November/December Writing Contest: Newsworthy

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Danielle L. Watts on November 6, 2009 at 9:55am

Northwestern Minuteman
Seattle, Wa

Lifestyles

April 19, 2007

Capitol Hill
The panic of the aptly named “Super Flu” has definitely taken a hold in the normally “live and let live” Suburb of Capitol Hill. Everywhere, you look people are wearing white masks hoping it is enough protection to keep them from being sick.

Walking down the street is one Miss. D. Lamar. The one thing to notice that makes her different from everyone else is that she does not wear a mask.

“I honestly do not see the point in it; if I am going to get sick I will get sick.” She states when I asked her about why she did not wear a mask. She continues “Listen, I have never been sick a day in my life and this is just a new flu. We have scientists and doctors and whatever. This is no big deal.”

Miss. Lamar claimed she had never had a flu shot in her entire life, and had never come down with any flu like symptoms. I asked her one last question before she entered the bar at Charlie’s Restaurant. I asked her if she was worried at all.

“Why would I worry? We have one life to live and then we are dead. End of line, no tomorrow. I just want to live, have some fun and when I go say it was good. If I die tomorrow I know I had a good time.” Then she turned her back to me and went into a nearly deserted restaurant.

So whether “The Super Flu” is a pandemic or not people still choose to live their own path. And in Capitol Hill style Miss. Lamar bucks the norm.

And with that I take my mask off as well.

John Richards

Permalink Reply by Adam Miller on November 6, 2009 at 2:34pm

I liked the ending.

Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Adam Miller on November 6, 2009 at 2:18pm

Battle Mountain Inquirer
Local News
August 26, 2007

Rumors Fly Regarding Military Complex

Concerned citizens of Battle Mountain, Nevada, and the surrounding cities gathered at Battle Mountain City Hall last Wednesday to address concerns regarding the nearby military-run medical complex known as Camp St. Teresa. No officials were present at the meeting to represent the complex, which is now shrouded in secrecy. As a result, many citizens are concerned about what is actually going on behind the concrete walls of the facility. One man, who wished to remain anonymous, commented: “My cousin was admitted into the camp weeks ago as a patient. I haven’t heard a word from him in all that time, which totally isn’t like him. I’ve called the camp dozens of times, only to get some [expletive removed] excuse from the person on the other end. I even drove down there last week, you know, thinking they might actually let me in to see him. They threatened to arrest me if I came back, which didn’t really make sense to me. A week before I went down there they were admitting people left and right.”

Several others we spoke to had similar stories and have demanded answers from military officials, threatening lawsuits. Thus far, camp officials have not released any new information regarding recent goings-on behind the camp walls. Another concerned man had this to say: “I was curious to find out something, anything, from someone who worked there. I’d planned on following one of the doctors home and asking him a few questions of my own, you know? I watched that gate on and off for three days. No went in or came out while I was watching. Even the guards live in a barracks outside the wall. The place is completely cut off from us.”

Battle Mountain’s mayor, Kevin Regal, had this to say regarding rumors: “Anything you hear that did not come directly from myself can be regarded as false. We have been informed by Camp St. Teresa’s medical team that the complex is conducting routine quarantine procedures and will be releasing patients as soon as they are deemed cured of the Campion virus. We have no further information at this time.”

Citizens remained skeptical, arguing that they had a right to remain in contact with their loved ones and cutting them off was a criminal offense. The mayor has refused to comment or answer any questions at this time, promising to release any new information as soon as it is available.

Permalink Reply by Ttens 25 on November 12, 2009 at 1:32pm

The Denver Chronicle
Denver, Colorado

Community News

March 8th, 2007

Pike National Forest

Thousands of schoolchildren from Denver and the surrounding areas will be devastated to learn today that the Pike Forest Outdoor Activities Center will not be opening its doors to the public this summer, due to a lack of adult volunteers willing to staff the facility.

For nearly a decade the center has been a haven for children between the ages of 11-15 to spend a week learning outdoor crafts, ranging from woodwork to white water rafting.

“For the last two years we’ve been having to turn down forty, maybe fifty people who wanted to help teach and train the kids,” explained Park Ranger Garry McSheffrey. “It’s a great way to spend a few months in the wilderness, helping children from all over the state to learn about and respect the outdoors.”

So why the sudden decline of volunteers? When I asked Ranger McSheffrey what he believed, he found it difficult to understand. “…maybe this bug doing the rounds,” was the vague answer he produced.

Local residents of the nearby town of Castle Rock were divided in their opinions. I met 39 year old mother of two Shirley Douglas who was frustrated at the closure. “My boys have been out there every summer for the last three years. Now what are they supposed to do? I’d go out there to help myself, if it wasn’t for my job.”

