Utah State students and staff members took part today in the “National Day of Silence,” a project by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, to show their support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and ally issues across the globe.
Throughout the day, participants remained silent as a way to bring attention to anti-GLBTA harassment and to encourage schools to address related problems. “It’s amazing how loud silence is,” said Sarah Price an ally for GLBTA.
Current members of GLBTA services brought the idea to Utah State, and held sign-ups on campus two days prior to the event where over 50 people signed up to be involved. The participants received stickers and speaking cards that would serve as their only way of communication for the day.
The speaking cards that were passed out on campus read, “Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies in schools. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"
While sitting silently at a table set up in the TSC, GLBTA member Kevin Olsen answered questions from a note pad about being gay at Utah State University. “Personally, being an engineering student I have had to skip class because of constant harassment I face for something I can not choose to change,” he wrote “The ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘faggot’ remarks are harsher than words, they demean diversity and peace.”
Olsen said while he suffers prejudice in some places, says he has also felt enormous amounts of support. “I am thankful for those that support me being gay and me being a human being.”
Another participant, Mitchell Watson, who came out when he was 12-years-old, says that he rarely feels hatred from others. “For the most part USU has been very accepting of me and my lifestyle,” he wrote “the support (for Day of silence) has been great. Professors have stopped by and many people just waving have made us want to thank them.”
The day of silence came to an end at 3:30 p.m. as loud cheers and bursts of applause came from all around the Sunburst lounge. Next, the participants had their opportunity to share thoughts onstage.
Maure Smith, Program Coordinator of GBLTA Services told everyone how the silence reminded her just how lonely and alienating being same sex oriented can be “just because other people are silenced doesn’t mean we have to be,” she told participants.
Participant Chritina Mason explained her thoughts on standing up for love, “Its no different then standing up for civil or animal rights,” she told listeners.
Gay, Lesbian, bisexual, and straight students all took turns expressing their love, gratitude and sense of acceptance for each others choices. “Despite some of the looks of disgust and even confusion, seeing people have looks of support, knowing they were there for you makes it all worth it,” said Trevor (last name anonymous) a member of GBLTA
In the press release, Smith said, “This day will highlight both the intentional and unintentional silencing of USU’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally (GLBTA) population. We hope that the event will work towards ending some of the silence and hatred students’ face.”
This year marked the 12 year of the National day of Silence. The 2008 event was dedicated in remembrance of Lawrence King, a California 8th-grader who was shot and killed Feb. 12 by a classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. sexual orientation and gender expression
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Fake Id's
A rather shocked 19-year-old USU coed got a reality check when one of
Possessing fake identification is a Third Degree Felony which can carry stiff penalties. This particular USU student was more than fortunate that she was not arrested. Possession of fake identification in
Sergeant Parslow, of the Logan City Police Department said it is policy to make an arrest if there is evidence that one is in possession of fake identification, “We don’t usually let them off.” When asked why our USU student was not arrested for purchasing alcohol with a fake ID, Parslow replied, with measurable discontent, “That police officer must have been having a good day, or did not want the trouble of making the arrest.”
It is fairly common for college students to get fake ID’s. They borrow them from relatives, roommates, or pay hundreds of dollars to obtain them. Student Katie Harris said she uses her sister’s driver’s license to go clubbing and bar hopping in
Most minors using fake ID’s do not realize the severity of the crime they are committing. Also, those who loan or provide a minor with false forms of identification are breaking the law as well. According to Sergeant Parslow, people using fake identification can be charged with forgery, unlawful false information, criminal trespassing, and even a minor in possession of alcohol if they are caught trying to get into a bar or club. Those providing the fake ID can also be charged with a class B misdemeanor.
Many bars and clubs are working hard to crack down on minors entering their establishments. The White Owl in
Businesses which supply alcohol have come up with additional strategies for cracking down on minors. Those strategies include identification scanners and training security personnel to recognize fake ID’s. Even with these strategies in place, minors still slip through the cracks. It is common knowledge that a minor who bribes a bouncer with money, knows the owner’s of a bar/club, or is a very attractive young lady can gain easy admittance.
College student Ally Bowls, a minor, said she tried using an “expired” fake ID to get into Club Lumpy’s. The bouncer recognized the expiration date and said, “I don’t know about this.” In response, Ally pulled out a twenty-dollar-bill, stuck out her “girls,” and the bouncer grinned and granted her admittance.
Planned Parenthood "Plan B"
Tucked away in the Clock Tower Plaza is a business that provides women with a second chance. Fifty-two-thousand Plan B tablets, an emergency contraceptive, were sold last year in the State of
The emergency contraceptive is a backup for preventing unplanned pregnancy, but it is not for routine use said Burke. Plan B works like any form of birth control stopping the release of an egg from the ovary; however, it contains a larger dose of the hormone levonorgestrel than the average birth control pill.
A student at
Another USU student who wishes to remain anonymous said, “I hate going to get Plan B, it’s embarrassing, so I make my boyfriend get it.” A handful of USU students admitted they did not want to be seen getting Plan B, especially in a predominantly LDS community.
Burke said taking Plan B is nothing to be ashamed of, “It’s better than crossing your fingers hoping your period will start”
According to Burke, Plan B should be used when one has had unprotected sex, had a condom break, or unexpected sex occurs. Mary said she only uses Plan B if the condom breaks and hates taking it because it makes her vomit.
Burke also strongly recommended repeat users should consider getting on birth control because Plan B is only 82-89% effective, whereas regular birth control is 99% effective.
Plan B can become expensive if it is used regularly. To help with this problem, Burke said many women can qualify for discounts or be put on a payment plan if they can not afford the $25 fee.
A USU student, whom we will call Jane, panicked when her partner told her his condom had broken during intercourse because she knew Planned Parenthood was closed on the weekend. In a rush, she drove down to Planned Parenthood’s
When asked why Planned Parenthood was not open on the weekends, considering the fact that most sexual encounters take place then, Burke stated that Plan B works best within 72-hours of intercourse and by Monday one is still within that 72-hour period.
Burke did point out that Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS like many other forms of birth control.
For those who use it, however, Plan B seems to provide much appreciated relief from the “oops” factor. Perhaps Jane summed it up best, “Thank God there is a Plan B when “Plan A” does not work… My parents would probably disown me if I got pregnant because of their religious views toward premarital sex.”
Jaycee Carroll: NBA Material or Highly Overrated
Senior basketball player Jaycee Carroll has a lot to look forward to as his four-year run as Utah State’s star player has come to an end, and the question of being drafted into the NBA comes into play. The June 2008 NBA Draft will soon be here, and the competition between players to get drafted will be an intense and anxiety-driven time of constant worrying and career uncertainty.
Fans and skeptics of Carroll argue over the future fate of the 6-2 All-American guard who has single handedly brought Aggie basketball to the forefront of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Carroll has brought a lot of recognition to Utah State with his unprecedented scoring records and overall career achievements. But can small-town talent like Carroll be able to thrive in the big leagues against college basketball elite from major conferences like the SEC or PAC 10?
Jaycee Carroll fans believe that his shooting abilities will be enough to take him to the NBA. “I can see him playing professionally,” said sophomore Erika Norton. “He’s good, he always scores points during the games!”
Brett Killpack, a freshman majoring in Psychology loves Aggie basketball and is a Jaycee Carroll fan who believes that Carroll will be a key player for any team that looks to sign him. “Jaycee is the bomb, I’m not even gonna lie,” said Killpack. “People will try to downplay his skills, but I still think he’s good enough to play in the NBA.”
Other students believe that Carroll’s college career has left a lasting legacy on Utah State basketball and in the WAC, but feel that he won’t go far when he graduates and leaves the Aggies. “Jaycee Carroll is overrated,” said sophomore Regan Lelli. “He’s good, for a WAC division player, but compared to other basketball players from other conferences that are not just good but are amazing- he doesn’t stand a chance.”
Carroll led Utah State to a close successful season with a 12-4 record and a #2 standing underneath Boise State, who won the overall conference in a triple overtime win against New Mexico State, 107-102 on Mar. 15 at the WAC tournament. Some sports fans saw the Aggies chance to play in the NCAA tournament merely slip through their fingers, and felt that Utah State’s invitation to play in the NIT was not that impressive.
Freshman Sarah Everett said, “They didn’t make it into the March Madness tournament, but they at least made it into the NIT.”
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) has been stigmatized as the tournament for those teams that fell short of the real thing, which is the NCAA tournament. The NIT has been made fun of as the “tournament for losers”, for teams that came close to making it into the NCAA tournament but didn’t.
“Nobody watches the NIT, let’s be honest,” said graduate student Kari Wright. “Everybody knows that playing in the NIT is a consolation prize for not being able to make it into the NCAA tournament.”
The Aggies still had a chance to prove themselves when Jaycee Carroll was invited to compete in the 20th Annual Three-Point Shootout Competition alongside seven of the best college three-point shooters in the nation. The shootout and slam dunk competitions as well as the All-Star game were played in San Antonio, TX in conjunction with the NCAA Final Four games.
Unfortunately a nervous looking Jaycee Carroll was reluctant to perform to the high expectations from spectators and finished the competition in last place. Instead Darnell Harris of La Salle took home the Three-Point Shootout Title scoring 16 points and winning the whole competition.
Junior Joshua Pope watched Carroll in the three-point shootout and noticed that he looked uncomfortable and out of place. “Jaycee Carroll choked for sure,” said Pope. “During the entire competition he looked like the odd man out, usually standing in the back by himself while the other players were laughing, making jokes and slapping each other on the butt-he looked to have nothing in common with the other players.”
According to WAC standings, Carroll finished the season first in the nation in three-point shooting at 49.8 percent, was second in free throw shooting at 91.9 percent, and 13th in scoring with 22.4 points per game.
“He apparently is a great player,” said Freshman Whitney Miller. “I don’t watch basketball much but I’ve heard the hype about Jaycee Carroll so he must be pretty up there.”
Public exposure on the national level for Carroll was a good thing when being invited to San Antonio for all the March Madness festivities –but finishing last in the three-point shootout competition was not where Carroll was hoping to find himself in the rankings. He was given the opportunity to play alongside big shot players, to millions of people watching across the country, something far more intimidating than the usual Spectrum filled arena with his Aggie fans cheering him on.
Carroll recently won two honors at this year’s Robins Awards Banquet on Apr. 19. He took home Achievement of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year. Winning two awards in one night raised concerns among those who thought that Carroll should have only received one award instead of two.
Freshman Justin Vaneck agreed. “It’s totally unfair that Jaycee Carroll gets so much attention. There are other USU athletes that are amazing and need to be recognized too, but they don’t get the recognition that they deserve for the accomplishments that they achieve, they just get overlooked.”
Sophomore Michelle Charboneau enjoys all Utah State sports and likes to read about the other athletes when looking over the sports section of the Utah Statesman. “Hearing about Jaycee Carroll gets so old, but they write about him because he’s good. It will be interesting to see how his career goes if he makes it to the NBA” said Charboneau.
The extravagant and excessive lifestyle of NBA players has generated some of the most notorious basketball personalities in sports media.
LA Lakers shooting guard, Kobe Bryant, whose highly publicized sex scandal that damaged his reputation and nearly cost him his marriage to wife Vanessa Bryant in 2003, is an example of sexual infidelities that go on behind closed doors in the lives of some of the most sought after NBA stars in the industry.
Testosterone driven players parade the NBA with their big egos like that of Ron Artest of the Sacramento Kings, who in 2004 was one of the main players involved in the infamous Pacers-Piston brawl.
A lot of NBA players are arrogant and like to surround themselves with beautiful women. Their million dollar salaries cater to their pampered ways and compulsive need to live large and squander their paychecks on their lavish lifestyles. Drug addiction, alcohol abuse and illegal gambling have also been controversies linked to some NBA players.
If Carroll, a straight laced LDS basketball player from Evanston, WY, makes it into the NBA— will he be able to play alongside audacious, tattoo clad, basketball greats who will give Carroll a humbling reality check into the professional league of basketball?
