Thursday, May 7, 2009
Summer Swimming TEAM 1 Write-up
Popular Summer Swimming
For our final project, we decided to pick a topic we were all looking forward to: swimming! Since each member in our group comes from a different part of Vermont, we chose six popular swimming places we all enjoy during the summer.
Joe’s Pond is located thirteen miles west of St. Johnsbury and twenty-five miles east of Montpelier. The depth of the pond is over one hundred feet and the altitude is fifteen hundred feet above sea level. Loons, deer, moose and bear are popular critters to be seen around the pond. Joe’s Pond is most famously known for its Ice Out contest, which has been a local tradition since the 1980’s. Basically, people buy tickets and guess when a block will fall through the ice, winning up to four thousand dollars (last year’s winner.)
Lake Memphremagog is a fresh water glacial lake located between Newport Vermont, and Magog, Quebec Canada. The lake is 27 miles long with 73 percent of the lake's surface area in Canada, where it drains into Magog river. Three-quarters of its watershed is in Vermont. The total is 687 square miles. Some claim Lake Memphremagog contains a reptile-like monster named Memphre, that has been spotted way back since the 18th century. Memphre has claimed to been seen in 2000. Lake Memphremagog is a popular tourist spot during the summer months, and really boosts Newport’s economy, not to mention it’s beautiful sunsets.
Lake Seymour is located in Morgan, Vermont and is a very hip scene for young adults to go and “hang out.” Beach bums, water skies, sea-doos, boats and barbecues take place among many, many campers that rent out small cottages during the summer. It has two local stores within walking distances for all your cook out needs, and the people are extremely friendly.
The Four-Corners swimming hole in North Troy Vermont is a truly hidden gem. It is a little nippy, even in the summertime, because many trees block the hot sun. Large cliffs provide lots of jumping opportunities and the rope swing is a must try. This swimming hole is polluted with swimmers all summer long! Swimmers cannot be shy because of this, guarantying you will never swim alone.
Lake Willoughby is considered by lots of people to be the most beautiful lake in Vermont. It’s nickname is the Lucerne of America, and is located in Westmore, Vermont, thirty miles north of St. Johnsbury. Lake Willoughby is known for it’s crystal clear water, amazing scenery, sandy beaches and terrific fishing.
Cummerford Dam is well off the "beaten-path" but worth the drive to find it. While it doesn't offer a large beach it does have a well known rope swing, as well as picnic tables and grills to enjoy a full day. It has a boat access to the Connecticut River and lots of great spots for kayaking or canoeing as well.
For our final project, we decided to pick a topic we were all looking forward to: swimming! Since each member in our group comes from a different part of Vermont, we chose six popular swimming places we all enjoy during the summer.
Joe’s Pond is located thirteen miles west of St. Johnsbury and twenty-five miles east of Montpelier. The depth of the pond is over one hundred feet and the altitude is fifteen hundred feet above sea level. Loons, deer, moose and bear are popular critters to be seen around the pond. Joe’s Pond is most famously known for its Ice Out contest, which has been a local tradition since the 1980’s. Basically, people buy tickets and guess when a block will fall through the ice, winning up to four thousand dollars (last year’s winner.)
Lake Memphremagog is a fresh water glacial lake located between Newport Vermont, and Magog, Quebec Canada. The lake is 27 miles long with 73 percent of the lake's surface area in Canada, where it drains into Magog river. Three-quarters of its watershed is in Vermont. The total is 687 square miles. Some claim Lake Memphremagog contains a reptile-like monster named Memphre, that has been spotted way back since the 18th century. Memphre has claimed to been seen in 2000. Lake Memphremagog is a popular tourist spot during the summer months, and really boosts Newport’s economy, not to mention it’s beautiful sunsets.
Lake Seymour is located in Morgan, Vermont and is a very hip scene for young adults to go and “hang out.” Beach bums, water skies, sea-doos, boats and barbecues take place among many, many campers that rent out small cottages during the summer. It has two local stores within walking distances for all your cook out needs, and the people are extremely friendly.
The Four-Corners swimming hole in North Troy Vermont is a truly hidden gem. It is a little nippy, even in the summertime, because many trees block the hot sun. Large cliffs provide lots of jumping opportunities and the rope swing is a must try. This swimming hole is polluted with swimmers all summer long! Swimmers cannot be shy because of this, guarantying you will never swim alone.
