Connecting with myself

Milan

2008-11-13T02:37:00.001-08:00

2008-06-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

ดูแผนที่ขนาดใหญ่ขึ้น

Turmoil in Thai Journalism

2008-04-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Politic changes so many things in Thailand.

The Taksin's shadow government vowed to make a better change, but what is happening now in Thailand is 'turmoil'.

Today, I talked with my friend who is a journalist in Thailand. She told me that journalism there is 'disaster'.

Well, new government seems to control almost everything, even press!

You think press in Thailand is well-developed and really free?

No, I could say no. Journalism in Thailand either under commercial or politics.

Things used to be better ... when press is still free to talk and write.

We always had hope that the industry is improving journalism standard, and soon we will have press we can be proud of.

But...hope was destroyed by polictic. Finally, press in Thailand seems to surrender to politician power.

I am not saying that 'good' journalists in Thailand surrender.

But they can't do nothing much now. So many factors.

If head of the station or people who are in charge become careless about journalism ethics.

What can journalists do?

Thailand Public Broadcasting Service - true of false?

Talking about TV news because that's my old field where I was belonged to, it's such a mess.

Thailand just introduced 'Thai Public Broadcasting Service', which is supposed to be a free press for benefit of society.

But..I heard from insider that journalists are told to report only news against government!

Yeah, one of the journalist job is to be a 'watch dog' but... 'report only news that is against governement' mean watch dog????

Shouldn't they just be free to report anything that benefit society?

Isn't that what PBS should do?

People in TPBS shoud recosider their position and their policy!

I am not pro government...but what they're trying to do is not 'journalist' for me.

Pathway to be a star?

My friend always mention the bigger problem.

'Many new journalists entering industry just because they want to assure a pathway to be a star in front of camera!'

oh oh oh....so sad indeed!!!

Do you think being a journalist can help you become a star? That's why you choose to be here?

I don't know what to say...

This job is far more than that!

People....this job is for the people, for benefit of society....it's dedicated job.

Fame came after as a profit when you do so many good things.

But if you enter this career just because you aim to be a star. Please stop.!

I think this is a serious problem that will drag the standard of Thai journalism down and down....

What can I do?

I keep asking myself after talking to my friend 'what can I do?'

I want to make a change but how can I do that?

I am not gonna be a journalist anymore because I have a commitment to be a university professor after I graduate from here.

Can I use my future career to help improve standard of Thai journalism?

I want to try. I want to do it.

I never feel like I am ready to go back home and be a teacher like this time.

I was always doubt what I was gonna do.

But now...my mission seems to be clearer in my head.

I am gonna be a teacher who teach some of my student to be a 'real journalist' who can really one day make a change!

I know this mission is hard. But I want to try. I want to do it.

And I will keep on trying until one day I can look at my students and be proud of them!

I set my goal today!

When I go back to Thailand, my journey will begin!

Links to TV channels in Thailand:

- Thai TV 3, Channel 5, Channel 7, NBT, TPBS, Modern 9 TV, Nation Channel

Liverpool: Wirral Peninsula

2008-04-15T08:05:00.001-07:00

I went to Liverpool for a football match. However, I had one day before the match to travel around. Well, I've been to Liverpool a couple of times and nothing in the city center left much for me to see.

Liverpool is now European Capital of Culture 2008 so I check shedule of the show and event. Nothing interesting happened during the time of my stay.

So...what's next?

I check more information on Visit Liverpool website, and I found a place called Wirral Peninsula. It's between River Mersey and River Dee. It is strenght into Liverpool Bay and Irish Sea.

It has a spectacular nature view, espectially the coast line.

It's very easy to get there...just cross River Mersey!

Getting to Wirral

To get to Wirral you can travel by many ways. For example, ferry from Liverpool waterfront crossing River Mersey.

You can drive a car or take Mersey Rail

I chose the last option - Mersey Rail because it's quick and easy.

If you want to travel to many places around Wirral and also back to the City center in the same day, you should get 'saveaway ticket'.

The one which cover city center and Wirral costs 4.30, and you can travel around as many time as you want within a day.

Then I took Wirral Line (which is a green line) at Liverpool Lime Street Station.

You can check places you want to go and the nearest station to the place at http://www.visitliverpool.com/merseycoastandcountry/coast/wirral-peninsula

To travel in Wirral you can either walk or cycling. There are many route offering. You can also check out information on the site.

For me, I was interested in Hilbre Islands because it said to be a place you can see 'seal'. Well, I never see the real one in nature so..why not?

