Giovanni's Room

www.johnthrasher.net

2008-10-05T13:12:00.002-05:00

Alright folks, you can see everything you need to see over at http://www.johnthrasher.net

I'm abandoning Blogger for the time being. Deal with it.

Lame Just Got Lamer

2008-09-24T19:05:00.003-05:00

If I cared at all about John McCain before, that's all lost after today's "announcement" that he has pulled out of Friday's debate.

This is so annoying to me and most likely to many others as well. But what is most annoying about it to me might not be what you think.

Think about what the Obama campaign is going to be labeled like now. Obama's options are now: a) he follow McCain to Washington to "sort this economy out" and the media and people on the fence will then look at Obama as a follower who didn't take the lead on a national crisis, or b) he ignores it, which seems like what he is going to do, and calls McCain out on it, but the media and people on the fence look at Obama as the bad guy not interested in dealing with a national crisis.

The truth of the matter is the Republican party is now doing whatever it takes to get people to side with them. This dirty politics will hopefully rub America the wrong way and Obama will have a lot of momentum in to these final weeks...or it will just be a "McCain's a hero!" bullshit propaganda situation. I love America, but we are the same people that elected George Bush to a second term after he let the worst attack on American soil happen...and the same people that elected DAVID COOK to American Idol! What a travesty!

But anyway, it seems that Obama's campaign reacted just as I thought they would by begging the question, "What exactly will John McCain be doing to save the economy at 9PM on a Friday night?"

If you are reading this and still on the fence about where the vote should go, please contact me at the below information so I can help you sort your life out. Thanks.

John N. Thrasher, V
304-926-4404
doublefault24@gmail.com
http://www.twitter.com/jthrasher

McCain as the Penguin!

2008-09-24T15:59:00.001-05:00

My good friend Megan Lahman sent me this great picture comparison of McCain and The Penguin from Batman.

Click here to see it.

It looks like it comes from a collection of her personal photos, so check the others out as well.

I'll be updating later, probably via video, about my hate for McCain's shitty decisions later.

I Hate Kanye West

2008-09-23T20:46:00.002-05:00

I know that I have talked about how great his music is on my blog before, but that doesn't change the fact that he's just an idiot.

Of course many people remember the famous "George Bush doesn't care about black people" remark on that Katrina telethon. This was really what started my hatred towards him. Even though I agree with him, and think that George Bush is probably a racist asshole, I can't stand it when people get on television and make ridiculous remarks like that. Please, shut up.

Further, please shut up about all of the awards you think you should win. Kanye West is not THAT great. What I hate most about hip-hop is how every syllable of every note, of every song has to be some vibrant attempt to stroke the artist's own ego. Kanye West is the definition of egotistical, "roll your eyes and just listen to his music" type of hip-hop.

The thing that really pissed me off was this recent video of him grabbing some guy's camera in an airport and smashing it off the ground and then walking passed the line that was waiting and watching his immaturity. I hate that douche bags like Kanye West think they are above the law, and above other human beings because they've sold some records.

Ultimately, this all goes back to our society and culture. We live in a culture where an ex-felon rapper, or a 15 year old with zero talent that wears a wig can make half a billion dollars, but people like teachers, firefighters, and policemen who do the world well have to figure out how to pay their bills.

I'm sure this is a popular topic that a lot of people have talked about amongst their friends. By now it just sounds like the same old shit. But what it all boils down to is the fact that no matter what happens in this world:

I still can't stand Kanye West.

That is all.

Serena Is No.1

2008-09-08T10:43:00.003-05:00

If you know me at all you are aware of the fact that I am absolutely obsessed with Serena Williams. My infatuation with tennis began in high school when I started watching professional tennis on television. I remember the first match I ever watched was the 2002 Wimbledon Final: Serena vs. Venus. Venus had won 2000, and 2001 Wimbledons and Serena was trying for her first. She ended up winning that match and I became instantly attached to her. She would go on to win the U.S. Open, and the 2003 Australian Open thus completing the "Serena Slam" of 4 straight majors.

In 2004, she lost the Wimbledon final to Serena Williams, and in most peoples' eyes it was the end of an era; it was a changing of the guard.

Then she had knee surgery and was out for a while, and when she did come back, it was hard to watch. She seemed just as determined to win her matches but just couldn't find her way. It was especially hard for me to watch because I had just started becoming a fan at the tail end of her dominance. Then, out of nowhere, she wins the 2005 Australian Open! I was blown away! I couldn't believe it! I was so happy for her! Then another year or so of dismal results at majors. Then BAM, ranked 87 in the world she wins another Australian Open title in 2007! Long story short, I have followed her career very closely and it has been up and down.

Flash forward to Summer 2008. She makes the Wimbledon final against sister Venus, and it's the first time they played for a grand slam title in 5 years. Venus ends up winning, though I still think Serena was the better player throughout the tournament. Then, Venus and Serena pair up for The Olympics and win the gold medal in women's doubles! YES! How perfect is this? At the end of the Olympics the only thing I could think of that would make this summer any better would be Serena winning the U.S. Open.

Last night made this summer perfect for tennis! Serena not only won her 3rd U.S. Open, and 9th Grand Slam overall, but became the No.1 player in the world again in doing so. It has been 5 years since Serena was No.1--the longest amount of time someone has been No.1 twice in the history of tennis. Of course, Serena's reaction was classic! She threw her racquet 50 feet in to the air, and jumped up and down like a kid--screaming and smiling the entire time.

Needless to say, I am very excited and ridiculously happy for Serena and her ascension to No.1 in the world! Can she follow up her win at the U.S. Open with her 4th Australian Open title in January? That would be one of the best birthday gifts I could ever ask for! ! ! ! !

Check the video, and fast forward to 4:02 to see Serena's reaction to her winning! It's classic!

My August Mood

2008-09-07T02:25:00.003-05:00

Well, August was 7 days ago, but I am going to recap on some of what August was for me.

Movies: For The Bible Tells Me So - Watch this if you are on the fence this election season
DVD: Death Becomes Her - Who knew Goldie Hawn could be so funny!?
Music: Solange - Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams - At first I hated this, now I love it
TV Shows: The Olympics - Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin and Williams Sisters!
Game: iCanSketchIt - a fun game of drawing and memorization for the iPhone
Book/Magazine: WVU Course Catalog! I need to graduate!
Purchase: Some of my favorite clothes, and of course a $2 picture frame that holds my best memories within.
Travel: Canada, of course!

My August seems boring, but of course, September will be very exciting. It already has been. When will I travel to France, I wonder? :)

My Summer 2008

2008-08-13T01:07:00.002-05:00

I wasn't sure which picture should accompany this post because I have taken more pictures this summer than any other summer. But, the one here is of the bracelets that Doug, Tommy, Lauren, and Jen gave to me and C'Anna as parting gifts when we were in San Remo. I had realized then that I hadn't been given something so simple yet so meaningful in my life. I still wear mine along with a rainbow bracelet that will keep me with my uncle who passed away in 2007. His daughter, my cousin in the recently posted video said she saw him in a rainbow in her dreams the day after he passed away.

This summer was ridiculous. I've never been through such a roller coaster of physical and mental peaks and valleys before. But, I guess that's what it's all about isn't it? We all sort of hope that we live these types of lives, and I have to say I have been absolutely blessed with the things that have happened to me this summer.

I won my first singles tournament in the beginning, which really kick-started it all. It's not a huge deal, but considering I nearly withdrew after the first round because of my disappointing practices, I would like to call it an achievement.

Then of course, I flew away to Italy. I found out literally 3 weeks before I left that I would be going. It was on a whim, and if we're being completely honest, I had been out drinking and sent the e-mail to be considered when I got back at approximately 4a.m. 3 weeks later I was on a plane to Italy where my life would change dramatically in a matter of 4 weeks.

This summer I met so many amazing people that will forever change the way I look at human beings. They've made me realize that there is more to the world than where I am in the moment. As Abi said, "Right now you are in a bubble, and you will soon pop it and see the world a lot more differently." She couldn't be more right.

San Remo will forever be a week in my life that will hold the record for most exciting, happy, beautiful, energetic, soulful, gorgeous memory of my life. I have outlined this before, but meeting Tommy, Doug, Lauren and Jen was not only amazing when it happened, but it has turned out to develop in to something that's truly ineffable. I can say now with much certainty that they will always be huge parts of my life, and I can't wait to see what the next step is.

I plan on writing full length posts about each of them just so people realize how beautiful they are and what kind of impact they have made on my life. I'm addicted to them. It's probably weird by now how much I talk about them but it's true.

My 2 weeks in Rome felt like I never left home. By the middle of the first week, it had felt like I had lived there my whole life. When I get back home in the States and look back at pictures, journals and anecdotes, it almost feels like I should be back there, doing what I need to do. I became so comfortable with my surroundings that I had no problem there. If I could tackle the language barrier, I would consider living there. Sam was a great guy, and I am really glad to have met him. I became particularly close to Rafael...my husband as I like to call him. I don't think he appreciates it as much as he says, but he can deal with it or he gets mace in the face.

Oh, Milan. So, the last week of June, I was in Milan for fun. I don't really know what to say about it except it made me realize how beautiful people can actually be. Sitting around a penthouse with my best friend, and 10 or so other people that I have known for less than a month and being in complete comfort, camaraderie, and trust is a feeling that is unmatched anywhere. Five days, and a few particularly close relationships later, and I'm walking to my bus stop to fly home bawling my eyes out. Hugging Abi goodbye was the hardest part of my trip. I'll never forget walking over and seeing her sleeping on the rooftop with the sun just coming up, and looking just like an angel. I didn't want to wake her because I knew it would soon be something so much different. Seeing her cry made me never want to leave. I'll never forget that.

Home was like getting hit by a ton of bricks - make that 20 tons of bricks. Not only was I depressed about being away from the people that helped change my life, but I had so much to deal with in preparation for school. It was just one thing after the other. Why couldn't I just be sitting on that rooftop again? Why couldn't I be laughing my ass off at people reacting to C'Anna threatening to spray them with mace? Why couldn't I be staring in to brown eyes? Why couldn't I get that child-like giddy feeling of seeing my favorite people again on a daily basis? I'll never know why I live here and put myself through this misery known as school, but I assure you there are big changes coming this May. I don't care if I have 1 credit left to graduate in May. I'm finished.

Canada was an experience. I got to take these 4 figments of my imagination, and put them in real life settings, with real-life families, and real-life living situations, and real-life problems. I think that's part of why I am struggling with being home...I don't get to be a part of these daily routines, and it bothers me tremendously. I was just telling someone recently about how I want to go to where I am happy. I want to be around things that make me happy. Who doesn't? I have an ipportunity ahead of me to be where I am happy and I think I'm going to take advantage of it. May can't come soon enough.

So another fall semester is about to begin. How many is this now? I don't even want to think about it. But what I am going to think about is making it my last couple of months here before I start something new - something else life changing.

