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Salt Lake City’s farmers markets draw loyal consumers

Story and slideshow by JOSH SOUTAS

Experience all that the Winter Market has to offer.

“We never miss a market,” said Salt Lake City local Paula Butler. Her friend, Lori Martin, added, “We come every time.” Butler and Martin are just two of the many consumers who wander around the Winter Market at 10 a.m. every other Saturday from November until April looking for locally grown produce.

The two said the combination of fresh produce, and the get-together that the Winter Market has become, is what keeps them coming back.

“It’s now as much of a social event as it is a grocery shopping event for us,” said Butler, who is also a regular at the summer Saturday Market. “Not only do you know what you are buying is healthy and good for you, but it is fun to come and meet the farmers who grow and are selling their own local products.”

In its third year, the Winter Market is held in the historical Rio Grande Depot. The train station’s tracks were first used in 1910, according to Utah Communication History Encyclopedia writer Kelsie Haymond. The old train station is transformed into a paradise for consumers who are looking for locally grown produce during the winter months. Vendors, who set up shop where passengers used to load onto trains, give the landmark building a lively atmosphere again.

The market entrance runs through the Rio Gallery, located in the Grand Lobby of the Rio Grande Depot. Shoppers on the second floor get an overhead view of the artwork in the free gallery.

Alison Einerson, market manager of the Salt Lake City Farmers Markets, said in a phone interview that the Winter Market almost exclusively features food vendors who cater to local eaters.

The Winter Market occurs when many vegetables and fruits are out of season. Einerson said that challenge was not difficult to overcome.

“It’s really eye opening to see that there are still so many locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables available, even though it is December and snowing, or February and bitter cold outside,” Einerson said. “There [are] beets, asparagus, parsley, onions, potatoes, and in my opinion our market is home to the best local baked goods.”

Einerson also agreed with market regulars Butler and Martin that many people attend the market not only for the produce, but also for the social occasion that it has become.

It is not surprising to see the Winter Market be successful even though it has not been around as long as the established Saturday Market. Farmers markets have risen in popularity with more than 8,200 nationwide, a 76 percent increase since 2008, according to the USDA.

Steven Mountford is a honey farmer with White Lake Farms. The Genola, Utah, farm has been a vendor with the Winter Market since its opening. It also takes part in the Saturday Market during the summer.

Mountford said he understands why farmers markets have been growing in popularity and size, especially in the last few years.

His explanation? He said people are starting to be curious and are caring where their food is coming from.

“It is important to expose people to the reality of where their food is coming from,” Mountford said. “People are now questioning how their food is getting to them and if it is good for them.”

Mountford isn’t wrong, according to a 2011 food dialogues survey. The survey focused on opinions, attitudes and questions that consumers and farmers had about the state of how food is raised in the U.S. The study found that “consumers think about food production constantly, yet know very little about how food is brought to the dinner table.”

Mountford believes that consumers asking questions about their food and caring where it is coming from is making a difference.

“You get customers asking restaurant owners, ‘Where did this chicken come from?’ or ‘Where did these vegetables come from?’ People didn’t used to ask these questions. And it helps motivate restaurant owners to buy locally,” he said.

Salsa Del Diablo, a Salt Lake City company, has participated in the Winters Market for two years. It also took part in the Saturday Market for the first time in 2015, one of the four Utah summer markets it participated in last year.

The company carries eight different salsa flavors in the summer, and four in the winter. Salsa Del Diablo motivates customers to buy its products by donating 1 percent of profit to adaptive sports in Utah.

Employee Jennifer Lehmbuck said the local markets are what helped the company break through into grocery stores in 2015.

“Farmers Markets open doors for local companies like Salsa Del Diablo,” Lehmbuck said.

Besides the exposure that the market has provided, Lehmbuck said she has seen other benefits of participating in markets.

“These local farmers markets build community. It helps get people connected with their food and lets them get to know where and whom their food is coming from,” Lehmbuck said. Salsa Del Diablo sources the majority of its salsa ingredients from Bangerter Farms, located in Bountiful, Utah.

Michael Pollan, author of “Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation” and creator of the Netflix documentary series “Cooked,” told “Nourish” that “a farmers market is kind of like a public square, and there is a nice social energy. At the farmers market, city meets country. People learn about where their food comes from and the people who grew it.”

Market Manager Einerson said this growth in community is one of the main benefits of a farmers market. It supports the local farmers and vendors.

Winter Market Transitioning to Summer Saturday Market

 The Winter Market at Rio Grande closes for the season on April 23, 2016. But Einerson and vendors are looking ahead to the Saturday Market, which will be taking place for the 25th time this year. “It has been a staple of the community here in Salt Lake City,” Einerson said.

Many of the Winter Market vendors, including Salsa Del Diablo and White Lake Farms, will return for the weekly Saturday Farmers Market. They will be joined by dozens more who did not participate in the seasonal event.

Einerson said the time off in between the markets seems seamless to staff as they work throughout May to approve applications, finalize vendor lists and assign locations in Pioneer Park.

The summer Saturday Farmers Market, along with the Arts and Crafts Market, run June 11 through October 22, 2016, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“It doesn’t seem like a long break to us because we don’t stop working. But I am sure the public miss it,” Einerson said.

Indeed, for locals like Paula Butler and the Lori Martin who “never miss a market,” the month and a half without a farmers market is too long.

Interested in finding a local farmers market near you? Visit The Salt Lake Tribune for a list of farmers markets near you.

Education, skills and connections: Many say this is the pathway to one’s career

Story and slideshow by PEYTON M. DALLEY

Meet Chris Haston, the head photographer for NBC Studios.

In the small neighborhood on Catalina Avenue in Burbank, Calif., one may not recognize the flood light cameras and crew surrounding the house where the production is occurring. But it’s just another day in Hollywood. The crew and cast are filming a pilot for a television show that they hope will become an instant hit.

Among the hustle, directors are yelling “cut,” “quiet on set” and “that’s a wrap.” Assistants fix fly-away hair, and set designers find the perfect angle of lighting.

Chris Haston, NBC’s head photographer, is part of this scene. Haston has been working for the company for 23 years, and can be found behind the camera capturing the perfect angle of every noted Hollywood icon. He also has had cameo roles in sit-coms like “The Office.”

While Haston’s home may be the rolling green hills of Hollywood, he has also shot movies in Park City and Salt Lake City.

Focusing on the success of Chris Haston

Haston attended a junior college in El Camino, Calif., and tried to figure out which art college he wanted to attend. But he realized formal education wasn’t a good fit for him. “I’m glad I didn’t waste four to six years, when I’m already doing what I love,” he said.

Haston worked at a local camera store in Gardena Calif., a job that meshed with his interest in photography.

While working there, Haston began to take photos of off-road racing, and used a studio called Trackside to edit his footage, experiment with lighting and develop his skillset.

He had also built a connection with a man named Frank Carroll, who was an NBC photographer.

“I stayed on that guy constantly for a job at NBC,” Haston said.

After six years, Haston finally was hired for a lab position in the NBC Studios in Los Angeles producing and making film.

“Persistence and work ethic got me the job,” Haston said. “Being hungry and not letting words ‘it’s not possible’ cross your mind.”

Some aspects of success

Haston not only is doing what he loves, but he also knows his cast and crew. Haston said it’s important to treat everyone with kindness and respect in this industry, because it gets people further than any ego.

“Be nice, not egotistical,” Haston said. “Having egos make[s] it impossible to work with [people] in such a competitive field.”

Haston isn’t the only one making dreams a reality. He works alongside photographers Dave Bjerk, Rafael Ortega and Allan Nadel.

Bjerk said timing in the career process is crucial. “Just because something opens up does not mean a person is ready for it,” he said.

Ortega said, “Some people need to go to college for experience. I took pictures and figured out how to use a camera. Can’t say I’m in a better place than I am now.”

Nadel added, “You can definitely make connections in school.”

While the City of Angels may be the hot spot for future careers, connections play a valid role for hitting the big leagues, Haston said.

So how does one break into the field?

Although higher education wasn’t an ideal fit for Haston, others can benefit from taking classes that help them gain skills. The Career Services office located at the University of Utah can be a good resource for students. Director Stan Inman said his office helps current students as well as alumni to tell their story.

While Career Services provides both connections and help with resumes and portfolios, Inman said students “have to have the skillset to do the job.” That becomes the story students can share with their connections.

“Education credentials are important to have,” Inman said. “We provide contacts that can develop into opportunity.”

Students who have graduated from the U can be surveyed and  jobs they have acquired after graduation can be tracked. Although the survey isn’t inclusive, Inman said, the Career Services website shows students as well as potential employers who has hired Utah graduates. Currently, 35 jobs were booked in the film and media industry, and 11 were booked in the theater industry.