So, my stop was West Kirby station. From there, I could also travel to West Kirby Marine Lake and Hilbre Islands.

To take Wirral line, you must be careful because there are three routes. If you want to go to West Kirby station, get on the train going to West Kirby, and get off at the last stop.

West Kirby Marine Lake

Then, follow the sign to West Kirby Marine Lake.

Here, you will see lots of boats and canoes because it's the favourite place for sailing.

The human-made salted lake is for sailing..and there is a pathway devided it from the sea. So, when walking on the pathway, I can see the lake and feel the breeze from the Irish sea.

When looking into the sea, I could see the view of Welsh Hills และ the Dee Estuary

When the tide is low, you can walk in the sea area ... walk far to the Hilbre Islands.

It's not that close so you have to check the tide time carefully. No one wants to stuck in the middle of the sea, right?

Check time and more information at www.merseytravel.gov.uk

I went there when the tide was low. I could see people walking on the sand miles away.

Parents played with their kids on the sand - what a good sight to see!

Dogs running around on the sand and jumping into the water. They were having fun just like us.

Some people were walking toward the Hilbre Islands. I wanted to do so, but it was too far away. And by the time, we knew we had to walk there, the tide was getting higher.

So, we missed the chance this time. But we will come back to full fill our mission next time. I hope!

From West Kirby Marine Lake, you can also walk along the coast to enjoy many other places. For example, Coastal Park, View Point and Leasowe Lighthouse.

Next time...I will walk more...

well, at least we know now that Liverpool isn't just about football, there are something else to explore too.

Pictures:

My first match day at Anfield!

2008-04-14T08:11:00.001-07:00

Finally, I got a chance to watch my all time favourite "Liverpool FC" playing at Anfield.

It's one of the missions I planed to do while I am in the UK. Finally, I did it!

LIVERPOOL VS BLACKBURN ROVERS
April 13, 2008

I went to Liverpool town center around 10 for breakfast and preparing to go to the match. Everywhere people wore reds - Liverpool home kits.

They walked together with friends and family. Some kids were so cute that they wore all Liverpool stuff from head to toe.

I was waiting for the bus to go to Anfield at bus stop No. 8 for the bus no. 17.

It was such a long queue and almost everyone is the Kop's fans. We were going to the same direction carrying the same hope - Liverpool to win!

When I arrived at the stadium, everywhere is red!

I went here two times when it wasn't a match day. It was very quiet. But on match day is different. It's just like we're stepping into another world - the world of red.

The atmosphere was very exciting. I looked around and see everyone in Liverpool kits, t-shirt and jacket. Some dressing up just to cheer their team. It was such an amazing experience to see people so crazy about a football team. And..I am one of them.

How did I get the ticket?

Usually, you need LFC Fan card to buy match ticket. However, some matches you may need to buy a few previous match tickets in order to be eligible for buying a ticket.

Most of the time, they give a chance for people holding season ticket, and people who often watch the match first.

If the tickets are not sold out, then it's a chance for a normal fan like us to buy one.

You have to check frequetly on LFC official website.

Then on the day of purchasing, you just call to their hotline, wait for the long queue..and if the ticket still available, you can buy!

This ticket costs me 36 pounds. But the price can be vary from match to match.

I got a seat at Anfield Road..and Lower area, which made me sit quite close to the pitch. Well, I was behind the goal..and I could see the players very close, especially when they got a corner kick.

So..it was quite nice.

Unbelievable atmosphere

Atmosphere in the stadium on match day is incredible.

I have heard that Liverpool fan is one of the best football fan, who create such an unbelievable atmosphere driving their players to win the game.

Well, I agree with that. It was very moving and touching the way the sing 'You'll never walk alone' and scream to encourage the players.

If I was a liverpool player, I would play like mad for the fans.

Before the match began, everyone stood up with scraft in their hands and sing 'You'll never walk alone'.

Well, I know this song by heart, no worry about lyrics because I've been singing it since I was young. So, I scream and sang the song with other fans. It's such an amazing moment!

The Match

First half, Liverpool played forward to the side I was sitting. It was such an exciting moment...I kept my eyes on them. I screamed. I sang the song with fans. I boo the stupid referee. I clapped my hands when our players did a good job.

Everything, every move, every of my action was just automatically happened. You can feel that when you're there.

I was hoping Liverpool to score at first half so I could see them celebrate in front of me - up close.

But well, the score was 0-0 at the end of first half.

Second half began with rain still pouring like no ending.

