tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66619114742778287702024-03-05T03:48:12.017-07:00Writing Portfolio of Jennifer HughesJennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661911474277828770.post-74121439710261039782015-01-28T08:58:00.000-07:002015-02-06T09:06:32.675-07:00Religious Feature (LDS Youth): Standing as a Witness OnlineHave you ever been in a crowded room where everyone was talking but you?<br />
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The Internet can feel like that room—everyone seems to be shouting an opinion! Some of what you hear is true, but there’s also a lot of misinformation out there. As members of the Church we need to help spread truth by joining the conversation.<br />
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Church leaders are asking us to take part in online discussions. <a href="https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng" target="_blank">Elder David A. Bednar</a> recently issued a challenge to use social media to “sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth.” He said that what has been accomplished “is a good beginning—but only a small trickle. I now extend to you the invitation to help transform the trickle into a flood.”<br />
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A great way to help create that flood is to add a blog to the social media (such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) you may already use. The advantage of a blog is that it becomes your own personal virtual room where you can express yourself however you want. Some people use blogs to express opinions, share their ideas for Personal Progress, communicate gospel messages, or teach a skill.<br />
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Another great way to use a blog is to post news and letters from a missionary who is serving. A missionary would have a hard time bearing her testimony many thousands of times over her mission, but when her testimony is online, she can do just that all day, every day, to people around the world.<br />
Even creating a simple blog with just a testimony could answer the sincere questions of someone looking for truth. You never know if a post on your website is what might make the difference.<br />
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So you’re interested but don’t know how to get started? There are several popular hosting websites that make it simple to create a blog. Pick one, and you’ll be led through a quick setup, including choosing one of many predesigned templates that you can use as-is or customize. All of the different blog sites have a different feel, so you can try a few and which you like best. It’s that easy. You’re now a blogger!<br />
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I finally decided to create a blog when I realized that my voice mattered and that it could make a difference for those searching for answers. It’s not fancy, but it reflects who I honestly am and how the gospel helps me in my life every day. I’m glad to have a place of my own online where I can be part of the conversation!
Jennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661911474277828770.post-38538919090573063142015-01-28T08:56:00.003-07:002015-02-06T09:07:30.143-07:00Religious Feature (LDS Adults): Crowding Out the DarknessAs my alarm clock rang, I opened my eyes and sighed. A pervasive feeling of gloom, like a gray cloud, had settled in lately. I knew the feeling well, having suffered before with bouts of mild depression.<br />
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As I lay in bed I wondered what I could possibly do to feel better. My gaze drifted to the nightstand and the book I’d been reading about the Atonement. Had I truly been trusting the Savior to help carry my burdens?<br />
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I thought about how I was spending my time. Although my family had been pretty faithful in scripture time and prayers, I realized with regret that I’d become casual in my personal habits. I got on my knees and prayed for wisdom.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I had tried different solutions over the years, but this time I felt like the Lord wanted me to wait on Him, to trust Him to provide in His own time and way. As I prayed, the thought came clearly to me that I needed to crowd out the darkness in my life with light.<br />
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I resolved at that moment to seek the Lord diligently and draw near unto Him so He could draw near to me (see D&C 88:63). I began my new habits by immediately reading the scriptures for a few minutes and turning on some uplifting music. At night, no matter how tired I was, I held firm to my commitment of reading at least a few verses of scripture before saying my personal evening prayer.<br />
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I also knew that involving a friend in a goal would keep me accountable, so I found a few sisters in the ward who wanted to go to the temple weekly with me. I had always loved going to the temple, but when it became a true sacrifice of time, my worship took on new meaning, and I felt closer than ever to my Heavenly Father.<br />
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It didn’t happen immediately, but gradually I felt the darkness dissipate. Although my problems had not gone away, I felt empowered to deal with them. My perspective also improved because I had a better understanding of God’s plan for me. I felt my burden lifted, as through my diligence, my soul became filled with “joy and consolation” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/3.35?lang=eng" target="_blank">Hel. 3:35</a>).<br />
