Mission Video

So, this mission video was made by one of the missionaries that served with me, Elizabeth Clark. If you wanna see me, forward to 30:20.

I'm warning you now, IT'S REALLY LONG. REALLY LONG. LIKE 40 MINUTES LONG. But it's cool.

Enjoy.

Comment as usual.

My Personal Opinions

Well, today I've decided to fill a post with my opinions. I'm going to write about politics, civil rights, and other things. Here goes:

• Proposition 8: I support proposition 8. And no, that doesn't make me a bigot, nor a hater or anything of the sort. It simply makes me someone who supports the definition of traditional marriage. I get so sick of hearing that this argument is all about "civil rights" and hatred and bigotry. The reality is that it has nothing to do with civil rights. I think that those who were involved in the civil rights movements of the 20's and 60's should almost be offended that this is being compared to those. Homosexuals have the right to vote and participate in the political process. They have the right to receive the benefits that straight married couples receive. There's no comparison. They simply want to apply the term marriage to their civil unions. I do not support this. I agree that homosexual couples deserve certain rights and that they should have the opportunity to receive the same benefits as married straight couples, however, they don't need to call this marriage. This push has been talked about as "equality". It has nothing to do with equality at this point. They'd have you believe that you are intolerant if you support proposition 8. When did the definition of tolerate (according to the interwebz: To allow (something that one dislikes or disagrees with) to exist or occur without interference) to embrace? Why do I have to love and support and accept and embrace homosexuality to tolerate it? The reality is that I am not going to stop you living in your lives until you try to interfere with mine. So please, don't accuse me of bigotry and hatred. It's merely an argument against the redefinition of marriage. Gay couples already have civil unions. As far as I'm concerned, that's good.
• Democratic Leadership: I'm scared. And that's not because Barack Obama is likely to be our next president. He's not a bad person, and in fact, he has some policies that I agree with and support (gun control, net neutrality, part of his economic policies) and I won't be angry when he (most likely) wins the next election. That's not the problem. The problem is the unchecked ownership of the democratic party in the government. With almost the 60 votes needed in the senate to push bills straight to vote and a majority in both the house and senate, it would seem that there will be a lot of unchecked power in the government for at least the next couple years. It's a problem. Some would argue that Bush has overused the power of the executive branch -- however, everything he did was within the power of the executive branch during war time or with the support of the house and senate. However, with unchecked power in the government, the whole liberal agenda could be pushed through quickly. Extremely left-wing people will be happy with this, but the majority of the US should be worried. Our government has always been about checks and balances. This year, we are potentially removing every one of them (the judicial branch is also very liberal). This is worrisome. I don't like that picture. Especially when Obama originally began his campaign talking about cooperation and support of both parties, and has now moved to the extreme. I don't worry about Obama being president: I worry about the entire liberal agenda being moved through in 4 years. Be careful America. There are a lot of conservatives out there.
• "Stupid Conservatives": I get so sick of listening to highly liberal people talk about how conservative are stupid. Some say "Religion is just a crutch for the weak". (Yes, I've heard it plenty of times) It's interesting stuff. And I would like to refute it: I'm a very religious person. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I'm one of the more religious people that you might now. And I do not believe that my religion is a crutch. I enjoy having my faith in the Lord and Savior, and in God. He is powerful, and provides a lot of support and strength in this world. Religion has not made me blind. The reality is that I choose to be who I am and to do the things that I do. I choose to obey God's commandments and to follow His path. This does not make me weak. I would argue it makes me stronger. But that's a useless argument to those who don't understand the nature of God. I only ask that you stop useless attacks on religion itself.
• TV: There are great shows I recommend: The Office, Heroes, 24 (January), Eleventh Hour, Chuck, Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles, The Simpsons, Family Guy, Seinfeld, House and Fringe. Watch them.
• Politicians: I love that supporters of Obama would refer to McCain as a politician. He's not really a "true" politician. If he was, he wouldn't say things that he says. He'd be more "polished" and ambiguous and less argumentative and crochety. Those are all qualities that a certain "true" politician has: Obama. If there is one thing Obama is, it's a career politician. He speaks well, presents himself in a political manner and uses the word "change" a lot. If there is one person in this election that's a true politician, it's Barack Obama.
• Obama's Health Plan: Social security is a mess. NASA is a mess. Medicare is a mess. Our country is deeply in debt. And Obama's going to cut taxes on the "middle class", skyrocket taxes on the rich and then use government money to create a goverment organization to provide socialized healthcare? Why would we want that. The government has failed in providing us with social security and medicare already. Why would we believe that the government can run our healthcare better than it already is? Taxes will be lower, and we'll find money to pay down our debt and create new, HUGE government programs? Does anyone else see the problem here?

