Jacqueline Abelson's Blog, page 5

How To Survive A Book Fair For Aspiring Authors

So a few weeks ago I had the pleasure to attend the London Book Fair in Kensington Olympia.

I must say, that it was my first time attending a book fair of any sorts in the city.

Not counting the numerous Scholastic Book Fairs that I always attended in elementary school and then later begging my mother to buy me the next novel in the Magic Tree House Series. Between you and me, I only got up to book #3 in that series, Mummies in the Morning.    This was my first serious encounter with a professionally assembled Book Fair.

And I was shocked.

Pleasantly, shocked to be exact. 

But it got me thinking that if I had walked into the London Book Fair, or any Book Fair for that matter (i.e. Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, BookExpo America and Frankfurt Book Fair just to name a few) and I was my fifteen-year-old self struggling to be recognized as an author, I would have no idea how to function at these events. 

And quite possibly be scared out of my mind. 

So if you are a writer, and are hoping to one day be recognized as an author, attending a Book Fair might help you out. 

But it's important for me to mention that attending a Book Fair won't guarantee that you will come out with a literary agent or a publishing deal when you walk through the door. To be frank, Book Fairs are not really intended for authors, but they are worth attending because they can giving you a glimpse into what the publishing business is really like.

So really, the best thing you can benefit out of attending one of these Book Fairs is for you to get a running start on your writing career.      #1: Pre-Schedule A Meeting With A Literary Agent

Yes! You can indeed meet a real life literary agent at a Book Fair. 

Most of the time at these functions, unpublished authors have the opportunity to meet a network with a vast array of literary agents. You can ask questions to them about the publishing industry, what genre of novels they represent, and what the market looks like it's heading in regards to what people are currently reading. 

And the best part: You will have the opportunity to pitch your novel idea to them face-to-face.

Again, you might not leave a Book Fair with a contract between you and a lit agent, but you'll at least get feedback on your ideas and submission material.

However, it is critical that you schedule a meeting with them months before the Book Fair. And by months, I mean at least six to be exact. 

I learned that at The London Book Fair people were scheduling meetings with literary agents as early as November to secure a one-on-one meet and greet in April. Furthermore, a literary agent's schedule fills up quickly so the longest you'll be able to meet with a literary agent would at max be up to 10 minutes. 

Usually an agent's contact information will be posted on the Book Fair's website, but if it isn't and you find a literary agent who will be attending a particular fair, you may have to do some research and contact the literary agent to ask if they will meet with you. 

Who knows, maybe you'll find the literary agent equivalent of Ari Gold to help give you a boost.   #2 Get Lost (Seriously)

Book Fairs differ in size. 

You might attend a Book Fair that takes places in one giant room . . . or several buildings like The Frankfurt Book Fair.

Either way, you will be swallowed in by the mass wave of all things literary.

Think of it as being back on your first day of attending high school.

Are you terrified yet?

Well, you should be, because that's a typical normal reaction.

Because most likely, the very first thing you're going to see when you walk through the doors will be something along the lines of this:
What I'm trying to tell you, is that whatever Book Fair you decide to attend, it will be HUGE.

You'll probably be intimidated at first by all the people and by all of the publishing stands, but just remember that you're here on a mission. You're here to explore what is in store for you if you decide to commit to the writing world. 

So just walk around, get yourself lost amongst the midst of the most popular publishing houses and just for a moment image what kind of future will be in store for you and your writing. 

So embrace the intimidation, but don't let that overpower you from to your main goal. 

It is a terrifying thought to think that "these people" are responsible for the destiny of your future novels. Will they bring you success? Will they bring you failure? These thoughts will drive anyone up the wall.

But enjoy the fact that you're in the presence of these powerful publishing companies. 

That's honestly what's more important. 

And you'll definitely have ALL THE FEELS: #3 Talk To The Publishing Houses

Yup. All these guys will be at any Book Fair:  They will usually have the biggest stand at the Book Fair to display their well-renowned authors and their selection of newly released novels. You can go up to them and ask about the industry and how the process works amongst authors and literary agents. 

Keep in mind that the publishing houses and the literary agents will not be located in the same area.

At The London Book Fair, each floor was divided separately. 

Usually it's the Ground Floor where all of the Publishing Houses are spread out.  

In addition, for those who are just new to the publishing world and have submitted their manuscript (via literary agent) to the Big Four publishing houses and haven't heard a peep back from them, don't start panicking . . . yet. 

The answer to why Simon & Schuster, Harper Collins, Penguin Random House and etc. haven't gotten back to you yet on your acceptance/rejection letter of your manuscript, is because the whole publishing selection process takes a really, really, really, really long time. 

You think that's bad, then get this:

It turns out that when you've submitted your manuscript to the publishing houses it goes through a process in which the different imprints of that publishing house takes a look at the manuscript. But each imprint of the publishing house can only take a look at the manuscript one at a time. 

For example, let's say you've submitted your manuscript to Hachette Livre – one of the Big Four publishing houses in New York. Your manuscript will then be looked at one at a time by the imprints of Hachette Livre (i.e. Grand Central Publishing, Little Brown, Poppy and etc.). And obviously because these imprints get manuscripts day-in and day-out it takes a while for them to get across to your manuscript before they decide to either accept it or reject it. And if they reject it, the manuscript gets passed along down the list to the next imprint of Hachette Livre.*

* Note: If anyone from Hachette Livre or someone from an imprint of Hachette Livre is reading this blog right now, it would be really awesome if you accepted my novel to your publishing house. Your YA novels from Little Brown and Poppy are amazing!**


** Or, you know, if any publishing house or an imprint of one of the big publishing houses is reading this, please accept my novel. That would make my life, so much better. 

So the best thing to do as you wait for your letter is to sit back, read, or start up writing your second novel.

You never know when you'll might hear back and with what news.
#4: Attend An Author Showcase

You'll probably have to pre-book on the Book Fair's website to attend an Author's Showcase, or it might come along with the ticket you've purchased. 

Either way, attending an Author's Showcase will give writers the opportunity to ask the authors questions of how they got started in the publishing business. Their answers might even inspire them as well. 

An Author's Showcase will include book singing and meeting with the international publishing contacts for each attending author at the showcase. Authors also vary between writers, screenwriters or both.

You'll be able to learn about their writing techniques and listen to them list off the best tips to break into the publishing industry.

Worth attending, especially if you admire that author's writing. 
#5: Books! So Many Books!

Well, you are at a Book Fair so what the heck did you expect?

Usually you'll have the opportunity to buy a bunch of books at these, well, Book Fairs.

These booksellers from across the globe come to Book Fairs to sell novels of every form of genre to get both writers and readers hyped on what's in store for them. 

Just think of the end game, when one day after nailing down an agent and getting your manuscript accepted by a publishing house, one day you might hold a copy of your own literary work in your hand. And from there, booksellers will take your novel in and start selling them to other aspiring writers like yourself. 

Every novel has had its own journey from print to page, and witnessing these booksellers at a Book Fair might be the next push you were looking for to chase after your dreams.   For me, what really helped me come to terms with the fact that I was at one of the most well-known Book Fairs in the world, was the sense of belonging. 

Admittedly, I was terrified out of mind when I arrived. There was just so many things happening and so many important publishing companies that I dreamed would take one of my novels in one day. 

It was frightening, but after a few minutes of walking around and being acquainted with my surroundings, there was something that was keeping me from turning back. 

As I glanced at the stands to the publishing houses of Bloomsbury and Harper Collins, I suddenly had a strong confirmation about something that I wasn't sure about until I had gotten a better grip of my surroundings:

I belonged here!

These were my people! 

This was what I have to look forward to in my career as writer!

Also, it was really cool. 

So wherever you are in the world reading this, and you love to write but are struggling to jump through all the hoops of getting published, just remember what Kevin G said to Cady near the end of Mean Girls:  Exactly. 

What he said. 

So just keep doing what you love and it will pay off.

How To Survive St. Patrick's Day in the UK

Ah, St. Paddy's Day.

The one time of year where everyone comes together for some good beer while wearing the color green or a shirt that says this:  I can't say that I haven't had a pleasure to wear an "Everyone Loves an Irish Girl" T-shirt – because to frank, I'm not Irish – but in Massachusetts, where I go to school, people take St. Patrick's Day very seriously. Especially the Bostonians. Every year for as long as I've been living in Massachusetts, Boston, a city that has one of the country's largest Irish populations in the United States, treats St. Patrick's Day like it's Mardi Gras. Everyone shows off their Irish spirit, wears green from head to toe, desks their necks with gold or green beaded necklaces and they drink and party all day long. 

I have to admit though, I've never been in Massachusetts during St. Patrick's Day because Mount Holyoke always schedules its Spring Break the week that St. Patrick's Day begins, so I've always been away from the nucleus of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

UNTIL NOW.
If I thought that Massachusetts was the hub of all things St. Patrick's Day, I was in a huge surprise by how seriously the United Kingdom treats this holiday. 

But's also important to take note of how people in the United Kingdom celebrate St. Patrick's Day differently. 

So grab your shamrock shakes and pots of gold because St. Patrick's Day abroad goes way beyond our original Irish-American traditions:

1) Have an Understanding About Ireland's Relationship with the United Kingdom:  

For those who don't know, Ireland – where the holiday, St. Patrick's Day originates from – is part of the British Isles in the United Kingdom, which can be a bit confusing because the United Kingdom is a "country of countries" which includes four equal and sovereign nations . . . in one country. If you can wrap your head around that.  

If you want a quick geography lesson that explains the United Kingdom as a whole, click here. 

It's a bit confusing, but you'll get a hang of it soon and it's especially helpful for those who are planning on living in the United Kingdom anytime soon. 

All I will say quickly about the Ireland and the United Kingdom is this:

Ireland is NOT part of the United Kingdom.
That's right.

To simplify it (and you can watch this on the link) there two very large islands known as the British Isles, seen below: In the green, is the island of Ireland and in the blue is the island of Great Britain. 

With me so far?

Now the island of Ireland, it has two countries: The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, on the island of Great Britain, it has three countries: England (where I am), Scotland and Wales. 
Okay, now here is where it gets a little funky.

The island of Ireland and Great Britain are two separate islands in the British Isles.

HOWEVER, the four countries, of Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales make up the United Kingdom (in yellow). 

But The Republic of Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom (in orange).

It's just mostly referred to as Ireland even though that's the name of the whole island.  And when you meet someone who says that they are Irish, it means that they come from The Republic of Ireland rather than Northern Ireland.

Anyway, there's more information about the United Kingdom on the link. 

But despite the fact that Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom, a lot of Irish people live on the island of Great Britain and celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

And when I say celebrate, I mean . . . it's a holiday that's not exactly extravagant as you might expect it to be. 

