Monday, November 30, 2015

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.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

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. 

Friday, November 27, 2015

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. 

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

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 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

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. 



Monday, November 23, 2015

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.  

Friday, November 20, 2015

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. 
   

Thursday, November 19, 2015

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! 

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

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.  


Monday, November 16, 2015

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! 


Friday, November 13, 2015

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. 

Thursday, November 12, 2015

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. 

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

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.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

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. 

Saturday, November 7, 2015

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. 


Friday, November 6, 2015

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.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

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

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

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.


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

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.

Monday, November 2, 2015

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. 

Sunday, November 1, 2015

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.