mp3 practice story

A cell phone call from neighbors of the Magness family in Platte Canyon reported a huge barn fire possibly involving Broncos' mascot Thunder. Frantic firemen scrambled to put out massive flames in a Platte canyon barn fire. The flaming barn was reportedly owned by the Magness family and home to Broncos' late mascot Thunder, reports say, since the area was so rural communication and resources were limited as the community scrambled to put out the fire. There were no reports of human losses, but apparently the resident of the barn, Thunder, the 12-year-old stallion and one time Denver Broncos' mascot was killed in the flame.

I have included in the title that this is not a report because none of the information is verifiable.

This is a fictitious story used for an
in-classroom writing exercise

Victim tased and beaten

Police responded to a call early Sunday morning on the 14100 block of SW Allen Ave. regarding a neighbor’s report of disturbance. Upon interview, the victim reported opening the door around 4:30 a.m. when the female suspect jabbed him in the shoulder with a taser while the male suspect beat the victim’s head with a blunt object.

While the male beat the victim, a 73-year-old male, to the ground, the female took his wallet, and change jars from the bedroom before pepper-spraying the victim then fleeing on foot. The female is reported to be five-foot, three inches tall, in her early twenties and Caucasian with a stocky build. The Male suspect is reported to be five-foot, eight inches tall, Hispanic, in his mid twenties with a stocky build. Both suspects wore stocking caps and dark clothing.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for head trauma and abrasions.

Fire destroys downtown building

Fire destroyed a downtown building Monday after a call to 911 reported the flame at 419 W. Doty Street was moving quickly. While everyone made it out safely, four foot flames shot out from the first floor windows when the first fire crew arrived at the three-story home.

No injuries were reported, and crews had the fire under control within minutes after the alarm, but because of the old construction of the building, firefighters chased hotspots around the home for another hour and a half.

Homes on either side of the building were evacuated, but residents were allowed to return by 6:10 a.m. roughly two hours after the call was made to 911 reporting flames.

The next Whiskey Bar

LEFT: in front of all the scotch Rachael and Jenni serve up an incredible time!

Nestled between Coors Field and the Colorado Musicians Studio at 2201 Larimer Street, the Whiskey Bar waits for patrons of all kinds. With 115 different kinds of scotch, pool tables, panini and delightful bartenders, the Whiskey bar has something for everyone, sports fans, and musicians alike.

Happy hour is between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and then again from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. in addition to daily specials. Panini sandwiches are served on request until close, they are grilled and served with chips, and are perfect for sopping up excess alcohol before the commute home.

The building itself is the Thorndyke-Burlinton building, the Facade is actually made out of old doors from the Burlinton hotel, where in some places old keyholes are visible within the woodwork. The lights above the bar are old serving dishes from the Brown Palace Hotel, the kick rail below the bar is a retired handrail from the same place.

Gang billboards? Not on my street!

Everyone has seen it on overpasses, fences and buildings, graffiti and gang tagging are problems that are often overlooked. As tag artists in the Denver area scar property, taxpayers spend over $800,000 annually on graffiti removal. According to Detective Ray Ruybal, the majority of these ‘taggers’ who vandalize property are kids between 12 and 18 years of age. Police are on patrol for these paint-spreading vandals, but there are things that property owners can do to prevent the crime. As Detective Ruybal explains, juveniles who commit vandalism crimes like spray-painting are usually sentenced to mild community service. Even for multiple offenses, consequences for tagging and graffiti are seldom more severe than 20 to 40 hours of community service. After the age of 18, the punishment becomes more severe and can include jail time and fines of up to $1000. Ruybal says despite numerous arrests in the past year, the reason for the light punishment of juveniles is that there is simply nothing else to do with the young offenders. Space in the detention center is reserved for more severe crimes. Often the teenagers do not show up for their community service, and are reprimanded no further. With this incredible lack of consequence for such property crimes, it is often business and homeowners who fend for themselves. However, there are options. The Denver Partnership Against Graffiti removes unwelcome marks at no cost to property owners. The best way to remedy the problem, however, is to prevent it. Foliage such as cacti and rose bushes, are good deterrents, as well as security lights and perimeter fences. Ruybal asks that people report the crime as soon as possible; this way officers know where and when to look for offenders. He also stated that most crimes occur when teenagers are walking to or from school, and after dark between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.According to the Denver Partnership Against Graffiti, once the graffiti has been reported it can usually be removed within a few days. A signature from the owner of the property is required, and, by calling 720-865-7867, or visiting http://www.denvergov.org/DenverPartnersAgainstGraffiti anyone can make reports about graffiti on public property. There is also a paint bank available for citizens to pick up paint for public property like dumpsters and benches. The paint bank is open Monday through Friday, and is located at 1390 Decatur St. Arrangements for pickup must be made in advance. The city of Denver has an ordinance that prevents retailers from selling spray paint to anyone under 18. Regulations like this do not exist outside the city limits, so it is easy enough for youngsters to get their hands on the paint by journeying to a neighboring city. Spray paint is not the only kind of graffiti. Paint pens, permanent markers, and sharp objects are also used to deface property both public and private. There is a difference between graffiti and tagging. According to Ruybal, tagging is something done by gangs in order to claim their territory, and gain recognition among peers. Tags are easy to read and appear in areas of high visibility. Graffiti is the more artistic version of this vandalism, it takes more time to complete a piece, therefore is usually limited to places that are less visible where the offender is less likely to be caught. Graffiti is also harder to read and is not necessarily meant to claim territory. Detective Ruybal and The Denver Partnership Against Graffiti agree that the best way for citizens to help keep the city clean is to report graffiti and tags immediately. Motion detecting lights are inexpensive and simple to install in places that are not illuminated, like alleys and driveways. Vegetation and fences prevent taggers from getting close to exposed walls that they would otherwise use as their personal billboard.

Denver Dives: 15th Street Tavern

To the left: Tara serves up the drinks while Phil mixes the lights.

Where do you go in Denver when you want to get down and dirty with the life of the night? Well If you happen to be staying at the new Hyatt Regency hotel on 15th and Welton you may choose to lose the tie and wander across the street to the 15th Street Tavern for some loud, live music, stiff drinks and great scenery-I mean the bartender Tara, who is delightful in every way. If you're into live local music, this is the place to be. People who used to work as stagehands for the Fillmore Auditorium operate the 15th Street Tavern, so they know music. Cover will rarely be more than $3 at the door, but be ready with your identification because you won't get past the front door without it!

Since the opening of the giant Hyatt Regency Across the street, business in the Tavern has been on the rise. Apparently travelers from the hotel are looking for an alternative to the sophisticated atmosphere in the hotel bar. The 15th Street Tavern is the closest alternative for those who will find themselves stumbling back to their rooms after last call witch is made promptly at 1:30a.m.

If you stop by on Sunday night there will be a disk jockey playing vinyl of mostly rock persuasion. It would not be out of the ordinary to hear ACDC, or Led Zeppelin blast into the sidewalk after 10:00p.m. on Sunday.