Anomaly?

I just finished reading Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. One thing struck me as odd. Mr. Krakauer called it an anomaly that Chris McCandless would lampoon Joe Biden and praise Regan. However, Chris was clearly someone who wanted to prove he could live on his own, he didn't want all of the safety nets our society provides. He wanted to prove he could live without Social Security, unemployment insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Public Schools, FEMA, and all other forms of welfare we entrap ourselves in. Few people can really say that they "made it on their own". And now that we are surrounded by government bailouts it is even less likely that they ever will. It seems we all have become paralyzed about what might happen if we have to step out side of our comfort blanket. Perhaps we could all learn something from the letter McCandless wrote to his friend Ron:

So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism. All of which may appear to give one peace of mind but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventure spirit within a man than a secure feature. The very basic of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon. For each day to have a new and different sun. If you want to get more out of life, Ron, you must lose you're inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter sketer type of life. That will first appear to you to be crazy. But once you become accustomed to such a life, you will see it's full meaning and it's incredible beauty. And so, Ron, in short, get out of sulton city and hit the road.

So with 2009 approaching and all the looming talk of layoffs and depression maybe we can pause before crying for help and leaping into the nearest safety net, and take a page out of Chris's book to let our adventurous spirit escape...Just make sure you don't starve to death.

Gee vs. Shurtz

Yes I know, I am very late posting these. But as promised here they are. Photographic evidence of the Gee/Shurtz show down in SLC.

This photo was taken for Where's Waldo's 2009 Calendar

Haven, in just another attempt to get away with murder...or putting his finger in cake
A reception wouldn't be complete without BYU football updates.

Rebecca getting swept off her feet

Final Final

As many of you already know, just before thanksgiving break I decided that a doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering would not help me attain any goal that seemed even remotely desirable (at least that is what I'm still trying to convince myself of). As such I have put an end to my days as a University of Texas graduate student. I quickly realized it would have been wise to come to that conclusion after taking my last final as my motivation to study approached zero faster than a fourier series heading to infinity at light speed. However I still had the desire to exit at the top of my game. So I put my final cramming abilities to test one more time. And I must say I surprised myself. I think this is how Micheal Jordon must have felt when he retired from the NBA the first time. Well at least now I know if things don't work out for me in minor league baseball then I can take another stab incompressible flow.

I'll get up at 4AM tomorrow

If the Big 3 had a nickle for every time I've said that they wouldn't need a bailout. But apparently I'm not the only one making promises to themselves that they can't keep. In my last post I mentioned an article saying 77% of consumers would spend less this Christmas. That same article said 20% would spend the same amount and 3% would spend more. Here is what is actually happening.I guess those $2 DVD's were just too good to pass up.

Thanksgiving Depression

I woke up thanksgiving morning to three stories in the paper describing the dire straights our economy is in. The Johnstons aren't going to grandpas for thanksgiving this year. Gas prices are just too high. 77% of consumers are going to spend less this Christmas. And the Patersons are eating at the soup kitchen for the first time. "Prices for everything are just too high. Gas, Food, everything is going through the roof."
Then we drove to Chuck A Rama, passing by several gas stations posting prices of $1.69 the lowest I have seen in over 4 years. Upon arrival I was immediately bombarded by mounds of every type of food I could think of. Once I was sufficiently satiated I rolled out to go home and read the rest of my paper. $29.99 for an mp3 player, $79.99 for a new GPS, $2 DVD's...Seriously $2 for spider man II, I don't even like spider man II and I suddenly I need to get to Walmart to buy 3.
Now I really did intend to get up at 4, and hit all of the stores before 6 as I had mapped out on my macbook, but since I stayed up all night watching Monk and other TV shows, that are available at any time of night, I wasn't able to wake up to my alarm. Of course it didn't help that I was fell asleep listening to my ipod.
Yes, these are going to be troubling economic times...Now I'll probably have to pay $5 for that copy of Spider Man II I didn't want. No wonder people keep comparing this to the great depression.

