Source: Deseret News

BEAVER COUNTY

CACHE COUNTY

Logan: Monday, July 24, 7-10 a.m.: 3rd Annual Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, $4. 7 a.m.: Noncompetitive Fun Run registration. 7:30 a.m.: 1- and 3-mile Fun Run Begins; Mountain Man encampment; open grass volleyball tournament registration, 8 a.m.; registration for junior youth rodeo; fishing (youth only); king & queen of the beach volleyball begins, open grass volleyball. 8:30 a.m.: Registration for 3-on-3 basketball and horseshoe tournament. 9 a.m.: basketball and horseshoes begin. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: skateboard competition, Logan Skate Park. 10 a.m.-dark: 10th annual junior youth rodeo, food and craft booths. Noon: Pioneer Day parade, Center/500 West/700 South. 1 p.m.: wagon rides with Joe Archer. 1-4 p.m.: Candy Cannon, Pioneer Playland. 1-2:15 p.m.: Fender Benders. 2:30 p.m.: pie-eating contest. 2:45-4 p.m.: Wasatch Back. 3:30 p.m.: watermelon-eating contest. 4:30-5:45 p.m.: high-stakes Bingo. 6:15-7:30 p.m.: Way Way East Bay. 8 p.m.: Brunn Hill. Dusk: fireworks, Willow Park, 419 W. 700 South, 435-716-9250.

North Logan: Monday, July 24, 6:45 a.m.: flag ceremony, Elk Ridge Park, 2500 N. 1070 East. 7-9 a.m.: breakfast, $4. 10 a.m.: parade, 1600 E. 2100 North. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: games, entertainment, food, fun. 11:30 a.m.: Grand Marshal presentation, Mt. View Park, 1100 E. 2100 North. 435-755-7147.

DAVIS COUNTY

Antelope Island: Saturday, July 22: all-day events, crafts including pioneer handkerchief dolls, quilting, candle dipping; Make a pioneer lantern; Pioneer games. 2 p.m.: lecture on "Ordering the Wilderness: Mormon Settlement as a Cultural Process" given by Steven Olsen, assistant director, Museum of Church History and Art, and adjunct professor of anthropology, Brigham Young University, 801- 649-5742.

Bountiful: Handcart Days. Friday, July 21: all-day entertainment in the park, prizes, live entertainment, noon-2 p.m., figure skating exhibition. 6 p.m.: Handcart Days Grand Parade, starts at Five Points and goes north on Main. 7-8 p.m.: Bountiful Davis Art Center opening reception. Dusk: fireworks east of Mueller Park Jr. High, 1000 E. 1800 South. Saturday, July 22: 7-10 a.m.: breakfast sponsored by Bountiful Exchange Club and Dick's market at Bountiful Junior High, 400 N. Main. 8-10 a.m.: free swimming. 10 a.m.-noon: family swim races. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: historic tours with free bus tour from Bountiful Museum, 845 S. Main, every hour, 298-6220.

Layton: July 24, 7 p.m.: Taste of the Town - Riders in the Sky free concert; sample foods in the park before enjoying the band. Kenley Amphitheater, 546-8575.

EMERY COUNTY

Orangeville: Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m.: parade, games, concessions. 5 p.m.: beef dinner at the city park. 435-748-2651.

SALT LAKE COUNTY

Cottonwood Heights: Butlerville Days. Monday, July 24, 4 p.m.: parade, 2700 East to Guthrie Skate Park on Bengal. 4 p.m.: rides, games, food, booths, climbing wall. 4:30-9 p.m.: entertainment includes Paul Evans martial arts, Carson MacFarland Company, Hoodstock, Showbiz, Eviva Entertainment and more; auto exhibition with the Harvey Hansen Collection, the Corvette Club and the Cadillac Club; chess and checkers, face-painting, games, balloon artists. 5 p.m.: skateboard exhibition. 8-9:30 p.m.: teen dance. 7 p.m.: pie-eating contest. 9:30 p.m.: patriotic event, main stage, fireworks, Butler Park, 7500 S. 2700 East, 545-4160.

Draper: Monday, July 17, 6:30 p.m.: public pool party and carnival, Treehouse Athletic Club. Tuesday, July 18,1 p.m.: golf tourney, South Mountain Golf Course, 1247 E. Mike Weir Drive. 6 p.m.: children's parade, Old Park School. Thursday, July 20, 6 p.m.: heritage banquet, Draper Elementary, 1080 E. 12660 South, $12. Friday, July 21, 5 p.m.: festival, Draper City Park. 6 p.m.: softball tourney preliminaries, Draper City Park. Saturday, July 22, 6 a.m.: 5K Fun Run/Inline race, race course. 7:30 a.m.: pancake breakfast, Draper City Park. 9 a.m.: parade, City Hall, Fort Stokes, park festival. 11 a.m.: horse pull. 1 p.m.: Draper Crit bike races, race course. 6 p.m.: softball tourney. 10 p.m.: fireworks, city park. 523-8745.

Liberty Park: Saturday, July 24: Deseret Morning News race and the parade end here; all-day events include Indian celebration, rides, live music, food, booths, entertainment. Admission to Tracy Aviary free. Fireworks at dusk, 521-0962.

