tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19538984579149835032024-03-05T01:39:11.851-08:00In the Corner with Five TenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.comBlogger435125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-14643521258746665292017-07-15T22:29:00.000-07:002017-07-16T12:46:25.628-07:00We have movedTO <a href="https://goo.gl/LYF7Kt">HERE</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-45391016159763587382017-07-11T20:02:00.000-07:002017-07-11T20:02:03.208-07:00Big Leaguer<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chains & Dress Shirt = Success</td></tr>
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One of my biggest regrets is that I didn't play baseball growing up, because I would have been pro. There is little to no doubt about it. I retired before I really gave myself a chance. I was like five when I put down the glove. Left the Phillies organization in a lurch, I am sure of it. The T-ball league probably took several years to recover as well. I could have been special... really special. I have every quality you need to be a good ball player, but mostly I look good in a ball cap.<br />
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Anyway, I have been making up for the loss of time. In order to quickly ascend to where I could have been I joined a reputable slow pitch softball team. You have to start somewhere... Part of restarting my career was playing the part. You see, I also got a lot of gold chains to play ball. Ordered them off Amazon. I am sure when you watched a MLB game you also couldn't help but notice that some big time big leaguers have necklaces. I took note of that and I particularly liked the gold chains the true ballers would wear. This was a novel idea for me. In other sports I played you couldn't wear jewelry. And people think baseball is boring; baseball is pretty neat!<br />
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Despite popular belief, that I was under as well, gold chains actually do not improve player performance. At least they haven't helped me. If anything I think about them more than I do the game I am playing in. The fans though... the fans love it. So do my teammates. Its a rallying cry for us! It unifies our team. Who doesn't love watching a full grown adult playing slow pitch softball in Anywhere, USA with gaudy gold chains around his neck? Tell me who!? Everyone loves that ishhhhhh.<br />
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I have to admit something though. Part of me likes wearing the chains. I find myself keeping them on for a couple days after the game. I don't mind the hint of gold shining through or popping out of my shirt. People notice and <b><i>always</i></b> comment. I wear a chain cause it shows people something about me. The chains aren't an accessory, its a defining characteristic of who I am. People think they got me figured out when I got my chains on.... they haven't got a clue. Say what you want, like, "Huh, I didn't think you were a gold chain kind of a guy," or, "Is that a baby angel?". All of that is just noise and I can't hear it over my gold chains screaming, "BALLER".<br />
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I'll be a Big Leaguer someday. Don't you think otherwise. I already look the part.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-47669584567223539932017-07-05T21:20:00.000-07:002017-07-05T21:20:06.497-07:00$10K <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Joey Chestnut Wins, Eats 72 Hot Dogs & Buns:<br />
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Calories: 20,160<br />
Fat: 1,296 g<br />
Cholesterol: 2,160 mg<br />
Sodium: 56,160 mg<br />
Protein: 720 g</div>
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He won $10K for this torture. This is honestly so awful.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-35341992705116014012017-07-04T18:19:00.005-07:002017-07-04T21:03:09.463-07:00Gordon Pt. IIJazz nation, you are weeping right now that Gordon Hayward has left for the Celtics. I am not going to offer consoling words, just reality. Before I do, at least read <a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/gordon-hayward-decision-free-agency-nba/">this</a>, Gordon's words. Secondly, I think even Gordon would concede that the announcement wasn't handled in the way he wanted. He planned a careful and respectful announcement, but it was thwarted. At least he didn't get on national television and burn Utah. He was very gracious in his post. Move on. Finally, realize the facts about playing for the Jazz and being a fan of sports.<br />
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Yup, he’s getting booed. He owes Jazz fans nothing, Jazz fans owe him nothing.</div>
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Hayward leaving wasn't a slight against the Jazz fans. In his own words it came down to his relationship with Coach Brad Stevens and the chances for winning a championship. Booing a player for leaving in the fashion that Hayward left is childish. Utah is a very unique place and a franchise that <a href="https://theundefeated.com/features/how-black-utah-jazz-players-have-embraced-salt-lake-city/">players</a> have a hard time dealing with. Salt Lake offers a lot, but also comes up short in many respects. Aside from just the city, the franchise has yet to win a championship. You may shake your head and say, "Who cares?", but there is something to a tradition of winning... no, a culture of winning championships. Celts have won before and know how to do it again. There is the expectation that it can be a reality. That's powerful.<br />
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Look at the current landscape of the NBA. The west is in an unparalleled arms race to combat the Warriors. The east is <b>weak</b>. Wether you like it or not Gordon's move to the Celts is smart. The best players in free agency have head west, while he is going east, thus increasing his chances of going to the finals. Why go through a gauntlet of hell when you just have to beat the Cavs to make it to the finals? Making the finals > not making the finals. You can never win a championship if you don't get to the finals. Thats bullet proof logic.<br />
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Just a heads up to potential jersey burners to do so away from dry vegetation this fire season</div>
— Carter Williams (@cwilliamsKSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/cwilliamsKSL/status/882394157548949504">July 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Burn and boo, great way to attract other free agent players. It's business, nothing personal.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-35631529142952679622017-07-02T21:02:00.001-07:002017-07-04T21:02:44.370-07:00DonJust a few prime examples of how awesome our current president is... warning, <i>explicit<b></b></i> language.
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FraudNewsCNN?src=hash">#FraudNewsCNN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FNN?src=hash">#FNN</a> <a href="https://t.co/WYUnHjjUjg">pic.twitter.com/WYUnHjjUjg</a></div>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/881503147168071680">July 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Crazy Joe Scarborough and dumb as a rock Mika are not bad people, but their low rated show is dominated by their NBC bosses. Too bad!</div>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/881140479454310401">July 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/DanForsley">@DanForsley</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VanityFair">@VanityFair</a> Wrong--Graydon Carter has no talent and looks like shit! Also, his food sucks!</div>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/281832819267883008">December 20, 2012</a></blockquote>
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Today is Trump's 35th day at a golf club since taking office. He's been at a golf club on 21% of days as president.<br />
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Watch candidate Trump: <a href="https://t.co/ea72T1cBjn">pic.twitter.com/ea72T1cBjn</a></div>
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/BraddJaffy/status/881859809003401216">July 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-56398734540140834352017-07-01T21:09:00.000-07:002017-07-04T21:03:56.995-07:00I want my legacy to be a Clipper.This NBA's free agency has been one of the most exciting I can remember in my lifetime. Franchise players are moving to new teams it seems every day (CP3, Paul George, etc.) and plenty of rumors to munch on. The contract values are highest they have ever been -- I think the leagues salaries are far outpacing inflation...<br />
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One player yet to make his final decision, and that has drawn a lot of national interest, has been Jazz Star, Gordon Hayward. He is weighing his options seriously, visiting the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics before making his final visit with the Jazz (<a href="https://theringer.com/while-you-werent-looking-gordon-hayward-became-amazing-abb2d361c744">check out this article on his rise</a>). The question to me comes down to a simple would you rather: Would you rather be immortal or have a championship ring? This assumes that you won't have both.... which is reasonable. The Jazz have yet to get a title (and aren't likely to ever win one. They need a lot more than just <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1098449-7-franchises-that-will-never-win-an-nba-title">Gordon</a>..) and other teams are poised to capture a championship sooner. Let's go back to ancient Greek mythology to help us answer this question. See the video below:<br />
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You should know the rest of the story... Achilles goes to Troy. He died and his memory was forever cemented (I know this is just one version of the story, but this is a pretty damn popular one). I mean, Hollywood made a movie about Achilles with Brad Pitt portraying him. If Brad Pitt being you isn't immortality, I don't know what is. Look, finding the tree of life or the fountain of youth isn't going to happen, so the closest you can get to living forever is to have your memory and stories carried on about you forever. Death knows every man and woman, but we bury people and have a gravestone for a reason. Anyway, Achilles was a hero to his people first and then known to all. I would think a guy like Hayward has to consider this in his decision. He has to think about the stories that will be told about him after he is retired, or in other words, his legacy. <br />
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You want a more recent example? <a href="http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19778813/blake-griffin-re-sign-los-angeles-clippers">Legacy</a>, that is what Blake Griffin wanted. He told the front office gents, "I want my legacy to be a Clipper." Wow, I find this so significant and interesting. I think this shows so much awareness of where he is in the historical arch of the NBA. There is an arms race to match the all mighty Warriors and Blake Griffin is saying, "Nah, build around me and I am keeping the red, white, and blue on." Pretty patriotic, right? These colors don't run, homie! I bet Balmer ate that up with his cheesy smile. What did Blake do with this move, regardless of the next five seasons? Immortality. Legacy. Whatever you want to call it. He placed himself as The Greatest Clipper of All-Time. Don't believe me? Name the greatest Clipper of all time? Couldn't, could you... Did you say CP3? Don't tell me you said Elton Brand. Chris Kaman?!! Bob Macadoo? Bet you had to google that last one (I had to!) So what if you did! Proves my point. There is not a deep history for Clippers nation. If we can project ourselves 15-20 years from now and I asked you that same question, what will you most likely say? Blake Griffin. Talk about seeing the future! Talk about self awareness! Keep making your silly commercials Blake, you get it. It isn't about the ring. There is a value in what Blake has chosen to do with his career. The prestige of having a lasting legacy is bigger than just a single ring on a team where he was just a contributor. If you say "Clipper" to me I will say, "Blake Griffin." If you ask me how many championships Sam Cassell won, I will say, "I have no idea. One? Two? That's the guy who looks like an <a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/87/ac/29/87ac29a16f5c06e7c1d3ab25d5ebd2b3.jpg">Alien</a>?" Am I belaboring the point yet? Do you see what I am getting at? Why chase a ring when you can live forever?<br />
