Utah Murmurs

Contingency Operations

2010-06-23T21:59:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine recently shared the above video with me. What follows is our ensuing conversation:

ME: Obviously what we need to do is sue Arizona for bringing all this trouble upon themselves. Then we need to do some soul searching and find out just why those drug traffickers hate us so much. Is it because of our prosperity? Maybe if we were a little less prosperous and even submitted a little to their demands they might like us more? We should probably negotiate with the cartels, and maybe even give them some financial aid while we're at it. It really is all our fault after all. It's the least we could do.

Just some ideas...

FRIEND: If it is a "war on drugs", why are we the only ones dragging a dump truck load of ROE's and they are the only ones shooting people and chopping off heads? Sounds familiar.

ME: I don't think it's a war on drugs anymore. It's a domestic contingency operation against undocumented pharmaceutical providers.

From SLC to Seattle in 26 and 40

2009-12-13T22:15:00.000-08:00

Another belated post, and a return to a lighter subject: soccer. I've written about soccer in this space several times before (here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

I've been following my team since before it was born. Since before it even had a name. I even voted in an online poll to have my say on what I thought the name should be (I didn't win). I've kept every ticket stub I've ever used, as well as various news clippings and game day programs. I've still got my tiny towel from the Western Conference Championship game in 2008.

I don't really consider myself a die-hard. I'm not a season ticket holder. I've never been to any of the special events that the team has held. Never greeted the players at the airport following a big win. Never attended a practice session. Never traveled to Park City for a reserve match (back when we used to have those). Never traveled to an away match.

But I've remained loyal to this club through the years, attending matches as often as I am able, following all of the other blogs, writing here, posting comments to news articles, reading and writing in the forums.

It's been a blast.

Well, I finally got my chance to travel for a match: the MLS Cup in Seattle. My wife, a Seattleite by heart and formerly by residence, almost forced me into the situation. A friend (who sometimes posts online with the alias Xenofred) arranged for the tickets. He traveled up with two other friends, and my wife and I traveled separately. It was to be my wife's first time attending an MLS match.

A sleepless Friday night's drive, a check engine light, a breakfast at Denney's, a stop at a Fruit and Antiques store, and a quick nap in our hotel room later and we were ready to enjoy a Saturday evening in the Emerald City.

We met up with my wife's friend who lives in the Fremont district, who baked an assortment of tiny pizzas for dinner. Afterwards we all ventured out into the rain in search of dessert. I began to wonder where our seats were, and whether we might get rained on during the match. After some conversation back at the house, we retired to our hotel for the night.

The next day began at the McDonald's next door to our hotel (the 6th Avenue Inn, downtown) for a quick breakfast (so exotic!). That's when it began. At that restaurant alone, I probably saw a dozen or more RSL fans. Afterwards we made our way to Pike for some shopping. Pike, despite being a bit of a tourist trap, is always a fun place to visit, and incredibly easy to find. I don't know how many times I've been to Seattle - and I've really spent lots of time all over the city - but I don't think I've ever passed up a trip to Pike. This time was unique as RSL fans were all over the market! Everywhere we looked we saw the familiar claret-and-cobalt, and the corresponding Xango branding. We even saw a dog, tied up outside of a nearby cafe, with an RSL scarf around its neck! It was great fun to see all of the RSL fans, as well as to watch the supporters of various other clubs (there were a few LA fans wandering around as well).

It wasn't until we finally arrived at the stadium that I really began to see many supporters of other teams (and by "other" I really mean "Seattle"). By a dumb mistake, my wife and I missed the March to the Match, and only arrived to the stadium 20 minutes before first kick. But we were far from the only RSL fans mixed among the swarms of Sounders fans filing into Qwest Field. Our Seattleite friend met us at the gate, where we presented her with an RSL scarf. We quickly entered the stadium, and made our way to the now legendary section 338 where Xenofred and the rest of our group were already waiting. We emerged from the tunnel entrance to find hundreds (thousands?) of Real fans and supporters, standing, singing, cheering and beating their thunder sticks. I'll not soon forget that feeling - we had arrived at the MLS Cup!

I lost my voice that night. It didn't return for a week. Our local friend was surprised by the, um, tenacity of the Salt Lake fans - and paid close attention, texting her Seattle friends that were elsewhere in the stadium, so they could join in the chants. My wife was finally able to witness the inner hooligan that I keep safely away from public view most of the time. She finally understood why it is I always come home from these things almost unable to speak, although I'm usually a bit more reserved than I was that night (just a bit... but this was for the Championship!).

Robbie Russell found the back of the net for the first and only time of his MLS career, and brought the 2009 season to an end. We had done it! Real Salt Lake were league champions! We were actually #1!

We stuck around for the Cup presentation ceremony, and as we were finally leaving the stadium, we managed to get several of the 14 foot long "MLS CUP 2009" banners that the stadium crew were taking down. Somehow I'd lost my jacket in the celebration, so I wrapped myself in my banner, and we headed over to FX McRory's to enjoy the moment while it lasted.

It was an incredible weekend. A whirlwind tour of one of this country's most beautiful cities. 26 hours by car and only 40 hours on the ground. That's a long time to spend in a car, and my wife and I spent most of it listening to music. One song in particular caught my ear - "The Underdogs" from Weezer's latest album. You can understand how it fit the mood, with lines like "This is our destiny/Nothing's too good to be/We know the score/We're gonna break down the door..." Here it is.

Long live Real Salt Lake!

"Now We See the Violence Inherent in the System"

2009-12-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

Another belated post for my oft-neglected blog...

As many will recall, Monty Python is responsible for this entry's titular quote. I have written several times over the past year about the dangers of Islamism. On December 11th, the Deseret News published this op-ed regarding a recent "spike in extremism." Perhaps a quote from a classic comedy is too crude, and perhaps it is offensive; but as it relates to the jihadist attack at Ft. Hood, it is accurate. And as the investigations and reports have shown, this was a tragedy that was wholly preventable. May we never again be so blind to the threat of jihadism.

Holy War in the USA Update

2009-09-25T05:19:00.000-07:00

I try not to think about this stuff too much. No more than I absolutely have to. This stuff really depresses me. Fills me with anxiety and fear. Unfortunately, the flow of this activity lately is just too much to ignore. So here I go again, ranting in an attempt to exorcise my demons.

From Purple Mountains Majesty to the Big Apple

The most high profile case of jihad to come forth recently is the “alleged NYC terror plot” involving two men from Colorado, and one from New York. Najibullah Zazi, an Afghanistan-born naturalized US citizen, is accused of receiving explosives training from Al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan. His first criminal charge was of making false statements to authorities. When questioned about the existence of bomb-making instructions on his laptop, he explained that he must have inadvertently downloaded the instructions while downloading a religious text. He also explained that he immediately deleted the text when he discovered its contents discussed jihad. Now he has been charged with conspiring to detonate a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Surely this has nothing to do with jihad, and surely if bomb-making instructions were in fact found to be bundled with a religious text, they must have been planted there by Islamophobic FBI agents bent on defaming the Religion of Peace.

Others also arrested include Zazi’s father, Mohammed Wali Zazi, and a Queens “religious leader,” Ahmad Wais Afzali. Afzali, an Imam, is now accused of acting as a double-agent -- working with federal agents and warning Zazi of their activities and inquiries. When will the FBI cease molesting Islamic Centers and mosques throughout this country? Don’t these scumbags realize that in America we have freedom of religion?

Virginia and North Carolina

Last month, seven North Carolina men were charged with “conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and for conspiracy to murder, kidnap, maim and injure people overseas.” On Thursday, two of these men received additional charges of conspiring to murder US military personnel, specifically Marines at Quantico, Virginia. Daniel Patrick Boyd is the alleged leader of the group, and a US citizen. Hysen Sherifi is a legal US resident, but a citizen of Kosovo. The group was originally denied bail when prosecutors presented evidence of the suspects discussing “jihad” as part of their plans to attack foreign lands.

Clearly the prosecutors fail to grasp the true meaning of the word “jihad” -- the internal struggle within a pious Muslim. Moreover, is there any reason to believe that either of these men are in fact Muslim? “Boyd” is hardly an Islamic surname and as we all know, while Kosovo has been ravaged by conflict for the last few decades, this is purely an ethnic conflict. The Muslim Albanian Kosovars should find themselves equally at odds with the Serbian Kosovac Muslim minority as they do the Kosovac Christian majority. The Kosovar majority is nominally Muslim, having had their religious identity repressed under decades of socialist rule. They are Muslims by name only, and therefore harmless. Better than harmless, actually: allies!