I felt so much pressure when time went on and on without a single goal. There were 2 reasons;

1. I wanted my team to win. We're on the road to get the 4th place to secure of place in Champion League. We need to win to be more ahead of Everton. But no score yet, such a pressure!

2. I was afraid if Liverpool lost, my family would kill me. 555
They always thought I was an unlucky girl and everytime I watch the match, Liverpool doesn't win.

Well, why me? But it has been that way for years. I couldn't deny that.

When I told them I was going to the match, they all say 'NO'. 555

So, somehow that's another pressure that I wanted to break the spell!

Three goals in second half

And....finally, on 60 minutes, we got a GOAL!

Gerrard on the edge of the box played a one-two with Lucas before tucking beyond Freidel to take Liverpool lead 1-0. It was his 21 goal this season. So cool, huh?

Blackburn were creating their chance too. And I was so scared because anything can happen before the final whistle.

And sometimes our defend can let us down. I just kept my fingure crossed that today 'we will have a good defends'

Then I could feel more relief when Torres scored second goal for Liverpool.

It was such a nice play as a team.

On 82 minutes Gerrard looked up before picking out Torres in the bo, and Torres head the ball into the net.

Liverpool leaded 2-0.

I was still excited and pissed off. The referee was so unfair and stupid. Liverpool should have been awarded penalty for 3 times, as well, we should have got many free kick.

Anyway, on 90 minutes we got the third goal from Voronin - a substitute. We took the lead 3-0.

The score should have ended there. But as I said before, Liverpool defends could go wrong at anytime.

With some fault, we gave away one goal for Blackburn, and the match ended with Liverpool 3 - Blackburn Rovers 1.

However, it was a nice first match day for me. I love every bits of it. And Liverpool won. What could I ask for more?

Happy ending!

Well, you can have a look at some pictures from the match below. Just play the slide.

Photos by James. Thanks for his camera with long lens so we can have some pictures of players.

Want to see more picture? Have a look at http://mrapisit.multiply.com/

Radio Feature: Adaptive Rowing

2008-04-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

I got a chance to do radio feature with one of my friend. It was our assignment in radio class.

We looked for story and then she found 'Adaptive Rowing' because it will be introduced to Paralympic for the first time this year in Beijing.

We've never known about it. And I guess many people don't know about it either.

It doesn't seem to be a sport for disability, but in fact, those people can play it very very well.

We spent days at London Regatta Rowing club with Poland's athlete, Martyna Snopek and her coach, Maurice Coughlan, to find out more about adaptive rowing.

We also got a chance to try rowing ourselves. No no, we didn't do it in the river. That would be dangerous because we don't know how to.

But at Regatta there has a tank for training programme, so we tried rowing there.

It was kind of fun doing this feature. We met new people (again), and learnt about things we never knew (as always).

That is what make journalism so passionate!

You can listen to my feature here. Just click play...enjoy..and give comment, please. So I can imporve my work in the future.

Spring ... but snow?

2008-04-06T15:29:00.001-07:00

Well, it's a bit confused now..I don't know if we're having spring or winter.

Last two days, the weather was so nice and warm. We could just wear shorts to go around in London. Every where is green and flowers is blossom.

But today I woke up in the morning, and I saw snow!

It has been snowing for 3 - 4 hours...white everywhere...

This is because of global warming?

The weather is unpredictable. It's not the way it used to be

I remember when I was young, I could know exact time when season change.

But now anything can happen anytime.

.... well, for us, it seems this change is more obvious these days..

but what can we do?

Shall we together help stop global warming?

We should!!! Start today by doing simple things...such as cut your carbon footprint!!

About Me page

2008-04-05T17:00:00.001-07:00

After doing my website project..London Out Loud, we have to also do our 'about me page'.

It's like a CV online so people can come to see and know about us, and maybe we have a chance to get job..or at least, we have a chance to express ourselves to the world...

whatever reason...I now have one!

http://www.londonoutloud.co.uk/Srisaracam.html

Well, my teacher always believes internet is a huge channel for career these day. I agree.

For example. some good writers were found on internet because they wrote something cool on their blog!...

Well, you know what..recently BBC seems to change their recuitment policy too! They prefer someone who have 'blog'. For journalists these days, blog is quite important. Some editors will just see your idea or your intelligence through what you've written on you blog!!!

Me? I never wrote something serious on my blog anyway...haha..

Anyway, guys, you can have a look at my 'About me page' at

http://www.londonoutloud.co.uk/Srisaracam.html

and you can listen to my latest radio documentary about 'childhood obesity' on that page...in portfolio section. (the last story)

have a look and feel free to leave message on my guestbook or even comment some of my work. (I say feel free, but actually, I want you to do that...haha...)

