Hi Everybody (or the handful of you who sometimes read this thing). On this final day of the year of our Lord, 2008, I find it appropriate to recap some of my favorite moments, accomplishments, etc. of the past year. And I'll be upfront, and admit that I am stealing the format from Jules.
Accomplishments:
2008 had a quite a few adventures and accomplishments for me, some bigger than others:
-Kept my New Year's resolution to go on at least two dates per month
-Started grad school, and survived (by the skin of my teeth) a very harrowing second term there
-Voted in a Presidential Primary for the first time
-Traveled to two new states, and a foreign country (if you can consider Canada foreign)
-Seriously took up learning to play the guitar--it's kind of fizzled, but will be back
-Saw two of the "big three" (my term) Mormon historical sites, Kirtland, OH and Palmyra, NY
-Got more familiar with the many historical and geological sites near my home
-Successfully found and set up housing for my roommate and me when our old lease expired (my first time to do the groundwork)
-Made my first campaign contribution(s), and volunteered time in a presidential campaign
-Got a sweet window office, and gave it all up a few months later for a cubicle and a pay raise
-Helped to make history by voting to elect the first black president of the US
-Helped some of my family to do the same
-Began dating, fell in love with, and got engaged to my future wife (only 87 days from today), surviving a brutal summer while she was away in Russia
-Successfully met her entire family, and fit in well with them on their family vacation, and at their family Christmas
-Introduced her to my family at Thanksgiving
-Managed to lose 12+ lbs during the holiday season
-Braved driving the streets of New York City (wouldn't recommend that to anyone)
Best new book read in 2008: I'll be honest, I didn't do a whole lot of reading for leisure this year. Any that I did do was for school, and when I had free time, I certainly didn't want to read since I had to read so much for class. Currently I am reading Ender's Game, which is surprisingly interesting, but I have yet to get to a point where I don't want to put it down. Of the books I read for school, one called "Being Good" was pretty good, and I did read "Believing Christ" one day in January, and that was a good. I have plans to read more this next year.
Worst new book read in 2008: Econ text book
Best book re-read in 2008: Don't re-read books generally, but maybe I'll start
Worst book re-read in 2008: See above, but couldn't imagine that I would re-read one that I wouldn't enjoy
Best new movie seen in 2008: Dark Knight--Loved the Joker
Worst new movie seen in 2008: The new Indiana Jones movie--got it as a gift at our office Christmas party. It's a little far-fetched...even for Indiana Jones
Best decision made in 2008: To start dating Melanie
Worst decision made in 2008: To take Stats and Econ in the same semester
Best purchase made in 2008: Either Mel's engagement ring, or the tickets to the play we went to on our first date
Worst purchase made in 2008: I haven't really bought anything that I haven't used. I bought one shirt for the gym, which I returned after deciding that I didn't really need it at that point.
Best month of 2008: November--Obama won, I got engaged, and the Utes embarrassed BYU on the football field, thus giving them a perfect season and their second trip to a BCS bowl
Worst month of 2008: June--Mel left for Russia, and then my roommate Adam, my back up plan for entertainment, was sent to Tulsa for the summer on business. I was very bored.
So that sums it up, here's hoping that 2009 will be even better than 2008.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time
I think there is some strange romanticized version of Christmas in the nation's capital. During the past few days at the gym, the one TV that was set to TNT showed an advertisement every commercial break for "Christmas in Washington" that aired last night. The host was Dr. Phil and his wife, Robin. They had some local celebrities (I think--singers/performers), along with some B or C list celebrities (remember I said Dr. Phil Hosted?). I couldn't imagine that it would be all that great, but I thought it funny that there would be some sort of idea that Washington is the magical place at Christmas time. So, I watched with Melanie for all that I could handle, which was about two songs, but it was funny how they showed shots of the capitol in a computer-generated blizzard. So I thought it was corny and lame and bizarre all at once (and that was just the frozen look on Laura Bush's face).
Then I came into work this morning. I had left the radio on the all-Christmas station after riding with Melanie to the store last night. I decided to leave it there to be in a festive mood, as today is our work group party. After a long commercial that lasted most of the way to the office, I hear this slow 4/4 beat that had a bong-dong-DONG-dong sound. I'm like, "hmm, I've never heard this, what could it be?" Then the lyrics start: Something about snow in the Blueridge....then something going on in the Chesapeake Bay. I'm like "those are both near here." Then a mention of Georgetown and the Capital Dome. "What the?"
This was quickly becoming the lamest Christmas song ever. "It's Christmas Eve in Washington, America's hometown"...and it gets cheesier from there. So, I'm like, "does America really think that DC's a great place for Christmas?" It's not bad. It's a decent city. There are wreaths on buildings, there's the National and Capitol Christmas trees, and every office building has a nice tree inside, but that's about it. There is absolutely no snow at Christmas, and when there is snow in January, it becomes solid ice within a day. I was sitting there wondering why, if they wanted to give a realistic portrayal of Washington at Christmas, they weren't mentioning the mounds of homeless folks a block away from the White House in McPherson Square, or the crack whore in Southeast whose welfare is about to run out? Curiously left out was the drag queen in DuPont circle who was just dumped by his/her boyfriend for a younger, firmer catch, and is strung out on some drug from the neighbor, or the shot up corpse of a gang-banger who was found near U Street, not to mention that funky smell wafting off the Potomac. There was no talk of corrupt politicians or lobbyists, and not a word of drunken senior management getting sloshed and trying to feel up the interns at the corporate holiday parties. See, that's what Christmas in DC means to me.
Then I came into work this morning. I had left the radio on the all-Christmas station after riding with Melanie to the store last night. I decided to leave it there to be in a festive mood, as today is our work group party. After a long commercial that lasted most of the way to the office, I hear this slow 4/4 beat that had a bong-dong-DONG-dong sound. I'm like, "hmm, I've never heard this, what could it be?" Then the lyrics start: Something about snow in the Blueridge....then something going on in the Chesapeake Bay. I'm like "those are both near here." Then a mention of Georgetown and the Capital Dome. "What the?"
This was quickly becoming the lamest Christmas song ever. "It's Christmas Eve in Washington, America's hometown"...and it gets cheesier from there. So, I'm like, "does America really think that DC's a great place for Christmas?" It's not bad. It's a decent city. There are wreaths on buildings, there's the National and Capitol Christmas trees, and every office building has a nice tree inside, but that's about it. There is absolutely no snow at Christmas, and when there is snow in January, it becomes solid ice within a day. I was sitting there wondering why, if they wanted to give a realistic portrayal of Washington at Christmas, they weren't mentioning the mounds of homeless folks a block away from the White House in McPherson Square, or the crack whore in Southeast whose welfare is about to run out? Curiously left out was the drag queen in DuPont circle who was just dumped by his/her boyfriend for a younger, firmer catch, and is strung out on some drug from the neighbor, or the shot up corpse of a gang-banger who was found near U Street, not to mention that funky smell wafting off the Potomac. There was no talk of corrupt politicians or lobbyists, and not a word of drunken senior management getting sloshed and trying to feel up the interns at the corporate holiday parties. See, that's what Christmas in DC means to me.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Coolest Game Ever
Per tradition of the Langley Singles Ward, we delivered gift baskets to needy families for Christmas last night. This same family was the family to whom we donated money and food for Thanksgiving last month. They are recently-arrived refugees from Afghanistan (kind of awkward with the Christmas thing, but we played it off as an over-all holiday thing). We pretty much took Target gift cards, a gift card to the grocery store, and we bought a soccer ball for the two boys in the family since we had met them previously. There were three of us who went to this family last night, and they invited us in to visit when we showed up. We had small talk which moved to sports, and then we found out about the national sport of Afghanistan, Buzkashi.
"What is Buzkashi?" you may ask. Only the coolest game ever from what it sounds like. So, here's a brief description:
Items needed--One large field, 20-40 men with horses, and the carcass of a large goat, or small calf.
Per the description of the family we visited, play is as follows:
The game can be played as individuals or teams. The goat is soaked in water for two to three days. All participants wait at the periphery of the playing area while one person rides on a horse, carrying the goat into the center of the playing field. The goat is dropped into a demarcated circles, and play commences. The participants ride from outside the field into the center to snatch up the goat and carry it to the far side of the field and drop it into a circle there.
The catch to the game is that the water-logged carcass is rather heavy (approx 150 lbs.) and you are competing with dozens of other men on horseback who are fighting for the same goat. It takes great strength and equine agility. Apparently, it is standard practice for two to three people to be killed in a match, with several others sustaining injuries.
This game has been played for centuries in the region. Before the coming of Islam to the area, instead of a goat, the decapitated remains of an enemy were used, but with the religious influence on the region, that quickly became verboten, and they decided a cow or goat would be a fine replacement.
The winner of the match will generally win a cash prize, and will be showered with prizes from the spectators. Other prizes used to include Soviet Jeeps, or an AK47.
So, what do you say? Anyone up for a match? If you find the field and the horses, I'll bring the goat.
"What is Buzkashi?" you may ask. Only the coolest game ever from what it sounds like. So, here's a brief description:
Items needed--One large field, 20-40 men with horses, and the carcass of a large goat, or small calf.
Per the description of the family we visited, play is as follows:
The game can be played as individuals or teams. The goat is soaked in water for two to three days. All participants wait at the periphery of the playing area while one person rides on a horse, carrying the goat into the center of the playing field. The goat is dropped into a demarcated circles, and play commences. The participants ride from outside the field into the center to snatch up the goat and carry it to the far side of the field and drop it into a circle there.
The catch to the game is that the water-logged carcass is rather heavy (approx 150 lbs.) and you are competing with dozens of other men on horseback who are fighting for the same goat. It takes great strength and equine agility. Apparently, it is standard practice for two to three people to be killed in a match, with several others sustaining injuries.
This game has been played for centuries in the region. Before the coming of Islam to the area, instead of a goat, the decapitated remains of an enemy were used, but with the religious influence on the region, that quickly became verboten, and they decided a cow or goat would be a fine replacement.
The winner of the match will generally win a cash prize, and will be showered with prizes from the spectators. Other prizes used to include Soviet Jeeps, or an AK47.
So, what do you say? Anyone up for a match? If you find the field and the horses, I'll bring the goat.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Question
What I don't get is why the financial institutions on Wall Street get $700 billion, and Detroit can't get a (comparatively) measly $15 billion.
Sure the model of the Big Three in Detriot has been flawed, but seriously, wasn't the model used by the CEOs of the big Wall Street firms equally messed up too? They ended up making Americans lose $1.2 trillion (12 zeros) in two days. Something's not right there. Now what gets my goat is that companies who are receiving tax dollars for bailouts are giving huge bonuses to executives. Doesn't seem right.
Without money to the auto makers, let's see how much more than $15 billion our economy loses in the next few days. Maybe I'll be proven wrong. It just doesn't make sense to me that the congress was so willing to trow tax dollars to white collar industries but are unwilling to budge when it comes to issues concerning the average American.
