These are my stories from this past semester. I have written four stories, all of which have been/will be published by the cynic. Before this class, I had never been published or written a news article. So, this has been a big learning experience.

If you were to ask me how to write a news article before, I would have no idea. I don’t think I ever realized how objective news writing has to be. News writing is a very interesting profession to be involved in currently because of all the new ways to report news. The internet has drastically  changed how people write and how people get news. It will be interesting to see what will happen to newspapers in the future. I have enjoyed the cdae 195 classes a lot, we have covered many different angles of news writing in class and have done it creatively not to bore us.

Now that I have taken this class, I have noticed things about news that I never noticed before. When I was home for Thanksgiving break I was looking at “The Washington Post,” and noticed that three of their life sections pages were completely blank. This was shocking to me because I know they lose a lot of money by not printing those pages. All the advertising that they lost by those pages not printing is horrible for the newspaper. I wonder what happened, and who may get fired.

Finding the subject to write about was not that hard. Two of the four events were things that I was attending anyways, and just decided to make them into stories.

The hardest article to write was the cognitive therapy one. It was really hard to get a hold of the professor and graduate students. Once I did, I had to research the subject to figure out what to ask them. I felt it was important to be informed before I talked to them so I wouldn’t look like a complete fool. It was also hard to write the article because I wasn’t allowed to talk to people who were participating in the experiment and it is hard to find people with SAD who are actually willing to talk about it. Therefore, I had to interview any students at UVM and get there opinion on the matter. These interviews were not really news worthy, so I had to try to ask questions that would result in a interesting answer, not just an answer that was simple, and pointless.

I learned in this process that honestly, news writing is something that is rather difficult and found I’d rather be a columnist rather than an objective news writter. I would be open to write articles in the future especially since I know how now. But, I enjoy writing more when I can put my opinion into things. It’s very hard for me not to have an opinion.

One learning experience I had that is shown in my article is when I talked about Carshare. It was very hard for me not just to sell Carshare as this great thing. I would have loved to make them sound amazing so everyone would join. But, I knew I had to be unbiased and therefore mention negatives as well as positives.

It is clear that throughout this whole writing process my biggest downfall has been grammer. I hate grammer! It’s not something I enjoy and have a hard time caring about. Even though, I know that it is extremely important if I want people to take me seriously.

I hope you enjoy my articles and see that I have learned a lot.

Writing Across News Media

December 1, 2009

The Great Pumpkin . . . Race

What looked to be a game of bobbing for apples for giants turned out to be the 2^nd annual Giant Pumpkin Regatta.

Giant Pumpkins, carved out for the participants to sit in were the size of a SUV tires. This pumpkin boat race took place at the Burlington waterfront to raise money for the Linking learning to life according to the event’s info center.

Linking Learning to Life; helps “prepare youth for successful transitions by connecting learning to careers, college, and community,” according to their website.

Twelve Companies became sponsors to get these pumpkins, which are provided by Vermont Giant Growers Association. The races are relays.

The participants decorated their pumpkins and themselves with themes.

One man was dressed up as Harry Potter, with the glasses, cape, and lightening bolt on his forehead. His pumpkin had a boom sticking out of it to add to his theme.

Pumpkins were lifted up by a tractor and put into the water, which was 58 degrees, Charles Propello said, the event’s master of ceremonies.

Nicole Baltwin, a Ben and Jerry’s participant, with cow head as part of her costume, said her greatest goal was to “stay afloat” during the race.

During the races a few pumpkins became completely submerged and racers had to swim their pumpkin to the finish line. Nevertheless, they did it with a smile, despite the cold water and laughing observers.

Page McCormick, a volunteer, said there are “a lot of elements that can prevent the event from going smoothly.” This year it wasn’t a very good growing season and they had trouble finding a tractor, McCormick said.

Ben and Jerry, Shelburne’s Orchid, a gyro stand, and people selling pies and cups of coffee. Some of the side activities included a pie eating contest and two blow-up moon castles.

Dogs on leashes were dressed up for the occasion because of a dog costume contest that was occurring next door. One dog sported a light pink ballerina outfit with a white tutu.

