So I am nearing the end of my time as an undergrad and ASU. I just registered for the Summer term, and next week I will register for Fall, my final term. I have 3-4 classes left, waiting on registration to clarify exactly how many I have left. One course I took should have counted as an upper elective, but right now it is not. So I either have to take a class to account for that elective credit, or they need to fix something on their end. I'm really hoping it is on their end and I only have to take three courses.
The really hard thing is, where do I go for grad school? Stay at ASU, or try something new? Do I take a masters only, or go with a combo, masters/doctorate program? Any ideas?
2019/02/12
2019/02/01
Colin Kaepernick and the NFL
So it is almost Superbowl Sunday, and of course there is lots of talk about the NFL and CK going on. Multiple bands turned down the half time show in order to avoid being linked to the controversy. The artists who decided to be part of the biggest show on TV, have been mired in the controversy and have basically had to disconnect from social media until the big game is over. While this topic is very polarizing, I believe one of the key arguments needs to be addressed.
First off lets get the obvious pieces of this argument out of the way. Did the NFL miss handle this situation? Yes, with out a doubt the handling of this situation could have been handled much better. The NFL was not prepared for a controversy like this and quickly found themselves in a no win situation. Regardless of how they reacted, they would alienate a large part of the fan base. I honestly believe the NFL was trying to simply shut this controversy down with out having to take a side. However in doing so, they obviously did in fact take a side.
Are NFL owners racist? Well the chances that some are, is pretty high. Are all of them? Probably not, but it is safe to say that racism is present and does play a role in this controversy. However, so does politics, religion, socialization, greed, and several other factors. To blur the issue of racism is the mentality that athletes are property. As a member of a team you surrender your individuality to a degree and to many, simply view you as a cog in a machine. You are replaceable, just like any other part of a machine. Regardless of color, you are just a piece of meet that is temporarily the best at doing a particular job.
Do athletes have the right to protest? While this argument is silly, it remains one I hear many people make. These athletes are doing a job, no different then you or I. They are not special or in any way segregated from the rest of society. They have the same rights and privileges afforded all American's. The idea that they represent something higher, more noble that eliminates them from taking part in serious discussions affecting our society is simply asinine. The same argument applies to actors and musicians. They are all entitled to the same freedom of speech and peaceful protest that we are afforded.
Players are working, and should not be protesting. This is an interesting argument, and if it holds true, then do you or I have the right to conduct any type of protest while at work? Can we discuss politics or other controversial subjects on our breaks? If we say yes to this, then the majority of us must be just as guilty as these players? The time between warm-ups and the start of the game is in fact a break time for the players, are they not free to speak among themselves? Is their right to free speech somehow surrendered? By taking a knee are they in anyway being non-peaceful? These American citizens are simply making a peaceful statement that represents THEIR beliefs. This is equivalent to a athlete making a display of their religious beliefs after scoring (Tim Tebow). Does the exhibit of a religious belief not represent the whole team in just the same manner as taking a knee?
CK is not playing due to the controversy he created. While this is up for wild debate, and it would not be surprising that as the creator of this movement he is being singled out. Controversy in major sports is nothing new, and has ended some careers, but only slightly tarnished others. Lets take the Quarterback Micheal Vick for an example. Vick an all star player, went to prison for 22 month during yet returned to the game. After six years playing, he would spend nearly two years in prison, and he was still able to return and play another seven seasons. In 2018 alone there were 34 players found guilty of crimes, yet all remain active players (1). So obviously breaking the law doesn't get you banned from the NFL, and causing large scale controversy previous to this incident doesn't get you banned, why is CK not playing?
So why is CK not playing? Racist owners? The NFL is trying to make an example of him? Too much controversy for any of the teams to handle? Most likely a mix of all of the above. But could it be something much simpler? Before he ever knelt, he was benched, not once, but several times. His play was not what it once was. His last two seasons he was 2-6 and 1-10 with a QBR in the 40's (2). He was often benched, eventually lost his starting job, and there were rumors that he would not be getting his contract renewed. Nike was considering cutting ties with him (3). The controversy of taking a knee only compounded issues.
While racism, greed, hate, and a million other things that make us each uniquely human are at play in this controversy. We will never know the true reasons at the heart of each individual players actions. However, we must ask the question, would CK have gotten another chance had he still been at the top of his game?
1) https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/arrests/
2) https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaepCo00.htm
3) https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/26/sports/nike-colin-kaepernick.html
First off lets get the obvious pieces of this argument out of the way. Did the NFL miss handle this situation? Yes, with out a doubt the handling of this situation could have been handled much better. The NFL was not prepared for a controversy like this and quickly found themselves in a no win situation. Regardless of how they reacted, they would alienate a large part of the fan base. I honestly believe the NFL was trying to simply shut this controversy down with out having to take a side. However in doing so, they obviously did in fact take a side.
