Utah State University

November 17, 18 & 19, 2003 Utah State in the News

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

ACADEMIC OUTSIDERS

For three students at Utah State University, home is where the tent is. Benjamin W. Abbott, Benjamin J. Taylor, and Sarah Wagstaff have forgone typical dormitory life to spend every night camping outside. They carry many of their possessions, including camping gear and freeze-dried food, on their backs and set up their tents at various spots on and off the campus. Sometimes they camp together, sometimes not. (The Chronicle, 11/21/03)

GLOBAL WARMING TO IMPROVE OUR WINE: HOTTER WEATHER TO HELP NORTHERN VINEYARDS, HURT THOSE IN ITALY, GREECE, REPORT PREDICTS

UTAH STATE PROFESSOR HARNESSES THE POWER OF POOP

They say an optimist is someone who, if you lock him in a room full of horse manure, will dig right in, hoping to find a pony. Having spent the better part of his life toiling in the science of animal droppings, Conly Hansen is one such optimist. Hansen's prized pony, though, has been the discovery of a good way to harness the energy and financial potential of animal waste. "It's a steady energy supply," says Hansen, explaining that the daily dung from 10 pigs, for example, can power a 100-watt light bulb around the clock. Hansen, a professor of food science at Utah State University, and his colleagues developed an "induced blanket reactor," a prototype of which recently went into production at the Ballard hog farm in the western Cache County hamlet of Benson. (Salt Lake Tribune, 11/17/03) Click on:
http://www.sltrib.com/2003/nov/11172003/utah/111753.asp

GENETIC CONNECTIONS: THE QUEST TO TRACE THE TREE OF LIFE

With Utah being a hotbed of genealogy, it seems natural that researchers from the state would help build the ultimate family tree. ... Scientists at BYU, the University of Utah and Utah State University are tackling this monumental task through a pair of National Science Foundation programs. One, the Assembling the Tree of Life program, aims to better understand how the planet's species are interconnected. (Salt Lake Tribune, 11/18/03) Click on: http://www.sltrib.com/2003/nov/11182003/tuesday/tuesday.asp

USU PROFESSOR RECEIVES TEACHING AWARD FROM USDA

Lyle McNeal, a professor in Utah State University's College of Agriculture, has received one of two national Excellence in Teaching Awards this year from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Agriculture Sciences. McNeal will be given a plaque, a trip to an awards ceremony in New Orleans and a $5,000 stipend. (Deseret Morning News, 11/18/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/print/1,1442,525038607,00.html

SEEKING DONATIONS: NEARLY EVERY AREA OF HIGHER EDUCATION RELIES ON GIFTS

Where would higher education be without donations? That could be a rhetorical question. ... Overall, the Utah System of Higher Education lists the state's three smallest schools — College of Eastern Utah, Dixie State College and Snow College — as getting the least in private donations. Utah State University and Weber State University fall in line behind the U. (Deseret Morning News, 11/18/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/print/1,1442,525038583,00.html

FEWER FRESHMEN AT UVSC: ENROLLMENT OF FIRST YEARS DOWN 4 OF LAST 5 YEARS

Each year, Utah Valley State College officials visit every Utah high school with recruiters from other state colleges and universities. ... "We think we've lost out on occasion to Utah State University and other schools of late because the message is lost that we have good programs here," Duckworth said. (Deseret Morning News, 11/18/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/print/1,1442,525038703,00.html

DAVIS HIGH HOLDS RUN/WALK DESIGNED TO PROMOTE HEALING: MEMORIAL HONORS LIFE OF STUDENT KILLED IN ACCIDENT

A memorial run/walk is meant to start healing the community after a Davis High School student died in a car accident. Ryan Hill, who died Oct. 19, was one of six students returning from a leadership conference at Utah State University Oct. 15 when the sport-utility vehicle they were in went off the road and rolled five times. The event, "Healing Has No Limits," will be Thursday with registration at 5 p.m. People can choose to do the 5K run or the 1-mile walk that both start promptly at 6 p.m. Both events cost $15, and all proceeds will be donated to Hill's family. (Standard Examiner, 11/18/03) Click on: http://www.standard.net/standard/news/print_story.html?sid=00031117222001272227