“He isn’t cool enough to be in the NBA, plus he’s used to being treated like a king here at Utah State. But if he makes it into the NBA, people won’t even know his name,” said freshman Brian Fillmore.
Carroll’s strict Mormon faith and ideals will be challenged and tested if he gets drafted into the NBA. The real concern is whether or not he’ll be able to survive the NBA lifestyle and crippling effects that can come with it.
True basketballs fans who look at Jaycee Carroll’s career as a whole and compare his ranking to those of other basketball players in different conferences, are able to make a more educated guess as to whether he is NBA material or not. Analysts who study Carroll’s scoring statistics and hand maneuver abilities with the ball up and down the court can confirm whether they think Carroll is just the man behind the hype or if he is indeed the real deal.
“He’ll probably get drafted, but I highly doubt he’ll get much playing time,” said senior Brooke Parker. “He’s too short and too slow, he can shoot but you need more than just a good jump shot to be successful in the NBA.”
Jaycee Carroll is a talented basketball player with shooting skills that almost seem superhuman. Given a remarkable finishing season and record setting highs Carroll looks to have a secure future playing basketball. However, if the NBA doesn’t take him, he’ll still be a hometown favorite in the Mormon community with followers packed in small LDS stake centers, just to hear his “Why I Believe” devotional on balancing his life on the court and with his faith- a compelling story sure to be picked up by the Deseret Book Company and published within the near future, but highly doubtful to land on the New York Times Best Sellers List or any other respectable best sellers list outside the state of Utah.
Fans and skeptics of Carroll argue over the future fate of the 6-2 All-American guard who has single handedly brought Aggie basketball to the forefront of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Carroll has brought a lot of recognition to Utah State with his unprecedented scoring records and overall career achievements. But can small-town talent like Carroll be able to thrive in the big leagues against college basketball elite from major conferences like the SEC or PAC 10?
Jaycee Carroll fans believe that his shooting abilities will be enough to take him to the NBA. “I can see him playing professionally,” said sophomore Erika Norton. “He’s good, he always scores points during the games!”
Brett Killpack, a freshman majoring in Psychology loves Aggie basketball and is a Jaycee Carroll fan who believes that Carroll will be a key player for any team that looks to sign him. “Jaycee is the bomb, I’m not even gonna lie,” said Killpack. “People will try to downplay his skills, but I still think he’s good enough to play in the NBA.”
Other students believe that Carroll’s college career has left a lasting legacy on Utah State basketball and in the WAC, but feel that he won’t go far when he graduates and leaves the Aggies. “Jaycee Carroll is overrated,” said sophomore Regan Lelli. “He’s good, for a WAC division player, but compared to other basketball players from other conferences that are not just good but are amazing- he doesn’t stand a chance.”
Carroll led Utah State to a close successful season with a 12-4 record and a #2 standing underneath Boise State, who won the overall conference in a triple overtime win against New Mexico State, 107-102 on Mar. 15 at the WAC tournament. Some sports fans saw the Aggies chance to play in the NCAA tournament merely slip through their fingers, and felt that Utah State’s invitation to play in the NIT was not that impressive.
Freshman Sarah Everett said, “They didn’t make it into the March Madness tournament, but they at least made it into the NIT.”
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) has been stigmatized as the tournament for those teams that fell short of the real thing, which is the NCAA tournament. The NIT has been made fun of as the “tournament for losers”, for teams that came close to making it into the NCAA tournament but didn’t.
“Nobody watches the NIT, let’s be honest,” said graduate student Kari Wright. “Everybody knows that playing in the NIT is a consolation prize for not being able to make it into the NCAA tournament.”
The Aggies still had a chance to prove themselves when Jaycee Carroll was invited to compete in the 20th Annual Three-Point Shootout Competition alongside seven of the best college three-point shooters in the nation. The shootout and slam dunk competitions as well as the All-Star game were played in San Antonio, TX in conjunction with the NCAA Final Four games.
Unfortunately a nervous looking Jaycee Carroll was reluctant to perform to the high expectations from spectators and finished the competition in last place. Instead Darnell Harris of La Salle took home the Three-Point Shootout Title scoring 16 points and winning the whole competition.
Junior Joshua Pope watched Carroll in the three-point shootout and noticed that he looked uncomfortable and out of place. “Jaycee Carroll choked for sure,” said Pope. “During the entire competition he looked like the odd man out, usually standing in the back by himself while the other players were laughing, making jokes and slapping each other on the butt-he looked to have nothing in common with the other players.”
According to WAC standings, Carroll finished the season first in the nation in three-point shooting at 49.8 percent, was second in free throw shooting at 91.9 percent, and 13th in scoring with 22.4 points per game.
“He apparently is a great player,” said Freshman Whitney Miller. “I don’t watch basketball much but I’ve heard the hype about Jaycee Carroll so he must be pretty up there.”
Public exposure on the national level for Carroll was a good thing when being invited to San Antonio for all the March Madness festivities –but finishing last in the three-point shootout competition was not where Carroll was hoping to find himself in the rankings. He was given the opportunity to play alongside big shot players, to millions of people watching across the country, something far more intimidating than the usual Spectrum filled arena with his Aggie fans cheering him on.
Carroll recently won two honors at this year’s Robins Awards Banquet on Apr. 19. He took home Achievement of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year. Winning two awards in one night raised concerns among those who thought that Carroll should have only received one award instead of two.
Freshman Justin Vaneck agreed. “It’s totally unfair that Jaycee Carroll gets so much attention. There are other USU athletes that are amazing and need to be recognized too, but they don’t get the recognition that they deserve for the accomplishments that they achieve, they just get overlooked.”
Sophomore Michelle Charboneau enjoys all Utah State sports and likes to read about the other athletes when looking over the sports section of the Utah Statesman. “Hearing about Jaycee Carroll gets so old, but they write about him because he’s good. It will be interesting to see how his career goes if he makes it to the NBA” said Charboneau.
The extravagant and excessive lifestyle of NBA players has generated some of the most notorious basketball personalities in sports media.
LA Lakers shooting guard, Kobe Bryant, whose highly publicized sex scandal that damaged his reputation and nearly cost him his marriage to wife Vanessa Bryant in 2003, is an example of sexual infidelities that go on behind closed doors in the lives of some of the most sought after NBA stars in the industry.
Testosterone driven players parade the NBA with their big egos like that of Ron Artest of the Sacramento Kings, who in 2004 was one of the main players involved in the infamous Pacers-Piston brawl.
A lot of NBA players are arrogant and like to surround themselves with beautiful women. Their million dollar salaries cater to their pampered ways and compulsive need to live large and squander their paychecks on their lavish lifestyles. Drug addiction, alcohol abuse and illegal gambling have also been controversies linked to some NBA players.
If Carroll, a straight laced LDS basketball player from Evanston, WY, makes it into the NBA— will he be able to play alongside audacious, tattoo clad, basketball greats who will give Carroll a humbling reality check into the professional league of basketball?
“He isn’t cool enough to be in the NBA, plus he’s used to being treated like a king here at Utah State. But if he makes it into the NBA, people won’t even know his name,” said freshman Brian Fillmore.
Carroll’s strict Mormon faith and ideals will be challenged and tested if he gets drafted into the NBA. The real concern is whether or not he’ll be able to survive the NBA lifestyle and crippling effects that can come with it.
True basketballs fans who look at Jaycee Carroll’s career as a whole and compare his ranking to those of other basketball players in different conferences, are able to make a more educated guess as to whether he is NBA material or not. Analysts who study Carroll’s scoring statistics and hand maneuver abilities with the ball up and down the court can confirm whether they think Carroll is just the man behind the hype or if he is indeed the real deal.
“He’ll probably get drafted, but I highly doubt he’ll get much playing time,” said senior Brooke Parker. “He’s too short and too slow, he can shoot but you need more than just a good jump shot to be successful in the NBA.”
Jaycee Carroll is a talented basketball player with shooting skills that almost seem superhuman. Given a remarkable finishing season and record setting highs Carroll looks to have a secure future playing basketball. However, if the NBA doesn’t take him, he’ll still be a hometown favorite in the Mormon community with followers packed in small LDS stake centers, just to hear his “Why I Believe” devotional on balancing his life on the court and with his faith- a compelling story sure to be picked up by the Deseret Book Company and published within the near future, but highly doubtful to land on the New York Times Best Sellers List or any other respectable best sellers list outside the state of Utah.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Graduation spring 2008
Cameron Harper
News Story
Graduation
As Utah State University’s graduation approaches, nearly 2,000 students prepare to enter the real world.
USU’s graduate students will be recognized Friday, May 2, with the graduation ceremony beginning at 1:30 P.M. Undergraduate students will be recognized on Saturday, May 3 with the procession beginning at 9:30 A.M. and the commencement ceremony beginning at 10:30.
"Graduation's just a great time to honor the accomplishments of our great students," said Sydney Peterson, chairwoman of the Commencement and Graduation Committee for about six years.
According to a document given by Marci Smith, the supervisor of records at the registrar’s office, 1,937 students are graduating this spring. That is 1,143 more students than fall's graduation.
Only about 50 percent of graduates will attend their ceremony. "In spring we usually have a little bit more who will attend," Smith said. "It's probably just because spring is the traditional time of year for graduation."
Peterson said this spring's graduation will be different than last spring's because there will be a ceremony for graduate students Friday afternoon and a separate ceremony for undergraduates Saturday morning.
The undergraduate ceremony will begin its academic procession at the Quad on campus, and ending at the Spectrum where the ceremony is held. After the procession the honorary degree recipient, James H. Quigley will address the graduates. After he speaks the other honorary degree holders will be recognized. This year they have selected, in addition to Quigley, Clark P. Giles, W. Eugene Hansen, L. Tom Perry and Beverley P. Sorenson.
Next on the agenda, valedictorian Andrew Braithwaite from the College of Natural Resources will speak and the graduating students will be honored. Valedictorians choose who will be the speaker by all getting together and giving the remarks they would give to the graduates, to the other valedictorians. Following hearing the others remarks, they than vote as a group for who they want to be the graduation speaker.
USU President Stan Albrecht will then give his concluding remarks after which senior vocalist Mary Jane Lee will sing the "Star-Spangled Banner" and lead the audience in USU's alma mater hymn.
Derrick Bunn, a senior graduating in exercise science can’t wait for his diploma. “I have worked for this for seventeen years now and I’m excited to take this next step in life,” said Bunn, “Seventeen years well worth it.”
Art Saving the World
Art Saving the World
By Jessica N. Prado
Friday, April 25, 2008
LOGAN –“Buy art, save the world,” is the slogan for an emerging new organization that was founded by three Utah State University students, who are also artists, and is devoted to raising money through art sales for various charities.
What started out as a service project last semester for Miles Hicks, 24, a graphic design student, has since evolved into an opportunity for other local artists to get involved with charity work and get publicity for their artwork.
The three guys who make up Art Saving the World have raised money for charities they are connected with through either work or school.
So far, the artworks for sale have been donated by other USU students and local artists who got involved because of their association with the members of the project.
But this group of guys have a unique way of working together that has resulted in a few successful local art shows and a website—still under construction—found online at artsavingtheworld.com, where the invitation to donate art for charities has been extended to anyone who is interested.
“We’re kind of like this band of misfits,” Hicks said of himself and the other two members of the organization, Chuck Sheya, 26, photography major, and Tron Arnold, 24, an English major who does photography as a hobby.
Hicks said when it comes to the business of organizing a fund-raiser this team of three tends to operate in a laid-back, “kind of half-ass” manner, holding meetings at random, in places like their kitchen or Myspace.
“Even though it is kind of thrown together at the last moment…we have learned quite a bit of what needs to happen and how to organize it,” Sheya said.
Hicks said that as busy, working students they prefer to keep things simple, no huge or extravagant shows.
“We just hope that people come and we get a chance to help somebody,” Hicks said.
According to Hicks the organization got started when the idea came to him last semester while he was working for The Boys and Girls Club of Cache Valley.
He needed to organize a service project and as a graphic design student Hicks has a personal interest in art.
