Eve Out of The Garden

Why I hate the dark

2013-04-09T10:07:00.004-07:00

I don't like the dark. Last night when I kept waking up after being asleep for an hour, I realized how much I dislike the dark. In fact, I decided that mortality demands that we humans sleep at night because night is best avoided by being asleep. Asleep, your mind is not cognizant of the dark. When I wake up in the night, too many thoughts flood my mind. Things that I can handle during the day become ominous in the dark.The circadian rhythm of sleeping is a blessing.

I got up at 1 and rummaged through my drawer for a sleeping pill -- half of a unisom.I knew I'd be hung over in the morning but I would be tired anyway, waking up constantly. During the sunlight hours, I get confirmation that everything is going to be fine. If you're a mom or dad you know how much your life changes.

My last child is turning in his mission papers. I was not planning on him going at age 18, but there you have the announcement from President Monson and my son leapt for joy. I believe this is right (in the daylight) but I get anxiety when I wake-up in quiet of the night. Where will he go, and will he be safe, and will he adjust to the new surroundings and schedules. During the day I am confident that it is in the hands of God. I believe President Eyring's message about how they look at the prospective missionary's photo and feel prompted to where he/she should go. I watched the video about it.

I guess I do better at receiving revelation during the daylight. The sunlight makes me feel confident. I guess that's why we so often talk about the light, receiving greater light and knowledge. Dark is symbolic of trouble and so I feel that at night. First thing I do in the morning is look outside for the rising sun. It's no coincidence that it rises in the east. We need sunlight. Teenagers need daily morning light -- it's not good to stay up late and sleep in.

I could never live happily in those places that receive so little sunlight due to location or cloudy weather. One week of gloom and I am feeling down. This morning it is bright and clear and the sun is streaming through my bedroom window. Now I am at peace. And thankful for the light. But you know what? I couldn't appreciate the light without the dark. But let me sleep through it.

Featured Image:'''Darkness Over Eden''' Photo taken by Kabir Bakie May

Ten LDS Conference traditions

2013-04-05T08:48:00.002-07:00

I don't have conference traditions that I keep every year, except for staying home and watching them. Yet, I believe that this semi-annual gathering of the Mormons should have something more. I'd like to know what you have done or plan to do.

1. Prepare

A couple of years ago, President Uchtdorf talked about how you can prepare to receive answers to whatever you may currently need --"Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song."

I've tried this, and I've received answers to mind-numbing problems. God was aware of my problems and he let me know in the words of one of the talks and in a hymn. I'm still kind of bummed about one of those problems that resolved in what I think was an unsatisfactory way, but I understand that God gives us our agency and therefore, some will use it in poor ways. Even your leaders.

2. Activities for the kids (and yourself)

Sitting still is hard enough for me, not to mention little legs. Brigham Young knew this well and claimed that their little legs are so full of vitality they can't sit still. Get some ideas on the internet for keeping little fingers busy. Or, maybe you can switch it up with your spouse -- one gets to watch while the other gets the kids. One year I had an activity on the saturday conference -- I painted the family room. And that just happens to be one of the years Brother Boyd K. Packard talked to me. Prepare something for everyone to do: Kids ideas, Conference notebook for kids, Sugardoodle.net

3. Take notes

When I do jot down thoughts, I like to use a small little book called a moleskine. It's easy to use, cheap, and easy to pack in your purse or slip it in a pocket. I have lots of these floating around now, and I often grab one to reflect. Cool things you can do with a moleskine

4. Food

What's a tradition without food? I don't really have anything special here, but I would like to. Maybe my favorite meal, or desert -- we've got two days to feast on something besides words. I'm craving this lemon cake, made with my fresh meyer lemons and light olive oil -- I think that's healthy.

5. Family

This is a good time to be with family. I have often thought it would be nice to have a little gathering and attend a temple session on the friday before. I usually stay home with my immediate family. But I'd like to hear what works for others.

6. Attend conference in person

I live in California, and it's about a 12 hour drive, so we don't do this yearly. I've only gone twice in the old tabernacle, and never in the new conference center. My 17-year old wanted to go this year, drive with some other kids, but I'm never too comfortable with 17-year old boys on long road trips over a period of three days. Plus, I kind of wanted to spend it with him before he leaves on his mission. But, I also would have liked for him to go.

7. Family history

I love playing the sleuth and uncovering the family secrets, but it's hard to fit it in. I've tried to do it on fast sundays, but fasting is a job in itself. If you can't find the time, maybe twice a year is good. Or start organizing the family photos, or writing your history. I've wanted to open my old journals and write a history I can leave. I could give that a try.

8. Preparedness

I've still got my wheat and water, but that's about it. In fact, I need to switch out the water and this is a good time -- every six months. Maybe I should take stock of what we need. I'm running low on bandaids. Think about what you can't be without. I better stock up on chocolate.

9. Walk or hike

In between conference I like to get some exercise and get outdoors if the weather is good. My dog reminds me of this tradition, which is everyday. We have a lake nearby and like to walk there. One year my daughter and two grandkids were here and we checked out Sutter's mill where those Mormons found gold. We looked at the cabins and decided we were glad to live in the 21st century.

10. Watch it later

I hate to do this, because it's just not the same. But sometimes we have to -- kids are in sports on saturdays, or working. If you're going to watch it later, I think it's best to set a time, otherwise it goes by. Plan on family night or something.

What have you done -- I'm up for some ideas, I'm never too old to start a new tradition.

The Meaning of the Atonement

2013-03-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Hugh Nibley MP3 :
The Meaning of The Atonement (part 1) (Hugh Nibley read by Lloyd Newell)
The Meaning of The Atonement (part 2) (Hugh Nibley read by Lloyd Newell)
The Meaning of The Atonement (part 3) (Hugh Nibley read by Lloyd Newell)

What To Do on Good Friday

2013-03-28T23:33:00.000-07:00

I wish Mormons had more hoopla with our holidays, like the Jewish faith with Passover and the Catholics with Holy Week. They enjoy week-long celebrations.