Rice Eccles Stadium: Saturday, July 22, 8 p.m.: soccer game, Real vs. FC Dallas followed by fireworks.

Salt Lake City: Through July 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Days of '47 and Deseret Morning News Landscape Art Show, Museum of Utah Art and History, 237-2135. July 17-18, noon-9 p.m.: The Days of '47 KSL 5 float preview party, South Towne Exposition Center, Sandy, 254-4656. July 17-22, 7 p.m. and July 24, 4 p.m.: The Days of '47 World Championship Rodeo, Delta Center, 964-5325. July 20, 6:30-10 p.m.: Pioneers of Progress awards dinner, Little America Hotel, 277-9254. July 21, 7:30 p.m.: Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, Pioneer Celebration Concert, LDS Conference Center, 1-866-537-8457. July 22, 7-8 a.m.: First Encampment hike, Donner Park. Meet at Donner Park, corner of Crestview (2770 East) and Kennedy (990 South), 257-7959. 10 a.m.-noon: The Days of '47 youth parade, 600 East 500 South, 295-2950. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: The Days of '47 youth festival, booths, crafts, food, games, City/County Building, 200 E. 500 South. 6 p.m.-11 p.m.: The Days of '47 celebration of Utah's Cultures, lively music and entertainment, delicious ethnic foods, colorful costumes, unique cultural art displays and a variety of demonstrations, spectacular fireworks follow, Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main, 561-2515. Monday, July 24, 7-8:30 a.m.: Sunrise Service, Assembly Hall, Temple Square, 756-4227. 5:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Deseret Morning News Marathon/ lOK/5K Fitness Walk, 333-7473. 9 a.m.-noon: The Days of '47 KSL/5 parade, begins at South Temple and Main Street, ends at Liberty Park, 254-4656.

Usana Amphitheater: Monday, July 24, 8 p.m.: American Express Ultimate Utah Celebration, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noon, Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, the Disco Drippers, the Saliva Sisters. Dusk: fireworks finale timed to 21 different song segments from music representing the past 60 years. 582-4733.

This Is the Place Heritage Park: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 22, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, July 24: Pioneer Festival and Territorial Fair, $6 adults, $4 children/seniors, 582-1847.

SAN JUAN COUNTY

Monticello: Friday, July 21, 2 p.m.: 3-on-3 basketball. 6 p.m.: tractor trial pulls. 7 p.m.: talent show, pavilion at ball field, dance after talent show. Saturday, July 22, 6 a.m.: Lions Club breakfast, Veterans Memorial Park (Main & Center). 8 a.m.: race. 10 a.m.: parade, booths, music, quilt display. 1 p.m.: horseshoe tournament, 50 E. 100 South. 2 p.m.: tractor pull south of visitor center, softball tournament, softball fields. 7-8 p.m.: Edge of the Cedars Melodrama, softball field pavilion, watermelon and music. 9:45-10 p.m.: fireworks, football field, Fireworks Ball, field pavilion. 435-587-2289.

SUMMIT COUNTY

Deer Valley: Friday, July 21, 7:30 p.m.: Deer Valley Music Festival, Utah Symphony & Opera, Keith Lockhart conducting, featuring Kenny G, 888-451-2787.

Heber: Monday, July 24, 8 p.m.-10:45 p.m.: Pioneer Day Fiddlers 'N' Fireworks, presented by Heber Valley Railroad, Old-time Fiddlers, pizza and fireworks. 435-654-5601.

TOOELE COUNTY

Tooele: Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m.: children's parade, high school to park, booths, games. 435-882-1483.

UTAH COUNTY

Cedar Hills: Thursday, July 20, 5- 9:30 p.m.: Battle of the Bands, Heritage Park. Friday, July 21, 8 a.m.: Firecracker golf tournament, Cedar Hills Golf Club. 7 p.m.: dinner, $5. 9:30 p.m.: movie in the park. Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m.: parade, begins at Deerfield Elementary, Lt. Go. Gary Herbert, grand marshal. 11 a.m.: carnival, food, crafts, booths, games. Noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.: water cannon, rides, bingo. 1:30 p.m.: pie-eating contest., 5-6 p.m.: pet show. 8 p.m.: encore Battle of the Bands winner. 10 p.m.: fireworks, 1400-AM broadcasting the music, Heritage Park, 4450 W. Cedar Hills Drive. 801-785-9668.

