Happy New Year!

So, this happened three years ago today. Walked away without a scratch, and it led to my conversion to a beautiful church. It's been nothing but glory ever since. 

Death of Lemmy, Part II

The death of Lemmy brought out amazing tributes from fans. It's wonderful to see, isn't it? 

It brought out something more disgusting too-people who have never heard of Lemmy until now suddenly have become die hard metal fans. 

They remind me of the worst kind of people-mindless followers. I have nothing but disdain for those people. The type that grew out their hair and said "I was punk before punk was punk" Well no, you aren't. Instead, you'll just move on to whatever the next trendy thing is. 

Keep it real, keep it punk....or in his case, keep it metal. 

Lemmy, RIP

Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead passed away today. 

We saw it coming. My God, it doesn't make it easier. 

He defined a genre.  If Lemmy said it was metal, it was metal. 

You are missed already Lemmy. RIP.

True confessions-I like pro wrestling

You think it's fake? Sure. Jump right into the ring to prove it tough guy.

It's as fake as the movies and television you like, but oddly no one tells Kiefer Sutherland that he is a "phony" 

People who say wrestling is "fake" do so through their nose. They look down at us dirty wrestling fans as the lower classes. 

I'm coming out of the closet as a big wrestling fan. I prefer the indies, but my three favorites of all time are Ric Flair, Sting, and Bret Hart. Just saying those three I feel guilty because I am forgetting someone.

The most underrated wrestlers of all time are Shane Douglas, Booker T, and Golddust. 

I don't watch much anymore. WWE has gotten really stale and TNA is just sort of sad. Ring of Honor is still fantastic though. I also strongly prefer the Lucha Libre style of the Mexican wrestlers-Great show, great enthusiasm, and outstanding performances. The masks are also a special treat.  

 It's not about the violence. It never was. It's about the glam. 

Nothing is ever my fault. Nope, not at all.

Like everyone else, we all have "that relative" we don't get along with. This particular one is grumpy, complains all the time, and is literally never happy. I've never seen the dude smile. 

His lack of self awareness bothers me more than anything else. 

He's been fired from almost every job he's ever had. One divorce might be back luck and bad circumstances, but your fourth divorce? Well, that might be your fault.  Same with jobs. 

This Christmas, I got an email asking why he isn't invited to any Christmas parties.

Do you know people like that too? 

When you act surly, unpleasant and bitch all the time, I think you give up your right to ask why you are unpopular. 

And unemployable. 

Album of the weekend

We Wish You a Metal XMas and a Headbanging New Year

This is for the headbangers, punks, misfits and outcasts who like traditional christmas carols with a twist. 

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Why I haven't been around much

Merry Christmas everyone. Hope it's safe, happy, and most importantly-punk. 

Album of the Weekend

The Cure-Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss me. 

Kiss me for this one. Muah! 

Ahh, the Cure. Their reputation or being moody drama queens is well deserved, but I will always love The Cure. I also have huge respect for Bobby Smith, their lead singer. He never "sold out" and changed his appearance. He's also happily married without kids for many, many years, and you don't see that in the entertainment field. 

Not all the songs are gloomy. "Just like Heaven" is a really good love song written about Mary (his wife). 

The Cure is underrated. Sure, they are whiny, but that's British music excluding the metal of the late 60's-early 70s. 

Enjoy my friends. Have a great weekend! 

The Rudolph Movie

I never liked that movie. At all. 

Christmas was always tough for me for many reasons. Often times my family would complicate even the fun things, like decorating a Christmas tree. It was rarely a pleasant experience. No, that's not me being a Grinch because I do like the Christmas culture. 

Rudolph always made me depressed though. I felt so, so terrible for him. I always empathized with his loneliness, and when I was a kid I wanted to live on the Island of Misfit Toys. I thought I fit in there better than anything else. Still do. 

King Moonracer is the true hero in that movie. He took the misfits (Great band, by the way) and gave them a place where they could stay and be loved. 

Here's the to real King Moonracers in life. Those who take care of all of us who never really felt "at home" anywhere. Thanks guys. 

Star Wars

Upfront: I'm one of the biggest Star Wars geeks you'll ever meet. One of my tattoos is the rebel alliance logo. My car license plate is also a Star Wars reference. My dog is named after a character in the EU. Han and Leia's daughter, Jaina. So I'm a bit of a fan. 

But I don't like how Star Wars has become chic. Growing up it was for the misfits and geeks. We were teased about it all the time Now, it's suddenly become cool. Geek chic. 

Disney will ignore the expanded universe, and that's a shame. The real fans won't. 

I don't like going to movies anyway. The last one I saw was Citizen Four, the documentary about Edward Snowden. 

Will I see the movie? Of course I will. But this is the first Star Wars movie I won't be seeing at midnight  on the opening day. 

I still love Star Wars, I will always love Star Wars. 

May the force be with you.  

Scott Marshall of Ink Master

Turns out Scott Marshall from Ink Master died of a heroin overdose.

