Roxana Saberi

Roxana Saberi may be known now for the cruel imprisonment she is enduring but life was not always this way for her. Saberi was born in North Dakota to an Iranian mother and Japanese father. She graduated high school with honors and then went on to major in Communication and French at Concordia College in Minnesota. In 1997, Saberi was chosen Miss North Dakota, later placing in the top ten for Miss America. She then went on to receive a Master’s Degree from Northwestern University in Broadcast Journalism and a second Master’s Degree in International Relations from Cambridge University. She began working as a freelance journalist and in 2003 moved to Iran and promptly opened a news bureau for Feature Story News. Her press credentials were removed in 2006 but she went on to prepare to write a book and occasionally reported for NPR and ABC Radio.

That changed in February 2009 when she was arrested, originally for buying bottle of wine, which is taboo under Islamic laws. She was then charged with reporting without press credentials. On April 8, 2009 she was charged with espionage and given an eight-year prison sentence, leading to her current incarceration. There seemed to be little hope for the situation to improve until it was announced that she would be allowed to appeal and then that Iran’s judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi had called for there to be a full investigation into her case. This unexpected move is likely due to the attention given to her situation by people around the world.

This is a very rare move to be made but many believe that it is due to the attempts to create a dialogue between Iran and America, which may have been tried if they had continued to hold her prisoner without allowing her to appeal. The reactions of Americans who are central to our government, such as Hillary Clinton who has reportedly called for Saberi’s immediate release, probably greatly influenced Shahroudi to order the investigation. Along with Clinton, groups such as Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists and UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc have also followed her experience closely. They are likely at least marginally happy with her having been allowed to see her parents for the first time since she was sentenced and she is reported to be doing well given the circumstances. Situations similar to this one are not uncommon and journalists must always risk becoming the next Roxana Saberi.

For journalists in countries other than Iran, the risk of being arrested for espionage is still a very real one. They could easily be arrested and be imprisoned for an extended amount of time but for them, they may not be given the chance to appeal or to have a full investigation. Many countries would not give them those opportunities as it is only due to very rare circumstances that Iran gave Saberi them. Journalists are able to travel around the world to report the news to people worldwide but they are often prohibited from reporting information that the country does not approve of being released. Countries can also, clearly, arrest journalists and hold them for spying or for leaking information they did not want reported. The cost of reporting the facts can be substantial but many feel that it is their duty to show people what is truly happening in the world; uncovering faults and injustices despite the risks involved. They are aware that they could be arrested or killed but they continue to report because they feel that it is their calling. It is unknown whether Saberi will continue to report after she is released from her confinement but it can be assumed that many would like her to continue what she has been doing so well for so long.

5Ws and an H

1. Barbie at 50
Who?: Barbie and marketer Mattel
What?: Is celebrating the 50th "birthday" of the doll
Where?: Worldwide
When?: March 9th is the official date of her birthday but anniversary dolls have been released prior to the date
Why?: Barbie has been around as a favorite toy to millions for 50 years and has sparked the creativity of children everywhere
How?: She has withstood changing times but changing along with them: dumping Ken in 2004, having over 108 different jobs and celebrating other ways of life.

2. Stem Cell Executive Order
Who?: President Obama
What?: wrote an executive order removing the restrictions placed on stem cell research by President Bush
Where?: the United States
When?: March 9, 2009
Why?: It had been a campaign promise that something would be done. the cells have the potential to cure diseases
How?: The executive order removes the restrictions, thereby allowing scientists to do much more with the cells than ever before.