2) Partying on St. Patrick's Day is Never Wild:

For starts, St. Patrick's Day in Ireland is a Roman Catholic feast day. For many, it's a nice quiet holiday. But over the years the holiday started to evolve when Irish immigrants in the United States started to hold some of the first St. Patrick's Day Parades. The first largely public celebration of St. Patrick's Day took place in Boston in 1737 and it did not become a national holiday in Ireland until 1903. In fact, until the 1970s, pubs in Ireland were required by law to be closed on March 17th. 

Eventually, the holiday caught on and then became this tinderbox of celebration, partying and drinking.  3) If You Do Not Wear Green on St. Patrick's Day You Will NOT Get Pinched:

It turns out, the Irish did not invent the tradition of pinching people for not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day. 

But guess who did?

The Irish Americans! To be honest, I'm not surprised that it was us who came up with this tradition.

I mean, America is known for creating weird customs that don't quite make much sense. 

For example, the 4th of July.

I'm not taking about the fireworks or the barbecues that happen on 4th of July, I'm taking about the tradition of turning on ESPN and watching the live broadcast of Nathan's Hotdog Eating Contest and airs every single 4th of July. 

It's weird watching Joey Chestnut stuff 61 hotdogs in his face in under 10 minutes.

And yet, you want him to win.

Because that's how it is in America.

Real Americans eat 61 hotdogs in under 10 minutes. 

And apparently pinch each other on St. Patrick's Day when someone decides not to wear green. 

Okay, so why did we start pinching people for not wearing green?

Well, it turns out that revelers thought that wearing green made one invisible to leprechauns and other fairy creates who would pinch anyone they could see (anyone not wearing green). People began pinching those who didn't wear green as a reminder that leprechauns would sneak up and pinch green-abstainers. 
But again, the pinching tradition is well enforced in states.

Not so much in the UK.

Probably because . . . 


4) Everyone Wears Blue On St. Patrick's Day:

Here in the UK, most true St. Patrick's Day revelers wear blue instead of green, because back in 1783, the Order of St. Patrick – an Anglo-Irish church – adopted blue as its official color which was then later used to be associated with Saint Patrick. It was only later in the 1790s when green would become associated with Irish nationalism, due to its usage by the people who lived in the Republic of Ireland. 

So, word to the wise, don't go running up to people and pinching them in the UK for not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day. You'll make a lot of people very angry if you do.  5) Silent Discos Are A Real Thing:

Yes. 

You did indeed read that correctly. 

To be more specific, The Shard in London is THE place to be on the evening of St. Patrick's Day. Every year they hold something called a silent disco party. If you do not know what a silent disco party is, it is when people dance to music on wireless headphones rather than dancing to a speaker system. The music is broadcast to the headphones worn by the participants in the room, so when you take off your headphones you realize that everyone around you is dancing to absolutely nothing.  

But it's a big deal at The Shard. You start off the night with a Jameson with ginger ale and fresh limes before ascending to the top of the famous London landmark 

Not to mention, the tickets to actually get into the place are rarer than a leprechaun's pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 

But come on, you get to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a view from the freak'n Shard! 

Just bask in it's awesomeness!
6) Trafalgar Square Is The Place To Be:

Every year on the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day officially starts, a parade passes through Central London and free festival in Trafalgar Square holds many special events. 

From spectacular floats to Irish dancing schools, the free St. Patrick's Day celebration is a great chance to experience true Irish culture with an artisan Irish food market, comedy and film festivals filled with music and dancing. 

So when you get a chance, head on down early and show off your Irish pride!

7) Pub Crawls (Did You Seriously Think I Would Leave This One Out?):

Whether you're Irish or not, pub crawling on St. Patrick's Day is the most fun that you can ever have!

So if you're the type of person who is out and about with a few good friends looking for some fun, the Irish pubs in London is the best place to immerse yourself into the Irish scene. Traditionally different and unique, you're sure to sample the best Guinness in the city with the friendliest bartenders in town. 

So if you and your buddies are looking for a good Irish pub to release your inner Irish spirit here are a few pub recommendations that you should definitely hit up while you're in London:

The Auld Shillelagh
105 Stoke Newington Church Street, 
London N16 0UD
Just like the Tardis – small on the outside, but big on the inside – The Auld Shillelagh is complimented by a large beer garden and have striven to have the best Guinness in North London. If you're looking to be entertained then this is the place to go; with all the major sporting events being shown on a huge screen and various themed music nights, there is always something happening at the this pub. 

O'Neill's Irish Pub & Kitchen Carnaby Street
37-38 Great Marlborough Street, 
London W1F 7JF
As soon as you walk through these doors, you will start to feel Irish yourself. O'Neill's Irish Pub provides copious amounts of Guinness as well as plentiful welcoming smiles you come to expect from an Irish pub. O'Neill's draws people with their regional cask ales, so that the beer drinkers of the capital can grab a decent pint without having to search high and low. It provides its customers with a homely atmosphere and you'll never find a more comfortable place to get a good Guinness in the city. 

Waxy O'Connor's 
14-16 Rupert Street, 
London W1D 6DD
No words can begin to describe the kind of Irish pub that is Waxy O'Connor's. It's a warm Irish drinking-labyrinth (if you can even imagine that). Within Waxy O'Connor's you will find yourself not in 1  pub, but within the midst of 4 unique bars on 6 different levels which are all linked together by a maze of different staircases and passages. Decked out with traditional wooden tables and décor, the pub has a real earthy feel and an atmosphere that immediately puts patrons at ease. It's a pub you cannot afford to miss. 

The Faltering Fullback
19 Perth Road, 
London N4 3HB
The Faltering Fullback is located in North London and is very well hidden. This well concealed pub is full of nooks and crannies and has an extensive beer garden, a raucous pool table room, a quirky front bar where guitars, oars and a whole assortment of nicknacks fill up every space.

So there's your St. Patrick's Day survival guide in London.
It might not be what you're used to in the states, but it might be even better than you expect it to be. 

So I hope you all had a fun St. Patrick's Day back in the states.
And just remember, if you're coming over to the UK in the near future, try not to pinch anyone for not wearing green.  

A Man's Guide For Understanding Jane Austen

Are you a dude?

Are you currently reading this right now?

All right, great.

I know this is probably the last thing you would want to be reading right now.

I mean seriously, what kind of guy in their right mind would click on a link titled: A Man's Guide For Understanding Jane Austen?

But if you are one of the lucky gentlemen who did decide to take the time and effort to click on this link, it must mean at least that you're curious as to what this month's blog will entail. Especially if it involves none other than Jane Austen. 

Hey man, it could be worse.

I could've titled this months blog: A Man's Guide for Understanding Fifty Shades of Grey, but I'm not going to do that because that's creepy. And also, I might accidentally attract the wrong fan base. 

Okay, down to business. 

So, Jane Austen.

Have you ever wondered why women are so obsessed with her novels? 

It essentially breaks down to the three main things: Courtship, love and marriage.

And you, know, nineteenth century fashion, etiquette, tea and crumpets and all that Regency era panache. 

So if you're trying to understand why your grandma,  your sister, your wife, your girlfriend or that girl you've secretly have a crush on but are too timid to go up to talk her all like Jane Austen, I'm about to break it down to you in the simplest way possible. 

In colorful easy-to-follow flowchart style: Okay so let's start with the basics:  These six protagonists (I'm counting the Dashwood sisters as one) in these six novels are all what women either see themselves as, or are striving to become. I mean seriously, how many people wish that they had Elizabeth Bennet's wit or Emma's ability for persuasion? (Men, I'll explain that soon). These are what women ideally want to see themselves. And if that's not clear clear enough then hopefully this is:  Name: Catherine Morland

Originated from Jane Austen's: Northanger Abbey

Which is about: How Catherine Morland's sensational obsession with Gothic novels leads to several misunderstandings.

Who she might remind you of: You're eleven-year-old sister who is still obsessed with Twilight. 

Why your girlfriend likes her: Catherine likes books and is a voracious reader like your girlfriend. But because you're her boyfriend you knew that already, right? 

Why your girlfriend wants to be like her: Despite the fact that Catherine is neither especially smart, or wealthy, she has a good heart and just wants people to get along and be happy. True, her imagination does tend to run wild from time to time, but that's only because she really does believe in the happy endings that all good books should have as their conclusion. Least to say, she's an optimist and a dreamer, which to be honest, are very humbling qualities. 

Most likely to: Write a thrilling novel about her life.
Name: Elinor and Marianne Dashwood

Originated from Jane Austen's: Sense and Sensibility

Which is about: The relationship between two sister after their rich father dies, leaving the family to live on a tiny income.

Who they might remind you of: Elinor might remind you of that quiet but attentive student in your high school class who you knew always got A's but never gloated about it. As for Marianne, she was always that girl who got the female lead in all of the high school play productions and LOVED it when she read aloud a passionate Shakespearian monologue in front of a crowd of people.

Why your girlfriend likes them: Elinor thinks before she speaks. She uses her brain before she makes any sudden decisions. And while your girlfriend would love to have to same temperance as Elinor, she knows for a fact that deep down she relates more to Marianne who just doesn't care what people think of her when she speaks her mind. 

Why your girlfriend wants to be like them: Elinor makes all of the smart calls and she takes care of the Dashwood family, even when things start to look bad. She is a role model for your girlfriend when things in life just get tough. As for Marianne, your girlfriend wishes that she could be more open to people like the younger Miss Dashwood. However, she is also aware that too much passionate emotions could lead to inevitable consequences. 

Most likely to: Run for city council.  
Name: Elizabeth Bennet 

Originated from Jane Austen's: Pride and Prejudice 

Which is about: The prejudice that occurs between an unmarried middle-class young woman and the pride from an upper-class gentleman.

Who she reminds you of: That girl who was too clever for your own good. 

Why your girlfriend likes her: Never has a character in all of Austen's novels made your girlfriend wish she could have a best friend like Lizzie. Miss Bennet rejects the outright corset of convention, believing firmly that women have every right to be as happy as men and that women should marry for love rather than necessity. In other words, Lizzie Bennet is a modern-day feminist in the eyes of your girlfriend.

Why your girlfriend wants to be like her: Because she is so sassy and so independent that she is Beyoncé worthy. Your girlfriend's dream is to live up to the standards of Elizabeth Bennet. She wants to run verbal rings around her nemesis's and like Miss Bennet, she wants to produce a perfect comeback for every comment you make to her. 

Most likely to: Become a savvy attorney.  Name: Fanny Price

Originated from Jane Austen's: Mansfield Park

Which is about: A young woman being shipped off to live with her rich aunt and uncle and is constantly reminded that she is too poor to fit in. 

Who she reminds you of: Cady from Mean Girls.

Why your girlfriend likes her: Fanny is independent (or at least tries to be independent) and she doesn't give into the social constraints of her rich family. She stands her ground and doesn't let anyone tell her what to do, even if she is going against the current.

Why your girlfriend wants to be like her: Despite the opposing position Fanny is in, she yet remains unabashedly mousy and virtuous. While her wealthier cousins run amuck and find themselves entangled in unorthodox relationships, Fanny remains true to herself and knows what is best for her. 