"Anyone who glorifies drugs is an asshole and there is a special place in Hell for them."-Kurt Cobian. 


Amen Kurt. 

New ward!

Just attended sacrament in our new ward. 

Have to admit it-I like the stares I get from being long haired, tattooed and not wearing a white shirt with a black suit. Then I pull out my  Book of Mormon, showing how tag marked and worn out it is from reading. The looks change from mild disgust/confusion to shock and awe. 

Album of the Weekend

Andrew WK-I Get Wet

This is not a very good album. No song on here will be played while discussing how deep the lyrics are or how they've changed your life. If any of these songs speak to you-I'm happy for you, but I don't get it. 

Andrew WK is an incredibly deep thinker.  Read his Village Voice column. He is one of the few columnists there where you don't already know what he is going to say. Nat Hentoff is the other.  

Andrew WK has taken his party boy lifestyle and transformed it into philosophy. His is the attitude I want to have. I thank him dearly not for his music, but for him being himself.

Party Hard.  

Trump and the first amendment

Trump is a brillant businessman. You can't be that successful and be stupid or incompetent. 

Shame he's so delusional.

First off, Trump has every right to run for president. He has every right to say what he wants. Telling him to "shut up" or trying to censor him is just as awful as the things that come out of his mouth. 

I am a radical on free speech, in fact, it's one of the main reasons I'm a card carrying member in the ACLU. When hothouse college flowers demand for speakers to "shut up" it's abhorrent. It's also disturbing, 

Yes, I know that the first amendment only restricts governments from censoring speech, but most colleges follow it in theory. The brilliant Alan Dershowitz has written wonderful legal essays on "the spirit" of free speech and how important it is. 

Back to Trump. 

His ideas repulse me. But I don't make the rules. You should be able to argue and debate with him. If you can't do that, you should ignore him. Only weak or stupid people tell him to "shut up." That's basically admitting to the world that you are too stupid to rebut his claims and fall back on fifth grade behavior. 

Again, I am no fan of Trump. I'm libertarian but I almost always vote republican. I view both parities as useless, but I view not voting as immoral and spitting on those who died for your right to vote. 

I also think libertarians are rather useless. I'm not called a "true" libertarian because I'm pro life. Odd that a party of individuals would expect lockstep conformity on hot button issues....given that I agree with 90% of their party platform.  

Johnny and Punk

Sharing this picture of Johnny Ramone for no reason. Other than, it makes me happy. 

Album of the weekend

Stone Temple Pilots-Core 

No, I was never the biggest STP fan, though I give credit where it is due. Many people liked them. 

RIP Scott Wieland, you will be missed. I don't have to be a fan to say that. 

Grunge is a lost art. People who down play it are usually aging glam rock fans who can't see that they sound like old grumps complaining about kids today. I really enjoy both styles. 

Core was not the best grunge album. In fact, my primary issue with it is that it sounds, well, too grunge. But they lyrics are decent and the sound isn't unpleasant. It just blends in too much for my personal taste. In fact, that's always been my complaint with STP/Velvet Revolver. I don't feel like they have an identity. 

But I did like Scott Weiland. Good voice and a guy who always tried to get it together. Addiction is a nightmare everyone, and like another grunge icon said (Kurt Cobain) "Anyone who glorifies it is a monster and has a special place in hell waiting for them". 

Amen Kurt. There but for the grace of God go I Scott. Hope you find peace. 

Calm down, deep breath everyone...

I know it seems bad now, but things really will be fine. I am referring to the horrific mass shootings lately. In Paris, France and in the United States. I'm praying for all of us.

But life truly does continue, and we mourn properly and move on. Don't let fear take the enjoyment out of life.

The risk of being in a mass shooting or terrorist attack are actually quite small.

Be punk everyone. Be punk....

Anti-Islamic prejudice

You know what bothers me? What I just said in the title.

Stereotyping all Muslims as "terrorists" is horrible. In fact, it's just what the left does. They stereotype all of us gun owners and pro-lifers as crazies, rednecks or worse. 

Islam needs major reform, but no, you can't say all Muslims all terrorists. I'm not wild about the way Islam treats women and gays, and I'm not naive to the fact that radical Islam doesn't really like liberal, western values. 

But I'm not going to blame every Muslim for the actions of radicals. You shouldn't either. 

Vinnie Vincent

Vinnie Vincent is one of the most talented guitarists of his generation. What that guy could do with a guitar is legendary. Very few people could come close to his talent, and he's actually slightly underrated  in the glam rock world.

He's also among the most self destructive and unethical people in rock history. That's saying something, because music is filled with self important jerks who vastly overestimate their own self worth.

Like professors, marital arts instructors and athletes, being in the music industry will vastly warp your ego. You are asked questions that you know the answer to, and you know you know the answer to them. So you begin to think that everyone should listen to you. They shouldn't. When you don't speak in your speciality, no, you don't know what you are saying. That's why a chemist can tell you all about chemistry, but nothing about physics. 