Canada: My New Favorite Country

2008-08-12T02:09:00.002-05:00

So, I have been to a few other countries in my life. Most notably Italy, where I have worked and lived for 2 months of my life. Italy is my favorite country in that it's very mysterious, but only because I can't speak fluent Italian, yet I somehow manage to fall in love with every aspect of it when I am there.

Well, there has been a changing of the guard. Canada is my new favorite country. I don't want to sound like such a foreigner here, but it's really true. I went to visit Doug, Tommy, Lauren, and Jen...my four obsessions from when I was working in Italy this year. I got to hang out with them for a few days, and partied, and got really upset and poured my heart out to all the wrong people, had in depth heart-to-hearts that needed to happen, and most importantly, I ate moose. Okay that last part isn't true at all, but I was real pissed that I didn't see a moose. Actually, if I saw a moose I would probably spray it's ass with mace and run away.

Anyway, I sat by the pool most of the first day and got a real sick sun burn. Then the next couple of days it rained like 40 days and 40 nights, and I was FREEEEEZING. They kept telling me how cold it was in Celsius and I would be like, "I have no idea what that means." For you Americans, it was a good 40-50 degrees. It was sooo cold. Autumn is just around the corner and it's scaring me. Stop it Autumn.

There was this girl in high school named Autumn Smith and she would sing her damn throat out. She had short hair and then she joined Queen City Funk and Soul. She's also very pretty. Check her out.

Anyway, after a couple of days with my favorites, I went on and met up with Tanya in Hamilton. We went to breakfast, then we went on to the Royal Botanical Gardens, which were BEAUTIFUL! Then we went to lunch at a really nice artsy fartsy place. It reminded me of a softer Pittsburgh or something.

Anyway, Canada was AMAZING! I had such a blast, and I have the best friends in the world. Literally. It was so much fun to get there and see how they live after meeting them half way across the planet. It's so surreal how my life is introducing people like this to me. It's almost hard to believe, like it's out of a movie or something. I am so grateful and am constantly thanking God for letting me in on some of these peoples' lives.

You guys are a dream come true.

Old McDonald Has Foot Boobies

2008-08-04T10:21:00.000-05:00

...see for yourself.

Firefox 200!

2008-08-03T07:20:00.005-05:00

So last night I was watching some of Walt Mossberg's online video reviews of some products. I came across one that was a review of Firefox 3. He went on about how awesome it was and I was like, "I mean mine is good but it's not this good." Then I checked to see which version I was running, because I was sure all of my software was up to date, and it was definitely Firefox 2.0. I was kind of pissed. Turns out it updated while I was in Italy.

Anyway, I finally downloaded Firefox 3.0 and I have to say it is substantially faster and more user friendly than not only Firefox 2.0, but Safari 3 and IE7. Why are we even talking about IE7?

My favorite feature is the live URL bar which predicts the website as you are typing it. This isn't really that useful for me because all of the sites that I go to are on my Bookmark Toolbar, but it's interesting nonetheless. Bookmarks Toolbar is a lot easier to manage, though I wish you had the option to drag off of the toolbar for a delete like Safari. This is something that makes managing the toolbar very frustrating and tedious. If you're like me, you like to have some new websites to see every once in a while rather than just the same old stuff, so you're constantly adding and deleting things from your bookmarks. Hopefully, once they change this feature I can give it a 10/10.

I can't get over how fast it is. It makes this horrible (nearly dial-up) connection back home look super fast by the way the browser loads the content. I can't wait to try it on a faster network. Anyway, check out Walt Mossberg's review down below. He is a contributing reporter for the Wall Street Journal, so if you are going to Google him, keep this in mind. As far as I know he doesn't have his own YouTube channel; his stuff is just uploaded to the Wall Street Journal's channel.

Hope everyone has enjoyed this blog. I've had it for 4 years and this post is my 200th official post! Maybe I'll come up with something special for it! Happy weekend!

New and Improved

2008-08-01T10:34:00.000-05:00

So I added some new features to my blog. Blogger.com has really upped the ability to customize your blog, so I took advantage of it. I added a new header, renamed the blog, added a picture, added a poll, and added some links that are my bookmarks on my browser.

So, yeah check it out and leave me some feedback! If you're on Facebook, click "View original post."

Love your faces.

J

Using Twitter?

2008-07-27T21:42:00.001-05:00

I used to think Twitter was a pointless app, and actually I still do. But, now that I am using it pretty often thanks to Twitterific and Twinkle on the App Store, you can check it out here:

http://twitter.com/jthrasher

But check yourself before you check me.

I Found A Nice Oklahoman!

2008-07-27T12:42:00.002-05:00

So my little blog found its way to the desktop of Kurt Hochenauer, author of www.okiefunk.com, that promises that Oklahoma is NOT full of bigots, and that there are people that are standing in the way of agendas such as Sally Kern's and Brent RineFart's.

Below is a statement that Mr. Hochenauer sent to me directly, followed by a video that is posted on his YouTube channel about Sally Kern.

Sally Kern, a Republican state representative from Oklahoma City, was taped recently giving a speech in which she compares gay people to terrorists. The tape has sparked a national outcry from gay and lesbian groups and rational people throughout the world. Kern, who is married to a Baptist minister, validates the Oklahoma radical right-wing religious folks. Even as her tape became public, she was pushing to pass legislation that would allow students to express religious views at schools even if not applicable to coursework and assignments. The legislation was eventually vetoed by Gov. Brad Henry. Unfortunately, corporate media outlets here—led by the right-wing The Oklahoman—continue to support politicians who use gay people as scapegoats to win the right-wing religious vote in this state. The good news is that there are thousands of decent Oklahomans who stand against Kern’s bigotry and think she is an embarrassment to the state. We will continue fighting Kern and other politicians who practice the politics of hate and intolerance here.

What's With People In Oklahoma Lately!?

2008-07-27T03:00:00.004-05:00

First Sally Kern, and her stupid mouth...

...now this!

Remind me to NEVER, EVER go to Oklahoma. Clearly there is something in the water there...

I particularly like what's most important to his agenda, "roads, and bridges, and the homosexual agenda."

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

*facebook users click "View Original Post."

My iPhone Reprieve

2008-07-20T16:44:00.003-05:00

Let me begin with saying that no, that is not my iPhone! But, mine was in pretty bad shape. I had some dead pixels on my screen since about a month after I got it (probably from dropping it), and then a hairline crack down by the home button that just magically appeared on Memorial Day. I honestly have no idea how the crack got there, but it did.

So when I was with C'Anna the other day in line at the AT&T store for her to pick up her 16GB iPhone 3G (kind of jealous), I over heard one of the guys behind the counter saying that if there are dead pixels on the screen, the one year warranty covers it. I was thinking wow, this could be a good chance to get a brand new phone. Though, I wasn't expecting an iPhone 3G, I was hopeful that since they have the new ones that I might be able to get one.

Anyway, the hairline crack could have been ruled as accidental damage, so I was scared that may void my warranty. I ended up going to Pittsburgh yesterday to the Apple Store, and having them look at it, and whadd'ya know they replaced my iPhone with a new original one!

I almost forgot how beautiful the original iPhone is, and after having it I have to say I like my model better than the 3G. The aluminum just looks not as cheap, and a lot more sleeker in my opinion. Anyway, I put a cover on it, but for any of you iPhone people out there, make sure that you protect and love your phone.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-18T16:42:00.002-05:00

It's becoming somewhat of a fad to talk about this movie in the less than 24 hours that it has been out, but considering most of you know my comic book stance, and considering I love movies, I feel it's justified.

Let me also preface this post with the fact that I was OBSESSED with the original 4 Batman movies. My favorite is Batman Returns, and a close second is Batman & Robin. I knew every single line to Batman & Robin. I was SOOO obsessed with that movie. Okay, that was my attempt to give me some credit to this post because who the hell am I to just talk about movies like my last name is Ebert?

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT READ ON IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED.

This movie is by far one of the best movies I've ever seen. I knew it would be when I found out that Heath Ledger was going to be the Joker. All the hype about his death and the remembrance aside, Heath definitely stole the show. He was in a class all his own the entire time he was on screen. Between the paranoid looks of approval he would give Batman, or the way he licked his lips in excitement, the acting was superb.

That being said I think that Gary Oldman takes a respectable second place in this movie. I was very impressed with how many different sides of Commissioner Gordon we saw. He was concerned, confident, scared, pleading for his life, all at once, and it was very exciting to see that coupled with the performance that Heath Ledger gave.

There were a few things that sort of boggled my mind though:

Rachel Dawes - Explain to me why Batman went to save Harvey Dent instead of Rachel. At first I thought that maybe the Joker gave him the wrong addresses. Then I was thinking, well Batman is a character that would do what's write for Gotham and for humanity, not what's right for himself. He's very selfless in that regard. That's the only thing I could come up with. Anyone else come up with some other reason that I clearly missed, let me know.

Gordon's Son - I didn't really research this much, but it seemed like the character of Gordon's son was alluding to some sort of development. In the comics, Gordon's daughter (whose face we don't see at all in the entire movie) eventually becomes Batgirl, until The JOKER shoots her in the back, and the bullet hits her spine and paralyzes her for life. Funny how they are sort of putting his son in the forefront with a handful of lines, and eventual Batgirl just kind of cowers in fear during that last scene with the family.

Batman - Was it just me or was Christian Bale INCREDIBLY boring in this movie? I understand just as well that Batman's character is very stoic, and non-emotional, he has to be to save Gotham from the situation it is in, but it just seemed very one-dimensional, and at times boring to watch. I think part of this might have been because The Joker was such a show stealer, and I was anticipating his screen time more than others, but I couldn't really feel sorry, sympathetic, happy or sad for Batman or Bruce Wayne.

What's Next? - There had been talks of the next Batman movie reprieving The Joker's role...but what actor would agree to pick up where Heath left off? His performance was amazing, and I can't imagine any actor would want to fuck up their careers by underperforming the Joker. There are rumors that the next villain will be The Riddler, which seems like the obvious segue in to a trilogy. Personally? I've always been a fan of the female Batman villains. There's that female Joker whose name I can't remember, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy...all of whom I loved in previous films. Though with the incredible disaster known as the feature film Catwoman, I doubt we'll EVER see that character emerge again. Uma Thurman was an awesome Poison Ivy...but I doubt they'll bring her back if they do that story line. One last thing to consider with this idea is, now that Rachel Dawes has been blown to pieces, a) who is going to be Batman's love interest (Poison Ivy maybe!?), and b) what are they going to do with a female lead? Maggie Gyllenhaal was a supporting actress in this film but the lead female. Seems like they might have killed her off to bring in some other female. Just my opinion.

In conclusion, this film is a must see. Apparently it has taken in over 18 million dollars JUST in midnight premieres. So, it's obviously going to be huge. Hope you guys liked it as much as I did!