TEACHING TEACHERS: INSTRUCTORS LEARN HOW TO MAKE HISTORY MORE INTERESTING

You might think of them as teacher teachers — instructors dedicated to helping classroom teachers learn new ways of explaining standard school subjects. ... Both districts teamed up with The American West Heritage Center and Utah State University three years ago to apply for the Professional Academy for the Teaching of History in Schools, or PATHS, grant. (Herald Journal, 11/18/03)

JAZZ ENSEMBLES TAKING CENTER STAGE

The Utah State University Jazz Ensembles take center stage to perform the second installment of their fall concert series Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Kent Concert Hall on the Utah State campus. Admission is $5 and students with a valid ID are admitted free. (Herald Journal, 11/18/03)

BRING A FROZEN TURKEY AND GET FREE BASKETBALL TICKETS

Live at D. Dahle Mazda with David James and KC. DJ says they will have a Tickets for Turkey event on 1280 The Sports Zone. Those bringing a frozen turkey for the Utah Food Bank this morning will get UofU, BYU, USU, or WSU basketball tickets, donated by the schools. All the teams went to the NCAA last year. They want to bury KC in frozen turkeys this morning. (KUTV newscast, 11/17/03, 5 a.m.)

FRESH LOOK ON LIFE

Fresh Look on Life: Ben Taylor spent his first semester at USU camping out and now he has friends, Ben Adams and Sara Wagstaff, who camp with him. (KUTV newscast, 11/17/03, 5 p.m.)

COPPER HIGH STUDENT WANTS TO STUDY AT USU

LIVE at Copper Hills High School with ST. The drill team is practicing behind her. ST talks to KC Bell of the Technology Student Association. He says he made a light spot scanner last night, and shows it. He demonstrates it. He wants to go to USU and study electrical engineering. ST talks to teacher Ken McGlaughlin, who has been working on an animatronic head. It repeats his words. (KSTU newscast, 11/17/03, 5:25 a.m.)

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

GLOBAL WARMING TO IMPROVE OUR WINE: HOTTER WEATHER TO HELP NORTHERN VINEYARDS, HURT THOSE IN ITALY, GREECE, REPORT PREDICTS

Climate change may create its casualties, but if the weather keeps warming, Canada's wines will become the cream of the crop. Three U.S. scientists have concluded an international study that shows more northerly grown wine crops, such as those in Ontario and B.C., will benefit mightily from the steady rise in the world's temperatures. The report found that wine vintages improved with the 1.3-degree average rise in temperatures during the past 50 years. "When you talk to grape growers, they will still tell you climate is the final player in how good a vintage will be," said Gregory Jones, Southern Oregon University climatologist and co-author of the report. ... The study, with contributions from researchers at Utah State and the University of Colorado, studied 27 renowned wine regions in nine countries. (The Vancouver Province, Vancouver, B.C., 11/17/03)

A DAY THAT CHANGED AMERICA; NOVEMBER 22, 1963; AFTER 40 YEARS, THE NATION REMAINS DEEPLY SCARRED. THE SLAYING OF THE 35TH PRESIDENT SHATTERED THE ILLUSION OF AMERICAN OMNIPOTENCE, AND FOR MILLIONS THAT DAY STANDS AS A DEFINING MOMENT IN U.S. HISTORY

From an open convertible eight cars behind President Kennedy's limousine, Bob Jackson of the Dallas Times Herald had just unloaded his camera when he heard a sharp pop. Then another burst. Finally a third. Realizing that somebody was shooting at the motorcade, Jackson glanced at the nearby Texas Schoolbook Depository building and noticed a menacing glint from an open sixth-floor window. "There's a rifle," Jackson shouted. But before anyone could snap a picture, the weapon vanished, pulled from view by the assassin. The jolting impact of those 6.2 seconds didn't "hit me emotionally right away," Jackson said from his home in Colorado Springs, Colo. But 40 years later, the nation remains deeply scarred. Lee Harvey Oswald's bullets did more than kill the 35th president; they shattered the illusion of American omnipotence. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the embodiment of the United States' post war vigor and power, had been struck down, prompting his close friend Benjamin Bradlee to write in Newsweek that "we are a lesser people in a lesser land." For millions of Americans, Nov. 22, 1963, stands as a defining moment in their lives, much the same way Sept. 11, 2001, will be remembered by people today. ... "Many of his advisers were the architects of the Vietnam War," said historian Kermit L. Hall, president of Utah State University and a former dean at Ohio State University. "While it would be nice to believe Kennedy would have avoided the great trap Vietnam turned out to be, it's important to remember that the idea of engaging communism wherever it was in the world was very much the Kennedy strategy." (The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio, 11/16/03)

