Sunday, November 30, 2008

Out Side Reading

Text: Caringbridge
Author: Greta hansenbegg 

Brett Got to leave the hospital for his first time since the accident for thanksgiving!! He was also on fox news the other night and he loves to watch it over and over again and is so proud of him self! 



Brett has also been feeling sad and not being able to see the good in the days. When asked how his day was he will start to say oh not very good and then someone will stop him and list off all the great things that happened that day for example they found out he doesnt need a lift anymore to get in and out of the bathtub, his grandparents came to see him, he god a shake from DQ, got to watch a video that his friends recorded on his facebook wall, and got to text his friends through his mom. After he was reminded of all this Brett realized that he did have a good day after all. which leads me to Brett has become very good at using his electronic typer and now he will tell his mom what he wants her to say and she will text it to his friends for him soon he will be able to text it all on his own! Brett isnt always seeing the good but he is improving SO SO SO much!

Out Side Reading

I read many letters from TEC that my family and friends had sent me. Although one stood out the most and it was from my older brother andy. My brother Andy and I are very close and I enjoyed his letter. TEC is one big surprice and Andys letter was about how I said that I would never go to TEC because i would get so frustrated when he wouldnt tell me what you did. It also talked about things he had been doing because I dont get to see him very often. The just of most my letters were people saying fun things they remember about me or sharing things about them selves. I also read many bible verses about unconditional love and agape. 

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Outside Reading


Text: Caringbridge/bretthansenbegg
Author:Greta Hansen-Begg


Brett has had a hard past few days. He has gone through so much these past few months and now he can understand everything you say and respond to questions with yes or no or a few words he can say. As i have said before Luke and Samantha were in the car with Brett, Sam is fine, but Luke didn't make it. Up until yesterday they had not told Brett that Luke was no longer with us and they were planing on waiting so he was able to ask questions and they were afraid Brett would stop fighting for his life. Well when Luke's brothers were visiting Brett yesterday they asked him if he had noticed Luke had not come to see him yet and Brett nodded yes. So after Greta and Alan had a long talk Greta sat down next to Brett and she was crying she told Brett that Luke had died in the car crash Brett tried to hand his mom the towel he was holding at the time to wipe her tears and then he hid his face in his pillow for a while. Brett has also been feeling very bad right shoulder/knee pains the past few days and today they took him in for an X-Ray and it turns out his shoulder had been popped out of place, but now they know and they can fix that. On a lighter note Brett is no longer on tube feeding he eats all food through his mouth! Last night was his last tube feeding he was pushing it away when his mom was giving it to him and Greta asked him if he didn't want to eat tube feeding anymore and he said yes. The doctors decided to have him stop it and his tube will be taken out some time in December. Thats the low down on Brett!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Outside Reading

Brett never stops! He has been using his voice so much, even though he cant really say things the other day his mom went to the other side of the room and he couldn't see her anymore and he said that word mom! Another time he used his voice was when Greta was asking him questions and he said the word nothing. Brett will say words often,but its very hard to understand. In these two situations they could understand what he was saying without trying to figure it out! Brett also is answering to yes and no questions now by shaking his head for no and nodding for yes it has made communicating with him so much easier. Now Brett can smile with all his teeth and its symmetrical not just a sperk and he loves to have pictures taken of him. Brett's strength has grown so much he is now wanting to stay in the stander longer(that he has out grown because he is now grown 2 inches since the car crash and now an XL has been ordered for him) and he will wave to you on his own! Brett will be going back to watertown and his normal school on January 5th thats 2 months away and they don't know what stage he will be at then, but he gets to go home!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Outside Reading

