mckell's blog

Journal Entry Reading, Week I

2010-01-19T21:46:00.002-07:00

I enjoyed "It's Just a Movie." It was different from other media criticism pieces I have read before. I think that it was funny as well as informative. It was exciting to read. I usually have been more of the type to think that the important things to look at and learn from are classics when in reality there are so many more opinions to be expressed in today's medium.

In the Framing: Toward Clarification of a Fractured Paradigm paper I found things that I am dealing with in PR. Framing in PR is a big deal. I thought that when it talked about benefits of a consistent concept of framing it was right on. Often I think that people don't remain consistent. This is a problem for a lot of companies and individuals but for the media as a whole there is often a consistent framing of a group or event. It was interesting for me to tie the two concepts together.

I felt like a lot of what I read online and the Toward Critical Media Literacy piece were things that I had already learned in media smarts and other classes in the JCOM department. However, I was really impressed with one part of the Toward Critical Media Literacy paper, core concept 3- audience Decoding: Different people experience the same media message differently. I liked the idea of this because I think that a lot of what we will be studying is stuff that I have not thought about before. I don't see the media about sexual minorities the same as people who are sexual minorities do.

photoshop fun 2

2009-04-10T09:35:00.008-06:00

Here are a few things I have done in my intro to online class this semester.

This is the original

And this is Mike going to be ate by a bear. To do this I just found a picture of a bear and selected it. Then imported it and resized it. I changed the image a little to not have such harsh lines.

This is the original

And here is the new one. I basically just duplicated the layer and then changed one to black and white then deleted Mike and I out of the color picture.

photoshop fun

2009-04-10T08:58:00.003-06:00

Online Journalism- netiquette

2009-01-15T21:14:00.003-07:00

Personally I thought these posts were common sense. It had your basic "golden rule" along with don't spam. However, I do think that there is something to be said for the idea of Netiquette itself because many people do not use it.

Especially in the professional online journalism world, people should understand and use Netiquette. Many people think that this only applies to when they are at work or doing professional things. However, two years ago I did some research on employers googleing job applicants. I also found out that often times employers will often google their employees. Some argue that this is an invasion of privacy but I totally dissagree. If you post it in the public domain anyone has the right to view it. So although Netiquette is not talking about your facebook account as much as the e-mails and disscusion groups you get in I think it applies. You should keep your blog, facebook, or myspace professional.

Even keeping two blogs I think is a good idea. One that can act as a portfolio and one that is a family or personal blog. My big pet peeve is not with people who forget the avitar is human (maybe because I don't spend much time using them) but with the people who post drunk party pictures and get upset when their boss finds them.

HEY YOU, YEAH YOU!

2008-11-19T15:29:00.002-07:00

Hear ye, hear ye. From this point forward this will be stricktly a professional blog. Mike and I have started our own blog (that he will also blog to) at http://mikeandmckell.blogspot.com/ so everyone come and check it out there. It will shortly be updated with lots of fun stories and pictures.

Intro to PR Post - Healthy Cooking

2008-11-03T23:57:00.002-07:00

SACRAMENTO: A commission in California, which advocates for children under the age 5, continued its mission to promote healthy eating with a new campaign featuring Latina chef, author, and TV personality Chef LaLa.

I think this is interesting because in Preston Parker's PR writting class we have been doing a lot of work on a campaign for healthy "quick service" food. I think its great to see a real agency working on a similar project. It is good to know we are getting experience as students that is directly applicable to the real world.

This is a compliment to the USU PR porgram and its professors. Keep it up!

Intro to PR Post - McDonald's

2008-11-03T23:09:00.002-07:00

OAK BROOK, IL: McDonald's published its first CSR report in two years in a digital format complete with a blog and videos. Bob Langert, VP of CSR at McDonald's said the company hopes the new format will increase employee and consumer interest in the results, which were released October 29.

The study, the company's first since 2006 and fourth since 2002, highlights the fast-food giant's work in governance and ethics, environmental responsibility, nutrition and well-being, sustainable supply chains, and employment experience and community. It was created in a nine-to-10 month process, Langert said.

I thought this was interesting that the decided to post all digital. I think this is an awesome example of media convergience. Although I am sure there is a write up of the info somewhere they chose to publish in a format where they could add video and blog to the information.

This is just another example of how the internet has changed the PR world and why it is important to understand the internet and the time frame it brings into play. The news hour has become the news minuet.

Position Paper- Burger Planet Final

2008-11-03T23:04:00.001-07:00

Creative Brief
BURGER PLANET

Burger Planet is now offering healthy choice menu options in the quick service food industry. Not only do we want to add items to our menu we want to position ourselves in the minds of our customers, especially women between the ages of 30 and 40, as a healthy alternative. Our partnership with Jayne Peterson will help give us positive publicity and a voice for our campaign.

Our research has shown that although women between 30 and 40 years of age have stopped coming to Burger Planet as often they still enjoy the concept of quick service food. Our target audience also is the target audience of Opal Whitcomb. Those who support her and her ties with Jayne Peterson and weight loss will also support Burger Planet’s new menu. Our new menu choices alongside old favorites will be the perfect family dinner option.

We believe that through a series of press releases and various advertisements including radio, TV, and billboards associated with Jayne Peterson we will be able to positively position Burger Planet in the minds of all our customers.

Position Paper- Burger Planet

2008-10-31T00:05:00.000-06:00

Creative Brief
BURGER PLANET

Burger Planet is now offering healthy choice menu options in the quick service food industry. Not only do we want to add items to our menu we want to position ourselves in the minds of our customers, especially women between the ages of 30 and 40, as a healthy alternative. Our partnership with Jayne Peterson will help give us positive publicity and a voice for our campaign.

Our research has shown that although women between 30 and 40 years of age have stopped coming to Burger Planet as often they still enjoy the concept of quick service food. Our target audience also is the target audience of Opal Whitcomb. Those who support her and her ties with Jayne Peterson and weight loss will also support Burger Planet’s new menu.

We believe that through a series of press releases and various advertisements including radio, TV, and billboards associated with Jayne Peterson we will be able to positively position Burger Planet in the minds of all our customers.

Long Overdue

2008-10-16T16:52:00.006-06:00

Sorry about it being so long again between posts with nothing to do with Public Relations. Lots has been happening and the last few weeks have been a ton of fun!

One week ago today Mike proposed! I said yes! (anyone suprised?---- didn't think so) We are going to be getting married in the Salt Lake City Temple on December 12th 2008. Everyone is invited to the reception in Layton that evening. (there also might be a Payson open house, for anyone interested details are pending) So if you all want announcements (with pickin' cute pics) I need your addresses! If you are a relative or responded to the facebook e-mail you are exempt.

