Note: Will is only included in the pictures because he will be driving Van A. Not sure why Dean's picture came out as Gigantor - will have to edit later.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Wasatch Back 09
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2009 Wasatch Back team. Just need a name. And few training miles.
Note: Will is only included in the pictures because he will be driving Van A. Not sure why Dean's picture came out as Gigantor - will have to edit later.
Note: Will is only included in the pictures because he will be driving Van A. Not sure why Dean's picture came out as Gigantor - will have to edit later.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Lacking self-awareness - the middle class
I've had a poll running on my blog for the last week asking people what the upper limit is on the middle class. It would be interesting to graph people's responses against their income. A mentor of mine has said that "rich" simply means 10x more than I currently make, whatever that may be.
The median of my statistically insignificant poll was $150K and the mean was $235K (such graphs always skew right. Here are a few stats for you:
* 80% of Americans define themselves as middle class (effectively everyone)
* 4% of Americans define themselves as upper class
* 67% of Englishmen define themselves as working class (lower class - effectively everyone)
Statistically, the true middle (median) in the US is $42K. The question is how far above that median can still be called "middle". If you want to call the middle the middle three quintiles of income, that would be $91K. Leaving only 5% at the top, the upper limit would be $166K.
My readership seems to believe (like most Americans) that while their children are all above average, their income is modest and should be much greater, but for now we'll be contentedly middle class. I'm with you.
The median of my statistically insignificant poll was $150K and the mean was $235K (such graphs always skew right. Here are a few stats for you:
* 80% of Americans define themselves as middle class (effectively everyone)
* 4% of Americans define themselves as upper class
* 67% of Englishmen define themselves as working class (lower class - effectively everyone)
Statistically, the true middle (median) in the US is $42K. The question is how far above that median can still be called "middle". If you want to call the middle the middle three quintiles of income, that would be $91K. Leaving only 5% at the top, the upper limit would be $166K.
My readership seems to believe (like most Americans) that while their children are all above average, their income is modest and should be much greater, but for now we'll be contentedly middle class. I'm with you.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tax summary
Greg Mankiw's summary of the candidates' tax plans. At a 93% effective marginal tax, why do we push for that extra $1? Sobering analysis.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
For the lawyers
Google Analytics says that "Lawyer" is the second most common profession of readers of my blog, right after "Immediate Family Members". I came across this graph and thought you'd enjoy it. This is the distribution of starting incomes of lawyers. Most starting income graphs are bell-shaped. Interesting how bimodal this one is. Any ideas on which mode is associated with which political party?
Apologies for the size.
Apologies for the size.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tension of Principles and Tolerance
I found this editorial by George Will very interesting about the decline of the Episcopal church in America. In particular, his conclusion struck me as poignant:
As the church's doctrines have become more elastic, the church has contracted. It celebrates an "inclusiveness" that includes fewer and fewer members.
It is an interesting principle to consider - how can one effectively abide by principles he believes in in a way that does not demean or alienate those that see the world differently, while not diluting institutions that advocate those principles to the point of irrelevance. This seems to me to be one of the primary contemporary challenges of churches, political parties and other philosophical vehicles.
As the church's doctrines have become more elastic, the church has contracted. It celebrates an "inclusiveness" that includes fewer and fewer members.
It is an interesting principle to consider - how can one effectively abide by principles he believes in in a way that does not demean or alienate those that see the world differently, while not diluting institutions that advocate those principles to the point of irrelevance. This seems to me to be one of the primary contemporary challenges of churches, political parties and other philosophical vehicles.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Monday, October 06, 2008
What Milan looks like on business
Good thing the $ is strengthening against the Euro. That means these are only $680.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Interesting tax facts
As you consider next month's vote and gouge your eyes out trying to decipher fact, fiction, hyperbole and lie in these horrible debates, here are a few things I've learned recently and found interesting:
1) Under either candidate, 43-44% of tax filings would result in zero tax liability. To be clear, this does not mean they get a refund - it means they would pay absolutely zero income tax. Currently this number is 33%, up from a historic norm of 21%. Hard to cut taxes on the poor when 44% of those filing returns don't pay them.
a) Implication #1 - Tax policy and social policy have comingled to an enormous degree. Over a third of all people have no sense for the cost of government. It used to be that people would pay taxes and then receive checks for programs - these might net out. Now they net out pre-tax, which means fewer checks to cut but also means income tax is not meaningful for most. The irony is the perception that cutting taxes on the poor will stimulate the economy or substantially help the poor. Not really so.
b) Implication #2 - Federal tax revenue is now far more unpredictable and volatile since it is now more reliant on taxation of the wealthy, which is harder to predict - large returns are frequently dependent upon one time events (capital gains realization) or broader economic conditions. As the economy staggers, tax revenue plummets.
2) Housing is the most subsidized industry by tax revenue, to try to make sure everyone can afford a home. Are we seeing the downside of trying to make sure everyone owns a home, even if they can't afford it?
