Kirby - The Salt Lake Tribune

Kirby: Dear God, give it to me straight

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:34:03 MDT

Kirby: Dear God, give it to me straight

by Robert Kirby Tribune Columnist

Published May 15, 2013 05:34PM MDT

I heard someone speak in tongues once. By this I mean that I was physically present when it happened. Also it was directed at me. The memory of that experience is vague because it occurred early on a Sunday morning more than 40 years ago, in another world (Georgia), and I was not yet entirely myself yet. After a night of sinful endeavor, a friend and I missed our bus back to the barracks. Perhaps feeling guilty, ’Normus insisted that we kill time until the next bus by visiting a church across t...

Copyright 2013 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Kirby: How I nearly died for a perfect Mother’s Day

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:18:30 MDT

Kirby: How I nearly died for a perfect Mother’s Day

by Robert Kirby Tribune Columnist

Published May 14, 2013 09:18AM MDT

On Mother’s Day I expressed my appreciation to the assorted mothers in my life — my own mom, the mom of my daughters and my daughters who are now moms. All of these mothers in my life achieved their maternal status despite my mostly unintentional efforts to thwart the process. Some recognition seemed in order. All mothers are important. None of us would be here without one. But of all the mothers, the most important mother is the one you live with. You better not forget her. I almost waited to...

Copyright 2013 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Kirby: Soccer ref’s death reminds us we all lash out in regrettable ways

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:53:22 MDT

Kirby: Soccer ref’s death reminds us we all lash out in regrettable ways

by Robert Kirby Tribune Columnist

Published May 9, 2013 09:53AM MDT

The last time I actively participated in organized sports was nearly 50 years ago, when I played extreme right field for the Park Lane Lions. I only lasted half a season, but that was long enough for me to learn everything I would ever need to know about sports. First was that I lacked the necessary coordination to run and catch at the same time. Hell, I could barely put the uniform on by myself. It took me the better part of a week to learn how to walk in cleats. Second — and this was the most...

Copyright 2013 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Kirby: My turn to review the Utah Symphony performing ‘Star Wars’

Thu, 09 May 2013 08:17:44 MDT

Kirby: My turn to review the Utah Symphony performing ‘Star Wars’

by Robert Kirby Tribune Columnist

Published May 9, 2013 08:17AM MDT

My grandson and I went on an adventure last week. We were riding TRAX downtown when a guy wearing a tuxedo got on. He was carrying a violin case. “A hit man,” I whispered to Gage. “Be careful. There’s probably a machine gun in that case.” My grandson is only 9 but he’s got some of me in him. He’s just rude enough to ask complete strangers personal questions. A few minutes later, Gage said, “He plays in the symphony. And it’s a viola. Not a machine gun.” Our adventure began Saturday evening. We ...

Kirby: Nomophobia not fear of being without a Mormon

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:59:33 MDT

Kirby: Nomophobia not fear of being without a Mormon

by Robert Kirby Tribune Columnist

Published May 7, 2013 08:59AM MDT

How long could you go without your cellphone? Assuming that you didn’t need it for work or as part of court-ordered electronic monitoring, how long could you stand to be without mobile service? If you immediately thought in terms of minutes or even a few hours, there’s a good chance you have a serious emotional problem. There’s even a name for your derangement. “Nomophobia” is the fear of being without a mobile phone. It comes from “no mobile phone” phobia. Note: I confess that I first thought ...