ABC 4: Blogs

Marcos Ortiz: These stories are hard to cover.

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:07:52 -0600

As a reporter these types of stories tug at your heart. You have to separate your emotions from the job facing you. Two brothers are killed in their own home and now their 15-year old is arrested for their deaths. Even veteran police officers were having a hard time with this. And then there's neighbors, how do you tell your own kids that everything is going to be okay, that they are safe. A difficult day in West Point. But none of our emotions rises to the level as the parents of these brothers. Not only have they lost two sons but the third son may end up going to juvenile detention until he's 21 years old.

Dana Greene - Robbie Russell not your typical athlete

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:42:59 -0600

Robbie Russell will forever be linked with Real Salt Lake's history. He played only four seasons with the Claret and Cobalt, but his winning penalty kick in the 2009 MLS Cup championship game against the L.A. Galaxy will go down as one of the most memorable moments in Utah sports history.

Russell is not your typical professional athlete, though. On May 15th, he announced he is retiring from soccer, despite having at least a few good years left, to become a doctor.

His soccer career is complete. He played 13 years, won an MLS Cup, and played in countries like Iceland, Norway and Denmark. But unlike so many athletes who hang on to the sport they love longer than they should, Russell has the intelligence, drive, and ambition to begin a brand new career.

After making plenty of money in the world of soccer, Russell has the means to go back to school. He's enrolling in Georgetown University's pre-med program with the goal of someday working in orthopedics or emergency medicine. It's going to take a year and half before he can even begin medical school, then several years after that to become a doctor.

Knowing Russell, this career switch shouldn't be much of a problem. He is one of the nicest, most intelligent, funny, articulate and well-rounded athletes I've ever covered.

What makes Russell's transition from soccer to medicine even more amazing is that he was a sociology major at Duke. It's not like he had this tremendous background in the field of medicine. His father-in-law is a doctor, but that's the entirety of his medical lineage. However, Russell is smart enough and ambitious enough to tackle this enormous challenge.

It's just so nice to see an athlete with goals and dreams that go beyond sports. Russell gave the bulk of his life to soccer, and he gave Real Salt Lake fans a thrill they will never forget. Now, he'll do something much more important -- save lives. And that's what Robbie Russell should really be remembered for.

Kim Johnson - Get your quads ready for the Big Cottonwood Canyon Half Marathon

Thu, 09 May 2013 06:04:21 -0600

The Big Cottonwood Half Marathon by Vigor Utah is just a couple days away and I have no idea what to expect. Sure, I've done plenty of half marathons, but not mostly all of the 13.1 miles downhill! Elevation starts at 7700 feet and ends at 4700. For the non-runners reading this you might be thinking the downhill will make running a breeze. Don't get me wrong, if I had to chose, I'd take downhill vs. uphill any day. But I can only imagine what it will do to my quads the next day since those muscles will be working over drive. Should be interesting.

Vigor Utah is putting on this race. It's only the second year but it seems like it's very well organized. Plus you have to love a race that provides free coffee or hot chocolate at the start. And it sounds like us runners will need a hot beverage. It's supposed to be a brisk 39 degrees when we all walk to the start at 5:30 am... remember this is up the canyon. So if the downhill part doesn't make you run fast... trying to stay warm certainly will.

I will be posting pictures and updates along the course on Twitter and Facebook.

If you are interested in some trail running this summer, Vigor Utah has some upcoming opportunities. The Solitude Mountain Resort Trail Series takes place June 8, July 13 and August 17. Distances will be 3, 5 and 8 miles. Registration can be found here.

Brent's blog: A viewer's complaint about the Mormon who would be president (of Mali)

Thu, 02 May 2013 21:14:20 -0600

I recently got a viewer email about my story on Mali presidential candidate Yeah Samaké. The viewer claimed that Samaké was not "the frontrunner" and by inference, that he was inconsequential, just as Mali is seen as inconsequential by almost all Americans – assuming they notice it at all.

My counterpoint is that both matter.

Please allow me to explain more fully why I say this. I'll start with the frontrunner thing:

Yeah Samaké is the youngest contender for Mali’s presidency and is indeed called "the frontrunner" by articles in both PRI's The World and Slate Magazine.

Perhaps those sources are being generous, but there are no daily presidential tracking polls in Mali to give us a clearer picture.

In the French language Mali News he’s referred to as being among the top "young candidates" who are vying to unseat older, "more experienced public managers" who have also been tied to corruption.

Certainly, Samaké’s own press materials tout his popularity, but that's to be expected.

A blogger in Mali writing for Bridges from Bamako does criticize Samaké for being "U.S. Astroturf" instead of "Mali Grassroots." He (like the viewer) challenges his frontrunner status. He bases his challenge in part on the fact that Malian newspapers don't mention him nearly as often as a former prime minister who is also running for president.

Despite the blogger's apprehension, even he concludes:

"Whatever happens in the election, one thing is sure. It will take a lot more than one man — however dedicated and talented he may be — to change Mali’s political culture and root out the venality, waste and cynicism that characterize it. But just maybe Yeah Samaké’s run — if it’s genuine, and even moderately successful — will inspire other reformers to get into the game, and prove to be a harbinger of a more hopeful future."

Obviously, Samaké true stature among Malians will not be settled until after the elections now scheduled on July 7th.

Enough of that. I did not mean for his status as a frontrunner to be the focus of my story.

This was my focus: the remarkable narrative of a man with strong ties to Utah.