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Chasing...that is what Hayward would be doing if he goes East. Yes, he goes to a playoff team (bc the East sucks), but it doesn't ensure he gets a ring. It is also a place where he is not the center of the team. He isn't going to be the face of the franchise (maybe more so in Miami, but they still have a ways to go to become a true contender.) There are plenty of players that didn't win a ring and are still considered in "the greatest players of all time" debate. I would say that it is more likely they will be included in that conversation if they stuck with a team for a considerable amount of time. You think of them and you think of their franchise; it's synonymous. Guys like Elgin Baylor (Lakers) Gary Payton (Sonics), Allen Iverson (76ers), Stockton/Malone (very relevant to this conversation... although I don't think the chose to just have legacy and no ring, which I do think the case is here for Hayward), Patrick Ewing (Knicks), Dominique Wilkins (Hawks), Reggie Miller (Pacers), Pete Maravich (another Jazz man!).... I hope you get the idea.<br />
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Here is how I see the facts for Gordon:<br />
1) Gordon is LOVED by Jazz Nation. They bought a freaking billboard for him. They launched a campaign to keep him! HIM! No matter what place he goes to next, he will not be loved the same and he will not be THE face of the franchise for years to come.<br />
2) If he leaves, he loses immortality. He will go down as one of the greatest Jazz players of all time if he stays. If you think that is a stretch just wait and watch him will the Jazz to a few more playoff runs in the very challenging West. Loyalty will pay huge dividends for him. To be part of the Jazz hall of fame is some great basketball company.<br />
3) He is going to a place that doesn't guarantee anything other than an easier road to the playoffs in the East. He isn't going to win the whole thing with Boston or Miami, not yet at least (and honestly, beating a team from the west is going to be impossible with the any of the current suitors). If he wants a ring so bad, he could sign a short deal and go somewhere later that can deliver a ring immediately. I don't really think the grass is that much greener on the east coast.<br />
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4) He is not the type of player that will be legendary otherwise. Look at a guy like KG. He was going to have a legacy regardless of a ring. Great that he won a ring with Paul and Ray, but he was a HOF even with the Wolves. The reality of Gordon's situation is this: he has developed into a very fine player, a desirable asset, but his talents don't transcend a franchise. He isn't a KG type of player.<br />
5) He gets paid basically the same.<br />
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The question is simple for Gordon. Do you want to live forever?<br />
Yes? Say the magic words, "I want to be a Jazzman."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-25029313260606965202017-06-23T12:14:00.000-07:002017-07-04T21:04:15.849-07:00The comment sectionMy brother wrote a good <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/900000059/from-mormon-kid-to-alleged-drug-kingpin-inside-the-rise-and-fall-of-aaron-shamo.html">article</a> on a drug dealer out of Utah. I didn't spice it up for you there, but it is a fascinating story about a man who had troubles all throughout his youth, seemed to turn a corner, was good looking, young, etc. to getting a pill press, ordering drugs from China and selling them over the darknet. There... I feel that I did better. Side note - how often do you read the entire article anymore. Social media is ruining my brain.<br />
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After reading the story I thought, "I wonder what the comment section says." I have looked before on my brothers stories. He wrote <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/life-and-death-in-a-troubled-teen-boot-camp-20151112">one</a> about a ranch for troubled teens once and the comment section was filled with anger. (Check out all his other stories at jessehyde.net.) So, I was kind of expecting the same thing.... and it was. Anger... or at least contempt. Check out the comments about the earlier story on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/DarkNetMarkets/comments/6iu91k/the_rise_and_fall_of_pharmamaster_heres_an/?sort=top">Reddit</a>.<br />
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I mean, check out the comments from now on. Its amazing (1) that people took the time to WRITE what they think and (2) they had to create a profile or something to do that! What is even more hilarious to me is when they get in arguments with each other. It can get real nasty, real quick.<br />
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Another fun thing to notice is the dislikes on an educational Youtube video. Check out this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WAEzokHSJM">video</a> on doing a VLOOKUP in excel. 2.6mm views... 319 ppl took the time to give it a thumbs down... You are kidding me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-64172762384958254922017-06-18T21:14:00.004-07:002017-07-04T21:04:53.417-07:00Polarizing Sports Figures<style type="text/css">
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<a href="https://cbsnewyork.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/alex-rodriguez.jpg?w=420&h=316&crop=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="420" height="150" src="https://cbsnewyork.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/alex-rodriguez.jpg?w=420&h=316&crop=1" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Sports</span> dominate so much of my time. I love sports and am a huge fan of the athletes that entertain. The athletes god-given ability, trained skill, luck, and evident dedication to a singular sport is inspiring to me. I can often forget that these athletes are humans, with greater ambition and influence than almost all of the population. They often find themselves at the intersect of a current issue and maintaining their own brand. Which isn't something to be taken lightly. A brand is a valuable asset and can be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. This crossroads can be an almost paralyzing place to be - holding onto ones morals and beliefs vs the monetary benefit and longevity of a career. Consequently, fans choose a side based on the action of the athlete. For example, Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised a black leather fist on the podium of the 1968 Summer Olympics. They stood for something they saw greater than a medal and we vilified in the same way they were lauded as heroes.<br />
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/cc/b5/82/ccb5820879bd80613ecda09182056238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="800" height="168" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/cc/b5/82/ccb5820879bd80613ecda09182056238.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Athletes </span>don't have to stand for a social cause to be viewed as polarizing. On the other end of this spectrum is the brash, the loud, and the cheaters. The ones who annoy and enrage opponents and fans. They wag their tongues with the same kind of vigor they execute their sport. You hate them for their supposed lack of integrity or respect for the game; "they don't play in the right way".<br />
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You could write a long list of athletes. I have listed a few. And I found that you can bucket them in three categories: <b>Shifters</b>, <b>Loud</b> <b>and Proud</b>, and <b>Cheats</b>. Look, these buckets aren't perfect, but they simplify and make this conversation fun... And by that I mean, fun to simplify why they are loved and hated to a couple of sentences at most with some YouTube links. It should also be noted that they aren't just average players. They are sometimes one of the best if not the best of their team or sport. I have selected past and present... basically those who came to my mind in a span of 5 minutes...<br />
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I am not going to try and justify what they did, or who they are, but just state it as I see it.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shifters</span></b><br />
These are the athletes that moved the line or acted like a tectonic shift in the sporting landscape, forcing fans and spectators to take a side. They stood for themselves or for something bigger. They influenced future generations of athletes.<br />
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<ul>
<li><i>Jackie Robinson </i>- His loudest statement was playing through the disgusting treatment thrown his way. He rose above the hate and played at a high level as the first African American athlete to play in the MLB. </li>
<li><i>Muhammad Ali </i>- Not going to Vietnam was not popular and hurt his legacy for a short period. Funny how time plays out and how the war is now perceived. He is lauded as the greatest boxer of all time. He was loud and brash, with a sharp tongue that matched his jab. </li>
<li><i>Colin Kaepernick </i>- Kneeling for the national anthem in protest of police brutality has killed his career, but he did it for what he felt was bigger cause. </li>
<li><i>Jim Brown </i>- An outspoken civil rights activist. He has had his fair share of personal issues, but is still considered a sage of wisdom for other young athletes.</li>
<li><i>LeBron James</i> - He has toed the line between protecting his brand image to a point where he was criticized, but how now sought guidance from those before him. He is very willing to state his opinion and make a vocal stand. </li>
<li><i>Tim Tebow</i> - He's as passionate is he is religious. The Heisman trophy winner may seem out of place, given this line-up mentioned, but he doesn't fit neatly into any other category... And I really do see him as an athlete that changed the playing feild just enough to warrant a spot on the list... People were "Tebowing". </li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Loud and Proud</span></b><br />
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<li><i>Mike Tyson - </i>He once told a reporter that he would <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKHtgjZRQz8">eat children</a>... bit off Holyfield's ear... rape charges.... has some screws loose. No doubt. </li>
<li><i>Floyd Mayweather - </i>If posting betting slips with hundreds of thousands of dollars isn't obnoxious enough, just <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Zert5VaWk">watch</a> his tactics and listen to his mouth.</li>
<li><i>Connor McGregor - </i>Absolutely obnoxious. NSFW <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0809fAInxs">video</a> of him just talking.. for 10 minutes.... A lot of this, if not most of it, is for entertainment. He's gotta promote himself. But his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FAeh4l8gQA">antics</a> know no <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4o0apmfcls">bounds</a>... And its landed himself a fight against Mayweather. So.....</li>
<li><i>Terrell Owens - </i>After the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iUDTAejSzw">Catch II</a>, a loudmouth was born. He was a fierce competitor. I remember he came back after a broken leg when he was with the Eagles and had the game of his life. It wasn't enough. But I also remember his sharpe, the pom poms, and the Dallas Star Celebration. He wasn't afraid to be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imaAZQ-oP68">brash</a>.</li>