Spanish Fork: Fiesta Days, Saturday, July 22, 8:30 a.m.: shotgun or 2 p.m. shotgun, golf tournament 2-player best ball, Spanish Oaks Golf Course, 2300 E. Powerhouse Road. 9 a.m.: children's parade, Center Street to city park, craft fair, City Center. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: children's fun festival. 11 a.m.: fish rodeo featuring a 1,000-square-foot man-made pond with more than 500 fish, entry fee, $5. 11 a.m.: pie contest, winners announced, entertainment in the park. 11:30-12:30 p.m.: Center Stage performing arts, 12:30-1:30 p.m.: The Locals. 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Harold Newman. 2:30-3 p.m.: Miss Spanish Fork royalty. 3-3:30 p.m.: Utah Children's Choir. 3:30-4 p.m.: Spanish Fork Entertainers, city park. 7:30 p.m.: Beauty and the Beast, Spanish Fork High School auditorium, $8. Sunday, July 23, 6 p.m.: Sunday Night in the Park, inspirational music and stories, Joshua Creek, Jeff Hinton and Quint Randle. 6 p.m.: Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association shoot-out, rodeo arena. Monday, July 24, 6:30 a.m.: 29th Speedy Spaniard 10K road race and walk, Canyon View Park, 3300 East Powerhouse Road. 7-10 a.m.: Spanish Fork Football Booster Club breakfast, City Park, southwest corner. 7:30 a.m.: 12th annual 1-mile children's Speedy Spaniard fun run. 9 a.m.: grand parade, 900 East to 900 North. All-day events include craft fair, City Center; art show, in front of library, outdoor quilt show, Jones-Hughes Pioneer Park, 143 S. Main St. 12:30-1:30 p.m.: program in the park with Shaun Barrowes. 1:30-2 p.m.: Academy of Dance performance. 2-3 p.m.: The Dunford Knotts Band. 1 p.m.: Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, rodeo arena, free. 1-6 p.m.: swimming, Spanish Fork Community Water Park, 400 W. 200 North. 2 p.m.: Fiesta Day Adopt-a-Duck river race, Spanish Fork River, west of the new ballpark. 5:30-6:30 p.m.: talent show winners showcased. 6:30-7:15 p.m.: Paisley Sky. 7:15-8:30 p.m.: RedBone, J. Marc Bailey. Dusk: fireworks, Sports Park. 7:30 p.m.: Beauty and the Beast, Spanish Fork High School Auditorium, $8. 801-798-5000.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Washington: Monday, July 24: movie in the park, fireworks at dusk, Washington City Park, 435-628-3524.

WEBER COUNTY

Ogden: Wednesday, July 19, 9 a.m.: children's parade, Washington Boulevard. 2 p.m.: Miss Rodeo Utah, Golden Spike Arena. 6:30 p.m.: pre-rodeo entertainment , Ogden Pioneer Stadium. 7:30 p.m.: rodeo, Standard-Examiner Family Night, mini bull riding, Ogden Pioneer Stadium. July 20, 1 p.m.: Miss Rodeo Utah luncheon, Timbermine Restaurant. 6:30 p.m.: pre-rodeo entertainment. 7:30 p.m.: rodeo, Military Appreciation Night, mutton bustin'. Friday, July 21, 9 a.m.: Miss Rodeo Utah speeches, Eccles Conference center. 6:30 p.m.: pre-rodeo entertainment. 7:30 p.m.: rodeo, "Tough Enough to Wear Pink," cancer awareness. 9 p.m.: after-rodeo dance, mini bull riding. Saturday, July 22, 9 a.m.: farmers market, Ogden Amphitheater. 10:30 a.m.: Miss Rodeo Utah silent auction and fashion show, Egyptian Theatre. 6:30 p.m.: pre-rodeo entertainment. 7:30 p.m.: rodeo, National Day of American Cowboy and Coca Cola Night, mutton bustin'. Sunday, July 23, 9 a.m.: Slack, Ogden Pioneer Stadium. Monday, July 24, 9 a.m.: Ogden Pioneer Days Parade, Washington Boulevard. Noon: Daughters of Utah Pioneers open house, DUP Museum, 2148 Grant Ave. 6:30 p.m.: pre-rodeo entertainment. 7:30 p.m.: rodeo, mutton bustin' and mini bull riding.

We bought it over 4 years ago,and man, has it been a good car,. When we first got it, I felt so guilty about trading in the Saturn, it was part of the family. And I felt like Black cherry didn't like us-all these kids climbing all over it and whatnot. Every time I drove past the dealership, I swear the car wanted to go back. It took a few months, but it finally became OUR car.

And it was a trooper-it has driven to Detroit and back twice, to California countless times. It has taken us to Mt. Rushmore, to Canada and Niagara falls, to Tijuana, Mexico, to Billy the Kids grave and Nauvoo and Carthage, Illinois. To Mark Twain's hometown,and across the Mackinaw Bridge into the U P of Michigan. That car has taken us everywhere.

Alas, it will take us no more. We left for California last Saturday morning, and before we even made it to Vegas, the transmition  gave out. And on a car that size, to fix it would cost more than the car is worth. So, we are selling the Black Cherry, and will hopefully buy something else soon-maybe a minivan that doesn't have a 40 gallon gas tank.

I am so sad at the death of Black Cherry, but even more sad for myself, currently being stuck in Utah with no car to take us out of it. It really sucks having no car that will fit our family of 6. Hopefully things will work out, but until then, I will mourn the demise of The Black Cherry.

There are so many more pictures...but I won't bore you. Be sad, be very sad.

Second quarter statistics show that home prices have slipped in Salt Lake , Utah and Davis County.  And the number of actual home sales is still down significantly in all counties along the Wasatch Front.  Ok, so this may not be a shocker to most of you, but how about this: 

I expect home prices to tumble even further in the hardest hit, most over-built pockets by as much as 20% by mid 2009.  I'm referring to newer neighborhoods where prices are well over median levels.  Where the homes are larger, more expensive and increasingly becoming more vacant as the weeks go by.

