Plenty to think about this Memorial Day weekend

It's hard to beat a weekend like this: The weather is pleasantly warm but not oppressively hot. Another school year is coming to a close. There are plenty of fun things to do with family and friends. And most of us get an extra day off from work.

What's to worry about on this holiday weekend? Well ...

— You could be worried about having a loved one putting his or her life on the line in Iraq or Afghanistan. Which is a good reminder to pause and consider what Memorial Day is all about: Honoring the men and women who have given their lives in the service of this country.

One way to do that is to attend one of the many Memorial Day events planned for the weekend, from a "Freedom Isn't Free"cross display and program at Modesto Christian School to Sunday to special ceremonies at most area cemeteries on Monday.

— You could be worried about your teenager heading off to the lake or river with friends. Which is a reminder to be extra careful around the water this weekend. The water is extremely cold, and the river flows are extremely fast -- a deadly combination.

— You could be worried that your barbecue, campfire, lawn equipment or off-road vehicle could spark a fire. Which is a good reminder that after this season's below-normal rainfall and snowpack, the grasslands, foothills and forests already are dangerously dry.

— You could be worried about a buddy -- or yourself -- having a few too many tall, cold ones during all the festivities. Which is a reminder that if you drink, don't drive. And when you're on the road, watch out for those who do.

We shed a tear when California State University, Stanislaus, cancelled the concert and fireworks show that had drawn thousands to the campus every Fourth of July for more than a decade.

Now we're all red-white-and-blue smiles again, with news that the Turlock Chamber of Commerce "saved" the fabulous Fourth.

Local businesses have committed to covering most of the estimated $35,000 cost, and the Stanislaus County Fair board voted to donate the fairground for the event.

What's the most wondrous, inspiring, thought-provoking and all-around greatest place on the planet? That's a good question -- and a London-based group is determined to find the answer.

The chaps at Web-based StoodThere spent several months gathering information to create a list of 100 finalists for the title, "Greatest Place to Stand on Planet Earth 2009."

While Modesto's famous arch didn't make the cut, some natural and man-made wonders not far from us did. Among the world's top 100 are El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Just like "American Idol," the winner will be determined by voting. To see all the nominees and cast your ballot, go to www.stoodthere.com.