If there is evil in the world, how can there be a God? This is the one question that believers get the most and in my view, it's the best case for atheism. No, I'm not saying that atheism is what I believe (it's Mormon Punk, not Atheist Punk) after all but I do admit that the problem of evil is certainly the most valid objection to God's existence.
This passage I believe tries to answer it. Believers in God (not just LDS, virtually all theists feel this way)believe that He "hath given unto you that ye might know good and evil". The problem of evil might prove that God exists-that there is an objective right and wrong and we just" a priori" know (starry heavens above, moral law within) which is which.
In the end, it's up to us. We can choose evil, or we can choose good. I really like this passage because it puts the accountability on us. The devil will never make us do it.
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Being LDS and being perfect
LDS are often accused of being too perfect, and paradoxically LDS themselves too often beat themselves up if they don't reach an impossibility high standard. It's not fair to either LDS or to non members.
We are not perfect. President Dieter F Uchtdorf said it best "Those looking for perfect people in our church will be sorely disappointed." He was right, as he is often. If you go into any church looking for people who aren't hypocrites, you are setting impossible standards than can not be met. Uchtdorf again was correct when he said "To a small degree, we are all hypocrites." Every member of the church falls short. By "every member" I include myself in this more than anyone else.
The church also has itself to blame, at least partially. The time commitment leadership asks its members is enormous. With kids, jobs, family commitments, etc it can often seem impossible to satisfy what the church asks us to do. This is not the church to join if you are lazy or unmotivated. I am both, so it's a challenge sometimes for me as well.
We are not perfect. President Dieter F Uchtdorf said it best "Those looking for perfect people in our church will be sorely disappointed." He was right, as he is often. If you go into any church looking for people who aren't hypocrites, you are setting impossible standards than can not be met. Uchtdorf again was correct when he said "To a small degree, we are all hypocrites." Every member of the church falls short. By "every member" I include myself in this more than anyone else.
The church also has itself to blame, at least partially. The time commitment leadership asks its members is enormous. With kids, jobs, family commitments, etc it can often seem impossible to satisfy what the church asks us to do. This is not the church to join if you are lazy or unmotivated. I am both, so it's a challenge sometimes for me as well.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Album of the Weekend
Kix-Blow My Fuse
Aside from their ballad "Don't Close Your Eyes" there is a good chance you've never heard of Kix unless you are really into hair bands. Shamefully, I had only heard a few of their songs until recently.
Their ballad, "Don't Close Your Eyes" is cheesy and over the top, even for an 80's ballad. In order to properly sing a good ballad song, you need to somehow convey cheesy lyrics without knowing they are cheesy. It would be like preforming Saved by the Bell scripts with classically trained Shakespeare actors who aren't laughing or cringing. True, I'm not a ballad guy but even if I was, this wouldn't be a favorite.
Okay, that's out of the way. The rest of the album is good, maybe even very good. The title track is classic hair band-arrogant, posturing, and the lyrics are full of double entendres. In fact, you can easily see Paul Stanley singing it and Gene Simmons making goofy faces while playing bass. "Get it While it's Hot" and "Boomerang" are also great hair band songs.
One of the best hair bands out there is Firehouse. Kix isn't up there-I wouldn't put them in my top ten hair bands-but they are still underrated.
Aside from their ballad "Don't Close Your Eyes" there is a good chance you've never heard of Kix unless you are really into hair bands. Shamefully, I had only heard a few of their songs until recently.
Their ballad, "Don't Close Your Eyes" is cheesy and over the top, even for an 80's ballad. In order to properly sing a good ballad song, you need to somehow convey cheesy lyrics without knowing they are cheesy. It would be like preforming Saved by the Bell scripts with classically trained Shakespeare actors who aren't laughing or cringing. True, I'm not a ballad guy but even if I was, this wouldn't be a favorite.
Okay, that's out of the way. The rest of the album is good, maybe even very good. The title track is classic hair band-arrogant, posturing, and the lyrics are full of double entendres. In fact, you can easily see Paul Stanley singing it and Gene Simmons making goofy faces while playing bass. "Get it While it's Hot" and "Boomerang" are also great hair band songs.
One of the best hair bands out there is Firehouse. Kix isn't up there-I wouldn't put them in my top ten hair bands-but they are still underrated.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Hillary being nominated and feminism
Voting for someone just based on body parts/sexual preference is among the most shallow things that you can do. It's like telling the world that the issues are too complex for you and you've given up.
The question you might be asking is "But Punk, would you feel this way if your party nominated a woman?" Honestly, yes. I'd be voting for her based on issues, not chromosomes. If you agree with Hillary on the issues, then by all means vote for her. If you are going to vote for her simply because she's a woman-then yes, that's pretty shallow.
One of my political heroes is Margaret Thatcher. I agree with her on most issues and I deeply admire who she was. She was asked how much she owed the Women's Liberation movement. She said "Nothing." I believe it's because she always viewed herself as an individual first and a woman second. I don't agree with her on this-I think she did owe feminism. Feminism in the beginning was a deeply noble cause that fought for equality. Without it, women wouldn't have the rights they do today. Do I think women are truly equal? No, I think there is more work that needs to be done. Do I think government is the solution? No, I don't.
But my appreciation of feminism (and I do appreciate it) doesn't cloud my judgement of the 2016 race, that's for damn sure.
The question you might be asking is "But Punk, would you feel this way if your party nominated a woman?" Honestly, yes. I'd be voting for her based on issues, not chromosomes. If you agree with Hillary on the issues, then by all means vote for her. If you are going to vote for her simply because she's a woman-then yes, that's pretty shallow.
One of my political heroes is Margaret Thatcher. I agree with her on most issues and I deeply admire who she was. She was asked how much she owed the Women's Liberation movement. She said "Nothing." I believe it's because she always viewed herself as an individual first and a woman second. I don't agree with her on this-I think she did owe feminism. Feminism in the beginning was a deeply noble cause that fought for equality. Without it, women wouldn't have the rights they do today. Do I think women are truly equal? No, I think there is more work that needs to be done. Do I think government is the solution? No, I don't.
