Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Practice News Story #11: Accident

University Van Rolls Fatally on I-84

Posted: 4:45p.m. MST, April 18, 2007

LOGAN, Utah- A van carrying one professor and 10 students form Utah State University rolled off of Interstate-84 Wednesday afternoon killing at least seven people. At approximately 4 p.m. the automobile, which was part of a two-vehicle caravan, blew a tire-causing driver Evan Parker to loose control. There are six confirmed dead and all of the names are not yet known. All of the students were members of the Agriculture College at the university. Parker is a professor of agriculture at Utah State and was taking the students home from a field trip to a Tremonton implements store.

First on the scene was Kyle Holden who was the second driver of the caravan. Holden stated that he was passing the van at the time the tire blew. He reported seeing the van roll as it hit the shoulder of the highway. When asked how many times the van flipped Holden responded, “I wasn’t really watching the van I was watching the people fly out of the van.” According to Lt. Ed Michaud no one appeared to be wearing his or her seatbelt at the time of the crash. Upon arriving to the scene of the accident Michaud found all of the victims had been ejected from the van. “Bodies were all over the place,” Micaud said, “It’s the worst I’ve seen in my 15 year career.” He and his partner, trooper, Jason Jensen, were administering assistance until the paramedics arrived.

Medical personnel were on the scene within ten minutes and four victims were flown to local hospitals in Ogden and Brigham City. The rest of those in the van were declared dead at the scene. Another eyewitness, Jennie Smith, reacted to the accident by saying “It was just really strange seeing bodies fly into the air.”

Reports vary about the speed the van as traveling at the time of the accident and officials say that the investigation will take some time. President of Utah State University, Stan Albrecht, said that the university would treat this tragedy with the utmost care. Updated information will be distributed as it becomes available.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Practice News Story #10 Press Release

Immediate Release

New Educational Service Available to Medical Community

Contact Information: 1501 Highland Drive
North Logan, UT 84321
info@clearpointconstruction.com
435-512-8964


Posted: 10:37 p.m. MST, April 5, 2007

Logan, Utah--- A new breeze has blow into Logan in the form of Clear Point Instruction. This company is new to the area and will bring welcome assistance to the medical community of Northern Utah. Clear Point Instruction specializes in a sometimes-overlooked aspect of healthcare, the patient education process. Through their wide range of products and services they can help make your facility meet the national patient safety goals and accreditation standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization and also make the patients experience more comfortable. They can design an assortment of instructional products including print materials, DVDs and web-based simulations. They also cater to specialty hospitals by making custom patient education videos for in-patient and outpatient surgery. These videos may be individualized with your logo, pictures of your building and staff, and other information about your organization. The wide range of product types caters to every kind of patron from the traditional pamphlet reader to the tech savvy web-based user.
The companies’ services will also benefit your organization by providing patient education services that help you meet the accreditation standards set by the JCAHO. These custom designed services are guaranteed to meet the many needs of your organization and patients. By creating these materials and providing these services your self you would spend superfluous funds, waste valuable time, and hire unnecessary personal who are not as qualified as the employees of Clear Point Instruction. This company will fulfill your needs in a friendly and prompt manner. To see samples of their materials and to request their services see the contact information and to request their services.



Liz Wilson
294 Main Street
Logan, Utah
84322
lw@prfirm.com

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Extra practice news story 9: investigative

Companionship of Generous American Descends on Africa

Posted: 4:45 p.m. MST, March 28, 2007

Logan, Utah – A partnership between Bill and Melinda Gates and fellow philanthropist Ted Turner has been hinted of in relation to a soon to be announced major world endeavor to aid Africa. While on an assignment last Wednesday I witnessed the three billionaires getting of a private jet together in a remote corner of Africa forgotten by most of the world. No former collaboration between the three has ever been mentioned by either party but it is not thought unwelcome by the local community.

