I have an amount of sympathy for anyone who struggles with addiction problems. It's not easy when your life is controlled by a substance you don't like using in the first place. You wake up in the morning and all you think about is getting home to get high. You say you'll just party and smoke up over the weekend, but soon the weekend becomes Thursday because it's close to the weekend. And Wednesday because you need something to get you through the week. And Tuesday because it's near Thursday and you are just coming down from the weekend. And Monday because it's right after the weekend and you need it to get you through the week anyway. And Sunday just to relax and unwind after church. And Saturday because it's Saturday night anyway and you should be allowed to unwind. And Friday because it's Friday and everyone else is going out anyway.
I know about addiction firsthand.
But I also know about accountability. Manziel seems to have none of that. Sympathy only goes so far, and eventually he needs to get his stuff together before he kills himself or someone else. He was a great college quarterback but at this point it looks like it his success won't translate to the NFL due to his attitude and behavior. While it's true, many people thought he didn't have the skill set needed to be an NFL quarterback, he had some kind of natural talent that got him into the NFL and he maybe could have made some money playing in NFL Europe, the CFL or Arena ball. Europe, Arena and CFL may not be glamours but it's still a pretty cool way to make a living.
My sympathy sharply decreased after it became clear that aside from being an addict, he's also an asshole. Slapping around his girlfriend is repulsive and no, you can't just blame the alcohol. He's gotten into fights with fans, at clubs, and at fraternity parties. Eventually if you keep getting into brawls drunk or not two things are apparent. 1) You are the problem, not everyone and else and 2) You need to change your behavior before you get yourself a serious ass kicking. No matter how tough you are eventually you will pick a fight with the wrong person and get seriously injured. Brien Taylor was a MLB baseball prospect who had "potential" (such a funny word) to be outstanding. One bar fight later, his career was over.
Maiziel will always get sympathy from people because of his addiction problems. I understand that fully and don't really disagree. Eventually though those who really cared about him would stop enabling him and shift into tough love mode. LeBron James and Drake won't keep calling him if he fades into oblivion. While I think people will still care about the story, no one will care about him.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
Memorial Day
Memorial Day weekend is the official start of summer. I hope it's filled with excitement, happiness and peace for all of us.
But let's be honest-if it wasn't for the men and women who died in combat, none of us would be here.
Let's take a moment and honor those who died. Then get back to to having a great weekend.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Scripture Sunday Alma 56:10
"Nevertheless, we may console ourselves in this point, that they have died in the cause of their country and of their God, yea and they are happy."
Happy Memorial Day weekend. Let us never forget those who died in the service of this amazing country.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
True confessions-The Left Behind Series
I've admitted to liking Waterworld, Kiss, The Joe Schmo Show and pro wrestling but this might be the most embarrassing thing I admit.
I like the Left Behind series. I've read all of them and have the entire series in their audiobook format.
The series is not scripturally accurate. Even protestants will admit that there are major flaws in it's thinking. No, not all Christians believe in a rapture and believe in the end times portrayed like those in the book.
But you know what? I don't think anyone reads these books strictly for the theology. We read them for the same reason people watch soap operas. It's light reading, the characters are stock and not very believable. The good guys do the right thing and the bad guys always do the wrong thing. In the post deconstruction era where everything is evaluated, critiqued and torn apart-where the good guys don't always do the right thing and the bad guys are always "misunderstood"-it's fun to read a book where the bad guys are bad, the good guys good-and most importantly-the good guys win in the end.
I like the Left Behind series. I've read all of them and have the entire series in their audiobook format.
The series is not scripturally accurate. Even protestants will admit that there are major flaws in it's thinking. No, not all Christians believe in a rapture and believe in the end times portrayed like those in the book.
But you know what? I don't think anyone reads these books strictly for the theology. We read them for the same reason people watch soap operas. It's light reading, the characters are stock and not very believable. The good guys do the right thing and the bad guys always do the wrong thing. In the post deconstruction era where everything is evaluated, critiqued and torn apart-where the good guys don't always do the right thing and the bad guys are always "misunderstood"-it's fun to read a book where the bad guys are bad, the good guys good-and most importantly-the good guys win in the end.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Album of the weekend
Guns and Roses-Appetite for Destruction
Is Welcome to the Jungle the greatest opening track in music history? It's like "Smells like Teen Spirit" off Nevermind by Nirvana. It sets the stage for the entire album. Welcome to the Jungle sounds like a dangerous and potentially harmful song. These are the people who can get what you want-for a price. It get's worse there every day too-it's obviously a dark place.
So is this entire album. Rocket Queen is like "You Could be Mine" off Use Your Illusion. It's a song that basically tells the partner what Shakespeare said-"I pray you don't fall in love with me because I am more false than vows made in wine". Mr. Brownstone is about addiction-"I used to do a little but a little wouldn't do it so the little got more and more" (never has there been a more true, succinct and understandable lyric about addiction than that). Even the most "upbeat" songs have a dark tone. Paradise City ("Captain America's been torn apart, now he's just a jester with a broken heart") and My Michelle "Your Daddy works in porno now that Mommys not around, she used to love her heroin, now she's underground".
So yeah-it's much, much darker than what people realize. I remember being in fifth grade and people talking about how great this album was without understanding the lyrics. No, I didn't understand them all either in fifth grade, but I did sense an underlying darkness to the album. I really was an obnoxious, pretentious and snotty child.
Darkness aside, this album is a classic rock album, one of the best albums about the decadence of Los Angeles in the 80's ever recorded, and a Guns and Roses masterpiece.
Is Welcome to the Jungle the greatest opening track in music history? It's like "Smells like Teen Spirit" off Nevermind by Nirvana. It sets the stage for the entire album. Welcome to the Jungle sounds like a dangerous and potentially harmful song. These are the people who can get what you want-for a price. It get's worse there every day too-it's obviously a dark place.
So is this entire album. Rocket Queen is like "You Could be Mine" off Use Your Illusion. It's a song that basically tells the partner what Shakespeare said-"I pray you don't fall in love with me because I am more false than vows made in wine". Mr. Brownstone is about addiction-"I used to do a little but a little wouldn't do it so the little got more and more" (never has there been a more true, succinct and understandable lyric about addiction than that). Even the most "upbeat" songs have a dark tone. Paradise City ("Captain America's been torn apart, now he's just a jester with a broken heart") and My Michelle "Your Daddy works in porno now that Mommys not around, she used to love her heroin, now she's underground".
So yeah-it's much, much darker than what people realize. I remember being in fifth grade and people talking about how great this album was without understanding the lyrics. No, I didn't understand them all either in fifth grade, but I did sense an underlying darkness to the album. I really was an obnoxious, pretentious and snotty child.
Darkness aside, this album is a classic rock album, one of the best albums about the decadence of Los Angeles in the 80's ever recorded, and a Guns and Roses masterpiece.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Amy Schumer and fat jokes
Amy Schumer has said some really nasty things in the name of comedy. She'll make fun of anyone who isn't exactly like her or her friends. Some people think she is edgy and I'm sure she thinks of herself as edgy and cutting edge. Sarah Silverman was the taste of the hip comedy crowd about five-six years ago and to Schumers credit, she isn't as disgusting at Sarah Silverman.
Amy Schumer is also the most thin skinned comedian out there. If someone says anything about her weight-she'll play the victim. Apparently someone "touched" her at a show in the Carolinas and she decided that she won't do meet and greets or anything else like that. Obviously she doesn't want to hang around with the lowly commoners. I get the feeling that when she makes fun of people-and she should-she'd raise hell if they complained. But if you make jokes about her size-that's "crossing the line".
For the record, I don't think that jokes about the weight of a girl (or guy, really) are funny, but I'm not a comedian either. I have to admit that I've probably said things that are low class or inappropriate before-but I don't complain when someone fires back at me.
Lisa Lampenelli surely gets jokes about her weight and physical appearance and she doesn't complain about them. Insult comics and comics with edgy humor lose the right to play the victim when they become the punchline.
Amy Schumer is also the most thin skinned comedian out there. If someone says anything about her weight-she'll play the victim. Apparently someone "touched" her at a show in the Carolinas and she decided that she won't do meet and greets or anything else like that. Obviously she doesn't want to hang around with the lowly commoners. I get the feeling that when she makes fun of people-and she should-she'd raise hell if they complained. But if you make jokes about her size-that's "crossing the line".
For the record, I don't think that jokes about the weight of a girl (or guy, really) are funny, but I'm not a comedian either. I have to admit that I've probably said things that are low class or inappropriate before-but I don't complain when someone fires back at me.