London Out Loud goes live!!

2008-02-28T15:26:00.001-08:00

After we've been working very hard on our web project, we finally managed to GO LIVE today!

We're all learning new things about online journalism and all web stuff. This is the first time to put everything together seriouly as our own website.

It was amazing to see that finally we have www.londonoutloud.co.uk

Although there are something need to be done or improve. But this is the beginning, and I am sure more good things are coming.

Well, in our first issue we include news and features, also there are multimedia contents. You can have a look at www.londonoutloud.co.uk

It would be nice if you just leave some comment on pages where you want to. At least, it can be a feedback for us to improve!

London Out Loud Web Project on the move!

2008-02-19T15:27:00.001-08:00

We're working on our website project called 'London Out Loud', which will soon go LIVE...

It's gonna be a site we will always proud of because we've been working hard, putting all effort.

It's gonna be something about 'London'...just wait to see when it's really go live.

So far, besides learning new things and practice all stuff we're learning in online journalism course, we've developed something precious between 'friends'.

I really enjoy working with gangs...
Truely, for me, this work tied me up to all these guys.

Such an experience.

Well, for the first thing before our launching day, we now have 'behind the scene' video from photoshoot day.

You can have a look either here, or go directly to Youtube (follow the link below)

ไปดูได้ที่ www.youtube.com/watch?v=owB0apdnaHE

more to come....please keep in touch to see our progress

My birthday Party

2008-01-31T16:19:00.001-08:00

This is the first year I celebrate my birthday away from home. Of course, I miss my family. But thanks to these nice and cool friends I have, I can still feel joy!!

Walking Home & Blue Wall

2008-01-27T14:08:00.001-08:00

Just a walk home...

Lovely Blue Sky in London

2008-01-10T15:19:00.001-08:00

When some people think of London, they think of rain!

Yeah, it rains quite often here but there are many days we have lovely blue sky with sunshine.

Early this week, the sky in London is blue, very tempting. I couldn't just sit at home and watch.

So, I went out to practice my photograph skill.

Still, my skill isn't that good...but I am practicing

By the way, my location is London eye and Big Ben.

Hugh's Chicken Run : example of being public service

2008-01-09T16:39:00.001-08:00

Channel 4 is one of public service channel in UK. Recently, there is a program called 'Food Fight'.

This program is like reality to see three top chef in UK doing something about 'food issue'.

It will expose the truth within food industry to people, make people understand and convince some change for a better food industry.

First episode is about 'Chickern farm industry' called Hugh's Chicken Run.

It talked about how industry raise chicken to feed human. Huge, one of the chef in this show, organized his own farm to show people in the village how the industry treat chicken to feed them. Hugh wants to change the way chicken is produced in Britain by convince people to support free-ranged chicken.

There were two type of farms;

First type is the type most of farm in UK operate. It's intensive farm where these thoudsand of birds are raised in limited area.

They don't get to see much sunlight. They just stay inside.

Lots of birds make there no room for them to even walk, they ended up just drink water and eat.

Some of them, finally, couldn't walk and had to be killed. This is so sad.

These are chicken we see in supermarket, the one cheap, and the one we buy...

...gosh I never know that. I am sure not many people know about what kind of chicken we eat.

Another type of farm called 'free-ranged'. It allow these birds to go outside, feel sunshine and exercise.

Inside, there are less birds so they can walk freely.

Chicken from this type of farm is more expensive.

However, this program makes us feel that even chicken has right to be free and to be treate better.

Because of the show, people now know more about chicken they consume.

Big supermarket promise to improve standard and quality of farming.

London Mayor took this as an serious issue to push forward as policy. We don't know how it is gonna happen..but it's the beginning of something.

I think this is what public service do. Tell, inform, give understand, and make a better change.

In Thailand we've been talking about the first Thai public service, but it seems people who want it should study these example more.

Its principle is nice, but I doubt if they can really introduce a true public service in Thailand.

We need some channel like this. But I want it to happen as a true commiment. Not just something to hide someone's benefit.

Well, it's a long run to see how Thai public service will turn out to be.

I hope that it's not just a dream among Thais!!!

Read more information about 'Food Fight' program at Channel 4 website

If you want to join campaign to support Free-ranged chicken, check out at Chickenout.tv

Tell me this is not a UFO!!

2008-01-08T16:41:00.001-08:00

I took photograph two days ago at Westminster Abbey, London.

Today when I looked at my photo, I saw something strange.

