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The Shortsighted Expansion of Timber Production: A Dangerous Executive Order
March 4, 2025
On March 1, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at rapidly expanding timber production in the United States. This order seeks to streamline permitting processes, increase timber harvesting, and boost domestic timber production by allowing for the accelerated removal of trees from national forests. The policy is being touted as a way to create jobs, reduce dependency on foreign timber imports, and improve forest management, all while lowering construction costs. However, the potential consequences of such a drastic move are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic, especially for the environment, climate, public health, and the very ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.
Comparing Javier Milei and Bill Clinton’s Balanced Budget Strategies: Lessons for the U.S.
February 26, 2025
In the world of fiscal policy, balanced budget strategies are often central to the economic philosophies of politicians and administrations. For countries grappling with high national debts and public sector inefficiency, finding a fiscal strategy that can reduce debt, maintain social services, and ensure long-term economic growth is crucial. In this blog, we will compare the strategies of two prominent figures: Javier Milei of Argentina and Bill Clinton of the United States, and analyze the role of Trump and Elon Musk’s philosophies in shaping fiscal policy. We will also examine who benefits from each strategy, who doesn’t, and explore the long-term effects on citizens, the government, and the economy. Ultimately, we will discuss which strategy might be most beneficial for the United States to adopt.
It's Time to Write Your Representatives - February 2025
February 2, 2025
There is significant turmoil in the United States due to the actions of the Trump administration and the rapid developments unfolding. Some of these actions are illegal and pose a constitutional crisis. I’ve created a template to help you clearly articulate your concerns to your representatives.
25 Years of U.S. Oil Dynamics: A Deep Dive into Production, Consumption, and Trade
January 27, 2025
Over the past quarter-century, the U.S. oil industry has undergone profound transformations, shaped by technological breakthroughs, economic forces, policy shifts, and global market dynamics. This blog explores the key trends in oil production, consumption, imports, and exports, with a focus on the most recent developments.
The Despacho Ceremony: An Ancient Andean Tradition
May 13, 2023
The Despacho ceremony is a cornerstone of Andean culture, a sacred ritual ingrained in the indigenous communities of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. It is a vibrant celebration of gratitude, balance, and harmony, reflecting the profound connection these cultures have with the natural world and spiritual realm.
2019: Year in Diving
January 9, 2020
I did a 2018 video and I enjoyed being a bit nostalgic of the years diving activities. I decided to do another one. Enjoy.
Archaeology Career Prospects
December 11, 2019
Anthropology is the study of people and cultures from present day to the earliest humans. There are many disciplines in anthropology, including archaeology. Archaeology is the study of past peoples and cultures through the material remains that they leave behind. These remains are called artifacts. Artifacts are any physical items that are created or used by people. This essay takes a look at the archaeology job marketplace. This essay will analyze the education requirements for professional archaeologists, what typical salaries that one can expect in the job marketplace, and what types of jobs one can expect to obtain as an archaeologist.
Group Trail Run at Colorado Bend State Park
April 22, 2019
This past weekend, I led a group of trail runners, “Austin Dirt Runners”, on a ten mile tour of Colorado Bend State Park. We had an amazing time. Despite it being easter weekend, we got to the park early enough to beat the crowds. By the time we completed our run, the crowds started showing up. It was perfect.
2018 Diving Highlights
December 29, 2018
It’s been an interesting year of diving. I haven’t done the most dives this year, but the dives that I’ve done have been interesting. I put together a short video showing some of the highlights.
Winter 2017 - Mexico Cave Diving
December 27, 2017
Recently, some friends and I spent some time cave diving in Mexico. We had an excellent time, diving some new caves and some old caves. Below is a short video.
Sibinacocha Aerial View
November 10, 2017
Laguna Sibinacocha is a stunningly beautiful place. It has clear blue waters, stunning mountain landscapes, glaciers, springs, scattered Incan artifacts, and amazing night sky’s. It’s certainly one of my favorite places.
Blue Lagoon, October 2017
November 9, 2017
Some friends and I met up at Blue Lagoon in Huntsville, TX. The goal of the dives were to do some skills before my friend started his GUE Tech 1 class. While my friends did skills, I took some pictures.
Spring Lake, September 2017
November 6, 2017
My friend, Jennifer Idol and I recently did a dive at Spring Lake. We mostly had the place to ourselves. The sun was bright and the conditions were excellent.
Expedition Packing
August 14, 2017
Today, some friends and I set off on an expedition to the Peruvian Andes, where we’ll be exploring a remote mountain lake - above water and below water. During the trip, it’s my goal to keep a video log each day describing what has been happening during the trip. To wet the appetite, here is a quick video of packing for the trip.