FOTOPIA

Isla B

2010-03-10T10:11:00.001-07:00

Ronald Reagan Speaks Out Against Socialized Medicine

2010-02-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Andrea's Etsy Shop

2009-11-23T10:33:00.002-07:00

Check out Andrea's craftiness at http://www.etsy.com/shop/bugsyboo

10 Reasons for Moral Outrage - FOXNews.com

2009-10-26T11:13:00.001-06:00

10 Reasons for Moral Outrage - FOXNews.com

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My newest niece... Isla Frandsen

2009-09-03T10:49:00.002-06:00

CSI Miami Fans

2009-07-01T11:54:00.002-06:00

Just incase anyone who reads my blog believes in Global Warming

2009-06-29T15:56:00.005-06:00

Highlights of the Updated 2009 Senate Minority Report featuring over 700 international scientists dissenting from man-made climate fears:

Click here for the entire Report in PDF format

“I am a skeptic…Global warming has become a new religion.” - Nobel Prize Winner for Physics, Ivar Giaever.

“Since I am no longer affiliated with any organization nor receiving any funding, I can speak quite frankly….As a scientist I remain skeptical...The main basis of the claim that man’s release of greenhouse gases is the cause of the warming is based almost entirely upon climate models. We all know the frailty of models concerning the air-surface system.” - Atmospheric Scientist Dr. Joanne Simpson, the first woman in the world to receive a PhD in meteorology, and formerly of NASA, who has authored more than 190 studies and has been called “among the most preeminent scientists of the last 100 years.”

Warming fears are the “worst scientific scandal in the history…When people come to know what the truth is, they will feel deceived by science and scientists.” - UN IPCC Japanese Scientist Dr. Kiminori Itoh, an award-winning PhD environmental physical chemist.

“The IPCC has actually become a closed circuit; it doesn’t listen to others. It doesn’t have open minds… I am really amazed that the Nobel Peace Prize has been given on scientifically incorrect conclusions by people who are not geologists.” - Indian geologist Dr. Arun D. Ahluwalia at Punjab University and a board member of the UN-supported International Year of the Planet.

“So far, real measurements give no ground for concern about a catastrophic future warming.” - Scientist Dr. Jarl R. Ahlbeck, a chemical engineer at Abo Akademi University in Finland, author of 200 scientific publications and former Greenpeace member.

“Anyone who claims that the debate is over and the conclusions are firm has a fundamentally unscientific approach to one of the most momentous issues of our time.” - Solar physicist Dr. Pal Brekke, senior advisor to the Norwegian Space Centre in Oslo. Brekke has published more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific articles on the sun and solar interaction with the Earth.

“The models and forecasts of the UN IPCC "are incorrect because they only are based on mathematical models and presented results at scenarios that do not include, for example, solar activity.” - Victor Manuel Velasco Herrera, a researcher at the Institute of Geophysics of the National Autonomous University of Mexico

“It is a blatant lie put forth in the media that makes it seem there is only a fringe of scientists who don’t buy into anthropogenic global warming.” - U.S Government Atmospheric Scientist Stanley B. Goldenberg of the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA.

“Even doubling or tripling the amount of carbon dioxide will virtually have little impact, as water vapour and water condensed on particles as clouds dominate the worldwide scene and always will.” – . Geoffrey G. Duffy, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering of the University of Auckland, NZ.

“After reading [UN IPCC chairman] Pachauri's asinine comment [comparing skeptics to] Flat Earthers, it's hard to remain quiet.” - Climate statistician Dr. William M. Briggs, who specializes in the statistics of forecast evaluation, serves on the American Meteorological Society's Probability and Statistics Committee and is an Associate Editor of Monthly Weather Review.

“The Kyoto theorists have put the cart before the horse. It is global warming that triggers higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, not the other way round…A large number of critical documents submitted at the 1995 U.N. conference in Madrid vanished without a trace. As a result, the discussion was one-sided and heavily biased, and the U.N. declared global warming to be a scientific fact,” Andrei Kapitsa, a Russian geographer and Antarctic ice core researcher.

“I am convinced that the current alarm over carbon dioxide is mistaken...Fears about man-made global warming are unwarranted and are not based on good science.” - Award Winning Physicist Dr. Will Happer, Professor at the Department of Physics at Princeton University and Former Director of Energy Research at the Department of Energy, who has published over 200 scientific papers, and is a fellow of the American Physical Society, The American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Academy of Sciences.

“Nature's regulatory instrument is water vapor: more carbon dioxide leads to less moisture in the air, keeping the overall GHG content in accord with the necessary balance conditions.” – Prominent Hungarian Physicist and environmental researcher Dr. Miklós Zágoni reversed his view of man-made warming and is now a skeptic. Zágoni was once Hungary’s most outspoken supporter of the Kyoto Protocol.

“For how many years must the planet cool before we begin to understand that the planet is not warming? For how many years must cooling go on?" - Geologist Dr. David Gee the chairman of the science committee of the 2008 International Geological Congress who has authored 130 plus peer reviewed papers, and is currently at Uppsala University in Sweden.

“Gore prompted me to start delving into the science again and I quickly found myself solidly in the skeptic camp…Climate models can at best be useful for explaining climate changes after the fact.” - Meteorologist Hajo Smit of Holland, who reversed his belief in man-made warming to become a skeptic, is a former member of the Dutch UN IPCC committee.

“The quantity of CO2 we produce is insignificant in terms of the natural circulation between air, water and soil... I am doing a detailed assessment of the UN IPCC reports and the Summaries for Policy Makers, identifying the way in which the Summaries have distorted the science.” - South Afican Nuclear Physicist and Chemical Engineer Dr. Philip Lloyd, a UN IPCC co-coordinating lead author who has authored over 150 refereed publications.

“Many [scientists] are now searching for a way to back out quietly (from promoting warming fears), without having their professional careers ruined.” - Atmospheric physicist James A. Peden, formerly of the Space Research and Coordination Center in Pittsburgh.

“All those urging action to curb global warming need to take off the blinkers and give some thought to what we should do if we are facing global cooling instead.” - Geophysicist Dr. Phil Chapman, an astronautical engineer and former NASA astronaut, served as staff physicist at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

“Creating an ideology pegged to carbon dioxide is a dangerous nonsense…The present alarm on climate change is an instrument of social control, a pretext for major businesses and political battle. It became an ideology, which is concerning.” - Environmental Scientist Professor Delgado Domingos of Portugal, the founder of the Numerical Weather Forecast group, has more than 150 published articles.

“CO2 emissions make absolutely no difference one way or another….Every scientist knows this, but it doesn’t pay to say so…Global warming, as a political vehicle, keeps Europeans in the driver’s seat and developing nations walking barefoot.” - Dr. Takeda Kunihiko, vice-chancellor of the Institute of Science and Technology Research at Chubu University in Japan.

“The [global warming] scaremongering has its justification in the fact that it is something that generates funds.” - Award-winning Paleontologist Dr. Eduardo Tonni, of the Committee for Scientific Research in Buenos Aires and head of the Paleontology Department at the University of La Plata.

“Whatever the weather, it's not being caused by global warming. If anything, the climate may be starting into a cooling period.” Atmospheric scientist Dr. Art V. Douglas, former Chair of the Atmospheric Sciences Department at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and is the author of numerous papers for peer-reviewed publications.