After graduating from BYU with masters in public policy, Samaké became executive director of the Mali Rising Foundation. The foundation builds schools and trains teachers. In 2009 Samaké was elected mayor of Ouélessébougou. His website reads:

“At that time, the municipality was ranked 699 out of 703 in terms of economic development, transparency, and management, with a tax collection rate below 10%. Within one year, Ouélessébougou jumped to the top ten cities in Mali with a tax collection rate about 68%. Yeah accomplished this by increasing citizen participation through a tribal council system, and by challenging the culture of corruption. His successes earned him the respect of his peers and he was appointed to the post of vice president of the League of Mayors.”

Can he take the touted successes of Ouélessébougou and repeat them on a national level? He says he can.

And yet the bigger question is this: Can he sufficiently strengthen a country that up until recently had given up two-thirds of its territory -- the north -- to Al Qaeda insurgents who had crossed into Mali from Libya?

Only France seems to care about the answer to that question right now. Its troops have cleared the Jihadists from northern towns of its former colony.

All well and good, but the French will not stay forever.

Will the Jihadists return when the French leave? Yeah Samaké holds that his brand of economic and political “hope” will turn the people against the extremists and deny them a new foothold.

ABC News quoted Samaké saying:

"Previous governments of Mali have not given the sense of investment, the sense of involvement in eradicating extremism you know but it breeds because people have no other options. If we have option to attend schools in our villages, if we have the hope that after school we get a job, why would we strap an explosive to ourselves or let our children strap explosive to themselves?"

Give them a reason to live, and they won't kill themselves and you along with them. Seems sound, but we shall see.

The French have committed to staying through the elections, but already they're planning to draw down troops from 4,000 to 1,000 by the end of the year. Without a dramatic change in the leadership in Bamako, many predict the Jihadists will be back.

We just spend years, blood and money expelling Al Qaeda and its affiliates from Afghanistan. Do we want them running Mali, instead?

Mali matters. And whether you believe he's the frontrunner or Don Quixote, Samaké matters.

Marcos Ortiz: "42"

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:53:27 -0600

My daughter had an assignment. Watch "42" the Jackie Robinson movie. She needed it for extra credit in her social studies class. What a great experience. My daughter, wife and myself got to see this wonderful movie. From the start to the end it was captivating. My daughter just hated the Philadelphia manager who constantly jeered Jackie. I asked her how would she feel if that happened to you all the time. That's what Jackie had to go through. It was inspiring and brought hope. Pee Wee Reese embracing Jackie in Cincinnati as fans booed him. "Maybe next time we'll all wear 42 and they won't know which one is which" he told Jackie. That brought a chuckle. Catch it. It's a good lesson in life.

Kim Johnson - Taper time for SLC Marathon

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:42:54 -0600

The tapering has begun! I’m so excited to run this year’s Salt Lake City Marathon on Saturday April 20th. This will be my 11th marathon and very first in Utah! I’ve been training the last 18 weeks or so and this is the final week… which means very light runs… and of course carbo-loading!

Now, this is not my first rodeo. A very common mistake by beginner runners is thinking they can eat whatever they want because they are about to run a marathon. But, in fact keeping a careful eye on your diet the week before will make a huge difference in how you feel race day. So, yes I get to eat pasta gilt-free, but unfortunately not every day this week. Bummer, right?

And although I really want to go skiing Monday and Tuesday (my off days)… I have to wait. Resting your muscles is the MOST important thing one can do the week before a marathon… I’ve made that mistake before too and hit my wall… AT MILE 11! That wasn’t fun.

I’m looking forward to checking out the expo on Friday. I know the sights along the course on Saturday are going to be spectacular. Plus, given the promising forecast of dry weather… we should have some good crowds! Wave if you see me!

Kim Johnson - Girl power at its finest

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:09:56 -0600

Today a couple of Utah women showed me what girl power is truly all about. In January, I was invited to be a judge for the Soroptimist International of Salt Lake’s Women’s Opportunity Awards. The award is a scholarship for women who have overcome the odds.

I spent an entire weekend curled up on the couch reading the 19 applications and choosing two winners was a very difficult task. All the stories were incredible! Today I got to meet the two women whose stories touched me very deeply.

Leslie Saena, 26, will use her award to complete her degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Management. A single mother of two children and a survivor of domestic abuse, she entered college just this year and has 100% perfect attendance and a 4.0 GPA. Leslie has grown to see herself as the leader in her own life story. Her goal is to own her own business.

Tonya Barnes, 31 (pictured right) is studying to become a paralegal and has a long term goal of becoming a family attorney. Tonya is a survivor of both child abuse and domestic abuse, and left her life in Ontario behind last November to move to Utah and start college. Tonya currently supports her daughter and her mother.

I know they will make this scholarship go a long way and I can only hope I will get to meet them again… when all their dreams and hopes become reality.

Baseball is back!

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:34:32 -0600

My Yankees look like a Triple A team but so far they're playing .500 ball. I will take that anytime. After a dismal winter with no solid additions but a lot of subtractions plus the number of injuries, I thought we'd be behind the Astros. So it's a good sign and we'll just plow through April with our fingers crossed. At least I'm not a Dodger fan. They lost Greinke Thursday in an all out brawl. How awful. I would not want to be the Padre player who took out Greinke. Oh that's right, the Padres head to Los Angeles next week. Stay tuned.

Kim Johnson - SLC Marathon is around the corner!

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:03:57 -0600

Are you still deciding whether you are going to run the Salt Lake City Marathon in a week and a half? There is still time to decide… but you’ll pay for it the longer you wait.

