Reader Response
Dating a Blogger
Responding to my Thursday Buzz piece on dealing with bloggers from a PR perspective, Jeri Cartwright, a blogger and owner of a media relations consulting firm, sent the following:
“Approaching a blogger can be dangerous. It's ‘personal.’ You have to do it like a guy asking a girl on a date. Very cautiously at first, and you must already understand a little about her. If she gives you a non-hostile greeting, she might be open to a first date. But if you do something wrong on that first date, you've blown it.
”And if you don't even ask about a date, but simply grab her and insist on a movie and dinner (like sending a news release), you can imagine the reaction. She'd call the cops :)”
Jeri, a former journalist, runs Cartwright Communications Media Relations & Consulting and she is author of a forthcoming book: “The Cursed Consumer. Real Stories Of Frustration And Praise.” Her blogs can be found at: http://www.mediarelations.blogs.com and
http://www.consumertells.blogspot.com.
Podcast Watch
Jennifer Napier-Pearce’s InsideUtah.com podcast this week features Dr. Jerald Boseman (:42) on not providing emergency dental care for the poor; Salt Lake Tribune reporter Derek Jensen (7:51) on the possibility of a $1 billion ballot; Living Planet Aquarium board member Tom Markuse (14:56) on fish, public financing and moving to Sandy; and bookseller Catherine Weller (22:29) on good summer reads.
Blog Watch
The Senate Site blog says: "Industry is driven by technology, technology is created through research, and research is conducted at Universities. The USTAR Initiative promises to turn cutting-edge academic research into Utah's next generation of economic engines"... At the House Majority blog, Rep. Joe Murray discusses HB 9, the Workers' Compensation Coverage of Firefighters and Drug Task Force Officers bill, which "has attracted more interest than I ever expected"... At Out of Context, Matt Canham catches Sen. Orrin Hatch indulging in a little election year "ego-thumping" in a recent interview... Dee Taylor posts some video footage of the Divine Strake protest she participated in at the Nevada Test Site last weekend... Proud Prowsers says: "Utah is probably the last place any Gay family would want to call home, but we love it here. The laws suck, but they suck everywhere. What is important to us, more than laws, is support and love. We have so many people here who love and support us. We have never felt discriminated against, or had anyone treat us any differently. This is our home!" (see also here).
-- Compiled by Golden Webb
Washington Watch
Caution Urged on Oil Shale
Editorial urges Sen. Orrin Hatch and two other senators investigating the prospects of oil shale development in Utah and Colorado to proceed with caution: "Oil shale could be one of many answers to America's energy needs, but it should be developed with great care" (Denver Post).
S.L. Chamber Military Salute Banquet
The Salt Lake Chamber will be hosting a military salute banquet at Salt Lake's Grand America Hotel on June 3 to pay tribute to "the nobility and accomplishments of Utah's outstanding citizens/soldiers." For more info, click here.
UAC Hails PILT Funding
The Utah Association of Counties reports: "The Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program has received its highest level of funding to date with the House of Representatives passing its version of the Interior Appropriations bill for the coming fiscal year, May 19. Contained within the bill’s $25.9 billion is $244 million for PILT, up $16 million from the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee’s original recommendation of $228 million. Many thanks need to be given to Reps [Chris] Cannon and [Rob] Bishop for leading a group of Western Members in a floor amendment, which added the additional $16 million to the committee recommendation." For more info, click here.
Casual Friday
Go Watch Some Birds
By Traci Webb
It’s a wonderful time of year for bird-watching. A few months ago, spring was ushered in by the arrival of myriad migratory bird species, including sandhill cranes. Over Memorial Day weekend, I became enthralled by the mysterious calls of the cranes near my family’s small ranch at the base of the north slope of the High Uinta Mountains. I spent much of the weekend seeking opportunities to observe these birds around streams and marshy meadows or in graceful flight against the snowcapped peaks of the Uintas.
Sandhill cranes are one of only two crane species native to North America. These large, long-legged, long-necked birds typically nest in Alaska, northern Canada and the Great Lakes, but smaller populations migrate to the wetlands of Utah from their more southerly homes each year.
In northern Utah, the greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis tabida) is the species that frequents and breeds in our river valleys, marshes, and meadows. It winters primarily in the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and the northern highlands of Mexico, before it makes its way each spring to northeastern Utah.
Greater sandhill cranes are 4.5-5 feet tall with a long pointed bill. Depending upon the availability of iron-rich mud that they preen into their feathers, they are either reddish-brown or grey in coloring. Their face, chin, upper throat and nape are white to pale grey and their forehead is bright red. Generally male and female sandhill cranes are indistinguishable, with the exception of breeding pairs where the male tends to be larger. Sandhill cranes are a delight to spot in meadows and marshes as they forage for plant tubers, insects, mice, and grains.
Sandhill cranes are characterized by engaging in complex dancing and calling rituals. Their dances consist of jumping, bowing, running, stick or grass tossing, and wing flapping. Though these dances are often associated with courtship, they can occur at any age and at any time. The distinctive unison calling between mates is elaborately coordinated and can carry over a mile. Sandhill cranes are monogamous and return to mate with the same partner in the same location each year.
I discovered a new passion for bird-watching this weekend and a new hobby that I will joyfully pursue. We have a great opportunity to observe sandhill cranes and other beautiful migratory birds each spring and summer in our own backyard, so get out your binoculars and take advantage of Utah’s unique wetland wildlife.
(Sources: International Crane Foundation, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
Fish for Free on June 10
A free day of fishing and fun awaits June 10, as Utah hosts its annual Free Fishing Day. You won't need a fishing license to fish in Utah that day.
"Fishing is an activity that you can enjoy with your whole family, and it's an activity that can make your next outdoor adventure even more rewarding," says Roger Wilson, sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "We offer Free Fishing Day every year to attract more people to an activity that we believe will enrich their lives and provide them with a fun thing that they can do with their family and friends."
In advance of Free Fishing Day, DWR personnel will stock extra fish into waters across the state. Wilson says most of the fish will be placed in lakes and reservoirs, and those are the places where anglers may want to focus their efforts.
Wilson reminds those fishing on June 10 that while no license is required, all of the other regulations found in the 2006 Utah Fishing Proclamation will still be in effect. Anglers, especially those who might be fishing for the first time, are encouraged to pick up a copy of the proclamation and learn the rules. Read more here about Free Fishing Day events and access a 2006 Utah Fishing Proclamation.
Outdoors Report
-- Morning News reports on the extreme challenge of adventure racing.
-- Family friendly Limber Pine Nature Trail highlighted in Morning News’ Hike of the Week.
-- Discover the hidden treasures of Range Creek Canyon in the Tribune.
-- Read about fishing Panguitch Lake in the Morning News.
-- Find out about upcoming events in the Morning News’ Outdoor Notes.
-- Check out the Tribune’s Recreation Roundup and Outdoor Notebook for sports and recreation activities this week.
-- Use the Morning News’ interactive map of Utah to plan your outdoor pursuits across the state.
-- The latest wildlife news and information and the fishing report are found on the DWR website.
Weekend Events
New Films Friday
-- Peaceful Warrior: Rotten Tomatoes review
-- The Break up: Rotten Tomatoes review
Concerts
-- Lunch Bunch Concert Series, Gallivan Center, weekdays at noon through September 22
-- Jazz on the Plaza, The Gateway, Thursdays through July, 6 p.m.
-- Dance Attack Ballroom, Friday, Rose Wagner Center, 7 p.m.
-- Concert in the Park: Kid Fiddlers, Friday, Brigham Young Historic Park, 8 p.m., free
-- An Evening of Ballets, Ballet West, Friday and Saturday, Capitol Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Morning News review
-- Bells on Temple Square Spring Concert, Friday and Saturday, Conference Center, 7:30 p.m.
-- Eric Darius, Friday and Saturday, Egyptian Theatre Company, Park City, 7:30 p.m.
-- Mount Olympus String Quartet, Saturday, Assembly Hall, 7:30 p.m., free
-- West Valley Symphony, Saturday, 8 p.m., Granger High School auditorium, 3690 S. 3600 West, West Valley City, $5 (969-4480)
-- Utah's Ultimate Trombone Ensemble, Sunday, 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 12 C Street, Salt Lake City, $5
-- Concert in the Park: Smith Brothers Trio, June 6, Brigham Young Historic Park, 8 p.m., free
-- Kurt Bestor, June 8, Rose Wagner Center, 8 p.m.
-- The Madeleine Choir Festival continues until June 11, events Sundays at 8 p.m.
Theater
-- "The Miracle Worker" through June 3, Hale Centre Theatre
-- "The Foreigner" through June 3, Alpine Playhouse
-- "Always . . . Patsy Cline" through June 3, Desert Star Dinner Theatre
-- “Phantom of the OBT” through June 3, Off Broadway Theatre, Morning News review
-- "The King and I" through June 3, Center Street Musical Theatre
-- "Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping" through June 3, Children's Theatre of Salt Lake
-- "Grease: High School Edition" through June 10, Terrace Plaza Playhouse
-- “Page-to-Stage Festival” through June 10, Wasatch Theatre Company
-- “Project Fabulocity” through June 11, Tooth and Nail Theatre Company
-- “Sarah Plain and Tall” through June 17, Harris Fine Arts Center, Provo
-- “The Pirates of Penzance” through June 24, Bountiful Performing Arts Center
--“Barefoot in the Park” through July 1, Provo Theatre Company
-- “West Side Story” through July 1, Rodgers Memorial Theatre
-- “Seussical the Musical” through July 8, St. George Musical Theatre
-- "Spitfire Grill" through July 10, Hale Center Theater Orem, Morning News review
-- “Desperate Homemakers: The Big Fat Sequel to My Big Fat Utah Wedding”, Desert Star Cabaret Theatre
-- "The Rat Pack Remembered", Desert Star Dinner Theatre
Museum Exhibits
-- 300 Plates Fundraiser through June 5, Art Access Gallery
-- 82nd Annual Spring Salon through July 2, Springville Museum of Art
-- Intimacy Without Restraint: The Gesture Paintings of Hyunmee Lee Exhibition through July 9, Utah Museum of Fine Art
-- In Focus: National Geographic Great Portraits Exhibition through September 23, Utah Museum of Natural History
Et cetera
-- Free Friday Flix, Utah State Fairpark
-- Salt Lake City Marathon Events, Friday and Saturday, Gallivan Center
-- Riverton Arts Festival, Friday and Saturday, Riverton City Park, 1450 W. 12800 S.
-- “Only” Paradigm Dance Project, Friday and Saturday, Women’s Art Center, 7:30 p.m.
-- Family Fun Day, Saturday, noon- 4 p.m., Camp Kostopulos
-- Himalayan Performing Arts Festival, Saturday, 6 p.m., Krishna Temple 8628 S. Main, Spanish Fork
-- Utah Pride Parade & Festival, Sunday, Washington Square, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
-- Science Movie Night: Winged Migration, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Salt Lake City Main Library
-- Salt Lake Dance Center – Movie Madness, Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Kingsbury Hall
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