Writing Leads

I'm not used to writing articles. This class is new to me because I've always thought I could use a lot of work in my articles. I think what I mainly need to work on is my leads. I usually get very good quotes from my interviewees and ask great questions so the body of my articles are solid. But the leads and conclusions need work.
In class I find it much easier for some reason. When it actually comes down to pen and paper I have trouble writing a creative lead. I look through the textbook at the leads that succeed chapter but for some reason still have trouble. At the top of the page advising how to write a great lead, it is completely accurate. It shows pictures with captions saying write, toss it out, write, toss it out, over and over again. I think I just need to spend more time getting used to writing better leads because it's definitely the most important part of the story to grasp your reader.

Delayed and Summary lead

Larry Kessler, a long time advocate for people living with HIV and AIDS, has been chosen to leave the  22-year-old Boston Living Center.

Larry Kessler, 70, doesn't let old age stop him.

Reunion of Nightclub Fire

Time heals all is a gray statement. Little things remind you of your past frequently and for Angela Bogart she will always remember. Angela's mother, Jude Henault, was killed in the 2003 nightclub fire.

Ten years have passed, but time hasn't completely healed Angela. She hears her voices everywhere. The grocery store, the library, and the gym are among the many places she hears her mother.

"My mom lives in me in everything I do," says Bogart. "I hear her voice everywhere I go."

On Sunday, Bogart was among the reunion and celebration of the survivors of a 2003 nightclub blaze in Warwick, R.I. 100 people were killed that night. The pyrotechnics on stage of the rock band, Great White, lead to this horrific event. 

Brilliant Parrot Dies

One of the world's most famous talking birds' has died this evening. Alex, the 31-year-old parrot, knew his colors and shapes, learned over 100 English words, and was even broadcasted in television shows and research circles.

Murder in Boston

The updates I get to my e-mail on the news stories I care about. I care about safety and this is why many people should never give up on the news. In reading this horrific story it makes one think about their surroundings and how you really can't predict what will happen in the very next second of your life. A Boston man was arrested near Woodruff Way in Mattapan and charged with unlawful gun possession after another man was found fatally shot there early this morning, according to Boston police officials. This is just an example of how there is always something to report. Even at TNH there are small articles to write about. But its always these big tragedies that get the readers attention. As my recent articles that I have responded to have been. It's something terribly interesting and something to watch out for. 

Swing Your Sweetheart Dance

Swing Your Sweetheart Dance

By: Brittany Schaefer

On, Friday February 15, 2013, the UNH Hep Cats Swing Dancing Club invites all to their Swing Your Sweetheart dance. This upbeat social event will be held in the Strafford room of the MUB from 7– 11 p.m.

“This event is going to be something new for everyone to try, you can come in as couples or friends or to meet someone on the floor,” said Hep Cats president, Kaitlyn LaCourse. “It’s a challenge that forces you out of your comfort zone, but also it’s fun to be in a new environment.”

“Anyone looking to expand their cultural values, learn something new, or just a fun night with friends should stop by,” said LaCourse. A beginner lesson will be offered from 7-8 p.m., followed by three more hours of social dancing. No previous experience of dancing required. Semi- casual attire is acceptable. This event will be free for Undergrads with an ID present, and 7$ for anyone else that wants to swing dance for a night.

The Strafford room will decorated in red and white in honors of Valentine’s Day. There will be flowers, heart and even free food and refreshments. This will be a unique experience that is also offered in a much lower key atmosphere every Wednesday at 6p.m. in the Wildcat Den located in the MUB.

With the Hep Cats, one learns to appreciate the past by visiting a new era. The “swing era” was from 1920’s till the ‘50s. The best-known swing dance is the Lindy Hop; a popular partner dance that is done by the UNH Hep Cats today. “Basically picture the prom scene from the movie Grease,” said President, Kaitlyn LaCourse.

Those of who are interested can also join the Hep Cats e-mail list to get updates on practices or events the Hep Cats plan to take. Anyone can join at anytime, for beginners, before or after the hour dance lesson, a member can help with any moves that seem difficult. “We will keep everyone up to date, even with zero experience,” said Kaitlyn LaCourse. Even UNH staff and people from different schools attend their Wednesday night meetings.

