La-Z Boy Leaves Tremonton
By Stevie Hoffman
The city of Tremonton, Utah may undergo a job crisis with the La-Z Boy Company closing their doors in less than 60 days. La-Z boy currently employees about 630 employees in the surrounding areas of Tremonton, Utah. The company is moving its production to Mexico where labor costs much less. La-Z Boy has cut 500 jobs and shut down three other plants in the U.S. last year due to a decline in revenue blamed on the housing decline.
The move to Mexico is expected to save $25 million annually from job cuts and cheaper labor by the beginning of the fiscal year 2011. Many employees of La-Z Boy were shocked when the company announced they would be shutting down especially with Utah having a stronger economy than most states. Ricky Collom has worked at the Tremonton La-Z Boy plant for 20 years he always thought “they would be the last plant to close because we’re the only one in the Midwest.” Collom is currently seeking a job at Malt-O-Meal, West Liberty Foods, Thiokol and other major production plants in the surround area.
People seeking work near Tremonton may be in luck as a new Proctor & Gamble will open a paper product plant in Box Elder County that potentially will hire 1,000 employees. Governor’s Office of Economic Development Executive Director Jason Perry said "They [P&G] are one of the best corporate citizens a community could hope for. They train their employees to the highest levels, provide one of the best benefit programs available and support community development wherever they locate." The P&G’s plant will offer jobs with an average annually income of $42,000 and is expected to start production in 2008.
“Kurt L. Darrow, La-Z-Boy’s president and chief executive officer said, “We regret the impact these moves will have on the families and lives of those employees affected and greatly appreciate the contribution of each employee and thank them for their years of dedicated service.” Education will also play a major part in the quest for jobs of the 630 La-Z Boy employees. Many workers have only a high school education at the most which today the job field is competitive with all the job cuts several companies have undergone.
La-Z Boy employees and members of the town of Tremonton and surrounding areas have found comfort in online blogs where they are able to discuss conflicts of the matter amongst each other and give advice. The future of this situation is unpredictable on all the effects it will have on the Box Elder County and surrounding Cache Valley. The economic recession may finally be striking Utah.
What do you think? Hit the “Comment” link below.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Mallory's Story—Flintoff Launches Fusion Radio
NPR Reporter Launches USU Student Radio Station
By Mallory Hughes
Corey Flintoff left the Foreign Desk at UPR to venture to Logan this week to visit the campus and help Utah State’s student radio station, Fusion HD3, “flip the switch” and start streaming.
Flintoff began his visit by visiting classrooms to give students the chance to ask questions about the Iraq war, a topic he was asked to speak on Wednesday.
Flintoff’s main reason for visiting Utah State was to support the student station on campus by lending a hand.
The kick off began with an introduction of the processes the station has gone through to get to the point they have reached by Cathy Ives, station director at UPR.
“I’m really proud of the students,” Ives stated as she spoke on-air and to the group gathered to witness the kick-off.
The small crowd stood anxiously awaiting the kick-off in the lobby area just outside of the station on the 3rd floor of the TSC.
After regards from Ives, Flintoff stood with his hand hovering dramatically over the switch signaling the kick off, but just before he flipped it he joked, “now everybody watch out, who knows what’s going to come out of this thing.”
Flintoff “flipped the switch” and the stream began pouring out of the small computer set-up where the group gathered and applause erupted from the small crowd.
Clark Anderson, Fusion HD3 director, gave the introduction to the official streaming by giving a short timeline of the events that took place leading to the first official stream.
The station is currently running on the radio homepage at radio.usu.edu, but when the high definition connections get figured out it will be the 3rd sub-channel of UPR, just as the name of the station indicated.
What do you think? Hit the "Comments" link below.
Mallory's Story—Flintoff Speech
NPR Correspondent Reports on Iraq at USU
By Mallory Hughes
Corey Flintoff, NPR correspondent, spoke on the Iraq War Wednesday afternoon in front of a nearly full auditorium of students and NPR listeners.
Flintoff has been employed with NPR for the past 18 years and was just asked in 2002 to step out of the newscaster’s booth and into the Foreign Desk.
Flintoff began his career in Bethel, Alaska and was given attention from NPR after covering the Alaska Valdeez oil spill.
He was part of the “Alaska Mafia” comprising of a group of now NPR reporters who once worked in Alaska public radio.
Flintoff has been to Iraq and to other foreign countries to cover many war time situations, so he was an obvious candidate to speak to the audience at Utah State with a first-hand point of view.
Flintoff was approached by Cathy Ives, UPR Station Director, at an event he spoke at in Southern Utah last Spring.
Flintoff’s topic of the Iraq War was an obvious choice for him, but he did not know until he arrived at Utah State “what he would title the topic speech,” he joked.
Flintoff attended several classes while on campus and wanted to “reach out to a new generation of listeners” he stated.
Flintoff noted that he suspected college students to be “self-involved I-Pod listeners,” but was pleasantly surprised to find that students asked pressing questions, some in which reminded him of why he did what he did for a career as a journalist.
He touched on the feelings he had for his duty to give a good source of information to the public, his “journalistic duty,” he felt.
Flintoff spoke of his time in Iraq and stated that “threats don’t go away” when asked about the dangers he faced.
He found that television reporters were unable to move around dangerous areas independently throughout the country because of the attention they drew to themselves.
Flintoff on the other hand was able to move around for longer periods of time without being seen “because he was not drawing as much attention to himself as the reporters with crews.”
Flintoff was able to “be invisible” because he attempted to have “as little presence as possible” and he found that he could do that when he was “embedded in a military unit”-meaning that he is under the cover a militia unit.
He found that it was easy to find himself thinking as the militia men are, more suspecting and observant of everyone and everything even including.
He recalled a time when he was embedded that he began noticing civilians in a different light, telling of a man on the street “the man on the cell phone may be calling in your location in.”
He brought up a question he was asked in one of the classes he was visiting pertaining to the government regulations put on reporters in war torn areas.
He answered by explaining that “there is not a need to censor because the ability for opportunities to get out and observe are so few”.
He explained that there are fewer than 70 foreign reporters in Iraq right now because the cost is so high, the cost of lives and the purchasing of necessities to keep reporters alive.
Flintoff gave NPR as an example stating that “it costs $1 million per year to maintain a bureau in the Iraq area”, and “the car ride” to the media compound where NPR and other media sources are based, “is $2,800.”
He joked about the seven-mile car ride as being “the most expensive taxi ride you’ll ever take.” But the “taxi ride” is of course an exaggeration of the actual armored chauffer driven vehicle.
Flintoff made it clear that the audience understood the danger met by the attempt to report in an area that is so against foreign presence, but they do have help from Iraqi’s in the area who risk it all to help.
“People risk their lives and the lives of their families,” he stated, “we owe them a great deal more than they have been given,” of the citizens who risk it all to help the reporters get the information they need.
Flintoff ended with a question and answer portion in which he took answered questions from members in the audience, some of which even stumped him for a few short seconds.
One question which pertained to a subject of informing militia of dangers they might encounter a subject Mike Wallace completely disagrees with.
Flintoff on the other hand felt that although he had never encountered a situation, “of course I would,” he stated.
He recounted times when reporters had informed and were penalized, not legally, but “received the cold shoulder” when it came to being reassigned or re-invited back to an area.
Flintoff ended his speech by stating that he does “hate to be a pessimistic” but he has noticed that stories he tends to do are on “how things are done tend to fail.” His editor even noted him as having “good intentions gone to hell.”
Flintoff covered many topics and told stories to give the audience a feel for the experience he has had but explained, “I tell my listeners how limited a voice I am able to give you.”
What do you think? Hit the "Comments" link below.
By Mallory Hughes
Corey Flintoff, NPR correspondent, spoke on the Iraq War Wednesday afternoon in front of a nearly full auditorium of students and NPR listeners.
Flintoff has been employed with NPR for the past 18 years and was just asked in 2002 to step out of the newscaster’s booth and into the Foreign Desk.
Flintoff began his career in Bethel, Alaska and was given attention from NPR after covering the Alaska Valdeez oil spill.
He was part of the “Alaska Mafia” comprising of a group of now NPR reporters who once worked in Alaska public radio.
Flintoff has been to Iraq and to other foreign countries to cover many war time situations, so he was an obvious candidate to speak to the audience at Utah State with a first-hand point of view.
Flintoff was approached by Cathy Ives, UPR Station Director, at an event he spoke at in Southern Utah last Spring.
Flintoff’s topic of the Iraq War was an obvious choice for him, but he did not know until he arrived at Utah State “what he would title the topic speech,” he joked.
Flintoff attended several classes while on campus and wanted to “reach out to a new generation of listeners” he stated.
Flintoff noted that he suspected college students to be “self-involved I-Pod listeners,” but was pleasantly surprised to find that students asked pressing questions, some in which reminded him of why he did what he did for a career as a journalist.
He touched on the feelings he had for his duty to give a good source of information to the public, his “journalistic duty,” he felt.
Flintoff spoke of his time in Iraq and stated that “threats don’t go away” when asked about the dangers he faced.
He found that television reporters were unable to move around dangerous areas independently throughout the country because of the attention they drew to themselves.
Flintoff on the other hand was able to move around for longer periods of time without being seen “because he was not drawing as much attention to himself as the reporters with crews.”
Flintoff was able to “be invisible” because he attempted to have “as little presence as possible” and he found that he could do that when he was “embedded in a military unit”-meaning that he is under the cover a militia unit.
He found that it was easy to find himself thinking as the militia men are, more suspecting and observant of everyone and everything even including.
