Mac v PC

http://www.current.tv/watch/49343851?s1=topVids&list=topVidsByAssignmentGroup&filterone=0&filtertwo=0&sid=49343851&fr=36

Since we all are operating with macs, I thought you might enjoy this....

The Best of Photojournalism + You

Hokay!
So for my work study job I'm working at The Society of Business Editors and Writers and I do all the researchy stuff. But here's the part that invloves you.
One of the things that I had to look up was different membership-oriented organization and because SABEW is a journalism-minded institution I found some fairly interesting sites. Now I don't have the database that I made currently, but I do have at least one website.
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/
This is the contest sponsored by the National Press Photographers Association but it spans from still pictures to Web editing. I, for one was intrigued and if nothing else, looking at the winners is inspiring.
That's all.

The picture is from last year's 1st place winner.

Stem Cells

What are stem cells? Stem cells are, to put it simply, blank cells. As such, they can become almost any other kind of cell given the proper coaxing. The possibilities for this are enormous. A patient needs a heart transplant? With stem cells you could grow him a new heart. Liver, lungs, kidney, stem cells could grow each of these. No more would patients have to wait for donors in order to get a life saving transplant. They could gain the organ they need by simply growing a compatible one.

Sadly, this remarkable possibility is not without naysayers. The most useful and flexible stem cells comes from the embryo a few days after conception. Pro-life advocates have thus placed the harvesting of such cells in the same light as abortion, as a detestable and evil practice. There has been firm resistance to research funding as such, and some have even proposed to outright ban all types of stem cell research completely.

The writer of this article did an excellent job staying unbiased in his report on this issue, but I fear I could not do this. I have a brother who is mentally handicapped. Stem cells are increasingly looking like a possible cure for his condition. Since this is the case, I do not feel I could give an unbiased report. I am in favor of this research, I want it to happen. My writing would naturally lean toward gaining its approval. As I am now, I do not think I could avoid singing its praises and bashing its resisters.

http://archives.cnn.com/2001/HEALTH/07/11/stem.cell.fact/

http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/289253.html

The Kansas City Star reported on the new ruling that Planned Parenthood can perform abortions in Kansas City and Columbia, but any facility that performs five or more abortions in a month will need to meet certain safety requirements. The problem with this ruling is that for the clinics, new renovations can be so costly that the clinics won't be able to continue to provide safe abortion care.

Abortion has always been a controversial issue and reporting on it will always be hard. Fortunately, this article was easier to report on because it was based more on the results of the courts and financial responsibilities of these clinics rather than the arguments behind abortion. Reporting on abortion without bias will always be hard because no matter what way it is done, neither side will be happy with their coverage.

This reporter did a good job at focusing purely on the court ruling and the concerns of the clinic and not on the arguments for and against abortion. There have been many articles I have seen written on court rulings about abortion that have taken quotes from representatives of either side of the argument although the court ruling has already been made. This reporter maintained an unbiased viewpoint by understanding that the ruling had already been made and the only thing to do now is to give the correct information.

Custodian falsely accused of child rape sues city for $10 million

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/09/16/2007-09-16_custodian_falsely_accused_of_child_rape_.html

Francis Evelyn had a steady job cleaning the hallways of a Brooklyn public school for almost twenty years and looked forward to his retirement. But, one false accusation had torn his life apart forever. An 8-year-old girl claimed that he had repeatedly molested her in the basement bathroom of the school. Evelyn’s face was posted all over the media about 5 months ago, and today he cannot stop the pain, embarrassment, and tears that this fabrication has caused him. Evelyn claims that he can no longer go in public without being ridiculed. He said, “Before, I walked the street happy-go-lucky. Now, you see the eyes. People you don't know approach you. You don't know what they're coming with. It could be bad. I'm scared like hell of being out there!" After this public display of humiliation, the police found the child’s claims to be false. She initially identified Evelyn as being bald and white, when in fact, he is black. She had also wrongly accused her father of sexual assault and had no traces of physical abuse.
Evelyn was questioned by the police for an extended period of time. The police force lied about faulty DNA tests to push Evelyn into admitting to the offense. They even bribed him with the option of a shortened prison term if he confessed to being guilty. In prison, Evelyn was searched and left to wear only a “Pampers” diaper. Inmates yelled to him, "Hey, Pops! You raped my sister! I'm going to cut your throat! Don't let me catch you in the shower! We gonna shank you!"
Evelyn is suing the city for $10 million for the damages and humiliation now connected with his name. He wishes to one day live a normal life again without the constant reminder of the embarrassment he was caused by an eight year old with a history of lying.
The issue addressed in this article is one that may be particularly hard to write about. Child molestation is a very serious topic that must be discussed in a careful manner. It is important to protect the privacy of the child, but in this case we have a different story. We must share Francis Evelyn’s pain. To see how brutally this man was ridiculed and how he was forced to parade around in prison in a diaper, is absolutely heartbreaking. For the remainder of his life he will never be able to completely free himself of this incident.
The writer of the article “Custodian falsely accused of child rape sues city for $10 million” does a fair job of properly portraying this controversial issue. She lets us into the painful world of Evelyn, but without having bias. She simply states the facts surrounding the situation and is able to express his feeling through his quotes. This article touches on a subject that makes many people uncomfortable, but it must be discussed and without a one-sided view.

A Powerful Article

Even though I have already done my blog assignment, I found this article unbelievably interesting, and on probably one of the most controversial subjects out there right now, race. I am going to assume that most of you are familiar with the Michael Vick situation as he has now been indicted in Virginia and could face up to 10 years in jail there for dog fighting charges. Tonight, ESPN held a town meeting in Atlanta to discuss the situation and get people's opinions on him. I watched the whole show, glued to the TV. The I came across this article, and I could not stop reading in. It asks questions that I had never been asked before and forces us to look a lot closer at race relations in this country. It is very long, but well worth your read. Here is the link. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=bryant_howard&id=3035358

Meat's No Treat

It is a common norm in America for families to have a pets. The question is, would you consume your cat or dog?
Many people these days are practicing vegetarianism. But is eating a meat free diet really healthy? Most controversial questions lead to the economical factor and lack of nutrients.
The more and more people that practice vegetarianism each day also contribute to the loss of income for many farmers. Farms that raise animals for consumption are hugely effected. Farms such as these are often in small towns, and the loss of jobs in small towns can be near catastrophic.
Another observation is the lack of nutrients, mainly protein. Protein is an essential nutrient to lead a healthy lifestyle and it also contributes to the immune system. The problem isn't not enough protein; the average diet however consists of too much protein.
Why do people feel it is alright to consume pigs, but consider it immoral if one were to consume a cat or dog? The fact is that pigs are actually smarter than dogs and two year old babies. Chickens have been scientifically observed to use common logic. If someone eats a cow, pig, or other animal it is considered animal abuse; it is considered animal abuse to not feed a pet. However, it is not considered animal abuse with the way animals are treated during their lives before being consumed. Chickens are given growth hormones that force them to grow so fast that their legs break because they aren't strong enough to hold the weight. Cows are only treated when sick if it violates FDA restrictions. Cows with cancer are FDA approved.
Many antibiotics are put into the meat that is eaten which builds up a tolerance to certain drugs. With our bodies tolerant to antibiotics, the antibiotics could be ineffective when a sick person is in need.
The reason it would be complicated to write about being vegetarian is because of the fear for health and the economy. In reality, being vegetarian is much more healthy and eco-friendly. If more fruits and vegetables were being consumed, the demand rate would increase. With an increasing demand more jobs would be avaliable to supply this demand.
Overall, a vegetarian diet uses less water and produces less waste. The loss of nutrients found in animal food can be made up for with supplements and other foods. It would be a rough transition if the majority of the population became vegetarians, but it would be much more environmentally friendly.


http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1002888,00.html

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1002888,00.html

Child Bride Speaks Out: Warren Jeffs on Trial

This article discussed the trial of Warren Jeffs, the leader of a polygamist sect of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The trial pertains to a child bride, Jane Doe, whose marriage to her first cousin was arranged and officiated by Jeffs when the girl was only 14 years old. Jane Doe states that she told Jeffs she was unhappy in her marriage and that she could not see herself having a family with her husband. Jeffs is reported to have told her to repent and then give herself to her husband. She claims that although she agreed to have sexual relations with her husband, she asked him to stop during the act, which he did not. Jeffs is therefore being tried for rape as an accomplice. His defense maintains that Jeffs taught that a man should only engage in sexual activity with his wife “if she invites it” and while Jane may have been unhappy being married to her cousin, “being unhappy is different from being raped.”
This would undoubtedly be a difficult article for any reporter to write because the idea of a young child being forced into marriage and sex is such an appalling situation, even without the added background that Jeffs has of promoting polygamist teachings. I think overall the journalist did a good job of reporting on the case. Not only was the victim’s case thoroughly explained, there was a lot of background as well, such as Jane Doe’s childhood and Jeffs role in the sect. However, the article seemed to have little information concerning Jeff’s defense. It is not until the very end of the article that his contest to the charges is described. If I had to write this article I would add more information concerning the case that his defense is presenting. Also, a couple of quotes from Jeffs would help to balance the numerous quotes from Jane Doe. It would have been helpful to incorporate the defense into the rest of the article.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/09/14/jeffs.trial/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Speaks at Columbia University

Recently the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was invited to speak at Columbia University amid much controversy. He made many ridiculous remarks, among them reasserting his belief that the Holocaust never happened, claiming that the country of Iran has no homosexuals, and affirming that Iranian women are the freest in the world. There were laughs and jeers from the crowd, especially when Ahmadinejad made his comments about homosexuals in Iran.

