Thanksgiving 2003

HYPERMILING HELP TURN COMMUTE INTO A GAME

Hypermiling helps turn commute into a game

By PAUL HOUSHOLDER

Do you ever get bored driving to school or work? Listening to the same CD over again? Radio is never reliable. Seeing the same old scenery every commute? Complaining about gas prices?

Hypermiling is a fun, challenging, green, money-saving way to drive.

Hypermiling is word used to describe the techniques of driving to maximize a car’s miles per gallon. I saw someone do it on TV but I didn’t think much of it because the guy was pushing his car to park it. If someone wants to save gas that much it is easier to skateboard.

But one day I went on a cruse with some friends on a hilly road. While driving his Jimmy, my friend said, “Dude, check this out!” He turned on his MPG gauge in his car and he floored it at the beginning of the hill while he was going up. The gauge read 0 MPG. He started laughing hysterically and I laughed as well, but at his stupidity.

However, that moment resonated with me. I started thinking that if I hit the gas while going downhill and coasted uphill, I bet I can save some money on gas. I tried it out on my classic 1993 Buick Century to see if it helped out at all on my gas mileage. I filled up the tank, drove till it was empty and did the math. I got 9 miles to the gallon.

“What!?” I said. Either I am bad at math or I should not make any more theories. So I drove my car back home and looked at my odometer and the odometer was spinning backwards. (My car is a classic, remember.) I sighed in relief and thought well maybe I am not an idiot. When I visited my cousins this summer I told my cousin Peter about accelerating downhill and coasting uphill.

Peter was like, “Oh yeah, that sounds like hypermiling.” I didn’t know there was a word for it but I said, “Sure.”

I came home. About a week later my cousin Robert, Peter’s little brother, drove from Maryland to Indiana and used the accelerating downhill and coasting uphill technique. He kept a log book before the drive to Indiana and he would average 24 mpg. When he “hypermiled” he received 33 mpg. Now I knew it works.

I became interested in finding other techniques I could do to save even more gas after our family got a new car because it has an odometer that works. One of the techniques I found interesting was to only use cruise control on flat roads. Cruise control is not efficient on gas mileage through hilly roads.

Here are some other techniques:

• Minimize idling when stopped. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a few seconds shift to neutral and shut off your engine.

• Look for the pedestrian crossing signal to know if you can assume if the light will stay green. If the warning light is on, coast in neutral to the light so that you don’t stop quickly.

• Use brakes as little as possible.

There are more tips
ecomodder.com/forum/EM-hypermiling-driving-tips-ecodriving.php-

Try some of these techniques out and let me know what works for you and how much better your mpg is.

Make fuel economy a game and then you won’t be so bored while driving to school or work.

tagline: Paul Housholder, a 2006 East Noble graduate, is a senior at IPFW.
His e-mail address is paul_8989@hotmail.com.

Thanksgiving 2004

Thanksgiving 2009

LUCY GETS AWESOME NEWS!!!!

UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE WINS CHILEAN SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

Diego and his brother Felipe got VIP seats to the finals game Universidad de Chile vs. Unión Española in the Estadio Santa Laura last night.

Here they are with the cup!



Catherine had political science class so she didn´t go. :(


Venció 1-0 a U. Española:
Después de cinco años, la U logra su 13° título

Gol de Juan Manuel Olivera les dio la corona del Apertura a los azules. El equipo clasificó a la Copa Libertadores 2010. "La U necesita crecimiento institucional" dijo el entrenador Sergio Markarián, quien ayer terminó su trabajo en el club. Fiesta del plantel se prolongó hasta la madrugada. Director y accionista José Yuraszeck se desmayó en la celebración.

Liz comes to town

A picture taken July 3 on our deck -- Liz, our "East Coast daughter," is gracing us with her presence this weekend! Photo snapped with my new iPhone. Peter, my technology consultant, persuaded me that the iPhone is the way to go.

Wake Up Paul! 2005

PETER SNEAKS INTO "GOOD" SEATS AT INAUGURATION!!!

INAUGURATION -- THE WITWERS WERE THERE!

Christmas photos Kendallville 2008

OK SO EVERYONE NEEDS TO POST THEIR CHRISTMAS PHOTOS! CATHERINE IS STARTING WITH KENDALLVILLE...

Merry Christmas! God Jul! ¡Feliz Navidad!

Catherine will be posting Christmas pix from Kendallville very soon....

Catherine rides CATA bus from Pacific to Atlantic Ocean

Catherine rides CATA bus from Pacific to Atlantic Ocean

(AP) Or at least it was ALMOST from the Pacific to the Atlantic (really it was from the Rio de la Plata of Buenos Aires to the Rio Mapocho of Santiago). The ENTIRE trip from Montevideo to Santiago ended up being about a day and a half. "I enjoyed every minute of the trip!" Catherine said. "Except when I tripped over a snoring Peruvian immigrant, my aisle companion, in a desperate attempt for water at 4 a.m. on the way to Chile."

Here is the bus stopped at the Chile-Argentine border located in the gorgeous Andes mountains.



"This is one of my favorite places on Earth," Catherine said.

Editor´s Note: Anyone is free to edit this blog entry.

Diego goes gringo!

(AP) Diego Reyes López Hoosier-ized himself during his first visit to the U.S. He now claims allegiance to the Universidad de Chile, Instituto Nacional, Indiana University AND East Noble! Whew!

Lucy & Jaer get HITCHED!!!!!!!

DPR club reunites for Lucy's wedding!

The DPR club (if you don't get the acronym then you have a lack of Witwer info and maybe shouldn't be reading this blog... ;)) is ready for Unification 2008 at 5 Lochness Ct. approximately 18.00 local time Thursday August 28, 2008. Robbie is recovering from surgery and is warned not to fly by several prominent doctors, but Dolly is bringing a healthy does of cheer from her summer home in Massachusetts that is (almost) sure to sooth those stitches.

The DPR club will think of some clever way to challenge the Groom, Jaer, to make sure he's man enough to make Lucy his Bride....Stay tuned (or get to Houston this weekend!) for MORE DETAILS!!!!!!!!

Dolly and Simon Celebrate 3rd Wedding Anniversary A Week Late!!!!

DOT LANDS JEFF WYSONG INTERVIEW!!!!

Dorothy: Was getting all A’s and being number one in your class hard to accomplish?

Jeff: It was a little tough, I guess, to maintain a 4.0 GPA. I wasn’t worried because in most classes I was able to hold at least a 97%, so I was not stressed out by being in the bubble (A-/B+ range). A.P. U.S. history and my freshman English class were the most difficult classes. I test well though and that always helps.

Dorothy: What this a goal going into high school?

Jeff: Yeah, and Dad provided a little incentive by telling me if I got all A’s I would get a new car. (However, I heard Dad in the background saying that he had no recollection of this…haha) I mean I’ve always gotten all A’s except for a B in religion in 6th grade because I forgot to do 1 assignment. It’s always my goal to do my best.