Over the years we have done some things to mark the holiday:

1. Make Hot Cross Buns. I like buns, it's a good tradition for Good Friday.

The history of hot cross buns? Well, they are popular on Good Friday. They are popular in England. They are made to celebrate the Savior’s crucifixion, because there is a cross on the top of them. I am not a big fan of the symbol of torture, but I like the frosting on the top. They may date back even further than Christ though -- to some Goddess named Eostre (Easter) that the Saxons worshiped. There is folklore connected with the hot cross buns -- if you keep one for the whole year, it won’t get moldy. Not likely. If you take it on a ship voyage it will protect you from sinking. If you give it to someone who is ill, they get well. Not likely either.

But, I do like the taste of them. They are good little buns. Oh, and there is a little English nursery rhyme:

Hot cross buns!

One ha' penny, two ha' penny,

Hot cross buns!

If you have no daughters,

Give them to your sons

One ha' penny,

Two ha' penny,

Hot Cross Buns

Here's the hot cross bun recipe.

2. Have a Passover meal with the seder.

We've done this with our Jewish friends and on our own. We have set out a goblet for Elijah, and opened the door. If it's just our family, we explain to our children that we believe Elijah has already come. He appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple on April 3rd, 1836. Joseph explained that after he distributed the Lord’s Supper to the Church,

“ I retired to the pulpit, the veils being dropped, and bowed myself, with Oliver Cowdery, in solemn and silent prayer. After rising from prayer, the following vision was opened to both of us” (D&C 110.)

Then the veil was removed, their eyes of understanding were opened, and they saw the Lord, Jehovah. But this was not all, they saw Elijah. In the account, Elijah appears to Joseph and Oliver and declares that the time has come which Malachi spoke of--that Elijah, the prophet would be sent before the great and dreadful day of the Lord,

"To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—" (Mal. 4: 5-6)(D&C 110)

Elijah delivered the keys of the Priesthood, the sealing power, the authority to seal for time and eternity. The authority to seal families together beyond this life.

3. Color Easter eggs.

We've always enjoyed dipping the hard boiled eggs into the colorful dyes. We've hidden baskets and eggs, and watched the kids find them. In fact, one Easter, when my daughter was about three, she delicately looked into her Easter basket and saw a little 2-inch wooden crate. She beamed up at me, “oh is baby Jesus in there?” I was a little sad to have to tell her, "no, there are little baby ducks in there."

4. Read the story of Christ's final days.

5. Watch The Bible Mini-series on The History Channel, or the Free Bible Video produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:

Moses and Easter

2013-03-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

It’s Passover. I remember the day I finally put it together -- the meaning of the word Passover -- the day the angel of death passed over the Israelites that had dabbed lamb's blood on their door post. It began to make sense. The blood of the lamb saved the people that had performed this action. Kind of strange, but quite symbolic. The lamb without blemish that was slaughtered for the passover meal saved them from death.

All truth comes together in some eternal way. And the Gospel of Jesus Christ includes everything from our pre-mortal life to the time of Adam to today and beyond. I guess that's one of the areas where Mormons differ from Christians. We believe that Adam was taught this plan and that he was baptized -- that the Gospel did not begin when Christ was born. Passover is part of the history of the plan that guides us back to the presence of God.

As a family we've always watched Cecil B. DeMille’s, "The Ten Commandments" during Easter week. I know it's Hollywood, but I still have fun with it, and I always reflect on my son's comments when he was a little shaver. I had asked him what he liked best, and he said, the part when Moses said God parted the waters with a “blast from his nostrils.” Yea, that's the wording:

And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. (Exodus 15:8)

I sympathize with Moses trying to prepare his people to ascend the mountain of the Lord and then returning to find them frolicking around the golden calf and then giving them the lesser law, the law of carnal commandments. They weren't ready to receive the higher law. Even with the higher law, life is a struggle.

How to curl long hair and win $250

2013-03-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

I've been writing some blog posts lately for a little extra cash -- all about hair styles or taking care of your hair. It's made me a little more aware of my own hair -- I've tried this Kate Middleton style. Since my daughter has her cosmetology license I usually call her for some ideas or how-to's. If you've got daughters, give these curls a try. Or if you're talented wielding a hot curling iron, close to your own face, try this yourself. It really helps to see how to do it in video.

After you watch it, enter the sweeps for a chance to win $250 or $100, which you can use however you want.

Sweeps rules:

http://www.blogher.com/hair-sweepstakes-offical-rules-week-1

Prizes & Promotions page on Blogher.com:

https://www.blogher.com/blogher-tv-weekly-hair-style-sweepstakes

Equinox photos from space and the black and white cookie

2013-03-20T13:09:00.001-07:00

I'm fascinated by the stars and cosmology. So I'm sharing this cool photo of the spring equinox and videos that help you see it and understand it better. I'm working on being the learned woman.

The equinox celebrates equal "incoming solar energy to the Northern and Southern hemispheres" of the earth -- often explained as equal hours of day and night. There are two in a year -- in the spring (vernal) and in the fall (autumnal). Joseph Smith got the gold plates on autumnal equinox.

The NOAA satellite, GOES, took some photos today of the 2013 spring equinox that clearly show the position of the earth with respect to the sun. You can see the two poles because the entire hemisphere is lit up by the sun. After the spring equinox, the northern hemisphere will be more lit than the southern, creating our seasons.

The photo is from GOES (the sun image is digitally created here, but the rest of it is real -- well I don't think there's that convenient equator mark on our planet.)

I can't help but think this should be a day for the black and white cookie that I learned about watching Seinfeld.

Recipe

The learned man is not an enemy to God

2013-03-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

How do you handle this? When kind sincere church members don't want to hear anything new? It's like they say, "we have a bible we have a bible, we don't need anything more." Do you sit quietly in class and avoid contention by saying nothing? Do you try to share and enlighten? What if you really believe they have said something incorrect?

