Practice News Story 11: Accident

USU Van Carrying Students Wrecks on I-84

Posted: Nov 28, 2007 10:05 a.m.

TREMONTON, UT- Early today on Interstate 84 just west of Tremonton, a Utah State University van spun out of control and wrecked. The van was carrying 10 students and one professor back from a field trip when it apparently lost control.

Kyle Holden was with the students in a separate vehicle and had just passed the van when he saw black smoke coming from the back of the van. Moments later the van jerked and rolled off the shoulder of the road. Kyle reported that his cruise control was set for 79 miles per hour, but was going downhill when it happened.

Lt. Jason Jensen of the Utah Highway Patrol was first on the scene and was just a little behind the van when the accident occurred. He said there where “bodies everywhere” and that seven were dead at the scene and four were taken to hospitals. When asked about early indications about the accident Lt. Jensen said that “speed was a factor” and that “early indicators point towards no seat belts.

Noelle Cockett the Dean of the College of Agriculture, said that this was a serious accident and that they'll have more information about the 10 students and their Instructor Evan Parker when they know more.

Practice News Story 10: Investigative

Ted Turner and the Gates Foundation look to invest in Africa

Posted: November 14, 2007 10:10 p.m.

LOGAN, UTAH- Today in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, three prominent members of United States society got off a private jet to meet with local officials. This kind of information normally wouldn’t be news worthy but when the people are Bill Gates, his wife Melinda Gates, and philanthropist Ted Turner, it tends to raise eyebrows. Local mayor of Abuja, Malik Ok said that his country and the three philanthropists have had “some meetings, first by phone and representative, then in person.” He replied that the American’s were “very generous” and that all three were interested in “education interests in Africa.” Nobody is talking yet about anything too specific but we do know it will effect at least 5 different African nations. Basic plans call for brick education buildings to be erected and then workshops to be given about health topics to better people’s lives. The specifics of what will happen won’t be public knowledge for quite some time, but when we talked to Bill Gates he said you can expect to hear “something specific in 2-3 months about education.”

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation helps reduce inequality in the US and the world. And with last year’s enormous contribution of $30 billion by Warren Buffet, the boundaries seem endless. Combine that with Ted Turner’s generous contributions to the world in health and education, and you have an enormous amount of money to be used to better the lives of people throughout the world.

Nobody from Ted Turner’s office of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation would comment publicly.

Practice News Story 9: Sports

Utah Jazz Take Down King James and the Cavaliers

Posted: 10:56 p.m.

SALT LAKE CITY- The Utah Jazz pounced back from last weeks lost to the Lakers, and beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-99 at the Energy Solutions Center in downtown Salt Lake City. Andrei "AK-47" Kirilenko had a huge night with 21 blocks, 21 points, and four rebounds. Many of those blocks came off of LeBron James.
After the game, Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan replied that "Our guys can do better on defense" and that it was a "close game." The Jazz were never behind in the entire game, but the Cavs tied the game eight different times.
After having his shot blocked last week by Kobe Bryant, Kirilenko's goal was to come out and prove that he could block shots too. In response to his 21 blocks, Kirilenko said the gives credit to "lots of energy and film."
James answered that overall the Cavs "were in it (the game) the entire time." And that it was in fact "the crowd who took us out of the game." The Utah Jazz have always had a very good home record which many people relate to the excitement and support of the crowd.
A couple last minute 3-pointers gave the Jazz the edge. Paul Milsap made a quick 3-pointer and then C.J. Miles got a steal and then made a last minute 3-pointer to put the Jazz up.
Carlos Boozer had the game high of 29 points, followed by James with 28.
The Jazz's next game will be Saturday November 9th at the Seattle SuperSonics.

Bonus News Story

Google Attempts a Hostile Takeover of Time Warner for $60 billion

Posted: October 31, 2007 11:45 a.m.

PALO ALTO, CA- Earlier today Google Inc (GOOG) made a hostile takeover bid towards Time Warner Inc (TWX) for the amount of $60 billion in debt, cash, and stocks. Dr. Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, stated that Time Warner has been “historically open to mergers” and one of the reasons they were looking to purchase Time Warner was because of their “proven track record.” Google has been looking to become a major content distributor and with the possible purchase they’ve found a company with a very reliable content production. When asked where Google came up with the $60 billion price tag, Schmidt broke it down as “$10 billion in cash, $45 billion in stocks, and $5 billion in assumed debt.”

Richard D. Parsons, CEO of Time Warner, answered that this acquisition was “out of the blue” but Time Warner will meet with their board of directors and that they “are considering.”

Both Yahoo! Inc (YHOO) and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) have been looking to purchase Time Warner in the past. Neither company chose to respond to this recent news.

Paul Kim, an industry analysis, responded that “Time Warner would be foolish not to accept.” Especially with many analyzers speculating that Time Warner’s stock might be over priced. For both parties the deal just “seems to makes sense.”

