Person of the Year

I just finished reading about Time's person of the year Vladimir Putin. And I must say I misjudged the man. I decided to dedicate this post to some of the interesting things said by Putin and the rest of the runners up for Person of the year.One of the most interesting parts of the article was the reason Putin was chosen. "TIME's Person of the Year is not and never has been an honor. It is not an endorsement. It is not a popularity contest. At its best, it is a clear-eyed recognition of the world as it is and of the most powerful individuals and forces shaping that world—for better or for worse. It is ultimately about leadership—bold, earth-changing leadership. Putin is not a boy scout. He is not a democrat in any way that the West would define it. He is not a paragon of free speech. He stands, above all, for stability—stability before freedom, stability before choice, stability in a country that has hardly seen it for a hundred years."

Putin also showed an side of him I had heard about but never knew any first hand accounts about until reading about his interview. He gives some interesting advice to Americans, some advice that has been taken very seriously by several Ron Paul fanatics, but not many others.

"He says he wants Russia and America to be partners but feels the U.S. treats Russia like the uninvited guest at a party. "We want to be a friend of America," he says. "Sometimes we get the impression that America does not need friends" but only "auxiliary subjects to command." Asked if he'd like to correct any American misconceptions about Russia, Putin leans forward and says, "I don't believe these are misconceptions. I think this is a purposeful attempt by some to create an image of Russia based on which one could influence our internal and foreign policies. This is the reason why everybody is made to believe...[Russians] are a little bit savage still or they just climbed down from the trees, you know, and probably need to have...the dirt washed out of their beards and hair." The veins on his forehead seem ready to pop."

Throughout the article it is very clear that Putin wants Russia and U.S. to be friends, but he also wants respect and the U.S. to stay out of his business. In fact he thinks the US should stay out of everyones business, as shown when he spoke out against the Iraq war.

Putin strongly opposed America's invasion of Iraq and established Russia as a steady voice of opposition to Bush's adventure, demanding that decisions on Iraq be made at the U.N. (where Russia, of course, has Security Council veto power). America's occupation of Iraq has affirmed Putin's sense that he was right. "If one looks at the map of the world, it's difficult to find Iraq, and one would think it rather easy to subdue such a small country," Putin tell us. "But this undertaking is enormous. Iraq is a small but very proud nation." The debacle in Iraq plays into what is perhaps Putin's most cherished foreign-policy dictum: that nations shouldn't interfere in one another's affairs. And what that really means, of course, is that no one should interfere in Russia's affairs.

It has been very clear what happens to people who have been interfering with Russian affairs.
"His government has shut down TV stations and newspapers, jailed businessmen whose wealth and influence challenged the Kremlin's hold on power, defanged opposition political parties and arrested those who confront his rule. Yet this grand bargain—of freedom for security—appeals to his Russian subjects, who had grown cynical over earlier regimes' promises of the magical fruits of Western-style democracy."

"Dmitri Muratov also knows the difficulties of life in the Putin era. A softspoken, heavyset man whose neatly trimmed beard is turning gray, Muratov is the editor in chief of Novaya Gazeta, a Moscow newspaper, published twice a week, with a reputation for pursuing tough investigative pieces. In the past seven years, three of his journalists have been murdered; all were looking into corruption and wrongdoing. After the third murder, Muratov decided to close the 14-year-old paper to avoid putting any other journalist at risk. But his staff talked him out of it. The paper is perpetually harassed by officials around the country, but, Muratov notes with a weary smile, "we're still alive."

The last of Muratov's journalists to die, Anna Politkovskaya, was shot in the elevator of her apartment building last year on Oct. 7. Alexander Litvinenko, a former FSB officer turned government critic living in London, accused Putin of sanctioning the killing. Within weeks, Litvinenko himself was dead too, killed by radiation poisoning from a mysterious dose of polonium 210. (Britain wants to charge a former KGB officer, Andre Lugovoy, who has just been elected to Russia's parliament, with the killing. He denies it, and Russian law prevents the extradition of Russian citizens.)

Muratov, for his part, doesn't know who ordered his journalists' killings. He says only that he blames "corruption," which has flourished during Putin's eight years."

Perhaps this is one of the reasons for the joke in Russia about Bush and Putin.

Putin and Bush are fishing on the Volga River. After half an hour Bush complains, "Vladimir, I'm getting bitten like crazy by mosquitoes, but I haven't seen a single one bothering you." Putin: "They know better than that."

But as Time said for good or evil Putin is bound to continue having a profound effect on the lives of Russians, and also the world.

A glance at some of the runners up.

So anyone who knows me knows how big of a player Ron Paul has been in my life this past year. And TIME wasn't the only group who put him as one of the most influential people. But love him or hate him his campaign will have ripple effects in politics for years to come.

Speaking of unexpected political successes, how about Bobby Jindal! Here is my prediction 2016 Bobby will be the first Indian president.

It's hard not to be moved when hearing the story of the monks from myanmar. Governments can oppress, but even the least violent of people can make a difference for change.

Now I have never been a big fan of the French. But when I hear the President of France talking about free trade, cutting government subsidizes, and privatizing industries I want to yell out Viva la France! (actually considering how many times I have seen this guy in the head lines this year I was really surprised that he wasn't named person of the year).

Who would have guessed that a band like Radiohead would make Time's list? But actually a better question is who can guess what kind of impact they will have on the future of Music Marketing? I have to tip my hat to them for being one of the only (if not the only) bands to embrace technology and show trust in their fans.

Last words

Time also included a list of influential people who passed away this year. And here are some quotes to remember them by.
Evil Knievel
"That which did not kill Knievel — as he proved more literally than most — only made him, and his myth, stronger."

Madeleine L' Engle
"If the book will be to difficult for grownups, then you write it for children."

Norman Mailer
"There are two kinds of brave men: those who are brave by the grace of nature, and those who are brave by an act of will."

Kurt Vonnegut
"We are what we pretend to be," he warned in the intro to his novel Mother Night, "so we must be careful about what we pretend to be."

6 million dollar man!

Well I have had a few technical difficulties with my latest interviews. But meanwhile things have been going crazy on the election trail. Most notably was the latest money bomb dropped by Ron Paul supporters. In a recent PBS interview the reporter mentioned that unlike other candidates Ron Paul doesn't give out task on the campaign trail, he gives out power. She then asked him if he thought that was risky. "Freedom is always risky" he mentioned that he runs his campaign the same way he would run the white house giving freedom back to the people. Perhaps his fund raising success is just a small indication of how successful he will be in office.

