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?
Monday, February 23, 2009
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.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Top 10 Baby Names of 2008
Top Ten Baby Names of 2008
By Corinne Therien and Jen Bundy
Everyday, thousands of families welcome babies into the world. New lives begin and identities are formed. All of us have encountered our fair share of unique names in our life times. Examiner.com compiled a list of the top 20 names of 2008. Below, we’ve included a list of them—ten girls and ten boys.
Top 10 Girls Names
1) Emma
2) Sophia
3) Madison
4) Isabella
5) Olivia
6) Ava
7) Madeline
8) Addison
9) Hailey
10) Lily
Top 10 Boys Names
1) Aiden
2) Jayden
3) Ethan
4) Jacob
5) Caden
6) Jackson
7) Noah
8) Jack
9) Logan
10) Matthew
Apparently, people don’t think as differently as we thought. Brace yourself for a lot of “Emmas” and “Aidens” in the next generation.
By Corinne Therien and Jen Bundy
Everyday, thousands of families welcome babies into the world. New lives begin and identities are formed. All of us have encountered our fair share of unique names in our life times. Examiner.com compiled a list of the top 20 names of 2008. Below, we’ve included a list of them—ten girls and ten boys.
Top 10 Girls Names
1) Emma
2) Sophia
3) Madison
4) Isabella
5) Olivia
6) Ava
7) Madeline
8) Addison
9) Hailey
10) Lily
Top 10 Boys Names
1) Aiden
2) Jayden
3) Ethan
4) Jacob
5) Caden
6) Jackson
7) Noah
8) Jack
9) Logan
10) Matthew
Apparently, people don’t think as differently as we thought. Brace yourself for a lot of “Emmas” and “Aidens” in the next generation.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Christmas Lights Go Out Across Country
By: Jen Bundy
Christmas is supposedly the merriest time of the year. However, Christmas spirit might be dimmed this year due to budget cuts. Streets that were once draped in bright lights and wreaths, now only have one small Santa sign. The festive seasonal activities such as Santa sleigh rides, Christmas Concerts, and light displays have been canceled across the United States. The economic struggles felt in hundreds of cities and towns, seems to be hitting this holiday season hard.
The anticipation of Christmas becomes bleaker each day as more and more towns cancel Christmas traditions. Towns such as Mount Sterling, Kentucky and LaPorte, Indiana had to eliminate light displays from their budgets. Brunswick, Ohio was forced to reduce lighting downtown and cancel the annual fireworks show. Bob Zienkowski, City Manager, says, “Its one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make. I’ve had e-mails and calls calling me everything from Scrooge to the Grinch…but just as many calls from people saying you have to live within your means.” The reality many towns are facing, is should money be put towards Christmas decorations or schools? This choice is usually obvious and in the long run the effects will be great. Many may be angered over these budget cuts, but by the time January comes all will be forgotten. Christmas lights may not be shining so brightly this year, but many towns are relying on the spirit of the holidays to spread Christmas joy. And the spirit of Christmas will never be put out.
Christmas is supposedly the merriest time of the year. However, Christmas spirit might be dimmed this year due to budget cuts. Streets that were once draped in bright lights and wreaths, now only have one small Santa sign. The festive seasonal activities such as Santa sleigh rides, Christmas Concerts, and light displays have been canceled across the United States. The economic struggles felt in hundreds of cities and towns, seems to be hitting this holiday season hard.
The anticipation of Christmas becomes bleaker each day as more and more towns cancel Christmas traditions. Towns such as Mount Sterling, Kentucky and LaPorte, Indiana had to eliminate light displays from their budgets. Brunswick, Ohio was forced to reduce lighting downtown and cancel the annual fireworks show. Bob Zienkowski, City Manager, says, “Its one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make. I’ve had e-mails and calls calling me everything from Scrooge to the Grinch…but just as many calls from people saying you have to live within your means.” The reality many towns are facing, is should money be put towards Christmas decorations or schools? This choice is usually obvious and in the long run the effects will be great. Many may be angered over these budget cuts, but by the time January comes all will be forgotten. Christmas lights may not be shining so brightly this year, but many towns are relying on the spirit of the holidays to spread Christmas joy. And the spirit of Christmas will never be put out.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
California Wilfires
Last week several wildfires ran rampant through California, whose Santa Anna winds strengthened the fire for days. In only a matter of days, the wildfires burned 35,000 acres of land and destroyed more than 800 structures causing approximately 36,000 evacuations. These wildfires are a common burden on California and have forced the government to spend upwards of 500 million dollars on the fires since the beginning of the year. The regularity of these fires causes many to worry, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who said, “Everyone has recognized that this is a different situation than we have had in the past. We don’t have a fire season anymore, we have fires all year round.” The record high temperatures in California and the on going drought could have played a major role the frequency of these wildfires. The changing climate that is causing havoc around the world seems to have finally hit America hard. Governor Schwarzenegger is in the process of passing regulations that require fire retardant materials to be used in certain fire-prone areas. From the million dollar mansions to the trailer parks, devastating losses were felt. The homes of Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe, Michael Douglas, and Christopher Lloyd were all within the path of the wildfires. However, Christopher Lloyd, the “Back to the Future” star, was the only actor to loose their home to the mighty flames. Thankfully, there were no recorded causalities.
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