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Friday, May 17, 2013

Polygamy, USA: Meet the Polygamists



When looking at how polygamist have been portrayed recently on reality TV, the focus has been on only two families...The Browns and their 'friends' The Dargers.

According to TLC's reality show model, polygamists are lovable, loving people who are just like the rest of America except for the fact the husband has more than one wife.

As shown by our favorite polygamist Kody Brown, he believes "Love should be multiplied, not divided". Seemingly thousands of people became instant fans of the Browns. And Kody - a balding, long-haired, disheveled kind of guy who hasn't had a real job in years  has plopped his four wives in not one McMansion (heaven forbid they should have to share a kitchen) but in four separate almost identical McMansions in a gated cul de sac.


We also had a brief look at another polygamist family, the Dargers who, like the Browns, are independent Mormon fundamentalists. Besides having a bald head, Joe Darger possesses a look that  projects rigidity and no nonsense. His family is well disciplined, and his three wives can function under one roof, can work with each other in one kitchen and are confident enough in their relationship that Papa Joe can show affection for a wife in plain view of the other wives.

It also doesn't hurt that his wives are all cousins, and that 2 wives are identical twin sisters.

But is this really an accurate depiction of polygamy in the USA today?

Well, thank you for asking. National Geographic has taken on the task of presenting yet another view of polygamy in the USA. This time, however, instead of focusing on a single family, the focus is on an entire community: Centennial Park, AZ. The name of the series: Polygamy, USA.

Now, before you start jumping for joy, please take a look at the disclaimer shown at the beginning of the episode:

"The following program reveals the lives of practicing polygamists. 
Due to the sensitive nature of their beliefs, some individuals have requested that their names be changed."
Why would names need to be changed? OK, OK, we know that polygamy is illegal (the narrator told us so) but we here at SWB also know that as long as the polygamists aren't breaking any other laws (like marrying their 12 year old daughters to 70 year old men or their adult cousins for an example) no state law enforcement agency is going to go all Short Creek /YFZ Ranch on their behinds.

So I suppose that disclaimer is in place because many of the men who live in Centennial Park are successful businessmen whose clients may not appreciate doing business with polygamists. 

If only Kody had thought about the short term effects of his show Sister Wives and just changed his name like some of the folks in Centennial Park did, maybe he wouldn't have needed to seek asylum in Sin City...I mean Las Vegas.

I'm thinking Kody Yellow would have been a good name choice. Or maybe Kody Red.

But I digress...

Polygamy, USA uses the standard program template of reality television...but since it is NatGeo and not TLC, instead of a Kody Brown type narrator, there is a professional male voice doing the honors.  The guy's voice is so smooth if you close your eyes, you will think you're watching a documentary on the Yanomamo Indians of the Amazon. And loving every minute of it!

So here's a brief synopsis of  the first episode:
Part of large McMansion viewed from Hammon's truck
Picture of same McMansion showing most of its full glory







The polygamists who live in Centennial Park are hardcore. And some of them live in really big houses. Really really big houses that strangely enough are not shown when Arthur Hammon is driving his truck down the streets of Centennial Park. But I was able to find one on the internet.

Missionaries...the future old coots of Centennial Park
The Missionaries (composed of the unmarried 20-something men) are learning to be hardcore. Their jobs are to work within Centennial Park to keep it beautiful and safe. For example, their mentor will have them building a structure, cleaning up the town and working as trash collectors. But one thing is made perfectly clear: these young men can never date a girl or be alone with a girl outside of church sanctioned get togethers. They must prove themselves to be responsible priesthood holders. Kody Brown scruffy long hair types need not apply. These young men are expected to work hard at their J.O.B. And be hardcore. So if they are almost 30 years old and the church elders still don't feel they are ready for marriage, so be it. The young men must prove they are responsible and there's always the highway if they don't like it. Plus, it leaves more young women for the old coots in town.

The Daughters of Zion (the female population) are hardcore, too. For goodness sakes they GRIND their own wheat. When they turn 18, they are expected to marry  BUT they let God decide who that lucky fellow will be. So, if God reveals to the woman that the 90 year old geezer being propped up at the church meeting is her intended, she will approach the church elders with her revelation. If the elders approve of her choice, they will approach the old geezer and tell him he's won the jackpot once again. If all parties approve, the young lady will then be "placed" with the new family and, voila, she becomes a  wife.

Arthur with his not so hardcore son Ezra
Arthur Hammon (his real name) has scary cold rheumy eyes, wants outsiders to mind their own business, is mentor to the Missionaries, and is HARDCORE. He expects his missionaries to exemplify their religious calling - to become strong priesthood leaders and to look the part, and to have a firm understanding of the responsibilities that go with marriage. He leaves no doubt that if he says a young man is not ready for marriage, that guy will not be married. Not in Centennial Park. And his favorite punishment for a disrespectful missionary is throwing his nasty boot at the guy. Full force, aimed directly at the head. 

This guy is so hardcore he makes General George Patton look like a freakin' coward. And he can't hide his disappointment in his less than hardcore son, Ezra.

I suspect even the cats and dogs are hardcore too, but strangely enough, none were shown at all. Weird...like do they serve the strays ground up in the meat loaf at the Merry Wives Cafe up the road in Hildale?

Like any other reality TV show, there's got to be drama and Polygamy, USA does not disappoint.

 Even though the narrator said Arthur had 3 wives, something immediately caught my attention. He has all these little kids. Now, these little ones did not come from the 2 wives introduced in the show...frankly, those 2 women looked older than Arthur. And we weren't introduced to wife #3. Of course, I have come to the conclusion that Old Arthur has hooked himself up with some young Daughters of Zion to give birth to his spirit babies. When you factor in the conflict between Old Arthur and his son Ezra because Ezra wants to date and kiss a girl, oh yeah, this looks like it's going to be good storyline. Especially when later it's mentioned the reason for single young men not being allowed to date was because that young man could be dating another man's future wife.

If you ask me, it's simple. Ezra might be dating a future wife of his father. And what is sad about this is the Centennial Park Daughters of Zion are taught from a very early age this is their lot in life: to be married at 18, have lots of children and lots of sisterwives. And to cook and grind wheat and clean. And to braid their hair FLDS style. And to be ready to accept marriage to any man between the age of 18 to whatever. They are told it's God's will - He will show them who they are to marry, but why do the elders need to have a final say? Shouldn't God's will suffice? Not with this group, apparently.

We met two of Arthur's nephews, Hyrum and Joseph Burton (not their real last name). Their mother, called "Aunt Susie" by her brother Arthur, apparently was gravely ill. When a picture of her was shown, I suddenly realized I'd seen this woman before. Her name was Susie Timpson, married to the man considered as the Leader of Centennial Park - John W Timpson and she passed away in November 2012. She was in a documentary on polygamy that was featured  here on SWB: TLC goes inside the world of POLYGAMY - Part 1 - Part 3 . She appeared in Part Two, towards the end. She's the lady who speaks last and is wearing yellow with the matching yellow earrings.

There's no denying that Hyrum is one good looking dude, with some very prominent eyebrows. He's also one of the oldest of the missionaries (oh oh...that's not good).

But don't fear, I found a picture from the NatGeo website and it appears to point to a young Daughter of Zion being called to make Hyrum her husband. Since he's literally wrestling with this young woman, I have a feeling they are now married to each other.

