Happy General Conference weekend everyone!
Like I do with all General Conference weekends, Scripture Sunday will not be posted. The prophets and apostles don't need my competition.
God bless and enjoy!
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Friday, September 29, 2017
Album of the weekend
Sublime-Sublime
Combine punk rock and ska and you get Sublime. A great band that never got a lot mainstream acceptance and success until the very end of their career. Two months before the release of this album the lead singer, Brad Nowell, was found dead of a heroin overdose. Extremely tragic-and this album shows that they could have been much bigger if only he could have controlled the demons. Very sad.
This is not a positive, peppy album even though the sound of it is oddly optimistic. The content of the songs is actually quite dark. From underage promiscuity to drug use to taking revenge on those involved in a failed romance-this album is like Johnny Cash singing ska-punk. For such a dark album it's ironic to me that one of my favorite memories is singing Santeria at a bar in Downtown Disney, the happiest place on earth.
Santeria is one of many great songs. "Wrong Way", "What I Got", "Caress me Down" and many others make this album an absolute must have. It has the same southern California sound as Social Distortion. A punk-ska-ish style that hasn't been replicated since.
Combine punk rock and ska and you get Sublime. A great band that never got a lot mainstream acceptance and success until the very end of their career. Two months before the release of this album the lead singer, Brad Nowell, was found dead of a heroin overdose. Extremely tragic-and this album shows that they could have been much bigger if only he could have controlled the demons. Very sad.
This is not a positive, peppy album even though the sound of it is oddly optimistic. The content of the songs is actually quite dark. From underage promiscuity to drug use to taking revenge on those involved in a failed romance-this album is like Johnny Cash singing ska-punk. For such a dark album it's ironic to me that one of my favorite memories is singing Santeria at a bar in Downtown Disney, the happiest place on earth.
Santeria is one of many great songs. "Wrong Way", "What I Got", "Caress me Down" and many others make this album an absolute must have. It has the same southern California sound as Social Distortion. A punk-ska-ish style that hasn't been replicated since.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Hugh Heffner
Hugh Hefner has passed away, and this time it doesn't look like a hoax.
This post might seem odd, coming from a blog that is at least partially religious in nature. Of course it won't be vulgar, but I do want to talk about him. No apologies, you can read it if you want or not.
At least partially, I admire him. At one point in his life, he idolized Ayn Rand before he found out she was a :: gasp :: a Barry Goldwater Republican. He also respected Sigmund Freud, another famous mind I greatly admire as well. For obvious reasons, I don't "approve" of everything about his life nor do I agree with everything he did or how he lived his life. But how he recreated himself, his devotion to free speech, his refusal to quit, his business sense-yes, in some ways I still admire him.
For men my age, before the internet was popular, Hugh Hefner was the introduction we had to sex. I still remember where I was when I saw my first issue. The kid hiding it-and I'm dead serious-hid it behind a picture of a rabbit jogging. It was incredibly taboo-we knew if we were caught we'd be in serious trouble-but it seems very quaint today. I'm going from memory here, but I believe the pin ups in Playboy were just nude, they weren't engaged in sexual acts. Playboy wasn't Penthouse or Hustler-which showed women in much more lewd and disgusting ways. Playboy was rated R, Hustler and Penthouse was rated XXX.
He seemed very normal. Apparently in some ways he was the idol for men age 18-39. Not just because of he dated attractive women-(trying to keep this PG-13 folks)but because he brought a certain "class" to "pornography". I do not consider Playboy pornography, for the record.
Hefner seems antiquated in the age of hook ups. and instant gratification. Heff invited women in for a conversation on Picasso, jazz, Nietzsche and sex. It was safer for women to be a Playboy bunny then a Hustler girl-Flynt seemed like a rapist who would use force and Guccione the type who would talk you into bed, make you pay for dinner then cab fare the next day. Hefner was "the type" who you could trust. If you said no, he knew it meant no.
His first wife cheated on him, and it's widely thought that he never got over it. In fact, you can put on your psychologists hat and say that perhaps this affair caused him to never look at women the same way-maybe he lost trust in fidelity and faithfulness. Perhaps when he slept with each one of his girlfriends he was taking it out on his ex wife. His two divorces might imply that he has some issues with trust.
His life also seems incredibly shallow. I feel sorry for him, not envious. Sex with thousands of partners-and lets face it-he had thousands of them-doesn't seem as meaningful a stable relationship. He's been left behind by the movement he started.
His last few years he's been suffering with OCD and has become a bit of a recluse. Several Playboy bunnies have talked about his habits and personality and it has been far from flattering. The Mansion has gone into great decay and much like the man who lived there, it seems like it belongs in a different era. Hugh Heffner has become Howard Hughes.
I didn't always live an LDS approved lifestyle so I'm not holding myself up as the model of chastity and decent behavior. Just some thoughts on the passing of a man who, like it or not, was a front runner in the sexual revolution but now seems to be a victim of it.
RIP.
This post might seem odd, coming from a blog that is at least partially religious in nature. Of course it won't be vulgar, but I do want to talk about him. No apologies, you can read it if you want or not.
At least partially, I admire him. At one point in his life, he idolized Ayn Rand before he found out she was a :: gasp :: a Barry Goldwater Republican. He also respected Sigmund Freud, another famous mind I greatly admire as well. For obvious reasons, I don't "approve" of everything about his life nor do I agree with everything he did or how he lived his life. But how he recreated himself, his devotion to free speech, his refusal to quit, his business sense-yes, in some ways I still admire him.
For men my age, before the internet was popular, Hugh Hefner was the introduction we had to sex. I still remember where I was when I saw my first issue. The kid hiding it-and I'm dead serious-hid it behind a picture of a rabbit jogging. It was incredibly taboo-we knew if we were caught we'd be in serious trouble-but it seems very quaint today. I'm going from memory here, but I believe the pin ups in Playboy were just nude, they weren't engaged in sexual acts. Playboy wasn't Penthouse or Hustler-which showed women in much more lewd and disgusting ways. Playboy was rated R, Hustler and Penthouse was rated XXX.
He seemed very normal. Apparently in some ways he was the idol for men age 18-39. Not just because of he dated attractive women-(trying to keep this PG-13 folks)but because he brought a certain "class" to "pornography". I do not consider Playboy pornography, for the record.
