Gude is the Graphics Editor in Residence for the School of Journalism at Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing, Mich. Since 2006, Gude has assisted in the creation of an information graphics program bringing data visualization and artistic expression to the next generation of journalists.

Gude nearly tripled his number of students in 2011 thanks to Media Sandbox, an integrated media arts program within the College of Communication Arts and Science. Along with his academic endeavors, Gude is working on a grant titled Assembling, Visualizing, and Analyzing the Tree of Life (AVAToL) funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Prior to his position at MSU, Gude spent over 25 years in New York City working in the field of information graphics. He spent 10 years at Newsweek Magazine as the Director of Information Graphics and covered a variety of events including the death of Princess Diana and the terrorist attacks of 9/11, both record selling issues for the magazine. During his time at Newsweek, Gude was honored to collaborate with Fareed Zakaria, a long-time editor of Newsweek International. Gude was the Graphics Editor of the news report at the Associated Press (AP) for a total of eight years. Gude was sent to Barcelona in 1992 as the first-ever graphic journalist to cover the Olympic Games. He worked with the National Sports Daily briefly and then returned to AP. In 1987, Gude was sent across the nation to train news organizations to personalize digital wire service graphics through AP. He never missed a deadline for the 24/7 wire service, while managing 25 designers, artists, and researchers.

Gude illustrated and told the stories of the Chernobyl nuclear accident and the explosion of the Challenger space shuttle in 1986 while working for the New York Daily News, which was the largest general news circulation in the United States. He was the Director of Graphics for United Press International (UPI) for over a year in Washington D.C. and was relocated to New York City for seven years.

Moving to New York in 1979 to pursue a career in children’s book illustration, Karl Gude’s first job was in comic book production. Gude also spent a brief time working as a dairy farmer in South Ryegate, Vt. He graduated from Palos Verdes High School in Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.

While on assignment for AP, Karl Gude met his wife Dorsey who was also employed at the wire service. They have two children Erik, 17, and Cole, 20 and the family holds the yearly Gude Food Drive, which they began while living in Connecticut and have continued giving back in the East Lansing community. Around the Thanksgiving season, the family asks friends and neighbors to donate food items that the Gudes collect and deliver to local food shelters.

I promised myself that I would never turn up the volume all the way.

It’s bad for the subwoofers and even worse for my ears, I reasoned.

The windows of my little white car were begging to be rolled down, the warm wind wishing to whirl my grungy vacation hair into a mangled mess. The shining sun and endless forests filled my eyes with unimaginable colors. Feeling invincible, my fingers flicked the master volume to full capacity.

My mid-morning cruise to the west coast of Michigan will always be a familiar, stress relieving, awe-inspiring, rejuvenating experience. I know the route as if I have navigated it since birth. My phone is switched off, as it will stay. The slight audio crackle of my red, low-battery iPod knows my mood better than I know myself. Past the growing metropolis of Grand Rapids, through the lake city of Muskegon, and over the natural swamplands, I am greeted by tall pines as highway exits become spare. Recognizing my

exit, Oceana County Highway B-15 takes me over rolling hills and surrounds me with precious produce and beloved land. Hearing the sandy gravel crunch beneath my little car, I wind closer and closer to Lake Michigan.

I’m almost home. Take your next vacation to Michigan. In a

regional poll, 67 percent of people strongly agree that Michigan has truly beautiful scenery. The Great Lakes State is the incredibly affordable, uncannily beautiful, family-friendly option that is an optimal vacation destination for you as it serves Michigan communities.

Along the graceful west coast of Lake Michigan lies Silver Lake State Park. Nearly 3,000 acres of old woodlands and one of a kind dune country surround a small inland lake. You will find yourself engulfed in a seemingly Saharan landscape, despite knowing that to your east and west are massive bodies of fresh water.

You will remember the shoreline; maybe not all 3,288 miles of it, but forgetting the fine, white, peninsular sand between your bronzed toes is nearly impossible. While in the state of Michigan, you are never more than six miles from a natural body of water because there are nearly 65,000 ponds and lakes. Take that Minnesota, “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

To keep its winding coast safe, Michigan has the most lighthouses of any state with nearly 150 shining beacons. Ascend the Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State

Park and enjoy a 360ᵒ view of Lake Michigan and its vast shoreline. Blue skies, glistening waves, and sloping dunes alongside mature treetops generate unique memories.

