NecroDancer

Lower Fat Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Ww) Recipe - Food.com - 303642

2012-01-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

Lower Fat Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Ww) Recipe - Food.com - 303642

A Short Break for Holiday Cheer

2011-12-07T14:35:00.001-08:00

Some of the Spookier Places I'd Like to Visit

2011-10-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

In light of the season, I was thinking about some of the more creepy places I would like to visit. Here's a list of 10 that I think few would find comforting in anyway.

Reaching up from Hell

Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun in Chang Rai, Thailand, is still under construction. A controversial modern temple, it is part traditional Buddhist temple, part white-frosted wedding cake, and part avant-garde art. Visitors must cross a bridge to the temple over a field of fangs and hundreds of pleading white arms and suffering faces of statues reaching up from hell. The temple is dominated by a stark whiteness but inside and throughout other areas of the temple compound, including the toilets, are highlighted with sparkling gold.

Chandelier in Sedlec Ossuary

In Kutná Hora, Czech Republic, the Sedlec monastery is home to a very old crypt. A popular burial site for centuries, residents were victims of plague outbreaks and Hussite Wars. In the 1870s a local woodcarver was hired to make creative use of the bones that had been piling up in the crypt. This was no minor task: the Sedlec Ossuary contains the remains of over 40,000 people, many of which were used to decorate the chapel. The effect is a macabre yet beautiful scene: elaborate light fixtures, arrays of bells, furnishings, splashy wall treatments and coats of arms are all recreated from skulls and bones of all sizes. Is that chandelier staring back at you?

Ryugyong Hotel

The Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea, has been under construction since 1987. The massive and still unfinished 105-story hotel looks like a luxury hotel designed for Mordor. Esquire described the hotel as "the worst building in the history of mankind. The epithet "Hotel of Doom" is quite fitting. Construction halted due to lack of funding, and the partially completed building stood windowless and looming ominously over the city for sixteen years before work resumed in 2008. The design was strikingly modern at the outset but time has not been kind, it now looks simultaneously menacing, dated, and unconscionably extravagant juxtaposed with the impoverished populace.

Dongyue Temple

Department of Implementing 15 kinds of Death

The Dongyue Temple is Beijing's most morbid shrine. The operating Taoist shrine of Dongyue Temple is an unsettling but fascinating place to visit. Stepping through the entrance you find yourself in Taoist Hades, where tormented spirits reflect on their wrongdoings. The 'Life and Death Department" is a spiritual place to ponder your eventual demise, the "Department for Wondering Ghosts" and the "Department for Implementing 15 kinds of Violent Death" have slightly less inviting names, while the ill might seek out the "Deep-Rooted Disease Department". Other halls are less morbid, but no less interesting. The best experience can be had during the Chinese New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival.

Department for Demons and Monsters

Lemp Mansion, St. Louis, MO

I cannot say how many times I've gone by the Lemp Mansion in St. Louis without taking the time to stop. It's reputed to be one of the USA's most haunted houses. St. Louis' Lemp Mansion has a long history of odd occurrences. Charles Lemp committed suicide in the house in 1949 and strange things have taken place at the house ever since. Door swing open spontaneously, glasses leave off table and break, and a tragically short-lived reality TV Show, are just a few examples. Today, the mansion operates as a restaurant and inn that capitalizes on the morbid fame through murder mystery dinner theatre, Halloween parties and weekly tours by a noted "paranormal investigator".

Scott Monument

The Scott Monument in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a spiky Gothic fantasy with more than a passing resemblance to a Thai temple. It's the monument to Sir Walter Scott and a fixture of the Edinburgh skyline. It stands only 61 meters high so the climb to the top doesn't sound too daunting until you find yourself wedged into the preposterously tiny spiral staircase. The final curve is so notoriously tight that squeezing yourself through the final doorway requires the flexibility of a spelunker. Edinburgh mystery writer Ian Rankin once set the scene of the crime at the top of the Scott Monument, with much of the story focusing on the physics of getting a stiff cadaver down the twisty staircase. Bill Bryson has described it as looking like a "gothic rocket ship".

Catacombe Dei Cappuccini

The Catacombe dei Cappuccini in Palermo, Italy houses inhabitants all decked out in their Sunday best. Unfortunately, that Sunday was several hundred years ago, and the outfits have fared significantly better than the wearers. The mummified bodies of skeletons of some 8000 Palermitans from the 1600s through the 1800s are kept in the catacombs for all to see, some so well preserved that they look eerily lifelike. Men and women occupy separate corridors, and within the women's area there's a special virgin-only section. Spooky for adults, probably terrifying for the kiddies.

Chornobyl Reactor #4

Abandoned Ferris Wheel

Chornobyl Reactor #4 in the Ukraine is the famous site of the world's biggest nuclear disaster. The 30 KM-radius exclusion zone is has been mostly uninhabited since 1986. Still, limited tours have been available since 2002 for those curious enough to get a glimpse of the industrial ghost town but aren't put off by the ominous click of a Geiger counter. Factories, homes, schools, and a very creepy abandoned amusement park stand decaying and choked with weeds, but remain otherwise like they looked at the time of the disaster.

Ottawa Jail Hostel

The Ottawa Jail Hostel in Canada seems to be the basis for a horror movie. Where else can you spend the night in the slammer? And what better than a slammer that is haunted by the spirits of former inmates that was also deemed unsuitable for prisoners due to appalling conditions? Opened in 1862, the Carleton County Gaol was in operation for over a century, but it was hardly a hit with the prisoners who complained of cramped conditions and sanitation problems. It might not have been suitable for prisoners at the time, but if you're a traveller on a tight budget and don't mind that your room happens to be a prison cell and your bunkmate might be spectral, it's perfect. As a "prisoner" today, your punishment includes parking, wifi, and a games lounge.

White Alice

White Alice is located above Nome, Alaska, overlooking the town and the Bering Straits from the top of Anvil Mountain. A weird Cold War relic, from down in the town it looks like a bizarre space-aged Stonehenge. From a closer view, it could be a film set for a shoot of the Victorian-era War of the Worlds. The four strange corrugated-iron sound reflector structures were intended for listening to suspicious Soviet activity. A gold-rush town a century ago and the finishing line for the Iditarod dog-sled race today, Nome is the perfect example of a honky-tonk, almost-at-the-Arctic-Circle frontier town. For a real Alaskan experience visit White Alice during the Midnight sun.

The True Legacy

2011-07-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

There was always that nagging feeling he had failed in so many different ways. The king had feared the possibility of recognizing his strengths and successes and the complacency that might come of it. So much worry compounded by his concern that he never really measured up to his father, who was also very much beloved by the people. Both men were selfless and caring, giving everything they had to the betterment of the kingdom. Both men were endowed with an incredible desire to serve.

Some say this all-consuming worry was probably the cause of the illness that took the once vibrant and strong man and destroyed his physical frame, leaving him bed-ridden and frail. As he lay in his deathbed, moments of lucidity were nearly overwhelmed with bouts of confusion highlighted with mostly indiscernible ramblings. When these mumblings could be understood the context was difficult to decipher.

The queen spent her days attending to the needs of her king. The prince took on much of the responsibilities of the kingdom, though he too was hardly found far from his father’s bed. The illness was drawn out. Eventually, the king was overcome and passed away.

Of course, the land grieved the loss of such a man. There were many who thought to send condolences to the family. The funeral was held in the fashion of the land, many remembering the great deeds of their lost king. The king’s children each shared many of their memories. Almost all who spoke suggested this king was greatest among rulers for his care of his people. They all agreed that all were blessed for knowing him. He served his people without any concern for self, stretching all available resources beyond what most thought possible. Many commented that this great king would not have thought such a spectacle over his life necessary. Indeed, he would have preferred that energy focused toward more productive activities. His dying wishes asked that instead of flowers at his funeral, people would do an act of service instead. Failing that, a donation to humanitarian charities should suffice.

The king was buried with generations of great men and women, where anyone looking at the monuments could be reminded of their great deeds.

With the ceremonies and gathering done, the prince was still consumed with grief. His memories of his father provided comfort but such was fleeting. Although the Prince knew many who had died, he realized he had only this once grieved. The prince spent his days helping manage the affairs of the kingdom but all around him knew of his grief. He seldom laughed like he used to. His wit hardly ever brought forth the mirth people knew.

One day after the evening meal, the prince had excused himself to the upper garden seeking to be alone with his thoughts. He wished to remember some things of his father and make plans for helping some of the less fortunate. The king was a man of service and that is what made him the happiest. So, the prince was trying his best to follow in these great footprints.

Although he thought he was alone, there came a visitor who wanted to help the prince feel better. The visitor was the country’s preeminent singer. Stepping forward, the rustling of her steps drew the prince’s attention to her.

“Why are you here?” demanded the prince. He wished to be left alone and found the intrusion bordering on treason. Certainly is was not but these were his feelings anyway. The prince in his grief had lost much of the charity that made his father the great man he was.

The Singer retreated a little at such brashness but said in a strong voice, “I’ve come to sing for you. You have forgotten something about your father.”

“I’ve not forgotten my father. He is why I am who I am. No. Be gone with you.”

“Your country suffers while you waste your time here. The world crumbles though you busy yourself thinking to protect it,” the singer pleaded. “Although you think to live your life as your father did, you’ve forgotten what truly made the king, Our King.”

“If I relent and allow you to sing, will you leave me alone?”

As an answer to the prince’s question, the singer began her song. Her voice was incredibly fine, cutting to the very center of the prince’s soul.

Almost immediately the artist seemed to take on another’s countenance. This visage was that of a very young girl, though her voice continued to be the same. The girl whose clothes were worn to near rags looked hungry, her eyes held a wisdom revealing a life already heaving with turmoil and grief. Though otherwise quite clean, she had a little soot on the end of her nose and a bandaged wrist. The song seemed to tell of a youngster living a meager existence with little hope of even attending school until someone recognized her needs and helped her family.

The song changed a little, whether it was a slight decrease in tempo or a change in key the prince did not recognize. The performer’s voice still as clear as it was from the start, seemed to take on a heavier tone. The little girl was gone replaced by a young boy, a couple years her senior. The boy wore a school uniform and had a look that suggested he was from a family of some substance. He stood there looking a little self-conscious. The song continued to tell of a boy whose family played a high stakes game with their wealth. When the father lost everything he fell into a deep depression from which he never recovered, ultimately leaving the boy an orphan. The boy, having never known want, was left with nothing. He was scared. The verse continued to explain the boy was reunited with a long ago lost relative who took the boy in as his own.

Again, the song’s tone moved a little different and the boy was gone, replaced by a young woman who was wrapped in a blanket. Something terribly wrong had happened to this poor girl. Her faced was bruised and she held herself as if she were sore all over. The blanket almost covered her but the prince could see her clothes had been torn. The verse explained how the girl had been abused by someone who should have loved her. She was alone in the world and needed some support and a new beginning. This someone did that for her and she was able to get back to school and start a new chapter in her life without the baggage of her past.

As the song continued the young woman was gone, replaced by an elderly man in a chair, too feeble to stand. This was a lonesome time for a man whose lifetime of experience seemed to shine and sparkle through his gray eyes. The canto continued to explain how this man’s life seemed to drag on endlessly in complete loneliness. Telling of how someone came to him and asked a simple question. Since the answer was not so simple, his gray eyes had a twinkle of pride and usefulness that was not there before.

In the final verse, the man was replaced by a lost soul whose whole world was encompassed in a small glass pipe. The addiction destroyed everything the person had, leaving him empty as soon as the contents in the pipe were consumed. Living his life to pursue that addiction, this was an empty soul until someone found a way to unlock the trap.

As she finished her song, she resumed her original visage and turned to leave. The prince stood speechless with tears streaming down his cheeks. His father knew there were people that needed to be helped. That help took the form of many different shapes and sizes. He was freed a little from his grief and was able to focus on finding the individual rather than the cause. The king hadn’t failed at all.

Prop Us Up On Our Leanin' Side

2011-06-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of this fellow I read about who always prayed, "Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side." After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.

He answered, "Well sir, you see, it's like this. I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time. It's withstood a lot of weather. It's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.

"Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time. I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure alot of us get to leaning at times.

"Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. So we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify you.''

Citizen's Arrests

2011-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was thinking recently about my time as a security guard, which by the way was one of the worst jobs I've ever had. Before I could take my first assignment, I had to pass a written test. Part of the test reviewed the powers of arrest security officers actually have. Incidentally, these powers and privileges are granted by the Constitution to every citizen. As citizens, our duty to stop crime wherever we may see it is paramount. So, here's a guide to correctly performing a citizen's arrest as I remember it from my security guard days (rent-a-cops are very smart people).

Confirm a crime is in progress: It's important to recognize the difference between true crime and just being mean or stupid. Some things that seem illegal like speeding or breaking a young girl's heart aren't actually against the law. Just to explain how confusing it can be, many things you might think are legal just aren't. You can't be mean to dogs or hit people with cars. Because of these kinds of legal minutia, citizens are only allowed to make arrests for the "Big Three" crimes: theft, murder, and lying to parents.

Secure the Reprobate: Most people won't even realize they've committed a crime. So, you can easily overpower and handcuff them with your homemade handcuffs (use twigs and discarded lint so the handcuffs can double for a friendship bracelet when the arrestee gets out of jail). If he resists arrest, you are constitutionally authorized to lash out with your sharp tongue and cutting insults.

Wait for Authorities: The last step is to call in the professional lawmen. Ring the nearest Crime Bell. A fleet of judges will promptly arrive at the scene ready to carry out swift justice. They'll sentence the reprobate to jail, apology camp, house arrest (no longer allowed to watch the T.V. program House), or a year of hard labor (just another name for unpaid internship in an obstetricians office). You'll want to celebrate your hard work keeping crime at bay by setting off some fireworks or shooting a gun into the air.

How can you change that which is fanaticism?

2011-05-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to be a fan? Sports fans place more importance on one team over another, this is so very common. Few embrace logic when making this distinction, however. In most instances our fondness is founded in emotion. Still, once established as a favorite we begin to demand a higher level of performance from the members of these teams.

The player’s performance on and off the field or court is important to their fans. While they focus on what made them famous – the athlete in their sport, the actor on the screen or stage, the politician in office – it is their personal, their ‘normal’ life, that tends to bring the most consternation.

This week while watching the NBA playoffs, I found myself disgusted by the actions of a few players on my team. Yeah, I considered them my team – at least until this week. No, I don’t play basketball. I’m hardly good enough to play a game of H.O.R.S.E. In fact, I do not usually watch much throughout the normal season. It is the playoffs I find enjoyable. Each game is important. Well, I enjoy watching most of the time. This week we witnessed flagrant fouls and players ejected from the game more than once. Once is bad. Thrice is untenable.

Certainly, the famous didn’t ask to be our role models. They simply did something better than others. Tiger Woods plays golf, Charlie Sheen acts, and basketball players play ball. Not that I thought they were my role models or considered these young men anything more than the basketball players they are but to think I would watch in disgust as these “professionals” flagrantly, and inexcusably sought to cause harm to the opposing team members. So disgusted was I that I left the room without any desire to watch the rest of the game. They earned that loss and will remain losers in my eyes.

A life-long fan of the Lakers, I am left wondering to whom I should throw my support, my fanaticism. And so I question how do you do that. How can one just change what their favorite team might be? Maybe I’m better off just taking a break from professional sports. I’ll focus on the Angels for now, in any case.

Hrustevich plays Antonio Vivaldi

2011-02-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

It's wonderful to come across something so exciting and unusual as this. I have something of an eclectic taste in music, organ music is something I enjoy. I stumbled across this master of the accordian on youtube and have enjoyed just about everything for which I stopped long enough to listen. Hope you enjoy it too.

Make Sure to Wear Clothes That Fit

2011-01-06T23:58:00.000-08:00

Wear the clothes that fit. That is my life philosophy. It might be good advice for fashion but it’s far more than just how well your shoes fit or whether your belt has enough holes in it. Did you know high collars will make you neck seem shorter? Yep. So, if you’re like me and have a double chin, you’re not likely to get the look you’re after from a high collar. Just as you should never buy clothes that are too tight or short, your life should be a fit for who you are right now. Goals and wishes, places we want to or maybe should be, aren’t what we are right now. Just as we should not purchase clothes based on what we wish we were, our actions today should not be as if we’re accomplished.

This isn’t a defeatist attitude, of course. Life isn’t going to be what we want it to be if we just accept it as it is dished out. Do you want to look good in that swim suit? Then, you make adjustments to your life, set goals – both long term and short. After doing this, you make the daily efforts necessary to accomplish those goals. Establish a plan and follow the plan, doing things in the right order – wearing the clothes that fit.

If I were to set a goal to bench press 400 pounds, I would not start by first lifting 400 pounds. Maybe my capacity would be something around 100 pounds today, 105 tomorrow and 110 the following day. I would do the work necessary to make the goal of 400 and, gradually, I would accomplish the task.

My goals need to be a good fit as well. It is unlikely I would be able to press the 400 pounds by this Friday, requiring a little more time to work up my muscles. I should build them up in a manner that would not injure me and slow my progress. I remember a few years ago, I took a break from my work-out routine (yes, I used to exercise every day). When I started my routine again, I just decided to pick up where I left off. I did some serious damage. “It only hurts when I laugh, doc.” It took days for me to recover. When I again restarted my routines, I established an exercise curriculum that was more fitting to my body’s fitness, working back up to where I was before. Then, I was ready to move on to more advanced goals.

Wearing clothes that fit definitely means making the choice to do what is needful today and then doing what is needful tomorrow. So, that’s a good philosophy, right?

Inspire Those Around You...

2010-12-31T12:22:00.000-08:00

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. i possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The last day of the year has come, we'll celebrate or morn the passing of 2010 with a party tonight or alone in front of a blaring television. I have heard many lament the stresses and worry that have plagued us. I would like to remember 2010 for the good and maybe forget all the rest. Maybe, just maybe, an attitude that focuses on the positive will bring or attract positive. We all know how much we could use more positive.

Merry Christmas, My Friend

2010-12-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

By James M. Schmidt

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to sell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

While a Lance Corporal serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington, DC, under Commandant P.X. Kelly and Battalion Commander D.J. Myers [in 1986], James M. Schmidt wrote this poem to hang on the door of the Gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine.

As Leatherneck (Magazine of the Marines) wrote of the poem’s author in 2003:

“Merry Christmas, My Friend” has been a holiday favorite among “leatherneckphiles” for nearly the time it takes to complete a Marine Corps career. Few, however know who wrote it and when Former Corporal James M. Schmidt, stationed at the marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., pounded it out 17 years ago on a typewriter while awaiting the commanding officer’s Christmas holiday decorations inspection ... while other leathernecks strung lights for the Barrack’s annual Christmas decoration contest, Schmidt contributed his poem to his section.

Animal Thoughts

2010-12-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

Most email forwards are hardly worth the time it takes to glance through them. This one, however, was mostly funny and quite enjoyable. I hope you'll find it just as enjoyable as I did.

Dragonfly Lampworks: December Giveaway

2010-12-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

Dragonfly Lampworks: December Giveaway: "The December Giveaway is a fine silver pendant named 'Flutterbye'. I realize that many of my readers do not bead, so I wanted to change thin..."

Sometimes, I just like to stop by and look at these wonderful hand-crafted beads.

Cacao! The Worlds Best Bean That Grows on a Tree...

2010-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

I was probably a bit into adulthood before I met someone who didn’t like chocolate. The very idea was so very foreign to me. Not liking chocolate was just about as unbelievable as being against breathing air. How could anyone think chocolate was not good!

I can hardly imagine a world without chocolate. It was only widely available over 100 years after the conquistadors brought it back to Spain from the ancient cultures of Mexico and Central America. Originally served as a drink only, new technologies and innovations brought chocolate into a whole new realm of flavors and textures. In fact, chocolate has gone a long way since Montezuma had his cacao (Ka KOW) drink.