He recalled a time when he was embedded that he began noticing civilians in a different light, telling of a man on the street “the man on the cell phone may be calling in your location in.”
He brought up a question he was asked in one of the classes he was visiting pertaining to the government regulations put on reporters in war torn areas.
He answered by explaining that “there is not a need to censor because the ability for opportunities to get out and observe are so few”.
He explained that there are fewer than 70 foreign reporters in Iraq right now because the cost is so high, the cost of lives and the purchasing of necessities to keep reporters alive.
Flintoff gave NPR as an example stating that “it costs $1 million per year to maintain a bureau in the Iraq area”, and “the car ride” to the media compound where NPR and other media sources are based, “is $2,800.”
He joked about the seven-mile car ride as being “the most expensive taxi ride you’ll ever take.” But the “taxi ride” is of course an exaggeration of the actual armored chauffer driven vehicle.
Flintoff made it clear that the audience understood the danger met by the attempt to report in an area that is so against foreign presence, but they do have help from Iraqi’s in the area who risk it all to help.
“People risk their lives and the lives of their families,” he stated, “we owe them a great deal more than they have been given,” of the citizens who risk it all to help the reporters get the information they need.
Flintoff ended with a question and answer portion in which he took answered questions from members in the audience, some of which even stumped him for a few short seconds.
One question which pertained to a subject of informing militia of dangers they might encounter a subject Mike Wallace completely disagrees with.
Flintoff on the other hand felt that although he had never encountered a situation, “of course I would,” he stated.
He recounted times when reporters had informed and were penalized, not legally, but “received the cold shoulder” when it came to being reassigned or re-invited back to an area.
Flintoff ended his speech by stating that he does “hate to be a pessimistic” but he has noticed that stories he tends to do are on “how things are done tend to fail.” His editor even noted him as having “good intentions gone to hell.”
Flintoff covered many topics and told stories to give the audience a feel for the experience he has had but explained, “I tell my listeners how limited a voice I am able to give you.”
What do you think? Hit the "Comments" link below.
Melissa's Story—Coming of Age
Turning 21 in Utah
By Melissa Salcedo
For many young adults, turning 21 years old is a milestone. In Utah, the majority of the population belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For some of the young adults who belong to this faith, their 21st birthday is no different than any other birthday. Few others disagree and think a 21st birthday is a big deal.
Rachel Hammond celebrated her 21st birthday last week. Her friends had a small party for her, which consisted of everyone sitting around, talking and eating cupcakes. “I’m not into clubs, but it would have been fun,” the Provo native said. Something Hammond is looking forward to is going on an LDS church mission, which is something she could not do before since women have to be 21 years old to serve missions.
Kraig Williams, 22-years-old, went out to dinner with his parents for his 21st birthday. “My dad offered to buy me a beer but I declined,” he said. Williams, who is not LDS, does not care much to drink alcohol. Most of his friends are LDS, so he doesn’t drink alcohol, but if he had more friends who did drink then he would as well.
For other young adults, turning 21 is something that is exciting and they look forward to it.
Candice Fitzgerald is only 19-years-old and already has plans for her 21st birthday party. “I’m going to Las Vegas and I’m going to go dance on the bar at Coyote Ugly,” she said excitedly. She wants to turn 21 mainly so that she can get into clubs and won’t have to worry about needing a fake I.D.
Turning 21 years old is significant for Sarah Edinborough. “I’m excited because it’s the age where you feel grown up,” she said. “The rest of the world finally takes you seriously.” Edinborough had plans for spring break with her friends to go on a cruise, but had to cancel those plans when she learned that at least one person in each room had to be over 21 years old. She too plans on going to Las Vegas once she turns 21.
Being able to drink alcohol or gamble is not something that most LDS young adults have in mind as their 21st birthday approaches. Turning 21 is a big step because it signifies maturity.
“When you’re 19 or 20-years-old, people still think you’re a child,” says Haley Folta. “As you get older every year, people think you’re more legit. 21 is even more legit than 20.”
What do you think? Hit the "Comments" link below.
Kevin's Story-How Pope's U.S. Visit Plays in Utah
USU View on Pope Benedict’s Historic Visit
By Kevin Mouritsen
kevin.mour@aggiemail.usu.edu
Pope Benedict XVI called for “healing and reconciliation” for priest sex abuse victims Thursday during his historic five-day visit to the United States.
The pope held an unannounced meeting with a small group of people for about 25 minutes in the chapel of the papal embassy, where tearful victims of clergy sex abuse listened while the pope offered them encouragement and hope.
"They prayed together,” said the Rev. Federico Lombardi, a papal spokesman. “Also, each of them had their own individual time with the Holy Father."
The pope’s message during his visit has included words of consolation for the victims of clergy sex abuse, a call for improved Human Rights throughout the world, and a plea for the strengthening of religious faith in public life.
Dr. Norman Jones, USU History Department head and Director of Religious Studies, says that the pope’s visit has a two-fold purpose for American Catholics.
“The pope is here to tell Catholics, ‘Come back to your obedience,’” said Jones. He said the pope is also here to say, “You’re really important to us and I want to pay attention to you.”
This papal visit marks the first time in nearly thirty years that a pope has visited the United States, and Father Clarence Sandoval of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church says that the pope’s visit is an inspiration for Catholics everywhere.
“The pope is the shepherd of our church,” said Sandoval, “and it’s an inspiration for all of us to have our shepherd here on the soil of the United States.”
Sandoval said that the pope’s main purpose for this visit is to be with the people.
“[The pope] is here to teach, to preach, to walk with them, to unify them,” he said.
Unifying the American Catholics has been a main priority for the Catholic Church since severe declines in church attendance occurred after the clergy sex scandals. Jones said that declining church membership is not an exclusive Catholic problem.
“Americans are more religious than any other people in the developed world by a very long shot,” said Jones. “But they are very unwilling to be told what to do by anybody.”
Jones said that people are becoming more religiously eclectic, drawing their spirituality from a variety of sources, rather than just one religious group.
Speaking of Americans and religions, Jones said that people, “are taking elements from this [religion] and that one, and creating something new.”
But Sandoval said that the problem with declining church attendance lies in the fact the Americans are too self-absorbed, focusing on themselves rather than on everyone as a whole.
“Here in the United States there’s just such an individualistic way of looking at the world as opposed to Europe and other places, where people look at each other as a community,” said Sandoval.
Jones rejected the notion of an increasingly atheistic society. Instead, he thinks that people are branching out and looking for religious alternatives.
“I don’t think people are ceasing to believe,” said Jones. “But they’re in the market place of religion, shopping.”
What do you think? Hit "Comments" link below.
Jordan's Story—Flintoff speech
Flintoff Visits USU
By Jordan Allred
Corey Flintoff a long-time reporter for National Public Radio (NPR) gave a lecture to Utah State students and community members Wednesday, on his experiences as he has covered the war in Iraq.
Flintoff, who has been the afternoon voice of NPR’s newscast for 17 years, shared how events have unfolded since U.S troops entered Iraq in 2003 and the difficulties on-site reporters have encountered trying to capture the news.
Using an analogy where an elephant represents everything that has happened in Iraq since 2003, Flintoff said he has only been able to grab the end of the tail, because so much has happened and access is limited.
With all the events that have taken place, Flintoff said that reporters need to find out how to be in several places at once, as much as possible, and at the same time how to go about it safely.
“The key is being invisible, in dangerous areas,” Flintoff said, as he described how it is easier for radio reporters who can stay out of the way and observe opposed to television reporters who are trying to capture action while reporting.
Flintoff said when he first arrived in Iraq in was not uncommon to hear from their offices at least one or two car bombs go off each day, but did note that it has progressively become safer.
Reporters, although not directly involved in the war, need to find ways to stay safe, they have become targets for kidnapping and many have even lost their lives trying to do their jobs.
One example he gave was a kidnapping that involved a reporter who was beaten ruthlessly until a ransom had been paid, then had been dumped on the outskirts of Bagdad; the reporter could be considered lucky, because he wasn’t killed.
Aside from explaining the complicated lives reporters have tried to live in Iraq, Flintoff educated the audience on issues commonly talked about in America, such as the removal of U.S. troops.
Many Americans are in favor of pulling troops out of Iraq, plain and simple, however exiting Iraq would be anything but plain and simple as Flintoff puts it.
Flintoff described that since America has become so invested in the war, it makes it harder to leave, saying that as America starts to pull out their troops they become susceptible to attack.
Also Flintoff described that leaving behind all the buildings, runways and other structures America has built in Iraq might not be a great idea, especially if in a few years Iraq is taken over by a corrupt government.
Another topic Flintoff addressed was tough questions he has received about being a journalist and covering the war.
“We do deal with bad guys,” Flintoff said, referring to kidnappers, killers and militiamen that the reporters try to interview, but Flintoff said it is important to report the news, not get involved or interfere with what is taking place.
Flintoff while visiting one of the Utah State classes addressed a question from a student about whether or not he would report a case of American troops abusing prisoners of war or civilians, Flintoff’s response was, “Of course I would…of course I would report it.”
Jodi Burton a sophomore studying Public Relations said, “I was very impressed with how ready he was to answer the difficult questions, he was very prepared.”
Flintoff felt the same way about the students at Utah State, tossing aside the idea that all college students are just a bunch of bums that walk around campus with headphones in, listening to loud music; Flintoff complimented the students for being well informed.
At the end of his lecture Flintoff stressed the importance of journalism in dangerous areas by saying, “When people risk their lives and their families lives, we owe them a great deal more than what they have been given.”
