I wanted to share an article with all that I found in the, "Insiders' Guide: Salt Lake City".
A Visitor's Guide to the Local Language
Most Utahns admit it: We talk funny. We're even a little proud of our verbal quirks. To a stranger's ear, many of us (even Salt Lakers) sound like Festus on Gunsmoke - kind of slow, slurred, and drawly. Utahns drop syllables, combine several words into one, insert syllables where none are needed, and inexplicably change the sound of vowels. Thus, fork becomes "fark", fire becomes "far", born becomes "barn," board becomes "bard," spark becomes "spork," study is "steady," and for becomes "fer." Combine the changed vowel with a dropped syllable and you get "fer ignernt," a classic Utahnism that means someone has been rude to you - perhaps a sales clerk who didn't respond quickly enough to your request to "lookit some farmal dresses."
Utahns often insert an extra "t" into words, then hesitate a bit between syllables, such as, "Didja see the new teatchur? She's purty as a pit-chur." Giddyap, cowboy.
Besides pronouncing words strangely, Utahn also have a special vocabulary, much of it derived from the Mormon religious heritage. Mormons take their religion seriously, which is a credit to them, but religious phrases and buzz words are likely to spill over into secular life in both print and conversation. ou'll find that Utahns are forever grateful, blessed, and humble. You might be startled the first time you hear peole calling each other brother and sister. Don't be alarmed: Mormons have big families, but not that big. They're not all related - it's just the traditional way they talk to each other. And elder doesn't refer to a senior citizen. It's a designation, like rank, among Mormon men.
Then there's the issue of Utah swear words. Utahns don't cuss much, but when they do, they're likely to launch verbal hand grenades, most prefaced by "oh," like "fetch," "shoot," "scrud," and "my heck." (Watch out for this one - it indicates extreme anger.) You'll also hear the word "gol" spoken a lot, as in "Gol, VernaLee, wherdja git them gargeous shoes? Fer cuute!"
Various theories have been put forth explaining the origins of our local language. Perhaps it's the combination of peoples from all over the world who moved to Utah to create a distinctive community. Many Utahns trace their ancestry back to Northern Europe, but the mining industry brought in Greeks, Poles, Italians, and Americans from the South, all of whom seasoned the linguistic stew. Maybe it comes from the traditional culture of Utah. Even though most Utahns live in crowded cities, conservative, rural politics dominate the state, and the agrarian way of life is much admired and emulated, including speech. In addition, many of Utah's cultural, religious, and civic leaders come from small towns, and Utahns revere their leaders like no place else. It's natural for the speaking patterns of the rich and powerfl to spread into the general population, which means that everybody ends up talking like a farmer from Southern Utah. Who knows?
Salt Lakers like to think it's the people from small towns who talk like hicks. The truth is, although our accents aren't quite as broad, to someone from Seattle or Kansas City, Salt Lakers sound like the rubes of Green Acres. We may despair and yearn to speak like Lawrence Olivier, but in the end, what the fetch cunna feller do? Some things you just can't escape.
Here is a further example of our uncharacteristic tongue: The granger of Zion Pork zawn spyring. (The grandeur of Zion Park is awe-inspiring.)
He was tard cause he got up surly fer the prayed. (He was tired because he got up so early for the parade.)
I went down to the Macey's for a galna fruit punch anna cord a melk. (I went to Macey's for a gallon of fruit punch and a quart of milk.)
In Store Wores we learn 'bout Dorth Vader 'n' the dork side of the farce. (In Star Wars we learn about Darth Vader and the dark side of the force.)
I git a rill wharm fillin' win I go backta muncle's form. (I get a real warm feeling when I go back to my uncle's farm.)
It's not really a foreign language, though it may seem so, especially to those who speak English as a second language and a few proper-speaking New Englanders. Give yourself a day or two. You'll catch on.
**I share this article because it contains the blunt truth, but doesn't it also remind some of you of a certain local in Western Virginia?**
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Pictures for Text...
Someone recently accused me of not posting enough pictures on this site. I'll try to make amends for that oversight at this time, what I can't promise is that they'll be recent photos (I'm far too busy working to take photos). Because of the lack of new photos, I'll put some older ones to good use, for it's always nice to take a look back.
This photo was taken almost three years ago, hard to believe it's been that long now. I'm sure you're probably able to guess that it's the Eiffel Tower in the background. The photo was taken of my friend Ethan and myself. (And now to take a moment to rag on Ethan :-) You asked for photos - You got photos [of you]).
This summer I've missed dreadfully the wonderful hiking that's available back home in Virginia. This photo reminds me of a beautiful Sunday afternoon (a couple years back) when several of the Young Adults from my Church decided to go hiking up on Skyline Drive. The couple in this photo is Andrew (who is away in Africa at this time) and Stephanie (who makes me giggle every time we talk on the phone).
This photo was taken in Lesotho, Africa. These village boys were so proud of their homemade bows and arrows, and wanted me to make sure I got a picture of their handywork. The children I encountered on this trip were one of the richest blessings of the experience. It's been a little over a year now since my time in Africa, but the child still remain so vivid in my memory.
This photo is of my Dad and five of his six sisters. The missing sister was in Williamsburg at the time this photo was taken. My Mom took this picture at a recent family night. Family Night was started about fifteen years ago when my Dad and his sisters decided to get together for food and fellowship. So, every other Thursday night they take turns hosting and providing food, so that all the siblings and cousins can get together and have a good night.
I took this photo last Christmas of my Dad and his eldest sister my aunt Janice. You're eyes are not deceiving you this photo is in black and white. I was on a big black and white film kick at the time. I think it makes the photo look classic, don't you agree? Well, my aunt Janice was the one sister missing from the earlier photo, and I didn't want to leave her out completely.
I think that's all the photos I need to post for the time being. I've covered a lot of the high points, my family, friends and some meaningful places. I hope you all enjoy the splash of color.
This photo was taken almost three years ago, hard to believe it's been that long now. I'm sure you're probably able to guess that it's the Eiffel Tower in the background. The photo was taken of my friend Ethan and myself. (And now to take a moment to rag on Ethan :-) You asked for photos - You got photos [of you]).
This summer I've missed dreadfully the wonderful hiking that's available back home in Virginia. This photo reminds me of a beautiful Sunday afternoon (a couple years back) when several of the Young Adults from my Church decided to go hiking up on Skyline Drive. The couple in this photo is Andrew (who is away in Africa at this time) and Stephanie (who makes me giggle every time we talk on the phone).
This photo was taken in Lesotho, Africa. These village boys were so proud of their homemade bows and arrows, and wanted me to make sure I got a picture of their handywork. The children I encountered on this trip were one of the richest blessings of the experience. It's been a little over a year now since my time in Africa, but the child still remain so vivid in my memory.
This photo is of my Dad and five of his six sisters. The missing sister was in Williamsburg at the time this photo was taken. My Mom took this picture at a recent family night. Family Night was started about fifteen years ago when my Dad and his sisters decided to get together for food and fellowship. So, every other Thursday night they take turns hosting and providing food, so that all the siblings and cousins can get together and have a good night.
I took this photo last Christmas of my Dad and his eldest sister my aunt Janice. You're eyes are not deceiving you this photo is in black and white. I was on a big black and white film kick at the time. I think it makes the photo look classic, don't you agree? Well, my aunt Janice was the one sister missing from the earlier photo, and I didn't want to leave her out completely.
I think that's all the photos I need to post for the time being. I've covered a lot of the high points, my family, friends and some meaningful places. I hope you all enjoy the splash of color.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
I want to thank my sister Lora for this quote:
There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation, the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.
So today my car was towed to a local repair shop. Since yesterday my car had refused to start. My housemate and tried to start it, and even tried to jump the battery. The tow guy tried to start it, with no luck. I tried to start it many a time. Of course, once I got my car to the shop and the mechanic tried to start it, it started at once.
Now this isn't the first time a vehicle has done this to me. I remember one of my Dad's trucks that would occasionally break down and leave me by the side of the road. In those cases I would try and try to get them going again (with no luck), then the moment my Dad arrived it would start right up for him. Gosh, now I know how to drive, and I especially know how to start a vehicle, so don't give me that, "hmmm??? It wouldn't start???" look.
I have a theory about cars and trucks, they like men better. I'm certain my Dad's truck liked him more than me, and took perverse pleasure in making me look bad. Now my car is getting in on the deal. I believe what happened was that last week during my car inspection my vehicle took a special liking to Ray the mechanic. Now, who is my car going to start for, of course it's going be Ray. If my car could feel emotion it was probably really happy with itself today while it sat there purring for Ray and I stood by quite bewildered.
There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation, the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.
So today my car was towed to a local repair shop. Since yesterday my car had refused to start. My housemate and tried to start it, and even tried to jump the battery. The tow guy tried to start it, with no luck. I tried to start it many a time. Of course, once I got my car to the shop and the mechanic tried to start it, it started at once.
Now this isn't the first time a vehicle has done this to me. I remember one of my Dad's trucks that would occasionally break down and leave me by the side of the road. In those cases I would try and try to get them going again (with no luck), then the moment my Dad arrived it would start right up for him. Gosh, now I know how to drive, and I especially know how to start a vehicle, so don't give me that, "hmmm??? It wouldn't start???" look.
I have a theory about cars and trucks, they like men better. I'm certain my Dad's truck liked him more than me, and took perverse pleasure in making me look bad. Now my car is getting in on the deal. I believe what happened was that last week during my car inspection my vehicle took a special liking to Ray the mechanic. Now, who is my car going to start for, of course it's going be Ray. If my car could feel emotion it was probably really happy with itself today while it sat there purring for Ray and I stood by quite bewildered.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Is Omission Betrayal?
So I succumbed to popular culture recently, and found myself in front of my t.v. watching the movie, "Little Blackbook." An interesting enough movie, with an all to unexpected ending (I enjoy movies more when they have unexpected endings). The inherent theme of this movie was a particular question, "Is omission betrayal?" In other words, does omitting the truth of a given situation constitute a lie?
To elaborate more fully on this point, I'll discuss the plot of the movie in more detail as an illustration. Male lead character withholds information from current girlfriend regarding previous girlfriends. Current girlfriend is assuaged with curiosity concerning his past relationships and goes on a hunt to learn more details about these women. Current girlfriend learns that a previous girlfriend still has deep feelings for this guy and he still maintains a friendship with this ex-girlfriend. The question becomes then, "Is omission betrayal?"
Was the male lead in this movie betraying the love and trust of his current girlfriend by not mentioning his ongoing friendship with an ex-girlfriend? What a silly question, and I respond with an emphatic, YES!!! Just because he didn't blatantly lie concerning his past relationships, doesn't mean he was being truthful to his current girlfriend.
So why am I so concerned with omissions that make the equivalent of lies? I recently began experiencing my own real life example of such omissions. In my case though there is no romantic involvement, just a dear friendship. What I've deduced through my inward reflections is that true friends share their lives with one another and don't hold back (sometimes even to the point of causing pain).
I'd rather a friend show enough respect for me as a person to share their lives than to hold back what they think would cause pain. Please, don't treat me like a child by assuming I can't handle the truth of the situation. It hurts far more your distrust of me, than the actual information you could have shared (which I found out anyway).
Okay, so I promise my emotional rantings on this site will be reserved to this one posting. If you've read this post all the way through and are completely confused then rest assured you just read something that doesn't pertain to our friendship (though maybe it gave you something to think about in your relationships with others). Though if you read this article and have a sinking feeling you've got some explaining to do, then say a quick prayer and pick up your phone.
To elaborate more fully on this point, I'll discuss the plot of the movie in more detail as an illustration. Male lead character withholds information from current girlfriend regarding previous girlfriends. Current girlfriend is assuaged with curiosity concerning his past relationships and goes on a hunt to learn more details about these women. Current girlfriend learns that a previous girlfriend still has deep feelings for this guy and he still maintains a friendship with this ex-girlfriend. The question becomes then, "Is omission betrayal?"
Was the male lead in this movie betraying the love and trust of his current girlfriend by not mentioning his ongoing friendship with an ex-girlfriend? What a silly question, and I respond with an emphatic, YES!!! Just because he didn't blatantly lie concerning his past relationships, doesn't mean he was being truthful to his current girlfriend.
So why am I so concerned with omissions that make the equivalent of lies? I recently began experiencing my own real life example of such omissions. In my case though there is no romantic involvement, just a dear friendship. What I've deduced through my inward reflections is that true friends share their lives with one another and don't hold back (sometimes even to the point of causing pain).
I'd rather a friend show enough respect for me as a person to share their lives than to hold back what they think would cause pain. Please, don't treat me like a child by assuming I can't handle the truth of the situation. It hurts far more your distrust of me, than the actual information you could have shared (which I found out anyway).
Okay, so I promise my emotional rantings on this site will be reserved to this one posting. If you've read this post all the way through and are completely confused then rest assured you just read something that doesn't pertain to our friendship (though maybe it gave you something to think about in your relationships with others). Though if you read this article and have a sinking feeling you've got some explaining to do, then say a quick prayer and pick up your phone.
Monday, August 15, 2005
One Ugly Ol' Dog Coming Up...
Just thought I would take a moment from my busy week to post an article I stumbled across today. This here is one of those things you have to see for yourself...
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-uglydog15aug15%2C0%2C4501294.story?coll=la-tot-promo&track=pacifictime
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-uglydog15aug15%2C0%2C4501294.story?coll=la-tot-promo&track=pacifictime
Saturday, August 13, 2005
That New Car Smell...
Okay, so this isn't so much the new car smell as it is the new truck smell of a 2006 F350 XLT with the Powerstroke V8 diesel engine. Now that's a pretty good smell. It also happens to be the first truck I've sold at my new job. I began working for Larry H. Miller Truckland on August 3rd. Actually I began sales training on August 3rd and they got me on the showroom floor this past Monday, August 8th.
It has been a busy and often times confusing week. I don't always know or understand what I'm doing, but I'm learning gradually. There's a process to selling a vehicle and I'm beginning to grasp all the different aspects. It'll probably take me a couple more weeks before it starts feeling like second nature.
They say though that the first sell is always the hardest, so I was overjoyed when I sold my first truck last night. It's a great feeling when you're able to hand the keys over to the new owner and watch them drive off the lot. To see a smile on their face and watch them take a deep breath of that new truck smell.
It has been a busy and often times confusing week. I don't always know or understand what I'm doing, but I'm learning gradually. There's a process to selling a vehicle and I'm beginning to grasp all the different aspects. It'll probably take me a couple more weeks before it starts feeling like second nature.
They say though that the first sell is always the hardest, so I was overjoyed when I sold my first truck last night. It's a great feeling when you're able to hand the keys over to the new owner and watch them drive off the lot. To see a smile on their face and watch them take a deep breath of that new truck smell.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Yesterday, I drove north of Salt Lake City to a beautiful canyon near Layton, Utah. I wasn't by myself in this adventure, I had the companionship of my dear friend Maija. It was actually Maija's idea for the hike, she had read that this particular spot had the most gorgeous wildflowers that peaked the first week in August. This being the first week in August it was as good a time as any to see these beautiful flowers.
The scenery was amazing on this trip. First off, the drive out to our hiking spot was wonderful. After we reached Layton everything north was canyon driving. To my amazement everything was green, not at all like Salt Lake City and it's brown grass. I'm told that all the trees and extra vegetation has a way of generating more rain amounts in those areas. All I know is that I saw lakes, ponds, streams, meadows, peaked mountains, beautiful trees, and lovely wildflowers. And that doesn't even begin to mention the wildlife we encountered along the way. I should have known where there is that many wildflowers there would be an abundance of bees...YIKES!!! At first all the buzzing of the bees had me a little unnerved, but eventually I accepted their presence. What I didn't accept was the flies that were in the area, they were vicious things that bite meriously. Unfortunately, I have several red welt marks to prove how painful and pesky these flies were.
For the most part, Maija and I were good about staying on the designated trail, but when we came to this lovely field of wildflowers we had to venture off the path for a few photos. Actually these photos show Maija alone venturing off trail, I'm leaving the incriminating photos of me off this site.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Terminology Differences Between LDS and the Bible
by: Sandra Tanner
GODHEAD
LDS: Father and Son are resurrected men with physical bodies. Holy Ghost is a separate man with a spiritual body. Three totally separate Gods. God is married. Other Gods for other worlds.
Bible: God is not a man. He has always been God. Only one God.
JESUS CHRIST
LDS: Literally our elder brother, born to Heavenly Parents in the premortal life. Jesus, Lucifer and humans are all the same species and are brothers and sisters.
Bible: Fully God, not a subordinate deity. Eternal.
PREMORTAL LIFE
LDS: Teach that everyone existed in heaven before born on earth. We have existed eternally.
Bible: Only Christ before mortality, not man. Our existence started on earth.
THE FALL
LDS: Fall was a blessing. It brought mortality, ability to have children and physical death. Adam was given conflicting commandments and was supposed to fall.
Bible: God intended obedience. God tempts no one. Man is sinful.
VIRGIN BIRTH
LDS: Believe God, as a resurrected, physical man, is literal Father of Jesus - same manner in which men are conceived on earth. Believe Matthew 1:18 is in error.
Bible: Mary was "with child of the Holy Ghost."
SIN
LDS: Specific acts, not man's basic nature. Must know act is wrong to be a sin.
Bible: We are in spiritual rebellion until conversion. We do not just commit sins; we are basically sinful.
FORGIVENESS
LDS: Granted at end of process of repentance and reformed behavior.
Bible: Complete forgiveness granted the moment we turn to Christ.
SALVATION BY GRACE
LDS: Believe Christ's death brought release from grave and universal resurrection. Salvation by grace is universal resurrection. Beyond this, man must earn his place in heaven. Saved by grace after all we can do.
Bible: Salvation is not limited to universal resurrection but gift of God to those who believe.
REDEEMED
LDS: From mortal death only. Not same at Eternal Life.
Bible: Redeemed from more than mortal death; redeemed from spiritual death & given Eternal Life.
GOSPEL
LDS: Doctrines and commandments of the LDS Church. True gospel restored by Joseph Smith.
Bible: Good news of Christ's death and resurrection as atonement for our sins.
BORN AGAIN
LDS: Baptism into the LDS Church.
Bible: We are spiritually dead until our spiritual birth.
TRUE CHURCH
LDS: Only the Mormon Church. The true church was taken from the earth until Joseph Smith restored it.
Bible: Not an organization; as born-again Christians we are part of God's Church.
AUTHORITY-PRIESTHOOD
LDS: Believe only LDS have authority to baptize, ordain, etc. Have two-part system of priesthood - Melchizedek and Aaronic.
Bible: Christ brought end to Aaronic priesthood and is the only High Priest after the manner of Melchizedek.
BAPTISM
LDS: Must abe performed by LDS priesthood.
Bible: Emphasis is on Believer - not on priesthood authority.
SONS OF GOD
LDS: We were all born in heaven, prior to earth, as literal spirit children of God and his wife.
Bible: Spiritually adopted at conversion.
ETERNAL LIFE
LDS: Exaltation in Celestial Kingdom; godhood and ability to bear children in heaven. Must have a temple recommend and be sealed in Mormon temple.
Bible: Not limited to certain ones in the top part of heaven. No mention of parenthood or temple marriage but is given to all true believers.
IMMORTALITY
LDS: Universal gift. The ability to go to heaven and live forever but not same as Eternal Life. Lower level of heaven and unable to bear children.
Bible: Makes no distinction between immortality and eternal life. No second class citizens in heaven.
HELL
LDS: Hell as an institution is eternal - inmates come and go as in jail, but do not spend eternity there. Temporary. After debt is paid they will go to the Telestial Kingdom.
Bible: No mention of people getting out of Hell.
HEAVEN
LDS: Divided into three kingdoms - Celestial, Terrestial and Telestial. A place for almost everyone.
Bible: Only mentions two conditions - everlasting punishment or eternal life.
KINGDOM OF GOD
LDS: Means Celestial Kingdom. Only those in the Celestial Kingdom are in God's presence. Those in the Terrestial or Telestial Kingdoms are not in the presence of the Father.
Bible: All redeemed will be in God's presence.
GODHEAD
LDS: Father and Son are resurrected men with physical bodies. Holy Ghost is a separate man with a spiritual body. Three totally separate Gods. God is married. Other Gods for other worlds.
Bible: God is not a man. He has always been God. Only one God.
JESUS CHRIST
LDS: Literally our elder brother, born to Heavenly Parents in the premortal life. Jesus, Lucifer and humans are all the same species and are brothers and sisters.
Bible: Fully God, not a subordinate deity. Eternal.
PREMORTAL LIFE
LDS: Teach that everyone existed in heaven before born on earth. We have existed eternally.
Bible: Only Christ before mortality, not man. Our existence started on earth.
THE FALL
LDS: Fall was a blessing. It brought mortality, ability to have children and physical death. Adam was given conflicting commandments and was supposed to fall.
Bible: God intended obedience. God tempts no one. Man is sinful.
VIRGIN BIRTH
LDS: Believe God, as a resurrected, physical man, is literal Father of Jesus - same manner in which men are conceived on earth. Believe Matthew 1:18 is in error.
Bible: Mary was "with child of the Holy Ghost."
SIN
LDS: Specific acts, not man's basic nature. Must know act is wrong to be a sin.
Bible: We are in spiritual rebellion until conversion. We do not just commit sins; we are basically sinful.
FORGIVENESS
LDS: Granted at end of process of repentance and reformed behavior.
Bible: Complete forgiveness granted the moment we turn to Christ.
SALVATION BY GRACE
LDS: Believe Christ's death brought release from grave and universal resurrection. Salvation by grace is universal resurrection. Beyond this, man must earn his place in heaven. Saved by grace after all we can do.
Bible: Salvation is not limited to universal resurrection but gift of God to those who believe.
REDEEMED
LDS: From mortal death only. Not same at Eternal Life.
Bible: Redeemed from more than mortal death; redeemed from spiritual death & given Eternal Life.
GOSPEL
LDS: Doctrines and commandments of the LDS Church. True gospel restored by Joseph Smith.
Bible: Good news of Christ's death and resurrection as atonement for our sins.
BORN AGAIN
LDS: Baptism into the LDS Church.
Bible: We are spiritually dead until our spiritual birth.
TRUE CHURCH
LDS: Only the Mormon Church. The true church was taken from the earth until Joseph Smith restored it.
Bible: Not an organization; as born-again Christians we are part of God's Church.
AUTHORITY-PRIESTHOOD
LDS: Believe only LDS have authority to baptize, ordain, etc. Have two-part system of priesthood - Melchizedek and Aaronic.
Bible: Christ brought end to Aaronic priesthood and is the only High Priest after the manner of Melchizedek.
BAPTISM
LDS: Must abe performed by LDS priesthood.
Bible: Emphasis is on Believer - not on priesthood authority.
SONS OF GOD
LDS: We were all born in heaven, prior to earth, as literal spirit children of God and his wife.
Bible: Spiritually adopted at conversion.
ETERNAL LIFE
LDS: Exaltation in Celestial Kingdom; godhood and ability to bear children in heaven. Must have a temple recommend and be sealed in Mormon temple.
Bible: Not limited to certain ones in the top part of heaven. No mention of parenthood or temple marriage but is given to all true believers.
IMMORTALITY
LDS: Universal gift. The ability to go to heaven and live forever but not same as Eternal Life. Lower level of heaven and unable to bear children.
Bible: Makes no distinction between immortality and eternal life. No second class citizens in heaven.
HELL
LDS: Hell as an institution is eternal - inmates come and go as in jail, but do not spend eternity there. Temporary. After debt is paid they will go to the Telestial Kingdom.
Bible: No mention of people getting out of Hell.
HEAVEN
LDS: Divided into three kingdoms - Celestial, Terrestial and Telestial. A place for almost everyone.
Bible: Only mentions two conditions - everlasting punishment or eternal life.
KINGDOM OF GOD
LDS: Means Celestial Kingdom. Only those in the Celestial Kingdom are in God's presence. Those in the Terrestial or Telestial Kingdoms are not in the presence of the Father.
Bible: All redeemed will be in God's presence.
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