Dorothy: Did you have to study a lot to maintain your 4.0 GPA and become number 1 in your class?

Jeff: No. Luckily I can just remember a lot by listening and paying attention in class.

Dorothy: What is your best high school memory?

Jeff: Medaling in the state track and field meet individually for the first time last year.

Dorothy: You have had an outstanding track season this year. What was your favorite moment?

Jeff: Favorite moment…..hmm….I have two: setting a PR (personal record) this weekend (in the 800m – 1:55.3) at the Mid-West Meet of Champions (that he got invited to by being one of the top seniors in his event in IN) and winning the regional meet in Ft. Wayne.

Dorothy: Was this season easier or harder than last year?

Jeff: Harder because I didn’t have Chuck to keep me in line and push me in practice. It was a fun season though.

Dorothy: Thanks Jeff. Enjoy your summer before you begin college.

Jeff: Thanks. Goodnight Dorky

Lee and Hillary and the Good-bye Dance

Looks like Lee (or Sally or Liz) have shown Hillary how to properly wave goodbye! How convenient!

CACKO TAKES TO THE AIRWAVES!

SALTO, URUGUAY -- Catherine, and her fellow Fulbrighters, Marylin and Elizabeth were interviewed on Radio Tabaré, one of the seven radio stations in Salto, Uruguay.

Catherine said she loves the people of Salto and enjoys putting dulce de zapallo, squash jam, on her crackers.

Catherine is teaching and studying in Uruguay this year on a Fulbright fellowship.

CATHERINE SCOOPS DRUDGE REPORT! (GETS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KPC EDITORIAL BOARD!)

Hey Mom and Dad:

Please answer these questions. I will forward them to Peter who will post what you write on the blog TODAY.

Catherine: Tell me why you love Obama.

Grace:I love Obama because he is a breath of fresh air. I like his wife, too! He is very inspirational for black people. I visited his church and I enjoyed being there. Dad read his book and recommends it. He has Lutheran ancestors.


Catherine: Tell me why you pray for Obama.

Grace: I pray for him because of the kooks.



Catherine: Tell me what the official KPC editorial opinion is on the Democratic primaries.

Grace:I will paste our endorsement editorial below. I wrote it. It ran Sunday.



Catherine: Tell me why people in "little, insignificant countries" like, mmm, Uruguay, should care about the Indiana primary.

Grace: Unfortunately, the Indiana primary is going to show a Clinton win (because so many older Hoosiers think Obama is a Muslim). I’m not sure the people of Uruguay should care about our primary.


Catherine: Tell me how people in "little, insignificant countries" like, mmm, Uruguay, can convince Hoosiers to vote for Obama!

Grace:It’s too late now for Obama in Indiana.

Note to Catherine — this editorial has subheads.

Grace:Our endorsements:
Obama, McCain, Long, Souder
It’s been 40 years since Hoosier Democrats’ votes counted in a
presidential primary. In 1968, they endorsed a young junior senator,
Robert F. Kennedy, who combined eloquence, courage and leadership with a
pledge to improve the lives of struggling Americans.

On Tuesday, another candidate with similar qualities, Sen. Barack
Obama, is on the ballot in Indiana. We endorse him for the Democratic
presidential nomination.
Obama will end ‘politics as usual’
Obama is the best choice for Democrats to bring fundamental change to
our partisan, politics as usual political system that impedes
progress toward solving the problems we face.
McCain is ‘true American hero’
For Hoosier Republicans, the choice of Sen. John McCain is clear. He
is a true American hero, a straight-talker with an independent streak
who would be a decisive leader. He earns our endorsement for the GOP
nomination. Democracy, not ‘family dynasties’
During this long, grueling primary season, Obama has shown that he
can listen, lead and inspire. After eight years of the Clintons and 12 years of the Bushes, it’s time to end the rule by political family dynasties. We need new, bold leadership with political courage.
For example, Sen. Hillary Clinton’s call to suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline shows lack of spine to carry out an energy policy. In her speeches and on her Web site she promises an energy plan, but she doesn’t have the political courage to implement what she promises.
The results of the suspension of the federal excise tax on gasoline Hillary Clinton recommends would be:

• Oil companies might raise prices and not pass on the savings.

• Workers whose construction jobs are paid for by the federal excise

tax on gasoline might lose employment.

• Unsafe bridges and roads might cause more tragedies like the bridge

collapse in Minneapolis.

• Prices would continue upward when the suspension ceases.

• The average driver would save about 30 cents a day during the

entire summer.

• Pandering politicians would get votes.

As former President Bill Clinton said in Kendallville Saturday, the
main reason the price of gas is going up is because demand is
increasing worldwide. “Too many people are trying to buy more oil for
it ever to be cheap again,” he said.
Clinton gas plan hurts nation
Hillary Clinton says a windfall profit tax on oil companies could pay
for the summer tax suspension. Hillary Clinton should know that a
windfall profit tax should be used to shore up wind and solar power
Her Web site calls for “A $50 billion Strategic Energy Fund, paid for
in part by oil companies, to fund investments in alternative energy.”

When Congress passed the 2007 energy bill, it failed to extend any
stimulus for wind and solar energy production. Oil and gas kept all
their credits, but, because of political bickering, credits for wind
and solar expire this December. Obama understands that when
investment in wind and solar becomes unprofitable, new energy
technology will stall. Hillary Clinton knows that, too, but she
conveniently overlooks the future to pander to Hoosiers.

Recently America’s premier solar company, First Solar, from Toledo,
Ohio, opened its newest factory in the former East Germany — 540
high-paying engineering jobs — because Germany has created a booming
solar market and America has not. Business as usual, such as Hillary
Clinton’s proposal, will lead to more job losses of this type.

Political pandering

We can have stable gas prices and more jobs associated with clean
fuel only if our leadership is not hijacked by political pandering.
Although McCain is also, mistakenly, calling for a gas tax
suspension, we see other qualities in him that earn him our
endorsement. A war hero with a lifetime of service to our nation, he
has shown the courage to stick with his convictions and not be swayed
by opinion polls or the fear of political defeat. His hard-nosed
position on the war in Iraq almost cost him the nomination. But he
had reasons to support his viewpoint and he stuck with what he
believes. We also applaud his bipartisan work for immigration reform.
Long Thompson has track record

In the battle for the governor’s seat, incumbent Gov. Mitch Daniels
has no Republican opposition. He will be a strong contender for a
second term in November. Hoping to unseat him are Jim Schellinger, a
businessman from Indianapolis, and Jill Long Thompson, a former
congresswoman who represented northeast Indiana. We see Long Thompson
as the better choice because she has a proven track record of
leadership and government management experience. She served in
Congress from 1989-95, and served as U.S. undersecretary of
agriculture in the Clinton administration.

