Coming Out...

I still laugh uncontrollably when watching the "Defenders of Marriage" video I referenced a week or so back - here

Actually I think it gets funnier every time I watch it.

I've been debating for a while now, whether or not I should put it out on Facebook though. You see the last time I put something controversial out on Facebook, it garnered a rather interesting response, and subsequently prompted a sibling of mine to take the road of tattling to dear old Mom and Dad, that I was being a bad Mormon. I ask you... Is life just a glorified version of Elementary School?!?

Anyway, I've picked up a bunch more friends since that last post, so I figured it was time to come out again. Most of my friends are the very religious conservative types, so this will likely come as a shock to those who have known me in the past - especially, since I used to be one of the worst conservative religious type people you could meet, but sometimes people need a bit of a shock!

On the plus side though, it tends to bring out people who share similar beliefs, but are too afraid to say anything, for fear of retribution. Something very therapeutic about knowing that others share your beliefs, especially when you're surrounded by a culture that would readily cast you out for thinking such things.

Have no fear, I'll be sure and post of the more humorous responses here!

(And subsequently dropping from the friend list all who choose to call me to repentance.)

The Vampire and the Big Bang Theory

So in my last post, I posed the question as to whether my consideration of adding young Ashley Greene to the Hot Babe Trifecta would make me a Dirty Old Man.

First of all, thank you to those who commented on this, both online and in person...

The results are in...

In favor of Ashley's induction in to the Trifecta we have 3 votes

For those who will now likely consider me a Dirty Old Man, we have 1 vote

Sorry Morgan, it would appear that the 'Ayes' have it.

I decide to do a little more switching around as well... and the new Trifecta is now posted on the right hand side, with links to their IMBD pages.

Dropping off the Trifecta we have:

Alyssa Milano, who I think I've had a crush on since I was about 13, and who will more than likely find her way back on in time to come - perhaps she just needs to be in more movies!

and

Jennifer Love Hewitt, who I still think is absolutely stunning, but I'm not sure if she's my type - kind of hard to explain this one.

Featuring now on the Trifecta, and in no particular order of preference.

Ashley Greene, who is 10 years younger than me, but over the age of consent. She played Alice Cullen in the Twilight movie. In some ways she reminds me of a younger Marisa Tomei.

Kaley Cuoco, who currently stars as Penny in the greatest sitcom ever made - The Big Bang Theory. She's a little older than Ashley, and as such is only 9 years younger than me - and Morgan, if it helps, she's a HUGE Animal lover - meaning she loves animals, not that she's like an Animal in Bed, not that I don't think she would be... Perhaps I should stop.

And finally, Rachel McAdams - Not sure exactly how old she is, I guess I could look, but that would require effort! But I think she's closer to my own age. Rachel starred in The Wedding Crashers, and The Notebook.

Changing things up a little

So I've made some changes to the right hand side of the blog... Added some blogs which I've enjoyed reading, and removing others that while I felt obligated to read, I had kinda lost interest in...

I also considered updating the Hot Babe Trifecta...

In contention was one Ashley Greene, who played Alice Cullen in the first movie in the popular Twighlight series. Her IMDB page is here.

My only reservation with young Miss Greene, is that it would appear that she is just over 10 years younger than me. She's above the legal age of conscent, not that it really matters, but 10 years is quite a big gap... The question is, does liking her make me a dirty old man, or would it be considered socially acceptable?

Can a Mormon Tri?

Over the weekend I did a small triathlon hosted by my tri club and I stayed behind afterwards to cleanup and what not. Last night I hooked up with a couple of buddies from my Tri Club and we went out and did bike intervals by the airport.

In both instances I realized that there was a good chance I was the only member of the LDS Church in the group - at least as far as I could tell - and I think you could probably questions the extent of my membership...

Anyway, it got me wondering as to why this may be...

I have a couple of possible theories, but if anyone else wants to weigh in...

1 - Training for a triathlon takes a lot of time, and members of the LDS Church don't have that much time, between working extra jobs to pay the bills and filling callings within the Church.

2 - When triathlons started, there was full nudity in the transition area's. I know I look at some people and question why this was ever abolished, and they probably look at me and are extremely grateful. Could it be a modesty issue?

