Taco Bell Controversy

Contact: Thomas Davin

Tel: 626-799-9898

Fax- 626-372-8288

Address- 1683 Walnut Grove Avenue

Rosemead, California 91770

            Last month, Taco Bell suffered tremendously after the idea of the “mystery meat” was brought to everyone’s attention.  After this occurred, the company owned by Yum! Brands Inc., based in Louisville, Ky., launched a multimedia campaign to reassure consumers that their meat was indeed everything they claimed it was, and offered their secret recipe online.

            Since this problem came to the attention of the media, the fast-food chain has since made great improvements to make their restaurant more qualified.They launched a commerical to confirm their credibility. Our seasoned beef is 88 percent premium ground beef and 12 percent signature recipe," the employee says in the spot. "If you want to see that signature recipe, go to tacobell.com. It's right there." This was stated on the commerical they launched.

            When going into a local Taco Bell food chain, an employee, Heather McCall stated, “Prior to the new ads on TV, the business was starting to fade; But since the company reassured consumers of our recipe, sales have increased."

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If you would like to know more about this topic, contact the Taco Bell food chain or Yum! Brands Inc., or contact Thomas Davin at 626-799-9898.

Patriot Park in Progress

In November of 2010, the University of the Cumberlands began working on the landscaping in the area in front of the Hutton School of Business; which is otherwise known as the Patriot Park. The changes being made to the park are new sidewalks and memorial statues. Many events are planned there throughout the year. This renovation is creating more plaza space to accommodate such activities.

The Patriot Plaza

“The park memorializes those who have given their life for our country.  As these events have taken place we have had suggestions from many to make changes to the area known as the Patriot Plaza," said Kyle Gilbert the vice president of operations. "This is a way to show the campus off and provide patriotic value to the landscape of the University." 

“The cost of the additional sidewalks is about $11,000 paid for with private donations.  Two statues, one of Washington and one of Jefferson will also be placed.  The statues were funded by private donations as well.” Gilbert said.

Although the construction is for a positive purpose, there is a problem with the timeliness of the matter. It has been approximately four months since the process began and because of the weather, the situation has been hindered.

“I feel like sometimes the construction is a distraction," said junior Kendra McCollum.  This is something that can be negatively affecting the student body without them realizing it. “It’s loud when we are in class," McCollum said.

            This should be finished by the spring in time for Independence Day and other events.

Hutton School of Business



Cumberland Idol Eliminations

On Feb. 1, 2011, Cumberland Idol started the elimination process of its fourth season of the competition. Idol is a campus activity that occurs every spring semester and is the campus' version of American Idol. Students participate against their peers and compete for a chance to win cash prizes. Contestants were paired with a partner at random, and asked to perform a duet in front of their audience in the Gatliff Chapel.

The organization behind the show is the campus activity board, (CAB) at the University of the Cumberlands. This group of students helps prepare the contest, and work each night to organize the contestants.

When asking a fellow CAB member what was different about this year, Chelsea Hill responded, “This year the first, second and third place winners all get a cash prize. I believe this is a positive change because it gives people more incentive to participate as well as rewarding those with the most votes instead of having a second place winner walk away with the same prize as the first person voted off.”

Also, the CAB members are hosting a canned food drive. “We are tying a canned food drive with idol. Every canned-good one brings in, their name will be entered in a drawing to win an xbox360. This is a great way to bring new fans in and help out a good cause," said Hill.

Everyone involved in the process is doing all that they can to help do positive things for the campus and community, as well as provide entertainment. Senior Grant Doepel is the producer of the show and his efforts have been phenominal according to the other CAB members.

This is the last year that Doepel will be directing “Idol” as he will graduate and leave this spring. When asking Doepel if he would miss it he replied, "It has been a great experience and I will definitely miss being a part of something so fun." 

According to other CAB members, Grant has done an excellent job developing a show that is so close to the real American Idol. It has given the student body a chance to reveal their talent.

“It is Grant’s last year, and we are sad to see him go. He is the brain behind the operation and such a talented person. He’s going out with a bang,” says Hill.

Senior, Grant Doepel

There is no doubt that Cumberland Idol is a huge hit on campus and the crowd has shown their dedication in the two short nights of eliminations. The next night of performances will be on February 15 in the Gatliff Chapel at 8 p.m.