Souder is clear choice
To represent us in Congress we endorse our current congressman, U.S.
Rep. Mark Souder, our clear choice over his GOP opponent, Scott Wise
of Columbia City. Michael Montagano, a lawyer from Bristol, is
unopposed for the Democratic nomination for the 3rd District seat.

We encourage Hoosiers to vote Tuesday. From the local to the national
level we have races of historic importance.

OUR VIEW is written on a rotating basis by Grace Housholder, Dave Kurtz,
Matt Getts and Michael Marturello. Publisher Terry Housholder is also a
member of the editorial board. We welcome readers’ comments.
For details on area candidates’ positions and up-to-the-minute political
news go to fwdailynews.com/election/

Catherine: THANK YOU! THE SOONER YOU GET THIS SILLY QUESTIONS BACK TO PETER AND ME, THE BETTER! I WANT TO SCOOP DRUDGE!

LIZ GETS PRIZED JOB AT TEMPLE UNIVERSITY IN PHILADELPHIA!!!

WKN!: Are you ready to go on the Record?

LIZ: Yes I am!

WKN!: So whats up?

LIZ: Well, I found out that I passed my Comprehensive Exams for my master's program AND I accepted a full-time job all in the past four days!

WKN!: where?

LIZ: At Temple University in Philadelphia - It was my top choice of jobs and I'm so exciting to move to this city!

WKN!: On behalf of Witwer Kids Now I want to wish you a wholehearted CONGRATS! Describe the job.

LIZ: Thank you so much!! Well my title is Program Director for Leadership Development Programs
I'll be responsible for the overall management, development, and assessment of their comprehensive leadership program, named the Student Leadership Program
Here's the website to learn all about it! http://www.temple.edu/studentleadershipchallenge/challenge.htm

WKN!: So when do you start and where are you going to live and all that?

LIZ: t's a newly created position as well; currently a committee of Temple faculty and student affairs educators coordinatte aspects of the program, so there is much growth, opportunity, and potential for this position!
My start date is June 2nd, and at the moment I am not 100% sure where I'll be living right away
My supervisor, the Associate Dean of Students, is currently looking into solidifying temporary housing for me in a 2-bedroom residence hall apartment on campus until I find the best long-term place for myself
I've been talking to lots of friends familiar with Philly and I think I want to live in Center City and just take the subway to work every day. I am really just relishing in the moment right now...cherishing my last days of grad school and friends here at Miami...It's been a really special two years, for which I am very thankful

WKN!: Wow that sounds so great! What does it feel like to have "arrived"?

LIZ: "Arrived?" You mean a place where things seem to just feel "right"?

WKN!: I don't know

LIZ: Most definitely...Oh I know! I just feel such a state of peace and gratitude right now I've let go so much past pain, and now just see abundance and beauty in life now

WKN!: So where were you earlier this evening?

LIZ: Oh, well I was at my favorite restaurant in town, Kona Bistro, with three of my great friends celebrating passing our comprehensive exams and my job! I just took Vi there when she came to visit and Mom and Dad have been there many times

WKN!: so lets play some word association

LIZ: Hahaha I thought you'd never ask! Oh but first... Per your request I am going to send a picture of me celebrating It was taken the night I got the call that I passed Comprehensive Exams
with my roommate and two other friends
and you must note in the caption that you can see my Indiana voter absentee ballot in the background (by accident) Which could be the deciding vote on who will be the Democratic Candidate AND the next president!
(just a side note under the caption)

WKN!: Who is favored in Indiana?

LIZ: It's a toss-up - It's in Obama country (25% Hoosiers watch Chicago TV), but Sen. Bayh is campaigning heavy for Clinton.

WKN!: why would a good man do such a thing?

LIZ: You know he endorsed her way back in September I think...and a lot has changed since then...but Bayh's a good man nonetheless. But it's hard to talk politics "on the record" ya know?

WKN!: I think thats the only way to talk politics. But lets do some word association: Job:

LIZ: Temple

WKN!: Philly:

LIZ: Brotherly Love

WKN!: Temple

LIZ: Leadership

WKN!: Position

LIZ: Director Sorry, am I boring? haha

WKN!: Graduate

LIZ: Degree

WKN!: Yesss!!!

LIZ: The arm motion associated with that
(you know what I mean, with the fist?)

WKN!: Temple Job

LIZ: The right fit

WKN!: Middle East

LIZ: Temple Job!

WKN!: War and Poverty

LIZ: Temple Job!

WKN!: Okay well so much for that....Is today one of the happiest days of your life and did you find out today?

LIZ: Well today I just have this incredible peace/gratitude feeling - one of my friend's at dinner interrupted the conversation tonight to say "Liz, you just look really happy right now." and all I was doing was listening to my other friend speak
I actually was offered the job on Friday morning, but officially accepted the position this morning...I just needed to have it soak in

WKN!: Well I'm very happy and you'll have to come down and visit since Philly is like 2 hours from Rockville, also I need you to reccomend that your female students go out with me. Cool?

LIZ: HAHA, well not my students, but hopefully I'll make some great friends and introduce you!!

WKN!: sweet! Well do you have anything to tell the family in closing?

LIZ: Yes, can I share a quote that's really resonating with me right now?

WKN!: go ahead

LIZ: "The adventure of life is to learn. The goal of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The secret of life is to dare. The beauty of life is to give. The joy of life is to love." William Arthur Ward - I think that pretty much says it all

WKN!: Awesome!

Uncle Richard Goes On The Record!!!

(above Richard in Philly with Obama volunteers last week)

WKN!: Okay Dad are you ready to go on the record with WKN?

Richard: Yup

WKN!: So first of all happy belated birthday. Did you ever think you'd live this long?

Richard:I never doubted it, except on the few occasions when you or your brother nearly gave me a heart attack.

WKN!: haha, my bad. But on to more substantive issues...there are three people in the running for the president now. What kind of skills and character traits are important for the next president to have? Who of the three has the most of them in your view?

Richard: I start from the premise that all of the three principal candidates -- despite what may sound like significant differences during the campaign -- would basically want to do some of the same things -- address the more egregious inequities in the health care system, help us find a way to move to a better position vis a vis the Arab world, try to reverse our ballooning federal deficit. Congress will act as a buffer to prevent any "radical" moves to the left or right. So the question then becomes: What makes a president effective? How can a president get important things done?
I believe the key is to have enough popular support to motivate Congress to go along with his/her basic agenda. That's why Reagan was able to get a lot of Democats in Congress to accept tax cuts, military build-up, etc.
With that as my premise, I believe Obama would be the best president because enough Republicans would cut him slack in Congress and not fight him at every turn. That would not be the case with Hillary. And while I wouldn't
expect Congress to go along with any "too liberal" ideas, they would accept reasonable reforms.

WKN!: And I suppose this is why you went to Philly to volunteer for Obama. What was that like?

