Much More Than Your Typical Sunday School Answer

A couple of weeks ago my wife and I were discussing the Israelites 40-year sojourn through the wilderness, when we solved one of the great mysteries of the scriptures. Namely, what could possibly keep some of the people from looking at Moses' staff after having been bitten by the fiery serpents? (See 1 Nephi 17:41.)
It's too late to share this insight with your Gospel Doctrine class this year, but store it away and you have our permission to impress your ward in another four years when the Old Testament is on the schedule again.

More Exercise

Only in Utah

Only in Utah could Flock of Seagulls best Buddy Holly in a battle of the bands.

Exercise

As I understand it, today's missionaries have a half hour in their morning schedule dedicated to exercise. That wasn't the case when I was a missionary. As a result, we sometimes weren't in the best of shape.

Bad Ideas in Retail

Since this is a family blog. We've made the proprietor and clerk of the piercing kiosk as about unscary as possible. You're welcome.

Back Home

Let's check in on Elder Van Dyke's family today.

Remembering Arnold Friberg

I love Arnold Friberg. Up until I actually read it for myself, his paintings were my favorite part of the Book of Mormon. His art has captured my imagination like no other Church art. Not only are his paintings awesome, but they're also fun.

In my mind's eye, Friberg's interpretation of the Book of Mormon heroes is the definitive version. Today whenever I draw a picture of Abinadi, Ammon, King Noah, or Nephi; I'm drawing a cartoon version of his version. (I'm not alone in this, pretty much every picture of King Noah I've ever seen is a variation of his.)

The fact that he drew his scripture heroes eight feet tall and muscular enough to put the governor of California to shame, simply endears him more to me. It's that reason, that every ancient prophet, apostle, or scriptural footnote; should be chomping at the bit to have Brother Friberg portray him now.

(My fellow Mormon cartoonist Kevin Beckstom has posted his tribute to Arnold Friberg here.)

Happy (Belated) 4th of July

Take a look at those fireworks. Elder Van Dyke didn't get those from Utah, that's for sure (they'd probably be outlawed in Wyoming, too).

Going to Go Back in Time

Today's comic has a time travel theme, much like Monday's. This is no coincidence. Twenty-five years ago this weekend, my all-time favorite time travel comedy*--Back to the Future--premiered.

In just the same way I gave Star Wars a week, I'm giving Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and Biff a week of their own. (Oh, and don't worry, I really have no intention of honoring Batman and Robin later this summer. This should be the last of my very-special-posts-honoring-a-movie-of-my-childhood for some time.)

*For your edification, my top five time travel comedies are as follows:

1.Back to the Future
2.Groundhog Day
3.Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
4.Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
5.Terminator 2: Judgment Day