Emma Smith: My Story

Last night I took my swim buddy and fellow recovering Mormon to "Emma Smith: My Story"

Just so we're all on the same page, Emma Smith was married to Joseph Smith Jr., the original leader of the Mormon Church, when the church first started and was forced to move as far as Nauvoo, IL.

You're probably wondering why two ex-Mormons like us would go and see such a movie, and under most circumstances I'd pass up this movie and not give it a second thought. First of all, it was free, a free preview to a work-in-progress film. Also, I'd be given a chance to critique a Mormon-made film, which is an opportunity I felt I couldn't pass up :)

My friend Taylor finds religion very fascinating despite his rather bitter past and since I was allowed one guest, I knew I had to invite him.

The movie was definitely Mormon-centric. A more appropriate title to this flick would be, "Joseph Smith through the eyes of Emma" Some parts made me uncomfortable with their overly religious content and bias.

All in all, I'd have to say I didn't like the film; too slow and religious for my taste. The movie only lasted about 1:45 min, but it felt more like 3+ hours to me.

What's happened to customer service?

There's doctor's offices and customer service, and never the twain shall meet.

They refer to me as a "patient", so I guess that wouldn't entitle me to any treatment that a customer would expect.

The last several times I've visited my doctor the woman behind the front desk has asked me for my insurance card. Finally the last visit I'd had enough, "You know, every time I come in here you ask me for my card."

Now the lady behind the desk tells me I have a balance over $200 with them. Hmmm, I wonder...how do you expect to receive payment unless you're actually billing my insurance? Were you taking my insurance card to admire its aesthetics?

Thinking about it, customer service has never been a part of the doctor experience. I'm always forced to wait, often patronized and/or ignored. Ya know, feels a little like dating someone. "Doctor, if you're going to f*** me this hard maybe I should be charging you!"

Chances

How can you ask for a single chance?
You've had your shot, twice...thrice;
I see a thousand when I take a glance.
Only one? Wouldn't that be nice.

You're only asking for ONE more.
Easy enough wouldn't you say?
It's a lot more difficult after a score
One more spent and another to pay

How many chances do you need my friend?
Your requests, I fear, will never end
The points against you begin to mount
I'm sorry the pretenses never count!

That Path

I’ve been down that path before
And others I’ve yet to explore
You can’t force me, I won’t follow you
The path I’ll blaze only taken by few.

Can’t conjure the love you express to me
My decision is already made you see
My heart knows that terrain too well
All connections ready to expel

"For the Bible Tells Me So"

I heard about this movie a while back, but thought it would never make its way to Phoenix. Fortunately the small theater on Mill Avenue near ASU showed it last weekend.

A group of friends and I saw it together and I must say I was impressed. This movie basically outlined how many people have used the Bible to stigmatize and justify their hatred toward particular groups of people; historically, African Americans, women and more recently, gay people. It was a very emotional at times, some people seeing the light from the beginning, others only a portion of the light, and some seeing it a little too late.

I knew I was in for a treat when there were protesters outside; oblivious to the fact they were proving the point of the movie.