"Sunday Sermon" Literary Characterization One of my favorite topics of my 3-year literary analysis of the Book of Mormon, in the 1970s, involves the "cast of characters." In fiction, quality of "literary characterization" is measured three ways: one, diversity; two, consistency; and three, realism. One, do the different characters act differently? Two, are the characters' … Continue reading Book of Mormon Cast of Characters (More Evidence)
Napoleon was taller, NOT shorter, than average. (Another “Brain Barnacle”)
"Fun Facts Saturday" I, and everybody else, believe that Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, was very short. After all, we use the term “Napoleon Complex” to refer to small men overcompensating for their shortness issues. By old French measurements, Napoleon was 5 feet 2 inches. However, converting the old French "inch" to modern "inches," puts … Continue reading Napoleon was taller, NOT shorter, than average. (Another “Brain Barnacle”)
Another “Dumb” One – “I’m the Criminal”
"Court Case Friday" I was in the middle of jury selection, in a trial I was presiding over, when a young man entered the courtroom. I had ordered all witnesses excluded during jury selection. So, I interrupted the proceedings, and asked, “Excuse me sir, are you a witness in this case?” He replied, “No, … Continue reading Another “Dumb” One – “I’m the Criminal”
Marquis de Lafayette – Foreign Hero of the American Revolution
"Patriotic Wednesday" Foreign Heroes of the Revolution The American colonists were not alone in their fight for independence. Few people are aware that six foreign military commanders became American war heroes. Three of them are immortalized as Honorary American Citizens. Most of these foreign heroes were recruited in Europe by Benjamin Franklin, making him "The … Continue reading Marquis de Lafayette – Foreign Hero of the American Revolution
Does the Book of Mormon Pass the 3 Tests for Divine Scripture?
"Sunday Sermon" Test 1: Multitude of Facets and Layers of Truth and Light Divine scripture is very different from other literature like, novels, histories, and biographies. A single verse of holy scripture contains multiple layers of truth. A volume of heavenly scripture is a treasure chest filled with an infinite assortment of knowledge, interpretations, and … Continue reading Does the Book of Mormon Pass the 3 Tests for Divine Scripture?
Bagpipes did NOT come from Scotland and Ireland (Another “Brain Barnacle”)
"Fun Facts Saturday" Bagpipes British Humor: “The Irish gave the Scots the bagpipes as a practical joke, and the Scots still haven’t caught on.” My Scots-Irish heart soars when I hear bagpipes. I want a piper to play “Amazing Grace” at my graveside. Recently, I was disappointed to learn that neither the Irish nor the … Continue reading Bagpipes did NOT come from Scotland and Ireland (Another “Brain Barnacle”)
My Case of “Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest”
"Court Case Friday" Under California’s “three strikes” law, if a defendant committed two serious or violent felonies in the past, a new felony, no matter how minor, triggered a mandatory 25 years-to-life in prison. (A judge has the discretion to “strike” prior conviction allegations, and reduce the sentence in the "interests of justice.") I had … Continue reading My Case of “Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest”
LDS Church Finances – The Recent High-Profile Controversy
"Sunday Sermon" (On Wednesday) The Controversy "Some people leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but then they can’t leave it alone." Recently, a few disgruntled ex-Mormons have publicly demanded that the church return their voluntary donations. These "renegers" (“Indian Givers” was the inappropriate term of my youth) claim that the church did … Continue reading LDS Church Finances – The Recent High-Profile Controversy
Mary Ludwig Hays “Molly Pitcher”: American Revolution War Hero
"Patriotic Wednesday" "Remember the Ladies" In a famous letter to her husband, Abigail Adams pleaded for the Founding Fathers to “remember the ladies.” If they didn't, Abigail threatened a second revolution by the women. Sadly, so many of the women heroes of the Revolution have been forgotten. Here is one of my favorites. Mary Ludwig … Continue reading Mary Ludwig Hays “Molly Pitcher”: American Revolution War Hero
The Book of Mormon “Internal Evidence:” Introduction and Overview
"Sunday Sermon" Keystone of Our Religion and Testimonies Joseph Smith declared that The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is the “keystone of our religion.” It is also the "keystone of our testimonies." If the Book of Mormon is true, then: God lives, we are His children, and He loves us Jesus … Continue reading The Book of Mormon “Internal Evidence:” Introduction and Overview
The London Edition 