It was discovered that the purpose of this most recent trip was to discuss with local leaders how their people could best be helped. Local African mayor Malik Ok said that when he met with the group they discussed opportunities that exist between the goals of the humanitarians and his people. With the history of the Gates charity work as credentials enough for anyone, Ok agreed that his people could benefit from the proposed educational programs by referring to a comment made by Mr. Gates, “my people don’t need fish, they need to learn how to fish.” The mayor is also not against helping in the effort himself, he said, “ we can contribute and we want to.” The hopes off those involved focus on the raising of living standard around the continent.

Mr. Gates reiterated his two main goals for not only this project, but also his many other efforts around the world, “to educate underprivileged people and to eradicate diseases.” With a project of this magnitude, he admits they will greatly need the resources of both Ted Turner and the World Health Organization. Dr. Margaret Chan of the WHO summarized their efforts by showing gratitude for philanthropists worldwide, “I think the generosity of philanthropist in the world …like Bill and Melinda Gates is facilitating the philosophy we have and their generosity and goals really makes my organization effective and worth while.”
Bill Gate’s plan to “get children at a young age educated and raise the quality of life” is an attainable plan. Studies have shown that the younger children are educated, the more likely they are to hold good jobs and be able to sustain themselves. The world is waiting and watching to see if this initiative turns out to be as greatly profitable as the donators are claiming. No doubt that Africa can use all of the help it can get to become a better contributor to the world society and eventually become a formidable power in our global economy.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Practice NEws Soty 9: Investigative

Logan, Utah Wednesday 28, 2007 4:45 pm


The discovery of a partnership between Bill and Melinda Gates and fellow philanthropist Ted Turner has hinted of a soon to be major world effort to aid Africans in the irradiation of HIV and the education of thousands. While on an assignment I witnessed the three billionaires getting of a private jet in a remote corner of Africa forgotten by most of the world. No former collaboration between the two has ever been mentioned by either party but it not thought unwelcome by the local community. Local African mayor Malik Ok said that he met with the group and they “ talked about opportunities that exist between their goals and my people.” With the history of the Gates work in Africa as credentials enough for anyone, Ok agreed that his constituents would collaborate with them on the project to help their people become more educated and increase the standard of living.
Mr. Gates reiterated his two main goals for the continent, “to educate underprivileged people and to eradicate diseases.” With a project of this magnitude, he admits they will greatly need the resources of both Ted Turner and the Who. Dr. Margaret Chan of the WHO summarized their efforts by showing gratitude for philanthropists worldwide, “I think the generosity of philanthropist in the world …like Bill and Melinda Gates is facilitating the philosophy we have and there generosity and goals really makes my organization effective and worth while.”

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Practice News Story # 8 Sports

Jazz Squeeze a Victory Out of a Dry Season
Posted 8:45 p.m. March 24, 2007


The crowd was booming and the players beaming as the Jazz took home a long awaited victory on Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. After a hard fought fourth quarter, the Utah Jazz pulled ahead to win 106-99.
During the first quarter the Clippers brought their A game and lead 22-13. Even with Brewer back from injury the Jazz couldn’t seem to keep up during the first half. Analyst Marty Burns of Sports Illustrated commented that the Clippers “continued that momentum in the second quarter.” At half time it was coming close to a tie with the Jazz only four points away from the Clippers 24.
When the second quarter began the Jazz stepped it up and showcased their all-star talent. Clippers player Elton Brand said, “It’s always great playing against all-stars. I like playing against anyone who makes me step up my game.” The Clippers did have to step up throughout the entire third quarter as the Jazz pulled ahead. The third quarter pick up is typical of coach Jerry Sloan. Marty Burns commented, “that’s kind of telling for the Jazz. The third quarter is the telling of the game. The Jazz came back hard … it seemed to me that it was the experience of Derrick Fisher that made it happen … as if the game started over in the third quarter.” Working well in the tight situation Fisher helped the team by scoring 12 of the 106 points.
The win basically came down to a three point shot sunk by center Mehmet Okur. The teams were tied in those last crucial minutes with 97 points. The Jazz pulled together to make way for Okur and his shooting magic. Paul Milsap said he “set the screen and opened it up to Okur,” and Fisher said he “gave it to him [Okur], he sank that three there was no looking back.” That three pointer brought the Jazz ahead and the Clipper couldn’t keep up.
Despite their loss, the Clippers still showed what they can do on the court. Elton Brand’s 33 points even overshadowed the Jazz’s top scorer Carlos Booker’s 22 points. Brand said, “every lose is hard. I try to do my part.” However, his efforts were not enough to stop the Jazz’s second half revival. Both teams had stellar performances from their players and both teams played great basketball.
With a victory under their belts, and after a four game losing streak the Jazz are still keeping play-off hopes alive. In regards to winning the play-offs coach Sloan said, “We always have a chance…we have a lot of young blood, new energy.” Sloan is also in the running for NBA coach of the year. From his teams performance Friday Marty Burns said, “I think he’s got it wrapped up.” The future of both teams is still wide open, and no one’s hopes have been dashed quite yet.
The Clippers’ next game is tonight against the Wizards and the Jazz face the Grizzles tonight as well.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Extra Practice News Story # 7 Business

