Greece Is the Answer

I grew up in Europe, and Greece was one of the places I had always wanted to visit but never did. I remember hearing about the bankruptcy in the country and the crisis afterward, and so watching this documentary was very informative to me.

Greece is part of the European Union (EU), which consists of 27 different countries. The European Union is a union of 27 countries that help each other out economically and politically. Trade between countries is very valuable. When Greece went through its financial crisis, the European Union bailed it out with a large loan. This was the first time the European Union did this, and it stopped Greece from defaulting on its loans.

The main language in Greece is Greek, which makes it an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages.

According to the documentary, one of the main issues that the people in Greece seem to have a problem with is the middleman taking all the profits they could potentially get from all their hard work. Many groups have started to cut out the middleman and get products to consumers on their own. This way, they can still make a living, and people can afford their products. This smart thinking is letting people live off their small, meager incomes after the major financial crisis that crippled the country. Actors have started to allow citizens to bring food to their shows instead of money to pay for a ticket. This way, the actors donate the food they collect to the local orphanages without help from any NGOs (Nongovernmental organizations).

This was a hard documentary to watch, as I could only find 3 key terms listed in the reading this week. I really enjoyed the documentary as it showed the citizens picking themselves up after a devastating crisis that ruined their economy. They seem like strong, resilient people who can make a big difference and bring their country back from financial ruin in the years to come.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTcuLUFE77U&t=13s

[Written for GEOG 130G class UVU Spring 2022]
aB . All Right Reserved . 2025

History and Heart: Why The Briar Club Captivated Me

This review contains plot details from The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. If you haven't read the book yet and want to experience the mystery firsthand, consider saving this post for later!

I just finished listening to the audiobook of The Briar Club by Kate Quinn, and I absolutely loved it. From the very beginning, I was drawn in by the rich historical details seamlessly woven into the lives of the fictional characters. As someone who is passionate about history, I am always on the lookout for books that get historical facts right while still telling a compelling story. The Briar Club delivered on both of those fronts.

What amazed me most was how the author brought real historical details into the narrative. The book is set in Washington, D.C., during the early 1950s. It captures the paranoia of the Red Scare (Communism) and the political repression during the McCarthy era. The women's stories in the book reflect real-life events such as the decline of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the first birth control pill trial, and the tension between domestic expectations and personal ambition. There are unspoken, but prevalent tensions in the book when it comes to depicting LGBTQ individuals and the struggle to keep their lives secret. Racial prejudice is also touched on to show how many individuals had to deal with that during those years. The post-World War II era, with many refugees trying to find their place in a new country, was also masterfully integrated, echoing realistic events involving displaced persons and all they lost when they had to leave their homes.

Listening to the audiobook added another layer of immersion. The narrator brought each character to life, and the pacing made it easy to stay engaged. I found myself looking forward to my bus ride to work so that I could tune in to see what was happening next. After the audiobook ended, there was a bonus interview with author Kate Quinn and the narrator Saskia Maarleveld. Quinn shared insights into how each character was inspired by real historical archetypes, and how she wanted to give a voice to women whose stories were often overlooked back in the 1950s. Listening to her describe her favorite moments and how the book came into existence made me appreciate each character more.

The prologue of the book opens on a murder scene at the Briar House. 

"The house had a lot of blood and two dead bodies, one upstairs and one down, with 17 suspects who have had too much rum punch." 

The story rewinds four years to tell the different tales leading up to that fateful night. The book is extremely character-driven, and each section goes into detail about a different character who lives in the house. Slowly, with each character, you are getting more of the story until ultimately we land back at that fateful time the murders occurred among all of them.

I loved getting to know each of the characters. Quinn masterfully placed puzzle pieces together, and slowly, the entire story appears. When all of their stories are told, the ending makes perfect sense, and you can finally see the big picture. Each character that lives in the house has their own secrets that you are getting glimpses of throughout the book. I started to root for certain characters as I learned their story and as they themselves were forming friendships together. The final secret at the end was wonderfully crafted, as I did not see it coming.

The Briar Club is more than just a historical fiction; it is a story full of secrets, sisterhood, and survival. It is a beautiful reminder of how history shapes us, and how personal stories can illuminate broader truths. 

Published: July 8, 2024
Read: October 22, 2025

aB . All Rights Reserved . 2025

The Wasatch Fault

The Wasatch Fault runs along the Wasatch Mountains from Malad City in Idaho to Fayette, down South in Utah. It is actually a few different faults that run together instead of just one fault. The mountain range was created from the faults by being pushed up over millions of years. As earthquakes have happened, it has shaped the mountain range over time. The Mountain range (and the fault) is right in the middle, with the basin and range to the West and the Colorado Plateau to the East. Geologists have found evidence of underground earthquakes that have broken up the ground, which pointed them to where the fault would be. By digging in certain areas and gathering data when eruptions do occur, they have figured out where the fault runs and have been able to create reliable maps. They have come to the conclusion that there are about 10 different faults that run along that corridor, and they have each produced different-strength earthquakes at different times in the past.

The first thing that surprised me was that it showed earthquakes today at 3 different sites. I did not realize how much activity there is along the fault, even if we cannot feel it. All of the locations do seem to run along the fault and stick close to the mountain range. The 3 that happened just today (July 3rd) were not right next to each other. One was way up North, while the other 2 further away from that in Idaho. Yesterday, there were 11 small earthquakes, and again, they were all over the state of Utah and Idaho, but sticking to the mountain range and not getting too far away from it. The pattern that occurred to me is that you cannot really be certain where the next earthquake will be, except that it will be along the fault line somewhere.

I had been told since I first moved to Utah that there was a big earthquake just ready to hit Utah any day now. I have been in Utah on and off for the last 30 years, and so I have buried that information in the back of my mind, as it really doesn’t feel like it pertains to me much anymore. At first, I was a little alarmed and thought I'd better have everything I need in my home just in case, but now I just feel I need to live my life, and if something happens, then I guess something happens. An earthquake is not something you can prevent, and so worrying about it is doing no one any good. Having said that, I know I do need to care about the possibility, as I do live in Provo close to the mountains, and so I should be somewhat prepared when it comes to natural disasters. I have the basic things stored in my house in case of an emergency that I can grab if I need to make a quick exit. I remember the earthquake in Magna a few years back, and I know they are still trying to clean up from that as it caused a lot of damage.

