Los Angeles! City of Cement and Silicone

[MurrayDavis]

So I have been trapped in LA for the past 4 days hanging with the Sister and checking out schools. And have picked up a few sights and sounds I thought I share with peeps that I will enjoy them. Share some of your own SoCal cliche exps

"I play Laptop"

"Dude that Goodwill is so trendy now"

"The best Thai food in town is in that dilapidated mini-mall in-between the seedy strip club and that Bagel place that got shut down for making meth in the back"

(west hollywood) "Is your pomeranian wearing gucci?"


Stars out here Botox their palms so they dont get clammy and sweaty when shakng lots of other important celebrities hands

and so on forever.

[SanDigga]

At least a few times a year I'm in LA. Only for like a day or two, then I'm out of there.

I honestly don't know if I could live there.

[Jeff Anderson]

The last time I went to LA, I liked it.
For as much terrible bullshit as there is, there is also a lot of cool shit there.

[JohnnyDemonic]

at least it's not the Mos offering to mow your lawn or something

MD, you could bitch about living in a city where all the women are required to give you a BJ by simply requesting it

[MurrayDavis]

Im not bitching I just think it is funny. I have had a grand time out here and wouldnt be looking at USC and UCLA if I didnt want to live here. Lots to do and see all the chaos doesnt really bother me. It is definitely a whole world away from Utah right about now. Not gonna lie the lack of MO vibes, laws, churches and the like around is quite a relief. The church is known out here for polygamy, prop 8 and converting a slew of meth heads and immigrants

[supercoven]

"I play Laptop"- sounds like most of the eclectic "noise" musicians here in SLC.

"Dude that Goodwill is so trendy now" - sounds like every HOT DOG HALLWAY kid that drinks at twilite.

"The best Thai food in town is in that dilapidated mini-mall in-between the seedy strip club and that Bagel place that got shut down for making meth in the back" - sounds like Matt Crane.

"Is your pomeranian wearing gucci?" - its fucking west hollywood, duh.

10 bucks says your staying in Echo Park or Silverlake and spending most of your wasted days walking around Hollywood.

[Sean]

MurrayDavis wrote:

Share some of your own SLC cliche exps

"The LDS church is so [insert 15+ adjectives] it reminds me of [insert 6 or more inacurate and/or inapplicable historical references] I can't believe how ze church [nazi germany reference] makes [insert philosophy class discussion] or takes away [insert constitutional freedom] it's just so [poop joke or herd mentality jab]."

Like it? It's my MD mad lib.

[killer brodie]

I gotta tell you... I'm super happy MD is lovin' California so much. I hope he makes it his permanent residence and enjoys a lifetime of California/not Utah.

[MurrayDavis]

Sean wrote:

MurrayDavis wrote: Share some of your own SLC cliche exps "The LDS church is so [insert 15+ adjectives] it reminds me of [insert 6 or more inacurate and/or inapplicable historical references] I can't believe how ze church [nazi germany reference] makes [insert philosophy class discussion] or takes away [insert constitutional freedom] it's just so [poop joke or herd mentality jab]." Like it? It's my MD mad lib.

Right on the money.

Sorry your unbelievably false church also creates a vibe all over town like you just busted in on some kids on the playground playing some silly make believe game making it awkward for all parties involved.

Not having to acknowledge the pathetic sillyness of the Scientology-Light mormon church at every corner is very comforting. After soaking in the sludge of mormon doctrine and washing it off I still cant stand the constant smell of it. realizing you only need to deal with the regular bullshit that rules the real world outside of Utah is far more comforting for me personally. Living in Lah Lah Ned Flanders meets redkneck land seems to be your fortee and thats fine for you.

If you knew or chose to acknowledge your churches pathetic history, loose theology and INC intent perhaps you wouldnt defend your reaffirming self righteous social club based on silly silly lies so often.

[SonnyTwoJackets]

I spend a good portion of my life in LA. It would not be my top choice for a place to settle down and raise my family. But it has it's cool parts for sure.

