Gala event for TSM's 85th birthday at the Conference Center

[Northwestcoug]

I can't believe none of you have figured it out yet. They had Hinkley's big bash when he was 95. He died when he was 98.

The corporation knows the end is near. Get ready for President Packer.

[Moliere]

Who says every event the church holds is directly related to the mission of the church?

Everyone in stake leadership

[The Rambam]

Everyone in stake leadership

They have been well trained by good managers.

[pellegrino]

Honest question: Is the purpose of this gala to inspire greater respect from the membership towards President Monson? Or is it to allow the bureaucratic apparatus to show fidelity to the king ("We did one for Hinckley, so we have to do one for Monson or he will think we don't love him" type thinking)? Or both?

And will it work? Will anyone wavering in their belief that President Monson is really the Lord's literal Anointed be reaffirmed by the event? Would such a person even attend or watch such a celebration?

I suspect this is an inside event--meaning it was planned by inside people trying to impress other inside people and the other inside people can't say no because to do so would be disrespectful to the top guy, so the whole thing takes on a life of its own and becomes a huge event. You have spent many millions on the amazing conference center and only use it 10 days a year--you start looking for excuses. Birthday galas!

And it will bring a bunch of people downtown and they might go shopping afterwards at City Creek. Cross-marketing!!

that's how corporations work, man

[TripletDaddy]

I agree that these super parties are a bit strange. When the Church did GBHs, I assumed it was an attempt to normalize Mormonism a bit to the outside world by making it a bit of a media event. I assumed this because I highly doubt GBH decided to throw himself a party and also because we didn't seem to do extravagant birthday parties for other recent presidents.

Both parties seem to feature very prominent, media friendly Mos that are well recognized.....Gladys Knight, Esteban Joven. Didnt Archuleta perform at the GBH bash? And in an election year, not surprised at all that Mitt is NOT hosting this gig.

I don't find it offensive, just a weird idea. I know people like to lambast Rambam, but he makes a good and fair point when he identifies this sort of thing as an unnecessary step towards veneration.

The alternative explanation is far more appealiing: TMO has decided to simply enjoy himself and the vast resources at his disposal, so in his crowning, "It's good to be the King" moment, we can expect to see a weekend of celebratory decadence, including a rousing game of sister missionary/elder lawn chess at Temple Square, the Neon Trees playing on a makeshift stage on South Temple, and the SLC cops showing up at 8PM to send everyone home, leaving the Conference Center strewn with red solo cups the following morning. :rockon2:

[OceanBlue]

Pains me to say this but I find it over the top as well.

[CardiacCoug]

I think disclosure of Church finances would put a stop to this stuff.

Imagine the uproar if the Church had to disclose it spent $100K or even $30K on something like this -- it would be worse than disclosing that the Q12 are payed $500K/year.

[BYUMizzou]

How is this any different than a MoTab performance. If you read the press release, it's a MoTab performance plus a few other performers singing a song. The only major difference is Steve Young and Jane Clayson Johnson will walk up to the podium every now and then and tell a joke or introduce the next performer or maybe tell an amusing story about TSM. I fail to see the problem.

[Moliere]

The alternative explanation is far more appealiing: TMO has decided to simply enjoy himself and the vast resources at his disposal, so in his crowning, "It's good to be the King" moment, we can expect to see a weekend of celebratory decadence, including a rousing game of sister missionary/elder lawn chess at Temple Square, the Neon Trees playing on a makeshift stage on South Temple, and the SLC cops showing up at 8PM to send everyone home, leaving the Conference Center strewn with red solo cups the following morning. :rockon2:

[YOhio]

This shit won't fly when BKP becomes prophet.

[Sullyute]

Happy 85th Birthday Thomas Monson!

[Levin]

This isn't that hard to understand: celebrations like this are not for the the celebrated, but for those doing the celebrating. It makes Mormons feel good about themselves; they have a good and worthy leader; and things are right and good in the world.

But what music from Phantom of the Opera, Memory from Cats, or badly written dialogue during poorly selected photo montages have to do with this, I don't know. The execution gets a C-. But the idea is one of smart community-building.

[pellegrino]

This isn't that hard to understand: celebrations like this are not for the the celebrated, but for those doing the celebrating. It makes Mormons feel good about themselves; they have a good and worthy leader; and things are right and good in the world.

But what music from Phantom of the Opera, Memory from Cats, or badly written dialogue during poorly selected photo montages have to do with this, I don't know. The execution gets a C-. But the idea is one of smart community-building.

it reminds me of Italian celebrations in the 1930s.

[PaloAltoCougar]

We watched this last night and found some of it interesting and entertaining. I was disappointed co-host Jane Clayson wasn't wearing something more revealing and singing "Happy Birthday..... Mr. President....." Steve Young seemed a bit ill at ease, especially when he was supposed to be singing along with a couple of the big production numbers.

No matter how well it's performed, Memory serves as a power emetic for me.

The guy who sang Bring Him Home was really good, and that may have been the highlight of the show.

[Solon]

it reminds me of Italian celebrations in the 1930s.

I agree.


Universe The Pilgrim.