Chocolate is available in so many forms. Spain, where you’ll find chocolate served around the clock – for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks – has taken to chocolate like no other place in the world. Of course, they had that 100 year head start on most of the world.

I prefer chocolate in one of its purest and simplest forms – a bar of chocolate. In fact, I have been watching the labels closer lately. Often, packages are labeled with a certain percentage of cocoa, which refers to the amount of cocoa bean solids in the chocolate. The rest is sugar and milk. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the more bitter the chocolate will taste. The percentage of cocoa isn’t all that affects the flavor, though. Like wine, chocolates can vary greatly in taste depending on where the cocoa bean is from, its combination with other beans and how long it was roasted.

One other attractive quality of chocolate is that it doesn't have a "peak season." It's always chocolate season. I am grateful for all those people who work hard making chocolate just for me to eat, drink and use in cooking. I am grateful for all those chefs in all those kitchens who’ve spent so much time designing new ways to make tasty chocolate treats. I am grateful that my body hasn’t any adverse response to chocolate – well, besides getting fatter.

Jeremiah Saw The Latter-day Gathering

2010-11-21T18:06:00.000-08:00

The weather in California isn’t nearly as cool as some other places in the country this Sabbath day. However, I have to say we’re feeling a lot cooler than it has been so far this year. I am grateful for the cooler weather because I truly miss the seasons I’ve experienced living in other parts of the country. A couple years ago, following a promise of employment and other security, we moved from Illinois returning to California almost 10 years after we left. It was something of an exodus, that 2000 miles. I avoided the most harrowing part of the trip since time did not allow for me to stay with the family, flying home to make it back to work on time.

Still, I look at the trip and cannot help thinking about other exoduses others have had to make. Of course, Moses led a grand exodus which took the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses spoke of the greatness of this exodus when he said, “For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it? Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live? Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God; there is none else beside him (Deuteronomy 4:32–35).”

A nation had to be formed, and that people had to leave Egypt in order for the nation to be created. Many generations later, Jeremiah saw visions of a latter-day event that the Lord said would be as great as the Exodus. Jeremiah recorded, “Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. (Jeremiah 16:14–16).”

Could Jeremiah have been seeing the Latter-day Saint exodus to the Salt Lake basin? Could have he also seen the great missionary work that has taken place since the restoration of the gospel? I think so. Jeremiah speaks of fishers and hunters sent forth by the Lord. Elder LeGrand Richards said that the fishers and hunters described in Jeremiah 16:16 are missionaries of the Church. We have a part in this today!

I am grateful to have some insight into this kind of exodus. Still, I am more grateful for the work those who’ve come before me have done. I am grateful the Lord has provided for us to take part in this great gathering.

Lucy In The Sky

2010-11-21T01:37:00.000-08:00

Have you ever looked at a clear night sky just to stare at the stars? I have enjoyed looking at the stars during every season but never from the southern hemisphere. Still, the stars vary enough throughout the year.

The spring brings the most recognized non-constellation, the Big Dipper. It’s a part of the much larger star picture of Ursa Major. The bowl stars from the Bear’s back and belly. From the star Dubhe, faint stars extending westward from the bowl make up the Bear’s neck and head, while five stars curve below (to the south) to form one of its front paws. Extending below the bowl star Phecda are other faint stars that represent its hind legs.

With the campfires of summer, the stars shift allowing a view of the Summer Triangle, three brilliant stars – Vega, Deneb, and Altair. They are set in a large triangle. Like the Big Dipper, it’s not an official constellation but just an interesting pattern among the stars. The three stars in the triangle actually belong to three separate constellations. The brightest star, Vega, is a brilliant blue-white star that glistens like a diamond within the constellation Lyra the Lyre, the mythical instrument of Orpheus. Altair, the triangle’s southernmost star, lays within Aquila the Eagle, marking the beak of the bird. Finally, the third star in the Triangle is Deneb, representing the tail of Cygnus the Swan. Always among the best of late summer is the Perseid meteor shower. So called since the origin, or radiant, of the shower is within the constellation Perseus.

The fall months bring opportunities to witness meteor showers as well, with November’s Leonid and December’s Geminid.

Winter is one of my favorite seasons for looking at the night sky, smog and haze give way to crystal-clear nights. This presents a wonderful opportunity to view Orion on center stage. The Hunter is the most brilliant constellation of all and easy to recognize. Look for the three equally bright stars in a row. These form his belt. North of the belt lies the bright reddish star Betelgeuse (Beatlejuice – loved that movie). Betelgeuse is the right shoulder of Orion (seen on our left). His left shoulder (our right) is represented by the star Bellatrix. Above the shoulders is a faint group of three stars depicting Orion’s tiny head. Below the belt are the stars Rigel, representing Orions’ left knee, and Saiph marking his right knee. Faint stars make up a shield he is holding in his left hand and a club raised high over his head in his right hand. Interestingly, Orion provides examples of stars with differing colors. One of the hottest stars known, Rigel’s blue-white is generated with a surface temperature of about 23,000 degrees – over twice that of our yellow sun. The other of the scale, Betelgeuse’s red color is generated at a surface temperature of only 5,000 degrees. Hanging from the belt of Orion are the dim stars of his sword. The middle star of the sword is actually not even a star. It is a cloud of glowing hydrogen gas known as the Great Orion Nebula by backyard stargazers.

“The stars are blazing like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun.” – Read My Mind by The Killers,

I am grateful for the night sky, for the stars shining above our heads. I am grateful for the times I’ve had to share the sky with my friends and family. I am grateful my daughters have graciously listened to me ramble about the starry sky. Yes, we are blessed with many wonders to behold but today I am particularly grateful for the stars in our sky.

The Great Blessing of Pets

2010-11-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

People seem to grow much attached to their pets. From my earliest childhood, I remember my parents had dogs. The first dog I remember was named Happy because my older brother perceived something of a permanent smile on the dog’s maw. When Happy was no long part of the family, my parents acquired another dog, which was replaced by another when it died. The next dog was with the family for many years, dying after I returned from living in Japan for two years. Named for the little doll made of tar used as a trap in the Brer Rabbit stories, Tar Baby was certainly a beloved part of our family. Interestingly the little tiny all black dog, a Chihuahua mix, outlived the one puppy we kept from her second litter. We named him Tuffy. Tuffy was a mix, almost twice the size of his mother. One afternoon, Tuffy returned to the house after being “out”. Tuffy liked to roam, even though we unsuccessfully tried to keep him locked behind the fence. This time, however, was different. It was the last time he left home. Someone had kicked him hard enough to bruise his backbone. The vet said there wasn’t anything but rest that could help Tuffy get better; so, I spent a lot of time nursing him back to health. By the time Tuffy was back to full activity, he had a habit of lifting his upper lip and showing his teeth at me in a doggie kind of smile. I had trained my dog to “smile”. Well, there’ve been stranger things.

In the last twenty years, we’ve had a few dogs as well. Currently, we have two Welsh Pembroke Corgis. One is marked with red and white, the other is mostly black. Their personalities are just as different as their coloring. Still, all things considered, they are part of my family. I spend time with both dogs every single day. Our hero dogs are Zoe Defender of Katan and Bailey Fancy Boots of Katan (AKC is a strange world). Funny, Zoe is the one who likes to sit at my feet just happy to feel me scratching her ears while Bailey is all about chasing that ball. What’s really funny, though, is how they’re so much the same in those differences. They only want to be next to the other members of the family. They seem to only find ‘joy’ in being with us, being a part of our world.

I try to avoid giving animals human emotions. Most of the time, I am very successful. These two little gals have gotten to me. I have actually started to think I can look at them and determine their thoughts.

Why do people have pets?

“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” – George Elliot

Pets are fun, entertaining, loving and they bring joy. Pets can improve health as well as strengthen the immune system.

The Baker Medical Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia conducted a 3-year study with over 5,000 people, and found pet owners to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than non-pet owners. The National Institute of Health noticed that pet owners make fewer doctor visits and in a 1999 study the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that older pet owners are physically and mentally more fit.

Pets promote social interaction. We all know the cliché of the guy with the cute dog in the park, sitting on a bench and all the passing women stopping by to pet the pooch which inevitably leads to a chat with the owner. But hey, it’s a cliché for a reason – it works!

Pets encourage exercise. Some more than others but more especially rambunctious puppies encourage people to move, to exercise, to get off the couch.

Pets are non-judgmental. Dogs love you without condition. Cats….are a bit more finicky, but still love you if you treat them well. And neither will care what you look like or accomplished that day.

Pets encourage laughter. They’re playful, reminding us not to take life too seriously.

Pets help with depression and loneliness. Depression and loneliness come from an inward focus. A pet provides an outward emphasis with the promise of love and affection.

“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.” – Ben Williams

Children growing up with pets develop more empathy. Many times children view animals as peers and seem to understand them better than adults. Children can learn to read animals’ body language, and unlike adults, animals don’t pretend or play psychological games. Once they’ve grown, these children will better be able to read the body language of people, their learned empathy will also carry over.

Mental stimulation. Animals encourage social interaction which triggers memories and encourages communication.

Reduced blood pressure. Studies have found that having a pet actually reduces blood pressure and triglycerides.

Physical touch. Infants who are not touched enough, fail to develop well, both physically and emotionally. Touch is very important for the mind and spirit; however, many people are wary of touching even family members. Pets are a safer alternative for some.

Relaxation. The reason so many dentists and doctors have fish tanks in the waiting room: it provides a sense of calm, helps to decrease heart rate and blood pressure.

Maybe it is time to get our fish tank going again. We had fish before we moved to California. It was mostly a good experience until I bought those snails to help with fighting algae. They ate my aquatic plants instead.

I am grateful for the pleasure pets have brought into my life. My dogs are wonderful, always happy to see me, always wanting to be next to me, always seeking my attention. They’re standing at the back door watching me type this right now. I am grateful for the good energy they bring into my life.

The Greatest Man I Ever Knew

2010-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Outside to this four-year-old boy was very fascinating. There is so much unknown space to explore, so much to see and touch. The backyard was a place protected enough to allow him to run without care or concern from his parents. At least he didn’t notice the protective eyes that watched over him as much here. Grass and trees, a swing-set and lots of space to run made for a great place to play.

There was that other space. The garden. The retaining wall bound the garden to a higher plane, one this little boy could not quite reach on his own. That alone enthralled the boy. There, just beyond his reach, was even more dirt, textures and little crawling critters. He wasn’t allowed to be there alone, though. It was not a playground. Well, that is what mom always said.

Today was a special day with new experiences. Perched on the retaining wall much like a carrion bird, the boy watched ready to pounce into action as his father turned the soil preparing the ground for the years first planting. He was “helping”! Helping dad in the garden was a very new activity. Like most young boys time with dad was his favorite time. Whether it was in the garage working on some cabinet or maintaining the car, working in the front yard or watching as dad worked the cement mixer, being where dad was meant fun. Spending time with dad was this boy’s most favorite activity.

An annual ritual that signaled the start of the long California growing season, the man took meticulous care as he augmented the clay soil with horse manure. The action of turning the dirt with a spade to mix the soil and fertilizer into one homogenous bed of nutrients for the vegetable garden took on an almost hypnotic rhythm. The spade sliced through the dirt, lifted, turned. Slice. Lift. Turn. Repeat. Repeating the same actions over and over became a therapeutic and calming event for the man. He was nearly finished with the preparation and it was almost time to plant. Nothing was as pacifying as the time he spent in his garden. Whether it was troubles at the office, difficulties at school, or minor puzzles to be solved in the yard, the garden was a place where his mind to work out the kinks. The child watching today created a new twist to this otherwise solitary task. The man was almost as excited to have him there, as the boy was to be with his father.

Hardly able to contain his excitement, the boy just couldn’t hold still. Of course, the shovel was far too big for him to manage so his time for helping had to wait. Anxiously watching, the peaceful moment dad was feeling was completely lost on him. The boy really liked the sound of the steel spade slicing into the ground. It was a very interesting scraping sound, very different from anything he had heard before. Shuddering once, it was not uncomfortable in any way but he could feel it deep into his bones. Sshhlusshh! Sshhlusshh! The boy felt his excitement build each time dad sliced into the ground. Sshhlusshh! Sshhlusshh!

The love the man felt for the earth was something he wanted to share with his son. There was so much to gain from the effort. In fact, the reward seemed so much greater than the required sweat. Even if gardening didn’t provide that calm he usually found, there was so much more to gain. Very little in this life was as god-intimate. A partnership between man and god provided such wonderful bounty. By simply planting a seed and maintaining a good growing environment, the outcome was almost always secured. So, today was special because he was going to share this love with one of the most important parts of his life, his son.

Setting the spade aside, the man handed a small gardening shovel to his son. It was time to start the planting. The current crop was corn. Spaced just right at the top of the raised rows, the boy would make small holes into which he would drop three or four corn seeds. It was the man’s turn to watch as the boy went through the motions. Drawing the boy close, the man helped the boy make the first hole.

“Not too deep but just enough to keep the birds from eating the grains. Take the shovel and make a small hole here,” he explained to the boy.

The boy’s only utterance, “OK.”

The boy took the little shovel in both hands and stuck it into the ground, pulling about half a cup of dirt out of place, moving it slightly to the side. The man handed the boy a packet of corn seed, motioning for him to open it. Being careful to avoid spilling the seed, the boy tore the envelope open along the top.

“Now, place just three or four kernels into that hole. Then, you just cover them up with the soil.”

Carefully, the boy counted out four kernels and dropped them into the hole, moving the dirt back to cover the seeds. The man and the boy moved over just a foot and repeated the motions. Only fifteen minutes later they had finished planting the first row. The boy beamed with pride, the father just as happy. Working together, the duo moved onto the next mound and continued to finish the planting.

**** **** **** ****

Today, I'd express gratidute for the greatest man I ever knew. My father. He was the most selfless man that ever walked the face of the earth. Never one to think of his own needs or concern himself with his own comfort, he provided the perfect example of service, love and kindness. I am grateful for the time he spent with me as a child, an adolescent and as an adult. I am grateful for the times he allowed me to help him but more particularly those times it would have been easier to do it alone. There is no way for me to recount all this man taught me. I can say this. No man was a better example. He never taught something he didn't practice in his own life.

I am grateful for my father, the best mentor, the best hero any boy could ever have.

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

- Thomas A. Edison

The Soundtrack of My Life

2010-11-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

So, do you have a soundtrack in your life? I do. I am grateful for my soundtrack, my music. It makes my life more meaningful.

Music has a way to cause emotions to well up. The feelings are gripping, even irresistible. They sometimes seem to emerge from nowhere. Music can color moods, affect perceptions and generate behavioral patterns. It’s a fact that music has the power to evoke emotions. I don’t think there is anyone for whom music is completely emotionally neutral. Music can tap the still, mysteriously deep well of emotion.

The emotional response produced by music is different for everyone. In fact, that response can vary in the same person at different times. The emotions produced by music may also be varied – peaceful, relaxing, exciting, festive, boring, unsettling, invigorating . . . etc. Does your soundtrack change as your life events change? Mine does.

I remember listening to Bill Cosby talk about his theme music. Da d’da d’dum… Theme music like a super hero! Imagine what life would be like if others could hear your soundtrack. My life has always been too inconsistent to have always the same theme song. Maybe mine would be a variation on a theme. You know something like you’d find on any Law & Order show. The music has a consistent theme but changes a little depending on what is going on.

Music communicates better than most other mediums. Like the sense of smell, music will affect people more profoundly than most other forms of communication. Music not only explores all the features used in verbal communication, it does so in an explicit, structured way pushing beyond the limits, creating an interesting, useful window into human communication.

I am thankful for those aspects of life not immediately recognized as music. The rhythmic sound of a train, the waves breaking on the beach, the song of a cricket rubbing its legs together, even the buzzing of an electric fan produces a soothing quiet. Good music touches our emotions. Deeper than just emotions, music reaches into our very soul and leaves an imprint on us. This power music has is difficult to describe. Language cannot fully describe the power of music. Still, it is a mystical experience that is nearly universal.

Music can endow the listener with incredible pleasure. It can be simple or complex, subtle or overt. It can emanate from the rhythm or the melody; however, some of the greatness of music lies in the holistic nature of all the elements together. It’s a unique wholeness which may not be understood logically. Still, no matter how complex, music can easily be appreciated with the mind without formal training.

I am grateful that music doesn’t require an advanced degree to truly appreciate or enjoy it. You don’t have to know about instruments, pitches or notes. You don’t have to know how to recognize the dots and lines on a sheet to know that you like it. Music is wonderful. I am grateful that learning more about music doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.

I am very grateful for the soundtrack of my life, for the music that is everywhere, for the music in my head. I am grateful for the times I can share music with my wife, my daughters and my friends. I am grateful for the times I can just sit and enjoy music alone.

The Wonderful Worlds Found While Reading

2010-11-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

I remember the many times my mother and my older brother tried to get me to read a certain book because they thought I would like it. Having failed at that attempt, they would try again with another book. And, another. Then, another. I struggled with reading, even thinking I didn’t like to read. Never mind that I would inevitably stumble on a book I really enjoyed. I would consume that book like a starving beggar takes after a half-eaten sandwich. Sadly, this didn’t happen very often during my adolescent years. During those years, I wasted many opportunities at no fault to my parents or my siblings. I am grateful in the time since I’ve learned about many books that appeal to me. I am grateful for the wonders I’ve come to know because of reading. There are so many benefits to reading. Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “From the reading of good books there comes a richness of life that can be obtained in no other way.” I am grateful that I have found this to be true in my life.

Indeed, reading is one of the best hobbies a person can develop. I wonder why it is so hard to teach a love of reading. Why do some people find that enjoyment sooner than others? Why do some of us never find that wonder? Many truly believe they “don’t need no stinking books.” Well, here’s a small list of some very good reasons to start reading habitually.

1. An active mental process: Yes, reading makes you use your brain, which is very different than what you’re doing while sitting in front of the T.V. This process exercises those little things we like to call grey cells – you know, your brain. People get smarter when they think. Who doesn’t want to be smarter?

2. Improve your vocabulary: It’s true; reading will improve your vocabulary. You might remember this little exercise from elementary school. By reading the words around an unfamiliar word, I had to decipher the meaning of that word. You know what? I still do that when I read. When you read books, more particularly the more challenging books, you are more likely to be exposed to words with which you are not familiar. New words don’t have to be scary. I think this is a far better process of learning new words than those word-of-the-day calendars.

3. Glimpses into other worlds: The marvels of reading includes being able to go places you’ve never been, be exposed to new cultures and gain new insight. The strength of diversity right in your own living room! Imagine that. You could go anywhere in the world just by reading a book. Reading books can give you an insight into diverse places, people, cultures, customs and lifestyles. It’s a broad window into a very large world.

4. Improves concentration and focus: Reading a book requires you to focus on what you are reading for long periods. It’s not like reading a magazine, an internet post or even some of the longest e-mails. These all contain small chunks of information whereas books tell the whole story. Concentrating is like exercising your brain (see #1).

5. Self-esteem: The more you read, the more you learn, the more confidence you’ll gain. Confidence is the foundation of self-esteem. A wonderful chain reaction. When you learn things, people will start asking you for the answers. More self-esteem! Who doesn’t need that kind of shot in the arm!

6. Memory: If you don’t use your memory, you’ll lose it. Studies have shown crossword puzzles might stave off Alzheimer’s. Did you know reading has been found to do the same? Reading exercises your brain in ways similar to crossword puzzles. When you read, you need to remember details, facts and figures. Literature has plot lines, themes and characters that need to be remembered.

7. Creativity: A springboard for creativity, reading exposes you to new ideas and more information. This helps develop the creative side of the brain. It imbibes innovation.