But my appreciation of feminism (and I do appreciate it) doesn't cloud my judgement of the 2016 race, that's for damn sure.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Reading things other than scripture
Have you met Mormons and Christians who are incapable of reading things other than scripture and worse-look down on those of us who read other things? It's a rarity but I have. Thankfully more and more Christians (And yes, LDS are Christians) have broken away from that thinking. What's sad is that mainstream culture still thinks that we are all like that and don't read anything but the Book of Mormon while we drink milk and cookies.
I hope you don't fall into this stereotype but I can assure you of this: even the prophets and apostles read things other than the Book of Mormon. Holland I believe has his Ph.D in English. If you think you can acquire that by just reading the Book of Mormon-you are wrong. President Uchtdorf was a pilot. As a hobby, I wouldn't be surprised that in his spare time he reads technical flying magazines or maybe fiction books about planes. Let's face it-the dude does love flying.
The prophets and apostles are regular people. I can see them reading sports magazines or political/current events ones. Maybe they like reading history or poetry, biographies or pulp novels, whatever is popular or maybe Elizabethan drama like Ben Johnson. Regardless, it's perfectly fine to chill out a bit with a book/magazine whatever that has nothing to do with the church.
I hope you don't fall into this stereotype but I can assure you of this: even the prophets and apostles read things other than the Book of Mormon. Holland I believe has his Ph.D in English. If you think you can acquire that by just reading the Book of Mormon-you are wrong. President Uchtdorf was a pilot. As a hobby, I wouldn't be surprised that in his spare time he reads technical flying magazines or maybe fiction books about planes. Let's face it-the dude does love flying.
The prophets and apostles are regular people. I can see them reading sports magazines or political/current events ones. Maybe they like reading history or poetry, biographies or pulp novels, whatever is popular or maybe Elizabethan drama like Ben Johnson. Regardless, it's perfectly fine to chill out a bit with a book/magazine whatever that has nothing to do with the church.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Should you proselytize to friends?
The answer is no, if you want to keep your friends. Your LDS friends don't need to hear it and your non-LDS friends might be offended. If you don't care about the relationship, knock yourself out. While the prophets have correctly told us that you should fear God more than man, if you make an ass of yourself and can't turn off your preaching switch-you are hurting the reputation of the church and your fellow LDS.
It's obvious to them that you are LDS. Like I've mentioned before several times, it's like being gay. People know, you don't need to tell them. Unlike being gay, LDS prove it with our actions. You can't tell if someone is gay just by talking to them. If someone doesn't drink, swear, is super nice and is gone for three hours a day on Sunday-time to see if they also have a book of Mormon in the house.
The best way to proselytize is to be a good example. Let people come to you. The soft sell is sometimes difficult because the joy we have in our hearts we want to share. To the outside world though, it can come across as fake or phony. I can't blame them either-the outside world can make you jaded and at first, it sounds like what the LDS church offers is just easy answers.
I know what the LDS church offers are not easy answers. In fact, it's quite difficult to continue to be LDS in the modern world. Those members who don't know the sacrifice being LDS requires are deluding themselves.
It's obvious to them that you are LDS. Like I've mentioned before several times, it's like being gay. People know, you don't need to tell them. Unlike being gay, LDS prove it with our actions. You can't tell if someone is gay just by talking to them. If someone doesn't drink, swear, is super nice and is gone for three hours a day on Sunday-time to see if they also have a book of Mormon in the house.
The best way to proselytize is to be a good example. Let people come to you. The soft sell is sometimes difficult because the joy we have in our hearts we want to share. To the outside world though, it can come across as fake or phony. I can't blame them either-the outside world can make you jaded and at first, it sounds like what the LDS church offers is just easy answers.
I know what the LDS church offers are not easy answers. In fact, it's quite difficult to continue to be LDS in the modern world. Those members who don't know the sacrifice being LDS requires are deluding themselves.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Foxnews drama
I know it's the trendy thing to hate, fear and dislike Foxnews, but I don't. I've always liked their counterculture edge and refusal to bow to the generally liberal trends in reporting the news. MSNBC is rightfully called liberal, CNN is kind of moderate and Foxnews does have some conservative ideologies. There is nothing wrong with that, but people complain because MSNBC has no ratings and Fox is popular. Apparently protesters think they are "speaking truth to power" when they speak out against Fox but they meekly obey authority like the president and anyone critiquing him is a racist. Go figure.
So if you are a liberal you are assuredly talking glee in the downfall of Roger Ailes. It's fine, I took glee in the downfall of Anthony Weiner and John Edwards. I was wrong to do that, but it's easy for me to say that now. I'm not naive-I fully expect people on the left to enjoy schadenfreude at this moment.
But be careful. Original sin isn't political and yes, even your political heroes can make mistakes. The good thing is that more and more people are seeing that being a scumbag isn't political. Nancy Pelosi said that Carlos Danger (Anthony Weiner) should be forced to resign-so this tribal loyalty is dying a slow death. And good riddance to it. You should put behavior before politics all the time, even if it's difficult.
So if you are a liberal you are assuredly talking glee in the downfall of Roger Ailes. It's fine, I took glee in the downfall of Anthony Weiner and John Edwards. I was wrong to do that, but it's easy for me to say that now. I'm not naive-I fully expect people on the left to enjoy schadenfreude at this moment.
But be careful. Original sin isn't political and yes, even your political heroes can make mistakes. The good thing is that more and more people are seeing that being a scumbag isn't political. Nancy Pelosi said that Carlos Danger (Anthony Weiner) should be forced to resign-so this tribal loyalty is dying a slow death. And good riddance to it. You should put behavior before politics all the time, even if it's difficult.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Scripture Sunday 2 Nephi 26:30
This verse states the importance of charity and it mentions that "if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish." Charity is obviously important and no, it doesn't start at home-it starts with people who can't help you in the long run. Your family helps you every day.
Charity is often totally misunderstood. Charity doesn't mean that you have to live in a cardboard box, give all your income to everyone who asks for it and starve five days a week so that the rest of the world gets to eat. While we all could certainly do more for charity, none of us should feel guilty about not being able to help everyone who needs appears to need it.
Charity is often totally misunderstood. Charity doesn't mean that you have to live in a cardboard box, give all your income to everyone who asks for it and starve five days a week so that the rest of the world gets to eat. While we all could certainly do more for charity, none of us should feel guilty about not being able to help everyone who needs appears to need it.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
State of political matters going on right now
Conventions, like debates, are mostly garbage. The person you liked before the debate won and the person you didn't like lost. With conventions-if you were voting for Trump/Clinton before you probably still are now. The convention didn't change your mind.