“There so cute. I love how not only people came out but dogs did as well,” said Allison Swanson, a junior at UVM.

Erik Bonesteel, a first time observer, just happened to be there due to following a crowd down to the waterfront. He said, “There’s a lot of people, feels like everyone from Burlington is here.”

Manny Fletcher, a friend of the coordinator who got the idea to have pumpkin races to raise money from other pumpkin races in other cities Fletcher said. This event wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for all the volunteers Fletcher said.

Fletcher laughed when asked why he came out saying, “I never thought a pumpkin would float, had to see it for myself.”

December 1, 2009

Writing Across News Media

Class Council Feeds off Twilight Madness

Headline: UVM’s 2012 class council host movie madness event featuring “New Moon” adding flu to the twilight addiction fire.

Pull Quote: wishes she could “wash my clothes on Jacob’s abs.”

Movies that have men half naked displaying amazing 6-pack bodies are bound to get some people excited, but who knew blood-sucking, pale, cold and wolf-changing men would be so popular.

Apparently the 2012 class council knew it would be a hit, hosting an event that 350 people came to according to Bee Jeans, a class council member.

UVM students lined the sidewalk in the dark at the Essex movie theater, excited and ready to see the long awaited “New Moon.”

While in line, people waited huddled together, talking about the movie that brought in total sales of  $140.7 million, third largest opening ever according to U.S Magazine.

“This second screen installment of Stephenie Meyer‘s bestselling series focuses, somewhat convincingly, on the emotions of an 18-year-old coping with her undying love of the undead,” said Jordan Mintzer of Variety, an online news site.

Kara Gagnon, a University of Vermont Junior, said, “fans have divided in there viewpoint on which man is better, Jacob or Edward.”

She personally chooses Jacob saying he is “sexy and adorable. Jacob totally took over that spot in my heart.”

Kelsey Collin, another student, loves Jacob and wishes she could “wash my clothes on Jacob’s abs,” due to his rock hard physic that made people giggle out loud about when revealed in the movie.

There are not just team Jacob fans, some people continue to think that Edward is the best. Like, Morgan Stewart a junior at UVM. She thinks he’s “romantic,” and “passionate, beautiful being.”

The 2012 class council who sponsored the event was in charge of many aspects of the event including getting people to the right theaters, checking bags, and organizing lines.

The deal was that you paid $10 dollars to see three movies (from a choice of six) from midnight to 6 a.m. New Moon, of course being one of the options, had the most showings, according to their information signs.

With most of the 2012 class council members working the event, they were able to raise money for the council, Bee Jean said. “Abby Abbiedesrochers brought the idea to the council idea because she works at the cinemas,” Jean said.

“Essex cinema was amazing and helpful,” and the biggest problem was “staying awake for that long, but people rose to the occasion,” Jean said.

The event was held on Saturday November, 21, the day after the official opening of “New Moon.”

“I was excited to see the movie (New Moon), although I didn’t appreciate all the screaming girls while watching the movie,” Lisa White said, a junior at the University of Vermont. She thought the movie was really good and hopes to see it again soon.

“I saw two movies that night, not being able to stay awake for the third,” White said.

Other issues with the event were that there were no directions to the movie theater, and some people who didn’t have a car had to take a taxi Gagnon said.

Allison Swanson, a junior at the University of Vermont wonders why Twilight has taken over conversations so much and is fed up with this Twilight madness.

“I just don’t get it. It seems like Twilight stuff is all over the place,” Swanson said.

“I’ll be happy when the buzz is over with” Swanson said.

Whether you’re a team Jacob fan or team Edward fan you still have at least one more movie to look forward to with the third movie, “Eclipse” coming out June 10, 2009 according to the official Twilight site.