My husband thinks it's important to share and bring people greater insight, but most of the time I think people at church just get offended and think you are some kind of wacko. I tell him it might be better to remain quiet. Be nice, serve, but avoid conflict. And I'm not talking controversial doctrine. For example:

We were driving over to the college and I asked my son about his classes at church on sunday. He related that Brother ------ said something interesting. At this point I'm thinking, oh, is this going to be uplifting or another one of those times some good hearted member teacher is slightly off-base. It was the latter.

My son had shared, in sunday school, something to the effect that it's good to become knowledgeable. The teacher responded, with that old unwise Mormon myth (that is traceable to no where) -- "remember the learned man is an enemy to god -- the learned leave the church." This teacher told my son that it is not good to learn too much.

At this point my son brought up -- what about Hugh Nibley? And the teacher responded, "wasn't he excommunicated?" my son said no. I guess Brother Unlearned would be appalled to see my book shelves of scholarly Mormon writers. And my Hugh Nibley audio files on this site.

I'm sitting and thinking what do members like you and me do? I don't try to change their minds, as that has met with failure. (My husband tries and usually it's met with failure.) Instead I try to say little. That's why I blog, I find a space to share with others who believe in seeking greater light and knowledge. And we share insights within our family. There's nothing to fear, because all truth can be circumscribed into one great whole.

Mormons are a varied bunch, and the gospel net brings in all kinds of fish. Come to think of it, this is the same brother that my husband had a similar experience with in Quorum. It's a delicate balance at church, not to offend and not to be offended. To lift others, to care and share. To build Zion.

I bring a book to read when I'm having a hard time sitting in church (currently "The God Who Weeps"). I listen and stop reading when I hear something great. Like the second speaker in sacrament meeting -- a new member -- Wolfgang, who shared a dream he had after his friend was killed in Iraq and who then visited him in a dream urging Wolfgang that this was the time. I was touched by this man's testimony and followed along. But on other occasions it is hard to sit, listen and know that if you contribute you will be told -- the learned man is an enemy to god.

I searched for that scripture about the learned man -- I didn't find it as such. But instead found this passage, which might be misconstrued to mean that all learned men and women shun God, but that's not true as you read the verse that follows --

O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. (2 Nephi 9: 29)

I get it, there are some intellectuals who do not hearken to God. But that's not the majority of faithful latter day saints. We should not avoid learning, we came to an earth that's full of mischief and evil to experience the contrasts -- we chose to partake of the tree of knowledge.

It's good to look for our beginnings, our home, our true divine nature. God's life is one of learning, always learning and -- lifting others. But, learning alone is not a Godly life, to hide away in a monastary is not what Zion is all about.

Some how we must try to help others by sharing some things, and holding back on occasion. But there will always be members who don't want to hear more, and we must love them still. They don't recognize that they have ears that do not hear, and yet we must bring them along and hope... as God continually hopes for our progress.

There's a faithful LDS website called Mormon Scholars Testify. You'll see that it's possible to be learned and righteous and lift others. To be learned is good when we team that with faith.

One of those scholars shared his concern when members are "afraid of the intellect"

Isn’t this the great lesson that was learned by Oliver Cowdery, when he tried his hand at translation?

“Behold, ye have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it to you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold, I say unto you that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore you shall feel that it is right” (Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-8, emphasis added).

And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith. (DC 88:118 and 109:7).

Seek learning.

And be sure to check out my faithful Hugh Nibley page, a great scholar and latter day saint now mingling with the great ones on the other side of this veil. He helped move Mormonism into the sphere of a religion that embraces knowledge and learning and scholarly research.

Are women attracted only to a man's mind?

2013-03-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dennis Prager with his wife, photo credit

I don't think Dennis Prager knows when a woman is hitting on him. I think he missed one of the flirtatious moments on his talk radio show. During the female/male hour, Dennis shared a conversation he had with a woman (off the air.) She said something to the effect that she isn't attracted to a man's body at all, but instead she's drawn to his mind. Dennis was excited to share this good news with all the men out there.

She seemed to indicate that women don't care about those washboard abs or strong arms, or nice firm buttocks. You get my drift. Dennis has an interesting mind, but his interesting mind did not pick up on the fact that this gal was probably massaging his ego. Yea, she was flirting with him. He's a nationally syndicated talk show host. Women like powerful men or men with notoriety. And he has an interesting mind. I think a woman can tell when another woman is openly flirtatious. I think the men miss it, because they're enjoying the compliments.

Don't get me wrong, I'm attracted to more than the outward appearance. But I think there has to be some sex appeal too. Women are so varied, that I don't think you can lump us all into one sure category. But it did get me thinking. Can I be attracted to a man just by his mind? I think there is more involved -- spiritual, cultural, physical -- it's complicated.

I saw this clip of Woody Allen, whose mind I admire and especially his comedy (although I understand his introspective thoughts as well.) This is "Broadway Danny Rose," and here's the clip that should be part of Dennis Prager's female/male hour. It's funny too because Dennis is Jewish (and musical). And intellectual. Smooth talker, probably you could say that (not in a bad way.) Watch it:

Prophets, priests and papal infallibility

2013-03-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

You know it's kind of funny -- The Catholic Church teaches that the Pope is infallible, but the Catholics don't believe it. The LDS Church teaches that the prophet is fallible, but the Mormons don't believe it. Joseph Smith's Prophetic Ministry

Sometimes Mormons begin to lose their faith when they read things that show the prophet is more human and capable of making mistakes. Joseph Smith made a mistake when he went to Salem to look for treasure under a house.

In 1836, six years after its formation, the LDS church was in debt. About this time, a Brother Burgess arrived in Kirtland, Ohio claiming that a house in Salem, Massachusetts had a large sum of money hidden in the cellar. Joseph decided to give it a go and went to Massachussetts (along with Hyrum, Sidney Rigdon, and Oliver Cowdery.) But when Burgess met them there, he said the town had changed and he wasn't sure which house it was. It didn't look good.

