Life is Life

I have rather been delinquent this past month and a half with blogging. But it just leads to a juicier story. Where to begin? Well, for my family concerned about my higher education I am finally getting settled into my school routine. I'm taking Italian, a couple journalism classes and anthropology of evolving civilizations. The U here is massive in total there are 56,000 students that attend and the campus is beautiful. The buildings were built and styled from the gilded age to art deco, all centered on a magnificent grand mall situated on the Mississippi River. The 9 A.M. classes have on occasion been a struggle to get to. I also have gotten a job at a restaurant here too! Nothing exciting about that though. Now to the FUN stuff.
I'll rewind to last night and work in reverse with an occasional jump to the future. I don't have to follow any literary rules. This is a blog and I'm not a Pulitzer Prize winner. Well last night kicked off MN Fashion Week. Being the glamorous Loden's, Larissa and I had to make an appearance. Well the evening turned it to more than just drinks and runways. While there I was spotted and asked to model in one of the upcoming fashion shows. The show is sponsored in part by the Mexican Consulate and features the best designers from Mexico. I also made a splash in men's fashion and will be featured in the Mill City's Men's Fashion website, blog, facebook, etc. and might make it into Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine. The next big news is that this Monday I will be hosting the emerging designer fashion show, featuring, obviously the newest up and coming designers in the Twin Cities. I'm also joining the University's fashion magazine which issue two issues for the year for Winter/Fall fashion and then Spring/Summer Fashion show. So for now I'm just concentrating and push the hosting and modeling jobs. In between that there are television parties with realty T.V. stars and gallery openings. although to be frank It's not glamorous all the time. I still have to do my own laundry and clean up after myself :( No major traveling plans or anything planned now. Just trying to think of where to go for spring break. Well for now folks that's it. But so long as the glamor and excitement persists so will the blogging. Well everyone with fall around the corner stay warm! till next time!

The Next Great Moment

       Well, summer is over and it's time to get onto the next great adventure. The next great moment. There comes a time in all of our lives when we come to these huge precipices. These presipices challenge us as individuals and when confornted we can either run from them or take a leap of faith.
     I always thought that studying in England would be one of the most defining moments of my life. I had assumed that it would be the greatest of the presipices. the difference with England and Minneapolis is that I always knew I would be coming back to New York, I always knew there would be an end to that adventure in England. But now it's a whole new game. This time I don't know when I'll be returning to New York. This, the very thought that freightens me, also, infigurates me. I feel a sense of excitement and adventure. A new city to conquer. New people to meet. New places to go.
      So many kids hate home. They don't appreciate what it's given to them. I used to be one of them. I would moan and complain about being stuck here. But it's not till now, now that I'm leaving that I truly appreciate everything it's given me. Everything I've learned here. I will truly miss New York. I know though that moving to Minneapolis is the right thing to do. Every muscle, bone, nerve is electrified and knows that Minneapolis is a necessary part of my journey. Even if I don't know where this journey will take me or end. But that's the exciting thing about life. You just never know where life will take you. All you can do is believe and wait for that next great moment.

An Education

    The funny thing about an education is that, the most important lessons we learn in our life normally don't come from the confines of a brick building filled with text books. But rather, they come from the world that we are taught nothing about. There are no courses in common sense. There are no courses in relationships, or emotions. Nothing! But if the time were to ever come in the world when one was needed to recall the battle tactics of King Charles VI of France, well, you would be in luck. Well, at least I would.
    I came to England to study television. While I have learned and experienced a tremendous amount with television. The lessons I have learned outside the confines of the brick walls is what has made this experience an education. In the past five months I have learned more about myself and the world than I would have staying back in America. I have always been asked, "Why did you come to Portsmouth?" The only reason I can truly say is to get away, to experience life and have some excitement in my life.I also was afraid of getting stuck and watching all the goals I had set out for myself slip away.
    As I pack the last of suitcases, take my final pictures and hand in my keys. I am left to reflect on these past five months and how dramatically I have been changed. I couldn't begin to explain to you how I've changed. I just feel as if an old man's knowledge has been bestowed upon me. But yet, I feel like I still have the world to discover.
    But I couldn't have made it this far without three amazing people. Who have taught me so much and who in return I hope to have made a similar difference. To: Kathryn, you have taught me to always speak my mind and never hold back. To: Rachel, you have taught me to thoroughly enjoy life and not care about what other people think. Finally, to: Jonathan, you have taught me to question what I know and think about things outside of the box. It is all of you that has made this an education I will never forget.
    I was asked, "Do you regret anything?" Normally, I don't regret anything. But this experience has changed that thought for me. There is one thing I regret looking back now. I regret packing this much clothing and shoes. Honestly, KLM is going to make a fortune off of me.
   With this I write to you all my final blog from England as I debark on my next adventure. I wish you all the best and will see you soon.

