Mormon Movie Review: The Prodigal Son

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnqdE06UaQ4

The Prodigal Son is a movie produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1991.  Many organizations help open houses that year to introduce the video.  This video tells the story of three men, father and two sons.  (It is based on the traditional Bible story, but has a modern setting.)  The younger brother has been away for some time, pursuing a life of sin.  During this time his mother passes away.  He finally hits bottom, gets into rehab, and starts to turn his life around.  His older brother goes to get him, but knowing the type of person his brother is he hardly talks to him on the ride home.
This is a movie of forgiveness, and forgiving.  Sometimes we begrudge forgiving.  I like the theme of the movie, reminding us that we all come up short and need the Savior as our redeemer.  He died for all of us, equally.  There is no good in trying to determine who is the greater sinner.  His atonement is for all.  His atonement can overcome our personal pride, we have to turn our hearts to Him.
I really like this movie.  My only complaint is the men are so handsome, it almost makes it so I can't relate.  However the theme is timeless. 

Life in Manteca 69: Restaurant Review: ****Athens Burgers

Athens Burgers makes a mean patty melt.  Patty melt is one of my favorite sandwiches, I love rye bread, especially when is is grilled in butter.  That is the case here.  You can't eat it without getting your fingers dirty.  They asked if I wanted onions and pickles, and I said yes; pickles are grilled right into the sandwich.  It was very good.  I dipped it in ketchup for extra flavor.  There fries are also very well done, not under fried as sometimes happens, but nice and crispy.
It is a bit pricey, but not too bad.  I ate for under eight dollars.  I drank water being cautious of sugar.  The fries don't come included in the meal.
I didn't venture into the Greek burgers, but may have to try.  They said they have ingredients molded into the burger.  I would also like to try their mushroom burger. 
The decor is somewhat old.  The atmosphere could have been nicer or redone, but I go to a restaurant to eat, not look around.  They had a big t.v. with the sound low so you could watch but not real

ly listen.

If You Are Mormon, Why?

April McMurtrey has posed an interesting question.  A question that takes some thought.
The first reason that comes to mind, is the feelings of peace and recognition that comes to me when I hear inspired talks at church, or at conference.  When I hear the prophet speak, or for that matter any of the conference speakers, but especially the prophet, I have that feeling inside that says this is a prophet, or this is a man or woman of God, and what they are saying will help me be a better person. 
Along with this, comes the assurance that the story of the Church is a true story.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in fact a restoration of the ancient Church of Jesus Christ as established by Jesus Himself in Jerusalem and in the new world.  The gospel message of Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, Endure to the End, and Eternal Life is God's Good News. 
I know this message is a true message, because I have prayed about it, and received the witness of the Holy Ghost that it is true.  God Lives, Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, we have a living prophet today.
The great thing about this message, is that others receive the same assurance.  Through prayer, study of the Book of Mormon, and earnest desire, millions have reached the same conclusion and testimony.  God speaks today.  He has a prophet on the Earth with twelve apostles.  His Gospel has been restored and rolls forth in glory.

Restaurant Reviews: My Thoughts on Chocolate Dipped Cones

I love chocolate dipped cones, and they are especially nice in the summer.  The only thing better than a chocolate dipped cone is a butterscotch dipped cone.
There is chocolate dipped cones at the McDonalds by work.  I have noticed that this is not their specialty, and the cones show the result.  I had one there that was really good, and a couple that were small, the chocolate didn't really set, and was thin.  It is lucky if you get the right person making the cone.

I tried out Foster Freeze.  It was very good.  There ice cream is particularly delicious.  One interesting note about Foster Freeze in Manteca is the calorie display is more prominent than the price.  I was worried for a second thinking a peanut butter ice cream cone was like eleven dollars.
As for Dairy Queen, there dipped cones are very good.  The very best is the butterscotch dipped cones available at the Dairy Queen on Winchester in Campbell.  The Dairy Queen in Manteca does not offer butterscotch other than on their Dilly Bars which are dipped elsewhere.  Sometimes Dairy offers a cherry dipped cone, but I have never ventured to try.
As near as I can tell, Sonic doesn't dip their cones.  I Purchased a Breyer's Ice Cream called "Crispy Chocolate."  It seems is have the same effect as a dipped cone but you can't hold it in your hand.

