Body Mind
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Free Will Astrology
Love your publication, but would you consider having meaningful astrology updates in your publications—or at minimum would you accept input and additions to the astrology notes?
As it is, the paragraphs written for each zodiac sign are just fluff and info on a variety of obscure topics. And at the end of each paragraph, the writer tries to make the yada-yada tie in somehow, in order to offer some kind of lame advice. Other than the astrology section, City Weekly is awesome.
SUZETTE MONTGOMERY
Salt Lake City
“Fixing A Hole,” March 13 Private Eye
Trying to reduce government bloat—when servicing just our debt costs more than is spent on our bloated military—equals the demise of “American Exceptionalism?” Lol, what is this poorly written statement even trying to say?
MRUIZJR3
Via Instagram
Maybe if [SLC Mayor] Mendenhall got our roads straightened out, the takeover wouldn’t have happened?
PHILLYTOSLC Via Instagram
This is an awesome article! Kind of made me nervous just reading it and reminiscing!
TERRI LEDDING Via Facebook
“ ... City Council confirms new police chief ... ,” March 6 Online Rubber stamping the State’s pick.
BJ NICHOLLS Via Facebook
Maybe he can stop victims of crime being arrested and actually go after the perpetrators now. Good luck with that.
ANGIE SUMSION Via Facebook
Unanimous? That sounds like the fix is in. Was he selected to continue the police coverups in Utah?
J DERRICK UNGER VIA FACEBOOK
Will he enforce God’s law or man’s law?
JEFF STAKER Via Facebook
“Station Rotation,” March 6 Small Lake
City
I love local radio, I like the unpredictability of it, as opposed to feeding yourself the same old playlists.
KATE JOHNSON Via Facebook
I mean. I can’t stand local radio. It’s all plumbing or erectile dysfunction ads. If I hear that curry pizza ad one more time I am
going to flip. And every morning radio show can f--- off. Yes, even that one.
ROBERT CHESLEY Via Facebook
Many KRCL programs are awesome, but IMHO the weekday programming has become far too safe and milquetoast. KUAA is what KRCL used to be.
GUY WHEELWRIGHT Via Facebook
Utah Music Radio is the only locally operated station in Utah that only plays Utah musicians. And we don’t even run ads.
MATEO COLETTI Via Facebook
Care to sound off on a feature in our pages or about a local concern? Write to comments@cityweekly.net or post your thoughts on our social media. We want to hear from you!
THE WATER COOLER
Do you currently do anything to help your mental wellbeing
Carolyn Campbell
I read mystery novels, take my dogs for walks and enjoy chocolate chip cookies.
Katharine Biele
I just bought a megaphone—need I say more?
Wes Long
I read and care for our animals. I pray and serve others wherever I can. I try to spend time around growing, natural environments and pick up trash whenever necessary. I try to laugh and forgive.
Christa Zaro
Yoga! I’ve done almost 1,000 classes in a 10-year span
Scott Renshaw
I’ve had an annual membership to Living Planet Aquarium for nearly a year now. Getting my steps in while watching penguins and otters frolic can be a nice break from thinking about [gestures to the entire world].
Krista Maggard
Lately, I am trying to be more mindful, to slow down and to not rush through every aspect of my day. Yoga is also really helpful to regulate and calm my nervous system!
BY RON YENGICH
OPINION Strangers on the Road
By the time I hit the pavement, I was already assessing the damage to my almost 75-year-old body. The pain in my hands was anticipated. But the screaming from my groin, for some reason, immediately brought to my mind the lyrics from “Amarillo By Morning”—They took my saddle in Houston, broke my leg in Santa Fe. I saw a lady in white, who knelt next to me and calmly began to speak.
I had stopped at a red light, in the middle southbound lane on State Street at North Temple, when a driver pulled up alongside me. His car was covered in advertisements detailing a company’s ability to clean any mess.
I had been looking for just such a cleaning crew to help with the basement in Casa Yengich, a large, dusty house built in 1904 on Capitol Hill, which mysteriously creates plenty of its own dust and also seems to attract all of that mess created by the Utah Legislature when they are in session. I requested a business card.
In a vain attempt to reach for the card though my window, I decided to open the door and make it easier. Bad Move! When I leaned out, I took my foot off the brake, and the metaphorical rodeo gate opened.
I was bucked straight out the door onto my hands, head and shoulders, without coming even close to “lookin’ for eight when they pull that gate and I hope that Judge ain’t blind,” as George Strait famously sang.
I immediately hurt like the proverbial sumbitch. The Angel Lady asked me, “sir, are you OK? Can you move?”
A gentleman asked, “do you think you can get up?” I was
lying in the middle of the road, blocking traffic, so it seemed a fair question.
Another man was running after my GMC beast and behind him was a small pickup truck, which seemed to be gaining on both. Between the two of them they chased the runaway—and the small truck even bumped it—before the “rodeo pickup man” jumped inside and wrangled it to a parking spot corral on the side of the road.
I was stunned and gratified at the roadside miracle and asked for help to get me back on my feet. My angels helped me upright and walked me to the sidewalk to assess this old fool for injuries more serious than latent stupidity. The Angel Lady, who I took for a medical professional, wanted me to sit on the curb.
By that time, a small crowd of Good Samaritans had gathered around. My car was hitched up—legally—near the LDS Church Office Building and the cleaning crew had even returned with a business card.
My body was carefully triaged to make sure I could get into the saddle and stay there. Many heartfelt thanks were exchanged.
As I sat quietly, I thought of the Good Samaritan and wondered how often that old parable of Jesus is lived out every day in a world consumed by political vitriol and middle-finger pointing. So many people had stopped to make sure that this old, unknown knucklehead was safe to move on down life’s highway. They were concerned enough to pour the wine and oil of kindness on my cuts and bruises and bandage them with their brotherly and sisterly love.
At no time did anyone ask me what I believed in, how I identified, or what political party I belong to. They didn’t ask whether I was red or blue or had a green card. No one was stopped from helping because of the color of my skin (a kind of dusty grayish-mauve).
Neither did anyone ask if I thought America needed to be great again. No one cared about the size of my wallet or
who I donated the contents to. No one ridiculed the size or shape of my IQ, although they easily could have.
These good people, from various backgrounds, just pumped the brakes of their hurried lives and helped an old fool laying in the middle of the road.
No one judged me—although one young man did point out that “it’s lucky your front wheels were straight or the truck would’ve run right over you, sir.”
All I could do was offer a shotgun prayer of thanks to them and to the God of Old Clumsy Codgers. I fired up the Beast and moved into traffic. I started singing “Amarillo by morning, up from San Antone … they took my saddle in Houston, broke my leg in Santa Fe …”
The day of my inner-city rodeo blessing was March 4, 2025, Fat Tuesday. The next day was Ash Wednesday and I was at the Cathedral of the Madeleine for the beginning of Lent, where I serve as an usher. My suit and tie covered up the evidence of my Fat Tuesday fall.
The single clue was my limping like Chester Goode from Gunsmoke as people moved from the pews to receive the Ash Cross reminder of all of our ultimate destiny.
When I turned toward the next-to-last pew, I felt like God was winking at me—because there was the Angel Lady from the day prior. We both smiled and I said “thanks” again.
She nodded and took her place in line. As I followed, it struck me that, after the Ash Wednesday reminder, we will all be judged on how we help others in need and hope to hear not only, “Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return,” but, eventually as well, “Enter good and faithful servant, welcome.”
A kind group of people will certainly hear the latter phrase, but this beat up Faux Cowboy still has some work to do. CW
Private Eye is off this week. Send feedback to comments@cityweekly.net
HITS & MISSES
BY KATHARINE BIELE | @kathybiele
MISS: Male Fragility
White people are so frightened. More accurately—white men are frightened. They have a deeply-held belief that women and minorities are pushing them out of power and out of jobs they deserve because they are so much better qualified and smart. There simply is no other explanation for the nationwide movement to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion from daily life and vocabularies. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson was apoplectic when she heard that the White House was removing women from the Arlington graves list. BTW, that includes the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Oh, that’s not all. Pages for African American history and Hispanic American history were removed, too. As the woke hunt goes on, the University of Utah’s business school is under investigation for a program supporting underrepresented students. And just to top it off, the Legislature killed the state’s Women in the Economy Commission this year. It’s not just insulting, it’s fundamentally stupid, too. But that can’t be if all those white men are in office because of their big brains.
MISS: Bulletproof
Back to those big brains. Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill was compelled to give a pass in a police shooting that injured a suspect, even though the shooting was clearly unjustified. Why, you ask? In 2023, the Legislature decided they didn’t want to punish officers for acting recklessly or accidentally shooting someone, so they exempted them from punishments that would apply to anyone else. We’re talking about felony discharge of a weapon. In this case, the Highway Patrol tried to stop a fleeing truck when the suspect fled into some tall grass. At that point, the patrolman pulled his gun and shot blindly into the grass. No matter what the cause of the shooting, the public should be confident that officers are trained and skillful when playing with deadly force.
HIT: Campus Cliques
Despite the Legislature’s disdain of those uppity women, the new state auditor had her day. At least for the foreseeable future, Auditor Tina Cannon will retain an office in the Capitol despite an attempt to move her out. It was not a pretty sight. Cannon, in fighting for the office, brought Senate President J. Stuart Adams into the public fray, saying he had yelled and threatened her budget. Adams, as legislators will, felt it was all untoward and inappropriate. In other words, she should have shut up and let it happen. Meanwhile, Cannon has set up a transparency hub where the public may come in, get help and search for any government financial information. This comes after lawmakers eliminated the government records commission. Now, Utahns may find it easier to see how taxpayer dollars for the Utah Fits All
are
Facing Change
In December, the Salt Lake City Council voted to rezone the Fleet Block, a 10-acre, city-owned property between 300 and 400 West and between 800 and 900 South. This is the same block where wall panels have been painted to depict the faces of victims of police brutality.
It started in May of 2020 with the faces of George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis police, and Bernardo Palacios-Carbajal, who was fatally shot by Salt Lake City police.
It has grown to include several more local victims, including Cody Belgard and Bryan Pena Valencia.
Families and friends often leave flowers beneath each mural, using it as a memorial. And the importance of this site was evident at a vigil held there last month by the Utah Chapter of Black Lives Matter, in anticipation of the murals’ demolition this week.
The vigil included family members of the victims, who have asked the city to create a permanent memorial to honor their loved ones and to draw attention to the ongoing problem of police brutality. The vigil also included the west side Brown Berets of Salt Lake Valley, who spearheaded the “Justice For Bernardo” movement to end police brutality in SLC during the George Floyd-inspired protests of 2020.
According to Campaign Zero—a research-based platform on public safety beyond policing—Black people in 2020 were killed more disproportionately by the police in Utah than in any other state, and 2024 was the deadliest year for police violence nationwide.
Qiru Cantua, a Beret member, said the Fleet Block site is a place to honor the victims of police brutality and a reminder to Utah’s police departments, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill and Mayor Erin Mendenhall that the people created and occupied this space during a historical time.
“These murals also served as a continuous reminder that, until we abolish the police and the prison-industrial complex and replace them with alternatives to punishment and imprisonment, we will always see our people tortured and killed by the police,” Cantua said.
The Brown Berets have called for a reduction of police budgets. And Cantua said that reallocating police funding toward community resources, like mental health services and other alternatives to incarceration, is part of reimaging what “safety” looks like for all members of the community.
“The people will never be safe from an institution that draws its authority from violence,” she added.
spent.
The highly visible location of the Police Brutality murals drew attention to an ongoing problem, sparked conversations and added to the search for solutions. The city has committed to creating a permanent memorial as part of its redevelopment of the Fleet Block, which will also include some of the only green space in the Granary District. Plans for that memorial have not yet been disclosed and, hopefully, it will be just as bold as what it seeks to replace. CW
Under the Gun
Dan Froot & Company’s Arms
Around America shares a crosssection of stories about guns in the United States.
BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw
Dan Froot understands how potential viewers of Arms Around America might think about a theater production that takes a position of curiosity and openness to the issue of guns in America—because it’s the way he himself used to think about it.
“I entered this pretty solidly on the side of the gun reform camp—even more leftist radical than that, basically wanting to take people’s guns away,” says Froot, the producer and founder of Dan Froot & Company, which is staging Arms Around America. “I have come to recognize that it is so complicated, and that, just like money is not just about money, and sex is not just about sex, guns are not just about guns.”
Presented as a live radio show-style production—complete with Froot himself serving as Foley artist for sound effects—Arms Around America consists of staged readings developed from six oral histories, a process begun in 2018 in the
aftermath of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Froot’s company had already developed a work called Pang in a similar format, basing short plays on oral histories of people around the country living with food insecurity, and Froot saw the format as one with unique emotional potential. “The live radio play format puts the listener in the position of having to imagine the scenario, an empathic position where there’s a gap between what they’re seeing—a bunch of people reading scripts—and what they’re hearing, the live sound effects and the music,” he says. “That to me, that work the audience has to do, the imaginative work, is where empathy really comes in.”
Still, it’s not easy to distill millions of possible stories—some from people whose lives have been impacted by gun violence, some from those for whom guns have been a large part of their lives—into six. For assistance in that curatorial process, Froot worked with partner arts organizations in Los Angeles, Miami, and Helena, Montana. Those organizations reached out to prospective subjects, and from there began a process that, importantly for Froot, centers a “consent-based process” that allowed the subjects to review how their stories would be dramatized.
“We do take artistic license in telling our stories,” Froot says. “Some of these plays are [only] nine minutes, so there’s a certain violence done to a person’s story when
you’re pulling a single thread out of the fabric of someone’s life. It was important that we were abiding by the spirit of the person’s story, if not the actual sequence of events. These were not our stories; they belong to someone else. We’re accountable.”
It was also important to Froot that each live production facilitate the process of talking about the issues. To that end, each performance will include a postshow “kitchen table” discussion involving people from the community representing a range of perspectives. “They get the last word,” Froot notes, “so we can model a civil dialogue, and so the whole theater becomes the kitchen table.”
That is, of course, an easier-said-thandone notion in a time of intense ideological division, and where the subject of guns is one of many fronts in the national culture war. Froot says the overall response to Arms Around America has been positive thus far, but certainly not universally so.
