Lauren's USU PR Blog

Proposal Letter - Final

2008-04-09T09:25:00.002-06:00

Lauren Jones, Katie Reeves, Lee Cannon

Ellen Eccles Foundation
263 W. 800 N.
Logan, UT 84322

To Whom It May Concern:

Cache Regional Theatre Company has enjoyed 25 years of serving Cache Valley. CRTC provides artistic opportunities across the valley. Because it is a non-profit organization, we rely on generous contributions. The company is in need of $500,000 to continue performing, bringing out artistic talents, here in Cache Valley.

In considerating businesses that would be willing to sponsor CRTC, we thought of Ellen Eccles Foundation, a foundation dedicated to supporting the arts here in Cache Valley. "The mission of the Cache Valley Center for the Arts is to bring cultural enrichment to the people of the extended Cache Valley community by presenting, exhibiting, teaching and fostering quality fine arts experiences..." The Ellen Eccles Foundation "help nurture audiences for the future by building upon the established community events, exhibiting a national perspective and providing an expanded opportunity for experiencing the arts."
Because we feel that their goal and our goal is the same, we felt that their foundation would be a great asset to Cache Regional Theatre Company. This generous contribution would enhance our ability to provide Cache Valley with quality art.

CRTC currently stores their costumes in a shared facility and holds rehearsals in nearby schools. Costumes often are damaged or lost. It is often frustrating after putting forth so much time and money to make these costumes perfect for the productions and then find them missing or defected. They are currently being made in the basement of people's homes and garages and then stored in unguarded units. It is the hope of CRTC to build a facility with rehearsal space and room for costumes to improve our theatre by allowing a storage area to be built for costumes and sets, and a stage used for rehearsals.

By assisting in bringing out an improved, more professional and secure threatre, CRTC would be able to focus more on the play itself, rather than fixing lost or damaged costumes. They would also have more convenient and affective rehearsals in their own theatre, rather than traveling to a different location, allowing them to get more done in a shorter period of time and feel prepared by their opening show. Ellen Eccles would be remembered by all the cast members as well as everyone else involved in the productions.

Cache Regional Theatre Company has confidently produced many shows. The capability of working with a tight budget has become more and more of an essential component of CRTC's plan. The details of a Broadway production are achieved through advanced planning and a great board of directors. These capabilities and successes will be magnified through the Foundation's contributions.

As mentioned above, CRTC is in need of $500,000 to assist in the making of our productions. It may seem like a large contribution, but after seeing the impact that the donation can make on the theatre and the outcome of its productions, it will be well worth the effort put forth to improve the company. We would be happy to further discuss this matter with you. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated.

For more information, contact:

Lauren Jones
USU Public Relations
801-644-4249
lauren.jones@aggiemail.usu.edu

Positioning Paper Final

2008-03-24T08:56:00.003-06:00

Lauren Jones, Lee Cannon, Katie Reeves

Positioning Statement: By promoting a healthy lifestyle and tying in Burger Planet, we will be able to improve the public’s view of the restaurant and also help us maintain our loyal customers.

There has been a lot of negative publicity towards fast foods restaurants, such as the show Super Size Me. Burger Planet has also been effected by it. In order to combat that we are going to launch a health-centered campaign promoting new healthy menu items. We will hire a fitness icon, Jayne Petersen, to target women in their 40's since she has been known to have helped Opal Whitcomb lose 75 lbs. She will help to endorse Burger Planet. Jayne will send out a message that says that it is okay to eat a burger and fries every once in a while, but the clients should also check out our healthy menu items.

According to TeensHealth, “One study found that almost 70% of people get fewer than the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.” Our customers are looking for healthy options to improve their diets. By offering fruit and veggie packets, we are providing the healthy happy choice to improve their overall wellness.

Eating right and staying physically active is always worth it. "You just feel healthy and you have more control over your life!" said Marlene Israelsen, a Utah State University Nutrition professor. "You have a lot more energy and you're able to concentrate more, study longer, play harder, and make better decisions ... You're happier, more confident ... You're better able to deal with stress ..." Burger Planet is aware of the obesity problem in the US and we believe this new menu will help people be more health conscious and help them live happier lifestyles.

Objectives:

Output:

We will hold nutritional events at 200 Burger Planet locations to promote the healthy new menu items. We will send out press releases to ten media outlets in each town that we hold an event. We will send out a coupon/flyer describing the new healthy menu choices to the residents of these towns. We will also film a commercial with Jayne Petersen endorsing Burger Planet as a healthy eating choice.