On the bright side, if the economy tailspins and goes into the next Great Depression, it'll be because of the Republicans. Just think how long the Dems will be in power then... (mwah ha ha ha)
Sure the model of the Big Three in Detriot has been flawed, but seriously, wasn't the model used by the CEOs of the big Wall Street firms equally messed up too? They ended up making Americans lose $1.2 trillion (12 zeros) in two days. Something's not right there. Now what gets my goat is that companies who are receiving tax dollars for bailouts are giving huge bonuses to executives. Doesn't seem right.
Without money to the auto makers, let's see how much more than $15 billion our economy loses in the next few days. Maybe I'll be proven wrong. It just doesn't make sense to me that the congress was so willing to trow tax dollars to white collar industries but are unwilling to budge when it comes to issues concerning the average American.
On the bright side, if the economy tailspins and goes into the next Great Depression, it'll be because of the Republicans. Just think how long the Dems will be in power then... (mwah ha ha ha)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Today's Things That Must Go
1). Commercials Targeted to the Elderly--If you're looking for an exhibit of the worst acting skills possible, listen to a little-old-lady singing the praises of her new Jazzy scooter, or watch the old man lauding the delivery of his Diabetes testing supplies to his front door. Granted, old people watch far more television than most, and should likely be targeted for advertising, but this type of commercial is an eerie reminder of what is to come to me. I don't ever want to get old, but seeing Wilford Brimley hawking some product only shows the depressing eventuality of my one day being a senior citizen.
2). The List of Potential Side-effects from Prescription Drugs Read on Commercials--I hate it when the list of what could happen ends up taking as much time as the explanation of what the drug does. No way would I want to take half of these things when I hear what could happen to me from using them. My favorite is the one that says "Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience an erection lasting four or more hours." Ouch!! I could only imagine that would be terribly uncomfortable. Hopefully I won't need to use Cialis or any of the others any time soon. Props to the commercial makers who have tried to get creative with reading the list (like having fake med-students listing them to their professor), but still it's irritating.
3). Irritating Christmas Music--I hadn't realized until this year just how much crappy Christmas music there is. And each of those crappy songs last at least one verse more than they should. I used to like the music of the holidays a lot, but I hadn't though of just how annoying most songs are for instance: "Feliz Navidad," Whatever the name of that song that the Chipmunks sing, the Beach Boys should never have ventured into Christmas tunes, "Malikalikimaka" goes entirely too long, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," though comical in theory (who wouldn't laugh at an old woman being trampled by a heard of reindeer?), is just to red-necky for me. "Santa Baby" is just kinda gross, as is "I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus," and I still hold that "The Little Drummer Boy" is the absolute worst Christmas song ever--EVER, followed closely by "Do You Hear What I hear." All of the above and many more should go, and thus, make my holiday music experience far more pleasurable.
4). Mitt Romney--Still a douche bag, still needs to go. Why? you may ask, I answer with why not? I was going to feel sorry for him and his wife Anne with her having had an operation for breast cancer this past week (best wishes for a speedy recovery--even though I think your husband is a disingenuous, lying, two-faced, scum bag who is willing to say, or do, or pay anything to try to get the presidency), but I can't. Yep, Willard is back to his old tricks again. as reported by the Boston Globe, he has raised over $2 million with his PAC, claiming that it was to help Republican candidates get elected. Guess how much his PAC gave to candidates...$240K. That's it. Where'd the rest go? To his own political consultants and campaign allies. Though there is really nothing illegal about this, the fact is, President-Elect Obama hasn't even been sworn into office yet. This just shows that Mittens only cares about his political career and doesn't really give a hoot in hell about America. While the vast majority of Americans are hoping that the next administration can succeed and help our country move out of this most-difficult chapter of our recent history, the spoiled, two-talking rich boy from Mass...wait, Michig...Utah (who the hell knows--I'm sure he'll claim wherever is politically expedient for him to be from) is praying for things not to be better so he can move in. C'mon you jerk, get over yourself and work for a better America, and give the next President the chance to get it right.
2). The List of Potential Side-effects from Prescription Drugs Read on Commercials--I hate it when the list of what could happen ends up taking as much time as the explanation of what the drug does. No way would I want to take half of these things when I hear what could happen to me from using them. My favorite is the one that says "Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience an erection lasting four or more hours." Ouch!! I could only imagine that would be terribly uncomfortable. Hopefully I won't need to use Cialis or any of the others any time soon. Props to the commercial makers who have tried to get creative with reading the list (like having fake med-students listing them to their professor), but still it's irritating.
3). Irritating Christmas Music--I hadn't realized until this year just how much crappy Christmas music there is. And each of those crappy songs last at least one verse more than they should. I used to like the music of the holidays a lot, but I hadn't though of just how annoying most songs are for instance: "Feliz Navidad," Whatever the name of that song that the Chipmunks sing, the Beach Boys should never have ventured into Christmas tunes, "Malikalikimaka" goes entirely too long, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," though comical in theory (who wouldn't laugh at an old woman being trampled by a heard of reindeer?), is just to red-necky for me. "Santa Baby" is just kinda gross, as is "I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus," and I still hold that "The Little Drummer Boy" is the absolute worst Christmas song ever--EVER, followed closely by "Do You Hear What I hear." All of the above and many more should go, and thus, make my holiday music experience far more pleasurable.
4). Mitt Romney--Still a douche bag, still needs to go. Why? you may ask, I answer with why not? I was going to feel sorry for him and his wife Anne with her having had an operation for breast cancer this past week (best wishes for a speedy recovery--even though I think your husband is a disingenuous, lying, two-faced, scum bag who is willing to say, or do, or pay anything to try to get the presidency), but I can't. Yep, Willard is back to his old tricks again. as reported by the Boston Globe, he has raised over $2 million with his PAC, claiming that it was to help Republican candidates get elected. Guess how much his PAC gave to candidates...$240K. That's it. Where'd the rest go? To his own political consultants and campaign allies. Though there is really nothing illegal about this, the fact is, President-Elect Obama hasn't even been sworn into office yet. This just shows that Mittens only cares about his political career and doesn't really give a hoot in hell about America. While the vast majority of Americans are hoping that the next administration can succeed and help our country move out of this most-difficult chapter of our recent history, the spoiled, two-talking rich boy from Mass...wait, Michig...Utah (who the hell knows--I'm sure he'll claim wherever is politically expedient for him to be from) is praying for things not to be better so he can move in. C'mon you jerk, get over yourself and work for a better America, and give the next President the chance to get it right.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Anxiously Engaged
Today marks one month of my being engaged...betrothed, affianced, intended, what have you. Until now, I hadn't posted anything about it since most anyone who reads my blog (all ten of you) knew about my having popped the question within a few hours.
I won't bore you with details of the engagement. It wasn't a big production. It just involved my favorite place on the Mall in DC, and with my being a political nerd, I tied it into the historic event that had happened the previous night (I know I am lame. In fact, you might say I excel at it). So we chatted a bit, I tried to say something sweet, but mostly ended up fumbling up words, I got on one knee and with my hand shaking terribly, I groped for the ring in my pocket. By the time I presented it, I felt like an epileptic having a seizure, but I managed to at least ask if she would marry me. I don't know why I was so nervous. I knew what she was going to say. Maybe it's because I was afraid she wouldn't like the ring, though I was almost positive she would (and she really does). But she did say yes, and now, I am looking forward to four months from now when she'll be my wife.
It's a crazy, strange and terrifying prospect, but at the same time it makes me very happy to think that I'll get to spend my life with the woman I love. So that's enough schmoopyness from this guy. Below, you can find a picture of the ring. The pictures of the two of us from that night are still on my camera, so I'll put one on soon. Hopefully this will suffice for now.
I won't bore you with details of the engagement. It wasn't a big production. It just involved my favorite place on the Mall in DC, and with my being a political nerd, I tied it into the historic event that had happened the previous night (I know I am lame. In fact, you might say I excel at it). So we chatted a bit, I tried to say something sweet, but mostly ended up fumbling up words, I got on one knee and with my hand shaking terribly, I groped for the ring in my pocket. By the time I presented it, I felt like an epileptic having a seizure, but I managed to at least ask if she would marry me. I don't know why I was so nervous. I knew what she was going to say. Maybe it's because I was afraid she wouldn't like the ring, though I was almost positive she would (and she really does). But she did say yes, and now, I am looking forward to four months from now when she'll be my wife.
It's a crazy, strange and terrifying prospect, but at the same time it makes me very happy to think that I'll get to spend my life with the woman I love. So that's enough schmoopyness from this guy. Below, you can find a picture of the ring. The pictures of the two of us from that night are still on my camera, so I'll put one on soon. Hopefully this will suffice for now.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Chat with Former Co-worker
This was a gchat conversation between a former co-worker and me yesterday. FYI GP stands for Granny Panties, which refers to an unfortunate incident (maybe two) where said former co-worker walked into the restroom and an older lady in the office was letting it all hang out in the stall with the door open. The image of her hurriedly pulling up her granny panties was permanently seared into her memory. From that day on, that woman (whose name I never learned though I worked in that particular office for well over a year) permantly became known as Granny Panties, or GP between the two of us.
Former Co-worker: um, you are supposed to be here FCW: there's a conference here today. i went into the LR.
some woman looked at me weird. whatever. i do my thing. me: yeah FCW: DUDE i do not know. it made a whirring sound Also, as an FYI, my first day to go to my new gym, guess who was there, none other than GP herself. Who Knew?
Former Co-worker: um, you are supposed to be here
i am traumatized
me: uh oh
FCW: i went into the ladies room and...oh my eyes
me: what?
oh dear
GP again?
some woman looked at me weird. whatever. i do my thing.
i hear a weird noise. odd. i come out
that woman was pumping milk
WTF
me: WTF indeed
sick
FCW: she's at the sink closest to the door no less!
me: yikes
FCW: her equipment was on the counter, she's standing there with both udders getting milked
me: two at a time?
i didn't know they did that
FCW: i think so
me: eww
me: eww
FCW: i didn't stare and was too freaked out to, anyway
all i saw was stuff attached to her. looked to be more than one attachment
me: so, you awkwardly washed your hands and ran to your office?
FCW: yeah
me: LOL
FCW: ok, i get it's natural, best for baby etc. but why do it so close to the door?! why not at the sink farthest from the door?!
FCW: ok, i get it's natural, best for baby etc. but why do it so close to the door?! why not at the sink farthest from the door?!
for real
was it some electric thing
?
i've seen my sister's pump but it was manual
me: LOL
FCW: DUDE TMI!!!!!
me: no not on her
that would be sick
FCW: this woman looked like she was being milked like a cow.
so weird
And those were the good times that we had back in the old days.
And those were the good times that we had back in the old days.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Does This Make Me A Bad Person?
So, I was coming to work today. I was hurrying in much earlier than normal. I lost my phone last night, and thinking I had left it in the office, wanted to get here before the alarm to wake me up went off (see earlier). Turns out, I dropped it in the lockerroom at the gym, and someone turned it in. Thankfully it is there safely awaiting my pickup.
