The funniest film I have saw from the Future Film Festival is the "Jokes from around the world".
Where to use Oyster Card
A traveller newly to London, and heard that Oyster card can do a great help when she's travelling in this expensive city. Cool, after happily getting her Oyster card in her hand, she's planning to start her great journey.
But wait, where to use the Oyster card, she's busy finding the hole for inserting her Oyster Card, but where is it? She wants to cry!! And seeing people passing by, she is trying to find the hole.
Half pack of the eggs
"Hey, I only want to buy half pack of the eggs, only three, not six, I pay half of the price."
"No, you can't do that, you have to buy the whole pack, six. not three."
"Why, I'm still paying you money, look, I say three."
"You can't do that, and in the whole London, no people is going to just sell three eggs to you."
...
Deal is done - "Ok, here is half pack, get your three eggs."
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Black or White?
The first short film I have saw from the Future Film Festival at BFI IMAX centre called Estate Us. To be honest, it's such a confused film which I think will misguide people.
Black equals violence
The story depicts black young teenagers from deprived communities in London facing different pressures from life, and he has to force himself making difficult choices, typically drug and violence sort of stuff that he just can't get rid of it.
And it's ture, young Londoners do have this kind of trouble, but let's put the original idea aside, why choosing black kids acting on this film?
Is it all happening in the black skin community? For me, as an outsider, the impression on me will be Oh, look,this is today's London youngster, and do watch out, black kids on the side street!!
What kind of impression the film create? Why violence always does associate with Black?
Brilliant black guys I have known
Frankly speaking, I have met some wonderful black people while studying at London.
My Online tutor David Dumkley, who's such an amazing journalist with great passion on Journalism.
Previously he has worked with BBC News Night, Radio 4, and then an associate producer from Channel 4, an international award winning multimedia website creator, a senior lecturer from Uni. Westminster...
A classical musician whom I have met during my final project creation period - Levie Moscovici, originally from Nigeria (If I'm not mistaken, but he's black definitely).
Though from the beginning I didn't put much attention on him (because so many good musicians in the music colleges around London), but after listening to his fantastic recital, and I just told myself that this's the musician I must invite to my site, though he dropped out at the end due to his arm injury.
Another Jamaican friend from Uni. Jamalah Bryan, an excellent web developer, and extremely good at coding.
He's so young, full of bright amibitions and high expectation for his life, and wants to see the world, meet people, starts to run his own company and begins his career.
There's millions of ways bringing positive impacts on black community. And I just can't understand why if there's violence there, then the audience 9 out of ten times will see all the black creatures occupying that screen, is that fair?
Because we're white - Goodbye Bafana
I still clearly remembered the famous sentence from Goodbye Bafana:"Because we're white."
James Gregory, the prison guard of Nelson Mandela, told his little sick daughter after witnessing a black women got beaten from a white officer and was taken away from her boby.
James told his daughter that they are white and they never mixed up with black!
But years later, Nelson Mandela became the first President of South Africa, who was to be elected in a fully representative democracy election.
And today, Barack Obama came to power as the 44th United States President, the first black president in America's history, and the most powerful man in the world.
Black or White, never mind!!
Black equals violence
The story depicts black young teenagers from deprived communities in London facing different pressures from life, and he has to force himself making difficult choices, typically drug and violence sort of stuff that he just can't get rid of it.
And it's ture, young Londoners do have this kind of trouble, but let's put the original idea aside, why choosing black kids acting on this film?
Is it all happening in the black skin community? For me, as an outsider, the impression on me will be Oh, look,this is today's London youngster, and do watch out, black kids on the side street!!
What kind of impression the film create? Why violence always does associate with Black?
Brilliant black guys I have known
Frankly speaking, I have met some wonderful black people while studying at London.
My Online tutor David Dumkley, who's such an amazing journalist with great passion on Journalism.
Previously he has worked with BBC News Night, Radio 4, and then an associate producer from Channel 4, an international award winning multimedia website creator, a senior lecturer from Uni. Westminster...
A classical musician whom I have met during my final project creation period - Levie Moscovici, originally from Nigeria (If I'm not mistaken, but he's black definitely).
Though from the beginning I didn't put much attention on him (because so many good musicians in the music colleges around London), but after listening to his fantastic recital, and I just told myself that this's the musician I must invite to my site, though he dropped out at the end due to his arm injury.
