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Lights Out, Please!!: It’s Just About… Life.

April 5, 2013 By markbrodinsky 2 Comments

lantern lightsIt’s been called the Miracle of Light. Not so much! We are in a living hell. I’ve got three words for you: Stem Fair Project.

For this year’s project my daughter Emily, (5th grade), decided on a test to see which brand of batteries last the longest, Duracell, Energizer, or Rayovac Alkaline. Seemed like a worthy effort, but effort is now the key word. We had to figure out what we could shove some batteries in, which would then run those batteries down in about a day, so we could mark the time and see which battery was the champ. And you have to do three trials, all exactly the same. So I bought a couple of small Coleman lanterns (pictured). The tag on the lanterns says they have long life of 16 hours. Ok, so we planned turning them on early AM and having them go off that evening, and then we would mark the time. If only…

We are now on our 6th day. Please help us. We are living with lanterns and we can’t get out. They are taking over our very existence. We sleep with them to see if they will burn out overnight, my wife Debbie is taking them to work, and having her co-workers keep an eye on them, just in case they burn out so we don’t miss the time. And yet the light goes on. My daughter Emily sleeps peacefully, we certainly wouldn’t want to disturb her beauty sleep with the glow of these three brightly lit beasts. It looks like a tanning parlor in my house. They won’t go out. Please help us.

Look, they have a switch, you can turn them on and off. We did that the first night, so we could sleep. But into the second day, when they were still brightly lit, we had to make a judgment call to keep them on, in the hopes they might burn out sooner. No such luck. We finally had to go back to the store and purchase two more sets. We can’t wait for this first set to burn out, because it’s taking too long and Spring Break is almost over and the results of the trials will be due to turn in to the teacher. So we now have to run all the trials at once. We can’t even pick a new device to try, because all the trials have to be exactly the same! Let’s face it, it’s now simply a battle of will. Us vs. the lanterns. Us vs. the batteries. I made a pledge to myself I wouldn’t use profanity on the pages of this blog. But WTF?
Please help us.

There are now a total of nine lanterns in different rooms of my house, as we run three separate trials. The inside of our home is now bathed in incandescent white light. My eyes burn when I come down the stairs. I think I might be getting a tan. It just won’t end, at least for us, the parents. What about Emily? Oh, she had a birthday party and a sleepover last night. She wasn’t even home? Nice. I can’t blame her. Who wants to live in this 24-7 nightclub anyway. Start piping in “I Will Survive”, we’ve got the lights, just open the dance floor.

Please help us. Is it the lanterns? Is it the batteries? Is it the next Hanukkah miracle? How long did those lights burn? 8 days right? Ya might want to grab that Bible, I think we’re about to write a new chapter.

At some point this all has to end. But the trouble is the clock is ticking and the lights keep glowing. I believe the results are due by next Tuesday, I don’t think we even have a shot at darkness by then. If I ever hear that Debbie Boone song again it will be too soon.

You Light up My Life? Not so much!

Until next time, thanks for taking the time. And hey, last one out turn out the lights…Please!!!
Mark

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Comments

  1. gpvideo says

    April 5, 2013 at 9:14 am

    Hey Mark,

    As you know, I’ve been filming conferences for over 12 years. I go through a lot of batteries. I use 6 Sennheiser wireless mics each day for 3 to 5 days in a row. Each lavaliere, hand-held mic and it’s corresponding receiver uses 2 AA batteries. I started out using Ebergizer® batteries. Several years ago I switched to Duracell®. The Energizers only lasted a few hours and the Duracells last a day and a half! I also noticed when the Energizers are down to 1 out of 3 bars on the battery level indicator, they died very rapidly. The Duracells lasted a couple hours from the point of reaching 1 bar.

    I also noticed that the batteries (from the same pack) would drain very quickly at certain hotels and much longer at other hotels. I believe that certain places have different “energy” and caused the differences. Maybe it was local electromagnetic energy levels or paranormal activity or a combination of both?

    A good tip is to always buy batteries from stores that have lots of foot traffic. For example, never buy batteries from RadioShack or online where the batteries have been sitting on a shelf collecting dust. I always buy the 24 packs near the checkout registers at Target and I look for the highest experation dates.

    Cheers!

    Reply
  2. Barry Grosshandler says

    April 5, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    Hysterical!!! Y’all need a vacation!

    Sent from my iPhone

    Reply

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Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

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Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

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I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

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Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

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Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

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Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

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Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

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From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

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Great piece. You are an inspiration!

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Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

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I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

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You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

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I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

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Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

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With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

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Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

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Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

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I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

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September 25, 2013

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This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

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In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

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September 24, 2013

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It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

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November 4, 2013

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This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

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October 23, 2013

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A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

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This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

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There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

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From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

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Lights Out, Please!!: It’s Just About… Life.

It’s been called the Miracle of Light. Not so much! We are in a living hell. I’ve got three words for you: Stem Fair Project. For this year’s project my daughter Emily, (5th grade), decided on a test to see which brand of batteries last the longest, Duracell, Energizer, or Rayovac Alkaline. Seemed like a […]

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