The Village Voice has a handy "Make up your own NYT story" that simplifies the process of writing for the Gray Lady via multiple choice:

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave an impromptu press conference yesterday afternoon. Standing on the City Hall steps, looking out over _____.
A. tobacco fields and cow pastures
B. pretty Jewish girls from The New York Times
C. a throng of uncredited stringers

The Mayor also cited increased city costs due to stepped-up police patrols and _____.
A. bridge security
B. factcheckers
C. radiation detectors for Plimpton's table at Elaine's
Make up your own New York Times story [Village Voice]