Anxiety

2008-07-12T06:57:00.003-05:00

Someone tell me why all I do is worry about my life...so much so that it keeps me up ALLLLLLL night long.

Now, after literally an hour and a half of sleep, I have to drive to Hagerstown to pick up my brother who is home from the Marines. Not a problem, but of all days in the last couple of months for which I needed to be awake, I of course can't fall asleep.

P.S. How awkward is that dog?

Home to the Tunes of The Verve

2008-07-09T16:08:00.004-05:00

Touch down to the sound of "Bittersweet Symphony" playing on my iPhone, and it couldn't be anymore ironic.

I'm back in the States, and I have to say this time around I really don't want to be. I love America, and everyone that I know here, but my Italian excursion was much more appealing this time around. I actually thought about extending my time there and changing my flight but, as always, money rules the world, and my life.

That being said, my time back home has been fantastic! I've upgraded about every part of my life. I got a new haircut that I like, new clothes, and best of all A NEW CAR (pictures coming soon)!!

As my previous post outlines, I met the most amazing people on my trip. They made me want to realign my life and live in a big penthouse in Milan and eat fresh fruit every day for the rest of my life. But, that is vacation...or is it? Is there a way I can make this part of my life? I've never been one to parallel my life with what I'm being told to do. I make things happen for myself, and maybe just maybe if I can find a way to eat fresh fruit on a Penthouse roof every day for the rest of my life, I will do it.

My family reunion was the other day. It was kind of chilly and windy, but I had a lot of fun. Check out my aunt Chere's blog here and you can see my beautiful family and all of the pictures she took. She's the best. Aurora and I bonded. I woke up Sunday morning to her poking my eyes. Needless to say she was a handful the entire day. The family loved her. There were some awkward moments when people would ask if she was mine, and I had to explain that she was my deceased uncle's. But, there is a small part of me that realizes that she actually is mine. I'm just as much a part of her life now as Josh would have been. I take pride in that.

It's off to Johnny's to have fun with more little ones! I just can't get enough. They love me. I love them. It's a win-win situation. Hope you all had a wonderful 4th! :)

*Photo is of me, Umberto (left) and Tiziano (right) the day of the final show of my camp in Rome. Love those guys!

The First (And Probably Last) Post from Europe!

2008-06-22T07:54:00.002-05:00

Ciao everyone! I am sitting in a hostel in Florence. It's excruciatingly hot here. But, I thought I would just write a bit about my trip thus far. I fly home on Friday (start planning the party now), and I can't wait to see everyone and talk about my experience.

Week 1 - Sanremo, Italy - Training
So, I met 4 Canadians that changed my life in Sanremo. They were there teaching just as I was, but it felt like I had known them all my whole lives and that we grew up playing kickball in a parking lot and running from the cops or some shit. Tommy is literally the funniest person I have ever met. Jen has this aura about her that is unmatched that I am drawn to. Lauren is so relaxed and was my best friend for about an hour while I cried on her shoulder. And Doug is probably one of the most gorgeous people I've ever met (not just his looks) on top of being one of the few people in this world that can communicate with me via our senses of humor. Needless to say I love all four of them and this is only the beginning for us, I am sure.

Weeks 2 and 3 - Rome, Italy - English Camp
So, from Nice, France to Sanremo I was on a train with this guy Rafael. We talked a few times in Sanremo, and seemed like a really nice guy. Turns out he would be at our camp the first week in Rome, and he was also my roommate. Definitely one of the nicest guys I've ever met, and I had an absolute blast talking with him about the things we have in common, and how much shit got on our nerves. He's definitely one of those people that I know I have to see again in my life, even if it's only for a brief moment. He felt like my brother and when he left the apartment we were staying in to go to his second camp in Milan, I got very upset. I still miss him and am hoping to see him in Milan this week.

Final weekend + Week 4 - Florence & Milan - Vacation!
So, now that my camp ended yesterday, I decided I would go spend some time in Milan seeing some of the people that I worked with there 2 years ago. Rachel is there doing her summer camp as well, so I am going to see her, my old school, 3 of the kids from the camp 2 years ago, and her host family from 2 years ago. I am so excited! On top of that, I am going to see Katia (with whom we are staying), Doug, Tommy, Lauren, Jen, Vanessa, and hopefully Rafael, Abi, and Jake...if it all works out. I fly home out of Malpensa which is about an hour from Milan on a bus, this coming Friday. I'm not sure what to expect from Milan because the last time I was there, I was working, but this time I am there with my best friend, 4 new soul mates, and a bunch of amazing people that have been nothing but amazing to me. I can't wait to see how the week unfolds.

I am missing everyone from home, and I am torn about coming home. I want to but at the same time I feel like I'm living a dream here. I love and miss everyone and can't wait to see you!!

America Sucks A Lot

2008-05-21T21:42:00.002-05:00

So, as most of you know I have been a very avid David Archuleta fan on this season of American Idol. To be honest, I haven't really liked American Idol in the past. I liked Blake Lewis a little bit, but he's such a douche bag I kind of gave up on him. Carrie Underwood was awesome when she won. Other than that, I haven't been emotionally invested in the show at all. That is until this season.

Tonight, David Cook was named the new American Idol. Cool. Did you know that he already has been signed to a record company and has an album you can buy? Go to Amazon.com and buy it! You can also buy Brooke White's 2006 album here, as well as Kristy Lee Cook's 2005 album that Ren-Hen Records put millions of dollars in to and sold like 900 copies -- here. Not cool. I had a big problem with the show letting formerly signed artists on the show. It's not fair to the people that are trying to be discovered...like my good friend David Archuleta.

Further annoying me was that Simon was doing a media tour promoting David Cook. He didn't do this until Carrie Underwood's season, and it's paid off for the winning contestant. Let America decide on talent not what Simon says.

Anyway, I am not MAJORLY upset about tonight's results. I was in a bit of a shock because all three judges (to whom America listens) said Archuleta won all 3 rounds of singing last night. David Cook gets on stage and says, "Why would I do something I've already done?" and then start crying. BOOM you've got the sympathy votes.

Further adding to my frustration with David Cook...all of his "original renditions" of his songs were actually covers. Remember "Billie Jean?" Look up Chris Cornell's version of it on iTunes. I believe it's actually in the same key as well! HOW ORIGINAL!

I know Archuleta lacked some pizazz, but what he lacked in pizazz, he made up for in raw talent. His voice in unmatched, and no matter who you are (including the haters that love to play devil's advocate with me..aka Mason DeWitt), you can't deny that Archuleta has a phenomenal voice, and tore it up last night during the singing show.

At the end of the day, Archuleta is going to have a record deal, if he doesn't already. We'll hear from him again. I just wanted to see this kid's face light up because he is such an amazing talent, and I'm pissed that I didn't get to see it.

Tell me what you think.

Back To Italy 2008!

2008-05-19T19:07:00.007-05:00

Guess what bbs????

I'm going back to Italy! I was waiting for the final confirmations before I started telling people, so now that I know for sure, here it is!

As most of you know, I taught in Milano in 2006. Well, this year I am going to be in ROMA! ! ! !

I am so ecstatic! So here are the deets of my schedule:

June 2: Pittsburgh to JFK; JFK to Nice, France
June 3: Nice, France to San Remo, Italy for a 4 day training. (Keep in mind the 4 day training is on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, CHECK IT OUT HERE!!!!)

June 8: Leave from San Remo to Rome, Italy!
June 9 - 21: Teaching as a tutor at a as yet to be determined school in Rome.

Now, I am going to be traveling June 21 - 27 but am still figuring out the details.

What I do know is that my return flight is June 27...OUT OF MILAN! This means that I am going to be able to visit Rachel who will also be teaching in Milan the same time I am, but I will also get to meet up with the people with whom I worked in 2006! Luca, Edoardo, and Flavia...here I come!

I am so excited and will finish my details later! YAY!

Listen to Hard Candy

2008-05-12T16:05:00.007-05:00

Okay so now that I have had time to fully experience Madonna's 11th studio album Hard Candy, I have to say that it is a great dance/hip-hop album. I have a lot of friends that have been hard core Madonna fans. One of them hates it, and the rest love it.

At first I didn't really like the album. I thought it sounded REALLY weird for a Madonna album. But, after I listened to it a few more times I really got in to it. This happens to me with a lot of pop records for some reason. The same thing happened with Danity Kane and Mariah Carey's latest stuff.

Some of the songs that stand out are "Miles Away," "Give It 2 Me" and "She's Not Me." The song "Spanish Lesson" is really out of place and sounds nothing like the rest of the album. "Dance 2night" reminds me of the Beegees which is not a good thing.

At first, I thought the album sounded like a mix of Nelly Furtado and Gwen Stefani. Not realizing that both Nelly and Gwen worked with Pharell who worked on this album. Rolling Stone got it right when they said that Pharell and Timbaland were once the people to work with, but they aren't growing as artists. People can spot a Pharell or Timbaland song now without even thinking about it. What was once new and fresh is now getting old and repetitive.

Anyway, it is what it is. Turns out I love the record, though it is nothing like her previous albums in any way. Confessions remains my favorite Madonna album of all time.

Listen to Ferras

2008-04-28T02:08:00.003-05:00

So, Ferras is picking up some radio play with "Hollywood's Not America" which I heard on the radio myself. I decided to download the entire album to see if there was anything on there that would strike my fancy.

Surely enough there is a great album within "Aliens & Rainbows." I really liked the album artwork too, which I have come to realize really effects how I perceive an album.

Anyway, to be completely awesome, I really like Ferras, but I don't think he's that unique. He sounds a lot like Gavin DeGraw or however you spell his name. But, there is a hint of Keane in there as well which makes me really like it.

So give it a listen. The album is $8 on iTunes, so go for it. Or, you can pirate it and get it from me. Happy Monday!

peas out.

Um...Check This Lemur

2008-04-27T00:29:00.000-05:00

Listen to the Rain

2008-04-20T02:28:00.003-05:00

It's some ridiculous hour of the morning, and as usual I am awake. The sounds of Ingrid Michaelson married with the pulse of the rain falling seems like perfection to me. The soft, ambient light is set to my mood, and there's even a vase full of colorful flowers that are still living from a sushi party a week ago.

It's times like these, albeit at 3:30a.m., that make me happy and force me to think about the better things that are going on in my life. But why does it take all of these things to orchestrate before I stop and think about what's going on in my life, and what I have to be thankful for? Yes, I just ended a sentence in a preposition. Back off.

I guess it's that Promethean attribute that is driving me to understand who I am at a faster pace. I mean I think to a certain extent it's a pretentious thought too. I mean I write a blog, listen to indie music, and buy fresh flowers for my home, all the while still being fascinated by the rain. Either way, I want to know more.

I think all I need to complete this setting is my black, wire-framed glasses that are a must for emo kids like me.

