Fistful of Mercy

Okay so clearly I was so caught up in the excitement of Thanksgiving break a few weeks ago that I completely for got to post about this amazing experience I had in Philadelphia. My parents and I drove down to Philly the day after I got home for break, to go see Fistful of Mercy perform live at Temple University.

For those of you who are not familiar with the group,
 Fistful of Mercy is a musical group consisting of Dhani Harrison, Joseph Arthur and Ben Harper. They are a newly formed group who has just released their new album "As I Call You Down," and are currently on their first tour. These three musicians who I admire so much have created this super group, with it's own unique sound.

The concert in Philly was very intimate, with about 200 people there. Alain Johannes, a phenomenal up and coming guitarist was the opening act. When Fistful came on stage they opened up with the song,  The band played every song off of their new album as well as some of their individual works.

However, my favorite part of the concert was the very last song when the band performed, "With Whom You Belong," which is a song about finding friends and love and holding on to it and keeping it close once you find it. It is a very inspirational song with a very deep meaning. When performing the song, they asked the audience to join in and eventually the whole audience was singing along. It was this great moment where the audience became one community of people. I created this great feeling in the entire room. It was amazing.

After the concert was finished I was fortunate enough to meet the band and have them sign my poster. They are such warm and loving people and are so grateful to all of their fans. For me, meeting Dhani Harrison almost made me cry, because as most of you may know his father, George Harrison, is not only my favorite Beatle, but my all time favorite musician. The night was one that I will never forget.

"Father's Son" and original song by : Fistful of Mercy 

Tata for now!

With Love, From Me to You

Okay everyone. So in order to collect memories of my study abroad experience (in a fairly inexpensive way) I have decided to use postcards. I am going to collect postcards for myself as well as send one to my parents from every place I go.

I am also going to start what I like to call Project Postcard, where I will be sending postcards back to friends and loved ones that live in the states. These postcards will be from their location of choice, that I will be visiting of course.  I am also hoping that my friends and loved ones will be sending me postcards in return. Remember people, I will be in Europe for 5 whole months, so don't be a stranger keep in touch! So starting now I will be collecting requests for locations that people would like me to send them a postcard from.

 Locations I hope to visit: Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands,  Scotland and Spain. (Hopefully I will be visiting more than this, but we shall see.)  

 So take your pick and make sure to leave a comment on this post! If you can't just make sure to tweet or facebook me, the links are over on the right hand side of the page in the follow me section. So once you think of your favorite location.. please let me know!

Not Quite 'Eight Days A Week'

Hey Guys!

So as my Big Move to the Big Smoke is vastly approaching.. 36 days away!!!! ... I have begun to start making some preparations. The most important preparation (considering I am moving there for school) would be my curriculum for the semester. I was able to register for classes this week. I got into all the classes I wanted to be in, I am stoked.

Art In London ( Tuesday, 1:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.) 

This course focuses on modern and contemporary art currently on view in London. In addition to providing an overview of the history of modern and contemporary art, it also introduces students to London's art world: from its public and private museums, galleries, and art spaces to contemporary debates on the arts. The course will largely be hands on, with field trips to make use of London's distinctive setting and opportunities. Course topics change to include current exhibitions and events in London. Prerequisites: Three courses in the humanities and/or fine arts. Offered only through the London Center. 3 credits. (Y)

Pop 'n' Rock : British Pop ( Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. )

For non-music and music majors. A historical overview of rock 'n' roll and popular music, based on listening and analysis of selected musical examples representing stylistic evolution from 1950 to the present. The first few classes are devoted to developing listening techniques (i.e., aural perception of melody, harmony, rhythm, meter, timbre, texture, form, tempo, and dynamics). Course grades are based on exams and a final research paper. This course may be used as a music elective for the bachelor of music degree or as a liberal arts elective for the bachelor of arts in music degree. 2 credits. (S)

Drama And The London Theatre ( Wednesday, 1:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.) 

