Our Santa Claus

His face was dry and pitted from the weather, his red suit worn with its once white trim sooty gray. His fake beard was nappy, its elastic stretched so that it barely hugged his face. He rarely spoke, not to us kids at least. He was a tradition within a tradition. He was our Santa Claus.

The Tradition:

Christmas Eve was always spent at my Grandma Boehke's house in Bloomfield, a neighborhood in the city of Pittsburgh. The holiday dinner always consisted of tiny breaded fish called Smelts, angel-hair pasta with Cod cooked into the sauce, a salty garlic laden fish called baccala, calamari, eel, salad, and occasionally tiny octopuses.

Dinner guests would occasionally fluctuate as other family or friends would come and go; but my Grandmother's immediate family members never missed the meal.

Other family members would come to visit after dinner. One couple, Jean and Stanley seemed to always be the first to visit. Jean and my Grandmother were best friends. I'm not sure if we are even really related, but Jean and Stanley were always there. Upon their arrival, my Grandmother and Jean would open a bottle (or two) of wine and sit and talk.

The Tradition within the Tradition:

One year, when I was very young, my father and aunt Debbie decided to "find" a Santa Claus to surprise us kids. I don't know where they found him, but a man dressed in a Santa suit showed up. Our Santa came over, gave us kids trinkets and then sat with my Grandmother and Jean drinking wine and eating Christmas Eve Dinner leftovers. He never removed his suit, nor his beard; instead he opted to pull the beard down with every bite or drink.

The next year, our Santa returned. This time he had a satchel with wrapped toys for all us kids, usually cars for boys and dolls for girls. I remember the adults in my family being more surprised with his visit than the kids, this time he was truly an unexpected (but welcomed) guest. As was the case the year before, he handed out his gifts in the living room and then returned to the kitchen for wine and food.

Over the next decade, year after year our Santa Claus would return. As the young adult members of the family matured and had children of their own amazingly our Santa Claus would have just the right number of gifts for all the kids; even the infants.

Then, the year I was a Freshman in college, our Santa did not show up. We waited and waited, but still no Santa. My father and aunt took a drive to look for our Santa, but returned without him.

That evening many questions were asked, not one could be answered. (This is what makes the story most amazing). Who was Santa? What was his name? Where did he come from? Where did he live? Nobody could give an answer. He was a man who was outside a department store when I was little, he came to visit the first time for a few dollars and the promise of a good dinner, but returned on his own. Being a police officer in the city, my Aunt said she would look into finding the man who played our Santa. She would check at shelters and around the neighborhood, but was unable to get a single clue as to his identity or whereabouts.

Over the next few years we would prepare a plate and eagerly wait for his arrival, but Santa Claus would never return to my Grandmother's house. It is my opinion that the man who had become our Santa Claus either got ill or passed away. His identity has never been determined.

The Conclusion

Shortly after Santa's disappearance, the family tradition of Christmas Eve at my Grandmother's withered due to illness and the passing of family members. As a child I never understood the importance of family traditions, today I do. My wife and I have tried to establish our own practices or customs, but traditions take time to build. I don't think I'll be as brave as my father and aunt, and invite a stranger into our home in hopes of entertaining my son or niece; but I wish I had the opportunity to thank whoever it was that made all those Christmas Eves so memorable.

Thank you Santa Claus, whoever you were.

The Cohorters

Its Sunday December 13, 2009...the first day after my doctorate coursework has ended.

As I sit here looking forward, excited for more time with family and less time with class work, I reflect back on the last 2 1/2 years. While some assignments were daunting, some classes a waste of time, and some administrative changes a violation of rights; I know that all those experiences will soon be forgotten. Thoughts of the challenges associated with coursework will be replaced with the memories evenings talking, laughing, giving and receiving encouragement, and celebrating with other members of the cohort. You'd be hard-pressed to find a member of the class who will not admit to learning more from the "students" than the course itself.

I reflect back on all the great times. I'll miss evenings in Keyser, old women referring to our group in a derogatory manner, cohort members coming out of the bathroom with ice, and conversations at the Mountaineer. I'll miss the nights in Morgantown, at Genes, giant burritos nearly every Friday evening, and crashing at Megan's house.

