skippy740

New Flavor at Baskin Robbins! In honor of the 44th President of the United States , Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream has issued a new flavor: "Barocky Road." Barocky Road is a blend of half Vanilla, half Chocolate, and surrounded by Nuts and Flakes. The Vanilla portion of the mix is not openly advertised and usually denied as an ingredient. The Nuts and Flakes are all very bitter and hard to swallow. The cost is $100.00 per scoop. When purchased it will be presented to you in a large beautiful cone, but then the Ice Cream is taken away and given to the person in line behind you.. Thus you are left with an empty Wallet, no change, holding an empty cone, with no hope of getting any Ice Cream. Aren't you feeling stimulated?

You can buy him a journal and have him start writing in it NOW.

Do you mean "in the building"? Or do you mean allowed within the Word of Wisdom?

There are other "LDS" sects that may fit what you're looking for. However, they are break-aways from the mainstream Mormon church.

Please don't forget about the red triangle at the top right of every post. This is where you alert moderators of a post (or poster) and why it is offensive, etc. Don't count on every moderator to read every post on every forum.

And here I thought Impious was just meaning "Forum" membership! LOL The LORD does not lower his standards to make our lives "easier".

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there will be no dogs in heaven. Moroni 10 33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. Sorry, couldn't resist for this thread!

2 Nephi 25 23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (Emphasis mine) This is a difference with Mormon/LDS theology compared to most mainstream Christian teachings. Notice I only quoted out of our own scripture - The Book of Mormon to make the point.

The best publicity is FREE publicity - and the Church has been getting MORE than its fair share! Sure it's negative, but it sparks up conversations with those whom are MEMBERS. Just my thoughts.

Okay, here's some of my own ideas: - Worthiness standards remain the same - The existing program should remain the same as there are many symbolic lessons for the families of missionaries. However, - All full-time missionaries should be required to pass an emotional assessment test. This should help weed out those who may be worthy, but not quite emotionally stable or secure with themselves to help others - or lead their companions astray from missionary rules. - They should also be given more instruction on how to communicate with empathy and understanding. The problem with some missionaries is they get this really BIG head and ego about what they know and are UNWILLING to really listen to what others are saying. True teachers will communicate - and that's a two-way street. Yes, the Lord has instructed his missionaries to teach and not be taught, but in order to teach, you must LISTEN. In order to teach someTHING to someONE, that someone must feel valued and loved as a human being first - not as someone who is seen as their next "convert baptism". You must also learn how to ask thought-provoking questions and be comfortable with the silence as they think about that question. All of these points require a higher level of maturity in communication and emotional stability - that I think most missionaries lack. I went on my mission when I was 21. I had some sales experience by that time and (while I am quite humble about my mission) I led the mission in convert baptisms in the South. (The number was 30.) I attribute it to teaching by the Spirit, but I was also older and more emotionally mature. When investigators spoke, I listened. I sought to truly understand what they were telling me. I wanted them to feel that their experiences are of value and that I respect them. I then help them take those experiences and apply them to gospel stories and concepts. Unfortunately, I don't think this is the case for most missionaries who are serving.

What's right, isn't always popular. What's popular, isn't always right. Remember, you'll can't STOP receiving an inappropriate picture if someone sends it to you. You can choose not to look at dirty magazines, not participate in gossip, surf responsibly on the net. But some things you need the right CONDUIT to do. If they don't have the right CONDUIT, they can't use it. My kids are allowed to "hate me" for it, as long as they know that I love them.

My kids are still quite young for this question, but I've already made up my mind on this issue. They will NOT be allowed a cell phone that can take, send or receive any pictures. While they are a minor, they will use the cell phone that I allow them to use. When they are 18, that's different. This is for them, but it's also for me. If my kid gets some inappropriate pictures of their classmates, that's child pornography. My kid could be sent to jail, but SO COULD I. As far as texting, I haven't quite pre-planned that one yet. For me, texting is a pain on a 9 digit keypad. I prefer using my Treo. So, if I keep them to the 9-key pad that is incapable of sending pictures, the phone should be ancient enough that they won't WANT to text on it. Use for calling home and friends only. Using the phone at church? Well, I need to set a better example first. (I've checked Facebook during a high council speaker before!) Cell phone during school? Well, if it's taken away for inappropriate use, that's their problem. (It will need to be returned to me, not held by the teacher.) More things to think about in advance.

