VIDEO: Me speaking at Arizona Storytellers
“Disciples” new documentary about 3 openly gay Mormons (I’m one of them)
Latest Issue of the DPJ is Out!
Elder Jay E. Jensen and Marriage Equality
On January 8, 2012 Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy spoke at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. The talk was same old, same old. The Desert News covered his Church Educational System (CES) Devotional address and reported that he spoke about the three themes of the Holy Ghost. I don’t want to embed the video but here’s a link
The Desert News failed to report this quote from his address (skip ahead to the 18 minute mark of his talk to hear it):
“The adversary seeks to deorganize and to destroy, especially families, as evidenced today by abortion, divorce, and same-gender marriage.”
Let that sink in for a moment.
Divorce AND marriage are destroying families. What?! Read more 
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Steps Down from Congress
Congresswoman Giffords was an outstanding member of Congress who served with great honor. Among many things she worked for border security and solar programs for Arizona and did so in a bipartisan manner. She deserves our support and thanks. Read more
Thus Sayeth the Lord…
This revelation from the child molester prophet Warren Jeffs appeared in the Arizona Republic. Honest to goodness, I cut this out of the paper. Read more
New Post on DPJ “State of Sustainability”
Downtown Voices Coalition hosted the “State of Sustainability in Downtown Phoenix” on Tuesday night and I was there to cover the event.
Is Phoenix really the “least sustainable city in the world” as author Andrew Ross’ new book declares?
I recapped the event and the story is posted on the Downtown Phoenix Journal.
Second Class Citizens Documentary
This video is making the rounds on Facebook so I wanted to share it here. It’s a preview of a documentary that will be completed if the filmmaker, Ryan James Yezek, can raise enough money on Kickstarter. (Click here to see the Kickstarter page and make a donation.) Read more
Jan Brewer’s State of the State and New Policy Plan 2012
Jan Brewer delivered here State of the State address on Monday. You can read it here. Brewer’s State of State- Jan. 9, 2012.
I read it, seemed ok. Nothing too detailed, but I guess a State of a State address right before a state’s centennial would be more celebratory than detailed. Dare I say I kind of liked what she said? At least I like most of what she said. I try to find common ground with people and Brewer and I love Arizona and I’m willing to build on that.
She was specific that Prop 100 would end in 2013 stating:
An integral part of our recovery plan was the passage of Proposition 100—the one-cent sales tax approved overwhelmingly by the voters for three years. The voters were promised it would be temporary. Many doubted that. Well, I gave my word to the voters. And, a promise is a promise…So, I’m here today to say: This tax will end on my watch! This tax will end after three years in 2013.
Her policy plan titled “The Four Cornerstones of Reform” focused on Economic Competitiveness, Education, State Government, and Renewed Federalism. You can read her policy plan here Governor’s policy plan- Jan. 9, 2012. It’s pretty much what you would expect from a right-wing Arizona Republican- government is bad, we need less government. Read more
My Interview on QTalk Arizona
The Joe and Babe show is back for a new year and I was the first guest of 2012.
You can listen to the episode here or find it on iTunes (when you search for QTalk). I was there to promote my new book “Downtown Phoenix.”
From the QTalk website:
We’re baaaaaack!! We’re super-excited to be back on the Internet airwaves in 2012! Our first guest of the year is no stranger to QTalk Arizona, he’s none other than J. Seth Anderson who started our “What The Hell Is Going On In Arizona?”podcast!
Seth has lived in the Valley for many years, but over the past decade has really to come to love downtown Phoenix. He’s very actively involved in preserving historic buildings and working to create better ways of using our existing land. In fact, he’s so active that he recently co-authored a book on the very subject! The book, aptly named “Downtown Phoenix” is now available and it’s a beautiful book with countless wonderfully historic photographs that tell the stories of our downtown.