<li><i>Draymond Green - </i>Look, if he was on my team, I would love him. I love Ron Artest; a complete physco, but facts are facts. Draymond Green is the most annoying player in the NBA.</li>
<li><i>LaVar Ball - </i>If I need to post links of why he is so loud then you have been living under a cave this last couple months. I will post them anyway. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPtx0Ei1G88">Stephen A. Smith</a>. <a href="http://video.usnews.com/LeBron-James-fires-back-at-LaVar-Ball-Keep-my-kids-name-out-of-your-mouth--UNDISPUTED-32157731?playlistId=1255">LeBron</a>. <a href="https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2017/04/06/lavar-ball-lonzo-ucla-kentucky-loss-slow-white-guys">White guys slow, lost us the game</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGZRkKQQDLo">Kristen Leahy</a>. The last one to me is the most telling of who he is - a total jackass. </li>
<li><i>Richard Sherman - </i>Highly educated and incredible athlete, but lost his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PH35C7Fhq0">cool</a> in a very passionate moment on the largest stage. I had no idea who he was until that happened. It was smart, because outside of Stanford and Seahawks fans, no one knew who he was. </li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Cheats</span></b><br />
<ul><a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.3079257.1492691282!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/jets-49ers-football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<li><i>Pete Rose -</i> Not a baseball guy. Wish I was. I'll try to get there one day. The history of baseball is so rich. Part of this rich history is the cheats and most notably, Pete Rose. Betting on games, even his own, has kept him out of the HOF. Remember the saying, "Hate the sin, love the sinner." Fans and writers have a real challenge of how they can separate the two. </li>
<li><i>Alex Rodriguez/ Barry Bonds/ Mark McQwire/Sammy Sosa - </i>So coveted and valued in baseball's history is statistics. They have stats for everything. Acronyms for stats. WAR, OBP, BABIP, UZR... it goes on and on. You get it. One of the mosts precious stats to track was the HR. I said <b>was</b>, because after the guys listed, it now has a * next to anyone. They changed the way we look at baseball and hitting. Shoot. Throw in Roger Clemens in the same pool of guys. For a good five years or so, maybe longer, baseball was really fun to watch. It was great. Guys were slamming balls out of the ball park. Pitchers were doing amazing things. All the while fantastic lies were being told to fans. They were all cheating. Steroids changed baseball. Its no longer "pure". </li>
<li><i>Lance Armstrong</i> - I mean, the lengths he went to win six tour de France made people care. Shoot, we all had the yellow wrist band. America suddenly gave a crap about cycling. CYCLING! Lance Armstrong was a household name. Name ANY other cycler EVER. You can't, but you can name him. It all came crashing down too. </li>
<li><i>Tiger Woods - </i>I don't know if people hated him before he had a wild episode with his wife, but his golf game and life went to crap after that. I guess people hated him before, cause he was so good, but after he was found to be cheating on his wife and later having an issue with drugs, people definitely didn't have a rooting interest for the guy. </li>
<li><i>Kobe Bryant - </i>Being accused of rape never helps. In fact its horrible. Before that people just hated him for how much he shot. Then his morals came into the picture. </li>
<li><i>Metta World Peace - </i>Malice in the palace to a sharp elbow to James Harden's head. I am sure there is more ole Metta did, but those two stick out like a shore thumb. He has some screws loose. </li>
<li><i>OJ Simpson - </i>Just watch the fantastic documentary <a href="http://www.espn.com/30for30/ojsimpsonmadeinamerica/">O.J. Made in America.</a> </li>
<li><i>Ndamukong Suh - </i>He stomps on people. He just does dirty stuff. </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The</span> lists aren't perfect. They aren't complete. The categories might be off, but these were the athletes I thought of. I am sure its slanted with my viewership and attention to certain sports (no Soccer, women, etc.). On second thought, there are definitely some polarizing women athletes I should mention. Danica Patrick came to my mind, Abby Wambach or Hope Solo, Billie Jean King, even Ronda Rousey. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For</span> quite a few of us our hopes and escapes from reality are tied so closely to sports, a vehicle of entertainment. This isn't scripted though and we can't get after the director or screen writers for having our star player make a controversial stand or hitting a woman (Ray Rice, Greg Hardy, Joe Mixon). Life is messy, but that is part of why sports is so great, the players aren't perfect. If they were, we would just stick with watching Hoosiers. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-39172296015888190162017-06-14T20:43:00.001-07:002017-07-04T21:05:16.831-07:00The Rusting Belt: Peoria IllVacant homes. Empty commercial space. Unfilled parking lots. Open streets. Large industrial corporations migrating to other cities. Crime rates spiking and populations declining. It's the stuff you read about... so far removed from your own reality that its hard to imagine or even find a place for it in your mind. I had heard of the <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Business/top-10-dilemmas-facing-detroit/story?id=19710933">infamous</a> epidemic Detroit has been facing for years. It really exists and the hollow feeling of empty towns is hard to shake off.<br />
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I just got back from Peoria Illinois and caught a glimpse of what the recession, outsourcing, advancing technology, economics, and basically what time can bring to a city. Things change.<br />
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<a href="http://medias.photodeck.com/2b2a3092-8c44-11e3-aa5f-6bee4131edd1/DSC0514-Peoria-Illinois-Skyline-Picture_xgaplus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://medias.photodeck.com/2b2a3092-8c44-11e3-aa5f-6bee4131edd1/DSC0514-Peoria-Illinois-Skyline-Picture_xgaplus.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a city that feels bigger than what it really is. Its like a over sized fridge that when you open the doors has just an assortment of condiments and other odds and ends. You can see marks from where it was filled to capacity not long ago. You kept asking yourself and even aloud, as you drove past big empty buildings, "what happened here?"<br />
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First, there is a greater trend in the Midwest that <a href="http://www.pjstar.com/news/20170525/census-peoria-among-illinois-cities-that-lost-residents-since-2010">people</a> are moving away. It's not growing and Peoria has seen the its population decline since 2010. The declining population, coupled with the 2008 housing crisis, has made way for a significant side affect - vacant homes and declining home values.<br />
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There are areas of Peoria that have vacancy of 25-40%. This is outrageously high and dangerous. A home in some parts of Peoria go for as little as $20K. Just scroll through Zillow - there are plenty of <a href="https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Peoria-IL/pmf_pt/land_type/19903_rid/pricea_sort/40.818096,-89.482785,40.657331,-89.729977_rect/11_zm/">foreclosed</a> homes for you to consider. The city of Peoria has been looking for new ways to deal with the vacancy problems. Even <a href="http://www.pjstar.com/news/20161024/peoria-examines-new-ways-to-deal-with-empty-lots-vacant-property">proposing</a> to allow citizens to gain rights to abandoned lots/homes if they are adjacent to their current lot. (One item that was mentioned on several occasions was a rising crime rate -- while this is technically true if you look Year over Year, the a<a href="http://www.peoriagov.org/content/uploads/2012/11/UCRreport_EOY2016_1485892704_add.pdf">nnual report for 2016</a> does not paint a desperate picture comparatively to the historical records. And it's still early for 2017, but it has gotten off to a <a href="http://www.peoriagov.org/content/uploads/2012/11/UCRReport_Mar2017_1492800811_add.pdf">hotter start</a> than the average.) This surely is the sickness that eliminates community after community until a city is dead.<br />
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It's not just people looking to leave - it's Fortune 500 companies are even looking to re-locate.<br />
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This move by CAT just illustrates a continuing issue that the city is already <a href="http://www.pjstar.com/news/20170608/peoria-has-high-hopes-for-caterpillar-block">suffering</a> from; downtown Peoria has a vacancy rate of 25%. Not only do they take up office space, they employ tens of thousands of people and are responsible for tens of millions of dollars for the local economy (see <a href="http://www.peoriagov.org/content/uploads/2012/10/2012-CAFR-Final_1378491997_add.pdf">2012</a> report, Table VII and XV). From donations to sheer taxable value, losing CAT is a huge blow to this already struggling city and economy.<br />
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This is a multifaceted problem with many contributing factors. But when people and businesses leave, its a recipe for disaster. It was a humbling experience to just observe. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-61485296865222506152017-05-31T11:57:00.001-07:002017-07-04T21:05:34.116-07:00Spelling. It is tuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygUdp-TKZq204yuJ2NnX09ZRkd_JAckVwHKYiwaaB_DDkCnvelCqzkOPlt_94-g_L7KfD_bQC-LIjyeRCQttLODKSpOvNK5CHK8IZIt2DzqqIF1ikEGOC7qz7PFHr9Lf9lL_Xboz0atE/s1600/IMG_8505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygUdp-TKZq204yuJ2NnX09ZRkd_JAckVwHKYiwaaB_DDkCnvelCqzkOPlt_94-g_L7KfD_bQC-LIjyeRCQttLODKSpOvNK5CHK8IZIt2DzqqIF1ikEGOC7qz7PFHr9Lf9lL_Xboz0atE/s640/IMG_8505.JPG" title="Google Trends" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last night I saw this map on Twitter and my head almost exploded. I was late to the party, so a lot of what I am going to point out was already stated.<br />
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First off, if you are going to point out incorrect spelling and errors, you need to make sure your graphic is bullet proof. There are some errors on this graphic. Here are a couple: (1) Colorado and Arizona have the same word but different coloring. I guess each state counts differently. (2) Nintey? Really?<br />
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How glorious! Calling out others and then in turn getting it wrong! That is my LIFE!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJMsjYhEKpt0M7XeFRKGcM-PxNLA6r3F365Ckp5FZhRqtFEMEzMYOQIX_vaqMV8SjRt82gcjfIwAG6vJAF7bXe1zb52Ff0lL9JlliMGJD7RAEZK_6PgDwa_9O_bEi3dNBw3pMB0fB5B8/s1600/IMG_85051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJMsjYhEKpt0M7XeFRKGcM-PxNLA6r3F365Ckp5FZhRqtFEMEzMYOQIX_vaqMV8SjRt82gcjfIwAG6vJAF7bXe1zb52Ff0lL9JlliMGJD7RAEZK_6PgDwa_9O_bEi3dNBw3pMB0fB5B8/s640/IMG_85051.jpg" width="505" /></a></div>
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What does this map say about each state? Or even our nation?! On one hand it seems very positive: Four states are curious how to spell beautiful, three are praising the Lord or clarifying a heavenly being.... while six are worried about sickness (pneumonia, diarrhea, and disease) and Arizona and Colorado cannot wait to move on - DONE WITH TODAY!</div>
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New Mexico is still wondering how to get their hands on an elusive banana.</div>
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BUT Wisconsin. C'mon man. </div>
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Rhode Island... geez. Be more like Lousiana and learn about African animal... </div>