“It’s not a cut and paste process,” Inman said. While a job or internship may not happen immediately, it’s important to have the skillset and credentials.

Haston said even in Hollywood, “knowing someone doesn’t get you the job.” But being able to prove yourself with credentials or skillset can help you get a foot in the door.

Public art initiative continues cultural legacy for University of Utah, state

Story and photos by CHRIS SAMUELS

When University of Utah students walk down the main stairs of the Marriott Library, they may not notice a 50-foot-tall mosaic of a stack of books.

Students walk by a public art piece in the Marriott Library.

Students walk by a mosaic created by Paul Housberg in the Marriott Library.

Or, while they’re studying on the third floor common area, they may not see a giant arch with Arabic and mathematical equations that wraps around the center of the open space.

Even in less noticeable areas, sculptures of books rest on bannisters and landings as students pass them by.

After they leave the library, many may be looking at their phones rather than observing sculptures at each of the Utah Transit Authority’s TRAX stations on campus.

Hidden in plain sight, public art can be noticed anywhere on campus.

Art instillations in spaces like the library and other buildings are actually a fixture of the university.

Luise Poulton, rare books manager at the Marriott Library, said three public art pieces were commissioned when the library was renovated in 2009. The works include a 50-foot glass mosaic that scales all floors of the grand staircase titled, “Another Beautiful Day Has Dawned Upon Us,” by Paul Housberg, and a collection of sculptures of books by Suikang Zhao.

But art in public spaces is not just an initiative of the University of Utah.

The state unveiled the Percent-for-Art Act in 1985 in an effort to introduce more art in public spaces and reach more audiences. According to the bill, the measure designates 1 percent of the cost of the building be spent on furnishing the space with permanent public art pieces. The intention of the act is to enhance “the quality of life in the state by placing art of the highest quality in public spaces where it is seen by the general public.” The act also “promotes and preserves appreciation for and exposure to the arts; and foster[s] cultural development in the state and encourage[s] the creativity and talents of its artists and craftspeople.”

A public art piece inside the Spencer Fox Eccles Building.

A public art piece inside the Spencer Fox Eccles Building.

Gay Cookson is director of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, the state department that has authority over the bill. Cookson said public art enhances many of the newly created public spaces around the state, as well as the frequent construction projects that are going on around the U.

“I love that the statute is at 1 percent, and that public buildings have to be invested into arts,” she said. “Sometimes it’s hard to set aside a budget for arts, but with the statute, it’s really the one time when a building is being built that they recognize they need to do a significant investment in art. Even though it’s forced by statute, they were excited to be engaged in the work.”

Obtaining the art, Cookson said, is a process of application and determining what fits best with each publicly funded building. When it is nearing completion, a committee comprised of planners, building managers and those who will be using the space will review proposals for art pieces. At least one art expert is always included in the group.

Cookson said when a new project is considered, the Division of Arts and Museums can receive up to 40 different proposals by artists from Utah or across the country. The committee’s responsibility is to narrow the list down to three finalists. Those finalists are given $1,000 to construct a model to present to the committee. Then, a winner is selected and is given the funding to proceed with the art piece.

Cookson emphasized that the entire committee is not reliant on art expertise. She wants those who will view the instillations much more frequently than experts to make the decisions.

A sculpture of a book is displayed outside the Marriott Library

A sculpture of a book by artist Suikang Zhao is displayed outside the Marriott Library.

“We want the final say to be on who will be living in that space,” she said. “Which is kind of cool because you’re empowering people who really have no artistic experience to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on art.”

Since the act’s inception in 1985, every new publicly funded building that is constructed must have 1 percent of the total cost of the building be dedicated to art, according to the bill. Buildings that were already completed by the time the bill was introduced are grandfathered in, and do not need to retroactively install pieces.

Administrators of public buildings can opt out of the art requirement if a certain percentage of the costs of building the structures are not met by public funds, according to the language of the bill. This was the case for the newly-completed S. J. Quinney Law School, which had enough private donor money in place to exempt it from the Percent-for-Art Act. However, Cookson said law school leaders wanted to honor the importance of art in public spaces, and complied with the mandate.

After a work is completed, the Division of Arts and Museums is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the pieces, according to the bill.

On the Utah public art website, finalists and commissioned artists of each project are publicly listed, with their website or portfolio attached.

A public art piece outside the Sorensen Arts and Education Complex.

A public art piece outside the Sorensen Arts and Education Complex.

Traveling Exhibit Program provides Utahns access to high-quality art

Story and slideshow by JORDAN SENTENO

According to the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, the Traveling Exhibit Program (TEP) delivers high-quality, professional exhibits to numerous educational and nonprofit organizations, including underserved communities. The exhibits travel to museums, colleges, universities, community galleries, arts and cultural centers and libraries.

TEP Coordinator Fletcher Booth said the program is particularly important to rural communities where access to high quality, original art is limited. The exhibits nurture understanding of diverse art forms and cultures, promote creativity and encourage cultural activities in local communities. The program also provides artists a way to showcase their artwork, gain public recognition and increase the value of their art.

Laura Durham, who does marketing and communication for the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, said, “The Traveling Exhibition Program is one of the more far-reaching programs we have. It takes visual art to all the regions in the state of Utah, including a lot of schools and community centers that don’t get to see very much artwork.” She added, “The kids especially get very attached to the exhibits when they come to their schools and they hate to see them go. We provide educational materials for the teachers so the kids can interact with the artwork in a meaningful way.”

TEP aims to provide meaningful arts experiences by including educational components that teachers can download and use. The materials vary from exhibit to exhibit. For example, the Design Arts Utah exhibit provides two documents called “Why Teach Art?” and “Looking at Art.” They discuss why art is important and how to look at art in different ways.

“It [TEP exhibits] is the one thing that students will stand and talk about,” said Rhonda Harrison, principal of Fillmore Elementary School, in an interview at Hogle Zoo. “We have seen a lot of conversations about why they think it is drawn or painted. Students look forward to the art work coming [the zoo] once or twice a year.”

Every year, Hogle Zoo sponsors the World of the Wild, which showcases artwork of animals and the wild. According to the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, the goal of the exhibit “is to bring together the works of serious artists who are interested in displaying their view of wild animals, plants and places with which we share our world.”

According to a press release, “by highlighting animals and plants in the wild, this exhibition strives to educate viewers on the challenges faced by artists and techniques used when depicting animals. Additionally, this exhibition strives to draw public awareness to and increase appreciation for the animals and fragile ecosystems depicted.”

The companion curriculum, “Stamp Out Extinction,” “encourage[s] students to examine wild animals in their community that may be endangered or approaching extinction.” Teachers can help students use printmaking techniques to create posters that promote animal conservations.

Rose M. Milovich, preservation manager and exhibition program director at Utah State University Special Collections and Archives, said, “Having the opportunity to see and study original artworks from cultural, aesthetic and technical standpoints can really encourage creative/critical thinking and doing.” Milovich, who was at the zoo, added, “This kind of encouragement can happen for anyone at any age. Our world needs people who can think creatively – people who can examine the work and find solutions to all that faces us.”

Each year, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums curates about 20 traveling exhibits that feature many different mediums, processes and styles. For example, photographs that won prizes at the 2015 Utah State Fair are being shown at Grand County Library in Moab through April 26, 2016. The traveling exhibits are scheduled for one-month periods at $125 per exhibit and people can sign up for them online.

Fletcher Booth, as TEP’s coordinator, then creates a schedule. On average, he arranges about 80 exhibits each year.

Laura Durham said, “Not only does this provide the communities with a new show to look forward to, it’s also great for the artists who have work in the shows. Their audience is greatly expanded as a participant in these exhibitions and they can put all these locations on their resume of where individuals have viewed their artwork.”

Laura Durham: The work of an artistic woman

Laura Durham enjoys her job with the Utah Division of Arts and Museums. Photo courtesy of Durham.

Utah native Laura Durham has a bachelor’s degree in art history from Brigham Young University. She currently works for the Utah Division of Arts and Museums in Salt Lake City and manages marketing and special projects that encourage public value of the arts in the state.

Growing up as a young girl, she really enjoyed music and art. Both her parents were musicians so she was surrounded by music all the time. The turning point for her was when she was in high school. She went to London with her father when she was 17 to study art and music.

“Since my parents were both musical artists I knew I wanted to do something with art and music and kind of rebelled against them by going into the field of art history,” she said in an email interview.

She has 15 years of working experience with the Utah Division of Arts and Museums. Before being promoted to marketing and public value manager, she worked as the visual arts coordinator. She also does graphic design on the side as a hobby, but has used those skills to create a brand and unique look for the Utah Division of Arts and Museums.

Durham also enjoys cooking, traveling, writing and sharing stories in her spare time. With her enjoyment of music, she sings with the Utah Chamber Artists.