Most likely to: Be your guidance counselor. 
Name: Emma Woodhouse

Originated from Jane Austen's: Emma

Which is about: A young matchmaker who finds herself in trouble after she tries to set up her best friend with another man. 

Who she reminds you of: That perky, popular do-gooder at your high school. 

Why your girlfriend likes her: So what if Emma never learned to follow anybody's guidance but her own? She's still irresistibly charming and like any girl who is content with everything that she has in Highbury, Emma has some serious standards and won't settle for less. Yes, she may have an over-inflated ego, but then again, doesn't everybody? 

Why your girlfriend wants to be like her: Emma is smart. Smarter than you'd expect. She knows how to manipulate people and get her way, but she is also very loyal. When it come to family, Emma's heart is in the right place. She loves everybody, even the people that she dislikes! But yet she finds away to put up with everyone with a smile on her face. 

Most likely to: Be your wingman/woman Name: Anne Elliot

Originated from Jane Austen's: Persuasion

Which is about: An unmarried woman who encounters her former lover after he returns from battle.

Who she reminds you of: That person who tells you, "Don't do it! You'll hurt yourself!" But you do it anyway, and needless to say, she was right. You did in fact, hurt yourself.

Why your girlfriend likes her: Anne finds herself unfortunately not the center of her family's attention. She may be the middle child but she doesn't live up to her older sister's expectations of being their father's favorite, or doesn't even have the advantage of having a husband like her younger sister has the fortune to have. Anne is undervalued, which makes her sympathetic enough but she has a good head on her shoulders. When the family's finances look like they're in trouble, Anne must make her decisions based on logic instead of wishful thinking. 

Why your girlfriend wants to be like her: Anne knows best. She might be easy to persuade but that doesn't excuse the fact that she clearly knows the difference between right and wrong. Her opinions are kept to herself and she's more of a listener than a talker. And when people don't listen to her, she clearly has bragging rights when things go awry to say, "I told you so!"

Most likely to: Be your doctor.  So that takes care of the women in Austen's novels. They are clever, independent and ultimately strive for something bigger and grander in their world. 


But alas, that is only the small slice as to why women love Jane Austen. 


Let's move on to the nitty-gritty of what women really like about Jane Austen's novels. 


Men, prepare yourselves.


Because what I'm about to introduce to you next, might unman you.  Oh yes.

The men of Austen's novels are only part of the beating heartbeat of what makes Austen's novels so wonderful.

Fantasies of regency courtship all originate here with these men.

So let's really see if your girlfriend sees you more as a Darcy, a Tilney or a Wentworth. 

Or, you know, what male protagonist from Austen's novels she expects you to be like. 

Let's hope you live up to your girlfriend's expectations: 
Name: Henry Tilney 

Originated from Jane Austen's: Northanger Abbey

Who he reminds you of: The class clown. Also he is the first one to be invited to everyone's party.

What your girlfriend sees in him: Sure, he'll never be prom king, but what does your girlfriend care? He's a jokester and seems to know the right things to say at the right time. He makes her smile and he's very witty with his words. 

What you girlfriend expects you to learn from him: To be a good influence and to correct your faulty assumptions about people. Furthermore, your girlfriend encourages you to use your common sense every once in a while. Just saying.

Most likely to: Steal your girlfriend.  Name: Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon 

Originated from Jane Austen's: Sense and Sensibility

Who they remind you of: Edward would probably remind you of that hipster in high school who was always laid back and only wanted to live a simple life. Colonel Brandon would remind you of that overachiever in your class who was responsible with turning his work in on time. 

What your girlfriend thinks of them: Well, right off the bat, Edward Ferrars is a mama's boy. That might seem a turn off for some, but it at least reassures your girlfriend that Edward knows at least how to treat a woman right. Edward is a man without mission. He is free spirited and just loves life. Though he's no spectacularly good looking, he's a dependable guy and stays true to his promises. As for Colonel Brandon, well he maybe a bit older be he is by far the most romantic man out of all of Austen's novels. Quiet, but dignified, Colonel Brandon is sensitive and appreciative for all that life has to offer and when he says he's in love, he means it and would even fight for it. 

What your girlfriend expect you to learn from them: Do not be at the mercy of others and make your decisions on your own terms instead of being persuaded by others. Be sensitive, take control and be fearless.  

Most likely to: Steal your girlfriend. 
Especially Colonel Brandon.  Name: Fitzwilliam Darcy

Originated from Jane Austen's: Pride and Prejudice

Who he reminds you of: That really intimidating guy on campus who thinks he's better than everyone else because his parents bought him a Lamborghini for his birthday. 

What your girlfriend thinks of him: Your girlfriend would probably dump you for Mr. Darcy if she had the chance. I'm sorry, but it's true. Darcy is the perfect gentleman. At first he may not seem like it, but what your girlfriend will later realize is that Darcy is the most triumphant male character Austen has ever written. A man who at first seems so proud, so sure of his status, wealth and position in society was brought down to his knees by the company of the poorer Elizabeth Bennet, a girl who held an equal amount of wit and cleverness as himself. Darcy takes great pains to keep Elizabeth's vulgar family away from his friends and family, and when he can't deny his feelings any longer, he asks Elizabeth to marry him despite his proud instincts. And when Elizabeth rejects him angrily, Darcy does everything in his power to protect the reputation of Elizabeth's family at great costs in the hope of reaping any reward. That, is love. You try doing that someday. 

What your girlfriend expects you to learn from him: Be a gentleman and do not base you opinions on anyone due to first impressions. 

Most likely to: Definitely steal your girlfriend. Name: Edmund Bertram

Originated from Jane Austen's: Mansfield Park

Who he reminds you of: That nerd in high school who just wanted to get by. 

What your girlfriend thinks of him: Unlike Darcy, you might actually have a chance if your girlfriend ever found herself face-to-face with Edmund Bertram. Because Edmund has some unrealistic expectations. He thinks he can score with the hottest woman around instead of realizing that she might be out of his league. Your girlfriend will think he's an idiot for choosing Mary Crawford over Fanny Price, but your girlfriend will be reminded that Edward is the epitome of a morally good character, despite the fact that Mary Crawford only wants to change him for her benefit. Your girlfriend will feel bad for him, then hate him and then hate him some more for dragging her along this emotional roller coaster until he finally mans up and marries Fanny.

What your girlfriend expects you to learn from him: If she's out of your league, she out of your league. Don't even bother. 

Most likely to: Put your girlfriend in the friend zone until she begs him to steal her heart. 
Name: George Knightley 

Originated from Jane Austen's: Emma

Who he reminds you of: The captain from the debate team who is always right about everything that it angers you so much. 

What your girlfriend thinks of him: Knightley has an estate that includes most of the property in Highbury, and add that up with the fact that he's also a gentleman. In Jane Austen's world that makes him HOT! Your girlfriend thinks that he's a decent guy and approachable. In fact, Knightley might just be everything that you're not. He's comfortable in his own skin and makes gutsy observations regardless of what others might think of him. His only flaw might just be that he doesn't appreciate what he has until it's threatened to be taken away from him. It finally hits Knightley like a pile of bricks that he might be in love with Emma when he realizes that he might have some competition to win Emma's affections. Yet, the man is dedicated and is willing to sacrifice everything for love. Even Donwell Abbey if it meant being together with his one true love.   

What your girlfriend expects you to learn from him: If you truly love someone, don't say it. Show it. 

Most likely to be: Your girlfriend's knight in shining armor. 
Name: Captain Frederick Wentworth

Originiated from Jane Austen's: Persuasion

Who he reminds you of: That guy who was a geek in high school and believed that he wouldn't amount up to anything; but then you guys reconnect at your high school reunion and discover that he's the CEO of Apple Inc.

What your girlfriend thinks of him: Wentworth is the one that got away. 

The Top 10 Things To Look Forward To In 2015

It's that time of year!

When you once again find yourself writing 2014 instead of 2015 at the top right hand corner of your notebook:  It's such a startling feeling to find the year suddenly speed past you; but also really frustrating to rewrite the correct year after being used to scratching out 2014 at the top of your homework. 

Since last year's Top 10 I've learned that compiling a list of 2015's most exciting events is extremely difficult. What do you put in? What do you leave out? Those are some of the questions I had to ask myself as I drew up the long-list of our most anticipated events of this upcoming year.

In an attempt to limit the number of returning TV shows like Game of Thrones or movie sequels like Insurgent (which can definitely fill up a list such as this) I've left out some very significant things out, even though I'm fairly sure it'll be a lot of fun. 

What's left is a fairly broad selection of worldly events, anticipated blockbusters and exciting technological advancements to encourage you to have an exhilarating year.

So without further ado:   

#10
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Why You Should Look Forward To This: 

It's classic Jane Austen, with a lot of badassery.

With a zombie apocalypse that’s been raging for more than 70 years, the Bennet sisters are sword-wielding martial artists determined to wipe out the walking dead . . . while also worrying about wining the affection of a single wealthy gentleman. 

Adapted from Seth Grahame-Smith’s enormously popular book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies the Bennet sisters will no doubt be showing off their ninja warrior skills, while looking fabulous in their corset-bound dresses. Furthermore, the movie will remain true to Austen's characters, especially Elizabeth. It's no doubt that people who've read Pride and Prejudice notice that Elizabeth Bennet herself is indeed a warrior battling against class strains and her family's socioeconomic background when facing the upper class.

Now take that same character and add zombies into the story.

Elizabeth Bennet is still a badass.  

#9
Wireless Power Mats at Starbucks  

Why You Should Look Forward To This: 

What could be better than grabbing a cup of coffee and charging your phone?

Starting this year, Starbucks will be offering free wireless charging stations!
As of now, the company responsible for these power mats are testing out their charging service at San Francisco shops first, hoping to roll it out to other stores across the nation as the year progresses.

So embedded on the counters and tabletops at your local Starbucks, you'll soon encounter circular pads, which you can lay your phone down and watch as your dying 10% battery instantly boosts to at least 85%. All while enjoying your coffee.

Now when fall comes around, you'll not only be able to order your usual pumpkin spice latte, but you'll also be able to post on your Facebook wall about the fact that you're drinking a pumpkin spice latte without worrying about the low battery on your phone. 

Isn't life full of surprises?

#8
Super Bowl XLIX
Why You Should Look Forward To This: 

If you remember last years Super Bowl, you probably recall Peyton Manning's face after the Seattle Seahawks slaughtered the Denver Broncos with a final score of 43 – 8. In the game's overall showdown, the match wasn't much of a contest. More like a bloodbath, if you really want to be honest with yourself. The Seattle Seahawks defense dominated the Denver Broncos from start to finish. Their technique to apply pressure on Manning, forced him into a pair of interceptions and four turnovers. 

And for those who didn't tune last year to witness Manning's face after his team's defeat, here's just a reminder as to what it looked like:   It was that bad.