[SonnyTwoJackets]

MD's anger level is comical.

[Sean]

MurrayDavis wrote:

Sean wrote: MurrayDavis wrote: Share some of your own SLC cliche exps "The LDS church is so [insert 15+ adjectives] it reminds me of [insert 6 or more inacurate and/or inapplicable historical references] I can't believe how ze church [nazi germany reference] makes [insert philosophy class discussion] or takes away [insert constitutional freedom] it's just so [poop joke or herd mentality jab]." Like it? It's my MD mad lib. Right on the money. Sorry your unbelievably false church also creates a vibe all over town like you just busted in on some kids on the playground playing some silly make believe game making it awkward for all parties involved. Not having to acknowledge the pathetic sillyness of the Scientology-Light mormon church at every corner is very comforting. After soaking in the sludge of mormon doctrine and washing it off I still cant stand the constant smell of it. realizing you only need to deal with the regular bullshit that rules the real world outside of Utah is far more comforting for me personally. Living in Lah Lah Ned Flanders meets redkneck land seems to be your fortee and thats fine for you. If you knew or chose to acknowledge your churches pathetic history, loose theology and INC intent perhaps you wouldnt defend your reaffirming self righteous social club based on silly silly lies so often.

Sounds great. Glad you're totally over it.

[TOOELE RULEZ]

glad to see everyone is following the rules of engagement nicely.

[yoshimi]

Sean wrote:

MurrayDavis wrote: Sean wrote: MurrayDavis wrote: Share some of your own SLC cliche exps "The LDS church is so [insert 15+ adjectives] it reminds me of [insert 6 or more inacurate and/or inapplicable historical references] I can't believe how ze church [nazi germany reference] makes [insert philosophy class discussion] or takes away [insert constitutional freedom] it's just so [poop joke or herd mentality jab]." Like it? It's my MD mad lib. Right on the money. Sorry your unbelievably false church also creates a vibe all over town like you just busted in on some kids on the playground playing some silly make believe game making it awkward for all parties involved. Not having to acknowledge the pathetic sillyness of the Scientology-Light mormon church at every corner is very comforting. After soaking in the sludge of mormon doctrine and washing it off I still cant stand the constant smell of it. realizing you only need to deal with the regular bullshit that rules the real world outside of Utah is far more comforting for me personally. Living in Lah Lah Ned Flanders meets redkneck land seems to be your fortee and thats fine for you. If you knew or chose to acknowledge your churches pathetic history, loose theology and INC intent perhaps you wouldnt defend your reaffirming self righteous social club based on silly silly lies so often. Sounds great. Glad you're totally over it

.
pretty sure you were the first to bring it up. Why bait him if you dont like what he has to say?

[sixtyonesix]

The truth should never need to be defended; it will still be the truth even if no one believes it.

[SonnyTwoJackets]

sixtyonesix wrote:

The truth should never need to be defended; it will still be the truth even if no one believes it.

Agreed.

But I don't think the truth is being defended here. Personal insult and prickery are at play.

[MurrayDavis]

sixtyonesix wrote:

The truth should never need to be defended; it will still be the truth even if no one believes it.

Yes, cant prove anything wrong ever. Especially ideas backed by mass Faith.. Agree to Disagree or else any attempt otherwise is just a personal attack and pure slander.

The true mormon knows as much of their own history, theology and the like as is convenient. The rest is filled in with Bullshit, jello, and father son campouts.

[chum]

SonnyTwoJackets wrote:

MD's anger level is comical.

[sixtyonesix]

MurrayDavis wrote:

sixtyonesix wrote: The truth should never need to be defended; it will still be the truth even if no one believes it. Yes, cant prove anything wrong ever. Especially ideas backed by mass Faith.. Agree to Disagree or else any attempt otherwise is just a personal attack and pure slander. The true mormon knows as much of their own history, theology and the like as is convenient. The rest is filled in with Bullshit, jello, and father son campouts.

