Utah Senator Luz Escamilla hardly broke stride as she exited her 11th legislative session last month and headed straight into a campaign to be elected mayor of the state’s capital city in 2020. In 2008, the odds were not in favor of a 29-year-old Mexican immigrant from the West Side of Salt Lake City to be elected to the Utah Senate, she said in an interview the day after … [Read more...]
Emerge: Utah Dancers Tell Stories Through Gestures and Movement
"Emerge" Showcases Creativity and Talent of Downtown Salt Lake City's Repertory Dance Theatre The murmuring of the seated audience fades as the lights dim; the anticipation is heightened as the curtains slide open revealing odd rectangular silhouettes that begin to sway to the beat of a tune. At that moment, you know you’ve left your world and entered another; … [Read more...]
Circles of Caring: Program Moves Families from Poverty to Prosperity
“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” — Dalai Lama At 17 years old, Trevor, who was born with cerebral palsy, was diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness. “It's very difficult to describe the effect that kind of event has on your life,” explains … [Read more...]
Papa Noel: Christmas in Peru
To be Papa Noel at Navidad it is necessary to live Papa Noel for the other 11 months of the year...... Christmas Present For the third year I have had the joy of appearing as Papa Noel for school kids and residents of Cajamarca. This year I started the day at an upscale private school where kids pulled out their cell phones to snap a selfie with the fellow in the red … [Read more...]
Medical Marijuana in Utah
This November Utahns have one major issue on the ballot that could dramatically alter our extreme-red, hyper-conservative state: the legalization of medical marijuana. The ballot initiative Proposition Two seeks to allow residents to utilize marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. Currently 66 percent of Utah voters support this initiative. This would also allow for … [Read more...]
The True Problems of Life: an Escaped Billy Goat
We spend so much of our time worrying about events that may or may not happen. I assure you, most of our problems do not compare with that of an escaped billy goat. The street on which I live is a major route for farmers to bring their livestock to the slaughterhouse. In Peru, there is no antiseptic isolation of farm animals and people. You often see sheep in the parks … [Read more...]
How To Manage Your Health in a Sickcare System
While you may be a conscientious consumer of many products and services, you are most likely not a smart consumer of healthcare. According to the British Medical Journal, error is the third leading cause of death in the US, equal to two jumbo jets crashing every day with no survivors. When even one jet crashes, it’s on every news channel. But what would happen if hundreds of … [Read more...]
New World Distillery Brings Crystalline Gin to Ogden Valley
Ashley and Chris Cross have entered a world of botanicals, brews, spirits and a cozy store up in the Wasatch Back near Pine View Reservoir in Eden, Utah. Aptly, they have named their new business New World Distillery. Ashley is a former school teacher and Chris is a former Navy Pilot and trainer. Together, they decided to open a distillery four years ago. It’s been a … [Read more...]
A Chance Encounter With One of Utah’s Quiet Heroes
I met Willy while riding my bike on a rural road in central Utah. A thorn had flattened my tire, and after making a couple calls with unpromising results, I set out walking. Willy was 200 feet from me, so I encountered him soon enough. He was clipping a tree with an extended pruner that resembled long but awkward scissors. “Hey, how’s it going?” I yelled. “Huh?” Willy … [Read more...]
From Ski Bum to Ski Empire: Meet KÜHL founder Kevin Boyle and his amazing team
Walking into KÜHL’s headquarters in Salt Lake City, you can’t help but be immediately struck by the design of the facility. High ceilings and tall windows welcome a bright, natural light into the lobby, which offers a large commercial kitchen and a dining/meeting area. Something smells delicious. Employees aren’t at cubicles, but at tall desks and open work areas. Everyday a … [Read more...]