Interview with Mark Johnson. West Side Owner, Jiu-Jitsu Teacher, Shakespeare Quoter. Part I

westsidejiujitsu.com

An Autobio

by Mark Johnson

Writing your own bio is a daunting task.  How to be informative, yet modest, how to be truthful and yet not boastful or braggadocios?  I don’t think I can do it, but I’ll try.  I’ve been a high school English teacher at Ogden High for 16 years now and really enjoy torturing kids with Shakespeare and Harper Lee.  My favorite of course is

“Dear Diary…” Fight or Fit-West Side Academy. Week 3

When you think of an MMA fighter, you might think of a short tempered, muscle bound, hot-head. Or maybe even someone who takes joy in inflicting pain on other people.  That image, however, was not the one that was in my head after I left West Side Academy.  The image I had was that the people who teach and attend West Side Academy belong to a family and are dedicated to the art and discipline of MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  I felt like the instructors cared about what I wanted to learn and not just a set curriculum for the day.  I also felt like the instructors taught WHY certain moves and

“Dear Diary…” Fight or Fit-West Side Academy. Week 2.

West Side Academy

Dear Diary…

When Nelson Mandela was young he learned how to be a man from his father.  Not through engaging in dialogue and questions but through reverential observation and emulation.  This is how I chose to enter this session at West Side Academy. 

“Dear Diary…” Fight of Fit-West Side Academy. Week 1.

West Side Academy

West Side Academy:  Week 1.  

I like variety in my life.  And so I try to use many different activities to stay in shape.  The gym, pretty standard but not my favorite option right after the New Year.  Hiking and biking, but neither option is ideal in the winter.  Snowboarding, running, basketball, chasing after my dog when he decides to wander off (this happens all too often), and many other ways.  However, none of them have made certain muscles sore like Mixed Martial Arts.

Brighton Ski Resort Review

Crest Express

Ripping down the mountain, cutting some sick powder turns, duckin’, dodgin’, bobbin’ and weavin’ through some snow covered Evergreens into a b-line straight off the nearest cliff into a pillow soft landing.  POOF! goes the powder as it gently slaps you in the face with its cold, refreshing kiss and then caresses your body as you ride out of the landing, overcome with the incredible joy that gives all I can do to express it is to shout out “WHAOOOO!”  

Around the World in 90 Minutes?

Meat & Potato Theatre

Around the World in 90 minutes? Be sure to pee beforehand because there won’t be any stops along the way or intermission for that matter… Just an intense 90 minutes going from London to London via Hong Kong.

“Dear Diary…” Pole Fitness at Studio Soiree. Week 4.

Jesse Week 4

Tonight I went to Beginner 2 Pole Fitness taught by Brianna.  She was so knowledgeable and fun to work with.  She spent an adequate amount of time warming up, which I loved.  One thing I haven’t commented on too much is the type of music we listen to while we workout.  Tonight we listened to “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones (probably my favorite song) and another song called “Breathe Me” by Sia (now one of my faves).  It is very soothing and unwinding to be able to listen to this music.  It helps you to smooth out your moves and give you a rhythm to follow.

“Dear Diary…” Pole Fitness at Studio Soiree. Week 3.

Studio Soiree

Jesse Week 3

March 1, 2010

Tonight I went to Beginner 1 Pole fitness with Sarita.  A very important aspect, that I have forgotten to mention, is all the moves that are required as “fillers” between the big spin moves.

“Dear Diary…” Pole Fitness at Studio Soiree. Week 2.

Studio Soiree

Jesse Week 2

February 22, 2010

I remember when I was around the age of seven and decided to go with my friend to watch her sister dance.   I was absolutely enamored by that experience and knew instantly that my next goal in life was to learn how to move my body like her.  Needless to say, I feel like an uncoordinated little girl again, and all I want to do is figure out how to move like my pole fitness instructors.

“Dear Diary…” Pole Fitness at Studio Soiree. Week 1.

