State of the Union

So, I was watching the State of the Union the other night like all good, caring Americans should. I met the moment with seriousness (I even prolonged a conversation with my wife to take in this pivotal political moment). I sat straight up, shoulders back – like an adult, ready to analyze the Presidents vision. I was focused – prepared to walk away with the ability to talk intelligently about our country’s current state. They announced him in the way a President should be announced; the whole world seemed to stop…

Within about 3 minutes of the standing ‘O’ I was on Facebook and never recovered my disposition.  My attempt to reengage was a half hearted attempt, but ultimately, I was disinterested. I even made a fool of myself questioning to the Twitter and FB world the legitimacy of the Republican’s response, not realizing it was a political ritual.

I guess I don’t know all that much about American politics. I mean, I care… a little. I care enough to know that there are plenty of us out of work and I would love to see the economy stimulated. But… outside of that… I guess I don’t.

Honestly (opposed to dishonestly), I guess the whole system is confusing. The response from the Republicans was weird to me. It was set up exactly like the State of the Union, but instead of the President, it was the Governor of Virginia. I live in North Carolina.  I guess I understand that he was talking on behalf of the GOP, but he kept referring to his family and state – sorry, buddy, don’t care.

Back to the State of the Union. Why is it that when the President says something that one or both groups like or dislike, either the entire group or none of the group responds. It’s never half of the right and half of the left applaud because they share a specific conviction. Do they not have individualized points of view?

Whatever. It’s all a mess to me. Just thought I’d let you know.

Runn(ing)(ers)

Running.

For the last 5 years (wow, that long?), running has been something I have attempted to make as normal of a practice as possible.  It all started early 2005 when my sister & her husband were living with me.  We decided to all take up running and do a half marathon.  We never made it 13.1.  Later on that year, however, my life seemed like it crumbled around me (it wasn’t as bad now that I look back on it) and quickly running became my outlet.  Through the years my weight has fluctuated almost as much as Oprah’s, but I’ve kept on running at some level.

Christmas of 2007, running turned more serious. As I was gearing up for a Christmas day run, Ken Eddleman decided he’d join me.  A weekly tradition started that morning.  Ken laced up, put a quarter of a pack of chew in his mouth, and we headed out.  4 months later, we ran 13.1 in Nashville together… chew and all.  I did it again in Alaska that year and this year was about to start training again.. then… shin splints.

But running has been on my mind a lot lately.  I keep on finding runner’s blogs that either inspire me or make me laugh.

One of the blogs that has inspired me belongs to a missionary in Haiti.  The day before the earthquake, she posted a blog about a marathon she did in Haiti.  Upon further investigation, I found a blog she wrote in 2009 as she ran through PAP.  She details her emotions as she runs through the city, observing the hurting and broken people of Haiti… before the quake.  You can read it here.  She went on her first run since the quake today.

Another blog belongs to a friend of mine, Kelsey.  She decided to pick up on a running challenge to run every distance on every terrain.  I wish I was there to hear the smart-ass remarks, swearing under her breath, and the put downs she’ll throw at Matt as is her default mode when being challenged.  She’s hilarious.  I look forward to reading more of her work.  Check it out.

My favorite article sign-off happens to be in Runner’s World.  It’s a monthly article/story for beginners.  His last words: ”Waddle on, friends.”

So… Waddle on I will.

Kids & Electronic Media For full article

Kids & Electronic Media

For full article: http://ow.ly/YzjU
(Related article: “Kids less happy as they’re more plugged into TV, music, Web?” http://ow.ly/YzmD)

“Kids these days spend so much time with electronic media — cellphones, iPods, video games and computers — that it might as well be a full-time job: more than 53 hours a week, a study finds.
“Compared with peers a decade ago, young people spend 79 more minutes of free time each day listening to music, watching TV and movies, playing video games and hanging out online. Nearly twice as many now say they do at least two of these at the same time.”

Kids spend over 7 hours a day with various media*. For kids 8 to 18, average time (hours:minutes) spent with:

• TV content: 4:29
• Music audio: 2:31
• Computer: 1:29
• Video games: 1:13
• Print: 0:38
• Movies: 0:25

*Total media exposure is 10:45 hours, but combine to 7:38 with multi-tasking

Availability of TV adds up

Total media exposure among 8 to 18 year olds with:

• TV in bedroom: 11:56
• No TV in bedroom: 7:55
• TV left on most of time: 12:14
• TV left on only a little/never: 9:05
• No media rules: 12:43
• Have media rules: 9:51

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation study

Cultural Digression or Manifestation?

Cultural Digression or Manifestation or both?: “If sex sells, TV programmers are adding inventory to an already humongous sale.” http://ow.ly/Yz6k

Improvement: Active Fathers

Improvement: “Overall, men being more active fathers is starting to become more of the norm and less of the anomaly.” http://ow.ly/YyEl

The Triangle

in raleigh for the evening. i like the fact we live in an area where we have options. i like the change ups.

Another beautiful day here…

Another beautiful day here… going to try to get some road biking in with my girl…