haunting my dreams. Oh well, at least Michigan represented well. And as the 2nd youngest team in the field, we are poised to be wearing dancing shoes come March for years to come. As a season ticket holder during the years we absolutely sucked, I feel like I deserve some sort of compensation - a free t-shirt perhaps? C'MON MAN!

I've been catching up on my reading this month as well, and my past 2 titles have been exceptional. Fast paced, gripping, and accessible, both Unbroken and The Hunger Games are fun and fascinating reads. I highly recommend them both.

It's Opening Day and already the Tigers are in last place?! Let's go guys!

I've been back at the gym and work for a little over a week now, and it's like I never took that little 2.5 month break. I was a little nervous about being out of shape or out of the loop, but I was pleasantly surprised to find I am neither. I lost a little weight, about 9 lbs, so I am working on putting that back on, mostly via the cookie and donut diet. Yummmm.....

Baby elephants are the coolest.

This looks fascinating. Makes me want to travel to every country on Earth.

Florida Recap Part 3: Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2011-03-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

This was a definite highlight of our trip - in the weeks leading up to it, we watched all 7 movies (well, some of us dozed off) to get acclimated as to the ins and outs of Harry Potter, Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and everything else to do with this magical fantasy world. Our expectations were high, and I would say they were met: the park is small and I wished they would have tried to recreate more aspects of the books, but what is there is great and very realistic (it even drizzled as we were entering the park - almost thought I was in London for a second.)

A view from the ride, The Forbidden Journey. The best part is at the 39 second mark.

On Collegiate Athletics

2011-03-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

I'm not exactly nonpartisan when it comes to college sports. I can be as biased as they come. And so my fanhood/borderline obsession with all things Michigan Wolverines may be clouding my reaction to the recent discovery that Coach Jim Tressel, of The Ohio State Buckeyes, not only knew his players were selling memorabilia to a shady local tattoo artist, a violation of NCAA policy, but then lied about this knowledge to NCAA investigators. For someone who recently put out a book entitled "Life Promises for Success: Promises From God on Achieving Your Best” and cultivates an image so squeaky clean and distinguished he's nicknamed 'the Senator' to be caught in a lie as serious as this is astounding. And believe me, this is serious, more serious than the noise emanating from Columbus would let on. The self-imposed punishment (2 games suspension, vs. Akron and Toledo, big whoop!, and $250K, sadly pocket change for a $4 million/year earner) is nowhere near stringent enough; in fact, of the 11 coaches since 2006 found to be in violation of the clause in question, basically lying to NCAA investigators, all 11 were subsequently relieved of their coaching duties.

I don't know if Tressel will be canned; this story is far from over. But I do know, and am heartened by, the knowledge that that shady program down south is finally receiving a long-deserved comeuppance for a preponderance of rule-skirting (See: Maurice Clarett, and 375 self-reported minor rule violations since 2000, by far the most in college football.) Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge Michigan's own well-documented, recent rules violations. Anyone who lumps these two instances together in the same breath, however, is mistaken. Having a coaching staff member monitor stretching on an average of 30 extra minutes per week is not the equivalent of a pre-meditated cover up by your head coach of an NCAA violation by your star quarterback. That's not apples to apples - that's watermelons to blueberries.

(Steps off soapbox...)

Also this week was a fabulous documentary telling the story of Michigan's 'Fab Five'. Infamous and entertaining, provocative and scandal-inducing, the most famous recruiting class in college basketball history did more than nearly win two national championships, then have all their records wiped from the history books: they changed the culture, not only of college hoops but of America, and I'd say for the better. And they popularized baggy shorts, so I didn't have to wear short shorts growing up. Thank God.

More on Japan

2011-03-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

Check out these before and after photos of the Japan earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Whole cities flattened into a kind of post-apocalyptic rubble - hard to stomach.

A domestic consequence to the impending nuclear fallout is the fate of our own nuclear reactors, and prospective nuclear projects. Increasing nuclear power output is something Obama and the Republicans agree about, but anytime there's a nuclear scare it seems to set back the industry years, if not decades. With the price of foreign oil skyrocketing amidst Middle East turmoil, and climate change a very real danger, nuclear power is an attractive alternative. It will be interesting to see if the political will can be maintained to make it happen. Because if Japan can't make a fail-safe nuclear reactor, what with their technological know-how and acknowledged history dealing with nuclear radiation, who can?

