HIPPO BLAST APP CANNONS TO HIGH SPOT IN DOWNLOADS

(Press release I wrote for a friend)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2010

PROVO, Utah - Hippo Blast, an innovative new game App for iPhones and iPod touch, is quickly climbing the ranks of the most popular free game downloads. Created by Brigham Young University students Chris Martin and Reed Olsen as a part of an App competition sponsored by Omniture, it was released March 20, 2010. In the short time it has been available to the public it has been ranked fourth in free kid’s games downloaded. It is also ranked 32^nd in free games, and 55^th in free applications overall in the US, and has been downloaded over 39,000 times.

The game itself is straightforward and creative. With careful timing and tilting of the cannon, players launch the hippo somersaulting into the air. The hippo is kept in the air as long as possible, helped by strategically thrown ammo (which can vary as you get more points). The farther your hippo flies the more you win, with features that allow you to compare scores worldwide and update your cannon and ammo for even higher scores.

Features include:

Global leaderboards

74 achievements

Cannon and weapons upgrade

Open feint integration

Facebook integration

Feedback on the App and suggestions for new updates and features is highly encouraged through Twitter, Facebook and email. So far, upcoming features may include rocketpack, acceleremeter tilt control, new levels and more. Hippo Blast also allows players to select their own game music from their iPods, creating a highly personalized gaming experience.

This Application is free until April 9, 2010. For more information, visit the Hippo Blast website: www.hippoblast.com.

Letter that reads like press release. Written for my mom.

Dear Sisters,

The focus of our Relief Society Summer Service project is service in our homes.

Our homes are the center and foundation of our lives. Too often when in search of an escape we turn everywhere but the home, and end up feeling lost. Our homes can and should be a refuge and haven from the pressures and troubles of the world. All of us have the power, pleasure and responsibility to make our homes our most perfect temples, personalized to our needs.

Our homes start with each of us, individually. We decide what goes into them. What makes us comfortable? What can we do to make our homes a stronghold? We do not speak only of housework, but of physical and spiritual investment and effort. As we learn, we will be able to extend our service and influence to our families. Throughout the summer we want your feedback. What do you do for yourselves, your homes, and your families to make your homes places of refuge and safety, order and peace, power and prayer? Places where you are free to learn and grow and create. Where the adversary cannot penetrate.

We urge you to get excited about this project. Have fun. We will have handouts in your individual Relief Societies, as well as a stake website where you can share ideas and experiences of your summer efforts. At the General Relief Society Broadcast in September we would like to showcase your service.

Sincerely

Your stake relief society presidency

Breaking the Mold

Movies have certain rules and objectives, and as such we have learned to expect certain things. We know that some characters are little more than plot devices, carefully placed to move things along, cause tension, and force us to sympathize with the hero of the story. So in this world, it’s a real pleasure when someone comes along and breaks the rules, surprising and delighting us. I just finished watching Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, a charming movie in several ways (that firefly is going to be the death of me). But I really think my favorite part is Tia’s ridiculous friend Charlotte. We all know about spoiled rich girls who always want to be the center of attention. They’re mean, and shallow and can’t share the limelight at any cost. But at every turn, this Charlotte shocks us with her generosity and understanding. Instead of getting angry, resentful and insecure, she just smiles and gushes, “I’ll do it. For you, honey.”

I was reminded of another such surprising character: the manager of a best selling author (Love Happens). Just like we know about spoiled friends, we know about managers. They are the greedy slave drivers, squeezing every last drop out of their cash cow clients, and what they say goes, or else. They make great villains. But this one, a Lane Marshall, is the author’s friend first, and manager second. He tries to do his job, but is perfectly willing to turn down the big deal and get his friend a life. He truly wants what is best for him, and does his best to make it happen.

Now this isn’t really a big deal. Maybe I’m the only one who noticed or cared. But I would like to thank these characters (or whomever invented them, I suppose). Thank for doing the unexpected. You brightened my day and made me smile. And strengthened my faith in humanity and friendship. Bravo.