Hefner seems antiquated in the age of hook ups. and instant gratification. Heff invited women in for a conversation on Picasso, jazz, Nietzsche and sex. It was safer for women to be a Playboy bunny then a Hustler girl-Flynt seemed like a rapist who would use force and Guccione the type who would talk you into bed, make you pay for dinner then cab fare the next day. Hefner was "the type" who you could trust. If you said no, he knew it meant no.
His first wife cheated on him, and it's widely thought that he never got over it. In fact, you can put on your psychologists hat and say that perhaps this affair caused him to never look at women the same way-maybe he lost trust in fidelity and faithfulness. Perhaps when he slept with each one of his girlfriends he was taking it out on his ex wife. His two divorces might imply that he has some issues with trust.
His life also seems incredibly shallow. I feel sorry for him, not envious. Sex with thousands of partners-and lets face it-he had thousands of them-doesn't seem as meaningful a stable relationship. He's been left behind by the movement he started.
His last few years he's been suffering with OCD and has become a bit of a recluse. Several Playboy bunnies have talked about his habits and personality and it has been far from flattering. The Mansion has gone into great decay and much like the man who lived there, it seems like it belongs in a different era. Hugh Heffner has become Howard Hughes.
I didn't always live an LDS approved lifestyle so I'm not holding myself up as the model of chastity and decent behavior. Just some thoughts on the passing of a man who, like it or not, was a front runner in the sexual revolution but now seems to be a victim of it.
RIP.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
The remake of It, part II
I've already mentioned my thoughts on the remake of It. I was dragged to see the movie this weekend.
Clowns, like everything else in life, are only scary if they seem innocent at first. Think of it this way-if you see a guy in a t shirt holding a sign that says "I am a serial killer" are you going to go up and give him a hug? Of course not. If you see a person with a bloody ax walking down main street and asking for a ride to McDonalds, are you going to pick him up? That's the issue with scary clowns. Most kids would run away screaming, balloon or not. If you, as a six year old, saw a clown lurking in the sewers-what would you do? That's one of the many flaws in this movie. If you have an antagonist who looks like a blood thirsty maniac, you better put the characters in a situation that they can't get out of. If they have the opportunity to run, they'll run. Anthony Perkins in Psycho is scary because he looks harmless.
I'm a feminist. I know that's odd because I'm not a woman and I'm not a liberal. But yes, feminists can be of all political stripes and all genders. In this movie, the only woman is basically a damsel in distress and used only to be kissed by every single boy in the group. That's not reality, especially at that age. The book is much worse, she's basically passed around like a joint. It crosses the line from "bad taste" to "offensive".
I could go on. I could talk about the bullies being stock characters with no real motivation other than to be bullies. I could talk about the crazy parents. I could talk about how no one in this movie aside from the kids is a decent person. The only thing missing that would make it a typical Stephen King movie is the insane fundamentalist religious person who is to blame for everything.
Other than that, I loved the movie.
Clowns, like everything else in life, are only scary if they seem innocent at first. Think of it this way-if you see a guy in a t shirt holding a sign that says "I am a serial killer" are you going to go up and give him a hug? Of course not. If you see a person with a bloody ax walking down main street and asking for a ride to McDonalds, are you going to pick him up? That's the issue with scary clowns. Most kids would run away screaming, balloon or not. If you, as a six year old, saw a clown lurking in the sewers-what would you do? That's one of the many flaws in this movie. If you have an antagonist who looks like a blood thirsty maniac, you better put the characters in a situation that they can't get out of. If they have the opportunity to run, they'll run. Anthony Perkins in Psycho is scary because he looks harmless.
I'm a feminist. I know that's odd because I'm not a woman and I'm not a liberal. But yes, feminists can be of all political stripes and all genders. In this movie, the only woman is basically a damsel in distress and used only to be kissed by every single boy in the group. That's not reality, especially at that age. The book is much worse, she's basically passed around like a joint. It crosses the line from "bad taste" to "offensive".
I could go on. I could talk about the bullies being stock characters with no real motivation other than to be bullies. I could talk about the crazy parents. I could talk about how no one in this movie aside from the kids is a decent person. The only thing missing that would make it a typical Stephen King movie is the insane fundamentalist religious person who is to blame for everything.
Other than that, I loved the movie.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Gene Simmons "Vault' experience
Got $2,000 to throw away?
If you do, you can buy a special Gene Simmons box set. Complete with your very own, um, vault. I know a lot of Kiss fans but I don't know anyone who can drop $2,000 on this monstrosity. If you can, great. Go for it. It's a free country and I'm a naked capitalist so how you spend your money is none of my concern. If you buy this you also have the opportunity to invite Gene into your home. That might be interesting for some Kiss fans, but to me the thought of Gene Simmons sitting on my couch and petting my dog is sickening. How he avoided serious STDs in his life is beyond me. It's not funny, it's disgusting. I'd want to burn my couch down after him sitting on it.
I find his behavior offensive. Him thinking every girl out there wants to sleep with him (I saw him flirting with girls in their 20's, younger than his own daughter. Disgusting) just because he's in a band is archaic. I'm not sure if he's ever been sued for sexual harassment. If he hasn't, he should take it as a win and move on. The worst part about him is that he's a smart man (maybe even a brilliant man) and should know better.
The end is near for Kiss and Gene Simmons. The guy is 68 years old and he's insinuated that he won't be in Kiss forever. This is what he'll be doing for the remainder his time on earth-hawking products like a guy on Saturday afternoon infomercials.
If you do, you can buy a special Gene Simmons box set. Complete with your very own, um, vault. I know a lot of Kiss fans but I don't know anyone who can drop $2,000 on this monstrosity. If you can, great. Go for it. It's a free country and I'm a naked capitalist so how you spend your money is none of my concern. If you buy this you also have the opportunity to invite Gene into your home. That might be interesting for some Kiss fans, but to me the thought of Gene Simmons sitting on my couch and petting my dog is sickening. How he avoided serious STDs in his life is beyond me. It's not funny, it's disgusting. I'd want to burn my couch down after him sitting on it.