Michigan is guaranteed to quench anyone’s thirst for wooded terrain because 50 percent of the state is forested, increasing the ability find organic sanctuary nearly anywhere. With over 100 protected parks and forests, Michigan has the largest state park and state forest system in the nation.

Aside from evergreens and oaks, the land is laden with an abundance of fruit. Michigan is the nation’s top grower of blueberries, cherries, apples, grapes, and peaches. Thanks to Lake Michigan’s temperate west coast climate, these fruits, along with plums, pears, and strawberries, thrive while fueling the local economy. Take a pit stop at Cherry Point Farm and Market in Shelby where they have been selling delectable cherry pies and strudels for 50 years. The quaint shop is full of character and will be sure to remind your young heart of grandma’s kitchen with red-checkered tablecloths.

Where will you and your family vacation this year? Make Michigan your top choice today and every day. Consider the wisdom of spending fewer vacation dollars in a naturally inspiring, organic landscape than in a company’s theme park hundreds of miles away. Take extra time, for less, to enjoy what the earth has to offer. Stopping to smell the roses is especially important as our society is infinitely bombarded with commercial inventions and corporate agendas. Vacationers cannot forget the many colors of fall, the vast landscapes of winter, the fresh greens of spring, and the balmy nights of summer. Join me in Michigan.

Source: Michigan.gov Photos by Marla and Mackenzie Mohr © 2011

Ludington

Oceana County Highway B-15

Silver Lake State Park

the sands are calling

.

P h o t o © 2 0 1 0 b y M a r l a M o h r | S i l v e r L a k e S t a t e P a r k

visit michigan.org

The mission of the MMBA is to promote responsible mountain biking

and to work toward the goals of common land access and natural resource

protection through interaction with policy makers, the cycling industry, race

promoters, mountain bikers and other trail users.

CONTACT - Diane Ursu communications@mmba.org

5119 Highland Road, PMB 268 Waterford , MI 48327

ABOUT

Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) was founded in 1990.

It is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit corporation with over 2,500 members within nine chapters.

The biking organization is in transition to become a chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

MMBA annual meeting is held at Michigan State University Pavilion (4301 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824) and is open to the public. The meeting features an indoor riding arena, FAFL awards, CPS awards, a silent auction, a swap meet, a raffle, and concessions.

2010 Finances total revenues $ 160,118 total expenses $ 161,521

program services expenses $ 137,635 public support $ 159,961

LIST OF CURRENT PROGRAMS

• Championship Points Series (CPS) – competitive racing series for all levels • Michigan Mountain Bike Patrol – developed with IMBA to encourage safe and responsible riding • Mountain Kids – provides a positive outdoor experience for children 8 to 12 • Trail Building and Maintenance – design, development, and maintenance of trails across the state • Women’s Mountain Biking – offers friendship and safe, fun biking options to women • Michigan Scholastic Biking Association (MiSCA) – to establish and maintain quality scholastic programs • The Ed Berta First Across the Finish Line (FAFL) award is given to volunteers who contribute 10 hours of

trail service in a year. Award founded in 1997 with an anonymous donation of $10,000 to the MMBA.

Executive Board – 2011 Nate Phelps, President Diane Ursu, Vice President Glen Ruczynski, Secretary