Corey Flintoff-NPR
Corey Flintoff a long-time reporter for National Public Radio (NPR) gave a lecture to Utah State students and community members Wednesday, on his experiences as he has covered the war in Iraq.
Flintoff, who has been the afternoon voice of NPR’s newscast for 17 years, shared how events have unfolded since U.S troops entered Iraq in 2003 and the difficulties on-site reporters have encountered trying to capture the news.
Using an analogy where an elephant represents everything that has happened in Iraq since 2003, Flintoff said he has only been able to grab the end of the tail, because so much has happened and access is limited.
With all the events that have taken place, Flintoff said that reporters need to find out how to be in several places at once, as much as possible, and at the same time how to go about it safely.
“The key is being invisible, in dangerous areas,” Flintoff said, as he described how it is easier for radio reporters who can stay out of the way and observe opposed to television reporters who are trying to capture action while reporting.
Flintoff said when he first arrived in Iraq in was not uncommon to hear from their offices at least one or two car bombs go off each day, but did note that it has progressively become safer.
Reporters, although not directly involved in the war, need to find ways to stay safe, they have become targets for kidnapping and many have even lost their lives trying to do their jobs.
One example he gave was a kidnapping that involved a reporter who was beaten ruthlessly until a ransom had been paid, then had been dumped on the outskirts of Bagdad; the reporter could be considered lucky, because he wasn’t killed.
Aside from explaining the complicated lives reporters have tried to live in Iraq, Flintoff educated the audience on issues commonly talked about in America, such as the removal of U.S. troops.
Many Americans are in favor of pulling troops out of Iraq, plain and simple, however exiting Iraq would be anything but plain and simple as Flintoff puts it.
Flintoff described that since America has become so invested in the war, it makes it harder to leave, saying that as America starts to pull out their troops they become susceptible to attack.
Also Flintoff described that leaving behind all the buildings, runways and other structures America has built in Iraq might not be a great idea, especially if in a few years Iraq is taken over by a corrupt government.
Another topic Flintoff addressed was tough questions he has received about being a journalist and covering the war.
“We do deal with bad guys,” Flintoff said, referring to kidnappers, killers and militiamen that the reporters try to interview, but Flintoff said it is important to report the news, not get involved or interfere with what is taking place.
Flintoff while visiting one of the Utah State classes addressed a question from a student about whether or not he would report a case of American troops abusing prisoners of war or civilians, Flintoff’s response was, “Of course I would…of course I would report it.”
Jodi Burton a sophomore studying Public Relations said, “I was very impressed with how ready he was to answer the difficult questions, he was very prepared.”
Flintoff felt the same way about the students at Utah State, tossing aside the idea that all college students are just a bunch of bums that walk around campus with headphones in, listening to loud music; Flintoff complimented the students for being well informed.
At the end of his lecture Flintoff stressed the importance of journalism in dangerous areas by saying, “When people risk their lives and their families lives, we owe them a great deal more than what they have been given.”
Kevin's Story—Reporting Change
The Challenges of Reporting Change
By Kevin Fernandes
“Security in Iraq has improved since my last stay in August of 2006, but Iraq still remains an unsafe place for American reporters,” said National Public Radio’s Corey Flintoff. Flintoff spoke to an audience of about 80 on Wednesday at the USU Performance Hall.
Flintoff’s talk, “The Challenges of Reporting Change,” was based on his one month stay in Iraq, where he reported first-hand the social changes brought about by the American military.
Changes are occurring and attacks are dying down, said Flintoff. “The last time I was in Iraq I heard car bombs and gunfire on a daily basis, but in my resent one month stay in Iraq I only heard three car bombs and limited gunfire.”
Although the violence has simmered down in Iraq it is difficult for reporters to give their listeners a genuine idea of what is going on in this war. Reporters in Iraq have a limited view of what is happening because they must travel with the American military at all times and are only stationed in Iraq for a month. Therefore reporters cannot travel to people’s homes to conduct interviews or explore what is happening for themselves. This makes reporting the change in Iraq more difficult.
Reporters must remain with the military due to the dangers that can occur. Kidnapping is a major threat that reporters in Iraq face. Flintoff remembers hearing his colleagues talk about how long they think it would take for one of them to be kidnapped by Iraqi rebels. Their answer was 45 minutes. It is extremely dangerous for American reporters to cover the news in Iraq because kidnapping is very much a reality.
Flintoff recalled an American reporter by the name of Varm being kidnapped and held for ransom. Varm was snatched off the streets of Iraq, thrown into a trunk of a car and taken to an Iraqi home. He was savagely beaten and was chained to a shower stall for days. His kidnappers allowed Varm to call his family to let them know he was alive and that his life would be spared for money. The ransom was paid and Varm was released. Varm is extremely lucky because most reporters lose their lives after they have been kidnapped.
Due to the dangers of being kidnapped reporters must remain with the American military which gives them a restricted view of what is happening, which in turn gives the American people a restricted view of the Iraq War.
It is also difficult for reporters to cover the news in Iraq because of their short stay. American reporters usually stay in Iraq for about a month, said Flintoff. “After four weeks of reporting in Iraq you being to figure out how things operate, but then you’re out of there.” American reporters do not stay in Iraq for long, once they understand what is going on and how to effectively report the news they are on their way home. This makes it very challenging to report the changes that are occurring in Iraq.
Changes have occurred in Iraq, violence has gone down and security has improved. It is the duty of American reporters such as Corey Flintoff to inform the American people of these changes. However their limited view of this war due to their short stay and their restriction to independently explore Iraq has affected the reporting of change in Iraq.
What do you think? Hit the "Comments" link below.
Hayley's story: Finals = Stress
STRESS!?? What stressssss??
By Hayley Jensen
Take a look outside. Chances are the sky is blue, the Quad is filling with students eager to soak in greatly missed rays of sun. This is just one more reminder that the semester is coming to an end bringing freedom with it. However, the emergence of flip-flops also signals that finals are just around the corner.
April is National Stress Awareness Month and appropriately so, just as students across the nation and importantly at Utah State, prepare for final examinations. The University provides many resource for students to help them not only understand what stress is, but how to cope with it and prevent it.
The Student Wellness Center, located at 850 E. 1200 N. just north of Romney Stadium, offers support services and education to students, often free of charge. "The problem with stress is that it can just build from one event to another. We provide information so students can prevent foundations of stress that can lead to perhaps more serious health problems," stated Jim Davis, director of the Wellness Center.
Stress is when your body reacts as if it were under attack. Stress can be both physical, such as illness, or mental such as marriage, a job or say finals. When we are stressed, hormone levels in the body increase and can contribute to high blood-pressure and other health concerns. To counteract effects of stress students can use resources such as "The USU Student Body," informational fliers provided free-of charge online and at the Wellness Center on subjects ranging from depression to a sprained ankle.
According to the "USU Student Body," learning to relax will help individuals each day, especially during final exams. Some suggestions include:
-Breathing Exercises
-Physical Activity
-Eliminating negative thoughts
-Thinking positively
If stress persists, the guide suggests learning relaxation techniques or therapy, anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication or Assertiveness Training.
Besides documents and general information, students can make an appointment to ask any questions, talk about health concerns or even see a massage therapist.
If test-taking has you in a bind, the Academic Resource Center in the Taggart Student Center, con provide test-taking strategies, stress- relief information and free-tutoring.
Test anxiety is worry or fear caused by having to take tests, and most students feel some level of anxiety in testing situations. However, for some students, test anxiety is so intense that it negatively affects their academic success, according to the ARC website. Students can take a course with individualized testing to help them cope and ultimately do well on their exams. Debi Jensen, a Learning Specialist for the ARC stated, "Finals are not easy. Preparing early, avoiding late-night cramming and getting enough rest will really make finals week a rewarding experience."
What do you think? Too STRESSED to Comment?
By Hayley Jensen
Take a look outside. Chances are the sky is blue, the Quad is filling with students eager to soak in greatly missed rays of sun. This is just one more reminder that the semester is coming to an end bringing freedom with it. However, the emergence of flip-flops also signals that finals are just around the corner.
April is National Stress Awareness Month and appropriately so, just as students across the nation and importantly at Utah State, prepare for final examinations. The University provides many resource for students to help them not only understand what stress is, but how to cope with it and prevent it.
The Student Wellness Center, located at 850 E. 1200 N. just north of Romney Stadium, offers support services and education to students, often free of charge. "The problem with stress is that it can just build from one event to another. We provide information so students can prevent foundations of stress that can lead to perhaps more serious health problems," stated Jim Davis, director of the Wellness Center.
Stress is when your body reacts as if it were under attack. Stress can be both physical, such as illness, or mental such as marriage, a job or say finals. When we are stressed, hormone levels in the body increase and can contribute to high blood-pressure and other health concerns. To counteract effects of stress students can use resources such as "The USU Student Body," informational fliers provided free-of charge online and at the Wellness Center on subjects ranging from depression to a sprained ankle.
According to the "USU Student Body," learning to relax will help individuals each day, especially during final exams. Some suggestions include:
-Breathing Exercises
-Physical Activity
-Eliminating negative thoughts
-Thinking positively
If stress persists, the guide suggests learning relaxation techniques or therapy, anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication or Assertiveness Training.
Besides documents and general information, students can make an appointment to ask any questions, talk about health concerns or even see a massage therapist.
If test-taking has you in a bind, the Academic Resource Center in the Taggart Student Center, con provide test-taking strategies, stress- relief information and free-tutoring.