I find his behavior offensive. Him thinking every girl out there wants to sleep with him (I saw him flirting with girls in their 20's, younger than his own daughter. Disgusting) just because he's in a band is archaic. I'm not sure if he's ever been sued for sexual harassment. If he hasn't, he should take it as a win and move on. The worst part about him is that he's a smart man (maybe even a brilliant man) and should know better.
The end is near for Kiss and Gene Simmons. The guy is 68 years old and he's insinuated that he won't be in Kiss forever. This is what he'll be doing for the remainder his time on earth-hawking products like a guy on Saturday afternoon infomercials.
Monday, September 25, 2017
My baseball bet II
It's not looking good for me.
Back in April I made a bet with my friend about baseball. If the New York Yankees finished with a better record than the Tampa Bay Rays, I'd have to write a check to the Democratic National Committee. If the Rays had the better record, he'd be writing the check to the Republican National Committee. The post where I first mentioned the bet is right here.
The Rays had a great first half but really sputtered in the second, so barring a total collapse from the Yankees I'll be writing a check to the DNC. I hate losing more than I enjoy winning, and this one is a real pain in the ass to write. Thank God it's only five bucks.
Back in April I made a bet with my friend about baseball. If the New York Yankees finished with a better record than the Tampa Bay Rays, I'd have to write a check to the Democratic National Committee. If the Rays had the better record, he'd be writing the check to the Republican National Committee. The post where I first mentioned the bet is right here.
The Rays had a great first half but really sputtered in the second, so barring a total collapse from the Yankees I'll be writing a check to the DNC. I hate losing more than I enjoy winning, and this one is a real pain in the ass to write. Thank God it's only five bucks.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Scripture Sunday Alma 7:15
In order to join a Christian church you need to be baptized. Baptism is many things to many different denominations. While I understand why Orthodox/Catholic/Lutherans baptize children, I'm much more sympathetic to the other protestant denominations that only baptize adults. No, that is not an insult to those religions who baptize infants, it's just my personal, subjective opinion.
It's obvious why a parent would raise a child in their own religion (if you believe their eternal salvation is at stake, obviously you'll raise them in your religion), but I think religion is such a personal thing that we should only make the choice to be religious or not as an adult. After all, many people are only religious to make their parents happy and keep family harmony together. Baptism should be an adult making an adult choice to follow the religion.
This passage reminds us that in order to be properly baptized, we need to make certain covenants and keep commandments. We put down our old life and become new people. You become a new person and a new witness by entering into the water of baptism.
It's obvious why a parent would raise a child in their own religion (if you believe their eternal salvation is at stake, obviously you'll raise them in your religion), but I think religion is such a personal thing that we should only make the choice to be religious or not as an adult. After all, many people are only religious to make their parents happy and keep family harmony together. Baptism should be an adult making an adult choice to follow the religion.
This passage reminds us that in order to be properly baptized, we need to make certain covenants and keep commandments. We put down our old life and become new people. You become a new person and a new witness by entering into the water of baptism.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
BYU will start serving soda....
In the LDS world, there are few things more debated than if caffeine is against the Word of Wisdom or not. Oh sure, the church has never issued a statement saying it's forbidden-but often times people try to out-Mormon one another by boasting that they don't drink Coke or Pepsi. The old saying, "Don't try to be more Catholic than the Pope." can be twisted into "Don't try to be more LDS than the Prophet."
So BYU will start serving soda at football games and in dining halls. You can read the tawdry and juicy story here.
This is not a slippery slope to BYU hosting keg parties and handing out Playboy magazines in their fraternities, so people getting upset about this seriously need to take a deep breath. This is not the first step into BYU becoming "progressive" either. Only a truly fundamentalist LDS could see this as the first step towards anarchy.
So BYU will start serving soda at football games and in dining halls. You can read the tawdry and juicy story here.
This is not a slippery slope to BYU hosting keg parties and handing out Playboy magazines in their fraternities, so people getting upset about this seriously need to take a deep breath. This is not the first step into BYU becoming "progressive" either. Only a truly fundamentalist LDS could see this as the first step towards anarchy.
Friday, September 22, 2017
Album of the weekend
Disturbed-The Sickness
You ever have a band where you only like one album of theirs, but that one album you really love? I don't love this album, but I do really like it. Every other album of theirs I'm not a fan of but this album does have several good songs on it. The best songs on this album are the most popular ones, like Stupify, Down with the Sickness, The Game and Voices. Even their version of Shout originally done by Tears for Fears is also worth the download.
I've always thought that Dave Draiman (the lead singer) takes himself a bit too seriously. I saw him live with his band Device and it was like he was channeling his inner Henry Rollins. His level of intensity does come through on this album, so this isn't really one that you want to listen to if you are trying to unwind and relax. For road trips and workouts though-this might be your choice.
You ever have a band where you only like one album of theirs, but that one album you really love? I don't love this album, but I do really like it. Every other album of theirs I'm not a fan of but this album does have several good songs on it. The best songs on this album are the most popular ones, like Stupify, Down with the Sickness, The Game and Voices. Even their version of Shout originally done by Tears for Fears is also worth the download.
I've always thought that Dave Draiman (the lead singer) takes himself a bit too seriously. I saw him live with his band Device and it was like he was channeling his inner Henry Rollins. His level of intensity does come through on this album, so this isn't really one that you want to listen to if you are trying to unwind and relax. For road trips and workouts though-this might be your choice.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
NFL flopping in Los Angeles
Damn. The NFL is not doing well in Los Angeles.
Some of us saw it coming. Sports largely sells history. Often times we like the same sports teams as our parents and grandparents did. This is very common in the northeast, where you can easily see families of several generations who like the Red Sox, Bruins, NY Rangers and NY Giants. Los Angeles is a little different. There aren't many natives in LA so you don't have a lot sports history there. Combine that with NFL teams moving in and out of the city at a staggering pace and you've got some serious problems.
The NFL might be able to succeed in Los Angeles if it's given time. After all, the teams are pretty new to the city. I'm not sure that they'll earn the trust of the fans without massive work. After all, why support a team if you aren't sure it'll be there in three years? It's very interesting to me that the second biggest city in America can't really support the most popular sport in America.