For all those nights, all the emails, and all the conversations I thank you cohort; friends. I'm actually saddened that the coursework has come to an end because I know that I will sorely miss you. Thank you, all of you, for your words, your actions, your help, your smiles, and your time.

"May God bless and keep you always, may your wishes all come true, may you always do for others and let others do for you."
-Bob Dylan, Forever Young

Art imitates life or is it the opposite way around?

Sometimes its uncanny how something on TV relates to life. One week prior to Thanksgiving, "South Park" had an episode where the boys went to a water park and it just so happened that my family and I had scheduled a trip to an indoor water park in Erie, PA called Splash Lagoon a few days after the episode aired. If you were wondering if there was any correlation between my experience and the various hi-jinx that ensued on the "South Park" episode don't worry, our similarities ended with attending a water park. However, Splash Lagoon was a lot of fun and I'd highly recommend going and packing your own snacks as food was about the only part of the trip that was really pricey.

So what, you say. You think I would blog about one incident. You don't know me better than this by now? Have you never met me?

This afternoon I was honored with the employee of the month of November award at A-B...seriously, I have the letter to prove it. Then this evening I was watching "The Office" and they gave out an employee of the month award. What does an employee of the month win at my institution? Great question. First, I got a certificate, a letter from the President (of the institution), and balloons. I am also to receive a few gift certificates, a little P.R., and my image will be placed in the glass case displaying employees of the month; enshrined for all eternity or until next November...which ever comes first. Even more than the great prizes, I think the recognition of the award is great and would like to use this blog to publicly thank the individual who nominated me...I will not go into detail of who or why as that is not important to you, nosy.

What are you saying? You do not think this blog was really an observation about how art imitates life? You think I would really post this portion of the blog to tell you I got an award? Damn, your right. I did just post this to tell you about the award. I really am a self gratifying, self serving ass.

Marathon Analogy

Here I am, one month shy of completing the course work for the Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration. Am I excited? Sure. But what am I excited about really?

As I thought about how to describe the experience, I originally wanted to give the analogy of being in the late stages of a marathon. However, the finish line to a marathon signifies a conclusion or a goal attained. Will my education goals be completed in December? No, I still have a long way to go. I still need to pass comps and write a dissertation; both lofty goals themselves. So, what analogy can I use? What can I say to make you aware of the excitement my colleagues and I share in completing this portion of our academic venture? I really do like the thought of completing a marathon...after all the 2 and a half years of continual course work is somewhat comparable to the 26 miles run in a marathon.

Then I realized:

Completing this portion of the doctoral program is like being in the top 10 marathon runners in the Good Will Games. Imagine all the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming an elite runner. A top 10 finish, while not a victory, would earn you the right to run in the Olympic Trials. How exciting, a chance to make the Olympics! How fulfilling; finally a "pay-off" for all the toll on the body?

Much like the runner, the hours of studying and writing papers have earned my colleagues and I the right to sit for the comps. So what does that mean? Well, it simply means that we need to continue studying and preparing for our Trials on May 20th and 21st. Would our runner friend sit back and relax until his opportunity to earn a spot in the Olympics? I wouldn't think so either. Neither can we. Therefore, the celebration of our achievement can not last long. Yes, we should enjoy some festivities, but we must also keep in mind the races to come.

Luckily, I have not seen many "runners" falter in the second leg of the race that is the Ed.D. program. However, I have noticed a great number struggling to finish their dissertation. Why is it that so many do not finish the "race"? To not finish makes all the hard work and sacrifices of conquering the first 52 miles inconsequential. It tarnishes the medals earned along the way. I realize that even the best athletes will suffer a setback that will stop them from finishing; life is cruel that way.

It is my hopes to have enough ambition to complete all three races. I do not need to receive a gold medal, I'd be happy with a hood, a diploma, and possibly a "Laurel and Hardy" handshake.

Too Connected?

Is it ironic that I am blogging to express my opinion on an article about how college students who are too connected with their families via facebook, twitter, etc may not be maturing the same as past generations of students?

This past week I read a blog posting from a class member, Aaron, regarding an article he read titled "Constant contact between college students and parents could hinder development." The article basically discussed how today's college students have a number of options available to stay in nearly constant contact with their friends and families at home or abroad. The article is ultimately a review or advertisement for a book called "Letting Go: A Parents Guide to Understanding the College Years," yet there are some comments that reconfirm my opinion that constant contact between parents (or friends) and students actually deters growth, maturity, and student satisfaction at college.

