Global Warming

When people find out that Landon is studying Geology, hands down the most-asked question is this: "So does he believe in global warming?" Some people ask this in an incredulous tone, as though an affirmative answer makes us crazy hippies. Others are clearly asking so they can condescend "I told you so" to someone else. Almost inevitably, they already have a firmly formed opinion, and are not really interested in his answer other than to affirm their own stance that a) all climate scientists are lazy, conniving, power-hungry political pawns who manipulate their research to confuse congress into making terrible decisions that will ultimately destroy the country or b) all conservatives are ignorant, religious zealots who would rather see the earth as a barren wasteland than bend their worldview or work with liberals and other countries on solutions to our problems.
I am not trying to make you feel bad if you have asked us this question. As a matter of fact, Landon LOVES to talk about this issue with people because, well, that's what his master's research has been based on. He's geeky about science and can relate facts till he's blue in the face. But it does bother him when, once he's given an initial yes or no, people tune him out and instead start a political debate about the merits of cap and trade or electric car subsidies.
So when one of our good friends from high school sent me a text the other day asking "So, what does your husband say about global warming?" I laughed a little and replied "He says a LOT." It turns out that our friend was genuinely interested in finding the true facts about global climate change and the repercussions thereof. In response, Landon spent several hours composing an email that I think lays out the facts in a simple, understandable, politically-free manner. It does contain his opinions, but he is careful to always preface those sections with "this is my opinion."
Since some of you have also asked us about this issue, I thought I would share Landon's insights on the matter so that you can better understand where he's coming from and what has led him there. Remember: Landon is a climate scientist with a bachelor's degree in Geology and has completed 1.5 semesters of master's study on the issue. He isn't a PhD yet, he has not published any noteworthy findings or won a Nobel prize. This is simply the issue as he sees it. If this will upset you or possibly cause you to disown us as friends, please don't read it. :)

If you're interested, click here to read his detailed response.

And thanks, Jason, for asking!

Brothers + Jimmered!

In case you have been living under a rock or something, let me tell you about one of our simple pleasures this winter.

After a disappointing football season, we were starting to wonder if our all-sports passes had been worth it. Little did we know that a few short months later, we'd find ourselves in a crowd of 25,000 people chanting "You got Jimmered" at the top of our lungs. Ranked #8, the BYU team is on a roll, and we've been riding right along with it. Lest ye doubt just how much fun it is to watch Jimmer sink a 3-pointer from 40 feet out:


Now picture that happening over and over again in a single game, until he's scored 40+ points. I don't care who you cheer for, that is cool. And it's great fun to participate in a small way in a historical season for BYU.

This weekend we had the extra pleasure of having Landon's brothers with us to enjoy the experience. Friday night started out with a party consisting of treats, laughing and a little Psych. Saturday morning, I woke up with a headache and had decided to stay in bed for a bit. I was semi-conscious when I heard something funny out in the living room. I recognized that voice...but it couldn't be him, we hardly see him and he lives up in SLC...I groggily got up and walked out to find:

My big brother! Loved the drop-in visit. :) Headache forgotten, we had breakfast, talked lots about med school and girlfriends, and then did a little indoctrination.

 This is what it looks like when you get a group of boys watching anything to do with "Star Wars" on TV. I have a feeling there will be many moments like this in my future. We love our brothers!

After our fun morning together, it was finally time for the game.

To be perfectly honest, it wasn't Jimmer's best game (23 points). But he still sunk a few, and the rest of the team did great. It was so much fun having Dallin and Wesley around - polishing off the evening with pizza, ice cream, and games. In the end, we defeated the U 72-59. Sweet redemption after our painfully close loss in November.

 

And all was right with the world.

Happy.

 

 

 

Idea found HERE

 

 

 

 

Family, food, football. Here's to another great birthday!