Some of us saw it coming. Sports largely sells history. Often times we like the same sports teams as our parents and grandparents did. This is very common in the northeast, where you can easily see families of several generations who like the Red Sox, Bruins, NY Rangers and NY Giants. Los Angeles is a little different. There aren't many natives in LA so you don't have a lot sports history there. Combine that with NFL teams moving in and out of the city at a staggering pace and you've got some serious problems.
The NFL might be able to succeed in Los Angeles if it's given time. After all, the teams are pretty new to the city. I'm not sure that they'll earn the trust of the fans without massive work. After all, why support a team if you aren't sure it'll be there in three years? It's very interesting to me that the second biggest city in America can't really support the most popular sport in America.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
The ESPN double standard
It seems like I'm blogging about ESPN every day now. I can't help it, every week they provide such a wonderful indicator of the media double standard. Now, a broadcaster named Jemele Hill got herself into some hot water by tweeting out that Donald Trump is a racist, a white supremacist, and that his supporters are basically the same thing. Charming, huh? I guess the African-American, Hispanics, and Asian people who voted for him are also white supremacists. Odd.
ESPN slapped her on the wrist, only responding that her Tweet was inappropriate and she's been spoken to about it. ESPN is also not going to let her have seconds on dessert either.
I know that if a conservative broadcaster said something about Obama or Hillary Clinton, ESPN would do the same thing of course. Lightly admonish them while doing absolutely nothing else. That's what they did to Curt Schilling after all. Oh wait. I'm sorry. I think we all know that if ESPN has anyone on their staff that voted for Trump (which they don't) their career would be basically over.
The double standard shows up again.
ESPN slapped her on the wrist, only responding that her Tweet was inappropriate and she's been spoken to about it. ESPN is also not going to let her have seconds on dessert either.
I know that if a conservative broadcaster said something about Obama or Hillary Clinton, ESPN would do the same thing of course. Lightly admonish them while doing absolutely nothing else. That's what they did to Curt Schilling after all. Oh wait. I'm sorry. I think we all know that if ESPN has anyone on their staff that voted for Trump (which they don't) their career would be basically over.
The double standard shows up again.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
I've been everywhere man...(well, on the east coast anyway)
Recently I had to go back up north to go to a funeral. I don't like leaving Florida and I'm a very nervous flyer, so I took a long trip and drove up north. The drive was great-I was amazed how little traffic there was the entire way up. I got caught in a little bit of it on 495 in DC but the worst traffic on this trip was certainly from Worcester-Lowell-Manchester NH. Stop and go traffic that was very thick. The worst traffic jam I've ever been in in my life was on 95 in Virginia many years ago. It took me three and half hours to get from DC to Fredericksburg. A trip that usually takes "only" one and half hours.
I do love to drive though. The freedom of the open road is invigorating and inspiring, even if you have a set plan and itinerary that you have to follow. One of the more interesting things about driving is the camaraderie you feel with total strangers. Anyone who enjoys road trips will understand that after seeing the same car travel in the same direction as you for several hours-and that does happen-you begin to feel a partnership with them. You might even exchange glances or salutes. Sure, you'll never see them again but when you finally take different paths-you'll find yourself hoping they get to their destination safely.
The other thing I noticed is how happy I am that most hotels still have bibles. With the increasingly secular society that we live in I understand and accept that hotels will stop carrying bibles, but as of right now, I'm raising a glass to the Gideons-those guys and girls are badass.
I do love to drive though. The freedom of the open road is invigorating and inspiring, even if you have a set plan and itinerary that you have to follow. One of the more interesting things about driving is the camaraderie you feel with total strangers. Anyone who enjoys road trips will understand that after seeing the same car travel in the same direction as you for several hours-and that does happen-you begin to feel a partnership with them. You might even exchange glances or salutes. Sure, you'll never see them again but when you finally take different paths-you'll find yourself hoping they get to their destination safely.
The other thing I noticed is how happy I am that most hotels still have bibles. With the increasingly secular society that we live in I understand and accept that hotels will stop carrying bibles, but as of right now, I'm raising a glass to the Gideons-those guys and girls are badass.
Monday, September 18, 2017
On the road again...
There was no Scripture Sunday blog because I'm on a brief road trip-a good friend tragically passed away and I attended his funeral this weekend. This blog post is sort of meta, because it's not a regular blog. Just an update.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
What caused Hillary to lose?
She's been in the news lately because she wrote a book. Good for her. She has every right to speak her mind-and she has every right to do whatever she wants. She's also asking tough questions of everyone else but herself. No, I haven't read the book and no, I won't read the book. From what little I've seen of it on the media it sounds like she is blaming everyone else but herself. Oh sure, she might be giving lip service to her own mistakes and failures, but in the end I still see her as the person who has been divorced five times and simply can't look inward as to why.
I agree that many things caused her to lose the election. The biggest is that voters simply didn't like her. The left views her as a moderate establishment opportunist-and she is. The right views her as the devil incarnate-which she is not. Moderates and swing voters (not many of those left in the world) like the idea of a woman becoming president, but not this woman. Hillary Clinton has more baggage than someone who has a lot of baggage (tapped out with the comparisons and metaphors. Sorry.). She's been on the public scene since the 1960's. She viewed the presidency as something she was entitled to. She already ran once and lost. One of those reasons alone might have been the deathblow to her campaign-all those combined are more than enough to topple it.
The final mistake in her campaign was just timing. In 2016 there were no "blue collar" democrats left. They all swung to Trump this time because being able to feed their family comes before partisanship. I'm NOT saying that Trumps policies would help them in any way, shape of form (they won't)-but Trump sold them on that idea. When it comes to down to electing a woman president or making sure your kids an afford three meals a day-the history of the event simply did not matter.
I agree that many things caused her to lose the election. The biggest is that voters simply didn't like her. The left views her as a moderate establishment opportunist-and she is. The right views her as the devil incarnate-which she is not. Moderates and swing voters (not many of those left in the world) like the idea of a woman becoming president, but not this woman. Hillary Clinton has more baggage than someone who has a lot of baggage (tapped out with the comparisons and metaphors. Sorry.). She's been on the public scene since the 1960's. She viewed the presidency as something she was entitled to. She already ran once and lost. One of those reasons alone might have been the deathblow to her campaign-all those combined are more than enough to topple it.