Year Vacation

Today I read that the FED is pledging up to 7.7 trillion dollars to help ease the frozen credit market. Which amounts to approximately $69,268.11 per household. The average household income in 2007 was only $50,233. So if all that money is going to Americans who can't pay their mortgages and investors who, quite frankly, have preformed awfully. We could just skip all of these complicated processes of deciding who gets what and instead just give everyone 51 grand. Then all of those hard working Americans I keep hearing so much about could all take the year off. It would be a Nation wide holiday....all year! There would even be 2 trillion left over (we would give it to Barack Obama to use for his next campaign). I'm really looking forward to this year of plenty. Now I just need to find someone to make me lemonade while we are all on vacation.

congratulations Ta!

My Sister Natasha got married Saturday. Pictures are still forthcoming, but for now I just have a reminder that you should think twice before decorating the honeymooners vehicle. At least that is what my sister Rebecca and my dad realized when they found out, after dropping Ta off at the airport, that they would have to use the "Just married" vehicle for the rest of the week. I'm sure there were more than a few surprised people when they saw my dad driving Becca to school with a big heart around each window.

Obama's School Choice

John Stossell is speaking about school choice here in Salt Lake next week. It comes at an interesting time considering the Obama's have just made their school choice.

Mr. Obama says he opposes such vouchers, because "although it might benefit some kids at the top, what you're going to do is leave a lot of kids at the bottom." The example of his own children refutes that: The current system offers plenty of choice to kids "at the top" while abandoning those at the bottom.

Mark Perry points out that the Obama's aren't the only ones who prefer private schools, public school teachers do as well.

Doing what they are best at

Secretary of Green Technology

Everyone has been trying to figure out where Tim Dehne is going to be moving on to. There has been speculation that he will take over at GM or perhaps follow in Michael Jordon's shoes and take up minor league baseball. All of these rumors are, of course false.
To set the rumors straight; on behalf of the Obama administration I am pleased to announce that Tim Dehne (former VP of R&D at National Instruments) will be the new Secretary of Green Technology.

I know, you would think they would have chosen a publication with an actual reader base for this announcement, but hey, this is the administration of change. I'ts all about giving an opportunity to the little guy.

The next bailout

My Dad just alerted me of the next threat to our economy.

Unless we get an immediate, gargantuan, government bailout of our oil companies our whole free enterprise system may be in peril!

Tax Time

To be clear I am always one of the first to chastise any tax increase. After all, what you tax you decrease, you are essentially saying that thing you are taxing is in someway evil. So things like Capital gains or income taxes I have been quick to criticize. However, there are a few things I support taxing. I support taxes on cigarettes, Alcohol, and things with a negative externality.
Believe me, I loved being able to fill up my car this morning for $28.34, just over half of what I was paying earlier this year. Every politician this summer was saying "We need to end our dependence on foreign fuel". I heard constant whining about souring gas prices and how the government needed to step in. Although since the price is plummeted congress doesn't have people breathing down there necks to do something about it anymore, and like many things, now that congress could do something, they probably won't.
But, perhaps this new administration will show some real change and before everyone decides to pull their SUV's back out of storage they will step in and raise the gas tax.

Depression Economics

Today, Paul Krugman tried to give some encouragement to Obama and the Lame ducks in congress on their bailout plan.

Under current conditions, however, it’s much better to err on the side of doing too much than on the side of doing too little.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't that what made the great depression, Great?

Under the Mattress Bank

Yesterday I missed our company meeting so my boss gave me a recap. Apparently we are well positioned to make it through the economic downturn thanks to a wise investment we made.

We proved to use our cash wisely, in this case we didn't use it at all.

New stragegy: Be Big

A co-worker of mine who, on first inspection, is clueless to everything going on in the news said,

I guess the new strategy for companies is just to convince congress your too big to fail and so the government has to bail you out.

The big 3 is banking on that strategy, today they came out and said that 1 in 10 jobs is dependent on the auto industry. So they are arguing if the big three go under that unemployment will rise 10%. In a country that has been talking a lot about giving the little guy a chance, taxing the rich guys so the underprivlaged guy gets his shot at glory, you would think we would be happy to hear about the big company failing. This would be the best way for letting someone new climb to the top. Someone who will have better ideas, better technolgies, and even better prices. But I guess we just aren't ready for that type of change.

*The economist highlighted the largest companies today. Funny thing is that these are all the companies that are constantly demonized, yet they (unlike GM, AIG, Ford, and other failing companies) haven't been stealing money from american tax payers.

*UPDATE: Catherine Rampell questions how legit the 1 in 10 argument is.

