This one time, at band camp...

When I began reading the brief for this immersion assignment I was, inadvertently, already under way in terms of my immersion. I had decided to take a break from an ‘all-nighter’ for an assignment due in the morning, and once the brief was read I already had the idea to extend said ‘all-nighter’ for more than just one night. Essentially, I would try not to sleep for as long as possible.
Now the entire concept sounded like a great thing to write about in theory, but turns out that if you go without sleep for two and a half days, everything becomes extremely boring, and if, by chance, something interesting does happen, you struggle to remember it. By the time I reached the second afternoon without sleep I simply could not remember most things I usually should be able to remember. My last meal for example.
By the end of it all, exactly 40 hours without sleep, I was sufficiently impressed with myself and deemed it time to enjoy a day-long sleep. In hindsight I probably could have gone on sleepless for a while longer but am in no hurry to try that madness again.
-Scotty

I first stumbled upon Mirror Mirror on the Wall (‘stumbled’ probably not the appropriate word in this instance, as it was recommended to me), what immediately struck me was the layout of the blog, and especially the background.

After working with a rather bland, though not at all ugly looking, blog with our own, the difference, and in my opinion, the improvement is quite drastic. The second feature of the layout and display was a lot more use of their own pictures, in comparison to our own blog, and it really improves it. I also noticed a lot of clever use of hyperlinks when referencing different websites.

In terms of the posts, with accompaniment of the photos, they work well. The writing is grammatically correct which is a must, because if it wasn’t I truly would not have made my way to the end of the post. The writing is also quirky, with witty references to pop culture. Most importantly, in my own opinion, there is a vast difference between each of the writers’ point of view, and way of writing. This allows the blog to deviate from a sense of monotony that lots of blogs seem to suffer from.

The blog is one of the more interesting ones I have read, and have yet to find a blog with a cooler background.

-Scotty

By Stephanie Pretorius

So when I first received this assignment, I struggled for a while to think of something I had never done before and that would be a good conclusion to my blogging experience. I thought about outward expressions or rather exhibitions that would intrigue or wow people and turn heads on campus but neither dressing up in my hippie-ist gear and attending an accounting lecture or remaining silent for hours and end grabbed my attention. Finally after much thought and cups of tea I decided that I’d carry on “blogging” just this time in a journal.

I have always loved to read and write. I think I began reading at the age of five and soon there was nothing else I would rather do. Writing was harder at first but I had stories pent up inside and even before I could write I would dictate them to my father as I did the illustrations. However, even after such an extensive love affair with words I had never kept a diary or what I now prefer to refer to as a journal. My stories always had a very personal face to them but they were on show and therefore I edited them heavily and kept my guard up at all times.

So, I made myself a cup of tea one afternoon early this week and then headed off with my brand-spanking-new moleskin notebook. “The legendary notebook used by European artists and thinkers for the past two centuries” – see I wanted to make sure I took myself seriously. I started writing in much the same manner as I had began my first blog post, I outlined what I wanted to write about without actually saying anything. However, as I carried on writing both that afternoon and in the following days I began to slowly write for me; I began to write without thinking about what I was writing and how others might interpret or judge what I was saying.

While I have loved blogging and I think it is an incredibly useful journalistic tool which needs to be utilised by both students and professionals, I took a look at a couple of very personal blogs that one could say are similar or perform the same function as my little black notebook and while it was interesting to see into the mind of another person I was struck b the fact that it is still written for an audience. This term I have read and written what I like for a purpose dictated by another. I have missed out on reading and writing for myself but this exercise is in the process of helping me regain the ability to force aside time were I really read and write what I like.

By Stephanie Pretorius

Cigarettes and coffee seem to make up the staple diet of many a journalism student and added to that, in my opinion, should be this blog. Named exactly that, Cigarettes and Coffee is at first glance a seemingly quiet and feminine blog with pink edging and lots of pictures. At first I thought: “Oh golly here we go again another bunch of poppies who are going to faff about all things Cosmopolitan. However, just like a book, a blog should not be judged by its cover or web design for that matter. While visual aids in digital media are all the rage what I was particularly concerned with was the quality of writing. Therefore I was pleasantly surprised when looking through the easily accessible blog archive I found pieces of writing that not only grabbed my attention with informing headlines but also kept me reading the whole way through. In one of the very first posts one of the bloggers from Cigarettes and Coffee says that the aim of the blog is to create an atmosphere of “students on a coffee break, discussing their lives as aspiring journalists” and a platform where all things journalistic – “ideas, grievances, fears and passions” – can be discussed. I believe that the bloggers of Cigarettes and Coffee have achieved this with an elegance of both style and creativity.