Test anxiety is worry or fear caused by having to take tests, and most students feel some level of anxiety in testing situations. However, for some students, test anxiety is so intense that it negatively affects their academic success, according to the ARC website. Students can take a course with individualized testing to help them cope and ultimately do well on their exams. Debi Jensen, a Learning Specialist for the ARC stated, "Finals are not easy. Preparing early, avoiding late-night cramming and getting enough rest will really make finals week a rewarding experience."
What do you think? Too STRESSED to Comment?
Danielle's Story—God Loves the Terrier
Boe’s Life: Chasing the Rat
By Danielle Criddle
The scent of rodent is thick in the air; the breeze makes it difficult to determine the direction that it’s coming from, your owner is telling you to find the rat, you must.
This is what goes through Boe’s mind when he’s on a “ratting” job.
“He’s been skunked four times,” Samantha Garrett, 20 years old of
Boe, the fearless rat-hunting Jack Russell terrier, and his human, Samantha Garrett (Matt Heufner photo 2008)
The terrier, although small, is a working dog bred to hunt and catch rodents that burrow into the ground.
The want ad in the paper read that the terrier was for hire and he’s ready to work.
Samantha Garrett has been training the 11-year-old terrier for his job since he was five.
“I’m offering an alternative to poisons,” Garrett said of the services she and Boe offer.
“Rat poisons are made to be tasty to animals,” she said while recounting an incidence of a family pet getting into the poison and dying.
Rodents harbor many diseases including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), rat-bite fever, eosinophilic meningitis, and murine typhus to name a few of the more fatal.
Telling of a job they went to, “out in Amalga there was a farm and they had gophers and rats that were just burrowing in all the fields and Boe got them all,” she said.
“I’ve taught him ‘we don’t chew on dead animals,’” she said of the actual job, “he kills ‘em and I pick them up and throw them in the trash.”
“She’s gotten hate mail over this,” Garrett’s mother, Robyn Stocks said about Garrett and Boe.
“It’s a natural thing,” Garrett said of the Jack Russell Terrier, “anything with ‘terrier’ in the name was designed to go after rodents.”
When Boe isn’t working he enjoys the luxury of being a house pet, “we hang out and watch T.V., go for walks, he really likes car rides,” Garrett said.
“We’re still looking for new clients,” Garrett said of her free service, “he really likes to work.”
When the weather warms up a little more and rodents start showing up in garages, basements, and fields, you can be assured that Boe will be there with his owner Samantha Garrett to get the job done.
I want to get this in the Herald Journal, what do you think?
What do you think? Hit "Comment" link below.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Megan's Story—Online Dating
Online Dating: Curse or Cure?
By Megan Peterson
Is there an airport nearby or is that my heart taking off?
We’ve heard them all. From ridiculous pick-ups to charming one-liners, these phrases can sum up the world of online dating.
According to Online Dating Magazine, more than 20 million people visit at least one online dating site each month and more than 120,000 marriages occur each year from this phenomenon that seems to be taking over the dating world.
Why has this tremendous flood of online dating become so popular among people, both young and old?
Hyde Park resident Kierra Whittaker says, “My grandma was divorced and just, sort of happy. We all thought she was crazy when she signed up for an online dating service.”
From ages18 to 100, “net” dating has become all the rage for divorcees, college students, single parents, and those looking for a different way to go about dating.
Whittaker’s grandmother, who was working as a teacher at a local high school met and fell in love with her new husband on the internet.
“They talked a lot and had a lot in common. One day she came over and announced that she was moving to Sweden and getting married to Christoffer. It kinda threw us through a loop.”
Although online dating may work for some, not everyone has had the success that others do.
Angela Fallentine, a resident of Sandy has had her fair share of online dating disasters.
“The most amusing date I went on with someone that I had met online was at a movie theater.”
It wasn’t him or the movie that was amusing. It was the family he brought along that was.
“They brought used popcorn containers so they could get free re-fills, and the four-year-old started crying in the middle of the show.”
Fallentine, now married to someone she did not meet online, says that the only reason she ever did “those dot-com things” was because she had had friends and roommates who swore by them with their lives.
“I had two of my really good friends meet their future husbands online, and they were perfectly happy. So I thought, why not?”
Erin Goeblehardt, an online dating veteran said that she would recommend online dating only as long as one is careful.
“There are so many creeps out there today that a girl can’t be too careful. You think you’re talking to this guy who’s sweet and sensitive, and then you meet him and realize he’s nothing like he said.”
Goeblehardt’s experiences with online dating have helped her realize that it’s not the way she wanted to find her match.
“I’ve given up on online dating, mostly for the reason that I just want to really know who I’m getting into a relationship with. It’s not worth wasting my time if they turn out to be someone completely opposite then what they tell you.”
Mark Shields, a Logan resident, sees online dating as an invasion into people’s lives from technology that shouldn’t be bothered.
“Finding someone that you want to spend the rest of your life with isn’t something that can be toyed with idly. Putting your trust in a computer or so-called matchmaker just isn’t cool.”
Whether you believe the world of online dating is the way you’ll find your one true love, or you think it’s a scam, just remember to choose your lines wisely.
What do you think? Hit "Comment" link below.
Hayley’s story—Flintoff Talks Change in Iraq
Flintoff Watches Change in Iraq
By Hayley Jensen
Corey Flintoff, news anchor and special correspondent for the war in Iraq at National Public Radio, spoke to Utah State University faculty and students Thursday, to discuss the challenges of reporting on an ever-changing war.
Flintoff, a member of the "Alaskan Mafia" along side well-known reporters Peter Kenyon and Elizabeth Arnold, spent 17 years as the voice of NPR's afternoon news during "All Things Considered." He stepped down from his anchor position in 2005 to report directly from Iraq.
His lecture, " The Challenge of Reporting Change," showcased the real job of war-time journalists in Iraq. "The real job is to report on how well our efforts are doing. Are we really winning hearts and minds there or is this a heavily polished state of truce?" flintoff stated.
With this objective in mind, Flintoff recalled the specific challenges that reporters and other media correspondents face daily on the battle front. The changing justification, goals and strategy for the Iraq War poses the first problem for modern reporters. The enemy was originally Al Queida, but has now moved to Shiite militia and it is the reporters job to figure out what is really going on.
Next, covering the Iraq war is different from other wars in terms of access. reporters no longer move independently around the country because journalists are often shot or kidnapped as they cover stories. To foil this, reporters are embedded with U.S. Military.While security is increased Flintoff pointed out that the military may often censor the information a journalist gets. Remaining unbiased is also a challenge for embedded reporters as they take on perceptions of American soldiers, " When you are looking through the bullet-proof glass everyone on the other side looks like the enemy," stated Flintoff.
To transport a reporter the 7 miles from the airport to the NRP office in Baghdad it costs $2,800 one way. The number of reporters stationed in Iraq has dropped from 400 in 2003, to only about 70 currently. With the aspects of the war "multiplying like a hydra" Flintoff feels that with a limited view there is very limited need to sensor what information comes out of Iraq. " I tell my listeners just how limited a view I am able to give them."
What do you think? Hit "Comment" link below.
Danielle's Story—Flintoff Story
NPR’s Corey Flintoff Reports on Iraq War
By Danielle Criddle
Covering a war during war time is a huge issue as far as money, resources, and people are concerned.
“So much going on over there you can be assured of at least one car bomb a day,” Flintoff said in reference to the situation in
When talking of the security issues that reporters have to face he said, “even when security was at it’s best, the western correspondents were taking bets on how long you could be in the open before getting shot or kidnapped the best they could come up with was 45 minutes.”
Telling of the real risks of driving through
Flintoff expressed concern for risking so many lives in covering the story when covering the war “makes it very difficult for a reporter when the reason for fighting the war is constantly changing.”
With a slightly shaky voice he told of how the father of one of NPR’s reporters was kidnapped and killed last year, “the family paid the ransom and never saw him again,” he said.
Last year the NPR’s business manger who lived in
Flintoff conveyed that covering the war is important however, “working for a
Cami’s Story: Corey Flintoff
NPR’s Cory Flintoff Reports on Iraq at USU
By Cami Moore
Utah State University’s performance hall hosted a speech today by Cory Flintoff, who works for National Public Radio.
Flintoff, who just got back from Iraq again a few months ago talked about the difficulties of reporting in a war zone. With a constant changing everyday it is not easy for reporters to keep up with the changing in Iraq.
“The justifications, goals, and strategies of fighting the war change so frequently,” Flintoff said.
According to Flintoff the United States military has been very cooperative in helping reporters get out into the action. He says that Officers will even talk down on other units to convince reporters that they should come with their specific unit, and guarantee them to see some action.
“The military is not actively censoring where we can go right now,” said Flintoff.
However, even with the military actively helping reporters get the coverage they need it still doesn’t seem enough with the daily changes occurring.
“One of the most important things is tell my listeners how limited my chances to get out really are,” said Flintoff.
One difficult position that journalists are put into in Iraq is to protect their sources, even if it means not releasing pertinent information to troops which would keep them out harm. Flintoff did say that his actions in a situation like this would all depend on the consequences that would follow on all sides. Also, journalists have to decide whether or not to cover something, even if it will put a negative effect on their country in this situation.
Flintoff said, “There is no point in reporting an American war if we don’t tell the good and bad things that we do there.”
What do you think? Hit “Comments” below.
By Cami Moore
Utah State University’s performance hall hosted a speech today by Cory Flintoff, who works for National Public Radio.
Flintoff, who just got back from Iraq again a few months ago talked about the difficulties of reporting in a war zone. With a constant changing everyday it is not easy for reporters to keep up with the changing in Iraq.