Anyway, en route to the office, I was cruising down the street to get here. I see a car ahead of me at a stop sign with its hood up. I'm like, "Dang, that sucks. I wonder if I should see if I can help?" I determined that I probably should hurry to the office to turn off my alarm, and also I would likely be of no assistance. But still felt like maybe I should try. As I am getting closer to the car, I see a bumper sticker, and I'm trying to figure out what it says...closer and closer, then I read "Sarah!" Referring to the former VP candidate, the Winking Wonderwoman from Wasilla. 'Nuf said, I wasn't stopping on this cold morning.
Okay, it's not just that she was a Palin supporter, but a whole group of things, my needing to hurry to the office, the fact that I had no tools nor a cell phone to help out, and it was friggin' cold. So I hurried to the office. No phone, so I decided to call the gym since that's the next likely place that it would be. Sure enough, it was there. Yay!!
If, when I go home for lunch, the lady is still broken down in the intersection, I promise I'll help her out.
Anyway, en route to the office, I was cruising down the street to get here. I see a car ahead of me at a stop sign with its hood up. I'm like, "Dang, that sucks. I wonder if I should see if I can help?" I determined that I probably should hurry to the office to turn off my alarm, and also I would likely be of no assistance. But still felt like maybe I should try. As I am getting closer to the car, I see a bumper sticker, and I'm trying to figure out what it says...closer and closer, then I read "Sarah!" Referring to the former VP candidate, the Winking Wonderwoman from Wasilla. 'Nuf said, I wasn't stopping on this cold morning.
Okay, it's not just that she was a Palin supporter, but a whole group of things, my needing to hurry to the office, the fact that I had no tools nor a cell phone to help out, and it was friggin' cold. So I hurried to the office. No phone, so I decided to call the gym since that's the next likely place that it would be. Sure enough, it was there. Yay!!
If, when I go home for lunch, the lady is still broken down in the intersection, I promise I'll help her out.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Because I Am An Obnoxious Supporter of The University of Utah
attributed to coloute on Utefans.net.
OK, after hours and hours of study, Here's what I know about BYU.................
Now, I don't claim to be an expert on this or anything, but based upon my Film Study of BYU's defense, let me relate to you what can be easily discerned, and hopefully exploited.BYU (AKA, "The BYU", "The Brig", "Breed-em Young","The Zoo","Joe's Joy-Joy Factory","The World's Only Non-Drug Induced 4-Year Euphoria", and "The Mating Ritual So Bizarre that Even National Geographic Won't Cover It.")
BYU is an All-Girls school specializing in the socialization of recovering nymphomaniacs who aren't hot enough to make it as East Coast nannys, cheerleaders with both eating and attention deficit disorders (you know, the ones who turn "binge and purge" into "binge and .... 'Ooooohh, American Idol's on'"), and sensitive spirits who just can't contain the flow of tears brought on by the love sub-plot in "Teen Wolf Too."
It was founded in 1970 by a former top Lieutenant from the East German Stasi, who discovered that if you insert a pixie stick into a twinkie, shove it into your nasal sinuses and inhale, you can turn a patch of barren dessert into a magical realm where faeries and happy green elves play. He acquired a Chalk Board, a leather bound copy of the Work and the Glory, and nailed a sign to an iron gate stating, "Übereinstimmung ist, Was Sie Verschieden Macht" (Absolute Conformity is What Makes You Different) and the glorious academy was born.
Today, more than 27,000 souls are blessed each day by the three-fold mission of the LDS Church's Flagship Institution:
1) Provide a partially research-based education in an environment free of the five greatest wickednesses of society: facial hair, visible knee-caps, foot-worn paths in the grass, NCAA Tournament victories, and research.
2) Develop innovative methods for: A - Consuming dairy based snack foods, B - Masking male-pattern-baldness C - Side-stepping the prevalent "hook-up" culture at other universities by having just as many orgasms without technically "having sex."
3) Fat Chicks Need Lovin' Too.
So I hope that this will provide the team and coaches with a little bit of technical insight into this little piece of Orwellian heaven on earth.
Oh, and GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. don't let my fiancee read this, it's a touchy subject in our relationship. I think though, now she realizes that my hatred for BYU is irrational, and there's nothing personal about it.
Oh, and a joke..."Being a BYU fan is like competing in the Special Olympics...even if you win, you're still retarded" (hold off on the angry comments on that one, I know it's insensitive. Just laugh. I don't harbor ill feelings to people with special needs)
OK, after hours and hours of study, Here's what I know about BYU.................
Now, I don't claim to be an expert on this or anything, but based upon my Film Study of BYU's defense, let me relate to you what can be easily discerned, and hopefully exploited.BYU (AKA, "The BYU", "The Brig", "Breed-em Young","The Zoo","Joe's Joy-Joy Factory","The World's Only Non-Drug Induced 4-Year Euphoria", and "The Mating Ritual So Bizarre that Even National Geographic Won't Cover It.")
BYU is an All-Girls school specializing in the socialization of recovering nymphomaniacs who aren't hot enough to make it as East Coast nannys, cheerleaders with both eating and attention deficit disorders (you know, the ones who turn "binge and purge" into "binge and .... 'Ooooohh, American Idol's on'"), and sensitive spirits who just can't contain the flow of tears brought on by the love sub-plot in "Teen Wolf Too."
It was founded in 1970 by a former top Lieutenant from the East German Stasi, who discovered that if you insert a pixie stick into a twinkie, shove it into your nasal sinuses and inhale, you can turn a patch of barren dessert into a magical realm where faeries and happy green elves play. He acquired a Chalk Board, a leather bound copy of the Work and the Glory, and nailed a sign to an iron gate stating, "Übereinstimmung ist, Was Sie Verschieden Macht" (Absolute Conformity is What Makes You Different) and the glorious academy was born.
Today, more than 27,000 souls are blessed each day by the three-fold mission of the LDS Church's Flagship Institution:
1) Provide a partially research-based education in an environment free of the five greatest wickednesses of society: facial hair, visible knee-caps, foot-worn paths in the grass, NCAA Tournament victories, and research.
2) Develop innovative methods for: A - Consuming dairy based snack foods, B - Masking male-pattern-baldness C - Side-stepping the prevalent "hook-up" culture at other universities by having just as many orgasms without technically "having sex."
3) Fat Chicks Need Lovin' Too.
So I hope that this will provide the team and coaches with a little bit of technical insight into this little piece of Orwellian heaven on earth.
Oh, and GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. don't let my fiancee read this, it's a touchy subject in our relationship. I think though, now she realizes that my hatred for BYU is irrational, and there's nothing personal about it.
Oh, and a joke..."Being a BYU fan is like competing in the Special Olympics...even if you win, you're still retarded" (hold off on the angry comments on that one, I know it's insensitive. Just laugh. I don't harbor ill feelings to people with special needs)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Today's List of Things that Must Go
1). My Econ Class. I hate it. It doesn't help that my professor is woefully lacking in skills to present the subject matter to the class. It is so boring, that it makes it difficult to pay attention, but I think that there is potential for it to be a good class. But a word to the wise, if you're ever going to take PUBP 720 (Mangerial Econ) from George Mason University's School of Public Policy, do all you can to not take it from Perry.
2). People who won't even give Obama a Chance--C'mon people, don't you want him to succeed? If our president does well, it generally would mean that our country does well. I saw various ignorant facebook friends who put status lines like "it's going to be a long four years." Screw you guys!!! It's been a horrifically long eight year administration in which Dubya has run amock, disregarding the Constitution, waging wars, racking up huge debts, and destroying our standing in the world. It's time for an about face, and a chance to clean up after the Bush administration.
3). Wedding planning--Not that I don't like them, or am not looking forward to my own upcoming nuptials, but the whole show that goes along with it is kind of funny. Why do we do it? I don't know. It's fun and all, but the months of planning and stress for one event is just amazing, and the fact that you see some of these things that run into six figures is ridiculous. But don't take this to mean that I am not totally excited to get married in a few months.
4). Meat slime--you know what I mean, the slimey juice on meat that's been around for a while. It's sick and it stinks, and it must go.
5). My Gut--I've called him Chuck, and he's been a part of me for much of my life, but he really must go. I was doing okay at losing weight last year, but I found that I liked mint Oreo cookies more than the idea of being thin. And since I've moved from an apartment that had an available gym, my exercising regimen has decreased. Thankfully my roommate and I got a deal on gym memberships near where we both work, so now we plan to go regularly. My goal is to go at least five times per week. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
2). People who won't even give Obama a Chance--C'mon people, don't you want him to succeed? If our president does well, it generally would mean that our country does well. I saw various ignorant facebook friends who put status lines like "it's going to be a long four years." Screw you guys!!! It's been a horrifically long eight year administration in which Dubya has run amock, disregarding the Constitution, waging wars, racking up huge debts, and destroying our standing in the world. It's time for an about face, and a chance to clean up after the Bush administration.
3). Wedding planning--Not that I don't like them, or am not looking forward to my own upcoming nuptials, but the whole show that goes along with it is kind of funny. Why do we do it? I don't know. It's fun and all, but the months of planning and stress for one event is just amazing, and the fact that you see some of these things that run into six figures is ridiculous. But don't take this to mean that I am not totally excited to get married in a few months.
4). Meat slime--you know what I mean, the slimey juice on meat that's been around for a while. It's sick and it stinks, and it must go.
5). My Gut--I've called him Chuck, and he's been a part of me for much of my life, but he really must go. I was doing okay at losing weight last year, but I found that I liked mint Oreo cookies more than the idea of being thin. And since I've moved from an apartment that had an available gym, my exercising regimen has decreased. Thankfully my roommate and I got a deal on gym memberships near where we both work, so now we plan to go regularly. My goal is to go at least five times per week. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
It's Been a Week...
And we're still not socialists. But I'll keep you posted as to when we are :-)
Last week, as election results came in, we had a mini-party at my house with friends to watch the historic results. As I promised, I was on my best behavior. As would be expected, I got happy with each Democratic state won, and with each Senate seat that was taken over, but nothing over the top.
I have pics still on my camera. I'll try to post them tonight.
It was kind of weird. Due to the mixed nature of the crowd (a 50-50 split of Obama and McCain supporters) the reaction to the win was less positive than I would have liked. Regardless of the fact that McCain didn't win, I would think that those who voted for him would still have been happy to see just how historic that moment in history was. But no, the sat with glum faces, and some of them went into my roommate's room and started goofing around.
I must say that I John McCain was very magnanimous in his concession, and though it doesn't make up for the very negative campaign he ran, he did show class that he had abandoned in his attempt to win the presidency (truth be told, I bet the real John McCain never wanted to have the campaign he ran--I think he's more decent than what they became).
When the Obamas came out, having been announced as the next first family, I'll admit a tear or two did come to my eye. I was so proud of my country at that moment. The thought that a man who was born in a time that people of his color were still fighting for the right to vote here seemed absolutely amazing to me. It showed that we were truly able to judge someone, "not by the color of [his] skin, but by the content of [his] character." He didn't campaign on his race, but on hope and unity--something that we as an American people were obviously hungry for after eight long years without it.
