I will probably sound anti-school spirit on this post, but frankly, it is student election time. A time where students can vote for who will plan out next years' dances and social activities. And pretend that it isn't a popularity contest or has zero impact outside of school.
But let's take a look at the candidates. We have Andrew and Deidre, Chris and Sterling, and Kristina and Dan.
Andrew and Diedre:
1. Intramural finals in the Marriott Center
2. Fundraiser for world-hunger
3. Improve internet on campus
4. submit a proposal to improve BYU's rank
5. Reach out to Provo City to build a relationship
Chris And Sterling:
1. Uphold an Open Door Policy
• Expand BYU/SA Human Resources to allow students the opportunity to serve in other organizations on campus besides BYU/SA.
2. Connect School and BYUSA Calendar
3. Reinstate Honor Week
4. Collaborate to Improve Campus Map
5. Enhance Provo Connection...
Kristina and Dan:
1. Free health programs on campus and an online sign-up sheet for these programs
2. Improvement of the clubs.byu.edu website to help students find the right groups for themselves.
3. True blue Tuesdays where everyone is encouraged to wear blue to promote unity and a sense of belonging among all students
Let's look at #5 of the first two; working with city government. This is an empty promise that they cannot do, because school administration won't let them work with city officials. Some students had to create a group that had nothing to do with BYU to work with city officials. So right there is a strike.
For Andrew and Deidre, my question is what is stopping intramural finals from being held in the Marriott? Do they just mean basketball? Why have it be in the Marriott Center and cause the school to lose more money than having intramural finals in the RB sports building?
Submitting a proposal to get BYU's academic rank improved is a good idea. But that is the only thing BYU/SA can do about it. The Administration can doubtfully improve the ranking except by hiring better professors and improving the learning material. So this does not fly for me as a reason to vote for A&D.
Improving campus internet is another issue apparently. Unless maybe students are in some basement, I have not had problems with getting internet on my laptop. It works well inside buildings as well as out. And is not a cost that BYU/SA would cover either. They can only suggest where better can be. Why vote for them for that?
But the fundraiser idea is a good idea and one they can carry out. So 1 out of 5 proposals are things that they can do.
For Christ and Sterling; I automatically don't want to vote for them because I believe Sterling represented Cindy Richards in the election debate last October and he came off wrong.
As for their proposals, #2 and #3 are things they can actually do and are good ideas. #4 they cannot do because they are not in charge of it. Their first proposal sounds unnecessary. More hours in the BYU/SA office is well and dandy, since I doubt they are being paid, but beyond that, it just sounds like a recruiting ploy to me.
And then you have Kristina and Dan. They obviously know their purview of what they can and cannot do. It is like a refreshing bit of honesty. All three things they can do, as it all falls under their purview. They know they do service stuff, they know they are over the activities and clubs. They know what is what.
I thought of bashing their policies, but considering that is what they can do and they are honest about it, if I do vote, I will vote for them. Although their #3 about a sense of belonging by just wearing blue? Weird, but fine, whatever. They are the school cheerleaders trying to get people to have school spirit and have fun at college. It is what they do.
But that is if I do vote, cause honestly? It does not matter or affect me all that much. I like the club suggestion by Kristina and Dan the most, but beyond that, nothing strikes me as life changing by voting for them.
Except their record will look nice with that title.
And that is my rant on school elections. Sorry to burden you all with that.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Weird Dreams
There was some type of press conference going on. It must have been in Utah, or rather in Povo because I saw many people in my ward there. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, Steve Jobs and some other politician. There was some talk going on about the Ipad or the the Ipod and connecting it to National Security and Foreign policy. Do not ask me how, but that was what was being discussed. Friends were joking around, not really listening, but I was listening and thinking of some question to raise about the Ipad, but I could not think of an intelligent reason for some reason.
The press conference ended, and my friends are gone. I leave to my car and drive to where I grew up in Kearns, and I see Hilary Clinton yet. I decide to ask her something, I asked her about Iran and Israel. I asked Clinton that if Israel attacks Iran's nuclear facilities and Iran declares war on Israel, if we would go to war with Israel. Hilary Clinton said yes. I replied that was dumb.
And then the dream ended.
The press conference ended, and my friends are gone. I leave to my car and drive to where I grew up in Kearns, and I see Hilary Clinton yet. I decide to ask her something, I asked her about Iran and Israel. I asked Clinton that if Israel attacks Iran's nuclear facilities and Iran declares war on Israel, if we would go to war with Israel. Hilary Clinton said yes. I replied that was dumb.
And then the dream ended.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Missionary Wednesday
The latest letter from my brother, Elder Fields:
Hey Viewers,
I thought I would let you know that last Thursday was transfers, and I found myself doing something this time that I complained about a year ago. Since my year mark I've found myself getting more attached to the departing missionaries, and now like everyone else on transfer day, I find myself just chatting it up and talking for hours to all the friends I've made out here rather then simply going to the meeting and going home. A year ago I complained that doing this was a distraction and we could easily be spending that time in forwarding the work rather than in useless chatter. Now that I find myself doing it, I have a greater understanding for why my fellow servants of the Lord do it. These are true lifelong friends we're talking to and it may be a long time before we're able to talk or be with them again. Suddenly it all makes sense to me. It's not just useless talk.
At transfers I said goodbyes to Elder Th., Sisters P. and C. and all the rest and made sure to get their info so iI could stay in contact. I can hardly believe that it's already been almost 18 months and two of the sisters I flew out with have just gone home; the last one leaves in 5 more weeks. I almost feel old, but compared to where the rest of the mission is, I'm still somewhat young. Looking at where the mission is right now, more elders are leaving between now and June than have come out since I've been in the mission!