In other news... wait, there isn't any. For lack of other subjects I will tell you all how Mike purposed :)

We went out to dinner, and ate steak! It was super yummy. Then we drove up Providence Canyon. All the way at the top there is a waterfall that comes out of the rock, it is beautiful. It was cold and overcast. We hopped out of the Jeep (my car wouldn't have been able to make the drive, atleast without some serious dammage) and Mike pulled me into his arms. We stood there for a while looking at the distant glow over the hills from the city. Mike broke the silence with, "How 'bout it toots?" To which I responded, "How 'bout what?"

He then smiled kissed me and began to explain why he had brought me to this particular place. He told me that we were up away from everyone, alone, just us because this was the start of our commitment to one another and that just we were involved and soon the Lord would make the covenant complete. He then said that we were up with the clouds (remember its overcast) and that he hopped I would be on a cloud for a while at least and that I would be happy. He then mentioned that it had been reaffirmed to him that afternoon that I was the one he was supposed to marry and be with forever.

--side story--
I then asked him to tell me how and he responded with, "and there I sat, on the toilet-" We both laughed and then he told me the real story but I tell you all this to show his sense of humor that I and I'm sure everyone has come to love and appriciate.

He then said that last we were in the mountains. He talked about how mountians were very symbolic of Temples and that we were going to go to the temple and how happy he was that were are able to be together forever and have an eternal family. Then we went home and announced it to the family.

Well now that you are all super sapped out I will be done with the post :) Thanks for all your guy's help (and if you haven't helped yet I am sure you will;)

Intro to PR Post #6- McDonald's

2008-10-16T16:47:00.002-06:00

I'm lovin' it, you're lovin' it and now the Hispanics will be lovin' it! McDonald's is a huge corp. and I had no idea they needed to target a market as big as the whole Hispanic population. However, I think this is a really good campaign. It is specific enough to their culture that it will probably work. Its a great idea to tie it into the Grammy Awards too.

McDonald's broadens Hispanic outreach with traveling 'Fiesta'
Kimberly MaulOctober 02 2008

McDonald's is extending its Hispanic outreach with the Fiesta Tour, a traveling exhibit with Latin music artifacts. The tour will visit cities before and after the November 13 Latin Grammy Awards in Houston. "One of the things we know about our Hispanic customers is that music is one of their passion areas," said Cristina Alfaro, manager of US Communications for McDonald's.

Intro to PR Post #5- Military

2008-10-16T16:42:00.002-06:00

Four firms win work for military in Iraq
Ted McKennaOctober 02, 2008 Print Email Reprint Font Size: A | A | A

WASHINGTON: Four firms were awarded a contract to provide communications services to the US military forces in Iraq: Lincoln Group, Leonie Industries, SOS International, and L-3 Communications' MPRI. PRWeek previously reported on the July RFP, which was expected to be worth a minimum amount of $250,000 and a maximum amount of $300 million for a one-year account with two, one-year options to renew.

The contract calls for a wide range of communications services, including media relations and training; research; production and dissemination of government information to the Iraqi public, including media campaigns promoting its objectives; and monitoring of Arabic and Western media.

The Joint Contracting Command-Iraq, the group that issued the award, did not provide a breakdown of what work each of the winners will be doing or how much each will receive. An Army public affairs officer based at the Pentagon referred questions to the Iraq office, which was not able to provide additional information by press time.

Lincoln Group and MPRI did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Leonie confirmed the win but said the company could not elaborate on the work it will do for “security” reasons. SOS International in a press release said its work on the contract will include the use of “local Iraqi media production companies.”

So... whats the point, right? Well as of late (with my fiance' being in the military) I have been paying much closer attention to the affairs dealing with the army and such. I have decided that doing PR for the National Guard or Army would be kinda fun. I always assumed they did internal PR and it was all through the government. I was shocked to learn that they have outsourced, and with not one company but four. I think its a great idea.

USPS- Intro to PR #4

2008-10-14T21:41:00.002-06:00

WOW USPS needs PR! They say it is just incase of an emergancy to supliment what the already have internally. I think this is a great idea. Everyone needs a little pr work done. With the economy and government the way it is USPS getting a head start on pr is great in my opinion. People rely on mail.

WASHINGTON: The US Postal Service (USPS) issued an RFP on October 2 for a contractor to provide strategic messaging services to the media, the general public, and postal employees. The deadline for proposals is November 5.

One important aspect will be crisis communications, noted USPS senior PR specialist Joanne Veto.

“The solicitation would be in keeping with that: To have an agency standing by or on call in case of an emergency to assist where needed or [provide] expertise beyond what we have internally,” Veto said, via e-mail.

For crisis communications, work might include training spokespeople; identifying experts and credible third parties to support USPS messaging; and facilitating interaction with the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies.

The contract, for which the USPS has proposed no set value, would run for two years starting on January 1, 2009, with three one-year options to renew. Burson-Marsteller has served as AOR for the past several years, according to USPS. The agency declined to comment.

one of the greats- intro to pr #3

2008-10-14T21:21:00.002-06:00

I thought it note worthy that this was a feed on pr news rss feed. He was a giant in the pr industry. I think it is extremely appropriate and shows respect for him and his work.

ATLANTA: John Phillip Harrison, a Georgia PR and journalism professional for many years, passed away October 6 at age 75 from complications related to cancer. Harrison was PR director of WSB Radio in Atlanta in the 1960s and later opened his own firm, Harrison Public Relations.

Harrison was also president of the Georgia chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in 1973, and he was elected to The Order of the Phoenix, the society's Hall of Fame. Donations may be made in his name to the group.

Email Pitch- Final

2008-10-14T21:15:00.001-06:00

BECOME FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT IN 3 YEARS

Dear Debra Hawkins,

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association meets every other week to teach members about smart investing and the philosophy that one can become financially independent working in any job you enjoy.

The CVAIA is a non-profit organization that meets in a non-threatening environment to discuss investment ideas and theories. They hold meetings every first and third Thursday of the month. CVAIA is calling for people who are interested and want to advance and change their lives. They invite anyone to join the e-mail list, cachevaia@gmail.com, and start attending meetings.

People in America have ample opportunity and options to be able to work in a job they enjoy. Understanding and managing passive income makes this possible. There are many associations which are helping educate people in how to truly become financially independent. Cache Valley Area Investors Association based in Logan, Utah, is one such organization. It was founded in July, 2007, and currently has 50 members.

McKell Blake
PR consultant
mckell.blake@gmail.com

press release- HPER final

2008-10-14T21:10:00.002-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2008

Bill Bauer
Campus Recreation
7000 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-7000
hper@cc.usu.edu
435-797-1495

LEARN TO SWIM
Popular swim program brought back to USU

LOGAN, Utah— Swim lessons are once again offered on campus at Utah State University. After a year of not offering swim lessons Campus Recreation is excited to announce that they are once again offering them to students, faculty and the community. The lessons are taught by American Red Cross lifeguards and water safety instructors. Registration for the next session starts October 28, 2008. The session starts November 4, 2008.