The Hep Cats often take trips to clubs like The Crosby Whistle Stop in Boston, MA by carpool to have a fun night away from campus and to be surrounded by more people that are into the unique style of lindy hop dancing.

The Hep Cats has been around UNH since the early 2000’s. It’s a group that is open to all, men, women, experienced, or brand new to dance, and all are accepted.  “I’m a huge klutz and here it doesn’t matter,” said freshman, Isabelle Molle. “The people are nice and the music is fun!”

“Any dance is a lot of fun, but with swing you don’t have to pay attention to form or match the count. It’s a loose dance that makes me more creative,” said grad student, Ian Marshall. “You work your mistakes into your style and that makes it fun.”

This event is sure to be not easily forgotten. Learning a new distinctive dance in this atmosphere doesn’t come around often. The Hep Cats only put on two dances throughout the year and the next one won’t be until May 2013. So make sure to stop by the Strafford room from 7- 11 p.m. Friday the 15. 

Man Killed Portsmouth NH Car Crash

I enjoyed reading the article because it was something that is close to home for me. This happened just 20 minutes from me and its remarkable to think that I heard nothing about it till looking at the Boston Globe. The thing that's most interesting about this story is that the investigation is still in full swing. All the police are aware of is that late at night a man was killed, 63, William Lasonde after his car rolled over off the interstate multiple times. I thought this article was well written because it had a quote from the police even though the full investigation isn't complete. Also it laid out the full details without trying to give the audience a theory that could have happened. Therefore there is no disloyal facts.

Car Accident Exercise

On Tuesday evening, three people were found in a serious car accident on Mile Hill Road in Belmont, Massachusetts. At around 9 o’clock the white car swerved of the road and flipped over onto its roof.

The driver of the car, Jamie Peterson, seventeen years old, managed to crawl out of his car, but the other two victims weren’t as lucky. Rescuers had to use the Jaws of Life to free the two passengers from the crushed car. After 45 minutes of struggling, rescuers got the victims taken to Memorial Hospital in Belmont. One was in stable condition, while the other young female was airlifted to Mass. General Hospital in Boston being treated for a brain injury. This has been confirmed from a hospital spokesperson but they would not identify the patient.

Tom Carroll, Jr., seventeen, was driving on Mile Hill Road at the same time as the accident. “I thought the worst, they were flying. It’s hard to see kids your age in something like this. You realize when you see it what could happen, especially on this road.” Carroll told the police that when he looked under the car he saw at least three empty Budweiser beer cans on the ground. But whether he was under a state of intoxication has yet to be proven.

Another witness, Josie M. Crandall, happened to look out her window and saw the White Ford Mustang speeding on the gravel road. “I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road,” said Crandall. “It’s a dirt road, and it’s really easy to lose control.”

There was a fata accident at this same spot December 24, 2005. There were two local teenagers killed in that accident. Mile Hill Road has no streetlights.

Inside Reporting first look

When ordering my books for this coming second semester I saw the Inside Reporting book and decided  it would be the only book I wouldn't rent. I wanted to keep it because it seemed like it was going to help me massively with journalism and writing my articles. I was right. I had already looked at the textbook before class. I loved how the first few pages were history of the newspaper and it's golden age. It also shares when cable news started, which is what I am mainly interested in. Broadcasting thrills me, and it shares the history of when it became at large in the 1960's. It's remarkable seeing pictures of newspapers recording the most biggest landmarks in history. Like men walking on the moon and World War II. The different forms of knowledge through words, timelines, graphs, and photos makes me very happy that I didn't just rent this book. The graph on page 15 is very interesting, and inviting because it looks like getting news through cable is still the top contender and has been for over ten years now! Now just to get a job as a broadcaster.

Manhunt 3 Shot 1 Dead

"IRVINE, Calif. – Police are waging an intensive manhunt across Southern California for a former Los Angeles cop wanted in connection with a double murder and suspected of going on a revenge shooting spree.Overnight shootings in Riverside County that left one officer dead and two wounded have been linked to the former Los Angeles officer, Christopher Dorner, who was named as a suspect in the slaying of a young couple here Sunday..."