Teachers salary(subject they teach)=Better schools

Ed Glaeser wrote today the key to better schools is hiring better teachers. Because, as evidence by my last post, the education field is not getting the best and the brightest. Since Dr. Glaeser has already begun giving advice to President-Elect Obama, I decided to throw in my two cents.
The problem is so simple to solve, yet I know it never will be. It became apparent to me when my cousin's wife said,

You know there is a problem with our system when I had to fight to get a job paying $27,000 a year, when Matt (my cousin) had no trouble finding a job paying $60,000 right after graduation.

Lisa was right. There is a problem. The problem is not that her husband was making so much more than her, but that she expected to be paid the same. Matt studied Economics, one of the highest paying majors right out of college, and took a job in DC, one of the most expensive cities in the country. She on the other hand took a job in Utah teaching English. It was no secret she would be getting paid less. Starting salaries for teachers is public information, there is no reason her salary should have been a surprise. Had she wanted more money, she should have switched majors.
But, she gives us the root of the problem when she said she had to "fight to get a job". Fact is in Utah anytime there is a teaching position in English, History, Physical Ed., or Art there are hundreds of applicants. However when my sister, Natasha, applied for a position teaching math she had several schools knocking on her door. This same problem occurs with science teachers. School districts in Utah are constantly pleading for teachers. The solution is so simple, it has already been applied at all of the universities, yet somehow it has eluded public schools: Pay math teachers more, and PE teachers less. If the math and physics majors really are the best and brightest students coming out of our universities, then you are going to have to offer them something better than an History teachers salary to get them in front of a bunch of whining 10th graders.

Who is the smart one on campus?

That being said, could all the teachers stop complaining that they should be getting paid as much as other fields in the "private" sector.

The Rat is DEAD

Finally after being tormented and robbed of our bread three nights in a row, our house will have one fewer mouth to feed.

Happy Halloween

3 days and counting

Greg Mankiw posted an invitation for any economist to defend Barak Obama's position on "ethanol subsidies, tariffs on Chinese goods, the Byrd amendment, etc." three days ago. Considering over 17,000 people visit his site daily (not counting all of the economist who have it in their RSS feeds) it is strange no one has jumped at the opportunity. Which begs the question: Why are so many Economist supporting Barack when they can't defend his positions?

Nov 4th...a little early.

Once a year we all participate in what is the most heavily contested, corrupted, and costly event of the year. No, not the Superbowl. I am of course referring to our yearly elections, and with the president on the ballot this year it is shaping up to be the most expensive event of the century. In the past year I have seen approximately 25 debates, read over 500 articles, and watched millions of dollars in commercials all aimed at influencing my decision once inside the voting booth November 4th. But it will all be in vain because what Barack Obama doesn't know is I decided to vote early.
It was a mater of a seconds after stepping into my local library before I was staring at the screen reading my four options for the office of President of United States of America. Briefly I thought about Barack Obama and the National Bank/Hospital/Auto Manufacturer he would shortly be creating. I thought about John McCain and the insurance I had that, although he didn't understand the economy during a time when banks around the world are failing, I could count on him to set preconditions before having lunch with anyone. I briefly hovered over the name of Bob Barr, the libertarian, who, surprisingly, left me disappointed. Then I saw something that really caught my eye "write in". The possibilities were suddenly endless as to who I could chose. Ron Paul, Thomas Sowell, Bobby Jindal, even Greg Mankiw began battling for my vote inside my mind. The highfalutin speeches ceased their insidious plans to obfuscate past mistakes or intimations of future ones. Leaving behind the lucid and concise arguments of the venerable candidates who now presented themselves. This was my opportunity to determine the future of our country. This was the root from which democracy has flourished, the right to vote. And with the world entering into what appears to be one of the largest financial crisis in history I knew this decision was not to be taken lightly. The radio announcers voice I had heard only moments early rang back through my ears proclaiming "This is the most important decision Americans have faced in their life time". My decision was clear, there was only one person I could count on in such dire circumstances. As usual the rest of the country will not see the wisdom of my vote for years to come. In time, I am hopeful, they will understand why during 'the most important decision of my life" I decided to vote for, Merrill K. Gee.

And the Winner is...