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Then Connecticut and West Virginia are trying to spell made up words. </div>
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Tip of the cap to South Dakota. You'll earn that degree!<br />
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Ahhh... its funner in my mind I guess.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-83660178449131591732017-05-26T17:03:00.001-07:002017-07-04T21:05:56.176-07:00Why people hate the Warriors <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I will try to not be as long winded here as I was on the LBJ post.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You were never a fan of Golden State. </b></span><br />
When I used to think about the Golden State Warriors nothing would register in my brain. I never thought about them. Then, I would think harder and come up with Baron Davis (2007) and Chris Mullen (1990s). That is it. That was all I knew about them. Overnight it seemed Golden State became really, really good. With that came the sudden, "<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8q1mUFgJFCQMVRwbURWMHZwOU0" target="_blank">Oh, I have always been a fan of Golden State</a>." No, no you weren't. I bet you were a huge fan of Bryan Cranston before Breaking Bad! Loved him in Malcom in the Middle.<br />
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No one like a bandwagoner.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Draymond Green. </span></b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kjeAMfW3RS0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Steph Curry.</span></b><br />
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I mean...... yeah......<br />
Sweet guy, right?<br />
But the running down the court....<br />
The crappy shoes....<br />
Chewing on his mouthguard.....<br />
His... Why do people hate this guy?<br />
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He is like, 134 lbs in wet clothes.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Kevin Durant.</span></b><br />
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His move from OKC to GS was a bitch move. Total bitch move. I can't even slice it in any other way. Shows a lack of courage. A lack of competitiveness. A cowards way out. Et tu, Brute?<br />
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How do you do that? Join the enemy. Piss poor man. You could have had something in OKC with Westbrook! You had something! So, SO, SOOOOO <span style="font-size: xx-small;">close</span>. Bitch move.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-27081141156599730192017-05-26T01:08:00.001-07:002017-07-04T21:06:20.270-07:00"I hate LeBron James"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://heightline.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/lebron-tattoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://heightline.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/lebron-tattoo2.jpg" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="800" height="258" width="320" /></a></div>
As I have <a href="http://inthecornerwithfiveten.blogspot.com/2017/02/paradigms-and-realities.html">previously pointed out</a>, and it should be rather obvious, LeBron James is the best basketball player on the face of the earth right now. I don't think its even close. I am not going to try to convince you of that. Arguing some topics in sports fall into the realm of disagreements that you see in politics and religion. Greatest has that weight.<br />
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Secondly, to hate someone requires a lot of emotion and I would think some personal interaction. I get that there are people in the world that hate others because of race, religion, beliefs, creed, ethos, etc. etc. To me however, someone must truly offend or hurt you or someone you love to hate them. My point being is that when some says, "I hate LeBron" I know its not true. How can you hate a person you don't truly know and someone who is playing a part in entertainment (LaVar Ball maybe? JK.... but seriously annoyed with him). That would be like me saying I hate the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLCL6OYbSTw" target="_blank">Javier Bardem</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZhCCu-2gbw" target="_blank">Alan Rickman</a>. They played the bad guys, but I don't know them. LeBron has played the hero and villain equally. Its his image or brand that motivates him. LeBron is playing a character. He's an actor.<br />
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In my expert opinion, here is why people say they "hate" LBJ.<br />
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<b>1)</b> <b>He crowned himself</b> - When you give yourself a tattoo on your back proclaiming you are the second coming or literally coronate yourself "King James" people are not going to like that power grab. I am a huge Kobe fan, but even when he gave himself the nicknames of Mamba and Vino, I cringed (even though I will defend it till the day I die! He earned that RIGHT!). Its hubris to do it, reeking of pride and over self confidence. However, this was intentional and brilliant from a branding and marketing standpoint. All professional athletes have a brand to maintain. The moniker King James, while it ruffles feathers, was smart.<br />
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LeBron has vocally come out and said he wants to be the greatest ever and he believes it. <i>How dare he! Right? That place is sacred and we the fans decide. You don't get to choose, Mr. James! </i>LBJ is a once in a generation athlete and talent. Why not shoot for the stars and have a realistic chance. But just like how carving "Chosen1" on your back it doesn't make it true, saying it aloud doesn't change that fact. He continues to speak openly about how he compares to Mike. It's no secret, he wants to be better than him. That bothers people and gets them fired up.<br />
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<b>2) LeBron is good</b> - Because he is an All-Star you see LBJ way more than other players. He is the face of the NBA internationally. I guarantee more people in the world could name LBJ as a current NBA player than anyone else. Being in that spotlight attracts a ton of media attention. Just the fatigue of seeing LBJ annoys.<br />
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Also, because he is good at basketball he beats people at the game of basketball. He makes them look bad. It's not fun to lose. If you have fallen to the sword of LeBron, why would you like him?<br />
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<b>3) The King complains</b> - There is an unspoken rule of the universe: If you are the most talented, the most gifted, you do not get to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-rips-charles-barkley-2017-1" target="_blank">complain</a>. That seems to be the rule ingrained in us like a primal instinct. Dunno where it came from, but its just not fair if you are better to complain!<br />
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And then you have the perception that there is All-Star treatment with officiating [I say perception because (1) usage - the best players usually have the ball more (2) the best players attack and force calls (3) as one of my brothers pointed out, they are better than the average player... the whole reason they can get to the hoop - their ability - also helps them be a better defender (sometimes)]. When LeBron throws his head back in disgust or races like a torpedo back to half court with his hands reaching upwards to heaven, after a foul is called on him, it only deepens the resentment and bias against him. See video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thMLrls8M0A">here</a>.<br />
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A sister to complaining is his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fSlLdXNzPw" target="_blank">flopping</a> game. He is the size of an NFL DE. That is another rule of the universe: If you are big you cannot be hurt or fall down.... But like it or not, flopping is part of the game. A player should look to every advantage to win the game - like walking in slow pitch softball to bring in a run or flopping like a fish to get a call. But flopping seems like the cowards way. <i>Beat me straight up! Don't fake it. </i><br />
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<b>4) Social Media Era</b> - I think this is the most fascinating parts to a seismic shift in professional sports. Never before have we been able to have this much access to athletes. They are willingly and freely sharing themselves. It also opens the door to direct criticism and trolling (looking at you, Grant Hill, <a href="https://twitter.com/HydeDavidM/status/843632828537483264" target="_blank">you coward</a>). This has also ushered in a new reporting wave, where sensational headlines are suddenly created as quickly as a deleted tweet. Athletes are no longer protected in the same way they used to be and it is because they are being more open and sharing. As <a href="http://podcastone.com/episode/Dan-Patrick-Show---Hour-1---Ernie-Johnson-05-25-17" target="_blank">discussed</a> on the Dan Patrick show with Ernie Johnson the other day, after every game or some kind of playoff record, the media instantly starts a debate or silly argument about how player X is the greatest X of all time.<br />
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There is no doubt that the power of social media has altered our way of communication, habits, beliefs, and behavior. Our sitting President, the flapjack head, knows its power. We need instant gratification.<br />
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<b>5)</b> <b>Fans are irrational </b>- For some reason fans think they dictate "the way the game should be played." This entitlement or right to say how a player should play or live out their career came from a misplaced sense of ownership. A ticket doesn't suddenly get you at the table to discuss the business of a franchise. It gets you into the arena. Before we get all in a huff about this idea (fans = revenue), lets look at a career defining moment for LBJ that could help illustrate my point - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHSLw8DLm20" target="_blank">The Decision</a>.<br />
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No one had done what James did so publicly to a city or franchise. He set up a televised press conference and infamously burned Cleveland with "I am taking my talents to south beach." OK. If you were kind of on the fence before about LBJ, you had to go on side or the other at that moment... A lot of fans took to anger and burned his jerseys, quickly forgetting that the same player brought their franchise back to relevance in a very short timeframe with little help. How irrational is that? Fans don't own the players and never will. The marketplace owns them. LeBron didn't make a power move at the draft like other superstars (ala Kobe). He stuck with his hometown, something he did not have to do.<br />
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Imagine you are at a company where you are spread so thin that you are working overtime and everyone that surrounds you in below average. You carry their workload. And finally, you live in a crappy city. The competition sees your value. They make overtures to you with more money, a better city, and better talent. You are going to stay right? The grass is literally greener on the other side, but you will remain loyal. Stay strong and true... LIKE. HELL. YOU. ARE.<br />
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LeBron had to make a decision, win now, get paid, or stick it out in Cleveland and become a "what could have been." Its all about the titles for him. Check this out - before LBJ was drafted in 2003, Cleveland last made the playoffs in 1997 and were bounced in the first round. They hadn't made a conference final since MJ took them down in 1992, which was only their second time ever reaching it. Look at James' timeline below:<br />