3 - Coffee and triathlon training seem to be closely entwined as well - Do members of the LDS Church just not feel comfortable amongst coffee drinkers? And those who enjoy a beer after a race?

4 - Most triathletes I've met lean left politically, and it's one of the unwritten laws of the Church that you have to vote Republican...

Just some thoughts I've had...

ROTF LMAO!!

So there has been some debate on one of the blogs I read about the question of Gay Members of the LDS Church and in particular, a decision by young man on the homosexual persuasion, who is trying to change some of the hate and misinformation which has so totally enveloped the LDS Church. It's been interesting to watch both sides. In many ways, I almost feel bad for those who support the status quo within the LDS Church. After years of being taught that to consider any matter intellectually is a sin, they actually believe it is.

Anyway, but I'm trying to make this blog more upbeat, so while keeping in line with the topic as hand, I found this absolute gem on the blog of one of those on the same side of the issue as I. I shall be adding him to the blog roll once I get this published.

Pedestals - I don't want to be on one

I wrote a posting this morning on another blog of mine. Before I redirect you to that one, let me first post a warning.

WARNING: I started my other blog as a place where I could whine about politics and religion, and not offend any of my regular readers on this blog. It's been locked down for a couple of months because someone got offended, but then I realized that you can't please all of the people all of the time, so it's back open again. BUT with that said. If you are an active and faithful member of the LDS Church, it would probably be best for all of us, if you didn't visit it. I'm not one of those anti-mormon folks, and I do still attend services fairly regularly, but things about the organization get my goat sometimes, and you probably don't want to read what I have to say. So you have been warned, you can do with that what you wish. I also believe strongly in free agency, and trust that you can make this decision on your own. I just don't want to hear any bitching if you decide to visit and don't like what you see.

OK, with that out the way...

It's a serious post about pedestals, and how sometimes we place ourselves and others on them. And it generally isn't a good thing.

It's here

I don't want to be one of those parents who puts themselves up on a pedestal to their kids. I don't really want my kids thinking I'm perfect, and I think I may have achieved that, at least with my older couple.

For instance, some words are Dad words, and much hilarity is to be had when Dad says, hell, damn, bugger, bitch and bastard (amongst others).

If you still have any respect for me, you should also know that tonight, I will be shaving my legs. Yes, I'm a guy! And I have my reasons!!

I'm not saying I don't want to be an example to my kids... I most absolutely do, but I don't want to be viewed as a perfect and somehow a supreme being, only to have them realize later in life that I'm just some self-righteous hypocrite.

Why

We had some good friends over for dinner last night. We all used to live together in the same neighborhood, and it was a great place, but as families grew, we've all found larger homes in other places. Unfortunately we all yearn for the simpler, more neighborly time of just a few years ago.

We got together because one of our number is currently enlisted in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. He's been stationed overseas, away from his family for 9 months, and he's currently on a 30 day pass to see his family. And we wanted to see him too!

He is one of the most honorable and loyal men I know. If you want to meet a man who gets what 'Family' means, this is your man.

Most of the group lean towards to conservative side of the political aisle, especially my Military friend. He is one of those who is convinced that Mr. Obama is leading us down a dangerous path and will destroy the US in 2 years. Generally I try to avoid politics when I'm around people with differing views. Not that I'm ashamed of my views, or a coward, but politics, like religion invokes some pretty strong and deep feelings, and it's not something that you can have a calm and rational discussion though, unless both parties approach the matter with completely open minds.

In addition to that, this man is putting his life on the line for what he believes in. I may not agree, but I really respect that, because I sure as heck am not doing that.

Somehow it was introduced to the conversation that I voted for Obama. Gotta love friends with devious senses of humor.

"Why" was the big thing that was asked.

I kept my answer as simple and non-confrontational as possible, stating simply, that I just couldn't bring myself to vote for McCain (Which he actually agreed with), and that in a Republican State like Utah, my vote didn't matter much anyway - But Dammit if I didn't try!!

Many have called Mr Obama a socialist, which he may well be, but in an election where we only really had two choices, I saw those choices as this...

1 - Mr. Obama with Socialist type policies which would seek to take from the few and give to the many.

2 - Mr. McCain with Fascist type policies which would seek to take from the many and give to the few.