8. Reduce Boredom: “Boredom is the result of a weak mind.” I read that a little while ago and I thought that was pretty good. When you are wondering what to do and you feel boredom coming on, pull out a book. Two things will happen. You’ll stave off that boredom and you’ll exercise your brain.

So, if you are looking for a way to break from a monotonous, lazy, uncreative and boring life, go grab a book. Find yourself a new world filled with information. I’m grateful for the worlds I’ve visited through books. I’m grateful for the how much better I feel about myself, my abilities and what I know because of the books I’ve read. I am grateful for the world of reading.

Grace

2010-11-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

The Lord promised us through the prophet Moroni: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

I am intrigued by several things about this scripture. The first is that the Lord gives us weaknesses. It isn't sin, He gives us weaknesses. This is so we will be humble. Humility is something I know I need to work on, it's not one of my strong points. Just think, if we were perfect in every respect, it would be hard to be humble. Even when we excel in specific things, it is hard to be humble with respect to those things. I have seen this in my life. I've allowed certain successes in my life make me feel like I was the king of the world. Maybe we all do sometimes. Still, if everything was perfect, it would be hard to be humble. So, we're given weaknesses to help us overcome this tendency we have to be proud.

But, then there's the promise. If we are willing to humble ourselves, then, the Lord's “grace is sufficient.” In the Bible Dictionary, grace is defined as an “enabling power” (697). Isn't that an incredible promise?

It is interesting how frequently we hear the word addiction used to describe destructive behavior There's often talk about being addicted to alcohol, to drugs, to pornography. All insidious and powerful evils, they are examples of the Lord's warning to His disciples that “whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34). Similarly, Alma warned us about the “chains of hell” (Alma 12:11).

Sin weakens, bind, and brings us down to slavery. It's a great blessing that the grace of God and of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the resolution, the solution, the answer. I am grateful that by humbling myself, by turning to the Lord God and His Son, Their grace, Their enabling power, will help me throw off the chains of that slavery. But not just throw off these chains, Their grace will help me to become stronger than my weaknesses.

It is a great blessing to partake of the Lord's grace, to have the comforting power of the atonement. I am grateful for the Lord's love and guidance in my life.

Home Sweet Home

2010-11-13T22:30:00.000-08:00

We sometimes get so comfortable with our surroundings it is easy to forget some of those most basic blessings that enrich our lives. I think we tend also to look away from the most blatant reminders of how fragile these basic blessings can be. We dismiss the guy standing at the freeway off-ramp as a scam artist rather than accept his “will work for food” plea. We look through the man pushing all his worldly possessions in a stolen grocery cart with his ragged blanket draped over his shoulders. How great it is to live without fear of losing everything during the night and having shelter from all that weather might have to throw at you! I am grateful for the house that shelters my family.

Many have experienced that strange dream of coming to the house you remember as your home only to find strangers living there. Your key doesn’t even work the door properly. How disconcerting it is! A basic need, shelter is something most people take for granted. More than physical shelter, home is a place that should protect us from psychological trauma as well. How wonderful it is to have these basics without concern for loss, harassment, or other fear. Imagine how unsettling it is for those families who have lost access to this comfort. Imagine how hard it is for those children’s parents. I am so grateful I have not experienced this in my life.

Years ago, I met a man at a busy service station only a few blocks from the freeway but many miles from where his wife and child waited for his return. He tried selling me his car stereo to get enough money for gasoline. I had no need for his stereo and felt compelled to help him fuel his car. He was ever so grateful for the little help I offered. We said our goodbyes and went separate ways. A few days later, a story in our local newspaper recounted the sad details of a family who lost their only child to the elements. Yes, even in California the weather isn’t always mild enough. The parents grieved because they unsuccessfully tried to provide the best they could but that just was not enough. This story stood out more because the man pictured in the paper was the same man I met at the fuel pump. In the days following this tragedy, he was offered work and he and his wife were able to get an apartment. Sadly, all this help was too late for his baby.

I remember this man and his family often. Whenever I see someone standing at the side of the road seeking help, I try to remember his plight may be far worse than it seems. I try to refrain from giving into the natural tendency to judge him for his circumstances. I am grateful every day for my home, the family that makes it a safe place to be, and the safety net on which I can rely. I am grateful for those who look out for me and my family.

Strength in Diversity

2010-11-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

We live in a broad, varied world of peoples, cultures, languages, foods, philosophies, religions. The world is full of variations on all levels. Still, through the wonders of technology, the world seems to grow smaller every day. A few years ago, as part of a marketing campaign a telecom company used the audio of an operator answering the phone, “Kuala Lumpur!” Americans are dreadful with geography. I’m sure many still do not know where in the world Kuala Lumpur is. Exotic as it may be, when something happens in Kuala Lumpur, we can know about it in minutes. At the same time, we can read about what is happening in Warsaw, Poland. This makes the world seem so much smaller than it is. Electronic communications, high-speed travel and various other technologies have made our world accessible to more people. I am grateful for that accessibility.

Has the small-town feel of world news and travel translated into a place where we all look the same, eat the same, think the same, and do the same things? No, it hasn’t. In fact, we’re lucky our cultures have not intermingled into one gray blob of cultural mud.

I am grateful for the strength and variety of culture. From the world we have incredibly varying examples of music styles, cuisine, dress, and tradition. Even a reduced view of the world into one narrow segment, reveals a great diversity.

Milwaukee’s Jack experiences life completely different than Juan who lives in Rio de Janeiro. In fact, Jack probably knows as little about Juan as Juan knows about Jack. Jack prefers to watch football only when the Packers are playing. Juan plays for the Brazil national football team. These “Football” games aren’t even the same sport. Preferences aside, both sports are exciting examples of team play and personal exertion, teamwork and individual strength.

The Americans call him Santa Claus. The traditions surrounding this jolly old fellow are immense. His name changes, certain events change, his role during the Christmas holidays change as well. All depending on where you are in the Christian world. Does this take away from who he is? No, it strengthens his persona.

I am grateful I was blessed to spend a couple years in Japan. I grew to love that land, the people living there and the culture in which they live. My experience was over 20 years ago. Still, there’s a lot I learned while I was there and still more since I’ve been home. I would not have learned most of these things had I not been blessed with that wonderful experience. If I didn’t have my eyes opened to another culture, I would not have enjoyed many of the blessings that have been a part of my life since. I would not have been open to learning about various other cultures since I’ve been back, either.

I am grateful for the restaurants that present a wonderful peek into various cultures. Food is just one aspect but a very important part of a culture. The varying tastes, textures and colors are testimony to the wonders that come from all over the world. Gravies from one part of the world were originally created for a whole different set of reasons than the sauces of another region. Even when the same spices and herbs might be used, the results are incredible and different.

I am grateful for the strength we gain through having different cultures. Industry, Music, Medicine, Art and more have benefited from the perspective each culture has brought. The eastern mostly holistic view working with the western more segmented approach has advanced most aspects of our lives. It is through using the strengths of both that we’ll all be blessed.

I am grateful for this diversity and the blessings we all enjoy as part of a world community, though we might be living in different cultures. I am grateful for the technology that has allowed access to these things so we might all be more, better, stronger.

Veterans Who Served Our Country

2010-11-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

World War I – also known as “The Great War” – officially came to an end upon the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. The fighting, however, had stopped seven months earlier when an armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Thus, November 11, 1918, is regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations,” proclaimed President Wilson in November 1919, establishing November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.

Originally, the celebration was a day of observation with parades, public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 AM.

Approved May 13, 1938, an Act of Congress (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) made 11 November each year a legal holiday, dedicated to the cause of world peace and known as “Armistice Day.” The primary intent was to honor veterans of World War I. After World War II required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history and after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by removing the word “Armistice” inserting “Veterans” in its place. This legislation was approved on June 1, 1954, making November 11 the day to honor American veterans of all wars.

On October 8, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation”.

"In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

Some of my closest friends are veterans, having served their country with incredible selflessness. I am grateful for their dedication. I am grateful for everyone who’s served and protected our country. I am particularly grateful to those who’ve given their lives in defending our constitution, our freedoms and our land. I am grateful for those soldiers who've fought from the foundations of this great country, gaining then preserving our freedoms. We would not be who we are if it weren't for their great actions. From revolutionaries to the Marines fighting in Afganistan and Iraq they all deserve our gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Changing Seasons

2010-11-10T04:30:00.000-08:00

There’s so much to be said about the seasons, these aren’t so prevalent in our world here in southern California. I loved the way things changed as the year wore on. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to experience true changes in seasons for a few years.

We all hear the song, Winter Wonderland and think about Christmas. I am more inclined to remember the wonder that is the morning following an ice storm. The world is as if a jeweler built everything out of diamonds and white cotton. Sparkling trees look to be made from the finest of the finest crystal. Such splendor exceeds anything you might think possible in the starkness that is found in the depths of winter. Winter’s stark frozen ground of ice and snow, trees without leaves gives way to the rebirth that is spring, a very strange juxtaposition indeed.

Spring’s gradual take-over of the world where the trees first bud, blossom and finally green is so shocking we seem to think it happens overnight. I love how beautiful the world becomes; lush, green and young. The tulips pop up in colorful displays, not at all bashful, seeming to say, “I’m the most beautiful thing around!” You know what, they just might be. Trees seem to have their annual but wonderful race to bloom; the apricot, plum and cherry trees provide a magnificently bright white and pink sign spring is off the starting blocks. Perennials come on with certain gusto like the final blow to winter’s end.

Spring slowly gives way to the dog days of summer, where warm days become the norm instead of the exception. Mowing lawns and other yard work become weekly, or even more frequent, activities. The fruits of spring planting, gardens start to reward the backyard farmer with wonderful and delectable vegetables and fruits. Corn, watermelon, zucchini are among the many great seasonal treasures they’ll find. Who doesn’t enjoy picnics! Independence Day and festivals are plentiful through the warmest months of the year. Summers are wonderful, full of summertime activities like camping, swimming, and fishing. As summer seems to be relinquishing its hold on us we still push for more barbeque, more burgers, more potato salad. School is back in session but we’re still holding on as much as we can.

Autumn’s colorful leaves are incredible, the weather is cool but not too cold. Football! Halloween! Thanksgiving! Who doesn’t like what Fall has to offer! There is so much color! Raking leaves only to jump into them with great speed makes for some great fun. Pumpkins and winter vegetables, apples are everywhere from crisp desserts to pies and wrapped in caramel. Hay rides, corn mazes, ever green trees are hallmarks of this season.

Yes, I love the seasons and am grateful for what they all bring. I am grateful for the colors and smells, the cold and the heat. I am grateful for the simple joy of wearing a light jacket or bundling up in a heavy coat. I am grateful for flip-flops and shorts or heavy boots and wool socks. I am grateful for winter sports and summer fun. It’s all so wonderful.

Friendship

2010-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

“The worst solitude is to be destitute of sincere friendship.” - Francis Bacon

We come into this life alone to a family who will love us no matter what. Mother and Father nurture. Regardless of how they might feel, brothers and sisters are pretty much stuck with us. This is true for the rest of the family as well. However, friends choose to be part of our lives. I am grateful for those people in my life who've chosen to be my friend. I am ever so grateful that my brothers and sisters have chosen to be my friends too. I am a lucky man, indeed.

Still, it is the friend who is key to making the most out of life. A rainbow is more colorful when shared with a friend. The moon and stars shine brighter when sitting beneath them with a friend. Dark clouds lose their power to threaten when a friend stands by our side. Great discoveries are greater when shared with a friend. Sadness is more bearable when a friend bouys us up. Jokes are funnier when told to a friend.

“There is nothing we like to see so much as the gleam of pleasure in a person's eye when he feels that we have sympathized with him, understood him. At these moments something fine and spiritual passes between two friends. These are the moments worth living.” – Don Marquis

Is there anything more valuable than friendship! I am grateful for friends near and far. I am grateful for friends I've never met in person. I am grateful for friends who agree with me. I am grateful for friends who know they can disagree with me. I am grateful for friends who can say anything. I am grateful for friends who don't need to say anything. I am grateful for friends who love me the way I am. I am grateful for friends who love me for who I could become. I am most grateful for my best friend, who loves me, with whom I'll spend all eternity, my wife.

Eye-Opening Conversations

2010-11-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

We all have opinions. To some we hold stronger than others. It is these opinions which foster incredibly eye-opening conversations. Sometimes talking with people that agree with everything you might have to say becomes boring and predictable. Moving beyond what I like to call the "yes sir!" mentality, or choir seat practitioner, there's a whole world of thought just waiting to be discovered. This is actually very important. This is where the passion resides! I am grateful for this passion. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more, feel more and understand more through open dialogue.

I am grateful for conversations that help open my eyes to new ideas and new perspectives. Our lives are viewed from very limited, prejudiced and closed perspectives. It is not possible to get past these boundaries alone. I am grateful for people who are willing to talk about their own views in a manner that helps open my eyes to unknown perspectives.

How boring would life be if we all saw the same thing in the same manner! How dull indeed! I know what I think and why. Sometimes talking with someone who just does not see life the same way I do, helps me understand the mistakes in my own theories. Sometimes I am exposed to new thoughts I've never even considered before. Sometimes through conversations with people who hold a different viewpoint, I recognize the weaknesses in my logic. I am grateful for those oportunities.

Opinions are definitely not in short supply, everyone has them. Sometimes it is just the best possible solution to find someone whose opinions do not mirror our own.

I have sat down with people to watch a professional sport being broadcast on T.V. Fans of one team root while the fans of the other jeer. How fantastic and lively that experience becomes! Still, no one feels like they are being attacked. It's just a matter of perspective as to which team is better.

I think much of our personal philosophies are very similar to the way people choose a favorite sports team. Taking the time to speak with others about our feelings, about our politics, about our philosophical commitments, opens us up to a few things. First, we have the opportunity to share the reasoning behind our decisions. Second, we hear about another perspective. Third, we are confronted with the weaknesses and strengths of our own arguments.

It is through recognizing the weaknesses in my perspectives that I can move to make improvements or outright reject what I might have believed to be true. I am grateful for these opportunities. Is it not just as important to reject untruths as it is to strengthen our understanding of truth?

I am grateful for eye-opening conversations, for opportunities to improve my perspective, and improve the strength of the logic I use to support my perspective. I am grateful for eye-opening conversations that help me see new things which I might not have considered on my own.

Personal Revelation

2010-11-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

In this world of difficult and sometimes confusing decisions, I am grateful for divine guidance. Yes, I am grateful for the right to enjoy the marvelous gift of the Holy Ghost that is conferred upon every member of the Church soon after baptism. In fulfillment of the promise the Savior made, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16), I have been blessed with that most wonderful and powerful guidance in my life.

I am grateful for the personal inspiration in the small events of my life as well as when I am confronted with the giant Goliaths of life. Even as the young David, hardly a grown man, volunteered to fight Goliath, knowing that inspiration had brought him to fight, to save Israel. David responded to Goliath's insults proclaiming that he came in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel. He said that all who gathered there would learn the Lord does not save by the sword and the spear, "the battle is the Lord's" (1 Sam. 17:47). He then threw a rock, a little rock was enough to fell this giant man.

I am grateful that David's living God does not stand mute, uncommunitcative, and silent today. I am grateful we do not have to ask, "Does God love us less than those who were led by prophets of old?" I am grateful that our God knows we need His guidance and instruction just as much as those who lived before. I am grateful God loves us enough to give us the same rights and opportunities.

I am grateful President Joseph Fielding Smith spoke the truth when he said: ‘The Lord not only blesses the men who stand at the head and hold the keys of the kingdom, but he also blesses every faithful individual with the spirit of inspiration’ ” (Roy W. Doxey, Walk with the Lord [1973], 173–74; emphasis in original).

Laughter

2010-11-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

It's like the best drug on earth! I am grateful for laughter. Just looking at the word is enough to make me laugh. The English language is full of strangely spelled words and laugh is just as funny as any of them.

But, I am serious as a lobotomy. I am so very grateful for laughter. I don't mean loud, innappropriate laughter. I do mean good, wholesome humor.

What can laughter do?:

Lower blood pressure
Increase vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood
Give a workout to the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles
Reduce certain stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline
Increase the response of tumor- and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells
Defend against respiratory infections–even reducing the frequency of colds–by immunoglobulon in saliva.
Increase memory and learning; in a study at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, humor during instruction led to increased test scores
Improve alertness, creativity, and memory

Humor works quickly. Less than a half-second after exposure to something funny, an electrical wave moves through the higher brain functions of the cerebral cortex. The left hemisphere analyzes the words and structures of the joke; the right hemisphere “gets” the joke; the visual sensory area of the occipital lobe creates images; the limbic (emotional) system makes you happier; and the motor sections make you smile or laugh.

Laughter just makes me feel better. I remember a long time ago, Steve Martin did a skit about a banjo. "The banjo is such a happy instrument--you can't play a sad song on the banjo - it always comes out so cheerful," he said. Laughter is something like the banjo except everyone is born with the ability to play it. You don't need to learn how to read music or where to place your fingers. Also, you don't need to develop callouses to laugh well. I think adults sometimes forget how to laugh.

Even the worst day of my life so far was made just a little more bearable because we could laugh maybe just a little. Tense situations become lighter and easier to bear with laughter.

I am grateful for laughter. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my wife because inevitably we'll end up laughing about something. I think she sometimes pretends my jokes are funny. We laugh together, though. For that I am grateful.

I am grateful for laughter. I am grateful for the times I've spent laughing with my daughters. You should have seen us tonight. I think their mother was ready to strangle us all. I love to laugh, though. Sometimes, we laugh when we don't know why we're laughing. That's fun too.

I am grateful for laughter. I am grateful for the times I've spent laughing with my friends. Isn't that why friends spend time together. We talk, we laugh. We bag on each other, we laugh. Laughter is an important part of friendship.

Laughter is great.

Patience

2010-11-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

I am ever so grateful for patience. No, not so much the patience I've exhibited for others. It is that patience others offer every day, a gift of great value indeed.

How wonderful this life is, and better yet as people allow for the slow moving. It is only uncommon that people do not allow for others to make progress as personal circumstances allow. How great is that! I am grateful that most people are kind enough to have patience in such times.

It is the most dedicated teacher who works with the young people today, exhibiting incredible patience as the children learn their how to read, write, add and subtract. No, this patience is not limited to the first few years of school. All through elementary, middle and secondary schools, teachers have incredible patience. It is through this patience that many thrive, learning not only the basics required to get through their lives but also by example what it takes to be there for others who might need their help. Most teachers are extreme examples of the power of patience, what can be achieved when patience is excersized. I am very grateful for teachers who've been willing to spend the time, taking personal time and patience to guide me in my life and do the same for my children.

A parent will find their patience tested time and time again. I am grateful for the strength of their patience. How better to show love than to express patience when a child is trying to learn something difficult. Time is the greatest blessing a parent can give their child. Certainly, in such efforts the grandest ingredient is patience fueled by love. I am grateful for the patience my parents showed toward me throughout my childhood and into adulthood. Truly, I'm sure I've tested their patience more often than I could even imagine.

Older Brothers, younger brothers and sisters too, are incredible examples of the power of patience. We have all experienced those times when we've done nothing but test the nerves of those that should be closest to us. The joy that swells when siblings take the time to help each other is wonderful. The friendship and love brothers share is beyond compare. It is all built on a foundation of patience, this is sure. I am grateful for the patience my brothers and sisters have had for me and the choices I've made in life. I am grateful for my daughters and the patience they have for each other, too. The close relationships siblings have is a blessing of great value.

"How poor are they who have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees."
- William Shakespeare

I am grateful for the patience strangers show in every day life. Mistakes are human, the divine attribute of patience help us overcome these mistakes. It also helps us all to learn from our own mistakes. The struggles in life would be far worse if strangers didn't also have patience. I am grateful to all who've shown such powerful patience with my foibles even though they might not know who I am.

