Raising the craft of journalism; undergraduate critique

This is something I wrote recently for an in-class final exam. I thought you would like to read it, as it seems to make a little more sense now that I've quickly read it again. Maybe you'll agree, especially you journalism students out there.

 The topic is of something very important to me as a journalist, and something I'll always study further. The changing game of the journalist. I'll keep you posted on news from the field.

And so the question was posed.....What is a journalist?

Daniel wrote:

Findings, open questions.

Good day.

Questions after reading the Globe and Mail.

i - Does it matter if a professional athlete, in a team sport, is gay? Does it matter that Leaf's GM Brian Burke's son is gay?

ii - How important is eating local? No, really?

iii - why are tourists in Canada playing frugal?

iv - which wine do I pair with my cheese? White? really...

Other thoughts.

v - Happy for Amanda Lindhout. Will probably read the book.

Also. Thought I would be the first MRU student in my class to get a byline in the Globe and Mail. Close, but nice one Edward. Question: Who helped free Amanda?

I worked on a similar story from Glasgow this summer Sadly, all the captives ended up dead.

Sunday Reading

Ahoj,

On another quite Sunday, apart from brainstorming story ideas for a Czech magazine, arranging interview subjects for an upcoming trip to Central Europe, and putting together a presentation on genderlect theory (watching When Harry Met Sally for reference), I've come a cross a few articles of interest.

Photo: JLM

Thoughts on history, on the media, on war

Hey, still blogging.

Listening to Radiohead, drinking tea, and scanning the news as always.

Trying not to live in the past, but events and anniversaries of this week -mostly from the 20th Century - always lead to reflection on where we have been and where we are going. Canada, the West, the Middle East. Walls and anniversaries. It's been 20 years since East Berliners tasted some sort of freedom and the wall came crumbling down. The Iron Curtain was lifted; Poles, Hungarians, Romanians..many more, also tasting democracy.

A day of remembrance. The First and Second World wars on the mind. Afghanistan too. 71 years since Kristallnacht. Wow. Have we really come a long way? Is this really a new generation? Africa on the mind, North Korea, China, Cuba. Walls and war, Communism and oppression.

A winter chill again in the air; gloomy and dark memories of the past, events which lead us to the light.

A gripping fear of pandemic will perhaps leave me inside today. Maybe not. Ha.

a - What is a Canadian? Really, what is Canada? Not just hockey, snow, Tim Horton`s and flag-waving you see. Canada has a distinct past; a distinct people. Hmm. Well, now we will finally know what it means to be Canadian. Apparently. The government is going to tell us what that means you see.

A Tuesday of random thoughts

i- On the restaurant industry and perfect service. 100 points of great service; things I would want done in my establishment. Notice, point #7. "Do not announce your name. No jokes, no flirting, no cuteness...." Thank-you to the writer for saying this. You're here to eat and relax in the company of friends and companions, not to hear about me. Personal note, I never give my name and never will. Don't worry, I'm there when you need me and am not memorable simply because your dinner was spectacular and your guests were overjoyed.

Also, point #8. "Do not interrupt a conversation." Too much talk, no service.

A ha! Point #26. "Never assume people want their white wine in an ice bucket. Inquire." correct. If I order white Burgundy and you put it in an ice bucket, you're an idiot.

On Calgary growth and urban sprawl

--Daniel Bach for the Calgary Journal--

I’ve always been a curious citizen and witness to Calgary’s booming growth.

Recently, while combing through an archive of books and articles related to Calgary’s contemporary growth and development, looking for a work that would give me a sense of where the city is at today, I was instantly enthralled upon finding a book first published in 1974 to celebrate Calgary’s centenary the following year.

Calgary: a not too solemn look at Calgary’s first 100 years, written by Bob Shiels, a former University of Calgary professor and newspaper columnist, chronicles the city’s growth, from its beginnings as a tiny settlement along the banks of the bow, through the oil boom of the early 20th Century and into the massive refurbishment and infrastructure development years of the late ‘60s and ‘70s.

