December 8, 9 & 10,
2003 Utah State in the News
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
'THE WRIGHT CHALLENGE'
SOARS THROUGH HISTORY
In the spirit of transcending commercialism, I'm sure you've
often asked yourself what Jesus would watch this time of year
if he owned a TV set. OK maybe not. … At Utah State University's
aeronautics lab, a group of professors and students take the
Wright brothers' basic design and make considerable modifications
in the form of modern technology and materials. (Seattle Times,
12/8/03)
SPENDING BILL
OK'D, WITH A WAD FOR UTAH: BUT WATCHDOG GROUPS SAY MEASURE IS
FULL OF PORK-BARREL WASTE
The House on Monday passed a huge, catchall spending bill that
includes a whopping $100 million for Utah projects ranging from
expanding TRAX light rail to upgrading local parks. …
Numerous research projects for local colleges including $7.7
million alone for Utah State University-related labs and facilities
ranging from research on poisonous plants to the study of bee
pollen. (Deseret Morning News, 12/9/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565037467,00.html
MORTARBOARDS ALOFT
IN DECEMBER? USU MAY ADD CEREMONY
Utah State University may join Weber State University in offering
December commencement ceremonies. The two colleges would be
the only publicly funded ones in the state to hold separate
ceremonies in the fall and spring. USU's commencement committee
began holding talks this past week to begin looking at whether
the benefits would outweigh the extra costs. "It just gives
students another opportunity to not wait so long," said
assistant provost Sydney Peterson. Last year USU had 900 students
who qualified for graduation in December. (Deseret Morning News,
12/9/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565037486,00.html
SPEECH-DEBATE
TEAM RETURNS TO USU AFTER A 20-YEAR HIATUS
It took 20 years, but Utah State University finally has a speech
and debate team again. USU's speech and debate program fizzled
in 1983 due to budget constraints. That was back when graduate
student Tom Worthen coached the team. (Deseret Morning News,
12/9/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565037329,00.html
USU'S WRIGHT FLYER
TO BE ON TELEVISION
The Utah State University Wright Flyer will be featured on
The History Channel's, "The Wright Challenge," at
7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. The USU Wright Flyer story is a large
portion of the special, as the audience anticipates whether
the Utah State team has the "Wright stuff" to get
its flyer off the ground. (Herald Journal, 12/9/03)
KUTV NEWSCAST:
OIL EXEC WITH UTAH TIES FOUND DEAD
An American Shell Oil executive who is originally from Utah
was found dead in his condo in Rio de Janiero, Brazil yesterday.
Todd Staheli and his wife Michelle were attacked with a sharp
instrument. Staheli was a graduate of Utah State University
and BYU law school. (KUTV newscast, 5 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m.,
5 p.m., 12/2/03)
KTVX NEWSCAST:
UTAHAN FOUND DEAD IN BRAZIL
Todd Staheli, a native of Spanish Fork, Utah State University
graduate and current Shell Oil executive, was found dead in
Rio de Janiero, Brazil. (KTVX newscast, 5:30 a.m., 12/3/03)
KUTV NEWSCAST:
HOLIDAY HINTS
Maggie Wolf says materials for making a holiday wreath can
be found in your own backyard or at a garden center. Wolf says
they key is to put your bundles together with floral tape. Wolf
is a USU Extension Horticulturist and will be offering classes
on wreath making through next week. (KUTV newscast, 5 p.m.,
11/28/03)
USU WRIGHT FLYER
RADIO MEDIA TOUR
Nick Engler and Dave Widauf discuss the USU Wright Flyer and
The History Channel Presentation of "The Wright Challenge."
WTAG Morning News, Boston; South Florida's Evening News, Miami;
Greaseman Show Talk 700, Washington, D.C.; Kirby Wilbur Show,
Seattle; Morning Show Talk 1600, Detroit; KNX News 1070, Los
Angeles; Doug Stephens Show; National; Daybreak USA, National;
Total Info AM, St. Louis; Ian Punnet Show, Minneapolis; Young
& Verna Show, National; Star Talk with Ron Seggi, National.
(12/8/03).
Tuesday, December 9, 2003
ACADEMIC SCIENCE
IN THE AGE OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
I came to Utah State University in 1983, optimistic about doing
research and developing an analytical chemistry curriculum.