I just went last month, so here's my take: Stay long enough for Fantasmic! Great show! Bring a big enough bag for all your "goodies" and you'll be fine. Use the train to save your legs from all the walking. If you have little kids - gotta go on "Small World" and the "Winnie the Pooh" ride! They've re-done Pirates of the Caribbean, so that's worth going on again. The Buzz Lightyear ride is really cool. Not much else is popping up in my head right now, but if it does, I'll post again.

Beware of working with someone who says "you need" - like "you need X" and "you need Y". These advisors just don't get it. You either WANT it or you don't. Don't tell me that I'm "deficient" because I don't have something that you say that I "need". When I "need" something... I go out and get it. After all, you've lived without it this long, I'm sure you don't really "need" it anyway. But you may WANT it. Just a subtle difference that I can't stand in other advisors.

Unfortunately, this is a very complex question. The "usual" answer is to find someone who is licensed in multiple product lines so they can "advise" you in helping you achieve your goals. This usually includes a life, health and annuity insurance licenses, a stock broker's license (series 7) and a fee-based license (series 65 or 66). Some advisors have a series 6 instead of a 7, so they can only offer you mutual funds or insurance contracts with variable sub-acccounts (much like mutual funds). I myself, have a Series 7, Series 66 and my state's insurance licenses. Another way to elevate your search is to find those professionals who have chosen to pursue some industry credentials, such as CFP, ChFC, CLU, RFC, CIMA, CFA, etc. These people have studied for many years to attain such distinction. I myself, have the ChFC designation and the RFC designation. I plan to earn the CLU designation within the next 2 years. The ChFC and CLU are conferred by The American College in Bryn Mawr, PA and are the oldest designation programs of its kind. Perhaps a better question to ask is this: Who should I AVOID? I would avoid working with someone who is licensed in only ONE discipline. If you work with an insurance advisor, chances are... he'll promote insurance to you. That's not a bad thing - as long as that is what your situation calls for. But it's quite tempting to look at every situation as though the client is a nail when you are a hammer. I would also avoid working with someone who talks in "code" or "advisor-speak". If someone can't explain what they do on simple terms... then they don't know what they're doing. They need to communicate as an EQUAL PARTNER in your financial success. Another hint: Fees or commissions doesn't matter. Some people may argue that they're a "fee-based" advisor and don't earn commissions on the sale of products. In this way they say they're "unbiased". I say they're wrong. I say that they no longer have an incentive for you to IMPLEMENT any part of a recommended plan. They got their fee and they gave you their advice. Now you get to figure out what you want to do with that. I think that's irresponsible. Many advisors at wirehouses (Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, Morgan Stanley) have investment minimums in order to bring on a client. They are typically $100,000+. If you are below that, they probably won't take you on because they won't be PAID for it. (Also, don't forget my 4 rules about financial institutions.) Advisors at banks work the same way. When these institutions are only looking to work with people who have means, then how to the rest of us find help so we HAVE means in our future? They are looking for the money while Middle America has to do without quality advice? I don't like that one bit. Insurance advisors who are also licensed in securities will probably offer you a pretty good deal. They don't have company-imposed investment minimums. You probably will need some kind of insurance. They don't need to charge you a fee to make a good income on the sale of a product that you would need to enhance your situation. They can offer you a review on your investments and insurance. (This is the kind of situation that I'm in.) I would ask around for a good insurance advisor - if you don't have the assets mentioned earlier in my post. Get referred to someone. Ask your CPA for someone. Go through your local Chamber of Commerce directory and see if there's a name that you might recognize. What you want to get is a comprehensive service that will require you to bring in extensive documents. They should ask you for your social security statement, your auto & home owners policies, your insurance policies, banking statements, 401k, IRA, pension, 457, 403b, 412i, 529, mortgage, approximate home values, etc. I find that a good advisor who isn't lazy in their approach can, will and should ask you for all that documentation - regardless of how they are compensated. Then, the next question is: What is the objective of their review of all your documentation? What is the goal? For my clients, the goal is MAXIMUM protection, MINIMUM cost, greatest flexibility, reduce overall risks to the client on an economic basis. I have a tendancy to ramble on with topics such as this. Let me know if this helps any. If you need clarification, please post or PM me.