My hope though, is that people realize that change won't come quickly. Cleaning up after what could arguably be the worst president ever will take some time. I have hope that President-Elect Obama will run the country as effectively as he ran his campaign. Of course he'll make mistakes, but I am confident he and his advisors will look at the big picture and do the best they can.
Congratulations to the Obamas and to America.
Last week, as election results came in, we had a mini-party at my house with friends to watch the historic results. As I promised, I was on my best behavior. As would be expected, I got happy with each Democratic state won, and with each Senate seat that was taken over, but nothing over the top.
I have pics still on my camera. I'll try to post them tonight.
It was kind of weird. Due to the mixed nature of the crowd (a 50-50 split of Obama and McCain supporters) the reaction to the win was less positive than I would have liked. Regardless of the fact that McCain didn't win, I would think that those who voted for him would still have been happy to see just how historic that moment in history was. But no, the sat with glum faces, and some of them went into my roommate's room and started goofing around.
I must say that I John McCain was very magnanimous in his concession, and though it doesn't make up for the very negative campaign he ran, he did show class that he had abandoned in his attempt to win the presidency (truth be told, I bet the real John McCain never wanted to have the campaign he ran--I think he's more decent than what they became).
When the Obamas came out, having been announced as the next first family, I'll admit a tear or two did come to my eye. I was so proud of my country at that moment. The thought that a man who was born in a time that people of his color were still fighting for the right to vote here seemed absolutely amazing to me. It showed that we were truly able to judge someone, "not by the color of [his] skin, but by the content of [his] character." He didn't campaign on his race, but on hope and unity--something that we as an American people were obviously hungry for after eight long years without it.
My hope though, is that people realize that change won't come quickly. Cleaning up after what could arguably be the worst president ever will take some time. I have hope that President-Elect Obama will run the country as effectively as he ran his campaign. Of course he'll make mistakes, but I am confident he and his advisors will look at the big picture and do the best they can.
Congratulations to the Obamas and to America.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Maybe A Little Obsessed
But I thought this was cool. It wasn't a simple copy/paste either. I had to go line by line. This gives a new meaning to an emoticon. But here's hopin' he's our next president.
? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++#######+++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++############+++++++++++++++
++++++++++###############+++++++++++++
+++++++++#####++++++++###++++++++++++
++++++++###++++++++++++###+++++++++++
++++++++##++++++++++++++###++++++++++
+++++++##+++++++++++++++####+++++++++
++++++##+++++++++++++++++####++++++++
++++++#+++++++++++++++##++@##++++++++
+++++##++++++++++++############+++++++?
+++++##++++++++#+++##+####+####+++++++
+++++##++++#####+++#++#####+####++++++?
+++++##+++##+###+++#+++****++####+++++?
+++++##+++++#++#+++#+++++++++##++++++
+++++##++++@++++++++#+++++++##+#+++++
+++++#+++++++++++++++#++++++##+#+++++
++++++#+++++++++++++#++++++####++++++
++++++##+++++++++++####++++####++++++
++++++++++++++++@#+###++++++####+++++
+++++##+#+++++++++++++++++++##+#+++++
+++++#++++++++++++++##++++++####+++++
+++++#+@++++++++++######++++##+++++++
+++++#+#+#+++++++##+++#+++++##+++++++
++++++#++#++++++##+++###++++##+++++++
+++++++#++++++++++++++++++#####++++++
+++++++++#+++++++++++#++++#####++++++
+++++++++++#+++++++++++++############+
++++++++++++#+++++++++++#############+
+++++++++++++#++++++++###############+
++++++++++++++##++++########+########+
++++++++#######++++######+++#########+
++++++#########+++++++##++++#########+
+++++##########+++++###++++##########+
+++############+++++#++++++##########+
++##############++++#++++++##########+
++##############++++++++++###########+
+###############++++++++++###########+
+############### ++++ +++++###########+
+###############++++++#++############+
+################+++++#++############+
My Less Than Harrowing Voting Experience
So, I got to work about an hour ago after having voted. It's kind of a no stress situation because my boss is working from home today. I had also cleared my potential tardiness by explaining that I was going to vote in the morning, and would be in whenever, based on the length of the lines.
I woke up, got ready and turned on the TV. Watching CNN, they showed lines of people in Chicago, Manhattan and even Richmond, VA. So I thought, "sweet, this will be good," and readied myself for a long line at George Marshall High School. When I was pulling up, the lot was packed, there was even a news van out front. I was stoked, and was ready to wait with the good Americans of both parties, basking in the historic nature of this election, and what it's implications could mean to the country and the world--to think that this is possibly the embodiment of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. So I walked down the hallway, turned a corner, and saw a line snaking down and back, which was encouraging to me. As is human nature, I stood in the line with the others, assuming it was where we all were supposed to be. Then a kind fellow came and said "this line is for h-m and s-z, the others are inside." Someone questioned about a-g, but no mention of n-r, which is where I would fit, last name-wise. So after a very slight confusion, I walked into the main room, which had two rally long lines, one short one for the a-g's and then there was n-r with nothing. I thought it was weird, but I walked to the front (kinda feeling like I was cheating because everyone else had to wait). One other guy was in my same position, and we were dumbfounded that we were the only two from our letters of the alphabet. So I walked up to the kindly blond lady who was very eager to help. She checked my off her roll and gave me a permit to vote, telling me to go to the girl in the green who would point me where to go. Said girl in green gave me a choice of a paper or electronic ballot, I chose electronic, fearing that a paper ballot could get lost or not scanned properly. Also, it appeared to be a longer line, and as such would take slightly longer.
So I did it, voted for president, senator and congressman, and on a bond issue, got my sticker and left.
That was it. Then I had one of the smoothest drives to work I have experienced. All-in-all, not a bad experience, but I would say that it's a little anti-climactic. Waiting for two years, writing all sorts of irrational rants on my blog, being part of history, and it took only seven minutes. I kinda feel gypped. So that was my experience--see how easy. If I hear of anyone not voting, I will be an angrier white man than John McCain.
I woke up, got ready and turned on the TV. Watching CNN, they showed lines of people in Chicago, Manhattan and even Richmond, VA. So I thought, "sweet, this will be good," and readied myself for a long line at George Marshall High School. When I was pulling up, the lot was packed, there was even a news van out front. I was stoked, and was ready to wait with the good Americans of both parties, basking in the historic nature of this election, and what it's implications could mean to the country and the world--to think that this is possibly the embodiment of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. So I walked down the hallway, turned a corner, and saw a line snaking down and back, which was encouraging to me. As is human nature, I stood in the line with the others, assuming it was where we all were supposed to be. Then a kind fellow came and said "this line is for h-m and s-z, the others are inside." Someone questioned about a-g, but no mention of n-r, which is where I would fit, last name-wise. So after a very slight confusion, I walked into the main room, which had two rally long lines, one short one for the a-g's and then there was n-r with nothing. I thought it was weird, but I walked to the front (kinda feeling like I was cheating because everyone else had to wait). One other guy was in my same position, and we were dumbfounded that we were the only two from our letters of the alphabet. So I walked up to the kindly blond lady who was very eager to help. She checked my off her roll and gave me a permit to vote, telling me to go to the girl in the green who would point me where to go. Said girl in green gave me a choice of a paper or electronic ballot, I chose electronic, fearing that a paper ballot could get lost or not scanned properly. Also, it appeared to be a longer line, and as such would take slightly longer.
So I did it, voted for president, senator and congressman, and on a bond issue, got my sticker and left.
That was it. Then I had one of the smoothest drives to work I have experienced. All-in-all, not a bad experience, but I would say that it's a little anti-climactic. Waiting for two years, writing all sorts of irrational rants on my blog, being part of history, and it took only seven minutes. I kinda feel gypped. So that was my experience--see how easy. If I hear of anyone not voting, I will be an angrier white man than John McCain.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Vote for the Scary White Man or You Don't Get Candy
You may not know this, but I don't care much for Republicans. This clip is the epitome of why I hate the "Grand" OLD Party. Simply put, they're awful people, who need to get a grip. Yes, this is a blanket statement, but I do feel that if someone is voting for that nasty old McCain, and that horrendous pick of a VP he made, they really need to evaluate things and realize exactly what they're doing. They have run a dishonorable campaign with a following of despicable supporters like the nasty old women in this video. This is America dang it, and though I may think you're an absolute buffoon for supporting the crotchety old man and Nanookie from the north (who is showing us daily that she hasn't got a clue about much of anything pertaining to the US government of the Constitution in general), I am not going to deny you or your kids candy on Halloween.
Watch it, and then offer a prayer of thanksgiving that you are not as bitter as this old hag.
Watch it, and then offer a prayer of thanksgiving that you are not as bitter as this old hag.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Obamapalooza
So, of course, I watched the infomercial last night. I hope you all did too. But if you didn't, I've posted it here for your benefit. I encourage everyone (yes everyone) to watch it. I was touched, and if you're not, you really don't have a heart. I would bet that everyone in this country knows someone who is exactly like one or more of the people in this video. And what's even more refreshing is the fact that Barack Obama lays out his plan, talking directly to the people for 1/2 hour. In that time he never mentions one negative thing about McCain. It was great. It's hope and it's what we need in our country now.
(Okay so I can't embed it from this computer, and I've spent too long trying)
Here's the link, you should watch it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtREqAmLsoA
If you don't like Obama, that's your right. But I would like to ask you to give me any reason why McCain would be a better president. And don't resort to insults or sarcasm, or hyperbole. Obama isn't doing that. He's not running a campaign based on fear or anger. He's calling for us to be united and fight the challenges we face. He's not mocking his opponent or calling him names. And the reason why is that he's got a plan. So, any McCain supporters, I challenge you: What is your man's plan?
(Okay so I can't embed it from this computer, and I've spent too long trying)
Here's the link, you should watch it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtREqAmLsoA
If you don't like Obama, that's your right. But I would like to ask you to give me any reason why McCain would be a better president. And don't resort to insults or sarcasm, or hyperbole. Obama isn't doing that. He's not running a campaign based on fear or anger. He's calling for us to be united and fight the challenges we face. He's not mocking his opponent or calling him names. And the reason why is that he's got a plan. So, any McCain supporters, I challenge you: What is your man's plan?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Today's List of Things That Must Go
1.) The Upper Peninsula of Michigan--Why is it part of Michigan? Doesn't make sense to me. It actually has a long border with Wisconsin, and I don't think it ever touches Michigan.
2.) Michiganders--Not to be unduly harsh on Michigan, but I've just been thinking of it lately. So Michiganders? Really? I thought Oregonians were bad, and for the sake of being phonetically pleasing, I would move that it should be Michiganers.
3.) John McCain calling me his friend--I may have mentioned this before, but increasingly it is irritating me. I am not your friend, old man. You are an angry, unpleasant old codger who has run a distasteful, honor-less campaign against my candidate of choice. You are not the admirable "maverick" from 2000, you are now just a desperate, puffy white man who is completely out of touch with the real needs or concerns of Americans.
