Modern Temples of the Lord

While reflecting upon my January 9 entry, I decided that an architectural tribute to the Latter-Day Saint temples was in order. The temples are easily some of the most fascinating historical and modern religious architecture to leave the world's sketchbook pages. They're symbolic through and through - I only wish I could tell you what it all meant (if only I knew myself). There are 122 temples built by Latter-Day Saints currently dedicated for performing the ordinances and issuing the covenants that temple-going church members hold so dear. Eleven more are on the way. Only worthy members of the church are allowed to enter, however, except during pre-dedication open houses when all who wish to enter may, in respect. The temples are simply beautiful, awe-inspiring and divine. Temples stick out majestically in darkness, and are often found resting upon prominent hills. They're hard to miss, as they are brilliantly illuminated and designed in light, reflective colors. The "golden bugle boy" is a representation of the Angel Moroni, a prominent figure in the Book of Mormon who also played a significant role in the book's recovery in the latter days. For more pictures and information visit LDS Church Temples (not affiliated with the Church) and the Church's own official website on Temples.

The Woe Begotten Non-Investor

I consider myself at this moment horrifically woe-stricken. Upon hearing of Apple's recent success in the stock market, I playfully decided to figure what I'd have made after a couple years had I acted upon the fateful consideration to invest my $2000 in Apple stock. My calculations are based upon an approximate $2000 investment, and a rough recollection of Apple's stock history over the last year or two. Even before the stock split of last year, Apple stock was once at around $17 when I contemplated my investment of $2000 which would have bought me around 118 shares. Last year, with the blazing success of the iPod, and other phenomenal announcements stocks skyrocketed to nearly $80 at which point Apple decided to split the stock, which would have granted me 236 shares at $40. At the close of the market today, Apple stock rested at a comfortable $84.29 following the release of some promising announcements at MacWorld San Francisco on Tuesday. If only you'd witnessed the wailing, moaning and gnashing of teeth as the Dashboard calculator widget presented me with an inconcievable $19,892.44 figure - an astronomical increase of nearly 1000%! And there my money sits in a secure and predictable credit union certificate that may generate, at the conclusion of two years, a meager $400.

Incredible way to celebrate the anniversary!

I've recently accepted my call to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Belgium Brussels / Netherlands Mission. I'll learn Dutch, and I enter the Missionary Training Center (MTC) on March 15, 2006. Any devoted Pixar fan will recognize that date as the 1 year anniversary of the Incredibles' DVD release. I don't mean to divert the attention of the importance of missionary service to a "worldly" concern like a movie, because missionary service is a monumental and sacred endeavor to the lives of any and all Latter-Day Saint young men, women, and senior couples who accept mission calls in the church. But, you've got to admit, of all the days for the world's number one Pixar fan to enter the MTC, that's a wicked-cool cooincidence. It's really sweet that two very important days can share the same calendar space . . . it makes it easier for me (a male) to remember the dates, not that I'd ever forget either of them. Unfortunately, the activities surrounding the mission will prevent me from watching the movie on the 15th, so I'll be celebrating a day early. So anyway, have a most marvelous Incredibles anniversary celebration. Think of me.