MMBA is online at mmba.org info@mmba.org

facebook.com/mmba.org @mmba_tweets

• Holly/Flint • Metro North • Metro South

• Mid-State • Northeast • Northern

• Potawatomi • Southwest • Western

FACT SHEET

For more information contact: DIANE URSU

communications@mmba.org 5119 Highland Road, PMB 268 Waterford , MI 48327

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2011

MMBA TO HOST GROUP RIDE ON OCTOBER 15TH

(Shelby Township, Mich.) Volunteers of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) will host Massive Fallout, a quad trail group ride, on October 15, 2011. “The trails are accessible to cyclists of all levels and participants bound to have a great time enjoying the beautiful fall colors,” said Nate Phelps, president of the MMBA.. Anyone with a bicycle and the desire to ride is welcome to register starting at 8:00 a.m. until the race begins at 10:00 a.m. The trails are located at Stony Creek Metro Park, 4300 Main Park Drive, Shelby Township, Mich., with the start and finish lines located at West Branch Picnic Area C. The ride is free to all participants; however, a Stony Creek Metro Park day pass may be required. Massive Fallout aims to give local cyclists an opportunity to ride this fall season with other area enthusiasts. “This years’ sale of printed tees will help our chapter maintain the trails and construct new ones,” said Nick Shue, the Metro North chapter representative. Massive Fallout 2011 tee-shirt sales will benefit the Metro North chapter aiding its trail development and advocacy projects. Founded in 1990, the mission of the MMBA is to promote responsible mountain biking and work toward common land access and natural resource protection.

NEWS ADVISORY

###

For more information contact: DIANE URSU

communications@mmba.org 5119 Highland Road, PMB 268 Waterford , MI 48327

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2011

MMBA VOLUNTEERS HOST

2011 QUAD TRAIL GROUP RIDE

(Shelby Township, Mich.) Volunteers of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) hosted Massive Fallout, a quad trail group ride, on Saturday. Massive Fallout is a large-scale trail ride that invited individuals of all levels of mountain biking experience to ride Michigan trails. “We never expected the involvement we saw today; over 300 community members came out to support the MMBA,” said Nate Phelps, president of the MMBA. “I gather riders ranged from cycling enthusiasts to nature lovers to basic health advocates,” volunteer Shelly McBlaine said, “It’s amazing to see everyone out to have a good time without TVs and internet… really appreciating the outdoors this fall.” Anyone with a bicycle and the desire to ride were welcomed between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., with the race beginning at 10 Saturday morning. The trails included in today’s event are located at Stony Creek Metro Park, 4300 Main Park Drive, Shelby Township, Mich., with the course start and finish lines located at West Branch Picnic Area C. “Trails featured today included Stony Creek, Bald Mountain, Addison Oaks, and Bloomer trails all located within Macomb and Oakland counties.” Phelps said, “The total mileage of the ride could have been up to 60 miles, but could be adapted to fit each rider.” The ride was free to all participants; however, a Stony Creek Metro Park day pass was required for some. The 2011 Massive Fallout aimed to give local cyclists an opportunity to ride during the fall season with other area enthusiasts, and it did just that. The first 100 Participants enjoyed a chili lunch served along the Addison Oaks leg of the race and were able to socialize with friends. At their stop, the cyclists could also purchase 2011 Massive Fallout tee shirts. “The sale of this years’ printed tees totaled around $1,500 dollars and will help Metro North maintain the county trails in Macomb and Oakland, as well as fund the and construction new ones,” said Nick Shue, the Metro North chapter representative. The MMBA is in transition to become a chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). The MMBA annual meeting is held at Michigan State University Pavilion (4301 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824) and is open to the public.

NEWS RELEASE

###

For more information contact: DAVID FROST

black_ice@att.net 517-202-2257

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:April 25, 2012

(Charlotte, Mich.) The Mid-Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMMBA) is hosting 3/6 Hours of Bennett, the organization’s season opening race, at on Saturday, May 19 at Bennett Park at 1501 S. Cochran Avenue in Charlotte, Mich. This event is the first annual Bennett Park race featuring 3- or 6-hour trail rides of endurance mountain biking, inviting cyclists of all ages and levels of mountain biking experience to kick off the season.

Anyone with a bicycle, a helmet, and the desire to ride are welcome to register for the first annual season opening race. The entry fee is $40 for riders in the solo female 3-hour, solo male 3-hour, solo female 6-hour, solo male 6-hour, single speed 3-hour, and single speed 6-hour categories. For the adult 2- to 4-person, 6-hour, co-ed team, the entry fee is $20 per rider and for the youth 2- to 4-person, 6-hour, co-ed team, the entry fee is $15 per rider. Trophies will be awarded to the winners in each category.

The race begins at promptly 10 a.m., but riders can check in at the park between 8 and 9:45 a.m. The trail at Bennett Park is approximately 6 to 8 miles long. In preparation for the race, there is a trail maintenance day on April 28 at Bennett Park to help ready the trails for the riding season. Volunteers are needed for the trail preparation and for pre-race tasks, so contact David Frost email at black_ice@att.net or by phone at 517-202-2257.