Richard: For a C-SPAN junkie like me, it was a lot of fun -- getting knee deep in the political process. I had never canvassed for a candidate before. And there was something very exciting about being around so many enthusiastic young people.

WKN!: So other than being able to get his agenda passed in congress, what else makes you think Obama will serve as a good president? What about all of the Controversy surrounding him?

Richard: Other good things: I do believe his (albeit somewhat tarnished) "rock star" appeal to younger voters is very positive in drawing more people into the elections. I also believe he could help our image abroad -- although he would need to follow up his rhetoric and image with concrete deeds to make that stick. And on the race relations issue -- I think he could be a catalyst to help a lot of white folks -- those who aren't allowing themselves to be "swift boated" by the Jeremiah Wright sound bites -- to broaden their horizons a bit.

WKN! Well I like him because he plays basketball

Richard: I'm glad you're not a bowler.

WKN! So tell us about your exercise routine these days? Could you take on Aunt Vi or Chuck in running?

Richard: Only if they had to carry you on their backs. My "running" is only on a treadmill. And I alternate with swimming; I haven't really been pressing myself; just trying to stay in basic shape with an average daily workout.

WKN! And then after your morning physical workout, you have your C-span workout. Tell us a little bit about your love of the Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network and how you got into it

Richard: Working from home and having some flexibility in my schedule makes it easier to check out C-span than would be possible if I worked out of a conventional office. I just have a lot of curiosity about public affairs topics, and find the conventional news broadcasts too superficial at best, or cynically manipulative at worst. I like hearing directly from either the decisionmakers themselves, or true experts on a given subject. That's how I can learn, because I probably know as much as the typical TV reporter on many of the subjects that interest me.

WKN! Tell us more about your life and what's going on with you...What are you looking forward to near and long term.. What phase of life are you in...etc

Richard: Near term, going to bed. Intermediate term: Going to Italy with the Housholders and the "Ciao" group. Longer term: Continuing to enjoy my work, but balancing it with fun things like travel and reading, plus perhaps expanding on some of the social service things I do (along the lines of my role at the homeless shelter). Maybe tutor a young kid who's struggling in school.

WKN! Okay well I won't keep you too much longer from bedtime afterall it is already 9:43. What words of advice do you have for the cousins and also what do you see the greatest challenge of the cousins' generation?

Richard: Advice: Find happiness without leading a self-indulgent or cloistered life.
Greatest challenge: I do seem to be developing the perspective that "old" people tend to get -- that things are going down hill in the U.S. Partly it's due to our own actions or decline in moral standards and work ethic. It's also due to other countries (especially China and India) working harder and smarter than ever, giving us a run for our money economically. The challenge is to help keep the U.S. strong, without resorting to protectionism, isolationism, ethno-centrism, which are self-defeating and limiting. The challenge is to accept people with different world views, religions, etc. without becoming adrift. The challenge is also to stay committed to being of service, staying alive intellectually and not becoming lazy or complacent. But these are universal challenges, not just for the next generation...

WKN! I see. Well how about a few parting words

Richard: OK: I think I've said enough. How about: Good bye!

WKN! okay thanks. Oh, I borrowed some black socks yesterday I'll give them back next week.

Richard Releases B-sides From his Old Band "Clear Fog"

Simon ponders coiffures!

WKN! was on special assignment in Bergen and caught a rare glimse into Simon Dankel's attemps at new hairstyles. Our paparazzi photograph caught these recent pix:

Catching up with Dorkafish!

WKN!: Okay......could you please spell out your full name date of birth and city of birth
Dorothy: Dorothy Jane Dankel July 26, 1979
WKN!: What do you think of the Smashing Pumpkins song called 1979?
Dorothy: It's one of my fav songs by them
WKN!: What was it like having that cool room while all the other siblings had crappy rooms growing up?
Dorothy: great! I got to listen to music and put up cool posters of the Cranberries plus I got a Nerf B-ball hoop and pretendied I was Shaq!
WKN!: Do you think they were jealous or had any resentments on the issue?
Dorothy: umm, probably, but Paul, for example, got the room when I moved out plus I think Liz and Catherine were glad to get rid of me in their room (I gotta go meet Simon & James for dinner/movie in 4 min!)
WKN!: Okay I'm going to ask you do do some word association now
Dorothy: ok, I think that's fun
WKN!: yeardly
Dorothy: nerdy
WKN!: saucey
Dorothy: potato
WKN!: mop bucket
Dorothy: clean
WKN!: dandercare
Dorothy:dandelion
WKN!: eyepaste
Dorothy: tooth
WKN!: flogboss
Dorothy: floss (geez a lot of bathroom things!)
WKN!: sneezechoo
Dorothy: kleenex
WKN!: crescent
Dorothy: croissant (yum!!)
WKN!: crescent fresh
Dorothy: what's their name, SIFFLE & OZZY!
WKN!: Liz
Dorothy: Fizz
WKN!: Juice train
Dorothy: soul train
WKN!: bloodfood
Dorothy: boobtube
WKN!: sneeze-scab
Dorothy: Deathcab
WKN!: haha okay now just send me a picture and leave us with some final words...
Dorothy: Can't wait for Lucy's wedding!!
WKN!: what are you so busy with recently by the way??
Dorothy: Google me for a pic, I gotta run!! Doing my application for money to live in Woods Hole this Miss you! Ciao!
WKN!:ok thanx have a nice dinner and tell everyone I said hi
Dorothy: ok! bye!

Catherine is Cleaning Up Her Act!