“We have gotten some really strong feedback from people that we should take a stand against guns, because that’s how they feel,” he says. “I guess we build coalitions based on people who are ready to build those coalitions with us. They may know that they’re ready, or they may not know that they’re ready, or there may be people who are just not ready, and that’s okay. … We start with the people who are ready to have the door opened.”
And Froot had to have that door opened
for himself as well, as someone starting from that “leftist radical” place. But as a dramatist, he understood that he wouldn’t have a chance to fall in love with these characters—a precondition for telling their stories compassionately—if he didn’t begin the process from a place of openness, however difficult that might be.
“I entered into this because, in part because, I could see that the gun ‘debate’ is not getting us anywhere; it’s just one side trying to get over on the other side, winning the argument,” Froot says. “And it’s clear that in terms of gun violence, we’re not going to make headway unless we try to find some common ground and listen to one another.
“I can now really feel genuine interest and affection for people I really strongly disagree with around the issue of guns,” he adds. “For me, it has become clear that guns are really full of meaning for people, and that you can’t take that meaning away. You need to understand that meaning, and relate to that meaning, until we can talk about what kind of changes can be made. So I’m much less strident than I was.” CW
ARMS AROUND AMERICA
Center for the Arts at Kayenta
881 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins March 21, 7:30 p.m. March 22, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $10 - $35 kayentaarts.org
theESSENTIALS ENTERTAINMENT PICKS,
MARCH 20-26, 2025
Complete listings online at
Ziegfeld Theater: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
There’s a bittersweet backstory to the origin of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the improbable creation of Ian Fleming, better known for the sexy, violent spy capers of James Bond. In 1961, in the wake of a difficult legal case, Fleming suffered a massive heart attack. While convalescing, he began writing a version of a story he had created for his son, Caspar, as a bedtime story. And while Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was ultimately published in 1964 as an illustrated novel, Fleming didn’t live to see that publication, as he suffered another, fatal heart attack two months before it was released.
But still we have the result, a fanciful adventure about an inventor and retired military man named Caractacus Pott, who sets out to restore a vintage automobile which begins to exhibit magical, almost sentient properties. In the 1968 film version of the story starring Dick Van Dyke, much of the narrative involves a story Caractacus tells his own two children about a villain named Baron Bomburst and his attempts to steal Chitty. It’s that film version that forms the basis for the stage musical, featuring original songs by the legendary songwriting team of Robert and Richard Sherman (Mary Poppins, Disneyland’s “It’s a Small World”).
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs at the Ziegfeld Theater (3934 Washington Blvd., Ogden) through March 29, with performances Friday – Saturday and Monday at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, March 22. Tickets are $24.95$26.95; visit zigarts.com to purchase tickets and for additional event information. (Scott Renshaw)
“The Forbidden Bookshelf” book club
@ The King’s English Bookshop
Craig Thompson’s 2003 autobiographical coming-ofage graphic novel Blankets addresses some admittedly complicated subject matter, including childhood sexual abuse and first adolescent sexual experiences. Not surprisingly, that has also made it a target of censorship efforts around the country, including in Utah, where it was included in a list of books banned in the state’s public schools under HB29, passed by the Utah State Legislature in 2024. And as such, that makes it an ideal subject for The King’s English’s monthly “The Forbidden Bookshelf” book club.
The club was created as a way to celebrate the “wisdom, perspectives and stories hidden within challenged literature.” It’s also a way to discover which books have been banned under Utah law, and to discover why. Participants are invited to order the book from The King’s English, and afterward, to donate it to Brain Food Books, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing free books for the community; visit brainfoodbooks.org to learn more about the group and its mission. It’s a celebration of intellectual freedom that allows you to enjoy some great literary works, and do so with a bit of a rebel streak.
The March “Forbidden Bookshelf” session takes place at The King’s English (1511 S. 1500 East) on Monday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. Participation is free, but reservation is required. If you’re too late to order and participate for this session, watch the store’s online calendar for upcoming dates and featured titles. Visit kingsenglish.com for registration and additional event information. (SR)
NCECA Conference and exhibitions
“For millennia, clay’s steadiness has chronicled the human condition and its diverse expressions in largely unchanging ways,” writes curator Dr. Judith S. Schwartz about the Utah Museum of Contemporary Arts exhibition presented in conjunction with Utah hosting the annual conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, opening Wednesday, March 26. “Seen in this light, ceramics holds a presence for expression in contemporary art that is intimately human, unassuming, and expressive.”
As ceramic artists and educators from around the country gather locally to celebrate this unique art form, multiple local galleries are presenting exhibitions dedicated to that theme. At UMOCA (20 S. West Temple, utahmoca.org), five invited artists and 35 additional artists make up True and Real (Lindsay Pichaske’s 2018-2019 work Souvenir is pictured). The show runs through May 31, with a reception Friday, March 28 at 6 p.m.
Finch Lane Gallery (54 Finch Lane, saltlakearts.org) also presents one of the NCECA featured exhibitions with Rebel Girl: You Are the Queen of My World. Inspired by the song by Bikini Kill, the show invites female-identifying artists to honor their heroes. Fourteen nationally-recognized ceramic artists participated in this platform for empowerment and recognition. The show includes a Gallery Stroll reception on Friday, March 21, and a NCECA reception on Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m.
“A” Gallery (1321 S. 2100 East, agalleryonline.com) joins in the NCECA celebration with its own exhibition, Intersections: Meaning Through Materiality. Ten artists participated in an exhibition focused on incorporating non-ceramic materials into ceramic-oriented creative practices. It runs March 26-29, with a reception Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m. (SR)
COURTESY PHOTO
Alpine Distilling
7132 N. Silver Creek Road, Park City 350 Main, Park City 435-200-9537
AlpineDistilling.com
Beehive Distilling
2245 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake 385-259-0252
BeehiveDistilling.com
Clear Water Distilling Co. 564 W. 700 South, Pleasant Grove 801-997-8667
ClearWaterDistilling.com
Dented Brick Distillery 3100 S. Washington St, South Salt Lake 801-883-9837
DentedBrick.com
Distillery 36 2374 S. Redwood Road, West Valley 801-983-7303
Distillery36.com
Eight Settlers Distillery 7321 S. Canyon Centre Pkwy, Cottonwood Heights 385-900-4315
EightSettlersDistillery.com
High West Distillery 703 Park Ave, Park City 435-649-8300
HighWest.com
The Hive Winery and Spirits Company 1220 W. Jack D Drive, Layton 801-546-1997
TheHiveWinery.com
Holystone Distilling 207 W. 4860 South, Salt Lake City 503-328-4356
HolystoneDistilling.com
Moab Distillery 686 S. Main, Moab 435-259-6333
TheMoabDistillery.com
New World Distillery 4795 2600 North, Eden 385-244-0144
Cocktail Hour
Simplicity Cocktails 3679 W. 1987 South #6, Salt Lake City
801-210-0868
DrinkSimplicity.com
Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery 3697 W 1987 S Building 5, Salt Lake City 855-927-2824
wasatch.co
Sugarhouse Distillery 2212 S. West Temple #14, Salt Lake City
801-726-0403
SugarhouseDistillery.net
NewWorldDistillery.com
Ogden’s Own Distillery 615 W. Stockman Way, Ogden 801-458-1995
OdgensOwn.com
Outlaw Distillery 552 W. 8360 South, Sandy 801-706-1428
OutlawDistillery.com
Silver Reef Brewing and Distillery 4391 Enterprise Drive, St. George 435-216-1050 StGeorgeBev.com
Distillery: Proverbial Spirits Spirit of the Month: Loose Lips
Sink Ships Rum
“Loose lips may sink ships, but rules were meant to be broken.” Enjoy this white rum distilled from molasses and cane products. It tastes like the Caribbean, distilled locally in Park City.
1/2
Vintage Spirits Distillery 6844 S. 300 West, Midvale 801-699-6459
VSDistillery.com
Waterpocket Distillery 2084 W 2200 South, West Valley City 801-382-9921
Waterpocket.co
Spirit of the Week
Cocktail Recipe
March Monsters
Disturbing characters sit at the center of three new theatrical releases.
BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw
The Alto Knights BB
All actors want a challenge, so maybe it sounded interesting in theory to Robert De Niro to attempt a variation on GoodFellas where he played both his character and Joe Pesci’s character. He’s back working with writer Nicholas Pileggi in a biographical drama about 1950s New York gangsters Frank Costello and Vito Genovese (both played by De Niro), childhood friends who come into conflict when Genovese returns from exile overseas after the war and expects to get control of his criminal empire back from Costello. Director Barry Levinson tries to give the proceedings a little pop and sizzle in his flashbacks and montages, but those moments are heavily outweighed by stretches that seem to last forever, including several courtroom scenes and the climactic mob meeting that gobbles up most of the last half-hour. But a huge part of anyone’s experience with this story is going to depend on rolling with the double De Niro casting, and it just never really works. It’s not that De Niro isn’t capable of creating distinctive personalities for Costello and Genovese, because they’re unique individuals beneath all the prosthetics. Those individuals are simply characters we’ve seen before in this kind of movie, to the point where it feels like they’re imitations of other cinematic mobsters. If you want to see a movie where a hotheaded criminal gets homicidal over a seemingly mundane comment, I’ve got a much better recommendation for you. Available March 21 in theaters. (R)
The Assessment BBB
One wonderful thing about this job is being able to discover a movie without any sense for where its premise might go, as happened with this funky science-fiction psychodrama, and one of its lead performances. In a near-future where environmental collapse has led to a tightly-controlled, dome-protected society, couples like scientists
Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel) must apply for the privilege of being allowed to procreate, and submit to a week-long observation by “assessor” Virginia (Alicia Vikander) who gets to make that call. Saying more would deprive you of some of the joy of discovery, particularly as Vikander’s character goes sideways at about the 25-minute mark in a way that immediately made me giddy with the possibilities. What follows has the bare bones of a thriller, but ultimately addresses plenty of the anxieties confronting prospective parents: how their lives might be disrupted; worries about turning into the worst version of one’s own parents; the realization that your partner might be better at it than you are. It’s kind of a bummer that director Fleur Fortuné and the screenwriting team expand their allegory in far less interesting directions, resulting in a third act that’s not nearly as effective as the previous two. But for those two acts, it’s hard not to wonder whether the experience Mia and Aaryan go through is one no parent-to-be should have to endure, or one every parent-to-be should have to endure. Available March 21 in theaters. (R)
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl BBB
Sometimes, seeing an idea presented in a different cultural context can really bring it to life—and while Rungano Nyoni’s Zambian drama ultimately literalizes its metaphor a bit too obviously, it’s still an effective story of when cultural priorities seem desperately askew. This one finds a young woman named Shula (Susan Chardy) discovering the body of her Uncle Fred in the road, setting in motion elaborate mourning rituals that seem determined to ignore that Fred was a serial sexual predator. Nyoni introduces some striking visuals to heighten the potentially grim story, from the fancy-dress costume Shula wears at the outset, to nightmare sequences, to framing Shula in one key moment so only half of her body is visible. The center of the narrative, however, is the process that focuses all attention on the deceased, with the women in the family responsible for serving the men and being judged severely based on how well they fulfill that function. It’s not exactly subtle, including the significance of the movie’s title, yet it still strikes at something more universal about how death is somehow expected to erase the legacy of monsters, and how it can come to pass that the people who are supposed to protect you can be too afraid and/or ashamed to fully stare in the face the harm that they allowed to happen. Available March 21 in theaters. (PG-13) CW
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TBody Mind
o borrow a phrase from my girl Miley Cyrus, 2025 came in like a wrecking ball. My family and I rang in the new year with a fresh pack of medical and professional woes that had well overstayed their welcome. I did find some solace in the fact that most of my friends and colleagues were also starting 2025 off in the throes of their own trials and tribulations–when the chips are down, there is some comfort in knowing that you’re not facing adversity alone.
During one of the days (weeks?) in which I found myself in a particularly funky funk, I was asked to be the editor of this year’s Best of Utah Body and Mind issue. At the time, the television in my mind was stuck on a screen of grayscale static, so I thought a bit of editorial work would be just the ticket to shift my focus from doomscrolling on social media to something a bit more proactive. Once I got started, I realized that this assignment couldn’t have come at a better time. Though I was keeping things together with the help of my lovely family, I soon realized that the barrage of stressors that came out of the woodwork in January really did a number on me. There I was, staring at a list of literally hundreds of health and wellness professionals thinking to myself, “Man, if only there was something I could do to help get me out of this rut.”
Though it took longer than it needed to, the realization that I had an entire compendium of Utah’s finest healers, trainers, coaches and medical professionals at my fingertips once again hit me like a wrecking ball–but, you know, like a positive one.
With the presentation of the 2025 Best of Utah Body and Mind issue, here’s hoping that all the readers out there who are in search of solid ground find a safe harbor. Whether you’re in need of therapists to talk through your stress or insecurities, or looking for some alternative medicine to match up with your lifestyle, you’ve got an excellent resource in your hands.
On behalf of Salt Lake City Weekly, I’d just like to say thanks to all the people who voted for Best of Utah this year and for this great list of do-gooders that we have as a result. As always, remember to take care of each other–and yourselves–out there. If you don’t know how to do that, you now have access to hundreds of people who do.
–Alex Springer Editor, Best of Utah Body and Mind
SKIN SPA UTAH
BY ALEX SPRINGER
When it comes to personal health, our internal organs seem to get a bit more of our attention. Considering the fact that our skin happens to be the largest organ we have, it’s surprising how easy it is to neglect all that surface area. Taking a more active role in skin care not only has numerous physical benefits, but there are plenty of psychological benefits as well. There’s nothing like a dewy complexion to give the old self confidence a boost. Though over-the-counter skin care products are becoming more prominent, skin maintenance is one of those things that is best left to a professional like Kimee Palotta, owner of Skin Spa Utah.
