Today's song is All the Above by Maino ft. T Pain.
A blog of comedy, sports, music, videos, life's lessons, and prep interest
Friday, October 28, 2011
College Football Week 9 Picks
Unfortunately, I didn't get this written in time to pick the Virginia game last night, but they beat Miama (FL) 28-21. Michigan has homecoming this week, as they host the Purdue Boilermakers, and Georgia and Florida renew their rivarly.
Games I Care About:
Purdue at #18 Michigan > Michigan
Illinois at #19 Penn State > Penn State
Wake Forest at North Carolina > North Carolina
Ole Miss at #23 Auburn > Auburn
Kansas at #24 Texas > Texas
Cal at UCLA > UCLA
Mississippi State at Kentucky > Mississippi State
#5 Clemson at Georgia Tech > Clemson
Big Games:
#11 Michigan State at #14 Nebraska > Nebraska
#9 Oklahoma at #8 Kansas State > Oklahoma
#22 Georgia vs. Florida > Florida
Games I Care About:
Purdue at #18 Michigan > Michigan
Illinois at #19 Penn State > Penn State
Wake Forest at North Carolina > North Carolina
Ole Miss at #23 Auburn > Auburn
Kansas at #24 Texas > Texas
Cal at UCLA > UCLA
Mississippi State at Kentucky > Mississippi State
#5 Clemson at Georgia Tech > Clemson
Big Games:
#11 Michigan State at #14 Nebraska > Nebraska
#9 Oklahoma at #8 Kansas State > Oklahoma
#22 Georgia vs. Florida > Florida
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Modern Day Dating
The dating world has clearly changed in the past, even 5 years. Courtship used to be a guy asked a girl on a date, and then they would date, or be "going steady." Over time, terms changed, and people started "going out." Things were much more simple, and it was a heck of a lot easier to know where you stood your significant other. Now it's so confusing that it's tempting to use Google Maps to navigate your way through the dating world.
A lot of this change has to do with the emergence of Facebook, and other social networking sites. Steps in a relationship online and quickly, if they aren't already, becoming more important than steps in a relationship that are happening together, in person. You know, in real life. To try to help with some of the confusion that now takes place on the road that is dating, here's a list of the 5 different stages of the modern relationship.
1. The Meeting
Obviously, the first thing is you will meet someone. It could be anywhere: at a party, at work, a mutual friend will introduce you, an online dating site, or the bar. Although, I don't think many relationships that start in bars last more than 24 hours. And, according to those Match.com commercial's, 1 in 5 relationships now begin on an online dating site. I'll be honest, I've taken a look at online dating sites, and, no, not everyone on there is creepy or desperate.
2. We're "talking"
Does anyone even know an actual definition for this stage? I don't. I just know it's one of those phrases people use early on. I guess I would call it the phase in between meeting and actually going on a few dates, but many will disagree with me and say it's the stage of going on those early dates. I think most people who use this term, though, just can't admit to themselves that they're stuck in a friends with benefits situation when they really want something more.
3. Dating
This one is a little more obvious. It's the process of going on dates, spending one-on-one time together, to see if there's the interest in a long term relationship. For me, the dating stage is an exclusive stage, but again, I know not everyone agrees with me. At some point, you'll have to have the " are we exclusive?" talk with your partner. To me, the exclusivity is another part of the distinction between "talking" and dating.
4. Relationship
This one is obviously exclusive. Unless you're in one of those "swinger/open relationship" type deals. This is where the terms boyfriend and girlfriend start getting used. Instead of just going out on dates, your partner will now accompany you to family events, and hang outs than include large groups of your friends. You may also have a grocery/laundry buddy now.
5. FBO
"Facebook Official." When you think about it, it's a little sad that an online social network is now the epitome of defining a relationship, but there it is. Heaven forbid, that person you knew in high school, but were really only just a passing aquaintence with anyway, doesn't know that you're now in a relationship. The FBO status can take shape in many forms: a tagged picture together, a profile picture of the two of you, and the big one, the changed relationship status.
Even if you know the steps, which aren't the same for every relationship, knowing which step you're at can be a confusing thing on it's own. The best advice I can give is to talk to your partner about where he or she thinks the relationship is at, and where it is heading. It's always best to be on the same page.
