Obama's response to the debate.

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Assent -- It's Been A Long Time

I don't really remember the last time I wrote poetry and kept it. Years, probably. But here it is: a Chris A. Peck original, straight out of my brain.

Assent

by Chris A. Peck

Through wind, and hail and rain,

they went

With wings on their feet,

they soar in and out of time;

in and out of space and thought and trouble.

They wield their steed and steel and

pull onward and up.

Up to the peak of reason—

A perfect realization of their pain

and of their suffering

and of their joy.

Is there a need for a God who intervenes?

As Mormons, I think that we have a very unique view of the nature of God. It is different. It is unlike any other that I know of. It is a uniqueness that answers otherwise difficult questions. And I'm not talking about "who am I," "why am I here," and "where am I going." These have answers. Most people understand these answers no matter what religion or personal belief system they have. They may not have it exactly right, but I think they can grasp it easily enough. But what about harder questions?

One of the hardest, I feel, is the question of Evil. Why is there evil in the world. I think, at times, even Mormons have a hard time with this one. Because there is no reason, (when it comes to Gods relationship to it) to have evil. It is not the only way in which we learn or grow, and often times people  don't get the message or lesson. So why do we have it?

I never really though about it until a few years ago, after hearing a talk by Tom Honey. Because his ultimate answer followed what we believe, (or what we should be believing, I think) as Mormons:

“When I stood up to speak to my people about God and the tsunami, I had no answers to offer them. No neat packages of faith with Bible references to prove them. Only doubts and questions and uncertainty. I had some suggestions to make – possible new ways of thinking about God. Ways that might allow us to go on, down a new and uncharted road. But in the end the only thing I could say for sure was I don’t know, and that might just be the most profoundly religious statement of all.”

“But what if God doesn’t act? What if God doesn’t do things at all? What if God is in things? The loving soul of the universe. An indwelling, compassionate presence, underpinning and sustaining all things. …In the infinitely complex network of relationships and connections that make up life. In the natural cycle of life and death, the creation and destruction that happen continuously. In the process of evolution. In the incredible intricacy and magnificence of the natural world In the collective unconscious, the soul of the human race. In you and me, mind and body and spirit, in the tsunami, in the victims. In the depth of things. In presence and in absence. In simplicity and complexity, in change and development and growth. 

This is a key idea. While we don't believe in God being an entity, or the representation of empathy, nature and everything, there is room in our gospel for the idea that God does not act. But there are obvious reasons for this that maybe get passed by in our general thinking or view of our religion. So lets think about it.

Why would God not act? First, there are a few key beliefs that need to be understood. All of these beliefs can be housed under the term "complexities". What if, God worked through complexities? What would this bring about? It would give creation. A creation that is ongoing and old. It would give room for scientific theories. The age of the universe, evolution, these things can be explained as part of this question of evil.

So why is there evil? Because if God stopped one act of evil; if he intervened on the behalf of one innocent child trapped in a trunk, one father stuck in a car during a hurricane, he would be accountable for saving everyone. God cannot show favoritism. God cannot say to one person you deserve life and you do not. We are all his children with an equal amount of love. And so he does not do anything. He lets things take their course and guides and persuades us to a better life style. And if anyone is willing to listen than anyone can hear what he has to say. He has methods of sharing this. Methods we know.

We have freewill. We have our agency. And, for me, that means that there cannot be any direct interference with my choices by God. They are mine. But he can help me to understand choice and consequence in which my decisions can be affected.

There is another reason why he wouldn't step in. One that is at the root of our doctrine. It is what we have faith in. It gives us hope and purpose. It is the condescension of God, "the one," Eugene England says eloquently, "who does not look down in judgment upon us from a physical and moral distance but who literally descends with us into moral pain and suffering and sickness." Because of the atonement, there is no need for a God who intervenes. Only one who understands what we are going through and provides perfect empathy for our benefit and the chance to learn, grow and progress through this life and anything after.

Bike Stats

Exactly a year ago (tomorrow) I have been biking to work and school and just biking around. So, I thought I would post my stats and stuff. So, here they are:

No More Soda, again

Man... I went 7 mo. with no soda and suddenly started drinking it again. So, as I need accountability to do anything, I am officially stating that I am quitting (again) from drinking soda.

Wish me luck.

Sci Fi Quotes

It seems that most quotes that get thrown around that are suppose to inspire come from great literature authors, poets and names that people have heard but now-a-days, barely read. I have some great ones from things I've discovered on my own, in fact. But, looking at them, often times, they seem unobtainable nowadays. This may stem from me not carrying much for cheesy uplifting quotes, but prefer simple truth's and so I steer away from liking those types of quotes, but for now, I want to pull out some awesome quotes from some of my favorite sci fi writers. Ones that I've come across and marveled at whilst reading their works. So here you go. Take your time and enjoy them as I have:


--------------------------------------
“It was a movie about American bombers in World War II and the gallant men who flew them. Seen backwards by Billy, the story went like this: American planes, full of holes and wounded men and corpses took off backwards from an airfield in England. Over France, a few German fighter planes flew at them backwards, sucked bullets and shell fragments from some of the planes and crewmen. They did the same for wrecked American bombers on the ground, and those planes flew up backwards to join the formation.




The formation flew backwards over a German city that was in flames. The bombers opened their bomb bay doors, exerted a miraculous magnetism which shrunk the fires, gathered them into cylindrical steel containers , and lifted the containers into the bellies of the planes. The containers were stored neatly in racks. The Germans below had miraculous devices of their own, which were long steel tubes. They used them to suck more fragments from the crewmen and planes. But there were still a few wounded Americans though and some of the bombers were in bad repair. Over France though, German fighters came up again, made everything and everybody as good as new.


When the bombers got back to their base, the steel cylinders were taken from the racks and shipped back to the United States of America, where factories were operating night and day, dismantling the cylinders, separating the dangerous contents into minerals. Touchingly, it was mainly women who did this work. The minerals were then shipped to specialists in remote areas. It was their business to put them into the ground, to hide them cleverly, so they would never hurt anybody ever again. The American fliers turned in their uniforms, became high school kids. And Hitler turned into a baby.”  --Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-five
-------------------------------------
“A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.” --Kurt Vonnegut, Sirens of Titan
--------------------------------------
“And Lot's wife, of course, was told not to look back where all those people and their homes had been. But she did look back, and I love her for that, because it was so human. So she was turned into a pillar of salt. So it goes.” --Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-five
--------------------------------------
"“Love” is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own." --Robert A. Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land
--------------------------------------
"I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them. I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do." -- Robert A. Heinlein, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
--------------------------------------