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2004 - Drafted, ROY. Finish 5th with a .427 win % - up 3 spots from 8th, .22 better win %, +18 more wins than the previous year. A significant pump.<br />
2005 - Finish 4th, up one spot, .512, +7 more wins<br />
2006 - 2nd, Lose in 7 in the conference semifinals, .610, +8 wins<br />
2007 - Swept in NBA finals<br />
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He took them to an NBA finals in his 4th year and averaged 40+ mins on average. He did that with Ilgauskas, Gooden, Larry Hughes, Sash Pavlovic, Daniel Gibson, Eric Snow, and Varejao (included these players as they started most game and averaged +20 mins a game). Fans in Cleveland burned LeBron's jersey? Their best player... like ever...<br />
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He stuck around till 2010 and things didn't really improve in terms of upgrading the roster. I can totally see why LBJ left and why fans feel betrayed, but be real here. You are dating a 6 and getting by and then a 10 drops a note on your desk and says she and her friend are interested in you (yes, I am looking at you Wade and Bosh). What isn't to like?! He was in Free Agency. Up to him. Not Fan Agency. So buy your <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/5151660-155/stayward-billboard-urging-gordon-hayward-to" target="_blank">billboards</a> hoping to entice a player to stay, but the chance to win and make more money at the same time wins out.<br />
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____________</div>
Hate LeBron. He doesn't know you:<br />
<br />
<em style="background-color: white; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT1jgFZZryE" style="background-color: transparent; color: #3f05e0; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;">"All the people that </a>were rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day, they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today. They have the same personal problems they had today. I’m going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want to do with me and my family and be happy with that. They can get a few days or a few months or whatever the case may be on being happy about not only myself, but the Miami Heat not accomplishing their goal. But they have to get back to the real world at some point."</em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></em>
<em style="background-color: white; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2010/08/lebron_james_can_see_himself_p.html" style="background-color: transparent; color: #3f05e0; cursor: pointer; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration-color: inherit;">"Cleveland fans are awesome,</a> but I mean, even my family gets spoiled at times watching me doing things that I do, on and off the court."</em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></em>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #3f05e0; cursor: pointer; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration-line: none;"><a href="http://www.nba.com/celtics/playoffs2008/recap051408-cavaliers-game5.html" style="background-color: white; color: #3f05e0; cursor: pointer; font-family: "Proxima Nova", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration-line: none;">"A LeBron James team is never desperate."</a></em><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-10522416578912232262017-03-22T18:29:00.000-07:002017-07-04T21:06:34.116-07:00Be the HammerWhere I currently work there are hammers all over the office. They are all <a href="https://www.grainger.com/product/4YR62?gclid=CLz4orr2ldICFYmffgodwv8BfQ&cm_mmc=PPC:GOOGLEPLAA-_-Hand%20Tools-_-Hammers%20and%20Striking%20Tools-_-4YR62&AL!2966!3!166596380534!!!g!71848095679!&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!166596380534!!!g!71848095679!&ef_id=WJHx3QAAADWQMqlp:20170217005752:s">ball pein hammer</a>s. Not that is significant. Just a detail. And the devil is in the details... Anyway, there are these hammers all over the office. In the conference room, my desk, and on the front couch. All over. There is even one that looks like a mini <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mjolnir_(comics)">Thor hammer</a> (which is not a ball pein hammer), but with an 1800's twist on it. So it really only looks like Thor's hammer in that it has a really square head.<br />
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I work for a technology software company. I don't work at welding shop. What's with the hammers?<br />
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Its an analogy my boss uses.<br />
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You see, people want to have nail guns. It's faster, more powerful, sleek, and efficient. However, most of the time people don't need a nail gun. People don't need one to build a bird house. People don't have the skill for a nail gun. It can be a little more technical. It really means go to work and roll up your sleeves. A lot of problems seem to work themselves out if you just go to work.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-82305873291038729822017-03-15T18:31:00.000-07:002017-03-15T18:31:33.514-07:00Delegating - A True LeaderA great leader is often portrayed as doing something amazing all on their own. They defied the odds, overcame adversity, bested the competition, and seemingly all on their own. We laud these folks for their wit and praise them for their intellect. Books and magazine articles are written about them; movies are made in their honor. The story is much more compelling to tell it from just one side - the individual side. The feats of a single actor against the world is the stuff that legends were made of.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.remotedevice.net/vla/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/man-on-wire-documentary-sept-11-james-marsh-500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.remotedevice.net/vla/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/man-on-wire-documentary-sept-11-james-marsh-500.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philippe Petit walking between Twin Towers 1974</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There seems to be some confusion as to what "leading from the front" really means. At least, there was some confusion for me. I thought that being a leader meant you had to do it all. To figure it out on your own and solve the challenges quickly. This is a recipe for overloading and disastrous failure.<br />
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Imagine you are Philippe Petit (in the above picture) walking a tight rope hundreds of feet up in the air over New York City. There is no safety harness; just you and 1" steel wire and a balancing pole. To successfully navigate the potential dangers that can befall you (namely falling) you must remain totally focused and in control. However, there are external circumstances that remain out of your control, like the wind.<br />
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Notice that Philippe (and you, as you are imagining yourself as Philippe) has a balancing pole. This is essential to his/your crossing. Without this pole, you are less stable and more susceptible to falling to your instant crushing death. Philippe had trained for this moment. He was skilled and able. He may have wanted to attempt this expedition without the balancing pole (I don't know... I didn't finish the 6 hr documentary), but he did not fall prey to his pride. He didn't let hubris get in the way.<br />
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A leader must be willing to distribute the weight and responsibility. It can be uncomfortable to see this carried so far from the center, but it is for his own benefit. This delegation of power is what keeps him safe and in check. He can quickly alter his approach as he has become one with his extensions. For the balance pole is merely an extension of his arms.<br />
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I was taught this lesson not too long ago. I was asked to coordinate a couple moves for some individuals needing help. I asked for some help, but not enough. A member of my crew called up some dedicated volunteers to assist us. This was a gentle reminder that leaders do not have to muscle through things all on their own. The best leaders allow other to pitch in and help. The best leaders let others grow and succeed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-86630466221704492592017-03-08T13:42:00.000-08:002017-03-08T13:42:08.043-08:00Battery Life = My LifeIts common to be addicted to your smartphone. Now, I don't know wether that makes you want to laugh or cry.... or keep with status quo. Its like smoking was in the early 1900s.<br />
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I remember the first time when I felt that having a smartphone was a necessity. I was in college and I remembered I hadn't submitted an assignment to a professor. I looked up his email as I was rushing home and I was able to quickly state my case (some kind of BS) and get the assignment in later that day. Search the internet, get an email, email, day saved. SOLD.<br />
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Since that time, I carry it with me where ever I go. I have more apps than time to use them. Its a problem. I dream about my phone falling to the ground and shattering. That is my nightmare. A freaking phone. I have phantom buzzing in my pocket - where I think I have a text message, but I don't.<br />
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<a href="http://images1.the-daily.buzz/uploads/2016/03/ios_611_battery-issue.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images1.the-daily.buzz/uploads/2016/03/ios_611_battery-issue.jpeg" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
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A central part of my addiction is feeding my addiction. And in order to do that, my phone has to stay alive. I HAVE to conserve battery. A well known fact, probably more well known than the 8th continent, is that iPhone have crappy battery lives. I have had to pretty inventive in conserving my battery. Airplane mode, turning off location settings, constantly on low battery mode, and now <a href="http://notebookspec.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/5-ios8.jpg">grayscale</a>. Its amazing. I look at phone that has ZERO color. I don't use maps in real time... I take screen shots of directions... Sad!<br />
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I am not alone. There are entirely separate products to extend the iPhone's battery life. I have seen cases that are actually just big batteries and portable chargers. There are entire online forms detailing out strategies and best practices for extending battery life. That's how I learned mine. But phones have become so vital to our society.<br />
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I was hosting a client just this last month. I hadn't fully charged my phone and we were to meet up with some other folks from the company. Just as I was initiating a call, my phone died. WTF. I had to leave the client and sprint back to my car to get a charge. There was really no way to get a hold of them otherwise. I don't have numbers memorized.<br />
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Last example of how the phone has taken on a new meaning in my life - money. I can now deposit checks, pay for a sandwich, or pay a friend all with my phone.<br />
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So yeah, I'll keep using these strategies to preserve my battery and hopefully it also helps me beat my addiction... because the more I use, the faster it dies.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-19598769897511606312017-03-07T13:29:00.001-08:002017-03-07T13:30:18.873-08:00The New Woman - Animated Films Battle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/819955513718779905/DY4UfMVj_400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/819955513718779905/DY4UfMVj_400x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Snow White<br />
Sleeping Beauty<br />
Cinderella<br />