None of this proves to be the answer to solving the church's financial difficulties. In fact, Joseph the prophet, fallible -- as is man -- followed the tips -- not as a commandment or revelation from God -- but in his own hope. Otherwise he would not have shared this bit of scolding from the Lord:

I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies. (DC 111:1)

This does not affect my testimony, but increases it. I am relieved to know that Joseph Smith made choices of his own that were wrong. He is more like me. I am more like him, and there is hope for both of us. He is still a prophet, I am not. God lets prophets make their own decisions too.

There are going to be times of tutoring and learning for a prophet as well as for you and me. I don't have a problem with that. Prophets voice opinions and we as Mormons must realize that. Elder Christofferson explained, "not every statement made by a church leader, past or present necessarily constitutes doctrine." (April 2012 Conference)

As Joseph explained: "A prophet is only a prophet when he is acting as such." (Joseph Smith)

Later, in 1942, missionaries went to Salem and baptized 90 people, as the Lord had explained along with the little chastisement -- "I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time..." (DC 111:2)

I am comforted when the Lord believes in us and blesses us even when we engage in follies.

Otherwise this life would be damn depressing. The Lord is merciful and forgiving.

This is an excellant series of talks given by scholars working on the Joseph Smith Papers:

New edition of the LDS scriptures -- clarity over blacks and priesthood

2013-03-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard, there are new editions to all the standard works -- "the 2013 edition includes revisions to study aids, new photos, updated maps, and adjustments to chapter and section headings."

Most important is the heading to the blacks and the priesthood declaration #2. Here is the new heading that is available with the online edition:

Official Declaration 2: The Book of Mormon teaches that “all are alike unto God,” including “black and white, bond and free, male and female” (2 Nephi 26:33). Throughout the history of the Church, people of every race and ethnicity in many countries have been baptized and have lived as faithful members of the Church. During Joseph Smith’s lifetime, a few black male members of the Church were ordained to the priesthood. Early in its history, Church leaders stopped conferring the priesthood on black males of African descent. Church records offer no clear insights into the origins of this practice. Church leaders believed that a revelation from God was needed to alter this practice and prayerfully sought guidance. The revelation came to Church President Spencer W. Kimball and was affirmed to other Church leaders in the Salt Lake Temple on June 1, 1978. The revelation removed all restrictions with regard to race that once applied to the priesthood.

It's interesting to note that the church has no "clear insights into the origins of this practice" of not ordaining blacks -- even though some were ordained during Joseph Smith's life. Also, this -- "church leaders believed that a revelation from God was needed." President David O. McKay did not believe that blacks were under any curse.

BlackLDS.org

How bugs, Ben Franklin and War led to Daylight Saving Time

2013-03-09T09:54:00.000-08:00

I love how the government gets to decide what time of day it is. That's how I feel about "Spring forward one hour" in the Spring and "fall back one hour" in the Fall. When your government makes a law, no matter how it's justified, it sticks, like taxes. And this one was updated (just like taxes), so we have more weeks of the special "Daylight Saving Time." (Remember there is no "s" in saving -- it's not daylight savings time.)

We can't say that Ben Franklin started this either, because his idea was not for you and me to get up in the dark and work. He was "early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise". He got the idea because the Parisians partied all night, using candlelight, and then slept 'til noon, wasting good sunlight. He just wanted people to rise and shine with the sunshine. I like that idea.

This time change was instigated by a New Zealand entomologist -- a bug collector. He wanted a two hour shift in 1895 -- to study more bugs. In 1908, an Englishman presented the idea to the House of Commons, but nobody liked the idea, until World War I, when it was adopted by some countries, in 1916. It's really "War Time". Great.

Don't forget, this Sunday, you lose an hour. Set your clocks one hour ahead. At midnight, the next hour will be 2 AM, not 1 AM. In the morning, your biological clock will think it is only 7 AM, but your iphone will say 8 AM.

I suppose it will all feel good in a month. But studies show there is an increase of heart attacks the first few weeks of "Spring Forward". So don't stress out. Go to bed when it is light. Sure.

Time for me to move to Hawaii -- they don't change their time. Arizona doesn't either, but who can handle the heat?

Take a look at which countries Spring Ahead: World Time Map

image

She died in an asylum

2013-03-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

I just can't seem to leave this alone -- Mary, my husband's great grandmother, died in an asylum --Riverview Mental Hospital. I want to know why she was committed. Was she sick or was her husband sick of her and committed her; did she go there herself? What happened, after she had six kids?

This is what I know so far: Mary was living in British Columbia. She married at the age of 23 to a man aged 39 who was a farmer. Their marriage certificate says they were both living in the Vancouver Hotel at the time of the marriage. It was 1893. She had six kids in eight years -- from 1894 to 1902 -- five boys and one girl, according to census reports. Only the girl married and she had two children who never knew about grandmother, Mary. They thought she had died -- but she was alive in the asylum until 1942.

Her death certificate I have yet to see, but Canadian government records show that she died in Essondale. After some research, I find out that Essondale is not really a town, but the name of the place where Dr. Esson worked -- what came to be called Riverview Mental Hospital. In 1930, the East Lawn section of Riverview was added for female patients, and it would appear that Mary was transferred there from the older Provincial Mental Hospital in New Westminster (where she was a patient, at age 41, according to the 1911 census.)

I read a dissertation about families in Canada and the Provincial Mental Hospital. I had hoped to run across her name as the writer shared stories of various women committed to the asylum for questionable things. Some men brought their wives in and asked for a surgery to prevent further pregnancies. Some of the patients had paresis. I read up on paresis -- which is mental dementia caused by the latent stages of syphilis. Women were treated for tuberculosis and alcohol. But Mary must have been in chronic care. She was there until her death in 1942. That's over 30 years.

