Sunday, December 7, 2008
About Me
Thursday, December 4, 2008
USU offers self-defense class for women
October 20, 2008
Utah State University is offering a way for female students to learn self-defense and gain awareness.
The physical education class, offered on campus, officially called Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.), is a women-only course taught by USU campus police officers.
The R.A.D. course is focused on developing and enhancing self defense options, so that women will know what their choices are if attacked.
Former R.A.D. student Mary Ince said, "I would definitely recommend the class. It's a lot of fun, you get to meet new people and it's a good step in learning self defense." She added that the class teaches you to think about how you would react in different circumstances.
R.A.D. Systems was founded in 1989 by Larry Nadeau, a former United States Marine. It is a nationwide program that has educated over 300,000 women on self-defense. R.A.D. is designed to help the average woman, with no experience in self-defense or other physical skills training. It is the only program with a free lifetime return and practice policy.
The class concentrates on teaching techniques and providing simulations that have been developed and proven throughout the years of the program.
Kylie Arbon, a current R.A.D. student said, "At first I felt a little crazy running though the drills, but as I got used to it, it became more fun and all the girls really started to get into it."
The final for the class consists of an optional simulation where students can test the skills learned throughout the semester in "real world" scenarios. Students and instructors "pad up" in order to be able to practice techniques full out.
In addition to learning self defense techniques the class also consists of lectures that teach the students how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, what emotional reactions could occur and what the options are if attacked.
Rachel Brighton, the coordinator for Utah State University's Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information (SAAVI) office, teaches a lecture each semester for the R.A.D. class about the SAAVI program.
"The R.A.D. class is fun and it builds awareness," Brighton said. The key thing is that women often believe they are not powerful, but when they walk out of the class they have a better understanding of how powerful they really are, she added.
SAAVI works to promote awareness through events they hold throughout the year. One of the main events is "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes," in which male students race a one mile course around campus in high-heeled shoes. Guys walking around in high heels attract a lot of attention, Brighton said. This event is held annually in April.
SAAVI also has a bathroom project in which about 80 bathrooms around campus, both men's and women's, have posters with information about SAAVI and CAPSA (Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency).
SAVVI is there for anyone who has experienced some kind of violence, Brighton said. "We want them to know that they don't have to do it alone."
Brighton's advice for helping someone who is dealing with sexual assault is to just listen to what they have to say. We have two ears and one mouth and they should be used in that order, Brighton said.
"Tell them you believe them, often their biggest fear is that they won't be believed." It is also good to let them know what their options are and what resources they have available to them. Go with them, and support them, Brighton added.
Brighton became involved in sexual assault and violence awareness when she was a victim advocate at BYU and did an assistantship with a similar program. For more information on the SAAVI program visit their Web site at or call 435-797-1510 for the office or 435-797-RAPE(7273) for the SAAVI Hotline.
Source: Hard News Cafe
Peer instruction at USU helps students improve grades
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION STUDENT: Emily Jensen studies in the Merrill-Cazier library. / Photo by Sarah Miller
By Sarah Miller
November 25, 2008
Each year more than 7,000 students
participate in Supplemental
Instruction (SI) at Utah State University.
The SI program is provided by USU in order to help
students improve their grades. SI offers review and
study sessions two to three times a week for difficult
General Education classes on campus.
Emilee Jensen, a sophomore majoring in nutrition,
said "I see a big difference in my test scores when
I go to SI." Jensen added that she attends SI sessions,
on average, two to three times a week. The SI sessions
are taught by USU students who have previously taken
and excelled in the specific course they are teaching.
The SI Leaders receive special training in learning
strategies and study techniques in order to better help
students.
Milo Maughan, who has been an SI Leader for the USU
1360 class for the past two semesters, said "I enjoy
being able to teach and help people learn, not only
about the subject but how do to better in school. It's
rewarding being able to just help people out."
According to USU's SI Web site, on average, students
who attend SI earn a grade .4 percent higher than those
who do not.
"I think it benefits the students," Maughan said.
"Not only do they get to review over the material but
they get to learn valuable study skills that they will
be able to use the rest of their school career such
as concept cards, effective note taking, studying for
tests, etc."
Being an SI Leader can be a great opportunity for
USU students.
Melissa Hulse, a USU SI Coordinator and previous SI
Leader, said "I am a dietetics major and being an SI
for NFS 1020 really helped me understand the basics
of what I was studying. Even though I was teaching new
students, I still learned a lot myself."
Both Maughan and Hulse said they enjoy being involved
with the SI program.
For more information on becoming an SI Leader or Coordinator
and the qualifications required visit their Web
site.
The SI program was developed by the University of Missouri-Kansas
City in 1973. It is now and international program. According
to the UMKC
Web site faculty and staff from 29 countries and
over 1,500 institutions have been trained to apply their
own SI programs.
Source: Hard News Cafe
Media Pitch: Cache Valley Area Investors Assosication
Ms. Emilie Wheeler:
Hi, my name is Sarah Miller and I am the public relations representative for the Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA). The CVAIA is actively helping locals achieve financial independence and I believe it is something the community would be interested in learning about. The group focuses on creating and building passive income (investments). By building passive income the person is able to have a steady income they don't have to think about. This allows them to focus on what they enjoy doing rather than having a job just to provide an income.