Or is this his brother Joseph?

You know, I don't know for sure now since those boys all have the Hammon eyebrows.

We also met the Thomsons (not their real name). Now, they were featured in Lisa Ling's documentary on Centennial Park. I believe on that show they were living in double wides. They now live in a beautiful big home.

I get the sense the two wives, young 2nd wife Becca, and older wiser 1st wife Marleen, are still trying to adjust to each other. I mean it's gross they share the same man, but unlike the Browns, hubby Isaiah doesn't race from one wife's bedroom to another every 2 days, the wives go to HIS bedroom instead. Let's just hope he change those sheets every 2 days, yuck. And on a 2's company, three's a polygamist date at a Thai restaurant, Marleen tries to make light of another sister wife joining their 'happy' family by requesting that the new wife be either Mexican or Chinese so she can cook up Marleen's favorite foods for dinner. I think Isaiah failed to see the humor of her 'joke'. In fact, I think Isaiah thought she was serious.  And then the look on Marleen's face when Isaiah brought up the subject of more babies. Don't worry Marleen, more babies mean Isaiah will be spending even more time away from home making money to feed those mouths. And for you that means more time alone with Becca, making her young life more miserable.

Yep, I can't wait to see how the 'Thomson' circus plays out this season.

Last, we met the Cawleys (real name). There's really nothing exceptional to say about them except that the husband, Michael, talks as if he's channeling Mister Rogers. Or Warren Jeffs.


Buffalo Bill Michael with his eldest daughter Rose Marie
If I had to pick out the one person on this show that could pass as a serial killer, it's definitely this guy.

I can hear him now..."It puts the lotion on it's skin and rubs it in. It does this whenever it is told."

I'm sure he's a nice enough fellow, but I'd check to see if he's hiding something in his basement before being his best friend, if you know what I mean.




Next episode: The Winter Ball.


138 comments:

  1. Kody Brown and the Sister Wives better move over, there is a new show in town ready to take their place. This show is totally creepy, odd, and centered on true believers, and I like it!

    I know they are only showing their good face to the cameras and not focusing on cousin marriages, lost boys, 70 years old men marrying teens, and discarded old wives. However, I feel that this show is so much more interesting than the Brown circus has become since season 2. I can't wait to see what happens throughout the season whereas I am so over the Brown family.

    Great post, keep up the good work! I agreed with everything you wrote. I cannot wait to see who Arthur's third wife is, I bet she is about 25 and that he will soon marry again.

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    1. Great post, thank you! I will have to check this new show out, looks rather fascinating.

      Amyinbc

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    2. Oh my....if I was the soon to be next in Arthur's house, I would keep repeating someone else's name!! He is creepy and I can't imagine climbing in bed with that man! However....I would keep repeating Hyrum's name! He is simply adorable!

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    3. Since we have found out that Amish Mafia is COMPLETELY faked and made up, and that most reality shows are, at best, reenactments of "real" scenes, but with most being written by writers on whole cloth, I am again suspicious of this one. There are a lot of things going on that make sense, as the above write up has pointed out just a few. Keep in mind that everytime someone reveals something in "confidence" that there is a cameraman, a director, and crew people there. Oh, and BTW, there are a couple million viewers on TV. And probably even the person who is being spoken of is standing off camera, because his scene is next.

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    4. Most of the other polygamist communities do not like publicity, and even have armed security forces that patrol the town and keep outsiders at bay. Why would these people actually INVITE the outside world in? Well, they are certainly being paid a lot of money as a community (if it is one, and not just actors under personal contracts). But as soon as someone is being paid, then there are few limits on what they will do for money, including making up characters, marriages, storylines, and so on. I would like to know what people in the other polygamist communities think of this show, but then polygamists mostly don't talk to outsiders.

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    5. As a business owner my work takes me into to many peoples homes. I personally know the leading people in this series and can speak to the subject of their genuine nature. I have seen most of the series and can vouch to honesty of what they say verses how they live. I've been in their homes and know the men and women personally outside of their home life. They amoung many others are welcome to my professional and personal help, care and friendship if they ever need it.

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    6. blaze... actually i think that the reason they invited them in was to separate them selves from the flds

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  2. The picture of the old guy Arthur...you know who he looks like? Rep. Boehner...same eyes...creepy

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    1. Too funny, LK. You nailed it! They do look the same.

      Gordon Setter

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    2. Not sure what you are looking at but they look nothing alike!

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  3. The second wife is eight years younger?! Ouch! That's gotta hurt. Nothing to make one feel like an old hag at 28 like having your husband's 20 year old mistress move in. Oop, I mean second spouse.

    Thanks, CJ, you're a fun Friday night (virtual) date.

    Gordon Setter (black and tan)

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    1. I really love the show ! It is great to have something to watch besides drama like real housewives of Atlanta and all that kind of crap !! I like both shows very much, sister wives need to be more real, they act really childish sometimes.

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  4. CJ,

    Really, really enjoyed your intro to the new NGeo Plygy game in town.
    You ARE a seriously good writer !!!

    I have high hopes for this show.
    If for no other reason, Kody isn't on it.

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  5. I just visited Hyrums facebook profile. YUCK! On the show I thought he seemed decent but oh how facebook brings out the "loser" in some. Blech!

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    1. What was disgusting about his FB profile? I didn't see anything offensive.

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    2. Yes, what struck you as "off"? I'm not on FB but I am curious. He seems so kind on the show.

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  6. There is something really off about Isaiah. Just a creepy unsettling vibe I get from him. I feel for the women but as they like to remind us every 5 seconds, "WE CHOSE THIS LIFESTYLE!"

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  7. Hi ladies!

    I just got done watching the first episode and I got to say, I really like it :)

    I get the feeling that (though I'm sure they won't show anything scandolous!), they are at least showing a *bit* more of an presentation of their community. I mean, Rose Marie herself admitted that her husband could be "anywhere from 70, to a few years younger than me" (paraphrasing). Though I'm weirded out by the ick factor of an 18 year old being "inspired" by God to even consider a 70 year old . . . at least she's being honest about it, and I commend Nat. Geo. not trying to sugar coat (they sure as heck could have edited that out, and we never would have known - you know, until she actually did marry a 70 year old).

    QUESTION! Was Marleen drinking wine, from a wine glass in their kitchen?? I guess it could have been grape juice . . . but ugh, something tells me it wasn't :P

    And I think the above pic with the Mystery Woman, is Hyrum (I'm curious about this FB page now Anon 12:20AM!); and I spotted those two linking arms at "Aunt Suzie's" funeral - so the time of the Turkey (lol) Ball, where Hyrum is single, to fast forward to the funeral, and now he's married . . . I hope they waited at least a few months to court or something (or hey, maybe Hyrum's plan of "encouraging" the local woman to consider him, at the Turkey Ball really did help?)

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    1. Hey, I was just poking around on the Nat Geo website, and saw a blurb for a future episode called "God Has Spoken"....apparently Hyrum gets the news that his missionary service is over, and he's going to marry an 18 year old named Kellie.....I'm sure that's the girl in the picture, though I couldn't find the picture. Anyway, it looks like that episode will air the 28th of May.

