Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Practice News Story 11: Accident

Posted: 11:55 p.m. MT November 28, 2007

"It hits right at the center of who we are."

TREMONTON, Utah- A Utah State University 15-passenger van thundered off Interstate 84 west of Tremonton today, leaving its cargo either injured or dead.

High Way Patrol Lieutenant Jason Jensen arrived at the scene only minutes after the accident. "It was really one of the worst scenes I have seen in my eleven years on the force," said Jensen. High velocity and mechanical malfunctions are the suspected cause of the accident but further investigation is underway.

"It hits right at the center of who we are," said Utah State University President, Stan Albrecht. The lives of students, faculty and a community were shaken by the news of he fatal accident. "The word tragedy does not really do this justice," continued Albrecht, "This event will effect the students more than anything else." The families of the victims are being notified and memorial services are being planned by the administration.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

EXTRA Practice News Story 10: Investigation

Posted: 11:50 p.m. MT November 15, 2007

Teach a man to fish

LOGAN, Utah – A private jet landed in Nigeria's capital city of Abuja today. Its cargo included three individuals worth literally billions of dollars, Ted Turner and Bill and Melinda Gates. What could these powerful individuals want with a struggling economic state like Nigeria? That is our story today.

The Gates and Turner were seen meeting with local African officials this morning. The details of the discussions have been heavily shrouded by the individuals involved but an over tone of health care reform has presented itself as a resounding theme. "We have something in the makings," said Bill Gates when I approached him. Gates continued, "I think we are at a turning point. We have got all this access to technology and people are still dying from these diseases. I am devoting my life to this work. When I die I plan on giving all of my money to these foundations." But what is involved in these foundations?

Mayor of Abuja, Malik Ok, the native spokesman for the project said, "Teach somebody to fish and they will eat a long time." Continuing, Ok said, "The World Health Organization and United Nations’ solution was to bring in food. The Gates are looking at the future. They will build buildings, we will be trained, we will be able to teach and they will not be involved anymore." According to Gates the Nigerian people will be able to overcome their health issues through education. "Prevention is not that difficult," said Gates when asked how he might educate the Nigerian people on issues of health care.

To find details about the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation visit www.gatesfoundation.org/

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Practice News Story 10: Investigation

Posted: 3:45 p.m. MT November 14, 2007

Teach a man to fish


LOGAN, Utah – A private jet landed in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja today. Its cargo included three individuals worth literally billions of dollars, Ted Turner and Bill and Melinda Gates. What could these powerful individuals want with a struggling economic state like Nigeria? That is our story today.

The Gates and Turner were seen meeting with local African officials this morning. The details of the discussions have been heavily shrouded by all those involved but an over tone of health care reform has presented itself as a resounding theme. "We have something in the makings," said Bill Gates when I approached him. Gates continued, "I think we are at a turning point. We have got all this access to technology and people are still dying from these diseases. I am devoting my life to this work. When I die I plan on giving all of my money to these foundations." But what is involved in these foundations?

Mayor of Abuja, Malik Ok is the native spokesman for the project said, "Teach somebody to fish and they will eat a long time." Continuing he said, "They will build buildings, we will be trained, we will be able to teach and they will not be involved anymore." According to Gates the Nigerian people will be able to over come their health issues through education. "Prevention is not that difficult," said Gates when asked how he might educate the Nigerian people on issues of health care.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Practice News Story 9: Sports

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

The Jazz "Step" All Over Cavaliers

SALT LAKE CITY - "I made a decision to step up my energy tonight," said Andrei "AK-47" Kirilenko after pulling in a personal season high 21-point game. The Jazz did step up their game with an impressive 106-99 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers

Utah Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan defined the game well when saying, "Our young guys stepped up today, our veterans struggled a bit, but that is the game." Jazz newbie forward/center, Paul Millsap, brought the Utah fans to their feet with his minute-to-go 3-point swoosh. Following Millsap’s performance, C.J. Miles of the Jazz ended the game with 3-point basket with a stolen Cavalier ball.