This is the first time in twenty years I haven't paid intense attention to the conventions. I follow the news obsessively, in fact it's one of the many reasons I don't like to be without my cell phone. Like Andrew Breitbart I need the constant stream of information. It's been like that since I was a kid. This convention though-well my opinion of Trump is well known and there is no way I'm voting for Hillary, so I'm basically screwed.
Do you feel the same way this election cycle? I think many of us do. The NeverTrump movement is childish and sour grapes personified. They are the kids that took their Magic cards and stormed off in a huff when they lost the game. Trump is the incarnate version of every delusional person you have on Facebook who posts overly simplistic memes that have absolutely no chance of working in the real world. He is like the people that post things like "Sad and depressed? Think of a butterfly!" and expect you to "turn that frown upside down." Life is a bit more complicated that that. Hillary might be the most corrupt person to run since Richard Nixon. Gary Johnson? Give me a break. He has no chance.
So thinking people are left with little options. Not voting is disgusting and no, there is never a moral reason to abstain from voting. Take five minutes to educate yourself about the facts. The sad part is that this time when you do educate yourself you'll be just as depressed as the rest of us.
This election makes me think of the last words WC Fields said to his long term mistress. "God damn the whole friggin world and everything in it but you Carlotta."
This is the first time in twenty years I haven't paid intense attention to the conventions. I follow the news obsessively, in fact it's one of the many reasons I don't like to be without my cell phone. Like Andrew Breitbart I need the constant stream of information. It's been like that since I was a kid. This convention though-well my opinion of Trump is well known and there is no way I'm voting for Hillary, so I'm basically screwed.
Do you feel the same way this election cycle? I think many of us do. The NeverTrump movement is childish and sour grapes personified. They are the kids that took their Magic cards and stormed off in a huff when they lost the game. Trump is the incarnate version of every delusional person you have on Facebook who posts overly simplistic memes that have absolutely no chance of working in the real world. He is like the people that post things like "Sad and depressed? Think of a butterfly!" and expect you to "turn that frown upside down." Life is a bit more complicated that that. Hillary might be the most corrupt person to run since Richard Nixon. Gary Johnson? Give me a break. He has no chance.
So thinking people are left with little options. Not voting is disgusting and no, there is never a moral reason to abstain from voting. Take five minutes to educate yourself about the facts. The sad part is that this time when you do educate yourself you'll be just as depressed as the rest of us.
This election makes me think of the last words WC Fields said to his long term mistress. "God damn the whole friggin world and everything in it but you Carlotta."
Friday, July 22, 2016
Album of the weekend
Lita Ford-Lita
This was the first album I ever bought that was from a female artist. No, that doesn't make me a sexist, it makes me someone who grew up in a small town and only got his music from MTV in the early years. We had no rock station where I lived. It sucked, believe me. It wasn't until high school when the internet greatly enhanced my musical tastes. I will forever be grateful to it for that-it's another reason I love living in the times we do.
This album contains the one song everyone knows Lita Ford for, "Kiss Me Deadly". A sexy and powerful song that makes Lita Ford both enticing and dangerous. Anyone who thinks that women can't be great rock stars-in this style of music-is wrong (and yes, thinking that way IS sexist) and ridiculous. It's not just that song that's great-"Can't Catch Me" (co-written by Lemmy) and "Under the Gun" are as well. Her duet with Ozzy "Close my Eyes Forever" ends the album that rightfully put Lita on the map as one of the leaders and founders of female based arena rock.
I'm not sure that in 2016, people base their music tastes on gender. If you do, shame on you. If you don't, then go download this.
This was the first album I ever bought that was from a female artist. No, that doesn't make me a sexist, it makes me someone who grew up in a small town and only got his music from MTV in the early years. We had no rock station where I lived. It sucked, believe me. It wasn't until high school when the internet greatly enhanced my musical tastes. I will forever be grateful to it for that-it's another reason I love living in the times we do.
This album contains the one song everyone knows Lita Ford for, "Kiss Me Deadly". A sexy and powerful song that makes Lita Ford both enticing and dangerous. Anyone who thinks that women can't be great rock stars-in this style of music-is wrong (and yes, thinking that way IS sexist) and ridiculous. It's not just that song that's great-"Can't Catch Me" (co-written by Lemmy) and "Under the Gun" are as well. Her duet with Ozzy "Close my Eyes Forever" ends the album that rightfully put Lita on the map as one of the leaders and founders of female based arena rock.
I'm not sure that in 2016, people base their music tastes on gender. If you do, shame on you. If you don't, then go download this.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
True confessions-I absolutely despise camping
I like being outdoors. I used to hike the 4,000 footers when I lived in New Hampshire (usually mountains you could complete within a day, some were overnighters) and I like to fish. So no, I'm not against being outside.
But the time I spent on camping trips (only three weekends growing up, thank God) and summer camp (One and half miserable weeks) all during childhood were among the worst times of my life. What made it worse is that I knew my family enjoyed it and I was the only one who didn't like it. As a child I would dream about staying in a city in a five star hotel, going to concerts, coffee houses and art galleries while my family was in the middle of the woods. Once Walkmans were created, I'd load myself up with cassette tapes and try my best to dream of being in a library.
I don't get the appeal of camping at all. Why some people think that going out in the sweltering heat, freezing rain or bug infested outdoors period is a good time is beyond me. No, that doesn't make them (or me) bad people. Too often though, even in 2016 men are thought of us "weak" or "not masculine" if we don't like being outdoors "roughing it." It's like some asinine right of passage that in order to be a man you need to have a Cabela's credit card and the ability to start a fire using only flint like on Survivor.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Ouija boards and luck
I am one of the very, very few religious people who thinks Ouija boards aren't demonic, can't make you talk to the Devil or "ghosts" but are simply useless. Don't get me wrong, I don't use them, I never have before in my life and I do believe in demonic possession-but that doesn't mean that I think you can get possessed by playing a board game that is mass produced by Parker Brothers.
Can I level with you for a bit? Good. This is just between you and I. I really wish Christians would stop being so damn gullible sometimes. So many think anything that is "weird" is automatically demonic or evil in someway. Basic science explains how Ouija boards work. It's called "Ideomotor phenomenon". It's not the devil, it's not a ghost, and it's not your long lost Aunt Ida from the 1920's.