Peter: Okay! So now what we're going to do is....I'm going to type a word and your gonna type the first word that comes to mind. It's called word-association.
Cacko: Yes. I am ready!
Peter: Okay...just type whatever you first think of don't analyze it or deviate from your instinct.
Cacko: No worries. I will turn off my brain.
Peter: just one word answers please
Cacko: I actually do not have any pink clothes. I look terrible in pink!
Cacko: Celular
Peter: latebreeder
Cacko: dog
I am doing this very quickly. I hope no one analyzes this!
Peter: Skin game
Cacko: Nintendo
Peter: Binky the Bish
Cacko: cochroaches
We have cochroaches in my house in Salto, Uruguay.
Peter: seesaw
Cacko: children
Peter: Vidbox
Cacko: Botox
Peter: Chester
Cacko: the cat
Peter: voodoo
Cacko: witches
I think this is sort of silly, Peter.
Peter: market fresh
Cacko: sandwich
Peter: freshness in a bag
Cacko: ziplock
Which we do not have here...
Peter: "stinkleton fresh zip stride"
Cacko: rubbish
Peter: Skin flake
Cacko: cetaphil
Peter: Chicago smell
Cacko: gas
Peter: dirty Kendallville
Cacko: pigs
Oops. Maybe I should not have said that.
Peter: Dork
Cacko: Dolly
Peter: Okay
Cacko: ¿Es todo?
Peter: wizzard of Oz
Cacko: green witch
Peter: plants
Cacko: health
Peter: mean
Cacko: I need to eat more plants cruel
Peter: well anyways
Cacko: Is that all?
Peter: you have anythign you want to address about Uruguayan sanitation standards?
Cacko: They are generally comparable to Chilean standards.
Peter: that bad eh?
Cacko: Uruguayans tend to flush the toilet paper down the toilet, but Chileans do not They tend to throw it away.
Peter: why are they so disgusting in your view?
Cacko: I do not know what you are talking about.
Peter: So now tell your fans a little bit about your lifestyle these days...what is it like being "Cacko?" in Uruguay??
Cacko: Actually, most Chileans and Uruguayans call me "Cati" because it is easier to pronounce. "Catherine" can trip up tongues. I am living with two other Fulbrighters, Elizabeth and Marylin.
Elizabeth reminds me a lot of Liz! Marylin is from Honduras.
Peter: ARE THEY HOT?
Cacko: Well, Salto can get pretty steamy in the summer. But it is fall not, so not really.
Peter: NO...THOSE CHICKS...ARE THEY HOT?
Cacko: Peter, even if you did seduce them, they are not interested in long-distance relationships. I'm sorry.
Peter: what is your favorite form of Uruguayan entertainment?
Cacko: Mate. Or murgas.
Peter: what is that?
Cacko: Mate is a type of tea that Uruguayans drink all day long. They drink it at home in the morning, at school, at work, at night ... and they often sit around and share mate with friends in parks and things.
Murgas are a kind of "anti-establishment" theater.
We went to one last Friday, and it was a little boring because we were so cold and could not understand much.
You should look it up on wikipedia.
Peter: okay will do. What are your basic plans for the next two years?
Cacko: Well, I will be in Salto, Uruguay for until July 1. Then I move to Montevideo to continue the Fulbright until November.
Then I want to head home for Thanksgiving and possibly Christmas before flying back to Chile. I want to study in Chile before applying for a doctorate in political science. Wish me luck! That is it.
Peter: what about Lucy's wedding?
Cacko: Oh yes. I plan on going to Lucy´s wedding in August with Diego!
Peter: I think we should make a movie there...like a 20 minute short
that has suspense and drama!
Cacko: Oh I am up for that! Something short would be good.
I will probably be there for a maximum of one week, so I probably do not want to spend all of my time working on the film.
But I agree that we should try it.
Peter: Awesome. What do you want to say to your family for this blog entry?
Cacko: I am very happy, and I am learning a lot! I am learning a lot therefore I am happy! And of course I send hugs, kisses and love from Uruguay!
Peter: okay awesome thanks for your time can u send this to me because I don't seem to be able to cut and paste from this window also send me a pic
Cacko: ok

DIEGO!,DIEGO!,DIEGO!

Diego Henry Reyes López, 23 of Santiago de Chile, ran the annual Santiago Marathon on Sunday, April 6. Diego's official time was 3:28 minutes, meaning he averaged about 7.7 minute miles.


The race began and ended in front of La Moneda, the Chilean presidential palace. Diego had to endure 42 kilómetros terrain in order to complete the race. He placed 68 out of a few hundred competitors in his age category: 20-39. 12,000 people ran the race, but only 1,000 ran the full marathon (26.6 miles or 42 kilometers).

The unevenness of the marathon route was 160 meters. The runners therefore had to run 160 meters up over a 21 kilometer distance.


Diego hopes to run more marathons in the future.


"I would like to thank the beautiful Catherine, God and my family: They all motivate me to do everything with perseverance!" tells WKN!.

A New Look at Lucy!

The picture shows Lucy’s deviated septum and chronic sinus infection. After suffering migraines for several months, Lucy finally was convinced, after breaking out into hives while eating lunch with co-workers, she needed to visit an allergist. The incident was quite amusing as the restaurant owner apologized over and over and then Lucy and her co-workers raced out and drove to the nearest pharmacy, where Lucy downed some antihistamines.

Turns out, she has severe allergies and can no longer eat some of her favorite foods; shrimp, lobster and crab. Although this disappointed her, she is glad to know she can still eat crawfish and is looking forward to the Old Town Spring Crawfish festival in a couple weeks.

In addition to the foods, Lucy, who is not known for her cleanliness, learned she is also severely allergic to dust mites and molds, among a million other things. It may be interesting to note, the name chemical Lucy is allergic to in the shrimp, lobster and crab is also found in dust mites.)

The headaches related to the sinus infection have subsided, but the headaches related to the $200 spent for each time she needed to get a Cat Scan remain.

Here’s to Hangin’ Out in the Transitions of Life! By Liz Housholder

When WKN! recently asked me to submit an update on my life, I hesitated because I felt that I had no real “hard news” to report. I am in the final weeks of graduate school at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio), and in the midst of preparing for comprehensive exams and hearing back from potential employers. My hesitations chiefly stemmed from finding myself in a great state of “liminality,” or transition, in which one chapter of my life is closing, while the next has yet to unfold.

Upon this reflection, however, I remembered that really these transitions, or states of liminality, are some of the most exciting moments of life and many members of our family are experiencing them as well. My beloved cousin, Lucy, is preparing a new chapter of her life – marriage – to her life partner, Jaer. My beautiful sister, Catherine, just arrived to Uruguay for her fellowship in order to learn and make a difference for others in a new cultural setting. My dear cousin, Robbie, is finishing his final months in Egypt; whereas my brother, Paul, looks forward to transferring to IU Bloomington and my cousin, Jeff, anticipates graduation and his first year of college. The list could continue with every member of our family, because (arguably) one of the true natures and guarantees in life is change.

This past summer, which marked another life transition in my life, I came across a passage that eloquently articulates why states of liminality should be embraced with gratitude, confidence, and excitement. I share it with you below because it resonated with me so well. It reads:

“…for an eternity that can last a microsecond or a thousand lifetimes, I soar across the dark void of ‘the past is gone, the future is not yet here.’ It’s called transition. I have come to believe that it is the only place that real change occurs. I mean real change, not the pseudo-change that only lasts until the next time my old buttons get punched….Whether or not my hunch is true, it remains that transition zones in our lives are incredibly rich places. They should be honored, even savored. Yes, with all the pain and fear and feelings of being out-of-control that can (but not necessarily) accompany transitions, they are still the most alive, most growth-filled, passionate, expansive moments of life…And so, transformation of fear may have nothing to do with making fear go away, but rather with giving ourselves permission to ‘hang out’ in the transition between trapeze bars. Transforming our need to grab that new bar, any bar, is allowing ourselves to dwell in the only place where change really happens. It can be terrifying. It can also be enlightening, in the true sense of the word. Hurtling through the void, we just may learn how to fly.” D. Parry

Parry’s message rings true to me because it reminds me that the present moment (in whatever context) is always the richest moment I will ever have. For me, this transition period - between graduate school and full-time employment – is a period where “letting go” of the need for control can first provide me personal growth, patience, and confidence because I am trusting that the “right” trapeze bar/next chapter of life will emerge in due time. It is also a time to reflect on the closing chapter and the ways I have grown, and the manner in which I want to apply those experiences purposefully and lovingly in my next chapter of life. In essence, this is a time for me to create real personal and purposeful change and truly learn how to “fly.”