Easy tiger, I'm on your side. I just choose not to be so openly vocal about it.

[Jeff Anderson]

i would like to go on official record and state the following.

I like most mormons, and I like most of Los Angeles.

suck on it.

[MurrayDavis]

sixtyonesix wrote:

MurrayDavis wrote: sixtyonesix wrote: The truth should never need to be defended; it will still be the truth even if no one believes it. Yes, cant prove anything wrong ever. Especially ideas backed by mass Faith.. Agree to Disagree or else any attempt otherwise is just a personal attack and pure slander. The true mormon knows as much of their own history, theology and the like as is convenient. The rest is filled in with Bullshit, jello, and father son campouts. Easy tiger, I'm on your side. I just choose not to be so openly vocal about it.

Im touchy but not even remotely upset or anything like that.

[MurrayDavis]

Jeff Anderson wrote:

i would like to go on official record and state the following. I like most mormons, and I like most of Los Angeles. suck on it.

The LA temple is a silly monstrosity sitting on bajillions worth of prime real estate

[sixtyonesix]

I'm of the belief that our world will never progress beyond the state it is currently in as long as people use 2,000+ year old dogma and mysticism to regulate their lives and choices. But on the other hand, the move to a supernatural-free world isn't something that can be forced. It will happen eventually, but forcing the change is what is gonna cause us to nuke ourselves.

Oh, and on topic. LA is a shit hole. If i lived in that area, it would be farther south. San Clemente/Laguna Beach/Lake Elsinore-ish area. that's an ok place.

[MurrayDavis]

sixtyonesix wrote:

I'm of the belief that our world will never progress beyond the state it is currently in as long as people use 2,000+ year old dogma and mysticism to regulate their lives and choices. But on the other hand, the move to a supernatural-free world isn't something that can be forced. It will happen eventually, but forcing the change is what is gonna cause us to nuke ourselves.

Only a god can save us.... and the point is we just need some better thought out new ones.

[SonnyTwoJackets]

I sincerely hope you find your happiness someday. I can't imagine what it's like to live with so much aggression and anger.

[chum]

MurrayDavis wrote:

Jeff Anderson wrote: i would like to go on official record and state the following. I like most mormons, and I like most of Los Angeles. suck on it. The LA temple is a silly monstrosity sitting on bajillions worth of prime real estate

Dude, now you're just trolling.

Have your read Mike Davis' "City of Quartz" ? I think you would like it.

[Jeff Anderson]

MurrayDavis wrote:

Jeff Anderson wrote: i would like to go on official record and state the following. I like most mormons, and I like most of Los Angeles. suck on it. The LA temple is a silly monstrosity sitting on bajillions worth of prime real estate

so it should be sold to some corporation that had the bajillions of dollars to buy it, so you could complain about them?

[MurrayDavis]

SonnyTwoJackets wrote:

I sincerely hope you find your happiness someday. I can't imagine what it's like to live with so much aggression and anger.

I can honestly say it is just poignant energy. I am a pretty laid back guy considering. I have never felt more happy in my life. The e-written forum isnt the best place to express yourself. Im not a mad man flipping out every 5 minutes. I cant even remember the last time I was seriously upset in the land of reality.
.

[sherlock]

MurrayDavis wrote:

The true mormon knows as much of their own history, theology and the like as is convenient. The rest is filled in with Bullshit, jello, and father son campouts.

but...but.....that really IS slanderous. No matter how you slice it.

[sixtyonesix]

MurrayDavis wrote:

sixtyonesix wrote: I'm of the belief that our world will never progress beyond the state it is currently in as long as people use 2,000+ year old dogma and mysticism to regulate their lives and choices. But on the other hand, the move to a supernatural-free world isn't something that can be forced. It will happen eventually, but forcing the change is what is gonna cause us to nuke ourselves. Only a god can save us.... and the point is we just need some better thought out new ones.

People need to learn to do good things and be good to other people for our own sake, not for [insert deity of choice here]'s sake, or because said deity told us to. Morality and religious beliefs are mutually exclusive and yet they get lumped together so often that most people think the two are dependent on each other.