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I don’t know if I will ever fully be healed in this life, but I trust the Lord to give me strength to deal with my challenges. My faith continues to increase as I see the many ways I am blessed because I am striving to follow the Lord in small and simple ways. <br />
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Jennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661911474277828770.post-9201955655490406162015-01-28T08:55:00.002-07:002015-02-06T09:07:55.670-07:00Religious Feature (LDS Children): My Prayer Was Answered in a Different Way“Natalie! It’s getting late. Time to come in!” my dad called from the porch.<br />
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I was racing toward the orange bandana peeking from behind a bush. “I’ll be right there!” I yelled as I ran.<br />
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I found it! My friends cheered as I held up the other team’s flag. One friend said it would be fun to play again, but a few shook their heads and said it was getting too dark. I handed the flag to a friend. “Sorry, I have to go.”<br />
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I crossed the street and opened the door. Dad smiled at me. “That looked like a good game.”<br />
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“I was so fast. Did you see me find the last flag?” I said.<br />
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“Way to go!” He gave me a hug. “Now see how fast you can get ready for bed.”<br />
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I walked to my room. My teddy bears looked so inviting on the yellow bedspread. As I stretched and yawned, my right hand brushed against my ear. Oh, no! My earring was gone! My hands flew to my left ear, where I felt the other earring. I took it out and cradled it in my hand. My special new earrings! One must have fallen out as I was playing capture the flag.<br />
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“Mom,” I cried. “I lost one of my new earrings while I was playing. I need to go look for it now!”<br />
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Dad came up beside Mom in the doorway. “Oh Natalie, I’m so sorry,” he said. “I know how much you love those earrings. But it’s too dark. You won’t be able to see a thing.”<br />
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Mom agreed. “You’ll have to wait till tomorrow.”<br />
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“I guess you’re right,” I said. “I’ll just get up early!”<br />
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The next morning I jumped out of bed. I went straight to the park and walked through the grass with my eyes glued to the ground. Nothing! I felt so awful. I bowed my head. “Please help me find my earring,” I prayed.<br />
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I heard my mom’s voice and opened my eyes.<br />
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“I saw you out here and thought you could use some help. Let’s try looking together.”<br />
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We walked all around the park, and I even saw something shiny, but it turned out to be an old wrapper. Finally Mom sighed, “Honey, we’ve looked everywhere. This is a big park. I don’t know if we can find it. But why don’t you pray and we’ll try one more time.”<br />
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I swallowed the lump in my throat. We both closed our eyes. As I started to pray I suddenly felt peaceful and happy, like I was wrapped in a big, warm hug. I could feel that Heavenly Father was telling me that he was listening and was watching over me.<br />
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When I finished praying, I said, “Mom, I feel so peaceful!”<br />
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She smiled. “I feel it too.”<br />
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“I want to look one last time.” As I strolled around trees and play equipment, the grass suddenly seemed a deeper green, the breeze a kiss on my face as I hummed a Primary song.<br />
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I came back to the beginning and stopped. I still hadn’t found my earring! I thought I’d feel sad, but my heart felt full of joy. My mom looked a little worried when she saw my empty hands.<br />
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“Mom, I didn’t find my earring. But it’s OK, because I know Heavenly Father loves me. He answered my prayer. He just answered it in a different way.”Jennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661911474277828770.post-36615327518235151832015-01-16T11:53:00.001-07:002015-01-16T11:53:43.384-07:00Press Release: Salt Lake Choral Artists in Utah Premiere of "Orpheus Lex"SALT LAKE CITY (July 26, 2014)--Salt Lake Vocal Artists invite you to join them for a thrilling autumn season opener, the Utah premiere of the opera "Orpheus Lex" by local composer Marie Nelson Bennett. While the original opera is a full-length, two-act piece, this performance will be presented as a multimedia concert on September 13, 7:00 p.m., at Libby Gardner Concert Hall. Soloists are soprano Alisa Peterson playing Eurydice and baritone Tyler Oliphant as Orpheus, with Michael J. Bennett in the role of narrator.<br />
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Renowned Salt Lake writer David Kranes wrote the libretto for this modern version of the classic Greek tale, setting it in a rustic cabin in Idaho, with the conflict twisted to become that Orpheus cannot look back--in time. The law, or lex, decrees that if he remembers Eurydice he will lose her again. Throughout the opera there is an exquisite tension as the characters devise ways to avoid remembering each other so they can remain together.<br />
