Laura Laing has written for publications all along the spectrum—from Parade to Southwest Airline's Spirit magazine, from Chiropractic Economics to AAA Traveler--and she's worked with editors of consumer, trade and custom publications.  Not shy of the unusual or mundane, she’s interviewed HIV co-discoverer Dr. Robert Gallo and described the best ways for pet stores to develop promotions.  Here are a few of the topics she’s tackled.

Consumer Publications

“The Diaper Dilemma” Pregnancy, November 2008
If green is the new black, baby diapers are anything but stylish.  It turns out that all diaper choices--cloth, disposable and hybrid--come with potential problems for Mother Earth.  Because no method is no method is absolutely environmentally friendly, the quandary persists.  Wash or toss? read more

"The Mentally Ill in Prison" Parade, June 28, 2009

"Fun and Games" Parents, October 2008

“Ecstasy and Prozac” The Advocate, July 2007

"Growing up Green" And Baby, September-October, 2004

Trade Publications

“How to Market with Email” PET AGE, July 2009

If you’re like most Americans, sending and receiving e-mail has become a daily ritual—like brushing your teeth or letting the dog out. The Pew Research Center (Washington) reports that 91 percent of Americans have used e-mail and 58 percent send and receive messages every day. Businesses are catching on, too. Today, communicating with customers via e-mail has become a no-brainer for most companies. Still, smaller business owners may hesitate to make the leap when it comes to marketing with e-mail. read more

“High Tech: Beyond the Basics” Chiropractic Economics, March 31, 2009

"Hand-feeding Baby Birds" PET AGE, March 2009

"Company Profile: Michael Garrison Associates" Worship Facilities, July/August 2008

Custom Publications

“All Aboard! Find Your Perfect Train Vacation” AAA Traveler (Pace Communications), Juy/August 2008(pdf)
Ever since Julius Griffiths patented the first passenger locomotive in 1821, people around the world have dreamed of traveling the rails.  Trains are central characters in the novels of Agatha Christie and Patricia Highsmith. Singer-songwriters proclaim their undying love of whistling locomotives.  Whether through the Wild West, up treacherous mountains in India or across the Australian outback, train treks compel wayfarers to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. read more

"Meet Baltimore" Southwest AirlinesSpirit (Pace Communications), May 2009 (pdf)

"Kick Start" Club Industry's Fitness Business Pro (Penton), July 1, 2009
"Fun Every Minute" AAA Traveler (Pace Communications), March/April 2009(pdf)

Local Publications

"Transgender in Baltimore” Baltimore City Paper, March 2007
The sign on the bathroom door read: “Absolutely no men in the women’s restroom.” Cydné Kimbrough couldn’t believe her eyes. Wanting to believe the best, she carefully peeled away the Scotch tape from the corners and brought the sign to the front desk. The receptionist told her what she didn’t want to hear; the warning was probably meant for transwomen using the women’s bathroom. “I thought, ‘Does that mean me?’” Cydné says a year later. read more

"The Stoop Goes to the Radio" Baltimore Jewish Times, July 3, 2009

“Raising a Glass: Leon’s turns 50” Baltimore City Paper, June 2007 (Recipient of a 2008 A.D. Emmart Award honorable mention)

“Speed Bump: Maryland Doesn't Have a Widespread Meth Problem--At Least Not Yet” Baltimore City Paper, September 2006

Profiles

"Cal Ripken" Southwest Airline's Spirit Magazine, May 2009

If there's one word for Cal Ripken, it's loyal. In 2001, the shortstop and third baseman ended a 21-year run with the Baltimore Orioles with record-holding 2,632 consecutive games played. In 2007, he was inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame with the most votes in history. read more

“David Koz” Baltimore Gay Life, June 2007
“AIDS 25th anniversary profiles” Baltimore Gay Life, July 2006
“Trafton’s Chocolates” Inside Business, November 2004

Essays/Opinions

“For Sale by Owner” Inside Business, May 2005
The next time I say I’m going to try a For Sale By Owner, please take me gently by the shoulders and point me to the nearest reputable Realtor. read more

“GLBT employees” Inside Business, June 2005
"Zoe has two mommies" Parents, March 2004
“First day of school” Virginian-Pilot, August 2003