City Weekly January 16, 2025

CITY WEEKLY salt lake

Nellie Jack, a mid-century Utah lawmaker, loved the west side, political underdogs and a ‘lovely’ baked potato lunch.

BY WES LONG

S AP

BOX

“Chris Wharton and Alejandro Puy

to lead Salt Lake City Council …”

Jan. 10 Online News

You just gave the mayor and yourselves huge increases in compensation and now you’re giving your own “stipends” for “leadership”?! How greedy and selfserving.

These increases and stipends are unprecedented. Do your jobs and provide adequate shelter for the hundreds of unsheltered people in our city—and stop spending time and our money figur-

ing out how much more you can enrich yourselves.

ROCKY4SALTLAKECITY Via Instagram

Couldn’t have chosen better people for this.

JOEYJOJOSHABBADO Via Instagram

Chris Wharton is a great choice!

SHOOGABISCUIT Via Instagram

This does my heart good.

SHARON SELMAN FOSTER Via Facebook

“Sugar House Sichuan,”

Jan. 9 Dining Review of

Beijing Restaurant

Now I don’t have to go to NYC for mapo tofu. Looking forward to seeing if it’s the real deal. The issue in Salt Lake is whether Chinese restaurants can keep experienced Chinese cooks. It’s hard for

immigrants to find community, relative to other cities, and many end up leaving for other opportunities and the restaurant’s initial quality starts to go downhill.

JIM NGO Via Facebook

Love their mapo tofu!

MILEHIGHFOODFAIRY Via Instagram

Best of Utah: Body and Mind

Editor’s note: Voting is currently open for the 8th annual Best of Utah Body and Mind awards! Support your favorite people and places that keep our health and wellness in check. Find the ballot under “Best of Utah” at cityweekly.net. Voting ends at midnight on Jan. 19. The results issue will publish on March 20 and serves our community as a place to showcase the best of the best in the beauty, wellness, complimentary, alternative, fitness, medical and dental industries. Reminder—to validate your ballot, you must cast a vote in a minimum of five separate categories. You cannot vote for the same individual or entity more than once in a single category.

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

What is your favorite line from any movie?

John Saltas

“You have to be carefully taught” South Pacific

Larry Carter

“I’ll be back”—The Terminator (1984)

Carolyn Campbell

My favorite movie line is “That man is Carson Dyle,” from Charade (1963).

Christa Zaro

Jeff Goldblum calls his therapist to get advice upon meeting a cute woman at a party: “Ya, I forgot my mantra”

Katharine Biele

Bette Davis looking around her house and saying “What a dump!”

Wes Long

“Who is this person?” “I haven’t the vaguest idea. She was behind a rock in the drug store.” —What’s Up, Doc? (1972)

Scott Renshaw

If we’re going by the frequency with which I apply it to everyday situations, it’s The Princess Bride: “I do not think it means what you think it means.”

Benjamin Wood

“I’m shocked—shocked!—to find that gambling is going on in here!” Casablanca

OPINION

BY JOHN RASMUSON

Words of the Year

A word is dead, when it is said Some say –

I say it just begins to live

That day

This gem of a poem by Emily Dickinson is a good place to start. Reading it draws attention to the nature of language and the use-it-or-lose-it principle that tends to shape a word’s lifespan.

Some words—“lonely” and “critic,” for example—were coined by William Shakespeare more than 400 years ago. Neither shows any sign of wear.

Some words are like brakes on a car: the more you use them, the sooner they wear out. Remember how awesome “groovy” once was?

According to the Global Language Monitor, the English lexicon comprises about a million words, A new one is coined every 98 minutes, but 47,156 words have fallen into disuse, the Oxford Dictionary estimates.

The list of obsoletes includes the long-gone “twattle,” “gorgonize” and “groak.” More recently, there are “pluto,” the verb; “metrosexual,” the noun; and “Barbenheimer,” the hybrid portmanteau that launched a thousand memes—all of which seem to be on the decline. It’s a good time of the year to be messing around with words. The dark days of December bring the annual “best of” retrospectives—the past year’s best movies, best albums, best books—which set the stage for word-related businesses to announce the Word of the Year (WOTY).

Each dictionary company chooses a preeminent word based upon “user data, zeitgeist and language,” according to the Cambridge Dictionary. Some, like the Oxford Dic-

tionary, permit word mavens a vote. The number of votes and lookups on a dictionary website provide user data.

However, charting the zeitgeist—the defining spirit of the times—is more art than science. Last summer, the zeitgeist took a celebratory turn, I thought. Dour MAGA Republicans were eclipsed by a presidential campaign based on joy rather than fear.

Then, in Utah, voters celebrated a rare win over the Legislature’s conniving Republican supermajority. The Utah Supreme Court quashed a self-serving ploy to tighten their stranglehold on power by using deceptive wording as a tactic.

I expected “Swiftean” or “chatbot” to be a 2024 WOTY frontrunner. When neither made the grade, I turned to ChatGPT for an explanation. In my exchange with the machine, I asked it to name its WOTY. It offered “scrollpathy,” a noun which the chatbot defined as “a sense of disconnection, exhaustion or apathy caused by excessive scrolling through digital content, often without meaningful engagement.”

The definition evoked the 2023 American Dialect Society WOTY, “enshittification.” The unflattering noun refers to the process by which a digital platform pursues profit by taking advantage of its user base.

I was surprised that “supermajority” showed up on Collins Dictionary’s ten-word shortlist for the 2024 WOTY honors. But “brat,” an adjective, bested the competition with a boost from the Charli XCX album, Brat (And perhaps from “Brat Green,” Pantone’s color of the year.) To be brat is to be “characterized by a confident, independent and hedonistic attitude,” the Collins website said. An exuberant tweet from Charli XCX—“Kamala is brat!”—turbocharged the adjective.

“Brain rot” made headlines last year. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed he had suffered brain problems caused by high levels of mercury. But it was a spike in usage that caused the Oxford Dictionary to choose “brain rot” as the WOTY. In making the announcement, Oxford wrote: “Our experts noticed that ‘brain rot’ gained new prominence this year as a term used to capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality

online content, especially on social media.” Rounding out the Oxford shortlist were: “lore,” “romantasy,” “slop,” and “demure.” A 1,200% increase in usage in 2024 landed “demure” in Dictionary.com’s WOTY winner’s circle. The dramatic increase has been attributed to influencer Jools Lebron’s frequent use of the adjective to describe her makeup and clothing on TikTok.

The Cambridge Dictionary’s choice of word of the year was “manifest,” in part because it was looked up more than 125,000 times last year. Heretofore, the word’s verb form has been used “to show something clearly through signs or actions.” Last year, chiefly by way of social media, “manifest” took on a new definition, that is: “to imagine achieving something you want, in the belief doing so will make it more likely to happen.”

“Polarization” was Merriam-Webster’s WOTY. Who could be surprised given the divisive culture wars that churn endlessly? We live in a state of bifurcation—red and blue, left and right, Fox and MSNBC. At either diametric extreme, civility and empathy are as rare as a giftwrapped book of poetry.

The words of a poet began this column; the words of a chatbot conclude it. Both invite a close reading of the 2024 words of the year and the zeitgeist that generated them. The annual December wordfest introduces repurposed words like “manifest” and “brat” alongside such newly minted ones as “enshittification.”

In 1993, “information superhighway” was the WOTY. It was coined by Vice President Al Gore as an analogue for what came to be known as the internet. Just 30 years later, a prescient chatbot chose “scrollpathy” to point out how Gore’s superhighway has become a source of disconnection, exhaustion and apathy.

Casper Grathwohl, the president of Oxford Dictionary, followed suit: “There’s a sense that we are drowning in mediocre experiences as digital lives get clogged.”

Brain rot, in other words. CW

Private Eye is off this week. Send feedback to comments@ cityweekly.net

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HITS & MISSES

BY KATHARINE BIELE | @kathybiele

MISS: Rock the Vote

Mike Schultz, Utah’s Speaker of the House, looks forward to having discussions about ballot language and initiatives. Better yet, he and Senate President Stuart Adams vow to “work together to find better ways.” Sure they do. Still, Utah’s minority Democrats have suggestions. Rep. Angela Romero wants ballot language for constitutional amendments to be written by a neutral party—you know, the way they used to be before Schultz and Adams decided they should spin the message. The spin spun out when the Utah Supreme Court invalidated a recent ballot summary as false and misleading. Yes, it was a lie. Romero understands how easily citizens can be fooled and is pleading with them to pay attention, lest the Legislature wrest voters’ rights from the law. And don’t get us started on mailed ballots, which most Utahns trust and rely on. The Dems will be working to preserve what has become a model for the nation. But it can’t just be the Democrats, and Romero knows that.

MISS: Misplaced Priorities

Gov. Spencer Cox says we’ve got to be different. What? This from the man who proved he’s a get-along stooge for the incoming president. He says we should show the nation we care about faith, family and community. Let’s start with faith and the $59.99 Trump Bible, promoted as including the Constitution and Bill of Rights. But wait, amendments 11 through 27 are missing and that includes the abolishment of slavery. Now for family: Maybe Cox is all about non-traditional families beset by infidelity like the Trumps. And community—if you’re OK punishing all the non-MAGA members of your community, you may be on board with this. And finally, the governor who once protected refugees is now fully behind Trump’s mass deportation folly. Hey, he even wants an ICE detention facility built in Utah—the state that can’t build enough homeless shelters.