Actually I was there with my boyfriend. We both took photograph, at the same place, almost same angel, almost pressed shutter at the same time.... the sky in both photos should look the same..

but...see below

Above is James' photo, below is mine...there is something white in my sky.

when I zoom in the photo to look closely, it looks like this!

What is it?

I know it looks like UFO..but I don't believe in this alien story.

However, it's stange because two photograph taken at the same time, doesn't have the same thing.

That's what I wonder...!!!!!!!

Tell me it is not UFO!!!!

Friendship

2007-12-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

Your friend is your needs answered. He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

- Kahlil Gibran

Sometimes I asked my life if I have friend, and if I am a good friend.

I believe that I have friends who make me feel peace and can be myself with them. I thank to them.

I once had friends who I thought was a good friend, but it wasn't true. But I thank that they gave me a happy time.

I've never been really lonely, have I?

Frosty Photographs

2007-12-13T13:56:00.001-08:00

This morning, everwhere is white because of frost.

It's the first time I've seen something like this because in Thailand we don't have such a cold weather as it is here.

For me, it looks beautiful. Everything is white give me the feeling that everywhere is clean and pure.

And I didn't forget to take pictures of them!

แท็กของ Technorati: {กลุ่มแท็ก}น้ำค้างแข็ง,frost,london,ภาพถ่ายน้ำค้าง

Photograph at Regent's Park

2007-12-12T14:30:00.001-08:00

Sunny day in London, who can resist it?

After it has been raining and cold for a few days, yesterday the sun came out to say hello.

This rewarded me with beautiful blue sky.

What eles I could do in the day like this?

One thing, go out and take photos.

I always want to be good at photography. Although I know that I am not talented at all.

Also, my view through photograph is still very limited, my picture is still somehow plain.

But I believe practice makes perfect!!

Just grap my little camera, I take anything I can. One day I will take good photographs

Here are some example of photos I took at Regent's Park.

แท็กของ Technorati: {กลุ่มแท็ก}London,regent's park,photo,photograph

Climate change should start from ourselves.

2007-12-08T17:31:00.000-08:00

Recently, Gordon Brown, UK's prime minister has outlined his plan to fight climate change.

This is the first time he mentioned his policy about climage chaneg.

These include

- cut down carbon emission up to 80% by 2050

- increase renewable enegey in UK up to 40-50% by 2020

- Green Home Service to advice people on how to cut their carbon footprint

These are nice policy, but can it really implement effectively?

Is this a solution to fight climate change?

I interview an Artic explorer and environmental chemist, Nathan Allen.

He gave opinion on this action plan.

Also he point out the most improtant thing to fight climate change.

Listen to the interview piece by click play button.

ice_interviewwithc...

How about you? What do you think about climate change?

How can we help the world?

Thais celebrate King's 80th Birthday

2007-12-05T02:21:00.000-08:00

In Thailand today, people wearing yellow t-shirt pack the street around the grand palace in Bangkok to mark the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest serving monarch.

Today is the important day of all Thais because we celebrate our king's birthday. It's the time that Thais will do lots of thing to tribute him. Wearing yellow t-shirt, which is the color of his birthday, is one of the way we all do throughout the year.

There were a crowd of Thais gathering around the street to show their love for the king. (see picture)

You may have heard that Thailand has been though a military coup to overthown former prime minister's power. The country has just called an election, which will be help in december.

Things are very intense within the country. Polictical fight and divided side among people make country very unstable.

The king is the one people that have influence to unite the heart of Thais. He care about his people more than anything in the world. Thais always look up for him, espectially in trouble time. Thais believe his advice will guide us through difficulty.

Unite the country

Today, he made a public appearance from the balcony of The Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall. His speech was live broadcast on television nationwide.

His speech reflected the same things he said last night. "All Thai must be unite"

"Whether soldiers or civilians, (we) must be united, like our legs that must be united - which means one goes forward and one pushes back before moving forward," he said.

"This way, we could walk without falling. Without unity, the country will face disaster."

What we should do now?

Although we've been celebrating his birthday and tributing him in many ways.

But have we even been thinking of doing something good for the country as he advice us to do?

Unity of the nation? Have you ever thought of doing this?

I hope that Thais start asking themselve now.

I do wish that anyone who cause this turmoil in the country by trying to undermind people to take side and divide the country, please stop.

Leave my country in peace!

----------------------

You can watch video news about "the king's birthday" here..

thanks for youtube and the one who post it.

What foreigner think about Thai culture?

2007-12-04T06:09:00.001-08:00

One of the most famous Thai festival, Loy Krathong, is held in London. Many Thai and foreigner enjoy the culture from food to tradition festival.