My message is simple – celebrate and embrace change and the present moment. It’s easier said than done, (trust me, it is not always so fun studying for Comprehensive Exams and waiting by the phone!), but I have realized that the times I have done it have been the most rewarding.

Cheers to all members of our family who are ‘hangin’ out’ in the transition zone ~ May we all love support one another during these exciting times!

Best always,

~ Elizabeth

Catherine Briefed by Top Embassy Staff in Uruguay!

Cacko briefly returned to U.S. terrority during her visit to the U.S. embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay last week. Here is a photo of her and her fellow Fulbrighers. She is currently in Salto, Uruguay and plans to live with two other female Fulbrighters.
"At the embassy we enjoyed a presentation of the badass Uruguayan economic situation by the embassy's official economist, Marcelo Paglia. He awesomely answered all of our questions. Uruguay is doing 'crescent fresh' overall, but many 'educated' Uruguayans are leaving because of the lack of jobs. Uruguay tends to over-educate its population thanks to its free university education blah blah blah...you get the idea" Cacko told WKN!"

Thoughts on Honesty by Grace Housholder

As editorial page editor for KPC's daily newspapers, I take very
seriously our mission to honestly help people try to understand opposing
viewpoints. It is impossible for any writer or editor to be truly unbiased ‹
we have to continually make decisions about what stories to cover, what
editorials to write, what quotes to include in those stories and editorials,
etc. Each decision reflects some type of bias. We editors try to be as
honest and careful as possible.
From what I have seen and read I believe Sen. Barack Obama is honestly
trying to help move America forward by finding what unites us so that we can
overcome some of the divisions of the past that have held us back as
individuals and as a nation. In his historic speech Tuesday Obama denounced
some of the highly controversial and "racist" comments of his former pastor,
the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Obama has said he was not present when Rev. Wright
preached the sermons that contain the offensive comments that are flying
around the Internet.
If you want to see these clips put into context go to:

http://truthabouttrinity.blogspot.com/

Scroll down to the very bottom and watch the first two clips. They are
rather long, but they show why Rev. Wright said what he did.

Obama emphasized that he condemns many of the political statements made
by Wright, the former pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in south
Chicago. Obama said Wright¹s political statements express ³a distorted view
of this country.² Obama emphasized that he does not look to the man ³who
introduced me to my Christian faith² for political guidance and he urged
Americans to leave behind old prejudices and focus on what unites us.
At the church¹s Web site (tucc.org) the church says ³Trinity United
Church of Christ has been called by God to be a congregation that is not
ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that does not apologize for its
African roots! As a congregation of baptized believers, we are called to be
agents of liberation not only for the oppressed, but for all of God¹s
family...
³W.E.B. DuBois indicated that the problem in the 20th century was going
to be the problem of the color line. He was absolutely correct. Our job as
servants of God is to address that problem and eradicate it in the name of
Him who came for the whole world by calling all men, women, boys and girls
to Christ.²

I respect Obama for his honesty and courage. He lives out the concept
that "I may not agree with a word you say but I defend your right to say
it."
I don't know for sure when that idea was first expressed. In a quick
online search I found this: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend
to the death your right to say it." This quote is attributed to Voltaire.
Norbert Guterman, in his 1963 work, "A Book of French Quotations," suggests
that it is a paraphrase of a line in a letter written by Voltaire to M. le
Riche on 6 February 1770. "I detest what you write, but I would give my life
to make it possible for you to continue to write."

Cacko begins Fullbright in Uruguay!!

Catherine arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay this afternoon
where she will have three days of orientation for her Fulbright
fellowship!

"Montevideo is a beautiful city with elegant neighborhoods and a long,
very flat beach," Cacko tells WKN!. "I am looking forward to the
Fulbright experience."

Housholder will travel to Salto, Uruguay on Saturday where she will
spend four months teaching, studying and researching. Salto is six
hours north of Montevideo. She will then spend four months in
Montevideo and plans to return to the U.S. for a few weeks in November
(in time for THANKSGIVING!)

Catherine spent the last seven months in Santiago de Chile before arriving in
Montevideo.

Sam Witwer's genius finally acknowledged by media!

Sam will be learning how to count cards and accompany Peter and Robbie Stolz to Las Vegas; until then he'll be blasting away the competition in first grade Algebra! See link below courtesy of George Booth...

http://www.wane.com/Global/story.asp?s=8041184

Barack Obama: A Ray of Hope By GEORGE O. WITWER

"My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world.
I hope you¹ll join with me as we try to change it." ‹ Sen. Barack Obama

The young lady who e-mailed the alleged Sen. Barack Obama quote asked,
rhetorically, "If the country¹s so good, why do we have to change it?" Good
point. Perhaps a better second line for Obama would have been "as we try to
improve it."
What bothers me more about Obama is the way he is trying to distance
himself from his mentor and minister the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Some of
Wright¹s sermons are terrible, unfair diatribes against America that Iranian
President Ahmadinejad would be proud of authoring.
Obama says he was barely aware of Wright¹s views until the videos of
Wright¹s disgusting sermons were unearthed by television reporters and
broadcast ad infinitum. I doubt that.
It seems to me more likely that Obama knew of his pastor¹s passionate
hatred of the white American "ruling class." As a privileged, well-educated
black from Harvard, I suspect Obama was drawn to Wright because he felt a
desire, even a need, to try to understand him. He had absorbed the white,
privileged experience. He must have felt a need to understand the frequently
irrational hatred some otherwise intelligent blacks have for the society in
which they still feel enslaved.
I doubt very much that Obama shares any of those views, views so wildly
wrong, nasty, unfair and sick they need not be repeated here. To see a crazy
black minister ranting and raving hatred just turn on your TV.
In my opinion, Obama¹s connection to Wright might actually improve his
credentials as a compromiser. Maybe he will work to bring people together,
rather than to put down those enemies, the Republicans, as his opponent,
Sen. Hillary Clinton, is so anxious to do.
Obama might be much like the first black to serve as a U.S. senator, the
liberal Republican Edward W. Brooke, 88, who now lives in a spacious Miami
condo overlooking Biscayne Bay, according to a recent article in the Miami
Herald. In fact, they are friends. A copy of Obama's book "The Audacity of
Hope" sits on the former Massachusetts senator's book shelf. It's inscribed,
"To Senator Brooke, Thanks for having cleared the path for me and so many
others. With admiration, Barack Obama."
Brooke broke the color barrier in the Senate barber shop and the Senate
swimming pool. He even was discussed as a possible vice-presidential running
mate with President Richard Nixon at the time of his reelection bid in 1972.
He was passed over because the Republicans feared they would lose the South
with a black candidate, no matter how wonderful he was.
Now the country seems ready for a black candidate for president: If he
truly loves America. If he truly wants to bring hope to all people ‹ not
just the parishioners of Wright's black church. If he has enough moxie to
keep us safe from the crazies who hate us. If (as I suspect) he is an
autonomous person who can be a part of a group without losing the ability to
judge its faults and shortcomings. If he can be a little like Abraham
Lincoln or Brooke. If he can truly build bridges of compromise between the
two political parties.
I believe the Republicans have selected in Sen. John McCain a candidate
who possesses all of the qualities I have mentioned. If the Democrats can
bring themselves to nominate Obama for president rather than Clinton, who
seems filled with hatred for those who are not subservient to her and who is
too focused on winning at any cost, then it will matter less who becomes our
next president. And we may all be happy again.


