Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Practice Story 8: Business
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
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
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.