The CVAIA membership is free. Great financial advice is offered at no cost to you in a friendly, non-threatening environment. If actively involved a person can become financially independent in as little as three years.
The CVAIA started meeting October 2 and will continue to meet every-other Thursday. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the Cache Chamber of Commerce building at 160 N. Main Street.
The CVAIA is a great asset to the community. Logan locals should be aware of CVAIA and take advantage of what they have to offer. If you have any other questions please let me know. I would be more than happy to answer them for you and provide you with more information.
Sarah Miller
Public Relations Representative
CVAIA
435-655-2245
sarah.m@aggiemail.usu.edu
Press Relase: Cache Valley Area Investors Association
Preston Parker
President/Founder
160 N. Main Street
cachevaia@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 30 2008
LOVE YOUR JOB, GAIN FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE, AND GET PAID FOR IT
Cache Valley Area Investors Association helping others with finances
Logan, Utah – The Cache Valley Area Investors Association is actively involved in educating others on becoming financially independent through investing.
The object of the CVAIA is for people to learn how to build their passive income (income they don’t have to think about) through investments. President and Founder Preston Parker said that it is important to first invest in yourself. After that real estate, commodities, securities, businesses, and intellectual properties are considered.
Parker said, “The key is to keep expenses low and passive income high.” By doing this people can find occupations they actually enjoy, without having to worry about going to a job they hate just to earn money.
Parker said that if a person is aggressive gaining financial security can take as little as three years to become independent. It could take up to 10 if the person is not as active.
The CVAIA meets every-other Thursday night at the Cache Chamber of Commerce located at 160 N. Main Street at 7 p.m. You can also visit their Web site at www.cvaia.com. Membership is free.
Parker recommends reading books such as “The Wealthy Barber,” “The Millionaire Next Door,” and “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.”
The CVAIA was started in July of 2007. It is a non-profit organization and currently has 50 members.
Contact:
Sarah Miller
Public Relations Representative
CVAIA
435-655-2245
sarah.m@aggiemail.usu.edu
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Position Paper: Burger Planet
• According to the Journal of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine 45 percent of women are currently on a diet. Women in their 30’ and 40’s are more likely to adapt a health regimen. This includes cutting out high-caloric foods. According to WebMD.com, women’s metabolism tends to decelerate by about 5 percent per decade after the age of 40. Due to a decrease in metabolism and other aging factors women in this demographic want healthier choices.
• We propose that Burger Planet use a public figure in order to attract this lost demographic. We feel that Jayne Petersen would be the perfect candidate. Petersen is an adviser to Opal Whitcomb and is nationally recognized as a fitness specialist. She has appeared on Whitcomb’s show, Opal Speaks, several times. Opal Speaks has won multiple Emmy Awards and is the highest-rated talk show in the history of television. Peterson has also published a bestseller on health and will also help develop healthy menu options for Burger Planet.
• It is important to keep the traditional Burger Planet menu, while also adding options that appeal to the health conscious demographic. When a thousand participants were surveyed on what they enjoyed most about fast food, 58 percent said they enjoyed the taste of the traditional burger and fries. By creating a more diverse menu women will have a convenient stop that provides healthier choices as well as Burger Planet’s infamous burger and fries.
We believe that by implementing the key point of this campaign Burger Planet will regain the demographic that has begun to diminish. With the return of these customer’s Burger Planet will see an increase in revenue and the company’s image will be refreshed.
Press Relase: Burger Planet
James E. Muellenbach III,CEO
123 Healthy Way
Gary, IN 46401
877-765-4321
james@burgerplanet.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 17, 2008
NEW OPTIONS AT BURGER PLANET
Jayne Petersen provides new options for Burger Planet customers
GARY, Ind.- Burger Planet has hired Jayne Peterson, fitness advisor, to develop new options for the Burger Planet menu.
“Jayne Petersen and Burger Planet share a commitment toward health,” said CEO James E. Muellenbach III. Together, Petersen and Burger Planet are launching a comprehensive program to assist in healthier eating.
Peterson will work closely with head Burger Planet chef Gerard DuBois to develop new healthier options for customers.
Petersen said "Burger Planet has been a leader in the Quick Service Restaurant industry in offering healthy menu choices. The company believes in encouraging customers to live healthier, active lifestyles and I have spent my life trying to teach women that lesson."
Burger Planet and Peterson are developing a new adult Burger Planet Smiley Meal along with offering new options such as fruit Packages.
There will be a kick off ceremony May 12 at the Burger Planet Franchise at Times Square in New York, N.Y.
Burger Planet was founded in 1943 by James E. Muellenbach I. It employs 48,272 people and has served 52 Billion people. It has 8,921 franchises in every state and 17 countries. Its headquarters is located in Gary, Ind.
Contact:
Burger Planet
Sarah Miller
Assistant Public Relations
877-765-4322
sarah.m@burgerplanet.com
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