Input:

We expect 500 people to come to each of these events. We want three stories written in each town. Because of the flyers, we will expect a 10% increase of customers. We will inform those who don’t come to the events or receive the flyers and expect another 10% increase of customers.

Talking Points:

Jane Petersen is a fitness guru who has worked with Opal Whitcomb. By bringing her on the campaign, we will have an increase of publicity. Because of her popularity with helping Opal Whitcomb lose 75 lbs, the target audience will be more interested in the new healthy food items at Burger Planet.

By holding these nutritional events, we will be able to attract new attention among more health conscious people.

The coupons/flyers will advertise the new healthy menu items to encourage them to attend the events and check out the new menu.

New Organization Can Teach You How to Become a Millionaries in Five Years - Final

2008-02-26T16:10:00.002-07:00

Dear Bill:

I just wanted to let you know that there's a new organization, here in Cache Valley, to educate people, FREE OF CHARGE, on how to have beyond financial stability. In fact, people have become millionaires in five years and others have started their own LLC. Preston Parker, the instructor, holds these meetings every other Thursday at 7:00 p.m. (with the next meeting taking place on March 6) at the Cache Chamber of Commerce.

The outcome from this organization has been so successful that we can't bare to keep it on the down-low. Everyone needs to hear about it now! We need to take these people who hate their jobs and turn their lives around with just a few simple financial techniques to get them on their feet. If people knew about this organization, they'd never dread going to work. We can't keep these classes a secret!

Are you available Wednesday, February 30 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to talk to the President of the Organization? Please let me know which time will work for you.

Thanks,

Lauren Jones
Logan, UT 84321
laurenjones@hotmail.com
435-225-8163

EVE6 to Perform in Cache Valley - Final

2008-02-26T16:05:00.003-07:00

Posted 11:20 p.m. MT March 4, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Almeria Entertainment
434 Hawthorne
Providence, UT 84332
435-764-2797
tjatwood@gmail.com

LOGAN, Utah-April 9, 2008 is a day that many students all over Utah are looking forward to. EVE6 will be performing at the Nelson Field House at Utah State University, thanks to Almeria Entertainment. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and the concert will begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are just $17.00 if purchased with a promotional code, which can be obtained from Cafe Sabor, USU Bookstore or KSM Music. Otherwise, tickets are $22.00. This is a special event marking the first time the band will have ever performed in Cache Valley.

EVE6 has been around since 1998 when they had their first big single, Inside Out, after which they had a big slew of hits, such as Here's to the Night and Promise. The band broke up in 2003 and after a three year break, they're back together.

How did we get them to come to such a small county? "It's been in the works for about six months. I created Almeria Entertainment with the idea that we have a lack of nationaly recognized bands that come to Logan," said the owner of Almeria Entertainment. "This EVE6 show is just scratching the surface with what Almeria Entertainment will do in the future."

The opening band for the concert has not yet been determined. Any band that can submit a their CD to KSM Music will have a few of their songs played on 95.9. Listeners can then get online and vote for their favorite bands. Of those bands, five will be selected and will compete, live, on March 28, here in Logan. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges and will be the opening band for EVE6. "Whether the majority of shows are in Logan or Salt Lake City will depend on how well Cache Valley supports EVE6," said the owner of Almeria Entertainment. Judging by the excitement from the students for this upcoming event, the band will not be let down. Tickets are predicted to be sold out by the end of March.

For more information, contact:

Lauren Jones
Logan, UT 84321
laurenjones@hotmail.com
435-225-8163

Press Release to Stories

2008-02-25T21:43:00.006-07:00

Lauren Jones

The Press Release I found is entitled Harvard Announces Sweeping Middle-Income Initiative. It’s about a new financial aid policy that they’ve implemented to make Harvard College more affordable for families across the income spectrum.

One of the articles written that was driven from the press release is from The New York Times. I believe it was very positive because it discusses how Harvard wants to have talented students with high aspirations and doesn’t want to limit the opportunity of attending the University to only students coming from a wealthy background.

I found the press release by first searching for the articles, and then searching for the press release from which they derived. What initially convinced me that this article derived from this specific press release was the numbers, in cost, that they used to explain the new financial aid policy. They also both quoted Pres. Faust of the University discussing how he wants “all students who might dream of a Harvard education to know that it is a realistic and affordable option.” There’s also a portion that talks about how they will only require a family to contribute ten percent of their annual income for tuition and they used the same numbers ($120,000 = $12,000 tuition and $180,000 = $18,000 tuition) to explain this procedure.

