Must Be Santa

207th Ward's 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party this Thursday Night at Aspen Grove!!!

Mullet Tragedy

Well...The rescue mission on my mullet started off well, but ended in tragedy.  A dear friend of mine went to work on it once I escaped the hands of my brothers and made it back to Provo.  However, we were under time constraints and weren't able to completely finish the job.

As a result, I tried finishing it on my own.  While I could come up with several valid excuses like, the buzzer cord was too short and made the angle awkward, the lighting was poor, yada yada yada, let's face it.  I've never really cut my own hair before, and catastrophic mistakes were inevitable.

Once I saw that I had a mohawk running along the top of my head, and a yarmulke of hair covering the crown, I caved and just buzzed it.

I have to admit, a truly devoted BSS member would have endured the shame and kept whatever was left of the mullet.  However, in a moment of weakness (and perhaps social consciousness) I conformed to some degree of normality.

As reconciliation though, I've put together a lil' home video of the Mullet Makeover I first experienced at my home under the hands of my dear brothers.  I hope you enjoy.

Brenton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN8gFNPrAdg

Thoughts On Mustaches

This time around I've invited a co-founder of the BSS club, who is an expert on mustaches, to do a guest blog.  I hope you enjoy it!

Brenton

Perhaps before I begin this commentary on the stand alone, I should give you a little background information on me. I was raised in Bear Lake, Idaho, a little farming community in the southeast corner Idaho. As far as my exposure to the mustache is concerned, I have NEVER seen my father without a mustache in the 24 years I have graced this earth. Another thing I noticed growing up, was that men who appeared (at least in my mind) to be of importance, sported mustaches. For example, the mayor of Montpelier, my ecclesiastical leader (known as a bishop), the local mail carrier, and of course, the majority of farmers/ranchers. Now, some of you may be thinking I am a bit crazy. However, without the skills of farmers, where would we be? Farmers and ranchers give us fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. Without the power of the cookie duster, the results of many a farmer, would be far less significant. 

Because of these extreme influences that I had in my life, to me the mustache became a symbol of power and affluence in a society that was slowly rejecting its presence amongst the younger generation. Society had reduced the wearing of the lip tickler down to a couple of groups: Older men and child molesters. Looking at great men such as Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds, Sam Elliot, and Dennis Eckersley, (just to name a few) I found it difficult to believe that they did NOT start their exploration with the stand alone at an earlier age. So, when I figured I could grow a decent stache, I decided it was also my turn to join their ranks. 

My first mustache was somewhat of a disaster. I only went for about a week and a half and was bombarded with heckling from co-workers, family, etc. I was overcome by the teasing and proceeded  to shave it off. However, after some encouragement from a cousin who was able to wear a mustache, I decided to try again. Now let’s make one thing clear: the first week or so of mustache growing is rough stuff. Unless your name is Tom Selleck or Charles Bronson, or you just have the facial hair growing capabilities of a walrus, let’s face it, people are going to peg you as “Chester the Molester” or some sort of other derogatory term. The thing you have to do is just bare down and let it grow. After about two weeks or so, most men start to look decent with a stache. 

It took me awhile to arrive at what I wanted to say, but my message to the readers out there is “judge not, lest ye be judged.” There are many reasons why a man might want to wear a mustache. The majority of the time, he will be able to grow a decent soup strainer and be proud to sport it. There are exceptions to every rule, and mustaches are no different. Some people should NOT grow one. However, they will never know unless they do try it. So, ladies, be gentle to the first time mustache grower. Try not to damage his hopes and dreams. And to the rest of your friends who are mustache growers, take it easy on them for the first couple weeks. All good things take time, and the mustache is no different. 

Sincerely,
Eric Kunz

Most Controversial Haircut

Today’s post is on perhaps the most controversial haircut since the dawn of man, the mullet.  Despite overwhelming amounts of critisicm and negative persuasion, I’ve sported some form of mullet at several points in my life.  

