Thursday, April 30, 2009

Politics

Everyday while reading the paper, then the comments, I have to laugh at people that complain about our political system. Sure none of us completely agree with everything our political leaders make, however if you think for a minute from their view point and if you actually understand our political system you should be rejoicing that our nation is still working. Do research of your own, don't just watch Fox and expect them to give you all the right information. Vote, that is the point of our whole system and if you don't vote don't talk. Write your congressman, we hear this all the time but how many people actually do it, they do pay attention. Lastly sitting and complaining on the internet isn't going to help anyone.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

CAPSA

It is estimated that 2 million to 4 million U.S. women are assaulted by a domestic partner every year, twelve million women (25% of the female population) will be abused in their lifetime and with 6,117 domestic violence calls in one year from Logan alone, it is a blessing that we have one Community Abuse Prevention Service Agency (CAPSA) here locally. CAPSA is a non profit organization dedicated to preventing abuse in Logan. They have a 24-hr crisis help line, education courses, a safe house, and a facility with therapists and social workers.

April is sexual assault awareness month, CAPSA partners with locals to promote their efforts in educating the community on stopping abuse. To start off the month CAPSA and Utah State University team to host “Walk a Mile In Her Shoes.” Gentlemen from the community come grab a pair of high heels and walk a one mile course around the university to kick off awareness month. Next a 5K “Run from Violence” & 1 Mile Walk is hosted by CAPSA. This gives everyone to get out and stretch their legs in the spring weather for a great cause. Finally on June 1st a golf tournament is held for sponsors. Sponsors, depending on the size of their donation, will receive a golf game, lunch, name/logo on a sign and an ad in the Herald Journal. You can also come for lunch or just golf, all proceeds go to CAPSA.

CAPSA is one of the fastest growing non-profit organizations in Cache Valley. Starting out with a hotline to help victims of abuse in 1976 by Marsha Rawlins from her home went to 1996 when major expansion was needed after progressing steadily including the founding of Somebody’s Attic, safe houses and hiring the first staff members. In 2004 a new shelter was built after the community helped build funds for the expansion, the shelter includes eight separate rooms/beds for 32 adults, cribs, two large living rooms and two kitchens. Now they run a 24 hour hotline, an emergency shelter, 4 educational support groups, and an active volunteer program. From July 2006 to June 2007 CAPSA sheltered 371 individuals, 5500 crisis calls, 400 rape related calls and 12,000 volunteer hours.

Thankfully the founders of CAPSA persisted through tough times; the community caught on and helped all they could. Today CAPSA takes donations to provide people that are struggling to create a better life. With your donations and support we could make Cache Valley domestic violence free.

For more information visit us at www.capsa.org

-End-
Written by Amber Winward

Legislature

As a lobbying intern this semester, I found that government officials get a bad rap, in reality we should be thanking them for what they do. Did you know that representatives are normal people with day jobs, and they are representatives on the side? They get paid under $10,000 a session, even though they work year round to get everything in place.

These people create the laws we abide by, that ultimately keep us safe, happy and secure. Sure we all disagree with some legislation passed, but if we didn't have any laws we would be no where. The representatives care, during the session they get hundreds of emails a day and majority of them read them and write back. They care about the people they are representing, obviously else they wouldn't have been elected in. Support your elected representative and remember through them you can make a change.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Week in Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words, as we know. MSNBC posts a Week in Pictures every week. These pictures are the best pictures from around the world, giving us all a glimpse into the world from a different angel. Pictures are normally shot of current events, this week included pictures from Italy and the devastation from the earth quakes. In addition there are amazing photo's of newly bloomed flowers.

Pictures help us to see the things we are learning or are hearing about they show us exactly how it is. While diving into international political studies I have found the things that I am learning really connect once I've seen a picture of the people or their country. MSNBC is a wonderful media outlet, they offer many different resources that are credible. The Week in Pictures isn't always marketed, but it should be something that you check out every week to increase your knowledge of what is happening in our world.

Lucy's Alterations

Logan has some amazing shops for prom gowns and wedding dresses. In our current fashion era modest isn't exactly "in". After purchasing that perfect gown, many need alterations done. Lucy's Alterations is owned and operated by Lucy herself from her home in Smithfield.

She has been a seamstress for many years now, she's talented and easy to get along with. Starting off you'll need to set up an appointment you'll get to hear her wonderful Chinese accent "you come Monday morning, ok?" The minute you walk in her home you will see what she is all about. China, and she is proud of it. After admiring your dress she'll ask questions, take measurements and joke about how pretty you are. When you pick up the finished product you'll realize that her work is fast and flawless. Many come to her after an alteration was already done and ask her to do it again to make it perfect. She'll alter anything you need, adding sleeves and making custom jackets is what she's becoming a professional in.