Durham works out of the division’s main office in the historic Glendinning Mansion at 617 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City. Also located there is the Alice Gallery, named after founder Alice Merrill Horne. Durham chose to work at the Utah Division of Arts and Museums because she wanted to work with the arts and build programs, while also giving back to the community.

She serves on many boards, including the Salt Lake Gallery and Utah Emerging Museums Professionals. And she sits on the Downtown Marketing and Events committee, assisting with the Downtown Farmers Market, Dine O’Round and other community events.

She has worked for several other arts programs within the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, and was the visual arts coordinator managing the Rio Gallery and Traveling Exhibits. She also served as the vice president of the Salt Lake Gallery Association from 2003 to 2006.

Durham was program director of the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll from 2005 to 2010. “It was significant because it’s a great anchor in Salt Lake City when it comes to the visual arts,” said Durham in an email interview. “It’s a community event that people can count on each month and it has fostered a fertile environment for new galleries to pop up and join. A lot of business have joined the fun too, as we see more small business rotating local artwork on their walls and opening up their doors for the Stroll.”

A piece that Durham designed for “15 Bytes” about Utah artists. Image courtesy of Durham.

She regularly contributes to “15 Bytes,” which is an online visual arts magazine in Salt Lake City. She serves, too, as assistant editor and managing music editor. Durham has developed a longstanding partnership with Artists of Utah, publisher of 15 Bytes. The magazine publishes two free adds every month for the Utah Division of Arts and Museums so it can advertise what is going on in its galleries, literary arts programs and more.

Durham has developed many other partnerships, such as with the Salt Lake Film SocietyUtah Film Center and She is in the process of helping the latter showcase its website and direct tourists to the wide variety of arts that are available here in Utah.

In 2014, Durham completed the Change Leader Program, which is a professional development course. According to the Utah Division of Arts and Museums website, “Participants attend a three-day institute with instruction on assessing environment and the communication and facilitation skills necessary to implement change.” As part of the program, Durham initiated a project called “Utah’s 15 most influential artists.” In a press release about it, Durham said, “Hopefully this program will inspire more people to recognize how art has enhanced their quality of life as well. And hopefully we will nurture a society that more widely and visibly values artists and their contributions.” She  said in the release she believes artists influence our landscape and culture. “I sought to identify Utah artists who influence and impact our community,” she said.

Salt Lake Gallery Stroll Spotlight: Mod a-go-go

Story and photos by PEYTON M. DALLEY

Clear pane windows line the walls and the smell of old furniture fills the room. In the background, a smooth-jazz album spins on the record player.

Welcome to Mod a-go-go, at 242 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City,  and step into the scene of the iconic sitcom “Mad Men.” Jon Hamm’s character, Don Draper, would not be disappointed. With local artwork on the walls as well as a compilation of old-school furniture, this store-turned-gallery is just one of the 36 galleries featured in the monthly Salt Lake Gallery Stroll.

On the main floor, buyers or patrons of the event can look at both furniture and artwork.

But the real masterpieces are located upstairs, where Mod a-go-go hosts its stroll event. And on the night of Feb.19, that event, which focused on landscapes, captured the essence of what artists here in Utah have to offer.

The idea became a reality

Eric Morley and Marcus Gibby are the owners of this local gallery. When artists choose to have Mod a-go-go promote them, Morley and Gibby split the profit 50/50. “We’re a launching pad for artists,” Morley said. “We have had people here who now are featured outside of Utah.”

Eric Morley, left, and Marcus Gibby, owners of Mod a-go-go, enjoy a break during February’s Salt Lake Gallery Stroll.

He and Gibby set up everything for the artists. “We don’t even require volunteer work,” Morley said, unlike some galleries. “Our goal here is to get artists out of cafes and restaurants and give them a place to showcase their work.”

Morley came up with the idea for the gallery during a project he was working on as part of his MBA. He said his entrepreneur class at Westminster College in Salt Lake City helped spark the idea, because students had to identify a gap in the market. Morley knew the business of art, while his business partner, Gibby, was an artist. Together, the two balance out the scene of the gallery.

Emergining artists

Artists who are interested in showcasing their work through Salt Lake Gallery Stroll must contact the specific gallery they want to work with. For example, Mod a-go-go has an online application that individuals can submit with a sample of their portfolio.

Artist Laura Beagley and husband James stand by a piece they designed together. James creates the base, and Laura uses copper wire and precious stones to construct the piece.

Artist Laura Beagley promoted three pieces for the first time at Mod a-go-go. She showed delicate sculptures created as part of a “Wishing Forest” theme.

“Wishing trees and the tree of life are what inspire me. Every culture has a tree of life in it [that] links us to the world and heaven,” Laura said. She handcrafts the works with copper cord and precious stones that her husband, James, finds from the Utah mountains. He also helps her set the foundation for her works of art.

Artist Oscar Da Silva stands in front of his canvas artwork portraying the theme of the West. He was exhibiting for the first time at Mod a-go-go.

“I get different inspirations. I like the feeling of the seasons,” Laura said. Her pieces also reflect a mythical approach and include fairies and fantasy.

Local artist Oscar Da Silva also had his first showing at Mod a-go-go. He had on display six of his original oil pieces portraying the theme of the West.

“I like working with subjects that don’t limit my creativity,” Da Silva said.

He said he prefers to paint portraits, but said he loves the land.

“Take a look around you, that’s inspiration,” Da Silva said. “Inspiration comes, let it find you.”

He is passionate about what he does. S0 passionate, in fact, he quit his full-time job in customer service at the University of Utah to pursue his art. He has shown in galleries across northern Utah.

Gallery Stroll draws crowds of all ages

Word of mouth, and promotions by local media such as City Weekly and SLUG Magazine, are how artists and viewers alike get a snippet of what is offered at the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll.

Natassja and Ryan Turek said it is their second time attending the gallery stroll. They said they are merely “art appreciators,” but hope to one day buy pieces of their own.

The Salt Lake Gallery Stroll on the night of Feb.19, 2016, drew crowds of all ages to venues such as Mod a-go-go. With the scent of old finished wood still lingring in the air, and the record player spinning jazz music, the gallery slowed down for the night. But a  few visitors lingered in the “Mad Men”-like setting.

Artist exposed: What does it take to make it in Utah?

Story and photo by PEYTON M. DALLEY

While blue skies and daunting summers may claim Utah’s geography, the passion driven from local artists shines brighter than any summer day could.

From public art outside to Saturday morning farmers markets, local artists can be seen from every part of the state, enlightening audiences from Saint George to Logan.

What exactly does it take to be a successful artist in this state? Utah has world-renowned programs at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University that focus on art-related programs, and platforms like the Utah Cultural Alliance that allow local artists to be showcased.

However, does education play a role in the success of the artists that Utah is producing? Or is it the connections made by individuals that create their success?

Crystal Young-Otterstrom

Crystal Young-Otterstrom, executive director of the Utah Cultural Alliance and a noted opera singer, is one example of Utah success. She has been named one of Utah Business Magazine’s “40 under 40″ and boasts an impressive resume that includes performances in Vivace, an opera group based in the Utah area, helping to start the Utah Symphony and founding her own company, Foursight Partners. Young-Otterstrom is an artist who has shown success in the Utah community.

Young-Otterstrom earned a music theory degree from BYU, and completed her master’s degree at Queens College in New York. She credits her success to her knowledge of the field and the skill sets she learned in college. But, she added, “You [also] learn along the way.” Young-Otterstrom currently promotes her own company while serving on the board of several art organizations, including LDS Composers Network.

Young-Otterstrom said connections can help people get from one step to the next. She said she has gained valuable contacts through the wide variety of work she has done with local organizations.

Another success story in the Utah community is Pat Bagley, the editorial cartoonist for the Salt Lake Tribune. He said in a phone interview that he “immersed” himself in the arts community and took history and political science classes. Bagley said “it helps to be exposed to what you want to do.”

Bagley’s work has been featured in Time magazine, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. Bagley, also a  graduate of BYU, has been putting pen to paper at the Tribune since 1979. He said connections are helpful, but skill set is more valuable. He obtained his job at the newspaper based on his portfolio.

While success can be found in the Utah market, what are the necessary steps to get there?

Tanner Forbes aspires to one day make Broadway headlines. Photo courtesy of Tanner Forbes.

Tanner Forbes aspires to one day make Broadway headlines. Photo by Wendy Clymore.

Tanner Forbes, a student at BYU who is triple majoring in the Music Dance Theater Program, is hoping to one day break into the arts field, locally as well as nationally.