I would not be able to write this story without bias. I think my feelings towards Ahmadinejad’s ludicrous statements would create a story that was more about making fun of him rather than an actual news story.

In this article by the New York Times, I feel the writer was mostly unbiased, and offered more insight to other comments made by the president that were not covered in other news stories, whether it was because they weren’t as “exciting” as his more audacious comments or because the other authors didn’t feel they were important. Although his diction tends to be mostly unbiased, words like “bewildering thoughts” and “verbal assault” show his bias, he balances it with thoughts from students protesting on both sides. Overall, I feel the author did a good job of remaining as unbiased as possible.

Hasta la vista, babies.

David Engber, frequent contributer to Slate magazine (a subsidiary of The Washington Post) and the man behind the brilliant "Crying, While Eating" website, recently wrote a piece for Slate about global warming. While normally this would be very much non-news, seeing as global warming is the controversy du-jour, Engber tackled the issue from a different side - in his piece, he posits that if Americans really wanted to help the environment, families would voluntarily restrict themselves to having only one child.


It is a radical idea to be certain, but by doing so, the Earth's population would diminish greatly. In fact, Engber states that if such an idea were acted out by all persons on Earth, the population would decline by 5 billion people within the next century and would thereby help to ensure the habitability of the Earth for those persons remaining.
Going with current growth rates, the U.N. projects that the global population will actually increase by over 2 billion in the next 40 years, putting us at over 9 billion people by the year 2050.

Looking around, our current cultural obsession with being "green" is at such a level that there might actually be people out there who would consider limiting their family size in order to reduce their environmental impact. As Engber says, if you want to reduce your impact, "cutting back on kids is the best choice you can possibly make."


Obviously, Engber's article caused some controversy of it's own, with many weighing in on the Slate discussion boards. Slate actually facilitated a sort of "chat" between Engber and the many opinionated citizens who wanted to have their questions answered by the author of the piece.

After reading both the article and the ensuing discussion, I can see that Engber was merely trying to make people think with his article, and so I can understand how it must have been somewhat difficult for him to write a piece such as this, especially as a father.


Read Daniel Engber's article "Global Swarming - Is It Time For Americans To Start Cutting Our Baby Emissions?"

Read the real-time discussion between Engber and his critics.

Controversy 101: Gay Marriage.

I have never really understood what the big deal about gay marriage is. If you really love someone, and choose to be with him or her for the rest of your life, who is to say that you can't? I think that the whole controversy concerning gay marriage is complete and utter bull.

I recently found an article concerning gay marriage in Iowa. It began with telling the reader about how two men "sealed the deal" just before the county was told to stop taking the applications for marriage license of the same sex. The article goes on telling how it had been a big ordeal in the county and has always been a problem in the state of Iowa.

I think that the journalist covering this story did a good job informing the reader about what is going on from the government's point of view, but not so much of the gay couples point of view (who are still waiting for their marriage license). Even though the journalist did a good job of not taking a real side to the controversy, they could have informed the reader more about what the feelings of what the couples. I might have interviewed more of the gay couples that are now on the waiting list for their marriage license, or who's applications got denied. Maybe that way I could give the reader more of both sides of the controversy.


Link to article:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/31/iowa.samesex.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch

Global Warming

The UN’s current accord on emissions control, the Kyoto Protocol, 816 213 2261, will expire in 2012 and heads of state will convene at Bali during December of this year to discuss possible agreements for the future. The Washington Post stated that, “Top Bush administration officials said the president is not planning to alter his opposition to mandatory limits on greenhouse gases or to stray from his emphasis on promoting new technologies, especially for nuclear power and for the storage of carbon dioxide produced by coal plants.” The article does go on to say that the Bush administration will review current emissions control policies around the world and see if they can’t come up with a rough sketch of working ideas for the near future with emphasis in areas of, “cutting greenhouse gases in specific sectors of the economy.” With my current views of global warming and its imminent impact on our culture and societies around the world, I would not be able to write an unbiased article on the President’s immediate plan of action. Proceedings and environmental committees designed to “talk” about problems with the environment have gotten us nowhere. As it is a global issue a global initiative should but sought out and I applaud the President for planning to attend Bali in search for such a plan. But his past actions do not bode well for possible negotiations with the UN. If I was asked to write such an article in which I had to provide Bush’s background in the matter it would be difficult to provide unbiased research. The article written here, however, does a very effective job in presenting objective views to the discussion. Allowing for bipartisan critique and opinions on the part of the audience. A slightly liberal aura surround the piece nonetheless.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/22/AR2007092201095.html

Clinton's Health Care Plan

I found this article on the website for the St. Louis Post Dispatch. It concerned the Democratic front runner for the 2008 election Hilary Clinton's new plan for universal health care. She called for a requirement for businesses to obtain insurance for employees, and said the wealthy should pay higher taxes to help defray the cost for those less able to pay for it. Clinton also stated that people satisfied with their current health care plan can chose to stay with their current health care providers. "I know my Republican opponents will try to equate health care for all Americans with government-run health care," Clinton said. "Don't let them fool us again. This is not government-run." This plan would force every person, man, woman, and child, to have adaquate health care. Large buinesses would be required to put certain amount of money into a pool that would expand coverage for their employees. Indiviadual and small buisnesses would be offered some type of tax break to compensate to provide adaquate health insureance.

Overall, I think that the author of the article, Beth Fouhy, did a very good job of not showing her own personal bias on the health care plan proposed by Hilary Clinton, but I also beileive that the entire article had a slight bias for Hilary Clinton or the democratic party as a whole. The quote "won't make me the insurance industry's woman of the year," ilistrates that the author of the article was attempting to portray Mrs. Clinton in a positive light.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/politics/story/B9CD367CD4C23B678625735A0013D7D3?OpenDocument

Clinton Speaks to Americans

An article entitled “The Clinton Sunday Show Blitz” found in The Caucus- Political Blogging from the New York Times describes Senator Hilary Clinton’s multiple appearances on television yesterday morning. Writer Patrick Healy summarizes how Mrs. Clinton found it appropriate to appear on the Sunday Morning television shows from which she usually strays. Between the five shows, Healy makes note of her mention of her ex-con fundraiser, co-sponoring bills with Barack Obama, and how her campaign is focusing on “ the differences between [her] and the Republicans”.
Now it’s not that I necessarily think that the subject is particularly difficult but from my current standpoint as the inexperienced freshman, I can’t say that I would play an even hand when talking about politics. For the most part, I believe Mr. Healy can. From the article, I didn’t get any sense of whether he was aligned one way or another with a political party but in terms of style there were some things that I felt were a little off. His particular choice to refer to the senators as Mrs. and Mr. was perhaps an attempt to make them seem more familiar but I thought it didn’t fit well with the rest of the text; he’s writing a political article but it’s as though he’s talking about his child’s teacher.
He again faults by becoming too casual when talking about Senator Clinton and her “belly laugh”. However, I do realize that this article was found in a blog, not in print and that style has to do with voice, which directly correlates with the readability of a story.
For the most part, I admire that he can address politics so fairly which, of course, is his job and for all I know the things that I criticized may be praised by anyone more experience in that field.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/the-clinton-sunday-show-blitz/index.html?hp

Petraeus recommends troop build up

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296338,00.html?sPage=fnc.specialsections/waronterror

President Bush has received a recommendation from Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, that he wants to coninue bolstering forces in iraq by deploying and redeploying troops.