The final price increase is coming up! The 10th Annual Salt Lake City Marathon & Half Marathon will increase its registration fees on April 13 at 11:59 p.m. The new registration fee for the Salt Lake City Marathon will be $130 and the Half Marathon will be $120.
The Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K will increase to $45 and the Bike Tour registration fees will be $50.
The registration fee remains $18 for the Kids Marathon.

Register now at: SaltLakeCityMarathon.com

And make sure to wave at me… as I limp across the finish line. LOL…

Wesley Ruff - Memories of The Masters

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:46:48 -0600

I don't know exactly when I feel in love with the Masters, but I was smitten hard. It's my favorite golf tournament of the year, and I love watching it.

I have a lot of great memories about the Masters. Billy Casper's win in 1970. Watching Jack Nicklaus out duel Johnny Miller and Tom Weiskopf in 1975. Finding a newspaper at the MTC to find out Tom Watson won it in 1977. Jack's epic win in 1986. Mike Reid's close call in 1989, leading with 5 holes to play. Dan Forsman leading on the final day until he hit the water on #12 on Sunday. Couples, Crenshaw, Tiger. And of course Mike Weir's win in 2003.

I've been fortunate to be able to go back to Augusta twice, once in 2004 when Weir was the defending champ, and last year, when I took my dad. That first time was epic. I was grinning from ear to ear as we got closer to the course-an hour away, 30 minutes away, 10 minutes away. When we finally arrived, it was better than I could have ever imagined. The course is perfect. Everything about the place was perfect. Getting a one-on-one interview with Weir while dozens of other reporters looked on, wondering why I got to talk to him. Seeing Tiger play in person for the first time. Watching Mickelson make a clutch birdie from the fairway bunker on the first hole on the first day. Buying shirts and hats and loving every minute of it.

Going back last year was something special. To be able to take my dad was...awesome. We got to Amen Corner before the golfers came through on the first day, and we bought some some food and just sat there and soaked up the atmosphere until the players made the turn. Even though my dad had a hard time walking, it was just so cool to be there with him and enjoy a special moment. I will never forget it.

I would like to go back someday and take my sons. But for now, just watching it on TV is good enough. It's the Masters. It's the best.

Dana Greene - Corbin caught in a tough spot

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:25:53 -0600

What is Tyrone Corbin to do?

The Jazz head coach has been under much scrutiny lately as his team flails down the stretch of the NBA season.

Corbin has been charged with developing the Jazz young players like Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Alec Burks. But he also needs to win now, and he has shown he trusts his veterans like Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson more than his young guys.

But the way Favors and Kanter have played lately, they can be trusted as well.

They need to feel the pressure of trying to make the playoffs, where every game's importance is magnified. Corbin has done this, keeping Millsap on the bench in the 4th quarter at Houston. But there is also no excuse that Burks was on the floor 8 minutes against Dallas.

Favors has played more than 30 minutes just one time this month, and only four times all season. For a coach that preaches the importance of defense, why is he not playing his best defender more?

Either Jefferson or Millsap or both will not be back next season. The best the Jazz are going to do this season is earn the 8th seed and lose in the first round to either the Spurs or the Thunder. The Jazz will have nine free agents next season, with most of them not likely to return. So why not let the guys we know will be back (Kanter, Favors, Burks) feel the pressure of March and April, so when they are counted on next season, it won't be a first-time experience?

Because Corbin has always trusted his veterans, even if they are letting him down in the most crucial part of the season.

Kim Johnson - aka... fashion model?

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 20:21:25 -0600

Are you looking for something fun and meaningful to do Saturday March 23rd? Hmmm… how about watch a bunch of us from ABC4 strut our stuff down the runway in crazy costumes?

Soroptimist International of Salt Lake is having one of its biggest fundraisers of the year. The money raised from the fashion show and auction will help single moms in Utah provide Christmas for their kids this year.

Curtis Ray, Gretchen Jensen, Kim Fischer, Brian Carlson and I will all be modeling a bra that goes with an outfit. If you are hoping to see skin, that’s not what this is about. LOL. But, you will see some crazy stuff and get a chance to win a date with Curtis Ray and I during a live auction. The highest bidder will get the chance to watch a live newscast and then we’ll take ya out for dinner.

If you can’t attend but still want to help, I'm selling raffle tickets. For just $5 you could win one of the prizes below. You don't need to be present to win.

Contact me if you want to purchase any raffle tickets or tickets to the event: kim.johnson@abc4.com.

1. $100 gift cert to Cafe Madrid and an overnights stay at Hilton Garden Inn- Sandy
2. Handmade White Afghan
3. One nights stay at Rainbo, Montego Bay or Peppermill in Wendover
4. $50 gastronomy gift certificate.
5. $25 Robintinos gift card
6. 2 tickets for the Wendover Fun Bus
7. 2 tickets for the Wendover Fun Bus

Soroptimist International of Salt Lake Invites You to
"Denim, Diamonds and Double Divas"

Fashion Show and Silent Auction

Saturday, March 23rd, 2013

Registration & Silent Auction: 6:30 p.m.

Willow Creek Country Club
8505 Willow Creek Rd, Sandy UT
Cost: $45.00 per person
Light Supper - Cash Bar

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Kim Johnson - Ready or not... we're dancing Friday!

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 15:23:15 -0600

I can’t believe the American Cancer Society’s Dancing with the Salt Lake Stars event is less than a week away! We’ve all been busy practicing our steps (some more than others) and this week is all about putting the finishing touches on the routines.

