Practice News Story 11: Accident

Posted: 4:45 p.m. MT Nov. 28, 2007

TREMONTON, UT - Along Interstate 84 in Tremonton, UT, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a van carrying 10 students and 1 instructor, veered off the road and rolled several times, throwing victims from the van.  Lieutenant Jason Jensen says it was one of the, "Worst scenes I've ever seen in 11 years."  After his preliminary investigation, speed and possible mechanical malfunction may be the cause.

Eyewitness, Jenni Johnson was behind the vehicle as it happened.  She says that a truck had passed her and she was beginning to pass the van because it was slowing down.  The accident occurred and Jenni says, "The van swerved and went of the road and flipped and bodies where shooting out."  She stopped to help and had a man from another vehicle call 911 as she did what she could to help.

President Stan Albrecht of Utah State University says, "The timing of this event will affect the students more than anything else."  It is the first day of Ag Week, an event sponsored by the College of Agriculture.  The van was on a University sanctioned field trip with 10 students from the Agricultural department.  The University is making sure to contact those families of the victims.  the University is still deciding on how Ag Week will play out and also they are planning memorial service.

Extra Practice News Story 10: Investigation

Posted: 10:20 a.m. MT Nov. 15, 2007

LOGAN, UT - At 7:30 on Nov. 14, 2007, William and Melinda Gates were seen with Ted Turner getting of a plane in Abuja, Nigeria to meet with African officials.  After speaking with Bill, we found that the three are meeting to organize an educational program for the people of Africa.  Abuja, Nigeria Mayor Malik Ok said that this, "involves at least five nations."  He would like to emphasize, "at least five." 

The program, according to both Mr. Gates and Mayor Ok, would focus on educating the people in health related fields.  Bill said, "We are targeting education on diseases that we think shouldn’t be killing as many people as they are now…we believe with education that these diseases can be prevented…prevention is not that difficult."  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation believes, found on their website:

There are two simple values that lie at the core of the foundation’s work:

• All lives—no matter where they are being led—have equal value.
• To whom much is given, much is expected.

Bill Gates informed us that they have been in discussion with officials for three months now and will make a formal announcement in about a month.   The program is planned to begin within the next three months.  Mayor Malik Ok referred to the proverb of giving a man a fish will feed him for a day while teaching a man to fish will feed him for a life time.  This is the goal of this foundations efforts.

The foundation will be created in the near future by Mr. Turner.  A formal announcement is to come.  Mr. Turner wants the Gates to withhold the details of the project for now.  Speaking about Mr. Turners trust with the Gates, "He is going to go through that foundation [soon to be created foundation for this cause] and is going to lest us handle the day to day functions."  Ted will invest a substantial amount of money and his purpose is in harmony with the Gates' foundation.

From the foundation's website:

Every day, more than 1,000 children die because they didn’t get a 15-cent measles vaccine. Almost 3 billion people around the world live on less than $2 per day. Here in the United States, only one-third of the students who start the ninth grade will graduate from high school with the skills they need to succeed in college and work.

The Gates, along with Mr. Turner, are taking steps to fulfill two major problems: education and health.  The people of Africa are in need and can be helped with these generous people.  The purpose is to set the framework for the future.  In ten years, the people of Africa will take over this project and sustain themselves in health and education.  This small step is one of many that will help bring the globe together and express love and service to all people.

Practice News Story 10: Investigation

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

LOGAN, UT - At 7:30 this morning, William and Melinda Gates were seen with Ted Turner getting of a plane in Abuja, Nigeria to meet with African officials.  After speaking with Bill, we found that the three are meeting to organize an educational program for the people of Africa.  Abuja, Nigeria Mayor Malik Ok said that this, "involves at least five nations."  He would like to emphasize, "at least five." 

The program, according to both Mr. Gates and Mayor Ok, would focus on educating the people in health related fields.  Bill said, "We are targeting education on diseases that we think shouldn’t be killing as many people as they are now…we believe with education that these diseases can be prevented…prevention is not that difficult."

Bill Gates informed us that they have been in discussion with officials for three months now and will make a formal announcement in about a month.   The program is planned to begin within the next three months.  Mayor Malik Ok referred to the proverb of giving a man a fish will feed him for a day while teaching a man to fish will feed him for a life time.  This is the goal of this foundations efforts. The foundation will be created in the near future by Mr. Turner.  A formal announcement is to come.

Practice News Story 9: Sports

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

Jazz Turn on the Energy and Put down Cleveland

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - After a loss last Monday, the Utah Jazz increased their energy and pulled a seven-point win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at 106-99. With a home court advantage, the Jazz were able to pull ahead at the last few minutest of the game. Utah Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan said, "I feel our team could have don’t better defensively." Speaking about the end of the game and the performance of his players, Sloan also said, "It could have gone either way."