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    2. FLDS people are allowed to drink wine and coffee.

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    3. First off they made it clear they are not FLDS. Second it was said in the episode that they are not to have addictive substances.. in which I would think wine would count. I thought the same thing as fun undies did when I saw her drinking it.

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    4. Some mormon fundamentalist drinks and some do not. This lady may be one that likes a glass of chianti or merlot during and after dinner.

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    5. Joseph Smith drank wine and the word of wisdom was a suggestion and not a commandment.

      http://www.mormonthink.com/wow.htm

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Wisdom

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    6. Thanks for the replies ~ I guess the whole wine thing really comes down to a matter of principle (pun intended?). After all, most people who practice religion are going do it in their own way to some extent or another. And there definitely does seem (at least to me) to be a big difference in CP, between the "fancy" polygamous who live in their pretty houses, and the "trailer" polygamous who live in the trailers, where the wives still braid their hair in the cliche fundie style.

      I guess it was just interesting to me that within a small chunk of time, you had one member who was talking about not getting into "addictive habits", and then seeing a polygamous woman drinking wine - who probably live within a few blocks of another. Just goes to show, they are unique and different, even from one another lol :P

      Though I will say, I do feel like they are at least trying to instill some work ethic (the success rate being debatable) in the younger men, seeing as all the old men are going to be dying off (and soonish). Something I think is seriously lacking with the Brown's D:

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    7. Wine In The WetbarMay 20, 2013 at 12:10 PM

      I think the part about the additive substances was directed to the missionaries if I recall correctly.

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    8. The part about the addictive substances was directed to the missionaries, I think Hyrum even stated he didn't indulge yet there were many entries on his facebook page related to drinking and drunkiness. A bit hypocritical.

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  8. Fun Undies, I am not sure if it is appropriate to post Hyrums actual last name, he was easy to find though (as was Isaiah and Marleen)but he is disgusting on facebook. One status update was "gays are gross but lesbians are sweet, disgree and you can use the restroom on yourself." He is constantly posting the most immature junk (something about cooking midgets in ovens) and getting likes and "yeah bro!" from his fellow polygamist half wit friends.

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    1. I don't think he's all that cute anymore. Yuck.

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    2. I guess let's be on the safe side, and I'll just try to find it myself (wouldn't want anybody getting in trouble by sharing the link!).

      But to be honest . . . I'm not surprised. The man might seem charming, but I definitely got a sense during the program that he was really only doing the work there, in order to suck up to the Elders (council? Church old guys?). So that way, when a young gal took notice of him (and let's face it, he is pretty decent looking for someone who probably has first cousin intermarriage all up in his family tree), that the old guys might not say immediately "no" to her request, because he did put in the work - and it might discourage the other young folk from doing anymore work, if they have to be indentured servants who also are forced into chastity.

      Just saying :P

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    3. LOL Hyrum probably didn't need missionary work to "suck up". If I have the genealogy straight, he's very closely related to the head guy! Although when trying to find out more about Centennial Park on the internet, there seemed to be a limited number of last names as in Barlow, Jessop, etc. mixed with the founders names--Timmons and Hammon. CP is only 3 miles down the road from Colorado City-Hilldale FLDS towns according to one source and has just a few differences. One is being governed by a council instead of "one-man rule", another being women making spouse choices, and (I think) ownership of property is individual instead of church owned. I wonder if Warren Jeffs crazy pronouncements from prison have sent any of his followers down the road to CP or if those dissidents are creating another version of Mormon fundamentalists??

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    4. Ohh nevermind! I found it! He just seems like your average young douche.

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  9. This show sounds so much more interesting than the Browns! I hope it is picked up here in Oz!!! I might have to check pirate bay for it.

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  10. So I have watched the first couple episodes of this show but can't stop staring at Rose Marie's wacky eyebrow. Dang girl!

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  11. Watched first two episodes last night and loved it! Way better than Kody and the Kodettes!

    A TMI coming...

    As a woman in her mid 50's, I honestly wish I had a younger sister-wife or two to handle hubbie's "needs"! Wouldn't mind a hand in the house work either!

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    1. Why would you get married if you didn't enjoy filling your husbands "needs" do you not have needs too? Would you really rather have someone else bond with him on that level?

      People confuse the hell out of me. Do some women just not like sex? I don't understand...

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    2. Why would you get married if you didn't enjoy filling your husbands "needs" do you not have needs too?

      From what I've seen and read about the Centennial Park group, the women are not kidding about choosing to live plural marriage. In Dawn Porter's documentary (I gave the link above) one of the women gave her some insights. The women don't choose their husbands based on love because love fades. She pointed out the divorce rate as justification. She married her "husband" (she was his 3rd wife I believe) out of respect, that they shared the same values, and they cared deeply about each other with the realization that her marriage had to last not only in this lifetime, but into the next life. She believed a marriage based soley on love (she called it infatuation love) doesn't last forever. She said she was looking for deeper values, deeper character and deeper committment when she chose her husband. She considers her marriage a friendship and a partnership.

      But the 1st wife, however, didn't quite share those feelings at first! She resented her husband bringing in the younger wives when her babymaking days were over. She felt jealousy, and basically said that any woman who says they didn't mind it when her husband brought in another woman into the household was lying. She admitted to not being very nice to wives #2 and #3 and it wasn't until she had a life threatening illness (just like Barb Henrickson of Big Love) and her sisterwives took care of her and the household until she got better, did she eventually come to accept her sisterwives. That doc was made right after the YFZ Ranch raid, before Sister Wives started. It definitely showed a much different picture of polygamy.

      Do some women just not like sex?

      I'm also in my 50's and I got to say that my sex drive has slowed down tremendously when compared to my 20's - 40's. Right now in my life, companionship is not based just on having sex, I'd rather focus my energies on something else, like having a conversation or enjoying a movie or taking a vacation together. Those things matter the most to me be right now. (post-menopause)

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    3. I understand sex not being the #1 activity in a marriage. It's not in mine. There are a few other things that I would rather do than have sex but it's still something that I enjoy in my 18 year marriage. I was just a bit disturbed by that initial comment about wanting younger women to feed a husband's appetite. It's like this idea that all men want sex all the time and all women don't want to have sex ever. It's just never been an issue in my marriage and it bothered me to think that one woman isn't enough for a man. He needs other young women to feed his appetite. That just made me sad to think about a woman not wanting to connect with her husband in that way & being ok with him connecting with other people in that way just so he can have his needs met. (Although I'm sure anon 10:47 wasn't being entirely serious if it came down to it)

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    4. I'm sorry that you feel sad about this, but I don't think anon 10:47 was implying that all women should think that way or that all men act should act that way. It was just her thoughts, her opinions. She was expressing what would work for her.

      So in view of this, I believe this particular conversation about what anon 10:47 expressed has now reached its conclusion.

      Please feel free to continue a discussion on the Centennial Park woman's view of plural marriage.

      Thanks, everyone!

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  12. Hyrum was really easy to find on Facebook, and his page is so disturbing. It's not only offensive, it's also illiterate and what I would think his church would consider obscene. If they show him to be sweet or smart on the show, we will all know that it has been edited to within an inch of it's life. If facebook reflects his inner man at all, then his inner man is disturbing.