I feel confident in that I can remember my steps. I don’t feel confident when it comes to doing them, with music, fast tempo and… oh yeah… with a smile on my face. I look like a deer in headlights doing the Cha-Cha-Cha.

On Friday, the morning of the event, Curtis Ray, Gretchen Jensen, myself and our dance partners will likely be making appearances and perhaps giving a sneak peek of our moves on Good Morning Utah and Good Things Utah. Make sure to check us out!

If you’d like to make a donation to the American Cancer Society as part of this event, please click here.

BTW, if you haven’t checked me out on Facebook or Twitter, please do!

Kim Johnson - Dancing with the Salt Lake Stars

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:52:40 -0600

What have I gotten myself into? I’ve been asking myself that question a lot ever since I agreed to compete in this year’s Dancing with the Salt Lake Stars. It’s a great event that raises money for the American Cancer Society, but it also requires me learning how to dance!

I can do the electric slide and free style with my friends like nobody’s business, but start adding choreographed steps into the mix and I’m a mess with two left feet.

Thankfully, I have ABC 4 co-workers also embarking on this terrifying journey with me. Curtis Ray and Gretchen Jensen are also learning a routine. We all have been partnered up with amazing dance instructors from DF Dance Studios in South Salt Lake. We have about a month to nail down a routine before we perform it on stage in front of a live audience. Scary!

I have only my crazy-talented and incredibly patient dance instructor, Emanuel, to thank for any progress I make. So far I’ve had three practices and let’s just say we have plenty of work ahead of us to get me to the point where I’m not stepping on my own feet! Yes, that really happens.

Truth be told, I am having a blast learning this dance and trying something totally new. The real payoff will be at the end when we get to see how much all of our hard work will help a great cause. If you would like to make a donation to the American Cancer Society, please visit my fundraising page here.

Dancing with the Salt Lake Stars will take place March 1st at the Downtown Salt Lake Sheraton.

Dana Greene - Different paths for Jimmer and Lillard

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:20:17 -0600

Over the last few days, we have seen two former local college stars come back to Utah with their respective NBA teams to play against the Jazz.

The results couldn't have possibly been more polar opposite.

Jimmer Fredette and Damian Lillard were both incredibly talented players coming out of college. Jimmermania took the nation by storm at BYU, while Lillard had more talent than Weber State knew what to do with.

Both were lottery picks in the NBA Draft, but only one of them is on the path to stardom.

Perhaps the Sacramento Kings selected Jimmer a little too high with the 10th overall pick. It was not a very strong draft class to begin with, but Jimmer was expected to become an immediate contributor in Sacramento. Sadly, he never got the chance.

A coaching change from Paul Westphal to Keith Smart was largely to blame for Jimmer riding the bench for most of his first two seasons in the NBA. When he does get playing time, it appears as though Jimmer is trying to do too much, knowing he has very limited minutes to make a statement.

On one night, Jimmer will get to play 25 minutes, like he did against the Knicks last week. He made six of eight shots and scored 14 points. But other nights, like Monday night against the Jazz, he played 13 minutes, missed all five of his shots from the field and committed three turnovers. He was awful. But you could tell he was out of his element trying to create plays when they weren't there to be made.

Jimmer is in a horrible situation in Sacramento. The Kings have talent, but no discipline. They don't know on a nightly basis whether their hot-headed star DeMarcus Cousins will even be around at the end of a game anymore.

But while Jimmer is struggling and desperately needs a change of scenery to have a chance to succeed in the NBA, Lillard is thriving in Portland.

The former Wildcat just put 49 points on the Jazz in two games this past weekend, and he's only going to get better.

Not only does Lillard have explosive quickness and can score from anywhere on the court, unlike Jimmer, he's a true point guard who is always looking to pass first.

Lillard is in the right situation with a coach and general manager willing to hand the keys of the franchise over to him. He also has pretty good talent surrounding him with the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews.

Lillard is getting 39 minutes per game, and he deserves every single one of them.

Jimmer is playing 14 minutes per game, and sometimes looks like he doesn't even belong in the league.

I still think there is hope for Jimmer, but only if he gets out of Sacramento. Lillard, on the other hand, is on the road to becoming a superstar.

It's amazing that two guys who have so much in common, who had so much success in college, are on two entirely different paths as professionals.

Glenn Willey - Reality Check

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:19:54 -0600

I've noticed sometimes life sends you a reality check. For me it usually comes when I'm feeling sorry for myself, worried about something stupid or arguing about something meaningless. The best thing about the reality check is it can put you back on track. The reality check can clear out the garbage and help you see what's important in life. Sometimes the reality check is a little nudge and sometimes it's a big kick in the pants.

My wife gave birth to our third son just a couple weeks ago. We were thrilled because after two healthy boys we really wanted a third. We'd not found out what we were having and looked forward to the "it's a boy" or "it's a girl" moment. That special moment was quickly tempered when we learned our son was born with respiratory issues. After working for hours to get our son's breathing stable doctors told us he would have to be sent by life flight to a neonatal intensive care unit. This was not part of the "birthing plan!"

In a matter of seconds one of the best nights of my life quickly turned into the worst night of my life. It was all we could take seeing our little boy hooked up to machines ready to be transferred to another hospital. He was working so hard to get air inside those little lungs I worried he would run out of gas, it was awful.

Fast forward two weeks and he's still in the NICU but doing really well. It's been hard on our family spending time with our baby yet still making time for our two boys at home. The boys are so excited to meet their little brother and we're excited to have our family complete.