“But there is no falsifiable scientific basis whatever to assert this warming is caused by human-produced greenhouse gasses because current physical theory is too grosslyinadequate to establish any cause at all.” - Chemist Dr. Patrick Frank, who has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed articles.

“The ‘global warming scare’ is being used as a political tool to increase government control over American lives, incomes and decision making. It has no place in the Society's activities.” -Award-Winning NASA Astronaut/Geologist and Moonwalker Jack Schmitt who flew on the Apollo 17 mission and formerly of the Norwegian Geological Survey and for the U.S. Geological Survey.

“Earth has cooled since 1998 in defiance of the predictions by the UN-IPCC….The global temperature for 2007 was the coldest in a decade and the coldest of the millennium…which is why ‘global warming’ is now called ‘climate change.’” - Climatologist Dr. Richard Keen of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Colorado.

“I have yet to see credible proof of carbon dioxide driving climate change, yet alone man-made CO2 driving it. The atmospheric hot-spot is missing and the ice core data refute this. When will we collectively awake from this deceptive delusion?” - Dr. G LeBlanc Smith, a retired Principal Research Scientist with Australia’s CSIRO. (The full quotes of the scientists are later in this report)

80's Toy Movies

2009-06-23T11:47:00.001-06:00

Funny Videos | Funny Cartoons | More Video Clips

This had me laughing a day later...I had to post it!

2009-06-23T11:19:00.000-06:00

Sneezes

2009-06-22T15:16:00.000-06:00

I am dying over these cartoons... they are cracking me up! Enjoy!

Hilarious

2009-06-22T15:11:00.002-06:00

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT!

2009-06-22T15:05:00.002-06:00

Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Video Version

2009-06-16T17:03:00.000-06:00

Hard Times

2009-06-16T17:02:00.000-06:00

Private Blogging

2009-06-05T15:52:00.002-06:00

IKEA buys GM

2009-05-29T16:21:00.001-06:00

Speechless...

2009-05-29T16:19:00.002-06:00

Well Well Well

2009-05-29T16:15:00.003-06:00

I love this!!!! I laughed so hard when I found this...

Swine Flu Affects Us All

2009-05-29T16:13:00.002-06:00

Bishop's Spiritual Thought

2009-05-28T13:19:00.001-06:00

Our Bishop shared this with us last night as a spiritual thought... I thought it was great...

Elder Ezra Taft Benson said:

“In that sacred volume of scripture, the Book of
Mormon, we note the great and prolonged struggle for
liberty. We also note the complacency of the people
and their frequent willingness to give up their liberty
for the promises of a would-be provider.

“The record reveals that a man ‘of cunning device
. . . and . . . many flattering words,’ . . . sought . . . ‘to
destroy the foundation of liberty which God had
granted unto them. . . .’ (Alma 46:10.)

“While this incident occurred some seventy years
B.C., the struggle went on through one thousand years
covered by this sacred Book of Mormon record. In
fact, the struggle for liberty is a continuing one—it is
with us in a very real sense today right here on this
choice land of the Americas” (in Conference Report,
Oct. 1962, pp. 14–15)

Pooh Family

2009-05-26T13:19:00.002-06:00

Sacred Grove Video

2009-05-13T17:20:00.003-06:00

Our small little camera that does video cannot do the grove justice.

New York Trip

2009-05-13T16:59:00.012-06:00

After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.

But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction--not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being--just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--"This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House Tickets

2009-05-08T09:19:00.002-06:00

Here is a link to get your tickets: http://www.lds.org/reservations/0,10751,1619-1-561,00.html

Sophie

2009-04-30T11:23:00.003-06:00

Amazing Video!

2009-04-28T17:57:00.001-06:00

Dangers Facing America

2009-04-28T17:47:00.000-06:00

Family Pics- The Nieces

2009-04-27T16:10:00.005-06:00

Feeding the duck for FHE

2009-04-22T14:44:00.004-06:00

We got to go feed the ducks with the Wakefields and the Grovers for family home (park) evening on Monday. Andrea snapped this shot of little Porter at the duck pond. I think its a great shot!

Survival Seeds - The Survival Seed Bank Provides A Lifetime Food Solution For Families.

2009-04-22T12:57:00.001-06:00

Survival Seeds - The Survival Seed Bank Provides A Lifetime Food Solution For Families.

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Record Serves as Reminder of Hugo Chavez's Human Rights Transgressions - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-04-21T16:25:00.001-06:00

Record Serves as Reminder of Hugo Chavez's Human Rights Transgressions - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com

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Saturday Reception

2009-04-20T15:44:00.005-06:00

Amazing Snow!

2009-04-16T09:26:00.006-06:00

This is what we woke up to this morning... if you click on the images you can see a lot better!

WORST MOVIE EVER MADE...

2009-04-11T11:34:00.002-06:00

We rented the above movie from Redbox last night with the Wakefields. For some reason we were fooled into thinking this was a comedy. We had rented another movie as well that seemed more serious so we decided to go with the "comedy"... we were right about one thing... this movie was a joke. NEVER waste your money on it!!!!! Just a quick run down... guy thinks he is dying.... guy buys older house... the image of Christ appears on the exterior wall... its bleeds tears... need I continue?! So Friday night... good food... good company... lamest movie ever!

TV FREE

2009-04-06T10:31:00.001-06:00

Ok so I just wanted to update everyone on our TV fast. I am proud to say that we have not hooked up the cable back to the TV. We have been doing just fine without it!

New Church Video

2009-03-14T13:11:00.000-06:00

TV Free Day 1

2009-03-11T15:10:00.003-06:00

Andrea and I have decided that the TV is something that we would like to cut out of our lives for a while... we are starting with a 30 day challenge to not watch TV. Don't get me wrong we are not the type of people that think all kids should be home schooled and that TV is the root of all evil. I guess you could say we are trying to go through a TV detox. We have just enjoyed too many shows.... American Idol, CSI Las Vegas, CSI New York, CSI Miami, Cold Case, Without a Trace, Pysch, 24, Amazing Race, America's Funniest Home Videos, Dog the Bounty Hunter, and too many more to list. We thought a DVR would help but that just helped us watch more of the shows we liked. We could literally come home from work and watch non stop pure entertainment until it was time for bed. So I am hoping to use the blog to help with accoutability of what we are up to.

You are welcome to join us in this challenge!!!! Here is a site I found with tips on how to cut TV out of your life... trashyourtv.com

What is wrong with our world?

2009-02-25T13:04:00.004-07:00

I found these on FoxNews today... Is this upsetting to anyone else? Not to get too "churchy" but do you think the prophets of old saw people like this when they saw our day?

Family Home Painting

2009-02-10T10:35:00.004-07:00

We decided to paint last night using water color... no this is not the Crayola variety... we had a lot of fun doing it... the tree is my creation and the flowers are Andrea's.

Dangerous Times

2009-01-26T08:40:00.002-07:00

I am the only one who found this shocking? Is it not ok to listen to people who don't agree with President Hussein? Sorry I am not drinking the Kool-aid Obama!

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/23/obama-quit-listening-rush-limbaugh-want-things/

Obama: Quit Listening to Rush Limbaugh if You Want to Get Things Done

Obama warned Republicans to quit listening to Limbaugh if they want to get along with Democrats, during a White House discussion on his nearly $1 trillion stimulus package.