4.) Elizabeth Hasselbeck--Now she's just dumb. Anyone who can so adamantly defend the McCain-Palin ticket like she does, really shouldn't be worth the time I am taking to write about her on this ridiculous little blog, but it needs to be said. She's an idiot. I realize it's her schtick (sp?) on "The View" to be the token conservative. But there are real conservatives out there who have brains (shocking, I know). They realize that McCain has run a terrible campaign topped off by his terrible pick of a running-mate. But not Mrs. Hasselbeck, she's now out on the stump, introducing Caribou Barbie (AKA Sarah Palin) at rallies and not mentioning anything of substance, but talking about Ms. Palin's wardrobe, and trying to twist the story of the Republicans spending $150,000 on her clothes in the past few months (sheer stupidity on the part of the GOP, especially in this election) into it somehow being the media's fault for reporting it--phooey!! They spent money foolishly on a foolish candidate, and that's that. Anyway, these idiotic partisans (and I know Elizabeth isn't the only one) need to go. They could claim that I am in the same boat, but on the other side. I don't think so though. If Barack Obama were to claim that because he could "see Russia from [his] front porch" he had foreign policy experience (and the list of stupid things the McCain campaign has said goes on and on and on), I would think he was a moron too--luckily he hasn't.
5.) Stupid Facebook fan clubs--I saw recently that one of my "friends" became a "fan of Dieter F. Uchdorf" and a whole slew of other things. I think they are ridiculous. I really feel uncomfortable with the ones that are of LDS general authorities. It just seems to me that someone in a position like that deserves more respect than to be trivialized as a Facebook application.
That is all
2.) Michiganders--Not to be unduly harsh on Michigan, but I've just been thinking of it lately. So Michiganders? Really? I thought Oregonians were bad, and for the sake of being phonetically pleasing, I would move that it should be Michiganers.
3.) John McCain calling me his friend--I may have mentioned this before, but increasingly it is irritating me. I am not your friend, old man. You are an angry, unpleasant old codger who has run a distasteful, honor-less campaign against my candidate of choice. You are not the admirable "maverick" from 2000, you are now just a desperate, puffy white man who is completely out of touch with the real needs or concerns of Americans.
4.) Elizabeth Hasselbeck--Now she's just dumb. Anyone who can so adamantly defend the McCain-Palin ticket like she does, really shouldn't be worth the time I am taking to write about her on this ridiculous little blog, but it needs to be said. She's an idiot. I realize it's her schtick (sp?) on "The View" to be the token conservative. But there are real conservatives out there who have brains (shocking, I know). They realize that McCain has run a terrible campaign topped off by his terrible pick of a running-mate. But not Mrs. Hasselbeck, she's now out on the stump, introducing Caribou Barbie (AKA Sarah Palin) at rallies and not mentioning anything of substance, but talking about Ms. Palin's wardrobe, and trying to twist the story of the Republicans spending $150,000 on her clothes in the past few months (sheer stupidity on the part of the GOP, especially in this election) into it somehow being the media's fault for reporting it--phooey!! They spent money foolishly on a foolish candidate, and that's that. Anyway, these idiotic partisans (and I know Elizabeth isn't the only one) need to go. They could claim that I am in the same boat, but on the other side. I don't think so though. If Barack Obama were to claim that because he could "see Russia from [his] front porch" he had foreign policy experience (and the list of stupid things the McCain campaign has said goes on and on and on), I would think he was a moron too--luckily he hasn't.
5.) Stupid Facebook fan clubs--I saw recently that one of my "friends" became a "fan of Dieter F. Uchdorf" and a whole slew of other things. I think they are ridiculous. I really feel uncomfortable with the ones that are of LDS general authorities. It just seems to me that someone in a position like that deserves more respect than to be trivialized as a Facebook application.
That is all
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Great Pumpkin Caper
So, Mel and I are pretty darned cool. We have had some fun adventures lately. A couple of weeks ago, as a matter of fact, we were in Intercourse--Pennsylvania that is.
It's a nice little town in the middle of Amish country in PA.
We first went to get some apples from a local orchard there. While there we picked up a couple of pumpkins and this past week, we carved them.
It's a nice little town in the middle of Amish country in PA.
We first went to get some apples from a local orchard there. While there we picked up a couple of pumpkins and this past week, we carved them.
Pics of the apples
There were so many, and boy were the free samples tasty. We bought some and made the tastiest pies ever, but I didn't take a picture.
Then, we went all the way in Amish country to Intercourse
A week later we carved them. This is Melanie's creepy spider and web
I carved a Barack-O-Lantern
My pumpkin and me. I'm just that cool.
There were so many, and boy were the free samples tasty. We bought some and made the tastiest pies ever, but I didn't take a picture.
Then, we went all the way in Amish country to Intercourse
A week later we carved them. This is Melanie's creepy spider and web
I carved a Barack-O-Lantern
My pumpkin and me. I'm just that cool.Friday, October 17, 2008
Rise and Shout, the Cougars Are Out
So, we'll take a breif sojourn away from the campaign world today.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I have an irrational hatred of Brigham Young University. The odd thing is, most of my best friends went to that school. I like them. I am an active member of the church that runs the school. However, I never had any desire to attend the place, and to this day, I am very happy I didn't. I went to BYU's rival, the University of Utah, and as a UTE, I root for the U and anyone who is playing BYU.
I think it's something that was bred into me. My mother did graduate from the U, and I think that is why I decided to go there. However, it wasn't just that. Coming from Utah and being Mormon, there is a mindset that accompanies attending BYU. It's like people there (at least) feel that they are on a higher spiritual plane than those who don't. So that's where our hatred comes from. It's the disdain with which that BYU fans look at the University of Utah.
There are often occasions in which a student or alum of that school will refer to it as "the Lord's University," or talk about the "coffee swillers" up at the University of Utah. And the funny thing is that anyone who doesn't have their head in the sand knows that the same stuff that goes on at the U or any other college campus can be found going on at BYU--it's just that it's all in secret there.
Last year, after the BYU-Utah game, their receiver, Austin Collie, made a dumb ass comment, saying ultimately that when you obey God's will, he'll step in during a football game to help you win. Which angered me because a) why would the Almighty give a hoot in hell about a d a m n football game, and b) it implies that they are holy because they are Mormon and the University of Utah is not--sorry buddy, you're in Utah, no matter where you go, you'll find good Mormons and jack mormons. So there are probably both on both teams.
All that being said, it is with glee that I report that I watched the Cougars from BYU get trounced by the TCU Horned Frogs last night. I was going to be a causal observer since the five other people in my front room went to BYU and were fans, but when they fumbled (or was it an interception?) on their first drive and TCU scored. I was ecstatic, and could not hide my emotion. They ultimately ended up losing, 32-7, which only begs the question, What have you been doing Austin?
In gloating like this, I am only setting myself and my team up for failure. But I can't help but be happy that I can finally feel justified in thinking that BYU has been overrated (last season definitely) and their true colors showed last night.
So, let's got Utes. Kick some horned toad hiney when they come to Salt Lake, and then do the same to the school down south.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I have an irrational hatred of Brigham Young University. The odd thing is, most of my best friends went to that school. I like them. I am an active member of the church that runs the school. However, I never had any desire to attend the place, and to this day, I am very happy I didn't. I went to BYU's rival, the University of Utah, and as a UTE, I root for the U and anyone who is playing BYU.
I think it's something that was bred into me. My mother did graduate from the U, and I think that is why I decided to go there. However, it wasn't just that. Coming from Utah and being Mormon, there is a mindset that accompanies attending BYU. It's like people there (at least) feel that they are on a higher spiritual plane than those who don't. So that's where our hatred comes from. It's the disdain with which that BYU fans look at the University of Utah.
There are often occasions in which a student or alum of that school will refer to it as "the Lord's University," or talk about the "coffee swillers" up at the University of Utah. And the funny thing is that anyone who doesn't have their head in the sand knows that the same stuff that goes on at the U or any other college campus can be found going on at BYU--it's just that it's all in secret there.
Last year, after the BYU-Utah game, their receiver, Austin Collie, made a dumb ass comment, saying ultimately that when you obey God's will, he'll step in during a football game to help you win. Which angered me because a) why would the Almighty give a hoot in hell about a d a m n football game, and b) it implies that they are holy because they are Mormon and the University of Utah is not--sorry buddy, you're in Utah, no matter where you go, you'll find good Mormons and jack mormons. So there are probably both on both teams.
All that being said, it is with glee that I report that I watched the Cougars from BYU get trounced by the TCU Horned Frogs last night. I was going to be a causal observer since the five other people in my front room went to BYU and were fans, but when they fumbled (or was it an interception?) on their first drive and TCU scored. I was ecstatic, and could not hide my emotion. They ultimately ended up losing, 32-7, which only begs the question, What have you been doing Austin?
In gloating like this, I am only setting myself and my team up for failure. But I can't help but be happy that I can finally feel justified in thinking that BYU has been overrated (last season definitely) and their true colors showed last night.
So, let's got Utes. Kick some horned toad hiney when they come to Salt Lake, and then do the same to the school down south.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Special Commentary
Nobody states my (or most sane American's) feelings about the despicable McCain-Palin campaign strategies of late better than Keith Olbermann. So here's his special commentary on it from last night.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Vote "That One" 08
Last night, in case you missed it. John McCain showed what could be his most un-presidential behavior yet. Never mind the lies and mudslinging that are defining his campaign of late. In the debate, rather than calling Senator Obama by his title, or by his name even, he referred to him as "that one." He didn't even look at him, and just pointed across his chest at Senator Obama. "Well," you might say, "why is that so wrong?" Here's why it's wrong:
The fact of the matter is that the McCain camp knows that based on the issues alone, they've lost this race. Their own campaign admitted this last week. They have proven to the American people that they have no substance. So, in their attempts to make this a race about character, they're pulling out all the stops. This, I'm sure, is only the beginning. They're gonna continue to paint Obama as different--(not so)subtly reminding us that he's black. They will try to dehumanize him. Look, quite overtly here Sen McCain has refused to aknowledge that his opponent is even a human being. "That one." Shame on you Senator McCain.
This is all part of their campaign now. Sarah Palin is now going around the country saying "Our opponent doesn't see America the way that I [or you] see it." She means this negatively, but I think that really, Obama doesn't see America the way Sarah or John do. He sees America as a light to other countries--a beacon of hope. He sees a land of peace and prosperity, where oportunities abound and the American dream is real. But Sarah won't tell you that. She spouts off discretited rhetoric and lies, stirring the crowd up to anger. Now at rallies, shouts of "terrorist," and "kill him" are being heard regularly, speaking of Obama. No, Sarah Palin, no, John McCain, no, Repulicans, that is not the America that I love!! Maybe hatred and anger are how you see America, but it's an entirely different view than what Barack Obama has, and it's entirerly different from what I see and the vision Senator Obama has for the future.
