2012

What a year, so much I could write but no enough time, energy or enthusiasm to want to tell my blog about 2012. Lets just say its been a year where I thought I would be and where I am are not even coming close to crossing lines. Oh the joys if my decisions.

Another day, another semester

Done with another Semester up at the University of Utah. As of today, I have 4 classes left before I am done. Graduated!!! I am so excited but still have a long way to go. I am so close and just want to be done. The biggest problem I am having is finding a good internship. So anyone out there that knows any good openings let me know. I am trying to complete my internship by end of summer semester so I can graduate this year rather than next. We will see how that goes. Just happy to be done now with this semester and looking forward for the rest. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Turkey Bowl 2011

Oh how I love the month of November. Its the month in which food, family, and football take place. As I was looking at the news recently I saw this article on KSL about Turkey Bowls and why Utahns go out in the cold, and try to be a young man playing a pick up game of football. I just thought it was funny and decided to pass it along to all of you. Nothing better than a game of football before a big dinner. I played with the Parker family again and it was fun. We had a lot of people which makes it a little harder but it was still fun. Can wait until next year.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=968&sid=18207300#.Ts18W_1G5p8.email

Adobe CS6 Incredible

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxjiQoTp864&feature=player_embedded
In reading "all things photography Blog" they showed a video of the latest and innovative ideas that Adobe is making for the next photo shop. But they where taking pictures that were blurry and out of focus and with a little magic that photo shop is working on will sharpen the image and make everything come into focus. Another cool program that they could take a picture downloaded from the Internet and make the out of focus pixels come into view. I think what made me really surprised with this new idea that Adobe is working on is the fact that any armature photographer will be able to correct all minor or major errors and make an armature picture look professional and perfectly correct. Although it might or might not be added to CS6 photo shop that is still unknown but what is known is that some time in the future Adobe is going to put this out and make a lot of photography taking people happy when they make a little error on their photos and correct that problem.

Up Date Facebook No More!!

Over the last couple of month Facebook has been updating their page and it has cause a lot of issues with its customers. Not only did it change allot of the ways we as users used their page but we had to relearn how to use Facebook. In my opinion, what frustrated me is the fact that it too forever for my phone to update. I don't really use my Facebook online, I am always checking on my phone and when you have to update every other week it gets a little annoying to say the least. What is funny about this, is the fact that the only reason Facebook went through the stress and frustration was because they worried about Google Chromes social media site taking over and since it caught them off guard it scared Facebook. Now that Google Chrome has slowed down I think (just like the article) that Facebook caught a break. Hopefully when Facebook goes to update it will not be that extreme again.

The coming irrevelance of SEO

The article was talking about how the whole buying on SEO has changed and what online retailers need to do to make sure their product continues to be easily found and have continual returning customer. They are saying that the whole SEO is becoming less important thanks to the increasing safety of Amazon, Ebay, and Google. They have also found that the younger generation likes using buying sources offered through Facebook and Yelp where they let others decided on their choices and buys. Some of the step they offer to consider when it comes to eCommerce:

• Begin using as many marketplaces as possible to get your rankings established
• Get your back office in order
• What is the repeat customer strategy on your website
• Remember that the marketplaces is your competitor

By following there consideration and remembering that when it comes to gaining the competitive edge the a person has to find a unique opportunity before there competitors do as well. eCommerce and online marketplaces are always going to be competitive and will always change.

7 Tech break throughs for people with disabilties

I found this article about new technology being made that will improve the lives of those with disabilities. After reading though some of the technologies that interested me was first the Cochlear implant, even though its not a new technological advancement but with the advancement of software and hardware people with hearing problems are getting a better opportunity to hear and listen to the world around them. A girl in one of my class earlier here at the UofU had one of these and she said it has been nothing but a blessing since she got her implanted and time will only show how much better the implant can get. Second, the Ibot stair climbing wheelchair how cool is that. A wheelchair that can balance itself and climb stairs making people who are wheel chair bound get up and down if places are not ADA approved. Dean Kaman who has created most of these inventions is really setting his mind to improving peoples lives with disabilities through technology and its advancements.

Iphone 4s

Now Apple has come out with its own personal assistant for their phones. Siri as they call it, will schedule dates, appointments and write text messages. Now instead of inputting all the information the Iphone will do it for you. I cant believe how much technology is advancing and how quickly. Before long we will thrive through technology- in the way we live, breath, work, etc. I think its funny that apple is staying so far ahead of the competition and they know it. With Siri they are apple makes the best software and hardware around. It will not be long until I guess I have to get on board with apple and get a Iphone but I really like the droid.