After transfers I got to know my new companion Elder S. He's been out 17 months (same as me), 4th born in his family, yet another white boy from Utah, that makes over half. Sadly it looks like I'll have to give up on my dream of an either being paired with a non white or non American companion. Wll with the exception of Elder B., have been white boys from the west, and he's a white boy from the South. Back to Elder S., he has about 8 baptisms and doesn't have a girlfriend.
i
I was very nervous about this transfer; I didn't know about Elder S., but when he got here he took charge and hit the ground running. I wasn't sure if he would pull his weight, but he's done more than his fair share. The only problem I now have with Shaw is his attitude. He wasn't happy at all to come to South Shore and after only one day he took on the attitude that Elders Ch. and M. had about their areas; Elder S., like them, wants nothing more than to get transferred out! He doesn't even care that it would be three straight one-transfer areas for him. He told me he will work his butt off for the next six weeks and do the work, but it's his goal to see that President R. closes this area down. We looked at where the mission is right now and it is ridiculous. At the end of this transfer 8 elders are leaving and not a single one is coming in to take their place. That means that they will have to close four areas. Our area will most likely take the path of Woodridge 2; it wasn't doing well when I got there but then at the end of that 6 weeks we got a baptism and had the area fired up, but then they closed it anyways. I predict the same thing will happen right here. Just when the area gets fired up, they shut it down. Only time will tell what really happens.
Other than us working as hard as we can to get something done here, nothing else
much happened this week. We're both very exited because tomorrow is the Mission conference with Elder Perry! how often do you get to meet with an apostle? especially as a missionary?!!
That's all folks
Sincerely, Elder Fields.
Hey Viewers,
I thought I would let you know that last Thursday was transfers, and I found myself doing something this time that I complained about a year ago. Since my year mark I've found myself getting more attached to the departing missionaries, and now like everyone else on transfer day, I find myself just chatting it up and talking for hours to all the friends I've made out here rather then simply going to the meeting and going home. A year ago I complained that doing this was a distraction and we could easily be spending that time in forwarding the work rather than in useless chatter. Now that I find myself doing it, I have a greater understanding for why my fellow servants of the Lord do it. These are true lifelong friends we're talking to and it may be a long time before we're able to talk or be with them again. Suddenly it all makes sense to me. It's not just useless talk.
At transfers I said goodbyes to Elder Th., Sisters P. and C. and all the rest and made sure to get their info so iI could stay in contact. I can hardly believe that it's already been almost 18 months and two of the sisters I flew out with have just gone home; the last one leaves in 5 more weeks. I almost feel old, but compared to where the rest of the mission is, I'm still somewhat young. Looking at where the mission is right now, more elders are leaving between now and June than have come out since I've been in the mission!
After transfers I got to know my new companion Elder S. He's been out 17 months (same as me), 4th born in his family, yet another white boy from Utah, that makes over half. Sadly it looks like I'll have to give up on my dream of an either being paired with a non white or non American companion. Wll with the exception of Elder B., have been white boys from the west, and he's a white boy from the South. Back to Elder S., he has about 8 baptisms and doesn't have a girlfriend.
i
I was very nervous about this transfer; I didn't know about Elder S., but when he got here he took charge and hit the ground running. I wasn't sure if he would pull his weight, but he's done more than his fair share. The only problem I now have with Shaw is his attitude. He wasn't happy at all to come to South Shore and after only one day he took on the attitude that Elders Ch. and M. had about their areas; Elder S., like them, wants nothing more than to get transferred out! He doesn't even care that it would be three straight one-transfer areas for him. He told me he will work his butt off for the next six weeks and do the work, but it's his goal to see that President R. closes this area down. We looked at where the mission is right now and it is ridiculous. At the end of this transfer 8 elders are leaving and not a single one is coming in to take their place. That means that they will have to close four areas. Our area will most likely take the path of Woodridge 2; it wasn't doing well when I got there but then at the end of that 6 weeks we got a baptism and had the area fired up, but then they closed it anyways. I predict the same thing will happen right here. Just when the area gets fired up, they shut it down. Only time will tell what really happens.
Other than us working as hard as we can to get something done here, nothing else
much happened this week. We're both very exited because tomorrow is the Mission conference with Elder Perry! how often do you get to meet with an apostle? especially as a missionary?!!
That's all folks
Sincerely, Elder Fields.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wad of Gum
Something I learned today?
When you get a root canal and don't get it crowned right away, sometimes your tooth looks like a wad of gum.
Just saying.
When you get a root canal and don't get it crowned right away, sometimes your tooth looks like a wad of gum.
Just saying.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Violent Protesting
There is something that I have been thinking about since Joseph Stack flew his plane into the IRS building last week. It is not a question of terror, at least I do not think so. But that is not the point.
Reading Stack's manifesto online, he expresses the frustrations that many of us feel. The same outrages that many feel about how Government is ineffective, how Wall Street was bailed out, frustrations about taxes and just how the government does not serve the people, but rather the rich executives and businesses.
We all joke about it, about the elections, about government on one level or another. And while I do not agree with Stack in deciding to try and end human life, I see his point. When I first heard about Stack and his flight into a building, I thought of Shays' Rebellion, the rebellion in 1787 where a lot of farmers rose up against the government under the Articles of Confederation. In fact, because of the rebellion, it helped show some of the flaws of the Articles of Confederation and led to the Constitution being written.
Although I do not agree with using violence, Shays and his fellow farmers used force to close the court houses so judges could not order the collection of debts. Although I am not sure if the tax situation was resolved promptly, Shays did prove a point. In fact he and his rag tag team of farmers were all pardoned in 1788.
Thomas Jefferson said in regards to the rebellion that "a little rebellion now and then is a good thing. The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
And so while looking at that aspect, I think that Joseph Stack has a point. Yes, it is criminal what he did, and I do not think it was correct to fly a plane into a building, it does not surprise me either. Sooner or later people are going to transition from peaceful protests to violence. If the Government does not restore its image, restore the faith that people place in government, sooner or later armed protests will take place.