Meet Mom

In honor of Thanksgiving I am going to give thanks by interviewing a person that I am most thankful for...Shauna Gee. Shauna is an educator, actress, apartment manager, newspaper columnist, newspaper deliverer, state delegate, Political activist, Relief Society President, Primary President, scout leader, missionary, and gardener. But most importantly she is the mother of 7 amazing children including several world famous engineers and economist (the two most noble professions). When she isn't grading reports on snakes, chasing children around the universe, or helping refugee's from Myanmar she can be found at the Hale Center Theatre where she has been enjoying plays for 20 years.
What is your current job?

(Insert strange stare with an expression of "Why are you asking me such a stupid question" here)
I am a school teacher, an elementary school teacher and a home maker. It is called Capital Hill academy. It is a private school that is a supplement to home schooling.

How did the school come to be?

Well, Jody [Millard]--the one who started it--had kids in her neighborhood who couldn’t read or do math .They were in 4th and 5th grade. So she thought she could do something to help them. She saw that their siblings had dropped out of school and she didn’t want that to happen to them. So she started having people met at her house for half the day to work on reading and writing and arithmetic. Then next year she had 4 then 8 then it was too big to do at home. So she started charging enough to cover the rent for the building. Then she needed to get another teacher (me) and then one other. She still doesn’t get paid. She teaches Latin in the afternoon at another private school to make some money.

What would your dream job be?

Writing and marketing religious education games and materials.

Why is that?

I think having a strong religious background is what helps you know who you are, what your doing, and where you are going.

What made you want to get a masters degree?

You should ask why I got a degree. I didn’t want to go to college. My dad wanted me to get a job, and NOW. He made me go look for a job everyday. I had to keep looking, he wouldn’t let me in the house until I had a job. So you had to pass this test to be a clerk, but I was so nervous that I didn’t do well. But I got a job at the snack bar at Safeway. I did that for about 1 month, and then I thought if this is the only job I can get I think I will go to school. Because, I didn’t want to do that. So I went to school and got a degree. When I got out I was teaching at a day care and it was a nightmare. So I thought well maybe I should go on. Then at that time someone asked if I wanted to go on a mission. I thought that was crazy. I was thinking of joining the peace core. But then I got a testimony, and I thought the real way to help people was to know God. So I decided not to join the peace core, but to go on a mission instead.
When I got back I wanted to learn some more. The next thing was a masters. I got a teaching certificate first, but then I thought I would like to teach at a college, so I got my masters.

Are there any things you wish you would have done differently professionally?

Let me tell you the first day I taught at Utah State. I was upstairs ready to go down to the class. I freaked out. There are 60 people down there, I don’t want to go down and teach them. I can’t go down there. But because I didn’t have money and I had this job I really didn’t have a choice. My parents expected me to support myself. So I had to go do it. It scared me to death. I remember thinking I don’t want to do this. I had a friend who had her masters who quit after a week. And I would have too if I had rich parents. That girl went from job to job, because she didn’t have that pressure.

But I thought that was good. I taught at BYU and Utah State and I really enjoyed that. As I look back. In 91 I quit. I wish I would have just taken 2 years off, and then gone back and taught one class. I think I could go back but it would be tough. But I feel it is something important that I could have given back, but at the time I felt that I was too busy with 7 kids. I didn’t feel like it would work to have an extra class.

You were 28 when you got married were you ever worried about that?

Yeah, when I was 25 I wanted to get married. But there weren’t a lot of good prospects around. And when I was 27 someone proposed (several had, but I didn’t feel right about it). Then I suddenly thought I might be getting to picky that I almost went back and said yes, but he got so mad I knew it wasn’t right. And that was the night that I met Dad.

What was the hardest part about raising 7 kids?

Trying to get them up in the morning. Teaching them to pick up after themselves and keep their hair kept. And just when you get the kids in some pattern then they have day lights savings time. That is the worst. It is the hardest thing for families with kids. After 10 years I finally caught on that is really the root of all our problems. Getting enough sleep is really important.

Do you wish you would have done anything different regarding raising the kids?

Make sure they went to bed on time and got up on time. And be more consistent with scripture reading and family prayer. Hugged and loved the kids more. Be more positive with them, instead of always correcting. To be a more positive loving influence.

What was your parent's reaction when you decided to go on a mission?

They thought it was awful. They said they wouldn’t tell anyone where I was at because they thought it was like being in prison. They thought it was stupid.

What made you join the Republican Party?

They seemed to be principle based.
What is that thing you read about them…their stand on things is good. Unfortunately the party doesn’t follow it.

How old where you?

I was probably 23. I had a boy friend (who was republican) at the time who really stood for principles and I noticed that they really had good choices.

If you could go on a vacation any where in the world where would go and why?

France and England. England only if dad came and explained everything about where our ancestors lived. I would like to go back and see my mission. It would be fun to see Germany and Italy too to see where Gardner served.

Ron Paul Revolution!

Once in a great while we get a politician who is more than just a demagogue. And when they come you can't help but support them. I have been asked several times in the past few days why I like Ron Paul. I will try to briefly explain just a few of the points.
1. Ron Paul does not participate in the pension plan set up for the congress. It is a breath of fresh air to see a politician who is performing his work as a civil SERVICE.
2. Just like King Benjamin he worked while in office (as a doctor).
3. He understands Economics. He got involved in politics AFTER he started studying Austrian Economics. He has pictures of Friedrich Hayek, Murray Rothbard, and Ludwig von Mises hanging in his office.
4. He wants to give basic freedoms back to the state and local governments.
5. He wants peace! "We should be an example to other countries, we want them to follow are example but we should never force it through a barrel of a gun"
6. He wants to get rid of the IRS, Department of Education, Department of Energy, CIA, Medicare, and Medicaid to name a few.
7. He loves his country. And he spent 5 years in the military fighting for it.
8. He is sponsored by the people, not special interest groups. (he raised 4.3 million in one day from 35,000 "small donors")
9. He loves free markets
10. He trust us!

SSLC fire department. Your not the boss of me!

So all of those die hard UtiliGEE fans no doubt remember my last tirade on the doors of the South Salt Lake City Hall. When the city council raised the taxes 116%, I gave my censure to the Council members who raised the taxes. Bill Anderson (one of the members of the council) replied by saying I "can go back to [my] X-Box and let people who truly want to wrestle with the difficult issues facing this city do the boring work". Since then Bill had gotten the support of the South Salt Lake Fire department. Usually the candidate that has their support wins the race. Also Ryan Gold, and Mike Rutter got their support. I am proud to announce, that the citizens of south salt lake stuck it to the fire department. Bill Anderson and Ryan Gold both lost! Sadly, Mike Rutter did squeeze ahead of Herbert Goldhardt to win. But overall it was good news in deed.

Fire Department: 1
Citizens of South Salt Lake: 2

But the Election wasn't all smiles. The biggest thing to be on the ballot since prohibition was voted on across the bee hive state...Vouchers. This was Utah's time to shine. But sadly the majority of people in utah are still wearing blinders.
Unions: 1
People who care about education: 0
Some day Utahans will wake up and see the mess they created. They were offered a way to fix the schools and they blew it. They listened to the NEA instead. Soon they will see how awefull the NEA is, but by then it may be too late. I do think it was appropriate that there was an article about another union in the times the same day as vouchers fell. I can only hope that the same happens to members of the UEA before they bleed the schools dry.

a Glimpse of the Office

This week Tom had the idea of making a documentary of the comings and goings of the little place that we like to refer to as "The Office". So today we give a sneak peak at what it is like to spend 2 minutes and 37 seconds in the office. Please excuse the horrible quality, and audio...it was, as this is, just a test.

Fed up with the Fed!

The last few weeks there has been one hot topic battling back and forth in my mind. And that is do we really need the Federal Reserve? Now one of the major criticism of Ron Paul's campaign has been that getting rid of the Fed would cause havoc on our economy. But according to Milton Friedman we would be better off if we got rid of the Federal Reserve and replaced it with a computer. After reading what the Economist had to say about credit crunch I am siding more and more with Milton. That being said...Let's go Ron!
And let's go bike.

Jibber jabber and Jalaine

Jalaine Riggs has lived all over the US including places such as Las Vegas, Provo, and of course Austin. After graduating from BYU she moved to Austin and hasn't looked back. While living in Austin she has become a nurse and currently works at St. David's hospital. Although her views are somewhat ubiquitous, they are aberrant from those usually expressed on UtiliGEE. So enjoy a brief glimpse of the girl we all like to call Jalaine!


What is your favorite thing about being a nurse?

Honestly, I love codes. Like code blues, pumping on the chest. The best is the first minute of the code, you strap the person to the table strip him naked, everyone is confused no one knows what’s going on. It’s amazing.

What made you decide on moving to Austin?

I got a job here after graduating college, and it was the warmest place that a job was offered. I didn’t want to move to Vermont, or New Hampshire or Minnesota, I love the sun.

You mentioned that you like stability, and permanency. Would you like to make Austin a permeant home?

I definitely would. But you always have this strange thing as a women, you have to make allowances for a spouse. It is tough being a women you don’t know what social-economic status is going to be what town your going to live in what job he is going to have. you don’t even know what your last name is going to be. But I really love Austin, but for some reason I can’t pull the trigger on buying a house. It is a lot of commitment that I don’t know that I am ready for. I have never mowed a lawn, and I don’t know what to do when the AC goes out, and I don’t want to talk to the roofing guy about fixing my eves. Maybe that just the step I am waiting to take with someone else.

So would you say that you are in ideal job, and if not what would it be?

Being a nurse is my ideal job, but the reason it is my ideal job. Is because there are so many different areas of nursing that I can do. Sometimes I think I wouldn’t get to do everything that I want to do before I have kids. I still want to do niau and go back to the ER do a stint in the ICU and my next job is going to be in their operating room. That is what interests me now. You never know what things you are going to see or do. I have pulled the placenta out of a human uterus. I have done cadaver labs, I have seemed someone get embalmed. I have seen this lady that had…..OK thats enough!

How you would describe the perfect day?

It wouldn’t start till noon, I love to sleep in. maybe have lunch with some friends, spend some time outside. And then back to my friends. Nothing in particular, we just have fun doing just about anything.

How you would describe the perfect date?

I know it’s going to sound lame, It would be nice for a guy to do all of the stereotypical movie things. Because he never does. Like he doesn’t need to bring me a bunch of flowers, but maybe just one. And not open all the doors, but just my car door. Let me order first. Is that sad that my perfect date just includes the common curtseys. Movies are not good for dates, guys always do that, you can’t talk, and the whole time you are thinking…is he going to try to hold my had. And my perfect date would include him making the first move. I don’t really know how to make the transition between that was a very lovely meal and lets make out. I am rather clumsy at it. I guess it isn’t about what you do, but it’s who you do it with…and that sounds like it came out of a chick flick.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Where does every girl want to be in 5 years, married to the guy I love and big fat and pregnant. But big and fat because I’m pregnant, not because I love pasta and doughnuts. I can’t wait to be pregnant. I want this big belly that I can eat cereal off of. And wear a bikini and paint a big smiley face on it. Although after my sister and law was pregnant I am a little weary of all the people that want to touch you. I mean it isn’t ok for you to touch my stomach now why should you touch it when it’s big. My brother made a bunch of shirts for her that said don’t touch my belly.

The 08 election is betting at the door, what kinds of things are you looking for in a president?

Environmental policy it’s not sexy and it’s not popular but that is what I’m going for. You can mess up a lot of things in the short term, economy, and nasdaq, but when you start drilling for oil and clubbing baby seals that’s the kind of things that you can’t bounce back from. I am not so much into the green credits or reduce your carbon foot print. I am about nature preserves and wild life. And preservation. When you camp in tewupesp the north rim grand canyon you can stand a mile above the snake river and you never feel so small. I don’t want bulldozers chain saws and republicans to take that from my children. Certain things just aren’t worth it. I am really big on socially policies. Abortion is a galvanizing issue for me. I will always land on the side of choice, and so will my candidate. It is a hot button issue for a reason.

Andrew, Ice Cream, and BYU

Andrew Gee is the 6th Gee from the Salt Lake City branch to attend BYU. He is currently preparing to serve a full time mission. Today he shares some of his plans for the future and what the life of a high school grad is like.

What was your favorite part of BYU?

The BYU creamery ice cream, and after that it would be the library, I like how big it is and how many places there are to study. I liked my roommates; they were always doing fun stuff. I like the testing center too, I really like the instant results. I also liked the smith field house, you could go and they would give you clothes and wash them so it made working out really easy.

After finishing your first semester what areas would you like to focus on when you continue?

I want to take language classes; I want to take several languages so that I can travel the world.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

At McDonalds having a big Mac. Perhaps in a foreign country doing a humanitarian project.

How are you going to pay for said humanitarian project?

Well if you have a real job then you just get over there and you just live off the land. Everywhere you go they have dandelions.

What type of things are you doing to prepare for your mission?

I’m making this cool scripture case, and I’m reading a lot more. I am also taking a mission prep class, this is my second one. I think the best preparation was moving out and learning how to live on my own.

What were some things you enjoyed, and disliked about living alone?

I thought while I was there I was eating worse, but then when I came back I realized I was eating much better. I liked the freedom of it; going out any time you want, swimming at midnight. It was fun.

What are some of the things that you are looking forward to doing on your mission?

Serving others, I like doing that. I feel happiest when I am helping other out.

Becca Boo!

Today we take a special look at our rising generation by interviewing one of the new Junior class officers from Skyline High School located in Salt Lake City. So this one is for our future.

Rebecca Gee was born in South Salt Lake City where she has spent all of her growing up years. She became famous after writing the article "For some life ends when their wife dies, for others life begins." After becoming a high school celebrity she decided to try her had at school politics by becoming a Junior Class Officer. Then masses are eagerly awaiting her next article uncovering the corruption and money laundering of MESA and other school clubs. Without further ado I give you the lovely, talented, and erudite Rebecca Gee.

As a junior class officer what do you feel the role of school government is?

To plan all of the dances and activities, and they say it is our responsibility to be the example for the other students.

What is your favorite class in school?

That’s a very good question. Math, except this year it’s not. Seminary or Mrs. Farr’s class. Because seminary is really relaxing, this year it isn’t as relaxing because I am with special ed kids, so that is kind of an adventure. Farr’s class is really interesting but it isn’t my favorite because I have so much homework.

What do you enjoy most about being in high school?

Friends and getting to know people. Well pretty much just talking to friends. Everyone in high school has there own weird personality so you can be what ever you want and just have fun with it.

So what kind of goals do you have for the future?

Graduate, and get into BYU. Graduate from college. Get a good job, get a nice place, and live a nice healthy life. Oh, and go on a mission. And maybe get married if that’s the way life turns out. I’m not really determined on that one since you can’t really predict it.

Do you have any ideas as to what you want to do in college or for a job?

I think politics would be fun. You just need to go to college so people think you have an education. You get the news first hand, you have a say in what happens. I also want to be a lawyer…well just in law. Laws are good. I want to be judge to chew out people that do really lame lawsuits, I also think it would be fun. Being a detective would be fun. And I have also thought about doing fashion design.

Fed up

Well I must say it was high time someone (a real republican) called Bush on the carpet for all of his crazy spending. Now even though I am personally starting to have doubts about the role the Fed is playing. I am still glad that we had someone as good as Greenspan in there for as long as we did. And I am even more happy about the fact that he is speaking out about how fiscally irresponsible some of our politicians are being. But as we celebrate Greenspan's memoirs I think it is appropriate that one of his mentors was also in news.

Denny "Grand Slam Breakfast" Sheppard

Although she was born in the Lone Star State, Denny has just recently discovered this place we call "Austin". As a champion of non-profits, graphic designer, and State employee Denny shares what it is that makes her "The Grand Slam".

Why did you decided to move to Austin Texas?
I decided to move to Austin because I wanted to work for the Lance Armstrong foundation. In college my degree was in P.R. I wanted to do non-profit P.R. work. And I became obsessed with them. My step dad was diagnosed with cancer so their cause became real to me and I really pursued working for them. And then I got an internship with them and I moved down here.

So that begs the question…why aren’t you working for the Lance Armstrong Foundation now?

Well when it came time for me to get a job, they didn’t have anything open so I applied to everything in my field and I got the job with the State Bar. I stayed on as a volunteer and I am on their steering committee for the Ride for the Roses.

You said that you wanted to do non-profit? Why is that?

I just never had a desire to work for a corporation. I wanted to do something that would be helpful. Something where I knew I would be making a difference. Just helping people that needed help. Working for a corporation wasn’t appealing, or doing main-stream PR wasn’t appealing either.

What is it that you didn’t like about corporations?

At the time it seemed so stiff and rigid and the dollar was the bottom line and I didn’t want that to be my bottom line.

Do you think it is possible to make a difference working for a corporation?

It’s hard for me to say because I’ve never worked for one. I am kind of in a limbo phase now, it is government but it is run like a corporation, it’s not what I want to end up doing, but helping law students is what I’m doing now. I know corporation and industries create products and make the world go round, but it’s just not the same to me. On the other hand they often have community involvement programs where they put part of their funds into their communities that support them, if I was at a corporation that is what I would try to do.


You mentioned that this isn’t what you want to end up doing? What would your dream job be?

I don't know. I thought about that a lot lately. Things at work have been weird, but I don't know where would I want to end up. I've thought about going back to something like the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Not there, but something like that. Like The Make a Wish Foundation. I seem to go to places with health issues. As a side thing, a fun thing, I like graphic design. I would like to have better skills with that and develop that. I always wanted to have my own stationary, on the side. I make gifts. I have one client that I make gifts for. I don't have a real solid answer for that question; I feel like I am back to square one with what I should do.

You mentioned reading was one of your hobbies…what are 5 good books you would recommend?

Books I like, people can take them or leave them. Cold Sassy Tree. I love southern literature. Another favorite, Secret Life of Bees, another southern book. Every chapter starts with a fact about a bee, and it foreshadows what will happen in the chapter. The Fountain Head by Ayn Rand. It's my brother's favorite, and I read it last summer. He is an architect, and I learned a lot about him and his philosophy. I had a conversation with him about it that lead him to take a picture that is on my wall. Tender at the Bone. It is written by a lady who is a food critic for the New York Times. She would put on elaborate costumes and disguises to critique restaurants. It is really about the relationship with her mom. It is her memoirs. She has recipes in between that were her comfort foods during times of her life. The Great Gatsby was my first book, I had already read it, but in high school it was the first book that I could see everything, with the foreshadowing and symbolism, and it all really came together for me.

Fox, don't hate him because he's brilliant.

So once again the republican canidates lined up to for their debate. This time it was in New Hampshire and it was on FOX. Now there were a lot of things said and a few things learned. For one we learned that Rudy Guilani has great family values (he proved this by being the mayor of new york during 9-11). We also learned that he is the best in fighting the war on terror (proved by being the mayor of New York during 9-11). He is also the best at fixing the problem with illegal immigration, abortion, and high taxes (proved by being the mayor of New York during 9-11) And he didn't get a chance to mention it, but I am fairly certain that every one will have their wildest dreams come true if he becomes president (proven by him being the mayor of New York during 9-11).

We learned are that Brownback is really a decent fellow (If Ron wasn't running it would be a real toss up between him and Mit).

But the thing that was most apparent was that FOX hates Ron Paul. If you listened you would hear snickering every time he answered, also the people asking the questions were clearly baised. But did that hurt Ron Paul or his reputations? Well to find out why don't you find out by going to youtube.com and search for "Presidential Debates". Go ahead, I can wait...Wow what do you know the first three things that come up are all clips of Ron Paul! No they aren't of the debates in general (the fourth is of the democrats debate), they aren't of Guiliani, Obama, Hillary, or Mit. In fact of the top ten items from that search Ron Paul comes up four times most of the others are just the general debates. When FOX tried to make Ron Paul look like a fool, he shot it just right back at them with good old fashion libertarianism. So the one thing I really learned from the debates...RON PAUL ROCKS!!

Subprime crisis brings out shallowness and stupidity

Yesterday on my way to work I heard the sad tale of the Cascone's. They have a very nice home in Kansas city they adore, but it is an hour from where they work. So they felt it was time to sell and move closer. The only problem is they can't sell their home. That's right, they said they can't sell their home. News flash you can always sell your home. You just can't sell your home at any price you want. The Cascone's said they could hardly hold their heads up in the neighborhood because their house was so cheap, and still not selling. This is one of the most shallow and stupid comments I've heard on NPR (there is some stiff competition in that category). What was she embarrassed about? If their house has dropped in value so has all of their neighbors. And why should we feel bad for you. You are going to either stay in your home because you are too shallow or stupid to drop the price. Or you will drop the price sell the home, and then go buy a house from someone who also had to suck it up and make the same concessions as you. Do you honestly think your home is the only home that has dropped in value? As the price of your house starts falling so does the price of of the one you are going to buy. And to everyone else who is thinking life is unfair because they bought a house they couldn't afford and now it's worth a fraction of what you paid. All I can say is you should have listened to Alan Greenspan, or the Economist. Who have been saying the bubble is going to burst for years.

On a side note you will see that there is a line in the wikipedia article that says "The popular notion that, unlike stocks, homes do not fall in value is believed to have contributed to the mania for purchasing homes." This nearly echos what one of the most influential economist in my upbringing said years earlier. "Too many people see the housing market as a guaranteed investment, it is the one sure way that you can make a great return. This is exactly what people said about the stock market right before the great depression." -Merrill Kaey Gee (Thanksgiving dinner 2004)

Viva Vivian

Vivian Fisher, an original Austinite, has a host of unique abilities and characteristics which include but are not limited to the ability to function without sleep. Today she shares how she got started with her study program and gives us a few other insights to answer the question: "Who is Vivian Fisher?".

You follow a rigorous study program where you have a new topic each week, what made you start this?

I believe you should learn something new each day. You need to simulate your brain. There would be times would I be reading a book and I would read something I didn’t know about, and I would want to learn more about it, so that is how it started. Then friends would give me ideas of things to study. Knowledge is the only thing that you can take with you. And I also have always had the goal to be on Jeopardy.

What has been your favorite topic?

Once I studied Spaghetification that was a really fun word. I got it from Elizabeth Jefferies, she was talking about astronomy and I didn’t know what it meant. It became my second favorite word. I also have enjoyed studying history. And recently I studied the real McCoy and learned the different type. But as I study my favorites change.

Have your studies effected what you would like to do for a career?

It is a hobby for now. It hasn’t changed what I ultimately want to do. Growing up I had different Ideas of what I want to do. Paleontology and history, because you get to study, however there isn’t much of a career in that.

What would your dream job be?

My dream job would be a paleontologist traveling around the world digging up bones and figuring out how to put them back together. Dinosaurs have always intrigued me. Or there is what I am hoping to do, to work with people with special needs. I’ve always gotten satisfaction from volunteering. They are great people. You can learn so much from them and have a lot of fun.
Also, a Rock and Roll historian. I would love to listen to rock all day and study it. I love the stories behind the music.

You served a mission in Paraguay. How did this change the way you look at the world?

I realize how fortunate I am to live in the US. Paraguay is like entering the third world. They are indigenous people. Lots of nomads, the bigger cities are industrial but it is just a very different feel. But also they are very proud and humble at the same time. They are very open and giving, here we are more closed. I wanted to be more like that. They have a very strong work ethic there, which I admire a lot. I think I have been open to other cultures, and I learned a lot about another culture, which was very enjoyable.

The 08 elections are all over the news right now, what qualities would you like to see in the future president?

Honesty, integrity…someone who can lead the country. Someone the country can have faith in. It is dividing us. Someone who can bring us back together. It’s a very hard job, it’s a hard position to hold. I admire people who are willing to go out and try. They have to take a lot of criticism and then keep pushing forward.

Do any of the candidates meet those criteria?

I do like what I’ve heard about Ron Paul, I like him a lot. I like Romney. I don’t know how well they will do, but I have more trust in them then the other candidates at the moment.

Where do you see your self in 5 years?

Hopefully married and starting a family. As far as living I like it here in Austin so hopefully still here. I would like to have traveled a bit.

What other things do you like to see in your future?

Hopefully I would like to accomplish some of the goals on my to do list. I would like to have gone to the very top of the Austin capital (that is just one of them) I hope I am still studying regularly. Finish with school.

SiCKO

That's right. It's what you have all been waiting for...my first movie review! Sorry I had to start with such a long controversial one, but a man's got to do what a man's got to do.

To get started I would have to say the people in the theatre reminded me of the Beverly hillbillies. Here we are in one of the nicest parts of Dallas, and at the beginning of the movie when a clip of President Bush was shown several people begain mocking loudly. "man what an idiot!", "Sheesh", "What a dumb #&%#@*". When I go to a documentary I assume I will be with people who are a little more educated than your average movie going crowd. But it seems Michael Moore has broken the stereotype and made documentaries accessible to the common man. Now you can get warnings--from the guy who yells „NO, DON’T GO IN THERE!“ before the hero enters the room filled with villains planning his ambush--telling you who in the movie is stupid and who is smart (this is useful, since many politicians may see this film and might need help trying to figure out that Moore doesn't like Bush). So even though I did not agree with Michael Moore’s opinions there are at least 25 credulous folks in Dallas that did.

My first problem with the film are his choice of interviewees. He took many heart retching stories of all the Joe and Sallies in america. Now these stories are important they are the people that make up america. But his argument would have been more credible had he used some real sources. Why didn’t he speak with economist on what effect National Heath Care would have on the country? Why didn’t he talk to CEO’s of health care companies to see why they run their business they way they do? And if the insurance companies are making as money as Mr. Moore claims, why didn’t he advise the people to invest in their stock? Maybe then they would be able to afford the expensive health care these companies are denying. But I guess going with my comments in the previous paragraph, this movie really aims to be "for the people, by the people"...but is it actually "for the ignorant, by the ignorant".

Listening to all of his articles reminded me of a story I saw on FOX news about the rising gas prices. They couldn’t get a hold of anyone at the state energy department, so they decided to go to the street and ask "the people" what they thought. "There is no reason gas should cost this much", one astute gas buyer said, "We built the Alaskan pipe line, and we have plenty of resources this is just outrageous!" Wow, he is right, while we are at it there is no reason I should have to pay $500 for an iPhone. I mean we have had cell phones for years why should I have to pay so much for that one…I’ll tell you why. The same reason they can charge you $3 for a gallon of gas…because you will pay. My point is the average person doesn’t understand implications of small decisions like raising the price of gas…how can you expect an uneducated public to really understand something as complex as universal heath care? (At least now the uneducated have a place they can go to learn about the advantages of universal health care...other uneducated people). Sure I would like free health care too…but we need to talk to people who have really researched it before assuming it will fix all of our problems.

Second he mentioned Cuba's infant mortality rate being better than ours. Hmm, you are going to trust Cuba's statistics? I think those numbers are likely to be fudged, I would like to see a RELIABLE source on that one. Also you have to define „infant mortality“ it is defined differently in Cuba then it is here. Part of the reason it is so low in the US is we will try to save babies who are born premature. My niece was born 27 weeks into the pregnancy. In most countries (definitely Cuba) she would have been considered a still born. Thanks to a great hospital staff and the evil insurance company that flipped the bill, my niece is now 2 years old and is so healthy and active that it is hard for her parents to keep up with her. So our infant mortality rate may be lower on paper, but it is actually leaps and bounds above most countries…including Cuba.

But why we are talking about Cuba. He mentioned that Cuba sends more doctors to third world countries than any other western country. Where do you get that? I don’t want to take away from any of the great things that I am sure many Cubans do. But Cuba is still a second world country by most standards, but perhaps Mr. Moore is counting it as third so he can count all the work they do in their own country as a charitable endeavor. I mean really how many doctors are in cuba? I can’t imagine that they have that many to spare…but show me a source and then I’ll take that one back.

Finally Moore criticized the fact that Bush had passed a bill to put more money to drugs for the elderly. He claimed by doing so it just put more money into the „greedy“ pharmaceutical companies hands. Now I have to say I agreed with him on this one. It was stupid, we never should have given that money to them (especially since we don’t know have any where to get it from). But what he is proposing is giving even more! If we have universal health care now we aren’t putting a small amount of money into a few of their hands…we are putting a huge amount of money in a all of those same crooked politicians hands. Maybe in his next movie he will still put the amount pharmaceuticals donated floating over the heads of the congressmen and women, but I can guarantee next time the amounts will be much greater. He mentioned Hillary had been bought out by insurance companies to drop the universal health plan. Well now she is being bought out by the pharmacies…“Why is that?“ you ask. Once she has universal heath care it will be up to the government to decide what pills they will use in „their“ hospitals. And mark my words the pills that get chosen are going to be the ones coming from the companies passing Hillary and Obama the biggest checks.

Another point I would concur with him is how he demonized the American Medical Association. I really believe they are the biggest reason we have such high medical cost. Every year thousands of students get turned down from medical school. Many of these candidates are well qualified students, but the AMA strictly regulates the number of students that can be accepted. Why would they turn down so many qualified applicants. Because the AMA wants to be able to control the supply of doctors. That way they can also to an extent control the price…or their wages. The AMA argues they have to regulate it because we don’t want under-qualified doctors. Let’s face it, giving kids shots and listening to their heart beat isn’t rocket Science. Everyday we put our lives in the hands of engineers when we step into our cars, or onto an airplane, or up to the 30th floor in an elevator. We don’t need to regulate who gets an engineering degree. Schools can get more or less depending on funding, if one year they have 12 students who are all a success then the next year it is likely there will be 15 students getting funding. In medicine that isn’t the case. That would be one good thing about universal health care. It would get rid of the AMA, but I fear the beast that would take it’s place would be much worse.

Overall the movie is entertaining, and brings up several good points. One of which I will add is the awful way that france and cuba are portrayed in the media. But before you join the 25 naïve film goers in Dallas you may want to take some time to think about it.

A Slap in the Face

Now if this was posted any where besides the Economist I would say that it is an out right lie. I am still questioning the validity of it. But believe it or not it is still a slap in the face for american workers...less productive than france? Ouch!

But if we keep moving left the way we have been we won't be too different from our French friends anyways.

So my prediction...These silver spoon/loose wallet republicans get the spanking of their lives in this next election. Taxes jump, laws increase, today's freedoms become yesterday's news. Helping americans wake up and realize that Ron Paul wasn't so crazy after all.

Hannity Insanity

I recently saw an editorial from a brilliant young Economist who expressed several of the reasons why I don't like talk radio.

I often agree politically with Sean Hannity as a conservative but I am concerned that many use him as the primary source of information on political issues. On The Newshour With Jim Lehrer opponents engage in rational analysis of both sides of an issue with each receiving equal time to provide their arguments. This contrasts considerably from Hannity, who primarily demonizes and categorizes those of opposing views,uses political rhetoric and dogma, and forces his 'guests' into his narrow talking points with his yes/no questions or constant lambasting of questions. Such divineness and unproductive angry rallying may be entertaining but it stalls informed and open dialogue, prevents crucial advancement through compromise, and produces a more ignorant and angry electorate.

Gardner Gee

Fishing with the boys.

"After I caught my first fish I just couldn't stop, I can't get enough!" - Tom Wright

Tom Wright is a 23 year old student dating the soon to be missionary Molly Lewis. He is gregarious with a capital G. He once mentioned that people "disappear to him" if he doesn't see them on a regular basis, so we asked him about that and what relationships mean to him.

People “disappear to you” when you don’t see them. How is this going to effect to your relationship with Molly when she leaves?

Boy that’s the question. I’ve given this a little thought. The word trepidation…is that the word.

With all of this moving around and people “disappearing to you” has this limited your ability to really become close to people?

No. It just makes distancing myself from them really easy.

You are a very gregarious chap, you are always in the thick of things and getting activities going? What is it that drives you?

First of all when you said "gregarious" I thought of the wand maker. But, the audience. I love to perform. Just give me a crowd.

That being said, do you have a dream job?

I did. I wanted to be a pilot. That didn’t work out. I wanted to be an intelligence officer in the air force. That didn’t work out either. So now…my ambition is really just to make money. That is all I have left of me.

Any idea on how you are going to do that?

Learn Arabic, and then do what Gavin says. Good plan

You are a very social person, but from our previous conversations it seems that you don’t have a lot of long term relationships. Are you worried about the effect that will have on a relationship with a wife?

Extremely!

So are you doing anything about it?

I would like to nip this problem in the bud by letting it work itself out.

What type of dreams do you have?

Sometimes I'm at school and I am naked…

Not those type of dreams.

My other types of dreams…I just want money. I want to have fun. I don’t want to be poor. Poor people have fun: police officers, fire fighters the EMT’s people that honk and say get out of my way. And I can’t do what I want and have fun, then I at least want to have lots of money. I also dream of being young and beautiful, my whole life. I will devote some of my time to my youth and beauty. Part of this involves Michelle Ferry, because she helps me run. Part of this involves Jesse Ormsby because he helps me get all of the stray hairs when I wax my stomach. I also want to be the prophet. And I would like a hair cut. I would like to afford one of everything. Barber, a maid, kids, and a lake in my back yard. And it has to have cat fish, and mino’s.

"Just enjoying the great outdoors." -Andrew Taylor

Andrew Taylor is Tom Wright's best friend. He recently returned from a mission in the great city of Salt Lake. I was able to ask him several questions about what it was like tracking in the "greatest snow on earth!"

You served your mission in my heimat, the 801. I love the city like no other, but missionaries get to see a side of the city that most people don’t what did you like most about the SLC, and what things did you dislike?

I can almost honestly say that there wasn’t anything I didn’t like. I could knick pick and say if you aren’t going one direction you have to take side roads if you can’t take I 80, but it’s the grid system and it’s awesome…it’s inspired from God what can you say?

One of the things I loved was I served in the avenues, it was my only area without a car, there are some awesome mountain biking trails in the avenues our mission leader took us to some awesome trails. That was one thing I like the outdoor wilderness.

I served on the east side a lot, it was neat to see the really old neighborhoods and the old houses and the 100 year old trees.

How has your relationship or your view of the church changed since being home from your mission?

It’s interesting because my mission, didn’t really change my view of the church but I got a view of the church. I was a punk kid who didn’t know much. It gave me perfect examples of great wards and horrible wards, great bishops and horrible bishops etc. It will hopefully help me train other on how to become a great member.

Doctrinally speaking it was fun to serve in salt lake, because we had a wealth of information at our hands. Not only could we go to desert book, but we could talk to stake presidents that knew tons about the church. Some missionaries were even able to talk to people like Cleon Skousen. We were able to talk about and learn about things that normally other missionaries wouldn’t have the time or the resources to research. We loved to talk about deep doctrine…good times.

What is your greatest passion?

Sleep. Yet I don’t get to sleep till 1 AM and I have to be up at 7AM.

Harry potter.

Computer games.

Wait…just sleep.

Are you a lover or a fighter?

I’m a sleeper.

Dr. Wimmer was right all along

So back in Economics 110 Dr. Wimmer mentioned that there was once a book called The Population Bomb. In this book Paul R. Ehrlich claims that due to overpopulation that there would be mass starvation "hundreds of millions would starve to death" in the 1970's and 1980's. His book was a best seller, although now people who bought the book would be called "suckers" or "Members of the Sierra Club". But there are still people who are very concerned about the population and the effect it will have on our limited resources. (To prove that Ehrlich was full of hot air Julian Simon wagered with him to show increase in population will be to our benefit)

Dr. Wimmer said that he wanted to write a book called The Real Population crisis. I am sure had he done such he would have been a laughing stock (at least by the members of the sierra club on their way to buy The Population Bomb). But it looks like years latter The Economist would be siding with him.

P.S. Look to see who has been winning the debates.

Rush-ed reply

I found it interesting that the day after I interviewed Abinadi about his interest in talk radio host Rush Limbaugh a flood of articles were written about him. (and you thought no one reads this blog).
Actually they were about the new attempt of Senator Kerry to reinstate the fairness doctrine. It's times like this that I am glad I voted for Bush. (the times are rare, so I have to enjoy them when they come).
Also in response to Abinadi's comments about Ron Paul. My feelings about him and talk radio host are summed up best by something my brother Gardner sent me in a recent email. When talking about Paul he wrote "oh and Sean Hannity doesn't like him-that helps". I don't even think Rush Limbaugh could have put it better.

Love him or Leave him. He's Abinadi

I have decided to start including several interviews with distinguished guest on this site. The first of such interviews was conducted with Abinadi Ayerdis.

Abinadi Ayerdis is a 27 year old student at the University of Texas in Austin where he studies computer science. His grandfather immigrated to the United States from Honduras when his father was child. His parents hard work ethic that raised them out of poverty has had a strong impact on his life. He is a lover of family, freedom, and America. Today we take a look at several of his views on politics and economics and where those views stem from. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you Abinadi.

You have called yourself a “ditto head”. When did that start, and why did you start listening to Rush?

I cannot remember the exact date, but I had heard about him in high school, from friends who were into politics. So I asked my dad about him. My dad would listen on occasion and he told me a little about him. So I started tuning in and every once and a while I would listen in. And he really helped me form many of my political ideas. I have been listening over ten years now. I have read his books, I am a member of his website, and I can’t get enough of Rush Limbaugh.

It’s not like the news, you don’t tune in to hear what’s happening. You want to know the conservative spin on what’s happening. It is entertaining…it’s about the news it’s not the news. He is so good at it. It is easy to see why he is the number one talk radio host.

What had the biggest influence on you becoming conservative? Rush, your Family, or another source?

Definitely The way I grew up. Being raised in a conservative household, a conservative family, church, and area. Which isn’t said that I wasn’t exposed to liberal ideas especially in my education. But those early years played a big part. Talk radio spoke to those core beliefs that I already had.

You, like me, grew up in a relatively poor family. How does that effect your life now; economically, politically, and socially?

I was thinking about this today. I think growing up poor sparked a desire in me to not be poor. The thing was I think in my family I am 2 generations removed from extreme poverty, something you rarely see in the US. I still consider my family poor, but it is nothing compared to what my grandparents grew up with. I was able to see that my grandparents worked hard to provide a better life for there kids. And how my dad worked hard to make a life better for me. I saw my family move from poor to lower middle class.
1. I was never taught about how money works. The extent of my financial education was 1 pay your tithing 2 live within your means. But there is so much more to money. How it works, and how it can work for you. Rich families have that as a huge advantage, I think that is why poverty is such a cycle, and why it is so rare that you can break out of that cycle.
Socially, I understand poverty. I am not afraid of it and I don’t look down on it. I have friends that empathy with it and other don’t. But that is neither here or there.
Economically:
I make more money now than my dad did when I was a kid.
Politically, I don’t think money is a bad thing. I don’t look down on people with it. If you have it great. In this country anyone can make it. I really believe that. Others have done it and I think I can. So I have sought to educate my self to learn how money works, and how I can make it.
There is sort of a reverse pride that poor people take in being poor. There is nothing wrong with being poor, but some think that having money is bad…perhaps a really liberal perspective, they excuse themselves from having money. I don’t share that perspective at all. Money is not inherently good or evil…it is how we use it…it’s a tool.

You mentioned that you have sought to educate yourself. What is your take on education, how much you one should get, and how valuable it is. Is your view any different than that of your families?

My family values education. I think I have a different perspective than I do. My dad has a masters degree, he is the highest educated in the family. My generation might have post graduates and graduates. My mother has an associate’s degree and is working on a bachelors now. My family is working class. You go and get an education and then go get a job. You pay the man and then work for the man. This has worked in the past through us history. Here is how I see education. Education is paramount is so important it is everything. However education is a means to an end. In the immortal words Samuel Clemens, “you should never let schooling get in the way of your education” I think you should figure out what it is you want to do and then educate your self to do it and then go do it. It doesn’t matter how you educate yourself. If that means you go to Harvard, or the community college, you just need to learn what you need to learn. It doesn’t matter if you graduate or if you get a PhD. What matters is your ability to execute. Experience and performance outshines any degree of education. That is the bottom line. Once you wrap your head around that then you can get over yourself academically. We don’t push what you need to know. That said I don’t think the public school system doesn’t teach as well as it could. There are things worth learning that aren’t being taught.

The years following graduation can be pivotal on paving your lives path. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I would like to be a business owner. I would like to start my own business. I am trying to learn about the industry web programming and web development. I am trying to grasp that in the next couple years, and then launch a business in 5 years. Make it grow and get some cash coming my way.

Is that your dream job running your own web development business?

Yes and no, it’s a dream to own my own business, that it be a web development is happenstance. I have fallen into. I enjoy programming, the web side of programming just happened to work out for me and I don’t think it would be too difficult to launch. Ultimately I would like to own several business and real estate. I would like to be independently wealthy. So I can spend time with the family and helping people.

You mentioned spending time with your family and helping people. In what form would you like to help people once you become wealthy?

I think I would start with my family. My immediate and then my extended. I have so many strong opinions about what I’ve learned. On family and also about economics or finance.
First nothing is as important as family…nothing. I would like to share, with my family. I don’t want to be a miser; I don’t have a strong desire to have a big house or lots of land, though that will come with money. I have a desire for security and keeping my family close to me. I can see my extended family will need a lot of help. Part of that is economics, they have made poor decisions, and I would like to help them. There are lots of people who are struggling, and as conservative I need to reach out and help them. Because the liberals won’t…they just want the government to help.
In the immortal words of Ronal Reagan “the scariest thing is to have some one come to your door and to say, “Hi we are the government and we are here to help””

"Nothing is as important as Family". You are also single in a church that is very family oriented. Is getting married something that you worry about, or that you have set as a high priority?

I do not worry about getting married. I think it is very important. Considering how important I think family is. I think it is crucial that one is careful whom he picks, who he should spend eternity with. That said, I am picky. I am also not in a rush. I don’t think I am ready for marriage. I think about it and I work on it. I don not think it is right or fair to expect something from my future spouse that I don’t have. If I want a top quality life I need to be a top quality man. Not fair to want a skinny beautiful wife with a six-pack if I am corpulent.


There is a presidential election coming up. What is your opinion of the job our current president has done? And what things would you like his successor do?

Here is how I see it. I think our current president has done a fair job. Although he isn’t perfect I have a lot of issues with him, he is an important president. Since 9-11 the game has changed. Because it changed on his watch he is important. He could have done a better job, but he didn’t so what are you going to do. The important thing is to win the war, how is a topic for another discussion.
Domestically is where my problems with Bush shine. He has these views of neo conservativism that I don’t like. He spends like a liberal; he is all about big government. Especially about immigration and tax reform.
Immigration, there is something he dropped the ball on. Instead of this guest worker nonsense, if he would have taken a hard line against illegal immigration, he would have raised his numbers. He is giving liberals what they want but they can’t accept it because it’s from him. He is a good man. You know what the man stands for. Come what may you know what he is going to do. He wakes up and thinks how can I kill me some terrorist today. His poll numbers are horrible he is below 30%. So what, I am going to do what I got to do. You always know where he stands. Whether or not you agree with him is another matter.
I support him, especially in the war in terror…overall I support the war on terror.

I would like a president that is a strict constitutionalist someone who believes in the free market and capitalism. And is not afraid to vigorously pursue those ideals.

Do you think that Ron Paul is that type of candidate?

In a word yes, however like any one else. He isn’t perfect he isn’t a perfect president. I would worry about his policy on war on terror. I support him, but I don’t know how I feel about his stance on that. He would stop us from being the world police, there might be something to that, but I haven’t decided. By and large he is just the medicine America needs. You got to love him; you Gavin Gee have to love him, getting rid of public schools, Medicare, every beaurocratic monster. A reverse new deal.

Mormons in the News.

About a week ago I told Brother Simmons since moving to texas I had seen about 10 articles in the NYtimes, Economist, and Time about Mormons. Well I have been paying closer attention lately and realized there is an article in one of those syndications almost everyday. Here are few recent ones from NPR.

Richard bushman on differences between mormons and christians
Romney's battle with evangelicals
Mormon professor at Notre Dame take on Romney

and of corse the PBS documentary. Which I might add was very well done, and listed as a must see in my book (or at least on this blog).

And not only is he a mormon, he is also a Gee

Lou...we love mexico too.

Lou Dobbs in the Hot seat

The NewYork Times posted a great article about old Lou Dobbs. Maybe people will start thinking twice before believing what he says.

And by the way Lou I will never put the Middle Class first...and the poor should never be asked to.

Because Everyone's Your Friend In New York City!

It was great! From Letterman to Les Mis. from the Moma to the Met. and Broklyn to the Bronx.

Spring is here

Austin is awesome

It's Freezing!

It is so cold here in Austin that they gave me the day off. And the whole city has shut down. And I am iced in. One of the advantages of being a salaried employee is that you don't feel bad about getting a day off (well maybe you feel bad, but at least your getting paid to sit around and watch dumb movies.

Happy New Year!

I got to bring in the New Year with my old roomate Justin and his family down in H-Town. One of the hightlights was getting to go to Brazos bend with Justin to do a little bit of aligator hunting.