Hicks began painting as a way to unwind during the late-night hours that he would find himself unable to sleep, but as the paintings piled up he needed a way to clear some space.
“So I thought why don’t I just sell these [paintings] and give the money to The Boys and Girls Club,” Hicks said.
Hicks decided he should include other artists’ work so he invited his fellow Aggies, Sheya and Arnold, to join him.
“I’ve always kind of wanted to do community service but never knew how,” Arnold said, “So when this came along and Miles offered it I thought it was a great chance, and at the same time we get to hang out and kind of share our art with everyone and get to include other people too.”
The idea was set in motion when the three friends arranged an art show in Nov. 2007 at the Bluebird restaurant to display the pieces for sale, which according to Sheya, were listed at “student affordable prices” along with a tip jar.
The couple hundred dollars they raised was added to a scholarship fund that The Boys and Girls Club have set aside to help low-income families pay the fees associated with the after-school program.
The success of the first show combined with feelings of satisfaction from service led Hicks and his friends to hold other shows in places like the Sunburst Lounge inside the TSC to raise money for causes like Camp Hobe, a summer camp designed for children currently being treated for cancer and their siblings, and other cancer research organizations.
Having the show at the TSC really helped raise more money because “by default people just see it and are interested, so they stop,” Hicks said.
They brought in approximately $500 for Camp Hobe who was “amazed at the amount of money we were able to raise,” according to Arnold.
“I think it’s really cool when you can give the people or organization money and they’re totally ecstatic about it,” said Hicks, “they just love the fact that someone cares.”
According to Hicks having the last show on campus apparently generated some publicity when a lot of students he has never met approached him with questions about when the next show is and how they can get involved.
“A lot of people are more than happy to donate their time and talents for a good cause,” Hicks said.
The next project currently underway for Art Saving the World will be a show to help raise money for Team In Training, the world’s largest endurance sports training program which trains volunteers to run in marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, and 100-mile cycling events that are held to raise funds for cancer research.
TNT is partnered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and currently has a goal to raise $1 billion by the end of 2008, their twentieth anniversary year, and Art Saving the World wants to help them reach that goal.
Anyone interested in donating work for the next Art Saving the World show may email digital images of the artworks they would like to submit to donate@artsavingtheworld.com.
By Jessica N. Prado
Friday, April 25, 2008
LOGAN –“Buy art, save the world,” is the slogan for an emerging new organization that was founded by three Utah State University students, who are also artists, and is devoted to raising money through art sales for various charities.
What started out as a service project last semester for Miles Hicks, 24, a graphic design student, has since evolved into an opportunity for other local artists to get involved with charity work and get publicity for their artwork.
The three guys who make up Art Saving the World have raised money for charities they are connected with through either work or school.
So far, the artworks for sale have been donated by other USU students and local artists who got involved because of their association with the members of the project.
But this group of guys have a unique way of working together that has resulted in a few successful local art shows and a website—still under construction—found online at artsavingtheworld.com, where the invitation to donate art for charities has been extended to anyone who is interested.
“We’re kind of like this band of misfits,” Hicks said of himself and the other two members of the organization, Chuck Sheya, 26, photography major, and Tron Arnold, 24, an English major who does photography as a hobby.
Hicks said when it comes to the business of organizing a fund-raiser this team of three tends to operate in a laid-back, “kind of half-ass” manner, holding meetings at random, in places like their kitchen or Myspace.
“Even though it is kind of thrown together at the last moment…we have learned quite a bit of what needs to happen and how to organize it,” Sheya said.
Hicks said that as busy, working students they prefer to keep things simple, no huge or extravagant shows.
“We just hope that people come and we get a chance to help somebody,” Hicks said.
According to Hicks the organization got started when the idea came to him last semester while he was working for The Boys and Girls Club of Cache Valley.
He needed to organize a service project and as a graphic design student Hicks has a personal interest in art.
Hicks began painting as a way to unwind during the late-night hours that he would find himself unable to sleep, but as the paintings piled up he needed a way to clear some space.
“So I thought why don’t I just sell these [paintings] and give the money to The Boys and Girls Club,” Hicks said.
Hicks decided he should include other artists’ work so he invited his fellow Aggies, Sheya and Arnold, to join him.
“I’ve always kind of wanted to do community service but never knew how,” Arnold said, “So when this came along and Miles offered it I thought it was a great chance, and at the same time we get to hang out and kind of share our art with everyone and get to include other people too.”
The idea was set in motion when the three friends arranged an art show in Nov. 2007 at the Bluebird restaurant to display the pieces for sale, which according to Sheya, were listed at “student affordable prices” along with a tip jar.
The couple hundred dollars they raised was added to a scholarship fund that The Boys and Girls Club have set aside to help low-income families pay the fees associated with the after-school program.
The success of the first show combined with feelings of satisfaction from service led Hicks and his friends to hold other shows in places like the Sunburst Lounge inside the TSC to raise money for causes like Camp Hobe, a summer camp designed for children currently being treated for cancer and their siblings, and other cancer research organizations.
Having the show at the TSC really helped raise more money because “by default people just see it and are interested, so they stop,” Hicks said.
They brought in approximately $500 for Camp Hobe who was “amazed at the amount of money we were able to raise,” according to Arnold.
“I think it’s really cool when you can give the people or organization money and they’re totally ecstatic about it,” said Hicks, “they just love the fact that someone cares.”
According to Hicks having the last show on campus apparently generated some publicity when a lot of students he has never met approached him with questions about when the next show is and how they can get involved.
“A lot of people are more than happy to donate their time and talents for a good cause,” Hicks said.
The next project currently underway for Art Saving the World will be a show to help raise money for Team In Training, the world’s largest endurance sports training program which trains volunteers to run in marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, and 100-mile cycling events that are held to raise funds for cancer research.
TNT is partnered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and currently has a goal to raise $1 billion by the end of 2008, their twentieth anniversary year, and Art Saving the World wants to help them reach that goal.
Anyone interested in donating work for the next Art Saving the World show may email digital images of the artworks they would like to submit to donate@artsavingtheworld.com.
Metta's story: Ex-Cons
LOGAN—many hurdles face ex-convicts attempting to re-enter society. Jobs, housing and prejudice all fall very near the top of this list.
According to the Report of the Re-entry Policy Council, about two out of every three people released from prison in the U.S. are re-arrested within three years of their release. There are over 11million men and women in the U.S. criminal justice system, so that means that of those 11million, over 7million will return.
All the experts will tell you, most ex-cons will be repeat offenders and re-enter the pen at one point or another. If you talk to these people and ask them what they think, they could give you a million reasons why they might go back to prison, but most of them don’t want to.
The challenges facing ex-cons when they attempt to reenter society are surmountable. When entering the prison system, they have committed a crime, and they are locked up by our society in an attempt to punish them, a ‘time-out’ if you will. They spend their years thinking about their mistakes, regretting being in the wrong place at the wrong time, working for pennies a day in the prison laundry room or kitchen, reading, eating, sleeping, reading, eating, sleeping… over and over, day in, day out.
Some try to better themselves by taking advantage of the few resources available, for instance there is high school diploma programs, further education, college courses, some even have technology training.
When trying to re-enter the town where he grew up, Dallas Derrick, 27, of Logan, has found no welcoming committee. He was terminated, meaning he served his full sentence and released with no parole, and immediately began trying to find a job. Derrick applied at businesses all over town and was turned down repeatedly including by the Logan Taco Time. “What was I supposed to do? Nobody would give me a chance.” said Derrick. He was beginning to lose hope, when his brother pulled some strings at his own company and was able to get him hired.
The task is no easier for Derrick in attempting to find a place to live. Single and without children, he has been looking at apartments all over town in an effort to find a place to call home. He has filled out numerous applications, and they all seem interested in renting to him until they meet him face to face. “People just can’t see past it” Derrick said about his time spent in jail. Derrick has a strong face and pale blue eyes, his head is shaved and he has a tattoo on the right side of his neck that says ‘Dillon’ the name of his son he never sees. He has other tattoos, but they are usually covered up by his clothing.
The same is not so true for Jeff Schirado, 31, of Boise, Idaho. He is covered from head to toe with tattoos and they are not so easily covered. He has them on his scalp, neck, arms, fingers, all the way down his body. Schirado spent 11 years in the Utah State Penitentiary before being released in September of 2005. He was released with partial parole and put out on the streets with nothing, not even his clothes. He was given someone else’s clothing and not even change for a phone call. He wandered the streets of Ogden, Utah, which is where he was released from and was lucky enough to find a convenience store clerk who let him make a collect call to his brother who lived two hours away.
Schirado had to request approval from his parole officer to move to Boise, where his family, the only source of help he had, was living. "I wish there were more programs to help released convicts." Schirado said. Once his approval came through, he was expected to get a job right away. As in Derrick’s case, Schriado didn’t have much more luck. He also applied at many places around Boise and was turned down repeatedly, only he was faced with the very real possibility that if he did not get a job, he could go back to jail. “Being in jail that long changes a person, I don’t really like being around too many people anymore” Schirado said. He eventually found a job working for the county.
According to the Report of the Re-entry Policy Council, about two out of every three people released from prison in the U.S. are re-arrested within three years of their release. There are over 11million men and women in the U.S. criminal justice system, so that means that of those 11million, over 7million will return.
All the experts will tell you, most ex-cons will be repeat offenders and re-enter the pen at one point or another. If you talk to these people and ask them what they think, they could give you a million reasons why they might go back to prison, but most of them don’t want to.
The challenges facing ex-cons when they attempt to reenter society are surmountable. When entering the prison system, they have committed a crime, and they are locked up by our society in an attempt to punish them, a ‘time-out’ if you will. They spend their years thinking about their mistakes, regretting being in the wrong place at the wrong time, working for pennies a day in the prison laundry room or kitchen, reading, eating, sleeping, reading, eating, sleeping… over and over, day in, day out.
Some try to better themselves by taking advantage of the few resources available, for instance there is high school diploma programs, further education, college courses, some even have technology training.
When trying to re-enter the town where he grew up, Dallas Derrick, 27, of Logan, has found no welcoming committee. He was terminated, meaning he served his full sentence and released with no parole, and immediately began trying to find a job. Derrick applied at businesses all over town and was turned down repeatedly including by the Logan Taco Time. “What was I supposed to do? Nobody would give me a chance.” said Derrick. He was beginning to lose hope, when his brother pulled some strings at his own company and was able to get him hired.
The task is no easier for Derrick in attempting to find a place to live. Single and without children, he has been looking at apartments all over town in an effort to find a place to call home. He has filled out numerous applications, and they all seem interested in renting to him until they meet him face to face. “People just can’t see past it” Derrick said about his time spent in jail. Derrick has a strong face and pale blue eyes, his head is shaved and he has a tattoo on the right side of his neck that says ‘Dillon’ the name of his son he never sees. He has other tattoos, but they are usually covered up by his clothing.
The same is not so true for Jeff Schirado, 31, of Boise, Idaho. He is covered from head to toe with tattoos and they are not so easily covered. He has them on his scalp, neck, arms, fingers, all the way down his body. Schirado spent 11 years in the Utah State Penitentiary before being released in September of 2005. He was released with partial parole and put out on the streets with nothing, not even his clothes. He was given someone else’s clothing and not even change for a phone call. He wandered the streets of Ogden, Utah, which is where he was released from and was lucky enough to find a convenience store clerk who let him make a collect call to his brother who lived two hours away.
Schirado had to request approval from his parole officer to move to Boise, where his family, the only source of help he had, was living. "I wish there were more programs to help released convicts." Schirado said. Once his approval came through, he was expected to get a job right away. As in Derrick’s case, Schriado didn’t have much more luck. He also applied at many places around Boise and was turned down repeatedly, only he was faced with the very real possibility that if he did not get a job, he could go back to jail. “Being in jail that long changes a person, I don’t really like being around too many people anymore” Schirado said. He eventually found a job working for the county.
FLDS vs. LDS
With all the hustle and bustle of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints the main stream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is also catching flak due to the similarity of their names.
The FLDS church is a break off from the LDS church which discontinued the practice of polygamy in 1890.