Anyway, back to Vinnie. He's apparently missing and unable to be found. While I don't wish this on anyone, it's hard to feel sorry for him. He had everything in the world and he thew it away. He's still bitter, angry and blames everyone but himself. 

In the immortal words of the great commercials, "Don't be like this Vinnie Vincent." 

Good warning tale.

Your first tattoo

Congratulations and welcome to the tattoo world. You are no longer a tattoo virgin. 

The big thing to think of is the classic, "You get what you pay for". If you shell out 50 bucks for a tattoo that your buddy did in their van, you have no right to complain about how bad it is. It's going to be bad, and it's going to be permanent. You can divorce your spouse, but you'll never be able to divorce your tattoo. 

Do you really want this, or will you regret it at 50? I have seven tattoos, and they are mostly in the flash/Amtrad style.(later edit-I now have nine tattoos. At the time this was written, only seven) Not only do I love the artwork of it (just because it's simple doesn't mean it's easy, to quote Oliver Peck. One of the greatest Amtrad artists in history. Yes, I heard about him before Ink Master) but it'll look good on my body when I get older. Amtrad also isn't trendy. You can get a gorgeous tribal tattoo, but you will always look like a 90's boy band member. I love the trash polka style, but I wouldn't get one. In ten years, the style won't be as trendy as it is now. 

What will your family say? I'm very proud of all my tattoos, but other people do look at you differently. Yes, it's changing (thank God) but there is still prejudice against tattooed people. You can't change being Asian/African American/White but you can choose not to get tattoos. Are you ready for that? Yes, you can complain that prejudice against tattooed people isn't fair (and it isn't) but we choose this and have no right to complain. If you get a tattoo on your face, you will regret it, and you have no right to complain about being treated differently.  

Your first tattoo should be in a place where you can easily hide it. You aren't ready to have one in the open. 

They hurt too. A lot.

Finally, you reading this are probably LDS. If you aren't, great. First off, thank you for reading, it means the world to me. I say that in all humility and seriousness. If you are LDS and want a tattoo, you are in a totally different world. It is not inherently sinful to get tattoos, but the church does frown on it. You will assuredly disappoint your family, and you should listen to them before me. 

Obviously I love tattoos, but my love for them doesn't cloud my judgement or warp my view of reality. Go out and get some, but be prepared. 

Album of the weekend

Pink Floyd-The Wall

Everyone sing with me! "We don't need no education, we don't need no thought control" 

Most concept albums aren't good. Even from good bands like Kiss and The Who, their concept albums...well, they aren't very good. 

The Wall is different. Instead of the mindless conformity that professional education seems to breed, the guys from Floyd saw right though it and decided to create a good concept album. Not only is the album good, it's interesting. It's also musically complex, though I freely admit I'm hardly an expert on that subject. 

Good concept album. Would like to see a good musical over it. 

Happy Black Friday. Enjoy the consumerism, and I mean that seriously. Go out and buy things for people, enjoy life and don't complain about materialism. We like giving and receiving. 

What I'm thankful for?

My beautiful family, my beloved dog, my amazing friends, my health....

And I'm so thankful for being Mormon. Thanks for not kicking me out yet guys. I love each and every one of you. 

Tim 

I still don't like going to the temple, part II.

Right. I still don't like going to temple, and will only go kicking and screaming.

This is a "duplicate" of one I posted early. Allow me to elaborate a bit. It's been brought up in recent conversation with some other members. 

I find the temple to be incredibly constricting, not liberating. I don't like being told what to do, where to go and how to worship. In the temple, you are told what to do, where to go, and how to worship. I don't like being in groups, I like my individuality. In the temple, you are in groups all the time. I don't like not being distracted. I need my Game Boy, Iphone, etc. In the temple, you can't use those. I don't like getting dressed up. I prefer my hoodie, jeans and sweatshirt. In the temple, you need to wear a suit. I don't like that either.

None of this means "I don't see the value in Temples". I do. What it does mean, simply put, is "I don't like going to the temple." I am sure there are other faithful, legit and believing members that also feel the same way.

Whenever I go to the temple, I play Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin right afterwards. That's a plus. 

Facebook and "online friends"

I am convinced beyond all doubt that people who downplay or dismiss Facebook friends and online friends do so out of ignorance and fear. They are jealous, pure and simple. I am very, very uncomfortable when people who don't have relationships online dismiss or downplay them. They don't have the right and should keep their mouth shut.   

Your online friends are a part of your life. You should value and treasure them. In 2015, you can communicate with anyone at any time you wish, worldwide. Communication is one of the most fundamental parts of a relationship (Parent/Child, friendship, spouse,boss, etc). If you don't have friends you can openly communicate with, go out and get them. I deeply, deeply value my online friends just he same as my friends I see who are not strictly online. 

In general, people hate and fear new things. Cars were considered demonic when they replaced the horse and carriage, phones were also considered the same. In twenty years, there will be no difference between online friends and those you meet offline. We're just the trailblazers. God bless the online cats, the people who share the memes, and the lovers of Twitter, Facebook and online forums.  

