I would like to tell you about a splinter group in the Book of Mormon you might not even recognize in the dark chiasms of its Lamanitish mysteries. By the end of Mosiah I's reign in the church of God, Nephites are distinguished as those who believe in Christ, and Lamanites as those who don't--more following the faith of their fathers who came out of Jerusalem than their lineage.
It is by this distinction we can verily see that in the latter half of the Book of Mormon, those militant Laminites we read as Zoramites are other than the descendants of Zoram, friend of Nephi. For if they were, then we would lex them as believers in Jesus Christ. But rejoicing in bloodshed and doctrines of devils as they do, this cannot be the case.
In the 15th chapter of Alma, the high priest sends one ZORAM, with his sons LEHI and AHA, to destroy the bloodthirsty Lamanites in the city of Ammonihah to avenge their faithful brothers. You will remember that the people of Ammonihah once mocked Alma and Amulek, even to the point of boasting that not even GOD could destroy their city--let alone two solitary missionaries.
ZORAM and his captain sons handily destroy the city and heap up the dead bodies in such a manner that the land was not inhabited for many moons.
After Alma and Amulek minister to one ZORAMITE population years later, several are converted to believe in Christ--many do not. When converts join the people of Ammon in Alma 35, the remainder of the Zormaites are stirred up to anger and join the Lamanite troops and mentality of guerilla warfare.
In chapter 48 the Lamanites appoint Zoramite captains over their squadrons because of their extensive knowledge of Nephite fortifications. This is becasue back in chapter 15, they were the Nephite commanders sent in to destroy Ammonihah.
In chapter 49 the Lamanites and their Zormaite captains turn tail and run from LEHI, whose name alone strikes mortal terror in their cowardly hearts. This is because LEHI, the son of ZORAM, remained true to his faith while his father and much of the rest of the army forsook their faith for power, corruption and the pride of the world.
Alma had appointed ZORAM a chief captain in his army. ZORAM abused that power to become a poweful and disturbing dissenter who turned militant when some of his ZORAMITES were turned again to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
'We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of ALMOST ALL MEN, as soon as they have gained a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediatley begin to exercise unrighteous dominion . . .
05 December 2009
30 November 2009
reflections pt. 3
And what shall we say then, am I no longer a journalist because I have left that description behind for something better suited to my talents? And do I now detest journalism because of the pathetic industry it has become?
No. I am a journalist because I base my life on truth. No. I am a journalist because I share important information with friends and family. No. I am a journalist because I influence people for the better and I am not swayed simply by a slight change in the status quo.
I am a journalist. I believe journalism is more of a lifestyle and an attribute than it is a true profession. I am an honest, caring, hard-working, listening individual who rejoices in truth and I believe that it will set me free.
How's that for a mission statement? See you around, bitches.
No. I am a journalist because I base my life on truth. No. I am a journalist because I share important information with friends and family. No. I am a journalist because I influence people for the better and I am not swayed simply by a slight change in the status quo.
I am a journalist. I believe journalism is more of a lifestyle and an attribute than it is a true profession. I am an honest, caring, hard-working, listening individual who rejoices in truth and I believe that it will set me free.
How's that for a mission statement? See you around, bitches.
reflections pt. 2
There is no such thing as journalism. There is a slough of data available through the internet upon which people base their lives. Thats all.
Dr. Cressman himself shared that Wikipedia is just as credible as any other dictionary in the world, yet Wikipedia could be run by five-horned chimpanzees for all we know.
It's like the scriptures say about how the gospel will be in the last days: 'heaping unto themselves teachers, having itching ears. (2 Timothy)" We are in cultural apostasy, and will be until the poles flip.
Dr. Cressman himself shared that Wikipedia is just as credible as any other dictionary in the world, yet Wikipedia could be run by five-horned chimpanzees for all we know.
It's like the scriptures say about how the gospel will be in the last days: 'heaping unto themselves teachers, having itching ears. (2 Timothy)" We are in cultural apostasy, and will be until the poles flip.
reflections pt. 1
Five years ago I was a paid journalist working for multiple newspapers in Southern Utah. I was primarily a sports writer, secondarily an opinion columnist. I thought for a time I would be writing to make a living by the time I was 23.