3) In 2006, Exxon Mobil had earnings of $39.5B, which has made it a target for the windfall tax advocates. That's a lot of money, huh? We should tax these guys more heavily? How much did they pay in taxes in 2006, by the way? $27.9B. Hmmm. That's a pretty high % already isn't it? That's more tax that 50% of taxpayers paid collectively in 2006. As I've noted before, their earnings are about 10%, which is about the same as many good companies, including GE, which Obama would like to not tax, but subsidize, as they invest in more green energy (which Exxon Mobil's also doing).
4) 4 out of 5 Americans consider themselves middle class. Now you know why politicians talk about cutting taxes for the middle class. Oh, 2% of Americans consider themselves upper class.
5) The highest income tax bracket isn't all that high by historic standards. It was 94% during WWII and 91% for many years thereafter. Who brought it down the levels we're acquainted with? A famous Democrat named JFK.
Editorial: Biden hit a nerve with me last night in the veep debate (just one). The word I've been trained and then sensitized to avoid is "fair". Usually when someone says something isn't fair, it just means they don't like it. I have six kids and hear it all the time. It doesn't describe the problem, it simply applies a person's judgment on whether they find it favorable. In Biden's, he said that increasing taxes on the wealthy to decrease taxes on the middle class is fair, not redistribution. By definition, obviously, it is redistribution - increasing taxes on one group of income earners so you can lower it on another group is inherently a policy of redistribution (see: Robin Hood). Whether redistribution is desirable or not is arguable, whether it is "fair" is hard for me to understand. If it is "fair" that we need greater wealth redistribution, facilitated by the tax code, my next question would be - when is it fair enough? Remember this graph that I've showed before? How steep should this slope be before it feels fair enough?
1) Under either candidate, 43-44% of tax filings would result in zero tax liability. To be clear, this does not mean they get a refund - it means they would pay absolutely zero income tax. Currently this number is 33%, up from a historic norm of 21%. Hard to cut taxes on the poor when 44% of those filing returns don't pay them.
a) Implication #1 - Tax policy and social policy have comingled to an enormous degree. Over a third of all people have no sense for the cost of government. It used to be that people would pay taxes and then receive checks for programs - these might net out. Now they net out pre-tax, which means fewer checks to cut but also means income tax is not meaningful for most. The irony is the perception that cutting taxes on the poor will stimulate the economy or substantially help the poor. Not really so.
b) Implication #2 - Federal tax revenue is now far more unpredictable and volatile since it is now more reliant on taxation of the wealthy, which is harder to predict - large returns are frequently dependent upon one time events (capital gains realization) or broader economic conditions. As the economy staggers, tax revenue plummets.
2) Housing is the most subsidized industry by tax revenue, to try to make sure everyone can afford a home. Are we seeing the downside of trying to make sure everyone owns a home, even if they can't afford it?
3) In 2006, Exxon Mobil had earnings of $39.5B, which has made it a target for the windfall tax advocates. That's a lot of money, huh? We should tax these guys more heavily? How much did they pay in taxes in 2006, by the way? $27.9B. Hmmm. That's a pretty high % already isn't it? That's more tax that 50% of taxpayers paid collectively in 2006. As I've noted before, their earnings are about 10%, which is about the same as many good companies, including GE, which Obama would like to not tax, but subsidize, as they invest in more green energy (which Exxon Mobil's also doing).
4) 4 out of 5 Americans consider themselves middle class. Now you know why politicians talk about cutting taxes for the middle class. Oh, 2% of Americans consider themselves upper class.
5) The highest income tax bracket isn't all that high by historic standards. It was 94% during WWII and 91% for many years thereafter. Who brought it down the levels we're acquainted with? A famous Democrat named JFK.
Editorial: Biden hit a nerve with me last night in the veep debate (just one). The word I've been trained and then sensitized to avoid is "fair". Usually when someone says something isn't fair, it just means they don't like it. I have six kids and hear it all the time. It doesn't describe the problem, it simply applies a person's judgment on whether they find it favorable. In Biden's, he said that increasing taxes on the wealthy to decrease taxes on the middle class is fair, not redistribution. By definition, obviously, it is redistribution - increasing taxes on one group of income earners so you can lower it on another group is inherently a policy of redistribution (see: Robin Hood). Whether redistribution is desirable or not is arguable, whether it is "fair" is hard for me to understand. If it is "fair" that we need greater wealth redistribution, facilitated by the tax code, my next question would be - when is it fair enough? Remember this graph that I've showed before? How steep should this slope be before it feels fair enough?
The Soup Can Story
By request, here's the soup can story.
When Katie and I were first married Judd came to our little apartment for one reason or another. At some point he wandered into our pantry and foolishly I didn't send in a chaperone. A few minutes later he came out with the labels from a few of our cans (we probably only had a few) and a grin on his face. We spent the next few weeks eating mystery food. There's the story.
Since then he's written for Jeb Bush and chased black helicopters. The seed of mischief has always been there...
When Katie and I were first married Judd came to our little apartment for one reason or another. At some point he wandered into our pantry and foolishly I didn't send in a chaperone. A few minutes later he came out with the labels from a few of our cans (we probably only had a few) and a grin on his face. We spent the next few weeks eating mystery food. There's the story.
Since then he's written for Jeb Bush and chased black helicopters. The seed of mischief has always been there...