Ok. I think I'm done. I know that I don't know everything. My opinions are just that: opinions. But I honestly hope that people will think during this election about what will be best for not only our country, but every country. The world benefits from democracy and freedom. Get out and vote. No matter who you are voting for, VOTE! Don't let people decide for you. Make your own decisions. But think through it and remember that not everything that is said is true. Don't get caught up in "change" or "hope". These are great things, but remember, without action, hope and change are just wishy washy concepts. Be careful and think before you vote.

Comment away.

24!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't wait. Amazing.

Enjoy.

Shortness

Short sweet and to the point: 18 days and I get married.

Check her out:

I am so lucky. And she decided to make me dinner last night and tonight! Dang, she is ONE GOOD COOK, AND ONE AMAZING LADY.

Lucky = me

New Technology

Click the pictures to read about the most recent technology that makes me drool:

 

All of these links are to Engadget, which I love. LOVE.

Seriously. Go read.

My Mom is Great

A list of the names I either called my mom or she called herself in the last 24 hours:

1. Doodles McDoodles-a-lot
2. Dude
3. McGillicutty
4. Twinkie
5. Butthead
6. Popsicle
7. Mr. Roboto
8. Moms
9. Mom
10. Mommy
11. Dianne
12. SkankFace
13. Trophy Wife
14. Super Dude
15. Loser
16. Super Mom

Geez, it may sound like my mom and I are at each other's throats -- but we're not. We love each other tons. She's really cool. We just happen to call each other lots of different names. I could put up the list of names she has called me, and it would look pretty darn similar.

Check out my mom's rantings at her blog.

Have a good one.

BYU

Who hasn't heard about BYU's football program this year? Ranked #9 in  the AP Poll, and higher in other polls, they are one of the best teams in college football. They are led by their excellent junior quarterback Max Hall, who has a passer rating of better than 170 on the year so far. He has been dominating in his appearances, and has been the heart of the offense. Harvey Unga, their sophomore running back, has been excellent this year. He has been pounding it on the ground when given the opportunity and making plenty of different receptions to help out the offense. It's amazing. They have been dominating their opponents, with the only exception coming at Washington. Yes, that was an interesting game, and the ending was quite interesting. However, the rules were followed as they are outlined in the book, and the call was made. Do I agree that it should be the call, not necessarily. However, it is how the rule is written. We've all gotten past it at this point, as BYU shut out it's next 2 opponents, and smashed through the two following ( Utah State, and New Mexico).

I think the most interesting thing about what happened at the Utah State game was when their fans starting cheering "overrated" while their team was down by 20. That, in any other location, is a blowout. And they were just happy that they scored on us. I find that utterly entertaining. I hope that Utah State can pick it up after that game, however, and that they might be a little more effective in the future against foes that are a little more on their level.

I think the part of BYU that has most impressed me this year has been their defense. Anchored by their line, they have been shutting out opponents and otherwise dominating everyone. The most given up all year was to Washington, at 27, and the least came from two shutouts to UCLA and Wyoming. If you don't think that defense is for real, just remember how hard it is to actually shut out an opponent when your starters are taken out at the beginning of the 3rd quarter.