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Themes: Damsel in distress, helpless, women are the enemy, man overcomes and saves the woman<br />
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There has been a seismic shift since these early films. Women have taken on a more meaningful role outside of the home. These old school movies were perpetuating a way of conformity for boys and girls. Now we find movies where these previous stereotypes and themes are debunked. This was a gradual change. Look at Beauty and The Beast or Aladdin. Its been a long time coming.<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have been watching more animated movies as of late. I love them. No shame here. However, I have noticed an even more stark change in the message we are now presented with. Its exactly opposite of previous themes. Look at the below films and their female lead solo song. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Movie - Character - Song</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Zootopia - Judy Hopps - Try Everything (yeah, Shakira sang it, but its her jam too!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Trolls - Princess Poppy - I will get back up again </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moana - Moana - How Far I'll go</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All of these movies portray a strong female that overcame great obstacles and doubts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Judy chose to be a police officer as a bunny. No small feat. She did this despite her species, her family's doubt, and leaderships hope that she would fail. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Poppy went to rescue her people from a people who would EAT her. She turned hate into love. No small feat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Moana sailed an open ocean, faced a demi-god, Demonic coconuts, a massive singing crab, and an angry volcano. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is the themes now: strong woman, teamwork, able to accomplish anything, hope</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This message makes me excited for next generation, who grew up singing:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wanna try everything<br />I wanna try even though I could fail<br />I won’t give up, no I won’t give in<br />Till I reach the end<br />And then I’ll start again</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Or </span><br />
<span style="background-color: whitesmoke;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm not giving up today</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">There's nothing getting in my way</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">And if you knock knock me over</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">I will get back up again</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">OR </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">See the line where the sky meets the sea it calls me</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">And no one knows, how far it goes</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">One day I'll know, how far I'll go</span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-91087884463451585302017-03-01T21:20:00.000-08:002017-03-01T21:20:00.219-08:00The Break InWe very recently had our home broken into. It was a horrible experience of an invasion of privacy and security. Our home no longer feels like our home. It doesn't feel safe. It doesn't feel like our home. I wish this never happens to you. However, I want to share what I learned from this experience so you can act in a better way.<br />
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Before:<br />
1) Write down the serial numbers for all of you valuable possessions. Seriously. Especially guns. The more info you can give police, the better.<br />
2) Enable tracking locations on your electronic devices. Apple products have built in apps for this and they are extremely valuable.<br />
3) Always deadbolt your locks; no matter how long you will be gone.<br />
4) Put guns and valuables, that are not needed immediately, in a safe. And if the safe doesn't weigh 1,000 lbs, it probably a good idea to have that safe bolted down to the floor.<br />
5) Password protect all devices and online accounts with good passwords.<br />
6) Doesn't hurt to keep your receipts of expensive items for insurance purposes.<br />
7) Assess the security needs of your residence.<br />
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Find whatever practicality you can from this list and my suggestions are not inclusive.<br />
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After:<br />
1) Call the police.<br />
1a) Create an action plan for you to follow. It will be hard to be calm, but a checklist can help you prioritize and make smart decisions.<br />
2) If you electronic devices are stolen - change all of your passwords. Emails, Credit Cards, Banking, etc. If you were connected to any account online, change the passwords.<br />
2a) Another part of this is to end all other open browsing sessions you may have open. However, you can use this to potentially track down the thief. More on that below.<br />
3) If you have an Apple product stolen, report it to Apple Support and track the hell out of the device. Enable a notification when it comes online and enable locking the damn thing. Do not ask to erase the device right away. If you do decide to erase the device, as soon goes online it will begin the erasing process and you'll only be able track the location for just 24 hrs.<br />
4) You can check classified ads and go to pawn shops... but really... get back to life....<br />
5) Take a good inventory check. No sense in rushing your list of reported items.<br />
<br />
SO... Here is what I did.<br />
<br />
The only thing we could track was my MacBook Air. I went a little crazy and enabled basically all "Find My Phone" settings on the app - notify me, play a sound, display a message (I should have said, "Lost MacBook. Reward given. No cops." instead of saying, "$%#@ you! Thief."), erase (mistake.. maybe?), etc. If I had the chance, I would have locked it and had it notify me of the location. I played it safe, assuming that I would never have the chance to get my MacBook and chose erase, which trumps all other options.<br />
<br />
About a week after the fact I began to think more deeply about the laptop. It had to be accessed soon, right! Sure enough, a week later, I got an email notifying me that my laptop had been erased. It came in around 2 AM. My mind was racing. The erase option didn't give me a location. I began to do a little more research.<br />
<br />
Remember above, where I said you can end other browsing sessions? Well, I knew I had open browsing sessions of Gmail on my laptop, but I had gone and logged into my work computer, my phone, and all over the place that tracking browsing sessions to an unknown IP address was impossible. However, I had not accessed my Dropbox (DP) in quite awhile and it was only installed on that MacBook (MB) air.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf94mwhjVmS8VoHww7eoGNUs5LZHnM5yHQrn2Yd9qMtqafqy5Hi1QHel5DxvERNesUXZwlQB8T5byHAqGNJi14WYyOCLdzhCIWBGnpT7YHc7i49RX1mZE8TV6r8lrwIYWDrUk2Lu1BOgc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-08+at+10.26.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf94mwhjVmS8VoHww7eoGNUs5LZHnM5yHQrn2Yd9qMtqafqy5Hi1QHel5DxvERNesUXZwlQB8T5byHAqGNJi14WYyOCLdzhCIWBGnpT7YHc7i49RX1mZE8TV6r8lrwIYWDrUk2Lu1BOgc/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-08+at+10.26.40+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dropbox last browsing session</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here were my assumptions, I still don't know if they are true:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) My MB had been accessed. How they did it, I do not know. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) Even though I chose to erase my MB, my DP application was still in place. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) My home IP address hasn't been changed for a while.... or rather, before or after the break-in. Meaning, if my MB had accessed the internet from a new IP, I would know where it was. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I looked in my settings in DP and saw my last browsing session was from a different IP address than those that I knew, my heart began to race. I looked up the IP address (<a href="http://www.iptrackeronline.com/index.php?ip_address=75.169.11.69">75.169.11.69</a>).</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1MDajg_Wkf7Bb2EcGzK8RgqwclemNXrNkMHHUwa1rDj-2vV-aMaedrJIw6L6ZIw-QhcVkpoCL3xCfPWLltiVPNyaO_n8Tjqhb8VvM5CQsPN8Q7WitZxFrjTyOXRi-Ebl6tB3KkDpybc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-08+at+10.35.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1MDajg_Wkf7Bb2EcGzK8RgqwclemNXrNkMHHUwa1rDj-2vV-aMaedrJIw6L6ZIw-QhcVkpoCL3xCfPWLltiVPNyaO_n8Tjqhb8VvM5CQsPN8Q7WitZxFrjTyOXRi-Ebl6tB3KkDpybc/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-02-08+at+10.35.07+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The address associated with the IP address</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Kearns, UT. Now, you ask yourself, what are am I going to do? If these are the people who stole my stuff, they know where I live. If they are willing to break into my home, what else are they willing to do? Plus, I am not a techie. I don't even know 100% this is real. Plus, I am not some tough guy who is going to break legs...Then, the next morning hits me in the opposite direction.<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24S0eTuhXorwC_6Di6JjJhoLKVPHuxQNsLFbTV8kWRZuI7ZIQdirCeBd3NY1P7m0SvB4JiaInaOpAZLwVk_RScIF2hyMhXVUu36D4OTDF77W8DC9uz5_IFTwHITWVFHIWhTNdDEWPABM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-11+at+7.40.58+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24S0eTuhXorwC_6Di6JjJhoLKVPHuxQNsLFbTV8kWRZuI7ZIQdirCeBd3NY1P7m0SvB4JiaInaOpAZLwVk_RScIF2hyMhXVUu36D4OTDF77W8DC9uz5_IFTwHITWVFHIWhTNdDEWPABM/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-11+at+7.40.58+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Beehive+Elementary+School/@40.6497691,-112.0149545,3a,75y,358.13h,84.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sRA4GSuXerNP7KI5LgTAwVA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x87528dc6fcbe5147:0x6ea308059edaba29!8m2!3d40.6484005!4d-112.0144048!6m1!1e1">Google Maps</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again, in the wee hours of the morning, I get a notification that my MB has been found. I don't see this until the morning. Its located just south of Liberty Park. I know the area as I have played softball at that park. It give me an approximate location. I do nothing. I go to work. I haven't thought this far ahead. I never thought I would find my stuff again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFTZ1kUjlD50n-XZofodHnZNqvIlgYMFkGmaG21PyXXp1z9hHqEXIGX8rbSBY8miNjrHEyaFbR_QgI7P1Y1DCglfGVGDNNjTA7yAQ8vS4XhiQNzmj5DfHCnuVKUP0M3URoPCU9x-jVQs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-11+at+7.47.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFTZ1kUjlD50n-XZofodHnZNqvIlgYMFkGmaG21PyXXp1z9hHqEXIGX8rbSBY8miNjrHEyaFbR_QgI7P1Y1DCglfGVGDNNjTA7yAQ8vS4XhiQNzmj5DfHCnuVKUP0M3URoPCU9x-jVQs/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-11+at+7.47.34+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I turn on the notification again and....<br />
<br />
Boom. In the afternoon I get another notification that it is in the same place! So... I call the cops on our case...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdlPm12NPH261dmoWEXjE3Fm6WuFuXethKVDbHkIjpLFxRlYdLwZaP-1tyf_50sPqCvM7P-sgnQ1vruwVXxeA-91LrKeBC7gMaxJEBHz2jhXLms7TtB6BQnXCC4UROmfk3JWovzwtJiY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-09+at+3.03.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdlPm12NPH261dmoWEXjE3Fm6WuFuXethKVDbHkIjpLFxRlYdLwZaP-1tyf_50sPqCvM7P-sgnQ1vruwVXxeA-91LrKeBC7gMaxJEBHz2jhXLms7TtB6BQnXCC4UROmfk3JWovzwtJiY/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-02-09+at+3.03.47+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Who refer me to the SLC PD, as its in their jurisdiction. I call them and they let me know their policy is to assist in the recovery and it isn't prioritized. Fine. By this time the laptop has been online and tracked 20 or so mins. I can actually see that the battery is running low.<br />
