Ian Reeves's blog

In a delightful piece for Slate magazine, Jack Shafer delves into the history of that enduring description of journalism as 'the first draft of history'. Perhaps surprisingly, his search only takes him as far back as the 1940s, to an editorial in the Washington Post - and even later for the inclusion of the the word 'rough'. He also wonders why the phrase has such power. 'What makes "first rough draft of history" so tuneful, at least to the ears of journalists? Well, it flatters them.

More shorthand succes to report. Rebecca Hughes has passed at 110wpm, and Zehra Mullick at 100wpm. Nice work both of you.

So Becci sits atop the new CfJ Shorthand Hall of Fame, which I've now set up as promised. Can anybody beat her to the Olympian heights of 120wpm? 

Congratulations to several of our undergraduates for their success in the latest round of NCTJ shortand exams.

First years Sophie Jackson and Melanie Wimmer passed at 70wpm.

Danielle Cheney, Joe Cladingboel, Alex Dack , Harriet Robinson and Eva Tsipi all passed at 60wpm (Alex and Eva both scored 100% accuracy).

They join James Averill, Dan May and Nicola Sturmey who all passed 60wpm in May (James at 100% accuracy).

And second year Lucy Ross-Millar passed at 90wpm.

Well done to all. I think it's time I created a Shorthand Hall of Fame for the web site.

Marks and feedback sheets for year one convergent journalism portfolios are now available for collection. If you're not able to collect them in person, let us know and we'll send them to you by email. Richard and I are available to talk about any individual pieces in greater depth.

A round of applause please for second year undergrads Rebecca Hughes and Rebekah Floyd, who shot, edited and produced this video at the university's Medway student volunteering awards.

Year 1 online assessment marks will be ready for collection from 12 noon today. Either come and collect them from my office, or I'll distribute them at the start of your politics revision session on Monday.

First year undergraduate Melanie Wimmer, centre, takes note - in impeccable Teeline - of Tory deputy leader William Hague's point of view while on work experience last week at the Kent Messenger Group. With thanks to KMG for the pic.

Note to all students: All video and audio kit MUST be returned to Ian or Richard either today or tomorrow.

Thank you.

The newsroom will be closed on Friday, Sunday and Monday of the Easter weekend. However it will be open for student use between 9am and 3pm on Saturday.

The BBC is launching its Blast Reporter scheme for 2010, which it describes as "an opportunity for budding reporters to learn the tricks of the trade in hands-on work experience that will enable them to build on their knowledge of the media along with providing fresh and exciting opportunities in Sport and Music."