USU Budget Cuts
By Powell
As the economic crisis spreads, USU is forced to reevaluate its budget, but in a way that the institution will be “held harmless.”
USU President Stan Albrecht said this Wednesday, as he addressed student journalists’ questions about the $6.5 million legislative budget cuts to the university.
“We are facing unprecedented world market conditions, like nothing I’ve seen in my lifetime. USU is not insulated from the consequences of what’s going on in the world,” said Albrecht.
However, Albrecht stressed that he wanted USU students to face as little negative affects from the cuts as possible. He described several things the university are doing to find the money in places that will keep students insulated.
A six-person Budget Reduction Committee has been appointed, headed by Fred Hunsaker, USU’s vice president. They will work with the deans to find cuts from the various departments. Each department is required to submit a proposal reaching 5.5 percent by Nov. 1 to the committee for review, Dec. 1 final decisions will be made.
Albrecht made clear that no decisions on cuts, including staff and faculty have been made at this point.
“The cuts will not be across the board, we want to be held harmless in an academic community,” said Albrecht.
So where is the university getting the money, or not getting it? Tuition will not be affected by budget cuts, or will student loans, or scholarships said Albrecht. Though it is important to note that Albrecht said the economic crisis will affect those things, but due to university investments, crisis plans, and the UHEAA that ensures student loans in Utah, students will be virtually untouched.
The university, to save money, has deferred several projects and maintenance. Albrecht mentioned that USU is considering any suggestions on how to save money. After Albrecht, on Oct. 15, posted a budget letter, several students and faculty made suggestions.
Four day workweeks, however, are out of the question said Albrecht. Besides that it is hard for USU to meet the hour requirements to be accredited, the buildings still have to be heated on Friday.
“The savings are just too modest for this to be valid,” said Albrecht.
Although, he did say USU is very aware of energy efficiency.
To make money, USU will invest in recruiting. “We will be more aggressive for recruiting out of state students by advertising that USU is still one of the best education deals in the country,” Albrecht said, “it is a great bargain.”
He said that despite the cuts, it is a great time to come because USU ranks 29th in the country for low tuition costs.
Albrecht did not deny that no one, including himself, knows how long the economic downturn will continue. He noted that USU is working hard to ensure a bright future for its students, but that a continued crisis could have devastating affects.
“I hope we’re at the bottom of the hole,” Albrecht said.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Pres. Albrecht
Matt Stice
Pres. Albrecht
In the midst of a serious national financial crisis, USU Pres. Stan Albrecht addressed the current budget cuts Wednesday.
Due to “unprecedented world market conditions,” Albrecht stated state funds have been cut by $6.5 million over the next two fiscal years. As a solution to come up with the needed funds, each department will be cut 5.5%.
A committee has been formed headed by USU finance VP Fred Hunsaker. Each department must have their recommended 5.5% cuts to the committee by Nov. 1st for review. In fear of the effect this cut will have on students, Albrecht assured the group, “That these cuts will have no effect on everyday student life.” He continued, “That he will continue to fight for the students of USU and fight to keep tuition costs as low as they can be.”
When asked what the factors that have caused this crisis are, Albrecht stated, “That the balanced state budget did not for see the market down fall that is taking place right now.” Albrecht joked that he had heard some very simple solutions of just eliminating the football team and that would solve everyone’s problems, he assured everyone that that would not be the case. He did state that private donations will be invested into the football program to make it better.
Even with all the stress of the huge budget crisis in front of him, Albrecht was very optimistic in his address, stating over and over that students will not feel the effect of this cut, scholarships will not be lost, and tuition will not be increased due to the cuts.
Some of the things that will be placed on hold for the time being are certain capital projects, which deal with maintenance; also the search for a dean for the international program will be halted.
While in Washington DC Tuesday, Albrecht stated that he spoke with many presidents or leaders of larger universities, and they spoke of their concern, where their tuition costs were up to $40,000. “Now is the perfect time to come to Utah State.” Albrecht remarked, “If you want a great education for a very modest price, this is the place to come.”
Pres. Albrecht
In the midst of a serious national financial crisis, USU Pres. Stan Albrecht addressed the current budget cuts Wednesday.
Due to “unprecedented world market conditions,” Albrecht stated state funds have been cut by $6.5 million over the next two fiscal years. As a solution to come up with the needed funds, each department will be cut 5.5%.
A committee has been formed headed by USU finance VP Fred Hunsaker. Each department must have their recommended 5.5% cuts to the committee by Nov. 1st for review. In fear of the effect this cut will have on students, Albrecht assured the group, “That these cuts will have no effect on everyday student life.” He continued, “That he will continue to fight for the students of USU and fight to keep tuition costs as low as they can be.”
When asked what the factors that have caused this crisis are, Albrecht stated, “That the balanced state budget did not for see the market down fall that is taking place right now.” Albrecht joked that he had heard some very simple solutions of just eliminating the football team and that would solve everyone’s problems, he assured everyone that that would not be the case. He did state that private donations will be invested into the football program to make it better.
Even with all the stress of the huge budget crisis in front of him, Albrecht was very optimistic in his address, stating over and over that students will not feel the effect of this cut, scholarships will not be lost, and tuition will not be increased due to the cuts.
Some of the things that will be placed on hold for the time being are certain capital projects, which deal with maintenance; also the search for a dean for the international program will be halted.
While in Washington DC Tuesday, Albrecht stated that he spoke with many presidents or leaders of larger universities, and they spoke of their concern, where their tuition costs were up to $40,000. “Now is the perfect time to come to Utah State.” Albrecht remarked, “If you want a great education for a very modest price, this is the place to come.”
Pres Albrecht
President Albrecht
USU President Stan Albrecht addressed the issues of the mandatory budget cut at a press conference Wednesday to students and faculty on the campus of USU.
USU is simply not insulated from the unprecedented world marketing conditions, said Albrecht. A $6.5 million budget cut is the current situation that USU is facing; however, a plan has been instigated by Albrecht to find the money that is needed to make up the $6.5 million.
According to Albrecht, a 5.5 percent cut from each department will help make up the money that is needed. Each department of USU has until Nov 1, 2008 to turn in their budget cuts.
A six- member team has also been assembled consisting of Deans, Provosts and other faculty from USU to take on the challenge at hand.
Even with the gloom of budgets cuts, Albrecht expressed optimism when asked if student tuition costs will rise for USU students in the future. “Tuition prices will not be affected by the budget cuts,” said Albrecht.
“Now is the time to come to USU,” said Albrecht. Out of 30 schools in the west, USU is ranked 29th in tuition costs said Albrecht. “If you want a great education for a modest price, USU is the place to come,” said Albrecht.
Students and faculty of USU are concerned about where the $6.5 million is going to come from. As of now, Albrecht has not seen any proposals from any of the departments of USU. Albrecht and his six-member team are accepting any proposals from students and the public with open arms.
One of the suggestions that has been mentioned, is to cut the football program, said Albrecht. It’s simply not that easy to just cut the football program,” said Albrecht. According to Albrecht, the football team is looked at as a program that has a lot of potential to bring in money for the school in the future.
Albrecht reiterated many times during the press conference, that student’s lives would not be affected by the budget cuts. “Other than faculty complaining about the cuts, students lives will remain the same,” said Albrecht.
Some of the ongoing projects at USU will need to be put on hold, said Albrecht. Examples are; finding a new Dean for the International Program and the globalization efforts from students and faculty at USU. Sports teams and clubs should not be affected by the budget cuts, said Albrecht.
USU President Stan Albrecht addressed the issues of the mandatory budget cut at a press conference Wednesday to students and faculty on the campus of USU.
USU is simply not insulated from the unprecedented world marketing conditions, said Albrecht. A $6.5 million budget cut is the current situation that USU is facing; however, a plan has been instigated by Albrecht to find the money that is needed to make up the $6.5 million.
According to Albrecht, a 5.5 percent cut from each department will help make up the money that is needed. Each department of USU has until Nov 1, 2008 to turn in their budget cuts.
A six- member team has also been assembled consisting of Deans, Provosts and other faculty from USU to take on the challenge at hand.
Even with the gloom of budgets cuts, Albrecht expressed optimism when asked if student tuition costs will rise for USU students in the future. “Tuition prices will not be affected by the budget cuts,” said Albrecht.
“Now is the time to come to USU,” said Albrecht. Out of 30 schools in the west, USU is ranked 29th in tuition costs said Albrecht. “If you want a great education for a modest price, USU is the place to come,” said Albrecht.
Students and faculty of USU are concerned about where the $6.5 million is going to come from. As of now, Albrecht has not seen any proposals from any of the departments of USU. Albrecht and his six-member team are accepting any proposals from students and the public with open arms.
One of the suggestions that has been mentioned, is to cut the football program, said Albrecht. It’s simply not that easy to just cut the football program,” said Albrecht. According to Albrecht, the football team is looked at as a program that has a lot of potential to bring in money for the school in the future.
Albrecht reiterated many times during the press conference, that student’s lives would not be affected by the budget cuts. “Other than faculty complaining about the cuts, students lives will remain the same,” said Albrecht.
Some of the ongoing projects at USU will need to be put on hold, said Albrecht. Examples are; finding a new Dean for the International Program and the globalization efforts from students and faculty at USU. Sports teams and clubs should not be affected by the budget cuts, said Albrecht.
Presidential News Conference
.
NewsHounds Grill USU President
USU President Stan Albrecht underlines a point as he meets with 16 student journalists in a Wednesday press conference about the university’s budget woes. In a wide-ranging discussion, the NewsHounds (including April Larson, shown here) peppered Albrecht with questions about how the university will cope with a $6.5 million cut in state funds for each of the next two fiscal years. Among his responses, Albrecht said no programs or majors will be cut, tuition will not be raised beyond normal inflationary increases, and the football team will not be eliminated. Albrecht has appointed a special committee, chaired by USU Finance VP Fred Hunsaker, which will begin reviewing recommendations from each unit on campus for 5.5% cuts on Nov. 1. (Tim Vitale Photo)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
President Albrecht
Utah State University is not exempt from the economic challenges President Stan Albrecht (USU President) told students Wednesday.