Mike Brown, Cavaliers head coach, felt that his team felt played well. "We were in there the whole game. We just could not get things together (…) on time." LeBron James lead the Cavaliers in points, steals and blocks.

The Jazz will be hoping to keep stepping up as they travel to Seattle to play SuperSonics on Friday.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Practice News Story 9: Extra

POSTED: 11:30 p.m. MT November 1, 2007

Google offers more than most could resist.

PALO ALTO, Ca., In a field all ready hosting big names like Yahoo! and Microsoft, Google Inc. (GOOG) proposed a hostile take over today of media conglomerate Time Warner Inc. (TWX), a combination that some say could be ideal.

CEO and Chair of Google Inc., Dr. Eric Schmidt said, "Google has a history of striking when it is hot. We move when there is a good opportunity," when asked about the abrupt business venture. "Time Warner is one of the largest content producers in the world. We are one of the largest content distributors in the world. Our vision is to merge content production with content distribution," said Schmidt.

The purchase price is a reported $60-billion ticket involving debt, cash and stocks. Industry analyst Paul Kim said, "I do not know why Time Warner would turn this down." A combination of these two media conglomerates is predicted to install a drop in the cost of media. Time Warner CEO, Richard D. Parsons, said that Time Warner will conduct an analysis and have a decision within a month.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Practice Story 8: Business

POSTED: 3:45 p.m. MT October 31, 2007

Google offers more than most could resist.

PALO ALTO, Ca., In a field all ready hosting big names like Yahoo! and Microsoft, Google proposed a hostile take over today of media conglomerate Time Warner Inc., a combination that some say could be ideal.

CEO and Chair of Google Inc., Dr. Eric Schmidt said, "Google has a history of striking when it is hot. We move when there is a good opportunity," when asked about the abrupt business venture. "Time Warner is one of the largest content producers in the world. We are one of the largest content distributors in the world. Our vision is to merge content production with content distribution," said Schmidt.

The purchase price is a reported $60-billion ticket involving debt, cash and stocks. Industry analyst Paul Kim said, "I do not know why Time Warner would turn this down."

Monday, October 29, 2007

Practice News Story 7: Speech


POSTED: 3:45 p.m. MT November 19, 1863


"United we stand, divided we fall"


GETTYSBURG, Penn., United States President Abraham Lincoln dedicated the graves of thousands of soldiers who fell in defending their America this afternoon. In the dedication, Mr. Lincoln expressed the sorrow that our nation feels as human equality has ripped our nation in two halves.


The address flowed between the roots of America’s beginnings to the current tragedy of war. "This war is not over yet. Nothing we say can consecrate this ground and make it hallowed. We need to get out there and make it so those who died did not die in vain," said Lincoln. A new freedom of unity was a major focus of the speech.


"I do not know of the future of America, but the world will not remember what is spoken today. What they will care about is the hearts and the valor of those fighting that is founded in the desire for freedom and liberty," remarked Lincoln after his speech was delivered.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

A ride with a Russian


A Ride With A Russian

By: Elder Lee P. Cannon
October 11, 2007


We found ourselves in the courtyard of the Calvinist meeting house waiting for a man named Sándor. Set on the main street, this edifice is a focal point of the enchanting Budakeszi. A screeching set of tires accompanied by a generous amount of horn honking announced the arrival of our long awaited associate. With a grin he beckoned us to sit in the front seat of his van with him. As I closed the door the incredible sensation of fear struck my heart, I would never be the same after this ride with a Russian.

The undeniable aroma of Russian vodka spoiled the air all ready polluted by the haze of cigarettes. Russian pop music exploded from the speakers in an attempt to overpower the thunderous thumbing of my heart. We set out in this brazen state towards his home. The city limits of Budakeszi approached and then passed leaving us on a windy forested road. As I looked over at our chauffeur's un-zipped vinyl black vest that exposed his hairy naval a headline flashed through my weary mind: „2 Mormon boys found dead with Russian vodka”.

