Pool House

Photos of Zach's new home away from home. The place is called "The Pool House", but I'm told NOT because of the pool in the back yard. Perhaps a family by the name of "Pool" use to live here. The outside looks pretty good. The basement where Zach lives? Not so much.


This is a photo of Zach and some of his Nibley and Dunn cousins. Good looking group, don't you think?

Utah Emergency Animal Response Coalition (UEARC)

My brother Warren has the enviable job of helping people help animals. Kim and I saw the wildfire mentioned in this article near New Harmony on our drive back home on Monday. It was burning in some very rugged country.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13247509?source=email

Hess Cancer Foundation Legacy Parkway Bike & Run

After receiving an anonymous $1,000 donation to help with burial expenses following the death of his daughter to cancer, a distant relative, two time cancer survivor, and triathlete, Travis Hess, founded the Hess Cancer Foundation (HCF) [http://hesscancer.org] in 2005 to help other families who also struggle to pay for burial expenses when loved ones loose their battle with cancer. HCF has sponsored several fund raising events to raise funds for needy families.

This year, HCF again sponsored the Legacy Parkway Bike & Run, which included a 2 mile fun run, a half marathon, and a 20 mile bike ride along most of the length of the relatively new Legacy Parkway freeway running the length of Davis County in Utah (just north of Salt Lake City) and paralleling Interstate 15.

Since I was in the area last weekend to take Zach up to school at BYU, I decided to participate in the bike ride. Before starting we were reminded that the bike ride was NOT a race, so we were not to pass the pacing motorcycle officer, who was not supposed to exceed 25 mph. I'm pretty sure the motorcycle was going closer to 30mph, since I'm pretty sure that I averaged in excess of 25mph. Even though I'm not accustom to the 4,200 foot elevation, on the mostly flat course I managed to overcome a start back in the pack of several hundred cyclists and caught up with and took turns leading the second peleton, finishing 2nd in that group. The ride was challenging, yet fun. After completing and parking my bike, I happened to be standing nearby when another cyclist who had just finished became light headed and tipped over after crossing the finish line, stopping, and unclipping his shoe from one pedal. In the process of tipping over, he sustained a gash on his lower calf (perhaps from the teeth on the large chain ring) that was deep enough to recommend he get some stitches later on. I helped him back to his feet and assisted in him receiving some first aid. It was fun to return to the finish line to congratulate the remainder of the cyclists and runners as they crossed the finish line. I was impressed to see at least two participants (one on a bike and another who completed the half marathon) with artificial legs. The large number of volunteers did a great job of making this a successful event.

Here are some URLs of articles and photos:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705326800/Photos-Photos-A-day-at-the-Legacy-Raceway.html
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_13230946?IADID
http://tinyurl.com/luawq4
http://tinyurl.com/nwh2gy (hold mouse over photo, then select X2Large size to get a better look at that weird dude with the light on his helmet)

"Anything Goes", apparently.

For most of August, Zachary has been rehearsing for this year's City of Tustin Broadway-in-the-Park play "Anything Goes". The play is a romantic comedy that takes place on a ship crossing the Atlantic in the 1930's.

Its not a family friendly play like those which have been performed the past several years, which included the likes of 'The Music Man', 'The King and I', 'Oklahoma' , and 'Fiddler on the Roof'. Although the play does have some funny moments, many of the attempts at humor are related to blatant or subtle references to immorality, alcoholism, drugs, criminals, and immoral or illegal behavior.

Zach did very well as one of dancers. (See photo #1 in the article referenced below) Today (Saturday) is their final performance.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/tustin-tickets-cost-2535633-anything-selling

The Women in our Lives

http://tinyurl.com/n9sjjb

Hess Family Reunions

Kim and I and Zach and Kaylee traveled to Utah last weekend for some family events. On Friday the 24th, my siblings and I put on a belated 80th birthday party for my Mom. (more on this later, perhaps) On Saturday the 25th, we attended two Hess family reunions. The one in the morning was for all descendants of my great-great grandfather, John W. Hess, and his seven wives.

Here is a brief report I was asked to write about the reunion.

"On a beautiful Saturday morning, the twenty-fifth of July, approximately 175-200 descendants of family patriarch John W Hess met at the historic rock church on Main Street in Farmington, Utah for the 2009 John W Hess family reunion. Family organization president Chuck Hess conducted the business meeting and welcomed all those in attendance. Christa Taylor played a lovely solo violin version of "Oh How Lovely Was The Morning" and was accompanied on the piano by Aria Taylor.

JWH family organization officer Jay Hess introduced the main speaker, Bruce Parry, the chairman of the Northwest Band of the Shoshone Nation. Bruce spoke at length about some of the interactions between pioneers/settlers and the indigenous peoples of the area of Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. He included multiple accounts of John W. Hess' dealings with, and service to, the local tribes and their members. He also talked about some of the business projects the Shoshone Nation is working on, including lucrative green energy projects.

A 3rd great grandson of John W. Hess and Julia Pederson, Zachary Michael Hess, accompanied by his mother Kim Hess, sang two musical numbers. The first was entitled, “Go Bring Them In”, which tells the story of the Willie and Martin handcart companies and those who answered the call to embark on a rescue mission to “bring them in from the plains”. The second song was a Pioneer Hymn Medley consisting of “They the Builders of the Nation”, “Come, Come Ye Saints”, and Faith in Every Footstep”.

After the business meeting, attendees retired to the cultural hall where obviously experienced volunteers had engineered efficient production lines for quickly feeding large groups of people.

