Different strokes by different folks: music, marketing and the making of SLC band Girrafic Jam

Posted on April 19, 2012 by comm5775

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By FRANCES MOODY

Salt Lake City, the city of churchgoers, upstanding families and bar hoppers. Yes, bar hoppers. Salt Lake City’s nightlife hustles and bustles with enthusiastic bar goers ready to be swept away by friendly bartenders, intoxicating drinks and, most of all, electric music.

Lined up and down the streets of the city’s distinctive grid system, which spreads out from the LDS Temple, are bars that showcase jaw-dropping tunes created by talented artists. Among these artists is the band, Girrafic Jam. Formerly known as Hekyll n’ Jive, Girrafic Jam strives to create a new music and business strategy that will keep the bar flies content, yet attract a more diverse crowd.  After sitting down to eat at a crowded Asian restaurant located off State Street in Salt Lake City, Marshall Jones (lead guitarist) Kyle McCann (bass guitarist) explained how their stratagem would work.

Viewing their music as both art and product, Girrafic Jam works to form an effective business strategy that will ensure its success. “We [Girrafic Jam] think of our music as a business, and are planning it from there,” Jones said.

In business terms, the band members aim to prove their product—the music– valuable. How will the band accomplish such a feat and reach the top of the metaphorical skyscraper of success? Hopefully, they will accomplish this task by rethinking and reinventing the local music scene’s expectations. Though the process has commenced, Girrafic Jam waits in the fledging stages of its long climb to the top.

Girrafic Jam’s first stop on the elevator of reinvention came with the addition of two new members: already mentioned bass guitarist, Kyle McCann, and drummer, Courtney Thomas. As a result, Girrafic Jam moved to the first floor of success. “ We are in the works of making our plan of attack,” McCann said as he stared at a mountain of fried rice and chicken on his plate.

McCann and Thomas carried a refreshing tone to the band’s music. This invigorating sound sparked Girrafic Jam’s idea to create a new product. In most cases, changed products call for changed names. Following in the footsteps of companies like Google (once called BackRub), Hekyll n’ Jive transformed into Girrafic Jam.

Girrafic Jam realizes it is not the first product or band to recreate itself. For instance, the band pulls inspiration from other bands’ approaches and sounds, rather than mimicking them. The band describes its style as “[an] infusion of Red Hot Chili Pepper-like grooves, saucy Incubus-style melodies, combined with the sting and sway of Stevie Ray Vaughn type fretwork, and the flow of ambient tirades ala Minus the Bear,” as advertised on former Hekyll n’Jive’s Facebook page.

Perhaps Girrafic Jam’s eclectic sound is the best example of the band’s muses and inspiration. Front man Neil Olsen plays the saxophone, which helped music break away from the staccato sound of humdinger tunes and into the boisterous blasts of jazz. Girrafic Jam utilizes music’s history to mesh genres of music and create unheard, yet mesmerizing melodies, such as the band’s song “Got The Spirit” When heard, the song’s sentimental lyrics and heart-racing solos magnetize the crowd’s hands together in uproarious applause.

Innovative forms of music are important to Girrafic Jam, but so is creating a product that people love. A prized product must be advertised in the right way. With that in mind, the band investigates new forms and arenas for their marketing campaigns.

In Salt Lake City, most bands feel that the best way to sell their music is to play as many gigs at as many bars as possible. Girrafic Jam holds a different opinion altogether. They hope to break away from this local music stipulation through a process of selection.

While performing late at night in dimly lit bars goes against Utah’s societal expectations, to Girrafic Jam, it also creates restrictions. Every Friday night the Metal Gods woo girls with teased hair by performing chart-topping ‘80s hits at a suburban Salt Lake County bar, Liquid Joe’s. To some, cover songs are fun and alluring. To others, they only offer one side of a band’s talent.