Because They're My Girls

2010-11-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

Although it might seem a little trite, I am very grateful for my girls. Between all they do and who they are, there's little room for disappointment. They are great. I cannot hardly express how proud of these ones I am. You see, I've watched others live a selfish exsistence, out to get what they want and damn the rest. Well, my girls aren't all that. They have taken on a greater persona. I am grateful that my girls share, serve and care.

When the world suggests the winner is the one who dies with the most toys, selfishness is touted as not only normal but expected. I have watched my girls all buck that trend. They all watch out for others, showing a caring spirit that is rare these days. I am grateful my girls have not followed this crowd, choosing not to develop a sense of entitlement.

Yes, I am grateful for my girls. They are the greatest.

Troubling? Experiences? Troubling Experiences?

2010-11-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

I'm grateful for the challenges I've had in my life. A very funny thing for which one would be thankful for sure. Still, I have to express my gratitude for the challenges I've faced in my life that have made me stronger, that have brought me down a notch, that have helped me with clarity. Troubling experiences have been the foundation of much of what I see as me.

While I lived in Japan, I struggled to maintain a healthy level of nutrition in my food. I just did not have the funds necessary to do it. Since that time, I have found it very easy to be grateful for any food. I know what it is like to go without and I know how blessed I am that I am not hungry. Now, this also comes with a little bit of a kicker. When I see another asking for help, just a few coins, because they are hungry. I cannot pass them up without giving what I can. Good or bad, that's just how I roll anymore.

Challenges in my life have provided me a certain strength that I never knew before. If life were always easy, I would not realize the struggles some people face and how they must be addressed. I realize that some mistakes people have made aren't always out of stubborness or ignorance. Sometimes, forces outside of mortal control interfere with what might be an otherwise successful life. Humility has never been a strong part of my personality. Challenges in my life have helped me to recognize this, however.

The troubles I've faced in my life have helped recognize God's hand in everything. I can clearly see how the larger picture is greater than I am. My place in this great forever is small in comparison to the real goal. Challenges in my life have helped recognize the role service plays in helping us become better people. As we serve others, our challenges seem to become less important. Clarity truly sets us free from self-pity, self-loathing, and selfishness. This clarity is provided by way of serving our neighbor.

“If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be.” ~ John Heywood

I am grateful for the troubles that have beset me in my life. I am grateful for challenges that teach me better who I am and what I can become. I am grateful for the incredible perspective life's challenges have granted me.

November 2 - Get Out And Vote

2010-11-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for the efforts great men made 234 years ago, to work out independence from tyranny. I am grateful for the even greater efforts men made 223 years ago, to work out a document that established a great government balancing the need to be governed with the need to be free. I am grateful that even through over 200 years of changing times, the U.S. Constitution still stands to protect us. Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to join with many and exercise my rights, my responsibility, to vote. I am grateful that most people, most of the time, make the right decisions when they enter the polling place.

When I look at all the world, there are plethora an example of countries who've risen up, rebelled against an oppressive government, claiming independence from a tyrannical regime. When the smoke clears and all the fighting has settled, these people find themselves under another regime with much the same oppression. Yes, blood and treasure wasted to no good effect. It took our forefathers nearly 10 years to work out our constitution, to work out a free government, to establish a framework that allowed for change without bloodshed. I am grateful for their longsuffering and their patience. These men established a great country with great opportunities for all men.

Yes, we are truly a blessed nation.

Grateful For A Wonderful Wife

2010-11-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

The first thing I need to realize is that I would not be who I am today without my most important friend. She has been a major part of my life for over 20 years. Every big and little development, every aspect of my life, she has been there. When I get discouraged, she is there. When I want to celebrate, she is there. Yes, Jennifer is my everything. I love her and am very grateful for who she is.

I am grateful for her creativity. To everything in this life there is the way most people would do it and then there's a creative way to do it. Creativity lends to a much more fulfilling life. Why do we have to be just so when we can be better?

I am grateful for her brilliance. Quick thinking has been a Hallmark of our life together. New ideas for making everything better and more livable.

I am grateful for her loving heart. Even when things seem to be just about as unbearable as they could be, she has shown how much she cares.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

November is a wonder month here is North America! The fall season is brisk with leaves changing and falling. It's also a special month because of the great holiday, Thanksgiving. A holiday from early in our history, the United States has celebrated Thanksgiving since 1789 when President George Washington established the last Thursday in Novemeber as Thanksgiving by presidential proclamation. Tradition and presidential proclamations kept the holiday on the last Thursday of November until 1941. It was then that a United States Congressional declaration officially designated the fourth Thursday of November as the date of the Thanksgiving holiday.

I think this is the greatest of holidays. This year, I am going to do a little something different. For the month of November, I am going to focus on thanks with 30 days of thanksgiving. I think it will help me remain focused on why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Maybe we all should try do something like this a little more often than just this once.

The Role of the Governed

2010-10-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Literature, history books, various news outlets and my life are my only opportunities for understanding the lives of the people. "We the people . . . " The role people have to play in their government will definitely change depending on the form of the government.

A true democracy works wonderfully well when there aren't a million people wanting a million different things. Everyone has a vote that counts. Everyone is required to make a choice. Every choice is required to be made by everyone. All laws are made by everyone.

A republic is based on representatives of some kind. These representatives represent the people. Providing a service to the individual, the representative votes for everything. The role of the people is limited based on how the representatives are chosen. If the representatives are appointed for the people, there is little the people have to do with their government. This form of government can be a very fair one or a corrupt one, depending on how it is implemented.

Monarchies, Dictatorships, Theocracies, etc. Many versions of various kinds of government, each with varying degrees of "people" involvement.

Our government is a democratic-republic. We vote for representatives who are then sent to the capitol to represent our needs. Still, the representative is expected to decide certain policies without direction from the "people". We can be more or less involved in our government to suit our individual needs. Pretty simple, really. Well, is it?

"We the people" are willing to step on the liberties of others who do not believe the same as we do.

"We the people" simply do not care. Most of us don't.

"We the people" are more interested in obtaining security at the cost of liberty.

"We the people" are willing to give the government more power and allow more interference in our lives because we do not care enough to take care of it ourselves.

"We the people" want others to give up their liberties and give up their possessions so we can have more.

"We the people" care more about ways to manipulate the system and still look good to others than we do about making real change.

"We the people" look upon self-sufficient people and entities with greed and envy.

I do not like the things I see in our society. I hear about the evils of corporations from our leaders in government and calls to increase their taxes. What? Many, many people depend on corporations for their livelihood. Whether that livelihood is gained through employment or investments, taxing the corporation will damage people.

I continue to hear about those evil people who make more than $250,000.00 annually. They must have done something wrong to have gained more than their share of the money so we must tax them at extreme rates. Do people who earn over 250,000 dollars spend their money? I bet they do. So if you take that from them, are they going to be able to spend it? Nope. Who does that help? Look, it isn't about that anyway. Fairness. Equal taxation. These seem foreign to "the people".

Global warming. There is a concept science has "proven" to be caused by the actions of humans. OK, I'll buy it. We are causing global warming. I hear about purchasing "credits" that let "the people" live their lives the way they want and still feel good about how much they are affecting global warming. What kind of hypocrisy is that? Preach the evils of living in certain ways, consuming what you feel you would like and purchasing your way out of a sore conscience. If you truly believe the human experience is causing global warming, change your life. Do not burden others with your excesses.

Apathy. The fall of Rome was founded on apathy. The fall of any great civilization is based at least in part on apathy. So, should we do anything about it? I don't care.

OK, I care. The only way for us to be the best is to care enough to do the right thing. "We the people" do not care. Generally, our lives have become too complicated to care about doing anything besides those activities that have a direct and immediate affect on us and those for whom we care. Sad, really. A self-centered attitude breeds selfishness. Simple and obvious. How do we change? Make time to do things for others. Yes, it comes down to a seven letter word. Service. Serving the needs of others helps us keep our perspective where it belongs - outward.

In Bloomington, Illinois a man complains about an unrated foreign movie he rented from the public library. He said is was soft porn and should not be part of the library's collection. Whether that is true or not, I don't know. Based on this man's complaint, the library board decided to remove it from their DVD selection. I do not wish to suggest the library should have everything available nor do I wish to suggest there should be no limits. I wonder, though. Upon whose morals do we rely when we are deciding upon the limits of our liberties?

The constitution is only going to protect "we the people" as long as "we the people" are willing to do the right thing. It is not the government's job to take care of us. It is not the government's job to provide for the poor. It is not the government's job to provide health care or decide who must purchase what. It is not the government's job to tell me what to say. It is not the government's job to tell the radio talking head what to say either. It is not the government's position to do much of anything in my life.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

There needs to be a limit to what the government can do. Conversely, if "we the people" do not step up to the responsibilities endowed upon all men, the government will and the limits of the government will start to be loosened.

One day, "We the people" are going to say to our comrades, "where are we going and why are we in this basket?" We will not have to worry too much about it because the road will have been paved and paid for by our tax dollars, or rather borrowed from the taxes our children will pay.

Thmazing's Thutopia: Thmazing tells you how to vote on Props 20 and 27 - part 2

2010-10-27T00:33:00.000-07:00

Thmazing's Thutopia: Thmazing tells you how to vote on Props 20 and 27 - Part 2

So, yesterday, I talked a little about proposition 20 and the flaws it contains. I can't properly consider a proposition without fully understanding what the fine details are. Yes, on the surface there's reason to believe that proposition 20 should become law. However, as I suggested yesterday there's serious problems contained in this legislation. No matter how good the idea, the fine details need to also stand muster. There's got to be fewer flaws than the good done by the law.

Today, I would consider more deeply the opposing initiative, proposition 27. The authors of proposition 27 are Daniel Lowenstein and election law attorney Fred Woocher. It is an alternative to proposition 20, which establishes reform that truly merits the consideration of thoughtful Californians. It should not be dismissed outright without thought. Here's what proposition 27 (FAIR - Financial Accountability In Redistricting) would do:

Return control of redistricting to a democratically elected body that is accountable to the people, which can also be fired by the people.
Reduce the cost of redistricting. This is important at a time when California is spending far more money than it is taking in. FAIR establishes an unbreakable cap on taxpayer dollars that would be spent on this political game of musical chairs. FAIR will offer a "likely decrease in state redistricting costs totaling several million dollars over 10 years."
Mandate that all districts of the same type be precisely equal in population - no variations in districts means there will be no "rotten boroughs".
Reduce the number of cities and counties that are split between districts.
Strengthen effective community representation.
Return to the people the right to referendum, to vote no on a congressional redistricting statute.
Unlike proposition 20, there will be no income test for admittance to a district. FAIR requires all redistricting proposals to strictly conform to the mandates of the Voting rights Act. This will ensure fair representation for all people.

Let's make it so redistricting is done right by people who will be held accountable for their actions. If you do not like your representative, do what it takes to fix the problem the right way. Get enough like-minded people to vote against him. Turning to tricky solutions like proposition 20 isn't the right way to fix what is wrong with California.

Thmazing's Thutopia: Thmazing tells you how to vote on Props 20 and 27

2010-10-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

Thmazing's Thutopia: Thmazing tells you how to vote on Props 20 and 27

It's true there's something enticing about removing some of the politics out of redistricting California. It's true it seems to be the right thing to do. Still, can we really depend on this solution? What do we know about Proposition 20?

Proposition 20 would give power over redistricting of California's congressional districts to a panel of 14 randomly selected volunteers. They are required by law to have no experience in government or real-life redistricting. Also, the selection process is something only a tax accountant could love. Seriously. Anonymous tax accountants play a big role in the selection. Proposition 20 mandates that all California political districts be segrerated by income level. Yes, each district is to include only people of the same income as well as employment opportunities and other living standards. The words used in the legislation are "similar living standards . . . similar work opportunities."

Why? What purpose could there be to mandate the separation of people by income level into different districts? Through this scheme, the law would force San Francisco's high-end Nob Hill area (the Mark Hopkins Hotel, the Fairmont Hotel) to be in the same congressional district as the equally high-end Marina district (beautiful homes overlooking the scenic Golden Gate Bridge, vistas of San Francisco Bay) but neither of these neighborhoods could be in the same district as the high-unemployment ghetto of Hunters Point. Why is this so? All of these neighborhoods are currently in the district of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and all three areas contain Pelosi enthusiasts. What good comes from slicing out the primarily African American area of Hunters Point out of Peloxi's district? How does that imrpove life in the ghetto or on Nob Hill or in California. Does it stop our state from going broke? Does it eliminate the California debt?

You know what it sound like to me? It sounds like a throwback to an awfull, bygone era, "Jim Crow." Most voters today remember that time only because of what was written in history books. Others seem to have forgotten. Districting by race, by class, by lifestyle or by wealth just is not acceptable. Californians should understand these code words. The days of "country club members only" districts or of "poor people only" districts are over aren't they? This is only one reason Proposition 20 should be defeated.

So, what would happen if proposition passes? Redistricting will jeopardize the seniority of California's House members — Republican and Democrat alike. Billions of federal dollars will flow away from California to states like Texas or New York. Those states' senior congressmen will be protected by state legislatures desperate for federal dollars. You know there's a reason the League of women Voters recommends voting against Proposition 20.

Personally, I don't care as much about the loss of senior representation. It's about the level at which this legislation was written. What are the alterior motives behind the legislation? Don't vote for something because of what the stated intent is without looking at the legislation, you know the small type. You wouldn't buy a car without due research. You wouldn't sign any contract without looking it over. This is just as important.

Seek Ye Earnestly, You May Find Happiness Along the Way.

2010-10-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Alice came to a fork in the road. “Which road do I take?” she asked.

“Where do you want to go?” responded the Cheshire cat.

“I don't know,” Alice answered.

“Then,” said the cat, “it doesn't matter.”

– Lewis Carrol, Alice in Wonderland

I’m no longer a twenty-something or even a thirty-something. I guess that means I’m getting old, though I shouldn’t like to accept such a horrible possibility. I’m certain it’s far better than the alternative – death. It wasn’t too long ago that I’d hardly admit being “middle aged”. Middle-aged isn’t but a heartbeat away from old no matter your perspective.

Consider how different life seems as we look at it from different stages in life. A young man, full of hope, is driven if not blinded by ambition. He seeks out a certain life, fully intent on capturing happiness as if it is a possession. He thinks there’s a rainbow and the pot of gold is just as real. All he has to do is follow that rainbow and he’ll find it. Later, when half of life’s cards have been dealt, that surety isn’t quite so strong. Still, there is ambition but the strength to follow that ambition isn’t quite as resilient. The rainbow isn’t quite as vibrant and the surety of a pot of gold isn’t nearly as unwavering. Finally, an old man looks back on what has been, ambition long consumed in the pursuit of that happiness, he breathes in that undeniable gulp of satisfaction of what has been a very fulfilling life. No, there was no real rainbow with a pot of gold sitting there for the taking. Conversely, happiness was not something to be possessed; neither could it be purchased even for the price in the ransom of a pot of gold. His happiness was found, as the old man knows, through deliberate and passionate pursuit.

What do you want to do with your life? Where do you want to be? Why aren't you happy? What will make you happy? So many questions that are seemingly unimportant lead to answers that build a foundation upon which our life's highway is created. We cannot be happy if we live without ambition, wondering aimlessly. Many people flounder in their lives never really doing anything. If we do not have an understanding of what we're after, we will never gain more than what simply gets in our way as we wander through life.

Incredibly, it is too late when many realize that it was all for naught. The onset of what we have termed to be mid-life crisis comes when we realize our wanderings have been haphazard, leading us far from what really brings us joy or what really matters.

Instead of accepting what will eventually become of us, we will find greater joy in determining the correct path to follow. We cannot know what that path is until we know where it is we want to end up. Introspection and deep, significant planning is only part of the process. Maintaining a grasp on that reality, stopping and taking inventory, repositioning ourselves relevant to our desire and pressing forward with full purpose - these are what we must do if we are going to gain access to the better part.

“Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop.” – Lewis Carrol, Alice in Wonderland

The Arbitrary Nature of a Sign

2010-10-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

Late one night, a man gets a call from a close friend, who says, “I finally did it: I bought the Ferrari. I am going to drive it for the first time tonight, and I wondered if you would like to ride shotgun.”

“Of course, I would.”

So the man waits by his window until he sees the new sportscar pull up at his curb. He grabs a sweater, then runs and hops in the passenger seat. It is a cool summer evening when the two of them begin racing through the residential neighborhood and then to one of the major arteries in town. The speed limit is 45, but they are doing 75 and feeling rather comfortable with that until a light a block ahead turns red. The driver hits the gas and speeds through the red light at 90. His friend screams, begging the driver to stop, but he keeps going and makes it through the intersection safely.

The passenger turns to him and asks, “What are you doing!?”

“It's okay; my brother drives like this all the time.”

They proceed, when another light turns red ahead of them. Again, the driver floors it, and the car passes through the intersection at 100 mph. Now the passenger is truly terrified, so much so that he nearly ruins the apholstery. And he screams in his fear, "What are you trying to do, get us killed?"

“Hey,” the driver replies, perfectly calm, “it's okay; my brother drives like this all the time.”

Again, a red light ahead: the driver accelerates. About a half-block from the intersection, the light turns green, and the passenger breathes a sigh of relief, but the driver hits the brake hard -- so hard, in fact, that the car fishtails, then turns sideways, rocking back and forth on the lip of the intersection.

“Now what?” asks the confused passenger.

“My brother might be coming.”

We can all see the same sign but read its meaning very differently. Our own perspectives color or distort the meaning of what we see. In fact, many times we will never know the truth because our perspectives distort so much that it is impossible to see it as it actually is.

Put Your Right Foot In!

2010-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your right foot, but you can't. It's preprogrammed in your brain!!

While sitting where you are, at your desk, in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction!

So, can you do it? Can you move your foot in a clockwise circle and draw the number six in the air with your right hand? I bet you can't.

Nature of Heresy

2010-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Consider our divine rights as humans to believe and live according to those beliefs, speaking freely on how we believe. I am left wondering how people who believe differently than I do feel it in their best interest to protest my beliefs. I am well within my rights - constitutional and, according to the Declaration of Independence, divinely acquired - to talk about and live according to those beliefs as long as doing so does not infringe on others' rights to the same.

Further consider that should a man believe certain principles to be divine, asking him to recant or speak contrary to those principles would be infringing on his rights to believe or live according to those beliefs.

I would never presume to suggest that another's beliefs are any less valid than those I hold dear. Although I might consider certain beliefs to be divinely sure - a.k.a. factual - I cannot presume others have come to the same conclusion. I would not think to hold a man to lower esteem for having convictions that are contrary to mine. I only ask for the same consideration not only for myself but for everyone.

If I should consider certain principles to be divinely sure, my actions would be heretic should I chose to recant or apologize for them. I would then be hardly capable of doing so under any outside pressure which was less powerful than my conviction. A dedication to what one considers truth would hardly be worth anything if this was not the case.

No, I should not think to suggest anyone has the right to tell anyone else what to say or how to believe. The freedom to make these decisions certainly is divine in nature so it truly is the heretic who lives contrary to his own beliefs or suggests another should do the same.

Let The World Proclaim!

2010-10-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

The efforts to make a mark in the world - whether that's just your little place on your street or something a little larger - seem to take up most of our time. We like to think we're something more than a bag of water waddling around from the time we wake until we again slumber. The cycle of a day seems to move monotonous, day after day, year after year... I really like to enjoy those days that actually are a little different. Are we better than what we do? Are we something more than the product of those days?

When I was a boy, I liked to hear about King Arthur. The story of a man who envisioned a world better than what he was given. A man who trusted more than he should. A man who paid the price for his ambition and trust.

