Yes, I would like to pass my degree...

Home sweet home: three blissful words. It's always nice to return home when you are greeted with open arms and the kettle is on the boil. Everyone is fussing over their 'baby' of the house, fattening me up with everything in sight. I have missed feeling healthy, drinking actual bottled water, and eating nutritious dinners with real tasting vegetables, rather then Iceland's £1 frozen vegetables. Fresh bed sheets on my sincerely missed double bed means I will definitely be sleeping like a starfish tonight, to take full advantage of leg room! It's hit home, literally, on how tired I am; falling asleep all the time... apart from getting overly excited to go shopping in Tkmaxx. (Any one from home who knows me will know that my sister and I used to practically live there till closing everyday!) I feel as though I have been on holiday this weekend, although I did feel guilty watching TV after Chris' talk on avoiding 'entertainment' shows. But, as it included a bit of Question Time (educational stuff) which was filmed in Winchester Cathedral I figured he would let me off. On the topic of TV, I'll make it clearer for you by explaining Chris's pet talk on how to pass our Degree.

The discussion on how to pass our degree took place during our introduction to the new module of our course: 'Journalism Now'. This entails news clinics where we have each been assigned a newspaper to religiously follow. In my instance I will be reading 'The Independent', (or the 'I') ready to inform the others in seminar group A.

Time to get technical - Newspaper Jargon:
The Standing Head - This is the head of the paper, or in this case the large 'i' in the top left hand corner
Modular - This is the layout of the newspaper, it is divided in to paras and smaller boxed sections
Linear - This is the layout of news on TV, new which follows on one thing after the other
Barkers - These are the features at the top of the newspaper
Leader Article - This is the article which is full of comment
Content - This is categorised by advertising and editorials

Remember- News is events led, Features are production led.

As we have been advised to only summarise on our blogs, I will briefly explain Horrie's top tips:
1. Most importantly, read read read read read read read read read! Newspapers should accompany you everywhere, this will show you how journalism is done as no one can teach you better then reading and analysing it for yourself.
2. Hide the remote, block all forms of TV out, including the BBC news for this term, as you are putting yourself in danger of Obesity. As mentioned earlier, this is an entertainment scheme, we must get used to the idea of educating ourselves through the medium of books, and listening to the radio.
3. Never be late, every second counts.
4. Always meet deadlines without fail. Imagine a line -------- if you cross it you are dead.

I guess if you do not follow these tips you will end up obese and dead - and obviously degreeless. (That will be my last 'witty' comment, as Chris already knows that we are cute, so from here on I will aim to be  informative. Starting with the time, the clocks have gone back an hour tonight, so enjoy your extra hour sleep everyone! Zzzz

WINOL 26/10/11

It’s never easy to be critical without sounding harsh, so I will use the famous saying “be cruel to be kind” to justify my comments…

I have to say, this weeks WINOL has been one of the weakest I have seen so far. In general the news felt rushed and disorderly, partly because of the jerky editing between scenes, and fast paced reading off crumpled bits of paper blowing in the wind. In some cases, the background noise, for instance during the football review, over powered the voice making it hard at times to grasp what was being said. Although it seems like I am instantly being negative, when it comes to being behind a camera, especially after studying A level Photography, details such as angles, panning and depth of field stand out to me. Unfortunately, it became confusing at times, when a shallow depth of field technique was used; images were out of focus for more then they were in focus, and by the time the image was sharp it instantly changed not allowing the viewer time to absorb what they are looking at.  On the plus side, the story which stood out for me was the Unison protests in Southampton, this is because the atmosphere on the streets was conveyed well through shots of people and banners. In addition, the sports news was extremely extensive providing those interested in sport with a variety of updates from rugby, football and ice hockey.

On the whole, although the transition between stories and people felt disjointed, this weeks bulletin did cover a variety of interesting news stories. They were supported by precise statistics which certainly ticks the box for accuracy. 

The Clockwork Universe

Astronomy is the study of the heavens, this was key for the Aristotelian Scholastics. They believed the celestial heavens, which is above the moon, was close to god thus all things were perfect and unchanging. Whereas, beneath the moon, known as sub lunar, was where all elements were mixed, and nothing remained constant.

Ptolemy's System agreed with this view. The earth is in the center of the universe, and the moon, sun, planets and stars revolved around the earth in perfect unchanging circular motions.