Andrei Kirilenko had an improved performance in contrast with the previous game. He was able to block a slam-dunk attempted by LeBron James of the Cavaliers. This was, according to Kirilinko, a type of recompense for he himself being blocked in a slam-dunk in the previous game.

Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach Mike Brown said about the game, "Nothing went wrong. We were right there the whole game. We just couldn’t get things together to pull it out in time." Both coaches agreed that the game was in the air and winnable by either team right down till the end. "We just didn’t have chemistry at the end to pull out the win," says Brown.

Sloan attributes the end of game success to CJ Miles and Paul Millsap for their three pointers scored outside of their planned for plays. "Gave the veterans some energy," Sloan comments. This helped, along with Kirilinko's contributed energy throughout the game. The Jazz look forward to playing the Seattle SuperSonics this coming Friday.

Extra Practice News Story 8: Business

Posted: 11:55 p.m. MT Nov. 1, 2007

Google Bids for Time Warner at $60 Billion

Palo Alto, CA - Time Warner Inc. (TWX) received a hostile takeover bid from Google Inc. (GOOG) today. After speaking with Industry Analysis Paul Kim, the extreme nature of this takeover is explained. According to Kim, Google has offered $60 billion in debt, cash, and stocks. The debt is measured at $5 billion, the cash at $10 billion, and the stock at $45 billion. The cash, he says, is an added bonus. CEO of Time Warner, Richard D. Parsons, says that they will do their analysis which may take a month.

Dr. Eric Schmidt CEO and Chair of Google, said, "We saw the need to add content production to our company quickly. They are one of the biggest content producers; we are one of the biggest content distributors. Merge content production with content distribution. It make good sense to us." He also commented that this takeover has been under consideration for under six months.

Our industry analyst says, "I don't know why Time-Warner would turn it down."  There was comment on the future of the company and the Federal Communications Commission.  The size of this could be company may create a sting with the officials at the FCC.  Large conglomerates tend to create controversy because of convergence of media.

Terry Semel, CEO and Chair of Yahoo (YHOO), Steve Balmer, CEO of Microsoft (MSFT), and William Gates, Chair of Microsoft, all offered no comment.

Practice News Story 8: Business

Posted: 4:45 p.m. MT Oct. 31, 2007

Google Bids for Time Warner at $60 Billion

Palo Alto, CA - Time Warner Inc. (TWX) received a hostile takeover bid from Google Inc. (GOOG) today. After speaking with Industry Analysis Paul Kim, the extreme nature of this takeover is explained. According to Kim, Google has offered $60 billion in debt, cash, and stocks. The debt is measured at $5 billion, the cash at $10 billion, and the stock at $45 billion. The cash, he says, is an added bonus. CEO of Time Warner, Richard D. Parsons, says that they will do their analysis which may take a month.

Dr. Eric Schmidt CEO and Chair of Google, said, "We saw the need to add content production to our company quickly. They are one of the biggest content producers; we are one of the biggest content distributors. Merge content production with content distribution. It make good sense to us." He also commented that this takeover has been under consideration for under six months.

Terry Semel, CEO and Chair of Yahoo, Steve Balmer, CEO of Microsoft, and William Gates, Chair of Microsoft, all offered no comment.

Practice News Story 7: Speech

Posted: 4:45 p.m. MT Nov. 19, 1863

GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania

"...this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom."  President Abraham Lincoln's words resounded across the bloody battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  The war is not won, but the favor seems to have turned to the Union's side.  The President commented following his address, "United we stand, divided we fall."  He gave this address as a dedication of the countless graves created over a short three day period.  "...We cannot dedicate - we cannot consecrate - we cannot hallow - this ground..."  In saying this, he emphasizes the terrible losses from both sides.  We are unable to do anything more that what has been done already by these soldiers to hallow the ground.  By the valiant and honorable efforts of both sides, freedom "...shall not perish from the earth."

Practice News Story 6: News Release

Posted: 10:45 p.m. MT Oct. 11, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

LOGAN, UT - ClearPoint Instruction LLC is a new company that designs and develops instructional products and patient education services for healthcare organizations.  Through workshops, informational pamphlets, books, posters, DVDs, and web-based simulations, we will prepare patients for the medical procedure they are about to experience.

Primary Products available now include in-patient and out-patient instructional videos on knee surgeries and physical therapy, pregnancy wheels, and patient workshops.  Our services include designing and development of patient education products tailored to suit your company's need.  ClearPoint is available to all fields.  Currently the primary clientele is Healthcare related. 

Why do these all work? Research shows that patients tend to do better when properly educated before and after surgical procedures and accompanying medical experiences.  We focus less on the actual procedure and more on what the patient can do before and after to be better prepared.

ClearPoint Instruction LLC is a Utah-based company made up of a small team of well-trained and highly-experienced designers. Our staff have degrees in instructional technology, curriculum and instruction, computer science, and graphic design. In addition, they have a combined 40+ years of experience in designing and developing instructional products and educational services. All this education and experience has taught us a simple lesson:

Instruction is not effective if learners don't clearly see the main point.