WASHINGTON -- President Obama warned Republicans on Capitol Hill today that they need to quit listening to radio king Rush Limbaugh if they want to get along with Democrats and the new administration.

"You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done," he told top GOP leaders, whom he had invited to the White House to discuss his nearly $1 trillion stimulus package.

One White House official confirmed the comment but said he was simply trying to make a larger point about bipartisan efforts.

"There are big things that unify Republicans and Democrats," the official said. "We shouldn't let partisan politics derail what are very important things that need to get done."

That wasn't Obama's only jab at Republicans today.

While discussing the stimulus package with top lawmakers in the White House's Roosevelt Room, President Obama shot down a critic with a simple message.

"I won," he said, according to aides who were briefed on the meeting. "I will trump you on that."

The response was to the objection by Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) to the president's proposal to increase benefits for low-income workers who don't owe federal income taxes.

Headlines...

2009-01-18T23:32:00.005-07:00

Here are some headlines from foxnews and cnn tonight... I read what they say but interpret them differently.

What it says:

Critics Push to End Abstinence-Only Sex Education

What it says to me:

Satan Pushes to End Abstinence-Only Sex Education

What is says:

'Greenest Inauguration in History'

What it says to me:

We have wasted billions of dollars, a lot of which was to 'go green'... there is no scientific proof that if everyone in this world went green the climate change would reverse. Political nonsense. Was president Washington's inauguration full of pollution?

What it says:

New Devices Aim to Disable Cell Phones While Driving.

What it says to me:

Let's make sure we control every aspect of people's lives so they cant choose on their own. Sounds satanic doesnt it?

What it says:

Tom Cruise Reveals Childhood Dream to Kill Hitler

What it says to me:

What the crap? Has he had a mental evaluation? Celebrities are lame.

What it says:

Obama's popularity grows

What it says to me:

People are easily fooled into liking someone who only wants change for the sake of change. Wolf in sheep's clothing...

DO YOU DO THE SAME THING WITH HEADLINES? HAVE ANY GOOD ONES?

Celebrities are so much better than us bottom dwellers!

2009-01-18T23:26:00.002-07:00

Foxnews article.... http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,480167,00.html

Tom Hanks, an Executive Producer for HBO’s controversial polygamist series “Big Love,” made his feelings toward the Mormon Church’s involvement in California's Prop 8 (which prohibits gay marriage) very clear at the show’s premiere party on Wednesday night.

“The truth is this takes place in Utah, the truth is these people are some bizarre offshoot of the Mormon Church, and the truth is a lot of Mormons gave a lot of money to the church to make Prop-8 happen,” he told Tarts. “There are a lot of people who feel that is un-American, and I am one of them. I do not like to see any discrimination codified on any piece of paper, any of the 50 states in America, but here's what happens now. A little bit of light can be shed, and people can see who's responsible, and that can motivate the next go around of our self correcting Constitution, and hopefully we can move forward instead of backwards. So let's have faith in not only the American, but Californian, constitutional process.”

When informed of the "Forrest Gump" star's comments, Kim Farah, a spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, told Tarts, "Expressing an opinion in a free and democratic society is as American as it gets."

Bill McKeever, a rep for the Mormonism Research Ministry, added, "Personally, I find it un-American to tell people that they shouldn’t vote their conscience. Hanks said he doesn’t 'like to see any discrimination codified on any piece of paper.' Considering that just about every law discriminates in some form or another, makes this comment ridiculous. Hanks’ comment shows that he very much believes in discriminating against people with whom he disagrees. I may not agree with Mormon theology, but I certainly defend their right to express their opinion."

Super Hot Wife

2008-12-14T22:54:00.002-07:00

Andrea is in the other room that is the only reason why I am getting away with posting this picture on here. Here is my hot wife! Does she look good or what?! Tell her you think so at andreafrandsen@gmail.com!

Kitchenaid=Kitchen-art

2008-12-14T22:40:00.005-07:00

Since getting our Kitchenaid a couple of Christmas' ago I have taken up doing a few creative things in the kitchen... from bread to red velvet cupcakes... these are the latest I created for a party we went to on Friday night.

Nothing says Christmas like...

2008-12-12T16:40:00.001-07:00

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

2008-12-08T14:10:00.002-07:00

Our stake presidency has challenged us all to re-read the the family proclamation... I wanted to do it and thought others might want to do the same...

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

© 1995, 2008 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
English approval: 5/08. 35602

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Coolest Fountain in the World

2008-12-04T15:59:00.001-07:00

Video Game Faces

2008-12-03T14:19:00.002-07:00

Here are a bunch of kids while they play violent video games...

Christmas Tree

2008-12-01T13:12:00.003-07:00

Are You a Celebrity?

2008-11-23T23:19:00.002-07:00

A celebrity is a widely-recognized or famous person who commands a high degree of attention.

I have recently noticed something that I thought would be interesting to post about and possibly get some good feedback on. I am not meaning to create controversy or hurt feelings, I simply want us all to think about our standings in our families in hopes of eliminating what I like to call the "celebrity status". I know parents say that they love each kid equally but come on... that may be what they say but actions tend to speak louder than words. Is it just me or have others noticed that families have their own celebrities... parties cannot and will not be the same without them. The show cannot go on without them, they are the ones that get all the positive attention and they are the ones that everyone else gets compared to. I have a really good friend who is not the celebrity in his/ or her family (much like myself) and no matter what he/ or she does it NEVER measures up to the "celebrity sibling". This friend of mine is a really good person, fun, nice, considerate of others, makes right decisions, great spouse... but when the celebrity is around, my friend is just... in the way, unimportant, irritating, and not validated. This friend has been living like this forever and cant seem to over come the "B list" status. Do your families have their "celebrity"? Are you that celebrity? Are you like me and my friend... always over shadowed by the "celebrity"?

Here are some things you might hear if you are NOT the celebrity:

"Too bad everyone is here but (insert celebrity) its just not gonna be the same." (You arent fun)
"I wish (insert celebrity) were here." (This indicates your company is less appreciated.)

Celebrities will also instantly steal the spotlight whenever they enter a room... you become instantly invisible when the celebrity enters the room... its like everyone scrambles for an autograph while you are left standing alone and you swear you can hear crickets chirping around you. Don't feel bad... we are a society who worships celebrities. Its not ok for families to do this... here are some suggestions...

If you are the celebrity... dont allow others to treat people poorly so you can get your celebrity treatment.... include everyone and validate the non celebrity when he or she has a point to be made. Stand up for the underdog and show respect.

If you are the non celebrity you have two choices... you can be content that your family treats you like a second class citizen or... you can live your life trying to be the celebrity that you can never be unless your family changes their ways... confronting the family will only drive your family to love the celebrity more because he or she is not the complainer.

So which one are you? Do you have this in your family?

Neal A Maxwell

2008-11-16T19:04:00.002-07:00

Go to http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=6197 to read a talk that Neal A Maxwell made back in 1978... I think he hit the nail on the head with what is going on in the world today. Its a little long but worth the read!

There is beauty all around....

2008-11-16T18:55:00.003-07:00

hate: verb, hat⋅ed, hat⋅ing, noun

1.	to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest.

2.	to be unwilling; dislike

–verb (used without object)

3.	to feel intense dislike, or extreme aversion or hostility.

–noun

4.	intense dislike; extreme aversion or hostility.