“I think there needs to be a balance of talent and connectivity,” Forbes said in an email. “I strongly believe that all talent will eventually make its way to the top, but there’s communities of artists everywhere and you have to immerse yourself in that world in order to expand your success as an artist. But always be trained! Always be trained before you jump into communities of artists. Education works wonders with that.”

Forbes is currently a BYU Young Ambassador. He credits his ambitions to the skill set he has developed in his courses and  through outside training. He also studies the work of individuals such as the late actor Heath Ledger, who died in 2008, for  inspiration.

Forbes is focused on his future and is passionate about his career choice. He hopes to land an audition on Broadway after his training at BYU, and hopes to play a role such as Elder Price in “The Book of Mormon” in New York City.

“I’ve found that Utah is extremely diverse,” Forbes said. “Sure, it’s no New York or [Los Angeles,]  but we have so many different types of people pursuing so many different types of paths, especially in the Salt Lake area. There’s really opportunities for everyone here.”


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Scars, Real Beauty Marks

It’s Haibun Monday at Dverse.  Grace has asked us to demonstrate the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, and refers to the Zen philosophy of acknowleding flaws, embracing change, and restoring an object with a newfound beauty.

Scars, the ultimate beauty mark.  Thats right; even in our fashion forward world, scars are a wonderful sign.  How so?

Scabbed over scars are a sign of healing in wounds.  Open weeping wounds allow infections and will continue to putrefy, encouraging infection.  Scars can also be a true sign of heroism, as in a wounded soldier, or first responder; those who have paid a high price for you. They can also be a sign of love, like the scars on my Savior’s hands.

Pretty paint hides wounds

Covering hurts with big smiles

True healing shows scars

31 thoughts on “Scars, Real Beauty Marks

  1. hypercryptical says:

    i like the hope in your words Frank, although would suggest mental scars take a longer time to heal…
    Anna :o]

  2. jerennazuto says:

    Scars are indeed beautiful, they show us what a person fought for and how far they went for it. Thank you so much for reminding us, haiku is beautiful as well!

  3. nosaintaugustine says:

    I love this “Pretty paint hides wounds, covering hurts with big smiles.” It makes me realize we do each other a great service when we allow our flaws to be seen. Great insight, thank you.

  4. lillian says:

    Well done. I think also of the scar I still bear on my knee….and my mother’s gentle touch and reassurance to the small girl I was when I fell.

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Maybe Not This Time

As part of the general discussion of the Myth of Moderate Mitt, it’s often taken for granted that if Romney does win and has to deal with a Democratic Senate, he and his conservative buddies will steamroll them just as they always have. Here’s Mike Tomasky today:

What Republicans generally mean by “working across the aisle” is terrifying just enough Democrats from red states and districts into supporting their initiatives and destroying them if they fail to, like the old ads from 2002 that impugned the patriotism of Georgia Sen. Max Cleland, who left three limbs in Vietnam but opposed Bush’s war in Iraq.

I am quite sure that if, say, Mitt Romney takes office with a Senate that’s 52-48 Democratic (a reasonably good possibility), he and GOP congressional leaders will raise heaven and earth to drag two Democratic senators into a tactical alliance, with bribes, threats, you name it. But it’s not as easy as it used to be to identify “red-state Democrats” who will take the bait. Joe Lieberman (not from a red state, but very much open to “compromise”) will be gone. So will Ben Nelson. Bill Nelson and Claire McCaskill will have just survived tough, highly partisan elections. I doubt either will be in the mood to sell out Florida Democrats, even a little bit.

Yes, Mary Landrieu will still be in the Senate, as will Kay Hagan. But both voted against the Ryan Budget and for Obamacare. Maybe they can be picked off on some “bipartisan” bills, but not on the big stuff. And perhaps some of the new Democratic senators (e.g., Heidi Heitkampf or Joe Donnelly) will be “flexible.” But the reality is that it will probably take a decent-sized Democratic victory in the Senate to produce these kind of vulnerable votes, reducing the temptation to stray.

This doesn’t mean Democrats will achieve (probably ever) the kind of “Leninist” unity Tomasky rightly attributes to Republicans. But a combination of Republican extremism, voter polarization, and geographical realignment has produced a Senate Democratic Caucus very different from the one that Bush often rolled. If we do wind up with a scenario where a few Democratic votes in the Senate are the only thing that stands against something as radical as the Ryan Budget or the repeal of Obamacare, I wouldn’t just assume the wall crumbles immediately.

Ed Kilgore

Ed Kilgore, a Monthly contributing editor, is a columnist for the Daily Intelligencer, New York magazine’s politics blog, and the managing editor for the Democratic Strategist.


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2010 Twins Predictions

Now it appears that Twins Blogitory is engaging in a slew of predictions, thanks to Josh Johnson from Josh’s Thoughts. I know he gave us a template as examples (best pitcher, hitter, etc.), but I’m just going to wing it this year. In other words, I’ll make up whatever predictions I can think of, even if they may be a tad ridiculous. Don’t worry, when I say ridiculous, I mean funny, not “Joe Mauer will hit .500 this year.” As I did for Nick Punto Day, I’ll also include some of my buddies’ predictions from the Facebook group “1,000,000 MINNESOTA TWINS FANS!!!”

I apologize if anyone felt that they had an A+ prediction, but I trimmed a few out just to save space.

Ramon B. III

– The AL East will send only one team to the playoffs.

– Liriano will look bad for a month and then be lights out after the All-Star Break.

– Another Twins pitcher will have Tommy John surgery.

Megan D.

– Joe Mauer will win another batting title.

– The Twins will FINALLY beat the Yankees this year.

– The Twins will battle the White Sox for a while and then pull away in August. No Game 163 this year!

Jessica W.

– After 2 months of the closer by committee, Pat Neshek will become the full time closer.

Brock B.

– Liriano and Span will be All-Stars this year.

– Delmon Young will hit .300 with 20 home runs.

– The Twins will beat the Rockies in the World Series.

Steven K.

– The Twins will win the AL Central by at least 5 games.

– Delmon Young will cease to be an everyday player by the middle of May.

– A total of 5 different players will play 3rd base for the Twins this year.

Jake R.

– Nick Punto will bat .200 but will still start 130 games.

– Neshek will become the full-time closer by June.

Nick J.

– Francisco Liriano will beat Zack Greinke in a knife fight for the AL Cy Young.

– Gardy will try to seduce Wilson Ramos.

– Delmon Young will hit less than 5 or 20+ home runs. No middle ground.

Andy W.

– Glen Perkins will be traded for 50 maple bats and a pack of Big League Chew bubble gum.

– There will be NO single closer during the season.

– Jacque Jones gets a call-up in the middle of the season and stays on the team, doing a decent job as Denard’s backup.

Megan D.

– Jon Rauch will end up being the closer and will do a great job.

– Twins starters will be in the top three in combined ERA this year.

– The Twins offense will score the most runs in the AL.

Shane B.

– Jason Kubel will be an All-Star as an alternate.

– Scott Baker will have over 20 wins.*

– Justin Morneau will lead the team in HR and RBI.

* I think this is a stretch.

Joshua K.

– Joe Mauer will be managed by his older brother Jake by the end of his contract. (I assume this means Jake will be in the majors as a manager).

Jordan N.

– This is the year Ron Gardenhire FINALLY wins AL Manager of the Year.

Ryan F.

– Denard Span will hit over .320 with 30 steals.

– Ben Revere will be in the majors this year, but before September call-ups.

– Justin Morneau will finally have a good end of the year!

Some common predictions that I omitted were “Liriano will win Cy Young, “Mauer will hit over .400,” and “Morneau will win MVP.” Now, here are my Top 20 predictions for the 2010 Minnesota Twins.

1. The following players will make their major league debuts this year: Drew Butera, Anthony Slama, Rob Delaney, Alex Burnett, Luke Hughes, Danny Valencia, Trevor Plouffe.

2. Joe Mauer will hit around .340 this year.

3. Justin Morneau will lead the Twins in HR. Jason Kubel will lead the team in RBI.

4. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau will have a confrontation in the clubhouse about both missing significant time the previous year due to injury. They will attempt to punch each other, but both will miss and will hit Nick Punto instead.

5. Francisco Liriano will be good this year (about a 3.75-4.25 ERA with almost 9 K/9 IP) but won’t be dominant like some people are predicting. In other words, he will not win the Cy Young this year.

6. No one will hit the Target Center with a home run this year.

7. The concrete overhang in right field will come into play about 8 times.

8. Dustin Pedroia will be the first player to get a hit at Target Field. ESPN will rejoice.

9. A Twin will not be the first player to hit a home run at Target Field.

10. The closer by committee will only last until the middle of May, when someone will become the primary closer. The closer will be any one of Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier, or Pat Neshek.

11. During every rain delay at Target Field, if I am working that day, I will be asked by at least one person when the game will resume. I will not know the answer.