Thoughts for an autumn evening

Hello, Some things for you to think about over coffee or tea. Keep in touch. D

Feature article shared: Welcome back Polaroid. Perhaps my favourite form of photography.

IMPORTANT sidenote: My love and prayers are with a good friend as she recovers in hospital from one of life's curveballs. A fighter, an inspiration and an amazing woman she truly is...Thinking about you, cups of coffee, laughter and all our amazing conversations, Shannon Bow. Read her story.

i. The UQAM welcome wagon. 172 communications students make a music video to convince students that their college is a good one. Great initiative.

ii. What? Beijing was awarded the Olympics thanks to corrupt IOC and Chinese bureaucrats?... I would have never guessed that one.

iii. We put up a brick wall to stop the Nazis from finding and drinking all the top vintages, and in turn, forgot about the pre-French Revolution Cognacs. Wish I was bidding in this wine auction.

iv. Eat local, yet drink European in... of all places: San Francisco. The Pour.

Snowed-in Wednesday thoughts

Hello,

Hope all is well. A few things I found today, and yesterday, which made me laugh and read a little further.

Best,

D

i - Cuban blogger: One of Time Magazine's most influential people of 2008, barred from accepting journalism prize in NYC

ii - "Let me be clear..." - Obama's go to phrase

iii - Nutini, gravely-voiced Scots singer, rocks it against racism.

iv - Can anyone here speak "Glaswegian?" Hahaha, perhaps something I could easily make money at in the future.

v - Photographing the Beatles - wishing I could pop into the National Portrait Gallery.

vi - Picking, crushing and fermenting grapes for Thanksgiving, and lending a hand to make Nota Bene.

Thanksgiving - Wine, Turkey, Snow, Hockey...

Bonjour,

Slowly adding Thanksgiving-themed stories and links ahead of the weekend.

Skip the Turkey this year?

A few great tips on how to explain some generals differences between old world and new world wine to your friends - perhaps over Thanksgiving? Great 'Decanter' video here.

Sidenote: Award-winning journalist. The humble and friendly reporter who I sat across from all summer in Glasgow - the chief reporter will Herald Scotland it turned out - has done some amazing stories on human rights this year. Remembering just now that she also flew to Libya to meet with Saif al-Islam Muammar Al-Gaddafi.

Monday greetings

Hi all,

October is here, which means an autumn - or lack there of - consisting of snow and sub-zero temperatures is again the status quo in Calgary.

Hope you're well wherever you are. Much love.

Things that caught my eye - and captured my attention - today:

a - Bentham vs. Hume.

b - Norway. The best place to live on planet Earth.
Note: Canada - Fourth place. That's not even a bronze medal.

c - Throw down your stigma says the BBC. The real Beirut...

d - The London Times introduces the world to N. Korea; Journalists with four-day travel visas.
Behold: Reporting and photojournalism at its best.

Happiness, Thursdays, and Findings.

Greetings, First things first. I may have figured out life today. It's summed up in a simple table illustrated above. The building blocks of life and simplicity of actions allow you to climb those mountains of your dreams. Notice that genuine creativity can only be accomplished with confidence and peace of mind on your side; not to mention friends, family and the most basic of animal and human needs and desires.

Taking care of a block at a time may afford me my dream of finding a place in the sun with a spotted dog, fishing boat, philosophy books, buttons for my coat, scripts for the scenes, and the wine cellar of gods.

Article of the day: 'We are not here to steal your gravel' - The New Yorker

Things I've lived by today - Apply the context to journalism and reporting.

On audience: "All I want now is for enough people to identify with my songs so I can keep on singing them...." PN

On thoughts and arguments. "I'm going to know my song well before I start singing..." RZ

Sunday Update, and perfect weekends

Photos of a weekend: JL Meth

Hi friends,

Just back from the best weekend possible in Vancouver. Thinking about putting some ice on my ankle, which I almost busted in my first men's league hockey game in six months or so. Tough game, but my cardio is good. A wee bit rusty, but skating is easier than walking for some of us. I'm no Theo Fleury, but I'll shake the rust off for another season soon enough. Anyways.

So what does a perfect weekend entail you ask? Always with your questions eh? You want to know so much. Right, the ingredients: Sushi, conversation, Chablis, picnics on rocks beyond the forest by the sea (afternoon sun!), more sushi (takeaway!), Cuban cigars, whisky tasting (Canadia translation: Scotch), late night cheese plates in bunker wine cellars (Salt!), meeting new friends (Faye, Langley travelers in concert queue), cousins (Scotti!), more sushi (Blue Water!), more whisky (Gastown tastings!), minimal rain, sunset views on the 23rd floor, king-sized beds with pressed sheets, snapshots, and a few nice walks around town.

News Scan

Hi all,

I read the news today, oh boy...

i - The Bento Box: Make it healthy, make it colourful, or make it into action figures. Play with your food, Japanese style.

ii - Scotland, according to the map, only has 283 Munros, not 284. The good news is, that’s one less I have to climb to complete some crazy quest. 1 down, 282 to go!

iii - Missing bodies: Searching for the remains of unaccounted American soldiers from wars past.

Some stuff I found and thought of all by myself

Photo: kid with an old camera.

Hey you,

Had a few thoughts today and tonight- nothing major, or groundbreaking, but just a few things I wanted to put down. Count to ten! Go!

One - I am going to give away, recycle, or trash half of the things I have collected over the years, as moving houses was a nightmare with all the junk I've packratted - yes I'm allowed to create words and misspell words on this forum - all my life - If it can't be used in some cut and paste project, or recall some grand vision of memory from the past, than it is going in the bin. Hooray, Calgary finally has blue bin recycling deals! Well, decades after the rest of Canada figured out it may be a good idea to provide that sort of service.

Two - Nothing has changed in Calgary since I left some months ago. Except there are more cranes and more cars. Good?

Three - I have barely written anything in six weeks. Nothing. Hope I'm doing okay.

Four - I'm too tired to read existentialist manifestos tonight, but I'm going to do it anyways.

It's been a while...

 
Photo: Lone Traveler.

Hi all,

Just a note for you all to advise you to stay tuned to the blog throughout the fall and inevitable winter. I've had a crazy August, as I reflect on this Saturday evening, and have backed away from the blog a little bit, not out of choice, but simply because I have been out exploring the world. I have also found a bit of sunshine, so have been spending most hours outdoors running or reading the news.

Yeah, Scotland skipped summer this year, and my mom (love you) even commented that I looked a little more pale in completion than normal when I returned from my four or five months away earlier today. I've been reading the news, taking notes and reading a few things, but have taken a much needed summer holiday.

I have spent most of my time taking pictures, riding bicycles, driving a wee car over Scottish mountains, walking new streets and seeing old friends. Much to talk about, much to share. I've also had a few intense travel days, which years ago became second nature. Needless to say I've been writing in my journal and cataloguing memories and experiences in my mind instead of posting and blogging. More to come, I promise.

London town

Hi all,

Just writing to say I've left Scotland for the first time in four months, having taken the bus down to the big bad world, where the streets have too many names. Just enjoying coffee at the moment in Camden Market, North London, and thought I would get back to my blog before heading off to a photography exhibition at the Photographer's Gallery in Piccadilly with a new friend from Paris.

Walked by Getty Images this morning and the headquarters of Vice magazine last night. I'm reminded now that I need to put a portfolio together so I can actually get a job in this city soon. I had chosen to live here before last spring you know, rather opting to head to my second home in Glasgow for the internship of a lifetime with the Herald and Times.

Going to put together a black and white photo essay of my adventures in London for you soon. Will be on Fleet Street later recalling the glory days of publishing and journalism as well. CouchSurfing with my old pal Alexis tonight, who was kind enough to join us for dinner and drinks on Brick Lane last night. Meeting him after his work today for more of the same. Updates and pub reviews coming your way.

Nothing better than sitting outside in the timeless cobbled lanes of London enjoying a glass of Chardonnay on a warm summer night. Just had some nice takeaway sushi in Camden Market. It's a great place to get great cheap eats after browsing the quirky sidestreets and markets of this neighbourhood.

I fell like I'm tweetimg, but now you know what's been in the agenda. All the best, and much love from London.

-Daniel C. Written at Caffe Crema on iPhone.

U2 and Glasvegas

iPhone photos: Daniel C.

Hi all,

One night after U2. The best show ever I believe; only waited 23 years for this one. Yes, perhaps better than Radiohead last year, and the three Bob Dylan shows I've seen. Glasvegas did a fantastic job as opening act, despite being incredibly nervous in front of their hometown crowd - as the band told me they would be when I had the chance to hang with/interview them a few weeks back.

1,000 miles

Photos: Daniel C. Bach

Hi,

Back from a whirlwind trip around the country. 1,000 miles along roads large and small, single-track and motorway, winding and climbing, up and down. Rain, and more rain.; to the 4 corners of a great land. Here are a few frames. Adventure stories to follow.

Hope everyone is enjoying their August. U2 tomorrow. All the best from me to you.

Daniel

Skye's the limit

 
Photo: Lonely Planet - A more inpiring shot soon to be snapped by yours truly.  
Photo: Daniel a la Sartorialist. As seen in some park. Glasgow.

Hello there,

It's been a while again. My body is weak, tired and weary; Sick. I need some fresh air. Give me rolling hills and endless days and nights. I rented a car. It's fully loaded with snacks and supplies. I'm leaving my computer at home. I've packed my camera and will be driving towards the sunset tomorrow.

A beautiful girl has stolen my attention, she always does, and we're running away. Skye's the limit. Tiny highways, rolling hills, the West Highland Way, sandy beaches, islands, cliffs, ocean views, Harry Potter trains, climbing munros, wandering the fields and 1,001 pictures to be taken along the way. It's finally time to discover Scotland and its pristine beauty.

Ciao!

- Daniel C.

Nothing but time

Photo: 'A box full of memories' Daniel C.

Hiya,

Again, starting to fall behind on my posts, but I hope everyone was out enjoying their weekend, long weekend, and summer days and nights. I've not been feeling to hot as of late, and after a a crazy end to my time at the Herald, including four stories on my last afternoon, I decided it was time I took a little break from the Internet and my laptop.

I spent Saturday filming a segment for a Dutch travel show in the pouring rain, and crashed hard on Saturday evening after being out way too late on Friday at an art school rock n' roll house frat party, unreal by the way, and of course a nightmare few days at work. Saturday saw me watching one of the oldest teams in Scotland play with my CouchSurfer and Dennis, one of the most recognizable TV dudes from Holland, amongst a small crowd of 1,000, interviewing their #1 fan who has seen 513 matches in a row, and drinking beer and eating Scotch pies for the camera.

A long week

Photo: Daniel C. 

Hi all,

Unfortunately I have not had enough minutes in the day to update you on my thoughts and findings, but know that at this moment I am in decent health and pleasantly relaxed. In from a run tonight, I'm just catching up on a little news, enjoy some Dylan on the speakers and a crisp glass of the white Burgundy supermarket gem I picked up earlier. I needed a glass of wine tonight. I have not had a night to myself in quite some time, as I've had so many friends crashing on the couch.

A new friend Paul from Ireland crashed here all week, which was a great experience. He was in town for an engineering conference, and at 25 years old, was shortlisted for the best presentation and research paper out of 200 presented over the week. An incredibly smart and inspiring guy, and I look forward to seeing him back in town again soon. He is the only person I've met, other than Uncle John and Jeff, whose travel experiences make me jealous.