A lot of this change has to do with the emergence of Facebook, and other social networking sites. Steps in a relationship online and quickly, if they aren't already, becoming more important than steps in a relationship that are happening together, in person. You know, in real life. To try to help with some of the confusion that now takes place on the road that is dating, here's a list of the 5 different stages of the modern relationship.
1. The Meeting
Obviously, the first thing is you will meet someone. It could be anywhere: at a party, at work, a mutual friend will introduce you, an online dating site, or the bar. Although, I don't think many relationships that start in bars last more than 24 hours. And, according to those Match.com commercial's, 1 in 5 relationships now begin on an online dating site. I'll be honest, I've taken a look at online dating sites, and, no, not everyone on there is creepy or desperate.
2. We're "talking"
Does anyone even know an actual definition for this stage? I don't. I just know it's one of those phrases people use early on. I guess I would call it the phase in between meeting and actually going on a few dates, but many will disagree with me and say it's the stage of going on those early dates. I think most people who use this term, though, just can't admit to themselves that they're stuck in a friends with benefits situation when they really want something more.
3. Dating
This one is a little more obvious. It's the process of going on dates, spending one-on-one time together, to see if there's the interest in a long term relationship. For me, the dating stage is an exclusive stage, but again, I know not everyone agrees with me. At some point, you'll have to have the " are we exclusive?" talk with your partner. To me, the exclusivity is another part of the distinction between "talking" and dating.
4. Relationship
This one is obviously exclusive. Unless you're in one of those "swinger/open relationship" type deals. This is where the terms boyfriend and girlfriend start getting used. Instead of just going out on dates, your partner will now accompany you to family events, and hang outs than include large groups of your friends. You may also have a grocery/laundry buddy now.
5. FBO
"Facebook Official." When you think about it, it's a little sad that an online social network is now the epitome of defining a relationship, but there it is. Heaven forbid, that person you knew in high school, but were really only just a passing aquaintence with anyway, doesn't know that you're now in a relationship. The FBO status can take shape in many forms: a tagged picture together, a profile picture of the two of you, and the big one, the changed relationship status.
Even if you know the steps, which aren't the same for every relationship, knowing which step you're at can be a confusing thing on it's own. The best advice I can give is to talk to your partner about where he or she thinks the relationship is at, and where it is heading. It's always best to be on the same page.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Solar System Designer
A few weeks back, I did a pretty good job of keeping the readers informed of my job hunting activities. In total, I went on 10 interviews, and sent my resume and cover letter to what I'm sure is over 200 different companies. Six weeks after my college graduation, I found a job.
I wouldn't exactly call it my dream job, or anywhere near that, but it is a full-time job that pays well enough for me to support myself. And, with today's economy, you really can't beat that. The job I found is as a solar system designer. I design lay-outs for the solar panels that will go on residential and commercial roofs. The tough part is, I'm also having to learn the electrical side of the business on the fly. It quickly reminds me why I wasn't interested in majoring in electrical engineering.
Additionally, I have a 70 mile commute from my temporary housing in New Hampshire to the office. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes to get to the office, and closer to an hour and 40 to get home. That's three hours in the car each day. It's a little rough.
I have applied for an apartment that is 10 miles from the office, and they are currently processing that application. Hopefully I will be able to move in on Saturday, November 5th. I'll be sure to kep you all informed.
I wouldn't exactly call it my dream job, or anywhere near that, but it is a full-time job that pays well enough for me to support myself. And, with today's economy, you really can't beat that. The job I found is as a solar system designer. I design lay-outs for the solar panels that will go on residential and commercial roofs. The tough part is, I'm also having to learn the electrical side of the business on the fly. It quickly reminds me why I wasn't interested in majoring in electrical engineering.
Additionally, I have a 70 mile commute from my temporary housing in New Hampshire to the office. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes to get to the office, and closer to an hour and 40 to get home. That's three hours in the car each day. It's a little rough.
I have applied for an apartment that is 10 miles from the office, and they are currently processing that application. Hopefully I will be able to move in on Saturday, November 5th. I'll be sure to kep you all informed.