Not only did Dr. Mankiw's brilliant text book create a penchant for economics in my soul. His blog has become a main staple of my diet. Each article he has written for the NY Times has been a breath of fresh air and a source of true enlightenment. And although I don't always agree with his intimations, he has given me the vast majority of what I know about economics.
Congratulations Greg, you are this years winner of the UtiliGEE Prize in Economics!

Will the real tax payers step forward.

Today, Catherine Rampell pointed out most American's don't need to worry about paying for the bailouts since they aren't even paying their taxes. However after promising Obama, in my concession speach, to keep him posted on his flaws and weaknesses it is my duty to poinnt out this one. Although it may appear McCain and Obama are going to give more tax breaks to the poor to than anyone in history. This, is nothing more than a rouse. Sure, it looks great on paper. A modern day robin hood helping the poor and taxing the rich. But just like tax brakes "trickle down" so do taxes. Every property tax hike pinches the renters pocket just like it does the land loards. The luxury tax on that yacht effects "Joe-the-yacht-salesman" more than it does "Phillpe-the-yacht-owner". So to all of you who will be lining up for your free lunch when Obama gets sworn in, just remember the sandwich is not included.

UtiliGEE prize in Economics

Every Monday and Friday I grit my teeth, go to nytimes.com, and read Paul Krugman's acerbic Op-ed piece. The first time I read his column I asked myself "Who hired this loony?". I nearly lost faith in the Economic profession once I found out he was once a professor at Princeton (how could an economist writings be so visceral and his speeches so vapid). Having come directly out of BYU I was still under the impression all Economist were brilliant Libertarians striving pick up where Milton Friedman left off. Since reading Krugman's articles I have come to realize there are all sorts of highfalutin nut jobs studying Economics with crazy names like Austan who think every right thinking economist will support Keynesian models during financial turmoil. So hearing Paul had just become the second youngest person to take home the Nobel prize in Economics was a bit more than I could stomach. I mean seriously, I just gave my concession speech to Barack, why do you have to kick me while I'm down. In an effort to keep myself out of the fetal position I have decided to give out my own Economic Award--The UtiliGEE Prize in Economics--given yearly to an individual whose contributions in Economics have developed and improved my understanding of how people, business, and governments maximize Utility.
This year the nominees are:

Greg Mankiw
Thomas Sowell
Martin Feldstein
Walter Williams
Gary Becker
David Leonhardt
Tyler Cowen
Russell Roberts

Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner on October 23rd.

David's been reading my blog

David Brooks agrees with me that the pendulum is about to start swinging the other direction.

First, there will be the bailouts. Once upon a time, there were concerns about moral hazard. But resistance to corporate bailouts is gone. If Bear Stearns and A.I.G. can get bailouts, then so can car companies, airlines and other corporations with direct links to Main Street.

Like David, and I, said, we are about to see how big Big Government can be. But, on the bright side, by the time we get to 2016 everyone will be ready for Bobby Jindal to cut it back to size.

Uncle!

I said it. I give up. You win already. While we still have several weeks before election day, I have decided to spare you the anticipation and write my concession speech today. (No, I wasn't actually running for president, but I am doing this in behalf of John McCain, Bob Barr, Chuck Baldwin, Ralph Nader, and anyone else who may wake up Nov. 4th to find their name on the ballot).

I realize this campaign has been long hard and often ugly. I would like congratulate you, Barack Obama, on running a great campaign and beating the odds. You have brought together the masses. The world who has been harboring animosity against us the past 8 years, seems to be willing to let that sail, as they are already to welcome you with open arms. Your wife has said for the first time she is proud to be an American. I hope in the coming years many more people will add their voices to hers and become "proud Americans". Now many of us have been proud of this country since we were old enough to light a sparkler on the 4th of July. Hopefully we will, in time all learn to, be proud to call you our President.

Your going to step into office during the greatest financial crisis since the great depression. I am fully confident that you will be able to lead us out and on to better times. However I am also not completely naive, and realize you are fully capable of going Herbert Hoover on us. The day you set foot into office there will be knocks on your door trying to Nationalize all banks, then it will be the automobile industry, followed by the airlines. I will fill more comfortable if you are reading Free to Choose those days. You don't have it...come on over and borrow mine, believe me it will help.