The back and forth to the hospital is not fun and the emptiness of not having our son at home is tough to take yet I am a blessed man. My wife is the strongest person I know, my boys are happy and healthy and remarkably I've thought of little else the past two weeks beyond my family. I know our little man will be home soon and I can't wait to have our 3 boys together laughing, crying and playing under one roof. I've always said my family is the most important thing in my life and now that's been taken to a new level.

I don't claim to have it all figured out. I know there will be a day down the road when I'm upset about something that really doesn't deserve my energy. I'm thankful for the reality check and I'm thankful my son will come home healthy.

Thanks for reading, I hope you'll follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Kim Johnson - A big dose of inspiration

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 19:44:15 -0600

I recently received one heck of a boost of inspiration. It came from 19 women in Utah who are struggling to put themselves through college.

I was honored to be one of three judges for the Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Award. It involved me curling up on my couch one afternoon and reading the women’s own words of why they deserve a scholarship. Their stories touched me. Many of the women are single moms, left to raise their kids on their own, put food on the table themselves. But if that’s not challenging enough—they all decided to achieve their higher education degrees. Some of the women are divorce homemakers—left in their 40s and 50s with no education, no work experience. I wish they could all get scholarships!

The Soroptimist of Salt Lake does incredible work helping women and girls in the area. Just today, they held a 12-hour scrapbooking session to raise money to end domestic violence. Being a scrapbooking addict myself, I had to stop by! It was a great time and there was no better way to be the inversion than making scrapbooking, raising money for an important cause and making new friends.

If you haven’t yet, please follow me on Facebook. I’m also on Twitter.

Cristina Rendon - The Music of Sundance 2013: Star Bar

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:55:00 -0600

With each pound of the drum and strum of the guitar, I could feel the beat in my bones. The vigor of the crowd kept my mind off my aching feet at midnight. I started the day at 7 a.m. but was eager to experience the hype over the Star Bar. As I stood listening to the musical acts, I realized this is why so many people and stars flock to Park City. The Sundance Film Festival returned with more than just highly anticipated movies, it returned with great music.

Davina Leone and the Matthew Facciolla Band opened for One Republic. As soon as Leone hit her first big note, I knew this was going to be good. Think Michelle Branch, but younger. At 19, she has a big voice inside a petite frame. The Miami Florida native is bilingual. She sang one song in English and Spanish. Look out for this girl because she’s going places. The Matthew Facciolla Band from New York was the epitome of rock. They have a Bruce Springsteen vibe. Their latest album is called “Second Chances.” If there was ever a place to start again, this was the place to do it.

People couldn’t hold their excitement in anticipation of One Republic. Roadies brought out the instruments. The crowd was in for a musical treat. A cello, violin, xylophone, piano, tambourine, synthesizer, drums, and acoustic and electric guitars sat silent on stage waiting to be played. Only screams and whistles filled the air until the band cut through the cheers with their hit single “Secrets.” To say lead singer Ryan Tedder had amazing energy and passion is an understatement. The blend of instruments and vocals were masterfully orchestrated into a delight for the eyes and ears. Each band member got lost in the music as the sound poured out their fingers. When Tedder sang, the crowd sang with him in harmony. When songs finished, the audience yearned for more. It’s easy to see why One Republic has fans all over the world. Their talent is special. One woman flew in from England to see the show. She managed to make it to the front row. I walked away with a drumstick that was tossed into the audience and not the chicken kind. This was the band’s fifth performance at Sundance and they’ve vowed to play at the festival every year.

Each performer breathed new life into the Star Bar. The newly renovated intimate underground venue is the perfect mix of Hollywood and Utah. Neon lights compliment the wood and rock interior design. Whether you’re on the dance floor or have snagged a spot in a VIP booth, there’s not bad seat in the house.

Star Bar will host a variety of must-see acts throughout Sundance. For more information visit http://www.starbarutah.com.

Dana Greene - Does anybody tell the truth anymore?

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:25:48 -0600

Doesn't anybody tell the truth anymore? Who can we trust now?

If I ever do another story about an athlete losing a loved one, do I now have to ask for a death certificate?

I can't believe this is what the sports world has come to. It seems every story is now about lies and deception.

At least we know what Lance Armstrong had to gain with his lies. He won the Tour de France seven times and made millions of dollars. He also raised millions for cancer research, but only because he cheated.

But what did Manti Te'o have to gain? It's still uncertain whether he helped fabricate his non-existent dead girlfriend, but at the very least, he embellished the story.

Even after coming clean to Notre Dame officials about the hoax, Te'o still talked about the fictitious Lennay Kekua in multiple interviews.

Are we really supposed to believe he had a relationship with a girl for three years and never met her in person? I find that nearly impossible to accept. And why would this Ronaiah Tuiasosopo play the cruelest of all jokes on his former high school teammate? He wasn't trying to extort money from Te'o or blackmail him in any way. He was simply being a prankster?

I find this all very difficult to believe. But I also can't believe Te'o would be so pathetic as to make up a story about a dead girlfriend in order to gain enough sympathy to win the Heisman Trophy. That would be the behavior of a sociopath.

After dealing with the Armstrong and Te'o stories this week, I just don't know what to believe anymore -- about anything.

Wesley Ruff - Baseball should have let Murphy in

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:18:51 -0600

No one got enough votes to get into the baseball Hall of Fame this year. Not Bonds, not Clemens, not Sosa. Sadly, not even Dale Murphy.