Statement on the Anniversary of the Tucson Tragedy from the Arizona Democratic Party
Andrei Cherny, Arizona Democratic Party chairman, gave the following statement today:
“It’s been one year — one gut-wrenching, unforgettable year — and we’ve learned a few things. We’ve learned that joy can break through a thick wall of despair, whether from the healing speech of a president or a simple request for toast. We’ve learned that casting a vote in Congress can also be a breathtaking act of bravery. We’ve learned that pure determination, combined with love and support, can work miracles. And we’ve learned that lesson which so often must be relearned in life: we can never take for granted that our loved ones will be with us tomorrow. As this anniversary passes, we go forward into a new year, committed to remembering all that we have learned.
“Today, our thoughts and prayers are with those who died on January 8, 2011, and with the survivors and families who courageously press on in rebuilding their lives.”
Some of the survivors shared their stories in this video. It’s of course very sad to watch. Read more
So I Made a YouTube Video….
Yes, I did.
I made this at the request of someone who is working on a project about homosexuality and Mormonism and approached me to tell my coming out story in an “It’s Gets Better” type of YouTube video.
My goal was to keep this under the 5 minute mark, but it ended up being just over 6 minutes. I’m ok with that. Read more
The Book “Downtown Phoenix” On Sale Today!
It’s finally here! If you ordered a copy online it will be in the mail today. I’m selling it on my website too. The release party is this Saturday night at Hanny’s from 5-8 p.m. so come down to my favorite place downtown and have a celebratory drink!
Happy New Year
I’m pretty damn particular about which versions of the song Auld Lang Syne I like. And I like this one… a lot. Sung but Dougie MacLean, one of Scotland’s most successful and popular musicians, this version is hauntingly beautiful and there are lots of Scottish words that I don’t understand. So I like it even more. Read more
Reflections on Turning 30
I turned 30 years old today, XXX in Roman Numerals!
Now that I’m 30 I’ve decided to put myself out to pasture. I jest, of course. I’m not ready to retire, I’m just getting started.
All this month as I’ve been thinking about turning 30, I’ve been thinking about the past 10 years. December in the desert brings frosty air, the heady smoke of juniper burning in nearby fireplaces, and the pungent smells of cinnamon and ginger. All these things recall many winters past.
When it’s cold I can’t help but think about the two years I spent in Russia as a Mormon missionary, two years that I do not regret, but two years that I would not do over again, knowing what I know now.
Oh, to be a young man in Russia!
Phoenix Phoestivus 2011 in Photos
The Phoestivus was a blast! Crowds of people swarmed through the little market on both days this year, enjoying music, food, drinks, and local produce and art. The reaction to my new book has been overwhelmingly positive and I’m happy that I can finally share it with the world. Many early copies were sold just in time for Christmas.
The official release is January 2, 2012 and the official release party is on January 7th from 5-8 p.m. at my most beloved downtown Phoenix location- Hanny’s. Read more
Mormon Stories Phoenix Conference
I’ve been a huge fan of Mormon Stories podcast for years. It’s a place where Mormons of all backgrounds, activity levels, and beliefs share their personal stories and struggles about being Mormon. These stories cover the spectrum from LGBT issues, marriage and sex, history, philosophy, Mormon theology and everything else in between. (My parents and I were interviewed for the podcast earlier this year. You can listen to it here.)
In March 2011 I was lucky enough to travel to New York City and see The Book of Mormon Musical with Mormon Stories podcast founder John Dehlin and other listeners of Mormon Stories from all over the country. That weekend was also the first (maybe second) Mormon Stories Conference. To be honest, I only planned on attending a few hours of it then I planned to hit the city. But nothing, not even the Big Apple herself, was able to pull me away from that conference. It was life changing. Read more
Progress on Valley of the Sunflowers Continues
On Sunday volunteers from the Valley of the Sunflowers (VOS) met for a community potluck in the center of the once dirt lot that is now bursting with green stalks and yellow leaves of the sunflowers, some over 6′ tall. Within the flowers, life has returned to the lot in the form of insects like bees and ladybugs.
As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing.” Read more
