tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70516057297671133382024-03-18T21:56:56.622-05:00population-we™Join the population-we™ movement: "It's not about me it's about us and we."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-57727603999970781992017-06-16T15:00:00.000-05:002017-06-17T13:57:08.358-05:00pop-we Highlights 2017 Men's College World Series LineupThe 2017 <a href="http://www.cwsomaha.com/">College World Series</a> (CWS) will be played in <a href="https://www.visitomaha.com/about-omaha/">Omaha,</a> Neb. at Ameritrade Park from June 17 through June 27 or 28, if necessary. There will be no repeat this year as defending champion Coastal Carolina did not get selected to a regional. Five of the national seeds made it to Omaha including top seed Oregon State. All the teams have made it to Omaha before with three capturing previous championships.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX1ISv0grRyQnEuuG0X3zEM3BKD0iLYI0mU3kAAlF0GxqdpQso6Bzzo0G3khlOpAgPCXCcK2jPpltLvO5ZVGKpRDOBw-0Yqshk46MCuVVCyEr5CemUeauhBlZj94zNyQWfcdVZlDFeyKi/s1600/cws-homeplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX1ISv0grRyQnEuuG0X3zEM3BKD0iLYI0mU3kAAlF0GxqdpQso6Bzzo0G3khlOpAgPCXCcK2jPpltLvO5ZVGKpRDOBw-0Yqshk46MCuVVCyEr5CemUeauhBlZj94zNyQWfcdVZlDFeyKi/s200/cws-homeplate.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road To Omaha greeting at home plate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first game Saturday, June 17, has 39-22 Cal State Fullerton against 54-4 top seed Oregon State. Cal State Fullerton dropped their first super regional game to host Long Beach State before recovering to win 12-0 and 2-1. Oregon State had no problem sweeping 2014 Champion Vanderbilt 8-4 and 9-2.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.fullertontitans.com/sports/m-basebl/index">Cal State Fullerton Titans</a> are led by Head Coach Rick Vanderhook. They had a 15-9 conference record in the Big West and their campus is in Fullerton, Calif. Their top eight hitters are Scott Hurst (.332), Sahid Valenzuela (.324), Timmy Richards (.301), Dillon Persinger (.296), Hunter Cullen (.271), Taylor Bryant (.266), Hank LoForte (.253) and Chris Hudgins (.227) with Hurst leading the team with 12 home runs followed by Cullen with six. The team batting average is .270 and they average 5.5 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Connor Seabold (11-5, 3.01), John Gavin (8-2, 2.67) and Gavin Velsaquez (4-3, 4.50) with Brett Conine being their main closer with 15 saves. Their team ERA is 3.57 and they have given up 3.8 runs per game. Hurst was Big West Player of the Week in week 12 and week 14. Seabold was Big West Pitcher of the Week in week 1 and week 8, Gavin in week 5 and Blake Workman in week 11. In the 2017 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Seabold (Phillies, 3rd round), Hurst (Cardinals, 3rd), Gavin (Giants, 8th), Hudgins (Royals, 16th), Persinger (Indians, 18th), Richards (Nationals, 24th), and Bryant (Cardinals, 33rd). This is their 18th CWS appearance and won the title in 1979, 1984, 1995 and 2004.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.osubeavers.com/index.aspx?path=baseball">Oregon State Beavers</a> are led by Head Coach Pat Casey. They had a 27-3 conference record in the PAC 12 and their campus is in Corvallis, Ore. Their top eight hitters are Nick Madrigal (.383), Steven Kwan (.345), KJ Harrison (.330), Trevor Larnach (.304), Michael Gretler (.300), Jack Anderson (.288), Cadyn Grenier (.280) and Christian Donahue (.258) with Harrison leading the team with eight home runs followed by Grenier with five. The team batting average is .296 and they average 6.1 runs a game. One of their top pitchers Luke Heimlich (11-1, 0.76) is not playing which leaves Jake Thompson (14-0, 1.52), Bryce Fehmel (5-2, 3.80) and Drew Rasmussen (3-0, 0.83) with Jake Mulholland being their main closer with six saves followed by Max Engelbrekt with five. Their team ERA is 1.80 and they have given up 2.2 runs per game. Grenier was PAC 12 Player of the Week in week 5, Harrison in week 6 and Madrigal in week 7. Heimlich was PAC 12 Pitcher of the Week in week 1, week 10 and week 12, Thompson in week 5 and week 14, Fehmel in week 6 and Mulholland in week 8. In the 2017 MLB draft they had five players taken: Rasmussen (Rays, 1st round), Harrison (Brewers, 3rd), Thompson (Red Sox, 4th), Gretler (Pirates, 39th), and Engelbrekt (Nationals, 40th). This is their sixth CWS appearance and won the title in 2006 and 2007.<br />
<br />
The second game Saturday has 45-21 Florida State against 48-17 fourth seed LSU. Florida State swept Cinderella hopeful Sam Houston State 7-6 and 19-0 to advance to Omaha. LSU faced familiar SEC conference foe Mississippi State and got the sweep at home 4-3 and 14-4.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.seminoles.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPID=157125&SPSID=917084&DB_OEM_ID=32900">Florida State Seminoles</a> are led by Head Coach Mike Martin. They had a 14-14 conference record in the ACC and their campus is in Tallahassee, Fla. Their top eight hitters are Jackson Lueck (.327), Rhett Aplin (.322), Dylan Busby (.315), Quincy Nieporte (.305), Taylor Walls (.276), Matt Henderson (.265), Drew Mendoza (.263) and JC Flowers (.239) with Busby leading the team with 14 home runs followed by Nieporter with 10. The team batting average is .272 and they average 7.4 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Tyler Holton (10-2, 2.25), Drew Parrish (6-3, 4.40) and Cole Sands (6-3, 5.05) with Drew Carlton being their main closer with six saves. Their team ERA is 3.72 and they have given up 4.5 runs per game. Busby was ACC Player of the Week in week 10. Holton was ACC Pitcher of the Week in week 2, week 3, week 7, week 13 and week 14. In the 2017 MLB draft they had nine players taken: Walls (Rays, 3rd round), Busby (Pirates, 3rd), Nieporte (Phillies, 26th), Cobi Johnson (Angels, 29th), Carlton (Tigers, 32nd), Alec Byrd (Rockies, 33rd), Andrew Carp (Cubs, 34th), Holton (Marlins, 34th) and Jim Voyles (Cardinals, 38th). This is their 22nd CWS appearance and but no championships yet.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.lsusports.net/SportSelect.dbml?SPID=2173&SPSID=27865&DB_OEM_ID=5200">Louisiana State University Tigers </a>are led by Head Coach Paul Mainieri. They had a 21-9 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in Baton Rouge, La. Their top eight hitters are Cole Freeman (.327), Antoine Duplantis (.322), Greg Deichmann (.320), Kramer Robertson (.319), Zach Watson (.313), Josh Smith (.289), Beau Jordan (.277) and Michael Papierski (.260) with Deichmann leading the team with 19 home runs followed by Robertson, Watson and Papierski with eight each. The team batting average is .294 and they average 7.0 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Alex Lange (9-5, 2.92), Jared Poche' (10-3, 3.42) and Eric Walker (8-1, 3.46) with Hunter Newman being their main closer with 10 saves. Their team ERA is 3.54 and they have given up 3.8 runs per game. Freeman was SEC Player of the Week in week 4, Duplantis in week 5 and Robertson in week 14. Poche' was SEC Pitcher of the Week in week 1 and week 3, Walker in week 8 and Lange in week 13. In the 2017 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Lange (Cubs, 1st round), Deichmann (Athletics, 2nd), Robertson (Cardinals, 4th), Freeman (Nationals, 4th), Poche' (Athletics, 9th), Papierski (Astros, 9th), Hunter Kiel (White Sox, 18th) and Doug Norman (Reds, 25th). This is their 18th CWS appearance and won the title in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2009.<br />
<br />
The first game Sunday, June 18, has 41-21 Texas A&M taking on 52-10 seventh seed Louisville. Texas A&M faced the other Cinderella possibilty Davidson outlasting them 7-6 in 15 innings before breaking out the broom in a 12-6 game. Louisville advanced to Omaha by sweeping in state rival Kentucky 5-2 and 6-2.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.12thman.com/index.aspx?path=baseball">Texas A&M Aggies</a> are led by Head Coach Rob Childress. They had a 16-14 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in College Station, Texas. Their top eight hitters are Braden Shewmake (.335), Nick Choruby (.325), Cole Bedford (.302), Blake Kopetsky (.298), Hunter Coleman (.292), Logan Foster (.283), George Janca (.259) and Joel Davis (.253) with Shewmake leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Foster, Janca and Davis with six each. The team batting average is .275 and they average 6.2 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Brigham Hill (8-3, 3-18), Corbin Martin (7-3, 3.35) and Stephen Kolek (4-4, 3.59) with Mitchell Kilkenny being their main closer with seven saves. Their team ERA is 3.42 and they have given up 4.1 runs per game. Hill was SEC Pitcher of the Week in week 7. In the 2017 MLB draft they had six players taken: Martin (Astros, 2nd round), Hill (Nationals, 5th), Cason Sherrod (Royals, 13th), Choruby (Nationals, 18th), Turner Larkins (Blue Jays, 21st) and Kaylor Chafin (Mets, 32nd). This is their 6th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.gocards.com/index.aspx?path=baseball">Louisville Cardinals</a> are led by Head Coach Dan McDonnell. They had a 23-6 conference record in the ACC and their campus is in Louisville, Ky. Their top eight hitters are Drew Ellis (.367), Brendan McKay (.343), Josh Stowers (.311), Devin Hairston (.306), Colin Lyman (.287), Logan Taylor (.279), Devin Mann (.270) and Colby Fitch (.256) with Ellis leading the team with 20 home runs followed by McKay with 17. The team batting average is .289 and they average 7.3 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are McKay (10-3, 2.34), Nick Bennett (5-0, 2.70) and Kade McClure (8-3, 3.43) with Lincoln Henzman being their main closer with 16 saves. Their team ERA is 2.85 and they have given up 3.4 runs per game. McKay was ACC Player of the Week in week 11 and Fitch in week 13. McKay was ACC Pitcher of the Week in week 4, week 5, week 9 and week 12. In the 2017 MLB draft they had eight players taken: McKay (Rays, 1st round), Ellis (Diamondbacks, 2nd), Henzman (White Sox, 4th), Hairston (Brewers, 6th), McClure (White Sox, 6th), Fitch (Phillies, 13th), Taylor (White Sox, 16th) and Riley Thompson (Yankees, 25th). This is their 4th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.<br />
<br />
The second game Sunday has 47-16 sixth seed TCU taking on 47-19 third seed Florida. TCU didn't allow Missouri State take their second ever trip to Omaha by sweeping them 3-2 and 8-1. Florida also denied Wake Forest a trip since their 1955 Championship season by outlasting them 2-1 in 11 innings and 8-6 in 11 innings to get the sweep.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.gofrogs.com/sports/m-basebl/tcu-m-basebl-body.html">Texas Christian University Horned Frogs</a> are led by Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle. They had a 16-8 conference record in the Big 12 and their campus is in Fort Worth, Texas. Their top eight hitters are Austen Wade (.342), Luken Baker (.317), Nolan Brown (.293), Cam Warner (.292), Evan Skoug (.277), Conner Wanhanen (.273), Ryan Merrill (.243) and Elliott Barzilli (.243) with Skoug leading the team with 20 home runs followed by Baker with eight. The team batting average is .272 and they average 6.9 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Jared Janczak (9-0, 1.97), Brian Howard (11-3, 3.95) and Nick Lodolo (5-1, 4.28) with Durbin Feltman being their main closer with 17 saves. Their team ERA is 4.02 and they have given up 4.6 runs per game. Baker was Big 12 Player of the Week in week 3, Wade in week 6 and Skoug in week 12. Janczak was Big 12 Pitcher of the Week in week 5 and week 7 and Howard in week 12. In the 2017 MLB draft they had six players taken: taken: Wade (Indians, 5th round), Skoug (White Sox, 7th), Howard (Athletics, 8th), Mitchell Traver (Angels, 20th), Warner (Tigers, 28th) and Barzilli (Marlins, 32nd). This is their 5th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://floridagators.com/index.aspx?path=baseball">Florida Gators</a> are led by Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan. They had a 21-9 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in Gainesville, Fla. Their top eight hitters are Nelson Maldonado (.304), Ryan Larson (.304), Christian Hicks (.286), Jonathan India (.280), Keenan Bell (.275), Dalton Guthrie (.272), JJ Schwarz (.271) and Nick Kolozsvary (.270) with Schwarz leading the team with 12 home runs followed by Maldonado and India with six each. The team batting average is .262 and they average 5.5 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Alex Faedo (7-2, 2.55), Brady Singer (7-5, 3.29) and Jackson Kowar (12-0, 4.00) with Michael Byrne being their main closer with 16 saves. Their team ERA is 3.55 and they have given up 4.1 runs per game. Faedo was SEC Pitcher of the Week in week 2 and week 10. In the 2017 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Faedo (Tigers, 1st round), Guthrie (Phillies, 6th), Michael Rivera (Indians, 6th), Kolozsvary (Reds, 7th), Warner (Tigers, 28th), David Lee (Pirates, 27th), Frank Rubio (Giants, 29th) and Schwarz (Rays, 38th). This is their 11th CWS appearance and but no championships yet.<br />
<br />
Oregon State will be the favorite after their dominating season while the SEC has flooded the rest of the bracket with three teams. Brendan McKay may the the X-Factor able to put his team on his back with both his bat and on the mound. Counting down the minutes until first pitch.<br />
<br />
<i>The article 2017 Men's <a href="http://www.baseballmelove.com/2017/06/2017-college-world-series-preview.html?m=1">College World Series Preview</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.baseballmelove.com/?m=1">BaseballMeLove</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">John Bohan</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2017 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-79754216125293099012016-07-19T00:01:00.000-05:002016-07-19T05:16:20.253-05:00Wells Fargo, 24 Hours of Impact Volunteers to Help with Book Fair at Completely KIDSCompletely KIDS will host a book fair on Friday, July 22, with the help of volunteers from Wells Fargo and 24 Hours of Impact Omaha, at its building, 2566 St. Mary’s Ave. The event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. and is open to the public.<br />
<br />
Volunteers will staff stations with various games and crafts while handing out books as prizes for children who participate in the activities. The Completely KIDS Book Fair is a great way to get books into the hands of low-income children whose access to books is limited.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC0Z9Zrz53plHxXx_Soy88NDcui1_Tnm1RWMr2fAajXZ1DbOUNwoRPQHE7INBIZhXgdelNSTaluBZ_Jq82pMgn0BZo9kYnAchJEhGSNzZmfWWpIvUu0-F5Xy5CqBufJsbzuj9_ELDtLXz/s1600/books.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC0Z9Zrz53plHxXx_Soy88NDcui1_Tnm1RWMr2fAajXZ1DbOUNwoRPQHE7INBIZhXgdelNSTaluBZ_Jq82pMgn0BZo9kYnAchJEhGSNzZmfWWpIvUu0-F5Xy5CqBufJsbzuj9_ELDtLXz/s320/books.jpeg" width="320" /></a>“Through donations of books by numerous community members and groups, the book fair will build our children’s libraries at home,” said Sarah Croft, Completely KIDS Community Resource Manager. “It’s a great way to give the kids that jumpstart they need as they prepare to head back to school.”<br />
<br />
Research shows that nationally, on average, children in middle-income neighborhoods have 13 books per child. For low-income children that statistic drops drastically to one book for every 300 children. Lack of access to books hinders a child’s ability to learn to read, which can be tied to behavioral and social problems, as well as higher dropout rates in high school.<br />
<br />
The book fair ties in with 24 Hours of Impact Omaha, an initiative that connects companies with local nonprofit organizations to give back as many hours as possible during a 24-hour period.<br />
<br />
“The 24 Hours of Impact effort is a fantastic way to partner with community-minded businesses and advance our mission,” said Penny Parker, Completely KIDS Executive Director. “We’re pleased to work together, utilizing donations from others, to send books home with children.”<br />
<br />
Completely KIDS ensures that Omaha metro families have access to the knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty. Their mission is to educate and empower kids and families to create a safe, healthy, successful and connected community. In supporting this mission, Completely KIDS has assisted more than 2,000 children and families each year in overcoming barriers, as a result of poverty, to their success. To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.completelykids.org/">Completely KIDS website</a>.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/pop-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a></span></i></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2016 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "arial";"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-58979195016787696262016-06-17T15:30:00.004-05:002016-06-17T15:30:52.704-05:00pop-we Highlights 2016 Men's College World Series LineupThe 2016<a href="http://www.cwsomaha.com/"> College World Series</a> (CWS) will be played in <a href="http://www.visitomaha.com/about-omaha/">Omaha,</a> NE at Ameritrade Park from June 18 through June 28 or 29 if necessary. There will be no repeat this year as defending champion Virginia did not make it out of their regional. Only three of the national seeds made it to Omaha including top seed Florida. Two first time teams make the trip as representatives from both coast make their debuts.<br />
<br />
