Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
Final Paper
As a member of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, a typical conversation among students may include a recent University-paid trip taken to an exotic country or perhaps where in the world they will be traveling to gain internship experience, or how the Dean will possibly spend the $26 million donation granted to the department. For those studying business at Utah State University, they have got it figured out.
The Huntsman School of Business prides itself as being a school of opportunity that strives to be a highly sought first-rate business school. Their goal is to see their students excel confidently and ethically in a global market.
Erik Kaltschmidt is a 23-year-old double majoring in International Business and Economics. The junior from Whitefish, MT, chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree at USU because of the growing international programs available to its business students. In the past year alone, he has gained international experience by visiting Brazil, Peru, and Chile in a summer study abroad program and also by traveling to France, Belgium, and Great Britain in the past fall semester. According to Kaltschmidt, the in-country experience has enhanced his understanding of business practice from a global perspective and the implications of dealing with business leaders of different cultures. He is currently preparing himself for a paid internship in Xian, China where he will spend the following fall semester.
Before being named after Jon M. Huntsman, the College of Business at USU was just another business program in Utah. However, with a new Dean and a whole lot of money to invest in its students, the program is developing into something special. The School currently offers two study abroad summer programs in both South America and Asia in which groups of business students will leave the comforts of Logan, Utah and travel overseas to both learn of new cultures and get a perspective of working internationally in a business setting. Eric Nielsen, a 21-year-old majoring in both Finance and Economics is excited for his summer experience in Asia where he will travel to China, Vietnam, and South Korea for a five week period. “I’m looking forward to meeting with government and business leaders while traveling throughout Asia,” he said. Nielsen added that while the School of Business does have many opportunities, students have to search them out on their own.
Whitney Larsen, a senior graduating in Accounting and Economics, sees the changes in the School of Business and wishes that she could have taken part in all of the new opportunities that are available to its students. “I’m not getting any of the benefits of the Huntsman name they are trying to build up,” she said. “It’ll benefit everyone coming into the school after me.” One of the downfalls of being in the School of Business, for both sexes, is that there are fewer females in the program. Larsen has noticed that her female professors are more willing to help her to succeed than her male professors.
Tyler Raymond, 21, chose Finance and Economics as a dual major because he saw it as the best possibility for future success. Raymond will spend this summer working as an intern in California. He did not get this internship through the School, but did learn of all its available opportunities.
Although these programs are currently offered to all Huntsman Business Students, the interest is highly favored towards those studying International Business. The critics of the new development of the program say that the costs are high and many students use the summer months to work and/or plan their future marriages but those who invest their time into the available programs are putting themselves ahead of the competition. Kaltschmidt says that despite the great benefits associated with the travel, the most important aspect of the new programs are the great networking opportunities available in visiting the varying businesses and especially the friendships formed with his peers and the professors that travel alongside with the students.
Friday, April 25, 2008
USU Students weigh in on the election
Kevin Mouritsen
USU Students Express Frustration, Apathy Towards Controversial Presidential Election
In what will likely go down as one of the most intense and vicious United States presidential elections ever, USU students are voicing their opinions (or lack thereof) about the election and what their plans are for voting this fall.
“I don’t really follow [the election]” said Ben Draper, a sophomore majoring in biological engineering.
Draper, like several other USU students, said that he will most likely be voting in the fall, but he is unsure for whom.
And he’s not the only one. Senior Adam Black, a graphic design major, said that ever since former presidential candidate Mitt Romney dropped out of the race, he hasn’t been sure who to vote for.
“I would have rather had Romney,” said Black.
Sophomore landscape architecture major Tyson Stoddard agrees.
“I kind of stopped following things when Mitt Romney dropped out,” said Stoddard.
Stoddard says that, while he’s not sue for whom, he will definitely be voting in the fall. But he says that it’s about choosing the best of the worst.
“I don’t really like any of [the candidates] a whole lot,” he said.
For some students, they say they just need to know more about how the presidential candidates stand on the issues.
Black admits that he isn’t really familiar with all of the stances that the remaining presidential hopefuls have on the important issues like health care, the war in Iraq, and illegal immigration, but he doesn’t like what he’s heard.