I live alone but with a few animals, and so to be prepared, I do have small carriers for my animals. I also have backpacks ready to go under my stairs that hold first aid items, flashlights, and astronaut blankets. I also have all my camping equipment in that area in 2 totes, so they are easy to grab. If there were an emergency, I could shove everything plus my animals in my car for a quick getaway. I even have all my important documents in a small fire safe that is the size of a briefcase and easy to grab and take with me. If I needed to hole up in my home, I have all those things accessible as well, on top of water and some food supplies. My kids are grown now, but when they were younger, we would have a designated meeting place close to their school and our home in case of an emergency where they could not get to us or we to them. Now that my kids live in other places, we share each other's locations on our phones, but I am sure that in case of a natural disaster, those services would not work. We all live close enough to each other that I could walk to check on them if necessary.

I think in the long run, I am pretty on top of all of it, as I know where the shut-offs to my home are and have some items prepared in case I need to flee or shelter indoors. There is really only so much you can do without creating a panic or giving yourself ulcers worrying. I have gone through several trainings while working for Alpine School District that have helped me be a little more prepared, and I think common sense will help along the way as well.

[Written for GEOG 3200 class UVU Summer 2023]
aB . All Right Reserved . 2025

Amazon Rainforest Risks: The Tipping Point

    I had to choose a documentary to watch, and so I chose the Amazon Rainforest Risks: The Tipping Point. I am very interested in climate change, and from the list of documentaries available, this one caught my eye. I have known about the rainforest and that climate change is affecting it, but I had no idea to what degree. I enjoy watching documentaries and watching a lot of them on my own already, and so I really liked this one. It was very educational, informative, and easy to follow. 

    One of the key terms from the reading this week is global connection. Global connection is when people/things come together from all over the globe to work together. I really like how the documentary brought scientists together from all different countries and backgrounds to gather data on the rainforest. They all know the challenges that the rainforest is up against, and they want to work together to discover and help fix those challenges. They know that this crisis is not just confined to the Amazon, but it affects us all globally.

    The second key term I thought of was global environmental change. This means the changes in the environment that affect the entire globe. This documentary was all about climate change and how it was impacting the Amazon. Because 25% of the medication in the world is made from something found in the Amazon, it affects a lot of people if the rainforest disappears. Our entire ecosystem also relies on the Amazon to balance the carbon dioxide in the world. The entire Earth relies on the Amazon for this, and most people don’t even realize that.

    The third key term I found was vulnerability. The reading this week states that climate change will affect people differently as it is not distributed equally around the planet. The people who live on the banks of the Amazon River will be affected differently than those of us living in the United States, for example. As the Amazon rainforest dries up and diminishes, it will produce less fruit for the people living there to harvest, sell, and eat. This will affect them a whole lot more than us further away. Their risk is a lot higher than ours, as it will directly affect their livelihood. It will be a lot harder for them to recover from changes to their livelihood than for us in the United States.

    The takeaway from this documentary to me is that no matter where we live on the planet, climate change will affect us one way or another. It could be close to home, like those living along the banks of the Amazon River, or it could be that it will affect our air quality in Utah with a decrease in carbon dioxide. The global connections that climate change creates are large and far-reaching; no one is immune to the ever-changing world we live in. I need to do my part to be part of the solution and not the problem. I need to make sure that I am not contributing to the greenhouse gases in excess, but instead try to lower my carbon footprint.

Link to short documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwsI3JyO-t0  

[Written for GEOG 130G class UVU Spring 2022]
aB . All Right Reserved . 2025

Indigenous Groups of Utah

The Northern Ute

    The Ute tribe believed in animal-people that were here before humans were created. Once humans were created, they kept the stories alive of their predecessors and how these animal-people kept the world balanced. Because of these stories that have been passed down for generations, the Ute people have a very close connection to the Earth and everything on and around it. The Ute people believe that they were created by Sinauf, who was half man and half wolf, and their God. They told the story of how they became his beloved people by remaining in his bag for the entire journey to their homeland, while other people jumped out and formed other tribes. Because they had been patient and had waited, he gave them the beautiful high mountains to live in. They made the eastern Great Basin and the western Rocky Mountains their home for many generations.

    The Ute territory went from Fillmore in Utah to Colorado Springs in Colorado and from Baggs in Wyoming to Abiquiu in New Mexico. They would usually erect their villages close to the waterways so that they could fish and have water to drink. The mountains are where they could hide from enemies, as they were very knowledgeable of the area and could easily disappear. Ute families were very independent and took care of themselves. There could be a village leader of some sort, but most families just took care of their own needs. Men were the hunters and made weapons and everything they needed to survive. Women were the gatherers and would take care of the shelter and food needs of their family. Ute families traveled depending on the seasons and would live in the mountains in the summer and in the valleys in the winter. Many families would gather together while the men would hunt for large game to prepare for wintertime. After the hunt, they would gather socially, as that was very important for their way of life. They would also gather together socially for marriages or other celebrations, and some would travel quite a way to make it to those social gatherings. While there was not one leader among the Ute people, they all believed they originated from the same God, and so they all shared a similar language, lifestyle, and traditions. They would form smaller bands of families, again without a leader, and would usually stick closer together to that group than to other groups. The Uintah group should sound familiar, as they lived mainly East of Utah Lake and by the Green and Colorado River systems. Another group close to Utah Lake is the Tumpanawach band, who would later be called the Timpanogos Utes by the settlers. This was a large band of Utes, as they had plenty of food in the area because of the lake and the mountains.

    The Ute people believed in healing and usually had a medicine man who would be available when someone became ill. They believed that whatever was possessing the person was making them sick and that they could cure the person with singing, dancing, spiritual objects, and medicine created by the medicine man. Each generation before them had used these same methods, and so they just passed on what they had learned, and the next generation would continue their traditions and would consult a medicine man when necessary.