I'm basing my prediction on several key factors including:

• Front Line Observations:  As a real estate agent, I see the market on a micro level.  I draw conclusions based on conversations, observations and reactions.  I'll give you an example.  Over the last 30 days I've worked with three different sets of buyers, all of whom seem to be very market concious.  Their decisions seem to be based heavily on how the purchase makes sense financially.  Whereas in the past home-buyers tended to be more implusively driven by their emotions and desires.  Today, these market concious buyers are looking to buy smart.  As one buyer put it, "I want to buy something that if I had to, I could sell in the next couple of years without a problem".  This is the very reason many homebuyers are looking to foreclosure and short sale listings first.  Which brings me to my next key factor.
• Distressed Sales:  The number of short sales coming on the market is rising at a scary rate.  Many are selling, however a majority are being lost to the bank.  Bank foreclosures are also beginning to make their claim on the inventory of homes for sale.  As banks discount their prices to move inventory quickly, neighboring home values are immediately and directly impacted.
• Credit Availability:  or the lack therof is probably a better intro.  If you haven't heard about the recent devastations in the banking sector it's likely you haven't turned on your tv, made small talk at the office, or glanced at a newspaper in the last 2 weeks.  Unfortunately, it's not just national news.  Local banks are also seeing stock prices fall and defaults on mortgage loans rise.  Home loans are quickly becoming harder to qualify for.  Not to mention the fact that banks are requiring borrowers to bring more and more money to the closing table.  This ultimately results in fewer sales.  Mainly because would-be borrowers can't meet new requirements and are being squeezed out of homeownership.
• Inflation:  Pretty much everything you buy on a regular basis has seen at least a modest price hike.  Consumers have already begun to tighten up their budgets and cut unnecessary expenses.  Spending dollars on extravagant homes is not high on the priority list for most Utahns at this point.

All in all, things are getting tougher for buyers and sellers.  For those who wish to purchase a home in the near future, prepare yourself to be examined under a magnifying glass in order to qualify.  For those of  you who are trying to sell a home, expect to see less than full price offers as buyers are seeking to position themselves strategically in today's rapidly changing market.  Obviously, I'm generalizing here.  But be assured, everyone is being impacted in today's market, one way or another.

 * Statistical data gathered from the Wasatch Front Regional Multiple Listing Service.

They are the real deal because there are package that will keep you in different sports year round and one of the really great ones is the NFL Sunday Ticket, no real football fan would be without it, games in HD and more games than all the other channels put together will have. Then there are the programs that highlight all the action from the games so you can see that not to be missed play over again and information about the players and the team stats. There are even programs that feature the coaches, with a package like NFL Sunday Ticket you get all the important football information that is just not going to be found any place else.

Satellite tv is great too because all you need is a view of the southern sky not some underground wires that mean you have to live in or near a city to get cable tv.

Utah became the first U.S. state to put its government workforce on a four-day work week, and some other states may follow. The "Working 4 Utah" initiative -- a response to soaring energy costs and tight budgets -- will begin in August.

Government service hours will be extended to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and offices will be closed Fridays (except for essential public services).

Utah expects to cut electrical and utility costs (13.5 hours on Fridays) and will monitor the energy savings. For employees, it may mean they can get household chores done on Fridays, according to Workforce Management (14 July 2008). But day care and public transportation services will need to accommodate the extended hours (10-hour work days) Monday through Thursday.

State officials in Minnesota, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Arkansas are examining the feasibility of a four-day schedule, Workforce Management reported. Also, Colorado is mulling it over. Various county governments and towns are, too.

United States of America (Press Release) July 16, 2008 -- In honor of their Grand Opening, Waxing Gurus in Salt Lake City, Utah., invites everyone to join them at their Open House Saturday, August 23, 2008
from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. They’ll be serving refreshments, giving complimentary demonstrations, handing out samples, and hosting drawings for
free salon services.

Waxing Gurus
4429 S. 2950 E.
Salt Lake City, Utah 84124
Telephone: 801-347-0700 or 801-272-0131
Email: suzanne@waxinggurus.com

Waxing Gurus is a new organization of experts dedicated to teaching and maintaining the highest standards and methods of waxing for personal care. Using the “bare-able” method, consisting of proven procedures in all areas of waxing, our highly skilled and trained estheticians create a pleasurable experience from start to finish rather than a visit that is awkward or painful. And, you can rely on the team at every location to perform to the same high standard of care because we have a single focus—waxing--and we do it better than anyone else.

We start with the finest quality waxes in a clean, comfortable atmosphere, and finish with soothing post-balm lotions to complete the service. We also offer an entire line of exfoliating scrubs, cleansing gels, and lotions for home use.

Visiting a Waxing Gurus studio will ensure that you have a consistent high level of service, a friendly, comfortable atmosphere, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are in the hands of an expert.

We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team as staff members in an existing studio. You could even consider obtaining a license and starting your own Waxing Gurus studio. Contact us to get started today!

Waxing Gurus Owner Suzanne Hoggansaid she hopes to see current salon guests, as well as some new faces at the event.

“Sometimes people don’t know where to go for professional waxing services in Salt Lake, and they’re nervous trusting someone new with their appearance,” she said. “It’s nice to visit the salon and meet the staff in person first.”