Take a look at Cigarettes and Coffee at http://journalismcigarrettesandcoffee.blogspot.com/

-immersion exercise
-Lola Princess

Ah to be a cultured person? To be able to recite the likes of Shakespeare, to know the extent to which Mona Lisa's smile has caused so much debate... I would not have a clue about any of the above. To be involved in the arts, the magic that is Rhodes Drama Department. I had always walked past the department witnessing queues of people waiting for something to happen. “Wow these drama students are worked to the bone, they should just live here” There is a girl in my res that whenever I see her wondering off it is always something to do with drama at the department. And here I thought the journalism students were worked like slaves, oh no! Trust me, we are lucky, So in an attempt to disrupt my normal activities, I ventured off to go watch the drama students do what they consistently loosing their heads over on my Wednesday evening. I managed to stop the girl in my res and convinced her to let me go with! The excitement overwhelmed me, the last time I did something like this was years ago. I was really looking forward to the experience and I was sure I would not be disappointed. Anyway so off I was to watch 'Theater in motion”, I managed to do the unthinkable and snuck my camera into take the theater house. (Hope the department have not seen this blog, otherwise you do not know me, I was never there) and was I impressed. Despite some of the weird movement pieces I failed to understand (it is just not what I know, ha!) the whole experience is definitely something I see myself doing on a regular basis, the quality of performance at the department astounds me and instills a sense of pride. The contemporary movements inspired me and taught me new ways of expression, the things you can get your body to do is amazing if you willing to work at it because what comes out is beauty that cannot be described.. Not only did I experience a cultural revelation but I got to know the busy girl in my res who is always scurrying because her piece is in shambles. The life of a 3rd- year cannot be easy, and here I complain about the load of work I have.But besides the hard work we are all faced with a trip to the drama department in the future will not be daunting but an activity I would like to instill in my everyday activities - Oh the life of a cultured student, pure bliss!

-opinion piece
-Lola princess

Sheesh so many blogs, so little time! However, it was 'Put THIS is on a t-shirt' that made headway. The blog depicts writers who are comfortable and dedicated to their content which is a breathe of fresh air because they actually know what they are talking about or at least are willing to sound confident talking about issues that would make some feel uncomfortable. Each writer has a distinct manner of writing which is pleasant to read it it kept me interested. Amongst all the other blogs despite having similar topics, 'Put THIS on a t-shirt' put things into and it allows you to decipher each piece and get a feel of what he writer is about. This manner of writing put things into perspective for me. They do not try any fancy tricks or pose something they are unable to verify. The background could be more attractive as it is a bit bland and rigid however, the logo is what gives the blog its unique quality; the logo fits the context perfectly. The descriptive manner is which one writer writes and the quirkiness of the others piece allows for fun reading that leaves you going “ooohhhhh, I did not know that” which is always how you want to leave a reading piece. It is a blog I could definitely consider reading on a regular basis and is recommended to those reading this review.

http://www.putthisonat-shirt.blogspot.com/

Tweet: #rublogs I would definitely put that on a T-shirt - quirky, poetic description while not trying to write beyond their reader, check it out!

Frederick Michael von Bardeleben g09v3846

Tweet: #rublogs "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Life as a journ student hell-bent on life!


In reviewing the generally interesting and thought provoking blog, “For Love of Lace”, I conclude that it provides ample room for me to share my comments about life as a journalism student; which seems to be an endlessly queried question that I’m afraid no-one can answer. Sure I could describe my life’s occurrences in all their glory and well, occurrence; but whether that really answers the question of how life as a journalism student is, or is supposed to be, is yet to be determined. Because the world around us is so uniquely private to our own perceptions the answer of this question exists within each of us. I think we as humans should relish in this fortunate fact that our lives are solely our own and whether or not our lives fit the pre-constructed mound or not, should not deter us in achieving our own hopes and admirations. This life may only be led by our own choices. One particular post on this blog captures or at least questions this ideal of uniqueness and freedom to be. “Limit my freedom, so I can be free!” (http://alturl.com/jbsg) talks about the limitations of freedom of speech which is closely related to not only what I am commenting on in this post, but also to journalism students in particular. Voltaire once exclaimed, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This is the attitude a brave, free and liberal journalist should have. Your voice as well as your life, in my opinion, should be free and original however you must remain humble and accepting of others so as to achieve honest freedom!