George is the Patriarch of the Witwer family. He resides in Key West with his wonderful wife "Lee-Boo."

Hmmm, new Thanksgiving movie?! :)

I don't think we have to worry about Corky....maybe something for Lee or Aunt Grace? ;)

Catherine Weighs in on Politics from Chile!

Observing U.S. presidential race from way south

I never thought I would miss U.S. politics so much!

I have been working in Santiago de Chile for seven months. When my parents wrote me an email saying they had obtained press credentials for the Clinton-Obama debate in Ohio, the only sentiment (please forgive me) that I felt was jealousy! (Check out Dad's awesome videos at http://www.kpcnews.com/articles/2008/02/28/online_features/video/debate.txt)

As a female observer of politics, I would love to see a woman in the White House -- even Chile had a female president before the U.S.! (Argentina has had two women presidents!)

However I lean toward Obama because Hillary represents the establishment, and she favored the war. I also tend to dislike her leadership style which tends to be too "masculine." Voting for women is supposed to imply change, but I do not see that with Hillary.

The funny thing for me about this election is that I have never seen (through emails) my mother so excited about a presidential race! God bless Obama if he can motivate more people to become passionate about politics. (Or are we better off with a less passionate population ...?)

The best newspaper in Chile -- El Mercurio -- runs about an article every day or every two days about the U.S. elections, and most Chileans I talk to know about Obama and Clinton.

In any case, U.S. politics is much more exciting now than politics in Chile. The next elections are about two years away, and one of the leading contenders is another woman -- Soledad Alvear! We will see ...

Clinton: Corrupt McCain: a Flip-Flopper!! LOL

Happy Birthday, P E T E R !!!!

WKN! was dizzied by Super Tuesday, but has still remembered to celebrate Peter's birthday today!

Well-wishers can also e-mail him @ peterstolz@gmail.com .

Happy Birthday, Peter!!!!

DOLLY'S IN AUSTRIA

Dolly has returned to Laxenburg, Austria for a 7-week stint continuing her research summer project she started here last June. While at IIASA (more specifically in the Evolution and Ecology Program at IIASA), Dolly is collaborating with Dr. Ulf Dieckmann on a paper about the quantification and integration of stakeholder-defined utility for various fisheries management regimes.While away, Dolly hopes that Josefine is able to make Simon feel at home when he comes home from a hard day at the molecular biology lab doing all sorts of important experiments to find out why some people get obese. Dolly has a newfound four legged friend in her apartment in Austria in which she rents a bedroom. Schweisie is a token symbol of Josefine while away.

www.jaerandlucretia.com

Lucy & Jaer have a website! Check it out for all the latest. On second thought, give Lucy a call for ALL THE LATEST!!

Remember to check out the wedding poll on the right ---->

DOLLY NAMED EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF WKN!!

(AP) BERGEN/WASHINGTON D.C.

After a long period of internal meetings and negotiations between Norway and USA, Dorothy J. Dankel, Msc. (also known as Dolly Housholder) has been named Editor-in-Chief of Witwer Kids Now! This news came as a surprise as WKN! founder and publisher, Peter Stolz, turned over the daily tasks to his oldest cousin Mrs. Dankel. In an exclusive interview from his office in downtown D.C., Mr. Stolz commented: "I think that Dolly has better blog skills than I do. We've negotiated a deal where we will be co-editors of WKN! instead of just me. We need to spice it up and I think if Dolly is one of the editors the credibility will be better and we will be the authority on all things Witwer from now on!"

Mrs. Dankel's (to be Dr. Dankel in March 2009) agent was avaiable for comment in the wee hours of Monday morning. "I've been in touch with my client Dolly and she reports that she looks forward to collaborating with Peter to make WKN! credible and innovative to meet future family needs."

AUNT GRACE WEIGHS IN ON ENERGY INDEPENDENCE!!

Dear Good Kids!
Last week after I asked Peter to develop an e-mail alert system so that we would know when he updates WKN!, Peter asked me to submit something. I was working on deadline so I asked him if I could submit something I had written in the past. He said, “Absolutely not. WKN! must only carry exclusive journalism. Your editorial should be in my inbox no later than 1:00 pm today.”
We all know Peter is a softie at heart. He really meant, “Awesome Aunt Grace, I value your input — write when you can!” :-)
So here I am. I am writing to share with you wonderful kids something I am thinking about for an editorial for next Sunday. Maybe you can help me.
The idea got started last night when I was listening to the book show on CSPAN. It was around 11 p.m. So obviously I wasn’t watching the show I was lying in bed listening with my eyes closed. The authors of the new book “Break Through” were talking about how only about 65 percent of people surveyed “believe” in global warming. This figure hasn’t budged over the years. They feel it is fruitless to try to convince everyone about the dire consequences of not doing something about global warming. They also pointed out that computers were not developed by limiting the number of typewriters people could buy. This represents my basic philosophy about life — you don’t say “no” to negative things... You say “YES!” to positive things... But I digress.
The headline of my editorial will be “Limits don’t/help nation/be smarter.” The basic idea is that our national security depends on energy independence and we can gain energy independence only be moving forward with alternative forms of energy such as solar, wind power, nuclear, etc.
On our Dec. 25, 2007 Chicago-Miami flight (first leg of Chile trip) I sat by a fascinating young man whose father is a genetics professor at the University of Wisconsin. The boy was about Catherine’s age and getting a master’s in a couple of science areas. I brought up the topic of global warming. (It was a 3 hour flight!) He said a friend of his had done research at a beautiful facility in California completely funded by oil companies. But he said the oil companies control the results of the research and hold all the patents for everything developed. So some good ideas don’t get pursued if they would negatively impact the oil companies. I was incensed, but he didn’t seem to be bothered. I think his basic idea was that scientists love to be paid well to do research so why not do it for the oil companies, even if nothing comes of it? Because it was in the evening and our main topic was Chile (his girlfriend is Chilean) I didn’t take notes. I certainly wish I had. I should have at least gotten the name of the facility.
Anyway, I think energy independence should be a key focus of the 2008 presidential campaign. And I think the candidates should talk about all the positive things that can come from investment in research of alternative forms of energy. But we can’t just do the research. We need follow through on things that can be viable, even if they may negatively impact oil company profits. Our dependence on foreign oil makes our nation extremely vulnerable. In addition, our oil dollars help to support some unsavory regimes. Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar has written and spoken extensively on this topic. Lugar is a close friend of Obama’s... I hope Obama and some of the Republicans pick up on this!
Maybe you good and smart kids all over the U.S. and the globe can give me more information to flesh out this idea.

