Fascinating articles

Here's a few really interesting articles in the ongoing same-gender attraction discussion. First is an article by Elder Bruce Hafen. Keep in mind, this is published in the official LDS newsroom. That gives it a certain air of official-ness (but don't blow it out of proportion, it's not like a new section of the D&C...always worth working through the tangled mess of LDS thought heirarchy). It's a strong position, but quite temperately and rationally written. Probably one of the most interesting, readable and non-polemic articles I've read on the topic:

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/elder-bruce-c-hafen-speaks-on-same-sex-attraction

Second, an article calling into question his scholarship and use of APA research:

http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org/?p=2657

I think that the feminist mormon housewife blog makes some good points and calls Elder Hafen and his readers to return to the sources and consider what's being said in general. I don't think their criticism invalidates Elder Hafen's points but they certainly offer more food for thought.

This quote - "If you are faithful, on resurrection morning—and maybe even before then--you will rise with normal attractions for the opposite sex." - is the pinnacle of the Hafen article. It's a huge statement - socially, theologically, emotionally, politically, etc. It is, however, not the only landmark point he makes about LDS opinion (at least his stance, which seems to mirror that of many members) on same-gender attraction.

I think this article is important, as it leads LDS folks to really think through their opinions. The things I've heard from many members are usually vague ideas and parroted responses. Elder Hafen challenges us to actually think it through and be ethical about it. Read Elder Hafen's article, I'd love to hear what people think. I' m sure it'll be a bit divisive, bu I think the tone of the article lends to more reasonable discussion than the topic usually brings out.

Why I love Montana

Highlights from a recent bill in the MT house of representatives:

HOUSE BILL NO. 246
"Montana Firearms Freedom Act"

Section 4. Prohibitions. A personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in Montana and that remains within the borders of Montana is not subject to federal law or federal regulation, including registration, under the authority of congress to regulate interstate commerce.

Kinda fun

Ok, on my friend Brad's blog I saw an interesting thing. He took the challenge to go to the 6th folder in his picture file and post the 6th picture in that folder on his blog. Just like Brad, I decided to just take a peek and check out the picture for kicks. Then, just like Brad, I decided to post it. It's kind of a fun picture that I haven't seen in a looong time:


That is a picture of some of the hair that was cut off of my head in the summer of '06 after letting my white-boy fro grow out for a long, long time. It is also a picture of a fairly impressive farmer tan and a slightly skinnier version of me. What more could you want?

Supah Hero!

It's me, Hero-ized!


You can check out the website if you'd like super powers...

Here's the menu for the multi-course meal I made (with some help from my sous-chef) for Mike and Kaela on Kaela's birthday:

Le Menu

Apéritif
Chile-Rubbed Shrimp with Avocado Corn Cocktail

Entrée
Crostini with Roasted Garlic, Goat Cheese and Apple Chutney

Plat Principal
Pan-Roasted Sirloin with Corn Relish
Roasted-Garlic Soufflé

Un Petit Dessert
Pomegranate Panna Cotta

Birthday Pizza

Last night I made my Mom pizza on her brand-new pizza stone. It was marvelous!


Basically I made the dough and while it sat I chopped veggies (Red Onion, Zucchini, Portabello Mushrooms, Green Bell Peppers and Cherry Tomatoes). I put the veggies in a casserole and tossed them in olive oil, salt and pepper. Meanwhile, I mixed some softened butter with green onions, minced garlic, and basil leaves. I put the veggies in the oven for 10 minutes at 425, and then put the crust in with the veggies for another 10 minutes (the pizza stone had been in during the preheat process). I removed the crust, spread it with the herb butter, added some mozzarella cheese, piled it high with roasted veggies, sprinkled it generously with parmesan and baked it until browned and bubbly. And thus, Roasted Vegetable Bianca Pizza was born!

It really was tasty. The crust turned out marvelous, a sturdy medium-thickness crust that didn't bend under the significant weight of lovely vegetables but wasn't overly dense. Hurrah for pizza stones! The veggies were soft but still had some texture to them, providing satisfying resistance. The butter precluded any need for sauce and compensated for my relatively light use of cheese. I would have liked to put some asiago, romano or fontina cheese, but Wal-Mart doesn't have the greatest selection...

Anyhow, good pizza!

GREAT word

Check this out:

Omphiloskepsis - The act of contemplating one's navel