There is no free will or personal responsibility in life when you live under the umbrella of an omnipotent and omniscient being. If god knows and sees everything already, how can any of your choices in life affect the future? Alternatively, if he doesn't already know, then why do people seek answers from him?

[MurrayDavis]

sherlock wrote:

MurrayDavis wrote: The true mormon knows as much of their own history, theology and the like as is convenient. The rest is filled in with Bullshit, jello, and father son campouts. but...but.....that really IS slanderous. No matter how you slice it.

Hey I didnt say Green Jello that would have warranted calling JOhnny Cochran too the thread

[CrackGrammar]

MurrayDavis wrote:

SonnyTwoJackets wrote: I sincerely hope you find your happiness someday. I can't imagine what it's like to live with so much aggression and anger. I can honestly say it is just poignant energy. I am a pretty laid back guy considering. I have never felt more happy in my life. The e-written forum isnt the best place to express yourself. Im not a mad man flipping out every 5 minutes. I cant even remember the last time I was seriously upset in the land of reality. .

I think the Mormon church does more good then bad. Like help recovering drug addicts.

[MurrayDavis]

CrackGrammar wrote:

MurrayDavis wrote: SonnyTwoJackets wrote: I sincerely hope you find your happiness someday. I can't imagine what it's like to live with so much aggression and anger. I can honestly say it is just poignant energy. I am a pretty laid back guy considering. I have never felt more happy in my life. The e-written forum isnt the best place to express yourself. Im not a mad man flipping out every 5 minutes. I cant even remember the last time I was seriously upset in the land of reality. . I think the Mormon church does more good then bad. Like help recovering drug addicts.

There better ways out there and the only thing stopping them are the old ones that rule the roost.

[CrackGrammar]

MurrayDavis wrote:

CrackGrammar wrote: MurrayDavis wrote: SonnyTwoJackets wrote: I sincerely hope you find your happiness someday. I can't imagine what it's like to live with so much aggression and anger. I can honestly say it is just poignant energy. I am a pretty laid back guy considering. I have never felt more happy in my life. The e-written forum isnt the best place to express yourself. Im not a mad man flipping out every 5 minutes. I cant even remember the last time I was seriously upset in the land of reality. . I think the Mormon church does more good then bad. Like help recovering drug addicts. There better ways out there and the only thing stopping them are the old ones that rule the roost.

That makes no sense.

[Blacklair]

Take a date to this bar. It's tiny and a dive but they have fruity awesome drinks, chicks love it cause it's unique and campy, the regulars are all over 50 and bitter as fuck but good people.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/Tiki-Ti/39568358564#!/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/Tiki-Ti/39568358564?v=info

[killer brodie]

sixtyonesix wrote:

People need to learn to do good things and be good to other people for our own sake, not for [insert deity of choice here]'s sake, or because said deity told us to.

Why? Why do you care why other people do good things? Aren't you only concerned that people behave good, not why people behave good?

[sixtyonesix]

killer brodie wrote:

sixtyonesix wrote: People need to learn to do good things and be good to other people for our own sake, not for [insert deity of choice here]'s sake, or because said deity told us to. Why? Why do you care why other people do good things? Aren't you only concerned that people behave good, not why people behave good?

Bolded the part you missed. Being good for the sake of humanity and creating a world that we can all live in together is a much more noble reason to be a good person than doing it out of the fear of damnation.

Our morality is a result of living in a civilized society; it has nothing to do with any religion. People are herding, social creatures and our moral choices are based around our desire to be around and benefit from each other.

[taylor]

I dont like LA. i would live in Utah in a heartbeat i I had to choose between LA and SLC.