Harrowing Tsunami Footage

2011-03-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

An 8.9 magnitude earthquake rocked Japan this morning, and aftershocks are rumbling the northeast part of the country, near Toyko. The quake is the 5th strongest recorded since 1900. Waves are expected to reach Hawaii and even across the Pacific to Oregon. It's said that the waves in the footage above are traveling near 500 mph. I can imagine nothing scarier.

Florida Recap Part 2: Magic Game

2011-03-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

On Friday night, after spending the day at Animal Kingdom, we went to the Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls game in downtown Orlando. Thanks to a dear friend who will remain anonymous lest he get hit up for tickets 24/7, Mac and I sat courtside. I'm talking, on the actual basketball court.

Here's proof:

And here's the view from our seats. It's a unique experience being so close. For one thing, the court looks very small, and the players very large. It gives you an increased respect for the quickness and agility needed to drive the ball to the rim, because the space available amongst the giants is so miniscule.

Oh, and our seats were directly in front of that of Karl 'The Mailman' Malone, the second leading scorer in NBA history.

Also in the vicinity was LaDanian Tomlinson, of the New York Jets, and NBA legend Dr. J, aka Julius Erving. A thousand thanks to Mackenzie and his awesome camera for the creepy, paparazzi-esque shots.

Yannick Noah, 1983 French Open champion, was there too, to watch his son Joakim for the Bulls. Celebrities come out in droves on a Friday night in Orlando, it appears.

Florida Recap Part 1: Disney's Animal Kingdom

2011-03-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

Here's my first report from our trip. Apologies for the shoddy camera work (some serious operator error) and the cheesy narration from our bus driver Bryce, but hey, it's the best I got. Highlights from our day at Animal Kingdom:

- 'Flights of Wonder', the bird show. Featuring the Andean condor and its 7 foot wingspan, and a bald eagle, it was fun to see exotic creatures up close.

- Porcupine!

- The Everest Expedition ride. As you can tell, Mac was by far the most enthusiastic explorer. (That's him in the navy shirt.)

Oscar Picks

2011-02-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

Quick Oscar predictions:
Best Picture - The King's Speech. Great film - wonderfully acted, and the story is funny, fascinating, and historically significant - even if slightly untrue.

Best Actor - Gotta be Colin Firth. The stammer he imitates to pull off this role is extremely well done.

Best Actress - The race seems to be between media darling Natalie Portman, for Black Swan, and the always terrific Annette Bening, for The Kid's Are Alright. I haven't seen Swan yet, but saw Kid's, and it was just, well, alright. Give me Portman.

Supporting Actor/Actress - Christian Bale is the man, and apparently about as intense (caution: profane) and method as they come. He's good though, so give him a statue. As for the ladies, this is probably the toughest category to decide on. The Fighter's nominees might cancel out, the 14 year old standout from True Grit is a big time wildcard, and my personal choice, Helena Bonham Carter, was great but is to expected to factor into this race. I'll take Melissa Leo, the hardscrabble matriarch from The Fighter.

Orlando tomorrow! To say I'm excited to escape this winter 'wonderland' would be an understatement.

Love this guy.

Adorable, and a great call to action at the end.

A Return to Normalcy

2011-02-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

After a layoff of over 7 weeks, on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week I returned to the gym to resume my exercise training. Whew...it felt good to be back. I can't lie, a part of me enjoyed sleeping in and reading and watching television to my hearts desire - but it got old, really quick. Especially because the time I was sitting around doing nothing, I was feeling pretty crappy. The spontaneous sweats are nearly gone, as is the fatigue and the moodiness. Hold on - nope, moodiness still around. It's winter, whattya want from me?!

