( Day 3: )

More to come! Probably Saturday.

Warning: Most of these posts will be image heavy and incredibly so. I bought a new camera before going and it uploads at like 3000x4000 or something.lol They don't post that big, though.

This one is not image-heavy but text-heavy, however.

( Day 1: )

My friend Jenn:

"I don't have boyfriends. I have confidence intervals!"

Yeah, we're grad students. Also known as DORKS.

I know, I know. I haven't been around and I'm uber sorry. I had that test when I got back, then a bunch of assignments and now this weekend I have a huge list, too. Here, see for yourself.

1. Vacuum bedroom and living room.
2. Clean bathroom (toilet, floors, tub)
3. Write statistics project proposal (1 page, but I have no idea yet even)
4. Create a (very) rough draft of policy research design proposal
5. Stats lab assignment
6. Work on stuff for RA prof
7. Call Toyota dealership
8. Prep for interview (will share only if I get the job)
9. Read articles for policy class Monday
10. Begin IR lit review
11. Figure out why there's a hold on my MU account (I think it has something to do with shot records)
12. Attend friend's bday party Saturday night

YEAH. I have just over a week to get through before Thanksgiving break. I may not get my London posts up until then. Some good news though, is that for the past two days I've been uploading pictures whenever at home. So that part will be done at least.

Despite all this, though, I have been reading Good Omens when I get breaks (bus to and from school, when my computers thinking, etc). SO GOOD. My peers have been giving me crap for it, though. And it's like, yes I'm busy, but I would like to have sort of life, you know? Sometimes, I need a funny story rather than dry journicles about rational choice theory. Right?

So, HI. How have you all been? Off to read my flist now. But just wanted to let you know I'm alive and that eventually I will get London stuff up but that I have 12 very good reasons (at least) about why its not done yet.

One final bit of joy for everyone. I love John Barrowman (just wait!).

Ok, home again (finally). Had both a good and stressful trip. Will elaborate later in the week. I have so much homework/studying between now and Wed, it's not funny. And I have to do stuff for my RA prof. ACK!!

Day one - a song
Day two - a picture
Day three - a book/ebook/fanfic
Day four - a site
Day five - a youtube clip
Day six - a quote
Day seven - whatever tickles your fancy

Well, one of my favorite sites ever is PostSecret. Go figure, this week there aren't any new secrets (although, check out the vid). So I will also supply you with a link to XKCD: A Webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language. It's hilarious. They have tons of sci-fi, science and math jokes. If you hold your mouse over each comic, there's always an additional comment. It's geekery at its finest (and they always tease about fandom).

Have fun!

I missed a day, sorry!

Day one - a song
Day two - a picture
Day three - a book/ebook/fanfic
Day four - a site
Day five - a youtube clip
Day six - a quote
Day seven - whatever tickles your fancy

I wish I could link you all to a book, but this will have to do.

I really recommend the graphic novel, Watchmen. Some of you I'm sure have read it. Now, graphic novels aren't my thing at all. But I was blown away by this one. It's a beautiful, tragic story about humans, rather than superheroes. It shows our good side and our very, very bad. It's my favorite kind of story. Humanity has flaws and they shouldn't be brushed under a rug; they should be open to the daylight so that we can correct what's wrong and praise what's right.

I promise, you even get used to the small text within the images.

My week ended far better than it began. I can only hope this continues.

Well, my week was good except in the realm of sports. The Packers lost to the Vikings. I AM CRUSHED. But November 1st we'll be back. And win. RIGHT, ROGERS?? And then the Patriots lost today. And the Twins had this awesome momentum, beating the Detroit Tigers only to lose 3 straight games against the Yankees. YOU ALL DON'T UNDERSTAND MY LOATHING FOR THE YANKEES. It's like, having professional skaters and "dream teams" allowed in the Olympics. IT PISSES ME OFF.

Something else pissing me off lately? Senator (R-OK) Tom Coburn. Why? Because he wants to cut political science from the National Science Foundation Funding. He says, to quote:

"The University of Michigan may have some interesting theories about recent elections," Coburn's office said in a statement, "but Americans who have an interest in electoral politics can turn to CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, the print media, and a seemingly endless number of political commentators on the Internet."