Other pools in Logan are offering lessons by other certifications like Swim America, however, learn to swim by Red Cross is a much better system. The focus of learn to swim is on safety and learning how to be safe in and around the water. Bill Bauer, Aquatics Supervisor, said,"Learn to Swim offered through the Red Cross is a better system because the kids learn to be safe in the water, as well as work on technical swimming."

Lessons are taught Tuesday and Thursday between 4:30 and 6:00 pm. Levels one through six are offered along with adult lessons and parent-tot classes.

The HPER building is located on the USU campus at 7000 Old Main Hill. Building hours are from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm.

McKell Blake
Public Relations
801-856-9108
mckell.blake@gmail.com

END

Email Pitch

2008-10-09T18:37:00.001-06:00

EMAIL PITCH

BECOME FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT IN 3 YEARS

Dear Debra Hawkins,

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association meets every other week to teach members about smart investing and the philosophy that one can become financially independent working in any job you enjoy.

The CVAIA is a non-profit organization that meets in a non-threatening environment to discuss investment ideas and theories. They hold meetings every first and third Thursday of the month. CVAIA is calling for people who are interested and want to advance and change their lives. They invite anyone to join the e-mail list, cachevaia@gmail.com, and start attending meetings.

People in America have ample opportunity and options to be able to work in a job they enjoy. Understanding and managing passive income makes this possible. There are many associations which are helping educate people in how to truly become financially independent. Cache Valley Area Investors Association based in Logan, Utah, is one such organization. It was founded in July, 2007, and currently has 50 members.

McKell Blake
PR consultant
mckell.blake@gmail.com

press release- HPER

2008-10-09T18:22:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2008

Bill Baur
Campus Recreation
7000 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-7000
hper@cc.usu.edu
435-797-1495

LEARN TO SWIM
Popular swim program brought back to USU

LOGAN, Utah— Swim lessons are once again offered on campus at Utah State University. After a year of not offering lessons Campus Recreation is excited to announce that they are once again offering swim lessons to students, faculty and the community. The lessons are taught by American Red Cross lifeguards and water safety instructors. Registration for the next session starts October 28, 2008. The session starts November 4, 2008.

Other pools in Logan are offering lessons by other certifications like Swim America, however, learn to swim by Red Cross is a much better system. The focus of learn to swim is on safety and learning how to be safe in and around the water. Bill Baur, Aquatics Supervisor, said,"Red Cross is a better system because the kids learn to be safe in the water, not only work on technic."

Lessons are taught Tuesday and Thursday between 4:30 and 6:00 pm. Levels one through six are offered along with adult lessons and parent-tot classes.

The HPER building is located on the USU campus at 7000 Old Main Hill. Building hours are from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm.

McKell Blake
Public Relations
801-856-9108
mckell.blake@gmail.com

END

Random Question Tag

2008-10-09T16:07:00.002-06:00

Here are the rules: I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to six others. The questions are as follows:.

1. Where is your cell phone? Charging
2. Where is your significant other? ROTC Lab
3. Your hair color? Brown
4. Your mother? Sheryl, way cool
5. Your father? Mike... yes another one
6. Your favorite thing? Mike Christensen
7. Your dream last night? I dont remember them
8. Your dream/goal? Do pr for a major comp.
9. The room you're in? family room
10. Your hobby? Snowboarding and Boating
11. Your fear? Being alone
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? married with the fam
13. Where were you last night? with mike
14. What you're not? understanding heros
15. One of your wish-list items? kitchen-aid
16. Where you grew up? west jordan and layton UT
17. The last thing you ate? Tree's cookies
18. What are you wearing? jeans and a red polo
19. Your TV? heros... my roommates love it
20. Your pet? zoe my dog.. in layton
21. Your computer? rocks, i love it
22. Your mood? excited
23. Your car? saturn, jeep, motorcycle... ok so two arent technically mine
25. Something you're not wearing? ring! lol
26. Favorite store? big 5
27. Your summer? best ever! thanks mike
28. Love someone? mike
29. Your favorite color? orange and blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? in class today, look up ring exchange failed on youtube
31. Last time you cried? not too long ago, but it was a good cry

I tag whoever feels like doing it.

Press Release #3- CVAIA

2008-10-03T09:37:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 26, 2008

Preston Parker
Founder/President
160 N. Main
Logan, UT 84321
cachevaia@gmail.com
www.cvaia.com

BECOME FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT IN 3 YEARS
Investment Group Teaches Philosophy on Job Happiness

LOGAN, Utah— The Cache Valley Area Investors Association meets every other week to teach members about smart investing and the philosophy that one can become financially independent working in any job you enjoy.

Founder and President Preston Parker said, “It’s all about getting your monthly passive income greater than your monthly expenses. Once you get to that point you are financially independent.” Parker believes anyone can get to this point in as little as three years. This philosophy ties in with his belief in the investment risk pyramid. The base is self, meaning that once you get yourself set (spiritually, physically, and mentally) you can start to move forward with your investments of time, money, and credit.

The CVAIA is a non-profit organization that meets in a non-threatening environment to discuss investment ideas and theories. They hold meetings every first and third Thursday of the month. CVAIA is calling for people who are interested and want to advance and change their lives. They invite anyone to join the e-mail list, cachevaia@gmail.com, and start attending meetings.

People in America have ample opportunity and options to be able to work I a job they enjoy. Understanding and managing passive income makes this possible. There are many associations which are helping educate people in how to truly become financially independent. Cache Valley Area Investors Association based in Logan, Utah, is one such organization. It was founded in July, 2007, and currently has 50 members.

McKell Blake
PR consultant
mckell.blake@gmail.com

Intro to PR Post 2- market crash

2008-10-01T23:11:00.002-06:00

I was just rummaging through some of the PR blogs that were listed on google's search and I came across this blog http://online-pr.blogspot.com/. I found it to be rather interesting. First they talk about how the president and speaker of the house do not effectively sell the bill to the house. They just assumed that the support from the senate would work for them. I do not fully agree with this statement. I am sure someone did the speech writing, and studied the audience. This just made me wonder what they actually thought would work. I would love to do political PR for a day. But I know that I would probably hate it in the long run so I just steer clear from that market. That's all folks.

