Dear Rod,

Seeing as none of those things are specific questions asked in the temple recommend interview, I would say yes. The interview does ask if you're a full tithe payer, but whether full tithes should be on gross or net earnings is left up to individual discretion.

-Alta

Dear I-Rod,

Just pointing out the obvious, but you would also have to answer all the other temple recommend interview questions correctly.

Peace,

Tipperary

Dear 20,

As of today January 17th the partial government shutdown is still going on. Hopefully an end is in sight. Many people are unaffected, but it's hitting the families of many federal workers pretty hard. Make sure to contact your Senator/Representative and let them know where you stand. Also, here's an article about some ways you can support federal workers. Hope this helps!

Peace,

Tipperary

Dear randy,

Of 'curse it has.

--AF

Dear Golden Oldie: 

To find the percentage of the hoop that is filled by the basketball (at the widest point), I used the area of the hoop and the area of the basketball at the widest point. Calculations are given below. 

All official basketball hoops are 18" in diameter.

Official Hoop: Area = 254.47 in² 

Men's Basketball: Area = 69.25 in²

69.25 / 254.47 = 0.272 

Men's Basketball fills 27.2% of an official hoop.

Women's Basketball: Area = 64.61 in²

64.61 / 254.47 = 0.254

Women's Basketball fills 25.4% of an official hoop.

Just for a visual, here's a picture I think shows the numbers to be pretty accurate: 

 (source)

Now, as far as county fair hoops go... there's not a great way to get the numbers. Why? Because each hoop is altered in a different way. The hoops of county fair basketball shoot games are often pounded subtly into ovals, and the balls are over-inflated so they bounce more. So the hoops are misshapen and the balls are slightly larger, though never in a measurable or consistent way. An oval hoop and a slightly bigger and bouncier ball probably make it (I'd guess) about a 10% or less chance of successfully making a basket on the fair hoops. Regardless of what percent of the oval hoop is taken up by the balls, the widest point of the oval is what would determine the likelihood of a solid shot. 

Cheers, 

Guesthouse

Dear you,

I think what matters more is the personal meaning of the painting. Most of the art in my family's home are paintings done by my grandpa. They're special because my Grandpa painted them and they're mostly places where he and my Dad went camping. There's also a painting of the Jordan River temple my aunt gave to my parents for their wedding. What makes these paintings special isn't that they are original, it's the sentimental value.

That doesn't mean prints can't have sentimental or personal value, though. My mom has two Minerva Teichert prints she absolutely adores and my dad has a bunch of maps and posters for Yellowstone National Park. Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about whether or not a painting is original vs. print or hipster vs. popular. You're going to be the one that's in your house most of the time, so go with stuff that you like and is meaningful to you.

Peace,

Tipperary

Dear Bob Ross,  

I personally think originals are better because there's just something about the texture and color and the realness of a good painting that can't be imitated with a print. Sure, they can be pretty pricey... but if it really means that much to you, then buying it will be worth it. You're saving up for something that has a lot of meaning to you. There are lots of talented artists out there who don't actually charge an arm and a leg for their work. Whenever I walk into someone's home and see a good original artwork, I ogle over it. It's always impressive and meaningful to me, even if it's not my house. I know the locations of all my favorite in-home paintings, and I remember what they look like. I think there's something to be said for that. Most of the artworks weren't big name artists, but they were very tasteful. Some of the works turned out to be done by friends or relatives of the family. Commissioning a super awesome art friend to make something for you would not only be a super nice thing to do, but it would be cool to have later on. 

Of course, sometimes you just really like Van Gogh... but never in a million years are you gonna be able to buy an original Van Gogh. So you settle for a print because that's pretty good too. Or, if you're creative, you can try to make a reproduction of one of your favorites. This, of course, has gone poorly for me in the past because apparently, I am simply not as talented as Van Gogh. Darn. 

Another aspect, though, is how much art you want in your home. I'm probably a bit more minimal, so I'd much rather have a bigger original painting that I really love than lots of smaller paintings or prints. Just something to consider. If you want lots and lots of art, prints might be better for you. 

Cheers, 

Guesthouse

Dear Painter,

I'd say get whatever you like and is in your budget, whether that's prints of famous artists or originals of lesser known artists, or vice versa. Nicely framed prints are going to look classy as well. You don't need to get art that you don't like just to match the aesthetic you're going for.

In fact, this is kind of my opinion on decor in general. Your home is for you. Put in it things that you like and will make you happy to look at. Just because your house will never be in Better Homes and Gardens or on someone's Pinterest board doesn't mean that it's not the perfect environment for you to thrive. Live your dream!

-Quixotic Kid