www.johnthrasher.net

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

...see for yourself.

Firefox 200!

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

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?

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!

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!?

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.