“The justifications, goals, and strategies of fighting the war change so frequently,” Flintoff said.
According to Flintoff the United States military has been very cooperative in helping reporters get out into the action. He says that Officers will even talk down on other units to convince reporters that they should come with their specific unit, and guarantee them to see some action.
“The military is not actively censoring where we can go right now,” said Flintoff.
However, even with the military actively helping reporters get the coverage they need it still doesn’t seem enough with the daily changes occurring.
“One of the most important things is tell my listeners how limited my chances to get out really are,” said Flintoff.
One difficult position that journalists are put into in Iraq is to protect their sources, even if it means not releasing pertinent information to troops which would keep them out harm. Flintoff did say that his actions in a situation like this would all depend on the consequences that would follow on all sides. Also, journalists have to decide whether or not to cover something, even if it will put a negative effect on their country in this situation.
Flintoff said, “There is no point in reporting an American war if we don’t tell the good and bad things that we do there.”
What do you think? Hit “Comments” below.
Bryant's Story: ‘I see dead people’
Cadavers
By Bryant Vega
The famous quote “I see dead people” from the movie “Sixth Sense” takes on new meaning on the third floor of the USU Biology of Natural Resource building.
Upon entering the cadaver lab, there are seven silver metal tables with body bags on top of them that look as if they were from scenes in a movie. On the ceiling there are huge vents to suck out the smell of dead bodies and phermaldahyde. Outside, the words mortui vivos docent appear by the door: “The dead teach the living.”
In Andy Anderson’s case, this saying is literal and these words have meaning. A professor at Utah State with a degree in medical microbiology who has been teaching for 25 years, Anderson teaches a variety of health-related courses including: Human Anatomy (Biol 2010), Human Dissection (Biol 4000), Human Physiology (Biol 2000), Bioethics (Biol 3100), and Elementary Microbiology (Biol 1110).
“Our job is to let these dead people teach us,” says Anderson, “we skin them, cut them into pieces, take out their brains and eyeballs, cut them in different angles… We do this so that people like you can learn on dead people so later on in your lives and in careers you don’t make a mess out of living people and that is a very good ethical justification for doing what we do.”
The cadavers are a very popular and important teaching utility; dozens of High school groups, college students, which include pre-med, pre-dental, and even some art students, paramedics, and EMT’s all tour the lab throughout the year to explore the inner and outer workings of the human body. “I don’t know how I can teach anatomy without them says Anderson.”
These teaching tools, or human bodies, are actually purchased from the University of Utah at a cost of around $1,250. But like the rest of the economy, the price of the cadavers will soon increase to around $1,350 says Anderson. Seven bodies are bought each year.
Before death, people volunteer in the cadaver donor program run by U of U Professor Kerry Peterson. He runs the program and advertises to let people know that “if we want physicians and medical people to learn we need cadavers.”
He gets well over 100 bodies a year and works very closely with the families of the deceased. As soon as that person dies the family calls him and he picks the body up from the house or nursing home or wherever it is they die and embalms them. “Not just a little bit, but so they can sit out on those tables all year long,” says Anderson.
“When they arrive they look like sleeping people just like you and I, they have a very nice color to them, they have special dyes so they have lifelike appearance. And as soon as we skin them things start to go downhill because then they dry up.”
Some people are concerned about the ethics of working with cadavers everybody here is a volunteer and the reason they wanted to be a volunteer is so that future generations can learn.
Another controversy over using cadavers is the religious argument. Some people see using cadavers as sacrilegious. “I’ve given a lot of thought to the subject and in my opinion whatever made the people living spiritual beings is gone whatever spiritual essence they had left, left a long time ago and went to a better place.” Says Anderson. “So we have no problem from an ethical or religious point of view in working with cadavers and I tell the visitors don’t worry about it either this is where they wanted to be,” referring to the people before they died.
In the lab over each body there is a name a number and a brief description of the bodies. When dissecting them the bodies are called out by name such as Beth, who died at 81, William who died at 67 etc. This is done in respect of the living that died.
When the bodies are all “used up” the bodies are taken back to U of U to be put in the oven for about two hours reduced to ashes and put into a box. The box is then taken back to the family if they want the ashes back. If the families opt not to take them back then the ashes are buried in a group grave north of the capitol building in Salt Lake City. “The tombstone reads In memory of those who have donated their bodies to advance medical education and science.”
Even more Peterson holds a memorial every year for the cadavers so that the families and medical students can come pay their respects.
Andersons only rule for respecting the cadavers is “no one can make fun of the cadavers… we pay our debt to these families by letting us have them.”
Anderson has his own plans to be a cadaver when he dies. “I am going to be the only faculty member at USU who continues to teach after they die,” said Anderson, “I want my head to be kept and you can specify things like that.”
What do you think? Hit “Comments” below.
By Bryant Vega
The famous quote “I see dead people” from the movie “Sixth Sense” takes on new meaning on the third floor of the USU Biology of Natural Resource building.
Upon entering the cadaver lab, there are seven silver metal tables with body bags on top of them that look as if they were from scenes in a movie. On the ceiling there are huge vents to suck out the smell of dead bodies and phermaldahyde. Outside, the words mortui vivos docent appear by the door: “The dead teach the living.”
In Andy Anderson’s case, this saying is literal and these words have meaning. A professor at Utah State with a degree in medical microbiology who has been teaching for 25 years, Anderson teaches a variety of health-related courses including: Human Anatomy (Biol 2010), Human Dissection (Biol 4000), Human Physiology (Biol 2000), Bioethics (Biol 3100), and Elementary Microbiology (Biol 1110).
“Our job is to let these dead people teach us,” says Anderson, “we skin them, cut them into pieces, take out their brains and eyeballs, cut them in different angles… We do this so that people like you can learn on dead people so later on in your lives and in careers you don’t make a mess out of living people and that is a very good ethical justification for doing what we do.”
The cadavers are a very popular and important teaching utility; dozens of High school groups, college students, which include pre-med, pre-dental, and even some art students, paramedics, and EMT’s all tour the lab throughout the year to explore the inner and outer workings of the human body. “I don’t know how I can teach anatomy without them says Anderson.”
These teaching tools, or human bodies, are actually purchased from the University of Utah at a cost of around $1,250. But like the rest of the economy, the price of the cadavers will soon increase to around $1,350 says Anderson. Seven bodies are bought each year.
Before death, people volunteer in the cadaver donor program run by U of U Professor Kerry Peterson. He runs the program and advertises to let people know that “if we want physicians and medical people to learn we need cadavers.”
He gets well over 100 bodies a year and works very closely with the families of the deceased. As soon as that person dies the family calls him and he picks the body up from the house or nursing home or wherever it is they die and embalms them. “Not just a little bit, but so they can sit out on those tables all year long,” says Anderson.
“When they arrive they look like sleeping people just like you and I, they have a very nice color to them, they have special dyes so they have lifelike appearance. And as soon as we skin them things start to go downhill because then they dry up.”
Some people are concerned about the ethics of working with cadavers everybody here is a volunteer and the reason they wanted to be a volunteer is so that future generations can learn.
Another controversy over using cadavers is the religious argument. Some people see using cadavers as sacrilegious. “I’ve given a lot of thought to the subject and in my opinion whatever made the people living spiritual beings is gone whatever spiritual essence they had left, left a long time ago and went to a better place.” Says Anderson. “So we have no problem from an ethical or religious point of view in working with cadavers and I tell the visitors don’t worry about it either this is where they wanted to be,” referring to the people before they died.
In the lab over each body there is a name a number and a brief description of the bodies. When dissecting them the bodies are called out by name such as Beth, who died at 81, William who died at 67 etc. This is done in respect of the living that died.
When the bodies are all “used up” the bodies are taken back to U of U to be put in the oven for about two hours reduced to ashes and put into a box. The box is then taken back to the family if they want the ashes back. If the families opt not to take them back then the ashes are buried in a group grave north of the capitol building in Salt Lake City. “The tombstone reads In memory of those who have donated their bodies to advance medical education and science.”
Even more Peterson holds a memorial every year for the cadavers so that the families and medical students can come pay their respects.
Andersons only rule for respecting the cadavers is “no one can make fun of the cadavers… we pay our debt to these families by letting us have them.”
Anderson has his own plans to be a cadaver when he dies. “I am going to be the only faculty member at USU who continues to teach after they die,” said Anderson, “I want my head to be kept and you can specify things like that.”
What do you think? Hit “Comments” below.
Megan's Story: Ag Building
New Agricultural Sciences Building/Utah State Agricultural Complex
By Megan Peterson
Out with the old, and in with the new. Utah State University's College of Agriculture students will be enjoying a brand new, state of the art Agricultural Sciences Building that will be located on the East end of the Quad where the old Merrill Library once was.
The 50,000 square foot, five-level building will house the College of Agriculture, Utah Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension administrative offices, advanced technology classrooms, laboratories and offices for faculty and support staff.
The new building is set to begin construction in September of 2009 to replace the current facility, the E.G. Peterson Building.
Built in 1953, the current facility has never had a renovation. The building is in great need of replacement for various reasons. Asbestos, inadequate air handling systems, an overburdened electrical system, and lack of services for students with disabilities are among the major reasons for the new facility.
The $100 million project is dually funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Services.
Interest in Utah State's outstanding research have aided in the support by the USDA-ARS. One of the various reasons that the USDA-ARS is so supportive of the new facility is because Utah State is home to one of the nations only bee research facilities.