Here's a contest: Closest person to guessing the total cost of my surgical operation (including room and board @ $1300/night - didn't know I was staying at the Ritz), without going over wins a seriously awesome prize. Ok, I'll just tell: over $57,000! When I heard that, I was flabbergasted. 3 cheers for health insurance! (It seriously makes me feel for people without insurance though; how can anyone afford to have a big operation, if you're not one of the lucky ones with insurance? I feel very fortunate to be able to have had this done, as much as the aftermath has righteously sucked; it's very eye-opening to think that 1/6 of the country is without insurance, and with an operation like this costing 1.5 times the average annual salary of this country's workers...Geez. Bladder surgery shouldn't make you have to sell your house.)

On a happier note - Florida in 3 days! On Sunday we disembark for 7 days of fun in the sun. The current itinerary calls for one day at the new Harry Potter park at Universal (good thing we watched all 7 movies in the past month and a half) and a day at Disney's Animal Kingdom, with a few afternoons poolside thrown in as well. Can't wait!

Lazy Sunday

2011-02-20T19:35:00.000-08:00

Have we entered a new era of governmental responsibility? Maybe, but probably not. The newly remade House, now heavily lopsided in the GOP's favor, has so far demonstrated a more open and democratic manner of legislating, allowing actual debate to occur, a far cry from the secrecy and parliamentary shenanigans favored by the Pelosi-led House. This is great. But the thing that gives me pause are the bills themselves being brought up for debate. Riding a wave of Tea Party fury, an overwhelming electoral mandate, and the enthusiasm of 87 freshmen representatives, the GOP seized control and promised to shake up the Washington establishment. But I fear they perhaps have overestimated their mandate yet again, just as they did '95, and as the Dems did the past two years.

Upon assuming leadership, they immediately reached into their social issue bag of tricks, voting to remove funding from Planned Parenthood, ostensibly to prevent federal funds from paying for abortions. Well, alert the Department of Redundancy Department: federal law already does prevent that. This defunding will simply take away pre-cancer screening and medical services from low income families. This funding cut and other cuts that eat away at our budget deficit cent by cent are their solutions to our $1.6 trillion deficit? Small potatoes. The President and the Republican House leadership are immersed in a political staring contest, with the first to blink being blamed with taking Social Security away from Grandma, and quite frankly, someone needs to grow a pair, step up and propose some entitlement cuts. I'm looking at you, Mr. President. Your hands-off strategy may end up working, but it would it kill ya to use some of that political capital and that charming smile and get out in front of this issue?

I love a good prank.

Any guesses as to what that is? An award-winning, 3-D representation of the AIDS virus. From National Geographic, "The two-tone color scheme shows HIV (orange) attacking and fusing with an immune cell (gray). The triangular cut-away shows how the virus integrates itself to turn the cell into a virus factory". Vicious.

Man vs. Machine

2011-02-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

Will robots and other forms of artificial intelligence eventually take over the world and enslave humans, forcing us to perform menial tasks, like oil their joints and grab them bytes (get it? HA!) to eat? Maybe. No one can be sure. But for now, prove you're smarter than a machine by playing Watson, the IBM supercomputer, in Jeopardy. (Full disclosure: I beat Watson 22-17, but I also cheated several times (so sue me!) so we'll call it a draw, eh Watson?)

And now, funny videos I came across this week:

I've played a lot of MarioKart in my day, but never like this.

This is my favorite moment of this season of American Idol so far, and it involves no singing. Wait 'til the end.

This is delightfully campy and low-budget. Hypnosis! Best wrestling move ever!

Robotic Arms...Sweet!

2011-02-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

$100 million and ambitious government programs can get you a lot of crazy things. Introducing...mind-controlled robotic limbs!

This could be possible in 4 or 5 years? Wow. And we can't build more fuel efficient cars? CMON MAN.

After reading this about Saudi Arabia's impending peak oil crisis, I'd say energy efficiency should be every genius' number one priority, but robotic arms are cool too.

Top 3 Super Bowl Ads

2011-02-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

Did Eminem sell out, making all these commercials? Who cares. This is really good. Still don't want a Chrysler though. And at a $3 million per 30 second clip, this was pretty pricy, especially for a company surviving off the taxpayers' dime.

This is hilarious.

"Hit 'em with the Kenny G". This spot is packed full of hilarity. And I love that car.