Are you kidding me? I love CNN and all those. And they do have smart people. Who I often agree with. But a) I'd like a job when I get my PhD, and more importantly, b) pundits are what my IR prof would refer to as "op-ed writers". What they say has some statistics behind it, but not enough proof. And they don't provide theory. They speculate without testing.

So, check out the whole article. And if you'd like me to have a job (and hundreds of other dedicated poli sci grad students) to be able to have jobs and do real research, you can sign a petition and write your Congress people.

(And this isn't purely self-motivated, either. I'd pimp it if they were trying to cut geology out of the funding, too.)

Hello? Anyone out there? *listens, and hears only the sound of crickets*

Seriously? No one had any thoughts on my hair?

Day one - a song
Day two - a picture
Day three - a book/ebook/fanfic
Day four - a site
Day five - a youtube clip
Day six - a quote
Day seven - whatever tickles your fancy

In anticipation of a week and a half from now...

For one week, I recommend/share...

Day one - a song
Day two - a picture
Day three - a book/ebook/fanfic
Day four - a site
Day five - a youtube clip
Day six - a quote
Day seven - whatever tickles your fancy

This song combines my two favorite singers of the moment.

"You Are" by Estelle, ft John Legend.



And in other news, I have done no homework today, was hit on by an about 60-year-old man and frat boys last night, and went shopping. Anyone care to see my uber cute new dress?

1. Who all is going to see John Barrowman in his show the weekend of Oct 25th? Are you all going Monday night (the 26th)?

2. About how long is the tube ride from Heathrow, anyone know? The cheaper hotels are out there, but I don't want to spend 30 minutes riding each day. I guess it wouldn't be so bad, but somewhat annoying. It doesn't look to be a long ride on the tube map, but those can be deceiving.

Ugh. This is what happens when I try to do homework in front of my computer. I play on it all day instead of doing the hw. I've read one (50+ page) article. I technically have about 200 pages to read before tomorrow's class. NOT HAPPENING. I think I'll try to get through 2 or 3 of the shorter ones (25 or less pages). But those 50 pagers? NO.

So what have I been doing today? Cruising London stuff. Checking out more hotels, events, attractions. I think I'm going to go see John Barrowman in La Cages Aux Folles while I'm there. John's one of the Torchwood actors I haven't met and I adore him. Anyone know if they do the actor meet and greet bits after? I know recently, the fans of Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto were going to their theatre shows and just hanging out till they left the building (well, CP had some Q&A's, too). I'd love to try and get a picture. Yes, I am apparently willing to be a stalker.

I looked at The Hub 3 stuff and while I'm tempted, they only have standard passes left. And it's a pass for all 3 days. Much as I like that idea, I'm going to see London, not just actors this time; plus, I have plans all day Sunday. I'd do a one day pass to get the photo ops and stuff, but I don't think it'll work out this time. *is sad* I also checked out London MCM Expo because it's that weekend, too, but they only have two people I'm interested in and not hugely so. If they had Edward James Olmos again or the Stargate Universe crew or something, totally (because theirs is a single day pass). Although I kind of want the ticket just to shop at all the fangeeky booths.lol

BUT. Because The Hub 3 is in town, I know a few of you will be there! I totally want to meet up with you!! (And kerryblaze, I am amused that for the second time, us two Americans will (hopefully) be meeting up in London.)

So, yeah. A waste of a day. Don't want to do all this reading...(You know the worst thing? I'm actually wasting time, hoping my fin aid will get deposited so I can actually start buying some of these things--including the rest of my textbooks!)

HAI GUISE!!!

So, this is my official announcement that I'll be visiting jolly old England again--specifically, London. THANK GOD. HOW I HAVE MISSED IT.

That being said, I love how, the minute I'm able to go back, the exchange rate is double again. FML. So, while I *technically* could afford to go business class like I'd been hoping to (because God, I really hate planes and 8 hours is so frakking LONG in coach), I'm going to avoid that because I suspect that would cost me $2,000 if not more. And I'd much rather buy a Louis Vuitton purse or something if I'm going to spend that. Have something to show for it, you know? It's also causing issues with hotels, because I really don't think I should have to pay $1,000 to stay for 5 nights. I complain about my rent, but I get 28-31 nights for $365. THAT IS JUST TOO DISPROPORTIONATE. (And no, I don't do hostels. I tried that once. NEVER AGAIN.)