12. When it rains, I will overhear at least 3 comments in the ballpark about how there should have been a retractable roof.

13. The Twins will have a league average number of rainouts this year (about 6).

14. Joe Mauer will be the first to strike a pine tree in center field with a home run ball.

15. In terms of ERA, the starting rotation from best to worst will be: Baker, Liriano, Blackburn, Slowey, Pavano.

16. Joe Mauer will not crack 25 HR this year, Justin Morneau won’t hit more than 35, and Jim Thome won’t crack 20.

17. The players that will hit more than 20 HR are: Mauer, Morneau, Kubel, and Cuddyer.

18. Delmon Young will be a big disappointment again. Jim Thome will take over DH with Kubel shifting to LF sometime in June.

19. Alexi Casilla will either be traded or designated for assignment this year.

20. The Twins will win the AL Central, but will not make it past the 1st round once again.

One Response to “2010 Twins Predictions”

  1. Reviewing My 2010 Predictions « Off The Mark Says:

    […] back on April 2nd, I got a bunch of friends to join me in making some predictions about the Twins in 2010. I won’t review theirs, but I will take a look at what I […]

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Ideas for Tomorrow Speaker Series

An ongoing speaker series that provides forum for the world's most distinguished thinkers, speakers and personalities to engage in a dialogue with member of our community.

Location: Bank of America Conference Center InterContinental Hotel, Cleveland Clinic

Seating is on a first-come, first served basis.

To register, please visit or call 216.932.3448 by February 24.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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societyslaves societyslaves

797 posts   910 followers   900 followings

Ashley Falla  adam 🥀 “jack of all trades, master of none. but better than a master of one”

“you should smile”

screws fall out all the time, the world is an imperfect place.

#nationalboyfriendday my world. 🌎💕

snapchat selfies & face masks.

was a cute skating date.. until I remembered I can't skate.

classic mirror pic

Let's get lit for Leandra's birthday. Posting drunk right now yurrrrddd.

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Ear candy in Memphis

One eyed harmonica player

The harmonica (harp) half of Dr. Dudley and Michael, second place winners in the solo/duo category of the recent Memphis Blues Society battle of the bands, gives his rendition of a one-eyed harmonica player. He also plays in the Blues Berry Jam Band of Jackson TN.

Being in the same room with a group of blues musicians trying to outdo each other is analogous to ear candy for those of us who appreciate this genre. Just being in that room would more than likely push non-believers over the edge to blues addiction like the rest of us. The site was Neil’s Bar and Grill on Madison Avenue in midtown Memphis.

The event was the first night of the two-night 2010 battle of the bands sponsored by the Memphis Blues Society. Winners of the solo/duo category and the band category go on to represent the Memphis Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge, also held in Memphis. See the winners of this competition on the Photo of the Week page at Corndancer dot com. Click here to go there. We’ll wait here.

Redd Velvet and the Big Daddy Bad Ass Band

Redd Velvet and the Big Daddy Bad Ass Band took second place in the band category. Redd has the verve and showmanship of Gladys Knight and Mahalia Jackson rolled into one.

Second and third place winners were:

This is one competition where the difference between first, second, and third is a thin line. All of these were fine performers and practitioners of blues music. A lot of feet were tapping and the atmosphere in Neil’s is appropriate and conducive. It is nice and well taken care of, the food is good, and the service is excellent. It is not fancy and that is a good and appropriate thing.  The combination is just right. Fancy and blues don’t play well together.

The lead guy for the Ghost Town Blues Band

The lead guy for the Ghost Town Blues Band, third place winner in the competition.

Blues musicians, though they follow the cachet and panache that makes blues music what it is and what it means, are as different as a Fedora and Rastafarian locks, as was clearly demonstrated in this competition. It is this difference which makes this competition so much fun. You kinda know what to expect. And then, you kinda don’t. And being bored is not in the tea leaves.

Brandon Bailey

Brandon Bailey, second place winner in the solo/duo category puts on a fine one-man show.

I had a yummy and crunchy chicken-fried chicken sandwich and an order of hand-made onion rings so the rest of my body could be in tune with what I was seeing and hearing. Bean sprouts and tofu won’t hack it in a blues venu.

We shot morBlues musicianse than 900 exposures of these bands and narrowed the picture collection down to 42. See pictures of all the competing bands and acts in our picture-only gallery, click here to go there.

Joe Dempsey
Weekly Grist for the Eyes and Mind

2 Responses

  1. I think blues is an American musical genre – so the fact that it’s appreciation has spread outside the border is interesting … and I do occasionally tune to “Bluesville” on the XM radio dial.

    Sounds like you really enjoyed yourself on this day.

  2. Blues is purely American, but the genre enjoys worldwide popularity. One of the best sources if you like to listen to blues is KOQX radio, a streaming internet service originating in San Jose CA. Here is the URL
    http://www.koqx.com/ When you listen to the music, you would swear the service was originating in Mississippi.

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You guys. I'm sorry it's been so long! This summer has been crazy. We started it off with our older two in VBS at our church. Then wild fires essentially had our whole province on fire and on a provincial state of emergency. Throw in a few doctors appointments for our boys, phone appointments with …

Continue reading SUMMER UPDATE


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Easing Doctor Burnout With Mindfulness

Credit Joshua Bright for The New York Times
Doctor and Patient
Doctor and Patient

Dr. Pauline Chen on medical care.

According to the nurse’s note, the patient had received a clean bill of health from his regular doctor only a few days before, so I was surprised to see his request for a second opinion. He stared intently at my name badge as I walked into the room, then nodded his head at each syllable of my name as I introduced myself.

Shifting his gaze upward to my face, he said, “I’m here, Doc, to make sure I don’t have anything serious. I’m not sure my regular doctor was listening to everything I was trying to tell him.”

I smiled. To hide my embarrassment.

I had walked into the exam room to listen to this patient; but my mind was a few steps behind, as I struggled with thoughts about the colleague who’d just snapped at me over the phone because she was in no mood to get another new consult, my mounting piles of unfinished paperwork, and the young patient with widespread cancer whom I’d seen earlier in the day. Thoughts about my new patient jumbled in the mix, too, but they came into focus only after I had pushed away the fears that I might have neglected to order a key test on my last patient, that I’d forgotten to call another patient and that I was already running behind schedule.

That relentless inner conversation came to mind this past week when I read two studies on physician burnout and mindfulness in the current issue of The Annals of Family Medicine.

Research over the last few years has revealed that unrelenting job pressures cause two-thirds of fully trained doctors to experience the emotional, mental and physical exhaustion characteristic of burnout. Health care workers who are burned out are at higher risk for substance abuse, lying, cheating and even suicide. They tend to make more errors and lose their sense of empathy for others. And they are more prone to leave clinical practice.

Unfortunately, relatively little is known about treating burnout. But promising research points to mindfulness, the ability to be fully present and attentive in the moment, as a possible remedy. A few small studies indicate that mindfulness training courses can help doctors become more focused, more empathetic and less emotionally exhausted.

But two important questions remain unanswered. How does mindfulness affect patients? And who really has the time to enroll in training courses that can take several weeks or longer?

The studies in The Annals of Family Medicine attempt to answer those questions.

In one study, researchers first assessed the baseline mindfulness of 45 doctors, nurses and physician assistants by asking them to respond to statements like, “I tend to walk quickly to where I am going without paying attention to what I experience along the way,” “I find myself listening to someone with one ear, doing something else at the same time,” and “I forget a person’s name almost as soon as I’ve been told it for the first time.” Then the investigators recorded the clinicians’ interactions with more than 400 patients and interviewed the patients to gauge their level of satisfaction.

After analyzing the audio recordings and the patients’ responses, the researchers found that patients were more satisfied and more open with the more mindful clinicians. They also discovered that more mindful clinicians tended to be more upbeat during patient interactions, more focused on the conversation and more likely to make attempts to strengthen the relationship or ferret out details of the patient’s feelings.

The less mindful clinicians, on the other hand, more frequently missed opportunities to be empathic and, in the most extreme cases, failed to pay attention at all, responding, for example, to a patient’s description of waking up in the middle of the night crying in pain with a question about a flu shot.

Significantly, the most mindful doctors remained efficient. They accomplished just as much medically for their patients as their least mindful colleagues, despite all the extra conversation with patients about experiences and relationships.

“We clinicians are not always fully present for patients because our minds are always working,” said Dr. Mary Catherine Beach, lead author of the study and an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University. “But when we don’t listen,” failing to let patients say what they need to say or ask what they need to ask, “we end up giving explanations that are too long and complicated and responses that they don’t need or want.”

For many doctors, it’s not the lack of interest that prevents them from incorporating mindfulness into their clinical practices; it’s the time required to complete a standard training course. The courses require a significant commitment, ranging from a full week, to a full day once a week for eight weeks.