“I don’t respect very much the views of the remaining candidates,” said Black.
He continued: “I think Barack Obama is cool, but he doesn’t salute the flag, and that’s something that puts up a red flag for me.”
Sophomore finance major Tony Lopez says that the fact that Clinton is still in the race is “absurd.”
But Lopez’s fiancée disagrees.
Junior accounting major Amy Hicken thinks that a Clinton victory wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
“If people like her, it could be a good thing,” said Hicken.
The downside, Hicken said, is that anything she does wrong will be blamed on the fact that she is a woman.
“Anything she does that people don’t like people will stereotype as female,” said Hicken. “They’ll say, ‘Oh, well, she did that ‘cause she’s a woman.’”
Hicken added that she thinks that the fact that Obama and Clinton are still fighting for the nomination is hurting the democrats chances at winning the election.
“They’re not going to be unified and it’s going to be harder for [them] to win,” she said.
Winning isn’t an option for the democrats, said sophomore finance major Drew Vera.
Drew is looking for a return to the White House for the Republicans, and Drew said that he knows just the guy that can help Sen. John McCain win the Presidency.
“Mitt Romney.”
Drew continued that he’s not sure if McCain is the best candidate, but he said that he’s certain that a McCain-Romney ticket would make the best presidency.
Many students are still unsure for whom they will vote. For Stoddard, it’s merely a process of elimination.
“I know that I’ll never vote for Hillary Clinton, and I probably won’t vote for Obama,” he said. Then he summed up how a lot of students are feeling in four short words:
“It’s a tough decision.”
Military families in Utah are suffering hardships with their loved ones in the Iraq War.
Kevin Fernandes
Final Paper
Military families in Utah are suffering hardships with their loved ones in the Iraq War.
On the day that Riley Curtis was shipped out to serve his country, his mother Rebecca cried uncontrollably for days, knowing that her heart would suffer for 15 months, until Riley returned home. The Curtis family prays every day that Riley will return home safe from the dangerous world of the Iraq War.
Military families throughout Utah know the pain that the Curtis family is going through, they suffer through hardships every day and pray for the safe return of their children, siblings and spouses.
Rebecca Curtis, of Layton, writes her son daily, searching for words to comfort him until he returns home. Rebecca said with tears in her eyes, "I just encourage him to keep his head up and look to the Lord for help and inspiration.” Marine Sgt. Riley Curtis, 23, has been in Iraq for 9 months, and keeps a picture of his family in his wallet, and another in his helmet. He took his Book of Mormon along, too.
"He's ready to come home," Rebecca said. "He wants to get what they need to accomplish done and return home to his family." Utah military families feel prideful when they hear of the good that is occurring in Iraq due to the U.S. soldiers, but that pride is mixed with fear.
“I feel so much pride when I hear of the good that my son is accomplishing, but the fear for my son will be here until he gets back,” said Rebecca.
Some Utah military families are troubled by the thought that a government official will show up on their doorstep and deliver the worst possible news.
“Knowing that my husband’s life is constantly in danger scares the hell out of me,” said Ashley Creech of Logan, a wife of a Marine in Iraq. “I feel that sometimes I have to prepare myself for the worst. It drives me crazy that I have these awful thoughts.”
"If I saw a government car pull up in front of our house, I would go completely insane," said Creech whose husband, Marine Sgt. Paul Creech, 27, serves in a division that clears roadside bombs in Iraq. "That's when I'd crumble."
Sgt. Creech constantly writes back his wife telling her not to worry about him and that he will come back home safe and sound. “His letters are kind of comforting but he knows that I will fret until he comes home and my arms are around him,” said Ashley Creech
Chris Kay of Ogden has his only brother serving in the Iraq War, Staff Sgt. William Kay, 30, of the National Guard has been stationed in Iraq for a little over a year. I have always looked up to my older brother he is a real inspiration to this family and I miss he a whole lot, said Chris Kay. When asked what he does when dealing with the hardships of knowing that his brother has been injured in this war, Kay replied. “It’s hard not to despair, but what I do is let pride be the more powerful emotion and that keeps the fear down for a while.”