Palotta has been an aesthetician in Utah for the past 24 years, and she has helped Skin Spa Utah evolve throughout that time. “I’ve always valued the holistic approach and I see the industry going more that way,” Palotta says. This is why Skin Spa Utah offers a wide variety of services like acne, hydrafacial and microcurrent treatments, among others. Skin Spa Utah has become known for its wide variety of services, but it’s Palotta that makes the experience special for her clients. “I measure success with every client that walks through my door,” Palotta notes. “I don’t really do any advertising, so everything I have is due to long-term clients that keep coming back and telling friends and family about me.”
While the basics of skin care seem like they are one-size-fits-all, Palotta cautions people to remember that everyone’s skin is unique. “Your skin is as individual as you are,” she stressed. “Just like good health is part of your life, good skin health is a lifelong process.” Having a local establishment that bases its treatments and services on the unique needs of the individual is a huge benefit for those who are looking to improve their skin.
As Skin Spa Utah approaches its clients on an individual basis, Palotta and her team have set the expectation to work with clients on their own skin care journey. Even if terms like microcurrents and BioRePeel are new to your vocabulary, the Skin Spa team happily helps its clients select the treatments that will be most effective for them. “Every person who comes in does so because something is up with their skin,” Palotta says. “They’ve tried everything, and to have them come in so I can partner with them on an in-clinic and homecare plan is incredible.”
In many ways, Palotta and her team assume the roles of personal trainers when it comes to skin care. Anyone who has been burned on the latest influencer-approved product will come to see the value of that relationship very quickly. “It’s part of our culture to compare ourselves to others, and that just puts so much pressure on people,” Palotta observed. “I think people put more pressure on looking good than they do on feeling good, and they don’t realize it’s a whole package.”
From a wide range of treatment options to a personal touch that has kept clients spreading the word, Skin Spa Utah has done a lot to earn its Best of Utah accolades. Led by Palotta and her knowledge of Utah’s unique climate and culture, Skin Spa Utah remains one of the best places to both learn more about skin health and seek out treatment for any number of skin conditions.
BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
Best Acne Treatment
Skin Spa Utah skinspautah.com
2. Salt Lake Dermatology and Aesthetics
3. Swinyer Woseth Dermatology
Best Aesthetician
Kimee Palotta - Skin Spa Utah skinspautah.com
2.
3.
Best Eyelash Extensions
Pineapple Express Aesthetics pineappleexpressutah.square.site
2. Lashes x Sandra
3. Jessica Lancaster - Designer Lash Collective
Best Facial Kimee Palotta - Skin Spa Utah skinspautah.com
2. Always Smooth Waxing Studio
3. Callie Buttars - Pineapple Express Aesthetics
Best Hair Restoration
Lucero Hair and Wellness lucerohairandwellness.com
2. Utah Facial Plastics Hair Restoration 3. NIMA Institute and Spa
Best Eyebrow Specialist
Kimee Palotta -
Utah skinspautah.com
2. Callie Buttars - Pineapple Express Aesthetics
3. Storie Myers - Studio Storie Microblading
Best Hair Salon Lunatic Fringe lunaticfringesalon.com
2. Lucero Hair and Wellness 3. Sugarhouse Parlour
Best Hydrafacial Skin Spa Utah skinspautah.com
2. Rise Rejuvenation Center
3. Arlani Medspa
Best Injections and Fillers Rise Rejuvenation Center riserejuvenationcenter.com
2. Arlani Medspa
3. Modern SLC Injections & Aesthetics
Best Laser Hair Removal Beauty Lab + Laser beautylablaser.com
2. NIMA Institute and Spa
3. Elase Med Spa, American Fork
Best Manicures/Pedicures Nailed! nailedboutique.com
2. Sydney Hansen - Honey Cosmetics
3. Lori Lane Sartain - Crow Nail Studio
Best Medical Spa
Arlani Medspa arlani.com
2. Cameron Wellness and Spa
3. Rise Rejuvenation Center
Best Permanent Cosmetics
Education
Studio Storie Microblading studiostoriemicroblading.com
2. Ero Edge
3. Lilikoi Artistry
Best Permanent Makeup
Beauty Shop
Venus House venushouseslc.com
2. Ero Edge
3. Lilikoi Artistry
Best Tattoo Removal Removery Tattoo Removal & Fading removery.com
2. Lilikoi Artistry
3. NIMA Institute and Spa
Best Waxing Salon Always Smooth Waxing Studio alwayssmooth.co
2. Pineapple Express Aesthetics
3. Ero Edge
Kimee Palotta
FLOW ACUPUNCTURE
BY ALEX SPRINGER
According to a Statista consumer insights survey done in 2023, 21% of Americans prefer alternative medicine to conventional medicine. It’s a number that has steadily increased as options for alternative and complementary medicine become available, and Utah has seen some local growth in this area. A conversation with Josh Williams and Dr. Rachel Silverstone of Flow Acupuncture helped shed some light on why more people are investigating alternative medicine. Williams is a clinical herbalist and Best of Utah alum with multiple wins under his belt. His presence on this year’s list continues to show how much he has done for the community. He has been studying plant medicine for 25 years, and has had his own space at Flow for the last year and a half. “I got into herbalism in my late teens because I was disheartened by the medical machine even as a young person,” he recalls. “It was originally personal, but it turned into a desire to help others.”
Herbalism is what Williams calls “broad spectrum medicine, as long as it’s in the hands of a qualified and experienced herbalist.” Williams himself focuses on stress, anxiety and sleep issues. “Folks who find their way to working with me are usually at their wits’ end,” he says. “I get to show people why this medicine has so much longevity and empirical evidence.”
As herbalism often goes hand in hand with acupuncture, Williams’ practice at Flow has helped it become one of Utah’s preferred practices–well, that and the presence of licenced acupuncturists like Dr. Silverstone. After studying Chinese/Daoist medicine in the Wudang Mountains of China, she earned a doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, California. Dr. Silverstone also practices acupuncture at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where she helps patients deal with some of the side effects of cancer treatments.
Since both Silverstone and Williams maintain a clinical relationship to their practice, both professionals agree that alternative medicine and conventional medicine often operate hand in hand. “Why walk on one leg when you can walk on two?” Silverstone declared. “Western medicine has a lot of strengths like getting imaging for a treatment that isn’t responding to acupuncture or spotting other red flags.” It’s a helpful perspective to have as oftentimes there is a rift between alternative and conventional medicine. The reality is that both schools of thought revolve around healing, and both approaches can complement each other on the path to wellbeing.
After speaking with Williams and Silverstone, it quickly becomes clear that they both share the same love and enthusiasm for helping people feel better. For Williams, herbalism is a way to make his clients aware of medicinal practices that have been effective for centuries. “I like the clinical side of what I do a lot,” he says. “Herbalism helps address the whole person rather than the isolated symptom.” Silverstone’s metric of success is how well her patients get in tune with their own bodies. “I get to facilitate a person’s interaction with their own chi, and when I come back into the room, everything feels so peaceful,” she reports. “That’s how I know I’ve been successful.”
COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE
Best Acupuncture Clinic
Flow Acupuncture flowacupuncture.org
2. Valenti Acupuncture
3. Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic
Best Acupuncturist/Doctor of Chinese Medicine
Stephanie Scott - Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic slcacu.com
2. Rebecca Conde
3. Mallory Berge
Best Ayurveda Practitioner
Josh Williams - Flow Acupuncture flowacupuncture.org
2. Emma Glass
3. Meghan Hays
Best Birth Photographer
Nicole Hamic nicolehamic.com
2. Julie Francom
3. Salt City Birth and Newborn Photography
Best Breathwork Facilitator
Katie Schiffgen - Mosaic Yoga mosaicyoga.squarespace.com
2. Letia Perry - Om Wellness Utah
3. Kat Dickinson - Terra Firma Healing Arts
Best Childbirth Education Birthsmarter birthsmarter.com
2. Birth Learning
3. SHAUNTEA Health and Wellness Coalition
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Anthony Simone - Doctor Tony Chiro Clinic doctortonychiroclinic.com
2. Dr. Brett Grant
3. Dr. Suzanne Cronin
Best Cold Therapy Glow glowslc.com
2. Evolve Wellness Collective
3. Rytual Recovery
Best Crystal Shop
Synchronicities Light Energy Gift Emporium synchronicities1111.com
2. Dave’s Health & Nutrition
3. Crystal Healer SLC
Best Doula
Beth Hardy - Heart Tones Birth Services hearttonesbirth.com
2. Destiny Olsen - SHAUNTEA Health and Wellness Coalition
3. Jamie Kowalk - Heart Tones Birth Services
Best Float Tank
Evolve Wellness Collective evolvewellness.love
2. Pure Sweat + Float Studio
3. Float Spa 19
Best Halotherapy (Salt Tank)
Evolve Wellness Collective evolvewellness.love
2. Synchronicities Light Energy Gift Emporium 3. Pain Free Acupuncture
Best Herbalist
Josh Williams - Flow Acupuncture flowacupuncture.org
2. Rebecca Conde - Earth Center Acupuncture
3. Dave Card - Dave’s Health and Nutrition
Best Hypnotherapist
Joesephine LawrenceHypnoclarity hypnoclarityslc.com
2. Chad Anderson - Crystal Healer SLC
3. Drew Melebeck - Influence Therapy & Coaching
Best Integrative Medicine Practice Cameron Wellness and Spa cameronwellnessandspa.com
2. Utah Natural Medicine 3. Rising Health Specialty Clinic
Best Kinesiology Practitioner
Dr. Bre Dumke HelfrichMovement Design Lab movementdesignlab.com
2. Jim Quist - SLOPE Recovery 3. Michael King - Transformative Energies
Best Life Coach
Corinne ChristophersonCottonwood Professional Coaching cottonwoodcoaching.com
2. Kat Dickinson - Terra Firma Healing Arts
3. Anne Dorsey - Milk + Honey Wellness
Best Massage School
Healing Mountain Massage School (Salt Lake Campus) healingmountain.edu
2. Myotherapy Massage College
3. The Iron Palm Massage Therapy
Best Massage Therapist
Brandee Olsen - Reset Esthetics vagaro.com/ resetestheticsmassage
2. Jeremy Wengreen - Healing Mountain Massage School
3. Christina Jaros - Wicked Wellness
Josh Williams
Finding the Right Alternative Medicine For You
With an entire section of alternative and contemporary medicine at your disposal in this issue, it can be a bit daunting to get started. If you’re looking to supplement your medical journey with something a bit more esoteric or just curious about what options are available to you, here are some tips to keep in mind. Listen to your body. As most alternative medicine employs a holistic approach, it’s important to pin down exactly what problem you’re having. Is it psychological? Physical? Emotional? Once you’ve narrowed down where your ailment is living, you can better verbalize what it is. From there, a bit of research on any of the fine providers we’ve got assembled here should point you in the right direction. Open your mind. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of healthy skepticism, but you should remain open to the process if you’re considering an alternative route to medicine. Even with Western medicine, writing off certain practices based on personal or ideological beliefs won’t get you anywhere. The same is true for alternative practices. As author Caroline Myss says, “The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind.”
Embrace the journey. When it comes to medicine, people tend to get far too hung up on the idea of a cure without paying much attention to the journey. If you can remember that the journey itself is a part of fixing or managing a medical issue, it will help you figure out how to get started. Being honest with every stage of the journey is the best way to reach your wellness destination. (AS)
2.
3.
2.
2.
2.
Jason and Shayneh Starks
DUST TO DUST
A Utah funeral home is the first in the state to offer “human composting” as a green alternative to traditional burials.
BY AIMEE L. COOK COMMENTS@CITYWEEKLY.NET
Starks Funeral Parlor in Millcreek has earned a reputation for its compassionate service and now, for pioneering a modern, eco-friendly approach to end-of-life care. Jason and Shayneh Starks, who opened the family-owned funeral home in 2005, offer their clients an innovative and environmentally conscious option— natural organic reduction (NOR), often called human composting.
This process transforms the deceased into nutrient-rich soil over a period of 8 to 12 weeks. While the concept may sound unconventional to some, it’s gaining traction with families in Utah and beyond, as it aligns with a growing cultural emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints.
“We’re seeing a lot of interest from environmentally conscious individuals who want a natural, meaningful way to return to the earth,” observed Shayneh Starks, who has worked in funeral services since 1995.
Natural organic reduction has already been legalized in states like Washington, Oregon and California, but Utah has yet to officially approve this process. Currently, Starks Funeral Parlor assists families who wish to choose this option by transferring remains out of state to Seattle, ensuring that those who value NOR have access to it. Starks Funeral Parlor is an affiliate of Seattle-based Recompose, an organization specializing in natural organic reduction. Until Utah officially legalizes NOR, this partnership allows Starks Funeral Parlor to provide clients with seamless access to its environmentally sustainable burial options. The human composting service not only offers a gentler environmental impact than traditional burial or cremation—using less energy and avoiding chemicals such as embalming fluids—but also gives families the opportunity to create life out of loss. The soil created through NOR can be returned to loved ones or used to nurture trees, gardens or conservation projects.
“We, of course, still care for people with conventional burial and cremation; we are used to it; it is part of our culture,” Starks added. “But it is important to be able to offer another option to families. Everyone I talk to about NOR wants to know more and feels how beautiful it is when we describe it.”
Starks is also a passionate advocate for conservation burial, a practice that combines green burial methods with land conservation efforts to protect and restore natural habitats. By aligning with this approach, Starks helps to preserve open spaces and biodiversity
while offering individuals a sustainable and meaningful way to honor loved ones. Conservation burial prioritizes the protection of ecosystems, ensuring that burial grounds remain untouched by development and continue to serve as vital sanctuaries for wildlife.
The Starks’ legacy as a funeral home is deeply rooted in service. Jason and Shayneh Starks met in Northern California while working in the funeral industry and later returned to Utah, where they married in 2001. Running a family-focused funeral parlor has been their passion since they opened their doors nearly two decades ago, serving around 400 families annually. “My job is loving people for a living,” Starks said. “That translates into everything we do, everything is meaningful. I wake up every day loving a new family.”
While NOR has sparked curiosity and enthusiasm in Utah, its future depends on legislation. Sen. Jen Plumb, D-Salt Lake City, sponsored a bill this year to legalize the practice within the Beehive State, but it failed to advance at the Utah Legislature.