"You come and tell me the big news," said Boaz. "'Boaz — ' you say, 'we're going to be free!' And I get all excited, and I drop everthing I'm doin', and I get set to be free.
"And I keep saying it over to myself about how I'm going to be free," said Boaz, "and then I try to think what that's going to be like, and all I can see is people. They push me this way, then they push me that — and nothing pleases 'em, and they get madder and madder, on account of nothing makes 'em happy. And they holler at me on account of I ain't made 'em happy, and we all push and pull some more.
"And then, all of a sudden," said Boaz, "I remember all the crazy little animals I been making so happy so easy with music. And I go find thousands of 'em lying around dead, on account of Boaz forgot all about 'em, he was so excited about being free. And ever' one of them lost lives I could have saved, if I'd have just kept my mind on what I was doing.
"And then I say to myself," said Boaz, "'I ain't never been nothing good to people, and people never been nothing good to me. So what I want to be free in crowds of people for?'
"And then I knew what I was going to say to you, Unk, when I got back here," said Boaz.Boaz now said it:
"I found me a place where I can do good without doing any harm, and I can see I'm doing good, and them I'm doing good for know I'm doing it, and they love me, Unk, as best they can. I found me a home.
"And when I die down here some day," said Boaz, "I'm going to be able to say to myself, 'Boaz — you made millions of lives worth living. Ain't nobody ever spread more joy. You ain't got an enemy in the Universe.'" --Kurt Vonnegut, Sirens of Titan--------------------------------------"Words are the only bullets in truth's bandolier. And poets are the snipers." --Dan Simmons, Hyperion--------------------------------------
“the difference between poets and mystics . . . The mystic nails a symbol to one meaning that was true for a moment but soon becomes false. The poet, on the other hand, sees that truth while it's true but understands that symbols are always in flux and that their meanings are fleeting.” --Neal Stephenson, Anathem
--------------------------------------
“We are all susceptible to the pull of viral ideas. Like mass hysteria. Or a tune that gets into your head that you keep humming all day until you spread it to someone else. Jokes. Urban legends. Crackpot religions. Marxism. No matter how smart we get, there is always this deep irrational part that makes us potential hosts for self-replicating information.” --Neal Stephenson, Snow Crash
--------------------------------------
Those are just some from my favorite authors and books. There are many more but this was getting lengthy and if anyone makes it this far . . . congrats. Maybe next time I'll do funny quotes... here is one for you just for kicks.
“Our opponent is an alien starship packed with atomic bomc,' I said. 'We have a protractor.'
Okay, I'll go home and see if I can scrounge up a ruler and a piece of string.” --Neal Stephenson, Anathem
"I now understand the need for faith--pure, blind, fly-in-the-face-of-reason faith--as a small life preserver in the world and endless sea of a universe ruled by unfeeling laws and totally indifferent to the small, reasoning beings that inhabit it." --Dan Simmons, Hyperion
--------------------------------------
"If there is a true religion in the universe, it must include the truth of contact or be forever hallow." --Dan Simmons, The Rise of Endymion
--------------------------------------
"The essence of human experience lay not primarily in the peak experiences, the wedding days and triumphs which stood out in the memory like dates circled in red on old calendars, but, rather, in the unself-conscious flow of little things--the weekend afternoon with each member of the family engaged in his or her own pursuit, their crossings and connections casual, dialogues imminently forgettable, but the sum of such hours creating a synergy which was important and eternal." --Dan Simmons, Hyperion
--------------------------------------
"Harman realized that he was sobbing-curled, cold, and sobbing-but not sobbing in fear of death or at the imminence of his own loss of everything and everyone, but weaping gratitude that he came from a race that could spawn a man who could write those words, think those thoughts. It almost-almost-made up for the human thought that had conceived, designed, launched, and crewed the submarine behind him with its seven hundred sixty-eight black holes waiting to devour all futures for everyone." --Dan Simmons, Olympos
--------------------------------------
“Nothing is more important than that you see and love the beauty that is right in front of you, or else you will have no defense against the ugliness that will hem you in and come at you in so many ways.” --Neal Stephenson, Anathem
--------------------------------------
“The full cosmos consists of the physical stuff and consciousness. Take away consciousness and it's only dust; add consciousness and you get things, ideas, and time.” --Neal Stephenson, Anathem


--------------------------------------
“We are all susceptible to the pull of viral ideas. Like mass hysteria. Or a tune that gets into your head that you keep humming all day until you spread it to someone else. Jokes. Urban legends. Crackpot religions. Marxism. No matter how smart we get, there is always this deep irrational part that makes us potential hosts for self-replicating information.” --Neal Stephenson, Snow Crash




There are just a few from some of my fav. authors and book. I hope you made it this far. Here is a funny one, just for kicks.




“Our opponent is an alien starship packed with atomic bomc,' I said. 'We have a protractor.'" --Neal Stephenson, Anathem

Sci Fi Quotes

It seems that most quotes that get thrown around that are suppose to inspire come from great literature authors, poets and names that people have heard but now-a-days, barely read. I have some great ones from things I've discovered on my own, in fact. But, looking at them, often times, they seem unobtainable nowadays. This may stem from me not carrying much for cheesy uplifting quotes, but prefer simple truth's and so I steer away from liking those types of quotes, but for now, I want to pull out some awesome quotes from some of my favorite sci fi writers. Ones that I've come across and marveled at whilst reading their works. So here you go. Take your time and enjoy them as I have:


--------------------------------------
“It was a movie about American bombers in World War II and the gallant men who flew them. Seen backwards by Billy, the story went like this: American planes, full of holes and wounded men and corpses took off backwards from an airfield in England. Over France, a few German fighter planes flew at them backwards, sucked bullets and shell fragments from some of the planes and crewmen. They did the same for wrecked American bombers on the ground, and those planes flew up backwards to join the formation.




The formation flew backwards over a German city that was in flames. The bombers opened their bomb bay doors, exerted a miraculous magnetism which shrunk the fires, gathered them into cylindrical steel containers , and lifted the containers into the bellies of the planes. The containers were stored neatly in racks. The Germans below had miraculous devices of their own, which were long steel tubes. They used them to suck more fragments from the crewmen and planes. But there were still a few wounded Americans though and some of the bombers were in bad repair. Over France though, German fighters came up again, made everything and everybody as good as new.


When the bombers got back to their base, the steel cylinders were taken from the racks and shipped back to the United States of America, where factories were operating night and day, dismantling the cylinders, separating the dangerous contents into minerals. Touchingly, it was mainly women who did this work. The minerals were then shipped to specialists in remote areas. It was their business to put them into the ground, to hide them cleverly, so they would never hurt anybody ever again. The American fliers turned in their uniforms, became high school kids. And Hitler turned into a baby.”  --Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-five
-------------------------------------
“A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.” --Kurt Vonnegut, Sirens of Titan
--------------------------------------
“And Lot's wife, of course, was told not to look back where all those people and their homes had been. But she did look back, and I love her for that, because it was so human. So she was turned into a pillar of salt. So it goes.” --Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-five
--------------------------------------
"“Love” is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own." --Robert A. Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land
--------------------------------------
"I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them. I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do." -- Robert A. Heinlein, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
--------------------------------------