STORY OF JFK'S CASKET IS A CAUTIONARY TALE AGAINST GOVERNMENT SECRECY

The casket that carried the body of John F. Kennedy from Dallas to Washington got dumped in the Atlantic Ocean. Vernon Oneal, the Dallas undertaker who had prepared Kennedy's body for the trip 40 years ago Saturday, wanted the casket back so he could display it in his funeral home. The Kennedy family, not keen about such a morbid exhibition, secured rights to the casket, which had been stored in the basement of the National Archives building in Washington. On Feb. 18, 1966, the casket was drilled with holes, loaded with three 80-pound bags of sand, and dropped from a C-130 airplane to a watery grave off the Maryland-Delaware coast. The whereabouts of the casket had been a mystery until 1999, when the National Archives released a batch of documents associated with Kennedy's assassination. "The flight crew kept meticulous records, and it was one of the last documents we found," Kermit L. Hall said in an interview from his perch as president of Utah State University. Hall, one of the nation's foremost historians and an Ohio State University dean from 1994-99, was one of five citizens appointed by the White House in 1994 to the JFK Assassination Records Review Board. Few Americans, if any, know as much as Hall about the 4 million records associated with the assassination. (The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio, 11/16/03)

1700S COMEDY, 3 NEW WORKS TO DEBUT

A classic 300-year-old comedy and the premiers of three new works — a Utah-based comedy revue, a drama drawn from Japanese folklore and the staged reading of a script about the Vietnam War — are among this week's regional stage offerings. "THE BEAUX STRATAGEM," a comedy by George Farquhar, is set in the early years of the 18th century. It's being staged in Utah State University Theatre's traditional "holiday" time slot — Thursday-Saturday and Dec. 2-6, all at 7:30 p.m. in USU's Morgan Theatre, Logan. There will also be one matinee Saturday at 2 p.m. Colin Johnson is directing the play, which assaults the period's social order. Two London society spendthrifts, down to their last few pounds, go fortune-hunting in a country town and pursue the daughter and daughter-in-law of a local noblewoman. Cast in leading roles are Amanda Beatty, Ryan Hall, Jessie Kassow, Mark Wayne, John Belliston, Greg Wells and John McReynolds. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for USU faculty/staff and senior citizens and $6 for youths and non-USU students. (Current USU students with valid activity cards will be admitted for free.) For reservations, call (435) 797-0305. (Deseret Morning News, 11/16/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/print/1,1442,525038005,00.html

CAVANI QUARTET POISED FOR S.L. RETURN

As Annie Fullard explains it, the members of the Cavani String Quartet enjoy teaching and working with student quartets as much as they love touring and performing. So it's fortunate for them that they can indulge in both. Since 1988, the Cavani has been the quartet-in-residence at the Cleveland Institute of Music. "We're extremely lucky to be resident at one of the major conservatories in the country," said Fullard, who is one of the ensemble's founding members and its first violin. ... Usually, the Cavani holds master classes or does some type of outreach or educational program where it performs. However, their stay in Salt Lake City this time didn't allow them the opportunity of doing that. But the foursome returns to Utah next March. At that time they will give concerts and hold workshops and offer residency activities at Brigham Young University and Utah State University. Fullard is especially looking forward to going to Logan, because of a Cleveland/Logan connection. "Anne Francis, who is the cellist for the Fry Street Quartet (USU's current quartet-in-residence), is a former student at the institute." The Fry Street Quartet has performed with the Cavani in the past. "It will be nice seeing Anne and the others again." (Deseret Morning News, 11/16/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/print/1,1442,525037993,00.html

