Jon and Kate Gosselin have infiltrated the homes of millions Americans in the past few years with their mega-hit reality show on TLC called ‘Jon and Kate Plus 8’ which chronicles their life raising their eight children. The couple face all the hardships parenting guarantees, times eight. With two seven year olds and six four year olds, life gets pretty complicated. On the show, Kate is the domestic homemaker whose need for control and organization often clashes with Jon’s laid back attitude. However, their bickering is nothing more than the common martial arguments. Or is it?
Recently, the beloved reality family has been under great media speculation in concerns to Jon and Kate’s marital problems. The arguing is seen by millions on TV but there is much more behind the camera which is kept private. The couple has admitted publically that living their lives as reality TV stars is difficult and they are known now as a brand, more than individuals. This has been extremely difficult for Jon in particular. In fact, Jon’s name is the one primarily splashing across the headlines these days. Infidelity rumors have sprouted up across the media. He has been seen leaving restaurants and bars with a woman, now identified as Deanna Hummel, 23. This week in People magazine Kate says, “I don’t know that we’re in the same place anymore, that we want the same thing. I’ve been struggling with the question of ‘Who is this person?’ for a while.” When asked about the alleged affair Jon and Deanna vehemently deny any reports and claim they are just ‘good friends.’ However, when asked about Deanna Kate says, “I remember where I was the first time I heard her name. It’s one of those things where you can try to make it go away, but there’s blaring, red flashing lights.” No divorce papers have been filed yet but for the time being all the public can do is wait and hope that Hollywood’s golden family remains intact.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Roxana Saberi
When the word ‘dangerous’ comes to mind, journalism is not the first thought that crosses one’s mind. Countless journalists each year loose their lives doing their jobs and attempting to spread the truth. Still these stories often go unnoticed or are kept hidden from the mainstream media. However, after learning about Roxana Saberi many perceptions may change about journalists and their perilous lives. Roxana Saberi is a U.S. journalist who is currently being held in a prison in Iran on accusations the US call “baseless”. She is just one example of the hazards and consequences being a truthful journalist entails.
Roxana was an Iranian-American journalist who was arrested in February 2009 in Iran after purchasing a bottle of wine (illegal in Iran). Her charges grew with the accusation of working alongside a reporter without press credentials. She was formally charged with espionage on April 8th, 2009. She is being held in Iran in the Evin Prison which is notorious for executing its “political prisoners”. The accusations against Saberi are especially controversial because Saberi has been a respected journalist for many years doing freelance work for stations around the world including BBC, Fox News, and NPR.
Roxana Saberi has dual citizenship in Iran and America, where she grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. After excelling in High School in both academics and athletics she attended Concorida College in Minnesota. She earned degrees in French and Communications and quickly followed her education at Northwestern with a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, and a second master’s degree at Cambridge University in International Relations. Not only is an intellectual, Saberi also a beauty who won Miss North Dakota in 1997 and was a finalist in the Miss. America Pageant.
Roxana Saberi being an experienced and qualified young woman, excelled in her early career as a freelance journalist. She did regular segments for Radio New Zealand, Channel News Asia, DW Radio, and Vatican Radio. However, her great potential was cut short when Iran imprisoned her for “espionage”, an accusation lacking any valid evidence. However, that seems to be of little importance in the corrupt judicial system in Iran where Saberi was sentenced to eight years in prison. This immediately sparked anger across the world and prompted several major broadcast presidents to write a joint letter to Iran pleading for her release. The situation is also being a top priority on Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s list, where she herself is communicating and discussing Saberi’s case in Iran. At this moment, the Iranian, United States international conflict is just growing. However, Saberi’s story may not be resolved yet it does shine the spotlight on a topic that has been ignored for many years. Her story may prevent history from repeating itself.
Roxana was an Iranian-American journalist who was arrested in February 2009 in Iran after purchasing a bottle of wine (illegal in Iran). Her charges grew with the accusation of working alongside a reporter without press credentials. She was formally charged with espionage on April 8th, 2009. She is being held in Iran in the Evin Prison which is notorious for executing its “political prisoners”. The accusations against Saberi are especially controversial because Saberi has been a respected journalist for many years doing freelance work for stations around the world including BBC, Fox News, and NPR.
