The critic said that the main problem he has was with Sally Fields's character. She is a very irresponsible reporter and allows her feelings to get involved in her writing. The critic didn't find this part of the movie very realistic because this would never happen. He did enjoy Sally Fields and Paul Newman's performance because it was believable. He liked the character that Fields played and how she was a 'spunky' woman. Overall, the critic thought that the movie was good even though there were 'factual and ethical problems.'
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Absence of Malice
What did the critic dislike about the movie? What did he like about the movie? What is the movie about in general?
Monday, November 28, 2011
Hugo Grant, aggrieved parents of girl lead tabloid battle
By Henry Chu, Los Angeles Times, November 21, 2011
One of the biggest scandals going on in England right now is the cellphone hacking. Hugh Grant is a famous actor and being a celebrity comes with a price. His cellphone was recently hacked and there were pictures taken saying that he was cheating on his wife. While this is a small story, the hacking didn't stop there. Bob and Sally Dowler, a father and mother who sadly lost their teenage daughter. Detectives hacked the young girl's phone and listened and deleted voice messages. This led the parents to believe that their daughter was alive. Grant, decided to take this to another level. He has now become a spokesman for the anti-hacking campaign, to make sure that this won't happen to anyone else.
This is newsworthy because it is very important to know your rights. While this is going on in England now, this could easily be happening here in the US. With new technology comes, sadly enough, more problems. People should read this not just to see their rights, nit also because it is important to know what people can do. Grant started a campaign to stop this hacking going on.
"Cellphone Hacking in England"
Will "Hugo" lose the sprint but win the marathon?
By Steven Zeitchik, LA Times, November 28, 2011
With Thanksgiving over it is now time for Christmas. Christmas everything, from the food to the movies. There are many Christmas themed movies coming out, i.e. "Arthur Christmas" and "The Muppets". The newest movie, doesn't even hint at Christmas, is definitely a winner. I actually saw it yesterday morning with my dad, "Hugo" directed by Martin Scorsese is amazing. I am not trying to do a movie review here, but more of reporting how movies work, especially around this time. The article talks about how easy it is to make a Christmas movie, but making a movie that is different tends to do poorly. "Hugo" still has all of the qualities of a warm Christmas like movie, however it is unlike any other movie I have seen and it is in 3D. The movie is about a young orphan who loves tinkering around with clocks in France. He befriends a young girl, and starts to find out more about himself then he thought.
This is important because I never realized how movies work, and how important it is when the actual movie comes out. It makes sense thinking about it now, having holiday themed movies coming out around those holidays. The film industry is so huge that learning how it works is truly fascinating.
"Christmas Time, Without the Movie"
Monday, November 21, 2011
Norway: Hackers Steal Energy and Defense Secrets
By The Associated Press, November 17, 2011, The NY Times
Norway has been a target of hacking for a while now. The Norwegian National Security Authority said that the hacker had stolen information about the oil, energy, and defense industries. All of this information has been spread online. The NNSA said that this has happened before with at least 10 attacks in just the past year. Unfortunately the real number of hackers could be higher, just not reported.
This is newsworthy because it shows how hacking is something that is an international problem. I never realized that hacking could be so bad and how an entire county's national security could be at stake.
More Hacking in Norway
Wocka, Wocka, Wocka! Muppet Antics Resume
By Brooks Barnes, November 16, 2011, The NY Times
When Disney makes movies the team of employees and creators take everything into consideration. This means the way the characters look, the colors they are, the type of cartoon, if it will be able to be for both boys and girls, if mothers from all over will approve, and if and when it is created into a toy can it fit on a shelf properly. With all of this it is shocking that the lovable Jim Henson creation, "The Muppets" has come back. A muppet is merely a puppet; this means that there is no special effects or CGI. There are strings and people with puppets walking around under the stage. The Muppets include (but are not limited to) Kermit the Frog, Miss. Piggy, Sam the Eagle, Fozzie Bear, Scooter, Gonzo, the Swedish Chef, and of course the grumpiest old men 'alive' Statler and Waldorf. However, now there is a new muppet in town. his name is Walter. He represents the 'innocence and enthusiasm' inside of everyone. It also helps that he is a 'hard-core muppet fan and wants to know what the hell happened to them.'
This is a newsworthy article because it just shows how far Disney has come and the muppets. The muppets began in the 70s with Jim Henson. Over the years, Henson has died, and for a while his humorous puppets did too. Now they are back with the help of muppet fanatic actor, Jason Segel. The movie comes out Thanksgiving Day.
Guess Who Is Back?!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Ethics
Can breaking the law to break a story ever be justified? Why or why not? Any examples?
Breaking the law can be justified depending on the story. I think that if the story dealt with a murder or safety of someone then it is definitely deemed appropriate to do whatever is necessary. With the law there is always a fine line between legal and essential. If a journalist were undercover and ended up identifying a serial killer because she broke into someone's house- well then it is okay that she did it. I am not sure of these circumstances but it is just an example. Finding out the murderer would be more important than how it was uncovered. Sometimes, the law just needs to be broken.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Man Charged in Bomb Plot in Germany
By The Associated Press, November 10, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/11/nyregion/al-qaeda-suspect-indicted-in-new-york-on-terrorism-charges.html?_r=1&ref=europe
Abdeladim El-Kebir was indicated in New York for plotting bombings in Germany. While there is no real explanation as to why he is in NY now, he remains there. Kebir is twenty-nine years old and is a member of Al Qaeda. In April he was arrested with two other men because of plotting such acts of terrorism. He had actually lived in Germany on a student visa for quite some time but then left and went back to Germany illegally. I never would have known about this if I didn't read the World section of the NY Times. This is scary to read especially because the article doesn't even share why he was trying to do this, except for the fact that he is a member of Al Qaeda. Honestly, I feel very sheltered when it comes to mentioning Al Qaeda, whether it be on the news or just hearing people talking about it. This type of news is very uncomfortable to read, but it is still extremely important to know about.
"Al Qaeda Bomb Plot in Germany"
'Standing on Ceremony'
By Charles Isherwood, The NY Times, November 13, 2011
"Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays" is all about well... gay marriages. Now in the year 2011, it is about time Gay Marriage be legal, in some states. I understand that it is definitely going to take some more time for the Bible Belt states. The play which is now at the Minetta Lane Theater shares short monologues about same-sex marriages. There are many different backgrounds and religions represented in the play. The play is also very interactive with the audience. This is supposed to lift spirits up for homo- and heterosexuals out there. To me, this is very important because I am a supporter of equal rights and that includes marrying whomever you would like, whether it be a man or a woman.
Is this newsworthy? Well I think that on one level it is. For a conservative country to become more liberal with the laws of marriage is surprising and amazing at the same time. There is not reason why other states shouldn't follow suit. As for the play, it is just something to see to understand what people were going through and knowing that there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
'A Play About Gay'
Monday, November 7, 2011
Britain to Abolish Rule of Male Succession to Throne
By Henry Chu, October 28, 2011, LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-britain-royal-succession-20111029,0,857746.story
For years and years, actually centuries is more like it, Britain has been ruled by men, before giving a woman the throne. Take a look at King Henry the Eight, while is is known to have had many wives, he also had some children. When he finally had a son, that son was given the throne, even though he had two older sisters who were more capable. It was when the son died that his sisters were able to take the throne, the second being the infamous Queen Elizabeth. Leaders are now saying that 'a firstborn daughter out to be able to ascend the throne even if she has younger brothers.' This is a huge deal and a relief for Prince William and Duchess Catherine because now they no longer have the pressures of producing a male heir.
This article just shows how far of a country England has become. Breaking tradition is always important, for the good or the bad, it can't be ignored. Think about this, Ireland has female presidents, and we, the USA, have an African American one. Change is for the better in the grand scheme of things. So I say, good for England! And it's about time!
Ladies Will Rule
Real People, Fake Tans, True-ish Stories
By Mike Hale, November 6,2011, The NY Times
How much reality television is enough? I am already slowly getting back into my normal routine because of the Kardashian divorce and now there is yet another show. The British show titled, "The Only Way is Essex" is about a group of young-ish models and their daily lives. The concept seems to be a been there done that, but it is currently airing its third season. The reality show takes place in Essex County near London. While the show doesn't air in America, it is available on Hulu.com. The shows many highlights include (but are n0t limited to) "cosmetics, tattoos, jewelry, clothes, cars and Champagne."
Is this newsworthy? Of course not! However, I think it is interesting how increasingly popular reality television as become. It has gone from a guilty pleasure (there is no way I am telling people I too watch Jersey Shore) to a part of the week (OMG did you see Snooki with Vinny?) Just thinking outloud, if reality television is so popular now, what will become of scripted sitcoms, dramas and other shows? Will we ever have reality movies? Who is watching them? (I probably will... but don't tell.)
Reality is the Way to Be
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Boy Is Rescued 5 Days After Earthquake in Turkey
By Sebnem Arsu, The NY Times, October 28,2011
Did you know that there was an earthquake in Istanbul, Turkey? I didn't know this. I think I should pay attention to the news more often. There were 570 deaths and 2,500 injured. Then there was thirteen year old Serhat Tokay. He was stuck under the rubble and debris from the powerful earthquake for 5 days. Turns out, by some miracle, he was only slightly injured, though he understandably asked for food and water. The earthquake was a 7.2 on the Richter scale. Housing supplies are coming in from England, Ireland, and Japan and many organizations are helping out with the aftermath.
This just makes me realize more of what is going on in the world. It is really amazing. However, what is even better is that all of these other countries are helping out Turkey in its time of need. This is newsworthy because it is imperative to know what is going on not just in your country but in others as well.
Boy Survives Earthquake
Marriage May End; Wedding Went On
By Brian Stelter, The NY Times, November 1, 2011
If anyone is like me, then they watched "Kim's Fairytale Wedding". With that said, if anyone is like me, then they also cried, but not for the reasons you may think. Kim Kardashian married Kris Humphries (annoying enough because her mother's name is also Kris) and the E! special is still playing. I have seen it, actually I spent an entire Saturday with my father watching it. The whole time he kept saying, "This is ridiculous." I kept thinking it was beautiful. Her ten million dollar wedding was far from simple. It is said that more than 4.2 million viewers who tuned in October 9th and 10th. Now that they are getting a divorce, everyone is in shock, while if you are like me, you are in disgust.
It is hard to believe just how much press this has been getting, and how much it will be getting within this month alone. Kardashian is going to make millions on interviews, pictures, and information that she gives to news sources. While Kardashian has been claiming that the marriage was pure and true, I have my doubts that after 72 days of marriage, the couple made it it officially over.
Is this newsworthy? No. Is it an interesting feature? No. However, people love this, people all around the country eat this up. We, including myself, love to know more and more about the messed up and fabulous Kardashian family.
Kicking Kris to the Kurb
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