Because honestly I don't expect much from you. I don't want your health care plan. I don't want a penny of social security. I won't need medicare, medicaid, or food stamps. You don't need to protect me from greedy CEO's on wall street. I don't need you to provide low interest rates for me to buy a house. I've been poor before and I'm sure I'll be poor again, don't worry about me, I'll be fine. The only thing I'm afraid of is losing my freedom. You and John have been arguing a lot about the possibility of going to war with Iran or Russia. I'm not as worried about Vladamir Putin or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as I am about the enemies inside the gates. Remember the words of Mormon, at least I think it was Mormon (it doesn't really matter since you haven't read it anyways), to clean the inner vessel first. So I am here to wish you luck and success in what is shaping to be one of the most critical times in our history. I will be here supporting you and criticizing you the whole time. Just remember to watch out for the Kingsmen.

Adam Smith

As an Application Engineer I was often asked questions about subjects I didn't understand. When I told my co-workers I really had no idea what I was doing, they would always reply "you know a lot more than you think you do." And after realizing the people asking the questions had no clue either, I decided I would simply answer their questions the best I could. As long as I seemed confident in my answer they were happy--even if the answer was completely wrong. Sadly, I seemed to have extended this habit into my personal life. As my roommates will attest, I will answer any question, regardless if I know the answer or not. So although I am correct 99.9% of the time, they are always weary of anything I tell them. It wasn't until recently that I found someone as good at making up ridiculous and erroneous comments as I was. Fortunately I haven't made any of my blunders are national TV with the whole country watching. He is probably hoping that he just won't get any hard questions.

Regulators Mount Up

I was a bit upset after hearing Obama claim the economic crisis was caused by failed policies of this administration. This administration has made plenty of blunders, but giving them credit for the entire economy is a bit much. So when Mankiw posted a reply to Barack I decided to share it with a friend on Facebook. Another friend read the blog and said

See, the problem I have with this is that Mankiw accuses Barack Obama of saying something he didn't say. Nowhere in his comment did he say anything about the Republicans, or call out any Republicans by name. The deregulations began under Clinton and reached a fever pitch under Bush, but Obama never placed blame on either administration in particular.

The problem, is not Mankiw accusing Barack of saying something he didn't (he never says it was republican's but it is still clear, he has since said it was the republicans...repeatedly) but the problem is putting words in Mankiw's mouth. The article had nothing to do with regulation. It was about government, as Sowell pointed out, "createing an incentive for a company to take on risk and enjoy the associated increase in return." I don't know if the problem is due to a lack of understanding or a lack of reading the article. But, it seems most of the country is suffering from the same symptoms. So, as another friend on Facebook said. "Help us Obama-Wan-Kenobi, you're our only hope!"...of having ridiculous regulations that will undoubtably lead to another financial crisis bigger than this one.

Need a Appendectomy?

Milton Friedman often asserted the Government was largely responsible for the Great Depression and that the Federal Reserve should be replaced with a computer. Ben Bernanke responded by saying.

Regarding the Great Depression. You're right, we did it. We're very sorry. But thanks to you, we won't do it again.

Well just 6 years later we are witnessing the largest bank failure in history. And many money market accounts are frozen due to a run on the banks. So Bernanke and Paulson are trying to work with congress to get a rescue package to save us from another great depression. Some say to follow Paulson, others say congress has the answers, or that we should listen to dirt farmers. But I think my brother Gardners facebook status summed it up best.

Having the government fix the financial crisis is like having an auto mechanic preform your appendectomy.

Splash and Dash

Last month I began my first semester of graduate school, and it felt like something was missing. Perhaps it was the full load of classes, the pressure of getting home work done, or even late nights in the Clyde. Regardless of what was causing this emptiness I knew there was only one cure. While at BYU the highlight of each semester was the splash and dash. Regardless of how miserable things got in school the Splash and Dash would put me back on top--not really the top, I took 3rd every time except once, but whose counting. So once again I am hoping it will temporarily fill the hole where a heart should be. For those of you who are aching to be aching come out saturday for your chance to be the one who insures I take home another bronze medal.

