Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation

I REALLY like what Dirty Jobs TV show host Mike Rowe has to say about the excessive emphasis being placed on preparing everybody to go to college and the exce$$ive co$t of many higher education institutions. I remember reading the candid answer of a university president to the question as to why they continued to raise tuition rates at a much faster rate than the rate of inflation. His reply was very telling. "Because we can".

If you or someone you love is considering going into debt and getting a tax-payer funded student loan for tens of thousands of dollars that you may never be able to repay to buy a diploma for a job that doesn't exist, you REALLY owe it to yourself to listen to what Mike Rowe has to say on the subject of education, work, jobs, and success.


When I was in college (and YES, I do think a reasonably priced college education is a good idea for those who are so inclined and prepared) I often wondered where was the financial aid for people like me. As Mike Rowe points out- scholarships are available for students who are really smart, students who are really athletic, students who are really gifted in the arts, and students who are really poor. I wondered where is the financial aid for students like me whose parents are not rich enough to afford to pay their way through college, but who are also not poor? What of the students like me who are married with a child or two, who are working one or more jobs, are volunteering in the community, are trying really hard to work and study and keep all the important balls in the air?

Mike Rowe has started a foundation called mikeroweWORKS whose goal is to promote hard work and supporting the skilled trades in a variety of areas. Primarily, they award scholarships to young men and women who have illustrated both an interest and an aptitude around mastering a specific trade. Qualified candidates include those students who want to advance their education through an accredited trade school or apprenticeship program, exhibit high work ethic and need financial assistance.I wish more SWEAT equity financial assistance was available to students.

http://profoundlydisconnected.com/reasontv-interviews-mike-rowe-on-the-high-cost-of-college/

If what Mike has to say in the above video makes sense, check out his conversation with a CNN forum member who seemingly wants to blame all the world's problems on conservatives following Mike's appearance on the Piers Morgan show.

http://profoundlydisconnected.com/cnn-viewer-has-questions/

In addition, checkout Mike Rowe's Facebook page.

5 in 5

http://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/us/en/ibm_predictions_for_future/ideas/index.html

I find these 5 predictions for how technology will positively affect our lives in 5 years (that will be 2019 since its ALMOST 2014...can you BELIEVE it?) to be very interesting and worthwhile listening to the brief videos about each.

I am especially impressed by the predictions of how computing will address the needs of the individual in the areas of education and wellness. I am hopeful that by 2019 individuals, families, educators, and local school decision makers will have learned the lessons of the failed education model of central government controlled, cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all, college-prep, no child left behind policies. It is predicted that advances in technology will help identify the teaching methods that work best for each student and then allow them to learn at their own rate the knowledge and skills that are needed to achieve personal development and career preparation goals that they and their families choose, not some central government bureaucrat. I like the idea of exposing each student to the basics of a variety of topics and then allow them and their parents, with optional input from career counselors, to choose additional optional learning modules that support their interests and goals. (select graphic to view enlarged version)

Another area of predicted advances is that of disease prevention and treament. It will be possible to analyze a person's genetic makeup and identify inherited predispositions to certain diseases or health conditions and then tailor individualized health treatments and lifestyle guidelines to minimize these problems. This includes individualized gene treatments to combat person-specific cancerous stem cells, not just the tumors they create.

I attended a fascinating presentation at work about a week ago by a Dr. Nezami who offers a new kind of cancer treatment called MTET (Molecular Targeted Epigenetic therapies). MTET replaces or supplements traditional chemotherapy that attempts to "treat" general classifications of cancer in a shotgun fashion with broad range of toxic chemicals. Since not all breast or skin cancers are alike, MTET treatments are tailored to the individual's specific needs by analyzing and targeting the specific cancers of THAT person. In a nutshell, Epigenetics is the study of how to change the behavior of genomes without modifying the underlying DNA. Rather than attempting to kill cancer cells (and healthy cells, also) by damaging their DNA or disrupting vital communication pathways using toxic chemicals, epigenetic therapy attempts to change the behavior of cancer cells by blocking chemical changes to DNA, including a process called methylation that turns genes on or off. The advertised results were so dramatic that they bordered on being too good to be true. This is a new alternative cancer treatment that is being offered as a covered option under our company's self-insured wellness program. There must be something to it since it is being actively communicated to employees by the HR Department of our fortune 250 company. This is definitely something I would thoroughly investigate before I would subject myself to chemotherapy.

http://www.allcancercare.com

The Yellow Backpack Guy

 While cycling to work today I caught up with another cyclist at a stop light. A 20-something young man briefly turned his head around and cordially said "hello". Then a few seconds later he turned back around again and proclaimed, "Hey, you're the yellow backpack guy"!  I smiled and replied, "Yes, I *am* the yellow backpack guy". (BTW, the windbreaker I put over my backpack is bright green, not yellow.) He enthusiastically told me how he had taken notice of me many times during the previous winter each time he would drive by me. He told me that he finally decided that if I could ride during cold winter days, so could he. I smiled and reminded him that the weather was not yet cold. The light changed and I quickly pulled away from the newbie cyclist feeling good about having unknowingly set an example that helped motivate someone to switch from riding to work in a car to commuting by bicycle.