Rivalry Week

It is September and we already have the Holy War in Utah. Since both Utah and BYU are not in the conference any more they have to play in off times and this year was in September. It really weird to see them both playing each other so soon in the season and not on rivalry week like very one else. It is so weird that they are playing so early because there is not really big talk on either side. Usually they have a lot of trash talk and such but this year since its still early and nothing on the line they dont care to talk. Besides both offenses are really not doing so hot that its nothing to talk about. So I am excited to see how the game ends up. The best part of tomorrows game will be my Brother in law going to the game. This will be his first collegetic game ever. What a way to start his college football game watching. He tried to tell me that watching my lil brother little league game is the same as any college football game. We just laughed, I just hope the game is going to be as good as we have been making it up to be. Being a Utah student but a BYU fan I am not sure which way to root. I am going to wear a BYU shirt or sweatshirt with my blue Utah Utes hat. I know its kinda weird but I have to root for both sides. One side I grow up with and grow to love. On the other side I pay 3600 dollars a semester to get an education so I have to be parcial to that school as well. Let the best side win, just keeping my fingers cross for the team down south. After this week its back to rooting for both sides. Too bad the rivarly will be over before we know it for good. That will be a sad day.

9.11 never forgotten

10 years have passed since the tragic day of 9.11.01 happened. I was really surprised that after 10 years that people still remember where they were on that day. It was posted of Face book and all over twitter. Its one of those memories that will never be forgotten and engraved into out hearts and souls. For me, I was on my mission for only about two weeks. I had gone to the mission office to get materials. They had a TV on and as the second plane hit the second tower I was there to witness it live. That a change that made for everyone. It was scary for Alaska because people where concerned that they would try and attack the pipe line up there. Luckily, nothing ever did happen.

Now after 1o tears they are saying our kids will learn about it from history and books. Its crazy to think that something this big happened while I was alive and is now being taught. I am so old! The TV stations had a lot of good programs on about that day and the new memorial they are building is really cool. The picture above shows that very memorial at night over New York.


As for this picture, these are the gloves and cleats that NFL players got from Reebok's to remember 9.11. However it was said that players who wore these in their game would most likely receive a fine from the NFL. I think one player put it best on his twitter page when he said something to the fact that if they (the NFL) does fine him, it will be money well spent. About two hours later and I am sure a lot of angry fans, the NFL came out saying any players that want to wear the gear could and would not be fined. Every player should have been wearing them but not everyone did. I respect all the players that wore them. I was also impressed with allot of the coaches that wore special NYFD hats that gave their support to those who served and protected those people in the tragic event. It was a really great day of remembrance and respect for those who were part of that tragic day.

Finally Independent

So BYU started there season as an Independent team and they have had all ups and down over the first two games. In the Ole Miss game they really came out on defense and really made a statement about what kind of Stout defense BYU will have this year. As for the offense, well let just say spring ball did not get all the rust out. They really need to get settled in the game and come together as a group. They ended up winning by a defense fumble recovery returned by the player who cause the fumble. It was a pretty good end to a well fought game. I really couldn't believe they came back to win by one (14-13).

As for the next week again Texas, it was much like the week before. The defense was just a power house that stopped everything. The offense was a little better but they are just not comfortable with the whole new offense. I am not sure if its the play calling or the offense executing the plan. We will just have to see how the rest of the season plays out. BYU ended up losing 17-16 and even though it was a tough loss they show the nation that they can play with the big dawgs. The Longhorns are one of those teams that they can get some credit from.

With them coming home and playing there opener against Utah should be interesting. To win, BYU will have to really step up there offense and well there defense. I am not too worried about that at all. That side of the ball will come ready to play.

All hail Del Taco

So in reading another blog, I have decided to give a little shout out to my favorite quick mexican resturant. thanks Kason for the great idea, let your love for Red Robbin never die!!! Anyway my family has made every Tuesday taco night- reason being that Del Taco has three tacos for a dollar. Easy and cheap meal. In the process of attending each week, we have been able to recruit both of our neighbors, the Cox family and the Funk family. I just think that there hard and soft shell tacos are so good. Yeah, there is not meat inside the taco, which is mostly made of lettuce and cheese. The funny thing about going to Del Taco each week is the fact that when Alicen went into labor with the baby, the next week they were excited to see the baby. We almost know everyone by name and they should be able to create our order when we walk through the door. Best part is for under 10 dollars we can feed a family of four. I am getting hungry for Del Taco just blogging about it. yumm!!!

Blog update

I have not been on my blog for a long time. My work got an new firewall and so I am not able to access my blog any more at work. Since I have free time here at school in between classes I figured I would post something.
Things that are new or going on in my life- lets see. We had our little girl who we named Josie Sue. She was the biggest born baby my wife has had so far at 7lbs 11oz. We call here the 711 baby since Alicen goes almost every day to get a diet coke. They know us well. Anyway she is a good baby, reminds me a lot McKinley when she was little. Just mild temp, easy going with life. However she is a terror at night. I feel like a walking zombie. I have to say its a good thing we as people forget what life is like with a new born or no one would have more than one. I forgot how much they don't sleep. I got use to my other kids who sleep most of the night. I am excited to have another little one around again.
Not much really happened since I last did my entry. I was still in school, finished the semester with good grades and had two weeks off to actually have a summer. Now I am back into school for fall semester. Taking full time classes as well but I know a lot of people in my class and its a lot of fun. so far. Second day here again.
Work is good, still really busy and that is good with the economy the way it is. I am not sure if I can say it will last through the winter but we are all hoping. I am just glad my work lets me go to school still during the day. When classes are only offered during the day, its hard to be able to work and go to school. So I am glad they are helpful in that aspect.
Other than that I don't know what to say. I know there was more I wanted to write and talk about in the last couple of week but nothing coming to my mind right now. so I will just post this and get back to blogging when I can.

USA Womans Soccer

Since Thursday of last week I have had a cold and sore throut that I have had to deal with. Its not been fun. Well after a long day saturday with Taits birthday party my body finally shut down. Along with the fact that friday night Derek and I played Tiger Woods golf and yelled a lot. But sunday morning I just felt like pooh! So I stayed home from church because I was sick and so was Kinni. Alicen took off to see her uncles who are in town and to get out of the sick environment. I decided to watch the Womans World Cup- United States vs Brazil.
I had heard it was going to be a tough game for the USA to win. And it lived up to all expectations. What a great game the US played. They scored within the first few minutes, they played tough against a Brazilian team that knew how to flop injuries to get calles better the Manu Ginobili of the Spurs. Any little touch they would drop down hurt. Although the Red card was acceptable.
The US should have won in the 90 minute spand if it wasnt for a bad call by the refs on the goal kick. It was so close of a call that it should never have been made. And what a block by Hope Solo. She is good goalie. I thought for sure that the game was over for the US when Brazil scored again. But that header in the last minutes of the game to send it to a shoot out was awesome (picture above). The USA team really played with heart and soul.
Then to win it in shoot out was awesome. After all the issues the USA had to deal with through the game. It was good to see them come out on top and with a win in against a tough team. I was glad I was able to watch it.

Taitans Birthday Party

Saturday was Taitan's birthday party. Lucky for me, I didn't have to work at my internship so I was able to help Alicen get the party set up and going. For his birthday we decided to get a bouncy house with a slide. Although we had a lot of other issues the bounce house was a hit. We had a picnic for dinner (thanks for Krista and Derek for letting us take over there yard) with hot dogs and all the fixings.
The problems we had were not really anything we could do anything about. The bounce place brought the house over mid morning when the party did not start until 4pm. From mid morning to the end of the night, we had rain which I had to run out deflate the house, undo the blower to get it under the car port. Than the wind picked up as the party started making so we had to deflate the house again and wait for it to get better. Just as the wind got better the power went out for 2 hours. About a half hour before the guy was to pick it up the power came back on. Lucky for us the guy was OK with sticking around, eating some cupcakes and letting his little girl play with the kids for a while longer.
All in all it was a good party. I will tell you what, those bounce house can be a baby sitter. Everyone loved playing in it and didn't want to get out. They could have played in that thing for hours. Even a couple adults got in and jumped around with the kids. We all had a blast. It was a lot of fun. I would recommend a bounce house for any ones birthday.

Always in the spot light.

Last Thursday evening there was a police shooting that took place in Magna. The only reason I knew about it was my dad called me at my internship to let me know that he was not the officer involved. But was the scene doing the after math. I guess lately any shooting that takes place that involves and police officer, my dad calls everyone to make sure that he is OK. Good but funny too.

However, what is funny is the fact that any time pictures are take at the scene from local news cast my dad is always in the photos. Here are two from that shooting that he is on his cell phone. I was told he was talking to me at the time. I just think my dad looks for photo opportunities when ever he can. He is a popular guy. Throughout his 30+ years as a police officer, he has been on local news cast and in the newspaper a couple of times. He just wants to be a celebrity.

SMCC Boxing

Over the weekend, Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center had a boxing tournment in an opportunity to get Boxing back into the Center and get funding to keep it going. As an intern I was able to work the event. Mostly as Security but I was able to watch the bouts. I am not a huge boxing fan but after watching these amatures box it was pretty cool. Plus all my fellow employees were stoked about the whole event.

Our first picture is Alicen singing the National Anthem for the tournment. My boss Sandy asked me if I knew any one that could and would sing. I said my wife sings. Well after that Alicen was the the one to sing. She did really good. We had her practice the night before the bouts and Sandy just lite up once she heard Alicens voice. I think she was a little worried. Alicen did really good. Even though she was out of breath before she got in the ring. She blamed the prego belly. I would have to agree.

Here is a couple more pictures of the actual bouts. The first picture is of two eight year olds fighting. They are not allowed to box until eight years old but can train before. Both kids are only 50 lbs. It was fun to watch them. They both came running out of their corners swinging. Not much technique but it was fun to watch them.
The second picture is of the best fight of the night. I really got a good picture on my phone. The Kid in red (who won) has his right hook swinging, the other kid is on the ropes. It was a good fight. The whole night was good other than one boxer who had the poorest sportsmanship I have ever seen. He won is fight but looked like an idiot after. Kinda sad. The rest show great sportsmanship, most talking and laughing with each other after.
It was a long 5 hours of bouts but I am glad I got my first taste of boxing. The coach at SMCC said any one can box and wants me to try. Not really interested but kinda entertaining. I think I will stick with WWE instead. Just more entertaining to me.

Mr. Roonie is 3 years old!!

Three years today we brought Taitan Kettenring into the world. He is been a great blessing to our family. He brings excitement, adventure and joy into our lives. He also brings a lot of headache as well. He is the best littl boy a father could ask for. He is my little man-ski! I am glad to be his dad. Happy birthday Taitan Bret. Lets hope you enjoy your special day. Continue to be a good boy, brother and son. I love you!!

Johan Ark

Not sure if any one saw this online today but I figured it was Blog worthy. I guy named Johan Huibers from the Netherlands decided to recreate and actually build the Noah's Ark. He did it by following the bibles direction to the tee. This ark is over 450 ft long. Its amazing.

He has spent over 1.6 million dollars making this vessel and actually tried to get live animals on the the ship itself. However because of complications he was not able too. So he filled it with stuffed animals and a couple of farm animals. Its actually really cool. He is working out a way with the Olympics to have it be part of the up coming Olympics. What an amazing feat for someone to actually make the Ark. He has been working on it for almost 5 years now. Even his wife couldn't stop him. I thought it was just cool to blog about. And if your ever in the Netherlands you can actually pay to go see it. Gotta make your money back some how. Too cool!!

Work Jokes & Pranks

At Intermountain Concrete Specialties, we have two strong ties to two different Universities. One side it Brigham Young University and the other is University of Utah. We go back an forth between each schools fans teasing, making fun of and finding ways to make somes blood boil. Since I have been attending the University of Utah I get a lot of slack for being a Cougar fan. I also give an lot of slack to those who are Utah fans. Well today I was able to catch a BYU fan with Red & white on his computer screen. Its also such sweet revenage for all his teasing of me being a traitor to BYU. I walked into his office and saw the colors, asked why he decided on the red & white? Bob said since Ken (Utah fan) was in Idaho he could have the colors without getting into too much trouble. Well I turned around, went to my office and got my phone to take a picture. As you can tell he tried to cover the screen. Just making the picture that much sweeter. Not only have I passed it around the office to all the BYU and Utah fans but now I am bloggin it on my page. Its too funny to pass up. Its a perfect shot.. Sorry had to highlight all BYU information in blue just to keep kosher with any teasing that might come from this post.