'Based on the progress our forces are achieving, I expect to be able to recommend that some of our forces will be redeployed without replacement,' said Petraeus.

It is very difficult to cover the War in Iraq because it is such a controversial topic and with peoples lives at stake in this issue on a daily basis it is very difficult not to display some sort of a bias. With Iraq still far from being independant. It will be an issue debated for years.

I feel like the article does a decent job of remaining objective. It tries to cover both sides of the issue and attempts to cover the news aspect as opposed to the debate.

JENA 6

The story of the Jena 6 is just now getting into mainstream media and becoming known to more and more citizens. The Jena 6 are Robert Bailey Jr.,Mychal Bell,Theo Shaw,Carwin Jones,Bryant Purvis, and Jesse Beard. The stroy Jena 6 began last winter when a group of black kids were told that they could not sit under a specific tree at lunch by white students. The black students then went to the principal of the school and asked if they could sit under the tree and he told them that they could sit wherever they wanted. The next day the black students went and sat under the tree and the white students again harrased them about it. Then shortly after there were nooses hung from the tree. This action was taken very serious and the white students received a three day suspension.Some black students then held a protest and a La Salle Parish district attorney told them that"I can make your life go away with the stroke of a pen". From then on there was constant tension between the black and white students. Then on Decemer 6, 2006 six black students, who have now become known as the Jena 6, attacked a white student for saying racial slurs. All six of them were arrested and charged with attempted 2nd degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and of them were expelled from school. Recently since the case has been getting attention the charges againbst Bailey Jr., Shaw, and Jones were reduced, but Mychal Bell still remains in jail today.

I believe that this story would be so very hard to write about or cover because of the bias that I have. I find it very shocking and almost humurous that so many people are in shock that this has happened. But, things like this happen everyday around the country somewhere. I believe that most of America thinks that everyone has the same oppurtunities ad racism does not exist and that there are not injustices in court just based on race. I was reading an article on ABCs' website and I think that the writer shared my views and it was obvious. The link of the story is http://abcnews.go.com/International/CSM/story?id=3645309. The writer says things such as "Unfortunately, any of these elements is less than extraordinary in black American life"when saying that this case is familiar in the Black community. I believe that even though this author feels this way she should not show this in her writing. I believe that the author should write without a bias and present evidence from both sides and let the reader decide on how they believe.

A Real Life Hail Mary

Religion and sports. Some say they go hand in hand, especially in the sport of football. Players from both teams gather in the middle of the football field before and after games for a quick prayer. Players thank God for allowing them to score the winning touchdown or kick the winning field goal in their post game press conferences. The Detroit Lions even have their own team chaplain. But recent comments from a Detroit quarterback has brought the always touchy subject of religion to the forefront of not just football, but America.

During the second quarter of a game against the Minnesota Vikings in week 2 of the NFL season, Detroit Lion's quarterback John Kitna was hit hard, and diagnosed with a concussion. He was taken out of the game in the middle of the second quarter. Then, as if he had defied the odds, Kitna jogged back out onto the field in the fourth quarter, and played the rest of the game with no lingering affects of that concussion. When asked afterwards how he was able to return to the field after suffering a concussion, Kitna, a well known devout Christian who has even been fined for wearing a hat with a cross on it during a post game press conference last year, gave a controversial response.
"It was a miracle," Kitna said. "I've never felt anything like that, and for it to clear up and go right back to as normal as I can be, is nothing short of a miracle," Kitna went on to say. "I just definitely feel the hand of God. That's all it was. You can't explain it."

Wading into troulesome waters with those comments, Kitna was met with immediate backlash from the American public. As I was browsing ESPN.com the other day, I found a columnist brave enough to take on the subject of religion in sports, or just religion anywhere. LZ Granderson is that columnist, and he looks at America's criticism of Kitna with a skeptical eye. LZ does not understand why Americans took such offense to Kitna's comments when, accoridng to him, 91 percent of American adults believe in God and 82 percent those adults are Christians just like Kitna. LZ goes on to defend Kitna's comments and he continues to express his confusion with America, not understanding why Kitna is being criticized.
"That's why I am a bit floored about the cynical reaction surrounding Kitna's statement. If the vast majority of the country believes in God, and the NFL supports spiritual growth, why the raised eyebrow when a player says something overtly spiritual?" The full link to Granderson's article is here: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=granderson/070921

I do not know whether or not Granderson is religious or not, he does not go into his personal religious beliefs in the article. While I understand this is an opinion piece, Granderson fails to look at this issue with an unbiased eye in my opinion. At no time does he really try to look at Kitna's comments from someone who does not believe in religion, and for that matter miracles. Granderson uses quotes from people only on one side of the arguement, those who believe in God. Not once does he ask the opinion of a non-believer, which I think would have made his article much more well rounded and given it a higher level of respectability. I am not a religious person myself, and I did not agree with Kitna coming out publicly and stating that the only reason he could have been cured from his concussion so quickly was by the hand of God. Granderson's article does not do much to address people like myself, it only speaks to why people like me should be silenced without giving much solid evidence. Granderson was brave enough to take on the subject of religion, but he came off looking like a coward with this article.

Jena 6: It may not be as easy as we think.

(My apologies in advance for writing about the obvious moral issue today.)

The 'march for justice' stormed the small town of Jena, Louisiania last Thursday. Many of us are aware of the recent injustice at Jena High School and have mostly likey formed a strong opinion. But for the sake of this blog, I will review the report:
In August 2006, nooses were hung from a tree a few months before six black teens were charged with beating a white classmate. Three white teens hung the nooses the day after a group of black students asked for permission from administers to sit under the tree. The tree was a typical gathering space for white students.
Having to compare two articles for an assignment in a different class, I realized that such a debate brings up moral issues to the writer. After reading Fox News's report "Black and White Becomes Gray in La. Town", I wasn't suprised to see the Republican angle in which it was written. Most of the quotations and people recgonized in the report were white. However, CNN did a much better job in representing both sides of the case, simply reporting on the protest and the events surrounding it. Black, white, Catholic, Jew, Asian, Indian, Iranian- these things shouldn't matter right? But they do and it feels that some journalists feel they are walking on egg shells trying not to offend the public. Even I am having difficulty writing this post becuase I wish not to upset people. I'd love to say that civil rights and minority issues are irrelevant to today's society, but it seems that the media continues to heighten our awareness to such dilemmas. Well according to Jena's population, there's still debate, but it's not up to American journalists to decide that matter. As I'm writing this, it bothers me to mention "white and black". I understand that this is the issue at hand, but it's disturbing to have to distinguish the differences between people solely based on color.

Hope for the future masks the scares left behind

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/08/22/iraq.boy/index.html

By now you have already seen and heard of the five-year-old boy who was scarred for life by the horrifying acts of masked Iraqi men. If the pictures haven’t made your insides turn and your heart shatter, then the story behind it will. The sectarian violence has trapped many innocent victims in a world of constant brutality and the daily struggles aren’t so different for children either. “They dumped gasoline, burned me, and ran” Youssif told CNN. The boy has had to deal with his scares physically and emotionally. Common tasks like eating and playing outside have become discomforts for both Youssif and the family. Melted away like the dark groves in his face, the boy’s joy and excitement have been suddenly replaced with deep fear and undeserved sense of depression.

I think many of us take for granted the ability to smile and the ability to express happiness to its fullest. The boy’s traumatic experience lead to an overwhelming response of those willing to give any resources they could offer. The Children’s Burn Foundation and the Grossman Burn Center have all agreed to provide and cover medical costs for Youssif and his family in the United States.

According to the article, the story about the young boy was the most-read, non-breaking news story in CNN.com’s 12-year history. “It is heart-warming and restorative to see such generosity and goodness emerging from this truly unspeakable horror,” CNN.com’s senior vice president and senior executive producer Mitch Geleman said.

The story was written in a very appropriate way, giving readers both the ability to grasp the story as a whole without jeopardizing the family’s identity and livelihood. In fact, at the beginning of the article CNN.com noted that they agreed not to use the full names of the mother and son in the article due to concern for their safety. The writer organizes the information to encourage readers not only to act, but also to realize that the war is not only affecting a country at large but also destroying the lives of those who are defenseless. The writer’s style illustrates a more personal perspective rather than using a writing method that puts it along side today’s war casualties and bomb explosions. The mother took a massive risk my telling her story to the world and in return the writer acknowledges her courage and chooses specific experiences in order to create a strong and powerful response. Most stories are able to grasp the story in its entirety in several words, but this story has a personal edge that is heart-felt enough to cause a movement of compassion and concern. The writers’ ability to demonstrate this story in an ethical way further captures a message that is universal, a message that gave hope to a family that had become so terrified and scared.