Feeling Altruistic

Years ago the Red cross wanted to increase the amount of blood being donated. Using basic economics they determined offering a small payment would provide an insensitive to entice new donors. Had the Red cross being dealing with another service their plan would have succeeded. However, it failed, dismally. Fewer people donated blood because they viewed the action as being less altruistic. Previously the "payment" for a few pints of blood was the feeling you had served your fellow man. If paid it wasn't really service. Causing a dilemma, blood was needed more than before, but now it was looked down on (Currently this can be seen with Plasma, were the only people who donate plasma are typically underprivileged or young. Even though donating plasma is just as great of service as donating blood). I viewed this firsthand during an activity put on for the Relief Society in the ward. After hearing the bishop remorse how several women in the ward never have the opportunity be courted by esteemed gentlemen. I decided we would at least give them the opportunity to dine and converse with a few cabelleros. After pitching the idea of making a dinner for the sisters, the Bishopric, who loved the idea, wanted to make the dinner themselves. Considering how most of our guest would prefer chicken cord on bleu to spaghetti, I let the bishopric cook. Reducing the elders assignment to serving dinner and providing delightful dinner conversation. My former ward calling was in Activities, where I had a string of horrendous activities that were hated by the masses. This was the first time I received compliments on an activity. Not only was the quantity of compliments high, but also the quality. Almost every girl I spoke with the following Sunday LOVED it. Yet, I keep hearing complaints from Elders saying "we didn't really serve them", or "we should have made the dinner". These comments made me decide it is time for a little analysis. Are we looking for ways to fill needs or are we looking for ways to feel needed? Are we trying to solve problems or are we just trying to get a warm fuzzy inside?

Monster in the closet.

Buddy is going to have a tough time sleeping again.

Penurious?

I am often considered by my co-workers and friends as "the cheapest person in America". Although in many respects they may be correct, I did however find one person who is even cheaper than I am when it comes to charitable giving.

*For the other candidates tax info go here.

* Update: Palin releases her info.

LabVIEW runs the world.

So those of you who used google today may have seen Cern's Large Hadron Collider, which has just fired up. Turns out the head of Cern has been receiving death threats from people who think it will cause a black hole. Now, we appear to be black hole free, so I just want to make sure credit is given where credit is due. Since Cern is using LabVIEW, and had this thing blown up and caused a blackhole we would all be doomed, we really all have LabVIEW to thank. So I feel it is my duty, as a former LabVIEW instructor, to take credit for saving all your lives.
Your Welcome.

Mr. Burns has a new ipod.

My friend Kenn and I noticed this today, and have been wondering if Steve Jobs is Mr. Burns, who is Smithers?

Haunted by the ghost of calculus past

I spent four years, 10 semester as a math tutor. Many of those years I spent helping out all the engineers with Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, or Multi-Variable Calculus. But, even during those years I inevitably had to go and help all of the young saps taking their first year of calculus. Helping them was never much of a problem, unless it was during the first week. That was the raspberry seed in my tooth for all 10 of those semesters. Inevitably every one of said saps would ask how to do each and every proof. These proofs were so simple, yet they would stump me every semester. I would spend hours trying to remember how I solved it just 4 months earlier.
One can imagine my discouragement and unmitigated rage when in my first class, after taking a 2 year hiatus, the entire assignment was made up of those very same problems! I guess it just goes to show if you don't learn how to do something right at first, you will be doomed to do it 11 more times.

Why I'm not a democrat

Reason 487: I don't consider begging for money "pulling myself up by my own boot straps".

I think I made a huge mistake...

Today I registered for my first class as a UT longhorn. While trying to do so I realized a few things. One, how horrible their web site is. It didn't take long before I had a list of about 20 ways they could be categorizing their content to make it more user friendly. As I did this I realized a second thing, how much I like my current job. But, after 20 frustrating minutes I was finally able to add my first class...Compressible Flow. I don't think I realized how ridiculous this was until at lunch today when I told my co worker. "Compressible Flow? You're taking a class in Compressible Flow? What exactly were you doing this morning that possessed you to do that?" I still haven't come up with an answer for him.

the Austin Zoo

This week a friend and I started matching all of my friends with characters from Winnie the Poo. Then I realized I am basically living in a Zoo. All of my friends could be matched with some sort of animal. That is when I began writing the story of the Austin Zoo. There is a Tiger who is always up for a challenge, but he can't be out smarted by the friendly fox. If you have anything that is broken just go see Beaver. And if you need advice you will have to make the journey to the ocean to ask the Blue Whale, the all knowing oracle, what you should do. So stayed tuned to find out what happens when a Swan and a Lemur compete for the attention of a Llama who is in love with a Killer Whale. And yes, if you have ever lived in Austin you will be in the story.