Illinois

On Wednesday an Illinois man was charged in a plot to bomb federal offices. Talib Islam, who converted to Islam while serving a prison sentence, parked a van that he believed carried a ton of explosives at a federal building in Springfield, Illinois. FBI agents began following the man after, upon returning from a trip to Saudi Arabia, he told an FBI source of plans to fight against Israel in the Gaza Strip. It is evident that these agents failed to distinguish between the conflict in Gaza and the larger jihad, and that this man is simply a victim of religious profiling. Islamic PR organizations would do well to distribute more educational pamphlets to the feds in order to educate officers on the true influence of Islam.

Dallas

A 19-year old Jordanian male, Hosam Maher Husein Smadi, was arrested on Wednesday in Dallas after placing an inactive bomb at a 60-story building. Smadi said, “We shall attack them in their very own homes. Brother, by God, we shall attack them in a manner that hurts, an attack that shakes the world.” (Full text here.)

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppart, acknowledging the incidents in New York, Springfield, Denver and his own city said, “It’s a comment on the world we live in. All of us need to be vigilant.”

But Mr. Mayor, let’s not jump to conclusions! Just because it looks like a jihadi, smells like a jihadi, acts like a jihadi, shops like a jihadi, talks like a jihadi, is named like a jihadi, builds bombs like a jihadi, has friends that are jihadis, worships like a jihadi, travels like a jihadi, and studies like a jihadi… that doesn’t necessarily mean anything!

Blogging for Freedom

2009-06-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

I've been watching the protests in Iran with fascination and horror. I've seen the videos on YouTube and followed the resistance on Twitter and Facebook. For the first time in a long time I have a small hope for something better for the people of Iran and consequently that entire region.

It's impossible to learn so much about something and not have anything to say about it. I even went so far as to set my Twitter time zone and location to Tehran (but I will not change my profile picture to green because to me that color is another symbol of the oppression and tyranny of the Islamic regime).

What follows are my own tweets and Facebook updates in more-or-less chronological order. I figure this blog is about the closest thing I have to a journal, so I might as well record these thoughts.

Via Twitter:

Marveling at these beautiful skies.

Iran does not belong to the Mullahs. It is time for the people to take back the country!

Moussavi is also the Ayatollah's man, and his ascendance would be a weak moral victory for the people of Iran (but still a victory).

The world is finally witnessing the brutality of the Islamic regime. The cost of this enlightenment: enduring oppression and suffering.

The official US response to the Iranian revolt? Flaccid at best. (Good thing America doesn't belong to its government either.)

Freedom through truth! Censors and tyrants cannot defeat the intelligence and cunning resolve of the revolt. Truth will triumph!

The Mullahs in Iran are enemies of equality and cultural plurality, and Obama is too gutless to say it.

Via Facebook (actually posted prior to the tweets):

So the Ayatollah's got the final say in just about everything. Meanwhile, our own chief executive offers a flaccid at best condemnation of the Iranian government's response to the protesters, while rationalizing that the US president should not meddle in Iranian affairs. Too bad the feeling isn't mutual, as El Supremo and his lap dog, thug-in-chief Ahmedinutjob, have no reservations about "meddling" in anyone's affairs (particularly their own citizens and neighbors and especially Iraq and Afghanistan).

The consolation is that maintaining the status quo in the face of such overt domestic displeasure and resistance may call enough attention to the dire situation in Iran that the global community will finally take notice. (Really, Moussavi is the Ayatollah's man, too, despite his oft-touted "reformer" label - a win-win for El Supremo when it comes right down to it. Moussavi's ascendance would be a weak moral victory for the people of Iran.)

Unfortunately, this belated global enlightenment will be purchased with the continued suffering and oppression of the Iranian people.

Via Twitter:

Free Iran. No alternatives.

Holy War in the USA

2009-06-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

I began writing this post several weeks ago and never finished it. I think it's worth posting, so without further revision, here it is.

***From early June:

As a professional soldier, there are a few issues that I follow to enhance my own personal understanding and further my professional learning. One of these is Islamic jihad.

Jihad, many will contend, is an internal struggle to discipline one's self in accordance with Islamic theology. This is certainly a noble endeavor and a concept that is not exclusive to Islam.

Many seem unwilling to acknowledge that jihad is also in very fact the violent "holy war" that people across the world have, over the course of centuries, grown to fear.

As an American soldier I am particularly interested in seeing how jihad affects the United States.

Several months ago, five Muslim men were convicted in a plot to kill US soldiers at Fort Dix, New York.

Just two weeks ago, two Muslim men, recent converts to the so-called Religion of Peace, were arrested after their plot to blow up a synagogue in New York City was foiled.

Thankfully, in both of these incidents, solid detective work and law enforcement prevented the realization of clearly violent aspirations.

Unfortunately, those mechanisms could not prevent today's tragedy.

PVT William Long was shot and killed at a US Army and Navy recruiting center in Little Rock, Arkansas. PVT Quinton Ezeagwula was also shot and is in stable condition.

Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad recently returned from Yemen having studied with a jihadist imam, Yahya Hajoori (or one of his students). Muhammad told authorities that he targeted the soldiers "because of what they had done to Muslims in the past” and explained that his goal was to “kill as many people in the Army as he could." [source] Indeed, his taken Arabic name includes the militant "mujahid" - a derivative of "holy warrior" and "jihad" (his given name was Carlos Bledsoe).

***Update from June 22nd:

The attack on the recruiting center was tragic, but the real tragedy is our collective failure to recognize this threat. Pres. Obama took the stage in Cairo recently to address the Muslim world. He apologized for the sins of the west, mostly ignored the obvious faults of Islam, and pledged to "fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear."

There are many problems with this vow, but I am mostly concerned that the President's perception is that these "negative stereotypes" are being perpetuated by those that are critical of Islam rather than those that use the religion to further violent or oppressive agendas. Obama merely described the attack in Little Rock as "senseless." His omission of the stated religious motives implies that he does not regard jihadist violence as a negative stereotype of the religion at all. Apparently, in the President's idealistic world of cultural plurality and relativism, there is room to accomodate this sort of religious intolerance and violence. The twisted result of this delusion is that violent jihad advances across the US and the world while those wishing to identify the threat are criticized as intolerant "stereotypers."

R - S - L - 0 - 9

2009-04-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

Soccer came back into season in the US at the latter end of March. RSL opened its season in Seattle, facing an expansion side that didn't look or act the part. The 2-0 thumping might have been an unexpected result before the first kick, but it didn't take RSL fans long to lower their expectations.

Less than a week later, a sparse but vocal crowd of RSL fans braved cold temperatures and threatening skies to support their squad at the home opener, hosting the defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew. The RSL faithful in attendance were rewarded with an offensive exhibition the likes of which had never before been seen at Rio Tinto Stadium. Robbie Findley owned the night with a perfect hat trick - a first for RSL in regular season play. Nick Rimando allowed only one goal and Kyle Beckerman's header completed the rout as rain, like manna from heaven, poured down upon players and fans in the final minutes of the match. The confidence emanating from the boys in claret and cobalt was unlike anything I have ever seen in four plus years of watching RSL soccer.

Late in the game I realized that I had my camera with me. I quickly turned it to the action on the field. This is the first shot I took:Kyle Beckerman's header slips just past Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer. GOOOOOOOOAL!

Homecoming

2009-02-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

Last February, I wrote about the upcoming deployment to Afghanistan of the 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion (Linguist) of the Utah National Guard (link and link).

It's been a year. I knew up front that this was a great group of soldiers. Over the past year I've kept in touch with many of them. I've been impressed with their dedication, professionalism and intelligence. I'm proud of what they've accomplished. I'm excited to learn from their experiences.

Welcome back, 142.

Related links: SLTrib, DesNews, KSL, Fox 13, KUTV, KTVX

Strength through loyalty

2008-10-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

In a recent editorial for Salon.com, Camille Paglia reprints a letter the she received from a reader. It reads:

“I am an American and I do not feel I owe Mr. McCain ‘an incalculable debt of gratitude’ [quoting Paglia] for his participation in that stupid, unnecessary war… In such a case, a resistance to such an unjust war would rather be the act of patriotism for which we should be grateful… There is nothing worse than a “blind patriot,” so why aren’t we allowed to say so?”

Paglia’s response is powerful, and true:

“I would appeal to you and to all Americans that the preservation of our liberties ultimately depends on the enormous dedication and self-sacrifice of our military men and women. I am very concerned about whether our professional class, buffed all shiny and bright by the elite universities, will ever have the will or stamina to defend this nation in a major crisis… Soldiers must do or die by the good judgment or shallow caprice of a nation’s leaders, who are the ones who bear all moral responsibility in this matter.”