The family arrived in the United States for the first time in their lives and amongst the excitement and disbelief they all felt a sense of peacefulness and safety. According to the article, for the first time in a long time, the family laughed out of pure joy.

Recording the same as Roids?

If you steal the $100 bills from the banker tray in Monopoly, you are a cheater.
If you looked off someone else’s test in the 3rd grade because you forgot the Capitol of Delaware, you are a cheater.
If you looked up codes online so you could be awesome at Mario Cart, then I’m sorry my friend, you are a cheater.

Such a title has been given to Bill Belichick, head coach of the New England Patriots. The NFL has branded Belichick a “cheater” after his repeated offense of the NFL’s rule on coaches being prohibited from videotaping the opposition’s sideline signals in an effort to decipher them. While this isn’t the first time he and his coaching staff have been caught doing this, it is widely said that the practice of videotaping a team’s signals is used “…throughout the league,” said Jack Del Rio, coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in a USA Today related article.

The media has pummeled Belichick, questioned the validity of his Super Bowl titles, and have even called for the Patriots to forfeit their Week 1 victory against the Jets. No media figure has let Belichick have it more than Dan Le Batard of the Miami Herald, who compared the unethical actions of Belichick to that of one of the most hated sports figures of our time: Barry Bonds. For those of you who are more well versed on who cheated on who in the latest installment of “The Hills” than the biggest news story of the summer, I’ll help you out a little. Barry Bonds is the left-fielder of the San Francisco Giants who has had a very public explosion in muscle mass and coincidentally, home-run totals in the past seven years. This explosion has propelled him to become the all-time leader in home runs. Bonds has been accused of using steroids more times than President Bush has been accused of being incompetent, and his former personal trainer is in prison right now on a steroid- related offense. Needless to say, something is very suspect about the whole situation.
In his article, (found here at http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/columnists/dan_le_batard//story/235834.html). Le Batard calls out Belichick saying that his actions were, “…worse morally [than Bonds] because he ought to know better as the authority figure, and because he was specifically told that videotaping was prohibited and he flatly ignored that warning.” He then goes onto explain that, while stealing the opposition’s signals is “part of the game”, he makes the comparison of how steroids were once “part of the game” in baseball because they weren’t illegal and a whole lot of players were doing them. This proves Le Batrd’s point in that just because something is “part of the game” doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the right thing to do.
All of his points I agreed with up to this point. However, the point that Mr. Le Batard tried to make next is where we differed on opinion What Le Batard claims next is where I feel he went too far on his comparisons between Bonds and Belichick. I first agreed with his point that “…you still have to execute. Randy Moss and Tom Brady still have to complete the pass even if they know what’s coming.” However, I didn’t agree with his “equal” comparison that, “ … Bonds still has to hit the 95- mph fastball…” I feel that the difference between the two is greater than Le Batard portrayed it as. He was basically saying that knowing the defense’s play was just as bad as taking steroids. That is why I agree with Jason Taylor, defensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins, when he said, “Stealing signs is not the same as changing hormone levels in your body in a game that is built on speed, power, and quickness.” Simply put, Belichick still has to call the right play for the situation. The line still has to block. The play still has to be executed. While the Pats did cheat, the signs didn’t make them stronger or faster. It only made them a little smarter. Le Batard went too far in this claim, and this is where we differed.
In my journalistic viewpoint, I feel that Mr. Le Batard went a little too far in his comparisons as well as his judgment of Belichick’s character. While he did try and show both sides of the argument with the interview with Jason Taylor, I think he was too “black and white” about the whole ordeal. Basically, the thesis of his piece was “CHEATING IS CHEATING. THAT’S IT!” Well, while you are entitled to your opinion, and this is a column, it seems as though your opinion was a bit overbearing and aggressive. One type of cheating (Bonds) had a direct impact on the game. The only thing that Belichick could have done is call is a play and hope for the best. While the signals affected his play calling, the players still have to execute the play. Furthermore, I also don’t feel this column was journalistically fair because it brought personal issues into a sports piece. As he was trying to turn the reader against Belichick, instead of the readers deciding for themselves, he brings in the fact that Belichick cheated on his wife, as well as the game of football. He said, “Will you call the alleged marriage-wrecking Belichick, who has a lot of dishonesty recorded in both his professional and personal life, a liar and cheater and fraud with the same intensity that you do Bonds?”
As a person who is an avid reader of sports publications, as well as someone looking for journalistic merit in a piece, I feel that this was a low blow and uncalled for. If I could change anything in this piece, it would definitely be the overbearing comparisons, as well as slights on Belichick’s personal life. I don’t care about his marriage, because I only care about what he does on game day. If I wanted to see someone slighted on their profession based on his or her personal relationships and behavior, I would pick up the newest issue of US Weekly or People.
Surely Lindsey Lohan is doing something stupid…

Redefining the Standards of Free Speech

“Colorado State University Student Newspaper Under Fire for Bush Editorial” -http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297708,00.html

It all boils down to a matter of free speech. After the University of Florida’s incident on Monday, The Rocky Mountain Collegian posted a four-word statement in the opinion section of the newspaper (http://media.www.collegian.com/media/storage/paper864/news/2007/09/21/News/Taser.This-2984348.shtml?reffeature=recentlycommentedstoriestab), causing an immediate uproar.
Published the same day in the Collegian News section were the comments of Lee Christian, a local attorney and technical journalism instructor at CSU (http://media.www.collegian.com/media/storage/paper864/news/2007/09/21/News/Taser.Incident.Ignites.Debate-2983312.shtml). The article also included the general perspective of students on campus and the new free speech polices on campus effective earlier this year.
Fox News followed up on the repercussions of the publication now under investigation (original link). CSU’s director of student media, Jeff Brown, noted on the “internal investigation into the decision-making process used…in choosing to run today's staff editorial comment."

Though no credit was given to the Fox News reporter, the correspondent provides an unbiased presentation of the facts in an ethical fashion. The writing, however, lacks appropriate sources; the article itself is merely a summary and the reader must search for the additional story posted with the headline. “Taser incident ignites debate” was an article I had to search for, despite the same publication date as the headline causing all the commotion. Ironically, the link to the additional story made the Fox News story appear censored… the original topic at hand.
From a personal perspective, it’s difficult to criticize an article published in an opinion section of the newspaper. Given a source, the headline was displayed as popular opinion; something an editor had to meticulously consider before printing the article. The headline could have just as easily read the opposite and elicited the same outrage. It would seem more of a true injustice to prohibit people from voicing their opinions, and from a journalistic point of view it would be hard to attack an article that has all the proper sources.
In defense of the Fox News story, they merely presented the facts based on the statement and the general outside opinion in printing the headline. The summary of actions lacks, but doesn’t violate any ethical standards.

Don't Stop the Music

Rex Scott hasn’t sat down for almost twelve hours. It’s 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night, and the line at the Jamaican Jerk Hut stand still stretches over a hundred customers long. Scott has been preparing and serving up his addictive, tangy chicken to hungry customers at the Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival all day long. Although the blaring reggae music on his boombox is drowning out festival headliner and blues legend Taj Mahal playing just three blocks away, no one in line seems to care. After two full days of music, some people just want their chicken.

The musical and culinary heaven that hit Columbia this past weekend was nothing short of spectacular. The success and popularity of the festival surely surprised its staunchest supporters and promoters. Although intended as a massive “birthday party” for the Boone County National Bank, it was the people of Columbia that celebrated the most. World-class bands, award winning barbecue and plenty of character defined the weekend for over 60,000 attendees.

When the sun went down on Friday night and the streets of Columbia began to overflow with people, the prime talents really began to shine. Granted it was an odd sight to see a mix table and DJ on stage at a blues festival, but when Chris Thomas King walked on and picked up a mic, even a traditional blues fan could appreciate King’s tunes. His fusion of hip/hop and the blues engaged the entire audience packed around the stage at Broadway and Eighth streets. Even with the underlying beats and backup recorded vocals reminiscent of modern rap and pop, King’s smooth and powerful voice truly represented the roots of the blues, and his deep lyrics were a nod to his past as a New Orleans bluesman.

Although dozens of superb artists and bands performed at the festival, the Music Maker Revue was quite possibly the most entertaining and riveting of all. Mudcat, Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, Adolphus Bell and Albert White, four individuls representing the Music Maker Relief Foundation, appeared on the Broadway Stage Saturday afternoon. Opening the act were Bell...and Bell...and Bell...and Bell. On vocals, guitar, drums, and harmonica, his one-man band was a true show.