-McKell

Intro to PR Post 1- Pepto

2008-09-30T22:55:00.001-06:00

The ad I chose was found on adweek.com. Pepto-Bismol is launching new ads that do not include their famous “Macarena” type jingle that their last campaign it included. The new ads are targeting a slightly different audience in my opinion. I do believe the campaign will be effective for two reasons. First, they are humorous and second, they are different.
People like to be entertained. We tend to remember things that make us laugh. This commercial includes both humor in the product and in the concept of things that are realistic to the audience. The commercial reminds me of The Office and I think that will play into the advertising in other ads.
The other reason I think this ad will be successful is the fact that it is something they haven’t tried before. People are starting to get sick of the jingle advertising. I have noticed a decreasing number of ads use songs. I think they were over done in the last five years. Especially by companies like Low Book Sales; I personally got annoyed with them. The drawback is the fact that some people do like the jingle. I am reminded of the Taco- Bell dog. Although new marketing has been successful for them people were upset about the disappearance of the little dog.
In general I think the campaign will be successful. The idea is great and it avoids the annoying jingle that they used to use. I also believe that the younger hipper audience will like it better. It has a feel a lot like The Office and I think that is a great way to appeal to the audience they are targeting.

Draft Press Release #3- CVAIA

2008-09-26T10:36:00.003-06:00

Press Release Burger Planet- Final

2008-09-26T10:36:00.001-06:00

BURGER PLANET OFFERS HEALTHY CHOICES
Jayne Petersen teams with Burger Planet

GARY, Indiana-- President and CEO of Looking Glass, Inc. and author of best seller “Looking Good in a Leotard,” Jayne Petersen, has teamed with Burger Planet, Inc. to promote new menu items and a healthy lifestyle. New menu items will include fruit packages, gourmet salads, and all white meat chicken wraps. These items along with the traditional favorites will now be available.

"Jayne Petersen and Burger Planet share a commitment toward health,” said James E. Muellenbach III CEO of Burger Planet. Jayne Petersen has helped countless women, including Opal Whitcomb, lose weight on the philosophy that it is ok to eat what you want as long as you remain active. “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, such as the fruit packages,” said Petersen. Opal Whitcomb has lost 75 pounds and has kept it off. Petersen preaches a message of moderation with 20 minutes of walking per day.

Burger Planet and Jayne Petersen agree that the new menu choices and moderation along with regular exercise are great healthy living choices. Burger Planet knows that their new healthy choices menu along with their other great menu choices will make a delicious meal for any family. “Burger Planet has been a leader in the Quick Service Restaurant industry in offering healthy menu choices. The company believes in encouraging customers to live healthier, active lifestyles and I have spent my life trying to teach women that lesson," said Petersen.

Burger Planet was founded in 1934 in Indianapolis, Indiana. At last count there were 8,921 franchises worldwide. The headquarters is in Gary, Indiana. They employ 48,272 people.

McKell Blake
Public Relations Consultant
mckell.blake@gmail.com
801-123-4567

Press Release: Burger Planet

2008-09-23T15:07:00.004-06:00

Values and Principles in Public Relations

2008-09-19T12:30:00.004-06:00

Whenever I think of public relations values and principles I think of the ethics in the movie The Island. In the movie the CEO of a cloning company is meeting with his PR manager concerning two products escaping the facility. The PR guy pushes limits by telling the CEO that he will turn the day around and sell record highs. He then goes to a meeting where he tells consumers that the products remain in a vegetative state, never living. In reality the clones are very alive and have feelings and are kept underground by the company until ready to be disposed of. I think this is a great example of terrible PR ethics.

In my opinion PR values are slightly different than PR principles. The values are tings that the employer trusts you to have in and outside the company. They expect you to be honest with them and their costumers. On the other had the principles are things that have to be built. A client isn't going to automatically trust you with safeguarding confidences. You have to use your values to build the principles.

I think the hardest principle to live is the conflict of interest. No matter what if something you are working on is going to effect your life in some way it is hard not to look out for number one. This principle also includes addressing the clients conflicts as well. This is extremely difficult.

Going back to the movie example, the lead PR manager goes against personal values and the principles of PR. He also breaks laws in the movie jeopardising the companies good name all in his own interest, money.

PRW- PR 1- Annoucement

2008-09-05T10:28:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABC Real Estate LLC
123 Creative Way, Logan UT 84341
801-555-4567
Preston Parker
President

NEW REAL ESTATE COMPANY BUYS AND SELLS DIFFERENTLY
ABC Real Estate helps people get into homes

LOGAN, Utah-- ABC Real Estate in Logan Utah is using Benificiary Directed Equity- Holding Land Trusts, BDEH Land Trusts, to buy and sell homes. The system has made home owning more afordable for buyers and a 10% to 20% return for investors.

“We want to save people money, help people stay in homes and get homes,” said Preston Parker, president. “The nation is in the worst mortgage and credit crisis since the 1930’s but we are optimistic that we can recover with programs like these land trusts.”

ABC Real Estate is the second company in Utah to adopt this system. Investors get returns on their investments. They usually have a 680 fico or a 20% down payment or both. Each month investors receive a check in the mail. It is passive investing.

ABC Real Estate was founded by Preston Parker in January 2008. The company is located in Logan Utah.

McKell Blake
Public Relations Consultant
mckell.blake@gmail.com
801-123-4567

PRW 1- Letter to Cousin

2008-09-04T22:52:00.000-06:00

Dear Cousin Joe,

I am writing to tell you I have recently acquired an internship at a large company working with their director of public relations. Public relations, often referred to as PR, has been my course of study for the past two years at Utah State University.

I have loved working on PR here on campus. Public relations professionals have many responsibilities including working with both media and business being the key communicator between the two; writing press releases to the local newspapers, talking about upcoming events, products or people that they might want to write a story on; or even working on different marketing teams to launch different advertising campaigns. At my internship I am often expected to use my writing skills.

Public Relations has many different positions and fields you can enter. There are PR agencies that are an outside source of different marketing and creative teams that work for a company. Or you can directly work for a company in a PR position or department.

I am excited for the new opportunities that await me.

Your Cousin,
McKell Blake

everyone else is doing it...

2008-08-04T17:53:00.004-06:00

Ok all I guess I will update the blog seeing as most of you have. I feel a litte behind the curve. Here is what is up-

Mike comes home one week from today! I can not wait. From what he wrote in his last letter all is going really well at camp. They have done shooting and water survival then he left for 10 days in the field. When he gets home (Wednesday) he gets to start out processing. I think this means he starts getting ready to come home :) He is excited to come home for a few days and I am excited to have him home! My mom, his mom and I are hoping to fly out to Washington and go to his graduation this weekend but flights are not looking amazing so its hard to say if we will be going or not.

Spudman went well. My thoughts and prayers go out to Donald Morhouse's family. He was in wave 6 and passed away during the swim. I was in wave 7 and they cancelled our swim. My team did really well without me. We took 2nd of 6 (or so) teams. This was my 4th year competing in the spudman and all 4 years I have placed!

