Tuesday, February 05, 2008
I hope they call me on a mission...again
My friend Jesse reminded me of all the dreams I used to have of being called on a mission again. I'm always full of mixed emotions during those dreams. Part of me is excited to be back in Germany, but as soon as we have to start going door to door, I start wondering how I ended back there. But still anytime I hear about someone going on a mission or I hear a missionary story, it brings back all the good memories. So since I have been thinking about that today, and will most likely be dreaming about it tonight. I figured I would share my new favorite Missionary photo. It was taken by my cousin Justin, of my Aunt Lonnie, and Uncle Allen.
Getting Older
Yesterday was Greg Mankiw's birthday, so according to his anecdote I've been old for years. But his article was probably the best in the times that I have read in a long time.
While I am speaking about Greg, and since it is super Tuesday, I think it is appropriate to post what he thinks about having Hillary as the next president. And by the way Volcker is backing Obama.
While I am speaking about Greg, and since it is super Tuesday, I think it is appropriate to post what he thinks about having Hillary as the next president. And by the way Volcker is backing Obama.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Why I Love Economics
So this article shows one reason that I really love economics.
I think the part that describes me best is
I think the part that describes me best is
“The problem is not that economists are unreasonable people, it’s that they’re evil people”he really nailed me.
Monday, January 28, 2008
More Milton
Every once and a while I just need to see a little clip of Milton to remind me of the good ol' days.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
To Pigou or not to Pigou
One of my favorite economist, Greg Mankiw, created a club called the Pigou club. This is a club of people who support a $1 tax increase on a gallon of gas. Several other well known economist have joined (Alan Greenspan), also several well known idiots (Paul Krugman and Al Gore). A few other Economist are starting a no pigou club. One of the economist is Milton Friedman's son. I'm still a little torn on this, but I might find myself siding with Paul Krugman...that is scary.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
It's the Economy, Stupid!
The country looks like we are on the brink of a recession, and since we are in the heat of a presidential race James Carville's words are back in force. So it is time to hear what the economist are saying.
Ben Bernanke is the one we are all watching. And he is saying it's time to stimulate. Larry Summers agrees. The Economist says not to over due it. Doug agrees with them.
Bush thinks it will take 145 billion to get the economy running.
Personally I think I am going to side with Ann Schwartz.
Ben Bernanke is the one we are all watching. And he is saying it's time to stimulate. Larry Summers agrees. The Economist says not to over due it. Doug agrees with them.
Bush thinks it will take 145 billion to get the economy running.
Personally I think I am going to side with Ann Schwartz.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
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."
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."
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."
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
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.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
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.
And let's go bike.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
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.
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.
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