Some may be skeptical, but the times when I found myself mulleted (even with only a simple and subtle shag mullet) are the times when I’ve found myself to be the most successful and/or progressive in terms of physicality, mentality, and even spirituality.  It’s true folks; the mullet really does bring out the best in a man (and sometimes in a woman too. I know a few ladies with a good strong she-mullet, and look out!  they’re might powerful women, but that’s another post in and of itself).

The last few weeks I’ve once again been sporting a lil’ subtle shag mullet, and the difference has been tremendous.  I can work longer hours, harder days, go on less sleep, do better in school, ect. ect. ect.   And guys, despite the vehement hatred which most women lash out with at even a whispering mention of the word mullet, duck flap, Kentucky waterfall, or whatever else you wanna call it, it really does help with the love life.

You might ask me why the mullet has such an effect a man’s (or woman’s) life.  Personally, I think the answer is relatively simple.  The mullet isn’t magic, and it’s certainly not attractive.  However, the confidence required to clash so violently against social norms and put an image at stake is absolutely stimulating and invigorating.  Such confidence spreads like a wild fire until it pours out into every aspect of your life.  It's a beautiful beautiful thing.

In an attempt further harness this phenomenal power, I allowed my elder brothers to make a project out of my hair while at home.  The goal was a Euro mullet, small, and perhaps less powerful than a Kentucky waterfall, but much stronger than the shag mullet I had.  With a picture of David Beckham on the upper right hand corner of the mirror as some sort of guideline, my older brother Matt went to town with the scissors, and Tyler did touch ups with the buzzers.

In the end, it didn't turn out quite like we expected, but there was definitely some brotherly bonding that took place.  I don't really want to go to a hair salon or barber shop and say, "Hey check out this mess.  Think you can salvage it?" So I'll either be finding someone else to try their hand at mullet making, or I'll just buzz it myself and start over...

Spent 12 Hours in Prison Friday

I've been spending a lot of time in the ol' county prison lately.  It's quite the place.  I can't say I would recommend spending extended periods of time there, but it's really quite fascinating. It's been abandoned for fifteen years now, and is really just getting good and creepy.

Every time I go in there I feel like a ten year old boy again.  There's hidden treasures around every corner; old bread slicers and giant cauldrons in the kitchen, enormous turbines in the basement, blood on the walls from movie sets...or...who knows from what.

A few years ago some people got away with $70k of copper wiring. Nowadays though it's pretty much just used for shooting movies.  The Boy, the Boots, and the Devil film crew spent all day Friday shooting in there.  I put together a lil' sneak peak of a bit of the stuff we shot.  Hope you enjoy it.

1st AC Aaron Carson, DP Boston McConnaughey, Director Brenton Williamson

Sound Supervisor Duncan Rawlings

Main Character Jerry Lee played by Bryce Bishop

The Boy, the Boots, and the Devil Teaser (click)

I apologize if anyone is tired of hearing about this movie, but it's such a good representation of the BSS and what it is about.

The movie embodies the idea that even after all we can do, we still have to have additional help to meet our full potential and overcome life's greatest trials.  However, it does so by using a pair of magical boots and a mullet.  Yikes!

A fresh perspective on old principles;  That's what BSS is all about.

There's an Outhouse in My Provo Backyard...