Lisa Lampenelli surely gets jokes about her weight and physical appearance and she doesn't complain about them. Insult comics and comics with edgy humor lose the right to play the victim when they become the punchline.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Do church leaders tell LDS how to vote?
No.
It's true that most active LDS lean republican, but most active religious people lean republican. It's also true that many leaders of the church are registered republicans. Former apostle James Faust (a democrat, actually) said it best. When asked what political party he said he was in after becoming an apostle, he said "The party of God". Like supreme court justices, the apostles do swear off partisan politics and the church is politically neutral.
It's true that most active LDS lean republican, but most active religious people lean republican. It's also true that many leaders of the church are registered republicans. Former apostle James Faust (a democrat, actually) said it best. When asked what political party he said he was in after becoming an apostle, he said "The party of God". Like supreme court justices, the apostles do swear off partisan politics and the church is politically neutral.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Conspiracy theorists
It's hard to be more obnoxious and delusional than social justice warriors-belive me, I've tried. But it's possible. The tinfoil hat conspiracy crowd are the most obnoxious people out there. Royally arrogant, these people think they are the beacons of truth and all of us dummies are kept in the darkness. They'll take quotes vastly out of context and they'll ignore the facts that don't agree with their theory. These people haven't advanced past the first grade intellectually but act like they have advanced doctorates.
I wonder how to properly deal with them. We can ignore them-which might be best for all of us, them included-or we can attempt to reason with them. Reasoning with them sounds nice and sweet-after all I think all of us want to think the best in people and that they'd be open to reason -but trying to reason with a full blooded tinfoil hat wearer is like trying to reason with a die hard Bernie or Trump supporter. You can be articulate, reasonable, succinct and factually correct- and they'll ignore you because, like Mulder in the X-Files-they want to to believe.
Michael Shermer is the founder of the Skeptics Society. He's an atheist/agnostic and a fairly liberal guy politically-but I still like him and he's a right about a lot. He wrote a great piece about why people believe in conspiracies and you can read it here.
Another Michael, Michael Medved has a radio show and he'd do a monthly show dedicated to conspiracies. It was extremely depressing to listen to-whack job true believers would call in and try to convince him of their latest crazy belief-and poor Medved would try to debunk it. I had to stop listening because I found it incredibly depressing that people believed in them.
I wonder how to properly deal with them. We can ignore them-which might be best for all of us, them included-or we can attempt to reason with them. Reasoning with them sounds nice and sweet-after all I think all of us want to think the best in people and that they'd be open to reason -but trying to reason with a full blooded tinfoil hat wearer is like trying to reason with a die hard Bernie or Trump supporter. You can be articulate, reasonable, succinct and factually correct- and they'll ignore you because, like Mulder in the X-Files-they want to to believe.
Michael Shermer is the founder of the Skeptics Society. He's an atheist/agnostic and a fairly liberal guy politically-but I still like him and he's a right about a lot. He wrote a great piece about why people believe in conspiracies and you can read it here.
Another Michael, Michael Medved has a radio show and he'd do a monthly show dedicated to conspiracies. It was extremely depressing to listen to-whack job true believers would call in and try to convince him of their latest crazy belief-and poor Medved would try to debunk it. I had to stop listening because I found it incredibly depressing that people believed in them.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Billy Corgan
First off no matter what political view a celebrity has, I try not to pay attention to them. Liberal, conservative or apolitical. Sure they have a right to their own views and they might have something interesting to say-but usually celebrities don't have anything interesting to say outside their realm of expertise.
I assume most of my musical idols are liberals. Sure there are exceptions- Johnny Ramone is without question my number one musical idol of all time and he is a conservative. Dave Mustaine has also said some things that are somewhat conservative in nature as well. That's pretty much it. There are exceptions but they are few and far between. I'm guessing seventy five percent of musicians are liberal or at the least, not conservative/libertarian.
That's what makes Billy Corgan unique. I do like the Smashing Pumpkins, I always have. I never knew his politics and I never even thought of them. If asked, I would have assumed he was liberal, which is a safe assumption.
He has recently said some things that are negative about social justice warriors and Bernie Sanders. Social Justice Warriors like the now famous Triggly Puff are a unique type of people. They are usually entitled, obnoxious, selfish and delusional. Bernie Sanders isn't obnoxious, I just disagree with him on many issues.
What Corgan said has lost him fans. Looking over the comments section on Rolling Stone, by far most of them have been very negative. In staggering displays of tolerance and acceptance people are demanding that others never by Smashing Pumpkin albums again. So much for inclusiveness.
I'm not surprised at the tolerance level of Rolling Stone readers. Self-crituque isn't the strong point of the left or the right. I'm more surprised that someone in the entertainment industry isn't a dyed in the wool liberal.
It's like this: Imagine you are a liberal. You expect that rich, white businessmen are conservative. When one comes out and says they aren't, you are surprised. Same thing here.
I assume most of my musical idols are liberals. Sure there are exceptions- Johnny Ramone is without question my number one musical idol of all time and he is a conservative. Dave Mustaine has also said some things that are somewhat conservative in nature as well. That's pretty much it. There are exceptions but they are few and far between. I'm guessing seventy five percent of musicians are liberal or at the least, not conservative/libertarian.
That's what makes Billy Corgan unique. I do like the Smashing Pumpkins, I always have. I never knew his politics and I never even thought of them. If asked, I would have assumed he was liberal, which is a safe assumption.
He has recently said some things that are negative about social justice warriors and Bernie Sanders. Social Justice Warriors like the now famous Triggly Puff are a unique type of people. They are usually entitled, obnoxious, selfish and delusional. Bernie Sanders isn't obnoxious, I just disagree with him on many issues.
What Corgan said has lost him fans. Looking over the comments section on Rolling Stone, by far most of them have been very negative. In staggering displays of tolerance and acceptance people are demanding that others never by Smashing Pumpkin albums again. So much for inclusiveness.
I'm not surprised at the tolerance level of Rolling Stone readers. Self-crituque isn't the strong point of the left or the right. I'm more surprised that someone in the entertainment industry isn't a dyed in the wool liberal.
It's like this: Imagine you are a liberal. You expect that rich, white businessmen are conservative. When one comes out and says they aren't, you are surprised. Same thing here.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Scripture Sunday 3 Nephi 18:30
Excommunication and disfellowship have their place, but it only should be used as a last resort. Even if the sinner keeps doing wrong things, there is always hope. Sure they have to repent each time-but there is no limit to the forgiveness of God.
This verse basically says that. In fact while the person doing the wrong thing is obviously wrong, this verse puts a burden on the faithful to "not cast him out from among you and that "Ye shall minister unto him and shall pray for him unto the Father in my name." Obviously when someone is in them middle of sinful behavior, we are to do just this.
Christianity is the religion of second chances and forgiveness and "if it so be that he repents and is baptized in my name; then shall ye receive him and shall minister unto him of my flesh and blood". As long as the person repents, than his or her spot in the eternal kingdom is essentially guaranteed. Once repentance is over, this person is just like the rest of us.
This verse basically says that. In fact while the person doing the wrong thing is obviously wrong, this verse puts a burden on the faithful to "not cast him out from among you and that "Ye shall minister unto him and shall pray for him unto the Father in my name." Obviously when someone is in them middle of sinful behavior, we are to do just this.
Christianity is the religion of second chances and forgiveness and "if it so be that he repents and is baptized in my name; then shall ye receive him and shall minister unto him of my flesh and blood". As long as the person repents, than his or her spot in the eternal kingdom is essentially guaranteed. Once repentance is over, this person is just like the rest of us.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Preacher
The comic Preacher is strictly for adults and contains some serious non-LDS approved behavior.
If you can get by that, it's one of the most well written, original and cutting edge comics I've ever read. If you are into comics and not easily offended, it's a must read.
Jesse Custer (An anagram of "Secret Jesus") is a small town minister who has lost his faith. He also has the ability to get people to do whatever he wants them. They call this power the "Word of God". As you can imagine, it's like a gun to him and he only uses it when he absolutely has to. When he does though, the effect is quite literal and often times, darkly amusing.
How he gets this power I won't spoil for you, though it's explained in the first few issues.
Tulip is the love interest of Jesse. She's a skilled markswoman and one of the most interesting love interests of comic book heroes. Lois Lane is interesting but wouldn't survive much without the help if Superman. Mary Jane Parker I've always found boring (Gwen Stacy fanboy here) and she also wouldn't be interesting on her own. Daredevil has had some great love interests in his life, and Tulip fits into one of this his. She's like Electra-strong, confident, and doesn't need to be with Jesse but chooses to be though her own free will.
