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Memorial Day: Look beyond the fog of war
A recent tour through a WWII B-17 brought home the lessons of sacrifice and the difficulty of seeing the real context of any contemporary age.
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Other recent opinions
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When 'CYA' takes on a whole new meaning
"Pocket dialing," or, as it is sometimes known, "butt dialing," is becoming a huge problem in the criminal world. Two geniuses accidentally dialed 911 in Fresno this week, conveniently letting a police dispatcher listen as they allegedly committed a crime.
This isn't an isolated case. Click here to read, and watch videos Convention hotel even less likely in Salt Lake City now
When two new medium sized downtown hotels were announced last week, proponents of a large, taxpayer subsidized 1,000-room or more convention hotel again complained that the city is losing out on a lot of money.
Evidence suggests otherwise. The market won't bear a large hotel in Salt Lake, or in many other cities its size. And the convention business is slumping. Click here to read more Obama's scandals may finally generate some outrage
It's no secret the Obama administration has been as bad, if not worse, than last Bush administration in keeping secrets, muzzling scientists and pushing for greater security at the expense of liberty.
The only problem is few of the interest groups that expressed outrage at the Bush administration are giving the same to Obama. Perhaps now his administration has finally crossed the line. Click here to read more Heroes and the modern celebrity culture
 Cleveland.
A neighbor heroically rescues three women who have been held captive next door for years in Cleveland. Now, the hero himself has become somewhat of a celebrity.
What does this teach us about the modern fame-centered culture, and what can Mothers Day teach us about that? Click here to read more Elizabeth Smart: Hearing what you want to hear
Media everywhere have been reacting to Elizabeth Smart's speech at a human trafficking conference last week, with most of them finding messages she never actually said.
Did she speak out against abstinence-only instruction in school? Did she say her Mormon upbringing made it hard for her to escape her kidnappers? No, and, especially, no. Click here to read more More sexual harassment involving the Air Force
It's the kind of headline that makes you wonder if you read right. But yes, the guy the Air Force put in charge of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office was arrested over the weekend and charged with, you guessed it, sexual battery.
While you scratch your head, consider what role a sexually hyped American culture plays in this sort of nutty, criminal behavior. Click here to read more Online poker is nothing to celebrate
A company in Nevada has become the first to open a legal poker website, which is restricted to people who physically are in that state.
Some folks see this as a victory for liberty and freedom. They have forgotten the value of morals, and the costs of vice. Click here to read more Why do we trust automobiles to teenagers?
It's a part of American culture. You turn 16, you get a license to drive.
Unfortunately, bad accidents and poor judgment are a big part of that culture, too. A new survey has found that a surprising percentage of teenage drivers actually believes alcohol and other impairments make them better drivers. Click here to read more Convicted felons aren't supposed to possess guns
In West Valley City, Utah, a man walked into the police department Monday, lured an officer away from a secure area and pulled a gun. It may have been a classic "suicide by cop" attempt that almost succeeded. Lots of shots were fired.
But the suspect had been convicted several years ago of a felony involving child abuse. He wasn't supposed to possess a gun. What happened. Click here to read more FAA delays and gridlock: Dillinger would be lost today
Back in the '30s, John Dillinger gained sympathy because he was robbing banks and seemingly stealing from the rich (although it was bank depositors who suffered). He was attacking an establishment and, in some ways, leading people to believe he was getting revenge for their suffering.
That may be why people still adorn his grave in Indianapolis. Today's economic troubles are characterized more by long airport lines and flight delays than by bread lines. Dillinger would have a hard time navigating the whole terrorism thing. Chances are, no one would notice him enough to care about his grave. Click here to read more The cinnamon challenge: Gag me with a spoon
You love the stuff when a little of it is mixed with sugar and baked into a roll, but stick a teaspoon of it in your mouth and you may never breathe normally again.
