Yet another Director comes to town....

Today yet another director came to enlighten film students on the joys of film making. Today it was the turn of Jay Craven.

I had come accross this talk rather randomly. I had been told about this talk in my film class but had happily forgotten. So i was walking around aimlessly, considering whether or not to do work. And i stumble accross Jonathan outside the Media Centre where he informs me of this talk. And in we go.

Jay Craven, isn't a 'big' director. He probably hasn't done films anyone knows of. He came in at 2pm and did not stop talking till maybe 4.45pm (yes it was excessive!) He talked mainly about himself, how great he is, how little money he got, actors and people he has met. He was actually quite interesting, untill the conversation turned political, at which point i was completely lost.

Anyway later, at 7pm they showed a screening of his film 'Disappearences' a film staring Kris Krisofferson. I gathered at the Putnam Theatre place with Jonathan and Lucas.... turns out i had stolen James' seat (whoops!) so the poor chap had to sit with some randomer. So there we were, the youngest four people there. Yup we were sat amongst Keenes finest OAPs! It reminded me of when i went to see Andy Williams! I swear most of the old grannies there, were there to drool over Kris Krisofferson! It was quite a full screening, it only cost $2... which me and Lucas did not pay! Yup neither of us carry even $2 on us...

The film was decidedly average... to be nice about it. To be completely honest i didn't really follow the plot. All the characters annoyed me. After the film Jay did a Q&A and what was clear is that he really was very passionate about his film, and it's nice to see that. He could have talked for another hour if given the chance... but it was 10pm and we were tired after sitting through a dull film.

We then walked off and we went our separete ways. I found Helen and Emma in Amys room with Sarah, Rich, Lindsay and Priscilla playing a new card game called 'Swap' and it's complicated, and violent. I got both of my hands violently slapped by Helen... my hands are still suffering (hence the bad spelling and grammar!) We then proceeded to the remains of an Ice Cream social... it started at 9pm, we got there by about 10.45pm so it wasn't the most thumping party, so i retired to my room.

And that folks is you COMPLETELY updated!

Top Gear!

Yes i know, i know, Helens already made a post about this, but whatever!

So so. The answer to all our problems here at Keene State is this : Pop Tart. Tea. Top Gear. (Obviously for me, no Tea!). But Top Gear has been with us through thick and thin. Thanks to David for the supply of TGs, dunno what we would do with ourselves without it!

We've watched TG so much our twisted little minds have started to affliate ourselves to the presenters. Yes us three think we are infact the TG presenters.


So we have Smellen. Who is the Jeremy Clarkson of the group, by being the oldest and the tallest, but by no means the wisest (joking!.... or am i?!). She certainly shares his competiveness. But not really his blatant cheating (thats more something i see in myself!). I do believe, looks wise, Smell looks more like James May...

Then theres our Emma, theres no question about it she is infact James May. Little Miss Cpt Slow through and through. True to name she is the slowest of the group (or me and Helen are complete power walkers!) but yes Emma is the slow walker and, sorry Emma, but you are a bit slow on the uptake, for goodness sakes the little silver coins are TEN CENTS NOT FIVE!!!!! Come on now it's been a month get your head round it!!! Also as Smell said, we were watching TG last night and James May fell over... just like our Em would do!



Finally i am the Hamster. I am being compared to little ole Richard Hammond. Yes i am the youngest, smallest and the best looking so comparisons are bound to be made!!! We are also both extremely competitive. Apparently i also have Tipex teeth like the Hamster... hmm ill go with it!

So yes i have just re alliterated what Smellen said, with a slight variation on the pictures.

Never mind ay?

The latest.

Ok so i felt that it was about time that i updated you all on the last couple of days.

On Saturday we finally had a chinese. You know those great Chinese take outs that you see in the movies? After a lot of faffing and organising, 10 of us finally set up camp in the lounge of Owls Nest 7 and feasted upon A LOT of Chinese food. I had sweet and sour chicken and it was delicious. The Funkiest part though was seeing them arrive in the sexy white boxes (yup just like the movies!)