The first game Saturday has 41-20 Oklahoma State against 42-18-1 UC Santa Barbara. Oklahoma State made their way to Omaha by sweeping host South Carolina 5-1 and 3-1 in the super regional. UC Santa Barbara claimed their super regional by shocking second seed Louisville by sweeping 4-2 and 4-3.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6te8DcfNSKU5QGPQlaq-YGqZaQJblbpB5EscnrrsKk9768EyEhIJE3F5xOF10bySEIUiSfDuVaeMv3Doiwot_Bh5BX_za5bUOS2sMsH4KV3D5pz99cbweOLUrD8U68h1LOsZ3eMJ0T6D/s1600/CWS2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6te8DcfNSKU5QGPQlaq-YGqZaQJblbpB5EscnrrsKk9768EyEhIJE3F5xOF10bySEIUiSfDuVaeMv3Doiwot_Bh5BX_za5bUOS2sMsH4KV3D5pz99cbweOLUrD8U68h1LOsZ3eMJ0T6D/s200/CWS2016.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.okstate.com/index.aspx?path=baseball&">Oklahoma State Cowboys</a> are led by Head Coach Josh Holliday. They had a 16-8 conference record in the Big 12 and their campus is in Stillwater, OK. Their top eight hitters are Conor Costello (.367), J.R. Davis (.353), Donnie Walton (.342), Garrett Benge (.296), Corey Hassel (.285), Jon Littell (.263), Andrew Ross (.235) and Dustin Williams (.227) with Williams leading the team with 14 home runs followed by Hassel and Collin Theroux with six each. The team batting average is .268 and they average 5.9 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Thomas Hatch (8-2, 2.04), Jensen Elliott (9-2, 3.27) and Trey Cobb (4-7, 3.33) with Tyler Buffett being their main closer with nine saves. Their team ERA is 3.27 and they have given up 3.8 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had 11 players taken: Hatch (Cubs, 3rd round), Walton (Mariners, 5th), Remey Reed (Marlins, 6th), Garrett Williams (Giants, 7th), Buffett (Astros, 7th), Cobb (Cubs, 12th), Michael Mertz (Marlins, 14th), Davis (Cardinals, 15th), Theroux (Athletics, 32nd) Costello (Dodgers, 32nd), and Dustin Williams (Pirates, 36th). This is their 20th CWS appearance and won the title in 1959.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://ucsbgauchos.com/sports/m-basebl/index">UC Santa Barbara Gauchos</a> are led by Head Coach Andrew Checketts. They had a 13-11 conference record in the Big West and their campus is in Santa Barbara, CA. Their top eight hitters are Sam Cohen (.370), Devon Gradford (.336), J.J Muno (.294), Clay Fisher (.289), Dempsey Grover (.277), Ryan Clark (.270), Austin Bush (.269) and Andrew Calica (.265) with Bush leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Muno with five. Their team batting average is .262 and they average 5.4 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Shane Bieber (12-3, 2.84), Joe Record (6-5, 3.91) and Noah Davis (6-4, 4.70) with Kyle Nelson being their main closer with nine saves. Their team ERA is 3.79 and they give up 4.4 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had five players taken: Bieber (Indians, 4th round), Calica (Indians, 11th), James Carter (Dodgers, 21st), Trevor Bettencourt (Phillies, 25th), and Justin Kelly (Angels, 33rd). This is their first appearance in the CWS.<br />
<br />
The second game Saturday has 50-12 third seed Miami (FL) against 44-21 Arizona. Miami battled Boston College in their super regional taking the first game 12-7, losing the second 5-3 before clinching with a 9-4 victory. Arizona surprised sixth seed Mississippi State by sweeping 1-0 and 6-5 to advance to Omaha.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.hurricanesports.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28700&SPID=103774&SPSID=658425&DB_OEM_ID=28700">Miami Hurricanes </a>are led by Head Coach Jim Morris. They had a 21-7 conference record in the ACC and their campus is in Miami, FL. Their top eight hitters are Brandon Lopez (.385), Zack Collins (.357), Johnny Ruiz (.346), Carl Chester (.344), Willie Abreu (.286), Edgar Michelangeli (.274), Randy Batista (.268) and Christopher Barr (.260) with Collins leading the team with 15 home runs followed by Abreu with 12. Their team batting average is .300 and they have averaged 7.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Jesse Lepore (9-0, 2.20), Michael Mediavilla (11-1, 3.11) and Danny Garcia (9-4, 3.48) with Bryan Garcia being their main closer with 18 saves. Their team ERA is 3.60 and they have given up 4.1 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Collins (White Sox, 1st round), Abreu (Rockies, 6th), Bryan Garcia (Tigers, 6th), Lopez (Twins, 10th), Danny Garcia (Mariners, 15th), Jacob Heyward (Giants, 18th), and Ruiz (Astros, 28th). This is their 25th CWS appearance and they won the title four times in 1982, 1985, 1999 and 2001.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.arizonawildcats.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPID=127125">Arizona Wildcats</a> are led by Head Coach Jay Johnson. They had a 16-14 conference record in the PAC 10 and their campus is in Tucson, AZ. Their top eight hitters are Zach Gibbons (.381), Cody Ramer (.352), Ryan Aguilar (.311), J.J. Matijevic (.292), Cesar Salazar (.290), Bobby Dalbec (.270), Alfonso Rivas (.267) and Louis Boyd (.259) with Aguilar leading the team with eight home runs followed by Jared Oliva with seven. Their team batting average is .292 while scoring 6.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Nathan Bannister (11-2, 2.71), J.C. Cloney (6-4, 2.86) and Cameron Ming (3-2, 3.72) with Dalbec being their main closer with seven saves. Their team ERA is 3.42 and they give up 4.0 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had four players taken: Dalbec (Red Sox, 4th round), Gibbons (Angels, 17th), Kevin Ginkel (Diamondbacks, 22nd), and Bannister (Mariners, 18th). This is their 17th CWS appearance and they won the title four times in 1976, 1980, 1986 and 2012.<br />
<br />
The first game Sunday has 46-18 fifth seed Texas Tech taking on 47-16 TCU. Texas Tech was challenged in their super regional by East Carolina who beat Tech 8-6 in the first game before Tech rebounded to take the next two 3-1 and 11-0. TCU had a deja vu super regional against fourth seeded Texas A&M the second consecutive year while winning 8-2 in the first game, losing 7-1 in the second and clinching 4-1 in the deciding third game.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-basebl/text-m-basebl-body.html">Texas Tech Red Raiders</a> are led by Head Coach Tim Tadlock. They had a 19-5 conference record in the Big 12 and their campus is in Lubbock, TX. Their top eight hitters are Tanner Gardner (.382), Eric Gutierrez (.326), Cory Raley (.323), Stephen Smith (.318), Tyler Neslony (.314), Hunter Hargrove (.302), Michael Davis (.274) and Orlando Garcia (.262) with Gutierrez leading the team with 12 home runs followed by Smith and Neslony with 10 each. The team batting average is .294 while scoring 7.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Davis Martin (9-1, 2.73), Steven Gingery (4-2, 3.25) and Ty Damron (4-2, 6.52) with Hayden Howard being their main closer with eight saves. Their team ERA is 4.16 and they gave up 4.8 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had ten players taken: Ryan Moseley (Orioles, 8th round), Neslony (Braves, 9th), Smith (Diamondbacks, 10th), Howard (Nationals, 12th), Damron (Athletics, 15th), Robert Dugger (Mariners, 18th), Gutierrez (Marlins, 20th), Chandler Eden (Dodgers, 25th), Dalton Brown (Brewers, 30th) and Zach Davis (Cubs, 32nd). This is their second CWS appearance and they have not won the championship.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.gofrogs.com/sports/m-basebl/tcu-m-basebl-body.html">Texas Christian Horned Frogs</a> are led by Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle. They had a 15-9 conference record in the Big 12 and their campus is in Fort Worth, TX. Their top eight hitters are Luken Baker (.379), Elliot Barzilli (.352), Dane Steinhagen (.310), Cam Warner (.306), Evan Skoug (.299), Ryan Merrill (.298), Austen Wade (.292) and Josh Watson (.281) with Watson leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Baker and Skoug with nine each. Their team batting average is .304 while scoring 7.1 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Baker (3-1, 1.70), Brian Howard (9-2, 3.29) and Dalton Horton (8-0, 2.58) with Derbin Feltman being their main closer with eight saves. Their team ERA is 3.17 and they gave up 3.7 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had six players taken: Brian Trieglaff (Yankees, 13th round), Mitchell Traver (Reds, 17th), Howard (Astros, 17th), Rex Hill (Royals, 27th), Barzilli (Astros, 29th) and Preston Guillory (Marlins, 31st). This is their fourth CWS appearance and all since 2010 but they have not won a championship.<br />
<br />
The second game Sunday has 52-14 top seed Florida taking on 49-16 Coastal Carolina. Florida also had a deja vu super regional facing Florida State again who won the first game 3-0 before the Gators shut them down 5-0 and 7-0. Coastal Carolina drove the Upset Bus to their super regional as they swept eighth seed LSU 11-8 and 4-3.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.floridagators.com/index.aspx?path=baseball&">Florida Gators</a> are led by Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan. They had a 19-10 conference record in the SEC and their campus is in Gainesville, FL. Their top eight hitters are Peter Alonso (.373), Dalton Guthrie (.309), Jonathan India (.303), J.J. Schwarz (.295), Jeremy Vasquez (.286), Deacon Liput (.272), Nelson Maldonado (.262) and Buddy Reed (.261) with Alonso leading the team with 13 home runs followed by Mike Rivera with nine. Their team batting average is .280 while scoring 6.1 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Logan Shore (12-0, 2.24), Alex Faedo (13-2, 3.25) and A.J. Puk (2-3, 3.05) with Shaun Anderson being their main closer with 13 saves. Their team ERA is 2.93 and they have allowed 3.3 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Puk (Athletics, 1st round), Dane Dunning (Nationals, 1st), Shore (Athletics, 2nd), Reed (Padres, 2nd), Alonso (Mets, 2nd), Anderson (Red Sox, 3rd), Scott Moss (Reds, 10th) and Kirby Snead (Blue Jays, 10th). This is their 10th CWS appearance and have not won the championship.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.goccusports.com/sports/m-basebl/coas-m-basebl-body.html">Coastal Carolina Chanticleers </a>are led by Head Coach Gary Gilmore. They had a 21-3 conference record in the Big South and their campus is in Conway, SC. Their top eight hitters are Connor Owings (.379), Zach Remillard (.347), G.K. Young (.345), Billy Cooke (.344), Seth Lancaster (.326), Michael Paez (.287), Anthony Marks (.278) and Tyler Chadwick (.261) with Remillard leading the team with 19 home runs followed by Young with 17. Their team batting average is .300 while scoring 7.5 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Andrew Beckwith (12-1, 2.12), Alex Cunningham (9-3, 3.58) and Bobby Holmes (6-2, 4.44) with Mike Morrison being their main closer with 11 saves. Their team ERA is 3.48 and they give up 4.3 runs per game. In the 2016 MLB draft they had six players taken: Paez (Mets, 4th round), Remillard (White Sox, 10th), Morrison (White Sox, 27th), Cunningham (Tigers, 28th), Young (Padres, 31st) and Owings (Diamondbacks, 34th). This is their first CWS appearance.<br />
<br />
This year the two first time teams give a couple Cinderella options for the fans to root for. Plus multiple teams are making milestone visits to Omaha: Miami (25), Oklahoma State (20) and Florida (10). The ball will provide the familiar sounds of the ping against the bat and the pop against the leather glove as crowds cheer. Time for baseball at its finest.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">John Bohan</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2016 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-77664702050397780772016-06-06T00:01:00.000-05:002016-06-06T18:45:07.456-05:00OAB to Host 30th Anniversary Benefit for Nebraska Spina BifidaDid you know Omaha Area Bikers (OAB) held <a href="http://www.visitomaha.com/about-omaha/">Omaha’s</a> very first poker run benefit at Musette Bar in Benson, Neb., some 30 years ago? Guess what--OAB is still at it today!<br />
<br />
Founded in 1986, OAB is a fraternal membership group made up of good hearted men and women who love for motorcycles and fellowship have made OAB stewards in the Omaha metropolitan community. Through over the road fellowship and a live concert, OAB will raise money for kids and families living with spina bifida in Nebraska on Saturday, June 11.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKaslhwm9tll92mKVJPwf2vMrcKAJVdKATCgfU_rnfguj4jeWk2TljMVe7WJrHb9vXFTVlyAek8QicyO4CLR6FgyGpd2_-AieVxCPwr39m0_6Xhy6J22EWsHtgwDfXJq8vuEi28S5VpMV/s1600/OAB-NSB-0611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKaslhwm9tll92mKVJPwf2vMrcKAJVdKATCgfU_rnfguj4jeWk2TljMVe7WJrHb9vXFTVlyAek8QicyO4CLR6FgyGpd2_-AieVxCPwr39m0_6Xhy6J22EWsHtgwDfXJq8vuEi28S5VpMV/s320/OAB-NSB-0611.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
OAB strives to help reduce the emotional, physical, and economic burdens encountered on a daily basis by Nebraska families with spina bifida. Besides raising money OAB also raises awareness for Nebraska children who have spina bifida. Spina bifida literally means "split spine" and is the most common birth defect in the US. Spina bifida causes incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. Every day about eight babies are born in the US with spine bifida or similar birth defects of the brain or spine.<br />
<br />
Motorcycle enthusiasts and concert goers are invited to OAB's 30th Anniversary Benefit to help raise money for this cause. On Saturday, June 11, OAB will celebrate its 30th Anniversary Motorcycle Poker Run and live Concert featuring <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BODell-The-Relics-400204156756893/?fref=ts">Bo’Dell & The Relics</a>. It will take place at VFW Post #2503, 8904 Military Ave., in Omaha. Poker run sign up before from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., poker run $20 per hand with chance to win $1,000; concert from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., concert only $5 admission.<br />
<br />
Silent Auction items available day of event. Proceeds from this year's 30th Anniversary Poker Run and Concert Benefit will go entirely to the <a href="http://nebraskaspinabifida.org/">Nebraska Spina Bifida Inc.</a> To date, OAB has raised more than $564.000. For the past 25 years OAB has raised money specifically for the local organization, Nebraska Spina Bifida, Inc. OAB sponsors four charity events benefiting Nebraska Spina Bifida a year including: Cajun Dinner, Wild Game Feed, Pancake Feed, oldest annual Motorcycle Poker Run in Omaha.<br />
<br />
Monies raised will help Nebraska Spina Bifida families with help financing their medical needs, holding support groups and socials, giving camp scholarships, and advocating to enhance public awareness.<br />
<br />
Can’t make this year’s benefit and still want to help? Donations accepted online--just look for a donate button at <a href="http://www.omahaareabikers.com/">OAB's website</a>. Connect with OAB on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OAB-Omaha-Area-Bikers-251970984876504/">Facebook</a> as well as check out pictures from past OAB Nebraska Spina Bifida fundraising events.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/pop-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a></span></i></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2016 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "arial";"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-1956963769952613602016-05-02T00:01:00.000-05:002016-05-02T17:26:46.948-05:00Pella, Iowa: Where the Dutch settled in the USA And the Tulips and History live on today<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCKAZe7TYv2tLrdBT2KmQyUw9M199X8R70U59gzBa234bKttuZc0YeHoQMKxaw9kcL2d6fnUOixv76kBLcLdM8QXHW1RPOKEw2y2IKbeDBbFtnSB8XTpdu_QHhOOwTOGEHwFl2pkdc_XE/s1600/tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCKAZe7TYv2tLrdBT2KmQyUw9M199X8R70U59gzBa234bKttuZc0YeHoQMKxaw9kcL2d6fnUOixv76kBLcLdM8QXHW1RPOKEw2y2IKbeDBbFtnSB8XTpdu_QHhOOwTOGEHwFl2pkdc_XE/s320/tulips.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulips!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pella, Iowa, has a lot of what I think about to keep me going during a cold, long winter—Tulips! Their return each year in our yard symbolizes so much to me about faith, hope, God’s, love, and my Dutch heritage. <br />
<br />
In route to celebrate a special occasion for my dad’s side of the family in Oskaloosa, Iowa, we had the good fortune to pass through Pella about a week or so after their annual Tulip Festival while rows upon rows of vibrant tulips still lined the streets and park. A relative living in Oskaloosa told me on a visit that they always assure that tulips will be at their peak during the festival no matter what it takes. We strolled through the park taking in the beautiful hues of the tulips on what I recall as a quiet and peaceful viewing. We also admired the charm of the downtown business district where all buildings had Dutch architecture.<br />
<br />
I think it was after I had been to Pella, Iowa, that I realized that I had more family roots in this area on my mom’s side of the family. I had grown up believing that my Dutch line in America began when my great-grandmother whose maiden name was Eva Van Eperen came to American as a girl with her parents in 1888. <br />
<br />
As an adult, I read a hardbound family history book that helped me piece together the fact that I had a skip in my direct line coming to America as my great- great-great grandparents did not make the voyage to America. However, I had great-great-great-great grandparents along with some of their children who immigrated to America. Well, I know that is a lot of greats and I sure hope I get them right! In reading the book, I found out that some of the relatives had settled and farmed in the Pella, Iowa, area. I feel drawn to this place where my relatives made their mark on the land and communities. <br />
<br />
I have not made it to any of the 80 annual Tulip Time Festivals during the first full weekend in May, but I almost have a sense that the 81st festivities to be held May 5th, 6th, and 7th in 2016 have come to me.<br />