PALO ALTO, Calif. – In an unexpected move by what some have called the most important search engine for the last 5 years, Google INC. (GOOG) has made a bid for Time Warner INC (TWX). The initial purchase price is $50 billion with $35 billion in stocks, $5 billion in cash, and $5 billion of their debt paid off. Time Warner CEO Richard D. Parsons said, “I couldn’t even speculate the value.” When asked about the company’s opinion on taking the offer Parsons admitted that it was a worthwhile offer and that the company had already begun internal discussions. 

This turmoil in Silicon Valley has caused some discussions on whether this merger would disrupt the balance of competition within their markets. Chairman of the FCC Michael Powell would only state “We’re not in the business of looking into hypothetical mergers.” Until Time Warner has makes a decision, Google CEO Eric Schmidt is staying hopeful, “to merge that user base would be beneficial to the user and consumer.” These two companies, if merged, would include such media giants as AOL, New Line Cinema, and HBO. In the future, google could potentially become the most successful media giant in history.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Practice News Story # 8 Business

Hostile GOOG Offers Time Warner Big Bucks

Posted: 4:45p.m. PST, March 7, 2007

PALO ALTO, Calif. – In an unexpected move by what some have called the most important search engine for the last 5 years, Google INC. (GOOG) has made a bid for Time Warner INC. The initial purchase price is $50 billion with $35billion in stocks, $5 billion in cash, and $5 billion of their debt paid off. Time Warner CEO Richard D. Parsons said, “I couldn’t even speculate the value.” When asked about the companies opinion on taking the offer Parsons admitted that it was worth while and that the company had already begun internal discussions.

This turmoil in Silicon Valley has caused some discussions on whether this merger would disrupt the balance of competition with their markets. Chairman of the FCC Michael Powell would only state that “We’re not in the business of looking into hypothetical mergers.” Until Time Warner has made the decision, Google CEO Eric Schmidt look hopeful, “to merge that user base would be beneficial to the user and consumer.”

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Practice News Story 6 :Speech

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

Gettysburg , PA – The Wednesday afternoon was thick and the air heavy as President Abraham Lincoln stood at the sight of the infamous battle in this small hamlet and voiced his plans for building a memorial to those who fell here. His words paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and gave hope to the thousands of citizens that heard his voice echo across the field.

The president recounted the goals of our forefathers in founding this nation by beginning with, “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.” It was liberty and equality that he stressed while trying to comfort the audience and also keep them loyal to the cause of the Union. He admitted that the war is not yet over and the goals of the North, to reunite the Union and promote equality,have not yet been realized.

The president said that the cemetery will be built over the course of five years and will be “a fitting and proper tribute [to the fallen people]. Approximately 15,000 people came to hear President Lincoln’s plans to erect a cemetery on the grounds of Gettysburg, roughly the same number of lives taken in that same battle. The huge mass of people made the reality of the large number of lives lost more tangible and lamentable. The president’s final words to his hearkening audience were 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.” His words succeeded in bringing tears to the eyes of those who remembered and pride to the hearts of those who will never forget this great and terrible battle.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Practice News Story: Obituary

A King Has Died.