You know what is also a tough thing to accept? The simple fact that luck plays a large, large role in life. When a plane crashes killing all people on board and you miss it by ten minutes-that's luck. That's not God working to protect you-if it was, does that mean He killed all the people on board? Luck is perspective, but it's also just circumstances.
The harsh truth is that life is messy and is sometimes very complicated and brutal. Sometimes bad things happen to good people and worse-sometimes good things happen to very bad people. A wise person understands that while there is a God, there are some things that can only be explained by good or bad luck.
Can I level with you for a bit? Good. This is just between you and I. I really wish Christians would stop being so damn gullible sometimes. So many think anything that is "weird" is automatically demonic or evil in someway. Basic science explains how Ouija boards work. It's called "Ideomotor phenomenon". It's not the devil, it's not a ghost, and it's not your long lost Aunt Ida from the 1920's.
You know what is also a tough thing to accept? The simple fact that luck plays a large, large role in life. When a plane crashes killing all people on board and you miss it by ten minutes-that's luck. That's not God working to protect you-if it was, does that mean He killed all the people on board? Luck is perspective, but it's also just circumstances.
The harsh truth is that life is messy and is sometimes very complicated and brutal. Sometimes bad things happen to good people and worse-sometimes good things happen to very bad people. A wise person understands that while there is a God, there are some things that can only be explained by good or bad luck.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Forums
I love forums. I think they are fun ways to meet people who share a common interest with you. You can develop long friendships with people that in 2001, you never would have met at all. I know I'm repeating myself and I apologize, but so many people just bash social media and the internet because they don't understand it or worse, feel like it's "beneath" them in some way. It's both frustrating and total garbage that they thing that way. They'll pick and choose the bad stories (and yes, there are bad stories of people meeting up to commit heinous crimes) but they ignore the thousands upon thousands of people that don't do that.
So how do you act in a forum? In my view, you should act the same way you do in real life. Again and again, I am stunned by people being overly argumentative, rude or condescending in forums. There is no way they would act like this offline or they would have absolutely zero friends, much less a spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend or even a friend with benefits.
So why do people act in ways that would get them ignored or punched in the face? In my view they use chat rooms/forums as a place to unleash their suppressed aggression. They might very well act surly or unpleasant in the real world and are lonely. Because of that, they don't know how to interact with others and simply haven't been taught that their behavior is wrong. The other alternative is much worse-they know they are being repulsive and "don't care". They might have nothing better to do with their time than try to spread the sadness and anger they have inside them. Happy and adjusted people can go online a lot (that's a huge misconception about us online cats-that we are all social misfits in some way). But happy and adjusted people don't act obnoxious to everyone else while doing so.
So how do you act in a forum? In my view, you should act the same way you do in real life. Again and again, I am stunned by people being overly argumentative, rude or condescending in forums. There is no way they would act like this offline or they would have absolutely zero friends, much less a spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend or even a friend with benefits.
So why do people act in ways that would get them ignored or punched in the face? In my view they use chat rooms/forums as a place to unleash their suppressed aggression. They might very well act surly or unpleasant in the real world and are lonely. Because of that, they don't know how to interact with others and simply haven't been taught that their behavior is wrong. The other alternative is much worse-they know they are being repulsive and "don't care". They might have nothing better to do with their time than try to spread the sadness and anger they have inside them. Happy and adjusted people can go online a lot (that's a huge misconception about us online cats-that we are all social misfits in some way). But happy and adjusted people don't act obnoxious to everyone else while doing so.
Monday, July 18, 2016
Those damn kids and their cell phones!
No, I don't really think that way. In fact, I think people who complain about kids using their cell phones "all the time" are technophobic and obnoxious. They aren't aware that virtually all new technology has been considered to be from the devil, evil, destroying our youth and leading the end of the world. It happened with the car. Cars were considered evil and would lead teenagers to immorality, death and destruction. We now look at ideas like that and think they are archaic. In fifty years our grandchildren will look at you and say "Wow Grandpa! There was a time when people bitched about cell phones being evil?" Though your grandchild shouldn't use that word.
You don't have to like technology. You can be frightened and intimidated by it, but that doesn't mean it's evil. More and more people are getting content from their cell phones and the future is coming where we won't even have to look down on a screen to respond to texts. I'm not a prophet or a clairvoyant so I don't know how it's going to turn out and what specifically it's going to be.
This blog post came from a meme going around showing kids looking at their phones at a museum. They were surrounded by wonderful paintings that tell the story of humanity and they can't help but look at their cell phones. It's not that simple though-they were looking at app that the museum had that talked about the pantings actually. So yes, they were looking at their cell phones. And learning about the paintings at the same time.
I love technology and no, I'm not afraid of it at all. In fact, I'm comforted by it. It's nice to be stuck in a line and pull out my Kindle app-or plug my head phones in and listen to an audiobook or my music. I feel so lucky to be alive in 2016, though I do feel troubled that people don't realize how lucky we truly are.
You don't have to like technology. You can be frightened and intimidated by it, but that doesn't mean it's evil. More and more people are getting content from their cell phones and the future is coming where we won't even have to look down on a screen to respond to texts. I'm not a prophet or a clairvoyant so I don't know how it's going to turn out and what specifically it's going to be.
This blog post came from a meme going around showing kids looking at their phones at a museum. They were surrounded by wonderful paintings that tell the story of humanity and they can't help but look at their cell phones. It's not that simple though-they were looking at app that the museum had that talked about the pantings actually. So yes, they were looking at their cell phones. And learning about the paintings at the same time.
I love technology and no, I'm not afraid of it at all. In fact, I'm comforted by it. It's nice to be stuck in a line and pull out my Kindle app-or plug my head phones in and listen to an audiobook or my music. I feel so lucky to be alive in 2016, though I do feel troubled that people don't realize how lucky we truly are.
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Scripture Sunday Alma 36:20
This passage is a good description of the glory of forgiveness. In this life you will need forgiveness from many people. If you say you've never needed it you are lying and probably a sociopath. The process of forgiveness is hard and many people only focus on the negative, but this verse focuses on the positive as well.
Last week I mentioned that repentance was more positive than negative and that we shouldn't focus on the soul shattering guilt we feel after committing sinful behavior. I wanted to choose a scripture passage this week that shows that.