Yesterday I received an email back from the Royal Canadian Archives in answer to my request to get the records of Mary, under the Freedom of Information Act. They have 101 pages. If I want them, I must pay approximately $85.00 -- for the preparation of the papers, photo-copies, and mail. Or I can just go there and look at them and take photos. Problem is, I am in California, and the Archives are in Victoria, B.C.

Many years ago, I visited the cabin where Mary lived and raised her kids. In 1980, I went searching for family history and met her son, Albert. It was a dark old cabin with a shot gun in the corner and a government housekeeper came in to take care of him. I stood at his bed and listened to him talk. I can't remember what he said. But he never talked about his mom, Mary. I didn't know to ask.

I watched this video produced by Lisa Nielsen about Riverview. The nurse interviewed worked there after Mary died, but it is still interesting and disturbing. This is part 1.

Now, I really want to read Mary's records. Can you see why? Family history is one of my favorite hobbies.

ASYLUM from lisa g nielsen on Vimeo.

Current photos of Riverview Mental Hospital, British Columbia, Canada:

Photo credits for the above three: Ward Perrin, Vancouver Sun

Spanky makes a soap sandwich

2013-03-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Darla in "The Little Rascals" shares her picnic lunch with Alfalfa -- a swiss cheese sandwich and a cream puff. What a combination. I guess Darla is the cream puff and Alfalfa is definitely the swiss cheese. Trouble is that Alfalfa has just pledged to be a member of the "He-man Women Haters Club", so Spanky decides to mess with his lunch and substitute soap for the swiss cheese.

Got to love Buckwheat in this, he gets to eat cheese and whipped cream. And if you don't know what Limburger cheese -- it's got a nasty pungent odor. Enjoy this clip:

Read about Darla Hood and her untimely death at age 47.

Alfalfa had a sad ending too.
Buckwheat started out playing a girl.
Spanky was played by George MacFarland.

How to improve your aging brain

2013-03-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

I'm half way through my masters in Education -- a field I thought I'd never venture into. And I'm no spring chicken. My focus is on eLearning and I'm fascinated by this new method of learning. If you want to know more about a subject, you don't have to go very far to look it up. The Internet is always open. And there are some innovative ways to learn.

I'm enrolled in an accredited college for my masters; but I try other free online courses. After all, this is my major now instead of biochemistry. And if you homeschool teens, you've good options here.

Time to squeeze your brain so you won't get old and ratchety with memory loss. Research is finding that as we age we have to work out our brain to stay sharp. Hugh Nibley learned Egyptian at age 50. And I'm getting this masters in my 50s. Crossword puzzles? No thanks.

So I'm encouraging you to try one of these courses. If you don't like one, drop it and try another. But don't spend more than a few minutes on Facebook, you're not learning much there.

Here's a course I signed up for today:

How Things Work -- Physics for the non-scientist. First lesson is about skateboards, skates and inertia. I liked the first two videos and think this is a good course. Works for homeschool too. Taught by Professor from University of Virginia. Starts today.

Check out Canvas for other courses
Check out Coursera

Then let me know which ones you've signed up for and if you like them. Or why you don't like them.

Ann and Mitt Romney interview -- after the roller coaster

2013-02-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

It's true what Ann Romney said. Mormons are used to moving on. We're used to having important "jobs" in the church and then getting "released" from that responsibility and working in one of the lesser jobs -- maybe like the one I have -- working with 2-year olds in the nursery for two hours on Sunday.

Suddenly you're not in charge of anything, and maybe last week you were the bishop responsible for 400 people. When you're a Mormon, you have a "calling" -- a job that lasts anywhere from a few months to many years. Everyone takes a turn in most callings, and when you're "released," it's over and you move on to your next calling.

In the interview scheduled for Sunday, Chris Wallace wanted to know how Mitt and Ann Romney handled the big let-down from all the splendor on the campaign trail -- secret service and throngs of people -- Wallace blurted out -- "in a flash it was gone -- how tough is that?"

Ann replied,

"In our church, we're used to serving and you know, you can be in a very high position, but you recognize you're serving. And now all of a sudden, you're released and you're nobody," she said. "And we're used to that. It's like we came and stepped forward to serve. And you know, the other part of it was an amazing thing, and it was really quite a lot of energy and a lot of passion and a lot of -- a lot of people around us and all of a sudden, it was nothing."

Then she added: "But the good news is fortunately we like each other." Watch part of that interview here:

What a classy lady.

And they didn't lose the most important things in life -- she just got twin grandbabies on February 14th -- making it 20 grandkids. When you're a mom, those are the most important accomplishments. Ann tweeted this photo of her son, Craig and his wife and new additions:

Why eLearning isn't going away

2013-02-27T12:19:00.000-08:00

I think we all suffer from a little ADD or attention deficit disorder. I've sat in a class, at church or at school, even a movie and I'll get distracted or bored. I think people who can sit for hours in a tedious lecture or read a monotonous textbook with highlighter in hand are in the minority. And they have a special gift. Let's just say that we have different abilities -- and many of the people who get antsy in those situations have other talents -- they are dreamers and creative movers.

We learn differently and schools cannot always address this. Traditional schools are an assembly line -- they were modeled during the industrial age after assembly lines. Learning is changing and there's new options. Maria H. Anderson, Ph.D., talks about free-range learning versus caged learning in a course I'm taking in Social Media.

I'm also working on my masters in education/eLearning and that is a totally different direction and major for me. I got my bachelors degree a hundred years ago in biochemistry; so when I decided I needed and wanted to do something (after raising five kids), I couldn't go back to the sciences. I don't remember all that stuff -- Kreb's cycle and ATP and mRNA and co-factor catalyzed reactions.

I love to learn. I love teaching my own kids in homeschool and adults in religious classes. Somehow, I feel directed in this direction of learning -- eLearning. My masters is taught at an accredited online university; it works for me. Each class lasts 8 weeks, a paper due every Sunday night by midnight, then another new class starts. I post my work online on my education blog. The professors are called mentors. Some are better than others in mentoring and the eLearning platform could be better and more visual at the university where I'm enrolled.