“I’m hopeful that people will see how much of an opportunity it is for Utah to expand into [this] business opportunity,” Plumb said.
Local residents have expressed eagerness to see NOR become a standard option in Utah, and advocates believe this green initiative could pave the way for more sustainable deathcare practices nationwide. By introducing NOR to the community, the Starks are continuing their mission of serving families and leading the funeral industry into the future.
“When you think about the living life cycle, by us allowing our bodies to return to the earth and break down the way our bodies were intended to, we actually absorb carbon [and] reverse greenhouse effects,” Shayneh Starks said. “We will still provide the traditional options, but I have been working on conservation burials since 2010.”
With Starks Funeral Parlor at the forefront of this green movement, Utah looks poised to join a growing list of states redefining what it means to rest in peace.
“Natural organic reduction brings an opportunity to offer a new and beautiful ritual to the evolving community,” Shayneh Starks opined. “People sometimes don’t have a faith or are ‘spiritual but not religious.’ There are natural rituals surrounding NOR that we can offer to connect the bereaved to their person and hopefully help move them peacefully through the grieving process. Ritual has been lost and I would love to help people find that again.”
AWAKEN STUDIOS AND RETREATS
BY ALEX SPRINGER
The gym and fitness scene is one of the most intimidating communities out there for newcomers. There’s a whole trend-obsessed culture that has made going to the gym after a period of hiatus feel like jumping onto a moving train. It’s great that gym culture has made physical activity and working out more acceptable and accessible. But, that doesn’t make it any easier to enter a space with a bunch of hot people who seem to know more than you do. If finding acceptance within the local fitness community is something that is keeping you from being more active, then Awaken Studios and Retreats may be just what you’re looking for.
Founded by Joe and Jenna Hansen in 2016, Awaken has quickly become one of Utah’s most beloved fitness centers. Offering everything from yoga to circuit training, Awaken’s goal is to create a space where newcomers and veterans can achieve their fitness goals. General manager
Kevin Carrington has been a part of Awaken since the beginning, and he’s an integral part of Awaken’s welcoming culture. “We’re all beginners at some point,” Carrington says. “But I think everyone who shows up here leaves feeling just a little bit better.”
In addition to assuming the role of general manager at Awaken, Carrington helms a wide variety of classes himself. He is a certified instructor of yoga, pilates and cycling in addition to being a certified reiki facilitator. As someone who does a little bit of everything at Awaken, Carrington has a unique perspective on the fitness center, its team and its clients. “I work with people who see each other as extended family,” Carrington noted. “We’re all here to learn and teach one another.”
Though Awaken offers a wide range of activities, it’s a fitness center that prioritizes education. Visitors can expect to learn the context behind each exercise in order to build a more coherent workout plan. “Awaken is more about reshaping the way people think about feeling and looking good,” Carrington says. “We focus on providing great options for classes, but we also provide the education behind them.”
As part of cultivating a positive attitude toward fitness and self-care, the Awaken team strives to create a welcoming environment for its staff and clients. Whatever your fitness goals might be, you’ll find someone ready to get you started down the right path at Awaken. “I think it’s beautiful to come to work each day and experience positivity,” Carrington expressed. “My coworkers are high-caliber human beings that really strive for greatness and I love that this is an industry of people who care about themselves and their wellbeing.”
Perhaps one of the reasons that Awaken has been a mainstay on the Best of Utah list is because the team has built its ideology around helping its clients be the best they can be. They celebrate each individual’s journey and pride themselves on fostering a sense of curiosity among their clients. “I hope that people are willing to stay open and have that sense of wonder,” Carrington says. “I’ve loved what we’ve been able to create because it gives people the opportunity to just explore without a negative stigma.”
Kevin Carrington
Best Acroyoga Classes
Awaken Studios and Retreats awakenstudios.com
2. Mosaic Yoga
3. CorePower Yoga
Best Aerial Silks Classes
Kairos Fitness dancekairos.com
2. Awaken Studios and Retreats
3. Onyx Pole and Aerial Fitness Studio
Best Barre Fitness Studio
The Bar Method, Salt Lake City - Sugar House barmethod.com
2. Barre3, Salt Lake City
3. Awaken Studios and Retreats
Best Beginner
Yoga Classes
Salt Lake Power Yoga saltlakepoweryoga.com
2. CorePower Yoga
3. Awaken Studios and Retreats
Best Bootcamp Rise4 rise-4.com
2. Fit to Recover
3. F45 Training Sugar House
Best Boutique Fitness Studio
Torrent Cycle, Downtown SLC torrentcycle.com
2. Rise4
3. Kairos Fitness
Best Boxing Club Rumble Boxing rumbleboxinggym.com
2. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning
3. Rebel House
Best Circuit Training Rise4 rise-4.com
2. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning
3. Awaken Studios and Retreats
Best Community Swimming Pool
Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center chparksandrecut.gov
2. Steiner Aquatic Center
3. Glow
Best CrossFit Gym
Salt Lake City CrossFit - South slccrossfitsouth.com
2. Salt Lake City CrossFit 3. CrossFit Sandy
Best Fitness Influencer (Social Media)
Dillion Chase - Salt Lake Power Yoga instagram.com/dillicious.xyz
2. Mike Barney - Torrent Cycle
3. Joey Alatorre - Peak 45
Best Fitness Studio: All Categories CorePower Yoga corepoweryoga.com
2. Rebel House
3. Salt Lake Power Yoga
Best Fitness/Aerobics Class Instructor
Meredith Dalenburg - Rebel House rebel-house.com
2. Dan Cooney - Torrent Cycle
3. Alison Dorenbosch - Peak 45
Best Gymnastics Training (Adults)
Salt Lake City Circus Center saltlakecitycircuscenter.com
2. Salt City Calisthenics
3. Gymnastics Training Center
Best Gymnastics Training (Kids)
The Little Gym, Salt Lake City thelittlegym.com
2. Elite Gymnastics Academy
3. Academy West
Best High-Intensity Interval Training Rebel House rebel-house.com
2. Seek Studio
3. Torrent Cycle, Sugar House
Best Hot Yoga Bikram Yoga SLC bikramyogaslc.com
2. Suvita Hot Yoga
3. Satori Hot Yoga
Best Kids’ Fitness Programs
Gracie Barra Sandy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu graciebarra.com/sandy-ut
2. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning
3. Awaken Studios and Retreats
Best Martial Arts School
Gracie Barra Sandy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu graciebarra.com/sandy-ut
2, Bernales Institute of Martial Arts
3. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Salt Lake City
Best Personal Trainer
Meredith Clark - Fitness With Meredith instagram.com/fitnesswithmeredith
2. Joey Alatorre - Peak 45
3. Lya Wodraska - The Backline SLC
Fitness Tips for the Remote Lifestyle
While there are plenty of benefits about remote work, it can be easy to forget about getting up and moving around throughout the workday. As most of the fitness experts catalogued in this issue will tell you, the decision to remain active as much as possible–especially if your profession keeps you sedentary–is a great way to keep yourself healthy. So what are some ways that you can implement this advice?
One of the easiest things to do is to set an activity or movement goal throughout the day. A common suggestion among health professionals is to hop up and move around for five to ten minutes every hour. Sticking to this metric will give you plenty of time to stretch your legs, jumpstart your circulation and rejuvenate your mind. Those five to ten minutes can be spent doing any sort of physical activity, so anything from a short walk to a few reps going up and down stairs can do the trick. If you’re looking to make these activity intervals a bit more interesting, there are plenty of quick exercises you can do with a minimal amount of equipment. If you need to remain prim and proper for a virtual meeting, the wall pushup is a great way to work out the upper body without having to get down on the ground or fiddle with a necktie. Since you’re doing some sitting anyway, the chair squat is another quick workout that can work on your legs and core–the best thing about this one is that it’s pretty much just sitting down and standing up again. While there are plenty of exercises and activity options for those who do most of their work from home, the key is to train your brain to take regular five to ten minute breaks per hour and get the blood flowing. Your body–and your boss–will thank you. (AS)
ALL NATURAL
A deeper understanding of gender and hormone cycles is driving new fields in women’s health and fitness.
BIANCA DUMAS COMMENTS@CITYWEEKLY.NET
Concerns about hormone health have skyrocketed as we’ve discovered the pressure our synthetic world is putting on our bodies. Exposure to microplastics, LED light, polyester fabrics, and pesticides has been unbalancing our bodies and making our hormone levels go berserk.
These imbalances can be the root cause of a spectrum of illnesses from depression and anxiety to weight gain and gastrointestinal problems. Women, whose hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the month, can be especially hard hit. But while quick-fix hormone shots and prescription pills are found on every corner, they might not really solve the problem.
Taylor Powelson, of Helper, knows about that personally. She worked for over a decade as a medical assistant in various hospital clinics, including OB/GYN and pediatrics, and had experience as a doula and breastfeeding consultant. But when she had a personal health crisis, she felt ignored by standard medical practice.
“After having my second child, I went to my doctor for extreme PMS, irritability and rage. The doctor said, ‘This is what it’s like to have two children, here’s some birth control and anti-depressants.’ I felt like that was a Band-aid,” Powelson said. She wanted to get to the root of the problems, which she knew had something to do with nutrition and selfcare. In her pursuit of solutions, she said she “fell down a rabbit hole of hormone health.”
By tracking her body’s hormone signals, Powelson learned to adapt her rest, workout, diet, and supplements to her body’s specific needs. In time, her hormones leveled out. Her mood went back to normal, and she felt sane again. Not only that, she was becoming more healthy and fit.
“Basically, female and male hormones are totally different, but I was living my life as if I had male hormones,” Powelson related. “Once I learned that women’s hormones are different and we should be living a more cyclical life, accepting the ebb and flow and accepting restoration, that’s when I started to feel change.”
Powelson now offers Cycle Sync Academy through her online business, BeWellWithTay. com. As a coach certified by two accredited organizations, the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and the Institute of Menstrual Health, Powelson teaches women menstrual cycle awareness and how to synchronize fitness, nutrition, and self-care with their cycles. The program includes one-on-one coaching and lots of printable resources.
Powelson’s certifications also allow her to order medical tests. The doctors at the lab interpret the results, and Powelson’s training has taught her to read and understand the materials so she can further interpret them for clients.
One of the inspirations on Powelson’s road to health was Dr. Stacy Sims, an exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist, and author of the 2016 book, ROAR. Sims’ groundbreaking book explained hormone and sex differences between men and women and promoted a new female paradigm for exercise, nutrition, and health.
As a college-level athlete on an all-women’s crew team, Sims observed that the women’s team ate, trained, and raced exactly like the men’s team, but had inconsistent results. She had her ah-ha moment in the research lab, where she discovered that all diet and fitness research was being tested on obese men, a group preferred because they lose weight quickly. As a result, women end up with diet and exercise advice that’s not suited for them. Her team’s results were inconsistent because they were following a male training regimen.
Sims pushed back against her research partners with the now-famous statement that “women are not small men,” and urged them to support her in studying diet and fitness specifically for women. Sims’ groundbreaking work brought hormone health into focus and has inspired a number of practitioners on the ground in Utah.
At Balanced Health Functional Medicine in American Fork, Family Nurse Practitioner Alyssa Vest is one of them. Vest uses hormone indicators to treat women and men. She says that in general, we think of sex hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone when we’re feeling out of whack, but other hormones are integral to good health, too. These include insulin, cortisol and thyroid hormones. Vest evaluates the whole range.
“Hormones make a difference with our mental health, energy, sleep, bone health, cardiovascular health and even gut health,” Vest said. “Conversely the state of our gut health impacts hormone health.”
To that end, Vest uses specialty tests to assess hormone and gut issues and notes that sometimes addressing gut health will automatically balance hormones.
Like Powelson, Vest is focused on finding the root cause. “For women,” she observed, “the common blanket treatment for premenopausal hormone imbalances usually involves prescribing birth control. I believe this is not always the best approach because it could be overlooking the root cause and oftentimes contributes to side effects or new symptoms of concern.”
Even questioning the side effects of birth control has been seen as a major taboo since the Pill’s invention in 1960, a slap in the face of feminism. But as Americans’ physical and emotional health outcomes have plummeted, some health experts have begun to push back to find answers.
In her book, This Is Your Brain on Birth Control: The Surprising Science of Women, Hormones, and the Law of Unintended Consequences, Dr. Sarah Hill notes that the Pill has a severe effect on female hormones and the brain.
“Changing women’s hormones changes women. And this is a big deal,” the author said. “The research suggests that [the Pill] probably has a hand in women’s mate preferences, our sensitivity to smells, our relationship satisfaction, the functioning of our stress response, the activities of multiple neurotransmitter systems, the activity of multiple hormones, our moods, our persistence in difficult tasks, our ability to learn and remember and our sex drive. And this is probably just the tip of the iceberg.”
For women who want to quit synthetic hormone birth control, Powelson’s Cycle Sync Academy is a major source of support.
“Tracking your cycle off birth control is vital to your hormone health journey,” Powelson said. “It’s feedback about what’s going on in your body — like getting monthly lab work.”
Taylor Powelson
PRIMARY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
BY ALEX SPRINGER
When I became a parent, I knew that holding my kid’s hand through a medical procedure or two would be part of the deal. I felt emotionally and psychologically ready for those moments, but it’s funny how they can still blindside you when you least expect it. When the time came for my daughter to visit the emergency room at Primary Children’s Hospital, I didn’t know it would come with so much secondhand anxiety and uncertainty. Having a kid gives you a renewed perspective on all the wonder the world has to offer, but that comes at the expense of remembering how scary the ER is when you’re six years old.
At the time, my own experiences with the institutions that are supposed to look out for us had been less than stellar. This put me in the same mindset I adopt when I go car shopping–I needed to be on my toes otherwise they’d pull a fast one on me. After we arrived and checked in, I remember going through the mental checklist I had made to make sure nobody rushed us through the visit. My kiddo was sick, and I wanted to make sure we had a solid game plan for how to make her feel better.