The biggest thing you just realized is that this is NOT a "do it yourself" project. The reason I outlined all those topics was to basically ILLUSTRATE that point. How can someone coordinate and integrate all those topics WITHOUT being in the financial planning industry? The question is WHO? WHO do you turn to for this advice? Certifications aren't a "be all and end all" to the competency of the advisor. CFP, ChFC, RFC, CLU, CFA, CIMA are some of the most well known and respected, but it doesn't guarantee that they will look at all aspects of your financial life. Ask some successful people you know who THEY turn to for advice in financial affairs. That will probably lead you quite well - and ask THEM to introduce you to their advisor. (Believe me, the advisor will LOVE that.)

Once your protection is complete and you have 50% of your annual income in savings, you are now able to begin putting your savings contributions towards investing. I would invest in this order: - Bonds: such as Treasuries, municipal bonds, corporate bonds. These produce income and are not usually as volatile as stocks. Income - Stocks: Blue Chip stocks, growth securities (basically stocks &/or business interests). Capital Appreciation & Dividend Income - Other: Collectibles (baseball cards or other things that you know of that are tangible that you have a unique knowledge in), Real Estate (your home & perhaps other investment properties) & tax shelters. Income, Capital Appreciation & Tax advantages As you build your portfolio, you will be greatly reducing your portfolio risks by investing in the "stable" bonds first, then later increasing your risks to stocks. This is GREATLY better than just picking a stock portfolio based on your age. WHY? Because of some of the points in the link above. Also, most people have a much lower LOSS tolerance than they say they do. This way, you're building your temperance to market volatility. Note: Not everyone will agree with me on this style of planning. I might even be accused of trying to "sell insurance" to everyone. (I'm not, nor can I as I am not properly licensed in all 50 states). The fact is, is that it works and the math verifies it. It is also proven to work with our world today. It also fits with provident living planning principles (save, live modestly & prepare for the future). Too much risks and no protection makes for a shaky foundation for your financial future. If you'd like to learn more about this kind of planning, find someone who is familiar with the LEAP system. (LEAP = Lifetime Economic Acceleration Process) These advisors are typically found with insurance companies (as they can offer you the guarantees of the insurance without having all their income tied to you keeping a large investment balance with them so they can get paid).

Attached is an article on the value of permanent insurance as it was published in a CPA publication. Note: this was written by an estate planning attorney. WebCPA - Permission Slip

First steps - protection & savings: You must do these simultaneously. Insurance Protection: Auto/Homeowners/Liability You should have auto insurance with TOP coverage, but high deductible. You should have renters insurance/homeowners insurance - also with high deductible. You should have liability insurance = your level of assets. Why? If you're going to build a financial castle, you must have a MOAT. In today's world, you protect your castle with insurance. In today's litigious society, it makes a lot of sense to protect yourself in case of lawsuit. Disability Insurance If you can't work, your medical bills increase while your income stops. You won't be able to contribute to other company retirement plans. Gotta have the insurance. Get your group DI FIRST. Then look into personal coverage that you own. This protects the protection by making it separate from your employer (and we all know that we don't stay at certain jobs for a long time anymore). Health Insurance You're going to get sick before you become disabled. Gotta have it. It protects your assets and your income. Group is generally best. Legal documents Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney & Health care directives. This is so your wishes are made known before you aren't around or able to make them yourself. Life Insurance Start with term insurance. There are a lot of wealth strategies revolving around permanent insurance, but just start with term insurance - and get it separate from your employer. This protects your castle even when you're laid off or voluntarily quit. SAVINGS All that insurance with higher deductibles assumes that you have some liquidity. You should have 50% of your annual income in some form of savings - life insurance, CDs, money markets - anything that PRESERVES the value. Also note that if you're disabled, most policies require a time deductible (around 90 days). If you have 6 months cash, you're fine. If you have a claim on your auto policies, you have cash on hand to take care of it. If you become unemployed, you still have 6 months cash reserves to rely on. This is the FIRST step that we should ALL take into account BEFORE beginning our investment activities. If you are saving in a 401k, I would have it in money market because you CANNOT afford to lose money you've EARNED on your JOB to investment losses. You can do that with the earnings of your savings, but not what you're working hard for. (If you've already lost money, better keep with it until it grows, but notice that you can't enjoy that money and it doesn't give you comfort at this time.) When do you start to invest? After your protection is in place and your liquid savings is established. Don't be in a rush to begin investing. What good would a 50% increase on your investments do you if you are unprotected in the case of lawsuit? Or it vanishes due to disability? Or it loses money AND you lose your job? Kinda long, but some of the things I advise my CLIENTS on when they meet with me. Meet with your own insurance agent or investment advisors in your own state.