Roman Holiday

In 1175 Alain De Lille said, "Mille viae ducunt homines per saecula Romam", or as we would say today, "All roads lead to Rome." Well, I'm not sure about you, but, mine certainly does. I know that all of you loyal readers have been waiting to read more about my life after my two week hiatus. So here it is, my very own Audrey Hepburn styled Roman Holiday. Although, I do warn you there is no runaway royalty or Vespas involved. But, it does involve Italian; shoes, bags, paintings, and above all FOOD. Rome has always been a dream for me. The people, history, culture. Jessica came with me as holiday support, although in the end it was I supporting her and her ridiculous choice in shoes and coming from a kid with more shoes than most socialites, it should come with some weight. We started our Roman Holiday at Birmingham International Airport, one of the most amusing places to people watch at and never did it disappoint. My shear favorite group of highly intellectual, productive members of society were a group of 30-40 year old men dressed in animal onesies. Oh yes, the best was the penguin who left something metal in his pouch and had to be searched by a guard. Nothing like watching a grown man in uniform search a 40 year old penguin. It was only 6:30 in the morning, this was sure to be an amazing holiday.

Flying over Rome is like something from Under the Tuscan Sun. Complete with rolling hills of golden flowers and creepy Italian trees and in the distance sits massive domed basilicas and bell towers. The only problem is we still had to get into the city and when traveling with someone who has the same in seem length as a Barbie Doll it can prove hazardous. Fiumicno Airport is a very well laid out airport and is easy to get around, The train station that probably predates Christ is a different story. You have three areas to purchase your tickets from, all of which look like a scam. Once you purchase your ticket you don't put it in a turnstile, oh no, you put it in a stamp machine, circa 1950. We then made a rather dramatic dash to the train as we only had one minute left. The train take about 30 minutes to get into Rome. Once we had arrived in Rome I was given a tour of the train station including the spot where her and Larissa had decided to play it homeless and sleep on their last night in Rome. From the train we walked to our hotel. The hotel was something out of a Versailles wet dream. Everything was gilded with silk damask walk paper and chandeliers in the Room, after all, "When in Rome." From the hotel we headed to explore the birthplace of one of the greatest empire the world had ever scene, the Roman Forum. Upon your first glance it looks like nothing more than a bunch of collapsed columns and ruins. Then you think of everything that happened there. It was where everything was decided in the empire and where some of the most historically important men ruled, from; Julius Ceasar, to Marc Antony, and Octavius. Leading up to the Forum in the Victor Emmanuel II Monument. You wouldn't think it was a monument, you would think that it must be a former Royal Palace or the Italian Parliament Building, but no, It's a monument that had a museum put in it. It stands in front of grand piazza. with grand staircases leading up to a massive statue of Victor Emmanuel on a horse the towers over 30 feet in the air. and up further stair you come to an imposing neoclassic pavilion that looks over all of Rome. Adjacent to the monument is a grand cobblestone avenue that leads to the Colosseum. I always underestimated the shear size of the Colosseum.  For a building that has survived 2,000 years and countless attacks it is in amazing shape. The Colosseum stands over 150 feet tall and at one time could seat over 55,000 people.
On the other side of historic Rome you have the Pantheon, the oldest church in Rome and one of the best preserved buildings from the Roman Empire. From the outside it looks like a beaten unimpressive domed building, but as mothers always say, "Don't judge a book by it's cover." Isn't that the biggest understatement ever. When you walk into the former temple you are left in awe from the dome although on the outside it looks small it triples in size in the interior. It also is decorated in intricate moldings, and to think that the building is 2,000 years old, There is a giant oculous in center of the dome which is the only source of light. Basking in the light it emits with my eyes closed and taking in my surroundings and where I was was by far one of the most incredible experiences I had ever had and I highly recommend it to everyone who goes to Rome. Encompassing the entire interior are grand marble pillars, statues and walls that reflect it's significance.
On the top of lists of things to see was the Vatican. It was by far one of the most incredible imposing places I had ever been. We decided to take a tour of the city with a tour and although we were able to skip the line. The guide was absolutely atrocious and needs to rethink his mid life crisis career choice. He could not take away from the grandeur a mystic of the city. I can not seemingly describe everything about the city. From the grand marble statue galleries, to the intricate frescoes on the walls and ceilings. To the manicured landscaping which look like Jesus himself had done, pun intended. But among all jewels was the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. the ceiling is the fresco of all frescoes. and depicts everything from the creation of the earth to the Great Flood. Each scene gradually becomes larger and faces right side from the Pope's chair as His Holiness would not have to strain to see each scene. Seeing the creation was by far one of the coolest things I had ever seen and is actually quite impressive. And as I am a dedicated author for you, my loyal readers, I incurred the wrath of the wanna be Swiss Guards security officers who worked at the museum. Apparently, it says you can't take photos in the Sistine Chapel, thankfully for you all I elected to not be able to observe signs for that hour and took a series of photos, only to be rudely interrupted by a mono toned guard who apparently only could only say, "No photos" in English. So, I decided to act like I only spoke French, "Tu Parle Francais?" After the museum we proceeded to St. Peter's Basilica. Walking into the basilica you are immediately struck by a magnificent golden stained glassed window that encompasses a clock at the altar of the basilica. As you walk through you are then struck by the ever enlarging size of the basilica. You don't realize the shear size of the basilica until you  look upon a huge bronze canopy that is about 100 feet tall. The canopy known as, Bernini's Baldachinni can actually fit inside the uppermost dome of the basilica which when you look at the uppermost dome and then the size of the canopy makes you realize the actual size of the basilica. Upon leaving the basilica and looking upon St. Peter's Square, the giant Egyptian obelisk  and the grand avenue leading up to the Vatican you feel this greatness come over you.
Then there is the Trevi Fountain. Considered to be Bernini's greatest masterpiece the traverstine stone fountain is one of the most famous in the world. 3,000 euros a day are thrown into the fountain, which are then used to finance a market for homeless people. As per tradition with the fountain you throw a coin in over your head into the fountain and it will ensure you a return visit to Rome. I certainly hope this is the case.
Rome was everything I dreamed it would be. During my holiday It made me realize that I want to live in Rome and subsequently I will set out to go to grad school in Rome.

