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Top 10 stories of 2008

As you can see... | 7:35 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

...journalists don't know what readers think is important. They are too worried about winning the Nobel Prize and want to sensationalize everything.

Richard Nibbler | 7:38 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Considering all that's going on in the world a change in Church Leadership is probably the most insignificant thing that has happened in Utah this past 12 months.

Anonymous | 7:47 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

The church tops the list??! Oh, well, I guess you have to dance for the one with the supper dish...

Comments continue below

Confused | 8:01 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Duh, don't you people notice it's a list of news IN Utah--not the country or world! Sheesh. With the number of LDS IN Utah, it stands to reason the passing of Pres. Hinckley would lead the list! It was a big deal!!! And what the heck does 'dance for the one with the supper dish' have to do with anything?

RivertonCoug | 8:14 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I was a little surprised to find an article about the top 10 list and yet there was no top 10 list.

Seemed pretty accurate to me | 8:23 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Their will always be disagreement over any ranking list, but it seems pretty accurate to me. Even mentioning the church in any "top" anything list is a sure fire why to generate animosity to those not of that churches faith. It would be interesting to put maybe 20 or so topics to a readers poll and compare their rankings.

Albemar | 8:47 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Duh! What year is the LDS Church NOT one of the top 10 names in local headlines. This is not news, it is just stating the obvious.

Betty D | 8:55 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

It is very irritating to read the hateful comments which appear regarding the LDS Church. I live in the "Mission Field" in Virginia, and wish the nastiness would cease. I believe the first sentence of this article stated the #1 LOCAL story was the change at the top of the Church. All the stories mentioned were LOCAL stories, although it could be argued many outside Utah were very interested in these stories. Comment if you must, but try not to be so hateful

Headline | 9:14 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Something heated and controversial about the church.

A jab about gay marriage.

Weird, awkward, outward rant about something else.

SOMETHING IN ALL CAPS.

Top Story | 9:28 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

It's not often that the prophet passes away. There have only been 16 prophets since the restoration of the church, so I can see why the new prophet is a big deal.

Also, remember, the Deseret News is owned by the LDS church, any surprises then on their pick of the top story?? ;)

what I think | 10:52 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I agree with RivertonCoug. If you're gonna do a list of Top 10 news stories, please publish the list in ORDER! How would it work if Letterman's Top Ten was listed so helter-skelter?

I really disagree with steven w. Your post is the one full of criticisms. Just because some people don't like this poorly-drafted article doesn't mean they don't deserve to live. Your post (and alas, mine as well) is full of hypocrisy: criticizing others for criticizing. Let's all play nicer.

No confusion | 11:33 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

The supper dish is a metaphor. My dog does a dance when i provide his meal, at the sight of his dish being prepared. I've no doubt that the editorial staff of desnews is well aware of the ownership and will pay homage accordingly, lest their dish not get filled. Essentially, it's like a lot of things around here. Everyone, whether they agree with it or not, knows who pulls the strings.

Truthful | 12:48 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Have the LDS Church move its headquarters out of this great State of Utah and see what happens. Think things are bad now, just wait. No confusion and Nibbler: please have your parents check your next comment before you post it,ok?

Anonymous | 1:08 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

If the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints topped local headlines in 2008 it was in their OWN news paper's and on their OWN news station's, NOT on a National level. It's the holiday season, the politically correct euphemism for this time of year when weï¿½re supposed to demonstrate the "spirit of the season" by going shopping. We do this so that we can help retailers hit their year-end sales targets. Shopping, we are told, stimulates the economy and what's good for the economy is good for all of us. Our "holidays" have become mere orgies of economic stimulus. Need a new mattress? Presidentï¿½s Day Weekend is now known for slumber sales. That barbecue with 50 percent more grilling area that you want? Hold off until Memorial Day when the Lawn & Garden advertisements turn attention from patriotism to propane. Independence Day, once dedicated to national reflection on the struggle our Founders faced in creating a nation conceived in liberty, is now just an opportunity to buy beer and hot dogs. That's the other news Utah see's as well. Give me a break. You know it's true. Now, why is that?. They hate Mormon's is why.