In the story of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere gives this advice to Lancelot, the bravest of the Knights of the Round Table: “For I would not have you declare yourself to the world until you have proved your worthiness. Wherefore do not yourself proclaim your name, but wait until the world proclaimeth it.”

There are times when no one will do your proclaiming for you. Generally, however, patience must prevail over the desire to stand up and boast greatness from the rooftops. The struggle to keep ambition at bay and remain humble seems to be one of constant concern.

Does anyone notice? Is there a point to this grand undertaking? Are we left to muddle through all this without any real reward?

Make No Excuses

2010-10-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Alma counseled his son Corianton, “And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.

“O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.” (Alma 42:23-30)

Let our sins harrow us to the point of repentance. That is the message Alma was teaching his son. When we work to hide from our sins or cover them up, we’ll not progress or grow. It is only after recognizing that we have sinned that we can start on the path that returns us to a place closer to our Heavenly Father.

I wonder how much I have hindered myself by making excuses for my shortcomings. How much more is there that I haven’t attained for the excuse that I am but a weak man! It is the basics that I must apply to my life – prayer, study, service, family.

An Evening Cruising with A Good Friend

2010-10-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, I found myself with a dear friend, four one-dollar bills, a car and an evening free of any real distractions. With the grand brain-trust we shared, we decided to spend the money on fuel and drive the night away. I guess it was not even fathomable to use the money on food or entertainment we could take home to either of our parents’ houses. The price of gasoline was not nearly as outrageous then as it is now or the drive would have been blessedly short.

We climbed into my four-door 1968 Toyota Corona, the color of which was a terribly unmanly baby blue, and headed to the gas station where we proceeded to dump all four dollars into the tank. The radio in the car played only the AM stations so we carried with us a portable radio/cassette-tape player for additional entertainment. We called it a Ghetto-blaster but it was not nearly as impressive as all that. Still, our night was set before us and we had a sound track ready to go as well.

I don’t remember what discussions we had or even everywhere we went. It was seriously not at all that exciting as anyone could imagine. I remember a few of our stops. We made it to the hotel where I worked as a night security guard. After that stop we headed south toward the beach and before heading home stopped in a couple other places.

At the hotel, a grand tour of this no-name establishment was in order. A single tower of 14 floors (13 really but there are too many superstitious people out there), the tour wasn’t really all that grand or super interesting for my friend I’m sure. We road the elevator to the top floor and found our way to the roof to look over Disneyland and the surrounding areas. Since the design of Disneyland and the civil codes of Anaheim prevented seeing anything outside of the park from the inside, the view into the park from the outside didn’t really reveal anything either. Yep, that view was the less than exciting capstone to an otherwise boring tour.

Before heading back to the car, we stood at the top of one stairwell and sang a few lyrics from a popular song of the day. I don’t remember which it was though I’d like to think we sounded pretty good. The echo that returned to our ears probably helped our illusions of grandeur. The majesty that was our post-pubescent voices was almost assuredly not something others would like to have heard. Looking back on that evening, I hope no one heard us. I also hope we weren’t singing any Spandau Ballet, A-Ha, or The Culture Club. That would be a terrible tragedy. There were a couple lines from a Frankie Goes to Hollywood song that echoed pretty well but I would prefer to imagine that even that wasn’t among our play list standing at the top of the stairs.

We headed south on Harbor Boulevard toward the beach. The Anaheim police made every effort to keep prostitution away from the tourism centers but we stopped and talked with a couple girls who were walking along Harbor. They were hoping for a little more than some conversation but we weren’t buying their goods. I often think back to that day, wondering how girls get so desperate and lost. Interestingly, a few days later while I was working at the hotel, someone left a note on the windshield of my car. It was hard to understand for the spelling and grammatical errors. It said something about remembering our talk and the car.

We actually made it to Pacific Coast Highway, where we turned east toward Newport Beach. I guess we were running low on fuel or there wasn’t anything more memorable than driving in the dark but that’s pretty much all I can recall from that night. Given the chance to run the night through again, I don’t know what I would change. We had the choice to sit in front of a TV and vegetate or do something equally unproductive at home but we decided to waste some fuel and spend the night driving. No more productive in some ways but far more in others.

I wonder if my friend remembers that night. If he does remember, I wonder if he recalls the night differently. I wonder how close to true my memory, or his, really is. By the time we leave this life, all we have are friends, family and memories. It is a blessing, I think.

Embarrassingly Useful

2010-10-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

A guy goes to the store with a list of items to buy. Everything is going swimmingly until he gets to the tampons. What guy enjoys buying female hygiene products? I can’t think of any guy who would put that at the top of his most desired purchase. Still, logical thought dictates he isn’t buying it for himself. All worry about that purchase is solely created from inside his tiny little brain. Kotex, on the other hand has other uses that might be considered manly. A Kotex pad in the first aide kit would provide incredible soaking abilities you’ll not find in many other products. I think it would not be bad to place one of these in your kit before your next hunting or camping trip.

There are other ingenious devices and gizmos that provide sincere benefits but aren’t necessarily something we want others to know we have or are thinking of buying. Here’s a list of a few products we’d probably think of using if we could get them while people were looking the other way.

I think if there were a poll, hotdogs would come out pretty high on the list of foods people like to eat. What about those things people like to put on those dogs? Chili, onions and sauerkraut all have a nasty habit of coming back to the party after it is over. Bad breath is one thing for which many products have been marketed successfully. No one is all too worried about going into a convenience store to pick up a pack of gum or mints. Even if it comes down to begging, we don’t normally find it too embarrassing to get that solution. What about the gas, though? If you eat, your body will generate gas. It’s part of the digestive process. Even those people who’ve been successful keeping the rest of the world ignorant of it, have it. A company called The Pond Inc is Marketing a product line known as Subtle Butt Gas Neutralizer. Seriously, someone figured how to use a charcoal filter to neutralize flatulence! How cool is that?!!? Well, would you not want to have the power to fart without the consequence?

Long, lustrous hair is the envy of the bald and not-so-bald worldwide. It is a sign of vibrant youth and vigorous health. Television, movies and novels all use hair to help portray everything people want in their lives. So much of my time is wasted on commercials about hair care and products to make it more shiny, stronger and thicker. Personally, I go with just about any shampoo that doesn’t make my hair fall out and carries a price point I don’t find overwhelming. I’ve spent a lot of time waiting in the hair care isle while others in my family stand perplexed by all the choices available to them.

There is unwanted hair, too. Razors, hair removal crèmes and other devices that seem to be inquisition rejects abound. I’ve seen coils of wire that just pluck the hair off legs. I’ve seen bloody legs after a bad razor was used. I’ve experienced razor-burn that seemed to take hours to go away. Then there’s the hair in hard to access areas, visible to everyone who would look. Ears and nose should be outwardly bald. This seems to be a universal attitude. If there were a simple way to eliminate this unwanted hair, I’m sure more baldness would be found. I have never heard anyone complain of ear or nose baldness. There are various companies marketing products that help eliminate hair from these small crevices in the head. From specially designed scissors to small electrical devices, there are myriad solutions for every ear or nose. Now, if you could just find the privacy necessary to use them, you could pretend to be afflicted with nose or ear baldness.

A survey suggested 40% have problems swallowing pills. Most of these people are not willing to talk to their doctor about the problem they face when prescriptions require taking a pill whole. If you are one of millions who have trouble swallowing pills, then you know the dreaded feeling of watching the doctor write you out a prescription. What if there was a solution that would work for children and adults alike. A few different solutions are available. One of these is the Oralflo Pill Swallowing Cup. The design of the cup allows you to drink the pill down without the stress or worry usually involved. No more chewing or crushing, just a simple swallow. Another similar product is the Pill Takers Cup.

How do we get by when our problems are so personal? We seek out products that will help. Getting those products without drawing attention to us will sometimes require a little creativity. It is the creative mind that wins every time!

Muffins and Wings

2010-10-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Today, I feel to be something of a curmudgeon – a Fashion-Curmudgeon. I watch various fashion trends come and go. I’ve watched the rise and fall of the waste line, neckline, shorts’ legs and shirtsleeves. I am one of those guys who will sit in a mall and watch people walk by. I notice things and take note of other characteristics. I recognize the fashion trends that seem to work OK for some but really do not for others. I sit and watch, wondering what it is that motivates people to ignore the mirrors hanging above the sinks in their bathrooms, on their closets and in their hallways.

Oh, I am not immune to these things. I am one who is afflicted with the terrible and oh so common dunlaps. You see, my belly done laps over my belt. Though my pants aren’t tight, it seems my body is formed to fit so that my slacks are significantly smaller than my shirt. From the top of my pants to my feet I am one size but from my belt on up I’m quite heavier. The distribution of fat in my body is certainly a sign of bad things but let’s look at the shape what happens at the belt line. There’s got to be something I could do about the statement I make nearly every day by the way I am dressed.

Today’s fashion seems to be one that cuts just about everyone right through in the most unflattering way. Low-rise on some is actually something of a pinching in a very uncomplimentary way on most others. Oh, it’s the in thing to wear your pants halfway through the widest portion of your body! Well, does this fashion make the statement you’re looking for? Are you sure you want to show the world the top of your undergarments? Or worse, to reveal the seam between your left and right buttocks? Are you the one who makes the statement that this fashion does not fit everyone? Can you see that billowing affect above the top of your pants?

The world has compiled different terms to describe the affliction. You know when we squeeze ourselves into these cloths that accentuate our fleshy middles in such a blossoming way. Muffin Tops, Bingo Wings and love handles. Yes, they all describe the phenomenon of overhanging flesh (fat) when it spills over the waistline of pants or skirts in a manner that resembles the top of a muffin spilling over its paper casing.

I want to make the call to people: take a moment when you dress, look in the mirror. Do your clothes really fit? Do you actually look good in the fashion statement you are making? Seriously, there is always an answer to the riddle that helps you look better. No, you may not be wearing the latest fashions designed for the size double zero runway model who can’t eat a hamburger without worrying about gaining an ounce of weight. No she doesn’t have to worry about that ballooning affect that is quite pronounced on the rest of the world.

Take a chance and secure your place in the world without bowing to the pressures to put on those clothes that do not fit you as intended. Seize the moment in clothes that won’t split or split you in ways never intended. Why tug and pull at your clothes all day to keep them in place? Be comfortable with who you are and wear clothes that are designed to accentuate your positives. Wear the right size and right design for your body. Yes, you can be styling without bowing to the fashion fad of the moment.

Have Faith; Fear Not

2010-10-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

Faith and fear are mutually exclusive. You cannot have faith and fear and you cannot fear while having faith. They rest on opposing poles and will never be together in the same place.

This is easier to iterate than to implement in life. How many people have professed faith then lived another life! We place greater trust in ourselves or our neighbors than we do our God. We suggest there's more and that He's all powerful yet we let the world dictate our very actions.

So, the solution? Well, my mother always says put your money where you mouth is. No, I do not suggest we all need to pay monetarily, though that is part of it. If you fear God more than the world, make the right choices that place God above the rest. Live life as if God were more important. Faith is certainly a verb, more than a belief it is action. Faith should dictate our every move and with faith there is no fear.

With faith, our lives would be more prone to serve others. We'd place the needs of others above our own comfort. With faith, there would be no suffering. Simplistic? I don't think so. We learn from our God unselfishness. Most ills in the world stem from being selfish.

Have Faith; Fear Not.

The Illusions of Slumber

2010-10-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

The fact that everyone dreams is pretty universal, isn’t it? Still, I try never to read too much into the night visions haunting my sleep. What I remember of my dreams is very foggy most of the time. I know there are more than just the few moments I can still recall after waking up. I also know that little things can set off some of the strangest of illusions. The other night, I was dreaming about a race down a desert hill in something of a cardboard racecar. That alone is quite weird. The race, however, ended abruptly as I veered right into a barrel cactus. I braced for impact and threw my hands forward to keep from doing a face plant directly into the cactus. Boy, did my hand feel those needles. Looking at my right hand, I had three-inch needles slicing through my palm. I knew I needed to get these things out of my hand so I ran off to get medical attention – yeah, I could have just pulled them out myself but I was being wimpy. As I was going, I noticed my hand started to swell. Eventually, the swelling had advanced to the point that my fingers disappeared into this throbbing ball of oozing flesh. That’s when I woke up. My hand was very sore in reality. The elementary thought of cause and effect would bend logic to consider the dream was so real that the pain persisted even until I had waked from my slumber. In fact, I was probably sleeping wrong and had lain on my hand causing the pain. The dream was likely the result of this discomfort.

I think, in most cases, we create what we see while we sleep. Most dreams are based on things we were thinking about sometime in the hours leading up to our nocturnal slumber. Or, as in the case of my soapbox derby debacle, it is a result of a pain we’re feeling at the time of the hallucination.

More recently, I dreamed a very vivid and detailed vision. I share it here not for any other reason beyond how vivid the detail and significant the emotions derived from the experience.

Whether I was late to the party or most other guests were early I could not tell. It seemed the small park was full of people, all I would call friends or close family members. I was particularly surprised to find in attendance friends who I hadn’t seen in many years and many family members who had actually already passed from this world. I thought how special the occasion must be to garner such attendees. Still, I had no understanding of the purpose of this wonderful gathering. The feelings of acceptance and love persisted as I paused to speak with various people. I enjoyed handshakes from some and warm embraces from others. Everyone seemed to be in grand spirits for the occasion.

I did not recognize the park where the party is in full swing. Inside a perimeter set by whitewashed wrought iron filigrees and flourishes, the grounds were well manicured with twisting walkways that run parallel to closely trimmed shrubs. Lush cannot begin to describe the labyrinth made by a wonderful mix of common and exotic foliage. All paths, however, seemed to converge in the middle of the grounds where a beautiful waterfall, pond and gazebo stood. There were three fountains with water fanning in all directions spaced through the pond. With rocky outcroppings and lined with various kinds of ferns, the waterway too was manicured with impeccable grace. I noticed on one wood pillion low to the water's surface, a small turtle warming in the fleeting heat of the afternoon sun. There were myriad colors shimmering under the surface as nishikigoi swam in a hypnotic rhythm.

While I was entranced by the beautifully colored carp I realized my watch had started to fall apart. I scrambled to catch the pieces before I would lose them in the water below. How did they fit all these parts into such a small timepiece? My hands were overflowing with springs, cogs, gears and ornamental finery. I noticed there was just too much for one person to handle and sought help from those around me. Although they looked at me with sympathetic eyes, no one moved to my assistance. As I began to feel overwhelmed, I dropped a couple pieces into the shallows near the gazebo. I needed to retrieve these and bent down to reach them. As I picked up one piece, I would drop one or two others. My situation became desperate. I didn’t want to misplace even one part. I had hope I could still repair what was being lost.

As I turned for help from those who were near me, they seemed to move away from me. The sympathy that first displayed in their eyes was replaced by a cold stare of indifference. It was at this point I felt a sincere loss and the heaviness of despair. I could not give up but there was no chance for me to retain this treasure.

In the midst of this hopeless turmoil, I woke. The clock read 3:30.

The Bottle of Wine

2010-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

For all of us who are married, were married, wish you were married, or wish you weren't married, this is something to smile about the next time you see a bottle of wine...

Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road.

As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride.

With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally.

'What in bag?' asked the old woman.

Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, 'It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband.'

The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said:

'Good trade.'

Wow, this time piece is it!

2010-04-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

OK. One of my most favorite things in this world is wristwatches. I find them very fascinating. I like most watches from the atomic to the analog pocket. They are functional art. Today, I stumbled upon a retro design that I think I must have...

I can't dish out the cash today but I think I'll be saving my pennies toward this one. I can only hope I accomplish this feat before it is too late. It's a limited edition Stauer 1930s Dashtronic. Blending the modern functionality of a 21-jewel automatic movement and 3-ATM water resistance with such distinctive, retro look of a jumping display. I think it is pretty intense.

A Third Part...

2010-03-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning early with my brain whirring and whizzing about. Weird that it would be something about which we have so very little information.

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.” (Revelations 12:7)

So, Michael and his angels fought the good fight. Lucifer had been crafty enough to gain a following. In verse four of the same chapter in Revelations it suggests, “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven”.

Now, here’s what I was thinking about: is this 1/3 of the hosts of heaven? Is it an exact split? 2/3 for G-d and 1/3 for Lucifer?

If this is so, if these people who were for G-d embraced his plan and fought with Michael “against the dragon” why is there so much going wrong on earth? Seriously.

Then, I thought of something that might be a plausible explanation. One part of the hosts of heaven were zealots in the cause and fought with great determination “against the dragon”. They were particularly faithful and strong. There was, then, another part of the hosts of heaven who were either deceived by Lucifer or embraced his plan whole-heartedly and fought on his side with the same zeal as the first part of the hosts of heaven. These were they who were cast out of heaven. Now, there remains another part. A group of the hosts of heaven who did not feel the zeal or need to fight on either side, waiting to see which side should prevail. Upon seeing what the outcome was about to be, these aligned themselves with Michael the Archangel and his zealous hosts of heaven.

Not an exact division but a division of three groups. The third group, being the third part who were drawn after the dragon, were cast from heaven. When it came time for mortality, all those who did not align with Lucifer, who became Satan, would enjoy the experiences available here on earth.

So, the less zealous group having been able to squeak by are also here taking full advantage of free will. At times, they fail to make the right decision in such egregious ways as to be recognized by a majority to be most evil.

That’s what I thought about this morning before the sun rose on a new day.

White Socks

2010-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Responsibility and white socks. Who would’ve guessed the correlation white socks would have with that most grown up of words? It was, however, that day when the white socks would come to mean something more than a suit or your best pair of slacks.

Dad never wore anything but dark socks. When he got dressed in the morning, regardless of the day’s activities, before he put on his shoes, he pulled on a pair of socks. The socks were always dark socks. These were the proper socks. Understated and reliable, the dark socks seemed to go with dad’s personality very well. They would do.

Today. Today was the day the young boy would be baptized and be confirmed a member of the church. It was a couple weeks since his eighth birthday so he was old enough to live with the responsibility and honor of being a member of the church. No, he didn’t know everything but not even the oldest member of the congregation had an complete grasp of the gospel. Everyone was still learning.

Responsibility and white socks. The gateway to embracing that responsibility is baptism and baptism required white clothing. Although most people went bare foot, Dad had a pair of white socks that he would wear to keep his feet comfortable. This was the first time the boy had ever seen Dad wear anything but dark socks on his feet. It seemed to be engrained in who dad was, the dark socks. The more worn socks would become work socks and he would never wear those on the Sabbath. The new socks were for Sunday best dress but the older ones would do for the other days.

White socks and responsibility. Juxtaposed in an unusual way, white socks weren’t about responsibility in most cases. White socks were about fun, sports and recreation. You know, the things people did when they were trying to avoid responsibility. White socks were almost like saying, “I’m not going to do that. I’d rather be shooting some hoops!”

White socks. Only a few things stand out as unusual that day. While some things were very special, others were just unusual. The white socks were very unusual.

Making my will mirror His.

2010-01-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Speaking to his Son Helaman, Alma implored that he “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.” (Alma 37:37)

I’ve tried to instill in my children this same kind of practice. I have tried to teach them the importance of turning to our Heavenly Father both in times of prosperity and times of need. My heart aches as I listen to my daughters plead for us to be blessed with employment almost every time they pray. It seems no matter who acts the part of the mouth-piece, the same plea is part of the prayer. The stress lately has been incredible. That my children must go through this time with me does not help me feel less culpable or more empowered.

I found myself driving this morning with nothing but the sound of the road and my thoughts. When I had a passenger, she was sleeping. I just drove in silence, thinking. I wondered as I thought – wondered how long this might continue. I wondered what it was I was doing, or wasn’t doing, that was aggravating the situation. I wondered why our prayers seemed to be falling on deaf ears. Then, a thought came to me. Am I seeking to counsel with the Lord in all my doings or am I seeking to counsel the Lord in what He should be doing.