A sophomore majoring in animal science said, "it will be so nice to have a new building. It seems like a lot of other colleges get new facilities, and now it's our turn. The reason Utah State is the way it is, is because we are Aggies, an agricultural school, and the better agricultural facilities we have, the better."
Another benefit of the new building will be the opening up of much needed space in the George S. Eccles Business Building where the faculty for applied economics, or agricultural economics is now housed. This will also facilitate closer cooperation among researchers.
Not only will the College of Agriculture be gaining a new building on the main campus, construction of Utah State's Agricultural Complex has been completed and is located south of Logan.
The new complex is facilitating several high profile animal genomics, cloning and nutrition research projects.
The new complex is replacing 77 structures north of the university's main campus and is built on land associated with the university's existing South Farm and Caine Dairy Teaching and Research Center near Wellsville.
The new complex capitalizes on the university's investments in the dairy and existing animal care and research facilities and helps local communities maintain a desired agricultural presence along the valley's main traffic corridor.
It will also allow for greater integration of classroom, laboratory and field work to enhance educational opportunities for students, and will also allow for improved security and will move critical support functions closer to animals, land and research projects.
According to a recent press release, “Providing education that helps agriculture to survive and to thrive is central to Utah State's land grant mission and heritage. The new Utah State Agricultural Complex and a new agricultural sciences building on the main campus will provide unprecedented teaching and research opportunities.”
What do you think? Hit “Comments” below.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Story Idea: Ruby Pipeline
Newshounds:
The issue of the proposed gas pipeline across southern Cache Valley continues. It’s a promising potential story topic. Here}s some new info from the Cache Valley EcoNet (Bryan Dixon):
The real problem with the Ruby Pipeline is that it will basically sterilize the habitat values along a corridor 150-250 feet wide through our mountains -- including some roadless areas -- for the sake of lower costs for the pipeline owners as they sell gas to northern California. It’s long, long past time for Americans to pay the real cost of energy, including the cost of routing such pipelines along existing corridors, such as Interstate highways, rather than through the mountains of southern Cache County.
The Box Elder High School is located at 380 S. 600 W. in Brigham City, a mere 25 minutes away.
Bryan Dixon (bdixon@xmission.com)
---
From: "Shaun L. Peck"
Date sent: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:08:03 -0600
Subject: Assistance
Please remember to attend the scoping meeting at Box Elder High School auditorium at 7:00 this Thursday (April 17). Plan on arriving early to sign up to comment if you so desire. We really need to send a message to FERC and Ruby, and the scoping meeting is a great opportunity to be heard. Please remember to send your comments to FERC and to your elected officials as well. There is a limited time available to make a difference, so please act now! Please see the website stoprubypipeline.org for additional assistance and
information.
The issue of the proposed gas pipeline across southern Cache Valley continues. It’s a promising potential story topic. Here}s some new info from the Cache Valley EcoNet (Bryan Dixon):
The real problem with the Ruby Pipeline is that it will basically sterilize the habitat values along a corridor 150-250 feet wide through our mountains -- including some roadless areas -- for the sake of lower costs for the pipeline owners as they sell gas to northern California. It’s long, long past time for Americans to pay the real cost of energy, including the cost of routing such pipelines along existing corridors, such as Interstate highways, rather than through the mountains of southern Cache County.
The Box Elder High School is located at 380 S. 600 W. in Brigham City, a mere 25 minutes away.
Bryan Dixon (bdixon@xmission.com)
---
From: "Shaun L. Peck"
Date sent: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:08:03 -0600
Subject: Assistance
Please remember to attend the scoping meeting at Box Elder High School auditorium at 7:00 this Thursday (April 17). Plan on arriving early to sign up to comment if you so desire. We really need to send a message to FERC and Ruby, and the scoping meeting is a great opportunity to be heard. Please remember to send your comments to FERC and to your elected officials as well. There is a limited time available to make a difference, so please act now! Please see the website stoprubypipeline.org for additional assistance and
information.
Story Idea: Amalga Barrens
Newshounds:
How could you resist a story that you can slug “Amalga Barrens”?
Here's the newstip. Not for the tour—which could make a good story by itself. But the larger issue story is about the Bridgerland Audubon Society’s purchase and protection of this chunk of land. As always, when people are passionate about a thing—as these people are—good stories can emerge. See below....
TP
---
Bridgerland Audubon Society (BAS) fought long and hard to block a dam at the Amalga Barrens. We then purchased 150 acres to make sure we had a voice in any future dam discussion. See why this place is so special. These leaders will show you migrating shorebirds that are on their way to the far Arctic north. Places such as the Barrens are critical refueling spots on this arduous journey. Our visitors should be in full breeding plummage by now and glorious to behold.
April 19: Amalga Barrens for Shorebirds and Spring Wildflowers. We will be looking for early spring migrants and wildflowers with Keith Archibald and Reinhard Jockel. Meet at the parking lot between the Caffe Ibis and the Logan Fire Station (50 East 150 North in Logan) at 9 a.m. For more info call Keith at 752-8258 or Dick Hurren at (435) 720-7074.
Bryan Dixon
H: 435-752-6830
C: 435-760-0691
How could you resist a story that you can slug “Amalga Barrens”?
Here's the newstip. Not for the tour—which could make a good story by itself. But the larger issue story is about the Bridgerland Audubon Society’s purchase and protection of this chunk of land. As always, when people are passionate about a thing—as these people are—good stories can emerge. See below....
TP
---
Bridgerland Audubon Society (BAS) fought long and hard to block a dam at the Amalga Barrens. We then purchased 150 acres to make sure we had a voice in any future dam discussion. See why this place is so special. These leaders will show you migrating shorebirds that are on their way to the far Arctic north. Places such as the Barrens are critical refueling spots on this arduous journey. Our visitors should be in full breeding plummage by now and glorious to behold.
April 19: Amalga Barrens for Shorebirds and Spring Wildflowers. We will be looking for early spring migrants and wildflowers with Keith Archibald and Reinhard Jockel. Meet at the parking lot between the Caffe Ibis and the Logan Fire Station (50 East 150 North in Logan) at 9 a.m. For more info call Keith at 752-8258 or Dick Hurren at (435) 720-7074.
Bryan Dixon
H: 435-752-6830
C: 435-760-0691
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
NewsHounds Gradesheet
Here’s how your grades for the semester break down.
I. Preliminary/In-Class work (60 pts/12%)
Day 1
Leads1 (all 3 for 5 pts)
Leads2
Fire/SpellingBee (5 pts.)
Obama Speech (10 pts.)
Bush Speech (10 pts.)
DelBarco Speech (10 pts.)
Wally Crash (10 pts.)
Overton Fire (10 pts.)
_________________________________
II. Midterm (25 pts./5%)
_________________________________
III. Outside stories (225 pts/45%)
Story1 (20 pts.)
Story2 (20 pts.)
Story3 (20 pts.)
Story4 (4/4) (25 pts.)
Story5 (4/11) (30 pts.)
Story6 (4/18) (50 pts.)
Story7 (4/25) (60 pts.)
__________________________________
IV. Other Stuff (120 pts./24%)
NewsHounds online (20 pts.)
News Quizzes (50 pts.)
Class participation (50 pts.)
__________________________________
V. FinalExam (70 pts./14%)
Extra credit? Adjustments?
Total possible points = 500
Computing Final Grade = I+II+III+IV+V = xxx pts./500 = xx%
I will provide comments individually with your final gradesheet
~~~~~~~~~
Translations: Assignments have been graded this semester with letters, numbers and hieroglyphics. Here’s the translation key
Grades/Scores
A/10 = 100%
A-/9 = 93%
B+/8+ = 87%
B/8 = 85%
B-/8- = 83%
C+/7+ = 77%
C/7 = 75%
C-/7- = 73%
D+/6+ = 67%
D/6 = 65%
F/5 = 50%
F/4 = 40%
F/3 = 30%
Other items affecting grades:
FE*—Fact Error
SP*—Spelling Error
grammar/punct/syntax errors
Questions about any of this or concerns about your grades, make an appointment to see me.
Guns at USU? Story help wanted
On Apr 15, 2008, at 9:20 AM, Raelle Greer wrote:
For my article this week i am not sure what to do it on. I still want to do the article on guns at usu. I interviewed the USU police about the gun policy and they didn't have much to say i only have one quote from them.I think i am going to try again and see if they have ever had any problems with it. I want to ask them about the Virginia Tech incident. i also interviewed someone who actually carries a gun on campus and i have an interview with someone who has a permit but doesnt think it is good to carry them on campus. I am not sure how to focus the story. I think on safety. How safe are we kinda thing. I need help i suck at news writing. I am not creative enough.
Raelle
Raelle: I'm going to post this on NewsHounds to see what the rest of the mob thinks would be a good focus.
Is there a USU NRA club (or some other gun org)? Ask ASUSU if there is a club. While you're at it, ask the ASUSU president what his position is on concealed weapons on campus. Ask him what would happen here if a Northern Illinois or VaTech case happened.
What would the university policy/response be if concealed weapons were permitted on campus? (Actually, what is the law at this point? I think Utah law permits concealed weapons on campus--Google the UofU stories on this from a couple of years ago). Ask the USU Police what the policy--state and local--is on concealed weapons on campus. Is it legal? If so, what's the USU Police position on guns on campus?
Call John DeVilbiss, the USU PR guy (797-1358; 7-1351 office) and ask the same question--what is USU's policy of guns? And what policies does USU have in place if--gawd forbid--something like Northern Illinois or Virginia Tech happened here? Is there a policy? What is it?