I have long been troubled by those who so misunderstand our military’s commitment to duty. This commitment is a large part of what sets the United States apart from the banana republics and rogue states of the modern world. Even those who despise and condemn all acts of violence should appreciate the domestic stability provided by an armed force that will never defy the orders of its Commander in Chief. The system of checks and balances that our founders developed extends to our nation’s most powerful executive arm. The United States government will never find itself under assault by a power-hungry military commander precisely because of our military’s total deference to the orders of its civilian commanders. This submission is not “blind patriotism,” but is an essential manifestation of our military’s unfailing loyalty to the citizens of this great union, and to the constitution that our military has sworn to defend. The value of this absolute loyalty, which often comes at tremendous sacrifice, cannot be understated, but is quite often underappreciated.

A new era

2008-10-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

There are probably more important things I could write about tonight. I haven't written in far too long, and not due to any shortage of interesting topics. Judging by the desperate gasps coming from within the financial industry, I guess there's something interesting going on there these days. And I also hear that there's a bit of a competition going on to decide the next CEO of some big organization that's headquartered back in DC. Or maybe I should talk about how gas prices in the US still have yet to significantly drop, despite significant drops in oil prices?

No, none of that boring stuff tonight. Tonight it's all about soccer.

I've heard several fans describe the excitement they're feeling as similar to Christmas. Christmas Eve is probably not a bad comparison, personally. Even though I've had a chance to tour the stadium, I won't really get to open my present until tomorrow - and the anticipation is palpable.

Obviously Rio Tinto Stadium is symbolic for a lot of us in Utah. It's symbolic of the status that professional soccer has achieved in the state. It's a permanent home for our team, and the envy of Major League Soccer.

With so many hopes riding on this building, I wonder if we're doomed to disappointment. I really doubt the stadium will do anything but impress tomorrow. The only fear I have is the possibility of our visitors playing the role of spoiler on our special night.

Even as tomorrow's day turns to night, the setting sun will herald the dawning of a new era for soccer in Salt Lake. Despite the team's tendency to downplay the significance of individual matches, this one versus New York is an absolute must-win.

Go RSL!

Circus sideshow

2008-08-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages...

The circus that has been this year's Democratic presidential nominating process took yet another hilarious turn this week. The Clintons, apparently oblivious of their role as freak show performers, managed to get the presumptive ringmaster, Barack Obama, to give them an unofficial shout-out when the Big Top rolls into Denver later this month.

Obama's concession to these circus clowns is a distraction and an embarrassment to the party. The more the Democrats try to make a big deal out of Hillary and Barack's "historic" campaigns, the more the party's claim to champion equal opportunity rings hollow and extremely hypocritical.

As Tool said:

I sure could use a vacation from this bullshit three ring circus sideshow of freaks...

The irony of modern violence

2008-07-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

In Friday's Deseret News, Chris Hicks writes about how this year's blockbuster comic book movies have ratcheted up the violence and gore (link). He writes that most of it is "treated lightly, frivolously and, in some cases, simply ignored."

I don't think anyone would contest that violence in media is more prevalent today than it was 40, 50 or 60 years ago. The Dark Knight, Wanted and Iron Man are just the tip of the iceberg. Video games take violence to another level altogether.

By almost all measures, violence is wildly popular these days. Of the top ten video games sold for consoles in the US in 2007, fewer than one quarter of the units sold featured no violence (Guitar Hero II & III, and Madden NFL 08 - although one could argue that football is a violent sport). Another 40% of these games featured "mild cartoon violence" (Pokemon, Wii Play and Mario) and the remaining 36% of games featured "blood and gore" and "intense violence" (Halo 3, Call of Duty 4, and Assassin's Creed). (link)

And violence was also a big hit for the top ten grossing films for 2007 in the US (link). Using the Kids-In-Mind rating service, those films scored a total of 52 of an available 100 points in the violence category, and only 25 in profanity and 26 in sex and nudity. Apparently Americans are twice as comfortable with violence and gore as they are with either profanity or sex and nudity.

The great irony that I see is how uncomfortable Americans seem to be with real violence and death. According to iCasulties, there have been 4,124 confirmed deaths of US soldiers in Iraq, and this statistic is usually among the first cited when criticizing that war. Our sensitivity to violence and death has heightened considerably from the days of the Civil War, for example, when over 618,000 Americans lost their lives, or more recently in World War II, when over 290,000 US servicemembers perished.

The US military has performed weapons training with human silhouettes for decades now, because the likenesses have proven highly effective at sensitizing soldiers to firing upon human targets. Studies on video games have proven to have similar effects, but from the sounds of the political discourse in the country, Americans, despite the rampant violence in media, yet have weak stomachs when it comes to the real thing.

There is an obvious double standard here: on the one hand we glorify fictitious and meaningless violence, and on the other hand we have a hard time even accepting honorable and meaningful violence.

Mr. Hicks continues, "With all the real-life violence brought home to us via TV and the Internet these days, I'm having second thoughts about destruction as entertainment."

I have to agree that a culture of violence and death as entertainment is definitely something worth reconsidering.

Weather report

2008-07-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

I'm watching the sun go down from my hotel room and it is an absolutely gorgeous sky tonight. Great big clouds from the Arizona monsoons, illuminated in tones of pink, orange, and purple, lined by gray and fringed with white - punctuated by a few patches of dusky blue sky. The most skilled artist can't touch this sky.

Very dark clouds loom on the horizon. This masterpiece won't last but a moment.

And he shall send his angels...

2008-07-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

"And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." - Matthew 24:31

I'm going to grant myself a rare religious indulgence today. This past week my wife and kids had the remarkable privilege of watching as the signature ornament of LDS temples, and the prevailing symbol of the LDS faith as a whole - the statue of the Angel Moroni - was lifted to the top of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple currently under construction in our soon-to-be neighborhood in South Jordan.

I remember hearing President Hinckley years ago refer to the temple as "a monument to our belief in the immortality of the human soul." Without a doubt, the work performed inside of these "monuments" revolves around the eternal and immortal, and witnesses to our belief that "as certain as there is life here, there will be life there." (Source)

Reminders of mortality are omnipresent: the propaganda of the ephemeral. It is wonderful to see that image of a heavenly angel raise his trumpet into the air to stir in ourselves the remembrance of our own immortality and greater purpose.

"Have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men." - Moroni 7:29

Video: KSL, KUTV

We're #1!

2008-07-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

I'm going to drink the Kool-Aid tonight, and ignore all of the games that we have left to play, and everything else that RSL cannot control, and focus on the positive. In 2008 the team has played with heart, energy and desire and they deserve to be at the top of the Western Conference! As Mr. Kool-Aid would say:

Oh yeah!

GO RSL!

Mexico, RSL, and other random thoughts

2008-06-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

I was able to go down to Nogales, Sonora, Mexico today to buy some cheap gifts, and practice my horrible, awful, broken Spanish. I've never been to Nogales before, and aside from a couple of alleys that were pretty nice, the town didn't strike me as very different than any other border town. The first solicitation for goods and services came from a man, shortly after we crossed the border, asking if we needed directions to a "titty bar" - which we declined. Then he offered us his sister. It would not be the last such offer. We also received many offers for wide varieties of narcotics and other drugs. It was all very interesting, particularly in light of the ease with which we crossed back over the border.

I did, however, actually enjoy some of the conversations I had with some of the merchants. We talked about religion, fatherhood, politics, and Mexican and American punk rock. I hate the pushy, "Hey, amigo," sales pitches, but I do enjoy the more meaningful interactions that can take place. It's fun to "get to know the neighbors."

I also noticed this sign, right when I first crossed into Mexico, which brings me to my next topic:

I saw a lot of Club America and Chivas gear while in Nogales. Strangely enough, however, I never got the chance to discuss soccer with anyone around me. No matter, I returned home in time to watch RSL get their first road win of the season, and their first ever win over Chivas at the Home Depot Center. Robbie Findley also scored his second goal in an RSL uniform at the HDC. As long as we're looking in the history books, I wonder if RSL might just go on a bit of a tear after this one, similar to the unbeaten streak of four games that also began at the HDC in 2006? With four of the next five games at home, I can dream, can't I?

