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

Bali: They Paved Paradise

I enjoyed learning about Bali as I didn’t know too much about the place before. I knew it was a tourist destination, but it was sad to see how much tourism has destroyed a beautiful culture and land so much. I have friends from Indonesia, and the food is amazing, but that is all I know about Indonesia, the culture, religion, and the people.

Tourism is described as short-term travel for the purpose of recreation and relaxation. Bali is a very popular tourist spot, but it was not always that way. Before tourism took over the small island, it was occupied by farmers and lots of fields full of rice. In the 1970s surfers started coming to Bali as word spread that it was an amazing place to surf. It is now in the top 6 places on earth named best for surfing conditions. Back in the 1970s, there was only one 5-star hotel on the entire island, and now there are 41 (at the time of the documentary). Big resorts have taken over many of the rice fields, and slowly, they are destroying the livelihood of the natives in Bali. They use up a lot of the water that is needed for agriculture. The tourists also bring with them more pollution, sewage problems, cooking oil accumulation in the water, and a garbage problem on the island.

Hinduism is the main religion in Bali. The farmers believe that water and the rice, combined with their religion, appease the Gods to keep the fields green and producing for them. The greedy developers are buying up more land used for rice to build resorts and tourist destinations. The developers are also encroaching on religious sites on the island, which are supposed to be off-limits to them. The politicians are looking at the other way as developers take more land for tourism.

The locals try to give the tourists authenticity when they perform traditional dances and show the tourists the culture from their own perspective.

I can see the good and the bad when it comes to tourism. The people in Bali want simple tourism and not big business. They want to be able to protect their island while still being able to show others their culture and customs. I have noticed an increase in visits to the National parks located here in Utah during Covid and how that has impacted the parks. The trash left behind by people who do not normally hike or visit parks shows me they have not learned the etiquette that accompanies someone who is fond of the outdoors. The increased traffic and full parking lots have also been a slight frustration to many, as well as the increase in inexperienced hikers who now travel on paths they really shouldn’t. Simple tourism sounds like a much better answer, but with the number of people wanting to travel and sightsee, that would be impossible in a lot of places.

Link: https://documentary.net/video/bali-paving-paradise-is-mass-tourism-destroying-the-island/

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

Utah’s Population Projections and Changes

Utah seems to be on track to become more diverse as time goes by. When you look at the “at-a-glance” graph on the first page, you can clearly see that while the population will grow across all races and ethnic groups, it is projected to grow the most among Hispanics, African Americans, and those who consider themself to have 2 or more races. While Utah will still be predominantly white, the minority population will grow and get bigger over the next 50 years. This increase in population from many different races and ethnicities will mean there will most likely be an increase in the types of jobs available, different restaurant options to cater to a more diverse crowd, and many different companies coming to Utah to employ the new influx of workers available.

The article also states that the most growth will happen among a younger generation and that the older generation will mainly remain the same as it is right now and will not grow much. With more people coming to Utah who are part of a younger generation, this will mean we will need an increase in schools and teachers to handle this new influx. Colleges and Universities will need to grow with this new demand as well, and this will hopefully create more jobs for many. Another important thing that will need to increase is the homes available to house the many newcomers. Already now I am seeing more apartment and condo-type places being built instead of single-family homes. With the amount of growth that is expected to happen, having a larger number of homes available will be beneficial, and you can definitely fit more living spaces on top of each other than next to each other.

When just looking at Utah County, we can see there is going to be a serious influx of people moving here. With this influx of new residents will also come more opportunities for jobs. Out of all the different areas in Utah that were looked at during this research, Utah County will be growing the most when it comes to job opportunities available. According to the research, one in three new jobs in Utah will be in Utah County. In all the tables provided on pages 4-6, Utah County ranks in the top 4 every single time. Many of the people living in Utah County will be between the ages of 25 and 64, which makes them perfect for the booming job market that will be there.

Utah County is only so large, and we have already filled up a lot of the viable spaces with
homes that have been around for a long time. All the cities tend to merge together, and there really isn’t any place between the cities that shows where one ends and the next one starts. Some of the negative side effects from this immense growth will be finding space for all these new residents and the new employers looking to make Utah County their home as well. A lot of growth has already been achieved on the “other side” of Utah Lake. There is still a lot of land that can be developed as more growth is coming, but will Utah have enough water to support that growth, as most of that land is in a very dry part of the state? The additional cars that will be occupying the existing roads will also create more problems, as we can already see with the growth we are currently experiencing. If you live on the other side of the lake but work in Orem, it could potentially take you 45 minutes to get to work, and even longer during rush hour. Utah will need to make sure the roads and highways grow with the population that is expected to come to Utah.

As a positive, a lot of the older areas of Utah County will probably be revitalized as old homes will make way for newer ones. Roads will be enlarged, and maybe that bridge Utahns have talked about for a while now will actually happen across Utah Lake to create a faster alternative than the busy road that goes around it. I really hope Utah County will also grow more when it comes to public transportation, as that will really help alleviate the stress of more vehicles. I use public transportation a lot as I live in Provo and have good access to it, but many people don’t, and so a better system will be beneficial to many. More money will come to Utah in the form of taxes, which will help build more schools and roads as they will be needed. Hopefully, more tourism money will also find its way to Utah, as we do have some amazing mountains to get lost in. As the population grows in Utah County, so will the entertainment and nightlife, which will be great for the younger generation, will stimulate the economy that way as well. I chose to live in Provo as I have two daughters who are part of that demographic, and Provo is definitely starting to be more hip and cool for that crowd. As I am seeing the larger condos and apartment complexes built there, where old large businesses were before, it is super cool as it is revitalizing the city and making it more attractive to the younger crowd. Even though age-wise I am not part of that crowd as I am in my 40s, I do enjoy the smaller living spaces that are created, as many newcomers will most likely have smaller families and will see Provo as a great hub to live and work in.

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

Darkly by Marisha Pessl - A Game of Secrets and Shadows

This review contains plot details from Darkly by Marisha Pessl. If you haven't read the book yet and want to experience the mystery firsthand, consider saving this post for later!

What would you kill for?

Darkly was my first experience reading Marisha Pessl, and it left me eager to explore more of her work. Known for her adult novels with a cult-media vibe and eerie undertones, Pessl brings the same energy to her second YA novel, blending gothic charm, psychological intrigue, and a dash of horror.

The story follows Arcadia "Dia" Gannon, a 17-year-old who runs her mother's antique shop and finds companionship in her two elderly coworkers, Agatha and Basil. Dia is obsessed with the mysterious board games known as Darklys, created by the enigmatic Louisiana Veda. After Veda's suspicious death, Dia is selected for a secretive internship with the Darkly company, joining six other teens equally obsessed with Veda's legacy.

They're transported to a remote island where Veda supposedly created her games, and from there, the mystery deepens. Pessl crafts a world that's immersive and unsettling, filled with impossible puzzles, hidden truths, and a protagonist determined to uncover it all.

The characters are memorable, and while I wished for more development of the supporting cast, Dia's voice carries the story with strength and vulnerability. The love triangle adds emotional tension without overshadowing the central mystery. Pessl's writing is atmospheric and layered, weaving together multiple threads that kept me guessing until the end.

Darkly is more than a creepy board game mystery - it's a story about obsession, legacy, and the lengths we go to uncover the truth. Pessl's world-building is masterful, and the novel's eerie tone lingers long after the final page.

Published: November 26, 2024
Read: October 2025