Shrek -

We have all seen the recent articles regarding the Vice Chancellor of the University of Free State to “allow” the racist students to return to the institution in order to continue with their studies. There has been much controversy regarding this issue. This is yet another example of how people have failed to see the commendable act being undertaken by this individual. The whole emphasis placed behind his reasoning in allowing, not encouraging, or inviting the students to return is based on reconciliation. The articles that we have seen from mainstream newspapers of late have been sensationalist, and have used tabloid ethics to influence their articles. The gesture made by Prof. Jansen is admirable, and (if one has read his inauguration speech) will be reminded of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC) trials. He aims to change the policies of the University which allow for the manifestations of such actions by students. What has been failed to be reported upon are the actions that are planned to be undertaken at the University in order to make it an institution that values social justice, integrity, forgiveness, and racial reconciliation. There are planned demonstrations across the country regarding this issue, yet I feel that many people are misinformed about what they are demonstrating against. A demonstration against racism is praiseworthy yet against the Vice Chancellor’s decision, is ignorant of all the facts that readily open for everyone to interrogate. In order to live in a society free of racism, discrimination and prejudice we need to forgive, and as South Africans, we should not forget that we have reached the position we are in now because of individuals who were able to look beyond the pigmentation of one’s skin, and strive for unity and peace.

Hyperlinks

http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/gatherer/2009/10/17/media-misses-the-point-on-ufs-students/

http://www.ufs.ac.za/content.php?pageid=5905

http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/gatherer/2009/02/09/listen-free-alison-krauss-and-robert-plant/

By Stephanie Pretorius

“Where the law of an eye for an eye obtains, all the people will become blind.” – Gandhi

Forgive and forget, is how the saying goes. However, to forgive is to do anything but forget. To forgive is to remember, to recount, to comprehend and to move forward with a wider understanding of human nature and ourselves. In South Africa, forgiveness seems to have registered briefly with the likes of Mandela and the TRC – passing by like a fading fashion – and disappearing off the radar as it becomes easier to focus on revenge and retribution. Recently, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Jonathan Jansen (pictured here) addressed the Reitz issue – where four young white men racially humiliate five black workers – not as an individual instance of racism but rather a wider problem within the institution’s culture. In what has been described as a “magnanimous gesture” by Desmond Tutu; Jansen offered forgiveness to the Reitz 4, withdrew the university’s official complaint against them and has invited them to continue their studies at the university. Jansen’s decision was met with cries of outrage from across the country. The ID Youth wing stated that we “cannot forgive where no forgiveness has been asked for”. Cosatu has even gone as far as to call for Jansen’s dismissal. While the actions of the Reitz 4 were disgusting and vile, to act without forgiveness is to lower ourselves to the same level. Forgiveness is not the end of the road; it is the beginning of a journey of reconciliation traveled together to ensure that crimes, such as that committed by the Reitz 4 are not repeated.

Hyperlinks

http://www.ufs.ac.za/faculties/documents/10/483/News/Tutu.pdf

http://www.id.org.za/newsroom/press-releases/id-2013-youth-wing-statement-on-university-of-the-free-state2019s-reitz-4/

http://www.ufs.ac.za/news/newsarticle.php?NewsID=1542

http://www.ufs.ac.za/news/newsarticle.php?NewsID=1535

http://www.uovs.ac.za/news/newsarticle.php?NewsID=1533

-Lola Princess

The privatization of water is the selling of public ‘ownership’ of water to the private sector. The reasons are because additional investment is required for maintenance and to improve service quality and often the public sector needs expertise. However, this rarely happens and the public land up suffering because of overwhelming costs and deteriorating water quality. In a documentary called ‘Water Wars’ by Sam Bozzo, We see how due to corporate control, the people of Kenya are paying more for a bottle of coca-cola than a bottle of water. The effects of always drinking coca-cola is terrible for ones health because the phosphoric and citric acid in the ingredients are used to clean up blood spills, clean toilets, get rid of rust which too eats away at ones body. In England however, profits did go up by +142% and their river water quality improved. However, this seems to be a victory in favour of the corporate where citizens will only see those profits going into the grubby pockets of the corporate. In a sector that requires long-term investment to produce benefits, corporations are only interested in looking for a quick fix. It is hard for governments and citizens to then get the corporations out of their country. In Tanzania an American company called Biwater privatised the water but soon prices became increasingly higher and the quality of water deteriorated. Finally when Tanzania terminated the contract, Biwater sued the government for breaching of contract. Vicky Cann of the World Development Movement said, "The Tanzanian water privatisation project was a scandal right from the beginning. It is absolutely right that this Court has found that Tanzania owes Biwater nothing, but shocking that Biwater saw fit to drag the government of such a poor country through the courts in the first place." This just poses the problem of who then should own the water? Water should remain regulated and the government should find other alternatives to improve public water services without being vulnerable to corporate rule. If they kept up with maintenance there would be no need for private involvement and citizens would live a better quality of life and not live in fear, where now men are finding their sperm counts are going to down due to estrogen mimics in the water. Who really gives the government the right to sell water rights to private companies where they know their intention is not one to better the lifestyle of the taxpayer or where the water ‘belongs’ to everything and everyone, not just humans. We do not own the planet. NO WATER = NO LIFE!