And the Seahawks were dubbed victorious after their huge win. 

Now, with this coming Sunday approaching, the Seattle Seahawks will have the opportunity to once again take home a second trophy. But what makes this game so interesting this year, is the fact that Seattle Seahawks will be playing against the famed New England Patriots, notorious for their big wins (and Tom Brady).

Viewers of the Super Bowl are divided as to what team will win this year.

On the one hand, the Seahawks are incredible when it comes to their defense. Yet, the Patriots are angry. And whenever they're angry, they are extremely talented on the field when it comes to their offense. 

Will the Seattle Seahawks defend their title? Or will the New England Patriots capture their fourth Lombardi Trophy? Who will steal the spotlight? 

We'll find out soon enough this Sunday!

#7
Apple Watch

Why You Should Look Forward To This: 


I have to keep reminding myself that Apple's new innovated device is called "Apple Watch" instead of "iWatch," even thought that is what I'm secretly going to be calling it anyway.

Making its debut to Apple Stores across the world in April, the "Apple Watch" certainly matches Apple's drive for style. This iPhone-compatible watch sports a premium rectangular design. Of course, behind that pretty watch face, its still a powerful gadget and will work seamlessly with iOS 8 devices including the new iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus.

In addition, aren't you excited to tell Siri to remind you what day Game of Thrones will return with just a simple flick of the wrist?  

#6
Adele's Third Album

Why You Should Look Forward To This:

Rumor has it . . . that Adele is releasing her third album later this year!

After three years since Adele's last award winning album, the singer achieved more than most artists have for the entirety of their careers. For once, she topped the richest UK musicians under 30, was announced as one of the best selling artists of ALL TIME, won a freak'n Oscar for her Bond theme song and was bestowed with a hell of a lot of Grammys! 

So when some highly speculative news of her third album, 25, was set to be released later in the year, everyone went nuts! And rightfully so! 

Adele admitted that she wanted to make sure that the album was "good enough" before its release, which is one of the main reasons why she is in no rush to release the album so early in the year. Furthermore, sources have stated that Adele's inspiration for 25 stems from her pregnancy and motherhood. This would further imply that her pregnancy could be a topic for her upcoming album. Adele also hinted that it would be a happy record that may also chronicle her relationship with Simon Konecki, her current boyfriend. While 19 and 21 offered beautifully heartbreaking lyrics, 25 is expected to move away from heartaches and bad romances and into the beginnings of a more optimistic chapter in Adele's life.  

#5
The Return of Mumford & Sons
Why You Should Look Forward To This:

It looks like Mumford & Sons are going to return this year with an enormous third album!

Sigh No More and Babel launched Mumford & Sons onto the world's stage, and at this rate their third album looks likely to launch them into the stratosphere.

While representatives are keeping tight-lipped, reports have been circulating that the music group are working on what might be a back-to-roots album.

After the success of the promotional tour for their sophomore album, the band announced that they would take a break from making music and touring. Everyone freaked out and some even believed that the band had broken up for good. But it was later revealed last year that the band was making a comeback tour in later 2015.  

In fact, it was recently confirmed that the band will be performing at the 2015 Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee in mid June.

#4
Avengers: Age of Ultron Why You Should Look Forward To This: 

Well, first of all, it's THE AVENGERS, so that should already make you excited. 

And second, James Spader (The Blacklist) is voicing the indomitable android Ultron!

So while The Avengers left a big legacy to live up to, its sequel will once again be penned and directed by the master himself, Joss Whedon, who will have the greatest challenge to match (or even beat) his own record with the Marvel sequel. 

After rescuing the world from Loki in the first movie, The Avengers are officially out of the superhero closet and have publicly made clear their intention to keep the world safe. But with S.H.I.E.L.D. destroyed, Tony Stark attempts to jumpstart his own peacekeeping program to help prevent any further threats from happening around the world. Unfortunately, Stark's plan backfires when one of Tony's creations, Ultron, decides that humans are the main enemy and sets out to eradicate them from the Earth. 

Sounds like another Marvel blockbuster for me!

#3
The Royal Baby Why You Should Look Forward To This: 

Kate Middleton is due to have her second child some time in March or April of 2015. Not only will it mean that Prince George will have another sibling, but it will also mean a second addition to be added to the Windsor royal family. 

The royal couple's second baby will be fourth in line to the throne, behind their one-year-old son, Prince George. The Duchess of Cambridge has insisted that the sex of her second child will remain a surprise, but revealed that the royal baby was always kicking. 

The royal watchers are predicting that the baby will be a girl, in which case, people are already betting on what Will and Kate will name their child.

So start flashing those greenbacks. Because chances are, if you bet that the royal baby will be a girl, you might want to put your money on the name "Diana" for now. 


#2
Season 3 of Orange is the New Black   Why You Should Look Forward To This: 

Jenny Kohan's prison dramedy will return this summer to Netflix with 13 brand new episodes! 

The official Twitter account for "OITNB" added that the ladies of Litchfield are rolling up their sleeves to get down and even dirtier in the third installment of Piper's life in the woman's detention facility. 

Laura Prepon's character, Alex Vause, will appear in all 13 episodes next season, which will no doubt warm the hearts of fans after her minimal appearance in the previous season. In addition, Dascha Polanco, who plays the pregnant Daya, will also be promoted to a series regular. 

Several new characters will also be introduced, including veteran actress Mary Steenburgen, who will portray someone's mother in the season's first episode. (Hint: He's got a "pornstache"). And Ruby Rose who will play not just one love interest but TWO! 

Already we're dying to know the next period of Piper Chapman's life within the walls of Litchfield. 


#1
Benedict Cumberbatch Getting Hitched
Why You Should Look Forward To This:

You hear that sound?

That's the almost audible sound of thousands of hearts breaking in two because Sherlock star, Benedict Cumberbatch is officially off the market. 

The man widely seen as the most desired thespian in the world (I personally don't know why, because I still think he closely resembles an otter) has made it known that he is engaged to his girlfriend, Sophie Hunter.

But despite his otter-like looks, many fans are very much looking forward to his wedding. 

In the past Benedict and Oxford educated Sophie have gone to great lengths to avoid being seen together in public since they first met in 2009. They were first seen publicly together last June at the French Open but their first official encounter happened when they starred opposite each other in Burlesque Fairytales in 2009. 

Least to say, their wedding will be one in which fans will certainly rejoice over.

Nevertheless, I still think he pretty much looks like an otter.

Don't believe me, then explain this: So on that note, enjoy 2015!

Farewell, Colbert! A Look Back at the Top 10 Awesome Things Stephen Colbert Has Ever Done

So for those who really know me – like really REALLY know me – you know that back in the day, Stephen Colbert was my childhood crush throughout middle school. 

And for those who really know me, but were unaware of this little factoid about me until reading this: SURPRISE!!!

I was in love with Stephen Colbert when I was fifteen-years old!

Don't judge me! It was WAY before I knew of the existence of Bruno Mars! 

But there was a reason behind my little crush on Colbert. Yes, I did think for a guy who was in his early 40's to be (not gonna lie) kinda good looking, but I also thought he was very charming on the show. And not to mention incredibly hilarious. There was just something about him that always brought me joy whenever I would come home after a long day at school. The highlight was to finish my dinner, do my homework and then sit in front of the TV and watch his show. It was a nice little escape from reality. 

But what really made me come downstairs to glue my eyes to the television set was the anticipation of: WHAT IS COLBERT GOING TO DO NEXT??? And he never failed to make each show more exciting after the next.  And now, learning the news that this show that I watched religiously on a daily basis, was going to be canceled, I couldn't help but feel a piece of my childhood joy going away.

To many, that might seem a bit ridiculous, but it truly saddened me to learn that The Colbert Report would be no more. 

As my dad tried to put it to me, Stephen would still be around when he starts hosting David Letterman's The Late Show in 2015; it would just be his character who would be going away.

But that's exactly why this saddens me so much, goddamnit! 

It was always his character that I would look forward to seeing on The Colbert Report!

His arrogant, fictionalized, well-intentioned, poorly informed, high-status persona who was always a self-important right-wing commentator, parodying cable news pundits!

That's who I'm going to be missing!!!

*To my British readers who are reading this and have no idea why I would feel such sympathy for someone as weird as this, trust me when I say, it's an American thing.*
So as Colbert's show comes to a close, I would like to remember the Top 10 Awesome Things Colbert Has Ever Done.

#10: That Time Stephen Colbert Fought Both Jon Stewart and Conan O'Brien
If you remember television's darkest year when the Writer's Strike was in full gear in 2007-2008, Colbert, Jon Stewart and Conan O'Brien all had to return to the air without any of their writers. The strike had forced the trio to fill airtime without any their usual segments. So what better way to keep their viewer's attention than by staging a hilarious mock feud over which one of them was responsible for the popularity of then-presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee? The end result was a three-way showdown between the hosts as they each appeared on the other's show in a single night. Not to mention that the random dance sequence near the end of the episode is pretty much the most entertaining thing out there. Watch the video here. 

#9: That Time President Obama Ordered Stephen Colbert To Shave His Head This must have been The Colbert Report's most elaborate stunt. The show had traveled to Iraq and taped a full week of episodes in one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces. But upon his arrival to Iraq, President Obama appeared to give General Ray Odierno an order to shave Stephen Colbert's head. His words exactly, "As commander in chief, I hereby order you to shave that man's head." And shaved it, he did! Watch the video here. 

#8: That Time Stephen Colbert Aired His Christmas Special Inspired by the Christmas specials of his youth, Colbert's Christmas special, A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! was a brilliantly orchestrated musical ode to his childhood holiday shows. The premise for this Christmas special: Stephen finds himself trapped in his cabin by a prowling bear. But he's not alone! Colbert welcomes Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, John Legend, Feist and Jon Stewart, all of whom stop by to sing with him. When this Christmas special aired, the special's original song, "Another Christmas Song" hit #1 on iTunes, and the album itself also reigned as #1, later leading Colbert to win a Grammy for his Christmas songs for Best Comedy Album. Watch Elvis Costello and Colbert sing their Christmas duet, together for Colbert's Christmas special here. 

#7: That Time Stephen Colbert Was "Singing In Korean"
It's no secret that Stephen Colbert as plenty of enemies – Barry Manilow to name a few. But ever since Colbert was beaten by Korean pop star, Rain in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People, Colbert quarreled over his arch-rival in the most amusing ways possible. From dance battles to playfully insulting the singer on his show, what really took the cake was Colbert's K-Pop inspired music video, "He's Singing In Korean," which aired on his show. Watch the video here. 