<br />
I am unfortunately 30 minutes away from the location. I drive like a mad man and I call the SLC PD again when I am close. They let me know that it could be a minute. At this point in the story you have probably picked up on a pattern. Hindsight is 20/20.<br />
<br />
I wait for the cops for an hour. I get it. They have other stuff going on... domestic disputes, drugs, whatever... We knock on the persons door and surprise surprise no one is home. I kind of kick myself that I waited. I should have pounced when I had the chance - before reality sunk in. I must tell you, when I was notified of the location and was headed to it, I was so amped. I was so so high.... Then it crashed just as quickly with a knock on the front door of a tiny green house, with barking dogs in the window, and only street parking provided.<br />
<br />
By this point I realize that this search is coming to a close. There are too many unknowns. The device is no longer online. I cannot track the computer again in a few short hours. The person, who accessed the computer, could very well be the person who stole it from me (which creates a number of problems). And finally, the accuracy of the location is not as exact as phones.<br />
<br />
I dropped the case. It was so much of a roller coaster of emotions and energy spent, that I felt it was time to move on. Was I going to sit in the neighborhood until the person got home? Confront them? Part of me still wants to. The part of me that thinks I was robbed by someone in Kearns, who pawned my stuff, and then bought by someone who lives on Sherman Ave in SLC.<br />
<br />
You're probably screaming at the screen right now! You want justice. How can I be letting this go? I think it is part of our nature to expect a resolution, to demand payment, that justice is served. Sometimes it doesn't work out that way. Sometimes, the bad guy/gal gets away. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-2728546132614461422017-02-28T19:39:00.001-08:002017-02-28T19:39:20.728-08:00Book Review: The Checklist ManifestoTHE main point - Humans make mistakes and we live in a complex world. So humans need checklists to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency. Checklists save lives.<br />
<br />
The author uses examples from his medical experience, where people used informal checklists to save lives and begin to use checklists cut down on health issues. Checklists are used in aviation, construction, and as previously mentioned, health care. He pointed out to keep checklists concise, simple, and have an opportunity to have feedback with the team- a time to discuss before you begin the process. It is an easy read and has some great stories.<br />
<br />
I found spiritual meaning in the book as well (this will be a very different post from most).<br />
<br />
If I had to summarize what I feel the gospel of Jesus Christ is about, it is to become a new person, to be born again, to be changed. That is an individual and complex process - a lifelong one at that. However, there are daily, weekly, monthly, etc. checklists to adhere to. There is a correct way to live the gospel or at least there are guideposts that help a person be efficient in changing.<br />
<br />
I know what you must be thinking, "...efficiency in the gospel? This is not a secular mater! You can't process design this." I would agree with you. This isn't about making it secular or taking the spiritual side out of it. This is not a A, B, C kind of deal. You don't check the boxes and move on and suddenly you aren't the carnal man that you were before. Not suggesting that here. What I am suggesting is that Christ is the way, the truth, and he has provided the best way to return to him. The only way to return to him. We should not be a letter of the law kind of a person. We cannot look past the mark. Obedience is essential to the gospel, but the why behind the obedience is more important than the duty of following.<br />
<br />
We can go to self help books all we want. We can try to re-invent what he taught. Eventually, we will see that his is the only way. But he has taken the guess work out of it for us. For example:<br />
<br />
Commandments/Covenants = Checklists<br />
Discussion = Prayer, Sunday School, Classes, Family Home Evening, PPIs, etc.<br />
Aids = Prophets/Technology<br />
Resources = Scriptures<br />
<br />
I see no harm in doing a little evaluation of oneself. Have I read my scriptures today and prayer to God? Have I gone to the temple? This is an OK framework to have in mind. It's not perfect, but I think if nothing else a checklist would better help me in my commitment to God.<br />
<br />
Look, I am not expert on this. Far from it. But I think we can find spiritual nuggets out of the best books.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-13871582657970729172017-02-22T08:12:00.000-08:002017-02-22T08:12:00.445-08:00How?<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"I shall pass this way but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can bestow on any living person, let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again." - Stephen Grellet</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">How do you really get to this point in life? </span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-58635441274606653982017-02-15T14:38:00.000-08:002017-02-15T14:38:00.197-08:00Things that can end a marriage<br />
<ol>
<li>Deciding on where to eat </li>
<ul>
<li>The most contentious moment you can have in a marriage. You though money would be on here? No. This is worse. Imagine driving around, suggesting places, but nothing sticks. "I don't care" doesn't actually mean that. </li>
</ul>
<li>Doing laundry </li>
<ul>
<li>You do it wrong. Even if you think you are doing it right. From sorting to folding, you suck. So give up. </li>
</ul>
<li>Cleaning the house</li>
<ul>
<li>See above</li>
</ul>
<li>Driving anywhere </li>
<ul>
<li>See above</li>
</ul>
<li>Shopping</li>
<ul>
<li>Unless you like looking at things you won't buy</li>
<li>Unless you save money by spending money</li>
</ul>
<li>Gifts </li>
<ul>
<li>It actually is a competition</li>
</ul>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-85799703663026665362017-02-10T21:03:00.000-08:002017-02-10T21:03:07.453-08:00Paradigms and Realities 👨"He may be a waste of talent... That is the first time I said that."<br />
<br />
👷<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"What?! He is the greatest player on the planet!"</span></i><br />
<br />
👨"What do you mean greatest? That could mean a lot of things... best statistically? That's James Harden. Most valuable player? That's.."<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;">👷</span><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"That you would choose him to start your team with. That he is the best player on the court. Defensively, he can shut you down. Offensively you can't stop him! His ability to go to the hoop..."</span></i><br />
<br />
👨"He can't shoot! I've seen him make some athletic moves towards the rim."<br />
<br />
👷<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Who cares if he "can't shoot". He gets to the hoop at will or gets fouled; play to your strength... And 'some athletic moves'?! Are you kidding me?! Where have you been?"</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: red;">___________________________________________</span></i></div>
<br />
👺 Have you ever been in a conversation where you and the other individual are like two ships passing each other in the night? It can be challenging to find a middle ground. To find something that you can agree on. Let's start with the below video. Does LeBron make athletic moves at the rim?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mE295ggKbHU" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
👺 Yes, he does make athletic moves to the rim. Yes, he does with out a doubt and has been for a very long time. The man fell out of bed and was able to spring off the basketball floor like he was on a trampoline. Suddenly, we can disregard frivolous comments, like "waste of talent" or "some". The viewer and average basketball fan cannot say that LeBron James is a waste. That is both an abomination and a lie. A waste of talent would be the guy who had all the talent and then... wasted it...See how valuable it is to have this common understanding that LeBron is extremely athletic. Now how do we move forward here? We really can go anywhere now. The world of discussion is opened to us.<br />
<br />
See, previously, 👨 reality was at best faulty. It was incorrect. He was ignorant of facts. True undeniable facts. I have found that ones reality and paradigm, the "facts" that they pay attention to, are valued above universal truths. Take politics for example. A lot of people disliked Obama when he was President and a lot of people dislike President Trump. You can argue with either side until you are blue in the face, but I think it can be a lot more productive if facts are agreed upon. Let's look at two simple facts, that if accepted, could lead to a productive discussion.<br />
<br />
Obama was born in US.<br />
Trump boasted that he was able to sexually assault women.<br />
<br />
However, there are people who exist that do not believe in these truths, these facts. They believe in alternative truths and realities. They perhaps believe that LeBron James is somewhat athletic. They probably believe that Trump is not a douche bag. I would argue (a linear argument) that if you can't accept that LeBron is athletic, it's pretty hard to have a discussion on who is the greatest current NBA player. Same goes for politics. If you don't think Trump is a douche bag, it's pretty hard to have a discussion on why his leadership style is terrible.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-13503375615068041962017-02-05T20:38:00.000-08:002017-02-07T12:59:51.635-08:00Conservatism and MormonsimThe genesis of this post came from a Sunday school lesson where I had been asked a question that had never been posed to me before - Why is conservatism, free market capitalism, being a republican, woven into the fabric of the doctrine and lifestyle of being a Mormon? It seems like those are ideologies and the Mormon faith are one in the same.<br />
<br />
I have hesitated to write about my faith. It's something that is sacred and personal; not something that I would want to be mocked. Religion is a individual relationship with God. However, I don't see this topic as much doctrinal as I see this as a historical investigation of the beginning of my faith.<br />
<br />
There is an underlying dogma and unwritten order of things that pertain The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (The Church). Leaders of The Church have an extraordinary amount of influence on members and the perception of The Church to the world. I believe that some of this conservative ideology is scripturally found, but also heavily influenced by early Church members experiences and leaders philosophies.<br />
<br />
Take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm not a theologian, historian, or political expert. I even cite wikipedia.<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Roots of Conservatism</span></h2>
The Restoration of the Gospel came at a time of great religious fever, referred to as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Great_Awakening" target="_blank">Second Great Awakening</a>. It was also on the heels of a new nation. It was a time of <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/journey_intro.html" target="_blank">exploration</a>, endless possibilities, new beginnings, and birth of <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/us/25.asp" target="_blank">American industry</a>. And it was a nation which was led by Christians. This is the environment where we find the <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/church-history-in-the-fulness-of-times-student-manual/chapter-two-joseph-smiths-new-england-heritage?lang=eng" target="_blank">Prophet Joseph Smith</a>. He was a son to a <a href="http://josephsmithpapers.org/person/joseph-smith-sr" target="_blank">merchant</a> turned farmer, who faced several failures, but was able to provide for his family due to a free market. Joseph was shown hard work first hand. Farming is a great teacher of humility, faith, business, and economics. If you don't work hard, you don't eat. If you don't have a risk management plan (a drought hits, crops die) you are going to pay the price.<br />