The fast paced rhythm of the Russian pop music became the companion to my racing heart beat. Our winding pathway soon found an inlet to the main freeway and all thoughts of vodka murder left my mind. A new curtain of terror closed upon my window of life as we began gathering speed. Cars began to slide from in front, to beside, to behind us in an alarming rate. At 150 kilometers per hour the music was enhanced in quantity by Sándor's slightly slurred voice singing in complete ignorance of the melody. At 160 kilometers per hour my companion's hand found mine. The condensation produced through perspiration and anxiety pooled in our white knuckled palms. At 170 kilometers per hour the passing cars only seemed to be blurred in the ever increasing prospect of death. My mind swam through the swift currents of thought while my companion fervently prayed for protection in our hour of need. The taunting question, „Do you like the music boys?” escaped the Russian's nicotine infested lips over and over and over.

A swift turn of the wheel and a sudden squeal of rubber found us once again on a forest path. Re-occurring terrors of Russian vodka newspaper clippings flashed past our vulnerable minds. We were relieved of our all-consuming pressure when we came to an abrupt halt next to a beautiful park. Russian pop music blasting, the windows rolled down and with a delighted smile Sándor watched two young people enjoying the savory taste of each other's lips. In this moment of love all thoughts of horror escaped us as our captor reveled in his vacation from the rational mind. Smiles replaced the wrinkles of fear on our faces as the prospect of death passed.


And so it happened, we survived the Russian vodka, the Russian pop-music and the wreck less Russian driving. Upon arriving at his home, Sándor introduced us to his Russian wife and we had the privilege of introducing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them. We will never be the same after this ride with a Russian and neither will he!

Practice News Story 6: News Release

POSTED: October 11, 2007 7:30 p.m. MT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ClearPoint Instruction LLC, info@clearpointinstruction.com, 435.787.2084

LOGAN, Utah, Oct. 11 ClearPoint Instruction LLC, an innovative provider of instructional media for health care providers, announced today that it would open its website for on-line ordering.

"A large number of our customers are physicians, dentists and surgeons. We know their market and understand their needs," said Preston Parker, Vice President of ClearPoint. "In addition to providing affordable, quality services, we also aim to create an easier environment for both doctors and patients."

ClearPoint 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.

For additional information please visit our website http://www.clearpointinstruction.com/ or call this number 435.760.2084 to talk with a ClearPoint representative.

END

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Practice News Story 5: Obituary

Posted: October 4, 2007 11:30 p.m. MT

World renoun humorist Conan O’Brien passed away Wednesday October 3, 2007, leaving a legacy of laughter for future generations. While recording an episode of The Late Show with Conan O’Brien, Conan was asphyxiated by a visiting boa constrictor.

Conan O’Brien was born April 18, 1963 in Brookline, Massachuetts, to Thomas and Ruth O’Brien. Attending Brookline High School, Conan excelled in English, leading to a spectacular collegiate career at Harvard University. Along with writing for The Harvard Lampoon humor magazine, he was also the publication’s president for two consecutive years. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard in 1985 with a B.A. in History and Literature.

Conan has been America’s funny guy for years now but his starts were not with The Late Show. Ranging from HBO to Saturday Night Live, Conan touched the sceens of millions of American homes. Conan said, "If I existed 200 years ago, all the other farmers in my community would be like, 'That guy is worthless! He's sitting on a rock, jumping up like a frog, coming up with weird concepts and ideas, making faces, and combing his hair into a giant pastry.' It's a good thing I was born in this century, when superfluous television seems to be part of the economy." He truly left his smiling impact on America’s heart.

Conan is survived by his parents Thomas and Ruth O’Brien, wife Liza O’Brien, children Neve (daughter), Beckett (son), brothers Neal, Justin and Luke, and sisters Jane and Kate.

Close family and friends are invited to attend the funeral services, the date has yet been determined. The Conan O’Brien Memorial Fund will accept donations in lieu of flowers.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Practice News Story 4: Court

Posted: 4:30 p.m. MT September 26, 2007

Preliminary trial proves positive for prosecution

Logan, Utah- Two individuals were arrested and charged today in the Cache County 1st Superior Court with 2 mistimeaner charges, breaking and entering, and one charge of felon burglary.