Back then, students wore bandanas and played ultimate Frisbee
on Old Main lawn. They loved the outdoors and wore fuzzy wool
socks to prove it. Now, students wear military uniforms and
the blades of military helicopters spin on the lawn. The local
press also spins with stories about the impressive military
campus presence. The Reserves have replaced the hacky-sack-toting
wilderness warriors. Paul Bunyan has made room for the USU War
Veterans' Monument. (Salt Lake Tribune, 12/7/03) Click on: http://www.sltrib.com/2003/dec/12072003/commenta/117576.asp
OLY BID SCANDAL
DIDN'T SPLASH ON LEAVITT
In the lead-up to the Olympic bribery trial, Gov. Mike Leavitt
and his staff penned a media strategy: Stay busy. Focus news
coverage on other achievements. Limit public appearances to
BYU and KSL. … Utah State University political science
professor Randy Simmons calls the strategy a blueprint of "classic
political counter tactics." Simmons, head of the political
science department, said he plans to use the document in his
classes. (Salt Lake Tribune, 12/8/03) Click on: http://www.sltrib.com/2003/dec/12082003/utah/118011.asp
DROUGHT TAKING
A TOLL ON BOX ELDER COUNTY CROPS
The five-year drought has already dried up Utah's southern
farmlands and livestock herds, shriveled urban lawns and gardens,
and shrunk the Great Salt Lake to the point that Antelope Island
isn't an island any more. … Lyle Holmgren, Utah State
University agriculture extension agent for Box Elder County,
said a lot is riding on heavy snows this winter. (Salt Lake
Tribune, 12/8/03) Click on: http://www.sltrib.com/2003/dec/12082003/nation_w/118008.asp
EX-PRESIDENT
WAS MAKING A BUNDLE AT U.
Although Bernie Machen will collect a fatter paycheck at the
University of Florida, newly released documents show the outgoing
University of Utah president earned more money and benefits
here than were previously made public. … Richard Kendall
was not aware of private funding sources for other public university
presidents in Utah, including Utah State University President
Kermit Hall. (Salt Lake Tribune, 12/6/03) Click on: http://www.sltrib.com/2003/dec/12062003/utah/117661.asp
USE OF WASTEWATER
IN GARDENS PROPOSED
During each of the past five straight years of drought, 193
billion gallons of water have flowed down the drain. That's
how much water Utahns use in their homes before discharging
it into sewage or septic systems. To use graywater, a resident
would need to submit a plumbing and irrigation plan designed
by a "level 3 designer," a septic system expertise
bestowed by Utah State University. (Salt Lake Tribune, 12/8/03)
Click on: http://www.sltrib.com/2003/dec/12082003/utah/118012.asp
USU SPACE EXPERT FRANK REDD DIES
Frank Redd, Ph.D., 68, former deputy director of the Utah State
University Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), died Wednesday,
Dec. 3, 2003, after a long battle with cancer. Flags were at
half-staff Wednesday across the USU campus in his honor. "Frank
Redd was one of the lights of Utah State's ascendancy into space
research," said USU President Kermit L. Hall. "He
will be missed. We extend condolences to his wife and family.