#6: That Time Stephen Colbert Opened a Super PAC
And raised millions of dollars to say the least! With the Super PAC motto being: "Making a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow," it's no doubt that Colbert used his comedic powers to parody Tim Pawlenty's political action committee (PAC) advertisement. In response, an executive from Comedy Central asked Colbert if he was serious about starting his own PAC, because it could create trouble for the network. But because it was Stephen Colbert, he saw value in creating a PAC to showcase the impact of the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision, in which the Supreme Court held that corporations have free-speech rights to spend unlimited amounts of money in political advertising to elect or defeat candidates for office. Though he couldn't use the Super PAC for his candidacy for the President of the United States, he at least tried to use to Super PAC to run as the President of the United States of South Carolina. Watch the video here. Which then leads us to . . .


#5: That Time Stephen Colbert Ran For President . . . Twice The first time was back in 2008 when Hail to the Cheese: Stephen Colbert's Nacho Cheese Doritos 2008 Presidential Campaign when live on air.  Only two days into his first (totally legitimate) presidential campaign, Colbert found himself facing financial difficulties. See, in order for him to run for the President of the United States (officially) Colbert needed to have $35 million in the bank to run. "And currently, I have . . . zero-point-no-million dollars," he explained on the air. But that all changed when the triangular snack chip, Doritos offered to sponsor him in his race for the presidency. And while it started off as a very funny joke, it had the possibility to be successful when Colbert started gaining support in the polls. However, the South Carolina Democratic Party executive council voted against Colbert's application to appear on the states primary ballot. 

The second time was in 2012, when he tried to use his million-dollar-raising Super PAC to run for the presidency. But once again, Colbert never made it to the ballot. Though he did throw his support to Herman Cain, earning Cain a 1.1 percent of the primary vote – enough to help Cain surpass Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann. Watch Stephen Colbert on Meet The Press discuss his plans to run for president.  


#4: That Time Stephen Colbert Testified Before Congress On Immigration Colbert appeared – in character – before a House subcommittee to deliver a satirical but searing testimony about his "experience as an entertainer-turned-migrant worker" for one of his show's segments. He also tried to submit his colonoscopy video into the Congressional record and also declared his desires not to eat a tomato that had been picked by a Mexican, but instead, said, "want it picked by an American, then sliced by a Guatemalan, and served by a Venezuelan in a spa where a Chilean gives me a Brazilian." This is Colbert in his prime! Watch the video here. 


#3: That Time Stephen Colbert Danced To Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" This might possibly be the best thing since . . . ever. The story goes that on August 6th, Colbert announced that he planned to have musical guest Daft Punk appear on the show. That was, until Daft Punk made a last-minute cancellation on the show. So in an act of mild desperation (or pure brilliance), Colbert showed off his star-studded, gut-splitting dance montage featuring everyone from Hugh Laurie to the Rockettes. The video was an instant hit and remains one of the most memorable moments ever on The Colbert Report. To say the least, Colbert did get very, very lucky! Watch the video here. 


#2: That Time Stephen Colbert Made "Truthiness" A Real Word
The world was first introduced to the word "truthiness" back in 2005 when The Colbert Report aired its first episode. It was when Colbert debuted his instantly iconic, O'Reilly-copping segment ''The Word,'' where he coined his signature term: ''truthiness." The riotously funny ''truthiness'' bit also served as a thesis statement for Colbert's satirical style. ''Anyone can read the news to you,'' he said as he decried facts and books. ''I promise to feel the news at you.'' Despite Colbert's assumption that ''the wordinistas over at Webster's are gonna say 'that's not a word,''' the dictionary ended up naming ''truthiness'' its Word of the Year in 2006. Watch the video here. 


#1: That Time Stephen Colbert Made Bears The Number One Threat To America  Every Colbert fan knows of Stephen's deep hatred for bears. Despite his appearance of always being in charge, Colbert is vulnerable: he feels deeply threatened by those wielding more power than he, and he suffers from "acrophobia," the fear of bears, which he refers to as "giant, marauding, godless killing machines." And if there is one thing that every loyal Colbert viewer knows, is that when he starts his "Threat Down" segment, you know that he will always include bears as the number one threat to America. Watch the video here. 

So I know that is not all of the amazing awesome things that Colbert has done on his show, but these were the top 10 that I could think of that really stuck with me since I began to watch the show. 

Without a doubt, it's hard to say goodbye to The Colbert Repot – mostly because it'll mean saying goodbye to the ruthlessly ignorant, hilariously pompous, utterly indelible faux conservative pundit that the real Stephen Colbert has been playing on late-night TV for over a decade (counting his years also on The Daily Show). 


Truly, after nine seasons and 1,447 episodes, Colbert finally attained television immortality on the wings of a song Thursday night

He is truly a character of the ages.

And so, in the worlds of Stephen Colbert: Good night, nation. 

How To Survive Britsgiving

Okay, so what does one do if you find yourself in a place that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving?

Well, if you're me and you're enjoying your year abroad in London, it does feel strange reading your class syllabus and questioning why you have three lectures and seminars on Thanksgiving. Shouldn't you be sitting at home and watching the Macy's Day parade?

So, even though Thanksgiving is still very much an American tradition, the British like to use any excuse to cook up a storm. Furthermore, there are plenty of London based restaurants who serve up all-American menus to satisfy those homely cravings. Or you can take a page out of your grandma's cookbook and get cooking in the kitchen to host a feast for the other Americans who are studying abroad with you during this holiday. 

So if you're missing mom's bread-stuffing or your aunt's delicious home baked pumpkin pies, don't sweat. Go grab your Thanksgiving pants and we'll get you adjusted to what the English call, Britsgiving!  

I honestly did not make that word up. 
Option #1: You Eat Out On Thanksgiving

Personally, it feel really weird for me to dine out on Thanksgiving, because I grew up with the sense that Thanksgiving was the one holiday of the year where you CAN'T eat out. And I'm not even counting Christmas. Growing up and being raised in a Jewish household, I've been taught to believe that Christmas is the one holiday where you CAN actually eat out. And by eating out, I mean that the only place that is actually open on Christmas Day for other Jewish families like mine, are the Chinese restaurants. Thank God for Egg Roll Express! 

Anyway, the point is, you're away from your family and if you're one of those people who can't cook to save their life, you should probably go out to one of the many American restaurants that are around London. So grab your other American friends and go restaurant hunting! 

Here are a few good places that many Americans highly recommended: 


The Lockhart
22-24 SEYMOUR PLACE
LONDON
W1H 7NL Tailored to those who crave American Deep South cuisine, The Lockhart is on top of the pile when it comes to looking for the perfect American Thanksgiving in London. Its cornbread, mac 'n' cheese and southern fired chicken are mouth watering. And just for £60 (splint amongst you and the group of Americans that decided to tag along with you), you can get fried turkey legs, ham and smoked beef brisket, along with stuffing, mash, cornbread, green beans and coleslaw. And save room for desert, because their pecan pie pudding is worth every penny. 


Big Easy
332-334 Kings Road, 
Chelsea, London, 
SW3 5UR
With a bar and barbecue vibe, Big Easy will make you feel like its Superbowl Sunday! Putting its fire pits to good use on Thanksgiving Day, you can order a special pit-smoked turkey, served with cornbread, pork sausage and apple stuffing. And the buck doesn't stop there. Starter options include candied sweet potatoes, creamed spinach, garlic mash and cranberry sauce for £30. And once more, save some room for Big Easy's classic pumpkin pie! 



Honky Tonk
(Yes, that is its actual name).
#6 Hollywood Road,
London SW10 9HY
So not only does this restaurant have the best name ever, but is also kitted out as a New York-style diner. And according to many local Americans living in London, they claim that once Thanksgiving comes around, Honky Tonk goes all out. You can get a three course Thanksgiving meal for £19.95 which will include, buffalo wings, potato skins and pumpkin soup as a starter. Included will be turkey burgers and ribs followed up with a Mississippi mud pie for desert. Sounds delicious! 

JW's Steakhouse 
86 Park Lane, 
London W1K 7TL
No other restaurant has a better Thanksgiving menu in London that JW's Steakhouse. For £62 you can get a three course meal that includes New England clam chowder and Maryland-style crab cakes for starters. For main courses there is a choice between a roast turkey, steak or a grilled sea bass, all served with either roast potatoes, bourbon sweet potato mash, green beans and roasted root vegetables. As for desert, you can choose among the Mississippi mud pie, pumpkin pie, or go for the restaurant's famous cheesecake. 

Option #2: You Cook On Thanksgiving

This is the option that I am used to. Well, it's actually the option that I'm used to because I would let my grandma do all the cooking while my cousins and I stayed indoors and watched reruns of Friends. But again, if you want to take a crack at cooking your own Thanksgiving meal here are a few tips that will help you save money but will also aid you to have a warming Britsgiving with your friends. 


#1: Cook Something That You Know How To Make For the love of God, you do not have to make a grand feast! Before you begin cooking though, get together with your fellow Americans to decide who is bringing what to Thanksgiving. And if you have a fairly big group of people, that's even better! The more food the merrier. But cook something that is simple but somewhat Thanksgiving related. In my case, I made mac 'n' cheese. Well, it was actually Kraft mac 'n' cheese, but I still made it! Don't judge me! 


#2: Buying Pre-Made Food Is Acceptable  
As much as grandma would hate it if you brought a pie from Whole Foods to Thanksgiving, you have to remember that you're still a college student and somethings just cost too much. Therefore, while you and your American friends are abroad you are allowed to bring something that has been pre-made from a supermarket. Bonus points if it's a pre-made turkey. This is the ONLY exception since you're in London and not back in America where this kind of behavior will not be tolerated. So, choose your foods wisely. 


#3: Start Cooking At Different Times Seriously. This is the one thing that stresses out so many people on Thanksgiving. If you're living in a flat that has a kitchen, use it. Never have twenty people crowd around a single kitchen because you will get nothing done. Think ahead and be wise about when you're going to start cooking and when you're going to bring your food over to the designated flat where the Thanksgiving celebration will be held. You do not want someone to go all Gordon Ramsey on your ass. 


#4: Invite The Locals  Encourage your local UK flatmates to participate in the whole Thanksgiving celebration. And when they ask why you and the other Americans celebrate this day, just tell them the same story that your elementary school teacher told you. You know, the one about how the Pilgrims and the Native Americans befriended each other. Really stress the notion that their friendship was cemented on the fact that they shared pumpkin pie rather than the Pilgrims sharing their diseases with the natives. You know what they say: It's all fun and games until someone gets smallpox.    


#5: If All Else Fails, There's Always Nando's Honestly, if your Thanksgiving takes a turn for the worst and you need a place to get food at the last minute, Nando's will always have you back. And even though they don't serve any fresh turkeys, you can get two large chickens instead to substitute your Thanksgiving meal for only £15. 

So there's your Britsgiving survival guide for London. 
And although it isn't quite as American as you're used to, it is nevertheless so fun and exciting to introduce your holiday to some people who've probably either never heard of it before, or have heard of it and have always wanted to participate in it.


So I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving from or away from the states.
And just remember, when in doubt, go to Nando's! 