Another Jamaican friend from Uni. Jamalah Bryan, an excellent web developer, and extremely good at coding.
He's so young, full of bright amibitions and high expectation for his life, and wants to see the world, meet people, starts to run his own company and begins his career.
There's millions of ways bringing positive impacts on black community. And I just can't understand why if there's violence there, then the audience 9 out of ten times will see all the black creatures occupying that screen, is that fair?
Because we're white - Goodbye Bafana
I still clearly remembered the famous sentence from Goodbye Bafana:"Because we're white."
James Gregory, the prison guard of Nelson Mandela, told his little sick daughter after witnessing a black women got beaten from a white officer and was taken away from her boby.
James told his daughter that they are white and they never mixed up with black!
But years later, Nelson Mandela became the first President of South Africa, who was to be elected in a fully representative democracy election.
And today, Barack Obama came to power as the 44th United States President, the first black president in America's history, and the most powerful man in the world.
Black or White, never mind!!
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Terot card - Moon (1)
The project I'm doing at the moment is to create a moon tarot card, which indicates darkness, evil power, hell and all the horrific scenes human beings can imagine.
Starry sky creation
An interesting episode happened during the card creation is to make the starry night sky. Since fed up of "stealing" things from web, I told myself I'm going to create my own.
The best part I have learnt so far from the class is to search for certain photoshop object creation tutorial.
It's funny that by now I finally realised the learning process is such a long and difficult procedure.
From "knowing nothing" to "realising developing from web" until now finally "understand to search for certain object creation tutorial".
Layer mask
I was using photoshop before, but using it without proper understanding, and I have no idea what results I'm intending to get and how the process goes and ends whatsover.
I have never bothered what is layer mask, adjustment layer, or those convenient shortcuts.
After searching from tutorial, I realised starry night sky can be created though adding noise and using layer mask to adjust its level in order to get the right tone.
And indeed the layer mask is the small thumbnail just right beside the layer thumbnail, and it indicates the area which you want to do change.
The last important thing is to remember that no matter which part you want to change and always firstly select the part otherwise layer mask would never work.
Starry sky creation
An interesting episode happened during the card creation is to make the starry night sky. Since fed up of "stealing" things from web, I told myself I'm going to create my own.
The best part I have learnt so far from the class is to search for certain photoshop object creation tutorial.
It's funny that by now I finally realised the learning process is such a long and difficult procedure.
From "knowing nothing" to "realising developing from web" until now finally "understand to search for certain object creation tutorial".
Layer mask
I was using photoshop before, but using it without proper understanding, and I have no idea what results I'm intending to get and how the process goes and ends whatsover.
I have never bothered what is layer mask, adjustment layer, or those convenient shortcuts.
After searching from tutorial, I realised starry night sky can be created though adding noise and using layer mask to adjust its level in order to get the right tone.
And indeed the layer mask is the small thumbnail just right beside the layer thumbnail, and it indicates the area which you want to do change.
The last important thing is to remember that no matter which part you want to change and always firstly select the part otherwise layer mask would never work.
Friday, 13 February 2009
keep practice, nothing can be worse
Illustrating is just like writing, you drew things as metaphors instead of writing them down, just drew everything you saw and keep it everyday, nothing can get wrose!
Girl, you should change your name into animation
An east Londoner named Aninata Joseph, I assume (though haven't checked yet), the first person I have networked (which's one of the missions I'm carrying on) during my graphic design course at central London.
First impression on her, a talktive Londoner and quite interested in design stuff. I have seen her sketch books which kept everything organised and tidy.
She introduced me to her favourite drawing style - times of Robinhood. Though I do know this fellow and his engaging fairytale, the details must be admitted to gaining a much more close insight.
Miracle stuff - Drawing
As telling my friend that for me, drawing is such a miracle thing, and I have never imagined that I'm going to draw things myself.
Remembered once when I was working as a trainee at BBC london, Gary Holland, the project manager wanted us to design a poster for the "Real Young London" Page.
He then said, you guys, just go online and plenty of stuff there for you to develop, and see if you can adjust something fancy from there.
Same thing at my Uni., Online tutor David Dumkley told me Yixiang you need to find something online and develop from there!
And here, at Blake college, Christopher Rainbow, a professional illustrator said, you can't just take things from web, and you need to create your own stuff, and don't cheat!
You see, journalism doesn't require too much drawing and designing stuff, but when you're doing graphic, everyone is trying to using different methods to "show off" their artwork. they say we are cretive and we are innovative!
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Sunday, 25 January 2009
Step Up to UK Journalism
An article for Uni. Mag
by Yixiang Zeng
I am always looking forward to get my foot into UK journalism industry even before starting to pursue my study at the University of Westminster.
While adopting that mad, crazy Asian work ethic - painstakingly absorbing journalism skills and learning from all the talents surrounded me, I always spared part of my mind looking for great chances and making valuable contacts.
Making application
Eventually the opportunity turned out, although I was told the “BBC Step Up Trainee Scheme 2008” only one day before the closing date.
It was absolutely an amazing and exciting moment to fill the application form. What were all in my mind was just to convince the BBC judges that I am the best candidate for the scheme, and lift their spirits with all the enthusiasm and curiosity wondering who this stunning applicant is!
The following run was frightening enough to drive me down to the hell, more complicated Online questions (I was applying for Online trainee) need to be answered, and more pressured group discussion, interview await for me.
I was weary after all finished, but my mind just cannot stop thinking of it. All the procedures were endlessly appearing in my mind and I missed the right tube twice on my way home, damn it!
But when I finally got confirmed that I was accepted by the scheme out of thirty from hundreds of applications, I was totally over the moon!
The Trainee Scheme
The training sessions were fantastic and quite intense, we were given opportunities to gain insight of how BBC function; to be matched with a personal mentor from the BBC employees, with whom to date I am still keep in touch.
We were also trained from different aspects of how to make a professional news story, such as journalism related law issues, story pitch, conducting interview, Content Management System training.
The best part of the scheme I could say is the practical part including the production fortnight. I was researching original news stories, pitching story ideas to the project manager, getting reportage, writing stories, making audio slides show, and eventually published them on the BBC London website.
It was an unforgettable experience and definitely worthy of taking part in. While continuously learning and enjoying the process, I was suddenly realising what a networking tool “Step Up” has also acted.
Looked at these bright and dazzling “Step Up” wits, what greater things are we going to make? Let me take an oath and graft to make the absolute best of what I can achieve.
by Yixiang Zeng
I am always looking forward to get my foot into UK journalism industry even before starting to pursue my study at the University of Westminster.
While adopting that mad, crazy Asian work ethic - painstakingly absorbing journalism skills and learning from all the talents surrounded me, I always spared part of my mind looking for great chances and making valuable contacts.
Making application
Eventually the opportunity turned out, although I was told the “BBC Step Up Trainee Scheme 2008” only one day before the closing date.
It was absolutely an amazing and exciting moment to fill the application form. What were all in my mind was just to convince the BBC judges that I am the best candidate for the scheme, and lift their spirits with all the enthusiasm and curiosity wondering who this stunning applicant is!
The following run was frightening enough to drive me down to the hell, more complicated Online questions (I was applying for Online trainee) need to be answered, and more pressured group discussion, interview await for me.
I was weary after all finished, but my mind just cannot stop thinking of it. All the procedures were endlessly appearing in my mind and I missed the right tube twice on my way home, damn it!
But when I finally got confirmed that I was accepted by the scheme out of thirty from hundreds of applications, I was totally over the moon!
The Trainee Scheme
The training sessions were fantastic and quite intense, we were given opportunities to gain insight of how BBC function; to be matched with a personal mentor from the BBC employees, with whom to date I am still keep in touch.
We were also trained from different aspects of how to make a professional news story, such as journalism related law issues, story pitch, conducting interview, Content Management System training.
The best part of the scheme I could say is the practical part including the production fortnight. I was researching original news stories, pitching story ideas to the project manager, getting reportage, writing stories, making audio slides show, and eventually published them on the BBC London website.
It was an unforgettable experience and definitely worthy of taking part in. While continuously learning and enjoying the process, I was suddenly realising what a networking tool “Step Up” has also acted.
Looked at these bright and dazzling “Step Up” wits, what greater things are we going to make? Let me take an oath and graft to make the absolute best of what I can achieve.
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Christmas Carol Concert by Harrow Philharmonic Choir
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
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
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.
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