CatholicMan | 1:13 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I read the Deseret News because I have friends in SLC. I like reading the MormonTimes links. The article was about top ten stories in Utah, so therefore I would expect with the majority of Utahns being Mormon, of course the death of the LDS Prophet and the story of his successor would be the top story in the Newspaper. It is about statistics, not religion. If you lived in Rome I am quite sure the most read topic when Pope John Paul II died was about just that. If the top story were anything else but the death of your Prophet in the DN I would have been amazed. By the way...to all Utahns, Mormon or not, Happy New Year !

Chris in Texas | 1:20 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

The article says the LDS Church ended year "in controversy over gay marriage". There is no controversy. The word "controversy" implies it did something wrong. The Church stayed true to its doctrines, especially the Proclamation on the Family, ergo, it did nothing wrong. In fact, the Church actually received unprecedented support from other churches as a result of its sticking up for its beliefs. Catholics, Jews, and Evangelicals in California praised the LDS Church for doing so. No controversy at all - poor choice of words on the author's part, very poor. Get an editor.

Anonymous | 2:48 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Chris,

The LDS Church DID do something wrong as well as controversial regarding gay marriage!

Wake up and smell the civil rights!

Skippy | 3:02 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Freedom of the press is great. Deseret News can pick who they want and what they want to report as the top ten stories...

UtahResident | 3:15 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

CatholicMan, Thank you for your kind comments. Happy New Year to you too.

To Truthful: | 3:22 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I'd be more than happy to see the LDS Church move out of Utah, more specifically, SLC.

And remember, don't let the door hit you in the ... when you leave.

Poor choice of tactics | 3:32 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

To Chris in Texas. Do you live in CA? I do. The reputation of the Church was unecessarily hurt by the type of campaign waged by the pro-Prop supporters and funded by Church members. The campaign relied on fear tactics, misleading statements and even outright false information. Maybe we should be used to this type of campaigning but i expected "Christians"--of all faiths--and especially Mormons--to adhere to a higher standard of truth and accuracy. This campaign has left some very open wounds which are going to take a long time to heal. No doubt the opposition to Prop 8 would be happy no matter how the campaign was waged--but we didn't need to give them the ammunition with which to attck us.

Darlene | 4:06 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

God created Adam and Eve and told them to multiply and replenish the earth. He did not create Adam and Evan and tell them to... well, what could they have done to multiply? The LDS Church has done all that is right.

for UtahResident@3:15 | 4:50 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Thank you. I think I will not read further posts because once again the discussion is going to be way off topic and becoming a screaming match about the Prop 8 deal. That is getting to be a broken record...on both sides. Later !

Anonymous | 5:15 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

If the LDS don't like all the non-Mormons moving into Utah, YOU are welcome to leave!

Jim | 5:52 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I live in Las Vegas, and a local newspaper did their top ten stories affecting Vegans. What do you think was number six: The passing of LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley. Things are not that different in the outside world.

Yvetta | 6:05 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

"To Truthful:" made a comment about being happy if the LDS church left Utah, but let's all think about this. The LDS church was here before any of us were, and the fact of the matter is that it's a predominantly Mormon state. I don't know about you, but I live here because it's a good atmosphere, probably BECAUSE of the Mormons. If we don't like that, then we can go elsewhere. No one asked us to come rain on their party when they were here first.

And I'd like to say thanks to Skippy. It's an article in a religiously-owned newspaper, not the end of the world. The press is free to write anything they want on their paper. We weren't forced to read it.

Not confined to UT news | 6:58 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

IF you live in UT & don't like the news filtered through Utah media, - well - change your news source.

I have dual homepage tabs - the Deseret News & the NY Times...
...and I can just as easily watch BBOC World as my local news-at-nine on TV...

If you have internet access sufficient to leave comments in a forum like this, you can get your news from whomever whenever you want!

mark | 8:06 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Darlene, you talk about God creating Adam and Eve and something about multiplying. You realize, of course, don't you, that Adam and Eve did not actually exist? It is a fable, it's fiction, not real. It is like other stories of fiction, such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Humpty Dumpty, Cinderella, and The Cat in the Hat, not real.

mark | 8:10 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

And it is definitely not something on which to base public policy.

Simpson | 8:25 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Re: Mark , who are you man? Tell me WHO ARE YOU?