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Best of April 2008
Overall not as hard to select this time around. October 2007 was more impactful for me - probably more a comment on me than the talks. Here's my top five to remember, in descending order (last being the top talk I want to remember):
A Matter of a Few Degrees - Uchtdorf
The Lord requires not only outward acts but also your inner thoughts and feelings to be close to the spirit of the law. God “require[s] the heart and a willing mind.”
Daughters of God - Ballard
There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.
Concern for the One - Wirthlin
The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole.
My Words...Never Cease - Holland
In a sense Joseph Smith and his prophetic successors in this Church answer the challenge Ralph Waldo Emerson put to the students of the Harvard Divinity School 170 years ago this coming summer. To that group of the Protestant best and brightest, the great sage of Concord pled that they teach “that God is, not was; that He speaketh, not spake.”
Ask in Faith
We can move beyond routine and “checklist” prayers and engage in meaningful prayer as we appropriately ask in faith and act, as we patiently persevere through the trial of our faith, and as we humbly acknowledge and accept “not my will, but Thine, be done.”
Editorial Notes:
1) Is it not striking how frequently Joseph Wirthlin makes this list despite being the speaker most likely to cause me to wake up in a pool of drool? He and Neal Maxwell are the LDS versions of straight-to-DVD, but for different reasons.
2) One of the first lists ever not to contain Henry B. Eyring. Maybe I should reread.
3) I think like a good stable Utah ward, David Bednar can probably stake his claim on a pew near the front and keep it for the next generation. He and the Hollands will likely be sharing Cheerios. Makes it tough for the rest of the group when these two and Henry Eyring are so good and boxing out.
4) Am I going to a warm place when I die because the prophet is frequently omitted from these? Am I in trouble for making this seem like a competition? (By the way, it's not, it's a way for me to remember)
5) Really, reread Bednar's discourse on prayer and try it for a week. If you're not satisfied, I'll refund the price plus shipping.
A Matter of a Few Degrees - Uchtdorf
The Lord requires not only outward acts but also your inner thoughts and feelings to be close to the spirit of the law. God “require[s] the heart and a willing mind.”
Daughters of God - Ballard
There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.
Concern for the One - Wirthlin
The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole.
My Words...Never Cease - Holland
In a sense Joseph Smith and his prophetic successors in this Church answer the challenge Ralph Waldo Emerson put to the students of the Harvard Divinity School 170 years ago this coming summer. To that group of the Protestant best and brightest, the great sage of Concord pled that they teach “that God is, not was; that He speaketh, not spake.”
Ask in Faith
We can move beyond routine and “checklist” prayers and engage in meaningful prayer as we appropriately ask in faith and act, as we patiently persevere through the trial of our faith, and as we humbly acknowledge and accept “not my will, but Thine, be done.”
Editorial Notes:
1) Is it not striking how frequently Joseph Wirthlin makes this list despite being the speaker most likely to cause me to wake up in a pool of drool? He and Neal Maxwell are the LDS versions of straight-to-DVD, but for different reasons.
2) One of the first lists ever not to contain Henry B. Eyring. Maybe I should reread.
3) I think like a good stable Utah ward, David Bednar can probably stake his claim on a pew near the front and keep it for the next generation. He and the Hollands will likely be sharing Cheerios. Makes it tough for the rest of the group when these two and Henry Eyring are so good and boxing out.
4) Am I going to a warm place when I die because the prophet is frequently omitted from these? Am I in trouble for making this seem like a competition? (By the way, it's not, it's a way for me to remember)
5) Really, reread Bednar's discourse on prayer and try it for a week. If you're not satisfied, I'll refund the price plus shipping.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Hand over the loot...
I'm pretty fiscally conservative, but as long as we are thinking we're going to hand out $700B, I have an idea. There are 100M households in the US. Why don't we just give everyone $7,000. I have a feeling that would put the economy back on track - it would certainly save a few mortgages.
I know, I know, it isn't a handout...
I know, I know, it isn't a handout...
Nudge
Dear NPR Pledge Drive Manager,
Please find enclosed my donation to your pledge this year and a complimentary copy of Nudge, by Dick Thaler. I thought you would like to read it and realize that you couldn't come up with a worse strategy for securing pledges than to constantly reinforce that most listeners don't pledge. As you'll read in the book, it is far more productive for people to believe they are one of the few that doesn't contribute, than one of the many. Just thought you'd like to know - once people's memories fade maybe you can start collecting your donations more quickly so we can be done with this nonsense within the first day or two in the future.
Best regards,
John
Dear Reader,
If you listen to NPR, donate. If you listen to NPR and donate, please do so on the first day of the pledge. These pledge drives should be like a day long. Everyone that's going to pledge eventually does - get it over with.
Best regards,
John
P.S. We gave our donation today, like a week into this. Hi kettle, I'm pot.
Down with Joe
I've always admired Joe Torre, even as he presided over the Evil Empire. No offense, Joe, but I'm not rooting for you, Manny and the feel-good story of the season. I hope you sprain an ankle and wish Manny only the worst of health over the next two weeks. Go Cubs.
