Lex Scott, the founder of Black Lives Matter Utah, is sick of protesting. She would prefer that we didn’t need a Black Lives Matter movement at all but she isn’t going to quit until she sees real change. “We shouldn’t even have to have a Black Lives Matter movement in the first place, the only way we can get it to end is to pass real police reform in the nation,” said … [Read more...]
Salt Lake’s Eclectic Past: Salt Lake’s Extensive History of Quarantining Its Residents
When Rachel Quist began researching and writing about Salt Lake City’s history in 2010 as a way to get to know her city, she found that most Salt Lake City historic makers told a particular version of Utah history, often from the point of view of Mormon pioneers or mining tycoons. “There must be much more interesting history that I don’t know about that does … [Read more...]
Is this city project going to obliterate Sugar House businesses?
When Sugar House area business owners were informed that Highland Drive would close north of 2100 South this fall for a long-awaited curb and gutter project, the community uttered a collective “not now.” “If the whole street was closed, it would be worse than COVID,” said Pam Tedersen, owner of the Central Book Exchange. The project has been on Salt Lake City’s to-do list … [Read more...]
Confessions of an Audiobook Narrator
When Josh Berndt retreats into his home studio he asks his family to avoid walking on the hardwood floors above him. “When you’re recording you realize how every little thing can make a sound,” says Berndt. Berndt ventured into audiobook narration and voiceover work on a friend’s suggestion. He missed being behind the microphone after leaving the world of broadcasting. … [Read more...]
The Utah Avalanche Center Backcountry Benefit Pivots to Online Event and is a Raging Success
For many snow sports enthusiasts, the Annual Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) Fundraiser marks the end of summer. It’s a great place to throw back a couple of local beers with friends and kick off the upcoming ski season. The event has become a reunion of sorts for the outdoor community and the crowd looks like a sea of puffy jackets and snow stoke is high. There’s live music, … [Read more...]
Virus Virtuosity: Utah Businesses Thriving During COVID
The coronavirus has been devastating for small businesses. But during this upheaval, some local Utah businesses are not only surviving, but thriving, thanks to changes in consumer behavior. Businesses suited to our new stay-at-home lifestyles, such as those in the outdoor recreation, crafting and home improvement realms, have been overwhelmed with demand. Eric Flynn, owner … [Read more...]
Bob Dustman – Over 1,000 Times on Top of Mt. Wire
Although I had never met him in person, Bob Dustman became a friend of mine. I valued him for his fortitude, determination and love of the outdoors - qualities one can discern from a small plaque at the top of Mt. Wire which reads Bob Dustman (1925 to 2018) - Over 1,000 Times On Top. His wife would say it was over 1,500 times. Lately, I’ve taken to buying old guidebooks, … [Read more...]
Neat Utah Places to Explore – If You Can Get In
Neat Places to Explore - If You Can Get In As if Utah doesn’t have an endless supply of natural landscapes and historic sites to discover, the state is also packed with mysterious underground wonders just begging to be explored ― if you can only get into them. Driving up Little Cottonwood Canyon, I often forget there is an entire world tunneled into the granite. … [Read more...]
Off The Beaten Path offers Utah African American Point of View
In the opening scene of the pilot episode of Off The Beaten Path, images of powder skiing, Delicate Arch, and the Bonneville Salt Flats flash across the screen while a voice-over says, “When most people think of Utah they think of this.” The camera then pans to two African American men standing in the foothills who point at each other, shrug and say “They definitely don’t think … [Read more...]
How One Utah Gym is Handling Reopening During the COVID-19 Crisis
Masks, temperature checks, and strict sanitizing procedures are the new normal as gyms and fitness facilities reopen across Utah after the coronavirus shutdown. Rob Dunfield, owner of Holladay Health & Fitness, says about his reopening, “It has been great. Eighty percent have come back and want to get right back into it.” When Dunfield was forced to close the doors of … [Read more...]