Following a short solo guitar piece by Albert White, a short, relatively old black woman appeared on stage and introduced herself as “Guitar” Watkins. No such introduction was needed. While she was quite possibly the most unlikely person to be jamming on an electric guitar other than perhaps a newborn infant, Watkins let loose with powerful chords and riffs mixed with vocals and some intense harmonica solos as well. At one point, Watkins forwent the traditional guitar stance, hoisted the instrument over and behind her head, walked to the edge of the stage and continued to play backwards, smiling with the ecstatic audience the whole time. After her final song, Watkins leaned over the stage high-fiving dozens of fans.

Just as Watkins took her final bows, Daniel “Mudcat” Dudeck picked up just where she left off, not even giving the crowd a chance to stop cheering. Mudcat, too, played right up against those in the front row, but he didn’t stop there. By his third song, he was seven rows deep in the crowd and looking for help, and that’s when Christine Vedenhoupt became the luckiest lady of the afternoon. Mudcat kissed Vedenhoupt on her cheeks, grabbed her hands and cradled them around his acoustic guitar. Surrounded by thousands of concert-goers, the two played together in the middle of Broadway. Those performing with the Revue were just a few of the more than 80 artists affiliated with the Music Maker Relief Foundation, a non-profit organization with the goal of supporting traditional blues, folk, and roots artists.

Such artists came through brilliantly last weekend, and very likely gave hundreds if not thousands of college students their first experience with one of the greatest and richest musical genres on the planet. Because the festival was intended as a one-time celebration for Boone County National Bank, there are no plans for it to return to Columbia for a second year. However, it would be a shame to lose such a wonderful event, and the city of Columbia should do everything it can to make sure that doesn’t happen.

How to Start a Fight

“Fight Club” starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter is an action-packed and intellectually stimulating film based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk. It examines the deepest corner of an ordinary man’s mind where even he himself is refused from entering. Tyler Durden, a soap salesman, and Jack, an insomniac, learn to curb their aggression with the conception of “fight clubs” forming in cities around the country. When the status of these clubs catches on the formation of project mayhem turns the city into an uproar with the everyday laborers and maintenance workers leading the pack. Marla Singer, Jack’s therapy “faker” remains the film’s medium as her reaction to the cult’s actions seems the only reasonable one to be had. The best part of this movie, however, is found at the end with a twist the will make you watch it again and again.
I absolutely love this movie due mainly in part to the character played by Brad Pitt. Completely free from care with the ability, “to let that which does not matter truly slide.” His mannerisms and demeanor depict him as the very definition of the word bad***. In all, “Fight Club” does a remarkable job of letting you hang until the very end. This is one film you don’t want to miss.

Shiny Toy Guns "We Are Pilots"

Independently released in early 2005, We Are Pilots is Shiny Toy Guns’ first album. The album blends indie rock with synth pop to form the perfect hybrid of the 80s and today. The 13 tracks reflect a full range of emotions, and they are paired with catchy melodies and strong vocals that make them much different from anyone else who has emerged onto the Indie scene.
The cd begins with “Don’t Cry Out” and “Rainy Monday,” upbeat but powerful love songs. “Don’t Cry Out” was rated number 25 in U.S. Modern Rock, while Rainy Monday was the choice for the band’s first video, shot in Brooklyn, New York. “Le Disko” breaks up the slower beats with an electronic burst of energy. The rest of the album is relatively mellow, for music of its genre, though it works well with the lyrics.
Founded in 2002, the band originated in California with keyboardist and bassist Jeremy Dawson and guitarist Chad Petree. After collaborating for several years, they were joined by Carah Faye Charnow, vocalist, and Mikey Martin, drummer, to form the present group. STG gained popularity quickly on the West Coast and through their MySpace. After the early release of their album, the group toured the U.S. during summer of 2005 before re-releasing We Are Pilots again in November 2005 and for the final time in October of 2006 after signing with Universal Records. STG’s most recent claim to fame is the use of their hit single “Le Disko” in a Motorola Rzr2 commercial.
I have been a longtime fan of Shiny Toy Guns, for I found their MySpace in early 2005, around the time they first released their album. Oddly enough, “Le Disko” was my least favorite song of theirs, perhaps because it seemed such an odd addition to the emotional rollercoaster you are taken on in the rest of the album. In fact, my favorites are lesser-known “Sky Fell Over Me” and “Rocketship.” I can think of no better two songs to listen to on a late night drive. Their concert was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I’m ready to make the long drive when they play in other parts of Missouri and Texas later this fall. For anyone who enjoys 80s pop and today’s alternative, I strongly recommend you check out this cd.

"Best of times"

All right, so I have never posted a blog in my life so I am so sorry if this doesn’t really turn out the right way. And I’ve also never written anything close to what was assigned. I’m probably a loner on that one. But here goes…

I was told to pick some movie or band that is my favorite and write about it by someone helping me here. That was probably the hardest part. I don’t like just one thing. But I figured going for the one CD that I listened to the entire summer after my freshman year in high school. Yes that is 3 months straight of listening to one CD. Of course I rarely listen to it now, but when I hear the songs, I still know every single lyric of every single song. I can even start singing the next song on the CD before it even plays. Yes I know I’m weird. Deal with it. The CD was titled “The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most” by Dashboard Confessional.

Way back in the day of my “stupid freshman” year, this CD was suggested to me from my best friend who is a huge alternative rock fan. That’s just about all she’ll listen to. But way back freshman year in high school, I seemed to relate to every single lyrical verse in every song. I guess you could say I was having a hard time transitioning from grade school to high school. Boys, sports, parents rules, friends, enemies, etc. all seemed to contribute to what was supposed to be the best times of my life. Well if you have ever heard the songs from this CD you will know what I mean when I say, those “best” times weren’t the best. They were probably the worst.

When my friend introduced me to this CD, and band, I fell absolutely head over heals with the music. I liked it so much that for the next Christmas I asked for a guitar from Santa, and actually got one, even though I can’t play a lick of a tune. I tried, but it just never came out right. But the instrumental in this CD was phenomenal. It wasn’t just the same old two notes over and over again like more in rap/hip-hop music. There was an actual song attached to the lyrics. It was refreshing and amazed me.

After I got hooked on the music, I started learning the lyrics without even realizing that I was learning them. So of course I didn’t know exactly what they meant, so after a while I began to actually just listen to what the lyrics meant and that opened up a whole new window for me and got me hooked for 3 months straight. I wouldn’t listen or sing any other song the whole entire summer.

The lyrics seemed to reach out to me in those “best of times” and just tell me that “hey, other people go through the same stuff, you’ll be ok.” So I cried through these songs, I laughed through these songs, and I just plain rocked out to these songs.

This CD was very revitalizing for me and helped me cope with my “best of times” and I just think that every now and then, a little crying during a song that means something to you, with a little slow soft music, is great to making you realize that everyone goes through similar things. And you can move on and be ok.

We Just Won't Be Defeated

Definitive List of Great things that come in twos:
Animals on Noah's Arc
Twinkies
Shoes
Batteries
Drummers for The Go! Team

... yeah. That looks about right.

If you're wondering about that last one, allow me to inform you.

The Go! Team is a Brighton-based six-piece that has yet again brought the funky funky jamz with their latest release, Proof of Youth, out on today on Sup Pop Records. While the overall feel of the record is the same as 2004's Thunder, Lightning, Strike, the sound is richer, more developed, and the frenetic energy of band leader Ian Parton harnessed and redirected into making this album one of the more exciting releases this year.


Their sound goes beyond typical indie rock fare - combining Double Dutch jump-rope chant vocals courtesy of female frontwoman Ninja, noise-pop guitar by Sam Dook and multi-instrumentalist Kaori Tsuchida, and driving drum beats served up by their two drummers: Dook and male frontman Ian Parton.
The effect is so strong that one cannot just listen to The Go! Team; you have to write a screenplay for a movie that will feature solely their songs as the soundtrack. You have to play hopscotch and then race to the monkey bars. You have to get up and dance around your dorm room while eating fruit snacks when you roommate is away studying.

The sound alone is reason enough to recommend this album to anyone, but what seals the deal is the artist collaborations and the track-to-track song strength. Artists featured on Proof of Youth include Bonde du Role's Marina Ribatski, Rapper's Delight Club, and none other than Public Enemy's Chuck D.
“Flashlight Fight,” featuring Chuck D. is an all out assault – a swarm of cartoon bees that chases you until you jump into a lake and then hovers there above you, waiting. Other strong tracks include the single “Grip Like a Vice,” which claws it’s way out of the speakers demanding to be heard, and album closer “The Wrath of Marcie,” a song that grabs the audience and struts with them into the sunset.

