My dad has been deceased for a decade. He is still my favorite example of standing firm for principles. Back in 2015, when we knew Dad was dying, we asked him if he was afraid of anything. He nodded. “Donald Trump,” he said. His foresight was keen. This is one of our family’s stories–a story of how we were deceived, and what we did when we realized the truth. The story starts when Dad was the chairman of the board... Read more
This is an excerpt from the book I co-wrote with Darius Gray, called Last Mile of the Way. Several people wanted to know this history of events in the 1970s regarding the LDS church and its popular activity: Cultural Hall Basketball. “Aidan” is Darius’s middle name, and the name his family used. (more…) Read more
Home teaching was a Mormon expectation. Once a month, a member of the Melchizedek priesthood quorum would visit designated neighbors, usually with a younger companion. It was a way to become aware of the neighbors’ needs. Home teaching meant meals prepared for the sick, walks shoveled for the elderly, casseroles delivered to new parents. It was a noble program. It was also a way to disseminate gossip, scandal, and fear. I recall only one home teaching visit. How interesting! I... Read more
My husband and I saw “Truth and Treason” for the third time last week. I paid special attention to the subtle acting of Rupert Evans, who plays Erwin Müssener–a devoted family man who can charm his little daughter on the same day he has beaten someone to death. The acting is masterful, as is Matt Whitaker’s script. In fact, I recommend an independent studies course in screenwriting for any of my readers. You may begin now. The text is the one... Read more
Part 2 of “Truth and Treason” The real Karl-Heinz Schnibbe, not an actor, checked my temple recommend in the Salt Lake temple thirty years ago. I had played Emma Huebener, the mother of Helmuth Huebener back in 1976 at a little theater–the Arena–on BYU campus. Written by Tom Rogers and directed by Ivan Crosland, “Huebener” became a BYU “moment.” Karl-Heinz, a co-conspirator along with Ruddi Wobbe, in Helmuth Huebner’s anti-Nazi resistance, attended every single performance. Before the cast took our bows,... Read more
Part I I don’t know how many parts this series will have. I had so many thoughts last night as my huband and I watched the Truth or Treason , the new film about Helmuth Huebener, the youngest resistance fighter executed in Nazi Germany. I have known this story since 1975, when I portrayed Helmuth’s mother in Tom Rogers’ play “Huebener” at BYU. This first part of my series will be simply my gut reaction–and my gut reacted throughout the... Read more
The Film Industry in the Congo This interview features Christian Deka and Margaret Blair Young The questions are from Christian Deka, a film student at the National Arts Institute in Kinshasa, DRC. Questions in English: 1. What was your main objective with the film Heart of Africa? The objective was to kick-start the cinema industry in the DRC. We had dear friends there and were aware of the intense poverty. We thought that film could uplift any audience and... Read more
We know it as “The Mormon Tabernacle Choir,” and have listened to its Sunday broadcasts forever–or so it seems. The choir is now called “The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.” The president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell Nelson, has urged members to stop using the nickname “Mormon,” so the choir has been re-branded. On August 22, 1847–just a month after the first company of pioneers set foot in Utah–the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was formed. In... Read more
The first question people have presented after hearing about the failed coup attempt by Christian Malanga and his son, along with his son’s friend, is “WHY?” Why would a father risk not only his own life but that of his son? The answer is perhaps too simple: Hubris. Somehow, Christian Malanga thought that this attempted coup would succeed. He had brought God into the equation, and was certain that God would open the way for Malanga to become the next... Read more
I have no authority to do anything I’ll list below. I hope that some people who do have authority will discuss any of these ideas which look feasible. My biggest concern for African missionaries is that presently they finish their missions and often can’t find work. If they learned certain skills during their missionary service, they would be better prepared for the future. Missionaries – Goal: Train all for post-mission service. The LDS Church has a lot of money and... Read more
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