I'm taking a free course through the Canvas eLearning platform and I see the future of good educational options for more people. For those of us that can't enroll full time at a brick and mortar university. Even though the New York Times just wrote an article dinging the online learning option, it's getting better.

Not all universities design great courses; they're not for everyone, but for those who are motivated and not looking to party at college, eLearning is going to prove to be good. Some of those colleges use outdated online teaching methods -- more like distance learning of the past. And frankly, not all of us need any more human interaction. Our plates are full.

I like my quiet time of learning online.I've tried courses at Coursera.org and now at Canvas.net. Some are better than others, but I think it will continue to improve.

Like the first cellular phones -- they used to be expensive and gigantic. And few people could afford one.

Now they're better than what Star Trek had to offer.

Mitt Romney and CPAC

2013-02-24T17:50:00.004-08:00

Mitt Romney will speak at CPAC 2013. I wish he would talk about our communitarian vision.

Van Jones and the far-left use rhetoric that sounds so good -- but it's actually bad. Government can't implement the left's "communitarian" vision. They have never been successful in creating this zion-like living.

Mormons are communitarians; more so than Van Jones' rhetoric. We understand the difference between the freedom to do good and forcing everyone to do good, which is a loss of freedom (what we call Lucifer's plan.)

Regarding Mormonism, one of our most understood values is our communitarian spirit -- we learn how to work as a team -- to lift others. We don't do barn-raisings, but the modern equivalent is the Elder's Quorum "moving" members, or the Helping Hands organization or the Relief Society gathering supplies for the homeless or a sister in need of meals -- Individuals acting collectively, on a voluntary basis.

Romney is a Mormon, he can explain why the far-left is offering a false form of a truly good desire for society -- to help others achieve success, to help others prosper, and to take care of the less fortunate. That's why 20% of Mormons vote Democrat. They see the ideal result: equality for all -- a zion-like living.

But the far-left is selling something bad, clothed in a great vision of something good; the false form of a true principle.

At issue is the same idea that argues against Islamists who want a virtuous society -- which we all understand -- but not by force, not under penalty of death, imprisonment, or by force at the barrel of a government gun. It's not the same; true virtue can only be had in conjunction with free will.

Van Jones is probably the clearest voice of the far-left to articulate the ideals of modern "communism." He needs to be countered with an explanation of the principles of freedom and virtue -- the doctrine of "free agency" that the LDS community are raised on from childhood -- you cannot force people to be good. They have to choose to give, to be good, to share. The government should not make that decision for a free people.

Good people want many of the same outcomes of the far-left. Mormon scripture includes the counsel, "If you are not one, you are not mine."

The far-left wants government to force people to live by this vision. Fair-minded people must recognize that society can only achieve these good goals by enabling individuals to act voluntarily (only when exercising free will), because a very good goal becomes a very great evil when it is forced upon people; and it is especially pernicious when the government is the instrument of force.

There are many people who could say this. But Romney has the ability. The standard retort that Republicans say to the Van Jones rhetoric is that we need to keep the world free for capitalism (materialism); that's not a good counter argument. It's not just about capitalism.

People need free-will to excel, which in turn helps others succeed. Good people give of their time, talents, and, resources, to help others. We can embrace some Andrew Carnegie, and even some Bill Gates, and especially some Joseph Smith.

Otherwise, we are allowing good words, and good ideals, that are backed by a great evil, to prosper and win, because the idea of equal outcome sounds so good to the heart, and is based on true principles.

credit

The far-left doesn't tell the truth. They don't explain that in the end, you become a zoo animal, with no free will.

They tell us, "The people are the government." No. That is a lie. The constitution was formulated to keep the government in check because the people need limited government to enable citizens to act virtuously -- to enable a virtuous society. Unless you want to be a zoo animal, which is where we are headed now.

And it's not that great a zoo either. Because, the other part of the secret is that zoo animals are not very productive or happy.

About those quotes:

Andrew Carnegie -- "Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community"

Bill Gates -- "We can make market forces work better for the poor if we can develop a more creative capitalism – if we can stretch the reach of market forces so that more people can make a profit, or at least make a living, serving people who are suffering from the worst inequities."

Joseph Smith -- “Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.”

Image Credit of Mitt Romney

My 4-year old is smarter than yours

2013-02-21T19:50:00.001-08:00

Ozier Muhammad/The New York Times

Your cute little 4-year old may not snag a seat in kindergarten for talented and gifted kids. And it's not going to be because she isn't talented. It's because the competition is getting coached.

Parents that can afford it, enroll their little munchkins in test prep centers, at the young age of four. Companies like Bright Kids NYC thrive on prepping kids for all the new tests at New York City public schools that will segregate kids, by gifted and talented, or just plain regular. Children are tutored to outsmart their peers by preparing for the OLSAT, the ERB, the CogAT, the Standford-Binet, the NNAT2, the Core Concepts.

Ozier Muhammad/The New York Times

Our schools choose the smartest of the smart by how they perform on standardized tests. From age 4 to 24 --the SAT for college, the LSAT for law school or the MCAT for medical school. Everyone has to take classes to score high enough to pursue their dreams -- or their parent's dreams if you're four years old.

Parents and schools are seeing the results of these test-prepping centers -- there were 5,000 four-year olds in New York City who qualified for a gifted seat -- more than double the number five years ago. This begs the question -- Are there more gifted kids, or do most kids learn with one-on-one tutoring and training at a young age?

Standardized tests have been around for a long time, but I didn't take one before kindergarten. I remember at some point when I was identified in the top 2%. They gave me a list of books I could read in the school library and put me in advanced math courses. Did it help me succeed? It made me think I was smart.

I remember the stress when my kids were tested in 3rd grade for the accelerated program, called GATE. The prestige. The glory. The pride to mingle with parents of other highly gifted children. I knew that if my kids made the score they would get preferential treatment. Teachers would see them differently than other students. In fact, they would get the best teachers. Their classmates and future friends would be the smart kids.