Roxana Saberi has dual citizenship in Iran and America, where she grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. After excelling in High School in both academics and athletics she attended Concorida College in Minnesota. She earned degrees in French and Communications and quickly followed her education at Northwestern with a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, and a second master’s degree at Cambridge University in International Relations. Not only is an intellectual, Saberi also a beauty who won Miss North Dakota in 1997 and was a finalist in the Miss. America Pageant.
Roxana Saberi being an experienced and qualified young woman, excelled in her early career as a freelance journalist. She did regular segments for Radio New Zealand, Channel News Asia, DW Radio, and Vatican Radio. However, her great potential was cut short when Iran imprisoned her for “espionage”, an accusation lacking any valid evidence. However, that seems to be of little importance in the corrupt judicial system in Iran where Saberi was sentenced to eight years in prison. This immediately sparked anger across the world and prompted several major broadcast presidents to write a joint letter to Iran pleading for her release. The situation is also being a top priority on Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s list, where she herself is communicating and discussing Saberi’s case in Iran. At this moment, the Iranian, United States international conflict is just growing. However, Saberi’s story may not be resolved yet it does shine the spotlight on a topic that has been ignored for many years. Her story may prevent history from repeating itself.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Jade Goody
Jade Goody Looses Battle to Cervical Cancer
The entertainment world lost a strong soul this past week with the death of British reality TV star Jade Goody. Goody slipped away quietly in her sleep early Sunday morning, while her mother and husband stood by her bedside. Goody shot to fame in the TV show Big Brother, for her outrageous comments and offensive arguments. After Big Brother ended, Goody appeared on a string of reality television shows including Celebrity Big Brother. However, her new found fame soon took a turn for the worse, when she yelled a racial slur at an Indian housemate. Controversy spread across Europe, and in an attempt to make amends Goody appeared on Big Brother India. Days into her new reality gig, Goody received bad news. She had been diagnosed with cervical cancer and her prognosis was terminal. Immediately, she returned home to England to spend her last few months with family. When the show aired earlier this year, the public outcry of support flooded the media. Goody, having lived the past few years in front of the camera decided now more than ever, was the right time to be filmed. So in 2007, Goody began filming her journey with cervical cancer. Everything was filmed including her chemotherapy and secret wedding to boyfriend Jack Tweed. In her final weeks, Goody was baptized along with her two young sons and spent alone time with her husband and close family. Jade Goody leaves behind a legacy that includes being a great mother and role model for cancer patients around the world. In fact, cervical cancer funds have doubled since her publicized diagnosis and her awareness effects will eventually save lives. Jade Goody will be remembered as a hero for generations to come.
The entertainment world lost a strong soul this past week with the death of British reality TV star Jade Goody. Goody slipped away quietly in her sleep early Sunday morning, while her mother and husband stood by her bedside. Goody shot to fame in the TV show Big Brother, for her outrageous comments and offensive arguments. After Big Brother ended, Goody appeared on a string of reality television shows including Celebrity Big Brother. However, her new found fame soon took a turn for the worse, when she yelled a racial slur at an Indian housemate. Controversy spread across Europe, and in an attempt to make amends Goody appeared on Big Brother India. Days into her new reality gig, Goody received bad news. She had been diagnosed with cervical cancer and her prognosis was terminal. Immediately, she returned home to England to spend her last few months with family. When the show aired earlier this year, the public outcry of support flooded the media. Goody, having lived the past few years in front of the camera decided now more than ever, was the right time to be filmed. So in 2007, Goody began filming her journey with cervical cancer. Everything was filmed including her chemotherapy and secret wedding to boyfriend Jack Tweed. In her final weeks, Goody was baptized along with her two young sons and spent alone time with her husband and close family. Jade Goody leaves behind a legacy that includes being a great mother and role model for cancer patients around the world. In fact, cervical cancer funds have doubled since her publicized diagnosis and her awareness effects will eventually save lives. Jade Goody will be remembered as a hero for generations to come.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Shepard Fairey
What is art? Can anyone define it? In the dictionary the definition states that art is "the products of human creativity." However, in society works have art have been criticized and torn apart for thousands of years. In history artists such as Picasso or Andy Warhol, have always had huge obstacles while trying to share their work. In the modern world there is so much conflict that any art that sparks opposition is usually taken down or shown in a negative spotlight. One artist who knows about the tyrannical power on the government is Shepard Fairey who was recently arrested in Boston on vandalism charges. Upon receiving this news, one may ask 'when did art begin to have boundaries?'