Preacher is deeply theological and it does paint America as a much darker place than what it really is. Jesse also wants to put God on trial throughout the entire series, and that's what he does in most issues, really. So it's not for everyone. It's not for those easily offended or whose testimony in the existence of the Almighty is weak. Than again, if your belief in God would be effected by a comic book, you need to seriously re-evaulaute your life in the first place.
Apparently it's becoming a series on AMC. Will I watch it? Probably-but I do like my own interpretation of the characters. So I'll be eager to see how close they match.
If you can get by that, it's one of the most well written, original and cutting edge comics I've ever read. If you are into comics and not easily offended, it's a must read.
Jesse Custer (An anagram of "Secret Jesus") is a small town minister who has lost his faith. He also has the ability to get people to do whatever he wants them. They call this power the "Word of God". As you can imagine, it's like a gun to him and he only uses it when he absolutely has to. When he does though, the effect is quite literal and often times, darkly amusing.
How he gets this power I won't spoil for you, though it's explained in the first few issues.
Tulip is the love interest of Jesse. She's a skilled markswoman and one of the most interesting love interests of comic book heroes. Lois Lane is interesting but wouldn't survive much without the help if Superman. Mary Jane Parker I've always found boring (Gwen Stacy fanboy here) and she also wouldn't be interesting on her own. Daredevil has had some great love interests in his life, and Tulip fits into one of this his. She's like Electra-strong, confident, and doesn't need to be with Jesse but chooses to be though her own free will.
Preacher is deeply theological and it does paint America as a much darker place than what it really is. Jesse also wants to put God on trial throughout the entire series, and that's what he does in most issues, really. So it's not for everyone. It's not for those easily offended or whose testimony in the existence of the Almighty is weak. Than again, if your belief in God would be effected by a comic book, you need to seriously re-evaulaute your life in the first place.
Apparently it's becoming a series on AMC. Will I watch it? Probably-but I do like my own interpretation of the characters. So I'll be eager to see how close they match.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Album of the weekend
Judas Priest-British Steel
At it's core, rock and roll is about rebellion. It's about smoking in the boys room, war pigs, fighting the law, lynching the landlord (hypothetically!) and simply put, breaking the law. Judas Priest are the granddaddys of metal for many reasons, not the least of which is that they set the standard for how a metal band should look and sound. Sure it can be argued that Diamondhead, Black Sabbath and Motorhead also influenced metal-and they did-but Judas Priest is often times ignored in the metal conversation.
I don't know why. Judas Priest is outstanding. They can sneer at "the man" (Breaking the Law) and do rebellion better than anyone. They can be over the top without being cheesy, they can be violent without being dangerous, and they can be confident without being arrogant.
British Steel is thought of to be their masterpiece, and while I don't agree (I think their recently released Redeemer of Souls is their masterpiece) it's not something I'm going to start a brawl over. On this album I have to confess to liking the two biggest songs (Breaking the Law and Living after Midnight) but most of the songs here are good.
I have a spiked bracelet that my girl doesn't let me wear. I can see why-it's dorky and dated. When I tell her "Hey, it's in honor of Judas Priest. " She just rolls her eyes. She also rolls her eyes because I think I saw Rob Halford at a mall in NH once.
She's always been more into punk then metal, anyway.
At it's core, rock and roll is about rebellion. It's about smoking in the boys room, war pigs, fighting the law, lynching the landlord (hypothetically!) and simply put, breaking the law. Judas Priest are the granddaddys of metal for many reasons, not the least of which is that they set the standard for how a metal band should look and sound. Sure it can be argued that Diamondhead, Black Sabbath and Motorhead also influenced metal-and they did-but Judas Priest is often times ignored in the metal conversation.
I don't know why. Judas Priest is outstanding. They can sneer at "the man" (Breaking the Law) and do rebellion better than anyone. They can be over the top without being cheesy, they can be violent without being dangerous, and they can be confident without being arrogant.
British Steel is thought of to be their masterpiece, and while I don't agree (I think their recently released Redeemer of Souls is their masterpiece) it's not something I'm going to start a brawl over. On this album I have to confess to liking the two biggest songs (Breaking the Law and Living after Midnight) but most of the songs here are good.
I have a spiked bracelet that my girl doesn't let me wear. I can see why-it's dorky and dated. When I tell her "Hey, it's in honor of Judas Priest. " She just rolls her eyes. She also rolls her eyes because I think I saw Rob Halford at a mall in NH once.
She's always been more into punk then metal, anyway.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Transgender Bathrooms
Here is what I really think about the transgender bathroom drama:
No one wants to stop transgenders from using them-they want to stop predators from assaulting innocent people than using the "transgender" excuse. You might be the sweetest person in the world and would never even think about hurting anyone. You help little old ladies across the road, you give money to homeless people and save the whales. Sadly, there are people who aren't that way in the world and want to hurt others. You need to remember this. In fact, it's what separates liberals from conservatives. Conservatives know that there are evil people in the world and want to be protected from them, hence they are more likely to be in favor of gun rights. Liberals want to think naively think everyone is soft and cuddly. So again, no one wants to bother the transgender community. It's the predators we are concerned about.
Next, transgenderism is the new radical chic. It used to be feminism. Then it was minority rights. Then it was jut gay rights. Now, it's transgenderism. Transgender rights trump those of women. If there is a war on women, it's the left who is fighting it now-the bathroom wars prove it. Why do we have laws that'll make it easier for women to be assaulted?
Third, self critique is not the strength of the protected class. I've seen pro gay marriage people who are generally sympathetic to the rights of LBGT community get shrieked at because they have issues with the bathroom law. Liberalism has a fatal flaw-if you don't agree with everything on the agenda, you are a heretic in some way. This issue also proves that too. Rarely, you'll see people who are pro-gun and pro-gay marriage (Like me, your favorite Mormon Punk)-but you'll rarely see a pro-gay marriage, pro-tax, pro-gun control, anti big business leftist who is pro-life. Self critique saved the gay male community during the AIDS crisis. Randy Shilts, who wrote the amazing "And the Band Played On" (who was gay himself and tragically died of AIDS) knew this. A little self-critique goes a long way for everyone.
No one wants to stop transgenders from using them-they want to stop predators from assaulting innocent people than using the "transgender" excuse. You might be the sweetest person in the world and would never even think about hurting anyone. You help little old ladies across the road, you give money to homeless people and save the whales. Sadly, there are people who aren't that way in the world and want to hurt others. You need to remember this. In fact, it's what separates liberals from conservatives. Conservatives know that there are evil people in the world and want to be protected from them, hence they are more likely to be in favor of gun rights. Liberals want to think naively think everyone is soft and cuddly. So again, no one wants to bother the transgender community. It's the predators we are concerned about.
Next, transgenderism is the new radical chic. It used to be feminism. Then it was minority rights. Then it was jut gay rights. Now, it's transgenderism. Transgender rights trump those of women. If there is a war on women, it's the left who is fighting it now-the bathroom wars prove it. Why do we have laws that'll make it easier for women to be assaulted?
Third, self critique is not the strength of the protected class. I've seen pro gay marriage people who are generally sympathetic to the rights of LBGT community get shrieked at because they have issues with the bathroom law. Liberalism has a fatal flaw-if you don't agree with everything on the agenda, you are a heretic in some way. This issue also proves that too. Rarely, you'll see people who are pro-gun and pro-gay marriage (Like me, your favorite Mormon Punk)-but you'll rarely see a pro-gay marriage, pro-tax, pro-gun control, anti big business leftist who is pro-life. Self critique saved the gay male community during the AIDS crisis. Randy Shilts, who wrote the amazing "And the Band Played On" (who was gay himself and tragically died of AIDS) knew this. A little self-critique goes a long way for everyone.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
The Whole Foods Cake Drama II
I was right.
Or, I should say many of us were. We knew that the pastor who falsely claimed that he was the victim of a hate crime was lying. Turns out he was. His lawsuit was dropped and he apologized a few days ago. Apparently Whole Foods also dropped the countersuit.
Let's say an active LDS orders a cake from Whole Foods, then the cake says "Happy Birthday LDS Trash." Or a Catholic orders a cake and it says "Catholics suck." I broadcast it on social media and sue Whole Foods. Then, after incontrovertible proof that I'm lying comes out, would Whole Foods drop the lawsuit? Would people write off what I did because I'm already "persecuted"? The answer is no.