Three Missionary Farewell Talks and a Baptism in One Day

Caleb is not here this week, so it becomes my job to report on all the missionary goodbyes he is missing today.  There were two in our ward, Clayton Williams and Phillip Herrera as well as one in the Ripon Ward, Ben Tolman.  I must admit I skipped part of priesthood meeting to go and listen in.
In our ward the theme was covenants.  Clayton after given and overview of covenants through our lives, focused on the baptismal covenant.  He told a cute story of his own baptism, and having to be baptized twice because his toe came up.  I guess that is embarrassing when you are eight.  However he gave a good idea of the obligations we take upon ourselves at baptism, commiting to help those who stand in need and being willing to witness for Jesus in whatever circumstance we might be in.
Phillip focused on the oath and covenant of the priesthood.  He read to us from D&C 4, the list of things which qualify us for the work.  And faith, hope, charity and love, with and eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.  

Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience,  brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
He focused on faith from that point.
Ben talked more on choices and free agency.  All three missionaries expressed gratitude for those who had helped them get to the point where they are leaving on missions.
A couple weeks ago we had a returning missionary speak, Elder Joe Ekland.  He also talked about covenants, with a focus on missionary work.  He indicated it isn't hard to ask some one if they would like to see a presentation about our religion.
This pm I went back to the church for a baptism.  The missionaries have been teaching Darrin Williams and he was baptized today.  Caleb had visited him with the missionaries, and I express his desire to have been there. 

It was a very beautiful service.  Sister Smith played for Sister Ward.  They sang "I know my Redeemer Lives" but to the music for "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief."  Sister Dees visited from Oak Grove where she is now serving.  There were lots of visitors.  I talked with grandmother, and she set up a date to visit with the missionaries.  Another young lady was also there who has been investigating, as well as Darring

Documentary:The Bridge (Suicide) and my Thoughts (to health)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhARXu3wWDc
This is a documentary that was presented on HBO.  It was a bit difficult to watch. I had to do it in several parts.  If this subject is a problem for someone, it would be best they not watch.  The Bridge is a 2006 documentary film by Eric Steel that tells the stories of a handful of few individuals who committed suicide at the Golden Gate Bridge in 2004.  They had two cameras filming the bridge  during daylight hours.
This movie was introduced to me at a training I attended this week at work dealing with "Mental Health First Aid."  In the training the presented just one story, of the individual who jumped and survived.  They trainers were making the point that perhaps if someone how, there were times when, if a mental health first aid intervention had been offered, the individual may not have jumped. 
This movie is very impactful.  I don't know how many suicides were taped in the making of this film, but there were several, and many were shown.  The movie becomes more personal as they talk to survivors of suicide, and then show the suicide.  There is one case where someone is able to pull someone back over the railing.
The movie contends that more suicides have taken place here than any other place in the world. 
I was impressed with the showing, and telling of the stories of people in pain.  Some suffered from depression, or other mental illnesses.  Some were homeless, some with substance issues.  There abuse were 24 suicides in 2004 off the bridge.  There were those with relationship issues, and those with loss issues.  It helped me as a mental health worker to step back, and see people as individuals in pain, rather than just callers, or clients. 
Before leaving this some words of advice from someone who has manned the suicide and crisis line, and after-hours line for most of my professional career, 30 years now.  Do not be afraid to ask someone if they are contemplating suicide.  Don't no be afraid to ask, because the asking might save someone's life.  But also be prepared to give some assitance if the answer is "yes." You can refer to a crisis line:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-talk
Santa Clara County Suicide Line  1-855-278-4208
You can explore self-help resources: a friend, a parent, a church leader, a coach whoever.
However: always take it seriously.  Do not minimize how someone else feels.  People hurt, and need support sometimes to make it through a rough period.  Professional help is available: 911, nearest emergency room, county mental health Santa Clara County 1-800-704-0500.
If you would have trouble seeing someone jump to their death, do not watch this movie.  It shows several jumpers, and follows some as they fall.