On Sunday, myself, Amy, Sarah and Rich went to see "The great" George A. Romero do a question and answer session. I was informed that he directed some horror/zombie films. I didn't really know who he was so i didn't get my picture taken with the chap. But others did and i'm looking forward to see those pictures. The queue (line) to see him was a tad eccessive...

Rich, Sarah and Amy waiting patiently for the doors to open. When we got in we had furthur waiting to do. In that time we observed the large amount of film geeks. I know Amy took a fair few pics of 'uber geeks' and i made a film of the room, but i dunno how to get that up on here! Anyway so the chappy came and did questions and answers. He was pretty interesting actually, though he didn't seem to like any horror films but his own. After he answered our questions we watched his film 'Creepshow' a completely bizarre film of a collection of different horror stories in a comic book style structure. It was wierd.... at least Ted Danson made an appearence in the film!!

Thats it folks!

Helen and Emma

I am not a Christian, i actually don't have any faith what so ever, as sad as that may seem. I've just read both of your blogs and i'm so sorry that you are struggling to find your place. There are no words i can say to make things right or to make you feel better. I'm not your family, i'm not from the Church. I don't have a faith. All i can offer is myself. I love you guys both so much and i will do everything in my power to make this stay a happy one. Call me anytime.

You Think You've Got Problems!!!

Helen, Helen, Helen........

Apple Picking

Today is my ONE MONTH anniversary of being here in America. And what fun it has been. We've had some highs and we've had some lows. But i've loved every moment here. Sorry to say others have not but this has been amazing for me.

Today we went Apple Picking with the International Friends club. Initally we were going to climb the mountain but due to damp, wet weather we changed our plans. So off we went in the yellow school bus to go apple picking. It was loads of fun, and the Apple here are just stunning!

We are having a Chinese later.... hmmmm!

Thank God It's Friday!

And so i have come to the end of yet another working week here at Keene state. It's a welcome break (as it always is!). It always nice knowing you have four days off, after a stressful three days of college (!)

So lets discuss the Hamster. I for one was quite distraught when i heard my favourite Hamster was in a crash and was 'critical' i am happy to hear that he is no longer critical and i look forward to seeing Cpt Slow and Clarkson taking the rip out of him on Top Gear shortly!

I haven't ever talked about the wicked cool chairs we have here at KSC, so i think i just might. The chairs here are wicked cool because they take into consideration that people like to lean back in chairs. So the seats are made specifically so you can lean back without falling off. It's hard to describe, but if you head over to Smellens blog you will see what i mean!

Also Smell coloured her hair. And i helped..... not even a little! But i watched on encouragingly! And it's turned out brilliantly. It looks right smart. It gets the thumbs up for me. I did take a photographic journal of Helens hair colour transformation and when i recieve them i will post them. You must prepare yourself for a lot of laughter because i took a wicked picture of Smellen before hand!

Of course i have pictures too show. People have demanded that i put up pictures of myself on my blog. Well your wish has been granted. Theres a picture of me and Emma in a 'Singing In The Rain' pose. The outfit i'm wearing there is wicked cosy, i got on my sexy Ugg Boots and my KSC hoodie! The other picture is me playing pool in my own wierd way!

Sarah

Top Gear's Richard Hammond critical after car crash

Presenter Richard Hammond has been critically injured after a crash in a jet-powered car while filming an edition of Top Gear, the BBC said tonight.
Hammond, 36, who often drives high-performance cars as part of presenting the show, has been taken to Leeds General Infirmary which has a special neurological unit. It followed the incident at an airfield near York.
Inspector Mike Thompson, of North Yorkshire Police, said officers were dealing with the incident at the airfield north-east of York.
He said: "At 5.45pm this evening we received a report via the fire service of a male person trapped in what was described as an overturned jet car which had been driven on the airfield.
"The male occupant has received serious injuries and has been airlifted to hospital at Leeds."
A BBC spokeswoman said: "The incident happened quite recently and the focus of our attention is on Richard at this stage. We will make further details known as soon as they are available."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=406197&in_page_id=1770

Honey I Love You, But I Just CAN'T Smile!!!!