Monday, October 24, 2011
College Football Week 8 Review
What a weekend for upsets in college football. It started Friday night, when Syracuse beat #15 West Virginia handily, by a score of 49-23. And Saturday night, #16 Michigan State upset #6 Wisconsin on a last second Hail Mary play. Originally called down just short of the goal line, the play was reversed and called a touchdown after further review. Meanwhile, Texas Tech went in to Norman and upset #3 Oklahoma 41-38. That game also ended Oklahoma's 39 game home winning streak.
In Games I Care About, I was 4-1. In Big Games I was 2-2, for an overall record of 6-3 on the weekend. The overall record now stands at 57-19.
In Games I Care About, I was 4-1. In Big Games I was 2-2, for an overall record of 6-3 on the weekend. The overall record now stands at 57-19.
Pajama Jeans?
Are these the spawn of jeggings? I, for one, sure hope these things do not catch on...
I'm all for comfort, but still.
I'm all for comfort, but still.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Manssentials #6: Being the Rock
I know, I know...gender roles are constantly evolving and changing. There are several households that the woman is the one who goes to work and brings home the money, while the man stays at home to raise the kids. There's nothing wrong with that, and I'm not trying to get into a discussion about the roles of each gender in every relationship. However, I feel that there is one trait that should be common to the men: being the rock solid force in the relationship.
Many women want a man that they can count on, and that they know will be there for them. When a crisis arises, the man should be able to be counted on. He's the one everyone will look to for direction, guidance, and support. For example, when there is a death in the family, the man must delay his grief while he prepares the necessary arrangements. It all goes back to the age old saying: women and children first.
While men no longer go out in the field, or to factories, and perform physical labor like in the past, but they still are that strong example. In my own life, I've seen my dad work 50-60 hour weeks for years. I know he has made personal sacrifices for the rest of the family. As I've recently started my own job (but don't worry, I write these pieces at night, not at work), it's nice to have an example of how to carry myself so close.
I feel fortunate to have such a good example to look to for being the rock in my own relationships, and I hope you do, too.
Many women want a man that they can count on, and that they know will be there for them. When a crisis arises, the man should be able to be counted on. He's the one everyone will look to for direction, guidance, and support. For example, when there is a death in the family, the man must delay his grief while he prepares the necessary arrangements. It all goes back to the age old saying: women and children first.
While men no longer go out in the field, or to factories, and perform physical labor like in the past, but they still are that strong example. In my own life, I've seen my dad work 50-60 hour weeks for years. I know he has made personal sacrifices for the rest of the family. As I've recently started my own job (but don't worry, I write these pieces at night, not at work), it's nice to have an example of how to carry myself so close.
I feel fortunate to have such a good example to look to for being the rock in my own relationships, and I hope you do, too.
College Football Week 8 Picks
Throughout this week, I've had to endure all the hype about the Notre Dame/USC game this weekend. What I want to know is, why is there so much hype? Neither team is exactly having a very good season, yet people seem to be obsessing over it. Personally, I'm not expecting a very good game of football from either team. I'm only including it in picks this week because so many people are talking about it. In other "exciting" news out of South Bend, the Irish are going to start painting their helmets in a more sparkly gold color.
Games I Care About:
North Carolina at #7 Clemson > Clemson
Jacksonville State at Kentucky > Kentucky
#9 Arkansas at Ole Miss > Arkansas
NC State at Virginia > Virginia
#21 Penn State at Northwestern > Penn State
Big Games:
#20 Auburn at #1 LSU > LSU
#6 Wisconsin at #16 Michigan State > Wisconsin
#25 Washington at #8 Stanford > Stanford
USC at Notre Dame > Notre Dame
Games I Care About:
North Carolina at #7 Clemson > Clemson
Jacksonville State at Kentucky > Kentucky
#9 Arkansas at Ole Miss > Arkansas
NC State at Virginia > Virginia
#21 Penn State at Northwestern > Penn State
Big Games:
#20 Auburn at #1 LSU > LSU
#6 Wisconsin at #16 Michigan State > Wisconsin
#25 Washington at #8 Stanford > Stanford
USC at Notre Dame > Notre Dame
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Cowboys Week 6 Reactions
On Sunday, Dallas fell to 2-3 on the year, after losing to the New England Patriots (5-1), 20-16. I think I'm still trying to sort through exactly how I feel about this one. New England is a very good team, but I also think Dallas is a better team than their record shows. Their defense played great; most teams don't hold the Pats to under 30 points. Dallas also forced 4 turnovers, while Romo limited himself to only throwing one interception.
