Sensible Immigration Reform
In this week's issue of the Economic Review, EDCUtah President and CEO Jeff Edwards applauds the Legislature for striving to balance a multiplicity of voices and needs regarding state appropriations and urges pragmatism regarding immigration reform legislation.
Regional Politics
Wolves Lose Federal Protection
The Bush administration has announced an end to federal protection for gray wolves in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. “Wolves are back,” said Lynn Scarlett, deputy director of the Department of the Interior. “Gray wolves in the northern Rock Mountains are thriving and no longer need protection.” Conservation groups said they would file a lawsuit to reverse the decision. (New York Times).
Sunrise Seminars
The Zions Bank Business Resource Center is hosting a series of monthly "Sunrise Seminars" for small businesses. Randi Ruff, manager of purchasing and small business liaison at the University of Utah, will be this month's presenter, Feb. 28. Ruff says she'll teach seminar participants how to navigate the university’s procurement process and highlight the many contracting opportunities available for small businesses. Read more about the Sunrise Seminar in this week's issue of Taking Care of Business.
Today in Political History
Feb. 22, 1732: George Washington, the first President of the United States, is born in Virginia. He served two terms, from 1789-1797, and died Dec. 14th 1799. (Source: NBC5)
Feb. 22, 1980: In a stunning upset, the United States Olympic hockey team defeats the Soviets at Lake Placid, N.Y., 4-to-3. The U.S. team went on to win the gold medal. (New York Times)
Wise Words
"The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite."
-- Thomas Jefferson (Source: Gmu.Edu)
Leadership Tip
Finish the Job
Many business leaders yak about their complete game, but how many actually finish what they say they're going to start? A thoughtless leader who never genuinely finishes anything loses the confidence of clients and customers. That lack of follow-through isn't going to be lost on his or her employees, either. Instead, set goals and establish pragmatic, accountable measures to actually finish what you start. "The ability to complete things is critical," Segil says. "Nothing's useful unless you actually complete it." (Source: Microsoft.com)
National Politics
Best Stories From . . .
-- Politico: "John McCain's campaign promised to 'go to war' against The New York Times Wednesday night after the newspaper posted its long-awaited story on McCain's alleged relationship with a telecom lobbyist. Both McCain and the woman in question denied having a romantic relationship."
-- The Hill: McCain "is trying to turn into campaign cash a controversial story hinting at an improper relationship he is alleged to have had with a lobbyist. ... In an e-mail to supporters, campaign manager Rick Davis characterized The New York Times as having 'toss[ed] standards aside in an attempt to stop our momentum.' With 'immediate help' from supporters, Davis wrote, 'we'll be able to respond and defend our nominee from the liberal attack machine.'"
-- NBC News: Analyst Chuck Todd: "There's no dispute anymore. Sen. Barack Obama is the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination and he's one win away from putting this race to bed. A victory in either Ohio or Texas will probably drive Sen. Hillary Clinton out of the race. Victories for Obama in both states will definitely end it. Obama's trajectory is really stunning right now."
-- Boston Herald: Columnist and Obama supporter Margery Eagan says backing Obama is starting to feel "like joining a cult."
Blog Watch
The Utah House Republican Majority is blogging again, after an eight-month hiatus. Read weekly reports about House legislative activity at the Utah House Blog.
Lighter Side
Favorite Headlines
(From James Taranto’s Best of the Web at OpinionJournal.com)
-- Breaking News From 1066: “Vikings Go on Rampage at Lodge” —Post-Journal (Jamestown, NY)
-- He Was Aiming for the Road Runner: “Aggressive Coyote Shot at Copper” —Denver Post
-- Look Out Below!: “World’s Fattest Man Drops 230 Kilos (507 Pounds)” —Agence France-Presse
-- News You Can Use: “Healthy Lifestyle Is the Secret to Longer Life, Researchers Say” —eFluxMedia.com
-- That Explains O’Reilly, but What’s Olbermann’s Excuse? "Fox Tested Positive for Rabies"-- Richmond Times-Dispatch
Casual Friday
Utah Fishing Report
By Dave Webb, www.redrockadventure.com
The mild weather will soon soften ice on lower-elevation waters like Utah Lake and Willard Bay. The forecast calls for storms, but temperatures will be mild and snow will continue to melt. With reservoirs rising, there could be open water or unsafe ice around shorelines. Ice fishing will remain good at many waters, but use caution wherever you go.