So what of Joseph Stack? Yes, his action was wrong, but what about what he wrote? as I wrote above, many agree with many of the concepts he stated. Many have the frustrations that Stack had. The difference between Stack and the majority of the American people is that Stack lost hope in the political process, while most of America still believe things will improve.
I guess my point in writing this is that there is a fine line between patriotic and criminal. Cause certainly Stack's intentions were as noble as those who have proceeded us in the cause for freedom. The wrong execution, obviously, but the message is still true. Something has to change.
So I guess the only question is, when will thing change?
(And feel free to comment and tell me I am wrong. I enjoy all opinions)
Reading Stack's manifesto online, he expresses the frustrations that many of us feel. The same outrages that many feel about how Government is ineffective, how Wall Street was bailed out, frustrations about taxes and just how the government does not serve the people, but rather the rich executives and businesses.
We all joke about it, about the elections, about government on one level or another. And while I do not agree with Stack in deciding to try and end human life, I see his point. When I first heard about Stack and his flight into a building, I thought of Shays' Rebellion, the rebellion in 1787 where a lot of farmers rose up against the government under the Articles of Confederation. In fact, because of the rebellion, it helped show some of the flaws of the Articles of Confederation and led to the Constitution being written.
Although I do not agree with using violence, Shays and his fellow farmers used force to close the court houses so judges could not order the collection of debts. Although I am not sure if the tax situation was resolved promptly, Shays did prove a point. In fact he and his rag tag team of farmers were all pardoned in 1788.
Thomas Jefferson said in regards to the rebellion that "a little rebellion now and then is a good thing. The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
And so while looking at that aspect, I think that Joseph Stack has a point. Yes, it is criminal what he did, and I do not think it was correct to fly a plane into a building, it does not surprise me either. Sooner or later people are going to transition from peaceful protests to violence. If the Government does not restore its image, restore the faith that people place in government, sooner or later armed protests will take place.
So what of Joseph Stack? Yes, his action was wrong, but what about what he wrote? as I wrote above, many agree with many of the concepts he stated. Many have the frustrations that Stack had. The difference between Stack and the majority of the American people is that Stack lost hope in the political process, while most of America still believe things will improve.
I guess my point in writing this is that there is a fine line between patriotic and criminal. Cause certainly Stack's intentions were as noble as those who have proceeded us in the cause for freedom. The wrong execution, obviously, but the message is still true. Something has to change.
So I guess the only question is, when will thing change?
(And feel free to comment and tell me I am wrong. I enjoy all opinions)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
There Once Was...
There once was a woman,
A woman red through and through
who thought we should bomb
those who would do us harm.
Not a drone missile or two
but a nuke, or a few.
And in all seriousness said,
their country should be made
into a parking lot.
Nothing could be said
to turn her from the red.
Just inward groaning
and maybe a chuckle or two.
A woman red through and through
who thought we should bomb
those who would do us harm.
Not a drone missile or two
but a nuke, or a few.
And in all seriousness said,
their country should be made
into a parking lot.
Nothing could be said
to turn her from the red.
Just inward groaning
and maybe a chuckle or two.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Missionary Promotion Wednesday!
The latest from my brother, Elder Fields, serving in Chicago.
Dear viewers,
This week was Elder Th.'s last full week in the mission, and he put in an extra burst of strength to avoid getting to trunky. As far as I'm concerned he's done a far better job at that than the previous comps I've had. It was very difficult for him this week because right now our area has nothing going for it and it's a real struggle to find the work to do. Saturday was a nice break for us though. We celebrated Elder Th.'s birthday by going to one of the lake piers in our area to have a little fun. We threw random objects into the frozen water to see if it would break the ice, took awesome pictures, ect... who says it has to be summer time to enjoy the lake, right?
After saterday we continued our struggle to find work. With Tuesday being Elder Th.'s last full proselyting day we probably worked harder that day than all the rest of the transfer. Tuesday night we awaited the nerve racking transfer call. Elders Th. and Tz. are going home. Elder M. is also getting transfered. Their replacements are the Naper 6 missionaries; Elders K. and S. who got double transfered out of their area. Elder M. got Elder K. as a companion and I wasn't exactly thrilled with this news. I knew Elder K. when he was serving in Pullman and I didn't really like his attitude; he made fun of me a lot and was way too touchy. But even in this case I would have still prefered him to be my new comp because I know he's a hard worker and would work me to death the same way Elder P. and Elder B.did. That's pretty much the only thing I like about him, but he's not my comp; just in my district. Instead I got stuck with Elder S; he was in my MTC district.
I've been keeping track of all the people I've met out here, where they are , who they're with, ect... neither Elder S. or I have ever been Sr companion before so I know that this transfer is going to be very difficult for me! I am area senior and he's designated driver so we're about even.
Unlike with Elder K., I don't know Elder S.'s work ethic, I don't know if the burden of the area will be on my shoulders alone or if he will honestly share it with me. What I do know is that Elder S. has only spenty one transfer in each of his last two areas and both of them closed down. That isn't a good sighn for me. I knew when I came here that the area would eventually close, it was just a matter of when and who I would be with when that happened. Right now I feel like I've got the weight of the world on my shoulders. Right now the area isn't looking good and it's already on President R.'s chopping block. I hope he didn't just put Elder S. here to close the area! I may have to work harder than I've ever had to work before in my mission to keep this area open for one more. My goal is to be in this area for three months and not just six weeks. I want to do what Elder O. did when President R. told him that he had just six more weeks before his area would close indefinitely; Elder O. worked so hard that transfer that President R. actually changed his mind and kept that area open. I have to pull that here because now all eyes in the mission are on me to see what I'm truly made of and what I can do. Everyone I've met out here has thought so highly of me even though I've never really given them any reason to. Now this transfer with Elder S. i will ether prove I've got what they say I got or completely screw it up. My hope is for the first but I can't do it alone. Elder S. can coast along for the first week because he's the new guy, but after that, he's got to pull his weight because this is a job that I absolutely can't do alone!
Please pray hard for me! I could use all the advice and encouragement that I can get! I am really worried about this next transfer. I feel like the wight of the world has just fallen on my shoulders, I just hope I dont get crushed under it.
love Elder Fields.
Dear viewers,
This week was Elder Th.'s last full week in the mission, and he put in an extra burst of strength to avoid getting to trunky. As far as I'm concerned he's done a far better job at that than the previous comps I've had. It was very difficult for him this week because right now our area has nothing going for it and it's a real struggle to find the work to do. Saturday was a nice break for us though. We celebrated Elder Th.'s birthday by going to one of the lake piers in our area to have a little fun. We threw random objects into the frozen water to see if it would break the ice, took awesome pictures, ect... who says it has to be summer time to enjoy the lake, right?
After saterday we continued our struggle to find work. With Tuesday being Elder Th.'s last full proselyting day we probably worked harder that day than all the rest of the transfer. Tuesday night we awaited the nerve racking transfer call. Elders Th. and Tz. are going home. Elder M. is also getting transfered. Their replacements are the Naper 6 missionaries; Elders K. and S. who got double transfered out of their area. Elder M. got Elder K. as a companion and I wasn't exactly thrilled with this news. I knew Elder K. when he was serving in Pullman and I didn't really like his attitude; he made fun of me a lot and was way too touchy. But even in this case I would have still prefered him to be my new comp because I know he's a hard worker and would work me to death the same way Elder P. and Elder B.did. That's pretty much the only thing I like about him, but he's not my comp; just in my district. Instead I got stuck with Elder S; he was in my MTC district.
I've been keeping track of all the people I've met out here, where they are , who they're with, ect... neither Elder S. or I have ever been Sr companion before so I know that this transfer is going to be very difficult for me! I am area senior and he's designated driver so we're about even.
Unlike with Elder K., I don't know Elder S.'s work ethic, I don't know if the burden of the area will be on my shoulders alone or if he will honestly share it with me. What I do know is that Elder S. has only spenty one transfer in each of his last two areas and both of them closed down. That isn't a good sighn for me. I knew when I came here that the area would eventually close, it was just a matter of when and who I would be with when that happened. Right now I feel like I've got the weight of the world on my shoulders. Right now the area isn't looking good and it's already on President R.'s chopping block. I hope he didn't just put Elder S. here to close the area! I may have to work harder than I've ever had to work before in my mission to keep this area open for one more. My goal is to be in this area for three months and not just six weeks. I want to do what Elder O. did when President R. told him that he had just six more weeks before his area would close indefinitely; Elder O. worked so hard that transfer that President R. actually changed his mind and kept that area open. I have to pull that here because now all eyes in the mission are on me to see what I'm truly made of and what I can do. Everyone I've met out here has thought so highly of me even though I've never really given them any reason to. Now this transfer with Elder S. i will ether prove I've got what they say I got or completely screw it up. My hope is for the first but I can't do it alone. Elder S. can coast along for the first week because he's the new guy, but after that, he's got to pull his weight because this is a job that I absolutely can't do alone!
Please pray hard for me! I could use all the advice and encouragement that I can get! I am really worried about this next transfer. I feel like the wight of the world has just fallen on my shoulders, I just hope I dont get crushed under it.
love Elder Fields.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Fortune Cookie Knows
This weekend I flew out to California and met the amazing, fabulous, foxy Alexandria. So I can personally say she is a stellar lady. In fact, mainly so as to not disappoint our fellow twitter/blog friends (They would start a riot I think if we did not get together), we have started dating.
So I flew out and visited her. Saturday I took her out to lunch to a very awesome Mongolian/Chinese place, and I got a fortune cookie. This is what it says:
See! Even the fortune cookie could see how well we get along. So after reading that, we figured we had not choice but to go with the flow and date each other. (Well, we knew on Friday. The fortune cookie merely made us realize that it was fate to get together. ;-))
And so I though you all should know she is a superbly awesome gal that I consider myself lucky to be dating. Even if it is to be a long distance relationship for a small amount of time.
And you see that smile? How can I resist a smile like that? Really? ;-)
So I flew out and visited her. Saturday I took her out to lunch to a very awesome Mongolian/Chinese place, and I got a fortune cookie. This is what it says:
See! Even the fortune cookie could see how well we get along. So after reading that, we figured we had not choice but to go with the flow and date each other. (Well, we knew on Friday. The fortune cookie merely made us realize that it was fate to get together. ;-))
And so I though you all should know she is a superbly awesome gal that I consider myself lucky to be dating. Even if it is to be a long distance relationship for a small amount of time.
And you see that smile? How can I resist a smile like that? Really? ;-)
Monday, February 15, 2010
Risks
Sometimes you just have to take a risk.
Something crazy. Something wild.
Something that makes feel all sorts of crazy.
But something that just makes you happy.
Something that you know it will be worth it
Something that is crazy, exciting and thrilling.
Sometimes it is worth knowing the risk was worth it.
For seeing a smile meant just for you.
For being there and seeing into the eyes.
Was it worth it,
To see, to feel, to get to know?
Yes, yes it was.
Cause the smile meant for me,
the laughter caused,
the feel of the hand,
of just getting along.
No awkwardness...
What can I say? Sometimes you just have to take a risk.
And sometimes the risk pays out greater than expected...
And sometimes you just hit the jackpot.
Something crazy. Something wild.
Something that makes feel all sorts of crazy.
But something that just makes you happy.
Something that you know it will be worth it
Something that is crazy, exciting and thrilling.
Sometimes it is worth knowing the risk was worth it.
For seeing a smile meant just for you.
For being there and seeing into the eyes.
Was it worth it,
To see, to feel, to get to know?
Yes, yes it was.
Cause the smile meant for me,
the laughter caused,
the feel of the hand,
of just getting along.
No awkwardness...
What can I say? Sometimes you just have to take a risk.
And sometimes the risk pays out greater than expected...
And sometimes you just hit the jackpot.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The 11th
Yesterday, February 11th was the 31st anniversary of the Shah in Iran being deposed and the current Iranian government being formed. Celebrations were planned, and protests by the opposition were planned.
While I wished I could retweet many of the events on Twitter, or help out in some other ways, I was at school. In class, working on assignments, studying/working on a test. But while I was learning, there were people protesting for their freedom. People who's rights to gather peaceably were threatened, being thrown in prison or losing their lives for that freedom. People not afraid to go against the government, to suffer bruises, to protest an election and a dictatorship. All while I was sitting in class, working on a trivial java program.
And so while it is a day late, I thought I would share some of the tweets and other information with you all.
Mosahebe Ba Shahin Najafi - Interview with Shahin Najafi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daBgdcEtmGo
Rights groups say 1000s arrested in #Iran. Relatives speaking to CNN are worried...
Some youtube accounts suspended by the government marking them as spam...
RT @LaylaMca They can't arrest everybody! #22bahman will show them millions are willing to fight them to the very end-azadi!
Plain clothes attacking &beating people on the north Kargar #iranelection #22Bahman
Iranians arrested in advance of the protests.
RT @Sannri RT @jhod RT @J1T2 Anxiety is very clear in the face of Basiji and Special forces #iranelection #22bahman
RT @iraneema Huge crowd in Falakeh Sadeghieh, Greens ask people to attend there to protect Karroubi #Iran #iranelection #22Bahman
Tips for Iranian protesters.
RT @JShahryar: Update15: News is slowly trickling out 2day from Iran.Now reports of chanting "We are countless" from Azadi Sq #IranElection
... I do not have time to post all the twitter updates and other news that has trickled out unfortunately. But please pray for the Iranian people as they suffer at the hands of a dictatorship and whose rights are being stifled.
While I wished I could retweet many of the events on Twitter, or help out in some other ways, I was at school. In class, working on assignments, studying/working on a test. But while I was learning, there were people protesting for their freedom. People who's rights to gather peaceably were threatened, being thrown in prison or losing their lives for that freedom. People not afraid to go against the government, to suffer bruises, to protest an election and a dictatorship. All while I was sitting in class, working on a trivial java program.
And so while it is a day late, I thought I would share some of the tweets and other information with you all.
Mosahebe Ba Shahin Najafi - Interview with Shahin Najafi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daBgdcEtmGo
Rights groups say 1000s arrested in #Iran. Relatives speaking to CNN are worried...
Some youtube accounts suspended by the government marking them as spam...
RT @LaylaMca They can't arrest everybody! #22bahman will show them millions are willing to fight them to the very end-azadi!
Plain clothes attacking &beating people on the north Kargar #iranelection #22Bahman
Iranians arrested in advance of the protests.
RT @Sannri RT @jhod RT @J1T2 Anxiety is very clear in the face of Basiji and Special forces #iranelection #22bahman
RT @iraneema Huge crowd in Falakeh Sadeghieh, Greens ask people to attend there to protect Karroubi #Iran #iranelection #22Bahman
Tips for Iranian protesters.
RT @JShahryar: Update15: News is slowly trickling out 2day from Iran.Now reports of chanting "We are countless" from Azadi Sq #IranElection
... I do not have time to post all the twitter updates and other news that has trickled out unfortunately. But please pray for the Iranian people as they suffer at the hands of a dictatorship and whose rights are being stifled.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Super Short Missionary Wednesday
From the latest of my brother, Elder Fields.
Dear viewers,
I never thought that I would have a week where absolutely nothing happened but this was that week! Nothing out of the ordinary or even mundane happened. As for the work, there really hasn't been any this week. We’ve had very few appointments and even fewer went through. Things haven't been so good here. Even our star investigator C. hasn't been doing well. She had a bap date for this Saturday but we haven't been able to meet with her all week and it’s really hard to just get a hold of her and talk to her. It doesn't look like that baptism is going to happen any time soon. I’m really stuck right now. All I can do is ask everyone who reads this too fast and pray for C. and the rest of this area. I’m sorry there’s nothing more to say but that's it for this week.
Elder Fields.
Dear viewers,
I never thought that I would have a week where absolutely nothing happened but this was that week! Nothing out of the ordinary or even mundane happened. As for the work, there really hasn't been any this week. We’ve had very few appointments and even fewer went through. Things haven't been so good here. Even our star investigator C. hasn't been doing well. She had a bap date for this Saturday but we haven't been able to meet with her all week and it’s really hard to just get a hold of her and talk to her. It doesn't look like that baptism is going to happen any time soon. I’m really stuck right now. All I can do is ask everyone who reads this too fast and pray for C. and the rest of this area. I’m sorry there’s nothing more to say but that's it for this week.
Elder Fields.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Dear Religion Profesor,
You have all probably heard this, and he has too, probably. In fact I should have switched out of the class as soon as I read the syllabus.
But needless to say, my dear religion professor, you are a bit demanding of your classes. I understand there needs to be some academic focus, but since I have roughly written a paper a week in your class, I think I am entirely justified. It is a two credit class, for crying out loud.
Am I slightly procrastinating my paper now? Yes. But that does not matter. I understand researching and knowing what all has been said in commentary is all well and good, but cmon.
I see your point to see what what non-lds commentators have said, but really, a paper a week? And not just three paragraphs or so, but a well researched paper documenting all I can find on a verse of scripture. This, my man, is lunacy. I do not have this type of time. Not when I have have two tests this week and a major lab assignment due.
And my dear religion professor, yours is a general ed, two credit class. I should have to put in a couple of hours a week reading the scriptures you want me to read. Not worrying and writing a single spaced two page paper. We both know I am going to bs it anyway.
So why give it to us? Really? Do you really want to grade that much paper? I honestly have more important classwork to work on. You know, stuff that is pertinent to my major?
I appreciate all you teach professor, but this is slightly ridiculous.
...
And yeah, I am off to get back to my paper. :(
But needless to say, my dear religion professor, you are a bit demanding of your classes. I understand there needs to be some academic focus, but since I have roughly written a paper a week in your class, I think I am entirely justified. It is a two credit class, for crying out loud.
Am I slightly procrastinating my paper now? Yes. But that does not matter. I understand researching and knowing what all has been said in commentary is all well and good, but cmon.
I see your point to see what what non-lds commentators have said, but really, a paper a week? And not just three paragraphs or so, but a well researched paper documenting all I can find on a verse of scripture. This, my man, is lunacy. I do not have this type of time. Not when I have have two tests this week and a major lab assignment due.
And my dear religion professor, yours is a general ed, two credit class. I should have to put in a couple of hours a week reading the scriptures you want me to read. Not worrying and writing a single spaced two page paper. We both know I am going to bs it anyway.
So why give it to us? Really? Do you really want to grade that much paper? I honestly have more important classwork to work on. You know, stuff that is pertinent to my major?
I appreciate all you teach professor, but this is slightly ridiculous.
...
And yeah, I am off to get back to my paper. :(
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Questions Meme
So I am taking this meme from 20 Something. My superbowl commercial notes were lost and the funniest was the Denny's Chicken screaming commercials.
So I will do this instead, and not do schoolwork like I should:
65 Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked...
1. First thing you wash in the shower? Arms
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? I only have one, it is gray.
4. Do you plan outfits? Yes. 5 seconds right before I throw them on.
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Procrastinative
6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red? This book
7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? This is asked or divulged frequently. But I'd say a dream of hanging out with a really awesome female canoodling some.
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Yes, yes I did.
9. What are you craving right now? Mostly this upcoming weekend. But also more time to get homework done.
10. Do you floss? Yes, but I do it with the plastic stick kind. I cannot do it with just the floss string alone.
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Either the fruit or the doll
12. Are you emotional? Emotion is not logical, and so I seek to emulate Spock's example by not letting emotion interfere with my day to day processes.
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? No. I make programs to do it for me.
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Depends on the angle, so a little of both.
15. Do you like your hair? Only when it is short and I do not look like a hobo.
16. Do you like yourself? My self esteem is rising. But I am planning on uploading my brain wave patterns to a computer to escape this fleshy prison.
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? I may not like how he operated his presidential terms, but I would eat with him. Yeah.
18. What are you listening to right now? The quiet hum of my computer's processor and also my roommate falling asleep.
19. Are your parents strict? Now? No. Before, it varied.
20. Would you go sky diving? It would be fun to do.
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Yes. I like all cheese.
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? If only General Authorities counted.
23. Do you rent movies often? Poor college student = no.
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? Only when sunlight filters through the window and rests on my vampiric skin. But beyond that, nothing.
25. How many countries have you visited? Two. And another dimension. But I doubt that counts
26. Have you made a prank phone call? Yes. I prank call the devil. I use his own telemarketing scheme against him.
27. Ever been on a train? Does Trax, a monorail system count? Or a subway system?
28. Brown or white eggs? Whichever
29. Do you have a cell-phone? Yes.
30. Do you use chap stick? Not currently
31. Do you own a gun? Nope, I do have a fencing sword though.
32. Can you use chop sticks? I use them badly. Duck and cover are often screamed when in use.
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? The girl of my dreams, in my dreams.
34. Are you too forgiving? Perhaps, but it is not such a bad thing.
35. Ever been in love? TBA
36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? School, working.
37. Ever have cream puffs? Have Cream puffs ever had you?!
38. Last time you cried? Yesterday, laughing so hard I cried.
39. What was the last question you asked? "Where are they?"
40. Favorite time of the year? Whenever it is now
41. Do you have any tattoos? No, I am tat-less
42. Are you sarcastic? I hardly see how this is hardly ever asked. But given that it is hardly asked or never asked, I think you may have your answer.
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Yes, weird movie.
44. Have you ever walked into a wall? Yes. Those walls like to jump in front of me.
45. Favorite color? Red and Blue.
46. Have you ever slapped someone? Only when employed by the Soviet KBB.
47. Is your hair curly? Not in the slightest.
48. What was the last CD you bought? Manna?
49. Do looks matter? Depends on the situation, they certainly can.
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? Someone who cheated on me? Eventually. Cheat in black jack? Nope.
51. Is your phone bill sky high? Family plans rock.
52. Do you like your life right now? It is quite fine and dandy.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? Only if my roommates are watching it.
54. Can you handle the truth? I can handle all versions of the truth except Sarah Palin's version of the truth. She makes me want to weep and run in horror.
55. Do you have good vision? Not in the slightest.
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Not off the top of my head.
57. How often do you talk on the phone? Once a day?
59. What are you wearing? Pants and a T-shirt
60.What is your favorite animal? An Eagle?
61. Where was your default picture taken? I do not plan on going into default, so that picture is left empty.
62. Can you hula hoop? Only for five or six twirls. Then it falls, like all my hopes of ever becoming a professional hula hooper.
63. Do you have a job? Yup
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Pizza!
65. Have you ever crawled through a window. When locking myself out of the apartment, yes.
So I will do this instead, and not do schoolwork like I should:
65 Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked...
1. First thing you wash in the shower? Arms
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? I only have one, it is gray.
4. Do you plan outfits? Yes. 5 seconds right before I throw them on.
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Procrastinative
6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red? This book
7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? This is asked or divulged frequently. But I'd say a dream of hanging out with a really awesome female canoodling some.
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Yes, yes I did.
