Monday, December 10, 2007

Practice News Story 11: Accident

LOGAN, Utah – A Utah State University van carrying 11 people lost control and rolled over several times this afternoon on Interstate 84 just west of Tremonton.

Lt. Jason Jensen was among the first respondents to the scene. Stating it was the "worst scene I’ve ever seen in my eleven years on the force." He describes arriving to the accident and seeing bodies scattered all along the highway. Four people were critically injured in which two needed to be life flighted. Jensen believes reasons to be due to speeding; however, further investigation is underway.

Jenni Johnson, who was driving behind the van said that the van was being passed by a truck when it apparently lost control. Johnson said the van swerved off the road and bodies were "launched into the air". In a state of shock, Johnson pulled over to assist the victims. "I was trying to get them to breath and make sure their necks weren't injured" Johnson said.

"It hits right at the center of who we are," said Utah State University President, Stan Albrecht. "The word tragedy does not really do this justice." Albrecht said that a memorial of some sort will be put together for those who have lost their lives.

The families of the victims are being notified and memorial services are being planned by the administration.

Practice News Story 10: Investigative

LOGAN, Utah - Bill and Melinda Gates were spotted with Ted Turner in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, today. The Gates and Turner met with local African officials on a very low-key tone. Details of their meetings have been kept quiet, however, it is rumored their purposes are to reform the health care programs for the benefit of the community.

They have been meeting on the formation of this program for the last three months in African towns and cities. While Bill is discouraging much information to be shared, he did say the program will be launched soon, and will be holding a press conference next month for further discussion.

Africa has been exposed to several health problems throughout the years. Of these, main concerns are regarding malaria, polio and the HIV AIDS virus. Bill and Melinda believe education should be the top priority of African nations.

"I think we are at a turning point," Gates said. "We have got all this access to technology and people are still dying from these diseases. I am devoting my life to this work."

Mayor of Abuja, Malik Ok said he made calls for help concerning their health care. He is currently looking at proposals and making negotiations with the Gates and Turner. Ok wants a solution that will have longevity and says the Gate’s will fund the project for 10 years.

Ok said, "The World Health Organization and United Nations’ solution was to bring in food. The Gates are looking at the future. They will build buildings, we will be trained, we will be able to teach and they will not be involved anymore."

For more details about the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation visit www.gatesfoundation.org/

Practice News Story 6: News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ClearPoint Instruction to Reshape Cache Valley's Health Care Awareness

LOGAN, Utah - ClearPoint Instruction LLC specializes in the design and development of instructional products and patient education services for health care organizations. They announced today they will be opening their website (http://www.clearpointinstruction.com/)
for online ordering, which will be a great resource to the health care industries in town.

"A large number of our customers are physicians, dentists and surgeons. We know their market and understand their needs," said Preston Parker, Vice President of ClearPoint. "In addition to providing affordable, quality services, we also aim to create an easier environment for both doctors and patients."

ClearPoint Instruction can design and develop a wide range of patient education materials, including workshops, informational pamphlets, books, posters, DVDs, and web-based simulations. “I’m certain our staff will create products that are no more than complete ultimate satisfaction to our customers,” says Mary Ann Parlin, President of ClearPoint Instruction. In addition, Parlin says, “We promise you, your patients will see the main point.”

ClearPoint is a Utah-based company made up of a team of well-trained and highly-experienced designers. Our staff has degrees in instructional technology, curriculum and instruction, computer science, and graphic design. In addition, they have a combined 40+ years of experience in designing and developing instructional products and educational services.

# # #
Contact Info:

Lindsay Larsen
Director, Public Relations
larsenlb22@hotmail.com
Office: 435-710-5777
Mobile: 801-710-5736
http://www.clearpointinstruction.com/

Practice News Story 5: Obituary

NEW YORK - Conan Christopher O'Brien, 44, passed away yesterday due to a tragic accident which occurred during his night show "Late Night with Conan O'Brien".

O'Brien passed away from asphyxiation due to a boa constrictor on the set of NBC while filming on October 3, 2007. While handling the snake, it wrapped around his neck and suffocated him. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the New York University Medical Center.

Conan was born in Brookline Massachusetts on April 18, 1963 to Thomas and Ruth O’Brien. He attended Brookline High School and graduated in 1981. He also attended Harvard University and graduated with a BA in American History and Literature. Having always been talented with his comedic timing and wit, Conan became the president of the school’s comedy journal “Harvard Lampoon”.

O'Brien started his television career as a writer for "Saturday Night Live" and won an Emmy in 1975. He also wrote for other shows such as "The Simpsons", "Southpark" and more. While working for "Saturday Night Live", he met producer Lorne Michaels, who offered him a job to host "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" in 1993.

Having no previous experience hosting a talk show, skeptical producers made him sign a new contract every week in the beginning. But Conan's charm and charismatic personality quickly won the hearts of viewers across America. The Washington Post has described Conan as “modest, wry, self-effacing, and demonstrably the most intelligent of the late-night comics.”

O'Brien was scheduled to take the place of Jay Leno on NBC’s the Tonight Show in 2009. Always modest about his own success, Conan once said, "If I existed 200 years ago, all the other farmers in my community would be like, 'That guy is worthless! He's sitting on a rock, jumping up like a frog, coming up with weird concepts and ideas, making faces, and combing his hair into a giant pastry.' It's a good thing I was born in this century, when superfluous television seems to be part of the economy." He truly had a way to brighten up the lives of all those who watched.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Ann Powel, and his two children, Neve, 4, and Beckett, 2. Funeral services are being held for close friends and family. By request of the family, donations can be made to the Conan O’Brien Memorial Fund rather than flowers.