Sheriff Dept. Geoffrey Hasty said, "Seems like a pretty simple cut and dry case to me. We certainly have the right people in this case." Hasty was the officer who responded to an early call and was the first officer on the scene of the 1600 East and 900 North break in. Judge Alan Mayfield agreed to proceed with the trial.

District Attorney Noel Mayfield, no relation to Judge Mayfield, said, "These two individuals did not have any personal vendetta, just for monetary gain." The two individuals convicted of these crimes are James Michaels, 35, and a minor. "We are moving forward as if they will both be tried as adults," said Mayfield.

Robbie Cochran, defense attorney said, "My clients are innocent."

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Practice News Story 3: Crime

A burglary baffles police and shakes a neighborhood.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ meetinghouse on the corner of 1600 East and 900 North fell victim to burglary last night at 2:20 a.m. Bob Knotz, physical management manager of the facility, found the west entrance unlocked as he arrived for his morning duties at 6 a.m. Upon entering the building, Knotz found two shattered monitors in a hallway and immediately informed the authorities.

The Logan City Police Department responded quickly to the call. Sherriff Dept. Geoffrey Hasty arrived and confirmed the break in. “We had a similar incident two years ago,” said Hasty. “In the 11 years that I have been here, these incidents are few and far between. Logan is a safe town and I don’t think this is anything to be considered a pattern,” said Hasty. Two CPU’s were stolen from the building; it is believed that juveniles were involved in the vandalism.

Bishop Lawrence Shirk, ecclesiastical leader of a local LDS congregation, expressed his consternation saying, “I was not concerned about the equipment. I was concerned about the confidentiality of my congregation.” Shirk, along with neighbors, was surprised by the burglary. “I’ve lived here my whole life, it’s a safe neighborhood,” said neighbor Evaline Breathwaite.

The LCPD are currently investigating possible suspects.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Practice News Story 2: Fire

Blaze erupts, engulfing building on Washington and 21st St.

"The building was entirely ablaze," said Dept. Fire Chief Greg Chamberlain in regards to the devastating fire. Chamberlain was among the first responders to the fire; arriving just minutes after the flames began. Three individuals, Miguel Sanchez, Maria Sanchez (4) and Mercedes Sanchez (2) were rescued from the second floor. "I am not prone to guessing but we are pretty sure [it] started in the kitchen. According to witnesses it was a grease fire," said Chamberlain.

Michael Freeman, a regular at Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant, phoned in the emergency to 911. "I grabbed the extinguisher but I was not fast enough," said Pedro Sanchez, owner of the restaurant, when describing how the fire got out of hand.

"Coming to the scene, not knowing if anybody was hurt, that was hard to me, but I will get through this," said building owner Rachel Calhoun. "The bigger concern for me was that nobody was hurt." Miguel, Maria and Mercedes were rushed to McKay Dee hospital and treated for severe smoke inhalation. The family is now staying at a friend’s home.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Practice News Story 1: Accident

Tragedy strikes; leaving families and community in anguish. A Utah State University 15-passenger van rolls out of control; six students found dead and five injured.

Smoke and twisted metal haunted the scene when High Way Patrol Lieutenant Jason Jensen arrived. “One of the worst scenes that I have seen in 15 years of duty,” exclaimed Jensen when asked on the extent of the accident.

Evan Parker, agricultural instructor, along with ten of his students, had visited Greenline Equipment earlier that day in conjunction with the annual USU Ag Week celebrations. Kyle Holden, a former student of Parker’s, was accompanying the van in a separate car. “We were on the way back, but they never made it,” Holden commented as the quick paced accident replayed in his head. High velocity and mechanical malfunction are suspected to have caused the accident.

“Devastating,” said Utah State University President Stan Albrecht, “it is the worst accident in Utah State history.” University officials are currently contacting family members concerning the accident; the names of the victims are not yet released to the public. Albrecht emphasized that despite this devastating event, Ag Week will continue with a special “focus on the families, focus on the survivors, and on the students.”