Sound advice a century and a half hence
I'm currently reading Arrington's biography of Brigham Young. It's taken me a long time to get through it, even though it isn't horribly long or heavy. Some chapters are much more enjoyable than others, but overall a good read and recommended. Here's a line I read today that I thought was nice:
"Let every father and mother make their homes so interesting that their children will never want to leave it. Make your homes pleasant with foliage and beautiful gardens, with the fragrance of flowers and fruit blossoms. Teach your children to remember God, and that from Him proceeds every good thing."
Sage advice. I think our home's pretty interesting, with six energetic kiddos. In fact, I'm sometimes concerned, as I look around at other adults with adult children still living at home, that my children may indeed never want to leave it. Perhaps we need to be a bit less interesting...
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Kia Kaha
Very cool to see Highland Rugby on the big screen and all it represents. What a cool program to be familiar with, and all the men that have been affected by it, directly and indirectly. I hope the movie makes people ask themselves why. Go see Forever Strong if it's playing near you. Good work, coach.
About to snap
I drive a beater - it has 150K miles on it and a radio that barely works. The CD player no longer works. The tape player no longer works (so no iPod). It will no longer change stations. So I'm stuck with one station all the time - NPR.
Usually this means I drive in silence or with my iPod on the weekends because my local NPR station carpet bombs our market with Prairie Home Companion each weekend. Other than Car Talk, every weekend is a Lake Woebegone marathon. Non-stop fingers on the chalkboard. I can live with it - I don't drive all that much on the weekends.
However, I have a pretty good commute and this week my lack of radio has almost driven me to drink. First, it's that time of year (or month or week - seems constant) when NPR is using 98% of their airtime to ask for contributions. Ugh. Another drive. I hate this.
More importantly, the economy is on the brink of collapse. For most this means anxiety about their jobs, their homes, their families and their livelihood. For me, it means I rarely squeeze in a commute without having to hear an interview with Barney Frank (shown above), Chairman of the Financial Services Committee. He's a pleasant enough looking guy, but has the worst voice on Earth. Does he have teeth? A tongue? Is he perpetually slightly drunk? I can't take it.
I want Congress to give Bernanke his $750B just so I don't have to hear from Congressman Frank again on Monday morning. I'm willing to write my check today for the Wall Street cronies if that's what it takes. I'm willing to pull out of Iraq and send the troops to Massachusetts to unseat Frank's wicked regime. Just please, please, stop interviewing this drunken fool!
I gotta go charge my iPod...
In case you don't trust me, here's your moment of zen - just make sure you don't have sharp objects or firearms close by.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Geekfest
I'm pretty sure there's a geek or two that read my blog unless google analytics is more buggy than I suspect. May I suggest you get your plane tickets now to fly to Dallas for the largest boardgame conference of the year Nov 20-23? You have a free place to stay and can stay an extra week and I'll even cook you a turkey. Only concern I have right now, other than being up to my eyeballs in work and unable to attend is the fact that it's our sell weekend, which means I will have work/social commitments. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to letting my hair down and having non-stop geek action for a weekend.
Katie, can I take the kids for a whole weekend soon so you can crop till you drop so I don't feel so guilty asking for time away to geek? :)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Careful Mr.
You laugh at the old pics of me in a mullet. That bushy -do is likely to engender the same snickers here in a decade or two. I look forward to listening to my grandkids poke their fun.
Congrats Boo
She landed her first backflip yesterday. Now she lands it every time. So cool. Wish I could do it.
Also congrats to Lu who can finally get a pigtail in her hair. It doesn't last long though.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Black Helicopters have landed
A few months ago, I noted that a friend of mine was doing some cool reporting on naked short selling.
As it turns out, two things happened.
1) None of you read the articles I mentioned. Not one of you. Of course, there are only three of you, but you should still know better.
2) He was right. Regulators have now frozen short selling altogether (uh, overkill) because they've realized that naked short selling has massively contributed to the destabilized financial sector. (Note to regulators: short selling creates liquidity, naked short selling creates pandemonium. You might want to look into the difference.)
Now that you're paying attention, remember you heard it here first, second or fiftieth: the next generation of Michael Milkens will be going to jail within the next year or two and this time it will be because of naked short selling. Actually, I know it is illegal but don't know if it is a felony. Given the damage to the economy, it should probably be capital punishable. Every crisis has its hangings - glad I'm not one of the hedge fund managers that pulled down $20M/year over the last couple of years - the proletariat are going to drag you through the streets on the way back to the Bastille.
Did I just say I'm glad I didn't get $20M bonuses. Must be late on a Friday...
As it turns out, two things happened.
1) None of you read the articles I mentioned. Not one of you. Of course, there are only three of you, but you should still know better.
2) He was right. Regulators have now frozen short selling altogether (uh, overkill) because they've realized that naked short selling has massively contributed to the destabilized financial sector. (Note to regulators: short selling creates liquidity, naked short selling creates pandemonium. You might want to look into the difference.)
Now that you're paying attention, remember you heard it here first, second or fiftieth: the next generation of Michael Milkens will be going to jail within the next year or two and this time it will be because of naked short selling. Actually, I know it is illegal but don't know if it is a felony. Given the damage to the economy, it should probably be capital punishable. Every crisis has its hangings - glad I'm not one of the hedge fund managers that pulled down $20M/year over the last couple of years - the proletariat are going to drag you through the streets on the way back to the Bastille.
