Global Economics Too

My previous post provided a glimpse of the intrigue and excitement to be found in the study of global economics.  Irresistible.  Right.  As already recommended, the youth library book, Economics (©2009 by World Book, Inc. – printed in China) is a fast read or a casual companion in a quiet corner, depending on how one handles intrigue. 

The introduction defines an economy as “a system in which people exchange goods and services with other people.”  This thin book leads the eager reader through histories of tax collection, coins, paper money, checks, banks, stock markets, and the gold standard (abandoned by the United States in 1971 –page 21.)  The bar code, credits cards and ATM’s also come into play.  The chapter on Electronic Commerce really gets down to business, “starting in the late 1990’s” enabled by the World Wide Web – global marketing and transactions over the Internet.  A local example is my friend Phil’s recent purchase of a flight-simulator program for $12 from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK); and it works OK by my graphics standards.  I think the $12 included shipping & handling, which was likely done electronically by enabling a one-minute download from the Internet.

After feudalism dominated the Middle Ages (p.34),” mercantilism emerged in Europe” and thrived during the 1500’s through the 1700’s (p.36) until the idea of a free-market system was argued by Scottish economist Adam Smith (… The Wealth of Nations, 1776.)  “Less government interference in the economy” – a key phrase I noticed jumps out as a cry for freedom that applies to global economics today.  And then the chapter we’ve waited for: Capitalism -- “an economic system in which individual households and businesses control the economy.”  It “is also called the free-market system, because individuals are free to make their own economic decisions.”  The historical chapter on Communism (p.40) is like a recurring nightmare.  Finally, the trend towards globalization “accelerated in the late 1900’s due in part to technological developments.”  The European Union (EU, created in 1992) has played a major role.  (Economics  p.42)  

Since the global recession began in 2008, China may be managing capitalism’s crisis better than the U.S. (Viewpoint byTony Karon, Jan. 20, 2011, Time.com.)  I don’t think so, and would never “Like” it on Facebook, though we seem to buy most everything from Asia.  We must work together to remain the greatest country on earth (my humble opinion.)

Now tell me you’re not excited!

Global Economics Appetizer

Written for school children, so even I can understand while trying to think less about food; (incomplete sentence just for practice.)  With help from the Layton librarian, I finally found a thin book on (titled) Economics, published in 2009 by an old friend, World Book, Inc.  At the Library of Congress it’s cataloged as “Economic history – Juvenile literature.”  Of all the econ books I’ve read since 1971, I consider it the “little darling” I’ve been waiting decades for.  You can devour it in five minutes.

My only disappointment: the glossary is missing “economics”, defined by my Merriam-Webster as “a social science dealing with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.”  As if to make amends, Economics defines globalization as “the trend toward increased economic, cultural, and social connectedness across international borders.” 

Like icing on a cake, the cover is a grand photo of a stock exchange in action (NYSE, it appears); you will recognize it next time you’re browsing the youth section at the library (like meat & potatoes at a buffet.)  Moving on to the adult econ area, as tempting as they may be, never mind Economic Literacy – What Everyone Needs to Know About Money & Markets ©1995 by Jacob DeRooy, and Secret Weapon ©2012 by Kevin Freeman (love the surname) about economic terrorism.  Get a taste of the little paperback: The 21st Century Economy – a Beginner’s Guide ©2009 by Randy Charles Epping; (the “beginner’s” part is what got my attention.)  Like a rich chicken pot pie at a favorite restaurant, it has “101 easy-to-understand tools for surviving and thriving in the new global marketplace.”  Not filling, and worth sampling; no $tip required.

For dessert, listen to the BBC news; for example, stock markets in the US and elsewhere fell sharply yesterday when Italy’s parliament was “hung” (no winner in the election = more uncertainty about the economic future of Europe.) 

Enough for now, to stimulate the appetite.  Until next time, “feed the pig” (add cash to savings for the next economic crisis.)