    In the early 1600s, they acquired horses from the Europeans, and that was a game-changer for them as they could now travel further, longer, and faster. With the horses also came the Spanish, who were looking for the city of gold. As more Europeans came and invaded the land, there soon began to be skirmishes between the Natives and the invaders, which led to a treaty in 1670. Since the Ute tribes were now suspicious of any newcomers, they would not welcome anyone and be friendly, but instead they would steal from them and take whatever supplies they wanted. Skirmishes between other Native tribes were now also common as they were all fighting for land, opportunities to plunder from the newcomers, horses, and power. The Ute and Spanish formed another treaty in 1749, as the Ute were threatened by the Comanche tribes in the area, and so they figured they could help each other out by being allies. The Utes helped the Spanish travel more inland to explore and map the area. 

    In 1820, with the Mexican revolt, the Utes became excellent fur traders, which would be very profitable for them. One Ute native stood out at this time, Wakara, as he would make many trips on horseback to trade for fur and horses. He became very wealthy from this adventure. This new influx of European goods would prove to be disastrous for the natives, as they would become very dependent on this and abandon their way of living on the land and taking care of themselves. More settlers came and built homes on their lands, and they were driven away from the fertile parts to the areas where it would be harder to survive. The government started to give its land away and create reservations where they could live without interfering with the new influx of white settlers coming West. As the fur trade died down, the natives found themselves driven from their homes, unable to sustain themselves the way they had before, and white men living on their land telling them what to do. They tried to fight back by stealing cattle and horses, but by now they were outnumbered and outgunned. The government assigned them reservations to live on and demanded that they give up their homes. Another Ute leader rose up, named Black Hawk, who would try to fight against this injustice once again, but also failed, as the influx of Mormons in Utah was too great for them to handle. In 1850, they decided to live on the reservations with the promise that the Federal Government would provide them with teachings on how to adapt to this new lifestyle. After lots of negotiations and false promises by the government, the remaining Ute people would move onto a reservation with other Native Americans and would be labeled the Uintah Band. They found themselves far away from their beloved mountains, as their reservation was in the middle of nowhere. This was land that settlers had not wanted because they could not plant anything there.

    The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, hopefully, would right a lot of wrongs that had happened to the native population over the years. The Ute leaders at the time accepted the act and were happy that they once again could be in control of their own destiny. Many more challenges would come their way as they moved forward with hope. The great depression and World War II would throw a lot of kinks into their plans for a long time. Today, the Native Americans who still live on the reservation have schools their kids can attend, they have social gatherings just like their ancestors did with dances and spiritual rituals, and they have established a Native American church in their midst. Each tribe is represented in a council that helps make sure the people have what they need. They get to govern themselves and even though they are now fully acclimated to the American way of life with modern conveniences they still feel like they are a chosen people who were put on this earth by the God Sinauf and they make sure to keep telling the next generations about where the Ute people came from and what an incredible connection they have to the Earth and everything on it.

[Written for GEOG 3200 class UVU Summer 2023]
aB . All Right Reserved . 2025

Words of Worship: How Cultish Changed the Way I See Influence

This post discusses key ideas and examples from Cultish by Amanda Montell. While it doesn’t reveal every detail, it may shift your perspective before you read the book yourself.

In February of this year, I read Cultish by Amanda Montell. My daughter recommended it to me, and it completely reframed how I think about language, persuasion, and power. I went in expecting a deep dive into religious cults, and while those are definitely covered, the book goes way beyond that. Montell explores how cult-like language permeates everything from multi-marketing schemes to the fitness community. She reveals how words can be used to manipulate, isolate, and control individuals.

While reading, I was struck by the many groups I had never considered to be “cultish” that started to fit the mold that Montell was describing. The book is filled with examples that are both fascinating and terrifying. Charismatic leaders and corporate brands use language to build loyalty, suppress dissent, and create a sense of belonging that can be hard to escape.

“Language doesn’t work to manipulate people into believing things they don’t want to believe; instead, it gives them license to believe ideas they’re already open to.”

Cultish language doesn’t force belief, it nurtures it. It’s the subtle but powerful distinction that certain slogans, phrases, and speech patterns can feel so familiar and persuasive.

Montell’s arguments are well researched and very compelling, making Cultish especially powerful. The book is not just great for academics but also for your book club, as it is conversational, witty, and deeply thought-provoking. I found myself reexamining everything from corporate slogans to influencer catchphrases with a more critical eye. Why do people get drawn into extreme belief systems, or why do some brands or communities just feel off? This book covers those questions and more. It is not just about cults but about the culture, language, and subtle ways we are shaped by the words around us.

Published: June 15, 2021
Read: February 18, 2025

aB . All Rights Reserved . 2025

Film Industry in Utah

One of my favorite movies was partially filmed in Utah. Anytime I see this movie, it reminds me of many trips I have taken South to Arches National Park. I love the familiar red rock at the beginning of the Indiana Jones movie, The Last Crusade, as the scout troop makes their way past the balancing rock and down to the double arch. I have hiked in that area multiple times, and I love how well-known and iconic that scenery is to those from Utah. Anyone driving along the scenic route in Arches passes the balancing rock and will instantly recognize it as such, and will usually remind everyone around them that this was where they filmed the opening for The Last Crusade.

On top of Indiana Jones, more than 900 other films have been filmed in Utah. Some very popular ones, such as Footloose, Independence Day, High School Musical, Galaxy Quest, The Sandlot, and many more. Filmmakers are drawn to Utah as we provide them an incentive if they use local crews, talent, and locations. Directors can get a very large tax credit if they come to Utah to make their movies. The Governor’s office has even established a Film Commission that helps attract newcomers to film in Utah, and they have sent scouts all over the place to find the best locations to film. They can also put directors in touch with the copious amounts of talent that Utah has to offer.

Utah is also home to some very diverse scenery, as we have deserts, mountains, salt flats, rivers, lakes, and all other types of backgrounds available. You can create all sorts of different movies this way, as we have it all here within the state. According to the Utah Film Commission, the industry has provided $463 million in spending while creating nearly 35,000 jobs and over $6 billion in film tourism over the last ten years.1 I read an article in the Deseret News from a few years back that describes the film industry in Utah and suggests that investment from locals can help the economy even more and have them take pride in their State.