<br />
<b>Custom Costumes of Pella, Iowa</b><br />
I have seen the 2016 Queen and her court pictures in both traditional Dutch Costumes and in formal gowns. Recently, I received a copy of <a href="http://www.bluedelft.com/noname3.html">“Dutch Costumes-A Look into the Past.”</a><br />
<br />
Written by Jacki Craver & Phyllis Zylstra and photographed by Desha Bruxvoot. I am learning that there is so much more to traditional Dutch attire than the lace cap on the top of the head and the carved wooden shoes adorning the feet. I had no idea that there were so many styles of Dutch clothing and caps that varied from region to region and also changed over the four centuries represented in the book. I cherish the vibrant photos of people modeling Dutch attire against scenic Dutch backdrops. The book shows the intricacies of the clothing as well as the histories of the areas. Their handiwork with meticulous detail has been worn by the honorary Dutch courts during the annual Tulip Festival. One can see more of their work at their facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DutchCostumesPella/info/?tab=page_info">Custom Costumes</a>, a local business in Pella, Iowa.<br />
<br />
From my correspondence with Phyllis, I know that authenticity is very important to them as they sew period clothing. They have patterns available for those wanting to sew Dutch attire. At times, they have special limited edition items such as the 2016 Tulip Time Royalty Clutches that are handcrafted with fabrics bearing floral motifs. <br />
<br />
<b>Jaarsma, a Bakery in Pella, Iowa</b><br />
Through a <a href="http://www.jaarsmabakery.com/aspx/store/products.aspx?x=y&k=dutch%20sampler">Dutch sampler </a>that I ordered for my family from Jaarsma, a bakery in Pella, Iowa, we were able to taste Holland inspired goodness. They rush their shipments out so the items arrived bakery fresh. I will not itemize every highlight, but everything was beyond what I can adequately describe delicious. I do not speak the tongue of my Dutch ancestors, but I am thinking the double a’s in Jaarsma must stand for something like A+ amazing. My mother said of their almond butter cake that it was one of the best pastries that she ever had. Then, there were the Dutch Letters…. There is a reason why they are famous!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKD35RUp8Yqdqt8KOEdf6EA4Bi2HO24iaODBJXLo4Z9xmJTiFxU6NAtaFMXz73B-5M3e0i4o8YUF3upU2wxPalsksqFNjiFSLjI5DfcwZODL7cAiKm2dxZ7b2AXroHK0ItwR0xjLFlv-9/s1600/Duth-Letters.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKD35RUp8Yqdqt8KOEdf6EA4Bi2HO24iaODBJXLo4Z9xmJTiFxU6NAtaFMXz73B-5M3e0i4o8YUF3upU2wxPalsksqFNjiFSLjI5DfcwZODL7cAiKm2dxZ7b2AXroHK0ItwR0xjLFlv-9/s200/Duth-Letters.tiff" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duth Letters from Jaarsma Bakery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Kristi Jaarsma Balk, the 4th generation to own the bakery, explains how her bakery and town are true to Dutch tradition. She explained to me:<br />
<br />
“My great grandfather, Harmon Jaarsma started the bakery in 1898. He was an immigrant from the province of Friesland in the Netherlands. He brought with him many recipes from the Netherlands, which we still use today. We carry out the traditions he began over 100 years ago. All of our products are made from scratch as always. We specialize in traditionally Dutch pastries and have added some American favorites over the years. We love to travel to the Netherlands to look for new recipes to try here. Our most recent visit, inspired us to make stroopwafles, which are waffle cookies with a syrupy center. Our most popular Dutch pastries would include, Dutch Letters, Banket, Almond Filled Butter Cookie (gevulde koek), St. Nick cookies (speculaas) and Dutch Apple Bread. We are famous for our Dutch Letters.”<br />
<br />
She expressed how there is a lot of Dutch pride in the Pella community. On her families visits to the Netherlands they feel like they are at home because according to her that Pella looks very Dutch.<br />
<br />
<b>Thistles, a Flower Shop in Pella, Iowa </b><br />
I have a place in my heart for neighborhood and small town florists and I communicated with <a href="http://www.thistlesflowershop.com/">Thistles</a> located in Pella, Iowa to learn about their services. In the city that celebrates blooms, they give personal attention to their arrangements. <br />
<br />
The owner, Lois Vermeer shared with me:<br />
<br />
“Thistles proudly serves the Pella area. We are family-owned and operated. We are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Because all of our customers are important, our professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. That is why we always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect.<br />
<br />
The Thistles difference is our flower preparation so flowers look their best, unique designs, and desire to say it with flowers for our customers.”<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IhkK1vRDgnL-XcsFLK922EgG56YGwQGTNocsD6W-kdSOxfE83jfFoCCBpzbD-viDrYiLAI-IaTQfUIincQtTyhh_tNR40jfuY_JUDgYh3y0NoDYwW0qRtJlyp3GTzbUjQD-FxyvaQFD7/s1600/pella-windmill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IhkK1vRDgnL-XcsFLK922EgG56YGwQGTNocsD6W-kdSOxfE83jfFoCCBpzbD-viDrYiLAI-IaTQfUIincQtTyhh_tNR40jfuY_JUDgYh3y0NoDYwW0qRtJlyp3GTzbUjQD-FxyvaQFD7/s320/pella-windmill.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vermeer Mill courtesy of Pella Historical Society.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The shop has a wide array of flowers for every occasion. A recent caption on Thistles social media page begins Tis the Season and invites people to procure fresh and silk tulips for all their tulip time preparations. The tulips pictured were the lovely two-toned red and white variety.<br />
<br />
After vicariously watching people on reality family history shows transformation as they sought to get in touch with their roots by visiting historical museums, I would love to visit the Pella Historical Society and Museum someday. Of course, it is not the same as an in person guided tour, but I did enjoy the information and pictures on the web site and social media of the town and historical village. <br />
<br />
I learned how the Vermeer Mill, the tallest functional mill in the USA, has parts from the Netherlands and was assembled in Pella by Dutch craftsman. Wind power still grinds wheat into flower to this day.<br />
<br />
A fun addition to the village that is aimed for children of all ages is the Doll Exhibit and Puppet Theater. There are toy exhibits, coloring pages, puppets, and costumes. <br />
<br />
I am intrigued by the miniature display of Dutch architecture, clothing, and daily life as I have collected miniatures for years. <br />
<br />
From my correspondence with the <a href="http://www.pellahistorical.org/">Pella Historical Society</a>, I know that they are dedicated to preserving and honoring the past. For those with Pella roots, they will do research for a fee. This society is instrumental at Tulip Time and activities throughout the year celebrating Dutch life. <br />
<br />
By the time the tulip festival takes place, many of tulips that we awaited and enjoyed their short season will have lost all their petals. As mine were blooming, Pella’s were budding and will be at their Zenith when the community comes together for their fun-filled event.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/pop-we-contributors.html">Barb Bohan</a></span></i></b><br />
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2016 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "arial";"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-36462121768852414222016-04-25T00:01:00.000-05:002016-04-25T00:01:04.856-05:00Scatter Joy Acres Offers Animal Assisted Therapy In The City The rescued animals at <a href="http://www.scatterjoyacres.org/">Scatter Joy Acres (SJA)</a> with the assistance of Joy Bartling make some of the best therapists. During her years at the ranch, Joy who has a certification in Animal Assisted Therapy has witnessed animals boosting moods and healing hearts and minds. Animal assisted therapy is a type of therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment. Since opening the refuge 10 years ago, she expressed, “There are countless stories and as I sit back and think about them at times I am amazed in the last ten years how many people I have been blessed to be part of their life struggles and how together with my animals we were and are overcoming.”<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgophZNZk90vN8AqY1WeTNSmHFTXXwlsourYjXrOI1GUoDHOChk7MydroM6HvTHIPpJOnjkFzOR0dsRDoBRVVUtbeMcC6jEBafuoLHVw2XRUUfediw0WRG86paefYtc8yHFEU_6WzbYNHjt/s1600/Scatter-Joy-Acres-dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgophZNZk90vN8AqY1WeTNSmHFTXXwlsourYjXrOI1GUoDHOChk7MydroM6HvTHIPpJOnjkFzOR0dsRDoBRVVUtbeMcC6jEBafuoLHVw2XRUUfediw0WRG86paefYtc8yHFEU_6WzbYNHjt/s200/Scatter-Joy-Acres-dog.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashely and Lou saying hello.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She has seen how children and others who have experienced trauma or struggles respond to the stories of the animals at Scatter Joy Acres. She explained, “As they learn to trust the animals they learn that the animals are no different than they are and they too overcome obstacles and together the companionship helps to work on the issues.”<br />
<br />
Most of the animals that reside at SJA have experienced trauma or neglect according to Joy. She shared the story of one of their horses named Jack who is 100 percent blind. <br />
<br />
<i>“… (Before) he came to SJA he was stuck in a stall most of his day (because) his owner didn't think he could get around in the paddock due to being blind. Upon arriving at SJA Jack was put out in the paddock with our donkey's and mini horses (where) he found a pasture mate name Lucky and she took it upon herself to show Jack around the paddock. I also took some time and hung out with Jack leading him around, as I spend time with Jack he has taught me to close my eyes and use my hearing and smell. It is amazing to close your eyes and take in the world as Jack does. Our eyes are windows to the ugly that goes on in this world, but if we take time to stop and just listen to the small still voice, we are never led astray.”</i><br />
<br />
One of Joy’s chores growing up on her family farm was milking the cows. There were times when she felt dejected and the cows took their heads and wrapped her in their neck. She realized what comfort animals can be at this time. <br />
<br />
Joy believes that the animals can help do God’s work. She feels that animals are so trusting and want to be hugged and petted by us. She compares their type of love to the unconditional love that Jesus gives us. She respects people’s choice of religion and welcomes people of different creeds to SJA. She does not push her faith on others. She does share some Biblical stories sometimes relating to the animals<br />
<br />
Participants in my questionnaire marveled at having an animal refuge in the middle of an urban area in <a href="http://www.visitomaha.com/">Omaha</a>, Neb. SJC has served many groups over the year and has hosted groups from across the United States. SJC has programs for all ages, all levels of school, youth groups, assisted living homes and people with disabilities or critical health problems. It is also available for parties and corporate events.<br />
<br />
<b>Volunteers Needed</b><br />
Scatter Joy Acres appreciates those who volunteer. Giving time and energy is one of the best ways for youth and adults to experience nature and the animals. There are a variety of ways to be of service and possibly learn new skills.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b></b>
<b>Volunteer: Teela Mickels Founder/CEO of Compassion In Action Inc./R.A.W. D.A.W.G.S. Youth Corps Gang Prevention Program</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZw-aZC6BgMS-1XfLq_1waYVq6I5PxH1fmD5nBtn0CZrBnh_8Jb9xU60a0FKcTrhQj6drO-t_gIrSvfkTtprk97HlFgwFt9CMxmMSrkxfYHc3JmA21KwhZqN_e5mx3qjnw1H-nxbRlwPC/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZw-aZC6BgMS-1XfLq_1waYVq6I5PxH1fmD5nBtn0CZrBnh_8Jb9xU60a0FKcTrhQj6drO-t_gIrSvfkTtprk97HlFgwFt9CMxmMSrkxfYHc3JmA21KwhZqN_e5mx3qjnw1H-nxbRlwPC/s200/unnamed-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugs are welcome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Omaha’s first and only gang prevention program, R.A.W. D.A.W.G.S and leader Teela Mickels have volunteered to work the land and help with the animals. The first trip involved relocating the ranch from one location to another. Teela feels that the youth are learning to give back, which adds value to their lives and builds character. They are learning hard work and the importance of planning according to Teela. She added that most of them have not been exposed to birds, pigs, chickens, ducks, and goats. She said, “Therefore, their time with the animals was better than any zoo because they were able to touch them and ride the horses. For many of the boys, it was the very first time they had seen or touched animals. So, yes, it was very positive.”<br />
<br />
The youth have also visited just to have fun being on the land and to play with and pet the animals.<br />
<br />
Teela has also made trips to the ranch with her grandchildren. The big shaggy dog was beloved by them and one grandchild would not leave the dog’s side. Purring cats, peacocks and goats were highlights of the day. One grandson bonded with the goats and kept petting them. All of them loved the gentle horses as they came up to the fence for petting.<br />
<br />
Teela is an ordained minister and has worked with incarcerated individuals and their families for 30 years. She believes that Scatter Joy Acres is a miracle and that Joy is an instrument in the hand of God. I have known Teela for at least 40 years. I credit Teela with my introduction to Joy and Scatter Joy Acres as she shared pictures with her friends on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Scatter-Joy-Acres-217070125038629/info/?tab=overview">social media</a>. I thank her so much for this blessing in my life! Regarding Joy, she feels that she is a person full of compassion despite her many obstacles. She shared,” Her love for people is genuine and overflows from her love for God and respect for His creatures. I have a long history with Joy of more than 25 years and I have witnessed the sacrifices, the struggles and the strength of her faith and character to press in and give to others much more than she ever received for herself…”<br />
<br />
<b>Volunteer: Carrie Pease, OMNI Behavioral Health</b><br />
Carrie Pease enjoyed the one on one interaction that her group was able to have with the animals while they volunteer at the ranch. They gained from these exchanges with the animals while learning skills. She said, “We are able to learn how to take care of the animals and help with other maintenance on the farm. It helps our organization give back to the community and we love the animals.”<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Volunteer: Amy Prochaska</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Il39p9dWdtMIDpqS6s2rbd7JzK3mWa1fUQiHqPOMrj2TXVfy-r2Fq6H9kRHyGmyJegFkrEFK6WxMFGVfrHY6LTZo0q5DgO2ZXW5nS_6xQkB-AMEpWJQa2pT8g1QdEdLFOArJ5DP59ESc/s1600/Scatter-Joy-Acres-Goats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Il39p9dWdtMIDpqS6s2rbd7JzK3mWa1fUQiHqPOMrj2TXVfy-r2Fq6H9kRHyGmyJegFkrEFK6WxMFGVfrHY6LTZo0q5DgO2ZXW5nS_6xQkB-AMEpWJQa2pT8g1QdEdLFOArJ5DP59ESc/s200/Scatter-Joy-Acres-Goats.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rescued farm animals at Scatter Joy Acres.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Amy Prochaska has visited the ranch to volunteer and to attend a party. She recalled, “I was able to spend time outdoors with my friends helping prepare the farm for opening. We were around a number of animals and it just felt good to feel like we were out of the city and to help a great cause. The animals are always amazing to be around.” She is touched by the measures that Joy takes in rescuing animals. In addition, she feels the ranch is a very welcoming place. She relates, “It is a place where anyone can come and feel at home. It gives people who may never have chances to get out of the city the opportunity to feel truly free. Plus Paladin is awesome.” As a member of a family who adopted a grown Great Pyrenees like Paladin, I can attest to how wonderful those gentle giants.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Community Outreach </b><br />
Joy takes the animals from the ranch out into the community. Whether it is a local homeless shelter or a nursing home or other setting, the animals are touching lives of people who may not have an opportunity to visit the ranch in person.<br />
<br />
<b>Community Outreach: Sabra Mackey, Recreation Therapy Coordinator with Douglas County Health Center</b><br />
Joy visits Douglas County Health Center once a month accompanied by one or more of the animals. She typically visits 30 to 60 people that evening. Sabra Mackey told me that sheltering formerly abused animals and turning them into healthy and happy animals is only a portion of the story. She sad, “The Farm is also a healing place for people.”<br />
<br />
During Joy’s visits with the animals to the center, Sabra has witnessed the positive interactions with the residents. “People who don't smile normally - will have their faces light up. People who don't normally talk, will initiate conversation,” according to Sabra. <br />
<br />
Sabra has seen Joy’s love in action. She revealed, “It is definitely Joy that makes Scatter Joy Acres special. She has so much love for people as well as animals and she brings that love to so many people through her ministry. “ <br />
<br />