Being family men, Jones and Olsen maintain a hectic schedule to uphold their family oriented lifestyles, while Courtney and McCann strive to improve their musical talents in other ways. Having busy schedules and diverse lifestyles, the band opted to highlight original numbers at fewer shows, as an alternative to selling cover song after cover song like Metal Gods.

The band trusts that this method will attract a more eclectic audience and fashion a more valuable sound.  “A yearning for listening within the audience is more important than doing a weekly gig,” McCann said.

What’s more, Girrafic Jam’s campaign is in the process of social networking and forming a vast Internet presence.  They have connected themselves to several websites, such as Facebook and YouTube. With a well-rounded marketing crusade, Girrafic Jam is sure to attract the wandering eyes of many Internet users and music lovers alike.

One day, Girrafic Jam’s business scheme and innovative force into the music scene may prove successful. Today many of their fans see the end in sight. Perhaps, in the near future, people will line up to hear the exploding sound of Girrafic Jam echoing from the roof of skyscraper success.

“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. We find inspiration and implement it into what we are creating [whether it is music or marketing]… That’s what will hopefully help us succeed,” Jones said, after picking up a pot sticker with his fork and placing it on McCann’s plate.

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Zachary Arthur

Posted on April 17, 2012 by comm5775

MY STORIES:

REFLECTIVE BLOG:

“I want to do that.” “That’s what I was meant to do.” “That will be me someday.” These are all phrases that go through my head when I watch any sports analysts on ESPN. For a guy in Salt Lake City, Utah, that is a bold statement but one that I also fully believe in.

My intermediate reporting class this semester has eliminated most of my fear in going for that goal. It sounds slightly pathetic and timid but my biggest weakness has always been the initial approach. Approaching somebody I have never seen or met and asking them questions goes against what we are all taught as kids, “don’t talk to strangers.” I did not know I would have to dive in so deep with this class, but I learned quickly.

My background is in sports and I would equate the fear I had with approaching random people to the fear I had on the basketball court. I always had a unique confidence in myself when I played basketball but that came with the fear of somebody being better than me and them beating me. I would tell myself, “no fear,” and repeat it to myself all the time. I ended up taking this approach with my stories in intermediate reporting. If I didn’t have fear then I would succeed. This turned out to be the case.

I have a long way to go, and am happy to have another year of school to work on getting better. I know I can improve in a number of areas, talking to people being one, but the improvement I have made in the past four months shows me I can definitely make that happen.

ABOUT ME:

I am a junior majoring in journalism at the University of Utah. I am 20 years old and was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, I lived on Andrews Air Force Base for three years when I was younger. I am hoping to graduate within the next year and want to jump right into a journalism career.

My ultimate goal is to become a sports anchor on ESPN, but I know that will take time. I know if I want to reach that goal then I have to be committed to pushing myself when it comes to my career. I currently host my own sports radio show called “The Redone” at the University of Utah on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The show can be found on kuteradio.org. I know this experience will help me get a strong understanding of the different steps that I should take in order for me to succeed.

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Julianna Clay

Posted on April 17, 2012 by comm5775

Photo courtesy of Salt Lake Tribune photographer

MY STORIES:

MY BLOG: Reflecting on our time in class

Like everyone else I had a few things that I struggled with in this class. Writing about beats that I’m not very familiar with was a little challenging, but I learned that even if the subject is not especially to your liking you can always find a way to make it interesting and put your spin on it.

I have a problem with authority so when we did our Chief Burbank assignment I was especially worried, but I found a side of it that was personally interesting and was able to get over that fear.

Many of our guest speakers like Kevin Pang, and Ben Winslow emphasized how important it is to not only know how to incorporate and use different mixed and multimedia, but to be willing to write about a broad spectrum of subjects. I found that to be very true and helpful.

Learning about and how to operate the various popular websites like Twitter and LinkedIn was also and still is difficult for me, but I know because of this class have the knowledge and the tools to continue that if I wish to. I think the more time passes the more each generation realizes how important sites like these will become.