Until then,
peas out.

David Archuleta Crying!

2008-04-04T03:21:00.002-05:00

Okay, if this kid wasn't amazing enough, he was heart broken earlier in the season when Alexandrea was kicked off. The camera cuts to him a few times, and then at the end she runs over and hugs him. Not only is he an amazing singer, but he's sensitive too! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Bleeding Heads on the Court!

2008-04-02T17:41:00.001-05:00

Mikhail Youzney is an idiot.

Archuleta Wednesdays!

2008-04-02T14:15:00.001-05:00

Wow! Definitely my second favorite performance! LOVING DAVID!

Blogging From The City

2008-03-28T23:20:00.002-05:00

So, I am in New York City this weekend and I've only been here for a few hours and it has been a blast. My best friend Johnny goes to school in Long Island so I came up with his mom and dad to surprise him for his birthday weekend!

We got a hotel that is literally feet from Times Square and it is so nice!

Today we got here around 2:30, and got in to the hotel by about 3:00. Then we went to Dallas BBQ (pictures to come soon) and then shopped the rest of the night.

I didn't find too much that I liked, except two pairs of rinky dink sandals (white and orange) and a striped v-neck tee at Old Navy which I didn't even find until the end of the night.

One of Courtney and Johnny's friends that I have known via Facebook and AIM is Phillip. He's awesome and was one of the people I was hoping to see while I was up here. But, he had friends in so we weren't sure if we were going to be able to get together. So, Courtney, Johnny, and I are in H&M near Times Square, and I am definitely checking this guy's jeans out. I think they are awesome and I wish that I had them. I look up and it's PHILLIP! I'm like "PHILLIP!" He can't believe it. Courtney can't believe it. Johnny can't believe it, and I sure as hell can't believe it!

Out of all of the people in New York f'ing City to run in to, we run in to Phillip. The best part of the whole thing was that I was just telling Courtney right before we walked in to H&M that I wanted to see him. Furthermore, Phillip and I were both wearing lime green shirts with dark denim jeans. Coincidence? I think not.

Above is a picture of the Empire State Building as we were walking by it. I tried not to look too touristy, but what can you do? More tomorrow!

My Psychic Experience

2008-03-27T13:58:00.002-05:00

This is not a joke.

So, a few years ago I lost my wallet for about a week. My best friend Brittney and I looked and looked for it but had no idea where it was.

I really hate losing things, and it really changes the way I look at life when I do. I get pissed and it's usually all I think about.

Well after a week of being pissed off, I had a dream that the wallet was in between the seats of Brittney's car. So, I call her and I'm like, "I know we looked in your car but can you check between the seats one more time?"

SURE ENOUGH THERE IT WAS!

So, here's the sequel.

The other day I was leaving Morgantown to come home for a few days. I got about 10 miles out of Morgantown and realized that I didn't have my wallet. So, I turned around, pissed as hell because gas in Morgantown is $3.40 a gallon. I get back to my apartment and search for about half an hour and STILL can't find it. I was on a schedule, so I had to leave, and was just hoping that it would be in my car.

That was Sunday. Today is Thursday. After almost a week of stressing and being extremely annoyed I still hadn't found it. Well, my friends, last night I had a dream that I was putting my wallet in to my laptop case (that I did not bring with me, and since been replaced with a man purse that I bought from the Gap).

Luckily, my friend Sophie is staying at my apartment in Morgantown during break because her Dad lives in China and she had to be out of the dorms for the break. I called her and was like,

"Listen, I know this is kind of weird and random but can you check my laptop case for my wallet. I had a dream last night that it was in there."

So she isn't home but says she will call back when she gets back there to let me know if it is there. So about half an hour later I see her calling me. What does she say?

"You have some pretty cool dreams because your wallet was definitely in your laptop case!"

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! Do I have some psychic attachment to my wallets that they show themselves to me in my dreams? I don't understand this, and quite frankly it freaked me out that it has happened more than once. But, I guess the good news is that my wallet is found and now I have nothing to be worried about.

This Is Happening In America

2008-03-20T04:38:00.003-05:00

*Facebook users click View Original Post

This makes no sense to me. That the richest country in the universe has put people out like this.

Archuleta Wednesdays

2008-03-19T15:54:00.002-05:00

Well, the video I posted of David singing "Imagine" seems to have been removed, so today you get not only last night's performance, but the early performance of "Imagine." Last night David sang "The Long and Winding Road," to yet another stellar performance.

He's in a league of his own. Simon calls his performance a "master class." Can you imagine being 17 and being told that your performance was a "master class." Insane.

Ch ch ch ch check it out. :)

Fierce

2008-03-15T21:07:00.001-05:00

Superstar!

2008-03-12T13:43:00.001-05:00

I haven't watched a single episode of American Idol this season yet I still continue to blog about it on a weekly basis.

So yeah, okay...David Archuleta forgot some words last night. Definitely not a good performance and I am really sad to see it. However, talking to my friend Daniel today, we both think that that will actually gain him some sympathy votes. We'll see tonight. I'll be at work though, so if you are reading this, please text me as soon as the results are announced!

Meanwhile, I didn't get in to Danny Noriega until the week he was voted off. But he was on Ellen today and sang an AWESOME rendition of "Superstar" by The Carpenters. Check it out below.

Hope you all are having a good week! :)

Holy Hairspray, Batman!

2008-03-09T03:25:00.003-05:00

You guys!

I saw the national tour of Hairspray tonight at WVU and it was a freaking blast!

Wow, words can't describe how awesome it was. I went with my friend Brooke and we just were obsessed. I made a new friend, Heidi, who was also obsessed with it, so we ended up sitting next to each other and like tapping each others' knees every time one of our favorite songs started.

I was first introduced to Hairspray by my (old?) friend Andrew. I didn't really get in to it the way he did but I'm not really sure why. Then, a few months later he, Laura, and I went to see the movie in the theaters because it was still playing where we went to see it. I "liked" it but still couldn't find the energy to be excited about it. I was going through a lot emotionally at the time so I am sure that that had something to do with it. Anyway, shortly thereafter I started listening to the soundtrack because certain songs were getting stuck in my head. Finally, by November I was HOOKED! So thank you Laura and Andrew for turning me on to a new fascination!

A couple things about the production compared to the movie, because by now, most people have seen the movie and are probably falling in love with Zac.

Corny Collins was not very good. This was the most disappointing thing about the show. I really like the part of Corny and the guy just totally lacked not only charisma, but the voice as well. In fact, there was a part during "(It's) Hairspray" that I heard him crack. This was kind of depressing but, at least James Marsden is holding it up in the movie version.

Tracy Turnblad was awesome! I am a big fan of Nikki Blonsky so I was worried that I would get here and hear this girl and not be impressed but she actually did an awesome job. I don't think she had as much of a range that Nikki seems to have but she was phenomenal!

Link was pretty good too. Believe it or not I liked him over Zac. Zac seemed very stoic and expression-less in the movie, whereas this guy was MUCH more animated. The show version was also a tad better of a singer than Zac.

MOTOR MOUTH MAYBELLE! WOW! I got chills when she sang the end of "I Know Where I've Been," which hasn't happened for me in a performance in a while. She tore that up! The sad part is that Queen Latifah isn't a bad singer, but this woman Angela Birchett, just was absolutely amazing as Motor Mouth.

At the end of the concert they were doing their bows and afterwards Tracy yells, "Let's hear it Mountaineers!!!!!" and the whole audience went crazy as they performed a shortened encore of "You Can't Stop the Beat!"

By the end of the night I had a freaking blast and I am looking to try to go see the same production when they are in Pittsburgh on March 21st! If you get a chance see it because it will KNOCK your socks off!

Hey Guys, Remember Mr. Huffington?

2008-03-08T05:03:00.002-05:00

He's a Rock Star! ! !

2008-03-08T02:25:00.000-05:00

Archuleta Wednesdays!

2008-03-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

So I have no officially named Wednesdays, "Archuleta Wednesdays" because usually by Wednesday I can get his Tuesday night performance on AI up and ready for you the viewing public, AND we get to see him move on to the next round. Though, I do get excited each Tuesday because I know it means another performance I can listen to on repeat for the entire week.

My thoughts on last night: It was a 7.5 out of 10. Whereas, "Imagine" was a 10/10. I don't think it gets better than that, and I have yet to see or hear something as amazing as what he did last week. The vocals were perfect. Literally, perfect.

Some pitch issues, but he's still got it. I texted and voted for him 5 times so, if he wins by 5 votes, he can thank me later!

Ellen Talks About Larry

2008-02-29T16:11:00.002-05:00

*Facebook users click "View original post"

A week or so ago, I posted a blog about this young boy named Larry that was shot and killed by his classmate. What I didn't know was that Larry asked his killer to be his Valentine a few days before the incident.

Ellen vocalized the message I tried to say today on her show.

Help A Brotha Out

2008-02-27T23:44:00.003-05:00

Alright people, time to be a good person.

My good friend Mason DeWitt, a student at Northern Arizona University, has asked me to donate money to his Relay for Life team there. He's very passionate about it and seems to be focusing a lot of his energy towards it, so I told him I would help him out.

Personally, I will be donating $70 (haha) over the next month or so.

You can donate a minimum of $5, and it's definitely put towards a good cause. The American Cancer Society is an awesome way to spread awareness and survivorship for those that have passed away with cancer, those struggling with it, those who have survived, and the families and friends that are just as much a part of this epidemic.

Some of you may know my good friend C'Anna Keffer, who at 17 was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She is the Survivorship Chairperson for Colleges Against Cancer here at WVU. I helped C'Anna write a budget proposal in our business writing class that proposed the idea of getting even 1% of the $77,000 that she raised last year. The American Cancer Society says no, but we're working on that.

Anyway to make a donation click here. It's worth a great cause, and if you do end up donating, let me know so I can let Mason know who decided to donate!

Your Weekly Dose of David

2008-02-27T03:21:00.002-05:00

People...I can't get over how AMAZING this kid is. He has one of those voices that you don't even have to worry about because you know he is going to bring it every single week.

I can't wait for him to be a superstar.

WTF?

2008-02-26T13:50:00.004-05:00

Why is there an apocalyptic storm from hell taking over my life?

More annoying: why is 2/3 of the country having a sunny day?

Ughhhh.

Spice Girls!

2008-02-23T11:46:00.001-05:00

I had to separate this in to two parts! SOOOOO MUCH FUN!

Part 1

Part 2

This Is Just "Too Much" ;)

2008-02-20T17:13:00.002-05:00

Okay, so finally, after much ado, the final roster for my 3 tickets for the Spice Girls show is now Mandy Cutshaw, Alix Shroeck, and myself.

Insanity.

Words can not describe my emotions.

Spice Girls, with 2 of my favorite people in the world.

Video/Blogging to come!

New Music Monday: Kanye West

2008-02-18T12:36:00.006-05:00

Three posts in one day!? What the!