I've come to recognize the need for constant contact with others outside the campus community to be a litmus test for the perseverance or retention of student athletes. I've come to this conclusion based on observations I've made over the past decade. Some observations include athletes who would rather call friends and family while riding to and from competitions rather than talking to teammates in the van; individuals who constantly text and then talk about the non-academic ventures of their high school friends; students who continuously update their social networking sites and then make comments about how much fun others are having as compared themselves. I can go on-and-on...

This past year I realized that the constant contact has implications on others as well. An colleague of mine was working (as an athletic trainer) with a team where one particular student-athlete was showing signs of dissatisfaction with the team and coach. Eventually the student met with the coach and quit the team. A few days later the team had an important conference game where they played exceptionally poor, causing them to lose miserably. After the contest the coach brought the team together in the locker room for a post-game discussion. The meeting ended with the coach saying, "If you ever play that bad again I'll kill you."

The next day, the athletic director and college president received calls from the parents of the student who quit the team. They wanted to voice their concerns about why their son or daughter quit the team...including mentioning the threat made to the entire team the night before by the coach...even though their child was not in the meeting and was not a recipient of the perceived threat.

When my friend tells this story he follows up by saying the coach became very paranoid and often made comments like "Do you think he/she is complaining about me?" when he'd see athletes texting or using their smart phones. He'd also make comments to his team like "I'd tell you that you played awful today, but I would not want you to beam my comment up to some satellite and have it bounce back to your mommy and daddy only to have them call my boss and have him tell me to be nicer to you."

Upon reading this you might think I feel that students should go to college and never contact home, or that I think it is bad to maintain bonds with friends and family who are outside the college community. You couldn't be more wrong. I think it is important to maintain bonds with the family and relationships with friends. However, I think it is also important that parents let their children grow and at least make their own attempts at either success or failure.

Do you or any of your "friends" have a story regarding college students and the influence that being connected to parents/home has on their college experience?

My Day As A Haiku

This is my Haiku
Recalling the day I had
Eleven - three - nine

Scrambled eggs and toast
Lego houses with Simon
Time to go to work

Went for a small jog
Accreditation update
Class with the sophomores

Online meeting day
Dorothy, Craig, Jeff, Brad and I
Discuss our projects

Certain films mentioned
Confusion resolution?
Perhaps more to know

Four o'clock head home
Dinner of gnocchi and sauce
Time for blog update

Have no idea
What made me write this Haiku
Perhaps the red wine

A rose' from Spain
Dry, strawberry-current taste
Hippopotamus.

I Don't Mind The Drive

My commute to and from work takes nearly 40 minutes (each way), but I don't mind the drive. I use the time to decompress from the day's events and to look forward to the possibilities of tomorrow. It also gives me time to contemplate work requirements as well as class assignments. The drive affords me the opportunity to revisit completed projects and to consider or "write" the beginning (or sometimes the conclusion) of other undertakings. And sometimes the drive gives me a chance to sit in silence and reflect or sort of daydream.

This evening, as I drove home, I started thinking of a classmate's blog that is dedicated to his experiences with (or in) photography. I read it for the first time a few days ago, and responded to him via Twitter stating that I would love to learn more about photography when and if I had the time. As I continued to consider the possibilities of learning more about photography I realized a bit about myself. I think of myself as an artist without a medium, a writer without a story, a sailor without a ship, an adventurer without a destination, a comedian without a stage, and a hobbiest without a interest.

I wish I could be impulsive, pick the family up and move, spontaneously find myself somewhere new, find an adventure, and learn about comedy, photography, and wine. Perhaps find the gumption to find an audience, write a story, take a picture, be rebellious, and leave fears of failure behind.

Luckily for me, just as I began to convince myself to make revolutionary changes, or to begin a revolution, I pulled into my driveway and stepped out of my car and back into reality.

Lost in Technology

It's Halloween time again. Time for costumes, candy treats, cold-dark evenings, and horror flicks. Last evening I started paging through my cable company's Videos On Demand. As great of an invention as being able to pick and watch a movie without leaving your house is; it does not hold water to old video rental stores. Sure, throughout the month of October I could have watched many horror classics; but, what about the low budget "B movies" that are so entertaining?