Pray for the Missionaries

As Caleb prepares for his mission, I have become more interested in what is happening to other missionaries.  The stories about missionaries and danger seem to jump out at me.  There was a missionary on the train in Spain.  This story does not say what happened to his companion.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865583704/Elder-Stephen-Ward-interviewed-on-CNN-describes-his-second-battle-for-life.html?s_cid=Email-1
This story is about a motor vehicle accident that took the life of a missionary.  The missionary was in the back of a truck during a service activity and the truck rolled over.  The other three missionaries were OK.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865583541/Mormon-missionary-musician-killed-in-Guatemala-accident.html
So please, lets keep praying for our missionaries.  They are not immune from danger.  Let us pray for their success, and for their safety.

What Does Pioneer Day Mean to Me

Since yesterday was the 24th of July, pioneer day, I have been putting thought into what significance this day has for me.  When I lived in Salt Lake it was a day to have off work.  Growing up it was a day to head to Mendon in the evening and watch some good softball and maybe visit the snack shack. 
However, as I have become more involved it has become a time to become more nostalgic and remember my forbears.  This includes many who crossed the ocean by sail boat, and then the planes by foot.  There are those in the family who did not make it.  Little babies buried in Saint Louis, or Boston, and on the planes.  And also great great great grandmother Ashton who passed away shortly after giving birth, and is buried in the vicinity of Winter Quarters.  These babies and children and adults have not been visited after their burials, in fact, in most cases, burial sites are not known to the family. 
And then of course there are those ancestors who survived, and provided a pioneer heritage of fortitude, and perseverance, and faith in God.  Who dared come to a new land, take on the life of farming, and make a living for themselves.
It is to these ancestors I am grateful for the heritage they have left me.  I try to respect that heritage in my daily activities.

Religion: Is it Beneficial?

I saw a post on Facebook purporting the evils of religion.  It was saying people who are religious are more racist, more adulterous, more divorces, more murderous etc etc.  (I wish I could find it again so I could include the whole list, it was really long)  The bottom line was religion made you a worse person rather than a better person.  (I wanted to find it again so I could respond.  This is what I would have said.)
I know, from my psephology days, that you can manipulate data to say what you want.  You can manipulate the sample, the people you are sampling, and even the questions.  I don't know their process, nor do I know the pool, so in the end this data doesn't mean much.
What I do know I know is religion is personal.  I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I live it and love it. For me religion has made me a better person.  I am kinder, I find peace in the eternal nature of families.  I find peace in the feelings of the Spirit in my heart.  K

nowing that the family is eternal, and that the sealing powers have been restored, brings me love and peace.

Movie Time: ***^Battle for Terra

Battle for Terra is a 2007 computer animated movie.  The drawing are very similar to "Ants."  This movie bits the remainders of the human race vs the original inhabitants Terra.  At first they arrive in a large space ship as explorers, collecting some of the native inhabitants.  A group of small ships come collecting.  Mala seems them take her father, and tries to get them to also take her, but she is left, so she pursues a ship.  She is seen as being hostile and the ship begins shooting at her.  Using her knowledge of local terrain, she causes the ship to crash, but then rescues the pilot, Stanton.  She and the pilot form a relationship, as she nurses him back to health.
He takes her to the human ship, to inform the people of what the natives are like.  The humans are torn about how to proceed, with the military wanting to bully their way in.  The military effects a coup, determined that the only choice is war.
There is some logic to this.  The air of Terra is not suitable for humans.  It has to be changed, which would make the air not suitable for Terrians.  The humans have only a three month supply of oxygen, not enough to go elsewhere.  There is a tremendous battle as the humans employ a machine to change the air.  The air is almost changed, when Stanton realizes what exactly is happening.   He turns on the machine, blowing it and himself up.
 The movie ends, with a few of a domed city on Terra, where the humans are able to live, while also allowing the continued existence of the Terrians.  A win for diplomacy.  This won the Toronto Film Festival for animation.  I found it mildly entertaining, but Tony was drawn to it when I started watching, and watched it with me.

