Tuesdays with Muerte

An Empty Regard By WILLIAM DERESIEWICZ Published: August 20, 2011 What is Hero? This article postulates that Americans now regard anyone wearing a uniform to be a "hero" whether or not they have ever performed a brave or selfless act of rescue (my definition.) Deresiewicz argues that American propaganda has abused the term of hero  ever since the inception of the war in Iraq.  This was surely in response to how American's took out their frustration on soldiers during and after Vietnam.  Now the pendulum has swung dangerously to the other side. I especially like the part about how Steven Colbert chose to respond to this when he observed it some time ago. My response: This article reminded me of how I felt as a full-time missionary for my Church. The members revered my companion and I as the "heroes" of the faith. (I didn't like it.)  I also appreciated the author's call to action in the final paragraph reminding all of us to be leaders i...

I love easter eggs.  As an eLearning developer, I have been tempted to slip them into my lessons to reward the ultra-observant learner.  Why not? Disney artists have done the same thing for years--unfortunately, only their raunchy ones get publicity.  So, let's focus on some clean fun ones.  This clip has some fun guest appearances: Start paying close attention around 02:45. During the sequence in The Hunchback Of Notre Dame in which Quasimodo sings ‘Out There’ (one of the best songs on the soundtrack), as we pan over a view of Paris from the bell tower, characters from other Disney movies can be seen in the background. Most prominently is Belle (Beauty & The Beast) strolling along in her blue dress and reading a book of course. More sharp eyed viewers may also spot Pumbaa from The Lion King being carried by two men. A street merchant shaking out the flying carpet from Aladdin And even a satellite dish on one of the rooftops.

http://bit.ly/niN2lZ Sabbath-thought-of-the-day Are you already married?  If not, do you want to be married one day?  Why?!  Seriously.  What for? And don't say, "the tax breaks." Let's think beyond culture and politics.  (Pause and think of an intelligent answer on your own.)  IF, in fact, there is NO significant reason why a man and woman should join in marriage other than because it is a social more, then I would argue that all moral arguments involving the definition of marriage and family are moot.  (e.g. Gay-marriage advocates would be completely justified in thinking that the world is  insane  for thinking that a marriage between two men or two women, respectively, is any different than a traditional, bi-gender marriage.) But, what if there IS a fundamental for why men and women of almost every culture on Earth have historically been drawn together to form families?   Biology  is one reaso...

This is a photo of me and two of the principle actors in the LDS film, 17 Miracles; the story of the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies traveling from England to Utah. The photo itself was take just after shooting the cheesy love scene where the two love birds do this weird heart-tapping thing.  I still can't get that line out of my head—" That doesn't drive me crazy, you  drive me crazy."  Blah! Very cool people though.  Can you find the artifact that proves that this photo was taken in the 20th century? Click to Photo to Enlarge Jason Celaya  as George Padley  (Right) Bryan Tanner as featured extra (Middle) Natalie Blackman  as Sarah Franks (Left) Hint: An artifact is a man-made  object, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.  (E.g. I already cropped out a can of A&W root beer that Jason  was holding in his right hand.) The modern-day artifact that still remains is worn on the face, but it's...

Photo source: Flickr James Bond  looks fun, fast and easy!! Beggar My Neighbor   requires no skill - like Egyptian Rats but not rapid. Fan Tan   is best for groups of 3-4. I played at lunch time during school with 92 Girl and it was fun! Kings in the Corner is   more fun with multiple players and it needs a flat steady space Twenty Four    Yes, Stef, this does involve some math but is very unique and fun-  Try it!! Knock Out Whist   I forgot that two can play:  My personal favorite! Zzir  is a game from Hungary where the last card matching the lead wins the trick.  Sevens are wild! Mustamaija  —  There are no winners for each round, just the loser who holds Queen Sarah! Camicia   is a war game with 1, 2 and 3's being the attack cards that followers must pay either 1, 2 or 3 cards for.  Much more fun than just plain War! Casino  —  These rules span three p...

Image  Source Ron Paul is getting the Shaft in the 2012 Presidential Election.  This should be news, since it happens EVERY time, but it's becoming humorous.  Check out this defensive sketch  Jon Stewart aired this week regarding the absence of Paul from any news reports: Two terms ago, while a comedian named Mike Birbiglia performed a Presidential BBQ (2004-2008) sketch where even he completely leaves Ron Paul out of the joke.  In the sketch, Mike references "Bookworm Steve [Forbes] " and " Ralph [Nadar] ."  (Start @ 0:34, punch line @ 2:20.)   Also, see the  Comedy Central video . But as  impossible underdogs  go, no one takes the cake like  Ron Paul . Poor Ron-Ron ran in 1988, 2008, and 2012; hang in there, buddy.  If you don't make it, maybe your son will. Remember the lesson learned by Abe Lincoln: Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail. ...

Click to All photos to embiggen How will we fit 4 more people? Don't jump! Yvette VanDyke