While Proof of Youth is perfect as is, I cannot help but fear that when the next album comes that we will see The Go! Team having to bend to create an equally enjoyable album without sounding played out. But for now, I am happy to enjoy their company, and the feelings of childhood happiness that they evoke.



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Now playing: Devendra Banhart - Carmencita

Hello Chicago

If an action movie is what you crave, you can probably just walk into any theatre and find one. If a GOOD action movie with a plot is what you want, I recommend “The Untouchables.” Directed by Brian De Palma, it is undoubtedly one of the best films of all time.

“The Untouchables” is based during the time of prohibition, when it was illegal to sell or buy alcohol in America. This sparked a wave of organized crime in the form of bootlegged booze, bolstering gangs and giving them the cash needed to fund their operations. The worst of the worst in this time of crime was Chicago, the city of Al Capone (Robert De Niro). He held the city in a terrible grip, enforcing his business through brutal violence and cunning extortion. None stood in his way out of fear. Capone was the god of Chicago.

But no darkness lasts forever. The man of the hour comes in the form of Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner), an agent of the United States Treasury Department. He has been sent to wage a crusade against Capone and his syndicate. Sadly, he gains little support from Chicago’s finest. If they weren’t bought out by Capone they were too scared to raise arms against him. Though he be determined, Ness is but one man. He needed help, allies in his fight against Chicago’s master.

Help quickly came in the form of Jim Malone (Sean Connery), one of the few policemen who still remembered what it meant to be a cop. On Malone’s advice the two recruit another member of their little band from the police academy. From here comes George Stone Andy Garcia), a marksman without peer. Along with Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith), a man Ness brought with him from Washington, the team was formed and the crusade was launched.

They take the fight straight to Capone, raiding his storehouses and making it clear that Capone’s strong-armed criminal tactics would not be tolerated. Through much hardship and sacrifice, they succeed in defeating Capone, putting him away for eleven years. It is a remarkable tale of heroism and the strength of the human spirit to combat injustice. A remarkable movie recommended for all that wish for action mixed with excellent storytelling.

The White Stripes: Icky Thumped!

The White Stripes
Icky ThumpED!
If you haven't got it -- get it. The White Stripes newest CD "Icky Thump" is a completely new sound different from typical rock. The new CD is heavier than most and took nearly three weeks to record -- which is the longest for any White Stripes album. Now, Meg and Jack White are incredibly weird, but it is put to positive use in this musical concoction. The CD begins with "Icky Thump," which is lyrically and musically creative. The song hits on topics such as immigration:
White Americans, what?
Nothing better to do?
Why don't you kick yourself out
You're an immigrant too.

"Conquest," a completely different then many songs on the album begins with a horn introduction and moves to power chords while chanting of lustful intentions, then falls back into a guitar and horn duel.
One of the negative sides to this album is the drums. Meg White's drumming is highly repetitious. If you are critical of music, you might be able to realize a White Stripes song without the lyrics, but simply by the never changed drum rhythm. The band has also been absent of a bass player, which can be tricky but if it could be mastered, the White Stripes have done so.
The most creative aspect of this album is not the instrumental part it is the lyrical invention. Sitting down, the lyrics hardly make sense to be read, but when Jack White begins to let the lightning flow from his fingertips, anything would make sense. The White Stripes decided to make this CD a little heavier than their previous. The band is mostly based on rock, folk, and country music.
Rag and Bone is an excellent song that has been hidden from a lot of radio play. The grooves followed by conversations are easily hypnotizing. The song basically hits the idiom "one mans trash is another mans treasure."
If you're not convinced yet that this CD will blow your mind and melt your eardrums, then you will have to decide for yourself. Do you want to enter the Jack and Meg White experience, become Icky Thumped?

Affection is a shy flower that is sometimes slow to blossom.

Well, Sean you're lucky because I went to the movies as well and Becoming Jane did not hold its own in the box office. In fact, it didn't even hold its own in my attention span. The movie is supposed to be about Jane Austen's life, but instead it seems like it could have been anyone's story...or a remake of Pride and Prejudice, with less charming main characters.

Jane is played by Anne Hathaway, most recently of "Devil Wears Prada," but I couldn't help but wonder when she was going to discover that she was actually a princess. She portrays this part with a little more grace, but her awkwardness reminded me too much of her Princess Diaries role. Overall, she was solid. Unlike, Jane Austen's love life, which was a little more tumultuous. Throughout the movie, Jane shifts through several suitors and even gets a proposal from a very deserving man. But too bad...Jane refuses to marry without love! When she has trouble responding to this man's proposal, his response is in the title of this blog. He simply states, "Affection is a shy flower that is sometimes slow to blossom" and then runs off. Unfortunately there are many uncomfortable scenes like this throughout the movie.

Jane ends up falling in love with Tom Lefroy. A fiesty little man who is subject to the whims of his uncle. So then comes the obvious downfall. Jane loves Tom and Tom loves Jane..BUT Tom's uncle doesn't love Jane and Tom is financially dependent on his uncle. Tom and Jane attempt to run away together until Jane realizes that Tom has a responsibility to his family and instead decides to leave him.

I don't mean to spoil it for anyone who was planning on catching this movie, so WARNING! SPOILER ALERT! The movie ends years into the future with Jane as a famous writer. Shocker. She runs into Mr. Lefroy at a piano concert and is surprised to find that he is now married and has named his first daughter Jane. Also, neither Jane nor Tom ages very well, so maybe it is a good thing they don't end up together.

Overall, this movie was a mess. It dragged far too long and had poor character development. But it is funny in an unintentional sort of way.

Jack Johnson goes On and On

"In times like these.." These words are the perfect opening for a CD that offers not only great music, but a chance to relax and unwind for the high paced world we live in today. Jack Johnson's second CD "On and On" combines melodic acoustic guitar with beautiful and meaningful lyrics.


Unlike most of the music out on the radio today that stresses lyrics about parting, hooking up, and breaking up, Jack Johnson simply plays music that makes you feel good. Though much of his music sounds similar, the lyrical difference from song to song is like comparing System of a Down to Dave Matthews. Songs such as "Cookie Jar" and "Traffic in the Sky" concern more serious matters that Jack Johnson relays to his audience in a way that makes people listen while still enjoying his great music. On the other hand, songs such as "Cupid" and "Tomorrow Morning" create feelings of love and happiness that would even put Ebenezer Scrooge in a good mood.


If I could think of one downfall to this brilliant album it would have to be the similarity of the songs. Often times I find myself listening to Jack Johnson's music without really paying attention to the lyrics at all (like right now as I write this blog). The good news is that Jack Johnson musical genius did not stop at his first CD, "On and On." Since then he has released three seperate CD's, "Brushfire Fairytales,"(2001) "In Between Dreams,"(2005) and the soudtrack for the motion picture "Curious George."(2006)

Though realitivly well known around the world, Jack Johnson has choose not not tour for the upcoming year. He explained in an interview done by MTV that he wants to take a year off from recording and touring to enjoy his family, surf, and work on new material.

This album offers not only relaxing music, but sometime inspirational lyrics. Overall I rate this album as a perfect 10/10 for its perfect mix of beautiful acuostic guitar and Jack Johnson's smooth voice creating a relaxing and soothing experience.


Recomended songs:
"Taylor"
"Traffic in the Sky"
"Cocoon"
"Cupid"
"Tomorrow Morning"

Action "Lives free" in latest Die Hard installment

In a summer full of blockbuster movie franchises, one of the movies that held its own at the box office was Live Free or Die Hard, the fourth installment in the Die Hard saga.
The movie begins with the protagonist, policeman John McClain, (Bruce Willis) ruining his daughter Lucy’s (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) date. This shows the audience the fractured relationship between McClain and his daughter.
McClain is sent on a routine mission to escort computer hacker Matthew Farrell, (Justin Long) from New York to Washington D.C. When McClain shows up at Farrell’s door, he finds himself in a familiar situation as he is being fired at by terrorists.
McClain and Farrell escape after McClain kills a few terrorists and begin heading towards the nation’s capitol where sinister events are about to occur.
Computer mastermind and villain Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant) and his team of hackers and mercenaries have an evil plan to take over to cause chaos nationwide using computers, with the master plan of bleeding money from the social security fund into their accounts. They also kidnap Lucy. This leaves only McClain and Farrell to stop the Gabriel’s evil plan and rescue Lucy.
The action sequences are amazing in Live Free or Die Hard. McClain crashes a car into a helicopter in an almost surreal action moment. The fight scene between McClain and Mai Linh (Maggie Q) is amazing and captivating. There are also more exciting car chase scenes in this movie.
The movie Live Free Or Die Hard is an excellent addition to the Die Hard. It compliments the other three movies and Bruce Willis does a superb job whenever he plays John McClain. This movie shows the audience that one person can make a difference. It is a n action thrill ride and receives an A.

