Clusterf*ck to the White House

Clearly this blog wouldn't serve the great blog purpose of expanding ones knowledge of the world if I did not discuss the 2008 Presidential election and my humble involvement in that process.

I've clearly landed on my feet because, not only do I find this whole process engrossing, I also have the chance to study it every week in my 'Campaigns & Elections' class. I'm the only International student in the class, and like in 'Constitutional Law' last year I've been asked why I have such an interest in the workings of a different country. I tell them its an 'intellectual exercise'. Since Americans are unfamiliar with either word, that stops that line of questionning dead in its track.

The class entails a couple of presentations about candidates' ads and websites, papers and predications. My first task is to pick which Republican will win the California Primary. Any suggestions? Its a pretty easy task and will allow me to give my two cents of the future of American with a little authority.

Do I have a humble role to play in this process? Not really; I'm not attempting to convince any to vote for Hillary (my personal choice), I'm not able to donate and I have no interest in helping out. However, the Virginia primary my actually count (most thought the campaign would be over in 'Super Tuesday') so for a week (Feb 6th-12th) I'll may be interning the in the centre of US politics (the Virginia State Senate). If that is the case, I will be blogging early and often to let you know what's happening. I'm so glad I've found friends who find this crap interesting!

Party Hardy U of R style!

Lookie, two blog posts in one week!

So Glenn and I had our 'room warming' party last night to show everyone our revamped room. Being a small room it was a small soiree, but a big time was had by all. The two big changes to the room are the new TV and the British person that moved in. I might apply to MTV to have it shown on 'Cribs'.

Of course, it ain't a party until you've applied to have it registered. Oh yes, in U of R one must register any fun that is to take place on campus. So shortly after class on Friday I voyaged to the Dean's office to fill in the necessary paperwork. Signing the form requires you to conform to certain rules, such as no spirits and that the party will last no longer than 4 hours. So stocked up with plenty of wine (and NO BudLite!) we had the best 240mins of the semester so far.

Our room is now sufficently warm and, having done my other errands for the week, I am now well settled in for the next few months here.

Back in the US of A

So after an enjoyable few weeks in Ireland I've returned to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the second half of my year abroad. Sorry for the woeful rate of posting, but things will be different this semester! At least once I week, I promise.

So what to expect this semester? For a start, I'm still working in the coffee shop serving the good people of UR their coffee. However, Luc has left us. He's gone back to Germany to finish his degree meaning I was minus a roomie. Luckily Glenn felt he could tolerate sharing a room with me for 17 weeks. Lets see how he does!

I've also started an internship in the Virginia State Senate working for State Senator George Barker. It's very exciting - the Senate meets for only 60 days a year, so its very intense when the Senate is in session. I had my first day today (hence the suit) and the places was full of lobbyists and staffers. Sadly, I'll have to save all the stories until my death bed; so you'll have to look elsewhere for your political scandal.

I'm also doing a 'Campaigns and elections' course which is all about the US Presidential election. We'll get to study strategy, the electoral system and campaign ads. I'll keep you posted on how that goes, since it should be good fun. Go Ron Paul! Virginia has its primary on Feb 12th in case you're wondering, I'll let you know if anything happens locally about that.

Right, I gotta go to the gym so I'll leave you with the photo of me in my lovely suit and will chat next week.