As my junior year in high school passed by, I saw a lot of corruption in the industry of journalism. I was misquoted time and time again, a picture of mine was thrown on the front of the SL Trib next to my headline about a 'high school troublemaker,' a journalist with whom I was working had an affair with my editor.
Since I left the Southern Utah News our copy editor has been fired for pilfering subscription funds.
But what I have learned in Comms 239 has turned me off of journalism in a totally new way: there is no such thing as journalism anymore. There are people sharing ideas and information and the people far out number (and therefore out wit, out research, and out date) the so-called professionals.
And I had an impossible time getting a second date with a hot gymnast girl in my class, I blame that on journalism too.
As my junior year in high school passed by, I saw a lot of corruption in the industry of journalism. I was misquoted time and time again, a picture of mine was thrown on the front of the SL Trib next to my headline about a 'high school troublemaker,' a journalist with whom I was working had an affair with my editor.
Since I left the Southern Utah News our copy editor has been fired for pilfering subscription funds.
But what I have learned in Comms 239 has turned me off of journalism in a totally new way: there is no such thing as journalism anymore. There are people sharing ideas and information and the people far out number (and therefore out wit, out research, and out date) the so-called professionals.
And I had an impossible time getting a second date with a hot gymnast girl in my class, I blame that on journalism too.
30 October 2009
INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT
Matt Livingston interview with NPR’s Doug Fabrizio
Host of KUER RadioWest on FM 90.1
In Studio Tuesday 27 October 2009
ML: How did you get into journalism?
DF: I studied theater in college, you see I was going to be an actor! My scholarship to the U of U was in theater, that’s what I was going to do! I chickened out! When you’re young, and you’re concentrated on a career with an unclear future, you think: how long will it take to be discovered? The same question applies to writers, singers, etc. So I switched to something more practical. I don’t know how much more practical radio is . . . I just started volunteering at KUED, and loved listening to NPR. But I had intended on studying theater.
ML: I think a lot of college students would agree with your statement on uncertainty. Anything further?
DF: You have to take a leap of faith. I follow what Joseph Campbell said, “follow your bliss.” You’ll always have to make compromises, but do what you love. Follow your bliss.
ML: Do you get personal satisfaction from your work?
DF: Everyone gets burned out from time to time, but I do love it. If I didn’t I would quit. There’s always something different, every day I’m on deadline, it’s scary! I love it.
ML: How would you define good journalism?
DF: First, you need to have a powerful sense of integrity. Be aware of what influences you and acknowledge it. Objectivity is important, I agree that none of us can be totally objective—we are all influenced by everything: faith, friends, family—not to say that we shouldn’t aspire to it! That to me is really critical, know what influences you and be willing to resist them. If my sons play lacrosse, can I still do a show about it? If my daughter goes to Africa, can I still showcase volunteer work there? Always ask yourself two questions: 1) Can I resist? And 2) What am I gonna gain?
Second is the power of observation. Be aware of what goes on in culture, place; when you leave a place, what did you notice? If you can be observant, you will bring things to life.
Third you need to be a good storyteller. There is always a story. You need to develop the ability to tell a story.
ML: Where do you place your profession in this definition?
DF: Not different from any conventional journalism. The show has the same intent as when I was a field reporter.
ML: Is it different being in a studio and working with just people than out and about?
DF: If I do it right, it’s not that different. It’s when we lose the big picture and focus too much on an individual that we might get into trouble.
ML: So, in some ways is a person like a place that you can observe, define, etc?
DF: Oh yes people can be characters, places can be too, especially in the West.
ML: How do you feel about movements in citizen journalism?
DF: Skeptical. If it has fat-checking, and balance, then its good. Often I find ‘citizen journalism’ is only opinion. It is good that people want to report, but if it doesn’t have the basics, frankly I don’t give a damn!
ML: Do you see good journalism in today’s media?
DF: Mostly I see deviation. Journalists feel a need to be a part of their story—express opinions on Facebook, Twitter, etc. The news cycle is 24/7, and there is lots of temptation. All the aggregation like Huffington—I see a trend the other way. But there are some really good reporters out there. Honestly I worry more about the economic model.
ML: Are you worried in a personal way?