Honorable mention:

Short and sweet, with a humorous payoff. What else can you ask for?

Egypt...and the Super Bowl

2011-02-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some very poignant shots of the revolution occurring as we speak in Egypt. Could the largest Arab country become a free democracy? This is pretty historic stuff.

It sounds like things are progressing, as talks were held earlier today and the Mubarak regime conceded many of the negotiating points desired by the opposition, including an increased number of presidential candidates, a freer press, and a Mubarak-less future. The White House seems to be pleased with the progress so far, although it's rather comical how the presumptive GOP presidential nominees have abandoned the so-called 'Bush Doctrine' so quickly. A stable, Israel-friendly Egypt is obviously a goal and necessity of the US going forward, but to side with a 30 year dictatorship over a spontaneous uprising in search of basic liberties and freedoms seems rather hypocritical. It'll be fascinating to see what happens, and if this revolution sparks any more uprest throughout the region. Certainly exciting to see history develop before ours eyes...

Love this...could Glenn Beck be on his way out? God willing. You heard it here first...

Quick Super Bowl prediction: Packers 27, Steelers 23
But, as always, I'm looking forward most to the commercials. This could be an all-time great game though, so stay tuned.

Adventures of Bo SuperDog Episode 12

2011-02-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

Let it snow! A foot of fresh powder makes Bo a tired dog.

Getting There...

2011-01-31T17:07:00.000-08:00

Lots has happened since I last wrote. I interrupted my winter hibernation for a few hours (for the UM Men's Glee Club concert in Rockford - great show!). I have taken many more afternoon naps than I am accustomed to (I typically frown upon naps, but you know, Dr.'s orders, twist my arm...). We have watched many movies (including Wall Street 2, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest, Eat Pray Love (ugh), Harry Potter 1,2, and 3, and the entire miniseries of Pillars of the Earth, which I highly recommend.). So I guess I've been kind of busy...But the best news is that I am feeling much better compared to last week.

I have started cathing myself through my belly button, which, as you might imagine, is a weird experience, but I've caught on quickly and am pretty adept already. I'm not digging the 3:30am wake-up call to pee, but as my bladder expands, which it will, hopefully that will no longer be necessary.

My discomfort level has gone way down though, thank God, as my guts get resituated and everyone gets their personal space worked out. Everytime I ate or drank, I would break out in my sweat-chill-sweat pattern, which I assume was my stomach pressing on my bladder or vice versa. Either way, that hasn't stopped completely, but is greatly reduced, and I'm no longer sweating through 3 shirts per day.

Videos of the week:

Fascinating.

I feel like this is a movie about my life.

Frustrated...

2011-01-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

At this point, I'm officially sick and tired of being sick and tired. There's been good news and bad news since I wrote last. Which do we want first? Let's go good news.

The good news is, per my doctor appointment last Friday, which represented the 2.5 week mark since surgery, everything looks good. My Dr. filled my bladder while simultaneously looking at it under x-ray (an odd experience I would not recommend. An observing nurse commented my new, uber-bladder looks like a lopsided snowman. Gee, thanks.) It filled properly and is significantly larger than before. It will continue to stretch out and enlarge over the next 6 months. Like everything in America, the bigger, the better. She then took out the tube that was in my new stoma, in my belly button, and showed us how to self-catheterize through the new opening there. This also was a weird experience. Basically I push a lubed-up red tube into my belly button and ten or so inches later (is there a 'that's what she said' joke in there somewhere?) and pee starts to come out (Nope). During this whole process, I've tried to maintain the tact that it will be 6 weeks of hell followed by total awesomeness and convenience. And therein lies the bad news.

This hell sucks. If it's not the constant sweating, followed by shivering, followed by more sweating, it's a non-draining bladder and the resultant discomfort, all for reasons unknown and unfixable, besides a little word called patience. Easier said than done, my friend. The healing process is a rollercoaster, peaks and valleys swiftly trading places without rhyme or reason. That's one of my favorite Spanish expressions, 'without rhyme or reason'. Sin ton ni son. This whole flipping process has been severely sin ton ni son.

This also is sin ton ni son.