Neither is really a good way of doing things, but I went with the first. That, and I think Mr. Obama was pretty open with what his plans where, whereas Mr. McCains entire platform seemed to be based on "I'm not that guy."

This is a difficult post to write, because it has a beginning and an end, but I'm not really sure how to link them, because the end kind of started before the beginning, but it provides a good conclusion to the beginning. Perhaps I shall just use this paragraph as an interlude to the end.

I've been reading excerpts from a book called War is a Racket on the blog of a good friend and reader of this blog. It deals with something that I have suspected for several years now, but presents it with far more clarity and authority that I could ever hope to muster.

Rather than do the work an injustice by trying to describe it or paraphrase it, I would simple recommend that you read it.

You can read a little about the author here.

And the excepts from the book are here.

At the time of the election, I recall saying that I thought there was a far better way to honor our military men and women than sending them overseas to be killed and maimed in the deserts of the Middle East. I believe that now more than ever.

I am sooo going to hell...

As many of you know, I teach a Sunday School class on occasion. I have theological differences with the Church I attend, but there are area's where what I believe and what I am supposed to teach intersect, and so these area are where I focus my lesson.

I personally feel it would be dishonest of me to teach something contrary to what the organization would have me teach, but also dishonest to myself to teach something contrary to what I believe.

Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's tricky. Today was a tricky one. In cases like these I try and teach as factually as I can, leaving personal statements of belief out of it.

The topic was tithing and there was a serious disconnect in the lesson between how this particular principle came into being in organization with which we were attending, and the actual principle itself.

Actual principle is that there are spiritual benefits to giving, and that God doesn't require it of us for his benefit, but for ours. I personally think that there are benefits to charitable giving. The benefit of thinking of someone other than yourself, helping another share in whatever success you have had, and above all know that it's not all about the money.

The organization I attend, instituted it (well it was always there, but no-one did it, so they started emphasizing it very strongly) because they were on the verge of bankruptcy.

The worst thing is, that as I'm teaching this, a George Carlin piece kept flashing through my mind.

I found a short, clean version of the idea on the Atheism page on About.com

Religion convinced the world that there's an invisible man in the sky who watches everything you do. And there's 10 things he doesn't want you to do or else you'll to to a burning place with a lake of fire until the end of eternity. But he loves you! ...And he needs money! He's all powerful, but he can't handle money!
[George Carlin, from album "You Are All Diseased"]

For those who can handle it... There is an excellent clip of it on YouTube, complete with facial expressions, expletives and more a elaboration explanation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeSSwKffj9o

You could be legendary...

I'm up to 199 friends on FaceBook. I have at least one more request that hasn't been answered yet, so there is still the opportunity for you to become friend #200.

If we're not yet friends, and you would like the honor of being #200... Send me an email so we can work it out!

Be_Legendary_Friend_200@urbankoda.com

And just so you know, un-friending and then re-friending won't work I'm afraid.

From the heart

Those who know me, may well know why this song is particularly meaningful. A co-worker referred me to it.

Occasionally you'll read something on a blog, or hear something in a song, and it just seems to strike a chord with you. I would suspect that the person who wrote this song may well be speaking from personal experience. Speaking from your heart just seems to allow the listener to connect on a more intimate level, but that still doesn't mean it's easy to do.

Question for you...

This question came to mind last week during a discussion with one of my readers. I've been thinking about it a lot ever since. I suspect there may be numerous answers and a couple different ways of viewing it, depending on who you are.

The question is...

America's Golden Age - When was it?

In asking the question, I'm not ruling out the possibility either that it may not yet have happened either.

If you have a few minutes and have an opinion you would like to share, I'd appreciate you sharing. Define when you think it occurred or will occur, and what key elements you think might define it.

I don't think there is a wrong answer.

Please leave a comment, or if you would prefer to answer it by email, send your answers to goldenagequestion@urbankoda.com. Please also let me know if you have any reservations with my publishing your answer on this blog.

The most popular blog post of all time...

... at least on this site, it would appear to be one I did on a lump I got removed from my head. If you go to Google and do a search for images involving heads and lumps thereon, two on my pictures generally show up in the top ten. Depending on your search criteria, mine have shown as high as second on the list.

I think the primary reason I get so many hits from these is that out of all the pictures, mine are probably the least gross.