Studio Soiree

Hearing that we would be attending a pole fitness studio, we were very excited, but also had no idea what to expect.  Any time we had ever heard the subject of pole fitness classes brought up in a group conversation, there was usually one woman who quickly dismissed the idea.  For one reason or another, some women are quick to judge the very notion of a pole fitness class as being an unrealistic form of exercise.  Throughout the course of my experience with Studio Soiree I know that I will be able to prove those nay-sayers wrong. 

Excellence Concerts Presents: Corcovado Band, “A Touch of Brazil”

Excellence in the Community

Corcovado: a mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, meaning “hunchback” in Portuguese, and most famous for the massive Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue which stands about 130 high and is visible from far distances.  It symbolizes joy and salutation for all who participate. What a perfect name choice for the Brazilian band I experienced tonight.  The Corcovado Band magnified a spirit of welcoming all spectators into their Brazilian culture and music.

Saul’s Cycling Stories: To Legacy With Love

I once read that the reason people fall in love with cycling is that while you are out cruising down the road on your bicycle the same endorphins are released as when you are around the person that you really have the hots for. Whether I am grinding my way up a beautiful canyon road or barreling down along the country fields, I love every moment of it.

Chiropractice Care with Dr. Derek Parkes. Part 1

http://www.drderekparkes.com/

7084 South 2300 East.  Cottonwood Heights, Utah

801. 733.8300

Dr. Derek Parkes was born and raised in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.  He shares the same hometown as Joe Thornton (plays in the NHL).  Derek graduated with a Philosophy degree from the University of Western Ontario, which he attended on a football scholarship.  Afterward, he played professionally in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts.  About 4 years later, Derek attended Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri.  He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Doctorate in Chiropractic.  Derek resides in Salt Lake City with his wife.  He has a successful Chiropractic practice in Cottonwood Heights.  Derek enjoys skiing, golfing, running,  playing football and hockey.  He recently joined the football coaching staff at Cottonwood High School as a defensive line coach for this upcoming season.

(VM) What inspired/influenced you to become a chiropractor?

“Dear Diary…” Isis Pilates. Week 4.

Isis Pilates

1615 Foothill Dr. Suite C. Salt Lake City, Utah

801.232.8626

Isis was an Egyptian goddess of magic and the giver of life.  She was a friend to all and worked with her people to build a strong community.  Isis Pilates is a neighborhood studio.  We strive to enhance the health and well-being of our community.

At Isis Pilates, every client begins with 3 one-on-one sessions where an initial kinetic assessment is performed.  We address any injuries, weaknesses, chronic pain or tightness and any aesthetic improvements you may desire.  We offer private and group sessions.  Whether you decide to continue with private sessions or choose to go into a group setting, you will still receive personal attention as our groups range from 3-5 people.

Isis Pilates will give you the workout that’s best for you now, and will increase the intensity as your body progresses and improves. Try It!-Cher Jolley-Parkes

chatroullette poll: How Many Sad People Have Exposed Themselves To You On Here Today?

Check out these screenshots!  Where else will you see a Richard Simmons look-a-like and people counting naked men in their heads?

HA!!! This guy actually typed "no." I was laughing so hard I couldn't screen shot it.

Chatroullette Poll…URKEL OR MR. BELVEDERE?

OK … I saw chatroullette on Tosh.0, which is one of the funniest shows on TV and it looked hilarious.  So for the record most of chatroullette is seeing the many, many disappointed faces that you are not a topless woman.  By the looks on their faces they are used to rejection and disappointment.

So I thought I would ask the world the most important question … URKEL OR MR. Belvedere?

Urkel won with 73% of the votes and Mr. Belvedere received 23% of the votes and wtf received 4% of the votes.

This dude was hilarious!! He is a cat!!!

click read the rest of this story for more screen shots.

“Dear Diary…” Isis Pilates. Week 3.

Isis Pilates

1615 Foothill Dr. Suite C. Salt Lake City, Utah

801.232.8626

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates enhances the everyday activities of our lives, whether it’s bending over to pick something up or running a 26 mile marathon.  It’s a refreshing mind-body workout.  By breathing deeply and concentrating on flowing movement you can maximize your workout.  Breathing deeply carries oxygen to the muscles and can reduce stress.