"You come and tell me the big news," said Boaz. "'Boaz — ' you say, 'we're going to be free!' And I get all excited, and I drop everthing I'm doin', and I get set to be free.
"And I keep saying it over to myself about how I'm going to be free," said Boaz, "and then I try to think what that's going to be like, and all I can see is people. They push me this way, then they push me that — and nothing pleases 'em, and they get madder and madder, on account of nothing makes 'em happy. And they holler at me on account of I ain't made 'em happy, and we all push and pull some more.
"And then, all of a sudden," said Boaz, "I remember all the crazy little animals I been making so happy so easy with music. And I go find thousands of 'em lying around dead, on account of Boaz forgot all about 'em, he was so excited about being free. And ever' one of them lost lives I could have saved, if I'd have just kept my mind on what I was doing.
"And then I say to myself," said Boaz, "'I ain't never been nothing good to people, and people never been nothing good to me. So what I want to be free in crowds of people for?'
"And then I knew what I was going to say to you, Unk, when I got back here," said Boaz.Boaz now said it:
"I found me a place where I can do good without doing any harm, and I can see I'm doing good, and them I'm doing good for know I'm doing it, and they love me, Unk, as best they can. I found me a home.
"And when I die down here some day," said Boaz, "I'm going to be able to say to myself, 'Boaz — you made millions of lives worth living. Ain't nobody ever spread more joy. You ain't got an enemy in the Universe.'" --Kurt Vonnegut, Sirens of Titan--------------------------------------"Words are the only bullets in truth's bandolier. And poets are the snipers." --Dan Simmons, Hyperion--------------------------------------
“the difference between poets and mystics . . . The mystic nails a symbol to one meaning that was true for a moment but soon becomes false. The poet, on the other hand, sees that truth while it's true but understands that symbols are always in flux and that their meanings are fleeting.” --Neal Stephenson, Anathem
--------------------------------------
“We are all susceptible to the pull of viral ideas. Like mass hysteria. Or a tune that gets into your head that you keep humming all day until you spread it to someone else. Jokes. Urban legends. Crackpot religions. Marxism. No matter how smart we get, there is always this deep irrational part that makes us potential hosts for self-replicating information.” --Neal Stephenson, Snow Crash
--------------------------------------
Those are just some from my favorite authors and books. There are many more but this was getting lengthy and if anyone makes it this far . . . congrats. Maybe next time I'll do funny quotes... here is one for you just for kicks.
“Our opponent is an alien starship packed with atomic bomc,' I said. 'We have a protractor.'
Okay, I'll go home and see if I can scrounge up a ruler and a piece of string.” --Neal Stephenson, Anathem
"I now understand the need for faith--pure, blind, fly-in-the-face-of-reason faith--as a small life preserver in the world and endless sea of a universe ruled by unfeeling laws and totally indifferent to the small, reasoning beings that inhabit it." --Dan Simmons, Hyperion
--------------------------------------
"If there is a true religion in the universe, it must include the truth of contact or be forever hallow." --Dan Simmons, The Rise of Endymion
--------------------------------------
"The essence of human experience lay not primarily in the peak experiences, the wedding days and triumphs which stood out in the memory like dates circled in red on old calendars, but, rather, in the unself-conscious flow of little things--the weekend afternoon with each member of the family engaged in his or her own pursuit, their crossings and connections casual, dialogues imminently forgettable, but the sum of such hours creating a synergy which was important and eternal." --Dan Simmons, Hyperion
--------------------------------------
"Harman realized that he was sobbing-curled, cold, and sobbing-but not sobbing in fear of death or at the imminence of his own loss of everything and everyone, but weaping gratitude that he came from a race that could spawn a man who could write those words, think those thoughts. It almost-almost-made up for the human thought that had conceived, designed, launched, and crewed the submarine behind him with its seven hundred sixty-eight black holes waiting to devour all futures for everyone." --Dan Simmons, Olympos
--------------------------------------
“Nothing is more important than that you see and love the beauty that is right in front of you, or else you will have no defense against the ugliness that will hem you in and come at you in so many ways.” --Neal Stephenson, Anathem
--------------------------------------
“The full cosmos consists of the physical stuff and consciousness. Take away consciousness and it's only dust; add consciousness and you get things, ideas, and time.” --Neal Stephenson, Anathem


--------------------------------------
“We are all susceptible to the pull of viral ideas. Like mass hysteria. Or a tune that gets into your head that you keep humming all day until you spread it to someone else. Jokes. Urban legends. Crackpot religions. Marxism. No matter how smart we get, there is always this deep irrational part that makes us potential hosts for self-replicating information.” --Neal Stephenson, Snow Crash




There are just a few from some of my fav. authors and book. I hope you made it this far. Here is a funny one, just for kicks.




“Our opponent is an alien starship packed with atomic bomc,' I said. 'We have a protractor.'" --Neal Stephenson, Anathem

Day 30 : List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

1. Being a good Dad.
2. Being a good Husband
3. Being a good Brother
4. Being a good Son
5. Being kind
6. Being brave

Anything after this just doesn't seem all that important to me. There are things I want to accomplish, but those are just things. If people think about me after I die. I hope they think those things.

Day 29 : What do you think people misundertand most about you?

Uh... Sometimes I come off a bit strong. Like very opinionated. I think that comes off as angry some times. But really, those things I have strong opinions for I hold a lot of hope that some day soon they will be accepted. I think others, and sometimes myself, forget what I really enjoy and who I really am. I am majoring in Biotech. But I think I would enjoy more, and do better at English or Philosophy. My heart really lies in the beauty of thought and written word. I think I would be completely happy living in a small town, writing, spending summer days farming or riding my bike to the bakery and not worrying about politics, science, of any other issue that plagues us. This is the side of me I don't bring out much. But I like simplicity. I like literature and poetry and thought provoking philosophical ideas. But it seems that nowadays, this kind of living is harder and harder to have. And so, still having a love of science, I follow that path, and leave the other behind. Hidden where most of those that know me have scarcely seen.

Day 28 : What is your love language?

I don't even know what this is asking. . . love language? Like . . . poetry? Nope. I asked Lesa. She said, and I quote, "a love language is like.... the way you like love to be expressed toward you. like, in gifts, physical touch, compliments.... stuff like that."


So, I think mine would be in acts of kindness. Like, the physical showing of love through simple niceties. It's hard to explain. Maybe, knowing that the person you love is doing something for you just because they love you. I guess that is how I try to show that I love someone, at least. And how I see it best. Not sure if that made sense.

Day 27 : What is your favorite part of your body and why?

My legs.

Haha. yeah. I've always biked and ran track, sprinting, etc. I think my legs are pretty well toned and muscled and still slim, so they look good, but also, they are strong and very advantageous to the sports and activities that I generally like to do.

Day 26 : What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?

Wow. There are a lot. I'm opinionated. So . . . we need to be more serious about global warming. There is no debate, and as soon as we can convince our politicians of that than maybe they'd start helping. In fact, I think our politicians should be required to take training on any issue they are going to be passing bills/laws, whatever, for. More scientific literacy really needs to be pushed. That's an issue.

But anyway. There are a lot of people that reject global warming, and I really think that that needs to change. It's ridiculous.

Day 25 : If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

I can't think of anyone... Ugh. Maybe Joseph Smith. I've always admired him and think that he would be just like I have read, and imagine him. Down to earth and a genuinely good and happy guy. I think he is someone I could talk to for hours and never get bored of listening to. Talking about religious, farming, whatever. I think that would be a good meal.

As far as what we'd eat... probably king crab legs, with salmon, sausage, clams, fresh bread, boiled potatoes, broccoli and stewed carrots, with apple cider. Man, I'm hungry.

Day 24 : Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.

Uh... 2 parents. 4 siblings. Lots of fun. Now . . . 2 parents, 2 kids. It actually seems a lot the same. My mom stayed home with us boys, and girl while my dad went to school and worked. Likewise, Lesa stays home while I go to school and work. So... yeah.

Day 23 : List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.

1. Biking -- I enjoy the building of bikes, however, my heart really lies in the ride. I love working on my speed and form and distance. This is how I was when biking downhill, as well. I loved finding new trails, bigger jumps and drops, etc. Now, with road biking, the thrill is the same. Keeping up with cars, flying down hills and pulling off at a stop light, pulling up on the petals as you push down with the other leg. I love biking.

2. Writing -- I haven't kept up with this as much as I should. However, I have always loved writing Science Fiction and sometimes horror. I really need to do this more.

That's about it... all of my other time is spent with kids/wife, school or work.

Day 22 : Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

5 Years: I hope, by then, to have my bachelor's in Biotech, and be working on a PhD at the U of U in their human genetics program. In 5 years I should be about half way done with their program.

10 Years: I think I would want to be working in a lab, researching transgenic-ness. Preferably finding a way to alter human genetics through gene therapy to cure/prevent diseases like Hutchinson's disease.

15 Years: I would want to be teaching at a University. Preferably subjects like Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Bioethics or Genetics. My end goal has always been to teach. I think that would be the best job in the world. I would still be doing research, but academia seems to be where my heart dwells, and has since I can remember. (I've always wanted to teach, the only thing that has changed is the subject).

Day 21 : If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

Easy. I would want to fly! I've always wanted to fly. And the first thing I would do is fly. Probably over Timp, really really high and then just freefall, pulling out of it in a glorious arch over the city. Or... something. I have wanted to fly since I can remember, though.