The final mistake in her campaign was just timing. In 2016 there were no "blue collar" democrats left. They all swung to Trump this time because being able to feed their family comes before partisanship. I'm NOT saying that Trumps policies would help them in any way, shape of form (they won't)-but Trump sold them on that idea. When it comes to down to electing a woman president or making sure your kids an afford three meals a day-the history of the event simply did not matter.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Album of the weekend
Britny Fox-Britny Fox
Most cities are known for a type of music. Boston has Ska. New York City has many but punk and hardcore come to mind. LA has glam. Seattle has grunge. Philadelphia, one of the greatest cities in the world doesn't have a distinct music genre associated with it. Britny Fox is a glam band from the late 80's and they never achieved huge success. Of course that doesn't mean they were bad or untalented.They are from Philadelphia.
Their biggest hit was arguably "GirlSchool" but I don't like that one much. It's not the best song on the album (Long Way to Love and Don't Hide take that spot) and the entire album isn't that innovative. They have a Slade cover (Gudbuy T' Jane) and they didn't seem to understand that covers should be a homage to the original band or attempt to make it their own. It fails in both ways-it's just there, like filler music. The two songs I enjoy don't make the album worth a download but you might enjoy just those two songs.
Most cities are known for a type of music. Boston has Ska. New York City has many but punk and hardcore come to mind. LA has glam. Seattle has grunge. Philadelphia, one of the greatest cities in the world doesn't have a distinct music genre associated with it. Britny Fox is a glam band from the late 80's and they never achieved huge success. Of course that doesn't mean they were bad or untalented.They are from Philadelphia.
Their biggest hit was arguably "GirlSchool" but I don't like that one much. It's not the best song on the album (Long Way to Love and Don't Hide take that spot) and the entire album isn't that innovative. They have a Slade cover (Gudbuy T' Jane) and they didn't seem to understand that covers should be a homage to the original band or attempt to make it their own. It fails in both ways-it's just there, like filler music. The two songs I enjoy don't make the album worth a download but you might enjoy just those two songs.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Gasoline shortages
In Florida whenever a disaster strikes, you can count on two things. One-the media will hype it like armageddon and two, there will be a rush to the gas stations and every station in the state will be suffering it's effects for a week. I am not complaining, in fact I am extremely grateful that I was able to fill my tank this morning. It only took a half hour of waiting. No, I'm not being sarcastic about the wait time. I'm genuinely thankful it only took a half hour of waiting and I'm even more thankful that there was gasoline there in the first place.
While waiting in line with my music blaring, I began to think about price gouging. 90% of people out there will disagree with me on this, but to the 10% of people who understand how the economy works, I'm with you. Price gouging is the epitome of a necessary evil.
Expensive gasoline and water is a bitch. No one should tell you otherwise. But expensive supplies are better than no supplies. It's a nightmare to pay 5.00-10.00 a gallon for gasoline, but if the merchants and suppliers can't make a profit, they won't supply the gasoline at all. Think about this-if you had to get your hands dirty and start your own business, you'd be compassionate and willing to help others-but you have bills to pay too. One of the many, many, many reasons that socialism always fails is that if it all depends on love and human kindness, nothing gets done. Even those nasty gasoli suppliers have to eat too.
Supply and demand is a tough mistress. Price gouging is a bitch. Sometimes the real world can be a harsh place.
While waiting in line with my music blaring, I began to think about price gouging. 90% of people out there will disagree with me on this, but to the 10% of people who understand how the economy works, I'm with you. Price gouging is the epitome of a necessary evil.
Expensive gasoline and water is a bitch. No one should tell you otherwise. But expensive supplies are better than no supplies. It's a nightmare to pay 5.00-10.00 a gallon for gasoline, but if the merchants and suppliers can't make a profit, they won't supply the gasoline at all. Think about this-if you had to get your hands dirty and start your own business, you'd be compassionate and willing to help others-but you have bills to pay too. One of the many, many, many reasons that socialism always fails is that if it all depends on love and human kindness, nothing gets done. Even those nasty gasoli suppliers have to eat too.
Supply and demand is a tough mistress. Price gouging is a bitch. Sometimes the real world can be a harsh place.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Hurricane Irma II
Another hurricane post, and this one happened in my home state. Florida got brutalized by a hurricane over the weekend-I'm sure you heard about it. We live in the greatest state in the union, and it's a massive kick to the stomach to see what happened to it. When I moved down here I knew that hurricanes would be something I have to deal with, and that's fine-moving to Florida (year round, I am not a snowbird) and complaining about the hurricanes is like winning the lottery and complaining about the taxes. I'll cry all the way to Disney World and to the beach-and I should be punched in the face if I complain.
My state will clean up and we will get back to normal. Luckily my county (a small, rural county north of Tampa) dodged a "major bullet" according to the sheriff. I'm in prayer for the victims of the hurricane-and obviously I don't speak for the state (hell, I don't even speak for all the people in my household!) but it's wonderful to see how the other states opened up their doors to the Irma refugees. You often see people complain about how bad everyone else is, but this hurricane proved quite the opposite to me. Evil exists- but there is an extraordinary amount of kindness and beauty in the world.
My state will clean up and we will get back to normal. Luckily my county (a small, rural county north of Tampa) dodged a "major bullet" according to the sheriff. I'm in prayer for the victims of the hurricane-and obviously I don't speak for the state (hell, I don't even speak for all the people in my household!) but it's wonderful to see how the other states opened up their doors to the Irma refugees. You often see people complain about how bad everyone else is, but this hurricane proved quite the opposite to me. Evil exists- but there is an extraordinary amount of kindness and beauty in the world.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Texas attorney forced to resign...
In another spasm of internet self destruction, an attorney who thought it would be cool if Betsy Devos was assaulted was forced to resign.
He's a member of the tolerant set-and I'm always surprised when someone of that lifestyle is forced to account for their actions. Because the internet never forgets and his comments were so obnoxious and so outrageous-the law firm had no choice. They let him go. Even tolerance and thinking the right way on social issues has it's limits.
Texas is a big state. Sure, it seems like most people who live there lean slightly to the right but Austin (where I think this guy worked) is a hotbed and a Mecca for Texas liberals. I can't blame them-it must be tough to be a liberal in such a conservative state. It's also tough for conservatives in places like Massachusetts and California, but no one cares about them.
