Guest Blog: The Other Side of the Story

Followers of the Musings, this guest post is unique but important.

Recently, an article ran in the local newspaper in Racine wrapping up a trial of a man who was found guilty under Wisconsin state law of being a sexually violent person, more likely than not to re-commit a sexually violent crime. The specific conviction allows the offender to be involuntarily committed to a facility (aka, kept off the street).

I'm going to disable comments on this post. It's a topic I don't want to engage in a discussion on.

The original article is linked below (opens in new window):

ARTICLE

I happen to know personally one of the victims, as well as the victim's family. They were more than a little distressed by the article above, and I will let their words explain why. There is an introduction, and then two letters to the editors of the local newspaper published below. These letters as of this date were not published in the newspaper itself, so to help their voices be heard, I offered the Musings as a platform for their side of the story.

A Look Back at 2012 - For Better or Worse

Greetings Musers and Musettes, and welcome to the Musings of BradK look back at 2012 (for better or worse - no relation to the comic strip).

 There's been scan little blogging by the BradK this year, and though there ARE reasons for that, they aren't that important, and quite frankly, they're more like excuses, not reasons, so let's move on.

 2012 started off like any year... in the Emergency Room... at the Children's Hospital. Yes, only 10 days into his young life, my little Nugget has himself a bad staph infection (MRSA) that had him hospitalized and subjected to a series of tests and treatments that I for one am SO GLAD he will never remember. So after three days of not REALLY resting at all.... My little guy has been, and continues to be the best thing in the whole wide world ever to me.

 What? Some pictures? Well, ok....

Jeff's Kidney - An Awareness Campaign That Can Save a Life

Several years ago I met a man named Jeff Nelson. Aside from being a excellent technical engineer and rock star project manager, he's just a genuine and good guy. Many of the things I know about Jeff in the years I've known him are aspects of his personal life that I won't divulge without his permission (or if he wants to comment below, that's his prerogative), but what I do know is that he and his wife have "given" - they have given their hearts, they have given a hand, they'd probably give the shirts off their back if you ever needed it. Jeff is humbly asking us to give him a hand back, and I do so gladly.

Jeff approached us at our place of employment just yesterday to kick off his awareness campaign, dubbed "Project Jeff", and asked us to help spread the word. I know my little old blog doesn't reach as many people as I'd like to get this message to, but I wonder if anyone who reads this would be willing to re-post and help me share Jeff's story?

Outside of this blurb here, I'm going to let Jeff's words finish this entry. If you're on Facebook, please check out, "Like", and Share his page with your friends and ask them to do the same. Do a search for "Jeff's Kidney" or just directly hit http://www.facebook.com/jeffskidney to find it. If you're not on Facebook, consider emailing this blog post to your friends (or re-posting if you have your own blogs).

Thank you very much. Without further ado, Jeff Nelson:

Hi, I'm Jeff and I'm a technical project manager and senior network engineer in the IT field.

I need a new kidney to save my life. I have Polycystic Kidney Disease and my kidney function has deteriorated to about 16%.

I have been accepted by for transplant at the Mayo Hospital, UW Hospital and Froedtert Hospital. My living kidney donor can be any blood type but especially O, no kidney problems, 65 years or younger, no high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes or infectious diseases. If you're male of female and in good health I'd like for you to actively consider being my Living Kidney Donor.

If you or someone you know is interested PLEASE call Tammy Kozel at the Mayo Clinic at 1-866-249-1648. The call is completely confidential. Just a simple free blood test can determine if you're a suitable match. I can also be reached at Kidney4jeff@hotmail.com.

May I count on you to pass this message to your friends as well?

The 14th District Forum - My Thoughts, Perspective and Review

Introduction… I went to my first ever live political debate last night. And although CNN didn’t broadcast it across the country, no Wolf Blitzer asking questions, no SNL re-treads are expected this weekend… I will say I found the process, the questions and the responses to add up to a very unique and enjoyable experience. As always I may “pepper” this blog with the “seasoning of humor” – but at no time mean any disrespect to the democratic process or either candidate personally.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a volunteer with the Pierce campaign, and fully expect to vote for him on April 3^rd. This review of the proceedings is intended to be objective, but hey, I’m only human, and not an unbiased journalist.

Me and Michael, my Little Liver - , , , - The Kop Set - Liverpool FC

Me and Michael, my Little Liver - , , , - The Kop Set - Liverpool FC

Pictures of my boy! (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!)

Yes, I'm a daddy. BradK has spawned, so in a decade or two, expect more... MORE.... MORE!!!!!!!

Here are some pictures for my non-Facebook followers to link/email/spread around/pass/etc...

GUEST POST - Liz Davies: "How to Counteract Cancer Treatment Symptoms with Exercise"

Hello all! BradK is turning the pen over to Liz Davies with this posting. Please enjoy! If you have any ideas for a guest posting, feel free to contact me at my email address on my profile. Thanks!

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Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.



How to Counteract Cancer Treatment Symptoms with Exercise

Cancer treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy, are well known to produce a variety of rough symptoms. These can include insomnia, exhaustion, nausea, depression and vomiting. Many cancer patients reveal that they lose the urge to complete everyday tasks and no longer desire to live independently. Everyone going through cancer treatment has a different experience but exercise has been shown to combat a plethora of the negative symptoms associated with treatment and allow people to lead healthier lives spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Staying physically fit can help people undergoing cancer treatment by fighting nausea, improving appetite, and allowing for more restful sleep. Physical activity allows the body to crave rest and food both of which are necessary for cancer patients.

Exercise also has many psychological benefits. Endorphins are released when the body gets to a certain level in a work out and when they are released, they create higher pleasure areas in the brain. This lowers negative ideas and combats depression. Exercise also gives many people more self confidence which is useful for many cancer patients.

Spiritually, the act of exercise can be very positive. Yoga, pilates, and tai chi are excellent forms of physical activity that can provide meditation through gentle, repetitive motions. Many people also find peace through running, swimming and walking.

Cancer patients who feel healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually have a better chance of staying independent throughout their treatment process. Remaining active increases the mobility of joints and muscles which allows for better movement and balance. Muscle loss is also a common symptom that can be avoided through strength training. Being able to remain independent also increases confidence and leads to a more positive outlook.

An exercise routine doesn’t need to end with a cancer diagnosis. This gives people a bigger reason to remain (or become) active. Physical activity regimens need to be planned out with doctors and trainers who specialize in teaching cancer patients. These ideas are good for people going through all different types of cancer treatments, whether that is chemotherapy for mesothelioma treatment or surgery for breast cancer treatment. Thinking about the benefits of exercise for cancer patients is also beneficial for everyone else who is involved in the patients’ lives.