I have been working on a post for a couple of weeks, and don't see a end in sight for the coming political rant.
This is a kind of sub-post to it, because I didn't want to keep going off in different directions.
Part of what is going wrong, with this country, is a very skewed news system. Most of the national or world news that comes to us, in the form of The Nightly News, local newspaper or even the five minute news blips you get when you are listening to music in your car, has one source.
It doesn't matter what story it is, all the facts, or tenure of the story, comes from the AP. Now, Internet new, is not much better, because people like me can state any thing, make any point and never have to tell a lie, to tell a lie.
A friend of mind has eight kids, three of them return missionary's. Until recently, he worked for Utah state corrections , in parole. He has longed, for a long time, to return to Oregon, to be near his (and Her) parents. He just got a job with Oregon's correction's, but in a jail facility. He left his RM's at home. So every word of the above headline could be true, but also a lie.
So how do you know if you are getting the whole story? I have just a few thoughts. Because I know it would be impossible to check out every story, for your self, might I suggest that question every news story and put more than one story together.
Central Utah has many turkey farms. Monday, in between songs on the radio, the news announced that there will be about fifteen hundred jobs lost in the turkey industry, because of the price of corn. Never a mention that the price of corn is rising because our government has decided too turn the corn into ethanol. And of coarse there doesn't seem to be any mention of the fact that the price of oil keeps going up, even though we have, as tax payers, spent all this money on ethanol. All of these stories are connected, but thanks to clever, one source spin, we have to connect the dot's our selfs. Thank You AP for giving us stories that.......
I will have to tell you that I left part of the story out, myself, just to prove a point. The news story also said that they expected the jobs to come back next year. So you can see that I can be caught in a half truth myself. By the way, they didn't say why the jobs were coming back.
We Mormons are counseled to question every thing and then take it to lord, in prayer. If you are a non Mormon, it might be worth it to get to know a Mormon, so you have that option available to you.
It is not going to be easy, but we can and will get to the truth. Sooner than later, I hope.
Trying to do my part, Boyd
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Happy Birthday, to two great women in my life.
Monday was my daughter, Michelle's Birthday. tomorrow is my Sister, Stacey's birthday. Two very different Ladies who continue to have a impact on my life.
I hope Michelle won't be upset at this story, because it is very personal. I wasn't at home for Michelle's birthday party. Some time in the middle of celebrating, she found out that her best friend from High School, lost her mother. Her friend had no one to leave her children with but Michelle so her party became baby sitting.
When I got home from work, Matthew told me what happened. Never a complaint from Michelle. None of the "why does this always happen to me" that I think would have come out of my mouth. When you belong to Michelle, as a friend or a relative, you will never need to worry about needing some one to love you.
Stacey has some of the same quality's, and keeps pushing it up a notch. I will never, but really believe that if I told a friend, if you need a place to stay in So. Cal., just give my sister a call, she would welcome in a stranger with open arms. Don't worry Stacey, I don't really have that many friends and don't think any of them would take me up on the offer, if I was offering.
She also has the most interesting blog, I know. The thing I enjoy the most, about her blog, is her ability to let everyone know what is happening with her family.
I really miss my extended family and I am so glad to get any info that I can.
Here's wishing both of you Ladies happy birthday and may you always look just as young as you do now.
Love, Boyd
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The fathers day gift, part two.
I some times think that everyone knows how hard it was too make me a picture that I can dream about.
This is the s-10, style of truck that Justin started with.Slip on down to the blog, below to see the finished design. And besure to leave your commits, or just read a few.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The gift, that keeps on giving.
This year I got some great gifts for fathers day, but there is only one that I can share with you and brag about.
As long as I can remember, I have loved cars. I love all kinds of cars, but custom cars, too me, are like art work and engineering combined.
One of the talents that I have, is, I can design a car in my head. The problem is, I can't put it down on paper, let alone, build the car.
About a month ago, I had a light bulb moment. Justin, my oldest son, is studying to be a graphic artist, and has become extremely good at photo shop. I told him what I wanted and gave him some examples from other cars, and some how, he put them togther, with a few of his own ideas and, "vol la".
This truck, doesn't really exist, but it should.
Thanks Justin, for the picture and the right to brag on you.
My other kids, also have many talents, but it is hard to show you how good a book is, or how well an interior deign works, in my blog.
That's what is great about being a dad. You get to see great things, from your kids.
Thanks Kids, and thanks too you the reader.
Boyd
As long as I can remember, I have loved cars. I love all kinds of cars, but custom cars, too me, are like art work and engineering combined.
One of the talents that I have, is, I can design a car in my head. The problem is, I can't put it down on paper, let alone, build the car.
About a month ago, I had a light bulb moment. Justin, my oldest son, is studying to be a graphic artist, and has become extremely good at photo shop. I told him what I wanted and gave him some examples from other cars, and some how, he put them togther, with a few of his own ideas and, "vol la".
This truck, doesn't really exist, but it should.
Thanks Justin, for the picture and the right to brag on you.
My other kids, also have many talents, but it is hard to show you how good a book is, or how well an interior deign works, in my blog.
That's what is great about being a dad. You get to see great things, from your kids.
Thanks Kids, and thanks too you the reader.
Boyd
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Critically Speaking.
I have always thought that I have the heart of an artist.
I have taken a few good pictures. One, won a first place at the Utah State Fair.
One year, when I was Sunday school Prescient, in my ward, I needed to provide a gift to all the Mothers, for Mothers day. Shar made the gifts and I wanted to add a poem, but couldn't find one I liked, so I wrote one, and no one was the wiser. I do have to say that I have spent thirty years, trying to write a poem, that says how I feel about my wife, and no words have come close too my feelings.
I have been called from time to time to sing solo with some success. I have written new words to the tune, Ave Maria. In my youth, I played in a couple of bands, none of which lasted longer than two weeks.
I can not draw or paint.
After all this, I can not say that the artist in me has been satisfied. So what do you do if you are an incomplete artist? Criticize.
As I see it, there are only two things, that are stopping me from being a Movie critic. One, I don't watch R-rated movies, unless I'm watching it on TV. Two, as a general rule, I don't like movies made in this century.
Recently, I have seen two exception too my general rule and two example's, of what I'm talking about.
First, one of the winners, Jumpers. I am shocked that I enjoyed a teen movie. But if you have a fast paced, innovative, creative and visually attractive film, you are almost a winner in my book. Add a good story and I won't be complaining all the way home. Leave out the, sex equals love massage that most teen movies seems to need, and I would have given it three out of four stars. Two and a half stars.
The other movie that I liked, was even a bigger shock. A film that borders on the border of "art film" , The Bucket List.
Films with a message, usually lose me, because you watch a movie to be entertained, not too receive a lecture, designed to make you feel guilty. With the Bucket List, your never sure what the massage is or if there is a message.
After watching the film, I couldn't decide if it was a buddy film, or a film about death, or even a film about doing the things you always wanted to do, before you pass on, as the name of the film implies. It is none of that. The magic of this film is that it is about how important your family is. It is so hidden, because it only spends about two minutes, with the family, but that is were the good warm feeling, that you have after watching the film, comes from. Three out of four stars.
Now the not so great. Narnia 2. I believe that I will get a lot of argument on this one. If you are going to tell a good story, you need too have likable, hero's. Maybe it's the old man in me, but I just can't seem to fall in love with whiny children, with swords. Add animals that are more articulate than the humans and I am looking at my watch. Add a message, like the animals and the "little people" have been abused by mankind, and I want to slip into a coma.
If the is any redeeming value to this film, it is that it is visually, spectacular. Two out of four.
And now, last and certainly least, Indiana Jones. It may be because I expect great things out of Ford, Speilburg and Lucas, but few films have left me this dissatisfied.
I hope that I am not alone, when I say that what I always loved about that character, Indiana Jones, was he would always put his life on the line, to do what is right. And when the super human ran out of juice to get it done himself, the hand of providence would finish the job.
None of that here. The story is so, so. The cinematography is average, which is not enough for a film like this. If this film was done by anyone else, it would maybe get two stars, but I am stuck giving it one and a half.
One thing about being a critic, is you will lose a few friends along the way. Instead of losing friends, I hope that I will gain a few comments, so please feel free to criticizes the critic in me.
Thanks, Boyd
I have taken a few good pictures. One, won a first place at the Utah State Fair.
One year, when I was Sunday school Prescient, in my ward, I needed to provide a gift to all the Mothers, for Mothers day. Shar made the gifts and I wanted to add a poem, but couldn't find one I liked, so I wrote one, and no one was the wiser. I do have to say that I have spent thirty years, trying to write a poem, that says how I feel about my wife, and no words have come close too my feelings.
I have been called from time to time to sing solo with some success. I have written new words to the tune, Ave Maria. In my youth, I played in a couple of bands, none of which lasted longer than two weeks.
I can not draw or paint.
After all this, I can not say that the artist in me has been satisfied. So what do you do if you are an incomplete artist? Criticize.
As I see it, there are only two things, that are stopping me from being a Movie critic. One, I don't watch R-rated movies, unless I'm watching it on TV. Two, as a general rule, I don't like movies made in this century.
Recently, I have seen two exception too my general rule and two example's, of what I'm talking about.
First, one of the winners, Jumpers. I am shocked that I enjoyed a teen movie. But if you have a fast paced, innovative, creative and visually attractive film, you are almost a winner in my book. Add a good story and I won't be complaining all the way home. Leave out the, sex equals love massage that most teen movies seems to need, and I would have given it three out of four stars. Two and a half stars.
The other movie that I liked, was even a bigger shock. A film that borders on the border of "art film" , The Bucket List.
Films with a message, usually lose me, because you watch a movie to be entertained, not too receive a lecture, designed to make you feel guilty. With the Bucket List, your never sure what the massage is or if there is a message.
After watching the film, I couldn't decide if it was a buddy film, or a film about death, or even a film about doing the things you always wanted to do, before you pass on, as the name of the film implies. It is none of that. The magic of this film is that it is about how important your family is. It is so hidden, because it only spends about two minutes, with the family, but that is were the good warm feeling, that you have after watching the film, comes from. Three out of four stars.
Now the not so great. Narnia 2. I believe that I will get a lot of argument on this one. If you are going to tell a good story, you need too have likable, hero's. Maybe it's the old man in me, but I just can't seem to fall in love with whiny children, with swords. Add animals that are more articulate than the humans and I am looking at my watch. Add a message, like the animals and the "little people" have been abused by mankind, and I want to slip into a coma.
If the is any redeeming value to this film, it is that it is visually, spectacular. Two out of four.
And now, last and certainly least, Indiana Jones. It may be because I expect great things out of Ford, Speilburg and Lucas, but few films have left me this dissatisfied.
I hope that I am not alone, when I say that what I always loved about that character, Indiana Jones, was he would always put his life on the line, to do what is right. And when the super human ran out of juice to get it done himself, the hand of providence would finish the job.
None of that here. The story is so, so. The cinematography is average, which is not enough for a film like this. If this film was done by anyone else, it would maybe get two stars, but I am stuck giving it one and a half.
One thing about being a critic, is you will lose a few friends along the way. Instead of losing friends, I hope that I will gain a few comments, so please feel free to criticizes the critic in me.
Thanks, Boyd
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Ugliness of politics.
A week goes by an you think that I would have written by now. Well I tried to write about a very special, miracle that happened in my life and perhaps I was presenting it too lightly, because it did not save when I shut down my computer, to go to work.
That was the third time I tried to write about that event, and all three times, poof, it is gone. So I think that you may see that blog, a little further down the road, when I can leave out the jokes.
On to politics, that need to be handled with much levity, or we will all be in such tears, are key boards would all short out.
Inspired by my nephew's political comments (see louscois choas - politics and the ten year old), I have decided to talk about the up coming election, for President of the United States. I know this goes against my "write only positive things" policy, but I feel the need to vent.
A few years ago, I decided to put my time were my mouth is (I still haven't put my money were my mouth is). I showed up at a Republican caucus, and was elected to be a delegate to the Utah convention.
John McCain was the key note speaker at this convention, but I had no desire to hear his speech. And I was not alone. He spoke and I ate. Lunch was about an hour and a half with pleasant conversation (more talking than eating). Judging from the lack of applause from the next room, were Senator McCain was speaking I made the right choice.
Those who can find the time too study politics, know that Senator McCain has been a sell out to the press, ever since he lost the bid for the republican nomination, to now President Bush. And even now, the majority of Utahans still don't know who to vote for.
So If you don't vote for McCain who do I vote for. The other two options seem to want to send this country down the road to socialism. The thing about socialism is it has failed every time it is tried. The government is the least efficient way to accomplish any thing. No problem, we will just tax the rich, more. Not a problem for th first couple of years, but then you take away the reason for making money. Too spend or save it. So then we have less rich people and more programs to provide for. Some thing always has to give, so we raise taxes on everyone.
And so it goes, this year, no one wins but the politicians.
I will have more to say, later. Thanks for letting me vent.
Boyd
That was the third time I tried to write about that event, and all three times, poof, it is gone. So I think that you may see that blog, a little further down the road, when I can leave out the jokes.
On to politics, that need to be handled with much levity, or we will all be in such tears, are key boards would all short out.
Inspired by my nephew's political comments (see louscois choas - politics and the ten year old), I have decided to talk about the up coming election, for President of the United States. I know this goes against my "write only positive things" policy, but I feel the need to vent.
A few years ago, I decided to put my time were my mouth is (I still haven't put my money were my mouth is). I showed up at a Republican caucus, and was elected to be a delegate to the Utah convention.
John McCain was the key note speaker at this convention, but I had no desire to hear his speech. And I was not alone. He spoke and I ate. Lunch was about an hour and a half with pleasant conversation (more talking than eating). Judging from the lack of applause from the next room, were Senator McCain was speaking I made the right choice.
Those who can find the time too study politics, know that Senator McCain has been a sell out to the press, ever since he lost the bid for the republican nomination, to now President Bush. And even now, the majority of Utahans still don't know who to vote for.
So If you don't vote for McCain who do I vote for. The other two options seem to want to send this country down the road to socialism. The thing about socialism is it has failed every time it is tried. The government is the least efficient way to accomplish any thing. No problem, we will just tax the rich, more. Not a problem for th first couple of years, but then you take away the reason for making money. Too spend or save it. So then we have less rich people and more programs to provide for. Some thing always has to give, so we raise taxes on everyone.
And so it goes, this year, no one wins but the politicians.
I will have more to say, later. Thanks for letting me vent.
Boyd
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