Sanborn Camping 2013

This last week Sheri took the kids camping and I made it up one night, they only stayed two, but had planned three.  Sheri said there were a couple deer close to camp, but they had not issues with raccoons.  Caleb saw seven dear in the meadow when he went down to get breakfast from the car.  They were by the bathroom, and he decided not to go so as to not disturb them.  here were a couple bucks.
I later changed his story.  There were seven deer lined up waiting for the restroom.  Caleb tried to cut in front of them, and which point one of the bucks said, "No way buddy" so he had to hold it as deer take a very long time in the potty.
We were in campsite 24.  If you no Sanborn, it is a pretty good hike to the campsites; not far, but the trail is steep.
Jeremy and Kayla spent the night with us, and Charity and Anthony came up for dinner.  Sherie was just finishing wrapping the tinfoil dinners and getting them on the coals when I got there.
Tony and Anthony built a fort in a hollowed out redwood stump, and we all played mafia after dinner.  Smores were also available.  It was a no fire night, but we did throw one log on for the marshmallow roasting.

Tony's Art 2

I was so impressed with Tony's penguin, I had to do a Tony art page.  These are things he has drawn this summer.  He is six and going into first grade.

Goodbye Angie and Children

We thought this might happen.  With the passing of Gary Norman, Angie has decided to return to Cache Valley.  They are shortly moving to North Logan.  Gary and Angie have been stables at Christmas parties, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas day ever since we moved to California 21 years ago.  Many other occasions we would also get together when we did things with Dianna's family, boating lake house trips, camping etc.  Angie is hoping to be in Utah for school.  The girls and Tom are all moving.

Tony enjoying himself on the rings at the Normans. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMq0OSBIqSk&feature=c4-overview&list=UUUEd30vKIa3CW6YQDuSxQcQ 
He also told me he went down the water slide by himself with no one catching him at the bottom.

ACE Train 37: Lightrail Derailment, Stadium Update, Shark Tank

There have been some happenings along the train route the past month.  The first involves derailment of the Light Rail.  This was Monday.  I didn't  know what happened, only that the trains were off schedule.  Actually, going to work, ours was on time.  Coming home the train was fourteen minutes late.  The derailment was on my line, but closer to the 49er stadium in Santa Clara.  They created a bus bridge, with the trains turning around at the derailment.  They did not cross until after 3:30 in the afternoon.  The actual derailment was at 7:30 in the morning.  Link to Mercury News article and pictures:
http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_23663143/light-rail-train-derails-north-san-jose-lengthy?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

The other happening is a bit more tragic.  This actually took place a month ago.  An elevator worker was killed at the 49er Stadium construction site.  A co-worker told me about this this week, so I  thought it was new, but it actually was the first of June.  He was working under the elevator, and the counter weight got him.  They actually closed the work site for a couple days to investigate and to grieve.  Mercury News again:
http://photos.mercurynews.com/2013/06/11/photos-levis-stadium-construction-shut-down-after-workers-death/

The article above reminded me that the 49er Stadium is Levi Stadium.  In similar fashion the Shark Tank has sold their name.  It is now the SAP Center.  SAP is a software company.

The 49er Stadium appears to be coming along well.  However there is over a year of work to go with the goal for completion August 2014, or for the season 2014.  It has been selected to be the site of Superbowl 50 in 2016.

The new Earthquakes stadium is coming along very slowly.  They are still working on ground preparation, and have some good piles of dirt and old crushed concrete.  But I don't see any actual building.

If Major League Baseball would ever get their heads out their butts there would be a third stadium built along my route home.  The new A's Stadium is scheduled to be next to Diridon Station in San Jose.  They just keep waiting for word from the commissioner.  They have been waiting for many years now.  Last word is the city of San Jose is suing Major League Baseball feeling they are abusing their monopoly status.

With regards to my trip to work, Kade and I noticed that the sun was up when we got to the train station on June 23.  However, it is already now coming up shortly after leaving the station.

