Media Influence

I have recently been reflecting on my choice of media and entertainment and the influence it has on me mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

I feel that I have been doing much better in my "media screening." For example, I used to be a very avid listener of rap and hip-hop music, justifying it by saying that I "don't listen to the words, but I enjoy the beat." However, I, in fact, was listening to the words. I know this because I was able to sing along, word for word, many of the songs that would come on the radio. Did it change my behavior? It is quite possible, though I wasn't monitoring or tracking behavior at that period.

I still read my scriptures, attended my church meetings, fulfilled my calling, prayed, did my home teaching, and felt I was living a life in adherence to the Gospel. The problem was, every time I watched General Conference, I would say to myself, "I ought to stop listening to rap." I would stop for about two weeks and then find myself tuning in again.

I think that says something about my character. It also shows my commitment to inspiration given by my Heavenly Father, through the Holy Ghost, concerning things I personally need to work on to become more like Him.

There have been various studies published defending both sides of the argument, but I personally agree with those studies which provide that media does in fact affect ones' behavior.

Elder Ballard, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, once said in a Conference talk that "the choices we make in media can be symbolic of the choices we make in life. Choosing the trendy, the titillating, the tawdry in the TV programs or movies we watch can cause us to end up, if we’re not careful, choosing the same things in the lives we live." (source)

Media can be used for good, as we see with educational programs, news, history programs, and even some TV shows and movies that uphold family values and positive actions. But it is time that we remember what the Lord taught us in the scriptures that "for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)

My plea is that we all reevaluate our decisions in regards to the type of programs we watch and music we listen to, because I know that they do directly affect our behavior and either grant to us or deny us the blessings of strict obedience to the laws of God.

I just had to

Okay, so after writing that last post, I went back to the website with the crazy laws and laughed my head off, so I had to post them here for others' enjoyment. Seriously, if you're having a bad day, just read these laws and all your troubles will go away.

One of my personal favorites (i was laughing for quite a while)... actually first a preface. We were at my in-laws' house the other day playing cards and there was a beach ball on the ground. I picked it up and, as any child-like, no, scratch that, childish husband would do, I started bouncing it off my wife's head... because it was funny (or at least I thought so, I got in trouble after like the fifth time). Anyways, so here it is. New York: It is against the law to throw a ball at someone's head for fun.

Okay, Okay... so the other ones are below. Enjoy! (all of this is courtesy of Lawguru.com and many of the laws are probably not in effect any longer)

Alabama

• It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.
• Dominoes may not be played on Sunday.
• It is illegal to wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church.

California

• Sunshine is guaranteed to the masses.
• Animals are banned from mating publicly within 1,500 feet of a tavern, school, or place of worship.
• Bathhouses are against the law. [Get the full text of this law.]
• It is a misdemeanor to shoot at any kind of game from a moving vehicle, unless the target is a whale.
• Women may not drive in a house coat.

Florida

• Women may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer, as can the salon owner.
• A special law prohibits unmarried women from parachuting on Sunday or she shall risk arrest, fine, and/or jailing.
• If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.
• It is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit.
• Men may not be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown.
• Having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal.
• It is illegal to skateboard without a license.
• When having sex, only the missionary position is legal.

Kansas

• Prohibits shooting rabbits from a motorboat.

Louisiana

• It is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol.

Indiana

• It is illegal for a liquor store to sell cold soft drinks.
• Liquor stores may not sell milk.

Michigan

• You may not swear in front of women and children in the state of Michigan.

Nebraska

• It is illegal for bar owners to sell beer unless they are simultaneously brewing a kettle of soup.

New York

• A fine of $25 can be levied for flirting. This old law specifically prohibits men from turning around on any city street and looking "at a woman in that way." A second conviction for a crime of this magnitude calls for the violating male to be forced to wear a "pair of horse-blinders" wherever and whenever he goes outside for a stroll.
• It is against the law to throw a ball at someone's head for fun.
• A license must be purchased before hanging clothes on a clothesline.
• The penalty for jumping off a building is death.

North Dakota

• Beer and pretzels can't be served at the same time in any bar or restaurant.
• It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on.

Ohio

• It is illegal to fish for whales on Sunday.
• It is illegal to get a fish drunk.

Pennsylvania

• A person is not eligible to become Governor if he/she has participated in a duel.

Texas

• It is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing.
• It is illegal to drive without windshield wipers. You don't need a windshield, but you must have the wipers.
• It is illegal for one to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.
• It is illegal to milk another person's cow.
• A recently passed anticrime law requires criminals to give their victims 24 hours notice, either orally or in writing, and to explain the nature of the crime to be committed.
• The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home.