Pilates strengthens and elongates muscles improving elasticity and joint mobility.  A body conditioned with balance, strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured.

Pilates doesn’t over train or under train muscles.  It focuses on the body as a whole.  Each exercise works on developing a strong core – your abdominals and back.

Pilates is a safe exercise.  It teaches good posture, body awareness and can help you look and feel your best.–Cher Jolley-Parkes

Jesse.  “Dear Diary…”

Salt Lake Acting Company presents Too Much Memory

Salt Lake Acting Company

Too Much Memory by Keith Reddin and Meg Gibson

168 West 500 North
Salt Lake City, Utah
801.363.7522

It is always interesting to think about the relevance of current political situations through the retelling of classic stories. I guess that’s what keeps theatre alive. If it wasn’t for retelling we would have stopped telling stories back in the stone-age. Right now, Salt Lake Acting Company is revisiting the story of Antigone, the tragic continuation of the story of Oedipus. Remember he’s the one who marries his own mother then gouges his eyes out once he figures out what he’s done? The one Freud was obsessed with.

“Dear Diary…” Isis Pilates. Week 2.

Isis Pilates

1615 Foothill Dr. Suite C. Salt Lake City, Utah.

801.232.8626

My name is Cher, and pardon the pun, but let me share my personal experience with Pilates and how it’s changed my life.  Nearly 10 years ago, I started running for exercise and to relieve stress.  After about 3 months, my knee started to hurt, which lead to ankle and foot injuries.  Dr.’s took x-rays and finally came up with a diagnosis that my patella (knee cap) didn’t track straight and unless I wanted to have surgery, I should find a different form of exercise.  I thought for sure I would never run again.

Today, I’m training for a marathon!  Wait, how can this be?  One word: Pilates.  Over time, Pilates has strengthened my stabilizing muscles around my knee and hip, increased my flexibility and range of motion and put me back into balance.  My patella tracking problem resolved itself without surgery, and I’m able to pursue my passion of running.  I am forever indebted to Pilates for this gift.

“Dear Diary…” Scuba with The Dive Shop. Open Water Test Day 4.

The final day of open water testing had arrived and I was approaching the accomplishment of being a licensed Open Water Diver.  This is a fantastic achievement for me!  Far more important than that wretched formal education I got.  After finishing day 3 of the open water dive testing just the day before I was primed for excitement to finish the testing today, day 4, so we’d be released by the instructor for our free-dive exploration of murky Blue Lake.

“Dear Diary…” Isis Pilates. Week 1.

ISIS Pilates

1615 Foothill Dr. Suite C. Salt Lake City, Utah.

801.232.8626

A Background of Pilates

Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 and had many ailments as a child: asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever.  His drive (or obsession) to overcome his frailties led him to explore bodybuilding and many other physical pursuits.  During WWI, Joseph was stationed in an internment camp.  While there, he practiced and taught his exercises, which he originally called Contrology.  He also began devising apparatuses to aid in the rehabilitation of the disabled and sick.

In 1923 Joseph Pilates immigrated to the United States where he opened a studio in Manhattan and began rehabilitating and training professional dancers.  He developed over 20 contraptions and over 500 exercises.  Joseph Pilates was a man ahead of his time.  His approach to health and well-being was holistic.  He believed that achieving good health meant the body, mind, and spirit must be addressed as a whole.

Pilates Method, as it is now called, works to strengthen the core (abdominals and back), build muscle tone, increase body awareness, correct posture, and gain flexibility bringing the body back into balance.  It is a progression of safe exercises that create a workout for the entire body and mind that tone muscles and uplift the spirit.-Cher Jolley Parkes

“Dear Diary…” DASH Fitness. Week 4.

DashFitnessStudio

2005 E. 2700 S.

Salt Lake City, Utah

801.486.1122

Their website explains exactly what DASH stands for: Determination, Attitude, Strength and Heart.  DASH Fitness Studios came to fruition by the hard work of Lacey Bruschske and Erin Wathen.  DASH is a studio entirely devoted to group fitness.  This gym is perfect for people who find greater motivation in group settings and incur the benefits of an instructor encouraging them for the entire workout.