DF: Not right now—public radio audiences are growing, our audience is bigger than ever. Here’s what I think: in the end, quality journalism will win out.
ML: I love your questions. What is the power of a question in journalism?
DF: First be genuinely curious! Be naturally inquisitive and honestly inquisitive—find a way to be honestly curious in the subject. You see a nice sports car: why does it go so fast? It’s shiny yes, but how do you shine it?
You also need to be interested in the process of things. I believe people want to know that kind of stuff. The minutia, you will find it if you’re observant.
ML: Finally now, your favorite show of all time?
DF: We’ve had some good ones. They had nothing to do with me. Jean Jacobsen, a World War II vet who wrote about the Baton Death March. The book wasn’t the greatest, and he’s dead now, but he was so human, so real, just an ordinary guy, and he just connected. He was so human, so authentic, I just loved the guy.
Host of KUER RadioWest on FM 90.1
In Studio Tuesday 27 October 2009
ML: How did you get into journalism?
DF: I studied theater in college, you see I was going to be an actor! My scholarship to the U of U was in theater, that’s what I was going to do! I chickened out! When you’re young, and you’re concentrated on a career with an unclear future, you think: how long will it take to be discovered? The same question applies to writers, singers, etc. So I switched to something more practical. I don’t know how much more practical radio is . . . I just started volunteering at KUED, and loved listening to NPR. But I had intended on studying theater.
ML: I think a lot of college students would agree with your statement on uncertainty. Anything further?
DF: You have to take a leap of faith. I follow what Joseph Campbell said, “follow your bliss.” You’ll always have to make compromises, but do what you love. Follow your bliss.
ML: Do you get personal satisfaction from your work?
DF: Everyone gets burned out from time to time, but I do love it. If I didn’t I would quit. There’s always something different, every day I’m on deadline, it’s scary! I love it.
ML: How would you define good journalism?
DF: First, you need to have a powerful sense of integrity. Be aware of what influences you and acknowledge it. Objectivity is important, I agree that none of us can be totally objective—we are all influenced by everything: faith, friends, family—not to say that we shouldn’t aspire to it! That to me is really critical, know what influences you and be willing to resist them. If my sons play lacrosse, can I still do a show about it? If my daughter goes to Africa, can I still showcase volunteer work there? Always ask yourself two questions: 1) Can I resist? And 2) What am I gonna gain?
Second is the power of observation. Be aware of what goes on in culture, place; when you leave a place, what did you notice? If you can be observant, you will bring things to life.
Third you need to be a good storyteller. There is always a story. You need to develop the ability to tell a story.
ML: Where do you place your profession in this definition?
DF: Not different from any conventional journalism. The show has the same intent as when I was a field reporter.
ML: Is it different being in a studio and working with just people than out and about?
DF: If I do it right, it’s not that different. It’s when we lose the big picture and focus too much on an individual that we might get into trouble.
ML: So, in some ways is a person like a place that you can observe, define, etc?
DF: Oh yes people can be characters, places can be too, especially in the West.
ML: How do you feel about movements in citizen journalism?
DF: Skeptical. If it has fat-checking, and balance, then its good. Often I find ‘citizen journalism’ is only opinion. It is good that people want to report, but if it doesn’t have the basics, frankly I don’t give a damn!
ML: Do you see good journalism in today’s media?
DF: Mostly I see deviation. Journalists feel a need to be a part of their story—express opinions on Facebook, Twitter, etc. The news cycle is 24/7, and there is lots of temptation. All the aggregation like Huffington—I see a trend the other way. But there are some really good reporters out there. Honestly I worry more about the economic model.
ML: Are you worried in a personal way?
DF: Not right now—public radio audiences are growing, our audience is bigger than ever. Here’s what I think: in the end, quality journalism will win out.
ML: I love your questions. What is the power of a question in journalism?
DF: First be genuinely curious! Be naturally inquisitive and honestly inquisitive—find a way to be honestly curious in the subject. You see a nice sports car: why does it go so fast? It’s shiny yes, but how do you shine it?
You also need to be interested in the process of things. I believe people want to know that kind of stuff. The minutia, you will find it if you’re observant.
ML: Finally now, your favorite show of all time?