This guy obviously didn't remember that the internet never forgets. Him, along with Coleman Bonner (that guy who cheered on the Gatlinburg fires because Tennessee is a red state) will go down in history as people whose cruelty was exposed and will never be forgotten. No one is more hateful than someone who claims to be tolerant and accepting.
He's a member of the tolerant set-and I'm always surprised when someone of that lifestyle is forced to account for their actions. Because the internet never forgets and his comments were so obnoxious and so outrageous-the law firm had no choice. They let him go. Even tolerance and thinking the right way on social issues has it's limits.
Texas is a big state. Sure, it seems like most people who live there lean slightly to the right but Austin (where I think this guy worked) is a hotbed and a Mecca for Texas liberals. I can't blame them-it must be tough to be a liberal in such a conservative state. It's also tough for conservatives in places like Massachusetts and California, but no one cares about them.
This guy obviously didn't remember that the internet never forgets. Him, along with Coleman Bonner (that guy who cheered on the Gatlinburg fires because Tennessee is a red state) will go down in history as people whose cruelty was exposed and will never be forgotten. No one is more hateful than someone who claims to be tolerant and accepting.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Relatives of famous people
I was reading an article where they interviewed a relative of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr about Trump phasing out portions of the Dreamers act. This isn't about Trump, immigration or anything that he did. So if you are expecting it-I can't help you with this one.
Instead, it's about using a relative of a famous person to make a political point. The relative of Dr. King said something neutral and pretty politically moderate-something about waiting and seeing what'll happen. He didn't mention a side he was on, he didn't bash Trump or support him. Good for him. His relative Dr. King was a great man, and this dude seemed pretty good himself. My thoughts though-his opinion is not under any circumstances worth the same as Martin Luther Kings was. Period. That's not to say the guy isn't entitled to have an opinion, or that what he said was wrong-but in the end, it's just some dude giving an opinion about an issue.
The media will often times find a relative of some famous person just to start conflict. Newt Gingrich had a lesbian sister. Obama had a family member who supported Trump. Maybe a famous pro-choice advocate has a brother who is pro life. Maybe the NRA president has a nephew who is radically anti gun.None of this matters. At all. We need to focus on the newsmakers and not try to score political points by pointing out family disagreements.
Instead, it's about using a relative of a famous person to make a political point. The relative of Dr. King said something neutral and pretty politically moderate-something about waiting and seeing what'll happen. He didn't mention a side he was on, he didn't bash Trump or support him. Good for him. His relative Dr. King was a great man, and this dude seemed pretty good himself. My thoughts though-his opinion is not under any circumstances worth the same as Martin Luther Kings was. Period. That's not to say the guy isn't entitled to have an opinion, or that what he said was wrong-but in the end, it's just some dude giving an opinion about an issue.
The media will often times find a relative of some famous person just to start conflict. Newt Gingrich had a lesbian sister. Obama had a family member who supported Trump. Maybe a famous pro-choice advocate has a brother who is pro life. Maybe the NRA president has a nephew who is radically anti gun.None of this matters. At all. We need to focus on the newsmakers and not try to score political points by pointing out family disagreements.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Scripture Sunday 1 Nephi 11:25
Anyone who has ever been LDS, active or not, convert or lifelong, has heard and read about this passage. It starts the story of the famous (well, in LDS culture it's famous) iron rod. To non LDS-they don't have a clue what we are talking about. Let me try to explain.
In my view, the iron rod is a metaphor for those who leave and those who stay in the church. We as members are often told that we need to "cling to the iron rod." As the scripture says in later passages, many people choose to release their hold on the iron rod and fall away from the true church. The vision of the iron rod (it is a dream) tries to show this.
Being LDS is hard, no one should tell you otherwise. You have to hold to a higher standard than many other people in the world. For those raised in it, it's probably not as hard as converts. After all, if being LDS is all you know than you don't know what it's like to not live the standards. I think all of us could use more help and prayers in trying to hold to the iron rod. We also should be very careful not to look down on those who for whatever reasons they might have, let go of it.
In my view, the iron rod is a metaphor for those who leave and those who stay in the church. We as members are often told that we need to "cling to the iron rod." As the scripture says in later passages, many people choose to release their hold on the iron rod and fall away from the true church. The vision of the iron rod (it is a dream) tries to show this.
Being LDS is hard, no one should tell you otherwise. You have to hold to a higher standard than many other people in the world. For those raised in it, it's probably not as hard as converts. After all, if being LDS is all you know than you don't know what it's like to not live the standards. I think all of us could use more help and prayers in trying to hold to the iron rod. We also should be very careful not to look down on those who for whatever reasons they might have, let go of it.
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Hurricane Irma
So, here is an update on Hurricane Irma:
I might not be able to blog for several days. Several days. Kind of a bitch. Sure, I'm just complaining and my heart breaks for the devastation that this will cause. For the one person that actually reads this-don't worry I'll be back as soon as I can.
Rock on.
I might not be able to blog for several days. Several days. Kind of a bitch. Sure, I'm just complaining and my heart breaks for the devastation that this will cause. For the one person that actually reads this-don't worry I'll be back as soon as I can.
Rock on.
Friday, September 8, 2017
Album of the Weekend
Kiss-Love Gun
I already mentioned Destroyer for one of my other albums of the weekend. Click here. Destroyer was where many fans think they changed their style, so I'm going to talk about another album now.
If you think you don't like Kiss, try this album. I would argue that this album sounds among the heaviest in their entire canon, aside from Creatures of the Night. This is controversial, but I truly believe that Kiss has influenced heavy metal. Some of the guitar solos that Freely and Paul Stanley have in this album sound quite metal like. It's not like classic British metal-it's shorter, louder, and still great.
"I Stole Your Love" is the best opening track off any Kiss album and it's the best Kiss song no one knows about. They don't preform it live much, and that's a shame. I've seen them live several times and so far, no luck.
There are so, so many good songs on this album, but yes, I agree with everyone else that "Love Gun" is the crowning jewel. Instead of "I Stole Your Love", "Love Gun" is a staple at their shows and it is classic Paul Stanley. Even if you take away from the over the top style of the song, it's still one of their best. One of the highlights of my concert going life is when I was about five feet from Paul Stanley when he preformed this in Boston. It was a religious experience.