The MMMBA is raising awareness of their organization, area mountain biking, Camp Frances, Bennett Park and the trails within. The Camp Frances Recreational and Educational Center provides a high quality, safe and secure facility for environmental education and recreation programs and activities, while serving to enrich the quality of life for all residents and visitors to Bennett Park. More information about Camp Francis can be found at charlottemi.org/campfrances.

Cyclists interested in participating can register online at bikereg.com/Net/16058 until May 17 at 11:45 p.m. or in person on the day of the event for an additional $5 fee. Proceeds from the event will go toward maintenance and expansion of trails at Bennett Park, as well as other trails maintained by the MMMBA.

###

The Mid-Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMMBA) is a chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) that works with landowners and managers throughout Mid-Michigan to secure trail access for mountain bikers. The organization obtains permission to design and build trails throughout the Mid-Michigan area to provide area cyclists with trails to ride. In addition to trail workdays, the MMMBA host races and weekly group rides at various trails. Mountain biking is a fun, social activity and the MMMBA continues to look for new trail opportunities as well as maintaining existing trails. Cyclists of all ages are welcome to join the organization at any trail days or social events, so check the MMMBA website at mmmba.org for more information.

The Michigan Mountain Biking Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) in partnership with Active Michigan Initiative (AMI)

:30 TV “Go. Bike. – MMBA & AMI” November 2011

VIDEO AUDIO

(VIDEO FADE IN from black) :05 clip High quality, saturated, shaky video shot from the handlebars of a mountain bike as its rider travels over one Michigan’s many woodland biking trails. – (CU)

(loud, whooshing wind, crackling leaves, general nature SFX FADE UP) (loud, whooshing wind, crackling leaves, general nature SFX CUT OUT)

(VIDEO CUT IN) :05 clip PAN 360° WS of vast saturated forest with beams of sunlight cutting through deciduous canopy surrounding the bike trail.

(calm nature SFX CUT IN)

:10 clip WS of same trail with three cyclists (a family – one 40s man, one 20s girl, one teen boy) fast approaching. They are laughing/shouting, wearing average active attire/helmets, riding average mountain bikes (no expensive clothing or equipment to promote all participation). Cyclists zoom past camera.

(louder, whooshing wind, crackling leaves, general nature, and three person vocal jargon SFX CUT IN)

(VIDEO FADE IN from black) :10 clip CS PAN OUT to WS of bike leaning against a tree inviting viewers to ride along the trail as it disappears around a bend. At 0:23, text on screen reads “GO.” then beside it “BIKE.” (as read in VO). Font centered, large, bold, all caps, opaque, white. Text remains until end. At 0:27, same but smaller text appears reading “MMBA.ORG” (as it is read) and far beneath it, smallest font “paid for by the Active Michigan Initiative”. (VIDEO FADE OUT to black)

(calm nature SFX FADE IN) VO at 0:23 Go. (pause) Bike. (calm nature SFX FADE DOWN) VO at 0:25 Visit your local bike shop or M-M-B-A dot org and get out there. VO fast at 0:28 Paid for by the Active Michigan Initiative. (SFX FADE OUT)

Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) in partnership with Active Michigan Initiative (AMI)

:60 Radio “Go. Bike. – MMBA & AMI” November 2011

*Very sensitive microphone required to capture many all-important sound effects!

SFX FADE UP – Calm, ambient nature of deciduous forest SFX FADE IN. Continues throughout entire script.

FADE IN additional SFX –

Starting faintly, cyclist crashes through shrubbery, over leaves, slides through mud, breaks twigs, etc. Cyclist gets closer and closer to microphone (volume grows louder) and ends with bike screeching to a halt. Cyclist pants, gets off bike, tosses it to the side (hear bike hit ground). Cyclist squirts water over face and then guzzles the rest. Tosses water bottle away and sits on a log.

Male voice of cyclist in scene –

It just doesn’t get any better than this (Said with effort, panting wanes).

I get off work at five, and by five-thirty I’m on my bike.

All I need is a helmet and some clothes I won’t mind getting a little muddy.

Racing over the trails and through the trees is so invigorating.

I forget that I’m burning calories and increasing my heart health . . .

as far as I’m concerned, I’m just having fun!

