I'm sitting here on my flight back to SLC, and have been informed that blackberry users get free wifi today.
Thank you android, and Dolphin browser, for letting me change my user client signature to blackberry so I can catch up on my feeds. O:-)
Oh, the cleverness of me!
All that is public knowledge of one Jim Calkins from Utah.
May 11, 2013
Thank you android
May 01, 2013
So awesome, my head asploded
Wait for it...
No, really, wait for it...don't get frightened off by the preview bikini.
Serenity 2, I wish!
No, really, wait for it...don't get frightened off by the preview bikini.
Serenity 2, I wish!
April 18, 2013
Right now
This is the point I am reaching right now:
On a related note: It's funny, my mom keeps asking if I've seen some of the new movies coming out, and it's always a laugh and a "never heard of it" from me. I'm done with paying Hollywood. Oh, Megaplex Theatres, take note: I'm absolutely done paying you, but for an extra 25 cents I can give you some choice words. I'm just about done with Netflix, too, though we'll probably keep it for the kids...
It's not a conspiracy. It's an overall moral degradation.
On a related note: It's funny, my mom keeps asking if I've seen some of the new movies coming out, and it's always a laugh and a "never heard of it" from me. I'm done with paying Hollywood. Oh, Megaplex Theatres, take note: I'm absolutely done paying you, but for an extra 25 cents I can give you some choice words. I'm just about done with Netflix, too, though we'll probably keep it for the kids...
It's not a conspiracy. It's an overall moral degradation.
April 12, 2013
Clarity
Well, I did it. Again. This time, I went the whole shebang: no facebook, and no G+. I miss this. Just putting my thoughts out there for history, not caring about comments or "friends". To clarify, yes, I adore your comments. I have some great friends that challenge my thinking, and I need that. I meant that I'm done fishing for comments. I'm done cyber-stalking. I'm done with the fake relationships that are ruining my real friendships. I'm not quite done with the mindless games, tyvm bombermine.com, but at least I'm down to one. I still have a lot to say, so don't think I'm completely gone. That isn't a promise that it'll end up on here though...
...ha ha, you know I love to hear myself speak...it'll be on here. :)
...ha ha, you know I love to hear myself speak...it'll be on here. :)
October 24, 2011
Lennon knew it
I'm just getting this out there: as the commies reveal themselves in all the Occupy protests, and as the protests get more and more violent each day, will anyone else think to point out to the whiners they're no longer following _Imagine_, and no pays attention to them because of _Revolution_?
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out?
You say you've got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We are doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell is, brother, you'll have to wait
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You'd better free your mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
You ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out?
You say you've got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We are doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell is, brother, you'll have to wait
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You'd better free your mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
You ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow
Emphasis added.
September 15, 2011
A sword
I read this quote at one of my favorite blogs, The Steady Conservative:
"You cannot play with the animal in you without becoming wholly animal, play with falsehood without forfeiting your right to truth, play with cruelty without losing your sensitivity of mind. He who wants to keep his garden tidy doesn’t reserve a plot for weeds.” – Dag Hammarskjold
I was leading a Bible study on Joseph and the temptation he faced from Potiphar’s wife (Gen 39) and in preparing for it I found this quote in a book about Joseph by Charles Swindoll. It hit me as a pretty profound statement; especially that last line. It applies to any sin that we rationalize and justify into our lives. Politics and government are just another segment of our lives and the world we live in. God’s word is God’s word and sin is sin. When we try to rationalize why it is ok to allow abortion, to allow same sex marriages, to rule unfairly outside the rule of law…etc…we are straying from the example that was given to us with Joseph. We are playing with the animal inside us and then are left puzzled…wondering why our society is falling apart. While the answer is staring at us straight in the face."
While I wholly agree with Chris, and really want to highlight this quote and analysis without taking away, I'm still stuck with a dilemma. I believe in being subject to Kings, Presidents, Rulers, and Magistrates in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. I also believe that the founders of this country built the foundation for the most free country this earth has ever seen, and the best chance we have to live peaceably with one another is pointed out in our Declaration of Independence:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."
I'll get to the junction of these two quotes in a minute, but first I want to point out that the quote (within a quote....quoteception?) from Dag, while universal in its principle, really only applies to a moral person or society of persons. Only one who is interested in bettering themselves, or in persuading others toward a train of thought, will really be affected by the strength of Dag's statement. I believe Chris correctly points out that we are currently reaping what we and others have sown, which can also be extrapolated to the seeds we are currently sowing. My/our dilemma stems from our own declaration of self government: my code of morals is entirely different than yours, even those of you who are of the same faith as me. How does freedom prevail, when every single voice in "the governed" is pulling for something different? How can I justify compromise in the law without "reserving a plot for weeds"?
