I have decided to focus on my photography.  Please visit my new blog that will focus on photography for updates:

http://nguinnphotography.wordpress.com/

“Life is for action.  If we insist on proofs for everything, we shall never come to action:  to act you must assume, and that assumption is faith.”

- Newman

I would like to introduce you to Libby.  She is currently at my house in TN probably taking a nap.  She is a puppy, about 11 weeks old, and loves to chew on people’s fingers.  Take a look at her pics:

Libby Gallery

If you are interested in photography, then you should be reading the blog of Scott Kelby every day.  If you are not interested in photography, then you should be reading the blog of Scott Kelby every day so you become interested in photography.

Scott Kelby is the leader of the photography community.  He knows EVERYONE that is important in photography.  So, reading his blog exposes you to all of the big names that have valuable tips on their own, personal blogs.  He is a tremendous resource.

Here’s the link:

http://www.scottkelby.com/

In democratic times everything slides toward the blur of mediocrity.

Russell Kirk

I am currently enrolled in a writing class as part of my intern experience at Heritage.  This class meets once a week for training with the Op-Ed editor for the McClatchy Tribune.  It is quite the experience.  We must write an Op-Ed each week and submit it for review and criticism.

Last week, we were assigned to write a unique piece for the Fourth of July.  He did not want something about the founders or even something patriotic.  He wanted something different.  Well, my Op-Ed is below. 

I will be posting one of these Op-Eds each week, so return often for the updates!

A HOT DOG TODAY, AND SPAM TOMORROW

By Nathan Guinn

I would hate to be the Fifth of July.  The Fourth of July is quite the act to follow.  Today, our whole country will skip work, grill meat, and explode fireworks.  You can’t beat that. 

So what does the Fifth of July have to offer?  We need something to celebrate.  Time has been kind to the Fourth of July.  It has a place in history.  Surely the Fifth of July has not been completely overlooked.

Thankfully, it has not.  A few fine, brave citizens of the United States have placed this day in the trophy case of history.  For on this day, in the year nineteen thirty-seven, SPAM was revealed to the world.  Americans invented a new food.  Lunch, possibly dinner and breakfast, has never been the same.

Now, one might argue there are more important events to be celebrated on this day.  For example, Newton published his Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica July 5^th, 1687.  This work established Newton’s laws and changed physics forever.

Or one might even argue that the public introduction of the bikini in Paris, France on July 5^th, 1946 transcends all other events of this day.  

However, as with many things in life, perspective is everything: 

There was a grandmother who loved her grandson very much.  He was not perfect, but she perfectly loved him.  And spoiled him.  Every Sunday the grandson would visit her house in anticipation of being served like a king.  Now the grandson feels guilty for such an attitude, but the grandmother was happy to serve.

The grandmother was not a nutritionist.  Her menu regularly featured hot fudge cake, fried chicken, and fried potatoes.  However, her bestseller was consistently the SPAM sandwich.  The grandson knew that only her old, seasoned skillet could fry SPAM so perfectly. 

The grandmother served the sandwich on whole wheat bread with just a little mayonnaise.  At times, she could slip a piece of lettuce in the sandwich and the grandson would not protest.

The grandson loved to eat his sandwiches on the front porch.  The grandmother had labored to build the front porch with her own hands; just for moments like these. 

As the evening crept on, the sun would set and time would bring another day to an end. 

The grandmother is gone, and I miss her.  But she is not forgotten.  SPAM holds a special place in my heart (figuratively, it is hoped not literally) because of a special person.  However, I was not the only one she touched.  She has a legacy of service that continues to display her story in many people’s lives.    

The events of the past may seem monumental and impossible to follow, but do not be intimidated by their greatness.  Instead, be encouraged that men can leave a legacy that outlives their physical bodies.

Observe these days gone by and learn their lessons.  The Fourth of July is not just an excuse to picnic, but it is a memorial, established to inspire the next generation. 

Whether it is July 4^th or July 5^th, there is a reason to celebrate.  Celebrate by observing the past and embracing the future.  Live each day with the big picture in mind. 

My grandmother lived a bold life of sacrificial service.  And today, her story is being told once more.  Everyday heroes are rare and should be cherished, appreciated, and remembered. 

So, let’s celebrate our founding fathers and everyday heroes like my grandmother:  A hot dog today, and SPAM tomorrow.

I helped Nick Loris and Jack Spencer author this blog post.  These guys do a great job promoting discussion on nuclear energy and a free-market approach to energy issues.  Visit Heritage’s site and read all of Jack’s papers.

Obama Gives Green Light on Nuclear Energy

• Posted June 23rd, 2008 at 10.27am in Energy and Environment.

Rising gas prices and global warming hysteria seem to have had one positive effect this summer: Washington’s elite are being forced to look at nuclear energy as a serious, if not essential, option for any future energy plan. Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain both recently announced support for development of nuclear energy.

Whether the country elects a Democrat or a Republican as president this November, progress toward a future powered by clean, secure nuclear energy is inevitable. But what are the steps needed to ensure America re-emerges as a leader in nuclear energy, and that the industry doesn’t disappear as it did in the past?

Basic market principles provide the solutions. The keys to a market-driven nuclear industry are listed by research fellow Jack Spencer in his paper addressing nuclear’s role in a cap-and-tax world. We have not entered the nuclear renaissance yet, but we are getting closer. Our duty is to ensure that government, as it turns to nuclear power for energy solutions, allows markets to steer the future of nuclear power.

Obama doesn’t go as far as saying that nuclear energy is a panacea, and his primary concern is that a solution must be developed for nuclear waste. It’s evident that management of used nuclear fuel in the United States is in dire need of reform. The Heritage Foundation is set to release a new paper on the subject of nuclear waste, offering privatization options for that facet of the nuclear cycle. Heritage also will host a panel event tomorrow to discuss this very matter. The event, open to the public, commences at 9:30 a.m.

Click on the picture below to see a few more of my favorite photos I have snapped since my arrival in DC. Enjoy!

I have been interning in Washington DC for about two weeks now. It has been incredible. I recently got my computer back from Dell because it needed repair. So, I will be writing more often now.

During the course of these two weeks I have worked on nuclear public policy with Heritage Research fellow Jack Spencer, talked to Ed Meese about law school, spent 1.5 hours with Clarence Thomas in the Supreme Court, and had some incredible times with the guys at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. I am so blessed.

I also have a lot of pictures to reveal, but one of my personal favorites is below:

Much Much More to come!!!

I am beginning to play with layers in Photoshop. I would appreciate any advice you might be willing to offer. The picture below is in Rome, Italy. The statues are larger-than-life images of Christ and the disciples on top of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.