Album of the weekend

The Police-Synchroniticy

The Police are far, far more influential than what is known. Their lyrics are much darker than known. No, "Every Breath You Take" isn't a love song, it's a creepy song about obsessive, unrequited love. When people choose that for their wedding song I want to cringe. And "Creepy" doesn't mean "bad". It's one of my favorite songs. 

I also have to salute the song "Don't Stand so Close to Me." It references one of my favorite writers of all time, Vladimir Nabokov. People who aren't  very educated or blind with hate assume things about him, because he wrote the book, "Lolita". Not the time or place, but that book is brilliant and no, it's not about what you are thinking of.  More on that later. 

Dark lyrics, innovative sound, influenced all of us. This album is a classic. 
   

France and celebrating (yes, celebrating) when evil is destroyed

This will be among the most controversial blog posts I'll ever do, I think. No apologies. 

Pop open the Champagne everyone. The human garbage in France who created such horrific evil is dead. 

Do I celebrate his death? Damn right I do. No, not all deaths are tragic. When a murderer dies, you celebrate. When a child rapist dies, you celebrate. When Osama died, I loved every minute of it. 

Those who create such massive, intense pain and suffering are evil. Yes, there is evil in the world. Yes, people who create such evil deserve to die. 

The world is no nursery. It's not a big, cuddly place where everyone hugs each other at the end. There are people out there who would rather kill us then look at us. You need to accept this. I don't care if you  don't listen to another word I say, but listen to this: You can be obsessed with compassion and tolerance , and they'll cut your head off. You can hug them and place a flower in the barrel of their gun, and they will shoot you. Wake up. 

Do I wish it never happened? Of course I do! But it did. 

So celebrate. This monster is dead. Go out and live your life. If you live in mortal terror, you are letting the bad guys win. 

La Vie Boheme! 

HIV

If it's true that you know who has HIV, than I wish him the best of luck. 

This isn't about Sheen. I can't stand him. Great actor, nasty person. 

But it IS about HIV.

My mother was a nurse. In the early 80's she held the hands of gay men dying of AIDS when no one else would. AIDS still kills many people in Africa, India, Haiti and other poor countries. It's horrific. George W Bush is the most over bashed president in history, but what he did for AIDS in Africa should earn him the Noble Peace Prize. Of course it won't. 

Being HIV positive today is totally different. You can now live a healthy, long life with HIV. 

That is a big reason why I am uncomfortable with people complaining about modern life. 100 years ago, people didn't live past fifty five that much. Now people complain about growing old without the knowledge that this is the first time in history we have that chance.  

Punk on the road...

I'm on the road again, to quote Willie Nelson. I love to drive, it's one of the few places I feel closest to God. I don't know why. Ever since I was a child I've loved road trips. I like the solitude of the open road. You are surrounded by people in other cars-but you are in total isolation as well. It's just me, my dog, and 80 gigs of music. 

And this time, we are relocating down south, down to the sunshine. 

See you on 95 fellow travelers. Travel safe, be punk. 

Love! 

Album of the weekend

Letters to Cleo-Wholesale Meats and Fish

Ok, my Boston bias is showing. I saw them New Years Eve in Worcester. Among my first concerts, Letters to Cleo was among several bands that opened for the Mighty Mighty Boss Tones. 

"Jennifer" and "St. Peter" are two of the better songs. This whole album has a grunge/ska/light punk feeling. Letters to Cleo is a band that never got enough play. 

Starbucks Cups, Dungeons and Dragons and easily offended people

No Christian is raising hell about these Starbucks cups. Literally no one. The anti-Christian crowd is using this is a stick to beat all of us with. Relax, don't fall into it. 

This reminds me of Magic:The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons. Stupid Christians with too much time on their hands and an interest in bullying others can make even the most innocent thing seem sinful. 

It's tough. 

I've been a nominal Christian my whole life, but only recently am I trying to take the Christian thing seriously. People who know me before I was baptized have every right to ignore me completely and not take what I say seriously. Pre-conversion, I was a lying, cheating scumbag. Now, I am a forgiven lying and cheating scumbag. 

But I'm still a huge fantasy geek. Dungeons and Dragons (I play a chaotic good mage most of the time) and Magic: The Gathering (I had a blue/white turbo stasis deck that could kick your decks ass) will still be among my favorite things to do. 

Being offended is a choice. Don't make it. 

Tolerance

Okay, the word "tolerance" first implies "disapproval". For example, I don't like potatoes. I don't like them boiled, fried, mashed, whipped or even french fries. In fact, if I had my way I would never eat them again. I am the worlds pickiest eater to begin with. I don't even like to eat food that has been prepared unless I really know the chef. Yes, it's quirky. Probably certifiably insane.

However, if served potatoes, I will eat them. I "tolerate" them because I don't want to insult the server or the cook. But in case you have me as a future dinner guest-please note-I don't like potatoes.

So, when the left says they are "tolerant" it only goes to people they agree with. If you disagree with them, hardcore leftists turn into machines of screaming rage.