Display tables containing information and photographs from the descendants of the various wives of John W were on display. While finishing up their lunch, attendees were treated to a James Arrington comedy routine that was very reminiscent of Officer Bob’s talent show performance in the LDS genre movie “Baptists At Our Barbecue”. Then he treated the standing room only audience to his well polished and famous “Farley Family Reunion” comedy skit. He had even the most stoic family members cracking smiles that were hard to erase from their faces. Many should have sore face muscles from smiling and laughing so much for so long.

Many thanks to all those who helped with the reunion planning, setup, operation, providing food, and clean up. See you again at the 2011 reunion, if not sooner."

Here is a photo of Zach singing a pioneer theme song at the reunion that was held in the rock chapel in Farmington, Utah where the first Primary meeting was held, and in which chapel a mural has been painted depicting that event. John W. Hess presided at that historic meeting as the bishop of the ward and can be seen standing at the podium in the mural.


That evening, we also attended a family reunion for descendants of my paternal Grandfather and Grandmother, Newell and Alta Hess which was held at the home of my Aunt Joyce. Even more than I liked the home made rootbeer and home made apricot pie, it felt so good to spend a few hours with extended family in a place that holds such fond childhood memories for me. Here is a photo of all those in attendance, as well as a photo of attending descendants of my father Jay Hess and some of their family members.


I will eventually post additional photos of the reunion at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/CameronHess/2009NewellAndAltaHessFamilyReunion#

Ceasar Rodney- an unknown patriot

Even though the 4th of July has come and gone, I hope that the sacrifices made by our forefathers, and the responsibilities that we as citizens of the free land they established, and which we continue to enjoy, are not forgotten, but instead motivate us throughout our lives to strive to retain our hard fought freedoms! I am reposting an article that my father, Jay Hess (see previous blog post tribute- http://tinyurl.com/np9enr), posted on a family history website for the 4th of July.

"A near dead A-4 driver in NVN (Navy fighter pilot in Vietnam War) refused aid from the enemy (probably there was more than one). I salute them and Ceasar Rodney. If you haven't heard of Ceasar, read on. Happy 4th of July. Jay Hess The Miracle of Independence - Glenn Rawson In 1789 as he became our nation's first president, George Washington said the following: "No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency." My friends, America and her freedom have been and are cradled in the hands of God. Now this week we will celebrate the 4th of July. But if you wouldn't mind, may I tell you the circumstances of a certain historical July 2nd that gives all the meaning and heart to this wonderful holiday? At 9:30 A.M. on the morning of July 2nd, 1776, John Hancock calls the second Continental Congress to order in Philadelphia's Independence Hall. The room is hot, and the delegates are anxious. Foremost on everyone's mind in that room today is the vote that will decide whether America will be a free and independent people, or the oppressed subjects of a distant monarch. Now what of that issue of independence? Maybe if years before, England had not fought that costly war with France, and then tried to regain that money by taxing the American colonies without their consent, or maybe if England had not so impudently refused to listen to the pleas of the colonists for their rights, or maybe if England had not been so determined to beat the upstart Americans into submission after the Boston Tea Party, or maybe a host of other things that happened, maybe independence wouldn't be the issue that day. Or maybe if there hadn't been so many wise men and women raised up by God living among Americans at that time in whom the fires of freedom burned so hotly, maybe independence wouldn't be the issue in that room today. But it is the issue. This is the time, and these are the men, and this is the moment. It will be the greatest decision of courage they will ever make! The day before, July the 1st, a vote had been taken late in the evening - a test vote if you will. It had stood nine colonies in favor of independence and four opposed. It was a majority, sure enough, but that was not enough. Every man in that room knew that if they did not hang together in unanimity, they would, as Franklin put it, 'surely all ... hang ... together.' There cannot be one dissenting colony. If there is, England will use it as a wedge, and split the Union apart. Finally, in the afternoon, Hancock calls for a vote on the resolution for independence. By now, the sky had grown black. Rain is coming down in sheets, and the thunder is so loud that the delegates at times cannot hear each other, when suddenly at the back of the room, the door opens, and in walks Ceasar Rodney of Delaware. Now, therein lies a story. Sitting in that room are two men representing Delaware who are on both sides of the issue of independence. They cancel out Delaware's vote. The night before, a rider had been dispatched to Dover, Delaware with a message for Rodney to come quickly and break the deadlock in favor of independence. No one had wanted to disturb Ceasar Rodney, for you see, he was dying of cancer, and lived in constant pain. It was well known that Rodney could have gone to England for treatment, but he staunchly refused to receive aid and comfort from those he considered the enemy. Now, he stands before them still wearing his boots and spurs. He has ridden 80 miles in a chilling downpour all through the night. He is soaking wet and covered with mud. The cloth covering the large cancerous sore on his face is soaked and matted to his skin. With a fire in his eye, and a smile on his face, Rodney takes his seat amid the admiring stares of his fellows. As the vote is called, I wonder what might have been going through the minds of those men in that room. I don't know, but maybe it was this. That very moment, there are some 130 British warships anchored in New York Harbor ready to do battle, aimed at America, the largest war fleet ever assembled in the history of the world. Moreover, tens of thousands of professional British soldiers and ruthless mercenaries stand well equipped and ready to crush the 9000 untrained farmers, merchants, and whatever that comprised Washington's army. Surely - surely those delegates in that congress knew that of the approximately 2 1/2 million people they represented in the colonies, one third of those are loyal to England, and they will fight from within against the patriots' cause. The opposition was incredible, and surely they knew that England had already declared them as rebels, and if they were caught, a hangman's noose would be their fate. The vote is called. As the night before, nine of the colonies still vote in favor. Then, the four dissenting colonies following Delaware's lead suddenly change their vote in favor of independence. It is unanimous; it is miraculous! America, the nation of prophecy will be a land of liberty. My dear friends, the temple of American freedom was built of the bricks of divinely guided people and events, and mortared with the blood of patriots. It is precious beyond price. I do not hesitate to tell you that if we gain all the world and lose that freedom, we have lost it all."