My family is great and hoping to finally do some boating this summer (whats left of it) now that all the scout and girls camps are over! Landon is now a jr. lifeguard at the Clearfield Aquatics Center. He loves it and I love having him come to work with me sometimes. I am finishing my last set of swimming lessons for the summer on Thursday! I am really excited Adam is trying to teach me how to wheely on a bike... He is being very patient. I am starting to get the tire off the ground. Most of my time is spent at the pool either teaching lessons or guarding. Well that is whats new!

OH BIG NEWS! The Clearfield Aquatics Center Lifeguard teams did amazing at life guard games. I went as the coach of the bravo team and had a ton of fun. The Alpha team took 2nd place overall and bravo took 7th! Teams from all over the state come to compete and this year there were 18 or 20 teams there so we did really well! congrats cac!

MIKE

2008-06-25T23:21:00.006-06:00

Ok, some of you are bugging for info on my man friend so here you go. (and those of you who didn't know ... now you do!)

Michael L. Christensen and I were introduced through a friend a few months ago. At the time we were both seeing other people and weren't too interested but I guess Jake was inspired because he didn't give up. He finally got us out on a date, and the rest has been amazing!

Our first date was to dinner and a movie, we went to the new Indiana Jones movie. After the movie we went walking around a park and found a fire side... like a place for someone to stand next to a fire pit :)

Our second date was even more fun we went shooting... I am a terrible aim! Mike is not. And he has a lot of guns :)

Shortly after this we went hiking up Logan Canyon and watched the moon rise, ate sandwitches and even danced on the trail, under the stars. Very romantic!
I believe he is my other half!

Although only dating a short time we have become really close. We have spent every spare moment with each other because he leaves for 2 months July 10th. Mike is in the National Guard and is going to training in Fort Lewis Washington then he is off to Bulgaria for more training. It is crazy, but it will be good. We are excited to see how the relationship will grow. Here are some pics of some fun activities we have done!

"Enough Said"

2008-05-04T18:22:00.002-06:00

Have you noticed that when you spend enought time with someone you start to say phrases or words that they use? Well I have. If you lived in Reeder Hall 2007-2008 you have probably used the words or phrases:

I'm not gonna lie
Let's be Honest
That's Not Funny
Shut up... I hate you
No way
Because Rick ate my face
What the Fuh
Stupid Boy
BEN
Um, yeah

There are more I am sure. I will add them when I remember them. Well, now that I use these key phrases I can't stop. You will probably hear me use them more often than not.

Good Times

2008-05-01T02:41:00.003-06:00

Reeder Hall here at USU is amazing! I will miss everyone over the summer and hope to keep in touch with you all. Thanks for a great year! Enjoy this movie I put together while not sleeping... MOVIE. Can I just tell you all that I love YouTube way too much.

Common Ground

2008-04-24T00:22:00.001-06:00

I went skiing with the group Common Ground a few times this winter. It was a blast if any of you are interested in going with this summer or next ski season let me know. This is a short video I put together for an English project. Enjoy!

ok so it wont let me just embed it so here is a link :) and there are some other movies on the page too. should be awesome

movie

First post thats not a PNS

2008-04-17T23:42:00.002-06:00

Recently I have been involved with the the E-Club here at USU. I was volenteered to write their press release for E-Day. Turns out I must be ok at the press release writing (or it was a slow news day) because my story ended up on the cover of the Harol Journal here in Logan. HJ article. I was pretty excited. So if you get a chance check it out they even were nice enought to quote me in the article and the blue sholder in the top corner of the pic is me. Just fyi. Well I will try to keep up on my posting from now on now that it is almost summer.

-McKell

PNS 11- Utah State University Van Accident

2008-04-17T09:38:00.002-06:00

Posted April 17, 2008 11:00 p.m. MT

Agriculture Week Now Week of Memorial

TREMONTON, Utah—There were seven confirmed fatalities of a van accident on Interstate 84 west of Tremonton around 4 p.m. The van carrying 11 passengers, ten students and one professor, blew a tire and rolled several times. Steven Bair, Curt Madsen, Bad Wilcox and their professor, Evan Parker, died. Robert Peterson and Jared Nelson along with two others were transported to local hospitals and are in critical condition.

Lieutenant Jason Jensen said, “It was a horrific scene.” He suspects excessive speed was a cause for the accident. “In my 15 years of experience this is by far the worst accident I have ever seen. It is defiantly going to effect the community.

Kyle Holden, driver of a truck traveling with the van, said, “Evan was not able to regain control after the tire blew and drove off the freeway and the van rolled several times and people just flew.” Holden reports that the group was traveling approximately 79 miles an hour.
This accident took place during Agriculture week, a week celebrating agriculture, at Utah State University. Dean of the Collage of Agriculture Noel Cockett said, “It will have a long term effect on the collage as well as the community.” She also reported that the reminder of the week’s activities will be cancelled and memorial ceremonies will take place.

EXTRA PNS 10 Investigative: Ted Turner

2008-04-11T23:25:00.003-06:00

Posted April 10, 2008 10:05 MT

Turner, Gates and Buffet in Africa?

Ted Turner and Warren Buffet partner with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help Africans in need. Turner and the Gates were seen getting off a private jet in Africa on Wednesday. While in Africa they met with local officials to discuss bringing health supplies and education to the area. The group is also working closely with the World Health Organization.

The partnership is hoping to join their efforts together to make a bigger impact. Although previously the two have slightly out donated each other, Bill Gates said, "we want to do the most good with the most dollars, it's not about out bidding." Bill is optimistic about the partnership purposed by Turner. "It's very encouraging," Gates said.

An African mayor, Malik Ok, who met with Bill, Melinda and Ted while they were in Africa said, "I like their approach because they want to give it [health supplies] to us and teach us so once they are gone we can keep using them." While contributions in the past have been helpful Ok commented that once organizations leave the people tend to slip back into old habits.

Ok's village was chosen to receive donations because they have a high percentage of various diseases that WOW, the Gates Foundation, Buffet, and Turner want to get rid of. Some diseases, such as small pox and measles, are very rare in other parts of the world. These can be completely eliminated with vaccinations and the correct sanitary education. The group also wants to educate on issues like HIV and AIDS which are also in high percentages in this area.

The Foundation and Turner will be holding a press conference in about two weeks to release exact details on the up coming project.

PNS 10 Investigative: Ted Turner

2008-04-10T09:48:00.001-06:00

PNS 10 Investigative: Ted Turner

Posted April 10, 2008 10:05 MT

Turner, Gates and Buffet in Africa?

LOGAN, Utah-- Ted Turner and Warren Buffet partner with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help Africans in need. Turner and the Gates were seen getting off a private jet in Africa on Wednesday. While in Africa they met with local officials to discuss bringing health supplies and education to the area. The group is also working closely with the World Health Organization.