GROUP PONDERS A UTAH WOLF PLAN

The Wolf Management Working Group met for the first time this past week to go over basic ground rules on how to develop a statewide plan to manage the gray wolf, which is making a comeback throughout the West, including northern Utah. "Mostly we talked about how do we work, how do we address the issues and the nuts and bolts of upcoming meetings," said Miles Moretti, assistant director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The group consists of representatives of the Ute tribe, professors, wolf advocates, hunters, ranchers, elected officials, environmentalists and a member of the Utah Wildlife Board. The Wolf Forum, Utah State University, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, Utah Farm Bureau, Utah Wool Growers, Utah Association of Counties, the Ute Indian Tribe, Utah Audubon and Utah Wildlife Federation are all represented. (Deseret Morning News, 11/16/03) Click on:
http://deseretnews.com/dn/print/1,1442,525038246,00.html

USU CHIEF WARNS AGAINST UNDUE SECRECY: JFK EXPERT ASKS FOR MORE OPEN RECORDS ON 9/11

Unnecessary secrecy with documents about the John F. Kennedy assassination fueled wild and untrue conspiracy theories — and new secrecy about the 9/11 attacks may do the same, Utah State University President Kermit L. Hall warned National Archives officials Friday. He cautioned that if the government is not more open, "We will end up manufacturing a history that is littered with conspiracy (theories), littered with half-explanations, and one that goes to the very integrity of the American government." Hall is considered an expert on the JFK assassination, which marks its 40th anniversary next Saturday. He was on a five-member commission created by Congress in the mid-1990s to sift through 4.5 million documents about it and publicly release as much as possible. He says 99.8 percent was released. He spoke about it Friday in a public lecture at National Archives headquarters, where most of his audience were archivists who often decide what should be released to the public. Hall was also making the rounds with national news media for interviews. (Deseret Morning News, 11/15/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/print/1,1442,525038115,00.html

2 MORE DEER FOUND WITH CWD

Two more deer have tested positive for chronic wasting disease, bringing to eight the total number found in Utah. The latest cases — two reported on Friday and one recorded earlier in the week — all came from the LaSal unit east of Moab. This means that five of the eight deer found to have CWD came from the LaSal unit. Leslie McFarlane, who is heading the CWD program for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, said the fact more cases were found in the unit is not surprising, "but we're a little surprised that this area was such a hot spot." ... The DWR will test nearly 3,100 deer this year for CWD. Tests are being done at Utah State University. (Deseret Morning News, 11/15/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/print/1,1442,525038099,00.html

TRUCKS HELP FANS CEMENT ALLEGIANCE TO THEIR TEAMS

As if you needed more evidence that sports are taking over the world, now you can follow your local team — literally — on the side of cement trucks. North Ogden-based Staker & Parson Cos., the largest of several Utah producers of sand, gravel and concrete, is wrapping its cement mixers with the colors, logos and pictures of local sports hotbeds including Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, Utah State, Weber State, Dixie State and the Utah Grizzlies. "It's on their dime," said Staker & Parson spokeswoman Lindsay Rowles. "It's just a way to say, 'Let's give back to the community.' It's a cool sight — they're going slow; you can see it as you pass them." So, next time you're stuck behind a concrete mixer crawling up Parleys Canyon kicking rocks onto your windshield, don't get mad — just look at the truck's wrapping and think of your beloved Aggies or Utes or Cougars or Wildcats or whatever. (Deseret Morning News, 11/15/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/print/1,1442,525038467,00.html

BUSINESS CALENDAR

Customer service and marketing seminar, sponsored by Utah State University College of Business, with various corporate executives. At Ogden Eccles Conference Center, 2415 Washington Blvd., 7:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Wed., 7:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Thurs. $325 both days, $82-$124 optional packages. Call (800) 472-9965. (Standard Examiner, 11/17/03) Click on: http://www.standard.net/standard/news/print_story.html?sid=00031116201506171230

TOP OF UTAH COUPLES: COMMUNICATION KEY

From communication to friendship, young and older married couples have many similar views on what can make a marriage a positive experience. Random couples living in the Top of Utah talked about what they believe is "The Secret to a Successful Marriage." Communication ranked as the most important facet of having a good relationship. "Without a doubt, the secret to success is open communication and trust," said Bill Burbridge, 60, of Ogden. He and his wife Barbara, 57, have been married since 1966 and have three children. "If something is bugging you, you’ve got to be able to discuss it with your spouse openly," Burbridge said. "That's a critical element." ... A free on-line marriage preparation course is being offered by Utah State University Cooperative Extension Service, in conjunction with the Governor’s Commission on Marriage and the Utah Department of Workforce Services. It’s called "Saying 'I Do': Consider the Possibilities." (Standard Examiner, 11/17/03) Click on: http://www.standard.net/standard/news/print_story.html?sid=00031117004221279766

YOU'VE GOT MAIL: NEITHER RAIN, NOR SLEET, NOR ... UNUSUAL MAILBOXES ...