The spokesperson’s quotes were very relevant and believable because it was factual. He spoke in numbers and explained how they are making it more affordable. I also found a testimonial from the same student in both the press release and this news article.

The second article I found was written about a month after the press release. This article was somewhat positive, however, it was a lot more negative than the first article. It said, “It is understandable that Harvard and Yale want to make themselves more affordable, but the way they’re going about it sets an example that is likely to make it even harder for low-income students to attend the best college for which they are qualified.” The majority of the article talked about how they have good intentions, but that this new plan is only helping those with higher incomes and is leaving those with lower incomes in the dark. It also talked about how “most colleges will feel compelled to follow Harvard and Yale’s lead in price-discounting, yet few have enough money to give more aid to relatively wealthy students without taking it away from relatively poor ones.”

It’s obvious that this article was derived from this press release for the same reason as the first article, the numbers. It uses the same examples to explain the policy. It sounds to me like the press release was written to promote Harvard and attract people to it by making it sound like a win-win situation by making it more affordable to get a higher, more respected education, however, the journalist who wrote the article seemed to have dug a little deeper to find the catch and made an effort to make people understand both sides more clearly. There were not any testimonials, or even quotes for that matter, about the policy of the school itself, unlike the first article. Both articles are very believable. The second article is, however, is a lot less biased.

News Organization Can Teach You How to become a Millionaire in Five Years

2008-02-23T14:31:00.001-07:00

Dear Bill:

I just wanted to let you know that there's a new organization, here in Cache Valley, to educate people, FREE OF CHARGE, on how to have beyond financial stability. In fact, people have become millionaires in 5 years and others have started their own LLC. Preston Parker, the instructor, holds these meetings every other Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Cache Chamber of Commerce.

The outcome from this organization has been so successful that we can't bare to keep it on the down-low. Everyone needs to hear about it now! We need to take these people who hate their jobs and turn their lives around with just a few simple financial techniques to get them on their feet. If people knew about this organization, they'd never dread going to work. We can't keep these classes a secret!

Are you available Wednesday, February 30 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to talk to the President of the Organization? Please let me know which time will work for you.

Thanks,

Lauren Jones
Logan, UT 84321
laurenjones@hotmail.com
435-225-8163

Press Releast 3 - Final

2008-02-13T00:19:00.002-07:00

Posted 12:30 a.m. MT Feb. 13, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dateline: LOGAN, UTAH

Cache Valley Area Investors Association
160 N. Main St.
Logan, UT 84321
four three five-seven five seven-four five six zero
CVAIA.com
Pres. Preston Parker

LOGAN, UT - We have a new company here in Logan to educate people on opportunities to earn and invest more money! It may seem too good to be true, but Cache Valley Area Investors Association can teach you how, with no charge!

“I believe people should be financially independent. I want them to realize they don’t have to work the rest of their lives, but that they can if they choose to,” said Preston Parker, president of the company. If you’re one of the many people who goes to work to put food on the table, but hates your job, Pres. Parker can help you change your life.

This beneficial company formally began August 2007, here in Logan, founded by Pres. Parker himself. You may be asking yourself what qualifications he has to educate people on this matter. “Testimonials,” he said. “I teach things that have worked for me and others. I’m sick of people hating their jobs but not knowing a way out. I’ve seen people become millionaires in 5 years. Most members even start their own LLC and start earning an income! These meetings work and help the mindset of the members advance.”

There are 35-40 members involved with CVAIA. Meetings are every other Thursday at 7:00 p.m. To become a member, just send an e-mail to cachevaia@gmail.com.

It’s been said many times that money does not equate to happiness after a certain level. That’s a true statement, but at the same time, who wouldn’t want a job in which they enjoy working, if they choose, and with it, earn more money? Who wouldn’t want to learn how to invest their money in a smarter way? With a little education, you will lower the risks of investments and learn what true happiness is all about!

For more information, contact:

Lauren Jones
Logan, UT 84321
laurenjones@hotmail.com
435-225-8163

Press Release 2: Final

2008-02-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

Posted: 9:00 MT Feb. 5, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Lauren Jones, Assistant Public Relations Account Executive

Lauren Jones
Burger Planet
(430)345-1234
Fax (430)345-1233
www.burgerplant.gmail.com
www.burgerplanet.com

Jayne Peterson Works for Burger Planet to Promote Healthier Choices

Gary, Ind. - Burger Planet has hired Jayne Peterson, a fitness guru who is remembered for assisting Opal Whitcomb in losing 75 lbs, to help them bring healthier items to their menu. Many women are concerned about their weight and level of health. Burger Planet is here to help with Jayne Petersen!

