Fairness in the media

Adam Lambert’s raunchy performance at the AMA’s this week has sparked major cotroversies after he simulated oral sex and kissed another male. Over 1500 complains were made from viewers across America,  and it has even been blurred when shown on tv. Although it is a major hit on viral database, YouTube.

But when Britney Spears and Madonna kissed at the VMA’s a few years ago, it was deemed as the best thing ever – and surprisingly enough, not blurred on tv.

Is this fair? Same sex antics on tv should either all be banned or all broadcasted. Fair is fair.

High speed rail plans

The Government has plans to introduce a second high speed rail link to the United Kingdom, connecting Scotland’s most economic cities – Glasgow and Edinburgh – to London, and to be able to get to your destination in a matter of hours.

 In 2008, the Climate Change Act came into effect. We have all been preached to about lowing our carbon emissions – walk instead of driving and use park-and-ride facilities but to name a few. However, what about other long term solutions?

 Lesley Martin, service manager of the economic development committee said: “The Glasgow/Edinburgh Collaboration Initiative is looking to maximise the benefits of cross-border high-speed rail to create a more economic Scotland, and make a stronger connection with London. We also need to cut down carbon emissions as shown in the Climate Change Agenda.”

 She continued: “Transport Scotland and Network Rail have to work together to create a cost effective solution for travelling to the South. Scotland’s bigger cities have more of a business connection with London nowadays, which we must act upon. This will help solve capacity problems.”

 Nevertheless, he cost of a project of this magnitude must come into consideration. The Edinburgh tram project’s budget has considerably risen over the past year, leading to arguments in parliament and workers going on strike.

 Craig Thompson, a Network Rail employee said: “If a high speed rail line was introduced, it would definitely be used. Of course the cost will effect it. Its already expensive, although, if it is a shorter journey time, it would make sense to be a cheaper option.”

 When asked his personal opinion on the matter, Mr Thompson said: “I am very excited about the prospects of it all, however, wary that it may end up costing too much like, for example, the Edinburgh tram project.”

 Although it has recently emerged that plans to build a new line have been cancelled much to the dismay of many. However from December 2010, the currently running London to Glasgow services will go via Edinburgh – an obvious improvement to the service.

 Jane Sullivan, a student from North Queensferry, who now lives and studies in London said: “Personally, I would love to use a faster train service, especially if it means getting to see my family quicker. Although, if it were to cost a lot more than current prices, and not running as often, it would challenge my decision to use it.”

Quality in Journalism

So I’ve been doing assessment 2 of introduction to journalism, and whilst finding references to include in it, I found some really interesting extracts from a couple of books that are so true in today’s society.

“Overnight people – with or without talent or morals – were thrust into the media spotlight, exploited for all they were worth and then dropped as quickly as they had been found.” (The Press Book, Braithwaite, 2009, page 106.)

“In June 2008 the London Evening Standard devoted more space on its front page to a picture of Kate Moss at some event with her boyfriend that it gave to the headline story about the first woman soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.” (The Press Book, Braithwaite, 2009, page 111.)

Crazy times.

Christmas in the City

 

“Seeing this huge, unwieldy tree coming into the store, we know it is getting to that time of year again.” Claire Dickson, an Edinburgh local speaks of her job in one of the most prestigious department stores. Christmas is a time to have fun, especially if you are in one of Europe’s most desirable cities. Located in the city centre, Edinburgh’s Winter Wonderland is popular with tourists and locals alike. Winter Wonderland is a definite must for anyone in the city during the festive period.

 Hidden beneath the fairy-light covered trees in East Princes Street Gardens, lies one of Britain’s largest open air ice rinks. It is only in place throughout the Winter festival period – the end of November to the beginning of January – but is always swarming with people.

 The ice rink is not the only attraction that pulls in the tourists. The upper level of the Gardens is transformed from the pigeons’ haven of the Scott Monument and picnic benches, to a bustling German Market. Although in previous years, it has been held on next to the National Gallery of Scotland.

 With almost 30 stalls in place, there is always something for everyone. Walking around, there is the scent of mulled wine and hot chestnuts, as well as other sweets, meats and savouries, all at a good price. The markets stock everything from traditional German food products, to toys, candles and Christmas decorations.

 Each stall appears as a small wooden hut, decorated with seasonal lights and other such trimmings, and is designed to bring a small part of Germany to Edinburgh, especially as they are all run by native Germans. In addition to the German Market, is the traditional Scottish Market, selling food, clothing and jewellery.

 Also situated by the Scott Monument is the iconic Ferris Wheel. Towering at over 100 feet, the “Edinburgh Eye” is another favourite for those in the city. Covered in lights, the wheel gives a better view of the Winter Wonderland, and other of the cities tourist attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and the Camera Obscura. Although, when in the carriage at the top of the wheel, the view from the top looks straight into the changing rooms of the department store of Jenners – which they have overcome by blackening the windows.