Their attempts to point out Obama's "otherness" are pathetic. He's a stronger candidate, and they look weak. They show they are desperate and will stoop to any level to try to win. I hope Americans are noticing. As McCain himself once said "if all you run is negative attack ads, it shows you don't have much of a vision for the future." Well, Senator, you're complete lack of honor shows that you have sold your soul, and that you have absolutely no plan for the future.
The fact of the matter is that the McCain camp knows that based on the issues alone, they've lost this race. Their own campaign admitted this last week. They have proven to the American people that they have no substance. So, in their attempts to make this a race about character, they're pulling out all the stops. This, I'm sure, is only the beginning. They're gonna continue to paint Obama as different--(not so)subtly reminding us that he's black. They will try to dehumanize him. Look, quite overtly here Sen McCain has refused to aknowledge that his opponent is even a human being. "That one." Shame on you Senator McCain.
This is all part of their campaign now. Sarah Palin is now going around the country saying "Our opponent doesn't see America the way that I [or you] see it." She means this negatively, but I think that really, Obama doesn't see America the way Sarah or John do. He sees America as a light to other countries--a beacon of hope. He sees a land of peace and prosperity, where oportunities abound and the American dream is real. But Sarah won't tell you that. She spouts off discretited rhetoric and lies, stirring the crowd up to anger. Now at rallies, shouts of "terrorist," and "kill him" are being heard regularly, speaking of Obama. No, Sarah Palin, no, John McCain, no, Repulicans, that is not the America that I love!! Maybe hatred and anger are how you see America, but it's an entirely different view than what Barack Obama has, and it's entirerly different from what I see and the vision Senator Obama has for the future.
Their attempts to point out Obama's "otherness" are pathetic. He's a stronger candidate, and they look weak. They show they are desperate and will stoop to any level to try to win. I hope Americans are noticing. As McCain himself once said "if all you run is negative attack ads, it shows you don't have much of a vision for the future." Well, Senator, you're complete lack of honor shows that you have sold your soul, and that you have absolutely no plan for the future.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
John S. McCain, Too Risky a Choice
Friends, Readers, or any casual observer who happens to stumble upon my blog:
I write this today to say that, after the past few weeks, if you have any inclination of voting for John S. McCain for president, you are stupid. That, I assure you will be the meanest thing that I will say directly to you through the entirety of this post. Now see, that didn't hurt much. Please bear with me now as I explain why.
Eight years ago, I would not have said that (however, at that time, I didn't know that he had cheated on his disabled wife, trading her in for a new beauty queen because she wasn't pretty enough anymore—but I digress). The John McCain from that time was a decent candidate. He did offer "straight talk" and may very well have been the "maverick" that he claims to be now. However, times have changed. With his desire to become president, he has given in to the same smear tactics and lies that were played against him in 2000, and costing him the nomination. We have seen and heard the constant barrage of negative ads, shrill stump speeches and disingenuous sound bites—this after a vow to have an elevated campaign that would not venture onto the low road. I guess this just shows that when the going gets tough, John McCain is willing to throw all integrity out the window in the hopes of a win. I think that's my biggest issue with him. I do, however, think that his policy stances are mostly worthless as well.
John McCain, in selling his soul to win the Republican base has voted to support George W. Bush's policies more than 90% of the time. And, in keeping in line with Bush, he has pretty much decided to embrace Dubya's failed policies for the future. Tax cuts he once argued against, he now wants to make permanent (never mind that we're fighting two wars that have cost nearly one trillion dollars). In the past eight years, our country has racked up one third of its national debt—keep in mind that we have been around for 232 years—financed by countries who don't have our best interests in mind. On the war, John McCain is opposed to any withdrawal from Iraq, when even George W. Bush is supporting a timetable for it. He claims that victory is near, but I would ask him to explain exactly what a victory would entail. In fact I would ask anyone who supports this un-ending war in Iraq to define what a victory there means. Most experts are in accordance that a victory won't come militarily, so I ask Senator McCain, why are we still there?
John McCain is a conservative who has utmost faith in the markets and has called for deregulation over and over. Looking at the financial mess we are now in, it is clear that regulations are needed. He claims that the market is the solution for healthcare issues, when experts show that his plans would (after giving tax dollars to insurance companies) cause an additional 20 million Americans to be un-insured. And here's just some food for thought, imagine if the call for privatizing Social Security, embraced fully by the Republicans a few years back, had passed and tax dollars had been invested in Wall Street for that. Now, millions would have been lost in this vital security for our elderly and less fortunate over the past month alone.
It's a well-known fact that John McCain is a gambler. But with the dire circumstances that our country finds itself in, it's certainly too big a risk to go support a man who will willfully wager the nation's future on the ability to gain political points. I say this in the three major gambles he has taken in recent memory. Last year, at the time of the "surge" in Iraq, John McCain stood for it, when most voices were against it. Yes, that was bold at the time. The surge does seem to have paid off, for now, though contributing all recent success in Iraq to it would be foolish as well. This was a gamble that paid off for now, but it exists in the context of a war that should never have been waged; a war that Senator McCain called for even before George W. Bush. Second, his pick of a running mate in Sarah Palin was a risky wager that has held mixed results. This is a woman who is clearly not qualified to lead the United States. Before being picked, she had given no thought to national or foreign policy. She is well-liked in Alaska, but I would bet that it's hard to have a big gripe against any part of government there when each citizen is paid by the government. She may have "shaken up" the Republican establishment in Alaska, but when she claims (falsely) that she can see Russia, from her home and that gives her foreign policy experience, she fails any competency test that would qualify her to be a breath away from the presidency, especially with a delicately frail candidate. Even this year, she claimed that she didn't know what the Vice President did. She hasn't given thought to the Supreme Court, to economic policy, or to American foreign policy. She has proven that all she can do is talk in circles, avoiding questions, and focus on talking points given to her by her handlers. She can read a speech well, but in this election there's one who can do that far better. The thing is, her speeches are laced with anger, disdain and mocking lines that belittle and degrade. She claims to be Christian, but her words certainly don't reflect that view. Last week she was the laughing stock of America and managed to "wow" some with her performance at the debate because she didn't run from the stage crying, but she offered nothing substantive, nothing more than memorized buzz words. She's a pretty face for a ticket without a plan. Lastly, with the economic crisis, two weeks ago John McCain "suspended" his campaign to look like he was helping resolve the problem. It turns out he was more of a hindrance than anything else. America saw this as a gimmick and it backfired. This is a man who, the day after one of the biggest financial collapses in history, claimed that "the fundamentals of the economy are strong." He proved he had clearly no idea about what is going on, and that going to Washington to "work" on this was just a ploy. This has been a risk that hasn't paid off, and I hope it seals his fate. John McCain is a risky choice, one that we, the American people can't gamble on.
Now we see that when they have nothing else, the campaign will stoop as low as they can to bring up irrelevant acquaintances that mean nothing and try to paint a candidate as evil because he knows a person who did a bad thing at one point in his life, what's the old adage, "those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones? They are a desperate campaign and are grasping at straws.
So those are my thoughts, and that doesn't even include why Barack Obama is the superior candidate. I can do that tomorrow I guess. But for now, remember that in light of current events, if you still support John McCain, you're an idiot—my dad even said he won't vote for him, and for Darrell to not support a Republican, that means a lot.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Funny
Thoughts on Thursday's Vice Presidential Debate:
However, I think that it may be premature. With all of her hair-brained remarks of late, the bar is set very low for Ms. Palin. But here's hoping that once and for all she'll prove to the entire American electorate just how un-qualified she is.
However, I think that it may be premature. With all of her hair-brained remarks of late, the bar is set very low for Ms. Palin. But here's hoping that once and for all she'll prove to the entire American electorate just how un-qualified she is.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Today's Things That Must Go
Whereas I started a new job last week, I've got some related items that must go
1). Office speak--I didn't realize before, but now that I am at a larger corporation, I hear stupid phrases all of the time. Sayings like, "We need to circle the wagons," "There's no I in team," "Synergize," and the most annoying, that I have heard about thirty times in this week "At the end of the day..." I hate them all, but that one in particular irritates me. It's like they're trying to teach a lesson. Let's just speak normally, and not give the motivational talks. C'mon, when people talk like that, I feel like I am being treated like a child, but maybe that's just me.
2). Show-offs in training classes--There was this guy in orientation who would ask questions, knowing the answer he was going to hear, seemingly only to hear himself talk, and to impress the others with his vast knowledge of corporate mumbo-jumbo. This man must go. He's nice enough, but that behavior is un-acceptable.
3). Training videos--They're not interesting. They put you to sleep. Worst of all are the ones about sexual harassment, especially when they try to be overly dramatic. I can't imagine that anyone at a decent-sized corporation, who has made it through the screening process for the job would not have an understanding of what harassment is. And if they didn't, I would imagine that a simple video isn't going to change their behavior. I'm sure it's a CYA move that every company (actually my previous company never did, come to think of it) does to limit their liability, but for me, I don't think that I'll be harassing anyone any time soon. And that has nothing to do with the stupid video I watched, and the un-believable cast of characters who starred in it.
4). Cubicles--I miss my old office. I moved from a 11' x 13' window office (newly renovated) to a 48-square-foot box with ugly fabric on the walls. There's no room for my Van Gogh print on the wall, no bookcase, no potted plant. Instead, I am relacated to a cage, much like a creature at the zoo. However, I won't complain too much, cause now I make more, I have a commute that is half as long and an opportunity to learn things that may lead to a real career. But the cubicle is not a fun stop on that career path.
5). Leaving lunch at home--Yup I packed it all up (breakfast and lunch today) and realized, half way to the office that I had left it on the table at home. Boo!! It wasn't worth my time to turn aroung and get it. It will just mean that I'll have to go out, which I didn't want to do today. Anyway, that's that.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Today's List of Things That Must Go
I don't know where this will end up, but after a week's worth of pus and bile that was spewed to the good American people from the stage of the republican National Convention, I think this week's "must go" should have theme.
1) Calling McCain a "maverick"--we know this isn't true, and hasn't been for at least the past four years while he's been prepping for his run for president. He's said and done whatever he could to make him look good to the public, while voting against the exact measures, whose virtues he extols. John McCain 2000 may have been a good guy, but McCain 08 definitely is not. Case in point: (don't disregard it because it comes from a comedian)click here if video doesn't work
1) Calling McCain a "maverick"--we know this isn't true, and hasn't been for at least the past four years while he's been prepping for his run for president. He's said and done whatever he could to make him look good to the public, while voting against the exact measures, whose virtues he extols. John McCain 2000 may have been a good guy, but McCain 08 definitely is not. Case in point: (don't disregard it because it comes from a comedian)click here if video doesn't work
2) Sarah Palin--Face it, she wasn't picked for any other reason than the fact that he has a uterus, and a well-used one at that. Sure, she delivered her speech well. It's a damn good thing too, because as a Communications and Journalism major, had she failed to deliver, it would have proven that all five of the universities she attended while pursuing her undergrad had failed her. But what has she got? A tenure as mayor of a small town that is proving daily to show controversy and problems that have been left to Wasilla? Or the fact that she's been the governor of one of the least-populated states in America, during which time, she likely misused her power to get revenge at a former brother-in-law. We could maybe have an idea of whether or not she has any idea about the world at large if she would ever allow herself to be questioned by the media. But that doesn't happen. America take note, this hockey mom doesn't have a clue.