Due to the “financial meltdown” in the country USU has to cut $6.5 million from the budget said Albrecht.
President Albrecht said that students lives won't be affected much by the budget cuts and that he doesn't expect scholarships to be reduced.
A committee of six people has been appointed by Albrecht to decide where the cuts will take place.
Tuition costs are expected to rise but not as part of the budget crisis. Albrecht said that he'll try to keep the rise in costs as modest as possible.
As for where the cuts will specifically come from President Albrecht said no decisions have been made as of yet.
“There have been no decisions on cuts at all,” said Albrecht.
Albrecht said that USU is one of the best places to get an education right now in the entire country.
“Now is exactly the time to be coming here. We are one of the country's best propositions right now,” he said.
Albrecht also said that USU is an excellent university with a modest cost.
“Out of 30 universities in the west, in tuition we're number 29,” said Albrecht.
Each department is going to lose 5.5 percent of its funding. The recommendations for where the cuts will come are given by each department and are due on Nov. 1.
The retirement packages will not be affected. USU has a lower salary than its peers but their retirement packages are better as a way to get and keep good professors at the university said Albrecht.
Approximately $3.7 million that normally goes towards repaving sidewalks and fixing roofs will be cut in the next year Albrecht said.
Some have proposed the possibility of a 4-day-work-week which has been considered by the committee, however its hard for a university to only be in session four days of the week he said.
“It's really difficult for an institution like us to have a 4-day-work-week,” said Albrecht.
Construction of the building behind the Education building will not be delayed said President Albrecht.
When one listened to President Albrecht, it wasn't clear where the $6.5 million cuts would come from but that the after Nov. 1, the decisions would be much more clear.
Due to the “financial meltdown” in the country USU has to cut $6.5 million from the budget said Albrecht.
President Albrecht said that students lives won't be affected much by the budget cuts and that he doesn't expect scholarships to be reduced.
A committee of six people has been appointed by Albrecht to decide where the cuts will take place.
Tuition costs are expected to rise but not as part of the budget crisis. Albrecht said that he'll try to keep the rise in costs as modest as possible.
As for where the cuts will specifically come from President Albrecht said no decisions have been made as of yet.
“There have been no decisions on cuts at all,” said Albrecht.
Albrecht said that USU is one of the best places to get an education right now in the entire country.
“Now is exactly the time to be coming here. We are one of the country's best propositions right now,” he said.
Albrecht also said that USU is an excellent university with a modest cost.
“Out of 30 universities in the west, in tuition we're number 29,” said Albrecht.
Each department is going to lose 5.5 percent of its funding. The recommendations for where the cuts will come are given by each department and are due on Nov. 1.
The retirement packages will not be affected. USU has a lower salary than its peers but their retirement packages are better as a way to get and keep good professors at the university said Albrecht.
Approximately $3.7 million that normally goes towards repaving sidewalks and fixing roofs will be cut in the next year Albrecht said.
Some have proposed the possibility of a 4-day-work-week which has been considered by the committee, however its hard for a university to only be in session four days of the week he said.
“It's really difficult for an institution like us to have a 4-day-work-week,” said Albrecht.
Construction of the building behind the Education building will not be delayed said President Albrecht.
When one listened to President Albrecht, it wasn't clear where the $6.5 million cuts would come from but that the after Nov. 1, the decisions would be much more clear.
Calling All Kissers
I am considering doing a story centered some how on hickeys, but I don't know how to chizzle it down. Anyone ideas?
What's in store for the Aggies?
While some will be dressing up in their scariest outfits for Halloween, members of the USU men’s basketball team will suit up for the first time of the year Friday in the Spectrum, to take on Northwest Nazarene.
The Aggies are coming off a very successful season, sharing first place in the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) for the first time ever and almost making it to the NCAA tournament to close out the year.
The year saw many remarkable feats as head coach Stew Morrill became the winningest coach in Utah State history, and Jaycee Carroll became the all time leading scorer. Carroll has since graduated and moved on to play professional ball in Italy. So how will the Aggies fill his void?
“The Carroll void will be filled by the team,” said Sammy Hislop of the Statesman. “They don't have anybody that can score 24 points every night like Carroll did, so they're hoping for more balance. I think they're still solid at both guard spots with Tyler Newbold and Jaxon Myaer/Jared Quayle.”
It’s obvious that the team will sport a new look this year and won’t have the luxury of depending on Carroll to score 24 a game as they did last year. With the new year it brings out new stars. Center and lone senior Gary Wilkinson has been named a preseason All American and preseason WAC Player of the Year, looks to be a stand out for the team to rely on for his leadership.
Utah State will return three starters this year in Tia Wesley, Tyler Newbold, and Wilkinson, and also bring back key reserves Pooh Williams, Matt Formisano, and Modou Niang. In the preseason polls the Aggies are predicted to take second overall by the media and coaches. Hislop states, “I would agree with that, but wouldn't be surprised if the Aggies ended up winning the regular season (mainly because of the home-court advantage the Spectrum gives them).” Last year the Aggies were 17-0 at home in the Spectrum. They look to keep their unblemished mark this year as well.
“This year’s team will definitely be more balanced scoring wise. No one player on this team will average what Jaycee did. With that being said, if USU has four or five guys averaging 10-11 points per game, they will be much harder to guard then they were in the past.” said Doug Hoffman, asst. AD of Media Relations.
In the past couple of seasons opposing teams could zero in on Carroll in hopes of shutting down the Aggie offense, this year hopes to prove that they don’t have to rely on one person to carry the scoring load and work together as a team. “We have a lot of inexperience defensively, but we have guys who want to work hard and do what coach wants them to do." said Wilkinson.
After playing Northwest Nazarene Friday, the Aggies host Concordia University on the 8th of Nov. and then open the regular season against Montana State – Northern Friday the 14th in the Spectrum.
The Aggies are coming off a very successful season, sharing first place in the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) for the first time ever and almost making it to the NCAA tournament to close out the year.
The year saw many remarkable feats as head coach Stew Morrill became the winningest coach in Utah State history, and Jaycee Carroll became the all time leading scorer. Carroll has since graduated and moved on to play professional ball in Italy. So how will the Aggies fill his void?
“The Carroll void will be filled by the team,” said Sammy Hislop of the Statesman. “They don't have anybody that can score 24 points every night like Carroll did, so they're hoping for more balance. I think they're still solid at both guard spots with Tyler Newbold and Jaxon Myaer/Jared Quayle.”
It’s obvious that the team will sport a new look this year and won’t have the luxury of depending on Carroll to score 24 a game as they did last year. With the new year it brings out new stars. Center and lone senior Gary Wilkinson has been named a preseason All American and preseason WAC Player of the Year, looks to be a stand out for the team to rely on for his leadership.
Utah State will return three starters this year in Tia Wesley, Tyler Newbold, and Wilkinson, and also bring back key reserves Pooh Williams, Matt Formisano, and Modou Niang. In the preseason polls the Aggies are predicted to take second overall by the media and coaches. Hislop states, “I would agree with that, but wouldn't be surprised if the Aggies ended up winning the regular season (mainly because of the home-court advantage the Spectrum gives them).” Last year the Aggies were 17-0 at home in the Spectrum. They look to keep their unblemished mark this year as well.
“This year’s team will definitely be more balanced scoring wise. No one player on this team will average what Jaycee did. With that being said, if USU has four or five guys averaging 10-11 points per game, they will be much harder to guard then they were in the past.” said Doug Hoffman, asst. AD of Media Relations.
In the past couple of seasons opposing teams could zero in on Carroll in hopes of shutting down the Aggie offense, this year hopes to prove that they don’t have to rely on one person to carry the scoring load and work together as a team. “We have a lot of inexperience defensively, but we have guys who want to work hard and do what coach wants them to do." said Wilkinson.
After playing Northwest Nazarene Friday, the Aggies host Concordia University on the 8th of Nov. and then open the regular season against Montana State – Northern Friday the 14th in the Spectrum.
Campaign 2008’s Greatest Hits
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Recommended: From NPR’s Morning Edition today, a funny 4-minute compilation of Campaign 2008’s Greatest Soundbite Hits. Click on the “Listen Now” link below.Listen Now [4 min 44 sec] add to playlist
Morning Edition, October 29, 2008 · After nearly two years of campaign ads, gaffes and laughs, the 2008 presidential election is less than one week away. Some of the campaign's greatest hits have been put together in a compilation not available in stores. Here's a very special offer for all you news junkies and political flunkies.
Related NPR Stories
- Oct. 29, 2008: Obama Campaign Ad Blitz Unprecedented
- Oct. 29, 2008: Analyzing Barack Obama's World View
- Oct. 29, 2008: McCain, Obama Campaigns Full Speed Ahead
- Oct. 29, 2008: Obama Ventures Into Va.'s Really Red Area
- Oct. 29, 2008: GOP Ticket In Hershey, Pa.
- Oct. 29, 2008: Florida's Early Voting Needs Later Hours
Dating vs. Hanging Out and Hooking Up
By Jessica Allen
Ever since the 1970's dating has been suffering a slow and agonizing death as hooking up and hanging out have, for the most part, taken its place on college campuses.
In the article The Shift from Dating to Hooking Up: What Scholars Have Missed by Kathleen A. Bogle wrote "the problem is that traditional dating does not reflect what is happening in college students' lives. Most college students do not go on formal dates, instead they "hook up"".
The article states it is becoming more popular on college campuses that hooking up or hanging out is preferred by students as opposed to formal dating.
Studies have also shown that most students only go on dates for required events or when they are in an exclusive relationship the article states.
Not everyone prefers this route however as Alyse Marchant said, "I think guys should ask girls on dates more because all they want to do is hang out. I think its fun to go out on a date, I think it takes initiative while lots of guys just want to take the simple route and don't want to spend money or time thinking about things to do."
Hanging out is becoming a more popular trend in place of dating, some students at Utah State University noticed.