Today was PRISCILLAs birthday! Our favourite Texican turned 21 today! And she turned it in style! Helen arranged a party for Priscilla in Owls Nest 6 lounge. Where it was decorated in red, white and blue (The Texas flag colours) We also managed to bag the Texas flag from the International Office.

Anyways it was a 'wicked cool' night. The heat was insane, but the night was wicked cool. We played Pass The Parcel, Pin The Tail On The Donkey, we attacked a Pinyata (sp?). And lastly we played 'Honey I Love You, Let Me See You Smile' basically it's a game where you mustn't smile. Someone goes to another person 'Honey i love you, let me see you smile' and if they smile or laugh, they go round asking the question. Well, coming from a miserable family it was no wonder people failed to make me smile!! Helen, Emma, Cat, Priscilla, Amy, Jonathan all tried but of course they all failed miserably! Richard also didn't budge on the smiling side... how great are we?!

As always, i come bearing pictures!

Martyn

As YOU requested here are pictures of my room. Yes it's messy, dull and really not very amazing. But it's my room. It's cosier than it looks!

Two Legends

Ahh two complete legends in one picture! My dad and KP!!!!!!!!! Eeeeeek, i'm so jealous of you farsh! KP is the man i have to marry!!

Procrastinating

This word seems to be the most used word here. At least amongst the people i talk to.

... Maybe i should do some work now.

Ugg Boots

Aren't they gorgeous?!

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream....

For ICE CREAM!

Four of us went for ice cream today at Ricks. The amount of ice ream there is just ridiculous! But it was good fun. Unfortunately i just could not manage to eat all of my ice cream... and it was in a "small" tub and all. I feel quite pathetic! But never mind.

Today was boiling hot. It was flip flop worthy heat. It was a beautiful day. Though my choice of purchases for the day could be questioned in light of the gorgeous weather. I bought what all people buy when its boiling hot.... Ugg Boots and Ear Muffs! Well at least i'm prepared! I wore my Ugg boots tonight. Geez they were expensive, but SOOOO worth it, they are stunning. They are no cheap rip off by New Look. These are the real deal. I can't bare to take them off just yet! I think i may sleep in them tonight!

Anyway i really should try and get some sleep tonight!

Sarah

Emma

To Emma,

No amount of words can express how proud i am of you. Congratulations for graduating from university. You are the smartest person i know.

I love you, i miss you and im so proud of you. I only wish i was there to give you a missive hug... or to take the rip outta you!

Congratulations to Mike too. You have done both of our families proud.

Good luck with everything that happens from now on. The world is your oyster.

Sarah

Helens Birthday

So today (or yesturday rather) was Helens 24th birthday. Me and Emma had spent the previous two weeks dedicated to making a wonderful birthday for Helen. Being away from home on your birthday can't be easy, plus Helen had had such an awful couple of weeks which made it especially important to make a day of it.

Me and Emma spent two weeks organising this secret dinner. Helen was under the belief it was just me, emma and her going for dinner. But no. Check out the picture to see how many people me and Emma had secretly arranged to come to this dinner. I don't think we can say that we are alone here. Shame the picture isn't clear, otherwise i'd name all the people there!

What Emma managed to pull off was getting Gil (our taxi driver) and Nancy to come and say hello. Nancy works at KSC and Emma mentioned the dinner and she said they'd pop and say hello. And they did. So the picture above is of Emma, Helen, myself and Gil and Nancy. I also added the other picture because i find it funny how Jonathan felt the need to include himself in the picture too!

It was great night. I think Helen enjoyed it too!

