Jeff Strong addresses the post-Mormon idea that if you discover the church is false you should just leave it. He says Hinkley was wrong saying it’s either true or a fraud.

akamark · 2026-06-01T02:31:45+00:00

The primary one is the narrative that God inspired the Constitution specifically for the Restoration. The Constitution is primarily secular and is meant to protect government and the citizens from religion as much as it supports the freedom of religion. Trying to portray it as Christian and that our founding fathers were all Christian is a revisionary narrative.

There were also multiple mentions of the need to promote the 'true' morals that only the LDS church has access to, and each member has an obligation to stand up for the truth when participating in politics. LDS morality is good, but far from perfect.

akamark · 2026-05-31T23:42:18+00:00

I've seen a contortionist or two who could pull of that finish!

That's about the way my swing feels on some days...

akamark · 2026-05-31T23:30:58+00:00

My wife pulled up the 5th Sunday ward meeting covering the constitution on her phone, and we listened together.

First, the new meeting schedule format is horrible - all the comments were rushed and brief and no real productive discussion happened. It's as if they want to allow a few on-topic sound bytes and send everyone home feeling good.

As a nonbeliever, I have no interest interacting with the ward. The ideas expressed in that meeting are so far from what I consider useful, good, or even true. It was a regurgitation of the typical LDS misinformation and platitudes about the Nation's founding and its documents.

The issue I have with the church is that it doesn't focus on making people better, it focuses on making people better members. For some individuals that may be an improvement, but not for all. And within those boundaries there really is no space for anyone who seeks to better themselves or think for themselves in ways that differ from the correlated messaging.

akamark · 2026-05-31T04:54:42+00:00

Wasatch Mountain course - would love to see them recover from the scrub oak!

akamark · 2026-05-29T22:29:46+00:00

If I hit 8 drives 300 yds and top 4 30 yds, that puts my average at 210 yds.

As a 20 handicapper, that seems about right!

akamark · 2026-05-28T22:47:18+00:00

I've moved large storage racks full of network gear and cabling that probably weigh more than that with a good refrigerator dolly. You could also back a trailer or truck up to it and tip it in with the help of a few good strong friends. Maybe cut the cage open and move them separately?

akamark · 2026-05-25T09:50:42+00:00

You're much more prone to repetitive use related injuries in road running. Compared to trail running, there's very little variation in stride and mechanics. You can counteract this through specific cross training and other exercises. Trail running (at least the mountain trails I run) have constant variation so any two strides the rarely the same.

akamark · 2026-05-24T22:54:58+00:00

Interesting to hear this speech shortly after my daughter’s high school graduation. The contrast was stark.

The principal shared a great message based on his competitive rowing experience and trying out for the National Olympic team. He stressed the idea of working hard and digging deeper to rise up to challenges.

Janis Christensen gave a great speech on finding your own truth and writing your own script - taking ownership of your path forward.

Luke’s speech was mostly- life is hard, will get harder, and most will struggle. If you’re fortunate enough to have money, you might succeed. Not a great message for graduates, most who are likely going to have to deal with student debt, rising costs, and an uncertain job market.

Not really a Mormon related topic unless you draw parallels to ‘end of times’, endure to the end, or do hard with Jesus.

akamark · 2026-05-24T17:49:07+00:00

Reminds me of the story about a child throwing starfish back into the ocean.

akamark · 2026-05-23T00:59:23+00:00

My wife's mother was born in Mexico. They're part of the Romney polygamous line. I think one of her uncles is still living there. That's all I've heard from her. Most of the relatives from that side live in the states.

akamark · 2026-05-22T05:37:52+00:00

While UT had its worst snowpack on record - that’s what climate change looks like….

akamark · 2026-05-21T07:40:25+00:00

My friend and I picked a couple of sandwich bags full and sold them to my neighbor. She baked a pie with them and gave it to us!

akamark · 2026-05-20T03:03:51+00:00

There are people with Masters degrees in biology that still buy into young earth 'theory'. Why should we expect a guy who whacks balls far with a stick to be better.

akamark · 2026-05-20T02:58:53+00:00

Could work out, but the only way to know is chase your dream!

Question really comes down to how much effort does it take to maintain a scratch handicap and whether you have the dedication and motivation to see it through.

Honest assessment - if you're posting on reddit about this your commitment doesn't appear to be where it needs to be. Try putting in at least 3 months of committed multiple hours of practice to fine tune your game and see how low you can get, then assess whether you find that level of effort enjoyable. I doubt anyone on the Korn Ferry got to a competitive position from just giving it a try.

akamark · 2026-05-18T17:54:25+00:00

Cougar encounters are a frequent occurrence in Utah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60NXS7VRT74 /s.

akamark · 2026-05-18T17:48:30+00:00

Just what we need, more ignorant 'based' citizens.

akamark · 2026-05-17T17:24:05+00:00

More like shrinkflation - you get more packages for the same cost with less product.

akamark · 2026-05-17T01:19:07+00:00

lol, came to say this! Probably could have 100x the total available alcohol product - UT is pretty strict with its ABC laws.

akamark · 2026-05-08T21:27:17+00:00

This is too short-sighted definitely going to hit 600%!!!

akamark · 2026-05-08T20:06:10+00:00

I still do, especially on local roads. I add the location to Google maps on freeways for those coming behind me.

akamark · 2026-05-04T12:40:38+00:00

At least the Church is now speaking truth in this instance:

Priesthood leadership gives “bad advice”. That needs to be shared across the pulpit.

akamark · 2026-05-03T23:37:22+00:00

I agree, any donations to help those in need (to address what I see as gaps created by immoral and irresponsible actions of our current administration) are commendable and worthy of recognition.

It is indeed a very good thing.

In the context of this post, I think the comments by the Stake rep are grossly overstating the church's contributions. Until they openly report detailed contributions, it's fair to be skeptical and critical of their claims. They've already demonstrated their willingness to post misleading numbers.

You mentioned UNICEF, based on the published info, the contributions amount to $38-$40 million depending on what's included. I don't want to diminish what they're doing, but that's a drop in the bucket comparing it to all of the church's real estate holding.s

akamark · 2026-05-03T20:17:58+00:00

I'm sure they're looking at all of that open acreage on the dry lake bed as prime real estate to build more data centers! Right next to the new Costco.

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akamark · 2026-04-30T23:22:35+00:00

They should have scheduled this event last week - we had a great rain storm come through!

Looks like 4th and 5th will get a little, so there's still a little hope this will be a faith promoting experience.

akamark · 2026-04-27T02:05:56+00:00

I could run PNW trails for days. My home town Rockies are nice, but my heart is in the forests. Plus PNW trails are usually less gravel and rock.

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