Diagram of Ptolemy's System

Aristotelian's and Scholastic's viewed the world in terms of perfection; everything moved to express qualities and purposes. 

Francis Bacon

Bacon turned violently against the Scholastic and Aristotelian approach. He strongly believed that mixing religion and science was a huge mistake, as it resulted in confusion and an obsession with word play rather then action. His book 'The New Organon' was a direct attack at Aristotle, it was made up of four teachings

1. Human Knowledge is power

2. Science and Religion should be separated

3. Knowledge is induction which should be tested through experiments*

4. Science is dynamic, we should admit to areas we do not understand 

*One of Bacon's most significant experiences, which lead to his death from pneumonia, was where he was testing whether the cold would preserve meat by stuffing a chicken with snow. Bacon was seen as a Martyr of science because of this. 

Locke on Human Understanding

Locke believe that our understanding develops through experience, which is worked on by our powers of reason to produce 'real' knowledge. He was against the idea of 'innate ideas' meaning originating from the mind, as he believed at birth our minds were a 'blank slate'. Locke believed innate ideas were not needed because God had given mankind the ability to discover knowledge and morality. When our faith goes beyond reason and experience, Locke claimed  we should be guided by private revelation but these revelations should never be imposed upon by the Church or the State.

"Our senses, our intellect, our reason - These were gifts from God" - Locke

Heliocentric Model 

Copernicus, a 16th century polish astronomer, devised a system in which the sun was the center of the universe. This contradicts Ptolemy's system, see diagram below:

Johannes Kepler, was drawn to Copernicus's unproven heliocentric hypothesis, therefore he spent decades working on data and calculations to prove 'The heliocentric model theory'. 

Galileo

Galileo was born on the day that Michelangelo died, and the day Galileo died Newton was born; this links the renaissance. Kepler influenced Galileo, after hearing that a Dutchman had lately invented a telescope, Galileo made one himself. This was a moment of true revelation; it allowed the human mind to observe the heavens with degrees of magnitude undreamed of by previous generations. Galileo discovered many important things:

1. The Milky Way consists of a multitude of separate stars

2. The phases of Venus

3. That Jupiter had moons

4. The moon had mountains and valleys 

His opponents refused to look through the telescope saying it created an optical illusion. However, Galileo was convinced that Aristotle would of. 

In addition, he concluded that there were primary and secondary qualities:-

Primary Qualities - quantitative and measurable e.g. dimension, shape and mass 

Secondary Qualities - depended on human perception, rather then 'real' objects

Galileo alleged that facts were determined by nature, not by men or books. 

The Leaning Tower of Pisa Experiment

Galileo dropped a ten-pound weight and a one-pound weight off the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to  prove that both would fall at the same speed. Aristotle's theory that the heavier object would fall ten times faster, was proved wrong. This animation sums up the experiment: 

(That nice colorful animation was your only break from all these scientific theories, sorry) 

Newton 1642 - 1727

Newton published a book 'Principia' in 1687, it entailed a mathematical demonstration of the Copernican hypothesis  proposed by Keplar. Newton convinced people for the first time that the world was ordered and knowable, this was known as 'The Clockwork Universe'. After Newton, Aristotle's physics was discredited and undermined. 

Media Law Lecture 5 Confidentiality

This mornings lecture, similarly to all our other law lectures consisted of general banter and anecdotes from the hilarious 'phone man'. I hope I am right in thinking that I have just used Jigsaw identification - This is where you mention certain characteristics, rather then identify the person.

There are three areas of concern
1. State Secrets - This affects certain types of investigative journalism - Official Secrets Act
2. Commercial Secrets - Vital for business to business - Common Law Confidentiality
3. Privacy - Mainly for tabloid/celeb journalism - Human Rights Act Section 8

Shhh it's a secret...
Common law secrets - People have the right to keep secrets so long as it is not against the public interest.
Each person has the right to expect certain people, for instance Doctors, to be confidential.

Breach of Confidence
A person is in breach of confidence if they pass on information which:
1. Has 'the necessary quality of confidence'  AND
2. Provided in 'Circumstances imposing an obligation' AND
3. No permission to pass on the information AND
4. Detriment is likely to be caused to the person who gave in the information.

^ If any of the above are missing, then the information is NOT confidential and it can be revealed without breach.