Text: Caringbridge/Bretthansenbegg
Author: Greta Hansen-Begg

Brett had a very big step today! He is eating meals. Although Brett is still getting tube feeding it has been significantly reduced. Today for lunch Brett had Mashed potatos, beef, peas, applesauce, juice, and milk. He ate about half of the potatos, beef, and peas and all of the applesauce. After he was finishedrnished with the applesauce he kept opening his mouth for more, but when Greta would give him the left over food he would not eat it. He would actually mumble out a no. Greta thinks this is because Brett had a hard time eating the other food and the applesauce he didn't really have to chew. Brett is also reading the book to kill a mocking bird in his school. He other day Brett brought his hands to his face and gently touched his face and wondered around it as if he was feeling it for the first time and this is the first time he has done something like this. A low is Brett didn't really seem to want to participate in his PT and his mom could tell something was wrong once she found out what it was she said Brett I'll hold up my end of the deal if you hold up yours and do PT today, sure enough it worked. Thats the news on Brett for today!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Outside Reading


Text: Caring bridge/brethansenbegg

Author: Greta Hansen-Begg


Brett has been doing very good. Bretts best friend Luke who dieds brother came to see Brett. Brett just loves him and he re recorded Brett's yes no buzzer sound so it was in his voice not the nurses. Brett is now responding to his yes/no questions much faster and is right most the time. When we were there to visit Brett would also turn on his music with a buzzer as well. Greta used to have to force Brett to keep his mouth open with a bite plate, but now Brett can hold open his mouth on his own when his mom brushes his teeth! Greta has been giving Brett little bits of food for a while now alot of times different kinds of pies or applesauce and Brett can now eat it with out coughing! Brett is improving everyday!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Outside reading

Text: caringbridge/bretthansenbegg
Author: Greta Hansen-Begg

On Saturday Brett had a few visitors and when told to make his " evil face " about 15 seconds later he did just that same as when he was asked to smile for pictures. When you are with Brett he will make eye contact with you. Brett understands everything you say to him and trys to talk back but just cant yet, but it will come in time. When you ask Brett to do something such as move his thumbs he can do it it just takes time for him to comprehend it about 10 to 15 seconds. Brett is also starting to eat real food, not much though. Greta, Brett's mom, will give him one bite of a different kind of pie everyday. Grata nor Alen were at the hospital all weekend because there was a hunted house on behalf of Brett and Luke on Saturday night and then a benefit where the summerfest band, the camp that Brett attended this summer played. Both fundraisers were a great success. Well Greta was gone Brett got a great report and one of Brett's friends who came to visit Sunday left a note about what they did with Brett. In the note it said when Sam, the girl who was driving in the time of the crash, would talk to Brett he would look away because he is mad at her. Bretts doing so great!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Outside Reading

Text: The Original: How Gabe Lucas became one of wake boarding's most unique riders.
Author: Luke Woodling

For my outside reading i read a story about Gabe Lucas. Gabe is a very good wake boarded. His father and Grandfather were baseball players and Gabe was going to be one too. He went to the university of Houston to play ball and did nothing else but. He was not wake boarding or getting good grades in school. After three years at this school and three years off a wake board he realized that baseball was not his sport he then picked up and moved to Texas state mainly because it was on the Guadalupe river. His life was changed forever, the only sports he did were sports that involved a board. He was wake boarding every chance he got! He also started skate boarding in his free time as well. Gabe was known as TARnation. He also has many photos taken of him because of the things he does well wake boarding. He uses what he has for example he will jump up on a rock or something like that. Over all Gabe Lucas is a very good wake boarder

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Outside Reading

Text: caringbridge/Bretthansenbegg
Author: Greta Hansen-Begg

Today Brett took apart a puzzle with help of his PT doctor. This is something that pre brain damage would have taken him about 10 seconds took him 10 minutes. Brett also had a very bad experience the other day. He was not feeling well and his vitals went up very high and he was trying to verbally communicate and he was mumbling, but Greta was not in the room and she came back and he was groaning and had thrown up. On a lighter note one of Brett’s nursed sons were in a similar situation two years ago, but only at this point in his recovery her son was still in a coma and now two years later he is walking and talking. The future looks bright for Brett. It will be a long road and won’t be easy, but he is a strong person and will pursue through it!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Disney Heroes

When i look at this picture it seems like its more of the stereotype Disney heroes, when in reality woman can be heroes too.