Day 20: Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

1. When I was . . . 5 or 6 (Not sure), we were on a family vacation to Oregon and then to California. While at California we went to a pool where I stood by the side while my older brother, and cousins played and swam. I remember being jealous that they could swim and I did not know how. My younger (by only 2 months or so) was even swimming. And so, being rebellious and upset, I climbed by my self up a very tall slide, (I at least remember it being tall), and slid down. Nope. Still didn't know how to swim. I popped up gasped, and dipped back down. I felt as though no body knew I was there as I thrashed about, trying to get some air. I was terrified. I did not know where the edge of pool was, where I was and if I'd be able to get back up. I remember being under the water, reaching  up when a hand grabbed mine, dragged me, (only a foot or two) and placed it on the ledge. I was then pulled above the water. There, climbing onto the ledge, and turning around to haul me up was Tim, my older brother. He had seen me, (he was literally the only one that saw what had happened), gotten in the water and pulled me to safety. I remember a very strong feeling of wanting to give him something. Haha. It sounds funny now, but the gratitude I felt as a 5 year old was about more than I could bare. I am still grateful. Who knows what could have happened.

2. Many of my memories are from the woods and forests that we lived near in North Carolina. I really miss them. There just aren't forests like that here in Utah. They were beautiful. We would explore them for hours. Play hid and seek, do dangerous stuff, throw rocks, become snipers and ninjas, build fires, swing from vines, get stung, skin knees, watch the moon, catch fireflies, climb and climb and climb, and fall in love with the world around us. It seems now like something Mark Twain could have written. It gave me a love of nature and of exploring and in my adult life I want my kids to have those same experiences. It has greatly shaped who I am. These truly are some of my favorite memories. I was lucky to have the childhood I had.

3. My Dad took Tim and me on a late night walk once, on the "Greenway" in North Carolina. I don't remember who saw it first, Tim or me, but there was a small flash of light and then it went away. My dad, while we were on a bridge, leading over a small creek, stopped us and crouched. "That could be a homeless man with a cigarette." At the time, I had no idea why it would light up randomly, but I was scared nonetheless and ignored my ignorance and questioning mind. We saw it again and he held us, not sure if we should turn around or continue one. Finally, he began creeping forward. I didn't want to go. I had seen homeless people before, found their clothes or "homes" in the woods, but for some reason, I thought this one was dangerous. Perhaps because it was dark. It turned out to be the moon reflecting on the water of the river. I really never knew if my dad was just joking with us or not. I suspect he was now, but at the time he freaked me out pretty good.

Day 19 : If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

I am fairly certain that no explanation is needed.

Day 18 : What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

Forgive? Wow. . . I can't think of anything I haven't forgiven. . . Maybe no one has every really offended me, or I just get over stuff quickly. Oh, wait . . . There was this time that my older brother, Tim, wouldn't let me get on the computer to check my email. (I think I was hoping for something from a girl). He was playing Command & Conquer, so obviously, emotions were high. He said in 5 min. and so I waited. But after five min he continued on his quest of domination. I insisted it was my turn, but he relented and continued to attack and slaughter his enemies. So I did what any hormonal, impatient, taken advantage of, misunderstood and so obviously unique and alone teenager would have done. I pushed the power button.

Tim was furious. So furious, in fact that he stood up and in one fluid motion picked up a nearby stool and smacked me in the side with it. I punched him once in the stomach in a frail attempt to get back at him and quickly ran up the stairs. (He was/is much stronger than me and I wasn't going to risk more injury than I'd already sustained). This was the only physical fight I can remember us ever getting into.

I probably will never forgive him for playing as the evil Brotherhood of Nod. He really needs to stick to GDI. Sheesh. It was embarrassing.

Day 17 : What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

Currently, I'd say microbiology. Still mad I need to take it again. But I think I wish I was better at science. I really enjoy it and feel like I understand it, but only after a lot of study. Like, I feel that it doesn't come as naturally to me as I would like. I think basically my wish would be to be done with my bachelors and already have the knowledge... well, that's not true. Maybe, I would wish that it came more naturally to me. Eh, I don't know what I wish... How about, I wish I was better with money management.

Day 16 : What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

1. Completing a Mission
2. Getting Married
3. Having kids
4. Getting an honorable mention for my story, Beacon
5. Beating Lesa at Monopoly

Day 15 : If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

An animal? Uh, human, I guess. haha.

I think I'd want to be some sort of bird. Like a Hawk or something. I'm not really hunted and I can fly. I would love to be able to fly. Plus, I'd be able to "CAW" and could go really fast. So, yeah . . . a hawk.

Day 14 : Describe 5 strengths you have.

1. Good at biking. I really think that I am a very good biker. I've been serious biking sense I was 14, so... 12 years.

2. Writing. I write a lot and love it. I've won a few things because of some stories I've done.

3. Labs. I do really well in labs. The hands on part of science I do very well at.

4. I think I'm a really good dad. I love being a dad. I hope I'm right.

5. I can do a head stand.

Day 13 : Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

1. Bad . . . no horrible anxiety when taking tests. Really affects my grades on them.
2. I think, when it comes to religion, I can be a bit prideful. I've been working on this one.
3. Money management.
4. Math. Seriously. I study and study and still suck at it. I've come to terms with it.
5. Angry driving? I don't drive angry. I just get angry in my head. I think it is because I usually bike and so the very few times I have to drive I get really frustrated because of traffic.

There are more, but it only asked for 5. :)

Day 12 : Describe a typical day in your current life.

8:30 -- Lesa/the boys wake me up. (This is pretty hard core sleeping in for me, so I'm pretty happy about it).
8:40 - 10:00 -- Eat breakfast, get dressed, play with kids, clean. (Not really in that order)
10:00 - 10:15 -- Bike to UVU
10:20 - 11:00 -- Study
11:00 - 12:50 -- Biotech class
12:50 - 1:05 -- Bike home
1:15 - 2:00 -- Lunch, shower
2:00 - 3:00 -- Go to the gym (Mon, Wed, Fri) with Jaron. (Tues, Thurs, look at 3-4:30 and its basically the same.
3:00 - 4:30 -- Clean, play with kids, yard stuff, errands.
4:35 - 5:00 -- Bike to work
5:15 - 1:15 AM -- Work
1:20 - 1:55 -- Bike home
1:55 - 2:05 -- Get ready for bed
2:05 -- Go to sleep

Day 11 : Describe 10 pet peeves you have

Pet Peeves . . . I don't know these until they happen. Haha...

1. This one is because I am constantly annoyed by it at work. When people purchase a shared web hosting account to host their business website and do no research about they type of hosting before hand. (I could rant for a while about this, but I won't it's annoying when they complain about things that they really should have known before purchasing an account).

2. When I'm at school studying and someone (clearly seeing that I am studying) sits with me to chat.

3. I really don't like being late to anything.

4. When people are late.

5. Biker's who bike on the road however they want. There are biking rules that if people followed then people probably wouldn't hate bikers so much. (cycling, not motorcycles).

6. When people say, "that's retarded," or "that's gay."

7. One-uppers. Most people do it, and that's fine. It's those that do it all the time. That constantly have to know more, be better or top other peoples stories.

That's pretty much all I can think of... I'm sure there are more, though.

Day 10 : Describe your most embarrasing moment.

Honestly, I can't even think of one. There have been times when I've done dumb things or, whatever, but honestly I can't think of one. I don't really get embarrassed easily. Hmmm...

Well, a few days before highschool graduation I got pants'd. That was embarrassing. Seriously... I can't think of one.

Day 9: List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

OK... these seems hard but easy.

1. Lesa -- She makes me a better man. Her influence in my life has helped me to see things I never would have and to have the confidence I sometimes lack.

2. Dad --  I look up to him, and he has really helped me to become the man/husband/father I am today. He has helped me to know what is important and what to stand for.

3. Mom -- She has helped me to be a better person every day. She is uplifting and does all she can to make sure everyone around her is happy. She is very caring.

4. Prof. Tabitha Bush -- She was one of the first teachers I had. She taught astronomy and really made me want to pursue a career in science.

5. Dan Simmons -- Author of Hyperion. Reading his books made me want to step up my writing. Made me want to add philosophical meaning into my writing. It was a big change for me.