Yeah, well I have been bored and it's raining/snowing so what can you do?

Hopefully from now on I will be posting an entry each Monday detailing my latest favorite music.

This week it's definitely Kanye West's third album "Graduation." This album has been out for a while but I never got around to listening to it. Sure enough I finally did, and it is awesome!

Typically, Kanye annoys me. His rants about his awards just get old. Yeah it's been said a million times, but it just makes him look like such a jerk.

That being said, he's still an amazing artist. I haven't been able to say that I like EVERY song on an album in a while, but I think this one takes the cake.

Here is a link to listen to my favorite song on the album, "Homecoming."

Happy Monday everyone! :)

Need A Reason For Change?

2008-02-18T04:42:00.007-05:00

If you are reading this on Monday, I hope that you don't see it as a depressing beginning to your week, but I feel like this kid needs his name put out there. A middle school student was shot and killed in front of all of his classmates because he was self-proclaimed gay. In his own way he was a pioneer for young gay men, coming in to who they are. We live in America, shouldn't it be accepted that everyone is different? It feels like the older I get, the more hate this country sees.

A particularly heartbreaking part of the story reads:

The Ventura County Star reports: "He said his son was headstrong, confident, artistic and sweet. Larry King loved to sing songs by folk rock trio Crosby, Stills and Nash, and was studying 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in hopes of singing it at his younger brother's baseball games, his father said. 'He had a very gifted singing voice.' He was so good, in fact, that one of Greg King's friends — unaware of the family's tragedy — called Wednesday to say his son should audition for 'American Idol.'"

If there were ever a time to stop this bullshit it's now. Not only was a defenseless child killed for being who he wants to be, but it happened because some other 14 year old kid had access to a gun, and was able to bring it in to the school. The probability of this kid not being shot in the head a close range in front of his classmates would have been far greater, but we Americans keep voting to keep guns in the hands of the wrong people in our country.

All of this aside, how many school shootings have we seen in just the last year? I'm sure there are tons more going on, but look at Virginia Tech, and now Northern Illinois University. There was also a mall shooting that I recall but can't seem to put a date on.

Come on America! Wake up! ! ! ! ! ! It's up to us to keep this from happening.

It has to change, and it can this November. Save another defenseless kid's life and vote for the candidate that keeps guns out of the wrong hands.

Own A Mac?

2008-02-18T04:15:00.004-05:00

If you own a Mac like I do (MacBook Pro, Core 2 Duo, 2.16, 120GB for the nerds), then you may find this post fascinating. I found it over on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).

Get Clean

2008-02-15T22:21:00.002-05:00

Someone needs to me committed. :P

A (one-sided) conversation left for me when I came home from Wal-Mart tonight:

Shane says:
AIM
9:22
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
9:22
real monsers
9:26
!#@#$#@(*@#$*(@#*($@#*%
9:28
adams family?
9:28
where are you john
9:28
I hear the flames are coming, get down to the shed
9:31
to the stars, to the stars
9:31
ey ey ey ey ey
9:32
Are you hungry?

WOW! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

2008-02-15T02:13:00.004-05:00

I kind of gave up on American Idol after season 4 or so, but I was piddling around on some popular blog sites today and ran across a video of an American Idol contestant for this season. His name is David Archuleta, and just like I did the first week of American Idol a few years ago when on the first night I said Fantasia would win, I am going to do it again and say this 16 year old kid will tear this season up! He's awesome, so vote for him!

Note:Facebook users click "View original post"

I Love You (Jews)

2008-02-14T19:11:00.000-05:00

This is hilarious! ! HAHAHA!

Valentine's Eve

2008-02-13T14:41:00.002-05:00

So, I am usually very excited about Valentine's Day. I never have a serious Valentine, but it's still fun, ya know? Same goes for this year. Although, I had big plans for tomorrow with a special someone from my past, I still am going in to it excited. I sent my mom, sister, and grandmother cards. Fun, huh?

A lot of people are bitter about it, but I don't think that Valentine's Day has to be about having a girlfriend or boyfriend. It's about showing the people that you love, how much you actually love them. That's how I see it anyway

Above is a picture of my iPhone. I was really excited about this new theme. For those that don't use iPhones, normally they do not look like this. But, I have hacked mine (on my own thank you very much) and am able to use third party applications such as said theme. If you have a hacked iPhone, the theme is called Xadacka's Random Red. It is just a neat design with the icons highlighted to give depth. I love it. It's red for Valentine' Day, so that's that.

Anyway, I am listening to Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" CD again, and falling in love with it all over again. I listened to it a lot this summer, but since she swept the Grammy's, I've been trying to go back and appreciate it differently.

Speaking of which, did you guys read what Natalie Cole had to say about Amy Winehouse winning 5 of her 6 Grammy nominations? Natalie even presented for one of Amy's wins (Record of the Year). Natalie tries to say it's promoting drugs and a bad work ethic. Does Natalie realize that regardless of what she thinks, a lot of work and talent was put in to "Back to Black" and "Rehab?" Obviously, the ex-somebody is just jealous. Amy Winehouse may have issues, but who in the music industry doesn't? Just as Trent said over at Pink is the New Blog: if Grammy's were to be withheld from every artist with drug problems who would be left to win? I will say Natalie looks DAMN GOOD for being 58 years old. She's working it really nicely. Now stop being sour.

That's all for today. Happy Valentine's Day to you all tomorrow! Spread some love!

Grammys!

2008-02-10T17:50:00.001-05:00

Holy cow, this album is the art of music at it's best. I downloaded it because I had "1234," the song made popular on the iPod Nano commercials, already downloaded, and I wanted to hear what the rest sounded like.

It's amazing! So amazing! Probably going to be one of my top 5 albums of 2008 even though it was released last year.

In the midst of my endorsing this album I kept saying, "Wow it really needs to be nominated for a Grammy."

Low and behold little miss Feist was nominated for:

Best New Artist
Best Female Pop Performance ("1234")
Best Pop Vocal Album
Best Short Form Music Video

I hope that she wins every one of them. Winning Best New Artist has always been a huge Grammy award to win. Though she's up against Amy Winehouse, Paramore, Taylor Swift, and Ledisi. I think she could win it if Amy doesn't win it. Since Amy is in rehab, you kind of have to lend the win to Feist.

I'm so happy that I was all about this album and didn't even realize that it was nominated. When that happens I always feel like I have good taste in music.

That being said, I am a huge Amy supporter. I am excited for her performance live via telecast tonight. Or will it be via telecast? Let's just say I have inside info. You heard it here first! ;)

My question is, when Amy performs, will she be performing "Rehab?" Becuase, yeah they did make her go to rehab, yes, yes, yes. Ironic, no?

The 50th Annual Grammy Awards are on tonight at 8:00 EST.

This Boot Was Made For Walkin'

2008-02-08T01:44:00.001-05:00

...and that's just what I did.

Oh my God, last Thursday was f'ing horrible. It was February 1, 2008 and I don't remember the last time I had a day like that.

I went to my morning classes which were gray and boring. Additionally, I didn't learn anything. I came home around 1, and was just pissing around doing nothing.

About 2:00 I make my way downtown for my 2:30 class, and put my money in my meter when I parked and went on with my business to class.

Well, class really really really really sucked. It was by far one of the worst classes I have had in a long time. I bombed the quiz we had on Tuesday, then managed to bomb the quiz we took that day. I wasn't participating the way I would have liked. Then, we did group work and no one was really talking which annoyed the shit out of me. Then, after all was said and done, we had to choose which group did the best job and low and behold, it definitely wasn't mine.

I walked out of the class totally pissed off at life. I felt like the class was exploiting those who didn't already know a lot about the subject and glorifying those that did. C'Anna called me right as class got out and was bitching about something. I said, "Listen I am having one of the worst days I've had in a really long time so if you're calling to bitch me out, just call me back later." She said, "Okay just meet me at your car." No problem.

So, I put my headphones on and I'm just like in a zone when I listen to my music. I walk down to my car and notice that I have a bunch of literature on my windshield. I'm thinking, "Great my meter expired and I owe like a million dollars." Then, I notice C'Anna get out of her car, which was parked right next to mine, and walk to me vigorously. At this point I still have my headphones on. I pull them out of my ears and hear her say, "Are you alright!?"

I mumble back, "Yeah, I'm fine...but I have a bunch of literature on my windshield; I have like 10 tickets or something."

The next words reverberated through my body like my Thanksgiving Ho-Down:

"You have a boot on your car."

"I do?"

I think a million different things ran through my head at that moment. I turned, looked at my car, and immediately just wanted to sit down on the curb like a 4 year old little girl and scream, "WHY!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!"

BUT, luckily I have a best friend that was able to calm me down and relax me before I did any serious harm to those around me. She told me to breathe, and so I did. She said she would take me wherever I needed to go (even though she was on a tight schedule herself), and everything would be fine.

Long story short, I had to pay $96 to get it taken off. I apparently had 2 $5 tickets from 2006 that hadn't been paid, but it took them nearly two years before they decided to boot my car. Now I totally get why they have bullet proof glass to separate the angry citizens.

Word to your mother: pay your damn tickets people.

My Swiffer Commercial

2008-01-31T01:35:00.001-05:00

Well, I only had 2 hours to do this, but hey it's not bad for little to no editing. I tried to submit it to a Swiffer YouTube contest. It's about breaking up with your old cleaning appliances, and getting together with Swiffer. I saw some lipstick on the dustpan, and I was pissed.

John McCain Sucks

2008-01-30T13:43:00.001-05:00

Check out this small article about a student that spoke up about John McCain's ignorance. About gay rights, the student says,

"So you believe in taking away someone's rights because you believe it's wrong?"

Hilar.

Read This Now

2008-01-30T11:59:00.000-05:00

My good friend Mark just posted a really nice, and thoughtful blog on his Xanga site. Check out, and take heed.

Happy Wednesday!

Sneak Peak Video

2008-01-29T11:38:00.001-05:00

There's something on the way that I am sure will make you laugh!

New Chucky Video!

2008-01-24T15:10:00.000-05:00

Not sure, how this didn't make its way on to my very own blog, but here it is. Directed, filmed, and edited this masterpiece! I also have a little cameo! Let me know what you think!

Big News!

2008-01-24T15:06:00.000-05:00

Well, it's my birthday (22!), but I will be blogging all about my day a little later.

I would like to announce that I will be performing in the near future with the very lovely and very talented miss Olivia Hartman and the Speakeasies. I will be playing cello, and maybe some back up singing! Very exciting to be on a stage again. More details to come!

Goodbye Ennis

2008-01-22T19:10:00.000-05:00

This really sucks, and I feel compelled to write about it. I'm sure everyone has heard the bad news about Heath Ledger dying today. It really sucks. I mean, it's not like he is someone I think about on a daily basis, but given the circumstances of my uncle who passed away in April, when he was 27, it sort of hit close to home.