The partnership is hoping to join their efforts together to make a bigger impact. Bill Gates said, “we want to do the most good with the most dollars, it’s not about out bidding.” Bill is optimistic about the partnership purposed by Turner. “It’s very encouraging,” Gates said.

An African mayor, Malik Ok, who met with Bill, Melinda and Ted while they were in Africa said, “I like their approach because they want to give it [health supplies] to us and teach us so once they are gone we can keep using them.” While contributions in the past have been helpful Ok commented that once organizations leave the people tend to slip back into old habits.

Practice News Story: Sports Story

2008-04-03T09:20:00.002-06:00

Jazz Breaking Records Left and Right
Miles scores career-high and Williams hits 50th double-double as Utah drains 16 3-pointers

SALT LAKE CITY-- Utah Jazz over run the San Antonio Spurs 106-99 in the final minuets of play. C.J. Miles scored second career high this week out doing his record, 29, set on Monday against the Washington Wizards. Deron Williams finished the game with 14 assists and 15 points for his 50th double-double this season. As a whole the Jazz scored 16 3-point baskets, which is also a season high. Coach Jerry Saloan said, “I am proud of my guys.”

Mehmet Okur and Ronnie Brewer were key to the change in pace of the game in the final minuets. Okur blocked a shot by Spurs Tim Duncan which lead to a 3-point shot by Brewer that put the Jazz up 100-97. Spurs coach, Gregg Popovich said, “Okur blocked Duncan and the momentum just changed.”

Brewer, who has sat the last two games due to a right groin injury, scored 7 points total. Miles scored 30, Okur scored 15, Boozer scored 26 with 12 rebounds and Kyle Korver stepped up with 13 points including all three 3-point attempts he made.

P: 10:56 p.m. MT, April 4, 2008

myface

2008-03-28T16:17:00.001-06:00

McKell Blake
English 2010
Cami Harris
Persuasive Research Essay

MYFACE

MySpace and Facebook are two of the most visited sites on the internet. With more than 95 million members MySpace has become the most popular social networking sites in the world (Hanisko) and Facebook is not far behind with 19 million members (Jones). Social networking and blogging have become a fad of the 21st century. Most adults and teens have profiles on a networking site or a site of their own. Employers have found these sites to be useful in the process of selecting candidates for interviews. However, some individuals find this process to be unethical. As the law stands all information posted on social networking sites is in the public domain (Fudge). This means that anything you put online can be accessed by anyone, including employers. Based on law and laws of common sense employers should be able to look up job hunters on the internet.

The conflict arises when other laws are taken into consideration as well. For example employers cannot make decisions based on gender or race (Fudge), but these items are plainly displayed on the front page of most social networking profiles. If there is any chance that these items will alter an employers point of view laws may be infringed even if the change of opinion is subconscious. The two main laws of concern are equal opportunity law and privacy law. Under laws requiring equal opportunity companies must include all protected classes in their recruiting, selection and performance-management efforts. There are two types of discrimination under equal opportunity laws, direct and indirect. Direct has to deal with race, gender, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation. All of this information is normally found on information boxes or can be inferred from comments or pictures. Indirect, however, happens inadvertently. Often times it occurs when employers select candidates from a smaller pool of people. For example only hiring people who have a social network profile because you feel more comfortable with the extra information. Privacy laws, on the other hand, are intentionally broken more often. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires people to get explicit consent to do background and credit checks (Kowske).

Incorrect information is often an issue that many are worried about. Companies need to check with applicants to make sure they do not dismiss applicants based on information found about someone with the same name or similar information. This is a rare occurrence and can be easily avoided by the company. “Recent surveys have indicated that over 26% of hiring managers have used internet search engines to research prospective employees; while about 12% say they have used social networking sites” (Jones).

“Over half of the applicants found on search engines and nearly two-thirds of the applicants found on social networking sites were not hired as a result of the information found” (Witham). There is almost no way to tell if these decisions were based on valid and lawful information or not. However, if the applicants knew their profiles were working as advertisements they may have posted differently.

Most issues with job screening could be easily avoided by knowing the facts. According to the Peer Educator, Reviewing Your Online Identity states that you should check your profile for, “anything that has the potential to hinder your ability to take on future academic, extracurricular or career opportunities” (Currie) Often using a semi professional screen name will please picky searchers; 8 percent of potential employees were rejected because their screen names were unprofessional (Hanisko).

Companies are normally pretty careful in their grounds for dismissing applicants for the job. No company wants to be known as the guys who wont hire based on internet information. It would be a public relations nightmare (Kowske). Companies are aware of equal opportunity and privacy laws so they try not to infringe upon them. One way to avoid this is to be mindful of the laws and to be open with the candidate about the processes being conducted. An employer would be within their rights to take a dim view of a candidate who has posted discriminatory jokes and inappropriate pictures online on the grounds of the occurrence of the jokes or actions occurring in the workplace (Fudge). This example shows the benefits of searching social networks. It can help companies avoid lawsuits within the company.

Nic Romero, talent specialist for North Star Recourse Group, said, “by no means would information (positive or negative) found on the internet make or break my decision.” She also commented that, “the candidate’s MySpace page can also give great background information as to who this person really is and what kind of friends they have” (Hanisko). Most employers are not out to find trash on candidates. They are looking for good candidates for the job. Joan Gallagher, Career Counselor for Loyola University, said, “Most employers I have spoken with cannot afford the time to go ’sleuthing’ on the internet. But in some cases, especially where one’s character is an area of utmost concern for employers, this may be useful in gaining a window into a side of the candidate that would otherwise be unknown.” (Hanisko). Another university councilor, L. Mauro of Millersville University of Pennsylvania said, “anyone who puts questionable pictures, info, and/or quotes on their site are foolish to think that what they do on their own time wont affect their business life” (Hanisko). Most students now understand that anything they put online can be seen by anyone. In high school many worried about their parents finding their sites and now they need to worry about what employers might see.
Mr. Vance, of Georgia Collage, said, “Networks are a real good idea, but students haven’t thought through how they use them. They need to start thinking about the long-term ramifications of what they’re putting online today” (Read). Professor Preston Parker, here at Utah State, advises his Jcom students to have blogs and social network profiles to advertise themselves. He believes that keeping up to date profiles that show your accomplishments and highlight you are as helpful in the job application process as a good resume.

In a recent survey 47 percent of college graduate job seekers who use social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook have either already changed or plan to change the content of their pages as a result of job searching (Hanisko). Brian Krueger, president of CollageGrad.com said, “entry level job seekers who use Myspace and Facebook should update their pages to reflect their job search image.” His colleague Steven Jungman, Division Director of ChaseSourse, LP advises young adults to realize that the, “World Wide Web is exactly that and personal information is just a mouse click away.” Krueger followed this saying, “like it or not, MySpace and Facebook are public sites. Instead of posting information and photos from that all night party, job seekers can stand out from the crowd by using their sites as an opportunity to generate a positive first impression. If you wouldn’t put it in your resume, don’t put it on the web” (Hanisko).