Interesting articles and clips against the privatization of water: (recommended read):

http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/private-vs-public/reasons-water-privatization-fails

http://waterwars.pulitzergateway.org/

http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Water/Corps_Tap_Public_Water.html

http://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/art-562458

http://www.mideastnews.com/WaterWars.htm

http://www.indiaresource.org/news/2005/2037.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikb4WG8UJRw

http://www.debtireland.org/images/water-privatisation.gif

http://im.rediff.com/news/2009/aug/04slide2.jpg

Ghostly tails g09v3846

“…will be with us on the day”, now there’s something to think about… What day is that day, in your mind? How does that day appear to you? It’s quite interesting to think how that question is probably answered differently by each of you who read this. Now whether or not - when you pictured your day - that this magical infection known as, the internet was the first thing that came to mind is a questionable thought. At least from the way I pictured the day, well actually that day has already come and gone in my life… considering that I’m a ghost! Well let me tell you that for a guy who plays this fiddle and studies about newspaper rills and column articles; but did it all back when the roads were clean and the air fresh; my death was something quite explosive! Much like if you pictured the internet working and moving in a cosmic electric! Filled with brilliantly fierce eruptions; common of those during the earth’s infancy. A release of the sonic-kind shattered my bones and liberated my soul and cosmic energy. My vision was shrouded by a glorious glow and then I woke up on the roof of the monument building only to discover I’d been away for an extraordinary amount of time. I tell you what from what I’ve learnt about the internet there’s a whole lotta space in which there hives an endless cavern of information making bees.

MikeyFredericks

Tweet: #rublogs death isn't so bad... especially if you're a ghost ;)

So essentially the entire country is slowly being renamed street by street, suburb by suburb, and city by city, without as much as warning to the very citizens. From “Belfast to eMakhazeni” and “Nelspruit to Mbombela”, the very places we live, and have lived for many years, are changing by our government.
With 42 geographical name changes being listed and approved in just over a month, between late July and early September, one doesn’t need a degree to understand that if this pattern continues, one which has been going on for a number of years, our country, and the names we use to distinguish the places around it, will no doubt lose whatever significance they once had.
I for one can imagine the shock on someone’s face when I mention that Nelspruit is no more, but rather Mbombela. I can compare this, loosely, to the renaming of The Waterfront in Johannesburg to The Bright Water Commons. I am yet to meet a single person who naturally calls it by its new name. I actually hope I don’t meet anyone like that actually. The same applies to street names throughout Jo’burg. By no means am I against “cultural change” and “national progression”, but renaming entire cities? Really?
What probably most annoys me is the fact that those in charge of this mass renaming scheme try to reiterate it’s not a big deal at all. Well I think it is, and I’m sure I’m not alone.

- Scotty

- Shrek-

The unity government that the world waited in anticipation for is failing dismally. Robert Mugabe is still clinching on to what ever power he has over this frightened and poverty stricken nation. This old man never seizes to amaze me, he has now decided that instead of trying to resolve the problem within his unity government, his time should rather be spent with REGIONAL soccer players, and students so as to organize scholarships for them. I can see the logic behind this?...actually I can’t. No one from Zimbabwe can afford to finance students for starters, secondly if the unity government does not work, international donors and finance organizations will not help anyone in the country –including these needy students. Then again Mugabe is one of the richest African “leaders” and is ranked as the 2nd worst dictator in Africa right after Omar Al Bashir, Sudans residing President. He could be the one funding the students. It is hard to believe that his wife would let that happen though, her lavish trips overseas would surely have to be halted – or she’d have to sacrifice one of her Louis Vuitton handbags for the education of some shack dweller. Oh sorry, I have forgotten that Mugabe has removed the “filth”, in his Operation Murambatsvina (Operation Restore Order). Is there any hope at all for the people of Zimbabwe? That can only be answered by the international community that has voiced its concerns over the deteriorating situation – in that country – but that is all that has been done. National interests have come to be more important than the humanitarian problems that plague the once Great Zimbabwe, this empire has surely collapsed?