Anyway. The real point of this post is because I have a lot of England-born, London-livers, and extensive London travelers on my flist. I'm looking for restaurant recommendations. Every time I went to London when I lived in England I ate at Starbucks or Subway because it was cheap and easy (and I was by myself. I HATE eating alone.). This time, I'm planning on meeting up with some friends and I just generally want to live a little. So I'm thinking places that are up to 40GBP at most. If this was America, it'd be easier. $80 for a meal is a lot. I'd rather pay no more than $40, but that would leave me with the equivalent of Ruby Tuesdays. But I'm looking for places with a chic/modern/upscale atmosphere or something a little fancier/traditional. Of course, if you know a really good hole-in-the-wall pub, I'm good with that, too. I'll be hanging out with some male friends and we're not going on dates.lol

And finally, what's you favorite thing to do/place to go while in London? Besides attend conventions. ;) When is the Hub 3 again...?

I'll also be pestering those of you who live in England to come visit me. I miss you all!! And some of you, I haven't met and it would be AMAZING if I could. Details on dates of trip in a later post.

I don't have much to say currently. Watched a terrible SciFi movie, Sands of Oblivion. Oh, SyFy. You and your terrible-but-somehow-compelling movies. I don't understand.

Oh, and then I went to Walmart and spent a ridiculous amount of money. And only $15 of it was not something I really needed. I mean, I guess I didn't NEED a second set of sheets or food, but you know what I mean.

Yup. Nothing else on the assistantship, yet. I know the prof I'm working for and I like her so I'm really excited. But no other details.

Ok. I really need to go do my IR reading...

Well, classes start today! The nice thing is they don't start until 1:30. So I can sleep in again (unlike last semester). Here's my schedule:

Mondays

1:30-2:45 7000 Introductory Statistics for Political Science (what they call baby!stats. What I call HELL.)
3:00-4:15 7010 Computing Methods (this is the computer lab course for baby!stats.)
6:00-8:30 Public Policy

Wed

1:30-2:45 7000 Introductory Statistics for Political Science
6:00-8:30 Introduction to International Relations

So, easy enough class schedule at least. Basically, when I get a job (keep your fingers crossed that they start calling today!) Mon and Wed will be my two days off.

The bad news? For the dept head who said we'd have no textbooks? LIES. I have $750 worth of books and textbooks. AHHHHHH! No way can I afford any of that. My fin aid ran out with just class fees (because I'm a non resident). I quite frankly, don't know what I'm going to do. I have so little money. About $100 left and then just enough to cover Sept rent from my last paycheck. This should be fun. :S

I also got really sunburnt yesterday. Like, I could hardly move and it hurt to lie on my bed even (back and the back of my legs). It's a little better today but not much. No exercise until this fades, that's for sure! I did it yesterday (before I knew how burnt I was) and wondered why it hurt so much. HAHA.

I am alive! The computer lab at the apartment complex is finally open. I got moved, not too lost and have attended grad school orientation (which was an utter waste of 4 hours). I have so much to share, but not enough time right now. I gotta go to some more hotels and pick up apps and I might wander the campus. Though, I just realized I forgot the fin aid stuff I was going to go discuss. Hmm. Thursday maybe?lol Hope it doesn't rain on me (again)!

The Last of Argument of Kings (The First Law: Book 3) by Joe Abercrombie:

Another good book and the last in this trilogy. I will say, it wasn't as good as I hoped. The end left much in play and it reminded me of the BSG saying "all this has happened before and will again". The wit and humor were still there. it's not for the weak-stomached, however. The whole book deals with war and gets rather graphic. There are plot twists that are fun, and I still recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Abercrombie and the books.


The Purity Myth: How America's Obsession with Virginity is Hurting Young Women by Jessica Valenti:

This is definitely a book every female should read. The author is obviously a feminist and "liberal" but every single one of her points is backed up with fact. Often I have experienced these very things she was talking about or have known someone who has, and agreed with almost everything she said (there were a few points I disagreed with, but that's ok). Many would read it and see it as an attack on the Christian right. And they would be correct. But that's because of the unfortunate fact that religion no longer dictates creeds just to its own followers. It now uses propaganda and legislation to pass on its own beliefs. And in many ways, this is hurting not only young (and older) females, but it's hurting America in general. The issue of virginity and the Madonna-whore complex (don't know what that is? Pick up this book!) invade all aspects of life. Just read this quote:

Another government-funded program, the biblically based Marriage Savers, amkes the case that marriage is good for income because women can help men do better at their jobs by being, well, housewifely: "The married man won't go to work hungover, exhausted, or tardy because of fewer bachelor habits, and because he eats better and sees the doctor sooner, thanks to his wife. She is also a good advisor on career decisions and relieves him of chores, so he can do a better job."