What then is His will for me and my family? How can I be sure I am seeking after those things?

In Priesthood meeting this morning, we spoke about Moral Discipline, the General Conference talk Elder D. Todd Christofferson shared this past October. Additionally, we covered Moses 1 in Gospel Doctrine. On the face of it all, these subjects do not seem to speak to the problems I am currently facing. However, there were a moments in each hour that seemed to suggest I had a few things to change in my life.

Our Heavenly Father cares deeply for each of us as a Father cares about his Children. Our Savior, Jesus Christ has experienced enough, descending below everything, to truly understand every trial we ever face. His love for us and His atoning sacrifice are enough to meet our every need. That wasn’t all today’s gospel doctrine class brought to my mind but some of the more important aspects of the class summed up in just a few sentences.

Truth does not change based on our perspective. There is a standard for each of us and that standard is the same. Again, not everything but something very important to me today.

How do these principles apply to my problems and to me today? I know I felt God’s love for me today as the spirit whispered such sweet confirmation to my soul. I just have to figure out what the Lord’s desires for my family are and how He wants me to act on that. I need to figure how to make my desires mirror His. No small task, that.

New Years Revolution

2010-01-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

You say you have a New Years resolution? Well, you know, people want to improve themselves. You suggest it’s the best solution? Well, you know, people want to improve themselves. But when you talk about resolutions, don’t you know you can count me out! Don’t you know it’s gonna take more than that? All right, all right.

You say you have a real solution. Well, you know, we don’t all want to see your plan. You say you want my contribution. Well, you know, I prefer my goals to last. But when you want to base yours on the turn of the year, they’s something less than substantial. All I can tell is brother you have to change something more than the calendar. Don’t you know it’s gonna take more than that? All right, all right.

You say you’ll change with this resolution? Well, you know, you’ll have to change your head. You tell me it’s the passing of a brand new year? Well, you know, you better change inside, too. Still, if you insist on that brand of thought, it’s better than doing nothing at all. Don’t you know it’s gonna take more than that? All right, all right.

*** *** ***

This last year has to go down as one very tough year. I have to admit I’ve seen growth in this turbulence. It’s time for more than just resolutions, I’m afraid. Time for something of a revolution, yes!

Crossroads Weather: Foggy with a chance of confusion

2009-12-30T04:53:00.000-08:00

It’s clear. I understand now. Over the course of a lifetime, people are just not fully aware of their circumstances. They don’t know what they are doing. It’s a groping in the dark thing. I came to this understanding this morning. It’s not something to take lightly, though we are all certainly blessed for our efforts. Imagine how worse off we’d be if we weren’t blessed. Every decision we make for the most part of our lives is based in near complete ignorance. Still, we plow through and do what needs to be done.Everyone operates under mostly the same situation. We wake up every morning. We go through the day, eating our meals, doing those things that need to be done, and finish by climbing into bed with a prayer that our next effort will be done well. Then, the following morning we do it all again. The things we do are support of any decisions we made some time prior. Some choices seem to be made on the spot without any effort while others are more dramatic and can’t be so casual. Even though it may seem that the most unimportant decision is made on the spur of the moment, it’s not. We’ve prepared for that decision. Those more important decisions? Well, we’re never quite ready to make them. When we think we’ve got all the information, we don’t. Still, we do the best we can.So, our life – it’s merely one decision after another. We act or don’t. We eat or don’t. We sleep or don’t. It’s what we do or don’t. The younger we are, the less we are concerned with the research. Still, the older we get, some of the seemingly less important decisions get too little attention. Life doesn’t change much; just circumstance and perspective transform to fit the individual. Rash isn’t quite the right description, since that suggests a little less respect for the process. Unfortunately, we aren’t capable of anything else. Sure, some people are a little less affected by this malady but everyone is stuck with it to one degree or another.

As a young child, the decision process is simpler but the way we make those decisions doesn’t change a lot. Should a child decide to place a forefinger into an outlet, the shocking experience is enough to generally dissuade further experimentation. The choice to not place the finger into that hole in the wall doesn’t require a full understanding of electricity – only just enough to know it isn’t comfortable to do so. Down the road, as we age the choices are a little more complex. Regardless, we don’t have all the information before a decision needs to be made.

Choices and decisions and the consequences that follow leave us to make more choices and decisions. Sometimes, a little coaxing is necessary. Most people have parents who gladly help with this process. Those who do not, struggle a little more but they still have to make it through the process. Teachers, pastors, bishops, policemen, firemen; mentors all. People learn as they make their way through life.

I’m interested in how we seem to judge another person for the decisions they make. Even if we don’t want to admit it, we all do it. It’s clear if you just listen to 80% of all the informal conversations people have. They’re talking about people and the circumstances of their lives. A cursory look at the programs on TV suggests we’re not interested in much anything else. Reality TV, News and programs that center on the gossip of Hollywood takes up the majority of what is available. There must be something of a voyeuristic high when we watch Jerry Springer and those who choose to expose their lives on his show. Why else would that kind of show be so popular?

We see that man at the freeway off-ramp with his sign. We either give him money or try to ignore him. Either way, we make a judgment about the choices he’s made. Why else would he be standing at the freeway off-ramp? Certainly, no one wakes up one bright spring morning and decides it’s time to go get a crudely drawn cardboard sign announcing one’s desire to work for food. That choice doesn’t just come out of the blue. Does it?

So, when we make our choices, are we thinking about the long term affects the choice might make? I’d have to suggest, no. Well, not clearly. We look at the near term and some short term affects. For most choices, though, it is about the here and now. Motivations are clearly based on what is best for me now. Seldom does a long term view enter into our decision making. I’d suggest that the long-term approach to decision making happens at the most once a year during open enrollment. Life insurance. What level should I choose? 401k. How much a month should I put into that? IRA’s and CD’s. Same as 401k. You don’t think about these things all the time. Well, most don’t.

So, at eight years of age, I chose to be baptized. Did I really know enough to make that decision? I don’t regret the decision at all. But, I clearly did not have a large enough perspective to make that decision with a full understanding of the consequences.

When I was 19, I chose to serve my church and my Lord on a mission in a foreign land. The experiences I had while I served were priceless. I learned innumerable things. I grew significantly. Still, did I have enough foresight to know that was the best course to follow? I have never regretted the decision to go, even with all the struggles I had while serving. These struggles started during the first weeks and did not cease until after I returned home. I could never have prepared for those things I would encounter and have to work out without the benefit of parental guidance or any support from anyone I knew before getting out to serve. It was all because I chose to jump onto this effort with full commitment.

When I was 23 years old, I asked my dearest wife to marry me. I hadn’t finished school but I thought it would be a good thing to be married anyway. I didn’t complete the course work at that time because my duty to my family was far greater than my need to be educated. That decision certainly was not about long-term benefit and spoke specifically to the needs of the moment.

I’m certain there are hundreds of decisions I’ve made in the past 40+ years that could be detailed in like manner. The point is, it’s not normal for a person to understand the full picture when the decision needs to be made. Decisions and choices are made without that understanding and affect us weeks and years later. We’ll struggle with the consequences of a decision without ever really knowing what the real basis for the problem actually is, working to find a resolution to fix the “now”. We’ll probably negatively affect the future again and again.

I wonder how best to beat this cycle.

I Am the Christmas Spirit

2009-12-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

I enter the home of poverty,
causing pale-faced children to open their
eyes wide in pleased wonder.

I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax,
and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.

I cause the aged to renew their youth
and to laugh in the glad old way.

I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood,
and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.

I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways
with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts
amazed at the goodness of the world.

I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild,
wasteful way, and send to anxious loved ones some little token
that releases glad tears - tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.

I enter dark prison cells,
reminding scarred manhood of what might have been,
and pointing forward to good days yet to come.

I come softly into the still, white home of pain,
and lips that are too weak to speak
just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.

In a thousand ways I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God
and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.

I am the Christmas Spirit.
~ Anonymous

Failure to Find Cheese

2009-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Failure, utter and complete, has been the incredible picture my life has painted over the course of the past few years. You’d think I was saying this to garner sympathy or at the very least comment. I’m not. It is just a little realization that came to me in my sleep. And, like my Grandmother used to say, “I’m not complaining, just explaining.”

A few years ago, I owned my house and had a pretty decent job. The family was pretty happy living out in the Midwest. Things were good. I enjoy shoveling snow during the winter and mowing the lawn during the summer. I enjoy the extreme cold and wet heat but nothing beats the wonderful spring and fall days of pure comfort, breathing in some of the cleanest air to be found. Life was grand. I guess I took it for granted.

Have you ever read the book Who Moved My Cheese? Well, my cheese has been totally decimated, leaving me with nothing nearly as comfortable as what I had back then. In an attempt to gain some grasp on that wonderful pile of cheese, I moved first to Chicago then to Los Angeles. It seemed for a season I had what I sought. The cheese supply has not been enough, though. I need to find another source of that commodity.

It’s nearing a year since I last worked at a normal job. My prospects are almost all dried up dust in the perpetually blowing wind. I’ve wandered through this maze of life, having no luck with a new source of cheese.

My wife suggests I need to embrace what life has offered. I don’t like it. Although I used to consider myself a cheese lover, it seems my taste for cheese is quite limited. I’ve got to figure how to force my cheese-desires to expand. The question is how.

Why Xmas instead of Christmas?

2009-12-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

I’ve heard people complain about the replacement of Christ with X in Christmas. There are many who misunderstand the origins of this practice, thinking it is an attempt to remove Christ from the center of the holiday. Of course, many seem to think the holiday itself was from its inception centered around Christ but that’s another story all-together.

I wonder how many people remember the historical account of the Emperor Constantine and how he decided to embrace Christianity. It goes something along the lines of this. You see the Emperor had this vision of sorts. It was probably not unlike anything many others have had but we tend to shy away from calling these things visions for fear of seeming insane. I wonder how many of the Emperor’s contemporaries thought he had lost a couple of those bricks making his load a bit incomplete. In any case, in this vision Mr. Constantine saw the Greek letters Chi and Rho intertwined.

The Greek Chi is written a bit like we write X whereas the Greek letter Rho looks like our P. Chi and Rho are the first two letters of the Greek word Christ, which means savior. XP is sometimes used to stand for Christ. Sometimes, X is used alone to mean Christ. This is the case where Chi replaces Christ in Christmas.

We English speakers and readers see X and don’t associate that with Chi. We read X-mas and have problems seeing the connection with Christ. Some Christians then mistakenly believe it is an effort to secularize the holiday.

Happy Xmas everyone!

Lost in the Depths of Worship

2009-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

As the he entered the chapel, the young boy remembered that he didn’t have his arms crossed and quickly folded them. The hustle that prevailed over the need to get to church on time seemed to give way to a higher, more sacred quiet. This was not a place to play. The importance of this large room seemed to create an incredible weight that pressed down on him from all directions. There was no place in the world where the boy felt smaller. Without any of the comforts afforded by upholstery, the pews were hard, slick benches that seemed to tower over the boy. Rows of these benches led up to the pulpit, which was made from the same blonde-stained hardwood. From the boy’s perspective the ceiling was a mile high from which hung very large chandeliers that lit the room well. The boy felt guilty when he would think how fun it might be to climb the rock on the walls. The organ pipes hanging from the wall behind the pulpit made a design that seemed to the boy a face starring down at him. He’d close his eyes tightly, trying to avoid that glare. Every time he looked up, it was still there.

This was a solemn place. A place for worship. A place to be quiet. Young boys didn’t know what worship was anymore than they knew why the sky was blue. It just was quiet, a very heavy quiet. Always there was a man – sometimes a woman – who would stand at the microphone and talk about things the boy didn’t understand. These were interminable moments. Trying hard to listen, it mostly didn’t make sense. The boy liked to hear about Jesus – it seemed to comfort him. He’d sometimes hear stories about the man who built his house on the rock and the other guy who built his on the sand. He enjoyed hearing that. He liked to hear about when Jesus helped a man see or walk. He really liked to hear the story about the man who needed help but the only help came from a stranger. But most of the time, the grown-ups would talk about something that just didn’t make sense to his young ears.

The boy did understand the music, though. This young boy liked the singing part. That was the only time when he could raise his voice and push back at that heaviness he always felt here. Some of the hymns weren’t loud enough; that bothered him a little. The hymns didn’t all provide an equal measure of relief. Some brought a greater reprieve while others were simply a break in the talking. Although the Choir might sing sometimes, those times weren’t as fulfilling when the boy could sing with the congregation. That was his time.

It was hard to sit quietly, being still. Sometimes, the boy couldn’t stand it any longer. He would get fidgety – just a little – drawing Dad’s attention. A stern look told the boy to straighten up, stop moving and be quiet. The boy knew that was a warning he must heed. He hated to hear the admonition from his Sunday School teacher to “be reverent”. What does a four-year-old know of reverence? When they taught about reverence, most of what the teachers might say was hardly understandable to his young mind. He only knew quiet and nice. So, he would do his best to be nice and quiet.

The pressure in this solemn place was terribly heavy on the boy. Once, he forgot to pick up his little book when they left after the meeting was over. After realizing what he had done, he asked Mom to go back to get it. Mom was busy and told the boy he could go get it and then they would go home. He had to go in there alone. With no one else in the room, the silence seemed to hang even heavier. The boy didn’t know what fear was. Well, not until he had to go into the chapel alone. Mom and Dad always chose to sit toward the front of the chapel, which made the trip from the back doors a very long, difficult journey into this profoundly quiet, hallowed room. Once he picked the book up, his legs made to run out of the room but he knew he was to never run in the church. He held back, walking as calmly as he knew how. Still keeping his arms folded in front of his chest, he held the book with one hand under his arm. His pace picked up and by the time he was nearing half way back he was almost running – he never ran, though. That would be wrong.

*** *** ***

A Date With The Vampires

2009-11-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I walked into the room, which wasn’t dark at all. You’d think the vampires would be skittish about sunlight and such. You see this in the movies all the time. Where else are you going to learn about vampire lore beside the movies? Of course, there’s always Brahm Stoker’s Dracula. That’s more about a single vampire and could hardly be considered a complete definitive work as it is focused on a single Romanian vampire. So, we turn to the movies. Oh, and the internet because the internet is always so full of truth. There we find that a vampire is thus confined to the world of the night and must refrain from even entering sunlight. Just a side note: the best vampire movie out there is Vampires, starring James Woods, although it is less a horror flick and more a western gone terribly bad.

Anyway, I walk into the room full of vampires and their prey ready to do my part. It’s a vile scene indeed. On one side of the room are interview rooms; the other has a table full of snacks. I’m sure the vampires realize how difficult it would be to lure willing participants without the benefit of food. Besides, after losing a pint of blood, some people are a little woozy and need a bit of a pick-me-up before they go back to the bustle and hustle of life. The center of the room has a few beds organized so a single vampire can multi-task, focusing on two donors at a time. This is all about efficiency. People aren’t going to wait around all day just to give some stranger their blood.

Today, I notice some newer devices. Apheresis machines. I’ve been hooked up to one of these before. The process then was for platelets, which took about 2 hours. The vampires that day were thrilled to get just a portion of my blood rather than the normal whole blood.

I was invited into the interview room. No, this was not your typical Interview with a Vampire – Tom Cruise was not in attendance. I guess the world has come to a point where even the vampires are a bit picky about from whom they choose to draw blood. The movies seem to make you think just any warm body will do. Here, however, they’ll take a sample of your blood, your temperature and blood pressure then ask a lot of questions about where you’ve been and with whom you visited those places. A lot of personal questions, too. In previous interviews, there was an interviewer asking the questions. Anymore, they set you up on a computer and have you take the interview. It’s not unlike those Facebook quizzes the kids are all doing these days. Of course, the questions and the resulting conclusion have a little more correlation than those online quizzes.

I guess I passed the quiz because the interviewing vampire asked if I had ever done the apheresis machine. I told her that my experience was limited to platelets. She explained that the purpose would be to draw out red blood cells but like my previous experience the rest of the blood would be returned to my body. Of course, they’d take twice the red blood cells than they would have if they were to take a pint of whole blood. I accept the offer. You’d think the hypnotic ability of the vampires would be a little more devious. Here I am willingly giving up my vitality. You can only give whole blood once every eight weeks. Doing it this way that period is extended by double to sixteen weeks. They can’t take more because it takes that long for your body to replenish what they’ve taken.

Anyway, the machines were busy with other victims, er, donors. So, the vampire suggested I move directly to the snack table to wait for my turn. Whoa, cookies! The point wasn’t about fattening me up, was it?

When my turn came, I was ushered to an empty couch where I lied down. Another interview, though shorter, began. These vampires were all about education, it seems. After declining the opportunity to ask any more questions, the bloodletting began. Just in case there was to be blood splatter, the vampire grabbed a face shield. Blood splatter? Well, I guess the movies can’t all be wrong, can they? To my great relief, there wasn’t any blood splatter at all. I’m sure there were some who would have enjoyed the spectacle but I’m a little squeamish about my blood splattering anywhere.

The machine started drawing out my blood. There wasn’t any pain, I could hardly tell much was going on at all. When the red blood cells were removed from the blood, it was returned to me. That’s when I could feel something but not at the needle site. My lips started tingling a little. The vampire probably thought this was happening so she asked about it. A strange sensation, I didn’t know what to make of it. But as the machine started drawing out whole blood again, the sensation went away. The process repeated itself four times. Then, I was done. More Snacks! I got a T-Shirt for my efforts too.

Anyway, the vampires aren’t taking the blood for themselves. That’s another movie myth. The story here is that the blood is used to help others who need the blood for some reason. Accidents, surgeries and other ailments will sometimes leave people in a place where their bodies need the blood. An act of service unlike most other opportunities, the chance to donate blood is probably one of the more selfless deeds a person can do. You know what? The vampires are very nice, too. Besides, they feed you snacks.

The Stache-O-Rama

2009-11-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

So many people and so many different styles. The mustache is so personal it seems silly to name them but we do. Everything from Fuman-chew to the Ringmaster, there’s something unique in each style.

I’ve always been enamored with the idea of facial hair. In the movies, in sports, even on the news, there’s always someone who’s decided to give up the razor preferring instead to grow a statement in the form of hair. In most cases, the good guy’s mustache is distinctly different than the bad guy. It’s rather unrelenting though, even the Duke did it once in a while. There’s something about facial hair, a well manicured stache, that says, “hey! I’m tough enough.”

Look, it isn’t that the mustachioed are all tough and manly. Sometimes the stache says, “hey, I’m a perv!” Those are the ones you want to avoid at all costs. Why a guy would decide to grow a flag on his face of that nature, I’ll never know. It just seems in some instances, it’s the wool under the nose and above the mouth talking. It takes significant dedication to build yourself a respectable handlebar mustache. Few can actually pull it off. Fewer can take that into the mean streets and survive.

So, what kind of mustaches are there and what do they say about the guy wearing them? Does this hair-lip provide a window into a man’s soul? It does seem that the mustache has as many rights in certain industries as the man.

As depicted on TV, and at traffic stops across the nation, a policeman sports a certain look that says, “you don’t want to mess with this.” It’s about survival on the streets in a world of surprises. I have a few friends who’ve decided to embrace this profession. Each of them sports a mustache and each mustache looks almost the same. I think you’d find this style of mustache very similar to the one Tom Selleck’s Thomas Magnum drove around the islands in that sleek Ferrari. I’ll admit I was more interested in the car. In any case, many people do not know that most police departments have regulations limiting officers’ facial hair to mustaches only. I would suggest this is more in the name of standardizing appearance and possibly to avoid strange soul patches or goatees. Still, this type of mustache seems to be a symbol of following the rules, and not expressing oneself in a way that might offend other citizens.