We are walking, talking, moving, thinking, and healing machines. Because we intrinsically have the ability to heal, medical practitioners are beginning to employ the mind, learning to tap into the unconscious mind (also known as our "cellular wisdom") in order to harness its power through techniques like Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Creative Visualization & Relaxation (CVR). Putting those practices into play and activating the mind has been shown to give the injured, sick, and stressed the ability to mend their own wounds.

If you're looking for a new way to tap into your healing potential, why not tap into your mind?

For more information visit www.nlp.com or www.newreality.com

Internet Marketing:
ThankYou-Online

The Beavers were set up early by Joey LaRocque's hit on Ute quarterback Brian Johnson that jarred the ball loose.  William `Akau’ola Vea's recovered the fumble, and three plays later Lyle Moevao escaped the rush for a 29 yard touchdown pass to Rogers.  Moevao finished the game completing 10 of 11 passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns.  OSU took a 14-0 lead on the next possession off a 14 yard touchdown run by Yvenson Bernard.

Early in the third quarter, Brandon Hughes intercepted Johnson at the Utah 11, setting up a second touchdown pass to Rogers.  Oregon State increased their lead to 31-3 when Keenan Lewis returned an interception 61 yards for a score.

The game was nationally televised by ESPN, and marked the second straight home opener where the Beavers defeated an opponent by at least 35 points.

Highlights:

William `Akau’ola Vea recovers a first quarter fumble.

Lyle Moevao escapes the rush and completes a 29 yard touchdown to James Rodgers.

A classic Yvenson Bernard run puts Oregon State up 14-0 in the first half.

Moevao was hounded all day, but was able to complete 90% of his passes.

Brandon Hughes interception in the third quarter sets up another Moevao TD pass.

Moevao celebrates his second TD pass to Rodgers.

Rogers scored his second TD to put Oregon State ahead 24-3.

Keenan Lewis intercepts a pass.

Keenan Lewis seals the game with a 61 interception return for a touchdown.

There are other kinds of headaches, migraines for example are periodic, severe, throbbing headaches that usually last more than a few hours, but less than a day.  They can make the sufferer sensitive to light and sound, and cause nausea even vomiting.  Migraines affect women more often than men.  Migraines are commonly heard of and talked about because of their severity, but are much more rare than cervicogenic headaches.

Billions of dollars are spent on headaches each year in the United States.  Headaches are a major cause of lost productivity and time off work.  One of the top reasons for seeking treatment, headaches are big money for drug companies, and big losses to businesses.

People can end up with a headache from stress, a car accident, whiplash, or any kind of trauma.  Headaches can occur a day or even weeks after the initial injury due to the cumulative nature of those kinds of injuries.  Many people think their headaches come on for no reason at all, but if they think back they will remember an accident, increased stress, playing to hard on the weekend, or something a few days ago.

Treatment for headaches traditionally has been over the counter analgesics and NSAIDS, and even stronger medications for more severe symptoms.  These medications can cause serious side effects, and recent studies indicate that we as a country may be over using these to the extent that thousands of people have serious complications every year from these relatively safe drugs.  Many times these pain medications do not work, and can even cause what is termed "analgesic rebound headaches."

Chiropractic has a great success rate with treating headaches.  It has been found to be better at providing pain relief (with less side effects) and reducing frequency than medication.  Chiropractic addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms.  When treating your headaches your chiropractor (which could be me if you're in Utah) should be addressing 3 major things: First reducing the pain, second improving neck function overall, and third strengthening the neck to reduce future risk of re-injury.  While chiropractic is particularly good at resolving cervicogenic headaches it has also been shown to be effective with some types of migraines, and other headaches.

If you are experiencing headaches, don't reach for that Aspirin bottle.  Reach for the phone and contact your chiropractor.  You will receive better, safer relief, and have less chance of recurrence.

Pour ceux qui ont déjà prévu un départ aux Etats-Unis dans l'Utah, l'Arizona ou le Nevada, je vous propose un petit arrêt sympa au Cafe Rio.

Sur le site vous trouverez différents menus plus typiques les uns que les autres avec la possibilité de commander en ligne et de voir les réactions de clients!

C'est plus vrai que nature!

Hay Caramba!

I had the chance to go to the Saturday Toast of Park City Grand Tasting held at The Canyons Resort. It was held outdoors in the sunny mountain atmosphere, the smell of steak and salmon was wafting through the air. With so many wines to taste it quickly became overwhelming... but somehow I made due. I learned more in this 3-hour affair then in all my years of wine drinking.

So if you're a seasoned wine pro or simply a novice ready to experiment, there is something for everyone at this event. If you made it, we were thrilled to have you. If you missed it, you'll want to be ready for next year. This is one experience not to be missed.

Jen Smith
Wine Cellar Designer

The flow on the San Juan is dropping daily. Today the river is flowing at about 1350 CFS, up about 100 CFS from yesterday, but down from about 2000 CFS a few weeks back. The flow on the San Juan can fluctuate daily by a hundred CFS or more as water is released upstream. You can see the river flows at the USGS website. The weather proves to be hot with the temperature predicted to be about 95 degrees every day for our trip. There is a 30 percent chance of rain nearly every day during our trip. The afternoon showers may help cool us off. If you are heading to southeast Utah be sure to take sunblock.

Fire restrictions have just be enacted throughout Utah. No fires are allowed on the San Juan River corridor as of 08 July. These restrictions also apply to parts of the Green River and Colorado River in southeast Utah. For more information on current fire restrictions, visit the state of Utah Fire Info website.

