Rickety

Mostly about Utah

Days Inn Makes My Day

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Today I read about Logitech replacing an out of warranty remote for free. This Logitech remote was purchased from an Amazon reseller and the buyer had no warranty of any kind. When it broke Logitech was contacted and they replaced it for free.
Days Inn.

Reservation Mix Up

This story reminded me of a recent experience I had with Days Inn. Regular readers will recall my Utah Temples Tour that required an overnight stay in Monticello. On October 5 I booked two rooms for five people at the Days Inn in Monticello for the night of October 15. The evening before our departure I printed my confirmation email and noticed the following:

Thank you. Your room reservation has been confirmed. A confirmation has also been sent to rickety@youbigdope.com. If you need to cancel, you must do so by 6:00 PM local hotel time on October 8, 2008 or your credit card will be charged for one night’s stay.

October 8! I had booked for the Wednesday prior to October 15. I checked my bank account and saw that I hadn’t been charged yet for the $147.52. I booked two rooms at the Best Western Wayside Motor Inn in Monticello. I didn’t want to risk making reservations with Days Inn again in case they figured I would be a no show once more.

Happy Ending

Arriving home from my trip I checked my bank account and found that there was still no charge. I always thought the charge was automatic if you failed to show up. I have had many pleasant stays at Days Inn and I get a discount as a federal employee. This incident has left me with an even more favorable view of Days Inn. Is this common practice to forgive the charges for a no show or was Days Inn just giving exceptional service? One thing is for sure, next time I will have my wife make the reservations.
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The Conquest of Jericho Sestina

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Sarah
The first time I heard of a sestina was when my daughter Sarah received a homework assignment to write one. I helped a little by suggesting a story from the Bible and then by contributing a few lines. This happened back in 2001 but I still remember fondly the time we spent penning those 39 lines. A sestina can be quite appealing to the mind because of the re-use of the six chosen words and the order in which they appear.

What is a Sestina?

With the help of Wikipedia I give you this explanation: A sestina is a highly structured poem consisting of 6 six-line stanzas followed by a tercet (three lines) for a total of thirty-nine lines. The same set of six words ends the lines of each of the six-line stanzas, but in a different order each time; if we number the first stanza’s lines 123456, then the words ending the second stanza’s lines appear in the order 615243, then 364125, then 532614, then 451362, and finally 246531. This organization is referred to as retrogradatio cruciata (“retrograde cross”). These six words then appear in the tercet as well, with the tercet’s first line usually containing 1 and 2, its second 3 and 4, and its third 5 and 6.

Sarah’s Sestina

To make the sestina easier to follow I have numbered the lines where the six words appear. The words are Joshua, Jericho, priests, trumpets, days, and times, numbered respectively 1 through 6. The sestina is based on Joshua chapter six. Verses 1-5 are the word of the Lord to Joshua (stanzas 1 and 2); verses 6-7 are Joshua’s words to the people (stanzas 3 and 4); verses 8-27 is the conquest of Jericho (stanzas 5 and 6). The troubadour rules were strictly followed for the order in which the end-words recur. The tercet, the three lines at the end, contain the six words used in the six preceding stanzas which you shall see are not exactly in the right order. See if you can rewrite it so that it is.

The Conquest of Jericho

(1) And the Lord said unto Joshua:
(2) “I have given unto thine hand Jericho.
(3) Before the ark I want seven priests,
(4) Bearing rams horn trumpets.
(5) And this shall take seven days,
(6) And they shall compass the city seven times.”

(6) “When surrounding the city seven times,”
(1) The Lord continued to instruct Joshua,
(5) “The walls of the city shall fall in seven days,
(2) And utterly destroy the inhabitants of Jericho.
(4) By the long blasts of the trumpets,
(3) That shall be blown by the priests.”

(3) And the son of Nun called seven priests:
(6) “You will circle the city seven times,
(4) And blow the rams horn trumpets.”
(1) The Ark of the Covenant was brought before Joshua,
(2) And he told the people to surround Jericho
(5) Once every six days.

