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Fri Mar 27, 2009 - Norman Mattoon Thomas (November 20, 1884 - December 19, 1968) was a leading American socialist, pacifist, and six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America . He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1911. As a candidate for President of the U. S., Norman Thomas said, in a 1944 epoch speech: "The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of "liberalism", they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened." He went on to say: "I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democratic Party has adopted our platform."

Food Over Medicine: The Conversation That Could Save Your Life by Pamela A. Popper My rating: 3 of 5 stars I liked the book. I didn't really want to be persuaded of anything. I'm not that interested in changing big things. However, it's great information, great to be informed and great because now I can make informed choices if I choose to. View all my reviews

The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas G. Carr My rating: 4 of 5 stars Fascinating. I don't think it matters whether you agree with his analysis or not, the book certainly gives you something to think about. I'm convinced I need to change my relationship with the Internet. I am recommending this book to all my kids. View all my reviews

If the LDS Church is going to do this: Mike Terry, Deseret News LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson joined elected officials, business leaders and prominent Utah County residents Friday to dedicate and celebrate the Zions Bank Financial Center.   Photo by Ravell Call Bob Taubman speaks as City Creek Center opens in Salt Lake City, Thursday, March 22, 2012 Then the LDS Church should probably expect some of this . . . Also, a sense of humor never hurt anyone. I am certain God has one.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua My rating: 4 of 5 stars I listened to this as an audio book read by the author. Now that it is over, I feel as though I am missing a friend. She told this story humorously and unapologetically. She was brutally honest even when it made her look like a raving lunatic. She explained why she was willing and compelled to parent the way she did. I admire her ability to stay true to her Chinese culture and parenting standards in the Western Culture she raised Sophie and Lulu in. I learned some things, which I like more than being entertained. I think there is a lot of value to be found in the Chinese parenting model, even if I realize that personally, I could never maintain that level of control, nor would I want to. I respect Ms. Chua for her integrity in admitting to her readers that she was not always successful.   It was a delightful book. It was even more delightful to have Amy Chua tell me this story in her own words and her own v...

Dear AT&T This is my phone This is my husband's phone We drove to Colorado on Saturday and had both phone with us.  My phone (Blackberry Storm) had service about 90% of the time on the drive from Sandy, Utah to Grand Junction, Colorado.  My husband's phone (IPhone) had service about 60% of the time.  Everyone knows that Verizon has better overall service than AT&T.  EVERYONE.  The millions of dollars you pay to have Luke Wilson try and tell us otherwise is wasted.  Big time wasted.  Not to worry though.  You do have exclusive rights to the IPhone.  That right there is all you need.  Millions of people will put up with your inferior service coverage just to have that phone.  The apps, the gadgets, the shine, the SPEED.  Oh, how I envy the speed.  AT&T is faster than Verizon, I will give you that.  Perhaps one day I will try the DROID, if I can get past the creepy commercials.  But I ...

I have had a couple of experiences lately that make me want to give a big SHOUT OUT to all the men and women who volunteer/or get paid very little to coach our little ones and our big ones in their sport of choice.   I know that whenever I sign my kid(s) up for their recreation soccer, or their super league baseball, or their high school basketball season, or whatever - I never check the box that says " would you like to help coach ."  Because I REALLY, REALLY don't want to help coach.  These men and women (and their families, don't forget them), give up A LOT to spend a lot of time with a lot of other people's children.  I am grateful for the "good" ones and the "bad" ones.  Barring something horrific (let's not go there), each coach, each assistant coach and each team experience can teach our children something valuable, if we let it, and if we help them see what they learned.   I am grateful to these people.  I am going to make...