Staff Sgt. Kay has qualified for two Purple Hearts, he was injured twice while serving his country and he is still in Iraq fighting hard. Staff Sgt. Kay will return home at the end of June. “I have worried about my brother for so long, and even though he will be back in two months I will worry until he gets home,” said Chris Kay.
The hardships that these Utah military families have felt have gone on for years, and will continue to go on until their loved ones return home safely. All that these families can do is pray and persevere through these hard times, hoping that their children, spouses and siblings come back safely from the Iraq War.
Final Paper
Military families in Utah are suffering hardships with their loved ones in the Iraq War.
On the day that Riley Curtis was shipped out to serve his country, his mother Rebecca cried uncontrollably for days, knowing that her heart would suffer for 15 months, until Riley returned home. The Curtis family prays every day that Riley will return home safe from the dangerous world of the Iraq War.
Military families throughout Utah know the pain that the Curtis family is going through, they suffer through hardships every day and pray for the safe return of their children, siblings and spouses.
Rebecca Curtis, of Layton, writes her son daily, searching for words to comfort him until he returns home. Rebecca said with tears in her eyes, "I just encourage him to keep his head up and look to the Lord for help and inspiration.” Marine Sgt. Riley Curtis, 23, has been in Iraq for 9 months, and keeps a picture of his family in his wallet, and another in his helmet. He took his Book of Mormon along, too.
"He's ready to come home," Rebecca said. "He wants to get what they need to accomplish done and return home to his family." Utah military families feel prideful when they hear of the good that is occurring in Iraq due to the U.S. soldiers, but that pride is mixed with fear.
“I feel so much pride when I hear of the good that my son is accomplishing, but the fear for my son will be here until he gets back,” said Rebecca.
Some Utah military families are troubled by the thought that a government official will show up on their doorstep and deliver the worst possible news.
“Knowing that my husband’s life is constantly in danger scares the hell out of me,” said Ashley Creech of Logan, a wife of a Marine in Iraq. “I feel that sometimes I have to prepare myself for the worst. It drives me crazy that I have these awful thoughts.”
"If I saw a government car pull up in front of our house, I would go completely insane," said Creech whose husband, Marine Sgt. Paul Creech, 27, serves in a division that clears roadside bombs in Iraq. "That's when I'd crumble."
Sgt. Creech constantly writes back his wife telling her not to worry about him and that he will come back home safe and sound. “His letters are kind of comforting but he knows that I will fret until he comes home and my arms are around him,” said Ashley Creech
Chris Kay of Ogden has his only brother serving in the Iraq War, Staff Sgt. William Kay, 30, of the National Guard has been stationed in Iraq for a little over a year. I have always looked up to my older brother he is a real inspiration to this family and I miss he a whole lot, said Chris Kay. When asked what he does when dealing with the hardships of knowing that his brother has been injured in this war, Kay replied. “It’s hard not to despair, but what I do is let pride be the more powerful emotion and that keeps the fear down for a while.”
Staff Sgt. Kay has qualified for two Purple Hearts, he was injured twice while serving his country and he is still in Iraq fighting hard. Staff Sgt. Kay will return home at the end of June. “I have worried about my brother for so long, and even though he will be back in two months I will worry until he gets home,” said Chris Kay.
The hardships that these Utah military families have felt have gone on for years, and will continue to go on until their loved ones return home safely. All that these families can do is pray and persevere through these hard times, hoping that their children, spouses and siblings come back safely from the Iraq War.
Megan's Story-Rodeo
Megan Peterson
Rodeo: A great American sport. Thousands of Americans participate in this sport each year and spend countless hours caring for and grooming their animals. The animals involved in this sport are their prized possessions, their livelihood, and their way of life.
Although many enjoy and participate in rodeo, even more seem to believe that it is a cruel and inhumane sport that needs to be ended.
SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness, an extreme animal rights activist group, better known as SHARK, is doing much to spread the word of animal cruelty through rodeo. Their website says, "A real sport is one in which all participants are willing, and that surely is not the case with the rodeo. Rodeo associations claim very few animals are injured and killed in rodeos. That is a lie."