I think some of the challenges for Utah with the increase of films being made here are that the weather in Utah can be very temperamental. We have extremely high heat in some places in the summer and extreme cold with snow in the winter. Another challenge will be for locals, as they will have to work around park or street closures when something is being filmed. The frustration that can be created could be a negative for those who live and work here. Overall, I think there are more positives than negatives, and I hope that Utah will continue to attract many filmmakers to use our beautiful scenery as their backdrop.

Sources:

Phillips, J. (2016, November 16). Utah has long been a great state for filming. Here's how to make it even better. Deseret News. https://www.deseret.com/2016/11/16/20600594/utah-has-long-been-a-great-state-for-filming-here-s-how-to-make-it-even-better/ [deseret.com]

Porter, E. (2023, May 17). Utah's growing film industry brings economic benefits to the state. BYU Daily Universe. https://universe.byu.edu/2023/05/17/utahs-growing-film-industry-brings-economic-benefits-to-the-state/

[Written for GEOG 3200 class UVU Summer 2023]
aB . All Right Reserved . 2025

Island of the People: World Medicine

When I think of indigenous people, I never really think about Canada, but more like New Mexico and the areas around there. It was very interesting to see a documentary about the indigenous people living much farther north. It was cool to see the island of Haida Gwaii represented on the Physical Geography map in the textbook so that I could really picture where it is located.

Maritime Polar winds reach the island of Haida Gwaii, which makes it cold and dry in the wintertime. They get a lot more moisture because of this, and that could be why a lot of herbs and trees can grow there that provide them with a lot of medicine and food.

European diseases such as smallpox devastated the Haida people. Before they came in the 1700s, there were over 8000 Haida people living in the area; now there are just over 500 left. The European settlers deliberately brought blankets with the smallpox virus on them since they believed the indigenous people to be less than human.

Because of migration into Canada from other nations, the indigenous people were relocated or moved to make way for the new settlers. They treated the indigenous people terribly, even though some of them had lived there for hundreds of years before them. NAFTA helped facilitate the great migration pattern that brought many new people to Canada.

The Haida people who are left are trying hard to keep some of their culture alive by teaching their language to the locals. They have an oral culture, and so many of the things like medicine and their history are only told from generation to generation and not written down. The Haida people teach the younger generation to keep their traditions alive.

Because of new technologies and energy production, the lands that the Haida people live on are in danger. They need to protect their land so that it can continue to grow medicine for them and future generations. The culture of the indigenous population teaches them to respect everything around them, including the land they live on. They thank the trees before they harvest a branch, and they do everything they can to protect their forests and lands from being taken advantage of. Since they rely directly on the Earth, that is one of their main priorities.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeQSrU--pNw

[Written for GEOG 130G class UVU Spring 2022]
aB . All Right Reserved . 2025

Geological Regions Road Trip

We are starting our road trip in the Basin and Range area of Utah. The mountains on this side of Utah are part of a desert landscape. Dust storms are prevalent, and when rain comes, it will flood everything and then carry rocks as debris with it downstream. The water will then evaporate or drain into the gravel and sand ground. Water covered most of it for a long time, and so fossils are found in abundance in the area. Magma rose through the rocks at one time, encasing many rocks. The area started to stretch, creating more basins and flat areas. Rock and sand eroded from the mountains and filled the basins below. Many of the mountain ranges contain minerals and ores that are mined.

Our first stop is the Kennecott Copper Mines. Copper was found in the Bingham Canyon in 1887, and so the mining began. To date, it is the largest artificially made excavation site in the world. Copper is created by volcanic activity. The mountain ranges in Utah were formed because of volcanic activity pushing up and creating all sorts of minerals in the mountain ranges.

Our second stop is at Little Sahara. Much of the sand is left by the Sevier River, which once flowed into Lake Bonneville about 15,000 years ago. Winds have picked up the sand and spread it around, creating large sand mountains. Many people consider all the sand to be a nuisance as it would cover the roads and fly around everywhere. A state park was created where the majority of the dunes are, and people often go there to ride their 4-wheelers and other motorized toys. The area is roughly 60,000 acres of sand.



We continue our road trip and head towards the Basin and Range Colorado Plateau Transition. This area has a little of the basin and range that is to the North of it, but it is also starting to look more like the Colorado Plateau that is to the East of it. You have enormous cliffs on one side and flat land on the other; the transition area is spectacular to see and explore.

Our third stop is in Frisco. This used to be an active mining community from 1879 to 1929. Silver was found, and a mine was created that would yield about $50 million in silver. At one point, it was the richest silver mine in the world. Volcanoes underground bring ore up towards the surface, which can then be mined. You would need to go into the ground to find the ore and bring it up, and then smelt it to create silver. Ore can also be found where a lot of seawater circulates. Cracks in the Earth’s crust can move the oar around as well. Since most of Utah was underwater for a long time, the ore could have made its way towards Frisco by way of water as well. Frisco is now just an awesome ghost town with abandoned homes and the mine.

Our fourth stop is at the Grand Wash in Capitol Reef National Park. Large cliffs extend above you as you hike down the wash. It is usually dry and accessible by car, but on some occasions it can be rained out quickly and sweep everything with it as water barrels down it. The walls of the wash are super flat and have been carved by the water that once occupied the entire area. Wind still whips through it and continues to flatten and smooth the rock. The large walls are created out of sandstone and show the different lines as they moved and shaped themselves over millions of years.



We next head more East towards the Colorado plateau, which is named for the river that runs through it. The entire area is full of Shale, siltstone, and sandstone layers with beautiful colors. These are younger rocks from the Pennsylvanian age and make up the most colorful part of Utah. The soil is very thin in this area, and there is sparse vegetation. Wind erodes the rocks, which allows water to seep in. The rocks are very porous and can be shaped easily. Most of what you see down there is from the last 6 million years.

Our fifth stop is Dead Horse Point. A small state park located on the edge of the plateau. Layers of sediment and dust blown by wind created layer upon layer of the mountains. Layers of mudstone, shale, and sandstone, together with petrified wood, volcanic ash, and uranium, make up the layers. The Colorado River runs right through it and has carved the path it takes now. The views are breathtaking as you can see for miles and enjoy all the wonderful colors.