Wat Buddphapadipa in Wimbledon, London is one of the most well-known Thai community in London.

Here is traditional temple where we can feel close to Bhuddism. Also, many activities and festivals are being held here.

Although we are away from our motherland, we can carry on our culture here in London.

What is Loy Krathong?

Loy Krathong is one of the most famous and enjoyable festival in Thailand.

We celebrate it annually around the beginning of November, when it's the full-moon night.

This festival is about floting 'krathong' into water to apology river goddess, and flot away ill fortune.

Also, during the festival, there are many activities and fun fair.

What do foriegner think about the festival?

I was assigned to do radio vox pop as the first radio exercise.

My partner and I decided to ask people's opinion about "what do they think about thai culture from this festival?"

Here are my vox pop, you can listen to it by clicking play button.

Enjoy!!

VOX POP LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL

mixdownvoxpop.mp3

My worry on up coming election

2007-11-28T03:51:00.000-08:00

Opinion Poll on up coming election in Thailand recently shows that People Power Party (PPP) is leading ahead of other parties. If the poll was right, Taksin's power would return to Thailand.

The Polls announce recently from my sources are something worrying me and some other Thais who really want to see some change in Thai politic. Still, I don't understand why poll turned out that PPP party (which is representing Taksin's hidden power) possibly winning the election.

The party is gaining support fron Nothern and Northerneast of Thailand. However, in lastest poll surveying opinion from people in Bangkok, PPP and the Democrats are neck to neck in up coming election .

My question how reliable poll is before election.

Some politics said poll can be a PR tool of one party who financial support the survey. Some are also asked for banning poll in order to not let poll dominate people's real opinion toward election.

As people like me, who have been watching and reading news to get as much information about parties as we can. I haven't found any interesting policy which can solve problem in Thailand yet.

Thus, for people who can not make decision, can poll be influent to them? Will they vote to follow majority of peole's vote?
That's something to worry if that happen in this election.

I think this election means so much for Thai people. Also, there are lots of political games behind election campaign. We need to get information, to look into every issues carefully, so that we can choose the right representative and government.

Think about the past, the present and future.

For all parties, I think they need to work more to convince people about their policy. I don't want any popular policy but I want practical policy which seem realistic to solve country's problem.

Ski and Snowboard Show

2007-11-27T16:11:00.001-08:00

This is my second story from the television news exercise.

It's about the event called 'Ski & Snowboard Show' in London.

I focus on the idea that kids have a chance to experience winter sport with family, where they can enjoy it together.

I know it's not a difficult subject and it has problem with editorial coz somehow, you can feel it's a bit PR story for the event.

But as I said it's quite difficult to get into a good story.

I was thinking of reporting a hard news topic, but I couldn't get an interview or picture, so it ended up as I had to go for an enjoyable event again.

At least, I could practice my shooting and editing skill.

Still, need to improve my skill of getting into story!

You can watch video below:

Ski & Snowboard Show

Photo Practice: Big Ben & House of Parliament

2007-11-25T16:08:00.001-08:00

It's sunday, only day in a week that I can rest and enjoy myself.

During a week, I have to study 4 days. Tuesday and Saturday, I am a chef - it's my part time job.

How to enjoy my day? Well, as a journalist, one more thing I should be good at or at least can do is 'photography'.

I always love photograph. I dream of taking good pictures. But I don't feel like I am good at it. I need more practice.

I left my Fuji in Thailand, here I only have Pentax Optio T10

Pentax Optio T10 is a compact digital photo - very good to do snap photos, and no serious shots. There are not much fucntion for professional photography. But I can practice my view toward picture with it.

Today, I had a night out at Big Ben & House of Parliament. My boyfriend and I wanted to take photograph

here are photograph I took:

Christmas Light @ Oxford Street

2007-11-21T04:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner.
In london, when the light at Oxford Street is switched on, the celebration starts.

This time of year, people who go to shopping at Oxford Street can also enjoy beautiful decoration of colorful light.
Many trees and building are decorated in colorful color. For example, trees are lighten with violet light.

John Lewis, department store on Oxford Street was the host for switching on xmas light ceremony 2007 early this month. Thus, in front of the store seems to be high light of this year decoration.

There made christmas tree with hundreds of light bulbs in front of the store. Many people stand on the opposite side of the street to take photograph. That's where I took mine too.

Getting the story...make the difference

2007-11-19T03:51:00.001-08:00

During the time I was trained with BBC Thai Section (Supporting Unit) in Thailand, I was always told to think different and to report story in different aspect of Thai media.