Glenn Rawson, June 2000

http://colonialhall.com/rodney/rodney.php
http://www.uplifts.us/?p=1448

REMEMBER: They pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor...

...and many were compelled to sacrifice what they had pledged!

As we commemorate and celebrate our Independence Day, the hard fought liberty won by the blood and lives of many patriots, and the freedoms guaranteed by the divinely inspired Constitution and Bill of Rights penned by our founding fathers, I want to share with you the contents of an email dated July 3, 2009 and sent by commentator Glenn Beck.


Hello America,

Here it is, another Fourth of July. Traditionally, this is a day to gather with friends, maybe fire up the barbeque and play with kids until the sun sets and the fireworks start. But in thinking back on the meaning behind this day, we must never forget that our nation was baptized in the blaze of a very different kind of "fireworks." Yes, this is a day of rest and relaxation, as well it should be, but this year…I'd like to ask you a favor. At some point during the day, I hope you'll take time to think and reflect on what it is we're truly celebrating on the 4th of July -- our Independence Day. Of course the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776 but it's so much more than that. On this day, 233 short years ago, a small group of men dedicated themselves to a higher purpose, an ideal they believed in so greatly, they signed their name to its expression and in doing so put their very lives at risk.

Never has a simple act of signing one's name carried such weight, such a profound commitment. By signing the Declaration of Independence, 56 men stood in direct defiance of the British government. They became marked men, and willingly so. As I was doing some research on the significance of July 4th, I came across some interesting facts about these men. Today as we all enjoy the freedom our forefathers guaranteed us, join me in honoring the extraordinary sacrifice of 56 extraordinary Americans.

Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence:

Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes burned to the ground. Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, and two more had sons captured. Nine fought and died in the Revolutionary War.

If you ever feel like your lone voice can never be heard, that the political system isn't set up for "regular" Americans to change the course of history, remember: The signers were flesh and blood, mortal men with a divinely-inspired aim.

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants, and nine were farmers and large plantation owners. They were well educated, smart enough to know that by signing the Declaration of Independence, they were signing their own death warrants. They did it anyway, and God bless them for it.

As we enjoy our liberty on this 4th of July, or any day of any month, we must never take that liberty for granted. Too many have given too much. In the words of the Signers themselves, "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor -- I think that's a price paid worth a few minutes of reflection, don't you? But let's not be solemn in that reflection. I say rejoice and share this information with your friends and family, especially your kids. The Signers asked for nothing in return for their pledge, but I say that we show our thanks with a pledge of our own: To remember, to be grateful, and to carry on in their spirit. America is the greatest country this world has ever and will ever know, and it will stay that way so long as "we the people" remember that just like in 1776.

It's US that surrounds them, and we'll never back down.

Happy Independence Day, and God bless America.

200th post! What freedoms are YOU thankful for?

Independence Day is nearly here. While celebrating the 4th of July, take some time to think about the freedoms for which you are grateful.

http://tinyurl.com/mmcg4z

Take some time to ponder on the true meaning of freedom and what life would be like without it. If you can feel that your freedom and liberty is being eroded, then do something about it!

Its Good to Be Alive

I attended the funeral today of a dear friend who recently died after a long and difficult battle with cancer. I was privileged to be a pall bearer and a member of the choir that sang some of her favorite hymns at the service celebrating her life of Christ-like love, selfless service, and exemplary endurance to the end of her mortal life. I think it says quite a bit about her to know that in planning her own funeral, she selected the upbeat "There is Sunshine in my Soul Today" as the opening hymn.

She and her husband are close friends and wonderful examples to me. I want to eventually go where she has gone and be with her and those like her in God's presence. For her, each day of the last years of her life was a struggle which she met with courage and faith. Even though I and many others will miss her, I am grateful that she has finally been released from her years of pain. For her, the time came to graduate to a better place. The closing hymn was "God Be With You Til We Meet Again". Until the time comes that I hopefully do qualify to meet her again and be in her presence, it is good to be alive. Even though we have hope and faith and a sure conviction and many testimonies that something much better than this life awaits all of us, here and now, for us, it is good to be alive...even though each of us encounters in various times and degrees the "opposition in all things" that the Book of Mormon teaches "must needs be".

I know of no better example of this than Jack Rushton. Several decades ago when we lived in a different part of Orange County, he was a member of our Stake Presidency and one of the best leaders and teachers I have ever encountered. I loved attending a series of classes on Servant-Leadership he taught. He was eventually called by the Lord to serve as president of that stake. Then he suffered a spinal cord injury while body surfing with family members that left him a quadriplegic. Although he had many difficult adjustments, both physical and mental, his journey through the refiner's fire helped him become an even more compassionate and inspirational man, who is able to laugh at himself and make others feel at ease when they are around the sometimes uncomfortable situation of people with physical disabilities. He inspires and motivates people to press forward in faith through their challenges. He now serves as our stake patriarch!

I invite you to watch 10 minutes of excerpts of his "sit-down" comedy routine and motivational talk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3HnUfqCBfc

If you like his style, you might want to read his inspirational blog:
http://observationsbyjack.blogspot.com/

REAL men keep their commitments and sacrifice for their families

Here are some videos that help strengthen my commitment to be true to my commitments, true to my marriage, and true to my family. Hopefully it will do the same for you. Happy Fathers Day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KhqRMP9meMc

http://tinyurl.com/nv4cok

Take me out to the ball-game.