We take comfort in having had the benefit of his extraordinary
leadership." (Deseret Morning News, 12/6/03) Click on:
http://deseretnews.com/dn/print/1,1442,565036850,00.html
USU TASK FORCE TO TACKLE TUITION: SOME COSTS
COULD BE FROZEN OR STABILIZED FOR CERTAIN STUDENTS
Utah State University now has a task force to tackle the issue
of rising tuition costs, particularly as they affect students
from low-income backgrounds. One result could be a kind of freeze
on tuition for students entering USU for their first year. While
fees could still go up, tuition would remain constant for four
years. (Deseret Morning News, 12/8/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565037159,00.html
STUDENT ROCKET SOARS 3/4 MILE
What is believed to be the largest rocket ever built by university
students roared from a launch platform in western Utah this
past week, reaching an altitude of over three-quarters of a
mile. … "It went up to 4,100 feet," said Paul
Mueller, adjunct assistant professor at Utah State University's
department of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Deseret
Morning News, 12/7/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565037103,00.html
SPACE-RESEARCH
PIONEER DIES
A pioneer in space research, colleagues and students also knew
Frank Redd as someone who was very down to earth. Redd, a retired
professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering and former
deputy director of the Space Dynamics Laboratory at Utah State
University, died of cancer Wednesday at the age of 68. (Standard
Examiner, 12/6/03) Click on: http://www.standard.net/standard/news/print_story.html?sid=00031206003102120550
STUDENTS DRAFT PROTECTIVE BILL OF RIGHTS
A new Academic Bill of Rights for students at Utah State University
is causing some concern among faculty members. The resolution,
passed by the Associated Students of USU on Oct. 28, was brought
up for discussion Monday by Julie Faust at a meeting of the
faculty senate. (Herald Journal, 12/7/03)
DEBATE CLUB RETURNS
TO UTAH STATE
Women's basketball isn't the only team to be revived at Utah
State University this fall. After a 20-year hiatus, speech and
debate has returned to USU and debate team members have already
experienced success at a recent tournament. In a twist of fate,
the team's current coach was also the coach in 1983 when the
program was discontinued because of budget constraints. (Herald
Journal, 12/6/03)
GOING FROM BEAR
LAKE TO BAGHDAD: MARINE RESERVIST SEES COMBAT IN IRAQ
As Reservists, members of Cpl. Taggart Giles Marine unit weren't
expecting to see much action after they were sent to Kuwait
in February. Giles, a sophomore at Utah State University, said
he and other members of Salt Lake City-based Fox Company, 23rd
Marines figured they'd be given some unglorified mission —
such as "guarding the general's toilet." (Herald Journal,
12/8/03)
GOOD FUN OR BAD
TASTE? T-SHIRT MAKER TARGETS UTAH CULTURE, SALES
It's not like Dave Bethers hates Brigham Young University,
or holds a grudge against the Mormon Church. The big kid with
a broad smile and shaggy hair hanging out of his stocking hat
is just a Utahan full of ideas, and, in his opinion, a good
sense of humor. … Preparing to harass the visiting team,
the student studying biology at USU — itself a campus
not atypical for young families to be found on — spent
afew frustrating hours thinking up a slogan. (Herald Journal,
12/8/03)
Monday, December 8, 2003
WIFE OF SLAIN
OIL EXECUTIVE SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES IN BRAZIL ATTACK
A violent attack against a Utah couple living in Brazil turned
into a double homicide early Thursday when Michelle Davis Staheli,
36, succumbed to head injuries. … Michelle Staheli, who
was once homecoming queen at Logan High School, met Todd Staheli
when they both attended Utah State University. They have been
married for 16 years. (Salt Lake Tribune, 12/5/03) Click on:
http://www.sltrib.com/2003/dec/12052003/utah/117265.asp
DEER DISEASE
MOST PREVALENT IN THE LA SALS
The La Sal Mountains east of Moab have become the official
hotspot for chronic wasting disease in Utah's deer herds. Two
more deer killed during the 2003 general season rifle hunt have
tested positive for the progressive and lethal neurological
disease. … She said the state wildlife agency is concerned
about the increasing number of animals showing up with the disease,
but said that only eight of the 3,147 samples sent to Utah State
University for testing have come back positive. (Salt Lake Tribune,
12/5/03) Click on: http://www.sltrib.com/2003/dec/12052003/utah/117243.asp
MAD COW BOOSTS
BEEF PRICES
Don't blame higher beef prices on the Atkins diet. This year's
boost in beef prices — which are are up 11 percent for
all beef in October compared to the same month last year —
are a direct result of the closure of the U.S. border to Canadian
beef imports due to mad cow disease, according to DeeVon Bailey,
a Utah State University economics professor. Choice beef prices
are up even more, a whopping 21 percent in October compared
to last year. (Deseret Morning News, 12/5/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565036545,00.html
GAY STUDENTS
AT USU TO GET CAMPUS 'ALLY': PROGRAM TO INVOLVE FACULTY; U.
CLOSE TO STARTING 'SAFE ZONES'
Gay and lesbian students at Utah State University will soon
have one more "ally" on campus. The USU Faculty Senate
this week threw its support behind a resolution that encourages
faculty and staff to become an ally or extra touchstone for
students who need to talk about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
issues. Similar efforts are under way at the University of Utah.