Are NFL owners racist? Well the chances that some are, is pretty high. Are all of them? Probably not, but it is safe to say that racism is present and does play a role in this controversy. However, so does politics, religion, socialization, greed, and several other factors. To blur the issue of racism is the mentality that athletes are property. As a member of a team you surrender your individuality to a degree and to many, simply view you as a cog in a machine. You are replaceable, just like any other part of a machine. Regardless of color, you are just a piece of meet that is temporarily the best at doing a particular job.
Do athletes have the right to protest? While this argument is silly, it remains one I hear many people make. These athletes are doing a job, no different then you or I. They are not special or in any way segregated from the rest of society. They have the same rights and privileges afforded all American's. The idea that they represent something higher, more noble that eliminates them from taking part in serious discussions affecting our society is simply asinine. The same argument applies to actors and musicians. They are all entitled to the same freedom of speech and peaceful protest that we are afforded.
Players are working, and should not be protesting. This is an interesting argument, and if it holds true, then do you or I have the right to conduct any type of protest while at work? Can we discuss politics or other controversial subjects on our breaks? If we say yes to this, then the majority of us must be just as guilty as these players? The time between warm-ups and the start of the game is in fact a break time for the players, are they not free to speak among themselves? Is their right to free speech somehow surrendered? By taking a knee are they in anyway being non-peaceful? These American citizens are simply making a peaceful statement that represents THEIR beliefs. This is equivalent to a athlete making a display of their religious beliefs after scoring (Tim Tebow). Does the exhibit of a religious belief not represent the whole team in just the same manner as taking a knee?
CK is not playing due to the controversy he created. While this is up for wild debate, and it would not be surprising that as the creator of this movement he is being singled out. Controversy in major sports is nothing new, and has ended some careers, but only slightly tarnished others. Lets take the Quarterback Micheal Vick for an example. Vick an all star player, went to prison for 22 month during yet returned to the game. After six years playing, he would spend nearly two years in prison, and he was still able to return and play another seven seasons. In 2018 alone there were 34 players found guilty of crimes, yet all remain active players (1). So obviously breaking the law doesn't get you banned from the NFL, and causing large scale controversy previous to this incident doesn't get you banned, why is CK not playing?
So why is CK not playing? Racist owners? The NFL is trying to make an example of him? Too much controversy for any of the teams to handle? Most likely a mix of all of the above. But could it be something much simpler? Before he ever knelt, he was benched, not once, but several times. His play was not what it once was. His last two seasons he was 2-6 and 1-10 with a QBR in the 40's (2). He was often benched, eventually lost his starting job, and there were rumors that he would not be getting his contract renewed. Nike was considering cutting ties with him (3). The controversy of taking a knee only compounded issues.
While racism, greed, hate, and a million other things that make us each uniquely human are at play in this controversy. We will never know the true reasons at the heart of each individual players actions. However, we must ask the question, would CK have gotten another chance had he still been at the top of his game?
1) https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/arrests/
2) https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaepCo00.htm
3) https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/26/sports/nike-colin-kaepernick.html
2019/01/25
Update
I am so bad at keeping up with this. So moved to the Phoenix area. School is going well, have over a 4.0 and I have two terms left to go, then off to grad school. Zoe just turned two and is doing well. All the kids are doing great in school, and adjusting to Phoenix life. Michelle was not digging her new job but it looks like they will let hr teach film, so she is super excited about going to work now. My work well it pays the bills sometimes, and occasionally allows me some time to study. We got a new dog, he is a complete butt head, but we all love him. He likes to jump our 6' fence and go visit the houses near by, specifically the ones with a pool. I get the occasional phone call to come get him out of someones pool.
2018/03/02
Barrett's Honor College
I was notified yesterday that i have been accepted into Barrett's Honor College at Arizona State University. So we will be picking up and moving to the Phoenix area soon.
Update: So we moved to the Phoenix metro area in June. Really love it here. I was not able to attend Barrett's. I was unaware of all the extra costs associated with being an on-camps student, as well as my degree is not eligible for the western undergrad exchange. My first tuition bill was over $17,000. so I went back to being an online student. Plus with the new job and all the kids new activities I wouldn't have had the time to commit to it.
Update: So we moved to the Phoenix metro area in June. Really love it here. I was not able to attend Barrett's. I was unaware of all the extra costs associated with being an on-camps student, as well as my degree is not eligible for the western undergrad exchange. My first tuition bill was over $17,000. so I went back to being an online student. Plus with the new job and all the kids new activities I wouldn't have had the time to commit to it.
2018/02/23
School Shooting
So my son texted me 10 minutes after i dropped him off at school, because someone called in threatening to shoot up the school today. He was safe and had left with a friend, and the friends parents. Police are all over school grounds, and there is definitely a heighten thence of security.
Most likely this threat was called in by some kid hoping for a three day weekend. Many parents took there kids home, so the bad guy won. He used fear to prevent people from doing there normal routine. However, if we send our kid's and they get shot or killed, the NRA, and Republicans win. The world officially sucks.
2018/02/15
First class at ASU
Cruising through my first course at ASU. Sociology 352 has been interesting, and much easier than I had hoped. If I am paying this much per credit, I want to earn those grades. I applied for the Barret's honors program, and am impatiently waiting on the results. If I get in, we will have to move to Phoenix.
2017/11/27
2017/09/14
ASU Tour
Went to Phoenix to do a tour of ASU. ,
Picture of my welcome kit
the original building that housed ASU.
2017/08/10
2017/07/31
ILL
I have been feeling like shit for about three weeks. It has the body aches of a really nasty flu, with a lower fever, and seems tied to the weather changes we are having. Got to love monsoon season. Six hours in the ER on Saturday, no idea what I have but I am now of the world's strongest antibiotics.
Scholarships
I have begun the argues task of applying for scholarships.
So many essays to write, so little time.
2017/07/24
Degree
So I finally completed my associates degree and,,,,,,,,,
I am going to be attending Arizona State in the spring.
Super excited about being a sun devil.
2017/06/21
Life in Colorado
So we have been in Colorado thence September. I just finished my 12 weeks of leave. It has been amazing getting to spend all this time with Zoe. She is amazing and doing really well. I had to drop a class, 4 classes and taking care of a baby was just too much. So 1 class to go this summer and my first degree is finally complete.
2017/03/22
oh life
We live in Colorado now, it is kinda cool, kinda poopy. It's nice to be out of Oregon, all so I do miss some little things. Work is going ok, lot of stress but I am about to take some FMLA which will be nice. Stay home with Zoe and do homework. I should have reliable internet soon so hopefully I can stay more up to date soon.
2016/10/18
Long time no see
Sorry been away, I moved to Colorado, and life has been a bit busy, will post more soon
2016/07/21
Summer Term
So it is now Summer term. Sorry I have not been very active. So busy. Life has been so stressful. Still doing good in school, 3.89 gpa. This term may wreck that. I am convinced SQL is a tool of the devil. Really starting to hate that class.
So frustrated with it. Everything else has been good. Married life has been good too me, and I am happy to announce we have a bun in the oven. Due in February. After this term I have 6 more classes to get through. Two a term, way easier hopefully.
2016/05/18
I Got Married
So big news, I met my better half, and we got married. I have never met someone who so perfectly fit me. Instant best friend, and just makes me feel complete. We made our wedding vows with a quote from Neil Gaiman, Dr. Who, and then a Dr. Suess inspired finish.
Wedding Ceremony
May 4, 2016 Brian & Michelle Britton
May 4, 2016 Brian & Michelle Britton
Lisa: "Have you ever been in love? Horrible, isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses, you build up a whole suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life. . . . You give them a piece of you. They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like kiss you or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore."
Michelle: I promise to be true to you, to uplift & to support you, to frustrate and challenge you, and to share with you the beautiful moments of life. Someday, if the stars align, I might even let you win an argument. Let us do good and be good to each other. "Do you wanna come with me? 'Cause if you do, then I should warn you — you're gonna see all sorts of things. Ghosts from the past. Aliens from the future. It won't be quiet, it won't be safe, and it won't be calm. But I'll tell you what it will be: the trip of a lifetime!"
Brian: From the moment our paths crossed you have surprised me, distracted me, captivated me and challenged me in a way that no human being ever has. I’ve fallen in love with you again and again, countless times, without reservation, and I still can’t believe that today I get to marry my best friend.
Lisa: Then if you'll both have, and if you'll both hold, From now until the stars grow cold, And if you'll love through good and bad, And whether you're happy or sad, And love in sickness, and in health, And when you're poor, and when in wealth, And if you'll love with all your heart, From now until death do you part, And if you'll love each other through and through, Please answer with these words: I DO!
Michelle: I DO!
Brian: I DO!
Lisa: THEY DO! ... YAHOO!
We need to continue with a few more things, So let’s proceed-
May I have the rings?
Groom- place this ring on Bride’s finger
And repeat after me: To you my dear, I give this ring, for it is special, not just bling,
wear it proud, as you have vowed, for you are mine, til the end of time. (put ring on brides finger)
Bride- place this ring on Groom’s finger And repeat after me:
To you my love, I give this ring, For it's your sweet love, that makes me sing, And now I give my heart so true, For the rest of my life, to be with you. (put ring on grooms finger)
One last thing before you go, I really want you both to know: I wish you a life full of sunshine, hearts full of cheer, And a love that grows deeper year after year! Now I, by the authority vested in me,
Declare that husband and wife you shall be! You're married now! So kiss the bride, But please, do keep it dignified!
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