Did I just say I'm glad I didn't get $20M bonuses. Must be late on a Friday...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Kindle
So I've never considered buying one for myself, but I was generously given a Kindle this week. Far more cool than I expected it to be - I'm practically giddy. Time will tell how fiddly it is, but I'm already well into my first book on it and I expect it to now be my scriptures when away from home, including church. My kids are especially wowed. If they weren't already bookworms I might invest in their own to get them interested in reading. Thanks Brian.
Magic Number down to 4
Now's the time for Cubs fans to start inflating our heart chambers so we have that loud popping sound in a few weeks.
Mankiw scraping - charity
Interesting on multiple layers.
* Biden's an idiot?
* Cold-hearted conservatives are generous?
* Bleeding heart liberals are not?
* I'm generous?
Four things I did not know when I woke this morning.
* Biden's an idiot?
* Cold-hearted conservatives are generous?
* Bleeding heart liberals are not?
* I'm generous?
Four things I did not know when I woke this morning.
Today's paradox
3 out of 4 economists are Democrats. Still trying to come to grips with this. I'll repost if I figure it out. Someone educate me. My econ education would lead me to believe that economists would be libertarian or lean in that direction. Is it that Republicans say they'll tax less, but actually tax more? Or is it because economists tend to be educated and live on the coasts, which favors Democrats? This is the strongest "endorsement" Obama's had for a while for my vote. Not that this swings it heavily in his direction since the fact that he'll tax the bajeebers out of me still weighs awfully heavily in the other direction.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Mankiw scraping
Two items I couldn't pass up. Very interesting. Sorry to plagiarize another blog, but I suppose it isn't plagiarizing if you source it?
I.
Top Recipients of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Campaign Contributions, 1989-2008
1. Dodd, Christopher J, D-CT
2. Kerry, John, D-MA
3. Obama, Barack, D-IL
4. Clinton, Hillary, D-NY
N.B.: Senator Dodd is Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
II.
It is widely assumed that health care, like most aspects of American life, shamefully shortchanges the poor. This is less true than it seems. Economist Gary Burtless of the Brookings Institution recently discovered this astonishing data: on average, annual health spending per person -- from all private and government sources -- is equal for the poorest and the richest Americans. In 2003, it was $4,477 for the poorest fifth and $4,451 for the richest. Probably in no other area, notes Burtless, is spending so equal -- not in housing, clothes, transportation or anything. Why? One reason: government already insures more than a quarter of the population, including many poor.
How's that for a daily dose of economic enlightenment?
I.
Top Recipients of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Campaign Contributions, 1989-2008
1. Dodd, Christopher J, D-CT
2. Kerry, John, D-MA
3. Obama, Barack, D-IL
4. Clinton, Hillary, D-NY
N.B.: Senator Dodd is Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
II.
It is widely assumed that health care, like most aspects of American life, shamefully shortchanges the poor. This is less true than it seems. Economist Gary Burtless of the Brookings Institution recently discovered this astonishing data: on average, annual health spending per person -- from all private and government sources -- is equal for the poorest and the richest Americans. In 2003, it was $4,477 for the poorest fifth and $4,451 for the richest. Probably in no other area, notes Burtless, is spending so equal -- not in housing, clothes, transportation or anything. Why? One reason: government already insures more than a quarter of the population, including many poor.
How's that for a daily dose of economic enlightenment?
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
In Defense of Rote Memorization
As a kid in school, I was not a fan or any good at memorization. I remember struggling to learn my 20 lines of Shakespeare, the various rules for hydration and oxidation in organic chemistry, the dates of the Civil War, etc. No fun and I questioned the value.
A few years ago, prompted by my patriarchal blessing, I decided to give memorization another shot. In the ensuing four years or so, I've memorized quite a bit of stuff. I laid it all out this morning to take an inventory (to see what the girls had lost when they got into it earlier this week). Each morning I recite a handful of these to make sure I don't forget that which I've spent time memorizing. These are the contents of my "memory box". At this point, I've gone through the Book of Mormon, part of the Doctrine & Covenants (both of which I purchased study guides for that were written in the 70s by a friend's mom)and am currently creating my own New Testament study guide. The contents of my box are:
A snippet from each chapter heading in the Book of Mormon
A snippet from each section heading for the first 28 sections of the D&C
Four long summaries (Articles of Faith, For the Strength of Youth, Duties of the Aaronic Priesthood, Definitions & Contents of the D&C)
53 Book of Mormon scriptures
22 D&C scriptures
1 scripture from the PoGP
3 scriptures from the Bible
1 miscellaneous quote
Still lots left to do.
This post is not meant to be a pat on the back, but an idea for something I have found tremendously useful. This memorization creates a framework on which every lesson, talk or discussion I listen to now hangs. It is now more meaningful to me when someone starts reading a verse about free agency from 2 Nephi 2 to know that this is the chapter right before Lehi dies when he shares his last works with his son Jacob (right before his words to Joseph), who was born in 1 Nephi 18 right before they sailed to the promised land and that this same Jacob would later denounce unchastity, share the allegory of the olive tree, relate the story of Sherem and then give the plates to his son Enos, who would in turn testify of the character of his father Jacob as he received his own conversion. If you're in a rut in your personal or family study, give a bit of memorization a try. I've been in a bit of a rut from reciting so much - this morning's inventory has got me re-energized to get back to it.