Who knew cinnamon could be so dangerous? More to the point, who would think to abuse the stuff in this way? Teenagers, of course. If your friends told you to jump off the roof, would you do it? No, but the teenage version of yourself would at least have given it some serious consideration. Click here to read more Google Fiber's Provo deal doesn't justify iProvo gamble
Provo can breathe a sigh of relief. Google Fiber has come to the rescue and saved the city's ill-fated fiber optic network. City residents will get a great deal — free Internet for a one-time $30 hookup fee.
But Provo still has more than a decade of bond payments to make on its iProvo debt. The city got lucky. You don't know you're going to get lucky when you make a gamble. Click here to read more Earthquakes raise worries about Iran's nuclear reactors
Two large earthquakes have hit Iran in recent days. One of these was centered in the province that is home to the nation's main nuclear power reactor. That facility was pieced together using parts from Germany, Russia and Iran over a period of more than 40 years.
No one is sure whether it's safe. Shouldn't the Obama administration be as publicly concerned about this as it is with Iran's nuclear war ambitions? Click here to read more Look! Up in the sky! Wha...?
It's not a bird, or a plane, or even Superman. But like Santa Claus, it can know if you're naughty or nice.
Click here to read more Paying a big, fat airfare tab
Samoa Air has a unique fare schedule. Like a piece of luggage, you pay a certain amount for every pound you weigh. It will never catch on in this part of the world.
Click here to read more Winning makes it all OK
If you're abusive and you lose a lot, like Mike Rice did at Rutgers, everyone frowns on your behavior. If you win, they make funny commercials about your tantrums or name trophies after you.
Click here to read more Learning from Estonia
From the ruins of the Soviet Union, Estonia has risen to one of the freest and most computer literate nations on earth. Its success takes something Americans probably won't duplicate.
Click here to read more How do you define freedom?
This year's Freedom in the Fifty States report from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University ranks Utah high. However, the authors slam the state for its tight liquor laws. Is this valid?
Click here to read more Pity the powerball winner
Judging by the stories of many previous winners, hitting a sudden jackpot can be more a curse than a blessing. I hope that isn't true for Pedro Quezada.
Click here to read more Stop objectifying our girls
Researchers say our culture is full of images that objectify young girls and sap them of their potential. New sexy clothing lines directed at under-aged girls only add to the problem.
Click here to read more Who pays the most taxes?
A new report compares how much people pay in state and local taxes in each state, looking at the data from several angles.
Click here to read more Still saving lives with loans
 Muhammad Yunus (Deseret News photo)
Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus came by the office again this week, still preaching the virtues of solving poverty through entrepreneurial enterprise. His words about profit motives, however, may make Westerners uncomfortable.
Click here to read more America needs you, Cal
Ninety years after he took office, Calvin Coolidge is enjoying a rare day in .. well, maybe not the sun ... let's say a partly cloudy sky. Here's why he matters.
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The Mormon Moment
 Brigham Young on Temple Square (J. Evensen photo)
The "Mormon Moment" may have ended with the defeat of GOP candidate Mitt Romney, but interest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues. Here are links to some recent media stories of interest:
Good, clean, animated fun
The New York Times reports on BYU's computer-animation program, which has won several awards and has caught Hollywood's attention.
Link: When Hollywood wants good clean fun An unusual conversion
If Liza Hemingway of Boston hadn't gone to see "The Book of Mormon" musical, she might not have become curious enough to investigate the church she now has joined.
Link: Made me want to know more Undocumented missionaries
The website Fronteras reports on the church's struggles with sending out missionaries who are undocumented U.S. citizens.
Link: Mormon missionaries without papers The Samurai bishop
A Mormon bishop in Utah got a lot of press this week for using a Samurai sword to scare an attacker away from a woman in his neighborhood.
Click here to watch video Remembering Albert
In England, the Birmingham Mail remembers Albert Gadsby, a church member of whom, one person said, being in his presence "was like spending a little time in heaven."