Brandon Hatch, an Agricultural Education major and member of the Utah State Rodeo team disagrees with that statement and says, "they (animal rights activists) think it's hard on the animals, but if they would just open their eyes and see how the majority of us treat our animals, they would be surprised."
Clay Davis, a rancher and rodeo stock producer from Bear River City, Utah, said that their livestock are treated better than most other animals anywhere.
"Some of our buckin' bulls probably get more attention than the kids do!"
"When we take our bucking horses to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, my brother and I take turns sleeping next to the horses and tending to their every need. I rarely, if ever, see any animal cruelty taking place inside or outside of the arena."
Many animal rights activists see rodeo events such as calf roping and bronc riding as malicious and unethical, however, those who participate and watch the sport of rodeo understand that it isn't just something someone came up with.
Russ Reeder, a long time rodeo fan and participant explained, "Rodeo events are simply taking what we do on the farm and ranch and making it something we can all have fun doing."
Hatch believes that he learned many things while growing up by participating in rodeo.
"Rodeo is a good family thing. Kids learn from a young age how to properly treat animals and learn good work ethic."
"Our rodeo livestock mean more to us than a lot of things. We treat them like we would treat a member of our own family. We give them proper care, nutrition, and attention. Groups like SHARK and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) only look at the bad things that very rarely happen, and they refuse to look at those of us who do treat our animals and all animals with nothing but respect."
Matchbox Twenty, an internationally known band who has sold over 44 million records, recently canceled their scheduled show at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo due to concern for the animals.
"We ask that (fans) please understand that it would be impossible for us to put ourselves in the position of making money from what we believe to be the mistreatment of animals," according to a statement from Rob Thomas, the bands lead singer, posted on the band's Web site.
Responsible for sending emails and a video clip with alleged animal abuse was SHARK, who recorded the clip at Cheyenne Frontier Days last year.
"Personally, I wouldn't want a band like that at a rodeo anyway," Hatch said. "I don't really know why they would even get a rock band to come to a rodeo as big as Frontier Days when most of us going to rodeos would prefer a country singer."
When asked about the show cancellation, Amber Rindlisbacher, a former Utah High School Rodeo Association member said, "It seems like not only are they against the sport, but against a certain culture, and in this case it happens to be cowboys and rodeo people."
Ruth Corn, an economics and education major at Utah State said, "It goes to show how agriculturally illiterate so many people in this country are. Many refuse to see that rodeo livestock are indeed treated with nothing but the best management available.”
McKenzie Cattani, a Utah State student, was attending one of the rounds of the 2006 National Finals Rodeo and said she recalled when a horse reared up and came down on the gates with one of its legs, resulting in an irreparable break.
“The owner knelt by the horse and cried. He cared so much for his horse, and he knew its career was over. He wasn’t crying over the loss of money, he was crying over the loss of a friend.”
Cattani is a firm believer in animal welfare, and is also a lover of rodeo.
“You can support both. You don’t have to choose between rodeo and animal rights.”
Michelle Ryalch, a Utah State student and member of PETA said, “I grew up going to rodeos. I’ve seen a bit of abuse, and it can cause stress on the animals. Some people have even become desensitized and ignore when bad things do happen, but I don’t think rodeo should be outlawed by any means. Most people treat their animals very well. I’m a member of PETA because I believe that animals should be treated well, and I don’t see much mistreatment of animals in the rodeo business.”
Rodeo: A great American sport. Thousands of Americans participate in this sport each year and spend countless hours caring for and grooming their animals. The animals involved in this sport are their prized possessions, their livelihood, and their way of life.
Although many enjoy and participate in rodeo, even more seem to believe that it is a cruel and inhumane sport that needs to be ended.
SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness, an extreme animal rights activist group, better known as SHARK, is doing much to spread the word of animal cruelty through rodeo. Their website says, "A real sport is one in which all participants are willing, and that surely is not the case with the rodeo. Rodeo associations claim very few animals are injured and killed in rodeos. That is a lie."
Brandon Hatch, an Agricultural Education major and member of the Utah State Rodeo team disagrees with that statement and says, "they (animal rights activists) think it's hard on the animals, but if they would just open their eyes and see how the majority of us treat our animals, they would be surprised."