CouchSurfing 101

Photo: 'Glasgow Surfing' - Daniel C.

Hi All,

This weekend I was reminded of adventure, and living life in the moment. I was reminded that I am young, and meant to stay out until the sun comes up. This weekend I was reminded of the spirit of CouchSurfing, and experiencing life through the eyes and still frames of new friends and old; those people that you meet along the way, off the beaten path or in the streets.

I was reminded of making the most of your days and nights in the company of friends. It's what a circle of my Parisian friends call 'le live' - life should always be 'live' they say; a la minute, the camera is rolling, life is happening now. It's about taking whatever corner feels right, climbing new hills, enjoying yourself anyway you can, wherever you may be, at any given moment. 101 insane stories of adventure from this past weekend, as my old friends Alexis and Ben made it a memorable one.

Thursday

Photo: Daniel C.

Another day in the life coming to a close tonight. A blinding headache stops me from writing to you all a little more, but here are a few of my favourite stories from another rainy and dull day. Goodnight.

i - "Endurance cooking as performance art." The story of 48 hours of endless cooking. Vancouver style. I've done a few 18-19 hour shifts in the front of house, but couldn't imagine cooking for 48 hours. The best thing about Chef Todd, besides his unreal two-day run of three course tasting menus for 20 people every two hours, is the fact he runs an illegal restaurant out his apartment called '12b'. Unreal.

ii - It's halfway to Christmas right? Or maybe I can buy myself a few early birthday gifts. Top gadgets for the frugal traveler, or the broke junior reporter.

iii - You're a communist bully. No, you're a childish school girl. Ah, diplomatic rhetoric between the nuclear powers. Fun and games, right?

iv- Rats take Edinburgh; Toronto not the only place with rubbish woes this summer. Yes, despite the rain and mild temperatures, it is still 'summer' here.

v - complicated and brilliant. Rufus Wainwright, and a new opera.

Articles to share

Photo: 'Highland Cow'... Daniel. C

Happy Wednesday. A few things I found over lunch today are linked below.

Still waiting for summer to arrive in Glasgow. Funny, July is almost over, and there has been almost no sun to speak of. Only seven more busy days at work. I've become a regualar columnist now which is cool. Busy, busy, raining. The rain patters down against my window tonight as I tuck myself in for bed. Endless rain like this morning, like last night, like the night before, and the 10 days before that. Rain like Forest Gump describes rain. All kinds of rain. However, all kinds of rain-soaked adventures to come.

Three Cameras on a Table, Monday, articles

Photos: Daniel C.

Photo: Random Lorraine

Hi all, Happy Monday. Today started at a snail's pace like most Mondays, but I've spend many inspiring hours trapped in my own head. Make sure to go back and read my two previous posts, which were uploaded last night and this afternoon. One called Scottish Rubbish, and one called Weekend Review. Read them.

I got a message from one Chris Speed last night before I tucked myself in for the night. Chris, from Nashville, was in the Detroit airport last night en-route to Scotland, and had just heard his Glasgow CouchSurfing host had bailed on him, choosing to head out of town instead of hosting. Chris had contacted me weeks ago asking for a couch, but I had to say no at the time as I had people booked in.

Scottish Rubbish

Special Report By DANIEL BACH
The Sunday Herald

THERE’S something wrong with the Scottish attitude to litter - that’s the consensus of everyone charged with keeping our towns, cities and villages clean.

From council chiefs and binmen to environmental lobby groups and waste mangement teams the facts speak for themselves: many of us think nothing of chucking chip-wrappers and newspapers in the street, dumping our cigarette butts in the gutter or spitting chewing gum all over the pavement.

What should be a social disgrace and an embarrassing eye-sore has simply become part and parcel of the Scottish way of life. So it’s little wonder that those environmental campaigners and city leaders are now saying that the only way to stop litter louts is to treat them the same as drunk-drivers and speeding motorists.