Wisconsin

• You must manually flush all urinals in a building.
• Butter substitutes are not allowed to be served in state prisons.

And some from the international field:

Australia

• Children may not purchase cigarettes, but can smoke them.
• You may never leave your car keys in an unattended vehicle.
• It is illegal to roam the streets wearing black clothes, felt shoes and black shoe polish on your face as these items are the tools of a cat burglar.
• It is illegal to read someone's tarot, or give them a psychic reading as these are forms of witchcraft.
• Under Australian Communications Authority (ACA) regulations, your modem can't pick up on the first ring. If it does the ACA permit for your modem is invalid and there's a $12000 fine. - Telecommunications Act 1991.

England

• Those wishing to use a television must apply for a license.
• It is illegal to leave baggage unattended.
• Picking up abandoned baggage is as act of terrorism.

France

• Between the hours of 8AM and 8PM, 70% of the music in the radio must be by French composers.

Thailand

• It is illegal to leave your house if you are not wearing underwear.
• You must wear a shirt while driving a car.
• You must pay a fine of $600 in Thailand if you're caught throwing away chewed bubblegum on the sidewalk. If you do not pay the fine, you are jailed.
• No one may step on any of the nation's currency.

Visit Lawguru.com!

Democracy is alive!

The United States is a wonderful place to live. We enjoy the most wonderful freedoms. We are awarded with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our voices are able to be heard. We are able to vote and influence the passing of laws and approval of law makers. For the most part, our lawmakers do a good job. Sometimes, however, very peculiar laws are passed which makes you wonder what they spend their time and our money doing...

For instance, in Alabama, there is a law that prohibits the playing of Dominoes on Sunday. In California, sunshine is guaranteed to the masses, but animals are banned from mating publicly within 1,500 feet of a tavern, school, or place of worship.

A law in Florida mandates that men may not be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown and another that determines that having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal.

The list goes on and on. (click here to view more wacky laws, also the source for the aforementioned laws)

Amidst all these most special laws is an occasional law that sounds a bit off-the-wall or extreme, but actually makes for a better world and a safer place to live. Though I'm sure the porcupines appreciate the Florida law (not quite sure if they would be the ones to press charges or accept the winnings from court proceedings, but...), there's a bill, working to become a law, that is more practical, and one that I appreciate and support (though I find somewhat disturbing. I cringed when I read the article).

This one comes from the Pelican State, the bayou, a place where Gumbo is grand and crawdads are creepy big, the great state of Louisiana. The bill, Senate Bill 143, which provides judges with the ability to sentence chemical castration on those convicted of sex crimes including aggravated rape, simple rape and indecent behavior with a juvenile, AND makes chemical castration mandatory for second time sex offenders (though the defendant may opt to have physical castration performed instead), recently passed the Senate and is making its way to the House.

This is big time. The bill passed in the Senate 32-3. I'm very much interested to see how well it does in the House. It's great to see that Democracy is still alive and we can defend against disgusting child predators. I think this may teach some of them a wonderful lesson and let them understand that we're not messing around (no pun intended). Now, if only California would pass that bill in our state so as to help protect my future children from scary people.


Oh, and if you ever venture to Louisiana, just remember: It is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol.

View the original article at FoxNews.com

Short Term Memory Loss...

First, read this article. (it's short)

Farnham says "But, now I have no short-term memory and doctors warn me that if I drink anymore I will die."

Okay, now, my only question is this: How long will it be before she forgets that she has this problem or that the doctors told her if she kept it up, she would die...?

Sucks for her.

Who's Right?

Okay, so I tried to make the title a little tricky by saying "Who's Right?" meaning one of two things; possessive 'who', such as, who's right is it? and the other as a conjunction, 'who is', such as 'who is right?' But I realize that probably the proper form of the possessive ought to be 'whose' as published in Merriam-Webster. But I guess either could be correct... anyways, moving on.

A Wisconsin student is suing Tomah High School, where he attends as a senior, after he received a zero by his teacher on a personally expressive art assignment. The boy alleges that others were allowed to create demonic images and that the school houses numerous religious symbols from various religions, including Buddhist and Hindu figures, Michelangelo's "Creation of Man", a drawing of the Grim Reaper, and other such objects. (view article on FoxNews.com)

"We hear so much today about tolerance," said David Cortman, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian legal advocacy group representing the student. "But where is the tolerance for religious beliefs? The whole purpose of art is to reflect your own personal experience. To tell a student his religious beliefs can legally be censored sends the wrong message." (view source)

The boy received multiple detentions after tearing up an agreement signed at the start of the class that prohibits students from making anything with any violence, blood, sexual connotations or religious beliefs in artwork. In the lawsuit, it is claimed that Millin, the art teacher, told the boy that he gave up his constitutional rights when he signed the agreement at the start of the semester.