Sabra believes that SJC is a worthy cause to support. She added, “If you are looking for a place to support with your time, talent or treasure. Scatter Joy Acres is a wonderful investment in people and animal's lives."<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Volunteer / Community Outreach: Sheryl Gehrls CFCI Omaha Base Director/ Urban Plunge Christ For the City International</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYZ-10KWns3XX7JPHaNCzA2l-w_Zzh_zm7V3Ru_Z5tBNG8wNB55ThyphenhyphengunyLtGzRkujWaFaJiFi6LPkwsZlvwT-uH1jL6W76z1AA8yFGT2Q_dpsvRbhvhTN1qRjSP9Al0JPWdCukRCQW7d/s1600/Scatter-Joy-Acres-Horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYZ-10KWns3XX7JPHaNCzA2l-w_Zzh_zm7V3Ru_Z5tBNG8wNB55ThyphenhyphengunyLtGzRkujWaFaJiFi6LPkwsZlvwT-uH1jL6W76z1AA8yFGT2Q_dpsvRbhvhTN1qRjSP9Al0JPWdCukRCQW7d/s320/Scatter-Joy-Acres-Horses.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabrina and Cinnamon having a moment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I witnessed the work of the many hands from Urban Plunge at the ranch through pictures on social media. Sheryl Gehrls informed me that she has known Joy for several years and meets with her regularly as Urban Plunge partners with Scatter Joy Acres. She said this partnership allows Urban Plunge volunteers to have experiences with animals in ways that may be new to them. In addition to working on the ranch, they assist Joy as they travel off site to petting zoos, live nativities, assisted living homes and parades. She said, “They learn that animals can truly be a means of real blessing and healing to many less fortunate than themselves. It's also unique to find a totally farm setting in the middle of a large urban area! They've been a great ministry partner for us, as we seek to explore ministry possibilities for our Plunge participants.”<br />
<br />
<b>Care of the Animals and Need for Donations</b><br />
Sheltering and providing proper care for the llamas, pigs, horses, cows, goats, peacocks, dogs, chickens, and cats etc. costs on average from #3000 to $4000 a month. SCJ relies on donations to fed, vet, and rehabilitate the animals. Joy said that the ranch would like to add some of the following animals in the future: “, a kangaroo, zebra, reindeer and another camel for Balthazar to hang out with.”<br />
<br />
Joy and the animals at SJC have been instruments of positive change. Reflecting on what she likes best about SJC, Joy said,” I love seeing people change, the moments of peace that goes through them. I love being an instrument through my own struggles in life and being able to help people see that they are worth a million bucks even thou life maybe throwing arrows at them.”<br />
<br />
Scatter Joy Acres is a place that animals that were formerly neglected and hungry are given tender loving care because those involved recognize that animals are a gift.<br />
<br />
<i>(Editor's note: All photographs courtesy of Scatter Joy Acres).</i><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/pop-we-contributors.html">Barb Bohan</a></span></i></b><br />
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2016 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "arial";"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-38905467729584476952016-04-11T00:01:00.000-05:002016-04-12T12:53:15.661-05:00I Love Bernie<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlfEI73mFRSUbKWgjpqLurmpwXa84ixwDBs8Q69fY9u7MypXMgciPyJSm6PIys6E4hcuOSxbe-WQDw3-_HfLe97quGHyKrWaybX1V2Sa6CL-uCZ1SGIW9CP6yTx6jn36NphVmOIC8_bE1/s1600/Bernie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlfEI73mFRSUbKWgjpqLurmpwXa84ixwDBs8Q69fY9u7MypXMgciPyJSm6PIys6E4hcuOSxbe-WQDw3-_HfLe97quGHyKrWaybX1V2Sa6CL-uCZ1SGIW9CP6yTx6jn36NphVmOIC8_bE1/s200/Bernie.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most population-we™ readers probably already know this blog stays away from politics. With that being said I want to declare Bernie has stolen my heart. He's not the Bernie currently in the headlines; this Bernie is of the four-legged variety, as well as pint-sized in nature. He has debonair white whiskers and a white and tan spotted coat too match. Let's not forget about those eyes twinkling back at you! Bernie is also a vegetarian who especially likes celery stalks as a mid-afternoon treat. He always welcomes you with a hello hop and itty-bitter swagger too. So, this National Pet Day--I've decided to declare my love for our niece's guinea pig, Bernie. I love Bernie!<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/pop-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a></span></i></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2016 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "arial";"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-59641107829552418622016-01-05T00:01:00.000-06:002016-01-05T21:27:59.557-06:00Most Read pop-we Headlines of 2015<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyfTBL0pyXJOFiJpZFn9LxFU0QGphMgIS3W3qIJNK_Q7nrvG7mqMty5PWeaLWAJ1KezBHxZQ48yP2QeCoPezeDu99gH9xxVti0v2-HmURBeCPR4l-MbQQ_4Cb_6xN7YNxk3dbuXMf_cw0/s1600/PopWeColorWhiteFinalSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyfTBL0pyXJOFiJpZFn9LxFU0QGphMgIS3W3qIJNK_Q7nrvG7mqMty5PWeaLWAJ1KezBHxZQ48yP2QeCoPezeDu99gH9xxVti0v2-HmURBeCPR4l-MbQQ_4Cb_6xN7YNxk3dbuXMf_cw0/s200/PopWeColorWhiteFinalSmall.jpg" width="200" /></a>Nebraska City Festival. Divecations. Book Reviews. The list of top stories for 2015 included its share of diverse subjects. But the story that perhaps struck our readers the most involved a Marian High School teacher who has catapulted herself to a world-renowned author and motivational speaker, MK Mueller. Here are the news stories of the year, as selected by population-we™(pop-we) readers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/05/teacher-appreciation-week-post-honors.html">1) Teacher Appreciation Week Post Honors Mary Kay Mueller</a><br />
Worldwide this week May 4-8 is Teacher Appreciation Week. In honor of teachers past and present population-we™ (pop-we) dedicates this week's post to Marian High School teacher Ms. Mary Kay Mueller.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/09/nebraska-city-welcomes-applejack.html">2) Nebraska City Welcomes AppleJack Festival and More</a><br />
Harvest time in Nebraska City, NE is the time for the annual AppleJack Festival where apples will be on center stage from Sept. 18-20. The city where Arbor Day traces its history honors its heritage while providing all the elements for an old-fashioned family friendly celebration.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/07/pop-we-reviews-works-of-author-mitali.html">3) pop-we Reviews Works of Author Mitali Perkins</a><br />
Culture is a way of life. I recall students parroting back this simple definition to my grade school teacher during Social Studies class. Though my young mind had limited understanding of the phrase, I have always enjoyed learning about different cultures.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/07/shark-week-footage-of-shark-feed-dive.html">4) Shark Week Footage of Shark Feed Dive</a><br />
This spring, Brian and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary with a scuba diving divecation on a liveaboard in the Bahamas. Since our Blackbeard's shark feed dive, Shark Week is every day in our household. Why? Because we got to enjoy the majesty of these underwater creatures in their natural habitat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/03/pop-we-reviews-alyssa-auchs-inito.html">5) pop-we Reviews Alyssa Auch's Inito</a><br />
I am optimistic that imagination is alive and well in The Digital Age. I have seen it in the rising generations who have viewed computer screens and other media since they were babies. Of course, one of the most abundant sources of a vivid imagination is a fantasy writer. I am excited to share an interview with Alyssa Auch, a fantasy writer who majored in Marriage and Family Relations in college. She gives tips on tapping into our imaginations.<br />
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/06/giving-your-condolences-via-social-media.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/06/giving-your-condolences-via-social-media.html">6) Giving Your Condolences via Social Media</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoELsIaiL-TTYnm8ITm5unOWTUAMzbN0tFqfjNUtAB0Zv6YGmRkqpbM1YTBWnSRlj-LlRTxmTN2MoCC5g2SrYLOoXZeWDByNFT093lnFLZcP3OcrWTpyhDwSYQZfyvRoqn1iIX15-PWuXt/s1600/condolences-facebookmessage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoELsIaiL-TTYnm8ITm5unOWTUAMzbN0tFqfjNUtAB0Zv6YGmRkqpbM1YTBWnSRlj-LlRTxmTN2MoCC5g2SrYLOoXZeWDByNFT093lnFLZcP3OcrWTpyhDwSYQZfyvRoqn1iIX15-PWuXt/s320/condolences-facebookmessage.jpg" width="320" /></a>With the advent of social media one would think it would be easier to give condolences. This was tested recently when I had two dear friends whose parents passed away. Unlike years passed it wasn't from a phone call that alerted me to the news but via a Facebook post and a text message. Therefore, I felt responding with my condolences in the same manner was appropriate.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/05/wedding-reception-missteps-worth.html">7) Wedding Reception Missteps Worth Blogging About</a><br />
Sitting with my grandfather at the back of our wedding reception I was apologizing for everything he witnessed at our reception. At the time he was 78, and he’d seen a lot of his grandkids get married. He announced to me with a grin, “This was probably the most memorable reception of a grandchild I’ve been too!” I was truly mortified.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/06/pop-we-highlights-2015-mens-college.html">8) pop-we Highlights 2015 Men's College World Series Lineup</a><br />
The 2015 College World Series will be played in Omaha, NE at Ameritrade Park from June 13 through June 23 or 24 if necessary. There are numerous reasons to be especially excited this year. The field of eight that made it to Omaha is stacked with traditional powers that have been made the trip before. 2014 Champion Vanderbilt returns and will try to repeat. The talent level showcased will be high with four of the top ten players selected in the 2015 MLB draft including the top two. Finally the redesigned baseball has produced more home runs nationwide this season but the test will be to see how they play at Ameritrade Park which has kept hitters in check the previous two years.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/06/its-camping-divecation-time.html">9) It's Camping Divecation Time</a><br />
Yes, you read the headline right--it’s time for a Camping Divecation! No problem you can pack your scuba gear in your sleep but what if you are planning a sleepover. In this case, it isn’t at a hotel but in the great outdoors. If you prepare well ahead of time--you can sit back and enjoy the great outdoors without any regrets. Because what goes better together than scuba diving and a camping trip? Read on for a list on what will make your next camping divecation a success.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2015/05/red-nose-day-comes-to-america.html">10) Red Nose Day Comes to America</a><br />
Red Nose Day has been a tradition in the UK that happens every two years where people do something funny at home, school or work for money. A telethon is held on BBC with comedy and entertainment to inspire watchers to give generously to the UK's number one fundraising event. After 30 years it is crossing the ocean as Red Nose Day USA when NBC will have a three hour special on May 21, 2015 at 8 p.m. Eastern\7 p.m. Central.<br />
<br />
<em style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">~From the pop-we archive and contributors Barb Bohan, Becky Bohan Brown and John Bohan.</em><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2016 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "arial";"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-62765568729601862152015-12-08T00:01:00.000-06:002015-12-08T00:01:00.246-06:00Top 10 Made-for-TV Christmas MoviesIt's that time of year, made-for-TV Christmas movie time! I truly don't know what my fa la la la la fascination is with these shows? I mean in some of the made-for-TV-movies the story lines are so obvious and the acting is downright campy; no matter, the shows always seem to put a smile on my face.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmxY-asSQ5nkqamU0QH8SlrH3kSWPcfvfkAhvn4CvJBg4ZsKVwdIKDFuaOvcAp7HAyGw0Lq_l0q3K339v5rXMuwkZhvpC-src87TDmx9IMvNGlUV_naz5aJ8o2yq9-z-VxYx2xkUe1WEF/s1600/christmas-movies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmxY-asSQ5nkqamU0QH8SlrH3kSWPcfvfkAhvn4CvJBg4ZsKVwdIKDFuaOvcAp7HAyGw0Lq_l0q3K339v5rXMuwkZhvpC-src87TDmx9IMvNGlUV_naz5aJ8o2yq9-z-VxYx2xkUe1WEF/s200/christmas-movies.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
You're wondering where to watch these holiday TV movies? Now through Christmas they're easy to happen upon; you can find the movies on a myriad of cable and satellite channels. I'd check your local listings for times. In some cases, you can even watch them on-demand at Internet streaming media outlets too. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know there's a cult following for these budget holiday shows. This time of year, my dearest friends and relatives constantly find ourselves always talking about our favorites. Anyone online can't help but notice the made-for-TV Christmas hype too. In this social media age hashtags are a flutter everywhere with made-for-TV holiday titles. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
population-we™ readers, join me as I rank my Top 10 favorite made-for-TV Christmas movies according to cable networks, on-demand media and genres below:<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Network: Hallmark</b></div>
<div>
<b>Genre: Drama</b></div>
<b>Plot Summary:</b><b> </b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5204384/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">"Christmas Incorporated"</a> (2015) Mistaken identity, Scrooge-like behavior by a CEO, a toy factory threatened to close in small Americana town and romance rounds out this Hallmark original.<br />
<b>Actors:</b> Shenae Grimes, Steve Lund.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Network: Hallmark</b></div>
<div>
<b>Genre: Romance</b></div>
<b>Plot Summary:</b><b> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5031014/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">"</a></b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5031014/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Ice Sculpture Christmas" </a>(2015) Romance is in the Christmas air for a dishwasher and inspiring chef who enters an ice sculpting contest with someone from her past.<br />
<b>Actors: </b>Rachel Boston, Brenda Strong.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div>
<b>Network: Hallmark</b></div>
<div>
<b>Genre: Drama</b></div>
<b>Plot Summary:</b><b> </b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4065324/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">"The Christmas Parade" </a>(2014) A TV personality escapes a scandal when she gets stuck in a small town for community service and falls for an artist as well as tries to save a local community arts center. </div>
<b>Actors:</b> AnnaLyn McCord, Jefferson Brown, Drew Scott, Jennifer Gibson.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Network: Hallmark<br />Genre: Romance</b></div>
<div>
<b>Plot Summary: </b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1807892/?ref_=ttpl_pl_tt">"A Holiday Engagement"</a> (2011) dumped by her fiancé she may or may not find true love when she hires an actor to pose as her fiancé for the holidays.<br />
Actors: Bonnie Somerville, Shelley Long, Jordan Bridges.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Network: Hallmark<br />Genre: Romance</b></div>
<div>
<b>Plot Summary: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4180032/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">"</a></b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4180032/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Christmas Under Wraps"</a> (2014) After moving to Alaska for a fellowship this doctor finds romance and falls for this small remote town that also hides a Christmas secret.</div>
Actors: Candace Cameron Bure, David O'Donnell, Robert Pine </div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Network: Hallmark</b><br />
<div>
<div>
<b>Genre: Romance</b></div>
<div>
<b>Plot Summary: </b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5133572/">"Crown for Christmas"</a> (2015) A governess from Brooklyn wins over the hearts of a little princess, the Monarch's staff and the king himself.<br />
<b>Actors: </b>Danica McKellar, Rupert Jones.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>Network: Hallmark</b></div>
<div>
<b>Genre: Fantasy</b></div>
<div>
<b>Plot Summary: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4843046/?ref_=nv_sr_1">"</a></b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4843046/?ref_=nv_sr_1">North Pole: Open for Christmas"</a> (2015) An elf and handyman try to persuade a woman executive to keep an inn she inherited, which is crucial to Christmas, open for business.<br />
<b>Actors:</b> Lori Laughlin, Balee Madison, Dermot Mulroney.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Network: Hallmark</b><br />
<div>
<b>Genre: Comedy</b></div>
<div>
<b>Plot Summary:<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5182120/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1"> "</a></b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5182120/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">I'm Not Ready for Christmas"</a> (2015) Holly's world is turned upside down when her niece asks Santa to make her tell the truth and the shenanigans at work and her personal life begin.<br />
<b>Actors: </b>Alicia Witt, George Stults, Dan Lauria, Brigid Brannagh.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<b>Network: Hallmark</b></div>
<div>
<b>Genre: Family</b></div>