Tyler Jensen said, "dating in our time has changed a lot as we're starting to hang out more, it's easier to ask out a girl to come with us than just ask her out on date so that she's doesn't feel nervous or up tight".
Jensen also found it helps men as well as he said, "guys can be more relaxed and we can just hang out with a good environment and a good vibe."
Planning a date and coming up with the money for one can be difficult for college students as they are usually broke and sometimes uncreative, Jensen said.
The article states that hooking up may lead to hanging out, talking, and possibly dating though it does not happen very often studies showed.
The article states that hooking up has various meanings and that "peers are very interested in what one another are doing sexually and the term hooking up allows students to convey that something sexual happened without actually "kissing and telling" the details."
However the article stated that hooking up and hanging out are not a permanent form that is evolving.
Studies in 2004, the article stated, revealed that after college students graduated they engaged and preferred traditional dating and rarely hooked up.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Question about sources??
Hello professor. I want to use some info that i foiund on a website in my next story but i am not sure on how to site or quote the source in my stroy. For example if I foun the article at www.awesome.com how would i put tjhat in the article so people know that its from a website?
Please email me back tonight if you can. Thanks for your time.
Casey.
Please email me back tonight if you can. Thanks for your time.
Casey.
Wiggin Out
Sporting synthetic hair of her own, Wiggin Out shop owner Malissia Fuette announced Friday that shaving her head helped her understand customer’s medical dependency on wigs.
“A lady said I didn’t know what it was like to wear wigs because I had to,” said Fuette, “Now I know.”
Some eighty percent of customers of Wiggin Out-Hair Salon are undergoing some type of treatment.
Linda McBride, a cancer patient enduring chemotherapy since June of this year, is becoming a regular of the shop. McBride demonstrated a powerful and positive strength, despite her condition, while browsing through the wigs. When asked about her fight with cancer she said, “It is everyone’s fear and it will hit so many people.” “I’ll never complain about having to do my hair again.”
“There are a lot of regulars,” said Fuette. Among those negatively affected by chemotherapy, the shop also accommodates customers with alopecia, a condition causing rapid hair loss, and trichotillomania.
Trichotillomania is described as a rare hair-pulling disorder.
Walking into the shop, you don’t expect to encounter many horrific stories, but Fuette hopes to shed light to those suffering. “I’m a big empathy person,” Fuette said, “No one goes into cancer with money.” “I want to do service to the people that need it.”
Fuette keeps the prices of the monocrylic hair pieces reasonably low, with a wig at an average cost of $150-200.
Wiggin Out-Hair Salon has been open in Logan for three years, Fuette taking over ownership in July.
“People don’t have to feel segregated to society,” said Fuette, of medical-induced hair-loss. “I don’t know if wearing a wig is vanity as much as it is self-esteem.”
“A lady said I didn’t know what it was like to wear wigs because I had to,” said Fuette, “Now I know.”
Some eighty percent of customers of Wiggin Out-Hair Salon are undergoing some type of treatment.
Linda McBride, a cancer patient enduring chemotherapy since June of this year, is becoming a regular of the shop. McBride demonstrated a powerful and positive strength, despite her condition, while browsing through the wigs. When asked about her fight with cancer she said, “It is everyone’s fear and it will hit so many people.” “I’ll never complain about having to do my hair again.”
“There are a lot of regulars,” said Fuette. Among those negatively affected by chemotherapy, the shop also accommodates customers with alopecia, a condition causing rapid hair loss, and trichotillomania.
Trichotillomania is described as a rare hair-pulling disorder.
Walking into the shop, you don’t expect to encounter many horrific stories, but Fuette hopes to shed light to those suffering. “I’m a big empathy person,” Fuette said, “No one goes into cancer with money.” “I want to do service to the people that need it.”
Fuette keeps the prices of the monocrylic hair pieces reasonably low, with a wig at an average cost of $150-200.
Wiggin Out-Hair Salon has been open in Logan for three years, Fuette taking over ownership in July.
“People don’t have to feel segregated to society,” said Fuette, of medical-induced hair-loss. “I don’t know if wearing a wig is vanity as much as it is self-esteem.”
Monday, October 27, 2008
Arts Cinema
I am wanting to do a story about the Arts Cinema on Main Street. Does anyone know the owners, or have experiences going there? Any info. is helpful. I am think it is pretty old, and the history of the place may be the So What?
USU College Repbulicans Still Have Hope
By Storee Powell
Amidst ever-increasing Obama popularity, the USU College Republicans still have hope for McCain to win the 2008 presidential election.
Vice Chair of the organization, and public relations major, senior Chelsie Hansen said, “Obama ran a better campaign, and we have a healthy respect for the Democrats, but we still have faith in McCain.”
The College Republicans have dedicated themselves to campaigning this last year. They’ve done grassroots in Iowa, Colorado, Oregon, and they will be heading off to Nevada on Oct. 31 to target registered Republicans to make sure they get out and vote.
Jason Schane, a senior majoring in pre-law and the other vice chair, explained that the trip is paid for by the RNC, and any college student can still register (see link at end of story).
According to club president, Kevin Hargreaves, a junior majoring in law and constitutional studies, McCain has several things going for him that give him a chance yet.
“McCain is experienced, particularly on foreign policy. He is a seasoned veteran who has spent his whole life in service to his country,” Hargreaves said.
Hansen noted that even though McCain might be old and not as eloquent as Obama, that McCain has a deep loyalty to his country.
The club said they have their fingers crossed, and they are optimistic about the energy brought on by McCain’s vice presidential pick, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin.
For those unable to go to Vegas, ASUSU will be sponsoring a party for all students on election night, Nov. 4. More details are forthcoming.
Any student can join the College Republicans, even if the student is a Democrat. Hargreaves explained that they currently have 32 members including a very staunch Democrat.
“People just come to find out what a Republican is,” said Schane.
What does a College Republican stand for? The USU Club description says the organization is to promote conservatism, constitutionalism and civic awareness, particularly among those with similar political goals.
“We are here to promote conservative ideals, but none of us have the same thinking,” said Schane.
Hargreaves mentioned he enjoys the “spirited debate” because it is “healthy.” He also said it connects all students with the political process and gets them excited about it.
The club is very organized this year, and very active. They meet once a week, and have many activities including student debates. Also, they locally campaigned for Utah politicians such as Gov. Huntsman. The club said they often get to meet and associate with important party members and leaders, such as the campaign advisors of McCain.
Hansen said, “We have three goals for our club; to allow students to be involved, be informed, and get connections within the party for future careers.”
The unofficial club motto is that the College Republicans have “the best party on campus.” They do fun events such as being on floats for parades, along with local candidates.
“Whether a student is into politics or not, it is great to come and learn and have fun,” said Hargreaves.
While the club does promote conservative ideals, they really hope to educate voters. The club offered their advice for those still undecided on whom to cast their vote for. “We can’t force anything on anyone. There is lots of information available out there, and each person needs to decide for themselves,” Schane said.
“But we still hope they vote for McCain,” Hargreaves said.
For more information on registering to do grassroots campaigning in Las Vegas, go to this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=3QKbqY1AdVajuxtlKeVN8A_3d_3d
Amidst ever-increasing Obama popularity, the USU College Republicans still have hope for McCain to win the 2008 presidential election.
Vice Chair of the organization, and public relations major, senior Chelsie Hansen said, “Obama ran a better campaign, and we have a healthy respect for the Democrats, but we still have faith in McCain.”
The College Republicans have dedicated themselves to campaigning this last year. They’ve done grassroots in Iowa, Colorado, Oregon, and they will be heading off to Nevada on Oct. 31 to target registered Republicans to make sure they get out and vote.
Jason Schane, a senior majoring in pre-law and the other vice chair, explained that the trip is paid for by the RNC, and any college student can still register (see link at end of story).
According to club president, Kevin Hargreaves, a junior majoring in law and constitutional studies, McCain has several things going for him that give him a chance yet.
“McCain is experienced, particularly on foreign policy. He is a seasoned veteran who has spent his whole life in service to his country,” Hargreaves said.
Hansen noted that even though McCain might be old and not as eloquent as Obama, that McCain has a deep loyalty to his country.
The club said they have their fingers crossed, and they are optimistic about the energy brought on by McCain’s vice presidential pick, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin.
For those unable to go to Vegas, ASUSU will be sponsoring a party for all students on election night, Nov. 4. More details are forthcoming.
Any student can join the College Republicans, even if the student is a Democrat. Hargreaves explained that they currently have 32 members including a very staunch Democrat.
“People just come to find out what a Republican is,” said Schane.
What does a College Republican stand for? The USU Club description says the organization is to promote conservatism, constitutionalism and civic awareness, particularly among those with similar political goals.
“We are here to promote conservative ideals, but none of us have the same thinking,” said Schane.
Hargreaves mentioned he enjoys the “spirited debate” because it is “healthy.” He also said it connects all students with the political process and gets them excited about it.
The club is very organized this year, and very active. They meet once a week, and have many activities including student debates. Also, they locally campaigned for Utah politicians such as Gov. Huntsman. The club said they often get to meet and associate with important party members and leaders, such as the campaign advisors of McCain.
Hansen said, “We have three goals for our club; to allow students to be involved, be informed, and get connections within the party for future careers.”
The unofficial club motto is that the College Republicans have “the best party on campus.” They do fun events such as being on floats for parades, along with local candidates.
“Whether a student is into politics or not, it is great to come and learn and have fun,” said Hargreaves.
While the club does promote conservative ideals, they really hope to educate voters. The club offered their advice for those still undecided on whom to cast their vote for. “We can’t force anything on anyone. There is lots of information available out there, and each person needs to decide for themselves,” Schane said.
“But we still hope they vote for McCain,” Hargreaves said.
For more information on registering to do grassroots campaigning in Las Vegas, go to this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=3QKbqY1AdVajuxtlKeVN8A_3d_3d
The Howl That Will Knock Your Socks Off
The Howl is amazing every year but it should be even better this year said Nicole Peterson, member of Student Traditions Activities Arts and Lectures Board.