ABOUT ME:  My name is Julianna Clay. My dad is a retired officer of the Air Force. I was born three of five daughters to Barrett and Sindy Clay in Ohio, but was raised primarily in Europe.  I spent my elementary days in Ramstein, Germany and Aviano, Italy. I graduated high school at a DODDs school in Vicenza, Italy.

I initially moved to Utah to live with my elder sister, but stayed on after she got married and moved overseas because I wanted to go to school here. I was unsure of what course I wanted to pursue so I attended the community college  first to get my generals out of the way.

One of the general education requirements was a writing class. In that course we were supposed to get a few assignments published in the community college paper. I got multiple stories published. It was exciting and revitalizing to see my name in print. I decided that I had finally found my passion and my niche. I had gotten bitten by the journalism bug and there was no turning back.

I became a staff reporter for Salt Lake Community College’s newspaper and I after I did that for a semester or two I transferred to the University of Utah. During my first semester at the University of Utah I started an internship with City Weekly. After I ended my internship I became a freelancer for City Weekly and SLUG.

I’m two semesters away from graduating with a degree in journalism and I most recently got a weekly freelancing gig with Now in Salt Lake to write about fashion. Although music writing is primarily what I’m used to, I look forward to the challenge of writing about where to go to get the newest trends. Like any girly-girl I am very passionate about shopping and clothing!

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Javan Rivera

Posted on April 17, 2012 by comm5775

MY STORIES:

MY BLOG: Enlightening the law

What is law and justice really?

I’ve written on a variety of subjects in the past, from the opening of new art exhibits, to after-school programs on Salt Lake City’s West side. However, Voices of Utah represents my first foray into the realm of law and justice.

It’s been an enlightening experience.

Suffice to say that before these stories, I hadn’t taken any time to really look at the American justice system. It was always just there; that big system that’s designed to keep our streets safe and our citizens happy.

But what about the people who make that system run? The people it serves? The people it protects?

The people.

That’s what it all really comes down to when you start digging. It’s much more personal and individually engaging than I think most people realize. Certainly more so than I had ever imagined.

When the words law and justice are mentioned, most people tend to think about silent courtrooms and stone-faced judges.

But what about the homeless man who is huddled in the cold? His mind is lost to a combination of mental illness and self-medication. The crimes he commits usually aren’t of the violent variety, but rather misdemeanors that are a side effect of his mental illness.

What about the passionate men and women who stand up for these people? People like Salt Lake City DA Sim Gill, who helped to pioneer the mental illness court in Salt Lake City. People like him work every day to, not only keep the truly dangerous criminals off the street, but also to help those severely in need of their aid.

What about the police officers who not only choose to put their lives on the line in the name of public safety, but attempt to do so in a manner that always puts the non-violent approach ahead of their own well-being? People like Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank, whose peaceful approach to the Occupy Salt Lake Movement gained him nods of professional appreciation from around the nation.

Make no mistake. The people who serve in Utah’s justice system are professional to the bone. That being said, Law and justice isn’t some dispassionate, detached part of our society. It is made up of men and women who actively seek to make our city and our nation a better place.

Much of what I’ve discovered as part of my experience with Voices of Utah, revolves around the law and justice writing I’ve done. While I can easily say I’m pretty comfortable branching out to cover whatever catches my interest, law and justice is an area I never imagined I would be covering–outside of the crime reporting it seems most everyone ends up doing when they try and break into the field.

This portion of my experience has been both eye opening and good for me. It’s taught me that, no matter what you’re covering, there are always interesting people to meet, new nuggets of truth to be unearthed, and above all else, new stories to be told.

ABOUT ME:

Writing is more than just a career path to me—it’s my passion. I once had a friend give me some very sage advice.

“If you want to be a writer, then write. And when you think you’re done. When you think you can’t possibly write any more. Then keep on writing. Write until your fingers ache, until your mind has gone numb from the sheer amount of words that pour forth from your well of creativity. Then, and only then, will you be more than a writer. You’ll be a crafter of words.”