A little over 100 years ago, the post office set up mail delivery to people scattered over the back roads of America. RFD, or rural free delivery, was a great service to country folks, but its creators probably didn't realize they were also creating a new art form. It wasn't long before the design and decoration of rural mailboxes became a kind of folk art. Now, if you travel the off-interstate roads, you may find a variety of the fruits of people's imaginations. Unusual designs -- anything apart from the conventional loaf-of-bread-shaped, mass-produced metal box -- show up, as postal patrons vie for expression and attention. Choose almost any Utah road, and you'll see occasional decorated examples. ... Even academia has signed on. The Merrill Library at Utah State University in Logan has a folklore collection that includes scores of slides of mailboxes. It also has stories and examples collected by students in classes. (Standard Examiner, 11/15/03) Click on: http://www.standard.net/standard/news/print_story.html?sid=00031114190516589560

GARDEN VARIETY: ONE HOLIDAY FOOD IS GOOD FOR YOU

Thanksgiving will soon be here, and my stomach is already sensing the approach of this holiday and is expanding in anticipation. (At least, that's what I'm telling my wife about my growing waistline.) I think I need a wardrobe for the holiday season, then one for the rest of the year. Thanksgiving is known as a day for not only stuffing turkeys, but ourselves as well. It is ironic that many of the holiday's delectable menu items are off-limits the rest of the year. It is also kind of interesting that many of the traditional foods we eat for Thanksgiving are like the Pilgrims -- not native to our country. For example, the sweet potato is believed to have originated on one of the islands in the Tropics. Although many people think that potatoes are either native to Ireland or McDonald's, they actually came from South America. Even pumpkins, which are used to make those delicious pies, are not native to our land, but to Mexico and Central America. Most of the herbs in the dressing and salads come from other parts of the world. Even the turkey is believed to have originated in northern Mexico. (Standard Examiner, 11/15/03, Written by Jerry Goodspeed, horticulturist with the Weber County branch of the Utah State University Extension Service) Click on: http://www.standard.net/standard/news/print_story.html?sid=00031114191002444706

UNIVERSITY LOSES ITS ROSE: LONGTIME PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARY STEPS DOWN

Although a nearly 30-year career at Utah State University recently ended with her retirement, Rose Marie Ernstrom is busier than ever. The former top assistant to the president cleared out her desk on Friday, Nov. 7, leaving her phone number and instructions for her colleagues to call her at home as needed. A 56-year-old with seemingly limitless energy and enthusiasm, Ernstrom recently rediscovered just how valuable life is. In mid-June, as Ernstrom was discussing with USU President Kermit Hall the possibility of her retiring, a routine doctor's checkup revealed a tumor. The discovery made the decision to retire the only sensible option, Ernstrom said. (Herald Journal, 11/17/03)

THE INSIDE SCOOP ON USU’S PRESIDENTS, PAST AND PRESENT

Rose Ernstrom eased out of the president’s office at Utah State University, slowly and cautiously. As she helped train her replacement by working part-time since September, Ernstrom sat a few desks away from the hot seat that she occupied for more than two decades. While watching the new top assistant to the president, Diane Barnett, jots down a series of instructions from USU President Kermit Hall recently, Ernstrom got a new perspective of the "high pressure job. I thought,, 'Did I do this for 20 years?'" Ernstrom said. "When you’re doing it, you don’t think about it, you just do it." (Herald Journal, 11/17/03)

SOLDIER LEARNED LESSONS AS POW

Looking back on the nearly two years he spent as a prisoner behind enemy lines during World War II, longtime Logan resident Blair Hale calls it "a great experience." That's not to say that Hale didn’t suffer. In fact, he endured a living hell. But in his recently published book, "Sharing Memories of World War II: 1941-1945," Hale writes that with "the most unfavorable events pushed far into the background," he realizes that his time as a prisoner of war taught him things like patience, how to make due, how to accept disappointments and tolerance of other people’s views. ... Hale was among a number of veterans who spoke at the Logan LDS Tabernacle on Friday, Nov. 7. And he was a member of the groups of "valor veterans" who unveiled the new Veterans Memorial at USU on Veterans Day. (Herald Journal, 11/17/03)

WHERE’S THAT AGGIE SUPPORT?

