The World According to Tyson

Anyone who knows me very well, knows that I like to consider myself a bit of a music buff. I even prefer the term aficionado. While I am not very talented with music, I do take great pride in my knowledge of music. Sometimes, certain songs just touch me or strike a chord with me that I couldn’t ever even try to explain. Because of how important music is to my life, I come across songs like that quite often. While I have always been a fan of the band “Live,” I especially think the words Ed Kowalcyk sings in this song, and the accompanying music, have such meaning and a deep, important message for all of us. I don’t remember a time hearing this song after 9/11 when it wouldn’t bring tears to my eyes. But, not just tears, also a love and appreciation for those fighting for the freedoms we take advantage of, often without any thought at all. I’ll never forget where I was or how I felt on September 11th, 2001. I don’t at all want to make an unfair comparison, but lately everyone has been ...

I received some disheartening news today. A young couple, both of whom I grew up with, just lost their baby boy. For 10 years these 2 have been trying to have a baby. Finally, they found out she was pregnant with their little miracle. For 38 weeks, everything was normal and looked good. Then, at their regular check-up, their doctor was unable to hear a heart beat. Their little miracle suddenly became the nightmare no parent should ever have to endure. This young couple and their family had to say hello and goodbye to this little guy at the same time. I can't even imagine what they are going through. I don't even want to imagine, nor would I ever want anyone to know what that's like. After being told we'd likely not have kids of our own, we were so ecstatic when we found out Ariana was with child. Being the way I am, every doctor appointment I was so worried that we'd get that terrible news. I'll never forget seeing Alexandra for the first time and knowing this...

Everyone has their own battle, everyone has their own cross to bear, everyone has their own struggles. No matter how you say it, or which cliché you use, the fact is, everyone, without exception is going through something that others don't know about. Whether it is physical or emotional, literal or figurative, no one gets through life without some sort of challenge, struggle or lesson. Further, none of us knows everything someone else is going through. We may thing Mr. Jones down the street has everything. He has the biggest house, most beautiful yard with a swimming pool, tennis court and even it's own meandering stream. We make think it's unfair that he has everything and we're struggling just to keep the lights on. There are 2 important facets to consider: 1) Do we have any idea how hard he worked for what he has? Have we ever considered how much time, hard work and struggles it took to get there?  And 2) Do we have any idea what struggles he goes through on a day-...

Tonight I had a great experience! I had the honor of accepting an award on the behalf of Adobe Systems Incorporated. It was a great honor to represent such a great company in front of such great people who do so much for the community and society as a whole. Tonight was the Community Service Awards for the Epilepsy Association of Utah. Adobe was awarded the President's Award for its donations and support. Even aside from actually accepting the award, just being there was a great experience. I was touched to see the great work of various people in researching, treating and raising awareness of Epilepsy. I learned a lot about both the organization and disease, both of which I didn't know a while lot about. It's always amazing to me to see the dedication and passion people have for helping and serving others. Regardless of where you stand on the Medicinal Cannibis issue, one can't help but be touched by the story of Charlee Nelson, the namesake for HB 105, now known as ...

It has been a longtime since I last "blogged." I still hate that word, but whataya do... Anyone who knows me knows that I am very opinionated and will openly share my opinion, sometimes not I need the best forums. And, sometimes I offend. I don't apologize for my opinions, but I do apologize for coming across as very abrasive. I often use Facebook as my medium for expressing my ever-growing opinions. I like using Facebook and/or Twitter because it allows me to reach a large audience at once and get input from my friends and family. The downside is, feelings and expressions don't come across that way, much like this medium as well. I sometimes (far too often) says things that make it sound or look like I am "ripping someone apart." But, in the same conversation in-person, one could easily see that I'm either being sarcastic, stirring the pot, or honestly seeking further conversation. That being said, there are definitely times where I was less-than-plea...

When I started my blog, the intention wasn’t for it to be all “doom and gloom.” However, it seems that it has inadvertently become that. I simply wanted to write what was on my mind. And that is exactly what I did. With this entry, I want to go a different direction. The video I am going to post here talks a lot about God. However, that is one topic I generally don’t write or really talk about to the general public. Further, that isn’t the reason I am sharing this video, nor is it what I want to focus on. You can take whatever you want from the video, obviously. But as for me, I was just so touched by the selfless love Larissa has for Ian. It’s a little less than 10 minutes. But it is definitely worth watching. Larissa & Ian's Story What do you think the world would be like if more of us practiced such true love? Obviously, no one would wish to be in the situation these 2 were. And none of us know how we would respond if that happened. We can say “I’d do the same thing she d...

If one was to put all of their money on a certain reason as to why so many average Joes like myself feel so inferior, or insignificant in the world, what would you put your money on? I'm not a betting man, and never really have been. And, further, I don't really know what makes everyone else tick, but, I think for me, the biggest issue is my constantly comparing myself to others. I see other people who I grew up with finishing (or finished with) law school or medical school. Or, ones who have several kids. Or, live in a cooler place in bigger house, have a nicer car. And the list could go on and on and on and on.  Why is it that people such as myself feel that way? I know I'm not the only one. So, where does it come from? Is this something we let Society do to us? Is it something we have control over? Are we just really that vain? I don't even think this song is about me! Isn't vanity based solely on physical, or monetary things? If that is the case, th...