After a few miles of an adrenaline rush, I head home to my wife.

On the weekends, we’re out here together.

Because of biking, I’m happier, healthier, and sleep soundly each night.

Female VO –

Go. (pause) Bike. (pause)

Visit your local bike shop or M-M-B-A dot org and get out there.

(spoken quickly) Paid for by the Active Michigan Initiative.

Go. Bike.

Michigan Mountain Biking Association – Cyclists’ Circle November 2011 | Vol. XV Issue 11 | Page 1

Cyclists’

NOVEMBER HEADLINES

| active michigan initiative | trail completion | new project | focus on students | shop opening | gear review | Partnership with the Active Michigan Initiative

The MMBA is proud to announce a partnership with the Active Michigan Initiative! The MMBA joins a health conscious, adventure ready, and enthusiastic outdoors organizations in the journey to make Michigan a more active, healthier state. The Active Michigan Initiative, or AMI, was established to the following things, among others.

o Mandate full reporting and accountability of public funding now designated to active transportation and outdoor recreation.

o Secure all available funding for active transportation and outdoor recreation. o Make the rights-of-way of Michigan roads more accommodating to non-motorized users by mandating consideration of

non-motorized needs throughout project planning and implementation. o Educate the public about the benefits of active transportation and outdoor recreation. o Educate the public about non-motorized users’ rights and responsibilities concerning active transportation and outdoor

recreation infrastructure.

What does this mean for the MMBA? Because of the size of our organization, AMI has offered to fund the production of two public service announcements. The MMBA media staff has begun brainstorming and budgeting for a 60-second radio announcement and a 30-second TV spot. Each will be aired in large cities across the state including Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. We thank the AMI for what they have provided and can only hope that the final product will make a difference in communities across Michigan.

Bike Trail Completed

Midland County Parks and Recreation opens the Pine Haven Recreational Area to cyclists this month. MMBA volunteers began work on the 3.5-mile bike trail on September 5 this year. Volunteers ranged from ages 10 to 62 and were grateful for any good weather. The project was headed by Cynde Larsen, the vice president of MMBA’s Northeastern Chapter. The Northeastern Chapter would especially like to thank the students of Midland Christian School who volunteered two days of their time to the creation of this trail. See the map to learn more about the Pine Haven Recreational Area, and don’t forget to check out the trail!

C B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y T H E

i r c l e

SAVE THE DATE!

Annual Meeting & Expo @ the MSU Pavilion January 29, 2012

Michigan Mountain Biking Association – Cyclists’ Circle November 2011 | Vol. XV Issue 11 | Page 2

Chapter Turns Focus to MSU Students

The Mid-Michigan Mountain Biking Association is one of nine chapters of the MMBA. This year, the Mid-Michigan chapter, or MMMBA, hopes to engage students at Michigan State University. The MMMBA wants to inform more students about cycling as a means of transportation and exercise. The monetary and health benefits of cycling, as well as the ease and convenience, will be the focus of their efforts. To assist in this effort, the MMMBA has called on the services of Hubbell Connections, a student-run public relations firm at MSU. The communication plan is in the works with hopes of being implemented at the Annual Meeting & Expo this winter held at the Michigan State University Pavilion. Any volunteers with ideas, questions, or concerns can contact Hubbell Connections account associate Mackenzie Mohr at mohrmack@msu.edu.

New Trail Creation

Another trail completed and many more to begin! The next trail creation will take place in under the supervision of the Western MMBA, or WMMBA. To volunteer in this effort, contact trail coordinator Burton Eilers at eilersburton@gmail.com.

All-Service Bike Shop Open

After only 3 months of business, The Velocipede Peddler proves to be a fantastic one-stop shop for all biking needs. Located at 2758 East Grand River Avenue in East Lansing, the shop services all brands of equipment and sells TREK, Shimano, Kyptonite, Fox, Finish Line, Bontrager, and Bell Helmets products. Reports of extraordinary service are common ranging from a simple screw tightening to the most complicated gear and frame adjustments. Have a question? They have the answer, along with reasonable pricing for quality assistance. Thanks to the Mid-Michigan chapter for this store profile!