Anyway, I just thought that was interesting...

The pictures in question are:



and




The second most popular post is an attempt at humor surrounding the different types of computer users... Read it here. If you look up that in Google, I've got position number 1.

Mooving Thought...

I received this today from a friend of my sweet wife...

Sometimes you can reach too far!
When you find yourself over-extended and you're stuck in a situation
that you can't get out of, there is one thing you should always
remember.......



Not everyone who shows up......

Is there to help you!!!!

Law of Institutions

I've been reading some interesting stuff over on another forum... It's made me think that perhaps the time has come for me to return this blog to being one of humorous observations, and resurrecting the Koda Think Tank.

The Think Tank isn't gone, it just got locked down a while back to try and appease some people who were out for my blood. Turns out it didn't really work, all the blog had served to do was to provide these individuals with a reason to come after me, something they have obviously been looking for for the better part of the last 3 decades. Now that I realize that and have seen their true colors, all I can think is... Screw 'em!! The people have a right to read my stuff, no matter how twisted and/or truthful it may be.

I need to do some housekeeping over on the Think Tank, but I expect to have it back up and running by the end of the month, open for any who wish to peruse the dark recesses of my mind, on matters religious and political.

Until such time as that happens... Let me whet your appetite with the following two thoughts. The first shared by an individual who goes by TheProudDuck and the second by ff42.

TPD's First Law of Institutions:

All institutions, unless restrained, tend over time to become run for the benefit of the people who run them.

Applies to corporations, churches, governments, unions, media -- pretty much everything.

Second law of institutions:

All institutions, unless 'upset', tend over time to become more and more extreme in a direction.

If a person want to 'climb the corporate ladder', they will note the behavior and philosophies of the people that run the corporation and attempt to emulate them (so as to get promoted). Overtime the leadership of the corporation (and all the flunkies) will become more and more conservative (or liberal)

Good stuff eh?

Dear Mr. Glenn Beck....

Mr Beck,

I used to be a huge fan. Your radio show included a lot of comedy, and I like listening to a guy who can laugh at himself as well as others. Your show combined current events, humor and politics in a most enticing way. I think even liberals enjoyed your show at times. You had it right!

For Christmas a few years back, my wife purchased me a gift subscription to your magazine, along with a T-Shirt for "The Frog 109.9". I still think it's a cool shirt!

I've turned my mother, in-laws and numerous other friends and family members on to you, and may of whom are still loyal listeners.

The thing is though, that you've stopped being funny. I haven't listened to your show regularly for well over a year now, and after subscribing to satellite primarily so I could watch you on CNN, I would now much rather use it to watch the Discovery Channel.

I think what initially turned me off you was hearing you put down Mr. Ron Paul as a presidential candidate, even though I think the two of you are likely 99% in agreement. Then when your party (And don't go claiming you're independent anymore) chose the dingbat from Arizona you acted all surprised - You could have made a difference Glenn, but you blew it.

Or perhaps how you were so against Mitt Romney, but then fell in love with him after he invited you to his little "I'm a Mormon" speech. And prior to that you were all "I'm not going to support him just because we're part of the same religion", "he's too liberal for my liking" blah blah blah.

Actually what was even more surprising was how you jumped all over the Tea Party idea earlier this year, like a horny teenage boy on a copy of Playboy, even though it appeared to have been the brain child of Mr Paul's Campaign for Liberty.

Talk about flip flopping Glenn!!

As I said, you're not funny anymore, nor do you even try to be objective. You've become nothing other than a Mormon version of Rush Limbaugh, just without the weight and tobacco habit. You're a peddler of fear and mis-truths for you own personal gain, failing to see the problems in your own party, but more than willing to point them out in the other party, no matter how ridiculous they may be. For the record, I think both parties are filled with self-serving scumbags, and that we need to clean house in Washington. But the party that claims moral superiority, really should try actually exercising some morals too!

I unsubscribed from your email newsletter last year, because I just couldn't take the fear you were disseminating with it. I got sick of hearing how incompetent the liberals were, when it was the so-called conservatives that got us stuck in this economic hell hole.

Speaking of incompetence, somehow, as of last week, I'm back on your email list. I unsubscribed again, but today I received another.