Information on the internet is convenient. From the time we are children we are told to not always believe what you read, bolgs and profiles are not different. However, the responsibility cannot be left to the employer. If you do not want information to be obtained by others do not post it in the public domain. Profiles can work as advertisements for job hunters as well as they can hinder them. Stand out by having a professional profile, including accomplishments and post recent works that employers would be interested in. Use them to your advantage turn MysSpace and Facebook into YourFace.

EXTRA Practice News Story 8: Buisness

2008-03-21T15:04:00.003-06:00

Google Makes Hostile Takeover Bid for Time Warner

SAN JOSE, Cali.— Google Inc. (GOOG) made a hostile takeover bid involving the purchas of Time Warner Inc. (TWX) for $50 billion dollars. This bid has not been accepted yet.

Google CEO Dr. Eric Schmidt said “Google strikes while the iron is hot, and the iron is hot right now in the media industry. This is the correct move at the correct time for Google.”

Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) and Microsoft Inc. (MSFT) CEOs are discontent. Yahoo wanted to be bought by Time Warner while Microsoft was hoping to buy Time Warner. Negotiations and offers between the four companies will be held.

The offer that has been placed is $35 billion in cash, $10 billion in stocks, and $5 billion in assumed debt which Google would pay off.

Practice News Story: Business

2008-03-20T09:32:00.003-06:00

Google Makes Hostile Takeover Bid of Time Warner

SAN JOSE, Cali.— Google Inc. made a hostile takeover bid involving the purchas of Time Warner Inc. for $50 billion dollars. This bid has not been accepted yet.

Google CEO Dr. Eric Schmidt said “Google strikes while the iron is hot, and the iron is hot right now in the media industry. This is the correct move at the correct time for Google.”

Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Inc. CEOs are discontent. Yahoo wanted to be bought by Time Warner while Microsoft was hoping to buy Time Warner. Negotiations and offers between the four companies will be held.

Practice News Story: Speech

2008-03-06T10:01:00.002-07:00

Posted: November 19, 1863

Battlefield Dedicated to 7,500
President Lincoln Gives Moving Speech

GETTYSBURG, Penn.-- The battlefield in Gettysburg, Penn. was dedicated as a memorial for the 7,500 soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the civil war. President Abraham Lincoln gave the dedicatory remarks. He moved some in attendance to tears saying, “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”

Following a near two hour oration, by Edward Everett, Lincoln took the stand for only two or three minuetts. His few appropriate remarks summarized the war in 10 sentences and 272 words. Few in attendance remember what was said by others. Lincoln’s Gettysburg adress will be remembered for years to come.

Only four months after the battle of Gettysburg the site has been bought and reserved for a national monument. Lincoln said, “We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.”

For a complete copy of the speech see column: Gettysburg Address

Gettysburg Address

2008-03-06T09:49:00.001-07:00

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Practice News Story 6: Press Release

2008-02-28T10:18:00.002-07:00

Practice News Story 6: Press Release

February 28, 2008

For Immediate Release

ClearPoint Instruction LLC

President Mary Ann Parlin

435-123-4567

mary.parlim@clearpointinstruction.com

http://www.clearpointinstruction.com/

Knowledge Helps Patients Recover up to 50 Percent Faster

ClearPoint works to Educate

LOGAN, Utah— Patients at local hospitals and physical therapy facilities are recovering faster thanks to help provided by ClearPoint Instruction LLC. ClearPoint is a local company that creates educational pamphlets about medical procedures to inform people about procedures they are undertaking. Senior Vice President Project Manager Preston Parker said, “It’s not about the money, it’s about doctors wanting their patients to recover better and quicker.” It has been found that educated patients recover up to 50 percent faster, are happier with their procedure, and are able to recover to a higher standard than those who are not.

ClearPoint has been working with Mountain West Physical Therapy and Cache Valley Specialty Hospital. They have created three pamphlets, a pregnancy wheel and DVD, along with other DVD’s including: inpatient surgery, out patient surgery, 2 meniscus videos, and a lumbar fusion procedure. These DVD’s not only cover the basics of those procedures but also information on common hospital policies like eating after midnight, fingernail polish and make-up, and jewelry. Knowing about this helps individuals get into surgery faster and saves doctors time and money. “We use simulated instruction which shows what is going to happen by using examples.” Parker said.

This service is free for patients. Why not become informed? The health benefits of knowing before you go are incredible. Doctors and patients alike love this program. Let’s work together to improve Utah 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. 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 more information please contact

McKell Blake, Public Relations Manager

mckell.blake@comcast.net

801-333-4444

END

PRACTICE News Story: Obituary Oprah Winfrey

2008-02-14T20:14:00.010-07:00

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Oprah Gail Winfrey 1954 – 2008 Oprah Gail Winfrey passed away Feb. 14, 2008. A tragic accident claimed her life around 3:30 p.m. While walking to her car after filming her talk show, Oprah, Winfrey was surrounded by excited fans. Oprah’s bodyguards were helpless in the brothel that soon arouse. Her body was found under the crowd. Sadly her followers loved her too much. Oprah was suffocated in the mob.

Winfrey was born to Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey on Jan. 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Oprah’s grandmother had said that ever since she could talk Oprah has been on stage. As a child she played games interviewing her corncomb doll and the crows on the fence. At 19 she became not only the first black women but also the youngest news anchor at Nashville’s WTVF-TV. He career has been on the rise ever since. The Oprah Winfrey Show has remained the number one talk show for 21 consecutive seasons; the show is seen by approximately 46 million viewers a week in the U.S. alone. In April of 2000 she introduced O, The Oprah Magazine which is now one of the most widely read lifestyle magazine productions. As a producer she is one of the most influential names from Hollywood to Broadway.

Winfrey has dedicated her life to the service of others. As the first African-American woman to become a billionair she was able to donate millions of dollars helping others. She opened South Africa's Oprah Winfrey Leadership Acadamy for Girls and started the Oprah Winfrey Foundation. Her influence is still felt throughout the world.