In each of our rushed, busy lives, it's difficult to find time to cook a healthy, balanced meal. Sometimes it seems much too easy to go to a drive-through and quickly grab a burger on the run. However, with our new menu items, you'll get the nutrition that you need in a timely manner, without spending time slaving in the kitchen. "Women can have a burger and fries now and then as long as they are active and also try some of Burger Planet's exciting new menu choices," said Petersen. Burger Planet cares about the health and satisfaction of it's customers. They want them to be happy.

So what's changing on the menu? Chef DuBois said, "In the past year, we added white meat chicken breasts to our menu. We offer consumers the option to buy the chicken breast wrapped in lettuce in case they are on a low-carb diet. They also can ask us to hold the mayo for a calorie reduction of 500 calories. None of our other competitors offers that. In the past year, we also added packets of apple slices to our menu. Indeed, consumers can purchase packets of five different types of fruit: apples, grapes, peaches, pineapple, or bananas. None of our other competitors offers fruit. And, finally, we added a new line of gourmet salads entree."

Jayne Petersen will be making appearances to talk about these exciting changes and giving healthy tips to our consumers. On May 12 there will e a kick-off ceremony at Times Square in New York, New York. May 14 she will be appearing on a new television commercial. During the whole month of June she will be making appearances at 12 Burger Planets around the country giving healthy tips and during the month of July she will be appearing at 7 different shopping malls around the country. She will be working with the chefs to make sure the new items are as healthy as possible and she is also developing new tray liners offering nutritional advice. A new adult Burger Planet Smiley Meal is being developed including an ankle weight, the fruit packages, and the white meat Chicken entree.

"Burger Planet cares about its customers. For more than seven decades, the company has succeeded because it put customers first. We listen to our customers. And our customers desire healthy choices, of which we offer many," said Mr. James E. Muellenbach III, CEO. This business was founded in 1934 and has served 52 customers and counting. It has 8,921 franchises in every state and 17 countries. Burger Planet has been known for its great tasting food. Now with even healthier items, it will continue to capture the interest of fitness guru's. For more information, contact:

Lauren Jones, media contact
(435)555-5555
laurenjones@hotmail.com

-END-

ABC Real Estate to Benefit All Participants

2008-01-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

Posted: 5:30 MT January 27, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dateline: LOGAN, Utah

ABC Real Estate, LLC
123 Creative Way,
Logan UT 84341
801-555-4567
Pres. Brett Cob

ABC Real Estate is looking for investors in Logan, Utah who are interested in particpating in the company to buy and sell homes, benefiting all those involved.

If you have good credit, a little savings to invest, if you're in need of a place to live, or if you're looking to build your credit, ABC Real Estate can help! It uses beneficiary directed equity holding land trusts. "We buy homes and pay for them, helping to build credit for the investors," said President Brett Cob.

This company, beginning in August 2007 out of Draper, Utah, has discovered a way to help the middle-class financially and also build credit. "The wealthy know about this. I'm wanting to help people better their lives," said President Cob.
"No matter what your situation is, we are confident that you will come out of this with more than what you put in and you will not regret it," said President Cob. This kind of opportunity is not one you want to pass up. It is the smartest way to invest your money and the easiest way to make money or build credit. If you're seeking to make a difference in your living circumstances and would like to know more information, contact:

Lauren Jones
Logan, UT 84321
laurenjones@hotmail.com
435-225-8163

-END-

Letter to Cousin

2008-01-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Cousin,

You said you weren't sure what exactly Public Relations is. So here's a little information about it that might help you better understand. Public relations person provides all the feedback from the public to the company and portrays the company in a positive light no matter what. They have to enhance the reputation of the company by promoting it. It involves knowledge of the company and it's goals, good communication skills, public speaking skills, and delegating skills. They hold press conferences and seminars. They are the "go to" people to help others find information and receive answers to their questions. They're responsible for helping people understand the company, product, or person so they are more likely to buy or participate.

In the world of business, competition is a factor. They need someone to communicate to both the public and the company and do the research to find what the people are happy and unhappy about to help them achieve their goals and please the consumers. The companies need to be made more appealing to stand out from other companies. The PR person is responsible for that.