I have no problem with them keeping out the guys who used steroids. They cheated. End of story. Their numbers are inflated. They don't deserve to be in the Hall, at least not right now.

But if you're going to keep out great players because of their lack of character, why not put Murphy in to send a message, because he is all about character.

His numbers are good enough to support his election. 2-time MVP, 7-time all-star, 5 Gold Glove awards. He dominated the 80's.

But beyond the numbers, he did it the right way. He came to work every day, played hard, and did the right things. Always. He was baseball's Mr. Clean.

This would have been the perfect time to put him in the Hall. Keep Bonds, Sosa et al out, and elect a guy who personifies what being a good guy is all about. It would have been perfect. Baseball blew it.

Kim Johnson - How I got "Bieber Fever"

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 19:42:42 -0600

This weekend, I was put on the Bieber beat. I have to admit, I’m usually not a huge fan of the 18 year-old pop singer, but after his visit to Salt Lake City-- I am now.

On Friday, we started getting word that there was an online campaign to get Bieber to stop at Primary Children’s Medical Center before his concert to visit a special seven year-old fan.

Millie Flamm couldn’t make it to the concert because she is undergoing her second bone marrow transplant. The little girl has been battling Leukemia for nearly half her life. She finds joy in Justin Bieber’s music.

Several media outlets, including ABC 4, aired stories about Millie. It was her family’s only way to reach Bieber’s people. By Saturday night, no one knew if he’d show up. Sure enough, he got the message and even delayed his concert to meet Millie.

A spokesperson for the family told me Bieber gave Millie a kiss on the cheek and sang to her. When he left, Millie’s parents dropped to their knees in tears. Finally, their little girl suffering extraordinary circumstances, got to experience something extraordinarily good.

I think “Bieber Fever” is taking on a whole new meaning for me. It’s contagious and I hope his goodwill continues to touch many more like Millie.

Rape. Humiliation. Cover-up. The youth of the nation?

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 21:32:00 -0600

This is all happening in Steubenville, Ohio. Actually, it’s been happening there since last summer… but it’s getting a lot more media attention now thanks to the hackers known as “Anonymous.”

Basically, a 16 year old girl was allegedly gang raped as her peers stood around and did nothing. Oh, wait… they did something… they documented the whole thing on social media! Anonymous realized the case was at a standstill, so they hacked the computers of some of the suspects friends, and pulled up the video you’ll see in the link below.

Here is a link to an article written by the website Deadspin. It’s the most condensed version of this story I was able to find, that still covers most of the info. A warning though… it is VERY DISTURBING.

I honestly don’t know what bothers me the most. The fact that this happened, the fact that other kids at the party didn’t step in, or the fact that one of the suspect’s friends joked on and on for 12 minutes that the little girl was “dead,” “getting raped,” and “getting urinated on.”

All of it… every single bit of it… is beyond wrong. Now, the parents and coaches are trying to cover up the crime? Not punish these kids who attacked this girl or just stood around and did nothing?

It brings up a powerful question for me… several actually. Is our youth going in a horrible direction? Or, has this always happened, but now the social media is bringing this atrocious behavior to light? Is anyone else bothered by how much these kids could care less about a person’s life? Where does the fault lie? With the parents? And what kind of punishment should all these kids face? Not just the two who brutally attacked and urinated on this poor girl… but the kids who took pictures and video of it happening, yet did nothing to help her.

My head is spinning. I feel like I’m trying to make sense of something I’ll never understand. Yet, it feels good to put it out into the universe. The blogosphere is a great thing. Oh… and feel free to give me your thoughts… I’d love to hear someone else ramble!

Baby Kimye: I CAN'T be the only one who doesn't care?!

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 20:00:00 -0600

December 31, 2012... in the wee hours of the morning, the news broke onstage in Jersey and across the world on Twitter... Kim Kardashian and Kanye West would be having a baby.

I didn't learn until a few hours later... but the information caused an immediate twist in my stomach, and a roll of my eyes. You see... the whole Kim/Kanye relationship... actually, the whole Kardashian fame, concerns me. Not for them... but for our society.

Let's take it back to the beginning. In 2007, no one knew who Kim Kardashian was... nor did anyone care. At the time, she was just a celebrity stylist who became friends with another "famous for being famous" girl by the name of Paris Hilton. Then, an "intimate" tape of Kim K. and a mildly famous rapper named Ray J was "leaked." That girl in the video, the one with the larger than life derriere, became a top headline. So, is it a coincidence that Kim and Paris both became household names in the same fashion? I digress...

Not long after... the E! Network decided to give this "sex tape girl" her own reality series, with her family... and the group was launched into stardom. Does anyone else see something VERY WRONG with this picture? Does anyone else see the twisted message this is sending young girls all over the world?

But, I can't blame the Kardashian clan for this... I can only blame our society. We are the ones watching this family's reality show... buying Kim's products in stores. If anything, I COMMEND this family for making a boatload on their 5 minutes of fame. My question to all of you though... is, WHY???

Kim Johnson - The best part of the holidays

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:03:59 -0600

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas filled with family, friends, and lots of yummy food! I certainly did. My family (pictured right) flew in from Minnesota to see the beautiful state of Utah. They were only here four short days, so I made sure to do my research and planned a jammed-packed weekend. By research, I mean asking my co-workers where I should take them.

We started with a Saturday night downtown. The Temple is beautiful every night of the year, but the lights during Christmas are unforgettable. My mom took plenty of pictures to show her friends back home.