I found out about this in college. A conservative speaker was going to be asked to speak, and one girl on the council flipped. She hated her, and because she hated her, she demanded that the speaker not be invited. Personally, I can't stand Ann Coulter and think she is a disgusting person. But you shouldn't be forced to live by my rules. The girl on the student council was too selfish to understand this.  Ironically, she was intolerant too.

I am a huge, huge believer in true tolerance. That means "live and let live". I don't care who you are, what you do or anything else as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. The left will never understand what tolerance means. Their preaching of tolerance reminds me of fundamentalist preachers talking about how moral they are while screwing their secretaries in cheap hotels.

Tammy Bruce

Tammy Bruce is punk. The ultimate compliment I can give someone. Like Camilla Paglia, she an out lesbian. (Camille Paglia is also punk, more on her later). Research shows the most homosexuals vote Democrat. No, that's not homophobic for me to say that, and yes, there are openly gay republicans.

Tammy is a bit different. She was president of NOW, the National Organization for Women. They are not exactly part of the hard right establishment. She had a falling out with them over supposedly "racist comments" during the OJ Simpson case, but before then she was at the forefront of their battles. 

Tammy also was brave enough to challenge her own beliefs. she read things that challenged her. Few can these days. 

New church teachings on children of gay marriages

This really shouldn't surprise anyone. In other news, stealing and murder are also against church teachings.

This is an issue for me. I am going to set aside my own personal feelings for a bit. I do accept that the church knows more than I do.

Alma 30:25 is one of my favorite quotes, and it says " a child shall not be punished for the sins of it's parents". I love this quote, it's a personal favorite of mine.

But one Book of Mormon verse isn't the basis for the entire churches teaching on human sexuality. The LDS church says homosexual acts are sinful and does not recognize gay marriage. Therefore, those who are openly gay and live that lifestyle are, therefore apostate. 

If you are a serious Latter Day Saint, this really should not surprise you. If you leave the church over this, I'm sorry, but I can not relate. Your faith might not have been very strong in the first place. 

If you are openly gay and this surprised you, you should not be surprised either. It also shouldn't bother you. If you have made it publicly known you are openly defying church teachings, then being told you are doing so shouldn't be shocking to you. If I were vehemently and publicly anti-gay, I shouldn't be allowed in a gay rights organization either.  

I support my church on this. 

I am pro gay marriage, I am pro transgender rights. In fact, I was pro-gay marriage years ago, before it became trendy. I also support Caitlyn Jenner and think she is quite brave for many reasons, more on that later. 

But those are my personal, subjective feelings. 

Boring LDS theology part-as a believing LDS, I believe in the LDS priesthood. All priesthood holders have "keys". Both spiritually and literally. The higher elders of my church hold keys to doors I can't open and hope to God I never have to. They can open those doors and accept revelation for the church.  This is their teaching, and since I think they speak for God-(more on that later too, I know I'm promising a lot. You can trust me, I won't break your heart) they must speak for him on issues I don't personally agree with as well. 

Album of the weekend

Garbage-Self titled

"Only Happy When it Rains" is classic. It's a nice little slap in the face to whiny, fussy hipsters like Radiohead who think they are "so conflicted and deep" They use this attitude to attract women. After all, it's so cool to be "dark". It's the ultimate reclamation project. People wrongly assume that being dark is also being deep. What? What's this have to do with the album? Good point. Moving on.

Garbage isn't really well known, and that's a pity. Like the other grunge band Sponge, you have to actively seek them out. I strongly suggest you do. This album is a bridge period between pure grunge and the 'nu-metal' of Limp Bizkt and Korn of the late 90's. Not only were they ahead of their time, they fit right into the sound of the moment. Few bands can do that.

Richard Bushman and the Book of Mormon

Whenever anti LDS people attack our faith, they say wrongly accuse of "not being intellects" or using "sloppy sources". They are wrong, of course. 

This is Richard Bushman, a PhD and, yes-a well respected historian both inside and outside the church.You really do owe it to him to listen to this. The Book of Mormon, in his view, is a "psuedo-biographic narrative that hasn't been included in the biblical canon." He also compares the Book of Mormon to "vines growing on a Biblical tree". He is right, of course. 

It's in-depth and complicated, but without question worth a view. Several of them, really. 

Richard Bushman, a postmodern reading of the BoM

Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino has every right to insult and offend police officers. Free speech is a blessing and I am quite radical about this issue. If he says something you don't like, you have two options. 1) respond or 2) ignore. If you throw up your hands, run around crying and tell the world how offended you are-you've proved one thing. You are an infant. I'm not a lawyer, but I am confident that the first amendment wasn't created to protect your fragile feelings.

Tarantino is a an odd guy. You'll forgive me, but the man who created "Natural Born Killers" loses his right to lecture anyone about brutality. Sure, it's just "entertainment" but according to those cool, hipster Hollywood types, virtually all entertainment is at least partially based in reality. After all, if they want to ban guns from Hollywood movies in the name of "safety" than logically, they should ban drug use and demand all the characters wear seat belts.