Ask President Albrecht (797-1162) the same question. Seriously. If it turns out that there can be guns at USU, call the president's office and ask what his response would be. When they don't provide you with a comment, tell them that you'll just put in the story that, "USU President Stan Albrecht had no comment about the issue of guns on campus." See if that gets you any kind of response.
How about faculty? Ask the president of the Faculty Senate (find these people on the USU website, under Faculty Senate: Doug Ramsey, President, Professor, Wildland Resources, doug.ramsey@usu.edu, 797-3783) the same questions.
Can you do that? It's a great story.
Comments, anyone?
Ted
For my article this week i am not sure what to do it on. I still want to do the article on guns at usu. I interviewed the USU police about the gun policy and they didn't have much to say i only have one quote from them.I think i am going to try again and see if they have ever had any problems with it. I want to ask them about the Virginia Tech incident. i also interviewed someone who actually carries a gun on campus and i have an interview with someone who has a permit but doesnt think it is good to carry them on campus. I am not sure how to focus the story. I think on safety. How safe are we kinda thing. I need help i suck at news writing. I am not creative enough.
Raelle
Raelle: I'm going to post this on NewsHounds to see what the rest of the mob thinks would be a good focus.
Is there a USU NRA club (or some other gun org)? Ask ASUSU if there is a club. While you're at it, ask the ASUSU president what his position is on concealed weapons on campus. Ask him what would happen here if a Northern Illinois or VaTech case happened.
What would the university policy/response be if concealed weapons were permitted on campus? (Actually, what is the law at this point? I think Utah law permits concealed weapons on campus--Google the UofU stories on this from a couple of years ago). Ask the USU Police what the policy--state and local--is on concealed weapons on campus. Is it legal? If so, what's the USU Police position on guns on campus?
Call John DeVilbiss, the USU PR guy (797-1358; 7-1351 office) and ask the same question--what is USU's policy of guns? And what policies does USU have in place if--gawd forbid--something like Northern Illinois or Virginia Tech happened here? Is there a policy? What is it?
Ask President Albrecht (797-1162) the same question. Seriously. If it turns out that there can be guns at USU, call the president's office and ask what his response would be. When they don't provide you with a comment, tell them that you'll just put in the story that, "USU President Stan Albrecht had no comment about the issue of guns on campus." See if that gets you any kind of response.
How about faculty? Ask the president of the Faculty Senate (find these people on the USU website, under Faculty Senate: Doug Ramsey, President, Professor, Wildland Resources, doug.ramsey@usu.edu, 797-3783) the same questions.
Can you do that? It's a great story.
Comments, anyone?
Ted
Next-To-Last Week (Yikes!)
My dear, hard-working NewsHounds:
It’s the last two weeks of classes (gasp!)(Hooray!), and the stories that you do this week and next will be the best you can do, the apex of your journalistic endeavor so far. These stories will count more than anything else you’ve done this semester toward your final grade. I'm looking for Pulitzer Prize quality here.
Remember that your story idea(s) for this week (and your final story next week, if you're thinking ahead) are due to me Monday.
These stories, because they represent your best work, will be compelling topics, a minimum of 2-3 pages (double-spaced), with multiple (at least 3) sources, great quotes, excellent punctuation/grammar/mechanics. They should not be simple speech or event stories.
REMEMBER that if your story is about an event—a speech, a bike-swap, etc.—it’s due to me via email and on the blog within 48 hours of the event.
If you like, please discuss story ideas and ask for feedback from your fellow NewsHounds on the blog.
When pitching a story idea to me, please include:
a) the topic—what’s the story about?
b) what about it? (angle/focus);
c) three (or more) possible sources (either specific individuals or a kind of source--e.g., a mechanic or a Middle East scholar) and why? you want them for your story, what kind of info/perspective you want from them;
d) likely timeframe for completion. (All stories are due by midnight Friday. If you’re going to be late—and these things do happen—let me know ahead of time by email.)
Remember that we will not meet on Wednesday this week. There is a speech by Cory Flintoff of NPR on covering Iraq in the Performance Hall at noon Wednesday. Be there. Cover the story for any of the following kinds of credit:
a) to fill a hole if you owe me a story
b) to fulfill this week’s story assignment (IF you have not already done a speech/event as one of your last four stories)
c) as extra credit--on top of everything else you've done this semester.
Flintoff stories due by NOON FRIDAY.
ALSO: Wednesday, 4/16, 5:30-7:30 p.m., BIZ 317: For extra credit, come to a screening of the film, “The Paper,” about a year in the life of the student journalists of Penn State University's Daily Collegian. Find out more about the movie at the PBS website I sent you.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Bryant's Story—Seegerfest
Singing, Clapping, Feminism and Propaganda
By Bryant Vega
Singing, clapping, feminism, and political propaganda were all part of tonight’s annual Fife Folklore lecture series held by Utah State University inside of the Kent Concert Hall with guest lecturer Peggy Seeger.
Seeger, 73, has produced political theatre, run a record company and magazine, she has made over 22 solo CD’s and has been the subject of a BBC documentary. Seeger’s mother, Ruth Crawford Seeger, was an important modern American composer, and her father, Charles Seeger was an imminent musicologist. Her older siblings Mike and Pete Seeger are both still prominent in the music scene. The Seeger family must be what happens when nurture and nature collide in all the best ways.
Shortly after her introduction Seeger asked the audience to sing along to a short courtship song. “Oh when you coming to see me my pretty little buffalo boy?” When the song was completed the audience became hypnotized by a woman with a tissue in her bra, and prescription medicine bottle and coffee mug on front stage. But as Seeger said “folk music is not about the person singing the song it’s about the music.”
“Folk music is not made as a commercial commodity, not made to sing at bars or places of large entertainment, it’s not meant for patronage,” said Seeger. “In an ideal community, folk music was the creation of the lowest economic class, they were the people who did all the work got dirty, died of starvation. They made this music out of their hopes and dreams.”
Folk music, before the 1800s, was orally transmitted and the author was usually anonymous. The instruments were portable, “I can sing any of the songs I know while traveling the interstate,” says Seeger. The harmonic structure is very simple, generally the one chord, four chord and five chord; “anyone can play Folk music, you don’t have to go to school to learn it”
“You can’t write a folk song, the folk create the song,” says Seeger, “I have made up one Folk song in my life, it’s called “The Ballad of Springhill because nobody knows I made it up and there’s already two new verses added to it.”
Seeger played two songs which had political propaganda in both. The first was an anti-Bush song with the chorus of Impeach! Impeach! That's what we need to do. Impeach! Impeach! And take Dick Cheney too." In the middle of her song her fifth string on the banjo broke and she continued playing as if nothing happened.
Her last song was a piano ballad called “Oh how I long for peace”. “The left wing to me is very confrontational and male,” said Seeger bringing in her political and feministic views to close.
What do you think? Hit "Comments" below.
By Bryant Vega
Singing, clapping, feminism, and political propaganda were all part of tonight’s annual Fife Folklore lecture series held by Utah State University inside of the Kent Concert Hall with guest lecturer Peggy Seeger.
Seeger, 73, has produced political theatre, run a record company and magazine, she has made over 22 solo CD’s and has been the subject of a BBC documentary. Seeger’s mother, Ruth Crawford Seeger, was an important modern American composer, and her father, Charles Seeger was an imminent musicologist. Her older siblings Mike and Pete Seeger are both still prominent in the music scene. The Seeger family must be what happens when nurture and nature collide in all the best ways.
Shortly after her introduction Seeger asked the audience to sing along to a short courtship song. “Oh when you coming to see me my pretty little buffalo boy?” When the song was completed the audience became hypnotized by a woman with a tissue in her bra, and prescription medicine bottle and coffee mug on front stage. But as Seeger said “folk music is not about the person singing the song it’s about the music.”
“Folk music is not made as a commercial commodity, not made to sing at bars or places of large entertainment, it’s not meant for patronage,” said Seeger. “In an ideal community, folk music was the creation of the lowest economic class, they were the people who did all the work got dirty, died of starvation. They made this music out of their hopes and dreams.”
Folk music, before the 1800s, was orally transmitted and the author was usually anonymous. The instruments were portable, “I can sing any of the songs I know while traveling the interstate,” says Seeger. The harmonic structure is very simple, generally the one chord, four chord and five chord; “anyone can play Folk music, you don’t have to go to school to learn it”
“You can’t write a folk song, the folk create the song,” says Seeger, “I have made up one Folk song in my life, it’s called “The Ballad of Springhill because nobody knows I made it up and there’s already two new verses added to it.”
Seeger played two songs which had political propaganda in both. The first was an anti-Bush song with the chorus of Impeach! Impeach! That's what we need to do. Impeach! Impeach! And take Dick Cheney too." In the middle of her song her fifth string on the banjo broke and she continued playing as if nothing happened.
Her last song was a piano ballad called “Oh how I long for peace”. “The left wing to me is very confrontational and male,” said Seeger bringing in her political and feministic views to close.
What do you think? Hit "Comments" below.
Jordan’s Story—Balanced Man Triathalon
Balanced Man Triathlon
By Jordan Allred
The crowd cheered and applauded the competitors as they dove into the HPER pool, Saturday, for the start of the third annual Balanced Man Triathlon held by Sigma Phi Epsilon to raise money for YouthAIDS.
Less than six minutes later, the first of 71 athletes emerged from the pool and dashed out to the HPER field to begin the bike course.
The triathlon began with a 400 meter swim in the HPER building, followed by a 10K bike ride that passed by landmarks such as First Dam and the LDS temple, and concluded with a 2.5K run that looped around the HPER field, Spectrum and cemetery right back to the finish line at the HPER building.