Anyway: don't sleep on BYU. TCU on Thursday, and then Utah in November.

We're coming for you BCS.

Give me more POWER!

How many out there watch Heroes? How many are following the current season? Ok, so, I'm going to do a lame crossover. You know how Peter and Sylar just keep acquiring more and more powers? I'd like more power too. But I don't necessarily need more power, like superpowers (although I would really enjoy having some), I just need more power in my computer life. And that's why someone invented POWERSHELL.

I know. I'm a nerd. I'm ok with that.

Onto other subjects.

So, I'm taking a financial planning class this semester. It's giving me lots more power. How do I mean? I mean it's giving me power over my finances instead of letting my finances have power over me. It's amazing how, when you simply take control of your money, rather than letting your money control you, how much better you feel about everything. Creating budgets and trying to stick by them is fun. Plus, it's teaching me how to get my credit score, how to obtain my credit report, and also know more about what to do with these things. And that's been really nifty.

We recently had a class about home buying. I think that this is a class, or at least a section of the class, that everyone needs to focus on by visiting the website for personal finance that I linked above. It provides tons of information about how to compute your effective interest rate for your mortgage, and other information about affordability and what you can take into consideration before you head off to buy a home. I think it especially important to know during this time of financial meltdown.

But I digress. Windows Powershell is really cool.

But I keep digressing. Financial planning is crucial. Especially now that I am getting married, it's important to talk things over with my (future) wife and make sure that we are on the same page. In fact, this class has even helped to design a savings plan that should allow us to by a townhouse or condominium within the next 3-5 years while the market is recovering. It should be a great time to buy.

My brain's confused. It doesn't know what it wants to talk about. Heroes, Powershell, financial planning, Chuck, power, sleep, glasses, contacts. The list goes on. So let me conclude like this: I can't wait to watch The Office tomorrow.

Sigh.

Run, Fat Employee of the Month, Run

 

Run, Fat Boy, Run: This was actually a pretty entertaining movie. The plot was full of contrivances and small plot problems. But that doesn't take away from the appeal of the movie itself. The premise is simple: A dude runs out on his pregnant fiancee on their wedding day. Years later, he decides he wants her back when she surprisingly meets someone who wants to sweep her off her feet. To show that he's changed and willing to dedicate himself and go the distance, he pledges to run a marathon. Mix in some hilarity and some clever acting by Simon Pegg, and you've got a fun movie. At least one that enjoyed.

While the movie is not a cinematic masterpiece, Simon Pegg is likeable in the main role. He shines through and gets the laughs where he needs to. He does spend a needless amount of time in small shorts, but that's part of the British culture, it would appear. Anyway, the supporting cast is great as his trainers and friends. They almost steal the screen when they are on it, and they provide some very interesting commentary in the background. But the reality is that Pegg is a likeable protagonist and Thandie Newton does enough to avoid being irritating. His will to overcome is well shown, and I appreciate the end ***SPOILER*** where they just don't magically get back together. I like that he just asks her on a date, and they keep the mystery involved. It made it a little less contrived.

Employee of the Month: Dane Cook can't act. When he does succeed, he is merely playing himself on screen. And that's where Employee of the Month succeeds. Because it is just Dane Cook acting like Dane Cook. It helps that Jessica Simpson looks very attractive in the picture, but could she have less lines? She is clearly there to just pout every once in a while and provide the contrivance through which Cook decides to become the Employee of the Month. Gay jokes abound -- not very clever.

Let me temper this, however: IF YOU HAVE EVER WORKED AT COSTCO, IT IS FUNNY. I laughed because I recognize the employees from my local Costco. I remember every one of those types of people. That makes this movie worth suffering through: It does have some relevance for those that have worked in a retail warehouse before. You will find the same pressure when the big-wigs come in, and competitions to be the fastest cashier. As is typical in movies, it's all pushed to the brink, but it's at least entertaining if you can connect to it.