Last week I mentioned that repentance was more positive than negative and that we shouldn't focus on the soul shattering guilt we feel after committing sinful behavior. I wanted to choose a scripture passage this week that shows that.
Friday, July 15, 2016
Album of the weekend
Skid Row-Skid Row
When people talk about hair bands they talk about Poison. Bon Jovi. Motley Crue. Firehouse. Van Halen. Skid Row almost never comes up.
But they should. Skid Row is a great band, with much deeper songs than you might think. "18 and Life" is a "Cocaine Blues" by Johnny Cash. It tells the story of Ricky, a hard working guy who got into a fight, pulled out his gun and this time tragically killed a child. You feel such heartache both for the child he shot-and for Ricky. It's a rare song that tells the story of a violent, tragic act but it's beautiful at the same time. It's up there in my all time favorite songs.
One of the better rock ballad songs is also on this album, "I Remember You". While I have no personal connection to it (Ballads, in my view, are very individualistic. You like the ballads you have ties to and dislike the ones you don't) it's one of the more enjoyable ballads out there. Ballads from "Beth" (a truly horrible song) to whatever is trendy today usually suck.
Sebastian Bach had a bit of a reputation for being difficult, and that might have hurt is career. Skid Row is another hair band that never seems to get enough credit.
When people talk about hair bands they talk about Poison. Bon Jovi. Motley Crue. Firehouse. Van Halen. Skid Row almost never comes up.
But they should. Skid Row is a great band, with much deeper songs than you might think. "18 and Life" is a "Cocaine Blues" by Johnny Cash. It tells the story of Ricky, a hard working guy who got into a fight, pulled out his gun and this time tragically killed a child. You feel such heartache both for the child he shot-and for Ricky. It's a rare song that tells the story of a violent, tragic act but it's beautiful at the same time. It's up there in my all time favorite songs.
One of the better rock ballad songs is also on this album, "I Remember You". While I have no personal connection to it (Ballads, in my view, are very individualistic. You like the ballads you have ties to and dislike the ones you don't) it's one of the more enjoyable ballads out there. Ballads from "Beth" (a truly horrible song) to whatever is trendy today usually suck.
Sebastian Bach had a bit of a reputation for being difficult, and that might have hurt is career. Skid Row is another hair band that never seems to get enough credit.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Do people expect perfection from their religious leaders?
The answer is yes and I am ashamed to admit that I did for a time. Than again, I was fifteen. To expect perfection from any man but Jesus Christ is a fools game.
When it comes out that Joseph Smith Jr drank tea, coffee or beer there are two options I've usually seen. The first is disbelief-which is fine, you don't have to believe things that are true, well documented and sourced. But if you don't believe things that people of all stripes generally do-then you will correctly be marginalized. IE-You are free to think that Winston Churchill was the fist president of the United States and that George Washington played center for the 98' Bulls. Just don't expect people to listen to you. Anyway, if you have a problem with Smith Jr and some questionable habits he had-well so what? Do you expect perfection from him? He was a man just like the rest of the church leaders are. If you think his own behavior (sinful or not) caused his prophecies or religion not to be true than you need to seriously re-examine your own faith.
You will never agree 100% with anything. Your church, your religious leaders, your political heroes, music idols or even yourself. If you agree with someone all the time that means you've probably given up thinking for yourself and told them to think for you. I see it often when people blindly obey someone and it really is strange. I'm someone who likes to think he thinks for himself and is influenced by others but hopefully doesn't just vomit out what they think word for word. I have yet to meet someone whom I agree with all the time and I probably wouldn't like them if I did.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Protesting and prosecutors
You have every right to protest and express your discontent with "the man" or "the system" or "society in general". What you don't have a right to do is protest without worrying about the consequences. We are all connected in some way-if you and your buddies protest and shut down a highway and thereby block an ambulance carrying a man with a heart attack to the hospital and he dies because of it-yes, you should be charged with manslaughter.
I'm not naive though. The legal system isn't perfect-and it's politically correct. Do I think a prosecutor has the integrity and backbone to punish protestors who do that? Of course not. I also don't think a prosecutor would decline to prosecute someone they knew/suspected was innocent. Growing up I was expected to view prosecutors as the good guys-always seeking virtue, truth, justice and the American way. That's rubbish of course. Like protestors all they care about is their own self interest.
No accountability will be leveled against protestors who stop us from going against our daily lives. If you are late to a job and get fired because of protestors blocking the highway-well, tough. Nothing you can do about it. The woman who was in labor and had to deliver her baby in the back seat of a car? Nothing you can do about that either.
I'm generally a skeptic but I try to force myself to be an optimistic person-lately it's been tough and I think it's been tough on all of us.
I'm not naive though. The legal system isn't perfect-and it's politically correct. Do I think a prosecutor has the integrity and backbone to punish protestors who do that? Of course not. I also don't think a prosecutor would decline to prosecute someone they knew/suspected was innocent. Growing up I was expected to view prosecutors as the good guys-always seeking virtue, truth, justice and the American way. That's rubbish of course. Like protestors all they care about is their own self interest.
No accountability will be leveled against protestors who stop us from going against our daily lives. If you are late to a job and get fired because of protestors blocking the highway-well, tough. Nothing you can do about it. The woman who was in labor and had to deliver her baby in the back seat of a car? Nothing you can do about that either.
I'm generally a skeptic but I try to force myself to be an optimistic person-lately it's been tough and I think it's been tough on all of us.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Getting along with people
I'd like to think that everyone likes or respects me, but I know it's not true. What I'm not going to tell you is "I don't care what others think of me." That's a garbage thing to say. You do care, even if it's subconscious and like I've mentioned before if you didn't, you would say it. It's a line used by passive aggressive people with the social skills of a peevish librarian (Fallout Vegas points for you if you get that one).
Usually when you have a clash with one person, it could be just personalities. You aren't going to like everyone you encounter, that's for sure. However when you get a persecution complex and think everyone is against you and you are always arguing with everyone-that's on you, not them. You learn pretty quickly in life that you need to get along with people to be successful. That doesn't mean liking everyone, it means getting along with them. You can be successful if you are prickly, argumentative, unpleasant and surly but it requires a great effort and it's very rare.