Lake Willoughby is considered by lots of people to be the most beautiful lake in Vermont. It’s nickname is the Lucerne of America, and is located in Westmore, Vermont, thirty miles north of St. Johnsbury. Lake Willoughby is known for it’s crystal clear water, amazing scenery, sandy beaches and terrific fishing.
Cummerford Dam is well off the "beaten-path" but worth the drive to find it. While it doesn't offer a large beach it does have a well known rope swing, as well as picnic tables and grills to enjoy a full day. It has a boat access to the Connecticut River and lots of great spots for kayaking or canoeing as well.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Final Project
I will be working in a group with Emily, Michelle, and Tara. We plan to make an audio slideshow detailing great swimming places near Lyndonville.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Video Project Assigment - Elements Restaurant
Elements Restaurant is located on Mill Street in St. Johnsbury, VT. This exquisite restaurant supports local and New England farms, bakeries, markets, and breweries. They serve a variety of unique foods including specialty cheeses from Kingdom County Market in St. Johnsbury. Elements is big on supporting small businesses in the area and incorporating their products in many of the items on the menu. Elements prides themselves on creating an atmosphere for great conversation and food. They strive to make their customers comfortable and satisfied.
Many positive reviews of the restaurant show just how much people really enjoy the food and ambiance. Fodor put out a review stating “In a converted mill, this restaurant seeks to provide the "elements" of a fine dining experience. Local ingredients, such as farmstead cheeses and homemade breads, are used for the seasonal menus, which might include striped bass with pepper slaw and wasabi mashed potatoes or smoked trout and apple cakes. You can eat indoors or on the deck overlooking the Passumpsic River. Lunch is served Tuesday-Friday from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.” Many more reviews of the restaurant give positive and encouraging feedback.
Executive chef Ryan O’Malley has dedicated much of his time to the smooth running and execution of Elements. After receiving a culinary degree from Paul Smith, he has gone on to show his culinary talent at Elements. He has described the food at the restaurant as both “high end cuisine” and a place to eat “comfort food.” O’Malley also loves the diversity of the restaurant: it can be a place to take the whole family out to eat or to go out for a special, more intimate setting, such as a birthday or anniversary.
If you are looking for a quaint and delicious place to bring out of town guests or just relax enjoying good food, stop by Elements on Mill Street in St. Jay.
Many positive reviews of the restaurant show just how much people really enjoy the food and ambiance. Fodor put out a review stating “In a converted mill, this restaurant seeks to provide the "elements" of a fine dining experience. Local ingredients, such as farmstead cheeses and homemade breads, are used for the seasonal menus, which might include striped bass with pepper slaw and wasabi mashed potatoes or smoked trout and apple cakes. You can eat indoors or on the deck overlooking the Passumpsic River. Lunch is served Tuesday-Friday from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.” Many more reviews of the restaurant give positive and encouraging feedback.
Executive chef Ryan O’Malley has dedicated much of his time to the smooth running and execution of Elements. After receiving a culinary degree from Paul Smith, he has gone on to show his culinary talent at Elements. He has described the food at the restaurant as both “high end cuisine” and a place to eat “comfort food.” O’Malley also loves the diversity of the restaurant: it can be a place to take the whole family out to eat or to go out for a special, more intimate setting, such as a birthday or anniversary.
If you are looking for a quaint and delicious place to bring out of town guests or just relax enjoying good food, stop by Elements on Mill Street in St. Jay.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Newspaper Videos
(1) Times Series Newspaper - "Ice Home from Home": This video from a newspaper online out of England is a good example of a local story that is interesting and entertaining. The video captures some local English friends making igloos in the streets. The video was high quality and had an explanation of exactly what was going on in the video. Because this video was easy to follow it could be viewed by a diverse group of people. Click HERE to view the video.
(2) New York Times - "Vows: Kristen and Bill": This video was a little boring for me to sit through. It was about 4 minutes in length and told the story of how this couple, Kristen and Bill, got engaged. The actual video footage wasn't that terrible, it was just the story itself that didn't excite me. I noticed that NY Times shows video of different couples and their engagement stories. Personally, I wouldn't have chosen to post this particular video. Sorry Kristen and Bill, I do wish you the best. Click HERE to view the video.
(2) New York Times - "Vows: Kristen and Bill": This video was a little boring for me to sit through. It was about 4 minutes in length and told the story of how this couple, Kristen and Bill, got engaged. The actual video footage wasn't that terrible, it was just the story itself that didn't excite me. I noticed that NY Times shows video of different couples and their engagement stories. Personally, I wouldn't have chosen to post this particular video. Sorry Kristen and Bill, I do wish you the best. Click HERE to view the video.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
iReports
After navigating through the site I found that many of the iReports were already on CNN. I had to search around to find some that hadn't been aired on cnn.com.
(1)Pacific Science Center in Seattle - this was a report with two slides in it describing the science center in Seattle and what was offered. There was about a paragraph under the two slides that mentioned the attractions within the center. I really didn't find this iReport to be interesting- both the text and the two pictures weren't enough to encourage me to visit the science center. This really shouldn't be considered news. The report was just telling the viewer that this was something to someone could go see, without any real purpose. CNN doesn't need to add this slideshow to their programming. The authors would need to beef up the slideshow, adding both more text and pictures.
This iReport can be seen here
(2)Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Motorists From Ike Flood Waters- This video of Coast Guard rescuers attending to stranded motorists in Galveston, Texas, is very interesting and informative. You are able to see footage from a helicopter and hear the communication between the Coast Guard attending to the flood victims and the dispatcher. The only complaint about this video would be the sound quality. However, it is obvious that the sound wouldn't come in crystal clear due to the circumstances. This is a video I would want to see on CNN and I am sure others in the country would take interest.
This iReport can be seen here
(3) Let's Make the World a Better Place- This video was created by June Rochelle; she sings and demonstrates her appreciation for her right to vote. Her song tells how both men and women tried to make the world a better place many years ago, alluding to the right for women to vote and equality for all. She has a voice that a certain type of audience would enjoy. Personally, I did not like the video as a whole. However, I did like clips of the video that show change and reflect on history. I don't think this particular video needs to be shown on CNN.com.
This iReport can be seen here
(1)Pacific Science Center in Seattle - this was a report with two slides in it describing the science center in Seattle and what was offered. There was about a paragraph under the two slides that mentioned the attractions within the center. I really didn't find this iReport to be interesting- both the text and the two pictures weren't enough to encourage me to visit the science center. This really shouldn't be considered news. The report was just telling the viewer that this was something to someone could go see, without any real purpose. CNN doesn't need to add this slideshow to their programming. The authors would need to beef up the slideshow, adding both more text and pictures.
This iReport can be seen here
(2)Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Motorists From Ike Flood Waters- This video of Coast Guard rescuers attending to stranded motorists in Galveston, Texas, is very interesting and informative. You are able to see footage from a helicopter and hear the communication between the Coast Guard attending to the flood victims and the dispatcher. The only complaint about this video would be the sound quality. However, it is obvious that the sound wouldn't come in crystal clear due to the circumstances. This is a video I would want to see on CNN and I am sure others in the country would take interest.
This iReport can be seen here
(3) Let's Make the World a Better Place- This video was created by June Rochelle; she sings and demonstrates her appreciation for her right to vote. Her song tells how both men and women tried to make the world a better place many years ago, alluding to the right for women to vote and equality for all. She has a voice that a certain type of audience would enjoy. Personally, I did not like the video as a whole. However, I did like clips of the video that show change and reflect on history. I don't think this particular video needs to be shown on CNN.com.
This iReport can be seen here
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Slideshows: Visual and Audio related
"Supporting education in a Jakarta slum"
After watching and listening to this slideshow I found it to be a great way of storytelling. The visual aid of the photographs made it a lot easier to follow and more interesting than just reading an article. The audio in this particular slideshow was in a different language- it had the students of Jakarta, Indonesia singing songs and chanting. Even though I didn't understand what was being said, it was still a nice compliment to the slideshow. As each slide played there was a sentence or two that indicated what was going in the photograph. Overall, a slideshow with both visuals ans audio is a great way to get information across.
http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/cslideshow?sj=20090310214005-8555.js&sn=Supporting%20education%20in%20a%20Jakarta%20slum&sl=13&sa=audio
"Extreme Makeover Home Edition Comes to Las Vegas"
This is a slideshow without any audio. Going through the slides one is able to see the construction and makeover that was done to a family's home is Las Vegas. I was skeptical at first about the lack of sound, but as the slideshow continued was quite pleased with it. This slideshow was very easy to follow. After watching 3 minutes of photographs I could skip watching the actual hour long show! Pictures really can tell a story and did so in this particular slideshow. It is clear that a good sequence and the timing of the photo rotation are crucial to a successful slideshow. If the photos run to slow it can drag on forever, but if too fast, you barely get to let them sink in. I will keep the speed in which pictures rotate on a slideshow in mind when I create my own.
http://www.slideroll.com/slideshows/members/tvnewsweb/show/emhe-comes-to-las-vegas-2/
After watching and listening to this slideshow I found it to be a great way of storytelling. The visual aid of the photographs made it a lot easier to follow and more interesting than just reading an article. The audio in this particular slideshow was in a different language- it had the students of Jakarta, Indonesia singing songs and chanting. Even though I didn't understand what was being said, it was still a nice compliment to the slideshow. As each slide played there was a sentence or two that indicated what was going in the photograph. Overall, a slideshow with both visuals ans audio is a great way to get information across.
http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/cslideshow?sj=20090310214005-8555.js&sn=Supporting%20education%20in%20a%20Jakarta%20slum&sl=13&sa=audio
"Extreme Makeover Home Edition Comes to Las Vegas"
This is a slideshow without any audio. Going through the slides one is able to see the construction and makeover that was done to a family's home is Las Vegas. I was skeptical at first about the lack of sound, but as the slideshow continued was quite pleased with it. This slideshow was very easy to follow. After watching 3 minutes of photographs I could skip watching the actual hour long show! Pictures really can tell a story and did so in this particular slideshow. It is clear that a good sequence and the timing of the photo rotation are crucial to a successful slideshow. If the photos run to slow it can drag on forever, but if too fast, you barely get to let them sink in. I will keep the speed in which pictures rotate on a slideshow in mind when I create my own.
http://www.slideroll.com/slideshows/members/tvnewsweb/show/emhe-comes-to-las-vegas-2/
Monday, March 2, 2009
Podcasts from the NPR Podcast Directory
Earth Eats- This was a podcast that can be found through npr.org under Food. I was originally interested in this topic because I like to cook and find new recipes. I was surprised by the topics on this podcast. I found an interesting segment titled "Bird Food"- this segment discussed how it is important to keep high quality food and an ample water supply for your birds. This particular podcast was creative in it played music in between subtopics. The sound quality was very good- even better than turning on your car radio. In the future I might occasionally tune into this podcast.
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=100089836
Maine Things Considered- I looked into this podcast because I used to go to school in Maine and thought it would be interesting to see what was going on in Maine. I enjoyed listening to this podcast; they did an overview of Maine news, mainly in southern Maine. After the overview, a more in depth story or two was represented. The stories were interesting. One story in particular, was the a story taking about phony bills produced and used in scamming operations. The local weather was also given out in the podcast. It could have been more creative with music within it. If I lived in Maine, I would definitely listen to this podcast.
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=510035
NPR Pop Culture- When I opened this podcast I was expecting and hoping to learn about the latest Pop Culture. I really wasn't sure what the commentator was talking about, "Moby Dick on a Stick". A lot of the topics were not relevant to my life and seemed like a bore. It really wasn't presented in a creative fashion and I likely would not listen to this podcast again.
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=1048
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=100089836
Maine Things Considered- I looked into this podcast because I used to go to school in Maine and thought it would be interesting to see what was going on in Maine. I enjoyed listening to this podcast; they did an overview of Maine news, mainly in southern Maine. After the overview, a more in depth story or two was represented. The stories were interesting. One story in particular, was the a story taking about phony bills produced and used in scamming operations. The local weather was also given out in the podcast. It could have been more creative with music within it. If I lived in Maine, I would definitely listen to this podcast.
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=510035
NPR Pop Culture- When I opened this podcast I was expecting and hoping to learn about the latest Pop Culture. I really wasn't sure what the commentator was talking about, "Moby Dick on a Stick". A lot of the topics were not relevant to my life and seemed like a bore. It really wasn't presented in a creative fashion and I likely would not listen to this podcast again.
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=1048
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Map of Local Restaurants
Check out the location of some local restaurants and their health score:
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Division Three College Recruiting
Division Three College Recruiting is an important aspect of gathering players for a college sports team. Recruiting is a valuable tool in finding players with specific skill sets.
Full Story:
Lyndon State College likes to recruit for most of their sports teams. The women's and men's coaches for basketball found it useful to recruit players onto the team. With recruiting, these coaches, Vincent Maloney and Joe Krupinski are able to travel to different schools to assess different players at the high school level.
It is important to be able to see the players in action, the only way to do so is to travel! Because LSC is a Division three college most of the coaches stay within a 100 mile radius. Other larger colleges with more funding can search high schools, prep school, and junior colleges for potential players.
LSC is not allowed to give scholarships for incoming players because it is a division three school. At larger universities and colleges scholarships can be given to players who will demonstrate great skill and academic promise.
Sports teams tend to be stronger and have better averages with appropriate recruiting. As Lyndon's sport information director, Bill Johnson reminds us that "recruiting is selling". College coaches need to ba able to "sell" their school and make it appealing to athletes applying to schools.
Recruitng is a process that needs to be repeated year after year. It is something that takes a lot of work. Coaches and directors want to find top-notch athletes for their team!
(Story from Sam Monroe LSC Feb 2009)
To see other articles related to school recruitng visit here
Full Story:
Lyndon State College likes to recruit for most of their sports teams. The women's and men's coaches for basketball found it useful to recruit players onto the team. With recruiting, these coaches, Vincent Maloney and Joe Krupinski are able to travel to different schools to assess different players at the high school level.
It is important to be able to see the players in action, the only way to do so is to travel! Because LSC is a Division three college most of the coaches stay within a 100 mile radius. Other larger colleges with more funding can search high schools, prep school, and junior colleges for potential players.
LSC is not allowed to give scholarships for incoming players because it is a division three school. At larger universities and colleges scholarships can be given to players who will demonstrate great skill and academic promise.
Sports teams tend to be stronger and have better averages with appropriate recruiting. As Lyndon's sport information director, Bill Johnson reminds us that "recruiting is selling". College coaches need to ba able to "sell" their school and make it appealing to athletes applying to schools.
Recruitng is a process that needs to be repeated year after year. It is something that takes a lot of work. Coaches and directors want to find top-notch athletes for their team!
(Story from Sam Monroe LSC Feb 2009)
To see other articles related to school recruitng visit here
Plane crash upon take-off from LaGuadia Airport
A plane goes down on Thursday February 5, 2009 from LaGuardia Airport out of New York. 5 people were lost in the crash.
Full Story:
A plane traveling out of LaGuardia Airport crashes abruptly soon after take-off. The engines malfunctioned and quickly led the plane to a severe and traumatizing hault. There were two Vermonters on board that risked their lives to save as many people as they could.
Professor John Dumont and George Johnson of Lyndon State College used their man-power to rip open the back of the plane and direct fellow passengers to safety. They were able to help 40 of the 45 passengers make it out alive. Included in the causalties were both the pilot and co-pilot.
Because these men took matters into their own hands they were able to save many lives. The families and friends of the passengers are very grateful to these two professors.
Full Story:
A plane traveling out of LaGuardia Airport crashes abruptly soon after take-off. The engines malfunctioned and quickly led the plane to a severe and traumatizing hault. There were two Vermonters on board that risked their lives to save as many people as they could.
Professor John Dumont and George Johnson of Lyndon State College used their man-power to rip open the back of the plane and direct fellow passengers to safety. They were able to help 40 of the 45 passengers make it out alive. Included in the causalties were both the pilot and co-pilot.
Because these men took matters into their own hands they were able to save many lives. The families and friends of the passengers are very grateful to these two professors.
Scammers Calling Northeast Kingdom Homes
Unknown scammers are targeting innocent people by way of phone scams. Scammers are calling residents exclaiming they are in desperate need of money, and fast!
Lynne Johnson of
She knew this must be a scam because she had young grandchildren that didn’t live in
These kinds of scams are happening all of the time, especially in the
Scammers are not only targeting people in the Northeast. An elderly assisted living unit in
Trickery does not stop at just phone scams with deceptive individuals. Counterfeit checks and lotteries have been noted with scams. People should be wary of Craig’s List, E-Bay, and newspaper ads. Check into these resources fully before committing to them, fraudulent acts are increasing, in part due to the poor economic climate.
If you think you are being scammed do not hesitate to call the Vermont Attorney General’s office’s consumer assistance program at 800-649-2424.
(From the Caledonian-Record - 2/5/09)
For a related story go to: http://fightthesmears.com/articles/14/sermononthemount
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Check it out!
If you like watching videos, music and otherwise, check out my favorite artist, Eric Hutchinson.
Go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHPfUtRdc
Go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHPfUtRdc
Initial Post
This is the first time I have ever created a blog~ I didn't know what to expect; I learned how to add gadgets as I went! I decided I wanted to add a few different "gadgets" including a few polls, pictures, a map, a health fact/day, and fill in the "About Me" section. I added the pictures I did to give viewers a good idea of what I'm into and what my interests are. After adding the background it was easy to add different gadgets to "pimp" my blog! I look forward to adding more to this blog over time and am open to suggestions to better utilize this space!
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