With most of our out-of-town family in town on vacation, we made plans to go see an Angels baseball game Friday night. Even though our nose-bleed seats were in one of the most remote corners of the ballpark, it turned out to be a nice evening. First off, we enjoyed being with family. Secondly, the Angels won(11-6)! Thirdly, they scored 10 or more runs, meaning that everyone in attendance will be able to use their tickets to get a free order of hot wings at Claim Jumper restaurant. Fourthly (is that a real word?), there was a nice fireworks show following the game. Here are some photos and videos taken at the game.

Zach's latest project- The Disneyland Musical Marriage Proposal

Zach was invited to participate in this Disneyland Musical Marriage Proposal. He steps out of the crowd and makes his entrance in the upper left quadrant at the 3:45 mark of this 5:00 minute video wearing a blue t-shirt and an unzipped rose colored sweatshirt. Apparently the proposal was real, but the performers rehearsed. $500 pay for 3 days of part time work. Not bad! Fortunately the bride-to-be said "Yes"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpojZ0COU3Y

Extended family visitors

Two of my sisters and most members of their families paid us a visit on Sunday while they were in town. It was very nice to see members of our extended family.

In the first photo, the cousins are enjoying watching comedy videos on the Internet. They were hootin and laffin loudly and having a good time.


This 30-second video is of family members playing a game called "Apples to Apples". Again, a good time was had by all.

LDS Radio- The Mormon Channel

I invite all my friends with broadband Internet access to tune into the Mormon Radio Channel for inspirational messages while surfing the Net, reading email, or catching up with what your other friends are doing on FaceBook.

http://radio.lds.org

Music: a basic human need?

A thought provoking article about the value of the arts...and music in particular.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20090604/cm_csm/ypaulnackweb

More of my blog posts about music from the past 6 months:
http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2008/12/gift-of-music.html
http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-many-other-things-are-we-missing.html

This *is* still America, isn't it?

This URL is to an article about the effects of intimidation tactics by aspects of the anti-Prop8 community in response to the voters of California passing Proposition 8 (which legally defines marriage as being between a man and a women) and the recent California Supreme Court's decision to uphold that law.
http://ldsmag.com/ideas/090603scene.html

I was in attendance at that first, post-election news conference. The police presence was very much needed.
http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/search?q=doubletree

P.S. If you need a hotel room in Orange County, please consider patronizing the Santa Ana Airport Double Tree Hotel with your business.
http://tinyurl.com/oduetu

I am fit. I am great. Share the road.

Maybe its her way of pushing back against my blog post of yesterday about exercise, but today my wife clipped the "Pearls Before Swine" cartoon from the local newspaper and shared it with me. The included URL is a hyperlink to a colorized version that is superior to the grey scale scanned image of the newspaper clipping.

http://comics.com/pearls_before_swine/2009-06-02/

No doubt about it. Some cyclists are snooty and thumb their nose at traffic laws. Especially some of the elite, fast riders. On multiple occasions, a small peleton (tightly spaced group of riders that takes turns drafting behind each other) of such riders have nearly forced me off the road while passing me in a bike lane. These kinds of cyclists irk other cyclists and drivers alike because its all about them going fast, regardless of the consequences and inconvenience to anyone else. Irksome behavior by people on bikes is not limited to fast, snooty riders. Some laid back bike riders (they don't deserve to be called cyclists) also irk drivers by disregarding stop signs and switching from one side of the road to the other whenever it suits them. Think meandering beach cruiser rider with iPod ear buds. They give responsible cyclists a bad name. I agree with the comment to the cartoon that is time stamped Jun 2, 2009 08:50 pm. "Jerk cyclists annoy you, but jerk drivers kill you." Don't be a jerk driver. Pay attention. Put away your cellphone while driving. Be courteous. Whether driving a car or riding a bicycle, come to a full stop at all stop signs and red lights...even when turning right. Share the road...not because cyclists are great, but because living the Golden Rule while driving makes the world a better place for all of us.

P.S. Invite your non-cycling friends to read this posting.

Exercise your way to Happiness

An apple a day may keep the doctor away (most of the time), but apparently (according to THIS article) you'll be happier if you also exercise...and don't have doctor bills to pay. (no offense, Clayton) No, you don't HAVE to have an expensive membership to a health club. Just go for a brisk 20 minute walk 3 times a week. Whats that? Can't exercise cause you've got youngins? Strap em on or put em in the stroller and take em with you!

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705307792/Exercising-your-way-to-happiness-Physical-activity-could-help-ease-stress.html

While on the subject of health, according to Men's Health Magazine, Salt Lake City has the lowest rates of cancer of any major city in the United States, lowest rates of smoking, and the highest rates of men who work out 3 or more times a week. (the first 2 are easier to believe than the 3rd)
http://www.menshealth.com/metrogrades/09-june/cancer.html

An outside perspective of the implosion of the once great United States of America

This blogger from Russia seems to see the downward spiral of America a lot more clearly than most Americans.

http://mat-rodina.blogspot.com/2009/04/american-capitalism-gone-with-whimper.html

It appears that we will see in our lifetime the further fulfillment of prophecy by multiple latter-day prophets that the Constitution of the United States would hang by a thread due to the apathy and immorality of the people, and conspiring, wicked men (and women) who put their own thirst for power,and the advancement of their own agenda, above their duty to the citizens they represent and their oath to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