Next time you are in the market for a perfect gown, don't fear if it'll need some alterations. Buy it and take it into Lucy, she'll do it for less and you'll be satisfied every time.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Obama's dog

Some days i'm surpised what journalists decide is headline news. The Obama's new dog is my latest discovery. In the world i'm sure we have more important news to cover. Everyone gets dogs, however when the president even sneezes we all know about it. I hope all aspiring journalists have good hero's in the journalism field and will make news readable.

Weddings...the money market

While wedding planning I have become slightly discussed with the wedding industry. There are an amazing amount of options from everything you could possibly ever want for your wedding. In addition "traditions" I believe were made up by some wedding planner, teamed with businesses. Why do I have to invite everyone, register at five stores, cut a cake, have a cake, have a book, make everyone wear tuxes, put flowers on everyone, have food, have a beautiful reception, have a dinner or lunch in, decorate every table, have a wedding video, etc. Sure some of it is nice and I really do love planning weddings, just not mine. I do find it crazy though that people can spend up wards of $50,000 on a wedding, I would rather put a down payment on a house.

My advice for people engaged, know what you want, question the "traditions" and don't get carried away with the stupid things. Have fun, listen to peoples suggestions but don't fret over them, remind everyone that yes it is your day, lastly don't give into the emotional marketing done by majority of the wedding industry.

Social Media

While attending the Public Relations Conference a gentlemen spoke about the importance on social media. I couldn't agree with him more that it is important in this day in age when our media outlets are changing constantly, we need to keep up on what is new. However when opening my own personal twitter I have found it to be slightly annoying, and have now limited my friends down to three. I can see the purpose of twitter, having fast news, knowing what is going on, getting the word out to everyone you know or to market for free.

My question today is that is this another fad? When Myspace first came out it was a big deal and stayed that way for many years until Facebook came along and became the newer and better thing. As a personal Facebook user I enjoy it, I think it serves a good purpose but I am not a junky. When I got engaged and didn't change my status on Facebook all of my friends thought the world had ended, precisely the reason why I didn't, to remind everyone that it's okay there are still these things call face to face interaction. I believe we should all try it a little more. Anyways, Facebook is still growing, but may be loosing a little of its edge with all these new social networking outlets. Twitter could become the exact same thing, twenty years from now our kids might laugh at us for our social networking. So should we really be putting in all our time and effort into these outlets? Or should we understand them, let them do their own thing and wait for them to die off?

As for now, I will keep my twitter and my three friends. When/If I find it to be completely useful I will use it more. In the mean time, I will keep looking into more social networking outlets to stay informed in our media world.

Announcement

01/16/2009
For Immediate release

ABC Real Estate
123 Creative Way, Logan UT
84341(801) 555-4567

NEW COMPANY HELPING ECONOMY THROUGH THE HOUSING MARKET

LOGAN – Utah, ABC Real Estate has seen the economy issues, the house market collapsing and has found a way to effectively help people trying to sell homes and people trying to buy homes in these troubled times. Established in 2008 ABC Real Estate is coming to Cache Valley with experience of two mentor companies behind it, the other companies like it are located in California and Salt Lake City, and both have been remarkably successful in there many years of operation. The company uses a creative system to help buyers and sellers in need; all they need to keep pressing forward is some investors.

Preston Parker, President of ABC Real Estate, states that “Our goal is to help people sell their homes, get others into homes and help investors earn a return.” The system has a new creative outlook for the housing market, basically people needing to sell a home or help so it wont be foreclosed will contact ABC Real Estate, investors buy this house using their credit or the money they already possess, the people in need will then pay back the company over a time, with interest. Once the deal is closed the investors will get their money back plus more. It is a living trust system that will give people something stable to invest in during these troubling times. Real estate has proven to be a stable investment through out time, prices never go down they always go up.

Currently the two mentor companies operating under this same process have a 1% failure rate. ABC will handle all the screening of clients, deal with insurance, paperwork and with the investors making it easier on all the parties involved. With the screening of buyers the two other locations have had success in only have 1/100 being late on a payment; in turn this helps investors to get their money sooner with no hassle. In these troubling times this is an investment that investors can rely on, will get a return and can feel safe investing in.

Additional Information contact:
Public Relations Representative
Amber Neil
(801) 222-6687

Immage Press Relase

For Immediate Release
Burger Planet
156 Burgerway
Gary IN, 87265
(659) 569-9547
http://www.burgerplanet.com/

Burger Planet it Promoting Healthy lifestyles with the help of Jayne Petersen

GARY, Ind. – Burger Planet hires new fitness guru Jayne Petersen as they move to help every American increase their health. In the last year they have been making improvements to make their food healthier then it currently is, they have made simple additions of lettuce wraps or sliced apples on the side. With Jayne Petersen they will dive into the health industry reminding people that eating the food they love is great, as long as you tie it with good fundamentals of health. With tours around the country and new advertisements they will remind their loyal customers that they are moving forward to a new age of health.

