Justin Webb at LSE

This evening I made my way down to LSE to see the BBC's former North American editor, Justin Webb in a conversation with another British journalist, Kirsty Young (who was wearing awesome shoes I could never pull off). I regularly read Justin's blog over the last few years until he moved back to England for another BBC gig. Overall, I found the conversation really interesting. It is very interesting to hear one's nation analyzed by an outsider. Overall, I agreed with most of his points, though I don't think the title of his lecture really factored in: "Why I grew to love America and you should too."

But then I guess, I don't understand America anymore than Justin does. Living outside the country makes me analyze America more than I do when I'm home. Because of the distance, it's easier and less personal. However, like him I see the complexity and diversity within America. And I think that diversity is something that's really hard for the rest of the world to truly grasp.

Also, the other lecture at LSE that night that two of my friends attended was about the successes of the UN. A lecture that was probably much more relevant to my course. OH WELL

I'm pretty excited about attending this tonight...

Today is my one month anniversary of moving to London. It feels like I've been here for a lot longer, though I've done a really awful job of exploring my new city. So let's hope month 2 brings lots of wonderful things.

Daily Mail Article of the Day

Wow...

"It was a nightmare - she would come to the bottom of the stairs and pray every morning at about 3am for at least an hour and recite the Lord's Prayer.

‘It got so bad you couldn't sleep - even with earplugs, it just went on and on and on.’"

Sounds like she really loves Jesus. I can't even imagine being in that situation, it would probably be really funny for a night but after a few more nights I'd definitely call the cops.

The best thing I ever made?

As a disgruntled employee this summer at an Arts and Crafts chain I somehow found the strength to make the best of my situation and become crafty. Lo and Behold, the best thing I ever made, which is now in the property of my lovely friend Sara: The Lapo Bag.

Reason I am Single #5: Try as I might, I can't help but bring up Syfy's Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International in conversations. BEST SHOW EVER

Things I learned today

Another busy Monday has passed. I went to Barclay's four times before I could successfully transfer my rent payment to UCL, so glad that's over. At one I had my IO lecture, followed by two hours in The Print Room Cafe (a great low cost cafe on campus) with my friends, where they read course readings and I read the book about The Black Death that my fav Oxford medic lent me. Then, I suffered through a two hour economic lecture. I may or not have read some of the plague book during the really dull parts... It's such an interesting book!

Anyways, two interesting things I learned today:

-30% of the worlds health care providers (doctors, nurses, etc.) are in the US and Canada.

-Rabies exists on Continental Europe, but hasn't yet to enter the UK.

Also, I think it's about time for me to bring out my winter jacket.

Things I am loving at the moment: Life, the Planet Earth sequel of sorts currently airing on BBC One. I presume it's going to be aired in America as well. There's nothing like a gorgeously filmed nature series!