(5) And seven times on the seventh day.
(3) “I want armed men before the priests,
(2) And the ark to come behind when circling Jericho.”
(6) “When going around the seventh time,”
(1) Continued Joshua,
(4) “The people shall shout with the trumpets.”

(4) So the seven priests with seven trumpets
(5) Went blowing a full six days
(1) “And only shall Rahab live,” commanded Joshua
(3) So the people shouted with the priests
(6) And it was done only on the seventh time,
(2) That the wall fell down flat, for entry to Jericho

(2) The city was burned—waste was Jericho.
(4) Celebratory sounds of the trumpets
(6) Were made long and loud and many times.
(5) Victory feasts were the order of the days.
(3) Hailed as heroes were the seven priests
(1) Throughout the country was noised the fame of Joshua!

Gold and many (6) times the silver were taken that (5) day.
(1) Joshua said, “Cursed be the man that buildeth this city (2) Jericho.”
And the seven (4) trumpets and the seven (3) priests agreed.
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How to Create An Index For Your WordPress Blog

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Rickety block index.

Blog Indexes

An index? Indexes are for books, right? But I rather think they are useful for blogs also. When I started blogging at the end of May I never dreamed I would need such a thing. But 175 rickety posts later an index would seem to be a useful addition. I haven’t noticed many blogs that have an index but there is a WordPress plugin that takes care of the construction exceedingly well.

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Real Salt Lake v. New York Red Bulls

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Real Salt Lake and New York Red Bulls before the crowd.

Obstacle Course

Rick and Jake at the game.
Yesterday evening Jake and I left the car in a Jordan School District parking lot west of I-15. We walked instead of taking the provided shuttle. As we neared the stadium we followed ten other people as they cut through a private parking lot. We walked along a dirt trail and came to a stream. It looked like we might have to try to jump over it but it turned out to be dry. We clambered down the bank in the dark and up the other side. Before us now was a eight foot high rickety chain link fence with barbed wire on top. I asked Jake if we were following the right people. Fans were ducking through a large hole in the fence only to be held up by another fence equally as high but with no barbed wire. This one we had to climb and then drop down the other side. All that was left to do was scramble up a hill to the road outside the stadium.

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Convert Journeys of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Valerie Fulmer.
My guest writer is Valerie Fulmer who is writing the book “Convert Journeys of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” If you are a convert, eighteen or over, and want to have your story considered for inclusion, contact me using the email in the footer.

Convert Journeys

I am still working on gathering convert stories for my book that will likely be entitled “Convert Journeys of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” This book will give you an opportunity to bear your testimony to many, and to help lifelong members of the church better understand what it is like to be a convert.

I am a lifelong member of the Church. In December 2006 I met a family who took the discussions from the missionaries and who were eventually baptized. To see their journey first hand and up close has been a learning experience for me. I was raised in the Church and it was interesting to see what this amazing family learned and the experiences they went through as converts. This experience has inspired me to compile a book of converts’ stories from members of the Church. A few of the goals of this book are to:

  • Share the gospel of Jesus Christ to those non-members who are willing to read the book.
  • Give converts an opportunity to share their story and their testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • Help lifelong members of the Church (myself included) better understand what it is like to be a convert.

Elder David J. Barnett has said:

I know that as we do missionary work in whatever capacity we can, we obey the vital commandment to “love one another.” (David J. Barnett, “Messages from the Doctrine and Covenants: A Testimony of Missionary Work,” Ensign, Mar 2005, 22–23)

Understanding Converts

It is my hope that by reading this book, lifelong members can better understand converts, and thereby have more understanding and a better capacity to reach out to those precious souls that have come into the Fold of Christ.

I bear solemn testimony that I believe this is the Lord’s church on earth. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him, we are all blessed beyond our comprehension. There is nothing I can say or do that will ever show how much gratitude I have for all He has done, does and will do for each and every one of us.

I do believe there are good and sincere people of many different faiths, and even those who do not have a belief in a Higher Power. Each person is a son or daughter of God. We can learn something from everyone we meet. We believe people should be allowed to believe (or not believe) according to the dictates of their own hearts. This book will be about individuals whose minds and hearts led them to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Although I do not think anyone would knowingly make up stories or stretch the truth, the validity of this book rests upon complete honesty with the information you do provide. And with the information you choose to disclose, I encourage you to do so with humility and prayer. Thank you for considering sharing YOUR story. It is my hope that your stories will inspire, educate and encourage people from around the world.