Back on the subject of Mexico, I'm excited for this year's Xango Cup. I think Santos will make for an exciting match, both in terms of the athletic competition on the pitch, and in competition between each of the groups of fans. I welcome partnerships with the Mexican league going forward. It would be nice to create some goodwill between our two leagues, and among the fans of each side. I only regret that I will be stuck in Arizona for this one. :(

=w= (6)

2008-06-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

I bought this album earlier this week and I just can't stop listening to it.

Weezer's sixth effort, and their third self-titled album (unofficially dubbed "the red album") is the most creative album in the band's catalogue, and very satisfying. It's a journey into the musical frontiers that Rivers has been exploring over the past several years. But this is not the Rivers Cuomo show, as Brian, Pat, and Scott all take turns at center stage - and with good results.

At first listen, some of the songs may sound unfamiliar, but as Rivers sings in "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived," "Hey, this is nothing new / I've got more than enough for you." The line is almost a reassurance that Weezer is far from done - a promise that they've got more to give their fans. The song itself is a showcase of a broad range of musical styles, which is probably why some people are comparing it to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." The bottom line is that it works, and it rocks.

Of course, you can't talk about the album without mentioning "Pork and Beans." When Weezer released the song on their website, I let it loop over and over. I still haven't gotten sick of hearing it. To me, the song is a proclamation from Rivers to the world, announcing that he is finally secure in who he he is - that's he's finally got a self-esteem. The video takes that message to the next level, becoming an anthem for misfits everywhere who just wants to be themselves. And who better to empower us weirdos than the guys that made geek chic 14 years ago?

The rest of the album doesn't disappoint either. "Troublemaker" is catchy; "Heartsongs" is heartfelt, and different; and Pat's "Automatic" is impressive. "Dreaming" and "The Angel And The One" are the most Weezer-like of any on the album, and they're both nice. I'm glad that the rest of the album is so divergent, however, because after five albums I wasn't really hoping to hear the exact same stuff on album six.

Only time will tell how this album stands up against the rest of the band's catalogue, but I don't get the feeling Weezer really cares how this one is remembered.

=w=

Family Sep

2008-05-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

Duty to my country (specifically the Army) has caused me to spend the next three months away from my family. I'm only on the first week of that separation. The good news is that I'm never further away from my family than the moment that they drop me off at the airport - which means that we're drawing nearer to our reunion all the time...

I miss my family like crazy. This is by no means the first time that we've spent time apart, nor is it the longest period of separation, but "family sep" really never gets any easier.

I've written before some of my thoughts about the forced separation of families that has occurred in Texas. I believe the State of Texas was way out of line to declare itself more fit to care for those FLDS children than their own biological parents. I applaud the Texas Supreme Court's decision to order Texas and the CPS to reunite those poor broken families.

To be clear, I think the FLDS church may in fact have some serious flaws, but I'm not going to get into that in this piece, as I wish only to address the serious trespasses against the FLDS community.

I find it incredibly ironic that just as one form of alternative marriage seems to be gaining ground (see recent decisions in California and New York), polygamy once again finds itself under attack. Yet civil rights activists have been slow to notice...

I find it incredibly hypocritical that so many Americans seem so eager to attack the institution of plural marriage, in an age where premarital sexual relations are not only accepted but in many cases celebrated, and where the value of sexual monogamy continues to decline. This behavior is a tacit approval of sexual promiscuity, and of bearing and raising children out of wedlock; and an explicit disapproval of anything nearly resembling a commitment. Heaven forbid we actually make any commitments in this modern era...

I am offended by my own church's refusal to make a stand in defense of religious freedom as another church with whom we have a great deal in common (official LDS statements to the contrary notwithstanding) faces intense persecution.

And I am heartbroken for the separation that has been forced upon those families, and for the mental and emotional harm that has been inflicted upon them. They have been the victims of a malicious state government that robbed them of their rights as Americans. Their reunion cannot happen soon enough.

Vacation dreaming...

2008-05-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Gonna have to go here someday. DesMoNews had an article on it this morning. Rock 'N Roll themed rides? Sounds cool.

Ugly money

2008-05-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't written for awhile - for several reasons, but no matter. Today I've just got a bit of a rant.

Why is American money getting so ugly? I mean, it's got its classic look, the portraits are well-drawn, and its still got its green color, but every new "improvement" introduced by the US Mint seems to detract from those good qualities.

There are examples of beautiful currency all across the world. Most of these feature bold colors, and color coding systems that are not only distinctive, but convenient as well.

Whether Americans like it or not, the greenback has gone polychromatic as well - and not in a good way. The 20 has some orange, the 50 some red, the 10 is peach-colored, and I saw my first purple 5 dollar bill today.

Americans seem unwilling to deviate far from the color green, but if this is how we're going to accomplish that, then it is time to throw in the towel. Adding a splash of hideous color to the greenback is just not worth it. I say keep the 1 green, but embrace color for everything else. Open up the color palette and create something that is visually appealing.

Anyway, that's just my two cents.

Tribute to a great blog

2008-04-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

On the heels of its greatest victory, RSL suffered a stinging defeat this week when RSL Fortaleza Menina decided to discontinue The RSLFM Report, after the site was taken offline by Blogger for terms of service violations.

The end of The RSLFM Report is a tragedy for RSL Nation. The site was truly one of a kind. No one currently sounding off in the RSL blogosphere is possessed of such eloquent perspective as FM, nor is anyone as plugged in to the greater world of soccer that both surrounds and permeates our team. FM performed a tremendous service, and to say that her contributions will be missed is a terrific understatement.

For my part I really enjoyed the times that I was able to contribute to her blog, both in producing original content and participating in the online discussions. I was proud to be associated with such a great site, and more recently I really appreciated the increased traffic and awareness that RSLFM.com created for my own blog.

While she is not without enemies, she yet has many friends among the RSL Nation, and I can only hope that we haven’t truly heard the last from the great RSLFM.

Don't mess with Texas

2008-04-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

This whole ordeal in Texas just has never sat well with me. I really can't see how every child at the YFZ ranch was in "significant risk of harm" or "victims of abuse and neglect." That's just a statistical impossibility.

A few days ago a Texas state representative, speaking at a news conference said the following:

"We have a saying here: 'Don't mess with Texas.' I'm going to change it up and say, 'Don't mess with the children of Texas.'"

I have a real problem with this statement. These children are not property of the state of Texas.

I think the representative’s statement is actually quite telling. He draws a clear distinction between the state of Texas, and the YFZ ranch. His words mark the FLDS as outsiders - newcomers in need of a little Texas-style orientation. His bravado is repugnant. “Don’t mess with Texas,” he says, and pretends that this is about the children. The reality is that Texas wants nothing to do with this strange polygamist sect that occupies a sprawling ranch outside of Eldorado. Texas is embarrassed by the YFZ ranch, and feels threatened by the religion that calls it home.

My sympathies toward the FLDS cause extend only so far as I believe they are entitled to their First Amendment right to freely practice their religion. I don’t agree with the practice of polygamy, but frankly I have a hard time simply discounting it as an illegal activity. Judeo-Christian theology supports the practice of plural marriage, with many examples of the custom recorded in holy writ. Westerners may be uncomfortable with the practice, but other cultures around the world still follow this custom, and there are even examples of similar behavior in the animal kingdom. Hell, gay marriage isn’t exactly legal in the state of Texas, but I don’t see government and law enforcement officials doing the same thing to that community as they’ve done to the FLDS - nor should they.

Underage marriage, sexual or physical abuse - these are all crimes worthy of prosecution, but I do not believe that the practice of polygamy itself poses a “significant risk of harm” to children, nor do I believe the practice makes children in such families “victims of abuse or neglect” by default. I believe that each criminal case or allegation of criminal behavior must be investigated separately, and prosecuted on its own merits. I believe the “guilty by association” approach that has resulted in the confiscation and relocation of these 400 plus children - now property of the state of Texas - is in opposition to the rights guaranteed by the US constitution, and flies in the face of the freedoms that our country champions to the world.

I cannot accept the implication that there are no children living in the state of Texas in greater need of state intervention than these children. This operation is a tremendous waste of state resources, an injustice to the displaced children, an affront to the good families in the FLDS community, and an attack on religious freedom.

I wasn't born here, but...

2008-04-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

I'm an Army brat. I was born in Germany, and spent most of my childhood living in places like Virginia, South Carolina, South Korea and Texas.

I eventually landed in Utah as a teenager, and have lived here off and on for the past 15 or so years. My family is originally from Utah, going back to the early days of the state. My ancestors even helped to settle Springville, and to this day there's an avenue in the city that bears our family name.

