October 8, 2003 News Releases
Released 10/03/03 and 10/06/03
UTAH STATE NEWS RELEASES FOR 10-06-03
E-COMMERCE CENTER
OFFERS CONVENIENCE AND MORE
LOGAN — Utah State University's Center for E-Commerce
is a rising entity in the College of Business, offering students
the professional training they need to be proficient in a variety
of computer skills, said center Director Susan Jones.
The center offers eight full-motion video courses via the Internet
using PCs. The Microsoft certification prep courses, offered
in conjunction with Utah State online, are MCSE, MCSA, MCDBA
and MOS. The CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association)
courses offered include A+, Network+, I-Net+ and Security+.
All of the certifications are industry-recognized certifications,
Jones said.
While the center offers the training needed, certification tests
can be taken anywhere that offers the tests. The courses and
testing are taken online on a semesterly basis, allowing students
to work at their own pace, Jones continued.
The center is a part of the College of Business and is administered
through the business information systems department. It focuses
on three areas: certification training, project coordination
and e-commerce education. Through the center's Web site, www.ecommerce.usu.edu,
students can post their skills and certifications so businesses
can access and search for qualified students to help develop
projects.
"The center is a great resume builder because many businesses
are looking for those computer skills to set students apart,"
said staff member Kasey Child.
The cost of the program is also an encouraging factor, Child
continued. The cost is $135 per credit hour. Depending on the
course, students can earn from one to three Utah State credit
hours. Similar programs may cost $500-$9,000.
Jones said those wishing to enroll in a course can do so through
Utah State Online or by contacting the center. Those who register
for the online courses do not have to be admitted to Utah State
University; thus the program allows anyone to take advantage
of the courses and improve his/her computer proficiencies from
the convenience of home, Jones concluded.
For more information, access the Web site at www.ecommerce.usu.edu,
or contact Jones at 435-797-2288 or susan.jones@usu.edu.
October 6, 2003
Contact: Susan Jones 435-797-2288 [susan.jones@usu.edu]
Writer: Alison Aikele 435-797-1350 [alisonaikele@cc.usu.edu]
NATIONAL 4-H
WEEK OCTOBER 5-11
LOGAN — In 4-H people can do anything from raise a pig
to launch a rocket, said Landon Tracy of Box Elder County, a
member of the Utah 4-H Tech Team. That's obvious to the more
than 130,000 youths, supported by more than 9,000 adult volunteers,
who are involved in Utah 4-H. And, those 130,000-plus youths
have something to celebrate — it’s National 4-H
Week Oct. 5-11.
"4-H is one of America's largest informal education programs
for youth ages 5-19,” said Deb Jones, Utah State University
Extension 4-H volunteer coordinator. And since 4-H is a community
based grass roots organization, the week will be celebrated
at the local level with a variety of activities, she said. For
instance, Salt Lake area 4-Hers will visit libraries, promoting
literacy efforts as part of the week’s events.
"There are all kinds of clubs out there, and if there isn't
already a club for what you enjoy, all it takes is rounding
up a bunch or your buddies and creating one of your own,"
said Kelsie Laub, Washington County 4-Her.
"4-H used to be just cows and cooking, but now 4-H has
so much more to offer," said Ashley Marshall of Beaver
County. "I like the new topics such as GPS, computers,
tech team, and the new music video and PowerPoint competitions."
Through the hundreds of projects and experiential learning activities,
4-H'ers are learning practical life skills, and developing attitudes
and habits that help them meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,
Jones continued. Programs such as Mock Legislature, Teen Leadership
Training, High Adventure Camp, Jr. Youth Conference, Discovery
Science and more await youths with a desire to get out, meet
other people and learn new skills, she said.
Stephanie Hughes, Utah County 4-Her said, "I have friends
I would never have met unless I went to 4-H events. It really
builds your self-esteem to know you have friends. Being a leader
keeps me going and makes me have things to do, so I am not bored
out of my mind all the time and I really enjoy it. Overall I
would say that 4-H is something anyone can do. Even if they
aren’t as talented, they learn new talents through 4-H.
It’s the best program ever."
Peggy Black, Salt Lake County volunteer leader, usually tells
people that 4-H is the best way for her to teach life skills
to her children.
"Getting my children together with their friends and working
on a project gives me the structured time to teach, and because
the youths are enjoying working on a project, they learn quickly
and happily without really even realizing they are learning
skills," Black said. "I also like to emphasize the
esteem boosts my children get from doing demonstrations and
contests. Combining 4-H with their school work, scouting and
making gifts for friends also intrigues many people."
Julie Swindells, another volunteer leader in Salt Lake County,
hands out the booklet "The Real World of 4-H" to many
parents enquiring about 4-H and how it has changed over the
years. The booklet explains the leadership and community service
potentials and the workforce preparation skills that so many
young people are not getting enough of, she said. "It must
be a good sales pitch; my club has tripled in size over two
years."
For more information on how to become involved with 4-H, call
1-888-4H-YOUTH or check out the Web site at Utah4-H.org.
October 6, 2003
Writer: Deb Jones 435-797-2202
Contact: Deb Jones 435-797-2202 (deb.jones@usu.edu)
LOGAN POETS PRESENT
"LOGAN CANYON BLEND"
LOGAN — Utah’s poet laureate, Ken Brewer, and
Utah State University department of English faculty member Star
Coulbrooke will read from their new chapbook, "Logan Canyon
Blend" Friday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. at Main Street Coffee
and News, 234 N. Main Street, Pocatello, Idaho. Brewer and Coulbrooke's
book is part of the series, "Pocatello Blend," published
by Blue Scarab Press.
This series of books is open to writers who have a strong connection
to southeast Idaho. "The idea for the series was born at
the Main Street Coffee and News," said Coulbrooke. "Titles
in the series are inspired by coffee." Caffe Ibis in Logan
lends the name of one of its signature blends to Brewer and
Coulbrooke’s collection.
Books in the series sell for $3 and are printed in editions
limited to 100 copies. Interested persons can inquire at Blue
Scarab Press, P.O. Box 4966, Pocatello, Idaho 83205-4966.
For more information on the reading, call (435) 797-2726.
October 6, 2003
Contact: Star Coulbrooke (435) 797-2726
INDIAN CINEMA
WILL SOON RIVAL HOLLYWOOD, UTAH STATE PROFESSOR SAYS
LOGAN – India's Bombay film industry, which produces
nearly 800 films a year, is discussed as part of Utah State
University's Department of English Speakers Series Oct. 15 at
12:30 p.m. in the Haight Alumni Center on campus.
The lecture, "Behind the Song and Dance: Cinema as Spectacle,"
is provided by Pallavi Rastogi, an associate professor at Utah
State. Rastogi will talk about the far-reaching and expanding
audience of Indian film and will explore the politics behind
the staging of spectacle in Indian cinema.
"The Bombay film industry will soon rival Hollywood in
terms of audience reach," said Rastogi. "It makes
as many as 800 films a year, while Hollywood makes only 200."
Rastogi also said that India is one of only two countries in
the world where the indigenous cinema is more popular than Hollywood
film productions. The only other country is China, where it
is largely because of government restrictions on foreign film
imports.
"It is only in India, then, that the local film industry
dominated Hollywood on its own terms," said Rastogi.
Unlike Hollywood's "real-world" themes, Rastogi said
that "Bollywood" films provide a place of fantasy
for Indians rich and poor alike, providing fantasy and fun.
In the United Kingdom there are currently giant multiplexes
that only screen Indian films. Rastogi said the day is not far
off when the same will happen in the United States.
The Utah State Department of English Speakers Series was established
to promote the value of arts and humanities in American public
life. The series features faculty writing and research accomplishments,
and noted visiting authors sharing their work. For more information
call (435) 797-3858.
October 6, 2003
Contact: Marina Hall (435) 797-3858
Writer: Kenneth Hadfield, kenmhad@cc.usu.edu
UTAH STATE NEWS RELEASES FOR 10-03–03
FRANKENSTEIN'S
CHILD COMES TO LIFE ON THE STAGE IN UTAH STATE THEATRE'S ANNUAL
FAMILY PRODUCTION
LOGAN — Utah State Theatre's production of "The
Child of Frankenstein" by David Sidwell welcomes the Halloween
season with an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct.
17, and a matinee of the family show Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2
p.m. The performances take place on the Morgan Theatre stage
in the Chase Fine Arts Center on the Utah State University campus.
Written by Utah State faculty member and award-winning playwright
David Sidwell, a professor in theatre education, "The Child
of Frankenstein" is based very loosely upon Mary Shelley’s
novel "Frankenstein" and deals with issues such as
responsibility, the role (and fun) of science and discovery,
and how "cool" it is to be a kid. The play is suitable
for children ages 6 and up. It is very appropriate for the Halloween
season, adds the writer/director.
"The Child of Frankenstein" is mostly a comedy in
which Dr. Frankenstein and Igor create what they hope will be
a perfect being who will be a great teacher and save the world.
But when Igor pulls the switch, their huge creation turns out
to have the brain of a 3-year old. The antics of an 8-foot tall,
3-year-old child loose in a scientific laboratory may be enough
for some folks, but for those who want a message, there are
a few of those too, the director said. Dr. Frankenstein and
Igor learn that they must exercise responsibility for living
things under their charge. They learn also that the wonders
of science and discovery are largely those same qualities that
children possess.
"Perhaps the greatest lesson is that there are wonderful
things to be discovered in the world, if only we set our sights
on them," Sidwell said. "While there is plenty of
fun and lots to laugh at, there is a very startling moment in
the show that leads to a very dramatic conclusion, so patrons
should be prepared to feel emotions from happiness and joy to
romance to tragedy. Don't worry, it has a happy ending!"
