Writing History Assignment

Despite being previously relegated to one style of writing because of my major, experimenting with different types of writing has largely been a positive experience. A typical business course offers limited writing opportunities which usually focus on the topic in question rather than the writing itself. The chance to experience other styles of writing was one of the underlying reasons why I chose to pursue an advertising minor.

My first impression with communications-style writing evoked skepticism. All I had previously known was lengthy research writing with only a required minimum length. Now challenged to conform to the blunt style of communications writing, attempting to satisfy a maximum required amount of words was initially difficult. The intricacies of AP Style seemed like an annoyance and even pointless at times. After several experiences, however, it seemed to become much easier.

Learning how specific areas of communications practiced different writing styles was an interesting experience. Despite having advertising and public relations writing right in front of me, I had never noticed that each possessed its own style. Recognizing those differences first hand was definitely the most interesting and useful aspect of my experience.

Budweiser Clydesdales Set to Visit Cedar Point

SANDUSKY, OHIO (June 12, 2009) – This weekend the Cedar Point Amusement Park will hold a parade to showcase the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. According to Budweiser, on Friday at 2 p.m. a team of eight Clydesdales will travel from the Sky Ride to the Wicked Twister roller coaster while pulling a meticulously restored turn-of-the-century beer wagon.

To be selected as a Clydesdale, a horse must weigh in between 1,800-2,300 pounds and stand six feet tall at the shoulder. The horses typically consume 20-25 quarts of feed, 50-60 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water each day. The Clydesdales are a type of draft horse originating in the Clyde valley of Scotland and are known for their size and strength.

The Clydesdales were originally given to August Busch Sr. in 1933 from his son August Busch Jr. to celebrate the end of prohibition. Soon after, Anheuser-Busch began selling its first beers in St. Louis, Mo.

The horses typically make appearances at most major sporting events around the country, including the Super Bowl and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Each team consists of eight Clydesdales and travels with two backup horses. Altogether, Anheuser-Busch owns five teams of Clydesdales which visit nearly 300 cities and are viewed by millions of people each year.

In addition to the parade, the Clydesdales will also be available for viewing near the Wicked Twister roller coaster between 1:30-2:00 p.m. and 2:30-3:00 p.m. Guests present at 1:30 will be able to see the horses harness up for the parade. Each horses harness and collar weigh 130 pounds altogether.

The weekend festivities will culminate on Sunday with Brady Quinn Day. Currently playing for the Cleveland Brown’s, the third-year pro quarterback will hold a Q & A session in the Blue Streak Courtyard at noon. Quinn will be available to pose for pictures afterwards until 1:15 p.m.

Media Contact:
Dan Greene
Anheuser-Busch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VILLAGE PAWN SHOP ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

34-YEAR-OLD MILES STANDISH OF MIDDLEVILLE AND 28-YEAR-OLD JOHN ALDEN OF SMALLTOWN ARE UNDER ARREST FOR ROBBING THE VILLAGE PAWN SHOP ON 1407 MAIN STREET. AT TEN FIFTEEN A.M YESTERDAY THE ARMED MEN ORDERED TWO EMPLOYEES TO PLACE THE REGISTERS CASH AND SEVERAL ITEMS OF JEWELERY INTO A BAG. ONE EMPLOYEE SAW THE THIEVES LEAVING IN A BLUE DODGE ARIES. POLICE SAY THEY SPOTTED A VEHICLE MATCHING THE GETAWAY CARS DESCRIPTION BEHIND A HOUSE AT 684 WILLOW STREET. POLICE ARRESTED THE MEN UPON ENTERING THE RESIDENCE. THE STOLEN MONEY AND JEWELRY ARE RECOVERED. THERE ARE NO WITNESSES TO THE CRIME.

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HERON BANK TO ACQUIRE MIDDLEVILLE

HERON BANK OF LYONS AGREED TO ACQUIRE THE MIDDLEVILLE SAVINGS BANK FOR NEARLY EIGHT POINT FOUR MILLION DOLLARS. HERON SAYS THE TRANSACTION IS PENDING ITS INVSTIGATION OF MIDDLEVILLE AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT APPROVAL. MIDDLEVILLE HAS ASSETS OF SIXTY FIVE MILLION DOLLARS WHILE HERON’S ASSETS APPROACH TWO BILLION DOLLARS.

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SALT CREEK BRIDGE TO BE REPAIRED

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WILL PROVIDE TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR REPAIRS ON THE COLLAPSING SALT CREEK BRIDGE.  MIDDLE COUNTY ENGINEER SQUIRE WHIPPLE SAID NEARLY TWO MILLION DOLLARS WILL BE NEEDED FOR PERMANENT REPAIRS. THE ROUTE NINE BRIDGE WAS BUILT IN 1834 AND HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE 2005.

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Vermont Reconsiders Sexting Laws

Sending nude pictures or "sexting" has recently become a controversial issue and the state of Vermont seeks to rethink the laws governing sexting among minors. 

According to College News, Vermont wants to decriminalize consensual sexting among minors between the ages of 13 and 18-years-old rather than have offenders be charged with child pornography. 

• Current laws make no distinction between adults and minors who consensually send nude images of minors. 
• The proposed law would exempt 13 to 18-year-olds from being prosecuted for sending and receiving consensual sexting messages. 
• Opponents feel the law would condone sexting but supporters say they are merely trying to make punishments fit the crime. 

For more on this story, click here

Bike Taxis Come to Downtown St. Augustine

“I remember relating St. Augustine to Charleston and decided to give the idea serious consideration,” said Josh Thompson when elaborating how his idea for a bike taxi business in downtown St. Augustine came to fruition. It’s been two years since he began research and despite laboring to become fully operational, Thompson’s hard work is beginning to pay off. Currently consisting of two employees and three bike taxis, St. Augustine Pedicab transports town-goers throughout downtown St. Augustine on bikes affixed with a small passenger seat on the back, which are also known as pedicabs. With his new venture taking off and fitting well into the local lifestyle, Thompson is excited with where his business is going.

Thompson, 23, was born and raised in York, Pa. before enlisting in the Marines at age 17. After serving overseas for approximately three years, he was honorably discharged and put on terminal leave from the Marine Corps. As Thompson put it, “I am proud of my service and think it made me a better person.” But character was not the only thing to come out of his days in the Marines. While stationed in Jacksonville, N.C., Thompson frequently visited a friend in Charleston, S.C. where bike taxis were being used for transportation. Thinking of how great an idea it was in a small city like Charleston, the idea caught his eye.

Once discharged from the Marines, Thompson began attending Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla. That was where the idea for bike taxi’s resurfaced. “I thought St. Augustine was a great host. Its size and orientation are a happy medium for pedicabs as far as driving vs. walking goes,” said Thompson on why he applied the idea for a bike taxi business to downtown St. Augustine. He also added, “It has a lot of beauty you would miss in a car but can’t cover on foot.”

Starting the business would prove to be a difficult process. “I wanted to do it the right way and maintain business ethics in every aspect of our operation,” said Thompson, citing the numerous requirements needed to legally operate downtown. Whether it was bike registrations or purchasing liability insurance, conforming to state and local government policies was a complicated process. He also added that his dealings with the St. Augustine City Council were, “…a precarious process because most of them had not seen something like this before.” Thompson, however, did receive much needed advice from St. Augustine Beach Commissioner Edward George. “George said previous individuals had tried with rickshaws and failed due to the hot weather,” said Thompson.

Upon realizing that the bike taxi’s he had ordered online were not sufficient for commercial use, he purchased a more quality alternative in Orlando, Fla. Once inspected by the city of St. Augustine, Thompson began operating during the spring of 2009. Initially requiring only tips, he did surprisingly well and put substantial revenue back into the business. Soon two other employees and another bike taxi would come into the picture. Gordon Burt, 20, is a student at Flagler College who started working for Thompson in April of 2009. “I think the local market has been waiting for this…it’s an industry that is enjoyable, convenient and makes sense,” said Burt. When commenting on Thompson’s initiative to start the business, Burt also said, “Working with city officials to get the necessary permits to operate the business shows a lot of effort.”

Currently St. Augustine Pedicab operates using zone pricing rather than just tips. Thompson and his employees now charge $6 to move within designated city zones they have created and $12 to move between zones. Two higher quality bike taxis are also in the process of being put into commission. When questioned what his future aspirations are, Thompson said, “I just want to get established so people can count on us being out there.” He also stated he would like to, “…build strong relationships with the city, local businesses and especially Flagler College because they all provide resources, clientele and employees.” Thompson likes the direction that Flagler College has been going in recent years and believes that it will change St. Augustine. “Flagler seems to be growing and turning St. Augustine into more of a college town, said Thompson. “Businesses who recognize that will succeed.”

Although never considering himself an entrepreneur, Thompson believes starting a business has inspired him to think like one. “I could see myself continuing other business ventures in St. Augustine that cater towards tourist and college markets,” said Thompson. So far the creation of St. Augustine Pedicab has led him in a promising direction.

Local Reaction to Marijuana Legalization Mixed

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION - (St. Augustine, Fla) - Amidst California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s statements proposing bureaucrats study whether the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes would be a beneficial way to raise tax revenue, residents of St. Augustine, Fla. have expressed mixed feelings to the idea. With the current recession causing significant budget deficits in many states, the proposition of legalizing marijuana has gained steam during recent months and surely will continue to be a topic of conversation.

When questioned whether legalization would be a good idea Schwarzenegger responded, “No, I think that it’s not time for that, but I think its time for a debate. I’m always for an open debate on it.” According to the Huffington Post, Schwarzenegger also noted that politicians should examine what effect legalization has had on other countries. “But just because of raising revenues, we have to be very careful not to make mistakes at the same time.”

Flagler College Professor Robert Berger, who operates in the business department and has a substantial background in law, echoed Gov. Schwarzenegger’s precautionary remarks regarding the societal impacts of marijuana legalization when stating, “It uses taxation as social engineering…taxes are solely to raise revenue.” Berger also expressed concern with the California State Board of Equalization’s estimate that a $50-an-ounce tax would create $1.3 billion in additional tax revenues annually. “I question whether the tax would generate the revenue that has been estimated,” noting that his studies in economics have shown there are many other variables that affecting tax collections and that, “It’s not that simple.”

Other Florida residents view the potential for legalization as a positive for society. Mental Health Counselor Donalyn Frank, 53, who practices substance abuse counseling in St. Augustine Beach, is in favor of legalization regardless of taxation purposes. “Personally I think it should be legalized, at least decriminalized,” said Frank. She also rationalized that her experience as a counselor for substance abuse has led her to believe marijuana is harmless and that, “Alcohol is the real gateway drug. I’ve seen so many people through counseling for DUI’s who have said the only way to stop drinking is by smoking marijuana.”

Frank’s views reflect a widely held belief that marijuana use is not only harmless, but enforcement of the drug can actually be detrimental to society. According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, “The societal costs of (marijuana interdiction) cost U.S. taxpayers in excess of $12 billion annually.” With marijuana enforcement taking up valuable time and resources of law enforcement individuals, some feel the fight just isn’t worth it.

The Netherlands have been the classic example for marijuana legalization but have recently expressed dissatisfaction with their marijuana drug policies. In the Netherlands, marijuana is legal only in “coffee shops,” where customers can purchase up to five grams. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dutch government is considering decreasing the quantity of marijuana available in coffee shops from five to three grams. The D.E.A. also stated that since marijuana legalization, “Heroin addiction levels in Holland have tripled and perhaps even quadrupled by some estimates.” With Schwarzenegger proposing that politicians look to other countries for answers to the legalization dilemma, such facts may enter the discussion.

A controversial aspect of marijuana legalization that proponents often fail to recognize is marijuana taxations potential role as an inverse tax. Berger expressed his regard for the fact when stating, “I’m concerned whether it would turn out to be another regressive tax.” Similar to cigarette taxes, which draw revenue mainly from lower income groups, marijuana taxation could become a regressive tax that has a larger burden on lower tax brackets.

Flagler College graduate Scott Buckingham, 22, expressed similar thoughts regarding marijuana legalization’s potential effects on lower income groups. Elaborating upon the regressive tax theory, Buckingham noted, “During a time such as the current recession, it may be beneficial for state governments but cause individuals to spend their money on something that is not important. The tax would probably end up hurting people financially.”

President Obama recently commented on the effects a marijuana tax would have on the current economic situation. According to Fox News, when questioned whether he thought legalization would improve the economy and help create jobs, Obama said, “The answer is, no, I don’t think that it is a good strategy to grow our economy.”

With so many variables involved in a situation that has yet to even take place, the mixed reaction received locally comes of no surprise. Other states will likely come into discussions similar to what has happened in California. Whether or not Florida is one of them remains to be seen.

Chicken Truck Crash Injures 25

At approximately six p.m. on Wednesday an Alabama Poultry, Inc. chicken truck carrying 300 chickens caused a major traffic accident when attempting to make an illegal left turn onto McFarland Boulevard. “It was the biggest pile-up I’ve seen,” said Sgt. John Jones when providing the accident details at a press conference later that day. Despite the absence of any casualties, Jones stated that 25 individuals were injured in the 11 car pile-up.

Among the 25 injured was Sarah Bernell, a retired school teacher who had been driving nearby with her nephew Mike Kenyon. Bernell was later taken to DCH Hospital for evaluation. According to DCH Hospital Medical Advisor Clarence DiMotta, chicken truck driver Jeff Johnson was admitted and suffered bruises and a possible broken ankle from the incident. The other 23 involved suffered only minor injuries.

Alabama Poultry, Inc. spokesperson Carlton Fitzsimmons noted that the company suffered a $700 loss on the accident, which would be covered by insurance, and would most likely compensate Johnson for his injuries. Sgt. Jones had noted that of the 300 chickens, 30 were dead and 40 are still at large. Fitzsimmons estimated the company’s loss per chicken at $10 and added that Alabama Poultry would like any of the 40 escaped chickens returned if found.

Story Pitch

LOCAL MUSIC - St. Augustine - The recent rise in St. Augustine's once dormant music scene has added both attraction and flavor to the oldest city. The emergence of the St. Augustine Amphitheater as well as the growing popularity of downtown festivals have helped draw performances by well know artists such as The Black Crowes, Kings of Leon, 3 Doors Down, The Beach Boys, Snoop Dog and more. This past weekends surprisingly revamped annual Crawfish Boil was a perfect example of the increasing presence of live music in St. Augustine. 

Britney Spears Bitten by Alligator

At approximately 5 a.m. this morning, Britney Spears, 27, was found lying on the ground in St. Augustine, Fla on the campus of Flagler College with what appeared to be bite marks on her right foot. Spears was spotted near a patch of bushes outside the entrance of the nearby male dormitory Lewis House by Flagler Security Guard Hector Gonzalez, who rushed to the scene upon hearing Spears scream, “Oh my god, oh my god, an alligator bit me.”

After inspecting Spears’ injuries and spotting the reptile escape into the bushes, Gonzalez quickly called 911 at 5:10 a.m. An ambulance arrived shortly after and treated Spears for minor bite wounds. She was released shortly after.

Police Chief Bubba O’Conner answered questions at a press conference that took place a few hours after the event. According to O’Conner, Spears was visiting a male friend and had arrived in her limo, which was parked out front of the Lewis House dormitory. The limo driver was present at the time of the incident but did not witness the event. There were no other known witnesses.  

Animal control officers were called to the scene and conducted a search for the alligator at around 6 a.m. after learning that Gonzalez had spotted the reptile; however, the crocodile was not found. After questioning, Gonzalez estimated the crocodile to be nearly nine feet in length. Police Chief O’Conner speculated that the alligator might have escaped from the nearby Alligator Farm, a local attraction a few miles away that houses captive alligators for public viewing.

It is not known if the encounter will affect her career; however, it is unlikely that she will have any long-term affects. 

Personal Writing Goals

With writing being a universal tool that is applicable in any field, I hope that personal advancements in writing will help to facilitate a future career in business for myself. As a business major, I have had inconsistent experience as a writer; however, one of the many reasons I chose to pursue an advertising minor was to further advance my skills in writing beyond what the standard business curriculum allows. I believe that some of my strengths in writing are dealing with initial organization and revision. I do, however, have a desire to improve my vocabulary and grammar. This opportunity to create work more geared towards communication rather than strictly business will help to round out my skills and I think will assist in working on some of the weaknesses I might have.