I suppose this apprehension was based on a few of my own negative experiences that had left me jaded and disillusioned with medical institutions. Thanks to the care my daughter received at Primary Children’s Hospital, however, I know that the medical community still recruits its members from the absolute best of us. All that steam I had built up immediately dissipated when we actually received the treatment we came for. I couldn’t find fault with any part of the process. The nurses were genuinely concerned with our situation, the doctor had all the right answers and the hospital’s child life services helped turn potentially stressful situations into unexpectedly entertaining ones.
Of course, this first visit definitely wasn’t the last visit–we’ve spent a few nights in the care of Primary Children’s. Even in situations like this, the care team goes above and beyond to make the experience as positive as possible. During our few stays at the hospital, my daughter and I have made slime, built gingerbread houses and played air hockey.
Throughout these experiences, watching the Primary Children’s team treat my daughter with such consideration and concern was nothing short of heartwarming. Not only was I grateful to the team’s ability to quickly treat my daughter, but their patience and authenticity did wonders for my own neurotic dad brain.
I’m sure I’m not the only parent who has experienced doubts about my parenting decisions, especially when it comes to health and wellbeing. But watching those professionals at Primary Children’s work their magic did a lot to put my mind at ease. Yes, my priority was making sure my daughter was taken care of. But I really appreciated the subtle ways that the team took care of me as well.
Best Addiction Recovery
Odyssey House of Utah odysseyhouse.org
2. Huntsman Mental Health Institute (University Neuropsychiatric Institute)
3. Davis Behavioral Health
Best Allergist
Dr. Mili Shum - University of Utah Hospital healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Douglas Jones - Metrodora Institute
3. Dr. Rafael Firszt - Tanner Clinic
Best Assisted Living/ Memory Care
The Ridge, Cottonwood theridgeseniorliving.com
2. Crescent Senior Living
3. Welcome Home Assisted Living of American Fork
Best Cardiologist
Dr. Jared MillerIntermountain Medical Center intermountainhealth.org
2. Dr. C. Michael Minder - LDS Hospital
3. Dr. Toby Paulson - Revere Health Cardiology, Lehi
Best Colonoscopy
Dr. John C. Fang healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. P.J. Pederson
3. Gut Whisperer
Best Dental Implant Clinic
The Dental Spa thedentalspa.com
2. Warr Dental
3. Aspire Surgical, Murray
Best Dental Practice
Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry kaleidoscopekidsdentistry.com
2. The Dental Spa
3. Larson Family Dental
Best Dentist/Best
General Dentist
Dr. Ari Hobfoll— Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry kaleidoscopekidsdentistry.com
2. Kirkland Graham - The Dental Spa
3. Keith Warr - Warr Dental
Best Dermatologist
Wendy Matis— Matis Dermatology matisdermatology.com
2. Allyson Sorenson - University of Utah Health Dermatology
3. Elena Hadjicharalambous - Swinyer Woseth Dermatology
Best Dermatology Practice
Swinyer Woseth Dermatology dwoseth.com
2. University of Utah Midvalley Health Center
3. Matis Dermatology
Best Doctor of Internal Medicine
Dr. Kira Watson - U Of U Health Sugar House Health Center healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Belinda Trieu - Memorial Clinic
3. Dr. Anne Cioletti - U Of U Health Madsen Health Center
Best Dry Needling Converge Physical Therapy convergept.com
2. Pinyon Physical Therapy
3. University Of Utah Pain Clinic
Best Ear, Nose & Throat Physician
Dr. Jason Hunt—University Of Utah Huntsman Cancer Hospital healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Eric Slattery - ENT Center Of Utah
3. Dr. Bryan Tagge - ENT Center Of Utah
Best Experimental Therapist
Aimee Hadfield, LCSW— Hearten House aimeehadfield.com
2. Caroline Pegram - Topaz Healing
3. Liz McCooey - Lizard Wellness
Best Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Jacqueline Rohrer— Foothill Family Clinic foothillfamilyclinic.com
2. Dr. Amy De La Garza - Heron Wellness 3. Dr. Ray Ward - Cope Family Medicine
Best Family Practice Clinic Martindale Clinic odysseyhouse.org 2.
Best Gastroenterologist Granite Peaks Gastroenterology granitepeaksgi.com
2. Dr. Brad Trowbridge - St. Mark’s Hospital
3. Dr. John C. Fang - University Of Utah Hospital
Best Geriatric Physician
Dr. Natalie Sanders— U Of U Health Madsen Health Center healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Barbara Christiansen - Intermountain Southridge Senior Care
3. Dr. Gabriel Scannell - U Of U Health Madsen Health Center
Best Hospice Care Solstice solsticehc.com
2. Quality Home Health And Hospice
3. Rocky Mountain Home Care & Hospice, Salt Lake City
Best Hospital University Of Utah Hospital healthcare.utah.edu 2. Primary Children’s Hospital
St. Mark’s Hospital
Disorder Supporters: Being There When Things Start to Suck
Managing mental, physical and emotional maladies is often more of a marathon than a sprint. Medications change, symptoms change, and every day brings its own challenges. For those of us who are privileged enough to be a part of someone’s wellness journey, we have a rare opportunity to facilitate some healing of our own.
For those managing some kind of medical disorder, the world can often feel like a lonely place. Sometimes it’s a place devoid of understanding, sometimes it’s a place of unearned shame, and other times it’s a place of pure frustration. This is why a solid support system of people is so necessary. People who find themselves part of a loved one’s medical progress can have a profound effect on that person–but it’s not always easy.
If this situation resonates with you, it means you love someone who is struggling. While that struggle is deeply personal to the person you love, you have the power to be an excellent wellness resource by displaying patience, kindness and understanding. A chronic disorder can make consistency feel like a luxury. But having a consistent friend amid a series of hardships can help ease that burden a bit.
Those who have found themselves as the primary cheerleader for a loved one who is managing a medical disorder also need to remember to take care of themselves, however. If that applies to anyone reading this, you won’t find a much better resource than this issue to find a support system of your own. (AS)
Best Independent Pharmacy
Jolley’s Pharmacy jolleyspharmacy.com
2. University Pharmacy
3. Apothecary Shoppe
Best Invisalign Provider
Graham Orthodontics grahamortho.com
2. The Dental Spa
3. Harris Orthodontics
Best Ketamine Clinic
Rising Health Specialty Clinic
risinghealthspecialty.com
2. The Lotus Center For Healing And Wellness
3. Soma Psychotherapy
Best LASIK Center
Hoopes Vision hoopesvision.com
2. John A. Moran Eye Center
3. LasikPlus
Best Local Optical Shop
Image Eyes Optical imageeyesoptical.com
2. Wolcott Optical
3. Vis.
Best Men’s Health Clinic
U Of U Health Sugar House Health Center healthcare.utah.edu
2. Rise Rejuvenation Center
3. Biorestoration Medical + Aesthetics
Best Mental Health Treatment Center
Cottonwood Professional Coaching cottonwoodcoaching.com
2. Huntsman Mental Health Institute (University Neuropsychiatric Institute)
3. WORTH IT Counseling + Coaching
Best Midwife
Gloria Moore— Bearth Midwifery bearthmw.com
2. Adrienne Brown - Wasatch Miwifery And Wellness
3. Ashleigh Taylor - Birth Journey Midwifery
Best Midwifery/ Birthing Center
Wasatch Midwifery And Wellness wasatchmidwifery.com
2. Intermountain Medical Center - Nurse Midwives
3. Birth Journey Midwifery
Best Migraine Help University Of Utah Neuroscience Center
healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Dan Henry
3. Dr. Karly Pippitt
Best Neurologist
Dr. Kelsey Barrell—U Of U Health Clinical Neurosciences Center healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Lia Chebeleu - Intermountain Health
3. Dr. Walter Reichert - University Of Utah Neuroscience Center
Best Nurse Practitioner
Stacie Ireland—U Of U Sugar House Health Center healthcare.utah.edu
2. Anne Bowden, FNP - Rising Health Specialty Clinic
3. Rachelle Russell - Arlani Integrative Medicine And Medspa
Best ObstetricianGynecologist
Brooke Hansen—Avenues Women’s Center
doctors.intermountainhealth.org
2. Bob Silver - University Of Utah Hospital
3. Jennifer Trauscht-Van Horn - University Of Utah Hospital
Best Oncologist
Dr. Ramya Thota— Intermountain Medical Center
doctors.intermountainhealth.org
2. Dr. Sarah Colonna - Kathryn F. Kirk Center For Comprehensive Cancer Care And Women’s Cancers
3. Daniel Ermann - Huntsman Cancer Institute
Best Optometrist
Dr. Ross Chatwin—Sugar House Vision Clinic sugarhousevision.com
2. Dr. Nazanin Galehdari - Eyemax Eyecare
3. Dr. Connor Dewey - Sugar House Vision Clinic
Best Oral Surgeon
Dr. Adam McCormick—Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Of Utah omsofutah.com
2. Alvin J. Stosich - Aspire Surgical
3. Dr. Matthew Parkin - Endodontic Associates
Best Orthodontist
John Graham—Graham Orthodontics grahamortho.com
2. Alan Jensen - Smile Ranch Orthodontics
3. Dr. Brian Anderson - Foothill Orthodontic Specialists
Best Orthopedic Rehab Converge Physical Therapy convergept.com
2. U Of U Health Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital
3. Pure Fitness
Best Orthopedic Surgeon
Michael Johnson—Orthopedic Specialty Group, Alta View doctors.intermountainhealth.org
2. Spencer Amundsen - Peak Orthopedics
3. Michael Raemisch - Intermountain Medical Center
Best Pain Clinic
Doctor Tony Chiro Clinic doctortonychiroclinic.com
2. Pinyon Physical Therapy
3. University Of Utah Pain Clinic
Best Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Ari Hobfoll—Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry
2. Tyler Hanks - Happy Tooth Pediatric Dentistry
3. Dr. Debbie Graham - East Bench Pediatric Dentistry
Best Pediatrician
Dr. Bhanu Muniyappa— University Pediatric Clinic healthcare.utah.edu
2. Dr. Cynthia Owens - Wasatch Pediatrics, Salt Lake
3. Dr. Cannon Marriott - Rose Creek Pediatrics
Best Physical Therapist
Sarah McNurlin—Pinyon Physical Therapy pinyonpt.com
2. Susan McLaughlin - Align Integration And Movement
3. Amy Fruge - Converge Physical Therapy
Best Physical Therapy Clinic
Pinyon Physical Therapy pinyonpt.com
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Uplift Pelvic Health And Wellness
Best Physician Assistant
Rebecca Kohler—University Of Utah Hospital healthcare.utah.edu
2. Nazaneen Pack - Arlani Medspa
3. AnnaRose Zampano - Foothill Family Clinic - South
Best Plastic Surgeon - Cosmetic/Recons
Dr. Tom Oberg—Still Canyon Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery stillcanyonplastics.com
2.
3.
Best Prenatal Care University of Utah Hospital healthcare.utah.edu
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Birth Journey Midwifery
Best Psychiatrist
Dr. Jeremy Thueson—Huntsman Mental Health Institute (University Neuropsychiatric Institute) healthcare.utah.edu
2.
3.
Best Psychotherapist/Counselor
Ted Winkworth—Cottonwood Professional Coaching cottonwoodcoaching.com
2. Aimee Hadfield - Hearten House
3. Caroline Pegram - Topaz Healing
Best Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Whitney Stevens—U Of U Health Bariatric Surgery Program healthcare.utah.edu
2. Colleen Shields - Converge Physical Therapy
3. Lauren Parrish
Best Registered Nurse
Erin Rasmussen—Davis Behavioral Health dbhutah.org
2. Brittany Larson - U Of U Sugar House Health Center Pharmacy
3. Katie Cassity - Liv Aesthetics & Wellness
Best Rheumatologist
Dr Matthew Call—Utah Valley Rheumatology intermountainhealth.org
2. Dr. Richard Gremillion - Granger Medical, Murray Holladay Center
3. Dr. Seung Yoon Celine Lee - Lotus Rheumatology And Wellness Clinic
Best Spine Center
Doctor Tony Chiro Clinic doctortonychiroclinic.com
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Aspen Falls Spinal Care Center & Chiropractic
Best Sports Medicine Clinic
Pinyon Physical Therapy pinyonpt.com
2. Doctor Tony Chiro Clinic
3. University Of Utah Healthcare Orthopedic Center
Best Transgender Healthcare University of Utah Hospital healthcare.utah.edu
2. Rebirth OB/GYN
3. Heart Tones Birth Services
Best Urgent Care
U Of U Health Farmington Health Center healthcare.utah.edu
2. Foothill Family Clinic - South
3. Fourth Street Clinic
Best Urologist
Dr. Sarah Christianson— Intermountain Medical Center intermountainhealth.org
2. Dr. Stephen Summers - University Of Utah Hospital
3. Dr. Pete Caputo - Granger Medical
Best Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dr. Jason G. Chandler omsofutah.com
2. Hopkin Oral Surgery
3. Dr. Judson B. Wall
Best Women’s Health Clinic University of Utah Hospital healthcare.utah.edu
2. Converge Physical Therapy
3. Rise Rejuvenation Center
Continued on page 39
CONCLUSION
BY ALEX SPRINGER
Regardless of the practice that our healthcare and wellness professionals have chosen, the common thread that unites them is the enthusiasm that they all have for their craft. Each person featured in the section spotlights expressed nothing but gratitude for being able to go to work every day and help people feel better–and that kind of got me thinking. It seems like the emotional basis of each one of our local healers and doctors is positivity. They do the work they’ve chosen to do because they love it, so maybe all of us regular folk can take a cue. If we assume the basis of healing is positivity, then maybe our own positivity has some kind of healing magic. I’m not saying we go out and start practicing our own brand of medicine, but instead, maybe we could all be a little better at being positive and passing some of that positivity on to others.
Just a thought.
Body Mind
Greek Mythology
With a James Beard Award nomination under its belt, Manoli’s is becoming the stuff of legend.
BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer
We’ve got a pretty decent list of James Beard Award nominees from Utah this year, which has me thinking that it’s time to check in with some of these monsters of the local restaurant scene. It’s been years since I have visited most of these places, and there are a few that I am ashamed to admit that I have yet to check out. Sitting right on top of that shameful list would have to be Manoli’s.