PAUL IS A "HAPPY CAMPER!"

WKN!: How was your new years and what did you do?

Paul: This new year was the best one of my life! Robbie, Jessie, Liz and I went to Duval street and walked around for awhile. Liz found a bar she really liked and we went in. There was live music and all of the songs were good. Jessie sat the bar said to Robbie at the bar that she was dancing with some guy at the bar and she was actually dancing with Robbie!!! LOL Then We went to see Sushie drop down from a big bright red shoe. Liz gets interviewed by a CNN reporter and makes a fool of herself which you can find on you tube!!! LOL Then When we counted the new year down I got on CNN! I was throwing all this confetti because it was so much fun. Then we started to walk down Duval street and Robbie and I were giving out high fives to anyone that would give them to us and saying to them "Happy New Year, Its 2008!" We had so much fun and I will never forget it.

WKN!: Wow…why would you want to stare at a bunch of men who look like hot girls? I’ve always found that confusing. Maybe we should call you RuPaul…Moving on….is it hard having three older sibblings that are all female?

RuPaul: I wouldn't say that it is hard because it is the only thing that I am used to. It had its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages: I learn much about how girls live and act in their every day life. The DISADVANTAGES are when I was little and they would play with me:(

WKN!: What should WKN! readers know about Paul Housholder that we don't?

Paul: That I have a new goal in my life! It is to do well in school so that I can go to IU next year.

WKN! wow it sounds like your in a really good place in life. Who is your favorite presidential candidate?

Paul: Obama for sure. He will definately get my vote. But I just heard steve colbert talk to MIke Huckuby and they were talking about colbert being Vis President if Huckuby wins. If that happens I would have something to think about!

WKN! what do you want to do with your life?

Paul: I have no idea what I want to do with my life I have so many ideas I do not know which one to chose.

WKN! have you ever had a philosphical conversation with Corky and if so what was it about?

Paul: I just finished a Ethics class the last semester and I got a A n it! Anyways I told Corky that and he was telling me things that I never heard of and it was way over my head, but I listened and nodded my head like a good grandson.

WKN!: I've always thought of Paul Housholder as a guy that marches to a different tune. I was really proud of you when you started skateboarding and got so damn good! How would you characterize your creative side?

Paul: I was not as creative when I was in high school because I think I was into sports a lot and didn't know who I was fully yet. Ever since I have went to college I have thought about who I am and what my views are because when I went to Chicago no one knew me. How I would characterize my creative side?.... I don't know.

WKN!: Tell our readers about your athletic accomplishments

Paul: In tennis, my biggest accomplishment was being honoral mention all state my senior year by going 15-7. In soccer when I was eight I scored nine goals in one game! In skateboarding I ollied nose manualed an eight foot box and nollie shuvit out clean! In baseball I hit my first home run when I was a fershmen in high school in to straight center field which was the last part of the field. Thats about it for my athletic career.

WKN! Finally, use this last section to spit out whatever's on your mind..

Paul: I am a happy camper right now and hope if any cousin sees this…make sure you write what you feel on this because that is what I want to hear!

WKN! Thanks RuPaul.

Paul: What is RuPaul?

SGT. STOLZ GOES ON THE RECORD!!!

WKN!: Are you ready to go ON THE RECORD with Witwer Kids Now?

Robbie: ERRR! Let's git-r-done!!

WKN!: So Robbie, Tell us a little bit about what you’ve been up to the past few years?

Robbie: Well, about 1 year ago I was discharged from the Marines, and since then I’ve been working towards my degree.

WKN: You’ve been doing that at the University of MD and this year you are studying at the American University in Cairo. What are you studying and what’s Egypt like?

Robbie: I study Arabic and political science. Living in Egypt is very interesting. Everyday you just never know what will happen or what you will see.

WKN: Tell me about your Military service? What’s it like being a Marine? When exactly did you join the marines and why?

Robbie: I stepped on the Yellow Footprints March 23 2003. The next three months I could never forget. Everyday was hard and everyday was harder than the last. My drill instructors were some mean SOBs but I learned a lot from them. Over the next four years there would be good times and bad but looking back we had a lot of fun. It was an awesome experience and I grew tremendously from it. The Marines challenged me in every way because everything you did had to be done to Marine standards, which is pretty high. From this experience I took a way an attitude that I can get through anything and accomplish whatever I choose too.

WKN: What was it like serving in Iraq? Do you think you were serving for a good cause?

Robbie: Yes, don’t you?

WKN: Do you think invading Iraq was a good decision? What do you think we should do now with Iraq? Do you think we should start bringing back our units?

Robbie: We need to keep the pressure on the enemy, keep training Iraqis, and do more to get the Iraqi economy going.

WKN: What is your opinion of George W. Bush? Who is your favorite presidential candidate so far? What national issues need to be addressed in your opinion?

Robbie: Bush is Bush, I have not been very impressed lately. For the next president, I want someone who can inspire Americans to make sacrifices for the common good. I guess if I was forced to vote today I would go with John McCain.

WKN: Why? He's publicly stated that he wants to continue the war in Iraq

Robbie: McCain has served honorbly in the military and made huge sacrifices. He understands the military, talks straight and doesn't make false promises or give false hope.

WKN: What is your happiest moment hanging out with Witwer cousins? What was the funniest?

Robbie: Gee, so many memories it's pretty tough to pick. I guess whenever we were all together those were the best times. It hasn’t happened in a while so we should make a point to all be at Thanksgiving next year! Also our summer vacation in Hilton Head, North Carolina.

WKN: What are some of your goals in the coming years?

Robbie: I want to meet a nice girl, buy a farm and become a falconer.

WKN: What do you see as being your role in this complicated world?

Robbie: I would like to keep learning about the world, and if I think I can make an impact then I would like to contribute in some way to making a more peaceful, prosperous and harmonious world.

WKN: Do you have a girlfriend?

Robbie: No

WKN: Who have been some of your biggest influences in life besides me?

Robbie: Well, Peter no one has really topped your influence in my life.

WKN: Thats what I thought. Do you have any closing thoughts or want to touch on anything I may have left out?

Robbie: No, thanks Pete.