HIT: Power Hungry

Maybe the governor doesn’t have the courage of his convictions, but council members in Logan are standing firm against a fossil fuel future. Yeah, yeah—energy needs are soaring. It’s not only population, but also high demands for massive data centers and the power needed to run AI models. Logan citizens asked “at what cost?” when presented with a contract that would lock the city into fossil fuels for the next 30 years. The contract from the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems was passed to 34 cities, which were to agree to help pay for the $300 million project. Thirtythree cities did. The Salt Lake Tribune dug up documents showing the project was under discussion for at least a year but had never included the city’s power advisory board. Cache Valley’s toxic air quality was likely a major mover behind citizen objections. CW

Breaking Ground

Among the hallmarks of classical architecture are the principles of harmony, proportion and beauty, and all three were in rich supply at the Salt Lake Art Museum’s inaugural public event.

Held on Jan. 7 at the historic B’nai Israel Temple building (249 S. 400 East), attendance was full and harmonious, the subject provided valuable historical proportion and the images shown throughout the presentation were indeed things of beauty.

Hosted by the Utah chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, the public lecture was given by esteemed architectural historian (and retired architect) Allen Roberts on the works of Utah’s landmark architect Richard K. A. Kletting (1858-1943).

“He [Kletting] was really a master of all the architectural styles in vogue during his period,” Roberts observed in the course of his remarks. “He was a genius, a prodigy—the most accomplished person in everything he tried to do, and he tried to do everything.”

Indeed, Kletting was involved in a great array of activities during his lifetime, from education and environmentalism to philanthropy and publishing. He even played a crucial role in the naming of Salt Lake City’s streets as well as organizing its early library catalog. But above everything else looms his architectural portfolio, which has had a greater survival rate than most other historic architects within this state. From the hundreds of projects Kletting designed, a remarkable 125 still stand today, most prominent among them being the Utah State Capitol and its grounds.

To provide a fuller picture of Kletting and his output, Roberts and coauthor Nan Weber have prepared a thorough exploration of this unique “Renaissance man” in an upcoming book that is scheduled for release later this year. Following Roberts’ lecture, both he and Weber fielded questions from their engaged audience.

The event itself was a fitting way to celebrate Utah art and culture in a spirit that Kletting himself would have likely appreciated. And this is just the start for the Salt Lake Art Museum, which is projected to open in 2026. “It will be the first new art museum in Salt Lake since 1984,” said Micah Christensen, the museum’s director. “Utah has the most artists per capita than any state in the union. However, we have the second fewest museums, second only to West Virginia. The purpose of this museum is to close that gap.”

Christensen hopes that the Salt Lake Art Museum may partner with additional organizations to hold even more public discussions “that celebrate local artists, architects and culture” that combine to make Utah the place we all know and love.

And if this Kletting event was any indication, the Salt Lake Art Museum appears to be building upon a beautifully solid foundation. CW

BY WES LONG

Gallery Strolling

A roundup of some new exhibitions for January 2025

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art: Three new exhibitions launch this month at UMOCA, covering a wide range of media and subjects. Brooklynn Johnson’s Messages from Fish (Jan. 17 – March 29) presents paintings using the metaphorical idea of images refracted from underwater to suggest the challenges of understanding and decoding messages in the world. The two-channel video installation Rotate Orbit Whirl Shuffle Dial Twist (Jan. 17 – May 31) by Maika Garnica (pictured) juxtaposes the sounds made by clay instruments with the ambient sounds of grasslands, providing a record of a unique site-specific performance that evolves in various permutations. And Antra Sinha’s The Elements: Fire, Earth, Water (Jan. 17 – Feb. 22) pres-

A&E

ents clay pieces inspired by the drawings of Zen monks, incorporating the “root forms” of triangles, circles and squares. A joint opening event for the three exhibitions takes place at the museum (20 S. West Temple) Jan. 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. utahmoca.org

Finch Lane Gallery: Two new exhibitions open and run concurrently at Finch Lane Gallery (54 Finch lane). Biodivergent: Visual Meditations on a Diverse Natural World by Utah-based artist Carel Brest van Kempen presents paintings celebrating diverse ecosystems, and the ways in which the natural world mixes with our modern existence in ways we don’t always see (“Interface I” is pictured). Christopher Lynn’s Copper Ouroboros takes a multidisciplinary approach to combining sound and copper materials to explore the legacy of mining in Butte, Montana. The exhibitions run Jan. 13 – Feb. 21, with a Gallery Stroll artist reception on Jan. 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Visit the website for additional gallery hours. saltlakearts.org

Bountiful Davis Art Center: BDAC presents Joy Full: A Display of Wonder and Delight, a curated group exhibition of both established and emerging artists, dedicated to leading visitors on experiences

of awe, happiness and discovery. Featured artists include Jason Lanegan, who presents handcrafted assemblages displaying childhood toys and treasures, whimsical quilts by Rosanna Lynee Welter and the large-scale installations of John Connors and Becca Clason offering giant-size pencils and towering flowers. Other participating artists include Marissa Albrecht, Barbara Nelson, Nicole Woodbury, Heather Olsen and Emily Hawkins. The exhibition runs at BDAC (90 N. Main, Bountiful) Jan. 14 – Feb. 22; visit the website for venue hours. bdac.org

Modern West Gallery: The solo exhibition American Mythology by Salt Lake City-based artist Jerrin Wagstaff presents paintings and collages representing the artist’s exploration into the work of 19th-century Romantic painters—including Albert Bierstadt—and their depictions of the American West. The pieces help examine the constructed “truth” and mythology of the landscape and American exceptionalism. American Mythology runs at the gallery (412 S. 700 West, Ste. 150) Jan. 16 – March 7, beginning with an opening reception Jan. 16, 5:30 – 7 p.m., featuring an artist talk at 6 p.m. modernwestfineart.com

Gallery/Allen + Alan Fine Art: The group exhibition Love in the Abstract explores expressions of love in the broadest and most diverse sense possible, featuring abstract and representational paintings and sculptures. Participating artists include Brent Godfrey (“Hero” is pictured), Emily Robison and Jennifer Rasmusson. A Gallery Stroll opening reception will be held at the gallery (1321 S. 2100 East) on Friday, Jan. 17, 6 – 9 p.m., free to the public. Visit the website for additional gallery hours. agalleryonline.com

Urban Arts Gallery: The group exhibition In Focus showcases the art of photography, running now through Feb. 2. An artist reception will take place during the Gallery Stroll on Friday, Jan. 17, 6 – 9 p.m. urbanartsgallery.org

Utah Cultural Celebration Center: The Glass Art Guild of Utah group show Bling in the New Year showcases handmade glass jewelry and decorative glass art by Guild members. The exhibition runs now through March 12 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center Bridge Gallery (1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City), free to the public during regular operating hours. glassartguild.org

“A”

Left: Maika Garnica Center: Brent Godfrey’s “Hero”

Left: Carel Brest van Kempen’s “Interface I”

theESSENTIALS

Utah Opera: Humperdinck’s

Hansel & Gretel

When people think about the classics of the opera canon, they understandably think first about the classic tragedies of Verdi and Puccini—masterpieces of love and death like Aïda, La traviata, La bohème and Madama Butterfly with soaring, instantly-recognizable arias. So it might be surprising for folks to learn that none of those classics hold the distinction of the most frequently performed opera in the nearly-50-year history of Utah Opera. Instead, that honor belongs to Hansel & Gretel, the 1893 work by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck (not the 20th-century British-born pop singer of the same name) which was suggested to the composer by his sister, who wrote the libretto.

It’s understandable, though, that the story adapted from the well-known Grimm brothers fairy tale—about siblings encountering a witch in a dark forest—might be a popular one in family-friendly Utah. It has also served as a regular opportunity for Utah Opera to collaborate with the Madeleine Choir School. “It’s about coming of age, greed, and, perhaps, is the first ‘stranger danger’ story in opera,” says Christopher McBeth, Utah Opera Artistic Director. “It’s wonderful to bring this piece to our stage again, and we’ll also be incorporating The Madeleine Choir School—their students are incredible budding artists and it’s a privilege to partner with them again.”

Utah Opera’s production of Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel comes to the Capitol Theatre (50 W. 200 South) for five performances only: Jan. 18 & Jan. 24 @ 7:30 p.m., Jan. 20 & Jan. 22 @ 7 p.m., and Jan. 26 @ 2 p.m. Tickets start at $18 at saltlakecountyarts.org. (Scott Renshaw)

MLK Day activities

It took a little extra time for Utah to finally recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day after its first celebration in 1986—well, a fairly dispiriting 14 extra years, to be precise. But the federal and state holiday is now one which allows folks all over the country to celebrate the life and legacy of the pioneering civil rights leader. Several opportunities to mark the occasion are offered in Utah.

The University of Utah honors MLK, Jr. with a full week of dedicated activities, beginning with a day of service on Saturday, Jan. 18 gathering at the Union Building. On MLK Day itself, Monday, Jan. 20, a march and rally begins at 2:30 p.m. at Kingsbury Hall leading up to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, featuring guest speakers. On Wednesday, Jan. 22 at noon, award-winning social justice leader and organizer Da’ud Mumin delivers the Visionary Voices Keynote Address at Marriott Library’s Gould Auditorium; a performance of Repertory Dance Theatre’s I Am … follows at 2 p.m. at the Marriott School of Dance. Additional activities include a community thrift market and interfaith panel; visit mlkweek.utah.edu for full schedule, maps and additional information.

