Saturday, January 31, 2015
Shootin' Hoops with Jackson
My six-year-old nephew and buddy Jackson and I enjoyed a night out together this week at the local McDonald's. Dinner was followed by entertainment, which included watching him crawl into the basketball hoop area and blocking (goaltending) the shots of all of the other kids who joined in on the fun.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
It's All Greek to Me
I recently tried Greek food for the first time ever. And it was nothing short of delicious.
What do you eat when you go to Greek Souvlaki? Why, of course, souvlaki. Which is, not surprisingly, Greek.
Don't know how you feel about Brazilian, British, Chinese, German, Greek, Indian, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Pacific Island, Peruvian, Spanish, Thai, or any number of other types of foreign cuisine? I'm no connoisseur of foreign foods, but I do have a rule of thumb: Give it a try—as long as it doesn't still have its head and/or tentacles still attached, that is.
What do you eat when you go to Greek Souvlaki? Why, of course, souvlaki. Which is, not surprisingly, Greek.
Don't know how you feel about Brazilian, British, Chinese, German, Greek, Indian, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Pacific Island, Peruvian, Spanish, Thai, or any number of other types of foreign cuisine? I'm no connoisseur of foreign foods, but I do have a rule of thumb: Give it a try—as long as it doesn't still have its head and/or tentacles still attached, that is.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
The Ever-Changing Narrative
Have you noticed how the narrative is changing, and it is changing very subtly?
In the early days of the same-sex marriage debate, proponents of SSM used to argue that "if you don't want gay marriage, then don't get one" or "who people choose to love is none of your business," and also that "it doesn't affect you."
With SSM now spreading across the country—albeit mostly through judicial fiat and not the voice of the people—these advocates are no longer saying these things. They want more, and they want you to be forced to accept their point-of-view.
I loved today's press conference given by Elders Christofferson, Holland, and Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with Sister Marriott of the Young Women General Presidency, calling for nondiscrimination laws for all while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining religious freedom.
"Accusations of bigotry toward people simply because they are motivated by their religious faith and conscience have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and public debate," Elder Oaks said. "When religious people are publicly intimidated, retaliated against, forced from employment or made to suffer personal loss because they have raised their voice in the public square, donated to a cause or participated in an election, our democracy is the loser. Such tactics are every bit as wrong as denying access to employment, housing or public services because of race or gender."
Sadly, the reaction from many of the naysayers to this press conference was predictable, and it shows that their narrative is indeed changing.
A New York Times editorial written in response to the press conference argued that the Church was merely seeking "legal permission to use their religion as an excuse to discriminate." Another Facebook post proclaimed, "I'm for liberty, but I don't see why church owned businesses shouldn't play by the same rules as everyone else."
In other words: That whole claim that SSM "doesn't affect you"? We didn't really mean that. It fit into our narrative for what we wanted at the time, but not now. We are not content anymore to say that it doesn't affect you, because we are going to make sure it affects you, like it or not. It's not enough that SSM is fast becoming legal across the 50 States (and, let's admit, inevitably will be legal in all 50 once the Supreme Court, in all of its wisdom, gets done with the issue this June); we will force you not only to participate in same-sex weddings whether you want to or not, neener neener, you hateful, bigoted, ignorant, knuckle-dragging prudes who cling to your religion and guns.
It's a disappointing because it's a view that is both dishonest and, ironically, demands tolerance while not showing tolerance in return. It is also, as I said, predictable.
The same old rhetoric keeps on pouring forth, and I suppose it will for the foreseeable future. "You can't force your religious beliefs on other people, blah blah blah." Very true; you can't. Yet these are the same people who, ironically, believe that you can, by contrast, in the so-called name of equal treatment, force private business owners who do not agree with SSM to bake cakes, provide flowers, officiate weddings, etc. for SSM ceremonies, or otherwise they will face fines, jail time, loss of business, public flogging, etc.
It all seems to be about revenge and/or retaliation rather than equality, doesn't it?
Unbelievable.