It's about competition. BBC World Service (Thai Section) at that time was so small comparing with local media.

BBC Thai broadcast only two times a day. But local media (example manager website, mcot) reports news every hour.

If we approached the story the same way local media did, we would be behind and no one wanted to listen to the program.

We had to be an alternative program where people can tune in to get different aspect of news.

I always keep that in mind - think different.

But it's never been easy. I found it difficult to see story in different angles. I tried hard..sometimes I could but sometimes I couldn't.

When I came here to study journalism, my first part is television news, I had problem of getting into story. I wanted to do so many good story, interesting topic, some hard news. But I couldn't get the interviewee so I had to throw the story away and found something easier. I don't like that. I upset. But i have to. I always have question - how can I get into the stories I want?

Possibility of story

Then, during radio class, I found the answer that may help me getting into to story.

The exercise was that we picked one story and tried to see who we can interview and about what we will interview.

Everyone had their story and their interviewee in thier mind. But teacher pushed us forward to see more possibility of story and other interviewee we could have.

For example, my story was 'bird flu in UK'. I wanted to approach economic side of story - how the situation would effect trade and export during christmas. I would like to interview trader, exporter, and ministry of industry.

Teacher said if I was your editor and I didn't want economic story, what other stories I could have.

Well, disscuss with my partner, we might go to psychological side.

Yeah, good idea..but what else?

Um...I don't know now...who else can I interview?

Teacher said you could interivew farmer - that will be agriculture side of the story...another angle..

Oh..I could interview specialist journalist, professor from relating field. That's in case you couldn't get the interviewee you want. It's plan B, Plan C...

ummmm....I never thought about that before.

That's how we can get into story...there are many ways out there. But I never look at them closely. I know now why I couldn't get the story I want just because one interviewee turned me down. Because I never thought of more possiblity of story!

News is like a crystal

News is like a crystal which have hundred of angles. When you look from differnt angle, you can see different things.

Just look at the story in the simple way. Asking myself about who is in the story. Whom the story may effect. Who can give comments. What i want to know about the story. Who can give me the answer. just simple like that.

When you know the possiblity of story, and people you want to talk to, the story can spin around in many ways.

If you research more on the story, you will get a chance to report a better story.

Now I can see why news is like a crystal. I just have to practice, learn to think, know more..and one day I will be better, I will become a journalist I want to be.

Trend color in Thailand..what is the point of it?

2007-11-14T02:27:00.000-08:00

Since last week, in Thailand people have been favor of PINK T-shirt.
That because this color believed to be an auspicious color for the king's 80th year.
My king has just checked out of a hospital after experiencing weakness on the right side of his body and was admitted to hospital since mid-october.

I am in England, far from my country, when I knew the news it was kinda shocked. He is a beloved king and we don't want anything bad to happen to him.
Now I am happy that he leaves hospital.

One thing that I am prond to be Thai is that I have the greatest king. I can not explain how his greatest is. But in conclusion, he is a hard-working king for his people. Everything he does, he does it for Thais. We are really blessed by him.

When I know that PINK will give luck and auspicious to him..I thought of wearing pink, just like many Thais. In Thailand pink became fashion trend. In cloth market, there is high demand of PINK t-shirt becaus everyone wants to wear it for tribute to the king.

It has been Yellow that set the trend in Thai fashion for year since celebration of his 6oth year to the throne. This december we will celebrate his 80th birthday with PINK..

But...this morning the color trend changes again. News website in Thailand reports that since yesterday that the king visit his sister in the hospital wearing green, people start looking for green t-shirt. So today, green t-shirt became best seller. What is this all about? We are crazy about color? I am not offense that but I don't see the point of doing that.

from pink to green...to show that we love and care our king?

No, I don't think so.

Color is just a color, but what we do is more improtant. The king has been teaching us many good things. How many people follow his brilliant advice? How many people start living their lives according to his SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY Theory
Have people stop cheating and diry fighting in politic? Have influencial people and politician start thinking of doing good for country without corruption? That's what the king want us to do? How many people do that? Doing something good, isn't it the best way to tribute our love from the king?

We'd better start thinking of it again, the way to express our repect and love for the king.

reporting from the field..

2007-11-12T04:45:00.001-08:00

This morning I watched live report about Election Candidates Registration Day in my country, Thailand. Many presenters were sent to the event to do live report but...many of them made me confused about their questions.