The cast of "The Child of Frankenstein" is made up
of Utah State Theatre students from the theatre arts department.
Lanny Langston plays Dr. Frankenstein, the loving scientist.
Portraying Little Victor, the playful yet large experiment,
is John Belliston. Igor, Dr. Frankenstein's faithful sidekick
is played by Greg Wells and Amanda Beatty plays Elizabeth.
"The Child of Frankenstein" is this year's school
production presented by Utah State Theatre. This ongoing and
annual program brings elementary school children to the Utah
State campus for a complete cultural experience. According to
theatre arts department head Colin Johnson, productions are
often selected to explore cultural diversity and to provide
pertinent messages for today's children. Plays are also selected
for specific age groups in the elementary program, rotating
between younger students and the upper elementary grades.
This year's production is presented for grades 4-6 and upwards
of 6,000 children will see "The Child of Frankenstein."
"This program is important to us," Johnson said. "It
provides a means of preparing children to appreciate the arts
and opens their eyes to the wonders of theatre and establish
their life-long habit of participating in arts activities. Many
times this is a student’s first experience with live theatre
and we are proud to introduce them to the enjoyment and pleasure
of the art."
Perhaps it was his own childhood experience that led Johnson
down his career path.
"My grandfather took me to a production of 'Snow White,'"
Johnson said. "I fell in love with Snow White and became
fascinated with the theatre. That was the beginning."
In addition to the multiple performances of "The Child
of Frankenstein" for the area's elementary students, Utah
State Theatre offers these two public performances of the production.
This gives parents the opportunity to see the production with
their children and a second chance for those youngsters who
might have missed the school performance.
Ticket information for the production is available by calling
(435) 797-1500. Tickets are sold at the door, and are for general
admission seating. The theatre box office will be open at 6:30
p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $5 per adult,
which will allow admission of up to three accompanying children,
and $3 per person after that. Payment methods are limited to
cash or check. Utah State University students enter free with
a valid ID. Information for current events can also be found
on the UST Web site at www.usu.edu/theatre.
Utah State Theatre officials remind patrons to consider the
Utah State Theatre Flex-Pass option for tickets for the entire
“all the world’s a stage” season. The Flex-Pass
allows patrons to see any 2003-2004 mainstage production in
any combination at greater savings. Flex-Pass pricing ranges
from $24 to $30 and can be purchased at the Smith Spectrum Ticket
Office on the Utah State campus. For general inquiries call
(435) 797-1500 or email gordonj@hass.usu.edu.
October 3, 2003
Contact: Jeremy Gordon (435) 797-1500
David Sidwell (435) 797-3703
VISITING ARTIST
SERIES CONTINUES AT UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
LOGAN — Robert ParkeHarrison is the second speaker for
fall semester as part of the Utah State University Department
of Art Visiting Artist Program. ParkeHarrison teaches at the
College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. For the past several
years ParkeHarrison has worked with the collaborative assistance
of his wife, Shana, to produce dreamlike black-and-white images
taken around his home and studio in Great Barrington, Mass.
The artist appears in each of the photographs looking world
weary and less than heroic. He describes the character in the
photos as part inventor, scientist, caretaker and fool.
A public lecture is scheduled as part of his activities at Utah
State. He speaks Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Eccles Conference
Center room 216. The lecture is free and open to the public.
"We create photographs that tell stories of loss, human
struggle and personal exploration within landscapes scarred
by technology and overuse," he said in a statement about
his artwork. "We strive to metaphorically link our laborious
actions, idiosyncratic rituals and strangely crude machines
into visual truths about our modern existence and the human
experience."
ParkeHarrison also said about his photographs, "I love
to try to capture that quality of the earth looking like the
world's just started or been destroyed and is starting all over
again — that feeling of being way back in the past or
way ahead in the future."
His work has appeared in numerous collections, including The
John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation (Chicago, Ill.),
the George Eastman House (Rochester, N.Y.), the Museum of Photographic
Arts (San Diego, Calif.) and the Rhode Island School of Art
and Design (Providence, R.I.), among others. He has received
numerous awards, including the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial
Foundation Fellowship and the Aaron Siskind Foundation Fellowship.
The Visiting Artist Program brings nationally and internationally
known artists, art historians and art critics to campus to lecture
about their own work and to interact with students, faculty
and members of the community. Guests spend from three days to
a week at Utah State working with students. The format differs
for each visit with artists presenting workshops, graduate level
seminars or critique sessions. This opportunity for interaction
between artists and students is invaluable, said series director
Marilyn Krannich.
The Visiting Artist Program is supported by a grant from the
Marie Eccles Caine Foundation. Additional funding is provided
by the Utah Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National
Endowment for the Humanities, and the Utah Arts Council, an
affiliate of the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information about the Visiting Artist Program at Utah
State, contact Krannich at 435-797-7373.
October 3, 2003
Contact: Marilyn Krannich (435) 797-7373
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