Later, the assistant principal, Cale Jackson, told the boy his religious expression infringed on other students' rights.

This is the part that most upset me. This boy's religious expression "infringed on the other students' rights." And how is his infringement on their rights not rather an infringement on his right to religious expression? If he, or anyone for that matter, is denied religious expression because it is viewed as offensive to others then how is that not personally offensive to that person who wishes to express their religious belief? Is that not also an infringement of rights?

So what do we do? Where should we stand? Are we all pushing on either side of the fence? If we allow religious expression for one group, it infringes on the religious (or anti-religious or non-religious) expression of another. If we take away prayer in schools for Christian students and then allow prayer times for Muslim students, is that fair? If the Jews request time from work with holiday pay for a Jewish holiday are they then required to work on Christmas or at least take time off with no pay when the office is closed for the Christian holiday? Or maybe should we instead allow Christians an extra few days of holiday vacation to supplement their Christmas vacation in order to equalize the holiday allotment for Jews and Christians alike?

I could go on and on with various examples of religious 'bigotry' citing situations regarding using "God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer in schools, 10 Commandment Tablets being taken off of lawns of courthouses, etc.

Where does it end? Or does it end? At what point will we give up all rights altogether just to appease another group, whilst yet stepping on the toes of others. Why is it the governments 'duty' to step in on matters such as these? In my opinion, it is not. Let bygones be bygones. You worship your way, I will worship my way. You can pray when you want to and I can pray when I want to. We can all say "one nation, under God" whether you believe in my God or no God at all. Why do we have to be offended at every little occurrence or pronunciation or expression of religious belief?!

I claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of [my] own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

**disclaimer- I DO NOT support extremism in religion to the point that it harms the lives of others in order to cleanse the world from sin. (Yes radical Islam, I am talking about YOU) In the event of such action, I claim the privilege of defending myself, my family, and my country from such radicals and extremists with lethal force if necessary.

And stay out!!!

This article (Click for the article) kind of upset me a little this morning as I read it.  With gas prices already creeping up over $5.00/gal in some places, an extra $0.50/gal tax add-on won't help matters any.  Some may feel "It's only an extra $5.00 - $10.00 at the pump per tank, what's the big deal?"  The big deal, in my opinion, is that it doesn't only affect commuters and road trip junkies; it, quite obviously, affects anyone with a vehicle that requires fuel.  And as far as I know, there aren't too many vehicles out there that don't require fuel.  That includes cars, motorcycles, ships, trains, planes, and the like.  So what does that mean?

All it takes is a little bit of 'Googling' to find the results of the rising gas prices.  One example, of the many, comes from a recent article posted by a few different news agencies.  (Click here for the article in the Salt Lake Tribune)  The headline for this particular article reads, "Delta to cut jobs, two SLC routes amid rising fuel prices."  Delta is cutting 2,000 jobs in hopes to save a few bucks to off-set the rising prices of fueling it's fleet.  It has also offered a buyout plan to 30,000 of its' employees.  That is over half of its' workforce. (See also CNN)

That's one big example, but it is par for the course.  Shipping costs are higher which in turn raises the prices for goods or services.  And because shipping costs are higher, businesses have to find ways of cutting back, which in many cases means layoffs.  Layoffs increase the unemployment rate, which in turn hurts the economy, and, especially amidst threat of a recession, that's not great news.  

But it's all in the name of environmental progression, so it's okay.  I agree that we haven't been the best stewards of our environment, but to be honest, I don't feel that I've contributed much to 'destroying' our planet.  I throw my trash in the trash can.  I don't smoke.  I sometimes pick up others' trash that they have left.  I have yet to donate money to an environmental cause, but how much of the money that is going to be made by an additional tax on fuel is going to be contributed strictly to healing our planet.  

I did a rough calculation off of data found on the Energy Information Administrations website.  

Americans use roughly 377,608,500 gallons of gasoline per day.  Calculated at, we'll say, $3.00/gallon, that equals roughly $1.13 billion dollars a day which is about $413 billion dollars/year.  Adding $0.50 per gallon onto that we average about $1.32 billion dollars a day, equalling approximately $483 billion dollars/year.  That's a difference of $70 billion dollars. (View source) 

If they want to put all of that $70 billion towards the environment in ways that we, the people, approve (as it's our money that is paying for it) go ahead and raise the price, otherwise stay out of our pocket books... as if roughly 30% (more for some) of our paycheck wasn't enough.