Clay Davis, a rancher and rodeo stock producer from Bear River City, Utah, said that their livestock are treated better than most other animals anywhere.
"Some of our buckin' bulls probably get more attention than the kids do!"
"When we take our bucking horses to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, my brother and I take turns sleeping next to the horses and tending to their every need. I rarely, if ever, see any animal cruelty taking place inside or outside of the arena."
Many animal rights activists see rodeo events such as calf roping and bronc riding as malicious and unethical, however, those who participate and watch the sport of rodeo understand that it isn't just something someone came up with.
Russ Reeder, a long time rodeo fan and participant explained, "Rodeo events are simply taking what we do on the farm and ranch and making it something we can all have fun doing."
Hatch believes that he learned many things while growing up by participating in rodeo.
"Rodeo is a good family thing. Kids learn from a young age how to properly treat animals and learn good work ethic."
"Our rodeo livestock mean more to us than a lot of things. We treat them like we would treat a member of our own family. We give them proper care, nutrition, and attention. Groups like SHARK and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) only look at the bad things that very rarely happen, and they refuse to look at those of us who do treat our animals and all animals with nothing but respect."
Matchbox Twenty, an internationally known band who has sold over 44 million records, recently canceled their scheduled show at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo due to concern for the animals.
"We ask that (fans) please understand that it would be impossible for us to put ourselves in the position of making money from what we believe to be the mistreatment of animals," according to a statement from Rob Thomas, the bands lead singer, posted on the band's Web site.
Responsible for sending emails and a video clip with alleged animal abuse was SHARK, who recorded the clip at Cheyenne Frontier Days last year.
"Personally, I wouldn't want a band like that at a rodeo anyway," Hatch said. "I don't really know why they would even get a rock band to come to a rodeo as big as Frontier Days when most of us going to rodeos would prefer a country singer."
When asked about the show cancellation, Amber Rindlisbacher, a former Utah High School Rodeo Association member said, "It seems like not only are they against the sport, but against a certain culture, and in this case it happens to be cowboys and rodeo people."
Ruth Corn, an economics and education major at Utah State said, "It goes to show how agriculturally illiterate so many people in this country are. Many refuse to see that rodeo livestock are indeed treated with nothing but the best management available.”
McKenzie Cattani, a Utah State student, was attending one of the rounds of the 2006 National Finals Rodeo and said she recalled when a horse reared up and came down on the gates with one of its legs, resulting in an irreparable break.
“The owner knelt by the horse and cried. He cared so much for his horse, and he knew its career was over. He wasn’t crying over the loss of money, he was crying over the loss of a friend.”
Cattani is a firm believer in animal welfare, and is also a lover of rodeo.
“You can support both. You don’t have to choose between rodeo and animal rights.”
Michelle Ryalch, a Utah State student and member of PETA said, “I grew up going to rodeos. I’ve seen a bit of abuse, and it can cause stress on the animals. Some people have even become desensitized and ignore when bad things do happen, but I don’t think rodeo should be outlawed by any means. Most people treat their animals very well. I’m a member of PETA because I believe that animals should be treated well, and I don’t see much mistreatment of animals in the rodeo business.”
Bryant Story
Gay Right of Silence
“I am black, fat, and I am gay, but I am me and that will not change,” says Earnest Cooper Jr., 25, president of l.i.f.e. (love is for everyone), and gay rights activist.
“The hardest thing for me being here at Utah State is to get people to see me for me and not see me as that gay kid who needs to repent.”
According to the National School Climate Survey, four out of five LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and 29% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety.
One thing that people can do to help change these numbers is to become educated and aware of the gay community. Today marks the 12th annual national day of silence in commemoration of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old California student who was shot and killed at school in February by a 14-year-old classmate because of King’s sexual orientation.
The national day of silence is exactly what it sounds like. Every participant will take a vow of silence to help bring an end to LGBT name calling and harassment in schools across the world.
According to Dayofsilence.org this tradition began in 1996, and has become the largest student-led action towards creating safer schools for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. From the first-ever Day of Silence at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 1,900 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2002, its history reflects its diversity in both numbers and reach.