I built an outhouse this past weekend.  I'm not gonna lie, it's pretty rad.  It's definitely an attention getter too.  My back yard is surrounded by neighbors, and none of them could resist poking their head in and asking questions as to what bizarre quest I was embarking on.
I can't really blame them.  If I was dashing into the house to grab some ramen noodles, or sweeping off the back porch, I too would wonder what the heck some kid was doing pounding nails and rocking out to Styx in the middle of down pouring rain.
The outhouse stands about eight feet high.  It's approximately three feet by three feet and made of dilapidated barn wood.  Pretty much the only thing it's missing now is a hole in the ground.  Fortunately though, it won't be permanent, and I won't be digging any holes.  It's actually a set piece for The Boy, the Boots, and the Devil; the student short film I'm directing this semester.
It's funny how things that are different seem to snap us to attention.  I guess you could say that the reason BSS endorses things like mustaches, and mullets is because they're attention getters.  Now don't pass quick judgment here.  There's a difference between doing something simply to get attention, and doing something because you're embracing an underlying principle.
I'm not going to claim that the BSS is anything more than a silly excuse to have a good time, but if you really think about it, we can gain a lot from what's different.  If my neighbors hadn't asked me what I was doing building a nasty ol' outhouse in my backyard, they would have probably gone on thinking I was a nutso freak, or that my house plumbing was failing (which if you saw my house, that wouldn't surprise you).  However, because they took the time to inquire and think about what what going on, they at least became aware of the fact that I do know what indoor plumbing is, and I won't be stumbling out to the backyard late at night to take care of business.

I Bought a New Pair of Boots.

There's something to be said about pulling on a good pair of western boots.   With that said, I've come to a conclusion;  BYU campus does not have enough boots.  Look around!  They are few and VERY far between.  As I pondered why this might be, I came up with a few different possible explanations.  Perhaps it is sheer difficulty in wearing such attire.  Maybe it's because boots can really mess with your dating life, or maybe it's simply the fear of being misunderstood.  After thinking about these explanations, I realized I was on to something.  
First of all if  one is not fully accustomed to wearing the boot, it can become quite tiresome trekking all over campus.   After a while, walking in cowboy boots will create tired legs and sore feet due to the narrow width and slightly elevated heel.  Ultimately it’s considerably more difficult to stay upright.  Imagine trying to do this on ice...whump!  Only the most skilled boot wearers would attempt that feat.   Lastly, cowboy boots are emotionally strenuous to wear because of the distinct “clomp, clomp” that resonates on cement and tile floors.  This clomping sound tends to draw the attention of hundreds of fellow students throughout the day causing overwhelming levels of human vibes resonating confusion and rejection.

Even though the cowboy boot may be considered more difficult to wear than the tennis shoe, it seems improbable that this reason alone is why BYU lacks in boot footwear.  This is why I believe there is a greater barrier at hand.  Can you, for a moment, put yourself in the place of an innocent student with rural roots being thrust into rigid demands and expectations that come from the BYU dating culture?  He  makes the perfect phone call at the perfect time and sets up the perfect date on the perfect day.  He crosses every t and dots every i, and everything seems to be going well; That is, until his date hears the 'clomp' 'clomp' of his cowboy boots walking up the sidewalk.  What a blunder!

        The tension increases as the young couple 'clomp' their way to the car.  The shallow conversation dries up as the girl wonders what kind of ignorant country boy has conned her out of a couple hours of her evening, and within ten minutes the date is established as a failure and complete waste of time.  

        However, if this poor cowboy were treated with a broader mind and the spirit of understanding, one would quickly learn of his fun-loving nature, his strong sense of respect for women, and his down-to-earth wisdom.  Furthermore, she could be quite entertained by his tales of small-town entertainment.  Most of all, she would be flattered by his genuine interest in her own life: her family, friends, and recent trip to California.  It’s sad that something like the dating scene could discourage something as beautiful as cowboy boots.  However, this drawback could be easily overcome by slightly tweaking one’s state-of-mind to be a bit more open.

Lastly, I’d like to address a slightly broader issue concerning the absence of cowboy boots.  It seems that oftentimes we think of “understanding the different” and “condoning the evil” as one and the same.  However, these two actions are as different as good and bad.  It’s vital that we realize everywhere we go we meet people who are different.  They do things we don’t do, and we do things they don’t do.  People have different habits, behaviors, and even knowledge that we may not have or understand.  That’s O.K.!  We’re just different.  Respecting and understanding difference is much more beneficial and much more effective than scorning it or attempting to eliminate it.  This world is vast, and it exceeds far past our slightly permeable yet pleasant little bubble in Provo.  Am I saying we should be so “open minded” and “free spirited” that we should condone violations of the honer code, immoral behavior, substance abuse, or even killing people?  Of course not.  Broadening one’s mind does not require one to embrace every ideal, way of thinking, or action that comes his or her way.  However, if we intend to be intelligent individuals who can effectively contribute to society, we must learn to not condemn “the different.”  Instead, we should strive to understand it.  By doing this our wisdom and character will expand, and we’ll be able to use those as tools to interact with a wide variety of people in a broad spectrum of situations.  Doesn’t that sound superb?!