An arm and a leg... and an anus.

This most recent news article caught my attention quite rapidly.  The Fox News Headline reads "Woman Goes for Leg Operation, Gets New Anus Instead."  

It's quite a short article, but very shocking.  I can't quite imagine needing surgery for my leg, being drugged in preparation for surgery and waking up later to find that my leg still hurts and now, for some reason, my anus does too.  I can see in my mind's eye the doctors providing her with a wheel chair after surgery... and a donut, and the expression on her face growing more and more perplexed by the second.  

"Now, you won't be able to go to the bathroom for at least 48 hrs, so you're just gonna have to hold it," the doctors say.  Confusion growing ever the more rapidly in the mind of this helpless patient.  "Oh and here's a sticker and a sucker for you. Have a nice day!"

Well, the hospital is going to be paying BIG for this one.  Most likely more than an arm and a leg, but definitely included in that bill is the new anus.

(Click Here for the article on FoxNews.com)

Thank you Global Warming

Recent developments have caused me great alarm on the issue of Global Warming.

Once thought by me to be one of the biggest spoofs of our generation and the next great 'invention' of Al Gore (following his invention of the internet in the 20th Century), now has become the center-point of my focus... at least for this brief article/blog.

Headlines plaster the pages of internet news sources drawing searching eyes to their all-encompassing grasp. The latest and most shocking headline, "Crash kills 25 as snow cripples China." (view source) You are probably now thinking, 'Wait a minute!... snow? I thought this article was about global warming?' Well, you are absolutely correct.

With snow falling in record droves in China's core and racking up a death toll of nearly 50 people, there is only one obvious culprit, Global Warming. How can global warming be the cause of the record snow falls, you might ask; well, let me explain.

You see, some scientists have said that we are in for the hottest decade the United States has ever seen. Dan Vergano of USA Today reports, "The next decade will be a hot one, according to scientists unveiling the first 10-year projection of global warming." (view source) And so, as with most things, it is the 'fault' of the United States. And how does that affect China? University of Texas biologist Camille Parmesan explains, "What we were able to show is it's happening in everyone's back yard," including China's. (view source)

As a result of America's rising temperatures, China's people are suffering. And now, we look to Al Gore for the truth. What is to be done? "This is not a political issue. This is a moral issue -- it affects the survival of human civilization," is Al's response. (view source) Gavin A. Schmidt followed with his solution. "There are things that you can do today and in the midterm, and things to tend to in the long term... You have to think... all... at once." (view source)

The grand solution, thinking... all at the same time. If we combine our mind powers, we will be able to combat global warming and free China from it's icy claws. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao sends his plea for help and his condolences saying, "I apologize to you all. We're currently trying our best..." (view source)

Thank you Al Gore, for allowing us to hear such an inconvenient truth.

The Passing of an Era and a Legend

President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has passed away at age 97, and with his passing brings the end of a remarkable era in Church history.

Pres. Hinckley was born June 23, 1910 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Bryant Stringham and Ada Bitner Hinckley. He began his tremendous Church service as a young missionary serving in the British Isles from 1933-1935. Upon return he began work with the LDS Church's new Radio, Publicity and Mission Literature Committee. This was a spark in a life-long journey in the field of publicity.

In 1937, he married Marjorie Pay in the Salt Lake Temple. They have five children and twenty-five grandchildren. Marjorie Pay Hinckley passed away in 2004 during Conference Weekend, at age 92, which left Pres. Hinckley in mourning. They had been married for nearly 70 years. Just prior to her passing, Pres. Hinckley commented,

"Now, my brothers and sisters, I reluctantly desire a personal indulgence for a moment. Some of you have noticed the absence of Sister Hinckley. For the first time in 46 years, since I became a General Authority, she has not attended general conference. Earlier this year we were in Africa to dedicate the Accra Ghana Temple. On leaving there we flew to Sal, a barren island in the Atlantic, where we met with members of a local branch. We then flew to St. Thomas, an island in the Caribbean. There we met with a few others of our members. We were on our way home when she collapsed with weariness. She's had a difficult time ever since. She's now 92, a little younger than I am. I guess the clock is winding down, and we do not know how to rewind it.

"It is a somber time for me. We've been married for 67 years this month. She is the mother of our five gifted and able children, the grandmother of 25 grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren. We've walked together side by side through all of these years, coequals and companions through storm and sunshine." (view source)

President Hinckley was called as an Apostle in 1961 and later into the First Presidency of the Church under President Spencer W. Kimball in 1981. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency also under Presidents Ezra Taft Benson (1899 - 1994) and Howard W Hunter (1907 - 1995). Shortly after the death of Pres. Hunter, Gordon was ordained, and sustained by the members of the Church, as its 15th President.