6. Carl Sagan -- Advocate for science. Another influence to push me towards a scientific career.

7. Dr. Heath Ogden -- My college biology teacher. An amazing man who teaches with passion, solidifying my decision to major in biotech. His love of evolution is amazing, as well.

8. Christ -- For obvious reasons. He influences so much of my life. His teachings and example help me to become a better man.

9.  Jeff Root -- Who would have thought that an Agnostic (or Atheist) and a religious guy could be such great friends. I've had some of the most meaningful and thought provoking discussions with him.

10. Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley -- He really seemed to know what matters. He taught a gospel of love! A truly great and wonderful man.

Day 8: What are 5 passions you have?

Oo-la la. Passions, eh. Ehem, I mean . . . yes. This is a good questions. It is actually the easiest one... I am not going to expound on anything... I'll just answer. (And these are in no particular order):

1. Biking
2. Religion/Morality/Ethics
3. Fatherhood (I guess we can include husbandry)
4. Writing/Reading
5. Science

Day 7: What is your dream job, and why?

Ever sense I was in high school I have wanted to teach. That is, teach at a university level. The only thing that has changed is the subject. It started with history, then English, physics, back to English, philosophy, Physics again, and now Biology/Genetics, (which I'm sure is where it will stay). So, the dream job is teaching. I love teaching. my current calling is Elders Quorum teacher and I love it. I am sure there will be other things that I will also love. Research, etc., but the end goal is teaching in a university setting while researching. I think that would be wonderful!

I love learning, and I love learning from a great teacher. The best I can remember for me were Prof. Ogden, Prof. Jensen, and Prof. Birch. I want to be like these people. I want to show people why biology, or genetics, or whatever is important and why we should find it important. I want to engage peoples thinking and make them want to learn. I am learning so much right now and am finding out there is so little I know. I want to keep learning and show others what I know so they can keep learning too.

Day 6: What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

Wow... I don't even know. I'd have to say the third really bad flair up I had with Ulcerative Colitis. This happened in Feb-Mar, 2008. I was in the Amer Fork hospital on an all liquids diet and felt horrible the whole time. Lesa, after I was released, not feeling any better, got me into the UofU where I got better, but the whole experience was dreadful. Seriously, if it wasn't for Lesa I don't know how I would have gotten through it. My family wasn't even around. (They were in Vienna) She was my rock. I had just switched jobs and had no insurance and could not miss the training for my new job. I was throwing up 10-20 times a day, my colon ached and burned constantly and I passed a lot of blood, calling for another blood transfusion, (I had had one earlier from another flair up) and I had two sores (from Pyoderma Gangrenosum) on my back. And so, I still had to endure 8 hours of work, online classes, taking care of a new puppy, all while being sick. And then, finally after the insurance kicked in and the training classes were over I went to the hospital and they only made me worse.

I could ramble on about this but I wont. The important parts are: 1. It was hell. 2. Lesa was/is amazing. 3. Amer Fork Hospital is not to be trusted.

Day 5: What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

I like how it says right now, and not just 5 things that make you the most happy. Because, to me, those are two very different questions and would have two very different answers. So, here are the things that currently, as of right now, are making me the most happy.

1. Seeing my kids every morning. I am usually off to work at 4am, but with my schedule change, although there are a lot of crappy parts with changing schedules, I sure love waking up and seeing my kids.

2. Having a plan for graduate school and what I want to go into. (Genetics, btw. I am planning on going to the U and getting a PhD in human genetics. I've been thinking about this a lot and I know it'll be tough work, but I think having this plan has really made me want to try hard and aim for it. I'm very excited about it).

3. My wife told me I looked a lot thinner yesterday. That was pretty awesome because I've been working hard to lose weight and only recently has it been really showing.

4. Being able to bike everywhere. Although biking home at 1:30 in the morning actually really sucks, I am happy and proud of myself for sticking with it.

5. Currently, the wind is blowing South to North, which means that it will be easy(er) sailing home. There was one night where it blew against me at 15-20 mph and I was ready to turn around, ride the wind back to work and sleep under my desk until Lesa could come get me in the morning.

Day 4: List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

OK . . . I honestly don't know. Maybe because on so many levels I feel 16. Haha. Well. I gotta make an attempt at this, so . . . here we go. Also, I was 16 in 2002, so I have to think back to how stuff was back then.

1. "Do well in school. Take it seriously. Make it a priority."
2. "Keep a journal. And try not to write too much stuff about girls and more about your daily life. At 26 I won't care who I had a crush on."
3. "Learn how to manage money. It will suck. It still sucks. But it probably wont suck so much if you start now, at 16."
4. "It is OK if you don't know everything. Ignorance should not be a shameful thing. It should be shown, or how else will you really learn."
5. "Don't seek money. Money should be a side effect of what you love. Seek learning and growth and with it you will be financially stable. Unless you get a philosophy degree . . . that may not be too wise."
6. "Stop drinking soda. You're making it hard for me to quit, ten years later."
7. "Have fun. Seriously. Have fun!"
8. "On your mission, do not give blood while you're fasting. And don't eat the onion blossom to end you fast. I want to know if this triggered my Ulcerative Colitis or not."
9. "Keep biking. Don't ever stop."
10. "Order some king crab legs at Red lobster. There is no need for us to wait until we are 20 to try them. They are like heaven in your mouth. You'll thank me."

I hope these suffice.

Also, I read this after I wrote this. Deals perfectly with #4. It's from my favorite web comic XKCD.

Day 3: Describe Your Relationship With Your Parents.

I am pretty lucky. I have absolutely wonderful parents and have been lucky that we've always been close. I remember in High School talking about my dates and girl friends with my mom, and both of us talking about our day, or what we were currently doing. I feel we were very close then and that has made us close now. I mean, we've never really had any major arguments, either. Like... most were probably because of me. Being home late, bad grades, that sort of stuff. Most of the time she couldn't even get mad at me too long. She'd be in the middle of telling me how I need to be home on time and then would start laughing. (Now, being a parent, I have the same problem, and Lesa does too. When Maddox is screaming sometimes I have to wait at the door to get my giggles out). I love my Mom and we have a great relationship. She is a nurturer and shows her love for me, and my siblings, unconditionally. She is fun, and I've always been comfortable talking about anything with her. And she's always been including and was always trusting. I even remember times watching music videos when she came in and started head banging to the music. There are many many little things that she has done, and I think those are the most important. Reading to me and by brothers during the summer. Being silly with us. Watching my kids for me, being as good of a "Nana" as she was a mom. She's made me into a loving and caring and non-cynical person. So . . . I'd say our relationship is good.

My father is one of the biggest influences in my life. When I was 8 he introduced me to comics. (Spider-Man). This lead me to love books and learning. Much of the direction in which my life has gone was because of his influence. I started writing seriously because of the things he taught me and showed me when I was young, as well as when I was older. He would take me and my brothers on "Journey's of Discovery" where we'd go out into the world and learn about nature: its beauty and purpose and how it worked. I know he was busy when I was a kid, but I don't remember that. I remember him taking time to hang out with us. Now he and I are close, talking about things we have in common like philosophy, religion, science, and books. I think I am very similar to my dad in the way I believe and think. And really, I owe it to him. I can't think of a better relationship between a father and son than I have. I can only hope to be half the man he is when I "grow up". Through our relationship I have a love of books, of nature and of doing what is right. I love my dad! He has done more for me than I think he knows.

I have wonderful parents and a wonderful relationship with them. They mean the world to me.

(I also love my Parents-In-Law, btw. Thought i'd throw that in there. They are great!).

Day 2 -- 3 legitimate fears and why

This is interesting... Because my fears change as I get older. So I'm not really sure what is on the top of the list. Hmmm... Well here it goes.