DF: We’ve had some good ones. They had nothing to do with me. Jean Jacobsen, a World War II vet who wrote about the Baton Death March. The book wasn’t the greatest, and he’s dead now, but he was so human, so real, just an ordinary guy, and he just connected. He was so human, so authentic, I just loved the guy.
29 October 2009
NPRs Doug FABrizio
I turned the tables on world-class radio interviewer Doug Fabrizio Tuesday. The inquisitive questioner, and host of Utah's RadioWest for the past several years, became my thoughtful responder for our brief interview. The two things I found most interesting were his thoughts on question-asking and his love for journalism.
Doug shared two tips to good question-asking in the journalism profession. First, be genuinely curious about the world around you. Don't settle for definitions and labels, seek deeper to find out how and why.
This brings up his second point, to be interested in and determined to show people the process of things: show the world how things work. Why are cars fast, why do doors open; Doug believes that people are interested in the process.
His love for journalism is evident in how he defines the field, the joy it brings him and what he defines as his best moment on the air. Doug believes that good journalism is based on integrity, it is not self-serving, and it is the art of great story-telling. 'Everything deserves a story,' Doug says.
He finds great joy and personal fulfillment from the work he does, otherwise he wouldn't do it. To others pursuing careers in the arts and life sciences, Doug pushes doing what you love regardless of the odds. The moments you have in doing what you love are priceless, he says.
His best show ever came not from interviewing a Pulitzer writer, nor a Grammy actor, but a war veteran who loved to serve. 'I just loved the guy,' says Doug. The show repeats every Veteran's day.
Doug shared two tips to good question-asking in the journalism profession. First, be genuinely curious about the world around you. Don't settle for definitions and labels, seek deeper to find out how and why.
This brings up his second point, to be interested in and determined to show people the process of things: show the world how things work. Why are cars fast, why do doors open; Doug believes that people are interested in the process.
His love for journalism is evident in how he defines the field, the joy it brings him and what he defines as his best moment on the air. Doug believes that good journalism is based on integrity, it is not self-serving, and it is the art of great story-telling. 'Everything deserves a story,' Doug says.
He finds great joy and personal fulfillment from the work he does, otherwise he wouldn't do it. To others pursuing careers in the arts and life sciences, Doug pushes doing what you love regardless of the odds. The moments you have in doing what you love are priceless, he says.
His best show ever came not from interviewing a Pulitzer writer, nor a Grammy actor, but a war veteran who loved to serve. 'I just loved the guy,' says Doug. The show repeats every Veteran's day.
17 October 2009
Mark 6, Prayer and Kolob
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mark/7
Sum= loaves and afew liddelfishdishes, glive glee glem glue gleet gloat glut glum aglossles. Sum= ofew stoney-corazoney seenosum feefofum yew arr nearr clestrral wharr larr cum frrum; preparrations of an unusual victual ritual now send the starrs upon the seasharr.
Faith haileth strait over the see He gait a wraith pon the waives to saive because He can hairl praiyrs. But stony-bones scresus the Jewsus and Jesus wesus passing besus succoresus assonnashhehearsus 'itisI.' isitI?
Petrach bedrach n petros stumblestones can yousee they bothseenk but Peter tha liter drieup sies and siesup skies if youwill oneleye beleeeeve!
Heseesus allus and willsalveus saveus alwus. Loavesand fishesand prayersand sunsand Hemadethem canchangethem canchangeus wechangethem.
Sum= loaves and afew liddelfishdishes, glive glee glem glue gleet gloat glut glum aglossles. Sum= ofew stoney-corazoney seenosum feefofum yew arr nearr clestrral wharr larr cum frrum; preparrations of an unusual victual ritual now send the starrs upon the seasharr.
Faith haileth strait over the see He gait a wraith pon the waives to saive because He can hairl praiyrs. But stony-bones scresus the Jewsus and Jesus wesus passing besus succoresus assonnashhehearsus 'itisI.' isitI?
Petrach bedrach n petros stumblestones can yousee they bothseenk but Peter tha liter drieup sies and siesup skies if youwill oneleye beleeeeve!
Heseesus allus and willsalveus saveus alwus. Loavesand fishesand prayersand sunsand Hemadethem canchangethem canchangeus wechangethem.
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