I've really enjoyed each place that I've had the opportunity to call home. Every place has its own character, and there have been things that I've liked and disliked about each place as well. In Virginia I lived just outside of DC, so there were tons of sights to see. Korea is just a beautiful country, with a rich culture. And Texas is just so damn proud that it's practically infectious.

In fact, there's a popular bumper sticker in Texas that says, "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could."

Contrast that sentiment to the self-loathing that infects Utah like a plague. In my experience, Utahns are more likely to claim another state as their home, even if they've spent most of their lives in Utah and have only briefly lived in their adopted hometown. Utahns complain about the weather, they complain about the politics, the public schools, the beer, the roads, the traffic, the LDS religion and Temple Square. Park City likes to call itself an "independent republic." Salt Lake is simply conflicted - in a state of perpetual identity crisis, torn between church, state, and metropolis - somehow unable to reconcile its three main identities. Sandy was apparently feeling insecure enough about itself that it felt like it needed to rebrand, complete with an ad campaign (read my previous post on that subject here). All this, and we famously continue to lead the nation in our use of anti-depressants, and at an alarming rate.

If Texans' pride is contagious, I think the same can be said of Utahns' self-deprecation. Utah's economy is good, we consistently score high in livability assessments, our cities are safe and clean, we're home to expansive diverse and amazing wilderness areas, and distinct four seasons. But we hate ourselves. We hate our state. And we're extremely depressed about it all.

I'm almost surprised that I haven't seen any bumper stickers announcing, "I was born in Utah, but I'll get the hell out of here just as soon as I can!"

It is time for Utah to recognize that we have a problem, a mental illness, if you will. We need to wake up and realize that this is a nice place to live, and that we've got a lot going for us. We've certainly got things that we can work on, but we need to find a healthier, more positive approach than the negative, self-destructive path that we're on right now.

Lover in the Snow

2008-03-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

File this one under two of my favorite things: music and soccer.

This was already my favorite song on Rivers' solo album (a great listen, and a great read - so break down and buy the disc!), but this video cemented that status for me.

Enjoy!

Isis

2008-03-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

After two heavier posts, for my own health I probably ought to lighten this page up a bit. I saw this in the Sunday paper, and I think it's just the thing.

On Saturday at Camp Williams, a golden eagle named Isis was released into the wild, following a successful rehabilitation from a collision with a semi truck that left the bird near death.

The bird's release was marked by a ceremony honoring fallen Utah soldiers.

This is not the first eagle to be released into the wild at Camp Williams. The camp is actually home to a large and diverse group of birds and wildlife. In fact, in my experience Army posts seem to enjoy a special relationship with wildlife (ex.). I'm often surprised by deer as I run around the garrison for PT, and take a great deal of pleasure in watching the various birds of prey circling in the skies above.

My favorite might still be the Apache, however. ;)

The golden eagle is definitely a close second. What a truly beautiful and majestic bird. Welcome to the neighborhood, Isis!

Related links: KSL video, ABC4 video

Sports and Diplomacy

2008-03-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Xinhua claimed Chinese police officers opened fire upon a pro-Tibetan protest in Sichuan province, killing four rioters.

Of course the official line is that the officers were provoked and acted out of self-defense.

ABC4 has this video of the small protest that took place in downtown Salt Lake last week. Barbara Smith signs off with the following statement:

"And as China prepares to host the world for the Olympic games, this is exactly the image it doesn't want to project. Others argue that this is the China the world needs to see."

I'm arguing that both are true.

On Tuesday, Doug Robinson wrote this piece in the Deseret Morning News critical of calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics.

I agree that refusing to send athletes to China would accomplish little, and would probably be unfair to the athletes, but Robinson is far too willing to ignore the uncomfortable present and past realities of China as he tries to persuade the reader that talks of boycott are simple silliness.

Robinson asks if there is "any place on Earth perfect enough to host an Olympics these days"? The flippancy of the question itself belies his total lack of understanding of the situation in China. This is not a simple issue of political or ideological differences, but a matter of fundamental human rights and political oppression.

His preceding question hits closer to the mark, but again betrays Robinson's ignorance. He asks, "Isn't this something the IOC should have considered before they ever made Beijing the host?" I find it hard to believe that Robinson is really unaware of the controversies that have plagued these Olympic games for as long as the Chinese have made clear their intentions to host the games.

Robinson admits to the precedent that has been set, acknowledging that the Olympics "have been chronically politicized", pointing to "Hitler and his Aryan theory in '36, Tommie Smith and Juan Carlos and their black power salute in '68, Black September's murder and mayhem in '72, national boycotts in '56, '76, '80 and '84."

Robinson asks, "Isn't it a sign of diplomatic and political failure that these causes have nothing stronger to barter with than an athletic event?" Unfortunately, when it comes to the world's largest athletic competition, the "it's just a game" argument simply doesn't work.

Nevertheless, most governments are choosing to just play the game. After announcing on the 23rd that the EU would consider a boycott, today Patrick Hickey of the European Olympic committees declared the EU's "100 percent" opposition to such. President Bush recently pledged his support towards the Olympians, reaffirming his previous commitment to the Chinese premier to attend the events. Likewise South Korea's Yu Myung-hwan voiced his hope that the Olympics in Beijing would "enhance mutual understanding through sport."

The games are still months away (136 days), but thanks to the tireless efforts of opposition organizations across the world the understanding of some is beginning to be enhanced. The fundamental problem persists, however, that this enhanced understanding is truly anything but mutual.

Middle Kingdom, Center Stage

2008-03-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

As China draws nearer to the opening of the Summer Olympics in Beijing, protesters across the world are drawing attention to the many problems that beset the country, and that the Middle Kingdom is trying so hard to push aside.

For our part, a small demonstration took place in downtown SLC yesterday, featuring gagged protesters in blood-stained clothing, waving Tibetan flags and carrying signs calling attention to China's human rights record, and the Free Tibet cause.

Last June another small demonstration took place when Real Salt Lake hosted the Chinese National Team for an international exhibition soccer match at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Chinese officials objected to Taiwanese and Tibetan flags being waved, as well as a sign posted by fans, in Chinese, reminding the team of the Tienanmen Square massacre (which anniversary had passed a few days before the match). RSL officials kowtowed to the Chinese and forced an end to the display. Flags and signs that were offensive to the Chinese were removed, and several individuals were ejected from the stadium.

For some time following the incident, soccer fans debated both the appropriateness of the protest and the response by the team. RSL won the game 1-0, but clearly China won the battle over free speech in Salt Lake City.

China's battle to control public opinion of itself is never ending. Recently that PR war has taken a violent and very public turn. Over the weekend, violence and rioting in Lhasa, Tibet resulted in scorched earth and death counts ranging from as low as 20 to over 100 people (depending on which side you believe). Always quick with the gag reflex, China promptly expelled foreign media, complicating the task of understanding the situation. China's Xinhua News agency was quick to point out, for example, that rioters were responsible for a great deal of property damage as well as the deaths of 13 civilians. Meanwhile, sources sympathetic to the Tibetan cause have produced disturbing images of casualties inflicted by the Chinese government in the violence.

Make no mistake: the Chinese government is an enemy to freedom and human rights, a barrier to free trade, and a friend to censorship.

China has had a great deal of success in persuading the world to simply "look the other way," when it comes to these true "crimes against humanity" but as the Middle Kingdom moves into the center stage it must be prepared for a far greater PR assault than it has faced so far.

And true supporters of freedom must be prepared to give China the fight that it deserves.

Camp Williams

2008-03-08T00:21:00.000-08:00

The Deseret Morning News had this article on Thursday, regarding the Utah National Guard Readiness Act presented by Representative Rob Bishop last September.

The act would transfer land that is already "withdrawn for military use" (see DMN graphic) from the Bureau of Land Management to the state of Utah, to be used by the Utah National Guard. The land in question already lies within the borders of Camp Williams.

Camp Williams is a first rate training site, and a major training destination for guard units from all over the western United States. Expansion of the garrison's facilities are limited however, as COL Olsen pointed out in the article, by the installation's topography. Moreover the rapidly expanding residential developments that surround the camp (Saratoga Springs, Lehi, Eagle Mountain and Bluffdale) also limit training activities, particularly exercises conducted by the state's artillery and combat engineer units.

It was not long ago that Camp Williams was considered remote and "out of the way," but the Utah National Guard training site is finding itself closer and closer to the metropolitan heart of Utah. This legislation is an important part of preserving Camp Williams' ability to respond to our nation's military needs. In the future, attention should be given to preserving the ranges farther to the west that are so vital to tactical and weapons training.