Bicycle Review – 8.2 DS

If you’re looking for that one perfect go-anywhere bike, Dual Sport is what you need. Off-road or not, the 8.2 DS will meet all of your cycling needs. It comes in a grey, blue, or white Alpha Gold Aluminum frame. Equipped with gear by trusted manufacturers like Bontrager and Shimano, you can’t go wrong. The bike rides on alloy rims controlled with a 7-speed trigger. Dual-density grips alongside adjustable-reach brake levers keep your hands focused. A sound bike overall, not to mention its fantastic value priced at only $529.99.

For additional information contact: KELSEY FOX

FOXKELSE@MSU.EDU 269-370-1034

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 19, 2012

East Lansing Bar Raising Local Hunger Awareness

The Landshark Bar & Grill to Host Neon Party for Students where Cover Charge will be Donated to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

(East Lansing, Mich.) The Landshark Bar & Grill is opening its doors Thursday to the Greater Lansing Food Bank. During a Neon Party hosted by and geared toward MSU students, customers’ cover charge will be donated directly to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

In 2011, the Greater Lansing Food Bank received over $3 million in donations that ultimately fed over 71,000 adults and children in the Lansing area. Despite the astounding charity of last year’s donors, there is always a constant need to fulfill. One of the goals of the food bank is to widen their donor base to include more students at Michigan State University. In January, students with the Greater Lansing Food Bank raised awareness about local hunger in the student population while receiving over 250 dollars in donations at the MSU Student Union. Student hall governments of the West Circle neighborhood on campus also donated 150 dollars to feed people in need in the greater Lansing area. The upcoming event at the Landshark is another attempt at reaching this audience.

“Take a bite out of hunger and drink for a cause” is the theme of Thursday’s Neon Party, where customers are invited to wear bright, neon apparel and glow sticks. Busy nights at the Landshark are commonly frequented by students and locals alike, so this week’s event is sure to reach a significant portion of the nightlife community and by extension the East Lansing and MSU community.

Turning to student-frequented businesses like the Landshark Bar & Grill, the Greater Lansing Food Bank hopes to inform students about hunger issues in the Greater Lansing area. Young generations can make a difference dollar by dollar and every one person can truly make a difference.

###

The Landshark Bar & Grill is located at 101 E. Grand River Ave. and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and by phone at 517-351-8973.

The Greater Lansing Food Bank is located at 919 Filley St. in Lansing and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, at greaterlansingfoodbank.org, and by phone at 517-853-7800. Tax-deductable, monetary donations to the organization can be made online.

News Release

(Lansing, Mich.) -- Based in Michigan with three locations in Lansing, O’Leary Paint captured gold, silver and bronze honors recently from Coatings Research Group Inc. (CRGI). CRGI tested regional, national and international paint products and O'Leary products were rated the highest of all paints tested. “We’re just really proud to be able to be recognized in a national study,” said David O’Leary, Co-President of O’Leary Paint Company. No single paint company has ever taken the top three spots in this rating, said O’Leary. O’Leary’s Duramax 90 Line, Ceramic Coat and MicroSpec paints are locally produced in Lansing, Mich. “We produce everything right here,” O’Leary Paint chemist Scott Bower says. “We do all our research in the lab, make our own products, and produce everything right here.” Bower has been with O’Leary Paint for 17 years and is the chemist who tests raw materials and refines coating formulas in O’Leary’s paint lab. The products he creates are made specifically to weather Michigan’s climate in addition to exhaustive lab and industry tests. “I make a lot of pre-production versions and test them in actual home settings. Painting 2-by-2 squares of drywall isn’t the same as painting a whole room with it.” As the largest manufacturer of house paint in the state, O’Leary Paint outshone all national brands in the 2012 National Paint Ranking. Rating criteria included stain blocking, adhesion, water resistance, and washability and O’Leary received high ratings in all categories, the only brand to do so. “For a homeowner, if you’re only doing a project once every four years,” said O’Leary, “you rely on studies like this to tell you what kind of a product you should use.” Many of O'Leary's products are certified as environmentally responsible paints by Green Wise Paint. A division of CRGI., Green Wise certifies paints as “green” if they have low amounts of volatile organic compounds, (VOCs), which evaporate into the air. “What we’re trying to do is make a very functional, green coating,” said Bower. Anyone can eliminate VOCs from paint formulas, but O’Leary aims to produce environmentally friendly paints that retain high quality and performance.