When I was in high school I was lucky enough to have a great video store called Video City in a neighboring town. The place originally opened in an old railroad dining car, but quickly outgrew its environment in both members and video selection. To accommodate their customers, Video City not only moved across the street into a double-wide trailer, but also stayed open 24 hours a day - every day.

I have fond memories of late nights searching the "B-movies" for something funny and scary, maybe an old zombie flick or something with the Coreys (Haim or Feldman) in it. New movies came out on Mondays at midnight (Tuesday morning technically). The store would be packed on the nights that a "big" picture was to debut. At exactly midnight an employee would walk out with a box of available rentals and sling them onto the floor...people would dive after the copies like pigs being fed slop. It was always an entertaining sight. If you weren't lucky enough to snag a copy of your own you could speak with the manager and "reserve" a copy for a later date...usually a few days later.

Back then, summer nights were often spent playing hearts or spades with friends as an old movie played in the background. The card games would pause at good scenes or during heated discussions of films (purists would call them movies, but to me...they were films).

I remember one Video City employee never checking ID, allowing anyone with tenacity to go into and rent movies from "the back room." Even better, believe it or not, were all the horror movies that required the renter to be 18 or older. Evening after evening my friends and I would rent movies such as "Chopping Mall", "Dawn of the Dead", "My Bloody Valentine", and "Frankenhooker." Try to find these classics on your cable's Movies On Demand or even at Blockbuster or any other chain rental store.

As a lazy guy I love Movies On Demand, as a guy who loves "B movies" and older, less known films...I hate it. You also can't find a good B-movie at Blockbuster or any other mega-movie rental place; no, if you want this stuff you must go to your local mom-and-pop video store. Maybe even take a trip to Video City (you can find it near Apollo, PA), they'll be open...they always are.

As a final thought, you may be able to get these films from internet based agencies like netflix...however, there is just something special about walking through a store, looking at all the video covers, picking the box up and reading the synopsis, and then arguing with your friends over which film to rent.

The Final Furlong

With 30 of 32 class meetings completed, we are quickly approaching the final furlong...and the finish line is nearly in site. It is this time when many students begin to complain of "senior-itis" and may even begin "operation shut-down." But, before I slip into cruise control I would like to reflect back on the last 2 1/2 years. So much has happened and so many people have lent support; it would be wrong to simply complete the course work portion of the degree and not "tip my cap" in appreciation.

I can not begin to reflect upon my education without considering the faculty members (and their assistants) who have touched my life in one fashion or another. *Thank you for making me a better student.* I must also thank family and friends for their support. *Thanks for your words, thoughts, and patience.* I'd also like to thank the great people/students I've met as part of the cohort. If I were asked today about the best part of the doctoral program...I could only respond by saying the students. My words of wisdom to future cohorts would be to get to know your classmates, they will be there to support you, encourage you, revel in your triumphs, and commiserate with you in your failures (see the Great "C" Massacre of SU-2008). *Thank you friends, the knowledge I gained from discussions with you at dinner, or at the Mountaineer or Genes is priceless.*

Finally, I have to thank the two people who have helped me the most; my son Simon and my wife Brandy. I've spent (and there are more to come) many evenings in front of the computer after a very long day at work. (Above is a picture of Simon at my post.) I've asked for some "alone time" so that I could get work done in a quiet house. And I've missed out on so much time, something that can never be brought back. I would apologize, but I know that they are not looking for an apology. They know that I am working hard to benefit us all...it is my only hope that I am able to "make good" on this dream. I know that I would not be racing to the end of my course work and looking forward to comps and writing a dissertation if it were not for their support. *Thank you Brandy and Simon, I love you so much.*

Promises...Promises

Another week complete. What does that mean to me now? It means that I am one week closer to the conclusion of what has been a long soccer season...unfortunately it also means that its getting colder and closer to winter (it always snows or sleets at least once every soccer season). A completed week also means that I am another week closer to finishing the semester, both A-B's and WVU's to be exact. Honestly though, I'm not minding A-B's semester...its my WVU classes that are becoming arduous in my own mind. I keep telling myself that they are not difficult, but then I find myself sitting in front of the computer for hours. The perceived lack of down time and constant feeling of having "something due soon" has affected me so much more this semester than ever before.