Missionary Dan Email from the MTC #1

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Daniel enters the MTC

Daniel entered the MTC October 28, 2008


Presented here are portions of Elder Daniel Willoughby’s first email from the Missionary Training Center.

Companions

The computers are really handy. They are just in the laundry room so on Thursday, my pday, we do laundry and write email. The MTC is way exciting. I am doing great! I have two companions so we are a three-some. Elder Nelson is from Paradise, Utah near Logan. He is the youngest in his family with 4 brothers and 4 sisters. His parents are going on a mission in a week so we’ll see his parents around in the MTC soon, so that is interesting. Elder Apo is from Samoa. It’s a small island in the ocean. He is great! He is always telling us about his home and culture. Where he lives it is always really humid and hot. He said it has never been below 75 F degrees. He is “enjoying” the cold weather.

Food and Teachers

The food is delicious. I get three meals a day. I usually eat lots of fruit with each meal. My leg is much much better. I can run up stairs, walk around fast, do anything but sprint. I have three teachers, Brother Cannon, Sister Infinger, and Sister Marta. Sister Marta is native to Mongolia so we are blessed to have her. Sister Infinger has tons of energy and if anyone says they can’t learn Mongolian she says she’ll eat our arm off. We believe her. Brother Cannon knows how to throat sing. He is way cool.

On Task

My Branch President is awesome and so is his wife. Elder Nelson, my companion, has the position of district leader. I have seen tons of Elders I know. I have seen Elder Van Weezep, Elder Wiser, Elder Hill, Elder Davenport, Elder Buttars, Elder Jensen and many others. I always say Hi to them. I have been amazed at the spirit here. It is constant and very helpful. It keeps me on task and always wanting to serve my best.
Mongolian is great and is making sense. I can see how greatly blessed missionaries are when learning a language. I am able to focus all day — when at home I had trouble focusing for an hour.  I bore my testimony to a new Elder yesterday and many times before that.

Mongolian

My companions and I like to walk around after lunch and speak Mongolian to the other elders. It’s helping to get over the fear of talking to everyone. It’s really easy at the MTC to talk to people though. This Friday we’ll be doing the lessons in Mongolian. Tomorrow we have special permission to teach in Mongolian early since there isn’t many resources for Mongolians here to speak Mongolian. Our lesson last Friday in English went well. Mongolians have no background at all so we are taught to always start from scratch when teaching. We emphasize that God loves them and they are his children. My teacher, Sister Marta, said when the missionaries told her that God loved her she had never heard it before. She always thought of God as someone who punishes. I have learned so much so fast and I am working my hardest everyday. My district has seven elders including me and three sisters. They are great. I am extremely busy but I am enjoying every minute.

Sounds like everyone else is enjoying life. I hope my room was clean enough. The candy in my suitcase was yummy. Bryson has grown a lot of hair! The grayish color he has must come from Rickety. Well my time is up. I enjoy hearing what is going on at home.

Love Elder Willoughby
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Birthday Celebration: Steven

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Steven entertains Bryson

Steven entertains Bryson


On Monday we celebrated Steven’s birthday at our Family Home Evening. Jill, Paul, Jake, Steven, Adelaide, Sarah, Derek, Bryson, and myself were there. After the Family Home Evening we blew up balloons, tossed them in the air, and then burst them. It sounds a little pointless but it was a lot of fun. We gave Steven his presents and then ate cake and ice-cream.
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Yes on Proposition 8 Response to Lawsuit

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Yes on 8

Lawsuit Lacking Merit

Of course Equality California would head for the courts after the votes counted are not in their favor. I think it is a rickety course to pursue. Andrew Pugno, General Counsel of ProtectMarriage.com, said:

The ACLU/Equality California lawsuit is completely lacking in merit. It is as if their campaign just spent $40 million on a losing campaign opposing something they now say is a legal nullity.