Our sixth stop is Goblin Valley. Another small state park, but very cool. The goblins were formed through spheroidal weathering over millions of years. 170 million years ago, Goblin Valley was just a muddy tidal flat for an enormous sea. The waves and wind caused the creation of the hoodoos over time. You can climb on top of the structures and explore the many different shapes. It is a playground for kids and adults alike.



We are finally making our way back up and are now headed to the Middle Rocky Mountains. The mountain ranges were created after the Precambrian time, which included being folded and pushed up until we see what we have today. There is a lot of overlapping with 2 faults running along it all as well. There is a lot of volcanic material present in the mountain ranges. The rocks are erosion-resistant, and that is why the mountains have not changed much since and why they have remained so tall. Around 770 million years ago, the large continent of Rhodesia started to split right where the mountains are today. A lot of the ocean filled Utah, and the pressure of the plates caused the basin to sink and the mountains to rise. The Wasatch mountain range was forced up because of tectonic compression around 100 million years ago. Erosion over time created the gorges in the mountains where rivers could run freely and shape the mountains as they are today.

Our seventh stop on our trip takes us to the top of Mount Timpanogos. There are four different ways to get to the top of Mount Timpanogos, and all of them require you to be somewhat fit and be able to hike for a long time. It is the 2nd-highest mountain in the Wasatch Mountains. It is made of limestone and dolomite from the Pennsylvanian era. Many make it a bucket list item to hike to the top of Timp and look over both sides. The views are breathtaking.



And finally, our last and eighth stop is at Silver Lake Flats. This is actually a man-made lake in the middle of the mountain range. It is used for fishing and boating, and is a small paradise hidden away. It was built in 1971, and a dam was built to keep some of the water from running out of the canyon and flooding the Highland/Alpine area where people live. There are many natural springs in the mountains that need to be contained and redirected somewhat so that people can live in the valley area. The water helps the wildlife that live in the area. Utah has about 45 of those dams around the state to keep water in the mountains and away from the population below it. The lake holds fresh water and is a nice place to cool down when it gets hot in the summer.



I have been to every one of these locations except Frisco, but that one is still on my list of places to visit. The pictures in this essay are all from my adventures. After learning more about how Utah is divided into four distinct areas in the last two modules, I can see that this is reflected in all the places I have visited. This was a very fun and informative project that I enjoyed creating, as I looked back on places I had visited recently and long ago.

[Written for GEOG 3200 class UVU Summer 2023]
aB . 2025 . All Right Reserved

Two Voices, One Crisis: Comparing Know My Name and Missoula

This post discusses sexual assault and its aftermath, as portrayed in Know My Name by Chanel Miller and Missoula by Jon Krakauer.

In the past year, I’ve read two books that profoundly shaped my understanding of sexual assault and the systems that fail survivors. I’ve long admired Jon Krakauer’s work, so I picked up Missoula knowing it would be thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written. Then, earlier this year, Know My Name was recommended by my coworkers, and since memoirs are my favorite genre, I decided to read it. Both books are powerful and necessary, approaching the same subject from very different angles. Together, they offer a fuller picture of the crisis facing college campuses and the justice system when it comes to sexual assault.

Know My Name is a memoir by Chanel Miller. She writes with emotional depth and poetic clarity, recounting her experience as the survivor of sexual assault on Stanford University’s campus. Her story is intimate, raw, and deeply human. She invites readers into her pain, her healing, and her fight to reclaim her identity. One quote that stayed with me is:

“I survived because I remained soft, because I listened, because I wrote. Because I huddled close to my truth, protected it like a tiny flame in a terrible storm... Stay tender with your power. Never fight to injure, fight to uplift. Fight because you know that in this life, you deserve safety, joy, and freedom.”

This quote captures the emotional core of Miller’s memoir. Her strength lies not in revenge, but in vulnerability and truth.

Missoula, written by Jon Krakauer, is a work of investigative journalism. He examines multiple cases of sexual assault at the University of Montana, revealing systemic failures in law enforcement, university administration, and public perception. His writing is meticulous and fact-driven. Krakauer exposes how institutions protect perpetrators and retraumatize victims—all under the guise of due process.

Reading Know My Name felt like sitting beside someone as they shared their story. Reading Missoula felt like being in the courtroom, watching the system unfold. Both are emotionally intense: Miller’s memoir is personal and lyrical, while Krakauer’s account is analytical and expansive. Together, they highlight the same truth—sexual assault is not just an individual trauma; it is a societal failure. Survivors are often doubted, silenced, and retraumatized by the very systems meant to protect them.

If you’re looking to understand both the emotional and systemic realities of sexual assault, I highly recommend reading Know My Name and Missoula. One gives voice to the survivor, the other holds a mirror to the system—and both insist that we do better.

Know My Name Published: September 24, 2019
Read: March 5, 2025

Missoula Published: April 21, 2015
Read: January 19, 2024

aB . All Rights Reserved . 2025

Outback: Deserts and Life

Everyone in my family has been to Australia at one time or another in their life except for me. My parents lived there for a long time, and some of my siblings were even born there. I still have aunts, uncles, and cousins who live there as well, but I have never visited, and so it is at the top of my bucket list of places to visit. So, when I saw this documentary as one to watch for this week, I was really excited.

Australia is a very large country/continent that is only inhabited along the coasts and not much in the middle. The climate is so very diverse in different parts of the country. Temperatures in the outback can reach very high, and that is probably why the outback part of the country is not populated as much as the rest. Australia’s best-known climate is the outback, which is a semi-arid to arid climate in the interior. (pg 460 of our textbook) I thought that it was pretty cool to learn that the climate itself is called Outback. I thought that it was just the name for the inland part of the country.

The indigenous population of Australia is called the Aboriginal people. When settlers first came to Australia, they didn’t realize that the country was already inhabited by Aborigines who lived inland, deep in the desert. New settlers didn’t take the indigenous people into consideration when they started testing nuclear bombs in the desert without regard to those who were living there. The Aborigines were forced to move to keep safe from the blasts. Today, the Aborigines have areas that were created just for them where they could keep living their lives the way they were used to.