Link: The missionary who preached to a Zulu chief It has boosted interest
A British publication reports on how local Mormons believe the Book of Mormon musical has caused people to pay attention to their religion, even if those members have no interest in seeing the performance.
Link: Selsdon Mormons say 'we're fine with musical' An Amazing PR campaign
Britain's "The Independent" marvels at a new video press release the LDS Church has distributed to media. The videos feature people describing what the real Book of Mormon means to them, as well as a message from a church leader. The press release coincides with the opening of the Book of Mormon musical in the UK.
Link: Mormons: Unlikely hi-tech PR wizards Church ads in Britain
The "Book of Mormon" musical has hit Britain, and so have ads the church has bought to capitalize on the attention. The ads are similar to the ones that have followed the show in the United States, and they are getting media attention abroad, as well.
Link: Book of Mormon sparks church activity Women pray at Conference
Several news outlets reported on the historic decision to allow women to say prayers at the LDS Church's semiannual general conference. This piece from the Idaho State Journal is typical.
Link: History made at Mormon conference Feminists raising voices
The Boston Globe reports on a new generation of feminist Mormons. Recent efforts include organizing a movement to wear pants to church and to petition church leaders to ordain women to the priesthood.
Link: Mormon feminists raise their voices and unite A key voice on immigration
Bloomberg Businesweek says Raul Labrador, a Congressman from Idaho, is an important part of the immigration reform debate in Congress. Labrador is Puerto Rican, conservative and a Mormon.
Link: Puerto Rico-Born Labrador Top Republican on Immigration An unusual spring break
While many teenagers spent spring break partying or relaxing, LDS youth in San Antonio spent it on a pioneer trek. Read the report on Mysanantonio.com
Link: Spring break no day at the beach for Mormon youth Science fiction and LDS doctrine
"The Host," a film based on a book by Stephenie Meyer is full of Mormon cultural and doctrinal references, according to Hollywood.com.
Link: Is Stephenie Meyer's 'The Host' rooted in Mormon doctrine? Missionaries at gun point
A newspaper in England reports on how a father of 17 suddenly pulled a (fake) gun on missionaries after accepting a Book of Mormon and acting friendly.
Link: Dad of 17 pointed gun at Mormon missionaries Getting ready to serve
An Austin, Texas news site reports on a young man getting ready to go on an LDS mission as soon as he graduates from high school.
Link: Mormon student to live his faith A shifting policy on gays?
Reuters reports on what some see as a shift on how the LDS Church treats gays and gay issues.
Link: Mormon Church shift on Gay marriage Put the games on hold
With the mission age lowered to 18 for young men, a lot of athletes are deciding to leave now and play when they get home, avoiding the inevitable read-shirt year, the Washington Post reports.
Link: Mormon student-athletes take advantage 'I am a Mormon' inspires
LDS blogger and feminist Jana Riess explains why and how the church's video campaign connects with her.
Link: 5 inspiring 'I'm a Mormon' videos Citizen of the week
The Orange County Register picks a self-proclaimed Mormon as its "Citizen of the week." (Hint: This is not a coveted honor.)
Link: Meet frisky, booze drinking Mormon Mormons moms, women
The Detroit Free Press focuses on Mormon women in Michigan and issues of gender equality and traditional roles within the LDS Church.
Link: Mormon mothers focus on family, explore more options Why is this funny?
In a letter to the editor, a St. Louis area woman asks why it's OK to lampoon a religion and decency and call it entertainment. Carol Stukey of Wildwood, who says she is not LDS, says the "Book of Mormon" musical was written by people who will "stoop to anything for shock value."
Link: Letter: 'Book of Mormon' musical Tithing or taxes?
 The New York City temple.
Forbes blogger Peter J. Reilly writes about an interesting legal case involving a Mormon Church member who owes back-taxes but wants the IRS to take into account the amount he pays in tithing each month.
Link: Render unto Caesar Running for prez in Mali
Yeah Samake is a candidate for president of Mali. He's also LDS. A Mormon woman who writes for the Houston Chronicle discusses this.
Link: Mormon runs for president of Mali More missionaries coming
The Columbian in Vancouver, Wa., reports that its area is set to receive one of the new missions the LDS Church announced it was forming last week.
Link: Mormon missions to gain local office A new ward in Maryland
The Frederick Stake is looking to build a new chapel to accommodate roughly 1,000 new members since 2007, Gazette.net reports.
Link: Mormon church creates new ward in Urbana Now read the book
Lewis Lazare of the Chicago Business Journal writes about the LDS Church's marketing campaign involving ads in the playbill for the Book of Mormon musical.
Link: Mormons see marketing opportunity LDS woman dances in Rio
CNN saw fit to feature a Mormon woman from Oregon who is dancing in Rio's Carnival parade.
Weighing in on DOMA
Lawyers for the LDS Church have filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court arguing in behalf of the Defense of Marriage Act, as the Christian Post reports.
Link: Mormon Church files briefs Elders on Mercer Island
The Mercer Island Reporter, in the Seattle area, profiles two full-time missionaries. A question-and-answer session reveals what it's like to serve.
Link: Young Mormon elders come to teach and serve Supporting gay marriage
The L.A. Times and other news outlets have noted that Marriott International Inc., founded by the Mormon Marriott family, has joined a coalition supporting the overthrow of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
Link: Mormon-founded Marriott joins push Go forth to serve in Iowa
A newspaper in Newton, Iowa, profiles two young elders serving as missionaries in the area. They talk about being nervous with their first door approach.
Link: Missionary duties as a Mormon New church site in Chicago
The Chicago Tribune reports on a planned new downtown meeting house on the site where a young girl was killed by gang crossfire in 1992.
Link: Mormon facility on tap Army of women missionaries
USA Today examines how lowering the mission age to 19 for women will change the church and its members.
Link: More women expected to serve Mormon missions L.A. car dealers donate to Mormon studies program
A Los Angeles car dealer and the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association have given $20,000 to support graduate fellowships and enrichment programs for students working on Masters degrees and PhDs in Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University.
Link: Donation to support Mormon studies Profane and racist
Some clergy in Chicago are speaking out against the "Book of Mormon" musical, saying it profanes God and Mormons, and that it includes racist portrayals of Africans. One reverend called it a form of bullying.
Link: Chicago opening draws criticisms, but not from Mormons Kidnapped missionaries
Two Mormon missionaries were kidnapped in Guatemala and held for two days before being released, the Associated Press reports.
Link: Mormon missionaries freed in Guatemala Mormons in Alabama
A new stake president explains to al.com how his family celebrates the Christmas season.
Link: 'Home evenings' help Mormon family prepare for Christmas Fugitive could be in your ward
The FBI believes murder suspect Jason Brown may have faded into the Mormon culture. Brown served a full-time mission to France before embarking on a life officials believe has been filled with deception and violence.
Link: FBI believes most wanted fugitive could be in Mormon community Changing view of women
An NPR report says some believe the Mormon Church's decision to lower the mission age for women will change the way the church views women.
Link: Shift in Mormon age policy Mormons in Chicago
Think you've never met a Mormon? RedeyeChicago.com says they're right around us, and the site includes a list of people with LDS connections you have likely heard of.
Link: Mormons in Chicago A chair in Mormon studies
The University of Virginia has announced formation of a chair in Mormon studies, funded with a $3 million endowment and named for Richard Lyman Bushman. A noted scholar and historian, Bushman also is a Mormon and is author of "Rough Stone Rolling," a biography of Joseph Smith.
Link: University of Virginia announced chair in Mormon studies. Why he won't see the play
A member of the Jewish Relations Committee of the LDS Church's Southern California Public Affairs Council writes that Mormons need to become more comfortable expressing righteous indignation. "The Book of Mormon" musical is racist and vulgar, made acceptable only because its subject is Mormons.
Link: Why I won't see The Book of Mormon LDS ads in B.O.M playbill
When "The Book of Mormon" Broadway musical hits the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles, the playbill will contain ads purchased by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A church spokesman said a decision has not yet been made whether to do this in other cities where the show is performed.
Link: Mormon Church buys ads in "Book of Mormon" playbill Church finances fueled by many private donations
Reuters reports on a study by Rutgers and University of Tampa sociologist Ryan Cragun that estimates the Mormon Church receives $7 billion in donations yearly. Wealthy men are often rewarded by appointments to positions of authority within the church, the researcher said.
Link: Mormon church made wealthy by donations We should all adopt the tenets of the Mormons
Gilbert, Ariz., resident Mike McClellan writes in the East Valley Tribune that all Americans would do well to adopt the attitudes of civic responsibility inherent in many church members. LDS people tend to vote and to participate in government.
Link: We should all follow the Mormons' example First baseball players in San Diego were Mormons
Columnist Logan Jenkins reports on evidence from the journal of a Mormon Battalion member that "ball," meaning "baseball" was played in the San Diego area in 1847.
Link: Soldiers with Mormon Battalion were first Padres? Being Mormon in Georgia
The Walton Tribune in Georgia profiles church members living in the area. The story examines similarities and differences between Mormons and mainstream Christians. "The biggest difference from older Protestant denominations is the Book of Mormon, a religious text unique to the newer faith."
Link: Being Mormon in Walton County Temple garments are not 'magic underwear'
Matthew Bowman, author of the book, "The Mormon people: The making of an American faith," writes about sacred temple garments in a blog for Huffington Post. "Sacred clothing is hardly an innovation Joseph Smith came up with, and surely mockery of a yarmulke or a Sikh turban would be horrifying and verboten in most of the tolerant Western world ..." he writes.
Link: Mormon temple garments — they're not magic Church issues answer to stories about its wealth
An official statement on the LDS Church web site offers a lengthy explanation of the church's business holdings and of the history behind the need to be self-sufficient.
It also gently chides journalists who recently have focused on these maters. "Those who attempt to define the Church as an institution devoted to amassing monetary wealth miss the entire point: the Church’s purpose is to bring people to Christ and to follow His example by lifting the burdens of those who are struggling." Link: The church and its financial independence Cemetery gathers Mormon headstones from pioneers
In Ohio, headstones from Mormon pioneers are being collected from throughout the Barberton area.
Link: More headstones found from old Mormon cemetery Mormonism attracting host of scholarly research
A long New York Times piece discusses how more scholars are beginning to study Mormonism's place in U.S. history and how it interacted with seminal issues through the years.
Link: The Mormon lens on American history Social media the newest thing in missionary work
The Australian reports on how Mormon missionaries are turning to Facebook and other social media to contact people, rather than knocking on doors.
Link: Mormons knock on heaven's door online Church 'must change' how gay members are treated
A bishop in a San Francisco ward writes in the Washington Post that too many LDS Church members treat LGTB members in ways inconsistent with the teachings of Christ.
Link: Changing the Mormon conversation on homosexuality |
Welcome!
This is the Web site where you'll find everything written and published by Jay Evensen, as well as links to interesting things. Look around. If you have comments, drop me an email at even@desnews.com
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The Author
Jay Evensen is the Associate Editorial Page Editor of the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has 30 years experience as a reporter, editor and editorial writer in Oklahoma, New York City, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. He also has been an adjunct professor of journalism at Brigham Young and Weber State universities.
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Everyone likes to laugh, or to occasionally groan from a painful pun. On Second Thought is a feature published every Monday in the Deseret News. Go to the Second Thoughts page and read the lighter side of current events. Then submit your own. They might end up in print.
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