This is a nice picture that Melissa likes of us. I was experimenting with a new image uploading option... Thanks you... for your time.

There once was a dream called snow. This last week it has been rather cold and snowy. The coldness has been propogated by the sudden death of our heating. Baby it's cold outside (and inside).

We have, however, made good use of the snow. We have designed and created a monument to our superior culture on our front lawn. I have provided a picture below. Joint credit goes to our entire apartment with help from Melissa and Chiara. But... I must take the credit for recieving the inspiration for the monumental steps (also instrumental in the building process) and the lion. In conclusion, the neighborhood is very impressed and many pictures have been taken. Ironically, the Daily Universe (BYU's Newspaper) featured a snowman built on campus on their front page. I don't even know if you could call it a snowman, 3 balls with some sticks coming out it. Ours looks like Zeus, God of Olympus, in comparison. Lets just say that if good was gonna make a snowman, he would have made one that looks close to ours... obviously better, but similar.

In other news, Melissa got a job. I know it's amazing. She got hired on at US Bank. Full-time, benefits, more money than I've ever gotten. It just goes to prove that this whole school thing isn't all that it is cracked up to be.

I start work again tomorrow. It is sure to be a joy.

I am still awaiting news of the expected birth of my first neice... that should be happening soon.

I took the Physical Science 100 Challenge Exam so that I wouldn't have to take the class. I got a 58. I needed a 60 to pass. That really pissed me off. But I think that I am going to just take the final and see what I can get out of it.

One of my teachers handed this out last semester and I thought that it was pretty funny:

Math for 2005

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $3.58. The counter girl took my $4.00 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking a the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried.

Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s.

Teaching Math in 1955:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

Teaching Math in 1965:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, of $80. What is his profit?

Teaching Math in 1975:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Math in 1985:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underling the number 20.

Teaching Math in 1995:
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.)

Teaching Math in 2005:
Un maderero vende un camion de madera de construccion para $100. El coste de produccion es $80. Cuantas tortillas puede el comprar?