3) Sarah Palin's well-used uterus--Not her children per se (even if they have the most ridiculous names I have ever heard), but the fact that this "loving" mother is exploiting them for political gain. In her speech, she throws their life story at us, she has her knocked up teen display her "sex on skates" boyfriend as America's hope for the future, and when anyone tries to question that, they call foul. But I guess the republicans are the kings of the double-standard.
4) Making this election about the little stuff--There are huge issues our country is facing. Most of our problems have been caused by the moronic republican party. Now, when they haven't got anything to offer except more of the same, they want to divert American attention and try to act like the Democrats are to blame. Smoke and mirrors kids. Look at McCain's speech. He hasn't got a plan. He spoke entirely in generalities and offered not one specific. Then compare that to Obama. Side by side, you'll see that there are stark differences. If you, like the 80% of America who thinks we're on the wrong track, want to change the direction of this country, you need to realize that John McCain is the exact same as George W. Bush.
5) Not a thing that must go, but just a note, an observation I had while watching McCain's speech. There were people in the crowd who began to protest--Iraq veterans against the war. Whenever they got up and yelled, the entire crowd of know-nothing republicans began chanting in unison "U S A, U S A..." It just seemed very symbolic of what they really are. They can say and do the most ridiculous things, run amok in the government, doing untold damage to our country, but when someone tells them they're wrong, what do they do but try to argue that they support the "U S A" and that the other person is not patriotic. I AM SICK OF THIS, AMERICA!!! ENOUGH!!! THROW THESE ASSHOLES OUT!!! They have destroyed the image of the country I love. They have vilified dissent, the one true keeper of our freedoms. They pay lip service to the brave men and women who wear this country's uniform and protect this land, but do nothing to protect or help them afterward. They mock reason and logic. They make a joke of the poor and lowly in spirit. They condemn the opposition for the exact same human foibles they have, themselves, on many occasions exhibited. They rail against big government and government swelling, while on their watch, the budget deficit has grown by billions. They are in the pocket of big business and don't give a damn about me and you. They have destroyed the American dream, they daily making the world a worse place for me and my children. GET RID OF THEM, PLEASE!!!
3) Sarah Palin's well-used uterus--Not her children per se (even if they have the most ridiculous names I have ever heard), but the fact that this "loving" mother is exploiting them for political gain. In her speech, she throws their life story at us, she has her knocked up teen display her "sex on skates" boyfriend as America's hope for the future, and when anyone tries to question that, they call foul. But I guess the republicans are the kings of the double-standard.
4) Making this election about the little stuff--There are huge issues our country is facing. Most of our problems have been caused by the moronic republican party. Now, when they haven't got anything to offer except more of the same, they want to divert American attention and try to act like the Democrats are to blame. Smoke and mirrors kids. Look at McCain's speech. He hasn't got a plan. He spoke entirely in generalities and offered not one specific. Then compare that to Obama. Side by side, you'll see that there are stark differences. If you, like the 80% of America who thinks we're on the wrong track, want to change the direction of this country, you need to realize that John McCain is the exact same as George W. Bush.
5) Not a thing that must go, but just a note, an observation I had while watching McCain's speech. There were people in the crowd who began to protest--Iraq veterans against the war. Whenever they got up and yelled, the entire crowd of know-nothing republicans began chanting in unison "U S A, U S A..." It just seemed very symbolic of what they really are. They can say and do the most ridiculous things, run amok in the government, doing untold damage to our country, but when someone tells them they're wrong, what do they do but try to argue that they support the "U S A" and that the other person is not patriotic. I AM SICK OF THIS, AMERICA!!! ENOUGH!!! THROW THESE ASSHOLES OUT!!! They have destroyed the image of the country I love. They have vilified dissent, the one true keeper of our freedoms. They pay lip service to the brave men and women who wear this country's uniform and protect this land, but do nothing to protect or help them afterward. They mock reason and logic. They make a joke of the poor and lowly in spirit. They condemn the opposition for the exact same human foibles they have, themselves, on many occasions exhibited. They rail against big government and government swelling, while on their watch, the budget deficit has grown by billions. They are in the pocket of big business and don't give a damn about me and you. They have destroyed the American dream, they daily making the world a worse place for me and my children. GET RID OF THEM, PLEASE!!!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Life's a Beach
Dear Readers:
I have been away for a while, and thus, I haven't posted much in the past couple of weeks--with good reason. I was here for a week of my break.
We were right on the beach this is the back fence of the deck.
On the Wednesday, we all went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. I went on all of the following rides.
And this is the latest addition to Busch Gardens, The Griffon. It was awesome.
I have been away for a while, and thus, I haven't posted much in the past couple of weeks--with good reason. I was here for a week of my break.
On the beach with Mel's family in Virginia Beach.
We were right on the beach this is the back fence of the deck.On the Wednesday, we all went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. I went on all of the following rides.
And this is the latest addition to Busch Gardens, The Griffon. It was awesome.
The week was great, and relaxing. It involved pool time, the driving range, jig-saw puzzling, great food and, oh yeah, the beach. Here are a couple more photos from the trip. It was awesome. Thanks Mel's family.
A family effort got this done in a couple of hours
Amber and Mel in line for our 4-D leprechaun ride
Mel standing next to the ugliest mullet ever
Mel after escaping from Pompeii
Thank goodness I didn't need to try this on, it's a sad commentary on our society I think though.
A family effort got this done in a couple of hours
Amber and Mel in line for our 4-D leprechaun ride
Mel standing next to the ugliest mullet ever
Mel after escaping from Pompeii
Thank goodness I didn't need to try this on, it's a sad commentary on our society I think though.Friday, August 15, 2008
One Is the Lonliest Number
Reading an entry of by a friend of mine has prompted me to write this. You see, I'm a religious person, and I thoroughly enjoy the big picture of what my beliefs offer. I happen to subscribe to the Mormon way of thinking, in case you didn't know (officially The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--so I don't ruffle any of my Mormon friend's feathers). Whereas I am not married, I attend a congregation that is made exclusively of other single members like myself. I like the idea of this, as it offers the large number of us in our geographical region to have a network of others who become a second family or support net for most of us who are far from home and out on our own. Ultimately, (I think) the grand-scheme of it is to put singles in their twenties with pent-up sexual tension and anxieties together so that they'll be in closer proximity to other Mormons who are feeling these same feelings. They'll date, fall in love, marry (hopefully in that order), and make lots of Mormon babies. Now, Mormon friends, don't get angry, you know that's what "they" want. So, that being said, I have been in my current ward for a little more than two years, and I quite enjoy it for the most part. There have been ups and downs, but I have met some of the most interesting and enjoyable people during these past two years in the Langley ward. I happen to find myself in the previously mentioned pattern of dating, falling in love, and...well, you know the rest, and it comes as a result of being in said ward.
So, I don't really have a beef with the ward itself, but rather how we're being treated. As I mentioned in my previous post, we just got booted from our old building (which, incidentally is a bit of a deal, as it now takes 20 minutes to get to church rather than the previous location, which was seven), which was centrally located in the ward boundaries, was within walking distance from public transportation for those of us who don't drive (that was me a year ago), and now we are forced to meet at 2:30 because of "limited" parking spaces--never mind that there's a whole block of street parking on the very quite street. And, the ward's schedule will remain that way indefinitely because no one will complain to anyone who could change it. Before we were constantly at the later, 1-4 pm time slot. The logic is that the "family" wards have small children, and the early schedule works better for them. Last I checked, I was a small child in a "family" ward once, and we rotated every year, like every other congregation in the world. My parents dealt with it. So should the McLean Virginia stake!!
This is merely an illustration of an over-reaching mistreatment of singles in the church I feel. Maybe mistreatment is a harsh word, but I don't know what else to call it. You see, we're active, we contribute a lot to the church, we have the highest temple attendance in the stake, we volunteer time in our stake's family history center and at stake service projects, and we get shafted in return. All this because we haven't gotten married. Last I checked, we were all God's children, and equal in his eyes--regardless of marital status or fertility (heaven knows Sherry Dew harped on this a lot).
I refuse to see myself merely as a half of a future Mr. and Mrs. Darin. And, no accomplishment that I have made, or those of my many single friends, is of less worth because I , or they, are not married. I've worked hard for the life that I have, I've struggled, and have worried about a lot of things over the years. I have had many opportunities that I feel will help me be a better husband and father for them one day. Had I been married, I very well may not have had these experiences.
I don't want to belittle the lives of those people my age who went on a mission, came home and married a few months later and now continue to live in my home town (okay, maybe a little). It's not easy to raise a family, but to assume that I am not as mature as someone who is in this boat simply because I am single is preposterous.
I don't know entirely where I meant to go with this post, but just to get some of my sentiments out of me. I am not disgruntled with anyone who happens to be married. In fact, I'm quite gruntled with the prospect of being married and having a family, but I think some people need to take a look at what we singles are capable of and not treat us any differently because we don't have a husband or wife.
So, I don't really have a beef with the ward itself, but rather how we're being treated. As I mentioned in my previous post, we just got booted from our old building (which, incidentally is a bit of a deal, as it now takes 20 minutes to get to church rather than the previous location, which was seven), which was centrally located in the ward boundaries, was within walking distance from public transportation for those of us who don't drive (that was me a year ago), and now we are forced to meet at 2:30 because of "limited" parking spaces--never mind that there's a whole block of street parking on the very quite street. And, the ward's schedule will remain that way indefinitely because no one will complain to anyone who could change it. Before we were constantly at the later, 1-4 pm time slot. The logic is that the "family" wards have small children, and the early schedule works better for them. Last I checked, I was a small child in a "family" ward once, and we rotated every year, like every other congregation in the world. My parents dealt with it. So should the McLean Virginia stake!!
This is merely an illustration of an over-reaching mistreatment of singles in the church I feel. Maybe mistreatment is a harsh word, but I don't know what else to call it. You see, we're active, we contribute a lot to the church, we have the highest temple attendance in the stake, we volunteer time in our stake's family history center and at stake service projects, and we get shafted in return. All this because we haven't gotten married. Last I checked, we were all God's children, and equal in his eyes--regardless of marital status or fertility (heaven knows Sherry Dew harped on this a lot).
I refuse to see myself merely as a half of a future Mr. and Mrs. Darin. And, no accomplishment that I have made, or those of my many single friends, is of less worth because I , or they, are not married. I've worked hard for the life that I have, I've struggled, and have worried about a lot of things over the years. I have had many opportunities that I feel will help me be a better husband and father for them one day. Had I been married, I very well may not have had these experiences.