They also have to learn to be skilled in writing. They write news releases, pitch letters, backgrounders, fact sheets, special events news releases, broadasts news releases and crisis news releases. They have to know how to respond to a critical letter to the editor and knowing the differences between writing for different audiences. As you can see, a lot is involved with Public Relations. But the skills I'm learning will always be useful and it seems to be an exciting field. I hope to hear from you soon!

Lauren Jones

Practice News Story: 11 Accident

2007-11-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Posted: 11:55 pm. MT November 28, 2007

Tragedy Strikes When USU Van Collides

TREMONTON, Utah-A van carrying at least 10 Utah State Univeristy students rolled today on Interstate 84, west of Tremonton, at about 4:00 p.m. "It was one of the worst scenes I’ve ever seen in my eleven years. There were bodies scattered all over the side of the highway," said Jason Jensen, Highway Patrol Lieutenant. According to Jenni Johnson who witnessed the scene, the speed limit on the highway was 75 m.p.h. "Speed was definitely part of the problem. It appears there also might have been a mechanical malfunction as well, said Jensen.

How did this happen? "There was a van in front of me and a truck went around me. I watched the van just swerve and go off the road and flip and bodies were shooting out and there was lots of dust. I slammed on my breaks, pulled over and tried to help, said Johnson. When I got out there was a guy right next to the road. He wasn’t ok. Not even five minutes later, the officers showed up. The next two guys I saw looked worse than the first guy.The adrenaline kicked in and I kept asking what can I do to help. One kid was yelling and screaming, "Help help, anybody help!"

"The timing of the event will affect the students more than anything else. This is an agricultural college. It’s the first day of ag Week. All over campus, you see the tractors. It hits right to the center of who we are at the University. So many students were involved. The word tragedy doesn’t really do this justice," said President Stan Albrecht, of USU. At least 10 students were involved and one instructor. Two were life flighted to hospitals and two were taken by ambulance. The families are currently being contacted. "We will certainly have a special memorial," said Albrecht.

Practice News Story 10: Investigation

2007-11-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

Posted: 9:00 p.m. MT Nov. 15, 2007

Ted Turner to Help With the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Logan, UT – Three very prominent people, Ted Turner and Bill and Melinda Gates were seen today getting off a private jet together to meet with local African officials. “We have something in the making that we will be working on with the leaders of Africa,” said Bill Gates after meeting with them for an hour or so. “We’re not announcing the details now,” he said, “but we’re meeting with educational plans and cities to put together some new plans, specifically health education.” It’s assumed that Ted Turner is in a philanthropic endeavor with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation involving Africa.

According to Wikipedia, Warren Buffet, the third richest person in the world committed to give his fortune to charity. 83% of it went to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, totaling approximately $30 billion. His donation is the largest in U.S. history. When the announcement was made, the donation was enough to more than double the size of the foundation!

How does Africa feel about this? Mayor of Abuja, Nigeria, Malik Ok said, “Up until now the approach has been, “bring money bring food and that will solve the problems,” whereas now, we’re being educated. We’ve recognized our need of assistance for health care and we’re interested in proposals or projects,” he said. “They approached us with a proposal and we’ve been discussing their interests. They want to establish a project that will last a long time. They will fund it for about ten years and then we will take over. They want to build schools and eventually we will be able to maintain the buildings and they won't have to be involved.”

Gates explained that they’re “targeting those who are subject to diseases such as aids and polio. We believe that with an education they can be overcome these diseases. Many people don’t know how to prevent these them but they will with some education. I think we're at a turning point. We've got all this access to technology, yet there's still all these people dying with diseases. We have the resources to educate the people of the world! That's why I'm stepping down from Microsoft to do this. By the end of my life, I'm planning on giving all of my money away to my foundation.

When asked what role Ted was playing, Gates was guarded in his response by saying, “Ted doesn't want us to talk about specifics. He's placed a lot of trust in Melinda and me and he's turning over a lot of the day to day functions. He hasn't started the foundation yet. He's going to allow us to handle the day to day management. We have a track record of education of health services that Ted trusts.”

Regardless of the role Ted has in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Africa will benefit from it immensely! In a Google search, Marvi Ricker, managing director of philanthropic services for BMO Harris Private Banking said, "We have a tendency … of doing things for people instead of helping people do things for themselves.
Nothing changes if you do things for people.” Mayor Ok agrees with the statement. He said "When you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. When you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” It’s obvious that Mayor Ok is pleased with the foundation.

