captainseapig's Blog

This weekend marks an event that happens twice a year in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. General Conference. If you are curious about The Mormon church this is a good opportunity for you. Tune in on The BYU channel on your cable and satellite systems or go to LDS.org and watch it in video stream this Saturday and Sunday. Female and male leaders including the President/Prophet of the church will speak to the general population of the church via the internet, satilite TV and closed curcit systems giving council and direction, inspiration and doctrine. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir will follow the speakers at certain times. Each conference session lasts 2 hours there are appox 4-5 speakers per session. The sessions begin 12pm EST on Saturday and 12pm EST on Sunday. 

When you vote is it an automatic decision. Do you fill in the circle or pull the lever of the candidate you have voted for before. The incumbent. I want to address State Politics in this blog. Not national. Our state is dominated by one party. Think about it. No new ideas or policy shifts. No looking at things in a different light. No change no progression no REAL debate. Favors always going to the same people, nepotism and corruption are unbridled. 

I want to encourage and plead with people to vote for someone other than the incumbent. Vote for someone different from another party an independent a libertarian a republican. It is essential that we have more diversity at the State House. Look at it this way, picture yourself in a school, lets make it a Catholic School the nuns are in charge and they have been there for 50 years. Polices are the same teaching style is the same. The precepts they teach are the same although the world around you and them has changed dramatically. Wouldn't it be interesting, stimulating and ultimately good for all if new teachers were recruited. Lets say a  jewish history teacher  and a gym teacher from the inner city, a math teacher who has a Ph.D. in string theory, a male music teacher like Mr. Holland. You get the picture. Lets mix it up at the state house it can not get any worse. Vote for someone other than an incumbent or run yourself for office. A Governor can not make all the improvements, there must be debate and close votes in the house opposing opinions, challenging stagnant, punishing and unfruitful policies.

I think that greed and dishonesty are the root cause of the troubles we have in the stock market today. Greed on the part of lenders and dishonesty on the part of borrowers. Dishonest in the sense that there was no realistic understanding on how to pay back a loan. Their eyes so much on the prize that borrowers neglected a real accounting of resources and their ability to disseminate it. Greed on the part of lenders hoping for huge returns on the secondary market. The perfect storm for financial instability.

Now here we are with major firms going bankrupt and government bailouts of fanny and freddie. My suggestion and I am deadly serious, invest in a years supply of dehydrated food enough to feed your family. When everything really hits the fan you won't be able to buy a bushel of corn with a mountain of gold. Like the Boy Scouts say, Be Prepared. It costs about 4 thousand dollars for a good year supply of dehydrated and freeze dried food. Start small, by in bulk get wheat about 1,000 pounds for 4 people. This is basic and will sustain life. Start bottling water 1 gallon for each day. Used clean empty plastic soda bottles with one tiny drop of bleach in each one to prevent bacterial growth. Am I a survivalist, no, I know the government will be of no help to me and my family when things get rough and food is in short supply. Look at our pioneer ancestors in this country. They had root cellars and pantries and vegetable gardens. They canned and preserved.The majority of Americas food is on the road in 18 wheelers crossing the country right now. There are no warehouses with enough for the citizens for an extended period of time.Each family should begin to prepare, buy a little extra at the store and store it. Buy bulk sugar and wheat and flour and store it. No space, put it under your bed, in a closet etc.I don't want to seem like an alarmist but being prepared in case of natural disaster or economic downturns, becoming injured or sick for a while is important. Being self sufficient and taking care of our families is the goal. Dependancy is hell.

When the Lords servants speak or write under the influence of the Holy Ghost, their words become scripture. From the beginning the Lord has commanded his prophets to keep a record of his revelations and his dealings with his children. The Bible is a collection of sacred writings containing Gods revelations to man. These writings cover many centuries, from the time of Adam through the time when the Apostles of Jesus Christ lived. They were written by many prophets who lived at various times in the history of the world.As we read pray and ponder about the scriptures and ask God for understanding, the Holy Ghost will bear witness to us of the truth of these things. We will each know for OURSELVES that these things are true. If we sincerely ask in humble prayer in privacy and with pure intent.So many will try to convince you that the scriptures a just stories and that Jesus Christ was just a good man not the Son of God. That there is no such thing as sin or repentance or resurrection or exaltation. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Remember that there is opposition to all that is good and true. The scriptures are a source of truth and a source for understanding the purpose of life and the personality of God. Sincere Prayer is the litmis test that allows us to communicate with God and learn if these Bible Prophets and Apostles were true servants of God. And that their words written down and translated into the Bible we have today are genuine and true. 

Brideshead Revisited is a film done in the British tradition. Set in the 1920's - 40's England. Servants, over indulgence and debauchery in tuxedos. In it's bold attempt to show the futility and hypocrisy of the Catholic religion through the eyes of an artist and a controlling aristocratic mother. The artist an atheist and not a member of the aristocracy the mother a devout Catholic who's husband lives with his mistress in Italy.