Maybe it's time to make some promises to myself. Maybe its time to follow through on goals that have nothing to do with academia or my career. Maybe its time to schedule a trip. However, the thoughts of assignment due dates loomed over me like a black cloud while I was in North Carolina...making me feel like I missed out on an experience although I physically was right there. Maybe its time to scream. Or maybe its time to clear my head, relax, and focus on the next few months. Maybe some head service is needed.

I think it was the Byrds (and the Bible) who said "To every thing...there is a season...and a time to every purpose under Heaven...A time to gain, a time to lose, a time to rend, a time to sew..." Maybe its time I gain more personal time, lose some weight, tear myself away from the computer, and mend relationships with my family.

A long but exciting week

Another week in the books, but what a chapter its been.

This week was highlighted with both personal and a professional excitement.

On a personal note, this past Friday was spent driving to Graham, NC to see my sister, niece, and brother-in-law, as well as to attend a great concert. (A little back story.) Brandy has always been a huge U2 fan, and honestly I enjoy their music too. A few years ago we saw them in Pittsburgh and had a great time. We've also gone to Pittsburgh to see a U2 tribute band called 2U. 2U is owned (or at least operated) by a guy named Joseph Cumia...he is the brother of a Serius/XM "shock-jock" named Anthony Cumia from the Opie and Anthony Show. The band is touted to be the "Best U2 Tribute Band In the World" and has a contract to follow the band across the east coast performing at small venues near the U2 show. Back in March I found out that U2 would be playing in Raleigh and purchased tickets. In the past month I also found out that 2U was planning an Irish Pub called Napper Tandys. Suddenly I realized that this trip was going to be an opportunity to see both the REAL band and the TRIBUTE! Then, about a week before the trip I found out that Muse, a band I really like, was going to be opening for U2.

I could go on for hours regarding the pre-concert festivities with 2U at Napper Tandys and then the actual show (both Muse and U2 were phenomenal). The stage for U2 made the show both an auditory and a visual experience. Needless to say, I'd strongly recommend seeing U2.

At the same (ok, not EXACTLY the same time...but close...don't be so picky), I've experienced some great excitement in my profession. A portion of both of my IT courses are requiring the development of an instructional program or program using technology. I originally intended my project(s) to revolve around the development of an online approved clinical instructor (ACI) training or workshop. In researching the topic I found that very few programs use an online format, but did find a YouTube clip from Fresno State. I contacted the individual from the video via email and he replied with a few suggestions along with some contact information of others who have experience using an online medium. I contacted this individual and stayed in contact with the first. Through my correspondences I've found that a site for the repository of materials and resources is necessary. This caused me to ask the individuals if they were interested in a collaboration to develop an online program for use by multiple programs. Before I knew it, I had developed a wiki and embedded video, files, discussions, and links to show the possibilities available to learners involved with a forum such as a wiki.

I'm excited to say that thus far, a few days into it, the other "collaborators" seem responsive and eager to learn about wikis and developing a forum for conversation between professionals from locations throughout the country. It may seem strange to hear that I am surprised about this, however, coming from a small college and not having experience publishing or even working extensively with peers who do not work at institutions similar to my own I was surprised at how responsive the others have been. I guess I've never given much credit to myself or my contributions (or potential contributions) in my field. But now I am seeing a bigger picture, I can see that the project that I once thought about building for my own institution has the potential to be developed for many institutions. There is also the potential to complete a case study of the collaboration and possibly publish or present results.

How exciting!?

Text Messages and Driving

Over the semester we've discussed all the good that has come from technology, but with this new medium comes a need for responsibility. Society must come to an understanding of when the use these tech tools is or is not appropriate.

Let's "dumb down" our gadgets all the way to cell phones and texting, just for the sake of my little rant here.