Owned by Chefs Manoli Katsanevas and Katrina Cutrubus, Manoli’s has come out on top of its share of struggles—including getting flooded in 2022—since it opened in 2016. While I have been meaning to check Manoli’s out forever, it helped to come to the restaurant blind on the heels of a James Beard nomination. If I were one of the regulars who came to expect a certain level of banter and chit-chat, it would be easy to weigh in on how much Manoli’s deserves to be recognized. But here I was, a random dude off the street just popping in to sample a few small plates.
So how well did Manoli’s exemplify the concept of hospitality? Pretty damn well, truth be told. Inside, Manoli’s is a cozy little spot that makes good use of its space. As I was flying solo, I took a spot
at the counter, because it gave me a frontrow seat to the kitchen. There’s something endlessly satisfying about watching a finely-tuned kitchen staff prepare the evening’s dishes.
Manoli’s menu has a few larger entrees, but I think there’s some value in sticking with the small plates or meze. I ordered the tyropita ($14) and the moschari souvlaki ($19) with plans to check out the dessert menu afterward. The tyropita are small, triangular phyllo pockets filled with rosemary, feta and myzithra cheese. The pockets are placed on roasted mushroom duxelles, which is a cute nod to French cuisine. Each pocket is absolutely stuffed with the cheese and herb mixture, which is hot and melty when it comes to the table. Getting a bite of each pocket and the duxelles is an excellent way to jumpstart your appetite—the duxelles’ rich, savory notes contrast nicely with the sharpness of the feta and myzithra cheeses. I think what I most enjoyed about the tyropita is that it presents a good analog for Manoli’s as a whole: It looks familiar and cozy, but will absolutely knock you on your ass with some bold flavors.
Though the souvlaki is not technically an entree, its portion size and proteinforward presentation certainly feels like it could be. Per souvlaki regulations, the short rib comes served on a wooden skewer. It’s topped with a lovely, acidic charred shallot and red wine glaze, then placed into a bowl of celery root and potato puree. On a nostalgic level, this is a Greek throwback to the Sunday pot roasts I grew up with—except, you know, way better. I think it was the charred shallot and wine glaze that really sent this over the top for me. It perfectly married the flavors of the short rib and the puree.
I sprung for dessert because Manoli’s makes loukoumades ($10), which are Greek
doughnuts drizzled with spiced honey. I don’t think I’ve ever ordered a specifically after-dinner drink, and I went with the Zestasia ($16). It was the Metaxa that sold me; Greek brandy with Greek doughnuts sounded like quite the party. All in all, this was a fantastic way to end the meal. The loukoumades are golden brown on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside, and that spiced honey was indeed best friends with my dessert cocktail. Throughout my whole visit, the service was attentive, and I loved being able to see the chefs apply their craft. I think Manoli’s is definitely the type of restaurant that flourishes with a group of diners, as a lot of their meze are shareable, and the bar serves up plenty of creative drinks. That said, my solo experience there was nothing short of a delight. There are times when you visit a restaurant as a present to yourself, and Manoli’s is the perfect place for such an occasion.
Which brings us back to the idea of hospitality. As I see it, there is a reason “hospital” exists within that word. When a place like Manoli’s shows its guests the kind of hospitality that it’s become known for, it is providing a spiritual cure. It’s the kind of cure that is hard to pin down in our frustratingly binary world, but it cures the soul of its need to be taken care of. Not in a big, dramatic way, mind you. It’s a way that only reveals itself in the smile of a server or in the clatter of a gorgeously prepared plate being placed in front of you. This is why the hospitality industry is so important, and Manoli’s truly understands the assignment. CW
2 Row Brewing
73 West 7200 South, Midvale
2RowBrewing.com
On Tap: Piney Peaks “West Coast IPA”
Avenues Proper 376 8th Ave, SLC avenuesproper.com
On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale
Bewilder Brewing
445 S. 400 West, SLC
BewilderBrewing.com
On Tap: Belgian Pale Ale, Cosmic Pop IPA, Lord of the Ryes Stout
Bohemian Brewery
94 E. Fort Union Blvd, Midvale BohemianBrewery.com
On Tap: ‘I.P.L.’ India Pale Lager, Munich ‘Dunkel’, Cali ‘Steam’ Lager, ‘BrewSki’ German Pils
Bonneville Brewery 1641 N. Main, Tooele BonnevilleBrewery.com
On Tap: Peaches and Cream Ale
Chappell Brewing
2285 S Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84115 chappell.beer
On Tap: Playground #13 - Hazy Pale with Lemondrop and Sultana
Craft by Proper 1053 E. 2100 So., SLC properbrewingco.com
On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale
Desert Edge Brewery
273 Trolley Square, SLC DesertEdgeBrewery.com
On Tap: High Pressure Haze, Hazy Pale Ale
Epic Brewing Co. 825 S. State, SLC EpicBrewing.com
On Tap: 2024 Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stouts
Etta Place Cidery
700 W Main St, Torrey www.ettaplacecider.com
On Tap: Wassail Cider, Pineapple
A list of what local craft breweries and cider houses have on tap this week
Fisher Brewing Co.
320 W. 800 South, SLC FisherBeer.com
On Tap: A rotation of up to 17 Fresh Beers!
Grid City Beer Works
333 W. 2100 South, SLC GridCityBeerWorks.com
On Tap: Cask Nitro CO2
Helper Beer
159 N Main Street, Helper, UT helperbeer.com
Hopkins Brewing Co.
1048 E. 2100 South, SLC HopkinsBrewingCompany.com
On Tap: Orchard-House Fruited Sour (Key Lime and Guava)
Kiitos Brewing
608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com
Now with a full bar license & draft beer cocktails!
On Tap: Fonio - 100% gluten free beer; Schwarzbier
Level Crossing Brewing Co.
Offset Bier Co
1755 Bonanza Dr Unit C, Park City offsetbier.com/
On Tap: DOPO IPA
Ogden Beer Company
358 Park Blvd, Ogden OgdenBeerCompany.com
On Tap: 11 rotating taps as well as high point cans and guest beers
Park City Brewing 1764 Uinta Way C1 ParkCityBrewing.com
On Tap: ALES for ALS - 5.0% hazy pale
Policy Kings Brewery 223 N. 100 West, Cedar City PolicyKingsBrewery.com
Prodigy Brewing 25 W Center St. Logan Prodigy-brewing.com
On Tap: 302 Czech Pilsner
Proper Brewing/Proper
Burger 857 So. Main & 865 So. Main properbrewingco.com
On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale
Proper Brewing Moab 1393 US-191, Moab properbrewingco.com On Tap: Blizzard Wizard Hazy Pale Ale
SaltFire Brewing 2199 S. West Temple, S. Salt Lake SaltFireBrewing.com
On Tap: Pineapple Habanero Chipotle Lager
Salt Flats Brewing 2020 Industrial Circle, SLC SaltFlatsBeer.com
On Tap: Winter Amber with notes of Vanilla and Brown Sugar
Scion Cider Bar 916 Jefferson St W, SLC Scionciderbar.com
On Tap: Tin City - Fresh Quince of Bel Air 8.5% ABV
Second Summit Cider 4010 So. Main, Millcreek secondsummitcider.com
On Tap: Imperial 8.2%
Shades Brewing 154 W. Utopia Ave, South Salt Lake
ShadesBrewing.beer
On Tap: Fresh Hop IPA (with homegrown local hops)
Shades On State
366 S. State Street SLC Shadesonstate.com
On Tap: Six Wheat Under Hefeweizen; Black Cloud Lager
Silver Reef 4391 S. Enterprise Drive, St. George SGBev.com
Strap Tank Brewery, Lehi 3661 Outlet Pkwy, Lehi, UT StrapTankBrewery.com
On Tap: “Ostara” German Amber Lager with orange and lemon peel; “Virgil the Guide” Italian Pilsner
Strap Tank Brewery, Springville 596 S 1750 W, Springville, UT StrapTankBrewery.com
On Tap: Candy Cap English Mild
TF Brewing 936 S. 300 West, SLC TFBrewing.com
On Tap: Strata Fresh Hop Pale Ale
Talisman Brewing Co. 1258 Gibson Ave, Ogden TalismanBrewingCo.com
On Tap: Daily Rizzin’
2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake
LevelCrossingBrewing.com
On Tap: Kolsch
Level Crossing Brewing Co.,
550 South 300 West, Suite
LevelCrossingBrewing.com
On Tap: Vienna Lager
Moab Brewing
686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com
On Tap: Arnie (Co-Lab with 2 Row brewing): cream ale base with Lychee black tea and fresh pasteurized lemon juice.
Mountain West Cider
425 N. 400 West, SLC MountainWestCider.com
On Tap: Strawberry Sereni-Tea Hard Cider
Red Rock Brewing 254 So. 200 West RedRockBrewing.com
On Tap: Gypsy Scratch
Red Rock Fashion Place 6227 So. State Redrockbrewing.com
On Tap: Munich Dunkel
Red Rock Kimball Junction 1640 Redstone Center Redrockbrewing.com
On Tap: Bamberg Rauch Bier
RoHa Brewing Project
30 Kensington Ave, SLC RoHaBrewing.com
On Tap: Lone Ranger Mexican Lager
Roosters Brewing Multiple Locations RoostersBrewingCo.com
On Tap: Cyclops Irish Stout
Squatters Corner Pub –Valley Fair
3555 Constitution Blvd, West Valley City
squatterscornerpub.com
On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Hef Baum Hefeweizen
Squatters Pub Brewery / Salt Lake Brewing Co. 147 W. Broadway, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/ squatters
On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. O’Caden’s Irish Red Ale
Squatters and Wasatch Brewery 1763 So 300 West SLC UT 84115 Utahbeers.com
On Tap: 20 beers with 12 rotating small batch releases: Black Tea English Porter, Hazelnut Brown Ale, and more!
Small Batch Series Release: Back Abbey Double Belgian Ale
BEER NERD
Tropic Picks
No fruit here, but you’d never know it.
BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer
Templin Family - The Pasture: This beer began its journey back in 2020 when owner/head brewer Kevin Templin and his team took their Koelschip (a large stainless-steel tub) out to his brother Chris Templin’s pasture, and set up what would be the brewery’s first ever batch of Spon beer—a type of spontaneously-fermented beer that uses the natural yeast in the air instead of cultured yeast. It takes a long time— five years in this case—maturing in oak barrels. Now, it’s all done and ready to be enjoyed.
It pours a lovely orange body, with a nice fluffy two fingers of white head and good retention, without much lacing to be seen. It smells like straight-up fresh tangerine with a dose of musty lambiclike funk, hay and accompanied by a nice hint of vinegar acidity.
Drinking this beer yields a ton of yuzu fruit flavor, along with a medium amount of delicious acetic sourness that features some oak barrel components. In the background there’s some earthy funk, leather and horse blanket. The citrus notes are definitely not missed here, and the acetic sourness is just perfect. The Pasture has less earthiness in the background, with a more complex sour flavor. The result is so easy to drink; I was able to down most of this bottle on my own—no hints of the 6.8 percent alcohol, which is no surprise.
Verdict: I really enjoyed this one. It’s complex, and with all of those natural-tasting citrus flavors, you’d almost think citrus and stone fruits were added.
You could probably cellar this beer with your collection; I wouldn’t, as it’s drinking perfectly right now.
Kiitos - Tropical Haze IPA: This beer isn’t new, but it’s taking a new direction that I thought was worth revisiting, as it undergoes a more Southern Hemisphere approach to its tropical hop profile. The pour here is super nice, with a strawyellow, white gold-colored beer holding up a couple fingers of bone-white head that laces incredibly well as it dissipates. The nose displays notes of cantaloupe, citrus and stone fruits—nicely complex and enticing.
On the tongue, this has a lot of silky oat-like malt, combined with melon and mango hoppiness. They meld with notes of light tropical fruit cocktail and some bright citrus and herbal elements. A pineapple-like intensity comes next, combining with lime, tangerine and passion fruit. I really like the complex hop elements up front and in the finish. I don’t initially get much of the 5.0 percent ABV here either, but as it warms, it starts to become a little more apparent. Mouthfeel is on the medium side of things, kind of riding a dense wave of hoppy, yeasty goodness until the end of each sip.
Verdict: I wish this was around 6.0 percent, but it really does drink pretty nicely for its ABV, and it brings out the tropical flavors in a balanced and representative manner. The version I had was fresh and on draft, and was really crushable. The new direction that Kiitos is taking with its beers is quite innovative, and it’s worth visiting their brewery’s pub.
As I mentioned above, Tropical Haze is available on draft, but it’s also available in 16-ounce cans, and will likely be more widely available in the coming months. It’s fresh right now, so scoot your butts over Kiitos for your cans and pints. The Pasture is available in a 750 ml bottle, only available at TF, and it can be enjoyed in house or to go.
As always, cheers! CW
the BACK BURNER
BY ALEX SPRINGER | @captainspringer
Downtown Daybreak to Welcome Three New Restaurants
Per an Instagram post from Downtown Daybreak (@downtowndaybreak), there will be three new restaurants joining the commercial complex near The Ballpark at America First Square. Hires Big H, Moena Cafe and Nomad Eatery will all be opening new locations sometime in the spring of this year. Any local burger fan knows about the Big H, and this will be the first new Hires restaurant in over 30 years. Nomad Eatery is also a Salt Lake staple with its upscale pub food and craft cocktails. Moena Cafe is a Hawaiian breakfast, brunch and lunch spot that will be making its mainland debut in Daybreak. I’ll be sure to keep an eye on this development.
Princess Tea at Grand America Hotel
The month of March has seen a glittery change to the Grand America Hotel’s (grandamerica.com) traditional high tea event. The hotel will be hosting a fairy tale-inspired Princess Tea every weekend until March 30. Guests are encouraged to wear their most sparkly, whimsical and extravagant outfits, as each table will be visited by at least two roaming princesses. There will also be certain Friday and Saturday events that will feature dancers from Ballet West to enchant tea party guests. Princess Tea events will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Waldorf Astoria Park City Appoints New Executive Chef
Waldorf Astoria Park City (hilton.com) recently announced the appointment of Chef Stuart Roger as the resort’s new executive chef. This places Chef Roger in charge of all food and beverage programming at the Park City resort, as well as the resort’s signature restaurant, Powder. Chef Roger is coming to us from sunny Cancun, where he previously helmed the city’s own Waldorf Astoria resort. Those who are interested in seeing what Chef Roger has planned for his new Park City digs, tickets are on sale for the Spring Wine Dinner at Powder on March 28 at 6:30 p.m. via OpenTable.
