Friday, February 29, 2008

The Bottom Line on Toilet Paper Etiquette

Justin Badger
Feb. 27, 2008
The Bottom Line on Toilet Paper Etiquette

It is strange that something so essential and common place as toilet paper is so misunderstood across the board. It is time to set the record straight on proper toilet paper etiquette.
There are few times during the day that one has precious time to oneself. The toilet is the throne of he who sits upon it. Only on this throne does one have complete control of what is happening. Only on this throne is one able to leave aside the cares of life and the stress of time and deadlines. Few things in this world are so upsetting as being in a state of complete tranquility and then having the moment ruined by someone’s stupidity, laziness or incompetence.
Approximately 100 people were polled, mostly on the Utah State University campus, of the responses received 86 percent of people surveyed prefer their toilet paper to be loaded overthe top. Similar data is found on surveycentral.org where 78 percent of respondents also prefer the toilet paper to be loaded over the top. It seems to be a common opinion that if the toilet paper is loaded over the top it is easier to find the end, easier to see exactly how much you are getting, and easier to rip. Also in toilet paper ads and commercials it is always loaded over the top, suggesting that is the way it is to be done.
Interestingly enough the preference is not gender specific, however, female respondents seemed to be much more passionate about the subject and the few that did not have a preference were male. Also it seems that the final small percentile of those that preferred it under had little children and having the toilet paper role under made it more difficult for the children to make a mess. Kathy Badger a mother of eight said, “Little children’s hands naturally pull down, and so having the toilet paper load under helps prevent a mess.” Even still, the overwhelming majority prefers it to role over the top, as put by Aimee Hale a student at Utah State said, “It’s just the right thing to do.”
However in some situations it may be safer to break away from the norm an do what your significant other prefers as suggested by the International Center for Bathroom Etiquette. Although toilet paper etiquette is important it is not worth ruining a marriage over.
From information gathered from the poll done at Utah State it seems that the common train of thought is that the obvious, easy way to do it is to load the paper over the top, however, there seem to be a disturbing amount out there that, despite the fact that they prefer the toilet paper to roll from the top, continue to load it rolling out from the bottom. What it all boils down to is that the bottom line on toilet paper etiquette is the golden rule, do unto others as you would have others do unto you. While you are on the toilet you don’t want to find yourself spinning the toilet paper to find the end because someone loaded it wrong, or even worse, find yourself without any toilet paper at all.
Here are three simple rules to follow next time nature calls. 1. If you use the last of the toilet paper, replace the role. 2. If you do replace the role, do not set it on the toilet tank or on the counter. Take the extra two seconds and place the role on the dispenser. Lucas Garcia a Utah State Student said, “I hate it when people put the new role on the counter. A dispenser isn’t that difficult to figure out.” 3. When you do load it on the dispenser, please, please, please load it so it roles over the top, unless otherwise specified by your wife. You will make life easier for everyone; consider it your good dead for the day. Remember, “it’s just the right thing to do.”

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Burger Planet Position Paper

Emma Conger
Alyssa Lowry
Justin Badger
Burger Planet Position

With the new campaign and partnership of Jayne Peterson with Burger Planet our objective is to regain our middle aged female customers, build a healthy image for Burger Planet and maintain existing customers.
Some of our objectives in order to accomplish the goal of emphasizing our new healthy menu options and build the image of Burger Planet will include:

Our print ads will include:
- Two main campaigns
 One geared toward children, because they are our future customers
• These ads will mostly feature Corny the Clown encouraging children to make healthy choices and be active.
 Another to middle aged women to regain customer loyalty
• These ads will focus on Jayne Peterson as a fitness guru and how Burger Planet fits into her healthy lifestyle.

On our company website some of the new features will include:
- Provide a balance sheet of nutritional information on our food items.
- Provide a link to the government food pyramid: www.pyramid.gov to show how our menu items fit into the pyramid.
- Provide information tips from Jayne Peterson on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Other campaign strategies will include:
- A three month mall tour throughout the United States featuring Corny the Clown and Jayne Peterson presenting educational material about healthy lifestyles.
- Press releases announcing the new menu items, addition to new features on website, ad release dates and mall visits.

With these stated changes we hope to achieve:
- 30 percent increase of sales to middle aged women over a 6 month period.
- Overall increase of health awareness in our customer base.
- More positive healthier image
- 5 major stories written on Burger Planets highlighting our new healthy image and Jayne Peterson’s participation.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

CVAIA Media Pitch Final

Feb. 26, 2008
Utah Business Magazine
Marie Mischel Spencer
Associate Editor
859 W. South Jordan Parkway, Ste. 101
South Jordan, Utah 84095
801-568-0114
Cache Valley Investors Association Offer Free Financial Education

Dear Ms. Spencer,

I felt that it would be beneficial to inform you and Utah Business Magazine about a unique opportunity for people interested in financial education. The Cache Valley Area Investors Association is organized to teach people that there is a way to become financially independent by increasing one’s passive income. People that have already participated with the CVAIA and have applied the things taught have seen great results and we wanted to be able to share this unique opportunity with the readers of Utah Business Magazine.

Preston Parker, founder of the CVAIA, said, “There are so many opportunities out there if people just knew where to look and how to do it, and that is why I started the association.” Parker saw a great lack in financial education and wanted to provide that, he said that education is what reduces the risk of investments. Parker started the association in August 2007. Parker said, “Education is empowering, it is education that will get people to stop having to work for their money, but rather have their money work for them.”

The association meets every other Thursday night at 7 p.m. in the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. Logan, Utah. Parker invites anyone to come or e-mail him at cvaia@gmail.com or visit the website at www.cvaia.com to receive more information. Also if you would like an interview with Preston Parker please let me know and I will be happy to arrange that.

Media Contact:
Justin Badger
801-787-9595

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Monday, February 25, 2008

Audi R8 V12 TDI Press Release to Articles

Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept Press Release
Popular Mechanics Mag. Article
Canberra Times Article
Autospies.com Article

I was first introduced to the Audi R8 V12 TDI concept the same day Audi sent out their press release. MSN Auto wrote a story with the headline the read "World's Sexiest Diesel". It was such a good headline that I had to read it. I was amazed by the statistics that were given in the article, V12 diesel engine, 500 horse power, and still gets 24mpg? “Wow.” After having researched the articles that have since been written on the release of Audi’s new concept car it seems that the press’ response was quite similar to mine.
Audi did a fantastic job with their press release by releasing all these impressive statistics about the car. They didn’t say a whole lot about the engineering process or why they did it, but simply wowed the press with their impressive numbers, and the press responded. Audi also did a great job at using some superlatives. Words like “world’s sexiest diesel” and “world’s first diesel sports car.” Anytime you can have the first or fastest or biggest or best of anything in the world you know that there is going be a news story written on it.
Another reason why just releasing the statistics on the Audi R8 V12 TDI was such a good move for the Audi is because it doesn’t give the press a lot of room to alter your press release or to create information that may portray a message opposite of what you wanted. But by releasing only the impressive information about, not necessarily the car’s ability but rather the car’s capabilities, Audi pretty much wrote the articles themselves. Many of the article’s information was lifted directly from the press release. Audi knew what they wanted out there and that’s what they gave the press.
By doing so the result was all positive articles praising Audi for their new and unique engineering, their luxurious body style and interior, and their impressive engine, horse power and torque. I was not able to find one single article that said anything negative about the new vehicle.
The transition of Audi’s press release on the R8 V12 TDI to written articles about the vehicle is an excellent example of the power of a press release and how it should be used. The whole idea of a press release is to get publicity on your product or service, to get your message out and that is exactly what Audi did. They used demanding words to spark the journalist’s interest and proved that the release of this new vehicle was newsworthy, they released the information that they wanted to get to the public and they did so in a timely manor, just before they unveiled the R8 V12 TDI at the Detroit auto show. I don’t think they could have done a better job on executing an effective plan to accomplish their goal in releasing this vehicle.

Press Release 4 draft

For Immediate Release
Feb. 25, 2008
Le Nonne Ristorante
129 N. 100 E. Logan, Utah
435-752-9577
A Big Taste in a Little City


LOGAN, Utah—Le Nonne Ristorante is one of Logan’s best kept secrets. This little restaurant nestled, almost hidden on 100 E. in Logan has become a favorite dining spot for not only locals, but people all across the state.

One Logan resident said, “The food was excellent, as good as I've had anywhere (New York, New Orleans, Bangkok, etc.) In addition to fine food, there was also a duo there that night, provided excellent music and ambiance. If you are in Logan and would like a great restaurant experience this is it….The prices are nice too!” However the secret has gotten out and it is not just Logan residents that are raving about this “unexpected gem.” A resident of Phoenix, Ariz, said, “I used to live in the Tuscan hills in Italy. This restaurant features Italian food in its perfection. Having eaten at various fine Italian restaurants around the US, I can testify that this one tops them all. The atmosphere there only enhances your experience!”

The key to Le Nonne’s success is its native Italian chef and owner. Le Nonne’s charming atmosphere, reasonable prices, and authentic food makes Le Nonne one of the top Italian restaurants in Utah.
Media Contact
Justin Badger
801-787-9595
-End-

Saturday, February 23, 2008

CVAIA Media Pitch Draft

Feb. 20, 2008
Utah Business Magazine
Marie Mischel Spencer
Associate Editor
859 W. South Jordan Parkway, Ste. 101
South Jordan, Utah 84095
801-568-0114
Cache Valley Investors Association Offer Free Financial Education

Dear Ms. Spencer,

I felt that it would be beneficial to inform you and Utah Business Magazine about a unique opportunity for people interested in financial education. The Cache Valley Area Investors Association is organized to teach people that there is a way to become financially independent by increasing one’s passive income. People that have already participated with the CVAIA and have applied the things taught have seen great results and we wanted to be able to inform more people about the free education available.

Preston Parker, founder of the CVAIA, said, “There are so many opportunities out there if people just knew where to look and how to do it, and that is why I started the association.” Parker saw a great lack in financial education and wanted to provide that, he said that education is what reduces the risk of investments. Parker started the association in August 2007. Parker said, “Education is empowering, it is education that will get people to stop having to work for their money, but rather have their money work for them.”

The association meets every other Thursday night at 7 p.m. in the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. Logan, Utah. Parker invites anyone to come or e-mail him at cahcevaia@gmail.com to receive more information.

Media Contact:
Justin Badger
801-787-9595

Friday, February 15, 2008

Gaming the Search Engine in a Political Season

As a society we have become so reliant on the internet that we turn to it as an ultimate source of knowledge for almost anything now. So when pranksters set up “link bombs” through Google it can have a bigger effect than one might anticipate. A link bomb is a prank set up so when certain words or phrases are searched those words or phrases are linked and the user will be redirected to the linked content. It has become and issue with the upcoming election because some pranksters linked names of republican candidates to about 50 sites containing negative information about the candidate so rather than the user receiving non-objective information about the candidate the user only receives that the person that set up the link bomb wants them to receive.

Spoof, Spam, Lurk and Lag: the Aesthetics of Text-based Virtual Realities

This article gave a very in depth and close examination of how text communication has effected society’s intercommunication skills. Referring to types of interaction as MUDs, Multiple User Domains, and MOOS, MUDs Object Oriented. The article gave some direct examples of some of the problems that exist with our heavy reliance on text communication whether it is through e-mail, cellular text messaging, chatting, or e-mail. Some of the problems addressed include spoof, spam, lurk and lag. Just to give one example of the problems that these things create if we consider lagging we will see some of the problems that exist. With a face-to-face conversation or a telephone conversation there is direct and instant communication, but with text communication there is a lag in response. People’s need to communicate quickly makes them less aware of spelling errors also there are subliminal messages that can be implied or interpreted depending on the length of the lag which may give false messages.

Conversational Terrorism

It was interesting to consider the all the conversational cheats that can occur without even thinking about it. Although the examples in the readings were exaggerated to add clarity and humor the points they were trying to make were still true. The five main topics addressed, ad hominem variants, sleight of mind fallacies, delay tactics, question as opportunity, and cheap shot tactics and irritants, were interesting to consider and the exaggerated examples made it easier to see how degrading and offensive those types of conversational errors can be.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Cache Valley Area Investors Association Press Release Final

For Immediate Release
Feb. 11, 2008
Preston Parker, president
four three five-seven five seven-four five six zero
Cache Valley Area Investors Association Provide Free Investment Education

LOGAN, Utah— Free education on financial investing is now being offered to everyone through the Cache Valley Area Investors Association. “I am tired of people hating their jobs and being frustrated with their live.” President Preston Parker said, “There are so many opportunities out there if people just knew where to look and how to do it, and that is why I started the association.”

Parker saw a great lack in financial education and wanted to provide that, he said that education is what reduces the risk of investments. Parker said, "It is sad that we leave high school knowing what an ameba is, but we don't know how to balance a checkbook."

CVAIA is organized to teach people that there is a way to become financially independent by increasing one’s passive income. A group of about 15 to 20 people between the ages of 20 and 50 years old meet every other week to discuss what types of investments have and have not worked for them. Parker leads the discussion and brings in different financial experts to aid in the education process. Parker said, “It is not so much a change of actions, but rather a change of attitude. We try to get people to think about money and investments in a different way.” Despite the short amount of time that Cache Valley Area Investors Association has been going they have already seen some great success.

Parker feels so confident in the power of education and what they have been teaching that he said that someone with established, good credit could be a millionaire in five years, if that was their goal. However, Parker emphasizes the fact that money does not equal happiness, but when you develop passive income, or income that comes in whether you go to work or not, you can afford to have any job that you enjoy, and it is that peace of mind and enjoyment of one's work that can help bring increased happiness.

Parker started the association in August 2007. Parker said, “Education is empowering, it is education that will get people to stop having to work for their money, but rather have their money work for them.”

The association meets every other Thursday night at 7 p.m. in the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. Logan, Utah. Parker invites anyone to come or e-mail him at cahcevaia@gmail.com to receive more information.

Media Contact:
Justin Badger
801-787-9595

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Monday, February 11, 2008

Cache Valley Area Investors Association Press Release draft

For Immediate Release
Feb. 9, 2008
Cache Valley Area Investors Association Provide Free Investment Education
Preston Parker, president
four three five-seven five seven-four five six zero

LOGAN, Utah— Free education on financial investing is now being offered to everyone through the Cache Valley Area Investors Association. “I am tired of people hating their jobs and being frustrated with their live.” President Preston Parker said, “There are so many opportunities out there if people just knew where to look and how to do it, and that is why I started the association.”

CVAIA is organized to teach people that there is a way to become financially independent. A group pf about 15 to 20 people between the ages of 20 to 50 meet every week to discuss what types of investments have and have not worked for them. Parker leads the discussion and brings in different financial experts to aid in the education process. Parker said, “It is not so much a change of actions, but rather a change of attitude. We try to get people to think about money and investments in a different way. Despite the short amount of time that Cache Valley Area Investors Association has been going they have already seen some great success. Parker feels so confident in the power of education and what they have been teaching that he said that someone with established, good credit could be a millionaire in five years, if that was their goal.

Parker started the association in August 2007. Parker said, “Education is empowering, it is education that will get people to stop having to work for their money, but rather have their money work for them.”
The association meets every Thursday night at 7 p.m. in the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. Logan, Utah. Parker invites anyone to come or e-mail him to receive more information at cahcevaia@gmail.com.

Media Contact:
Justin Badger
801-787-9595

-End-

Thursday, February 7, 2008

3 Talking Points

Self Motivated
- Started, marketed and ran window washing company for 5 years, increasing customer base by at least 50 percent annually.
- Volunteer church representative in Brazil for two years at own expense.

Goal Oriented
- Achieved Eagle Scout Award
- 3.64 GPA

Excellent Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Excelled in courses such as, Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communications
- Worked as educator on a high school level, where I developed good presentation skills and how to quickly develop good re pore.

Positioning Paper

When I was about 17 years old I had the opportunity to attend a presentation given by Larry H. Miller. Soon after that experience I worked at an event he hosted at one of his auto plazas to celebrate the passing of the Olympic torch in 2002 when the Olympics came to Salt Lake City. These interactions along with a book about some of his accomplishments and his life experiences made me admire the way he conducted business, his foresight for a good business opportunity and drive to grow and develop a company. Also having grown up in Utah I was naturally a Jazz fan and have a lot of fond memories of attending Jazz or Bees games.
I have always been the type of person that loves to be involved and in the middle of all the action. I enjoy being involved in the planning process of things. I became interested in public relations for a couple of reasons. First of all my real passion is marketing and public relations seemed like a good way to learn good writing and communication skills before acquiring an MBA with a marketing emphasis, I also love the interpersonal communications aspect and the relationships side of it, and I liked the idea of how close public relations is related to interpersonal communications.
It seemed only logical to me to try to get involved professionally with a Larry H. Miller organization since they are so well established and are constantly growing and developing. I spoke with public relations director from the Utah Jazz, the Salt Lake City Bees and the Energy Solutions Arena. I love sports and I love the fact that I can not only participate in the public relations aspect for a sporting event but also press conferences, and other team events, or in the arena aspect it is constantly changing and developing, there is always something going on and new challenges to face.
However it is difficult to acquire one of these positions. There are only about 10 positions available between all three organizations for public relations. There are also other positions available specific to event planning and advertising, but with all the positions they require previous work experience, whether it was an internship or work with another organization. Derrick from the Utah Jazz said, “Just schooling won’t cut it. Writing experience is crucial both in sports and general writing. The more well rounded you are the better.”
One of the other difficulties involved is that there are so positions that the turn over rate to make positions available is very few and far between. The expected starting pay is about 25 to 30 thousand dollars a year, but Hanna Lee of the Salt Lake Bees also said that it is difficult to get an entry level position without prior work experience with both sport and non sport writing.
This experience has been helpful for me to be able to become more aware of what the expectations will be for me as I get closer to applying for jobs. I was unaware of how essential writing and work experience is through internships. Everyone I talked with emphasized the necessity experience prior to acquiring a full time position.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Burger Planet Press Release Final

For Immediate Release
Feb. 1, 2008
Health Expert Jayne Petersen Teams up With Burger Planet
Mr. Hans Ketchup, VP of Communications
P.O. Box 222 Gary, IN 55555
1-800-555-5555

GARY,Ind.- Fitness guru Jayne Peterson will now be teaming up with Corny the Clown and Burger Plant. Many people remember Jayne Petersen as the health expert who helped beloved TV. hostess lose 75 pounds. She has helped dozens of celebrities lose weight and get in shape.

Petersen will be teaming up with Burger Planet’s mascot Corny the Clown, along with additional healthy items to emphasize Burger Planet’s views on staying fit and eating healthy. Petersen and Corny will appear together in malls around the U.S. and in commercials. 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.”

James E. Muellenbach founded Burger Planet 50 years ago in a shack in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1934 and watched the company grow into the world's largest Quick Service restaurant chain. Burger Planet has 8,921 franchises worldwide and 52 billion customers served and counting.

Mr. James E. Muellenbach III, CEO said, “We want to show our loyal customers, both male and female, young and old our continuing dedication to providing healthy, quality food and we are excited to have Jayne help us do that.”

Media Contact:
Justin Badger
801-787-9595

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Friday, February 1, 2008

Burger Planet Pree Release Draft

For Immediate Release
Feb. 1, 2008
Health Expert Jayne Petersen Teams up With Burger Planet
Mr. Hans Ketchup, VP of Communications
P.O. Box 222 Somewhere Ville, Nostate 55555
1-800-555-5555

SOMEWHERE VILLE, Nos.- Fitness guru, Jayne Peterson will now be teaming up with Corny the Clown and Burger Plant. Many people remember Jayne Petersen as the health expert who helped beloved TV. hostess lose 75 pounds. She has helped dozens of celebrities lose weight and get in shape.

Petersen will be teaming up with Burger Planet’s mascot, Corny the Clown to emphasize Burger Planet’s views on staying fit and eating healthy. Petersen and Corny will appear together is malls around the U.S. and in commercials. 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.”

James E. Muellenbach founded Burger Planet 50 years ago in a shack in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1934 and watched the company grow into the world's largest Quick Service restaurant chain with 8,921 franchises worldwide and 52 billion customers served and counting.

Mr. James E. Muellenbach III, CEO said, “We want to show our loyal customers, both male and female, young and old our continuing dedication to providing healthy, quality food and we are excited to have Jayne help us do that.”

Media Contact:
Justin Badger
801-787-9595

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