Almost immediately people were reacting. MySpace bulletins. Facebook groups in Heath's honor. Text messages. Everyone, for whatever reason, wanted to let me know what happened. Everyone is shocked, and has something to say.

What's going on with Hollywood though? The last person I would have expected to see on CNN regarding this headline was Heath Ledger. He seemed so level headed and was such a respected actor. Britney: maybe. Heath: no.

I thought Heath was awesome in Brokeback Mountain. Definitely one of the best movies of its time. 10 Things I Hate About You is also a good one.

Anyway, I guess I am just thinking out loud. This Anna Nicole Smith Syndrome as I like to call it, has to be tearing a lot of families apart. If Heath Ledger of all people is dying of these overdoses, don't you think it's just a matter of time before Britney or Amy Winehouse are on the front pages?

Scary business, I say.

First Week Back

2008-01-18T03:08:00.000-05:00

It's so cold here in Morgantown, it's unreal. I don't remember being this cold in a long time.

Hopefully, I don't get sick. I was sick with like tuberculosis or something over winter break and it took almost 4 weeks before I felt 100% again.

It's so nice to be back, and be healthy. I have missed all of my friend here in Morgantown. Not to say my Winter Break wasn't awesome, because it definitely was. I was doing stuff every day, and just having a blast. Although, I was doing this every night and I think that's why I wasn't recovering from my sickness very well.

My work load is outrageous per week. I have a lot of stuff due every week, but I guess that's part of the deal right? I stress myself to the breaking point, so I can get a piece of paper that says I'm credible. We'll see how it goes. I can't be stressed out. It's not healthy, and 2008 is about being healthy.

Speaking of being healthy, I am really excited to start tennis again. I took an extended break just to sort of free my mind from it, and come back with a whole new outlook. It's good to do this because sometimes you can get caught up in a certain type of playing and don't allow yourself to improve. I'm extremely unfit, but I look forward to playing myself in to shape. More on that in another blog.

Anyway, I'll be video blogging from the brand new Writing Center, and from my Editing class (which is brand new, and lined with 20" aluminum iMacs! I could have died when I walked in there!). So if you're even remotely interested, keep checking back! :)

Happiness, and peace 2 u n urs.

One Last Collective "Holy Shit!"

2008-01-06T05:39:00.002-05:00

14 degrees the other day, and 71 on Tuesday?

Is our planet spiraling in to the sun?

I'm just sayin.

Global Warming At Its Best

2008-01-04T04:08:00.000-05:00

Continuing with my screenshots of the absurd (and f*cking scary) weather forecasts, I give you the current conditions of Morgantown.

It's 14 degrees...

and it's supposed to be 65 DEGREES ON MONDAY!

What is going on!? I'm scared.

Guys, what's going with Britney by the way. Is she causing this? I feel like the world is going to end soon.

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T18:26:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone! Everyone be safe tonight! I'll have video from tonight up later tomorrow, as well as my review of 2007.

I haven't forgotten about the "Major Announcement." It's coming. Stay tuned! =)

This Warm Christmas Feeling

2007-12-23T14:11:00.000-05:00

Coming home from my party on Friday night in Morgantown, I realized how unbelievably smooth this Christmas season has gone. I lost my uncle in April, and of course that's always hard. I was so scared that things would be really emotional and hard for everyone. But, we have the kids to bring smiles to our faces and that's what matters most.

For me, kids make Christmas. I remember waking up on Christmas morning and freaking out. Now, I'm buying for the kids, and it's awesome. I would love to just lay around a house all day with tons of kids. They are all so happy, and care free. My nephew in particular is just so full of happiness and cheer. I love him.

I am truly blessed to have the friends and family that I do. This Christmas season so far has been amazing, and it isn't even Christmas yet. Parties, food, and kids. You can't ask for more!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

New Video!

2007-12-18T12:03:00.001-05:00

I'm filming (and dancing!) a new video today! Going to be huge. Stay tuned!

I'm Moving to Southern California

2007-12-10T14:42:00.000-05:00

No, this isn't the major announcement. Look at my widget for the next week. Though the temperatures aren't that bad, it's just supposed to pour down rain. This really sucks and I'm moving as close to the equator as soon as possible.

Major Announcement!

2007-12-08T18:29:00.000-05:00

Coming Soon!

Just Remember What Simple Words Can Do

2007-11-30T06:15:00.001-05:00

Hello, fans of this blog. I'm writing this post-Thanksgiving. How was y'all's break? Mine was pretty nice! As expected, I got a sinus cold the first couple of days that I was home, and it hindered my excitement for the entire break, but I still managed to fit in a couple fun days.

I basically just hung low all week until Thursday or Friday (I can't remember which) when I finally decided I need to be social and stop basking in my own self pity about...a cold.

So, Jackie, Lyndsay, Danny and I went to Hagerstown as a pre-birthday party bash for Danny. We went to Chuck E. Cheese's where Danny could let his inner child out. I actually had an awesome time! There are pics on facebook for those of you that subscribe. Well, I had fun minus the fact that I thought my iPhone was stolen for a split second, before I realized it was just sitting on our table in a very crowded dining room for about half an hour! I got really lucky with that one.

I love my iPhone. :)

Anyway, so after that we went to Buffalo Wild Wings and had appetizers and I had a mojito which was delicious! After that, we all ended up back at Danny's house and watched Hairspray! I saw it in theaters not long ago with Andrew and Laura. I love it so much! Zac Efron! Are you kidding me!?

Alright, well time for bed for me! The semester is basically dunzo for me! What a ride it has been. I never thought that I would be where I am, when the semester started. But, alas, the tides continue to change. Not sure if I like it but hey I'm here, right? I love you guys so much! Let peace be with you!

pic: in the car leaving Hagerstown! :)

A Different Thanksgiving Break Than I Was Expecting

2007-11-17T16:10:00.000-05:00

For those that are in college, or traveling home for Thanksgiving, be safe en route.

I'm about to leave to go home for Thanksgiving break, and I just realized that for the first time in my college career, I'm not looking at Thanksgiving break as a HUGE get away. Though, for those of you that know me at all, you know that I deserve this break more than any of them. Last month was arguably the most stressful, and devastating month I've had in a long time. Actually, no, since April. 2007 in general has not been a good year for me. In fact, the worst.

But, isn't it ironic how I have had such a stressful month and am now in such a good place that I don't need this break to recuperate? I'm so thankful that I have been able to find peace. A month ago I was at the lowest of all points. But I'm better now. Things will be alright.

Listen, it's alright.

So for all of you reading this that need a light to follow this Thanksgiving, just know that things are going to be alright. Be cheerful, and worry-free like I plan on doing. Don't let anyone hold you back. Smile even if it takes more effort than it should.

Someone is falling in love with your smile.

Happy commuting! :)
J.

Inspiration and Light

2007-11-15T04:57:00.000-05:00

"Mornin just to say I lov u very much miles of smiles"

You know I think I am going through a lot right now, and in some ways I am. But, when it is all said and done, I get to wake up to this kind of message from my mom in the mornings.

Love it.

Love

2007-11-13T04:46:00.000-05:00

Continuing with my positivity, I have to post this.

I love Mandy more than words.

Ingrid Michaelson in Pittsburgh!

2007-11-12T01:02:00.000-05:00

I went to Pittsburgh tonight to see Ingrid Michaelson and Allie Moss. Both of which were awesome. Above is a clip that I took while I was there. Hilarious!

I got to meet her afterwards but didn't get a pic. Oh well. I said, "I'm too poor to buy your merchandise but will you sign my ticket?" She said, "Awww, of course!"

So cute.

Can't wait to see her again!

Another World

2007-11-09T01:33:00.002-05:00

This was inspired by Ro.

A lot going on lately. I feel like I'm somewhere else without you. For good? For bad? I don't know. That's the beauty in it all. Life is beautiful.

Numb

2007-10-28T10:18:00.000-05:00

So, I haven't really been posting much lately. I have had a heck of a lot on my mind. A lot of emotions. Thinking too much. Hoping for the best, receiving the worst. How do you people do it? I'm trying as hard a humanly possible, but can't seem to kick out of it.

Anyway, enough with the dark stuff.

Friday night I met up with Andrew and Laura in Towson, and we had a grand ol time. We ended up getting Mac OSX Leopard!

My initial reaction is it's unbelievably fast. I can't get over how fast it runs on my Mac. If it matters for you dweebs out there, I have a MacBook Pro 2.16 Intel Core 2 Duo, with 120GB hard drive. Every application opens instantly, and barely even bounces on the dock. So many things to talk about regarding this new OS but, I don't want to bore you guys to death.

Anyway, we had a fun night. I did at least. I was pretty gone by the end of my first drink, but only because I had literally eaten nothing Friday. I woke up, and got on the road, and didn't have time to eat really. Oh well, it happens.

All in all, I feel like shit. Not gonna lie. But, I can see the sun coming up. I've been in the dark for a while, but I think I can feel myself moving away. For those of you who know me, you know what I'm talking about. I love, but can't be loved.

A Few Reasons I Love Rosie O'Donnell

2007-10-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

Well Rosie O'Donnell's blog can be found here. Above are some questions that she answers publicly on her site. I love this woman. I can't wait to read her new book, Celebrity Detox. Have I plugged enough?! :) Have a happy day!

Mr. and Mrs. William Spencer Y'all!!

2007-10-21T00:13:00.001-05:00

So today I enjoyed the company of one of the most beautiful brides that I have ever laid my eyes on.

The woman who inspired me to be a drum major when I was a freshman in high school got married to an amazing guy, who was equally my friend through high school.

Jen and Will got married! ! !

They've been in love since they were in 10th grade or something like that, and we all wondered when they would get married. I am so happy for them. Check facebook for more pics! Congratulations guys!!!!

I'm Taking a Break

2007-10-19T17:54:00.001-05:00

John is taking a well-deserved break from life this weekend. Going on a trip. Can't say where. Look for him in the paparazzi.

Al Gore Is Amazing

2007-10-12T17:10:00.000-05:00

Is Al Gore not the most accomplished and amazing person on the earth right now?

On top of his Vice-Presidency, and the Academy Award he won this year, Al Gore was just awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with environmental protection regarding global warming.

This man is amazing, and he would have my vote if he ran for president in 2008.

Tell Me Why

2007-10-11T21:06:00.001-05:00

Dunzo.

Oh, Good! Another E-Mail From Teeth Guy!

2007-10-11T02:07:00.000-05:00

STOP THE MADNESS!

It's all right here, people.

It Never Ends, Folks

2007-10-11T00:45:00.000-05:00

So The Teeth Guy which I have now affectionately labeled him, decided that he would clarify some things in case his last e-mail wasn't clear.

Read it HERE

I'm seriously, a little freaked out now.