Burger Planet has been pleasing customers around the world for seven decades, serving about 52 billion customers, currently they have 8,921 franchises in the U.S. and in 17 different countries. With this much success they have served customers with their simple, sustainable, fantastic food. Mr. Mullenbach the CEO of Burger Planet said "Burger Planet cares about its customers. For more than seven decades, the company has succeeded because it put customers first. We listen to our customers, and our customers desire healthy choices." Some of the new healthy options include new salad and fruit, grilled chicken, lettuce or bun options. The hiring of Jayne Petersen will remind customers that Burger Planet cares, and are still progressing.

Jayne Petersen is a fitness guru currently the president and CEO of Looking Glass Inc. a multimillion dollar fitness and health enterprise located in Burbank, Ca. Petersen's success is driven by the thought of moderation and 20 minutes of activity a day is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Petersen focuses on women ages 30 to 40 working on increasing their health, with Burger Planet having the same target audience they make a great team. Most recently Petersen helped Opal Witcomb lose 75 pounds. "I believe women need more options to become and stay healthy," Peterson said, "I love Burger Planet food. It is healthy and everyone loves it. No one I have met doesn't like their food and customer service."

Corny the clown has become a child icon attracting children around the world and has become a symbol to mothers reminding them that Burger Planet is a company they can trust. In Burger Planets new plans they will team Corny and Petersen to tour the country helping women and families alike. Petersen will focus on helping mothers to increase their knowledge on health and corny will remind the children of their favorite restaurant and how much fun he really is.
Events will start on May 12th in New York, New York, on May 14th a New T.V. commercial will air showcasing low carb entrees, in June promos will proceed to 12 different Burger Planets around the country focusing on providing nutritional packets and advice to consumers, in July visits to seven shopping malls will end the new kick off of Burger Planet.

Burger Planet is dedicated to helping their customers, and progressing. Mr. Muellenbach states "I want our customers to realize that Burger Planet is committed to offering healthy choices on its menu. The hiring of Jayne Petersen fits perfectly in the company's overall focus on healthy life styles." This new improvement of this popular company will be spread across the nation, with media following closely behind.

Additional Information Contact:
Public Relations Specialist
Amber Winward
(801) 623 - 9954
email: pramber@gmail.com

Cause Press Release

Feb. 6, 2009
For Immediate Release

Preston ParkerPresident and Founder
160 N. Main St.
Logan, UT 84321
Email: cachvia@gmail.com

Association Helping Build a Stable Education of Financial Success

LOGAN, Utah –The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is dedicated to teaching locals simple philosophies helping them to increase their quality of living. Creating financial independence, while helping you love your job.

Only seven states require financial literacy in high schools, and majority of colleges require no financial education as a graduation component so many Americans learn the hard way to increase their financial literacy. Preston Parker is the President and CEO of CVAIA, starting the association in August of 2007 dedicating his time to the importance of financial education. Using basic philosophies of financial education teaching people how to become financially independent. They meet every other Thursday to discuss new ways to increase knowledge and sharing new opportunities to boost their passive income.

If people learn the right mentality and approaches to investing, they can all be successful in what they desire. People should be able to spend their time doing something they love, not just a job that provides an income. Passive Income largely makes this possible. Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) teaches people how to increase passive income. CVAIA embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange. They practice the methods found in the ideologies of books including Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Wealthy Barber, The Millionaire Next Door, Atlas Shrugged, The Automatic Millionaire, and The Secret. CVAIA began in August 2007 and now has members from many geographical locations and from all walks of life. The members come together with the same belief: that education mitigates the risks of investing.

This association has been running for almost two years, and it is catching on in the community. According to Preston Parker "People are excited to come to the meetings, to increase their understanding of financial philosophies." The main cause of the organization is to boost your passive income leading you to financial independence, "doing work" that you love and giving you education that teaches to mitigate risk and recognize opportunity.

Public Relations Advisor
Amber Winward
pramber@gmail.com

Media Pitch Draft

Dear Charles McCollum,

In these troubling times everyone is looking to save some money and some are re assessing their financial savvy. I have recently come upon some good information that I would like to share with you. The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is dedicated to teaching locals simple financial philosophies to help them increase their quality of living. They are a non profit organization that focuses on a three – fold investment process involving time, assets and experience. It has been running for two years with major success.