Here at Utah State the LBGT club room is located on the 3rd floor of the Taggart Student Center. When you enter the room there is a rainbow flag hanging on the wall and hundreds of books with topics ranging from gay parenting to “The Q pages, Utah’s gay and lesbian Yellow Pages.” Inside, Kristy Johnson a lesbian member of the LGBT. Today this room was filled with letter for people in support and against the national day of silence. In front of the TSC there were people with their hands tied behind their back and the tongues silenced. That is until 3 p.m. when all LGBT students and their allies will break their silence.
“I am doing this because I believe I should be able to love whomever I want and not get accused of doing something wrong,” said Kristen Johnson.
“I am black, fat, and I am gay, but I am me and that will not change,” says Earnest Cooper Jr., 25, president of l.i.f.e. (love is for everyone), and gay rights activist.
“The hardest thing for me being here at Utah State is to get people to see me for me and not see me as that gay kid who needs to repent.”
According to the National School Climate Survey, four out of five LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and 29% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety.
One thing that people can do to help change these numbers is to become educated and aware of the gay community. Today marks the 12th annual national day of silence in commemoration of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old California student who was shot and killed at school in February by a 14-year-old classmate because of King’s sexual orientation.
The national day of silence is exactly what it sounds like. Every participant will take a vow of silence to help bring an end to LGBT name calling and harassment in schools across the world.
According to Dayofsilence.org this tradition began in 1996, and has become the largest student-led action towards creating safer schools for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. From the first-ever Day of Silence at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 1,900 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2002, its history reflects its diversity in both numbers and reach.
Here at Utah State the LBGT club room is located on the 3rd floor of the Taggart Student Center. When you enter the room there is a rainbow flag hanging on the wall and hundreds of books with topics ranging from gay parenting to “The Q pages, Utah’s gay and lesbian Yellow Pages.” Inside, Kristy Johnson a lesbian member of the LGBT. Today this room was filled with letter for people in support and against the national day of silence. In front of the TSC there were people with their hands tied behind their back and the tongues silenced. That is until 3 p.m. when all LGBT students and their allies will break their silence.
“I am doing this because I believe I should be able to love whomever I want and not get accused of doing something wrong,” said Kristen Johnson.
It's not legit until you see it on facebook
Hayley Jensen
Facebook It!
In this technological age, there is a phrase that is rapidly becoming the motto of a generation, “ Just put in on Facebook!” With more than 69 million active users worldwide, Facebook has easily become one of the top social networking tools in the world. With all advancements, facebook has its fans and its critics, but how did it all begin and where is it going?
Mark Zuckerbeg, then a student at Harvard University, conceived Facebook February 4, 2004. He began the site as a link between Harvard students only eventually branching to all Ivy League schools. Later it expanded to include all university students, high school students and eventually anyone over the age of 13. The site, which allows anyone to join multiple networks based on their school, job or region, was ranked 60 in 2006 now up to 6th in 2008.
While Zuckerberg currently privately owns Facebook, attempts to buy-out the company have been made. Yahoo negotiated buying the site for about $1 billion dollars, while the internal revenue of the company alone is about $8 billion. Zuckerberg has stated that he has no desire to sell the company, which now has its headquarters in California, but hopes that it will remain independently operated.
Facebook is free for users so how does it make any money? Facebook is generated entirely by advertising and banners. Students busily scooping out their friends and getting the latest gossip, may not realize that their eyes have just been assaulted by over a hundred forms of advertising. Most ads include exercise and diet, dating, job and internship opportunities and merchandise websites.
According to a 2006 study done by Student Monitor, Facebook was named the second most popular thing among undergraduates. It fell only behind the ipod, tied with beer and sex. What is so appealing about facebook that the average student logs onto to the site twice a day?
“I log onto facebook 2-3 a day because there nothing else to do and I’d rather look at facebook than porn,” Junior Jon Tucker stated. Freshmen Laura Damron commented, “Facebook is freakin awesome!”