(Deseret Morning News, 12/5/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565036567,00.html
WIFE OF SLAIN
OILMAN DIES: RUMORS RAMPANT AS THE FBI ARRIVES IN BRAZIL TO
INVESTIGATE
A second Utahn died Thursday from injuries suffered in a brutal
attack Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, prompting more rumors to rage
on two continents about the mystery surrounding the slaying
of a high-ranking Shell Oil executive. … Todd Staheli
was a graduate of Utah State University and Brigham Young University
law school, finishing in 1991. He served a mission for The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia in 1983. The
family purchased property in Eden, Weber County, according to
a neighbor. (Deseret Morning News, 12/5/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565036593,00.html
EVERGREEN TREES
OF HOLIDAY SEASON: MOTHER NATURE HAS GIVEN US MANY FROM WHICH
TO CHOOSE
It is hard to imagine what the holiday season would be like
without Christmas trees. The use of evergreens as a symbol and
celebration of life during winter solstice celebrations started
in ancient Rome and Egypt. Over the centuries, evergreens became
incorporated in the celebration of Christmas in the Germanic
areas of Europe. … Larry A. Sagers is the regional horticulturist,
Utah State University Extension at Thanksgiving Point. (Deseret
Morning News, 12/5/03) Click on: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565036444,00.html
DON'T BE AFRAID
OF THE WORLD: BEAT POET, PULITZER PRIZE-WINNER GARY SNYDER VISITS
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
In the introduction to his first book of poetry, "Riprap
and Cold Mountain Poems," Pulitzer Prize-winning writer
Gary Snyder writes: "I try to hold history and the wilderness
in mind that my poems may approach the true nature of things,
and stand against the unbalance and ignorance of our times."
During an interview at Utah State University on Thursday afternoon,
he gave a wry laugh when reminded of that 1969 statement. (Herald
Journal, Cache Magazine, 12/5/03)
FORMER SDL DEPUTY
DIRECTOR DIES AT 68
The flags are flying at half-staff at the Utah State University
Space Dynamics Laboratory, where friends and colleagues mourn
the passing of their mentor and dear friend, Frank Redd. Redd
who worked at the SDL for 17 years before retiring as the deputy
director of the organization in the fall of 2002, passed away
Wednesday evening after a long battle against cancer. (Herald
Journal, 12/5/03)
A SECRET NO MORE?
PROLIFERATION OF CACHE GUIDEBOOKS RAISES CONTROVERSY OVER ETHICS
Some recreationists view guidebooks as indispensable tools
for exploring the wilderness. Others complain they are secret-baring
crutches that encourage novices to get in over their heads.
… Kevin Kobe, director of Utah State University's Outdoor
Recreation Center, says the books also allow beginners and outsiders
access to a region's best spots without "earning"
them by investing enough time to gain "a sense of place."
(Herald Journal, 12/5/03)
KIDS' CHOIR
The Cache Children's Choir is preparing for several public
events. The public is invited to celebrate the season with the
music of children. One of the best choir events of the year
is the Seasons Greeting Concert, held each December in the Kent
Concert Hall at the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU campus. (Herald
Journal, Cache Magazine, 12/5/03)
ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY
TO GIVE
The friends of Adrienne Platero, former student and writing
center consultant at the Utah State University department of
English, are sponsoring a holiday gift exchange in her memory.
(Herald Journal, Cache Magazine, 12/5/03)
FINAL WEEKEND
The "All the World's a Stage" season continues with
Utah State Theatre's production of "The Beaux Stratagem."
A classic play by George Farquhar, "The Beaux" takes
the holiday season slot Dec. 3-6 on the Morgan Theatre stage
in the Chase Fine Arts Center on the Utah State campus. (Herald
Journal, Cache Magazine, 12/5/03)
LANDLOCKED MUSICIANS
LOVE THE SEA
Yankee Clipper, a band known for its eclectic mix of American,
Irish, and British music, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday
Dec. 5, at the Eccles Conference Center on the Utah State campus.
The Down Home band will open the show. (Herald Journal, Cache
Magazine, 12/5/03)
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