Best part of the day... Random conversations!

Since I have been in London I have had many random conversations, which have made my day! On the tube,I sat next to a woman who was reading a Thousand Splendid Suns, and I asked her how the book was... and then I learned that her aunt is a psychology prof. at LMU! What a small world. She said she knew I was not British, because speaking to people on the tube was abnormal, however she was glad that I talked to her. Then, another time on tube, this random man saw that I was reading a philosophy book, and decided to tell me all of these great philosophy books to read, which was nice. Also, on the tube, I met this woman who expressed her discontent with the tube line, because it always got stuck right before her stop. It always improves my communte when I talk to someone new. The best one, was when I had to take the bus, and I sat next to a community advocate for the disabled, she really liked me... in fact she said "Hopefully I will see you every morning"... Sadly, I take the tube now, but it was wonderful to chat with her about community work and living in London. Hopefully I will have many more random conversations to report!

Tubes... where and when will you end up?

Aww the tube. I have mixed feelings, a lot like when you meet a hott guy, sometimes the conversation is fabulous and the next date, you just want to run, but can't cause you're stuck underground.lol. Hott guys are better then the tube. Coming from LA, the tube system is amazing. But after a month, one has to think "is sitting underground, in a close space with too many people, in a train that has a failed signal, really what I deserve out of a public transportation system. No! I deserve better. In my ideal world, the tube would run effiectently... EVERYDAY. and I would not have panic attacks, as I sit in slience for a prolonged time bewteen stations. Not knowing when I will see light again. However,I have come up with a plan to make tube friends... ie: people who in an a emergency( like the train broke down) will look kindly to my hysteria... because in life everything boils down to survival! Anyway, the easiest way to talk to people, is to comment on the book that they are reading. However, during rush hour, I talk to people in order for them to understand that I am small, and I hope (though it hasn't happened yet) that they will trade places with me, because otherwise i have nothing to hold to, and awkwarding bump into people when the train decides to move. The tube is another world, where only the strongest survive. As a petite, 5 foot 2 in person, i win with intellect, conversation and most importantly dirty looks. My looks are so amazing. That at clubs, people who accidently invade my space, apologize profusely. It is my super power.

Don't call them "mickey mouse" courses just because you can't handle them

Tonight I went to a Labour party meeting at Imperial College. We had a debate about rising tuition costs in the UK. The first 15 min. were dedicated to the topic of "mickey mouse" courses, ie: ANY major that is not engineering or medicine. According to everyone in the room, these were a waste of time and govt. spending. I felt that it was my duty as a social science major to enlighten them to the fact that society does not exist of just engineers and doctors ( I saw shocked faces). Also, they thought that history was a waste. These are the people that will design the weapons of the future and they do not feel the need to study politics (or take a single course, or acknowledge that it is important) or HISTORY! They also thought that anyone who went to a second tier school or less, should not be govt. supported. They made fun of people who did not have their high IQ. And they also said that people who take "mickey mouse" courses will not get a job and therefore should not be govt. supported. I again decided to bring them out of their ignorant bubble and remind them that their job prospects were just as bleak. Every comment I made was met with silence. Probably because they have never been exposed to anyone who wasn't a fucking science major. I value everyone, these people do not. I was sickened. Also, I think only being exposed to one type of major is danergeous. These students honestly thought they were God's gift to the world... and all other majors were a drain on funds. This is not a healthy intellectual environment.
And my crusade for humanity continues...

Natural Selection: Pub Style and my plan to conquer the world

So lately, I have partaken in London's nightlife, and I find mate selection fascinating. For example, while in a pub, most grown men will act like animals in order to gain the attention of females. Now, London might be considered a concrete jungle, however, it is not the real wilderness, and therefore behaving like a dizzy, grizzly bear, will not attract a human being, let allow someone of the opposite sex. Also, I feel that pickup lines should be used more. Because at least at the end of the night, you will have fun stories!
As a side note: my "interest" in turbulence has impressed some mechanical engineers at Imperial. In fact, one guy thought I specialized in the study of turbulence.
Also, i do not think I have mastered the art of useless and brainless conversation. Because since going to university pubs, My conversations have revolved around: nuclear fusion, clean water, politics, energy storage, turbulence(comes up every time!) and medicine. I in fact am learning more in pubs then I do in class. And to make everyone proud, I point out to these engineers that clean water, and social justice issues are vitally important and that they should not sell out to defense companies. In fact, I am on a crusade. So far, I have not converted anyone, however, I serve as a reminder that there are more important things then money and weapons. Such as, humanity and clean water... to name a few.
And on another side note: I have decided to join as many imperial clubs as I can, so to maximize my social calender and meeting people and my crusade! I joined both the Conservatives and Labour parties. I have also joined 3 Indian clubs. Mind you, when I went to an event last night, everyone thought that I was Native American. I appreciate that I can blend with most ethnicites and am sadden that languages do not come naturally to me. Because if they did, I could become a spy and maybe marry James Bond if he were diease free! However, I will settle for being a human rights lawyer.

The Attack of the London Germ

As some of you might know, I am obsessed with staying germ-free. I am discovering that in London this is a fruitless exercise. What with the tube, classes with no fresh air and generally just always being around people, germs are bound to mutate and invade. I knew this, and came up with a procedure to stay healthy and germ free. I purell every hour on the hour, and when I get on and off the tube. I also take Vit. C for maintaining a healthy immune system. However, who do you think out of an apartment of 6, is the one to get sick. oh yes, of course, Ms. Healthy, is the first to get sick. However, I think my weak point is going to class. Because, everyone is my classes is sick, and feels the need to spread their germs every 5 minutes (classes are 3 hours)!. I have to invent a way to disinfect the air around me in class. Honestly, it's only week 2. I swear Londoners must be immune to the plague with all the germs that they are exposed to on a daily basis! They are exposed to diseases from around the world. Maybe by the time I leave I too will have the superpower, of getting on the tube as a healthy individual, and leaving the tube the same way! On a positive note, aggressive germs are the only downside to London!

Football... aka overpaid babies

I am across the pond now and loving it! As some of you know, I loved the world cup, however I cannot say the same for Football and in fact competitive male sports in general. First, I went to a football match a couple of weeks ago, and was shocked to see 20-30 police presence. Why? you might ask, would a whole police force be presence at a football match instead of solving murders, and protecting grandmas from house break-ins. Because football fans get violent, and if their team loses, and let's face it, one team is bound too, they have to take it out on someone. It's ridculous. In fact, as the team I was supporting was starting to lose, the fans behind me started to back-seat coach the team... to the point where I almost said "how about you get off your fat ass and get in the game, or redirect this enormous energy and help the people in Pakistan". And now on to the the players themselves. Now, some of them might have redeemable qualities. However, in the past week a number of football stars have been linked to prostitutes and an illegal underage prostitute ring in France (think Taken... yeah, these are some people's heroes). These men have families, and surprising feel no shame in admitting that they had to pay for someone to 'spend time' with them. Apparently it's a 'power thing' aka 'I am a waste of space, who not only is not bettering society, but is also putting others at risk, such as my spouse with any STDs that I might pick up, from my wholesome extracurricular activities'. And what puts the topping on the cake, is that one publicist said that spouses know what they signed up for! I think not. No one, no matter how much money (right I am not mentioning good looks, because anyone who behaves like this is not attractive)is worth losing one's self respect and overall health. And in short, all these players are from England, and I am thrilled that they played liked the losers that they are, and I refuse to support football from here on out. I will instead turn my thoughts onto Charles Taylor's trial... more to come later. cheers!

Safety First

Today I have decided to share with the blogging community a personal philosophy of mine, that is, "Safety First". Now, you have probably heard this little saying before but I am going to write about how these two words can be applied to everything from international travel to guarding your heart. Here are AA (Amanda Approved) Safety Tips. ENJOY!

Daily Life:

- when dressing for the day, be conscious of dangers and or annoyances that might occur. For example, I wear shoes that I can run in or throw off in case of an emergency ie running from stalkers or earthquakes

- make sure you eat breakfast because who knows what will happen, you might not eat again!

Relationships:

- Background checks, police reports etc. THESE ARE VERY IMPORTANT. This is crucial when the man you are dating drives a different luxury car, with no license plates, every day that you see him.

- If you want to meet a random stranger at least go to place that is reputable. For example, if choosing a grocery store to flirt at, pick Bristol Farms over Ralphs. However, it is advised NOT to date a random stranger but an AA (Amanda Approved) candidate.

- First glance is key, make sure he meets all requirements before speaking, otherwise you are doomed to a dull conversation.

- Don't be afraid to get NOSY, check out his relationship history! The way to do this is to google his name and facebook stalk, not to mention casually bringing up his name among mutual friends. Then, gage their reactions to his name and if satisfied proceed, otherwise, run away in the shoes you wore this morning for such purposes.

Travel:

- When boarding a plane, ask the pilot how the turbulance will be and make sure he describes every detail of the entire flight to you personally. Also use this golden opportunity to make sure he is sober and capable. Otherwise RUN.

- When checking in for a flight, be sure to choose the seat closest to the wing, this is the most stable part of the plane.

- Sit next to a friendly stranger (who looks capable). I prefer ex-Marines or current members of the United States Army. Then you can rest assured that in an emergency YOU will be saved.

- Make sure to always gage your surroundings and if you see any strange guys are checking you out, that's not a potential love interest, that's a rapist that's going to kill you!

Like the boy scouts know, preparation is essential for survival. Ciao!