Pull Quote: “research will offer another type of empirically supported treatment for SAD that not only shows to be as effective as light therapy but potentially more beneficial in preventing future episodes”

As the days get shorter and shorter in Vermont, people with seasonal affective disorder start to feel the effects, but hope is on its way.
The University of Vermont is performing research to determine the most effective way to treat seasonal affective disorder.
University of Vermont Professor, Kelly Rohan, is the heart of the experiment and has been featured in several publications including “Science Daily” an online magazine.
In the past seasonal affective disorder (SAD) has been treated mostly by using light therapy said Rohan.
By Rohan performing this experiment she could show that CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral therapy) is a more effective, practical, and palatable approach to long-term SAD management than light therapy according to Rohan’s publication on Behavioral therapy.
“Cognitive solves it more proactively (than light therapy) and has prevention benefits” for years to come said Rohan.
Cognitive therapy is to identify thoughts that are challenging and framing them into rational thoughts said Rohan.
This is usually done with counseling said Rohan.
“One of the biggest challenges has been going up against people who believe that light therapy is the only option for treatment of SAD.” Said Nillni.
This is due to the fact that light therapy has been the main treatment for SAD for many years said Rohan.
Samantha Heller, a senior psychology major, described Light therapy as sitting in front of an artificial light that mimics outdoor light for a certain period of time.
Although this can be affective at times, 59% of light therapy patients did not continue the treatment said Rohan. Treatment has not been continued due to various reasons.
One reason is because the amount of commitment it takes. You have to commit to sit in front of a light for about 30 minutes a day continuously throughout the year said Rohan.
Rohan, and multiple graduate students including, Yael Nillni are running a nine yearlong trial to prove that cognitive therapy is the best way to cure SAD.
The People included in the research vary in age and some take anti-depression medication said Rohan.
In the experiment they have groups participating in cognitive therapy, light and cognitive therapy together, and light therapy said Rohan.
The ultimate goal of the research is to “offer another type of empirically supported treatment for SAD that not only shows to be as effective as light therapy but potentially more beneficial in preventing future episodes,” said Nillni.

Instead of using light therapy as a cure for SAD, we could see more people taking the cognitive approach in the future said Rohan.

The nonprofit is going strong

By Megan Fitzgerald, cynic correspondent

Pull Quote: This “shared music collection” is one way that Carshare tries to provide community.

While community might bring to mind a cozy neighborhood, it can be found in cars too.

Building community is just what Carshare Vermont is trying to do, Carshare’s executive director Annie Borden said.

University of Vermont, UVM, students and members of Burlington have joined carshare since it started almost a year ago said Borden.

Carshare Vermont, a new nonprofit, hopes “to provide a convenient, affordable, and alternative to owning a car” according to the Carshare VT website.

Now, this organization has nine cars — each of which has its own personalized name.

The newest is in the new North End, and the fight to chose its name was fierce, Borden said. There was a contest between members to pick the new name, and “Ace” came out on top.

The growth rate of members has been steady and they are on their way to being a self-sufficient company, Borden said.

Over 400 members have joined in the brief time Carshare has been operating Borden said.

UVM senior Elizabeth Kerschner uses it to get to doctor appointments and visit friends. She said that the service was “convenient,” but to her it’s not just about sharing cars, it’s about creating “community.”

When you sit in a Subaru located behind Morrill Hall, you may find CDs that other owners or the company have left, Kerschner said.

This “shared music collection” is one way that Carshare tries to provide community Kerschner said.

UVM junior Zach Realberg has only been a member for a short while but he said that “without it, it would be impossible to get where he needed to [go].”

Carshare makes it easy to get “away,” providing mobility and freedom, he said.

The biggest issue with Carshare seems to be the cost, which can put a limiting factor on how many times a student can use Carshare.

Both Kerschner and Realberg said that cost puts a limit on how many times they use the service.

To take a two day trip to Boston using Carshare it would cost $162.80, according to the Carshare price chart.

Although this may be cheaper than alternative transportation — particularly if the bill is split 4 ways — it’s still costly for students who aren’t making much of an income.

There are also extra charges, such as not returning the car on time, which can be difficult for college students with hectic schedules and lives.

An advantage of carshare for students is that you only have to be 18 to carshare, not 25 like most rental companies Borden said.

However, the biggest obstacle for Carshare will be to convince people that it can be a central part of a community and that it is not necessary for people to own cars, Borden said.