Color quiz

My friend Stephanie showed me a fun personality quiz today. My results scared me a little bit. To see mine go here, to see yours go here.

Lone Racer

Looking out to open road can be a great feeling, knowing all of your competitors are behind eating your dust is a huge ego boost. Of course it can also mean you missed a turn and you are now falling behind all of your competitors. Sadly the latter was the case yesterday when I was unknowingly sliding into second place on the biking portion of the triathlon. Besides that I was pleased with my showing in my return to the tri world. I think I'm starting to realize what Conor Oberst meant when he said "there is nothing the road cannot heal".

Had enough green?

Yesterday marked the end of another NI week here in Austin. And it ended on the best note I could have hoped for. Gradually everything here at NI has become all about being Green. The past 2 Company meetings have been the same old rhetoric about how we need to be good corporate citizens and do our part for the environment. They have at least 3 jokes about our green pond (there is a small pond in front of our office, that due to the abundance of algae in it, has turned green). Our corporate newsletter is always filled with stories about how you can reduce your carbon footprint singing the praises of recycling. To embrace this on a company level this month we removed all paper and Styrofoam from our cafeteria. Which may sound great to some hippie in Oregon, but it has just turned into a pain in the neck for the rest of us who have to balance plates of food that we carry up to our desk and then have to return back to the cafeteria.
Sick of hearing this broken record I wasn't eager to hear our final keynote speaker who had chosen the topic of "Green Entrepreneurship". But, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. I didn't even realize why until half way through his speech he said "the only reason they let me come is I said, I would talk about green engineering...and I'll get to that later". He never really did, which is why I loved it. He talked about innovation and not just Green mumble jumble, he talked about getting good ideas out to market. So refreshing to hear a speech where they didn't spend half of it talking about global warming, social responsibility, and other ambiguous problems. And instead talked about what we actually do. Let's just hope the VP's and CEO of NI were talking notes.

Addendum: Apparently, I'm not the only one who is sick of hearing about green.

The Stars have aligned...and the Chariot is back

At BYU I made it a tradition to always watch Chariots of Fire before a race. I had forgotten this, as I mentioned in my last post, it has been 4 years since my last race. But this week the NYTimes reminded me of it. Then yesterday when my roommate announced he had just received the film from netficks, I new it must be destiny. I am so not going to run on sunday (thankfully the race is Saturday).

Time to Tri

4 years ago I was hit while riding my bike. It was the week before the Jordan Triathlon. Do to the unforeseen injuries I incurred, I had to miss that race. And so began my sabbatical. But this weekend it will finally come to an end when I participate in my cousin Tiffany's ward triathlon. It should be a tortoise and the hare race, so as long as everyone decides to take periodic brakes during the race I should do great. Anyone who thinks they can beat me while I'm still getting back into my groove, meet me down at Barton Springs Saturday morning.

Atlas returns

In Ayn Rand's classic, Atlas Shrugged, Wesley Mouch runs the government organization in charge of determining what companies and institutions are part of the public need. In the book he is somewhat of a village idiot, attempting to save one company while unknowingly destroying countless others until he and his cronies have completely destroyed the whole economy. Apparently, Nancy Pelosi has taken a liking to Mouch's ideas and has found another company that america needs. But, Pelosi isn't the only one. Obama has also taken a page out of that same book.

Ryan is Married!

The cousin I have been looking up to for years finally tied the knot!

No Proof Required Part I

Over the past year or so I have made a habit of listening to NPR on my way to work. Every now and then I hear story that is either bogus or biased. I decided to start a tradition of highlighting a few of these.
Yesterday NPR reported on the current debate on the senate floor. They interviewed several Senators and also one "expert". Absent from the report were the numerous economist from both parties saying what they think about the speculation. In case your wondering what they have to say look here here here here here and yes, even here.

Occam's Razor

Simplify. One thing I am constantly trying to do is to simplify my life. Part of the reasons I hate getting new stuff is it means that I am going to have more things to do, more things to store, more things to take care of. This is one (there are other...many others) reason I hate pets. Suddenly you have to make sure there is food for it, you need to walk it, clean up it's hair, it's poop, take it to the vet, until finally you reach that glorious day when a car runs it over. When I buy something I don't want to have to take care of it to. I don't understand why people would buy more problems. Less is more...more freedom. there is one downside to this philosophy however, it can get lonely, but at least your not cleaning up other peoples poop.

Money or Love...I just can't win

As usual my dating life has hit a rough patch. And again I find myself confused. Fortunately, Ben Stein explained this thing called love earlier this week in terms I can understand. But, reading Steins article made me realize my dating problems are the same as my money problems. Namely, I am afraid of taking any risk. I want all my investments to come with a 8% return guaranteed, oh, and if you could give me a sucker when I come to check on my account I like that too, thanks. I like looking at my bank account to see all my money carefully stowed away where it is making next to nothing in interest, but hey, at least I'm not losing my shirt on Exon stock. Oh, wait...I'm doing that too, but that is beside the point. Everyday I look at my favorite stocks, and I think about what might have been (if only I would have bought a few shares last month!). Meanwhile Mrs. Perfect (ie. Mrs. Gee) just slipped through my fingers. I guess if I keep up this trend my love life will end up very similar to my bank account...empty.

$55.82

Yesterday I filled my car up, but unlike most Americans I was quite cheerful about doing it. No, it wasn't for the same reasons that Joel Stein mentioned earlier this week. It was because I was filling up for the first time in 30 days. Now had I not changed my old driving habits I would have spent around $150 dollars on gas last month. So with everyone trying to get that gas to last for an extra mile I thought I would share a few of my tips.

1. Bike--now this came at a steep price for me. I bike to work three times a week which means I lose an hour of sleep and about 30 to 45 minutes of leisure time in the afternoon, but on the bright side I no longer look like a beached whale.

2. Drive slow--everyone already made fun of me for driving too slow, but since driving 55 on mopac is still way faster than biking I decided to do it occasionally. The result was instead of getting the usual 27 mpg I got 29.

3. Go on Dates....and have them come to you--sadly, even though this was a huge success for me, all good things have to end. But, last month I had 4 dates where the girl came to my appartment. This not only saved money on eating out (the combined cost of all 4 dates is in the ball park of $6), but I didn't have to use any gas! The sad part is I am already feeling the retailiation, it could be a long time before I get to do that again.

4. Go to your friends family reunion--Once you get over the awkwardness of not knowing anyone you realize how much free food your getting, and since you are in Mississippi you can't use your car all weekend.

But the biggest thing is to have a lot of friends who give you rides all over town. And although I realize once they read this post they won't be offering to give me rides anymore, I would like to thank: Andrew, Abinadi, Stephanie, Denny, Julie, Vivian, and anyone else who has given a lift to this vagabond.

Bell Curve

Coolest swimming photo I have ever seen...Can't wait for the games to start!

100 mile club

Today as riders complete their 100 mile ride for the day, I will be finishing my 100 mile ride for the week! Yes, I will be accepting cookies to celebrate the accomplishment. thank you for offering.

Bringing back the yellow jersey

5 years ago in homage to Lance Armstrong winning the Yellow Jersey I crocheted a yellow sweater vest. Now when you crochet something like a yellow jersey (or sweater vest) it symbolizes more then the fact that you want to be able to stay warm through the cold texas summers, but it shows that you are constantly on the lookout for greatness. In the past I have given each of my roommates the opportunity to wear the vest if they had obtained a significant level of said greatness. Sadly in the past few years the vest has been religated to ugly sweater contest, not for lack of greatness on the part of my roommates, but for lack of taking the effor to recognize the greatness of the office employees. This year however, the Tour de France is really speaking to me. And it is time to honor one of the office employees. So keep on the lookout to see if it will be Abinadi for his amazing web 2.0 skills, Andrew for his lady killing skills, Russell for getting sweet deals on furniture skills, or me for being, well, plain amazing.

Lake Michigan is going to disappear!

NPR pulled out their Paul R. Ehrlich techniques on Morning Edition by mentioning the water in Lake Michigan was a "non-renewable" resource. And if action wasn't taken it, and all of the other great lakes, would soon be dry. And they have a point, I mean if water is non-renewable it is just a short matter of time before all the water is gone. Fortunately the only thing at risk of drying out is NPR's credibility.

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Deutschland 3 Turkei 2.