Compassion doctrine

2008-03-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

Despite calls for compassion from local religious leaders, notably Elder Marlin Jensen of the LDS Church and Bishop John Wester of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake, this legislative session was decidedly uncompassionate towards undocumented or illegal immigrants (choose your own adjective) currently residing in the Beehive State.

The flocks of faithful tended by these religious shepherds extend far beyond either the borders of our state or our country. As such, these leaders are justified in speaking out on their behalf - to suggest that we remember that these are human beings we’re talking about, and not simply countless and faceless statistics.

Elder Jensen compared the phenomenon to someone coming onto another person's property uninvited, saying "there is nothing inherent or wrong about that status." Bishop Wester pointed out that "Jesus was a man on the move - an immigrant if you will."

Clearly the calls for compassion fell on deaf ears in the Utah legislature. When Senate Bill 81 takes effect in July 2009, these "unwanted and unwelcome" migrants will find that life for them has become much more difficult. It will be more difficult to find employment and housing, and Utah employers and landlords will bear the burdens and face the penalties of compliance and noncompliance.

It’s unfortunate that SB97 died in the closing moments of the legislative session. This bill at least pretended to approach this complex issue with some thoughtfulness, by creating a task force to study the economic impact of illegal immigration.

Nevertheless, it is still a cop-out to oversimplify the situation by looking at only the economic figures in order to make a dispassionate decision about an issue that is clearly about much more than money.

By passing SB81, and failing SB97 legislators have decided that ignorance is bliss, when it comes to understanding the realities of this situation. Where Elder Jensen called for legislators to "measure twice before they cut," legislators have chosen the opposite tact.

Legislators have also ignored Bishop Wester's cautionary reminder of the biblical account of Mary and Joseph's own efforts to find a place to stay, deciding that there is no room at our inn.

Moving out (part II)

2008-02-26T19:01:00.001-08:00

In an update from this post, the 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion left Utah today.

After an intense period of pre-mobilization training at Camp Williams, these soldiers and their families would likely say they've been gone for a long time already. A friend of mine told me that, due to the long hours that he'd already been putting in, he and his family more or less said their goodbyes weeks ago.

LTC Tolman, who I know personally and have much respect for, says that the 142nd's mission, once they hit Afghanistan, is clear - unlike the battalion's 2003 tour in Iraq.

Despite my own doubts (having been there and heard that line before) I am actually optimistic that this one really will turn out as they are planning. One thing is for sure: this is an outstanding group of soldiers, and they will do great things in Afghanistan.

God speed, and good luck over there.

Related links:SLTrib, KSL, KSTU-1, KSTU-2, KTVX-1, KTVX-2

Saturday day morning teaser

2008-02-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

I just can't help myself with this one. All it takes are the first four notes of the Indy fanfare and I'm hooked. Can't wait!

Moving out

2008-02-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

I've got a lot of friends on this one.

Stay safe over there, guys.

No love for Sandy

2008-02-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

Home to the HBO series "Big Love," but increasingly finding only tough love from neighbors and legislators, Sandy recently paid Love Communications $25,000 to re-brand the city and repair its image in Salt Lake County. Nevertheless, after seeing the billboards and hearing the radio spots, I can only conclude that Sandy is simply "looking for love in all the wrong places."

I don't have any problems with the concept of an ad campaign. It's a bit bold, so I expected people to be a bit surprised by the campaign at first. (When was the last time a Utah city tried to market itself within the state?) I also don't think 25k is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a project such as this (although I understand Sandy has budgeted up to 50k).

I didn't grow up in Sandy, but I'm a Jordan High School alumnus, and after a few years living out of state and even abroad I returned to Sandy and have lived here for several years now. I've come to think of Sandy as my hometown. I really enjoy living here. I love the access I have to Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons, and the great ski resorts that call those canyons home. I like the views of the mountains from my house. I like the access to shopping and entertainment, as well as the close proximity to downtown. My diverse and eclectic neighborhood truly defies all of the stereotypes that people associate with Sandy, and I have no plans to move anywhere else.

Nevertheless, people hate my town.

Witness a commenter to the DesMoNews article linked to above, "I hate Sandy and no advertising campaign will change that."

As much as I like my town, the new radio spots are bad enough to put a bad taste in even my mouth. The whole campaign just comes off as pretentious and even holier than thou.

The radio spots try too hard to mimic Motel 6's iconic Tom Bodett, with the folksy music in the background, and the smooth, slow talking Bodett-wannabe mumbling about how things were back in his day and why those things are still important to Sandy. Here's a clip from one of the commercials. Imagine a more annoying version of Bodett as you read (or click here for the KSL.com video report):

"Anyway, it's been 20-odd years without raising property taxes. Maybe that's why folks in Sandy sleep a little better at night, not having to keep such a tight grip on their wallets and all."

Yeah, whatever.

The main failure of the campaign, I think, is that if you're trying to create goodwill, you shouldn't start out by insulting your neighbors, as in the "hold on to your wallet" and "be careful" billboards. You just can't help but take offense at those slogans if you live anywhere other than Sandy. The "take a hike" billboard hits a little closer to the mark - emphasizing your strengths without saying anything about anyone else.

Another failure is the new logo. The old one was maybe a little busy, with the picture of City Hall, but it was classy, at least. The new logo is too simple, too unimaginative, and too boring. The motto, "Heart of the Wasatch," is OK, but not great. Finally, the color scheme is dull and lame.

The only real good thing to come of this re-branding is an overhaul of the city's website, and the hiring of a full-time webmaster. The website is much improved, both in content and navigation.

But that's not enough to stop people from hating us. Just as the commenter said, no advertising campaign is going to change that.

Well, at least not this one.

Strikeout

2008-02-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

Against my better judgment, I wrote this response to a reader comment to Scott Pierce's article in the DesMoNews this morning regarding the WGA strike. The original commenter questioned the fairness of one small group (the writers) walking out, and the impact that group's decision would have on other associated groups (extras, crew members, actors):

It is never an easy decision to strike - it is painful for everyone involved. It is definitely appropriate to demand fair wages, however - regardless of who you are.

This is not a concept that Utahns understand very well. We are all too willing to work for dirt, despite high levels of education and qualification.

The writers recognized that their wages were not keeping pace with revenues resulting from new means of distribution, and rightfully demanded new contracts. Individual bargaining is not effective in these situations, but striking, while not desirable, is an effective method of bringing uncooperative executives to the bargaining table.

And let's be honest, it's just not as easy to replace a striking writer as it is to replace an extra, a member of a production crew, or even an actor. Writers play a very important role in the production process and deserve a little recognition for that fact. (Not convinced? Try watching the late night talk shows and see just how much they're stretching to find material to fill their shows while their writers are striking.)

Fall in!

2008-02-11T20:42:00.001-08:00

I had to take a picture of this rather unique formation on Camp Williams a couple of days ago. I took my real camera a few days later, but time had already taken its toll on the squad of snowmen.

Adventures of a toddler

2008-02-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday my almost two year-old baby girl graduated from her crib to a brand new "big girl bed." She'd been bored and tired of her crib for the past month, and after a successful sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's house the night before (sans crib) we decided it was time for her to make the leap.

This week has had its ups and downs as she's learned to deal with the freedom of being able to get in and out of bed - and the access to toys and other items of interest that this freedom affords.

Of course, this conflict is not unlike that which we experienced with her big brother... Many times we had to intervene while he was assembling his army of stuffed animals atop his bed - and crowding himself out of a sleeping space.

Tonight, I had to scold her a bit because she just wouldn't settle down. She kept getting out of bed, playing with her toys, and refusing to relax and fall asleep.

My reproof had the desired effect, and shortly thereafter I found her peacefully asleep in her bed.

Surveying her room, I laughed to myself as I saw what activities she'd engaged in while avoiding sleep: toys strewn about the floor, a little chair pushed up against her dresser to reach the out-of-reach items on top.

Most interesting to me was her tiny box of "pretties" - plastic jewelry - spread out across her bed. It was just interesting to me to see the difference between the items that wound up on top of our little girl's bed, as opposed to the sorts of things we'd so often seen on top of her brother's bed before.

Bed time can be an extremely frustrating time - I often feel more like a prison warden than a loving parent - but little revelations like these are always welcome surprises, and help me to let go of the frustration. And it really is a lot of fun to be a spectator in the adventures of children.

Out of many, one

2008-02-05T22:14:00.000-08:00

E Pluribus Unum

The great American motto. Found on coinage, the Great Seal of the United States, and elsewhere. I find myself reflecting upon the meaning of this phrase every time I turn out to vote.