Book Review: Memorable Stories with a Message

This book was written by Boyd K Packer.  It is
One of my favorite stories draws upon his military experience “Follow the Bean.”  He explained that pilots during the war would follow a “beam;” a steady signal from the airport, that would let you know you were on course.  “If you moved to one side of the steady signal, it would break up to a ‘dit-da’ the Morse code for the letter A.  If you strayed to the other side of the signal, the beam would break up into a ‘da-dit,’ the Morse code signal for N.  In stormy weather there was always static and interference.  But the life of many a pilot has depended on his hearing, above the roar of the engines and through all the static and interference, that sometimes weak signal from a distant airfield.”
President Pack then draws this gospel analogy: There is a spiritual beam with a constant signal.  If you know how to pray and how to listen, spiritually listen, you may move through life—through clear weather, through storms, through wars, through peace—and be all right.”
May we all learn to take advantage of the spiritual beam, and draw upon the Spirit to guide us in the way we should go and the decisions we make.

a book of sixty short snippets from the discourses and writings of Boyd K Packer.  They cover a broad range of topics.  Some I have heard before during his conference talks.  He draws upon his military experience, experiences in the field of education, church work, and farm experiences to related many different stories.  He talks about his wife and her influence in their home, and ability to head of problems before they became problems, he gives advice to bishops and priesthood leaders on how to make a call using the Spirit “Call instead of Invite”, he talks about encouraging young people with a few words, and of how we are all important in Heavenly Father’s eyes. 

Magazine Article Review: Ensign June 2013: Dear are the Sheep that Have Wondered

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/dear-are-the-sheep-that-have-wandered?lang=eng 

I have been thinking and meditating on an Ensign article from June 2013.  The article is entitled "Dear are the Sheep that Have Wandered" by James E. Faust.  It is reprinted from April 2003 Conference and May 2003 Ensign.   
As part of his discourse, he quotes the words of Joseph smith with regards to children who have wandered.  "None of Joseph's children would partake of the temple ordinances:

I believe and accept the comforting statement of Elder Orson F. Whitney:

'The Prophet Joseph Smith declared—and he never taught more comforting doctrine—that the eternal sealings of faithful parents and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a loving and forgiving father’s heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God.'"

^{Elder Faust further goes on to tell how this is done.  True, that the redemption of the family is based on conditions of the atonement and repentance.  However to quote president Faust, "Perhaps in this life we are not given to fully understand how enduring the sealing cords of righteous parents are to their children. It may very well be that there are more helpful sources at work than we know.  I believe there is a strong familial pull as the influence of beloved ancestors continues with us from the other side of the veil."}

^{I must conclude that the work of restoring wayward children to the fold is a worldly, as well as other worldly endeavor.   I wonder what influences there are in my own family?  Who are the sources of pricks (Acts 9:5) from the other side.  I have been writing the history of my ancestors, and I must think they are influencing me, but they are also whispering to my children.  Grandparents, and great and great-great grandparents are turned to their descedents, and worried and influencing them.  In similar manner, are those who have passed away more recently, Sheri's older brother, Mark, who died as a youth, and our still born baby, Billy Boy.  There is also mother's brother who died after living a short time, but was remembered at the temple and was sealed to the family be proxy.  There are influences for good  "“They that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs. 6:16).  Elder Faust further said, "As we get older, the pull from our parents and grandparents on the other side of the veil becomes stronger. It is a sweet experience when they visit us in our dreams."  So my advice to my children, please let these ancestors have place in your hearts.  Please listen to the Spirit of God. Please don's kick against the pricks.}

New Dress Standards for Missionaries

Caleb has been preparing for his mission.  He has already purchased his suits, so these new standards won't affect him that way, but still fun to look at.  No back-packs, shoulder bags are in.  More colors for sisters.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865583066/LDS-Church-tweaks-dress-and-grooming-requirements-for-missionaries.html

https://missionary.lds.org/dress-grooming/elder/dress/shoes/?lang=eng

Restaurant Review: * Long John Silver's

Long john Silver’s

I had a choice to make, knowing that I was going to have to eat out for lunch.  There was a Subway available, but also a KFC.  I prefer the taste at KFC, but knew I would have a greater caloric intake.  When I got to KFC I discovered it was combined with Long John Silver’s, and not knowing there food but being game for seafood I gave it a try.  I ordered a platter, which must have been intended for a couple people because I had lots of shrimp, one piece of chicken, to cod filets and a couple hush puppies.  Everything was cooked in a similar fashion, breaded and deep fried.  The filets were dripping in grease.  I thought, ”This is going to kill any chance of having a sensible diet today,” and I was right. 