These are just a few of the websites that document such teachings.
http://www.rogmo.com/99.html
http://www.ldslastdays.com/default.aspx?page=pscthread.htm

"In the end, the state of the Union comes down to the character of the people. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there. In the fertile fields and boundless prairies, and it was not there. In her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits, aflame with righteousness, did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."
Alexis de Tocqueville- 19th century French political thinker and historian

"It's not an endlessly expanding list of rights—the 'right' to education, the 'right' to health care, the 'right' to food and housing. That's not freedom, that's dependency. Those aren't rights, those are the rations of slavery—hay and a barn for human cattle. "
P.J. O'Rourke- present day American political satirist

"The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money."
Alexander Fraser Tytler, 17-18th Century British Lawyer

Please read this 1992 talk by Elder Dallin Oaks entitled "The Divinely Inspired Constitution", especially the last section entitled, "Citizen Responsibilities".
http://tinyurl.com/6d4rp3

P.S. Many of these same principles of government apply in spades to state and local governments, such as the nearly bankrupt state of Kali-for-nia.

Memorial Day- What it is and what it isn't

One more thought about Memorial Day...for future reference.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/day-dead-memorial-2424942-war-people

2009 O3 Aaronic Priesthood Bishop's breakfast

Our ward held its annual Aaronic Priesthood breakfast this morning at the Bishop's home.

Click on this URL to view the photos from this event and then click on each photo thumbnail to view a larger image. http://tinyurl.com/qssoo2

Here is a video taken at the breakfast.


Following breakfast, the Bishop shared a short message with the Young Men.

BYU Young Ambassador 2009 Nordic Tour nearly over

This is just a reminder to those of you who follow this blog and who wish to follow Zach's adventures with the BYU Young Ambassadors 2009 Nordic Tour that I have been updating the blog entry I made several weeks ago with new information and links to photos, videos, and reports on their tour. Here is the link to that blog posting.

http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2009/04/2009-byu-young-ambassador-tour-of.html

P.S. The YAs fly from Helsinki, Finland to SLC on Saturday.

Personal Health Information privacy?

I went to a walk-in clinic this morning to see if anything could be done for the stubborn cough I've had for 3 weeks. I slogged through the usual stack of paperwork asking me to document both past and current health information (which the doctor apparently doesn't read, since he asks the same questions. I'm not the only person here w/ a nagging cough. A lethargic 5 year old Hispanic girl w/ a fever causes some concern about H1N1 exposure. While waiting 3 hours to see the doctor, I had time to request and read the "Notice of Privacy Practices" that I was previously required to certify that I had already received, read, and understood. I found the following interesting reason (among the many listed) why the clinic is allowed or required by law to disclose personal health information (PHI) buried amid the pages of legalese intended to assure their patients that their PHI privacy is of utmost importance.

"Our practice may disclose your PHI to federal authorities for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law in order to protect the president, other officials or foreign heads of state, or to conduct investigations."

Welcome to our wonderful post 9-11 world, where the President of the United States, other world leaders, and unspecified "other officials" (the mailman?) are all potentially directly endangered by not having access to the knowledge that I had tonsillitis when I was 8 years old.

The final outcome? I forfeited half a day of work waiting for a doctor who did not wash his hands before examining patients and who wrote me a prescription for two products whose combined cost is approximately $250 and which may or may not help. :(

Honorary Degree from UCI?

I'm honored to have received this honorary degree from the University of California at Irvine (UCI) this past week in the mail.

Actually, if you look closely, its actually a certificate that I was sent for participating in a clinical trial early this year at a UCI-associated cancer clinic. We still got a good laugh over it because it appears to be ready for framing. So, whadda think? Above the fireplace or on the front door?

Speaking of laughs, Kim and I got a chuckle from this advertisement for a bank, perhaps because we relate so well. I suspect that most parents will relate.

LA Earthquake: we didn't even feel it here

This Los Angeles County earthquake near LAX Airport was originally sized at magnitude 5.0, but has been downgraded to a 4.7. We didn't even feel it at our house. (~30 miles to the southeast)

Region: GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALIF.
Geographic coordinates: 33.940N, 118.337W
Magnitude: 5.0 Ml
Depth: 13 km
Universal Time (UTC): 18 May 2009 03:39:36
Time near the Epicenter: 17 May 2009 20:39:36
Local standard time in your area: 18 May 2009 08:39:36

Location with respect to nearby cities:
2 km (1 miles) E (91 degrees) of Lennox, CA
2 km (1 miles) SSE (157 degrees) of Inglewood, CA
3 km (2 miles) NNE (23 degrees) of Hawthorne, CA
15 km (10 miles) SSW (213 degrees) of Los Angeles Civic Center, CA

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsus/Quakes/ci10410337.php

Click on the lower City Map on the following shaking map to see the close-up view.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/dyfi/events/ci/10410337/us/index.html

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/05/50-quake-strikes-near-lax-felt-across-wide-area.html

Do my modified posts show-up on your dashboard?

Those of you who follow my blog and see my new posts on your dashboard, when I update the Young Ambassador Nordic Tour posting [http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2009/04/2009-byu-young-ambassador-tour-of.html] (originally posted 4/26/09), does it show up on your dashboard as a new posting or do you have to go manually look to see if its been updated?

Check out the world's best visual illusions!

http://www.aip.org/isns/reports/2009/051309visualillusion.html

A Lost Generation?

Or a hopeful, proactive generation that will reverse the downward slide?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA

A Tribute to Loving Mothers Everywhere.