Because of her absolute control and mediaeval approach to her religion her only son constantly conflicted and constantly reminded of his sinful nature turns to homosexuality and alcohol.Dysfunctional at best the family struggles. The daughter marries a rich American who she does not love. The groom coverts to Catholicism a week before the marriage to please the mother. The artist befriends the alcoholic homosexual son and becomes that sons confidant. Later in the movie the artist has an affair with the daughter and cuts a deal with her husband selling him two of his paintings for an annulment of the marriage.This movie is an english soap opera, boring, slow with beautiful cinematography and acting. Ultimately it is about the clash of ideals between secularism and the Catholic tradition.Major boring alert.

This morning on the TV news show, Good Morning America. I saw Quomo interviewing Jimmy Carter at the DNC. The camera switched to a close-up and boom, I was blown away. Jimmy Carters left eye ball

looked like something from the movie 'Alien'. It scared me. I think his blood pressure was so high that it broke every vessel and capitulary in his eye. It looked reptilian in nature. Whats going on with Carter did Billy open another beer company? Did he have surgery or is politics finally getting to him.

Nowhere in the country is there a state like Massachusetts. So monopolized by a one sided senate for so many years. Here in Massachusetts one party rules. Who thinks this is a good idea? I would like to hear your comments. As a metaphor ,what If this situation were a marriage and one person ran everything overpowering their spouse and children at every turn. How would that marriage work. Would common goals and happiness be achieved? Would there be positive change and progress? You tell me.I have lived here most of my life except for the time I was away getting my education. Certain other states are much more productive and have balance in the government with opposing views and compromise. I fear Massachusetts because of voter apathy, ignorance, elitism and misplaced intellectualism has become mired in stagnation and an inability to change for the better. Each organization thats wants to thrive puts in fresh blood every once in a while. Old folks retire and younger folks add vigor and enthusiasm. This is what needs to happen here in Mass. New people! More Republicans and Libertarians and Independents. My suggestion is vote every incumbent out. Simple. Any new people simply can not do  worse than who we have now. A basic step in the right direction is to vote for the non lawyer, we have to many of them in office as it is. When I go in the voting booth this November I will not vote for an incumbent.

Repentance is the way provided for us to become free from our sins and receive forgiveness for them. Sins slow our spiritual progression and can even stop it. Repentance makes it possible for us to grow and develop spiritually again.
The privilege of repenting is made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ. In a way we do not fully understand, Jesus paid for our sins. Joseph Fielding Smith said this:
"I have suffered pain, you have suffered pain, and sometimes it has been quite severe; but I can not comprehend pain.... that would cause the blood like sweat, to come out upon the body. It was something terrible something terrific.....
" The was no man ever born into this world that could have stood under the weight of the load that was upon the Son of God, when he was carrying my sins and yours and making it possible that we might escape from our sins".
Repentance sometimes requires great courage, much strength, many tears, unceasing prayers, and untiring efforts to live the commandments of the Lord.
Lastly, Spencer Kimball said, " There is no royal road to repentance, no privileged path to forgiveness. every man (and woman) must follow the same course whether they be rich or poor, educated or untrained, tall or short, prince or pauper, king or commoner... There is only one way. It is a long road spiked with thorns and briars and pitfalls and problems."
It can be done it is being done every day, sure the road can be tough at times and you feel rotten for something you've done wrong. It's all part of the process. However when the process is done the feeling is good. More on the process later.

For the past year we all have been enlightened by Valintyne's posts and comments. A brilliant thought provocking young mom. I guess she's super busy raising her family. I hope all is well. Your insights are missed.

A huge problem in this global economy is US Dollars going to other countries and not staying here. When our dollars get sent to South America to countries like Brazil it helps Brazil dramatically. Billions of tax free under the table dollars are sent each year, probably each month. No wonder Brazil is getting stronger.

Look at the little country of Dubai, Billions of dollars from oil creating a city of opulence and over the top luxury. Not good. This money should be staying in America. Generating American business fueling our economy. The biggest drain is energy dollars going to Arab states. We must create our own sources of energy. Solar, wind, natural gas ,coal, nuclear plants and drilling for oil. We need to start now with tax breaks on all  installations of these new technologies to home owners and small businesses.Our leaders talked about this in the 70's but did nothing about it, lets not repeat that mistake. Get moving now. These weak arguments about offshore drilling not helping us for years is lame. Better late than never. Progress is important no matter how slow. The American people are incredibly influential if we work together in a common cause.  Individual selfishness prevents us from making a dramatic influence on world markets.  Our political leaders listen to us but ignore our plight. They talk and talk but no action is ever taken they are crippled by the fear of offending someone, someone who lines their pockets with money. Well ya can't please all the people all the time.What are we manufacturing in this country? What is our chief export? Is everything we buy made in China and other countries, are all our dollars going there?I miss the good old days when everything we bought had a label or stamp that said 'made in the USA'. It meant families were employed. It meant that employers knew that dads having jobs was more important for America than stock holder greed for low foreign production cost and high profits. It is time that patriotism meant buying American, investing in american companies that do business in America. We lead the world in our innovation and technology. Unfortunately our greed for easy profit and constant inability to come to a consensus and a positive plan of action not words is harming us. We are not like our forefathers, we lake courage and the willingness to sacrifice for the common good. We are a selfish greedy culture. We need to change, maybe all the troubles we are in are just the wake up call we need.