Practice News Story 10: Investigation

2007-11-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

Posted: 4:45 p.m. MT Nov. 14, 2007

Curiosity Spills Over When Three Wealthy People Get Off Private Jet in Africa

Logan, UT - Ted Turner and Bill and Melinda Gates were seen today at getting in a jet together to fly to Africa to meet with local African officials. I interviewed Bill Gates today and he said, "We're specifically targeting those who are subjected to diseases. People are being diagnosed with aids, polio, etc. and we believe that with education they can be overcome. Many people dont know how to prevent these diseases, and they will with some education."

According to my interviews, they are attempting to start a foundation. "Ted doesn't want us to talk about specifics. He's placed a lot of trust in Melinda and me and he's turning over a lot of the day to day functions. He hasn't started the foundation yet. He's going to allow us to handle the day to day management. We have a track record of education of health services that Ted trusts," said Bill Gates.

"I think we're at a turning point. We've got all this access to technology, yet there's still all these people dying with diseases. We have the resources to educate the people of the world. That's why I'm stepping down from Microsoft to do this. By the end of my life, I'm planning on giving all of my money away to my foundation," said Gates.

Abuja Ok, Mayor of Nigeria said they are making an effort to teach them. "When you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. When you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime," he said. When this foundation gets started, it will help these nations to become educated to have better health and live a happier life.

Practice News Story 9: Sports

2007-11-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

Posted: 10:56 pm.m MT November 7, 2007

The Jazz Take the Lead again

Salt Lake City, UT - Utah Jazz beat the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game held today at the Delta Center. With a final score of 106-99, Andrei “AK-47” Kirilenko said, "I had a lot of energy going into tonight’s game. Coming back from playing the Lakers where Colby blocked my slam dunk, I made a decision to step up. I wanted to be the one that was blocking today’s game." Utah Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan agrees that he was on fire tonight. "I liked the way Andrei stepped up today. I’ve known of his potential and every once in a while it shows forth. It definitely happened tonight," Coach Sloan said. Kirlenko scored 21 points throughout the game.

Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach Mike Brown said stayed positive by saying, "I don’t think anything went wrong, the game just didn’t go our way. We never took the lead but we were right there the whole time. We just couldn’t get things together to pull it out in time." It was an intense game, as they were slightly behind the whole four quarters.

When asked how he felt about the game, Coach Sloan said, "I feel our team could have been better defensively. We’ve got a lot of improvement to do, we have a long season ahead of us. Our veterans struggled a little bit but it’s the nature of the game. C.J. (Miles) had three or four steals today, hit a three, and made the final points of the game. It gave our veterans a little bit of energy with the energy he demonstrated."

Coach Sloan was proud of his players, but realizes but there is always improvement to be made. "A win always help you go into practice with a little more confidence. We’re gonna refocus and improve where we can," he said concerning future practices.

Practice News Story 8: Business

2007-10-31T16:27:00.000-06:00

Posted: MT 3:45 MT November 1, 2007

Google Inc. Makes Bid on Time Warner Inc.

Palo Alto, CA - Google Inc. made a hostile takeover bid involving the purchasing of Time Warner Inc. of $60 billion in debt, cash, and stocks. This bid resulted in feelings of discontent for both Yahoo! and Microsoft, who wanted in on the action before Google jumped in. "Google has a history of striking the iron when it's hot. We move when there's a good opportunity. We saw the need to add content to production into our company quickly," said the CEO and Chair of Google, Dr. Eric Schmidt.

Richard D. Parsons, CEO of Time Warner Inc.(TWX), was "surprised because there hadn't been any discussion of this previously." Both companies are strong and independent. "Time Warner is one of the biggest content producers in the world. We are one of the best content distributors in the world. It makes sense to us to put them together," said Dr. Eric Schmidt.

"The future of Time Warner is excellent. The stock is inflated. Google has made an offer that is more valuable and higher than it ought to be with $45 billion in stocks, $5 billion in assumed debt, and $10 billion in cash," said Paul Kim, the Industry analyst. The future for the company seems secure. TWX will look ove their offerings and make a decision within the next month.

Practice News Story 7: Speech

2007-10-29T16:07:00.000-06:00

Posted: 3:45 p.m. MT November 18, 1863

United We Stand

GETTYSBURG, PA - “Let’s get the war over with. The union must come together. This is not a war of slavery. I believe that united we stand,” said Abraham Lincoln after making a memorable speech to dedicate the graves of soldiers. “I felt inspired as I wrote it. I feel it’s very necessary to do something fitting for the soldiers who have died,” he said.