I'm going to be clear, because I do not wish to be misunderstood. Yes, gay people have been persecuted and yes, it is wrong. I'm pro gay marriage and my first college roommate was gay. I had no problem with it at all. When he got into a near fatal car crash, I rushed to his side. So if you want to say I'm anti-gay, you are wrong and your criticism is cheap. We clear? Good.
But I am anti-double standard. He apologized, and that's a good thing. It's the first step to redemption. But if you want true equality, that means equal consequences for your actions as well. Like I mentioned in the other post-the only thing worse than a hate crime is lying about a hate crime. Like a false rape charge, you are doing grave damage to those who are truly victims.
Or, I should say many of us were. We knew that the pastor who falsely claimed that he was the victim of a hate crime was lying. Turns out he was. His lawsuit was dropped and he apologized a few days ago. Apparently Whole Foods also dropped the countersuit.
Let's say an active LDS orders a cake from Whole Foods, then the cake says "Happy Birthday LDS Trash." Or a Catholic orders a cake and it says "Catholics suck." I broadcast it on social media and sue Whole Foods. Then, after incontrovertible proof that I'm lying comes out, would Whole Foods drop the lawsuit? Would people write off what I did because I'm already "persecuted"? The answer is no.
I'm going to be clear, because I do not wish to be misunderstood. Yes, gay people have been persecuted and yes, it is wrong. I'm pro gay marriage and my first college roommate was gay. I had no problem with it at all. When he got into a near fatal car crash, I rushed to his side. So if you want to say I'm anti-gay, you are wrong and your criticism is cheap. We clear? Good.
But I am anti-double standard. He apologized, and that's a good thing. It's the first step to redemption. But if you want true equality, that means equal consequences for your actions as well. Like I mentioned in the other post-the only thing worse than a hate crime is lying about a hate crime. Like a false rape charge, you are doing grave damage to those who are truly victims.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Pit bulls
Upfront-I own an English Bull Terrier, which in my personal opinion are the greatest dogs in history. No breed is more playful, loyal, lovable and protective than an English Bull Terrier. I've owned other breeds in the past and I've certainly loved every dog I've ever had, but Bull Terriers are my favorite. Some people classify them as "pit bulls" because of their background in dog fighting.
First off, while there is a breed called an "American Pit Bull Terrier" there are several breeds classified as "pit bulls".
Secondly, there is no such things as "lock jaw". How this urban legend got started is beyond me. While it's true most pit bull breeds have strong jaws due to their fighting lineage, their jaws locking up is totally untrue.
Thirdly, they aren't known to turn on their owners-unless their owners mistreat them. Breaking news: If you mistreat a pug, it'll probably turn on you as well. I like pugs a lot, for the record.
Fourthly, yes, many bad guys own pit bulls but not all pit bull owners are bad guys.
Do you own a pit bull? What drugs do you deal? I've gotten that before, and it's obnoxious. Ironically, I got it once from a Rottweiler owner. Nothing against Rotties, which I also think are beautiful dogs but Rottweilers also have had a troubled reputation in the past.
You know who I blame? People who own bully breeds and have no idea how to control them. Listen carefully-these dogs are not for everyone, especially first time owners. I'm not naive to their power or potential danger. After all an annoying, out of control Yorkshire Terrier can be a pest, but an annoying, out of control Staffordshire can be truly dangerous. When I see a person who let's their bully breed rule the place, I want to scream. They give all of us bad names.
First off, while there is a breed called an "American Pit Bull Terrier" there are several breeds classified as "pit bulls".
Secondly, there is no such things as "lock jaw". How this urban legend got started is beyond me. While it's true most pit bull breeds have strong jaws due to their fighting lineage, their jaws locking up is totally untrue.
Thirdly, they aren't known to turn on their owners-unless their owners mistreat them. Breaking news: If you mistreat a pug, it'll probably turn on you as well. I like pugs a lot, for the record.
Fourthly, yes, many bad guys own pit bulls but not all pit bull owners are bad guys.
Do you own a pit bull? What drugs do you deal? I've gotten that before, and it's obnoxious. Ironically, I got it once from a Rottweiler owner. Nothing against Rotties, which I also think are beautiful dogs but Rottweilers also have had a troubled reputation in the past.
You know who I blame? People who own bully breeds and have no idea how to control them. Listen carefully-these dogs are not for everyone, especially first time owners. I'm not naive to their power or potential danger. After all an annoying, out of control Yorkshire Terrier can be a pest, but an annoying, out of control Staffordshire can be truly dangerous. When I see a person who let's their bully breed rule the place, I want to scream. They give all of us bad names.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Gene Simmons
You know that guy who always claims he's being misread and you are taking things out of context? It's not on you, it's actually on him for not being clear. If he was clear and concise or didn't say anything in the first place, he wouldn't have to bitch about being misquoted and misunderstood.
Or he wouldn't need to apologize for saying asinine things. Gene Simmons is a grade A dbag, and he is all of the above and then some. Does he really believe the things he says? I don't know. We all know he is a publicity whore who, for the right amount of money, would do things that the guys from Jackass would say were "too undignified." So when he opens his ignorant mouth and babbles about drug use or the death or rock and roll-he's doing it mostly for attention. Paul Stanley, in his excellent autobiography said that "His (Simmons) achilles heel is his need for attention." Exactly Paul.
Aside from being obnoxious when he's spouting off, he's also a dirty old man. He's almost a grandfather and over 60 years old. It's time to stop talking about sex constantly. We get it, you've claimed to have been intimate with thousands of women. One-he's lying or grossly exaggerating. Usually the guys who get the most women are quiet about it. Two, if he was telling the truth-well, do you really want to see the women who would sleep with him?.
Gene actually seems like a very good guy in some interviews. He is incredibly bright (speaks several languages) and can show a tender and compassionate side, in particular with his children. It seriously might be time for Gene to let that part of himself show more, because what we've been seeing lately is not his best.
Or he wouldn't need to apologize for saying asinine things. Gene Simmons is a grade A dbag, and he is all of the above and then some. Does he really believe the things he says? I don't know. We all know he is a publicity whore who, for the right amount of money, would do things that the guys from Jackass would say were "too undignified." So when he opens his ignorant mouth and babbles about drug use or the death or rock and roll-he's doing it mostly for attention. Paul Stanley, in his excellent autobiography said that "His (Simmons) achilles heel is his need for attention." Exactly Paul.
Aside from being obnoxious when he's spouting off, he's also a dirty old man. He's almost a grandfather and over 60 years old. It's time to stop talking about sex constantly. We get it, you've claimed to have been intimate with thousands of women. One-he's lying or grossly exaggerating. Usually the guys who get the most women are quiet about it. Two, if he was telling the truth-well, do you really want to see the women who would sleep with him?.
Gene actually seems like a very good guy in some interviews. He is incredibly bright (speaks several languages) and can show a tender and compassionate side, in particular with his children. It seriously might be time for Gene to let that part of himself show more, because what we've been seeing lately is not his best.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Scripture Sunday-Mosiah 24:11
Mormons are not known to rebel against authority or buck the system. In fact, LDS are famous for "being subject to kings, rulers, and the secular government.
But this passage things otherwise. When Amulon (a wicked ruler and priest) threatens believers with death if they "call upon God" the people speak up and defy him, at one point they "poured out their hearts to Him, and He did know the thoughts of their Hearts."
When bad guys get to be in charge-fight the power however you can. After all, the Book of Mormon says so with this passage.
But this passage things otherwise. When Amulon (a wicked ruler and priest) threatens believers with death if they "call upon God" the people speak up and defy him, at one point they "poured out their hearts to Him, and He did know the thoughts of their Hearts."
When bad guys get to be in charge-fight the power however you can. After all, the Book of Mormon says so with this passage.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Floyd Mayweather and talent
I've always been a boxing fan, but I've never liked MMA. Something about boxing that I find superior to MMA. Probably that in boxing, there seems to be more rules. You can only use your fists and your wits. Sure you need agility, balance and reflexes -but all those don't matter if you can't throw a punch.
During the "Fight of the Century" which turned out to be a disastrous fight for boxing-I thought Mayweather would beat Manny. I was correct. Most people who understand how boxing works thought the same thing. This got me into trouble.
A good friend of mine said it was "scary" that I supported Mayweather over Pacquiao. He said it "frightened him" that I could support Mayweather. This is a guy (my friend, shockingly I do have them) who is a hero. He's a veteran, biker, plays with guns-basically one tough guy. Somehow me saying I thought Mayweather "scared him".