That’s advice I’ve taken to heart and genuinely tried to put into practice over the years. As a child, and into my adulthood I’ve always been an active reader and writer. It’s a part of who I am, and more than anything, it’s a part of who I want to be.

Having grown up the son of home missionaries, I traveled across the United States numerous times as a child. By the age of 12 I had likely traveled more miles than the majority of people would in their entire lifetimes. I honestly believe those experiences helped to mold me into the person I am today.

I’m currently in the latter half of my junior year at the University of Utah. Majoring in mass communication with an emphasis in journalism was a no-brainer for me. As someone who has always pursued literature and word crafting as a hobby, I can’t imagine a greater career than being able to convey the stories of others on a daily basis.

My time at the University of Utah has allowed me to pursue numerous journalistic endeavors. From writing for my school paper to getting my first article published in a local paper, it’s been a journey in learning and excitement.

At 20, I look to my future in anticipation. Opportunities such as Voices of Utah are wonderful due to the fact that they give me a chance to not only practice my greatest obsession, but also an opportunity to cultivate that passion into something I can use as a career.

Filed under: Blogs & Bios, Student-Journalists | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

TODD PATTON

Posted on April 17, 2012 by comm5775

MY STORIES:

MY BLOG: Toughen Up

Our professor slowly paced the front of the classroom and proclaimed “this business isn’t for pansies” (family-friendly version) as we prepared to embark on journeys to find additional sources.  A phrase that I will probably never forget as I aspire to make my career as a journalist.

This statement not only added to what I’ve learned in this classroom, but rather, defined it. No other time in my life would I approach an Eastern European restaurant owner and ask him if I could interview him, only to be rejected three times. I would never find myself talking to complete strangers at a rally at the Capitol Building, trying to find a poignant that I could add to my story. Hell, I even found myself talking to a few complete strangers while picking up food for work.

Who was I becoming? My dad? The man who has been calculated to speak to 90 percent of strangers on an airplane, while myself and older brother have a rate of 20 percent. Maybe. I’d like to think I was just simply becoming a journalist.

I’ve come a long way from the kid who could hardly stomach telling a waiter that my order was wrong. Or that calling to set up an appointment for a haircut was almost too intimidating. I never liked talking to strangers before I became a journalism student. And no other class has taught me to put myself out there quite like Holly’s.

Again, I couldn’t believe I was emailing legislators, even talking to them on the phone. As I worked for the Daily Utah Chronicle I wrote columns and sat idly in Real Salt Lake press conferences. Sure, sometimes I would man up, like when I marched onto the swim deck for a last-minute, deadline-saving, interview with the swim coach.  But I always felt uncomfortable.

As I prepare myself for graduation in the first week of May, I can honestly say this lesson may be the one I carry out of this university. Whether it’s finding a job or finding a source, I think the phrase “this business isn’t for pansies” can be used in almost any situation.

It has helped me realize that if you don’t put yourself out there to succeed, you won’t.

ABOUT ME:

Hailing from ever-cultured Utah County, I’ve transitioned myself to Salt Lake City and am slowly attempting to become a journalist while at the University of Utah. Sports is an undying passion of mine and the reasoning behind my endeavor to work with sports in any way possible.  Whether it’s writing or producing, working with sports is not just something I want to do, but have to do.  While it may seem that I’m one-dimensional when it comes to my interests: music, food and social concerns are some other aspects of life that take up my time. And yes, I’m being sarcastic about a cultured Utah County.

Filed under: Blogs & Bios, Student-Journalists | Leave a comment »

The convenience of college obesity

Posted on April 17, 2012 by comm5775

Story and photos by Blakely Bowers

The United States has the highest obesity rate in the world. Obesity is an issue that reaches far beyond the way someone looks. Medical experts have linked excess weight to everything from heart disease and diabetes to chronic back, hip and knee pain.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, 74.6 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. For the past decade the rates have risen steadily for Americans of all ages and population groups. The difference between being overweight and obese is determined by a person’s body mass index (BMI). Adults with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight. Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered to be obese. Try calculating your own BMI

Studies performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that one in every 50 Americans is obese. This number is significantly higher than it was even five years ago. As the number rises, so do the costs. Chronic obesity costs the individual, but the problem has its impact on others fiscally, as well. “Obesity not only costs the patient a whole lot of extra money, but it costs us as doctors. We spend more time with patients who are overweight. The health issue creates many other issues in which rises the rate of diseases and disorders, which in turn impacts us,” said Dr. Cassandra Quigley.