It's hard for me to accept these things. In my teenage years and early 20's I was one of those people who said he "didn't care" what others think. I was brash, arrogant obnoxious and had a massive chip on my shoulder. I would argue over everything and go to war for the slightest thing. Sure, I'm still arrogant and I carry grudges forever but I'm mortified that I once said "I don't care what others think." Others correctly wrote me off-as they should have. If I didn't care about what they think, why should they care about what I think?
However I was only in my 20's. I want you to write down things you thought in your teens and twenties that you still agree with today. If you haven't changed at all than congratulations-you've wasted years of your life. It's pretty sad when someone at 36 views the world and acts the same way as they did in at 21.
Usually when you have a clash with one person, it could be just personalities. You aren't going to like everyone you encounter, that's for sure. However when you get a persecution complex and think everyone is against you and you are always arguing with everyone-that's on you, not them. You learn pretty quickly in life that you need to get along with people to be successful. That doesn't mean liking everyone, it means getting along with them. You can be successful if you are prickly, argumentative, unpleasant and surly but it requires a great effort and it's very rare.
It's hard for me to accept these things. In my teenage years and early 20's I was one of those people who said he "didn't care" what others think. I was brash, arrogant obnoxious and had a massive chip on my shoulder. I would argue over everything and go to war for the slightest thing. Sure, I'm still arrogant and I carry grudges forever but I'm mortified that I once said "I don't care what others think." Others correctly wrote me off-as they should have. If I didn't care about what they think, why should they care about what I think?
However I was only in my 20's. I want you to write down things you thought in your teens and twenties that you still agree with today. If you haven't changed at all than congratulations-you've wasted years of your life. It's pretty sad when someone at 36 views the world and acts the same way as they did in at 21.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Temples and St. Peters Basilica
I've mentioned before that I don't like going to temples-and I still don't. I've mentioned the reasons before and those haven't changed. Going more just reminds me why I don't like it. I haven't been in awhile and I don't see a trip coming up in the future. My life partner/significant other/domestic companion does like going to the temple so people say "How come you don't go for her!? You are horrible!" It's very simple. 1) I don't bar her from going and 2) I like things that she isn't interested in going to either. The key to a good relationship is independence, actually. Value your partner as an individual first and foremost over everything.
Anyway, LDS get the question "Your temples are so elegant and expensive! Shouldn't the money be better spent on the poor?" This isn't just an LDS question. The Catholics also get "St. Peter's Basilica is gorgeous! Sell it an all the artwork and give it to the poor!" First off, the artwork in St. Peter's Basilica belongs to humanity and is priceless. It's been there for centuries and is considered among the greatest artwork in the world. You can't really "sell it".
Second, both the LDS and Catholic churches do a huge, huge amount for the poor. Educating, feeding, clothing providing shelter. Much, much more than atheist charities do. It's not just LDS and Catholics, it's mainly Christian ones. That entire "love your neighbor" thing, you know?
Anyway, LDS get the question "Your temples are so elegant and expensive! Shouldn't the money be better spent on the poor?" This isn't just an LDS question. The Catholics also get "St. Peter's Basilica is gorgeous! Sell it an all the artwork and give it to the poor!" First off, the artwork in St. Peter's Basilica belongs to humanity and is priceless. It's been there for centuries and is considered among the greatest artwork in the world. You can't really "sell it".
Second, both the LDS and Catholic churches do a huge, huge amount for the poor. Educating, feeding, clothing providing shelter. Much, much more than atheist charities do. It's not just LDS and Catholics, it's mainly Christian ones. That entire "love your neighbor" thing, you know?
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Scripture Sunday Alma 42:29
Alma is telling his wayward son to be sorrowful for his sins, and of course you should be sorry. Alma says "only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance."
Of course you shouldn't feel happy about sinful behavior, that should be obvious. Even if it feels good for a minute it won't feel good in the long run. You also do need to show remorse after you start the repentance process. Sorrow is important but you should not let soul shattering guilt destroy you. In fact, it's almost worse than the sin because that means you've given up hope. Virtually no sin is unforgivable and even though it might hurt at first, be sure to keep your eyes on the big picture.
In my view the sinner should be joyful that they stopped the behavior instead of depressed that they started it.
Of course you shouldn't feel happy about sinful behavior, that should be obvious. Even if it feels good for a minute it won't feel good in the long run. You also do need to show remorse after you start the repentance process. Sorrow is important but you should not let soul shattering guilt destroy you. In fact, it's almost worse than the sin because that means you've given up hope. Virtually no sin is unforgivable and even though it might hurt at first, be sure to keep your eyes on the big picture.
In my view the sinner should be joyful that they stopped the behavior instead of depressed that they started it.
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Dallas
If you are anything less than outraged by this, you need to re-evulate your life. You can be African-American, Asian, Hispanic, White, homosexual, heterosexual, liberal or conservative -but if you think killing police officers is "cool" or "fighting oppressors" or "rebelling against the man"-you are wrong and disgusting.
I'm not going to use this post to talk about good or bad cops. Or a failure of leadership. Or police and minority relations in 2016. This war on police officers is not the answer to any of those issues. These cops are men and women with families who are innocent people-they haven't done a damn thing, even if some of their brethren have. Collective responsibility is garbage. I am not responsible for what every white guy does, nor is a black dude responsible for what black guys do. The NRA didn't do anything wrong and neither did Black Lives Matter. Only individuals do evil and only individuals do good.
Praying for the great city of Dallas right now.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Album of the weekend
Ramones-It's Alive.
For about fifty four minutes, you will be in heaven. Nothing will bother you. Pure bliss. The greatest punk band of all time is the Ramones and the greatest punk live album of all time is "It's Alive."
If you are a baseball fan you will know that there is nothing more exciting than watching a no hitter live at the ball park. In the 9th inning everything gets very quiet and 20,000 people do not say a word as they are fully entranced in the moment. These moments are rare in life, but I know that if you were there for any one of the four concerts in England at the time this album was recorded, you were feeling the same way.
It's Alive is a five star masterpiece with no bad songs (it's the Ramones after all). It is a live album that puts you there every time you hear it. From the opening "We're the Ramones this one's called Rockaway Beach" to "We'd like to thank you all for coming, good night!" and every song in between you are in total ecstasy.
This is my favorite album of all time, and one I will never, ever stop listening too.
For about fifty four minutes, you will be in heaven. Nothing will bother you. Pure bliss. The greatest punk band of all time is the Ramones and the greatest punk live album of all time is "It's Alive."