Study of drama and performance involving current productions on the London stage. Critical analysis of the texts prior to performance. The course may be repeated once for credit. Offered only through the London Center. Prerequisites: Three courses in the humanities and/or fine arts. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

International Business Relations ( Thursday, 10:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. )

A survey of the major functional areas of managing international business operations. Emphasis is on how decisions are influenced by cultural, economic, financial, marketing, administrative, and legal conditions. Prerequisites: ECON 12100 and ECON 12200; sophomore standing. 3 credits. (F,Y)

Sports In The United Kingdom ( Thursday, 1:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
The course is designed to introduce students to various sports and games played in and around the United Kingdom. In addition to attending various sporting events, students will also learn of the important role each sport plays in English life. The course may be repeated once for credit. $125 additional fee charged for sporting event tickets. 3 credits (F and S) (NLA)

I have selected all of these classes purposefully in order to submerge myself within British culture and get up close and personal with everything that is going on. The majority of my classes will be taking me out of the classroom, so instead of teaching about things via a textbook, I will be learning about them via a first hand experience. I am really excited and cannot wait to go. Hopefully soon I will begin the online search for possible housing. Well thats all for now. Catch ya on the flipside. 

Rusty Rockets

     As many of you may already know I am a devout fan of the brilliant and comedic genius Russell Brand. I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely gentleman himself this past Wednesday. My roommate Abbi Sauro and I went to his book signing at the Union Square Barnes and Noble. Abbi and I were lucky enough to be sitting in the front row, within touching distance of Russell.

    Obviously once he arrived hilarity ensued, but at one point during his routine he opened for a few questions and he called on me for one! I asked him what his favorite location in the UK was... in Russell Brand fashion he proceeded to answer "Well that is easy I would have to say my groin, lovely place to visit but one would never want to live there." He is obviously hilarious and most definitely did not disappoint.

   After the routine he invited fans to come up onto the stage to get "My Booky Wook" and/or "Booky Wook 2" signed. I had to get 4 books signed by him so we had a bit of a conversation while we were up on stage, it was very nice and he is an extremely pleasant person. We finished off our little interaction with a hug and kiss on the cheek and I was off. A great ending to a long day.





 More photos.
Stay posted for his stand-up video coming soon!

London Calling

Okay people, it is official, I have been accepted into the Ithaca College London Center for the Spring 2011 semester! Along with my good friends, Abbi Sauro, Tiffani-Amber Muller and Samantha Buck.

I am so thrilled that we have all been accepted and cannot wait till January! I have already started shopping for the necessities and planning my itinerary. I have also started receiving quite a few words of advice for travel and information on great places to visit. If anyone else has any tips for me please feel free to let me know.. comment down below or contact me via another method listed under my follow me section! Thanks!

Applefest!!!

This past weekend was Ithaca's infamous Apple Harvest festival. It is a street fair that takes place on the commons and has tons of tents and stands selling apple goods, wine, jewelry, art and other cool trinkets. There are also rides and games. It is really fun for all. This year I convinced my parents to come up for the festival and they stayed at this lovely bed and breakfast up in Lansing, which is 20 minutes north of Ithaca. It was a really nice place with awesome views of Cayuga lake.

Unfortunately it rained all day on Thursday but Friday turned out to be gorgeous! We spent the day on the commons at Applefest. My parents went crazy for the food at the festival especially the apple strudel and Amish baked goods!

All the photos in the post were taken by myself, Kaitlin Firstbrook. To view more click here!!!

Ithaca is Gorges!

Hey Everyone!
I am currently in Ithaca, NY studying at the lovely Ithaca College for my third semester. I am a television radio major, business minor. I have just handed in all of my forms to the Office of International Programs, to secure my spot in the study abroad program in London next semester. So if all goes as planned I will hopefully be leaving for Ithaca College's London Center in January 2011!!