A Terrifying Brief History of Gothic Literature

So a few weeks ago I poked my head into the British Library. Mainly, so that I could give myself an excuse to buy an overpriced hot chocolate, and drink it next to King George III's six-story glass enclosed library.

(This thing here) Upon arriving to the library, there was an exhibit that had recently opened titled: Terror and Wonder – The Gothic Imagination. Now, the purpose for the exhibit was that it was to celebrate 250 years of gothic literature. So they had the original manuscripts ranging from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to Stephen King's The Shining. Essentially the exhibit chronicled the history of how iconic works like Dracula and Jane Eyre highlighted the ways in which contemporary fears became a fascinating genre in it of its own self. 

This was actually something that I've never really thought of before. Where did gothic literature originate, and why is it still popular to this day? 

There had to be some psychological answer to that. 

Also, I figured I might as well write about something that is somewhat "Halloween" related anyway. 

So I bought a ticket to check out the exhibit and here's what I learned:

Gothic Literature – It's a Joke

Wait, what?

Yeah, you read that right.

The whole genre started as a complete joke thanks to this dude named Horace Walpole, who first applied the word "gothic" as a subtitle for his novel, The Castle of Ontranto: A Gothic Story, published way back when in 1764. To many scholars, The Castle of Ontranto is considered the technical "first" gothic novel despite the author's intention to make his book a type of satire. Walpole pretended that his novel was an antique relic, providing a false preface to trick the readers into believing that the tale was "discovered" in 1529 and translated from Italian to English. Even going as far to claim that the novel was discovered in the library of "an ancient Catholic family in the north of England." The novel relates the history of Manfred, the prince of Otranto, who is keen to secure the castle for his descendants in the face of a mysterious curse. To Walpole's credit, he did trick many of his readers into believing that his novel was this uncovered "long lost story," and many were aggravated when it was revealed to be a modern fake in the eighteenth century. To further carry on his "gothic joke," Walpole remolded his home on Strawberry Hill (yes, that was actually its name) into a mock-gothic building.  Punking readers since 1764.
Typical.  Following Walpole's footsteps 30 years later, other novelists like Ann Radcliffe's, The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) and Matthew Lewis's,  The Monk (1796) rediscovered and even improved upon Walpole's new found genre. Adding a few brooding aristocratic villains, a creepy castle (there always has to be a type of castle when it comes to gothic literature) and of course, lengthy descriptions of dark, cloudy scenery.   

The second wave of Gothic novels entered in the ninetieth century. These were the types of novels that really began to hook people's interest, and prayed on their psychological states. 

Gothic Literature – Even Freud Thought it was F**ked Up

Although Freud never mentioned gothic fiction in any of his essays, critics of the gothic genre have drawn heavily upon Freud's emphasis on dreams. Essential to any analysis of Frankenstein, a text which is itself the product of a dream-vision and which seems to capture the very essence of the "uncanny," as Freud mentions. So while pro-bono gothic was in the past classified to have a castle and some damsel in distress from supernatural entities, the ninetieth century ushered in a more scientific form of the gothic genre thanks to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde . It was these particular novels that were psychologically gripping. Yet no one knew why these novels were terrifying but fascinating at the same time. It was what Freud proposed as our forbidden repressed impulses that could remind one of infantile beliefs of the omnipotence of thought. He wrote: 

 "[As] ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, so the individual repudiation of infantile fantasy simply recapitulates the larger process by which human civilization as a whole - at some paradigmatic juncture in its history - dispensed with 'primitive' or 'animistic' forms of thought and substituted new, rationalized modes of explanation."

In other words, Freud (as always) found an excuse to account for the special feeling of disquiet that gothic literature aroused in readers. He argued that the items and individuals that we project from reading gothic literature is our own repressed impulses upon becoming a most uncanny threat to us, subsequently becoming scapegoats we blame for all sorts of perceived miseries and calamities. 

To be clear, these are Freud's words, not mine. Personally, the infatuation with these gothic titles stems from the supernatural elements that gothic literature influences us psychologically. If it's mysterious, of course our automatic action is that our minds are going to need closure. So as the author continues to add deeper and deeper mysteries that involve life, death, fate and nature, in the novel, the primary questions we end up posing to ourselves as the reader, is the question of our existence.

And when the reader starts to reflect on that very question, then that is when the gothic element has been achieved. 

Gothic literature is a type of middle ground and deliberately blurs between what is reality and what is fantastical. These figures of monsters attract us and at the same time are troubling to us because it goes in direct contrast with so much of what we think as a society. 

Yet, as the twentieth century started to creep around, Gothic was slowly evolving into something much more terrifying. 

Gothic Literature – Not the same (but it really is the same) as Horror

Let's be honest. It was Edgar Allan Poe who decided that he can make the gothic genre much more psychologically messed up than it already was. He used many of the standard properties of the genre (medieval settings, haunted castles, aristocratic corruption) but thanks to his fascination with fear, Poe was beginning to alter the gothic genre into "horror." However, the horror genre was't officially introduced until the publication of Bram Stoker's Dracula. The opening section of Dracula uses some familiar gothic properties that fans of the genre would easily recognize: a mysterious isolated castle where a monster lives. Now, Dracula and Poe's works were classified as "horror" because the terrors were "real" and the way the stories were told was from a first person narrative (you could argue that Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde would be classified under "horror" as well). Dracula was written in the form of journal entries and letters by various characters, caught up in the horror of the events. Yet, though it is a horror story, the fear and uncertainty that is emitted from the narration, is a definite gothic trait.

It's difficult to separate the two because it almost seems like one genre flows into the next. However, a strict Gothic story is one that depends primarily on the atmosphere and its effect on the reader. The creaky staircases, the damp dungeons and the gloomy mansions produce a sense of inescapable doom which threatens the protagonist. There is little (or sometimes never) blood and gore to be found, just that uncomfortable feeling that the reader knows that something isn't right. A perfect example is Jane Eyre . In Jane Eyre, Jane encounters a mansion that appears to be haunted and she keeps finding herself in these grim locations that coincidentally seem to reflect that same grim feeling that she is dealing with on the inside. The gloomy atmosphere of the novel reflects the character's own gloomy personality. Not the mention the parallels that Bronë draws between Jane and Bertha when Jane first meets Rochester's mad wife. This sense of a "double," seemingly haunts Jane throughout the book. 

Now, horror, on the other hand is usually much less subtle in its effort to raise the hairs of the reader. This falls under the category of monsters combined with buckets of actual blood and gore. But sometimes – if not most of the time – you get a combination of both the Gothic and the horror genre.  So what does this all amount to?

Thanks to Walpole for introducing the genre, the gothic novel has indeed over time suspended readers with the dark swirl of highly charged emotions. With the help of Frankenstein and other literary works that dared to explore the psychological unknown, the gothic genre had really reached its peak with readers alike. What contributed to the genre's popularity, was also the growth of the gothic genre into a type of horror.

By the twentieth century, authors started to see the funny side of gothic fiction, like Daphne du Mauier's Rebecca, which is a satirized take on Jane Eyre. In addition, Stephen King staked out his own claim to the gothic genre early in his career with novels like The Shining and Carrie. 

Honestly, the exhibit is truly remarkable. Just to view the actual manuscripts hand written by Brontë, Stoker and Shelley, were unforgettable. It was these people who created a  genre that to this day continues to find new readers. And thanks to each of these author's own creative minds, enables each generation to remake the gothic image as its own. If you are ever in London and you love literature, then this is definitely a perfect for you to check out. And even when the exhibits closes it is still worth going in and walking around the British Library.  
Also, in case anyone was interested, I finally did get my overpriced hot chocolate and I did drink it next to King George III's library. I even had some short cake bread to go along with it. Sources:

Sigmund Freud, "The Uncanny": http://theliterarylink.com/uncanny.html

The British Library: http://www.bl.uk

50 Things That I Learned In My First Week In London

I wish I could say that I am adventurous. 

I mean, I've always tried to convince myself that I was an adventurous person.

 Maybe not Indiana Jones adventurous, but something along the lines of removing myself from my comfort zone and exploring the world fearlessly.  I've only been out of the country twice in my life. The first time was when I was fourteen and I visited my family members in Italy. And the second time, when I went on a school trip my junior year to Costa Rica.

That's it. 

But the truth of the matter is that I'm not adventurous. If anything, I've been living a strictly sheltered life for the most part. So it was a huge step for me when I decided to study abroad this year in London, England.

Again, a foreign place that I've never visited before.  So if you're like me, and you've never really been to England before, these will be the first 50 things that you will learn during your first week in the United Kingdom:


#1: An Oyster Card will ultimately and forever will be your best friend in London when it comes to public transportation.   #2: Accept the fact that you WILL find yourself in the middle of a crowded area and WILL bump into people more than you think.  #3: You will have a glorious moment when you realize that you understand the Tube map. You will also later kick yourself when you realize that the tube map is actually painfully simple to understand.  #4: The National History Museum is totally free! #5:  . . . and the Science Museum!  #6: . . . and the British Museum! #7:  . . . and the Tate Modern! #8: Okay, so maybe naming all of these fantastic exhibits is cheating. But it is true that London is home to plenty of free galleries and museums such as these:

Victoria and Albert Museum

London Film Museum

National Gallery 

#9: There are over 4,000 pubs and bars in the city!
#10: They are clever with their pub names. Just to name a few:  #11: London has BEAUTIFUL parks! #12: It rains a lot less than you think.  #13: The view from the Waterloo Bridge is SPECTACULAR!

This is what I get to walk pass every time that I have to cross the bridge to my classes. 

#14: The store, Top Shop, is BIG in London. It is the US equivalent to – lets say – a more expensive Forever 21.    #15: The platform screens on the Jubilee Line are a lifesaver! Seriously, why doesn't the LA metro line invest in some of these screens?! #16: Markets. Sooooooooo many markets!

Borough Market 

Portobello Road Market 

Old Spitalfields Market 

#17: The Eurostar is this magnificent high-speed train that can get you to Paris in 2 hours and 15 minutes.  #18: Their buses are red and double decked. That's just cool in it of itself.   #19:  . . . but the TOP deck of any bus in London is where the real party begins. Especially when you sit up front at the window. You can see the entire city fly by you! #20: The views from London's landmarks are STUNNING: 

View from the Shard

View from the London Eye

#21: EVERYONE drinks. Thirsty Thursdays are a REAL thing here! #22: Running along the Thames makes running much less depressing.  #23: Getting angry at slow walkers who are getting in your way is weirdly liberating when you speed past them. (Okay, I guess that counts for wherever you go in a big city. But still, its London, you have places to go and people to see).  #24: Whenever you enter a taxi, it is inevitable that you will end up having a deep and emotional conversation with your taxi driver. No wonder taxis in London are ridiculously expensive! They're like private therapists that drive you around while listening to your life story. Tip them good.  #25: You can get your photo taken at Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station. #26: You can watch a play at the Globe Theater for £5. #27: There are plenty of outdoor swimming pools in London. 