The Walrus has nothing on some of the more stringent of the tough guys out there. This stache named after a rather tough animal, is found on many in the blue collar world, primarily the service and repair sector. Many of these guys are self-employed. A prideful mustache, the walrus represents the no holds barred caliber of the men that helped to build this country. It also seems to complement the wearer’s credibility when quoting prices to housewives for dishwasher repairs.

The chevron mustache seems to lend its wearers the personification of panache. You’ll find many in the broadcast news industry showing off this style. It seems there’s no better way to conduct journalistic affairs than by letting this tasteful representation of manhood precede a dramatic presentation of the facts!

Salvador Dali had a style about his facial hair that has come to be synonymous with the artist. Also, known as a “spaghetti mustache” the tips can be used as paint brushes – in a pinch.

Although funny-man Charlie Chaplin wore this mustache during Hollywood's silent era, it certainly is better recognized as the choice among dictators. Recent appearances have included ex-Zimbawean ruler Robert Mugabe's upper lip. The most famous - or infamous - would be Mugabe's hero, Adolf Hitler. Incidentally, this mustache is named the toothbrush.

I recently came across a useful tool – the internet is full of the useful and useless. This one is useful, I say. I’ve seen my kids playing with those paper dolls, where you can place different styles of clothes and fashion on a model to see how they look. Well, Lord Likely has come to the rescue with a more manly version of this old trick. Check it out: Lord Likely's Extra-Ordinary Interactive Mustache-O-Rama.

The Way of "Public Options"

2009-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have been worried a little about the “public option” the Obama administration has been pushing to include in the Health Care reform now making its way through both houses. The administration is claiming such things as increased competition and reducing costs as a reason for needing the government to take on the role of insurer. First, the government is already fully vested in insuring millions of people. There is a very large constituency who have a large stake in keeping the status quo as far as the government’s health care. They are the retired population who utilizes the system we know as Medicare.

Let’s take a moment and look at something a little unassociated with the current debates going on in Washington about the Health Care reform. Student Loans. The student loan program started back in 1965. It was a private/public partnership. In the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL, pronounced fell) the banks would loan money to students who would pay them back. The Federal Government would reimburse the banks for up to 97% of defaulted loans. That is a simple way to put it. Oh, I left out something many in Washington want everyone to remember. The Government took on the bad leaving the good (and the profits) to the banks. That too is a little over simplified.

So, in 1993, congress created an alternative to the banks. Students would cut out the middle man and borrow directly from the Federal Government. The excuse at the time was that the banks needed to have another source of competition. This was the way to reduce the cost to borrowers while increasing profits to the Government, who was insuring all the loans anyway.

Enter the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA). The house passed the bill the week of September 18, eliminating the private sector’s role in federal student loans altogether. If this bill passes the senate, the approximately 4,500 colleges and universities that are currently signed up for FFEL will have to abandon the program and start using the direct-loan option by July 1, 2010.

Now, is there a parallel between the government’s involvement in health care and the way the student loan programs have gone? I don’t know but there is an eerie familiarity to the argument for a “public option”.

This morning I got another message from Moveon.org requesting my money. Yeah, that is another thing I always like to read about in my inbox. In any case, they’ve created a new advertisement that suggests the “public option” is all about making it more competitive. An organization that is all about social medicine is arguing the lesser offense of a “public option” for health care that would stimulate competition.

I do not believe everyone arguing for a public option is seeing it as the gateway into a more socialized system. Some do, however.

The “public option” is considered by some the most important part of the Health Care legislation. Many, like the Moveon.org organization, are more interested in moving on a larger agenda that can benefit from a “public option”. I don't see the “public option” as truly beneficial to the citizens as a whole. Do you? Let me know what you think.

Boycott a News Network?

2009-10-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

You know I got myself on this mailing list. It was an accident, completely unintentional. Really. Moveon.org likes to send me things. They’re always looking for me to jump on the band wagon, sign petitions, contact my congressman and senators. It’s serious when I get a message from them. No, really serious and always urgent. Everything must be addressed today. Do not wait!! It was one of these messages I got this morning.

I guess President Obama has called for a boycott of Fox news. I have a hard time believing this but it is true. The man is concerned enough with what Fox has to say that he doesn’t want anyone to listen to the message.

I don’t remember ever hearing a past president take the time to call for such a silly effort in all my life. OK. There are sillier things. I don’t know if you remember when Natalie Holloway disappeared and there was some pressure for the Bush administration to something about it. His response, "My daddy hated broccoli and I'm gonna hate arugula. I don't see how this is gonna help find Natalie but my crack staff tells me it's the right thing to do. Ya'll let me know if this works because I'm just looking for a reason to boycott navy beans and beets. Did I ever tell you of the time I ate some beets and the next day my stools made me think I had a colon problem?" the President said. Now that is silly.

Still, President Obama is calling out the entire news network because of what a few commentators have allegedly done by attacking his nationalization of the health care system. No, I’m sorry. He isn’t trying to nationalize the health care system. His administration is just trying to get a better grasp on Health Care for all Americans. It is certainly considered a human right by many. Since it is considered a human right, then it is imperative we make health care available to all people. In any case, the White House communications director said FOX is a "wing of the Republican Party...let's not pretend they're a news network."

Let me see. FOX is a “wing of the Republican Party”? I don’t subscribe to this belief. Concerning the claim that they aren’t a news network I’d like to suggest a couple little points we should all consider. Brit Hume and Chris Wallace. Two members of the news staff at FOX. Two very good examples of what Journalism should be. Two members of the journalistic world that used to work for ABC and NBC respectively. While they spent a portion of their careers in the “real network news” they were both considered exceptional journalists. What happened?
I have watched NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX national news. I would suggest that none of the other networks can put anyone up against the experience either of these two men bring to the table. “Unbiased reporting of the news” is a fine descriptor of Brit Hume’s reporting style. Incredibly, I would be hard pressed to find any other reporter on today’s national stage that can match Mr. Hume.

The Democrats don’t like FOX. OK, I understand. There, on the FOX news channel, they won’t find many friends opining. President Bush and the Republicans would have been hard pressed to find a friendly opinion on any of the other networks. I do not recall any such call for action from the past administration that matches this call from the White House to stop listening to a valid news source.

I open myself to your best. Fillet me for my opinion. I’m ready. Still, it is quite silly to call for such an effort. Moveon.org has grabbed a hold of this bandwagon and is rushing to put some weight behind it.

This is a change in which I refuse to believe. Please, tell me why I am wrong.

Service - Mosiah 2:17

2009-08-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

During his earthly ministry, Jesus spent his time serving and helping others. As true disciples we should be doing everything we can to emulate the master. The Savior said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

When we entered the waters of baptism, we took on us the name of Jesus Christ. This was a covenant that we would always remember Him. Alma told a group of new converts that their desire to come “into the fold of God” also included a willingness to give meaningful service.

“And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
“Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life” (Mosiah 18:8-9)

Willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light.
Willing to mourn with those that mourn.
Comfort those that stand in need of comfort.

In a parable, the savior told of his return to the earth in His glory. To the righteous he said: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”

The righteous, who are puzzled by this asked, “Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?”

Then He answered, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”

King Benjamin, a very wise and serviced minded leader of men, taught: “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

So why do we serve?

The Lord loves and watches over us. He knows each of us individually and understands our needs. He knows what our lives will provide and what struggles we will face. In most cases, however, there is no divine intervention. God simply does not step into the fray on our behalf personally.

Upon death a man finds himself before the lord in judgment. This man was angry with God. All his life he saw the problems that seemed to pervade the earth. He is angry and blames God for all the problems he sees. At the end of his angry rant he asks God, “Why did you not do something to help these who could not help themselves?”

The Lord’s response was simply, “I sent you.”

In the Book of Mormon and also in other scriptures when we read of a prosperous people – it’s the spiritual sum that is arrived at by the multiplying of service to others and by investing talents in service to God and to man. Jesus taught that the two great commandments upon which hang all the prophets and the law involved a deepening of love for our God and our fellow man.

For a good part of my life, the account of the barren fig tree in Matthew 21:19 confused me. It seemed the Lord was simply mean spirited. This went contrary to everything I knew to be true. The account in Matthew reads:

“And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.”

Surely, this tree was doing nothing for the benefit of anyone but itself. With a gloriously lush exterior, the tree stood out as being wonderful. The tree had the outward appearance of greatness without the true benefit of service to others. With a true loss of potential, this tree was nothing more than self-serving. We are no better than this tree if we live our lives without service.

Spencer W. Kimball: “The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls.”

What does he mean by appropriate service?

There are so many of these causes to which we can give ourselves fully and freely and which will produce much joy and happiness for us and for those we serve. There are other causes, from time to time, which may seem more fashionable and which may produce the applause of the world, but these are usually more selfish in nature. These latter causes tend to arise out of what the scriptures call “the commandments of men” rather than the commandments of God. Such causes have some virtues and some usefulness, but they are not as important as those causes which grow out of keeping the commandments of God.

Civil Service – We are encouraged by the Lord and our church leaders to become actively engaged in worthy causes to improve our communities, making them more wholesome places in which to live and raise a family.

Early in this dispensation the Lord made clear the position his restored church should take with respect to civil government. In a revelation he gave to the Prophet Joseph Smith, he said: “And now, verily I say unto you concerning the … law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, [that it] belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.

“Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you … in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land” (D&C 98:4–6).

In harmony with this statement, the Church later adopted as one of its Articles of Faith: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (A of F 1:12).

We should uphold and sustain the law, but work within the law to be an influence for good, as the Prophet Joseph Smith counseled us.

We Love those who we serve

There isn’t a returned missionary who hasn’t admitted to a great love for the people in his mission. Why is this? The missionary learns to love those to whom their service is directed. Whenever we truly serve another, the side affect is a love unfeigned.

I have known a man who lived his life in service. He was faithful and knew a happiness most people never do. He didn’t just serve those he loved and knew. Through service he grew to love and know those around him. This knowledge provided even greater opportunity and desire to serve. This truly is a good cycle of life.

We are commanded to “love one another”. It is through service that we are able to develop love.

We are commanded to “love our enemies”. It is through service that we are able to develop love.

This man of whom I spoke lived his life in service. Once one of his children was having a feud of sorts with another boy down the street from where they lived. That feud culminated in a broken window. Rather than react as many would think normal, this man did not jump to the defense of his child or argue that it must have been the fault of the other boy. Conversely, he went to the hardware store, purchased the materials and replaced the window. This was not good enough. The following day, after the weekly bread was baked, he delivered a loaf of that bread to the family at the home. There was no space in the man’s heart for judgment. There was no place in the man’s heart for the selfish, unfulfilling life of blame. He found strength in serving others.

True service

True service is more than the works of our hands. The scriptures teach the Lord sees our thoughts. Deuteronomy records one of God’s earliest commandments to Israel that they should love him and “serve him with all [their] heart and with all [their] soul.”

God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to choose and anoint one of the sons of Jesse as a new king for Israel. He was to reject the first son, though he was a man of fine appearance. The Lord explained, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7.)

Solomon exhorted in proverbs – and this is something with which I’m sure we’re all pretty familiar – the statement that as a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 23:7)

Latter-day revelation declares that the Lord requires not only the acts of the children of men, but “the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.” (D&C 64:34.)

Numerous scriptures teach that our Heavenly Father knows our thoughts and the intents of our heart. (See D&C 6:16; Mosiah 24:12; Alma 18:32.) The prophet Moroni taught that if our works are to be credited for good, they must be done for the right reasons. If a man “offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.

“For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.” (Moro. 7:6–7.)

Similarly, the prophet Alma taught that if we have hardened our hearts against the word of God, we will “not dare to look up to our God” at the final judgment because “all our works will condemn us; … and our thoughts will also condemn us.”

It is through service that we learn to love one another. Through service we become true disciples of our Savior. Through service we are sanctified and become more like Christ.

Yep, there's an app for that too!

2009-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve never been very good at the rate-on-a-scale-of-ten thing. Even as a young kid, I didn’t think much of the practice. I remember how gaga my friends were over Farrah. Man, we were only in 6th grade but they were certain she was something. More recently, the world has turned its sights on such celebrities as Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox. Oh, sure the women get excited about celebrities too. They prefer Brad Pitt, Ashton Kutcher and Denzel Washington. I just do not seem to understand. Maybe it’s because of all the subjectivity involved. What is beautiful to one isn’t necessarily beautiful to another.

When I hear about Miss USA or Miss America pageants, or even Mr. Universe, I wonder how it is the judges can say they’re being objective. Seriously, these guys aren’t sitting there at their desks with their calculators doing complex mathematical logarithms. The judges would be dressed a little differently if that was the case. Anyone for a pocket protector?

Enter the iPhone. You know about Apple’s hand held device that is better at everything than anyone else except one thing – being a phone. Seriously, how many applications are available on this thing? Over 50,000 apps. There seems to be an app for every purpose but if there were, more would not be developed. My brother has an iPhone. He has used a couple of the apps to my benefit. Last week, we were going to a restaurant in Salt Lake City and he used an app to get us there. I liked that GPS functionality. There is also an app called Vanity™ for the iPhone & iPod Touch.

Vanity™ is going to change how people evaluate people. OK, maybe not. There’s still that subjectivity thing getting in the way. However, this app uses the phone’s ability to take a quick snapshot, evaluates the picture and returns a rating of how hot that person is. Yes, it’s on a scale of 10. Girls, just how hot is that tall-dark-and-handsome wanting to buy you a drink? I’m pretty sure it won’t take too much convincing to get this vanity stricken hunk of man-meat to let you take his picture.

Once you’ve got the picture in the phone, all you need to do is get his face framed from forehead to chin, zoom in and center the blue vanity dots over features like his pupils, nose, mouth and chin. A well-manicured, slicked back hair-do just won’t help this evaluation. After everything is locked into place, the app will calculate a score. You can save the score or post it to myspace or Facebook for the entire world to see.

Wondering about the world’s celebrities? Yes, you can compare them to each other and to those you meet on the street. Head over to the Vanity Report and check it out. There’s mathematical proof there that Brad Pitt is overrated (Brad Pitt – 8.3, Angelina Jolie – 9.2).

Sir Mixes It UP, in the House!

2009-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Remember when the party was just not that cool unless there was a DJ keeping the noise at 140 dB? You know that crazy guy who showed up an hour before the party started with his ’73 Pinto loaded to the gills with equipment and vinyl! His fashion sense was just about as extreme as his taste in cars, too. Boy, he made a regular old get-together one rockin’ good time, didn’t he?

These days, there are more people carrying their own mixes. In fact, even mom makes a pretty mean play list. Gone are the days of vinyl, except in some extreme cases. Even the large collections of CDs have seen the passing of their heyday! Still, there is something lacking, something more than the wise cracks of an otherwise unassuming young man wearing some really strange clothes.

Enter the DJ Mixer. Not a throwback to the less-than-aesthetically-pleasing vinyl, this allows you to take two IPODs or two MP3 players or a mix of the two devices and make your own mix. In fact, the unit includes folding headphones so you can look the cool part of a real DJ while you mix it all up. You’ll probably give into the need to start telling little personal anecdotes and longer stories between sets. If you mess up the transition, there’s always the included effects programs to hide your little mistakes with a simple push of a button. The DJ Mixer has a flange and filter and cross-fade slider; recording option and speaker system connection with a stereo audio cable with in-line jack. Sweet mother of DJ goodness! This baby even charges your IPOD while you scratch, mix and play to your heart’s content.

What will people think of next?!!??

Mary Janes' Relaxing Soda

2009-08-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

I came across something a little different, recently, that advertises itself as a perfectly legal and healthy alternative. Mary Jane’s Relaxing Soda, claimed by its purveyors, offers something many people find in substances that might have limited medical use but aren’t quite legal. Interestingly, they suggest this frosty drink proffers the mellow without the hangover.

The claim to an all-natural experience includes a pretty limited ingredient list as well. Carbonated water, Cane Sugar, and Herbal Extracts. Mary Jane’s Soda, Inc. maintain the beneficial properties of each of these ingredients on their website. The soda is “lightly” carbonated to open the taste buds rather than overwhelm. All-natural Cane Sugar has a preferred taste to the more common Corn Syrup. It is the Herbal Extracts, however, that lends the real punch. Of these they list two specific extracts: Passion Flower and Kava.

Passion Flower’s leaves and roots have a long history of use among Native Americans in North America and were adapted by the colonists. The fresh or dried leaves of Maypop are used to make an infusion, a tea that is used to treat insomnia, hysteria, and epilepsy, and is also valued for its painkilling properties. This plant has been found to contain beta-carboline harmala alkaloids which are MAOIs with anti-depressant properties. The flower and fruit has only traces of these chemicals, but the leaves and the roots are often more potent and have been used to enhance the effects of mind-altering drugs. Once dried, the leaves can also be smoked.

Kava is a tranquilizer primarily consumed to relax without disrupting mental clarity. Its active ingredients are called kavalactones. In some parts of the Western World, kava extract is marketed as herbal medicine against stress, insomnia, and anxiety. A Cochrane Collaboration systematic review of its evidence concluded that it was likely to be more effective than placebo at treating short-term social anxiety. Safety concerns have been raised over liver toxicity, although research indicates that this may be largely due to the use of stems and leaves in supplements, which were not used indigenously.

Since most people do not consider the negative side effects of their legal drugs of choice, I do not think many who would drink this will either. I just thought it interesting that there is such a drink being peddled in a way that just about anyone can get it.

Cap N Cruch is better than Cap N Trade

2009-07-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

An open letter to US Senators Feinstein and Boxer:

It is interesting that arguments for a Cap and Trade system try to describe it as a market style reform to reduce carbon emissions since there isn’t a true market until it is developed by people looking to create a system of transferring wealth. You see markets have to be based on real, tangible products with consistent, market wide values. The policy presented to Congress and the Senate has been one where the value assigned is based on a system that penalizes certain losers while unfairly benefiting others. Trading practices that will cost business in America many millions of dollars. Since companies will find ways to make money off the system, they’ll continue to pollute here and abroad, moving their operations to locations where they will not be held to such high standards. This is a sure way to move badly needed jobs out of the country as well.

I urge you to consider this legislation and all the affects, both desired and unintended. Much of what we face today in our economy is the unintended consequences of past Senate, Congress and Executive decisions. Vote no on Cap and Trade, save our economy, our jobs and our standard of living.

Contact your Senators at this website here.

Excuses? We've Many. They Do Not Stand Muster.

2009-04-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

When I read about people who live in places so remote, so far from any temple, they have to traverse significant hardship to get to the House of the Lord, I think about the Los Angeles traffic as nothing more than a short cakewalk.

Our lives in Illinois were very blessed as we were living in the Nauvoo temple district. Although the drive to Chicago or even to St Luis took less time, the trip to Nauvoo was always very enjoyable. I never did mind the three-hour drive. Temple attendance was hardly something we could accomplish on a whim but still it was nothing more than a day trip.

Incredible hardship stands between many saints and the temple. I recently read an account of the trip the saints living in Manaus, Brazil, endured to get to the temple. They would travel for two days on a crowded riverboat on the Amazon River only to spend another two days on a bus through the hot tropics so they could attend the Recife temple. Now, that takes a true commitment of time and effort!

So, what excuses do I have that would sufficiently explain any deficiency in my temple attendance? Oh, the traffic? Hardly.

Why Here?

2009-04-10T10:00:00.001-07:00

Ah, Southern California is such a wonderful place. It is so wonderful, millions of people have swarmed into its warm embrace, overwhelming just about every system we've built to sustain our hectic lives.

The freeway, so called because there are no tolls, is congested nearly all the time. If you plan on going 30 miles, you need to also plan on taking over an hour to get there. The only thing free about this way is the lack of tolls. Millions of people destroy thousands of cars a year in the frantic stop and go traffic.