There were a lot of bright spots, but also a few low points. Dallas did force 4 turnovers, but the offense couldn't score touchdowns off of those turnovers. Not to mention all the woes that their offensive line had with penalties. New England fans are complaining that their team played horrible, but I don't think they did. I think they just ran into a good Dallas team; that, and they just can't accept that the Patriots just aren't as good as they used to be.
Overall, I'd say I'm pretty optimistic about Dallas hosting the St. Louis Rams (0-5) next week.
There were a lot of bright spots, but also a few low points. Dallas did force 4 turnovers, but the offense couldn't score touchdowns off of those turnovers. Not to mention all the woes that their offensive line had with penalties. New England fans are complaining that their team played horrible, but I don't think they did. I think they just ran into a good Dallas team; that, and they just can't accept that the Patriots just aren't as good as they used to be.
Overall, I'd say I'm pretty optimistic about Dallas hosting the St. Louis Rams (0-5) next week.
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Airport
While airlines have made traveling great distances relatively easy (when they aren't experiencing tremendous delays), being in an airport just has a kind of special vibe to it. Past security, there are all sorts of shops, eateries, and interesting dining options, lately I've found myself pondering about the air of the airports before the security checkpoint.
Depending on your perspective, being at an airport is either a time of great joy, or a time of sadness. If you're at the airport, and head for arrivals, it's a pretty joyous time. The airport provides the setting for a great reunion; whether it's been a week, or years, it's always a great feeling to be reunited with people you have missed. It has its own ritual of the hugging, and chatting and catching up while waiting at the baggage carousel.
On the flip side, and probably happening on a different floor, is the departures. The somber part of the airport. Suddenly, the airport has become the place of saying good-bye. There is still a ritual of hugging and saying good-bye before the security checkpoint, but those hugs are a little harder to let go of. It doesn't matter if the person leaving will be gone for a week or months; it's still hard to say good-bye.
Like no other place, the airport is the setting for so many hellos, and good-byes. I can't think of any other place with such contrasting emotions happening at the same place. Hopefully,
College Football Week 7 Review
On Saturday, Michigan State handed the Wolverines their first loss of the season, with a 28-14 win in East Lansing. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend was #12 Georgia Tech falling at Virginia 21-24; UVa's Homecoming game.
It didn't up being a very good week for my predictions, however. In Games I Care About I was 4-2. In Big Games I was 2-2, making for a 6-4 weekend. The overall record now stands at 51-16.
It didn't up being a very good week for my predictions, however. In Games I Care About I was 4-2. In Big Games I was 2-2, making for a 6-4 weekend. The overall record now stands at 51-16.
Friday, October 14, 2011
College Football Week 7 Picks
Week 7 is here for college football, and with it, lots of important conference clashes. The biggest game on my radar is #11 Michigan at #23 Michigan State. Many people, myself included, feel that Michigan is over-rated. This Saturday will be a chance to silence some critics with a tough road battle in East Lansing.