 Known as the “Harrods of the North”, Jenners is also the home to one of the largest Christmas trees in any department store. Inserted through the double doors of the Rose Street entrance, it is situated in the grand hall. Covered in lights and baubles, it is a must see for shoppers in this luxurious store.

 Malcolm Brown, 39, from Aberdour says, “I always bring my family to Jenners at Christmas time. The tree must be at least 50 feet tall! We also have a wander around the toy department. It brings out the child in everyone.”

 Claire Dickson, an employee at the famous store told of how the tree gets into the grand hall. “The doors are taken off at the Rose Street entrance where about 30 grown men struggle to get it inside. it’s a very odd scene.”

 The West Princes Street Gardens are home to some of the more child-friendly attractions. Home to Santa’s Reindeer, the man himself comes to visit twice a day, also picking up the mail deposited into his special wish list post box. For the more mature person, there is also the opportunity to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the gardens.

 Something to put a smile on your face during the festive period is the Great Scottish Santa Run. Even the name of the event itself is sure to tickle even the most cynical of persons. Thousands of costume clad men and women take to the Princes Street Gardens for a 1.5km charity dash, where it really is the taking part the counts. And of course, the best way to recover is by making the most of the complimentary mulled wine and mince pies. A sure-fire way to put a smile on anyone’s face.

 The run is part of what is aptly named “Santa Weekend”, where Santa related activities are available to all. These include the grand opening of the Reindeer Garden and Santa’s post box.

 Edinburgh is definitely the place to be during the festive period.

Hogmanay in Style!

Christmas is not the only time to celebrate in Edinburgh. The city comes to a stand-still over New Year, or when in Scotland, Hogmanay. With this year set to go off with a spectacular bang, the slogan of the event being “Hello Twenty Ten”.

 This year, the five day event is sure to have something for everyone – music, dance, lights and lasers, and of course the midnight firework display. With DJ Mylo and Snow Patrol headlining the West End DJ Stage of the Street Party, it is sure to be a night to remember.

 Another highlight of the evenings’ festivities is the Concert in the Gardens, held in the West Princes Street Gardens. This year will be featuring Madness, the Noisettes and lasers galore, it is a night not to be missed. With tickets starting at £37.50, this also gains you access to the Street Party.

 When asked her opinion of the Street Party and Gig in the Gardens, 19-year-old Fiona Cuthbert said, “I loved it last year! The atmosphere is amazing. Everyone has a fabulous time. Its one of those things you just have to do. As long as you remember to wrap up warm – you still have to take Scottish weather into consideration.”

 Although if that is not your forte, there is plenty more on offer. The Keilidh, which is held on the Mound Precinct, offers traditional Scottish dance and music, as well as festive treats. It will certainly get your heart racing. This event also offers an incredible view of the firework display, which sets off from the Castle.

 For those who decide not to be in the city on Old Year’s Night, there is the also the opportunity to watch Off Kilter, the newest dance phenomenon exploding onto the festival scene. Mixing various types of dance from ballet, to highland, to even hip-hop, and being shown at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, it is a must.

Family Ties

For anyone, moving to a new city can be a significant change in ones life. It often helps to have the support of family behind you for this transition. However, when ones family is soread across the world, this can often create a negative impact on the impressions a new metropolis gives.

This has been the case for 22-year-old Isioma Okolo, a University of Edinburgh medical student from Lagos, Nigeria. In 2005, she moved from the suburban town – the previous capital of the country – to the city to become a British-trained doctor, something that will be of assistance in her poverty ridden home country.

In 1999, her parents divorced, which was followed by her mother moving to America, who then re-married and resides in Texas with her new husband. Isioma inherited three step-siblings – people who she has never even met. They live across the country in New Jersey, Texas and Florida.

Isioma said: “I miss having a close relationship with my mother. My family is very pro-technology and we speak every day, often using Skype.

“After she left Nigeria, I was the oldest female in the household. My brother – who now lives and works in Dubai – was not obliged to help with household chores, even though we did have hired help such as a cook, security, a pool cleaner and someone to do the laundry three times a week. I had to learn to cook, clean and look after my little sister, Unoma, by myself. It was quite hard.”

Unoma Okolo now attends the University of Stanford in California, something that Isioma is proud of, but misses having quality time with her. Their father, who still lives in Nigeria – has re-married – has fathered four more children, and is expecting another due in February.

When asked her opinion on living in Edinburgh, Isioma replied: “I love living in the heart of Scotland. It is so different to Nigeria. There you have rich and poor people living almost side-by-side, which does mean the crime levels are much higher compared to Edinburgh. I feel safe in this city.”