The short answer is, "I can't." What really spurred this post today is a section of Mormon scripture: D&C Section 134, which talks about the Church's views on government. I've been pondering on this section for over a year now, trying to put all this together. I can't say that I will have done it satisfactorily by the end of this post, but if you read that section, you may get a better idea what I'm trying to explain here.
I understand that we need laws to help us all live somewhat peaceably, what I think people forget most is that the enumerated right only claims the pursuit of happiness, not the guarantee of it. We are all going to fight for what we think is the best way to do things, and we will all end up with varying degrees of disappointment - that much is guaranteed. I cannot and will not ever vote for something that I know to be wrong. Do I think it is wrong to "impose my beliefs" on people who disagree? Not anymore. I will never again be cowed into submission by all the big, scary words people use to shut others up. I'll be labeled a racist, bigoted, homophobic (help me out Keith Olbermann) religious zealot, and all the while I'll be thinking, "You say that like it's a bad thing!"
"Wow, Jim, that's quite a jump from D&C 134 to all the crap you just spewed out..." You may right, but I forgot to bring up one little thing: Matthew 10:34-39. I don't mean to be an ass about it, this is just my attempt at boldness. Can we smile and get along nicely when we disagree? Sure. Does that mean I'm going to be steamrolled in the interest of talking nicely to one another? .......no.
If you agree, I hope you find the strength to stand. You're gonna need it.
"You cannot play with the animal in you without becoming wholly animal, play with falsehood without forfeiting your right to truth, play with cruelty without losing your sensitivity of mind. He who wants to keep his garden tidy doesn’t reserve a plot for weeds.” – Dag Hammarskjold
I was leading a Bible study on Joseph and the temptation he faced from Potiphar’s wife (Gen 39) and in preparing for it I found this quote in a book about Joseph by Charles Swindoll. It hit me as a pretty profound statement; especially that last line. It applies to any sin that we rationalize and justify into our lives. Politics and government are just another segment of our lives and the world we live in. God’s word is God’s word and sin is sin. When we try to rationalize why it is ok to allow abortion, to allow same sex marriages, to rule unfairly outside the rule of law…etc…we are straying from the example that was given to us with Joseph. We are playing with the animal inside us and then are left puzzled…wondering why our society is falling apart. While the answer is staring at us straight in the face."
While I wholly agree with Chris, and really want to highlight this quote and analysis without taking away, I'm still stuck with a dilemma. I believe in being subject to Kings, Presidents, Rulers, and Magistrates in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. I also believe that the founders of this country built the foundation for the most free country this earth has ever seen, and the best chance we have to live peaceably with one another is pointed out in our Declaration of Independence:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."
I'll get to the junction of these two quotes in a minute, but first I want to point out that the quote (within a quote....quoteception?) from Dag, while universal in its principle, really only applies to a moral person or society of persons. Only one who is interested in bettering themselves, or in persuading others toward a train of thought, will really be affected by the strength of Dag's statement. I believe Chris correctly points out that we are currently reaping what we and others have sown, which can also be extrapolated to the seeds we are currently sowing. My/our dilemma stems from our own declaration of self government: my code of morals is entirely different than yours, even those of you who are of the same faith as me. How does freedom prevail, when every single voice in "the governed" is pulling for something different? How can I justify compromise in the law without "reserving a plot for weeds"?
The short answer is, "I can't." What really spurred this post today is a section of Mormon scripture: D&C Section 134, which talks about the Church's views on government. I've been pondering on this section for over a year now, trying to put all this together. I can't say that I will have done it satisfactorily by the end of this post, but if you read that section, you may get a better idea what I'm trying to explain here.
I understand that we need laws to help us all live somewhat peaceably, what I think people forget most is that the enumerated right only claims the pursuit of happiness, not the guarantee of it. We are all going to fight for what we think is the best way to do things, and we will all end up with varying degrees of disappointment - that much is guaranteed. I cannot and will not ever vote for something that I know to be wrong. Do I think it is wrong to "impose my beliefs" on people who disagree? Not anymore. I will never again be cowed into submission by all the big, scary words people use to shut others up. I'll be labeled a racist, bigoted, homophobic (help me out Keith Olbermann) religious zealot, and all the while I'll be thinking, "You say that like it's a bad thing!"