<b>Plot Summary:</b><b> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2374486/?ref_=nv_sr_1">"</a></b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2374486/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Help for the Holidays" </a>(2012) One of Sant's elves leaves the North Pole to help bring a family together over Christmas.<br />
<b>Actors: </b>Summer Glau, Eva La Rue, Dan Gauthier, John Brotherton.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Network: Netflix</b></div>
<div>
<b>Genre: Family</b></div>
<div>
<b>Plot Summary: </b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1105269/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">"Christmas in Paradise"</a> (2007) follows two families looking to escape bad holiday memories by vacationing over Christmas at a Caribbean resort. In the process, both families come together and learn some Puerto Rican culture as well as the magical Christmas story of the three kings.<br />
<b>Actors: </b>Charlotte Ross, Colin Ferguson, Devon Werkheiser.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
I guarantee, nothing makes the holiday stress melt away faster than watching made-for-TV holiday movies. So, merry made-for-TV Christmas movie watching!</div>
<div>
<i><br />
</i> <i>(Editor's note: Plans are to make this an annual listing. So, remember to check back again the same time next year!)</i><br />
<i><br />
</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/pop-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a></span></i></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2015 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "arial";"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-67888844604027233992015-11-10T00:01:00.000-06:002015-11-10T21:45:31.420-06:00Go Green for Greenlight A Vet This Veterans DayThere is a different way to honor our veterans this Veterans Day and it's as easy as changing a light bulb. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVO9LeLGLuKpqe3w6LLOiUTauvStGxTANMkLLXGh5ziWcztp9warLwawR6GDCCKoObWxn0r9_0HMJP6jtBWSVCaENJpXEjZqan7qdsQrVLFjHIsM-8PJOSu_mdKkhkO9AO3J2XCci71WN/s1600/green-light.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVO9LeLGLuKpqe3w6LLOiUTauvStGxTANMkLLXGh5ziWcztp9warLwawR6GDCCKoObWxn0r9_0HMJP6jtBWSVCaENJpXEjZqan7qdsQrVLFjHIsM-8PJOSu_mdKkhkO9AO3J2XCci71WN/s200/green-light.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brown's Greenlight A Vet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
According to the organizer's website: "The simple action of changing one light to green is intended to spark a national conversation regarding the recognition of veterans, and 'greenlight' them forward as valued members of our communities."<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Brian and I have joined the campaign and switched out our exterior flood light with a green light. We decided to join Greenlight A Vet and shine a light on our neighbors, family, friends and veterans we've never met who have served. We're using our blog as a platform to share The Brown's support by taking a picture of our green light and posting it here (see the picture at right). You don't have to be a blogger; Greenlight A Vet, encourages everybody to share a picture or video of your green light on social media with the hashtag: #greenlightavet. Lastly you can take it further--keep it glowing every day as a symbol of support as well as appreciation for our veterans. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Learn more about this Veteran's Day campaign by visiting the <a href="http://www.greenlightavet.com/">Greenlight A Vet website</a>.</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Go green and join The Brown's in shining a light on America's veterans this Veterans Day!</div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-40637366313561342392015-10-27T00:01:00.000-05:002015-10-29T07:37:17.507-05:00Royals Unfinished BusinessI noticed during the season that the 2015 Kansas City Royals were parallels from the the past of one of my other sports passions the University of Nebraska football team. The 1994 Huskers had made "Unfinished Business" their mantra after ending their previous season in a close loss to Florida State in a controversy laden bowl game. Ned Yost has mentioned the Royals feel the same after coming so close reaching game seven of the 2014 World Series against the San Francisco Giants.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8QDwSyjPLeZtdBzd11P72O4wS7jV_TcP6bhQp6M4xhu4qECQBnff3D8_Q9jFoE7kwQE2mSdE35YcSep9eegyugyzbIY8WXEREbtO33o6Whq2lx5e64UYCDxNef_1s-WTuyg3vNGbJuPZ/s1600/kansas-city-royals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8QDwSyjPLeZtdBzd11P72O4wS7jV_TcP6bhQp6M4xhu4qECQBnff3D8_Q9jFoE7kwQE2mSdE35YcSep9eegyugyzbIY8WXEREbtO33o6Whq2lx5e64UYCDxNef_1s-WTuyg3vNGbJuPZ/s200/kansas-city-royals.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
<br />
The 1994 Huskers went on to an undefeated season while winning the first of three national championships over a four year span. The Royals have responded this season by dominating from the start while winning the American League Central with the best record in the American League. Returning to the World Series was a major next step.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now four wins are needed against the New York Mets in the 2015 World Series to finish their business.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<i>(Editor's note: Kansas City Royals fans follow population-we™ (pop-we) contributor John Bohan as he blogs about the Royals playoff journey at <a href="http://baseballmelove.blogspot.com/2015/09/royals-playoffs-bound-2015.html">Baseball Me Love</a>. This article originally appeared in an Oct. 24th Baseball Me Love blog post.)</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">John Bohan</a></span></i></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2015 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-41017460234081873852015-10-20T00:01:00.000-05:002015-10-20T00:01:00.232-05:00It's a Small Scuba WorldIt is hard to believe how many times scuba diving finds it way into conversations in a landlocked state like Nebraska. Every year our town is the site of the NCCA Men's College World Series and we always get accolades from announcers and fans on how friendly Omahan's are. Recently, I chatted it up with a teller at my bank. Pepper and I were on a mission to make our car and credit card payment. No doubtedly, the credit card payment was paying off one of our epic scuba diving trips too. During polite conversation, the teller asked how my week was going? I responded that it is Tuesday and tonight we are attending a going away party for someone moving to Las Vegas. He commented that he'd like to live there--so he can rock climb more. I told him I'd like to live somewhere for my scuba diving hobby, too.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KJDgPq7jLoVksPdnPnqIGwCDDHU5AW2FVIc1HnxOwZGQe9dkr4qKdEmwl6a7ItEff0xh_URX9CxqAiKb81bdB3OMz-v4DhMR03BthXLmJN82-bJjvGDSIXWzjSabSDq8ayGpq6EozcLd/s1600/sandy-channel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KJDgPq7jLoVksPdnPnqIGwCDDHU5AW2FVIc1HnxOwZGQe9dkr4qKdEmwl6a7ItEff0xh_URX9CxqAiKb81bdB3OMz-v4DhMR03BthXLmJN82-bJjvGDSIXWzjSabSDq8ayGpq6EozcLd/s200/sandy-channel.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nebraska's Sandy Channel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
He flashed a great big grin back at me and told me he learned to scuba dive when he was 10 for a family vacation. He exclaimed he wanted to open a scuba shop some day but admittedly said--but not around here! He went on to tell me that he took a scuba diving class years later while attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). While at UNL, he passed and earned his open water certification. He said a short time after everyone from class went on a trip to somewhere in Western Nebraska but his parent's refused to pay. He commented being a poor college student, he just couldn't afford it. I told him we recently travelled to that Western Nebraska location, Sandy Channel, and enjoyed it immensely. I mentioned where we dove the visibility was great and we found a sunken plane and boat. Read about our Sandy Channel divecation: <a href="http://scubadiverlife.com/2013/09/06/the-training-fins-are-off/">The Training Fins are Off</a>, at Scuba Diver Life.<br />
<br />
This brief encounter reminds me; whether, you've gone diving last week or have been on a scuba diving sabbatical, keep the dive light burning and always keep dreaming of diving!<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-78032974650765248372015-10-05T22:02:00.000-05:002015-10-05T22:02:04.216-05:00KC Royals Playoffs Bound 2015The Kansas City (KC) Royals are headed to the Major League Baseball (MLB) playoffs for the second year in a row. This year is even sweeter as they are the 2015 American League (AL) Central champs rather than a wild card. That guarantees at least three games rather than the one game play in the wild card teams have to gut out.<br />
<br />
The offense is much better this season with Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas taking their games to the next level. Salvador Perez and Alex Gordon had steady seasons even with Gordon being derailed by the DL. Kendrys Morales was a huge upgrade to Billy Butler. Alcides Escobar, Jarod Dyson and Omar Infante have fallen off from last year but the pick up of Ben Zobrist helped make up for the last one. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8QDwSyjPLeZtdBzd11P72O4wS7jV_TcP6bhQp6M4xhu4qECQBnff3D8_Q9jFoE7kwQE2mSdE35YcSep9eegyugyzbIY8WXEREbtO33o6Whq2lx5e64UYCDxNef_1s-WTuyg3vNGbJuPZ/s1600/kansas-city-royals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8QDwSyjPLeZtdBzd11P72O4wS7jV_TcP6bhQp6M4xhu4qECQBnff3D8_Q9jFoE7kwQE2mSdE35YcSep9eegyugyzbIY8WXEREbtO33o6Whq2lx5e64UYCDxNef_1s-WTuyg3vNGbJuPZ/s200/kansas-city-royals.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
<br />
The pitching staff had an identity crisis after James Shields headed west as it left a vacuum for an ace. Yordano Ventura started off rocky but answered the wake up call after his yo-yo ride to the minors. Jeremy Guthrie could not repeat his unheralded performance from last year and was extremely hittable. Edinson Volquez proved to be a good pick up and challenged to be the ace but sputtered down the stretch. Danny Duffy never found the dominance he had before his 2014 injury. Kris Medlen on the other hand has been solid since returning from his elbow injury that had sidelined him with the Braves for all of 2014. Johnny Cueto has people shouting bust rather than being the ace he was rented to be. The bullpen has been nearly as stellar but the elbow of Greg Holland finally gave out after one too many heart attack performances. That bumps the capable Wade Davis to be closer, Kelvin Herrera to the 8th and Ryan Madson to the 7th. Herrera has been struggling over the past 30 plus and that is troubling. <br />
<br />
As hot as the Royals were in the 2014 playoffs they have been the opposite down the final stretch to close out 2015. After racing out to such a big lead in the AL Central they have started to run out of gas with a 10-17 September. That has allowed the red hot Toronto Blue Jays to edge past with the best record in the American League. Only a handful of games through Sunday with home field advantage at stake. Unless the Royals get hot and the Blue Jays falter it will be the Royals and Texas Rangers in the divisional series. That may be the more favorable match up to get their confidence and mojo back on track.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<i>(Editor's note: Kansas City Royals fans follow population-we™ (pop-we) contributor John Bohan as he blogs about the KC Royals playoff journey at <a href="http://baseballmelove.blogspot.com/2015/09/royals-playoffs-bound-2015.html">Baseball Me Love</a>. This article originally appeared in an Sept. 30th Baseball Me Love blog post.)</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">John Bohan</a></span></i></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2015 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-67615118320535988062015-09-15T00:01:00.000-05:002015-09-15T00:01:00.128-05:00Nebraska City Welcomes AppleJack Festival and MoreHarvest time in <a href="http://gonebraskacity.com/festival/apple-jack-festival/">Nebraska City, NE</a> is the time for the annual AppleJack Festival where apples will be on center stage from Sept. 18-20.<br />
<br />
The city where Arbor Day traces its history honors its heritage while providing all the elements for an old-fashioned family friendly celebration. Union Orchard reports, “AppleJack is an amazing time. People come out to enjoy the country and get farm goodies. We have music and orchard tours. We are still working on the restoration, so things look different to our customers who come out once a year. We have added a large event pavilion and several picnic areas throughout the property.” <br />
<br />
My friend Gwen Johnson had the opportunity to visit Union Orchard. She said, “It (is) really beautiful out there and it really nice to close to nature, picking apples, going into the little market seeing all the different ways you could use apples. Some were strange and some were quite interesting. It was fun and very enjoyable experiencing God's creation.”<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y1g1YUqVb6E2B0luRMceuo6fdo9oRV32CqArsNARn7CSb8oE7X8Vz4T2wJYobvTZW56K2wmsExmj-43MVBb-B3gNb_4QHVQHP2Xujvttkwo9SuavlBWgzVsnnVDmLkRJ2H5oSFDDiK_K/s1600/Apple-Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y1g1YUqVb6E2B0luRMceuo6fdo9oRV32CqArsNARn7CSb8oE7X8Vz4T2wJYobvTZW56K2wmsExmj-43MVBb-B3gNb_4QHVQHP2Xujvttkwo9SuavlBWgzVsnnVDmLkRJ2H5oSFDDiK_K/s320/Apple-Tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main AppleJack Festival attraction. ~Beverly Newsam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A labor of love is taking place at Union Orchard as the Wostrel family works to restore the orchard dating back to 1885. Since the family purchased the farm in 2011, they have planted over 6,000 trees and 2,000 vines. They have about 5,000 more trees to plant before we are through with the restoration. The type of trees they are planting start producing fruit in three years and are disease resistant.<br />
<br />
In reply to my question about the varieties and the availability of the apples that they grow, Union Orchard said, “We have 19 varieties of desert apples. They are planted by maturity time. Zestar starts in mid-August and Arkansas Black matures around Halloween. Because of this, we always have something fresh and just off of the tree. Lots of common varieties like Gala, but some special ones like Honeycrisp and Candy Crisp too. We do have some heirlooms planted, but they are semi-dwarf and will start maturing in a few years. We are planting lots of apples to use in future hard cider. “<br />
<br />
In addition to apples in their natural ready to sink your teeth into state, Union Orchard also has fresh pastries too including pies, donuts, turnovers, and apple cinnamon rolls--many of which are baked fresh on site. (Are you hungry yet?) <br />
<br />
The orchard also grows grow strawberries, rhubarb, elderberries, pumpkins peaches, and cherries. <br />
<br />
They are “working to make<a href="http://www.unionorchard.com/"> Union Orchard</a> one of the finest fall entertainment venues around. It will take us a few more years, but we are committed and making it happen.”<br />
<br />
My friend Beverly Newsam also filled me in on some of the festivities during AppleJack Festival. She visited Historic Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard and found it packed with people excited to purchase apples and goodies. The staff was very friendly and made people feel right at home according to her. She lists the produce and goodies that she stocked up on while there:” apples, apple pie, apple cinnamon syrup, and the famous (and delicious) apple doughnuts. We also bought cherry jubilee drink, peach salsa, boysenberry preserves, and blueberry jam. She said that the orchard staff worked hard to keep up with demand, which included a long line just for the doughnuts! She enjoyed the hayrack ride that took people to where they could pick their own apples. She added that there were vendors and children activities. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyQQX5bH6FxBkJ_G2U4UzraW2iWwTcvN_ssHIPlnUeR1fokP8nDkS3nkrN_j_lNS7pPyXGgKqGRBRSGdBTuWbzXxIDtNMLBAnjYOu3praCm0MzRjN8ZV9cCI9x3oGuBMcxX1zDopGhK7u/s1600/Kimmel-Orchard-treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyQQX5bH6FxBkJ_G2U4UzraW2iWwTcvN_ssHIPlnUeR1fokP8nDkS3nkrN_j_lNS7pPyXGgKqGRBRSGdBTuWbzXxIDtNMLBAnjYOu3praCm0MzRjN8ZV9cCI9x3oGuBMcxX1zDopGhK7u/s320/Kimmel-Orchard-treats.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Popular apple doughnuts ~Beverly Newsam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Beverly enjoyed the sensory pleasures of the day. She said, “My favorite season is fall, and it was such a beautiful, sunny day to walk through the orchard. Outside, vendors made and sold Kettle Corn, which smelled so delicious. Inside, it was easy to smell the apple doughnuts, which were made very regularly due to popularity.”<br />
<br />
There are other important and must see stops in Nebraska City, NE. When I was in 8th grade, my class took a field trip to Nebraska City, NE to see some of the important historical sites. Nebraska’s first recognized nationally recognized Underground Railroad historical site was on our tour. We viewed the reenactment displays in <a href="http://www.mayhewcabin.org/">John Brown’s cave</a>. <br />
<br />
Arbor Lodge was another highlight of the trip. Visiting John Brown’s Cabin and Arbor Lodge were also two of the tours on my mom’s field trip when she was in the 6th grade. <br />
<br />
The sections of the 52 room mansion open to the public made quite an impression on me at age 13. I wish that I had a copy of my essay about the mansion that was chosen to be displayed in the room where I had English and Spelling that year.<br />
<br />