Of course all of this could be for nothing if the Federal Communications Commission rules against such a large purchase. Even though the FCC has leaned towards letting larger corporations become even larger in the last few years, there are still many fears that these two companies could prove too much and start looking like a possible monopoly.

Practice News Story 8: Business

Google looks for a hostile takeover of Time Warner

Posted: October 31, 2007 9:17 a.m.
PALO ALTO CA-Earlier today Google Inc(GOOG) put in a hostile takeover bid of $60 billion to acquire Time Warner Inc(TWX). Richard D. Parsons, CEO of Time Warner, when interviewed today said that this purchase was “out of the blue” but that Time Warner will look into the purchase.
Dr. Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google Inc said that the purchase estimate was a great step for Google since Time Warner has a “proven track record” and has “historically been open to mergers. Company’s like Google are always looking for ways to improve their effectiveness and one important step will be for them to get a reliable distributor.
Paul Kim, an industry analysis, stated that “Time Warner would be foolish not to accept that.” Of course all future thoughts are still put on hold pending a FCC ruling.

Practice News Story 7: Speech

PRESIDENT LINCOLN DEDICATES GETTYSBURG CEMETERY
Posted: November 19, 1863. 9 a.m.

GETTYSBURG, PA (AP)- Earlier today on this war torn battlefield President Abraham Lincoln dedicated the cemetery here with one of the strongest most charismatic speeches ever spoken on this great earth. With the battle still fresh on our minds and the smell of torn up ground and smoke still lingering in the air, there wasn’t a non-solemn face in the crowd.
President Lincoln’s address fueled the crowd and can be found on the following page in its entirety. Afterwards he stayed and answered a few questions about the Civil War and his general thoughts. He said that there is “Definite signs it’s coming to a close” and that this war has been a battle over “states rights versus federal rights.” He also stated that “Divided we fall” and that the “North meets the South, South meets the North.”
Obviously President Lincoln had the voice of God in his ear to write such a stirring and uplifting speech. When asked about any of the positives that he could see coming from this terrible and great war, he responded with “We’ll come out better for this.” Everyone reading this should make sure they read the following page for the speech in its entirety. It’s sure to be something that goes down in history as one of our presidents greatest moments.

Practice News Story 6: News Release

11:45 a.m. MT

Posted: October 10, 2007

For Immediate Release

ClearPoint Instruction LLC

Contact: Preston Parker, Vice President

Tele. (435)787-4078

Email: preston.parker@clearpointinstruction.com

ClearPoint Instruction

LOGAN, UT-Are you sick on endless complaints from your patients asking the same questions over and over? Does it seem like most people today don’t listen when you give them medical advice? Now there’s a way to free up your employees time and keep your patients healthier and happier. The answer is ClearPoint Instruction LLC. Clearpoint Instruction’s many products and services can make all the difference in medical environment. CPI provides educational media for healthcare providers.

Vice President of CPI, Preston Parker, claims how that their products can improve your healthcare provider’s place of work. Enthusiastically he claims that “We’ve even used some of our educational material on people with severe mental abilities. And not only did they tend to get healthier faster, but they seemed to enjoy life all the more with CPI in their lives.”

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.

Act now for any information regarding this great new product and how it can and will improve your business and its effectiveness.

Press Contact:

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(801)753-1129

Putz007@hotmail.com

Practice News Story 5: Obituary

11:35 a.m. MT

Posted: October 3, 2007

SALT LAKE CITY-World famous cancer survivor and seven time winner of the Tour De France Lance Armstrong died on October 3 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah attempting to set a new land speed record on a bicycle. He was 36 years old. The cause of death is unknown at this time. Lance was at the seven mile mark of a ten mile ride when he fell over. His body has been taken to the University of Utah’s medical center to determine the cause of death.

Lance Armstrong will always be remembered for his survival of “testicular cancer, a germ cell tumor that metastasized to his brain and lungs.” (Wikipedia) After his trying battle with cancer he started the non-profit organization LIVESTRONG to raise money for cancer research and help others with cancer.

He also won the cycling’s most acclaimed prize, the Tour De France, seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005. He was also one of the most drug tested athletes in the world and never once failed a doping test except for when on his drugs of chemotherapy. He was known for his love of extreme sports and his never ending addiction to going faster than anyone could imagine.

He is survived by his mother Linda Mooneyham, his ex-wife Kristin Richard, and their three kids Luke, and twins Isabelle and Grace.

Funeral services will be held in Austin, Texas for closed friends and family.

Practice News Story 4: Crime

10:05 a.m. MT
Posted: September 26, 2007
“Two Arrested in Local Church Break-In”
Logan, UT- Two local residents were brought to trial today in the preliminary hearing of a break- in that occurred on September 19, 2007. 35 year old James Michaels and an undisclosed minor are being charged with two misdemeanor counts of breaking and entering and vandalism, along with one felony charge of burglary. Their defense attorney Mr. Robbie Cochran said that “our client is innocent of these charges” and he "believes the charges will be dropped."
As we reported last week on September 19th, there was a break-in at a local LDS meeting house and two CPU's were taken. Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty received several tips from people who had heard about the break-in that lead them to their arrest of the two accused. Evidence was also brought forth using fingerprints and a K-9 unit. Both suspects have been released on bail.
The trial will begin on October 21st.