Also on Monday, Jan. 20, Thanksgiving Point in Lehi (3003 N. Thanksgiving Way) hosts a day of service in partnership with the Five.12 Foundation. Guests at the Butterfly Biosphere can participate in assembling food kits for at-risk students and families in the community. The event begins at 9 a.m. and runs until noon, free to the public (admission to attractions not included). Visit thanksgivingpoint.org for additional information. (SR)

Broadway at the Eccles: The Book of Mormon

Technically, of course, it isn’t true that the 2011 musical The Book of Mormon is “our” musical—the possessive being one that could apply to Latter-day Saint faithful, Latter-day Saint unfaithful, Salt Lakers or Utahns in general. The show was a Broadway smash and winner of nine Tony Awards, in addition to playing successfully in productions around the world, so it’s clear that its themes and its twisted, satirical sense of humor travel well.

Still, it’s undeniable that there’s something special that happens when the story plays locally, as it first did back in 2015. As created by the South Park team of Trey Parker & Matt Stone and composer Robert Lopez (Frozen, Avenue Q), it’s the tale of two white Mormon missionaries in Africa, and what they learn when their faith bumps up against a culture with its own unique challenges and traditions. Locals are certainly likely to get a particular kick out of musical numbers like the paean to repressed desire “Turn It Off,” or the pitchfork-wielding devils and dancing coffee cups of “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream.” And let’s face it: Living here can only provide more delight to the ballad a Ugandan LDS convert sings when she imagines the wonders that await in the home base of the faith that she calls “Sal Tlay Ka Siti.”

The latest touring production of The Book of Mormon comes to Broadway at the Eccles (131 S. Main St.) Jan. 21 – 26 for eight performances only. Tickets are $119 - $279; visit saltlakecountyarts.org to purchase tickets or for additional event information. (SR)

Traumatic Arcs

Life-shaking events frame the narratives of The Brutalist, September 5 and Hard Truths.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net

@scottrenshaw

The Brutalist BBB½

If director Brady Corbet and his writing collaborator Mona Fastvold are serving up their historical drama

The Brutalist as a single 215-minute sitting, they’re going to face the question: Why? In a story about the post-World War II Jewish immigrant experience in America—one where the first half focuses on architect, Hungarian-born Jew and Holocaust survivor László Tóth (Adrien Brody) as he settles in Philadelphia circa 1947, still separated from his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones)—the film’s 15-minute intermission takes place as a single photo fills the screen, showing the wedding day of László and Erzsébet in front of a synagogue. And being forced to stare at what that photo represents for several minutes ends up having a devastating impact. Of course, there’s plenty more that takes place before and after that point, much of it surrounding László finding a patron in wealthy businessman Harrison Van Buren (a phenomenal Guy Pearce), who commissions László to design and oversee the construction of a massive community center honoring Van Buren’s beloved late mother. But this is largely a story of how assimilation in America does and doesn’t work, both in terms of the barriers erected by those who decide they know what a “real” American is, and the histories those new immigrants bring with them. The result is a stunning epic that asks you to stare the fulness of those lives in the face. Available Jan. 17 in theaters. (R)

September 5 BBB

The sweaty, low-tech aesthetic of director Tim Fehlbaum’s drama rarely underlines the “issues” percolating beneath the surface of a real-world tragedy, allowing them to become insinuating rather than overbearing. It’s the tale of the terrorist attack on Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, told entirely from the perspective of those working in the broadcast control room—ABC Sports president Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard); inexperi-

enced director Geoff Mason (John Magaro); operations producer Marvin Bader (Ben Chaplin); German translator Marianne Gebhardt (Leonie Benesch)— trying to decide how to cover a horrific event in real time. Fehlbaum and the screenwriting team effectively set up the background of the dawn of “live via satellite” broadcasting, and the pre-digital minutiae of having to develop 16mm film or create a caption with a physical letter board. But it’s also about how even the most high-stakes moments aren’t free of petty turf wars—like Arledge refusing to turn over decision-making to the ABC News team—or questionable ethical calls based on not wanting to get “scooped.” The emphasis on procedural detail tends to give short shrift to character development, though the performances remain intensely watchable as they improvise their coverage, and it doesn’t always work to shoehorn in the context of Germany trying to burnish its image on the post-WWII international stage. Mostly, it’s a fascinating procedural in which we watch people making history while not fully realizing what kind of history they might be making. Available Jan. 17 in theaters. (PG-13)

Hard Truths BBB

You know that old saying about how “if you encounter one asshole, you’ve encountered one asshole, but if you encounter assholes all day long, you’re the asshole?” Well, meet that asshole: Pansy Deacon (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), a Black Londoner whose entire life seems to consist of finding fault and verbally attacking others, including her husband Curtley (David Webber) and 22-year-old son, deeplyintroverted son Moses (Tuwaine Barrett). Writer/ director Mike Leigh and Jean-Baptiste create an indelible character in the profoundly unhappy Pansy, juxtaposing her psychological damage with the considerably more upbeat worldview of her sister Chantelle (Michele Austin) and Chantelle’s two daughters (Sophia Brown and Ani Nelson), so that the answer to Pansy’s miserable personality isn’t as simple as “traumatic childhood.” Instead, it turns into a surprisingly sympathetic look at how the burdens of an unspecified, undiagnosed mental illness can crush the joy from someone’s life, and from the lives of those around that person. Leigh’s shaggy, semi-improvisational structure can lead to some unnecessary diversions—like looking in on the professional lives of Chantelle’s daughters—distracting from the central characters. But by the time Hard Truths reaches a climax at a Mother’s Day gathering, where the full brunt of Pansy’s unhappiness finally hits her, you might find a surprising degree of sympathy for that asshole. Available Jan. 17 in theaters. (NR)

STRONGER TOGETHER

NELLIE JACK, A MID-CENTURY UTAH LAWMAKER, LOVED THE WEST SIDE, POLITICAL UNDERDOGS AND A

‘LOVELY’

BAKED POTATO LUNCH.

BY WES LONG COMMENTS@CITYWEEKLY.NET

Asparsely populated coffee shop supplied an appropriate setting for the interview. In from the cold, clear December morning came Kathleen McConnell of Palo Alto, California, and her sister Maureen Hatch of South Jordan. These cordial, self-contained women had arrived to plumb their memories and share stories about their grandmother, Nellie Haynes Jack (1894-1978).

Between 1939 and 1974, Jack represented Salt Lake City’s west side in local government, serving for 11 terms in the Utah House of Representatives, one term in the Utah Senate and a four-year term as County Recorder. During that time, she was a champion of labor rights, an advocate for the poor and a friend to both children and the elderly.

There is even a mini-park at the

corner of Montgomery St. and Stewart St. in Salt Lake City that has carried her name since 1988.

And yet, Nellie Jack the person is likely unfamiliar to most. That’s understandable, given the time that has steadily elapsed since both she and those who knew her have passed on.

Now that McConnell and Hatch think about it, they believe they are pretty much the last people left who personally knew their “Nellie” or “Nonnie” (but never “grandma,” thank you very much). “We’re kind of it,” Hatch acknowledged.

And what they do remember of Jack was of a small, funny and feisty woman of the “Roosevelt Democrat” variety who dedicated her life to the benefit of the underdog and thrived in forging a connection with others.

“She loved people,” McConnell said. “She was a member of so many orga-

nizations and would end up leading them. We used to tease her, asking, ‘Where have you been to lunch today, Nellie?’ She always used to say the same thing.” And here, McConnell chuckled and did her best impression of Nellie’s playful understated humor:

“‘And we had a wonderful lunch with a lovely baked potato.’”

Contained within this humorous and oft-repeated phrase exists a firm legacy of living life to its fullest.

As the sisters reminisced, the coffee shop grew more populated and the chill of the weather became less pronounced. It was as if their recollections of Nellie Jack were filling the establishment with greater warmth and attracting more people inside.

In an era of civic coldness and mounting isolation, the themes of Nellie’s life stand as a needed tonic for a troubled present.

Fitting In, Leading Out

Born to James and Agnes Haynes in Nephi, Nellie Jack grew up with six siblings in the mining town of Eureka. Most of the Haynes children worked in the mines, the effects from which led them to early deaths.

“[Nellie] was short, slight, a girl and had red hair,” McConnell wrote in a 2020 recollection. “She hated it when boys would tease her and call her Red. She soon figured out a solution to her problem,” quoting Nellie herself: “I was fast so I would yell at the boys, chase them, and when I caught them, I beat them up.”

Problem solved.

Educated in Eureka, she married railroad worker Clement Jack (18841953) in 1912, ultimately having three children. The family relocated to Salt Lake City in 1918, taking up longtime

Nellie Jack works at her desk in the Utah House of Representatives during her freshman term.

residence at a home that once stood at 458 S. 800 West. An extrovert, it was because of her newfound friends in Salt Lake City that Nellie Jack became politically active for the first time.

“They would go to these different [club] meetings,” she recalled to an interviewer in 1976. “I had to stay home because I wasn’t in with them. That’s how I started to go. I thought, ‘Well gosh, if they can belong, so can I.’”

Through the 1920s and ‘30s, death was a frequent visitor to the extended Haynes family. Four of Jack’s siblings, her mother and even her own son all died from assorted causes during this period.

She subsequently threw herself into her community work for a multitude of organizations, including local literary clubs, the Democratic Women’s Study Group and an auxiliary of the Order of Railway Conductors.

Little wonder that by the time the New Deal movement came along to such popularity in Utah, someone as active and vibrant as Nellie Jack would consider higher elected office. It was, after all, yet another way to live out her favorite saying: “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or kindness I can show any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

For the People

When she won a seat in the Utah House of Representatives in 1939, Jack immediately set to work on causes in tune with her neighbors’ needs on the west side.

She pushed for old age assistance, restitution for occupational disease, fair trade practices and stan-

dards for the dry cleaning industry, the beautification and improvement of the Jordan River and a partnership with the Salt Lake Women’s Club to house an evicted widow and her disabled children.

“It was this kind of caring action that endeared Nellie to the citizens on the west side,” McConnell wrote in her recollection. “They kept sending her back to represent them in the Legislature term after term.”

An image of Jack’s dedication emerges from memories that McConnell and Hatch can recall of their grandmother’s frequent disappearances during family gatherings. After some time away on the phone, she would return to report that “So-and-so’s son got laid off” or “So-and-so’s son is in trouble, and I told them I’d get back to them.”

“To Nellie, her constituents came first,” McConnell said. “My father, who had very little use for politicians, said she was the only politician he had ever heard of who in no way profited one red cent from her office.”

Indeed, rather than extorting power and wealth from her position, she often found herself providing a needed vocal opposition to controversial policy measures that affected the downtrodden—sometimes successfully, sometimes not.

In 1948, Jack led a 50-person delegation to the office of then-Gov. Herbert B. Maw to protest the proposed routing of Salt Lake City’s first major highway through west side residential properties.

“We are definitely opposed to any construction project which will demolish homes, schools and other civic gains made on the west side,” she told the Salt Lake Telegram. “We see no reason why the highway cannot be so placed as to avoid this mass destruction.”

The highway was then rerouted.

On the other hand, there was the matter of two 1969

“She had an optimistic quality that was kind of like, ‘let’s just find a way,’ She would focus locally. Although she had a national presence in her heyday, she would be focused on Utah issues.”

-KATHLEEN MCCONNELL

liquor control bills signed into law that created a maze of stringent hurdles for licensing, proliferated the sale of mini-bottles and created a state enforcement division to keep watch over liquor-selling businesses.

“It stinks,” she told an interviewer of the legislation. “It is a legal monstrosity, the Governor never should have signed it! He [himself] questioned its legality on 75 separate points!”

Or take the vice laws that were considered for Utah’s local sex workers in the late ‘60s.

Having listened to an endless amount of rather sanctimonious debates on the chamber floor regarding the women in question, Jack didn’t shy away from making her own thoughts known.

“Those girls have been hounded from pillar to post,” she told her colleagues. “Put them in a clean house, license them and provide proper medical attention. They are going to continue making their living that way anyway. They make between $600 and $700 dollars a week. Why, there are Cadillacs parked there night and day. Don’t print the names of the girls in the paper. Print the names of the men who go there!”

Finding a Way

Serving in the House from 1939-49 and 1953-55, Jack jumped over to a term in the Utah Senate from 1957-59, served as County Recorder and then returned to the House from 1967-74.

As a lawmaker, she championed improved lighting and “tot-lot” playgrounds for the west side, pushed for better school lunches and teacher salaries and sought the funding of a silicosis hospital program, a pool for Jordan Park and no-fare county bus service. She was also a proponent of the Equal Rights Amendment and, in an assist to her friend Sunday Anderson, worked

COURTESY PHOTO

Continued from page 13

West side newspaper coverage of Nellie Jack (center) and other Democratic lawmakers in 1974

toward the creation of a senior citizens center at 868 W. 900 South.

While some of the above efforts were realized at the time, other initiatives remain unfulfilled, even today. Still, Jack did not appear to be dispirited by such developments.

McConnell can vividly remember what Jack would say to her after various setbacks on the hill: “Honey, we’re just not there yet. But we’ll get there.”

“She didn’t take it personally,” McConnell observed, “they were just things left to be done.”

While Jack loved to tend to her rose garden, it was interactions with her neighbors and fellow Utahns that gave her life a continued purpose and supplied it with renewed vigor.

“I’ve lived there [on the west side] since 1918 and everyone knows me,” she told the UPI news service in 1972 about her low-income and working class constituency. “They’re my people and I love them.”

Retiring in 1974, Jack remained engaged with her local clubs and appreciated the honors that various organizations bestowed upon her. She died on June 27, 1978—her birthday.

Obviously, much has changed in Utah and abroad since Nellie Jack’s lifetime, both for good and for ill. McConnell and Hatch are of the opinion that Jack would be “appalled” at the state of today’s political and social conditions.

But they added that it would not dampen her resolve to get involved in any event.

“She had an optimistic quality that was kind of like, ‘let’s just find a way,’” McConnell said. “She would focus locally. Although she had a national presence in her heyday, she would be focused on Utah issues.”

“I’ve lived there [on the west side] since 1918 and everyone knows me. ... They’re my people and I love them.”

-NELLIE JACK, IN A 1972 INTERVIEW WITH UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL

Stronger Together

Women are still underrepresented within the spectrum of Utah’s elected offices, and there are even some resources available today that were not around when Jack got her start. An annual mentorship program, for instance, operates through a collaboration between Utah Women Run and the Women’s Leadership Institute to foster networking and guidance for those considering political office (utahwomenrun.org).

Going beyond even this narrow aspect of Nellie Jack’s legacy is a more universal one; namely, her relationships and connections with her community following much personal tragedy.

She got involved in clubs and organizations, devoted herself to her neighbors and gained valuable insights that perennially informed her work as a public official. One may find similar inspiration and drive through the many mutual aid groups, food banks, churches, charities, council meetings, political chapters and advocacy organizations that keep our vast and weary communities going.

Food for thought is one columnist’s estimation of Nellie Jack from 1953: “Mrs. Jack is one of those amazing women who is never too rushed to say ‘Yes’ when someone calls upon her to do a good turn for a person or project in her community.”

Or consider this observation from a state party interviewer circa 1969: “There is the feeling that Nellie’s deep involvement with life and humanity have been repaid by endowing her with more stamina, energy and intensity.”

This is all tempered by the limitations and capacities we each possess, of course, but they do warrant contemplation. A 2023 advisory by the U.S. Surgeon General noted that Americans are currently experiencing

an “epidemic” of loneliness, which affects biological and psychological behaviors and significantly increases disease, illness and early mortality to a greater degree than even smoking, alcohol or physical inactivity. Failing to foster social connection, we stand to continue “to splinter and divide until we can no longer stand as a community or a country,” wrote Dr. Vivek H. Murthy in the advisory. “Instead of coming together to take on the great challenges before us, we will further retreat to our corners—angry, sick, and alone.”

The advisory included six primary recommendations for the country: 1. strengthen social infrastructure in local communities; 2. enact pro-connection public policies; 3. mobilize the health sector; 4. reform digital environments; 5. deepen our knowledge through awareness/research; and 6. build a culture of connection.

Relationships “are just as essential to our well-being as the air we breathe and the food we eat,” the advisory states. It is a world, the report continues, “where we respect and value one another, where we look out for one another, and where we create opportunities to uplift one another. A world where our highs are higher because we celebrate them together; where our lows are more manageable because we respond to them together; and where our recovery is faster because we grieve and rebuild together.”

McConnell and Hatch believe we can learn from the example of people like Nellie Jack, and live life to its fullest together. In their estimation, Nellie’s was “a life well lived” although Nellie herself was never “one for a lot of adoration,” so it’s probably best to give her the final word on the subject.

“Be alert to give service,” went one of Nellie’s favorite maxims. “What counts most in life is what we do for others.”

CW

COURTESY PHOTO

South Asia Meets South Salt Lake

From

masala to momos, Bhansa

Ghar has something for everyone.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer

Though the Wasatch Front has plenty of great South Asian lunch buffets, it’s been a hot minute since I indulged in one. This craving for endless plates of savory tikka masala, buttery naan and steamed momos is what initially led me to Bhansa Ghar, a recently opened Nepalese and Indian restaurant that has been making all kinds of waves online. The bar for South Asian cuisine is pretty high here in Utah, but based on my experience, Bhansa Ghar has come out swinging.

Per the restaurant’s website, bhansa ghar is Nepali for “house of food,” which is definitely appropriate. When I arrived during Bhansa Ghar’s lunch buffet ($16.99), the restaurant was already full of fragrant aromas and its interior space was warm and inviting. It was also decently packed; the restaurant opened in early 2024, but it’s clearly done its marketing homework. The buffet area had plenty of room in which to maneuver, which I appreciate, and all those platters of curry and biryani were just begging to be devoured.

As is my buffet custom, I took a spin around the buffet table to see what they had to offer. Visually, the chicken boneless biryani, the butter chicken and the veggie coconut korma all stood out as winners. I loaded my plate with a bit of everything, then slapped a few triangles

of naan on top of it all—and was pleased with my creation.

While each dish captures the rich flavor profiles you would expect with these classic items, I have to say that Bhansa Ghar has set itself apart from other South Asian restaurants here. Normally, one would think that a restaurant’s buffet service might not be bringing its A-game when it comes to regular menu items. That’s not the case at Bhansa Gar, where I found that everything maintained the quality I would have expected from a regular menu order.

Starting with the butter chicken, I noticed that Bhansa Ghar’s curry preparation leaned a bit more on the sweetness of the tomato, which cut nicely through the rich, buttery flavors. The chicken was great as well, making this one of the best iterations of butter chicken that I’ve come across. I thoroughly enjoyed making my little naanwiches out of this flavorful dish.

The chicken biryani is a bit more understated, but no less flavorful. The basmati rice is perfectly cooked, and the subtle curry just wafts a fresh, aromatic flavor across your tongue. I added my scoop of korma to the top of the bed of biryani, which was an excellent complement to the latter’s mild flavors. The veggie korma is made with coconut milk, which again imparts a welcome dose of sweetness to the korma itself. It swam with hearty seasonal veggies and was definitely my favorite vegetarian option.

On my second plate, I also loaded up on some malai kabab, which bore the trademark rosy hue of tandoori chicken without the bone-in preparation. Like the tandoori chicken, these kebabs have been slowly baked in Bhasa Ghar’s clay oven, and maintain all the rich flavors of the traditional marinade. I am a lazy eater, so naturally I am a fan of boneless options, especially when I can still get those great flavors that the tandoori experience

offers. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Bhansa Ghar’s lunch buffet—and at under $20, this is a steal of a deal for fans of great South Asian food.

Though I was primarily there to check out Bhansa Ghar’s lunch buffet, I couldn’t pass up the chance to order some momos. The restaurant’s menu has a whole section dedicated to this South Asian treat, and it’s charmingly dubbed “Momo Corner.” It’s got five different types of momo that can be filled with either seasoned chicken or veggies, which means you’ve got 10 varieties of momo here. I want to build a summer home on Momo Corner.

As I was fairly stuffed from my buffet experience, I went with the chicken chili momo ($13.99). I noticed some of the momos are listed as fried in the menu description, but the server asked if I wanted these steamed or fried—good to know if you’ve got a preference. I went with steamed, and they arrived doused in a gorgeously angry red chili sauce with slices of green pepper and onion. For my palate, these were just spicy enough; you can ask for a spicier variation, and Bhansa Ghar has no qualms about bringing the heat. The chicken filling was well seasoned and had the exact texture you’d want from a momo filling. There will be a time in the near future where I will visit Bhansa Ghar and only order from Momo Corner, mark my words.

While I thought this was one of the best South Asian lunch buffets in town, there are still plenty of other menu options that I’d like to explore at Bhansa Ghar. Based on the restaurant’s buffet prep, I have to assume I’ll be in for a treat whenever I visit again. 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: Cali ‘Steam’ Lager, ‘BrewSki’ German Pilsner

NEW: ‘I.P.L.’ India Pale Lager draft and ‘Czechulator’ Doppelbock (9% ABV)

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:  Ay Curuba! Curuba Sour

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

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: Belgian Tart with Apricot

Kiitos Brewing

608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

Now with a full bar license & draft beer cocktails!

On Tap: Gluten Free Peach Bellini Sour

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: Tiny Kickturn - Hazy pale with Mosaic, Strata, Cashmere, and Chinook

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

Level Crossing Brewing Co. 2496 S. West Temple, South

LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Rising Hope White

Level Crossing Brewing Co.,

550 South 300 West, Suite

LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Fresh Hop Little Suss

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: Cranberry Rosemary

On Tap: Blizzard Wizard Hazy Pale Ale

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: Mild and Free British Mild

Roosters Brewing Multiple Locations

RoostersBrewingCo.com

On Tap: Cranberry Sour, London Porter

SaltFire Brewing 2199 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake SaltFireBrewing.com

On Tap: Psycho Killer Juicy Pale Ale

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: Highpoint Sweater Weather 6% ABV

Second Summit Cider 4010 So. Main, Millcreek https://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: Hellion Blonde Ale; Black Cloud Lager

Silver Reef 4391 S. Enterprise Drive, St. George SGBev.com

Squatters Pub Brewery / Salt Lake Brewing Co. 147 W. Broadway, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/ squatters

On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. – Rye of the Tiger Rotating IPA

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

Strap Tank Brewery, Lehi

3661 Outlet Pkwy, Lehi, UT StrapTankBrewery.com

On Tap: Redeemer Rauchbier, God of Thunder Roggenbier

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: Witches Brew

Top of Main Brewery

250 Main, Park City, Utah topofmainbrewpub.com On Tap: Top of Main Brewery – Utah Beer: An American Light Lager

Uinta Brewing 1722 S. Fremont Drive, SLC UintaBrewing.com

On Tap: Was Angeles Craft Beer

UTOG

2331 Grant Ave, Ogden UTOGBrewing.com

On Tap: Golden Grant 5% ABV.

Vernal Brewing

55 S. 500 East, Vernal VernalBrewing.com

Wasatch Brew Pub 2110 S. Highland Drive, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/ wasatch

On Tap:  Top of Main – Coalition Hellfire Chili Pepper Ale Zion Brewery 95 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale ZionBrewery.com

Zolupez

205 W. 29th Street #2, Ogden Zolupez.com

BEER NERD

New Year’s Hop-timism

Two hoppy beers that are a joy to drink

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer

Grid City - IPA (West Coast Style #6): The newest IPA in Grid City’s portfolio features Magnum, Whole Flower Amarillo, Whole Flower Cascade and Whole Flower Simcoe—all dry-hopped with the Falconer’s Flight hop blend. It pours a crisp, foamy head of a pastel white tone over a medium unfiltered golden-amber body with light carbonation and fine clouded sediment. Retention is average, the lacing is light and spotty. A pale cracker malt aroma joins with a moderately bold citrus impact, generating light fruitiness, moderate peach note, and a moderate hop profile backbone of tropical fruit and citrus peel with a mild bitterness. Overall aromatic potency is quite bright.

Grapefruit is forward up front, with an almost puckering tanginess, moderate pith and fruity yeast. The first swig rounds out with a softly juicy hop finish of lemon, peach and tropical fruit juice. Gentle malt profiles of pale and cracker malts provide a simple malt base with reserved sweetness—very nicely executed flavors in this ale, with a gentle hop profile finish. The texture is lightly slick with a moderately oily residue, softly chewy and medium dry. Carbonation is medium, generating froth and a moderately crisp finish. Body is medium for the style, and moderate overall. Balance is slightly tangy, sour over sweet and hoppy bitter. The 7.2 alcohol presence is light, with no off characters.

Verdict: A very enjoyable, nicely balanced IPA with great flavor and a nicely hopped back end, lots of bright, accessible flavor and a gentle bitterness. I

haven’t seen much of the Falconer’s Flight blend in a while and always enjoy seeing it make a flavor impact in beers. This one was very solid—I recommend that you check it out.

Fisher - Merry Fishmas: This beer may have a Christmas theme, but it’s far more than a typical holiday flavored IPA. It features a hop simply called (for now) HBC-1019, which boasts a mix of citrus, tropical and stone fruits, plus notes of coconut, Valencia oranges, caramelized bananas, peaches and honeydew melon.

What we have is a Double IPA that’s somewhere between a NEIPA and WCIPA—and it’s pretty good! Poured from a 16-oz. can into a Fisher pint glass, this beer features a somewhat hazy, dull gold color and a smallish foamy white head with better than average retention; there is lacing, mostly the filmy type on the glass. Aroma and flavor are mostly orange and tropical fruits. Backing them up is a dry, biscuity maltiness so this one doesn’t come off as a juice bomb.

The taste leads off with that alphaacid smack, but quickly dials back on the anticipated subsequent bitterness, which is true to style but still on the fruity-side. I’ve come to rely on that resinous leafiness to wash over the palate, which is prominent here and is satisfyingly rich. This is a well done NEIPA, made the way they’re supposed to be made. Mouthfeel is medium-bodied, but again, that round finish is simply satisfying. The alcohol is fairly well-hidden for an 8.8 percent beer.

Verdict: This is probably my favorite IPA to come out of Fisher. This New England style tastes super fresh and for a single hop beer it hits on all cylinders. I’ll definitely be ordering this one a lot in the coming weeks.

You’ll find both of these IPAs at their respective breweries, though some of the better beer pubs are picking some up as well. As with all IPAs, fresher is best, so please check these flavor bombs out sooner rather than later.

As always, cheers! CW

BACK BURNER

BY ALEX SPRINGER | @captainspringer

Deadpan Sandwich Closes Sugar House Location

The team at Deadpan Sandwich (deadpansandwich.com) recently announced the closure of the Sugar House location at 556 E. 2100 South. The announcement came via an Instagram post in which co-founders Taylor Giullian and Emily Giullian explained their plan to “refocus” on the Deadpan Sandwich location in Woodbine Food Hall (woodbineslc.com). Deadpan’s Sugar House location opened last summer, and while we were excited about having the second location, we have nothing but love for the Deadpan team. We hope the Woodbine location continues to thrive, and I personally will continue to be happy as long as I can get my Oh Schintzel! on the regular.

Ritual Chocolate Unveils Cherry Vanilla Bar

Heber’s Ritual Chocolate recently unveiled its Cherry Vanilla Bar, a new addition to the chocolate purveyor’s already stellar collection. The Cherry Vanilla Bar is made with Montmorency cherries that are locally sourced from Payson Fruit Growers. The cherries are combined with Ritual’s 70% vanilla dark chocolate blend, and then sprinkled with dried cherries to boot. Fans of the local chocolate factory will want to get ahold of this pronto—with the factory now open for weekly tours, maybe make a whole day of it. Based on the existing track record of this local chocolate company, it’s a good bet this new addition will nuke your existing 2025 weight loss plans.

Edna’s Market & Grille Expands to Provo

I recently heard that Edna’s Market & Grille (ednasgrill.com) opened a second location in Provo at 250 W. Center Street, and it’s great to see this Utah County favorite expand. I wrote about the Lehi location of Edna’s back in 2023, and it makes me happy to see this paragon of Mormon cuisine entrench itself deeper in Utah County. My initial thoughts on Edna’s were that it captures the Sunday dinner vibes that those of us who grew up with LDS cookbooks were so familiar with. Plenty of heavy cream, shredded cheese and thickly sliced meatloaf is on display at Edna’s, so it makes sense that it is doing so well in Happy Valley.

Quote of the Week: “When we don’t have the words, chocolate can speak volumes.” – Joan Bauer

Emotional Snapshot

Releasing the emotional songs of Past Lives allows Pdubba-U to move on to a different vibe

BY EMILEE ATKINSON eatkinson@cityweekly.net @emileelovesvinyl

For a band, releasing an album is like releasing a snapshot of their lives at a particular moment in time, whether it was intended or not. So much creative energy gets poured into an album and the inspiration comes from what’s going around a person, which tends to seep into the music. That’s what happened in 2024 for local rock band Pdubba-U. Their debut album Past Lives is an emotional snapshot of the last several years, and the duo is glad they can share it with the world but are also excited to get started on something new.

The origin of the name Pdubba-U (pronounced like saying the letters PW) is simple, yet creative. The “P” is a standin for guitarist Preston Fairchild’s first name, while the “W” is for vocalist Wesley Knight. It’s creative, catchy, and there’s no way you’ll find another band with that name when you type them into a social media site or search engine.

Knight and Fairchild had been involved in other music projects before, but Pdubba-U has been their focus since about 2023. Their debut album Past Lives features songs that are between five and six years old and having them out at last is cathartic for the duo. “It’s been one hell of a rollercoaster,” Knight said. “It was years in the making to actually be brought to the table.”

A lot of the music was re-recorded, and a lot of time was spent trying to recapture

the initial emotion of it, according to Fairchild. “I recorded most of those [songs] in my truck,” Knight said. “I didn’t have the money, but it was also difficult for me to go do anything with my life. I was going through a lot.”

While Pdubba-U is glad that the album is out for listeners to enjoy, it’s a relief that it’s finished. “It’s a big weight off my shoulders for me. It was nice to have it out into the public, just to have friends and family and anybody else to listen to it,” Fairchild said. “Because it was a very emotional album, and there was a lot that happened in the past while the album was being made. A lot of life changes, people passing, people leaving, and a lot of stuff.”

Although Past Lives is emotionally charged for Pdubba-U, it’s still a delight to listen to. The album opens to fanfare, with Knight’s animated, theatrical voice on “Nightmare on Adams” before fading into the first track “Woah Girl,” one of the best songs on the album.

“Woah Girl” has soaring vocals from Knight right off the bat, followed by Fairchild’s ripping guitar skills. Pdubba-U’s sound will sweep you off your feet with its soaring, in-your-face sound. It’s melodic and intricate, and will keep you guessing. This album is truly a treat for those who love rock/emo sounds complete with intensely complex musical ability.

The passion is evident throughout the album as it continues with “Best Man” and “Miki Endo,” and even as things slow down and scale back with songs like “Blue Ocean” and “Wireless,” which are stripped back and acoustic. Whether you’re rocking out to their electrifying rock tracks, or sitting back with their lo-fi tunes, you’re going to have a great time.

That being said, Pdubba-U is looking forward to a new era for the band, and that means new music and live shows.

“I’m really excited for this new music. It’s stuff that I genuinely feel the most excited about, I think I’ve ever felt for music,” Knight said.

MUSIC

“All the sad stuff’s behind us and it’s a new chapter, and time to go forward,” Fairchild added.

Past Lives came from a place of strong emotion, where their new music is coming from a place of joy and a better outlook on life. According to Fairchild, the new material comes from “a lot of change and selflove.” Knight agrees. “I feel like Past Lives for me was almost like a therapy session. I had all this stuff I wanted to get out and express, and then once I did it, it was just kind of done,” he said.

Knight and Fairchild have recruited drummer Brad Donohoo for live shows, and have fun plans for 2025. “We have a lot of music we could make. Right now, for me, the difficult part is choosing which ones we want to do,” Knight related.

For now, listeners can anticipate a new single from Pdubba-U called “Hidden Valley,” which will be out soon, and that will

be the first new track to propel the band into this new era of joy and fun. “When I first started making music, it was such a pursuit of, ‘I have this big message to share,’ and it became almost like a religion to me. It was serious,” Knight said. But nowadays, it’s more laid-back. “I still love the philosophical message with the music that I write, but it’s less about being so strict and so serious and sad all the time, to enjoying more.”

Past Lives is streaming everywhere, and if you’re so inclined, there are instrumental versions of the songs as well, if you want to take a deep dive into the gritty yet intricate sound that Fairchild puts his heart and soul into.

“I strive on really capturing the emotion with the instrumentals,” he said.

Keep an eye out for new tunes from Pdubba-U; you definitely don’t want to miss out on what they have in store. CW

Pdubba-U

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BEST BAR IN UTAH!

GREAT FOOD

Swerved By Blondes, Lonely Heights, The Bombshell Flowers @ Kilby Court 1/18

Are you hitting some fun shows so far in 2025? If you haven’t been to any, or you need another one to enjoy, you may want to consider this lovely local lineup. Swerved By Blondes is well-known for their fun, loud and exciting sound. You’ll be able to take all of that in as they play the entirety of their newest EP, Dead Inside With a Side of Fries. The title track for the EP, released in January 2024, has quickly become one of the band’s most streamed songs. It’s insanely energetic, and the rock sound they’ve honed in on is extremely addicting. Other songs on this EP include previous releases “Rainfall” and “High School Hijinx,” songs with the same fun and intense energy as the title track. Joining Swerved By Blondes is Lonely Heights, a fellow rock band who is celebrating their newest single “Drowning,” a contemplative track with heartfelt lyrics and driving sound. Also on the bill is The Bombshell Flowers, who have unveiled two brand new songs in time for this show. Head out to Kilby Court on Saturday, Jan 18 at 7 p.m. to hear their new songs and jam out with Swerved By Blondes and Lonely Heights. Tickets for the all-ages show are $10 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

SHOWS

WEEKLY

MUSIC PICK S

Tank and the Bangas @ The Commonwealth Room 1/18

One of the most intriguing and compelling musical acts to gain national attention in recent years is Tank and the Bangas. The New Orleans-based group combines spoken word, hip-hop, gospel and other styles into a unique sound all its own. Tank and the Bangas won the prestigious Tiny Desk Contest in 2017, and has released three studio albums, a live set and no fewer than seven EPs to date, with their latest, the vinyl Floating EP, released in November. Slam poet Tarriona “Tank” Ball started the group in 2011; her approach of alternating sections of spoken word, freestyle rap and spirited vocals earned the group a strong following in New Orleans and beyond. A breath of fresh air on NOLA’s musical scene, Tank and the Bangas offered up a modern alternative to the city’s jazz traditions. With wide exposure has come even more recognition: the group scored Grammy nominations in 2020 (Best New Artist) and 2023 (Best Progressive R&B Album). They were nominated yet again in 2024—this time for Best Global Music Performance—for “Todo Colores,” the group’s collaboration with renowned trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf and Havana-based singer-songwriter Cimafunk. Tank and the Bangas come to the Commonwealth Room on Saturday, Jan 18 at 8 p.m. Austin Brown and BLVK CVSTLE open this 21+ show. Tickets are $32, available at axs.com. (Bill Kopp)

Tank and the Bangas

NEW RELEASE ROUND UP NEW RELEASE ROUND UP

Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo

Sparkle Horse

Sparkle Horse

Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt

MUSIC PICK S

Basscase @ The Complex 1/18

Last year’s BASSCASE by V2 Presents was a success, and now they’re back with another round to start off 2025. It’s by far the rowdiest, heaviest night for bass-lovers in Salt Lake City. On their website, V2 says, “This year, expect walls shaking, speakers booming, and a bassdriven experience in every room of the venue that you won’t forget. From relentless drops to unstoppable wubs, BASSCASE is here to deliver. Expect it loud. Expect it rowdy!” Enough said! This year, the lineup is stacked with local support from Derksta, DJ Rondo, homesixck, Kenny Pham, Neon Drip, RamZ, Salem, and SHSTR, proving that our city is bursting with talent. Top bass DJ/producers include: Austeria, Calcium, Dirtysnatcha, Friction, Kill Safari, MUZZ, Rated R, Smoakland, Stoned Level, YVM3, and Awon; but the headliners Deathpact and PhaseOne will be the stars of the show. Deathpact keeps his identity secret with his signature LED mask, but is an undeniably popular powerhouse despite the anonymity. Check out his collaborations with Rezz, Zeds Dead and 1788-L for a taste.

PhaseOne’s distinct sound can be described as “metal meets electronic,” and has earned millions of streams globally as well as multiple sold-out headlining shows and festivals including such events as Tomorrowland, EDC, Rampage and Lost Lands. Doors open at 6 p.m. at The Complex. This is an 18+ show with a separate 21+ bar area. Tier two tickets cost $55. Go to v2presents.com.

(Arica Roberts)

Collective Soul @ The Union 1/20

There’s something to be said about a group that not only survives the passing of time and trends, but also manages to deliver the same steadfast energy and exuberance even some 30 years on. Credit Collective Soul with doing that and more. The band, which still includes seminal members Ed Roland (vocals/guitar), Dean Roland (rhythm guitar), Will Turpin (bass/background vocals), Jesse Triplett (lead guitar/background vocals) and Johnny Rabb (drums/background vocals),

released a critically acclaimed double-album— aptly titled Here To Eternity—this past May, and watched it climb to the top of the charts and garner some of the best sales of their career. Interestingly enough, they also managed to connect the present with the past, having recorded that latest effort at Elvis Presley’s legendary estate in Palm Springs, making them the the only musicians other than The King himself to utilize the landmark where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon and celebrated their Las Vegas wedding in 1967. That’s an impressive legacy to live up to, but more than that, it’s the confidence, credibility and endurance Collective Soul have maintained throughout the years that allowed them to make their music in such an auspicious setting. Then again, their drive and determination have never been in doubt, as they’re sure to prove when they visit our environs. To borrow the title of one of their best-known songs, there’s no doubt that Collective Soul continues to “Shine.” Collective Soul performs at The Union on Monday, Jan 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $42.50 GA at ticketmaster.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

PhaseOne

free will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Abdulrazak Gurnah is a Tanzanian writer who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2021. He has also been shortlisted for four other prestigious awards. I find it odd that his acclaimed novels have received mediocre scores on the prominent book-rating website, Goodreads, which has 150 million members. Why is there such a marked difference between expert critics and average readers? I speculate that those in the latter category are less likely to appreciate bold, innovative work. They don’t have the breadth and depth to properly evaluate genius. All this is my way of encouraging you to be extra discerning about whose opinions you listen to in the coming weeks, Aries—especially in regard to your true value. Trust intelligent people who specialize in thoughtful integrity. You are in a phase when your ripening uniqueness needs to be nurtured and protected.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

“Every joke is a tiny revolution,” said author George Orwell. I agree, which is why I hope you will unleash an unruly abundance of humor and playfulness in the coming days. I hope you will also engage in benevolent mischief that jostles the status quo and gently shakes people out of their trances. Why? Because your world and everyone in it needs a sweet, raucous revolution. And the best way to accomplish that with minimum chaos and maximum healing is to: 1. do so with kindness and compassion; 2. be amusing and joyful and full of joie de vivre

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20)

Research suggests that if you’re typical, you would have to howl with maximum fury for a month straight just to produce enough energy to toast a piece of bread. But you are not at all typical right now. Your wrath is high quality. It’s more likely than usual to generate constructive changes. And it’s more prone to energize you rather than deplete you. But don’t get overconfident in your ability to harness your rage for good causes. Be respectful of its holy potency, and don’t squander it on trivial matters. Use it only for crucial prods that would significantly change things for the better.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

I invite you to write a message to the person you will be in one year. Inform this Future You that you are taking a vow to achieve three specific goals by January 15, 2026. Name these goals. Say why they are so important to you. Describe what actions you will take to fulfill them. Compose collages or draw pictures that convey your excitement about them. When you’ve done all that, write the words, “I pledge to devote all my powers to accomplish these wonderful feats.” Sign your name. Place your document in an envelope, write “MY VOWS” on the front, and tape the envelope in a prominent place in your home or workplace.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Congratulations on all the subtle and private work you’ve been doing to make yourself a better candidate for optimal togetherness. Admitting to your need for improvement was brave! Learning more about unselfish cooperation was hard work, and so was boosting your listening skills. (I speak from personal experience, having labored diligently to enhance my own relationship skills!) Very soon now, I expect that you will begin harvesting the results of your artful efforts.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Construction on the Great Wall of China began in the 7th century BCE and lasted until 1878. Let’s make this monumental accomplishment your symbol of power for the next 10 months, Virgo! May it inspire you to work tirelessly to forge your own monumental accomplishment. Take pride in the gradual progress you’re making. Be ingeniously persistent in engaging the support of those who share your grand vision. Your steady determination, skill at collaborating, and ability to plan will be your superpowers as you create a labor of love that will have enduring power.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

We are all accustomed to dealing with complications and complexities—so much so that we may be tempted to imagine there’s never a simple solution to any dilemma. Copious nuance and mystifying paradox surround us on all sides, tempting us to think that every important decision must inevitably be taxing and time-consuming. As someone who specializes in trying to see all sides to every story, I am especially susceptible to these perspectives. (I have three planets in Libra.) But now here’s the unexpected news: In the coming weeks, you will enjoy the luxury of quickly settling on definitive, straightforward solutions. You will get a sweet respite from relentless fuzziness and ambiguity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

When my daughter Zoe was 11 years old, she published her first collection of poems. The chapbook’s title was Secret Freedom. That’s a good theme for you to meditate on in the coming weeks. You are currently communing with a fertile mystery that could ultimately liberate you from some of your suffering and limitations. However, it’s important to be private and covert about your playful work with this fertile mystery—at least for now. Eventually, when it ripens, there will come a time to fully unleash your beautiful thing and reveal it to the world. But until then, safeguard it with silence and discretion.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

From a distance, Brazil’s Rio Negro looks black. The water of Rio Solimões, also in Brazil, is yellowish-brown. Near the city of Manaus, these two rivers converge, flowing eastward. But they don’t blend at first. For a few miles, they move side-by-side, as if still autonomous. Eventually, they fuse into a single flow and become the mighty Amazon River. I suspect the behavior of Rio Negro and Rio Solimões could serve as a useful metaphor for you in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. Consider the possibility of allowing, even encouraging, two separate streams to merge. Or would you prefer them to remain discrete for a while longer? Make a conscious decision about this matter.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

During the next three weeks, doing the same old things and thinking the same old thoughts are discouraged. For the sake of your spiritual and physical health, do not automatically rely on methods and actions that have worked before. I beg you not to imitate your past self or indulge in worn-out traditions. Sorry to be so extreme, but I really must insist that being bored or boring will be forbidden. Stated more poetically: Shed all weak-heart conceptions and weak-soul intentions. Be of strong heart and robust soul.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Wilderness campers have developed humorous terms to gently mock their fears and anxieties. The theory is that this alleviates some of the stress. So a “bear burrito” refers to a hammock. It addresses the worry that one might get an unwanted visit from a bear while sleeping. A “bear fortune cookie” is another name for a tent. “Danger noodle” is an apparent stick that turns out to be a snake. “Mountain money” is also known as toilet paper. I approve of this joking approach to dealing with agitation and unease. (And scientific research confirms it’s effective.) Now is an excellent time to be creative in finding ways to diminish your mostly needless angst.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

If you were producing the movie of your life, what actor would portray you? Who would play your friends and loved ones? How about the role of God or Goddess? Who would you choose to perform the role of the Supreme Being? These will be fun meditations for you in the coming weeks. Why? Because it’s an excellent time to think big about your life story—to visualize the vast, sweeping panorama of your beautiful destiny. I would also love it if during your exploration of your history, you would arrive at interesting new interpretations of the meanings of your epic themes.

EMPLOYMENT

SelectHealth, Inc. seeks a Facets Solutions Architect in Murray, UT. Position may telecommute from any state in the US except CA, HI, IL, PA, RI, and WA. Apply at https://imh.wd5.myworkdayjobs. com/IntermountainCareers

urban LIVING

& Estates, urbanutah.com

All Garbage

Iget so programmed with everyday schedules that when something major changes, my world gets a bit shook. I just learned that pickup for curbside collections of garbage, recycling and compost cans will now change for me and about 80% of my fellow Salt Lakers as of Feb. 3.

The change in collection schedule, states slc.gov, “will allow City staff to better adapt and respond to disruptions due to weather, holidays and other events during the week.” Fine. Now I have to reprogram my brain to not miss the new pickup day, which can take several weeks for me to not go running out in my PJ’s in a morning snow to catch the truck whizzing by my house.

Indigenous peoples here didn’t have much garbage or waste to deal with, as they were experts in re- and up-cycling what they hunted and foraged for. When the pioneers landed in the valley, they simply burned their waste or fed it to their pigs, cows and chickens.

By the late 1800s, the garbage situation was getting out of control as wealthier citizens from the east side would have their garbage hauled to dump on west side neighborhoods.

In September of 1892, SLC’s government established two garbage districts—one from 900 South to 800 North, east to the “Reservation Line” and west to 1000 West; the second district covered the rest of the City limits. SLC hired independent, licensed “scavengers” to haul the refuse and manure in the first district; and residents in the second district had to hire their own haulers.

In 1902, the city created its first incinerator, then opted in 1907 to lease its first landfill; but people—just like today—continued to dump refuse on the west side of the valley.