I'm also glad I figured out which two cards were missing...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The number of the beast
I remembered something interesting the other day that I had once heard about the number of the beast in Revelations. The number is 666, but would have been written in Greek, the language of the New Testament. This is what 666 looks like in Greek. If you look at that number upside down, and in the last days nothing could be bought or sold without it... Kinda interesting...Brings a whole new meaning to the idea that sex sells.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Happy birthday, Hot Tamale!
So sad to miss two really important birthdays, two weeks in a row. I hope your birthday party with cousins is wonderful.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Holy Tornados, Batman!
We had a pretty good storm blow through tonight as I was leaving work. When I got home stuff was blown all over my driveway. The basketball standard was blown down (again), our little garden trailer was blown over and junk was strewn everywhere, but I didn't think much of it and couldn't assess much damage because it was dark by the time I got home from work.
I took Cooper out in the backyard to play catch for a while (in the dark), not really noticing anything amiss. I had to run inside to get the phone and it was my neighbor. "Hey", she says, "Do you want to come get your trampoline out of our pond?" Huh? "Yeah, did you notice your trampoline is missing? It's in our pond."
Ladies and gentlemen, they have a six foot fence around their yard. Our trampoline is the biggest you can find. It went aerial, over the fence and landed, vertically, in their pond, so now they have a 16' disc sticking up against to their house, right in the middle of their new pond. Holy smokes, I hope it hasn't damaged their house. We'll try to remove it tomorrow evening, after we get some pictures. No clue how we're going to lift it back over the 6' fence.
Let that be a lesson to you - her kids have been praying for a trampoline!
I took Cooper out in the backyard to play catch for a while (in the dark), not really noticing anything amiss. I had to run inside to get the phone and it was my neighbor. "Hey", she says, "Do you want to come get your trampoline out of our pond?" Huh? "Yeah, did you notice your trampoline is missing? It's in our pond."
Ladies and gentlemen, they have a six foot fence around their yard. Our trampoline is the biggest you can find. It went aerial, over the fence and landed, vertically, in their pond, so now they have a 16' disc sticking up against to their house, right in the middle of their new pond. Holy smokes, I hope it hasn't damaged their house. We'll try to remove it tomorrow evening, after we get some pictures. No clue how we're going to lift it back over the 6' fence.
Let that be a lesson to you - her kids have been praying for a trampoline!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Gushing
I don't do movie reviews. I don't generally gush over actors. Dumb physical comedy is great acting from my point of view. That said, Heath Ledger wins my all-time award for greatest villain, stolen directly from the iron fist of Darth Vader. Wow. Wow.
I liked this movie enough to give it space in my right nav - Harvey Dent for Mayor.
If you haven't seen it, wow.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Happy birthday, Katie!
Somehow it is frequently the case that I have to be away from Katie on her birthday. However, this birthday seems particularly lonely. I think it is because usually when I've had to be away on her birthday, it is me that's away, not her. This time I'm the one at home.
This is definitely one of the lamest birthdays ever for her. We had a great time on her birthday last year, driving scooters and looking at iMacs. Her 30th birthday with friends on the patio in Stockholm was really good too. This time we're apart and my gift to her is about 2mm above a vacuum cleaner.
I hope that the smile you see in this picture is something I'm able to give her this year. I'm not able to be there, but it is because I'm here making sure I can pay for the things that make her smile where she is.
Katie, I hope you and the kids are having a wonderful time with family and that this reprieve from the stresses of life here and the Texas heat is enjoyable and peaceful.
I will think of you all day tomorrow.
Jag ma du leva ett hundrade ar. Jag alskar dig.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
LA Times joins the Pigou Club
Thanks, once again, to Greg Mankiw for the link to the insightful article. That spiraling noise is my home equity, btw.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-stein11-2008jul11,0,6314598.column
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
Proud Dad
As a dad I needed something to feel proud about this week and Porter gave it to me. He's been a complete wimp in the pool, which is aggravating as all get out particularly since I was exactly the same way. But suddenly is the bomb and swimming without issue. We just had a relay race in the pool with him on my team and he swam three laps end-to-end by himself. I'm so thrilled for him that he didn't wait until he was 35 to get beyond his fear of water. Four down, two to go on the water safety front.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Arrested Development question
A free pat on the back to whomever can remind the name of the character that wears the camera on his head so George Sr. can see what's going on while he's on house arrest.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Obama leaning farther left
Obama has been an intriguing choice for presidency for many, including me. However, in my case, he suffers from a lesson learned. I voted for W in 2000 without knowing much about his politics - I just liked his rhetoric. I'm not making that mistake again. As this article points out, and many like it that I've been reading lately, Obama isn't pushing for change I can believe in, he's just pushing for much higher taxes. No thanks.
I think I'd be willing to vote for a tax hike in the face of a compelling plan, but so far that piece of the puzzle is lacking. I don't really want a tax hike for the sake of pandering. I wish he'd buy votes with someone else's money.