BYUBLU | 8:39 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

It is sad to see so much anti-mormon, anti-christian garbage in here. Really, is it necessary? Some things never change, but reguardless of your affiliation, Happy New Year!

Alan | 8:58 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I live in Australia and I like to read different newspapers. I would have been surprised that the Death of the President was not a Top story in UT. So, thats not surprising or in any way biased. If you live in an Area and something big Happens for that area, then expect it to be reported. I like reading about different place(s) and i find Utah interesting. What does surprise me though is that Utah itself seems to be so much like the rest of the USA with Crime and other stuff happening. I just would have thought it would have been a much better place with a lower crime rate. Maybe i am a bit niave.

Anonymous | 8:59 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

njp | 10:09 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Being from Montana and reading the Deseret News as I am LDS....I am not surprised by those who like to stir up controversy. It must fill some kind of void to post negative comments although some are sincere others are just a ploy to get a response, but having said that....Happy New Year to ALL those in Utah.

CA voter | 12:17 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Mark at 8:06, where you there around to verify that Adam and Eve did not exist? If so, we need to learn more about this!

Anonymous | 1:08 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008

CA voter,

Were YOU around to verify that they DID exist?

Didn't think so.

Hypocrite.

mark | 9:02 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Simpson, what are you talking about? Who am I? What are you asking?
CA voter, you are kidding, right? From your lack of literary skills I assume you are uneducated, so I would forgive you your lack of argumentative skills.
But I can't. In other words, CA voter, were YOU there to verify their existence?
You actually vote?

wade | 10:55 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008

post what i wrote. or does truth hurt

Lex | 11:16 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008

To Simpson,

What is your problem? Who are you? Simpson?

OK, now that we are all introduced, what is your point?

Mark's (and my) point is that it is stupid to base public policy on myths, fables, and fiction. It is even MORE stupid as well as unethical to use the political machine to force others to conform to YOUR myths, fables, and fiction IN WHICH THEY DO NOT BELIEVE!

If religious zealots continue to do this they can expect revolution and severe opposition by those whom they victimize with their evangelical zeal!

We will not bow to YOUR GODS!

To Lex, Mark | 3:44 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

And this has what to do with the top ten stories of 2008?

I know -- Top 10 story: Lex and Mark's cynicism is a better basis for public policy that honesty and decency!

Hmmmm . . . doesn't seem to be selling.

I frankly don't care who you are. You're probably a myth anyway, made up by a bored Mormon homemaker. Like Twilight.

I am looking forward to your "Revolution and Severe Opposition."

Does it have a beat? Can we dance to it?

TrueBlueGirl | 9:32 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

PLLLLEEEESSSSEEE! For the following: To Truthful @ 3:22 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008; mark @8:06 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008; Lex @ 11:16 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008: You show your true colors by attacking the LDS faith. Faith is the keyword here - We believe in the Bible, we believe that we are all related, somehow because Adam & Eve were the first parents on the earth. Now, I cannot prove it, nor do I think I need to because I believe by FAITH. So, since you obviously do not have respect for the LDS church, why must you cause problems by making these types of comments. Didn't your mother teach you "if you can't say something nice, don't say it at all"? I think you just like to see if you can upset people -& we all have anonominty because you don't have to put your name or location out here where we all know who we are - there are legislators trying to change that so that these kinds of cynicism & attacks against religion can be better tracked. People like you are bringing this to past.

Scott, Iowa | 9:47 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Civility is becoming to an even-minded soul; but cruelty is an evil tongue. Most people become uncivil when anonymous, thinking God will not hear them. It is a shame to see minds being uncivil, especially when greatness could be theirs. Minds seeking the lowest form of expression are beneath contempt and must be pitied.

To posters | 11:43 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008

As was already said, would like to have a list to scan.

I strongly and tangibly support higher education. But education does not equal intelligence. Those who are 'technically' educated know that had you looked to your right or left, this was always apparent.

To the 'preachers': Let them worship how, where, or what they may; even an absence of worship. So they don't believe with you, big deal. Stand up for your own, and do so adhering to your own proclaimed standards, without demeaning. You won't change anybody's mind on these boards.