3. Morgan Tsvangirai accident
Who?: Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai
What?: was injured in a car crash and his wife was killed
Where?: near the capital of Zimbabwe
When?: Friday March 6, 2009 when he was traveling to a rally
Why?: because car crashes are dangerous
How?: his car sideswiped a truck

4. Pope’s Middle East Tour
Who?: Pope Benedict XVI
What?: to visit Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories
Where?: Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories
When?: May 8-15
Why?: a pope has not visited there since Pope John Paul II in 2000
How?: by plane

5. Michael Jackson “curtain call”
Who?: Michael Jackson
What?: will perform 10 final concerts in London
Where?: London
When?: July
Why?: he's reclusive
How?: it was announced at the O2 Arena in front of fans and the media

saddle creek

One-Dollar CD Download
By Allie Fernandes
Everyone knows you have to pay for music downloads if you want them the legal way these days but one label is changing that a bit. Nebraska indie record label Saddle Creek began selling downloads of the band Cursive’s newest CD, Mama, I’m Swollen, the Monday before it’s release date, March 10th. The amazing thing about the deal is that on the Monday it began, the price to download the entire album was only $1. Everyday after that point the price increased by one dollar until it reached the final price of $10 on its release date.
This unconventional method to selling downloads has been accepted well by Cursive’s fans that had already been anticipating the Nebraska band’s 7th studio album. Their previous album, Happy Hollow, received a perfect 5 out of 5 star rating by Alternative Press magazine when it came out in 2006 and rave reviews fro other critics. Since then, the band has changed drummers, thus giving them a slightly different sound. Fans have been awaiting the release of the album so that they would be able to hear the new sound and have something new from the band that they have not heard from in a while.
This type of album release may be one that only exists for indie labels such as Saddle Creek but one must wonder if it could spread. If the bands and labels are willing, other albums may begin to release their albums in similar fashions. It is a bit of a stretch but the idea of any artist beginning this type of bartering is one that people who would rather not spend a lot of money but want legal downloads can hope for. Albums for $1 may not be the most common way to sell music but, if we are lucky enough, may begin to happen more often.

Selling His Soul or Selling His Art?

Salvador Dali is best known for a picture featuring melting clocks. Da Vinci is known for the Mona Lisa. Shepard Fairey, however, known for a picture of Andre the Giant. What was once seen as graffiti has since become a well-known piece of art. This has lead to both good things and bad things for Fairey. There is now an art exhibition in Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art featuring his work and he is the creator of the Obama “HOPE” posters. Such things are miraculous considering Fairey’s past.

Fairey is in essence a street artist. His “Obey Giant” campaign grew through the creation of stickers, posters and “graffiti” featuring the face and, later on, the word “OBEY”. The face can still be seen around Boston and Providence along with many other cities. Such debauchery is often punished as Fairey has found out the hard way several times. He has been arrested a whopping 14 times. His artistic bad-boy quality has lead to his large following of fans and the constant reproduction of his images.

This type of activity very rarely leads to commercial success but then again, very few street artists have produced a piece of art as well known as his face of Andre the Giant. Fairey has crossed over into the realm of the mainstream art in that he now has his ICA show. He also has his own clothing line and has been thanked publicly by the President for having created the posters now associated with the ‘09 election and for the support that he has shown. There is an entire website dedicated to buying his merchandise. Some fans of Fairey worry that he is going to far.

Its debated about whether Fairey has done what fans dread, sold out to the masses. They fear that he has lost his edge in return for the public’s applause and for art shows such as the ICA’s. The art has surely not suffered from this but the creation of a clothing line is a bit far from where Fairey began, creating stickers and using stencils to make people think. Others may argue that his track record with the police is proof that he would never let fame change him or his art. One thing is for sure, for someone who has been arrested 14 times for graffiti, Shepard Fairey has come a long way.

blink182 article

BLINK IS BACK
By Allie Fernandes
So by now it is likely old news that blink182 presented an award at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards Ceremony on March 8th. It was the first time that the trio has shared a stage since they last toured in late 2004. Months after their tour ended the band announced to their fans that they would be entering a new area for the band: indefinite hiatus. All of that was ended at the Grammy’s.
Back in 2004, fans were understandably upset to find out that the band would not be recording or touring again for some time, if ever. Formed in 1992, the pop-punk band has gained millions of fans by using a mix of simple melodies, humor and angst that fans loved. They had several hit singles through their years together such as “What’s My Age Again?,” “the Rock Show,” and “I Miss You”. During their 12 years together, blink (as they are often called) released 5 studio albums to much acclaim. Then what was seen by many to be the worst thing imaginable happened, they announced to fans that they were taking a break.
While on break, the members of blink182 have gone on to form new bands. Guitarist Tom Delonge started Angels and Airwaves while bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker created the band Plus 44.
Years have passed and a hope of the band reuniting has dwindled for many. That is, until now. The announcement that they will present at the Grammy’s sparked rumors of the trio planning on touring again or even that a new studio album may be in the works. Then finally, after years of waiting, at the Grammy’s the band confirmed all of the rumors. They have reunited after an almost 5 year hiatus. Blink is back my friends. Blink is back.

Midterm essay

Allie Fernandes
Mr. Twining
Journalism A6
23 January 2009
High Stake Journalism
Journalism is one of the most important and most dangerous careers a person could consider. They put their lives at risk to report truths that others may not want released. They are often threatened, killed or imprisoned while trying to do just that. Some places in the world are more hostile towards journalists than other places, based on the type of government or the type of news reported there. Journalists and their crews are fearless enough to go into war zones or to criticize governments, knowing fully well that they may die or be sent to prison if discovered. Journalists are often killed or imprisoned for doing their job of telling the absolute truth.
As of December 1, 2008, 125 journalists were imprisoned worldwide. The country with the highest total of imprisoned journalists is China with a shocking 28 imprisoned journalists. The longest serving of these journalists is Lin Youping who, along with Chen Renjie and Chen Biling, wrote and published the Ziyou Bao (Freedom Report). Three hundred of these pamphlets were passed out in fall of 1982. Less than a year later they were arrested for publishing something that was said to be counterrevolutionary. Biling was sentenced to death while the other two were sentenced to life in prison. It is said that Renjie has been released but there is little else to be found about him or Youping. In 2000, a freelance journalist by the name of Xu Zerong was imprisoned in China and given 13 years. He is said to have leaked official state records but it is believed by many that his only crime was in revealing the Chinese Communist Party’s support for a Malaysian insurgency; an act warranted by his career choice. In a Communist country such as China, the risks taken by journalists to inform the masses is dangerous in that it often leads to imprisonment or death.
Although it has been less than a month from the start of 2009, a journalist has already been killed in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. A 22-year-old cameraman for the Palestinian Media and Communication Company named Basil Ibrahim Faraj and his four-person crew had just finished shooting an interview near Al-Wa’d Association for Prisoners when the building was attacked. Faraj was fatally wounded when shrapnel and debris hit him during the attack on Gaza. The other three members of the crew were injured but managed to survive. They had been on assignment when they conducted the interview. Despite the few journalists actually killed, it is highly likely that there have been other close calls such as those for the crew of Faraj who were wounded by the shrapnel. The violence in Gaza makes reporting the news there incredibly dangerous for the journalists trying to report it.
Russia has been known to react to journalists in a very hostile manner. They often limit the publication of any party other than United Russia. By the end of 2008, Putin’s government also had at least three journalists imprisoned for criticizing the government. Two other journalists known to criticize Putin had also mysteriously committed suicide though it is doubtful that that is truly the case. Numerous groups or media outlets against the government have been closed entirely by Putin’s government. Many journalists gave into the pressure and simply began to report things better reacted to by the Russian government but those who did not have had to suffer the consequences. In a high-profile case, three well known journalists were murdered in for being a part of a publication known for its independent reporting. Any type of critique on government can lead to the journalist’s death or imprisonment in Russia.
Communist countries and war zones are not the only places where journalists face problems. While it is not as common an occurrence as in other parts of the world, here in the United States journalists have been threatened and attacked for reporting the news. Chauncey Bailey, editor-in-chief of the Oakland Post was shot and killed in 2007. Bailey was targeted after he investigated reports of illegal activity from a local business. In the United States, it is often said that the media is the fourth branch of government because it keeps the other three branches in line. Leonard Pitts Jr. of the Miami Herald tried to keep the media itself in line by writing an article about media bias, leading to phone calls threatening his life. If a journalist does not reveal their source, they can also go to jail, a common occurrence and one well known by those who followed the case of Jim Taricani, a Providence reporter given six months of home confinement for not divulging his source. While it may not be as physically dangerous to report the news in the United States, it is still a risky environment in which to report the news.
Journalists are an indispensable part of society and they take the responsibility of their jobs seriously. Journalists have the responsibility to report the news and many do so even when it places their lives in peril. They defy those who wish for the information to remain private and inform people everywhere of what is truly occurring in the world. There are many places where the government attempts to silence the journalists due to the negative light they may then be seen in based on the reports. Journalists risk everything to report the news the way it should be reported and for that they should be commended.

every article i forgot to post here.....

Biffy Clyro (11/12/08)
By Allie FernandesBored of even your newest play list? Wish someone would simply tell you a good band that you could try out listening to, even if it is just so you do not end up listening to the same Cobra Starship songs for the 7823472384th time? Well, meet: Biffy Clyro.
Biffy Clyro is a rock band from Ayrshire, Scotland, formed in 1995. Known for their heavy, yet melodic sound and complex, interwoven guitar riffs, the band is very different than many popular bands of today. All three members sing at some point, creating even more of unique sound. They released their first album, Blackened Sky, in 2002 to positive reviews. Their follow-up album, the Vertigo of Bliss, was released in 2003 to reviews praising the more experimental sound. Five years and two CDs later the band is still at it, planning on releasing their new album in 2009.
Biffy's sound has often been compared to that of Nirvana, the Pixies and Fugazi. That being said, the members themselves often cite Metallica and Rush as some of their biggest influences. They also have been reported as listening to the emo legends, Sunny Day Real Estate and Mineral and a band that they once supported onstage, Weezer.
If you think Biffy Clyro is a band that you might like, is my recommendation that you try listening to "Justboy" or "Joy. Discovery. Invention" from their debut album. Then I would suggest "Machines" off of their fourth album, Puzzle. Finally, I would suggest my favorite song by them that I have heard, "Mountains" which if the single for their upcoming release. All in all, Biffy Clyro is a band that you want to give a shot.

Alone II (11/24/08)
By Allie FernandesTuesday November 25, 2008 may not seem that important to most people music-wise but for some fans, it could be potentially epic. November 25th is the release date for Rivers Cuomo's second compilation album, Alone II: the Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo. It is the sequel to 2007's Alone: the Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo. I know what your now thinking, who is Rivers Cuomo and why are the names of his albums so pathetic? Well to understand the second, you first need to know the first.
Rivers Cuomo, for those who do not know, is the lead singer of popular rock band Weezer. The band, which was formed in 1992, has released six albums during their time together. Three of their albums have been named "Weezer" and referred to as the "blue album", the "green album", and the "red album", based on the cover of the album in question. He is known to have accumulated recordings throughout his life. The recordings range from old Weezer demos to songs he created with earlier bands to songs he simply recorded on his own. It is said that he has nearly 800 unreleased songs in his collection.
Cuomo's newest album is his way of releasing some of the better ones to the public. There are 19 new tracks on the album and it would be difficult to doubt that other CDs of similar nature will be released in the future. I would recommend the album to anyone who listens to Weezer or bands similar to them. Even listeners not normally fans of their style of music may like Cuomo's newest release in that it spans a great deal of time in the creation and is almost guaranteed to have an eclectic mix of songs. Alone II is an album any Weezer fan needs to have in their library.

A Cumberland High Christmas! (Not really though) (12/8/08)
By Allie Fernandes
Out of all of the movies, the shows, and the specials, the first one to come to mind when you tell me Christmas is coming is easily "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (a close second being the Chanukah episode of Rugrats… you just had to love it). Although it came out in 1965, the classic is aired multiple times around the holiday season. The special started the entire series of movies based off the Peanuts comic strip including "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown".
As in all Charlie Brown specials, he is underappreciated by his peers and feels depressed by what surrounds him. He has received no Christmas cards and been talked into directing the nativity play. Everywhere he seems to go he finds himself witnessing the commercialism of Christmas taking the attention away from the true meaning of Christmas, which everyone else seems to have forgotten. His friends want the play to be more modern, complete with dancing and jazzier music but Charlie remains faithful to the traditional story and then sets out with Linus to find a Christmas tree in order to set the right mood. They then proceed to get the now famous, small baby tree, which is the only real tree on the entire lot. When he returns to the school for rehearsal, he is admonished for having picked a "pathetic" tree. He then begins to wonder if everyone else knows the meaning of Christmas and he was wrong all along until Linus, quoting the bible, tells Charlie that he was indeed correct. Charlie then, happy that he now knows that he is not alone, attempts to decorate the tree but soon believes he has killed it. His friends then, having realized they were too hard on him, decorate the tree and surprise him, showing him that they too know the true meaning of Christmas.
This feel good classic is sure to be loved by people of any age. From the now signature style in which the lines were delivered due to the young casts illiteracy to the message behind the entire program. Everyone can appreciate something teaching the importance of being kind to one another delivered in a cute, animated package. The special is to air next at 8pm on Tuesday December 16 on ABC Family. It is also available for purchase on DVD.

The Best and the Worst of Comedy TV this Year (12/16/08)

By Allie Fernandes

So there is a good chance that you have seen top 10 and worst 10 lists a lot the past week or so considering the year is beginning to draw to a close. Rolling Stone has released their list of the 50 best albums, 100 best singles, and the best movies. This list is a bit different. It is a list of the funniest three shows based on the most recent season this year.

THE BEST:

3. The Colbert Report: Although it is technically not run in seasons, the past few months of Steven Colbert's news show on Comedy Central has been hilarious. Between "humbling Kanye", having his own Christmas Special and delivering the news as only he can, the Colbert Report is easily one of the best shows on TV. The Colbert Report airs Monday through Friday on Comedy Central at 11:30pm and is re-aired multiple times the following day.

2. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Possibly the most underrated show on the list, FX's It's Always Sunny has had a phenomenal season. If you enjoy laughing at horrible people in the most absurd situations, you will love this show. Episodes based around the solving of the gas crisis, two characters faking their deaths and a musical based upon a fictional character created within the show. Sadly, the season is over so fans only have the DVDs to watch until they return with a new season on FX, Thursdays at 10pm.

1. Family Guy: Everyone has seen this show at some point in time but the current season is possibly my favorite so far. This show has gone there more than ever before with episodes based in Nazi Germany, and jokes about everything from Horton Hears a Who to Aquaman. Family Guy has very much returned to their prime with writing and has once again become one of the best comedies on TV. Family Guy can be seen Sundays at 9pm on Fox and then multiple times throughout the week on TBS and Fox, as well as on DVD.

5Ws and an H

1. who: Jett Travolta, actor John Travolta's 16year old son
what: died
where: in their vacation home in Grand Bahama
when: last week while the family was on vacation
Why: ...I suppose it was his time.....
How: it is believed that he had a seizure and may have hit his head on the bathtub. Jett was known to have had Kawasaki disease since his early childhood.

2. Who: comedian, writer, liberal comentator and politician: Al Franken
What: may have won the Minnesota US Senate seat
Where: Minnesota
When: on January 5th he was said to be leading by 225 votes in the recount
Why: they had to recount all of the votes because he and his competitor Norm Coleman were only separated by less than .5% which, under a Minnesota law, requires there to be a recount
How: people count every ballot by hand, only counting ones that meet the standards they have set

3. Who: JK Rowling
What: in attempts to keep up Potter hype, has released another book, The Tales of Beatle the Bard which is mentioned in the final Harry Potter book
Where: everywhere
When: it was released December 4, 2008
Why: JK Rowling is known for Harry Potter and people will still read what she writes if it is Harry Potter so it's a fairly safe book idea
How: by writing it and then having it published

4. Who: CNN's correspondant and neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta
What: was elected by Barack Obama for the position of surgeon general
Where: the United States
When: January 6, 2009 CNN announced he had been elected
Why: after a 2 hour meeting in November, Obama felt he was the best candidate
How: Obama elected him

5. Who: Steve Jobs
What: wrote a letter to the Apple Community explaining his weight loss and decision to not be the one to deliver the Macworld keynote
Where: from his office possibly
When: January 5, 2009
Why: it has been rumored that he is on his deathbed when in reality he had a hormone imbalance which caused him to lose weight quickly and is now being treated for it
How: through his Macbook and apple online