On my ride home, I came upon another cyclist who was changing a flat tire. I stopped and asked whether he needed help. He said that his bottle of compressed air had malfunctioned and a small air pump was not working. Since I had a pump, I stopped to help him, which turned out to be a good idea since he soon disclosed that this was his first changing of a flat tire. It turned out that the reason his pump and compessed air wasn't inflating his replacement tube was because the spare tube had a visible hole in it. After he reinstalled another spare tube that I gave him and started to pump up the tube, the tip of the valve stem broke off inside the air pump. Not withstanding the broken valve stem, the tube still held air, so I helped him pump up the tire as much as possible and he installed the wheel back on his bike.  When he tried to pay me for the tube, I told him to pay it forward. As we were getting ready to leave, he asked me how far I was going. When I replied that my destination was near the confluence of the 55 and 22 freeways, he seemed shocked and said that was a long ways away. He was only was going as far as Jamboree Road.  I again felt good on the ride home for having been able to make a difference by helping somebody. 

2013 National POW/MIA Recognition Day

On this National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 20, 2013, let all Americans remember and be thankful for all those who have and currently serve honorably in our Armed Forces, with a special place in our hearts for those who forfeited their health, their freedom, or their lives that we might have ours.

The United States currently has one known Prisoner of War,  SGT Bowe R. Bergdahl, who has been a POW in Afghanistan for more than 50 months. Please remember him in your prayers that he might return home alive to his family and friends.
http://supportbowe.org/


Here is a video containing a summary of some of the news coverage for the Vietnam POW 40th Reunion held this past May. Even though Richard Nixon was a controversial president, he worked diligently to end the Vietnam War and bring the POWs home. This video refers to his role in honoring the POWs upon their return and the role his Presidential Library played in their 40th reunion.


40th POW Reunion Youtube video link

Our Identity and Our Destiny

The hyperlink below is to a Brigham Young University devotional address given by Elder Tad Callister, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, in August 2012. He expertly teaches from the scriptures the unique and marvelous principles proclaimed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that everyone is a literal spirit child of God physically created in his literal image and likeness with the potential, through the power and grace of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and obedience to His Gospel, to return to the glorious presence of God and eventually progress to become like Him.

I lovingly and sincerely invite everyone to invest approximately 30 minutes to watch this devotional address and listen for the whispering voice of the Spirit of God confirming to your soul the truthfulness of these teachings about the true nature of God and our potential as His offspring.

Click here to view video:

Our Identify and Our Destiny

Click here to read devotional talk:
http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=2060

Bucket List Item #7: Fire A Machine Gun. Check.

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4rUpZdNkBA

(I don't know why this URL hyperlink displays a "Video has been removed by user" error message when clicking on it from within this blog entry, so just copy and paste it into another browser window and it should work. Let me know if it doesn't.)




I was the high bidder at a charity fund raising auction to fire 100 rounds using a SWAT .223 caliber tactical rifle that switches between semi-automatic and full automatic modes with the flip of a lever. It was FUN! This was my first (and probably only) experience firing an automatic firearm. Shooting a machine gun has now been checked off my bucket list.

My first visual impression of the rifle is that it was smaller than I anticipated, even with a telescoping adjustable butt stock that we fully extended for my large frame. I'm sure this is because of the need to be able to use the rifle in close quarters, like turning around in hallways. When I handled the rifle for the first time, I was surprised by how heavy it was, even with some aluminum and carbon parts.  No wonder we often see SWAT officers with detachable straps over their neck to help support the weight of their compact, but solid rifle.

What surprised me most about this weapon is its super fast rate of fire. I was anticipating that full automatic mode might fire about 5 rounds per second, about as fast as the trigger could be manually pulled in semi-automatic mode. WRONG! I estimate that the 30 round magazine could be emptied in 2-3 seconds, which equates to a rate of fire in the range of 600-900 rounds per minute, which is a meaningless value since no reasonably portable magazine could hold that much ammunition. I think the shortest burst I was able to shoot without running out of ammo was 3 rounds.

Another very noticeable part of the experience was the noise and concussive force of each fired round. Even with good ear protection, the noise immediately gets your attention. I believe that an auto-leveling feature on iPhone camera microphone greatly minimized the noise recorded on the video. When standing to the side (not the side where the empty shells were ejecting) to film, each round fired created an air blast that felt like someone gently shoving you in the chest. Therefore the sustained bursts felt like a drummer rapidly hitting my chest with padded timpani mallets. Its obvious to me that anyone being shot at with this weapon at close range, even if the bullets were to somehow miss, would be stunned by the noise and the repeated shock waves.

 
When in semi-automatic mode, I was able to recover from the recoil and get the targeting dot back on the target and fire again within 2-3 seconds. Full auto mode is more difficult. It was a challenge to brace myself to withstand the ongoing recoil and keep the red dot aiming scope pointing at the center of the target located 30-40 feet away. During the relatively longer bursts (1-2 seconds), in addition to the considerable recoil, I could sense the rifle rotating slightly in reaction to each bullet rotating in the opposite direction as they traveled through the spiraled rifling inside the barrel.