Weekend Review

Photos: D.C.

Hi, After a solid week of CouchSurfers, four over seven nights, I finally re-claimed my couch last night. As much as I've loved my visitors, it was nice to have a quiet and relaxed night. I've had a pretty whirlwind week, which saw me put in a few overtime hours at work - newspapers love reporters who they don't have to pay, and keep them busy, trust me - and am enjoying a weekend of the simple things in life.

A lengthy run, a walk in the park, a few photos and quiet dinners, sleeping in, a few tunes, and a couple pints with family and friends. It's those simple things that matter most folks. I stopped into a cafe close to my flat last night on my home from taking pictures to enjoy a beer and pen a few thoughts in my journal.

Tuesday thoughts.

Photo: G.O.

Hello all. Hope everyone is well, I really do. I found a few things this morning while sifting through the mountain of news and features.

Here.ya.go:

A - Want to know what Tiger will be wearing in Scotland on Sunday? Top comment on the golf blog goes to to one 'Bagger Vance' (brilliant film) from Kalamazoo, MI.. "Even with all of this attention paid to clothes, golfers of today don't measure up, fashion wise, to the pros of the '40s and '50s, who sported a classic, elegant look."

I couldn't agree more. I think athletes these days still lack a little class when it comes to attire on and off the field of play. Watching Wimbledon a few weeks back, where the clothes are meant to be white and neatly tailored, I was again appalled at all the baggy shorts, scruffy beards and backwards caps.

Weekend, #6 of Scotland, and Pinot Noir

 
Photos: Daniel C.

Okay, just in from a decent run in the driving rain. I think it's raining in Calgary, so to everyone out there in the rain, including all the readers in Glasgow and Edinburgh - enjoy it. It's just rain.

I ran past One Devonshire Gardens tonight as I always do, and felt a little uneasy watching the waiters open wine and the chefs at work in the kitchen. I miss that life a bit.

But. It's time to catch up on the current life... Yes folks, still alive after a weekend I will never forget for the rest of my days. Friday saw me leave work about two hours late, and incredibly stressed, but a long walk home in the sunshine was helpful in clearing my head.

Week's end

Photo: Daniel C.

Relaxing at home tonight as always, and having a cold beer after a really long week at work. Perhaps I'll have a cup of tea later, but for now content watching the brilliant Rufus Wainwright sing and chat on the Jonathan Ross show.

Right, some thoughts for the day. I was putting the finishing touches on part one of the Sunday Herald's newest weekly feature today - I think we're calling it Clean up your act Scotland - and decided to head out to the city's main square to chat with a few folks about litter. Interesting, yeah?

It was a beautiful day - for Scotland anyways - so I took my time hanging out, enjoying the sun and the people walking past. Did some reporting to. I hate to bother people when they're relaxing, but I was intrigued by a gentleman who sat down beside me on a bench in front of the city chambers. I had a good chat with a gentleman called David, 62, who comes from Hamilton just south of Glasgow.

Thursday update

Photo: Daniel C.

Friends, I’m just in the door from the eight miles, and feeling like I owe you a wee post tonight. Last night I think I was just too tired to string sentences together, and as I was nodding off alone on my couch, I felt it best to just drag my weary bones to bed.

I had about a hundred things to share, but deleted a draft of about 500 words I had written up, at which point I was ready to throw my laptop at the pale white wall. Actually, I have told you a white lie already. I came in from my run, put down the groceries, and grabbed my camera to run back out into the night.

You see the things about Scotland is even on days when it’s grey and dreary, the sky always breaks in the evening, where layers of thin white cloud seem to float among the magnificent colors of the setting sun. At the start of June, it was never dark here; in the wee hours of the morning the sky was always this pastel blue, and the sky seemed unchanged between dusk and dawn. Tonight reminded me why I love just walking around under the Northern skies here – just like June, just like every night.

