Supporting a Former Colt

Today was Primary voting day in Utah. There were two choices on the ballot - the Republican Senate primary between a pair of ultra conservative Tea Party wantabees, and the Democratic 2nd Congressional primary between Jim Matheson and Claudia Wright. I could have cared less about the GOP race (are they really that different from one another?), but I had a long shot candidate in the second contest.

Why should I vote for Claudia Wright?

Does she really have a chance?

Could a liberal Democrat win in November?

I don't really have anything against Jim Matheson. He has been a good representative for the state of Utah. Does he represent me? Not really. But he does represent the majority of people who live within his district - a decidedly Republican district. My vote wasn't against Jim Matheson - my vote was for Claudia Wright.

Claudia Wright was a Social Studies teacher at Cottonwood High School for years and I was fortunate enough to have her as a teacher. She challenged the ways in which I viewed the world - always asking students to look beyond the surface at the deeper issues involved. Claudia is one of the smartest people I have ever known. If we could have more people like her in Washington I know the country would be in good hands.

In the end Matheson won the Primary 68% - 32%, but in my eyes Claudia was victorious. She led a grassroots campaign that took a 5-term congressman to a Primary. She showed all of her former students that she wasn't all talk. A teacher who would rather look at the past than try and impact the future. To me - Ms. Wright was, and always has been, a winner!

Father's Day Photo

A little love for dad on his big day.

Diary of a Utah Fan - Pac 10 Bound

The news became official last week - the University of Utah is moving to the Pac 10 as it expands to 12 teams. The rumors of the move had been active for several months, but they really picked up steam about a month ago. Still, the past week had several twists and turns, each one spelling the Utes being left out in the cold. When all was said and done, the Utes were in and I can't tell you how exciting all of this is up on campus. The move will mean expanded resources for the university, the athletics programs, and most importantly - the fans! Can you imagine going on a conference road trip to play USC at the Coliseum, instead of to Laramie to play the Cowboys?

The key to the move has to be our football program. With a 7-3 record since 2003 against the Pac 10, 2 BCS Bowl wins, 9 straight bowl victories, and an ever-increasing national presence the Utes became a likely candidate to move up to a larger conference. Time will tell if we can compete with the big boys week in and week out, but I like our chances once we get settled into the mix. All I know for certain is this - I hope my season ticket request goes through, this is going to be one hot ticket in 2011!

Poor BYU

On Utah joining the Pac 10

"It's a day BYU supporters wish would never have arrived, but it's here. BYU will continue to occupy its place among the best schools and athletic programs in the country, but will do so in a way that is deemed by some to be "secondary" to an instate rival that attracts fewer fans, TV viewers and radio listeners, and boasts less national appeal." - Greg Wrubell (Voice of Cougar Football)

Is this the definition of sour grapes or what?

One Small Step

It may have only been a few small steps, but it was a giant leap forward for Dylan. A few days ago, Big D decided he could walk.

And he did.

He could only take a few steps before falling, but they were steps.

All on his own.

I think my favorite part of watching Dylan's first steps was the little turn he did he time he started to walk.

Enjoy!