I think this guy doesnt understand what hate means? What do you think? Freedom of expression is ok as long as you agree with this guy!

Finally Something Positive

2008-11-14T10:42:00.004-07:00

I know my postings lately have been focused on the injustices against my "people" (I wanted to sound deep) I wanted to post about something a little lighter and happier....

I was on my way to the dry cleaners to drop off my favorite suit (I got bird poop or something on it when I was in CA) and I was listening to Glenn Beck (one of my favorite conservatives) and he was getting all choked up about these comments that people had emailed into him. He was talking about his book... I thought... well... I have his last book and it was great but why the emotion... it didnt take me long to figure out that he was talking about a new book of his that recently came out. From the comments I heard and his emotions talking about I decided to go immediately to the bookstore and pick up a copy. I knew it was a Christmas story and I dont usually read things like this but... I love to support people like Glenn. I started it and read the whole thing in one night... granted I went to bed late and watched the office in the middle but this book was AWESOME... it was a great story that tide into the atonement and redemption. It is a true story based on Glenn's life before he joined the church. This is available everywhere and I suggest you read it for some perspective!

Description:

If You Could Change Your Life by Reversing Your Biggest Regrets, Sorrows and Mistakes...Would You?

#1 New York Times bestselling author and renowned radio and television host Glenn Beck delivers an instant holiday classic about boyhood memories, wrenching life lessons, and the true meaning of the gifts we give to one another in love.

We weren't wealthy, we weren't poor -- we just were. We never wanted for anything, except maybe more time together....

When Eddie was twelve years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. Although his life had gotten harder -- and money tighter -- since his father died and the family bakery closed...Eddie dreamed that somehow his mother would find a way to have his dream bike gleaming beside their modest Christmas tree that magical morning.

What he got from her instead was a sweater. "A stupid, handmade, ugly sweater" that young Eddie left in a crumpled ball in the corner of his room.

Scarred deeply by the realization that kids don't always get what they want, and too young to understand that he already owned life's most valuable treasures, that Christmas morning was the beginning of Eddie's dark and painful journey on the road to manhood. It will take wrestling with himself, his faith, and his family -- and the guidance of a mysterious neighbor named Russell -- to help Eddie find his path through the storm clouds of life and finally see the real significance of that simple gift his mother had crafted by hand with love in her heart.

Based on a deeply personal true story, The Christmas Sweater is a warm and poignant tale of family, faith and forgiveness that offers us a glimpse of our own lives -- while also making us question if we really know what's most important in them.

About the Author
Glenn Beck is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller An Inconvenient Book. He is also the author of The Real America and publisher of Fusion magazine. He is the host of his own primetime television show on CNN Headline News and the nationally syndicated radio show The Glenn Beck Program, which is the third most listened to talk show in America. Visit www.glennbeck.com

Theatre Director has to resign because he is LDS and donated money for yes on Prop 8!

2008-11-13T09:40:00.003-07:00

Theater Director Resigns Amid Gay-Rights Ire
NEW YORK TIMES

Article Tools Sponsored By
By JESSE McKINLEY
Published: November 12, 2008

SACRAMENTO — The artistic director of the California Musical Theater, a major nonprofit producing company here in the state’s capital, resigned on Wednesday in the face of growing outrage over his support for a ballot measure this month that outlawed same-sex marriage in California.

The artistic director, Scott Eckern, came under fire recently after it became known that he contributed $1,000 to support Proposition 8, which amended the state Constitution to recognize only male-female marriages. The measure was approved by 52 percent of California voters on Election Day. (Same-sex marriages had been performed in California since June.)

In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, Mr. Eckern said that his donation stemmed from his religious beliefs — he is a Mormon — and that he was “deeply saddened that my personal beliefs and convictions have offended others.”

His donation was brought to light by online activists angry about the measure’s success at the polls.

“I understand that my choice of supporting Proposition 8 has been the cause of many hurt feelings, maybe even betrayal,” Mr. Eckern said. “It was not my intent. I honestly had no idea that this would be the reaction.”

But the swift resignation was not met with cheers by those on either side.

Marc Shaiman, the Tony Award-winning composer (“Hairspray”), called Mr. Eckern last week and said that he would not let his work be performed in the theater. “I was uncomfortable with money made off my work being used to put discrimination in the Constitution,” Mr. Shaiman said. He added, however, that the entire episode left him “deeply troubled” because of the potential for backlash against gays who protested Mr. Eckern’s donation.

“It will not help our cause because we will be branded exactly as what we were trying to fight,” said Mr. Shaiman, who is gay. “But I do believe there comes a time when you cannot sit back and accept what I think is the most dangerous form of bigotry.”

Supporters of the marriage ban said that critics of Mr. Eckern were attacking freedom of expression, and they chastised the theater’s board for subjecting Mr. Eckern to a political litmus test.

“No matter your opinion on Prop. 8, we should all agree that it is wrong to intimidate or harass anyone for exercising their constitutional rights,” said a letter to the theater’s board president on Tuesday by Frank Schubert, campaign manager for Protect Marriage, the leading group behind the ballot measure.

For its part, the theater disavowed Mr. Eckern’s donation and issued only a brief statement on Wednesday accepting his resignation, while emphasizing that it would not “impinge on the rights of its employees to engage in political activities.” A longtime employee, Mr. Eckern had been artistic director since 2002.

The outrage over Mr. Eckern and the subsequent dismay voiced by Mr. Shaiman are the most recent evidence of the tension running through the entertainment industry since Election Day, particularly in California.

Several prominent gay entertainers have expressed anger about the vote, including the singer Melissa Etheridge, who said she would refuse to pay California state taxes because she was “not a full citizen” and called on other gay men and women to do the same.

The sense of disappointment over the vote extended to Broadway. Jeffrey Seller, a producer of the show “Avenue Q,” which is scheduled to be part of the 2008-9 season at the California Musical Theater, said he had been shocked when he heard about Mr. Eckern’s donation.

“That a man who makes his living exclusively through the musical theater could do something so hurtful to the community that forms his livelihood is a punch in the stomach,” Mr. Seller said. “He didn’t just vote for it. One thousand dollars is a lot of money for an artistic director of a nonprofit.”

Mr. Seller said that he had not considered canceling the “Avenue Q” engagement with the theater company — “We don’t break contracts” — but had spoken to members of the show’s creative team on Tuesday about voicing their displeasure with Mr. Eckern in other ways, including adding a song addressing his donation. That idea has been dropped now.

Mr. Eckern did not respond to requests for an interview made to an outside publicist and the production company, which books shows into three Sacramento theaters, including a handsome new cabaret a block from the governor’s mansion. In his statement Mr. Eckern said that he would donate $1,000 to a gay-rights group, adding that he respected gay people, including a sister who is a lesbian.

“I am loving and supportive of her and her family, and she is loving and supportive of me and my family,” said Mr. Eckern, who is married with children. “I definitely do not support any message or treatment of others that is hateful or instills fear.”

Susan Egan, a Broadway actress (“Beauty and the Beast”) who landed her first professional job at the California Musical Theater, said she had been saddened by both Mr. Eckern’s actions and her own involvement, which included posting a letter on her Facebook page supporting the idea of boycotting the theater.

“My actions have caused him harm, just as his actions caused harm to people he loved,” she said. “We’re all guilty.”