9. What are you craving right now? Mostly this upcoming weekend. But also more time to get homework done.
10. Do you floss? Yes, but I do it with the plastic stick kind. I cannot do it with just the floss string alone.
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Either the fruit or the doll
12. Are you emotional? Emotion is not logical, and so I seek to emulate Spock's example by not letting emotion interfere with my day to day processes.
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? No. I make programs to do it for me.
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Depends on the angle, so a little of both.
15. Do you like your hair? Only when it is short and I do not look like a hobo.
16. Do you like yourself? My self esteem is rising. But I am planning on uploading my brain wave patterns to a computer to escape this fleshy prison.
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? I may not like how he operated his presidential terms, but I would eat with him. Yeah.
18. What are you listening to right now? The quiet hum of my computer's processor and also my roommate falling asleep.
19. Are your parents strict? Now? No. Before, it varied.
20. Would you go sky diving? It would be fun to do.
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Yes. I like all cheese.
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? If only General Authorities counted.
23. Do you rent movies often? Poor college student = no.
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? Only when sunlight filters through the window and rests on my vampiric skin. But beyond that, nothing.
25. How many countries have you visited? Two. And another dimension. But I doubt that counts
26. Have you made a prank phone call? Yes. I prank call the devil. I use his own telemarketing scheme against him.
27. Ever been on a train? Does Trax, a monorail system count? Or a subway system?
28. Brown or white eggs? Whichever
29. Do you have a cell-phone? Yes.
30. Do you use chap stick? Not currently
31. Do you own a gun? Nope, I do have a fencing sword though.
32. Can you use chop sticks? I use them badly. Duck and cover are often screamed when in use.
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? The girl of my dreams, in my dreams.
34. Are you too forgiving? Perhaps, but it is not such a bad thing.
35. Ever been in love? TBA
36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? School, working.
37. Ever have cream puffs? Have Cream puffs ever had you?!
38. Last time you cried? Yesterday, laughing so hard I cried.
39. What was the last question you asked? "Where are they?"
40. Favorite time of the year? Whenever it is now
41. Do you have any tattoos? No, I am tat-less
42. Are you sarcastic? I hardly see how this is hardly ever asked. But given that it is hardly asked or never asked, I think you may have your answer.
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Yes, weird movie.
44. Have you ever walked into a wall? Yes. Those walls like to jump in front of me.
45. Favorite color? Red and Blue.
46. Have you ever slapped someone? Only when employed by the Soviet KBB.
47. Is your hair curly? Not in the slightest.
48. What was the last CD you bought? Manna?
49. Do looks matter? Depends on the situation, they certainly can.
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? Someone who cheated on me? Eventually. Cheat in black jack? Nope.
51. Is your phone bill sky high? Family plans rock.
52. Do you like your life right now? It is quite fine and dandy.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? Only if my roommates are watching it.
54. Can you handle the truth? I can handle all versions of the truth except Sarah Palin's version of the truth. She makes me want to weep and run in horror.
55. Do you have good vision? Not in the slightest.
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Not off the top of my head.
57. How often do you talk on the phone? Once a day?
59. What are you wearing? Pants and a T-shirt
60.What is your favorite animal? An Eagle?
61. Where was your default picture taken? I do not plan on going into default, so that picture is left empty.
62. Can you hula hoop? Only for five or six twirls. Then it falls, like all my hopes of ever becoming a professional hula hooper.
63. Do you have a job? Yup
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Pizza!
65. Have you ever crawled through a window. When locking myself out of the apartment, yes.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
*Sigh*
"Reboot and Select proper boot device.
Or insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key"
Sigh. My computer just crashed. No bueno. No good at all.
The universe hates me today, crashed computers and weird Computer state machines.
Oh well.
Time to get a looking at it.
Or insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key"
Sigh. My computer just crashed. No bueno. No good at all.
The universe hates me today, crashed computers and weird Computer state machines.
Oh well.
Time to get a looking at it.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Missionary Wednesday
In the latest, via electronic carrier pigeon from my brother serving in Chicago:
Hello Viewers,
This week I received some good news. I talked to the Orland Park elders and they said that President R. told them that their area was one of the next areas to close down. While this may not be very good news for them, it is awesome news for me, because if this is true I could be staying in South Shore a lot longer than I originally thought. Which is fine by me.
I also received Elder P.'s wedding invitation. For a while I thought he had completely forgotten about me. Turns out that the invitation just arrived very late; so late that I received it on the day of the wedding. But at least I got it. It felt really good to receive his good news. Elder P. was one of the best companions and best friends I could ever have.
This Thursday was zone conference; the theme this time was centered on the restoration, and putting more emphasis on Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Most of the other elders thought this was dumb, as they were training us to do something that we already do, but I've been trying to have a better attitude towards things like this. So even though this may be true I still found some good points to be made in their training.
Friday we also received a surprising call from President R. telling all the missionaries one announcement that he forgot to mention at Zone Conference. With the mission shrinking, as of July 1st when President Roach leaves, the Chicago North and South missions will be combining into one mission! This news wasn't so shocking, considering what's been going on in the mission recently. At first when I heard the news, I felt a little displaced because my mission is South Chicago and for my last three months it will be the Chicago Illinois mission. But then I remembered that I'm still in the exact same place that I was before. There was an Elder C. who served in four different missions, ending in Chicago and thinking about him got rid of all my displaced feelings and I began to feel very exited.
When i was serving in Cicero the area bordered the north side and worked in that part of the area I was always tempted to cross the mission line and have a little fun, nobody but me and my comp would ever know. But I never did. Now, for my last three months the North side is my new playground. I can go to navy pier, the art museum, catch a bulls game, make some new north side friends and have some other experiences that I could not otherwise have. I really look forward to that part.