Happy Mothers Day to mothers everywhere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSVNNA98HF0

The Eternal Nature and Divine Potential of Man

I invite you to watch this video this entitled "The Eternal Nature and Divine Potential of Man".

http://www.eternalnatureman.com/

This video was produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for use in one of its many missions. It is not yet available for distribution, but the full version can be viewed via the provided website link. It teaches sublime, fundamental truths not taught in virtually any other Church. We lived before we were born. We are literal spirit children of God. He wants us to become like Him, and through the infinite love and grace of Jesus Christ, we can...if that is our desire.

I know this to be true. These truths have shaped my life and have given it ultimate meaning. I invite you to view this video and if you are so inclined, share it with others.

commentary on stuff I've recently encountered

If you have (or ever will have) kids in sports, please read this blog entry.
This blog entry from the wife of a volunteer sports coach appeared in the 5/1/09 issue of the CharacterCounts.org sportsmanship email newsletter.
http://youdonthavetolikeme.blogspot.com/2009/04/open-letter-to-parents-of-athletes.html


I thought this kinda stuff only happened in the movie Gattaca!
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/article6196646.ece
In the fictional movie Gattaca, one of the many things which the character Vincent Freeman does to better his chances of being accepted into a futuristic astronaut program is to have an operation to lengthen his legs to augment his natural height. While I have never been ridiculed or teased for being short (maybe just the opposite), I was teased and taunted in my teens for other reasons. So I do know how that feels. I would hope that no one within the influence of this blog would ever do or say anything to make someone else feel inherently inferior or less-than for any attribute over which they have no control, be it height, or hair color, or race, a physical impediment, or mental handicap, etc. Shorter people should not be treated in a manner that makes them feel the need to have an operation in order to be viewed as more credible in a job where height is irrelevant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gattaca
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limb_lengthening


Visiting Teaching Message Video
How has this Visiting Teaching Video escaped my attention for more than a year?! So Sisters, is this what you watch during General Relief Society broadcasts? Good humor and a good message.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkG1W0GeF_c
Of course the same principles apply to Home Teaching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGykri3eKtc&NR=1

2009 BYU Young Ambassador Tour of Scandinavia

The Brigham Young University Young Ambassadors leave on Monday, April 27th for a nearly month long tour of Scandinavia. Zachary is excited. See their itinerary and follow their experiences via the Young Ambassadors' blog.

http://byuyas.blogspot.com/

I'll be posting additional info about the trip in this blog posting, so stay tuned.

UPDATE #1:
Here is a link to some cell phone photos Zach's paternal grandfather took of him at the Salt Lake City International Airport.
http://picasaweb.google.com/CameronHess/2009BYUYANordicTour?authkey=Gv1sRgCP6gtJ-7_IahNg#

UPDATE #2:
We received this email from Zach on April 30th. Its obvious that he's not majoring in English composition and that his writing has devolved to cellphone text-speak, but we still enjoyed hearing from him. Kim warned him to get as much sleep as he could on the plane going over. So much for heeding the voice of experience.

hey guys. so the first couple days have been really tiring. like realllllllly tiring. like i cant stay awake for anything. cause we are touring the cities were in with a lot of detail...too much detail. anyways denmark is one of the most beautiful countries ever. i have never seen such beauty ever. everything is green and awsome. im taking lots of pics dont worry but too many .....dad. shoot . um the people here are amazing my first host family was hilarious and they fed us so many danishes. the food here is kinda not my thing cause therer like liver and stuff in it but the desserts......are INCREDIBLE. so amazing. im gonna and im getting al lot headaches cause im not eating very well so im gonna start eating better if im gonna survive. im writing in my journal more details but my roomate is waiting to use the comp too so um this place is aamzing and im just now realzing jow lucky we are to be here. andf to be doing the things that we are. oh also some of the main dancers in the group got to watch a the danish royal ballet take class. it was amzing. incrfedible incredible i forgot how much i love ballet. that was awsome and the architechture here and the cities in general and yea so much is happeing i cant really take it in yet but i will. i love you gus so much and will talk to you later.

love zach

Update #3:
On May 1st, Kim received the following note from Zach.

"hey yea so tour is still great and its awsome and beautiful an im eating better and im still tired. haha we did two shows today. suck but it was fun we performed in a bar. hahaha so good. anyway its so beautful hhere. lovew you guys so much and miss you and cant wait for the summer."

Update#4:
Read the YA blog for updates and go to THIS website to view photos:
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php

Here are links to photos of Zach from the many photos taken April 26,-May 4th.
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=1047
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=1335
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=1347
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=1599
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=1893
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=2124
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=2340
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=3307

More BYU Y.A. Nordic Tour 2009 photos of Zach taken May 4th-10th.
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=2700
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=3493
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=3556
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=3892
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=3895
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=3898
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=4372
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=4426
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=4600
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=4692
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=4813
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=4908
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=5128
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=5215
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=5644
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=5662
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=5803
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=5806
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=5809
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=5866

Be sure to read the latest trip updates on the BYU Young Ambassador blog listed at the top of this posting.

Update#5:
Be sure to read the latest trip updates on the BYU Young Ambassador blog listed at the top of this posting. There are links to several media coverage webpages.

More BYU Y.A. Nordic Tour 2009 photos of Zach taken May 11th-13th.
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=6691
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=6697
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=6796
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=7164

Update#6:
We received another email from Zach on Saturday, May 16th. Here is an excerpt:

"hey mom. happy late mothers day. sorry i didnt email ,.....dad. its hard to get a computer here. i hope you got my postcard and i love you guys so much. very much ready to come home. tour is fun and all but there is a line and i crossed it like a week ago. hahaha so tired i cant even see straight. but its fun the people here are so nice and amazing. i love scandinavia. but there is no place like home. ok talk to you later. we go to finnland tomorow our last stop. so excited. ok love you guys so much see ya later get it"

I found some additional photos of Zach on some Young Ambassador's Facebook pages. Some of you may remember that several months ago I posted links to some Young Ambassador publicity photos. (http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2009/01/zach-and-byu-young-ambassadors.html) The photo available at this link (http://pam.byu.edu/PublicityPhotos/YA/full/full/downloads/Footloose.jpg) was used to create advertising posters for their Nordic Tour. Here are some photos of the poster.


