Catch-up television on the web

"Be gentle, it's my first time,"

Being the age I am without ever having watched missed TV show episodes on the web previously, may seem a little strange. But truly, up until last night, whenever I missed crucial episodes I would think to myself: That's it, I'll just have to fill-in the blanks or go buy the series. It is a sign that I am a full convert that I now cringe at that primitive seeming mentality. So yes, those websites that offer reruns of the latest episodes do seem to serve their purpose for catch-ups, but I am still an old-fashioned TV girl at heart. The crappy quality of my computer screen, a couple of mishaps with the progress-bar-thingy (you can tell I've definitely not done this before), and the loading times, make me only willing to resort to telly on the computer as the back-up for missing the shows. There is no way in hell I could watch whole series on the computer. I don't know how people can! Not unless their computer equipment actually bests their entertainment systems (though, I suppose there are people who don't have a TV at all, so the computer is their only option).

So am I a convert? Not really...

Don't get me wrong: improvements in technology and our greater reliance on it, which in turn, fuels society to be more web-based, has made many activities simpler, faster, and sometimes cheaper. But I don't believe that technology in society is at the stage yet, were television has become redundant. I, personally, would still much prefer to watch every piece of audio-visual media on the TV, because the quality is a lot higher for a lot less money. Our tiny little family flat screen was one of the smallest digital enabled TVs that you could  buy at the time, and when compared to the (similar quality bracket) laptop, the TV wins hands down for comfort of experience. I think relying on our computers for almost everything is going a bit overboard. Sure, I  always wanted a device that could do everything, (think of all the pocket space I'll save!!!), but I've realised through this experience, that when you intend to use something for a good experience, it's better to go with the experts. And this relates back to many devices: sure you can go on the internet on your phone, but you would prefer to do  it on your computer because the tiny phone is not designed for hardcore browsing. Sure you could listen to music on your computer, with it's teeny-tiny built in speakers-but who would dance to the tinny racket if they could be pumping their fists to the ground shaking bass of a legitimate sound system?

A further reason why I will be trying to catch my shows on the TV rather than the internet at my leisure: I missed crucial elements of plot because I could not read the pixelated computer and phone screens from my grainy internet video. Not cool. Not cool at all. For anyone who has watched the Benedict Cumberbach Sherlock on a tiny, blurry screen, you will share my frustration and confusion. It's not worth it.

I hope you've enjoyed my rant, and please feel free to leave me your comments,

-Bon

Twitter talks on TV

I saw a share worthy episode of the ABC's Big Ideas program on Twitter. Below is a link to the iview video, but it is going to expire on that site in a few days, so for reference, it was series five, episode thirty-eight aired on the twentieth of June, 2012.

http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/view/23200

One of the speakers, Catherine Deveny (a comedian and columnist for the Age for nine years, among other things) said something to the effect of that she uses Twitter because there are too many wankers on Facebook. I quite like that, as I prefer Facebook to Twitter, and I agree that, yes, it is mostly fluff and there are a few wankers. : P

And on another note, I have to congratulate myself, and a lot of others out there, that they have finished the first semester of Uni. Hurray! Bring on the holidays! I plan to keep writing my creative piece and NOT do any Uni. I do so love the artist of the photo below-please find him in my earlier post: you will recognise his distinctive work, I am sure.

Take care all,

-Bon

Evaluation of JOUR1111: Goodbye Journalism, hello Writing

So JOUR1111 is almost over: there are no more lectures or tutes, just some little pieces of assessment to do here and there. It was with an air of finality that I left the final tute, as it will not only be the last of the course I will attend, but likely the last of any journalism subject. After having said that I'm not continuing with the journalism major, it may seem strange when I say that I thoroughly enjoyed this subject. The lectures were informative and engaging-the lecturers both knowledgeable and helpful. It all sounds very cliche as I write this, but it has honestly been a really enjoyable subject.

Since I've cleared that up, you will probably be wondering why, exactly, I'm not continuing journalism study when I like it so much. Here's the rub: in the attempt to become a journalist, I realised why I will not do well as one. I lack passion for this pursuit. We were always taught, in this course to take an interest in what is happening around us, seek the stories, and make the effort to create quality journalism. When I tried to do all these things, I felt very false, because the interest I did take had to be forced out of me, and I could not shake my lazy attitude.

Though I was initially disappointed that my first choice of study hasn't worked out, it has made me decide to follow my passions instead of engaging in wishful thinking. I will be changing my major to writing (ironically, since this blog has been riddled with errors and for the draft stage, ineffectively written).I thought The Beatles would cheer up the tone of this post.

The tutes were amazing, probably the most enjoyable I've had so far with my uni study. They inspired all to learn and appreciate the merits of journalism, its function in our society, and its relevance to many aspects of daily life. So I would like to say a huge thank you to all those involved in the course: especially Bruce and Ali Rae. I hope that none of the staff involved in the course take my lack of success as a journalist as a failure on their part. 