Perfect for any lifeguard that is thinking of study abroad. I mean LOOK AT IT!!!

#28: Abbey Road, where The Beatles took that famous album cover, is actually a really busy street. People will try and take pictures crossing the street while on-coming traffic is going on.   #29: "Are you alright?" Is the British way of saying, "How are you?"
The first time you will hear someone ask you this question, the first thing you will want to respond is this:  #30: They have Chipotle! I repeat, THEY HAVE CHIPOTLE!!!

This Chipotle restaurant is located in Soho, London

#31: Britain's Duracell bunny looks strangely familiar . . . 

Long lost cousins? 

#32: In London, they don't refrigerate their eggs.  #33: The pizzas in London are AMAZING!!!  #34: A line is called a queue.  #35: When you're taking the escalators down to the tube or up to the station, there's a sign that asks you to stand to the right side of the escalator. Completely different from LA when you will have someone standing in the middle of the escalator blocking your path.  #36: In London, they call "low-fat" milk "semi skimmed milk." #37: Camden Street is the Uk's version of Canal Street in New York. #38: You haven't lived yet until you've tried bangers and mash. #39: There are ceramic poppies that surround the Tower of London to commemorate World War I.  #40: Because people drive on the opposite roads, non-locals (like myself) habitually look to the left before crossing the street. Thankfully, there is always a constant reminder of which side of the road I will be crossing. I'm trying my best not to get hit by a bus during my stay here.  
#41: Harrods is like the Disneyland of shopping centers. They have EVERYTHING!!!  #42: Pret a Manger. They're EVERYWHERE!!! #43: Sunday roasts are serious. 

It's like Thanksgiving every Sunday!!!

#44: There are actually some pretty top-notch places on Fleet Street to get your haircut. But the question is, do you really want to take that chance getting your haircut on Fleet Street of all places?  #45: Foyles is the UK's version of Barnes & Noble.   #46: Whiteout in the UK is called Tipp-Ex. #47: In the US, we have a T.J. Maxx. In the UK, they have a T.K. Maxx.  #48: As much as you try to convince yourself that you won't want to bring a water bottle with you wherever you go in London, the truth is that if you DON'T carry a water bottle with you, thirst will be inevitable.   #49: They have thicker bacon. 

U.S. bacon

U.K. bacon

#50: The show, Hollyoaks is really popular here. (Also it sounds like Mount Holyoke!)  I had the time of my life my first week here in London. True, it was a little daunting when I arrived to this new city. But quickly, the people that I met along the way and the landmarks that I have seen, made London remarkable. I'm not hoping that London will give me an opportunity to get me ahead in my English studies, but that the city will coax me into becoming the adventurous person that I've always wanted to be. 

This is just a steppingstone to the grand staircase of my future travels. 

The Top 10 Places You Should Go To Study Abroad

It really is no secret. 

Picking a place to study abroad might be the hardest part of actually getting ready to study abroad. I mean seriously, look at all the places you could go:  Suffice to say that if you ever come across the opportunity to study abroad, TAKE IT. Even if its for the summer, a semester or even a year. Studying abroad is quite possibly the single most important – if not, then the greatest – thing that you should experience while you're still in college. 

Think about it. 

You're young and energetic. So while you still have your youth, go out into the world and obtain a different experience. Meet new friends from around the world. Gain a new perspective on things you wouldn't normally think about. Learn a new language, be independent . . . .

I can seriously go on and on about how awesome it is to go abroad. 
(In a low whispered voice: A semester abroad also looks really good on your resume. *Wink*).

So once you've finally decided to go abroad, what's next?

Well, that's the fun part, my friend. Next, you get to decide where you want to go in the world.

So I did some research and checked out the Top 10 best places for students to study abroad. 

Here's what I found.

Fair Warning: You Will Not Want To Come Back Home. 


#10: Universidad Veritas – San José, Costa Rica The Universidad Veritas was one of the first private universities in Costa Rica. It's focus on Spanish language, media arts, architecture and design makes it one of the most dynamic and progressive institution in South America. After demonstrating an exceptionally high level of academics for the past eighteen years, the Universidad Veritas became an acclaimed institution due to the school's innovative approach. Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica's capitol, San José, the Universidad Veritas is ringed by lush green mountains and valleys, along with the city's modern attractions such as museums, hotels, markets and theaters. Pura Vida!   

What You Should See: The National Theater of Costa Rica (Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica) , Orosi River Valley (El Valle del Rio Orosi), Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and Museo de Los Ninos. 



#9 The University of Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan The University of Tokyo is Japan's top university and is known for its world-class center for research and is located in a vibrant and lively city. The university's undergraduate program for study abroad students emphasizes the liberal arts for strong communication skills and interdisciplinary awareness, giving their students a solid foundation for specialized knowledge as they navigate through the city of Tokyo. The university strives to be a constant source of honorable character and a paragon of intellect and morals for the entire nation. Why go to Harvard when you can study abroad at the most prestigious university in all of Asia? 

What You Should See: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Sky Tree East Tower, Meiji Jingu and Tokyo City View

#8 Universitat De Barcelona – Barcelona, Spain
The Universitat de Barcelona rests beautifully in the region of Cataluña in the northeast corner of Spain. The university (as well as the city) is bilingual as inhabitants of the region speak both Castilian Spanish and Catalán, the official language of Cataluña. The university offers its students an array of cultural diversity and endless amounts of energy. Students from abroad will get to experience the stunning and unique architecture in Barcelona, ranging from medieval gothic castles to the mosaic buildings of Antonio Gaudí. The Universitat de Barcelona will satisfy every student that goes abroad. From literature, music, gastronomy and art, the university provides the perfect blend of culture and fun.

What You Should See: La Casa Vella - Flamenco in Barcelona, Mosaiccos, Basilica of the Sagrada Familia and Afternoon in Montserrat  

#7: The American University of Cairo – Cairo, Egypt  The American University in Cairo (AUC) is a premier English-language institution of higher learning. AUC offers exceptional liberal arts and professional education in a cross-cultural environment. Their mission is to ensure that their students build-up their leadership skills, continue their education and giving back by contributing to Egypt and the international community in diverse fields. At AUC, students will be exposed to the rich history of Cairo, taking in the pyramids, the ancient Egyptian temples and the language. With so many excellent opportunities to pursue, studying in Cairo will be one of the most exciting and enriching experiences of any student's life. 

What You Should See: The Giza Plateau, Al-Azhar Park, Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan and Cairo Tower

#6: Charles University – Prague, Czech Republic   Founded in the mid-14th century, Charles University is one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the leading universities in Central Europe. Students will enjoy small class sizes taught by Charles University professors in a classroom located on Thakurova Street in Prague 6. This is a nice area of town where many local students reside and attend classes at several Charles University faculties located in the area. The city itself is a living museum and possesses architectural preservation like no other in the world. Prague has risen to make an extraordinary name for itself and welcomes its students to discover its captivating everyday wonders. While abroad, students will learn Czech and take a wide variety of classes in English, but also giving them enough downtime to explore any number of the beautiful, interesting or delicious sites around the city. 

What You Should See: Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, State Opera and Prague Castle


#5: Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence, Italy LdM Florence is the ideal choice to those students interested in studying the humanities, creative arts, design and, of course, Italian language and culture. All courses are taught in English except (obviously) the Italian language classes. For most study abroad students, they will see Florence as an artists' haven. The small city perfectly preserves the essence of the Renaissance and gives the impression of living in an outdoor museum. The city stands out as a cultural, historical and academic hot spot in Italy. 

What You Should See: Cupola del Brunelleschi, Galleria dell'Accademia/Statue of David,  Piazza del Duomo and Opera at St. Mark's Anglican Church

#4: University of St. Andrews – Fife, Scotland  Over the last 600 years, the University of St. Andrews has established a reputation as one of the world's leading research and teaching centers. St. Andrews is a unique place to study and live. Nestled on the east coast of Scotland, students abroad may find themselves crossing golf-courses on their way to class, or jogging along the beach after dinner. Not only does the university have a world-class status, it also offers a diverse of social activities. Historic buildings are juxtaposed against the modern facilities, and the many student traditions truly make studying at St. Andrews an unforgettable experience. Not to mention that St. Andrews is know for its famous alumni, Prince William (who coincidentally met his future wife, Kate Middleton, at St. Andrews). Who knows, there could be a few more royals enrolled in some classes this upcoming semester. 

What You Should See: Skydive at St. Andrews, West Sands,
#3: University of Otago – Dunedin, New Zealand  The University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university. Founded in 1869, the university has a strong research emphasizes and many of its programs focus on nature-related sciences, including geology, marine science, ecology, botany and zoology. Located in Dunedin, the town is a mix of Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Positioned, right on the mainland of the Otago Peninsula in the Otago region of the South Island, the university is surrounded by beautiful beaches, rolling hills and exotic wildlife.    

What You Should See: Olveston, Larnach Castle & Gardens, Otago Peninsula and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum


#2: Bond University – Gold Coast, Australia Bond University is Australia's first private, not-for-profit university, offering a personalized academic environment. Students thrive in Bond's classes where their internationally renowned professors know each student by name. Bond differs from other Australian universities as it runs on a trimester system commencing in January, May and September, allowing a six-semester degree to be completed in two years, instead of three, without increasing semester workloads. Famous for its surf beaches, national parks, waterways and mountain ranges, the Gold Coast caters to such an international tourist crowd. Along the beautiful beaches you will find entertainment lining the shore with the many theme parks and attractions. Defined by its environment (and feeling like everyday is a vacation) the Gold Coast is an outstanding global city you'll enjoy living in. 

What You Should See: Surfers Paradise Beach, SkyPoint Observation Deck, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Infinity Attraction  


#1 University of Cape Town – Cape Town, South Africa The University of Cape Town (UCT) is South Africa's oldest university and one of the continent's leading teaching and research institutions. The university's breathtaking location looks out into the city and up at Devil's Peak.  Cape Town is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a backdrop of flat-topped Table Mountain juxtaposed by the sweep of the Atlantic Ocean in the foreground. You can hike or take a cable-car ride up the mountains to enjoy the breathtaking view of the city and the peninsula.  

What You Should See: Table Mountain National Park, Two Oceans Aquarium, The Heart of Cape Town Museum and Cape Point Nature Reserve   


So there. Now you have plenty of choices to pick from when you start thinking of where to go abroad. 

And as cliché as this might sound, by studying abroad you will become a much wordier person, and become more marketable to grad schools and employers because of the intangible life skills you're going to pick up along the way. 

In addition, there will be a moment while you're abroad when you'll realize that you've made the right decision. 

Also you will most likely experience this moment the first time that you arrive at your new location: But hey, don't let that stop you from having a good time!

Why You Should Date A Reader

So to those who've been on "the inter–webs" recently, you probably saw this article published by Elite Daily on your social media feeds:   Now before I put on my psychology cap and break down the components for this study, the basic summary of the article explains how readers are the perfect people to fall in love with because they display empathy and "theory of mind" when they are together with their significant other.