###

O'Leary Paint is a Michigan-based, fourth-generation, family-owned company in the paint business for over 100 years. O’Leary paint is a local retailer with stores at 415 Baker Street, 3030 E. Michigan Ave. and 300 E. Oakland Ave. in Lansing. Today O'Leary Paint

manufactures a complete range of premium paints and coatings that are distributed exclusively through our company-owned stores in Michigan and Indiana.

1-800-GENOCIDE

Mackenzie Mohr

© 2011 ADV325 Robert Kolt

G E N O C I D E AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

Future Solutions Today

Rwanda, 1994 - Survivor of Hutu death camp. Photo by James Nachtwey

RAISING AWARENESS

Genocide is a terrible injustice that destroys the integrity and the lives of a targeted group of people. We can do something to help.

1. Call 1-800-GENOCIDE, free of charge. Tell your elected officials about genocide-related initiatives.

2. This hopes to raise awareness in Washington, D.C. and in our local communities.

3. The message played on the line will share information about genocide and what you can do to help.

4. You will be asked to enter your zip code to direct your call properly to an elected official.

5. The voice will then ask if you want to be connected with your local representative, state representative, or the Whitehouse offices.

6. The voice will prepare you to talk with a person or leave a message, discussing information about genocide and how the government should be involved in initiatives. The voice will give you things to say and important points to make when discussing genocide.

7. You will then be directly connected to a local or state representative's office or a Whitehouse representative’s office.

8. You now have the opportunity to make a difference by raising awareness of genocide. Let the person know how you feel about genocide and your ideas of helping those in need.

AFTER THE CALL

After you have called 1-800-GENOCIDE, here are a few things you should do in order to spread awareness locally.

Talk to your friends and family about your phone call to 1-800-GENOCIDE.

Encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Make posters advertising 1-800-GENOCIDE and post them around schools, office buildings, restaurants, etc.

Post notices in newspapers or church bulletins advertising 1-800-GENOCIDE.

Write to newspapers asking them to run a feature on 1-800-GENOCIDE, informing them of how we can help.

SOCIAL ACTION PLAN

Goal: The goal of this social action plan is to bring as

many families as possible that were affected, or are being affected, by the genocide in Darfur or Sudan over to the United States. They will be temporarily housed in the homes of volunteers until they are prepared to continue life in the United States in their own homes.

Rationale: This plan will succeed because it focuses on

small, specific groups of people instead of trying to solve a large problem all at once. Over time, this plan will make a difference. If enough people participate in this social action plan, we have the potential to help or save hundreds of thousands of suffering people. A high number of participants make a world of difference to families.

Procedure:

1. Make sure you are capable and have the means by which to support another family in your home, in addition to your own.

2. Contact your local organization or parish and ask about genocide refugee programs. If your organization or church does not have any, it will probably refer you to another organization does have one. If not, ask.

3. Meet with the representative from your organization or parish and discuss the specifications of the program. This will probably require you to fill out some paperwork.

4. Donate the specified amount of money. You may have to pay for all or part of the refugee’s travel costs, depending on your organization or parish.

5. You will probably have to wait anywhere from a week to several months for the family to actually arrive in the U.S. During this time, you may be given the opportunity to communicate with your family through written letters or e-mail to become acquainted with each other, depending on the organization and the family’s situation.

6. You may be given the option of meeting the family at the airport, but your organization or parish may do so.

7. Once all the formalities have been completed, the family will arrive at your home.

8. Depending on the organization and your own specific capabilities, the family will stay in your home anywhere from a few days to several months.

Resources: Volunteers, Money, Living Spaces (house, apartment, condominium, etc.), Food, Clothing.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? A brochure can only say so much; to learn more, go to:

www.GenocideIntervention.net OR CALL

1-800-GENOCIDE

Mackenzie Mohr 115 Gilchrist

East Lansing, MI 48825 (517)204-1413

10 October 2011

Paul Anger Editor Detroit Free Press 615 W. Lafayette Detroit, MI 48226 Dear Paul Anger, As a member of the Millennial generation, I am writing in response to a Free Press article titled “9/11 shapes world view of a generation of kids,” published September 9, 2011. According to the Brookings Institute, more than 80 percent of our generation views terrorism as a life-long threat. I agree because of the tragic state of events our generation has witnessed including 9/11, the Virginia Tech massacre, and the death of Osama bin Laden. We will forever be aware of terrorist acts, but that does not mean we have no hope for a reduction in violence. To say that we are wary and worried about our nation is true; but such a statement must be put into context. Previous generations did not have access to information in the way we do today. When President Barrack Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden, I watched it live from my laptop on the fourth floor of the Michigan State University library. We see the wars, the politics, and the deaths virtually first-hand. My generation considers these misfortunes and instinctively worries about the state of our nation. In general, I do agree with the article, but there are more angles to be exhausted before coming to a hard fast conclusion about an entire generation. We are willing to comment on this topic and could contribute to a well-rounded definition of our state of mind. Sincerely, Mackenzie Mohr

Although MSU sophomore Marielle Petranoff said she has had a fantastic experience living on campus, she said her experience signing up to live on campus has been stressful.

“I don’t think it’s reasonable to ask college students to have that much of their life figured out that far ahead,” said Petranoff, who is extremely annoyed because she said she feels pressured to sign up for on-campus housing only a quarter of the way through the semester. One Sunday in October was her most stressful day when she signed her housing contract nearly a year in advance.

According to Campus Living Services, this year MSU began the housing sign-up process in October starting with current room reservations followed by Rock the Block events. During Rock the Block events, students are invited to sign up to live on campus on a first-come, first-served basis, according to MSU’s housing website. Students sign up for blocks of rooms with their friends while enjoying refreshments, a live disc jockey, and giveaway raffles sponsored by Campus Living Services.

East Lansing’s primary property management company, DTN Management, held their lease signings during the same time. Last year, the Rock the Block events were held in January, three months later, separate from DTN Management leasing.

“I believe that the people that have everything in their life figured out enough to sign apartment contracts aren’t the people that are going to live on-campus anyway,” said Petranoff, a Spanish and Bachelor of Arts student, who finds the January date much more reasonable.

Mary Lou Heberlein is the Assistant Director of Campus Living Services and Residence Life. She said the university began housing sign-up in October to let students know their options as early as possible.

“We did do research throughout the year

last year to ask students when they made their decision, and two-thirds decided in October,” Heberlein said. “So we made our decision to move sign-up to then.”

Petranoff is aware that she can wait to sign up until the spring, but said, “It’s like playing Russian Roulette with your housing. You might get a good room, but if you want the most options, you have to sign up at the very beginning.”

Sarah Miller, an elementary education sophomore, said that signing up for housing nearly one year in advance is probably not as stressful for sophomores or juniors because of the friends they have made and the connections they have established. After living in an apartment over the summer, Miller made the decision to move off campus for her junior year.

“I’ll probably save about $2,000 to $3,000 by living off campus,” Miller said, “If I do everything right.”

Kelly Christopherson, a kinesiology freshman, understands that housing sign-up is available from November 7 to April 15, but that does not make her decision-making process any less stressful.

“I felt like I had chose and chose quickly,” Christopherson said, because she knew that her favored locations would be long gone at Rock the Block if not soon after.

The kinesiology freshman has known her college friends for only a few months, but

feels obligated to decide whom she wants to live with for another year. Only halfway through the year, Christopherson said she is just getting to know her roommate, but knows there are more people she has yet to meet that may have future roommate potential.

“Right now, we’re living together next year,” she said, but they are both unsure if they will still be getting along later this year.

Heberlein said she understands that some students need more time and information to make their decision and that many may be overwhelmed.

“These decisions are big,” said Heberlein, “Which is why we let students know that they could sign up anytime during the year.”

October tends to be a month full of midterm exams, not to mention homecoming, said Petranoff. Some would say that housing, homecoming, and midterms are a recipe for stress, but Christopherson insists that she is able to ignore housing issues temporarily if she needs to focus on academics.

Heberlein of Campus Living Services said that housing sign-up is rarely the same from year-to-year and is open to looking at different options for future years.

“I'm sorry that anyone would feel pressured to sign up,” Heberlein said, “Our goal is always to let students know that they have choices, and on-campus housing is one of them.”

Gilchrist Residence Hall

Photos by Mackenzie Mohr © 2011

Marielle Petranoff