It seems to me that they are not supposed to be there. They are not into the story and some of them asking questions that wasting air time. It's not that bad...but not good as well. It's like..when I heard the question, I feel like what the point of asking that is. Why did you ask that? What a broad question! Why do you give chance for politician to speak for their own benefits? I am thinking as I am an audience who wants to know who have potential to be my representative. The questions didn't lead to any answer the people like me need to know from the candidates. It mainly about what do you feel..what do you think...

I didn't mean to say all of them are bad. Some of them are really good. I just feel like doing live report like this, why not giving the job to political correspondant to do. They are with story everyday. They know every single candidate quite well. They have background and they know hiden issue very well coz they are there among those politicians everyday. Wouldn't it be better to have them report from the field and asking more useful and in-dept questions?

In Thailand, doing live report like this tends to be a presenter's job. But presenters Thailand, most of them, are not even have experience as a reporter. They don't do news story, they announce news. It's different. I know that they may work hard and do some homework before their live reports but it can not compare to what the correspondant have. corresondant will be able to deal with stories better.

I think this is one simple problem in Thai journalism. Reporter are not presenter. I don't know if they can not do that, or they are not given a chance to do so. But I think it's wrong. Reporting from the field should be a journalist's job coz audience can get more useful information and vary aspect from reporters.

I am not against presenter...it's just the way to put people in the right job.

What do you think?

the making of my first story

2007-11-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

Making first news story

I was a television reporter for UBC News in Thailand, but I never think doing news story could be this hard.

When I was in Thailand, I just report the news. But I didn't shoot or edit myself. Of course, I learnt something and did some these thing occasionally. But most of the time, I just concentrated on reporting the story.

This time I have to do all the process myself.

Getting to the story here, in UK, is different from Thailand. In Thailand, I think it's easier. Maybe because I get used to it..I know where and who I should contact. But here, everything is new to me. The organisation, the system and how to approach to news.

I planned to do hard news about anti-crossrail. I had been trying to contact people..but finally, I was turned down because the person I can talk to is seriously ill and is in hospital.

Well, I have to change plan when I have only 3 days left.

I kept looking for news and interesting things on the net, in local newspaper, poster, sign...lots of things..and finally, I found 'National School Film Week'. It's an event for student to watch and learn from film. This event encourage teacher to use film as a teaching media in classroom.

Getting into story

I contacted organiser, who was really nice and very helpful. He accepted my request and told me to go meet him at Haymarket cineworld. The interview with him was nice. I got nice shot of him walking into the cinema, and his clear and precise answer. I did interview teacher as well. Interview stuff went well. But problem was picture, the most important part of television news.

I couldn't film children because I hadn't asked for permission beforehand. I didn't know that I had to call school and ask for permission because in Thailand, you can shoot anything you want..no need to ask for permission. Filming kids picture is easy in Thailand. I thought it was the same, but I was wrong. So, the shots I had on that day were only the shots of pupils back while they're sitting in cinema. Another problem was that it was dark in the room. I didn't have camera light..dam!..

I was upset, really upset and worried. I knew I didn’t have a good material, the worst was that it wasn’t enough material to make story. Here, making television story, they really concern about pictures. It should tell the story. It should be a beautiful shot. It should make story more interesting. It should go along well with the story. Well, I didn’t think of this much when I was reporter. It was my cameraman job. I care more about picture when I did package, not news. So, this is something new to me. And for this story, I didn’t have cool shot!

I decided to call the organizer again asking for school number so I could ring them and ask permission to film their students. Teacher said ok. I had hope. I went to cinema again the next day to film more things. But, there was problem to solve again. Students came pretty late that they had to rush into the cinema. I had only 10 minutes to shoot. I just tried to get as much as I can. I didn’t have time to think or create a nice shot. I just tried to image what I should have; I tried to get the best I could in that time. I had more pictures. They were the best picture, but at least I had more.

Putting story altogether

When go to editing, new problem arised. Pictures were quite dark. Yeah…it’s in cinema, how could I suppose to have more light? Well, this program could help me. Fine…

Next, it’s pretty hard to choose picture because I have some but not the best. I tried to make a structure, follow what I have learnt, and follow my experience. And finally..I have my first story.

Well, it’s not a masterpiece…but I love it. I’ve been through so many things. I faced so many problems. I got through it. I did my best under all obstacles. Sure, there are lots of things to improve. But this is my first story and I’ve learnt so many things from it.

Someone once asked me that I was a journalist before, why I need this class again..

I think this is the answer…I still need to learn more. Working on news here is different and I am learning from that. I can improve myself and be a better journalist. That’s why I am here.

You can watch the video here: