FOCUS ON THE NEWSROOM
REPORTED BY:ANITHA RAMACHANDRAN
The day kicked off with reading the news from the daily newspapers. Bharathy Kannan read about the Vandalur Zoo’s recent development. We then read the city map and found some interesting places in the map of Chennai, which we are asked to, bring regularly to class.
We then had a light chat of the birds we see in the city - it was interesting. Anita Srinivasan read an interesting article about the Koovagam festival which took place a few days ago for trans-genders at the Koothandavar Temple near Villupuram.
We then put off our papers and listened keenly as resource person Vincent D'Souza spoke about the newsroom. We learnt how news comes into the room from various sources. Some of the sources we learnt were from the reporters, press releases, news syndicates, news agencies, from the readers of the paper who also contribute and from blogs on the Internet.
We were told that journalists or reporters must be sensitive, ethical and understand issues and things well. He said that reporters must sense things around them and must ask questions.
We then had a light discussion of the positive and the negative sides of the articles we have been filing so far and are blogged. We discussed what all errors we make in common.
Vincent gave all of us some envelopes for us to look at and observe. Each of us got a special postal cover. What was common?
Each cover was on a landmark event of the city.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Whose Garbage Is This?
Reported by Rhea Banerjee
People's character can be studied from the way they deal with domestic garbage!
Take this story in Radhakrishnan Nagar Main Road, Thiruvanmiyur. A dumpster had been placed right in front of Shrishti Apartments, an apartment building on the main road. While many residents living in and around this apartment building found it convenient to walk across the road to dump their garbage, others found it disturbing that the maids threw their garbage at the dumpster, most of which landed outside it. Thus, garbage lay scattered around the dumpster.
Also, people complained about the Onyx truck, which came at midnight to empty the dumpster. The loud noise emanating from the truck disturbed the sleep of the residents. "I'm a light sleeper and my sleep has been broken countless number of times because of the Onyx truck," says Rani, a doctor of the Apollo Hospitals and a resident of Shrishti Apartments.
Recently, the dumpster was found broken. It was removed but people continued to throw their garbage at the spot where the dumpster used to be. There was thus a pile of garbage.
But now, due to action taken by the president of the building, this pile has been cleared out and people are no longer dumping their garbage in that spot.
People's character can be studied from the way they deal with domestic garbage!Take this story in Radhakrishnan Nagar Main Road, Thiruvanmiyur. A dumpster had been placed right in front of Shrishti Apartments, an apartment building on the main road. While many residents living in and around this apartment building found it convenient to walk across the road to dump their garbage, others found it disturbing that the maids threw their garbage at the dumpster, most of which landed outside it. Thus, garbage lay scattered around the dumpster.
Also, people complained about the Onyx truck, which came at midnight to empty the dumpster. The loud noise emanating from the truck disturbed the sleep of the residents. "I'm a light sleeper and my sleep has been broken countless number of times because of the Onyx truck," says Rani, a doctor of the Apollo Hospitals and a resident of Shrishti Apartments.
Recently, the dumpster was found broken. It was removed but people continued to throw their garbage at the spot where the dumpster used to be. There was thus a pile of garbage.
But now, due to action taken by the president of the building, this pile has been cleared out and people are no longer dumping their garbage in that spot.
Interviewing Skills
Reported by Rhea Banerjee
The day's class started off with Vincent D' Souza making us students read the day's news stories and discussing each story in turn.
A few stories caught our attention but a particularly interesting one was about an event that took place in Virudhunagar, a district of Tamil Nadu, about a hen which had been run over by a motor cyclist. The owner of the hen started abusing the motor cyclist. More people joined in and soon this small incident had turned into a big fight. Many people were injured, properties were destroyed and the police had to come into action.
Vincent went on to discuss the various types of interviews (1) by appointment; (2) in a news conference; (3) on the spot interview; and (4) phone interview.
He also discussed ways to prepare for different kinds of interviews.
After class, we chatted about the different colleges which offer journalism courses. He referred to Asian College of Journalism, Manipal Institute of Communication and courses at city colleges like MOP Vaishnav.
The day's class started off with Vincent D' Souza making us students read the day's news stories and discussing each story in turn.
A few stories caught our attention but a particularly interesting one was about an event that took place in Virudhunagar, a district of Tamil Nadu, about a hen which had been run over by a motor cyclist. The owner of the hen started abusing the motor cyclist. More people joined in and soon this small incident had turned into a big fight. Many people were injured, properties were destroyed and the police had to come into action.
Vincent went on to discuss the various types of interviews (1) by appointment; (2) in a news conference; (3) on the spot interview; and (4) phone interview.
He also discussed ways to prepare for different kinds of interviews.
After class, we chatted about the different colleges which offer journalism courses. He referred to Asian College of Journalism, Manipal Institute of Communication and courses at city colleges like MOP Vaishnav.
Students 'practise' interviews
By Vrinda Manocha
The Mylapore Time Journalism Course is well on its way into its third week. On Wednesday the 2nd of May, the first hour was conducted by Mr Sathya and Ms. Revathi.
After Mr. D'Souza lectured the students on Tuesday about the types of interviews and tips to plan interviews , they came prepared to conduct mock interviews in class on Wednesday.
The Mylapore Time Journalism Course is well on its way into its third week. On Wednesday the 2nd of May, the first hour was conducted by Mr Sathya and Ms. Revathi.
After Mr. D'Souza lectured the students on Tuesday about the types of interviews and tips to plan interviews , they came prepared to conduct mock interviews in class on Wednesday.
Anita Srinivasan and Priyanka interviewing Anitha Ramachandran
Mr. Satya, who works with the publishing company New Horizon Media, first showed the students samples of interviews posted on blogs and websites on his laptop. He was keen to record the mock interviews on a gadget and load it on to the blog later.
The first mock interview was conducted by Rhea Banerjee who was interviewing Vrinda Manocha about the Youth Association formed in Valmiki Nagar. It was recorded by Mr Satya but their voices
were too low and could not be properly heard on playback. They also forgot to give an introduction. Mr. Sathya and Ms. Revathi gave them a few tips to improve themselves.
While Rhea and Vrinda rehearsed their interview, the next batch began theirs. Anita Srinivasan and Priyanka A. questioned Anitha Ramachandran about the Santhome neighbourhood. Their interview went off smoothly . Vrinda and Rhea did a better job on their second try.
Listen to Rhea interviewing Vrinda here : http://www.rogepost.com/n/1581408075
and Anita and Priyanka interviewing Anitha here: http://www.rogepost.com/n/5127060761
The second hour was conducted by Vincent D' Souza who had invited a guest to talk to the class. Abhinaya Mohan who had attended a similar workshop last year and now freelances for the 'Mylapore Times', shared her experiences with the class.
She talked about her difficulties with writing reports such as interviewing hesitant people and making mistakes with information. She gave several examples to illustrate her points and advised the students to manage their time well while writing reports and double check their information. Abhinaya shared tips on how to approach people for an interview.
Though she is going to Class 12 at P.S. Senior Secondary School, Mylapore, Abhinaya said that balancing school and journalism simultaneously had not been much of a problem for her. " Don't
compromise on the quality of school work or journalism, " she advised the students.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Summer designs for womenswear
Reported by Anita Srinivasan
Usha Umapati runs Lasya, a sari and salwar suit boutique located near Gold's Gym on Kasturi Ranga Road, Alwarpet.
Although bridal trousseaus are the store's specialty, it also aims at enhancing a woman's personality by suggesting clothes that suit them. She gave us some tips on what is best for summer.
One of Lasya's craftsmen embroidering a georgette sari.
"The younger people tend to go in for georgette, and other more clingy material, while the older ones stick to silk, when it comes to formalwear, but light to medium shades or bright-coloured cotton and kotas with smart blouses are the perennial favourites for casuals", says fashion designer Usha Umapati.
The store identifies its market as the highly-paid working women to whom a customised wardrobe makes a difference.
Umapati also helps women accessorise bags and jewellery with their saris and salwars. A subsidary of the store is School Colours which specialises in children's school uniforms.
The store is located at 19/1, Kasturi Apartments, Off Kasturi Ranga Road, Chennai- 600 018. Tel: 24990649, 24984303. Email: lasyaindia@yahoo.com
Usha Umapati runs Lasya, a sari and salwar suit boutique located near Gold's Gym on Kasturi Ranga Road, Alwarpet.
Although bridal trousseaus are the store's specialty, it also aims at enhancing a woman's personality by suggesting clothes that suit them. She gave us some tips on what is best for summer.
One of Lasya's craftsmen embroidering a georgette sari."The younger people tend to go in for georgette, and other more clingy material, while the older ones stick to silk, when it comes to formalwear, but light to medium shades or bright-coloured cotton and kotas with smart blouses are the perennial favourites for casuals", says fashion designer Usha Umapati.
The store identifies its market as the highly-paid working women to whom a customised wardrobe makes a difference.
Umapati also helps women accessorise bags and jewellery with their saris and salwars. A subsidary of the store is School Colours which specialises in children's school uniforms.
The store is located at 19/1, Kasturi Apartments, Off Kasturi Ranga Road, Chennai- 600 018. Tel: 24990649, 24984303. Email: lasyaindia@yahoo.com
Pesonality Development Workshop Held at Valmiki Nagar
By Vrinda Manocha
The World Community Service Centre on 2nd Seaward Road is holding a Students Personality Development Course for five days , starting Monday, the 30th of April. The course is taught by Bhagyalakshmi, a professor of Kundalini Yoga from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. everyday.
The course involves physical exercises for children from 8-13 years of age and Simplified Kundalini Yoga (SKY) for children above 14 years of age.
The first hour of the class is spent doing physical exercises. The second hour and third hours involve meditation and introspection respectively. "Introspection involves the students analyzing themselves and tuning their minds to divert anger and focus on positive thoughts," says Ms. Bhagyalakshmi .
The second session for the Personality Development Course will go on from May 7-11. The classes are free for children from ages 8 to 13 . Those above 14 years will have to pay a donation of Rs.150.
The World Community Service Centre is located at:
26 , 2nd Seaward Road
Valmiki Nagar , Thiruvanmiyur
Chennai 600041
Ph: 42300194 , 9940217518
For more information , visit www.vethathiri.org
The World Community Service Centre on 2nd Seaward Road is holding a Students Personality Development Course for five days , starting Monday, the 30th of April. The course is taught by Bhagyalakshmi, a professor of Kundalini Yoga from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. everyday.
The course involves physical exercises for children from 8-13 years of age and Simplified Kundalini Yoga (SKY) for children above 14 years of age.
The first hour of the class is spent doing physical exercises. The second hour and third hours involve meditation and introspection respectively. "Introspection involves the students analyzing themselves and tuning their minds to divert anger and focus on positive thoughts," says Ms. Bhagyalakshmi .
The second session for the Personality Development Course will go on from May 7-11. The classes are free for children from ages 8 to 13 . Those above 14 years will have to pay a donation of Rs.150.
The World Community Service Centre is located at:
26 , 2nd Seaward Road
Valmiki Nagar , Thiruvanmiyur
Chennai 600041
Ph: 42300194 , 9940217518
For more information , visit www.vethathiri.org
T.T.Camp
Table Tennis summer camp
By Shakti Vyjayanthi
The VVV Table Tennis Academy is holding a table tennis coaching camp in Besant Nagar now.The main coach is A. V. Vidya Sagar. The camp started on Apirl 17. This camp is run for two groups: 1) for beginners - from 4:30 -5:30 pm. 2) For good players - 5:30-6:30 pm.This camp will go on for one month. It is meant for children from ages 7-19 years.
By Shakti Vyjayanthi
The VVV Table Tennis Academy is holding a table tennis coaching camp in Besant Nagar now.The main coach is A. V. Vidya Sagar. The camp started on Apirl 17. This camp is run for two groups: 1) for beginners - from 4:30 -5:30 pm. 2) For good players - 5:30-6:30 pm.This camp will go on for one month. It is meant for children from ages 7-19 years.