To the people of Cache Valley and the students of Utah State University: Your thoroughly disappoint me! The last two weekends Utah State University has had Saturday home football games. Where the hell have you been? The total attendance for these two games was less than 20,000! How can that be? I view the support for the university as pathetic. (Herald Journal, Letter to the Editor by Christopher Seibert, Sandy, 11/16/03)

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED

Today I spent the day with my dad, Vance Thompson. He is a World War II Air Force veteran, and was so looking forward to the Memorial Dedication at Utah State University today. It was a lovely program and the monument is a beautiful tribute to all veteran. I am so proud of him and his love for our beautiful country, I believe he instilled that love of country in all of his children, two of his sons are also veterans, Greg, Vietnam and Montey, Utah Army National Guard. (Herald Journal, Letter to the Editor by Nancy Thompson Mahler, 11/16/03)

USU STUDENT CRAIG WALLACE HAS HIS OWN NUCLEAR REACTOR

Fresh Look on Life: Craig Wallace is a normal teen, but he has his own nuclear reactor. Philo T. Farnsworth, the inventor of the TV, started the first plans for a nuclear reactor. Craig finished putting his reactor together while he was a senior in high school. Now he attends USU. Craig won second place in the Intel International Science Fair. (KUTV newscast, 11/14/03, 5 p.m.)

Monday, November 17, 2003

GRATEFUL FOR GRASS: MORE CONSUMERS ARE TURNING TO ALL-NATURAL, FARM-RAISED BEEF AND POULTRY

David and Joy Stutzman appear to be living in the peaceful past on their historic Berks County farm, but the animals they raise there are firmly in the future. By feeding their cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys a diet based on the fresh, green fields and pastures of their farm, the Stutzmans produce their Pasture's Pride beef, pork and poultry highly prized by customers from as far away as New Jersey and New York. ... Since then, Tilak Dhiman at Utah State University noted additional benefits of feeding grass, including meat with higher levels of conjugated linoleic acids, powerful anti-carcinogens. Research at Colorado State University found four times the level of vitamin E in grass-fed beef than feedlot beef. (Morning Call, 11/12/03)

TAKE STEPS EARLY TO WEATHER-PROOF TREES: FALL SNOWSTORMS CAN DAMAGE WEAK, ILL-PRUNED SHRUBS

Getting caught with your plants down is embarrassing — but it can also be dangerous. Recent snowstorms wreaked havoc with many gardens — broken branches, bent trees, sagging limbs and damaged structures. Why have there been so many problems? Blame the weather for not encouraging the leaves to fall. Larry A. Sagers is the regional horticulturist, Utah State University Extension at Thanksgiving Point. (Deseret Morning News, 11/14/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,525037668,00.html

GLOBAL WARMING LINKED TO WINE

Global warming may become a worldwide catastrophe, but at least the wine should be good. Researchers from three universities have found that vintages improved as temperatures rose over the past 50 years, especially in areas with cooler climates. But the findings could prove troublesome for vineyards in traditionally warmer regions. ... Jones joined researchers from Utah State University and the University of Colorado to study 27 renowned wine regions in nine different countries. (Standard Examiner, 11/14/03) Click on: http://www.standard.net/standard/news/print_story.html?sid=00031113194506160907

A PRO IN HIS FIELD: USU AGRICULTURAL PROFESSOR WINS EXCELLENCE AWARD

His students know him as "Doc." Former students — some from as far back as 30 years ago and the parents of current students — still come up to say hello to him and reminisce about their days spent in his classroom. While some professors prefer to bury their noses in books, you can find Lyle McNeal in his office every day at 6:30 a.m., getting ready for class or talking to students, or out on the university farm interacting with his undergraduate students. (Herald Journal, 11/14/03)

ANOTHER PART OF THE WHOLE

The second volume of the new radio program "Synecdoche," featuring works by authors form the 2003 Great Salt Lake Book Festival, will air Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m. on Utah Public Radio 89.5 or 915 FM. The program was taped before a live audience at Chapter Two Books in Logan on Nov. 9. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