I think I'd be willing to vote for a tax hike in the face of a compelling plan, but so far that piece of the puzzle is lacking. I don't really want a tax hike for the sake of pandering. I wish he'd buy votes with someone else's money.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Hot Tamale
The other day I took Molly to "help" me with the grocery shopping. My car has black seats and it is getting HOT in Texas. When we came out and opened the car, the air shimmered with heat. I exclaimed, "Wow, it is a hot tamale." Without missing a beat, Molly said, "Yeah, hot ta-daddy." I thought that was a great line. Probably not as cool in print...
200 Haves or Have Nots
I saw this on another blog. Thought it was cool. I didn't rate so well.
1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury
140
141. Visited
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Good news about high gas prices
It's becoming more and more tempting to "invest" in new assets that might otherwise be considered splurging on new toys.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Watch it now, watch it
When I was a boy scout I remember playing frisbee on a campout at sunset. As dark settled in, depth perception got worse and worse. Finally someone sent me a zinger that I stared at all the way until it bounced off the bridge of my nose. I see the same thing happening right now with my housing situation.
Gas costs $4/gallon and is unlikely to get cheap again. The immediate side effects have started kicking in - SUV sales are way off, mass transit is way up, etc. One side effect has yet to play out - the same impact on the McMansion. As a guy that lives in a house that's just a bit too voluminous on a lot that's just a bit too large, this is likely to hit me squarely. With high energy costs, people won't want to drive all the way to the suburbs to pay to heat/cool a big house. Good news for city living and responsible city planning. Bad news for suburban dwellers, especially those looking to sell.
I'm unlikely to flinch until this frisbee hits me in the nose.
(credit the naked economist for raining on my parade)
Gas costs $4/gallon and is unlikely to get cheap again. The immediate side effects have started kicking in - SUV sales are way off, mass transit is way up, etc. One side effect has yet to play out - the same impact on the McMansion. As a guy that lives in a house that's just a bit too voluminous on a lot that's just a bit too large, this is likely to hit me squarely. With high energy costs, people won't want to drive all the way to the suburbs to pay to heat/cool a big house. Good news for city living and responsible city planning. Bad news for suburban dwellers, especially those looking to sell.
I'm unlikely to flinch until this frisbee hits me in the nose.
(credit the naked economist for raining on my parade)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Reading recommendation update
I finished The Number Devil today. I hope the kids like it. I found it a quite interesting way to introduce some of the "cool" side of math (if you can believe there is such a thing). If you've ever wondered about the fibonacci sequence (opening part of the Da Vinci Code), this explains it and other cool things like it. Give it a shot.
Born of Goodly Parents
Father's Day is one of my favorite holidays. During 364 days/year, I pay 6x the food, diapers, soccer fees, movie admissions, etc. On this one day, I receive my annual dividend for all that investment. I sleep in, have breakfast in bed and a wonderful amateur backrub with six pairs of hands. Wonderful.
My own dad passed away nine years ago, so now I have to content myself with calling my grandpa and my father-in-law to wish them happy father's day. However, I still reflect each year on my dad, and how he contributed to the good in me (and some of the bad probably). I have some traits that I attribute entirely to genetics, from my mom and dad - integrity, honesty, hard work, frugality. I'm not a world record holder along any of these dimensions, but I find them part of my nature and believe that's because of those chromosomes they gave me. It's too bad the sarcasm gene was on the same chromosome.
I also reflect a bit on days like today on what sorts of traits I've passed along, and am reinforcing with what I teach and how I live. Six times a bad habit has a really geometric sound to it. On the other hand, six times a commitment to making the world place quickly adds up. I hope this is the math that is part of what I've given as a legacy.
Thanks Katie for sponsoring such a pleasant day.
My own dad passed away nine years ago, so now I have to content myself with calling my grandpa and my father-in-law to wish them happy father's day. However, I still reflect each year on my dad, and how he contributed to the good in me (and some of the bad probably). I have some traits that I attribute entirely to genetics, from my mom and dad - integrity, honesty, hard work, frugality. I'm not a world record holder along any of these dimensions, but I find them part of my nature and believe that's because of those chromosomes they gave me. It's too bad the sarcasm gene was on the same chromosome.
I also reflect a bit on days like today on what sorts of traits I've passed along, and am reinforcing with what I teach and how I live. Six times a bad habit has a really geometric sound to it. On the other hand, six times a commitment to making the world place quickly adds up. I hope this is the math that is part of what I've given as a legacy.
Thanks Katie for sponsoring such a pleasant day.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Summer Reading
Perhaps it is because I am working so many hours at the moment, but I have dreams of an idyllic summer vacation sitting for a few weeks in a comfy chair, on the beach or in the woods, leisurely reading a stack of good books. However, since gas is too expensive to make it to the beach or the woods, and I have too much work to do to take the weeks off, I'll just recommend some reading for those of you near the beach or the woods.
For kids or adults, kids books are awesome summer reading. Amazon has a great page for summer reading for kids. I'm currently reading The Number Devil, and would like to read Evil Genius and the entire list of Newberry winners. Our kids have enjoyed series by Angie Sage, Eoin Colfer, Rick Riordan and Ridley Pearson.
There's also an good Amazon page for aspiring adult readers. These lists seem to be too heavy on estrogen for me though, so here are some ideas for you.