That question is nearly impossible to answer because for centuries artists have been arrested, beaten, bribed, or even killed to silence their creativity. Shepard Fairey already has 14 arrests under his belt for releasing his artistic flow and sadly he recently picked up his 15th. Fairey is one of the most admired and celebrated street artists in the world, who jumped to fame when his stencil of Andre the Giant surfaced. The 'Obey Giant' campaign produced stickers, shirts, pencils, and photos which were plastered across the world on buildings, signs, buses, trains, and countless other surfaces.
Almost twenty years after the 'Obey Giant' campaign, Fairey created another inspirational masterpiece. The familiar poster is a portrait stencil of a pensive looking Barrack Obama with the words HOPE stretched across the bottom of the picture. The "Obama poster" experience huge success and distributed thousands of shirts, posters, plates, and other memorabilia. Fairey's poster was THE poster of the 2008 Presidential Campaign. In fact, this poster was so huge that Barrack Obama himself wrote Fairey a letter expressing gratitude for his art. So now, many may wonder why this inspirational artist was arrested.
His arrest surprised many, even Fairey himself who was taken into custody on his way into his new exhibit in the Institute of Contemporary Art. The famed street artist has painted several buildings around Boston, making his art a usual spectacle in the city. Although, his murals have been widely admired especially those of Barrack Obama, Boston officials did not take his art lightly. His arrest stains the recent success Fairey has achieved and creates another example of the downfall of art in modern society. If the government uses its power to diminish art, then what will the world have left? If painting a picture of inspiration and hope warrants an arrest, then what is next?
That question is nearly impossible to answer because for centuries artists have been arrested, beaten, bribed, or even killed to silence their creativity. Shepard Fairey already has 14 arrests under his belt for releasing his artistic flow and sadly he recently picked up his 15th. Fairey is one of the most admired and celebrated street artists in the world, who jumped to fame when his stencil of Andre the Giant surfaced. The 'Obey Giant' campaign produced stickers, shirts, pencils, and photos which were plastered across the world on buildings, signs, buses, trains, and countless other surfaces.
Almost twenty years after the 'Obey Giant' campaign, Fairey created another inspirational masterpiece. The familiar poster is a portrait stencil of a pensive looking Barrack Obama with the words HOPE stretched across the bottom of the picture. The "Obama poster" experience huge success and distributed thousands of shirts, posters, plates, and other memorabilia. Fairey's poster was THE poster of the 2008 Presidential Campaign. In fact, this poster was so huge that Barrack Obama himself wrote Fairey a letter expressing gratitude for his art. So now, many may wonder why this inspirational artist was arrested.
His arrest surprised many, even Fairey himself who was taken into custody on his way into his new exhibit in the Institute of Contemporary Art. The famed street artist has painted several buildings around Boston, making his art a usual spectacle in the city. Although, his murals have been widely admired especially those of Barrack Obama, Boston officials did not take his art lightly. His arrest stains the recent success Fairey has achieved and creates another example of the downfall of art in modern society. If the government uses its power to diminish art, then what will the world have left? If painting a picture of inspiration and hope warrants an arrest, then what is next?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
What Now?
What Now?
By: Jen Bundy
In recent weeks, there is no doubt that newly elected President Barrack Obama dominated the media outlets and was the center of much excitement. His momentum into office is fueled by hope and faith that Obama will lead this country to success. However, little has been said about his processor George W. Bush. With Bush leaving behind an economic recession, two wars, and countless other conflicts there has been little remorse surrounding his departure. But some have to wonder, what now?
President Bush left behind his beloved homeland of Texas to journey to Washington D.C. over eight years ago to serve his terms in office. Many wonder, will he miss it? Being President must have become accustom to him and his family, just part of their daily routine. Will he miss the kitchen staff, who will serve every meal to your exact specifications? What about the beautiful history all within the walls of The White House? Or will they be rejoiced to journey back home to a warm welcome, and leave behind the close scrutiny and disappointment in Washington D.C?