“Oh my gosh! I'm so excited for the howl this year. It is going to be so fun. Anyone who doesn't come will wish they did,” said Peterson.
Tickets for the Howl will be $10 before the day of the Howl and $15 at the party for USU students. For others,tickets will be $15 in advance and $25 dollars upon arrival.
Bands playing at the Howl will include The Rock Bandits, a Led Zeppelin cover band at 9:45 p.m., Love You Long Time at 11:30p.m. And another band yet to be named at 8:30 p.m. Recycle Percussion will be playing at 10:30 p.m. And midnight.
Dave Carter, Agricultural Science major, said the thing he's most excited about is seeing Recycled Percussion.
“I can't wait to see Recycled Percussion play. That's what I'm looking forward to the most at the Howl,” said Carter.
The Howl will have a haunted maze, located in the Fieldhouse that students can choose to enter upon arrival at the Halloween festival, said Peterson.
The movies “Hocus Pocus” and “The Shining” will be playing for all of those who enjoy getting a little freaked out said Peterson.
Refreshments will be located at the Hub, while pictures, games and costume contests, sponsored by the LDSSA will be located in the basement hallway said Peterson.
Many students are just excited that they get to dress up in costumes for the howl.
“I'm super stoked to dress up as Plutonium man! I'm going to glow in the dark so much people will think I was eating plutonium,” said Mark Vong, Journalism and Communications major.
With all of the activities at the Howl, students are going to have a good time for sure said Bridger Maxwell, Business major.
“I just think its gonna be a freakin party! How could it not be when they've got all this sweet action planned, said Maxwell.
“Oh my gosh! I'm so excited for the howl this year. It is going to be so fun. Anyone who doesn't come will wish they did,” said Peterson.
Tickets for the Howl will be $10 before the day of the Howl and $15 at the party for USU students. For others,tickets will be $15 in advance and $25 dollars upon arrival.
Bands playing at the Howl will include The Rock Bandits, a Led Zeppelin cover band at 9:45 p.m., Love You Long Time at 11:30p.m. And another band yet to be named at 8:30 p.m. Recycle Percussion will be playing at 10:30 p.m. And midnight.
Dave Carter, Agricultural Science major, said the thing he's most excited about is seeing Recycled Percussion.
“I can't wait to see Recycled Percussion play. That's what I'm looking forward to the most at the Howl,” said Carter.
The Howl will have a haunted maze, located in the Fieldhouse that students can choose to enter upon arrival at the Halloween festival, said Peterson.
The movies “Hocus Pocus” and “The Shining” will be playing for all of those who enjoy getting a little freaked out said Peterson.
Refreshments will be located at the Hub, while pictures, games and costume contests, sponsored by the LDSSA will be located in the basement hallway said Peterson.
Many students are just excited that they get to dress up in costumes for the howl.
“I'm super stoked to dress up as Plutonium man! I'm going to glow in the dark so much people will think I was eating plutonium,” said Mark Vong, Journalism and Communications major.
With all of the activities at the Howl, students are going to have a good time for sure said Bridger Maxwell, Business major.
“I just think its gonna be a freakin party! How could it not be when they've got all this sweet action planned, said Maxwell.
Halloween Plans
I am doing a story on what USU students plans are for Halloween. (Are they attending the Howl, going to another party, taking kids trick or treating etc.) If you guys could write what you are doing and or roommates or other students you know. Thanks!!
Holly H
Holly H
Sunday, October 26, 2008
DON’T STEAL OUR OBAMA SIGN (again)!
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THEFTS OF CAMPAIGN SIGNS spread from Logan and other communities out into the countryside this weekend, as the “Obama-Biden for Change” lawn sign posted outside the rural Petersboro home of Brenda Cooper and Ted Pease disappeared on Saturday. The political sign had survived undisturbed for several weeks, but vanished sometime Saturday afternoon. “Brazen!” Cooper said. “They stole it while we were at home.” So the JCOM professor couple replaced their official campaign sign with a hand-lettered version reading, “Don’t Steal Our OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT Sign!!” Residents across Utah have complained about the thefts, but Pease said he was surprised that “anti-Obama forces” had ventured to Petersboro, a sparsely populated part of the county 10 miles across Cache Valley from Logan. “I'm not sure what motivates people to steal political lawn signs,” he said. “It's not like we won’t vote our conscience if we lose our sign. It’s a pretty minor thing, but it’s mean-spirited. It does give you a sense of being targeted, or violated somehow.” Added Cooper, “Maybe they think lawn signs are particularly effective at swaying the Undecideds.” As Election Day approaches, polls show Obama-Biden well ahead of the GOP ticket, although McCain-Palin are expected to win easily in Utah, the reddest of the "red states.”
Saturday, October 25, 2008
International Students
I'm writing a peice on USU's international students and their experiences in Utah. I would like to know what you guys would want to hear about. If you can think of any questions to ask them please respond!
-Maddie Roderick
-Maddie Roderick
Friday, October 24, 2008
Localizing the National Story
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All:Courtney raises an excellent question about how to keep the focus of a story local when a lot of the material is national or even more distant. This is an important question, because toward the end of the semester we will be working on issue stories—topics that are by definition global (like child abuse or emphysema or air pollution). How do you write about BIG topics for the local audience?
There are two examples of good issue stories on the front of the HJ: “One on four drops out of high school,” with a WASHINGTON dateline; and “The facts of teen motherhood,” out of New York. These AP stories provide national context for similar followup stories that could be done with a local/state focus, using local sources.
Get it?
Here’s my exchange with Courtney this morning about her story on make-up.
On Oct 24, 2008, at 10:11 AM, Courtney Schoen wrote:
Question for you Professor Pease,
I’m working on my make-up article, and while research is fun, I’m having a hard time with the proximity idea. I have found interesting info about SLC being “vain” (Forbes) and also the newest information about Palin spending $13,000 a month for her make-up (isn’t that NUTS! I found it at Oregon News), but how do I bring the article back to Cache Valley? And as far as a lead goes, I want to grab the reader’s attention since it’s a feature article, so what do you think about something like this:
Today females feel intense pressure to look their best, however many wonder if the “personal best” counts when it includes caked on foundation, color stay lip gloss, and mega volume mascara.
As you can tell, I’m having a hard time with the lead right now and exactly how to best snatch the readers.
From there, I was thinking this outline. What do you think?
• Discuss the Forbes article about SLC as vainest city (I know that regards plastic surgery more than makeup, but I still like the “vain” part of the study)
• Some stats about makeup expenditures for the nation/or Utah
• Personal amounts spent on makeup
• Personal reasons from girls about why they wear it
• Sarah Palin’s amount to keep her looking vice presidential (!)
• positive opinions about makeup from makeup artists
• negative opinions from girls about makeup
• guys’ views on makeup, extreme opinions on both ends would be fun... love to find a dog quote, I’ve been asking guys, but none of them are willing to be quoted in an article about how a girl desperately needs the makeup. One guy told me white girls need it, black girls don’t ...reasoning....I don’t know.
• I would like to find stats relevant to USU, but I don’t know where to look yet.
I would love any feedback, especially on my sorry lead.
Pease Reply:
All that’s good stuff, Courtney. The way to get proximity into this more global story is to focus on local people and hang the national and state info on it.
So instead of starting with your rather vague and general lead, try something that focuses on the micro and then expand it to the macro.
Something like this, maybe: (NOTE: I made all these facts up! TP)
Courtney Schoen, a 20-year-old USU sophomore, would rather take a beating (or something) than be seen without her Estée Lauder (or something).
The pretty, blond JCOM major from Dallas doesn't even like to leave her 600 North apartment to pick up the morning newspaper without makeup on. “I just feel naked without it,” she said. “Call me nuts, but I won’t be seen in public without makeup.”
Nuts, vain or insecure, Schoen is not alone. American women her age spend $700 gazillion a year on cosmetics, a number that has climbed steadily since the 1920s, when makeup was considered low-class or for cheap floozies.
(That, BTW, is a nut graf that actually includes nuts. Nice, eh?)
....And then go either to other local sources, or start folding in (like baking) your national info. You see how it works? Use a person that readers can identify with, and then expand into the larger story. The key is to use local sources to focus and provide the hook on which to hang the national story, and keep coming back to your local people to keep the story “at home” for readers.
Make sense?
Great stuff about Palin's makeup, BTW—goes along perfectly with her spending $150,000 in six weeks on her clothes. Some “hockey Mom regular Joe”.....
If you haven’t seen them, you might enjoy Jon Stewart the other night on Palin’s Project Beltway clothing budget, and this followup on the average “Joe’s” she pals around with.
TP
STRESS among Students
Hey everyone i want to write my story on stress among us as students. I dont really have an angle yet but i wanted to know what makes you stressed about school and the consequences of that stress in your academic life. Also, what helps you overcome that stress? I would be awesome of you to comment on this topic for me as soon as possible. Thanks ya'll
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Howl
So I don't know if this idea has already been taken but I want to write my story on the howl. Sort of from a preview angle since the day its due is two days before the howl. My sources would be Ncole Peterson who is on the planning comittee or whatever its called, and then one or two other people that helped or are helping put it together. As well I might talk to people that are planning on going, maybe even from other universities.
Let me know what you think about that.
Let me know what you think about that.
JESSICA
jessica, this is just for you. the number of yours that you gave me is one number short. if you read this please write me back on newshounds leaving your number or call me asap (760-4671!) thanks.
What's in store for the Aggies?
I have had a change in topic, I am now going to write my story, as a preview of the upcoming basketball season, since the first game is next friday, i thought it was fitting. Does anyone have any connections with the basketball team?
News IQ????
Guys:
This is kind of fun. Go to this website, part of the Pew Research Center, and take the News IQ test.
The Pew Center is one of the top U.S. research outfits on media issues, and conducts tons of polls and studies—some of which might be of interest for story ideas.
This is kind of fun. Go to this website, part of the Pew Research Center, and take the News IQ test.
The Pew Center is one of the top U.S. research outfits on media issues, and conducts tons of polls and studies—some of which might be of interest for story ideas.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wiggin Out
I am doing my next story about the wig shop downtown. I guess what I am looking for from you guys is...
1) Do you know anyone who wears a wig that might be willing to talk to me? (either for medical reasons, for vanity, or for Halloween)
If you know of any other resources I could contact please let me know.
1) Do you know anyone who wears a wig that might be willing to talk to me? (either for medical reasons, for vanity, or for Halloween)
If you know of any other resources I could contact please let me know.
Albrecht Press Conference
NewsHounds:
Between now and Monday's class, please think about our press conference on Wednesday witth President Albrecht.
A press conference is like a group interview. The single subject (in this case, accompanied by USU PR person Tim Vitale) vs. the entire gaggle of reporters. The subject (Albrecht) is there to answer all questions on any topic, although we will focus on USU's budget woes.
In preparation, you all need to read and study and think about at least these background items. Click this one for the article from USUToday, official USU policy/position. Note that there's a blog at the bottom, with a sampling of comment from mostly anonymous students/faculty/staff. You can take questions from that as well.
This is today's lead story in the Herald-Journal, an account of the president's open forum yesterday in the TSC.
Typically, a press conference begins with a statement from the principal (Albrecht), who then opens the floor to questions. We have only 30 minutes, so we (you) need to be prepared with your questions.
Asking questions is an art. You should not ask yes-no questions, because they let the subject off the hook; many reporters learn this lesson when they ask a loooooong question, listening to themselves talk, and then the subject shoots 'em down
Example:
Q: "Mr. President, in light of the recent blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah............, do you think he's right?"
A: "No. Next question."
So you need to come up with tight, simple, open-ended questions that require at least a sentence in response: "Some faculty and staff on campus are concerned that the budget cuts will mean loss of jobs or programs. How worried should they be about that?" or "Would you talk a little more about your thinking—what programs must USU absolutely protect? and which ones are expendable?" or "There are comments on the USU blog about eliminating the football team in order to save money. How would you respond to those who think athletic teams are a drain on university resources?"
And then be prepared to follow up if the answer is unsatisfactory, incomplete or raises new topics. "So does that mean you dismiss those critics as uninformed?" (Note: that's a yes-no question, but a "yes" answer means you can write that the president "dismissed his critics as uninformed." And a no answer requires more than just "No.") Or, "I'd like to follow up, if I may. I'm not clear on your response concerning...... Can you expand on that a bit?" Or, "If I could follow up: You just said that the program might extend to insurance and retirement benefits. How?"
You also may need to cut the president off if he goes on too long, or starts making a speech. You've seen TV interviewers do this. Don't be rude, of course, but look for pauses to jump in.
On Monday, please be prepared to talk about the budget issue and to noodle the kinds of questions we (you) will ask the president to follow up on what we know so far. Write them down and bring them with you. We'll strategize.
And if you come up with more info on the budget issue, or if there are particular questions about the budget shortfall and how it will affect students, especially, let everyone know through NewsHounds.
Between now and Monday's class, please think about our press conference on Wednesday witth President Albrecht.
A press conference is like a group interview. The single subject (in this case, accompanied by USU PR person Tim Vitale) vs. the entire gaggle of reporters. The subject (Albrecht) is there to answer all questions on any topic, although we will focus on USU's budget woes.
In preparation, you all need to read and study and think about at least these background items. Click this one for the article from USUToday, official USU policy/position. Note that there's a blog at the bottom, with a sampling of comment from mostly anonymous students/faculty/staff. You can take questions from that as well.
This is today's lead story in the Herald-Journal, an account of the president's open forum yesterday in the TSC.
Typically, a press conference begins with a statement from the principal (Albrecht), who then opens the floor to questions. We have only 30 minutes, so we (you) need to be prepared with your questions.
Asking questions is an art. You should not ask yes-no questions, because they let the subject off the hook; many reporters learn this lesson when they ask a loooooong question, listening to themselves talk, and then the subject shoots 'em down
Example:
Q: "Mr. President, in light of the recent blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah............, do you think he's right?"
A: "No. Next question."
So you need to come up with tight, simple, open-ended questions that require at least a sentence in response: "Some faculty and staff on campus are concerned that the budget cuts will mean loss of jobs or programs. How worried should they be about that?" or "Would you talk a little more about your thinking—what programs must USU absolutely protect? and which ones are expendable?" or "There are comments on the USU blog about eliminating the football team in order to save money. How would you respond to those who think athletic teams are a drain on university resources?"
And then be prepared to follow up if the answer is unsatisfactory, incomplete or raises new topics. "So does that mean you dismiss those critics as uninformed?" (Note: that's a yes-no question, but a "yes" answer means you can write that the president "dismissed his critics as uninformed." And a no answer requires more than just "No.") Or, "I'd like to follow up, if I may. I'm not clear on your response concerning...... Can you expand on that a bit?" Or, "If I could follow up: You just said that the program might extend to insurance and retirement benefits. How?"
You also may need to cut the president off if he goes on too long, or starts making a speech. You've seen TV interviewers do this. Don't be rude, of course, but look for pauses to jump in.
On Monday, please be prepared to talk about the budget issue and to noodle the kinds of questions we (you) will ask the president to follow up on what we know so far. Write them down and bring them with you. We'll strategize.
And if you come up with more info on the budget issue, or if there are particular questions about the budget shortfall and how it will affect students, especially, let everyone know through NewsHounds.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Is Guy the right guy?
I am wanting to write my paper about Brent Guy and how there are numerous college coaches getting fired for having a losing season, and he still has a job. I wanted to look at why it might be that he has yet to be fired, possible replacements, the chance that he'll get fired at the end of the season. Any suggestions?
The SKED
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Dear ’Dawgs:As we discussed, the rest of the semester's basic schedule will look like this (subject to change):
1. Midterm on Wednesday (this week):
Section I: short answer IDs;
Section II: AP style/copy editing;
Section III: hard news story fact sheet, write the story.
Bring a pencil (for the editing section) and your brain.
2. Story Assignments: You will write one outside story per week, due Wednesdays, for the rest of the semester (+/-), starting next Wednesday (10/29).
3. Story Ideas: Create and ongoing file of your story ideas, updated in email to me or posted on NewsHounds1 no later than every Sunday midnight. Each week’s posting should include three story ideas, some idea of the focus, answer to the “So what?” question, and three possible sources. Like this....
Example:
What? (slug): Pet adoption
Focus: the need for more homes for unwanted pets in Cache Valley
So what? Even though the new Humane Society animal shelter is open, they have more animals than they can handle and may have to euthanize more.
Sources: Ron Thorkildsen, pres., Humane Society; Irene Animallover (?), shelter manager; Lisa Whosits (?), director of Four Paws (another rescue organization); someone who takes in stray animals as fosters
4. The News Cycle: You should have pitched your story to me and gotten approval no later than Wednesday for the following week’s deadline; we also can settle on stories farther out so you can start working on them. (So we (you) have to hustle for next week’s (10/29) story--email me TODAY!)
5. What Kinds of Stories? Stories may be either hard news or features, but ALL should have some kind of timeliness element, even if it’s not an actual event or fire or bank robbery or something. Will discuss further in class. For example, the people who run Café Ibis would make a great feature story, but what might be a “So what?” Maybe you frame the story in terms of the calendar, and coffee sales are rising as finals approach? Or maybe they have noticed that Republicans buy stronger/weaker brew than Dems? (I’m making this up.) Whatever—gotta find some rationale, some nut graf, some raison d'etre for the story.
6. NEXT WEEK: We meet with President Stan Albrecht for a 30-minute press conference on Wednesday (10/29) at his office. Meet in the newsroom and we’ll troop over (all walking backwards). The subject of the news conference will be his statement on the state of USU's economy; we will need to read up on background on the budget, the USU capital campaign, etc., which we’ll find through the USU PR website. Check out the link I sent you this (Tuesday 10/21) morning for the president’s speech TODAY at noon. Start digging into the USU Today website for other background. This press conference story should not take too long to write—it’s a straight hard news story. If I were doing it, I’d write it as soon after the event as possible, and file it that night or Thursday. But you're busy people. Let's say it’s due Friday by noon.
Further details and bright ideas to follow.
Monday, October 20, 2008
College Republicans
I am doing a story on the College Republicans on our campus. Is there anything in particular a reader (you) would want to know about what they do? Would it be interesting to find out what they think about issues like Joe the Plumber or the Tina Fey/Gov. Palin thing?
rugby
so i want to do a story on rugby but im not sure where to focus my story exactly, any ideas? i do have some sources but if you have any that would be great.
Make up or Fake up?
I want to do a story about girls and their make up. I am looking for girls to offer the statistics of how much time they spend getting ready in the morning, how much they spend on products, why they feel they need make up, etc. I also want guys' opinions about how they like make up on a girl ("less is best" "I want a face full of base when I kiss her" etc).
Let me know what you think. I'll be doing other stats research in addition to your input.
Let me know what you think. I'll be doing other stats research in addition to your input.
Story Leads—Week 9 (10/20)
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POST STORY IDEAS HERE
'Dawgs:
Every week I'll launch a Story Leads post where I will post ideas. You can swipe them, comment on them or volunteer your own story ideas to each other. If you're offering ideas, please post them here.
1. Organizations/calendars. Look ahead at coming events at organization websites (Chamber of Commerce, Cache Valley Peace Works, Zombies for Change, whatever). I just forwarded to you all via email an announcement from the Caine School of the Arts at USU about stuff they have planned this week--possible stuff.
2. Bugs? I don't know if this really is a story, but KUSU right now is running a conversation about debugging your house at this time of year before winter. (?)
3. Experts. There is some expert on any topic you can imagine on this campus. Typhoons. Jewelry. Ancient Greece. Economic collapse. Meteorology. If you start with a huge topic that interests you—or some event anywhere in the world—find a local expert to interview.
4. Hunting Season—the deer-murdering season started Saturday.
5. Anniversaries/Seasonal stuff—Use Google to find peculiar upcoming events as a news hook for a story (as in my National Punctuation Day example last week).
More to come.....
POST STORY IDEAS HERE
'Dawgs:
Every week I'll launch a Story Leads post where I will post ideas. You can swipe them, comment on them or volunteer your own story ideas to each other. If you're offering ideas, please post them here.
1. Organizations/calendars. Look ahead at coming events at organization websites (Chamber of Commerce, Cache Valley Peace Works, Zombies for Change, whatever). I just forwarded to you all via email an announcement from the Caine School of the Arts at USU about stuff they have planned this week--possible stuff.
2. Bugs? I don't know if this really is a story, but KUSU right now is running a conversation about debugging your house at this time of year before winter. (?)
3. Experts. There is some expert on any topic you can imagine on this campus. Typhoons. Jewelry. Ancient Greece. Economic collapse. Meteorology. If you start with a huge topic that interests you—or some event anywhere in the world—find a local expert to interview.
4. Hunting Season—the deer-murdering season started Saturday.
5. Anniversaries/Seasonal stuff—Use Google to find peculiar upcoming events as a news hook for a story (as in my National Punctuation Day example last week).
More to come.....
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Next Story Idea Help
Hey guys, I am just brainstorming new topics for our next stories. This is a really weird idea, but I have always wanted to stop in and see what this place is about...there is a wig shop on Main Street. Does anyone have any ideas for a story I could get from there?
Other ideas I had were "What skateboarders do for the winter," the Rockhouse, or finding out the life story of someone in an old-folks home. Let me know what you think.
Other ideas I had were "What skateboarders do for the winter," the Rockhouse, or finding out the life story of someone in an old-folks home. Let me know what you think.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Ballot Tampering? and the Obama gecko
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’Dawgs: I know you are focused on your newspapers over this long weekend and don’t need any help from me, but I commend to your attention (again), the email feature of Slate.com that provides the top stories in the five leading (can you name them?) newspapers every morning.
Today’s top stories (click here for link) discuss alleged vote tampering by (depending on whom you read) either the GOP or ACORN, the community group that has been working to register new voters—apparently including Batman and Mickey Mouse. That’s the “concern” of the McCain people and the GOP generally; critics on the Democratic side say that by simply complaining about alleged voter fraud, the GOP effectively tampers with registration by would-be Dem voters. Then there is a danger that many of the new voters inspired to register to vote for the first time by the Obama campaign will be thrown out, or that's the fear, anyway.
Meanwhile, the Obama campaign has so much money that some quip that he’s running more TV ads than the Geico gecko.
’Dawgs: I know you are focused on your newspapers over this long weekend and don’t need any help from me, but I commend to your attention (again), the email feature of Slate.com that provides the top stories in the five leading (can you name them?) newspapers every morning.
Today’s top stories (click here for link) discuss alleged vote tampering by (depending on whom you read) either the GOP or ACORN, the community group that has been working to register new voters—apparently including Batman and Mickey Mouse. That’s the “concern” of the McCain people and the GOP generally; critics on the Democratic side say that by simply complaining about alleged voter fraud, the GOP effectively tampers with registration by would-be Dem voters. Then there is a danger that many of the new voters inspired to register to vote for the first time by the Obama campaign will be thrown out, or that's the fear, anyway.
Meanwhile, the Obama campaign has so much money that some quip that he’s running more TV ads than the Geico gecko.
Counseling: Beneficial For Everyone
Sitting in waiting room, tapping your pen nervously, you wonder what your friends would think as you sit and fill out the standard questionnaire on top of the torn up cover of “Sports Illustrated”.
Despite some of the stigma that still clings to counseling today, it really is for everyone, Staff Assistant Maren Seamons said.
In regards for what the counseling center helps with, Seamons said that they “say personal and/or mental health issues because it could be anything personal they want to discuss, maybe bounce ideas around.”
From problems ranging from depression, anxiety, home sickness, stress, copping, and varying others, students find refuge and help in the counseling center in the Taggart Student Center at USU.
Mason Gates, a student at USU, said, “I went there after one of my friends passed away.”
Gates further said how he had gone once the year before and currently attends regularly once a week to help him with his grief as well as other problems that he is having.
Seamons said the average number of sessions that students have is around 8 and that they have 7 professional staff members that work full time, 3 pre-doctoral interns, and 2 graduate assistants attending USU in the psychology department.
Animal therapy is also available to students as the counseling center, though some students like to come in simply to pet them, Seamons said.
International students are encouraged to seek visit the center if they need it, Seamons said, but “sometimes there can be cultural and language barriers.”
Seamons further went on and said that they try and get international students in with a counselor first to see how they feel about it and then have them fill out the paper work to make it easier for them.
International students have many of the same problems just like everyone else, like depression, anxiety, or homesickness Seamons said.
But sometimes they have adjustment issues or problems with finding themselves a minority that other students might not face on campus.
Right now, Seamons said, the counseling center is entering it’s busiest time of year as many students start to feel anxiety, depression, and homesickness though the issues that students go in to face are not limited to these.
Waiting lists for on-going counseling are starting to form but if someone needs emergency counseling it is available, Seamons said, a session in the morning and one in the afternoon are set aside for such instances.
Frequently teachers will suggest to the center when they feel that a student is in need of speaking to someone, though not everyone is willing to come in and do not seek out help contacted, Seamons said.
The easiest time to enroll for counseling is just before fall semester starts, Seamons said, and need to be enrolled with at least six credits at USU.
On their website, http://www.usu.edu/counseling/services/, it states that a variety of services are available from group counseling, outreach programs and workshops, animal therapy, and “reach peers” with are “undergraduate students who volunteer time to meet with fellow students.”
Other information about the USU Counseling Center and what it offers can be found at http://www.usu.edu/counseling/.
Despite some of the stigma that still clings to counseling today, it really is for everyone, Staff Assistant Maren Seamons said.
In regards for what the counseling center helps with, Seamons said that they “say personal and/or mental health issues because it could be anything personal they want to discuss, maybe bounce ideas around.”
From problems ranging from depression, anxiety, home sickness, stress, copping, and varying others, students find refuge and help in the counseling center in the Taggart Student Center at USU.
Mason Gates, a student at USU, said, “I went there after one of my friends passed away.”
Gates further said how he had gone once the year before and currently attends regularly once a week to help him with his grief as well as other problems that he is having.
Seamons said the average number of sessions that students have is around 8 and that they have 7 professional staff members that work full time, 3 pre-doctoral interns, and 2 graduate assistants attending USU in the psychology department.
Animal therapy is also available to students as the counseling center, though some students like to come in simply to pet them, Seamons said.
International students are encouraged to seek visit the center if they need it, Seamons said, but “sometimes there can be cultural and language barriers.”
Seamons further went on and said that they try and get international students in with a counselor first to see how they feel about it and then have them fill out the paper work to make it easier for them.
International students have many of the same problems just like everyone else, like depression, anxiety, or homesickness Seamons said.
But sometimes they have adjustment issues or problems with finding themselves a minority that other students might not face on campus.
Right now, Seamons said, the counseling center is entering it’s busiest time of year as many students start to feel anxiety, depression, and homesickness though the issues that students go in to face are not limited to these.
Waiting lists for on-going counseling are starting to form but if someone needs emergency counseling it is available, Seamons said, a session in the morning and one in the afternoon are set aside for such instances.
Frequently teachers will suggest to the center when they feel that a student is in need of speaking to someone, though not everyone is willing to come in and do not seek out help contacted, Seamons said.
The easiest time to enroll for counseling is just before fall semester starts, Seamons said, and need to be enrolled with at least six credits at USU.
On their website, http://www.usu.edu/counseling/services/, it states that a variety of services are available from group counseling, outreach programs and workshops, animal therapy, and “reach peers” with are “undergraduate students who volunteer time to meet with fellow students.”
Other information about the USU Counseling Center and what it offers can be found at http://www.usu.edu/counseling/.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Alumni Association Hopes To Break School Record At True Aggie Night
By Amy Mattson
On Friday Utah State University will celebrate the 90th anniversary of True Aggie Night by attempting to break the school record of the number of people kissing at midnight.
The goal is to have 3000 “True Aggies” to break the old record of 2000, said Tate Matta, Promotions Chair of the Student Alumni Association.
“The school pride and spirit at USU is unbeatable and so we have no doubt we will be able to accomplish our goal,” said Student Alumni President, Alyson Shepherd.
There are fliers, Facebook event groups and ads that will be passed out throughout Homecoming week leading up to True Aggie Night to promote the event, said Matta.
“As always, a huge method of advertising is word of mouth, really nothings is more effective, so we’re hoping people will be as excited about it as we are and tell their friends about it,” said Megan Furniss, Activities Chair of the Student Alumni Assocation.
“Judging by the turnout we’ve had so far and the fact that Homecoming is usually one of the bigger True Aggie Nights, I think the numbers will be exactly what we’re hoping for,” said Furniss.
The plan is that we are returning to the old way of doing it by basically creating a mass of people around the “A”, said Matta. In order to be a part of the record breaking everyone must register between ten thirty and eleven thirty that night and be touching someone who is touching someone who is touching the A at the stroke of midnight.
“We will have a celebrity couple, Athletic Director Scott Barnes and his wife, who will be on the “A”, and then all of the other couples will be in a line touching so that they will all be connected to the “A”,” said Lexie Grant, Activities Co-Chair of the Student Alumni Association.
“What better way to celebrate 90 years of “True Aggies” than by smashing the record of the number of True Aggies kissing at one time,” said Matta.
The Student Alumni Association October 16th press release said that the block “A”, where becoming a true aggie takes place, was erected by the Beno Club in 1917.The True Aggie tradition didn’t begin to take place until 1918 though.
The press release said that the tradition states that someone can only become a true aggie by receiving a kiss on the “A” under a full moon at midnight by somebody who is already a True Aggie.
But, on Homecoming night you can kiss anyone to become a True Aggie, said Grant.
“The best part about True Aggie Night is not only becoming a True Aggie, but seeing they joys in the eyes’ of the newbies,” said Lauren Sparks, Sophomore at Utah State University.
“So Friday October 24th, kiss the record away!” said Furniss
Prepared to teach?
It’s the first day of school. Nerves are shaking throughout her body, dreading the upcoming year. A high level of uncertainty has set in, wondering if she is ready for the school year.
Then the students start filing in one by one as she met them at the door. That is what happened with first year teacher Crystelle Ross. Ross said, “I was so nervous out of my mind before the first day, but once it got closer I realized that I needed to suck it up, because it was coming whether I liked it or not.”
Similar stories can be found throughout the state as young men and women graduate and start teaching children in elementary school. One may question how well these people are prepared. Ross states that she feels like she was very well prepared. Utah State is very well known for its education program, which ranks first in the state, has brought many people to Logan who may have gone other places.
Tarah Crookston noted, “That the education program at Utah State far exceeds the program at the University of Utah, where she transferred to Utah State from, it’s smaller and more convenient.” Crookston continued, “I have been very well prepared, all of my professors were real life elementary teachers, so they know what they’re talking about, and Education Rocks!”
Then the students start filing in one by one as she met them at the door. That is what happened with first year teacher Crystelle Ross. Ross said, “I was so nervous out of my mind before the first day, but once it got closer I realized that I needed to suck it up, because it was coming whether I liked it or not.”
Similar stories can be found throughout the state as young men and women graduate and start teaching children in elementary school. One may question how well these people are prepared. Ross states that she feels like she was very well prepared. Utah State is very well known for its education program, which ranks first in the state, has brought many people to Logan who may have gone other places.
Tarah Crookston noted, “That the education program at Utah State far exceeds the program at the University of Utah, where she transferred to Utah State from, it’s smaller and more convenient.” Crookston continued, “I have been very well prepared, all of my professors were real life elementary teachers, so they know what they’re talking about, and Education Rocks!”
Mono a Concern for Students
Mono, or referenced with a more technical term, mononucleosis, seems to be dreaded by many, if not all, college students. Commonly referred to as “the kissing disease” it is understandable why it is a concern among college students.
According to Dr. Jim Davis, Medical Director at the Student Health and Wellness Center, mono doesn’t have a season like the flu does around this time of year. However, he did say that a lot of people came in to the Wellness Center in late August and early September who were infected with mono.
The mono virus can be more severe in some cases than others. Davis provided this information, “A more severe infection might be severe sore throat, enough swelling that there is restriction to breathing, and presence of abdominal pain with enlargement of the spleen and liver.”
Attending class with mono might not be a great idea as it potentially exposes classmates to the disease. “Fatigue is the biggest factor. Also, being ill, feverish, and having sore throat can severely impair your ability to focus on schoolwork and concentrate on learning,” says Davis.
Most cases are not the severest of severe. Every year, two to three students withdraw from Utah State because of complications of mono. On campus, professors are very willing to work with students who have mono. The best approach to staying in school after contracting mono is to keep your professors informed. They like to know how you are doing and if participation in class is a possibility. Also, your ability to get homework done is important to your professors.
For more information about mono visit the Center for Disease Control’s website at www.cdc.gov
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Flag Football Intramurals
Fast action, long throws; torn shirts and intense play are many of the things to expect from students in the fall at USU during flag football intramurals.
For many students at USU, the fall means it’s time for flag football intramurals. “My passion for the game of football is what gets me out here on the field.” said Mike Cook, an active participant in flag football. For many of the players, this is the only opportunity they have to relive their glory days of high school football. And for others, it is a chance to stay active and make new friends.
The game of flag football is fast pace and very competitive. There are many differences between flag football and regular football. Two forward passes, no contact between players and no “trash talking” makes for one intense game. With only two 20 minute halves, players are forced to play fast. “If you get behind early, it is hard to make a comeback.” said Cook.
When asked about the level of intensity that resides in flag football, Supervisor Collin Bateman said, “The intensity is definitely there.” “We have had one fight this year and many ejections.” said Bateman.
Intramurals are a big part of student life at USU. There are many sports to choose from such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball and flag football. According to Bateman flag football has been a sport at USU for over a decade and doesn’t show any signs of stopping. “You can tell which players played sports in high school.” said Sarah Lambert, an official of intramurals. “Their competitive nature really stands out compared to the students who are there just to have fun.” said Lambert.
All students are encouraged to come out and play a sport. The Hyper building on the campus of USU always has information for anyone who is looking to play. “The internet is the biggest resource we got right now.” said Bateman when asked how students can find information about intramurals.
For many students at USU, the fall means it’s time for flag football intramurals. “My passion for the game of football is what gets me out here on the field.” said Mike Cook, an active participant in flag football. For many of the players, this is the only opportunity they have to relive their glory days of high school football. And for others, it is a chance to stay active and make new friends.
The game of flag football is fast pace and very competitive. There are many differences between flag football and regular football. Two forward passes, no contact between players and no “trash talking” makes for one intense game. With only two 20 minute halves, players are forced to play fast. “If you get behind early, it is hard to make a comeback.” said Cook.
When asked about the level of intensity that resides in flag football, Supervisor Collin Bateman said, “The intensity is definitely there.” “We have had one fight this year and many ejections.” said Bateman.
Intramurals are a big part of student life at USU. There are many sports to choose from such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball and flag football. According to Bateman flag football has been a sport at USU for over a decade and doesn’t show any signs of stopping. “You can tell which players played sports in high school.” said Sarah Lambert, an official of intramurals. “Their competitive nature really stands out compared to the students who are there just to have fun.” said Lambert.
All students are encouraged to come out and play a sport. The Hyper building on the campus of USU always has information for anyone who is looking to play. “The internet is the biggest resource we got right now.” said Bateman when asked how students can find information about intramurals.
The Clothesline Project
The voices of 250 protestors of sexual assault and abuse were defiant in Utah State University’s International Lounge Monday and Tuesday, although there were no voices to be heard.
The Clothesline Project, a visual display of T-shirts designed by survivors of sexual attack, bears witness to violence against women. Susan Crosbie, an office staff member at Utah State’s Women’s Center said, “It is a way for survivors of domestic violence to find a voice, putting their feelings into an art form.”
Every October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the quiet but impactful protest has been a way for the Women’s Center to help community members become aware of the domestic violence crisis in our own valley. “Domestic violence and sexual assault is a lot more prevalent here than we think it is,” said Amber Taylor, a Utah State student involved with the project. “The general public in Cache Valley is not aware,” said Crosbie.
The idea for a “Clothesline Project,” started in the fall of 1990 on Cape Cod, Massachusetts where just 31 shirts hung. According to the Clothesline Project’s official website, “58,000 men soldiers died in the Vietnam. During that same period of time, 51,000 women were killed mostly by men who supposedly loved them.” That statistic alone began the program “that would educate, break the silence, and bear witness to one issue-violence against women,” the website said.
Since then, the project has spread nationwide, and to countries as far as Tanzania.
Patricia Stevens, in charge of the project at the Women’s Center since 1993, has supported this raise of awareness as a therapeutic way for struggling women to get over abuse by getting their message out in the open. “All throughout history women have used clotheslines to get information out,” said Stevens, referring to the transmission of secret information on quilts, used by slaves in the 1800’s.
Along with spreading awareness, survivors used this project to “celebrate a woman’s strength to survive, and to provide another avenue for her to courageously break the silence,” says the website.
“What some people don’t realize is that some of the shirts are celebrations of life,” said Stevens.
For counseling services or help against sexual assault and abuse call CAPSA at (435) 753-2500 or for more information about the Clothesline Project visit, www.clotheslineproject.org.
The Clothesline Project, a visual display of T-shirts designed by survivors of sexual attack, bears witness to violence against women. Susan Crosbie, an office staff member at Utah State’s Women’s Center said, “It is a way for survivors of domestic violence to find a voice, putting their feelings into an art form.”
Every October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the quiet but impactful protest has been a way for the Women’s Center to help community members become aware of the domestic violence crisis in our own valley. “Domestic violence and sexual assault is a lot more prevalent here than we think it is,” said Amber Taylor, a Utah State student involved with the project. “The general public in Cache Valley is not aware,” said Crosbie.
The idea for a “Clothesline Project,” started in the fall of 1990 on Cape Cod, Massachusetts where just 31 shirts hung. According to the Clothesline Project’s official website, “58,000 men soldiers died in the Vietnam. During that same period of time, 51,000 women were killed mostly by men who supposedly loved them.” That statistic alone began the program “that would educate, break the silence, and bear witness to one issue-violence against women,” the website said.
Since then, the project has spread nationwide, and to countries as far as Tanzania.
Patricia Stevens, in charge of the project at the Women’s Center since 1993, has supported this raise of awareness as a therapeutic way for struggling women to get over abuse by getting their message out in the open. “All throughout history women have used clotheslines to get information out,” said Stevens, referring to the transmission of secret information on quilts, used by slaves in the 1800’s.
Along with spreading awareness, survivors used this project to “celebrate a woman’s strength to survive, and to provide another avenue for her to courageously break the silence,” says the website.
“What some people don’t realize is that some of the shirts are celebrations of life,” said Stevens.
For counseling services or help against sexual assault and abuse call CAPSA at (435) 753-2500 or for more information about the Clothesline Project visit, www.clotheslineproject.org.
How Public Displays of Affection Effect Students
Students at Utah State University complain about the public display of affection seen on campus.
Danny Hoerman, a sophomore at Utah State says that he doesn't like seeing people show their affection towards one another in public.
"I wish I could puke on demand so I could show everyone that uses excessive displays of public affection what I think of them," said Hoerman.
Not all students tend to be so adamant about affection shown in public however.
James Calder, a freshmen at USU said that he doesn't mind seeing people show their feelings towards each other in public, as long as its not causing a scene.
"I think that holding hands or a peck on the cheek are okay in public, but when people are kissing really passionately that's when it crosses the line and becomes inappropriate," said Calder.
Almost all people have been affected by public displays of affection in one way or another. What are the positive effects of affection displayed in public?
Brandon Packer of USU said that with all of the negativity seen in the world, he thinks it's great to see that people still love each other.
"I think it's nice to see people holding hands or kissing in public. It makes me feel like there is still love in the world despite all of the bad things happening in the world that you see on the news," said Packer.
Danny Hoerman, a sophomore at Utah State says that he doesn't like seeing people show their affection towards one another in public.
"I wish I could puke on demand so I could show everyone that uses excessive displays of public affection what I think of them," said Hoerman.
Not all students tend to be so adamant about affection shown in public however.
James Calder, a freshmen at USU said that he doesn't mind seeing people show their feelings towards each other in public, as long as its not causing a scene.
"I think that holding hands or a peck on the cheek are okay in public, but when people are kissing really passionately that's when it crosses the line and becomes inappropriate," said Calder.
Almost all people have been affected by public displays of affection in one way or another. What are the positive effects of affection displayed in public?
Brandon Packer of USU said that with all of the negativity seen in the world, he thinks it's great to see that people still love each other.
"I think it's nice to see people holding hands or kissing in public. It makes me feel like there is still love in the world despite all of the bad things happening in the world that you see on the news," said Packer.
Prepared to teach?
I am doing my story on current students/very recent graduates that are going into that will be teachers, some of the questions i've some up with is why they decided to come to Utah State, do they feel they are fully prepared to teach by the time they get done, and why they want to be teachers
Any suggestions ya'll?
Any suggestions ya'll?
More on Nut Grafs
.
NewsHounds:There have been questions about nut grafs. See this link for discussion and resources on how they work.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
PDA
I've decided to write my article on public displays of affection instead of national coming out day. I've already got my sources ready and everything. I'm just wondering if anyone thinks it'd be a bad topic.
Campaign Cartoons
Click here for video.How Did We Get Ourselves in this Mess?!?!!
CAUTION: Don’t be drinking anything when you watch this, because it may come out your nose..... Everyone—McCain, Obama, Hillary, Peez, Cheney, Bill....—is a victim here. Very funny. And sing along!
Here’s one on news. Click here.
Commenting on NewsHounds
You all probably know this, but if you click on the link for each posting (list at left), NewsHounds will give you both your original post AND all comments.
The other way to see comments is to click on "comments" at the bottom, but that's not as easy.
Was that a stoopid/obvious suggestion?
TP
The other way to see comments is to click on "comments" at the bottom, but that's not as easy.
Was that a stoopid/obvious suggestion?
TP
NewsHounds Update (10/15)
.
NewsDawgs!
I am so proud of the way you've glommed onto the blogsite. Use it, abuse it! This should be your chatroom, your dormroom (but I'm not picking up your laundry....).
Remember to come back after you post to check comments.
Somebody test this for me: On the Comments page for your post, there's an option over there on the righthand side to have future comments sent directly to you (??) or is it just to send the comments to me as the blogmeister?
If you can set it on your own posts to have email sent directly to you, try it and see if that's an easier way to get a heads-up about comments.
----
MEMO:
This is what I sent you this a.m., for the record.....
Guys:
I was not planning to be at school at all today, so as not to spread the Plague. But I do have to come in to collection some stuff, and will be available in my office at noon if you want to talk about your stories.
A couple of you have already sent them (and look in today’s Statesman for stories by Storee Powell on musician Jon Schmidt and Courtney Schoen on National Public Radio). Others?
The rest of you--where are you on your stories? Let me know. DUE SATURDAY 6 A.M.!
Everyone: noodle your next story ideas. We'll brainstorm in class on Monday, and you can post ideas and look for feedback from each other on NewsHounds. Everyone please participate.
TP
---
Dear NewsHounds:
I know you are BEREFT (look it up!) but I propose that we do not meet in class tomorrow (Wednesday).
For one thing, I'm getting sick. For another, you guys are working on stories and can use the time.
So...
1. If your stories are already done and sent to me, take the day off, but think about new story ideas. This may be the most difficult part--coming up with good stories that interest you and readers, with a good angle and sources. So noodle stories, think about Michelangelo's David, and email me (or the NewsHounds blog) with story ideas.
STORY IDEAS: Here’s one example that needs some work:
Gripes! What are some of the things that really tick people off? Driving while talking on cellphones (or walking around in the world listening to music or whatever--there are BIRDS!!! hello? and other PEOPLE out here! Wake up and pop those things out of your ears!!!). Or poor grammar. Or old people. Or small, yappy dogs. Or tiny women who drive Hummers. Nachos! is that really cheese (or "cheez")? Or LOUDtalkers. Or apathy--That REALLY gets me going!!! Or sweaters--what's with THAT???! I dunno. What're things that set people off? Noodle this topic. How would you develop this story?
Develop stories like that, starting with topics and focusing in on how you'd construct it. Think about the angle, the tone and the sources. Any one of those things will change the others, so be flexible.
2. If your stories aren't done (you know who you are...), when will they be done? Sooner is better. MEMO ME!--what's the status? Do you have all the sources? Need help? When will it be done? When you finish your story, please post it to NEWSHOUNDS. When you see each others' new stories on NEWSHOUNDS, please read them and offer comments. This is helpful to you and important to the process of thinking about what works abnd what doesn't. Try not to offer evil, snotty comments. If you don't like something PLEASE say so, but try to figure out a constructive and non-toxic way to do it.
3. Send me your story when it's done. This one MUST BE IN MY HOT HANDS (or email inbox) by Saturday 6 a.m. OK?
4. Remember to frolic on the NEWSHOUNDS blog--this is your place to goof around and noodle news stuff. I promise not to delete anything nasty about me (well, pretty much...), but I will take down any other hurtful (or legally actionable) stuff that crosses the line. Try to figure out where that line is.
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
• On Monday: Catch-up, housecleaning, story brainstorming, news quiz.... The usual.
• Wednesday, Oct. 29 FIELD TRIP!!!! We will walk over to USU President Stan Albrecht's office for a press conference. The general topic is fundraising and USU's capital campaign. Go to the USU website for background. We'll talk about this on Monday.
Everyone, take Vitamin C.
Don't be strangers--email me with your story status. See you Monday.
TP
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ampers&nd Communications
6790 W. Center Street
Petersboro, Utah 84325
435-753-3309 • 435-760-1707 cell
ted.pease@gmail.com
Strategic Media Communications
NewsDawgs!
I am so proud of the way you've glommed onto the blogsite. Use it, abuse it! This should be your chatroom, your dormroom (but I'm not picking up your laundry....).
Remember to come back after you post to check comments.
Somebody test this for me: On the Comments page for your post, there's an option over there on the righthand side to have future comments sent directly to you (??) or is it just to send the comments to me as the blogmeister?
If you can set it on your own posts to have email sent directly to you, try it and see if that's an easier way to get a heads-up about comments.
----
MEMO:
This is what I sent you this a.m., for the record.....
Guys:
I was not planning to be at school at all today, so as not to spread the Plague. But I do have to come in to collection some stuff, and will be available in my office at noon if you want to talk about your stories.
A couple of you have already sent them (and look in today’s Statesman for stories by Storee Powell on musician Jon Schmidt and Courtney Schoen on National Public Radio). Others?
The rest of you--where are you on your stories? Let me know. DUE SATURDAY 6 A.M.!
Everyone: noodle your next story ideas. We'll brainstorm in class on Monday, and you can post ideas and look for feedback from each other on NewsHounds. Everyone please participate.
TP
---
Dear NewsHounds:
I know you are BEREFT (look it up!) but I propose that we do not meet in class tomorrow (Wednesday).
For one thing, I'm getting sick. For another, you guys are working on stories and can use the time.
So...
1. If your stories are already done and sent to me, take the day off, but think about new story ideas. This may be the most difficult part--coming up with good stories that interest you and readers, with a good angle and sources. So noodle stories, think about Michelangelo's David, and email me (or the NewsHounds blog) with story ideas.
STORY IDEAS: Here’s one example that needs some work:
Gripes! What are some of the things that really tick people off? Driving while talking on cellphones (or walking around in the world listening to music or whatever--there are BIRDS!!! hello? and other PEOPLE out here! Wake up and pop those things out of your ears!!!). Or poor grammar. Or old people. Or small, yappy dogs. Or tiny women who drive Hummers. Nachos! is that really cheese (or "cheez")? Or LOUDtalkers. Or apathy--That REALLY gets me going!!! Or sweaters--what's with THAT???! I dunno. What're things that set people off? Noodle this topic. How would you develop this story?
Develop stories like that, starting with topics and focusing in on how you'd construct it. Think about the angle, the tone and the sources. Any one of those things will change the others, so be flexible.
2. If your stories aren't done (you know who you are...), when will they be done? Sooner is better. MEMO ME!--what's the status? Do you have all the sources? Need help? When will it be done? When you finish your story, please post it to NEWSHOUNDS. When you see each others' new stories on NEWSHOUNDS, please read them and offer comments. This is helpful to you and important to the process of thinking about what works abnd what doesn't. Try not to offer evil, snotty comments. If you don't like something PLEASE say so, but try to figure out a constructive and non-toxic way to do it.
3. Send me your story when it's done. This one MUST BE IN MY HOT HANDS (or email inbox) by Saturday 6 a.m. OK?
4. Remember to frolic on the NEWSHOUNDS blog--this is your place to goof around and noodle news stuff. I promise not to delete anything nasty about me (well, pretty much...), but I will take down any other hurtful (or legally actionable) stuff that crosses the line. Try to figure out where that line is.
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
• On Monday: Catch-up, housecleaning, story brainstorming, news quiz.... The usual.
• Wednesday, Oct. 29 FIELD TRIP!!!! We will walk over to USU President Stan Albrecht's office for a press conference. The general topic is fundraising and USU's capital campaign. Go to the USU website for background. We'll talk about this on Monday.
Everyone, take Vitamin C.
Don't be strangers--email me with your story status. See you Monday.
TP
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ampers&nd Communications
6790 W. Center Street
Petersboro, Utah 84325
435-753-3309 • 435-760-1707 cell
ted.pease@gmail.com
Strategic Media Communications
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