The king of pop and perhaps the greatest musical artist of the pop era has died at 4:00 p.m. on Valentine’s Day 2007. While undergoing breast augmentation at the UCLA Medical Center, Michael Joseph Jackson died at age 49. The cause of death is suspected to be compilations with the anesthesia but is still under investigation.

At age 5 he began his music career that would later earn him the title “King of Pop” and make him the most well known musician of all time. Jackson was born to Katherine and Joe Jackson in Gary, Indiana as the seventh of nine children. His upbringing was split between his mothers strong religious beliefs in the Jehovah’s Witness church and his father strict and sometimes abusive discipline. Their other children Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, and Marlon along with Michael made up the group Jackson 5 in 1964. The group quickly climbed the charts and the ladder of fame when their first four singles, "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There" all made U.S. number one hits. The siblings moved to California in 1968 to further their careers and eventually made more than 6 albums.

Michael Jackson made his film debut starring in the musical ‘The Wiz’ playing the scarecrow opposite Diana Ross. He later put out his first solo album titled “Off The Wall”. This debut record broke a records by winning for number one singles in the U.S. and was the first of many albums that Michael Jackson put out creating a world-wide fan base. “Thriller”, released in 1982, was not only a huge success for Jackson, but also the largest selling album of all time. Since that time Michael Jackson has become a name synonymous with brilliant music and a dancing revolution that influenced other male artists like Usher. His achievements have been many and his awards just as numerous including a Presidential Humanitarian Award from President Reagan in 1984, he was titled “Artist of the Decade in 1989, and was voted the 35th Greatest Artist of all time in Rock 'n' Roll by Rolling Stone. He was admitted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame twice for his work as a solo artist as well as a member of the Jackson 5. Jackson’s recognitions also extended to Japan and the U.K. where he was also honored for his musical influence internationally.
As Michael Jackson’s career increased, so did the number of scandals and rumors regarding his personal life. Despite his accusations of child molestation and child endangerment, Jackson claimed to be a wonderful father to his children Paris Michael Katherine Jackson Prince Michael Jackson Jr., and Prince Michael Jackson II. Regardless of his past indiscretions and rumors of such, the billions of fans who will remember him, as the “King of Pop” will long adore Michael Jackson.
He is survived by his immediate family members, his mother Katherine, father Joe, brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Randy, and sisters Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya Jackson. Also surviving him are his three children and two ex-wives Debbie Rowe and Lisa Marie Presley.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Practice News Story Court :

Man apprehended, charged with felony burglary

Posted: 4:45p.m. MST, Feb. 7, 2007

LOGAN, Utah --On Saturday two people were arrested in response to the Burglary of a church building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints. One man went before a judge Wednesday on charges of breaking and entering, vandalism, and a federal charge of burglary. The hearing before the judge was held at the first superior court of Cache County

35-year-old Jim Michaels posted the $5,000 bond Wednesday. His defense attorney, Robbie Cochran stated, “My client is going to be pleading not guilty.” The stolen items were recovered form a local pawn shop. District Attorney Noel Mayfield stated that there was enough evidence, including fingerprints, to convict the accused. The second individual that was apprehended is a minor. The name and age of that individual is not being released at this time. The final hearing will be held on March 21st.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Practice news sory 3: Crime

A church building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the corner of 1600 E and 900 N was broken into early on Wednesday morning. Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty said that two CPUs were stolen and that two computer monitors were broken. Officials have said that the burglary most likely took place between 11p.m. and 2 a.m. It is believed that at least two individuals were involved and the burglars entered the building through an open window.
There were no witnesses but a neighbor, Evelyn Breathwaite, heard noises during the night. Breathwaite said “I thought it was the garbage truck coming… I looked at the clock and went back to sleep. The building's Physical Maintenance manager, Robert Knotz, was the first to discover the crime. Upon entering the building he spotted the broken monitors and called the police. Knotz confirmed that no other property was damaged or stolen but admits that this is not the first time that a building he manages has been vandalized. Knotz said, “In the last year we had some kids break in through the roof of one of our buildings.” Police have no suspects at this time and are continuing the investigation of this crime.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Extra Practice News Story 2: Fire

