The Battle for England: LDS writer's journey traces his struggle between church and cultural criticism

LDS writer Eugene England will be named today Utah Valley State College's first Writer in Residence in a move that recognizes his influence on Mormon culture and efforts to promote the teachings of the LDS Church.

LDS Rocker Tal Bachman Follows Dad's Footsteps

A very favourable full-page article in the Post's weekend glossy insert about Talmage "Tal" Bachman, LDS son of LDS rock singer Randy Bachman. The article tells how Randy Bachman, founding member of The Guess Who and later of Bachman Turner Overdrive, joined the Church in Winnipeg. Tal is a return missionary (Argentina) and has a young and growing family and is active LDS.

McKay Diaries Are Missionary Legacy

The missionary diaries of LDS Church President David O. McKay have been published by Freethinker Press, providing for the first time a look at an LDS President during his missionary service. The Deseret New's Dennis Lythgoe reviewed the book, "What E're Thou Art Act Well Thy Part: The Missionary Diaries of David O. McKay," the detailed diary of the years 1897 to 1899 when the 24-year-old future LDS Church President served a mission to Scotland.

Mormon Woman's Play Looks At Growing Up in Southern Utah

Julie Jensen, author and playwright, will premiere her new play, "Two-Headed: A Play of History", on February 2 - March 12 at the Salt Lake Acting Company's Chapel Theatre. The two-person drama touches on 50 years of historical Utah incidents beginning in 1857. Ten-year-old Hettie and Lavinia offer a glimpse of the Mountain Meadows massacre and how their lives were affected by polygamy in the LDS church.

Christ-centered art in Wilk helps show the spirit of BYU

Artwork now on display in part of BYU's Wilkinson Student Center helps set a Christ-centered tone for those who pass through.

Orchestra at Temple Square Auditions LDS musicians that live along the Wasatch Front are invited to apply for the new Orchestra at Temple Square. Those interested must complete an application form and submit a high-quality audition tape of two contrasting works by Monday, February 28th. Music and dance auditions set Deseret News 30Jan00 A1

LDS Performers say their music reflects Utah atmosphere LDS performers Peter Breinholt, the Goodman Family and the Dutton Family all say that their music has been influenced by the Utah 'atmosphere' in addition to the LDS Church. Performers say their music reflects Utah atmosphere (BYU) NewsNet 24Jan00 A2 By Jennifer Groskreutz: NewsNet Staff Writer

BYU Comedy Group refines its skills The nine-member BYU comedy troupe Divine Comedy kicked off a new season with a show January 28th. The group continues to refine its skills and offers a 'best of' show at the end of the season. Group members write their own material for the show. Divine Comedy refines its skills (BYU) NewsNet 26Jan00 A4 By Elizabeth Arrowsmith: NewsNet Staff Writer

Garrens comedy troup performs for Spanish Fork teenagers The Garrens Comedy Troup, a group of BYU students and "Saturday Night Live" hopefuls performed their first show of the year at the New Haven School located in Spanish Fork. New Haven is a residential treatment facility for teenage girls. Students take Garrens' comedy to youth treatment school (BYU) NewsNet 26Jan00 A4 By Nate Mathis: NewsNet Staff Writer

Offbeat Mormon artist reviewed in England Mathew Barney, an acclaimed artist with Mormon roots, has produced the fourth in his Cremaster series of films. Cremaster2 (yes 2 is the fourth film), is a puzzling, avant-garde film that looks at the lives of Harry Houdini and Gary Gilmore, and which includes both Mormon and sexually-charged images. Barney and the beehive Cinema as art Manchester UK Guardian pg15 26Jan00 A4

BYU Professor takes aim at fables about LDS and Mental Health Daniel K. Judd disputes claims that Mormon women have a high incidence of depression, that suicide is a leading cause of death for Utah males aged 15-44, and that the divorce rate among LDS Church members is 40 to 50%. "I was tired of people attacking the church. I worry about people who want to give the church a black name. Frankly, I thought I'd find more problems than I did." New book tries to correct fables BYU professor's research aimed at religion and mental health Provo UT Daily Herald 27Jan00 A4 By Karen Hoag: Daily Herald See also: More about "Religion, Mental Health and the Latter-Day Saints" at Amazon.com

Terry Tempest Williams' Refuge Hits Reading Groups Refuge, Terry Tempest Williams' book on her Mormon heritage and the environment is proving a popular book in reading groups, like the one mentioned in this discussion group in Seattle. Library discussion group will read five books (Refuge) Spokane WA Spokesman-Review 30Jan00 A4 Guest scholars will give presentations on each selection See also: More about "Refuge" at Amazon.com

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