Games I Care About:
Purdue at Penn State > Penn State
Miami (FL) at North Carolina > North Carolina
#12 Georgia Tech at Virginia > Georgia Tech
#2 Alabama at Ole Miss > Alabama
#8 Clemson at Maryland > Clemson
Florida at #24 Auburn > Auburn
Big Games:
#11 Michigan at #23 Michigan State > Michigan
#20 Baylor at #21 Texas A&M > Texas A&M
#6 Oklahoma State at #22 Texas > Texas
#18 Arizona State at #9 Oregon > Oregon
Games I Care About:
Purdue at Penn State > Penn State
Miami (FL) at North Carolina > North Carolina
#12 Georgia Tech at Virginia > Georgia Tech
#2 Alabama at Ole Miss > Alabama
#8 Clemson at Maryland > Clemson
Florida at #24 Auburn > Auburn
Big Games:
#11 Michigan at #23 Michigan State > Michigan
#20 Baylor at #21 Texas A&M > Texas A&M
#6 Oklahoma State at #22 Texas > Texas
#18 Arizona State at #9 Oregon > Oregon
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Orchard
The NHL season is under way. The Chicago Blackhawks have started their season 1-1-0, splitting a home-and-home series with the Dallas Stars over the weekend. This video is one of their pregame scoreboard videos. I still get goosebumps every time I see it.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
It's Such a Simple Word..."Row"
Not to advertise for Geico, but this commercial cracks me up every time I see it. This is the extended edition not seen on TV. And since I'm now working for a solar energy company, it seems oddly appropriate for me.
On All That Picketing...
I saw this picture on TFM. It was uploaded by BringBackColonel Reb. It pretty much sums up my feelings on the people picketing the 1%.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Featured Brand: The Black Dog
The brand's popularity really took off in the 1990's, as pictures of celebrities, including Bill Clinton, began being printed in national publications. The brand was even involved in the Monica Lewinsky scandal: items from the store were purchased by Clinton and given to Lewinsky.
Originally, The Black Dog merchandise was only sold at the Vineyard Haven location. Only a certain number of customers were allowed in the store. Long lines developed outside the store, and customers were given catalogs to look through. In 2000, the company published a cookbook, The Black Dog Summer on the Vineyard Cookbook.
Today, The Black Dog has merchandise locations along the coast of New England, Maryland, and New York. The Black Dog merchandise can also be purchased at The Black Dog online.
College Football Week 6 Review
Well, Northwestern gave Michigan a bit of scare Saturday, jumping out to a 24-14 lead at the half. Thankfully, Michigan battled back, and went on to win 42-24, improving to 6-0 (2-0 Big 10) on the season. In Games I Care About, I was 6-0, and in Big Games I was 3-0, for a 9-0 weekend. That puts my overall record up to 45-12.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
College Football Week 6 Picks
Barely getting the picks in this week, but here they are.
Games I Care About:
Louisville at North Carolina > North Carolina
Kentucky at #18 South Carolina > South Carolina
Boston College at #8 Clemson > Clemson
Iowa at Penn State > Penn State
#12 Michigan at Northwestern > Michigan
Washington State at UCLA > UCLA
Big Games:
#3 Oklahoma vs. #11 Texas > Oklahoma
#17 Florida at #1 LSU > LSU
#15 Auburn at #10 Arkansas > Arkansas
Games I Care About:
Louisville at North Carolina > North Carolina
Kentucky at #18 South Carolina > South Carolina
Boston College at #8 Clemson > Clemson
Iowa at Penn State > Penn State
#12 Michigan at Northwestern > Michigan
Washington State at UCLA > UCLA
Big Games:
#3 Oklahoma vs. #11 Texas > Oklahoma
#17 Florida at #1 LSU > LSU
#15 Auburn at #10 Arkansas > Arkansas
Thursday, October 6, 2011
London, Day 4
The last day--well, half day--in London wasn't all that eventful. I woke up at 9, finished packing, and we headed to the tube. Before boarding the tube, Allison and I stopped to grab lunch to go at Burger King.
We got to the airport and checked in, which gave Allison enough time to get back for her class that afternoon. One of the weird things their airports do, is that before boarding the plane, everyone gathers in one area to wait, instead of at individual gates like in the States. Once it's time to board, they announce the gate the plane is at, and you walk to your gate and get right on the plane. It's a good thing Allison explained that to me; otherwise I would've been extremely confused--and very worried about missing my flight.
On the plane, my assigned seat was in the aisle, but had a bathroom on the other side of the aisle, and 4 year old boy in the seat next to me. I never try to complain about other peoples' kids since I don't have my own to discipline, but this young boy elbowed me several times in the five minutes that I was sitting next to him. Thankfully, there was an exit row seat near me that was unoccupied, and needed to have someone in it according to law, so the flight attendant asked me to move. Free seat upgrade with unlimited leg room. I was thrilled.
I easily made it through the seven hour flight with two books, as well as the movies Just Go With It, and The Conspirator. Landed in Boston, made it through customs, and got my luggage without any problems. I took the T back to my car, drove home, and made it back safely at about 8:30 pm. Jet lag wasn't a problem, but I don't think I ever fully adjusted to London time.
While I was nervous about such long flights, going through customs, and all the stuff that go with international travel, it ended up being a great trip. Virgin Atlantic was a great airline, and the (very friendly) flight attendants frequently went down the aisles offering snacks and drinks. It also goes without saying how much fun I had seeing Allison, and everyone else, on the trip. Overall, I would have to say that this was probably the most fun weekend I've ever had.
We got to the airport and checked in, which gave Allison enough time to get back for her class that afternoon. One of the weird things their airports do, is that before boarding the plane, everyone gathers in one area to wait, instead of at individual gates like in the States. Once it's time to board, they announce the gate the plane is at, and you walk to your gate and get right on the plane. It's a good thing Allison explained that to me; otherwise I would've been extremely confused--and very worried about missing my flight.
On the plane, my assigned seat was in the aisle, but had a bathroom on the other side of the aisle, and 4 year old boy in the seat next to me. I never try to complain about other peoples' kids since I don't have my own to discipline, but this young boy elbowed me several times in the five minutes that I was sitting next to him. Thankfully, there was an exit row seat near me that was unoccupied, and needed to have someone in it according to law, so the flight attendant asked me to move. Free seat upgrade with unlimited leg room. I was thrilled.
I easily made it through the seven hour flight with two books, as well as the movies Just Go With It, and The Conspirator. Landed in Boston, made it through customs, and got my luggage without any problems. I took the T back to my car, drove home, and made it back safely at about 8:30 pm. Jet lag wasn't a problem, but I don't think I ever fully adjusted to London time.
While I was nervous about such long flights, going through customs, and all the stuff that go with international travel, it ended up being a great trip. Virgin Atlantic was a great airline, and the (very friendly) flight attendants frequently went down the aisles offering snacks and drinks. It also goes without saying how much fun I had seeing Allison, and everyone else, on the trip. Overall, I would have to say that this was probably the most fun weekend I've ever had.
London, Day 3
Sunday was my last full day in London. It was also the day that I had the hardest time getting out of bed in the morning. I think I finally rolled out of bed between 10:30 and 11. We got out the door in time for lunch. We ate at a pretty American place, Byron's, which was right by the tube stop.
Allison and I took the tube to the Imperial War Museum, which ended up being really cool. We spent around 2 hours browsing the museum's 5 floors, which included exhibits for heroes, the Holocaust, naval warfare, and interactive exhibits for trench and Blitz warfare. It was all very interesting.
The next stop of the day was the Museum of Natural History. We got there half hour before closing time, so we only had time to check out one exhibit. The exhibit, which cost 8 pounds to see, was entitled Sexual Nature, which looked at the rules of attraction-and sex-for humans and animals. Again, some pretty interesting stuff. Also, some though provoking stuff, by asking questions as to what you find attractive in a mate.
That night we went on the London Eye, which is a huge Ferris Wheel structure, where you get in a glass bubble, and are taken on a half hour loop, providing views high above the city of London.
After the London Eye, Allison and I walked along the river, and had dinner at a place called The Wharf. Our River Thames walk also lead us past Shakespeare's Globe Theater (a replica, as the original burned down), The Millennium Bridge, The London Bridge, The HMS Belfast, The Tower of London, and the Tower Bridge.
Allison and I took the tube to the Imperial War Museum, which ended up being really cool. We spent around 2 hours browsing the museum's 5 floors, which included exhibits for heroes, the Holocaust, naval warfare, and interactive exhibits for trench and Blitz warfare. It was all very interesting.
The next stop of the day was the Museum of Natural History. We got there half hour before closing time, so we only had time to check out one exhibit. The exhibit, which cost 8 pounds to see, was entitled Sexual Nature, which looked at the rules of attraction-and sex-for humans and animals. Again, some pretty interesting stuff. Also, some though provoking stuff, by asking questions as to what you find attractive in a mate.
That night we went on the London Eye, which is a huge Ferris Wheel structure, where you get in a glass bubble, and are taken on a half hour loop, providing views high above the city of London.
After the London Eye, Allison and I walked along the river, and had dinner at a place called The Wharf. Our River Thames walk also lead us past Shakespeare's Globe Theater (a replica, as the original burned down), The Millennium Bridge, The London Bridge, The HMS Belfast, The Tower of London, and the Tower Bridge.
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| In front of the Imperial War Museum. |
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| Allison in front of the Natural History Museum. Incredible architecture, as well. |
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| Allison and Eva in front of the London Eye and Sea Life Aquarium. |
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| Parliament and Big Ben. |
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| At the top of the London Eye. |
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| In front of the Tower Bridge. |
Vineyard Vines Whalegate Tour 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Song of the Day
Today's song is Mr. Saxobeat by Alexandra Stand. Only because I've heard this song a lot since I left for London.
London, Day 2
The second day in London started around 10 AM. The first thing was to take care of breakfast. It turned out there was little to no food left in the kitchen, so we went to a cafe in Hyde Park for breakfast. I got french toast--that didn't come with syrup. When we finished eating, we walked around the park a bit, stopping at the Princess Diana Memorial, and the Peter Pan Memorial.
Next, we got on the tube and saw Big Ben. Honestly, it was cool to see, but all the photos (including mine) and movies make it look much taller than it actually is. Along with Big Ben, we saw the rest of Parliament, and West Minster Abbey.
We headed over to Trafalgar Square, and Leicester Square, where we walked around and had lunch at a pub. I had fish and chips, and a Coke; they don't give free refills on soda over there. Another thing I noticed was that very few places were air conditioned. Normally, this wouldn't be a bad thing, but it was in the high 70's, with almost no breeze. We later found out that Saturday set the record for hottest October day in London.
After lunch, we went to the Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery. The nicest part was that these places had air conditioning. In case you're wondering, a gallery is a collection of only paintings, while museums have sculptures or other works that aren't paintings. Since museums and galleries are free over there, we perused quickly.
We got back to the dorm to make some dinner, which would be frozen pizza. Unfortunately, the oven settings there were a little different (including Celsius temperatures), and one of the two pizzas burned...badly. It was quite the effort to keep the smoke detector from going off, though.
The pizza didn't taste very good so Allison and I went to a pub, had a beer and some chips, and then met back up with everyone else to go to a club that night--5 women and myself. There were some issues getting in to the first place (a long story that includes a cover charge at the discretion of the door lady), so we took a cab over to Leicester Square, where, after talking to a few different club promoters, ended up at the Penthouse with Allison and Danielle. The other 3 decided to go elsewhere.
Being on the 7th, 8th, and 9th floors of a building, there were some great views from the club. The views were nice because they distracted from the strange dancing of the Europeans. This included two Indian men who were running/jumping around in some sort of dance that reminded me of the dodo birds from Ice Age.
We left the club around 1 AM, hit up McDonald's, which ended up being the most rewarding meal of the trip for me, and took a red double-decker bus home for the night.
Next, we got on the tube and saw Big Ben. Honestly, it was cool to see, but all the photos (including mine) and movies make it look much taller than it actually is. Along with Big Ben, we saw the rest of Parliament, and West Minster Abbey.
We headed over to Trafalgar Square, and Leicester Square, where we walked around and had lunch at a pub. I had fish and chips, and a Coke; they don't give free refills on soda over there. Another thing I noticed was that very few places were air conditioned. Normally, this wouldn't be a bad thing, but it was in the high 70's, with almost no breeze. We later found out that Saturday set the record for hottest October day in London.
After lunch, we went to the Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery. The nicest part was that these places had air conditioning. In case you're wondering, a gallery is a collection of only paintings, while museums have sculptures or other works that aren't paintings. Since museums and galleries are free over there, we perused quickly.
We got back to the dorm to make some dinner, which would be frozen pizza. Unfortunately, the oven settings there were a little different (including Celsius temperatures), and one of the two pizzas burned...badly. It was quite the effort to keep the smoke detector from going off, though.
The pizza didn't taste very good so Allison and I went to a pub, had a beer and some chips, and then met back up with everyone else to go to a club that night--5 women and myself. There were some issues getting in to the first place (a long story that includes a cover charge at the discretion of the door lady), so we took a cab over to Leicester Square, where, after talking to a few different club promoters, ended up at the Penthouse with Allison and Danielle. The other 3 decided to go elsewhere.
Being on the 7th, 8th, and 9th floors of a building, there were some great views from the club. The views were nice because they distracted from the strange dancing of the Europeans. This included two Indian men who were running/jumping around in some sort of dance that reminded me of the dodo birds from Ice Age.
We left the club around 1 AM, hit up McDonald's, which ended up being the most rewarding meal of the trip for me, and took a red double-decker bus home for the night.
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| Breakfast in Hyde Park. |
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| Experiencing the Princess Diana Memorial. |
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| Big Ben. It looks taller here than it does in person. |
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| In front of the Oliver Cromwell statue at Parliament. |
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| Trafalgar Square. |
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| The effort to keep the smoke detector quiet. Eva is holding the burnt pizza. |
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| Allison and I at the club. |
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| The view from the club, Penthouse. |
London, Day 1
After I landed in London, very early Friday morning, I met up with Eva, Allison's roommate, at the airport. Being abroad, I couldn't use my cell phone to try to find her. After about 20 minutes, she finally found me, and we took the tube (subway), back to their dorm. Immediately I noticed how hard it is to cross the street. The cars don't have to yield to pedestrians at all, and instincts tell you to look the opposite way to see if cars are coming. Thankfully, the major intersections tell you which way to look. Plus, they use a white line to separate different directions of traffic, so I never could figure out which roads were one way or two way.
The first stop was the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. It was exciting/interesting to see, but still a little anti-climactic. All that really happens that spectators can see is a group of guards marches past you. When that ended, we headed over to the library, which was in the basement of the building Allison had her first class in.
I surprised her at 1, in between her two classes. It was really fun, and she was really surprised. And, she loved her, "Surprise, AKP!" sign. I went with her to her Woman's Studies class, which was supposed to go on a tour of Westminster. We didn't know that the tour was prefaced by a 2 hour lecture. I ended up attending the lecture and then going back to Allison's room to nap. I hadn't slept at all in 26 hours.
When I got back to her room, I couldn't get the key to open the door. I ended up sleeping on the couch in the kitchen for 45 minutes before one of Allison's friends showed up and open the door for me. I got to take a two hour nap while Allison was still in class.
When she got back, we went to a pub at Imperial College for dinner of a burger and chips, and a few beers. A little before 11, we called it a night (mostly because I was exhausted), and headed back to the dorm for bedtime.
The first stop was the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. It was exciting/interesting to see, but still a little anti-climactic. All that really happens that spectators can see is a group of guards marches past you. When that ended, we headed over to the library, which was in the basement of the building Allison had her first class in.
I surprised her at 1, in between her two classes. It was really fun, and she was really surprised. And, she loved her, "Surprise, AKP!" sign. I went with her to her Woman's Studies class, which was supposed to go on a tour of Westminster. We didn't know that the tour was prefaced by a 2 hour lecture. I ended up attending the lecture and then going back to Allison's room to nap. I hadn't slept at all in 26 hours.
When I got back to her room, I couldn't get the key to open the door. I ended up sleeping on the couch in the kitchen for 45 minutes before one of Allison's friends showed up and open the door for me. I got to take a two hour nap while Allison was still in class.
When she got back, we went to a pub at Imperial College for dinner of a burger and chips, and a few beers. A little before 11, we called it a night (mostly because I was exhausted), and headed back to the dorm for bedtime.
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| Changing of the guard. |
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| Dinner at the pub. |
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| Buckingham Palace. |
College Football Week 5 Review
Well, I'm back home from London. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see a single game this weekend, but I was very pleased to hear that Michigan routed Minnesota 58-0, and moved up to #12. I can't really comment on any of the games since I didn't see any of them. In Games I Care About I was 8-1. I went 2-1 in Big Games, and 0-1 in Big Games I Care About. The overall record for the weekend was 10-3, which improves the overall record to 36-12.
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