Uh, Those Aren't My Real Teeth People

2007-10-10T07:55:00.000-05:00

So, I was going to post this tomorrow, but seeing as it is by far the weirdest message I've ever received from a stranger I thought I would post it now.

Some of you may have seen my video called Rotten Teeth! on YouTube. It was a fun way to display my magic, and a lot of people got a kick out of it.

However, one guy actually messaged me and insisted I send him videos of the inside of my mouth...

The screen shot won't upload for some reason, so check it out HERE.

AH!

UPDATE: Upon further investigation, this guy actually has videos of his teeth on his YouTube site, surrounded by anime characters. What is wrong with this world?

URGENT: Leaving Voicemails

2007-10-10T04:47:00.000-05:00

This is me listening to your stupid voicemail.

Okay haters, it's time I address you.

Please, DO NOT call my cell phone, get prompted to my voicemail, and then go in to an emotional tirade about how I'm so hard to get a hold of, not a good friend, need to be around my phone, or scream, "OH MY GOD" in to it.

Okay, I have a busy life right now. If I can't get to my phone, it's because I am in class, working, or sleeping. Get over it. Seriously. Some people nap. Some people go to class. Some people work.

Most of you know this, but I feel like I needed to get it out there. Seriously, stop calling me if you're just going to be heartbroken that I don't answer your needs every time you call. That is all.

Britney's New Video Looks Like It Was Made on iMovie

2007-10-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, so Britney's new video for Gimme More was released at 12am and was the No.1 downloaded music video on iTunes in like 5 minutes or something. Clearly her career is no where near ending like all the critics think. I promise this site will NOT become a Britney site, but because I've been infatuated with her career as of late, I feel that I should just let you know why.

Anyway, check out that screen shot on the left from her new video! How hot is she!? I didn't think I would like her with darker hair but she looks really, really good. I'm impressed. Throughout the entire video she looks REALLY good actually.

The video itself is pretty disappointing however. All she is doing is swinging around on a stripper pole. The cinematography is awesome though. It's basically all shot from the perspective of a drunk onlooker. Creative, I guess.

However, I believe I could make that entire video on my Mac and make it look exactly like that, if not better. I thought that for such a huge step in her career we would be seeing something a little more edgy, but I guess people have enough shit to talk about regarding her personal life, that her career is not as interesting as it used to be.

Congratulations Britney for being at No.1 on 4 different charts right now!

Ew I sound like such a gay-bo.

Love, John

No I Don't Want 2% Cow Milk From Your Granny's Farm, Thank You Very Much

2007-10-04T00:20:00.000-05:00

Does this look like an animal from which you want to be suckling teet juices?

The answer is no.

Tonight at work a grown ass man came in to work and was asking about every single thing on the menu. He had a tie-dyed green shirt on with little stick figures with dreadlocks that read, "Jamaican Me Crazy."

Right away I knew I wanted to jump out of the nearest window, but I continued on with his order. One after the other he kept asking me, "What kind of drink is this?" Did I mention he was talking like he was 5 years old? He talked very slowly, and was trying to like figure words out in his head, which, in my opinion is disrespectful.

Anyway, as he finally is done asking me what espresso is, and how it is incorporated in to a latte, he tries to tell me that he owns a coffee shop back home. So, anyway I ask him, "Would you like 2% or skim milk in that?"

His response, "Oh yeah, 2%. Back home where my granny's farm is, we have a cow that produces 2% milk. You guys 'oughtta come down here some time. It's 117 Maple Street. Back home on my Granny's farm is the best milk." Keep in mind it took him about 3 minutes to say that entire sentence. No lie.

Ayumi and Mike (the other two with whom I am working) both look at me immediately, expecting some sort of reaction. My response:

"Oh, well thanks anyway but I have plenty of 2% milk here at my discretion. Have a good night!" and I hand him his latte. THEN...he says, "Yeah I'm just going to stick around while this thing cools off."

Uh, I steamed the milk to 160 degrees, that thing isn't cooling down anytime soon. So, then he wants whipped cream, blah blah blah.

"Okay, whipped cream. Check! Have a good night," I say as I am handing him his drink again.

"Alright, you too. Come to my granny's farm, we have Jamaican and Italian coffee beans," he says as he turns the corner and is out of sight. I look over at Ayumi and Mike and they are beat red, laughing their asses off.

Not funny. Think about this next time you eat your cereal, ya'll.

I Need Britney Rehab

2007-10-03T02:09:00.000-05:00

Okay so I'm just going to come clean here and admit that I REALLY like Britney's new single "Gimme More." It seems like all we do is hear about what she's doing wrong anymore, but her new single is No.1 on two separate iTunes charts, which is saying something.

I'm partly infatuated with this woman and I have absolutely no idea why. I've been venturing in to her other recordings and find myself humming them to myself. And, by humming them to myself I mean singing very loudly in the shower like I'm about to start a world tour. It's sick.

Anyway, she stole my look. I buzzed my hair last October, and shortly thereafter, you can see what happened. She's definitely a fug in this picture, but why do I still love her?

Tonight I came home from work and found her interview with that disgusting pig Matt Lauer on YouTube. He just keeps grilling her, and being very annoying. You can tell that the questions were generated by the ratings producers rather than himself. Matt Lauer seems like a nice guy, I don't think he would keep pressing Britney's buttons. Anyway, she ended up crying and I felt really bad for her.

I think I need to go to Britney Rehab to get detoxed from this. I don't think it's healthy that I am so infatuated with her. Speaking of infatuation, how about Chris Crocker!? I ran in to him RIGHT before his video about leaving Britney alone became ridiculously huge. I think he's one of the funniest people out there. If you separate the fact that he dresses like a woman and actually listen to some of the stuff he is saying, it is actually very interesting, and I respect him for opening his mouth and taking on subjects that most people aren't ballsy enough to say.

Anyway, enough about all this hype. It's late and I need to go bed. I love you.

Oh yeah, Johnny was inspired by my writing and started a blog that you can read here. Check it out!

Morgantown Weather!

2007-09-30T15:51:00.000-05:00

Here is my widget forecasting the next week of my life. Could it be any better than this!?

Sorry, I am just really happy about this.

P.F. Chang's Should Be A Religion

2007-09-30T15:11:00.000-05:00

Umm holy cow. P.F. Chang's is AMAZING! Definitely my new favorite place to eat.

I went to Pittsburgh for an over night holiday of sorts to visit Kate. We went to P.F. Chang's that night to vent about our horrible weeks. Well, I was the one ranting I should say because this past week was definitely one of the worst ones I have had in a long time.

Anyway, after Kate and I cracked each other up saying the stupidest things, we finally went to bed...where I slept like a baby for the first time in a really long time. However, yesterday I had a kink in my neck which was made worse because I played tennis on it in the cold air, and pulled it. Today it is a little better but it still hurts during certain motions. :(

Anyway if you want to buy me an awesome Christmas gift, a $500 gift card to P.F. Chang's would be the perfect gift!

Also, I will be posting my wish list again this year and everyone can take heed. I'm stingy.

iLove Baltimore

2007-09-24T04:10:00.000-05:00

So I just got back from a weekend in Baltimore with some good friends! I have to say it was definitely one of the best weekends I have had in a really long time.

Andrew and I wanted to have a weekend to just relax and chill out, so Baltimore seemed like the most obvious choice. We met up at my Dad's first so I could leave my car there, and took one car to this ridiculously nice hotel right on the Harbor.

Friday night we went to the Apple Store and I got an iPhone! Cellular One has been a really bad service, so for those of you interested don't get it. Anyway, we spent basically all weekend trying to hack the iPhone, so I could use it with Cellular One and didn't have to change plans. In the end we both (and by we, I mean Andrew) failed miserably. I decided that I would just go ahead and get AT&T. What the hell?

Anyway, we met up with Laura, which was a lot of fun. We went to lunch on the Harbor, followed by a Starbucks stop in Barnes & Noble, before we walked Laura back to the Metro stop.

But anyway, we all had a great time this weekend, even though Laura was only with us for a few hours on Saturday. Hopefully, we'll be able to hang out with her longer than that in the future. I definitely foresee relaxing weekends away from WVU, at the Inner Harbor happening again in my future.

Peace out homies!

J. Bernard Machen's Response To Me

2007-09-23T01:54:00.001-05:00

So I wrote a letter to president J. Bernard Machen, expressing my personal opinion on the videos and reports regarding that disgusting portrayal of law enforcement (see post below). Below is my letter to the president followed by his response.

My letter to President Machen:

President Machen,
I am a student in my fourth year at West Virginia University, and
would like to express my view on the subject of Matt Meyer's arrest.
Though I am not sure where you stand, and I doubt that my e-mail will
contribute to any sort of conclusion of your opinion on the subject,
I feel that as a 21 year old college student, I am affected by this
circumstance, albeit indirectly.

I was not there during the situation, so I can only attest to what
I've seen through media outlets, such as The Huffington Post, as well
as your official letter to students on the home page of the
University of Florida.

I am sure that there are many complicated issues and rights
surrounding this situation, but I could not understand what Mr. Meyer
was doing to deserve being seized by police. Yes, I've watched the
video over and over again, but still can not see any clear evidence
of any illegalities. Though asking questions is usually frowned upon
by many governing forces, Mr. Kerry seemed more than willing to
answer the question, and not threatened by the situation, in my opinion.
Because I am an English major here at WVU, my free speech First
Amendment right is constantly exercised and encouraged. I also feel
that everyone, including Mr. Meyer, who as far as I know attends the
University of Florida, deserves this right equally.

After the dust has settled I would only hope that you, the
administration of the University of Florida, and/or Sen. John Kerry
would give Mr. Meyer the opportunity to finish asking his question,
about which he felt so passionately.

Thank you for taking the time out of what I am sure is your very
busy, and hectic schedule to read this e-mail. I look forward to
hearing from you soon.

Respectfully,
John N. Thrasher

President Machen's response to me:

Good afternoon,

Your message was among those I have received since Monday afternoon when
University of Florida student Andrew Meyer was tasered and arrested at a
town hall forum held by Sen. John Kerry.

I want you to know I hear you loud and clear and share many of your
concerns. What I regret most of all about the incident that occurred
during a political forum is the lack of civil discourse, which is the
keystone of an academic institution such as ours.

We have begun several steps to gain a full understanding of how events
unfolded on Monday and to determine what protocols need changing.
Students and faculty will play an active role in this process, and every
aspect will be open to public review. We have not and will not assign
blame until the investigation is complete.

Updates will be posted regularly on www.ufl.edu.

We appreciate your patience as we allow the process to take its course.

Sincerely,

J. Bernard Machen
President, University of Florida

Seems a bit like a generated response, but it did take a few days before I received it so maybe he did actually write it to me. Who knows. I thought it was worth mentioning at least for those of you that read the blog earlier.

