"The Looming Threat of Exams"

Okay, so maybe that was a bit melodramatic. The term is quickly coming to a close, that's true, and the great paper race is on now. I am starting to suffer academic burnout at this point as I've been in school full-time without a break since September 2003. This burnout sunk to a new low last night when I attended a panel discussion at school simply to make fun of the panelists.

Last month marked the third anniversary of the death of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journalist who was abducted and murdered in Pakistan. LSE hosted a panel discussion called "Press Under Fire," in which several prominent journalists would discuss the growing risks to their profession, as a memorial to Mr. Pearl. The panel would be moderated by Christiane Amanpour, the ubiquitous CNN "Chief International Correspondent" who manages to make every "story from the war zone" that I've ever seen her file be more about HER than the people actually affected by conflict. Also, she just has this very dramatic and over-the-top delivery that I find absolutely hilarious. My comment about the "looming threat of exams" is definitely a tribute to Ms. Amanpour...I can imagine her saying it in her long, drawn out braying English accent (I know, I know, I'm being a bit bitchy now, but I just find her SO affected, it's hilarious).

Anyways, the panel discussion was due to start at 7 p.m., and at 7:40 p.m., Ms. Amanpour finally graced us with her presence. This didn't endear her to me whatsoever. What...was she on a plane from Baghdad? Give me a break! In her "official bio," which she provided the student organizers with, and which they dutifully read before she began the panel, it was stated that Ms. Amanpour is "widely credited" as actually bringing the crisis in the Balkans to the world's attention...apparently, no one KNEW what was going on until Ms. Amanpour and CNN made their way to Sarajevo. Barf.

Anyways, the other journalists were all very interesting people and obviously do very difficult work, and it was worthwhile to hear what they had to say, but mostly, I was just interested in listening to C.A. speak (so I could perfect my impression). The best HAD to be C.A.'s opening question to John Simpson of the BBC, who was attacked in Kurdish territory during the first Gulf War: "John, are we [journalists] hopelessly trapped in an unbelievable vortex of violence and terror?" I mean, come on. What was he supposed to say to that? "Yes, Christiane. Yes we are. There is no hope." That's a real conversation stopper, I think.

Anyways, it was semi-interesting but mostly good for a laugh. CNN is the most trusted name in news, though, don't forget. Whatever C.A. says must be true....unbelievable vortex here we come...