In the second study, another group of investigators looked at the effects on 30 physicians of a mindfulness course that required only one weekend and two follow-up evening sessions a couple of weeks apart. Even after such an abbreviated course, the researchers found decreased levels of burnout, anxiety, depression and distress among the doctors. And nearly a year later, those salutary effects persisted, even without any mindfulness training “booster” sessions.

“We tried to get the training down to the bare minimum and as user-friendly as possible,” said Dr. Luke Fortney, lead author of the study and an integrative and family medicine physician who is part of the Meriter Medical Group at the McKee Clinic in Madison, Wis. “We didn’t want to exhaust the doctors with another burden.”

Dr. Fortney and his colleagues filled the condensed course with techniques adapted for busy clinicians, like the “two feet one breath” technique in which a doctor, just before entering an exam room, stands in front of the door and concentrates on breathing and the feeling of his or her feet on the ground as a way to help focus on the moment. They also created a practical and accessible Web site that reinforces key points and offers helpful advice in the form of short videos, brief audio recordings and easy-to-digest tables.

While more work needs to be done, these two studies add to the growing body of research supporting mindfulness training as a way to improve the health of both doctors and their patients. “Mindfulness gives doctors permission to attend to their own health and well-being,” Dr. Beach said. “But it also allows doctor to help patients by listening more, talking less, and seeing what the patients need.”


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Monday, December 29, 2008

Holiday Movie PSA

No opera opportunities over the holiday, but I did manage to hit up some of the holiday season/Oscar bait offerings. Be advised:

1. Milk - OK. This is just so clearly the only legitimate contender for Best Picture. No, I haven't seen the old baby man Brad Pitt picture yet, but I kind of feel like I can still claim preemptive outrage that it is going to be considered serious competition. I read the Randy Shilts book in high school I think, and couldn't stop thinking about what an amazing big time movie biopic Harvey Milk would make if done properly, and lo these many years later, it has arrived. Milk is a deeply affecting and serious movie about history and politics and ideas and questions directly relevant to the moment, both Prop 8 and the prospects for a broader re-invigoration of a national politics about equality and civil rights (Rick Warren speed bump aside. WTF Obama???).

The depth of Sean Penn's portrayal of Harvey Milk is shocking. He does something infinitely harder than playing a hero or martyr: he demonstrates how people actually make politics out of relationships. How do you even start to figure out how to play that? His death at the end is devastating, not because you're mourning for the movement, but because you've grown so attached to his character.

Moreover, it is just an incredibly well made movie. Gus van Sant is able to totally avoid the usual pitfalls of the biopic that can make such movies feel like plodding chores. Nor does it have that annoying historical sheen. In the phrase of the Variety review, Milk fills "lived in". Also, the documentary footage is impeccably interspersed, used sparingly enough to avoid undermining the new footage.

Reading about it since seeing it, I feel like maybe there is some weird backlash against it (a suspicion compounded by the Golden Globes snubbing). Like it would be too perfect for Hollywood to give a movie about a gay political hero best picture given Prop 8 and Obama triumphalism. If so, that is some BULLSHIT. I have not had strong Best Picture preferences for a few years, but this year it will be a total travesty if the gimmicky Brad Pitt thing or Batman or Nazi Kate Winslet wins instead. Bah.

2. The Wrestler - This is a movie that keeps it real, folks, I mean--for reals real. But, it is important to note that it is not quite a "downer" movie in the way "Dancer in the Dark" was a downer movie. For one, it spends a lot of time creating this truly fascinating (and gross) backstage world of low rent professional wrestling, but not for cheap laughs. Rather it plays like one of those documentaries at once disturbed and intrigued by its subjects but firmly operating under the conceit that theirs is a deep world worth engaging. Second, Mickey Rourke's performance doesn't really allow it to become a downer, because his character is fundamentally good-natured and can take care of himself and never feels like a pawn of some sadistic omnipotent filmmaker, which is quite an achievement considering the scene with the staples. You don't pity him, per se, but sort of join him as he resigns himself to the fact that his luck has run out. So, still a downer, clearly, but as someone who doesn't have a lot of patience for the genre at large, I think this is different and better. He still shouldn't beat out Sean Penn, but I wouldn't be irate if it went down like that.

3. Slumdog Millionaire - As advertised, very satisfying and then some. It ends more neatly and fairytale-ish than it begins, which could be bothersome, but whatever. While the story and assemblage of actors playing the main roles at different ages are enchanting (except for the adult version of the girl, who was bland and too pretty), the Indian setting is the real entertainment, with nicely observed glimpses into slums as well as call centers. Clearly not Milk competition for Best Picture, but I hope it doesn't end up as a sort of Indian "Little Miss Sunshine" for 2008. This is much worthier.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I went into Milk hoping to love it, and I left feeling less enthralled than you. I came away knowing as much as I did about Harvey Milk accomplished but I wound up knowing even less about who he was as a person. And I don't think he was un-understandable personality. But aside from a rescue fantasy and Diego's essential hotness, I missed what drew him to the Diego Luna character. This felt like a huge gap in the development of the story and of Milk's character. What I did like was that Milk was not portrayed as a naive idealist. He had no qualms using a suicide phone call in a speech or staging a protest so he could be the rescue man. He was as practical and realistic as Bill Clinton or, as I suspect, Barack Obama will turn out to be.

On the other hand, I went into Slumdog Millionaire expecting it to be "overrated", and I found myself more moved in a movie than I had ever been. And the Bollywood dance sequence at the end reminded me of the ancient Greek tradition of concluding the presentation of three tragedies with a comedy. It was exhilirating. I also think, technically, it was a much better film.

Compare the stereotypical framing device techniques. MILK used the main character telling his own story into a tape in the event of assasination - we all know he dies, Diane Feinstein announces it at the beginning of the film. Rather conventional. Slumdog uses the videotapes of Millionare, but we have no idea until the film progresses what will happen or why they are even watching the videotapes. Much more subtle and sophisticated.


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Release Day Blast: The Immortal Circus Final Act by AR Kahler

Today is the release day for THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS: FINAL ACT and I'm thrilled to be able to help out and spread the word about its release with an awesome guest post from Mab, an excerpt and a giveaway.

As with the first two books in the series, this third and final book will be released first in serial format. But this time a new episode will be releasing each week for six weeks until the novel is complete.

For those who haven't yet stepped foot into the Cirque des Immortels, now is the perfect time to get started. In just six weeks the series will be complete and all three books will be available in their entirety to devour.

So be sure to check out all the details below for more information about this awesome series. If you’d like to know just a little bit more, there is a one week only tour going on right now, which includes its very own giveaway. So just head over to Rockstar Book Tours for the schedule so you can follow along.

And if you'd like the chance to win another prize pack, don't forget to enter the giveaway in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Now, let me turn things over to Mab, Ringmaster extraordinare.
Hello, Lovelies,

The Final Act is here at last, ready to draw you in to that last bow over six deliciously tempting installments. Each week will take you deeper into the dark, debaucherous world of the Cirque des Immortels, right up until the thrilling conclusion. You thought you knew the Immortal Circus, but I can assure you, there's still much more to discover. Great lies and greater love, old flames and new foes...but I don't want to spoil it, not just yet.

So I'll leave you with this. Just a taste. Just in case you weren't ready to take the plunge.

The Big Top awaits...step right up.

The Immortal Circus: Final Act
Cirqus de Immortels #3
A.R. Kahler
Publication Date: January 14, 2014 in serial format
This book is a Kindle Serial. Kindle Serials are stories published in episodes, with future episodes delivered at no additional cost. This serial currently contains one episode out of an estimated six total episodes, and new episodes will be delivered every week.

Episode List

An additional episode will be delivered every week until the book is complete. New episodes will be added to the same book on your Kindle, keeping your place and retaining your notes and highlights. You'll be notified via email when a new episode has been delivered.

Episode 1: January 14, 2014. All is not well within the Cirque des Immortels: war is brewing, the troupe is angry, and without Kingston there, Vivienne's in over her head. But when an unexpected guest arrives, she realizes her problems have only just begun.

Episode 2: January 21, 2014. Now Vivienne must not only deal with a mutinous troupe, but her long-lost lover. To make matters worse, there's a new player in the game. And this opponent is hell-bent on revenge.

I hate how desensitized I've become to dead bodies.

It's not exactly a part of the gig, not really what I thought being the ringmaster for a circus would entail. But hell, Mab never left me a rule book when she handed me the job. I'm lucky she let me keep my head.

Melody stands beside me. It's 6:00 a.m., and she's in a loose cardigan and penguin-print pajama pants.

Despite the sleep in her eyes, there's an alertness to her I'm trying my best to imitate. She stares at the body lying prone in the parking lot like it's a science experiment gone awry, one that might blow up or sprout wings. I stifle a yawn with the back of my hand.