1. I think my biggest fear is something happening to my wife or kids. This seems like maybe a cop-out, but I am serious. I really really really am terrified of this. For example, the other day my wife left for Heber before I felt for work. I hadn't heard from her when she got there so I tried calling. No answer... So I then I called her parents house. Her dad, Wade, answered and said she wasn't there and didn't know she was heading up. I freak out. I am in the car and pull off, ready to drive up the canyon and call in late to work. I try her cell again... no answer, and she should have been up there 45 min. ago. Finally, I try her mom's cell. She answers and say that Lesa as with her and had forgot to call when she got there. Probably a bit of an over reaction on my part, but seriously... it is a terrifying thought to lose them. This obviously came about by getting married and having kids and not trusting Utah drivers very much.

2. Spiders. When I was ten I lived in North Carolina. I was there when Hurricane Fran hit, also. The day after my brother and I went to walk through the "Green Way" to see the destruction the hurricane had caused. Apparently, through the wooded path a tornado had landed, causing a lot of large trees to fall across the path. It was pretty cool for a 10 year old. We climbed over large fallen trunks and at one point Tim (my bro) walked down one of the trunks while I jumped down. When I noticed what he was doing I turned to climb back up, but in my way, on the trunk, were about 30, 50 cent piece sized spiders. I freaked out. They were all around me and I couldn't get out. Luckily, Time came back and helped me out. I had to step on some. After that I've had a pretty bad fear of spiders. (To be honest it's gotten better than it was).

3. Probably cancer. Ever since I got ulcerative colitis I am worried that I will get colon cancer. Sometimes I think it is an irrational fear... and it is a risk I am aware of, which means I can nip it in the bud when it probably will happen, but I still can't help being scared of getting cancer. I've had this fear since I was about 15. Well before the UC. Actually... i think I am more scared of my boys getting cancer. I think that would just break my heart. No kid should ever have to deal with that.

30 things about me month

So my wife is doing this... so I thought that I could as well. It's a challenge where I write something about me each day. There are 30 different... categories(?) that I do each day. So, here is what I will be writing about for the next 30 days.

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for. 

So, here is the first. Not sure if anyone will find this at all interesting, but I'm still going to do it. So here we go: 1. List 20 random facts about yourself.

1. I usually tell people I bike to get in shape and save on gas, and I guess in part that is true, but really it is because I feel some moral obligation to the environment not to drive a car. (I realize, also that this does nothing to help the environment, hence me saying "moral obligation" and not something like... "doing my part"). :)

2. I hate that I have curly hair and try to hide it as much as possible.

3. I'm majoring in Biotechnology.

4. I wish I could major in English or Philosophy.

5. I am a skeptic when it comes to a lot of stuff, (and I think this bugs my wife), but unless there is a lot of scientific proof I generally don't believe stuff whole heartily. 

6. I think science is one of the greatest things and one of the most important aspects of our lives. I am a big advocator of science (just ask the people I work with at Gandolfo's). 

7. The only thing I feel is a bit more important is my own religious views.

8. I think religion itself isn't the key to a persons salvation, but the way in which they think and live and love. However, at the same time, we need religion to give specific guidance and for ordinances. 

9. I often ramble when talking about science or religion.

10. I've lost over 30 lbs. since last August.

11. I really want to tech at an academic level, and that is why I'm taking biotech.  Better avenue into teaching.

12. I half to always sleep on my right side, because if I sleep on my back, stomach or left side I snore. (It's weird).

13. Sometimes I wish I was a vegetarian, but then I remember how much I love seafood.

14. I've written three books, (sci-fi), and only 1 person has read all three. (They are obviously not published . . . well, professionally published).

15. I have two diseases and at one point had three: Ulcerative Colitis, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, and Pulminary Eosinophilia. 

16. I once punched a kid at church (he was my age, so kid might not be the best title), because he was picking on my brother.

17. I really like art, drawing, painting, and I think I'm actually really good, but I don't have the patients to ever really do it.

18. I have found, working in some version of IT, (web hosting) that this automatically means I can fix computers... I can't fix computers. 

19. I voted for Bush in 2004 and regret it. I voted against Prop 8 in 2004 and am still proud of myself for sticking up for gay rights.

20. I failed Microbiology last semester by 1% and still think my teacher was one of the best I've ever had. (The failing was stupid, I understand the subject extremely well, and really enjoyed it). 

This was hard, and I kinda feel like they are lame, but whatever... I tried.

Star Wars Day

I have a confession to make . . . I don't like Star Wars. Sure the first three movies (made) are fun to watch, but it has done serious damage to peoples view of sci-fi. Star Wars is not sci-fi. It is fantasy . . . in space. And, since I obviously take sci-fi seriously, I have had to come to grips with no liking Star Wars. Sorry if your view of me has changed forever. I hope we can still be friends.

A Short Stay in Hell, Read #9

I think of my bike ride, now, heading home at 1:30am. 9 miles. It is lonely, and dark, and quiet. And I think about the ending of this book that I just finished for the 9th time. I don't know if I have it in me to deal with what it brings. And that is a powerful statement. Because it brings hopelessness, despair, and a chill that sticks with you for days. But still, I cannot help reading it, and understanding something of eternity, and life, and love, and connections; something of the truest meaning of loneliness there could ever be and overcoming that feeling with an image of this hell -- endless in any real sense, and in the realization of what I have gotten myself into. Because I will never end, but I will always progress. But that level of progression is scary. What is required of myself is terrifying. I will die. And I will never be over.

"Yet a strange hope remains. A hope that somehow, something . . . someone, will see I'm trying. I'm really trying, and that will be enough." --A Short Stay In Hell

One thing I realized from this read and none of the other's was the absolute idea of being trapped. In all of my life, and in all of everyone's life there is always a way out of every single situation. You can always opt out. "This is too hard for me, I'm leaving." Death, (regrettably) can still be an answer. It is a way out. But in this, I was able to see that in eternity, in a Hell that might as well last forever, there is no way out. You are forced to remain, to stay until your eons upon eons are up. One of the most scary claustrophobic thoughts I've had in a long time.

Seriously, everyone, read it. Get it here and read it. It will change your life! 

(Sorry is this post is . . . well . . . it is 12:20am and I'm still at work).

Hey! I designed this shirt and have submitted it to threadless.com! Please click on the shirt to vote and have them print this design. Just think of how awesome you would be wearing this shirt around! Pretty awesome! So vote, so you can, and I can, and we all can together.

Poster Makingness

So. I made this this week. I like it. Let me know what you think.

Why it is important that I support Gay Rights

This is something that I have felt strongly about since the 2004 election, (my first time voting), where, (to my eternal shame) I voted for Bush, however, I opposed the proposition that homosexual partners should not be allowed to get married. This seems like common sense to me. Sure, at the time I had not given it much thought to how it would incorporate into my religious views, but I did not see how it could go against them, either, because of some simple truths I firmly believed in.

1. We are all Gods children and he loves us
2. Regardless of religious beliefs we should not force those who believe differently to adhere to our belief systems.
3. All people should have the same and equal privileges regardless or race, religion, or sexual preference.
4. This is not a religious issue. (Maybe the method of how they are married, but not the actual union of two people who love each other and the rights grated at such a union).

Now, 8 years later, I still believe those same things, but more fully, with greater conviction and greater understanding. When you get down to the heart of the matter, it isn't about what religion you belong to, how you feel about statistics dealing with homosexuals and sex or AIDS, but it comes down to freedom, acceptance and love.

What does freedom mean to you? How far are we to believe in freedom? I definitely think there are boundaries. Anarchy seems pretty ridiculous to me. But what about basic rights. Rights to live and love and make the best of our lives and the lives around us? Should those be given to anyone who wishes them? I definitely think so.

But why is it important that I support it? Actively support it, I mean. Well, I think that it is one thing to have homosexual individuals to fight for their rights. We saw this in the civil rights movement. However, it is important that people understand that there are many people, many heterosexual people (like myself) who are standing up for other peoples rights. During the civil rights movements there were many white people who marched with those blacks who were fighting hard for their rights. We need friendly relations, between those who have different views. A catalyst, if you will.