Arbor Day Farm has 260 acres and is available for tours. There may be historical sites posers around the country, but this is this undeniable historical land. J. Sterling Morton started planting an orchard soon after arriving in Nebraska City, NE in 1855. He is the founder of Arbor Day and the tradition continues strong on the land that was donated to the state. Arbor Day, the day when people are encouraged to plant a tree, is always the last Friday of April, but can vary by state as to when it is observed. <br />
<br />
I am impressed with the grass roots effort of concerned community leaders who now manage Arbor Day Foundation. From what I gather from a conversation with Susan Freshman, guest experience manager, Arbor Day Farm may have closed if it were not for the concerned citizens. The state still owns the land that was a gift from J. Morton Sterling in 1923. The Arbor Day Foundation, which is made up of concerned citizens, manages Arbor Day Farm. The state is funding the 1.5 million dollar renovation project underway at Arbor Lodge Farms.<br />
<br />
For even more interactive history, there is still more to learn and explore at the Lewis and Clark Missouri River Visitors Center in Nebraska City.<br />
<br />
As I am an aficionado of apples, I have rather enjoyed thinking about them often as I prepared to write about the AppleJack Festival and Nebraska City. Growing up, we purchased apples from a couple in Valley, NE who have since retired. Apple crisp and applesauce were two of my mom’s specialties. Can you smell the simmering or baking apples now? In recent years, I continued to eat apples but was so disappointed with store bought apples. They weren’t usually bad. They usually weren’t good either. Blandness from my first bite into the waxy peel to the last as I neared the core is what I found. I did a poll on social media asking people what their favorite varieties of apples were. Gala and Honeycrisp ranked high. When they were in season, I sampled my first Honeycrisp from an Nebraska orchard. Finally, I tasted an apple with flavor that I had been sorely missing. If there isn’t a word to describe the sound, taste, and sensation of biting into a crisp apple, there should be!<br />
<div>
<br />
Nebraska City, NE is a great place to visit during Harvest Season or any season. Come for Yule celebrations during the holidays. Come in spring to see the trees lined with blossoms. Come enjoy the history of this part of the country.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Barb Bohan</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-27300904786280057672015-08-12T07:31:00.000-05:002015-08-12T07:31:12.071-05:00One Year Anniversary of Robin Williams' DeathWith the one year anniversary of Actor and Comedian Extraordinaire <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000245/">Robin Williams</a> this week, population-we™ (pop-we) decided to pause and revisit an archived post on depression and suicide. Read <a href="http://read%20my%20sister%27s%20interview%20with%20the%20author%20who%20herself%20battled%20bipolar%20and%20suicidal%20tendencies./">Barb Bohan's</a> interview with the author of the book, who herself battled bipolar and suicidal tendencies, <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/2011/12/pop-we-contributor-reviews-dr-deborah.html">pop-we Contributor Reviews Dr. Deborah Serani's Book on Living with Depression</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xIIqYqtR1lY" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
Unlike the "Suicide Is Painless" song lyrics states--suicide is not painless. With Robin William's passing the apparent pain of his loss still is center stage as everybody mourns his death together over the airwaves and on social media a year later.<br />
<br />
Please leave it. Suicide that is...because there's help out there!<br />
<br />
Pick up a copy of Dr. Serani's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Serani/e/B004ZHVOU4/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0">Living With Depression</a>; for free read her Psychology Today personal essay on <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/two-takes-depression/201408/why-i-mourn-robin-williams">Why I Mourn for Robin Williams</a> or most importantly for immediate help call a<a href="http://www4.irissoft.com/IFTWSQL4/uwml/public.aspx"> United Way 2-1-1</a> help line in your area.<br />
<br />
In short, it remains apparent after the one year anniversary of Robin Williams' death that suicide is always heart-wrenching painful for everybody left behind. #RIPRobinWilliams<br />
<br />
(Editor's note: The M*A*S*H theme song, "Suicide is Painless," is courtesy of YouTube.)<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/pop-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a></span></i></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2015 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-80606912477913804662015-07-28T06:58:00.000-05:002015-07-28T06:58:15.478-05:00pop-we Reviews Works of Author Mitali PerkinsCulture is a way of life. I recall students parroting back this simple definition to my grade school teacher during Social Studies class. Though my young mind had limited understanding of the phrase, I have always enjoyed learning about different cultures. <br />
<br />
Yet, sometimes the view gained in Social Studies and History classes when studying cultures has more of a name the state flower and state bird feel rather than a real sense of the heart of a culture. I have found that one of the best ways to experience culture is through reading non-fiction and fiction narratives. Through the novels that I have drunk from over the years, I have gained a love of Orthodox Jews and Hasidic Jews. Books by different authors helped me understand a culture that bound young girl’s feet. I saw the segregated South through the eyes of a black girl in way that touched me more than any text book.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRXaNR3kqlXgamGksaVtUBPwrSU8qxYuCy6GEjRhHa12zyODpukvb5_4krHd4QosXihaxsGZ4QdYiQHMNEj4MXz2B6n_Wee8-cQr8_RjySlF-0uSD-JdKT16DZjoiqVqShtoZ5uG7Phna/s1600/Open-Mic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRXaNR3kqlXgamGksaVtUBPwrSU8qxYuCy6GEjRhHa12zyODpukvb5_4krHd4QosXihaxsGZ4QdYiQHMNEj4MXz2B6n_Wee8-cQr8_RjySlF-0uSD-JdKT16DZjoiqVqShtoZ5uG7Phna/s320/Open-Mic.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mitali Perkins compiled a collection of fiction and non-fiction essays written by people of different cultures in “Open Mic Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices.” Teens are the target audience but I think it appeals a lot to adults too. <br />
<br />
Perkins <a href="http://www.mitaliblog.com/p/welcome-to-my-virtual-fire-escape.html">website</a> and <a href="http://www.mitaliblog.com/">blog</a> are an open and safe place to study cultures. She is the author of multi-cultural books for young readers including “Secret Keeper,” “First Daughter: Extreme American Makeover,” First Daughter: White House Rules,” “Rickshaw Girl,” “Sunita Sen,” “Monsoon Summer, ” “Tiger Boy” and “Bamboo People.” I think she has lived up to her name, which means “friendly.” Being friendly was an important tool for her as she was the “new girl” over and over in her youth. Perhaps she has such a broad perspective of cultures because lived in many lands. She was born in Calcutta, India and her parents continued to raise her in the strict Bengali way in each setting. Before being the “new girl” in seventh grade in a California, she had lived in Ghana, London, Cameroon, New Mexico, and New York. Following high school, she studied political science at Stanford and Public Policy at U.C. Berkeley. She has taught middle school, high school, and college. She is available for visits to schools and other events where she shares her views of growing up between cultures.<br />
<br />
Sometimes what we need is more humor when looking ourselves and others. The good natured humor in this book edited by Perkins breaks down barriers. The essay by David Yoo titled “Becoming Henry Lee” made me laugh. The protagonist attempts to use cultural stereotypes about Asians to his advantage with amusing results.<br />
<br />
The following are my fresh impressions of one of the essays: I just finished, “Viola!” It was so endearing. If one were in the waiting room seeing a wrinkled elderly lady who didn't speak English, it would be easy to miss that she was a true gem. It was so personal and dear to go back to when the author was a child and their secret about magic. There is so much richness to that essay!<br />
<br />
Perkins mostly non-fiction account of her crush in “Three Pointer” seemed quite universal to me as someone who has had her own boy crushes. It always gave a glimpse of her strict parents adhering to Bengali customs while raising the family in the USA. <br />
<br />
As you get to know the characters of the various essays, you see how they defy stereotypes. In my schooling, I learned that there is a phenomenon with ingrained stereotypes. People can have numerous examples of exceptions to the stereotypes. And I mean a lot of examples. Then, one incident can fit a stereotype after scores of other examples that do not match a stereotype and people will focus on this incident as further proof that stereotypes are right. <br />
<br />
Someone suggested that believing stereotypes is illogical when you look at how different people can be in the same family.<br />
<br />
I know there is a lot of talk about the importance of tolerance when it comes to other cultures and religions. I think tolerance is what we need for those we love who surprise us in the best of ways at times but in between get on our nerves. Then, there is the need to just be civil around those certain people. We all probably know some of them in our community. Tolerance is for the who squeeze the middle of the tooth paste or leave their socks on the floor if we squeeze the end or believe all dirty clothes should immediately be placed in a proper hamper or thrown down a clothes chute. Yes, those are probably petty and silly examples. Yet, they represent the little things that can add up without a big heaping helping of tolerance. To me, culture of civilized groups is by and large the rich traditions that we want to pass down. <br />
<br />
We may need tolerance when people unwittingly do offensive acts because norms vary between cultures such as looking directly into the eyes of the older generation of adults when that culture believe that to be impolite. But as a whole, culture is wisdom and bonds and not in need of tolerance.<br />
<br />
As for religious beliefs, I do not know what there is to tolerate about people with religious texts of different faiths and various places of worship and rituals with the goal of becoming better people. Show me someone living the tenets of any of the world’s major religions and you are showing me a good neighbor. We may need tolerance when some of us our over-zealous in sharing our religions. Do not get me wrong, I believe that we can and should share our faith and invite others to learn more if they so desire. We should never force as a forced belief is not a real belief. Maybe there are other needs for tolerance when it comes to religion. I think we should generally substitute the word tolerance with respect for other religions. One of the greatest things about America is its foundation of religious freedom for all faiths as long as they do not violate the law. <br />
<br />
I wish that I were connected with the cultures of my past generations. My maternal grandfather was a first generation American. His parents were both under 18 from what I understand when they came to America. I am told that the older children spoke some German. My grandpa was the second youngest of nine and spoke very little. There is so much I would love to learn about the German custom of his father and the German customs on my dad’s side of the family. I would love to learn more of the Dutch customs of his mother. The best we do is displaying wooden shoes, windmills, Dutch figurines. In spring we have several groupings of tulips drawing our minds back to Holland. I am grateful that through the study of my family that we have learned a lot about Irish ways but not nearly enough. At least, that is one of my ethnic groups with set day to celebrate being Irish and St. Patrick. <br />
<br />
I believe it should be possible to be a good American in every sense of the word and also pass on the good customs of my heritage.<br />
<br />
I believe that people from all ethnic backgrounds can learn from each other and also embrace their heritage by learning about the wonderful role models and customs of their people.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Barb Bohan</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-33857911276007240952015-07-08T13:18:00.001-05:002015-07-08T13:18:42.801-05:00Shark Week Footage of Shark Feed DiveThis spring, Brian and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary with a scuba diving divecation on a liveaboard in the Bahamas. Since our<a href="http://www.blackbeard-cruises.com/shark-diving.php#sharks"> Blackbeard's shark feed dive</a>, Shark Week is every day in our household. Why? Because we got to enjoy the majesty of these underwater creatures in their natural habitat.<br />
<br />
To commemorate Shark Week, here's a video journal of The Brown's very first scuba diving shark feeding dive in the Bahamas! This Facebook video is filmed on a GoPro courtesy of our Blackbeard's Cruises' Divemaster Jason Russell-Smith and my Dive Buddy for the shark feed dive, Jocelyn Hunyadi. I'm wearing pink fins in the video and Brian is kneeling besides me. For Shark Week, here's Hunyadi's video journal of our shark feed dive in the Bahamas:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br />
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/174791929198228/videos/1014094071934672/" data-width="500">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/174791929198228/videos/1014094071934672/">
It's Shark Week! So, come on a Bahamas shark feeding dive via the Blackbeard's Cruises with us! Real scuba diving...<br />
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Population-We/174791929198228">Population We</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/174791929198228/videos/1014094071934672/">Wednesday, July 8, 2015</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was so moved by our scuba diving shark experience (I hope you are too) that I'm currently working on a story for my upcoming short story book. Until then, happy shark week and keep diving!<br />
(Editor's note: You need to log into Facebook to view this video. If you enjoy the shark footage make sure to like it as well as our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Population-We/174791929198228?ref=hl">Facebook page</a>.)</div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-91798499027555130782015-06-30T17:17:00.004-05:002015-06-30T17:17:52.069-05:00Giving Your Condolences via Social MediaWith the advent of social media one would think it would be easier to give condolences. This was tested recently when I had two dear friends whose parents passed away. Unlike years passed it wasn't from a phone call that alerted me to the news but via a Facebook post and a text message. Therefore, I felt responding with my condolences in the same manner was appropriate.<br />
<br />
Social media has taken the awkwardness out of the condolences equation; however, unlike a phone call more thought goes into your messaging. Everybody who reads my blog knows I'm a wordsmith and tend to write a lot; however, in this medium when giving your condolences via a group message--I think short is more appropriate. I admit, I stared over my iPhone waiting for the right words to pour out of my fingers, but it took me a bit to find the words. Because of that fact, I decided to offer some advice on giving condolences via social media. Before hitting the publish or send button: 1) take a breath; 2) think out what message you really want to convey; and 3) keep it short.<br />
<br />
Here's what I mustered up to say:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrAxyO5DqmvBFwUgm3ZLIpSzsCaE0ACJyQYaxhzjSxNMOr3TLJFqJSIeucLgTK9afj2hIFJQtCo8btysDIMTc-D7b7-BXn5NYnoOtH2UiB8dv4dmKyPivWf1R2c-XTkAUJaFdPgZCz9mj/s1600/condolences-text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrAxyO5DqmvBFwUgm3ZLIpSzsCaE0ACJyQYaxhzjSxNMOr3TLJFqJSIeucLgTK9afj2hIFJQtCo8btysDIMTc-D7b7-BXn5NYnoOtH2UiB8dv4dmKyPivWf1R2c-XTkAUJaFdPgZCz9mj/s320/condolences-text.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Text message for Skippy's dad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8muF6nYrMBtQ5w72-eacj79_Q93vsFsW87PfmSt3vGTAK7079Bp54QeqOfBHQyvaMA6NiQ0H3sVWkWEJfFYrw4IgU5iI7MeCqeOeSbXQ5MCc8qC1ixPi-1J-om3SZCcto9F2s1eU698t/s1600/condolences-facebookmessage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8muF6nYrMBtQ5w72-eacj79_Q93vsFsW87PfmSt3vGTAK7079Bp54QeqOfBHQyvaMA6NiQ0H3sVWkWEJfFYrw4IgU5iI7MeCqeOeSbXQ5MCc8qC1ixPi-1J-om3SZCcto9F2s1eU698t/s320/condolences-facebookmessage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facebook message for Monica's dad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some population-we™ readers may not agree? You may think--I should've immediately picked up the phone and called. If so, feel free to comment below. No matter how you're reaching out to offer condolences it isn't easy but the gesture does not go unnoticed. I know in my heart of hearts, my condolences will be followed with a big hug next time I see both my dear friends. For now, because of my social media messages above, they both know I'm thinking of them during this very difficult time.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-37940581638422286412015-06-23T18:22:00.001-05:002015-06-23T18:22:51.157-05:00It's Camping Divecation Time Yes, you read the headline right--it’s time for a Camping Divecation! No problem you can pack your scuba gear in your sleep but what if you are planning a sleepover. In this case, it isn’t at a hotel but in the great outdoors. If you prepare well ahead of time--you can sit back and enjoy the great outdoors without any regrets. Because what goes better together than scuba diving and a camping trip? Read on for a list on what will make your next camping divecation a success.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9f49c8haWZ0WBVRBJZRBv8onc8KFtgJ8MBKCy-mqvyoFSWJuIW70Z6gZwvtXSdDTjhyphenhyphenx3MtLXqZ-xW5Ha2due_I7rQQhbDmk9b3FOuEAWeJ4gvL9lJjAxZ830PhkdbMkWM_VtpRvMgtI/s1600/goscuba-campingout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9f49c8haWZ0WBVRBJZRBv8onc8KFtgJ8MBKCy-mqvyoFSWJuIW70Z6gZwvtXSdDTjhyphenhyphenx3MtLXqZ-xW5Ha2due_I7rQQhbDmk9b3FOuEAWeJ4gvL9lJjAxZ830PhkdbMkWM_VtpRvMgtI/s320/goscuba-campingout.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">GOSCUBA members on a recent camping divecation.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Pop-Up Tent</li>