“Another evacuee?” I ask.

Not that there's any need to ask: the answer's an obvious yes. The bald guy sprawled on the ground can't be older than thirty: no bruises or blood, no obvious reason to croak. He looks like he just dropped dead. Which, seeing as he went against his contract by trying to leave, is precisely what happened.
Other books in the series
About the Author

Alex is many things, but first and foremost, he’s a Sagittarius.

Born in Iowa and educated across the States, he’s taught circus in Amsterdam and Madrid, gotten madly lost in the Scottish wilderness, received his Masters in Creative Writing from Glasgow University, and drummed with Norse shamans. Sometimes he also walks about on stilts. Or sews. Or hammers tiny pieces of metal into pretty shapes.

When he’s not writing or climbing in the rafters, he’s probably drinking coffee. And seeing as he currently resides in Seattle, there’s coffee aplenty.

He is represented by Laurie McLean of Foreword Literary.

The blast includes a giveaway for an awesome prize pack which includes a personalized copy of Act Two, a full set of trading cards and a signed bookplate.
  • Giveaway is US Only.
  • Prize will be shipped by the author.
  • Giveaway Ends January 20th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.
Ayanami Faerudo

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London, England January 2016

Comments 2 Standard

Fare Sale, London, Done.
I love me a good coupon. What I can I say, I am a sucker for bargain. So last October, when some airline started a fare war, I jumped on it. I showed restraint and only booked 1 trip to London. I figured I would pop up to Edinburgh to see my friend Katy. Lucky for me, Katy was willing to pop down to London ( I am not sure I would have survived connecting international to domestic at Heathrow).

I was scheduled to fly out of O’hare at 4:10 pm. I boarded the plane at 3:55 pm. I did a “Flo-Jo” thru the airport.  Not sure what my issue is as of late,but I’ve been cutting it close for boarding.  I was flying United, which I was oddly excited about since I had not flown them in months. Well that excitement disappeared as soon as the grumpy flight attendant offered to hang my coat. He asked me for my ticket, I said I don’t have a paper one, I used my phone. I got a weird look, I think he thought I was a standby.  The flight was fine, until I landed. My phone would not turn on. When it finally did decided to cooperate, it had a factory reset. COMPLETE RESET. I have no idea why. I could not get it back to normal until I was able to get it on wifi. Luckily, United has an arrival lounge in Heathrow.  I was able to refresh while my phone was restoring.  I checked my email on my iPad and had a message from my bank. My credit card had been stolen. Great it was the credit card I had brought to London.  ** My American Express card had been stolen earlier week and their crappy customer service took 5 days to replace my card, so I had a Chase Visa with me.*** Chase customer service as 5 stars. They left the card turned on for me to use in London and sent me a new card, overnight to Chicago.

I had originally planned on going a museum while I waited for Katy to arrive, but when I arrived at the hotel my room was ready. So I took a nap.  We spent the afternoon tooling around London, drinking and just enjoying the sights. I would post some pictures but honestly we are just had some much fun, I would hate to make others jealous.

I like to collect art on my trips, specifically street scenes with umbrella’s. I thought it would be fun if Katy and I were the “art”. So I hired a photographer to take tourist shots of us. I found Andrew with Simpson Shoots via google. I was able to connect with him over email and get everything scheduled.

I decided to make it a surprise for Katy. I originally started to tell her, but she said no a surprise would fun. For about 5 minutes and then she asked me again. I refused to tell her anything, but I did ask her friend Helen for help.  As the time got closer, she was trying to guess her surprise. She kept asking for clues. Helen had told her to bring accessories. I kept throwing out random things, like bring a pen, maybe some snacks, oh and some Ziploc bags.

Katy and her Ziplocs

We had an absolute blast taking pictures for 2 hours with Andrew.

If you happen to be in London and looking for something different, call Andrew.  It was a priceless experience.

The weather was fantastic, it was sunny for our photo shoot, which was ironic given we had umbrellas. When were done, we had a coffee outside in January, in London. So bizarre.

We had to head back to the hotel to change our shoes. And then I made the mistake of introducing Katy to Ted and Muffy (formerly Duo Boots).  Oops…..

We met up with with my friend Michael for tea on Sunday. Katy asked how me met, and he was like oh we met in Germany, in fact I am going in July….. yes Michael that would be for my birthday in July.

As always the visit was too short. I love that my many adventures have brought me so many wonderful people all over the globe.  I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life. From the pool in Dar Es Salaam to the Jetty in Hamburg, life is sure interesting.

Stay tuned for further adventures. Next up, a weekend in New York with Whitney and Jana.  Not sure if the old lady can hang……….


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Some Notes on the Sun

The overwhelming majority of approaches to astrology in both East and West emphasise the great significance of the Sun, regardless of what else may be happening in an individual horoscope. This is as it should be. Physically, the Sun is the centre of our system and all life depends upon it. Symbolically, i.e. astrologically, it represents what is at centre, at the heart of life. This applies at all levels and means the physical heart as well as one’s deepest desires and aspirations.

Above all, the Sun represents the ‘soul lesson’ of the life, the real and most fundamental reason behind the incarnation, so if you wish to know why a soul has incarnated, in general and basic terms, the Sun is the body that will tell you.

Its sign-position indicates the basic lesson, as in the element and quality of that sign, the house position the area of life in which the lesson will be chiefly met, and the aspects the various dimensions and issues of that lesson, and how it integrates with the life and personality as a whole.

One of the useful things about the Sun is its simplicity. It makes a statement in the horoscope but is seldom in any way complicated in its implications. Understanding the Sun’s message in a chart enables you much better to understand everything else. For a horoscope to make complete sense, you need to know what the Sun is saying as it will affect your perception of everything else.

Because of the Sun’s overriding importance in a general sense, we tend to forget that in its own way, it is a ‘planet’ too, and (as with the other ‘neutrals’, the Moon and Mercury) while its meanings are not usually as specific as those of the planets from Venus outwards it does have its own characteristics which can manifest when the Sun is particularly strong in a horoscope.

As you would expect the Sun is bright, warm, dominant, and is linked with any personality quality that shows these traits. If the Sun happens to be rising, these traits will manifest whatever sign the Sun is in, although the sign will modify the manifestation somewhat.

The Sun is also linked with leadership, authority, royalty and any situation which calls for a father-figure. Just as the Moon is representative of Divine Mother, so the Sun is representative of God the Father. The Sun and the Moon are the Divine Parents, guiding the soul along its appointed path.

Download 'Some Notes on the Sun' pdf

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Sun in Scorpio
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Moon in Sagittarius
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New From Plumo

It may still be August, but it does feel a little bit like summer’s already over, especially when Plumo’s new Autumn/Winter brochure landed on my desk this morning. I was in two minds as to whether to show it because it just feels like I’m wishing summer away, but it’s brimming gorgeous goodies so take a look (I’m loving those cute little Russian Doll cushions}

  1. Posted August 22, 2009 at 5:09 pm | Permalink

    I also get the new catalogue a few days ago. The items are gorgeous ! xo

  2. Posted August 24, 2009 at 8:00 am | Permalink

    never heard of Plumo but im off to check it out…thanks for the share:)

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Afternoon At The Fair

After an overcast morning the clouds cleared yesterday and what better way to spend a summers afternoon than at the fair? We crossed the harbour to Sydney’s Luna Park, a fair ground steeped in history, and as I walked under the famous “face” entrance it was almost as if I had been transported back 50 years, it’s so cute! not like the huge, and may I say ghastly, themes parks the Uk has to offer, I had to get the camera out!

I have to admit I didn’t actually go on a single ride! It was such a visual feast I was totally taken by the amazing Typography and colours, like a kid in a Fairy Floss shop! {what a gorgeous name for Candy Floss!} It was the perfect start to the weekend { for which I have no plans for yet} but I’m determined to do something! As of next week work beckons and I will really have to get my Stylist’s hat back on & start planning some of the shoots I’ve got in the diary. So  I need to make the most of these last carefree moments!

Happy Weekend everyone x

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TV Round Up: Attack on Titan

One of the best (and worst) things about tumblr is the introduction to so many new fandoms. I kept seeing posts about this new anime based off the manga by the same name. We all know how I can’t resist things that are basically shoved under my nose day in and day out (cough, Teen Wolf, cough) so I gave it a try.

Okay, what you have to know about AoT – those of you not already familiar with it through either the manga or anime – is that this story is really gory. It’s not for the young or faint of heart. In fact, after the first episode I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep watching because it freaked. me. out.

