Stop and Smell the Beans

My friend and I stopped by Central Market today after lunch to get some bread and butter for the office. While we were walking through the store, I couldn't help but notice all of the unique offerings that were literally staring at me from the crammed shelf space. Finding items like Frostie sodas and U-bet flavored syrups always makes me happy. Maybe it's because seeing those offerings reaffirms the fact that there's always room for the "little guy."



Anyways, as we were walking toward the bread section, my nose caught scent of coffee beans in whole-bean format. While I don't drink coffee (you can read why here), I absolutely love the smell of coffee beans. And today one bean, in particular, drew me in for the sniff -- a Texas pecan blend. Incredible smell!

So there I was, haunched over the barrel of beans with my head inside and my nose within prime smelling distance of 6 inches or less, when my friend alerts me to the fact that I look rather silly. Oh really? Oh well.

Disillusioned with Politics

When I was a boy, I was taught that America's government is an amazing entity that works diligently for its citizens. The famous Schoolhouse Rock episode “How a Bill Becomes a Law” comes to mind. The point that was not communicated effectively is that even though the government might be ideal, the people administering its affairs are far from it. After being overwhelmed with the recent scandals associated with elected officials in America's Congress, I now feel completely disillusioned. Shame on those who rise to power and then exercise that power unrighteously. Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants speaks to this issue: "We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion." My father used to tell me that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The older I get, the more I believe this is true.

Happy Fourth of July!

Independence Day ... the day we celebrate "the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain" (source). Of course, I seriously doubt if most people celebrating this "day off from work" really know what this day is all about. Oh well. At least there are lots of pretty fireworks to appreciate. (ooh ... ahh) Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, I hope you enjoy(ed) your Fourth of July!