First Day of Class

This morning, I had my first class-Media & Politics with Dr. Bradshaw. First of all, FSU's building is like a maze. I swear, I have no idea where we went but somehow we ended up back on the ground floor in room #42.

The class is pretty interesting. Today we just talked about the media's role in politics such as watchdog, gate keepers and shaping public opinion. We also compared American media versus British media during election. British media is much more brutal but a lot less influential, even though every paper in England is totally biased.

Our outing was to the Old Bailey, which is a court. I thought we'd just be sitting in on like someone who got a ticket or something, but as soon as we got in the lobby, the woman directing us was like, "We are going to be sitting in on a murder trial and it's a crucial moment in the case so there's no talking, no moving and no sleeping!" It was so intense! As soon as we got in the little balcony area looking over the court room, the prosecutor was interrogating the defendant. Apparently, the suspect stabbed another guy (they were both involved in gangs and drug deals) in a gas station parking lot and claims it was self-defense. When we got in, the prosecutor was going through the stills of the security camera where you could see the victim didn't have a weapon and the suspect stabbed him twice and then punched him!

Long story short, there's no way this guy was getting off. But I found out that even if he is convicted of murder, he'll only get around 15-20 years for this crime. England doesn't have the death penalty or life in prison, I don't think.

Anyway, the rest of the day: I mailed my dad a father's day card (you're welcome, Dad) and then walked to Regent's Park with Judson, which turned out to be a lot farther than I thought. Later this evening, everyone who didn't have the theater class went to Covent Garden to the Lamb & Flag (the oldest pub in the area and the #1 pub in London according to my guide book) and just hung out and had a few drinks. It was a lot of fun and I got to know some of the people a little bit better.

Tomorrow is my first day at my job and I am so nervous! I mean, I just learned how to write a press release and now I have to write them (among other things) for a legit company! I'm just going to go to work and do my best. I will update you on my progress tomorrow!!!

-APC