364 more days till another groundhog's day. ...darn.

Ahh yeeeeeeah!

First post of 2010. Haha yeeeeeah. So guess what? I will most likely be going to Senegal, Africa in May. The AOAAD and Hope Alliance recently asked if I'd want to go with a group of doctors on a humanitarian trip for 3 weeks. Sweeeet. I wrote a story about their plans that was published in the Statesman newspaper, and they apparently felt it would be great to get more publicity with their service efforts.

So I'm not certain yet, but I think I'll be writing stories about what's going on, keeping up a photo log, a video log for a YouTube channel I'll need to set up, and also be blogging my way through the adventure for their webpage.

So... yeah. I'm pretty excited about it. I feel like this will really help strengthen the social media side of my resume, so I couldn't be more happy. ...unless they have a KFC over there.

Late!

BLOG!

Whaddup blog? I speak to you as if you were a person; or a friend, rather.  ...one that ALWAYS listens and never speaks or gives advice.   ....eh, I'll accept that. So anyway, it looks like I'm roughly visiting this blog thing on more of an annual basis. But the goal is to work my way up to semi-annual visits, then quarterly....and before you know it...!!   ...well, let's not make any unrealistic promises right now.

Anyway, life for me is good. ...Except for the fact that it's April 15 (p.s. happy tax day!) and SNOWING. Seriously Logan?? Must you be so bipolar in the springtime??! Although, in fairness, I chose to be here by my own free will, so I guess I shouldn't complain. But everyone up here seems generally sick of the snow; everyone except my roommate Shaun. And he loves it so much that he cheers and claps and it almost makes it worse. He even attributes it to the Queen of Narnia and says phrases such as, "Yes!! My queen has struck again!!" I would be mad if I weren't so amused.

And my other roommate, Andy and I bought a 14-foot sailboat last fall, and are psyched to chill at Bear Lake all summer. We are currently debating whether or not we should paint it, so if anyone has any color suggestions, it could greatly help us not-so-color-savvy guys. I'm also open to any really great sailboat name suggestions...

And finally, I just have to say, that I am again pleased with The Office. And I guess I've never really been UNpleased, it's just that this whole Michael Scott Paper Company has shaken things up enough to grab me, emotionally, as a viewer. So way to go! Alright, it's bedtime. Farewell! I'll hopefully see you again relatively soon.

Oh Dear

So I'm the kind of guy who's into simple pleasures. Like yesterday, on my way to class I watched a long-boarder who was cruising through campus cruise right into a biker that was, in turn, biking through campus. Both were whizzing at what I deem a near mach 5.

It was a ridiculous spill. They both went flying off their "supposedly-beneficial" traveling vehicles and rolled about 4 times. They ended up okay and both apologized to each other about 20 times.

...and THAT kept me laughing the rest of the way to class. Oh man, I was almost in tears. I mean, you really have to savor those moments. And savor I did! I later texted a dozen friends who I knew would appreciate it and spread the Logan cheer. It was one of my better Mondays.

Revival

Well, after about a year off, I've decided to try my hand again with this blog thing.

I originally created this blog for a PR class at Utah State University. Using this for a personal journal was never a high priority. I figured I could squeak by with the bare minimum of turning in assignments on the blog and that'd be about it.

But alas, technology has progressed, as it always does, and this now becomes the norm for student/teacher relations, journal entries and social networking in general.

In order to keep up with the times and stay fluid with change, I am going to give this a more honest effort, second time around. So wish me luck. And I, in turn, do naturally return the favor.

Practice News Story 11: Accident

LOGAN, Utah – A Utah State University van carrying 11 people lost control and rolled over several times this afternoon on Interstate 84 just west of Tremonton.

Lt. Jason Jensen was among the first respondents to the scene. Stating it was the "worst scene I’ve ever seen in my eleven years on the force." He describes arriving to the accident and seeing bodies scattered all along the highway. Four people were critically injured in which two needed to be life flighted. Jensen believes reasons to be due to speeding; however, further investigation is underway.

Jenni Johnson, who was driving behind the van said that the van was being passed by a truck when it apparently lost control. Johnson said the van swerved off the road and bodies were "launched into the air". In a state of shock, Johnson pulled over to assist the victims. "I was trying to get them to breath and make sure their necks weren't injured" Johnson said.

