Tucson

Last weekend Lynette and I went down to Tucson to enjoy the weekend with her parents.

Lynette just completed her first major review as a grad student. From what I heard, she did great. I am very proud of her. This is what she had to say about that review. Here's what she wrote about our trip.

Down in Tucson I helped Lynette's dad replace a toilet that wasn't working. I also tried making pizza in a dutch oven. I think, from now on, when I go to Tucson my new 'thing' will be to try a new dutch oven recipe.

The pizza turned out pretty good, but the pizza crust didn't turn out perfectly. At least I know there is room for improvement.

Here are some pictures.

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Back to Normal

Well, now that the election is over my blog will be getting back to normal…so, here’s another scout outing post:

Last month I took the scouts on a nice little hike near Payson. We camped in a beautiful location near a creek and the next morning we hiked up to an uncompleted railroad tunnel near the top of the Mogollon Rim.

Tonto Forest published this about the tunnel:

In the early 1880's, the Arizona Mineral Belt Railroad made plans to cash in on the need for transportation of ore from Globe to the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad in Flagstaff. The scheme called for a tunnel to be excavated through the Mogollon Rim. The plan was discarded after they twice ran short of funds. Now all that can be seen of the tunnel is a hole in the rock.

The boys had fun, the tunnel itself wasn’t all that great, but it was neat to arrive someplace at the end of the hike.

We had hamburgers with all the fixin’s—including French Fries made from real potatoes. All in all, it was a great trip.

Scott

Ride up:

Here one of the guys is cutting the potato's into fries:

Frying them up:

A little slower, but much better than fast food.

A rock structure adjacent to the tunnel:

One Crazy group:

Historic

I don’t know how anyone could have listened to President-elect Barack Obama’s acceptance speech Tuesday night, and not have been moved. This speech was much simpler and shorter than others of the campaign but was especially powerful.

His words took us on a journey through time and showed how American’s have always righted wrongs in the world. He spoke of his hope for the future, and how we will always be a great nation. Basically, his speech paralleled the old adage: Learn from yesterday, live for today and imagine the future.

The most significant part of the speech to me was that he asked us to join in the “work of remaking the nation”. He didn’t say, now that I am in charge you needn’t worry. He called on regular citizens to “pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.” He is rebranding America, and the idea of patriotism, service and responsibility. He is bringing us all under one roof and he expects everyone to work in this effort.

Great presidents have and always will do that. I hope that as a nation we accept his call for action so we can see change in America.

I am glad I am able to experience this historic moment. This election is moving our nation to a safer place. Our decision made us stronger. And I believe Obama’s presidency will make us stronger too.

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ps. I was trying to find a pic when both the Obama and Biden family were on stage last night at Grant Park, but couldn't find one...I'm disappointed I couldn't put that here...to me that image was especially iconic.

Obama and 102

Someone once told me that they think blogs are a good place to air anecdotal evidence and hunches. If you want data, go to an institution. If you want personal feelings and judgements go to a blog. Well, here is a 'hunch'.

We are expected to see the highest voter turnout ever for this election. Whether you like him or not, Barack Obama has made this election exciting. He has been able to connect to many in this country who do not normally vote.

McCain/Palin have reached out too, but they are not the reason why so many people will be voting this election. People are either coming out to vote for Obama, or against him—but the point is more people will be voting.

Obama typifies his message of change. Being of mixed race allows him to connect to all races, religions, regions and economic backgrounds. It’s easy for everyone to see a little of themselves in Barack Obama.

I think high turnout for Obama may result to be a good thing for Arizona, particularly on Proposition 102, Arizona’s proposed amendment to define marriage as One Man and One Woman.

I’m just guessing…and...I haven’t seen any poling data to confirm or deny this…but…it may be that the majority of these first time voters (who will vote for Obama) are also pro-traditional family and will vote Yes for Marriage in Arizona.

I don’t think there is a strong connection between people who want to see a black president and people who want to allow gay marriage.

So, the interest in the elections this year has been phenomenal. The only reason why many will vote this year is because of one man, Barack Obama. I just hope that they don’t stop voting at the top of the ballot—they could give a big boost to Arizona if they make it down to 102.

Ps. If someone comes up with some real data or compelling reason for me not to believe this, I just might back-peddle on this…but, this is what I’m currently thinking.

I am Scott Andreasen and I Approve this Message

After much deliberation I have decide who I will vote for. I post this for those interested. I don’t intend to influence or change your vote.

I choose Barack Obama.

After looking at all the issues, the issue that stands out to me during this election campaign is the nominee’s ability to ‘inspire’.

I believe Barack Obama will encourage our nation to reach higher and dream bigger. His presence in the minds of regular Americans could enact change that can last for generations. It signals that anyone, from any background can achieve any goal. I believe there is an inspirational void in America right now and maybe four years of Barack Obama and his family in the lime light will remind us all what can accomplished if we believe.

I realize it may seem like I’m not considering other important issues like Supreme Court Justice selections. One or two bad selections to the Supreme Court can wreak havoc on the political system for many years to come. And, with the possibility of unified government, this issue is of extreme importance this year.

But, I still believe that we will see a greater impact if seeds of hope can be planted in the hearts and minds of all Americans (particularly the youth). Millions of Americans realizing their unlimited potential will have much more far reaching affects than the life of one or two judges.

Barack Obama has clearly connected with the hearts of Americans. He motivates and inspires the younger, more open-minded generation. This motivation is the door to America’s future and I don't want to see it closed.

Although Obama will not handle the war in Iraq using the Republican handbook I believe he will restore world confidence in America. His presence alone on the international stage will speak volumes to leaders of nations and restore the trust that America desperately needs right now.

We will get through this economic situation with Barack Obama. Again, he will handle it a bit differently than Republican’s might, but he will get the right people on-board to advise him to make thoughtful and wise decisions.

His election will say to America that anything is possible and that the limits of our success are not based on who you are, but what you think and how you act. That's a message I can support wholeheartedly.