Sunday morning, is there really anything better to do than the Stein Eriksen brunch at Deer Valley? It was spendy but definitely worth every penny. Where else can you find a brunch with eel and pre-cracked crab legs? After stuffing ourselves, we attempted a half day of skiing/boarding at Park City. Surprisingly all that food didn’t slow us down too bad, but I did lose my glove on the lift! I still owe my sister’s friend for going down a double black and rescuing it for me.

But the best part of the weekend was on Christmas Eve. A co-worker joined my family for our traditional Christmas Eve night-- a candlelight church service and then food and board games. There is nothing better than sharing the holidays with people you care about.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year! Let’s do our best to make the year of 2013 a peaceful and joyful one!

If you haven’t already, please follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Glenn Willey-Oh Baby!

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:12:09 -0600

I've said it before, I love this time of year. It's a great time to look back but an even better time to look forward. The new year means a new beginning, a clean slate filled with hope and promise.

The new year in the Willey house will begin with a new addition and I must admit I'm a bit concerned. We're already blessed with two healthy boys and they are both fantastic. They're good kids who are respectful, they listen (as much as a 4 and 8 year old will) and they truly enrich our lives. Best of all, there are two of them and there are two of us. My wife and I are able to play man-to-man defense.

We're a little old fashioned and have no idea whether we're having another boy or our first girl. We simply love the surprise, it's one of the few good surprises in life. I love that moment when you see your child and can say "IT'S A BOY or IT'S A GIRL!" But this time that joy comes with the realization my wife and I will no longer be able to play that man-to-man defense we've perfected over the years. We'll be outnumbered and what worries me most is with my wife tending to the newest addition, I'll be left to handle our two boys short-handed. My wife has proven in the past she can do it, I on the other hand am not quite as skilled.

Hockey is a great example. If you watch hockey you know when a player gets a penalty he's off to the penalty box for a few minutes and the team is left to play down a player until the time expires or the other team scores, whichever comes first. Often it's not pretty for the team playing short handed. If your lucky the penalty ends after a frenzied few minutes of defense but often a team will give up a goal. Teams usually set up a special penalty killing line in hopes of not giving up a goal.

My wife is a great multi-tasker, she could play on the penalty killing line. Me on the other hand, I like to think of myself as a great supporting cast member. Let's just say it's going to be a big change for us.

You know what else we've noticed, having a party of 5 can cause some problems you may never think of with just four. Where does the extra person sit in the sporty little car dad drives? Have you seen the size of a car seat?! It's like we're strapped in and blasting off to the moon with those things. We've noticed it in restaurants too. When my mother-in-law comes to town and we're waiting for a table we'll watch parties of 4 come in after us and be seated before us. Here's the problem, with 5 people you can't sit at a 4 person table, you need to find a 6 person table. Have you noticed there aren't as many tables for 6 in most restaurants as there are for 4?

I don't mean to sound negative because I couldn't be more thrilled to be adding to what I already think is a perfect family. But like I said, I am a bit concerned because change can be tough. Yet I'm reminded of something a friend of mine always says, "change is good when you change it good!" I have no doubt the latest addition to our family will not only be a good change but a great change.

Thanks for reading and Happy New Year! Don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Dana Greene - Andersen gets his just rewards

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:28:02 -0600

Gary Andersen deserves what's coming to him.

He deserves the two million dollars per year pay day. He deserves to play for a Big Ten championship, a national championship, and a spot in the Rose Bowl every season. He deserves to play in front of 80,000 fans every week. He deserves to play on national television every single week. He deserves to try to take down his old boss, Urban Meyer, when Wisconsin plays Ohio State.

Gary Andersen deserves it all. Utah State fans should have no hard feelings.

Come on, you knew this day was coming. He took a 3-win team and turned it into an 11-win team. He led the Aggies to a top-20 ranking and its first bowl victory in 19 years. What he did in just four years is nothing short of miraculous.

You thought you would be able to hold on to this guy?

I know three weeks ago he said he loved Cache Valley and wanted to ride the momentum of this historic season. I know he said he was staying. But that was when Colorado, Cal and Kentucky were calling -- not Wisconsin. This is an entirely different situation. This is the big time. He's even out-big-timed his other old boss, Kyle Whittingham.

Nobody, and I mean nobody should begrudge Gary Andersen this opportunity. Wisconsin is one of the most prestigious jobs in the country, and these openings don't come around very often.

The fact that Wisconsin was even interested in Andersen is a huge compliment to Utah State. Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez saw first hand Andersen's influence on the Utah State program. The Aggies should have beaten the Badgers back in September in Madison, and Alvarez must have figured if Andersen could do that with WAC recruits, what could he do with Big Ten talent?

This is a great day for Gary Andersen and Aggie fans should be proud.

Now its up to athletic director Scott Barnes to make the right hire and continue what Andersen started.

Glenn Willey - It's Christmas Time

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:44:13 -0600

I love Christmas. I love the season, I love the family traditions, I love celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Be careful though, it's actually possible to miss Christmas.

I remember Christmas when I was a little boy. Christmas Eve always began with a candlelight service at church. Sometimes the service would be late, around midnight! It was cool to stay up so late. Santa Claus always visited my grandparents Christmas Eve party. I still remember all the laughter when grandma sat on Santa's (grandpa's) lap, it was the best night of the year. I remember going to bed sick to my stomach with anticipation of what Santa might leave under the Christmas tree.