After reading this article I was immediately tied into the dangers and high alert every person in southern California must be in. Officials said there isn't one law enforcement not on the lookout. This seems like a terrifying situation. 

With two people dead the suspect is definitely seen as dangerous. What got to me in this story is one, the shooter is still on the run and missing. Two, he shot 2 people who were engaged with breaks my heart. And three, the main suspect was a past police officer for four years. Which leads me to think that no one can be trusted. He went from protecting people's lives, to taking them away. 

This kind of story is compelling. It gets me interested in the news and whats happening in daily lives because this does affect everyone in the nation. I especially because I've always wanted to live in Southern California and this type of situation more than likely turns away people, leaving them in fear.

I hope no one else gets hurt and that this situation can get under control soon. 

Little Red Riding Hood Exercise

This past Monday morning, the well-liked Elisabeth, or as most know her, little red riding hood experienced quite the surprise when delivering bread to her grandmother. Instead of seeing her grandmother, a dangerous wolf had taken her place. Her grandmother and her are survivors of the big sharp teeth of the wolf.

On a simple sunny morning Elisabeth was voyaging to her grandmothers to deliver fresh bread and wine. Elisabeth was given these orders by her mother, of whom she lived with on the edge of the village. Her grandmother lived in the forest about 30 minutes away. This is a walk that Elisabeth was used to, but a strange encounter brought upon something she wasn’t used to.

About ¾ of a mile into her journey she encountered a wolf that made simple small talk. To distract her from her duties spoke of wonderful flowers that she had to take a look at. Being the sweet girl she is, Elisabeth wanted to pick flowers for her grandmother. The wolf carried on and little red riding hood didn’t think much of it, until she arrived at her grandmother house.

The wolf had swallowed Elisabeth’s ailing grandmother, even to weak to open the door, whole.

“This event is so rare, we are still trying to imagine how this could have happened,” Canine experts said, “It’s a miracle they are still alive.

When Elisabeth entered the house, she had a few minutes to notice the unsightly changes her grandmother had taken. Her large furry ears, big claws, and sharp teeth were none other than that of the wolf. With in moments Elisabeth had been eaten too. 

Zapoteca Restaurant

February 1, 2013

Something we’ve been lacking on campus is an authentic Mexican restaurant, but on March 4^th that aspect will change. Zapoteca Restaurante y Tequileria is opening on Jenkins Court, across from Jenkins Quality Goods. This traditional Mexican restaurant has “bold flavors with a rustic, modern flair,” as their twitter page states. There first location is in Portland, ME, and eating there almost always requires a reservation. “Our traditional cuisine is unlike any other Mexican restaurant you have eaten at, we use fresh ingredients from many local farms, and cook as if we were serving in Mexico,” said manager, Sergio Ramos.

A fan favorite dish is the Enchiladas de Puerco, which is oven roasted enchiladas with adobo glazed pork, sweet caramelized onions & local artisan Monterey jack cheese with a tomato habanero sauce, Mexican crema, Yucatan pickled red onions, black beans, and ensalada. Zapoteca has something for everyone, from slow roasted ribs to fresh green salads. Their unique signature cocktails are also something to pay attention to. They have the largest selection of tequila in Maine, with only serving 100% certified blue agave tequila. Also an interesting drink to sip would be their el pepino, a cool and spicy drink with Silver tequila, premium orange liquer, cucumber slices and jalapeños.

When asked how Zapoteca would appeal to students Ramos said, “Its traditional, a fun atmosphere, accessible, and priced wisely. “I’m excited for the opening of Zapoteca because we don’t really have authentic Mexican food around. I want to try the ensalada de avocado frita, because I’m a vegetarian and the avocado and cilantro sound delicious,” said Katelyn Monroe, sophomore UNH student. On March 4^th be sure to stop by Zapoteca on Jenkins Court to get a taste of Mexico.

By: Brittany Schaefer