Shortly after polls opened yesterday, I filed into my local polling station - Sandy Elementary School - to add my one voice to the many voices in the state of Utah, to announce my preference for the next President of the United States.

I voted for Barack Obama.

I have various reasons for this selection - some good, some maybe not quite as good - but ultimately the reason I voted for Obama is that I wanted my vote to count.

Romney was going to run away with the winner-take-all Utah Republican vote (and he did) so voting Republican was an exercise in futility, one way or the other.

On the other hand, the Democratic race looked like it might be close - both locally and nationally - and I wanted to do my part to give Barack the advantage.

So I checked the block three times, and cast my vote.

Apparently 70,372 other people decided they thought Obama was worth the hassle of voting for, too.

Out of many, I was one.

It's amazing, really. I could have chosen not to turn out. I could have chosen just to head to work, just to get on with my day and let the unknown "many" make my decision for me.

Then again, so could have all of those other seventy-plus thousand Utahns. But we banded together, and drew strength from each other. Collectively, our individual voices mattered, and the cause of democracy was furthered.

Man of God

2008-01-27T21:34:00.000-08:00

While visiting Korea in 2005, I had the opportunity to hear President Hinckley relate a portion of the following experience:

I was in Seoul, Korea, in May of 1961 when a coup occurred. The president of the nation fled for his life as the military took over the affairs of the country. I was awakened in my hotel room at 4:30 in the morning by the sound of cannon fire in the street below. From my window I watched shells hit the wall and break the windows of the government building which stood next to the hotel. I turned on the radio. I discovered it had become the first target of those taking over the government. The newspapers followed. Freedom of the press was abridged. Freedom of speech was muzzled. Freedom of assembly was denied. These were primary targets in taking control of the nation and its people. . .

[Such events] stand as evidence to each of us of the inspired vision of our forebears two centuries ago in demanding a written Constitutional prohibition against the enactment of any law concerning an establishment of religion, the free exercise thereof, freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

The world lost a great champion of freedom today, an advocate for all humanity, and a true man of God.

Music Review - Radiohead's "In Rainbows"

2008-01-25T15:26:00.000-08:00

The great thing about blogging is that I can write about absolutely whatever I feel like. One day I might write about politics, the next sports, another day I might write about the war in Iraq, and who knows, maybe that same day I'll complain about the potholes that have reduced 90th South between State Street and I-15 to a worse surface quality than most unimproved roads.

And so it is that today I'll be reviewing a recent music purchase.

Radiohead's latest album In Rainbows originally garnered attention for its unconventional release. The album was first made available through its own dedicated website, and people could download the album for whatever price they felt it was worth.

Most people chose to pay nothing.

The band then released their album to iTunes (standard pricing was applied) and made a hard copy available through traditional retailers (the disc was priced less expensively than most new releases).

I missed the boat on the web release, but I prefer to keep a hard copy of each of my favorite bands' albums anyway, so I recently purchased the album at a music store in Layton.

After my first listen I found myself empathizing with the freeloaders from the first release: I actually paid money for this?

Of course, the first listen to most albums is probably the most difficult: the songs are unfamiliar and you find yourself enduring them, rather than enjoying them, as you impatiently wait to hear the next song. You tend jump to conclusions too soon and end up rendering judgment prematurely.

This is probably especially true with Radiohead. The first listen is truly the most painful: a hurdle to be overcome, rather than a delicious treat to be savored.

My first listen left me disappointed. I felt the band had not evolved. I questioned their ability to compose a coherent song. Aside from the one song I'd heard on the radio, I didn't feel that any of the tracks really stood out. My patience for the artistic antics of the band was wearing thin, and my few remaining hopes that the band might approach anything as good as The Bends ever again seemed to be lost.

Then, amazingly, I found myself actually wanting to hear the album again. Songs were sticking in my head. I listened to the album several times, from start to finish, and even on shuffle. In Rainbows slowly began to come into focus.

This is a good album. Radiohead will never be the band they were in 1995, but this is probably a better CD than anything since OK Computer. And there are actually quite a few tracks that standout. Here are a few:

Bodysnatchers - From the title alone, this track shows promise (what a quintessentially perfect title for a Radiohead song?). This is probably the most upbeat song on the album - if you can call a song about being "trapped in this body and can't get out" upbeat. And it’s nice to see they can still rock the guitar.
Reckoner - This song is an exercise in layering audio tracks, and somehow still managing to make Thom's whiny, haunting vocals sound as though they belong. For a glimpse of the beauty of this song, scroll forward to 3:15.
Jigsaw Falling Into Place - Best lines: "Words are blunt instruments / Words are sawn off shotguns"
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi - Another beautiful track. The guitar nicely complements the nautical theme. This is one of the band's most hypnotic arrangements since "Let Down" - just as beautiful, and just as disturbing.
All I Need - Is it desperation or codependence? "I am an animal trapped in your hot car / You are all I need". Cascading musical wizardry begins at 2:50.

The best thing about this album is that, while it nicely complements the last three albums, it succeeds where those efforts failed: In Rainbows actually pulls the assortment of colorful and diverse tracks together to form a vivid and compelling musical display. In Rainbows is as brilliant as its title might suggest.

First in the west

2008-01-19T13:36:00.001-08:00

Iowa had the nation's "first caucus" (and I complained ad nauseum about it)...

Wyoming's Republicans caucused later that week (but no one noticed)...

New Hampshire quickly responded with the nation's "first primary"...

Then Michigan voters turned out to vote in a mostly Republican primary...

All the while, South Carolina's pimping their "First in the South Primary" - trying to send the message to Republicans across the rest of these United States that they might as well not even turn out to Super Tuesday or anything else, because South Carolinians were this good at predicting the party's nominee.

I used to live in South Carolina. It's a great state. Beautiful. Lovely people. But I hope the Republican party chooses as its nominee someone other than the Palmetto State's pick - just to shut them up.

And so my heart was warmed today when I read this bit about nearby Elko, Nevada:

Starting Thursday evening with a visit by Sen. John Edwards and continuing Friday with a morning stop by Mitt Romney and afternoon rallies for Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama, residents of Elko (population 18,183) had a rare opportunity to see, hear and question some of the contenders for the nation's highest office.

This level of personal interaction and attention by each of these candidates in a town so far off of the beaten path, and in a region of the country that has been almost totally ignored by politicians for far too long... this is a wonderful thing.

It is also great to see the Democratic candidates spending so much time in the Silver State. I'm not a registered member of any political party. In a lot of ways I think the two party system fails America. But I firmly believe that it is far better to have two parties than to have only one (I'm looking at you, Utah).

It's nice to see the chaos created by all of these states moving around their primary/caucus dates, as they try to get a little love from the two parties. I support anything that might ultimately disrupt the Iowa/New Hampshire cartel.

Congrats, Nevada, for being "first in the west."

Soccer elevated

2008-01-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

The DesMoNews has a nice article today about the new Real Salt Lake stadium under construction in Sandy.

As a fan of the team, it gives me great joy each day to drive past the stadium as I commute to and from work. I wonder, however, how non-fans feel. I imagine that most are probably indifferent, maybe don't even notice the hulking steel structure rising from among the field and trees of that area. There are also many, I'm sure, that are offended by the structure. Maybe it's an architectural disagreement, but most likely it's political.

So while the soccer stadium may symbolize to many everything that is wrong in Utah politics - backdoor dealing, catering to big businesses while ignoring voter sentiment - this structure symbolizes something quite different to me.

I see myself waiting to meet friends at the base of the "Spanish steps" and then climbing those grand staircases in anticipation of the view of the green pitch that awaits me at the top. I see years of entertainment drawn from the roller coaster ride that is the Major League Soccer season - the thrill of a great save, the masterful choreography of a commanding midfield, and the disappointment and heartbreak of a late goal scored by an opposing team. I see 21,000 fans rising from their seats to applaud 90 minutes of fast-paced soccer. And because I'm a Sandy resident, I can see my children one day walking across a stage down on the pitch, wearing cap and gown, as they graduate from my own alma mater, Jordan High School.

To me this soccer stadium symbolizes community, and I think this is no mistake. The very design of the structure seems to communicate: This is our house!

License plate elevated

2008-01-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything in far too long, although I've been writing behind the scenes quite a bit. This is my attempt to break out of this writing slump. I'll write about something that I've been watching quite a bit lately. I think I've withheld judgment for long enough now.