As I grew older I worried the excitement, that anticipation, the joy of the season would be lost. Sometimes as we get older we tend to lose our child-like innocence. We become cynical, heck, it's easy these days. We've all had people let us down, we've all experienced disappointment, we all experience struggle. Yet Christmas has always been able to inspire me and push me forward into another year. There's something about Christmas that always gives me hope.

Now with a family of my own, we try to keep those Christmas traditions alive. I want the boys to experience the magic of Christmas without missing the meaning of Christmas. I want them to feel the hope that I feel each Christmas season. Looking back, it's not the gifts I remember from Christmas. I remember the traditions, the laughter and the whole family being together.

It's funny how we'll do the same thing at my house this Christmas that my family has been doing for the past 40 years. We'll go to Christmas Eve service, Santa will drop by Christmas Eve (if we've been good this year), we'll wake up to Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in the oven just like grandma always did at her house. We'll share a morning filled with laughter and sometimes a few tears when we think of our family members who are gone. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Please don't miss Christmas. Believe me, there are a lot of things and even people trying to push us to miss Christmas. Stress at work, finances and family issues will all work overtime to steal your joy this season. Take a minute to reflect on your blessings. It may be your health, a special friend, your job, your family. Don't miss Christmas, it's truly the best time of the year.

Thanks for reading, don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Kim Johnson - Put a smile on a child's face this Christmas

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 21:43:41 -0600

‘Tis the season of giving! (And the season of many reminders to give.) Even though people are in the spirit to help others this time of year, we’re always bombarded by reminders to do so. For many of us who are fortunate, it’s easy to forget that without food and toy drives, Christmas would not be a time for joy for many families in need.

Tonight I reported on a story that touched my heart. Soroptimist of Salt Lake held a Santa Breakfast for single moms and their kids. Moms got to pick-up a sack of toys and sneak them in the car whiles the kids were distracted. Just thinking about the smiles on those kids faces Christmas morning puts a smile on mine. And it’s only possible because of the generosity of those who give.

Balancing budgets is always tougher during the holidays for anyone— but especially for single parents who have one-income. Single dads included. I know, I was raised by a single mom and I vividly remember times of financial struggle growing up. But even though we were cash-strapped at times, my mom took time to teach me a lesson in giving. She had this Barbie on the top shelf of her closet. All year I begged her to take it out of the box so I could to play with it. She would never let me touch it, until later that year on one December day. She handed to me and said ‘you are going to donate this to Toys for Tots’. I was so mad because I wanted it for myself. I’ll never forget her taking me to a drop-off location and forcing me to hand it to a Marine. I’ll never forget it. That was her point then, and my love to help others now proves the importance of her lesson.

If you would like to donate to Toys for Tots, drop off a new, unwrapped toy to ABC4. You can find us at 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City.

Dana Greene - Heroic efforts a sign of the times

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:19:03 -0600

Danny Berger was born two months after Hank Gathers died.

But it is not a stretch to say that Gathers' death indirectly helped save Berger's life.

On March 4, 1990, the former Loyola Marymount University basketball star collapsed on the court during a game and died. The university knew about Gather's abnormal heart condition, and had just recently purchased a defibrillator in case of an emergency.

However, the defibrillator was not courtside at the game, and only when Gathers was ushered outside on a stretcher was the device used. By then, it was too late.

Heart doctors later said that if the defibrillator was used within five minutes of Gathers' collapse, his life could have been saved.

22 years later, Utah State was better prepared. This wasn't even at a game, where emergency equipment is now always immediately available.

This was at practice, and USU trainer Mike Williams knew exactly what to do. He performed CPR, then used an automatic external defibrillator (AED) to shock him back to life.

"Thank God for our trainer and the job he did in following protocol,'' athletic director Scott Barnes said. "He not only applied CPR but he knew to use the defibrillator within the first few minutes, and that was key. That was a critical move.''

Thanks to more knowledge about athletes' hearts and advanced technology, Danny Berger did not suffer the same fate as Hank Gathers. Who knows what would have happened if not for the heroic efforts of Mike Williams and the Utah State medical staff?

What is truly tragic about Gathers' death is the fact that the university knew Gathers had heart problems and still allowed him to play.

As far as we know, nobody suspected Berger was at risk for something like this to happen. Who would expect a 22-year-old college athlete in the prime of his life to be susceptible to a such a collapse?

Yet, partly because every university is now fully aware of the medical precautions that need to be taken if something tragic happens at a game or at practice, Danny Berger is still alive.

Glenn Willey-Winter Is Here...Kinda

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:00:03 -0600

Winter is here! Yes, I know it's in the 50s but winter is really here! Now I know what you're thinking, "Glenn, the solstice is still more than 2 weeks away." That's true but "meteorological winter" begins December 1st. Meteorological winter is December through February or climatologically speaking the 3 coldest months of the year. Our climate records for "winter" are based on "meteorological winter" and not from when the winter solstice begins.

The commercial used to say, "it's not nice to fool Mother Nature" but today she's fooling us again with temperatures more than 10 degrees above normal and plenty of sunshine. So the next question is, when does it start to feel like winter around here? Before Thanksgiving a strong winter storm dropped several inches of snow on the Salt Lake Valley floor and in the mountains. It looked like we were off and running to a great ski season as many resorts rushed to open and capitalize on the early shot of snow. The only problem is we've had very little snow since and temperatures have warmed up.

In the short term, we're expecting colder air for the weekend. There are also a few opportunities for more snow this week. It would be hard to imagine not beating last year's pathetic snowfall numbers but at this rate anything is possible.

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter.