Troubled Teens at West Ridge Academy Offer Christmas Video

Troubled teens have been getting early intervention help at the Utah Boys Ranch, which began in 1964, and now at West Ridge Academy, the new name since they added a program for girls in an adjacent facility. I’ve known about the program since the early 1990s when I served on the West Jordan Chamber of Commerce board of directors and we used to help with fundraising (West Ridge is a non-profit). It did not occur to me then that one day I would need their services for my family.

This year our family needed help. West Ridge has been the answer to our prayers, and we don’t mind talking about it because we hope that we can help spread the word that this great resource is available to those who may need it. Any family with a troubled teen looking for possible resources can contact us and we will gladly answer any questions. » read more

Selfishness

By David M. Bresnahan

My recent trip to visit family during the Christmas season brought with it an opportunity to observe fellow travelers while waiting in lines, and what I saw disturbs me. I would be interested in your thoughts, if you care to share them. Here is what I observed…

It took three flights to get where I was going, and the same number to return. That placed me in several gate areas where I could watch people as they waited in line to board their flight. What took place caught me by surprise – widespread butting in line.

I have not experienced such a thing since I was in a grade school lunch line. Boarding a plane has always been a place where people have been tolerant, patient, and kind to their fellow travelers. What has happened to us? I thought my first flight was an aberration, but I encountered the same thing while boarding all six flights. » read more

Lack of Educated Readers Kills Journalism

By David M. Bresnahan

We have no one to blame for the demise of “traditional” journalism other than ourselves.  (I think Pogo would agree.) Educated readers can save journalism and prevent it from inevitable collapse, but as the number of educated readers continues to decline it seems that journalism will not survive.

There really is no difference between print, broadcast, or online journalism in terms of what it is supposed to be. Journalism through any media outlet is the reporting of facts to the public. Journalists are the eyes and ears of the public who cannot attend every event, every political meeting, every incident, or research every topic of interest.

Journalists exist to keep the public informed, and their job remains the same regardless of the method of news delivery.

However, journalists cannot convey information to an audience that is insufficiently educated to understand the news, nor can they inform a public that is so poorly educated that they cannot even read the news. Too many people just do not understand the world around them and consequently make the statement that they do not read or watch the news because it is boring, or that they just do not care. » read more