A fire broke out in an Ogden restaurant at approximately two in the afternoon on Wednesday. 
The restaurant, named Pedro’s, is located on the corner of Washington Boulevard and 21st street. The owner, thirty one year old Pedro Sanchez, was in the restaurant at the time the fire started along with one patron, sixteen year old Michael Freeman. The owner was cooking in the kitchen when the fire started. Sanchez said he attempted to put the fire out with an extinguisher but was unable to dowse the flames. Freeman stated that he called 911 after seeing smoke coming from the kitchen. Pedro Sanchez and Michael Freeman both escaped reportedly unharmed. The occupants of the apartment above the restaurant all suffered from mild smoke inhalation. The three individuals were Miguel Sanchez and his two daughters, four-year-old Mercedes and two year old Maria Del Mar Sanchez. Miguel Sanchez is the brother of restaurant owner Pedro Sanchez and was not available for comment. Medical Team leader Capt. Rick Thompson worked on the victims and said, “They had some smoke inhalation... [The victims were] taken to Ogden Regional just as a precaution.”
No damage was done to the upper apartments or the surrounding buildings. Deputy fire Chief Greg Chamberlain said that “it really wasn’t that bad of a fire.” No other injuries were reported and fire officials said that the restaurant is salvageable. The owner of the building, fifty-two year old Rachel Calhoun did not make any comments regarding the fire. The actual cause of the fire is still under police investigation.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Practice News Story 2: Fire

A fire broke out in an Ogden restaurant at approximately two in the afternoon on Wednesday.
The restaurant named Pedro’s is located on the corner of Washington Boulevard and 21st street. The owner, thirty one year old Pedro Sanchez, was in the restaurant at the time of the fire along with one patron, sixteen year old Michael Freeman. Freeman said that he called 911 after seeing smoke coming from the kitchen. Sanchez said he attempted to put the fire out with an extinguisher but was unable to dowse the flames. Three other individuals suffered mild injuries from the fire. Tenants of the apartment above the restaurant suffered some smoke inhalation and were taken to Ogden Regional. The occupants of the apartment were relatives of Pedro Sanchez, Miguel Sanchez and his two daughters four year old Mercedes and two year old Maria Del Mar Sanchez. Medical Team leader Captain Rick Thompson worked on the victims and said “They had some smoke inhalation... [The victims were] taken to Ogden Regional just as a precaution.” Deputy fire Chief Greg Chamberlain said that “it really wasn’t that bad of a fire.”
No other injuries were reported and fire officials said that the building is salvageable. No damage was done to the upper apartments. The owner of the building, fifty-two year old Rachel Calhoun did not make any comments regarding the fire.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Practice News Story 1 Accident

A van carrying 10 Utah State University students and one professor rolled off Interstate 84 at 4pm this afternoon. The students were part of a several car caravan returning from a Tremonton field trip. There are four known casualties whose names have not yet been released. First to arrive on the scene was 31-year-old Kyle Holden who was aiding the Professor, Evan Parker with the students’ field trip. According to Holden, as he was passing the van on the highway he saw the back tire blow. The van then began to roll. Second on the scene was Jennie Smith who commented that when she got to the van "there was no one left in the van." Officials and witness confirmed that all eleven passengers were ejected from the van. Smith also said that she saw 3 individuals being life flown and one taken in an ambulance all to neighboring hospitals. Lieutenant Ed Michaud said the accident was "one of the worst scenes I've had to witness in 15year. Michaud was the first officer on the scene and said that he came upon the accident while doing a routine Highway patrol.
The final injury and fatality counts as well as names of all victims have yet to be released. It is clear, however, that all victims were unable to walk and injuries are presumed serious. The witnesses have admitted that they had no former medical training to rely on. Holden said" I'm a boy scout, that’s about it." The students were all members of the College of Agriculture at Utah State University. All other information about the accident is pending the ongoing investigation by police.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Welcome

This is my first post. Hello world!