I don't want to belittle the lives of those people my age who went on a mission, came home and married a few months later and now continue to live in my home town (okay, maybe a little). It's not easy to raise a family, but to assume that I am not as mature as someone who is in this boat simply because I am single is preposterous.
I don't know entirely where I meant to go with this post, but just to get some of my sentiments out of me. I am not disgruntled with anyone who happens to be married. In fact, I'm quite gruntled with the prospect of being married and having a family, but I think some people need to take a look at what we singles are capable of and not treat us any differently because we don't have a husband or wife.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Today's List of Things That Must Go
It's been a few weeks since I have posted an enumerated weekly list of complaints, so here it goes:
1). Butt Parkers--Why do some people insist on backing their cars into parking spots? It irritates me to no end. I'm guessing that there is some theory of a quick escape if necessary. But when I see it in my parking garage at work(or at the grocery store), I know that it's less than likely that these folks are going to pull off a bank heist, and will need a quick escape. Besides that, in witnessing people backing their cars into a parking stall, it's apparent that it takes much more time ease your way slowly into the spot than to drive in forward and then back out fairly quickly when you leave. This must go (not always, but the people who insist on it every time they park must).
2).Cathy Mitchell--Well, not her in particular; she seems like a lovely lady, but the infomercial line "Who has the time?" must go. You see, I'll admit that I enjoy the occasional infomercial, and I have seen Cathy on quite a few of them. In fact, her latest endorsed item, the GT Express 101, is one that I personally find quite intriguing. What gets me though, is that while expounding on the great time saving benefits that the little machine offers, she says over and over "who has the time?" (to sit and wait for cinnamon buns to bake, or a chicken breast to cook, or what have you). Cathy, obviously someone who has nothing better to do than to spend 30 minutes watching you peddle a glorified George Foreman grill HAS THE TIME!!
3). 2:30 p.m. church--This is insane, we were informed yesterday, over the pulpit, that our congregation will be moved to a different meeting house about 1.5 miles away, which doesn't bother me much, but now we will begin at 2:30. Having a 3-hour church set means that we won't get out of our blasted meetings until 5:30. Come Sunday night football, I may have to start leaving a little early to make it home for some games. Ridiculous I say. I don't really think that it's fair that because we're the singles ward, we get stuck with the worst schedule possible--indefinitely at that.
4). John McCain--He must go. I'm sure I'll dedicate an entire post to my reasoning of why he's now a miserable human being, and is better suited to be the grumpy old man, sitting in a lawn chair, hand-watering his lawn while yelling at the "damn neighbor kids" for running over his hose with their bicycles rather than being the leader of the free world. But for now, suffice it to say that he must go. He complains that Barack Obama is "just talk," but he's not even that. Though Obama hasn't been entrenched in Washington the requisite amount of time to have the "experience" that the old codger has, at least he offers ideas. McCain doesn't even offer that, he offers bile, anger, a yellowed, slimy smile and a guarantee of four more years of the same failed policies that we're currently living with. So that grumpy old man must go.
5). People who try to make their testimony in Sacrament Meeting a stand up routine-- a joke or two is fine if that's your style, or if it puts you at ease to speak in front of a crowd, but seriously, when you go off on complete non-sequitur for the sheer purpose of a laugh--that ends up not being too hearty of a laugh at that--is not acceptable. 'Nuf said.
There are so many things that I think of, but never write them down. I'll try to keep better track of my annoyances as they come.
1). Butt Parkers--Why do some people insist on backing their cars into parking spots? It irritates me to no end. I'm guessing that there is some theory of a quick escape if necessary. But when I see it in my parking garage at work(or at the grocery store), I know that it's less than likely that these folks are going to pull off a bank heist, and will need a quick escape. Besides that, in witnessing people backing their cars into a parking stall, it's apparent that it takes much more time ease your way slowly into the spot than to drive in forward and then back out fairly quickly when you leave. This must go (not always, but the people who insist on it every time they park must).
2).Cathy Mitchell--Well, not her in particular; she seems like a lovely lady, but the infomercial line "Who has the time?" must go. You see, I'll admit that I enjoy the occasional infomercial, and I have seen Cathy on quite a few of them. In fact, her latest endorsed item, the GT Express 101, is one that I personally find quite intriguing. What gets me though, is that while expounding on the great time saving benefits that the little machine offers, she says over and over "who has the time?" (to sit and wait for cinnamon buns to bake, or a chicken breast to cook, or what have you). Cathy, obviously someone who has nothing better to do than to spend 30 minutes watching you peddle a glorified George Foreman grill HAS THE TIME!!
3). 2:30 p.m. church--This is insane, we were informed yesterday, over the pulpit, that our congregation will be moved to a different meeting house about 1.5 miles away, which doesn't bother me much, but now we will begin at 2:30. Having a 3-hour church set means that we won't get out of our blasted meetings until 5:30. Come Sunday night football, I may have to start leaving a little early to make it home for some games. Ridiculous I say. I don't really think that it's fair that because we're the singles ward, we get stuck with the worst schedule possible--indefinitely at that.
4). John McCain--He must go. I'm sure I'll dedicate an entire post to my reasoning of why he's now a miserable human being, and is better suited to be the grumpy old man, sitting in a lawn chair, hand-watering his lawn while yelling at the "damn neighbor kids" for running over his hose with their bicycles rather than being the leader of the free world. But for now, suffice it to say that he must go. He complains that Barack Obama is "just talk," but he's not even that. Though Obama hasn't been entrenched in Washington the requisite amount of time to have the "experience" that the old codger has, at least he offers ideas. McCain doesn't even offer that, he offers bile, anger, a yellowed, slimy smile and a guarantee of four more years of the same failed policies that we're currently living with. So that grumpy old man must go.
5). People who try to make their testimony in Sacrament Meeting a stand up routine-- a joke or two is fine if that's your style, or if it puts you at ease to speak in front of a crowd, but seriously, when you go off on complete non-sequitur for the sheer purpose of a laugh--that ends up not being too hearty of a laugh at that--is not acceptable. 'Nuf said.
There are so many things that I think of, but never write them down. I'll try to keep better track of my annoyances as they come.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I Really Don't Like that John McCain
McCain's Got 99 Problems
Seth Grahame-Smith of the Huffington Post
John McCain is having such a bad July that writing about his collective woes would require the patience and talent of David McCullough. Since I have neither, I turned (as I often do) to the wisdom of Jay-Z, and listed the first 99 that came to mind:99. Bush's willingness to talk directly with Iran.
98. Bush's new time "horizon" for troop withdrawals.
97. al-Maliki's endorsement of Obama's Iraq strategy.
96. Obama's headline-dominating foreign tour.
95. His disagreement with the majority of Americans on Iraq.
94. His lack of economic expertise and policy.
93. Obama's $52M June.
92. His $21M June.
91. 29% of the Latino vote.
90. 2% of the black vote.
89. Charles Keating (he'll be back).
88. Vicki Iseman (she'll be back).
87. Randy Scheunemann (he'll be leaving).
86. His band-aid approach to energy (more drilling, more nuclear, a $300M "prize").
85. His band-aid approach to healthcare (tax credits, more competition).
84. His band-aid.
83. Saying things like "I know how to win wars," despite his never having won a war.
82. His wife.
81. His ex-wife.
80. The Hagee/Parsley un-endorsement debacle.
79. An uninspired base.
78. Ape rape.
77. His bff, Joe Lieberman.
76. His claim that Czechoslovakia still exists (it doesn't).
75. His claim that Iran is training Al-Qaeda (they aren't).
74. His claim that Iraq and Pakistan share a border (they don't).
73. His claim that Somalia is the same place as Sudan (it isn't).
72. His claim that Vladimir Putin is the president of Germany (he isn't).
71. 71.
70. The images of 70,000+ screaming Democrats at Invesco Field.
69. Phil Gramm's "nation of whiners" implosion.
68. His unwillingness to call the situation in Afghanistan "urgent."
67. Steve Schmidt's failure to right the ship.
66. A new generation of Evangelicals who don't care what James Dobson thinks.
65. "C-nt."
64. "I hate the gooks."
63. His plan to resurrect Bush's plan to privatize Social Security.
62. The writer's rooms of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
61. His tarmac birthday party with Bush -- as Katrina made landfall.
60. "General Petraeus goes out there almost every day in an unarmed Humvee."
59. His belief that Americans are better off than they were eight years ago.
58. His "Frankenstein on barbiturates" oratory skill.
57. His beyond-pathetic "Pump" ad, which blames Obama for $4.50 gas.
56. His "Obama Love" ad, which blames the MSM for his terribly-run campaign.
55. His computer illiteracy (c'mon...this is 2008).
54. A tax plan that doesn't even TRY to hide the fact that it's geared toward the wealthy.
53. Bob Barr.
52. Ron Paul.
51. Rupert Murdoch.
50. His gay adoption/marriage high wire acts.
49. His immigration high wire act.
48. His torture high wire act.
47. His drilling high wire act.
46. His tax cuts high wire act.
45. Not churchgoing enough for some evangelicals.
44. Too evangelical for some independents.
43. His temper.
42. "I know what [Iraqis] want."
41. The starlet gap: McCain = Heidi Montag; Obama = Scarlett Johansson.
40. The Facebook gap: McCain = 173K supporters; Obama = 1.17M supporters.
39. His 1983-94 opposition to the Rev. Martin Luther King holiday.
38. His 2008 opposition to the Ledbetter Fair Pay [for women] Act.
37. His 2008 opposition to the G.I. Bill.
36. "100 years."
35. Viagra-gate.
34. His 0% rating from Planned Parenthood.
33. His 0% attendance record for the last six Senate Afghanistan hearings.
32. "Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno."
31. David Plouffe.
30. David Axelrod.
29. Republicans losing elections in traditional GOP strongholds.
28. His October 2002 insistence that victory in Iraq would be "easy."
27. His January 2007 insistence that he never said it would be "easy."
26. A resurgent Taliban.
25. Europe's Obamamania.
24. Kneeling at the feet of Jerry Falwell.
23. His penchant for gaffes.
22. 80% of Americans convinced we're on the wrong track.
21. The National Review calling his campaign strategy "likely to fail."
20. Another terrorist attack on U.S. soil "would be a big advantage to him."
19. Record turnout in the Democratic primaries.
18. A free Osama bin Laden.
17. "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran."
16. A campaign hierarchy dominated by lobbyists.
15. Suggesting Obama is a "Socialist."
14. The Dow Jones down 2,000 points for the year.
13. Foreclosures soaring, banks failing, and inflation at a 17-year high.
12. Still pushing his ridiculous, Big Oil-friendly gas tax holiday.
11. Being out-raised by Obama 2:1...in West Virginia.
10. His "no" vote on SCHIP (healthcare for poor children) reauthorization.
9. His support for overturning Roe v. Wade.
8. His consistent opposition to minimum wage increases.
7. Obama's 50-state strategy.
6. Al.
5. Bill.
4. Hillary.
3. Mitt.
2. John McCain.
1. George W. Bush.
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