In conclusion, I would like to make a humble request.  Please, if you get nothing more from this post, please get this.  The acceptance of cowboy boots into BYU culture will not be detrimental to anyone’s everlasting salvation.  I promise, BYU will do nothing but become a more enriching and edifying environment, if we as a campus community strive just a bit harder to put aside our condemnations of the different and instead seek for understanding.  Now go home, polish up those boots, and get your “clomp, clomp” on!

BSS on the movie set once again.

So one of the most popular pass times for members of the BSS is to be involved with movie making.  They feel it is a great way to gain exposure, share ideals, and provide quality entertainment to BSS members and non-members alike.
Well, it just so happens that I'm a film student at BYU, and love to make movies.  I'm also involved with the activities in my ward, so I've made a sort of habit of combing the two.  Every time we have a big ward activity, I employ fellow BSS members and a few friends to make a short promo video.

Here's the latest video which promotes a ward 5k run to take place this Saturday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdY36qTBqW0

More of our videos can be found on YouTube by searching blwfilms and subscribing.  Hope you enjoy!

Boy Discovers Magical Boots!

The Boy, the Boots, and the Devil,

The latest BSS endeavor has been to support one of its founders in the creation of his senior student film.  The story was written and is being directed by Brenton Williamson, and his good friend and fellow film student Skyler Brunner is producing.

Like every film project, this thing needs $$$.  Today the BSS threw a BBQ to raise funds for this very noble cause.  If you didn't make it to the BBQ, or weren't able to donate then, just click below!  

DONATE

Thanks for checking out the BSS, and thanks for supporting Brenton and his senior film!

Brenton Made a Movie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3peTObRrFY

BSS. This Club is Sick!

What in Tar Nation is BSS?

Hi.

I'm Brenton, one of the founders of the BSS club.  The BSS could be described as an organization which advocates diversity in a conservative environment.  The acronym itself stands for boots, staches, and sweaters.  You might ask why?  The answer is simply that the BSS was formed in an environment where there's nothing inherently wrong with boots, staches, or ugly sweaters, but such apparel and grooming has become socially unacceptable.   In the coming weeks, this blog will be devoted to promoting the BSS Club and what it represents.  Posts will consist of  insight and opinions on hot topics in politics, religion, education, and any other areas of interest, BSS activities, and anything else which I find beneficial to the growth or representation of the club.

To kick things off, lets consider one of the main objectives of the BSS.  One of the main objectives is to open the minds of those who seek to condemn a person without first putting forth a valid effort to understand.

This brings me to my first topic question.  Do we ever have the right to condemn an individual or group of individuals?  When I say "condemn" I mean do we ever have the right to decide that someone isn't worthy to be treated humanely?  As a general rule, I believe we have the right to condemn the action, but not the person.  This being said, please understand that the posts on this blog are not directed at people, but at their actions.  We all have the right to live.  The problem is that so many of us have different ideas about how to go about living, and we can't avoid social contracts with each other.  Therefore, there will always be some sort of contention or controversy.  To avoid violence we must reach common ground or compromise.  During that process, whoever fights the hardest, speaks the loudest, or has the most support is going to come out ahead in the compromise.  Therefore, I see nothing wrong with voicing, fighting (non-violently), and persuading to strengthen one's cause.  In the weeks to come I will say a lot of things that others will not agree with, and I will voice strong opinions on sensitive subjects. Please understand that I am not "condemning" anyone; I'm merely "fighting" for the society that I want to live in.