**Reading Diary 1**

Article #1 – (The New York Times)“Egypt Calls In Army as Protesters Rage” written by David D. Kirkpatrick & Alan Cowell

The first thing I noticed upon reading the lede of the story, was that although they alluded to what might be the cause of the protest; they never specifically state the “why” of the protests, not even in the secondary paragraph –that information doesn’t appear until the fourth paragraph down (which doesn’t follow the schematics of the inverted pyramid). To me that suggests, in most hard news story detailing current events, the writers expect the reader to have a bit of background as to what the situation is; which may be confusing to those who don’t.

Secondly, I observed that some of the strongest quotes and strands of information in the article were through secondary sources (A.P./Reuters, Al Jazeera, etc.), or anonymous sources just stated as “frustrated protester” or “angry Egyptian.” Considering the caliber of a newspaper such as The New York Times, I did find that the quotes didn’t seem as strong or connect as personally as it would have (to me), had they just simply given them a name, age, description of what they do; or just any other general information that may humanize them a bit more, to help the reader empathize with the struggles of these people. The only people named were all prominent figures of political and social status in Egyptian society; I think it would have made a heavier impact to showcase more of the actual everyday people, who are being strongly affected by the riot and the issue itself at large.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/29/world/middleeast/29unrest.html?_r=1&hp

Article #2 – (The Guardian) “Slackistan censorship means the future looks tight in Pakistan” written by Huma Quershi

This was a very light Feature Story regarding the censorship of a new teen film entitled “Slackistan”, written, directed by, and acted by all Pakistani citizens – but not allowed to be show in Pakistan itself. Firstly, I loved that the actual director of the film was the primary source for the story, as he not only had the first hand knowledge of the film’s topic and intention of statement; but he himself grew up and is from Pakistan. So he helped to aid the reader understand what possible motives the Pakistan Central Board of Film Censors had to warrant their decision (for the record – the issues were the teens saying “lesbian” “Taliban“, and drinking fake alcohol.)

Though this was not a political piece, it was more entertainment-driven; I appreciated that Ms. Quershi made an effort to intertwine details of the film, but also present the subtle political undertones, which have caused people to deem the movie as negatively influential, and not suitable for Pakistani youth.

Later on, she quotes a young audience member at a Q&A for the film, who posed a great debate point, suggesting that the young slackers in the film are just that because they do not have proper role models. The writer then goes on to agree with him and many fans of the movie alike, and share her opinions as to why; without forcing her thoughts down the reader’s throat. Throughout the article, I feel she maintained her stance as to why the decision to censor creativity in a land where it is needed most was wrong, without sacrificing her journalistic integrity.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2011/jan/26/slackistan-ban-pakistan-director

Article #3- (LA Times) “Charlie Sheen out of hospital, recovering from laughing too hard?” written by Christie D’Zruilla

Right away from reading the headline; the story not only captured my attention, but immediately set the tone making it pretty clear that this would be a story more poking fun at Mr. Sheen, instead of talking about the actual details that hospitalized him. And I was right.

Though the journalist may not have specifically made obscene comments, the article was riddled with snide remarks at Charlie Sheen, and obviously made an intention to help further slander his name. I believe this because aside from the obligatory clarification made by his publicist, the majority of the quotes were either from porn stars who allegedly had sex with Sheen, stating that they “couldn’t keep up with the party;” or from a talent agent who used a direct quote, but didn’t want their name used (Not for Attribution), who said he believed that he “will end up dead.” She would also back-handed comments in every other sentence. (Examples “…laughing too hard – at his own show perhaps?”, “ ‘..he might end up dead’, “sound familiar?”)

She then ended the article with a link to “an unsteady, vulgar” appearance he had made last month; further solidifying the propaganda she was employing to paint the worst possible picture of Charlie Sheen (as if anyone needs to add fuel to that fire).

All in all, though an interesting story no doubt; I feel she would have better served the public by trying to obtain more in-depth information as to why he might lashing out this way – maybe a psychiatrist’s point of view, other (legitimate) Hollywood players, or anyone who may provide more insight, instead of another drawn out, typical sex joke.

(**Side Note – Even look at words chosen to link the article – “Charlie Sheen/Hospital/Hernia/Porn/Alcohol/Drugs…it couldn’t have been made more apparent!)

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/01/charlie-sheen-hospital-hernia-porn-alcohol-drugs.html