Wow, no pressure, right? Women do the lower, menial jobs so that their husbands can bring in more money and not be self-dependent because he has a wife to remind him. Makes you think of the 1950's, right? This kind of thinking, however, is still rampant today. This program is currently funded. This book made me incredibly annoyed at how little we've actually moved women's rights. In 2006 even, a Virginia Republican tried to pass a bill disallowing non-married women to get in vitro or any other technology that "completely or partially replace[d] sexual intercourse as the means of conception." 2006! Read it, see for yourself.


The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs:

This was a funny and insightful book. While at first it was just a satire on religion, for the author, it turned into much more. While I still appreciated it for its commentary on the ridiculousness of a lot of religious aspects, a truly religious person could read this and also appreciate it (my mother is enjoying it). I highly recommend this book.


The World Without Us by Alan Weisman:

A scary but fascinating book. Mr Weisman covers our Earth's past in telling his version of the future without the six billion people on this planet. He gives facts about the life of plastics and radiation, how the megafauna of North America vanished and how it could come back, and philosophizes on what we're doing to the planet and what we ourselves could become. While his prose is a little stiff at first, the book picks up once you fall into the ebb and flow of the actual science, rather than the writing. His ideas are outlined clearly. Again, an enjoyable, if somewhat frightening book.


Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop:

This book consists of four individual stories that happen in the author's Black Jewels 'verse. Very satisfying and an interesting look at the beginning (of the Blood) and what happens after the third (and final) book in the series. The two in between tell a romantic story about Lucivar and his eventual wife and one chilling tale of Satean's powers as a Black-jeweled Warlord Prince. I could read stories about these characters for another 30 years and not be bored. The writing and atmosphere maintain the same pace, style, and emotions of the trilogy. I really enjoyed that because I often find side books don't have what the originals offered and aren't always done as well. Definitely recommend to anyone who has read the series. Not for the first time readers, but in that case, I highly suggest you read the trilogy.

Star Trek Academy: Collision Course by William Shatner (and Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens):

Ok, so the book probably isn't actually written by Shatner. Though it's an amusing idea that Shatner writes what is the equivalent of fanfiction. All that aside, the book was actually quite good! it surprised me. Most of the books based on TV shows are stiff or too wordy, etc. This one maintained action, the personalities, and the setting of the show. The story is how Kirk and Spock accidentally first meet and their introduction to Starfleet Academy. It's full of intrigue and manipulation and general snarkiness. Not all the plots are wrapped up, so I'm hoping they are in the next book in the series. While it might not be my own canon for how Kirk and Spock meet/join Starfleet, I could see it throughout the book. As I said, surprisingly good. Well-written, too.

Family Trust by Amanda Brown:

This chick lit is written by the woman who wrote Legally Blonde. May I say, if legally Blonde was anything like this book, I feel sorry for the person who read it over and over for the screenplay. While the concept was cute, the execution was terrible. POV skips all over, rambling, and while I could guess the end plot, there was very little of a romantic build up. It was only the last two or so chapters where they all suddenly realized their feelings. Edward was a kind, good-natured wuss who let his rich family and women walk all over him. Becca kept getting put down by the court system for being cheerful and and being very good at her job. The only good characters were the 4 year-old girl and Becca's mother.

Want to talk about gender inequality in pay? Look no further than good old NDSU (North Dakota State University).

Gene Taylor, head of athletics, and a male, makes $177,916 in a year.
Lynn Dorn, head of women's athletics, and a female (also, the only one I noticed in the whole listing of all other athletic directors/coaches), makes $130,612 in a year.

That's a difference of $47,304 for basically, the same job.

(This was published in Sunday's Fargo Forum.)

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!

Ok, Pocahontas was the closest to anything "America" I could get.