Harrow Philharmonic Christmas Carol Concert 27/11/08,
by Yixiang Zeng
A LOCAL CHOIR is set to sing for commemorating an English composer Vaughan Williams' 50th anniversary of his death.
The Harrow Philharmonic Choir will be staged for its annual Christmas Carol Concert on December 17 at 7:30pm at St George's Church, Pinner View. The show will be last for 90 minutes.
The programmes includes William's the Fantasia on Christmas Carols,which belongs to classical music genre , and other two new pieces composed by one of its members, for cheering up audiences who are keen on hearing new music.
In addition, the performers will also include a brass group, a children's choir from Aldennham School and hanbell ringers from St. Mary's Church, Harrow. "Our concert is welcoming audience of all for celebrating the upcoming new year." said John Ling, chairman of the choir.
The Choir is expecting to gather a collection of donation for local charities, however, the choir has not announced this year's lucky charity yet.
The Harrow Philharmonic Choir was founded in 1959 and looking forward to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. The choir has been giving its majority of performances in Harrow, and contributes hugely for promoting cultural events for local community.
Ticket are £6 while children aged 16 or under get in free. Tickets can be bought in advance by calling 020 8904 4644, or can be bought on the door.
For more information please go online www.harrowphil.co.uk 27/11/08
Thursday 27 November 2008
Wednesday 26 November 2008
Oriental Christmas
A feature writing for Harrow Observer
Oriental Christmas
by Yixiang Zeng
CHRISTMAS is one of the most popular holidays in western countries. It is a time for family members to get together and enjoy the kingship as much as they can.
This year’s Christmas is just around the corner now, Londoner are enthusiastically preparing for everything, searching gifts, setting up Christmas lights, and decorating Christmas trees. The city has already immersed herself in a festive atmosphere.
Interestingly, not only is the Christmas nowadays celebrated in the West, but also fashionably sweeps the oriental countries, such as South Korea.
Lee Jane Nae Ryung, a South Korean girl currently studying at Harrow Campus, University of Westminster, has talked about how she was celebrating Christmas back home.
“Christmas is just such a wonderful time for me, it is a national holiday in my country and many Koreans are Christians, so Christmas is very important for us.” Jane said with a great excitement.
“My whole family, including my brother, sister and my parents are spending the whole day together, and Korean people are very family-oriented.”
“We went to the local church – Onnuri around 8am, and follow the pastor to pray – firstly pray for the world, then the nation, finally our family, afterwards if we want to be totally relaxed, the best choice is go for Sauna.”
Jane explains that during the Christmas Eve, she also goes to the same church meeting her friends and other local youngsters, they are enjoying playing games such as “Secret Friends” to exchange gifts and best wishes, singing songs together with church band, and chatting, joking around with friends until late evening.
She and her peers were doing volunteer works during whole Christmas period, such as taking care of orphans, helping around in the village hospitals, or donating to the poor.
Jane is quite enjoying her student life in London, but she is still eagerly looking forward to going back home: “You know, I will be extremely happy to share my experiences here with my family, especially during Christmas.”
South Korean’s family-oriented drive is strongly reflected during the holiday period, whereas Chinese residing in north-west of London is celebrating it in a variety of ways.
A healthcare service San Sheng Tang Herbs & Acupuncture in Pinner, run by a Chinese therapist Tony Guan, introduced that during the Christmas period his shop will be serving the free therapy consultation for disabled people and senior citizens every Wednesday afternoon.
For him Christmas is not only a period for relaxation, but also a time to do some charity work, to promote traditional Chinese treatment. “As a Chinese therapist, I do feel I have the obligation to develop my own culture.”
Mr. Guan and his wife have living in London for a couple of years now, his family love travelling, such as a Christmas visit to Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent last year. “The trip was wonderful, we especially enjoyed the city’s peaceful surroundings and the beauty of tranquillity.
“My wife and I also gradually believe in God in recent years, during Christmas we attend local church service, and pray for our families, friends, also the prosperity of our business.”
Mr. Guan still keeps himself being a traditional Chinese food addict, “On the Christmas Eve, we usually have dinner with our friends in China Town, we chat in Mandarin and eat tasty food, the warm atmosphere makes me really feel like home.”
While the Chinese like Mr. Guan an his family enjoying Christmas in London, the youngsters within China have discovered other charisma of this increasingly popular day.
“We do not have official Christmas holiday, but it is definitely an excellent excuse for friends to meet up, shopping together for the good sales.” Mingzhu Chen said, a fashionable Shanghaies.
“Or many couples just use it as another Valentine’s Day, restaurants usually promote special food items on 25th.”
Is Christmas hurricane a good sign for the Asian to embrace multiculturalism and speed up its globalisation process? Prof. Michel Hockx from School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, gives his opinion on Asian Christmas trend phenomenon. “Asian country, especially China, embracing Christmas mainly because of the commercial reason, people are motivated by its stocking gifts, company goods promotion, it is hugely influenced by American commercial value, though to some extend, it does reflect some cultural integrating element."
Oriental Christmas
by Yixiang Zeng
CHRISTMAS is one of the most popular holidays in western countries. It is a time for family members to get together and enjoy the kingship as much as they can.
This year’s Christmas is just around the corner now, Londoner are enthusiastically preparing for everything, searching gifts, setting up Christmas lights, and decorating Christmas trees. The city has already immersed herself in a festive atmosphere.
Interestingly, not only is the Christmas nowadays celebrated in the West, but also fashionably sweeps the oriental countries, such as South Korea.
Lee Jane Nae Ryung, a South Korean girl currently studying at Harrow Campus, University of Westminster, has talked about how she was celebrating Christmas back home.
“Christmas is just such a wonderful time for me, it is a national holiday in my country and many Koreans are Christians, so Christmas is very important for us.” Jane said with a great excitement.
“My whole family, including my brother, sister and my parents are spending the whole day together, and Korean people are very family-oriented.”
“We went to the local church – Onnuri around 8am, and follow the pastor to pray – firstly pray for the world, then the nation, finally our family, afterwards if we want to be totally relaxed, the best choice is go for Sauna.”
Jane explains that during the Christmas Eve, she also goes to the same church meeting her friends and other local youngsters, they are enjoying playing games such as “Secret Friends” to exchange gifts and best wishes, singing songs together with church band, and chatting, joking around with friends until late evening.
She and her peers were doing volunteer works during whole Christmas period, such as taking care of orphans, helping around in the village hospitals, or donating to the poor.
Jane is quite enjoying her student life in London, but she is still eagerly looking forward to going back home: “You know, I will be extremely happy to share my experiences here with my family, especially during Christmas.”
South Korean’s family-oriented drive is strongly reflected during the holiday period, whereas Chinese residing in north-west of London is celebrating it in a variety of ways.
A healthcare service San Sheng Tang Herbs & Acupuncture in Pinner, run by a Chinese therapist Tony Guan, introduced that during the Christmas period his shop will be serving the free therapy consultation for disabled people and senior citizens every Wednesday afternoon.
For him Christmas is not only a period for relaxation, but also a time to do some charity work, to promote traditional Chinese treatment. “As a Chinese therapist, I do feel I have the obligation to develop my own culture.”
Mr. Guan and his wife have living in London for a couple of years now, his family love travelling, such as a Christmas visit to Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent last year. “The trip was wonderful, we especially enjoyed the city’s peaceful surroundings and the beauty of tranquillity.
“My wife and I also gradually believe in God in recent years, during Christmas we attend local church service, and pray for our families, friends, also the prosperity of our business.”
Mr. Guan still keeps himself being a traditional Chinese food addict, “On the Christmas Eve, we usually have dinner with our friends in China Town, we chat in Mandarin and eat tasty food, the warm atmosphere makes me really feel like home.”
While the Chinese like Mr. Guan an his family enjoying Christmas in London, the youngsters within China have discovered other charisma of this increasingly popular day.
“We do not have official Christmas holiday, but it is definitely an excellent excuse for friends to meet up, shopping together for the good sales.” Mingzhu Chen said, a fashionable Shanghaies.
“Or many couples just use it as another Valentine’s Day, restaurants usually promote special food items on 25th.”
Is Christmas hurricane a good sign for the Asian to embrace multiculturalism and speed up its globalisation process? Prof. Michel Hockx from School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, gives his opinion on Asian Christmas trend phenomenon. “Asian country, especially China, embracing Christmas mainly because of the commercial reason, people are motivated by its stocking gifts, company goods promotion, it is hugely influenced by American commercial value, though to some extend, it does reflect some cultural integrating element."
Monday 24 November 2008
Feature proposal
Yixiang Zeng (Intern)
Working title: Chinese's Christmas Exploration
Story idea: A close-up of how Chinese celebrate Christmas – through comparison between young British Born Chinese and modern Chinese youngsters.
Story Clue:
Christmas is the traditional and the most important holiday in the West, just the same as important as the Spring Festival in China.
Christmas is the time for family members get together in many Western countries, including Britain. Tam Emily, a British Born Chinese, originally coming from Hang-Kong naturally adopts this family concept, so how she prepares and what she does to celebrate Christmas?
On the other hand, Christmas hurricane arrives China and gradually sweeps those modern cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, but why those youngsters want to celebrate Christmas? And how they are going to celebrate it? Staying with family, friends, go for a trip, or attended church for religious reasons?
Mingzhu Chen, a posh Shanghaies talks about her Christmas experience and the reasons behind.
Apart from the above characteristics, the localised Chinese Christmas is strongly permeated a very special charisma, a boy from Beijing and currently studying in London shared his beautiful Christmas memory.
Though the localised Chinese Christmas is so popular among youngsters, Taiwai, an island will never forget its traditional mission.
China today is much more open-minded and tolerant compared with years ago, is Chinese's Christmas exploration a good sign for multiculturalism development within China? Can it play a role to inspire or stimulate young Chinese to make up their own mind? Prof. Xxxx from the School of Oriental and African Studies discusses the China's Christmas Exploration phenomenon.
Yixiang Zeng (Intern)
Working title: Chinese's Christmas Exploration
Story idea: A close-up of how Chinese celebrate Christmas – through comparison between young British Born Chinese and modern Chinese youngsters.
Story Clue:
Christmas is the traditional and the most important holiday in the West, just the same as important as the Spring Festival in China.
Christmas is the time for family members get together in many Western countries, including Britain. Tam Emily, a British Born Chinese, originally coming from Hang-Kong naturally adopts this family concept, so how she prepares and what she does to celebrate Christmas?
On the other hand, Christmas hurricane arrives China and gradually sweeps those modern cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, but why those youngsters want to celebrate Christmas? And how they are going to celebrate it? Staying with family, friends, go for a trip, or attended church for religious reasons?
Mingzhu Chen, a posh Shanghaies talks about her Christmas experience and the reasons behind.
Apart from the above characteristics, the localised Chinese Christmas is strongly permeated a very special charisma, a boy from Beijing and currently studying in London shared his beautiful Christmas memory.
Though the localised Chinese Christmas is so popular among youngsters, Taiwai, an island will never forget its traditional mission.
China today is much more open-minded and tolerant compared with years ago, is Chinese's Christmas exploration a good sign for multiculturalism development within China? Can it play a role to inspire or stimulate young Chinese to make up their own mind? Prof. Xxxx from the School of Oriental and African Studies discusses the China's Christmas Exploration phenomenon.
Friday 21 November 2008
Smoke Radio 5 p.m. news
Cue Yixiang
Good afternoon, I'm Yixiang, I'm zhou suo, reporting on 5 o'clock news.
Welfare plan
Plans to force lone parents, disabled people and the long-term jobless to seek work should be delayed, A senior government advisor has suggested.
Sir Richard Tilt said the reform in Wales, England and Scotland could "push people into poverty" as unemployment rises.
The plans will force parents to look for job or losing their benefits once their youngest child is 12 .
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said plans should offer support and not penalty.
Award
A Pinner secondary school has received a prestigious award for providing a culturally rich curriculum for its pupils.
Heathfield School in Pinner promote the internationalism teaching, which were handed the British Council's International School Award.
A detailed portfolio, containing photographs and evaluations from students and staff, was prepared as evidence to show how the pupils are taught about other cultures and nations.
The school official Michelle said this is the recognition of the hard work that goes on throughout the school for preparing students for global citizens.
Good afternoon, I'm Yixiang, I'm zhou suo, reporting on 5 o'clock news.
Welfare plan
Plans to force lone parents, disabled people and the long-term jobless to seek work should be delayed, A senior government advisor has suggested.
Sir Richard Tilt said the reform in Wales, England and Scotland could "push people into poverty" as unemployment rises.
The plans will force parents to look for job or losing their benefits once their youngest child is 12 .
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said plans should offer support and not penalty.
Award
A Pinner secondary school has received a prestigious award for providing a culturally rich curriculum for its pupils.
Heathfield School in Pinner promote the internationalism teaching, which were handed the British Council's International School Award.
A detailed portfolio, containing photographs and evaluations from students and staff, was prepared as evidence to show how the pupils are taught about other cultures and nations.
The school official Michelle said this is the recognition of the hard work that goes on throughout the school for preparing students for global citizens.
Smoke Radio 3p.m. news
Cue Yixiang
Good afternoon, This is Yixiang reporting for 3 o'clock Westminster news.
Web campiagn crashed on baby P's death
An internet hate campaign is under investigation by police, which has breached an order preventing the identification of those convicted in the Baby P case.
Posts on social networking sites displayed the three's name who were found guilty causing baby's P death. the 27-year-old woman, her boyfriend, and her lodger.
The court has ordered to prevent the publication of the identities of the guilties, as well as the baby P. The police said they were in touch with internet providers to ensure everybody knows of contempt issues.
12% increase in home repossessions
The figures shows 12% increase in home repossession compared to the second quarter, which is more than 11,000 home were repossessed during the third quarter during the year.
The Councial of Mortgage Lender is still expecting 45,000 repossessions this year.
Howeveer, the CML also said that by the end of the year the number of household in mortgage arrears was likely to exceed forecasts as its figures showed 168,000 in arrears.
The house minister points out that the government will focus on helping household get as much access as possible.
BBC rejects local video scheme
a £68m network of local news websites with video content was rejected by BBC Trust, our reporter has learnt.
The Trust explained that the plan did not meet its criteria for offering value to public.
Newspaper publisher has argued that it will damage their local online operations, and express that the BBC should focus on its improving exisiting regional services.
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom finds that the rejected plan will cause 4% decrease of annual avenue of existing regional sites.
Good afternoon, This is Yixiang reporting for 3 o'clock Westminster news.
Web campiagn crashed on baby P's death
An internet hate campaign is under investigation by police, which has breached an order preventing the identification of those convicted in the Baby P case.
Posts on social networking sites displayed the three's name who were found guilty causing baby's P death. the 27-year-old woman, her boyfriend, and her lodger.
The court has ordered to prevent the publication of the identities of the guilties, as well as the baby P. The police said they were in touch with internet providers to ensure everybody knows of contempt issues.
12% increase in home repossessions
The figures shows 12% increase in home repossession compared to the second quarter, which is more than 11,000 home were repossessed during the third quarter during the year.
The Councial of Mortgage Lender is still expecting 45,000 repossessions this year.
Howeveer, the CML also said that by the end of the year the number of household in mortgage arrears was likely to exceed forecasts as its figures showed 168,000 in arrears.
The house minister points out that the government will focus on helping household get as much access as possible.
BBC rejects local video scheme
a £68m network of local news websites with video content was rejected by BBC Trust, our reporter has learnt.
The Trust explained that the plan did not meet its criteria for offering value to public.
Newspaper publisher has argued that it will damage their local online operations, and express that the BBC should focus on its improving exisiting regional services.
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom finds that the rejected plan will cause 4% decrease of annual avenue of existing regional sites.
Thursday 20 November 2008
CNN International (London) interview
November 18 I attended the interview with CNN International (London) feature producer Steph Busari, it was amazing and exciting.
It's my first time to go to Turner Hourse, and we talked about CNN International features online, what my opinions are about? How it compared with BBC feature online.
She also asked me to introduce a bit of myself, I talked about my BA in Malta, cultural exchange in India, being learning piano for nearly 14 years, probably I have so much to say, and I even forget to tell her I was invited to attend "image of Europe" meeting in Brussels with the EU summer school I attended, anyway!!...
And one of her questions was "shocked" me, "Are you from Royal Academy of Music?" Royal academy? I'm a master degree student in Broadcast Journalism and special projects integrating multimedia, I was a bit confused from the beginning.
"Oh, I created a multimedia website on the subject of Classical Music, and I invited pianists from three Royal Schools of Music based in England, the Royal Academy is one of them." I said, "Oh, yeah, I see your website and it's quite engaging." Stephanie smiled.
She found also interested in web design and making video/audio stuffs, so asked me do you want to work on writing or production during the internship period?
My point of view is of course the technological side is amazing, it definitely gives a surplus for story telling and make the story more attractive, but the traditional print side, I mean to get the reportage, to write it as an article and to possess excellent news judgement is still essential.
"Sure, you will be helping around the production side, and we'll see if you feel to comfortable to contribute to writing."
Afterwards, she showed me around the newsroom within CNN International, I am amazed by its busy news gathering environment, what a exciting place!
It's my first time to go to Turner Hourse, and we talked about CNN International features online, what my opinions are about? How it compared with BBC feature online.
She also asked me to introduce a bit of myself, I talked about my BA in Malta, cultural exchange in India, being learning piano for nearly 14 years, probably I have so much to say, and I even forget to tell her I was invited to attend "image of Europe" meeting in Brussels with the EU summer school I attended, anyway!!...
And one of her questions was "shocked" me, "Are you from Royal Academy of Music?" Royal academy? I'm a master degree student in Broadcast Journalism and special projects integrating multimedia, I was a bit confused from the beginning.
"Oh, I created a multimedia website on the subject of Classical Music, and I invited pianists from three Royal Schools of Music based in England, the Royal Academy is one of them." I said, "Oh, yeah, I see your website and it's quite engaging." Stephanie smiled.
She found also interested in web design and making video/audio stuffs, so asked me do you want to work on writing or production during the internship period?
My point of view is of course the technological side is amazing, it definitely gives a surplus for story telling and make the story more attractive, but the traditional print side, I mean to get the reportage, to write it as an article and to possess excellent news judgement is still essential.
"Sure, you will be helping around the production side, and we'll see if you feel to comfortable to contribute to writing."
Afterwards, she showed me around the newsroom within CNN International, I am amazed by its busy news gathering environment, what a exciting place!
First day at Harrow Observer
My frist day working at Harrow Observer (work placement) is quite exciting, helped with reporter Elaine Okyere to rewrite a press release as a short report within 200 words.
It's quite an interesting experience, indeed I'm not quite sure about the writing styles of Horrow Observer. Then Elaine explained to me how the first paragraph should look like and how it article should end with.
For me, of course getting real stuff to rewrite and to produce as the print article. it's just my dream job!
Frankly speaking, in order to working for Online journalism, there is no way I can do it professionally without print journalism background.
Having checked out with BBC new online/feature online, CNN International feature online, most of their stuffs have been working with local newpapers for couple of years.
So where I should start, It's quite obviously.
.
It's quite an interesting experience, indeed I'm not quite sure about the writing styles of Horrow Observer. Then Elaine explained to me how the first paragraph should look like and how it article should end with.
For me, of course getting real stuff to rewrite and to produce as the print article. it's just my dream job!
Frankly speaking, in order to working for Online journalism, there is no way I can do it professionally without print journalism background.
Having checked out with BBC new online/feature online, CNN International feature online, most of their stuffs have been working with local newpapers for couple of years.
So where I should start, It's quite obviously.
.
Monday 17 November 2008
Should Leila be executed?
Leila, an Irani girl, who was sentencd to death at age of 18, because the judges found her guilty of prostitution, fortunately a laywer had finally saved her.
Should Leila be executed? Is she guilty?
In Iran, girls are considered as the first commodity can be sold or rent from parents' eyes, normally the families sold their daughters are poor.
leila was sold for sex at age of nine, and later on she continuously to be sold for dozens of men for supporting her family.
Leila's father and three brothers are all drug addtics, they are not working, the only income comes froms Leila's prostitution.
In Iran, father has the absolute power that he can do anything, even he decides to kill his child - the severest sentence he will gain is to sentence for couple of years.
Unfair judgement
The judges in Iran who handing this kind of cases were not educated, they saw women doing sex business were devils.
However, they would never ask why Leila started sex prostitution? Who are the people force leila to sell her body? And why women should be the person to be blamed?
This year, there are 7 women to be hangovered, and Leila would become the eighth one (if she was not saved by the Lawyer).
Leila's progress along with the whole legal system
Today Leila is 22 however, she is illerate, and she just started to learn things from scratch, and the progress is slow but she is happy that she is learning.
The Iran legal system had finally became much more sympathic towards women, and less women to be executed.
Let us pray for Leila, pray for those who had same experiences as Leila, and they are the people should be protected by the rule of law.
Should Leila be executed? Is she guilty?
In Iran, girls are considered as the first commodity can be sold or rent from parents' eyes, normally the families sold their daughters are poor.
leila was sold for sex at age of nine, and later on she continuously to be sold for dozens of men for supporting her family.
Leila's father and three brothers are all drug addtics, they are not working, the only income comes froms Leila's prostitution.
In Iran, father has the absolute power that he can do anything, even he decides to kill his child - the severest sentence he will gain is to sentence for couple of years.
Unfair judgement
The judges in Iran who handing this kind of cases were not educated, they saw women doing sex business were devils.
However, they would never ask why Leila started sex prostitution? Who are the people force leila to sell her body? And why women should be the person to be blamed?
This year, there are 7 women to be hangovered, and Leila would become the eighth one (if she was not saved by the Lawyer).
Leila's progress along with the whole legal system
Today Leila is 22 however, she is illerate, and she just started to learn things from scratch, and the progress is slow but she is happy that she is learning.
The Iran legal system had finally became much more sympathic towards women, and less women to be executed.
Let us pray for Leila, pray for those who had same experiences as Leila, and they are the people should be protected by the rule of law.
Why so many people died in Democratic Republic of Congo?
Why still so many people died in Democratic Republic of Congo even after six years of its civil war?
People died, not because of gun, because of disease and hunger
Followed the location recording, I saw the women got her miscarriage and watched her surrounded by blood, and heard her weak voice, it was a terrific documentary opening, I had to admit that.
The Democratic Republic of Congo ended its civil war in 2002, however, up to date six years later, lots of civilians were still living in a horrible condition and still were many people dying.
Like the women described at the beginning, she would died if there was no anti-biotic medicine which carried by the doctor followed by a BBC journalist.
People were dying not because of guns, because of diseases and hunger, there was no food. A family were described in the documentary, have already lost six children in the last couple of years.
Local people were difficult to access health care facilities, Malaria and other diseases frequently cause death.
That is reason why still so many people died even six years later after end of its civil war.
People died, not because of gun, because of disease and hunger
Followed the location recording, I saw the women got her miscarriage and watched her surrounded by blood, and heard her weak voice, it was a terrific documentary opening, I had to admit that.
The Democratic Republic of Congo ended its civil war in 2002, however, up to date six years later, lots of civilians were still living in a horrible condition and still were many people dying.
Like the women described at the beginning, she would died if there was no anti-biotic medicine which carried by the doctor followed by a BBC journalist.
People were dying not because of guns, because of diseases and hunger, there was no food. A family were described in the documentary, have already lost six children in the last couple of years.
Local people were difficult to access health care facilities, Malaria and other diseases frequently cause death.
That is reason why still so many people died even six years later after end of its civil war.
Friday 14 November 2008
Should bring troops home from Afganistan?
After British troops being involved in Afganistan for several years, many people were arguing should the government bring troops home or order more troops to Afganistan?
What were people think?
During the debate on Radio 4, one of the Afgan said that at the beginning, when UK troops removing the Taliban goverment.
The locals were very positive, they were even over-expecting that Kabual would change in 24 hours, and Kabual would be quickly become London, Paris, and New York.
However, the west lost their chance during the first two years, and till now many issues were still remain unresolved, such as nation-building, education, heathcare.
A Afgan lady, who were used to be trained as a journalist, told BBC journalist that after the Taiban government were removed, she heard the music on the street, and it was banned for nearly 6 years after Taliban came to power.
More people thought Afganistan definitely need British troops to stablise the country, to assist nation-building, to train the locals fight with the Taliban power.
What were people think?
During the debate on Radio 4, one of the Afgan said that at the beginning, when UK troops removing the Taliban goverment.
The locals were very positive, they were even over-expecting that Kabual would change in 24 hours, and Kabual would be quickly become London, Paris, and New York.
However, the west lost their chance during the first two years, and till now many issues were still remain unresolved, such as nation-building, education, heathcare.
A Afgan lady, who were used to be trained as a journalist, told BBC journalist that after the Taiban government were removed, she heard the music on the street, and it was banned for nearly 6 years after Taliban came to power.
More people thought Afganistan definitely need British troops to stablise the country, to assist nation-building, to train the locals fight with the Taliban power.
Smoke Radio 4p.m. news
Welcome to Smoke Radio 4p.m. news, I am Yixiang, Here is today's headline.
The Eurozone offcially slumps into recession; BT job cuts up to 10,000; Should UK troops withdraw from Afganitan, should other areas of Europe order more troops in order to reduce Burden from Britain. Changes comes to the universities, Two boys died at their home in Mancherster.
Eurozone slumps into recession
15 Euro-zone countries officially announced to slump into recession period, it comes after EU figures showing that the economy shrank by 0.2% in the third quarter.
The data shows Germany and Italy, two of the biggest economy within Euro-zone are already in recession.
BBC Berlin correspondent Steve Rosenberg said that major German economy depends on its export, and in the current economic downturn, even Germany is able to produce the best cars in the world, there is rare people can affor that.
Since 1999 Euro creation, this is the first recession Euro-zone met.
BT job cuts up to 10,000
The largest British phone company British Telecom has announced to cut 10,000 jobs this year from now to next year March.
The major job cuts will hit workers indirectly enployed by BT, such as contractors, offshore workers, who are outside of the agencies and which represents 6 percent reduction in BT's global work force.
Should UK troops withdraw from Afganitan?
Up to 2000 troops are likely to send to Afganistan next year.
The minister are considering to send more troops to Afganistan in order to meet the requirement of the US president-elect Brack Obama.
The turmoil emerged last Tuesday after two Royal Marines were killed in southern Afganistan Helmand. The Afghan leaders told Gordon Brown that there should be more troops to stablise the region.
Up to date the UK government has already ordered 8,100 troops in Helmand province and the British officials have publically claimed that there should be extra troops sent from other regions from Europe, in order to share the burden.
Changes comes to the universities
Major changes are expecting to happen in universities, through reforming the traditional academic calender year to transforming the current degree grading system.
The study shows the current traditional academic calender are unhelpful to part-time students who work while studying.
"Certainly traditional university systems, timetables and calendars are constructed with little reference to the world of employment," Professor Christine King said, vice-chancellor of Staffordshire University.
A paper suggest the newly system to allow students receive "credits" for every module they have completed, which will give them opportunities for later use, if they quit and return to campus later on.
Two boys died at their home in Mancherster
Two baby boies were stabbed dead at their home in Mancherster, one is aged 2 and his brother only 3-months-year old.
Their mother the 21-year-old was detained after discovering the boys' death, under the Mental Health Act.
The case was investigated by social service in Mancherster after leaving one of the baby at a surgery.
The services also revealed they became involved with the family after the three-month-old was briefly left at a GP surgery earlier this year.
They were also questionning why their mother was no longer assigned a social worker is now under way at Manchester City Council.
The Eurozone offcially slumps into recession; BT job cuts up to 10,000; Should UK troops withdraw from Afganitan, should other areas of Europe order more troops in order to reduce Burden from Britain. Changes comes to the universities, Two boys died at their home in Mancherster.
Eurozone slumps into recession
15 Euro-zone countries officially announced to slump into recession period, it comes after EU figures showing that the economy shrank by 0.2% in the third quarter.
The data shows Germany and Italy, two of the biggest economy within Euro-zone are already in recession.
BBC Berlin correspondent Steve Rosenberg said that major German economy depends on its export, and in the current economic downturn, even Germany is able to produce the best cars in the world, there is rare people can affor that.
Since 1999 Euro creation, this is the first recession Euro-zone met.
BT job cuts up to 10,000
The largest British phone company British Telecom has announced to cut 10,000 jobs this year from now to next year March.
The major job cuts will hit workers indirectly enployed by BT, such as contractors, offshore workers, who are outside of the agencies and which represents 6 percent reduction in BT's global work force.
Should UK troops withdraw from Afganitan?
Up to 2000 troops are likely to send to Afganistan next year.
The minister are considering to send more troops to Afganistan in order to meet the requirement of the US president-elect Brack Obama.
The turmoil emerged last Tuesday after two Royal Marines were killed in southern Afganistan Helmand. The Afghan leaders told Gordon Brown that there should be more troops to stablise the region.
Up to date the UK government has already ordered 8,100 troops in Helmand province and the British officials have publically claimed that there should be extra troops sent from other regions from Europe, in order to share the burden.
Changes comes to the universities
Major changes are expecting to happen in universities, through reforming the traditional academic calender year to transforming the current degree grading system.
The study shows the current traditional academic calender are unhelpful to part-time students who work while studying.
"Certainly traditional university systems, timetables and calendars are constructed with little reference to the world of employment," Professor Christine King said, vice-chancellor of Staffordshire University.
A paper suggest the newly system to allow students receive "credits" for every module they have completed, which will give them opportunities for later use, if they quit and return to campus later on.
Two boys died at their home in Mancherster
Two baby boies were stabbed dead at their home in Mancherster, one is aged 2 and his brother only 3-months-year old.
Their mother the 21-year-old was detained after discovering the boys' death, under the Mental Health Act.
The case was investigated by social service in Mancherster after leaving one of the baby at a surgery.
The services also revealed they became involved with the family after the three-month-old was briefly left at a GP surgery earlier this year.
They were also questionning why their mother was no longer assigned a social worker is now under way at Manchester City Council.
Monday 10 November 2008
Is International Humanitarian Law strong enough to make good reporting?
Is international humanitarian law strong enough to make 'good reporting' feasible in war zones?
First of all, we should have some ideas of what International Humanitarian Law is? The International Humanitarian Law forms a major part of international law.
Here is the picture which indicates the role of IHL within international laws
In 1864 Geneva Convention laid the foundations for contemporary humanitarian law. It was chiefly characterized by: 1). standing written rules of universal scope to protect the victims of conflicts;
2). its multilateral nature, open to all States; 3). the obligation to extend care without discrimination to wounded and sick military personnel;
4). respect for and marking of medical personnel, transports and equipment using an emblem (red cross on a
white background).
And gradually the IHL has evolved in different stages, most notably known as the four Geneva convention of 1949 and additional protocol I of 1977.
These treaties are also the basis for the International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC) to carry out their duties.
First of all, we should have some ideas of what International Humanitarian Law is? The International Humanitarian Law forms a major part of international law.
Here is the picture which indicates the role of IHL within international laws
In 1864 Geneva Convention laid the foundations for contemporary humanitarian law. It was chiefly characterized by: 1). standing written rules of universal scope to protect the victims of conflicts;
2). its multilateral nature, open to all States; 3). the obligation to extend care without discrimination to wounded and sick military personnel;
4). respect for and marking of medical personnel, transports and equipment using an emblem (red cross on a
white background).
And gradually the IHL has evolved in different stages, most notably known as the four Geneva convention of 1949 and additional protocol I of 1977.
These treaties are also the basis for the International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC) to carry out their duties.
Thursday 6 November 2008
Journalism practice during war period
The first topic: is it right to say that “it is often through good reporting that conflict is reduced'? For understanding this questions, we would better have a look of what conflict is first.
Conflict is a situation where two or more individuals or groups try to pursue goals or ambitions which they believe they cannot share. And also not all the conflicts are violent. Conflict is normal when a change comes. For a reporter, news is change.
Violent physical conflicts is easily to identify and described by journalists, like Iraq war. However, As said before not all the conflicts are violent, some of the conflicts do not include physical violence, but still can do a great harm in a society.
Such as cultural violence, including: xenophobia, hate speech, religious justification for wars, gender discrimination.
And structural violence: colonialism, institutionalised racism or sexism, extreme exploitation, structural segregation.
For a war reporters, not only need to understand what is conflict, also need to be aware what course conflict?
The International Relations theory defines that conflict comes 1). when resources are scare and not shared fairly, such as lands, food, shelters, or jobs 2). There is little or no communication between the two groups 3). The groups have incorrect ideas beliefs about each other. 4). Power is unevenly distributed.
The relations between journalism and conflicts are mainly through communication, which is the root of conflict resolution. For two sides in a conflict to move towards a non-violent resolution, they must first talk. That is where good journalism comes in.
Professional journalists do not set out to reduce conflict, but try to present accurate and impartial news, which help the communication between the two sides and in order to reduce the conflicts.
There are several elements of conflicts resolution that good journalism can deliver: such as confidence building, educating, channel of communication, framing the conflict.
What is the requirements for war journalism keep citizens well-informed and in the meantime melt the conflict.
Should not: defamatory, derivative, malicious, corrupt;
Should do: accuracy, impartiality, responsibility,
Accuracy + Impartiality + responsibility = Reliability of Journalism
It applies to every aspect of the job — assigning stories, editing copy or sound bites, writing headlines, directing, producing, or managing newsrooms.
Reliable journalism encourages, supports and stimulates democracy, because people's right of free speech and expression guaranteed by UDHR article 19 is fulfilled through journalism and different media outlets, TV, Radio and multimedia.
Examples
Conflict is a situation where two or more individuals or groups try to pursue goals or ambitions which they believe they cannot share. And also not all the conflicts are violent. Conflict is normal when a change comes. For a reporter, news is change.
Violent physical conflicts is easily to identify and described by journalists, like Iraq war. However, As said before not all the conflicts are violent, some of the conflicts do not include physical violence, but still can do a great harm in a society.
Such as cultural violence, including: xenophobia, hate speech, religious justification for wars, gender discrimination.
And structural violence: colonialism, institutionalised racism or sexism, extreme exploitation, structural segregation.
For a war reporters, not only need to understand what is conflict, also need to be aware what course conflict?
The International Relations theory defines that conflict comes 1). when resources are scare and not shared fairly, such as lands, food, shelters, or jobs 2). There is little or no communication between the two groups 3). The groups have incorrect ideas beliefs about each other. 4). Power is unevenly distributed.
The relations between journalism and conflicts are mainly through communication, which is the root of conflict resolution. For two sides in a conflict to move towards a non-violent resolution, they must first talk. That is where good journalism comes in.
Professional journalists do not set out to reduce conflict, but try to present accurate and impartial news, which help the communication between the two sides and in order to reduce the conflicts.
There are several elements of conflicts resolution that good journalism can deliver: such as confidence building, educating, channel of communication, framing the conflict.
What is the requirements for war journalism keep citizens well-informed and in the meantime melt the conflict.
Should not: defamatory, derivative, malicious, corrupt;
Should do: accuracy, impartiality, responsibility,
Accuracy + Impartiality + responsibility = Reliability of Journalism
It applies to every aspect of the job — assigning stories, editing copy or sound bites, writing headlines, directing, producing, or managing newsrooms.
Reliable journalism encourages, supports and stimulates democracy, because people's right of free speech and expression guaranteed by UDHR article 19 is fulfilled through journalism and different media outlets, TV, Radio and multimedia.
Examples
Wednesday 5 November 2008
Tuesday 4 November 2008
Last eight hours before the US election result coming out
The historic result will come out at 8:00a.m. 5th of November, 2008 on UK time. Many Americans felt they were voting for a historic election - the possibility of choosing the ever first African-American president.
Phenomenal turnout
The traditional Republican state Virginia created a phenomenal turnout, said reporters, and the democratic hopeful is hoping to capture its attention.
Another battlefield Missouri has reportedly possessed "unprecedented turnout".
In Ohio, officials are expecting 80% voters attendance.
130 million Americans are expected to turnout to vote.
Surprisingly, both John McCain and Barack Obama are continuing their campaign during polling day.
The hamlet, has alway been the first to vote in the nation for the past 60 years, has counted for 100% turnout.
And it is also the first time the town had voted for a Democrate since 1968.
In the meantime, the entire US House of Representatives and the US Senate are holding its elections.
Phenomenal turnout
The traditional Republican state Virginia created a phenomenal turnout, said reporters, and the democratic hopeful is hoping to capture its attention.
Another battlefield Missouri has reportedly possessed "unprecedented turnout".
In Ohio, officials are expecting 80% voters attendance.
130 million Americans are expected to turnout to vote.
Surprisingly, both John McCain and Barack Obama are continuing their campaign during polling day.
The hamlet, has alway been the first to vote in the nation for the past 60 years, has counted for 100% turnout.
And it is also the first time the town had voted for a Democrate since 1968.
In the meantime, the entire US House of Representatives and the US Senate are holding its elections.
Monday 3 November 2008
Brutal cyber rumors kills South Korean celebrity
South Korean super-star Choi Jin-sil committed suicide at her Seoul home. the 40-year-old was considered as the "Nation's Actress".
Her death was linked with recent Internet rumor spreaded within the whole nation, which brutally broken Ms. Choi's reputation - the public published posts online that she had relentlessly pressed her fellow actor to repay a $2 million debt.
South Korean uncensored cyberspace
After Ms. Choi's death, the police, the media and the members of parliaments all pointed fingers at the Internet.
Cyberspace in South Korea possesses incredible freedom, public can post items without censorship, such a environment assists cyber bullying.
The South Korean government have indeed encountered public cyber protest earlier this year.
The vicious antigovernment posting and online rumors on the dangers of lifting the ban on American beef fueled the political upheaval, which forced the entire cabinet to resign.
Government implements new law on defamation
The South Korean President Lee Myung-bak insists to implement new law to regulate cyberspace and Internet, which on a collision over the opposition party accusing government "rule cyberspace with martial law".
The opposition says that the Internet volience has already dealt under exsisting laws against slander and public insults.
However the government says the new law will be better safeguard the victims and publich online abuse.
Her death was linked with recent Internet rumor spreaded within the whole nation, which brutally broken Ms. Choi's reputation - the public published posts online that she had relentlessly pressed her fellow actor to repay a $2 million debt.
South Korean uncensored cyberspace
After Ms. Choi's death, the police, the media and the members of parliaments all pointed fingers at the Internet.
Cyberspace in South Korea possesses incredible freedom, public can post items without censorship, such a environment assists cyber bullying.
The South Korean government have indeed encountered public cyber protest earlier this year.
The vicious antigovernment posting and online rumors on the dangers of lifting the ban on American beef fueled the political upheaval, which forced the entire cabinet to resign.
Government implements new law on defamation
The South Korean President Lee Myung-bak insists to implement new law to regulate cyberspace and Internet, which on a collision over the opposition party accusing government "rule cyberspace with martial law".
The opposition says that the Internet volience has already dealt under exsisting laws against slander and public insults.
However the government says the new law will be better safeguard the victims and publich online abuse.
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