I concur with the oft repeated statement that using a fully automatic rifle to attempt to hit a single target in a public area, especially if the target were moving, would be inadvisable. Its just too hard to control where all the bullets go.  In special situations where there is no concern for overspray or rounds passing through walls, or in combat situations where the objective is to quickly hit as many enemy combatants as possible, then I see value in using full automatic mode.But you better have a lot of extra ammo clips.

Ruth May Fox

I found this inspiring audio history of poet and 3rd General President of the LDS Young Women organization to be a worthwhile multitasking background activity. This amazing woman overcame many adversities, lived an amazing life to the age of 104, and left behind a legacy worthy of emulation. She reminds me of some of the women whose lives I am blessed to observe and inspire me.

http://broadcast2.lds.org/ldsradio/PoetsOfTheRestoration/2011-04-0040-ruth-may-fox-64k-eng.mp3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_May_Fox
http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Fox,_Ruth_May


The entire series of the Poets of The Restoration podcasts can be accessed here:
http://feeds.lds.org/PoetsOfTheRestoration

Hess Family 2013 "Newsletter"

Its been several years since we published a family newsletter (because I'm TOO busy!). So I figured I'd better get to work on a Reader's Digest version of our status- SHORT and sweet (mostly)- as we plunge into the new year that is 2013.

I'm in my 30th year with the same company I've been working for since college. I haven't yet been fired from my job supporting engineering software applications at Parker Hannifin, so I keep reporting for duty most mornings. Some mornings it is COLD (well, SoCal cold) biking to work at 6:30am in the dark. Parker implemented what they call an optional Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) that allows participants to work at least 9 hour days in exchange for getting every other Friday off work So, with more frequent 3-day weekends, why does my to-do list not get any shorter? Hmmm. Refinished kitchen table and chairs, refinished the outside of the front door, childproof latches installed on all cabinets, got a new roof, and a wee bit of Church service.

We all survived the ordeal of Kim serving as co-director for our stake's (church) multi-month production of "OOOOOOOKKK-la-homa" last spring. I played the role of the "I tell ya I git no respect" Federal Marshal Cord Elam. Kim also serves as the Stake Music Chairman, Ward and Stake Choir Director, Relief Society instructor, and several other callings. Kim also maintains a heavy workload of accomplished vocal students and has worked relentlessly to beautify our home. She also tends grandchildren 4 days/week.

Judd and his wife Michele are now the parents of FOUR children, with the addition of a set of twins in 2012. (see earlier blog posting here: (http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-hess-clan-welcomes-ellington-and.html)  Judd continues to teach English at Godinez Fundamental High School.

Katie and Larry and their family moved from Garden Grove to Stanton this year as Larry landed a new job as a restaurant manager. They celebrated their daughter Kaliah's first birthday with a great party that will be remembered by all who attended. And Kaylee just celebrated her 10th birthday. Larry's daughter Amarah has moved in with Katie and Larry. Katie and Larry surprised us with a 2013 family photo calendar that included an ultrasound picture of our next grandchild for July! We were very surprised. If all goes well, this will be Katie's 3rd child and Larry's 4th and our 14th grandchild (15 counting our step-granddaughter Amarah). Larry is understandably hoping for a son, but most importantly a healthy and safe delivery for both baby and mother.

After completing his transitional, post-medical school year in Austin, Texas, Clayton and his family moved to Sacramento, where Clayton has begun his residency in Radiation Oncology at UC Davis Medical Center. Clayton and Katie have four wonderful children, Gredtel, Mayzie, Clark, and Betsy. Gredtel excels in her 1st grade class. We've liked having them closer so that we can take turns driving to visit each other.

Jayson, Celeste, Hayden, Landon, and Kendri are living in San Angelo, Texas where Jayson works for Lowes Home Improvement. Their kids are growing up quickly. We've got to get down to see them or have them come visit us. Hopefully this summer.



 Zachary returned in late July from his tour aboard Holland America' Eurodam ship after touring the Eastern Carri bean, crossing the Atlantic, touring the Western Mediterranean while visiting southern Europe and North Africa, then up to the British Isles, the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia and north west Russia. It was great to have him home for a few months, especially over the holidays. He tried out for and was cast as one of the leads in Musical Theatre West's production of "42nd Street" tap dancing musical at the Carpenter Theatre in Long Beach, California. The show was sold out most nights and got rave reviews. The show was just as good as any musical in New York. It was so surreal to watch Zach perform so well on a big stage with stars flown in from New York City. It was a great experience. Soon after singing with our stake choir for our Community Christmas Program in early December, he had his tonsils removed, recovering just in time to solo during our ward's sacrament meeting Christmas Program that Kim directed. He recently moved back up to Los Angeles to rehearse the shows he and his co-performers will perform aboard the Nordam this Summer and Autumn in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Its a rough life, but somebody has got to do it.

As we begin a year of uncertainty, our thoughts and prayers are with each of you as we all strive to find joy in the journey of life as we seek to overcome the difficult, but needful "opposition in all things". We LOVE our family and friends.

Cam-n-Kim 

P.S. Click on any of the photos to see a larger version.