So by now everyone's seen the new "Life Elevated" license plates. When I first started noticing these plates, the Salt Lake Valley was in between winter storms, and cars were covered in slush and salt. This made for an awful first impression. Rather than something fresh and interesting, the new plates looked old and dingy - and too busy.

The second plate is not a far cry from the old Delicate Arch plate. The most obvious difference is the new stylized "Utah" logo. Less noticeably, the colors have also been updated (compare to old here). I've always thought this was a nice design, and I actually think this is a slight upgrade from the old design.

The "Greatest Snow" plate, however, featuring Olympic skier Heidi Voelker, leaves something to be desired. I really like both elements of the design - the red rocks of Dixie, and the snowy mountains of the north - but I wish Utah would have committed more fully to one or the other because the two together just don't seem to complement each other very well.

I would have preferred two (or more) new plates: retain the red rock header for one, and switch out the skier for something more in line with the southern Utah theme. On the other, replace the petroglyph header with the mountains that are currently subdued and hidden behind the skier. Colorize those mountains, and make the sky blue.

Maybe we wish it weren't so, but as often as I find myself staring at the rear end of other vehicles, I can't help but think that license plates are one of the best places for a state to advertise itself. To that end, I really think Utah could have done better by showcasing its diversity on individual plates, rather than trying to cram everything onto one.

That's funny...

2008-01-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Salt Lake was among ten cities nationwide to experience "No Pants 2K8." Anywhere between 50-70 people boarded TRAX trains and made themselves at home, so-to-speak.

"My pants were uncomfortable, so I decided to take them off," explained one TRAX rider. Her friend offered another explanation, "She's lying. She forgot her pants" (source).

One surprised out-of-towner reported, "This doesn't figure in my view of Utah at all." (source)

Life can get a bit heavy at times, and it's nice to be reminded every so often to take life a little less seriously. :)

Snow!

2008-01-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

So it snowed today in Baghdad for the first time in recent memory.

There is truly something magical about that white stuff. It's one of my favorite things about living in Utah.

I'm glad Baghdad got a taste of it. :)

Betrayal on TRAX

2008-01-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

If true, this is a truly disturbing story.

On Tuesday, the DesMoNews reported that a woman riding a southbound TRAX train Thursday night (DMN did not specify the date) was sexually assaulted and then severely beaten by a man before they both exited the train at Midvale Center station.

This is bad enough, but the woman told KUTV that this all occurred in the presence of roughly 15 witnesses who did nothing... or averted their eyes.

The woman told KUTV: “I turned my face and he just socked me right in the face. I felt my nose break instantly.” Midvale police confirmed that the woman "was bleeding profusely" and her nose had suffered "a substantial break."

She continued: "There was somebody sitting right next to me on the other side. So he had seen the whole thing.”

I often ride on these late southbound TRAX trains and in my experience these trains are almost always packed. The crowd naturally thins out somewhat as the trains move down the line, but given that the assault began at 4500 South and continued until the two individuals debarked at 7720 South I would be absolutely shocked if there were fewer than 15 other people on the train, witnessing this event.

Nevertheless, Midvale police had no witnesses, according to the DMN.

Most disturbing is the total absence of moral courage among any of the passengers on that train. For probably close to 15 minutes these people watched this disgusting scene... and did nothing.

Police respond quickly to these sort of incidents and could have intervened if anyone had bothered to give them a call... but no one did.

Or riders could have stood up together and nipped this whole thing in the bud... but alas, this was Salt Lake, not Shanksville, PA.

Instead, if the reports are true, on this night TRAX riders betrayed one of their own.

Absolutely sickening.

We must do better than this.

Granite State Debate

2008-01-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

I happened to catch the second half of the debate the other night while flipping through the channels. So I missed the Republican side of the discussion, but here are my thoughts on what the Democrats had to say:

Richardson is obnoxious. Even though he may be the only candidate with experience in hostage negotiations with tyrannical aliens from outer space I still tire of hearing about it every time he opens his mouth.
Edwards just strikes me as an angry individual that could really use a hug... maybe from an old friend?
Clinton remains unlikable but also seems to be the only candidate that is realistic about an exit from the War in Iraq. For all of their bravado when it comes to talking about seeking out and executing justice upon our enemies, none of the other candidates seem to grasp just how complicated this situation is.
Obama is the opposite of Clinton: the most likeable, the most interesting to listen to. Still, I thought he lost points when he avoided the "what have you said that you would take back if you could" question. Is he so perfect that he feels he hasn't misspoken, even slightly?
For that matter, really only Richardson scored points on that question - and he came off as honest and truly funny with his story about his favorite Supreme Court justice. Edwards tried to dig himself out of a sexist hole, but found himself dug deeper, and Clinton, like Obama, avoided the question altogether. Guess she really doesn't care if anyone likes her.

We'll see what the voters think today.

Final gripes about the Hawkeye State and its overinflated self-opinion

2008-01-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

The Carpetbagger Report writes that "the Iowa caucuses are much too silly" and calls them "a secretive, undemocratic process, that avoids democratic norms, and discourages participation."

Reuters, in an editorial roundup, provided this description for the event: "a double distortion mirror."

Ruth Marcus, for the Washington Post, asked, "Who elected Iowa?"

And finally, the Pensito Review claims that "the Iowa caucuses, like the electoral college, are irrelevant." Well, I'm not sure irrelevant is quite the right word, but I appreciate the token opposition.

Anyway, I think I've finally reached burnout on this issue. On to New Hampshire!

(Apologies to Wyoming, from one inconsequential state to another.)

Wild Card Weekend

2008-01-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

Go Skins!

Update: Well, as a 90s Seattle band once sang, it's over now. Honestly I never thought they'd make it this far. It was an exciting run, but all good things must come to an end, I suppose.

On the positive side, the Seahawks rank as my #2 team - if still a distant second to the Redskins. It's not a bad consolation prize to have my other favorite advance.

But I would still have preferred to watch my #1. :(

Go Hawks!

More on Iowa

2008-01-04T11:55:00.001-08:00

Following up on yesterday's rant, I ran across a couple of interesting pieces today.

First, Gil Troy is Professor of History at McGill University in Montreal. Writing for George Mason University's History News Network Troy said:

Many fundamental rituals which we now see as sacred are actually political improvisations – and some of them are quite new. Party hacks should remember this lesson as they deprive party members in Michigan, Florida and other states of their democratic rights to select the presidential nominees.

Troy goes on to detail the accidental origins of the early Iowa Caucus, and calls for an end to the "New Hampshire/Iowa Monopoly."

I also came across this Q&A from The Chronicle of Higher Education with Christopher C. Hull, Adjunct Professor of Government at Georgetown University. He writes:

Even if Iowa voters hold relatively extreme beliefs, they tend to vote strategically in the caucuses, and that often means choosing candidates with more moderate views. Remember, the caucuses are dominated by party activists. They’re thinking very strategically.

Interesting, but he fails to answer the question posed to him on whether Iowa's disproportionate importance and influence on presidential elections is a good thing for the US. Whatever the case, I'm still not convinced that it's a good thing.

Iowa's political monopoly

2008-01-03T04:36:00.000-08:00

On The Nightside Project last night, Ethan put to words the question that I've been kicking around in my mind lately: "Who does Iowa think they are?"

I've heard various appraisals of Iowans lately claiming that they "take their responsibility seriously" to guide America's electoral decision-making. Yesterday the Deseret Morning News posted an article announcing that "Iowans like scrutinizing candidates at length."

So what about the rest of us? We're just disinterested? Apparently the other 49 states only like to wade into the shallow end of the political pool, while Iowa monopolizes the deep end.

I've asked questions similar to Ethan's of a lot of different people lately, but no one can give me a very good explanation of why Iowa is deserving of so much attention every four years. Iowa is a small state (not much larger than Utah - 7 electoral votes to our 5... which should be 6) and is not demographically representative of the rest of the United States. It would seem that another state or states would better serve as a political barometer for the US.

I don't like the maneuvering that allowed Iowa to rise to prominence, and the state's caucus seems far too exclusionary and convoluted to really claim to represent the voters' interests. Nevertheless the Republican and Democratic parties have clearly made their bed in the Hawkeye State and seem to have become so entrenched in the Iowan ground war as to be averse to any change of venue. And so it is that these parties hold the rest of the country, and our political process, hostage in Iowa, waiting for Iowans to tell us all how we should think and vote.

I am not opposed to the type of campaigning that takes place in Iowa - in fact I am envious - but I think the disproportionate amount of time and money spent in that state is a waste, and unfair to the rest of the United States.

PS: This is my first time blogging. I welcome your feedback!