Update#7:
I got to instant message briefly with Zach today (5/20/09). It was after midnight (Thursday morning) in Oulu, Finland (they are 10 hours ahead of California) but due to the high latitude (the most northerly point of their trip) and the tilt of the earth, Zach said it appeared to be just after sunset. The extra hours of light actually helps them keep their energy level up and not feel so tired. Here is a link to an entry on the Young Ambassadors' blog that contains two video clips of recent performances.

http://byuyas.blogspot.com/2009/05/un-family-day-performances.html

Here are some links to additional photos of Zach taken May 17th-20th.
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8033
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8096
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8099
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8612
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8616
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8982
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9408
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9420
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9591
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9747
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9762
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9765
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=9774

On Thursday the Young Ambassadors have a long bus ride to Helsinki where they will perform at a fireside Thursday evening and prepare for their final full performances on Friday evening. On Saturday, they will all have a very long day of flying back to Salt Lake City.

Update#8:
More photos of Zach taken May 20th in Oulu, Finland as the BYU Young Ambassadors engaged in outreach service and performances at a hospital and senior living center.
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=10809
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=10818
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=10929
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=10938
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=10980
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=10995
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11014
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11017
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11041

Young Ambassadors 2009 Nordic Tour Report
http://byuyas.blogspot.com/2009/05/performing-arts-management-tour-updates.html

Update#9:
Photos of or including Zach taken May 22-23rd in Helsinki, Finland during the last two days of the 2009 BYU Young Ambassador Nordic Tour.
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11343
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11347
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11356
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11368
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11371
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11383
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11386
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11389
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11395
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11398
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11416
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11419
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11434
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11437
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11440
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11443
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11446
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11509
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11512
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11518
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11620
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11860
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11863
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11866
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=12184
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=12187
http://ya2009.fowie.com/main.php?g2_itemId=12190

The Young Ambassadors safely arrived back to Salt Lake City late Saturday evening.

Speaking of good publicity...

Saturday was apparently the first county-wide service day for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Orange County. Our stake and wards have been doing annual service days for years, but apparently not as a coordinated, simultaneous effort with other stakes. Last year we helped place sand bags and staked down bails of straw in canyon areas susceptible to mud slides following brush fires. Jayson should remember this. He was manhandling huge bails of straw like they were made of styrofoam.
http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2008/01/mormon-helping-hands.html

This year we went door-to-door in Tustin as community volunteers working with the Orange County Fire Authority(OCFA) to educate residents about the importance of properly maintained smoke alarms, offering to test existing smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed, and offering to install a smoke alarm at no cost in any home without one. Each ward was asked to provide 25 volunteers. Some did. Our ward's resources were depleted by another service assignment. This photo was taken from the back of the room in which we met for a briefing. You are only able to see half the volunteers because of the divider in the middle of the room seen at the left of the photo. Additional people continued to arrive after this photo was taken. It was standing room only by the time the briefing was over. The OCFA people were impressed by the turn out.



This article on the front local section of the Orange County Register gives some positive press to the volunteer efforts of church members throughout the county.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/service-center-volunteers-2375671-church-aliso

Here is a link to the Church's Orange County Public Affairs website.
http://www.lds-oc.org/

Apparently the April 25th Service Day was Church wide.
http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/massive-service-day-benefits-thousands

More publicity for "Receive These Things"

Several times over the past few months I've blogged about an LDS play entitled "Receive These Things".

http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2009/01/receive-these-things.html
http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2009/02/get-em-while-they-last.html

This play is receiving some good press and publicity. I hope that wards and stakes will consider putting on this play which relates Book of Mormon scenarios to present day situations and challenges.

Read this article about "Receive These Things" in Meridian Internet magazine.
http://www.meridianmagazine.com/arts/090423receive.html

Listen to Greg Hansen interview "Receive These Things" producer/promoter Sally Johnson on his "The New Music Show" on "yourLDSmusic" Internet radio station. Select the April 7, 2009 archive file.
http://yldsr.com/segments/new-music-show-archive.html

Spring 2009 O3 Youth Activities

In March, our Joint YM/YW Activity was to build and play a do-it-yourself miniature golf course. Here is a link to some photos of that event.
http://picasaweb.google.com/CameronHess/MiniatureGolfing?authkey=Gv1sRgCJPc1b2h0OjZFg#

Some of the older youth in our ward went on a sailboat trip to Catalina Island a few weeks ago. Here are some links to some photos of the trip.
http://orangebooth.blogspot.com/2009/04/catalina-was-blast.html
http://tinyurl.com/cqr5mr



Jarrett and Ryan, Book of Mormon musical story tellers.

Some of you might know that our Young Men's President, BJ Cook, works at a restaurant. By the looks of this first picture, it appears that BJ might now be the restaurant owner.

The Bishop might want to have a little talk with BJ about this OTHER part of the business. ;)

On the lighter side

Kim reports that our granddaughter Kaylee approached her with a scrap of paper onto which she had written an 800 telephone number copied from a television advertisement. Wanting to pass along what she thought might be helpful information, she said, "Grandma, here is a phone number that you can call if you ever need help with your credit." :)

Dang, that girl is smart. How many 6 year olds even know what credit is? And how many could memorize and copy down a phone number in the short space of a TV commercial? Advertisers struggle to get adults to be able to do that.