My last message on this blog as part of this course is to say that I plan to continue adding content, but there will be a greater focus on English-hopefully with more effective writing... ;) And who knows? Maybe there will be a little more journalism too.

It has been an absolute pleasure,

-Bon.

Attempts to brain-wash homosexual teens: I despair for society

I was shocked and disgusted by the article, its headline: "Praying away the gay" on the first and fifth pages of the June 10th Sunday Mail. Certain American and Australian Christian groups employed brain-washing techniques with the purpose of 'straightening out' homosexual teenagers and children. Such events seemed at odds with the apparent rise of social equality and anti prejudice movements in our societies, particularly after governmental actions against racism. Was I wrong? The perpetrators make me wonder if ignorant and hateful people will ever leave the rest of the world alone.

"Homosexuality is treated in the therapies as a disorder that can be brought on through abuse as a child or lack of a strong father figure" -McKenna and Murray for the Sunday Mail.

My summary of the article:
This brain-washing practice is being enacted on homosexual Queenslanders by certain Christian groups. The American state of California has already taken actions to ban this brainwashing on minors, and yet, nothing has been done yet in Australia, it seems. One alliance of Christian ministries claims that their 'ex-gay therapies' have a 65% rate of success with changing the child's sexuality--never mind the 100% rate of 'reformees' being subject to prejudice disguised as care. Queensland children as young as fourteen have sought help after being subject to the the therapies, making former advocates of the program speak out against it. One of whom, psychologist Paul Martin, stressed that the children are likely suffer long-term harm from the therapy. Mr Martin was once at the receiving, and then the giving end of this treatment, but he now supports the children who seek psychological help after the treatment. Mr Martin suggested that exposure to this kind of treatment during puberty is likely to increase the number and severity of cases of depression and mental illness. *It is a very logical conclusion to reach: when young, impressionable minds are lead to believe they will go to hell for a part of themselves they can't control, they won't feel great about themselves, will they? The ministries association, Exodus Asia pacific listed one ministry in Victoria, two in New South Wales, and five in Queensland that advertised themselves as being able to cure homosexuality. The article mentions Brisbane filmmaker Heather Corkhill's documentary "The Cure". Corkhill's documentary investigated the so-called 'ex-gay' therapy, revealing that children under twelve were believed to have undergone the process.

Here is a link to an on line version of the article I read: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gods-shock-tactics/story-e6freoof-1226390040324

 *The above image aligns with my reaction to the Sunday Mail article; despite some improvements in society's prejudiced treatments of outgroups, it is still prevalent. Prejudice has had so many facelifts that it's persisted in the hearts, minds and actions of too large a portion of society. If the cartoon men were replaced by priests or something similar, it would back up my point even further.


I apologise: these topics should be approached with a cool head and intelligent analysis rather than impassioned rambling. But it can be difficult to control your anger at these misdeeds if you have a heart. What kind of a person do you have to be to tell a child or teen that their unconscious cognitive, emotional, and perhaps even physical actions are wrong? I would be interested to see how these people would react to someone telling them that they should stop breathing. Could their self-righteous attitudes ever be brain-washed out of them so they felt that being born requiring air is unnatural and wrong, and that they are evil for doing it. It seems unlikely, I'm sorry to say.


If  reading about the stupidity prejudices of some of humanity does this to you:

may I recommend a refreshing detour to a few reasonable arguments in adorable design form? Find them here: http://www.slapupsidethehead.com/tag/unjust-laws/
* And a note from me that this story was sensationalised, but I think it's more important that what it contained needed to be said: programs and mentalities like those of Exodus must not be tolerated in our society.

-Bon

W13 (final) Lecture: Steve Molkington

Steve Molkington is a media commentator/TV fantatic, a blogger and has a regular radio segment... who gave us the story of his journalism career and some helpful advice to boot. Here is the URL for his site about,--you guessed it--TV:
 http://molkstvtalk.com/
*But it is much more fun than I've made it out to be. What I particularly like about it is that it isn't some trashy celebrity gossip-hyped 'entertainment' style blog. The reader can tell that the author is intelligent, and more importantly, has intelligent comments to make about the genre, about which, he is well informed.


Employers are looking for employees who have the capability to present stories etc. across different media platforms-especially new media such as Twitter. The traditional concept of journalism as 'broadcasting' is old school, and there is a great surge towards interactivity in current journalism. Latika Burke is a political reporter employed to give the news online via Twitter etc. This is a promising message for new media journalists who could now be employed (and payed) for the work they are already doing.


*Interesting fact: The Gruen Transfer (an absolutely brilliant program) is currently the largest money-maker for the ABC.

Now for some advice on how to being a great journalist...
-Form opinions
-Have an ego now as it will help you later (be confident-something I personally need to work on)

A final message from Steve Molks:

"When your opinions are starting to be considered valuable, you are succeeding"

Thanks Steve,
-Bon.