Paragraph three of the speech states that the world will not remember what was said there, but they will remember what was done there. “They will care about the hearts of those who are fighting,” Lincoln said when being asked about his speech.

Lincoln summed up what the most important point was in his speech. “The war isn’t over yet. Nothing we say can consecrate this ground and make it hallow. We need to get out there and make it so those who died, do not die in vain.” This speech will affect those who heard forever in uniting America.

Practice News Story 6: News Release

2007-10-11T19:01:00.000-06:00

Posted: 7:00 MT October 11, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dateline: Logan, Utah

ClearPoint Instruction
North Logan, UT 84321
info@clearpointinstruction.com
435.760.2084

A New and exciting company, with much to offer, is announcing its opening in Logan, Utah! The company, ClearPoint Instruction LLC, produces instructional media, such as DVD’s, Websites, and Pamphlets to educate patients to get better health care.
ClearPoint Instruction LLC is a Utah-based company made up of a small team of well-trained and highly-experienced designers. Our staff have degrees in instructional technology, curriculum and instruction, computer science, and graphic design. In addition, they have a combined 40+ years of experience in designing and developing instructional products and educational services. All this education and experience has taught us a simple lesson:

Instruction is not effective if learners don't clearly see the main point.
That is why we use a model-centered approach to design instruction. We start by developing accurate models of what your patients need to know, do, and feel about their own health. Next, we create instructional materials and learning activities that actively engage patients in solving authentic problems related to their health. Finally, we work with you to conduct research that lets you know if the patients are really learning. At ClearPoint Instruction, we are dedicated to designing instruction that works. And we promise you this: Your patients will clearly see the main point.

CP offers in-patient and out-patient videos to help patients having knee surgery. “We will work with you to individualize the videos to meet your patients specific needs,” said Vice President Preston Parker. “We also will offer you a physical therapy video to help your patients recover with ease.” CP also offers pregnancy wheels for women’s health centers and obstetrician’s office and patient education workshops. “Patients tend to do better when they are informed about the healthcare experience. We focus on the patient before and after the surgery to make sure they feel comfortable with the procedures and to increase patient compliance and adherence with healthcare regimens,” said President Mary Ann Parlin. CP also do studies that research the effectiveness of the products and services.
For more information, contact:

Lauren Jones
North Logan, UT 84321
laurenjones@hotmail.com
435.225.6889

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Practice News Story 5: Obituary

2007-10-04T20:32:00.000-06:00

Posted: 10:10 MT Oct. 4, 2007

Conan O’Brien, 44, passed away Oct. 3, 2007 on set in New York, NY at 30 Rockefeller Plaza from asphyxiation after being strangled by a Boa Constrictor.

While hosting his well known show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, he was taken by surprise when the snake, belonging to a guest, wrapped around his neck. Unfortunately, they were unable to release the grip. They quickly rushed him to the New York University Medical center, where they did CPR to try to revive him. He was later pronounced dead.

Conan was born April 18, 1963 in Brookline, MA to Ruth Reardon and Thomas Francis O’Brien. He graduated from Brookline High School as valedictorian and then attended Harvard University where he was the writer for the Harvard Lampoon and Humor Magazine. Following graduation, he joined the staff with several different shows such as, Not Necessarily the News and Saturday Night Live. From 1991 to 1994 he was a writer and producer for The Simpsons and received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy or Variety Series. His recent show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien has been a popular attraction to many fans averaging 2.5 million viewers (Wikipedia.org). “Over the years, Conan’s guests have grown from strictly “D-list” celebrities to A-listeners and good friends,” anonymous. Conan was a great friend to all who knew him. He brought laughter into many lives over the years and will be greatly missed.

His survivors include his mother, Ruth Reardon; father, Thomas Francis O’Brien; brother, Neal; brother, Luke; sister, Kate; sister Jane; brother, Justin; his wife Liza and their two children, Neve and Beckett (Wikipedia.org). Funeral services, for close family and friends, are to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for Conan O'Brien Memorial Fund.

Practice News Story 4: Court

2007-09-26T16:03:00.000-06:00

Posted: (4:30) MT September 26, 2007
Court Hearing
Logan, Utah-Two men have been charged with breaking and entering and vandalism, and felony burglary today, Sept. 26. This burglary took place at the corner of 16th E. and 900 N. in Logan at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There was finger print evidence of James Michael, 35 and the other suspect of whom the name has not yet been released, to help Sheriff Deputy, Geoffrey Hasty find the prosecutors. “It is pretty cut and dry. We certainly got the right people. They did not resist arrest. They came peacefully.” However, no one knows why they did it.