Stormy weather with mild temperatures will bring decent fly fishing to our streams. Steve Schmidt at Western Rivers Flyfisher says the Green, Provo and Weber will be the best bets. "On days when the weather cooperates, midge hatches have been good... The most pleasant part of the day produces the best fishing, 10 am-2 pm window. Your pattern should be gray or black and sizes #28-#18." Read his complete report.
Runoff probably won't start early but when it comes it will be heavy and sustained. Get out during the next few weeks to enjoy the streams before the water rises. After runoff sets in, our tailwaters will provide good action even when other streams are blown out.
Outdoors Report
-- Morning News takes advantage of wildlife viewing
-- Beaver Mountain’s night skiing provides group fun in the Tribune
-- Ski Powder Mountain’s famous runs in the Morning News
-- Tribune explores America’s wildest places
-- Find out about upcoming events in the Morning News’ Outdoor Notes
-- Check out the Tribune’s Outdoor Notebook and Recreation Roundup for sports and recreation activities this week
-- For the latest wildlife news and information and the fishing report visit the DWR website
New Films
-- Be Kind Rewind: Tribune review
-- Charlie Bartlett: Tribune review
-- Vantage Point: Tribune review
Concerts
-- Pleasant Grove Orchestra, Friday, 7 p.m., Pleasant Grove High School, 700 East and 200 South, free
-- “Evening of Dance,” Friday, 7:30 p.m., Richards Building, BYU, Provo, $8
-- Harlem Gospel Choir, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Kingsbury Hall, U., $22.50-$32.50
-- Poco Pena Flamenco Dance, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden, $13-$16
-- Wasatch Trio, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall, free
-- “From Broadway to Hollywood,” U. piano faculty, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Libby Gardner Concert Hall, U., $7
-- “Peer Gynt,” Utah Symphony and Utah Symphony Chorus, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., Abravanel Hall, $12-$48
-- “Because We Sing,” men's chorus, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall, free
-- Utah Youth Symphony, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Salt Lake Tabernacle, free but tickets required
-- NOVA Chamber Music Series, Sunday, 3 p.m., Utah Museum of Fine Arts
-- Organ Recitals, every Saturday, noon, and every Sunday, 2 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall
Theater
-- “The Magic Flute” through February 23, Utah Lyric Opera Ensemble, University of Utah
-- “Living Out” through February 23, Pygmalion Theatre Company
-- “Forever Plaid” through February 29, Terrace Plaza Playhouse
-- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” through March 1, Pioneer Theatre Company
-- “Singin’ in the Rain” through March 1, Draper Historic Theatre
-- “Menopause the Musical” through March 2, Rose Wagner Center
-- “Tristan and Yseult” through March 2, Babcock Theatre
-- “George Washington Slept Here” through March 8, Springville Playhouse
-- “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” through March 22, Center Street Musical Theatre
-- “My Valley Fair Lady” through March 22, Desert Star Theatre
-- “Pirates of Penzance” through March 24, Valley Center Playhouse
-- “Cabaret” through April 5, Egyptian Theatre Company, Park City
-- “She Loves Me” through April 5, Hale Center Theater Orem
-- “The Sound of Music” through April 11, Terrace Plaza Playhouse
Museum Exhibits
-- The 11th Black & White Statewide Art Competition Exhibition, Photography by Randy S. Chatelain Exhibition through March 29, Eccles Community Art Center
-- Bravo! The Tortilla Paintings of Joe Bravo Exhibition, Wasatch Back Student Art Show Exhibition through March 30, Kimball Art Center
-- Masks, Magic, and Mirrors Exhibition through March 31, Natural Revelations: Paintings by Susan Swartz Exhibition through April 13, Utah Museum of Fine Arts
-- Minerva Teichert: Pageants in Paint Exhibition, through May 26, Brigham Young University Museum of Art
Et Cetera
-- Full Moon Snowshoe, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Friday, 8 p.m., Brighton
-- Timpanogos Storytelling Festival Midwinter Event, Friday and Saturday, Provo
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