If you are a baseball fan you will know that there is nothing more exciting than watching a no hitter live at the ball park. In the 9th inning everything gets very quiet and 20,000 people do not say a word as they are fully entranced in the moment. These moments are rare in life, but I know that if you were there for any one of the four concerts in England at the time this album was recorded, you were feeling the same way.
It's Alive is a five star masterpiece with no bad songs (it's the Ramones after all). It is a live album that puts you there every time you hear it. From the opening "We're the Ramones this one's called Rockaway Beach" to "We'd like to thank you all for coming, good night!" and every song in between you are in total ecstasy.
This is my favorite album of all time, and one I will never, ever stop listening too.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Heterosexual pride day
Apparently it was "Heterosexual Pride Day" last week and it caused quite a bit of controversy.
I don't think you should be ashamed of being homosexual anymore than you should be ashamed that you have blue eyes. It's pretty silly to be ashamed of something you are born as. I understand the gay pride movement though-I'm also proud to be English (ethnically) which is something I was born as. I'm proud to be American too. I didn't have a choice to be either English (again, ethnically) or American just like gay people don't have a choice to be gay either. So I get the whole pride movement. Since gay people were swept under the rug for hundreds of years I also understand them being more vocal with their sexuality. In my view there is nothing wrong with that either.
But here's an interesting thing. In the 1950's Playboy magazine published a story that described heterosexual repression in a world where homosexuality is the norm. Hefner got a lot of flack for publishing it-even in the 1950s (!) and he stood by it's publication saying, "If prejudice against homosexuality is wrong, so is prejudice against heterosexuality." Despite his flaws, he was right about that for sure.
I don't think you should be ashamed of being homosexual anymore than you should be ashamed that you have blue eyes. It's pretty silly to be ashamed of something you are born as. I understand the gay pride movement though-I'm also proud to be English (ethnically) which is something I was born as. I'm proud to be American too. I didn't have a choice to be either English (again, ethnically) or American just like gay people don't have a choice to be gay either. So I get the whole pride movement. Since gay people were swept under the rug for hundreds of years I also understand them being more vocal with their sexuality. In my view there is nothing wrong with that either.
But here's an interesting thing. In the 1950's Playboy magazine published a story that described heterosexual repression in a world where homosexuality is the norm. Hefner got a lot of flack for publishing it-even in the 1950s (!) and he stood by it's publication saying, "If prejudice against homosexuality is wrong, so is prejudice against heterosexuality." Despite his flaws, he was right about that for sure.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Hillary and Nixon
It's fairly obvious to those of us who are not true believers that Hillary Clinton will be the most corrupt president since Richard Nixon. In fact, because Nixon had a little "R" near his name he is viewed by history as a scoundrel, a liar, and a corrupt bastard. Because Hillary agrees with the left on the majority of issues and the left controls academia and a large portion of the media-her scandals will be treated vastly different.
Look, I understand it depends on what side of the fence you are on. Republicans will rally around republicans and democrats will rally around democrats. While I'm more sympathetic to the republican side, that doesn't mean I'm not critical of republicans. I've noticed that the GOP is more self critical of it's candidates than the left is because the GOP doesn't attach morality to politics. Ask yourself this-would a true believing democrat rather you be a bad parent and a liberal on the issues or a good parent but a conservative? A conservative is more likely to wish that you are liberal but a good parent rather than a liberal wishing that you are a good parent-but a conservative.
Which brings me back to Hillary and this election. The FBI recommended that the justice department not bring charges against her. If you think the justice department is going to bring charges against her or recommend that they be brought against her-then I admire your naivety. In the 70's with the Watergate drama many people in Nixons own party resigned or publicly announced they would no longer support him rather than being associated with him. Will Liz Warren or Harry Reid announce that they won't support her if she becomes indicted or more illegal activity comes out around her? Of course not.
I get it, we all want to support "our guys/girls". But you don't want to be a true believer-Eric Hoffer wrote a wonderful book about those people called (surprise!) The True Believer. It's a book I love and have read many, many times.
Look, I understand it depends on what side of the fence you are on. Republicans will rally around republicans and democrats will rally around democrats. While I'm more sympathetic to the republican side, that doesn't mean I'm not critical of republicans. I've noticed that the GOP is more self critical of it's candidates than the left is because the GOP doesn't attach morality to politics. Ask yourself this-would a true believing democrat rather you be a bad parent and a liberal on the issues or a good parent but a conservative? A conservative is more likely to wish that you are liberal but a good parent rather than a liberal wishing that you are a good parent-but a conservative.
Which brings me back to Hillary and this election. The FBI recommended that the justice department not bring charges against her. If you think the justice department is going to bring charges against her or recommend that they be brought against her-then I admire your naivety. In the 70's with the Watergate drama many people in Nixons own party resigned or publicly announced they would no longer support him rather than being associated with him. Will Liz Warren or Harry Reid announce that they won't support her if she becomes indicted or more illegal activity comes out around her? Of course not.
I get it, we all want to support "our guys/girls". But you don't want to be a true believer-Eric Hoffer wrote a wonderful book about those people called (surprise!) The True Believer. It's a book I love and have read many, many times.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Glass houses
We've heard it a dozens times before, the "people living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" or "pot calling the kettle black." This is used by people who are for the most part, clueless and used to justify their own bad behavior. It doesn't address the problem.
Just pointing out that the accuser is guilty of something doesn't mean that you are innocent of it. IE-swearing. I've seen people say "Hey, I've heard you curse. Why do you say that others shouldn't?" Just because you have a bad habit doesn't mean you endorse the behavior in others. I've also heard people say "You were divorced. How dare you say I shouldn't be!"Again, just because you have done things in your past that aren't the greatest doesn't mean that someone should follow your own lead. Not only that, but circumstances change and no one knows the entire story.
People say "pot calling kettle" to try and show that you aren't perfect either. It's their way of absolving themselves. These are people who generally lack the ability of self critique and in therefore, they think they are more moral than the rest of us. Those who think they are the most moral are almost always without question the least.