I tried to explain to him that no, I don't like Mayweather personally. In fact, I think he's a thug and several other unprintable words. I do try to keep this blog PG-13, after all. It was hopeless. It was like talking to a wall. Someone he couldn't get over the fact that thinking someone would win a fight because he is the better fighter doesn't mean he is the better person morally. Though Manny is no saint either, for the record.
So, so many people are like my good friend. They can't separate their own subjective feelings from accepting and seeing objective talent. Bluntly put, Floyd Mayweather is one of the best boxers of all time. He's a undefeated in his fights-a staggering record of 49-0. Rocky Marciano, another of the best boxers of all time-is also 49-0. That's outstanding. Floyd has a defensive ability that is like no other I've ever seen.
But like I mentioned-he's a scumbag. He has domestic violence issues and is overall an unpleasant person. But that doesn't mean he's not a good boxer. I can't let my personal dislike of him cloud my judgement of his talent.
By the way, I have nothing against MMA. It's a legit sport that I can easily see why people like. It's just never been my thing, nothing more.
During the "Fight of the Century" which turned out to be a disastrous fight for boxing-I thought Mayweather would beat Manny. I was correct. Most people who understand how boxing works thought the same thing. This got me into trouble.
A good friend of mine said it was "scary" that I supported Mayweather over Pacquiao. He said it "frightened him" that I could support Mayweather. This is a guy (my friend, shockingly I do have them) who is a hero. He's a veteran, biker, plays with guns-basically one tough guy. Somehow me saying I thought Mayweather "scared him".
I tried to explain to him that no, I don't like Mayweather personally. In fact, I think he's a thug and several other unprintable words. I do try to keep this blog PG-13, after all. It was hopeless. It was like talking to a wall. Someone he couldn't get over the fact that thinking someone would win a fight because he is the better fighter doesn't mean he is the better person morally. Though Manny is no saint either, for the record.
So, so many people are like my good friend. They can't separate their own subjective feelings from accepting and seeing objective talent. Bluntly put, Floyd Mayweather is one of the best boxers of all time. He's a undefeated in his fights-a staggering record of 49-0. Rocky Marciano, another of the best boxers of all time-is also 49-0. That's outstanding. Floyd has a defensive ability that is like no other I've ever seen.
But like I mentioned-he's a scumbag. He has domestic violence issues and is overall an unpleasant person. But that doesn't mean he's not a good boxer. I can't let my personal dislike of him cloud my judgement of his talent.
By the way, I have nothing against MMA. It's a legit sport that I can easily see why people like. It's just never been my thing, nothing more.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Album of the weekend
Metallica-Kill em All
Remember the days of compact discs? When you could manually program songs you wanted to listen to in order? I jumped from cassette tapes (good friggin riddance to them) to cd's and never looked back.
This is one CD that, after listening to the first time-I realized I was programming every single song whenever I listened to it. It's another album by Metallica that is bittersweet to listen to, just because it shows you how stunningly good they were. Megadeth fans like me say it's because of the influence of Dave Mustaine, but in reality the entire band as priceless here.
Hit the Lights, The Four Horsemen and Motorbreath set the stage for this albums dark, loud and very fast mood. Sure, having the title "Kill em All" doesn't mean you are into a cupcakes and rainbows time, but all the songs have a dark and moody tone. Like most good, old school Metallica albums this one also has an incredible instrumental song, "Anesthesia".
You can headbang to this and if you are a wresting legend, you can use it as your entrance song. This album is correctly viewed as a trash metal classic, and it is truly glorious.
This is the kind of music they play in heaven. Flawless.
Remember the days of compact discs? When you could manually program songs you wanted to listen to in order? I jumped from cassette tapes (good friggin riddance to them) to cd's and never looked back.
This is one CD that, after listening to the first time-I realized I was programming every single song whenever I listened to it. It's another album by Metallica that is bittersweet to listen to, just because it shows you how stunningly good they were. Megadeth fans like me say it's because of the influence of Dave Mustaine, but in reality the entire band as priceless here.
Hit the Lights, The Four Horsemen and Motorbreath set the stage for this albums dark, loud and very fast mood. Sure, having the title "Kill em All" doesn't mean you are into a cupcakes and rainbows time, but all the songs have a dark and moody tone. Like most good, old school Metallica albums this one also has an incredible instrumental song, "Anesthesia".
You can headbang to this and if you are a wresting legend, you can use it as your entrance song. This album is correctly viewed as a trash metal classic, and it is truly glorious.
This is the kind of music they play in heaven. Flawless.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Mormons and R rated movies
As most people know, active LDS aren't really "allowed" to watch R rated movies. To non-members, the terminology "allowed" is creepy. Even to members, it can seem creepy sometimes.
It is true that LDS leaders and prophets have cautioned members against watching R rated movies. As we all know many R rated movies show inappropriate conduct that LDS try to avoid. Sometimes it's the language, sometimes it's the sexuality. It can also be the violence.
I watch very little movies, and most movies I do watch are documentaries. I can't talk about the content of movies today, though I've heard people complain that even PG-13 movies nowadays are worse than R rated movies were twenty years ago. For the most part, I don't believe it. Every single generation has thought the standards they have in the current times are worse than the standards they grew up with. It's just part of the growing up process. The phone was considered immoral when it first was created, as was the automobile. Is their more cursing in PG-13 movies now than there was when I was growing up? I have no idea but I sort of doubt it.
There is also a difference in context. You can't make a war movie where the guys in the trenches say "Steve, I haven't seen my wife or girlfriend in six months. Golly gee shucks, I sure do miss her!" You can't make a movie about the mafia where Tony Soprano shakes hands with his New York City adversary and they go off into the sunset for lemonade and hugs. I'm not saying you should watch R rated movies-whatever you do is your own business-but I am saying you should be careful not to condemn every single R rated movie out there as "filth."
You also shouldn't beat yourself up and hold yourself out to be the last martyr of decency. If you are on a plane or a bus where an R rated movie is showing, constantly complaining about it and demanding it be shut off will make everyone not listen to you. Instead of making a scene, put your headphones on. Read a book. Engage someone else in conversation. No one likes "that guy/girl" who tries to be a killjoy. You can listen to the spirit and be a good moral example without being a buzzkill.
It is true that LDS leaders and prophets have cautioned members against watching R rated movies. As we all know many R rated movies show inappropriate conduct that LDS try to avoid. Sometimes it's the language, sometimes it's the sexuality. It can also be the violence.
I watch very little movies, and most movies I do watch are documentaries. I can't talk about the content of movies today, though I've heard people complain that even PG-13 movies nowadays are worse than R rated movies were twenty years ago. For the most part, I don't believe it. Every single generation has thought the standards they have in the current times are worse than the standards they grew up with. It's just part of the growing up process. The phone was considered immoral when it first was created, as was the automobile. Is their more cursing in PG-13 movies now than there was when I was growing up? I have no idea but I sort of doubt it.
There is also a difference in context. You can't make a war movie where the guys in the trenches say "Steve, I haven't seen my wife or girlfriend in six months. Golly gee shucks, I sure do miss her!" You can't make a movie about the mafia where Tony Soprano shakes hands with his New York City adversary and they go off into the sunset for lemonade and hugs. I'm not saying you should watch R rated movies-whatever you do is your own business-but I am saying you should be careful not to condemn every single R rated movie out there as "filth."
You also shouldn't beat yourself up and hold yourself out to be the last martyr of decency. If you are on a plane or a bus where an R rated movie is showing, constantly complaining about it and demanding it be shut off will make everyone not listen to you. Instead of making a scene, put your headphones on. Read a book. Engage someone else in conversation. No one likes "that guy/girl" who tries to be a killjoy. You can listen to the spirit and be a good moral example without being a buzzkill.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Sarah Palin
I don't ask for much in politics. I accept that my political heroes (Ron Paul, Ronald Reagan, Rand Paul, Barry Goldwater and JFK) are also human and subject to the same weaknesses as I am. I am a political realist.
In the interest of full confession, I liked Sarah Palin back in 2008. I thought she was capable, smart, and totally over bashed by people who claim to love "smart women".
I was wrong. Well, partially. She was over bashed back then. Now she is correctly bashed, and she brought it all on herself.
Mistake number one was resigning from the governorship. It made her seem like she was giving up and going into a different career. If she really wanted to advance her causes she would have stayed in politics and tried to run for higher office.
In the society of today, reality TV is viewed as the tabloid of TV. Perhaps popular but vapid, fake, and trashy. There is some truth to this even though I do confess to liking Big Brother, Survivor, and some other reality shows. This was mistake number two for her, starting up her own reality show. It made her seem like she was desperate for publicity.