 Climate change is also affecting those living in Australia today. The extra heat is affecting the animals that the Aborigines hunt, which is making it harder for them to keep up their way of life. Storms that hit Australia have also become more severe and shut down parts of the Outback for days. My family, who still lives in Australia, has noticed that they have had more frequent flooding by the coast and more wildfires than normal in the Outback.

I enjoyed watching this documentary as usual, since documentaries are my favorite type of movie. I learned some more about the Outback and how different the weather can get there.

Link: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2zabh2

[Written for GEOG 130G class UVU Spring 2022]
aB . All Right Reserved . 2025

Spotlight on Utah’s Cherry and Sheep Industries

When I first moved to Orem in 1995, there were many orchards around the city. As time went by, those got cut down and were replaced by subdivisions. Reading the first article, they mentioned it all started when Geneva Steel came to town and changed the look of the land. As more people move to Utah, it seems that orchards and any “empty” areas are being replaced by more homes. The large cherry orchards down in Payson and Santaquin are probably still far enough away to not be encroached by too much demand for subdivisions around them, but it won’t be long before they will be surrounded and possibly pushed out of business to make way for more homes. My brother bought a home in Santaquin a few years back, and every time I go to visit him, I see new developments popping up closer to the large Apple orchards there. Every single space that is not already built on is being sold and turned into a plot for a home or apartment building. Homes are built closer together on smaller lots to accommodate more people. It seems large orchards are a rare sight these days, except further down in areas such as Payson and Santaquin. But just because these orchards are not in an area they want to develop for homes yet does not mean they are out of harm's way. The gravel industry is booming in Utah, with the need for more building supplies faster and cheaper, and those orchards are surrounded by gravel companies polluting the air. The trees are suffering already without being crowded out by homes being built all around them. The dust and pollutants in the air are already making the farmers suffer and wonder how much longer they want to stay in the farming business.

If local dust and pollution weren’t enough of a challenge for the farmers, they are now also facing challenges from competitors overseas. Turkey has found a way to sell their cherries for a fraction of the cost it takes Utah farmers to sell theirs. They can sell their cherries for such a low cost that Utah cherry growers cannot compete with the low price. With the local problems they already face to keep in business, and now the international problems on top of that, it is a miracle they are still kicking and trying to make it work. For many of these farmers, this has been their life for generations, and they don’t see their family doing anything else for a long time. They have worked the land and lived off it for many years and hope their grandkids can continue to do so. Hopefully, they can come to some sort of agreement with the government to keep production of cherries local to farmers in America without buying from other countries. Keeping our economy afloat is more important in my opinion, as these are my neighbors trying to make a living just like I am.

Just like with the Cherries, it seems foreign entities want to also interfere in the meat industry here in America. I was already aware that a lot of companies in the United States are owned by businesses from other countries, and so I was not surprised to read about this current predicament. Money makes the world go round, and so if a larger company comes in to disrupt the flow of money in America to divert it to themselves, that is not surprising at all to me. It is very sad how someone can just step in and change the entire course of history by pushing out the smaller ranchers and changing their way of life in an instant.

COVID-19 pretty much shut down the world for a while, and so all aspects of trade and business were affected to some degree. I did not realize the process for wool, and it was fascinating to learn that everyone needs to ship wool to New Zealand to be tested before being sold. I see a niche that maybe we in America need to explore and get in on. Again, in the second story, it talked about how other countries sell lamb to people in America for cheaper prices, and so local ranchers that have been doing this for generations are suffering as they cannot compete with the lower prices, then add COVID, and I am sure some ranchers had to shut down their business altogether during this time.

I found all 4 articles to be fascinating and very informative. It made me see that there is a lot more going on in the world than I think when it comes to the food industry. It also made me more determined to really look for local foods more as opposed to just buying what is available. I already try to be aware of local markets and try to spend my money locally, but I see that there are many industries that try to put the little guy out of business, and that they are ruthless when they do so. I love going to my local farmers' market on Saturday and seeing the small farmers in Utah try to keep their business afloat this way. I need to be more mindful of that and stimulate my local economy more in that way. I don’t buy meat as I have seen too many documentaries about the horrible treatment of animals, and so there is nothing different I can do there to help the sheep industry of Utah, but I can again make sure to try to purchase clothing and items containing wool from local (as in America) businesses. Next time I am at the farmer’s market, I will also be looking for Cherries, as I now need to try the local ones because I bet they are amazing.

[Written for GEOG 3200 class UVU Summer 2023]
aB . All Right Reserved . 2025

Frank Gehry

How does Gehry utilize his artistic design(s) to solve problems dealing with function?

Gehry uses a computer that can calculate the design a lot quicker, which in turn saves money when designing a new building. Being able to utilize that technology, he has saved a lot of time creating all the final plans without having to go through many revision stages. After he has mocked up a building with a small model, he can input all the information into a computer program that will help him create the actual plans he will need to get it built.

Gehry wanted the audience at Disney Hall to have an amazing experience, and so he designed the hall around that idea. He created smaller armrests so that there would be more comfortable space to sit. He created amazing acoustics with beautiful wood paneling to be pleasing to the eye as well. He wanted the building to be beautiful and functional at the same time.

Gehry came up with a brilliant idea to use a teepee shape when designing the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi. He knew that the people there enjoyed being outdoors more than inside an air-conditioned area, and so he created teepee areas where the temperature would be cooler and more manageable while they could still be outside as well. It would have been cheaper to create something that uses air-conditioning, but then it would be boring and not as visually pleasing as his teepee idea.


According to Gehry, what does art do for humanity?

Art takes the threat away and becomes humanistic. We can ask ourselves who we are and why this art talks to us. It gives us clarity when it is exciting and not boring. I love that he believes that architecture is part of something bigger. Art gives us experiences we don’t have in our normal everyday lives. The amazing buildings that are created outside of the norm can liven up an area and renew it. When a building fits perfectly into an already existing landscape, it can add more than it takes away.

[Written for HUM 1010 class UVU Spring 2022]
aB . 2025 . All Right Reserved

“Blades, Realms, and Souls: My Journey Through Mai Corland’s Fantasy Saga”

This post contains reflections and quotes from all three books in Mai Corland’s fantasy trilogy: Five Broken Blades, Four Ruined Realms, and Three Shattered Souls. If you haven’t read them yet, consider bookmarking this post and returning after you’ve finished the series!