I first became acquainted with DASH

First Timer’s Cookbook

First Timer’s Cookbook

I just glanced over at my bookshelf. I think my cookbooks have collected more dust than my textbooks I couldn’t sell back from my freshman year in college.  I actually did open one cookbook recently; looking for a delicious butternut squash recipe I made a long time ago.  I couldn’t remember where I found that recipe but it turned out it wasn’t in the cookbook I thought it was in.  Stumped, I decided to wing it.  Shopping on Christmas Eve isn’t ideal but I did it because I was desperate to make this soup for the rendezvous with my family on Christmas day.

Long story short, I’m certainly not a chef, I didn’t follow a recipe, yet the soup was fantastic (my opinion as well as others)! Here’s the secret:

Uncle Mike’s Top 10 Christmas Movies

Whether you like Christmas or not, X-mas time proves to produce some excellent movies. Here is Uncle Mike’s list for the best of the best as well as a few favorite quotes.

Top 10 Christmas Movies:

1. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York  (“suck brick kid”)
2. A Christmas Story
3. Christmas Vacation (“It’s a tit bit nipplie out here”)
4. Home Alone  (“look what you did ya little jerk”)
5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (“It’s a street corner choir, going home and getting warm by the fire, it is where ever you find love it feels like Christmas”)
6. The Polar Express
7. The Grinch who Stole Christmas
8. Mickey’s Christmas Carol
9. Die Hard  (“Now I have a Machine Gun, HO, HO, HO”)
10. Elf

“Dear Diary…” DASH Fitness. Week 3.

dashfitnessstudios.com

2005 E. 2700 S.

Salt Lake City, Utah

801.486.1122

Their website explains exactly what DASH stands for: Determination, Attitude, Strength and Heart.  DASH Fitness Studios came to fruition by the hard work of Lacey Bruschske and Erin Wathen.  DASH is a studio entirely devoted to group fitness.  This gym is perfect for people who find greater motivation in group settings and incur the benefits of an instructor encouraging them for the entire workout.

“Dear Diary…” Scuba With the Dive Shop. Open Water Test. Day 1.

The Dive Shop

Open Water Test.  Day 1.

All my dreams of being able to descend below swimming pool depths and become more like Arial-or better yet, King Triton-by putting my fins, wet suit, and breathing device on has finally come.  It was the day to do our open water test.  We were all given the option by The Dive Shop to either go to Crater Lake in Heber, Utah or to Blue Lake in the glamorous city of Wendover. Each would require four dives in two days.  We chose Blue Lake. This is day 1 of testing.

Salt Lake Acting Company’s Go, Dog, Go!

Salt Lake Acting Company

“Mom and Dad, this is great! Thanks for bringing me.” A direct quote from a young child in the audience of Salt Lake Acting Company’s (SLAC) production of Go, Dog, Go! Although the quote itself is quaint, the best part was actually the timing. Maybe it was a “you had to be there” sort of moment but mid-show, probably mid-scene, this little voice, full of enthusiasm, came interrupting through the crowd from the back of the house. Instead of the usual instinct of wanting to immediately turn and shush with a death stare, her sweet excitement softened me. I felt like applauding her as she was expressing what everyone in the house was thinking. Alright so my mom and dad didn’t bring me, but still…

“Dear Diary…” Dash Fitness. Week 2.

dashfitnessstudios.com

2005 E. 2700 S.

Salt Lake City, Utah

801.486.1122

Their website explains exactly what DASH stands for: Determination, Attitude, Strength and Heart.  DASH Fitness Studios came to fruition by the hard work of Lacey Bruschske and Erin Wathen.  DASH is a studio entirely devoted to group fitness.  This gym is perfect for people who find greater motivation in group settings and incur the benefits of an instructor encouraging them for the entire workout.

I first became acquainted with DASH Fitness Studios when I was invited to attend the launch of a new fitness workout being introduced called Zumba. 