<li>Scuba Gear & Tanks</li>
<li>Diver Down Flag</li>
<li>Folding Chairs</li>
<li>Hangers for Scuba Gear</li>
<li>Tarp</li>
<li>Freshwater</li>
<li>Bottled water</li>
<li>Spray Bottle</li>
<li>Towels</li>
<li>Sunscreen</li>
<li>Bug Spray</li>
<li>Fly Swatter</li>
<li>Scissors or Knife</li>
<li>Flashlights</li>
<li>Lanterns</li>
<li>Can Opener</li>
<li>Cooler</li>
<li>Ice</li>
<li>Food, Snacks & Beverages</li>
<li>Aluminum Foil</li>
<li>Matches or Lighter </li>
<li>Firewood</li>
<li>Ax for Firewood</li>
<li>Pots & Pans</li>
<li>Pot Holder</li>
<li>Plates</li>
<li>Silverware</li>
<li>Cups</li>
<li>Paper or Kitchen Towels </li>
<li>Dish Soap</li>
<li>Bucket or Pan to Wash Dishes In</li>
<li>Baking soda</li>
<li>Tent</li>
<li>Mat</li>
<li>Sleeping Bags </li>
<li>Blankets</li>
<li>Pillows</li>
<li>Clothing</li>
<li>First Aid Kit</li>
<li>Hand Sanitizes</li>
<li>Toilet Paper</li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<li>Trash Bags</li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="http://go-scuba.net/">Greater Omaha SCUBA Club</a> (GOSCUBA) gets permission beforehand to dive in the area Nebraska or Iowa lakes on all our camping divecations. We recommend you get permission too! Visit the campsite online and research before you head out. Also, call and ask about reservations and what amenities they have: bathrooms, showers, eatery as well as where boats are allowed? GOSCUBA tends to dive where boats are not; since, most Nebraska boaters aren't familiar with a Diver Down Flag. Firewood is on the list; however, take extra cash to buy at the campgrounds for the campfire grills--because we almost always run out!<br />
<br />
I hope you will now be well prepared for your next sleepover in the great outdoors. If I forgot something, please leave a comment below. Happy Camping Divecation and keep diving!</div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-17251471161350838182015-06-15T14:52:00.000-05:002015-06-15T14:58:02.389-05:00pop-we Highlights 2015 Men's College World Series LineupThe 2015 <a href="http://www.cwsomaha.com/">College World Series</a> will be played in <a href="http://www.visitomaha.com/">Omaha,</a> NE at Ameritrade Park from June 13 through June 23 or 24 if necessary. There are numerous reasons to be especially excited this year. The field of eight that made it to Omaha is stacked with traditional powers that have been made the trip before. 2014 Champion Vanderbilt returns and will try to repeat. The talent level showcased will be high with four of the top ten players selected in the 2015 MLB draft including the top two. Finally the redesigned baseball has produced more home runs nationwide this season but the test will be to see how they play at Ameritrade Park which has kept hitters in check the previous two years. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvU7bTWA9lbCIxHEJsm5u2jdDTFnYajiV5T19e8VAgnxiIXAyuBBHLDs6wyOMq6TumJcLc-NTv0llc2qUKzuIH5bOmlToC45FlqghkbTQtWUZHsmzTr3qHVdSRaKNczPswFHaLAyoJ0u_/s1600/cws-sticker-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvU7bTWA9lbCIxHEJsm5u2jdDTFnYajiV5T19e8VAgnxiIXAyuBBHLDs6wyOMq6TumJcLc-NTv0llc2qUKzuIH5bOmlToC45FlqghkbTQtWUZHsmzTr3qHVdSRaKNczPswFHaLAyoJ0u_/s200/cws-sticker-2015.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
The first game Saturday has 40-23 Arkansas against 39-22 Virginia. Arkansas made their way to Omaha by dominating #8 seed Missouri State 18-4 in the first game, losing 3-1 in the second and clinching 3-2 in the super regional. Virginia claimed their super regional against Maryland sweeping 5-3 and 5-4.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/sport/m-basebl/">Arkansas Razorbacks</a> are led by Head Coach Dave Van Horn. Their top eight hitters are Andrew Benintendi (.380), Carson Shaddy (.337), Tyler Spoon (.331), Rick Nomura (.294), Joe Serrano (.285), Clark Eagan (.284), Bobby Wernes (.280) and Michael Bernal (.280) with Benintendi leading the team with 19 home runs followed by Spoon with six. The team batting average is .289 and they average 6.0 runs a game. Their top three starting pitchers are Keaton McKinney (6-2, 3.27), Dominic Taccolini (6-4, 4.32) and James Teague (6-4, 3.36) with Zach Jackson being their main closer with nine saves. Their team ERA is 4.08 and they have given up 4.7 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had four players taken: Benintendi (Red Sox, 1st round), Trey Killian (Rockies, 9th), Wernes (Astros, 30th), and Spoon (Red Sox, 35th). This is their eighth CWS appearance and have not won the championship.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.virginiasports.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/virginia-baseball-cws-15.html">Virginia Cavaliers</a> are led by Head Coach Brian O'Connor. Their top eight hitters are Matt Thaiss (.332), Pavin Smith (.313), Robbie Coman (.301), Daniel Pinero (.300), Charlie Cody (.291), Kenny Towns (.298), Adam Haseley (.252) and Ernie Clement (.239) with Thaiss leading the team with nine home runs followed by Smith and Pinero with six. Their team batting average is .273 and they average 5.4 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Connor Jones (7-2, 2.96), Nathan Kirby (5-2, 2.28) and Brandon Waddell (3-5, 4.15) with Josh Sborz being their main closer with 14 saves. Their team ERA is 3.52 and they give up 4.2 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had seven players taken: Kirby (Brewers, 1st round), Sborz (Dodgers, 2nd), Joe McCarthy (Rays, 5th), Waddell (Pirates, 5th), John LaPrise (Blue Jays, 19th) Towns (Angels, 20th) and Pinero (Tigers, 36th). This is their fourth CWS appearance and have not won the championship.<br />
<br />
The second game Saturday has 49-16 fourth seed Florida against 49-15 fifth seed Miami (FL). Florida already swept in state rival Florida State 13-5 and 11-4 in their super regional. Miami claimed their super regional against Cinderella Virginia Commonwealth 3-2 and 10-3.<br />
<br />
The<a href="http://www.gatorzone.com/"> Florida Gators</a> are led by Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan. Their top eight hitters are Josh Tobias (.373), Jeremy Vasquez (.350), JJ Schwarz (.332), Buddy Reed (.313), Ryan Larson (.305), Richie Martin (.292), Harrison Bader (.292) and Dalton Guthrie (.286) with Schwarz leading the team with 18 home runs followed by Bader with 15. Their team batting averge is .299 and they have averaged 6.9 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Logan Shore (9-6, 2.50), Dane Dunning (5-2, 3.95) and A.J. Puk (9-3, 3.96) with Taylor Lewis being their main closer with seven saves. Their team ERA is 3.22 and they have given up 3.6 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had nine players taken: Martin (Athletics, 1st round), Bader (Cardinals, 3rd), Eric Hanhold (Brewers, 6th), Daniel Young (Blue Jays, 8th), Lewis (Braves, 9th), Tobias (Phillies, 10th), Bobby Poyner (Red Sox, 14th), Michael Vinson (Tigers, 24th) and Aaron Rhodes (Angels, 28th). This is their ninth CWS appearance and have not won the championship.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.hurricanesports.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=28700&SPID=103774&SPSID=658425">Miami Hurricanes</a> are led by Head Coach Jim Morris. Their top eight hitters are George Iskenderian (.367), David Thompson (.333), Garrett Kennedy (.329), Johnny Ruiz (.318), Jacob Heyward (.313), Christopher Barr (.306), Brandon Lopez (.303) and Zack Collins (.303) with Thompson leading the team with 19 home runs followed by Collins with 15. Their team batting average is .311 while scoring 8.4 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Andrew Suarez (9-1, 2.96), Thomas Woodrey (7-2, 3.06) and Danny Garcia (7-1, 3.25) with Bryan Garcia being their main closer with 10 saves. Their team ERA is 3.02 and they give up 3.7 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had five players taken: Suarez (Giants, 2nd round), Thompson (Mets, 4th), Iskenderian (Brewers, 7th), Kennedy (Dodgers, 14th), and Ricky Eusebio (Mariners, 16th). This is their 24th CWS appearance and they won the title four times in 1982, 1985, 1999 and 2001.<br />
<br />
The first game Sunday has 53-10 second seed LSU taking on 49-13 seventh seed TCU. LSU swept in state rival UL-Layayette in their super regional 4-3 and 6-3. TCU had an epic super regional against Texas A&M winning 13-4 in the first game, losing 2-1 in the second game in 10 innings and clinching 5-4 in a deciding 16 inning marathon.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.lsusports.net/SportSelect.dbml?SPID=2173&SPSID=27865">LSU Tigers </a>are led by Head Coach Paul Mainieri. They feature the second player taken in the 2015 MLB draft shortstop Alex Bregman. Their top eight hitters are Andrew Stevenson (.356), Chris Chinea (.355), Kade Scivicque (.347), Conner Hale (.343), Mark Laird (.323), Bregman (.312), Chris Sciambra (.309) and Jake Fraley (.308) with Chinea leading the team with 11 home runs followed by Bregman with nine. The team batting average is .316 while scoring 7.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Alex Lange (11-0, 1.89), Jared Poche' (9-1, 2.91) and Jake Godfrey (7-1, 4.70) with Jesse Stallings being their main closer with 12 saves. Their team ERA is 2.84 and they gave up 3.5 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Bregman (Astros, 1st round), Stevenson (Nationals, 2nd), Scivicque (Tigers, 4th), Jared Foster (Angels, 5th), Zac Person (Astros, 9th), Laird (Phillies, 9th), Hale (Mariners, 9th) and Chinea (Cardinals, 17th). This is their 17th CWS appearance and they won the title six times in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2009.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.gofrogs.com/sports/m-basebl/tcu-m-basebl-body.html">Texas Christian Horned Frogs</a> are led by Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle. Their top eight hitters are Cody Jones (.371), Connor Wanhanen (.320), Evan Williams (.316), Nolan Brown (.314), Derek Odell (.303), Evan Skoug (.286), Dane Steinhagen (.282) and Garrett Crain (.271) with Wanhanen leading the team with nine home runs followed by Jones, Skoug and Keaton Jones with six each. Their team batting average is .289 while scoring 6.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Preston Morrison (11-3, 2.55), Mitchell Traver (9-2, 1.60) and Alex Young (9-2, 2.31) with Riley Ferrell being their main closer with 14 saves. Their team ERA is 2.38 and they gave up 3.1 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had eight players taken: Young (Diamondbacks, 2nd round), Tyler Alexander (Tigers, 2nd), Ferrell (Astros, 3rd), Cody Jones (Royals, 6th), Morrison (Cubs, 8th), Trey Teakell (Tigers, 9th), Keaton Jones (Tigers, 15th) and Traver (Cardinals, 28th). This is their third CWS appearance and all since 2010.<br />
<br />
The second game Sunday has 39-23 Cal State Fullerton taking on 47-19 Vanderbilt. Cal State Fullerton had to battle uphill in their super regional against third seed Louisville as they won 3-2 in 10 innings, lost 9-3 and clinched with an 11 inning 4-3 victory. Vanderbilt swept sixth seed Illinois 13-0 and 4-2 to advance to Omaha.<br />
<br />
The<a href="http://www.fullertontitans.com/sports/m-basebl/index"> Cal State Fullerton Titans</a> are led by Head Coach Rick Vanderhook. Their top eight hitters are Josh Vargas (.340), Davi Olmedo-Barrera (.328), Jerrod Bravo (.312), Tyler Steib (.303), Josh Estill (.283), Dustin Vaught (.256), Tanner Pinkson (.254) and Scott Hurst (.250) with Olmedo-Barrera leading the team with 10 home runs followed by Estill with five. Their team batting average is .265 while scoring 5.0 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Thomas Eshelman (8-5, 1.56), John Gavin (7-3, 3.66) and Connor Seabold (5-3, 2.84) with Tyler Peitzmeier being their main closer with 16 saves. Their team ERA is 2.84 and they have allowed 3.6 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had six players taken: Eshelman (Astros, 2nd round), Justin Garza (Indians, 8th), Peitzmeier (Cubs, 9th), Olmedo-Barrera (Rays, 12th), AJ Kennedy (Padres, 30th) and Jake Jefferies (Nationals, 39th). This is their 17th CWS appearance and they won the title four times in 1979, 1984, 1995 and 2004.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/vand-m-basebl-body.html">Vanderbilt Commodores</a> are led by Head Coach Tim Corbin. They feature the number one overall player taken in the 2015 MLB draft shortstop Dansby Swanson. Their top eight hitters are Swanson (.350), Rhett Wiseman (.318), Zander Wiel (.316), Bryan Reynolds (.311), Ro Coleman (.308), Will Toffey (.305), Jason Delay (.301) and Jeren Kendall (.289) with Swanson leading the team with 15 home runs followed by Wiseman and Wiel with 14 each. Their team batting average is .295 while scoring 6.9 runs per game. Their top three starting pitchers are Carson Fulmer (13-2, 1.82), Walker Buehler (4-2, 2.97) and Jordan Sheffield (5-2, 2.90) with Philip Pfeifer being their main closer with five saves. Their team ERA is 2.96 and they give up 3.6 runs per game. In the 2015 MLB draft they had nine players taken: Swanson (Diamondbacks, 1st round), Fulmer (White Sox, 1st), Buehler (Dodgers, 1st), Pfeifer (Dodgers, 3rd), Wiseman (Nationals, 3rd), Tyler Ferguson (Rangers, 6th), Wiel (Twins, 12th), Xavier Turner (Rangers, 19th) and John Kilichowski (Cubs, 39th). This is their third CWS appearance and they won the Championship last year.<br />
<br />
This may be the strongest field in terms of both teams and talent in years. Good luck to all. Time to play ball in Omaha!<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">John Bohan</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-13171215414232857752015-06-09T00:01:00.000-05:002015-06-09T00:01:00.703-05:00pop-we Publication Schedule for the SummerLike most people summer is pretty crazy around The Brown's household; sand volleyball commitments and scuba diving eat up a lot of our schedule. A big reason; since, we're land-locked scuba divers--we try to squeeze in as much scuba diving time in the Midwest as we can during the summer months. I'm sure our most avid readers have noticed the change in our publication schedule. The new schedule for the summer will continue to run as follows: Tuesday, May 19 through Sept. 7. Our blog still goes live weekly but now on Tuesdays, not Mondays. I apologize for not making the announcement earlier.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zZNKzDw48baHIqkLw_20ZqSe4g2jxWKj0Q8HrxuSP8hWyR0R90X0FEUOE7Ej_7Kb7Z6440kawgMN0HSbS4-U7EZKsjj3MZBSbadjkcdVXNzaiOsit66_NEDgQCP9v63UlHv-kRTqoEei/s1600/vacation-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zZNKzDw48baHIqkLw_20ZqSe4g2jxWKj0Q8HrxuSP8hWyR0R90X0FEUOE7Ej_7Kb7Z6440kawgMN0HSbS4-U7EZKsjj3MZBSbadjkcdVXNzaiOsit66_NEDgQCP9v63UlHv-kRTqoEei/s320/vacation-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's some of The Brown's May highlights:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Started summer sand volleyball.</li>
<li>Celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary with a 10-day scuba diving divecation to the Bahamas. </li>
<li>Participated in a scuba diving lake cleanup in Clarinda, Iowa.</li>
<li>Spent time at the lake with dear friends.</li>
<li>Attended our nephew's girl friend's graduation party.</li>
<li>Hosted our oldest nephew's high school graduation party.</li>
<li>Ate out with pop-we Dinner Club.</li>
<li>Went to a local Skudder Concert.</li>
<li>Attended our 25th high school reunion.</li>
</ul>
<br />
And, that was only the start of summer. Happy summer vacationing to everybody!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a></span></i></b></div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2015 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-39992127540255853482015-06-02T10:32:00.000-05:002015-06-02T10:32:02.621-05:0010 Signs To Help Get You MotivatedSigns of motivation are all around us in our every day lives: a sunrise or sunset; birds chirping in the morning hours; a baby laughing; a whiff of your favorite flowers; and/or a welcoming breeze through an open window. If you're in need of a little more motivation, feel free to follow the collection of population-we™ motivational signs below:<br />
<br />