To the faith bashers: Are you as hateful and socially repugnant in public as you are behind your keyboards? If so, I feel for your neighbors, families, employers, passers-by, etc. You won't change anybody's mind on these boards, and stirring the pot gives your point of view an unenlightened flavor. Shameful, really.

To the even-tempered, well-adjusted, opinion-givers: isn't it interesting to imagine illuminated faces of some of these ranters? Keep your interesting points of view coming; I enjoy your comments and stepping out of my perspective to see yours.

Aaaahhh. Now don't I feel better about myself for this post? No, I'm not that superficial.

mark | 1:11 a.m. Dec. 30, 2008

Well, uh, truebluegirl, I never once attacked any faith, let alone the LDS faith. It amazes me the lack of reading comprehension that is exhibited on these boards.
My initial comment was aimed at a person that was basing an argument for public policy concerning gays on Adam and Eve.
I responded by stating that the myth of Adam and Eve is, like other myths, false, and, ultimately, not something that public policy should be based on.
It is unfortunate that you feel any views that differ with your believes is an attack on, what I assume is, your church.
It is also very telling the hate that has been spewed by some of the posters in regards to my post.

Olivia | 1:33 a.m. Dec. 30, 2008

Is marriage, of any kind a "right?" I think not, otherwise many people out there who would like to be married and for no fault of their own are not....would be pressing the government to find them spouses. Marriage is NOT a right. Our rights under the constitution are of: LIFE, LIBERTY and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. So if I understand correctly, it is illegal and punishable to take anyone's life, freedom and their "pursuit" of happiness. The institution of marriage has always been between a man and a woman. Gay people can have civil marriages, legal in several states with ALL the "rights" that come w/heterosexual marriage, just not the WORD. Can't it all be settled by coining a new terminology? Domestic Union - Legal Commitment - call it what you may and leave the centuries old definition of marriage stand, without so much antagonism, hatred, retaliation etc.

To Olivia, the Naive | 11:29 a.m. Dec. 30, 2008

Olivia,

If marriage is not a right, what is it? On what basis do heterosexual couples marry? Do they have the "right" to marry? Do they have the "privilege" to marry? Do they have the right/privilege/opportunity to CHOOSE who they want to marry?

Are you saying that, because the State issues marriage licenses, marriage is NOT a "right"? The State issues licenses for beauticians to cut your hair. Does that mean they do not have a "right" to cut hair? The State issues licenses for building your house. Does that mean you don't have the "right" to build a home?

You can play semantic games all night long, but the reality is that you are restricting other people's actions based on YOUR beliefs. That should ONLY be allowed by law in a free society IF their actions endanger YOU. That is why the State licenses drivers of dangerous automobiles. That is why the State licenses beauticians, restaurants, and other activities. Because those activities put others at risk of loss of life and property (auto accidents, food poisoning, hair).

But two gay people getting married does NOT place anyone else's life or property at risk! If it does, show it!

God's and Man's Laws on Marriage | 10:11 p.m. Dec. 30, 2008

On marriage.

Marriage in the U.S. is a civil right, guaranteed by the Constitution, otherwise the government could outlaw marriage altogether. Where religion is concerned, every religious organization may allow or deny its members that privilege under its tenets.

Marriage, then, is either recognized by the government legally or by a religious organization if performed under their form of laws.

If the gays want such a union, they must obtain it under the Constitution or religious tenet. If they cannot, then they must observe those laws or be destructive towards them.

The Deuce | 3:07 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009

One of the top stories of the year for Utah should have been their growth rate. There must be a reason that people are moving to Utah. While I am not of the LDS faith, I am sure that the quality of life influenced by the LDS Church has a lot to do with that quality of life. I live in California and love this state. I for one would like to know why some of those who live in Utah do not like the quality of life that is provided there. It seems to me you have the best of the outdoors as well as all of the conveniences of life, some great universities and a good standard of public education for your children. I can respect the fact that you may not agree with the LDS Church but there appears to be so many upsides to Utah besides the LDS Church. If things need to be changed then follow the polititcal path and be part of the solution and not the problem. Not a bad 2009 resolution for those of you trapped in Utah.

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12 photos

Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

Presidents Thomas S. Monson, left, and Henry B. Eyring sit in their chairs flanking the empty seat of LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, who died in January.

Gallery (12 photos)