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    1. His inner man is no more disturbing than a typical 22 year old frat guy who goes to a party and gets so drunk that he passes out and almost dies of alcohol poisoning. His frat brothers then take him to the emergency room, plops him in a wheelchair and puts a sticky note on his shirt telling the emergency room personnel what happen. And they quickly leave their frat friend unconscious with no concerns if the guy is alive or dead. That is disturbing.

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    2. Yeah..lol. He's no more disturbing than your average tosser. Glad to see the missionary program did such good things for him!

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    3. Traci, you do realize the incident described by anon 4:28 really did happen recently at ASU in Tempe AZ?

      I have a feeling from what you saw on facebook we are getting a hint at on the show...Is he really mature enough to be a husband, starting a family? I have a feeling that the average age of CP missionaries is a lot higher than 22. I'm also getting a feeling he is being allowed to marry because of who his father is and his high rank in the community. I just don't see the men whose fathers are not high rank in the CP hierarchy - who live in those trailers or not so nice houses would be allowed to marry the available CP girls at age 22.

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    4. CJ - I completely concur with you. He definitely had a sense of confidence (er, entitlement) about him, as if he just knew that going through the motions of missionary work (i.e. indentured servitude in the community), would take away the only plausible (in their world) objection to him marrying young - because of his status (whatever that is).

      And his brother did say that Hyrum is a "romantic", which I think in polygamous talk translates into him thinking about girls a lot. And he did admit to having a few crushes, out of his league! I don't buy for one minute that he did that missionary work in order to help out the community: it was a means to an end, and now that the end has arrived, I'm curious to see what he'll do next.

      And again, I'm not surprised by his behavior. I sadly don't expect much from a group whose beliefs *inspire* the likes of Warren Jeffs, and the Browns (and countless others). I mean, in CP, they even do their own trash so the outsiders will keep "minding their own business". Ignorance goes both ways old man, and you guys sure are teaching it to Hyrum in full!

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    5. CJ--No! I hadn't heard that. What a horrible thing. I didn't sound unbelievable based on other frat stories that pop up on the news here and there, but I thought it was a fiction for the sake of comparison. What a horrid, horrid thing to do to another human.

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    6. It has got to be one of the most cold-blooded acts I've heard about. Here's a link if you want to read more:

      Tempe police: ASU fraternity student took 20 shots, left unconscious in hospital

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    7. Weird..I found his FB. but none of the entries mentioned. Maybe he 'cleansed' everything.

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  13. When does Polygamy USA start? Is it on TLC? Thanks

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    1. The show is on the National Geographic Channel and it premiered 2 weeks ago. Please check your cable listing for repeat showings.

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  14. I went online to try and get the show, but it only directed me to Hulu plus which cost $$. Anyone know another way to get this channel?

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    1. Occasionally Natgeo will offer episodes online at their website.

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    2. Xfinity (or comcast) has it On Demand, a day or so after they air it.

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    3. Try googling "Watch Polygamy USA free" Usually you can find something. There are places to go. But since I have never seen anyone ever talk about it on here. I don't feel comfortable. But there are places you can go.

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  15. So creepy. But, I watched it anyway.

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  16. I thought Arthur was extremely weird! At the dance he was introducing himself to those young ladies as if he `was hoping one of the young girls would pick him!

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  17. Cynical Jinx - thank you for blogging on the new polygamy show - you are so amusing and on target!

    I like the concept of this show - several different polygamist families within CP. I think rotating between the families makes for a good show.... every one can find a family to like, dislike, etc. Maybe TLC should do this with the Browns and Dargers...I think there is room for some sort of crossover between the families.

    As far as the "missionaries"....I have done a lot of reading on polygamy and I wonder if these 'missionaries' are really just free labor for Arthur who then collects the tax money from the government for their community. Weren't there stories about how basically the government had to pay for schools, police, roads, public works, etc. for CP and that all the 'insiders' got the money and were taking advantage of the free labor (the missionaries)....and then they drop them off at the side of the road when they think the boys might influence the younger women to prefer a younger man to a 60 year old? Isn't that what the Lost Boy problem is about? Anyhow, just something I thought of when Arthur was throwing his boot at the boy's head. That disturbed me. It is like they are all trying to prove to be worthy of having a woman and we all know that there just aren't enough women to go around in polygamy.

    I am drawn most to Marlene and Becca...they kind of remind me of the Browns and there are definitely bad feelings between the wives.

    I wish TLC would show the Browns again before we all get so unfamiliar with them that we won't watch. But I am enjoying the new Polygamy show. Again, thanks CJ for the recap!

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    1. According to sources on J Marion Hammon, Arthur's father, the missionary program where the boys are kept at home in their own communities was JMH's idea and project for FLDS before the split to CP. It doesn't seem like such a bad idea--charity begins at home and branches out to the larger community. I have no idea about funding for their projects?? The garbage truck and paving for streets, etc. have got to cost quite a bit?? A town of 1500 people can't generate too much in the way of taxes and would need to tap some government programs for lots of things. Are they all on septic and wells or does the community have a central water/sewage system?? LOL These TV shows give us a glimpse but not very many details about real day to day operations or practices.

      It's going to be interesting to see what happens with Ezra who took a St. George girl friend to the ball and then danced with other girls (at Elder's prompting). He made some comment about seeing how the girl friend reacted to his behavior. Sounds like he's okay with plural marriage and not okay with the church rules. Now why does that surprise me? The polygamists want all the advantages of living in the US or Canada but only want to follow some of the laws.

      Delete
  18. I am wondering if the men can decline to marry the women that chose them. If not, then it is the same for the men in CP as it is for the young girls in the FLDS. They don't have free will when it comes to marriage. Does anyone remember if that was mentioned on the show?

    As for the lost boys, I am thinking that this is only happening in the FLDS. The couples in CP look to be closer in age than what has been going on with the FLDS even though the young women in CP may chose a much older man as their husband.

    This show may turn out to be very interesting. For me, it's much more interesting than the Brown clown show for sure.

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    Replies
    1. Irene Spencer's book talks about this. http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Dreams-Life-Polygamists-Wife/dp/B005SNKCCK

      Like has been mentioned here, already, these people don't necessarily WANT plural marriage, but they want to please God and have their own planets.

      The problem is that there isn't the huge abundance of extra women that there was in the 1800's and the math is never going to work out. I don't really buy that the men get everything and the women are abused. I think it is more that it is a corrupt system and only a few men and women will truly benefit. Benefit isn't really the word I want to use, but I can't think of a better one. :-/

      Delete
    2. Every time I hear about these polygamists getting their own planet, I wonder if we ever have an alien encounter...if it will just be a bunch of polygamists spilling out of the spaceship.

      Roswell? Just a washed-up surfer dude/alien with four cranky alien sisterwives...

      Delete
  19. I wonder how Kody feels about all these other plygs encroaching on his reality tv place. Not to mention that they are getting their own blog posts here on SWB. I bet it just burns him up that he is not getting every ounce of attention.

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  20. Good Sunday morning sister wives! Time to rise and shine, cook 2 dozen eggs, toast a loaf of bread, make a gallon of oatmeal and get them chilren up for church. Ohhhh, what is that 2nd wife? We do not go to church since we moved to Vegas? What was I thinkin of? I know its not my night! I just came over to wake yall for church, you know I would not infringe on your time. Oh, is that you Kody turn over and let me plant one on you! You handsum surfer dude.