In other words: Psychologists have finally used their scientific research to support the idea that us, my fellow bookworms, are the ideal people to have long-term relationships with! We are the Hazel Grace Lancasters, the Elizabeth Bennetts, and the Matilda Wormwoods of the real world! Thanks to books, we now have a better sense of distinguishing between the respectable Mr. Darcys and the overprotective, weirdly creepy Edward Cullens.         But why readers, out of all people, are they scientifically and psychology the best people to fall in love with? Well, it's mainly broken down to three main reasons: 

The first, is the stimulation that readers get when they read fiction books compared to non-fiction books. 
Second, is the exposure of the media and "theory of mind" development to readers at a young age.
And Third, what reading does to alter the mind.  

Now, I understand that not everyone reads (and that is perfectly okay). Nor am I making any judgments about people who don't read. But do keep in mind that this is a blog post written by an avid reader who passes the time adding books to her Goodreads account when she is bored. So, how about we take a break reading that awesome Donna Tartt novel that just won the Pulitzer Prize and read about what makes us, readers, so special.  #1: The Stimulation That Readers Get When They Read Fiction Books Compared To Non-Fiction Books:

According to a study back in 2005, Raymond Mar from York University and Keith Oatley from the University of Toronto, wanted to know if the stereotype of the "socially awkward reader" was true to readers who read non-fiction books compared to readers who read fiction books. They predicted that frequent fiction readers would bolster or maintain their social abilities in comparison to frequent readers of non-fiction books. What they found supported their hypothesis that readers exposed to fiction books had positively predicted measures of social ability, while readers exposed to non-fiction books had a negative predictor. The reason was because readers who were exposed to the fiction books had the common tendency to become so absorbed in a story that they began showing signs of empathy.     Probably the same kind of empathy that we would give to Henry Bemis BEFORE he broke his glasses.
The Twilight Zone. Time Enough at Last (1959) 
Mar and Oatley argued that real-world and narrative-processing (found in non-fiction books) are subserved by the same cognitive mechanisms as distinctive modes of thought, while narrative engagements (found in fiction books) draw in and capture readers. Essentially, the argument was how a good work of fiction can "transport" a reader to different times and places. "Once transported, that reader experiences thoughts and emotions predicted on the fictional context. Such thoughts and experiences are not merely a form of entertainment, but have lasting real-world consequences," Mar and Oatley says. "People speak of certain, favorite, books as 'life-changing' for example, and it is common for feelings of sadness or elation to persist after closing the pages of a book." The self-reported tendency to become highly engaged in stories was positively correlated with fiction exposure and predicted performance on the two social ability tasks as well as self-reported empathy whereas non-fiction exposure was negatively related to the same tasks. From that, Mar and Oatley concluded that readers who frequently exposed themselves to fiction books gained social knowledge embedded within the fiction stories, which was then applied to real world interactions.

But what happened to the readers who were exposed to the non-fiction books? Mar and Oatley found that non-fiction readers had a negative correlation observed between exposure to non-action texts and empathic skills. They suggested that this indicated the "socially awkward reader" stereotype. "By reading a great deal of narrative fiction, non-fiction readers would have a reduced direct interpersonal contact by simulating the social experiences depicted in stories. . . . by consuming predominantly non-action books, they failed to simulate such experiences and may accrue a deficit in social skills as a result of removing themselves from the actual social world."

No surprise, we gain empathetic knowledge from fictional books because we experience someone else's life through abstract eyes and see their world through other frames or references. True, you can do this also in non-fiction books. However it's easier for readers to feel empathy for others if they were constantly exposed to fiction books because the readers feel every pain and joy that their protagonist in their book endures despite the novel's genre.  #2: The Exposure Of The Media And "Theory Of Mind" Development To Readers At A Young Age:

Skip ahead to 2009, where Raymond Mar conducted yet another study with Jennifer L. Tackett and Chris Moore. This time, they were looking to see if different forms of narrative media influenced children's development of "theory of mind." Theory of mind is the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others and to understand that others have beliefs, desires and intentions that are different from one's own. Kind of like, sympathy. They looked at 4 - 6 year-olds' inferred exposure to children's literature, television and film, using an objective measure that controls for socially desirable responding. They hypothesized that inferred exposure to children's storybooks predicted "theory of mind" abilities. For those why may not know, children begin to develop an understanding of the mental state of others when they are around four years-old. This mental state (AKA "theory of mind") is an ability that helps children to coordinate relationships with others. Mar, Tackett and Moore wanted to promote the acquisition of "theory of mind" through the content of storytelling. Books read to preschoolers by a group of parents found that over 75% contained some language related to internal states, and dealt directly with the concept of false belief. "Children’s stories are social in nature, centering on interactions between individuals who often have competing goals and frequently describe situations in which characters hold diverging beliefs (Peskin & Astington, 2004). Situational irony, for example, occurred in roughly a third of the children’s books studied by Dyer et al. (2000)." 

But what Mar, Tackett and Moore found was that it wasn't the books that primarily jumpstarted the child's "theory of mind," but rather the parents who read aloud to their child. More specifically, it was the parental recognition of children’s literature, that acted as a nearly identical measure of inferred adult book exposure. There were a number of possible mechanisms that could explain the observed relations. One was, conversations between parent and child might have fostered the acquisition of "theory of mind," and second was joint reading of a wordless storybook. The researchers believed that these types of conversations in the context of joint reading was associated with social understanding (like emotions!) particularly if such conversations were initiated by the parent.  


This means, that if your parents read out loud Goodnight Moon to you when you were younger, it essentially increased your "theory of mind." "Talking about story characters and their desires, beliefs, and emotions appears to guide a child's growing understanding that people possess mental states," says Mar. "It may also be that children are mentally stimulating the events depicted since previous work has demonstrated that children adopt the visuospatial perspective of story protagonists and experience physiological reactions indicative of deep immersion in a story." 
Parents reading aloud to their children create this deep simulation of the story events that may be related to pretend play, which often reveals as a sophisticated understanding of fantasy and a new form of imagination. Imagination and pretense also predict social ability, "theory of mind" and social competence in children after hearing their parents read to them or reading the book as their parents read aloud. Since children’s stories contain situations rich with social and mental-state information, it is strongly suggested that simulating story experiences may engage "theory of mind" behavior. 


So, congratulations if you were one of the lucky children to have your parents read bedtime stories to you when you were younger. Thanks to your parents, you've now achieved a lifetime full of sympathy for others. Use it wisely!
#3: What Reading Does To Alter The Mind:

As if the previous two explanations didn't convince you enough that reading does something to change a person, a study back in 2001 (not by Raymond Mar this time) was published about how reading alters a person's mind. Researchers, Anne Cunningham and Keith Stanovich, conducted a study where they wanted to know what cognitive ability arose after reading. They believed that reading was the prime contributor to individual differences in children's vocabularies, rather than oral language. They broke this down to three different language categories: written language, words spoken and adult speech. What they did was explore the linkage between first grade reading and cognitive abilities and then eleventh grade outcomes in a ten year span. They administered a set of reading comprehension, cognitive ability, vocabulary and general knowledge tasks. First they addresses the question of whether the speed of initial reading acquisition in the first grade could predict later tendencies to engage in reading activities. To their surprise they found that an early start in reading at a young age strongly predicted a lifetime of literacy experience regardless of the level of reading comprehension ability that the individual eventually attains. This meant that students who got off to a fast start in reading – especially on their own – were more likely to not only read more over the years, but would help children compensate for modest levels of cognitive abilities by building their vocabulary and general knowledge.

To put it simply, reading makes you smarter. Pretty soon we'll all be speaking Shakespearian and no one will know what the hell we're talking about.  
"Early success at reading acquisition is one of the keys that unlocks a lifetime of reading habits. The subsequent exercise of this habit serves to further develop reading comprehension ability in an interlocking positive feedback logic," Cunningham says. 

Essentially, when kids finally start reading on their own they not only unlock the ability to improve their speech and grammar, but they also cognitively undergo a positive feedback loop after finishing a book. Kind of like a reward after achieving a task. And because of this positive feedback after completing a book, the child wants to read more books. 

The more books the kid reads, the more grammar they will learn later on in the future. So what you should do is make your kid read the entire Lord of the Rings Trilogy on his or her own. Depending if your child likes the style that J.R.R Tolkien writes in, then your kid will feel like he climbed a mountain after finishing the trilogy. Hopefully he or she will learn a few new vocabulary words, or – you know – start speaking Elvish.  So physiologically and scientifically, readers are the best people to fall in love with. From reading books, they generate the characteristics of being empathetic, sympathetic and intelligent that we wish we could see in everyone. 

Apart from the science, creatively, readers also display certain qualities that many people are drawn towards. Besides their empathetic and sympathetic traits, readers are passionate people. Whether it's raising money for charity or attending sporting events, readers have this ability to be so devoted to something outside of work and home that their gung-ho devotion is ultimate seen by others as more interesting. 
In addition, along with good readers, you have good writers. Most avid readers can turn a phrase better than the average non-readers. They love alliterations, allegories, symbolisms and prose, so it's reasonable to think that readers spend more time thinking about what to convey to their peers. I mean who doesn't love receiving emails and text messages written from a reader? Their spelling and grammar is almost always correct, plus they have a real gift in persuading you with their words.   To add on, have you ever – you being the non-reader – wondered why people read books in the first place? Well, it's to find out how the world and other things work, to learn something about the mysteries of the universe, to escape, to enjoy, to ponder, to see the world through the eyes of someone new. Even the trashiest books and most shallow YA novels offers the opportunity to learn something about our world and the experiences of others. Readers are curious people. And, let's be honest, don't you like the idea of being around a person who is open to a lifetime of learning? Come on, you know it's true! And finally – and sadly too – readers are a dying breed. Ever since the rise of the internet, there have been less and less readers around. Some people (I would like the believe, few) just don't have the attention span for novels or long articles anymore. In fact, if you took the time to read this entire blog, then dude, high-five to you! We readers are becoming a fast endangered species. So if you fall in love with is, you might save us from extinction. After all, reading breeds other readers, so you might just help us preserve future generations of bookworms like us! So fall in love with us! In the meantime, we'll just be falling for Mr. Darcy while you get up the nerve to ask us out. We're not going to wait forever, you know.  Works Cited:

"Why Readers, Scientifically, Are The Best People To Fall In Love With."Elite Daily. Martin, Lauren Web. 9 July 2014.

"Bookworms versus nerds: Exposure to Wction versus non-action  divergent associations with social ability, and the simulation of Wctional social worlds." Journal of Research in Personality. Mar, Raymond, Oatley, Keith, 15 September 2005.

"Exposure to media and theory-of-mind development in preschoolers." Mar, Raymond, Tackett, Jennifer, Moore, Chris, 2009.

"What Reading Does for the Mind." Anne E. Cunningham And Keith E. Stanovich 2001