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Show - Unauthorized! Unexpurgated! Utah uncovered in new book bv Teri Gomes I'TAll Gateway to Nevada! by Tim Kelly, Neil Passey, Mai Knudsen; Dream Garden Press, 96 pages; Since I've lived in Utah a scant five years there are admittedly a few customs and bits of folklore I've yet to learn. Now, however, neatly condensed in one very readable volume, comes the definitive book on the state. In their prologue the three authors set the tone for this informative informa-tive yet cheery little book. "...Later, Mormon settlers pushed push-ed west and made her (Utah) their mountain home. They named her "Utah" after Gordy Utah, the revered frontier hairdresser, the man who tamed the split ends of the West, the creator of the beehive hairdo. We remember. these characteristics that truly set this state apart from any other. Take for example the chapter which deals with slogans, mottos and symbols. While it's something I've long suspected, the book leaves no doubt as to what is the official slogan of the state: "Largest Women." 'Nuff said. The state bird is. surprisingly, the Beagle. "Utah has the distinction of being the only state to have a dog as the state bird.... We know, we know, it's damn peculiar. But we are a peculiar people." The fight song for the state is defined as the easily forgettable, "Utah, None Dare Call It Idaho." Having attended a number of Mormon weddings since my arrival here, Diave always been fascinated by the mysterious socio-economic significance of the serving of the guidance is suggested for page 59. The scenic areas of this great state are also highlighted in this book. A large cylindrical rock, reported to be in the "Hot Rocks area of Utah," is aptly labeled, "Brigham's Unit." A natural wonder. And you'd hate to miss Plutonium National Park, "More than 9,000 square miles of Radiant Wonderland." Wonder-land." Inside the park you could observe the little creatures of days gone by. "WILDLIFE. Some remnants of the original wildlife still roam the park, though in mutated forms. Keep a close eye out for the three-eyed badger, the festering bobcat and the desert little-horn Please do not pet the animals! It will pull out their remaining clumps of fur." It's difficult to condense in just a few paragraphs all warmth, wisdom and jokes of questionable taste included within the soft covers of hits amusing little book. Nor could I easily name my favorite parts there are so many. The listine of ghost towns, featuring Provo...The observance of Utah County have a "higher birth rate than any other underdeveloped country in the world..." The West Valley Cultural Center with the bowling pin fountain donated by "O.C. Brunswick..." There are just so very many examples of humor in its basest form. No doubt, this book is not for everyone in this state. Only those who are adult enough to have a sense of humor about themselves and their environs. It should be a runaway bestseller herejn Park City. |