According to the official website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the LDS church “has no affiliation whatsoever with any polygamous groups, including the polygamous sect in
The former Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, of the LDS church said in reference to polygamous groups, “they are not members of this Church. Most of them have never been members. They are in violation of the civil law. They know they are in violation of the law.”
The FLDS church was founded in 1935 by two ex-communicated members who felt that the practice of polygamy should still be a part of their religious practices.
The LDS church was recently asked by a judge to help take care of the FLDS children.
Scott Trotter, spokesman for the LDS church was quoted by the Salt Lake Tribune as saying, "it would be erroneous to base any request for assistance from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the basis that our beliefs and practices are close to those of this polygamous group because they are not."
Those without a clear background of the LDS church may associate the two churches together as being one.
This association could give the LDS church a bad reputation.
Bishop Kim Frame of Powell
Elder Quentin L. Cook, an apostle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, “appealed to the news media today to make a clear distinction in their reports between the Church and the polygamist sect in Texas that has made headlines throughout the world,” as stated by LDS.org.
Khaivien's Story - Paintball in Logan
Solid balls of paint the size of a marble being shot at your head at 200 mph may not sound like much fun, unless you’re like paintballer Cole Schaeffer. In fact, he says that it’s one of the greatest feelings in the world.
“I get the biggest adrenaline rush playing paintball,” said Schaeffer.
Schaeffer, 22, is part of dozens of Logan residents that play the sport of paintball, a war-like game played in various forms with the same basic rule: don’t get shot. The problem for this group, said Schaeffer, is the lack of places to play in the city.
The games can change depending on who, where, and how long you’re playing, said Schaeffer. X-ball games usually involve 5-player teams and are played on a small, designed course, he said, while scenario games can take hours and be played almost anywhere.
Scenario games, said Schaeffer, are games where the two teams are playing some type of role. For example, he said, one team could be assigned to protect one person role-playing as “the President” while the other team acts as terrorists and tries to assassinate that player.
“It’s like ‘Cops and Robbers’ that you played as a kid,” said Schaeffer. “Only now you don’t have a toy gun.”
According to Smithfield City Police Department Patrol Sgt. Jake Walker, paintball markers are definitely not toys. Walker, who has served as a Smithfield City police officer since 2002, said he has seen paintball markers powerful enough to break glass windows and cause serious injury to players.
Getting shot definitely hurts, said Schaeffer, and that is why players are required to wear goggles while playing to protect their eyes from taking a damaging hit. He also said that getting shot leaves its mark, while showing a few bruises on his body from only one day of playing paintball.
The biggest concern for police officers, said Walker, is not that the players get hurt while playing, but that unprotected people get shot when they mistakenly get near a paintball field. Schaeffer said that because there is no organized paintball field in Logan, paintballers usually play in open wilderness areas. But they don’t put up signs or markers to let people know that a game is going on, he said.
“A lot of times a jogger or hiker will go right through a game without knowing it,” said Walker. “They end up getting hit in the crossfire and we have to go and punish the kids that hit them.”
Walker said that Smithfield City police officers have confiscated dozens of paintball markers from players that were in an area they shouldn’t be playing in.
The closest organized paintball park is Velocity Paintball in Ogden. Players pay a $20 entrance fee and can play on any of the four fields all day long. But the price and the distance from Logan make it hard to frequently play at the field, said Schaeffer.
For now, Schaeffer and his friends play at a lot of different areas around Logan, he said, but they all want a park in Logan where they can play without worrying about injuring anyone or getting into trouble.
Schaeffer has talked to the owners of Earl’s Hobby Hangar in Logan, and said that they are hoping to have a field created within a year for players in Logan. Because money is the biggest issue in building the field, Schaeffer said that he wants to organize a paintball tournament to raise money for the field. He doesn’t have the details for the tournament worked out, but Schaeffer feels confident that a lot of paintballers in Logan would be excited to put money towards a field in the city.
“If everyone that plays in Logan loves this game half as much as I do, we’ll have a field,” said Schaeffer.
“I get the biggest adrenaline rush playing paintball,” said Schaeffer.
Schaeffer, 22, is part of dozens of Logan residents that play the sport of paintball, a war-like game played in various forms with the same basic rule: don’t get shot. The problem for this group, said Schaeffer, is the lack of places to play in the city.
The games can change depending on who, where, and how long you’re playing, said Schaeffer. X-ball games usually involve 5-player teams and are played on a small, designed course, he said, while scenario games can take hours and be played almost anywhere.
Scenario games, said Schaeffer, are games where the two teams are playing some type of role. For example, he said, one team could be assigned to protect one person role-playing as “the President” while the other team acts as terrorists and tries to assassinate that player.
“It’s like ‘Cops and Robbers’ that you played as a kid,” said Schaeffer. “Only now you don’t have a toy gun.”
According to Smithfield City Police Department Patrol Sgt. Jake Walker, paintball markers are definitely not toys. Walker, who has served as a Smithfield City police officer since 2002, said he has seen paintball markers powerful enough to break glass windows and cause serious injury to players.
Getting shot definitely hurts, said Schaeffer, and that is why players are required to wear goggles while playing to protect their eyes from taking a damaging hit. He also said that getting shot leaves its mark, while showing a few bruises on his body from only one day of playing paintball.
The biggest concern for police officers, said Walker, is not that the players get hurt while playing, but that unprotected people get shot when they mistakenly get near a paintball field. Schaeffer said that because there is no organized paintball field in Logan, paintballers usually play in open wilderness areas. But they don’t put up signs or markers to let people know that a game is going on, he said.
“A lot of times a jogger or hiker will go right through a game without knowing it,” said Walker. “They end up getting hit in the crossfire and we have to go and punish the kids that hit them.”
Walker said that Smithfield City police officers have confiscated dozens of paintball markers from players that were in an area they shouldn’t be playing in.
The closest organized paintball park is Velocity Paintball in Ogden. Players pay a $20 entrance fee and can play on any of the four fields all day long. But the price and the distance from Logan make it hard to frequently play at the field, said Schaeffer.
For now, Schaeffer and his friends play at a lot of different areas around Logan, he said, but they all want a park in Logan where they can play without worrying about injuring anyone or getting into trouble.
Schaeffer has talked to the owners of Earl’s Hobby Hangar in Logan, and said that they are hoping to have a field created within a year for players in Logan. Because money is the biggest issue in building the field, Schaeffer said that he wants to organize a paintball tournament to raise money for the field. He doesn’t have the details for the tournament worked out, but Schaeffer feels confident that a lot of paintballers in Logan would be excited to put money towards a field in the city.
“If everyone that plays in Logan loves this game half as much as I do, we’ll have a field,” said Schaeffer.
Ruby Pipeline
Adam Christensen
Ruby Pipeline
Brigham City locals are up in arms about a proposed natural gas pipeline that would cross four states, Utah included. And time is running out for those who want to have their say in the issue.
According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), a pre-filing environmental review process began on the project proposed by Ruby Pipeline LLC, an affiliate of El Paso Corporation. This process included a ‘scoping period’ that would be used to gather public input about environmental concerns with the project. The scoping period, which began on Mar. 28, will end on April 30.
Several scoping meetings with intent to collect public comments on environmental issues were scheduled by FERC and according to FERC a notice was sent to potentially affected landowners and to federal, state, and local government agencies as well as elected officials and other interested parties.
Even so, many have been frustrated with lack of notice for these meetings. “Ruby never contacted County officials about the proposed pipeline and still has not done so,” said Shaun Peck, a Brigham City attorney, “and (Ruby) failed to give County officials notice of the local meeting until the day before the meeting, making attendance a problem.”
Another beef from locals who attended the Brigham City meeting on April 17 was a route change that took place only weeks before the meeting. According to Peck, many potentially affected parties’ concerns were diffused because Ruby’s now favored northern route was earlier described as only an alternate route.
At the meeting, Brigham City government official Jim Buchanan expressed concern for landmarks that would be crossed such as the Transcontinental Railroad and the Mormon Historic Trail. Buchanan alluded to the route change being proposed because the southern route would cross the Oregon Trail.
Many locals fear what geologists and the Utah Geological Survey have been saying for years. “Maps provided by these agencies to the public on the internet have truly identified this area to be geologically 'hot' from an earthquake perspective.” Said local Frank R. Scheubel.
According to several maps the ruby pipeline project would cross some 10 to 15 fault lines, including the infamous Wasatch fault line, a 200-mile-long active fault.
Although the purpose of the Brigham City meeting was to gather environmental comments and concerns, many landowners and others in attendance wanted to know what benefit, if any, the pipeline would bring to Utah.
According to El Paso Corp. the end users of the natural gas transported in the ruby pipeline will be growing natural gas markets in California and Oregon. This concern was also expressed in a statement submitted to FERC by affected landowner Bryan Ward. “The residents of Northern Utah and Nevada will see nothing but the mess before, during, and after construction while those living in Southern Oregon and Northern California, who have consistently blocked power plants and infrastructure to benefit themselves, reap the benefits of less expensive natural gas.”
According to Ruby Pipeline LLC, the ruby pipeline as currently proposed would include approximately 680 miles of 42-inch diameter pipeline and would pass through sections of Cache National Forest before crossing the Wasatch Front at Brigham City.
At the Brigham City meeting, FERC officials were clear that these scoping meetings were not the end of public involvement with the project, as they are still pre-filing. According to those officials, another scoping period will begin when El Paso Corp. files official in early 2009.
In order to become involved in the pre-filing process and give input about any environmental issues concerning the ruby pipeline project go to www.ferc.gov and e-register. You will then be able to “Comment on Filing” or make a “Quick Comment” on a project. Comments submitted electronically must be submitted by April 30, 2008.
I hope that if you see this before April 30, you'll give your two cents to FERC. Whether you like Cache National or not, this pipeline has almost no benefit for anyone affected.
Ruby Pipeline
Brigham City locals are up in arms about a proposed natural gas pipeline that would cross four states, Utah included. And time is running out for those who want to have their say in the issue.
According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), a pre-filing environmental review process began on the project proposed by Ruby Pipeline LLC, an affiliate of El Paso Corporation. This process included a ‘scoping period’ that would be used to gather public input about environmental concerns with the project. The scoping period, which began on Mar. 28, will end on April 30.
Several scoping meetings with intent to collect public comments on environmental issues were scheduled by FERC and according to FERC a notice was sent to potentially affected landowners and to federal, state, and local government agencies as well as elected officials and other interested parties.
Even so, many have been frustrated with lack of notice for these meetings. “Ruby never contacted County officials about the proposed pipeline and still has not done so,” said Shaun Peck, a Brigham City attorney, “and (Ruby) failed to give County officials notice of the local meeting until the day before the meeting, making attendance a problem.”
Another beef from locals who attended the Brigham City meeting on April 17 was a route change that took place only weeks before the meeting. According to Peck, many potentially affected parties’ concerns were diffused because Ruby’s now favored northern route was earlier described as only an alternate route.
At the meeting, Brigham City government official Jim Buchanan expressed concern for landmarks that would be crossed such as the Transcontinental Railroad and the Mormon Historic Trail. Buchanan alluded to the route change being proposed because the southern route would cross the Oregon Trail.
Many locals fear what geologists and the Utah Geological Survey have been saying for years. “Maps provided by these agencies to the public on the internet have truly identified this area to be geologically 'hot' from an earthquake perspective.” Said local Frank R. Scheubel.
According to several maps the ruby pipeline project would cross some 10 to 15 fault lines, including the infamous Wasatch fault line, a 200-mile-long active fault.
Although the purpose of the Brigham City meeting was to gather environmental comments and concerns, many landowners and others in attendance wanted to know what benefit, if any, the pipeline would bring to Utah.
According to El Paso Corp. the end users of the natural gas transported in the ruby pipeline will be growing natural gas markets in California and Oregon. This concern was also expressed in a statement submitted to FERC by affected landowner Bryan Ward. “The residents of Northern Utah and Nevada will see nothing but the mess before, during, and after construction while those living in Southern Oregon and Northern California, who have consistently blocked power plants and infrastructure to benefit themselves, reap the benefits of less expensive natural gas.”