In February of this year, my co-worker recommended that I read Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland. I am slowly diving into the world of fantasy books, and so I decided to give it a try. Once I discovered the world Mai Corland had created, I knew I wanted to read the other books in this series. Book two was already published, but the third, and last, book in the trilogy would not come out until the Summer. 

I started with Five Broken Blades. The book is an adventure fantasy packed with corruption, betrayal, and mythic intrigue. The cast of characters is unforgettable. A thief, a strongman, a spy, an assassin, a nobleman, and an exiled prince. Corland’s character development captivated me and nearly made it impossible to put the book down, so I finished it in two days. The balance of humor, romance, and intense fight scenes sets the stage for a vast world that is both thrilling and emotionally rich.

I raced through Four Ruined Realms even faster than the first. The short chapters dedicated to specific characters and their shifting perspectives kept the momentum high and intriguing. New characters were added, involving mystery and complexity to an already great storyline. Corland expanded her world in this book, blending action, romance, and heartbreak in a way that felt seamless. Favorite characters started to form in my mind as I felt myself rooting for their success as the second part of the story came to a close.

The wait for Three Shattered Souls was worth it, as the story seamlessly picks up where I had left my heroes only a few months before. The stunning conclusion wraps up the trilogy with emotional intensity and gripping tension. Royo, my favorite character, shines in this installment. His journey through the books is raw, complex, and beautifully written. Corland has a gift for weaving pain and hope together, and this book proves it.

Two quotes from the final book especially stayed with me:

“Broken hearts grow thorns as they stitch themselves back together.”

“There are weights you bear alone, because the truth will crush someone you love.”

These lines reflect the emotional depth and poetic beauty that define the series. While I did not want Three Shattered Souls to be the last book in this series, it elevated it and left me feeling emotionally drained from this amazing world I had stumbled upon only months earlier.

Mai Corland’s trilogy is a masterclass in fantasy storytelling. It blends epic adventure with intimate emotions. The series left me heartbroken, but grateful, that I was able to live in that world for a short while. I didn’t want the story to end with book three, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that Corland will add to this amazing fantasy world she has created over time.

Five Broken Blades Published: May 7, 2024
Read: February 14, 2025

Four Ruined Realms Published: January 7, 2025
Read: February 18, 2025

Three Shattered Souls Published: July 15, 2025
Read: August 26, 2025

aB . All Rights Reserved . 2025

Neil Hughes

Watching the documentary about Neil Hughes as he ages from 7 to 49 was very interesting. Scientific studies like this one that follow people throughout their lifetime are very involved and very interesting to learn about.

The video starts with a short clip of Neil at age 7. Neil seems to be a normal child who talks a lot and is excited about life and the possibilities it holds for him. He wants to be an astronaut when he grows up, and if he is unable to do that, he would like to be a coach driver. He exclaims that he does not want children as they are naughty and make a lot of messes. His whole life is mapped out for him; he has no worries, and he seems to be a happy 7-year-old.

The clip of Neil at age 14 is even shorter than the one at age 7, but it seems that he is enjoying life and has the desire to be rich when he grows up. The short clip made it seem that Neil is still living a pretty normal life with friends and schoolwork.

The narrative changes when we reach Neil at age 21. He has a lot to say all of a sudden, and he explains that his life was not all roses growing up. He blames his parents for their lack of interest in him when he was younger and tells us that they forced God on him and left him to fend for himself a lot. He doesn’t think he has had enough obstacles in his life to challenge him, and that is why he is feeling lost right now. He quit college after only a few months because he did not get into Oxford and was quite bitter about that. He now lives as a squatter and doesn’t see a problem with that at all. He wants to hold an important position in life, but he doesn’t seem to want to work for it. He explains that he has never had stability or happiness growing up and that he doesn’t feel loved now. He talks a few times about his life when he was 16, and it seems that a lot of things shifted for him around that time. He started to be more eccentric and figured out that maybe he wants to be a writer.

At age 28, he is still unemployed and lives off social security. He moves around a lot and does not like to stay in one place for too long. He says he feels bad for living off the state, but he doesn’t do anything to change it. His view on religion is slowly changing as now he sees God as a person and unpredictable. He starts to think more about his faith, and he feels like he has a lot of obstacles in his life now. He exclaims that he would love a normal life and that that would make him happy, but he still does not want any children because he knows they will inherit something from him, and he would never want to burden them with that.

At age 35, he is very cut off from people and enjoys the quiet life in the country. He is now used to the lifestyle he has and knows that he will need to give it up one day. He still lives off social security and doesn’t seem to want to remedy that. He is involved with the theater in town and has actually directed a play. He is still depressed, but he can manage it without medication, as he does not want to be dependent on that. He knows he suffers from many different personality disorders, but he now trusts in God to help him. He knows he cannot offer stability, and that is why he is not married or in a relationship.

His life changed for a period when the camera caught up to him in London at age 42. He has found his way into politics and is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, and was elected to the council. His political work is all voluntary, and so he is still living on social security. He worries that he is a drain on society, but he does nothing to fix that issue; he seems to be all talk and no action when it comes to his employment or finances. He is extremely involved with politics and is constantly busy.

This last phase didn’t last long, as by age 49, he was back in the countryside again, but this time with a car his brother gave him free of charge. He is involved with politics in his new area and tried to win elections there. Living in a rural setting makes him feel closer to God, and he is extremely dedicated to the church. He volunteers one day a week as well, and he gets a small allowance as a council member. He also gets a small allowance from the state for being a job seeker, even though he has been seeking but never retaining a job for many, many years. Because he is a council member, he also gets help with a small flat. He regrets that he never got married, but he explains that it would be hard for anyone to get along with him. He did have a girlfriend for 2 years at one time, but that didn’t work out either. His dad passed away about 5 years previous, and he reminisces about their relationship, or lack thereof. He remembers having a relationship with his dad when he was younger, but it deteriorated as he got older. He believes his dad gave him bad advice when he was younger, and that is why he lives the life he does now.