I talk about this with everyone and have no shame in it. I SUPPORT GAY MARRIAGE. Everyone needs to know it, and those who agree need to proclaim it along with me. And those who don't are more likely to listen to someone who is straight. I wish it wasn't that way, but it is. When I talk about it, and people understand that I am married to a beautiful woman and have two wonderful kids, it forces them to question why someone, who it would not really effect, would be so adamant about it; someone who is a Mormon and who loves their God would go against the general Mormon thought and proclaim that Gay's and Lesbians should be married. And if you ask me, I will tell you my opinions on the churches general standing. And I will tell you how those who say we should fight against it are wrong. Because they are wrong.

And when you find your way through all of the haze and confusion of religious influence on this issue, and realize that that is not the important part of the issue, and understand that we cannot base our country on religious beliefs but on moral and ethical guidance and action, you will see that all people should be able to marry and have the same rights, regardless of their race, religion, beliefs or sexual orientation.

Goals

Well... so much for goals... Haha. I don't even remember what my April one was, and the March one was a bust. So, I am going back to my February goal. No junk food. But with some few exceptions. No candy, and no fast food. However, I will make exceptions for grilled burgers at home (being close to summer BBQ season and all), and one bag of chips at Gandolfo's when I work there.

I am also going to try to eat less carbs. Less white bread, rice, corn, etc. These things aren't too bad, so I'm not too worried about it, but still, it's a good thing to keep in check.

I guess we'll see how this one goes.

Fall Classes

Well, like most class registration events I have taken part of, I am taking classes I did not intend to take, but am excited nonetheless. So . . . here are my classes for Summer and Fall semesters:


Summer:
1st Block
Chem 1, Chem 1 Lab, Biotech 1

2nd Block
Chem 2, Chem 2 Lab


Fall:
College Physics 1, College Physics Lab, Principles of Statistics, Molecular Biology, Biotech 2 (DNA Manipulation)


The cool thing about the Fall schedule is that all of my classes are on either Mon., Wed., Fri., or all of those days. That means I have Tuesdays and Thursdays completely off of school. This makes me pretty excited because I'll be able to do stuff with my kids and wife during the day. This is big and I am very excited!!!

The Boys

Just some pics of the boys.

Misconceptions on Evolution and Truth

There was a time, (maybe a little less than 4 years ago) where I was very adamant about the religion/evolution argument. I fought on blogs and with some people in person regarding the issue of evolution. I did not have as clear of an understanding of evolution as I do now, but at the time, I think I was on the right path.  However, in the last few years I've put evolution arguments on the back burner and focused more on climate change. I had forgotten about the ignorance people have when it came to evolution and its role in religion.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a lecture on science and faith with Dr. Heath Ogden and Dr. Heaton. They presented it well, I thought. One memorable thing Dr. Ogden said was, "I am a husband, a father, a brother . . . an evolutionary biologist, and a Mormon." He then went on about understanding God, and how he can see through this world God's work and glory and that through it he can understand God better, saying, "God is a husband, a father, a brother . . . an evolutionary biologist, and a Mormon." It was a great comparison and thought provoking view of God. Dr. Ogden spoke of evolution, and truth, and seeking. How evolution is abundant in life and how the church is not, was not, and should not become an entity that is against science. Quoting Brigham Young who said that all truth, (he specifically mentions science) is part of our doctrine.

Dr. Heaton spoke for a shorter amount of time, but was every bit as powerful. He spoke on how our faith, our testimonies can be strengthened by this. That knowledge is important and something that should be sought after, and how important questions are. He spoke less on evolution and more on trusting that the Lord knows what he is doing, but also trusting that he has left it up to us to determine what is truth and what is not.

They were amazing talks. At the end there was a question and answer section. One kid raised his hand and asked about the idea that the Earth is made from many other planets, and some of those planets had dinosaurs on them. It was obvious that he believed the Earth to be 6,000 years old. It was disappointing that after the talks he still could only understand evolution on a small scale. This idea that only parts of evolution are true and others are not is so far fetched it makes me want to scream. And while this person, I am sure had good intentions but this ignorance and this being thrown to and fro from any wind of doctrine needs to be put aside. I'm not trying to pick on this kid who asked an honest question. I am trying to get the point across that he should never have been so misinformed.

Maybe what it boils down to is having an open mind with science and religion, and when you have questions consult both, study, search out answers and do everything you can to obtain truth. Having an understanding of what truth really is.

An Obligation to the Environment : On Global Warming

In recent years the arguments for and against climate change, or global warming have grown, escalating into a hot topic. It is a debate on whether or not the globe is heating because of human interaction and carbon dioxide levels. But on no front has this argument been so widely fought against than within the confines of religion. Much like the debate over evolution, the argument seems to be stemmed from a disbelief, or and unwillingness to acknowledge certain aspects of science. Where scientific proof shows one way of acceptance towards a subject, many within religion feel that it goes against their own personal beliefs. I argue that global warming, (and by extension, science) can fit and work with religion and that it is the moral obligation of Christians, and even all religions to, if not only believe in climate change, make active steps to help reduce humanities effects on the planet.

It would seem, however, that one must first have an understanding of global warming in order to understand the debates and misunderstandings that continually arise. I wish to briefly describe how it is that science can show that climate change is indeed happening at an exponential rate, and how we can see that it is human caused rather than by the Earths natural cycles. I feel it is important to understand the topic for as Aldo Leopold said, “ We can only be ethical in relation to something we can see, feel, understand, love, or otherwise have faith in.”¹ 

There is a simple method to see what CO₂ levels were throughout Earths history. In glaciers we can take samples of air which have been trapped in the ice, (air bubbles). With these we can measure the amount of CO₂ in the air at the time the bubble was formed. We can see rises and falls from roughly 150-280 ppmv (parts per million by volume) CO₂, spanning 400 thousand years. The trend being a change every 50 thousand years. This change greatly depends on the Earths orbit. The orbit of our planet fluctuates, as well as pivots on its axis much like a top, causing the earths temperature to rise and fall, thus giving us ice-ages and warm periods: low amounts of CO₂ create a cooling, and give us an ice-age, and the opposite happens with high measurements of CO₂ in the atmosphere. However, since the industrial revolution the level of CO₂ has gone from the average of 280 up to 360-380 ppmv. An unprecedented amount. Again, the more CO₂ the more heat, with an average temperature raising anywhere from 1.5C to 4C each time the carbon dioxide levels double.²

However, there is still doubt that this increase is caused by human interaction by those that are skeptic of climate change or even science and the scientific method. And so, how does science show that it is human caused? We can record the types of CO₂ in the atmosphere. There are three major CO₂ bases we record: 4CO₂, 13/12CO₂, 14CO₂. CO₂ base 13/12 comes from very old and dead plants. CO₂ base 14 comes from volcanoes, etc. CO₂ base 4 comes from newer plants. We can see that in our atmosphere there is mostly high concentrations of 12/13CO₂. This comes from fossil fuels, or very old plants and shows not only is there much, much more CO₂ in the atmosphere than any other time in the Earths history, but that it is human caused³

Again, it seems that, regardless of how you feel about the subject, the issue of global warming is very strongly tied to religion. Why is that? Why is there so much debate within a religious community on the validity of scientific discovery? It is because religion is a source of moral growth, it is something that can bring about change in massive levels and can help people to grow morally. These morals affect us in our daily aspects and in what we constantly deal with. When it comes to daily issues we are able to make decisions according to our moral character. Global warming has become a major concern and topic, thus calls on us to act as we see morally fit.⁴

The environment is tied to us emotionally and in many ways we grow through it and learn from it. This is an important aspect of our moral obligation to the environment. My relationship with the environment spawned at an early age. From as far back as I can remember I would go, with my father and older brother, on “Journey's of Discovery.” During these outings, (which carried from walking up a river for several hours to riding our bikes during downpours), we were taught to understand and love nature. We grew close to the ecology of life, and as Henry David Thoreau would attest to, we would “suck out all the marrow of life.”⁵ We were in nature, and nature was a part of us. This is an important point that needs to be made whenever discussing nature, I feel: becoming a part of nature is a necessary step in understanding science's roll in the environment. In Steven Peck's, The Mormon Organon, he says that “[an appreciation to nature] allowed me to look into the wild creatures eyes and see them as others—as a kind of self that was similar to me and yet different . . . Part of coming to know nature came from being in it.”⁶

However, modern life has moved us away from the environment. With our cities and houses, with few plants and often times small yards we bring a sterility to our lives and exclude an understanding and appreciation for ecology. Unfortunately, this eventually brings about apathy towards our environment. We can measure the affects that this apathy has given us easily, namely global warming. This apathy can be seen as a side effect of moral choice through religious fervor. Many feel that they have no obligation to the environment, believing that it is not a moral issue. Unfortunately, this leads to skepticism in science and of scientists.