Hated by critics but loved by their fans, Love Gun is a special treat. I just flat out adore this album.
I already mentioned Destroyer for one of my other albums of the weekend. Click here. Destroyer was where many fans think they changed their style, so I'm going to talk about another album now.
If you think you don't like Kiss, try this album. I would argue that this album sounds among the heaviest in their entire canon, aside from Creatures of the Night. This is controversial, but I truly believe that Kiss has influenced heavy metal. Some of the guitar solos that Freely and Paul Stanley have in this album sound quite metal like. It's not like classic British metal-it's shorter, louder, and still great.
"I Stole Your Love" is the best opening track off any Kiss album and it's the best Kiss song no one knows about. They don't preform it live much, and that's a shame. I've seen them live several times and so far, no luck.
There are so, so many good songs on this album, but yes, I agree with everyone else that "Love Gun" is the crowning jewel. Instead of "I Stole Your Love", "Love Gun" is a staple at their shows and it is classic Paul Stanley. Even if you take away from the over the top style of the song, it's still one of their best. One of the highlights of my concert going life is when I was about five feet from Paul Stanley when he preformed this in Boston. It was a religious experience.
Hated by critics but loved by their fans, Love Gun is a special treat. I just flat out adore this album.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
The decline of religion in America
Sure, the Pew Research Center did a study on this, but you don't need to be an expert to see that religion in America is on the decline.
It's still a majority Christian country. About 70% of the people here label themselves Christian in some way, and that's a higher number than any other country in the world. Some people will take delight in the "decline" of Christianity but to me, it's just a pattern. Often times older people will look back with nostalgia towards a world that never existed. According to this article, the number of people who didn't belong to a religion back in the early 1800's was just as high. Americans seem to go through patterns of religious observance.
The LDS church is remarkably stable. It's always going to be about 1.6-2% of the population in this country. It's not growing or shrinking here. I don't think it's growing in Europe either-that continent is in even worse shape than we are when it comes to religious observance.
Hopefully this is a cycle that the American people can snap out of.
It's still a majority Christian country. About 70% of the people here label themselves Christian in some way, and that's a higher number than any other country in the world. Some people will take delight in the "decline" of Christianity but to me, it's just a pattern. Often times older people will look back with nostalgia towards a world that never existed. According to this article, the number of people who didn't belong to a religion back in the early 1800's was just as high. Americans seem to go through patterns of religious observance.
The LDS church is remarkably stable. It's always going to be about 1.6-2% of the population in this country. It's not growing or shrinking here. I don't think it's growing in Europe either-that continent is in even worse shape than we are when it comes to religious observance.
Hopefully this is a cycle that the American people can snap out of.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
The anti-war left
There are many times that the right is hypocritical. They dislike government power, but when their guy gets in- the rapid growth of government is no big deal. They love family values, but if a serial adulterer on his third marriage comes along to unite the party, no big deal. So yes, the right is hypocritical. This is about the left, so if you can't handle some critique about your own views-this post isn't for you.
For the most part, the modern anti war left does not care about military involvement if a democrat is the one with their finger on the button. When a republican is in office, the anti-war movement suddenly becomes a hot topic again. No, this isn't because republicans are trigger happy. Obama bombed countries too, but the media generally ignored it. If Obama started the Iraq War the same left who called Bush a bloodthirsty manic and screamed "No blood for oil" would basically do nothing. And if they did protest-the media would ignore them.
True believers on both sides are unable to engage in self-critique. I don't expect a rabid anti-war leftist to suddenly get the point, and I'm certain that a true believing republican will still ignore or make excuses for Trumps personal failings. For the rest of us though, we're beginning to see though their BS.
For the most part, the modern anti war left does not care about military involvement if a democrat is the one with their finger on the button. When a republican is in office, the anti-war movement suddenly becomes a hot topic again. No, this isn't because republicans are trigger happy. Obama bombed countries too, but the media generally ignored it. If Obama started the Iraq War the same left who called Bush a bloodthirsty manic and screamed "No blood for oil" would basically do nothing. And if they did protest-the media would ignore them.
True believers on both sides are unable to engage in self-critique. I don't expect a rabid anti-war leftist to suddenly get the point, and I'm certain that a true believing republican will still ignore or make excuses for Trumps personal failings. For the rest of us though, we're beginning to see though their BS.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
School is back
It's back to school time for everyone down here. It's my sincere prayer that people of all ages going to back to school at any level have a wonderful year. We all focus on the positives and the good feelings that a new school year can bring us, but lets also remember that a lot of young people are dreading this-not just because summer is over, but because school is so miserable for them.
High school and Elementary school can be wonderful for some people, but it's can be horrific for a lot of us. Growing up is not easy, and you are placed in an environment that doesn't allow a lot of freedom. Your surroundings are very small sometimes and if you don't get along with your classmates, finding friends can be difficult too. It may seem never-ending, but thank God it does pass.
For many of us, college was our salvation. It's been my observation that people who had miserable junior high/high school years generally have good college years-and the opposite is true too. Those who had good high school years might struggle in college. Yes, it's a generality and yes, it's just my opinion. It's based in my experience and what I've seen.
College was not a perfect time for me-I was kindly asked to leave my first college and I suffered through roommate drama and other problems here or there. In the end, it all balanced out. My second college was a wonderful experience and one of the best times of my life. You can argue that it was the natural process of maturing-but you can also argue that the environments in college are much more open and free, while also being much bigger. The larger the community the more likely you are to find people with the same interests and personalities, thus making friendships easier.
If you are going back to school and you love it-hope it all keeps going great for you. If you are struggling and want it just to be over soon-don't worry, eventually it will be and quicker than you think.
High school and Elementary school can be wonderful for some people, but it's can be horrific for a lot of us. Growing up is not easy, and you are placed in an environment that doesn't allow a lot of freedom. Your surroundings are very small sometimes and if you don't get along with your classmates, finding friends can be difficult too. It may seem never-ending, but thank God it does pass.
For many of us, college was our salvation. It's been my observation that people who had miserable junior high/high school years generally have good college years-and the opposite is true too. Those who had good high school years might struggle in college. Yes, it's a generality and yes, it's just my opinion. It's based in my experience and what I've seen.
