DeChristopher's actions might not be strictly legal, but surely the backhanded government that justified ramming land through an auction for oil extraction before Bush leaves office can't fault him for using a little deception. In fact, the hope that the bogus bidding might at least stall the land from being auctioned off until Obama takes office is almost the same strategy the BLM used.

An average of 30 individuals each year die from carbon monoxide exposure stemming from the use of camping lanterns, portable heaters and stoves, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. A typical scenario goes as follows:

As more attention is given to potential prevention tools, the department will have no choice but to understand the need we have for security awareness.

If UTA wants tap on, tap off to work, it needs to streamline the system so it isn't a burden to riders. Installing more scanners so riders don't have to wait in crowded lines would be a good start. Better yet, why not gather information the old-fashioned way with a survey?

Football players are not the only ones who have to deal with unjustified criticism and rejection. To a certain extent, it is a problem that we all have to put up with during our entire lives. There is seemingly always somebody out there ready to say that we are not good enough or can't do something we want to do.

"Utah seems to have a bad reputation for no reason at all." Brian Trick's entire column ("Utah deserves more respect," Jan. 13) hinges on this statement, which could only be described as tenuous at best.

Please step up and protect our communities and children from being exposed needlessly to toxic sites. Pass strong and comprehensive school siting laws today.

There are a number of ways to help, and not just discuss, homelessness8212;most involve donating time, money, or clothes and food to a nearby shelter. But you could also get to know a homeless person or family.

Instead of looking for ways to increase your material well-being or your standing among the shallow, vain hipster set, look for ways to enrich yourself spiritually by helping someone else out, traveling the world and finding ways to appreciate the kind of beauty that money can't buy.

Truthfully, we just have to hope that these new appointments are able to turn things around for the United States. Rome wasn't built in a day, and the Bush administration's failings will be just as difficult to repair.