In addition, I'm saddened to see self-proclaimed temple recommend-holding, faithful members of the Church openly criticize what three Apostles said today. As Elder Lynn G. Robbins said at the last general conference, "Thinking one can please God and at the same time condone the disobedience of men isn't neutrality but duplicity, or being two-faced or trying to 'serve two masters.'"
I feel "grieved because of the hardness of their hearts, and also, because of the things which I had seen, and knew they must unavoidably come to pass because of the great wickedness of the children of men" (1 Nephi 15:4).
At the same time, I feel immensely grateful to belong to a church that doesn't budge on the eternal truths of God's Plan of Happiness in the face of critics, detractors, and the ever-changing tide of popular opinion. The straight and narrow can appear to be very narrow at times, but it remains the only way nonetheless.
In the early days of the same-sex marriage debate, proponents of SSM used to argue that "if you don't want gay marriage, then don't get one" or "who people choose to love is none of your business," and also that "it doesn't affect you."
With SSM now spreading across the country—albeit mostly through judicial fiat and not the voice of the people—these advocates are no longer saying these things. They want more, and they want you to be forced to accept their point-of-view.
I loved today's press conference given by Elders Christofferson, Holland, and Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with Sister Marriott of the Young Women General Presidency, calling for nondiscrimination laws for all while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining religious freedom.
"Accusations of bigotry toward people simply because they are motivated by their religious faith and conscience have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and public debate," Elder Oaks said. "When religious people are publicly intimidated, retaliated against, forced from employment or made to suffer personal loss because they have raised their voice in the public square, donated to a cause or participated in an election, our democracy is the loser. Such tactics are every bit as wrong as denying access to employment, housing or public services because of race or gender."Sadly, the reaction from many of the naysayers to this press conference was predictable, and it shows that their narrative is indeed changing.
A New York Times editorial written in response to the press conference argued that the Church was merely seeking "legal permission to use their religion as an excuse to discriminate." Another Facebook post proclaimed, "I'm for liberty, but I don't see why church owned businesses shouldn't play by the same rules as everyone else."
In other words: That whole claim that SSM "doesn't affect you"? We didn't really mean that. It fit into our narrative for what we wanted at the time, but not now. We are not content anymore to say that it doesn't affect you, because we are going to make sure it affects you, like it or not. It's not enough that SSM is fast becoming legal across the 50 States (and, let's admit, inevitably will be legal in all 50 once the Supreme Court, in all of its wisdom, gets done with the issue this June); we will force you not only to participate in same-sex weddings whether you want to or not, neener neener, you hateful, bigoted, ignorant, knuckle-dragging prudes who cling to your religion and guns.
It's a disappointing because it's a view that is both dishonest and, ironically, demands tolerance while not showing tolerance in return. It is also, as I said, predictable.
The same old rhetoric keeps on pouring forth, and I suppose it will for the foreseeable future. "You can't force your religious beliefs on other people, blah blah blah." Very true; you can't. Yet these are the same people who, ironically, believe that you can, by contrast, in the so-called name of equal treatment, force private business owners who do not agree with SSM to bake cakes, provide flowers, officiate weddings, etc. for SSM ceremonies, or otherwise they will face fines, jail time, loss of business, public flogging, etc.
It all seems to be about revenge and/or retaliation rather than equality, doesn't it?
Unbelievable.
In addition, I'm saddened to see self-proclaimed temple recommend-holding, faithful members of the Church openly criticize what three Apostles said today. As Elder Lynn G. Robbins said at the last general conference, "Thinking one can please God and at the same time condone the disobedience of men isn't neutrality but duplicity, or being two-faced or trying to 'serve two masters.'"
I feel "grieved because of the hardness of their hearts, and also, because of the things which I had seen, and knew they must unavoidably come to pass because of the great wickedness of the children of men" (1 Nephi 15:4).