Many of the athletes described the multiple hills on the bike course to be the hardest part of the event, "The hill next to the temple was the worst," said Taylor Price, a former member of the USU track team and the winner of the Balanced Man Triathlon.
Price overcame an additional obstacle during the race as a pedestrian stepped out in front of him, "I had to swerve into the sidewalk which ended up flattening my back tire," Price said, "It was good that I only had a few hundred more yards to go on my bike."
Even with the flat tire, Price was able to finish the triathlon in a time of 39 minutes 49 seconds, just faster than his best friend who also competed, "By the way, you owe me dinner tonight," said Price to his friend.
Competing in their first ever triathlon Cathy and her husband Ron from Syracuse, described the course as "very hilly" and found running the final hill along the cemetery to be the hardest part.
A group of friends shared their personal horror stories of swimming in the same lane with other competitors, "Every time I was passed [in the pool] water got shoved into my mouth," said one participant, another followed saying "Yeah, racing in the pool sucked."
Although each athlete found one or more parts of the race to be difficult, they all agreed it was a fun way to celebrate the start of warm weather in Logan.
"This week was cold but today was nice," said Casey a first time competitor and resident of Brigham City, "I loved it."
Scott Biggs, a member Sigma Phi Epsilon, said that the Balanced Man Triathlon fits in with the fraternity's motto 'a sound mind and a sound body', "Triathlons require having a balance between mind and a body," he said.
Biggs, who was in charge of the event this year, did credit Grayson Weeks for originally coming up with the idea three years ago; Weeks had never actually been able to attend the event since he left for a LDS mission right after he came up with the idea.
However this year Weeks was back and able to serve as a volunteer for the event he created, "It's exciting" he said as he kept count for the swimmers, "I want to be able to compete in it someday."
As a freshman Weeks was encouraged by the fraternity to think of a way to raise money for a charitable organization, Weeks had ran track and cross country in high school and liked the idea of an athletic competition as a way to earn money.
"I wanted to create an event that not only exposed others to the fraternity but got people more involved in living a healthy life," said Weeks, who went on to reiterate how a triathlon represented the fraternity's motto of 'a sound mind and a sound body.'
"We plan on holding this event every year," said Biggs who plans to enter as a participant next year, "Hopefully more and more people will show up and compete."
The Balanced Man Triathlon has become the fraternity's biggest project of the year, raising on average $1700 a year for YouthAIDS.
Weeks explained that he chose YouthAIDS or the organization they would donate the money towards because he had been part of activities in the past that had made donations to that organization, "It's a good cause, and they need the help," he said.
What do you think? Hit "Comments" link below.
By Jordan Allred
The crowd cheered and applauded the competitors as they dove into the HPER pool, Saturday, for the start of the third annual Balanced Man Triathlon held by Sigma Phi Epsilon to raise money for YouthAIDS.
Less than six minutes later, the first of 71 athletes emerged from the pool and dashed out to the HPER field to begin the bike course.
The triathlon began with a 400 meter swim in the HPER building, followed by a 10K bike ride that passed by landmarks such as First Dam and the LDS temple, and concluded with a 2.5K run that looped around the HPER field, Spectrum and cemetery right back to the finish line at the HPER building.
Many of the athletes described the multiple hills on the bike course to be the hardest part of the event, "The hill next to the temple was the worst," said Taylor Price, a former member of the USU track team and the winner of the Balanced Man Triathlon.
Price overcame an additional obstacle during the race as a pedestrian stepped out in front of him, "I had to swerve into the sidewalk which ended up flattening my back tire," Price said, "It was good that I only had a few hundred more yards to go on my bike."
Even with the flat tire, Price was able to finish the triathlon in a time of 39 minutes 49 seconds, just faster than his best friend who also competed, "By the way, you owe me dinner tonight," said Price to his friend.
Competing in their first ever triathlon Cathy and her husband Ron from Syracuse, described the course as "very hilly" and found running the final hill along the cemetery to be the hardest part.
A group of friends shared their personal horror stories of swimming in the same lane with other competitors, "Every time I was passed [in the pool] water got shoved into my mouth," said one participant, another followed saying "Yeah, racing in the pool sucked."
Although each athlete found one or more parts of the race to be difficult, they all agreed it was a fun way to celebrate the start of warm weather in Logan.
"This week was cold but today was nice," said Casey a first time competitor and resident of Brigham City, "I loved it."
Scott Biggs, a member Sigma Phi Epsilon, said that the Balanced Man Triathlon fits in with the fraternity's motto 'a sound mind and a sound body', "Triathlons require having a balance between mind and a body," he said.
Biggs, who was in charge of the event this year, did credit Grayson Weeks for originally coming up with the idea three years ago; Weeks had never actually been able to attend the event since he left for a LDS mission right after he came up with the idea.
However this year Weeks was back and able to serve as a volunteer for the event he created, "It's exciting" he said as he kept count for the swimmers, "I want to be able to compete in it someday."
As a freshman Weeks was encouraged by the fraternity to think of a way to raise money for a charitable organization, Weeks had ran track and cross country in high school and liked the idea of an athletic competition as a way to earn money.
"I wanted to create an event that not only exposed others to the fraternity but got people more involved in living a healthy life," said Weeks, who went on to reiterate how a triathlon represented the fraternity's motto of 'a sound mind and a sound body.'
"We plan on holding this event every year," said Biggs who plans to enter as a participant next year, "Hopefully more and more people will show up and compete."
The Balanced Man Triathlon has become the fraternity's biggest project of the year, raising on average $1700 a year for YouthAIDS.
Weeks explained that he chose YouthAIDS or the organization they would donate the money towards because he had been part of activities in the past that had made donations to that organization, "It's a good cause, and they need the help," he said.
What do you think? Hit "Comments" link below.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Hayley’s Story—Peggy Seeger
Folk Singer Brings ‘Heart-Songs’ to USU
By Hayley Jensen
With only a guitar, a 5-string banjo and a bottle of pills at her feet, Peggy Seeger entertained students, faculty and public Thursday at the Utah State University Performance Hall, as a part of the Fife Folklore lecture series.
Seeger, 73, the daughter of musical pioneer Mike Seeger and sister to well-known folk singer Peter Seeger, has found her fame in folklore studies, performance and presentation of folk music. " The ballads… they are my heart-songs. To me they are the core of our tradition. They have been created, tended, loved pruned and trimmed by generations of singers so that they are down to their very bones."
Seeger spoke to the audience about the importance of folk music in society today to the individual, the singer, the songwriter and community as a whole. Noting that folk music may not be the most popular or well-known form of music Seeger discussed the attributes that make the music so special.
" Folk music is not made as a commercial commodity, not for places of large entertainment or patronage. It is the music created by the lowest economic class. It is the music out of their hopes, dreams aspirations and values." Seeger stated. Describing the music as that of an oral tradition, she explained that the songs, characterized by simplicity and repetition, are used to pass down history and document mundane to important events in the lives of those who create the music.
Folk music differs from classical and other forms of music in that the "folks" create it it is a community effort and not the individual. Folk music is more about the words and style of the performance than about pleasing the masses and having a great voice. " You have to have in your head a reason for singing it because there is so much baggage." Seeger stated.
Seeger's own unique and clear voice blended into a unique musical experience as she invited- more like required- those in attendance to sing along with her simple and often humorous lyrics including "When you coming to see me my little Buffalo boy?" or the anti-Bush number stating " Impeach! Impeach! That's what we need to do. Impeach! Impeach! And take Dick Cheney too!"
The difference between folk music and other music according to Seeger is this "This is a community interchange. You are not just sitting there receiving it, you have to be a part of it."
What do you think? Click "Comments" below.
By Hayley Jensen
With only a guitar, a 5-string banjo and a bottle of pills at her feet, Peggy Seeger entertained students, faculty and public Thursday at the Utah State University Performance Hall, as a part of the Fife Folklore lecture series.
Seeger, 73, the daughter of musical pioneer Mike Seeger and sister to well-known folk singer Peter Seeger, has found her fame in folklore studies, performance and presentation of folk music. " The ballads… they are my heart-songs. To me they are the core of our tradition. They have been created, tended, loved pruned and trimmed by generations of singers so that they are down to their very bones."
Seeger spoke to the audience about the importance of folk music in society today to the individual, the singer, the songwriter and community as a whole. Noting that folk music may not be the most popular or well-known form of music Seeger discussed the attributes that make the music so special.
" Folk music is not made as a commercial commodity, not for places of large entertainment or patronage. It is the music created by the lowest economic class. It is the music out of their hopes, dreams aspirations and values." Seeger stated. Describing the music as that of an oral tradition, she explained that the songs, characterized by simplicity and repetition, are used to pass down history and document mundane to important events in the lives of those who create the music.
Folk music differs from classical and other forms of music in that the "folks" create it it is a community effort and not the individual. Folk music is more about the words and style of the performance than about pleasing the masses and having a great voice. " You have to have in your head a reason for singing it because there is so much baggage." Seeger stated.
Seeger's own unique and clear voice blended into a unique musical experience as she invited- more like required- those in attendance to sing along with her simple and often humorous lyrics including "When you coming to see me my little Buffalo boy?" or the anti-Bush number stating " Impeach! Impeach! That's what we need to do. Impeach! Impeach! And take Dick Cheney too!"
The difference between folk music and other music according to Seeger is this "This is a community interchange. You are not just sitting there receiving it, you have to be a part of it."
What do you think? Click "Comments" below.
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