A few months ago I had lunch with my college's women's soccer coach, he is a tech savvy guy who loves texting and emailing from his blackberry. The entire meal he had his fork in his right hand and his phone in his left, and would stop eating and talking every few minutes to text or email...I ended up getting frustrated and asking him if his life was really that busy. I don't think he even realized he was being rude...and annoying. And he's not alone. How often have you seen people in line at a store talking on their phone while the cashier is assisting with their check-out? How often have you been at a movie theater and someone begins texting or accepts a call (go to a matinee for a children's movie and you'll know what I am talking about). How many times have you been in a store and overheard a conversation because the individual on the phone was speaking so loud? These acts should be considered socially unacceptable, yet we we are constantly witnesses of these actions. Every time I get a new clinical student to supervise I must stress my dissatisfaction of constant text messages, phone calls, and now emails.

And now the most pressing issue, texting and driving. Have you ever been in a car while someone was texting? Have you ever been driving and sent a text? If so, you need to watch this link: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/32184212#32184212

You will learn that texting while driving is actually 23% more dangerous than being intoxicated behind the wheel. You wouldn't dare place yourself in a situation where you were the passenger of a car being driven by someone who is drunk, but you may sit back as your driver sends a "quick" text or email. I'm not going to ramble on about this subject, but please do watch the clip...and notice the number of people you see using their phones to text or email while driving. Maybe we can't change how inept our society is when it comes to social graces, but at least we can contribute by exemplifying what should be the norm...and not what actually is.

Long story short, if your life is so busy and important to need to text while driving...pull over and text away...after all whoever you needed to respond to would rather you arrive late than not arrive at all.

Another Blog

What am I thinking? Great question.

I've thought about beginning a blog to discuss my adventures in learning about wine and wine making. So, this evening I did just that...created a blog where I plan to discuss the various wines I try, places I go sampling wine, and experience I have making and tasting this potable. Feel free to follow the new blog by going to http://motteandbaileycellars.blogspot.com/.

Tracking the Swine Flu

This evening I posted a comment on Twitter about the cold I contracted over the weekend. I am feeling awful, but I am sure it is a head and chest cold. Anyhow, a few minutes after making my comment I decided to see what people were saying about the Swine Flu by going to a blog that follows tweets regarding the disease. Guess what, I made the blog. You can click on the picture to see my comment as a screen cap...how cool is that?

You're right, its not very cool at all...man my life is boring.

As easy as 1, 2, 3

Why are social networks so great? Because you can make loads of money and become famous...easy as 1, 2, 3!

Here is the game plan:

1: Join a social networking site
2: ?
3: Make MONEY!!!

How easy was that?

Simple right? However, what if the fame you gain can one day come back to haunt you? What if your notoriety is not what you would want your spouse or children to see? What if your fame actually hinders your potential for employment? (I've always wondered what happens to these reality "stars" once the cameras are turned off. Seriously, are any of the individuals from "Rock of Love Bus" or even "The Bachelor" employable?)

Alas, back to the point at hand. If you have a niche you can become famous...or infamous. Below is an example of how one person became famous for her blog, a story (and link) to a video of a class on becoming famous, and an individual who I think will find a book deal from his Tweets.

In 2002, blogger Julie Powell's challenged herself to cook all the recipes in Julia Child's first book "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." Her blog grew in popularity and Mrs. Powell was given a book deal. Next, her story was given a movie contract. Yes, there were some changes to the book, the screen writers added Julia Child to their version. However, the world still got to see and learn the story of two famous women; Julie Powell, played by Amy Adams, and Julia Child, played by Meryl Streep in the movie "Julie & Julia".

Congrats to Mrs. Powell.

Here is a link to a video from youtube that discusses a course called Internet Famous. In it, a college professor explains that the course grade depends solely on the number of hits the students get on their social networking sites. The clip features a student named Andrew who discusses his method of becoming famous, doing silly pranks such as riding a bike through Manhattan in just a thong or dressing as a banker and begging for money outside of the NY Stock Exchange. Sure, the pranks are funny...but what can he do with that fame if it comes? How can he use his skills to find a career? And can his pranks come back to haunt him in the future? Maybe we'll never know.

What scares me most about this video is that the instructor encourages and advises the student to continue. Has our society gone daft? How is it that "fame" comes from acting like a fool, releasing scandalous tapes, or being "over the top". Do something that gets reactions, make sure its video taped, post the video, and get others to talk about it on their social network sites.

Finally, I want to call your attention to a Twitter account. I honestly think this guy will someday get a book deal (if he hasn't already). I don't know his name, or where he lives...but he (and his father) may be geniuses. The author to the Twitter is a 29 year old male who lives with his 73 year old Father and simply tweets the "sh!t" his Dad says.

I must warn you: There is vulgarity in nearly ALL of his Tweets. But, if you can handle the profanity just enough to look deeper into the account you will notice that the first tweet was written on August 3rd...as of this evening (Sept 24th), the author has accrued over 279,000 followers. If he has that many people noticing his account in only a month and a half, how many people will be following his tweets in 6 months (if he can keep up his tweets)? I'd think someone would end up giving him a book deal...don't you?

Squinting

How hard must I squint to see the light at the end of the tunnel?


This week has been incredibly difficult. I feel like everything is perpetual, and that nothing at all will end. As I complete one thing, two more assignments, readings, committees, issues or meetings pop up. I realized yesterday that I still have 3 months of course work...I hope I have the strength to maintain.

As I reflect back on the last two years, I realize that this time of year is always busy. My job has me at work late and on weekends; I accustomed to it, I guess, or at least I should be by now. So what's different? Initially I thought it was the 9 credits I'm taking...then I realized I've had 9 credits every fall since beginning my doctoral program. So what's different?

I think about the number of doctoral students who have completed their course work but fail to complete their dissertation...I wonder why that is? Is it the need for some sort of separation from academics, is it a need for personal time that has been lost, is it disinterest in the subject/topic, or is it complete burn out?

I hope I can figure out where there is a difference so that I may address it.

Plugging Along

It's been a long few weeks. Yesterday was my first day off in 28 days. I spent the day helping construct a garage door.

My homework is moving along. I've felt lost as to what we are to do exactly. However, I've gained some info from my fellow cohort members. (There has been many occasions were members of the cohort have clarified aspects of various courses...If you've never been a member of a cohort, it is quite nice, we all work for, support, encourage and learn with each other.)

As I completed this past week's readings, I've realized that there are more benefits and conflicts to accreditation standards than what is on the surface (or at least what I've found to be on the surface). Some surface issues (if you wanted to know) include required standards such specific numbers of faculty members, the availability to certain equipment, and the need for yearly reports and documentation.

The deeper benefits and conflicts include the completion specific curricular guidelines, and the difficulty involved with designing courses to meet the needs of all learners and still complete such a ridged curricula. However, the extent of our assessment practices is a feather in our cap.

Actually Using Technology

Thanks to my technology class I've decided to venture out of my comfort zone. I've required students enrolled in my Practicum courses to keep a journal of their clinical experiences. Originally the idea was to give them an opportunity to reflect back on their semester of both didactic and clinical education. However, I realized that students could assist one another with their education by making suggestions and reading about other students' experiences. So, I decided to create a wiki for the class using the college's Angel Learning Management System. It was actually quite easy to do, and I was able to limit it to the members of the course (thanks to Angel).
Yesterday I spoke to the students about confidentiality and how I did not want to see any names of patients, coaches, or fellow students in their posts...however, I do want to read about their impressions/feelings of situations they encounter. I also encouraged them to make suggestions to each other in regards to treatments, rehabilitations, and injury evaluation methods.
I required each student to post a weekly reflection of their clinical experience as well as a comment about how they revisited the upcoming week's topic of discussion prior to class on Thursday. (The practicum courses are designed to reiterate information discussed in a formal setting earlier in the students' academic career.)
It is my hope that the students will gain a greater sense of the profession through their dialog...and perhaps the best part of the wiki is that each student will be able to reflect back on their own experience as well as the comments made by their classmates and myself.
Throughout the semester I will keep you abreast of how my weekly wiki impacts/changes the course. If you have any suggestions...let me know.

You can also screen cap just one single window by using Alt + Print Screen.

This is today's workout...3.25 miles, 768 calories!

Example of a screen cap

This is a screen cap showing a book from Amazon and yesterday's run result using nike+ ipod. I am hoping to hit the 500 mile marker soon.

Other Networking Sites

You can also see my posts on the following sites:

Twitter - http://twitter.com/Michael_Boehke
Facebook - Mike Boehke

Blog Post #1

I just set up this blog and decided to try it out. Hopefully all works out.