My Area; RBI Staff Quarters By Shakti
Reserve Bank Staff Quarters is located in Besant Nagar. It is on the M. G. Road. In the neighbourhood, we have landmarks like the Velankanni Church, the Vinayakar temple and the Ratnagiri temple. Our Quarters has a dispensary, temple, school, gym and the services of a plumber and an electrician. The RBI management has recently provided us with mosquito nets and mineral water cans every alternative day. There are six playgrounds with beautiful small gardens that separate them. There is a big lawn at the entrance, with a fountain in the centre. There are 200 apartments, in which only such persons who are employed by RBI can reside with their families. The employees are from all parts of India. The RBI has set up a school on this campus for the benefit of the children of its employees. It is affiliated to the CBSE. The school is housed in the centre of the RBI Quarters, next to the dispensary. A child can finish the secondary school education here. The RBI Quarters School is a 'very sought after' school because its students have always scored very high marks at the Board exams and almost every year it has a centum pass percentage. We also have the Reserve Bank Welfare Association. Every year we have competitions and winners get fabulous prizes.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reserve Bank Staff Quarters is located in Besant Nagar. It is on the M. G. Road. In the neighbourhood, we have landmarks like the Velankanni Church, the Vinayakar temple and the Ratnagiri temple. Our Quarters has a dispensary, temple, school, gym and the services of a plumber and an electrician. The RBI management has recently provided us with mosquito nets and mineral water cans every alternative day. There are six playgrounds with beautiful small gardens that separate them. There is a big lawn at the entrance, with a fountain in the centre. There are 200 apartments, in which only such persons who are employed by RBI can reside with their families. The employees are from all parts of India. The RBI has set up a school on this campus for the benefit of the children of its employees. It is affiliated to the CBSE. The school is housed in the centre of the RBI Quarters, next to the dispensary. A child can finish the secondary school education here. The RBI Quarters School is a 'very sought after' school because its students have always scored very high marks at the Board exams and almost every year it has a centum pass percentage. We also have the Reserve Bank Welfare Association. Every year we have competitions and winners get fabulous prizes.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
AIR SHOW AT MARINA
THE SURYAKIRANS AT THEIR BESTAIR SHOW AT MARINA
REPORTED BY:ANITHA RAMACHANDRAN
Indian Air Force held a air show on the Marina beach on April 22.Traffic was blocked by the police in the morning itself though the show started only in the evening at around 4.30 pm. Vehicles were not allowed on Santhome High Road.
The crowd was large. Many had their binoculars and cameras on.Lights blazing and smoke trailing, three Advanced Light Helicopters made the entry, in full throttle. They made a steep climb, stood for a second and took a 180 degree turn to plummet and disperse in different directions.
It was an awesome sight. Many stunts which were performed left the spectators stunned.
Indian Air Force held a air show on the Marina beach on April 22.Traffic was blocked by the police in the morning itself though the show started only in the evening at around 4.30 pm. Vehicles were not allowed on Santhome High Road.
The crowd was large. Many had their binoculars and cameras on.Lights blazing and smoke trailing, three Advanced Light Helicopters made the entry, in full throttle. They made a steep climb, stood for a second and took a 180 degree turn to plummet and disperse in different directions.
It was an awesome sight. Many stunts which were performed left the spectators stunned.
The Surya Kiran team did its best too. The show was held to mark the Platinum Jubilee of the Air Force. The other teams were the Sarang, Akash Ganga and the Jaguar. They gave the scintillating performances.
Said young Akshya, a twelve year old girl at the air show,"I was impressed and I never knew that helicopters could do such amazing feats.I have never seen all this even in movies."
At this library, you can reserve books online
Reported by Anita Srinivasan
Senthil Lending Libraries, located in the Corporation Building opposite Billroth Hospitals in R. A. Puram, has been in business for 30 years. Its collection of books in English, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu, exceeds 40,000, of which 30,000 are in English alone.
It has a clientele of 4,000 regular members, and even the latest bestsellers are available here. However, the age of the Internet has forced Chennai's first lending library to turn to the computer to keep up with the times.
The library first started using software for its activities 6 years ago, when it began keeping records of its collection, issues, and returns of books on the computer, says Shankar, the librarian for the past 20 years.
The library's voluminous collection ensures its large membership
Recently, the library started offering a doorstep delivery service to its customers between fixed times, within a 5 km radius of the outlet. They have also collaborated with other similar libraries to provide to customers a web-based service of reserving books online and having them home-delivered.
The service is available at nominal fees, although the fact that customers are unable to pay online seems to be a problem. The library also provides binding services to its members.
The website of the online service is http://www.easwarilibrary.com/ and Senthil Lending Libraries can be contacted at 42303408.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)