I love the reactions.

Feeling Better, Thanks to Night-time Big House Photos

2011-01-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

Felt a bit better today. I think I'm improving one percentage point at a time, so this upward swing on the comfort trajectory spectrum will be slow and arduous. Good things come to those who wait blah blah, more vicodin please.

I'm passing the time looking at these.

Gorgeous. Can't wait for the night game in September versus Notre Dame. A little scared about the potential outcome of that game but that's another story.

#6 killed me and the reaction of the guys in #5 is priceless.

Staples Gone!

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

More staples than Office Max...30 in all.

Feeling pretty good today. We removed the remaining 15 staples this morning and I think I'm more comfortable as a result. It's been a struggle to find an ideal position for draining my new and improved bladder, so I've been alternating between 3 different chairs and the bed every few hours for the past couple days. Let me tell you, that gets old quick. I'm fed up with this 'resting' garbage and ready to get back to my normal routine, but I think it'll be a few more weeks before that is possible. In the meantime, I'm trying to empty out my Tivo backlog, while working on resolutions for the upcoming year. Suggestions?

"When your reality changes, your dreams don't have to."

Great Video

2011-01-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a video to accompany the earlier post regarding Eric LeGrand.

Believe...it's a powerful mantra.

Home Sweet Home!

2011-01-10T17:43:00.000-08:00

Great to be home...I've been feeling great today today; going to hit the sack a bit early though. Hopefully I can stay up for the college football championship tonight. Prediction: Auburn 41, Oregon 37.

My doc said I tied the record for shortest stay after this particular surgery, at 6 days. The average is 10 days, which I can't imagine. That would get boring. I'm all about resume boosters, so I was pumped when she told me that.

Maybe we'll be in the championship next year...Not likely.

Going Home Tomorrow...

2011-01-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

Going home tomorrow! For once, I will be glad to see Ann Arbor in the rearview mirror. In honor of the conclusion of this visit, here are some C'mon Man's:

- Having to sit in an ugly, uncomfortable, poorly reclining La-Z-Boy recliner for a week? Shoulda bought Nurture recliners, U of M. C'MON MAN!

- Sending in nurses to wake me up and poke me all night? Don't you know I gotta sleep? C'MON MAN!

- Only 45 channels on the TV, 10 of which are hospital channels playing bad music and offering cheesy health tips? How am I gonna watch my Jersey Shore? C'MON MAN!

- It's January 9th, National Signing Day is February 2nd, we are hemorrhaging recruits and Michigan has NO coach? C'MON MAN!

- Everything I am forced to wear, sleep on, and sit on in the chair seems to be made out of a sort of synthetic plastic substance, resulting in a sauna-like effect and much sweating. Much sweating+no showering=awesome hair and enviable B.O. C'MON MAN!

Barring any unforeseen complications, we'll be GR-bound tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for all the prayers and support from afar; can't wait to get home!

Feeling Great Today

2011-01-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

Finally got a great night sleep, maybe due to the calming presence of Mackenzie, who slept over, but more likely due to the lack of a certain, poor-English speaking nurse in my face all night, asking, "Mistah Young, you in pain?!" Over and over. Which happened Thursday night. The whole night.

So, the absence of the nighttime, Gulag-style interrogation was a welcome relief. The grogginess of Tuesday and Wednesday is gone and I feel stronger and more alert, interrupted only by the occasional twinge of tightness from my general stomach region.

Had a big lunch (No Thai finally!), and visited with the Payne's, who came down to visit. I've been sitting up in my wheelchair for a while for practice, as I need to be able to survive the ride home in said chair. This was high on the momma's goal list, so you can imagine how much nagging this activity involved. I'm getting closer to being ready for the return to GR, so hopefully I can watch Monday's big bowl game on our big screen instead of the tiny box I have here.

Inspiring Story

2011-01-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a great story about the injured Rutgers football player. He's doing much better, and regaining sensation throughout his body. Pretty cool.

Also, pretty cool: I received another stuffed animal as a gift, this one an orangutan named Orlando. Pictures to come.

Getting cabin fever in the room a little bit, but treasured visitors have brightened my days and helped the time to pass swiftly and happily.