From the food, which was like heaven. You have not truly lived until you have had real Italian food. to the people, all of which have an Italian way of live which is like something from La Dolce Vita. To the clothes, all of the men look like they had a free for all in my closets. And of course the art. I won't bore you all with my confessions of shopping, but, all I will say is that an influx of the Italian way of live is headed to New York. To the dismay of my mother I would like to call Rome home one day and I find it the perfect place to raise a family. Who knows what the future will bring, but as far as the Trevi Fountain is concerned Rome has yet to see the last of me.

Schools Out For Ever, Well Maybe Just the Summer

There are three things all University students have in common; we are born, we die, and if it's the end of the semester, we study. Welcome to the final two weeks of the spring semester, a prescribed mixture of late nights, Starbucks Coffee and the library. Although I promised you that my life would become something out of a Steven Spielberg movie, it hasn't since I've been back. But I did manage to write a 20 page essay in a matter of  5 hours. Can you consider 20 pages and essay? Probably not. What else is on the agenda? I have another 5 essays to write for my radio class, I have to put the producers portfolio together for the BBC project and write another horrid essay for my video industry class. All of which get to be written in the third person, limited, oh, what a joy. As with anything though there is a silver lining. Before the dust has settled on the library books and the toner has dried up in the printers I will have escaped to spend my remaining weeks in Italy & Spain while soaking up the sun in Ibiza and becoming enlightened at the Vatican. Unfortunately, I have spent more time writing this blog than writing any of my portfolio essays, plus, I'm out of caffeine. Until next time. 

Leaving on a Jet Plane, I Do Know when I'll Be Back Again!

Where to begin? Well, These past two weeks back in New York have been a whirl wind. Coming home from a long period abroad is the weirdest thing. When people ask you, "How is it over there? Are you having a great time?" To try and explain to people such a massive part of your life in sentences is one of the hardest things about coming home. The other thing that was foreign was how little peoples lives had changed but for me, my entire life had changed, it's an describable feeling, at times you almost feel like a stranger or foreigner yourself. It wasn't bad, it was just an adjustment! While I was home home I received my acceptance letter to one of the best journalism programs in the country. So come August, I will become a resident of Minneapolis. While home I was able to see some of my family, my best friend and so many other loved ones! Including my kitty cat, Mr. Shark; he could totally kick your cats ass. Mr. Shark thinks he's a dog. He eats dog food and rolls around in the drive away like our dog, I'm waiting for him to start chasing after sticks, or rocks. It was awesome to see the store and restaurant, and see how much they have grown and changed. Unfortunately I have no epic experiences to tell you. All I have is an update to tell you where I'm at, actually I don't even know. I think I'm somewhere on the Hudson River between Albany and Poughkeepsie. But I could be mistaken! With my life I'm sure I will have an epic tale once I'm Back in Portsmouth, maybe involving me fighting off dragons or finding Jimmy Hoffa's body. But until then your lives are probably more interesting than mine!