With features such as “the Wall,” where people can leave short notes for each other that anyone can see, private messages, video and picture uploading and the new facebook chat, individuals are finding more and more reasons to stay online.
“Do you know how many times I have procrastinated homework because I was on facebook? Enough said.” Sophomore, JP Peterson stated. This trend is shared with many students across America and Utah State University in particular. Could harmless little facebook really be causing more damage than good?
Some schools, companies and entire countries have banned the networking site. University of New Mexico blocked access to the site in 2005, while the Ontario government blocked access to the site for its employees because it did not contribute to work related matters. Entire countries including Syria, Burma and Iran, have banned access to the site for its invitation to political criticism and promoting online dating.
Bernhard Warner, a freelance writer for The Times speculates on the positive influence of facebook and other networking, “ When I look at the creativity, the collaboration and the activism being generated in these networks, I am hopeful for the future. Perhaps it is we educators who need to learn how to harness this power into our everyday classroom lessons.”
According to CNN facebook boasts over 30 million users worldwide, 8.5 million photo uploads per day and 1.5 billion page views per month calling it the internets “flavor of the week.” It is not certain how long this trend with continue, but one thing is certain, if you have no where else to go, or even if you do, facebook will be there to welcome you.
Sources: wikipedia, cnn.com, timesonline.com
Facebook It!
In this technological age, there is a phrase that is rapidly becoming the motto of a generation, “ Just put in on Facebook!” With more than 69 million active users worldwide, Facebook has easily become one of the top social networking tools in the world. With all advancements, facebook has its fans and its critics, but how did it all begin and where is it going?
Mark Zuckerbeg, then a student at Harvard University, conceived Facebook February 4, 2004. He began the site as a link between Harvard students only eventually branching to all Ivy League schools. Later it expanded to include all university students, high school students and eventually anyone over the age of 13. The site, which allows anyone to join multiple networks based on their school, job or region, was ranked 60 in 2006 now up to 6th in 2008.
While Zuckerberg currently privately owns Facebook, attempts to buy-out the company have been made. Yahoo negotiated buying the site for about $1 billion dollars, while the internal revenue of the company alone is about $8 billion. Zuckerberg has stated that he has no desire to sell the company, which now has its headquarters in California, but hopes that it will remain independently operated.
Facebook is free for users so how does it make any money? Facebook is generated entirely by advertising and banners. Students busily scooping out their friends and getting the latest gossip, may not realize that their eyes have just been assaulted by over a hundred forms of advertising. Most ads include exercise and diet, dating, job and internship opportunities and merchandise websites.
According to a 2006 study done by Student Monitor, Facebook was named the second most popular thing among undergraduates. It fell only behind the ipod, tied with beer and sex. What is so appealing about facebook that the average student logs onto to the site twice a day?
“I log onto facebook 2-3 a day because there nothing else to do and I’d rather look at facebook than porn,” Junior Jon Tucker stated. Freshmen Laura Damron commented, “Facebook is freakin awesome!”
With features such as “the Wall,” where people can leave short notes for each other that anyone can see, private messages, video and picture uploading and the new facebook chat, individuals are finding more and more reasons to stay online.
“Do you know how many times I have procrastinated homework because I was on facebook? Enough said.” Sophomore, JP Peterson stated. This trend is shared with many students across America and Utah State University in particular. Could harmless little facebook really be causing more damage than good?
Some schools, companies and entire countries have banned the networking site. University of New Mexico blocked access to the site in 2005, while the Ontario government blocked access to the site for its employees because it did not contribute to work related matters. Entire countries including Syria, Burma and Iran, have banned access to the site for its invitation to political criticism and promoting online dating.
Bernhard Warner, a freelance writer for The Times speculates on the positive influence of facebook and other networking, “ When I look at the creativity, the collaboration and the activism being generated in these networks, I am hopeful for the future. Perhaps it is we educators who need to learn how to harness this power into our everyday classroom lessons.”
According to CNN facebook boasts over 30 million users worldwide, 8.5 million photo uploads per day and 1.5 billion page views per month calling it the internets “flavor of the week.” It is not certain how long this trend with continue, but one thing is certain, if you have no where else to go, or even if you do, facebook will be there to welcome you.