Fascinating video. What a big world, yet also small, we live in.

Great News...

2011-01-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

Lost in the shuffle of the medical updates and impending Michigan football DOOM is perhaps the most important news of the week...the discovery of my abnormally large, possibly superhuman appendix. The appendix was used in my surgery to create a pathway between my belly button and my bladder - I will be able to cath through my belly button soon, once this whole healing process inches along. The surgeon was very pleased, as this ginormous, newly useful organ made her job easier in creating the pathway. She said if she couldn't use it she would have removed it anyway, as its girth could have potentially necessitated its removal in the future.

First food in over a week...note my maniacal look as I mouthwater over chicken noodle soup. Frozz-T looks on with jealousy.

Sooooo Hungry

2011-01-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

My new friend, Frozz-T, the rapping snowman. (Inspired by a Law&Order SVU marathon last night.)

Finally able to drink clear liquids - never was so happy to have an apple juice. Maybe food by tomorrow? That'd be nice - it's been 7 days since my last solid food. I've been making a list of which Ann Arbor establishments I want to visit - needless to say, it's lengthy and mouthwatering. No Thai, Sadako, Big Ten Burrito, Mr. Spot's, Zingerman's...the list goes on.

Not many hilarious hospital stories yet; my nurse has a mustache...but is female. Not a good look.
I've been trying to stay patient with the myriad nurses and techs, which sometimes requires a herculean effort and sometimes is just impossible. But I try...

Wed morning 11:30am

2011-01-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

Cam has just had physical therapy; first time Monday morning that he has done his twice daily range of motion stretches. This is good in that it is another step forward. He also has been doing breathing exercises to keep lungs strong (see pic below). The Doctor was in at 6 this morning; is looking for activity in Cam's abdomen; still early. Nurses are in getting Cam cleaned up and pretty.

At first, all the news about RichRod and UM football was interesting, but then went over the top with incorrect news leaks. Still wait and see what happens. Is Harbaugh waiting for the best offer? Come on Michigan Man!!

Here is the breathing exercise while Cam is in the reclining chair

Thanks for your comments and prayers; we appreciate them.

More rest on Tues pm -- 10pm

2011-01-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

Cam got a bit of rest today between visits multitude of nurses, doctors, residents, x-ray techicians, members of the Lift Team, local friends, visiting nurses, brother, etc,etc. Cam got to recline in a chair in the room; this required the 'Lift Team' to use the overhead hoist to lift him out of the bed and into the chair; and then later to do the reverse. Cudos to Nurse Sue, who traveled from GR in order to spell Kim and I; she was here to keep Cam safe from 'the system'. Cam is doing fine and right on schedule. The next few days are important in order to get his bowels moving again normally.
We ask for prayers that there are no complications during this week. Thanks for your support; we appreciate it greatly.
Got a few more pics for you

Nurse Sue and patient Cam

Cam and his 2 favorite nurses

Proud Parents

Cam in his recliner

U of M RNs Kate and Dorian helped Cam today

Take care and God Bless!!

the next morning----12:30 pm

2011-01-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

Kim stayed with Cam in his prison cell overnight. There were lots of medical people coming and going, so getting any prolonged sleep was out of the question. Things are going as expected, but still early. There are some burps, which means some stirring of the bowels---although Cam burped alot before the surgery.
The staff today is very capable and friendly.
Thank you for your prayers; we appreciate them greatly.

Cam settled into his room at 7:30

2011-01-03T17:42:00.000-08:00

Cam got out of recovery and now is resting somewhat comfortably in his room; he is calling it his prison cell room because there is little more than 2 feet of clearance on any side of his bed. He is connected to many tubes; this brings back memories of Spain 3 1/2 years ago; except these nurses speak English thank God!!

Also took some pics during our stay so far.

Here is Cam in pre-op with his favorite nurse

Cam is getting 'ready' for surgery

This is Cam's room;

take a deep breath if you want to fit in

Cam starting to come out of the fog

Cam and Jeff, our first nurse

University of Michigan

'The Leaders and Best'

Thanks again for your prayers.