 

Quick! Call it a Month

A month of change and beginnings was January; (why did it go so fast? – with so much cold weather and snow?  Is that why they converted “global warming” to “global climate change”? – must be caused by too much human activity, whatever it is.  – jk) 

No, I’m not too old to change … or begin new things.  For example, try a new recipe I invented this week for a healthy fast-food snack anytime: Combine equal amounts of Ocean Spray Craisins (dried cranberries) and Nestle' Semi-Sweet Morsels (dark chocolate) for a handful of pure joy.  For a robust breakfast or brunch, add oatmeal with brown sugar, almonds cut in half, sunflower kernels (roasted unsalted) and raisins.  At Kay’s siblings’ annual planning meeting last Saturday (still in love and planning family activities after all these years) I heard that half-and-half cream is good on oatmeal.  For bedtime snacks next month, I want to try the Ocean Spray Craisins recipe for “oatmeal cranberry white chocolate chunk cookies” enhanced with a missing ingredient:  macadamia nuts (my idea assisted by Google, as it was also missing in my old M-W dictionary, between macadam and macaque – two words I will never use.)  With a chocolate milk shake, of course.

Another example of change in January: We canceled our Comcast TV and landline phone, at the same time we switched to Verizon Wireless with smart phones that can actually locate new eateries.  This followed twelve years of dependable easy-to-use T-Mobile dumb phones; (the last three years the signal struggled to reach us out here on the frontier.)  Now I wish we had video-taped those fabulous cooking shows we all love to sit and watch (jk) – not to mention the talking heads spinning food for thought about politics.

This month my goal-oriented friend Phil taught me how to organize my daily life for productive final years.  So a third example of change (and a goal) is this: In February I will stop obsessing with food, and think about global economics during lunch at Golden Corral.  RootsTech is in March this year (#3), so I will be musing more on family history then (including Grandmother Cannon’s rich chocolate cake made from scratch.)  Food, econ, roots – a delicious combination to start the New Year; (another incomplete sentence, MS Word reminded me.  See?  I broke out of that rut too!)

 

 

An End and a Beginning

Our business closed today, beginning a four-year hiatus (a lapse in continuity.)  Why only four years?  I am clearly optimistic about business-friendly changes coming in 2017.  The break will simplify capital preservation and provide time for patient preparation.  Better times lie years ahead; I feel positive.

This year was especially profitable, and rewarding in so many ways -- doing what we love, and getting paid for our service.  Everybody’s happy, we hope (about most things.)

The next part will be boring to some, and too familiar to others, so skip to the end (beginning.)  Our state charges a low annual fee for registration renewal.  Our fair city exacts a high annual fee for being honest and above board in doing business here, while it prohibits employees, signage/displays, and selling at our home office; we agreed and paid three times.  Our vibrant, growing county requires an annual report listing all business equipment, and payment of a tax if a low-$ threshold is crossed; this helped our short-term cash flow as it discouraged economy-boosting capital expenditure.  A fine website service put our business out there, never skipping a beat, but increased the low monthly fee by 45%; (what happened to low inflation?)  Kudos to Kinko’s (now FedEx Office) for inexpensive business cards which may return to action some day; (our company name is so unique and odd, it will be available in four, eight, or twelve years.) 

The list goes on, but not for Fast Food.  Treats (and Kay) are calling me, while sparkling cider waits for the Square ball to drop.

As we end the wonderful old year of 2012, let us begin a simpler, new year, with a focus on family.  Make it happy!

Christmas Choirs

This one’s for music lovers.  As Christmas music has blessed my life this season, an early-morning pause before choir practice brought to mind some great choirs I’ve enjoyed in the past, and a heavenly choir I’ve read about, which blessed the scene of our Savior’s birth.  On the first day of this special week, I decided to share a few, including some results of a survey I took among several friends at church. 

My question: What are two favorite choirs you sang in or listened to at Christmas time?

I first tested this on my wife Kay, the Primary song leader, as I interrupted her preparation of children’s songs.  Without hesitation, she agreed with my suggestion: East High School A Cappella Choir, which reminded me of Christmas performances I loved with my EHS choir directed by the legendary Lorraine Bowman.  With further thought, Kay would have mentioned the local high school choir our daughters sang in; recently we enjoyed their concert (with orchestra) which ended with a thrilling rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah (1742) by Handel (1685-1759).  The annual concert always brings joy to us ... and to the performers, I am certain.

