Sunday 30 March 2008

CSS style sheet

CSS Style Sheet is the essential tool for web design, it's like the main structure with a web, as long as a web designer understand CSS Style Sheet, he/she can complete the whole web site.

Learning CSS Style Sheet

In David's Class, we used one morning, more precisely, we used 4 hours around to learn CSS Style Sheet.

Most of the students in class aren't familiar with CSS Style Sheet, but the module requires us to understand this roughly in a couple of hours.

To be honestly, I remembered I spent several times after class to practise CSS Style Sheet, every time I spent couple of hours, so several times altogether should be more than 20 hours.

I think to understand CSS Style Sheet is more than important to remember the process.

In fact, the more I immerse myself in Dreamweaver, the more I discovered that if you understand what this particular language is talking about, it isn't difficult to remember it, because it comes naturally.

If you don't understand

I always got stuck during practice, and the troubles're spreaded into different procedures. I realise that computer language is the same as other languages.

If you practise more of this kind of programme, you will be very quickly to grab the tool.

For instance, it's like if you practise more about a particular composer's music pieces, like Mozart, Beethoven, you'll understand what kind of character/style this particular musician possesses.

So in this case, knowing a range of softwares, such as Photoshop,Indesign,Final Cut Pro, etc, these all will help to understand Dreamweaver.

My online report

the report I write to David about my online learning, I'm kind of saying learning CSS in one morning isn't enough.

Indeed what I mean is if he could spend more time to explain other things, such as creating flash button/text/formatting text etc, that will be great.

To create a website, the web design is essential, if the course contribute more training about design, that will be more helpful.

Making Flash Video, Problematic!!

One procedure is wrong, the whole process is ruined, probablly now I understand why people spend couple and couple of hours in front of computer! my past years are rarely having such kind of experience!

Don't be afraid to change your direction in life (Fortune Cookies). the saying is fit my brief here.


Asking help from friends

I called Chris and Laura during my uploading. God, where's the problem, tried so many times, what the hell, why the video isn't come out?

Anyway, I have to solve the problem, Chris and Laura should be very familiar with the process, really need help from friends.

Both of them are podcaster in our websites, londonAlternative and LondonOutLoud Alternatively.

Problem Solving Process

Oh, I see!! here is the reason why I can't upload my video. Before inserting flash video into dreamweaver, I need to produce two files from flash, one is fla, the other is flv.

The one to upload is flv. So during producing flash video process, I need to go to Stream From Flash Video Streaming Service. then after couple of "Next", the consequence will be coming out 2 files, one is fla, the other is flv.

Again meeting trouble

I just feel the problem will be solved finally, can't imagine that after inserting flash video into dreamweaver, the video still didn't come out.

Only couple of days later, I realised the process is absolutely right after Laura's instruction, just because my pc is blocked all of the strange elements, so I just need to close the block.

Tuesday 25 March 2008

Do Journalists Need to be multi-skilled?!?

Today in David's class, he throw out a question to us that do journalist need to be multi-skilled.

Such as understanding CSS, podcast, flash etc, or we journalists just need to know how to write?

Seems quite a hot issue among media industry recently, even within academic world.

Different academias possesses different opinions. Professional journalists, journalism students all have their own views.


What do I think?

I personally agree with David's opinion, if journalists understand web, understand CSS, and flash etc, the media industry will function more efficient.

It's like an individual journalist possesses a range of skills, and you just pick it up whenever you need it.

Media industry'll become more and more competitive if journalists aware that they all need to understand these technologies.

But obviously the whole journalism field will be more advanced.

Do my opinion count? So what the real professional say?

Got an chance to inquire BBC London managing director about does journalists need to possesses all of these skills?

His answer is definitely yes!

Indeed he explain that BBC London require all journalist at least have basic understanding of web, of different kinds of technologies, and not only write for paper, making stories for TV/Radio.

Nowadays, Online is same important as other media outlets, such as TV/Radio.

Thanks for David and my sensitivity

Recently I read an article about Apple prents David as "One Man Hurricane".

He's a crazy man.

But thanks for his Hurricane, otherwise I'm still unawarely enjoying sunshine somewhere in this world.

As well, my sensitivity helps, for creation and innovation.

St Patrick's Day Podcast




Filming: Yixiang Zeng, Daria Koshkava

Editing: Yixiang Zeng

Music: Daria Koshkava

Monday 24 March 2008

Sunday 23 March 2008

Young Chinese Hit the Edge of the New Era


China as the rising dragon from westerner's eyes, open market economy, upcoming Beijing Oympic, newly developed technology. All of the signs are displaying westerners a flourishing new China.

Yesterday having a Chinese friends gathering at a well decorated Iranian restaurant, a few thoughts want to share with you.

Friends gathering

I got to know these guys(three young Chinese guy, Keiven, Eric, and Addison through one of my high school class fellows.

Whom I also filmed as the main character in my TV documentary -- China Generation Next -- Lucy.

In a few months times' herself will be a young master graduate from Imperial College, London.

During yesterday's gathering, I found out Keiven, Eric, and Addison, these young, posh, but very well-eduated Chinese're so passionate in discussing their new ideas.

Such as doing business in the field of environmentalism.

Heard from Lucy that three of them're more or less having sientific background, soon will be holding their master degrees such as civil engeering, bio-chemistry.

One of them even already started his PhD in the field of electronic and electric engeering.

Three of them're all in their earlier 20s.

Different from arts

After hearing their conversation, and being virtually got in touch with these scientific minds.

Anyone who's related with arts, music, current affairs, psycology, and any kinds of social sicence.

No wonder you'll find that these young chinese're having very different approach of thinking things, they're very logical, precise, realistic, and indeed very much suitable for today China's speedy developing circusmtances.

As someone who has already been in touch with words, melody, and colour, your mind might to be revolutionalised when hearing their conversation to some extend, but it's interesting as well.

Arts people tend to be more multiculturalising, exploring more western culture if I could put in this way, they're the real ones tried to be genuinely accepting western culture.

It might because of people's own eduational background, and the more you're digging your own field, the more you're trying to behave as that type of person you think you should be.

Friday 21 March 2008

St. Patrick's Day in London

March the 16th, St. Patrick’s Day celebration was held across the globe. Ireland, France, America, Canada, the United Kingdom etc a bunch of countries was inaugurating the celebration.

Traditional Irish music, dance and cuisine are attracting world
travellers to join this spectacular festival. Yixiang Zeng is very pleased to guide you to this fantastic and exotic event.


Parade

Thousands of people were along the both sides of the road to watch the parade.

Many of them were taking photos, waving their hands, and blowing the whistles, the whole atmosphere is genuinely cheerful and jolly.

The parade started from near Hyde Park Corner, down to Piccadilly, turned to Regent Street, and then arrived Trafalgar Square, finally finished at Whitehall, from noon 12p.m. to 5p.m.

The colourful floats, attractive marching bands, costume characters and stilt walkers etc were all marching throughout the whole central London.

These spectacular performances are the highlights of the parade.

More interestingly, a few little Irish girls were dancing on the floats, the lilting music accompanying their light-footed dance brings the crowds more delicate and artistic touch.

The parade aimed to represent thirty-three counties, including thirty-two Irish counties and a London Irish contingent.

The Parade organiser encouraged everyone, who signed up to walk with a county to turn up in his or her county colours, and paraded behind a giant county flag, even making noise!

Trafalgar square stage showcase

The most distinguish Irish band, Aslan is dedicating to the crowd a legendary living showcase at Trafalgar square.

As the winner of this year’s Best Irish Band at the magical evening of Meteor Ireland Music Awards ’08.

Aslan’s living performance at St. Patrick’s Day just purely replied by fan’s cheers, screams, and shouts that truly reflected the excitable mood of the showcase.

They had performed their newly released album “For Some Strange Reason” along with songs such as “Here Comes the Sun”, “Jealous Little Thing”, “Best Days” etc.

Their majestic skills together with the stunning stage performing no wonder mesmerised in returning the endless bouts of applause from the crowd.

Though meeting the typical London weather, they just did not care less and still remain cool at the end of performing.

The performance lasted from moring 11a.m. to 5p.m.

Irish Cuisine

St. Patrick’s Day is the best time to taste the exotic Irish food, cannot wait to choose the tastiest one from the dazzling food market located at Covent Garden, the beautiful smelling of the Irish Stew already attracted a bunch of crowd.

Around 4 sterling can get a plate of Irish stew, that is not bad!

The large new potatoes, fresh carrots, chopped onions, together with Lamb loin chops, asparagus, and balsamic vinegar produced such a delicious Irish Stew.

More wonderful food such as baked ham bread, spring chicken, Irish potato soup, white chocolate & lime cheesecake, all attracted cheerful crowd.

The food market celebration started from 15th until 16th of March.

Thursday 20 March 2008

Get in BBC London Step Up Training Scheme '08 (Online Media)!

BBC Step Up Training Scheme '08 finally finishing her selecting period, exactly one week later after candidates' group participation and personal interview, the Scheme selection board releases the ultimate 30 winners.

I'm very pround that I'm one of selected candidate,to be honestly,the group discussion assessment is a bit intense comparing with personal interview.

Because I never have such kind of experience of discussing with a group only after 15min brainstorm, plus couple of BBC stuffs're watching us during the discussion.

My mind doesn't go to blank at that moment,thank god, though nearly blank if I could say that, still, I remain cool...

Bringing tutors a good news

I told Deborah and David immediately about my success, they're very glad, especially david, I genuinely thanks for his teaching.

He told me some tips for being a journalist afterwards, for instance, he said I have to be even more competitive during the training.

Because what BBC normally does is keep a bit more candidates even after the final selection.

They will stil watching our progress during the training, if they feel I'm not in that standard, it's very possible for them to kick me out. Gosh!

When inquiring him about my radio documentary contacts, he said my best bet is to contact journalists from other publicaitons, who specialised to write these kind of articles.

Phone the newspaper office, talk to them what I want, ask them if I can get this particular journalist's contact, or if the newspaper could kindly provide me other suggestions.

Press card is essential, if haven't got one, try to get one press card, such as NUJ press card, preparing one business card, it will help for sure.

Tuesday 18 March 2008

Are you worry about your internet personal information safety

Radio Documentary Proposal

Working Title: Are You Worry about Your Internet Personal Information Safety?
Suggested outlet: BBC Radio Four


Story Background

Internet data and privacy protection is always a major concern among the ever-increasing web surfers.

Along more and more web users are building their social networking web page, such as Facebook, MySpace, they continuously put personal information and ID on the web.

Thousands of web browsers can see and search other people’s information. In such a circumstances, no wonder cyber crimes are taking place dramatically due to the technology development.

Very recently, a digital advertising technology company Phorm powered a web device – webwise, cooperates with the leading UK Internet Service Providers (ISP), such as BT, Talktalk, to provide customers identifiable and personalised ad during their web surfing.

They guarantee that the ad displayed on the web will be more suitable and matchable for individual user. It can be achieved through ISP’s tracking system, which tracks individual’s every surfing action.

The debate raised by several campaign groups, such as the Open Rights Group, Anti-Phorm, Dephorm, they put webwise into a big question.

Does webwise comply data protection act? How should customers trust Phorm and ISP’s webwise that don’t interfere our customer’s privacy rights? Is it legal for these ISP providers to sell customer’s information to ad companies? To what extend the campaign group could assist customers to seek legitimate rights?
On the other hand, facing such a embarrassed circumstance, what are Phorm and its ISP partners’ opinion about their products – webwise.

What’s the opinion within academic world? What’s the expert’s thought regarding webwise phenomenon?

From the legal advices agencies, such as agencies like Own-It, find out what are the most popular questions that customers always seek for assistance, regarding Internet privacy rights, how the agency assist customers to solve the problems?

What are common people’s ideas regarding their online privacy? Are they regular visitors of Facebook? What are their attitudes towards social networking websites?

From the Government side -- information Commissioner’s office, does webwise comply data protection law? Does the company’s webwise meet the UK requested Internet privacy standard?

Aim

To explore the UK citizens’ online privacy rights, and how the issues influence local British, what are the controversial opinions from different sectors, how to improve and protect citizens’ online privacy rights?

Interviewees Resources

Ø Phorm: London based company.
Ø Open right group: London based campaign group.
Ø Senior Lecturer. Andrew D Muarry, LSE based Internet law expertise
Ø Senior Lecturer. David Dunkley Dyimah, Westminster based web creator expertise
Ø Own-It: London based legal advice org, the delivery partner is London College of Communication, part of the University of Arts London.
Ø Voxpops: web browsers/social networking websites users.
Ø ICO: Non-London based governement body, access isn’t that realistic.

Actuality

Ø Type the keyboard, when people social networking online.
Ø Voxpops actuality.
Ø Digital music for bringing the technological atmosphere

Reference Sources

Web creator rejects net tracking
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7299875.stm

Phorm's internet-tracking service is 'illegal'
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3576567.ece

ISPs signs up to targeted ads deal
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/feb/14/bt.virginmedia

Open right group question Phorm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7291637.stm

Open right group
http://www.openrightsgroup.org/

Phorm
http://www.phorm.com/

Andrew Murray’s research page
http://www.itlawweb.co.uk/

Own-It
http://www.own-it.org/aboutus/

ICO
http://www.ico.gov.uk/about_us.aspx

Monday 17 March 2008

Radio Documentary Pitch with Jean Whyatt

Radio documentary is normally an issue based seriously radio programme. Uni. Westerminster MA Broadcast Journalism students did one intensive "Story Pitch" day with Jean Whyatt, an experienced broadcaster who had worked mainly for BBC Radio 4.

The whole day started from 10a.m. until 4p.m., Students all feel quite helpful with such a discussion practice.

Since Jean guide students to discuss a variety of treatment towards making radio documentary, as well as some tips of programme making.

A range of ideas with different treatment

Most of the students have very good ideas, such as bully, not only consider about the childhood bully, but more focus on adulthood bully.

Regarding the different treatments, such as utilizing movies dealing with bulling, dramatizing documentary etc.

Jean provides suggestions to student, for instance, better focus on one particular kind of bully rather than spreading into many different kinds, like hook the story into a particular angle.

The story about obesity, the interesting treatment could be the cooking noise as the background; when obese children are sporting, might record his/her heavy breath.

Like the Chinese story, Chinese students who're studying abroad, what's their situation of finding jobs in the foreign countries?

In this case, the treatment could be the Chinese language fade in first, then fade out sensitively as the background voice, afterwards fade in the English voice over.

Cemetery near Bethnal Green is also a controversial story, the argument is about the business value of the land field, why should us provide the land for the death, since our living space is already crowded.

The story guided a range of discussion, such as talking about the Tibetan's sky funeral, even gain a working title as: the world of death!

Tips and techniques of making radio programmes

Other techniques Jean has mentioned, such as montage technique, cross fading, etc.

She is mentioning that montage is quite similar as vox pops, just not like "vox pops" are a number of people talking about the same topic.

Montage techniques are the different people appeared dealing with various thing, even some of the elements are music etc. A bit like the radio feature: the age of innocence.

Regarding interviewing the political figures, better avoid going through the bureaucracy, drop a letter directly to the official's personal/diary secretary, it even works more.

When proposing the story to production company, just telling enough of the story, but don't detail the contacting detail.

Since need to avoid the story to be stole by the company, they can just arrange a crew to do the story, if they can get the access as you provided.

Saturday 15 March 2008

BBC Step Up Training Scheme Interview & Group Discussion Assessment


BBC once again hold "the Step Up Training Scheme 2008" annually. Step Up is a mentoring project which gives people opportunites to access and experience within broadcasting Industry, especially gain better understanding and insights of BBC operation.

This year, BBC London collaborates with BBC Training and Development to provide a fantastic opportunity to people across this vibrant and exciting capital.

Group discussion with other shortlist members

This exercise aims to assess the candidates' teamwork attitude, brainstorming, to what extend the candidate could contribute ideas to the team in only 15 min's time, the capability of planing, handing specific task, verbal communication within the group etc.

What the task is all about

We have been asked to plan a Charity event which will be held on a saturday, 12th May 2008, the budget is only 500 sterling.

We need to plan what kind of event will be held? Who is the event host? Where is the venue? What kind of activies will be going on? How to Promote? What's the purpose to hold the event?

We only have 15 min in total to complete individual ideas.

Discussion

The first speaker is Michael, he's talking about art event, then a polish girl also contribute her idea, afterwards a lady named Val.

I enjoy listening an African girl Vivianne's idea, she wants to hold an charity event for African refugees.

To attract the local community's attention towards these homeless people, raise local British's awareness of African refugees. The activities will be bands concert, traditional dancing etc.

Another boy Sam, seems quite familiar with Broadcast industry, who's also a ungraduate student.

His idea is organising an event which aimed to reduce world poverty, the activies almost similar as other candidates, all related with arts exhibitions, concerts, photo exhibitions etc.

Facts once again proves that the world's too small, Sam's also the boy who attented the film "Adulthood" extra last semester, I was there as well!!

My idea is to promote environmentalism, and raise the public concern regarding global warming, pollution reduction etc.

I'm thinking to invite young musicians based in the music college/academy in london, since they also need opportunity to perform in from of ppl, so good for budget reduction.

Interview with Two BBC Stuffs

Both of them're quite nice people, very gentle and enthusiastic, especially the lady nemed Rosetta even quite passionate, if I could say in this way.

I've been told that the selection board's quite curious about the person who's behind the application form.

So I was asked to generally talk about my backgroud. Oh, so many things to talk, where should I start?!?

China native, studied @ Uni. Malta,falling in love with music,dreamt becoming a concert pianist,keen on using english to express herself, exploring multiculturalism in India, Belguim, AIESEC Rock during her bachelor, passionate on EU integration...

Recently even discovering another cool eye-opener, which called "multimedia, Video Journalism, Online Journalism, Dreamwaver, flash etc".

So much inspired by her tutor -- David Dunkley Dyimah , a black londoner.

Now she's dreaming to build her career as a multimedia journalist.

Visiting the Press Assciation



Uni. Westminster MA Journalism (International) Online module students visited the Press Association (PA) Headquarters based in Victoria,London on 12th March 2008.

The PA is one of the oldest press agencies in the UK and at the forefront of web and video online.

Visiting the News Room

A huge opening news rooms filled with the average age of "talent" around mid-20s, plenty number of Mac Computers, a big TV screen with another couple of smaller TVs hanging on the wall, and celebrities & political figures pics.

The PA stuff who is giving a talk to the Journalism students is the ex-BBC figure, with plenty of experiences in Video and multimedia journalism.

he said currently there're around 30 video journalists (VJ) working in the multimedia sector.

They're looking for young talented graduate who're confident working in multimedia field, who're technically comfortable, who're happy to be in front of camera, who has no problem of shooting, editing, scripting etc.

he also explained the new system they're using at the moment is more researchable.

Journalists from different press agencies're helping each other finding stories, normally 5 or 6 stories in a day, write the script, view the raw materials, choose the correct clips, and get the right video access.

Journalism is all about making contacts and networking.

Meeting with Editors

The latter part is held in a meeting room on the upper floor, joining with a young video journalist Catherine Wilson, who is in a pretty pink top; a genius coder Duncan Whiteman, who is working behind the system and few people knows his existence.

He talked about what VJ should do, thinking about how to put the stories into different context, how the story telling the news, multimedia is change the nature of journalists.

Good lighting, good general view, good video cam operation, good teamwork operations.

Tuesday 11 March 2008

To Appreciate Classcial Music at Budapest Spring Festival

Are you interested in classical music? Are you eager to hear a master’s world-class performances? Are you passionate to explore Eastern Europe’s cultural heritage capital – Budapest?

If all of the answers are “Yes”, I have great news for you! Come to the Budapest spring festival, which will be held from 14th to 30th March, 2008.

Piano Recitals

The famous chain bridge is ready to welcome all of the classical music lovers from different parts of the world.

The festival will feature a few of the most prominent and outstanding young musicians, who will mainly perform Liszt, Brahms, Bartok, and Chopin.

There will be a piano recital by Mariko Nakayama on the 21st March, at 7:00 p.m. in the Marble Hall of the Hungarian Radio.

She is the most successful participant of the Franz Liszt Seminar in Sapporo, and winner of multiple piano awards in her native Japan.

The whole programme consists of Bela Bartok’s two Rumanian Dances, OP. 8/A and two Piano SonataS; Franz Liszt’s Dante Sonata and his Variations in B Minor.

“Mariko Nakayama has such a perfect technique and beautiful music sensitivity, She is an extraordinary pianist and has achieved great success with Liszt’s Second Piano Concerto with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra.” Director of Franz Liszt Seminar.

Chamber musicians are also very active in performing Chopin for this year’s festival.

A Hungarian genius, the most unbeatable contemporary concert pianist, Tamas Erdi, is dedicating a beautiful Chopin evening to our audience.

Erdi first appeared on a concert podium when he was only 8, since then he has regularly given concerts, played at festivals and been featured on television programmes.

At the age of 15, he played a Mozart piano concerto in the Spring Festival, in the Hungarian Parliament.

At 17, he won the international piano competition in Moscow.

His extraordinary musical talent immediately attracted the world famous professor Leon Fleisher’s attention.

Offered him a 4 years scholarship at Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music, and soon regarded him as one of his dearest pupils.

Later on, he received extensive public acclaim from 23 countries.

The recital will be held on 28th, March, at 7: 30 p.m., at the Italian Institute of Culture.

Erdi will perform Chopin studies, F minor, Andantino, D flat major, Allegretto. Grazioso, A flat major, Allegretto, the ones left unmarked by opus numbers were composed for the piano school in 1840.

Waltzes in A flat major, B minor and E minor, op. 69, No. 1, 2.

Nocturnes in C minor, E minor and C sharp minor, op. 72, No. 1, Chopin: Fantaisie Impromptu, op. 66.

Orchestra Concerts

Orchestra lovers also have the opportunities to appreciate various orchestra concerts.

The concert by National Philharmonic Orchestra features Béla Bartók’s most well-known work Duke Bluebeard’s Castle and the violin concerto.

It will be held in the Palace of Arts -- Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, on the 25th March, at 7:30 p.m.

Bartók is the most controversial musician in the 19th century.

Though in the contemporary period, people consider that no other composers like him is able to produce work in which folk, and art music were assimilated with such power and modernity.

He was not a first composer to write “Hungarian” Classical music, but, whereas Brahms and Liszt had written pieces in a style that was Hungarian in atmosphere rather than substance.

Bartók marked a clear break with tradition by treating his folk melodies and rhythms as truly raw materials, emphasizing their “primitive” elements.

On the other hand, though his music was often aggressive and harsh, its essential language did not diverge completely from tonality, and the structural principles of his greatest compositions.

Barnabás Kelemen’s Bartók violin concerto brings audience the alternative interpretation, his warm and velvety music works beautifully.

Especially in the middle movement where his effortless solo voice works its best free-form magic.

His technical prowess amazes throughout – whether the fiery ostinato scale/mode-passages or the dozens of near violent double stops.

Apart from this fabulous Bartók evening, the Budapest Festival Orchestra will dedicate to our audience Beethoven’s piano concerto No. 4 in G Major, op. 58.

This piano concerto tends to be presented as a piece of coiled energy eventuating in unbridled excitement.

The great interpreter of No. 4 piano concerto, pianist Radu Lupu will guide you to this subdued tone poem.

His superlative technique, a strong and intelligently used left hand, effective pedalling all keeps his tone warm, and unfailingly delivers you the original inflected conception of Beethoven music.

The concert will be held at 7:45 p.m., on the 27th March, in the Academy of Music.

Church Music Concerts

Church music concerts are another focus during the festival, plenty of works are from J.S Bach.

J.S. Bach is no wonder the greatest composer before Mozart, and arguably the greatest ever.

On one level, his music is an example of supreme craftsmanship – he mastered with mathematical precision the formal problems of counterpoint,

And produced keyboard music in which as many as five different voices of argument are simultaneously sustained.

Organist Erich Türk will perform Bach: Prelude and Fugue in E flat major, BWV 552; O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß, BWV 622; Mozart: Andante in F major, K 616.

Franck: Chorale in A minor; Hans Peter Türk’s variation, Chorale prelude, Elegy. The concert will be held at 8:00 p.m. at University Church, on the 29th March.

Getting there

Denis Moriaty of Ace Study Tours offers the whole holiday package of visiting Budapest.

Totally cost £1,590, including flight by British Airway, hotels, all performances, breakfast, dinner or lunch, excursions, and admission.

The trip will start from 26th of March until 30th of March.

Not include: travel insurance, single room supplement £250.

Further information please visit:

http://www.acestudytours.co.uk/l/tours.subject/Music

Daytime tours

In between the concerts, Denis Moriaty of Ace Study Tours will guide you to explore the Budapest’s music legacy with visits both to the Liszt Memorial Museum.

And the Béla Bartók Museum. Budapest's art and architecture will also come under review: the Museum of Fine Arts is home to an extensive gallery of Old Masters.

Where to stay

We stay throughout in the centre of Budapest at the four-star K&K Opera Hotel, close to the celebrated Opera House.

Where to eat

We will eat at the four-star K&K Opera Hotel, also including daily arranged
restaurant.

More festivals

Budapest Autumn Festival, for more information please see:

http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/calendar_of_events/budapest_autumn_festival_2008

Monday 10 March 2008

Synopsis Letter for Guardian Publication

Yixiang Zeng (Lucy)

1A Church Avenue
Northolt
Middlesex
UB5 5DG

Mob: (+44) 7513941758
Email: weiyanganni4102006@gmail.com


Alan Rusbridger
Editor
the Guardian

Dear Mr. Rusbridger,

“Appreciate Classical Music at Budapest Spring Festival”

I am a qualified pianist and also a travel journalist. I have read your publication, especially travel section with deep interest and great passion. I read the very recent feature “We’re Austin Music”

I recently discovered Budapest would hold its Classical Musical event – Spring Festival in the upcoming March 14th-30th.

The attached piece shows:

What is Budapest Spring Festival all about
Who is the festival organizer
Why to organize this festival
Why to choose Budapest
Where is the most prestigious event avenue to go
Who are the most outstanding chamber musicians the festival is going to feature
Who are the greatest composer the festival is going to commemorate

Classical music is one of the most cherished cultural inheritances. It helps our busy Londoners express their soul freely, and beautiful Budapest sight view will bring them the greatest relaxation.


I feel this is the timely piece, which would fit well into the page of your newspaper, and I’m looking forward to your response.

Your Sincerely

Yixiang Zeng

Feedback from Susan: http://www.susangrossman.co.uk/index.html? ret=return

Feedback: your outlet is a bit ambitious, I did suggest no national newspapers and to find a publication with readers interested in your subject. I hope your R&A plan will include the usefulness or otherwise
of contacts and websites and precisely what will go into the feature as a result of your research. It is a good idea to write about the festival, especially with your own background. SG 28/02/08

Sunday 9 March 2008

the Other Boleyn Girl


Another Touch of Tudors

The Other Boleyn Girl, directed by Justin Chadwick, brought us the different taste of the king of England, Henry VIII, and his Tudors.

The colourful and luxurious drama costumes, complicated court life, sexual intrigues, fast and loose way of depicting English history, altogether dedicate to our audience a fantastic historic and romantic tale.

Yixiang Zeng is willing to share her thoughts with you about this wonderful English drama.


Beloved sister becoming rivalry

The film started with girls’ naivety, laughter, cheerful country life, a wide dance shot beautifully convey the warm and genuine atmosphere.

However, the greedy father Thomas Boleyn ( Mark Rylance ) and their scheming uncle Thomas Howard (David), aim to advance family status and seek royal power.

They instigate both girls Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary (Scarlett Johansson) to be mistress of broody king Henry VIII (Eric Bana).

Rivalry begins when both of them starting their court life. From that moment, Jealousy, madness, bloodiness, and revenge are circulated between two sisters.

Anne is ambitious, Henry is a philanderer, and Mary, is simple.

Initially, Mary wins Henry’s favour, but Anne, prominently clever and fearless, a girl who is crazy of seeking power; and she will never stop until she becomes Queen of England.

It is so well known that Henry VIII split with Catholic Church in order to marry Anne. Ironically, this madness and controversy also seems to predict her – Anne, the one who is going to get all of their heads chopped off eventually.

History leaves far behind the royal conflicts and idyllic quietness. Ultimately, which of these two sisters had the chief claim on his Majesty’s heart? The innocent Mary, or the ambitious Anne?

What is more apart from rivalry?

Indeed, I am expecting much more than the rivalry between these two sisters from the film.

As an English history outsider, I cannot stop to wonder, what kind of king was Henry VIII? Was he a strong leader? Did the people like him?

Did he get himself involved in politics apart from his fervent interest in women? Was he a puppet?

Then, what about Anne and Mary? How can Mary always maintain such a calm and tolerant attitude towards her sister Anne?

Even during the most difficult time in her life – bearing the king an illegitimate child.

As well, I could not see the clear changes after Anne’s sojourn in south of France, despite in the film everyone was talking about how she had changed.

The funny thing is no picture was given to show the changes were taking place.

The film did not tell us much, or maybe on purposely leave us more spaces to fill our imagination.

The film was released on 7th March 2008, in England.

Thursday 6 March 2008

Filming David Dunkley Gyimah

David Dunkley Gyimah was giving a lecture to Shenzhen Media Group Delegation,China yesterday, in Canvendish campus, Uni. Westminster.

The deligation was invited by China Media Centre, Uni. Westminster for a month exchange learning programme.


Web revolution

David emphasized web's importance for today media's development, he mentions an interesting expression: what's the difference between "a platform to place our media" and "a place to platform our media".

From what I have understood, the former one is still focusing on traditional media, the latter one is more innovative,emphasizing technological perspective.

A passionate multimedia expert

David is a very passionate multimedia expert, I'm glad to have such a brilliant tutor, I was filming him when he's lecturing to Shenzhen Media Group Delegation, I'm quite happy to help him out with the film.

Afterwards, he went to see his former boss John, and I was surprised about John's Apple laptop, according to John, at the moment in the UK, only few people are using this newest type of apple computer.

What kind of people are?!? David was joking with me, his boss is the real star.

Wednesday 5 March 2008

Three Goddess Net Critique

(1) When surfing the net what websites don’t you like and why?

When I’m surfing online, I find out some websites that I really don’t like, the main reasons have been given out as the follows.

I will present Sanxia Media Network as an example (three Goddes Medis Network): http://www.sxcm.net/

Too much flash on the home page

This website seems adore using flash, one of the multimedia elements on the home page.

I feel the web designer overproduced the home page trough using 11 flash altogether.

It distract my concentration when I browsing the web.

Another big problem, when opening the home page, the top part is appearing as blank, I do not know what happened, seems as big ads there, or another big flash.

It happened to me for many times.

Home page is not well designed

When opening the front page, especially the top part of the home page, I just feel it is badly organised.

The first impression is a very complicated web, and seems texts, images, flash are everywhere.

It is not simple and not neat, I do not feel user-friendly character.

The three columns, I do not know why they are not in the same height, some of them shorter, some of them a bit longer. (see the top part of the home page):

http://www.sxcm.net/

Design is not always in consistency

The web design is not always consistent, when click some pages the design is changing.

For instance, click health, you will see: http://www.sxcm.net/jiankang/node_4295.htm, click wanzhou news, you will see: http://www.sxcm.net/newscenter/node_4115.htm.

However, most of the web pages look in this way: http://www.sxcm.net/newscenter/node_4116.htm.

So sometimes I am wondering am I still in the same website?

Navigation bar on the top is inconvenient

The Navigation bar is on the top instead on the left, it makes me feel difficult, because I always need to scroll up for finding some new information.

Though on the bottom, it also has the same navigation bar, but imagine, if I am scrolling in the middle of the page, of course I prefer to just click on the nearer left side!

I prefer the navigation bar on the left, like the BBC News website.

Content looks like ads

The Banner just under navigation bar, which looks like an ads, but in fact there is a big issue hiding behind the ads alike.

I got very confused first, even try to avoid it, after quite a long time, I realised that there is important content behind the banner.

Non-strictly comply with online writing rules

Look at this link:
http://www.sxcm.net/sh/2007-12/16/content_185656.htm

The paragraph is too long, I do not feel user-friendly character.

Since it is Chinese character, so cannot apply:

Ø heading verdana 18 bold,
Ø body text verdana 12
Ø sub-heading verdana 14 bold,
Ø the sales copy (the first paragraph under the heading, like the intro) verdana 12 bold

The topical news does not have complemented hook, which should include 3 important elements: image, keyword phrase, sales copy.

But in this web, the hook does not include keyword phrase.

No visited colour changing

There is no colour difference between visited link and non-visited link, I got lost many sometimes before I cant remember whether I visited or not.
I do hope there is colour changing for the link been visited.

New opening window should not always appear

The new opening window always appear when I search for something new, it is so frustrated because, what the hell am I return back to the front page?

The return button always becomes gray!! The web creates so many new window layers, and it is so inconvenient!

Search engine within the web not good

The Search within the web is very bad, because it does not has a box, and too much literal search.

I am looking for some specific search methods, for instance, the dates, the topic etc to help me to search, I feel it is easier and just tick.

Also the web does not handle typos, plurals, hyphens, and other variants of the query terms.

Almost no web 2.0 feature & lack of multimedia

The web is lack of multimedia section, I cannot find video/podcast in this web. Only one video I got after more than 2 hours search!

http://www.sxcm.net/sh/2007-12/30/content_187445.htm

RSS, Del.icio.us, DIGG these interaction tools are also left far behind.

Though the web has comment section after every article.

Tuesday 4 March 2008

East End of London (2)



Directing: Daria Koshkova

Filming: Daria Koshkova, Yixiang Zeng

Editing: Yixiang Zeng, Daria Koshkova

Presenting: Daria Koshkova

Sunday 2 March 2008

London Galleries Journey (3)

Embroidery Art

While appreciating western artists’ outstanding talent, Chinese embroidery art also brings our visitors exotic oriental mystery.

The main character of Chinese embroidery art is her varied stitches, beautiful design, superb workmanship, and elegant colours.

Most of the creations displayed in the gallery are very much passionate on exploring natural views, such as birds, mountains, rivers, and traditional Chinese construction.

Those special and delicate silk is utilized to fulfill Chinese artists’ understanding and sensitivity towards oriental culture.

If you are a fervent Chinese embroidery art lover, it is definitely a great news for you – embroidery art gallery, do not miss it!

London Galleries Journey (2)


Feminine Attraction

While Annie Ralli utilizing different colours to depict this extraordinary city.

Anna Izzo, an Italian artist, more likely to express herself through human beings – feminine attraction.

Anna’s works are the combinations of Fibreglass Resin, Soft Design, Steel and Bronze Sculpture, and Canvas Paintings.

Most of them can be extensively exhibited in the outdoors areas.

For instance, one of the fiberglass resin works gracefully stretches her body and lies down on the grass, the beautiful curve explicitly shapes a charming young lady.

Through her works, it is not that difficult to find out artist’s deep interest in exploring feminine characters. Her soft design features women’s eyelash, lip, and hair.

Anna’s women creation is bold, dynamic, and a fascinating alchemy of nature.

Saturday 1 March 2008

London Galleries Journey (1)


Lots of gallery exhibitions are displayed in London for attracting world tourists; Yixiang Zeng is taking you to this exciting journey.

Are you interested in visual arts, are you looking forward to appreciate expressive artistic works, let’s begin with the exhibition featuring Annie Ralli.

London Vibrancy

Entering the elegant Colomb Art Gallery, a collection of colourful canvas paintings jump into your eyes.

Probably cannot wait for you to scream a big wow, you are already attracted by the theme “London Vibrancy” the artist intends to express.

Annie Ralli, a reputable British artist depicts to you her understanding of this extraordinary cosmopolitan.

Her earlier paintings are fully filled with the main colour – red, which stands for passion, enthusiasm, and loads of energy – the vibrant side of London.

Especially she gives lots of attention to the red bus, red light, and red tube sign etc, you will definitely feel the most enthusiastic London atmosphere.

While the later works are more expressively packed with blue, it is interesting to find out the transformation among her works.

Blue is a colour of describing London’s loneliness, more specifically Londoners and outsiders’ loneliness, their struggles and madness of staying in this multinational cosmopolitan.

An email makes me smile

Candidate Ref: 1276376

Dear Yixiang

Further to your recent application, we are pleased to inform you that you have been shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

We will contact you shortly to explain what this will involve and make the necessary arrangements.

Yours sincerely
The BBC Recruitment Team

BBC HR Direct
PO Box 48305
London
W12 6YE
UK

Telephone: 0870 333 1330
Textphone: 02890 328 478
Fax Number: 02890 444 151
Email: careers@bbchrdirect.co.uk

http://www.bbc.co.uk
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