Perhaps you are like so many other conservatives who believe that freedom is important, only as it applies you and that it is not something that others can be trusted with... Since I don't see things your way, therefore I can't be expected to choose for myself - is that how it works?

I'm sorry Glenn <sniff> but I just love my personal freedom <sniff>. I love <sniff> <weep> not having to have fear <sniff> rammed down my throat <sniff> by a man who doesn't want to see his tax rates raised, simply because he's been able to rake the cash in, courtesy of the American People.<sniff>

Please kindly unsubscribe me from your newsletter - AGAIN!!!

Sincerely,

Mr. Koda

Phone Connections and Snakes

I've been thinking about this for a while now, but just kind of pulled it all together into a cohesive thought over the past week.

Have you seen the movie... What About Bob?

Bill Murray plays a man with problems, however through a series of often humorous events, Bob helps his psychologist, a somewhat uptight, yet brilliant character played by Richard Dreyfus, and his family overcome some of their problems as well. I'd highly recommend the movie.

Anyway, at one point Bob is speaking to the good doctor's daughter about difficult people, and Bob uses the analogy of a bad connection on the telephone. Sometimes you just get a bad connection with people and the best course of action is to hang up and try again, rather than just assuming that the connection will always be bad.

It's good advice. I've found that most people of basically good and decent folks. Everyone has bad days, and I think we're all entitled to bad days, so before you judge anyone too harshly try hanging up and calling again.

Sometimes though, you just get a bad connection every time you call... This is where my snake theory comes in.

I for one happen to like snakes. Few creatures can match their beauty and what I only see as incredibly graceful movements. They're incredibly efficient hunters and I love to sit and watch them. However with all that said I have very healthy respect for them. Growing up in a county with spitting cobra's and black & green mamba's, I think a healthy respect for these amazing creatures is required.

Sometimes we meet people who are like snakes. Good at what they do, but at the same time, the relationship isn't the most cozy. They might mistake you for a threat, and in turn they provide a very real threat to you and your family. That's not to say that they aren't good people, but just that a healthy level of respect is required, and just like snakes, sometimes it's better for all involved if you just keep your distance.

Are you a racist? The answer may surprize you

I've mentioned before that I grew up amid a lot of racist idea's in South Africa. While I generally rejected most of what I was taught at home, church, school and elsewhere, some of it still stuck.

I can't say for sure if I have entirely removed any of those thoughts from who I am, but I was fortunate enough to spend almost 2 years of my life living amongst the ethnic people of South Africa and received such a warm welcome and kindness at their hands, that much of it has gone.

While that was fortunate, as I have dealt with working through things like this in my head (Largely through the medium of this blog), it is unfortunate that some involved in my past would take offense to their thinking, that I was insinuating that they might possibly be considered racist. For whatever reason my personal journey has stirred within these people feelings of contempt towards me, and a need to justify and/or deny past events.

If you've ever wondered if you were racist, try the following:

1. Have you ever used a racial slur when communicating with, or about a member of a different racial group?

2. Have you ever taught or believed that the color of a person's skin is a direct result of some sin committed by them in a previous life?

3. Have you ever celebrated, not having to be a part of a countries first democratic election, where all people can vote, regardless of skin color?

4. Have you ever taught and/or believed that skin color has a direct effect on intelligence or ability to lead?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, you might think you could be considered racist, but apparently both you and I are wrong - and there is a very high probability that we should seek professional help to overcome it too.

This blog post brought to you by tolerance, and the ability to realize that just because someone disagrees with you, it doesn't mean they hate and despise you.

On Science

Life continues to rob me of time for blogging. That's not to say I'm not enjoying life, but just that it's been somewhat busy of late.

I've had 2 blog ideas over the past week or so, and since they both have in them the idea of science, perhaps I could share them both.

First, 2 weeks ago, I found myself sitting in Church listening to those who had been assigned the topic of truth upon which to based their presentations. I may have ranted about this before, but I find it ironic that a Church which was founded on the idea of searching for truth, now finds itself discouraging it's membership from seeking truth, directing them instead to accept as gospel the word of their 'divinely appointed' leaders. But I digress...

So it was with mild amusement that I found myself listening, whilst juggling a couple of toddlers.