Perfect timing, I love tuesdays! - Dominos delivery has arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrived! Ciao Amigos x

Radio Script - Downgraded from fresh to frozen food

I would like to think that I am not the only one whose mind is constantly distracted by what may be in my fridge. Even after every meal the comfort of reopening the fridge to check what else there is to eat is a habit I just cannot shake. However the contents of what may be crammed in to my small cupboard, or shelf in my fridge, is sadly far from the luxuries and quality of home. After coming to university, I can promise mum I will never complain about her cooking. What was I thinking when I would call her lazy if she chose to cook something quick in the oven? She would only ever make me microwaveable food now and then when she was short of time, and now, I do nothing but use the radiation machine. It has to be the most used kitchen facility in my flat; warming up my weekly supplies of Iceland’s cheapest micro meals, Heinz baked beans, and too often last nights Domino’s pizza. This may sound like I am just rambling on about food, and although that is what I know best, I am emphasising upon the point of appreciation for food with flavour, taste, and most importantly solidity. Although the idea of solid foods may seem absurd to you because this is the norm, I am exaggerating the fact that I have revisited my childhood of liquefied foods. For instance, “Smash” which although is probably one of the best inventions of mash potato, is purely powder and boiling water; a prime example of how artificial the food is that us students eat. I imagine my mothers crispy roast potatoes, but that is always short lived when my attempt at spicing up the food with some salt and pepper fails. I guess I have to accept that my taste buds are hibernating until I go home for the weekend. I have to say my weekly trip to Iceland has to be one of my highlights, purely because I am there to buy food, and food is what I love. But it is also largely down to the fact that it is cheap. As a student, budgeting our money is what all our parents nag on about, but it is true. For the first time ever, I brought my eggs from the 99p store. Now what does that tell you? Not only does it prove my point of buying it for the sake of it being only a pound, but the fact it is so cheap can only mean that it is of a poor standard. Lets be honest, buying eggs from pound land is just not right. From being brought up in a family where we eat only free range eggs, and organic chickens this is a mistake I won’t make again. I take my hat off to parents out there who cook everyday for their children; therefore I take my hat off to my parents. The moment I’d most look forward to from coming home after a long day at school and jumping in front of the TV, would be to ask mum what was for dinner tonight. Sadly this is now the question I dread to ask myself every day, because I know for convenience it’ll be something out of a box. My point being that due to money, time and quality of food, a balanced and healthy diet will have to be sacrificed in replace for a degree. It seems that my insides are going to have to suffer for three years, till I can swap packet soups for homemade soup, and return back to the pleasures I take for granted.

                                                                                                   

What makes a good journalist?

A good journalist is someone who has the ability to think, question and explore. Key qualities such as determination, drive, persistence and passion are attributes you need to pursue a career in journalism. It’s essential that we have strong interactional and communication skills, as journalists need to be confident and comfortable to approach others.

Yesterday’s law lecture consisted of a few pointers on becoming a good journalist. In the words of Chris Horrie: “Be rude, rude is good”. Although this seems out of the ordinary, we need to challenge journalism and act interrogatively, to excel beyond the standard level. He has continuously drilled three words into our minds: fast, accurate and fair. A good journalist will be up to date with current affairs in order to be able to report quickly, efficiently and fairly. Most importantly, journalists cannot be wrong, accuracy is vital! Although opinions and comments are our own, facts and figures need to be precise.

"What Blud?"

This clip had to be the highlight of my morning, so i'm passing it on...

HARSH.

Media Law Lecture 4 - Qualified Privilege

Well I have to say today's lecture was highly amusing due to Horrie's comical performance with props such as phones, elevating tables, microscopes and of course lighting... I cannot quite work out why I found it so amusing, but it is probably because of the entertaining facial expressions on Chris' face which reminds me of his daughter Lottie everytime :)

Anyway, we will ignore the phone ringing, let the lights turn off, but continue to learn about ...
...Qualified Privilege
When we are reporting about court or parliament, Journalists have QP as a defence. On the condition that we immediately publish it with no errors and no malice*, once again referring back to the tattoo in all us young journos brains "fast, accurate, fair".
*Malice = deliberately saying something you do not believe to be true - nasty nasty!

Absolute privilege will never be granted to a journalist, only Your Majesty The Queen is special enough and rebellious enough to obey no law.
Common Law Qualified Privilege is reporting only if it is in the public interest.
Statuary Qualified Privilege is where a balanced report must be given including the defence, if it is said in court.

Qualified privilege is lost unless you balance both sides of the story!!


The Reynolds Case
Lord Nicholls, who judged the appeal stage of Albert Reynolds Vs The Sunday Times, expanded the qualified privilege protection. This protects the publication of defamatory material provided it met three conditions:

• It is a matter of public interest
• It is a product of 'Responsible Journalism'
• The reporting was working without malice

Lord Nicholls set out a 10 point test, in order for the court to use when examining defences:

1. The seriousness of the allegation
2. The nature of the information
3. The source of the information
4. The steps taken to verify the information
5. The status of the information
6. The urgency of the matter 
7. Whether comment was sought from the claimant
8. Whether the article contained the gist of the claimants side of the story
9. The tone of the article
10. The circumstances of publication

Final Important Point...

As there is no legal definition of 'The public interest' the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) code of conduct is used - Public interest includes:

• Detecting or exposing crime
• Protecting public health and safety
• Preventing the public from being misled by an action or statement

Just one more thing to add, (even though that means I lied when I said final point, then again I guess I didn't because the previous point was 'important') I am with all those other 3 million buyers of The Sun, Chris somehow manages to fill our lectures talking about the daily publication of The Sun, it's brilliant, I love it! 

Bedtime Story (Plato's Cave Analogy)

Plato's Republic 
Plato’s cave analogy describes how there is a distinct perfect world out there made up of perfect forms. Plato believes the world in which we live in now is imperfect, and simply a copy of the reality of the perfect world that exists. This theory came about through the story of prisoners who were chained in a cave, where all they could see was the wall in front of them because they couldn't turn their heads. Behind them burns a fire, and puppeteers use objects to cast shadows on the wall. The prisoners can only see the shadows and hear the echoes from the objects therefore this is what they perceive to be reality. A prisoner is released and forced to look past the fire and objects which up until now has been perceived as reality. After climbing out the cave his eyes adjust away from the shadows and reflections and he begins to see sunlight and people in their own existence. This brings in to context that the others cannot understand something they have yet to experience, therefore it is down to the prisoner to adapt to leadership. Plato describes those who have recognised the forms of goodness as responsible leaders. This story told my Socrates and Glaucon puts into perspective how reality plays such a significant part in our own existence, and depending on how one understands it will results in a duty for leadership and government.

Plato believes that the soul is organised into three parts:

REASON - Knows the forms therefore reality
SPIRIT - Consists of courage, ferocity, aggression. This is amoral as it wants honour but does not know what honour is.
DESIRE - Constant Craving

Well that was a very philosophical bed time story, sweet dreams all xxx

Political Philosophy - Hobbes, Locke and Machiavelli

After some alphabetic mixed with scoobydoo spaghetti I am spending the remainder of my Sunday evening with blogger. So here are my notes on political philosophy covered on Tuesdays HCJ lecture.

Plato's Crito: 

When Socrates was imprisoned after his trial, his friend Crito tried to persuade him to escape prison. However, Socrates dismisses this suggestion and explains why he believes he must face his sentence. He introduces the idea of a contract between him as a citizen and the state. (This is known as the social contract*) He explains how he has lived in the city and benefited from it therefore he must abide by the laws; if he breaks the laws he believes he is attempting to destroy the whole city. 

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)

Hobbes was an empiricist and an admirer of mathematical method. His most famous book 'Leviathan' was written during the English Civil War and later published in 1951; it sets out his theories on the social contract. 

Hobbes speculates what life would be like with no government, a condition which he calls 'State of nature". To sum it up Hobbes argues that because everyone would have the right to everything in the world, there would be 

"Bellum omnium contra omnes" Translated from Latin to English: "War of all against all"  

Hobbes believes that man is nasty, brutish and short, he strongly believes that society cannot exist without a higher power thus to avoid chaos it is necessary for a strong government to be in place in order to rule people and their property. 

John Locke (1632 - 1704)

One of Locke's Doctrines which I found particularly intriguing was his theory that we are all born with a blank slate. He believes our knowledge is derived from experience, and our ideas through sensation and perception.  

"Let us then suppose the mind to be, as we say, white paper, void of all characters, without any ideas; how comes it to be furnished?"

Locke teaches that we have three kinds of knowledge of real existence:

1. Our Knowledge of our own existence is intuitive

2. Our Knowledge of God's existence is demonstrative

3. Our Knowledge of things present to sense is sensitive

In the year 1689, a year later from the Revolution, Locke wrote two treaties on Government.

First Treaties-

THE HEREDITARY PRINCIPLE:

• Attacks the concept by Sir Robert Filmer on the "Divine Right of Kings" as he believes it will be the downfall of all governments.

Second Treaties:

THE STATE OF NATURE AND NATURAL LAW

• This is the idea that everyone enjoys natural freedom and equality but they must obey natural laws. As it states in the declaration of independence "no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions for we are all God's property".  Locke believes people are born with the rights of life, liberty and property. In contrast to Hobbes, Locke believes authority is meaningless, he supports a democratic government whereby power is separated so that no one person is in charge.
• The laws of nature are moral laws whereby every man has knowledge to differ right from wrong, he believes we shouldn't have to be told what is right or wrong because we all have our own minds.

Niccolo Machiavelli (1467 - 1527)

Machiavelli is the founder of modern political science, his most famous work was 'The Prince' was written during the Renaissance for the Medici Rulers of Florence. Machiavelli's central concern was the welfare of his country, he explores power; how to achieve power, and keep hold of this power, whilst maintaining trust and support. Machiavelli introduced a new attitude of humanism- "Man is the measure of all things". 

Media Law Lecture 3 - Defamation

Lecture Numero 3 consisted of a few classic one liners from Chris:

1. Be Rude. Rude is good, in other words 'Attack Journalism'

2. Never be wrong.

3. Comment is cheap, Facts are priceless

4. Don't use prostitutes as witnesses

5. Don't make spelling mistakes.

*Time to tuck into some chocolate... ah they have writing on, this makes it all the more interesting, it say's "You're Classy" on it... and if you are reading this then you too are classy people!

Well onto the learning part of the lecture - DEFAMATION.

Defamation is a Civil Tort (Dispute between two parties)  It can be split into two categories:

Slander - Defaming someone in a non permanent form where a third party has heard e.g spoken  (Journalists do not that to worry about this)

Libel - Defaming someone in a permanent form e.g written in a newspaper or magazine

LIBEL = IDENTIFICATION + PUBLICATION + DEFAMATION 

Identification = Purely identifying someone correctly with as many specific details as possible to distinguish them from the 1000 other Paul Smiths in the world.

Publication = Published in a permanent form and shown to a third party

The law of defamation is set up to protect our reputation. Our reputation is made up of objective facts and subjective opinions that other may have on you. A defamatory statement (false accusation) which attacks someones reputation entitles them to compensation which can be dealt with in civil courts. It does not have to be proven, you only have to show the jury 'on the balance of probabilities'. You can defame someone in four ways by:

1. Exposing them to hatred, ridicule or contempt

2. Causing them to be shunned or avoided

3. Discrediting them in their trade, business or profession

4. Generally lowering them in the eyes of right-thinking member of society. 

The main defenses are :

Justification - If it is true and it can be proven 

Fair Comment - Based on fact, and honest held opinion of the person publishing it

Absolute Privilege -  Complete freedom of speech, it does not matter whether the words are true or false.

Qualified Privilege - Journalist under certain circumstances but not all can say what they like.

So I have eaten way to many chocolate oranges throughout this post, the last two chocolates being the most suggestive: "Have fun" followed by "smile now!"  - I think this box of chocolates is trying to tell me something...

Court Rise

A new experience to add to my list: going to court. (plus being searched with a metal detector) 

When we first arrived at Winchester Crown Court I felt as though I had walked into the wrong building, It felt surreal to say the least being in a building where real cases are being held, with real victims, and real judges. (The only thing that was not real was the perfectly groomed matching wigs) After sitting in what felt like a hospital waiting room, we plucked up the courage to enter the public gallery. To my surprise, it was just Nadine and I, which added to how conscious we had already felt being among professionals. (We did get a smile from the rosy faced judge though!) The small room was filled with the likes of the Jury, Judge, Solicitors, Witnesses, and Security; as well as a few other extra things I noticed. For one, the jugs that they used to drink water from looked as though it was a vase made for flowers. Secondly little notes going to and fro between the Jury to the Judge seemed all very confidential and important, only to be read out and questioned as to whether it was "a question worth asking?" this was one of a few intimidating moments.  On the whole It was a valuable experience which allowed me to put into perspective how the court runs. 

Law and Radio 4

Regardless of barely any sleep I am up an hour earlier then needed, and thought I could use this time wisely to blog about the law whilst listening to Radio 4. (oh that rhymed!)

Basic Principles of Court Reporting:
1. Presumption of innocence - must be proved "beyond reasonable doubt"
2. Mens Rea (guilty mind) and Actus Reus (guilty act) must be proved
3. Justice must be seen to be done - trails are open to the public *
The Press are "The eyes and ears of the public"
4. Evidence based Justice - right to have evidence tested by Jury of Peers
*I'll be attending court next week and blogging about what it was like from the public gallery for the very first time!

Criminal Court is made up of many important people in wigs: 
JURY - decides whether not you are innocent or guilty based upon evidence
BARRISTER - there are two teams:
1. Representing the prosecution
2. Representing the defense
Barristers are "briefed" by solicitors on the case at hand.
JUDGE - decides on admissibility of evidence, and most importantly sentence length.

Note: In case you ever have to go to court, look at the length of wigs for an indication of how much trouble you are in.


Offences are categorised in to three sectors:
1. Indictable offences - Serious crimes such as murder, rape robbery, dealt with by crown court
2. Either-way offences - Can be dealt with either at a Crown court or Magistrates court
3. Summary Offences - Minor crimes such a common assault, drunkenness, speeding, dealt with magistrates court.

CONTEMPT OF COURT IS A STRICT LIABILITY OFFENCE!
We must never influence the Jury - in other words leave your "He did it!" t-shirts at home.


If granted Qualified Privilege, (the bit all us journalists like to hear) we can say anything we like without being sued. But, it must must must must must be accurate, the most important thing I took from this lecture is that we have to be...


FAST                   ACCURATE                     FAIR

Mass Culture

I have been meaning to blog about the 'Mass Culture' lecture we had on monday, but since then my life has been overtaken by Teeline, Russel, and McNae's. The lecture on monday was insightful, a calming and motivational mood was set as we walked in to Beethovens symphony, a contrast from the frantic panic of reading HWP for tuesday's seminar. Greeks aside, I learnt a lot about High and Low culture, so i'll fill you in:

'Taste' (not the food related sense) is often concidered as a 'natural' habit, without realising we all have our own perception as to what we believe is good taste, or poor. It is an expression of individuality or even a group as a whole. In simple terms, high culture such as Ochestral Music, Opera, Ballet and Fine Art tends to appeal to a smaller audience, sterotypically generally to an upper class background.Whereas, Low culture such as Cinema, Soaps/TV, Magazines and Celebrities, is extremely popular appealing to a mass audience.

*French accent at the ready... Pierre Bourdieu questions how the logic of taste and preference work. He claimed that cultural preference works as a form of cultural distinction, and our taste and notions of when we deem as 'quality' are socially constructed. Random example but if you hang around with a bunch of skater chicks you probably rate Avril Lavigne, and amongst that group you would be classed as having good taste, but to someone else you could be looked upon as having very very bad taste. This is where "Cultural Capital" or as Pierre may say "le capital culturel" comes in, it is linked to social status and education. Our individual values of what we categorise as high or low culture are not fixed, in the sense that generations can change them.

Shock was definitely on all our faces when Robert Maplethorpe's art popped up before us: 'A man in a polyester suit' (google it if you wish!). Well, the long awkward silence led to the room suddenly feeling hotter and in my case looking anywhere but at the board, (totally primary school I know) but it reminded me of when I encounted him in my Photography A level.  However, in this instance, it got people thinking as to whether his work could be deemed as pornography or art? Emphasising upon the point that different people will have a different perception, prehaps because of our educational background, or values.

In the words of Raymond Williams - 

"Culture is Ordinary" 

"There are no masses there are only ways of seeing people as masses" 

Chapter 18 of 29

It is times like these when I wish I wasn't such a sloooow reader, as most of the other journalism students will agree, our weekend has been devoted to cramming in knowledge from Russell's book, and in my case scoffing any food in sight due to stress and boredom. The fact that my highlighters seem to be wearing out is definitely an indication of an attempt to make my pages of notes seem far more exciting and colourful. I know there is barely a point to this entry but I had to share the pain... One guy said to me "you're still a fresher, don't read!!" well, "fresher" is the opposite to how I am feeling, and regardless of my flatmates partying in the kitchen last night I locked myself away. Guess it is time to adapt to the habitat of a bookworm.