    Ok well then number 2 I have some buffet set up at my house on the wet bar and EVERYONE is coming. See you in half hour Kody!

    Hellloooo #3. You know what? I plum forgot we dont go to church and accidently woke up #2 with Kody. I got breakfast buffet set up on the wet bar. What? You and the kids are not up yet and it is 7 a.m.? Well KIDSSS!!! WAKE UP ... food at my house!!!!

    Yall come on in I got breakfast all set up for you all over there. You all cheer up now its already 8 in the morning and it is a sunny Sunday! Oh hi baby! Mmmm mamas gonna give you some lovin tonight! Shhhh I know its Robyns nite but we can, you know, business meeting. Hush now!

    Oh #2 and 3 hey help yourselves to some breakfast buffet. Thats right open up the hostestest doonuts and crack open the container of kookaid. No, I didnt have time to cook you see I thought we had church... forgot no church here. Haha... so I ran to the 11/7 and got us some breakfast. Oh, look I forgot up heres the granola bars! Yum!

    Children eat up! What #2? Your kids dont get to eat sugar anymore? Whats it gonna hurt just this once? #3 you dont keep junk at your house anymore? Nooo? Truthfully you come on down off that hanging light fixture!
    Wheres #4? Oh sheesh did I forget to knock on her door again? Dang I am so dog goned forgetful haha... I made a joke dog gone! Hehehe... #4 I did not want to wake you and the babies come on in you know your always welcome here! You look so nice with your make up applied all nice and perfect... whats that a new see thru modest is hottest baby doll shirt? Here let me get you a long sleeve shirt to stuff on under it. I know its 100 out today but we got the air conditioner thing a runnin! It is so nice to have you all here! Kody your snorin over there on the chair! Ohhh baby you are so tired and I so will just rub your feet and spoon feed you. Oh forgot I have a omelet and bacon for you in the microwave, just a minute papa I will feed you. Another Brown Chaos Sunday morning.

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  21. Excellent review~ I was just "hoping" when I popped us open to day it would be here. We've been talking about it and I was getting anxious-knowing it was going to be a doozy!! Never one to fail, you've caught my by surprise and now have a new gross out word - rhuemy!!!!!! Laughing out loud my cynical sister, laughing out loud. When I watched it with my husband, he also was like OH MY GOSH THIS IS TOO MUCH when they were getting the wheat out for the pizza!

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  22. From what I can see

    Polygamy Lifestyle = Real Unhappy Women

    Not to say that a monogamous lifestyle doesn't have unhappy women, but at least when the woman is unhappy she can do something about it. These Polyg women have their brood of kids and are locked into it and just have to deal with it (brainwashed).

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  23. http://tvblogs.nationalgeographic.com/2013/05/07/new-series-polygamy-usa-airs-tonight/

    Wonder if the woman to Arthurs right is his third wife.

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    1. I think when you watch Arthur guy kiss the little girl "give daddy a kiss moment" you see a young girl on the left right after, looking worried, I think that's his wife.

      Delete
  24. Thank you for directing me to that series, I enjoyed watching it very much and wow did it open my eyes to a polygamy so very different than the Brown's disaster.

    Hyrum. I spent the first part of the segments thinking "Dude needs to get LAID!" and then during the dance portion wondered if he was gay. Regardless happy he has finally married and gets to try out his penis. Hope it all works out for him.

    Very interesting the women choose their mate in this sect and power to them. Too bad they don't get the opportunity to actually get to know the man they will marry though.

    Fascinating stuff. Thank you :)

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  25. I almost think that's one of his daughters, and the cranky looking young woman with the longer skirt who is sort of sheltering a little girl on the very end (Arthur's L) might be his third wife. The young woman looks too happy...like she might be a favorite child rather than a baby-maker.

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  26. Rhuemy Eyes didn't have quite the great looking mansion the others have, now did he?
    He seemed much more of a narcissistic control freak rather than a godly man. Very far from it.
    Doesn't seem like the type of dude you could have an intelligent, interesting debate with.

    The Thomson's have said they did the show because of their finances. For me that throws them in Kody's book of too much house, too little modesty. 2 double wides would be fine. I get tickled with this group, there's some type of comparison of the old addage "The size of a man's shoe will tell you his ___size." Must be homes for this group.
    And how can they afford those big boxes in the middle of a desert?
    If I had some of those larger ones, I am afraid I would feel the need to put a little mascara and blush on just to walk around!

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    1. I think ole rheumy eyes brought that house directly from Colorado City. It looked like crap from the outside, (all unfinished, with that blue couch sitting on the outside next to the end of the house) but I have a feeling the inside may be a different story. We only saw the furnace room, and I think Ezra's room (and bathroom) but it doesn't look as dilapidated like the outside.

      I believe most of those "better" homes are owned by the church. I wouldn't be surprised if the "Thomson's" were moved out of the double wide into the house just for the show. Got to keep up that appearance of prosperity.

      I really believe the only difference between Centennial Park and Colorado City is that Colorado City is ruled by one man while Centennial Park has it's elder council (or whatever they call their council of 12). They have carried over almost all of the Colorado City society: Large homes for the church hierarchy, a "God Squad" (called Missionaries) to chase out outsiders (and trash duty), secrecy (people minding their own business), and marriage placements (like I said, if God reveals to the women who they are to marry, why do mortal men need to make the final decision? Wait, I'll answer that - because if left just to the women, they will either choose the young hunks like Hyrum or the rich man with the huge beautiful mansion with the industrial kitchens, nurseries, and plenty of sisterwives - like a big sorority house.

      Delete
    2. CJ - excellent point! I think these shows are 'whitewashing' their livestyles and they probably did set the families up in nicer homes for the younger, more "normal looking" families like the Thomson's. And I can see ORE (Old Rheumy Eyes) not wanting others to think he takes advantage of the $$ the boys earn, thus his house looks like a shack on the outside, the inside could be decent.

      Also, does anyone else object to the 'free labor' of the 'missionaries' while they collect tax dollars for their community services? I think it's wrong myself. I still believe it's a Lost Boy situation down the road