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“Orpheus Lex” was composed by Marie Nelson Bennett, who has made a name for herself internationally. She earned degrees at the University of Utah as well as at the Yale School of Music, where she studied with famed composer Paul Hindemith. Her music has been performed and recorded by multiple orchestras, including the London Symphony, Prague Symphony, Slovak Radio Symphony, Czech Radio symphony, Seattle Symphony, Concordia, Boston Modern Orchestra, Utah Symphony, and Salt Lake Symphony. Some of the distinguished conductors she has worked under are Gerard Schwarz, Joseph Silverstein, Marin Alsop, Gil Rose, Robert Stankovsky, Vladimir Valek, Roger Briggs, Joel Rosenberg, David Cho, and Harold Rosenbaum.<br />
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Now married to Wallace G. Bennett, Marie Nelson Bennett has been a prolific composer for many years, having written eight symphonies and five concertos. Her opera “Orpheus Lex” was completed in 2006. She has been recognized for her excellence in music composition in a nomination for the Kennedy Center Friedham Award, and she also has a Merit of Honor award from the University of Utah, where her works are featured in a special collection.<br />
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“Orpheus Lex” debuted to high praise at its world premiere in New York in 2010 by the New York Virtuoso Singers with Paradigm Chamber Orchestra. Conductor Harold Rosenbaum raved, "I think it is a masterpiece. ... The libretto is so involving and captivating, and your music captures every intimacy and dramatic moment to it. ... Most of all, your music is gripping, sensuous, and sublime. ... You should consider submitting it as a Pulitzer Prize entry." A music critic, Barry O'Neal of New Music Connoisseur magazine, hailed “Orpheus Lex” as "a magnificent piece, full of heart-rending music, generously melodic and extraordinarily well-written..."<br />
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Mrs. Bennett’s collaboration with local playwright David Kranes came because she was impressed by several of his plays she saw performed by Salt Lake Acting Company. Mr. Kranes is a highly respected writer and former award-winning professor at the University of Utah who has written seven novels and two volumes of short stories. His novel The National Tree was made into a film by Hallmark. Over 40 of his plays have been performed across the U.S., and his radio plays have been performed in the U.S., Canada, and abroad. He was artistic director of Robert Redford’s Sundance Playwrights Lab for 14 years.<br />
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David Kranes has won awards such as the Utah Governor’s Award in the Arts, CBS Playwrights Award, and the National Repertory Play Contest. Mr. Kranes has taught writing workshops throughout the U.S. and Europe. He is a DFA graduate of the Yale School of Drama.<br />
Narrator Michael J. Bennett is a professional actor, having appeared in over 100 films, including Touched by an Angel. He is well known for his one-man shows such as An Evening with Dickens and has appeared as narrator with the Utah Symphony and Tabernacle Choir.<br />
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This once-in-a-lifetime event also draws on the talents of internationally recognized conductor Dr. Brady Allred, the world-class Salt Lake Vocal Artists, and singers Tyler Oliphant, praised as a “rich and expressive baritone,” and Alisa Peterson, known for her “stratospheric range and stylistic suppleness.” The concert promises to be an incredible, must-see experience.<br />
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To see event details and to purchase tickets to the final rehearsal on September 12 or the concert on September 13, please visit www.saltlakechoralartists.org. Tickets will also be sold at the door.<br />
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For more information, contact Jennifer Hughes, SLCA marketing team lead, at jennifer.hughes@saltlakechoralartists.org or (801)691-8356.<br />
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Jennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661911474277828770.post-67301070975667923652015-01-16T11:50:00.000-07:002015-01-16T11:54:54.644-07:00PSA: "Orpheus Lex"A modern twist on the love story for the ages: the Utah premiere of “Orpheus Lex” by Marie Nelson Bennett, presented by Salt Lake Vocal Artists with conductor Dr. Brady Allred. Special guests include Alisa Peterson, Tyler Oliphant, and Michael J. Bennett. Hear the music that was hailed at its New York premiere as “gripping, sensuous, and sublime,” on September 13, 7 p.m., Libby Gardner Concert Hall. Tickets and info at www.SaltLakeChoralArtists.org.Jennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661911474277828770.post-24591750875480626812015-01-16T11:35:00.003-07:002015-01-16T11:44:35.145-07:00Product Review: Kodak Playsport Zx5 Waterproof Pocket Video Camera<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ratings (out of four stars)</span></b><br />
<b>Features:</b><br />
Video/Image Quality- 3<br />
Integrated Memory- 2<br />
Additional features- 3.5<br />
<b>Ease of Use:</b> 3<br />
<b>Support: </b>3.5<br />
<b>Verdict:</b> Overall rating 3. The Kodak Zx5 is an excellent value for shooting video at the beach or pool or on the go.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Quick Look</b></span><br />
<b>Pro: </b>Video quality is good on this simple-to-use waterproof pocket camcorder that can withstand the elements.<br />
<b>Con: </b>The unremovable battery means you’ll have to watch that you’re not running out of juice.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Review</span></b> (648 words)<br />
While smart phones are convenient, using them for every task—like shooting video—is like trying to use only a screwdriver to build a house. The Kodak Playsport Zx5 Video Camera gives you another tool that’s still pocket-sized but powerful enough for the job. With its HD image capability and the durability of a rugged action video recorder, your on-the-go videos will actually be enjoyable to watch and share.<br />