According to Ruby Pipeline LLC, the ruby pipeline as currently proposed would include approximately 680 miles of 42-inch diameter pipeline and would pass through sections of Cache National Forest before crossing the Wasatch Front at Brigham City.
At the Brigham City meeting, FERC officials were clear that these scoping meetings were not the end of public involvement with the project, as they are still pre-filing. According to those officials, another scoping period will begin when El Paso Corp. files official in early 2009.
In order to become involved in the pre-filing process and give input about any environmental issues concerning the ruby pipeline project go to www.ferc.gov and e-register. You will then be able to “Comment on Filing” or make a “Quick Comment” on a project. Comments submitted electronically must be submitted by April 30, 2008.
I hope that if you see this before April 30, you'll give your two cents to FERC. Whether you like Cache National or not, this pipeline has almost no benefit for anyone affected.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
LDS Missionary Passed Away Sunday
Ryan Avila
LDS missionary Mathew Knoop passed away Sunday after being struck from behind by a truck in Catu, Brazil.
Knoop was walking down the street with his LDS companion when he was struck from behind by a truck resulting in a broken arm, broken leg, and severed liver, causing him to be rushed to the hospital, said Rob Howell, a spokesman for the LDS Church.
Knoop passed away as a result of his injuries and his companion was left with minor injuries from the hit-and-run.
After spending one semester at Utah State University, Knoop was called to Salvador, Brazil for his mission and only had two months left before returning home.
Many USU students are grieving the loss of a friend and classmate by creating a group on Facebook.com called, "Pray for Matt Knoop." With nearly 600 members of the group, many friends share memories of their friend Matt Knoop.
“Matt was living his dream by serving his mission. He was an absolutely incredible man who touched the lives of so many while only being with us for such a short time,” said Jon Dalton, the creator of the "Pray for Matt Knoop" group.
Knoop grew up in Park City where he loved playing soccer. Mike Guetschow, former Park City soccer coach, called Elder Knoop an "absolutely special" soccer player. “Matt was the strongest leader on and off the soccer field,” said Tyler Thomas, a high school friend.
Scott Palmer, president of the Park City stake of the LDS Church, described Knoop as, "Just a good, well-rounded young man. Not too fanatical about any one thing. Great athlete, good student, but he loved the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Brazilian authorities are investigating the incident, said Palmer. Currently, there are no leads on the hit-and-run driver.
LDS missionary Mathew Knoop passed away Sunday after being struck from behind by a truck in Catu, Brazil.
Knoop was walking down the street with his LDS companion when he was struck from behind by a truck resulting in a broken arm, broken leg, and severed liver, causing him to be rushed to the hospital, said Rob Howell, a spokesman for the LDS Church.
Knoop passed away as a result of his injuries and his companion was left with minor injuries from the hit-and-run.
After spending one semester at Utah State University, Knoop was called to Salvador, Brazil for his mission and only had two months left before returning home.
Many USU students are grieving the loss of a friend and classmate by creating a group on Facebook.com called, "Pray for Matt Knoop." With nearly 600 members of the group, many friends share memories of their friend Matt Knoop.
“Matt was living his dream by serving his mission. He was an absolutely incredible man who touched the lives of so many while only being with us for such a short time,” said Jon Dalton, the creator of the "Pray for Matt Knoop" group.
Knoop grew up in Park City where he loved playing soccer. Mike Guetschow, former Park City soccer coach, called Elder Knoop an "absolutely special" soccer player. “Matt was the strongest leader on and off the soccer field,” said Tyler Thomas, a high school friend.
Scott Palmer, president of the Park City stake of the LDS Church, described Knoop as, "Just a good, well-rounded young man. Not too fanatical about any one thing. Great athlete, good student, but he loved the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Brazilian authorities are investigating the incident, said Palmer. Currently, there are no leads on the hit-and-run driver.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Rock for Rolls
Cameron Harper
Final News Story
Aggies for Africa hosted the Rock for Rolls fundraiser Monday to raise money to build a bakery in Sierra Leone.
Coy Whittier, senior at USU and president of Aggies for Africa hopes to use the event to create awareness for their group, as well for the impoverished country that is just coming out of an 11-year civil war.
“When the bakery is all up and running, it will employ about 20 to 30 people, which will make a lot of difference,” said Whittier, “it will also benefit the community immensely as a whole. Bread is a hot commodity right now, and it's a huge market to get into. Lots of demand, not much supply.”
According to Whittier, the amazing thing about this project is that it was designed and is being implemented entirely by the people that live in Sierra Leone. “They have done their homework, and worked really hard to make this a reality. We've really only helped them out.” Said Whittier, “It's their project, we're just supporting and providing some of the things they do not have access to.”
The business plan for building a bakery calls for $19,500, but Whittier feels they could probably get the job done for $17,500 with donations of ovens and other bakery equipment. After the bakery is built it should be self-sustaining. “That's the beauty of these kinds of projects. There are plenty of people committed to making them work, they just lack the initial capital to make it happen.”
The Rock for Rolls event played host to 12 bands that showed of their skills in the popular game for Play Station 3 and XBOX 360 called “Rock Band.” The game showcases classic as well as contemporary rock songs, where the object is to, as a band, create musical fusion. Four players take on the roles of the bands singer, guitarist, drummer, and bass player.
Aggies for Africa have been working with an organization called Shine on Sierra Leone, which was hosting a big event in L.A. that involved a “Rock Band” competition as well as some performances from some pretty big-name people. “We talked to them, and they thought it was a great idea, and that we could even get the winning team into the L.A. show. So obviously we were stoked.”
The competition took place in a bracket system where two teams would go against each other, and then the winner of the two would move to the next round. Many teams showed up ranging in ages from college students down to a team of eight and nine year old boys. Many people showed up in costumes to the event. “It was tons of fun to rock out and show of my stuff!” said Rebecca Tanner, drummer and member of the “Los Banditos” rock band. Many people gathered around as the bands performed and cheered on the other competitors.
The winners of the competition were band “Neesh,” winning with a final score of 1,694,000 points on their last song. The band will now go to the L.A. competition where performers such as Kanye West, Christina Aguilera, and John Mayer will perform. “It was sweet to have the crowd there and awesome that it was for a good cause,” said high school junior, Sam Spencer, “Even better that we won and are going to L.A.”
The event lasted 5 hours and was held in the international lounge in the TSC. Tickets were $3 and all proceeds went towards the bakery.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Final Exam
Dear NewsHounds:
The final exam for our class will be a take-home, available at noon on Friday (2/25) in the JCOM office. You may pick it up at any time, and bring the completed exam back to the JCOM office by the deadline listed.
Option 1: Sign out your copy of the exam Friday (4/25, noon or later). Due back to the JCOM office no later than noon Monday (4/28).
Option 2: Sign out your copy of the exam Monday (4/28, 9 a.m. or later). Due back to the JCOM office no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday (4/30).
• Exams will not be available after 5 p.m. Monday.
• Completed exams will not be accepted after the stated deadline.
• If you miss deadline, F.
Final grades (including your individual gradesheet and final exam) will be available by noon Monday (5/5) in the JCOM office. Do not pester Professor Pease about your grade before then. Or else.
The final exam for our class will be a take-home, available at noon on Friday (2/25) in the JCOM office. You may pick it up at any time, and bring the completed exam back to the JCOM office by the deadline listed.
Option 1: Sign out your copy of the exam Friday (4/25, noon or later). Due back to the JCOM office no later than noon Monday (4/28).
Option 2: Sign out your copy of the exam Monday (4/28, 9 a.m. or later). Due back to the JCOM office no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday (4/30).
• Exams will not be available after 5 p.m. Monday.
• Completed exams will not be accepted after the stated deadline.
• If you miss deadline, F.
Final grades (including your individual gradesheet and final exam) will be available by noon Monday (5/5) in the JCOM office. Do not pester Professor Pease about your grade before then. Or else.
Final stories
NewsDawgs: By now, if you've been hitting deadline, you're planning (or in the midle of...!) your final story before the Final Exam. This week's story, as always, is due by midnight Friday--emailed to me and posted to NewsHounds.
This last story, as you recall, is worth 60 pts., or three times the first outside story you wrote. This story should be . . .
YOUR BEST!
A complex topic
Something that people are passionate about (and you can get quotes that show that)
Something compelling that touches readers' hearts, minds, lives....
Something that permits you to describe the scene/people/event/activity....
And, of course, the story should be impeccably written and edited, spell-checked, grammatical, AP-style, etc.
Some NewsHounds are still, er (how shall I put it?), "developing" their final story ideas.
On 4/21/08 1:24 PM, "One Student" wrote:
This week i am stumped i have no idea what to write a story on. If you have any ideas please let me know. I have been trying to think of something all weekend but nothing.
Let’s see.
Ideas:
• Tomorrow is Earth Day. What does that mean around here? What’s the history? If you asked Al Gore, would he say the Earth is doomed? What do USU scientists have to say about global warming or ecological/environmental issues?
• Friday is the gay-lesbian Day of Silence in support of GBLTA. Gay at USU must be a difficult thing.
• Or take a science thing....How about radon? What is it and why is it a critical thing in homes?
• Or a person: a professor who invested something? An expert at USU about tsunamis or Poland or Islam?
• Check calendars for this week and next—what anniversaries are coming up? (Google today in history)
• Yesterday was the Boston Marathon, arguably the world’s biggest running event. How about someone from Logan who ran? Or is training for a marathon? Is there a way to do a story that's still news?
Other ideas, anyone?
This last story, as you recall, is worth 60 pts., or three times the first outside story you wrote. This story should be . . .
YOUR BEST!
A complex topic
Something that people are passionate about (and you can get quotes that show that)
Something compelling that touches readers' hearts, minds, lives....
Something that permits you to describe the scene/people/event/activity....
And, of course, the story should be impeccably written and edited, spell-checked, grammatical, AP-style, etc.
Some NewsHounds are still, er (how shall I put it?), "developing" their final story ideas.
On 4/21/08 1:24 PM, "One Student" wrote:
This week i am stumped i have no idea what to write a story on. If you have any ideas please let me know. I have been trying to think of something all weekend but nothing.
Let’s see.
Ideas:
• Tomorrow is Earth Day. What does that mean around here? What’s the history? If you asked Al Gore, would he say the Earth is doomed? What do USU scientists have to say about global warming or ecological/environmental issues?
• Friday is the gay-lesbian Day of Silence in support of GBLTA. Gay at USU must be a difficult thing.
• Or take a science thing....How about radon? What is it and why is it a critical thing in homes?
• Or a person: a professor who invested something? An expert at USU about tsunamis or Poland or Islam?
• Check calendars for this week and next—what anniversaries are coming up? (Google today in history)
• Yesterday was the Boston Marathon, arguably the world’s biggest running event. How about someone from Logan who ran? Or is training for a marathon? Is there a way to do a story that's still news?
Other ideas, anyone?
The Office Returns
Cameron Harper
News Story 4/11
Three hundred students along with USU President Stan Albrecht gathered last Thursday in the Lundstrom student center for the premiere of “The Office.”
Students gathered around 7 P.M. for free Aggie ice cream and a chance to mingle with President Albrecht as well as the university’s vice provost. Albrecht was very adamant about meeting with the residents of the student living center to see how their experience living on-campus has been and also to see them having fun in with the activities the SLC has tried to provide for students.
Albrecht walked down the line of students shaking each of their hands and asking various questions about their majors, their experience living in the dorms, and how they are enjoying Utah State. “It was great to meet with students, it’s something I don’t get to do very often so I was excited for this opportunity,” Said Albrecht.
Also on the night’s agenda was the premiere of the T.V. hit “The Office,” took a 2-month hiatus due to the Hollywood writers strike. 13 half-hour episodes were aired before the strike hit and six more are scheduled to be aired this season for a total of 19, which is considerable less than previous seasons of the hit show.