Dramamama just got done directing 'Mulan' for Hudson Arts Alliance. She had 52 kids mostly girls with about 4 boys. The lead was a cute vivacious 12 year old girl who was perfect for the role of Mulan. Her leading man was a tall handsome 14 year old blond haired boy, barley containing himself amidst 50 girls. Costumes were scavenged from closets at home, silk pajamas. A mom made helmets for the soldiers in the show out of plastic milk jugs. Intuition and skill produced some lovely backdrops. The dollar store was the source of 30 broom handles used for fighting sticks.

I had the opportunity to sit through all the rehearsals because I had nothing else to do. (recovering from surgery) I watched as Dramamama and her staff shaped and formed these kids into good actors over several weeks. They worked those kids to death. One girl who Dramamama had as a student a year earlier had terrible stage fright  and couldn't go on stage last year. DM cornered her and encouraged her to get back, suck it up and do it, not to give into panic and fear. This year at the end of the performance she gave a wonderful tribute to DM. Meanwhile a professional voice instructor who has worked with international opera stars, told me, "that girl has a wonderful voice" Imagine the loss if DM didn't take the time last year to encourage this young woman to face her fears and conquer them. Perhaps she will preform professionally someday or perhaps she will never be afraid to try something new ever again.Her basic philosophy is that we do not demand enough from our young people. They are capable of so much more. They have the capacity to do excellent work and rise to the occasion if encouraged with love and positive reinforcement and disciplined with fairness and directness.I saw the results of kids changed, changed for the better. After "Mulan' was over and the curtain closed I've never been prouder  of my wife. I say that every year, after a performance and I mean it.

Pride is misunderstood... Most of us think of pride as being self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All these are elements of pride, but the heart, or core, is still missing.

The central feature of pride is 'enmity'- enmity toward God and enmity against our fellow men. Enmity means, 'hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition'. It is a very negative and dark power.Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God's. When we direct our pride toward God it is in the spirit of, 'my will and not thine be done'..... Our will in competition to God's will allows, desires, appetites and passions to go unbridled.The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives. They pit their perceptions of truth against Gods great knowledge, their abilities versus God's power and authority, their accomplishments against his mighty works.Pride distorts the truth about things as they are as they have been and as they will be. Pride and honesty cannot coexist.

The History Channel has a new show called Surviving History. Basically these very talented carpenters and fabricators build ancient torture devices and demonstrate them. The other day they built a 'Brazen Bull' basically it's an oven in the shape of a big cow. Despots would put their victims inside and cook them alive. Sick. I was appalled at this that the producers and executives would find any socially redeeming value in is programing. You might as well build a miniature Aushwitz oven and demonstrate it.

Surely these artisens could put thier talents to better use on 'This Old House' on PBS or 'Trick My Truck' on CMT.They have built stocks put people in them and allowed the public to throw vegtables etc at them. And this is teaching us what?I say shame on History Channel executives that gave the OK to this program.

A few weeks ago dramama made me go get a colonoscopy. I'm 53 years old. They found a polyp that was big. I needed surgery they couldn't take it out as an out patient procedure. Two weeks ago I went into surgery and now I am home recovering. The polyp was non cancerous which caused us to rejoice. Because I listened to my wives advice my life has been blessed. If I had waited and not done an exam it would have been a terrible ordeal especially if things got blocked. My sweetheart saved my life. Now I have about 6 more weeks of recovery before I can lift sufficient weights to go back to work. My friends have kept me in their prayers and I can feel the healing hand of our Father in Heaven helping me. A blessing in disguise finding this thing in me.

More good news 3 of my 50 plus friends are getting colonoscopies  soon. I talked them into it. Please if you are 50 go get one they are NOT painful and they will save your life. They take only 30 minutes and they make you a little loopy while they do it. Go do it, please. I am so grateful for my wife's insistence. Where would I be without her?

It was good to hear that there is progress in finding the serial killer who has been killing prostitutes in Metro-west over the last 10 years. My wife teaches one of the victims children in Marlboro Public Schools. She says he's a delightful boy from very tragic circumstances.

DNA is such a powerful tool against criminals a wonder of science. I'm so glad the police have been able to make a connection.