Sources: wikipedia, cnn.com, timesonline.com
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Cecily Kiss
Earth Day
4-22-08
Thirty-Eight years ago today our nation celebrated the first Earth Day and the Environmental Protection Agency was established at that same time by Richard Nixon, who had a mission to protect the environment and public health. Today Earth Day is still a day to take action, protect, and become aware of the environment.
Also in 1970, the Clean Air Act was amended by congress, setting the standard for national air quality, auto emissions, and anti-pollution standards, however, the act wasn’t passed until 1990. In the years following the first Earth Day, congress restricted the use of lead based paint, passed the Clean Water Act, reviewed the usage of pesticides, cleaned up several hazardous waste sites, tested for radon gas in homes, initiated a pollution prevention act, researched alternative energy sources, and among other things made recycling more accessible.
“With all of the talk about global warming,” Stacy Nelson a freshmen at Utah State University said “I don’t see why people don’t participate in Earth Day more and learn how to be proactive about protecting the environment, call me a tree hugger.” Global Warming has been considered one of the greatest environmental issues of our time. In the Sundance Film Festival hit “An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore states “We Can no longer afford to view global warming as a political issue, rather, it is one of the biggest moral challenges facing our civilization.”
Everyone can easily become more proactive in protecting the environment on Earth Day.
“It’s simple to get involved,” Marti Bowles, A freshmen at Utah State University said, “my roommates and I decided to go outside and pick up all the trash around our apartment, we’re college students, we don’t have a lot of time but we can still do our part.” several websites, including the website for “An Inconvenient Truth” offer suggestions on how to get involved in taking action against global warming and protecting our environment.
Closer to home in Logan, Utah, the Chemistry Club and the Sustainability council are hosting the “Going Green Extravaganza” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the quad and is open freely to the public. Sarah Huefner, the president of the Chemistry Club said the fair celebrating earth day is meant to increase students’ awareness about ways to be green on campus. The Utah State University Sustainability Council and the Wellness center are sponsoring a 1.4 mile “Blue Goes Green Wellness Walk” from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. beginning at the wellness booth on the quad.
Earth Day
4-22-08
Thirty-Eight years ago today our nation celebrated the first Earth Day and the Environmental Protection Agency was established at that same time by Richard Nixon, who had a mission to protect the environment and public health. Today Earth Day is still a day to take action, protect, and become aware of the environment.
Also in 1970, the Clean Air Act was amended by congress, setting the standard for national air quality, auto emissions, and anti-pollution standards, however, the act wasn’t passed until 1990. In the years following the first Earth Day, congress restricted the use of lead based paint, passed the Clean Water Act, reviewed the usage of pesticides, cleaned up several hazardous waste sites, tested for radon gas in homes, initiated a pollution prevention act, researched alternative energy sources, and among other things made recycling more accessible.
“With all of the talk about global warming,” Stacy Nelson a freshmen at Utah State University said “I don’t see why people don’t participate in Earth Day more and learn how to be proactive about protecting the environment, call me a tree hugger.” Global Warming has been considered one of the greatest environmental issues of our time. In the Sundance Film Festival hit “An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore states “We Can no longer afford to view global warming as a political issue, rather, it is one of the biggest moral challenges facing our civilization.”
Everyone can easily become more proactive in protecting the environment on Earth Day.
“It’s simple to get involved,” Marti Bowles, A freshmen at Utah State University said, “my roommates and I decided to go outside and pick up all the trash around our apartment, we’re college students, we don’t have a lot of time but we can still do our part.” several websites, including the website for “An Inconvenient Truth” offer suggestions on how to get involved in taking action against global warming and protecting our environment.
Closer to home in Logan, Utah, the Chemistry Club and the Sustainability council are hosting the “Going Green Extravaganza” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the quad and is open freely to the public. Sarah Huefner, the president of the Chemistry Club said the fair celebrating earth day is meant to increase students’ awareness about ways to be green on campus. The Utah State University Sustainability Council and the Wellness center are sponsoring a 1.4 mile “Blue Goes Green Wellness Walk” from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. beginning at the wellness booth on the quad.
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