Thomas Umstattd Jr.

The Problem With Power

Power confuses and concerns me. Here is the paradox: It is hard to do good without it. The more power a man attains, the more evil he commits. In politics we often think: “If only we could get more power we could do more good.” But is this the case? Three Stories -> One Questions Can you fix a broken system by taking power from bad men and giving it to good men? Here are three stories...

Technology Talks (March 2010)

As you may know, I teach on technology a lot. Several of you have asked when my next classes are. So here you go here is a list of some of my upcoming talks. I would love to see you there! How Everything Has Changed & Nothing is New What the changes in Social Media mean for your business. Date: March 2 (8-9:30am) Cost: Free (registration required) City: Austin, TX Register Now Tools like...

Why March?

Someone recently asked me what the point was to all these pro-life marches. We have marched a lot in recent weeks so the question is valid. I would like to submit the following 5 reasons why we should march and rumble for life. Marching Encourages our Leaders One of the challenges of leadership is that the higher you rise the more out of touch you become. Leaders rely on the media to clue them in...

Hello 2010 (Thomas’ New Years Predictions)

Last year I made 9 predictions about 2009. My score for 2009 was 4 out of 9 predictions correct. Here are the predictions I made last year. 9 Predictions for 2009 Prediction 1 “Obama will pass the Fairness act but it will only apply to political talk. It will be the best thing to happen to the conservative movement. Conservative talk radio needs to die.” Outcome: Fail! Obama chose to take...

Goodbye 2009

It’s that time of year again. Time to look back and see if we learned anything. Here is a summary of what I have been up to during the past year. 2008 Was a Hard Year In 2008 my business failed, my dad had a heart attack, my grandfather died and Grace and I called off our courtship. I began 2009 with an expectation that things would start looking up. Spring 2009 – New Beginnings In January...

My Adventure at Hope Chapel’s Christmas Choir

After over 10 years of doing choir in school I swore I would never sing in choir again. I put aside my musical side for  occasional beat boxing and perhaps singing with my family. No more the answers “no” thank you. But this was not to be. After my dad asked me for the seventh time to join the Hope Chapel Christmas choir I relented. I had a great time! Despite my expectations I might...

Tax Funded Abortions in Austin

On December 10th 2009 the Texas Health District Board had a hearing on whether to approve funding to pay for abortions for poor Austin Women. Austin is the only town in Texas to use tax dollars to pay for abortions. About 1000 per year. My Sister and friends praying after the vote. Photo by Austin American Statesman. We felt and still feel that this was a battle we could win. Harris County recently...

Looking Back on 24 Years…

Today I turn 24. Please permit me to change pace a bit for a post and do some self reflection. Here I am in an ancient Russian church tower Looking Old It seems surprise people when they learn I’m only 24. There are two ways to take this. Either that I look old or that I seem seem old for my age. Is this caused by sorrow, weight or wisdom? I don’t know. Probably a mixture. Looking forward...

The Thin Line Between Creepy and Charming

Yesterday I tweeted “The only difference between creepy and charming is permission.” Some explanation is in order. No, I did not go on a date last night. No, I did not have yet another awkward encounter with a woman. But there is a story here and an interesting conclusion. The tweet was the result of three completely unrelated things blending in my mind. Thing 1: Barrack Obama There has...

Need Help With Technology? Check out my new website.

This robot goes with the new website I started to help people use technology to advance the kingdom. It’s targeted at Authors but the tips will be helpful to you as well. Do you have a question about some tech topic? This is the place to ask it. Recent Tech Tips: 5 Tips for Getting The Most Out of Twitter What is a Podcast? How to Get Twitter on Your Phone The Best Way to Track Site Statistics How...