There was one middle school that would "allow" parents to request the higher track classes without being tested into it. Only one. But many parents chose that school to give their kids a chance.

When I was in school you didn't prepare for a standardized test. There were no classes in "how to ace the SAT or ACT for college." Now if you don't take one of those prep courses, you're diminishing your chances -- cause everyone else is learning how to answer those questions. And yea, I made my kids take practice tests and read books on how to score high, so they could land a seat in the college of their choice.

Just think, we tell our kids, "you can be anything you want to be." Hah. That's not true. If you don't score high enough on the entrance exams, you can't become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. And most kids can't score high enough unless they take the $1000 prep course.

Now, a 4-year old can't get into the best kindergartens without scoring high on an entrance exam. Parents want what's best for their kids. I get it. I have 5. I want what's best. I want my kids in the best of the best class. I agree.

But then you find yourself signing your 3-year old up for classes that train her in "how to take a standardized test" at age 4.

Our kids will see the class distinctions -- the trained, gifted kids whose parents work full time can afford the prepping centers. From the get-go these kids will be identified by their teachers as "smarter."

And don't think that Obama's universal pre-school is the great leveler. Parents will still compete for the elite seats for their kids. And they'll enroll them in special classes to get into those elite seats. And kids at the age of 4 will understand who of their friends are talented and who are not. Based on a standardized test. The kids that didn't get that extra training -- one and a half hours each week for six months -- they won't be in the preferred class, even though they're talented. They won't get to hear how smart they are. Even though they are.

And test manufacturers and educators who make their salary designing these tests will make money, thinking they are being of service.

Here's my giveaway -- SlideBelt

2013-02-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

So this one is for the men. Or the men in your life. How ever many that may be. I've got a free men's slidebelt to give away. It will revolutionize your belt-wearing. No kidding. All of my men wear one. Now that's a confession. But really, my 4 sons, my 1 hubby, they would never go back to belts with holes. It looks great with jeans and suits.

My son started the business -- Slidebelts.com after he returned from his mission in Moldova, some years ago. Now, with his bachelor's degree in history and some work experience he is managing this business full-time with his wife.

Watch this video, Leave me a comment -- and you will be entered. Tweet it and you can have another entry. I'll randomly choose a winner on Feb 25. Check out the colors -- let me know what color you like (see the video) and size, and you may get lucky.

*leave your email for contact and I will notify you if you win on Feb 25.

How to choose the healthiest chocolate

2013-02-15T13:42:00.001-08:00

Chocolate. Some days I just need it. I can't explain why, but it makes me feel good. Maybe it's the feel-good chemicals called flavonoids -- chemical compounds found in fruits and vegetables. And you know fruits and veggies are good for you. It makes sense that chocolate is too.

Flavonoids are antioxidants that protect your cells against damage -- they have antiviral, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities.

But you can't get that from a Butterfinger. You have to choose your chocolate wisely.

Look for the amount of cocoa solids in chocolate. That's where the good stuff is. It's all about the cocoa solids. Here's the run-down:

1. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder -- Buy the cocoa that is not Dutch-processed. Yep. Don't get confused, because one time I bought the Hersheys Dark Cocoa Powder thinking darker is better and then I read on the label that it was Dutch-processed. Studies show that Dutch process diminishes the amount of flavonoids by 60%. So go for the regular unsweetened cocoa powder, often called natural raw cocoa powder. Leave the Dutch.

Not this one!

Yes :)

How it's made: Cacao beans are
roasted and ground into a liquid cocoa. Excess cocoa butter is removed, leaving cocoa solids, which are ground into cocoa powder. To get the dark dutch color, the powder is treated with potassium carbonate to make it alkaline -- called Dutch cocoa. Dark, but not high in flavonoids.

2. Dark Chocolate -- My favorite, especially with almonds. There are many dark chocolates out there boasting various amounts of cocoa solids. It gets confusing. The higher the cocoa percentage, the more bitter, but the more flavonoids. If you can enjoy the 70% dark chocolate, go for it. A study found that people who ate 50 grams of this stuff daily had an improvement in cholesterol levels -- the bad LDL went down and the good HDL went up. Even if you eat the 40% cocoa solids, it has benefits.

Worth noting: Dark chocolate in the U.S. is called semi-sweet or bittersweet and must have 35% solids by law. European dark chocolates must have 43% by law -- so I guess there's something to those German brand chocolates. Hot cars and hot chocolate.

3. Milk Chocolate -- This one doesn't have as high a percentage of cocoa solids, especially if you're eating chocolate made in the USA, where the law only requires 10% cocoa solids. That's poop. That's a waste of calories. Once again, Europe has us beat in the chocolate department. They require 30% cocoa solids in their milk chocolate.

And if you're in love with milk chocolate, you can enjoy the imports and get a 39% lower risk of heart attack and stroke (6 grams of milk chocolate per day in this study did it) Germany followed over 27,000 participants for eight years -- in four years they had lower blood pressure than when they began. See, you can enjoy the milk, but you have to pay for the good stuff.

4. White Chocolate -- forget about it. No cocoa solids. Just milk solids, milk fat, sugar and cocoa butter. Not really chocolate. Not worth it. (in my opinion)

What do women want on Valentine's Day?

2013-02-13T19:11:00.001-08:00

I'm curious about the answer to that question. And I'm a woman. I think men are stressed about Valentine's Day. I see them in Sees candy, picking up pre-packed boxes of chocolates. I see them at the grocery store, hunting around for flowers or the valentine-special the store manager has strategically placed in the front of the store.

I haven't been to Victoria's Secret on Valentine's Day, but that would be interesting. I could watch the men. It's a good excuse for them to wander around a sexually stimulating atmosphere. "I'm buying a gift for my wife." For some reason, I don't think they really belong in there. It's like the gynecologists office, I don't want to see men there either. Besides, women know what they want in this department.

Men always say they can't figure out women and they joke about it all the time. My husband tries to understand me, but sometimes he misses the mark -- says something and blows it. By now, we just laugh, cuz I know he's trying his best.