John Henry & the Engine and Anchondo Create Rock Anyone Can Dance To

I have to agree with Jim, those who went to the football game this weekend rather than staying in Columbia really missed out, not only on the Roots, Blues, and BBQ festival, (which was amazing, I was in that line for the Jamaican jerk chicken…for an hour) but also because they missed the best show I have ever been to in my life (and I like to think of myself as a seasoned show veteran.) That show was at The Blue Fugue and featured two of my new favorite bands, Anchondo and John Henry & the Engine.

The first time I heard Anchondo was about two years ago. I had left the club already, but their latin beats drew me back inside. They were the name on everyone’s lips for months afterward, which doesn’t often happen with smaller bands. So when I heard they would be playing a show in Columbia, I had to go. Not only was the music amazing, the guys in the band put on a great live show. All of them jumped around, interacted with the crowd and were generally fun to watch. This is one of those bands that you simply must see live, preferably at a venue with a lot of their fans present, which, apparently, is most of the shows they play (because how can you not like these guys?) A favorite is “The Lesbian Song” which old and new fans alike can sing along to (the lyrics may be considered vulgar to some, though, so be forwarned.) Even better, their music is easily accessible, with a way to buy songs off their Myspace (myspace.com/anchondo) or on VCast, and although nothing is as good as a live show, their recordings come close.

I had heard that John Henry & the Engine was a really great band, but I hadn’t prepared myself for just how great. Their brand of infectious, retro rock & roll is impossible not to dance to, although apparently those seated next to me did not feel the same way. I usually don’t like this type of music, but at their live show I felt like I should be wearing bobby socks and a poodle skirt. Not only is JH&TE a great band to see, the lead singer plays a harmonica! And there’s keyboard! These things always make for a great band. After the show I went home to add them on Myspace (yes, I am that cool) and realized their recordings really don’t live up to the energy of their live show, so I think it should be required that you see them live before passing judgment.

Fortunately for those of you who missed the amazing eargasms that are John Henry & the Engine and Anchondo, the two bands play in Columbia often enough that you will probably be able to catch them again very very soon. I hope to see you there!

Festival Leaves No One Feeling Blue

If you were one of the fortunate souls not to end up in Oxford, Mississippi, this weekend, and you didn’t attend the first annual Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival in downtown Columbia this weekend, I truly feel sorry for you. Not because I don’t think that you have your own life, with your own agenda, trying to find yourself in this sea of black in gold. But I feel sorry for you because you could have taken the short 10-minute walk from your dorm and attend a free two-day music and barbecue festival with 8,000 of your new closest friends. But don’t worry for those of you who were sleeping by the pool or e-mailing your crazy Bio 1010 teacher, because I was there, and I’ll always have your back.
The air was filled with a rough mesquite scent that stung the nostrils, and instantly triggered memories of those amazing Fourth of July barbecues. Walking up to Jesse Hall, you can hear the faint murmur of music that grows stronger with each coming step. I walked passed Jesse Hall and saw one thing: people.
I saw all sorts of people. The sixty year-old Harley rider who refuses to shave his beard or wear anything else but a leather vest and chaps. The philosophy major who thinks he is the re-incarnation of Bob Marley looking for the tofu stand (he didn’t find it). I saw kids on leashes. I saw Matt Damon (I swear I did). I saw everyone from 8 weeks old to people that looked as though they were just passing the time between Bingo games at their local “Over 90 and Lovin’ It” club. I saw hippies. I saw cowboys. I saw big people. Then I saw even bigger people. I saw mullets. I saw dreadlocks. I saw a braided beard. I saw sober people. I saw some not so sober people. I saw fat babies. I saw cute babies. And yes, I saw some ugly babies. But they were all there for one purpose: to enjoy some good food, good music, and everyone else invited to this party.
While the music was the center of this festival, it was the people and the venders that made this event possible (and possibly a huge sponsor, like Boone County National Bank, just to throw that out there). There was the Jamaican Jerk Chicken stand blasting the reggae music from 11am to 11pm, who looked as though they couldn’t be having a better time. It also helped that they has a constant line of at least 20 people with their cash out. Right next to them there was the two sisters and their brother, none older than the age of 12, who were seriously HUSTLING people at their kettle corn stand. If you went a little further down the road, you would see one of the cowboy hat stands that was run by ma and pop, only ma and pop looked as though they sold hats to John Wayne and were strangely recalling the days “when all of this was dirt.” I’m kidding, but these were some old people! More power to them, though.
This atmosphere was perfect for the culminating event at 8th and Broadway on the Boone County National Bank Stage. As the sun was setting, everyone gravitated toward the stage to see the final act in the inaugural festival. However, they were beaten to the punch by all the elderly Missourians who had made a weekend out of this event and who had been camped out there since noon with their fold out camping chars and coolers. As the sun began to set, the energy began to rise and the crowd started to form around the old folks in their sitting section. Looking through the crowd, it was awesome to see everyone coming together as a community, young and old alike.
Then 9 pm hit.
The scheduled act was Taj Mahal, a blues musician who has two Grammy Awards to his name and has been releasing albums since 1968 and has released 45 more albums since then. He was the last of the 30 nationally known acts to perform, and boy did they save the best for last.
Taj Mahal took the stage with his bassist and drummer. And in blues music, that’s about as complicated as it gets. It was evident that this wasn’t his first show, but this veteran of blues music brought the same amount of energy and emotion that he did his first show. It just looked like the guy on the streetcorner was finally given a chance to perform, and Taj nailed it. I don’t think there was any part of the show where he wasn’t laughing or smiling. He could sing as soft as if he had just meditated for 30 minutes, or as rough as if he had just had his heart broken. No matter which way he sung, anyone could see and hear that he spoke from the soul and not only made you listen to his words, but feel them as well. He made me want to get a girlfriend, buy a dog, and get a guitar just so I could get heartbroken, ran away from, and get my guitar stolen JUST SO I COULD LEARN TO SING LIKE THAT.
Not only could Taj play guitar and sing with the best of them, he also took over electric organ and played as though he was born to do it. It was nice to watch someone with such passion for what he does, to the point where such raw emotion couldn’t be rehearsed. It was a perfect set, in the perfect setting, on an amazing night.
Those people in Mississippi had no idea what they had missed…


just for the record, i am not anti-elderly. it just seems that way.

"MOTIVES"...."LOYALTY AND BETRAYAL"...

The movie "Motives" which was made in 2004, is a movie about grudges and revenge. The movie stars actress Vivica A. Fox and actor Shemar Moore.

In the film Vivica A Fox, who plays Connie, is married to Shemar More,who plays Emery. Emery is a sucessful buisnessman in the city of Atlant, while Connie works for a childrens home. They were high school sweethearts and got married shortly after high school. The movie begins at the opening night of Emerys' newest restaraunt in Atlanta. That night Emery meets a young lady named Alana who is played by actress Golden Brooks. Later that night Emery and Alana went back to his car on the roof where she seduced him.

The next couple of days Emery and Alana would meet up to be together. To cover his tracks and not get caught with his wife he had his best friend from high school, and also the manager of is restaraunts call Connie and tell her that Emery was with him and they were doing buisness. This is when Connie began getting suspicious of Emerys' whereabouts and began to question him, and of course he lied.

About three weeks into their affair Emery had bought Alana an apartment and this is now where they met for their "dates". About after a week that this had been going on Alana sent Connie an e-mail with pictures of her and Emery "together". Connie then set up a lunch date with Alana. Alana told Connie that she was pregnant by Connie and she would leave town and not cause their family any more harm if she would give her money. Connie wrote her a check for $100.000. That evening Connie told her about the day and what she had learned and did, and then packed her bags and left Emery.