"Wow, Jim, that's quite a jump from D&C 134 to all the crap you just spewed out..." You may right, but I forgot to bring up one little thing: Matthew 10:34-39. I don't mean to be an ass about it, this is just my attempt at boldness. Can we smile and get along nicely when we disagree? Sure. Does that mean I'm going to be steamrolled in the interest of talking nicely to one another? .......no.
If you agree, I hope you find the strength to stand. You're gonna need it.
August 03, 2011
Episode IV
Wow...even I haven't been back here for so long that even my browser forgot the address! I guess a little explanation is in order. Less than two weeks after my "poor me" moment, I landed a spectacular job with a small break-off company from Fetzer Architectural Woodwork, which is being called Rocky Mountain Preservation. I can only call this a blessing from on high; it's perfectly suited for my talents, and it has allowed us to begin looking for a house!
What really brought me back here to post today is that I have something to say to someone, but don't know how to say it to them personally. As I think about what I'm trying to say, it actually applies to more than a few people I know...so yes, this is about you. I do not want to say this, because I feel that I'm nowhere near where I should be as an example, and I don't want to prop myself up as if I truly understand. I'm compelled to say it, however, because of my love for you, and my desire for your success; and I don't know how else to help.
Here goes: in my early days of college, Iwas forced to take took a philosophy course. The only thing I remember from that course besides a couple Jeopardy answers was a small bit about Nirvana. This would be the Buddhist version, not the Seattle version. The Buddha described nirvana as the perfect peace of the state of mind that is free from craving, anger, and other afflicting states (straight out of Wikipedia there). My teacher tried to explain that the only way to achieve it is to give up all desires, even the very desire to achieve Nirvana.
Strangely, I can relate to this. We talk a lot in my/our church about bending ourselves to God's will, about not forcing our will upon Him. It's a funny thing to tell a man to pray and ask for blessings, and then to tell him that he shouldn't be asking to change God's will. I kind of have the opinion that me and God are buddies, in a Father-Son way, and that He will generally be looking out for me. If I'm going through a hard time, I know it's not because He's mad that I broke His favorite binoculars or something, I generally figure that I gots me some learnin to do.
Back to the Nirvana bit. I recalled that...recollection...during my insanely brief stint in unemployment, and for some reason or another, it helped me realize that I wasn't truly opening myself up to God's will. I remember the exact night I truly felt I meant it when I said "Thy will be done," and as I said in the beginning of this post, I can only count our current circumstances as a blessing from on high. There is no other explanation that I need.
I didn't reach Nirvana, and I know I'll have to learn this lesson again. But, for a brief moment there, I became as a little child, and listened to my Father.
Now to you, for whom this was written, I say that I don't have it figured out, but I hope this advice helps. Open yourself up, break down your walls - even if they've already been knocked down and steamrolled, take out the foundation. Allow Him build you back up, and I promise it will be better than you hoped for.
What really brought me back here to post today is that I have something to say to someone, but don't know how to say it to them personally. As I think about what I'm trying to say, it actually applies to more than a few people I know...so yes, this is about you. I do not want to say this, because I feel that I'm nowhere near where I should be as an example, and I don't want to prop myself up as if I truly understand. I'm compelled to say it, however, because of my love for you, and my desire for your success; and I don't know how else to help.
Here goes: in my early days of college, I
Strangely, I can relate to this. We talk a lot in my/our church about bending ourselves to God's will, about not forcing our will upon Him. It's a funny thing to tell a man to pray and ask for blessings, and then to tell him that he shouldn't be asking to change God's will. I kind of have the opinion that me and God are buddies, in a Father-Son way, and that He will generally be looking out for me. If I'm going through a hard time, I know it's not because He's mad that I broke His favorite binoculars or something, I generally figure that I gots me some learnin to do.
Back to the Nirvana bit. I recalled that...recollection...during my insanely brief stint in unemployment, and for some reason or another, it helped me realize that I wasn't truly opening myself up to God's will. I remember the exact night I truly felt I meant it when I said "Thy will be done," and as I said in the beginning of this post, I can only count our current circumstances as a blessing from on high. There is no other explanation that I need.
I didn't reach Nirvana, and I know I'll have to learn this lesson again. But, for a brief moment there, I became as a little child, and listened to my Father.
Now to you, for whom this was written, I say that I don't have it figured out, but I hope this advice helps. Open yourself up, break down your walls - even if they've already been knocked down and steamrolled, take out the foundation. Allow Him build you back up, and I promise it will be better than you hoped for.
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