Mistake number three is her family drama. For her daughter Bristol to be an "abstinence educator" but have multiple baby daddies is the epitome of "bad hypocrisy". Her next career move should be to endorse Trojans and then keep her mouth shut on sexual affairs. Abstinence is moral, even admirable. But trying to make a living in the abstinence field and then getting knocked up on the side isn't admirable or moral.
Finally, Sarah did the ultimate career suicide in endorsing Trump. For a woman claiming to be a "serious" political commentator this was like...well, talking about abstinence while you sleep around.
I'm not trying to insult or degrade her or her family. I'm not perfect and God knows I've made many mistakes in my life-sometimes sexual, sometimes not. But I don't claim to be morally pure and the last thing I'm qualified to give advice on is morality.
Perhaps it would be best if Sarah Palin and her family took a break from the public eye and worked on their own issues. When she's gotten those fixed, then she can come back and attempt to be a serious person again.
In the interest of full confession, I liked Sarah Palin back in 2008. I thought she was capable, smart, and totally over bashed by people who claim to love "smart women".
I was wrong. Well, partially. She was over bashed back then. Now she is correctly bashed, and she brought it all on herself.
Mistake number one was resigning from the governorship. It made her seem like she was giving up and going into a different career. If she really wanted to advance her causes she would have stayed in politics and tried to run for higher office.
In the society of today, reality TV is viewed as the tabloid of TV. Perhaps popular but vapid, fake, and trashy. There is some truth to this even though I do confess to liking Big Brother, Survivor, and some other reality shows. This was mistake number two for her, starting up her own reality show. It made her seem like she was desperate for publicity.
Mistake number three is her family drama. For her daughter Bristol to be an "abstinence educator" but have multiple baby daddies is the epitome of "bad hypocrisy". Her next career move should be to endorse Trojans and then keep her mouth shut on sexual affairs. Abstinence is moral, even admirable. But trying to make a living in the abstinence field and then getting knocked up on the side isn't admirable or moral.
Finally, Sarah did the ultimate career suicide in endorsing Trump. For a woman claiming to be a "serious" political commentator this was like...well, talking about abstinence while you sleep around.
I'm not trying to insult or degrade her or her family. I'm not perfect and God knows I've made many mistakes in my life-sometimes sexual, sometimes not. But I don't claim to be morally pure and the last thing I'm qualified to give advice on is morality.
Perhaps it would be best if Sarah Palin and her family took a break from the public eye and worked on their own issues. When she's gotten those fixed, then she can come back and attempt to be a serious person again.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
50 Cent and Autism
Recently, the rap star 50 Cent got himself in serious trouble for apparently making fun of an autistic guy-I guess at an airport or something.
His actions were low class and rude, he definitely should apologize. And he has. He should admit he did something wrong-and he has. He should work to rectify the situation-and he has. In fact, he donated a large amount of money to an autism charity.
I want you to be honest with yourself. Have you ever said something mean, rude, low class or insulting to someone that you wish you could take back? I know I have. Many times, actually. Have you ever rectified it by donating thousands of dollars to a charity? I know I haven't. I doubt you have as well.
This wasn't to make you feel bad-we've all made mistakes and said stupid things. If you think you haven't, you are either lying or a sociopath. Usually it's the people who admit that they've made mistakes that don't do it again. Sociopaths don't admit to ever making mistakes, so they tend to do the same wrong things over and over again.
A Facebook friend said it best. "The way society is today, people need something to complain about. It makes their own lives seem more moral." My friend was exactly right. Hopefully 50 Cent can get by this and become a better person in the end. He's already on the right path and he's done the right things so far.
His actions were low class and rude, he definitely should apologize. And he has. He should admit he did something wrong-and he has. He should work to rectify the situation-and he has. In fact, he donated a large amount of money to an autism charity.
I want you to be honest with yourself. Have you ever said something mean, rude, low class or insulting to someone that you wish you could take back? I know I have. Many times, actually. Have you ever rectified it by donating thousands of dollars to a charity? I know I haven't. I doubt you have as well.
This wasn't to make you feel bad-we've all made mistakes and said stupid things. If you think you haven't, you are either lying or a sociopath. Usually it's the people who admit that they've made mistakes that don't do it again. Sociopaths don't admit to ever making mistakes, so they tend to do the same wrong things over and over again.
A Facebook friend said it best. "The way society is today, people need something to complain about. It makes their own lives seem more moral." My friend was exactly right. Hopefully 50 Cent can get by this and become a better person in the end. He's already on the right path and he's done the right things so far.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Ozzy and Sharon
By know, many of us have heard that it looks like Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne have decided to end their 30+ year marriage. Cal Ripken and his wife also have also divorced after a long marriage. It's very sad. I have no snarky comments or jokes to make about this.
Upfront-I'm not perfect. In fact, I am a bad husband/boyfriend/domestic partner. I have made many mistakes that disqualify from holding political office, holding a church office, etc. If someone wanted to point out the hypocrisy in my life and believing in standards that I personally have not lived up too, they would be here for days. So take what I say with a grain of salt. There but for the grace of God go I.
Divorce is dreadful, heartbreaking, and yes, sinful in the eyes of Christians. That does not mean that every divorced person is going to hell-like I mentioned in the upfront paragraph I am not perfect and forgiveness is always available. In 2016 people are changing. I meet many couples (religious and non religious) that are firmly against divorce. Given that Generation X, Y and the millennials are among the first children to be products of widespread divorce perhaps we can change societies views on it. No, fifty percent of marriages do not fail. It's only true if you count people who have been married over three times. Half of love does not end in divorce.
In the LDS world early marriage is common. Usually kids gets back from their mission and within a few years, get married. I do not like this part of our culture at all. I think you should wait several years before getting married. The pressure to get married quickly and start popping out kids is horrifying to me. It was horrifying to me as a non-member, and it's horrifying to me now. The WORST thing you can do is get married quickly, have babies, and then realize you needed more time to grow up. Take that from me firsthand.
I feel nothing but compassion and sorrow for these couples. Whenever you see a long marriage end in a tragic way, it's not a reason to celebrate or to look for "new opportunities" and "new freedom". It's like a death. In some ways marriage itself is a living, breathing entity and when you divorce you are killing it. That doesn't mean that there aren't valid reasons for a divorce-abuse and adultery do come to mind.
This sounds "judgmental" and I'm not sorry for it. To repeat myself (because I do not want to be misunderstood) divorce isn't the ultimate sin, it's not "the end" and no, you shouldn't be held to a life of celibacy and isolation. In fact, I know many people who have gone through messy divorces and ended up in new, fulfilling relationships. But most people do regret-in one way or another-getting into a situation where divorce was needed in the first place.
Upfront-I'm not perfect. In fact, I am a bad husband/boyfriend/domestic partner. I have made many mistakes that disqualify from holding political office, holding a church office, etc. If someone wanted to point out the hypocrisy in my life and believing in standards that I personally have not lived up too, they would be here for days. So take what I say with a grain of salt. There but for the grace of God go I.
Divorce is dreadful, heartbreaking, and yes, sinful in the eyes of Christians. That does not mean that every divorced person is going to hell-like I mentioned in the upfront paragraph I am not perfect and forgiveness is always available. In 2016 people are changing. I meet many couples (religious and non religious) that are firmly against divorce. Given that Generation X, Y and the millennials are among the first children to be products of widespread divorce perhaps we can change societies views on it. No, fifty percent of marriages do not fail. It's only true if you count people who have been married over three times. Half of love does not end in divorce.
In the LDS world early marriage is common. Usually kids gets back from their mission and within a few years, get married. I do not like this part of our culture at all. I think you should wait several years before getting married. The pressure to get married quickly and start popping out kids is horrifying to me. It was horrifying to me as a non-member, and it's horrifying to me now. The WORST thing you can do is get married quickly, have babies, and then realize you needed more time to grow up. Take that from me firsthand.
I feel nothing but compassion and sorrow for these couples. Whenever you see a long marriage end in a tragic way, it's not a reason to celebrate or to look for "new opportunities" and "new freedom". It's like a death. In some ways marriage itself is a living, breathing entity and when you divorce you are killing it. That doesn't mean that there aren't valid reasons for a divorce-abuse and adultery do come to mind.