Drowning in News, and learning to swim

Photo: JLM.

  Dear friends,

Today I have not much to share, but a few things to say. Today is just another day in the life, and I'm taking a break from reading and writing, outside of this blogoteque of course. Today is one of those days where I sort through news headlines and stories, and really find myself unable to handle the breadth and importance of the information out there.

I became increasingly frustrated with not only the state of affairs the world over, but also the fact that I can not adequately keep up with all the stories and situations I want to. My insatiable thirst for news about the world and for stories about places and the people there will keep me reading and learning for years to come. I love talking to people about anything at all, and tell as many stories as I can.

"So let us change what we can, and accept what we can't...."

A few thoughts for today.

 
Photo: Daniel C.

It's been raining on and off here today, but the clouds and grey broke for a few hours this evening, just enough time to fit in a lengthy jog and to stand still for a few minutes to enjoy a pleasant view of the sunset over ancient hills. Hope you all had a great day.

Had another solo and quiet night in tonight after an uneventful Monday at work. Yes, I'm as much a geek as the reading glasses, camera and distressed moleskines would suggest. Sitting with a cup of tea, the daily newspapers and Neil Young Live at Massey Hall 1971 on stereo tonight, I dug up a few wee things. Goodnight.

Saturday in a small world

Last night I went to bed with a rough itinerary in mind for the Saturday to come. When I woke this morning, things seemed to change a little. Although you should never set an alarm for a weekend day when you're off, I figured I would wake up early and go for a lengthy run, thus giving me more hours on a Saturday to enjoy all those simple things I like to do/see - art galleries, photography, coffee, walking. Waking a few hours later than planned, I decided I would need breakfast and a carafe of coffee before doing anything at all. After that, and a few hours of reading news, I decided spit polish and shine my flat top to bottom in advance of the arrival of my next couch surfer tomorrow.

Random ramblings of a Friday

 
Portrait of drunk wee friends: Daniel C.

I've had enough cups of tea today to keep me going for a little while here, so let’s get started. I’ve got the new Rancid acoustic album on the mini-speakers tonight, and have also cracked into a screw-cap bottle of Chat-eu-Oeuf, which has made some friends curious. Hopefully that will help to make things a little more creative this evening. Just kidding – lots to talk about....

Another long week at work had me craving a glass of wine - a rare delicacy of late. In the supermarket at the closing hour I decided to pick something out to help me celebrate by myself tonight, having completing my ninth week at work; only four to go. Wow. It was nice to leave my desk at 17:01 knowing I could enjoy the weekend off, running and exploring as I always do, having tied up all the loose ends of a week, in the same breathe having completed - only moments before - my wellington boot feature for another page 3 spread in the Sunday national.

Running and thinking

Okay - Here we go. Cup of tea? Yes sir. Neil Young: Harvest? Check.

So... A lot going on today, but I'll share a few things on my mind at present. Just in the door from my treasured weeknight run. Six miles under those endless blue skies and a brilliant summer moon. I really need to start bringing my iPhone with me so I can record my rambling thoughts as I run, as I really come up with my best material while jogging. I was honestly laughing out loud tonight, almost in tears, coming up with story and essay ideas while I jogged along. But for you the audience, here in a conscious stream of thought, will come all the things I can remember thinking about while pounding the cobbles on this night.

Tuesday thoughts for you

Self-Portrait of course. I imagine the shot from the CCTV camera inside that mirror would be identical. 

Alright, let's get this blether[1] going. First. Happy early Canadia Day to you all. Today after work, I left our glass and steel mega-newsroom in the city centre, and was greated with a lovely wall of muggy heat. You really don't expect that when the skies are grey and dreary. Felt like Toronto.

Made dinner, and read a few things. Just got in from a lengthy walk around the West End, pictures and writing, and thought I would sit down and share with you a little. Listening to Bon Iver tonight, looking at pictures, and drinking an endless cup of tea; the same old thing.

