"I guess it's hard for people who are so used to things the way they are - even if they're bad - to change. 'Cause they kind of give up. And when they do, everybody kind of loses."
- From the move Pay It Forward
This is a statement - a part - of my testimony.
Another part that I will include - my motto:
Never give up.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
2008 Election Choices
After a great deal of research, I have come to the conclusion that the following will likely be my choices in the 2008 elections:
President of The United States of America: Barack Obama
Federal House of Representatives, Utah District 2: Jim Matheson
Utah Governor: Jon Huntsman, Jr.
Utah Lieutenant Governor: Gary R. Herbert
Attorney General of Utah: Mark L. Shurtleff
Treasurer of Utah: Richard K. Ellis
Utah State Auditor: Auston G. Johnson III
Utah House of Representative District 37: Linda Cooper
Utah State School Board District 8: Trent E. Kaufman
I post this list amidst feelings of social unease - politics has quickly become a taboo subject in many circles. While it should not be a subject discussed in some situations, it should not be a taboo subject. I post my probable choices in an effort to: 1) Demonstrate that I have a choice, 2) Encourage others to vote, 3) Encourage others to do their research before voting, 4) Express my opinions, and 5) Express my support for certain issues.
As I have mentioned before, no candidate is perfect. This is especially apparent to me in the list above. Each and every person above holds ideals that I agree with while at the same time holding ideals that I disagree with. I choose these people because their stance on issues which I consider most important at this time in history agree with my stance on those same issues.
Do you know who you will be voting for? Feel free to e-mail me or post a comment below if you would like information on how to research your choice in the upcoming elections.
President of The United States of America: Barack Obama
Federal House of Representatives, Utah District 2: Jim Matheson
Utah Governor: Jon Huntsman, Jr.
Utah Lieutenant Governor: Gary R. Herbert
Attorney General of Utah: Mark L. Shurtleff
Treasurer of Utah: Richard K. Ellis
Utah State Auditor: Auston G. Johnson III
Utah House of Representative District 37: Linda Cooper
Utah State School Board District 8: Trent E. Kaufman
I post this list amidst feelings of social unease - politics has quickly become a taboo subject in many circles. While it should not be a subject discussed in some situations, it should not be a taboo subject. I post my probable choices in an effort to: 1) Demonstrate that I have a choice, 2) Encourage others to vote, 3) Encourage others to do their research before voting, 4) Express my opinions, and 5) Express my support for certain issues.
As I have mentioned before, no candidate is perfect. This is especially apparent to me in the list above. Each and every person above holds ideals that I agree with while at the same time holding ideals that I disagree with. I choose these people because their stance on issues which I consider most important at this time in history agree with my stance on those same issues.
Do you know who you will be voting for? Feel free to e-mail me or post a comment below if you would like information on how to research your choice in the upcoming elections.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Pumping Iron
The current topic of study in my calculus class is differentials. These are not a topic that I enjoy yet and I hope that I can quickly become comfortable with them. I do not yet see the great power that lies behind these mathematical gadgets and I need to come to enjoy them because they are such a big part of the math used in theoretical physics! Hoo-ray.
The other day I talked with a young lady at work about intelligence. I have never considered myself an intelligent person but rather an average person who enjoys science. It has been pointed out to me several times over the past couple of years that my mind tends to work more quickly and efficiently than most in the world of logic and math. This was not the case when I was younger. This young lady attempted to convince me that intelligence was always an inborn trait which is unlearnable. Is it?
My mathematics teacher taught me something about this. He compared the study of mathematics and the application of what is learned to a mental gymnasium. Just like lifting weights and running track builds strength, endurance and physical ability, so doing math builds mental strength, endurance and ability. Since he told me that about a year ago, I have paid special attention to my mental strengths. I noticed that on days when I did mathematics, my mind tended to work better in terms of speed, efficiency, and capacity. I have also noticed an improvement over time as I continue my study in the field of mathematics.
What does this all mean? Almost anybody can develop intelligence! Isn't that wonderful? Just spend time in a mental gymnasium however you see fit. Make sure to push yourself just like you would if you were training yourself physically. You will get tired. You will want to give up. Work through the pain and let your mind grow! Never give up! Intelligence is a talent that can be developed.
To me, this is humbling and empowering.
Apparently it was also empowering to that young lady who visited me at work. She requested the name of my professor who taught me the idea and will sign-up for his next class.
The other day I talked with a young lady at work about intelligence. I have never considered myself an intelligent person but rather an average person who enjoys science. It has been pointed out to me several times over the past couple of years that my mind tends to work more quickly and efficiently than most in the world of logic and math. This was not the case when I was younger. This young lady attempted to convince me that intelligence was always an inborn trait which is unlearnable. Is it?
My mathematics teacher taught me something about this. He compared the study of mathematics and the application of what is learned to a mental gymnasium. Just like lifting weights and running track builds strength, endurance and physical ability, so doing math builds mental strength, endurance and ability. Since he told me that about a year ago, I have paid special attention to my mental strengths. I noticed that on days when I did mathematics, my mind tended to work better in terms of speed, efficiency, and capacity. I have also noticed an improvement over time as I continue my study in the field of mathematics.
What does this all mean? Almost anybody can develop intelligence! Isn't that wonderful? Just spend time in a mental gymnasium however you see fit. Make sure to push yourself just like you would if you were training yourself physically. You will get tired. You will want to give up. Work through the pain and let your mind grow! Never give up! Intelligence is a talent that can be developed.
To me, this is humbling and empowering.
Apparently it was also empowering to that young lady who visited me at work. She requested the name of my professor who taught me the idea and will sign-up for his next class.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Vice Presidential Debate
While watching the vice-presidential debate this evening, I had a thought that I would like to flesh-out. This thought came about as I was listening to Palin and Biden talk about the role and duties of the office of vice-president.
Biden spoke about how he would help Obama out with decisions and give Obama his best advice - that he would sit next to him and provide support. Palin spoke about how she would use her opportunity to increase the power of the vice president in the senate.
Why did each presidential candidate choose their running mate? After listening to each running mate this evening, I was able to infer (with a grain of salt) the answer to this question.
McCain chose Palin for political reasons. She is a woman (no duh, right?) and she is young and energetic. She is the perfect compliment to McCain to make him look better during the campaign race.
Obama chose Biden, in part, for these same reasons. However, I think that Obama had his presidency more in mind. Biden will be able to provide him with tremendous advice because, as Biden said tonight, he will not be afraid to speak his mind. He will provide honest and good advice to Obama.
To me, this strengthens my opinion that the Obama group is more sincere, honest, and forward thinking. Did I see this because of my opinion? Perhaps. However, this debate only strengthened my lean toward Barak Obama for president of the United States.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