And I'm not a big fan of him, but I do think people use guns in his movies.

As the annoying, arrogant hipster I once was, I thought Tarantino movies were so deep. After all, he asks questions man. Then I discovered Kubrick and Kazan. I once was a boy, now I am a man. I know many hipster film students who haven't advanced past that stage. Sadly, most of these cats are still stuck in their moms basement. In their spare time, they create blogs like mine.  Amazingly and oddly, I don't live with my mother in her basement.

Since Tarantino has a low opinion of police officers, I suggest that if he ever has a stalker or gets mugged, he call someone else to protect him. He can easily afford private security after all.

What is really sad though? Apparently his old man and him do not get along. That IS sad. There is nothing worse than a public family squabble.

To paraphrase Dennis Miller, Tarantino is one of those cool Hollywood types who wants to beat my ass because I implied that he wasn't peaceful.

Friendship...but not like the Mortal Kombat ending kind.

This is a for a very ,very good friend of mine who brought up a three hour conversation.I dedicate this blog to her and her husband. Two amazing people. I am humbled they call me friends. It's for them, and all of us who feel the same way.

Caveat (a statement made to cover my ass)-if you have childhood friends that you are still in contact with as an adult, great. Good for you. Not all of us are like that.

As we get older, we often times feel guilt about losing childhood/high school/college friends. I've seen people beat themselves up about it. It's heartbreaking. I want to give them a giant hug and just say "Girl or boy, you are wonderful and loved."

The same thing happened to me. When I was dating and got married, I focused all my energy on whoever I was dating at the expense of friendships. We tended to hang out together and not in large groups. Not a complaint, many couples did the same thing.

I also tried to hang on to my friends I made in high school and childhood, because well, wasn't that what everyone else did? After all, all my life people told me that childhood and high school was the "best time of my life" and the "friends made during this time will be lifelong friends".

I am here to tell you, they are lying.

Your spouse should be your best friend. It is my sincere hope to you that they are. If not, I'll say a prayer for you and I mean that.

Bart Simpson once said that Milhouse was his best friend "out of convenience". He was right. We are friends with people in our small towns because of a lack of options. We just don't know that many people.

For most of us, college is where we find our true friends. But getting married and having kids can change that too. I understand that, once we have kids they should be your priority in life. You should do what you can to hang on to your college friends, but if they keep telling by their actions they are not interested in your friendship, it truly is their loss. You shouldn't waste your precious emotional resources worrying about people who have made it clear they don't care about you.

It is NOT your fault that people lose contact with you. It is their loss-it took me years to understand and accept this. If I could tell a young person one thing and make them listen (aside from Christ being the Savior) I would tell them not to feel guilty about this. You reading this are far more wonderful than you think you are, and you deserve to be treated as such.

The Exorcist

This is a terrifying movie, but it is only so if you faith. Those with none won't get the big picture. Demonic possession is thought of strictly as a mental disorder in 2015. The movie knows this. The doctors and even the priest don't believe in possession at first, and you can't blame them. Like the movie says, someone saying they are "the devil" is like saying they are Napoleon or George Washington. Still though, if agnostics/atheists were as open minded as they claim to be, they'd at least see why someone would view this movie as deeply disturbing. 

What is sad though? We've become so coarse and vulgar in our movies that the actions of Reagan don't scare us anymore. It's hard to unsettle the public. That's not a  good sign. Like the Europeans say, a little revolution now and then is a good thing, and so is a feeling uncomfortable. If you've never felt that way before looking at art, it's a not a good sign. It means you are not thinking. 

True Confessions: I am a former "Anti", and how to treat them.

This one is strictly for an LDS audience, but if you aren't so, feel free to read it anyway. 

Every single one of you (LDS) has shown such breathtaking love and compassion that I'm still not sure I can live up to it. 

I am a former "anti". I was convinced with a few snaky comments and well placed bible quotes I could shatter the faith of even the most ardent believer.  My arrogance was so high that I thought no one could ever convince me, the smartest guy in the room-to join this church. 

I thought that reading "No Man Knows my History" was enough. What? I didn't need to read anything pro-Mormon. Like the book of Mormon or anything. Imagine that, a critic who can't be bothered to read the Book of Mormon or anything pro-Mormon. 

But the bigger thing that I am slowly beginning to realize? My arrogance (and I'm still a cocky loudmouth) was based in fear and ignorance. I was afraid that if the church was correct and Christ was Christ, I would have to give up my immoral lifestyle. And I was leading one too. But there was no way the LDS church was true, right? Too many inconsistencies and historical slip ups. 

Or so I thought. 

Without getting into the actual history of the church vs what is commonly thought of, there IS a historical and logical case for LDS belief-but you have to know where to look. If you think you are smarter than Terryl Givens, Richard Bushman and James Talmedge, I'm here to tell you you aren't. They are all highly intelligent and respected academics (look outside the internet trolls and yes, these guys are deeply respected even by those who disagree). No, not saying that just because these guys are intellects and they are LDS you should be too, but I am showing that there are intelligent academics outside of BYU that are believing Mormons. 