      Delete
    3. Instead of speculating on the show, why havent you find someone who actually lives in Centennial Park to quelch the rumors you all seem to hang on? So I guess through searching I have to come to you. I am a convert to this work and have lived in Centennial Park for almost 8 years now; having moved down from Salt Lake Valley. To clear up some of the misconceptions I have read: The two community's of Centennial Park and Colorado City split back in 1985 over ruling doctrine 'one man rule' versus an 'elder council' as you have called it. Warren Jeffs stepped into power when his father got sick in the early 1990's and he coined the term 'FLDS". No one ever used it before then. No, the residents of Centennial Park did not carry over the same society as what you find in Colorado City. Yes, some of the basics of doctrine might have carried over but not the society. We actually pay our property taxes on time, pay our bills, do not use government 'handouts' or as others have called it 'bleeding the beast', and look out for our neighbors and not shut them out because we are in fear of retribution. You wouldnt be able to pick me out as someone from Centennial Park when I am in Hurricane or St. George. We dont do the hairdos associated with the FLDS in Colorado City; mine's in a ponytail 90% of the time. Colorado City itself in in flux right now. There are 3 or more groups over there trying to figure it all out, so not everyone living there follows Warren. Here in Centennial Park, large homes are NOT ALL for the church hierarchy, they are of those who can afford to build them without taking out a mortgage. There is NO "God Squad" like in Colorado City to chase out outsiders and report it to their 'dictator'. We actually welcome outsiders into our community hence the show and the visitors who are curious of the community. There are no 'Lost Boys' from here nor are any ever kick out of the community in favor of older men. Everyone has the same opportunity for advancement. We are only limited by our own choices. If men and women choose to leave, it is of their free agency to do so regardless of age. The Missionaries are group of young men from just out of high school to Hyrum's age who chose to serve in the community and build it up through hard work. They dont get paid for their service unless they are summoned to a job that does pay. We have our own trash disposal because there is no company out here to do it. (Colorado City even does their own for the same reason.) Our old automated truck had broke about 3 years ago so it became a part of the missionaries' work. The missionaries did it up until 4 months ago when a newer used automated truck was bought. If the community was SO secretive, would NatGeo be here doing a documentary? I think not. From my understanding, the families participating are not being paid to be apart of the program. Two families were previously on 'Our America with Lisa Ling' so they already knew half of the film crew that followed them around. No one moved houses except for the "Thomson" family and it wasnt for being on the show. And I believe that the family stated that Isaiah had to take work out of state because of their finances not do the show to make money. TLC and NatGeo are two different corporations with different ways of doing their programming. As to Marriage: We believe marriage is for time and eternity. Placement marriage is about joining yourself with someone on the advice of a council from men who are in touch with God from here on Earth. Yes it may sound absolutely crazy to you but it is truth. Marriage and having sisterwives is not like a big sorority house or having to have the best or the biggest. It is about living the principles of the gospel, edifying your family and serving God. Nothing is 100% perfect. We are all here on this earth to gain a body, learn from the experiences of it, and work on our characters so that we can once again be with God in Heaven.

      Delete
    4. Welcome, Rain!

      Thank you for taking the time to clear up some "speculations" about Centennial Park.

      There are many people here who would enjoy reading your viewpoint of living in a polygamous community, especially as it pertains to what the viewing audience is shown on Polygamy, USA.

      I look forward to your visiting and commenting on SWB again.

      Delete
    5. Thanks CJ. I have always chosen to comment when it needs be. My viewpoint is also my viewpoint and not that of everyone here in Centennial Park. Thanks again for your welcome.

      Delete
  27. I'm already looking forward to tomorrows show!

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  28. Are those of you in OK City alright? My daughter and her husband live in Moore, they have their house and electricity but water is an issue. My thanks to God for sparing them and prayers for those suffering such great loss.

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    1. Oh my, isn't Caramel Brownie in the OK City area? I hope everything is OK. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the storms.

      Delete
    2. Caramel clicked "like" on a Facebook thread about Oklahoma. No comments, but even that response is encouraging. I'll let you know if we hear more.

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    3. More info - CB lives a little north of the path of the tornado, and is safe and in one piece. Let's all remember those in OK who have lost loved ones, pets, and their homes in this tragedy.

      Delete
    4. Yes, I too was worried about CB! Glad to hear she is ok, and prayers to all the other folks out there.

      Delete
    5. What up SWB peeps? Aww, it's so sweet for ya'll to be concerned about me. I wasn't able to keep up w/ SWB, b/c My dad was visiting from ATL & actually left on an early flight out Monday 6:30am. Yes, we're ok. We live in NW OKC & fortunately we were spared by the tornados & just got hit w/ severe thunderstorms. Thunder/rumbles were so loud that it was shaking our whole house & lightening was bright too, so I know the lightening strikes were close. Unfortunately on Monday, 5/20, SW OKC & Moore wasn't spared & was hit w/ a huge & violent EF5 tornado that was almost 2 miles wide & was on the ground for 40 mins for 17 miles causing multiple deaths & destruction. I'm sure ya'll have heard on National news that it took out 2 elementary schools(totally leveling one of them) & leveling many homes in various neighborhoods. It's been reported that 12,000-13,000 homes were literally destroyed &/or severely damaged.
      I have a few friends that live in Moore & thankfully they're ok & so are their kids & homes, except for some roof damage & debris on everyones roof from the tornado,etc...Actually one of my girlfriends, lives about 4-5 blocks away from Briarwood school that was hit. Thankfully they(my friend) had an underground storm shelter & had 3 families all sqished inside. But she said, she literally broke down & lost it emotionally b/c one of her daughters was still at school w/ no cell service.
      She said they were able to feel the tornado rumble and shake outside their house. If the tornado would of been closer it would've been right over them. They lost power right before it hit. Once it was over, her husband raced over to the school to get her daughter & thankfully she was ok.
      On Sunday, 5/19 a few tornados broke out in Edmond and Lake Arcadia & Shawnee & Bethel Acres got hit w/ an EF4 tornado that completely leveled a whole mobile home park too!
      Ya'll I've literally been at a loss for words w/ the 2 days of wrath that Mother Nature unleased on Oklahoma. Just a sad, sad time so please keep Oklahoma tornado victims & their families in ur thoughts & prayers.

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    6. It's great to hear you are OK!

      Delete
  29. My daughter does not have internet service right now but managed to get through to us on the phone. yes i think carmel brownie is in the OK city area

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  30. Glad to hear that CB is okay in OKC. Prayers and thoughts for the people of Moore. Just watched Poly USA - Michael Cawley kind of reminds me of a religious Dwight Schrute. I would love to style Rose Marie's hair. She would look very cute with a softer style.

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    1. I agree totally. When she was styling her hair and had it down, she looked so pretty. I think she's just totally unaware how much people with stick straight hair -like me- would love to have hair as pretty as hers. I think she has potential; she just needs to work on softening her look.

      Delete
  31. This episode was kinda boring. Look forward to the next episode though. Noticed there were no "Thompsons" in this epi. Are they done with them all together I wonder? Hope not. I found them the most "normal."

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    1. I agree that this episode didn't hold my attention as closely as the previous ones, tho I still am enjoying the series.

      My one observation that I'd like to share with the group is a positive one! The concept of baptism by choice holds definite appeal to me. As an atheist, I like that the children can choose baptism once they are old enough to know what it means and why it occurs.

      Freedom of choice whether or not to be baptized, definitely a practice I can agree with.

      And yes, I was baptized as a baby, in a Catholic church.

      She-Rah

      Delete
  32. Baylor - I think with the Thompsons, there is not enough going on with that family to show them (my guess anyhow)every week. With the husband out of town so much, just showing the two wives is probably not going to get viewers interested (well except for me, I like the unspoken stuff I see on body language).

    It's clear they are steering this show towards a younger audience...showcasing Ezra, Hyrum and RoseMarie. Clearly going for the younger demographic.

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  33. Arthur seems to get his jollies from trying to match up all the young 'uns in his community. He's way too enthusiastic about this. It's creepy.

    Isaiah has two young, flirty, playful wives, but when he smiles, something's missing in his eyes. It's creepy.

    Michael. Oh my gosh. Cynical Jinx nailed it perfectly with the Buffalo Bill comparison. I almost can't look directly at him, he's so completely "off." It's beyond creepy.

    And I agree 100% with the above poster who said that Kody must be really PO'd that the polygamy spotlight no longer shines adoringly and singularly on his golden tresses. I don't follow him or the other Browns on Twitter (that's one reason I love this blog!) but I look forward to a publicity stunt from the Browns in the very near future in an effort to drag the attention back on them...perhaps in the form of a 5th wife. Just my guess.

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  34. I did check out Hyrum's Facebook page. I was not expecting that. I have read other areas where folks go on & on over his handsomeness... Yep, he's handsome but his postings take a bit of the shine off his image, so far, on the show. I'm getting a bit tired of "Reality Shows" that are far from...

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anon - "reality shows" are no longer "reality" as in just start shooting and let whatever happen, happen. Don't know if that's EVER been the case really. Reality now means "unscripted" - which is totally different from just filming whatever happens. There is no script writer/screenwriter involved - but someone is determining interesting situations - or what they feel will be interesting situations, such as "let's have the Dargers and Browns all go on a giant vacation to the ocean". and you can tell, the adults pre-planned what they were going to say/do/act in front of the camera. there is very little spontaneous action in SW, or in this show. and we already know from SW, that not everything they do makes it to the show. For example - we've yet to see last year's UNLV lecture or appearance or whatever you want to call it. Also we know that during the road trip last summer the family stopped in Missouri or somewhere and that didn't make it to the show either. I'm sure those are just a couple examples.

      TLC now has at least one "grey area" show - the Myrtle Manor show which acts like a reality show but isn't. the trailer park was made up in the back of another trailer park I think? and I would really call Honey Boo Boo an "unscripted" show as well.

      Delete
  35. Also disgusted and shocked at the comments on Hyrums facebook page but mostly just suprised he would post such things on a public forum. Looked at Kellie's page,(his bride) and his post there were imature but hinted that they were cohabitating. I'm disaapointed because the image i had of him was that he was charming, mature and considerate man. National Geographic have misrepresented him in his favour.

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    1. A comment on Hyrum's timeline strongly hints he is married.

      Delete
    2. definitely not co-habitating and definitely married now.

      Delete
    3. Due to my clumsy fingers trying to do something on my Kindle, this comment was deleted accidently.

      From Anonymous:

      I used the term cohabitating in the broader sense, i.e sharing a dwelling. The point I was trying to make was that comments on her facebook page indicated they were living together therefore they must be married now. As I referred to her as his bride earlier in the sentance i thought my meaning was clear. Upon reflection, I realise my comment could have been better constructed to convey my point. I apologise for my poor word selection and the misunderstanding. Also I apolgise for any offense this may have caused as I realise that defacto relationships are considered imoral by this religion.

      Delete
  36. I was looking on Facebook and found Michael Cawley's page. Strangely enough, he likes the UEP - really? Isn't that the governing trust of Colorado City/Hildale? I believe that it was taken over by the state of Utah so maybe that is why he likes it but that did seem strange. Also, the FLDS is building a new compound in Pringles, South Dakota. Is that where the guys from CP are going to work? Or are they going to the natural gas fields in North Dakota? I suspect that there are many more ties between CP and Colorado City than they let us know about ...

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    1. ??? His profile is private ???

      Delete
    2. The UEP (United Effort Plan) was created when Hildale/Colorado City was developed back in the 1940's. It was called Short Creek then. In 2005, the State of Utah stepped in and took over the Trust due to court judgements in Utah against Warren Jeffs. It has been overseen by a fiduciary ever since. (ueptrust.com) Most Centennial Park residents still have family that live in Colorado City and Hildale but because of the 1980's split no longer have relationships with them. It might seem strange but sometimes things dont make sense unless you live here. Sure the FLDS are building a new compound in Pringles, South Dakota. The one built in Hildale just got auctioned off last month due to another court judgment (http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56179789-78/taxes-properties-auction-county.html.csp) Those faithful to Warren Jeffs need to go somewhere. The men that from here are working both in the gas fields, doing construction and truck hauling in North Dakota. We in Centennial Park are not associated with the FLDS except through our shared history. Here's the blog by the Salt Lake Tribune that covers polygamy if interested: http://www.sltrib.com/cat/polygamy

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  37. Cannot find these Facebook pages. I'm starting to think they are made up ;) Wonder if the elders know about his page if its there and what they think. Maybe someone will call it to their attention and they will be embarrassed that they choose him to represent their community.

    The reason I find they Thompsons so intersting is b/c this show paints such a differnt picture of the sister wives relationship than the Lisa Ling show did. I kind of want to know what happened. Yes, I know they might not have that much to show so they may not be in every episode. I just hope we get to see them one more time.

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    Replies
    1. It took me awhile to find them as the surnames were changed for the television show except for the Hammons and Crawleys.

      Delete
  38. http://www.poptower.com/isaiah-thomson-polygamy-usa-picture-116622.htm

    Becca's child seems the odd one out in this picture right?

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    Replies
    1. I'm confused. All I see are 5 small children sitting on the hearth. None of the children look "odd" or out of place to me. They look like children.

      Delete
    2. I agree with you CJ, I must be missing something, nothing looks odd to me!

      Delete
  39. At least "Polygamy USA" can hold one's interest unlike an episode of "Sister Wives."
    The families in the National Geographic show are actually living the tenets of their religion unlike the Brown family. Can you just see Uncle Arthur and Kody having a conversation? The old man would shut Kody down so fast, Meri would have to be called to scrape her "lover" off the floor.
    Arthur's son, Ezra, looks like a member of MENSA compared to Kody. It just had to be said.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Being from Centennial Park, it is extremely discouraging to me to read these comments. Does nobody in this world practice Christianity? All of these comments are so hurtful and uneducated. Of course one TV show can't really show what life is like here. But I can assure you. No one here is brainwashed & these families work hard to provide for their families that they love. It may sound weird or different to you & that's fine. But why would you talk so badly about your fellow human beings? I don't ask you to accept anybody or there beliefs. But at least, please, have respect for others & what they believe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Centennial Park Resident (or former resident)

      Outside of Centennial Park, in what is known as the United States of America, people are free to express their opinions. Those opinions can be positive, and sometimes they can be negative.

      But everyone is free to express those opinions.

      This freedom is what differentiates the majority of United States citizenry from the people who reside in countries or communities where such freedoms are frowned upon. In some countries such expressions of personal opinion may warrant prison or even death. Or, as in the case of Christianity practicing communities not that dissimilar from your own, expulsion or shunning of individuals who decide to exercise their lawful right (protected by the US constitution) to express their personal opinion.

      Now, you ask me to have respect for your community and beliefs. I believe I have. But please explain how, on one hand, you ask me to respect you and your beliefs, yet on the other hand, chastise me for expressing my opinion by boldly proclaiming that 1) People who have opinions that differ from yours must be non Christian and 2)Expressing opinions that different from yours are made by people who are uneducated and who deliberately want to hurt the community of Centennial Park?

      Finally, you came to this blog on your own. No one forced you here. I appreciate your opinion, but I hope when you leave you realize maybe, just maybe, the reason people aren't showing your community the respect you believe it deserves is because your community prefers to limit itself to only one way of thinking, of interacting, and of understanding people who do not share your limited view of the world.

