Redemption - film about the story of John Baptiste

So a while back when I was studying Fremont Island, I came across this story about a grave robber who was sent to Fremont Island as a prison.  Here's another version of the story with more details (and sources). And this version which is the most detailed I've found so far, which includes alot of background on Baptiste.

When I spent the night on Fremont Island, I thought about this man.  I don't have the full story, but based on the only information available which may be more fiction that fact, it seems the punishment was far more harsh than the crime.

Don't get me wrong.  I love Fremont Island.  At first the environment seemed so harsh, and so unnatural to this world.  I mean the fact that I didn't see a single tree on the island and that it was literally covered in huge orb-weaver spiders gave me the willies.  However, if I had enough money to buy the island from the owners, I'd do it in a heartbeat.  There is a fantastic mystery and romance about the island that interests me greatly.

Today I just found out that an LDS filmmaker has actually put this story to film and it is going to be shown at a film festival this week!  I just bought four tickets to see it this Saturday evening.  I am so excited!  Having swam to Fremont Island and spending the night there for one night, I feel an indescribable bond that makes me fanatical about the island.

GSL Tech Team Meeting

This morning I met at the Utah State Building on North Temple for a GSL Tech team meeting.  Here's my notes:

Overheard conversation about the results of the red dye study. Researcher was explaining that it was observed that the affects of the selenium contaminated water was concentrated near and about one mile away from shore there was enough vertical turbulence that it was disseminating and not an issue.  But that the red dye was mostly staying right around the shoreline.

This is interesting given that swimming along the shoreline rather than heading perpendicular, may result in greater risk of swimming in contaminated water.

Laura Ault led the discussion.

Intros....

*  Laura Vernon - update of GSL Comprehensive Management plan draft given to attorneys to review and some modifications.  Draft available very soon, after which a 45 day comment period.  Will email out notification ice it's available online. Near the end of that 45 day period about 5 meetings will be scheduled for folks to come in person to talk about.

*  Wally Gwynn - dikes and causeways on the GSL
Uses: transportation or restricting water flow.  There are 9 dikes or causeways in the GSL.  90 miles worth.

In 1969 the north antelope causeway was built.  Flooded on 1984-1989.

Willard bay dike is 15.6 miles long and is there to create freshwater recreation area.  The dike there is about 4220  so it's high enough to reduce risk of overflowing should the lake rise.

US magnesium started in 1972.
Behrens trench 21 mile underwater trench transports the concentrated brine through gravity.  Takes about seven to ten days to get from the west to the east side by the Promontory mountains.  It was designed that way so it wouldn't mix much.  Its an engineering marvel.

The first 11 miles is the greatest elevation drop.  Loses about 20% through mixing.  It dissolves just a little with the water.

The pumps on the west at the south end of the Hogup mountains takes water from the north arm.  GSLM has permits to use the land right around the pumps and in the contract has agreed to provide the lake water to reach  the pumps should it get high enough to run the pumps again.

Morrison Knudsen won contract in 1954 to build the causeway for the railroad at 53 million dollars.

Salinity between south and north between 18 - 28% on the north and 7 - 22% on south.

In 80s Utah breached the causeway to reduce lake levels and it cost $3.5 million.  It really caused the south and north water levels to level out. 


BREAK


I left at this point as I was already beyond the point where I needed to be to work, but Wally's historical slide show and discussion was VERY interesting!

Primary Program and Stryder arrives

This last weekend we went to the cabin and I challenged the kids to get in the stream going into Logan river.  The water was 43° F and they all did it!  I was very surprised.  We had a very fun weekend together playing games and enjoying the fall weather.

We went home late Saturday evening so Cathi and the kids could participate in the primary program.

We also got a pleasant surprise that Steve and Meg's new baby boy arrived.  His name is Stryder.  Here's some video (Hit the Expand icon (The four arrow at the bottom right of the video) to blow up the video good enough for you to see.  I didn't zoom in on the video)

My thoughts on Charitable donations

So some guy facebooked about this news story saying that charitable donations shouldn't be tax deductions.  At first I was a little defensive.  You know I count on getting a little bit back every February and I appreciate it.  But what if the government kept that money and didn't allow me to count it as a tax deduction?  Two thoughts:

1. That would probably really help get our nation out of debt.  Imagine all the charitable tax deductions that if the government were able to keep how much more revenue that would be, and hopefully that could be used to reduce the deficit. 
2. Why do you give to charity?  I would imagine that most people don't give to charity BECAUSE it's a tax deduction, but because they feel supportive of the organization they're donating to.  The tax deduction is a little perk, but if that perk were taken away, would it remove the incentive to donate?  Maybe for those who are on the fence about it.  But those who feel strongly about their charity of choice would still donate.  