Check back for updates on the trip at the end of July. We will try to post an update from the field- probably from Comb Ridge Coffee in Bluff after we takeout.

so, with the "july-factor" in mind, i decided that reliving my recent travels might help lift my spirits a bit.  and just maybe for a minute i'll stop whining and feel thankful for the wonderful places i've been to see this year.

'07-'08 was a blessed year for me regarding travel, and '08-'09 is already shaping up to be exponentially better. 

i guess dallas is where it all begins and ends for me right now.  and though i'm not so fond of her, dallas has enough work to allow me to travel more than most.  so i'll think kindly of her for the moment...

austin is kind of my secret girlfriend.  we courted for over 5 years, but i had to leave her for a more practical lover.  so sad.  i do sneak around from time to time though... just to see her pretty face, and hear her alluring voice.

brazos bend, texas.  my favorite place to play with alligators in texas!!  if you want to see some prehistoric monsters, i highly recommend this park.  it's just a short drive southwest of houston.

cabo san lucas, mexico!  my friends joe and erin got married there last summer, and guess who was able to go for free in exchange for a little wedding photography.  well worth it...

not too far from the city, somewhere out in east texas, is a private getaway, known only as "timado" to the few elites who know of it.  i was let in to the inner-circle last fall when i was invited to a double bachelor party extravaganza.  well, okay, so it's not very elite, more like a good place to drink beer, go fishing, and grow out your mullet.  but it's really fun.  and a great place to catch snakes and shoot fireworks.

big bend national park, texas.  ah, the big bend of the rio grande.  one of my classic favorites.  this trip was the first of two for the year, but it ended in tragedy.  my truck somehow found its way to the bottom of a four-foot-deep washout.  at least i only had to hike 18 miles through the desert before i saw someone to get help - hahaha!  what a great trip!

another friend of mine, adam, got married in wonderful savannah, georgia.  what a great place.  i had been once before, but rest assured that i could never get sick of savannah.

so, yet another friend, anna, got married in her home town of philadelphia, pa.  big year for marriage apparently.  and no offense to my other friends, but this was the best one yet.  i'd never been to philly, but it quickly became one of my favorite cities.  partially because two of my favorite people were there - anna and elaine.

another first-time favorite city, san francisco!  i lucked out with this one because of some awesome friends of mine, john and bd.  the brothers had an extra ticket to the 2007 baseball all-star game, and i got the invite.  we had a fantastic time at the weekend's festivities, and we even made our way out to napa for a day.  amazing trip!

i lived in pinedale, wyoming a few years ago when i worked for a small newspaper.  it's a tiny town just south of jackson (or to you tourists, jackson hole... hahaha!).  consequently, it is also very close to grand teton and yellowstone national parks.  doesn't get much better than that.  so, since i reluctantly moved back to texas in 2006, i've made the pilgrimage back at least twice a year.  this was my first trip of the year, in the autumn.  and it was breathtaking - just the way i remembered it.  i hope to someday move back...

yee haw, boy howdy!  ARKANSAS |ˈär,kanzəs|!!  the white river in arkansas is incredibly beautiful, no doubt.  i went on a weekend trip up to northwest ar with some friends last fall to do a little fly fishing, and enjoy the scenery.  i don't know how to fly fish, so i just enjoyed the eye candy, and made photos all weekend.  i think we'll try to go again this fall.

oklahoma city, oklahoma.  we have tons of family in oklahoma - our rival state to the north.  and in all honesty, i don't visit enough.  it's really a great state.  though the university by the same name will always be my arch enemy.

the okc bombing memorial is stunning... a quiet experience... completely heartbreaking.

big bend, part deux.  i took my new ride to experience the land that claimed my previous truck's life only months before.  wow, i really like my new car.  especially with gas prices the way they are.  i was able to do the entire 5 day trip for under $250!!  that includes 1500 miles of driving, four days of bland camp food, and priceless nights under a clear desert sky.  it was a really rejuvenating experience.  i needed it.

the quintessential western road trip, executed at the worst time of year.  my friend, bd, got a wild hair in early november, and decided to plan one of the most classic of american road trips, down the 101.  it was originally planned for the next spring, but neither of us could wait that long...

we set off just a few days after thanksgiving.  we left dallas, and spend the first night in denver.  then from denver, we made our way through blizzards, over togwotee pass to jackson, wyoming.  we had the privilege meeting up with my old roommate, emily, and previous editor, noah.  we had way too much fun.

the next day in spite of splitting headaches, we were off to boise, idaho and then to portland, oregon.  portland may be my new favorite city (i know... i say that a lot).  it reminds me so much of austin, but even prettier.  we spent a few days there, and then made our way up to seattle.  another great city.  somehow, we ended up at a seedy bar called "shorty's" that night.  it was clown-themed, which made it creepy to begin with, but it also happened to be in, what i found out later to be, seattle's "crack district".  that was the first, and hopefully last time i've ever seen someone smoking crack.  right outside the bar, in the rain!?  interesting.