That sentiment was echoed by Mr. Shaiman, who said that some of the pain being felt among gay theater artists after passage of Proposition 8 has been self-inflicted.

“Our anger is against ourselves, too, that we were too compliant,” he said. “It was beyond our ken that this could ever happen. But we were terribly, terribly wrong.”

Here comes Satan... here comes Satan... right down Satan Lane!

2008-11-12T15:09:00.002-07:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. — You better watch out. There is a new combatant in the Christmas wars.

Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December. The American Humanist Association unveiled the provocative $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.

In lifting lyrics from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," the Washington-based group is wading into what has become a perennial debate over commercialism, religion in the public square and the meaning of Christmas.

"We are trying to reach our audience, and sometimes in order to reach an audience, everybody has to hear you," said Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group. "Our reason for doing it during the holidays is there are an awful lot of agnostics, atheists and other types of non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion."

To that end, the ads and posters will include a link to a Web site that will seek to connect and organize like-minded thinkers in the D.C. area, Edwords said.

Edwords said the purpose isn't to argue that God doesn't exist or change minds about a deity, although "we are trying to plant a seed of rational thought and critical thinking and questioning in people's minds."

The group defines humanism as "a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity."

Last month, the British Humanist Association caused a ruckus announcing a similar campaign on London buses with the message: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."

In Washington, the humanists' campaign comes as conservative Christian groups gear up their efforts to keep Christ in Christmas. In the past five years, groups such as the American Family Association and the Catholic League have criticized or threatened boycotts of retailers who use generic "holiday" greetings.

In mid-October, the American Family Association started selling buttons that say "It's OK to say Merry Christmas." The humanists' entry into the marketplace of ideas did not impress AFA president Tim Wildmon.

"It's a stupid ad," he said. "How do we define 'good' if we don't believe in God? God in his word, the Bible, tells us what's good and bad and right and wrong. If we are each ourselves defining what's good, it's going to be a crazy world."

Also on Tuesday, the Orlando, Fla.-based Liberty Counsel, a conservative Christian legal group, launched its sixth annual "Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign." Liberty Counsel has intervened in disputes over nativity scenes and government bans on Christmas decorations, among other things.

"It's the ultimate grinch to say there is no God at a time when millions of people around the world celebrate the birth of Christ," said Mathew Staver, the group's chairman and dean of the Liberty University School of Law. "Certainly, they have the right to believe what they want but this is insulting."

Best-selling books by authors such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens have fueled interest in "the new atheism" — a more in-your-face argument against God's existence.

Yet few Americans describe themselves as atheist or agnostic; a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life poll from earlier this year found 92 percent of Americans believe in God.

There was no debate at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority over whether to take the ad. Spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said the agency accepts ads that aren't obscene or pornographic.

Stop the hate! Nobody should attack the elderly! Unbelievable!

2008-11-12T14:47:00.001-07:00

Book of Mormon set ablaze on church door step

2008-11-12T14:36:00.002-07:00

LITTLETON, Colo. (AP) -- A fire outside a Mormon church in Littleton is being investigated as a bias-motivated arson that may have stemmed from the church's position on a gay marriage amendment in California.

Arapahoe County sheriff's deputies responded to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, some three hours after a church member found a burning copy of The Book of Mormon on a door step.

No damage to the church was reported.

The caller who reported the fire told authorities that an LDS regional facilities manager indicated the incident may have been in retaliation to the church's stance on Proposition 8.

The measure passed last week bans same-sex marriage in the California constitution.

Incredible Customer Service!

2008-11-11T17:16:00.008-07:00

Andrea and I had a bad experience with the Nordstrom in Orem a couple of weeks ago. We went in to look at a pair of shoes for me and we were completely ignored. No one even talked to us even though the store was relatively empty. This was the last straw for me... I had email the store manager a couple of years ago over a similar issue.... needless to say I emailed Blake Nordstrom (President of Nordstrom) and he wrote me back today a really nice letter that even included his phone number in case he could do anything else to make this issue right. So I took him up on his offer and called him. He answered the phone directly without delay and we chatted about the situation. He was super nice and even said that I was a good guy and thanked me for calling. I am very pleased that someone of his importance would take the time to solve a problem that I had with a little Nordstrom in Orem Utah. So... my advice... if you feel like you have been mistreated by any company... speak up about it... you never know who you will get to chat with!

Lern hew two spel

2008-11-11T16:06:00.002-07:00

Vandalism a coincidence?

2008-11-11T14:30:00.001-07:00

Three more churches target of vandalism

November 11th, 2008 @ 12:00pm

By Andrew Adams and Shara Park

Police are investigating three more cases of church vandalism, bringing the total to seven. One of the churches is in Sandy and the other two are in Ogden; all of them had damage to windows or doors.

The Weber County Sheriff's Office says the door to the church at 5855 Skyline Dr. was shattered sometime between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Saturday. A member of the ward had come by the building to check on it and found glass all over the ground.

On Sunday morning, at the Ogden LDS Church on 5191 Old Post Road, ward members showed up for service to a similar scene.

These two churches along with a Sandy church near 11500 South and Wasatch Boulevard, brings the total number of churches vandalized to seven.

Both Ogden and Sandy police say they know of the other cases including the four in Layton, but they are not saying if all of them are connected or if the suspects have a particular motive.

Ogden City police Lt. Scott Sangberg says, "It could be anything. I don't think there is anything out of the realm of possibility that cause this window to be broken, anywhere from teenagers to someone who may not like how a particular bishop handled a situation."

Right now, Layton police says a BB gun caused the damage to the churches there.

Ogden and Sandy say they aren't sure what caused the damage. They say it could be a number of things.

All of the agencies involved say their investigators have no leads and no witnesses.

The estimated cost in damages for all the churches is a few thousand dollars. Several people who attend these churches say it's not a big deal to replace a broken window or door, they're just bothered that someone would vandalize their place of worship.

Latter Day Persecution

2008-11-11T14:14:00.004-07:00

These are pictures of the disrespectful and hateful behavior that the Vote No on Prop 8 people have shown toward my religious beliefs. I am not surprised that they would act with some immaturity but this is ridiculous. Little do they know that our church members only get stronger in opposition, we are very familiar with it. Such behavior will only bring the members of the church together and help solidify testimonies. This issue has served to weed out those who are among us who are not willing to stand firmly on their beliefs as well. Don't think for a second that defacing an LDS church will go unpunished... they will have their day before a "judge"!

Very poor losers... I didnt hear about Obama protests...

2008-11-06T08:35:00.003-07:00

Follow the prophet... don't go astray (unless you don't like what he says??????)

2008-11-04T20:06:00.003-07:00

Signs in ex-BYU QB Young's yard: No on Prop. 8
The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 11/03/2008 08:00:37 AM MST

SAN FRANCISCO - Former BYU and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young and his wife, Barbara, have yard signs in front of their Palo Alto, Calif., home urging voters to vote no on Proposition 8, the state ballot measure that would ban same-sex marriage.
Barbara Young, who has an older brother who is gay, has also donated about $50,000 to defeat the measure, and says in a statement that the family does not believe in discrimination.
Steve Young, a prominent Mormon, has not taken a public position on Prop. 8 himself.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated much money to the "Yes on 8" campaign.

Thank you liberal media giants for your influence!? Jerks!