As President of the Church, his accomplishments were remarkable. He traveled to over 60 nations across the globe to share his warmth and spirit to members everywhere. He more than doubled the number of active temples in the span of three short years, reaching numbers above 100 working temples. He continued his work as a publicist in the realm of Church service, interviewing with Larry King, Mike Wallace and others.

But most importantly, President Gordon B. Hinckley left a lasting impression in the hearts and minds of Church members everywhere. His testimony of faith and humility were a beacon to all who witnessed his humbly triumphant life. Obedience and faithful service was his message to all. And now, with the passing of an era and a legend, each of us will retain the echo in our minds, in our hearts, and in our souls to "stand a little taller."

New Anti-Hillary '08 Campaign!

I have been following the campaign fairly closely since it's kick-off over a year ago, and have read hundreds of articles associated with either side of the fight. I also listen daily to Shawn Hannity on Hot Talk 560 KSFO (San Francisco) who touts the "Stop Hillary Express." I, as an avid supporter of Gov. Mitt Romney, have a solid gold ticket providing me 1st class passage on that train.

I have been overjoyed to hear of efforts to thwart The Clinton Machine's progress along the campaign trail. Every rusty nut (no pun intended towards Bill Clinton... promise!) or bolt that appears to slow the machine is also wonderful news. Today, I came across a brilliant new, one-man campaign against Hillary Clinton by way of her loyal 'Hillaryites.'

The story reads:

"Somewhere USA - The other day I went to Starbucks for coffee and I was only in there for about 5 minutes. When I came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket. I went up to him and said, "Come on, man, how about giving a retired person a break"?
He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. I upped the ante and called him a "Nazi."
He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires. So I called him a "doughnut-eating Gestapo jerk." He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first.
Then he started writing a third ticket. This went on for about 20 minutes. The more I abused him, the more tickets he wrote. Personally, I didn't care. I rode to Starbucks on my bicycle. The car that he was putting the tickets on had a bumper sticker that said "Hillary in '08." I try to have a little fun each day now that I'm retired. My doctors tell me it is important to laugh."
(Source: http://nuttynuttynews.blogspot.com/2008/01/funny-retired-guy-at-starbucks-having.html)

Warning: I do not recommend you insult an officer of the peace. If you wish to oppose Hillary Clinton in her bid for the Democratic nomination, there are safer ways to proceed.

But please do oppose her campaign for the Presidency.

Male chest implants... What a great idea! Um, not.

So I have this job where 90% of my time, no wait, scratch that, 99% of my time is spent doing things entirely unrelated to work. You could say that my department is lacking in organization, or you could say that my department is just lacking in organization. As a result of the non-existent work load, I have ample time to 'browse' news articles on the internet. Today, I thought to browse the "weird news" happenings. In doing so, I came across an article regarding male chest implants. No, not male 'breast' implants; male 'chest' implants.

After reading some of the article (I couldn't finish it... or even get half-way because, the chest implants occurring mostly in San Francisco [Surprise!], a San Francisco man was interviewed. He was your 'stereotypical' San Francisco man... like, oh my gosh!... yeah, that kind.), I thought, "What a ridiculously dumb idea!" Let me explain why...

Okay, think about it. Some people get tattoos that circumnavigate their bulging biceps because they actually look kind of cool, BUT others of us make fun of those people because in 10, 15, 20, or so years, the tattoos they get won't look half as good as they do now, mostly because the bulging bicep atrophies to become an abnormal abscess complete with it's own extra large insulating flap of darkened skin. What is going to happen when these men, who most likely will discontinue their workout routine as early as a couple weeks after the New Year, if they even have one, begin to lose their sculpted "300" imitation figures? Talk about your double-D man-boobs. Maybe I should try to reinstate the "Bro" to make a buck or two.

Either that or they will maintain their Abercrombie model style pecs whilst toting around a "fat pack," as was once coined by a friend of mine (Simo Atagi) whilst comparing our abs of underdeveloped steel. How would they cope then? My suggestion, try Glenn Beck's new product, "Explain Away," that way they can avoid explanation altogether.

Regardless of what happens, I can sense a growing trend of 'buyers remorse' amongst the almost-nearly back-up fill-in substitute cast for "300," as well as a nationwide epidemic of over-grown and oddly shaped man-boobs.

Ah, the male ego... isn't it grand!