In my case, I pay 10% to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Some argue that it isn't a charity and that its a flat rate percentage and mandatory.  Mandatory?  Define mandatory.  Would I lose my membership in the church, No.  Would I be branded on my forehead that I'm a non-tithe member? No.  Would I have a temple recommend.  No, but if I wasn't paying tithing, I wouldn't expect to either.  It takes faith to believe in what the temple represents, just as it take faith to pay tithing.  So it's absurd to feel robbed of temple blessings by not having a recommend because I wasn't paying tithing.  Everyone who pays tithing does so out of choice.  The church doesn't have the right to automatically take money out of my account.  So the argument that it's mandatory is ridiculous.  

If the government decided to remove tax deductions on charitable donations, I wouldn't freak out.  I'm not sure if members of the church in other countries with different tax laws are given the same incentive to pay their tithing, and they still pay it.  It takes faith to pay tithing, and not getting that perk of a hefty tax refund every February would make the faith to continue to pay more significant and I believe the blessings would be also more powerful.   

What are your thoughts?

Family Home Evening at Black Island Farms

We got a good deal at Fizook.com for Black Island Farm entrance.  We got there at 5:15 and went immediately to the pumpkin patch because the line was only about 20 feet long and typically is much longer than that.  Each kid got to go out in the field and pick their own pumpkin.  There was some pretty impressive ones out there.  Jacob picked his out while on the way, and ended up running back about 300 yards to get his.

After that we went in and did the corn maze and all the slides.  Lots of fun all evening!

Cathi told me "This is one of the highlights of the whole year!"  It was so fun watching all the little ones run as fast as they can from the end of the slide back to where they climb back up.  Full out sprints.
I ended up getting them small lightsabers at the farmers market.  It was hilarious watching Oliver fight with his imaginary Sith opponent.

We were there until 8:30 and it was dark and cold and lots of kids were complaining that they were too cold, even with their winter coats on.  Sams hands were like ice.  They all had a ball and burned a fun family moment into their memories.

Here's some pics and vid:

Jacob Gridley, the most qualified marathon swimming support crew person I know

Jacob is 13 years old, but he's not your typical young teenager.  Just like many teenage boys, he enjoys learning and mastering extreme sports: snowboarding, unicycling, pogo sticking, etc...  But what makes him stand out is that he has exceptional endurance.  He has run six half marathons and is aspiring to run a full marathon very soon.

Jacob finishes the 2011 Pocatello Half Marathon

 A recent example of his extreme endurance:  Three days ago he ran the Pocatello Half Marathon, then two days later paddled solo in a kayak, nearly 20 miles in grueling conditions, the length of Bear Lake. Jacob is one of the most experienced kids his age, in long distance lake kayaking. Here are some examples:

• Paddled nearly 9 miles in the 2011 Antelope Island to Black Rock race for marathon swimmer, Greg O'Connor, director of the Boston Light Race.
• Paddled 21 miles in the Great Salt Lake for my English Qualifier.
• Paddled 19 miles - the length of Bear Lake
• Paddled over 12 miles to Fremont Island and back.
• Paddled 10 miles in the Deer Creek Open Water Marathon.
• Paddled over 8 miles in my record setting Antelope Island to Black Rock marathon swim
• Paddled 6 miles in the 2010 Slam the Dam Grand Slam
• Navigated over 7 miles in my 2010 Bear Lake width crossing
• Many training swims where he was my support for swims ranging from 4-10 miles

All this starting when he was 10 years old!

With all this experience that he's gained, he is probably one of the most qualified people I could have with me on the boat as I swim the English Channel next year. He's demonstrated that he's got the physical and mental endurance.  He's already got a significant resume built up as a valuable support crew member for marathon swimmers.  I'm honored to have him on my team!

Don't you worry, there's someone out there for you too!

Don't you just hate those people who seem to have it all?   Trust me I don't have it all.  I have a yard full of weeds, the carpet in the house all needs to be replaced, and I'm about 20 pounds heavier than what I'd like to be at STILL!  But I must say, I DO have the woman of my dreams!  I feel bad for people who are still finding the love of their lives and I don't mean to come across like I'm snide, but "I'm sure there's a babe out there for you too."