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.