Other residents are more sympathetic. “To be honest I’d rather keep my son at home till this flu thing passes, or the government makes up a vaccine,” said David Brodie, 43. “If my boy gets sick out there, he’s going to be 300 miles from the nearest doctor.”

Despite this setback, Ranger McSheffrey remains upbeat. “Sure, it’s a blow for us this year, but mark my words, next summer we’re going to be overrun with the little tykes!”

And I for one, hope he’s right.

Permalink Reply by The Newcomer on November 12, 2009 at 11:40pm

The South Keller Periodical
Sunnyville, CA

Sports

March 15, 2007

Freerunning Rage
With the downturn of health within the United States, many have taken shelter within their homes. On the contrary, a select few wish to do only one thing: To keep their feet moving.

Several men and women have been running around quite literally the entire area of Sunnyville. With a combination of rolls, wallruns, and fantastic acrobatic feats, these youngsters are leaving the flu in the dust.

"What gets us the most sick," says freerunning leader Patrick Sinclair, "is the lack of exercise. From what I've seen, our generation has degraded in their physical fitness. Instead of stepping outside, they stay in to go on the Internet or to watch television. Those kids (and adults, mind you) spend all their time on silly forums and other social endeavors, lost in their own fantasy communities. Those sites are entertaining at points but they just don't stimulate the body."

Freerunning, also known as "parkour" in French, is a stylized way of getting to a location through high agility. Sinclair, now 25, has been running around like this since high school.

A student of Sinclair's group elaborates on the technique.

"The point is to get from point A to B in the safest, yet quickest way possible," states Daniel Rodriguez, 18. "It is not about performing the most flashy stunts you can, though that does set up a certain flair for our community."

We asked about the drills that they partake.

"One of our favorites is the one where we have to chase Pat. Out of all of us, he rules at the whole concept. He jumps over walls, slides under bars, and climbs gutters like a monkey. We newbies always get stuck at some point, giving Pat the advantage of distance."

He presented the goal of this "game".

"We just need to touch him. Imagine us, the new people, as some sort of infection and one tap on the shoulder can turn him into us! Think of it as extreme tag."

Rodriguez had never caught up.

"Never. He's just too good. He is always alert, always finding those escapes, always moving to avoid us. All those people on their computers could never ever do what he does!"

The group, known as The Grave Diggers, have a normal fitness procedure of pushups, endurance training, and jump roping. This fits well with their advanced courses of safe landings and time trials. We asked Sinclair if they were worried about the Super Flu.

"Why should we be? All we need to do is outrun it!"

Permalink Reply by Vladimir Korchescov on November 15, 2009 at 9:13pm

The-Vladivostok-Local
Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai Oblast

April 29th 2007

Flu cases rise as The Kremlin warns the US


The streets of Russia's largest port is filled with many emotions, panic, fear and also anger as hundreds of cases every day are reported of a new flu strain that has just reached Russia.

You wouldn't recognise Sergeant Igor Borodin if he talked to you, as the 29 year old Naval infantryman who served in the mighty Pacific Fleet, now patrols the streets in HAZMAT gear. "I find no comfort in doing this" he stresses "however, if we are to stop the massive spread of this epidemic, we must do what we can" the Super Flu, or as it is called locally "The American Flu" or simply "Yankie Flu" has now been reported in all cities, nearly 100,000 Russian citizens have been reported with the virus and it is straining the resurgent Russian health care system.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov follows the citizens of Russia's cries, but not for help, but to pressure the United States government into considering better quarantine opinions, quote:

"I severely doubt that the United States government is trying their hardest to contain this virus, they must understand, the World Health Organization or any other daft official that Yankie Flu will not simply go away." A journalist asked him if the U.S government ignores his demands and he finished by saying:

"If the United States does not listen to our demands, then we will take matters into our own hands"

Permalink Reply by Trina Grant on November 23, 2009 at 5:15pm

The Stark Gazette

Toulon, IL

Around the County

April 2nd, 2007

For most of you, you already know this but the local school cancellation is caused by the count of absent students out sick with the seasonal flu. They say that this is a dramatic increase of absent students has tripled in its amount since last years count. The school officials think by the end of April that all the schools should be back in section.

The high school has set up a day care center in the gymnasium for those parents who can not afford to miss work or for those with prior engagements. They do have a small fee. There are a couple other packages to help certain families, a few of these include single parents, families with more then three children and there is a donation reduced fee package, the formal hours of the daycare center are 7am-5pm. If needed other arrangements they do have help, just call. One more important thing you must sign your child up before you leave them, you may not just drop them off.

We understand your concerns about your child’s health that is why they have also brought on some of the local nurses and doctors, on staff at the center. This is to make sure your child get their proper treatments. They are taking extra procession on trying to reduce the local flu infection.

Permalink Reply by Gary Rolin on November 25, 2009 at 4:27pm

Big Canoe Paddler
Big Canoe, Georgia

Business
February 18, 2007

Stores Struggle to Maintain Sanitizer Supplies

While the so-called "Super-Flu" epidemic has not affected the citizens of Big Canoe, it has put a strain on local retailers as they scramble to keep their shelves stocked with hand sanitizer and other disinfecting supplies.

"If it uses the word 'antibacterial,' I don't have it," Claims Delbert Calhoun, owner of Calhoun's Drugstore, "And nobody will tell me when it will be coming in."

Meanwhile, a community searches for answers as it learns to cope with the shortage.

"I'm just trying to protect my children the best way I know how," Says Virginia Culpepper, 42 and mother of 3, "What I'm supposed to do? I guess I'm going to have to go on eBay and see if anyone is selling."

Virginia is not alone. Many people are turning to auction sites, such as eBay, where any quantity of anything designed to kill germs command high prices. One auction offered bidders a 48 oz container of Purell. When it was over, it fetched over $100.

Johnson & Johnson, the major manufacturer of hand sanitizer, is having a hard time meeting demand. They are asking for patience on the part of the public.

"Our facilities are working around the clock to meet demand. We ask for patience on the part of the general public," said Phillip Hansen, Director of Corporate Communications for Johnson & Johnson.

"What can you do?" Asks Delbert, "Just hope."

Permalink Reply by Gary Rolin on November 27, 2009 at 12:16pm

Rhineback Reporter
Rhineback, New York

Events Calendar
March 17th, 2007

The Omega Center
Healing Workshop: Fighting the Super-Flu through Meditation
Maharishi Keith Fingerhead, Founder of the Shiva Institue in Taos, New Mexico is offering a 2nd workshop by popular demand. The Maharshi teaches his new Medation regimen, combined with fasting and daily colonics that has been clinically proven to ward off all forms of illness, including the "Super-Flu." For more information, please call the center @ 917-555-4502. We recommend calling early because we anticipate this workshop to sell out quickly.

Permalink Reply by Dillon on November 30, 2009 at 7:22am

The Claremore Inquisitor
Claremore, Oklahoma

Health & Living

April 8, 2007

Somber Easter

Easter Sunday is supposed to be a day of celebration for the rebirth of Jesus but it seems more people are mourning this day as the Super Flu epidimic claims yet more victims.

The total count of people infected with the super flu is now exceeding 3000 for the areas of Claremore, Sequah, and Foyil. Even though most people have opted for staying inside to celebrate safely, there are still some who wish to resume as normal such as church groups and some families who say they will have their barbecue's and Easter egg hunts.

"This is a day of fun for the kids,"One mother said. "and I wouldn't miss our easter celebration for anything, nor will I wear one of those silly masks while we celebrate it will only scare the kids."On the other side of this argument are the health officials at the the Claremore Municipal Hospital. "Everyone should stay inside during this time of sickness." He told me. "Only go out when you need to, and wear your masks whenever you are out of your home, and waer them at work."

Despite this sound advice most people in this area are not listening and refuse to wear a mask. Even when so many of those people who refused before are now those with deteriorating health.

As for me, I will follow the instructions of health officials to the "t" and hope for the best. Even if you have a great immune system do not leave it up to luck, and thats my advice.

To all my readers out there, be safe.

Jonathon Myers

Permalink Reply by Nathan (The Lurkr of Lank) on December 1, 2009 at 10:18pm

The Mesa County Picayune
Grand Junction, Colorado
28 April, 2007
Authorities Seek Vagrant for Questioning

The Mesa County Sheriff and local authorities are still looking for a vagrant who has been linked to three different assaults in the past four days. Sheriff Mike Schlager has reported that the vagrant has been attempting to bite or claw random people. "The first reports we received seemed to suggest that the suspect in these attacks was inebriated, but after the second attack, we fear that the suspect may in fact be mentally incapacitated or be operating under a diminished mental capacity.
Jake Morgenson, one of the victims, was interviewed at Holy Cross Hospital. "This guy just comes shuffling up out of no where. I was standing there with Steve and Gopher, and this dude just comes up, smelling like he [defecated] himself and groaning and growling." Morgenson gestures with his hands, his bandaged forearm obvious.
"The guy comes up to us, and Gopher starts talking [trash] to this guy, trying to egg him on. All the sudden, this guy lurches up to me and bites my arm. It took the three of us to get the guy off, and we were so freaked out that we ran straight to the hospital."
When asked about his injury, Morgenson replies "Well, the guy broke the skin, but the docs think that we were able to get it soon enough that it shouldn't get infected. I have developed a nasty cough over the past couple of hours, but I don't think it has anything to do with that so called 'Super-Flu' that they're spazzing out about."
Schlager does not feel that these attacks have anything to do with rumors going around about side effects of the Super-Flu. "All we want is to be able to find this guy and get him the help he needs. I don't believe that there is anything to worry about."