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One of the best features of the Zx5 is that it can take some abuse. No more worrying about accidental drops or protecting your camcorder from splashes at the pool. This recorder shoots underwater up to 10 feet and is dustproof and shockproof, resisting damage when dropped from 5 feet. The rubber coating also makes it easy to grip, even in water. It’s perfect for adventures from the skate park to skiing.<br />
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The Zx5 has several recording modes, from high-definition 1080p/30 frames per second (fps), 720p/60 fps, and 720/30 fps, to WVGA 30fps. The sound quality is acceptable from the internal mono microphone and speaker, but the mic jack is missing as well as a headphone jack. The 2" LCD screen has an unimpressive pixel resolution of 154,000, far less than comparable camcorders. For good playback you’ll have to watch video on your computer or plug the Zx5 into an HD TV with a micro-HDMI cable that’s free from Kodak for the cost of shipping when you register online.<br />
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An upgrade in the Zx5 is the autofocusing lens, where many pocket camcorders have a fixed focus. The lens also works quite well underwater, using image correction for a crisp image. While some camcorders require a distance of a few feet to get a clear picture, the Zx5’s autofocus neatly goes into macro mode to clearly shoot small objects close up. Image stabilization, as well as zooming, is digital instead of optical.<br />
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Kodak has made this camera simple to use, with just five buttons and an easy on-screen menu. After installing the software on your Mac or PC and plugging in the Zx5 with the included micro-USB cable, a one-time fill of email and social media information allows later quick-click sharing of images and .mp4 video files right from the camcorder. There’s even a video-trimming function so you don’t have to first edit files on a computer.<br />
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A few other handy features we like are the ability to reduce the appearance of glare on your screen for sunny days, a tripod hole and optional remote control for selfie videos and shots, and the cool effects color filters.<br />
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The Zx5 has a lot of noteworthy features with just a few minor downsides. When Kodak strengthened the case of the previous Zx3 for this newer model, the battery went from being detachable to unremovable, which may bother a few users. So although the Zx5 is meant to be used on the go, don’t stray too far from an electrical outlet if you need to record for more than a couple of hours. You’ll also need more memory: the 128MB of integrated memory can be expanded up to 32GB.<br />
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The last drawback of the Zx5 is that it can be challenging to get crisp images in low lighting. The modest 1/3.2-inch light sensor can create a bit of graininess in indoor video. And since the Zx5 doesn’t have a flash, while you are able to shoot still photos or create them from a frame of video, it’s best done outdoors to avoid blur.<br />
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Overall, the Kodak Zx5 is an excellent buy, a mid-priced pocket camcorder for those wanting the convenience of a small, go-everywhere device that can take decent video—while withstanding some extra wear and tear. It comes with a warranty of one year. Kodak has a longstanding reputation of good customer support, and it has many online resources, including FAQs and manual, with assistance also available by email, phone, and chat.<br />
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Jennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661911474277828770.post-44076871923544179252015-01-16T11:20:00.003-07:002015-01-16T11:43:57.805-07:00Personal Essay: Why I Won't Do Black Friday Madness AnymoreThe first time I shopped Black Friday was 11 years ago. We woke up at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Wal-Mart just in time for the 6:00 a.m. opening. (How quaint!) The parking lot had fewer cars than on a normal shopping day, but quite a few started pulling in as the store opened.<br />
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The seasoned Black Friday shopper knows what came next: Feeling the fierce adrenaline rush. Dividing and conquering with a map of the store and an ad in hand. Pushing past the slow people wrestling a cart. Grabbing the $6 jeans off the already-messy display. Feeling the electricity of this mad swarm.<br />
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I love bargains. My first Black Friday was a bit of a rush: I felt initiated. Crazy shopping for 20 minutes, standing in line to buy for an hour, and then home and back to bed for a lazy morning. O what fun it is to shop!<br />
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Having done it once, over the next several years it slipped into a bit of a tradition. You know, flip through the newspaper ads while the turkey is cooking. Find the thing we couldn't live without. Plan out how to best hit a few stores.<br />