I'm Coming Home, Oh Wait. I Am Home

Well I know all of you have been anxiously awaiting a new blog post, so, here it is. Where do I Begin? well Since the last time I posted I have been to Dublin, London, Bath, Stratford upon Avon, Ledbury, and Oxford and actually as I write this blog post I'm on the Ethan Allen service up to Albany. I will try to organize these bizarre series of events chronologically, but I'm not promising anything. I first started out in London with the arrival of my sister, Larissa. Now in my life I must always be fashionable, not always practical. Well, I purchased a new pair of shoes the day pryer for the occasion. Now I'm always lectured about this and still I never listen, but when you mix a full day of walking in London with new shoes and stereotypical English weather, you get an angry bipolar Josh, which apparently taxes everyone else. I refuse to see the correlation between the two. From there we set out to Oxford to tour my future home, Blenheim Palace. Whilst at my home we meet up with my neighbors whom we seem to only ever see while in England or some other exotic land. We were also able to take a tour of the private apartments of the Duke and his family whom still take up residence at the palace. Which was amusing to me. As you walk through the private apartments you are surrounded by some of the finest baroque design elements and some of the finest paintings in the world, which one room's paintings could equal a multimillion dollar fortune. But that isn't the amusing part as you walk through these rooms decorated in grandeur you run into evidence of the families presence. For instance in their living room they have a plasma television like most of us do, but it sits upon an 18th century Louis XVI styled chest that once was in the Palace of Versailles. Or in the hall you have portraits of Consuelo Vanderbilt done by Sargent and next to it is a pair of the Duke's boots. After Oxford it was off to Bath, and toured the Roman Baths. When you stand at the baths and really think about the knowledge that people had two millennium ago is mind blowing. The baths were in a bath house with vaulted ceilings that measured over 30 feet. The baths were also self cleaning and had constant fresh spring water circulating. Just to walk through the remains of the complex and around the bath itself, which still has spring water circulating through it although no one is allows to go in do to bacteria. But I thought if the Romans did it, I could. Well, after I put a couple fingers in, I couldn't do it! Due to the nutrients and minerals in the water my fingers turned orange and was not easily washable. But all of those things aside, the water was the perfect temperature and at the end of the tour you even got to drink it! As I grew up on well water it was just like being home! From Bath we went onwards to Redditch to recoup and prepare for my trip to Dublin. We all have our stereotypes of what we presume cities and people to be like. I personally found this to be half true in the case of Dublin. The Dubliners were as I suspected, they loved their Guinness. As for the city, it was not what I expected. Dublin is a economically thriving city, as most major corporations choose Dublin as their European headquarters because it's a tax haven. The city also had a very rich history and the people of Dublin were very proud of their heritage and their culture. While in Dublin some of my highlights that I toured were Dublin Castle, The Kilmainham Jail, and the Guinness brewery. We also took a bus tour of the entire city. On our last day in Ireland we went outside of Dublin and drive through the seaside and went to Powercourt, which was an aristocratic manor atop the hills outside of Dublin the looked over some of the most magnificent gardening and landscaping I have ever seen. I would have the audacity to say that their gardens trumped those of Versailles. Once back from Dublin we went to Stratford Upon Avon; the birthplace of William Shakespeare, for Easter and toured a couple other cute small market towns. Currently though I am making my way up to Albany for a couple weeks and then I'll be back to England. Now, I'm sure you all have been waiting for some of my brilliantly witty comedic satire and don't worry it sits two rows in front of me. It sits in the form of a hippy and his asian wife. Like John and Yoko, except they are definitely not as glamorous, they are quite possibly bat shit crazy and smell. John Jr., as we'll call him, he keeps bursting out on these rants about how he doesn't care what people think. Well obviously guy! You appear to be homeless, or possibly without plumbing facilities and you keep shouting about your thought. As for the asian wife she is the ball crusher of the relationship, like Yoko =o, yes I did acknowledge that Yoko is the reason for The Beatles dismemberment. But Anyways, as soon as she boarded my carriage she threatened him that she had her steel toe punk boots on and would use them. Well I'm glad at least out of the two, one knows about the existence of footwear. But the story gets better, the charming psychologist who is wearing a gorgeous Chanel suit in the row across from me and was discussing the two specimen with me earlier has had several verbally abusive outbursts on her cell to her poor understudy. Well folks, my train is coming ever so close to Albany and it's time to rap this up. I'll be performing at the Apple Barrel for the next two weeks so come on down and be entertained! tips are expected ;)