One young brother at choir practice named the Weber State University LDS Institute Choir he was in years ago, which reminded me of my U of U Institute choir.  (We toured the Northwest while I was dating my future wife, Kay.)  Having recently returned from military duty in the Middle East, he recalled his men’s choir at church in Afghanistan, which also performed at a Christmas party.  A very young brother who leads the choir in our ward (congregation), named the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as his favorite (also one of mine, since Mother was a member of it when I was little.)  He also wrote for me (as the bishop was starting the meeting): “singing in ward choirs.”  Sweet!

The jacket of an LP (with a 50-cent DI price tag) found in our basement “archive” lists the members of the Brigham Young University A Cappella Choir 1980, including Brenda Boyer, Cherie Crosby (any relation to Kay’s Crosbys?) and Loralyn Tenney (must be related to my great grandmother Eliza.)  And in the men’s section: Dale Bowman (related to Lorraine?) and Clark Searle (reminds me of my sister’s jazz piano teacher.)  Among other sacred songs, they recorded “Come, O Thou King of Kings” (appropriate at Christmas time) with trumpets and organ.  I’d like to listen to the album this week for the first time!

One album I am sure must exist (not searched yet) is one to go along with Kay’s CD, "Angel Voices -- Libera in Concert" recorded May 30 & 31, 2007 in a Netherlands cathedral; (pronounced with accent like liberate.)  I haven't heard their Christmas music, but it’s on my wish list.  The boys’ choir provides a heavenly listening experience that would lift anyone’s spirit this season.

There’s more I could add here, but this will do for a fast one.  Suffice it to say, “I’m crazy about choirs!”  So … Merry Christmas, and have a happy choir experience!

The Kneeling Knight

In the front common area of a public high school out here in the West, there is a noble statue of a knight, with sword and shield, kneeling in prayer (in my view.)  For many years it has commonly (pardon the pun) been called "the kneeling knight."  Some people at the school think he doesn't look strong that way; I say there is strength in prayer to the Almighty! 

Such an inspiring reminder to those who know the power of prayer should not offend free thinkers who respectfully favor uplifting freedom of thought.  Others, unaware, can view it as a tired knight resting after a victorious battle, or pondering his next attack.  And to the dedicated agnostics, the statue has nothing to do with prayer or religion.  To the not-so-dedicated ones, well, ... I pity them for sitting too long on the fence (painful!)

I recall the painting of General George Washington, one of the strongest leaders of our country, kneeling in prayer.  “The Prayer at Valley Forge by Arnold Friberg is one of the best known paintings of the American Revolution. It depicts George Washington at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in prayer on his knees beside his horse Nelson at the Continental Army's encampment, during the terrible winter of 1777-1778.”

-- revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com/prayer-at-valley-forge.html

The result is history which must never be altered to satisfy doubters.  The depiction inspires me -- and millions of others worldwide.  With the horrible shootings in recent years, the world is painfully aware that our schools are no longer a safe refuge as previously assumed.  Let us welcome a reminder to pray for protection, guidance and strength in difficult times.  From personal experience throughout my life, I know without any doubt that it works!

 

A Week of Thanksgiving

The past seven days have been abundant – full of blessings -- in more ways than I can describe.  So I name just a few.  My sweetheart Kay and I thoroughly enjoyed :

1) a piano recital feast in the Kaysville Tabernacle, by a world-famous concert pianist

2) Thanksgiving dinner with most (27) of the family in our cozy frontier home; (the antithesis of fast food, although Kay rushed me through third helpings, to join the family program); note: Kay is absolutely the best cook, and did most of the work – she is so amazing!!

3) freedom from Black-Friday (and Thursday-night) madness, as retailer discounts didn’t  budge us one bit, or two bits (= 25 cents)

4) sleeping late Saturday morning, fortunately missing the 6 a.m. second tsunami of sales

5) the annual Kaysville Nativity Celebration at the Kaysville Tabernacle and cultural hall, full of artistic international displays of nativity scenes and music

6) a senior-siblings get-together at Kay’s sister Susan’s gorgeous home in the land of Bountiful, with an abundance of pies, nuts, and story-telling by older folks like us

7) a 360-degree, surround sunrise this morning, starting another week of counting blessings; (actually, Kay enjoyed sleeping while I took photos for her to see later)

8) making cherished memories we hope to keep alive for years to come.

I thank Heavenly Father for His goodness and mercy, and for a loving, forever family.