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Sorry its been so long, but so much has been going on this week. The choir is getting ready for our Haydn Mass in G and the rehearsals are killer. On top of that, we got the usual class load of work to do so, there is never a moment to waste. I have been singing up a storm and attempting to finish a paper. On Monday, I had a tutorial with my Music History professor and she pretty much told me that I need to take an entire part of my paper and get rid of it; not because its bad, but because its a common subject. The paper I am writing is focused on the idea of Vienna,Austria being the only place in the world that would be unthinkable without music. My thesis describes how music impacted the social, economic and political atmosphere in Vienna some way or another. I think its lovely, and I have tons of research and many different scholars to back up my work so forget her :)

Last night, I went to club Sandwich (as I do every Wednesday) and I met up with some American ladies that I have never seen while at Goldsmiths. Akeylah is celebrating her 21st on Saturday so I'm gonna go and have an amazing time with her and her friends.

This weekend I am looking forward to my choir concert on Friday (and laundry- now that I have some money), Paintball on Saturday morning and afternoon with some mates, and an American style dinner cooked by yours truly. The menu will be fried chicken, rice with gravy, carrots and peas, and maybe sweet potato pie or cookies for some desert.

That's all for now!

Cheers!

Checks and Balances

Today was an average day in London. It was really windy and still a bit chilly. But I am used to this type of weather so in the end its not so bad. Last night, Ahmed, Kenan and I went to get some Chinese food that just so happened to be all types of delicious! Then I showed them around Loring Hall. It was their first time actually being in a residence hall since they commute. We sat around and talked for a while nothing exciting. Then after they left I did some snooping upstairs in another flat where we talked about the purpose of a fraternity, the slave trade and US vs British Government.


Its amazing what a year does to a person. It was just one year ago at the end of December when I decided to officially align myself with the democratic party and take some stands on important issues. I have become more confident in my points of views in abortion, health care, civil rights, reparations, the 'n'-word, et al. I have opinions on these situations and I am steadfast in my opinion- this doesn't mean they won't change in the years to come.

However, during our debate last night I found myself, in control of the situation around me. This has been happening more and more while in the UK as I has asserted myself as an American who does have a practical idea of policy and government and can deliver a decent response to many questions. Through my assertion, I have gained more confidence in my own tongue (if you will). I let the other person scream and shout and let them make complete asses of themselves, while I sit back and smile (sometimes condescendingly); then I deliver my point of view and its cool, calm and ACCURATE.

I scared myself yesterday as I was discussing the goods and bads of Congress and the goods and bads of the House of Commons, I found myself delivering a point and then someone got frustrated at my critique of the house of commons, jumped out of their seat, and left the room... Not my goal... but my facts were true. The last sentence I said was, "Its amazing things get done in the House of Commons, when all you see are the MPs (members of parliment) screaming over each other during debates." The other person gets up and leaves saying they have suddenly become really patriotic and thinks that their government is awesome... Did I say that their government was not awesome?... the other 'party' lost control and left to have a cigarette. For the first time in my life I somewhat understood, Tony Franco.


There is a man back at home and his name is Tony Franco. He is an extremely sly talker, always one step ahead of an argument whenever he debates with someone. In fact he gets you so flustered that you stop debating with him. It no longer becomes a debate it becomes a barrage t Tony-fact. I don't necessarily agree with his tactic because sometimes nothing is learned in the debate. Sometimes he belittles the person he is debating anf thats not the point. But at the end of the debate, it always seems to be tony that is still standing. I got a glimpse into tony's world last night... it was good.

All in all twas a good night. Not to many plans for the day... maybe some studying, maybe.

Artists in Revolution...and a horrid game

Yesterday, I stopped by the student union just to do some reading and I noticed a whole bunch of people gathering on the main floor of the union. A long table was set up at the front. I knew what this meant- a town house meeting. Someone sitting at that long table was going to be answering questions from people in the audience... And it did not look like a fun crowd. It turns out that the Visual Arts students have been slighted recently because of university teacher cutbacks and things like that. A lot of new plans have been set as procedure without the students knowing about them... and all the university can repeat is fiscal responsibility ( they sound like Hillary :)

Even though this meeting had nothing to do with my course of student, I just found it interesting how these extremely creative artists were sitting in this meeting, with facts, stats and figures to support their arguments against the university. Most student speakers were well spoken and had just cause for complaint. People don't associated creative people with mass organization, but yesterday the Visual Arts students showed what they were made of and I hope they get all they need.

Then after that awesome meeting, I attended a film that discussed how internet blogging can influence American politics and because I am American, I was dubbed the specialist in the matter. I debated and discussed issues in the world, and in American politics with british political science majors and it was brilliant. We took so much time after the film that I ended up missing a concert I was suppose to attend. Nevertheless it was brilliant.

England v Croatia a sure win for the English...right? So dead wrong. England lost 3-2 yesterday and was bumped out of the Euro Cup. It was truly a depressing game. I tried to forget about the game by going to Club Sandwich and meeting my mates there. A good time as always.