Rollin' on the River Like a Too Proud Mary

Pride is a funny thing and how it can effect people. Earlier this week my Mom and Aunt arrived in England, as this was my last week of Uni before I break for Easter they decided to go on the good ole narrow boat in Nottingham and as with the rest of my life this too had it's share of adventure. We begin last Wednesday as I made my way up to Redditch, Normally when taking the train I don't go via London, I now know why. I made my way from Portsmouth to London on the train with no problems, when I arrived at the Waterloo Station the turnstile wasn't accepting my ticket, I didn't think anything of it as these machines are more faulty than Lindsay Lohan's blood alcohol tests. A nice employee opened the gate for me with no problem and onwards I went across London on the tube to another train station. Once at the Euston train station I proceeded to my platform and got my ticket out handed it to the conductor and he informed me that my ticket was for the not for that day but the following day. Well naturally many unchristian words came into my head, so I dragged my luggage back to the ticketing counter to get the problem sorted out. Now I thoroughly enjoy the bureaucratic red tape in American politics, but the England rail service certainly has it beat. While waiting in line I was scooping out the person I perceived to be most maternal, well I got that one wrong this woman was probably the most satanic woman I have ever met, and I work in retail. After a lengthy battle with her she informed be that it would cost me £50 to change the ticket as it was not there fault because the Portsmouth station is not a Virgin station and the problem is on Southwestern's end. Now I try to be a kind respectful human but this female dog was asking for it. Well after some kind stern words, I got the manager and after a failed attempt and flashing my horsey white teeth and arguing for 15 minutes he finally reduced it to £20. Still too much, but at this point I wanted to leave. Finally getting to Redditch I just wanted to relax and kick my feet back, but why would I get this chance? My darling sister decided to wake me up the following day at 8 and had me clean with her until 5, just because my mother would be coming to her house for a few hours, you would have thought that the Queen and her deceased predecessors were coming to visit. Once we had finally cleaned and went to bed I got to get up at 5 the next morning because apparently the only planes to Birmingham from New York arrive at 6 A.M. Once we had collected my family we went back to my sisters house for a few hours, where the cleaning was not admired, before heading to the boat in Nottingham. I would say I come from a boating enthused family, yet I did not get this gene, well besides the whole clothing part, I can wear a mean nautical outfit. Once we got the boat out of the marina and into the water I insisted on driving and being in charge as I have too much pride. I then proceeded to nearly kill us twice and crash the boat 3 times surrounded by other boats and people where my pride was effectively diminished and I soon sought the shelter of the kitchen away from the rest of the boating community and become the tea and biscuit boy. The excursion also had it's fare share of sibling battles, but we'll save that for the family reunion. On Sunday myself and my brother - in -law could not to escape the ship and cruise for land. But once again I can never have a normal train trip although this was my fault. As I wanted to get to Portsmouth earlier rather than later I got on an earlier train thinking it wouldn't be a big deal, well I was soon corrected half way to Portsmouth I was told I would have to get off and wait until my scheduled train came through. I was also told that I would have to pay some bogus penalty, conveniently though there was a hold on my card whilst I was traveling on the train and I wasn't able to pay it and got away scotch free. I finally made it to Portsmouth at my scheduled time. As for the latest happenings in England, global warming has seemed to fall upon England as for the pat week the average temperature has been 70's and blue skies, who needs to go to Spain when you can get your tan on in England? So lets say I will have a nice English glow when I arrive back in New York for my Easter holiday, yes you heard correctly! Thanks to frequent flyer miles and enough work shifts to back my European tour that much better. I will be gracing New York for 2 weeks with my lovely presence...but will be mainly working rather than leading the social scene. As for my upcoming travels, Larissa flies in on Saturday and from there my family and I will be traveling through England to Ireland for a week. So until next time, stay classy and dance.

P.S. Mrs. Brooks I will not be proof reading this... as I fell asleep writing this :) enjoy!

Eggs N' No Kegs

As per special request I will be highlighting on St. Patty's Day, UK style. I'm sure most of you remember the infamous Kegs N' Eggs Riots last year in DT Albany, if you don't, go on youtube and look it up. Seeing as I am in the kingdom responsible for St. Patty's Day I thought they would put America to shame, thankfully I did not put money down on my hypothesis. St. Patty's Day here, well at least in Portsmouth seems to be nonexistent. There is no green beer, no excess of green clothing, no riots, nothing. It actually seemed like a quieter night. I didn't add to the spirit as the strongest drink I had last night was apple juice. As for the rest of my week we had our first day of shooting for the BBC project on the Isle of Wight. We started filming at the vintage steam railway which dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria, they actually have the train coach she used to travel in when she would come to her palace on the isle. The Isle of Wight also is like a miniature England. The center of isle reminds me of the midlands in England and as you go towards the coast it mirrors England's coast especially in the town of Ryde which is like a mirror image of Brighton. We still have a few more days of shooting to accomplish before we go into a post production edit. My radio show is coming along nicely too, just have to do a few interviews and finish up my portfolio and it will be time to go off the air. It's been a very low key week in Portsmouth and the weather has been amazing, definitely not your typical English spring. As it is Mum's Day in the UK, I would like to wish my mum a happy Mother's Day and I lover her very much and I can't wait until I see her next week!!!! Until Next time!

