A Couple Rants

1. BYU Students who wear University of Utah hoodies to school. Ok, let's get something straight: I'm not talking about generic red shirts, or anything like that (although, those are  pretty unacceptable during a big sport rivalry week like this one). I'm talking about those BYU students who feel it's ok to wear their U hoodies on campus. It's not. I don't care if you grew up three steps from the stadium and went to every game growing up and your family has 300 years of tradition in the school. You now go to BYU. Put the hoodie away for a few years, and pull it out again later. I don't care if you are a fan of the U, but they are the rival school. Imagine going to Ohio State and wearing a Michigan sweatshirt. They might kill you. These things matter, people!
2. Twilight: The WB Movie. I am not going to hate on the phenomenon, or anything like that. In fact, I think that Roger Ebert summed it up best in his review of the movie (here): "But I understand who "Twilight" appeals to, and it sure will." That's not an attack on the film. I think it will do very well, and that it won't be THAT bad. However, it wasn't made for me. So I can accept that. What I can't stand is the shoddy production values of the movie. Have you seen some of the special effects? They look attached to a harness. That's not ok. The action sequences that I have seen (admittedly few) seem to come straight from an episode of Charmed. Sigh. The acting -- well, judge for yourself by watching the trailer at apple.com.
3. Quantum of Solace disrespect. Disclaimer: I MAY SPILL A SPOILER. I really enjoyed the movie on its merits. I understand that Casino Royale was a great movie that set up expectations really high for Daniel Craig's next entry (arguable, the best Bond ever). And this movie probably doesn't live up to the character development expectations. However, the movie is perfect in what it is: an emotional outrage against the organization that killed the love of Bond's life. He's mad. He's upset. He just wants to kill people. And he does. I'm glad he doesn't fall in love during this movie. He was in REAL love last movie. That's not the point of this one. He's motivated to get revenge. To get those people back who killed Vesper. And in that anger and grittiness, it's believable. I like that they didn't delve too deep. It was a continuation of his anger over the death of his love. It felt right. However, the next one should continue with a new story, and some great villians. I would argue this is a good middle entry, but the next one needs to push forward in the story and create more atmosphere like Casino Royale. I'm excited, however, because I think Craig is perfect in this gritty reimagining of the Bond franchise.

I'm done. I just wanted to get that stuff out.

ONE MORE THING: I got married. It was amazing. We were sealed, had a fantastic luncheon with great food and atmosphere (Mom, you did wonderfully!0, and moved to a wonderful reception. The reception was outdoors, and GORGEOUS. The location was perfect, and the food was wonderful as well. Then the perfect quick weekend at The Rose Hotel in Pleasanton, CA. Thanks to all that were there. I appreciate the love and respect! Lindsay and I are so happy to be together, and I'm blessed to have a wonderful, beautiful, amazing, and talented wife.

Until next time.

Our Times

My mom read me this quote the other day, and I thought it so very applicable:

"Make no mistake about it, brothers, and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. In short brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. Let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel."

Neal A. Maxwell, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints said this in 1978. 1978. Never is it more applicable than presently. The prophet of this dispensation, Thomas S. Monson, recently asked membership of the church to support and vote yes on the proposition 8 movement in California. Let me rephrase: he announced that the church supports proposition 8 and asked the membership to cast a "yes" vote and work to obtain the necessary votes to pass this ballot measure. It's important.

I guess I should just say, as trite as it may be: "As for me and my house ..."

Not to mention the logical arguments that can be made to pass such a measure.

You know what to do now.

P.S. I thought this article by Orson Scott Card, an LDS democrat and journalist was a fascinating view of the current economic crisis, http://www.meridianmagazine.com/ideas/081017light.html

Don't hate me for my opinion, but I just needed to say that.

P.P.S. VOTE!!!!!