so we were ready to get back on the road after that night.  from seattle, we drove back to portland, then on down to eugene...  go ducks!!!  from eugene, we headed over to the coast, and that's where we hooked up with the legendary highway 101, which we followed the rest of the way down to los angeles.  the scenery was absolutely amazing from the oregon coast all the way to big sur.  and even south of big sur to monterey was quite nice.  really, the trip down the 1 was so overwhelming in its grandeur and raw beauty, that for me (someone who is already a painfully bad writer), is too hard to put in to words.  plus, i'm a photographer anyway.  so i hope the images speak for themselves.

in spite of taking this trip in the most off part of the off season, it was incredible.  i can only hope that i have the opportunity to do this trip again at some point in my life.  i should be so lucky.

my virgin voyage to chitown.  seriously though, i was such a nerd on the flight there, and in my rent car.  the only two albums i listened to the whole weekend were sufjan stevens' come on feel the illinoise, and greetings from michigan, the great lake state.  but they fit so well!  and they are two of the best albums of all time.  so at least they had that going for them.  

chicago is certainly a cool town.  i need to spend more time there.  also, it was december, sooooooo, just a little cold.  maybe i'll see what it's like in spring...

ah, spring in wyoming... what a segue - damn, i'm good!!  so this was the second (well, technically third, if you count the short drive thru on the road trip in november) time for me to visit my old haunt in about six months.  what a treat!

yet another friend, kim, was getting married in pinedale, so it was as good an excuse as any to go visit one of my favorite places in all the world.  and it certainly did not disappoint.  i camped for the first time in single digit weather on eight feet of snow pack too.  so that was cool.  but i learned a valuable lesson:  don't ever do that again!!

in all seriousness, there is something about western wyoming.  a special quality that lacks clear explanation.  ask anyone that has spent any time there, and they'll tell you...  it's a deeply spiritual experience.  and there's something about the winter (which is much of spring as well).  it is what quiet looks like... if that makes any sense.

anyway, if you're still reading, i feel sorry for you because you may have severe mental problems.  or into s&m or something.  but i promise that i'm almost done.

there are two innocence mission songs that always make me nostalgic about my travels, so i'll end with some lyrics.  if you're unfamiliar with the innocence mission, i would highly recommend you give them a good listen.  the first song is called, song about traveling.  really... go figure!?  and the second is the brotherhood of man.  

"a man said, 'why?'  why does traveling, in cars and in trains, make him feel sad?  a beautiful sadness, i've felt this before.  it's the people in the city, you'll never know.  it is everything you pass by, wondering will you ever... return."

"waiting at the airport on my suitcase, a girl traveling from spain became my sudden friend.  though i did not learn her name.  and when the subway dimmed... a stranger lit my way.  this is the brotherhood of man."

"i never can say what i mean... but you will understand... coming through clouds on the way.  this is the brotherhood of man.  this is the brotherhood of man."

all images © andrew r. slaton | photographer 2008

At the mention of the California Legislature, several members of the committee laughed. The Chairman grinned and said that "we love the California Legislature -- they do more for Utah business development than anyone else."

The message was clear. Utah's healthy business climate was due in no small measure to California firms moving to that state or simply choosing to expand their existing business operations there and not in California. There are a lot of reasons why, compared to California, Utah is so attractive.

With that said, PC Laptops makes inferior products for greater prices than the majority of equal and superior notebook computers.

Approximately 4 years ago I was beginning college and was in need of a laptop. At the time I was looking into Dell, Toshiba and Acer, each of whom had good deals at the time. Before I decided on any of the three I went to a local computer store, PC Laptops, and spoke with one of their salesman about my intentions. Unfortunately, I wasn't as well versed in computer specs as I am today. So when the sales person told me that I should expect to have a computer made by Dell, Toshiba or Acer die within the first 6 months, I believed him. He then talked me into purchasing a used laptop which came with their "life time" service contract. as it turns out, it is their service guarantee that makes them feel justified in charging anywhere from $300-$600 more than an equivalent computer from another company.

In those 4 years I have needed to take my laptop in for service 5 times, 4 of which were all the same problem and 1 of which was a major hardware problem. That isn't to say that I didn't have hardware issues but that they won't repair them under their service guarantee so I just have to suffer with the problems. These problems include a major crack on the outer casing, a completely non-functional headphone jack, a broken cd burner and a faulty AC power port.

Each of the 4 software problems involved me needing to reinstalling Windows XP. One of these was from a simple XP glitch that randomly deletes some important start up files. The second time I was just playing with computer settings and needed to repair some changes. Finally, number 3 & 4 were installations of different Linux OS's (Fedora, Ubuntu, Free SUSE) and then returns back to XP. After re-installing windows I inevitably had to reinstall my hardware drivers. If I had purchased a computer from Dell, Sony, Toshiba, Acer, Gateway, Compaq or any of the other major companies, this problem would have been solved with a simple visit to their website to download the correct drivers used specifically for my model. PC laptops, however, doesn't offer any such help on their website. My next option is to try to visit their site and see if I can find out what hardware is packaged with my system so that I can spend the next hour attempting to manually find and download all of the necessary hardware drivers. Again, this is completely unavailable from PC Laptops. Their website doesn't offer a single scrap of information on any of their older models. All they have are descriptions of their current models. So afterwards I am forced to try to find out what their current laptops use and hope that they have been using the same hardware for the past 4 years. Needless to say, this can't be done because the description of their laptops are so vague and inconsistent as to be useless.