Lark and Spur Set to Dazzle Crowd With Christmas Concert Saturday Dec 5th

Excellence in the Community

2008 Concert Review:

“O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.”  Lori Decker sings a somber prayer, as Evan Coombs has his stand-up bass growl deep and low, putting a poignant exclamation to Lori’s pitiful petition.  Lori now chimes the exultant proclamation, “Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel.”  Lori has a way of projecting so much emotion with her voice that her prayer becomes your prayer, her triumph becomes your triumph, and her song becomes your song.

Playing at The Broadway: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Broadway Centre Cinemas

Have you ever had a grin on your face for an entire movie?  Roald Dahl wrote the story of Fantastic Mr. Fox and Wes Anderson gave animated life and George Clooney’s voice to that stellar fox.  Roald Dahl was an incredible author with a charmingly morbid sense of story writing.  His lighthearted macabre can be witnessed in Dahl stories such as Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Pig.

Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox has

“Dear Diary”: Dash Fitness. Week 1

dashfitnessstudios.com

2005 E. 2700 S.

Salt Lake City, Utah

801.486.1122

Their website explains exactly what DASH stands for: Determination, Attitude, Strength and Heart.  DASH Fitness Studios came to fruition by the hard work of Lacey Bruschske and Erin Wathen.  DASH is a studio entirely devoted to group fitness.  This gym is perfect for people who find greater motivation in group settings and incur the benefits of an instructor encouraging them for the entire workout.

I first became acquainted with DASH Fitness Studios when I

Mehmo-baby … Depiction of Mehmet Okur as a baby! Whoa!!

Whoa… Some things never change.

Kyle Korver; Carrot Top look-a-like? You be the judge!

Some have been amazed over the comparison of Kyle Korver and Teen Wolf, and yes that was pretty terrific, but I need to apologize to anyone that may be offended by this next comparison, brought to my attention by a softball teammate.  I hate to admit that he is right.  I honestly hoped I would never have this person’s face on anything associated with me, but the news is news.

Yes…Kyle Korver, after you get past the hair, kind of looks like Carrot Top.

I am sorry, so sorry.

Once you get past the hair, make-up and the sheer annoyance of this person, you too will notice a resemblance.  Funny, no one ever mentions the comparison between Carrot Top and Kutcher… Korver must be the missing link.  And I thought I wasn’t good at Science.

Kyle Korver; Teen Wolf look-a-like? You be the judge!

I am sick of the Kyle Korver/ Ashton Kutcher comparison.  They look they might have grown up in the same state compared to the comparison of when Michael J. Fox, or “Scott Howard,” turns into the “Teen Wolf” (T.W.) for the first time.

Which one of these looks like the Korver?

Not only could “Scott Howard”, for that split second he is turning into T.W., and Korver be identical twins but, get this, they both play basketball.  The only difference between the two is when Scott Howard is the wolf he does a wicked around the back to layup.

If Energy Solutions arena (still Delta Center to any true Jazz fan … screw nuclear waste)  chanted “Wolf! Wolf! Wolf!” there is like a 15 percent chance he will, as boy wizards put it, “change over” … or at very least breakdance with the black kid next to his locker.

It doesn’t end there…check out the socks…BOOM!

Conspiracy?…Probably.

Article: Chad Phillips

“Dear Diary” Scuba with The Dive Shop. Week 2

“Dear Diary”  Scuba with The Dive Shop.  Week 2

How freaking cool is Scuba Diving?!  I think it is normal to stare at a massive body of water and speculate on what is under that life giving liquid. The amazing power and majesty of the open water is a whole new universe.  If you have ever been to the ocean or even just gazed at pictures of it, you’ve noticed it tends to inspire wonder in each of us for the mysteries that reside just below the surface. To that underwater world that covers most of the planet, we as humans are restricted from due to these blasted lungs of ours.

What is so freaking cool about scuba diving is that

“Dear Diary” Scuba with The Dive Shop. Week 1

The Dive Shop, Bountiful Utah

“Dear Diary”  Scuba with The Dive Shop.  Week 1

How freaking cool is Scuba Diving?!  I think it is normal to stare at a massive body of water and speculate on what is under that life giving liquid. The amazing power and majesty of the open water is a whole new universe.  If you have ever been to the ocean or even just gazed at pictures of it, you’ve noticed it tends to inspire wonder in each of us for the mysteries that reside just below the surface.

Plan B’s Radio Hour: Alice in Wonderland

Plan B Theatre Company

Radio Hour: Alice in Wonderland by Matthew Ivan Bennett. 10.22.2009-10.31.2009

or listen to the live broadcast on KUER FM-90.  10.30.2009 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.

The versatility of the voices and the talented merger of sound effects with live music launched my imagination, enabling me to vividly view each scene of Radio Hour: Alice in Wonderland inside my own head.  The music was right on schedule as well as the sound effects to the point that if you were actually listening on a radio you’d think ALL the elements were already a perfectly executed prerecorded track instead of everyone working concertedly in perfect sync.

It Might Get Loud

Broadway Cinema

It Might Get Loud might possibly be the best documentary film I’ve seen in a long time. Not because it professed some profound message or was filled with particularly beautiful imagery, but because it’s subject is so very simple and frankly, so very, very cool.  The premise is totally straight forward; three different musicians and three very different approaches to making music with the one instrument that epitomizes cool, the electric guitar. The musicians profiled are Jack white from The White Stripes / The Raconteurs / The Dead Weather, The Edge of U2, and the Jimmy Page of the mighty Led Zeppelin.

This is the Place Park for a Literally Haunted Village

thisistheplace.org

This is the Place Haunted Village, one of many possible stops on the list of the many different haunted houses, mazes, and forests that litter the state of Utah.  I think most folks would have a common misconception of going to a haunted This is the Place. They may think it’s  lame and not scary at all.  This is the Place is typically meant to entertain families and church groups.  Not the case here m’friends!

Odyssey Dance Company Fights Hunger with THRILLER

The Capitol Hill Chapter of Kiwanis International and Utah Food Bank are partnering with Odyssey Dance Theatre to help the hungry in Utah. On the nights of October 15^th and October 22^nd patrons can bring a bag of non-perishable baby food items to Kingsbury Hall and save 20% on two tickets to Odyssey Dance Theatre’s Halloween Spectacular Thriller!

Odyssey Dance Theatre’s (ODT) presentation of Derryl Yeager’s “Thriller” was wildly entertaining.  With no idea what to expect, and having heard rumors that it was an hour and a half rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video, which it was not, ODT put on a flawless night of entertainment. 

Black Island Farms. You May Pee in Your Pants.

Black Island Farms

During the summer of ’08, I was riding my bicycle around late one dark night when I decide to cut across the Barnes & Noble parking lot.  My eyes widened in disbelief as I gazed upon a sea of people, girls in fact.  What kind of hellish cult is this?

Off Broadway Theatre: Forever Dead

Off Broadway Theatre 9.25.2009-10.31.2009

What better way to get into the Halloween spirit then to have a sing-a-long with Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolf Man, and the Mummy? Thanks to Off Broadway Theatre’s (OBT) Forever Dead you can have it all. OBT is a comedy theatre group home to the improv troupe Laughing Stock. As the nature of the acting group is heavily improv based, the scripted performances are also

Theatre of the Absurd. SLAC Presents: The Caretaker

Salt Lake Acting Company

9.16.2009-10.11.2009

So do you want a brief theatre history lesson? Although your answer is probably a resounding “No!”, just humor me for the slightest moment as it will help you understand the vast importance of why you should see Salt Lake Acting Company’s (SLAC) The Caretaker by Harold Pinter. Don’t worry, I will spare you nonsense about Greeks and Shakespeare. In the more recent past, about 50 years ago, there was a theatre movement deemed by Martin Esslin as “Theatre of the Absurd.”  It was a reaction to World War II highlighting the philosophy that all attempts to find meaning in this life are “absurd” because there is no meaning to life. Depressed yet? Just wait…

The Living Planet Aquarium

The Living Planet

725 E. 10600 S. Sandy, Utah
801.355.Fish (3474)

I entered the Living Planet Aquarium with a negative attitude about going, the first time some years ago I visited I was unimpressed, so this time around my expectations were low.  After this visit I was very happy to report that they have totally redeemed themselves to a place I would be happy recommend to family and friends.

Castle of Chaos: Will You Sign the Waiver?

http://www.castleofchaos.com/

Drenched in blood with a knife placed against my neck while being pinned against a bloodstained wall by a backwoods hillbilly I could hear, in the distance, screams over the distinctive growl of a chainsaw.

Castle of Chaos, located at 3300 S 120 W in Salt Lake City, definitely gives you your money’s worth … in blood.  With three avenues to explore, all differing in theme and scare-factor, the Xtreme is one to be hailed.

I should have known something was up. Since when do Haunted Houses have bathrooms?  The blood spatter on my face looked like I just hacked someone to pieces.  Impressive.

“Will you sign the waiver?”  This is the catchphrase Castle of Chaos hopes will catch on, and rightly so, since many perks come with a signed waiver.  For three dollars more, and the waiver, they outfit you with a bright yellow poncho, so the actors know you signed the waiver, and, to the actors delight, they can touch you and drench you in blood.

Blood is awesome!

Thoughts on a Whim: “The Miracle of Personality”

There’s a story of a little 102 pound man in India who went around half naked, who lived in a mud hut that never had a telephone or an electric light or running water.  He did not own a car.  He had no wealth, no armies, no servants, nor diplomats.  He never sought, nor ever held, public office, and yet the great British Empire realized they could not rule India against Gandhi and they could not rule India without Gandhi.  Because of his uncompromising honesty and unmatched willpower, Mohandas K. Gandhi was the most powerful man in India despite being socially retarded, having a bad temper, and being a self-declared coward in his earlier life.

Dear Diary: Centered City Yoga. Week #4. “Namaste.”

Place: Centered City Yoga

Location: 918 E. 900 S. Salt Lake City, Utah (801) 521-yoga (9642)

“Centered City Yoga 9th and 9th studio will be closed on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 7), except for one class WITH D’ANA. The two hour class will start at 9 am, and will include pranayama, yoga nidra, meditation, and a few yoga poses. Cost is $20 per person. EVERYONE can do this class!!!”

Dear Diary…Centered City Yoga: Week #3. Noticeable Benefits.

Place: Centered City Yoga

Location: 918 E. 900 S. Salt Lake City, Utah (801) 521-yoga (9642)

Well folks, this time we stopped into a yoga gym called Centered City Yoga (Best of the Beehive 2009 winner) in Sugar House to do our well loved “Dear Diary” segment.  Some of you may be wondering, “Well heck, why yoga?  That’s dumb.  Cancha do somethin’ cool like mud wrestlin’ or beer can smashin’?  What’s s’great bout yoga?”  Oh just this: “Attaining enlightenment and liberation can be achieved through classic practices of meditation and yoga.  Research findings indicate that they are the most widely used of all therapies.  They have been shown to reduce anxiety, specific phobias, substance abuse; to benefit those with medical problems by reducing blood pressure and aiding in the management of chronic pain and so on; to enhance self-confidence, sense of control, marital satisfaction, and to extend longevity (Sue, 2003).”  Bam!

The Broadway Centre Theater: 500 Days of Summer

The Broadway Centre Theater 111 East Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

After you have gone to the major theaters and seen the big new movies of the year such as Transformers, Terminator, and-there is no new Batman coming out-you may believe there are no more good movies to see.  So in desperation you may turn to Beverly Hills Chihuahua or the newest Nicholas Cage flick and with much regret as you leave the theater somewhat sick from the time you have just wasted that you will never get back.  I will point out to you my friends that there are other choices than the tripe Hollywood tries to feed us year after year.  Ever wonder what happened to all those movies winning the little golden statues every year? Or where the heck you can see the movies that make all the noise at Sundance?  Well heck take a look at The Broadway Centre Theater in downtown Salt Lake, over the years I have seen many a great flicks at this theater that you simply cannot see anywhere else.  Most recently, movies such as Rescue Dawn, starring Christian Bale, and Pans Labyrinth which won numerous awards.