That brings us to "antis". No, just being critical of the church does not make you an anti. An "anti" is like who I was. Someone who is unquestioning in their views, arrogant, convinced they are right and immune to listening. Basically like the internet atheists you meet. There is a time and place for Christ like compassion and there is a time to get tough. In order to properly address an anti, you can't use soft use words and cuddles. You can't show them answers in the Book of Mormon. You need to be forceful.

Imagine your high school bully with a keyboard and this time, the school administration not only ignores them or passively helps them (that's what it was like in my school) they actively support them. The only thing bullies understand (grown ups and children alike) is a pushing back. If you want to properly address an anti, you must take off your LDS hat and put on a their hat. 

Goodness this blog post is more wordy and preachy than a Stephen King novel. Sorry everyone, I'll try later. And if it's harsh. blame the antis. They made me do it.  

Boo!

Happy Halloween everyone! 

(old school horror doesn't mess around, does it? This looks terrifying! It's from the 1922 movie, Nosferatu. German version of Dracula. Pleasant dreams.) 

Album of the weekend

AC/DC-Back in Black

I'm moving, so I'm doing a lot of packing, shipping and unpacking. I just found this gem. To all of us who can "play guitar" (and good heavens, I'm terrible at it. So bad I don't think I can really say I "play guitar") learned with these guys and the Ramones. The three chord masters. 

Generally, the term "Be a Man" is both offensive and stupid to me. A real man wouldn't let someone else's view of masculinity effect his self worth and view of his own masculinity. But what the hell. This is an album every little boy should have. It's tough growing up. With the raw, loud and openly egotistical attitude that AC/DC has, it allowed me to escape into a fantasy. Like Kiss, when I listened to this, I was someone else. Not the shy, insecure dork that I really was. I was Angus Young with his "Go to Hell, no rules but mine" attitude. 

Have my music tastes evolved? You bet. But this album helped me out in more ways than it probably should have. I didn't really understand why until I just found it. As I've mentioned before, I hate looking back in childhood-high school. That time was the worst of my life, by far. 

Oh yeah-Happy Halloween everyone. My ward is having a trunk or treat and I can't wait to go help set it up later. 

Dejected conversions and converts

CS Lewis called himself "the most dejected convert in England" at the time of his conversion. 

I empathize with him completely. 

Upfront-No, I'm not comparing myself to CS Lewis. But I am. 

Both him and I had a strong sense that our bodies/soul belongs to me. CS Lewis didn't want to submit any control to another being, especially a God which at that point he didn't even thought existed. 

With me-I didn't want to become LDS because I knew I would have to give up an immoral lifestyle. I'm not going to bore you with my own sins, but I'm not going to lie either. It's enjoyable to lead a sex, drugs, and rock and roll lifestyle, at least at first.

Eventually though, being the sober one in the room made me realize how stupid and shallow that lifestyle was. Before you know it, you'll end up with a serious drug addiction and your sexual behavior will cause unimaginable pain to the people you love. 

The worst part about that lifestyle is that in the end, you are only hurting yourself. Not to mention you'll have guilt that never goes away.  

One of the best things about Mormonism and Christianity is general is you can make a disaster of yourself and your life then give the pieces to Christ to fix. 

RIP Scott Marshall

Gone way, way too soon. Scott Marshall (yes, I heard about him before Ink Master) was truly an "Ink Master". Tattooing is an art form, but it's also a craft. You need the skill set of an artist-and also a surgeon. You rarely see people who are both masterful at drawing and masterful at the craft of tattooing. Scott Marshall was both. 

RIP. You will be missed. 

Adoption

I am adopted, as is my sister. I can say without question that adoption is the greatest blessing in the entire world. 

Unlike many adopted kids (and grown ups) I've never felt "unlucky" because I was adopted, quite the opposite.  I was adopted by the two greatest people I've ever met, my mother and father. I call them "Mom and Dad". 

Which brings me to this blog. The one, sure fire way to really irritate adopted kids/parents/whatever is to ask if we want to meet our "Real Parents" I know this is done in ignorance and not meant to hurt. Truth be told-it doesn't hurt me, it irritates me. 

Like all step parents and people who raise their non-bioloogical children, I feel like your "real parents" are those who raised you, took care of you and suffered for you. 

I have met my biological mother and we do have a relationship. My biological father is deceased. 

Adoption truly is the greatest thing in the world. Not to get political here again, but I wish more women chose adoption over abortion. I've spoken to other adopted kids, and as bad as their lives were, none of us would prefer death as the alternative. 

Sarah Silverman

If Sarah Silverman liked me, I would immediately re-evaluate my life and make drastic life changes. If she hated me, I would take a deep breath and say thank God. 

Does she have the right to be vile and disgusting? Yes. Do I have the right to say she is vile and disgusting? You betcha. 

Like I've mentioned before, I like many things that aren't LDS approved. No apologies, it's who I am. 