Cam is out of surgery at 4:20

2011-01-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

We just talked with Dr Cameron and she told us that the surgery went very well. Cam is in good health and good condition which helped make his surgery very smooth. Praise God!!
This was a very big surgery involving both the bladder and bowel; we continue to ask for your prayers for complication-free recovery and comfort for Cam over the coming weeks.
We covet your prayers. Thanks for your support. God Bless!!

Status Update

2011-01-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

Cam went into Surgery at 10:50 this morning. The surgery is expected to last 7 hours. They give us periodic updates. So far they have told us that everything is going fine. Thanks for your prayers; we appreciate your support.

Waiting Room 7:50am

2011-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Doug Young reporting ---Here we are in the waiting room...waiting....Good night sleep...all things considered. All set to go.
Beautiful sunrise--we know that God is here and present. "i got a feeling....today's goin' be a great, great day" my version of the Black Eyed Peas' song for you hipsters.
May God Bless the doctors and medical team for a great surgery and recovery today.

Receive Blog Updates In Your Email

2011-01-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

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Surgery on Monday

2011-01-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

Well, my 2011 is getting off to a beginning not unlike my beloved Wolverines. Too bad I can’t fire my coach.

I wanted to let everyone know that Monday morning I will be undergoing a bladder operation at U of M hospital. It is an extensive procedure, designed to increase the capacity of my bladder and enable me to self-catheterize through a hole in my belly button (read more here and here). The wonders of science. While the 7 hour surgery, estimated week-long hospital stay and month or two of recovery will not be fun, I think it is a good long term decision that will increase both my independence and my health.

In preparation for Monday, I’m in the middle of a 3 day ‘clear liquids diet’, also known as torture. It is agonizing. I can’t stop daydreaming about double cheeseburgers. I’ve been ingesting orange Gatorade, cherry jello, and chicken broth every few hours, all while trying to avoid every other commercial on tv, advertising the latest Taco Bell smorgasbord. I feel like I’m in a gulag.

I ask for your thoughts and prayers, for a swift recovery and for excellent medical care. Also, pray for the sanity of my parents, they have enough gray hairs already.

Feel free to send emails, messages, letters, baked goods, cash money, and/or singing telegrams. Thank you.

My favorite Youtube videos of 2011 so far:

My new favorite reporter.

I want to be in Florida getting a tan on my back too.

Don't do drugs. Cool jump though.

Blizzards!

2010-12-31T15:02:00.000-08:00

December 2010 Blizzard Timelapse from Michael Black on Vimeo.

It's raining here today, but you may have heard of some other places around the country that got dumped on. If we do get snow sometime this winter, just hit up 50 Cent on Twitter and he'll shovel your walk for $100.

Yes, that really is 50 Cent.

Another cool snow-centric video.

Adventures of Bo SuperDog

2010-12-30T12:56:00.000-08:00

From earlier this fall - Bo meets a new friend...who is bigger, stronger, and faster. Domination ensues:

Photos of the Year

2010-12-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

2010 was a tumultuous, action-packed year, and here is some great photography that sums it up.

My personal favorite. (On a related note, a multitude of sources point to Jim Harbaugh being named head football coach at U of M after the first of the year. But at this point that's still a rumor...)

Conan...and Jeggings!

2010-12-29T19:21:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie got a pair of these for Christmas...apparently they're very popular amongst engineers. Hmmm...

Another gift Mackenzie loved...the Shake Weight!

Merry Christmas from the Young's

2010-12-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

2010: A Retrospective

2010 was going to be the “BEST YEAR EVER”, according to the reputable magazines I usually scan as I wait in the check-out line at the grocery store. Oh, who am I kidding, I don’t buy groceries. Take-out baby! That’s why God invented cell phones. And Chinese food. And Discount Burger Wednesday at O’Brien’s, but I digress…

2010 was a good year, if not quite the advertised “best ever”. That title belongs to 2004, the year I graduated high school, started college, and discovered the wondrous game of beer pong. But Mom, it was just apple juice we were playing with, I promise! (Unless apple juice is now sold in aluminum cans marked “Natural Light”, it wasn’t apple juice.) But behold the wonders of naiveté, where sometimes it’s better to cover your eyes and plug your ears and pretend your college freshmen child is in the library on a Friday night. (That was Mackenzie.)