Attack on Titan is the story of a dystopian/post apocalyptic world where Humans are all but extinct. They live behind huge city walls to keep out Titans, grotesque human-like giants who scare the crap out of me and love to eat people. The first episode takes place a hundred years after civilization’s retreat behind the city walls, where we meet Eren (the protagonist) and his “sister” Mikasa and friend Armin.

I found the episode a bit confusing, but I think that’s intentional, because you’re not given all the information up front. It’s something you have to learn/glean over time. All I knew was Titans, bad. And when they manage to break through the outer wall, um, yeah. TITANS, BAD. I’m not normally scared by traditional movies/shows/whatever (except spiders. and clowns *shudders*) but I was terrified by these Titans. There is a scene, which I won’t spoil, where someone gets eaten and I just…had to stop and calm down afterwards before continuing. It was a bit much for me.

BUT though I am terrified I am also intrigued. Because I don’t know anything yet. And I desperately want to.

Some things that stuck out to me:

The animation, especially the opening sequence with all the fighters flying around, is really cool. So is the music. I found it really evocative.

The timing of the big Titan’s arrival. Seemed kind of coincidental to me. But, what do I know.

Eren seems a bit…crazy? fanatical? about the Titans. Even before they break through the wall. But I suppose that’s helpful since he’s the protagonist and maybe it’s intentional in a way we’ll discover later. Also. His dad…where did he go? He’s unaccounted for and no one seems to think it’s a big deal?(also he kinda weirds me out) And what’s in the basement????

I love that Mikasa is a tough, strong girl that the boys are scared of. I hope to see a lot more of her development.

If you aren’t squeamish about blood and gore and, you know, people being EATEN GROSS, I highly recommend giving this anime a try.

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LIAB 83:8

From Erfwiki
Revision as of 20:08, 21 September 2012 by HistoricAccount No one in particular (Talk | contribs) (Panel 83:8)

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Phoebe "stands" still and turns her head with a very worried expression towards the approaching Slately and his stack. Her veil has been rendered see through.

Slately: I ought to've heeded your counsel, Dollamancer. That shall change.
Indeed, much will change.
But for now, follow. I shall identify them.


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Uttar Pradesh

From Wikitravel
Earth : Asia : South Asia : India : Plains (India) : Uttar Pradesh
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Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh in India (disputed hatched).svg
Flag of Uttar Pradesh.png
Quick Facts
Capital Lucknow
Government Indian State
Currency Indian rupee (INR)
Area 243,286 km2
Population 199,581,477(2011 est.)
Language Official:Hindi, English, Urdu
Regionally Spoken:Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Bundeli, Braj Bhasha, Kannauji, Khariboli
Religion Hinduism 80.6%, Islam 18.4%, Other 1%
Electricity 230V/50Hz, Indian (Old British)/European plugs
Time Zone UTC +5:30

Uttar Pradesh is a state in the Plains region of India.

  • Awadh — the central part of the state including the capital, Lucknow
  • Doab — between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers in the western and southwestern part of the state
  • Northern Bundelkhand — in the southwest of the state
  • Purvanchal — in the southeastern part of the state
  • Rohilkhand — in the northern part of the state

  • Lucknow — the capital of Uttar Pradesh, also home to one of the IIM
  • Agra — the tourist capital of India, home to three World Heritage Sites, including the Taj Mahal
  • Allahabad — holy place where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati meet
  • Ayodhya — birth Place of Lord Shri Ram and Lord Rishabhdev, first Tirthankar of the Jains.
  • Bareilly — historical city of Rohilkhand
  • Jhansi — historical city of Northern Bundelkhand
  • Kanpur — once known as the "Manchester of India", now famous for its leather works and the IIT
  • Mathura — birth place of Lord Krishna
  • Sarnath — the site of the Buddha Sakyamuni's first teaching after gaining enlightenment
  • Varanasi — sacred city once known as Benares, marked by its history and the Ganges

Other destinations[edit]

Uttar Pradesh has the largest population of nearly 167 million. Its is also the fifth largest state in terms of land area. The western plain is the most urban region. Agriculture is the most important section of the UP’s economy, employing about three-fourths of the work force. Uttar Pradesh has the largest production of food grain and oil seeds in India. In addition, UP ranks the first in the production of wheat, maize, barley, gram, sugar cane, and potatoes. The three most important industries of UP are sugar, cotton fabrics and diversified food preparations. Goods carrier equipment, photostat machines, chemicals, polyester fiber and steel tube galvanized sheets are the other big industries of UP.

The Kathak dance style, the most popular classical dance form in India, is nourished in UP. Today, foreign countries have also learned this elegant dance form to perfection: the beautiful Veronique Azan as an example. The countryside songs and dances are significant traits of local culture. Uttar Pradesh is famous for handicrafts such as carpet weaving, hand printing, chikan (a type of embroidery), metal enameling, brocade and brass, and ebony work. UP also has the biggest brass and copperware manufacture area in India.

The history of the State of Uttar Pradesh is very ancient and interesting. It is recognised in the later Vedic Age as Brahmarshi Desha, or Madhya Desha. Many great sages of the Vedic times like Bharadwaja, Gautam, Yagyavalkya, Vasishta, Vishwamitra and Valmiki flourished in this state. Several sacred books of the Aryans were also composed here. Two great epics of India, Ramayana and Mahabharata, appear to have been inspired by Uttar Pradesh.

In the sixth century BC Uttar Pradesh was associated with two new religions - Jainism and Buddhism. It was at Sarnath that Buddha preached his first sermon and laid the foundations of his order, and it was in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, where Buddha breathed his last. Several centres in Uttar Pradesh like Ayodhya, Prayag, Varanasi and Mathura became reputed centres of learning. In the medieval period, Uttar Pradesh passed under Muslim rule and led the way to new synthesis of Hindu and Islamic cultures. Ramananda and his disciple Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas and many other intellectuals contributed to the growth of Hindi and other languages.

Uttar Pradesh preserved its intellectual excellency even under the British administration. The British combined Agra and Oudh into one province, and called it United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. The name was shortened to the United Provinces in 1935. In January 1950, the United Provinces was renamed as Uttar Pradesh.

The state is bounded by the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh as well as Nepal in the north, Haryana in the west, Madhya Pradesh in the south, and Bihar in the east. Uttar Pradesh can be divided into two distinct regions, (i) Southern hills and (ii) Gangetic plain.

Bhojpuri Urdu Bundelkhandi

Get in[edit]

Get around[edit]

See[edit][add listing]

1.Sangam, Anand Bhavan, Minto Park, Sita Samahit Isthal, Company Garden, New Vamuna Bridge, and lots more in the holy city Allahabad (Prayag). 2.Ghats at Varanasi (Kashi). 3.Nawab's or Royal city Lucknow. 4. Taj Mahal (Agra)

Do[edit][add listing]

Take a holy dip in Sangam at Allahabad and visit ghats at Varanasi.

In Lucknow, where I grew up, there is a place called Chowk. Chowk has tons to offer (in terms of touristy locations like the imambaras) but what I found most fascinating (even though I grew up there) were the narrow streets of Chowk. It may be a good idea to just walk around there. Get off public transport and head into the streets that separate the high buildings. Notice the large doors that line those streets. People live and sell stuff from those. That is pretty awesome for someone not used to that lifestyle!

Eat[edit][add listing]

The cuisine consists of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Uttar Pradesh has been greatly influenced by Mughal cooking techniques. The Awadhi cuisine of Uttar Pradesh bears similarities to those of Kashmir and Punjab, and the state is famous for its Nawabi foods(of Lucknow and environs) and use of mutton, paneer, and rich spices including cardamom and saffron. Its most famous dishes include kebabs, Dum Biryani, and various Mutton recipes. The Chaat, samosa and pakora, among the most popular snacks in all of India, are also originally from Uttar Pradesh. Awadhi is a type of West-Central Uttar Pradeshi cuisine found in the state's Awadh Region. Mughlai cuisine is also integral to Western and Central Uttar Pradesh's cuisine.

Lucknow ,capital city of Uttar Pradesh is a heaven for food lovers because of the sheer range of variety available there...Lucknow ,before being seat of Nawabs(Kings) of Awadh region ,is the birth place famous Awadhi cuisine. It is where you can find refined Muslim indian food. be sure to visit Old Lucknow where its normal to have eateries which are 150-200years old serving Famed Lucknowi Biryani(mutton & Basmati rice preparation with exotic herbs), nehari, kulcha, sheermal etc. Varanasi is another city where people live for eating, but more famous for Hindu Vegetarian styles which include chaat, tikki,kachori, etc.

Drink[edit][add listing]

Stay safe[edit]

Uttar Pradesh lead India's kidnapping statistics by quite a substantial margin with 4.478 cases reported in the year 2008, 16 percent of all kidnappings happening in the country. While this mainly is concern to natives, always travel sensibly and remain vigilant.

Get out[edit]

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