Here we go..

Monday articles and thoughts

Photo: The Reverend O'Boogie.

After getting back from a brilliant run this evening - about 8 miles - I ate my fifth meal of the day and watched Andy Murray struggle through his fourth round Wimbledon match. Britain goes tennis wild for two weeks a year, which is sad, but I've definitely remembered this week how much I've always loved tennis. Wish my boy Pete Sampras was still around. Ha.

Having a cup of decaf tonight and listening to Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous'. I've had that album since I was eight years old, thank-you very much. I'm not one of this band-wagon fans. Not hard to believe that MJ is number one in this country again. Just kidding, the King of Pop should be celebrated.

Bright lights and endless nights - Budget Travel

Archive Photo: 'Parisian Afternoons,' Daniel C.

As the real summer approaches, I suggest you get out of town. Seriously boys and girls, just go. Stay off the beaten path when you can. Explore. If you need any travel tips, don't ask me. I just roll with it.

Watching Franz Ferdinand rock the hell out of Glastonbury as we speak. This band kills it. I remember when they came on after Death Cab For Cutie at a gig in Calgary a few years back. All the emo kids ran screaming to the back when Franz kicked off their set with their heavy distortion over dance beat sound. Fists in the air, the girls are still dancing. Good Glasgow stuff.

Thoughts and Things

Photo of someones art: Daniel C. O'Boogie

Thank-you, thank-you, to those who have shared links and articles with me today. Keep them coming.

Sidenote: How many people actually read this banter? Hands up my pretties. Speak to me. While I'm not much of a talker, as I've mentioned, I love to listen. Oh, how I write it all down.

Right, well said for a Saturday:

A week at work and at play

Photo: JLM

Today I was devastated to hear about Michael Jackson like most people. Although many people hate him to bits, you have to admit he was the best thing to happen to pop music since the Beatles. Probably the biggest solo artist of all time, yeah, I said it, bigger than Elvis.

When I was in the third grade, I wrote about my favourite album, Dangerous, and my favourite singer, Michael Jackson, on a class questionnaire. My mom found that piece of paper a few years back. I always enjoyed Michael Jackson, the best stage performer of all time. Say what you will about his weird and troubled social life. Even if it all the rumour and scandal was true, I would still love him for his music and dance. Sad day.

Umm, a week in review...

Punk Rock Photo Shoot

Glasvegas, L-R, Paul, James, Rab, Caroline. Photos: Kirsty Anderson - Lighting/production/song requests: Daniel C./The Sunday Herald

Piling out of a black taxi on a Wednesday into the rare afternoon sunshine walked three journalists - one with a pen and pad, one with a camera, and the other just lugging some gear. We were not really sure what to expect from an earlier e-mail, which presented the Sunday Herald with the opportunity of meeting a Glasgow band, who were spending a much needed day off in their hometown between months of endless touring.

It seemed there would be time to chat, and the band had also agreed to participate in a photo-shoot, where we hoped the frames would suit the cover of the weekend issue which was to be an exclusive interview with the band, to come out on the same day the rockers were to play the Glastonbury festival in England.

Work experience

Photo: JLM

Apologies for the blog having been a bit quieter in the past few days, but you'll be happy to know it is only because I've been a little busier at work. I've had a little less original material being printed this week, as I'm finally getting the chance to do some job shadowing.

I can't even begin to tell you how many reporters and photographers I've engaged in recent days, watching them come to life as they describe a passion for reporting, snapping or writing as we drive across the city to a job or hang in the newsroom.

I think I've met almost everyone at the three newspapers now, with most people happy to have me hang out and share ideas. I'm not much of a talker as you all know (more like a bullshitter), but I'm a great listener. Everyone wanted to hear your opinion of course This weekend I will have to make some decisions for my remaining 4 weeks at my work (all work, and no pay) experience/internship.