There is no salt on the road to corrode the car's body or undercarriage. The constant stop and go, however, is the drive train’s worst enemy. Traffic, however, is a way of life. You cannot let it get you down. We go at this beast with a different state of mind, one that will not allow an increase in stress just because we're sitting in a line stretching for unseen miles. Every day, every single day, we subject ourselves to this beast, bowing to its very tangible power. Regularly, this monotony is interspersed with some very real excitement.

Excitement presents itself in a way that is so very hard to avoid. Due to one or two drivers who decide they’ve had enough of the non-monetary toll to drive these roads, caution is thrown to the wind. This is when accidents happen. An accident has the power to disrupt traffic for hours. Make it big enough, that interruption can last for days. With the right luck, a collision in the right place at the right time can affect well over a million commuters and even tie up some airtime on local radio and television. In fact, you do it right, people will talk about your exploits for at least a few moments around the water cooler before the real work of the day begins.

Traffic is not the worst aspect of living with so many people. It is just one of a few problems we face here in Southern California.

Why, then, do people live here? Well, here’s where I live. I live among rolling hills that are truly breathtaking for most of the year. I get this beauty while enjoying weather – or non-weather – that is hardly ever harsh, or difficult in any way. I drive through these hills almost every single day. Where I am driving, there are seldom the long lines of cars and traffic that you see most everywhere else in the megalopolis that surrounds Los Angeles, stretching south to San Diego and north to Santa Barbara. Yes, this is an oasis of sorts. It is one of the few reasons I can continue to suffer through red taillights and traffic almost ever time I want to go almost anywhere.

Overstepping Bounds Set by the Constitution

2009-04-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, President Obama essentially fired the CEO of a publicly held firm:

The Obama administration asked Rick Wagoner, the chairman and CEO of General Motors, to step down and he agreed, a White House official said.

I would like someone to point out exactly where in the constitution the President is given such powers. What I do not understand is how such a power grab can be seen as all right. It may be the best thing for GM but it is not the job of the White House to make such a decision.

Today, I got a message from MoveOn.org asking for my support in sending a petition to Treasury Secretary Geithner that it was time to start firing the Bank leadership. Sounds rather reasonable, if you don’t mind the government stepping over their constitutional limits.

As I read on in the missive, I found something that started to make a little more sense to me. Not only was MoveOn.org calling for action against Bank CEO’s but there was one specific CEO they were after – Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis. What was it that Mr. Lewis did to draw such attention from MoveOn.org? I was pretty much shell-shocked. I was really stricken by this venomous attack on a single member of this class.

I read further and realized the whole basis for MoveOn.org’s efforts. It seems that shortly after receiving their portion of the bailout money, Bank of America brought together a group of banking interests to figure out how to defeat the Employee Free Choice Act.

Now, depending on your perspective, this bill is either real bad or real good. It is supposed to make organizing unions easier. Now, if you're pro-union, this is good. It also eliminates the need for anonymity in the voting process. You see, if you’re afraid of the union, you’re not going to vote against it as long as they know you did. Regardless of how I feel about unions, this is not a step toward freedom but a leap away from it. I cannot see this as good.

So, here’s what concerns me about the President, the White House, overstepping this particular boundary. The White House calls for – forces – the resignation of a CEO. This establishes precedents and a pattern in which the government gains greater control over industry. This is a move – blatant, unabashed, outright – toward socialism. Hugo Chavez did this with Venezuela’s Oil Industry and many people found it offensive. Where is the outrage when it starts happening here at home?

I don't know a lot about much but . . .

2009-04-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

I do know this is just not right:

Before last week, when was the last time a sitting U.S. President bowed before the leader of another country? NEVER. Does it seem just a little odd that when former President Bill Clinton inclined his head while meeting the Japanese Emperor, the news papers had a field day but not a single mention of President Obama's bending at the waist before the Saudi King? Although it could be argued President Clinton had no intention of "bowing at the neck", I don't know what President Obama was thinking. I still wonder where the news organizations are on this.

Epic Fail

2009-04-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Between the State Department and mix-ups at Federal Express along with my current employment status, keeping my head on my shoulders has been frustratingly difficult. I think I need a candy bar.

I was reading a talk given by President Monson all the way back in 1977 when he was a member of the Council of the Twelve. He talks about the faces of failure: The Face of Fear, the Face of Idleness, the Face of Doubt and the Face of Sin. Each of these has its pitfalls to which we might succumb. I wonder if there aren't other Faces as well. When we get beat down in our efforts, it is left to us to get up but one more time than we are knocked down. How do we know if the battering has ceased if we do not try again?

Elder Monson counsels us to combat these failures with Attitudes of Accomplishment. He characterizes these attitudes as the Attitude of Faith, the Attitude of Work, the Attitude of Courage, the Attitude of Obedience, and the Attitude of Love.

Interestingly, there might be times in our lives - I should actually suggest there will be times in our lives when we've nothing more to bolster our confidence, nothing on which we can lean than the strength we can gain through our faith.

"Faith implies a certain trust, even a reliance, upon the word of our Creator," Elder Monson explained.

When everything seems to combine against us, it is this faith and the Attitude of work that will get us through the tougher times. Faith gives us a reason to make the effort and by work we are able to make that continuous effort toward the accomplishment of our goals.

As I struggled through this week and these past few months, it has been difficult to keep my chin up at times. Not a few times have I had to turn to my Heavenly Father for strength. I can only hope that my hope, my faith, and my courage can help me to win out in the end.

The Perpetual Fool Takes a Break . . .

2009-04-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Incredible. I nearly made it through the day without a single folly. A very nice thing, I have had a problem with April Fool’s day for nearly as long as I can remember. I cannot recall a time when playing the joke on others was my primary concern. For nearly as long, I have found myself victim of some of the more mundane, less than creative pranks on this the first day of April. Since I have a tendency to believe anything I am told, fertile is the ground for such horrors.

Almost every year I wake with a grand sense of dread, knowing that something somehow will leave me lulled into believing one possibility while an entirely different reality bares sway. At the end of the charade, someone somewhere will call me on my naiveté.

This year was pleasantly devoid of such experiences. In fact, I didn’t have many reminders at all of this most unpleasant tradition. Today, I was not the fool. My heart is full as I close the day, full of gratitude.

Always Remember Him - Even during the Sacrament

2009-03-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

When partaking of the Sacrament, we are making a sacred covenant with our Heavenly Father. Our part of that covenant is to always remember the Savior. This covenant helps me as I live my daily life, keeping me focused on those things I know He wants for me. Lately, I've thought more particularly on what it is I am doing while I am making these promises. Yes, I find myself looking at the reverence with which I participate in the Sacrament Meeting - especially during the Sacrament Service itself.

A weekly ordinance, rather than a once-in-a-lifetime-event, the sacrament is one of the only ordinances in which we participate more than once for ourselves. Since it is rather more frequent an experience, we should all be far better at performing it with exactness. Since our attention should be more than just a moment for partaking of the bread and a moment for partaking of the water, what do we do with the rest of that time allotted for passing the sacrament?

I remember being told as a child that I needed to think on the Savior and what he has done for me. As a young child, I had no idea what that meant so I sat quietly, which kept all those around me happy enough. Simply sitting there quietly during the passing of the sacrament seems to be a little less than enough to qualify as participating in this ordinance. Concentrating on worshipping the Savior, refraining from all other activity, is what our aim should be during this most sacred time of most weeks. Yet, how do you teach someone what it means to worship? How do you teach a child that merely being quiet is just not enough? So, I need to ponder. Is the act of "pondering on His sacrifice for me" enough to say I am worshipping Him?

Tyranny of the Majority

2009-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

The president and those yokels in congress have run amok. Seriously. Between what they've been preaching and the media's high horsed rants, so many people have climbed aboard the bandwagon of "give it to me for free!" Our country, our poor, poor country, was not established on the virtues of large take-care-of-everyone's-needs government. The successes we've seen in the history of this great nation have emminated from an attitude of DIY - Do It Yourself.

Was it right for AIG to give "bonuses" to executives, using the monies obtained through a hastily crafted, fault ridden, bohemoth of a bill that will continue to haunt our children's children for decades? Probably not. Retroactive taxing is no more appropriate now than it was before, though. The apparant lack of respect for the rights of people has left me flabergasted. I watch through tearful eyes as the basis upon which this country was built is torn assunder.

As I listen to the news broadcasts relating the events unfolding in Washington, I am almost constantly on the verge of breaking down, screaming at the television for all the good that would do. John McCain was riddiculed for suggesting that the fundamentals of our economy are strong. Yet, that statement was as accurate that day as it is today. Fundamentally, our economy is based on free trade. The markets are free to go up as well as down. It is when government intervenes that the shifts in the market go totally out of whack.

President Obama and his cohorts in congress are attacking the very fundamentals that make this country strong. In the name of safety, they are seeking to sieze control of private and publically held companies. Serious danger looms on the horizon.

I fear what will become of this nation when we've offered our last shred of liberty as a sacrifice to the gods of safety. That day is not too far away. I hope I am wrong.

Our hope. Our only hope rests with a few Democrats seeing the light and banding with conservatives in congress. MoveOn.org calls this a "nightmare scenario: a few conservative Democrats teaming up with Republicans to stop the progressive pieces of the President's agenda."

Abraham Lincoln suggested that what one man calls liberty is another man's tyranny.

“We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others, the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men's labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatible things, called by the same name - liberty. And it follows that each of the things is, by the respective parties, called by two different and incompatible names - liberty and tyranny.”

I'm thinking that much of what is going on in Washington is the Progressive effort to take what belongs to one man and give it to others. Taking the product of another's labor and doing with that as they please is not liberty but tyranny. This is not what our country is about. This is not what made America the strong country that it is today.

I cannot sit back and watch this from the comfort of my livingroom. What I would ask is that everyone call your representatives, your senators and write a letter or two. Write to your congressmen! Write to the President! Stop this injustice, stop it all!

Rising to Zion's Standard

2009-03-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Our gospel doctrine subject for the year is Church History and the Doctrine and Covenants. Although little time is spent on the subject, there has been some discussion about the challenges the Saints faced as they attempted to "Build up Zion unto the Lord" and failed. Their failure has given furtile ground for too many to speculate and judge. Too many have judged our forebears harshly because of this failure. How do we measure as we're judged against the same standards?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson suggested, "Under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, early members of the Church attempted to establish the center place of Zion in Missouri, but they did not qualify to build the holy city. . . .

"Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens. Remember, 'the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them' (Moses 7:18). If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us. We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen."

If we are to succeed where others have failed, it is by establishing Zion in our homes first. Our families must become unified in one heart and mind. How can we look beyond the first building block of zion before it has been perfected?

Bo Dangker

2009-03-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

You know Bo Dangker. I know you do. He might not answer to this name specifically but you know who I am talking about. He's a likable type of guy, very nice indeed. He might turn up at the office or in social situations. He might even be part of your family. You see, old Bo is that guy who seems to have it all together but when push comes to shove, can't quite deliver.

Ol' Bo will generally jump at the chance to be part of your team, bringing plenty of ideas to the table. He'll accept all kinds of responsibility. When you meet again, he'll come empty handed with nothing but excuses suggesting there is no reason he should take blame. Yep, he's Mr. Bo Dangker!

Ol' Bo will think that the family potluck is a wonderful idea even taking charge early on. When deciding what he'll contribute, he'll be sure to sign up for something very extravagant - you know, the Turkey! He'll sign up for one of the more integral parts of the meal. When the time comes to deliver, good Ol' Bo will show up to eat his fill but he'll bring nothing to the table but a bowl full of justifications and a heaping side of "Yeah but I". Yep, he's cousin Bo Dangker!

Ol' Bo will slide in with a bunch of friends too. Deciding to meet up and do something fun, good Ol' Bo will see to it that he's not happy with just doing something fun. Yeah, he wants to make sure it is very special. The restaurant won't due unless it meets his criteria. Will there be any compromise? Sure there will. Everyone but Bo will give something in the name of fun. When everyone finally comes to a consensus on what you're doing where, Ol' Bo will do nothing but complain. Yep, he's Bo Dangker!

Don't be a Bo Dangker!

Incredible!

2009-03-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

The interview was nearly over before it began because I refused to provide my Social Security number to an organization that hasn't given me a reason for needing it.

Are you doing a background check? Not yet.

Are you offering me a job? Not
yet.

Why do you need my social security number? We've always requested it.

Ok, I'll give you the social security number when you need to have it - either when you offer me a position or when you decide you need to do a background check as prerequisite for hiring me.

Sir, we need to have your social security number before we can proceed.

Why?

Company policy.

Personal policy dictates that I do not share my personal information with just anyone to put into their files. When you offer me a position or need to do a background check prior to offering me a position, I will provide the social security number.

I do not think anyone has ever questioned this policy, sir.

We continued the interview process without the social security number. Only moments after continuing, though, I was surprised to find out the interviewer did not know Illinois was a state or where Illinios was. I can only hope the contempt I felt for her ignorance did not display itself as we completed the interview.

Social security numbers are pretty important. It might not hurt me to share it with strangers I don't know. It just might. World Geography is a major handicap for a good portion of America but I think we should all have a pretty good idea about national geography. Shouldn't we?

Interesting points MoveOn.org would have you believe...

2009-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am a little less than impressed with politics lately. You see, the republicans cannot seem to pull it together and the move toward socializing just about every aspect of our lives is moving at an alarming pace. The far left (as depicted by such organizations as MoveOn.org) is giddy with what is going on. In a recent message from the group, MoveOn.org has presented a list of 10 aspects of President Obama's plan they feel make it a winner. The bold faced copy is the statement MoveOn.org has made. The comments following the statements are how I feel about the point they are making.

Makes a $634 billion down payment on fixing health care. While our healthcare system is definitely broken, infusing more money into the system isn't necessarily the answer. I remember talking with a friend about their car and all the repairs they've had to make recently. The car is broken and it has become a great big money sink. Spending more money isn't going to make it better. Republicans and Democrats alike recognize the complete burden the healthcare system has become. Healthcare costs have risen at a pace that far outstrips all other inflationary data. This one point, that there needs to be a better solution, is probably the only thing on which MoveOn.org and I agree. The way to fix the problem, however, has not been so common.

Reduces taxes for 95% of working Americans. Reducing the taxes of those people who do not pay them just does not make sense. I just do not understand how this is a good thing. If they were working toward reducing the taxes for 95% of all taxpayers, I would probably be on board with this. "Reducing" the tax burden of those people who don't pay taxes is tantamount to another welfare program - taking money from those who pay taxes and giving it to those who do not. While this is the standard way of things, we don't need to add to the problem. Giving enough money for Jon Laborer to purchase a pizza dinner for his family once a month isn't going to stimulate anything but it does give Mr. Laborer a sense of entitlement. I don't think anyone should have a sense of entitlement about anything from the government beyond the standard - defense, trade, etc.

Invests more than $100 billion in clean energy technology. Government spending at its best, right? I have mixed emotions on this. I do not know that spending the money is the right way to go about this. Tax and other incentives are probably a better, more effective way to "create" home-grown jobs while trying to save the planet. President Obama has talked long and loud about the need to cut government spending. So far, I've seen a lot of spending but not a lot of cutting.

Brings our troops home from Iraq on a firm timetable. Interesting that the President has been given such accolades for a timetable that was established by the former administration - as agreed upon with the Iraqi government. Even the commanding officers in the field are happy with a timetable. It makes it easier to make plans. The troops are happy for the same reason. Open ended means unsurety.

Reverses growing income inequality. Tax the rich! Tax the rich! Tax those who might have the power to break the downhill slide! The facts are in. Those people who have the money to invest won't invest as much money if they are paying it to the government. The best time to raise taxes (or let lower taxes expire) is not in the middle of a financial crisis. I just do not understand the logic behind the call to tax the rich so we can give more money to the failed bureaucracies that have continued to waste our money for the past 50 years.

Closes multi-billion-dollar tax loopholes for big oil companies. The call to "close tax loopholes for the big oil companies" is misleading. Oil companies do not enjoy "loopholes" that are not enjoyed by other organizations. Reducing the money the oil companies can invest in new technologies didn't work in 1978. It won't work today.

Increases grants to help families pay for college. I'm all about helping people go to college. I'm in a position that it would be nice to have the help my daughter needs to go to college. I have to wonder: will I get that help in time? Will I qualify for the help I need or will there be unnecessary burdens placed in my way because I don't fit some cookie-cutter idea of who really needs the help.

Halves the deficit by 2013. President Obama inherited a legacy of huge deficits and an economy in shambles. I'll concede this point. However, I don't understand how anyone can claim they are going to reduce the deficit when all they've done is advocate spending more money. President Obama has called on us to make "hard choices" but when push comes to shove, he hasn't held his ground. While campaigning for change, Barack Obama said, "We need earmark reform, and when I'm President, I will go line by line to make sure that we are not spending money unwisely." But now the President is about to sign a huge 2,697 page spending bill with over 9,000 unnecessary and wasteful earmarks. I'll believe the President's tenacity when he has demonstrated his ability to hold his ground on this.

Dramatically increases funding for the SEC and the CFTC—the agencies that police Wall Street. Will this help us? Again, is this a point of throwing good money after bad?

Tells it straight. I don't know if I fully endorse the idea that President Obama has been on board the "straight talk express". (I know that's John McCain) Look, our country is currently nearly $11 trillion dollars in debt. Our projected deficit for 2009 alone is an alarming $2 trillion dollars. Just two weeks ago, President Obama signed a bill that the Democratic-led Congress passed to spend an additional $1 trillion in "stimulus spending." And on top of all of this, President Obama has requested $3.6 trillion in additional spending for 2010. On the heals of such measures, I'm supposed to believe he's acting any different than any of the previous adminstrations? Not yet.

In The Buff

2009-02-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

You always hear about people having dreams about walking down the street naked or showing up to their finals late and just as they start taking the test they realize they forgot just one minor detail. They weren't wearing any clothes. Other such dreams include everything from weddings to court cases to first day of school. If it is an important day or event, there has probably been someone dreaming about it happening naked.

Well, you would have thought it was just a bad dream. I was in fact being interviewed and I was not wearing any clothes. . . As I shut off the water to the shower, my phone started ringing. I was thinking that it my be my wife and decided to make haste for the phone. When I didn't recognize the phone number, I answered anyway. An hour later, I was getting dressed having finished the interview.

The interview went pretty well. They've asked for my resume and some additional information. So, this was the most unusual interview I've had so far.

What?

2009-02-23T22:53:00.000-08:00

Frustration leads to despair leads to anger leads to guilt leads to sorrow leads to tears leads to embarrassment leads to anxiety leads to panic leads to frustration - a seemingly endless cycle.

Forty and counting . . .

2009-02-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

Ah the blessing of the internet and job searches. I've found over 40 positions relevant to my experience just this morning. I remember just a few years ago, resources for finding jobs were quite different and finding ten positions in a single day would have been spectacular. Of course, back then, if I applied to that many companies, I was pretty much guaranteed one of them would pan out. With the modern world, there are so many applicants there is no guarantee that my resume will make it to the decision maker, let alone get me an interview.

Anyway. This morning has proven to be pretty busy. Most of these positions required me to fill out extensive job histories and answer a few job specific questions. I have to remain hopeful.

Apparently. . .

2009-02-17T00:21:00.000-08:00

11 years ago, I left California. I took my family and we moved 2000 miles from the only place we had called home. I had a few friends in Southern California. Sadly, I lost contact with just about everyone. It is difficult when life and distance interfere with relationships.

Were we really that close? That is what I must consider now. Although I considered some of these wonderful people an integral part of my life, it seems obvious that my perception and reality weren't quite aligned. Sad, really.

So, now, I have friends in Illinois and I am living in Southern California. I am left to wonder. Will these relationships prove stronger than distance and life trials? If they do, what made these stronger than those relationships I had over 10 years ago?