The part I don't look forward to is the chaos that is likely to happen when the missions first combine. How exactly are things going to work? I was a little worried that after President R. left, I'd get stuck with someone very new who wouldn't know how to do his job until long after I left. But the north side president in July will have been out for a whole year when he takes over, so he will have some experience. The only question now is what is he actually going to be like. Iv'e gotten to know President R. pretty well and now I have to figure out what the north side president is like. Oh well, if he's horrible I'll only have three months to deal with him. On the other hand, what if he's awesome?
None of this happens till July so ,back to the present. Three members of our district have birthdays this month, so an awesome member in our ward threw a party for them on Saturday. That was fun.
Tuesday we had district meeting and President's Interviews. Mine was mostly the same type of deal with the usual self improvement advice, but this time it was a bit different, more intimate, like he honestly cared. Like it wasn't just a mission president talking to an elder, but Richard talking to Andrew. (Editor's note: Their first names) It had a very different feel to it. I think it's because were both approaching the last leg of our mission and both go home this summer. That may have had something to do with it, but there was honestly something different about him on Tuesday.
That's all folks, stay tuned for next week.
love,
Elder Fields.
Hello Viewers,
This week I received some good news. I talked to the Orland Park elders and they said that President R. told them that their area was one of the next areas to close down. While this may not be very good news for them, it is awesome news for me, because if this is true I could be staying in South Shore a lot longer than I originally thought. Which is fine by me.
I also received Elder P.'s wedding invitation. For a while I thought he had completely forgotten about me. Turns out that the invitation just arrived very late; so late that I received it on the day of the wedding. But at least I got it. It felt really good to receive his good news. Elder P. was one of the best companions and best friends I could ever have.
This Thursday was zone conference; the theme this time was centered on the restoration, and putting more emphasis on Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Most of the other elders thought this was dumb, as they were training us to do something that we already do, but I've been trying to have a better attitude towards things like this. So even though this may be true I still found some good points to be made in their training.
Friday we also received a surprising call from President R. telling all the missionaries one announcement that he forgot to mention at Zone Conference. With the mission shrinking, as of July 1st when President Roach leaves, the Chicago North and South missions will be combining into one mission! This news wasn't so shocking, considering what's been going on in the mission recently. At first when I heard the news, I felt a little displaced because my mission is South Chicago and for my last three months it will be the Chicago Illinois mission. But then I remembered that I'm still in the exact same place that I was before. There was an Elder C. who served in four different missions, ending in Chicago and thinking about him got rid of all my displaced feelings and I began to feel very exited.
When i was serving in Cicero the area bordered the north side and worked in that part of the area I was always tempted to cross the mission line and have a little fun, nobody but me and my comp would ever know. But I never did. Now, for my last three months the North side is my new playground. I can go to navy pier, the art museum, catch a bulls game, make some new north side friends and have some other experiences that I could not otherwise have. I really look forward to that part.
The part I don't look forward to is the chaos that is likely to happen when the missions first combine. How exactly are things going to work? I was a little worried that after President R. left, I'd get stuck with someone very new who wouldn't know how to do his job until long after I left. But the north side president in July will have been out for a whole year when he takes over, so he will have some experience. The only question now is what is he actually going to be like. Iv'e gotten to know President R. pretty well and now I have to figure out what the north side president is like. Oh well, if he's horrible I'll only have three months to deal with him. On the other hand, what if he's awesome?
None of this happens till July so ,back to the present. Three members of our district have birthdays this month, so an awesome member in our ward threw a party for them on Saturday. That was fun.
Tuesday we had district meeting and President's Interviews. Mine was mostly the same type of deal with the usual self improvement advice, but this time it was a bit different, more intimate, like he honestly cared. Like it wasn't just a mission president talking to an elder, but Richard talking to Andrew. (Editor's note: Their first names) It had a very different feel to it. I think it's because were both approaching the last leg of our mission and both go home this summer. That may have had something to do with it, but there was honestly something different about him on Tuesday.
That's all folks, stay tuned for next week.
love,
Elder Fields.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Lost Innocence
There comes a time when every person transitions to adulthood. When their childhood ends and innocence is ripped from them.
Such things are hard to notice, when one loses their last piece of childhood, and is fully an adult. But for others, it is hard to notice when the loss of innocence comes tugging at you. But comes it does.
For those who do not know; my teeth are weird and braces are needed. One of the weird things is that I have had a baby tooth that has not fallen out. Today, I went to the dentist and we yanked out that sucker.
Here are a couple of pictures I took with my phone of the tooth:
The sad thing is that I could not keep it. Now that I am not a kid, I do not get to keep the teeth that get tugged. I was momentarily heartbroken.
So now I am fully an adult. Cause I no longer have any baby teeth left.
Such things are hard to notice, when one loses their last piece of childhood, and is fully an adult. But for others, it is hard to notice when the loss of innocence comes tugging at you. But comes it does.
For those who do not know; my teeth are weird and braces are needed. One of the weird things is that I have had a baby tooth that has not fallen out. Today, I went to the dentist and we yanked out that sucker.
Here are a couple of pictures I took with my phone of the tooth:
The sad thing is that I could not keep it. Now that I am not a kid, I do not get to keep the teeth that get tugged. I was momentarily heartbroken.
So now I am fully an adult. Cause I no longer have any baby teeth left.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Meaning of Names
Apparently there is this facebook meme going around to look up what your name means in Urbandictionary. I at first was skeptical, but then I took a look and realized that it thinks my name is awesome. At least the first entry does.
First name: A name that represents honor, caressing, and love. Also known to be a very romantic person, or very successful person in life.
And for Sam, well I am going to skip the first entry and post the others:
Sexy Attractive Male, Sam is a very common name. it is usually given to people who are very cool indeed. people by the name Sam are the greatest.
So what are yours?
First name: A name that represents honor, caressing, and love. Also known to be a very romantic person, or very successful person in life.
And for Sam, well I am going to skip the first entry and post the others:
Sexy Attractive Male, Sam is a very common name. it is usually given to people who are very cool indeed. people by the name Sam are the greatest.
So what are yours?
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