I checked to caloric values later, and they really weren’t terrible.  However when I added the condiments, I was looking at a meal with over 1500 calories.  That is way over half of my daily goal.  As for the taste, I didn’t much care for the hush puppies, nor did I care for the dripping grease.  I guess they were going for the English fish and chips idea.  There fries were really pretty good.  The shrimp would have been very good, but they were too hot to enjoy.  After I ate the first shrimp, I had to let my food sit for a while, while it cooled off.  My final analysis, I don’t think I will eat this type of food again.  I would have been happier with KFC.  I did enjoy the chicken strip by dipping it in the KFC honey mustard.  That stuff tastes great, but it too has its caloric value. 

Family History Work/Genealogy

Sister White presented on family history work at our recent high priest social.  Since then Sheri has really been touched with the spirit of Elisha and has been busy filling in her genealogy.  He also discovered some errors in the genealogy that comes up when I og in.  Sister White presented on the church website: http://www.lds.org/topics/family-history?lang=eng

From this website you can connect to family search.  This is the church's site that shows people's family trees.  

Since this meeting, Sheri has really been excited, and has started entering stories into her family tree.

This is the local Family History Library where Sister White is a director.  She is not there everyday, but is there many days to answer questions.

Address 6060 Northland Rd, Manteca CA 95336 

Phone: 209--239-5516  

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 10 am - 1 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday evenings from 6 pm - 9 pm

The Wardle Fourth of July

We started early with a Fourth of July Breakfast at Northland Ward.  Caleb helped lead kids on the Bishop's horses, and then helped with the retiring of a flag.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRprrEy12vw&feature=c4-overview&list=UUUEd30vKIa3CW6YQDuSxQcQ
We then hurried to Cupertino, to swim in the Blackberry Pool where Charity works.  We made good time, and were able to get in free.  The pool was crowded.  It was a hot day and it was free for the fourth.  We ate lunch at the park, barbeque hamburger with chips.  There was a band playing old rock and roll songs.
We went back the pool, and decided we had swum our fill, and wanted to get out of the sun.  We drove by the high school to see the addition, and went to Valco Mall to get out of the heat.  While at the mall, Tony drove cars for a bit.  He gave everyone turns.  The car was very sensitive, which made it hard to steer.
we then headed to the park for a picnic dinner, and the fireworks.  Charity and Anthony joined us.  Kayla and Jeremy were also at the fireworks, but with Kayla's family on the North field.  We decided to try the south field.  Tony made some new friends as there were some members from Anthony's ward there.  They kept him supplied with caps and shiny things.  I took Tony to the park to play.  There was a band of old people playing older songs, jazz style.
The evening concluded with fireworks, goodbyes and a long ride home, which went rather quickly with no traffic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFgUfTPCwXg&list=UUUEd30vKIa3CW6YQDuSxQcQ

Fire at Altamont Pass and Grant Line Road

As we were just heading up Altamont Pass on the Fourth, heading to Cupertino, we came upon a fire in the hills.  It had just started.  There was a hill blocking our view for a time, but as we came past the hill, we could see the cause.  There was a car on fire, which had started the grass on fire.  Caleb said he saw the car explode.  Caleb called 911, but there were people already headed to the fire.  They were able to keep the fire small.  Miranda also took some pictures, and if hers are better I will add them.