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Then they started releasing the ads early! At first I thought it was kind of fun to plan out everything a week ahead, but suddenly opening time moved back to 5:00 a.m. Not to be outdone, some stores countered with 4:00, then 3:00. It was like a war. Soon, most opened at midnight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62rsQ_kMJYWwrSBxbVkldVUx6WnINiWoDQ3yXRNpGO2-GUV3Dt9kqQKtREdpRZ3WPVkLw0IOxKWlO9DV-9QskS7sqAlcxFyHwqqkA1PCFbqoGVOp6lC4CFUBFIBJswG3q29WPhSJcVkI/s1600/11-15-black-friday_full_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62rsQ_kMJYWwrSBxbVkldVUx6WnINiWoDQ3yXRNpGO2-GUV3Dt9kqQKtREdpRZ3WPVkLw0IOxKWlO9DV-9QskS7sqAlcxFyHwqqkA1PCFbqoGVOp6lC4CFUBFIBJswG3q29WPhSJcVkI/s1600/11-15-black-friday_full_600.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>After having a nice big dinner and a relaxing day, I want to go to bed on Thanksgiving, not wake up in the middle of the night to shop. But Santa has a budget, doncha know. The crowds seem to get larger, but it's just not fun anymore. All the shoppers are cranky because they resent their night being hijacked. The only reason any of us are here is the lure of that thing we just couldn't live without, discounted for a few hours to half price.<br />
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Was it a year ago or two now that stores actually moved deals back onto Thanksgiving day? I saw the ads and felt sick and angry.<br />
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What was I giving up compared to what I actually got? All Thanksgiving week I was focusing on what I was going to get instead of being grateful for what I had. I had to cut precious family time short so I could sneak in a few hours' sleep before shopping. I resented feeling like a pawn in the War of the Retailers. Thanksgiving went from "giving thanks" to "gimme gimme."<br />
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Everything about the Black Friday phenomenon feels like the opposite of the true spirit of the holidays of the season. What are we doing to save a few bucks? <a href="http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/" target="_blank">One tally</a> puts the deaths related to Black Friday at seven people, with 90 injured. The reasons for the incidents are all over the map: fighting shoppers. Trampling. Shootings and stabbings. Robbery. Exhausted drivers crashing cars. I haven't witnessed any of these personally, but I'm horrified all the same. It's just stuff. It's not worth it!<br />
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This year, it's personal--I have a Kmart employee in the family. Deals there start at 6 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, with new ones every several hours. This employee goes to college every weekday and works Friday through Tuesday. He never has a day off to recharge. He can't come to our only extended family dinner of the year because he has to work all Thanksgiving day with an extra-long shift into the morning of Black Friday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFaIgTpVsd0sOT2sM8YCyyGwkF45LC2JHoHp0QN_jawjzKDNk_QL2uolSCWdq1INr1kAjSwwywASrb6ClpJfTMCj_S4c0xo17FtkhopAuN28DbKeei9xGnO60dVxcvzqbbn1X4COBe3o/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFaIgTpVsd0sOT2sM8YCyyGwkF45LC2JHoHp0QN_jawjzKDNk_QL2uolSCWdq1INr1kAjSwwywASrb6ClpJfTMCj_S4c0xo17FtkhopAuN28DbKeei9xGnO60dVxcvzqbbn1X4COBe3o/s1600/images.jpeg" height="180" width="320" /></a>For close to 12 hours he'll be tidying the messy racks over and over, ringing up layaway for a non-stop line, and trying to find items for cranky and downright mean customers.<br />
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The greedier the retailers get, the less I want to have anything to do with Black Friday. This Thanksgiving I'm having dinner with (most of) my family. I'm going to focus on being grateful--frankly, I'm kind of burned out on shopping. I plan to enjoy as much pumpkin pie as I can, go to bed at a reasonable hour, and get a full night's sleep.<br />
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And I'm putting a plate with all the trimmings in the fridge for an exhausted Kmart employee to eat sometime Friday...before he has to go in to work again.Jennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661911474277828770.post-61473577334279903522015-01-16T11:15:00.001-07:002015-01-16T11:21:33.470-07:00Movie Review: Inspiring "Meet the Mormons" Challenges Stereotypes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever been watching the evening news and finally just turned it off in disgust at all of the depressing stories? Have you, like me, said, "Why is the news just about all the bad things that happen in the world? Why doesn't anyone tell the stories of people doing good and making the world better?"<br />
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"Meet the Mormons" is that kind of good news we've been looking for. Six ordinary people--all Mormons--are profiled in this inspirational feature film. It was such a nice change to see news of people making a difference in the world, even just through small actions.<br />
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The church is also putting goodness into the world by donating proceeds from the movie to the American Red Cross. The ARC commented on the "Meet the Mormons" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/meetthemormons/timeline" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page: "We are grateful that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has selected the Red Cross as one of the primary beneficiaries for the proceeds from its film, Meet the Mormons. The support of the Church and its members is important in our work providing blood to patients in need and enabling the Red Cross to respond to disasters big and small."<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Back to the movie. The film begins with man-on-the-street interviews and movie clips that expose some stereotypes of Mormons. The narrator notes that the movie will spotlight six members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She then asks viewers to watch the stories and <i>decide for themselves</i> what they think of the church and the way its members try to live their religion. It was decidedly un-preachy.<br />
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I loved the way the film focused on the very personal stories of these individuals from around the world. Rather than talk about beliefs and doctrines, the movie shows how these six people represent some of the very diverse church and defy the stereotypes and misconceptions.<br />
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In the segment "The Bishop," set in Atlanta, Georgia, images of the ward (congregation) showed a rainbow of people of all colors, sizes, and ages. One person commented that "God is the author of diversity." Just like He did not create one kind of flower or plant and call it good, He did not create just one kind of person. He created all of us. Everyone belongs. Everyone is a child of God.<br />
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I took something different from each segment. One story that really was touching was about the Berlin Candy Bomber, Gail Halvorsen, who in a split-second act of kindness, changed the course of his life--and may have changed the very course of history. Seventy years later, people still remember with gratitude the man who gave them hope in the terrible aftermath of World War II.<br />
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The stories of each of these people show the way they face each day with faith in Jesus Christ. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and yes, this movie is about Mormons, but I believe it would have been just as uplifting had it been about people of good will from any organization.<br />
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Don't let the haters talk you out of seeing this. They are part of that "bad news" crowd I'm really tired of hanging around. I left the theater today feeling inspired. As I walked down the street, I lifted my eyes to really look in the face of each person I passed. I saw them as human beings, as beloved children of God--and even more incredible, I feel that I am that precious to God as well.<br />
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Seeing "Meet the Mormons" gave me a new determination to focus on the good, to try to be a better person, and to make a difference in the world--no matter how small. Of course we all will have our differences. But despite our differences in beliefs, any of us can consider these as worthy goals.<br />
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<a href="http://meetthemormons.com/locations" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see a list of locations where "Meet the Mormons" is playing now or to request a screening at your local theater. I hope you enjoy the movie as much as I did.Jennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661911474277828770.post-31994352930517515802015-01-16T11:13:00.005-07:002015-01-16T11:21:47.269-07:00Feature Article: Cover Story on Elizabeth DoleCover story, profile on Elizabeth Dole: "We've Received That We Might Give"<br />
Published in FranklinCovey's <i>Priorities</i> magazine, Volume 2, Issue 6<br />
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Interview by Mark Cook, publisher and editor of <i>Priorities</i><br />
<b>Written by Jennifer Hughes</b><br />
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It's almost un-American to ask who Elizabeth Dole is. Wife of former senator and 1996 Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole, "Liddy," as she is called, is actually considered a good bet for the 2000 presidential election herself (although she quickly denies any plans to run). But she's too busy for politics right now. She is president of the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization that helps victims of some 60,000 domestic disasters a year. She has family relationships to ten to, including a "beautiful marriage" and her 97-year-old mother who is her "best friend." She has daily time set aside for devotional and exercise. And as if that weren't enough, she's always looking for something more to do.<br />
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<b>A Life of Opportunities</b><br />
Elizabeth Hanford Dole has the charming accent of a Southern belle from her childhood in the small town of Salisbury, North Carolina. She grew up in the lovely Southern home that is easy to picture as she speaks — complete with a magnolia tree. Her parents encouraged their children to succeed early. "They were very unselfish, and they wanted me to do things that would broaden my horizons," explains Mrs. Dole. She speaks glowingly of her parents, as if they were mentors and friends instead of authority figures. "[My mother] has certainly been a great influence in my life because she's very unselfish, very giving, always thinking of other people."<br />
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Mary Hanford taught Elizabeth by example from a young age to be generous with her time and resources. "Even now when I call home, more often than not there's a young person there. They come to her for help with a term paper and she'll gather material for them, or they need a little money to go on a Christian mission in Romania or maybe she'll call me," Mrs. Dole laughs, "and say, 'There's this very worthy young man here. Can't you find him a little job in Washington?'"<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Young Elizabeth used the mentoring of her parents to take a path that was different from the most of her friends. "I don't know why I heard the beat of a different drummer, but I did," she explains, as she pursued degrees first at Duke University, Harvard and then Harvard Law School. In 1968 she began in impressive career in Washington D.C.: a consumer advocate in both the Johnson and Nixon Administrations, six years on the Federal Trade commission in the '70s, Reagan's Secretary of Transportation from 1983 to 1987, Bush's Secretary of Labor and then on to head the Red Cross in 1991.<br />
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Although she was the first woman in many positions to break through the "glass ceiling" (a topic she tackled while serving under President Bush), she explains that it was never her plan — "It just happened. It was not a matter of being out there in terms of marching in feminist causes — we were enacting it, we were living it. We were very busy living it," she stresses, chuckling, "and active in our jobs. We preceded the revolution, so to speak. And yet, you were not conscious of it, it was not a philosophical thing: It was just something I wanted to do."<br />
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She explains that although she never made a grand plan or blueprint for her life. "As I moved along opportunities would unfold, and in each position it was a matter of, 'What are the five or six things I can go into that position and do that really need to be done where I can make a difference?'" And despite a lifetime in a mostly man's working world, she does not feel that she was treated unfairly as a woman but instead emphasizes the positive. "Often I ended up being the only woman in the room. But I think people regarded me as a fellow professional."<br />
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<b>Politics and Marriage</b><br />
Mrs. Dole's relationship with her husband encompasses a mutual support of each other's careers. "Being blessed with a beautiful marriage makes a big difference. Bob, when we were married, very much wanted me to continue in my career. And actually, our two careers have really enriched our marriage, because he takes a great interest in what I do, and I've found the same great interest in what he's been doing and is doing now."<br />
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That support of her husband even took Mrs. Dole on an unpaid 14-month leave of absence from the Red Cross to go on the presidential campaign trail in 1996. Her husband's biggest fan, she broke unwritten national convention rules to give her speech strolling through the audience with microphone in hand to talk not of politics but to extol the virtues of "the man I love." But this is quintessential Elizabeth Dole: For anyone else, such a performance could have seemed artificial, but for Mrs. Dole it came through as genuine and heartfelt — an extension of her personality. In fact, Senator Dole's popularity rating peaked immediately, which many attributed to his wife, whose speech focused on her husband's trait of serving — like Elizabeth herself — those who need "a helping hand."<br />
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<b>Blessing Others</b><br />
As president of the Red Cross, Mrs. Dole has had the chance to give back not just to victims of disasters but to members of the community, particularly young people, whom she feels strongly about encouraging. With her brother, she created the Red Cross "Youth in Action" program to honor their mother. Several participating high schools recommend students to take courses in various Red Cross functions and become certified. The certified youth who then perform the required community service receive college scholarships.<br />
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Mrs. Dole particularly wants to help kids that could be at risk. She believes that "their lives will turn around. There are lots of kids in our society today who need a helping hand. [When] someone says, 'I care about you. Let me tell you why it's important to not drop out of school. Let me tell you why you shouldn't take drugs,'... these lives will turn around."<br />
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Mrs. Dole is obviously successful at helping others — one look over her life's achievements attests to that. But, she explains, it's easy to have success when you "find that which you feel passionately about. That will give you the energy because it will be here from here" — she gestures — "it will be from the heart. And that's what I tell young people. Find that sense of mission. That will take you forward because you'll care."<br />
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But there's more to her personal success equation than just a sense of mission: Mrs. Dole also believes "being a person of faith makes a big difference." In 1981 she has said before, she realized that "God" got lost in her Rolodex between "Gardening" and "Government." She has talked about how this "spiritual renewal" led her to join a prayer group and dedicate herself to have daily quiet time and Bible reading. In fact, her faith is a regular part of the conversation — it seems as natural to her as talking about any other aspect of her life.<br />
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Her service at the Red Cross is even self-described as a "mission field": I think it is probably rooted in my faith and my desire to try to make a difference for others," she has said. "There is suffering in this world, but we do everything we can to try to make a difference."<br />
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The Red Cross has given her many opportunities to make a difference. One time she can't forget was in 1994, in the former Zaire, where a million Rwandan refugees set up camp in an area that was covered with volcanic rock. Disease was rampant, and the people could not dig to bury the dead. "I was literally stepping over dead bodies. They were piled by the side of the road, and two times a day trucks took them to mass graves. There's a picture here," she gestures, "and you'll see the only thing moving about that child is the tears leaving a little path down that dusty face. There were thousands of people around, but this child was sitting there by himself."<br />