Tonight, is Thanksgiving Dinner... I'm extremely happy I am having thanksgiving dinner here! I'm all dressed up as well. I miss my family today, but not too drastically. I have wonderful people to celebrate thanksgiving with today. So I'm doing just fine!!!

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Thessalonians 5:18

A good Weekend.

This weekend i did nothing truly special... but in a way it felt really good. Friday night I went over to Ahmeds and met his family and his mother treated me to a fantastic dinner. Then Admed and I met up with the rest of the boys and experienced Nados- they had the most awesome chicken wings. Then we all saw American Gangster at the O2. By the way, American Gangster is a must see movie...(my man) :)

Saturday, I woke up and had breakfast with Justine, John and their friend from home Derek. Out of sheer boredom Justine and I sang the first act of the original broadway cast recording of Rent with Justine. I also ended up doing a little bit of work which helps considering I should be studying more and more. After that bit of fun, a group of us went to watch the israel v russia football match at Goldsmiths Tavern where I got a notice that if I get to the tavern before 10 I wouldnt have to pay the entry fee...which means...more drinks!

I then went to R&B night at the Tavern where most if not all of my favorite songs were played. Good times.

Sunday, I slept. it rained and i slept some more... I then finally got up and had a small breakfast, went to bluewater mall with kenan where we met up with ahmed and we went to the harvester restuarant for some good feckin food.

I would say this was a good weekend... Good indeed.

I still have one more month...

Its amazing how many things you can do in just two months. I've been to three countries, met countless people, made great friends and ate kabobs and chips every other night. Today is 16 November, which means that I have one month left here in London. Not one day I want to take back. All the good and the bad have been fabuloso.

Last night was Justine's (a flat mate and my twin) 20th birthday and so a group of us went out to a bar and celebrated with her. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was a gay bar. I didn't sweat it of course. I'm use to loads of people staring at my aura of beauty (of course I'm kidding) nevertheless, It was a rocking good time with a good mix of people.

Today, I've been taking it slow. I awoke this morning and scrambled some eggs and had sausage and a blueberry muffin. Then I talked a while with some flat mates and finaly around one o' clock I decide to actually leave the flat to study.

Tonight Ahmed is hosting dinner tonight at his mums and Kenan is accompaning us as well as Adam. We are gonna so see American Gangster tonight.

Well theres the rub... Til next time.

Making Something out of Nothing

Today I handed in my first assignment as a Goldsmiths student. It was a two part composition assignment. The first part you were given a list of words from which to choose. I chose the word uniting and in essence the piece had to portray uniting through different music idioms like dynamics or texture or pitch relationships etc. That assignment was not so bad. However part two: I have included the instructions for your pleasure:

1b. express the form
Create a composition c. 3 minutes for 5 performers.
The performers cannot use musical instruments or voices,
of their or your own choosing. The objects may or may not be used to
generate sound.
Your work should focus on structure and process. This should be presented
primarily in non-sonic aspects of performance; use of space, movement, gesture.
The can be presented as either a set of instructions in text, or a graphic score (timebased)
with instructions as necessary. Your approach should be explained in a brief
statement (c. 200 words). Include supportive/preparatory sketches if relevant.
Deadline: Submit with Assignment 1a, by 4pm 12 Nov 2007.

So basically, take some random things and make a story line with the random stuff. Ok. I chose five pairs of shoes. And My explanation for the structure and sequence of the piece the definition of making something out of nothing.

I have lots more work to do as I approach the one month mark for being in London. So My goal is to finish 92 percent of the academic stuff that is due this week so I can enjoy the rest of my time here.

Cheers!

Research Week

This week is Research Week here at Goldsmiths, which is the equivalence to a mid semester break back home. Basically all of the British students pretty much return home and chill. You're technically suppose to study and do research for your finals and your papers but most people just drink :) I on the other hand have decided to really focus on doing some hard core work- I have one paper due in a month, two compositions due next week and a hard core rep list for my voice lessons. So needless to say, I needed a couple days to hunker down and really focus on getting things done. It's also good that my flat is practically empty. For the past two days only Lara and I have been in our flat. We've had fun doing crosswords, talking about drama and pakistan and election stuff. Lara is the friend that I should have had since kindergarten...we should have grown up together. But circumstances of not knowing each other for 19 years kinda got in the way. This week so far, along with the studying, I went to Club Sandwich and hung with my wingmen Ahmed and Kenan, Ahmed just got his license :)...oh boy.

Yesterday I went to see a play with my program called "Boeing Boeing". Its basically a comedy about a man who doesn't like the idea of being settled and married to one woman. Instead he finds it more exciting to have 3 fiances. He says you get all the benefits of married life, without the hardships of dealing with a wife. All three of the finaces are stewardess' on different airlines so their schedules never intersect...until unplanned visits started to happen, and it all goes down hill from there! So funny.

Well, this blog is the result of writing the first 600 words of my 3000 word essay due in december. I needed a break. I'm reflecting on how Vienna can't e conceivable without music, a really interesting topic if you're in the mood.

Well I'm off! Cheers!

Be it ever so humble...

After getting off of the plane from Nice- i was immediately shocked by the cold of England. Oh boy- back to this cold stuff again... and then I realized... I'm not in Cleveland- I'm still in Europe!!!!

On the bus shuttle back to the terminal I spoke to a french woman who had been on the plane with me- Whilst conversing in french i told her I could understand french better than I can speak it. She said I was actually quite accurate... this maade me happy

As I began to board the coach to bring me back into London I was greeted by a happy go lucky, terminal worker who helped me with my luggage. I handed my bag to him and said
"Cheers, mate." I felt English right at that moment. I felt like this was my home.

I was home, I am home.

A day in Nice

Today I toured the beauty that is Nice, France. It was quite a day I must say. My friends and I woke up to have the most amazing granola chocolate chip and hazelnut cereal I have ever had and very warm delicieux homemade bread. We of course went to the beach front. All the pictures I've seen are quite accurate. It is simply wonderful by the Mediterranean Sea.

The main thing that I have enjoyed about being back in France is the fact that I get to use french again. With 5 full years of french back at Solon High, I get around pretty well here in France. I have a bit more ease understanding people than actually speakingm but I still get by.

Nothing happened that was too eventful today. We traveled to a museum that showed a lot of the original work of Henri Matisse the work was so nice!

We ate dinner at a little outdoor restaurant. I had a chicken tikka, tomato and mozzarella cheese panini with Orangina and a nutella crepe! All sorts of delicious.


Tomorrow, the last day I will definately have some beach time!


Bon soir!

Music Geeks of the World Unite

I must say, that as much as I hope to be part of the movement to move America into a continuous right direction through policy et al. I also do realize that I will be a music geek for life. This morning was my first morning in Nive, France on the coast of the Mediterraenian sea. "le temps, il fait bon, pas froid, pas chaud (it's good weather not to cold, not to hot".

I will be here until tomorrow a bastardly change of events but that's ok. I will survive. But sitting in the dining area, eating the most delicious granola, chocolate and hazelnut cereal I have ever had, I heard a faint tune over the speakers. It was some sort of symphony. Of course, being a freshman music literature expert thanks to ray eubanks, I thought I'd play name the composer.

I narrowed it down by time period first... Romantic...early to mid... not German, not French, not Berlioz, or Beethoven, No Wagner!!!, The piece was light and bouncy... Italian...no not lovely enough, its simply delightful so that must mean it comes from a composer who had some training or influence in Vienna. IT WAS STRAUSS!!!!

Anyway, Justine, John ad I are gonna hit the town today and have ourselves a good old time :)

Chao!

Halloween Madness All Over London!

Well last night was probably the most random fun I've had in...days. I dressed as Quail Man , Nick cartoon Doug. All the sports teams went on a Pub crawl where essentially we all made a trip to all the pubs around Goldsmiths and had a great time. I must admit it was hilarious watching the Field Hockey team waltz around dawning Where's Waldo costumes. All you saw was this mass exodus of Waldos.

Amidst all the fun I had last night, I also got into an extremely deep conversation with one person from Pakistan and one person from Germany and one person from the UK all about American culture and the american view of the world. The conclusion they gathered was that all Americans care about is our own surivial and self. Also, these misinformed ladies made it clear that most americans don't care about the world outside of the United States (this is so true... not... i mean hello? Why do so many people spend their own money to study abroad and have conversations like this conversation?)

Instead of getting angry again I will play devils advocate and say they are in some ways correct. Many americans care about their own survival and could careless what happens outside of the United States. I can also find a large portion of Brits who care only about themselves and could care less what happens outside of Britain. AND I could also find some Chinese who only care about themselves and could care less about what happens in the world. AND...the list goes on.

The girls I held this conversation with last night were convinced that I am brainwashed by the 'American way of life.' I'm convinced they are brainwashed by the 'European way of life' or whatever.

The bottom line is that I've never been more apt to believe some people are jsut plain dumb in my life than yesterday. And this may be an 'American way' of viewing the situation, but the bottom line is, how can anyone make a blanket statement about 250 million people and then try to prove themselves to be in the right. If I'm not mistaken, that's pretty closeminded and self centered in its own right.

While I do not approve of our current administration's actions nor do I like the idea of a blind war, I also can't stand blanket statements that provide only a shread of proof.

Never in my life have I felt in terms of internationally a 'them vs us' feeling as much as last night. But the interesting part of it is, as I think about my logic versus their logic last night. My logic was logical, their logic was at best vague.

We are all geared to think a certain way because of human knowledge. We are a product of our environment. Now the good thing about the human mind is that we have the ability to disagree with our environment of see it in a different light... but only if we want to. I do... or do I? They don't...or do they?

Still, I had fun and here are some pictures with my newly proclaimed wingmen