Another Stress Free Weekend

**Warning** Sarcasm is intended. So as promised I'm writing another blog about my ridiculous life. This weekend I went back up North to Redditch to visit Jessica and Ian, I went up a day earlier than I normally do after, let's say, an eventful previous weekend and week. This past Saturday we visited my future home; Blenheim Palace. This massive English Baroque styled palace is the seat to the Dukedom of Marlborough and is still used as a home by the family today. The Dukedom of Marlborough is currently in the Spencer-Chruchill family, as in, Princess Diana Spencer's and Winston Churchill's family. The palace was a gift to the 1st Duke of Marlborough from the British nation for defeating King Louis XIV's army. The gardens and statues and landscaping in general were breathtaking but most of all the Palace's interior was magnificent the great hall is 63 feet from floor to ceiling, with windows that illuminate everything, so long as there is sun, which in this country is RARE. The palace's library is the second largest room in an English residence. We also saw the room and bed in which Winston Churchill was born in. The weather was gorgeous that day and from the palace you could see views of sheep grazed fields with small churches in the distant it was an idyllic day and the complete and total opposite of what today was like. Today got off normally, nothing exciting. Then we decided to take a Sunday stroll along a lake in Redditch and this began the downfall of my day. Now I adore children I want loads of kids, the thing with that is I only like children that are related to me or well behaved other than that, children can and do annoy me and British children are no different. In England the new fad for kids are these ridiculous scooters, now I'm all for children getting outside and exercising but when every other British brat cuts me off, runs over my foot and what have you, I would just as well tie them to a tree and throw the scooters in the middle of the lake. Once finally escaped of the scooter ridden lake I made my way to the train station to go back to Portsmouth. Now, Europe is legendary for their trains and the efficiency of their trains well in my total of 4 train trips since being here, half have been ridden with problems and delays, and why should today be any different? It could only add to my already chipper mood (remember people sarcasm). The first bit started lovely, it was sunny, gorgeous, a nice breeze from the window, and I was for once facing the right direction! My first connection is Birmingham, now the train station there although massive is very easy to maneuver, so long as you have the correct times. Well the genius that I and my sister are, we had written the wrong train itinerary down...Whoops! after calling and getting that fiasco worked out I made my way to the platform to wait for my train to Bristol. Well with my luck my train would be 10 minutes late and my next connection would only give me 10 minutes, terrific! Once boarded I found my seat and thankfully no one sat next to me, which could be because I kept my bag on it, but who knows! Once the train started to go I realized that I was facing the wrong direction, terrific! about 30 minutes into the trip the train comes to a breaching halt, it didn't help that I had watched The Peacemaker last night and all I could think about was the train crash scene. The conductor soon came on apologizing for the delay and that there were signal problems and we should be moving shortly, 15 minutes later! we started moving again, at this point I have no idea where and if there are anymore connections to Portsmouth. So right before I arrived in Bristol the conductor came on and said that anyone going to Portsmouth, their next train was at 8:15, keep in mind its 6:55. So I made my way to a coffee shop and sat down, decompressed and a 10 minutes later get up to see what platform I would be departing from. Well hold on kids wouldn't you know there's a train leaving at 7:10 for Portsmouth, it's now 7:05 and I'm at platform 12 and my train leaves from platform 7. Well after a mad dash to the platform with my version of luggage for a weekend trip and in my head cursing out the useless train conductor, I made it to my train. Once the train started moving I realized, I'm facing the wrong way, again! This past weekend has made me aware of a few things. First I miss REAL maple syrup, I get random cravings for it at all hours of the day. Secondly there isn't proper deodorant here and the kind they have here is not as effective as American deodorant. Before you think it, no I do not exert myself, the deodorant here does not work as well and you can ask any American here and they will back me up. Thirdly clothes come out of the wash differently here, I don't know what it is about it, but it is completely different, and not for the better. These are all the ramblings I have for you for now, Until next time!

Perspective

I normally would write my weekly blog with some amazing adventure or experience that would normally come from Hollywood. But this week I'm doing something different. We are so often overtaken and obsessed with our own lives and loose track of what is really important. This sounds so cliched but never more than right now has the point been driven home to me. An hour ago I came across a video titled Kony 2012, at first I thought it was presidential campaign video but I soon realized it was not. I'm adding the video below and all I ask of you this week is to watch it. With in the first 5 minutes I was moved to tears, I know the video is 30 minutes but please for me and whatever is decent in this world watch this. Thank you so much and I will have another amazing adventure to tell you after this weekend. Just copy and paste the link below into your web address browser and watch this. Thank you all God Bless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc&feature=youtu.be

Oops I'm In India!

Just kidding actually! But I did go to Brighton this past weekend where I went to the Royal Pavilion. The Royal Pavilion is probably the most xenophobic piece of architecture ever produced by the British Empire. The palace is a Hindu-gothic styled palace inspired by what the perception perceived by British society in the early 19th century. The palace I will admit though is magnificent with massive chandeliers and ball rooms. The rest of Brighton is this charming European beach city with idyllic cobble stoned streets and cafes and has an old time carnival pier. It's like Miami with Class instead of trash. As for school it is seemingly becoming more and more ridiculous! My classes do not run a traditional semester, no, in 3 weeks two of my lecture series will be done and all I will have left is 5 hours worth of class per week the rest of the time is for our independent projects which will be done well before the last day of class. I feel i may take up a hobby, maybe knitting. I may volunteer too, surely that can't be illegal on my visa! Other than that I have kept my life to bare minimum excitement in order to recover from the last month of extravagance. Well TTFN (ta ta for now) =]