This sounds "judgmental" and I'm not sorry for it. To repeat myself (because I do not want to be misunderstood) divorce isn't the ultimate sin, it's not "the end" and no, you shouldn't be held to a life of celibacy and isolation. In fact, I know many people who have gone through messy divorces and ended up in new, fulfilling relationships. But most people do regret-in one way or another-getting into a situation where divorce was needed in the first place.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Scripture Sunday-Mosiah 3:17
Every single member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has heard what I am about to say: You guys are not Christians!
We actually are.
Like Acts 4:12, this passage makes it very clear. "There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."
Amen!
We actually are.
Like Acts 4:12, this passage makes it very clear. "There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."
Amen!
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Glenn Beck and insanity
Glenn Beck has gone off the reservation. His elevator doesn't reach the top floor. He doesn't have both oars in the water. Whatever saying you want to use, the man is insane. Not like the "ha ha you are adorable" insane. Not like the crazy uncle at the party who was right about government surveillance. He's gone full conspiracy nut crazy.
Like him or not, Rush Limbaugh is a good advocate for conservative values. If you want to see how a functional right winger thinks, listen to Rush. Shockingly, you might be surprised about how entertaining it is. You don't have to agree with him-but don't be "that guy or girl" who can't fathom listening to a view that isn't exactly like their own.
Beck though, has gone off the deep end. He's a brother, and I shouldn't talk this way about another brother, but I can't help it. I was once a fan. He seemed to be a rising star in the conservative talk media world.
Sadly though, Beck has become a lunatic. He has become obsessed with Ted Cruz-that's fine, but don't act like Ted Cruz is the last hope for the republic. He's also become obsessed with praying for the country and wearing his religion (and mine) on his sleeve. First off-we are not all like this. Second, adding religion to your politics is fine, but be careful. I know of some people who will be crushed when Ted Cruz loses and it will effect their faith and belief in the Almighty. That's my fear with Brother Beck. My other fear with Beck is that he'll start to handle snakes next Sunday in sacrament meeting.
Beck and I agree on religion and on many things politically. Promise me something though-if I ever become like him in style and substance, you'll smack me back down to reality.
Like him or not, Rush Limbaugh is a good advocate for conservative values. If you want to see how a functional right winger thinks, listen to Rush. Shockingly, you might be surprised about how entertaining it is. You don't have to agree with him-but don't be "that guy or girl" who can't fathom listening to a view that isn't exactly like their own.
Beck though, has gone off the deep end. He's a brother, and I shouldn't talk this way about another brother, but I can't help it. I was once a fan. He seemed to be a rising star in the conservative talk media world.
Sadly though, Beck has become a lunatic. He has become obsessed with Ted Cruz-that's fine, but don't act like Ted Cruz is the last hope for the republic. He's also become obsessed with praying for the country and wearing his religion (and mine) on his sleeve. First off-we are not all like this. Second, adding religion to your politics is fine, but be careful. I know of some people who will be crushed when Ted Cruz loses and it will effect their faith and belief in the Almighty. That's my fear with Brother Beck. My other fear with Beck is that he'll start to handle snakes next Sunday in sacrament meeting.
Beck and I agree on religion and on many things politically. Promise me something though-if I ever become like him in style and substance, you'll smack me back down to reality.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Album of the weekend
Anvil-Metal on Metal
Fanboy alert.
Widely considered their masterpiece, every song on this album is fantastic. The title track is a metal anthem. "Metal on Metal, it's what I crave, the louder the better, I'll turn in my grave." Just thinking about it makes me smile. This album also has what is the greatest instrumental in metal-"March of the Crabs." It also sounds much more crisp and professional sound their first album "Hard n Heavy", which is also quite good.
Anvil is your local garage band that got their second chance with this album. It's a must have for metal fans, for sure.
Keep on pounding, join the heavy metal fight.
Fanboy alert.
Widely considered their masterpiece, every song on this album is fantastic. The title track is a metal anthem. "Metal on Metal, it's what I crave, the louder the better, I'll turn in my grave." Just thinking about it makes me smile. This album also has what is the greatest instrumental in metal-"March of the Crabs." It also sounds much more crisp and professional sound their first album "Hard n Heavy", which is also quite good.
Anvil is your local garage band that got their second chance with this album. It's a must have for metal fans, for sure.
Keep on pounding, join the heavy metal fight.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Snopes, I love you.
Remember when Grandpa told you that a story that was too good to be true was probably not true?
My maternal grandfather was a great man. He passed away when I was a child, but I think about him often. I visited his grave every three months or so when I lived in the north. His wife, my Memere will be turning 90 this summer and she lives down in Florida.
They had a special word for stories that were too good to be true. They called them "bunk". It's a wonderful old word that really means bullshit, but they were too polite to swear in front of their seven year old grandson. Cool thing-my love of hard boiled detective stories about grisly murders comes from my Memere. LA Noire is one of my favorite recent games. Sure it's replay value isn't high but it's fantastic.
Snopes is one of the greatest websites out there. Whenever a story comes out and goes viral, my first instinct is to believe it-than check Snopes. Many, many people say that they follow their "gut" and it's the best choices they make-but that is not the option for me. Following my gut is usually a terrible choice and following my head is usually the best one.
Snopes will debunk anything. From politics to urban legends to fake news stories-if it's not true, Snopes will find out. Snopes does what journalists should do, but in the time we live in today it is literally impossible to stop fake stories from going viral. Snopes seems to be focusing more on news stories than whacky urban legends and thank God for that. With the right believing everything negative about Obama and the left believing everything negative about Bush-Snopes stands alone in telling the truth.
My maternal grandfather was a great man. He passed away when I was a child, but I think about him often. I visited his grave every three months or so when I lived in the north. His wife, my Memere will be turning 90 this summer and she lives down in Florida.
They had a special word for stories that were too good to be true. They called them "bunk". It's a wonderful old word that really means bullshit, but they were too polite to swear in front of their seven year old grandson. Cool thing-my love of hard boiled detective stories about grisly murders comes from my Memere. LA Noire is one of my favorite recent games. Sure it's replay value isn't high but it's fantastic.
Snopes is one of the greatest websites out there. Whenever a story comes out and goes viral, my first instinct is to believe it-than check Snopes. Many, many people say that they follow their "gut" and it's the best choices they make-but that is not the option for me. Following my gut is usually a terrible choice and following my head is usually the best one.
Snopes will debunk anything. From politics to urban legends to fake news stories-if it's not true, Snopes will find out. Snopes does what journalists should do, but in the time we live in today it is literally impossible to stop fake stories from going viral. Snopes seems to be focusing more on news stories than whacky urban legends and thank God for that. With the right believing everything negative about Obama and the left believing everything negative about Bush-Snopes stands alone in telling the truth.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Curt Schilling and ESPN
The baseball player Curt Schilling is a complicated person. He's a man of strong opinions-and most people who are intelligent and passionate also have strong opinions. I've mentioned it before, but those who dismiss others strong views instead of discussing them are often (not always) too stupid to form their own intelligent opinions.
He's an outstanding baseball pitcher. One of the best of his generation, really. He played for several teams and achieved stardom during his Phillies, Diamondbacks and Red Sox years. He was a key piece on teams that won the World Series. Without him, I can assure you that the Phillies, Diamondbacks and Red Sox would never have won the championships.
Like most athletes, he seems to think that he'll be successful in any field. His video game company was a disaster. Many people lost their jobs, health care and savings because of him. He also lost 50 million dollars given to him by the governor of Rhode Island. While I don't think he committed a criminal fraud, he was grossly negligent and by all accounts an incompetent businessman.
He's been in the news lately because he was fired from ESPN for remarks on his private Twitter account about transgender people. To be upfront-these are not views I share. I support the rights of transgendered people, whatever that means. They have the right to be transgendered and prejudice against them is certainly wrong.
And so is prejudice against people who disagree with me. ESPN certainly has the right to fire Schilling-it's private company and they can do what they want. Oddly, the "private company" argument is only brought up by the left in cases like this. In cases where a private company wants to refuse a transaction-the left ignores that argument. Speaking of transgenderism and the left ignoring arguments-laws will not stop sex offenders from going into public bathrooms, and laws won't stop sex offenders and other criminals from getting guns either. Consistency, thy name is not leftism.
Back to Schilling. It's hard to imagine that if Schilling were an atheist or a marxist who spouted off regularly he would have been disciplined by ESPN. In fact, ESPN lets liberals like Jason Whitlock and Tony Kornheiser spout off in the private lives all the time without punishing them. Double standard much? Yes. It exists.
ESPN is losing viewers and money. While it's mostly because in 2016 we can get our sports news from many different sources, I am convinced it's also because people are tired of the politically correct obnoxious attitude they show to anyone who doesn't agree with them. Like all tolerant colleges/corporations and people -they are only tolerant if you vomit out what they believe.