Oprah has been named Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people five times. Other awards include; International Radio & Television Society Foundations—Gold Medal Award (1996), TV Guide—Television Performer of the Year (1997), Newsweek—Most Important Person in Books and Media (1997), National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences®-- Lifetime Achievement Award (1998), more than 40 Daytime Emmy Awards®: seven for Outstanding Host; nine for Outstanding Talk Show; more than 20 in the Creative Arts categories; and one for Oprah’s work as supervising producer of the ABC After School Special Shades of Single Protein, Time Magazine—100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century (1998), National Book Foundation—50th Anniversary Gold Medal (1999), 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards®-- Bob Hope Humanitarian Award (2002), Broadcasting &Cable—Hall of Fame (2002), Association of American Publishers—AAP Honors Award (2003), United Nations Association of the United States of America—Global Humanitarian Action Award (2004), National Association of Broadcasters—Distinguished Service Award (2004), National Civil Rights Museum—2005 National Freedom Award, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People—Hall of Fame (2005), International Academy of Television Arts &Sciences—2005 International Emmy Founders Award, The New York Public Library—Library Lion 2006, and The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Huanity—2007 Humanitarian Award.

She is survived by her husband, Stedman Graham, four dogs, best friend Gayle King, and countless fans. She was preceded in death by her half-brother, parents, and grandmother, Hattie Mae. Oprah Winfrey was best known for her wonderful personality and humanitarian work. Oprah said, “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” She exemplified this motto. Oprah Winfrey will be missed by the world.

http://www.oprah.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oprah_Winfrey

http://www.oprah.com/about/press/about_press_bio.jhtml

PNS 4- Court

2008-02-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Posted: Feb. 7, 2008, 10:16 a.m.

Burglars To be Tried

LOGAN, Utah- Thursday Feb. 1st Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse was broken into. Two individuals have been arrested and charged with felony burglary.

The preliminary hearing was held today to determine if there was sufficient evidence to hold a trial. Forensic evidence was presented and found to be enough to set a court hearing for March 21, 2008. District Attorney Noel Mayfield is the prosecuting attorney on the case and is seeking for maximum punishment because both individuals have prior records and have worked together on previous law infractions.

Robbie Cochran, defense attorney, says that he is “surprised that the judge ordered trial based on evidence,” and that it will be an interesting trial because Judge Alan Mayfield, no relation to Noel Mayfield, is unpredictable. Cochran says that his client is innocent, “and you don’t need to prove innocence.”

Jim Michaels, 35 faces six months to a year in prison due to the previous infractions followed by this burglary of the LDS meetinghouse. He is free on a $5000 bond. The name of the other individual is not being released because he is a minor.

Practice News Story: Crime LDS Church

2008-01-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

Burglary at Local LDS Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house at 9th North and 16th East in Logan was broken into last night. Police suspect juveniles were responsible for the crime. Two computers were stolen and the monitors were found smashed on the floor.

Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty reported that the break in happened last night or early this morning. Investigators used dogs to follow the sent and believe that the individuals entered through an open window and then unlocked a door. “The window is small enough that a juvenile would have to go through it but high enough that they would need assistance reaching it.” Hasty said. They have found fingerprints in the building and are following those leads.

“This is a safe neighborhood, nothing like this has happened before I think it was just kids having fun,” said resident Evelyn Breathwaite, 85. She lives across the parking lot from the meeting house and said she heard noise around 2 a.m. but had no reason to believe that anything was happening. She assumed that the noise was a garbage truck.

Bishop Lawrence (Larry) Shirk locked the building at around 11 p.m. last night and saw nothing out of the ordinary. However, he had left his office window open and that window was where the intruders entered. Robert (Bob) Knotz, the maintenance man, opened the building around 6 a.m. and was who found the broken monitors. He echoed a common feeling throughout the community saying, “I am just glad no one was hurt. I am ready to get back to fixing my (ceiling) tiles.”

Extra Practce News Story-- FIRE

2008-01-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Washington Boulevard Set Ablaze

The building on the corner of 21st and Washington in Ogden was set ablaze at around 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon. A small grease fire started the fire. Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant and the apartments above it were damaged in the fire. There were five people in the building when the fire started and all made it out alive. Deputy Fire Chief, Greg Chamberlain, said the fire was started on the ground floor in the restrant and spread quicky.

The owner of the building, Rachel Caluoun, had no comment for press.

Pedro Sanchez, owner of the restaurant, was cooking in the kitchen when a grease fire started on the stove. He and Michael Freeman, the only customer at the time, were able to get out with no harm. Miguel Sanchez, Pedro’s brother, and his two daughters, Maria Delmar 4 and Mercedes 2, also made it out. The girls were taken to McKay-Dee Hospital for smoke inhalation. Miguel was able to be treated for minor smoke inhalation at the scene.

Pedro has been in America with a working license for about two years. His brother Miguel has been here only six months and is waiting for his working visa paper work to finish. He would like to start to work in the restaurant with his brother. However, he can not until the paperwork is finished. Pedro said, "I like it here in America. I like my restaurant, people like it. I would like to keep it going and grow. My friends have offered to help me rebuild"

Practice News Story 2-- OGDEN FIRE

2008-01-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

Washington Boulevard Ablaze

The building on the corner of 21st and Washington in Ogden was set ablaze at around 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon. Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant and the apartments above it were damaged in the fire. There were five people in the building when the fire started and all made it out alive.

The owner of the building, Rachel Caluoun, had no comment for press.

Pedro Sanchez, owner of the restaurant, was cooking in the kitchen when a grease fire started on the stove. He and Michael Freeman, the only customer at the time, were able to get out with no harm. Miguel Sanchez, Pedro’s brother, and his two daughters, Maria Delmar 4 and Mercedes 2, also made it out. The girls were taken to McKay-Dee Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Pedro has been in America with a working license for 2 years. His brother Miguel has been here only 6 months and is waiting for his working visa paper work to finish. Pedro said, "I like it here in America. I like my restaurant. I would like to keep it going. My friends have offered to help me re build and continue to work."

Practice News Story 1-- Utah State Van Accident

2008-01-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Tragedy Strikes USU

Utah State University van, caring 11 passengers, rolled on highway 84 yesterday around 4 PM. The van was returning from a agriculture field trip when, it is suspected, there were mechanical problems causing the van to roll multiple times; killing at least 4 individuals. The driver, Evan Parker, along with students Steven Bair, Curt Madsen and Brad Wilcox were all pronounced dead at the scene. Robert Petersen and Jared Nelson have both been taken to Ogden Regional Hospital.

Eye witness Kyle Holden, who was traveling with the group in a separate vehicle, said, "I noticed smoke and knew there was something wrong." Holden suspected that there were issues with tire causing the van to swerve then catch in the gravel causing the accident. Lieutenant Jason Jensen also suspects mechanical issues were the base of this crash, he also suspects excessive speed.

University Dean of Agriculture Noel Cockett reported that, "this couldn’t have happened at a worse time, during Ag Week, doing the thing they love, here at an agriculture school." She said that the remainders of the week’s activities are being postponed and that it is a time of memorial for the school. There will be a memorial for the students later this week.

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2008-01-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

hey all i am just checking to see if this is working... i am going to go to bed now. night