Just pointing out that the accuser is guilty of something doesn't mean that you are innocent of it. IE-swearing. I've seen people say "Hey, I've heard you curse. Why do you say that others shouldn't?" Just because you have a bad habit doesn't mean you endorse the behavior in others. I've also heard people say "You were divorced. How dare you say I shouldn't be!"Again, just because you have done things in your past that aren't the greatest doesn't mean that someone should follow your own lead. Not only that, but circumstances change and no one knows the entire story.
People say "pot calling kettle" to try and show that you aren't perfect either. It's their way of absolving themselves. These are people who generally lack the ability of self critique and in therefore, they think they are more moral than the rest of us. Those who think they are the most moral are almost always without question the least.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Happy fourth of July!
Another July 4th, and another Sailor Jerry patriotic tattoo! God bless America, the greatest country in the history of the world.
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Scripture Sunday Alma 19:9
I am not this woman.
I need witnesses, I need evidence, I need history. I'm not someone who can just believe. In fact, when some someone tells me to take something just on faith it's like asking me to speak a language I've never heard before. That doesn't mean I'm bad, it doesn't mean I don't believe and it doesn't mean I'm not LDS. It just means I need a slight bit of evidence to take things on faith.
But this passage is nice. Ammon is happy that this woman has faith, apparently the Nephites are more like me and need evidence. This woman is the anti Doubting Thomas.
I need witnesses, I need evidence, I need history. I'm not someone who can just believe. In fact, when some someone tells me to take something just on faith it's like asking me to speak a language I've never heard before. That doesn't mean I'm bad, it doesn't mean I don't believe and it doesn't mean I'm not LDS. It just means I need a slight bit of evidence to take things on faith.
But this passage is nice. Ammon is happy that this woman has faith, apparently the Nephites are more like me and need evidence. This woman is the anti Doubting Thomas.
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Antoine Walker and regret
Ever wonder how athletes go broke? It seems impossible, doesn't it? All that money that seemingly never ends. It would be so hard to spent 45 million, wouldn't it?
Watch this and find out how.
It's a documentary from the outstanding 30 for 30 series from ESPN. I normally don't like ESPN but I make an exception in this case.
Another piece that I read that really made me think was here. As a Celtics fan, I've always had a special place in my heart for Antoine Walker, even though I've never been able to spell his name right. In the dark ages of the Rick Pitino era Celtics fans were desperate for a star. Walker wasn't the greatest player, but we embraced him. This was before the big three of Pierce, Garnett and Allen and how they saved the day and brought back Celtics pride. Walker was one of the players I watched as I transformed from teenager to adult. I went through a period of disliking basketball then having it grow on me again.
Like many athletes Walker blew through his money through bad decisions and poor life choices. In this letter to himself he says that he wished he understood how to say "No" as a young man to those who didn't have his best interests at heart. I won't spoil the letter for you. It's a really insightful read, I highly suggest it.
The letter to himself ends with "And tonight, maybe you should just stay home and watch a movie." I love that advice. I've seen marriages fail because they don't know how to, in the common jargon of the day "Netflix and chill" together. They need constant drama, feast or famine. I think it's because people get bored easy today and I've never understood that. Learning how to stay home and enjoy doing so is a skill that will save you a lifetime of drama.
Watch this and find out how.
It's a documentary from the outstanding 30 for 30 series from ESPN. I normally don't like ESPN but I make an exception in this case.
Another piece that I read that really made me think was here. As a Celtics fan, I've always had a special place in my heart for Antoine Walker, even though I've never been able to spell his name right. In the dark ages of the Rick Pitino era Celtics fans were desperate for a star. Walker wasn't the greatest player, but we embraced him. This was before the big three of Pierce, Garnett and Allen and how they saved the day and brought back Celtics pride. Walker was one of the players I watched as I transformed from teenager to adult. I went through a period of disliking basketball then having it grow on me again.
Like many athletes Walker blew through his money through bad decisions and poor life choices. In this letter to himself he says that he wished he understood how to say "No" as a young man to those who didn't have his best interests at heart. I won't spoil the letter for you. It's a really insightful read, I highly suggest it.
The letter to himself ends with "And tonight, maybe you should just stay home and watch a movie." I love that advice. I've seen marriages fail because they don't know how to, in the common jargon of the day "Netflix and chill" together. They need constant drama, feast or famine. I think it's because people get bored easy today and I've never understood that. Learning how to stay home and enjoy doing so is a skill that will save you a lifetime of drama.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Album of the weekend
Volbeat-Beyond Hell/Above Heaven
Voltbeat sounds unique and different. One reviewer correctly called them "a combination of Rock-a-billy and heavy metal." I love that quote, and it's so true. Apparently they've been influenced by performers from Johnny Cash to some heavy metal bands. That sounds dead on, you can hear the influence of those types of performers in their music.
My favorite song on the album is Heaven Nor Hell-it sounds amazingly upbeat for a metal song and it's also perfect to mosh too. Basically it's Andrew WK meets Anthrax. It should sound like Anthrax too, given that Rob Caggiano is originally from that legendary thrash band.
"A Warriors Call" was written for the boxer Mikkel Kessler, a pretty good pugilist from Denmark. Being originally from New England though, when I heard this song I thought of Mickey Ward from Lowell, Massachusetts. Either way, it's a great song to get your blood pumping for a work out.
People wrongly think that the only good music is from their childhood. It's a foolish way to think-good music is timeless and is from any era. If someone starts complaining to you about music in 2016, tell them about Volbeat. Fresh, innovative and really, really good.
Voltbeat sounds unique and different. One reviewer correctly called them "a combination of Rock-a-billy and heavy metal." I love that quote, and it's so true. Apparently they've been influenced by performers from Johnny Cash to some heavy metal bands. That sounds dead on, you can hear the influence of those types of performers in their music.
My favorite song on the album is Heaven Nor Hell-it sounds amazingly upbeat for a metal song and it's also perfect to mosh too. Basically it's Andrew WK meets Anthrax. It should sound like Anthrax too, given that Rob Caggiano is originally from that legendary thrash band.
"A Warriors Call" was written for the boxer Mikkel Kessler, a pretty good pugilist from Denmark. Being originally from New England though, when I heard this song I thought of Mickey Ward from Lowell, Massachusetts. Either way, it's a great song to get your blood pumping for a work out.
People wrongly think that the only good music is from their childhood. It's a foolish way to think-good music is timeless and is from any era. If someone starts complaining to you about music in 2016, tell them about Volbeat. Fresh, innovative and really, really good.
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