Physically, Neil seems to have had a pretty normal development through his life, as he has been able to take care of himself. He is seen walking everywhere in the videos and looks to be in fine shape as he makes sure he has shelter, food, and the basic necessities.

Mentally, he does feel that he suffers from depression and other personality disorders. He blames a lot of his troubles on his parents and their absence in his life from a young age. He talks about depression and not feeling settled, and that is why he moved around a lot. He grew up being told to always think about others before himself, and so he doesn’t feel like he knows how to take care of himself mentally as well. He also feels that his life has never been stable, and so it was hard to be happy.

He seems to enjoy the quiet life away from others, and so his social and emotional development is probably not where it should be. He isolates himself a lot and moves around, which makes it harder to create lasting friendships. He does have a friend who went through the study with him, but they drifted apart as they both got older. His relationship with his family is strained, and so he seems to be alone a lot. You can tell he gets enjoyment from being around other people. When he was in politics and he would eagerly talk to people he met to tell them about himself and his political platform. When he is interested and passionate about something, he seems to open up more and be more social.

The isolated times were probably hindering his development more than the times he lived in London and was around people more. Having a purpose and being excited about something helped him to stand out and be himself more than when he lived alone in a remote corner of the countryside.

The research performed with this longitudinal design was probably very time-consuming and expensive. Neil was not the only participant, as we found out, and so having to establish contact every 7 years would be hard. I liked how we could see the changes over time and how we could see his development in lots of different stages of his life. His language development was really cool to follow, as you could see him slow down as he aged and think more about his answers. His language became more mature and had deeper meaning with each stage. The physical changes were also noticeable as we did not see him every year, but every 7 years instead. His hair thinned out over time, and he aged in his face a lot as well between the ages of 42 and 49. I enjoyed watching the entire study and can see how a lot of information was gained during this long, extensive study of one person.

Watch the fascinating 50-minute documentary on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBS3_G7NhHg&t=501s

[Written for PSY 1100 class UVU Fall 2022]
aB . All Right Reserved . 2025

My Life in Motion

My Life in Motion is a non-linear photographic narrative that explores how I navigate daily life without a car. Through twenty images divided into five thematic sections, this project documents the rhythm, freedom, and intentionality of moving through my hometown of Provo using public transportation, biking, walking, and occasionally scootering.

This series is both personal and political. It reflects my choice to live without a car—not out of necessity, but out of a desire for simplicity, sustainability, and connection. Each image captures a moment in my routine: waiting at a bus stop, riding through tree-lined bike paths, reading on the bus, or walking home in quiet reflection. These are not just modes of transportation—they are acts of independence and mindfulness.

Provo’s vibrant murals, thoughtful infrastructure, and walkable streets are more than a backdrop; they are part of the story. By slowing down, I’ve discovered a deeper appreciation for my city’s beauty and culture. I’ve also found community—familiar faces on the bus, friendly drivers, and shared spaces that foster connection.

This project invites viewers to reconsider what it means to move through the world. It’s a celebration of motion, not speed; of presence, not convenience. It’s a reminder that freedom doesn’t always come with four wheels—it can come with two, or even just your own two feet.

INTRODUCTION

One Time in Provo

A mural sets the stage for this journey through my hometown. Provo is more than a place—it’s a canvas for movement, creativity, and everyday life.

Me and My Bike

This is me—no car, no problem. My bike is one of many tools I use to navigate the world around me, powered by independence and intention.

The Hub

Just a mile from home, the train station connects me to the entire region. It’s the heartbeat of my mobility, where every journey begins.

Art in Motion

Provo’s murals are everywhere, waiting to be discovered. Walking and biking let me slow down and see the beauty that cars often rush past.

HOW I GET AROUND TOWN

Pathways of Safety

A painted bike symbol marks the way. Provo’s dedicated bike paths make it easy—and safe—to choose wheels over engines.

Waiting in Motion

Feet planted, tires ready. At the bus stop, my bike and I pause together, ready to shift seamlessly from pedal to public transit.

Quiet Commute

Inside the bus, it’s calm and still. No traffic stress, no road rage—just peace, and the freedom to let someone else take the wheel.

The Green Corridor

Wide, tree-lined, and welcoming—this bike lane connects cities and communities. I sit on my scooter, grateful for the thoughtful design that makes movement feel joyful and safe.

DAILY LIFE

Steps From Work

The bus stop outside the university library is my daily gateway. I work and study here, and public transit makes it all seamlessly accessible.

Reading in Transit

Whether it's a book, audiobook, or podcast, my commute is a quiet retreat. I get 90 minutes a day to read, reflect, and recharge.

Walking Together

After the bus ride home, I walk the final stretch with others who also choose public transit. It’s a shared rhythm, a peaceful end to the day.

Scooter Groceries

My weekly grocery run is a 7-mile ride on my electric scooter. Parked outside Trader Joe’s, it’s proof that errands can be efficient—and fun—without a car.

JOY & FREEDOM

Train to Anywhere

Just a mile from home, the train opens up my world—from family visits to city adventures. It’s reliable, expansive, and liberating.

The Whole Lane

My bike stands proudly in front of a sign that says it all: “Bikes may use full lane.” Provo’s bike-friendly roads make riding feel safe and respected.

Options

Each day is a different adventure when my transportation options are virtually limitless. I decide how I travel depending on my mood.

Multi-Modal Freedom

My bike rides the bus with me, ready to go wherever the road ends. Combining transit and cycling gives me unmatched flexibility and freedom.

THIS IS HOME

Legs to Anywhere

Downtown Provo behind me, reminds me that my legs are enough. I walk this city with purpose, and it takes me everywhere I need to go.

Bike as Art

A bike-shaped rack stands as both utility and sculpture. Provo’s artistic spirit celebrates movement and creativity in everyday spaces.

Familiar Faces

A close-up of the bus that carries me daily. I’ve come to know the drivers, the riders, the rhythm—it’s more than transit, it’s community.

Heart of Provo

This sculpture near my home says it all. Living in a city full of art, culture, and walkable streets makes me feel connected and joyful.

[Project Created for ART 1050, Fall 2025]
aB . All Rights Reserved . 2025