Quote of the Week: “A cup of tea is an excuse to share great thoughts with great minds.” – Cristina Re
Standout Songs
Local musicians dish about their favorite original songs
BY EMILEE ATKINSON eatkinson@cityweekly.net @emileelovesvinyl
Grace and Silence, “Revelation”: “‘Revelation’ is a big standout for me personally. Although it never has been one of our more listened-to songs, the process of creating that song has always stuck out to me. That song is about faith, religion and struggles within my family, and getting that out of my mind and onto the paper was a really important experience for me. Plus, writing the parts for it and recording it as a group was a whole bunch of fun, we took a lot of inspiration from bands like Lamb Of God and Slipknot.”
Lisa and the Missing Pieces, “Open Your Heart” “Requiem” “Again”: “When you ask one band with several members one question you get different answers! We all resonate with the title cut, ‘Open Your Heart,’ as it asks point blank if we can find a way to connect to each other, even when it seems impossible or too late. There was also a vote for ‘Requiem,’ as this song has a universal theme of heartbreak—the kind that occurs when one partner is operating independently of the other, greatly affecting the other and not plugging into the damage being done. This vote was for how the dynamics and the lyrics support each other to create what we hope is an emotional moment when the song culminates with the hurting partner pleading to be heard and understood. Here again, there are ways this can reflect what we are living through—hurting each other and not being able to see the how and why of it. The last vote was for ‘Again.’ I wrote this during the pandemic as an anthem to the sturdiness we all possess—even
when we don’t think we do. This song feels even more relevant today as it takes a journey from laying in bed, so sad and afraid of the world and how hard it is sometimes to get up and move forward—to doing it anyway and recognizing that the human spirit—regardless of circumstance—is Teflon, incredibly resilient and ultimately ineffable. No matter what we think, we can always find a way to pick ourselves up and try again. We want our music to inspire hope, connection and belief in self and others so it can feel more possible to see the good that absolutely exists.”
Cannibal Queen, “Lonely”: ‘“Lonely,’ because it’s the first song I wrote as Cannibal Queen. A few years ago, while my old band was gabbing in the kitchen, I found myself sitting in the dark, slowly putting the song together while I heard the sounds of laughter from the other room. Not only was I lonely from my own friendships, but I was deeply enamored [with] someone I would never have. I was able to muster up all this lonely emotion into my first ever animated music video! And that music video is really what I’m the most proud of. It’s all hand drawn completely by me.”
Acacia Ridge, “Negative Space”: “The song that probably stands out the most for us is ‘Negative Space’ feat. Cera Gibson. That song came together at the end of the three-yearlong development of our second album. We had spent those three years figuring out how we wanted to present our own style, our own voice and our own creative direction. ‘Negative Space’ is the culmination of all that time and effort. To us, that song represents the first time we felt we had truly achieved the sound we had always been searching for.”
Lucy, “Saint Olga of Kiev and the Drevlian Uprising”: “While we each have our own personal favorites, I think our song ‘Saint Olga of Kiev and the Drev-
MUSIC
lian Uprising’ sticks out the most. It’s a far cry from our other songs, and even calling it a song feels unjust. With a runtime of 17.14 minutes and an amalgamation of samples, we haven’t ever been able to play it live. You could almost describe it as an audiobook without any dialogue. It was incredibly fun to make, and even though it’s so different from our other songs, it 100% fits our sound.”
The Last Wild Buffalo, “Breakfast in Bed”: “One song that stands out to us the most is our song ‘Breakfast in Bed’ off of our EP Sincerely. It captures a different feeling than any of our other songs. The song has a softer guitar lick and banjo line, as opposed to most of our other stomp-n’-holler rowdy songs. It is our first song that has Ella, our fiddle player, singing. Her voice sounds angelic as her and Isaac trade verses and combine for a beauti-
ful harmony in the chorus. The lyrics sharply change between lighthearted and profound, creating a thought-provoking contrast. We love it a lot and hope you do as well!”
GLOSSA, “Acacia,” “Long Pig”: “Every song has its own weight, but if I had to pick the most defining track for GLOSSA, it’d be ‘Acacia’—though I gotta throw ‘Long Pig’ in there too, just because. ‘Acacia’ kicks off the album and sets the tone for everything that follows. Death Is Not the End is a deep dive into struggle, grief, and loss, and you can feel all of that bleeding through in ‘Acacia.’ The way it builds—starting with that haunting, slow-burn tension before it explosively unravels after the mid-section— mirrors the emotional weight of the entire album. It’s that moment where you realize you’re being pulled into something heavy, something that demands to be felt.” CW
Grace and Silence
FRIDAY, MARCH 21
SATURDAY, MARCH 22
MASHPAD MONDAYS
TUESDAYS
BEST BAR IN UTAH!
GREAT FOOD
MUSIC PICK S
North Mississippi Allstars @ The Egyptian Theatre 3/21-23
Formed in 1996, the four-time Grammy nominees North Mississippi Allstars are led by brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson, who are deeply rooted in the Mississippi Hill Country blues tradition. Sons of famed record producer Jim Dickinson (Big Star, Green on Red, The Replacements), the brothers have a deep, abiding love and understanding of American musical forms. The Allstars’ music blends Southern rock, blues, soul and funk, creating a unique sound that reflects their regional influences. In their early years, Luther (guitar and vocals) and Cody (drums) were accompanied by bassist Chris Chew and guitarist Duwayne Burnside; since 2016 the brothers have—in the studio, at least—taken on all duties. On record and in live performance, the North Mississippi Allstars showcase a raw sound built on improvisation. Today, with 12 studio albums (2022’s Set Sail being their latest), four EPs and nine live releases, the North Mississippi Allstars continue to carry the tradition of roots music into the present day, positioning it to endure into the future. The group comes to Park City’s Egyptian Theatre for three consecutive dates (Friday, March 21 and Saturday March 22 at 8 p.m., Sunday March 23 at 5 p.m.). Tickets are $35 at egyptiantheatrecompany.org. (Bill Kopp)
WEEKLY LINEUP
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MUSIC PICK S
Cassian @ Boxpac Project 3/21
Combine heavy synthesizers and live instruments with samples of classic soul, funk and disco songs, and you get Cassian’s (Cassian Stewart-Kasimba) signature nu-disco sound. Hailing from Australia, he’s been locked in as a successful progressive house music producer in his home country for more than a decade. Stewart-Kasimba’s single “Running” positioned him as one of Australia’s rising EDM performers in 2015. Five years later, he secured a Grammy nomination in 2020 for his role mixing the pop-centric dancefloor melter “Underwater” for Australian dance music trio RÜFÜS DU SOL. Two years later, he won a Grammy alongside RÜFÜS DU SOL for the Surrender single “Alive.” StewartKasimba has gone on to release a lot of his own successful singles like “Lafayette,” “Same Things” and “Magical” with ZOLLY (Phil Slabber of Crooked Colours). My personal favorite is his remix of Aussie 1970s rock band Icehouse’s song “Great Southern Land.” Cassian’s remix adds a more atmospheric element to the song that transports you to the “endless ocean,” “lost at sea,” and “prisoner island” referenced in the song. He is at the point where he’s consistently at the top of Beatport’s charts and has played at all the major festivals, so it will be fun to see him in Mutiny Music Collective’s more intimate warehouse, Boxpac Project. Check out Cassian’s North America Tour on Friday, March 21 at 9 p.m. Only Tier 3 tickets are left at $30 at press time. Go to seetickets.us for tickets and event information. (Arica Roberts)
Cassian
MUSIC PICKS
Mopsy, Ivy Avenue, Porq @ Kilby Court 3/23
If you’re looking for a fight night and want to chill with some awesome locals, you won’t want to miss this show at Kilby. This show is going to be loud and high energy, so don’t come if you get headaches easily. Garage rock band Mopsy is at the top of the bill, and you can always count on a good time with them. They’re consistently rocking so hard at all of their shows, and fans are always moshing in the pit. One of their most popular songs, “Oh Honey,” is lively and dynamic, and will easily get you moving. Their most recent single “I Call All My Homies Baby Girl” is fast and crunchy, giving off awesome rock/grunge/punk vibes. Also on the bill is Ivy Avenue, an SLC alt/indie band who have a wholesome sound that pairs with lovely storytelling lyrics. You can also find awesome guitar solos and unique riffs in their music like on their debut single “I-15.” You’ll be singing along with the lyrics to “I-15” in no time; it’s a fun and sweet track that’s hard to forget. Their newest single “Halfway” has much of the same, and the more you listen, the more you’ll hope to hear more from Ivy Avenue soon. Bringing up the rear is punk/garage/rock band Porq, who released their debut album & Beans in February. Its balls-tothe-wall sound will have you headbanging so hard your neck will definitely hurt the next day. Come have fun at this all-ages show on Sunday, March 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)
Masta Killa @ Urban Lounge 3/24
We have an APB of an MC Killa, looks like the work of a Masta. In terms of emcee-ing skills, the Wu-Tang Clan differs from pretty much any hip-hop collective ever in that they all have that uniqueness, their individual style and flow, constantly feeding off of and outshining each other—you could make a case for each of the members of the Clan to be one of the meanest rappers ever. Wu member Masta Killa (Jamel Irief, born Elgin Evander Turner) projects a distinct personality on record and with his live performances. He is a student of the game. “I was still learning and perfecting my craft. I was on [Enter The Wu-Tang] 36 Chambers but I was only on “Da Mystery of Chessboxin,” Killa told Forbes. “Do you know why? Because that’s the only rhyme that I had. That was the first rhyme
that I ever wrote.” Just try to imagine 99% of contemporary performers desperately attempting to ride the tsunami of grit of Wu-affiliated tracks. Look, Masta Killa’s LP’s No Said Date and Made in Brooklyn are both excellent, and I still get a flutter of adrenaline when the drum kicks in on “Duel Of The Iron Mic.” Make sure you are in the place when the high chief Jamel Irief takes the stage. Grvnola & DJ Juggy open. Catch these musicians at the Urban Lounge on Monday, March 24, doors at 7 p.m. Tier 2 tickets for the 21+ show are $20 and can be found at 24tix.com (Mark Dago)
The Rocket Summer @ Soundwell 3/24
It’s not unusual for artists to adopt an alter ego. Is Lady Gaga a given name? We doubt it. And Madonna? Again, there’s cause for skepticism. Chris Cornell once referred to himself as “Poncier.” Dave Grohl used the aliases “Dale Nixon” and “Alex McCloud.” Billy Corgan is especially prolific in that he’s operated under the aegis of “Johnny Goat,” “Billy Burke” and “Mr. Lemon.” Consequently, there seems nothing unusual about the fact that multi-instrumentalist, singer/ songwriter and producer Bryce Avary brands himself as The Rocket Summer. Yet there’s no reason for him to be modest. With eight studio albums and various EPs to his credit, he’s made an impact as an indelible artist whose career took flight at the tender age of 17. The nom-de-plume was inspired by Ray Bradbury’s sci-fi masterpiece, The Martian Chronicles, and was affixed to the title of his initial EP. Then, after rocketing up the Billboard Top 200 and various Modern Rock charts, he’s become a singular sensation, an artist whose penchant for power pop, expressive instrumentation and assured arrangements has made him something of an indie icon. Allmusic described his sound as ranging from “headlong blasts of pure power pop cheer to sonata form and ballads,” summing it all up as simply “infectiously joyful.” Considering the fact that Avary alone pilots Rocket Summer, that seems a pretty impressive achievement. Clearly, Rocket Summer offers a sound that’s suitable for all seasons. Rocket Summer’s “Hello, Good Friend” 20th Anniversary Tour comes to Soundwell at 8 p.m. on Monday, Mar 24. Tickets for this 18+ show cost $27 at tixr.com. (Lee Zimmerman)
free will ASTROLOGY
BY ROB BREZSNY
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals. From standing still, they can be running at 70 miles per hour three seconds later. But they can’t sustain that intensity. After a 20-second burst, they need to relax and recover. This approach serves them well, enabling them to prey on the small creatures they like to eat. I encourage you to be like a metaphorical cheetah in the coming weeks, Aries. Capitalize on the power of focused, energetic spurts. Aim for bursts of dedicated effort, followed by purposeful rest. You don’t need to pursue a relentless pace to succeed. Recognize when it’s right to push hard and when it’s time to recharge.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Inside a kaleidoscope, the colored shards of glass are in an ever-shifting chaotic jumble. But internal mirrors present pleasing symmetrical designs to the person gazing into the kaleidoscope. I see a similar phenomenon going on in your life. Some deep intelligence within you (your higher self?) is creating intriguing patterns out of an apparent mess of fragments. I foresee this continuing for several weeks. So don’t be quick to jump to conclusions about your complicated life. A hidden order is there, and you can see its beauty if you’re patient and poised.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20)
Spiders spin their webs with meticulous care, crafting structures that are delicate, strong and useful. Their silk is five times more robust than steel of the same diameter. It’s waterproof, can stretch 140% of its length without splitting and maintains its sturdiness at temperatures as low as -40 degrees. With that in mind, Gemini, I bid you to work on fortifying and expanding your own web in the coming weeks—by which I mean your network of connections and support. It’s an excellent time to deepen and refine your relationships with the resources and influences that help hold your world together.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
Chichén Itzá was a large pre-Columbian city from around 600 to 1200 CE. It was built by Mayan people in what’s now Mexico. At the city center was a pyramid, The Temple of Kukulcán. During the equinoxes, and only on the equinoxes, sunlight fell on its steps in such a way as to suggest a snake descending the stairs. The mathematical, architectural and astronomical knowledge necessary to create this entertaining illusion was phenomenal. In that spirit, I am pleased to tell you that you are now capable of creating potent effects through careful planning. Your strategic thinking will be enhanced, especially in projects that require longterm vision. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for initiatives that coordinate multiple elements to generate fun and useful outcomes.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
Fireflies produce very efficient light. Nearly all the energy expended in their internal chemical reactions is converted directly into their intense glow. By contrast, the light bulbs we use are highly inefficient. In accordance with astrological omens, Leo, I urge you to be like a firefly in the coming weeks, not a light bulb. You will have dynamic power to convert your inner beauty into outer beauty. Be audacious! Be uninhibited! Shower the world with full doses of your radiant gifts.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Brazil nut trees grow in the Amazon—but only if they are in the vicinity of orchid bees, their sole pollinators. And orchid bees thrive in no other place except where there are lots of blooming orchids. So the Brazil nut tree has very specific requirements for its growth and well-being. You Virgos aren’t quite so picky about the influences that keep you fertile and flourishing—though sometimes I do worry about it. The good news is that in the coming months, you will be casting a wider net in quest of inspiration and support. I suspect you will gather most, maybe all, of the inspiration and support you need.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
In 1858, businessperson James Miller Williams was digging a new water well on his land in Ontario, hoping to compensate for a local drought. He noticed oil was seeping out of the hole he had scooped. Soon, he became the first person in North America to develop a commercial oil well. I suspect that you, too, may soon stumble upon valuable fuels or resources, Libra—and they may be different from what you imagined you were looking for. Be alert and open-minded for unexpected discoveries.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
I’ve been through the U.S. education system, and I can testify that our textbooks don’t give the French enough of the credit they deserve for helping our fledgling nation gain independence from Great Britain. The 18th-century American Revolution would not have succeeded without extensive aid from France. So I’m a little late, but I am hereby showering France with praise and gratitude for its intervention. Now I encourage you, too, to compensate for your past lack of full appreciation for people and influences that have been essential to you becoming yourself. It’s a different kind of atonement: not apologizing for sins, but offering symbolic and even literal rewards to underestimated helpers and supporters.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
As I survey the astrological aspects, I am tempted to encourage you to be extra expansive about love. I am curious to see the scintillating intimacy you might cultivate. So, in the hope you’re as intrigued by the experimental possibilities as I am, I invite you to memorize the following words by author Maya Angelou and express them to a person with whom you want to play deeper and wilder: “You are my living poem, my symphony of the untold, my golden horizon stretched beyond what the eye can see. You rise in me like courage, fierce and unyielding, yet soft as a lullaby sung to a weary soul. You are my promise kept, my hope reborn, the infinite melody in the heart of silence. I hold you in the marrow of my joy, where you are home.”