The Defense Attorney, Robbie Cochran has been “cooperative, yet firm on the fact that they are not guilty,” said Noel Mayfield, the Prosecutor District Attorney. “We believe the suspects are both adults, and are being tried as such.” If convicted, the prosecutors will both have anywhere from 6-12 months in prison and a $5,000 fine."

Practice News Story 3: The Burglary

2007-09-19T18:17:00.000-06:00

A local burglary took place yesterday at the meetinghouse for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints. The church building is located at 16th E. 900 N. in Logan and was broken into at approximately 2:20 a.m. A neighbor to the church, Evelyn Breathewait, woke up to a smashing noise and heard a car quickly driving away. “I thought it was just a garbage truck,” she said. “I just went back to sleep.” This definitely was not a garage truck.
Bob Knots, the Physical Management Manager, was the first to arrive at the building after it had been burglarized. “I approached the west door at about 6:00 a.m. and noticed the door was unlocked. I walked inside and saw two destroyed monitors on the floor near the bishop’s office. I called the cops as soon as I saw something was wrong and left immediately,” he said.
Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty arrived at the building 10 minutes later. “I entered the west door and walked in to find two monitors destroyed and glass everywhere! The bishop’s office door was open, as well as his window to the outside. I saw that two CPU’s were missing. There are two persons of interest and we believe them to be juveniles,” he said.
Bishop Lawrence Shirk of three years arrived at approximately 6:15. “My biggest worry is that confidential information was stolen. My congregation deserves confidentiality. I was more concerned about that than anything else,” he said. Shirk remembers locking the doors the previous night but forgot something critical. “I left the window open,” he said. “I don’t remember shutting it.” It’s suspected that one of the burglars climbed in through the window and unlocked the rest of the doors. There is no apparent reason for anyone to do this. It was just some kids looking for something to do. The good news is that no serious damage was done, nobody is hurt and this is not to be considered a pattern. Hasty said, “Incidents like this are few and far between. Logan is a safe town.”

Practice News Story 2: Fire

2007-09-12T15:59:00.000-06:00

Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant on Washington Blvd was up in flames yesterday, Sept 11, at approximately 2:00 PM. The building was destroyed. Deputy Fire Chief, Greg, Chamberlain was the first responder at the scene. “I saw the building blazing and three individuals shouting out the window on the second floor,” said Chamberlain.
Fire fighters received a call at about 2:05 and were at the scene shortly after. “The fire started in the kitchen,” said Pedro Sanchez, the owner of the restaurant. “I was in the kitchen cooking tacos. The meat was popping and oil popped and hit the fire. It started a fire that got bigger and bigger so I grabbed the fire extinguisher but it was too late,” said Sanchez. He screamed to Miguel, his brother, who was upstairs in their apartment to run. Miguel then took his two girls to head down the stairs but when he realized the stairs were on fire, he went to the window and screamed for help. The fire fighters helped Miguel and his two girls, Maria-4 and Mercedes-2 out the window and had an ambulance rush them to the hospital. After a fairly short visit, they were all released with no injuries. “The building is a total loss but I’m just glad nobody got seriously hurt. The fire fighters did their job,” said Rachel Calhoun, the building owner.

Practice News Story: 1 Accident

2007-09-05T20:02:00.000-06:00

A Utah State University van, carrying eleven individuals, rolled on Interstate 84 west of Tremonton, about 4 p.m. Sep. 5. The van was headed back to Greenline Implements after visiting a combine as a part of "Agg Week." Kyle Holden, a witness of the accident, was driving alongside the van when suddenly the back tire exploded. The driver swerved, but lost control and the van flipped over, ejecting all the passengers out of the vehicle. "This is crazy," exclaimed Kyle. "I can't believe this even happened!"
Lieutenant Jason Jensen, the first responder, arrived at the scene at approximately 4:10 PM. He said, "This is the worst scene I've seen in 15 years!" Five individuals were hospitalized, of which four of them survived. Six of them were pronounced dead at the scene due to severe head injuries, one of which was an instructor.
"This is devastating!" said Stan Albrecht, the President of USU. "We'll be stronger because of it, but it's going to be very difficult." The students were all males in their early 20's, some with a wife and children at home. There are no names being released yet, as the families of the individuals are being notified.

My First Blog

2007-09-05T16:51:00.000-06:00

Hello World!