Does human trafficking occur in Utah? According to Mary Ellis, Human Trafficking Intelligence Analyst for the Utah Department of Public Safety, it is a growing problem. “The exact numbers are hard to come by,” she explains, “but it is a growing issue. Think about it this way. Globally, 20 million people are trafficked in labor or sex, with several million in the United States. … [Read more...]
Archives for November 2017
Young Living Oils Doing a Great Job of Suppressing Facts
Young Living Oils has found an excellent partner in their attempts to suppress facts about their owner and founder Gary D. Young, that partner is YouTube. Despite attempts by Sultan Yusuf who made a simple video explaining how Gary D. Young had completely lied about their interaction and visit in a Somalian story, Young’s team of attorneys threatened YouTube with a … [Read more...]
Utah’s Salsa Queen
Most people don’t wear a crown to work, but Maharba Zapata is not most people. Though she is approaching the two-year anniversary of her wildly successful company, Salsa Queen, she hasn’t lost any enthusiasm for her brand, and frequently travels to local stores in her Salsa Queen-wrapped truck. Sporting not only her crown but also a matching apron, she offers samples of her … [Read more...]
Second Annual Goth Prom at Area 51
On November 18, Club Area 51 plays host to the dark and mysterious glamour of the 2nd annual Goth Prom. This party is organized by DJ Mikhell and DJ Courtney, both of whom regularly spin at Club Area 51, but above all are longtime friends and collaborators. "I’ve been going to clubs—Sanctuary, Area 51— for the last 16 years” says Mikhell. “… I’ve always been into the music … [Read more...]
Adobe Brick is Where Salt Lake Met the Mud
Salt Lake Valley is home to a punctuated and heterogeneous clash of architecture. Its booming expansion rendered a diversified display of structural and cultural evolution. I was born and raised in Utah since 88’—and in this short time, I have seen the rise and urbanization of Riverton, the Jordans, Bluffdale, Sandy, Draper, pushing westward into Daybreak, and overtaking … [Read more...]
Turning the Page on “Big Book”
In the early naughts, myriad wealth reports predicted the eventual extinction of the independent bookshop—Amazon, by this time, had become an ever-present goliath; Barnes & Nobles had hundred of stores, and more were popping up everywhere, seemingly every week. On the surface, the dire prediction made sense; the way things go in our world, it was inevitable. And it stirred … [Read more...]
LDS Church Has No Plans to Weigh In On Charitable Deductions Tax Reform
Dallin Oaks, an apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, testified in a Senate committee in 2011, saying that any change to the United States tax code should not lessen or eliminate the deduction for charitable giving. "We are grateful for charitable deductions, which encourage donations to churches and other charities," Oaks said. "The effect of this tax … [Read more...]
Ma and Paws Bakery
More and more nutritionists are pushing the importance of eating natural, raw foods and avoiding processed products. Megan Kilpatrick, owner of Ma and Paws Bakery in Salt Lake, says the same principles apply to your pets. Her store features “Quality natural, holistic, organic and raw foods, supplements, and fresh bakery treats” along with other supplies for your dogs and cats. … [Read more...]
The Red Balloon Toy Store
When Yamil Castillo bought The Red Balloon Toy Store 28 years ago, he had no experience in toys or running a business. But something about the toy store with a “store closing” sign on the front drew him in. He said, “It was scary because I was going to school full time, working full time, and starting a family.” He was also working on improving his English and said, “I felt … [Read more...]
Ra-Elco Electronics—A Salt Lake Fixture Since 1972
Last year, Walmart topped the Fortune 500 list of the world’s biggest companies with $482 billion in annual revenue. Amazon grew 27.1%, with nearly $136 billion in revenue. As big box stores and online sales become the norm for consumers seeking convenience and lower prices, it can be difficult for local businesses to stay afloat. Some of our neighbors, however, have found ways … [Read more...]