College was not a perfect time for me-I was kindly asked to leave my first college and I suffered through roommate drama and other problems here or there. In the end, it all balanced out. My second college was a wonderful experience and one of the best times of my life. You can argue that it was the natural process of maturing-but you can also argue that the environments in college are much more open and free, while also being much bigger. The larger the community the more likely you are to find people with the same interests and personalities, thus making friendships easier.
If you are going back to school and you love it-hope it all keeps going great for you. If you are struggling and want it just to be over soon-don't worry, eventually it will be and quicker than you think.
Monday, September 4, 2017
Ink Master Christ Bilnston arrested....
You can read the story here. Needless to say, it doesn't look good.
This is disgusting. It doesn't look good for his fans. I want to remind myself and all of us that we don't know the details and in this country, even scumbags have rights. Thankfully "street justice" isn't really practiced much. I get it, we all want to defend children and the very thought of a 300 pound ex-Marine doing anything to an innocent child is repulsive to all good people. But I want to warn you about something.
Google "Richard Jewell". Google "Duke Lacrosse Case". Those are two cases where the public crucified an innocent person (or people) before they bothered to find out all the details in the case. People are emotional in all cases when it comes to children. Reason and logic are important as well. Call it my "Mockingbird" sense of justice, but when the court of the public wants to convict someone without a trial, I always get a little nervous.
This is disgusting. It doesn't look good for his fans. I want to remind myself and all of us that we don't know the details and in this country, even scumbags have rights. Thankfully "street justice" isn't really practiced much. I get it, we all want to defend children and the very thought of a 300 pound ex-Marine doing anything to an innocent child is repulsive to all good people. But I want to warn you about something.
Google "Richard Jewell". Google "Duke Lacrosse Case". Those are two cases where the public crucified an innocent person (or people) before they bothered to find out all the details in the case. People are emotional in all cases when it comes to children. Reason and logic are important as well. Call it my "Mockingbird" sense of justice, but when the court of the public wants to convict someone without a trial, I always get a little nervous.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Scripture Sunday Mosiah 26:31
Without question, the most popular prayer in all of Christianity is the "Our Father". It is also called the "Lord's Prayer". It's actual verse is Matthew 6:9-6:13. It's widely accepted in all forms of Christianity, and yes, there are slight variations to each denomination. One of the more famous verses in the prayers is "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." I was raised for it to be, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us". The general point is the same.
This passage in the Book of Mormon says the same thing. In every Christian denomination, including Mormonism, asking God to forgive us is strictly based on if we forgive others. I'm not saying it's easy, in fact I am the last guy to lecture you on forgiving others-but my own weakness and failings don't change Christian teaching. If you want forgiveness, you'll have to forgive others.
You could correctly say, "Does that mean I have to forgive the man who killed my brother in a robbery? Does that mean a black man has to forgive a member of the KKK who killed his uncle?" Sadly, yes, I think it does mean that. However-God is not a cruel being and He understands how difficult it is to do that. As long as you try your best to work on forgiving others, even of sins that are gravely, gravely evil-I think He'll take the same mercy on you.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Final thoughts on Hurricane Harvey
First off, I'm in prayer for Texas. One of my closest friends lives in Houston and thankfully she was shielded from the blast and is doing fine. Hurricanes are awful events, they are just so horrifically devastating. It's the drawback to living in the south, for sure.
I'm not seeing it yet, but for those of us all old enough to remember, Hurricane Katrina and it's aftermath was blamed on President Bush. Did they handle the hurricane perfectly? Of course not. Could they have done better? Of course? And oh yeah-did the media and the democratic party blow his response totally out of proportion? Damn straight.
Trump is no Bush. He's much more cynical and combative. Bush always wanted to see the good in people and Trump-I am very confident he doesn't feel that way. The democrats might attack Trump for his "failures" in the response to Hurricane Harvey (even though he's done nothing to warrant that yet) but Trump will punch back with full force. I don't think Trump will allow himself to be painted as the bad guy.
It's still raining in some parts of Hurricane Harvey so no, you have no right to politicize the event yet. You also have no right to politize the event unless you've opened up your own checkbook too. Let's wait till the rain stops to grab the pitchforks.
It's still raining in some parts of Hurricane Harvey so no, you have no right to politicize the event yet. You also have no right to politize the event unless you've opened up your own checkbook too. Let's wait till the rain stops to grab the pitchforks.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Album of the Weekend
Buckcherry-Time Bomb
Vulgarity in a band is a tight rope to walk. If you go over the top you'll alienate everyone but your hardcore fans. With the exception of Eminem you'll be remembered only for the content of your material and not for the material itself. When a band relies heavily on sexual, raunchy, or just vulgar lyrics it's usually a cover up for their lack of talent. I love them, but Kiss comes to mind-they have to write songs about sex because they aren't talented enough to go deeper that that. A comedian is the same way. Generally a really vulgar comedian isn't funny unless he's being really vulgar.
Buckcherry is a lot like Kiss, and this album proves it. Their first album had a grittiness combined with a glamor that I loved-I still think Buckcherry is vastly underrated. But this album focuses too much on the seamy and sordid side of Rock and Roll. It feels like someone gave them large amounts of money to act like rock stars at their worst and they took the money and did exactly that. This album doesn't really have any song that sticks out, in fact none of them are really worth the download. It's best to probably Youtube this one before you buy it.
Vulgarity in a band is a tight rope to walk. If you go over the top you'll alienate everyone but your hardcore fans. With the exception of Eminem you'll be remembered only for the content of your material and not for the material itself. When a band relies heavily on sexual, raunchy, or just vulgar lyrics it's usually a cover up for their lack of talent. I love them, but Kiss comes to mind-they have to write songs about sex because they aren't talented enough to go deeper that that. A comedian is the same way. Generally a really vulgar comedian isn't funny unless he's being really vulgar.
Buckcherry is a lot like Kiss, and this album proves it. Their first album had a grittiness combined with a glamor that I loved-I still think Buckcherry is vastly underrated. But this album focuses too much on the seamy and sordid side of Rock and Roll. It feels like someone gave them large amounts of money to act like rock stars at their worst and they took the money and did exactly that. This album doesn't really have any song that sticks out, in fact none of them are really worth the download. It's best to probably Youtube this one before you buy it.
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