1.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKMWExJ1C42_nzp9MW0TBg2df6vr3XazdtiV5Lj2649eznWBSPa4y8eb7cKDY3HOzbDtiwrdhqKxFdL2UFf_1lN3LVEkvn1LbHbGIPrihFJmBJGpKfRwPY8xV_Vvxgkj7qs57CEU_2-uU/s1600/1pop-we-motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKMWExJ1C42_nzp9MW0TBg2df6vr3XazdtiV5Lj2649eznWBSPa4y8eb7cKDY3HOzbDtiwrdhqKxFdL2UFf_1lN3LVEkvn1LbHbGIPrihFJmBJGpKfRwPY8xV_Vvxgkj7qs57CEU_2-uU/s320/1pop-we-motivation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @populationwe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOvtfItxSQFNr3vrPnf2BanukPFeFaammfiWCSY2Bh_cAB46zkrNY-Owq3k-H4sL3c5y-1YdSbbQPXwRkVtHIqIKg9hyphenhyphene4Jub23YiAVxIIiIi0JKWuKZrK9UDZY7oJye3JfdqOS8oHBYP/s1600/2pop-we-motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOvtfItxSQFNr3vrPnf2BanukPFeFaammfiWCSY2Bh_cAB46zkrNY-Owq3k-H4sL3c5y-1YdSbbQPXwRkVtHIqIKg9hyphenhyphene4Jub23YiAVxIIiIi0JKWuKZrK9UDZY7oJye3JfdqOS8oHBYP/s320/2pop-we-motivation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @populationwe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTzQsVg5PyEvneLQGuVO4xUkmOM2CmrrngFcecvtzznbJObG_RKGFkx3ay4J4HPsIJFqtpBPluu4sA5FoYs4sq5B_4unBjG4jo1OTtVLFZJT8okoG0Loq6t5c3aPrl1xBl-XtlCfcULq0/s1600/3popwe-moviation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTzQsVg5PyEvneLQGuVO4xUkmOM2CmrrngFcecvtzznbJObG_RKGFkx3ay4J4HPsIJFqtpBPluu4sA5FoYs4sq5B_4unBjG4jo1OTtVLFZJT8okoG0Loq6t5c3aPrl1xBl-XtlCfcULq0/s320/3popwe-moviation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @populationwe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLNbnaV8CiCYhW_TLMpOb3eYmIqAbT5undzzeq1JsuoWzltdHy7BZCpJq76gwoAmVaSimVh3aQwbbIUYw1WsNzrEsXeJua3kkNRisGbnq6v8R9jNDygGef9Wgrzr8L4jBJSF0wI5-wwpn/s1600/4pop-we-motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLNbnaV8CiCYhW_TLMpOb3eYmIqAbT5undzzeq1JsuoWzltdHy7BZCpJq76gwoAmVaSimVh3aQwbbIUYw1WsNzrEsXeJua3kkNRisGbnq6v8R9jNDygGef9Wgrzr8L4jBJSF0wI5-wwpn/s320/4pop-we-motivation.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @populationwe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
5.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIjtJkUPkltQs5PFQ_74TcJcHPi3yMTVMW9NVivRbuS80_0XUznKD4O3UHRaQifWMJ1YPorH4wi5lJxBL2QmOsSQ1IQHqm_LztRyjBk-BfYSR5l1NJDJbJhopEy1mnrRtXfHwSO41_OdV/s1600/7pop-we-motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIjtJkUPkltQs5PFQ_74TcJcHPi3yMTVMW9NVivRbuS80_0XUznKD4O3UHRaQifWMJ1YPorH4wi5lJxBL2QmOsSQ1IQHqm_LztRyjBk-BfYSR5l1NJDJbJhopEy1mnrRtXfHwSO41_OdV/s1600/7pop-we-motivation.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @populationwe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
6.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOz6mrcgHQBWau4vlAlBAVWj2TaaOMOwhZ7qefbWbjEdJXUSayEDGPSnbNklrw9PYAG-6nLFZeywK0Tb-HWC0_TrYGDFnvT5WBCPd4RB_-0mtfciOdevWMvS35KyCiqohtYWkclsqBMpe5/s1600/6pop-we-motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOz6mrcgHQBWau4vlAlBAVWj2TaaOMOwhZ7qefbWbjEdJXUSayEDGPSnbNklrw9PYAG-6nLFZeywK0Tb-HWC0_TrYGDFnvT5WBCPd4RB_-0mtfciOdevWMvS35KyCiqohtYWkclsqBMpe5/s320/6pop-we-motivation.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @populationwe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
7.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDszKBJw2M81x6tpfktpTSge6Yu1IE-dsD19gKwKd1Y3zqy72BO64rwuYMdiVMG9NgfL2ehI2cg3qJu3hbytGPOGbXYEkUnabHfBNib9V7Y9BzPFupAzv3ru7AfjkCJJxhp7BTzU7mnGx/s1600/9pop-we-motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDszKBJw2M81x6tpfktpTSge6Yu1IE-dsD19gKwKd1Y3zqy72BO64rwuYMdiVMG9NgfL2ehI2cg3qJu3hbytGPOGbXYEkUnabHfBNib9V7Y9BzPFupAzv3ru7AfjkCJJxhp7BTzU7mnGx/s320/9pop-we-motivation.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @populationwe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
8.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9brFFIkkaVUkoG0YQ4NRZ6N85WFcqkR12esVBe4vb5h9T2erh1Hksk-HIER2iZ25oDFlVFqDmu3KaAEnUGniCA0yCosXyRy8GKtz3Q7Dir54qVrBW5mAoH1VirVa9rDkhM23YkNoij-s/s1600/13pop-we-motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9brFFIkkaVUkoG0YQ4NRZ6N85WFcqkR12esVBe4vb5h9T2erh1Hksk-HIER2iZ25oDFlVFqDmu3KaAEnUGniCA0yCosXyRy8GKtz3Q7Dir54qVrBW5mAoH1VirVa9rDkhM23YkNoij-s/s320/13pop-we-motivation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @populationwe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
9.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i6c3nUC83mChmKaDJh7GVj4IDnqEt_bqzihWYb-6_LqpmKz28DjbWoZCLXx8QjlffZUN6BBgLhnGj-HIsz0i6RYhjbe27SBbEGWkxDupoap8PrcQEoBlqQu_Qws2kp1XmT4krAgILhks/s1600/16pop-we-motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i6c3nUC83mChmKaDJh7GVj4IDnqEt_bqzihWYb-6_LqpmKz28DjbWoZCLXx8QjlffZUN6BBgLhnGj-HIsz0i6RYhjbe27SBbEGWkxDupoap8PrcQEoBlqQu_Qws2kp1XmT4krAgILhks/s320/16pop-we-motivation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @populationwe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
10.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCe44ozyoscN5QOeFVZjbOEpHLNA_gO9EtPXpUOHpv7dhk2OS5cqyl0_v1_w67qTYIzXYyo8Z9GHsEItridrDJWuBTzdn3TuNNiO_MPGvquS4D2PP8HralCeni12IjAXlP6tkFoGhyphenhyphenKmr/s1600/17pop-we-motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCe44ozyoscN5QOeFVZjbOEpHLNA_gO9EtPXpUOHpv7dhk2OS5cqyl0_v1_w67qTYIzXYyo8Z9GHsEItridrDJWuBTzdn3TuNNiO_MPGvquS4D2PP8HralCeni12IjAXlP6tkFoGhyphenhyphenKmr/s400/17pop-we-motivation.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @populationwe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
More motivational signs are out there--so this is your call-to-action to go find them!<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-27089124945412036872015-05-26T07:46:00.001-05:002015-05-28T07:14:24.630-05:00My Time at the YMCAI unabashedly fling my arms about to form the letters Y, M, C, and A when I hear the Village People’s hit song of the 1970’s at a dance or home setting. While I do not think I processed this about living at the Y when I was a youth, I felt” Y.M.C.A.” was a theme song for me as I spent so much time there in my youth. With a myriad of activities across the nation, the YMCA means many things to many people. For me it was a place of shooting jump shots, practicing karate chops, and maybe even a few belly flops. At least, that is the nut shell version.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUT55ZGTgzS1aZImyHPLpFEDkmqFsdAgmgIr7vpYTKctZJyuxTB98AbeR7iNMVPson1EWFwLmn_qPg9KGCqG3EyGjuxo6XnOt6ecokUJ23yTUfqWr1cPbTOTKdZZqHWRFs_DQW9yIfed1/s1600/the-ymca-basketball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUT55ZGTgzS1aZImyHPLpFEDkmqFsdAgmgIr7vpYTKctZJyuxTB98AbeR7iNMVPson1EWFwLmn_qPg9KGCqG3EyGjuxo6XnOt6ecokUJ23yTUfqWr1cPbTOTKdZZqHWRFs_DQW9yIfed1/s200/the-ymca-basketball.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The hard court is the place of so many of my memories at the Y. To this day, there is just something about the rhythm of a rubber or leather ball hitting against a hard surface. Fans are optional but there is something special about the echoes of an electric crowd. In my experience, all players were welcomed to play on a team and receive real playing time regardless of talent or ability.<br />
<br />
We had some good players on my first team ever. I wasn’t one of them at the time. Well, I do not think we ever won a game. While I acted downtrodden momentarily at the time, I actually loved to be on the court. I also fancied myself good at defense just for holding my hands above my head even if the other team scored while I was doing so that first year.<br />
<br />
I think that it was the following year that I was on the championship team. We had players that would later win state in high school for Elkhorn, NE. We also had someone on my team that would play on the varsity team at my high school. I sat the bench a lot that year and felt content to do so. They did try hard to orchestrate a chance for me to actually score, but that never became a reality.<br />
<br />
Although I was never as good at scoring as my sister or brother, I gained confidence as being legitimately good at defense. Rebounds were not my strong suit. My skills lie in defending the passing lane as I was taught by my coach to do with a man to man defensive that often included a full court press. The other team received a lot of five second violations for not passing the ball within the required five seconds when my teams employed these defense tactics that we practiced.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I would block a pass. I was also taught the method of tapping low on the ball being dribbled to steal it from them. I recall stealing the ball a time or two during the game. I do not remember what happened to said ball but for the sake of my glory days, let’s say that I may have assisted in points being put on the board.<br />
<br />
Team sports with the YMCA did not employ a lot of time compared to school teams or city leagues. We practiced once a week and played once a week. There were gifted players who played for their school teams too. There were also talented players who took advantage of being able to play at the Y while they had to set out a term due to switching schools. We practiced at public grade schools in my area. Most of our games were at a public middle school.<br />
<br />
Good sportsmanship was encouraged. Although it was only part of the time that I played, I do recall the referees gathering us in a large circle prior to the game for the Lord ’s Prayer. That seemed very natural to me as I went to Catholic schools.<br />
<br />
Now it is time to get back to the jump shot. I was taught to shoot a jump shot earlier than most people in my day. I was used as an example for the boys a year older than me practicing on the other side of the court. As I mentioned earlier, this did not translate into my scoring in regulation play for a few years. I did not take a lot of shots as far as I recall. In my final year, I was eighteen feet away from the basket when I shot a jump shot that was as the family legend goes made my first shot ever in regulation play. It was all net!<br />
<br />
From an early age, I loved the freedom of being in the water. When we were members of the <a href="http://maple-street.metroymca.org/">Maple YMCA</a>, I was enrolled in one of the advanced swimming lessons given at the same time the beginners were practicing elsewhere in the pool. There was a ratio of only three students to one instructor in our advanced class. I thought I was cool learning new strokes such as the butterfly. I liked fighting the water pressure on the deep end to swim down to the bottom of the pool as we were instructed. <br />
<br />
We also took advantage of swimming during free time. We would just swim around or perhaps have a game of Marco Polo. There may be a race now and again. I thought it was great that you could swim year around rain or shine. One year, my family and cousin’s family rented the pool for a party celebration for me and my younger cousin whose birthday was two days from mine. <br />
<br />
I was never very inclined to diving as they tended to cause my stomach to sting when I did not manage to go in head first. I generally jumped in from the diving board feet first to avoid a belly flop. A girl a few years younger than me from my old neighborhood explained how to do a flip by acting like you are doing a somersault off the board. I tried it and it worked! I repeated it over and over again!<br />
<br />
Sometimes my mom invited me to join her and her friends for aquasize class. I enjoyed meeting the ladies and the food outing that followed. They were known for their pot lucks and also meeting at restaurants. My mom and my aunt went for a few years together. When my mom had a schedule conflict due to starting back to work, my aunt continued to go. From the group, she made lifelong cherished friends.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Barb Bohan</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-15112091830073419512015-05-19T08:52:00.001-05:002015-05-19T08:52:36.079-05:00Red Nose Day Comes to AmericaRed Nose Day has been a tradition in the UK that happens every two years where people do something funny at home, school or work for money. A telethon is held on BBC with comedy and entertainment to inspire watchers to give generously to the UK's number one fundraising event. After 30 years it is crossing the ocean as Red Nose Day USA when NBC will have a three hour special on May 21, 2015 at 8 p.m. Eastern\7 p.m. Central.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQUxF1mdG7rKLbREC57uy_lM52QbhsWiowdAATNhbwJbJMucUYmYv9aFgJiW9pux8IMM1y9XeSkQGrPkck7hq4xVRImig_mWFQ7obU14o5PXzTazzQfXbCqyPAhFZjfyf6rNUsKRxoOrF/s1600/RedNose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQUxF1mdG7rKLbREC57uy_lM52QbhsWiowdAATNhbwJbJMucUYmYv9aFgJiW9pux8IMM1y9XeSkQGrPkck7hq4xVRImig_mWFQ7obU14o5PXzTazzQfXbCqyPAhFZjfyf6rNUsKRxoOrF/s320/RedNose.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get your Red Noses ready & hashtag your photos #RedNose!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The corporate sponsors are Walgreens and M&M’s. Red noses can be purchased at Walgreens and the proceeds go toward the efforts to lift children out of poverty in the US and around the world. People are encouraged to take pictures wearing the red noses and posting to #RedNose on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to spread the word. There are also Walgreens vendors that will make donations based on their <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/images/pdfs/64047/RND_Donation_Details_2015.pdf">products sold at Walgreens</a> from April 26, 2015 through May 30, 2015. M&M's is launching an awareness-building and fund raising campaign which is detailed at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mms">www.Facebook.com/mms</a>.<br />
<br />
The inaugural three-hour special on NBC will feature actors, comedians and musicians doing original sketch comedy, hilarious parodies and incredible musical performances.. Among those at the star studded night will be Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Anniston, Elizabeth Banks, Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Carson Daly, Will Farrell, Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Hudson, Anna Kendrick, John Krasinski, John Legend, Adam Levine, Nick Offerman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Blake Shelton, Martin Short, Pharrell Williams and Reese Witherspoon. They will come together to have fun, raise money and change lives. Videos produced by Funny or Die will also be part of the broadcast.<br />
<br />
The money raised from the Red Nose Day special will be split between domestic and international charities. The charity partners are Boys & Girls Clubs of America, charity: water, Childrens' Health Fund, Feeding America, Gavi, the Global Fund, Lift, National Council of La Raza, National Urban League, Oxfam America, Save the Children, United Way and The Vaccine Alliance. The money will be raised from personal donations and corporate partners. <br />
<br />
If you would be interested in making a donation that is possible <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/rednosedayfund">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i>-population-we</i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">™</span><b><i style="color: #a2c4c9;"> blog post by</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i> </i></span><i><a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">John Bohan</a> </i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b style="color: #76a5af;">© 2015 population-we, LLC</b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #d0e0e3;">
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">Pin It</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051605729767113338.post-42051181246016664832015-05-11T00:01:00.000-05:002015-05-11T00:01:00.190-05:00Wedding Reception Missteps Worth Blogging AboutSitting with my grandfather at the back of our wedding reception I was apologizing for everything he witnessed at our reception. At the time he was 78, and he’d seen a lot of his grandkids get married. He announced to me with a grin, “This was probably the most memorable reception of a grandchild I’ve been too!” I was truly mortified.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpROuN_ISS2f2_XDZsbjY2dk1P9-NRXBdmMsJ0gvgYDv5ev4TLqpmM6LsGUd4vuh5Yx8AfLG-DBYhBed2-WhohVxTzdj4WpJPWCDyOj45Z54-4f25brWrlFAHm-fTzRz42bK-rv1OmcJd/s1600/wedding-reception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpROuN_ISS2f2_XDZsbjY2dk1P9-NRXBdmMsJ0gvgYDv5ev4TLqpmM6LsGUd4vuh5Yx8AfLG-DBYhBed2-WhohVxTzdj4WpJPWCDyOj45Z54-4f25brWrlFAHm-fTzRz42bK-rv1OmcJd/s320/wedding-reception.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing at our wedding reception before the missteps started.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
Brian & I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary last week. To this date, people still talk about our wedding reception, but for the wrong reasons. Why? Because two things happened. First, our DJ had our guests on the dance floor participate in a strip off. Not until we saw one of our groomsmen walk into the lobby, where we were talking to other guests, did we know this fact. He was in his boxers and had his cumberbun above his head exclaiming: “I am the king of the strippers!” My grandpa witnessed it all. That wasn't the only grandparent in the action. Brian’s 71-year-old grandma was dancing with one of our groomsmen when the DJ announced the “strip off!” Grandma started actually unbuttoning John’s tuxedo, but luckily she stopped and walked away. Second, the final regret. Brian’s best friend’s date had a little too much to drink and ate the top of our wedding cake. Yes, the wedding cake you’re suppose to save and eat on your first anniversary. My husband didn’t care much because--he actually doesn’t like cake. I was furious at the act! Today we laugh about it; however, when it happened everyone was appalled. <br />
<br />
I would include a video; unfortunately, the only documentation we have is photos because years later I taped over our wedding video. My husband was traveling back and forth for business to Indiana and I popped a tape in to record an Oprah episode on "How to Survive a Plane Crash." </div>
<div>
<br />
If you have any wedding reception missteps worth remembering--we want to hear from you! We just might be able to give you some closure and a chance to redeem yourself or the guilty party!</div>
<br />
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">-population-we™ blog post by <a href="http://population-we.blogspot.com/p/population-we-contributors.html">Becky Bohan Brown</a></span></i></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">© 2015 population-we, LLC </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">If you enjoyed this post, make sure to leave a comment, 'Pin' or 'Like' it.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17311338026631207676noreply@blogger.com0