With our dependency of fossil fuels we will never be able to stop the effects of climate change unless drastic measures are made. Currently the U.S. Has 5 percent of the worlds population, but uses 25 percent of the worlds energy, and is the largest CO₂ producer. Automobiles are responsible for a third of the CO₂ produced.⁷ It is obvious that steps need to be taken, but the biggest question that tends to be asked seems to not be how, but why? (This stemming, again, from religious doubt).

The United states has many moral issues that it faces constantly. However, while still being a superpower in the world today, as well as having the largest economy, the U.S. has fallen far behind on what is one of the biggest challenges of our time. This is something that affects all walks of life. While global warming is an international issue, it is a particular moral challenge for Americans because of the statistics listed above. Without our concerted effort to address this, there is little hope it can be solved. Every one of us in the U.S. contributes to this problem. We pollute, but we ask environmental organizations to clean up after us and solve our problems. It is time for every segment of our culture to integrate care for earth into its policies. And as a mostly Christian nation we should feel even stronger moral obligation to the stewards of the Earth.

In lieu of scientific evidence in the last twenty years many countries have made drastic changes in how they treat the environment. Many, like Holland and Denmark, rely on biking and public transportation for almost all of their transportation needs. This is because of environmental awareness that has come because of this issue of climate change. In fact, many other nations have hit this issue head on, educating their people in an academic fashion within universities.⁸

While relying on scientific research as backing, having an understanding of that process, it seems that in recent years, many have moved from a purely scientific argument for the environment and climate change to a more ethical approach, or rather, arguments geared towards a more ethos approach in the dealings of ecology. This seems to have been done greatly in part to help bring the science or ecology of this issue into the same setting as religion.⁹ And so, looking at the issue morally, brings us a perspective that relates to an obligation that we not as individuals, but as humans, as a culture or society have to act on global warming. “We search for an ethics that appropriately “follows nature.” We want to optimize human fitness on earth, and to do this morally . . . a comprehensive ethics needs to account for the goods of culture, of right and wrong withing personal relations, a humanized ethics.”¹⁰

This view is an interesting one. Because, while there is still some doubt of global warming, and some have taken a political stance on the subject, and others have claimed that the science behind global warming is incorrect, these arguments become invalid in the face of moral obligation. This is because, when we take a moral approach to global warming we can bypass the question of how, and move on to the moral question of why. This view not only makes the how unimportant, it allows for the moral approach to be driven by several rolls. Our roll to ourselves, personally, our roll as a culture, or as apart of humanity, and finally, our roll to the environment.

In each of these rolls there is one common factor that needs to be removed in order for us to understand our moral obligation and why we even have an obligation in the first place. “Nature, in other words, is always ventral to our spiritual and cultural self-understanding, since it instructs us first about our own nothingness, a discovery that then tempers our acceptance of our significance. . .[there needs be] a thorough debunking of the specialness of humanity.”¹¹ This leads to the idea that awe and wonder are our human privilege, and not specific knowledge of possession.

And so, while having a knowledge and understanding of the current climate change issues is important in order to fully comprehend our environmental needs, the outcome is rather more significant as it leads us to act morally in the face of climate change.

Here is where religion and science make a unique alliance. In 1998, a conference brought many religious and science minded individuals together to discuss the issue of global warming. Among the proceedings it became obvious to all present that this issue was, while based in science, a moral issue. An issue that directly related to religious belief and teaching, giving those religious leaders present at the conference a sense of the imperative to do something about it. As a result of the conference, religious leaders around the worlds agreed in saying,

“We believe a consensus now exists, at the highest level of leadership across a significant spectrum of religious traditions, that the cause of integrity and justice must occupy a position of utmost priority for people of faith. Response to this issue can and must cross traditional religious and political lines. It has the potential to unify and renew religious life.”¹²

It is within the moral code of all major religions to address this issue of global warming, and do everything in their power to support a cleaner Earth. In fact, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had taken great steps recently to green its architecture, making it abundantly clear that this is done as a religious institutional action because of climate change.¹³ Many other organizations are counteracting this religious view that climate change is unimportant and can be disregarded either because of a non-belief in scientific theory and discovery, or an apathetic view towards our planet, feeling that their own religious beliefs do not specify or give reason to act on climate change. However, “to dismiss the science outright because it conflicts with or presents complications for a world view that has largely been shaped by economic, partisan, or ideological values is neither religious not ethical.”¹⁴

The science behind climate change is accurate. However, regardless of ones own interpretation of facts or unwillingness to find truth in scientific theory the moral action that is required because of climate change is not excused. Religious belief makes us accountable for our actions and as part of that, we must understand our roll on the Earth. Without religious backing, we still have a moral obligation to the Earth and to all of its species in order to insure a better place to live, to thrive and to progress. Viewing climate change as our moral obligation rids us of the debate of rather the science is accurate or not, and holds us to a higher standard of humane living. That is, to treat it as a threat and ethically move forward with that understanding and do all that we can to make our ecology, our planet a place in which all things living there can thrive and grow.

Notes

1. Aldo Leopold, A Sand Country Almanac (New York: Oxford University Press, 2001), 214

2. Wolfgang Cramer, Alberte Bondeau, F. Ian Woodward, I. Colin Crentice, Richard A Betts, Victor Brovkin, Peter M. Cox, Veronica Fisher, Jonathan A. Foley, Andrew D. Friend, Chris Kucharik, Mark R. Lomas, Mavin Ramankutty, Stephen Sitch, Benjamin Smith, Andrew White, Christine Young-Molling, Global Change Biology, Volume 7, Issue 4, pp 357-373, April 2001.

3. Naomi Oreskes & Erik M. Conway, Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming, Bloomsbury Press, New York, pp. 169-215 (2010).

4. George Hadley, Faith and the Ethics of Climate Change, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 12, (2011).

5. Thoreau, Henry David, Walden, ch. 2, (1854).

6. Peck, Steven, The Mormon Organon, Lulu Press, pp. 72, (2010).

7. Sagan, Carl, Billions and Billions, Ballantine Books, pp. 145, (1997).

8. Andrew Jamison, The Making of Green Knowledge: Environmental Politics and Culture, Cambridge University Press, pp 3, (2001).

9. Andrew Jamison, The Making of Green Knowledge: Environmental Politics and Culture, Cambridge University Press, pp 170, (2001).

10. Holmes Rolston, Environmental Ethics, Temple University Press, pp. Xi-xii, (1988).

11. George Hadley, Faith and the Ethics of Climate Change, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 26, (2011).

12. Carl Sagan, Billions and Billions, Ballantine Books, pp. 170, (1997).

13. Kristen Moulton, LDS Church Shows Off Its New 'Green' Prototype,” June 4, 2010, http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/ 4947867173/church-lds-meetinghouse-davies.html.csp.

14. George Hadley, Faith and the Ethics of Climate Change, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 15, (2011).