Free Schilling!
He's an outstanding baseball pitcher. One of the best of his generation, really. He played for several teams and achieved stardom during his Phillies, Diamondbacks and Red Sox years. He was a key piece on teams that won the World Series. Without him, I can assure you that the Phillies, Diamondbacks and Red Sox would never have won the championships.
Like most athletes, he seems to think that he'll be successful in any field. His video game company was a disaster. Many people lost their jobs, health care and savings because of him. He also lost 50 million dollars given to him by the governor of Rhode Island. While I don't think he committed a criminal fraud, he was grossly negligent and by all accounts an incompetent businessman.
He's been in the news lately because he was fired from ESPN for remarks on his private Twitter account about transgender people. To be upfront-these are not views I share. I support the rights of transgendered people, whatever that means. They have the right to be transgendered and prejudice against them is certainly wrong.
And so is prejudice against people who disagree with me. ESPN certainly has the right to fire Schilling-it's private company and they can do what they want. Oddly, the "private company" argument is only brought up by the left in cases like this. In cases where a private company wants to refuse a transaction-the left ignores that argument. Speaking of transgenderism and the left ignoring arguments-laws will not stop sex offenders from going into public bathrooms, and laws won't stop sex offenders and other criminals from getting guns either. Consistency, thy name is not leftism.
Back to Schilling. It's hard to imagine that if Schilling were an atheist or a marxist who spouted off regularly he would have been disciplined by ESPN. In fact, ESPN lets liberals like Jason Whitlock and Tony Kornheiser spout off in the private lives all the time without punishing them. Double standard much? Yes. It exists.
ESPN is losing viewers and money. While it's mostly because in 2016 we can get our sports news from many different sources, I am convinced it's also because people are tired of the politically correct obnoxious attitude they show to anyone who doesn't agree with them. Like all tolerant colleges/corporations and people -they are only tolerant if you vomit out what they believe.
Free Schilling!
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
The death of Prince
We all know that Prince has passed away. It's a tragedy, for sure. For all of his quirks he really was a musical genius.
I'm not the biggest Prince fan. That doesn't mean I don't like any of his songs-I really like "Little Red Corvette" and "Raspberry Beret". That's it. I'm not like his "fans" online that suddenly came out of the shadows and are talking about what a huge impact his songs had on their lives-but they never expressed their fandom until after he died. These people are among the worst types of bandwagon jumpers because they cheapen the death of their "idol" and ruin it for all of us. Now people can't tell the difference between the posers and legit fans.
I wasn't a legit fan. I can appreciate musical genius wherever it is though, and he was certainly a musical genius. His death is incredibly sad not only because he was so young, but because it apparently was drug related too.
Prince had some issues with the internet. He lost a lot of fans for suing a select few that uploaded some of his songs to Youtube. It didn't stick to him though like Napster stuck to Metallica.
Cool Punk fact-My first slow dance was to "Diamonds and Pearls." Her name was Terri-Anne, and after sixth grade, I never saw her again. I'm sure she doesn't remember this, but wherever you are Terri-Anne, we'll always have "Diamonds and Pearls".
I'm not the biggest Prince fan. That doesn't mean I don't like any of his songs-I really like "Little Red Corvette" and "Raspberry Beret". That's it. I'm not like his "fans" online that suddenly came out of the shadows and are talking about what a huge impact his songs had on their lives-but they never expressed their fandom until after he died. These people are among the worst types of bandwagon jumpers because they cheapen the death of their "idol" and ruin it for all of us. Now people can't tell the difference between the posers and legit fans.
I wasn't a legit fan. I can appreciate musical genius wherever it is though, and he was certainly a musical genius. His death is incredibly sad not only because he was so young, but because it apparently was drug related too.
Prince had some issues with the internet. He lost a lot of fans for suing a select few that uploaded some of his songs to Youtube. It didn't stick to him though like Napster stuck to Metallica.
Cool Punk fact-My first slow dance was to "Diamonds and Pearls." Her name was Terri-Anne, and after sixth grade, I never saw her again. I'm sure she doesn't remember this, but wherever you are Terri-Anne, we'll always have "Diamonds and Pearls".
Monday, May 2, 2016
Aventures in home teaching
Home teaching is one of the things that LDS do that I wish every single church did. Basically every member of the church is assigned a home teacher. Home teachers are two priesthood holders (Again, only men can be priesthood holders. I disagree personally but accept the church teaching) who check in on the status of the family. Is anyone sick? Anyone need a priestly blessing? Is there something bad happening in the home (abuse, home falling apart, money woes)?
It's a huge, huge positive. Many church goers only see each other on Sunday, when people are usually acting their best, dressing their best, etc. It's good to dress up in your "Sunday best" but it sometimes doesn't show the entire story. With home teaching you can actually go to the persons home and see how they live.
So anyway, I went out home teaching for the first time in my new ward. My companion (a very nice guy, really hit off with him) wore a blazer and a tie. I wore blue jeans and a t-shirt. I'm not comfortable in suits and formal wear.
Growing up in Catholic schools we had to wear a tie all the time. It was miserable. It also accomplished nothing. People say that having a dress code stops the kids from competing against each other. It doesn't, we competed about who had the better ties, shoes, and shirts all the time. They say having a dress code detracts from dressing provocatively-that's also rubbish. Even though I don't find Catholic school attire sexy many other men do. They (by "they" I mean school officials, parents) say a dress code "brought us together as a school". That's garbage too. It further enhanced cliques and factions because certain kids could get away with dress code violations while others couldn't. In other word, dress codes themselves are mostly useless.We couldn't have long hair, facial hair, earrings, visible tattoos-in other words, conformity was required. Reason #42 high school was the worst time of my life.
The wife of a member (herself not a member) saw what I was wearing and said "You are the first Mormon I know who looks normal." I get that a lot. The church won't change on this issue, but they should. It's not dogma to dress like a mortician or a Wall Street investment banker from the 80's.
My home teaching companion was fine with how I dressed. He made a good point. "I'm just glad we're getting people to go out home teaching again."
Sounds good to me.
It's a huge, huge positive. Many church goers only see each other on Sunday, when people are usually acting their best, dressing their best, etc. It's good to dress up in your "Sunday best" but it sometimes doesn't show the entire story. With home teaching you can actually go to the persons home and see how they live.
So anyway, I went out home teaching for the first time in my new ward. My companion (a very nice guy, really hit off with him) wore a blazer and a tie. I wore blue jeans and a t-shirt. I'm not comfortable in suits and formal wear.
Growing up in Catholic schools we had to wear a tie all the time. It was miserable. It also accomplished nothing. People say that having a dress code stops the kids from competing against each other. It doesn't, we competed about who had the better ties, shoes, and shirts all the time. They say having a dress code detracts from dressing provocatively-that's also rubbish. Even though I don't find Catholic school attire sexy many other men do. They (by "they" I mean school officials, parents) say a dress code "brought us together as a school". That's garbage too. It further enhanced cliques and factions because certain kids could get away with dress code violations while others couldn't. In other word, dress codes themselves are mostly useless.We couldn't have long hair, facial hair, earrings, visible tattoos-in other words, conformity was required. Reason #42 high school was the worst time of my life.
The wife of a member (herself not a member) saw what I was wearing and said "You are the first Mormon I know who looks normal." I get that a lot. The church won't change on this issue, but they should. It's not dogma to dress like a mortician or a Wall Street investment banker from the 80's.
My home teaching companion was fine with how I dressed. He made a good point. "I'm just glad we're getting people to go out home teaching again."
Sounds good to me.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Scripture Sunday Alma 16:17
The Christian God is often thought of being "unforgiving" or "harsh in His judgements". He actually isn't. He only uses violence as a last resort and usually gives people every last chance to redeem themselves. In this Book of Mormon passage, I think it shows that.
God is telling Alma to take it easy during warfare. God seems to be reminding people that "they (the "enemies") might not be hardened against the word, that they might not be unbelieving and go on destruction but that they might receive the word with joy."
You can use this passage in your daily life. We often want to close the door on people we think are lost causes-maybe because of how they look or how they act-but we should be reminded that God never closes the door on people.
God is telling Alma to take it easy during warfare. God seems to be reminding people that "they (the "enemies") might not be hardened against the word, that they might not be unbelieving and go on destruction but that they might receive the word with joy."
You can use this passage in your daily life. We often want to close the door on people we think are lost causes-maybe because of how they look or how they act-but we should be reminded that God never closes the door on people.
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