http://worldnewsviews.com/2013/07/04/car-fire-sparks-fast-moving-grass-fire-near-altamont-pass/
news story

positive thinking Movie Night: *****Rudy

This is one of my most favorite movies.  It lets you know that it is what you do with what you got that is important.  This movie is based on a true story of Rudy, Daniel Ruettiger (Sean Astin).  Rudy does OK on his high school team, but has no college prospects, just dreams.  He takes a job a the mill like his father.  When his friend dies, he decides to follow his dream at Notre Dame.  He doesn't get in, but attends a smaller school, while he prepares to get in.  There is a cute scene where he participates in the ritual of painting the helmets, reserved for Notre Dame students.  He finally gets to Notre Dame, and makes the practice squad as a walk on.  His job id to be a target for the regulars.  He takes his knocks, waiting for his chance.
This movie tells a few basic concepts, you should always pursue your dream, and sometimes it takes help from a third person to get there.  This show has an incredible ending.  I watched this game live in 75, and saw the team carry Rudy off the field, not really knowing the story.

Jeremy's Wedding (playlist)

My tongue feels like a thousand ants crawling all over it.

This is Caleb talking to his sister on the phone after his wisdom tooth surgery.   This is a right-of-passage for young Mormons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pamWo5scSIM

Documentary Review: It's Incredible How Deep the Hooks Go: Methamphetamine Addiction

I watched a documentary on Netflix Instant, "National Geographic: World's Most Dangerous Drug."  It indicates methamphetamine is 3.5 x more addictive than cocaine.  It talks about the cost of this drug, which has really burst upon the scene in the past 25 years.  This corresponded with the use of ephedrine in cold medicines.  Now most states limit the access to this medications, and some require a prescription.  This had the desired effect of limiting manufacture in the United States, but has not reduced the supply, as Mexican drug cartels have filled this void.
This documentary showed what happened to one's health over time with the use of this drug.  I showed this by showing different mug shots of the same person over time.  The sores and the emaciated faces where undeniable.  They also interviewed addicts, who talked about the delusions and hallucinations that accompany the use of methamphetamine.
The told the story of a young couple that became disoriented with their first use.  They were driving in a storm, and because of illusions and paranoia, and poor thinking as a result of the drug, they did not survive the storm.  This was likely their first use.  The effects of methamphetamine last longer.  The high can last for twelve hours.  This makes the drug more desirable but also more dangerous, because the drug messes up you logical thinking.
It also tells the stories of a couple people with recent sobriety.  One woman destroyed her good looks and her teeth.  The other was putting his life back together, after being in a fog for twenty years, and basically twenty years behind his classmates from high school.
WHAT I AM SAYING IS DON'T USE DRUGS, AND ESPECIALLY METHAMPHETAMINE.

Music Time: *****Simon and Garfunkel: The Concert in Central Park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KJLII0WNso

This concert is fun.  It is the benefit concert in Central Park, to raise money for the park and green areas of New York.  The concert took place September 1981 (It had been about ten years since Simon and Garfunkel sang together.)  The play list is very nice:  Playlist: 1. Mrs. Robinson 2. Homeward Bound 3. America 4. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard 5. Scarborough Fair 6. April Come She Will 7. Wake Up Little Susie 8. Still Crazy After All These Years 9. American Tune 10. Late in the Evening 11. Slip Slidin' Away 12. A Heart in New York 13. Kodachrome/Maybellene 14. Bridge over Troubled Water 15. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover 16. The Boxer 17. Old Friends 18. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) 19. The Sound of Silence.  There is an encore number: Late in the Evening.
My favorite songs are Bridge Over Troubled Water and The Sound of Silence.  In this version, Art Garfunkel sings the entire Bridge over Troubled Water.  It doesn't not have the orchestra or Paul Simon joining in for the third verse.  However it is still very moving. Sound of Silence has always been a favorite since my Junior High days.  It was a very pointed message, and is done so well as a duet.
This concert was made during a time of struggle.  Garfunkel's girlfriend suicided a couple years before and sent him into a depression.  Simon also dealt with issues of depression at times.
More Simon and Garfunkel:
http://bwardlehistory.blogspot.com/2013/07/documentary-simon-and-garfunkel-harmony.html
http://bwardlehistory.blogspot.com/2013/07/simon-and-garfunkel-songs-of-america.html