In a recent interview with People Magazine, Laura Bush admits that as a family they will be looking forward to returning to Texas, where they have always held a home in Crawford. The Bushes are planning to spend their new free time relaxing on their ranch and slowing down their hectic pace of life. Both are quoted as saying, they will continue their charitable work which among other things, advocate education, feeding the hunger, and literacy. Although many may be looking forward to this new era of politics, some people such as Lorne Michaels, a writer on Saturday Night Live, will miss President Bush and the endless of jokes that surrounded him.
By: Jen Bundy
In recent weeks, there is no doubt that newly elected President Barrack Obama dominated the media outlets and was the center of much excitement. His momentum into office is fueled by hope and faith that Obama will lead this country to success. However, little has been said about his processor George W. Bush. With Bush leaving behind an economic recession, two wars, and countless other conflicts there has been little remorse surrounding his departure. But some have to wonder, what now?
President Bush left behind his beloved homeland of Texas to journey to Washington D.C. over eight years ago to serve his terms in office. Many wonder, will he miss it? Being President must have become accustom to him and his family, just part of their daily routine. Will he miss the kitchen staff, who will serve every meal to your exact specifications? What about the beautiful history all within the walls of The White House? Or will they be rejoiced to journey back home to a warm welcome, and leave behind the close scrutiny and disappointment in Washington D.C?
In a recent interview with People Magazine, Laura Bush admits that as a family they will be looking forward to returning to Texas, where they have always held a home in Crawford. The Bushes are planning to spend their new free time relaxing on their ranch and slowing down their hectic pace of life. Both are quoted as saying, they will continue their charitable work which among other things, advocate education, feeding the hunger, and literacy. Although many may be looking forward to this new era of politics, some people such as Lorne Michaels, a writer on Saturday Night Live, will miss President Bush and the endless of jokes that surrounded him.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Mid-Term Assignment
Jennifer Bundy
Mr. Twinning
Journalism- A3
16 January 2008
Mid-term
Journalism is defined in the dictionary as the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media, however journalism means so much more than that. Without it, the truth would never be heard and opinions or voices would be silenced. The purpose of journalism is not to just deliver news, but to also spread truth and justice to places were those two things may never be heard. Journalists risk their lives to bring news across the world from the most hostile environments such as war zones or dictated countries. In 2008 alone, 60 journalists were killed, 673 were arrested, 929 were physically attacked or threatened, and 29 were kidnapped. Although, these numbers decreased from 2007 were 1,511 journalists were attacked or threatened, it is still a very severe problem.
One of the most hostile environments in the world is the Middle East, and journalists travel there everyday to report the news. With the Iraqi War going on, along with terrorist organizations causing chaos such as Hamas and Al Qaeda, traveling to the Middle East is a huge safety risk. Not only are countries battling but also religious groups whose fight for Jerusalem has lasted centuries. With so much tension and danger all over the Middle East, reporting the news becomes a dangerous job. 137 journalists were arrested in 2008 in the Middle East alone, along with 124 others attacked. The Middle East also censored a total of 91 media outlets, the most out of any region in the entire world. If this continues, hundreds more new stories could go undiscovered and the truth may never be told.
When someone thinks of perilous regions for journalists, they may not instantly think of Russia. However, Russia falls only behind the Middle East in the number of censored media outlets, with 79 censored in 2008. In Russia, speaking out against the government or any of its allies is basically putting a target on your head. So many journalists are killed in Russia from speaking their mind and opinions. Although, the government has never been directly charged with these murders, it is speculated that the government hires outside sources to do the dirty work. With Russia as a country very depressed and in a deep hole, journalists are crucial to spread the truth so that maybe the problems within their country can be fixed. Sadly, as long as the censorship of the media is going on, the power of the government will always overtake journalism.
Not only governments can censor media outlets or kill innocent journalists. For example, in Mexico the drug cartels use their immense influence to basically run the country. These enormous drug cartels have corrupted the police forces and have taken control of the government, using bribes and violence. In Mexico it is not even safe for a citizen to travel alone in the streets at night or travel public transportation, never mind a journalist. In fact, 21 journalists have been killed due to their reporting in Mexico since 2001. Drug traffickers and gangs are believed to be behind the majority of these murders, along with several other disappearances and attacks. With the drug cartels so large, not even the police can be trusted. Therefore, with no law enforcement or protection, journalists are putting themselves in such dangerous positions, relying only on themselves for protection.
In my opinion, those journalists who travel to the most dangerous regions on earth to deliver the truth, are some of the bravest people in the world. They put their lives at risk and face danger head on, to just simply to do their job. As a journalist you are not only taking the responsibility of delivering the news but you are also becoming the one lifeline society has to the truth.
Mr. Twinning
Journalism- A3
16 January 2008
Mid-term
Journalism is defined in the dictionary as the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media, however journalism means so much more than that. Without it, the truth would never be heard and opinions or voices would be silenced. The purpose of journalism is not to just deliver news, but to also spread truth and justice to places were those two things may never be heard. Journalists risk their lives to bring news across the world from the most hostile environments such as war zones or dictated countries. In 2008 alone, 60 journalists were killed, 673 were arrested, 929 were physically attacked or threatened, and 29 were kidnapped. Although, these numbers decreased from 2007 were 1,511 journalists were attacked or threatened, it is still a very severe problem.
One of the most hostile environments in the world is the Middle East, and journalists travel there everyday to report the news. With the Iraqi War going on, along with terrorist organizations causing chaos such as Hamas and Al Qaeda, traveling to the Middle East is a huge safety risk. Not only are countries battling but also religious groups whose fight for Jerusalem has lasted centuries. With so much tension and danger all over the Middle East, reporting the news becomes a dangerous job. 137 journalists were arrested in 2008 in the Middle East alone, along with 124 others attacked. The Middle East also censored a total of 91 media outlets, the most out of any region in the entire world. If this continues, hundreds more new stories could go undiscovered and the truth may never be told.
When someone thinks of perilous regions for journalists, they may not instantly think of Russia. However, Russia falls only behind the Middle East in the number of censored media outlets, with 79 censored in 2008. In Russia, speaking out against the government or any of its allies is basically putting a target on your head. So many journalists are killed in Russia from speaking their mind and opinions. Although, the government has never been directly charged with these murders, it is speculated that the government hires outside sources to do the dirty work. With Russia as a country very depressed and in a deep hole, journalists are crucial to spread the truth so that maybe the problems within their country can be fixed. Sadly, as long as the censorship of the media is going on, the power of the government will always overtake journalism.
Not only governments can censor media outlets or kill innocent journalists. For example, in Mexico the drug cartels use their immense influence to basically run the country. These enormous drug cartels have corrupted the police forces and have taken control of the government, using bribes and violence. In Mexico it is not even safe for a citizen to travel alone in the streets at night or travel public transportation, never mind a journalist. In fact, 21 journalists have been killed due to their reporting in Mexico since 2001. Drug traffickers and gangs are believed to be behind the majority of these murders, along with several other disappearances and attacks. With the drug cartels so large, not even the police can be trusted. Therefore, with no law enforcement or protection, journalists are putting themselves in such dangerous positions, relying only on themselves for protection.
In my opinion, those journalists who travel to the most dangerous regions on earth to deliver the truth, are some of the bravest people in the world. They put their lives at risk and face danger head on, to just simply to do their job. As a journalist you are not only taking the responsibility of delivering the news but you are also becoming the one lifeline society has to the truth.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Five W's and an H :D
1. John Travolta’s 16 year old son, Jett, died at their home in the Bahamas on January 2nd due to a seizure.
2. After much scrutiny surrounding Apple CEO Steve Job’s health, Apple released a formal statement on January 5, 2009 explaining Job’s evident weight loss as a hormone imbalance.
3. Barrack Obama chose the new head of the CIA, Leon Panetta on January 6th, 2009 even though he lacked necessary credentials.
4. J.K. Rowling released the much anticipated story book called The Tales of Beedle and Bard on January 4th, 2008, which intertwines the world of Hogwarts and fairytales into one.
5. After one of the biggest elections in American history, Barrack Obama will with be inaugurated on January 20th, in our great nation’s capital Washington D.C.
2. After much scrutiny surrounding Apple CEO Steve Job’s health, Apple released a formal statement on January 5, 2009 explaining Job’s evident weight loss as a hormone imbalance.
3. Barrack Obama chose the new head of the CIA, Leon Panetta on January 6th, 2009 even though he lacked necessary credentials.
4. J.K. Rowling released the much anticipated story book called The Tales of Beedle and Bard on January 4th, 2008, which intertwines the world of Hogwarts and fairytales into one.
5. After one of the biggest elections in American history, Barrack Obama will with be inaugurated on January 20th, in our great nation’s capital Washington D.C.
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