When i look at this picture it doesn't seem like a Disney hero because there are girls in the picture and small creatures as well. I think this is really who most heroes are.


by Allie Lahn
Disney. What comes to mind? Colourful characters, magical adventures, and a world of dreams and entertainment? Or perhaps, "the happiest place on earth"? In reality, Disney is the world's second-largest media conglomerate, accused of being a sinister organization committed to the exploitation of our children for monetary gain. Yes, it's true. The corporate superpower, endorsed by parents and their children worldwide, is finally being challenged on the basis of disturbing claims that its films promote racial and gender stereotyping. Though these allegations may seem ludicrous, one has only to look beyond the gaudy animation and presumably innocent childhood themes to discover the truth.

I can recall numerous childhood memories, many of which involve some aspect of "The Wonderful World of Disney": family vacations at the Magic Kingdom; crunching popcorn during Aladdin; and the overwhelming amount of Disney memorabilia scattered throughout my house, everything from lamps and picture books to stuffed animals and placemats. (In addition to movies, children are bombarded with every imaginable Disney medium, thereby increasing the mega-company's destructive influence.) As a six year-old Mickey Mouse enthusiast, I did not recognize the depraved subliminal messages to which I was being exposed. Take Beauty and the Beast. A charming love story in which the viewer learns that "true beauty begins on the inside"? Think again. This universally beloved classic actually imparts two very frightening messages. First, it trivializes the role of women by glorifying the ideals of patriarchal societies; Belle, like many female Disney heroes, is only fulfilled upon being swept away by her perpetually handsome Prince Charming. Second, Belle's inane tolerance of the Beast's violent behaviour gives the impression that abusive relationships can be resolved if the victim "sticks with it". It gets worse. The following are examples of other offending Disney films: the insulting and ignorant portrayal of Natives in Pocahontas and Peter Pan; the gender clichs in Snow White and Cinderella; and the stereotypical representation of minority groups, who are painted as unintelligent and poor contributors to society, as in The Lion King and The Lady and the Tramp. Are these the values that we want our children to acquire? If this isn't horrifying enough, Disney recognizes these harmful messages, whether they are deliberately or unintentionally inserted. However, the company has done nothing to fix the problem! This is not surprising, considering owner Michael Eisner's declaration that "to make money is our only objective". This attitude is sickening, when one conceives the millions of children who worship their favourite Disney characters. Thus it is up to this generation of parents to put an end to the corruption of our youth by the corporate monster that is Disney. In a world where greed and commercialism outweigh the moral development of children, there is no other choice but to strike down the Mouse.

After reading this article it made me think about how in most Disney stories have a woman that needs to be saved by a man. I really think that it should not be like that in every story because woman today play an important role in society and this is not what little girls today should be looking up to. However i don't think that in beauty and the beast it is saying abusive relationships can be fixed i think its more saying problems can be fixed.









When i saw this video it made me think that its mostly men saving woman.


Disney's Hercules


Zero To Hero


Bless my soul Herc was on a roll Person of the week in ev'ry Greek opinion poll What a pro Herc could stop a show Point him at a monster and you're talkin' S.R.O. He was a no-one A zero, zero Now he's a honcho He's a hero Here was a kid with his act down pat From zero to hero - in no time flat Zero to hero - just like that When he smiled The girls went wild with oohs and aahs And they slapped his face On ev'ry vase (on ev'ry "vahse") From appearance fees and royalties Our Herc had cash to burn Now nouveau riche an' famous He could tell you What's a Grecian urn? Say amen There he goes again Sweet and undefeated And an awesome 10 for 10 Folks lined up Just to watch him flex And this perfect package packed a pair of pretty pecs Hercie, he comes He sees, he conquers Honey, the crowds were Going bonkers He showed the moxie brains, and spunk From zero to hero - a major hunk Zero to hero - and who'da thunk Who put the glad in gladiator? Hercules! Whose daring deeds are greater the a-ter? Hercules! Is he bold? No-one braver! Is he sweet? Our fav'rite flavour Hercules, Hercules... Bless my soul Herc was on a roll Undefeated Riding high And the nicest guy Not conceited He was a nothin' A zero, zero Now he's a honcho He's a hero He hit the heights at breakneck speed From zero to hero Herc is a hero Now he's a hero Yes indeed

