News March 29, 2013

March 29, 2013 — Leave a comment

New York Times Headline: SAC Capital Manager Arrested in Insider Trading Case

Michael Steinberg, the SAC Capital Advisers portfolio manager, was arrested today as part of the governments investigation of insider trading. The SAC has paid large sums of money already to get the investigation over, but the government wants a thorough investigation of what is really going on inside this large hedge fund.

Click here to read the full story.

New York Times Headline: Taliban Spread Terror in Karachi as the New Gang in Town

A seaside town in Pakistan is becoming the new home of the Taliban. Gunmen raging warfare against government and police are just the tip of the iceberg. This shows the Taliban’s prominence and ability to overtake a popular city across Pakistan.

Click here to read the full story.

Washington Post Headline: For federal workforce, the furlough terrain is uneven

Many federal employees, including Park Police and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, will be having a furlough (a leave of unpaid days) in the near future. The 14 unpaid days were cut down from 22 by the government, but employees are still unsure what this means for them, or if the furlough will even go through.

Click here to read the full story.

Favorite Things

March 28, 2013 — Leave a comment

I have many favorite things. But one of my very, very, very, very favorites is shoes. Just ask my mom. She’ll tell you. People have misconceptions about shoes unfortunately, and I would like to give my opinion on what shoes you are allowed to where, when! Keep in mind, this is merely my opinion. Some of you probably dress a lot better than I do and will think this whole thing is crazy. Nevertheless, I shall carry on.

1. The Boot

Whether black or brown, the classy, dressy boot is a staple to a wardrobe. These can be worn literally in all seasons. Some of you are shocked right now thinking “IN THE SUMMER? WHAT IS SHE THINKING.” Yes. You can wear boots in the summer IF they are paired with the right outfit. A dress date you can rock jeans (black or blue,) a cute short sleeve top, and a pair of boots. Honest to goodness. You can do it. Boots are a classic fall and winter wear, but can also be worn with skirts in spring and summer, as well as in the above mentioned situation. Boots. Yes. Do it.

2. The Sandal

Sandals should be worn with caution only in the late spring/summer/early fall months. Once it gets too chilly outside, put them away! Sandals can be rocked with capris, long pants, and skirts. Just don’t wear a super casual pair with a super dressy outfit.

3. The High Heel

I may be a bit biased about heels, seeing as I LOVE THEM. But my opinion is that high heels can be worn during all months! Winter it’s a little more difficult, since there’s snow on the ground, but it can be done. I think heels should be worn with a dress or skirt, and can be used to dress up an outfit if you pair them with long jeans. I’m not a fan of heels and capris or shorts. Some people are though. It’s a personal problem. But a pair of black and nude heels are essential and can instantly class up any outfit.

4. The Ballet Flat

Ballet flats. One of the most versatile shoes out there. Wear them in all seasons, with most outfits (but not with something super casual. Like a hoodie. Or sweats.) Basically, in most situations, you can wear the ballet flat.

5. Casual shoes

Casual shoes are classified as Vans, Keds, Converse, Pumas, Tennis Shoes, Toms, etc. Casual shoes can be worn in all seasons with a variety of outfits, as long as they aren’t dressy. Basically we’re just using common sense. If you’re wearing a shirt with ruffles or a collar, casual shoes probably aren’t a good idea.

And that my friends, is my opinion on shoes.

News March 28, 2013

March 28, 2013 — Leave a comment

New York Times Headline: Justices Cast Doubt on U.S. Law Defining Marriage

While no verdict has been made about the gay marriage cases being heard by the Supreme Court, many of the justices are unsure about the Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA, the law that doesn’t allow gay couples to have federal benefits. Many of the justices are leaning towards letting individual states make the decisions. Hopefully an actual decision will be reached soon.

New York Times Headline: With Vouchers, States Shift Aid for Schools to Families

Lawmakers are discussing new ways to change the public education system. The ideas that are being tossed around now; giving the same amount of public money to education, but give it directly to the families, so parents can decide what school to send their children to. Some states are already trying similar techniques, and have reported success.

Click here to read the full story.

New York Times Headline: Damascus Students Killed in Mortar Strike

At least 12 students were killed at Damascus University when mortar shells were fired into the outdoor cafe. The government blames a main rebel fighting group for the attack, while the rebel group blamed back, saying the government may have done this to stir up anger against insurgents.

Click here to read the full story.

Two-Cents

March 27, 2013 — Leave a comment

All I have time for today is a few major news headlines, a birthday shout-out, and my two-cents. So here we go!

Kurtis Gilliat. What a guy. It’s his birthday today or something like that. Kurtis is himself no matter what the situation. Kurtis wants everyone to get along, be loving and kind, and he always wants the people around him to be happy. Kurtis is a very smart guy, who loves having fun. He’s an incredible person and an amazing FHE brother! He’s one of those people that you can completely be yourself around, and he’ll still love you. He never gets mad, even when I call him a specific name that he thinks sounds baby-ish, and he’s a loyal friend. So here’s to you Kurtis! Happy birthday, and thanks for being one of my best friends (with no benefits.) Love you!!

Yup…..that’s him folks!

And lastly. I’m not going to be posting my opinion about all the gay marriage stuff on this blog. If you really want to know my opinion, you can ask me. But please know that whether you agree or disagree with me, we can still be friends. I try to have love for everyone and my opinion on the matter doesn’t change that at all.

Also. My blog just got approved for ads!!! We’re slowly but surely moving up in the world. You could help by recommending this blog to your friends, family, enemies…whatever;) Love you all! Happy Wednesday!

News March 27

March 27, 2013 — Leave a comment

New York Times Headline: Justices Weigh Law Denying U.S. Benefits to Gay Spouses

This story is about the second day of Supreme Court hearings on gay marriage. While yesterday’s case was about the legality of gay marriage and California’s proposition 8, today’s case is more about the Defense of Marriage Act and the federal benefits for gay couples.

Click here to read the whole story.

New York Times Headline: Firm Is Accused of Sending Spam, and Fight Jams Internet

Your internet may not be working as well as normal, and Netflix and other major services may be down. This is due to a Dutch company that is reportedly spamming the Internet, and other major companies who are now all involved in an Internet fistfight. Internet engineers are hoping the problems get resolved soon so customers can have everything back to normal.

Click here to read the whole story.

Those are your major headlines for today! Enjoy!

Fire

March 26, 2013 — Leave a comment

So today at 8:30, I was awoken by the SCREECHING of a fire alarm. Trust me, I will never complain about my regular alarm again. Those things are LOUD. All the girls in my building rushed outside, trying to see if there was another kitchen fire (two weeks ago there was a large stove fire downstairs. That was exciting.) The good news is, there was no fire. The bad news is that now electricians and firemen get to figure out why the alarm went off! I was really grateful for my parents for teaching me fire safety. I rolled out of bed, grabbed some shoes, and got out of there. So thanks Mom and Dad!

Now, in honor of this situation, I thought I’d post a fire-y recipe that is one of my favorites. Shout-out to my mom, whose recipe this is and who makes this soup better than I do! Enjoy!

Fire Roasted Tomato Soup

· 1 stalk celery finely diced

· 1 small onion finely diced

· 1 carrot finely diced

· 4 cans fire roasted tomatoes

· 3 cup of chicken bouillon or stock

· 1 cup whipping cream

· Basil, oregano, salt & pepper to taste

Brown onion, celery and carrots in a small amount of olive oil and butter. Add tomatoes, bouillon and seasonings. Simmer 15-20 minutes. Puree in blender or with hand blender. Turn to low heat, stir in cream. Heat gently and do a final seasoning. Serve garnished with sour cream and/or tortilla strips.

News: March 26, 2013

March 26, 2013 — Leave a comment

New York Times Headline: In Landmark Case, Justices Debate Gay Marriage

Today the Supreme Court will determine the definition of marriage, which could be the last word on the United States position on gay marriage. The main argument is against California law Proposition 8, which doesn’t allow gays to be married in the state of California. A decision will be reached at some point today.

Click here to read the full story.

New York Times Headline: Rome Court Overturns Acquittal of Amanda Knox

Amanda Knox, an American exchange student, was on trial for charges of killing her roommate in 2007. She was sentenced to 26 years in prison, but the convictions were overturned and Amanda was able to go back to the United States. She thought the whole thing was over. Then the lawyers of the murdered girl filed an appeal to have the trial reheard, and a Roman court accepted that appeal. So the entire trial will be reheard, though it is unlikely that Amanda will return to Italy for the trial.

Click here to read the full story.

Washington Post Headline: Summly and its teen founder snapped up by Yahoo

Nick D’Aloisio, the founder of the app Summly, has $30 million dollars and a new career. And he’s 17. This app allows readers to skim through news briefs that quickly explain the major news headlines. D’Alosio sold this app, and also will have a major place in the Yahoo! corporation as they begin to market the app as their own.

Click here to read the full story.

Those are the major headlines today! Enjoy!

Food, Fashion, and Fun

March 25, 2013 — Leave a comment

So along with the serious, important news of the day, I also want to increase the entertainment and beauty on this blog. I want to have a morning show blog of sorts, a Today Show or Good Things Utah of the blogging community. Hopefully people can visit and see the real news, as well as some great recipes, or tips on college life.

So yes on this blog you will get

Too much information on my personal life. Sorry, blogging can sometimes be therapeutic.
Hard news explained so people can be informed, and then form opinions on things that are important.
Entertaining features about food, fashion, art, music, literature, etc!

Can’t wait to give this new idea a whirl!

News

March 25, 2013 — Leave a comment

So I’m going to be switching things up on my blog a little bit. As some of you know, I am an aspiring journalist who loves the news. I read the New York Times every day, have a job that requires me to read religious news articles every day, and would love nothing more than to report the news on TV. Unfortunately there are many people who either don’t have access to, don’t care about, or dislike the news. My goal is to change all that. So this blog is now going to be housing more than just my personal sob stories. It’s going to have major headlines of news events made clear. Sometimes the jargon of foreign affairs and business makes reading news articles confusing. My goal is to make the news of the world accessible for anyone and everyone. So now when you come to this blog, you’ll not only see my personal life, but also some of the things that are going on in the world that really matter. Now you can have a way to keep up with what’s REALLY going on in the world, and be able to understand it too.

Educate yourself.

<img alt="My New Quote to Live By

Perspective

March 25, 2013 — Leave a comment

So I’m not going to do Gabe’s big farewell post yet. I’ll either do it when he moves back home or actually leaves. I just can’t do that big goodbye post when he’s still got a few weeks of dealing with us all:)

But we did go to Gabe’s farewell this weekend which was super fun! We drove for several hours to Tremonton and then to Morgan to watch our friends give their farewells (Nick and Gabe both gave excellent talks) and then we ate way too much food and got some quality friend time. We didn’t have time to stop by Kaysville though, which I was sad about:( I wanted to see my mom. But this weekend I will get to see my family which I’m really excited about!! The farewells were great. I got to do a lot of thinking during our long car rides, and came to a few brief conclusions about life in general.

It’s the best feeling in the world when your friends have your back.
You are as happy as you make yourself.
When you spend 30 minutes listing things you love, you find more things that you do love.
Utah is one of the prettiest places in the world.
You can be happy, having the time of your life, and still feel like you’re missing something.
It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, if you have the gospel, you have everything you need.
I have some of the best friends in the world.
You have no idea what the future holds, but there’s someone who does!

Also. I got an email from Elder Low:) Which was great! He’s doing great, loving Japan, dealing with crazy people, and enjoying every second.

Happy Monday everyone!