In 1915, the City got rid of independent scavengers and created a garbage service with horse-drawn wagon service to haul one’s trash from their curb to the landfill.

In 1921, the Streets Department took over the garbage service and upgraded to Pierce-Arrow motor trucks instead of wagons. Garbage trucks similar to (but smaller than) what you see today didn’t come out until the 1940s.

Know that with the new changes in pickup days, this likely won’t affect you if you live in an apartment building, as multi-family housing tends to include private dumpsters or operate in conjunction with a business. Those have to be hired out from private pickup companies to dump every week. There may also be a new day for your glass recycling, but Momentum Recycling hasn’t released any changes yet.

The only people in SLC not affected are those who traditionally get their garbage removed on Thursdays. Their pickup day will remain on Thursday.

For more information go to slc.gov. And if you have a load to haul to the dump (located at 6030 W. California Ave), please note that they have specific hours of operation and different pricing depending on the type of material you wish to dispose. ■

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Online “where is this?” game with notables called Rainbolt and Blinky 10. “Sk8er ___” (2002 single)

13. Takes a sudden lead

15. 911 responder

16. Misrepresented a public campaign as fully authentic

18. Mauna ___

19. Nijinsky negative

20. Barney Gumble quote after abstaining from (and then drinking) alcohol, prepping for a space mission

22. Channel with a “Noir Alley” feature 23. Like elements past #92 (all unstable and prone to decay into other elements)

26. Places to check out?

28. Company that sometimes outranks Microsoft and Apple as the world’s most valuable

29. It may contain a radio and nonperishables

32. Otherworldly

33. ___ Lingus (Ryanair competitor)

34. They make feudal attempts?

38. Singer and then some

41. Elite squads

44. Butt: var.

45. TV spots for Fred Meyer (as opposed to, say, Wal-Mart)

48. Not-so-peaceful feeling

49. Phone tree start

50. Bioengineered foods, briefly

51. Boston’s Bobby

52. Places of protection

56. Lil ___ Howery (actor in 2025’s “Dog Man”)

57. Go from the ocean back to clouds, maybe

58. “Madden NFL 25” stats

59. Like insects

DOWN

1. Singer-songwriter Phillips (namesake of a “Buffalo” band)

2. Start of a happy-go-lucky saying

3. Fictional month in a 1977 Dr. Seuss title

4. Goldfinger portrayer Frobe

5. Org. associated with Bob Hope for 50 years

6. Put away

7. ___ mai (dumplings)

8. Canary’s European cousin

9. Rapid transits?

10. Show compassion

11. Subtitle of 1978’s “Damien”

12. Lake at the head of the Mississippi

14. Prove false

17. They give it a whirl

21. Skiers’ leg coverings

23. Strict parents (as popularized by a 2011 book)

24. “The Pioneer Woman” host Drummond

25. “Simple!”

27. The world’s third most populous island

30. Animator’s unit

31. Northern California town that used to have a palindromic bakery

35. Setting up traffic lights again, maybe

36. Norwegian Sea islanders (if you spell it with the ligature)

37. About to burn out

39. Looms

40. Lasso or Leo

41. Military building

42. Became weepy, with “up”

43. Some 2010s Gen Z

fashion denizens (inspired by anime and mall goth)

46. One-third of “Six”?

47. Susan who lent her surname to nominees who finally win

50. “Whose Line” regular Proops

53. ___ screen (lab test for poisons)

54. Cornhusker’s sch.

55. Edmondson of “The Young Ones,” familiarly

Last week’s 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.

NEWS of the WEIRD

It’s a Mystery

In Beeston, Nottinghamshire, England, locals are perplexed about a monthly offering at Abbey Road and Wensor Avenue, United Press International reported on Jan. 6. Starting over a year ago, on the second day of each month, a plate heaped high with peeled bananas has appeared at the intersection. Resident Clare Short said she put up a sign reading, “Please, respectfully, no more bananas! The uncollected plates and rotting bananas leave such a mess.” But on Jan. 2, a new plate appeared. “I think it’s a special thing for someone, and I wish them well,” Short said, adding that she has taken down her sign. “But if they could come back and clean up the mess a few days later that would be lovely.”

Heroes

On Jan. 5 in rural Norton, Kansas, temps following the big snowstorm weren’t even reaching 20 degrees, and the wind chill was 5 below zero, KAKE-TV reported. That didn’t stop two linemen who were trying to restore power to area residents from going above (literally) and beyond: On top of a utility pole, a bobcat and her kitten were frozen to the line and the pole. Dominic Urban and Eric Hartwell worked for about two hours to free the frigid felines. “I couldn’t knock them off,” Urban said. “(The mother) was frozen down to the top of the pole ... I beat the ice loose then lowered her to the ground. I had to do the same with the kitten.” He said the mom and kitten ran off immediately upon reaching the ground.

It’s Orwellian

A pair of pernicious porcine perpetrators are in the crosshairs of the Pataskala, Ohio, Police Department after a horrendous incident on Christmas Day, WOIO-TV reported. According to Chief Bruce Brooks, family members called for a welfare check on 75-year-old Rebecca Westergaard when they couldn’t reach her. Police found the woman dead on her property near her home. Westergaard had been mauled and eaten by two pigs that belong to her neighbor, police said. Brooks said it’s unclear whether charges will be filed, since the animals are livestock rather than pets. “It’s just not something we’ve ever dealt with here,” Brooks said.

No Longer Weird

It’s that time again, Florida: falling iguana season. AccuWeather reported on Jan. 8 that as temperatures drop along the Gulf Coast and southeast Florida, coldstunned iguanas are likely to fall out of trees after losing their grip on the branches. Residents are warned that the reptiles appear to be dead, but they’re just sleeping. Fully grown iguanas can be up to 5 feet long and up to 25 pounds, so they present a danger to unsuspecting humans walking along the sidewalk. Professional iguana remover Michael Ronquillo warns against handling the lethargic animals, saying they can become defensive when they warm up. Plus, their droppings can contain salmonella.

It’s Come to This

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain in Belgium was forced to issue a warning to the country on Jan. 7 against eating Christmas trees, United Press International reported. The statement was in response to the city of Ghent recommending cooking with conifer needles. “You can make delicious spruce needle butter with them for bread or toast,” Ghent’s website read. But the FASFC wasn’t having it: Christmas trees “are not meant to end up in the food chain” because many have been treated with pesticides and other chemicals, including flame retardant. Ghent responded by changing its headline to read “Scandinavians eat their Christmas trees” and added a warning: “not all Christmas trees are edible.” Way to throw the Vikings under the bus, Belgians!

Ewwww!

On Jan. 3, the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina, The New York Times reported. The real highlight of the game, though, is the tradition of dumping 5 gallons of mayonnaise (Duke’s, of course) on the winning coach’s head. Other condimentrelated attractions include mayo bobbing (trying to catch mayo packets swimming in mayo) and mayo giveaways with team logos. And for 2025, Flavor Flav was revealed as the Duke’s Mayo celebrity mascot. Last year, Duke’s had a record day of online sales during the contest. They may-o be doing something right!

The Tech Revolution

The Summit County (Colorado) Sheriff’s Department responded to a call on Jan. 7 on the slopes of Keystone Resort: not an injured skier, but a wayward car that had taken a wrong turn and ended up on the Schoolmarm ski run. United Press International reported that the abandoned car had a note on the windshield, explaining that the driver had been following GPS and ended up stuck in the snow. A tow truck removed the car, which was returned to the owner.

■ A small Welsh village has been inundated by shoppers looking for an Aldi supermarket that doesn’t exist, Oddity Central reported on Jan. 6. A pin on Google Maps, probably dropped as a prank, directs shoppers and delivery drivers to a grassy field in Cyffylliog, leaving locals unamused. One large milk tank truck became stuck on a narrow village street while trying to locate the store, and “a bloke with a pallet of bread ... thought he’d been hired to stock shelves,” one resident said. Finally, Aldi got involved and said it would work with Google Maps to get the pin removed.

The Golden Age of Air Travel

A Boeing 777 operated by Air France was forced to make an emergency landing in Brazil in early January after a passenger caused the toilet to be unusable, the Mirror reported. The flight, which was on its way to Rio de Janeiro, was almost there when it diverted to Fortaleza’s Pinto Martins International Airport. Brazilian media did not provide details of the clog. The unit was serviced and unclogged, and the flight continued on its way.

■ Whitney Kayla Watt, 30, got herself arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement on Jan. 5 at Indianapolis International Airport, the New York Post reported. Watt, who was flying on Southwest Airlines, objected to her bag being flagged as 5 pounds too heavy and let loose a string of obscenities and racial slurs after saying, “I work at a law firm ... I am freaking out right now,” among other things. She said one of her children who were with her was supposed to get “a very important surgery that he couldn’t have.” Penny Thomson, who witnessed the outburst and posted video on social media, noted, “What’s sad is her kids saw this and it didn’t even phase (sic) them.”

News You Can Use?

If you own a Toto Washlet bidet toilet, listen up: Don’t wipe the seat with toilet tissue. United Press International reported on Jan. 3 that owners have been complaining about the seats getting scratch marks and becoming discolored. A Toto spokesperson said the tissue can cause tiny scratches that expand and trap dirt. Instead, customers are urged to use a soft cloth and diluted detergent. The company also said there are “no plans to change the material at this time.”