At the same time, I feel immensely grateful to belong to a church that doesn't budge on the eternal truths of God's Plan of Happiness in the face of critics, detractors, and the ever-changing tide of popular opinion. The straight and narrow can appear to be very narrow at times, but it remains the only way nonetheless.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Improvables: Sixth Anniversary Show
Last Friday night, the members of my troupe and I celebrated our sixth anniversary of performing together as the Improvables. It's difficult to believe it's really been that long. For this special occasion, former troupe members Brittney, Grant, Guy, Ian, and Michael returned to our stage for a one-night-only reunion show. It was good to share the stage with them again.
Some of the highlights included watching and listening to the Gibbons warm up musically:
. . . and then cool down again after the show:
Accompanied by the Gibbons, Richard performed a rap song about America as Hank Hill from TV's "King of the Hill":
Ricky was among several with memorable step-out game moments in "Tag Line":
Brittany and Ian (joined later by Ryan) put on a very funny game of "Pieces of Shakespeare":
Good times were had by all. I'm looking forward to a seventh year with the Improvables. And beyond.
Some of the highlights included watching and listening to the Gibbons warm up musically:
. . . and then cool down again after the show:
Accompanied by the Gibbons, Richard performed a rap song about America as Hank Hill from TV's "King of the Hill":
Ricky was among several with memorable step-out game moments in "Tag Line":
Brittany and Ian (joined later by Ryan) put on a very funny game of "Pieces of Shakespeare":
Good times were had by all. I'm looking forward to a seventh year with the Improvables. And beyond.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
"Your Focus Determines Your Reality"
Say what you what you will about the Star Wars prequels (aka Episodes I, II, and III), because it's probably already been said—Jar Jar Binks jokes and all of that. One of the few good things about them, hopefully one that most Star Wars nerds can agree on, however, was Liam Neeson's role as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace.
In one of the few poignant moments of Episode I, Qui-Gon counsels young Anakin Skywalker by giving him this sage advice: "Your focus determines your reality."
Isn't it interesting how this statement applies in our own lives? The question that follows, in my mind, then, is: What is your focus on?
Yes, I ended that last sentence with a preposition; but that's not the point.
What are you focused on? And further: Is it possible to focus on things that are inconsequential, unnecessary, or even false and to then, therefore, make them your "reality"?
The answer is: "Yes."
*Sound of me stepping up onto my soapbox
Take the situation, for example, that has enfolded over the past several months in the town of Ferguson, Missouri. I don't want to go too much into detail because, well, it's a situation that has captured the entire nation's attention. We've all heard different versions of the story. At the same time, there are some very strong feelings about what happened and who was or wasn't charged for murder in the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.
I recently watched a group of pundits discuss this issue and heard them analyze the claim by some that Brown made a "Hands up, don't shoot!" gesture before being fatally shot. Members of the St. Louis Rams football team made this gesture on the football field in an NFL game. It has been referenced in a number of other situations, as well. Sadly, there seems to be a ridiculous idea being promoted by some that police officers are bigoted, vile racists, randomly gunning down minorities because they carry guns and because they can get away with it.
Well, here's the problem with the "Hands up, don't shoot!" claim: It's patently, totally false.
The evidence presented to prosecutors and to the grand jury overwhelmingly showed that there were powder burns on Brown's arms and injuries to the police officer, proving that Brown was reaching for the police officer's gun when it went off and that he (Brown) was the aggressor. The officer clearly acted in self-defense. Multiple witnesses support this story, which was dishonestly and purposefully distorted by the some of the media and others with evils and designs in their hearts.
No matter how you look at it, it's tragic. An 18-year-old young man, with his entire life ahead of him, lost his life. Even so, a bigger tragedy would have been unfairly convicting a police officer who was simply doing his job and was acting in self-defense. Brown’s poor choices, including using drugs, robbing a convenience store, and attacking a police officer, led to his death.
I don't want to dwell on it any more than has already been done, because I'm honestly tired of the issue being dragged out on the news each night. Suffice me to say, once again, that "your focus determines your reality." In other words, what you choose to believe—whether or not it's based in reality or on the facts or even common sense—then becomes your reality.
*Sound of me getting back down from my soapbox*
One of the most important scriptures for our time, I believe, is found in the New Testament:
"For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant."
-Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:22
Focus on the truth. Determine your reality by building your reality around the truth. Believe whatever you wish to believe, but don't be deceived by false prophets and by lies, because they come in many forms: the media, politicians, rationalization, relativism, political correctness, apathy, and gossip.
The truth will set you free.
In one of the few poignant moments of Episode I, Qui-Gon counsels young Anakin Skywalker by giving him this sage advice: "Your focus determines your reality."
Isn't it interesting how this statement applies in our own lives? The question that follows, in my mind, then, is: What is your focus on?
Yes, I ended that last sentence with a preposition; but that's not the point.What are you focused on? And further: Is it possible to focus on things that are inconsequential, unnecessary, or even false and to then, therefore, make them your "reality"?
The answer is: "Yes."
*Sound of me stepping up onto my soapbox
Take the situation, for example, that has enfolded over the past several months in the town of Ferguson, Missouri. I don't want to go too much into detail because, well, it's a situation that has captured the entire nation's attention. We've all heard different versions of the story. At the same time, there are some very strong feelings about what happened and who was or wasn't charged for murder in the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.
I recently watched a group of pundits discuss this issue and heard them analyze the claim by some that Brown made a "Hands up, don't shoot!" gesture before being fatally shot. Members of the St. Louis Rams football team made this gesture on the football field in an NFL game. It has been referenced in a number of other situations, as well. Sadly, there seems to be a ridiculous idea being promoted by some that police officers are bigoted, vile racists, randomly gunning down minorities because they carry guns and because they can get away with it.
Well, here's the problem with the "Hands up, don't shoot!" claim: It's patently, totally false.
The evidence presented to prosecutors and to the grand jury overwhelmingly showed that there were powder burns on Brown's arms and injuries to the police officer, proving that Brown was reaching for the police officer's gun when it went off and that he (Brown) was the aggressor. The officer clearly acted in self-defense. Multiple witnesses support this story, which was dishonestly and purposefully distorted by the some of the media and others with evils and designs in their hearts.
No matter how you look at it, it's tragic. An 18-year-old young man, with his entire life ahead of him, lost his life. Even so, a bigger tragedy would have been unfairly convicting a police officer who was simply doing his job and was acting in self-defense. Brown’s poor choices, including using drugs, robbing a convenience store, and attacking a police officer, led to his death.
I don't want to dwell on it any more than has already been done, because I'm honestly tired of the issue being dragged out on the news each night. Suffice me to say, once again, that "your focus determines your reality." In other words, what you choose to believe—whether or not it's based in reality or on the facts or even common sense—then becomes your reality.*Sound of me getting back down from my soapbox*
One of the most important scriptures for our time, I believe, is found in the New Testament:
"For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant."
-Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:22
Focus on the truth. Determine your reality by building your reality around the truth. Believe whatever you wish to believe, but don't be deceived by false prophets and by lies, because they come in many forms: the media, politicians, rationalization, relativism, political correctness, apathy, and gossip.
The truth will set you free.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Ringing In the New Year
It's 2015!
Well, it has been for a few days now, of course. So, tonight, I'll finally get around to posting this photo from one of two New Year's parties I stopped by last Wednesday night/Thursday morning:
It's pizza spaghetti, of course. Or spaghetti pizza, depending on your druthers. Either way, it was one of many tasty dishes brought by good friends to help ring in the new year.
Well, it has been for a few days now, of course. So, tonight, I'll finally get around to posting this photo from one of two New Year's parties I stopped by last Wednesday night/Thursday morning:
It's pizza spaghetti, of course. Or spaghetti pizza, depending on your druthers. Either way, it was one of many tasty dishes brought by good friends to help ring in the new year.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Retaking the Trophy
Who has two thumbs and recently recaptured the family league fantasy football trophy?
This guy.
This guy.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Movie Review: "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies; Or, How I Learned to Stop Smaug and Love Middle-Earth"
This movie—I just . . . I can't even. What a film! And that's just the title alone, which is marvelous.