That is why we use a model-centered approach to design instruction. We start by developing accurate models of what your patients need to know, do, and feel about their own health. Next, we create instructional materials and learning activities that actively engage patients in solving authentic problems related to their health. Finally, we work with you to conduct research that lets you know if the patients are really learning. At ClearPoint Instruction, we are dedicated to designing instruction that works. And we promise you this: Your patients will clearly see the main point.

Vice-President Preston Parker said, "With our combined experience, our qualified staff will create these instructional videos, brochures, web sites, and etc. to help your business prepare your customers best.  We understand clearly the importance of patients to recovering and customers to leaving satisfied.  That's what we are here to do: deliver the main point clearly."

For more information on ClearPoint contact:

JP Parrish

j.p@aggiemail.usu.edu 

END

Practice News Story 4: Court

Subject: Practice News Story 4: Court
Posted: 4:45 p.m. MT Sept. 26, 2007

Church Burglary will take two to Court

Logan, UT – Preliminary hearing has determined that James Michaels (35) and an undisclosed minor will face 2 misdemeanor charges of breaking and entering and vandalism as well as 1 felony burglary charge. This preliminary hearing, held to determine if there is enough evidence to continue with a trial, was held on Sept 26th, 2007.

On Sept 19th, the accused were arrested with evidence that they burglarized a meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty made the arrest late that same night.

The suspects came peacefully and according to the District Attorney Noel Mayfield, “[They were] cooperative, yet firm on the fact they are not guilty.”

Practice News Story 3: Crime

Early in the morning of Sept. 19^th, a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was burglarized. Bob Knotz, Physical Management Manager, arrived around 6:00 a.m. that morning to find two computer monitors smashed in the west hallway of the 16^th East 900 N. meetinghouse. Knotz called police after further discovering that the office of Bishop Lawrence Shirk had also been broken into.

Two computer CPU's units were stolen from this office. Bishop Shirk says that all data had been wiped on the units saying they were waiting to be recycled having been replaced by upgrades. A primary concern of Bishop Shirk was the confidential nature of items in the office. Fortunately, no confidential data was removed from the office.

Sherriff Deputy Geoffrey Histy says there was no forcible entry. He suspects that juveniles may be the source of the incident. The culprits appear to have entered through the window of the Bishop's office. Bishop Shirk remembers distinctly leaving with all the doors locked but doesn't remember closing the window he opened during interviews.

There are no direct witnesses but Evelyn Breathwaite, a resident adjacent to the meetinghouse, was awoken at 2:20 a.m. from a loud crash followed by a vehicle driving away. This gives an estimate of the timeframe of the event.

Bishop Shirk, Sherriff Deputy Histy, and Ms. Evelyn Breathwaite agree this incident is isolated and the neighborhood and surrounding areas are a safe and secure place to live.

If anyone has any additional information regarding this crime, please contact Logan City Police at (435) 716-9300.

 

Practice News Story 2: Fire

Local Restaurant Suffers Loss in Fire

At 2 PM yesterday, Pedro's Mexican Restaurant fell victim to what preliminary investigations reveal to be a grease fire.  Firefighters pulled three individuals from the second story window of this three story building.  Pedro, owner of the restaurant, called for the building to evacuate after failed attempts at extinguishing.  Pedro's brother and his two daughters, 4 and 2 years old, were trapped on the top floor.  Firefighters were dispatched and arrived on scene, having the fire contained within an hour.  They saved the three trapped by pulling them from the second story window.  The three were sent to hospital and later released having been treated for smoke inhalation. Surrounding buildings on Washington Boulevard and 21st Street were evacuated as a precaution.  Fire Chief Greg Chamberlain said the quick containment and prevented spread was aided by the stone exterior of the building.  Rachel Calhoun, owner of the building says she plans on rebuilding and is grateful that no one was seriously injured.

Practice News Story 1: Accident

Seven Dead in University Van Accident

While on an educational trip, ten students and one instructor from Utah State University were involved in a gruesome accident. Upon arrival at the scene, of the twelve, six were dead and five were transported to the hospital. One of the five died before making to the hospital. Police say the accident was likely caused by, “a high rate of speed.” Kyle Hollden, who was in a vehicle accompanying the group at the time of the accident, said that he was passing the van in his own vehicle with his cruise control set in excess of 80 MPH. From Mr. Hollden’s perspective, he saw black smoke from the back of the van and believes the cause to be a tire blow-out leading to swerving and the van rolling. Students were ejected from the van; some thrown up to 100 feet. A grief stricken Kyle tells us the group’s field trip was a trip to Greenline for Ag week, a special week long event at Utah State University.

After speaking with the President of the College, we found the university is in the process of contacting the families of those involved. The University will also conduct an investigation of what happened as to make sure that changes are made if necessary. No names have been released at this time. Ag week is planned to go forward with possible changes and accommodations for a service of some fashion.