Speaker #2 brings up that he is an electrical engineer and in order to do his work, he is bound by the rules of science. To create a circuit, or other device, there are principles of truth which he must follow, or his creations, modifications or whatever else he may do, simply will not work.

That was all well and good, until he compared science and religion. Science is continually changing, and so we cannot trust in science. The truth of God is a constant however and so we must cling to that...

My good man... Perhaps next time you want to use the laws of science to illustrate your point, you won't turn around and then render them seemingly irrelevant to make your other point which for all intent and purposes is based on flawed logic!!

So that was the first thing...

Secondly, I've gotten somewhat addicted to a TV show called the Big Bang Theory... If you haven't seen it, I would highly recommend it. It's hilarious!!! Anyway, one of the main characters - Sheldon, is a brilliant physicist. He tends to view our civilization from a very scientific and analytical perspective. On Monday's show, his roommate receives a phone call, which he chooses to ignore, and a voice message is left. Sheldon views this as a binding social contract. When a voice message is left, the party for which it was left is bound to listen to the message and respond. In Sheldon's mind, failure to do so would lead to a breakdown in the social order, and end in total anarchy. *** Spoiler alert *** It didn't

In science such an outcome may be true. You can determine outcomes of specific experiments, by applying mathematical equations, and determine what the outcomes will be with a high degree of certainty.

Humans don't seem to play by the rules though. We're free thinking creatures with the amazing ability to adapt and change. In a precise scientific experiment, the addition of an unexpected outside force can introduce chaos, and destroy everything, with humans, it only succeeds in making life more interesting.

We're amazing creatures, we humans.

It's not about the man...

My most humble apologies readers, due to my recent lack of bloggage. March has been a busy month and it doesn't look like it's slowing down any time soon.

The highlight of my month so far has been the successful registration of yours truly in the inaugural IronMan St. George for next year. Overall I'm excited about it, but every so often I get a faint glimmer of sheer terror - What have I done?!?!

There has been much work, both at the day job and for the home business. Much training, some sickness and reasonably successful attempts at being a better husband and father. Far more improvement is needed in that last area, but overall, I would have to say that the direction of improvement is still positive in nature.

I'm going to try and be a better blogger (at least on this blog) in the weeks to come, but for now, let me leave you with a thought I had yesterday...

As part of my responsibilities at Church, I sat yesterday in a class of 12 and 13 year olds, listening to the guy I teach with share a lesson (It was his week). The topic was the 2nd President of the LDS Church, a fellow by the name of Brigham Young. Mr. Young was largely responsible for the founding of Utah, at least by the Mormon Pioneers and the establishment of not only Salt Lake City, but 350+ other settlements within the state and surrounding states. He was a phenomenal worker, exceptional businessman and probably the kind of no-nonsense type person that you really want to be at the helm when undertaking something like the founding of a new state.

With that said, Mr. Young was by no means a perfect Man of God (At least not in my opinion). He did much to propagate the practice of polygamy, in and of it self an evil practice, he would also have appeared to somewhat of a power hungry, ego driven person, the unfortunate other side of the coin to the leadership abilities previously mentioned. He mishandled the travesty that was the Mountain Meadows massacre and was the originator of the flawed doctrine that those of African American descent are somehow less worthy in God's eyes than those of European Descent.

Books could and likely have been written exploring both sides of Mr. Young's life, character and personality. He accomplished much good and much bad, and it brings one to the question of how to you treat the legacy of such a man, and as someone who is raising children within the LDS Church, how do you teach this type of stuff to your kids in good conscious.

The epiphany I had yesterday (and I've kind of had it before) is that it's not about the man. He may have accomplished great things, and taught true principles, and these should stand on their own merits. As soon as you take your focus from the search for truth, and based it instead up faith in another human being, that is when you move onto dangerous ground.

It's not about the man, it's about truth. If the man teaches truth, then that's great, but it's not truth because it came from the man.

Quote of the Week...

This was said by Brian Williams last night on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, whilst discussing members of the US House of Congress...

"A 200lb Chimpanzee in an inappropriate relationship in Connecticut causes these people to jump all over monkey legislation, and you act surprised?!?!"

On other news, I had some high hopes for my buddy, Mack the Imam on this blog. Sadly, it's looking like he may not make it through the remainder of today. I'll post updates as they become available.