When listen to this song it makes me think that you have to be strong and good looking to be a hero when really heroes come in all different shapes and sizes.


I think this movie more because it shows more of the hard times getting saved and not necessarily a princess needing to be saved by a prince.

Conclusion

In conclusion I think that Disney Heroes have a stereotype that you have to be a strong good looking man in order to be a hero. I don't like this out look because heroes can be man or woman and don't have to be strong or good looking. I think heroes only have to be mentally strong. Some things i do like about the things that i found is now all the heroes are strong men for only most. I think Disney could change that and make a few movies where the girl saves the boy. In conclusion i think that Disney heroes have the stereotype of being strong good looking men when really heroes can be anyone.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Outside reading

Text: caringbridge/bretthansenbegg
author" Greta Hanson-Begg

I am making a connection to text Brett is in a coma after a bad car crash and had to be taken out with the jaws of life and in the unspeakable odyssey of the motionless boy he was in a very bad car crash as well and taken out with the jaws of life too, but he is now locked in. Brett is starting to eat a few things like apple sauce and suckers, but not often and only a little bit. He is also starting to sleep on his stomach at night for about 2 hours and is grunting when he wants to be flipped around. Greta went home for a night this weekend. It was her first night home in 50 days! Brett has been sleeping more through the night and later into the day which is very good. He has a benefit next weekend that will have a band and dinner in his hometown of Watertown. I will be going and am very excited for it. Brett can no longer have visitors on week days because it has gotten to hectic so now only weekends, but they encourage you to come and help with his therapies. Greta and Alen had a meeting with architect to remodel their house to accommodate for Brett’s needs when he comes home. Brett is getting better everyday thought and won’t stop till he’s done.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Outside reading

Text: Caringbridge/Bretthansenbegg
Author Greta Hansen-Begg

Brett never stops. He is no longer considered in a coma, but a vegetative state. He has come so far and is still recovering faster then most teens. Brett got his trach removed 2 days ago and is now breathing through his mouth and nose on his own! They did a test and plugged it and most people only last about an hour on this test, but not Brett he lasted 24 hours. He also is no longer connected to a heart rate monitor. This means that Brett has not cords or tubes connected to him any longer except for his feeding tube which is not always there. Now that Brett does not have a trach he is starting to try to talk, but can only manage to make noises. Alan, Brett’s dad, had to leave the hospital to go home and work and on Friday Greta surprised him and came to Watertown for the day! Greta has also been filming different things that Brett does because her friend is applying her for an extreme makeover home edition. I cant wait to see the old Brett
.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Outside reading

Text: Caringbridge/bretthansenbegg
Author: Great Hansen-Begg and Alan hansen-Begg

On Sunday Brett had a chest X-ray to see if there was any improvement which would lead them to start the process Brett’s trach (A hole in his neck to help him breathe it heats and moistens his air). After not getting the results back yesterday Greta had heard talk from the nurses that it was not showing good signs in the x-ray and Brett’s trach would not be downsized leading to get getting removed. Well the nurses were wrong and today his trach was downsized from a 6 to a 5 and has been handling it very well. Greta also asked for people to email videos of them selves talk to Brett because Brett shows signs of excitement when he looks at pictures so she thinks videos will make him even happier. Yesterday Brett slept in later then most days and he needed to get up for physical therapy so Greta, his mom, played Katy Perry’s CD and he woke up right away. Brett’s getting better every day and he will keep getting better.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Outside reading