BEFORE going to your local bank or any other investment firm for advice, please recognize that they have 4 rules that they HAVE to live by in order to make a profit: 1) they want all your money 2) they want it on a systematic basis 3) they want to hold on to it for as long as possible 4) they want to give you as little back as possible IRAs, 401k and many other financial tools - while necessary in financial plan building - are designed to LOCK YOURSELF OUT OF YOUR MONEY while you are saving. While you may think that they are giving you "objective" advice, the 4 rules above are the rules that THEY live by and ask YOU to live by as well.

Bill Cosby has some good wholesome stuff too.

Being in the financial advisory business, my income is VERY much tied to these kinds of discussions. Here's my take on it: Leave the world in a better place than when you entered it. Move from Success to Significance. Leave a legacy. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? How about a testimony of tithing? How about a solid record of being honorable in your dealings? There are times (especially now) when people are VERY FOCUSED about their financial situation. (I know I am.) But what is your motivation? Is it to have that Ferrari? Or is it to provide well for your family? After your family is taken care of, and you've separated your self-image from the material possessions you hold in your life... what now? What do you strive for now? It's not about the MONEY now. You THINK it's about the money... because you feel you don't have any right now. I would like to be at a point in my career where I'm bringing home a 7-figure annual income. Why? It's not about the money. It's not about recognition either (although I'm sure it will be nice). It's about who I need to become in order to achieve it. Enlightened self-interest is a very worthy goal. At this point, I would have more freedom of time and financial means. Now I would have time to do more volunteer work or other non-profit charitable causes and find ways to give of my time, talent and means to others. I have requested the book and I look forward to reading it.

Those Born 1930-1979 First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING! We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We did not have Play stations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms........ WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them! Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! If YOU are one of them, CONGRATULATIONS! You might want to share this with others who have had the fortune to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good. While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were. L.O.L. Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?! The quote of the month is by Jay Leno: "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

A South Carolina farm wife called the local phone company to report her telephone failed to ring when her friends called. And that on the few occasions when it did ring, her dog always moaned right before the phone rang. The telephone repairman proceeded to the scene, curious to see this psychic dog or senile lady. He climbed a telephone pole, hooked in his test set and dialed the subscriber's house. The phone didn't ring right away, but then the dog moaned and the telephone began to ring. Climbing down from the pole, the telephone repairman found: 1. The dog was tied to the telephone system's ground wire with a steel chain and collar. 2. The wire connection to the ground rod was loose. 3. The dog was receiving 90 volts of signaling current when the number was called. 4. After a couple of jolts, the dog would start moaning and then urinate. 5. The wet ground would complete the circuit, thus causing the phone to ring. Which demonstrates that some problems CAN be fixed by pissing and moaning.

The pastor asked if anyone in the congregation would like to express Praise for answered prayers. A lady stood and walked to the podium. She said, 'I have a praise.' Two months ago, my husband, Jim, had a terrible bicycle wreck and his scrotum was completely crushed. The pain was excruciating and the doctors didn't know if they could help him.' You could hear an audible gasp from the men in the congregation as they imagined the pain that poor Jim experienced. She continued, 'Jim was unable to hold me or the children and every move caused him terrible pain. We prayed as the doctors performed a delicate operation. They were able to piece together the crushed remnants of Jim's scrotum and wrap wire around it to hold it in place.' Again, the men in the Congregation squirmed uncomfortably as they imagined the horrible surgery performed on Jim. She continued, 'Now, Jim is out of the hospital and the doctor's say, with time, his scrotum should recover completely.' All the men sighed with relief. The pastor rose and tentatively asked if any one else had anything to say. A man rose and walked to the podium. He said, 'I'm Jim and I want to tell my wife, the word is sternum.