There’s much in this world we overlook, both by accident and by will. Maybe it’s the news we read, or watch, or listen to, that gives us only half of the story, and expects us to be too busy or too tired to care about the rest. Or it’s the stories that go unreported, that pop up on our smartphone or iPad and then get lost in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. There’s no better time than Christmas to pause and reflect upon the gifts we’ve been given, the comfort we enjoy, and the community to which we belong.

And now, haikus about the Young family!

Jon:                 Just got his car back

                       Enjoys his job at B-Y

                       Still has the goatee

Bo:                  A bundle of joy

                       Furry and cute to play with

                       Likes to eat feces

Mackenzie:      Junior at U-M

                       Just turned 21 years old

                       Not a fan of Glee

Cameron:        Working at Steelcase

                      Can see, big thanks to LASIK

                      Pumped for 2011

Mom&Dad:     Not quite empty nest

                      Growing older gracefully

                      Pretty cool I guess

May 2011 bring you joy and happiness (and Michigan victories! C’mon, I had to put one plug in!)

Gangsters!

Happy!

Extreme Caroling...and Shaq

2010-12-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

This is hilarious. I hope they swing by our house.

Shaq-a Claus. Got a good ring to it.

Missed the Lunar Eclipse? Watch This!

2010-12-23T06:10:00.000-08:00

Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse from William Castleman on Vimeo.

Eerie and beautiful.

At Least He's Wearing A Tie....

2010-12-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Young family Christmas parties are FUN!

Working to Walk

Newt?

Tragedy on the Slopes

Denard is the Coolest

Stem Cell Updates

Brunette Girls Key to Victory....Duh!

Great Links

Sugar Bowl Tonight!

Rushing the Field, In Stages

Young Family Christmas Letter 2011

New Walking Video

Human Exoskeleton Presented at TEDMED

Check-in on the GOP Race

Videos for Saturday

Occupy...

So that's disappointing...

Working 2 Walk 2011

Best of Halloween 2011 and Other Links

The Best They Have To Offer?

Rough Game Yesterday, But It's OK (*tear*)

Great Video

Verlander For MVP, and Other Good Reads

Rest In Peace Steve Jobs

Celebrity Sighting!

A Michigan Retrospective: 3-0 So Far...

Pretty Boy Floyd vs. Money Mayweather

Walking Yesterday - Another Great Day!

Michigan vs Notre Dame Preview

Michigan Preview

A New Walking Video, plus some bonuses...

Jon Asleep

Walking Last Week

Debt Ceiling Aftermath

A Series of Beautiful Short Films

Negotiations of Various Importance

4th of July Highlight

Good reads, and an Amazing Video

Amazing US Soccer Win

A Mea Culpa, and A Few Good Reads

Canadians Know How To Riot

Walking Last Week, and Great Therapy News

Tressel out at tOSU - Bummer Dude!

Memorial Day 2011

Adventures of Bo SuperDog Episode 13

Stem Cell News and Video

Stem Cells in the News

bin Laden Dead

Flower Girl Zombie

Story of the Week

Happy Easter

Update Smorgasbord

Youtube Hits

Trump 4 Prez?

Glenn Beck - You're Fired!

New Google Product

The Madness of March

Florida Recap Part 3: Wizarding World of Harry Potter

On Collegiate Athletics

More on Japan

Harrowing Tsunami Footage

Florida Recap Part 2: Magic Game

Florida Recap Part 1: Disney's Animal Kingdom

Oscar Picks

A Return to Normalcy

Lazy Sunday

Man vs. Machine

Robotic Arms...Sweet!

Top 3 Super Bowl Ads

Egypt...and the Super Bowl

Adventures of Bo SuperDog Episode 12

Getting There...

Frustrated...

Feeling Better, Thanks to Night-time Big House Photos

Staples Gone!

Great Video

Home Sweet Home!

Going Home Tomorrow...

Feeling Great Today

Inspiring Story

Great News...

Rough Game Yesterday, But It's OK (tear)