Mr. Pugno further states:

The lawsuit filed today by the ACLU and Equality California seeking to invalidate the decision of California voters to enshrine traditional marriage in California’s constitution is frivolous and regrettable. These same groups filed an identical case with the California Supreme Court months ago, which was summarily dismissed. We will vigorously defend the People’s decision to enact Proposition 8. (ProtectMarriage.com News, Statement By Andrew Pugno, General Counsel of ProtectMarriage.com)

Right to Amend Constitution Reserved by the People

Most people know that the right to amend California’s Constitution is not granted to the People, it is reserved by the People. The People’s exercise of their sovereign power has reversed an interpretation of their Constitution through the initiative-amendment process. Mr. Pugno cites two cases in his statement to explain how the process works.

In a way, one wonders what all the fuss is about. Consider Elton John:

I don’t want to be married. I’m very happy with a civil partnership. If gay people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership,” said John. “The word marriage, I think, puts a lot of people off. You get the same equal rights that we do when we have a civil partnership. Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships. (USA Today, “Elton John: Where Prop 8 went wrong“)

Back to the lawsuit. Ron Prentice stated:

ProtectMarriage.com also wants you to know that a strong legal defense of Proposition 8 is being prepared. We anticipated that Prop 8’s passage would result in advocates of same-sex marriage turning to the courts to attempt to overturn the People’s affirmation of traditional marriage as a societal good. We will be announcing our legal strategy next week, but rest assured that we will vigorously defend the People’s will to enshrine traditional marriage in the state Constitution. (ProtectMarriage.com News, Statement of Ron Prentice, Chairman, ProtectMarriage.com — Yes on 8)

Phenomenal Effort

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. If the lawsuit passes then the final say on what becomes constitutional will be in the hands of a few judges for every future proposition. It will effectively leave the people of California with no recourse. Every proposition result will be subject to judicial review. But for now my congratulations to the historic campaign to pass Proposition 8, a phenomenal effort. Said Mr. Prentice, “This victory would not have been possible without the support of our 70,000 contributors and over 100,000 dedicated volunteers. It was accomplished with the strong participation of about 80% of California voters, or nearly 14 million people participating in this expression of the People’s will.”

Related Articles

Same-Sex Marriage and Proposition 8. Includes LDS documents, interviews, video, and links to websites.
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Veterans Day: Remembering a Korean War Veteran

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Guns In Korea

Guns In Korea


On this Veteran’s Day my guest writer is my father-in-law, Robert Holst. This is his story of his service during the Korean War.
Robert aboard the A. E. Andersen bound for Korea.

National Guard

I joined the National Guard for three years. I was in it awhile before I graduated in 1949. We used to have fun at summer camps. We’d go down there for two weeks and drive a big truck. I drove a big six-wheel drive truck into Salt Lake once. One day I went with a friend to Ogden to join the Army. A newspaper boy came by and said that the 204th had been called into active duty. We went back to Brigham and reported to the armory where doctors came and gave us a physical. Every day we reported to the Armory to train and get our equipment ready to be sent to Fort Lewis. Each day we marched down to the Hower Hotel to eat.

Fort Lewis

When it was time to go we got on a train that took us to Fort Lewis. I was there about one month while we trained and I got my GI driver’s license. Then they sent me on a train to mechanics school in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. There I passed a test so they put me in a Master Sergeant class where I was the only Private First Class they had ever had. When I was done I went home for a visit and my Mom, Dad and Janet took me to Fort Lewis. There we got our equipment ready to be sent overseas.

Pusan and Inchon

At night we boarded the A. E. Andersen and by the next morning we were in rough seas and were all sick.  When we got to Pusan we trained and waited for our equipment and then trained for another month. They loaded us and all our equipment on a ship and took us to Inchon. There we drove our equipment across a pontoon bridge into Seoul. From there we crossed the 38th parallel. I was put on guard duty on an outpost above a Korean cemetery. There was a place that was dug out and it was pitch, pitch black, no moon out. They put three of us up there and we didn’t know what to expect. All three of us sat there and stared all night wondering what the crud was going to happen, scared to death. That was the first night I was up on the front.

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