I recommend Run, Fat Boy, Run. I reservedly recommend Employee of the Month to anyone who has worked at Costco, otherwise, please ignore it.

You know what to do with the comments.

Financial Crises

The world is collapsing! The sky is falling! These seem to be relatively familiar to anyone who spends time reading the business or money sections of your local newspaper. The current financial crisis is terrible and unexpected. It's awful to see what's happening around us, and watching the stock market crash over 780 points in ONE day was not very nice. However, there are several comments about this current situation that really bug me.

1. "Predatory Lenders"
2. Resistance to the rescue plan
3. "It's Bush's fault!"

Let me attempt to explain myself one by one.

First of all, let me clarify that I am not claiming that the lenders are completely without fault in this current situation. They should have been looking at front and back end ratios. They should have been considering that people shouldn't be buying more house than they could afford by only qualifying them at the lower rates involved with interest only options. They shouldn't have been expecting the housing market to continue to grow at the ridiculous pace it had been. They should have been more cautious. But to call them predatory? I think that's a little overboard. These lenders didn't go out to people and tell them to buy more house than they should. They simply helped people to afford it. Was that a precisely good idea? No. But can you blame these people for wanting to make money? That's at the heart of everything we do for work. We work to make money. Sometimes that means that we offer credit to those who may not be as worthy. Look at all the people with credit cards, who have no idea how to use them. I'm not saying that lenders are without fault, but I do think it's crazy to refer to them as predatory and therefore make value judgements on them. They made some mistakes that cost a lot of people a lot of money. But every indication was that the market would continue its rise. Can you blame them for saying that you could refinance after 5 years?

But I also don't want to take all the blame away from the lendees. Why are they buying so much more house than they can afford? I mean, I understand that everyone wants to "keep up with the joneses", but it was clearly a terrible idea. At some point, didn't they think that the potential huge payment waiting for them at the end of 5 years was a bad sign. That they couldn't qualify for a fixed rate mortgage. That should have said something to the people. So let's not put all the blame on the lenders. The American people should know better. We must be educated to use these blessings.

Why is there so much resistance to rescue? The 700 billion is a lot, however it is to be placed out in different phases. 150 billion immediately, 250 billion in a couple years, and then discretionary use of the rest. Why can't we do this? The housing market WILL recover. It has to. Eventually these mortgages will be worth  money again. The government is the only organization in our economy that can wait the inevitable time that it will take for the investment to pay itself back. Don't we understand that it's not tax payers dollars that will be used to pay this back? Only making 1.5% on these investments will provide extra money to eventually pay down our national deficit. But, despite that, realize that our national deficit is above trillions of dollars. We're never paying that back. So, what will it hurt? Ok, so that's not the best argument, but we need to recover our economy and the housing market. I'd definitely prefer that to a horrible depression that will rival that of the 30's and cause a need for another "deal" that will end up taxing me at 94%. Ugly.

Lastly: It's not Bush's fault. Unless you believe that the government should be involved of every aspect of the free market, you can't possibly think that this is a result of Bush's administration. Many of these loans have 10 years options. Most of these people have done this before, "flipping" houses. This didn't start with Bush, and it won't end with Bush. He only has so much power to save the economy, and when our president suggests a possible solution, he gets shot down in congress. It's hard, but it isn't Bush's fault people. The economy is a living, breathing organism. Personally, I'd prefer that the free market roams and we have the possibility of problems, than have the government run our market and create a socialistic environment. It's never worked before, and it won't work in the US. Educate yourselves, people. Bush couldn't have prevented this any more than he could have prevented Hurricane Katrina. While many would criticize Bush for his reaction following Katrina, we can't do the same here. He tried. Congress has stopped him. A plan backed by Bernake and many other economists.

What do we do now? I don't know. But I hope we figure it out soon.

You know where the comments go.