All sorts of sick

Yes I knows its been a while since I have written a new post and you all have been on the edge of your seats. I visited Jessica last weekend we went to Coventry and walked around, and also went to this magnificent ruin of one of the greatest homes in England called Witley Court, which caught fire back in the late 30's and was stripped and left as a shell. Now owned by the English Heritage its gardens and fountains have been restored and has a beautiful contrast between the ruins of palace and the refined gardens. Nothing terribly exciting school wise has happened within the past two week, just adjusting details with BBC and a few other projects. As for my social life, Thursday night all of us foreign exchange student (the future United Nations) went to a toga party. We were the classiest looking Greeks, as I designed the togas. Then on Friday I came down with a cold, probably from running around Portsmouth in nothing but a toga. Over the weekend I went to London with some friends, I had a great weekend, but as my life goes there is always some drama! As I don't exactly travel lightly I brought a suitcase which I kept at the hotel the day we checked out. Well thanks to the Olympics London is giving itself a face lift and remodeling all the tubes. So every other tube line was shut down, once I finally made it to my hotel and got back on the train and got to the station I missed by bus back to Portsmouth. I then went to the train station and bought a ticket and seeing as how it was last minute and I was desperate they were able to charge be £31.80, normally it costs £12.50. Southern Railways shall expect a letter of complaint. Anyways once I made that train, I had to change trains, thanks to whosoever divine sense of humor I missed my connecting train and got to wait 30 minutes at England's sketchiest train station! That's when my first bit of home sickness kicked in, but after a good nights sleep and being back in Portsmouth I'm back to my normal self. I am still sick though but I can feel it clearing up!

I'm From "New York"

I love cliches, actually that was a lie. Since my arrival here there has been one thing that has annoyed me. One is always inquisitive when meeting new people, especially when people meet Americans. My favorite question they ask is, " Where in America are you from?" and of course as cliches go I answer, "from New york." and let the questions begin. it always goes along the lines of, "oh wow that's so cool! Is it really like Gossip Girl and Sex and The City?" Originally I enjoyed crushing their dreams of New York while simultaneously giving them a 10 minute lecture on geography of New England. But there are only so many times I can give those lectures and late last week I gave up and just said, "yup I'm from New York, No it's not like the shows or movies. Yes people tend to be mean there." and then I just go on my mary way, honestly it's easier to let them believe their fantasies. But then they ask stupid questions after that. the best I've heard so far is, "do they watch T.V. in America?" After the person asked this I had to have a little fun! I informed them that no we don't have television in New York we also don't have cinemas and we travel via horse and buggy. The sad thing is they actually believed me for a second. But now on to more exciting news! Classes here are much more practical and hands on (recommendation to all of you send your kids here to college one its cheaper, two it takes less time and three its the most practical career orientated education I have ever witnessed.) anyways! In my professional production practices class we have been asked to shoot a video for a real world client. Well my production team and I got to pitch to The BBC for a docu-travel piece on the Isle of Wight. A gorgeous island with a world famous zoo, the grand Osborne House, a former palace to Queen Victoria. and world renowned festival that draws in musical talents by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Jessie J and the world's most current artists. And as long as it is up to BBC standards our program will be aired in 22 cities across the UK and possibly viewed by millions. All with a producers credit the reads Joshua Loden. I will also be hosting a radio program in May about student life in Portsmouth and healthy living in Portsmouth. It's only been three weeks and I'm already becoming a UK power house. I can't wait to see what the next 5 months bring! Well until next time!

Easy A?

Well I have had my first full week of school in the UK... it was interesting. Firstly not only do they do a bachelors programme in 3 years they are also the most practical and career based degree I have ever heard or seen of. From day one of your first year it is all about molding you into a worthy candidate of an industry career. There are no fluffers no sugar just spice, spice, spice. every lesson plan every project is based on getting you ready for the work force. The experience however is going to be worthy no matter what my nerves are trying to tell me. There is no homework no quizes there are only a few projects that count maorly towards your grade. My projects script produce and present my own one hour radio project. Produce, direct, film a video for a private real world client who could possibly air it in 22 cities across the UK on The BBC. Produce, Direct and present and televison studio "magazine" style programme. Thankfully though most of my peers are tecnology geeks and hate being in front of the camera they also hate being in charge and would rather be submissive. Well that really works out for me and my portfolio as I'm a camera hungry presenter and i also enjoy bossing people around and being in control! But this is unlike any schooling I've ever been in, I though university in America was sink or swim... Well I didn't know about Uni. across the pond i would say its more barely float or drowned. they tell you the projects and whats expected of you but they don't tell you how to do it! it's just figure it out, I'm not lecturing about it or anything. But as for my social calender has been expanding all of the exchange students have made really good friends with one another. I have become best friends with the French, I have also started making friends with the English, but being English they are hard to warm. actually the British people I have made friends with aren't even English they were born in other countries and moved here as children. The drinking age being 18 has been completely bizarre just going into a pub or lounge with your friends and drinking responsibly and just chatting so bizarre. In the America its just well we've got our hands on booz lets totally abuse it and end up with massive hangovers, of course I've only witnessed this never partaked! It's quite funny though because the french kids will have one drink and nurse that sucker the entire night! it's amazing how they can make one pint last 5 hours1 they should teach a course in America. Other than school not that much else has really occured! Next weekend I will be going up north visiting my sister and brother-in-law and touring some stately manors. I will be going to Windsor soon as well to have tea with the Queen. Well until next time! Wish me luck!