      As you go, please take this common saying with you. Opinions are like belly buttons: Everybody has one.

      Thank you.

      Delete
    2. To Anon 4:59,

      This is a hard core group. You need to understand that. If you want to see if you can stand up to hard core judging. "This is the Place"

      My suggestion to you is to stick with us, share your views, just like we do.

      Don't write us off, join us. Talk to us. Give us YOUR opinion.

      Delete
  41. Hyrum's facebook timeline entries have been deleted. Gotta keep up appearances it seems!

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    1. Maybe the production company for the show told him to make his timeline private. I don't think he deleted his entries, since there's a message to send a friend request to see what he shares with his friends. I saw what was on his timeline, the production company had to be upset because some of it was gross and crude like something a preteen would write.

      Delete
    2. i agree. it was pretty juvenile and telling about his maturity factor. ick.

      Delete
  42. It is clear that an older generation can think independently in order to separate from the FLDS run by others.

    He would likely have three wives to be so important. But women who never prevent children can bear into their 40's. Think Michelle Duggar.

    But the fact that an entire town lives someone who could squeal on your for breaking a rule of faith, like kissing suggests control. Everyone is in everyone business because you are a few generations from being related to everyone around you. If God would reveal a spouse to a woman why wouldn't he also reveal to the poor fellow? And why must uninterested parties pray on it before letting the guy know? I think it's just as bad as forced marriages on the girls in the other communities. I don't know if the man can refuse but since it has to be initiated from a girl he may just settle to get a bride, he can get a more attractive partner later since he isn't limited. The math is what I am having a problem with. Some girls aren't going to live it. It is clear they are free to not marry in the community. This is good. And some men will only want a single wife. But still what do you do about the two thirds of men there is no partner for since some men have 3 or more wives? Further you don't get a wife unless you volunteer full time labor for 3 plus years. It seems some would want their sons to pick monogamy? All kids can't practice the principal.

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    1. You do what that Rob kid did. He married one of the Darger's daughters (Amanda?). Which I think is a good thing because if you look at the few families in CP, they all are related to each other. Their gene pool is so limited it's scary!

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    2. I happened to be surfing the internet looking for information about CP and from somewhere a paged popped up listing all the marriages that Warren Jeffs had performed or "spoken" at. The Darger name was listed several times as was Winston Blackmore's( the Canadian heading the former FLDS community in British Columbia).

      That set me to wondering how often folks from all the different polygamous groups interact. The Dargers claim to be independent but from which group did they declare independence? And I believe someone mentioned that Christine Brown is related to Joe Darger. LOL It sure would be fun to see a genealogy listing all the groups and where/when they intersect.

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    3. The whole family didn't leave the FLDS. They aren't responsible for family members decisions or for failing to get them out of there.

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  43. I don't know if the Centennial Park group is old enough to do this, but I do know that some other fundamentalist LDS sects have relationships with other like-minded sects in other parts of the continent (mostly USA but some in Mexico and Canada.) One of the (many) reasons they do this is to improve the gene pool. I would be interested to know if this group has ties to any others because otherwise they are going to have serious problems very soon! Also, I disagree with some of the other posters' belief that the people in this sect are brainwashed. I think they are no more or less brainwashed than any other devoutly religious people of any faith. They mold their lives based on their very strongly held beliefs, which must give them profound spiritual satisfaction. I'm not saying I could do it, or that I agree with their doctrine, I just don't agree that strong religious belief always equals brainwashing. Are all Catholic nuns brainwashed? I don't think so. I suspect that it is very possible that some of the men and women in this particular sect are very happy and satisfied with their lives.

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  44. I would greatly appreciate the person from Centennial Park if he/she would come back and give info on what differences there are between the CP and the FLDS, besides the one man rule vs the council. For example, do the young missionary men have jobs outside of the work they do for Centennial Park?

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  45. I was telling my husband Rose Marie looks a lot like Tom Hanks in drag.....remember Bosom Buddies

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    1. Not really...

      1) she's not wearing makeup
      2) she doesn't have 80's hair
      3) Tom Hanks was a handsome man back then, Rose Marie is a pretty girl.

      Bosom Buddies was my favorite show. Rose Marie doesn't remotely look like any of the characters on that show!

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  46. I got a glimpse of Rosé Marie when she was eating ready for the ball and her hair was down. I was yelling at the TV for her keep it down and not be so severely pulled back. She looked really cute with her hair framing her face. I would like to see Tiffany give her a make over.

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  47. You made a comment about the dogs & cats...I was part of the group of counselors that took the children and wives from the FLDS compound in San Angelo TX. The young boys, under the age of 10, told me dogs were from the devil and that they killed any that came into their property. They thought I was absolutely disgusting and demonic for having a "pet dog" and they she was allowed to sleep on my bed!

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  48. Love your review! Will you be doing any other Polygamy USA show reviews?

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    1. Thank you very much! I'm working on the episodes now....should be posted soon!

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  49. CJ - any possibility on an open posting forum for the Polygamy USA show from last night? Thanks!

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    1. Your request has been granted! Plus I added a little quiz for fun!!

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  50. Michael Cawley has a stuffy nose voice all the time. Quite a nerd. Creepy and Uncle Arthur is so arrogant. Not the least bit humble. He would be a bear to have as a father or husband.

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    1. Agreed on both accounts--and they are just creepy to me.

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  51. I have to say that I have found this blog very entertaining. While much of what is here has been negative, it has been interesting to see how very off people can be in their speculations. While I do not intend to contribute more to this blog than this one post, since I most likely will not be back, I will just say that while there are a few legitimately asked questions, as there should be with a program of this kind, that knowing all of these people well I can say that at least 85% of your speculations are completely wrong and that while it can be interesting to discuss, what you see in this is far more real than you are giving it credit for. I am just saying this for any of you who might be interested. And I will answer just one question; of course a man can say No. How can any marriage work without two willing participants?

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    1. I have a feeling the speculations on SWB must be spot on, otherwise why would you take the time to reply and NOT mention which speculations were questionable? Power play perhaps? Or maybe like Uncle Art said, we "...should mind our own business" so you're keeping your response vague on purpose. Yeah, right.

      You have an opportunity to set the record straight, anonymously! Don't drop the ball now!

      And I will answer just one question; of course a man can say No. How can any marriage work without two willing participants?

      So how does it work when bringing in wife #2 - to whatever. For example, if wife #99 disagrees can that stop the man from adding another wife? Or is saying "No" only allowed for men?

      Glad you were entertained...sort of...your comment was entertaining, too! Thanks for the drive by!

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    2. I used to live in CP, way back when, in the early 1990s. We left after living there for 3 years.
      Back then, people were building their homes as they could afford to. There was no "council", just a couple "Apostles",a Bishop and 2 councilers.
      I knew "Uncle" Arthur, (and I have to tell you, the man has a sense of humor.) FYI, one of his wives left him about 10 years ago and moved to a distant state. I don't know if this is the missing third wife (she was actually his second).

      It started out to be good, but men just can't seem to keep from wanting to rule over others.
      I am a plural wife, but I wasn't when we lived in CP. I'd say I'm about as happy as any married woman. My sister wife is my friend, and I love the children!

      Just for the record, there are a few communities based on living "the principal" that are not dictitorial.

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  52. Quite a nice show.

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