[killer brodie]

sixtyonesix wrote:

killer brodie wrote: sixtyonesix wrote: People need to learn to do good things and be good to other people for our own sake, not for [insert deity of choice here]'s sake, or because said deity told us to. Why? Why do you care why other people do good things? Aren't you only concerned that people behave good, not why people behave good? Bolded the part you missed. Being good for the sake of humanity and creating a world that we can all live in together is a much more noble reason to be a good person than doing it out of the fear of damnation. Our morality is a result of living in a civilized society; it has nothing to do with any religion. People are herding, social creatures and our moral choices are based around our desire to be around and benefit from each other.

Why should anyone care why someone behaves good? If you spent your whole life doing good for others only because you feared damnation from God, wouldn't the result be a life filled with doing good and benefiting others? Why should we care about the motivation behind people's good acts, as long as they're good?

[CrackGrammar]

killer brodie wrote:

sixtyonesix wrote: killer brodie wrote: sixtyonesix wrote: People need to learn to do good things and be good to other people for our own sake, not for [insert deity of choice here]'s sake, or because said deity told us to. Why? Why do you care why other people do good things? Aren't you only concerned that people behave good, not why people behave good? Bolded the part you missed. Being good for the sake of humanity and creating a world that we can all live in together is a much more noble reason to be a good person than doing it out of the fear of damnation. Our morality is a result of living in a civilized society; it has nothing to do with any religion. People are herding, social creatures and our moral choices are based around our desire to be around and benefit from each other. Why should anyone care why someone behaves good? If you spent your whole life doing good for others only because you feared damnation from God, wouldn't the result be a life filled with doing good and benefiting others? Why should we care about the motivation behind people's good acts, as long as they're good?

You should do good because you want to? Not because you have to?

[cornielious]

I'm so glad I was never a Mormon, because there is no group more obnoxious in this state than bitter ex-Mo's. I'm sorry for everyone who knew a few people in a larger group that did shitty things, but this constant harping about false doctrines and lies...Missionaries don't push their beliefs on others as viciously as MurrayD.

[killer brodie]

CrackGrammar wrote:

killer brodie wrote: sixtyonesix wrote: killer brodie wrote: sixtyonesix wrote: People need to learn to do good things and be good to other people for our own sake, not for [insert deity of choice here]'s sake, or because said deity told us to. Why? Why do you care why other people do good things? Aren't you only concerned that people behave good, not why people behave good? Bolded the part you missed. Being good for the sake of humanity and creating a world that we can all live in together is a much more noble reason to be a good person than doing it out of the fear of damnation. Our morality is a result of living in a civilized society; it has nothing to do with any religion. People are herding, social creatures and our moral choices are based around our desire to be around and benefit from each other. Why should anyone care why someone behaves good? If you spent your whole life doing good for others only because you feared damnation from God, wouldn't the result be a life filled with doing good and benefiting others? Why should we care about the motivation behind people's good acts, as long as they're good? You should do good because you want to? Not because you have to?

But what does it matter? If you found out WuddaWaste only did all the cool nice things that he does because he's afraid he'll be eaten by a giant tomato if he doesn't, does that somehow diminish his acts of kindness? Is his positive impact on others somehow less positive?

[chum]

I find myself agreeing with KB, but reserve the right to disagree with him in the future.

[sixtyonesix]

killer brodie wrote:

sixtyonesix wrote: killer brodie wrote: sixtyonesix wrote: People need to learn to do good things and be good to other people for our own sake, not for [insert deity of choice here]'s sake, or because said deity told us to. Why? Why do you care why other people do good things? Aren't you only concerned that people behave good, not why people behave good? Bolded the part you missed. Being good for the sake of humanity and creating a world that we can all live in together is a much more noble reason to be a good person than doing it out of the fear of damnation. Our morality is a result of living in a civilized society; it has nothing to do with any religion. People are herding, social creatures and our moral choices are based around our desire to be around and benefit from each other. Why should anyone care why someone behaves good? If you spent your whole life doing good for others only because you feared damnation from God, wouldn't the result be a life filled with doing good and benefiting others? Why should we care about the motivation behind people's good acts, as long as they're good?