Practice News Story 3: Crime

When Bob Knotz showed up to work early Wednesday morning, the last thing on his mind was calling the cops, but that’s exactly what he had to do. Mr. Knotz showed up to replace tiles at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meetinghouse at 1600 East 900 North in Logan, and immediately saw two broken monitors laying on the ground. Combined with the unlocked doors, he called the police.

Logan City Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty was there at the crime scene. Early reports seem to indicate that a window was left open in one of the offices and that was how one of the perpetrators entered the building. They then let in their accomplices thru the door. Once inside they took two computers out of the offices and broke two monitors. The last person to leave the night before was Bishop Lawrence Shark and it was his office where they gained entry to the building. He apparently opened the window so he could hear the rain outside and forgot to close it upon leaving the building. He responded that he was “Glad that nobody was in the building in the middle of the night” and it “could have been a lot worse.”

Two “people of interest” have been brought in for questioning. Fingerprints were found at the crime scene and a K-9 unit immediately picked up some scents after they were brought in. Sheriff Deputy Hasty assumed that this incident was “simple vandalism” since there didn’t seem to be much planning of the crime. Local neighbor Evelyn Breathwaite seems to agree quoting that “this is out of the ordinary” and saying “I’ve never felt unsafe.”

Practice News Story 2: Fire

Yesterday afternoon between 2 and 3 p.m., a fire broke out in a building on Washington Boulevard and 21st Street in Ogden. The building, owned by local businesswoman Rachael Calhoun, housed a local restaurant called Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant. The owner, Pedro Sanchez, and his brother and his two nieces lived upstairs above the restaurant. There were no deaths involved and only minor burn and smoke ventilation injuries.

Ogden City Department Fire Chief Greg Chamberlain was on the scene and declared the building a “total loss.” The fire began in the downstairs kitchen of the restaurant when some grease got caught on fire. The owner wasn’t able to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher and the fire spread. He only suffered minor burns on his arms. The only customer in the restaurant called in the fire. Fire Marshal said they were “Just glad we got everybody out” and declared his teams fire fighting skills a “Success.” “That’s how we like to do things.”

At the time of the fire in the apartment above the restaurant, were Pedro’s brother Miguel Sanchez and his 2 and 4-year-old daughters. He could here his brother yelling “Fire, fire!” downstairs so he immediately grabbed his daughters and vacated the building. The owner remarked that there were “People upstairs that needed my help, but I couldn’t get to them.”

The owner of the building thinks that the building should be rebuilt soon and Pedro’s will be back for more all his various fans. She said that “I’m glad nobody got hurt.”

Practice News Story 1: Accident

Yesterday afternoon around 4 P.M. a Utah State University van carrying 11 passengers rolled over on Interstate 84 just west of Tremonton, Utah. The single van was on its way back from a school field trip during USU’s annual Ag Week. Eight of the passengers, including the teacher Mr. Evan Parker, died at the scene or were pronounced dead by the time they reached the hospitals. Two Life Flight helicopters were dispatched with two of the remaining survivors to Ogden Regional Hospital. The other survivor was rushed to Brigham City Community Hospital. All of the survivors are in critical condition at this time.

Not much is known about what happened with the crash of the van. Kyle Holden, who was with the group on the field trip, but in a separate vehicle, was just passing when the van swerved out of control. A large amount of smoke supposedly came from the back of the van just before the van started swerving back and forth and then rolled three to four times before sliding off the side of the road. All occupants were thrown out of the van.

Lt. Jason Jensen of the Utah Highway Patrol was the first officer to respond and was only approximately a half mile away when the crash occurred. His preliminary reports seem to indicate the vehicle was traveling approximately 95 miles per hour, but we’ll have to wait for a federal investigation to take place before they know for sure. He stated that “All personnel were ejected” and that there seemed to be “No evidence of seatbelt usage.”

Utah State University President Stan L. Albrecht gave a press conference stating that this was a “Great tragedy” and that there would be a later announcement concerning any memorials or special services to be held for the deceased. The families involved with the accident are still being notified and a list of the deceased and injured will be released at a later date and time out of respect for the deceased. All 11 occupants were male and in the AgSystems major and this was on official university field trip.

All possible scenarios are trying to be worked on to find out just what exactly occurred with the wreck. But until the federal investigation is completed there are only thoughts and ideas on just what could have happened. Mr. Evan Parker had told Kyle Holden just recently that this was “A good group of students; one of the best that he’d ever had.” Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who lost someone they loved.

1st Blog

Hello!

This will be my first time every blogging. Exciting right? Something like that. I'm always looking for some good topics to go off about or at least make an ass out of myself with. Let me know