Text:Caringbridge/Bretthansenbegg
Author:Greta Hansen-Begg and Alen Hansen-Begg

Again I read caring bridge for Brett. Brett is still in a coma and had some complications with his feeding tube and now has to be on drip feeding again. Other then that he has been getting better day by day. Brett has been starting to make eye contact with you, even if it does take him a while to get there and only for a short time. Today Brett was able to watch a football game on TV and Greta, his mom, swore she saw him smile. A connection that I have is people always are saying be prepared for him not to wake up, or he’s been in a coma for a long time what if he doesn’t wake up. My response is that my grandpa many years an ago when he was a teenager was in a similar situation. My grandpa was hit by a train and was in a coma for about a month and it was way before they had much of the technology that they have today to help Brett get better. So knowing this connection helps me think optimistic on the whole accident and know that all Brett needs is time.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Outside reading

Outside Reading
Text: Caring bridge for Brett Hansen-Begg
Author: Greta & Alan Hansen-Begg

33 days ago today, August 29th 2008, one of my friends Brett Hansen-Begg was in a horrible car crash. He had many little things go wrong, but the just is that he is in a coma due to brain trauma. In the crash his best friend, Luke, died. Brett has been through a lot this past month. He is getting much better though when he first arrived at Hennepin county medical center (HCMC) he was on a ventilator and hooked up to many tubes and could not really move. Today Brett is no longer on the ventilator, is now on a bouls feeding tube (meaning he is not constantly having a food drip, but gets fed only four times a day… One less tube he has to be connected to) he can now move in reaction to pain and is starting to move in reaction to commands, he is awake during the day (still in a coma) and sleeping during night which the doctors say is an important part of recovery, and so much more. Just yesterday he moved locations Brett is now at Gillette Children's Specialty Hospital in St. Paul which is a rehab hospital. Brett is very busy with all different sorts of physical therapy here every day, but Sundays. Brett also gets to wear real clothes not gowns at Gillette. Even though Brett is still in a coma he has come so far and making improvements everyday and we hope he keeps having improvements until he’s back to his old self!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Codi and Hallie


Hallie and Codi

Codi vs. Hallie

Codi and Hallie are two very close sisters. They are so much alike, yet at the same time so different. They are the same in a few ways. Such as they both have very big hearts. We know this because they both feel very sad when they find out about the girls that died in the helicopter shooting, but neither of them even knew the girls. Another way they are alike is they both are smart girls Codi went trough medical school and almost finished her residency. The girls are also very different. One way is Hallie knows what she wants in life and is adventures and Codi is not sure what she wants in life we know this because she is always traveling around and doesn’t stay in one place for long and now is living in Grace, but knows she wants to leave at the end of the year. Another way is Codi has trouble remembering the past for example she doesn’t remember saving the wolf pups in the flood, but on the other had Hallie has a vivid memory of doing that and of her childhood. The last way these two sister are different is Hallie is very comfortable with her self and is well liked with the boys and Codi is not most boys would pick Codi when they couldn’t get Hallie and Codi feels like people only remember her as being Hallie’s sister. That is a few ways these emotionally close but physically far sisters are alike and different.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Tall Cool One

A book that I read recently was Tall Cool One by Zoey Dean. I really enjoyed this book. It was about Teenagers living in Beverly Hills. Two of the girls go to a resort in Mexico to get away from drama and boys. Both of the girls end up finding a boy there and blew them off to go into town. Well in town the main characters, Anna and Sam, drink too much and eat a bug used for getting high. They end up getting lost in the desert with no phones and a bad storm comes in and they end up getting arrested for trespassing trying to get away from the storm, but their fathers come to the rescue. Which leads to one of the many themes, always think before you act so you don’t end up in a position like these girls. This was a very good book and I thought Zoey Dean got her point across very well.