Spot the Difference

Folks, one of the "Signs of the Times" put forth by the Mormon faithful is the idea that an awful scourge will cover the face of the earth. This may actually be something common to other sects as well, but Mormons are the only ones I can speak authoritatively to.

Various ideas have been proffered as to what this scourge might be. When I was a kid, it was AIDS, and more recently I've heard it to be Homosexuality.

While I reject the whole signs of the times thing as a bunch of crap, designed only to instill fear in the faithful, and get them to cough up more money for church coffers, I do believe we face a scourge.

Extremist Religion, and I'm not just talking about Islamic Extremists either.

Considering comments which Glenn Beck made (or did not make, or did not, not make). I think it appropriate to make a little comparison.

Consider Glenn Beck the Osama Bin Ladin of the Christian Extremist movement.

Is there a difference, aside from language?

Consider the faithful Glenn Beck devotee, the little Jihadist of the movement.

9/11 happens, and Bin Ladin takes responsibility and talks about how it is a warning to infidels from Allah.

The horrendous Japanese earthquake happens, and Glenn claims responsibility for his God (or rather, doesn't not, not claim responsibility for his God), and talks about how it is a warning from God.

And all the little Beck Jihadists take to the internet, and in a manner similar to the Jihadist chanting death to the infidel, and burning the American Flag, they defend the ass hat that is Glenn Beck, and criticize any who might question his holiness.

Am I completely off base here?

Scarlet Fever?

Have you ever know anyone with Scarlet Fever?

Well, raise your hand. I ended up getting it as a complication with a bout of strep I had last week.

It's an interesting thing. There was a point when I was seriously contemplating the fact that I could die - and in all actuality, I may have, had I not finally gone to see the doctor.

And after losing my faith in religion, God and in life after death, you might think that the prospect would be terrifying.

Surprisingly enough, I felt just fine about it. I was worried that I'd be leaving Mrs Koda in a pretty nasty situation, but as for me and death. I really didn't bother me that much.

Oh... And I'm just peachy now, thanks to a nice big shot of penicillin in my ass!