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Four facts about a mountain goat as it navigates along steep and rocky terrain: 1. It’s strong and vigorous; 2. it’s determined and unflappable; 3. it’s precise and disciplined; 4. it calls on enormous stamina and resilience. According to my astrological analysis, you Capricorns will have maximum access to all these capacities during the coming weeks. You can use them to either ascend to seemingly impossible heights or descend to fantastically interesting depths. Trust in your power to persevere. Love the interesting journey as much as the satisfaction of reaching the goal of the journey.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The Swiss Army knife is a compact assemblage of tools. These may include a nail file, scissors, magnifying glass, screwdriver, pliers, blade, can opener and others. Is there a better symbol for adaptability and preparedness? I urge you to make it your metaphorical power object during the coming weeks, Aquarius. Explore new frontiers of flexibility, please. Be ready to shift perspective and approach quickly and smoothly. Be as agile and multifaceted as you dare.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
Coast redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet. If, Goddess forbid, lumber harvesters cut down one of these beauties, it can be used to build more than 20 houses. And yet each mature tree begins as a seed the size of a coat button. Its monumental growth is steady and slow, relying on robust roots and a symbiotic relationship with a fungus that enables it to absorb water from fog. I propose we make the redwood your power symbol for now, Pisces. Inspired by its process, I hope you implement the magic of persistent, incremental growth. Treasure the fact that a fertile possibility has the potential, with patience and nurturing, to ripen into a long-term asset. Trust that small efforts, fueled by collaboration, will lead to gratifying achievements.
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Yoon KIM, 351 E 1750 N, VINEYARD, UT 84059
urban LIVING
WITH BABS DELAY Broker, Urban Utah Homes & Estates, urbanutah.com
Small Homes
Now that our Legislature has met to do their dirty work for another year, there weren’t too many bills to assist potential home buyers with much relief. A few bills passed and await the governor’s signature, such as SB181, which prohibits cities from requiring that owner-occupied affordable housing be built with a garage, and SB23, which requires that 50% of homes built in the “First Home Investment Zone” to be owner-occupied.
Many other bills didn’t gain enough support—like proposals that would allow homes to be built on lots smaller than 6,000 square feet, and another one allowing accessory dwelling units in urban residential areas.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
1. Sgt.’s superior
5. Lost and trying to find a way out, maybe
12. 2025 Best Picture Oscar winner
14. Counter offers?
15. “Broadway Joe”
17. Rhapsodizes
18. Saomething to run for 20. Not entirely
21. Lab enclosure
23. Graham McPherson, in Madness
26. Like tougher steaks, maybe 28. Syllabus segment
29. “Too much excitement!”
31. “Girls5___” (Busy Philipps sitcom)
32. Grand Theft Auto: ___ Andreas
33. Stannic metal
I’m not seeing much evidence that what happened during the 45-day legislative session will make housing more affordable in our state. And there was no big funding boost to first-time buyer programs, like the failed HB286 that would have allocated revenue from state liquor sales to the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund.
In our state (like most others) we’re experiencing a housing shortage. Builders have come forward in the past few years to address the shortage, in some cases by building smaller homes and working with lenders to offer reduced rates on mortgages.
Seniors who are downsizing want no-hassle living and look to options in the limited condo inventory here along the Wasatch Front. St. George has options for condos, but it’s more common to see huge developments in Washington County of single-family homes with small “casitas” in the back yard for caretakers, renters or relatives to live in, separately from the seniors.
But builders in our larger cities typically don’t have the option of adding two homes on one lot, as land is extremely limited and expensive here and zoning largely prohibits accessory dwelling units. It makes more sense under the current laws to develop higher-density projects, such as sideby-side townhomes, and it’s easier to get funding for apartment projects than condo projects.
Speaking of condos, did you know that the very first units ever built in the state (and mainland America) were in Sugar House? The Graystone Arms condos were built in the early 1960s here after a local attorney lobbied our Legislature to allow for his “ancient new idea” to allow for this unique kind of housing.
Keith Romney had visited Rome and learned of joint ownership dwellings and, soon after, the Legislature passed the condo bill and the rest is history. Within two weeks of offering the units (advertised with the promise of “No More Yardwork!”), 70% of them were under contract.
Romney became known as the condo king in Utah and he helped other developers who created Three Fountains in Murray (a Prowswood Development) and Treasure Mountain Inn on Main in Park City (Utah’s first condominium hotel, also developed by Romney and his partners). n
34. Station where you scan your own groceries, for short
35. Hideaway
36. ‘70s hoops grp.
37. M
40. Middle range
42. Temperance, e.g.
43. Preserves
45. “Episode I” villain
47. “Getting to Know You” musical locale
49. Mount acrobatically, as a horse
50. Being
53. Actress Reeves of “Slow Horses”
54. Pretty close
55. Obsolescent
56. Workplace of 2024 sitcom character Dr. Ron Leonard
57. Distress signals, plural (and yeah, it’s the preferred spelling but looks weird)
DOWN
1. Did some wicker work
2. Simple audio cord
3. Fruit part used to make the spice anar dana
4. Get (mud) on the carpet
5. “Son of,” in some surnames
6. Navy Yard team, to fans
7. Workout consequences
8. Dress that translates to “cut off”
9. Ordered hierarchically
10. Zuider ___
11. Sinuous shape
13. Confirm
14. Tale that mentions the Trojan horse
16. Verbal nudge
19. Pitch in a window
22. Downwind side of the river
24. Responsibilities handed down
25. R.E.M. hit
27. Ravioli filling options
29. “Forever Blue” singer
Chris
30. Mouse alternative for a laptop
38. Capital of County Kerry
39. Appetizers served with chutney
41. Religion, in a Marx quote
44. Did not reveal
46. A bunch
48. Chicago Symphony Orchestra “Music Director Emeritus for Life” Riccardo
answers
Complete the grid so that each row, column, diagonal and 3x3 square contain all of the numbers 1 to 9. No math is involved. The grid has numbers, but nothing has to add up to anything else. Solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. Solving time is typically 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your skill and experience.
50. Dol. parts
51. Balderdash
52. Icelandic band Sigur ___
NEWS of the WEIRD
Fine Points of the Law
Marc Jaisli, a councilmember in Buchs, Switzerland, was fined $7,390 after he purchased pink plastic water pistols for his godchildren, the Associated Press reported on March 11. Doing so violated the country’s weapons law, prosecutors said. They ruled that even though the pistols were imitations, “they could be confused for real firearms due to their appearance.” Jaisli said he hadn’t been aware of the violation but paid the fine.
Rude
A German soccer match on Feb. 23 was abruptly canceled after an unexpected incident on the field, NationalWorld reported. As the referee was checking players’ IDs while they warmed up, the child of one player “came closer and closer to me, then suddenly— to my complete surprise—gave me a sharp bite in my left testicle,” said referee Stefan Kahler. “I did not start the game, because of the pain I was in and the situation. It was the child of one of the FC Taxi players who was to blame.” FC Taxi II and Rot-Weiss Mulheim III will have their match rescheduled for later in the season.
Smooth Reactions
The Top Secret Comedy Club in London will no longer admit audience members who have undergone B otox injections, United Press International reported on March 10. “I’ve had numerous complaints from performers who find it increasingly challenging to gauge audience engagement and bounce off their reactions,” said owner Mark Rothman. “Comedy thrives on connection, and facial expressions play a huge part. ... Frozen faces from Botox impact the entire atmosphere.” Show attendees will be submitted to an expression check at the door.
Just Desserts
On March 6, the state of Texas charged Amber Paige Laudermilk, 34, with abuse of a corpse, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The court filing revealed that Laudermilk, an embalmer at Memorial Mortuary and Crematory in Houston, allegedly used a scalpel to castrate the decedent, Charles Roy Rodriguez, 58, a registered sex offender who lived in Brookside Village, Texas. She then stuffed his sex organ into his mouth and told an embalming student who witnessed the mutilation, “You didn’t see anything.” Laudermilk faces six months to two years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Saw That Coming
An unnamed man in Memphis, Tennessee, learned a pointed lesson on March 10 when his dog, Oreo, jumped into his bed and got his paw stuck in the trigger guard of the man’s loaded gun, FOX13-TV reported. T he gun fired a bullet that grazed the man’s left thigh, which was treated at a hospital. “The dog is a playful dog, and he likes to jump around and stuff like that, and it just went off,” said the man’s girlfriend, who was also in the bed. Police filed an accidental injury report.
The Foreign Press
The South China Morning Post reported on March 7 that online shops are selling “bank soil”—dirt dug up outside major Chinese banks that is said to bring wealth and good fortune to buyers. The price can be as high as $120 per portion. The soil is harvested from potted plants in bank lobbies or green areas outside the buildings. A sales rep claimed, “This soil ... is believed to enhance wealth and dissolve bad energy, though we cannot scientifically prove this.” They went on to say the soil is collected at night, while another vendor said their dirt is collected at noon. One commenter asked, “I live next to a bank, so why has my fortune not improved?”
Irony
The COP30 climate summit scheduled for November in the isolated Brazilian city of Belem is expected to bring more than 50,000 people to the area. So with the goal of easing traffic to the city, the government is building a new four-lane highway through the protected A mazon rainforest, the BBC reported on March 12. Not only are mature trees being felled, but the project is also paving over wetlands. Claudio Verequete, who once harvested acai berries in the rainforest, said the infrastructure project has destroyed everything. “Our harvest has already been cut down. We no longer have that income to support our family,” he said. “For those of us who live on the side of the highway, there will be no benefits,” he said, as the highway will not connect to adjacent communities.
Latest Religious Message
An American Airlines flight from Savannah, Georgia, to Miami was forced to turn back to the airport just after takeoff on March 10, The New York Times reported. Flight attendants first thought passenger Delange Augustin, 31, was having a seizure as he yelled and shook, but it turned out he believed a satanic spirit had invaded the cabin, and he was swallowing rosary beads to ward off the spirit. During a struggle, he kicked one attendant so hard they tumbled into the window on the other side of the plane. After landing, Augustin went to the front of the plane and started throwing punches at flight attendants. Other passengers wrestled him and his sister, who was flying with him, to the floor. The sister told law enforcement that they’d been traveling to Haiti to “flee religious attacks of a spiritual nature.” Augustin had told her that “Satan’s disciples had followed them onto the plane and the legion did not want the Augustins to make it to Haiti.” The swallowed beads were a “weapon of strength” against the persecution, he said. He was charged with misdemeanor battery and felony criminal property damage.
Unclear on the Concept
Air India is begging its passengers to “use lavatories only for purposes they are meant for,” the New York Post recently reported, after a flight from Chicago to Delhi on March 5 had to return to O’Hare. During that journey, passengers flushed plastic bags, rags and clothing down the toilets, putting eight of the 12 lavatories out of order. The plane was over Greenland when i t turned back to Chicago, five hours into the 14-hour flight. “The decision to divert was taken entirely in the interest of passenger comfort and safety,” Air India reps said. “Our teams have previously also found objects such as blankets, innerwear and diapers,” they said.
Americans Abroad
Instagram influencer and “outdoor enthusiast” Sam Jones may lose her visa for Australia after she posted a video of her grabbing a wild baby wombat from its distressed mother, the BBC reported. The post on March 11 has since been deleted from her Instagram account. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggested she “take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there.” In the video, Jones carries the hissing and struggling joey to a car, saying, “ I caught a baby wombat!” as the mother chases her. She then puts the joey back down beside the road. But wombat experts are unamused. “Snatching a screaming baby wombat from their mother is not just appalling, it’s very possibly illegal under state or national laws,” said Suzanne Milthorpe of World Animal Protection Australia.