However, somebody is going to have to have a talk with Kaylee before she starts calling some of the phone numbers that appear in some TV commercials! :O

For the record, Kim and I have excellent credit. :)

Ashley Madison Adultery Services Inc.

Signs of the times are so prevalent that they rarely shock us anymore. Some attacks on families and morality are subtle. Some are not. Here is an article about a company with millions of customers who boldly proclaims that their mission statement is to facilitate adultery. The founder of this business claims to be performing a valuable public service and preserving marriages by enabling married men and women to cheat on their spouses without the services of prostitutes and supposedly without the actual break-up of their marriage, either because the other spouse doesn't know or doesn't care.
http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-oe-daum10-2009jan10,0,2788182.column

A few media companies have rejected running advertisements from such a blatantly immoral business. But many others find it just another way to join the advertising company itself in profiteering from temptation and sin, hitching their business revenue stream to the ever present moral weaknesses of humanity.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705298011/Station-yanks-infidelity-radio-ad.html

Although the greater Los Angeles area is reported to be the company's biggest market, apparently their research shows a potentially lucrative revenue source in the state of Utah, based upon money spent on pornography. Somehow I don't think that anyone in a community, government, or moral leadership role would agree with, and especially not boast about, the claim that "Utah boasts the highest viewership of online pornography in the nation."

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
Isaiah 5:20

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."
The Proclamation on the Family

An Easter message from a living apostle of Jesus Christ

At this Easter season, I invite you to go to the following URL to read and view an Easter message and testimony from living apostles of Jesus Christ.

http://tinyurl.com/dg75c4

Near the bottom of this short article is an underlined hyperlink to a 4-1/2 minute video excerpt from recent remarks of an ordained apostle (a special witness of Christ) describing how the Savior's atoning sacrifice qualified him to aid each of us in our times of need. Look for and click on the words "can be viewed here" near the bottom of the page.

Please accept my wishes for you and yours to enjoy and appreciate the wonderful message of Easter this weekend.

As if we needed yet another reason to NOT drink and drive!

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/weird/Ferrari--Tracks--Oncoming-Train--Crazy-911-Call.html

Be sure to click on the hyperlink to listen to the 911 call.

My Fair Lady

Judd and Michele invited Kim and I to go to the Curtain Call Dinner Theater in Tustin to watch their very good production of "My Fair Lady". We had a good time. Thank you to our hosts.
http://www.curtaincalltheater.com/

slightly used motorcoach

Some of you may have heard some "rumor" very early this month that Kim and I were considering ditching the whole responsibility thing, selling the house, buying a motorhome (er, I mean, motorcoach), and pressing permanent replay on the Willie Nelson "Back on the Road Again" CD track while traveling cross country to see the contiguous 48 states in the good ol' USA. We'll I found this slightly used motorcoach which might meet our needs...and may have room for
a temporary guest or two. (click any photo to view an enlargement)









Oh wait. You thought that those photos just above here were of the motorcoach we are considering buying. I'm sorry. Those are just advertisements to help defray the cost of this blog. The three, slightly used homes on wheels within our price range are shown below:

holiday cake pops

Some of the people who read my blog (and whose blogs I read) are very creative. Me? Not so much. But I saw this blog that shows how to make appealing and yummy holiday cake pops and am hoping that somebody I know who lives close by might make these sometime and let me try one. :)

http://bakerella.blogspot.com/

I Wish You Enough

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye.

Bob Perks
http://www.iwishyouenough.com/

Becoming and Overcoming

I really enjoy last week's BYU devotional speech on "Becoming and Overcoming", given by Carol Wilkinson. It provided insight into weathering adversity, understanding that God sometimes answers our prayers by doing whats in our best interest rather than granting our specific requests, and that the opposition in all things associated with mortality is a great blessing in disguise that gives us the experiences that help us become more like our Heavenly Father, for the which purpose we all choose to enter mortality.

Download the free MP3 file and listen to it while doing some other activity. It blessed my life. I hope it will do the same for you.

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1829

We the People...need a 2nd American Revolution!

Think about it....then do something about it!
Let your voice be heard over and over.
This land of liberty, one nation under God, is yet worth fighting for.
At least our forefathers thought so.

http://wjhess.blogspot.com/2009/03/we-people.html

http://wjhess.blogspot.com/2009/03/2nd-american-revolution.html

Create!

If you haven't watched it yet, checkout this YouTube video of President Uchtdorf's Women's Conference address on creating...especially you ladies.

Improve
Beautify
Extend
Smile
Cultivate
Develop
Create

http://tinyurl.com/cwljl9

Taking Chance

This new HBO movie called "Taking Chance" is about a Marine officer (Kevin Bacon) who volunteers to escort home another Marine who was killed in Iraq. I highly recommend it. This made for TV movie helps viewers gain an increased appreciation for all those who selflessly serve in our Armed Forces and their families, especially those who give the last full measure of devotion.

http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/index.html


The message of this movie is given added emphasis by news media articles about the recent combat death of Army Corporal and LDS Church member Michael Alleman, who I did not know, but with whose family I very much relate.

February 24, 2009
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705287157,00.html

February 25, 2009
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705287226,00.html

February 28, 2009
http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/56687/LDS-soldier-slain.html

March 1, 2009
http://www.mormontimes.com/around_church/worldwide_church/?id=6522

March 5, 2009
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705288772,00.html