Sarah Silverman is liked by the cool, hip set who likes to think they are "cutting edge" and "pushing the envelope". In reality, she's bathes in filth and appeals to the lowest common denominator. "Hey, Sarah Silverman made a bodily function joke again! haw haw haw. She's so witty." Indeed she is. Most of my friends have advanced past the stage where this is funny. 

I don't expect anyone in Hollywood to have the backbone to call her out on it-after all, it's Chinatown, Jake.  

I am glad though that people are beginning to see her for what she is. Talentless.  

Adacia Chambers

By all accounts, it looks like Adacia Chambers is the girl whose car hit and killed four people, while injuring many. many more. 

Before my conversion, I was strictly an "Old Testament" kind of guy. I still am. I believe in the death penalty in certain cases and yes, I think criminals are coddled and loved too much while their victims are usually ignored. I want this girl to pay her debt to society. Which is huge. I also submit to you that the victims families have every right to want her to pay with her life. 

I am an extremely bold person, and even I wouldn't lecture the families on "forgiveness". It takes a level of audacity that even I don't have. 

Now that that's out of the way, here I go. 

As someone who has struggled with drugs and alcohol in the past, there but for the grace of God go I. When I look back at the things I did (and in honesty, still struggle with) I am both ashamed of myself and incredibly grateful. This could have been me. I am no better with her. 

Maybe it's Christian forgiveness or maybe I'm just getting soft in my old age, but I feel tremendous compassion for her. I hate that word "Compassion" because people who say they are are usually the farthest from it. 

At age 25, and with her future looking truly abysmal (yes, by her own doing) she has a long life ahead of her. Of course I admit this is a better situation then the people she killed. 

But at age 25, she has the death of four people including children on her hands.  For every day of her life, she has to deal with that. She will be a pariah-her family hated and (yes, justifiably so) the anger of an entire state all focused on her. I wouldn't wish what happened to her victims on anyone, but I have to be honest. I wouldn't wish a 25 year old to have that much guilt on her hands for so long either. It's not like she woke up wanting to kill people. That counts. 

If anyone who knows me before my conversion reads this, they have the right to cry "Hypocrisy." In fact, I can give you a long list of hypocritical thoughts and behaviors I have. I all short, like of all us. I'd rather speak my mind and let the chips fall as they may then be quiet though.

Album of the weekend

The Beatles-The White Album 

As much as I love punk, metal and ska, The Beatles will always be one of my favorite bands. Choosing their best album is like asking a mother of three children which one she loves the most. It's an impossibility. 

So here we go with the White Album. Revolution and The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill are my two favorites on the album, but you can't go wrong with this one, not can you go wrong with any Beatles album. What they did for music will never fully be appreciated. 

Not liking The Beatles is a character flaw. If someone you know doesn't like them, cut ties with them immediately. You don't need that kind of influence in your life.  

God bless you and have a wonderful weekend! 

Forgiveness

There is an old saying that "It's easy to forgive others, but not yourself". I agree in part, disagree in part. It's not easy to forgive others. Think of a Jewish person in the holocaust. They have the right to never forgive those who hurt them, in my opinion. 

I know this contradicts basic Christian teaching of forgiveness, but as Christians we need to understand one important thing: It's very, very hard to be a Christian. If it's something you've swam in your entire life, it's hard to understand an "outsiders view".  You could correctly say "It isn't hard, it's something I've done all my life". Not so. It's easy to you because you've done it your entire life. For other "New Christians" it's actually incredibly hard. 

That brings me to being LDS. 

Without question, the best thing about LDS is the forgiveness. Sure, I went to confession as a Catholic but I never felt truly forgiven until I was baptized LDS. When I came out of the water (and I had to be "baptized" three times, I'll explain that later) I felt, in the words of the band POD, alive for the very first time. 

I hope and pray that those I've hurt will accept my apologies, even though I wouldn't if I were them.  

Born in the USA?

Simply put, I cringe when I see people thinking that Bruce Springsteen is "patriotic" and a "regular guy". 

Take the time to read the lyrics to "Born in the USA". Apparently, Bruce thinks it's okay to bash and insult a country that's made him filthy rich. 

I have learned to become cynical in 2015 America. I get it that people emote rather than think, but it does really amuse me that people still think Bruce represents the "regular, patriotic guy"  

Sealings

My wife and I were sealed in the temple a year ago yesterday for time and eternity. I never thought it could get better, but being LDS is like going on a roller coaster ride that only gets faster, higher, and more incredibly fun. 

God bless! 

Album of the weekend

Offspring-Smash

Their last good album, Smash is to Offspring what Dookie is to Green Day. After Smash Offspring tried their comedy act and lost all credibility with their hardcore fans with their ridiculous change of styles. So this album is bittersweet.

Bittersweet because it’s an amazing album. From the opener “Bad Habit to the eight track “Self Esteem” is some o the best punk I’ve ever heard. At the time it was fresh and original. When I’m riding my bike or hiking and I need extra engery, “Come out and Play” is usually on my playlist. So is “Gotta Get Away”.

Oh what could have been…