2008-11-04T17:00:00.003-07:00

This is from CNN.com at about 5:00... Which candidate does CNN push based simply on the image they picked of each one. One looks noble and brave and ready to lead and the other looks like a mugshot... you decide! If Obama wins tonight... the media is directly responsible! Shame on you if you fell for it!

YES ON PROP 8!

2008-11-03T21:44:00.002-07:00

Get the magnifying class out until I can fix the image sizes!

California Trip

2008-11-02T10:50:00.002-07:00

I don't have any pictures to post just yet but I just wanted to write about my experience with the Yes on prop 8 sign rally yesterday.

Let me just say that I felt like I was really missing out on this whole Prop 8 fight, being a Californian and living in Utah I don't really get the opportunity to voice my thoughts on controversial issues. I think the most controversial issue in Utah is that people have lost their minds and want to vote for Obama.

So I got flew into Orange County on Saturday morning and went into action. My friend Brody picked me up and him and his wife Ann took me to an organized sign holding event. There were so many prop 8 supporters there it was great... there were people from different denominations there not just "the mormons". At one point the couple next to us even turned and asked, "Are you guys Mormon?" we said that we were and they said, "I never thought I could have so much with a bunch of mormons!" We were really having a lot of fun out there. There was a happy peaceful feeling among the vote yes people. The vote no people unfortunately were a little less accepting of our beliefs... apparently one of them stole a sign from the stack that was laid out for new people coming to help. One of the guys who helped organize the event called the police and pressed charges against her for stealing and sign defacing. She was asked to leave with all her signs and apologize to the people. It was completely uncalled for that she would steal and rip up a sign when we are all being so friendly and nice to them. Especially considering that the No side is so big on accepting others how they are.

Some reactions:

-Most people honked and waived and gave us thumbs up!

-Some people just pretended that the hundred or so of us werent there cheering for protecting the family.

-I have never seen so many middle fingers in my whole life. The most shocking was from the littlest middle fingers. There was a car that had younger kids in the back and they flipped us off as they drove by... their parents had been setting the example.

-The best for me was when a woman drove by with all of her windows down and yelled at the top of her lungs and her middle fingers pointing... "Hate Mongers!" It was great but unfortunately she was the only one.

-Large big rigs would drive by and honk at us as well, the trash trucks, fire trucks, and most of the mini vans would honk.

-The bentley GT driver wouldnt look over at us... the Lamborgini just turned the corner with no honking but a sweet red Porsche GT honked in support!

We were right in front of In-n-out burger burger so our location was prime... someone even went and bought hundreds of burgers to pass out to everyone... needless to say it was a lot of fun supporting such a great cause. Even though I am currently living so far away from California I can finally feel like I did a small... very small part in supporting something I feel so strongly about.

One thing that confuses me are the many LDS people including Steve Young and his family that have chosen to go directly against what the prophet has said and announced that they are voting No on Prop 8. I don't think its a matter of them not following the prophet, its a matter of them not understanding what a prophet is and who he speaks for and represents. I think this is a great time for all of us to analyze how willing each of us are to follow what the prophet tells us to do. I know I can be better at it myself but it certainly should open our eyes to who is on the right side!

Solidarity

2008-10-30T11:45:00.000-06:00

I received this email and I think its about time...

'There is less than a month until the election, an election that will decide the next President of the United States. The person elected will be the president of all Americans, not just the Democrats or the Republicans, so it's time that we come together, Democrats and Republicans alike.

To show our solidarity as Americans, let's all get together and show each other our support for the candidate of our choice. If you support the policies and character of John McCain, please drive with your headlights on during the day.

If you support Senator Obama, please drive with your headlights off at night.
Thank you for your participation!'

Prop 8 in California...

2008-10-30T08:18:00.002-06:00

The downside of Apple Computers!

2008-10-28T15:04:00.003-06:00

Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8. http://www.apple.com/startpage/

I am really... really bothered that Apple would get involved in something that has nothing to do with computers. I don't know if I want to buy from them in the future if my money is going to go to something that I am against... I know I know... I can't boycott everything but this just bothers me... If you are an apple lover of sorts... ipods... macs... itunes... whatever send them an email to tell them how bothered YOU are!

http://www.apple.com/contact/feedback.html

Halloween Democrat Style!

2008-10-28T11:16:00.002-06:00

Evidence that people are brainless...

2008-10-24T15:22:00.000-06:00

Email Address Help

2008-10-09T15:19:00.007-06:00

I read over resumes in my position at work to hire new people in my department. I have come to recognize the good resumes from the bad by different indicators one that I can't stand is one I have to mention to everyone so the 3 people who read this will be uplifted and enlightened.

If you really want a job with a professional company or you want an email taken seriously, your email address should not be close to any of the following:

naughtynana@yahoo.com =dirty old lady who probably smokes and has dial up.

loves2sleep@aol.com =probably will call in sick alot

summerof74@netzero.net =If you remember the summer of 1974....

alwyzlate@hotmail.c0m =Who cares what time I work?

puppylovr43@earthlink.net =Dogs are great... don't make it your life...

RyaJulie4kids@msn.com =Other commitments that won't take a back seat!

gilsgirl4ever@aol.com= The biggest problem here is that they still use AOL... tech fail!

bookwormer@hotmail.com = Reality is hard for this person to understand.

Here is what is acceptable.... study it!

(your first name, last name)@gmail.com

(first initial, last name)@gmail.com

(first initial.middle initial.last name)@gmail.com

Notice that I chose a gmail account for your email. Gmail is google mail... its huge right now and people who are more computer savy have them. It does tell me a lot about someone's computer experience when I see a gmail account.

I hope this is a lesson learned for everyone... if you have a problem with this... don't blame me... blame yourself for a poor email choice... repent and get a new email account!

(Note these email address examples are not real email addresses that I know of... if they are it by pure coincidence... if you have an email address like this... keep it personal not business!)

Utah in the fall

2008-10-09T10:19:00.006-06:00

I did not take any of these pictures I just liked them the most!

New Draper Temple!

This needs little photoshop help but I like the idea.

I can't stop laughing about this....

2008-10-07T10:19:00.000-06:00

Creepy!!!!

2008-10-06T14:11:00.002-06:00

A middle school teacher in Missouri was suspended Monday for putting a video on YouTube of his students chanting lines from Barack Obama speeches and wearing military fatigues.

The video, called "Obama Youth -- Junior Fraternity Regiment," was posted by a YouTube user named "keepitwildtv" on Oct. 2. The school learned the video was on the Internet and took action against the teacher Monday morning.

Students at the school have 30-minute group sessions four times a week during which they are supposed to work on reading and writing. Once a week they are allowed to have "activities," McGautha said. There are 12 groups at the public charter school.

The Junior Fraternity students studied Obama's economic plan with the teacher, and the superintendent did not know whether the teacher or the students scripted the routine. The group should have also studied John McCain's economic plan, the superintendent said.

In the video, eighth- and ninth-graders wearing military camouflage pants and navy t-shirts chant and perform a routine in the style of a step show, a dance popular among African-American fraternities at universities.

The students enter the room chanting "Alpha. Omega. Alpha. Omega." Then, one at a time, they state things they were "inspired" to do by Barack Obama, including becoming an architect and a sheriff. At the end of the video, the students make statements about Obama's healthcare plan. "Obama's healthcare plan will be able to provide participants the ability to move from job to job without taking their healthcare coverage," one says.

