Love at First Sight

Okay ... check this baby out:



I first saw this bicycle at one of our local REI stores, and after reading reviews (here and here), I'm pretty much totally and completely head over heals for Electra's Amsterdam Classic. The gee whiz features on this bicycle include:

• Nexus internal 3-speed hub
• Coaster brake (keep things simple)
• Aluminum frame
• Fully-enclosed metal chaincover
• Generator LED front and rear lights
• Full fenders (with mud flap up front)
• Rear rack
• Coat/skirt guard over the rear wheel

Now I need to break the news to my wife that there's going to be another addition to our family -- the Amsterdam Classic.

Don't I Wish

Disillusioned with Politics

When I was a boy, I was taught that America's government is an amazing entity that works diligently for its citizens. The famous Schoolhouse Rock episode “How a Bill Becomes a Law” comes to mind. The point that was not communicated effectively is that even though the government might be ideal, the people administering its affairs are far from it. After being overwhelmed with the recent scandals associated with elected officials in America's Congress, I now feel completely disillusioned. Shame on those who rise to power and then exercise that power unrighteously. Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants speaks to this issue: "We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion." My father used to tell me that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The older I get, the more I believe this is true.