A Disgusting Portrayal of Law Enforcement

2007-09-18T16:23:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of stupid things happening in this country, and I wanted to share some of it for you. Some of you think this guy was being a jackass. I thought for a second that yeah, maybe he was a bit emotional, but then I watched the entire question being asked. The police follow this guy to the microphone before he even opens his mouth. Even John Kerry says that it's alright and he would like to listen to the rest of the question.

I'll follow this up with as much info as I can find, because it made me sick to watch it.

Click here to read the article that makes the most sense on the Huffington Post.

The 2007 MTV Video Music Awards

2007-09-09T22:54:00.000-05:00

...were lame.

MTV hyped the shit out of Britney Spears' performance that was to open the show today. I was actually really excited, considering that there were at least 3 other performances from her that really stuck out in my head. This one was LAME! First, the camera begins with her just standing off-center on the stage. She actually loses her balance a little bit as she starts to walk, if you notice. Feel free to check it out here on YouTube. Then, she just walked across the stage...then back...and then the song was over.

This could have been a huge way for her to come back but she definitely didn't do anything impressive at all.

I turned the TV off after I saw that disaster.

The Spaghetti Fiasco

2007-07-28T19:55:00.000-05:00

Man, it's so hot today! I am not sure what the temperature was outside. It was twice as hot inside, because the green house effect turns my home in to an oven, and for whatever reason my grandparents (who usually have issues with the temperature) always decide to never turn the air conditioning on. It's really annoying. I'm so used to living at my apartment in Morgantown, which either has the heat on all the time if it's winter, or the air on when it's summer. And if it's in between, I at least have the fan running to keep the air flowing, you know? Anyway, enough of this nonsense.

What did I do today, you ask? Well, I woke up at Matt's, as usual. For whatever reason I've been staying there a lot more lately. Actually, the reason I stay there so often can best be explained in the following situation that occurred the very instant I walked in to my house for the first time this morning. Here's how it went:

Scene: my grandmother, my cousin Aurora who is 3, and me

Grandmother: "Oh look Aurora, there's Johnny! She's eating spaghetti Johnny!"

Me: "Awesome, that's what I made for dinner last night!" [smiles]

Grandmother: [not looking at me] "Yeah, and Johnny doesn't know how to clean up after himself, and tell Johnny that you do a better job of cleaning up after yourself than he does, Aurora!" [still not looking at me].

Me: [rolls eyes and sighs] [exeunt]

End scene.

Like what the hell? First of all, let it be known that I cleaned my damn spaghetti situation up. I dirtied one plate, one fork, and a pan...all of which were rinsed and put in the sink. Sometimes, I think that my family just thinks of things that aren't big deals, to bitch at me about because I do nothing wrong. I'm not just saying that. I mind my business, and I live a normal life.

Excuse the hell out of me for making spaghetti and then cleaning up after myself.

Anyway, summer is closing, and here is how much I have finished for my upcoming 4th of college: 0.

Enough said.

Tribute to Friends: Brittney Tyler

2007-07-28T02:08:00.000-05:00

So I know I've done this before...I think back around Christmas or New Year's maybe, whenever I was feeling sentimental.

I was checking out Rachel's MySpace blog, and she had a very nice piece about her friends that helped her come out of her shell and make her who she is, and I was really inspired to write about my friends again.

Because, it's very true that my friends are my family. I don't think to separate the two at all. I love them both with my whole heart and would do anything for any of them.

Brittney, in particular has been one of the most stabilizing forces in my life, if not the most stabilizing. The picture added to this entry was the first picture (as far as either of us know) of the two of us. We believe it was taken at our 7th grade Washington Middle School music concert. Brittney plays the flute and I play the cello and were in band and orchestra respectively.

I met Brittney in gym class in 6th grade. We sat next to each other on the floor because our last names were near each other (Thrasher, Tyler naturally). I didn't particularly like gym class. I mean I loved being athletic, I just didn't enjoy being sweaty and then having to go to other classes and such that day. But, I had a huge crush on Brittney, so she made going to gym class rather nice.

I would try to impress Brittney with my humor (what else?). I thought that by talking to a fictional character that was a ghost named Duke, would make her laugh. She would turn around and look at me, and I would be in mid conversation with something that was not there. She didn't think it was funny at the time, and in fact thought that I was really creepy and probably schizophrenic. In retrospect, it is one of the funniest things we've ever heard.

So apparently she got over it because in 8th grade, we held hands at a football game. Apparently we did it to make other people talk because everyone thought we were dating at the time anyway. We were basically like Brangelina, so...in your face.

Then we thought the other was disgusting by 9th grade, and went to a Blink-182 concert at the 9:30 Club, which was awesome!

Anyway, Brittney and I have been through so much together. There is just something about being friends with someone so long that really makes you appreciate life. I have been so blessed to have met her, because she has completely been the single biggest influence in my life. She motivates me, and surprises me every time I talk to her, still. Our story never ends, and I know it never will, so Brittney, if you are reading this, I love you so much and thank you for everything that we have shared together.

A Giant Monkey

2007-07-26T19:00:00.000-05:00

What the hell is this and why is it at a car lot?

Flat Canday!

2007-07-25T03:29:00.000-05:00

Well, I went to Pittsburgh two nights ago with Matt. He knew some friends up there and so we had nothing better to do, and went.

It was a lot of fun. We stayed at Corey's apartment which was right across the street from this place called Tobacco Outlet which apparently sells cigars and "Canday." I thought it was absolutely hilarious, so enjoy that.

We ended up at some trashy strip club, where I got bitched at because Matt and his friend Bryce didn't tip. All I remember were a bunch of vaginas and nasty old men. I decided to go out to my car and see if I could get a wireless signal on my laptop. It was that bad.

So the ride home the next day was eventful. We drove to Morgantown which was half-way and had lunch. Then, I was about 20 minutes from Cumberland and I hear a really loud grinding noise. Then suddenly, I knew that it was my tire. Keep in mind that before this happened, when my car would hit 60m.p.h. my steering wheel would shake...to the point that it would hurt my arm. But what do I know! It'll be fine right!?

Wrong!

I pulled over to see my tired completely flat. I know how to change a tire, but as it turns out Honda makes it impossible for one to change one's tire. We got the spare out and realized that we didn't have a jack. So, I'm on the phone with my grandfather (ironically, his name is Jack...) and I'm like, "We don't have a jack! Should I call the police!?" I'm also screaming because I'm 3 feet from tractor trailers off of I-68. As I'm on the phone with him, we find the jack...which is BOLTED to the car apparently. So anyway we ended up getting it unstuck, 20 minutes later.

Then, after we had the damn thing jacked up (haha) we couldn't get the damn wheel cover off! So, we spent another 20 minutes trying to find something that would pry the wheel cover off and eventually did. The last 20 minutes of the experience was happening in mild rain, I mind you.

Needless to say it has been a very interesting last couple of days. But, you know it's all in good fun! Yeah it sucks that my tire blew out but at least it didn't happen on some highway in Pittsburgh. Oh yeah, Pittsburgh...could you get some signs please? Thanks that would be great.

Blogger sucks, so check out the picture of Matt and my flat here!

Deathly Hallows Can GO TO HELL! !

2007-07-24T00:34:00.001-05:00

I'm sad to announce that I absolutely hated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. For those of you that haven't read it yet, don't read on because there are MAJOR SPOILERS in this post.

For those that have, read on.

Could J.K. Rowling not think of anything better to do with Harry, Ron, and Hermione than put them in a tent for like 10 chapters? What the hell! They were doing nothing. Harry would even get bored with his own adventure and like walk outside of the tent and be like, "God this sucks" and then his scar would explode. Like give me a break.

Secondly, Molly Weasely should NOT have killed Bellatrix. That's Neville's job. Also, why were there NO major deaths, or revelations. There's like nothing to talk about!

What about all of the pointless deaths? Charity whats her face, in the begining. HEDWIG!? So dumb!

The only part of the entire book that I even liked was "The Silver Doe" chapter. I really liked that and it brought me back to old school Harry Potter which was exciting and mysterious.

I hate that I didn't have a fantastic experience. I actually fell asleep reading the book that's how bad it was! Why did they apparate 5000 times before chapter 10? I just wasn't very pleased.

Finally, the epilogue. I actually started to read this epilogue online BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS FAN FICTION! I haven't met anyone yet that liked this epilogue. Ew.

I think we deserve at the very least, an 8th book to redeem this book.

Don't buy it.

Eyes Wide Shut

2007-07-18T14:01:00.000-05:00

I've been dragging with my posts as of late, and I am sorry for that. I've been living up what will possibly be my last summer as a free soul. I expect that next year by this time, I will hopefully have a decent paying job and have just graduated. It's unlikely. Not because I can't do it, but because I don't see myself cramming 17 hours in to each semester.

I've been on a weird sleeping pattern lately. It seems that when I drink Bailey's Irish Cream for dinner that I wake up much more easily. Is this a sign of alcoholism? I believe so, sir.

Anyway just a few days until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is released. I thought I was going to dress up as Hagrid (because I expect he died in this book) but, I just couldn't get the costume together in time. Instead, I think I'm just laying low. I'm gonna get my book on Friday night and then read all through the night, and the next day. I won't have my phone turned on, for obvious reasons but leave a message for when I'm done reading.

Um, so what are you doing right now? Is everyone happy? How does this summer rank among the others thus far? For me, this has been a great summer. I mean, I went through a tragedy in April with my uncle passing away, but in all, I would say that I am a happy person. Things like that never go away, and you live with it every day, but it definitely has made me open my eyes a lot more. It has made me see what it is in my life that I actually appreciate. I'm not going to get all sappy, but if you're reading this and you have grudges with someone in your family...go talk to whoever it is. You only have one family, and one life.

Close your eyes, take a breath, and relax!

The Chamber of Secrets Is In Martin's Supermarket

2007-07-12T17:02:00.000-05:00

Why is it that every time I go to Martin's (a supermarket for those that don't know) I can't find those dwarf shopping carts!? It's so annoying. I never go to Martin's for more than like 10 things, and the regular sized shopping carts are annoying for that. So, I go to look for the dwarf ones and I can never find them.

I believe they are locked away in the Chamber of Secrets, which obviously is in Martin's. Furthermore, I would assume that it is probably in the bakery (because all of those people are kind of shady). Or maybe it is in the deli, and the basilisk that lies within is regurgitating the food and being served as lunch meat? Either way, I want Harry or the heir of Martin's to open the Chamber of Secrets so that I can get those damn dwarf shopping carts that I love so much.

The most annoying part is that when I am in the store I actually see people using them. I want to be like, "Where did you get that?" but by now I already have one and am well on my way to the chocolate milk. I mean, I guess I could just ask for future reference, but I am sure they will all just say, "Oh, I unlocked the Chamber of Secrets to get this here buggy."

Rereading this post is giving me a great idea for a new short film! John Thrasher and the Chamber of Buggies! Okay, I'm retarded. See you later.