Regardless of these factors, Carshare has future plans to expand to Williston and add more cars, Borden said. This little nonprofit doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.

The great pumpkin race makes waves for charity

By Margaret Fitzgerald, cynic correspondant

What looked like a pumpkin boating competition turned out to be exactly that — the second annual Giant Pumpkin Regatta.

Massive, tire-sized pumpkins carved into makeshift boats were the regatta participants’ vehicles in the unique water relay, which successfully collected money for the Linking Learning to Life organization.

According to the charity’s mission statement, their goal is to help prepare youth for successful transitions by connecting learning to careers, college and community.

Regatta observer Manny Fletcher laughed about the event.

“I never thought a pumpkin would float, had to see it for myself,” he said.

Pumpkins had to be lifted by a tractor because of their massive size and put into the 58-degree water, event emcee Charles Propello said.

A Ben and Jerry’s participant with a cotton cow head hat, Nicole Baltwin, said her greatest goal was to “stay afloat” during the race.

During the races a few pumpkins sank, forcing competitors to swim their pumpkin to the finish line. Nevertheless, they did it with a smile despite the cold water and laughing observers.

“There are a lot of elements that can prevent the event from going smoothly,” event volunteer Page McCormick said.

This year it wasn’t a very good growing season and they had trouble finding a tractor, she said.

More than just a water race, the Giant Pumpkin Regatta showcased Ben and Jerry’s, Shelburne’s Orchid, a gyro stand and pie and coffee peddlers as some of the vendors selling items at the waterfront.

More side activities included a pie-eating contest and two blow-up bouncers.

The Vermont Giant Growers Association provided event sponsors with pumpkins for the race, which they decorated in theme — dressing to match.

One man dressed up as Harry Potter, with his pumpkin sporting a semi-visible broom, while another team decided to dress up as the ghost busters.

Even dogs dressed up for the occasion, participating in a canine costume contest that was occurring next door. One dog sported a light pink ballerina outfit with a white tutu.

First-time observer Erik Bonesteel wound up at the event by following the crowd to the waterfront.

“There’s a lot of people,” he said. “It feels like everyone from Burlington is here.”

Giant pumpkins filled the lake on Sunday for the second annual Giant Pumpkin Regetta.  This pumpkin boat race took place on Sunday at the Burlington waterfront to raise money for the Linking learning to life.

12 Companies became sponsors to get these pumpkins, which are provided by Vermont Giant Growers Association, and the races are relays.

The participants decorated their pumpkins and themselves, usually themed. One man was dressed up as Harry Potter, and his pumpkin had a broom sticking out of it.  Another team decided to dress up as the ghost buster.

Pumpkins were lifted up by a tractor and put into the water, which was 58 degrees, according to Charles Propello, the MC.

Nicole Baltwin, a Ben and Jerry’s participant, with a cow head, greatest goal was to “stay afloat” during the race.

During the races a few pumpkins became completely submerged and racers had to swim their pumpkin to the finish line. Nevertheless, they did it with a smile, despite the cold water and laughing observers.

Page McCormick, a volunteer, said there are “a lot of elements that can prevent the event from going smoothly.” This year it wasn’t a very good growing season and they had trouble finding a tractor according to McCormick.

Some of the vendors selling items were Ben and Jerry, Shelburne’s Orchid, a gyro vendor, and people selling pies and coffee. Some of the activities included a pie eating contest and two blow-up bouncers.

Dogs on leashes were dressed up for the occasion because of a dog costume contest that was occurring at the event. One dog sported a light pink ballerina outfit with a white tutu.

Erik Bonesteel, a first time observer, just happened to be there due to following a crowd down to the waterfront. He said, “there’s a lot of people, feels like everyone from Burlington is here.”

This event was to sponsor Linking Learning to Life; their mission statement is to “help prepare youth for successful transitions by connecting learning to careers, college, and community.”

Manny Fletcher, a second year observer, laughed when asked why he came out, saying “I never thought a pumpkin would float, had to see it for myself.”

He is a friend of the coordinator who got the idea to do this from other pumpkin races in other cities according to Fletcher. According to him, this event wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for all the volunteers.