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As Mrs. Dole came to console him, she noticed that "nothing was moving, not a muscle. Nothing, not an eyelash, nothing but the tears coming down his little dusty face." Thousands of children were alone, and many were traumatized. "I can still see them just crying, they were suffering, they were ill ... and I would look at those children, and I'll always remember exactly what my thoughts were: 'You have nothing: no parents, no home, no food, no clothes, no hope, no future, nothing but the Red Cross to meet your every need."<br />
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In the next breath, Mrs. Dole explains what we can learn even from tragedy: "And then you immediately think about how much we have in America, own blessed we are, and often we take it for granted. We've been blessed to be a blessing, we've received that might give." It's the kind of motto that she repeats often, and for her they are not empty words.<br />
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Of course, she points out quickly, one of the easiest ways to give is to donate blood to the Red Cross or even join its 1.3 million volunteers. The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood in he United States, and over the last seven years Mrs. Dole has spearheaded an effort to revolutionize the way it has collected, tested, processed and distributed donated blood. This $287 million project, resulting in new technologies that have improved the safety of the blood supply, has heard high praise from peers such as Dr. Davis Kessler, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, who called it a "heroic effort." And Mrs. Dole herself is no stranger to praise. Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala has also complimented her leadership of the Red Cross, saying, "Few have done more to alleviate human miseries and save lives."<br />
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<b>Following Her Own Star</b><br />
Mrs. Dole has never been afraid to break stereotypes to do what she feels is important. With the mentoring that she's had from parents, several bosses and her husband, she knows she's been fortunate to be encouraged to "follow my own star." Looking again to her mother's life, she notes that if we make giving back a top priority, "not only will it be a very fulfilling life and very rewarding, but you can look back when you're my mother's age, and the question you'll be asking yourself is, 'What did I stand for? Did I make a positive difference?' And you'll be able to answer yes."<br />
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One can imagine Elizabeth Dole years from now asking herself and smiling, because her answer will surely be yes.Jennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661911474277828770.post-73869056599168172552015-01-16T10:45:00.000-07:002015-01-16T11:45:50.613-07:00Personal Essay: To Choir, with LoveI love singing, but my favorite kind is in a group. For just a few moments, everyone is totally united in a single purpose: to make beautiful music.<br />
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I've sung in a choir pretty much nonstop since I was in grade school. For the last few years I've been especially privileged to sing under Dr. Brady Allred with Salt Lake Choral Artists. Singing in a choir creates unique connections. I may not actually know much about my choir neighbors, but as we meet together once a week, we become friends.<br />
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Choral singing may sound easy, but consider that a singer's instrument is more complex than any other--essentially the whole body. The act of singing is very physical and sensorial, and singing with others is especially intimate. We actually absorb each other's sound waves. They vibrate against our eardrums and tap telegraphic messages to our brains. If everyone sings just right--in just the same way--these sound waves weave together in an invisible though very real tapestry.<br />
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If you are not a singer, you may not understand when I say that those moments of unity are among life's most transcendent. I think others, like me, are addicted to chasing these "fixes" or highs. Although rare, they become inscribed not just in our memories but in our very cells. Each song, each voice, becomes a time capsule of sound.<br />
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So I can still hear Amy's childish belting from our sixth grade children's choir. The still-developing teenage voices of Debbie W., Andrea, Mike, Andrew, and Steve ring in my ears even though I haven't heard them many years. The voices of college choir friends David, Elizabeth, Doug, Carol, and Debbie G. are frozen, like audio ghosts that I can effortlessly conjure to experience their presence again.<br />
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Over the last few years, several SLCA friends have moved on to a new life chapter, but their voices have stayed with me. Friends like Erika, now a newlywed; Cindy, too busy to be in a choir right now; and now Joan, one of several MoTab "graduates."<br />
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We came together each Tuesday to join our voices together, and maybe we didn't even know that much about each others' "real lives." But for those hours, we were completely united. As another SLCA alto friend Liz just explained to me, in these moments, these people became like family.<br />
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We may not sing together or even meet again, but it's all right. Each voice is inscribed on my cells, now an indelible part of me.Jennifer Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412431511855314064noreply@blogger.com0