Books I wish I had time to re-read this summer:
Invisible Man
Les Miserables
Midwives
Catch 22
Fahrenheit 451
Slaughterhouse Five
A Brave New World
Selections from my wish list:
History - King Leopold's Ghost, Assassination Vacation
Religion - Misquoting Jesus, The Infinite Atonement
Business - Nudge
Cookbook - The Modern Art of Chinese Cooking, The Zuni Cafe Cookbook
Fiction - Sacred Games, The Yiddish Policeman's Union
Non fiction - How Soccer Explains the World, Spoiled Rotten America
Biography - Long Walk to Freedom, The Essential Ghandi
For kids or adults, kids books are awesome summer reading. Amazon has a great page for summer reading for kids. I'm currently reading The Number Devil, and would like to read Evil Genius and the entire list of Newberry winners. Our kids have enjoyed series by Angie Sage, Eoin Colfer, Rick Riordan and Ridley Pearson.
There's also an good Amazon page for aspiring adult readers. These lists seem to be too heavy on estrogen for me though, so here are some ideas for you.
Books I wish I had time to re-read this summer:
Invisible Man
Les Miserables
Midwives
Catch 22
Fahrenheit 451
Slaughterhouse Five
A Brave New World
Selections from my wish list:
History - King Leopold's Ghost, Assassination Vacation
Religion - Misquoting Jesus, The Infinite Atonement
Business - Nudge
Cookbook - The Modern Art of Chinese Cooking, The Zuni Cafe Cookbook
Fiction - Sacred Games, The Yiddish Policeman's Union
Non fiction - How Soccer Explains the World, Spoiled Rotten America
Biography - Long Walk to Freedom, The Essential Ghandi
Friday, June 06, 2008
JK Rowling at Harvard
Someone should assemble the best commencement addresses each spring and publish them. Some incredible people spend a lot of time thinking up words of wisdom for other incredible people.
Here's my contribution for this year - JK Rowling's address to Harvard. If you don't have time to read it, just consider her concluding quote:
As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.
Here's my contribution for this year - JK Rowling's address to Harvard. If you don't have time to read it, just consider her concluding quote:
As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Black Helicopters
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you.
A friend of mine from college has spent the last few years chasing UFOs (aka corrupt hedge funds) with Patrick Byrne (CEO of Overstock.com), and it appears they've found a few. If you're interested in real world conspiracy theories, you can read the whole story at http://www.deepcapture.com - don't start it until you have a ton of time though, it's like 80 pages printed out.
For a 45 minute presentation on naked short selling, check out http://www.businessjive.com.
Or if you just want to read about spooky stuff going on at Wikipedia, you can check out his www.antisocialmedia.net.
I wouldn't normally pay much attention to this sort of stuff, but I trust Judd a great deal and suspect they're onto some interesting things that have pretty huge implications.
A friend of mine from college has spent the last few years chasing UFOs (aka corrupt hedge funds) with Patrick Byrne (CEO of Overstock.com), and it appears they've found a few. If you're interested in real world conspiracy theories, you can read the whole story at http://www.deepcapture.com - don't start it until you have a ton of time though, it's like 80 pages printed out.
For a 45 minute presentation on naked short selling, check out http://www.businessjive.com.
Or if you just want to read about spooky stuff going on at Wikipedia, you can check out his www.antisocialmedia.net.
I wouldn't normally pay much attention to this sort of stuff, but I trust Judd a great deal and suspect they're onto some interesting things that have pretty huge implications.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Breaking up is hard to do
A friend of mine has a son on an LDS mission in Sao Paolo, Brazil. She forwards me his emails pretty much every week so I can keep track of what's going on. He's a very funny kid. I thought this was worth sharing.
this week, i went through my ´first breakup.` this guy named claudio, who we have been teaching for the past month and a half, seriously sat us down and broke up with us. he explained that he likes us and that he still wants to be friends and everything and that we are welcome at his house anytime, but he doesn´t want to hear our messages anymore. he even, no joke, pulled the ´it isn´t you, it´s me.` thing. i wanted to throw a chair and laugh at the same time. this is not a joke either, he kissed me on the neck going out the door. wait...if we broke up...doesn´t that mean...i thought...he can´t, still...you know...have, uh, feelings for us does it? oh well. he´ll call me.
this week, i went through my ´first breakup.` this guy named claudio, who we have been teaching for the past month and a half, seriously sat us down and broke up with us. he explained that he likes us and that he still wants to be friends and everything and that we are welcome at his house anytime, but he doesn´t want to hear our messages anymore. he even, no joke, pulled the ´it isn´t you, it´s me.` thing. i wanted to throw a chair and laugh at the same time. this is not a joke either, he kissed me on the neck going out the door. wait...if we broke up...doesn´t that mean...i thought...he can´t, still...you know...have, uh, feelings for us does it? oh well. he´ll call me.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Tax adjustments
If you were king for a day, which tax would you lower:
* Personal income
* Gas
* Corporate
Few Americans would choose the latter, but Greg Mankiw makes a strong argument for it.
* Personal income
* Gas
* Corporate
Few Americans would choose the latter, but Greg Mankiw makes a strong argument for it.
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