"People are upset that possibly taxpayer money is being used to support one particular candidate," McGautha said, "and now I can understand that. And I didn't condone them. I try very, very hard to remain within the limits of the law. I think this is unfortunate."

She said she was aware of the video, and that many of the school's activities are recorded, but that the teacher had been warned in a letter not to put it on the Internet. If he did, she said, he should seek legal counsel.

The teacher's fate will be taken up by the charter school's board, she said.

"Certain things don't happen in public schools anyway, but there area lot of other ramifications when you take it public," McGautha said.

"As far as [the teacher is] concerned, I think he gets what was supposed to come to him. But I don't think the children should be the victims of his stupidity."

Parker Family

2008-10-06T13:58:00.001-06:00

The story of the Parker family in Massachusetts demonstrates the impact of same sex marriage becoming legal in any state.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh'Bama

2008-10-06T13:29:00.001-06:00

“The American people will
never knowingly adopt
Socialism, but under the
name of ‘liberalism,’ they
will adopt every fragment
of the Socialist program
until one day America will
be a Socialist nation without
knowing it happened.”

-Norman M. Thomas
(1884-1968) U.S. Socialist Party Leader
Campaign speech—1948

Friends in low places...

2008-10-03T16:33:00.002-06:00

My Mom just emailed me this picture the other day of her rubbing shoulders with Jay Leno! You know you've made it when....

Awesome thing #942 Somebody flashing their high beams at you to warn you about the cops

2008-10-01T15:14:00.002-06:00

Ok... this is the last one for now... but I love these!

"Tired and groggy, you’re driving home late at night, whipping down the side streets and back paths to get home a bit faster, your eyelids drooping, your body achy and sore. Occasionally, there are headlights in the opposite direction, blurry, whiz-by streaks of bright white — shift workers, truck drivers, and party animals all owning the lonely roads, trying to get somewhere quick.

Then suddenly an approaching car flashes their high beams at you. Blinded, you sit up, awake and alert, checking all your mirrors, slowing the car down. What’s going on, you think, until a few seconds later you pass a cop car with its lights off, sitting on the side of the road waiting to catch a speeder, a patient and silent predator waiting for its prey.

“Thank you,” you whisper under your breath, as you drive by under the speed limit. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

* * *

Isn’t it also great that the flasher going the opposite direction really can’t ever get the favor returned? I mean, you don’t know him or her, him or her don’t know you. They just sort of threw the favor out there, a warm passing smile on a dark drive home, with no payback required or expected. No, you might never see each other again, but it’s just The Late-Night Driver’s Pact, a rebellious fight-tha-police stance that helps everyone out in the pocketbook a bit.

So you smile as you drive on, and when you see another car heading the opposite direction, you know what to do.

Flash them high beams, sister. Flash them bright and light up the night.

AWESOME!"

Awesome thing #933 The first scoop out of a jar of peanut butter

2008-10-01T15:07:00.003-06:00

Once again I found this on a cool site... I just completely agree with this love for peanut butter... (thanks Mom).

When I peel the top off a new jar of peanut butter I like to pretend I’m a scientist peering through the world’s most powerful telescope, catching Earth’s first glimpse of a new, strange and distant planet. “It’s got a smooth surface,” I exclaim to the lab of giddy professors standing breathlessly beside me. “Yes, it’s a beautiful airless landscape, untouched, undisturbed, and light brown.”

Because seriously, that’s what the top of a jar of peanut butter looks like to me. I almost feel bad thinking about what I’m about to do, because it’s just so perfect, smooth, and dense. But I put some bread in the toaster anyway, grab a spoon from the drawer, and then go right ahead and dig that spoon in there deep, catching a heavy handful of thick PB when I pull up, a loud, wet, satisfying schthlop plopping out of the jar.

It’s a great feeling.

After that, I’m an artist. I can just leave a big, gaping hole right in the middle of the jar, or I can do it all up real fancy and twirl and swirl it around a little, or I can painstakingly carve a moat around the outside of the jar, leaving a perfect, flat island in the middle, becoming more and more unstable with every passing day. The options are unlimited.

Really, I think getting the first dig in a jar of peanut butter is the kitchen equivalent of stabbing a flag into the moon and claiming it as your own. I mean, you mark that peanut butter. You brand it. You add your little stamp and you put it back in the pantry, ready and waiting for the next big schthlop.

AWESOME!"

Awesome thing #930 Finally getting a piece of popcorn that’s been stuck in your teeth all day out

2008-10-01T15:02:00.001-06:00

I found this website about awesome things... I am going to share the ones I love!

"You know when you can just feel that popcorn kernal stuck back there in swampy recesses of your mouth and it’s totally infuriating?

Yes, your tongue slides past its smooth surface unsuccessfully, your toothbrush’s flimsy bristles just can’t shake it, and even your fingernail can’t quite unwedge it from the tight molar deathgrip it’s stuck in.

So the fork is dropped and the dessert lays unfinished, the conversation fades to a blurry, distant noise, and the world stops around you as you just keep trying and trying and trying to get that popcorn kernal out. You close your eyes and squint, you tilt your head, you emit a deep “nnnnnnn” noise, as your body directs all available faculties at flushing this thing out. But it just sits there tightly, clogging and gumming up your entire system like a pile of defaulted mortgages.

Then suddenly it falls out.

AWESOME!"

Aspen Grove

2008-09-29T22:37:00.005-06:00

Took some pics up American Fork Canyon... they look a little washed out on the blog but not on my computer.

O'Bama=Idiot

2008-09-29T15:44:00.000-06:00

Shameful scum!

2008-09-29T10:29:00.003-06:00

O'BAMA REFUSED TO NOT ONLY PUT HIS HAND ON HIS HEART DURING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, BUT REFUSED TO SAY THE PLEDGE...

Obama says, 'As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides. There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.'

Terrorist Jerk!

"O'Bama's Mama was trash!!!"

2008-09-26T14:23:00.001-06:00

My Mom sent this video to me... this is not for the faint of heart!!!!

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Popular Mechanics 100 Skills Every Man Should Know: 2008's Ultimate DIY List

2008-09-26T08:29:00.004-06:00

Automotive

1. Handle a blowout YES
2. Drive in snow YES
3. Check trouble codes NO- I know where to take the car though.
4. Replace fan belt -Not myself
5. Wax a car- YES
6. Conquer an off-road obstacle YES
7. Use a stick welder NO
8. Hitch up a trailer YES
9. Jump start a car YES

Handling Emergencies

10. Perform the Heimlich YES
11. Reverse hypothermia SURE
12. Perform hands-only CPR YES
13. Escape a sinking car YES

Home

14. Carve a turkey YES
15. Use a sewing machine YES
16. Put out a fire YES
17. Home brew beer NOPE
18. Remove bloodstains from fabric YES
19. Move heavy stuff YES
20. Grow food YES
21. Read an electric meter YES
22. Shovel the right way YES
23. Solder wire NO
24. Tape drywall YES
25. Split firewood YES
26. Replace a faucet washer YES
27. Mix concrete YES
28. Paint a straight line YES
29. Use a French knife FRENCH? NO
30. Prune bushes and small trees YES
31. Iron a shirt YES everyday
32. Fix a toilet tank flapper YES
33. Change a single-pole switch NO
34. Fell a tree NO I dont know
35. Replace a broken windowpane NO
36. Set up a ladder, safely YES
37. Fix a faucet cartridge NO Dont know what this is...
38. Sweat copper tubing YES I have seen it before
39. Change a diaper YES
40. Grill with charcoal YES
41. Sew a button on a shirt YES
42. Fold a flag YES