That night Emery went over to Alanas' apartment and demanded that she give the check back that Connie had written her. While Alana and Emery where arguing, Alanas ex-boyfriend walks in the apartment and him and Emery begin to fight. While all this commotion was going on Alana slips out the front door with the check. Waiting outside was Brandon, Emerys' restaurant manager. When Alana tries to run away he catches her and slits her throat. The police questioned both Emery and Alanas' ex-boyfriend. The police were clueless as to which one of the men commited the murder until the received the murder weapon from an anonymous person,which was later revealed that it was Brandon, Emerys'best friend. The murder weapon, which was a box cutter had Emerys' finger prints in it, and he was convicted of murder.

Brandon had been in love with Connie in high school and still held a grudge against Emery for that. He also was jealous that Emery got all the money and fame for owning the restaurants but he was the one who did all the work to keep the buisnesses up and running. Of course at the end Connie and Emery end up getting a divorce and her and Brandon get back together.. There is a sequel to this movie, but I believe that the first one is the best.

It's a really good movie, just kind of hard to follow...

"I pledge allegiance to the band..."

Another Jack Black and Mike White classic endeavor, “School of Rock” upholds standards previously set by “Orange County” and more recently reinstated by “Nacho Libre” for outright comedy with only a touch of perversion.

In the film Jack Black plays his signature character, the slacker, as Dewey Finn, a man grasping to the highlights of his youth. Once ejected from the band he formed, he’s forced to pursue monetary means elsewhere. Through pure coincidence and dumb luck, he takes a job intended for roommate and former band member Ned Schneebly (Mike White) as a substitute teacher at “the best elementary school in the state”, doing a job he hasn’t the qualifications nor the motivation to do.

Once enlightened of his class’s ability to play music, Dewey has an epiphany. As his way to “stick it to the man”, he manipulates the students to form a band under the pretense that it is something school-sanctioned. Despite his selfish intentions, he leads the kids along a path of self-discovery as Zach (Joey Gaydos Jr.) embraces his talent as a “shredder” and confronts his father about his dream and Summer (Miranda Cosgrove) funnels her brown-nosing tendencies into becoming the band manager.

Admirably, the movie takes the more believable route when it comes to the “Battle of the Bands” and Dewey’s band is not the victor but, as the audience is mostly composed of the student’s parents, they receive the call for an encore. The movie does have its feel-good ending however. Dewey scores his dream job teaching music, the band members being his primary pupils, and Ned abandons his traditional 9-5 ways by teaching the “beginning” class of four-year-olds- playing to the unbelievability of finding such talent in elementary school aged kids.

The immaturity of Dewey and the diversity of the students make the film easy for the younger members to relate to while the various allusions to 70’s rock bands, most notably AC/DC, and dry humor appeal to a more mature audience, making this a truly smart family film.

"Orange County" - "It's not just a place. It's a state of mind."

Writer Mike White’s satirical and clever comedy “Orange County” provides the daily-recommended amount of Vitamin C and fulfils the underlying message: “[Orange County is] not just a place. It’s a state of mind.”

Cookie-cutter “teen movie” characters such as Shawn Brumder (Colin Hanks), a surfer who retires from the waves to pursue his goal of getting into Stanford, and Lance Brumder (Jack Black), the underachiever and older brother of the family, both fuel the stereotypical scene of Orange County life.

Shawn’s struggle to escape day-to-day life and not end up like his deadbeat brother, Lance, is further complicated by an uncanny series of unfortunate events. After receiving his rejection letter from Stanford, Shawn’s world begins to crumble and everything that can go wrong does.

“Orange County” embodies the liveliness and comedic wit quintessential to any Jack Black movie; Colin Hanks, however, steals the spotlight delivering a performance reminiscent of his father’s (Tom Hanks) earlier comedic performances.

Hank’s performance, though not a hard role to fulfill, goes beyond a shallow feel-good movie, giving both his character and the plot a relatable vibe. Familiar feelings of angst and teenage stresses, such as getting into college and leaving home, are accompanied with dry humor, emphasizing paradoxical components and flaws in society today. As an aspiring writer, Hank’s character realizes his place in the plot and then creates his own ending.

Cameo performances from Chevy Chase, John Lithgow, Ben Stiller, and other “hall of fame comedians” appear throughout the film, supplying White’s comedic pursuit of irony with the humor and flair of an independent comedy that appeals to an adolescent and young adult audience.

Stylistic elements of the movie further create interest and continuity with music accompaniment and repetition. Crooked and unconventional camera angles are interspersed throughout, promoting a somewhat awkward way of looking at the world and employ a slight awkwardness associated with high school and coming of age.

More than anything, “Orange County” is witty, offering a few good laughs to an all too familiar situation.

Seventh Seal Movie Review

Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal reflects the existential concept of life and its futility. In Bergman’s film, we see his dissatisfaction with the manner in which God exposes himself and takes on this idea in a more literal sense. A knight, Antonius Block, returns home from the Crusades and discovers that Death has been following him along the journey. Throughout the film, we see Bergman’s argument concerning the presence of God (or shall I say lack of presence.)
The beginning of the film begins with a gloomy dim setting alongside the edge of an ocean; while on the beach Block challenges Death to spare his own life hoping to “cheat” the inevitability of death itself. Also, the narrator reads a passage from Revelations. Right away, we are given Bergman’s view of God’s existence in the lines “there was a silence in heaven about the space of half an hour”; God is alive but silent.
In the infamous reconciliation scene, Bergman reveals to the mysterious Death about his unwillingness to live and internal conflict regarding faithful knowledge. Block discusses his feeling of imprisonment in life which is reflected in the scenery of the black iron grille confessional. Death, appears similar to a priest in a dark hood, and betrays Block into confessing his thoughts and chess tactic. The viewer is shocked and upset knowing that there may be no hope for the knight.
This idea of hope presents itself in the family of performers. Mary, Joseph, and their baby son, are the only characters to escape Death. Joseph sees the knight physically playing chess with Death and due to the knight’s distraction is allowed time to escape. They watch the others walk into the distance alongside Death and viewers believe there is hopefulness for this family despite our lack of future knowledge.
The film does not solve the problem in which it provokes, but merely brings the problem into question. The audience knows that death is inevitable in the last few scenes at the knight’s castle including the dinner scene; only time and fate will tell. In the end, Block accepts the final outcome of the chess game and is defeated by Death.
Ingmar Bergman’s, The Seventh Seal, discusses the concept of God; which is people’s creation to push away their doubts about fear according the Block. Bergman brings up this conflict to further expand on his own insecurities. Although I liked the overall theme of this film, I’m not quite sure why Bergman changed Block’s view on God in the end. Why did Block beg for God’s mercy after losing the game? Also, what was the connection between the performers, Joseph and Mary to the real biblical family of Joseph and Mary? Did it real fit into Bergman’s skepticism about God?

*This movie is fairly boring. FYI.

Michael Bublé Brings Jazz & Blues Back in Perspective

The room is dark, the air is filled with smoke and rich perfume, and the candles glow just bright enough to make out the people sitting around the tables. But this is not the scene of some expensive restaurant or exclusive nightclub, as the man bursts his emotion through his saxophone and another follows with a deep and meditating voice, the life of jazz begins to unveil. The genre that was once popular so long ago is slowly emerging from dim-lighted rooms and gaining popularity once more.
In today’s music selection, hidden among alternative rock bands and countless rap artists, lays an album that brings back the days of Frank Sinatra. Blending both styles of old and new, Michael Bublé bridges the gap between soothing jazz and more contemporary pop vocals. In his recent album, Call Me Irresponsible; Bublé covers a wide range of styles adding blues, R&B, swing, and of course more jazz to his creative repertoire. “The Best is Yet to Come” opens the album with a simple rhythm but quickly transforms into a scene immersed in trumpet blasts and addicting drumbeats. But the energy doesn’t end at that song alone, it increases even more in “It Had Better Be Tonight” where the Italian language and Bublé’s didactic voice fuse together causing a dancing sensation hard to ignore. “I’m Your Man” and “Always on My Mind” are contrasting pieces that slow down the mood and introduce a sweeter and more soothing tempo. The single off his album, “Everything” showcases a sunny ballad that mixes a series of love metaphors with simple hums. Either rich with color and flare or mesmerized in soothing ballads and tranquil lyrics, Call Me Irresponsible is one of Bublé’s finest works.
A first listen to Michael Bublé and many would wonder if it were intended for a past decade, a decade filled with the sounds of jazz and blues. There would be trumpets, saxophones, and basses working together to create a sound bold enough to keep listeners alert yet also bringing peace of mind to those as well. Has society forgotten those days? With albums like Bublé’s, the genre has rejuvenated itself into today’s music venues. It has allowed both audiences’ young and old to appreciate the soulful melodies of Frank Sinatra and to remember a little bit of jazz along the way.