Hyperlinks
http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,,,ZWE,,4a1b97a71e,0.html
http://www.timeslive.co.za/news/article156068.ece
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-09-14-one-year-on-feuding-hampers-zim-unity-govt
http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?p=11737
http://africanpress.wordpress.com/2008/04/01/who-is-the-worlds-worst-dictator-mugabe-is-not-the-worlds-worst-dictator-nr-one/

-Lola Princess

NASA crashed a ship into the moon to look for water on ninth of October even with the UN treaty in place (which only bans military action) the crash was perfectly fine. The Japanese and Russians did it. But is this not another loophole these big nations are trying to get around? Like your parents conning you into eating your vegetables. They want to form bases for human outposts for permanent use. Destroying this planet then attempting to move onto the next is not something worth celebrating about. It just allows people to get away with what they have done. What does that say about our life value and how we value the environment and animals? Is this not another ploy for further power so when crisis is literally having tea with you, the rest of the world will be at a super powers mercy? Can I really trust big powers like the USA that they are genuinely looking out for the well-being of the world? These are the things they should be addressing, issues with our current environmental crisis and not be spending billions of dollars on something the people do not fully understand. At the end of the day everyone can speculate but without the ‘the big guys’ telling us truthfully what is going on it becomes another game one where you do not know the outcome. It seems we will never know the truth especially because most articles about the crash are filled with hollowed information that means nothing.

Hyperlinks:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2274985/who_gave_nasa_permission_to_bomb_the.html

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091009/ap_on_sc/us_sci_shoot_the_moon
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2258843/nasa_bombing_the_moon_on_friday_october.html?cat=9

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/278340/lunar_real_estate_is_a_booming_business.html?cat=54
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/80878/the_case_for_private_property_rights.html?cat=37

http://www.examiner.com/x-12676-Cleveland-Photography-Examiner~y2009m10d12-Hostile-military-action-on-the-moon-Was-Fridays-NASA-mission-just-a-cover-story

Frederick Michael von Bardeleben G09v3846
Tutor: Azwi
Tweet: #rublogs it’s a bird, no it’s a plane, it’s a man… NO! It’s Caster Semenya!
The Caster Semenya story is one of great confusion and, quite frankly, one of complete jealousy and inconsideration. As far as I’m concerned Miss Semenya is not the most attractive ‘woman’ on the planet (which may have been her ‘downfall’) but according to her, "God made me the way I am and I accept myself. I am who I am and I'm proud of myself" (http://alturl.com/74i5). It seems whenever it comes to South African sporting pride and any occasion where a South African holds any sporting advantage over the competing field, our old school rivals find something to complain about. I’m talking about those arrogant Australians.
Boldly jealous claims made by the Australian media confirm their deep seated envy for our supreme sporting heritage. “Semenya could be stripped of the gold medal she won in Berlin last month and her competitive future is in limbo, according to Australia's Daily Telegraph.” (http://alturl.com/74i5). Claims that Semenya is a Hermaphrodite are not scientifically just and strictly speaking most people are unaware of what a ‘hermaphrodite’ scientifically is, but claims have been largely accepted. “The first point is to clarify some terms, which I think have been used rather loosely. The article says that Semenya is a hermaphrodite who possesses internal testes but no ovaries or uterus. Strictly speaking, Semenya is NOT a hermaphrodite, she is a pseudo hermaphrodite (which is itself an inadequately broad term).” (http://alturl.com/jyrv)
In my opinion Semenya has my full support and I think the rest of the athletics world should learn to catch up!
Other links concerning this topic:
http://alturl.com/4h7s

This kinda thing happens all the time...

By Stephanie Pretorius

Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, apparently for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation but maybe is it because he is simply Nobush. Here are a couple of online reports that have covered the story.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/news/2009/10/091009_nobel_obama_wup_sl.shtml

This site gave the most succinct report on the event. The report states why Obama was awarded the prize and then has links to sound bites of commentary on the win from one supportive source and one critical source. This is the kind of brief report that is easy and quick to read online but that is lacking in any real news, so Obama won the prize we know that now but where is the response? Where are the opinions?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8299697.stm

This report is far more useful as not only does it provide one with the basics of the news report but also commentary on the event from a numerous sources including blogs and opinion pages.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/09/obama.nobel.peace.reaction/index.html

This report is really interesting as it comments on the civil journalism and online response to the news that Obama had one the prize. The report focuses on personal and individual opinions from tweets and blogs while also incorporating accurate news such as the fact that Obama is the first occupant of the white house to receive the prize in 90 years. These kinds of news reports are becoming more and more common and preferred. The public does not only want to hear about what the professionals are saying but what their peers and ordinary people are saying.