<br />
The very foundation of our nation was continuing to be forged and laid as Joseph grew up. It was a time of exploration and expansion. Fortunes won off the back of ingenuity and opportunity. This undoubtedly shaped him and his personal ideology. The boy Prophet would later become the leader of the Restored Church and a whole host of members, who were heavily influenced by his thoughts and leadership.<br />
<br />
These early members of The Church were largely from Europe and had come to a place where the old rules did not apply. They saw others make a good living out on their own and followed suit. These members were pioneers; one who goes forward. And in order to go forward, as they would as they were forced out from town to town, they would have to be entrepreneurial. They built beautiful cities out of swamps and unwanted land. They forged a path through hardship and prospered (for the most part). They saw the fruits from their labors. The Church was the center of their lives. It was their social outlet and sometimes its education.<br />
<br />
This idea of industry was backed by scripture, from the Bible to the Book of Mormon. There are multitudes of examples of those working hard and remaining faithful that then are blessed.<br />
<br />
From the <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203806504577179303330474134" target="_blank">Bible</a>: The parable of the talents. The story of Job. Even the commandment of keeping the sabbath day holy invokes followers to work the other six days. This is with the understanding that Christians do not become greedy and are willing to give it all up for the Lord.<br />
<br />
From the Book of Mormon: Nephi explicitly states that his people were "industrious, and to labor with their hands". Amulek was a man of great worth. The Jaredites "were exceedingly industrious, and they did buy and sell and traffic one with another, that they might get gain... And never could be a people more blessed than were they...". Adam Smith would have said 'Amen' to that.<br />
<br />
The most sacred reading material endorsed a capitalist approach of fending for ones self and profiting from it; even being blessed by the Lord for it! This is still taught today. In the most basic Sunday School classes members are taught the principles of work and the blessing from it. This is something I believe in and have experienced first hand.<br />
<br />
I must note that greed and envy, which is often associated with capitalism and the free market, is not condoned. There are plenty of examples in the both scriptural texts that forbid it. This is best taught by the Savior in his conversation with the rich <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/10.21?lang=eng#20" target="_blank">man</a>. In fact, sharing wealth is a doctrine of The Church and Gospel of Christ. A central mission of The Church is to <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/caring-for-the-poor-and-needy?lang=eng" target="_blank">give to the poor and needy</a>. "Even as ye have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Christians are commanded to help the poor.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The early leaders</span> of The Church put a lot of stock into this economic thinking and freedom and even created their own <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEMZZUMRHAg" target="_blank">currency</a> and <a href="http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Kirtland_Economy" target="_blank">bank</a> in the late 1830's. This failed and almost ruined The Church. The early Church also tried the Law of Concentration, which draws rough secular parallels to socialism. While this ultimately failed as well, this is how the true order of God's Kingdom will be established, to ensure that there are no poor among His people. The early members of the restored church believed in creating and participating in an economy.<br />
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Joseph Smith would also announce that he would run for President of the U.S. in 1844. Church members were encouraged to<a href="https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V03N03_19.pdf" target="_blank"> proselyte on his behalf and donate to his campaign</a>. His platform was: "principles of liberty
and equal rights, Jeffersonian democracy, free trade, and sailors' rights, and the protection of person and property..." Joseph also advocated for the "abolition of slavery, the establishment
of a national bank, the adoption of a "judicious tariff," a reduction in the size
of the House of Representatives, economy in government, annexation of Texas
and Oregon, reform of the penal system, elimination of courts martial, and
granting of power to the President to suppress mobs without waiting for a
request from state governors." That is a range! These views were shaped by his experiences with local governments that didn't protect him or his people. This was an ambitious undertaking and one that would not be fulfilled. Joseph would be martyred that same year. There is some speculation as to how serious he was about following through with running for President.<br />
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These early failures would be an important learning lesson for the following leaders of The Church, who would take an obscure faith nestled in the Utah Mountains, to a worldwide Church. The ultimate story of the restoration of The Church and early saints is one of entrepreneurship, freedom of religion, and distrust of the government. Shades of principles that conservatives believe in.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Influencing the World</span></h2>
Missionary work has been a pillar of The Church since its creation. It is a principle that Jesus taught and that Latter-Day Saints follow. The effort to spread the gospel has had a secondary effect of spreading an ideology of conservatism. For example, there is an entire arm of The Church that is dedicated to helping its members become employed to become self-reliant in order to provide for their family. A noble and worthy cause.<br />
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The principles of the Gospel are the political views of The Church. These principles are of course what its members study, teach, preach and are encouraged to try and live. It is only natural then for members to adopt those views. It could also be argued that people with a similar viewpoint would be more attracted to these ideas.<br />
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The political views of The Church were put on a larger platform in the 1950's when a Mormon Idaho man named <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyDrC5q6S9o" target="_blank">Ezra Benson</a> served under President Eisenhower as Secretary of Agriculture. This era was during the cold war and communism was highly scrutinized and the number one enemy of the United States. He openly opposed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTDmGt1Pafw" target="_blank">communism and socialism</a>. Ezra Benson would later become the 13th Prophet and President of The Church. He gained notoriety when he condemned socialism and communism and proclaimed that the constitution would hang by a thread. In his presidency, he would preach for preserving the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxu-zw004jc" target="_blank">constitution</a> and fighting for freedom.<br />
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Fast forward to the 2000's. The Church finds itself in a changing landscape. People are much more liberal in their views and what was taboo and unacceptable is now becoming the norm. It's a unique place to stand in for The Church, who now has membership in the tens of millions and is worldwide. Take for instance proposition 8 in California. The Church helped fun a campaign opposing a bill to recognize same sex marriage. The official stance of The Church was never more obvious than when it put down money.<br />
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<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-07-18/how-the-mormons-make-money" target="_blank">Money</a> also can be a sticking point for a lot of folks. When you peel back the curtain and realize The Church has billions of dollars in investments - from cattle to radio to a shopping mall - The Church does it all. How then can it's own members not believe in the value of money. Counter to the slanted view that many see is the arm of The Church that <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2016/06/24/mormon-welfare-program/31091/" target="_blank">helps millions</a> around the world.<br />
<h2>
And....</h2>
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This post isn't complete. You could probably say this isn't even that well written, but I think it helps to put in context of what is happening in our current day.. for about 2% of the US population... The elected President is one of the most unpopular President's to ever take office and won Utah by a landslide. Why? Because he had a (R) by his name. Almost <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/125021/mormons-conservative-major-religious-group.aspx" target="_blank">60%</a> of Mormons identify as Republican or Conservative. Mormons believe strongly in religious freedom, life, limited government, and a free-economy. Think about the past. Think about the doctrine.</div>
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Part of being Mormon is subscribing to this way of thinking.<br />
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______________ Update ______________</div>
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My brother pointed out another fundamental policy that Mormons and conservatives hold dear - abortion. Life, having a body, is one of the most sacred things in Christian faith. It is universally believed in Christianity that we are created by God. Life is divine. This issue alone would convince a person to remain loyal to the Republican platform. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-12543976807713940012017-02-02T19:46:00.000-08:002017-02-02T19:46:54.131-08:00The Diaper ChangeFirst of all, God made us disgusting. He created us to defecate. Why?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YbYWhdLO43Q" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Changing poopy diapers isn't all that bad. I would rather change a dirty diaper then stay up all night with a crying baby. However, on the totem pole of things that are not fun as a parent, its up there. I have a pretty sensitive gag reflex.<br />
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So here is my suggestions:<br />
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Wear a long shirt so you can cover your nose.<br />
Have everything prepared before you get started.<br />
Change it sooner, rather than later.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-32288541151162577652016-12-20T11:33:00.001-08:002016-12-20T11:33:02.686-08:00I am a weirdo. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/olty-DuZFT0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-SzKwUho8XQ" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953898457914983503.post-76980062988438193132016-10-03T21:39:00.001-07:002016-10-03T21:39:20.179-07:00I feel ya...<iframe frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/285842526%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-3eNtW&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589746052311366773noreply@blogger.com0