Women are intriguing I get it. I'm not even sure what I want for Valentine's Day. And since it's my birthday, it's a double whammy. You know my theory about birthdays -- plan it yourself, get the cake you want, and don't sit around and pout if your special someone forgets it. But my most favorite birthday/Valentine's cake in the whole world is no longer available. There's a new chef at the Paris Bakery in Los Angeles and they changed the chocolate grand mariner cake. My favorite. Delightful and a tradition for almost 30 years.

So, today I stopped at Sees and bought a bag of chocolates for me and a box for my husband. That's what I wanted.

On our walk yesterday we stumbled across some wild mini daffodils -- and he said, "don't pick those now, that's what I'm getting you for Valentine's Day." That's what I want.

One thing I don't want is dinner out with all the masses. That's not special to me. So we never go out for my birthday. But that's what I want.

What do you want? Or if you're the man in this scenario, what do you think your woman wants?

Valentine re-gifted

2013-02-11T10:28:00.001-08:00

When I was about 8 years old I had a pink velveteen dress for my Valentine birthday. I remember the feeling of wearing it. February is my favorite month. It's the month of love and romance, hearts and flowers, and good chocolate. It is simple when you're young. Little perforated valentines that you give your friends at school. Still, there was always the anticipation of a valentine from some secret admirer.

In college, we had the original vintage metal postal boxes on campus -- in the student union. Occidental College was one of the earliest California universities. My first year I got a valentine from a guy I had met in my music appreciation class (yea, a filler courses amongst the sciences.) It was a valentine like the ones from elementary school. I found it endearing. We never dated, and in fact, his track buddy later became my husband. They were on the one-mile relay team together, and comrades in all the phases of college life. I think they shared girlfriends.

That was the same year that my future mate left me a valentine as well -- on my front door step. When I returned home from a weekend at our family beach house I found the tell-tale white box of Sees candy and three yellow, slightly wilted tulips. I've always wondered the significance of the yellow tulips (red too obvious and suggestive, or yellow was only available.)

There was a little scrap of paper with a note scribbled on it. To tell you the truth I had to think back, who was this guy? A mere acquaintance on campus when I was studying between classes -- sitting on the park bench of the quad, enjoying the sunshine. I think he had his shirt off. We visited briefly and when my eyes returned to my book, some girl came up and announced to my future husband -- "you look irresistible." And kissed him. I was amused, thinking, not my kind of guy. I still tease him about that. Who was that girl? He can't remember, which tells you a little more about his college days.

The clock ticked by and I had class -- an institute of religion class -- a Mormon class that was held on campus. I invited him to go (typical Mormon thing), thinking Mr. Irresistible had better things to do and would never show. The following week he turned up in our class of four students to hear Brother Marriott talk about the three degrees of glory. I was sure that would scare him away. But it didn't and he even brought another track buddy the next class (I had missed.)

I wish I had saved those two valentines, but I didn't think there was any future in them. Funny how we save a lot of junk but often miss the ones that become sentimental.

That box of chocolate -- I opened it and found, to my delight it was all dark chocolate, all hand-picked. My favs. Well, that must have been inspiration. Later, I found out that he re-gifted those chocolates from a girl who had gifted him. No matter, I enjoyed them, and anyway, I was the one that got them. :)

The relay team

Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA

That valentine -- became best man at our wedding, here we are -- I like to tease my husband that I could have gone for him instead.

Free Online Course -- "From Colonial Settlement to Reagan Revolution"

2013-02-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

Online education is always at your fingertips. There's a new course that begins Feb. 25 at Hillsdale College for all of you history buffs. Or if you missed it in high school because the teacher was terrible, and you didn't take it in college, then you might find this interesting. It's called “American Heritage—From Colonial Settlement to the Reagan Revolution.”

Approximately 40 minutes in length, lectures will be released each Monday according to the schedule below. Once available, each week's materials can be viewed at your convenience.

Introduction: How to Think About American History
Larry P. Arnn
Lecture Available February 25
Colonial Settlement
Mark Kalthoff
Lecture Available March 4
Enlightenment and Natural Rights
Terrence Moore
Lecture Available March 11
The American Founding
Paul RaheLecture Available March 18
Democracy: American Promise and its Dangers
Paul Rahe
Lecture Available March 25
The Crisis of the Union
David RaneyLecture Available April 1
The Gilded Age and the Robber Barons
Burt FolsomLecture Available April 8
Progressivism
Paul MorenoLecture Available April 15
America as a World Power
Tom ConnerLecture Available April 22
The Reagan Revolution
Terrence MooreLecture Available April 29

Why are pink and red associated with Valentine's Day?

2013-02-06T13:33:00.001-08:00

I thought the color red was supposed to make you angry. Yet it is a predominate color for Valentine's Day. And Pink.

Red is associated with energy, strength, power, and danger. But it also symbolizes passion, love, and desire. The color increases your heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure. It's got something going on with sex, as well. Of course in the "red-light district" I think there's other things causing an increase in heart rate. They should put the danger sign there.

Red has high visibility -- good for stop signs, signals and fire extinguishers. It's used to denote danger too. Which might not be good if you are taking a test.

Researchers found that if you see the color red before taking an IQ test, you won't do as well. It's often associated with failure or trouble. You've got the "code red," "red flag," and "red herring" thing going on. Or that red light on the police car going off as he pulls you over -- sure to increase your insecurities.

In the animal world, the females are attracted to the red color on males -- it denotes high-status, and they like high-status in their mates.

This carries over to women as well -- studies show that women find men more attractive and sexually desirable when shown photos of men on a red background or dressed in red. But I don't think you guys should dress all in red , come on, that would be weird. Maybe it's that red power tie thing.

Red increases your strength -- researchers found people's grip were stronger and faster with red. Maybe that has something to do with bull fights and red. Or maybe that's the anger thing.

Pink, I get. It's feminine. It's girly.