Wow! Thank you so much PC Laptops for all that helpful information. You gave me an 87-key keyboard, 1 of 8 different possible hard drives and you have recommended an OS to me. And yes, this is a real portion of their description of one of their current laptops (PCL 824).

So what options do I have left? Well, I am forced to go into their local store, and leave my computer for a week so that it can sit in the back on a shelf until one of their techs manages to get around to spending 5 minutes uploading my drivers. This means I payed an extra $300 for a service package that I only needed because they refuse to provide online assistance and information that every other major company already provides to all of their customers. I wouldn't particularly mind having to make the 20 minute drive to fix a 5 minute problem but when it takes a week or more to get my laptop back, I have a problem.

Why exactly would a company which claims to offer superior custom products do this? They have realized that the amount of help that most people need with their laptops isn't sufficient to justify paying hundreds of dollars more for an inferior product. So what they do is force you to bring your computer into their stores for things that you could have easily done yourself, thereby making their more computer-illiterate customers feel as if the service plan was worth the cost.

I'm not saying that PC Laptops products doesn't have a place in the market but that they fulfill a niche that I just don't occupy and likely most people don't. If you have a lot of money to blow and have had a lobotomy, thereby eliminating your ability to perform even the most simple of computer fixes, then their computers are for you. If you have even a small semblance of cognition then their products are not only overpriced but their shady business practice of forcing the customer to leave their system in the store for weeks for a simple home repair is not a good option for you.

Here's the mp3.

Yet, I got points just for not pulling out. It's just not right.

If there were 10 people in the C Flight I would be OK with getting a single point as the 10th-place finisher. But getting 3rd-place points? I feel dirty seeing that next to my name.

If I work it right, I'll make the trek to Park City for another hard and short race tonight. Again, I'll get some points. But that's not why I'm going out there. I want to learn a skill -- climbing with a purpose other than to just get over a summit.

The points, I guess, are an unexpected byproduct of me training in the so-called 'training races.' I know for a fact I am not a top-10 C Flight racer, but I've got sixth-place points right now. And I don't even show up to everything I possibly can.

Weird.

“I’m a temple-worthy member that loves his wife and kids, and fulfills his calling at church and does his home teaching. And yet I’m going to play characters that might have moral dilemmas, or do a commercial — or whatever it is — because my job is the way that I provide for my family,” he said.

Interesting, then is how far would he go to make a buck? I have a family and I know the pressures that are sometimes placed upon me to make sure they are taken care of and fed. I'm not going to go do immoral things to make sure that happens though.

I don't know Kirby. I don't know his heart or the conversations he's probably had with God and his local church leaders. But one unwritten Church guideline is to avoid even the appearance of evil. You watch this and comment with your thoughts.

-Timmy

Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) used to provide funds to the savings and loan industry. Later, after the savings and loan industry was no more, Freddie Mac expanded and became and source of funds for conventional home loans.

Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) is now the largest purchaser of conventional home loans (not included are FHA and VA loans).

Both organizations sell stock, notes and bonds to the public to raise money. The money they raise is used to purchase home loans on the secondary market as described above.

Both organizations are privately owned, but both are regulated by the government.

This is a most simplified, but accurate, description of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.  For information on St. George Utah Real Estate - please contact us.

“The state added 11,500 jobs in the year that ended in June for an employment growth rate of 0.9 percent, the Utah Department of Workforce Services said Tuesday in its monthly jobs report.
That's down from 1.3 percent in the year that ended in May and down significantly from a peak of 5.4 percent in the year that ended in June 2006, when the state's economy added 54,000 jobs.” – The Salt Lake Tribune

The graph at the left reflects the slowdown of job growth in Utah since June of 2007.

Job growth has slowed in part due to the slowdown of new residential housing construction. Builders purchased only 354 homes last month, which is down 1,027 from June 2007. As fewer homes are built, more Utahns related to the residential real estate business are losing their jobs.

While this may appear to be cause for concern, it is important to remember that every market goes through cycles. In a radio report from KSL this morning, consumer confidence is at lower levels than the 1980’s. While the cost of gasoline and the price of living have risen, the truth is the economy isn’t nearly as bad now as it was then. Click below to listen to the radio report.

[audio http://real.ksl.com/video/slc/2/245/24567.mp3]

While today’s job growth slowdown is more fallout from the sub prime lending scandals, the issue of consumer confidence is directly related to the price of gasoline. As job growth slows, its important to remember that all sectors, except construction and financial sectors are adding new jobs.

While many people are jittery about purchasing a new home, in truth these slower times are the best time to purchase or invest in a new home. There are many homes that have been foreclosed or are being short sold. Banks and owners are willing to make incredible deals. If you want to find out more about purchasing a home, contact a RedSign agent.

The slope begins to steepen as you come out of the trees and start to enjoy an impressive undergrowth of wild rose bushes.  The final hike to the summit was uneventful except for premature excitement from several false summits.  Once on the peak, we each enjoyed a delightful Cheeseburger.  SirloinOfBeef and I enjoyed a Bison Cheesebuger on a whole wheat bun topped with Grey Poupon Mustard (but of course) and Ketchup.  Farting wonder partaked of a MicroCheeseburger and was eying the Bison Cheeseburgers lustfully.