As the obesity rate increases, so do the rates of obesity-related medical problems. Medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension affect the cost and availability of insurance benefits, which increase the cost for the average person. The rates also cause government programs to pay enormous amounts for those benefiting from the programs.

The Surgeon General estimates the annual medical costs of obesity are as high as $147 billion. On average, obese people have medical costs that are $1,429 more than medical costs of people of healthy weight. More information regarding the dollar amounts of these medical costs can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/causes/economics.html

“The increasing amount of obese patients I see, is really getting terrifying,” Quigley said.

“I am learning more details of the personal causes behind this disorder, said Laura Welch, a certified nutritionist and health fitness coach. She graduated from BYU with a degree in nutrition, and has been studying it ever since.

“Most of my clients admit that their issue comes from within. They slowly start feeling bad about themselves and overeating and not exercising is their way of coping. The other major problem underlying obesity is accessibility and convenience to fast food and treats that help pack on the extra pounds.”

We can get online, make an order and wait 15 minutes for our meal to show up at our door. We can drive through the local McDonald’s and have our food within seconds. We have instant macaroni and cheese, instant brownies, instant everything. It has become about convenience and price. Fast foods are always the least healthy, but the least expensive option.

The number of overweight college students has also significantly increased in the past decade. In order to understand the increase, I decided to observe and research the habits of students. College lifestyles have a major influence on obesity. We’ve all heard about the “freshman 15,”, a familiar reference to the standard weight gain new college students typically pack on. Studies have shown that three-quarters of students gain weight their freshman year of college. These students can easily form a habit of overeating and overlooking regular exercise. These habits continue to impact their weight for years to come. Research by science daily.

Some University of Utah students say that “convenience” is the main reason for their unhealthy eating habits. It is hard for students to find the right balance while attending college. In a study performed by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in 2009, researchers found that lack of sleep and skipping breakfast are prominent promoters of obesity among students. A jam-packed school schedule, late nights, early morning lectures and exam cramming leave little room for healthy eating habits. Students often reach for the quickest and cheapest options—fast foods low in nutrients but high in calories, fat, and sugar.

“ I go for whatever is cheapest and fastest during my school breaks. I have all the intentions of eating healthier, but when the time comes I don’t want to spend the extra money, or take the time out of my crazy studying and work schedule to make a healthy option.” Mary Earl, a U freshman said.

Sleep is another factor that affects obesity in college students. When the proper amount of sleep gets cut in half, along with a scattered diet, a body has a hard time sufficiently metabolizing. Students are at the most vulnerable state, and the habits are not a top priority. More sleep and obesity related studies can be found here.

“When healthy food becomes more convenient to pick up and cheaper, that’s when I will start eating healthier during this time in my life. It sounds lazy, but it’s true. Convenience and cost are just the factors that play into these habits for me,” Earl said.

obesity(1)

Filed under: Food & Restaurants, Health & Fitness, Student-Journalists | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

Standing against Utah’s conservativism, a few fight against HB 497

Posted on April 17, 2012 by comm5775

by TODD PATTON

In 2011, the Utah Legislature passed a controversial bill pertaining to illegal immigration throughout the state.  In subsequent months, outcry from the Latino community and leaders around Salt Lake City, led to a court challenge against House Bill 497.

HB 497, would allow police officers to check the immigration status of most individuals they encounter, making it necessary for those of Latino background to carry their documents with them wherever they go.

And in May 2011, just after Utah Gov. Gary Herbert signed HB 497, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued the state of Utah. That action suspended the bill, and Judge Clark Waddoups of U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, recently postponed the case, citing that he will wait until the U.S. Supreme Court decides on a similar bill from Arizona.

While the courts will ultimately decide the fate of HB 497, Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank and other opponents have urged the courts to consider the problems a bill of this nature could create for officers.

“I should not take into account who [citizens] they are, what language they speak, the color of their skin, where they might be from, and all those other things.” Burbank said.  “We all have these biases built into us. But does that hold true? Absolutely not.  And if officers start using that [biases] as a basis to make enforcement decisions, that is wrong.”

Burbank also let his thoughts be known in a Feb. 16th op-ed column in The Salt Lake Tribune, the day before Waddoups moved to suspend the bill.  Headlined “ ‘Papers-please’ law would harm all Utahns,” Burbank pleaded for the judicial system to block HB 497.

As Burbank—2011 recipient of the Tribune’s “Person on the Year” honor, spoke the same day his column was printed, he reiterated the overriding sentiments toward  the issue. And more specifically, he addressed the influence HB 497 would have on the growing Latino community in the state of Utah.

“In Salt Lake City, last year’s census had 22.5 percent of the population being documented as being Hispanic or Latino,” Burbank said. “The school census, when you look at the enrolled children in school, that number is about 31 percent of the population.  And to alienate one-third of the population is ridiculous.”

Passing by 59-15 in the Utah House and 22-5 in the Utah Senate it was clear that lawmakers overwhelmingly supported HB 497. However– like Burbank–not all Utah leaders were on board with the controversial bill.  Rep. David Litvack D-Salt Lake City, agrees that HB 497 would only create unnecessary issues for police officers and citizens alike.

“I think it does a disservice to the entire community,” Litvack said. “You can’t resolve immigration issues through enforcement only, it’s misleading.  And as far as law enforcement, as well as the immigrant community, it puts them in a very compromising position. Law enforcement relies on a good relationship with the entire community, including the undocumented community.”

Being one of the 15 House opponents to the bill last legislative session, Litvack adamantly defended his decision to vote against a bill that many supported.

“My big concern for witnesses of crime, is how willing they will be cooperate, to speak with law enforcement if their big fear is that they’re going to be arrested or deported,” Litvack said.

And while HB 497 has clearly been met with resistance from some, in the end, the law must really be about guaranteeing the safety and rights for all those who live in the state of Utah, Burbank wrote in his guest column.

“In order to perform our job effectively, all people – including those who lack authorization to be in this country – should feel confident approaching police officers and coming forward as victims of or witnesses to crime without fear this interaction may lead to an investigation of their immigration status.”

Filed under: Hispanics & Latinos(as), Immigrants & Refugees, Politics, Student-Journalists | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

A far cry from what they once were, Real Salt Lake is no longer an afterthought

Posted on April 17, 2012 by comm5775

by TODD PATTON

On a recent Saturday night 21,000 fans slowly stream out of Rio Tinto Stadium after a Real Salt Lake match against Chivas USA.  Before a sold- out crowd, it’s apparent Real Salt Lake has come a long way since it’s inaugural season in 2004.

Just eight years ago Real Salt Lake found themselves without a stadium and little support.  That is, until the new and picturesque $110 million Rio Tinto Stadium opened in 2008. The stadium was funded half by private donations and half by public funds.  The city of Sandy took the brunt of the responsibility for financing Rio Tinto and its investment seems to be paying off for the local economy. Restaurants, bars and hotels all benefit from the 25-plus home games each year and off-season concerts at the 23-acre complex.

“I think the only reason Jim’s Diner is even still there is because of Real Salt Lake games,” said Brandon Craft, Real Salt Lake Fan Relations Coordinator.  “The amount of fans that come to games really do impact the surrounding businesses.”

The stadium has drastically changed the atmosphere of Real Salt Lake games, something that didn’t exist when the team played in the much larger Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah for its first four seasons.

“I’ve been going to games since they were played at the U and I can’t express how much better the atmosphere is here at Rio Tinto,” said fan Cristiano Pesci, as he cheered on RSL from the upper deck. “It’s a beautiful stadium. It rivals going to Jazz, BYU, Utah games in my opinion. It honestly might be the best sporting event you can attend in the state of Utah.”

Building an atmosphere is something that all sporting events need and that atmosphere can now be seen at every Real Salt Lake match.  La Barra, RCB, and Salt City United are the main supporter groups for RSL. They wave flags, throw streamer and beat drums for an entire match.

It’s the personality of each group that builds on those generic characteristics seen at most soccer matches around the world.  Whether it’s the shirtless drummers of La Barra or the tattooed, vulgar chanting RCB and Salt City United, the atmosphere thrives in the uniqueness of RSL fans.

Fan support is the lifeblood of professional sports teams and the RSL fan base has steadily increased recently, Craft said.

“The last three seasons we’ve seen our season tickets increase each year. We have 1,200 more season tickets this season than last. Last year was the first time that we’ve [RSL] broken even in any season. I think three years ago our revenue was $6 million, the next was around $6.8 million, and this year were on pace to be about half a million dollars above that.  So yeah, it’s certainly a growing sport and organization here in Utah.”

Television viewership is another important aspect of professional sports, an aspect that Real Salt Lake has recently improved.  In the first few years of the team’s existence finding a game on television was a daunting task.  But after signing a long term, high-definition contract with the KTVX, the local ABC television affiliate, Real Salt Lake games can now be routinely seen on basic cable television.  And Craft  points out that the number of viewers has already jumped dramatically.

“We got a report that ratings have nearly doubled from last season. We used to just have casual fans but people are slowly becoming just as invested in RSL as any other sport.”

That fan investment has morphed into a full-blown culture.

Branden Steineckert, former drummer for the punk band The Used, and current Rancid drummer, is one of Real Salt Lake’s biggest supporters.  Steineckert’s YouTube anthem “Believe RSL” became popular with fans just before the season and became the theme song for the team and fans. Sung before each home game in 2012, it’s also shouted in a march to the stadium by dedicated supporters.

If you believe then stand up on your feet and shout it loud Real. Here at the RioT the battle hymns begun, we’re here for RSL, the anthem rings throughout the stadium.

While Real Salt Lake has been hailed a “minor” league team by organizations such as the Utah Jazz, and continually thought to be the little brother to BYU and Utah games, much has changed in the eight years of the organization’s life.

RSL is no longer borrowing a university stadium meant for football and threats of leaving the state no longer exist. It’s now a fan-base that prides themselves on being loyal and above all else, believing.

So if you believe just stand up on your feet and shout it loud Real, the anthem echoes on a suddenly brisk and clear Saturday night in Utah.

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LEWIS WALKER

Posted on April 17, 2012 by comm5775

MY STORIES:

MY BLOG:

Over the past three months I have sat in an intermediate reporting class, listening, observing and accepting plenty of tools that may help me become a much better writer. Some of the things that have been offered from classmates as well as some of the things I had on my mind were made clear by our instructor, Holly Mullen, as we expressed our difficulties we stumble upon when we are writing. Despite all of the sharing and learning that has gone on in this semester, it has seemed to fly by in a blink of an eye. A lot of joking and laughter has been expressed throughout the four walls surrounding us in this enclosed box in the LNCO building here at the University of Utah.

As our class first began, we set out on an expedition to write about Law & Justice. But the process of writing kicked in, our theme being edited and stripped down to its final details to make readers become attached to the stories we wrote is the journey this class went on. Straying away from Law & Justice later in the semester, we were able to seek out things we were interested in, stories we felt attached to as well as something we at least knew a little about. The road wasn’t easy but it sure was a great learning experience along the way. With only a dozen student/classmates the class seemed as if it had begun to mold into an authentic friendship. There has been a great change from the first month of class to now, as we approach our final destination to the semester’s end. We all feel comfortable asking the person to our left for help with a critique on our stories, because as we learned from guest speakers, that intimidation of peer editing is something every writer needs to overcome, because every good writer needs a great editor.

The process of writing can sometimes  intimidate me, due to the fact of having to go seek out strangers, sit them down and talk face to face asking personal questions at times. But like any fear, we cant let them stop us from doing what it is we want to do as well as become great at it. When you take these kinds of risks you find you learn a lot not only about yourself but others around you.  This might be someone you would never have chosen to speak to. You begin to build a relationship with someone in such a short period of time, and it seems real.

An experience I encountered while doing our enterprise stories was something that stands out in my mind till this very day. I went to the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake to visit and chat with some of the homeless people there. I saw a lot of intimidating human beings, (or was it because they didn’t have the same privileges as myself) but I caught my eye on one guy in particular, a 72-year old man by the name of Herbert Smith. A recovering drug addict who has lived in so many places in those years, he doesn’t feel comfortable enough to call anyplace home. As he shared his story with me I felt some sort of connection in an entirely different way. My mind had been made up before I ever walked into the Rescue Mission about what I would find there. This has been the experience I have gained this whole semester, going into things with an open mind. Walking into something blind can be a bit scary, but with the right game plan, everything can turn out the way you wanted it to.

The way we ended this class has been sweet, literally, sweet. We gathered one last time for cups of lemonade and cookies, our sweet tooth’s were calling for something to make us all jump out of our seats. Although everyone was hesitant for a bit, we all made our way up to the front of the class to partake in some last minute refreshments.

ABOUT ME:

My name is Lewis Walker, 22. I am a student at the University of Utah studying journalism as well as a part of the athletics program. Born in a small town in California named Lancaster, then moving to Utah in high school, where I have seen a whole different side of culture. The reasons as to why I aspire to become a journalist are simple: I love to write and share things with others, writing can change many views of people when they see a different angle on a subject, and writing is a medicine to the mind. It allows you to clear your head and just let things out.

If, one day, all my dreams were to come true outside of sports, I would love to travel the world and take photographs that force people to look deeper into the images sitting in front of them, allowing the mind to become creative and free.

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Frances Moody

Posted on April 17, 2012 by comm5775

MY STORIES: 

MY BLOG: Less is more

Before, the cliché, less is more, had no real meaning to me. To me, more dessert was better than less dessert, more coffee was was better than less coffee, and, at times, more alcohol was better than less alcohol. But my goal to become a news writer proved the common cliché to be accurate in every way.

When I eat too much dessert, I get too full. When I drink copious amounts of coffee, I can’t fall asleep. When I consume bottles of alcohol, I get very intoxicated. Lastly, when I add too much description into a story, I make the readers and myself confused.

When reflecting on my writing style in the past and present, I have noticed a great change in syntax, organization, and choice of words. All changes are due to the motto, “less is more!”

The example of less being more can be found in my last story, “You’re Born Naked and Everything Else Is Drag.” While researching for this story, I discovered the rich history of drag queen life. Before, I would have become overwhelmed and would have felt the urge to include all my research. But with the idea of less is more in mind, I took a straight angle and included the story of two drag queens’ journeys.

On my quest to become a news writer and journalist, I discovered that clichés, though overused, have the power to teach useful lessons.

ABOUT ME: Bonjour mes amis! I would very much love to introduce myself and offer the credentials I will carry into the world of journalism. My name is Frances Moody and I am a student at the University of Utah studying International Studies and Mass Communication. I love anything and everything French. With that being said, I am also minoring in French. Parlez-vous français? At only 22 years of age, I have the whole world ahead of me. Coming from the small town of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, I am ready to experience more than the local Dairy Queen and drive-in theater. In summary, I want to travel the world and get the most out of my young life. Hopefully, my passion for new experiences and yearning to live among different cultures will allow me to become a phenomenal writer and journalist.


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