Medical Myths

43. Treat frostbite NO
44. Treat a burn YES
45. Help a seizure victim YES
46. Treat a snakebite YES
47. Remove a tick YES

Military Know-How

48. Shine shoes YES
49. Make a drum-tight bed YES
50. Drop and give the perfect pushup YES

Outdoors

51. Run rapids in a canoe NO
52. Hang food in the wild YES
53. Skipper a boat UM..
54. Shoot straight YES
55. Tackle steep drops on a mountain bike NO
56. Escape a rip current YES

Primitive Skills

57. Build a fire in the wilderness YES
58. Build a shelter YES
59. Find potable water YES

Surviving Extremes

60. Floods NO
61. Tornados YES
62. Cold YES
63. Heat YES
64. Lightning YES

Teach Your Kids

65. Cast a line YES
66. Lend a hand YES
67. Change a tire YES
68. Throw a spiral NO... well yes but not consistent.
69. Fly a stunt kite YES
70. Drive a stick shift YES
71. Parallel park YES
72. Tie a bowline NO
73. Tie a necktie YES
74. Whittle YES
75. Ride a bike YES

Technology

76. Install a graphics card SURE
77. Take the perfect portrait YES
78. Calibrate HDTV settings Dont have HDTV
79. Shoot a home movie YES
80. Ditch your hard drive YES

Master Key Workshop Tools

81. Drill driver YES
82. Grease gun YES
83. Coolant hydrometer NOPE... what is that?
84. Socket wrench YES
85. Test light YES
86. Brick trowel YES
87. Framing hammer YES
88. Wood chisel YES
89. Spade bit YES
90. Circular saw YES
91. Sledge hammer YES
92. Hacksaw YES
93. Torque wrench NO
94. Air wrench NO
95. Infrared thermometer NO
96. Sand blaster NO
97. Crosscut saw NO
98. Hand plane YES
99. Multimeter NO
100. Feeler gauges Dont know what this is...

75/100 Skills.... let's see... that's a C... I guess I am just an average man... how do you rate?

Not a good idea!

2008-09-25T16:35:00.005-06:00

What part of don't get a tattoo did this person not understand?

Here is what President Hinckley said about tattoos...

"Now comes the craze of tattooing one’s body. I cannot understand why any young man—or young woman, for that matter—would wish to undergo the painful process of disfiguring the skin with various multicolored representations of people, animals, and various symbols. With tattoos, the process is permanent, unless there is another painful and costly undertaking to remove it. Fathers, caution your sons against having their bodies tattooed. They may resist your talk now, but the time will come when they will thank you. A tattoo is graffiti on the temple of the body."

"I promise you that the time will come, if you have tattoos, that you will regret your actions. They cannot be washed off. They are permanent. Only by an expensive and painful process can they be removed. If you are tattooed, then probably for the remainder of your life you will carry it with you. I believe the time will come when it will be an embarrassment to you. Avoid it. We, as your Brethren who love you, plead with you not to become so disrespectful of the body which the Lord has given you."

Famous Brother Jake! Good Job!

2008-09-24T16:24:00.002-06:00

Mission Viejo volunteers clean up Oso Creek

Volunteers participating in Inner Coastal Cleanup Day brought in 800 pounds of trash.

By LINDSEY BAGUIO

The Orange County Register

About 200 volunteers grabbed a bag, put on a pair of gloves, and combed the Oso Creek trail for trash during Inner Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday.

Volunteers were out on trail from 8 a.m. to noon picking up litter and debris

This is the seventh year Mission Viejo has hosted the clean up event. Volunteers brought in 800 pounds of trash and 100 pounds of recyclables.

Inner Coastal Cleanup Day, held in conjunction with Coastal Cleanup Day, is one of California's largest volunteer efforts. It's always held on the third Saturday of September. Throughout the state last year, more than 60,000 volunteers worked together to remove more than 900,000 pounds of litter and debris from beaches, lakes and waterways.

Virtual Tour

2008-09-24T12:54:00.006-06:00

I sometimes have freak out moments when my OCD (Self diagnosed) kicks in and I freak out when the house is sometimes messy. These pictures give my life new meaning and make me feel a whole lot better about how our place can sometimes get. Enjoy! (Not for the weak of stomach)

This is what the article said about the place:

"This has nothing to do with the Hurricane. We had a resident who had an outstanding balance for over a month and no one could get ahold of her. The Bookkeeper went inside after so many tries to leave a note and this is what we found.

The pictures do NO justice. There is suppose to be 2 cats living here but we cant find them (we think they’re dead somewhere inside the apartment-we contacted the SPCA). The place REEKS to say the least, i gagged non stop."

Finally a modest bathing suit for men!!!!!

2008-09-24T12:16:00.001-06:00

What in the.....

2008-09-24T12:14:00.000-06:00

This is filmed in the Macey's Grocery Store in Provo...

"Storm Pooper"

2008-09-17T16:18:00.002-06:00

The lesser known Spiderman....

2008-09-16T12:06:00.004-06:00

Height: 5'8"
Weight: Depends
Hometown: Minneapolis
Interests: The internet, cats, living in Mom's basement, star wars, and World of Warcraft.
Heroes: Richard Simmons, and Barack O'Bama.
Dreams for the future: a date!

Crash course in parenting...

2008-09-16T12:03:00.002-06:00

...click to enlarge... I cried!

You thought.....

2008-09-16T12:01:00.002-06:00

...your Monday was crappy?

Ummm....

2008-09-16T11:57:00.002-06:00

"I thought this was dress-like-a-high-school-girl from the 90's day..... boy was I off!"

Truck Stop Gift Shop Shirt

2008-09-16T11:53:00.003-06:00

When you get lonely honey.... just wear my hairy chest shirt!

Please tell me there is hair on the back on the shirt too!!!

How could she refuse??????

2008-09-16T11:50:00.002-06:00

Will I what????? Oh you have a lightsaber?! THEN YES!!!!

Coming soon to a country near you!

2008-09-15T14:15:00.003-06:00

Islamic law has been officially adopted in Britain, with sharia courts given powers to rule on Muslim civil cases.

The government has quietly sanctioned the powers for sharia judges to rule on cases ranging from divorce and financial disputes to those involving domestic violence.

Rulings issued by a network of five sharia courts are enforceable with the full power of the judicial system, through county courts or the country's High Court, a part of its Supreme Court system.

Previously, the rulings of sharia courts in Britain could not be enforced, and depended on voluntary compliance among Muslims.

Politicians and church leaders expressed concerns that this could mark the beginnings of a “parallel legal system” based on sharia for some British Muslims.

Dominic Grieve, the shadow home secretary, said: “If it is true that these tribunals are passing binding decisions in the areas of family and criminal law, I would like to know which courts are enforcing them because I would consider such action unlawful. British law is absolute and must remain so.”

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,422661,00.html

Ha ha!

2008-09-15T10:44:00.003-06:00

The last time UCLA took such a beating, Herbert Hoover was president. -LATimes