"There were certain big story moves that we were going to do this year that we're saving for next year," executive producer Greg Daniels said in an interview with USA Today. Although he acknowledges the hardship the strike caused, "From a creative standpoint, it was good for the writing staff. People are juiced. We've had a billion ideas. A lot of them will spill out over the next season."
“The Office” is an Emmy-Award winning show that is now in its fourth season. It has turned into a favorite comedy for people of all ages. “It’s great because everyone can relate, why we may not have all worked in office settings, we’ve all had quirky bosses, work romances, and all have to deal with someone who is over-zealously trying to impress their superiors,” said Brenda Wilson, a freshman at USU. “Aggie ice cream, the office, what could be better!” said Rebecca Tanner.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Cami's Story—Relay for Life
Relay for Life at USU
by Cami Moore
by Cami Moore
The weekend of April 11-12 Utah State University’s field house was the host for Logan City’s first local Relay for Life event.
The event started a little later than scheduled, around 7:30 p.m., with opening ceremonies. The luminary ceremony was performed, in honor of those struggling with and who have died of cancer. Following the ceremony was the survivor lap, where all participants who have survived from cancer walk a lap around the track together. This group consisted of many people of all different ages and varying types of cancer they have or are suffering from.
“As a cancer survivor I thought it was to show other cancer survivors and those struggling with cancer and other afflictions that they can do it to,” said survivor Trevor Linderman. “I want them to know that there are people out there who have been through it supporting them too!”
Along with the survivor walk and luminary ceremony, various events were held throughout the night such as a joust, a showing of the movie “A Knight’s Tale,” and other games and activities throughout the night.
“We had a great time with a twister tournament,” said event organizer Amy Howes, “and ‘jousting’ which turned into beating each other senseless with a couple of pool noodles.”
Through the night each team had to have at least one person walking on the track. So there was always at least a few people walking around the track at all times. Although smaller than other events the committee seemed satisfied with the turnout. There were at least 50 participants, coming from different teams that were organized and single participants as well.
“Being a first year event and never having been on a committee before, I wasn't quite sure what to expect,” said Howes. “Finding myself in charge of the event, I was more concerned with getting people there and actually having an event.”
The committee hopes to continue having a local Relay for Life event every year and anticipate for it to become a bigger event. They hope to see more participants in the future.
“Even with all the publicity (flyers, word of mouth, newspaper article, etc) most people still had no clue what it was or that it was going on,” said Howes. “It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it in the end.”
What do you think? Hit “Comments” link below.
Amanda's Story—Flintoff
NPR’s Corey Flintoff—Becoming ‘Invisible’
By Amanda Clyde
1130 Feature Story
Corey Flintoff from National Public Radio spoke to students at Utah State University this week about his experiences in Iraq as a journalist.
One thing he advised future journalists is that reporters must figure out how to be in many places a once when, in times of war, reporters can no longer move independently around the country.
“It is all about being invisible [when in Iraq],” said Flintoff referring to the danger Americans face in the unstable Middle East.
Flintoff went on to explain that one of the challenges of being an imbed reporter is a tendency to have a bias for the troop you travel with that ultimately protects you. Reporters must learn to look past this and report fairly and accurately.
This can be especially challenging when reporters are offered a limited view. It is difficult to go to multiple locations around Iraq and most facilities don’t have the resources reporters need as they are far too expensive.
For example, a seven mile taxi ride from the airport to Baghdad can cost over two thousand dollars said Flintoff.
He told a memorable story of one taxi ride when a sniper hit the bulletproof car. A suitcase was hit and the laptop inside still worked.
When asked if he felt safe Flintoff answered, “I feel safer than I would if we lived in the green zone,” though they live only ten minutes away from it.
Another experience Flintoff shared was of a business manager he worked with in NPR who was kidnapped.
An Armenian Christen the manager understood the relations between the society groups in Iraq and was a man of “enormous good will” said Flintoff.
The manager was car jacked, driven around and beaten up savagely. Flintoff said he was taken to an unknown location and chained up in a shower stall for days.
His ransom was paid but the man was unable to walk and had to crawl to a taxi cab. He was traumatized as he felt this was his home city, said Flintoff.
Flintoff watched as strings were pulled to get the man and his family to Jordan and eventually a visa to move to the United States.
This did not mean an easy life now; Flintoff called it a death sentence for an Iraqi to work in the U.S. media.
Flintoff said that he has yet to encounter any kind of censorship from the government on what he reports. He said there is no need to censor because the options are so limited.
If he ever saw an American soldier abusing civilians or community war crimes Flintoff said he wouldn’t hesitate to report it but he has not witnessed of anything of the sort.
When asked the question asked to Mike Wallace in Vietnam if he found from a source that the American military would be ambushed if he would warn them, Flintoff answered that if it wouldn’t harm his sources he would. If it would harm his sources, he couldn’t answer what he would do.
Flintoff was an entertaining speaker and shared much valuable advice and life experience with students interested in journalism.
What do you think? Click "Comments" link below.
Whitney's Story—Flintoff’s ‘Hydra’
NPR’s Flintoff—Iraq’s ‘Hydra’
By Whitney Sant
The Greek myth of the hydra head tells of Hercules battle with a nine headed monster that grows two heads for each one cut off. The multi- headed beast is constantly changing and multiplying to the frustration of its challenger.
According to NPR foreign correspondent, Corey Flintoff who spoke to USU students Wednesday, the hydra head and reporting in Iraq have a lot in common. Because of the steady changes, Flintoff explains, it is a struggle to get an accurate depiction of what is really going on there.
Flintoff told students of several issues reporters face when trying to get stories in the middle of the Iraq war. One being that the enemy is always changing and the reasons for war are always being altered. “The more shifts there are in American strategy, the more challenges there are for reporters,” Flintoff said “Everyone on the other side starts to look like an enemy,”
Beyond the challenge of keeping up with the perplexing changes, Flintoff also conveyed financial and security struggles faced in Iraq. According to Flintoff around 1500 to 2000 foreign reporters were covering news in the beginning of the war, now there are only 70. “It is just too expensive,” he said.
As an example Flintoff explained that the ride from the airport to the reporting station in Baghdad is 28 hundred dollars—one way. Other expenses include the armored cars that must be taken to and from certain destinations, and the cost of the house stationed at in Baghdad.
These expenses are necessary for reporters’ safety. “I feel safer than I would if we lived in the green zone,” he said, an area where 14 people died last year.
While the security costs are continually rising, opportunities for reporters to move independently in Iraq are not. “Numbers of factions in this war would like nothing better than to get their hands on a western journalist, either to make an example of them or to hold them for ransom,” Flintoff said.
The high risk of kidnapping has limited chances for reporters to get information from the outside. On average safety only lasts for about 45 minutes per mission. “I try to tell listeners just how limited a view I’m able to give you,” Flintoff said.
Iraqi reporters have had more success because they are not targeted as easily. Although, according to Flintoff, they put their lives on the line as well. Just last summer Flintoff’s Iraqi business manager was kidnapped and tortured for five days until a ransom was paid for his life.
Flintoff explains how his manager’s outlook on his home in Iraq was changed forever and his family was forced to move to the United States. “When people risk lives and the lives of their families, we owe them a great deal more than we are giving them,” he said.
Flintoff explained his feelings on the war in Iraq from his personal experiences. The conflict of the war, he explains, is like 12 blind men introduced to an elephant, one sees the trunk, and one sees the ear and so on. “I would be lying if I said my experience there is any more than the tail,” Flintoff said “Honesty means I let you know what I don’t know.”
Although, what Flintoff does know is that the “hydra head” in Iraq is only “muzzled” for now.
When he made a return to Iraq from August of 2007 to December there appeared to be improvement in the progress of war, although with the never ending changes and problems Flintoff sums up his thoughts of efforts in Iraq as “a lot of good intentions, and a lot of failure.”
What do you think? Hit "Comments" link below.
By Whitney Sant
The Greek myth of the hydra head tells of Hercules battle with a nine headed monster that grows two heads for each one cut off. The multi- headed beast is constantly changing and multiplying to the frustration of its challenger.
According to NPR foreign correspondent, Corey Flintoff who spoke to USU students Wednesday, the hydra head and reporting in Iraq have a lot in common. Because of the steady changes, Flintoff explains, it is a struggle to get an accurate depiction of what is really going on there.
Flintoff told students of several issues reporters face when trying to get stories in the middle of the Iraq war. One being that the enemy is always changing and the reasons for war are always being altered. “The more shifts there are in American strategy, the more challenges there are for reporters,” Flintoff said “Everyone on the other side starts to look like an enemy,”
Beyond the challenge of keeping up with the perplexing changes, Flintoff also conveyed financial and security struggles faced in Iraq. According to Flintoff around 1500 to 2000 foreign reporters were covering news in the beginning of the war, now there are only 70. “It is just too expensive,” he said.
As an example Flintoff explained that the ride from the airport to the reporting station in Baghdad is 28 hundred dollars—one way. Other expenses include the armored cars that must be taken to and from certain destinations, and the cost of the house stationed at in Baghdad.
These expenses are necessary for reporters’ safety. “I feel safer than I would if we lived in the green zone,” he said, an area where 14 people died last year.
While the security costs are continually rising, opportunities for reporters to move independently in Iraq are not. “Numbers of factions in this war would like nothing better than to get their hands on a western journalist, either to make an example of them or to hold them for ransom,” Flintoff said.
The high risk of kidnapping has limited chances for reporters to get information from the outside. On average safety only lasts for about 45 minutes per mission. “I try to tell listeners just how limited a view I’m able to give you,” Flintoff said.
Iraqi reporters have had more success because they are not targeted as easily. Although, according to Flintoff, they put their lives on the line as well. Just last summer Flintoff’s Iraqi business manager was kidnapped and tortured for five days until a ransom was paid for his life.
Flintoff explains how his manager’s outlook on his home in Iraq was changed forever and his family was forced to move to the United States. “When people risk lives and the lives of their families, we owe them a great deal more than we are giving them,” he said.
Flintoff explained his feelings on the war in Iraq from his personal experiences. The conflict of the war, he explains, is like 12 blind men introduced to an elephant, one sees the trunk, and one sees the ear and so on. “I would be lying if I said my experience there is any more than the tail,” Flintoff said “Honesty means I let you know what I don’t know.”
Although, what Flintoff does know is that the “hydra head” in Iraq is only “muzzled” for now.
When he made a return to Iraq from August of 2007 to December there appeared to be improvement in the progress of war, although with the never ending changes and problems Flintoff sums up his thoughts of efforts in Iraq as “a lot of good intentions, and a lot of failure.”
What do you think? Hit "Comments" link below.
Ryan’s Story—‘Passing’
‘Passing’—Born Male in a Woman’s Body
By Ryan Avila
4/18/2008
Knowing he was born a male inside a female body, he decided to change his name from Brittany to Isaac and change his physical features from female to male at the age of 20. Isaac Furniss, a junior majoring in computer science, is going "stealth" a tern describing going from female to male (FTM) also known as "passing".
"I want my outside to match my inside," Furniss said with confidence. When Furness would go to the beach as a child with her family, he would take off his shirt like his brothers and run into the water. But his mother would say, "You can't do that, you're a girl." "I always thought I'd grow up to be a boy," said Furniss.
Before Furniss could go "stealth" he had to see a psychologist to make sure he wasn't "crazy" and to go over the pros and cons. Soon after he started taking testosterone patches to help with the physical change. "Before I started, I didn't feel I really grew up yet," said Furniss implying this transition is necessary. "Until I pass I still get called she, but I want people to call me he."
Regarding changing sexual orientation, many students lack the knowledge of what happens and are unaware of the change or process. "It never crossed my mind to make a choice like that," said Megan Furniss (no relation), a sophomore majoring in exercise science. "People aren't used to seeing that life style," said freshman Erika Combe.
Socially, "explaining it to people all the time," Furniss said has been the toughest obstacle. "I don't feel its necessary for someone change their sex, but if it helps their supreme happiness then I support," said Melissa Martinson, a freshman majoring in biology. Even though getting a sex change is not very common especially in Utah, Furniss said she never gets harassed about it.
Furniss' parents were ok about him becoming bisexual as a junior in high school but when they found out he was going to be a transgender, his father said he doesn't want Furniss coming home. Furniss posts blogs on tansmannying.blogspot.com as a way to help overcome obstacles.
"It really helps me," Furniss said. On the site Furniss talks with other people who are going through the same things and helps them with their problems as well.
Another way Furniss gets involved is by being a member of Life. Life is the gay straight alliance on campus and promotes that "love is for everyone." Funriss is the P.R. director for Life and they hold weekly meetings in the library to help share awareness and concerning issues.
Isaac Furnis said his ultimate goal would be that people would see him as a male. With the help of taking testosterone patches his voice will deepen, more facial hair will appear along with darker hair color, muscle will be built, and the ovaries will stop functioning. Eventually, Furniss will be getting chest surgery to help with the physical process.
Along with taking 2.5 ml. of testosterone, Furniss deals with mood swings, cramps, and feels the two hormones are fighting each other making him frustrated. Also, the craving for food has increased. "I get really hungry but I don't want to eat a lot and get fat. So, I try to work out a lot," said Furniss.
Furniss has been dating the same person for three years and everything is going great with the process. "I don't want to get married while I'm still a girl," Furniss said in response to marriage. With a few more years of schooling and happily on hormones, Furniss is excited and can't wait for the future.
What do you think? Hit "Comments" link below.
By Ryan Avila
4/18/2008
Knowing he was born a male inside a female body, he decided to change his name from Brittany to Isaac and change his physical features from female to male at the age of 20. Isaac Furniss, a junior majoring in computer science, is going "stealth" a tern describing going from female to male (FTM) also known as "passing".
"I want my outside to match my inside," Furniss said with confidence. When Furness would go to the beach as a child with her family, he would take off his shirt like his brothers and run into the water. But his mother would say, "You can't do that, you're a girl." "I always thought I'd grow up to be a boy," said Furniss.
Before Furniss could go "stealth" he had to see a psychologist to make sure he wasn't "crazy" and to go over the pros and cons. Soon after he started taking testosterone patches to help with the physical change. "Before I started, I didn't feel I really grew up yet," said Furniss implying this transition is necessary. "Until I pass I still get called she, but I want people to call me he."
Regarding changing sexual orientation, many students lack the knowledge of what happens and are unaware of the change or process. "It never crossed my mind to make a choice like that," said Megan Furniss (no relation), a sophomore majoring in exercise science. "People aren't used to seeing that life style," said freshman Erika Combe.
Socially, "explaining it to people all the time," Furniss said has been the toughest obstacle. "I don't feel its necessary for someone change their sex, but if it helps their supreme happiness then I support," said Melissa Martinson, a freshman majoring in biology. Even though getting a sex change is not very common especially in Utah, Furniss said she never gets harassed about it.
Furniss' parents were ok about him becoming bisexual as a junior in high school but when they found out he was going to be a transgender, his father said he doesn't want Furniss coming home. Furniss posts blogs on tansmannying.blogspot.com as a way to help overcome obstacles.
"It really helps me," Furniss said. On the site Furniss talks with other people who are going through the same things and helps them with their problems as well.
Another way Furniss gets involved is by being a member of Life. Life is the gay straight alliance on campus and promotes that "love is for everyone." Funriss is the P.R. director for Life and they hold weekly meetings in the library to help share awareness and concerning issues.
Isaac Furnis said his ultimate goal would be that people would see him as a male. With the help of taking testosterone patches his voice will deepen, more facial hair will appear along with darker hair color, muscle will be built, and the ovaries will stop functioning. Eventually, Furniss will be getting chest surgery to help with the physical process.
Along with taking 2.5 ml. of testosterone, Furniss deals with mood swings, cramps, and feels the two hormones are fighting each other making him frustrated. Also, the craving for food has increased. "I get really hungry but I don't want to eat a lot and get fat. So, I try to work out a lot," said Furniss.
Furniss has been dating the same person for three years and everything is going great with the process. "I don't want to get married while I'm still a girl," Furniss said in response to marriage. With a few more years of schooling and happily on hormones, Furniss is excited and can't wait for the future.
What do you think? Hit "Comments" link below.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Raelle's Story—Guns at USU
Guns at USU
By Raelle Greer
With the recent tragedies of Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois, the state of Utah is looking into the issue of carrying concealed weapons on college campuses.
At the moment there are no laws restricting persons with permits to legally carry a gun on a public campus.
Utah State University Police Chief Steve Mecham said “We go by what the state laws say. What else can we do?”
“USU urges students to not carry guns on campus and campus police have programs in place to assist students to safely store weapons if they desire,” says president of the Faculty Senate, Douglas Ramsey.
In reference to students checking their guns at the USU police station, Mecham said, “Students have access to their guns 24 hours a day if they need.”
“Why would you want to check in your gun if you have a concealed weapons permit? Isn’t that the point of it?” said a student who only wants to me identified by his first name Matt.
“I carry a gun to feel safe if something ever happens,” he went on to say, “and if I had to run to pick up my gun it would not do me much good right then and there.”
Also the procedures or precautions for incidents like Virginia Tech are so vague that many teachers do not even know what they are.
Professor Ted Pease said, “As a faculty member, I haven't heard of any training or precautions..... duck, I guess.”
According to Ramsey, if an incident does actually occur teachers are to “Lock all doors and stay put until they get the situation under control.”
Ramsey went on to say, “In order to guard against such an event, faculty, councilors, and police are trying to become more aware of students that may give some indication that they are under stress or are otherwise at risk. They will do whatever they can do to help these students. Completely protecting any campus against such an event is impossible. However, they will work to reduce the probability.”
Steve Mecham said, “There have been several training sessions for active shooters.”
What about Ted Pease? Why was he not informed?
He also said that the training sessions are based on groups or departments on campus. Only if the department asks for training will one be provided.
USU’s safety department is coming out with an emergency procedures brochure that will be available to all faculty and students online.
According to CNNU, (CNNU is a feature that provides student perspectives on news and trends from colleges across the United States) Utah is “the only state to allow weapons at all public universities.”
“Utah State Board of Regents spokeswoman said the regents are opposing a legislative proposal to allow people with concealed weapons permits to have the weapons visible in public” as quoted by CCNU.
“We are worried that it may affect their [students' and teachers'] willingness or desire to go to or teach a class on campus.”
Student Jack Raymond said, “It doesn’t bother me a bit that people carry guns on campus because people who legally carry guns are not the ones I am worried about.”
What do you think? Hit the "Comment" link below.
By Raelle Greer
With the recent tragedies of Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois, the state of Utah is looking into the issue of carrying concealed weapons on college campuses.
At the moment there are no laws restricting persons with permits to legally carry a gun on a public campus.
Utah State University Police Chief Steve Mecham said “We go by what the state laws say. What else can we do?”
“USU urges students to not carry guns on campus and campus police have programs in place to assist students to safely store weapons if they desire,” says president of the Faculty Senate, Douglas Ramsey.
In reference to students checking their guns at the USU police station, Mecham said, “Students have access to their guns 24 hours a day if they need.”
“Why would you want to check in your gun if you have a concealed weapons permit? Isn’t that the point of it?” said a student who only wants to me identified by his first name Matt.
“I carry a gun to feel safe if something ever happens,” he went on to say, “and if I had to run to pick up my gun it would not do me much good right then and there.”
Also the procedures or precautions for incidents like Virginia Tech are so vague that many teachers do not even know what they are.
Professor Ted Pease said, “As a faculty member, I haven't heard of any training or precautions..... duck, I guess.”
According to Ramsey, if an incident does actually occur teachers are to “Lock all doors and stay put until they get the situation under control.”
Ramsey went on to say, “In order to guard against such an event, faculty, councilors, and police are trying to become more aware of students that may give some indication that they are under stress or are otherwise at risk. They will do whatever they can do to help these students. Completely protecting any campus against such an event is impossible. However, they will work to reduce the probability.”
Steve Mecham said, “There have been several training sessions for active shooters.”
What about Ted Pease? Why was he not informed?
He also said that the training sessions are based on groups or departments on campus. Only if the department asks for training will one be provided.
USU’s safety department is coming out with an emergency procedures brochure that will be available to all faculty and students online.
According to CNNU, (CNNU is a feature that provides student perspectives on news and trends from colleges across the United States) Utah is “the only state to allow weapons at all public universities.”
“Utah State Board of Regents spokeswoman said the regents are opposing a legislative proposal to allow people with concealed weapons permits to have the weapons visible in public” as quoted by CCNU.
“We are worried that it may affect their [students' and teachers'] willingness or desire to go to or teach a class on campus.”
Student Jack Raymond said, “It doesn’t bother me a bit that people carry guns on campus because people who legally carry guns are not the ones I am worried about.”
What do you think? Hit the "Comment" link below.
Raelle's Story—Reporting Irag
Danger Reporting
By Raelle Greer
Being a journalist in Iraq is tough but NPR’s Corey Flintoff is willing to take that risk and then share his experiences at the Utah State University Performance Hall.
As Flintoff spoke to USU students and faculty he addressed the issue of the dangers of reporting in a war zone but how surprisingly safe he actually felt.
Flintoff just recently returned from a month tour in Iraq in February and said “security really has improved.” He also said that compared to his visit in 2006 he “heard scarcely any gunfire at all and only a few bombs.”
He motioned how reporters actually go out with military and are protected by the troops.
Flintoff said, “numbers of factions in this war who would like nothing better than to get their hands on a western journalist, either to make an example of them or to hold them for ransom,”
One of Flintoff’s friends and colleagues was actually kidnapped and left for dead in the desert,
Flintoff also talked about how “limited” journalists really are in Iraq because they are “embedded in a U.S. military unit.”
Flintoff said, “You will see what they see and see what they want you to see, you are going to see if from their point of view.”
He said, “You have to keep a constant watch on yourself,” because it is hard to keep bias out of a story when “you start thinking like that person (military personnel) who does that job all the time.”
Not only is it dangerous for reporters when they are reporting but also as they go about everyday business.
NPR spends $2,800 on a one way armored car shuttle to or from the airport.
Flintoff has been working for NPR for over 17 years and was once the “voice of NPR’s afternoon newscast” according to the NPR website.
Now he is working with the NPR Foreign Desk reporting in places such as Iraq.
What do you think? Hit "Comment" link below
By Raelle Greer
Being a journalist in Iraq is tough but NPR’s Corey Flintoff is willing to take that risk and then share his experiences at the Utah State University Performance Hall.
As Flintoff spoke to USU students and faculty he addressed the issue of the dangers of reporting in a war zone but how surprisingly safe he actually felt.
Flintoff just recently returned from a month tour in Iraq in February and said “security really has improved.” He also said that compared to his visit in 2006 he “heard scarcely any gunfire at all and only a few bombs.”
He motioned how reporters actually go out with military and are protected by the troops.
Flintoff said, “numbers of factions in this war who would like nothing better than to get their hands on a western journalist, either to make an example of them or to hold them for ransom,”
One of Flintoff’s friends and colleagues was actually kidnapped and left for dead in the desert,
Flintoff also talked about how “limited” journalists really are in Iraq because they are “embedded in a U.S. military unit.”
Flintoff said, “You will see what they see and see what they want you to see, you are going to see if from their point of view.”
He said, “You have to keep a constant watch on yourself,” because it is hard to keep bias out of a story when “you start thinking like that person (military personnel) who does that job all the time.”
Not only is it dangerous for reporters when they are reporting but also as they go about everyday business.
NPR spends $2,800 on a one way armored car shuttle to or from the airport.
Flintoff has been working for NPR for over 17 years and was once the “voice of NPR’s afternoon newscast” according to the NPR website.
Now he is working with the NPR Foreign Desk reporting in places such as Iraq.
What do you think? Hit "Comment" link below
Khaivien's Story—Corey Flintoff
Covering Iraq
By Khainien Thach
National Public Radio newscaster and foreign correspondent, Corey Flintoff, spoke to Utah State University students Wednesday afternoon about the challenges of covering the war in Iraq, as part of USU’s ongoing Media and Society Lecture series.
Flintoff talked about the struggle that he and other reporters have had reporting on a war with a constantly changing front. He compared the war to a “Hydra” with many different heads like the different strategies and targets that have been seen in the war, he said.
“When one head is muzzled, another arises,” said Flintoff. He also said that reporters need to figure out how to report with constant change in Iraq and interpret what is being told.
With so many different “heads” in the war, another challenge is getting enough reporters to cover them all, said Flintoff. To have a reporter in Iraq requires paying for living expenses, transportation, satellite feeds, and security. A one-way car ride from the airport costs $2,800, he said. The high cost for one reporter in Iraq makes it hard to send enough people over to cover the war.
Because of the price to send American journalists to Iraq, Flintoff said that many reporters hire Iraqis to be informants for them.
“Those are the people that can get out and do the day-to-day leg work,” said Flintoff.
But hiring Iraqi informants is another challenge itself. Many informants that are known to have relations with NPR or other American journalists suffer beatings and kidnapped family members who are held for ransom, said Flintoff.
Because the security situation is so difficult, and information is so limited to journalists, Flintoff said that it is hard to give a genuine picture of Iraq. Reports and claims that are made are hard to investigate, even if you see it happening, he said.
One question that he is often asked, said Flintoff, is how safe it is to be a reporter in Iraq and how that affects his reporting. Because of kidnappings and the target that American journalists are for militia, reporters can’t move independently through the area, he said. The restrictions make it difficult for journalists to get the interviews and stories that they want, he said.
Flintoff said that he was pleased with those that he had met in the USU classes he attended and the intelligent discussions he had with knowledgeable students. He said that students being interested in the war, no matter if they are for or against it, is patriotic.
“I have been very, very impressed,” said Flintoff.
The Media and Society Lecture series is sponsored by the Associated Students of Utah State University, the journalism and communication department, the political science department, and Utah Public Radio.
What do you think? Hit "Comment" link below.Khaivien's Story—Intramural Soccer
Soccer—a ‘non-contact’ sport
By Khaivien Thach
By Khaivien Thach
After sending the ball flying back up the field, junior, Matt Lloyd gets tripped and landed face down in the cold mud. He got up and wiped off his face with a look of disgust. On the sideline, his girlfriend, freshman Jesse Stokes, knows exactly what was going through Lloyd’s mind at that moment.
“It’s freezing,” said Stokes. “I can’t believe this is supposed to be spring.”
Lloyd is one out of dozens of students playing in this year’s spring intramural soccer tournament. Ex-high school soccer standouts and wannabe athletes mix together to play in the 12-team, double elimination tournament for four weeks until a champion is finally chosen.
Many of the players in the tournament aren’t new to intramural sports or spring soccer and most of them agree that this year has definitely been different that tournaments in previous years. Late winter weather and changes to intramural rules have been two things that these students have had to get used to.
Because of the rising number of fights and unsportsmanlike behavior in intramural sports, campus recreation has cracked down on students that let their temper get out of control, said one USU intramural director. Intramural officials are trained to look closely for fouls and help end any arguments between players.
“We’re calling everything really tight this year,” said the director. “If you fight, you’re out.”
The rules are made to protect students that are playing, the director said, but most of the students playing said they are annoyed with the changes.
“The tempo of the game gets screwed up when they blow the whistle because of a little contact,” said Lloyd.
In their first game of the seasons Lloyd’s team, named the Dirtybirds, were affected by the new rules. One of their players pushed an opposing player out of bounds. Intramural directors quickly rushed over and immediately threw both players out of the game. The Dirtybirds only had 11 players that game and had to play short for the rest of the time, putting them at an unfair disadvantage, said Lloyd.
Intramural athletes have also had to endure unfavorable playing conditions this spring. Because of a light snowstorm, the first game of the tournament was postponed by a couple of days in hopes that the snow would melt enough for the field to be playable, said the USU intramural director. But when the second day came and there was still snowflakes falling, there was no choice but to play the game, the director said.
Up until Wednesday’s semi-final games, the weather hasn’t gotten any better. Players slipping while they kick and dirty uniforms are seen more often during the games. Injuries are more common when players get cold and stiff, said Lloyd’s teammate, sophomore Dusty Hunt.
“It’s normal to play maybe the first game in the cold,” said Hunt, “but playing four games straight with snow falling, in April, is pretty ridiculous.”
The conditions may not be perfect, but junior Clark Pierson, also on the Dirtybirds’ team, said that he tries to focus on the positives of having cold weather.
“Soccer has had the reputation of a sissy sport,” said Pierson. “Games like these make us look tougher and a little crazier.”
Though playing on a muddy field in cold weather, the Dirtybirds have gone undefeated and will play in the spring intramural soccer tournament championship Thursday at 4:30 on the Tower field.
Metta's Story: Museum of Anthropology
USU's Anthro Museum Re-Opens
By Metta Ray
April 17, 2008
The Museum of Anthropology at Utah State University will be hosting a reopening reception on April 26 at 4:30 p.m. in Old Main building room 252 on the USU campus.
The museum has received new case lighting, new paint, new carpet, and exhibit improvements donated by the Office of Museum Services in Salt Lake City, museum supporters Richard and Joyce Shipley and USU. Graduate and undergraduate students have designed and executed the exhibit changes.
A total of thirteen exhibits have been updated including the ancient city of Petra, the origins of writing and the rock art of the local region. According to Utah State News, museum coordinator, Sara Lundberg said “The students in Dr. Pitblado’s course attacked this semester-long project with enthusiasm and energy, and some have taken their exhibits in exciting new directions.” Melissa Allen is an undergraduate student of anthropology and a museum docent. “There’s a brand new exhibit on body modification, it’s gonna be bad-ass” Allen said “I’m hoping to get in on that [project].”
Allen runs the Saturday programs which focuses on a different culture or a different theme every week. “This week we’re doing a class on the culture of India” Allen said “it’s going to be really fun, we’re even doing Henna tattoos.”
The Museum of Anthropology is funded through donations, but mostly through grants. The funding for the Saturday program runs out in June according to Allen, “so we all went to capitol hill in March and lobbied for more grant money.” If the money does not come through, the program will have to stop “I don’t know what we’re going to do, we’re just hoping” Allen said. Attendance is recorded at the museum and makes a difference when trying to earn grant money.
The museum features 24 total exhibits and numerous collections researched by undergraduate students in USU’s Museum Studies Classes. The Museum of Anthropology is open year- round, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. offering hands on activities for both children and adults free of charge. The museum can host groups with advance notice and offer customized lessons to fit any purpose. The museum also offers a newly developed series of educational materials called ‘teaching kits’ that can be used by teachers, students and families if they are not able to go to the museum itself.
What do you think? Hit "Comment" link below.
By Metta Ray
April 17, 2008
The Museum of Anthropology at Utah State University will be hosting a reopening reception on April 26 at 4:30 p.m. in Old Main building room 252 on the USU campus.
The museum has received new case lighting, new paint, new carpet, and exhibit improvements donated by the Office of Museum Services in Salt Lake City, museum supporters Richard and Joyce Shipley and USU. Graduate and undergraduate students have designed and executed the exhibit changes.
A total of thirteen exhibits have been updated including the ancient city of Petra, the origins of writing and the rock art of the local region. According to Utah State News, museum coordinator, Sara Lundberg said “The students in Dr. Pitblado’s course attacked this semester-long project with enthusiasm and energy, and some have taken their exhibits in exciting new directions.” Melissa Allen is an undergraduate student of anthropology and a museum docent. “There’s a brand new exhibit on body modification, it’s gonna be bad-ass” Allen said “I’m hoping to get in on that [project].”
Allen runs the Saturday programs which focuses on a different culture or a different theme every week. “This week we’re doing a class on the culture of India” Allen said “it’s going to be really fun, we’re even doing Henna tattoos.”
The Museum of Anthropology is funded through donations, but mostly through grants. The funding for the Saturday program runs out in June according to Allen, “so we all went to capitol hill in March and lobbied for more grant money.” If the money does not come through, the program will have to stop “I don’t know what we’re going to do, we’re just hoping” Allen said. Attendance is recorded at the museum and makes a difference when trying to earn grant money.
The museum features 24 total exhibits and numerous collections researched by undergraduate students in USU’s Museum Studies Classes. The Museum of Anthropology is open year- round, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. offering hands on activities for both children and adults free of charge. The museum can host groups with advance notice and offer customized lessons to fit any purpose. The museum also offers a newly developed series of educational materials called ‘teaching kits’ that can be used by teachers, students and families if they are not able to go to the museum itself.
What do you think? Hit "Comment" link below.
Josh's Story—Corey Fintoff
Corey Flintoff NPR Correspondent
By Joshua Arriola
Corey Flintoff walked onto the stage with an air like he had something really important to say, which he did. His speech on reporting the war in Iraq was very eye opening . Him describing how hard it was to interview someone and be in an environment where bombs are going off and gunfire is being traded back and forth almost makes it not worth being a journalist. Yet he reported the war in Iraq with style.
Flintoff is a NPR correspondent who started out at Alaska Public Radio, affectionately called the "Alaskan Mafia." and was the familiar voice on the show "All Things Considered." for 17 years In the summer 2005 he became a foreign correspondent covering places like Jerusalem, Haiti, and Iraq.
He elaborated on the war in Iraq mostly talking about the military presence and the hardship of getting a genuine report to America. He said that censorship by the military is nonexistent because of the difficulty in reporting. Stories of kidnapping interpreters, bombs, and shootings kept all the audience in rapt attention.
Flintoff admonished the journalists that even though they're seeing the exact same things the soldiers are seeing to not to be biased in what you report. As well he spoke on the number of journalist that are covering the war. "!,500-2000 journalists covered the invasion of Iraq in 2003, but today there are only about 74 journalist there today". The war has become old news.
Again Flintoff about the difficult in getting to Iraq. He said that NPR spend a lot of money to get someone to Iraq and just as much to get them out.
At the end of the speech people asked questions about the difference of Shiite and Sunni factions. Shiite he said are ones who believe that the succession of Islam should be the direct descendents of Mohammed and no one else. The Sunni believe it should be handed down to Mohammed's companions. It's funny to think that that's what this whole civil war in Iraq is about.
Flintoff, walked off the stage with a smile on his face. He looked like he had accomplished what he had come to talk about, the difficulty of reporting.
What do you think? Hit “Comments” link below.
By Joshua Arriola
Corey Flintoff walked onto the stage with an air like he had something really important to say, which he did. His speech on reporting the war in Iraq was very eye opening . Him describing how hard it was to interview someone and be in an environment where bombs are going off and gunfire is being traded back and forth almost makes it not worth being a journalist. Yet he reported the war in Iraq with style.
Flintoff is a NPR correspondent who started out at Alaska Public Radio, affectionately called the "Alaskan Mafia." and was the familiar voice on the show "All Things Considered." for 17 years In the summer 2005 he became a foreign correspondent covering places like Jerusalem, Haiti, and Iraq.
He elaborated on the war in Iraq mostly talking about the military presence and the hardship of getting a genuine report to America. He said that censorship by the military is nonexistent because of the difficulty in reporting. Stories of kidnapping interpreters, bombs, and shootings kept all the audience in rapt attention.
Flintoff admonished the journalists that even though they're seeing the exact same things the soldiers are seeing to not to be biased in what you report. As well he spoke on the number of journalist that are covering the war. "!,500-2000 journalists covered the invasion of Iraq in 2003, but today there are only about 74 journalist there today". The war has become old news.
Again Flintoff about the difficult in getting to Iraq. He said that NPR spend a lot of money to get someone to Iraq and just as much to get them out.
At the end of the speech people asked questions about the difference of Shiite and Sunni factions. Shiite he said are ones who believe that the succession of Islam should be the direct descendents of Mohammed and no one else. The Sunni believe it should be handed down to Mohammed's companions. It's funny to think that that's what this whole civil war in Iraq is about.
Flintoff, walked off the stage with a smile on his face. He looked like he had accomplished what he had come to talk about, the difficulty of reporting.
What do you think? Hit “Comments” link below.
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