The life of a journalist

The world of journalism is a pressurised one, with continuous deadlines, job insecurity and challenging interviewees. But what makes the difference between a competent and a great journalist? Good writing skills, the confidence to say what one want no matter how many feathers they ruffle, and, of course, fabulous interview skills. These are a given. Something often overlooked is having the determination to succeed, something which Susan Swarbrick, a 31-year-old senior features writer for the Herald and Times Group definitely has.

On what first inspired her to become a journalist, Susan Swarbrick said:

“From the age of 12 or 13, I wanted to be a journalist, but I changed my mind to medicine. Then in my late teens, it went back to journalism. Then when it came to going to university, I completed a degree in communication and media.

“I did still want to do journalism so I did a lot of work experience. I got references from editors, then went on to do a post-grad journalism degree at the University of Strathclyde.

 “I love the variety. The world is constantly evolving, and you need to think on your feet. You can go from writing a celebrity piece, to being at the scene of a crash. There are constant challenges which I love.”

 Many journalists often want to get into the industry because they aspire to be like a current worker. Susan said:

 “I first wanted to be a sports journalist. I really liked Lynn Barber and Andrew Smith, who worked for the Scotland on Sunday. Many people I met through work experience and working as a journalist also inspired me. Making contacts through editors was good part of it.”

 Travel is a major part in being a journalist. Breaking news stories happen all over the world, and obviously without notice. A journalist must be able to travel at a drop of a hat – often to some exotic locations. Susan, who lives in Glasgow – which is also know as the soul of Scotland – has had the chance to work all over the world.

 “I spent a year in Canada working for the National Post. I’ve also be to North and South America, Australia, South Africa, Morocco, Zambia, Ukraine, France, Bosnia and Spain. I happened to be in London for the 7/7 bombings, which I of course covered.”

 The credit crunch has been affecting everyone, in all industries. Less money is available to accommodate larger staffs, travelling in order to do interviews, especially when the interviewee is demanding.

“It has severely impacted the industry. Everyone seems to be tightening their belts. Celebrity interviews are more often done over the phone as we cant afford to travel as often. Everyone needs to compromise. The quality of work can sometimes be limited – not as polished as you’d like, but we just have to work around it.”

 Susan reminisced about one of her favourite, but most challenging interviews.

“It would have to be David Hasselhoff. We interviewed him in Leeds of all places. He kept changing his mind about the way he wanted things to go. High pressure interviews like that can be quite unpredictable.

“I’ve also interviewed Gok Wan, but I was quite disappointed by him. He just didn’t have that sparkle you see on TV.”

 In February, it was announced that the Herald and Times Group had suffered major declines in circulation over the past year, since January 2008. The Herald, a daily paper suffered a drop of 9.7%, and the Sunday Herald suffered a drop of 12.25% in circulation. So what does the future hold for journalism? Susan Swarbrick said:

 “Multimedia is on the rise. The internet is a big part of it. Blogging and pod casts also a major advantage in this technological era. Camera and video work will be more prominent, as will cross promoting news and feature stories to increase readership.

 “You need to be articulate in the way you explain yourself, and most importantly, be proactive!”

 

Hogmanay

So I’ve just been editing my BMI in-flight feature piece and I’ve found out about the new year celebrations in Edinburgh this year. I must say, I’m EXCITED! I think it’ll be fab, a major improvement on last year.

Was also reading up on Goebbels for Study Skills assignment 2. What an odd little man. Cant believe he and his wife killed thier children. Thats just nasty. He and Hitler must have got on very well.

Newsworthy-ness

Sorry but this is going to come out as a bit of a rant. Don’t get me wrong, I love Perez Hilton, but when it gets to the stage where two posts a day are being added to his site about Amy Winehouse’s recent boob job, the world has gone crazy. Who actually cares! If its not that, then its about her druggie habbits.

There are more worthwhile things going on in the world to talk about!

Rant over.

Introduction to Journalism

So I finally finished assessment 1. It didnt actually take me as long as expected. Strange thing is I actually found it quite interesting getting my sources – found out a few new things. Very glad that it has been handed in now (a day early may I add!) so I dont have that to worry about, well, until the marks come back haha. Was also chuffed to get 67% on study skills assessment 1 – Dr Duff doesn’t scare me as much anymore.

I also found out doing this assignment that the New York Times has come into some money trouble and plan to cut their newsroom staff by 100 people (8%). So happy I want to have a career in magazines.

Thats all for now

Susan Swarbrick interview 14/10

I had to interview a journalist. Got that done today – Susan Swarbrick who works for the Herald. She was lovely and very helpful. Answered all my questions, and added a few of her own. I was very surprised to learn how she was only 31. Crazy times.

It actually made me want to start getting work experience now. I wonder who’ll take me?

Also finished Study Skills assessment 1. Loves it