Portsmouth Calling

Well i am officially moved into my new dorm. and have been in Portsmouth for almost two whole days now. Today was international orientation, which was quite comical, Portsmouth University has roughly 18,000 undergrad students and there are a total of around 50 exchange students for the semester. So there we were all 50 of us in one giant conference hall in one of the older buildings of the university just staring at each other. I felt like I was in the opening scene for a European Mean Girls movie. All of us staring at one each other and forming cliques although the cliques were based on nationality. All the French, Austrians, Russians forming the largest groups then us Americans and Canadians dotting the hall not talking to each other pretending to be on our phones and look busy and trying not look awkward as we were waiting to check into orientation. Once we got checked in they gave us a free goodie bag with useless papers and a free shirt. once checked in we went to a lecture room where we once again we sat in awkward silence until another American came and sat by me from Minnesota. who emulated the term "Minnesota Nice". And thus my first friend in England was made ironically enough an American. throughout the day we added an Australian and a Portuguese person to the band wagon. Well I'm loosing focus and so if I keep writing the quality of this post will go right down the tube in a firey blaze. So Until next time!

A Divine Humor

I never thought I would be the one to cry when leaving home. I always gawked at “those people” but as irony would have it I became one of “those people”. I suspected leaving wouldn't actually hit me until I got to the airport. Well correction, lets rewind to when I left the store. At first I was doing fine, wearing my big boy panties and bearing it all with a smile. Then it hit like a freight train hitting a fire hydrant. When I started saying good bye to those closest to me. And for the next 45 minutes it just gushed and gushed and gushed.
The funny thing about leaving is there is such this climactic build up to saying good bye. Checking into your flight. Making your way to security. Finally facing your loved ones and saying good bye. Well after this dramatic build up, which should have a Hollywood soundtrack playing in the background. You finally reach the peak of the climax and then boom you have to sit and sit and sit … ohh did I mention sit? Then you are left to think. You think that you say good bye and you are magically there. You forget that with time changes and travel you won't be there for another day!
Like any good story that I tell it's had its fair share of drama, it always makes a story sound better! Well I was stupid to think that mother nature would let me have a pass of experiencing winter without any snow! Naturally on the day of departure we get a snow storm! But whatever divine being you believe in whether it be; God, Ala, Shiva, Darwin, etc. they have a hilarious sense of humor. The snow miraculously parted just in time, or so I thought. Everything was going smoothly until I entered Kennedy airspace. This is where divine humor comes and makes its grand debut! We were a mere 10 minutes away from the airport, coincidentally so where about 25 other planes. Naturally with my luck we were told to wait and wait and wait. After 35 minutes of aimlessly circling in the air, the captain came on and informed us that we may have to find another airport and make an emergency landing for fuel. Then miraculously we were given permission to land! Okay dodged a bullet or so I thought! Once landed we started taxiing to the gate. Suddenly we jolted to a park, and we sat there and sat and sat and sat. 25 minutes went by. Guess what we have no gate because things are so backed up planes can't leave their gates. Finally another 20 minutes went by and we were finally given a gate and started to taxi to the gate. In the meantime I was checking the status of my connection. That's odd I thought there is no plane leaving for Amsterdam at 8:00... hmm well I'll look at my itinerary, come to find out I can't read military time, my plane actually leaves at 18:00.. after doing “simple” math I realize that would be 6:00 when my flight leaves. Its currently 5:00. you can only imagine the creative words that popped into my head. Well after a dramatic departure from the plane and a mad dash to the shuttle and a hellish ordeal with my boarding pass or lack there of. I made it to my plane just in time! But wait there's more! As I boarded the plane I noticed something suspicious, my flight has three seats per row and three sections. Wouldn't you know I got seated smack dab in the middle of the middle row. But wait there's more! Not only that I had a smelly European who believed in showering once every 4 days on one side and a plump Long Islander who wanted to battle for the arm rest and naturally I won! After 3 hours into the flight. The only good thing about the flight is that it falls under the laws of The Netherlands and I can legally drink in the Netherlands and on top of it all it was ALL free, let's just say I got my tickets worth! I also think they thought I was an alcoholic as I was still drinking at 5:00 in the morning. But now I am in Amsterdam waiting for my plane. And the wifi at the airport is broken for some utterly ridiculous reason and I am merely writing a draft because I have nothing better to do. So when most of you read this I will be in England. And I’m sure knowing my life and the divine humor that accompanies it I will have more to add to the story. Until next time! Stay Classy America!

The Beginning

I have less than a week before I leave for one of the most paramount journeys of my life. It still hasn't hit me, am I really leaving? am I actually going to England for 6 months? and the only thing I can think of is I haven't even packed...Crap! what am I going to bring? How am I supposed to fit 2 closets; 35 pairs of bottoms, roughly 20 sweaters and approximately 100 tops into 3 suitcases and one personal carry on? Crap! what about my shoes? we'll just cross that bridge when we arrive to it. As I start packing my suitcases, and buy more memory cards for my camera I wonder how I will surmount this and I honestly couldn't be doing this without my mom. And with that I would like to thank her for giving me the strength, courage, and kick in the ass to take this step and change my life forever and for that I want to thank her and I will be forever grateful, more than words could ever express and would like to say once again thank you and I love you. Abraham Lincoln once said, "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."