IRISH EYES ARE SMILING

Patrick Ball, storyteller and Celtic harpist, will perform in Logan on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 in the Eccles Conference Center on the USU campus. Tickets are $12 in advance and for students, $14 at the door and may be purchased in Logan at Accents, Chapter Two Books, Sunrise Cyclery and USU ticket outlets in the Spectrum and the Taggart Student Center. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

SOUNDS OF THE STADIUM

The Utah State University Aggie Marching Band will present its end-of-the season concert, "Sounds of the Stadium," on Saturday, Nov.22, in Kent Concert Hall on the Utah State campus. The concert begins at 7:30 and includes musical highlights of the Aggie Marching Band's 2003 season as well as traditional school songs and fan favorites. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

USU OPERA OPENS THIS WEEKEND

Utah University opera fans return to the Caine Lyric Theatre with USU's opening of “Signor Deluso” and "Suor Angelica" on Thursday, Nov. 13. Both operas are showing nightly on Nov. 13, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance at 1 p.m. on Nov. 15. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

TAKE A MUSICAL SHOWER

The Utah State University guitar ensembles will perform a variety of acoustic and electric flamenco, classical, jazz, and funk music at the Taggart Center Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $3 and students are admitted free. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

TRADING GAZES

Utah State University professor of English and editor of the journal Western American Literature Melody Graulich will be on hand to sign her book, "Trading Gazes," on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Borders Bookstore, 1050 N. Main in Logan. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

IT’S MIDNIGHT AT THE CAFÉ

Poet and Utah State professor of English Michael Sowder will read from his new book, "Café Midnight," on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at Main Street Coffee and News, 234 N. Main St., in Pocatello. Sowder co-authored "Café Midnight" with award-winning poet Margaret Aho. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

DEVICES OF WONDER

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, art historian Barbara Maria Stafford will visit USU to lecture on the role of imaging in the arts and sciences. Stafford’s lecture will take place at the Eccles Conference Center at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18. She will speak about an exhibition she curated for the Getty Museum, entitled "Device of Wonder: From the World in a Box to Images on a Screen." The exhibition highlighted objects and devices of wonder that speculators have used through the ages to marvel at scientific curiosity and works of art. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

ART OF SEDUCTION

The "All the World’s a Stage" season continues with Utah State Theatre’s (UST) production of "The Beaux Stratagem." A classic play by George Farquhar, "The Beaux" takes the holiday season slot Nov. 20-22 and Dec. 3-6 on the Morgan Theatre stage in the Chase Fine Arts Center on the Utah State campus. Evening performances have a 7:30 p.m. curtain time, with a matinee on Saturday Nov. 22, beginning at 2 p.m. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

TAKE THE BLUE PILL

The original "Matrix" gave me hope for the future of Hollywood. As high a premium as the film placed on special effects and designer clothing, it placed an even higher premium on intelligent ideas. "What is the Matrix?" asks Neo (Keanu Reeves) at the beginning of the movie, launching a two hour debate about questions of reality, perception, free will, determinism, faith, doubt and selfhood. Brian McCuskey is an associate professor of English at Utah State University. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

HIDDEN TREASURES BROUGHT INTO LIGHT

Tucked away in Merrill Library at Utah State University is a hidden treasure — the Hatch Room, a rare book reading room within the Special Collections and Archives department of University Libraries. The room's historic decor and book collection are gifts of L. Boyd and Anne McQuarie Hatch, who envisioned the room to be an inviting place where scholars could experience the arts and conduct humanities-based research. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

CAINE CHAMBER ENSEMBLES

Student woodwind and brass quintets from the Utah State University department of music take the stage once again Monday, Nov. 17, in the Eccles Conference Center auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on the Utah State campus. The concert is free and open to the public. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

SEEDS OF CONVERSATION

Although the valley is home to the Utah State Theatre department and routinely welcomes A-list productions at the Ellen Eccles Theatre, let’s face it: the latest cutting-edge plays being gushed about in the New Yorker ain't playing in Peoria, or Logan for that matter. It"s a common lamentation. (Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 11/14/03)

utah state today/archives/November 2003/archives prior to Sept 2002/

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