About my viewing experience today: Sometimes, one of the best parts of going to see a movie in the theater is listening to the very audible reactions of the people around you (as long as they don't distract, of course). The lady seated behind us had the most hysterical laugh—risa que da risa, as the Peruvians say—heard, for example, during the scene in which the cheese-head orc (yes, really; this orc looked like it was a very upset Green Bay Packers fan) ran headfirst into a wall to break a hole through it.
I guess you had to be there.
All right, so . . . Before we go any further: SPOILER ALERT. (You'd think that would be obvious when you're reviewing a movie, but hey . . . some people. Am I right?)
- In the previous two movies, we had Radagast and his rabbit-driven sled. In this one, we also have an elf riding a moose and dwarves riding rams—'cause they're RAM TOUGH! (rim shot)
- The dwarves' hair was styled by the same barber who cut the hair of infamous '80s band A Flock of Seagulls. Well, at least some of them.
- Gingers get angry, and they will not be stopped (Galadriel, Tauriel). Galadriel goes full girl-from-The Ring-crazy in one scene.
- Christopher Lee has pretty sweet fighting moves for a 92-year-old guy.
- Literally dozens of people are rescued from imminent doom at EXACTLY THE VERY LAST POSSIBLE SECOND.
- Speaking of last-minute rescues, I think I figured out why the eagles keep appearing when they do to help save the day. The eagle is the symbol of the United States, right? Well, the U.S. didn't make it into World War I until 1917 and, later on, World War II until late 1941 (after more than two years of fighting). Those Americans are always arriving late. (Nevertheless, they do help to save everybody.)
- Near the end of the film, Merry (Dominic Monaghan), from the first Middle-Earth trilogy, makes a very brief cameo appearance when Bilbo returns to the Shire. I later verified this in the IMDB trivia section because, hey, slow news day. You can see him on the bottom-right of the screen, walking away from Bag End.
None of this is meant to come across as any sort of a complaint. It's just Paco's unique take on things, because that's the kind of Sensitive New Age Guy he is.
Can't wait for The Hobbit 4!
About my viewing experience today: Sometimes, one of the best parts of going to see a movie in the theater is listening to the very audible reactions of the people around you (as long as they don't distract, of course). The lady seated behind us had the most hysterical laugh—risa que da risa, as the Peruvians say—heard, for example, during the scene in which the cheese-head orc (yes, really; this orc looked like it was a very upset Green Bay Packers fan) ran headfirst into a wall to break a hole through it.
I guess you had to be there.
All right, so . . . Before we go any further: SPOILER ALERT. (You'd think that would be obvious when you're reviewing a movie, but hey . . . some people. Am I right?)
- In the previous two movies, we had Radagast and his rabbit-driven sled. In this one, we also have an elf riding a moose and dwarves riding rams—'cause they're RAM TOUGH! (rim shot)- The dwarves' hair was styled by the same barber who cut the hair of infamous '80s band A Flock of Seagulls. Well, at least some of them.
- Gingers get angry, and they will not be stopped (Galadriel, Tauriel). Galadriel goes full girl-from-The Ring-crazy in one scene.
- Christopher Lee has pretty sweet fighting moves for a 92-year-old guy.
- Literally dozens of people are rescued from imminent doom at EXACTLY THE VERY LAST POSSIBLE SECOND.
- Speaking of last-minute rescues, I think I figured out why the eagles keep appearing when they do to help save the day. The eagle is the symbol of the United States, right? Well, the U.S. didn't make it into World War I until 1917 and, later on, World War II until late 1941 (after more than two years of fighting). Those Americans are always arriving late. (Nevertheless, they do help to save everybody.)
- Near the end of the film, Merry (Dominic Monaghan), from the first Middle-Earth trilogy, makes a very brief cameo appearance when Bilbo returns to the Shire. I later verified this in the IMDB trivia section because, hey, slow news day. You can see him on the bottom-right of the screen, walking away from Bag End.
None of this is meant to come across as any sort of a complaint. It's just Paco's unique take on things, because that's the kind of Sensitive New Age Guy he is.
Can't wait for The Hobbit 4!
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