8

A week or two ago, Dean Hardin was in Brazil, and to compensate for her absence, she recorded a brief video message to the class. In a reflection, I noticed that she used her phone to record this video, on a tripod, which underlined for me the importance of the smartphone in reporting.

7

However, Steve McCurry's work is fairly controversial. After having read up on the facts surrounding his photoshopping, I feel a little betrayed. While none of the photos in the exhibit were under inspection for this lack of journalistic integrity, some of the photos that were under review had the vibrancy of a typical McCurry photograph, which made me feel a little betrayed - that he felt ok editing his work so heavily. Also, his excuse is a little half-baked. saying that he decided to become a visual storyteller rather than a photojournalist without telling anyone just screams retcon on a scandal.

6

Last Thursday, I visited the McCurry exhibit at the Palmer Museum, and spent a lot more time there than I expected to. I found myself captivated by McCurry's ability to capture humanity so effectively as he does. First, Luong van Tuyen Discovers she is HIV Positive stood out to me, his subject's tears and the context bringing life to the still. He also has an amazing ability to find the human element in any situation, as in his photography of the wreckage on September 11. The first thing that stands out in that photo is the colossal wreckage, but as you look at it longer, you see the firefighters and first responders sifting through, bringing attention to the people who must have been affected by the tragedy rather than simply the burning rubble.

5

Further advice to freshmen: there are few problems that can't be solved with a well-written email to the right person. I dropped the ball recently on submitting an assignment that I had done, but within four emails, I've been able to get a grade for it.

4

Week: 4

Day: Mon

Hours of Sleep: More than usual

Status report: English class cancelled - higher power praised. Spanish class uneventful. Salad for lunch hit the spot. Awaiting orders from Comm 197-001 and contemplating hibernation as a method of enduring the harsh winter months ahead.

3

Advice to all students: don't illegally download The Anchorman to watch with your friend who's never seen it because the suits will steal all of your internet

2

Made this last year and I haven't put it many places but this seemed like one of those places where I should