"It hits right at the center of who we are," said Utah State University President, Stan Albrecht. "The word tragedy does not really do this justice." Albrecht said that a memorial of some sort will be put together for those who have lost their lives.

The families of the victims are being notified and memorial services are being planned by the administration.

Practice News Story 10: Investigative

LOGAN, Utah - Bill and Melinda Gates were spotted with Ted Turner in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, today. The Gates and Turner met with local African officials on a very low-key tone. Details of their meetings have been kept quiet, however, it is rumored their purposes are to reform the health care programs for the benefit of the community.

They have been meeting on the formation of this program for the last three months in African towns and cities. While Bill is discouraging much information to be shared, he did say the program will be launched soon, and will be holding a press conference next month for further discussion.

Africa has been exposed to several health problems throughout the years. Of these, main concerns are regarding malaria, polio and the HIV AIDS virus. Bill and Melinda believe education should be the top priority of African nations.

"I think we are at a turning point," Gates said. "We have got all this access to technology and people are still dying from these diseases. I am devoting my life to this work."

Mayor of Abuja, Malik Ok said he made calls for help concerning their health care. He is currently looking at proposals and making negotiations with the Gates and Turner. Ok wants a solution that will have longevity and says the Gate’s will fund the project for 10 years.

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."

For more details about the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation visit www.gatesfoundation.org/

Practice News Story 6: News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ClearPoint Instruction to Reshape Cache Valley's Health Care Awareness

LOGAN, Utah - ClearPoint Instruction LLC specializes in the design and development of instructional products and patient education services for health care organizations. They announced today they will be opening their website (http://www.clearpointinstruction.com/)
for online ordering, which will be a great resource to the health care industries in town.

"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 Instruction can design and develop a wide range of patient education materials, including workshops, informational pamphlets, books, posters, DVDs, and web-based simulations. “I’m certain our staff will create products that are no more than complete ultimate satisfaction to our customers,” says Mary Ann Parlin, President of ClearPoint Instruction. In addition, Parlin says, “We promise you, your patients will see the main point.”

ClearPoint is a Utah-based company made up of a team of well-trained and highly-experienced designers. Our staff has 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.

# # #

Contact Info:

Lindsay Larsen
Director, Public Relations
larsenlb22@hotmail.com
Office: 435-710-5777
Mobile: 801-710-5736
http://www.clearpointinstruction.com/

Practice News Story 5: Obituary

NEW YORK - Conan Christopher O'Brien, 44, passed away yesterday due to a tragic accident which occurred during his night show "Late Night with Conan O'Brien".

O'Brien passed away from asphyxiation due to a boa constrictor on the set of NBC while filming on October 3, 2007. While handling the snake, it wrapped around his neck and suffocated him. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the New York University Medical Center.

Conan was born in Brookline Massachusetts on April 18, 1963 to Thomas and Ruth O’Brien. He attended Brookline High School and graduated in 1981. He also attended Harvard University and graduated with a BA in American History and Literature. Having always been talented with his comedic timing and wit, Conan became the president of the school’s comedy journal “Harvard Lampoon”.

O'Brien started his television career as a writer for "Saturday Night Live" and won an Emmy in 1975. He also wrote for other shows such as "The Simpsons", "Southpark" and more. While working for "Saturday Night Live", he met producer Lorne Michaels, who offered him a job to host "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" in 1993.

Having no previous experience hosting a talk show, skeptical producers made him sign a new contract every week in the beginning. But Conan's charm and charismatic personality quickly won the hearts of viewers across America. The Washington Post has described Conan as “modest, wry, self-effacing, and demonstrably the most intelligent of the late-night comics.”

O'Brien was scheduled to take the place of Jay Leno on NBC’s the Tonight Show in 2009. Always modest about his own success, Conan once 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 had a way to brighten up the lives of all those who watched.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Ann Powel, and his two children, Neve, 4, and Beckett, 2. Funeral services are being held for close friends and family. By request of the family, donations can be made to the Conan O’Brien Memorial Fund rather than flowers.

Practice News Story 9: Sports

Nov. 7, 2007
10:56 p.m.

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Jazz beats the Cleveland Cavaliers in Salt Lake City tonight. The final score was 106-99. Jazz player, Andrei Kirilenko, was key to their success with 21 blocks. "It's the most blocks I've ever had in a game," Kirilenko says.

Utah Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan says he "definately liked the way Kirilenko stepped up tonight". In reference to Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach Mike Brown says, "Kirilenko really shut him down a couple of times. We didn't have enough chemistry out there to pull out a win."

Kirilenko says, "Coming back from the Lakers game where Kobe Bryant blocked my slam dunk really frustrated me. It stepped up my energy and I wanted to be the one blocking the shots."

"Oh I love it here with the Jazz. When it comes right down to it, this is my home; this is where I’m going to play the best," Kirilenko says.

Practice News Story 8: Business

Google offers $60 billion to purchase Time Warner

Oct. 31, 2007

PALO ALTO, Calif. - Today Google Inc. offered a hostile takeover bid of $60 billion dollars to Time Warner Inc. (TWX). This purchase price is for all debt, cash and stocks.

After Microsoft and Yahoo! both had made offers to Time Warner, Google enters the arena with an offer "higher than it ought to be," says Paul Kim, Industry Analyst.

Google's CEO and Chair, Dr. Eric Schmidt says, "Google has a history of striking while the iron’s hot. We don’t wait around. We saw the need to add content production into our company. They are one of the largest content producers in the world. We are one of the largest content distributors in the world. It makes sense to add content production with content distribution. "

Schmidt says their plan is to keep Time Warner "largely in tact".

Richard D. Parsons, CEO of Time Warner, says, "We were surprised because there hasn’t been any discussions of this previously. We haven’t even looked at our options. It’ll take about a month for us to discuss this and do a thorough analysis."

Both CEOs of Yahoo! and Microsoft have no comment.

"The future of Time Warner, I think, is excellent," Kim says. "I don’t know why Time Warner would turn this down."

Practice News Story 7: Speech

Nov. 19, 1863

GETTYSBURG, Pa. - President Abraham Lincoln spoke on the war-torn grounds at Gettysburg, yesterday afternoon.

His intent was to stir citizens to 'get out there and make it so that those who died didn't die in vain', Lincoln says after the meeting.

His speech went on to say, "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."

"I felt really good about giving it," says Lincoln, in regards to his speech. "I feel it was inspired, and I wanted to do something for the soldiers in the war. This war isn't over yet. United we stand. Separated we fall. We must pull together."

Practice News Story 4: Court

LOGAN, UT - Two persons were arrested today in correlation to the break-in at the meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

James Michaels, 35, and a minor were charged with two misdemeanor accounts, breaking and entering and one charge of felon burglary. The preliminary trial proved positive for their persecution today at the Cache County 1st Superior Court.

Sheriff Deputy 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 of the first respondents on the scene of the crime early this morning. Hasty found finger print evidence which linked them to Michaels and his minor accomplice. "They did not resist arrest, and came peacefully," said Hasty.

Defense Attorney Robbie Cochran is disputing finger print evidence and believes there is not enough evidence to proceed with the trial.

The defendents are both being tried as adults and face up to a minimum of six months in jail and up to five-thousand dollars in fines if found guilty.

Practice News Story 3: Crime

Logan, UT – Yesterday at 2:20 a.m. there was a burglary in a meetinghouse belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On the corner of 1600 East and 900 North trespassers entered through an open window of the meetinghouse. Two CPUs are reported stolen from the office room. Also, two computer monitors were smashed in the hallway.

Bob Knotz, the physical management manager of the building, found the scene as he arrived at 6 a.m. that morning. “The door was unlocked when I got there. There were two computer monitors that were destroyed on the floor,” Knotz said. Glass was everywhere. Unsure if the trespassers were still in the building, Knotz immediately left to report it. “I called the cops as soon as I saw something was wrong,” Knotz said.

“I don’t think this is an act against the Church itself,” said Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty. “Relatively, in the 11 years that I’ve been here, these incidents are few and far between. Logan’s a safe town and I don’t think this is anything to be considered a pattern.”

Bishop Lawrence Shirk, occupant of the vandalized office, expresses his concern for those with whom he affiliates. “I wasn’t as concerned about the equipment. I wanted to ensure the confidential information of my congregation was safe.” Shirk believes no personal attack was intended and feels secure about this neighborhood. “I’ve been coming to this building my whole life and I don’t recall anything like this happening before.”

The police are under investigation to identify the burglars.