You are right, it doesn't matter what the motivation is behind someone's good deeds as long as they are good. The point I was trying to make is that religion has commandeered the morality flagship as their own. People cooperated and lived with each other civilly LONG before the judeo-christian god scared them into it.

When humanity finally stops being afraid of death and the unknown, there will be no more need for the security blanket of religion.

[cornielious]

chum wrote:

I find myself agreeing with KB, but reserve the right to disagree with him in the future.

2nded. I think most people that live a moral life end up finding that it is its own reward, but if people also want to think that they get a seat at Jesus's dinner table for helping old ladies cross the street, it makes no difference.

[cornielious]

sixtyonesix wrote:

When humanity finally stops being afraid of death and the unknown, there will be no more need for the security blanket of religion.

I'm not religious and I fear the fuck out of death and the unknown.

[CrackGrammar]

killer brodie wrote:

CrackGrammar wrote: killer brodie wrote: sixtyonesix wrote: killer brodie wrote: sixtyonesix wrote: People need to learn to do good things and be good to other people for our own sake, not for [insert deity of choice here]'s sake, or because said deity told us to. Why? Why do you care why other people do good things? Aren't you only concerned that people behave good, not why people behave good? Bolded the part you missed. Being good for the sake of humanity and creating a world that we can all live in together is a much more noble reason to be a good person than doing it out of the fear of damnation. Our morality is a result of living in a civilized society; it has nothing to do with any religion. People are herding, social creatures and our moral choices are based around our desire to be around and benefit from each other. Why should anyone care why someone behaves good? If you spent your whole life doing good for others only because you feared damnation from God, wouldn't the result be a life filled with doing good and benefiting others? Why should we care about the motivation behind people's good acts, as long as they're good? You should do good because you want to? Not because you have to? But what does it matter? If you found out WuddaWaste only did all the cool nice things that he does because he's afraid he'll be eaten by a giant tomato if he doesn't, does that somehow diminish his acts of kindness? Is his positive impact on others somehow less positive?

Yes, it does. I believe doing things out of heart equal the right motives, it not only makes some one else's life better. It will make you feel better about your self. Most religion's teach people that serving others will make you a better person. I don't see some teen on the side of the freeway picking up trash, and think to my self. Oh how nice of him/her for fucking up and being sentenced to community service.

[yoshimi]

I got to agree with Matt on this. It is not exactly good intentions to do right by others just because you think it wins you brownie points with God. I dont think Jesus ever taught that. he said love thy neighbor as you would love unto yourself. Doing good for someone else should be pure in heart and un resentful. Its not only about the effect you make on another's life, it is also about growing as a person' finding the capacity for love in your heart.

Though I disagree with sixtyonesix on nearly all other points. People will always be fearfu of the unknown, without the search for answers it spawns there would be noscientific progress or any real advancement in society.

I see no problems with believing in a higher authority/power or otherwise mystical figure or concept. My only problem with religion in general is a single person or a group of people claiming rights to your personal beliefs. I believe religion was the first campaign of fear and the idea of something beyond us that is all knowing, all seeing and all powerful someday holding you accountable for your actions was just an easy way for the powers that be to gain tight political control. I guess you could call it Anarchist in a way.

[Sean]

It is better to do good for the sake of doing good rather than for the benefits you may receive from it. Interestingly enough, that is the exact principle most religions teach. At least that is the LDS view of it.

[Sean]

CrackGrammar wrote:

MurrayDavis wrote: CrackGrammar wrote: MurrayDavis wrote: SonnyTwoJackets wrote: I sincerely hope you find your happiness someday. I can't imagine what it's like to live with so much aggression and anger. I can honestly say it is just poignant energy. I am a pretty laid back guy considering. I have never felt more happy in my life. The e-written forum isnt the best place to express yourself. Im not a mad man flipping out every 5 minutes. I cant even remember the last time I was seriously upset in the land of reality. . I think the Mormon church does more good then bad. Like help recovering drug addicts. There better ways out there and the only thing stopping them are the old ones that rule the roost. That makes no sense.