If people learn the right mentality and approaches to investing, they can all be successful in what they desire. People should be able to spend their time doing something they love, not just a job that provides an income. Passive Income largely makes this possible. Cache Valley Area Investors Association teaches people how to increase passive income. CVAIA embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange. They practice the methods found in the ideologies of books including Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Wealthy Barber, The Millionaire Next Door, and The Secret. CVAIA began in August 2007 and now has members from many geographical locations and from all walks of life. The members come together with the same belief: that education mitigates the risks of investing.

It is easy to get involved with CVAIA, meetings are held every Thursday at the Logan City Chamber of Commerce. The main cause of the organization is to boost your passive income leading you to financial independence, "doing work" that you love and giving you education that teaches to mitigate risk and recognize opportunity. In the end it will help you as you increase your financial literacy and essentially lead a better life.

For more information please contact Amber Winward, email: pramber@gmail.com or by phone: 801-669-9996

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Juniper Take Out

You may feel at home when you walk in, or have to take a breath in between bites and realize you’re not at grandma’s house, you must be at Juniper take out. This little hidden treasure of Logan Utah pleases college students and locals alike. With their wonderful home town cooking, great customer service and fun environment there isn’t anything you won’t love about Juniper.

Kirk Hoth began working in the restaurant business with his father, later managed the family restaurant. Ten years later Kirk decided to open his own restaurant. On January 29, 1991 Juniper Take Out opened for business in the Albertson’s shopping plaza. It started small as just a take out business, however with growing popularity in 1993 Juniper Take Out doubled in size including seating for casual dining. Business continued to increase; in 2005 more square footage was acquired.

Juniper Take out isn’t fast food, nor full service. They are the best of both worlds, they cut and grind their own meats, use their own recipes for their wonderful rolls, cookies, sauces, soups and more. The minute you order is the minute they start making your meal, making it delicious every time. Next time you are in Logan Utah, don’t forget to come to Juniper Take Out. Order anything off their wonderful menu; don’t forget the roll and desert and you will leave as one happy person.

ASUSU

You’ve seen all the great parties on campus, attended key note speakers and seen the wonderful advertisements. When election week comes around a large group of students ask the candidates “What do officers actually do?” The candidate might look stunned for a minute because they are thinking “did they really just ask that?” Then they will go on to remind them that they coordinate parties, sit in on important meetings, members of the student fee board, coordinate the government relations council, run the lobbying group and much more. Still to my disbelief students don’t care about the “government” that is affecting them the most.

During elections it is amazing to see how the media controls people, and even more how many people listen and don’t think on their own. During the last elections in November we saw how “important” the presidential race was, and saw little to no coverage on local politics or how the legislative branch was developing. This was partly because of big media ownership but also because people are satisfied with what the media feeds them. Today in the news we see how much money Obama is handing out, when we could be focusing on how the Logan government is corrupt.
Watching the latest school election it doesn’t inspire much hope looking at the people that could one day be in office and the people voting. It is a popularity contest. Majority of people disregarded candidates qualifications, goals and track record instead went by who sally said is “super nice.” The people elected will and can do great things next year, and I wish them all the best. I urge all voters and citizens to pay attention to your local government vote wisely and do your own research.

Arbys

They use to be only known for their curly fries roast beef sandwiches and wonderful sauce. They built their nation wide chain on these staple items. Today they have much more than just roast beef. If you haven’t had a chance to check out your local Arby’s lately, today you should.

You see odd/funny commercials about roast beef, coupons in the mail and Arby shops in our communities. The minute you walk in to your local Arby’s you’ll realize that they have transformed, for the better. Have no fear they still have the classics, in addition they have one of the widest spreads of food in the fast food industry. Classic roast beef, curly fries, salads, sandwiches, shakes, wraps, chicken, you name it they probably have it. They will please any pallet. Other “fast food” restaurants either have to wide of a spread and bad quality or minimal options.

Arby’s prides themselves in the quality of all their products. Try anything, you will be satisfied and probably want more. With great prices and excellent service look no further, “Think Arby’s.”

Shanks Floral

We all love the local mom and pop stores, they make you feel welcome, at home and you can count on good deals. Shanks Floral is the family owned floral business of Bountiful. They are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. They keep costs down and wonderful customer service up to make sure you are pleased with every purchase.

With out having the fridges full of flowers and too many employees running around Shanks saves money, so they don’t have to charge you more. Instead they take custom orders for any event you could need flowers for, and they turn out magnificent every time. They can make everything from weddings, funerals, center pieces, prom flowers, home floral arrangements, and more. With custom orders you are able to decide what you want, they will add in their expertise and the end result is you being extremely pleased.

Their employees are dedicated to their work, many of them working there for years mastering their floral skills. Their newest addition is Kimberly she is straight out of floral school and an expert on flora designs for weddings she is prepared to make your floral arrangements to compliment you on your special day. While you are in ordering your flowers don’t forget to check out their adorable home décor. They are not your typical flower shop, they are much better.