Sarah

International Fair

This thursday (14th) we got asked to participate in the Study Away fair. It was basically done in order to encourage the KSC students to travel abroad. Of course we happily participated. It was quite a huge affair (Just look at the pictures!) There were, globes and balloons everywhere. I felt quite proud to have been a part of it. Plus, we were all given t-shirts! Very sexy ones too!

It was loads of fun. Quite a laugh trying to encourage people to go study at Wolverhampton and not York!!!! How does Wolvo compare to the beautiful city of York?! Plus James was promoting York... i wonder why all the girls ran to the York table?! lol. We did alright, we got a page and a half of people interested.... ish. (York got three pages, but never mind!)

Sarah

Classes

Another thing i get asked about loads is about the classes.

DIFFERENT.

They work you hard over here thats for sure. But i really like the proffessors here. They genuinly do want to help you and look out for you and make sure you do well. They make a huge effort to know your names and to know who you are. It never bothered me in Wolvo that my lecturers didn't know my names. But now it does. Tim could tell you A LOT more about me then Gill (wolvo international person) could. I doubt Gill would know me name if i walked into her office. Where as Tim would say hello and know not to offer me Tea as i don't like hot drinks and he'd know stuff!

Anyways back to the classes. Yes it's hard. But the teacher are very very approachable. If you are struggling it's not a problem going and seeing them.

My favourite class is British Cinema in the 60s. Yeah im the 'british' one. I have to talk in every class! I love being able to talk to them all about my culture, it's a subject i'm in expert on, seems as though i've lived there all my life. Only bad thing is, if i don't know something about England they laugh... like they did last lesson. Oh well!

Sarah

Room Mate

The burning question everyone seems to want to know is 'Whats my room mate like?'

It was a struggle at first. I've never shared a room with anyone... ever! Cept Emma, but she doesn't count. Being put into a room with a total stranger is quite simply bizarre! It took A LOT of getting used to. But, two weeks on i can safely say i've gotten past that stage.

Me and Chrysann get on wonderfully. She always says 'it's your room too'. She is extremely respectful of my space, and i'm respectful of hers. She gets in late some nights and she's always quiet and in return i leave a light on for her. And if i'm studying she will leave or visa versa (if we both want to study then we both stay obviously!) We work well together. What is also brilliant is that during the week we get up at the same time, we both have 8am classes on Tues and Thurs so its all very good! So far, there is no problems.

On the whiteboard we have on our door she wrote 'Sarah is the best roomie ever'... well what can i say... im ace!!! (im that modest!)

Sarah

Campus Life

Orientation

The orientation for us internationals was just amazing!

It started with a breakfast in the flag room. This is where we met other international people. The lads from York. Cindy and Pauline from France. Max and Cat, also from York, Aya from Japan and also Priscilla the national student, originally from Texas, but studies in Colorado.

Anyway it was a lovely orientation which lasted four days. There was so much that was one for us it was unbelieveable. One of the highlights was Granite Lake. Still to me, one of the best days i've had here so far. It was just a fun day all round. We had a barbeque and sat and chatted by the lake. I suggested to Tim that he teach us Baseball. He taught us 'whiffleball' in the end (Baseball but with plastic implicants!). And we taught him Rounders.... though i didn't really know the game myself, i hadn't played it in 10 years!! The picture above is all of us at Granite Lake.


Sarah.

The Taxi Ride

First and foremost. I have to tell the story of our travels to Keene from Manchester airport. We got picked up at Manchester by a guy named Gil. An absolutely lovely man from the very start. He offered stopping us of at a McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts to make sure our stomach was filled. We talked non stop for the full hour and a half. Helen and Gil talked politics, religion and cars at great depth. He took detours and showed us local and very beautiful towns, like Peterborough for example.

Turns out Gils wife works at Keene State College. When we finally arrived at Keene we briefly met her. And she was adorable and quickly offered us a place to stay for thanksgiving... three weeks on and it's still the best offer :D

When we arrived we were greeted by the BFG (otherwise known as Steven) he took us to the office, went over our busy schedule and let us call home. It was here where we also met Tim. Now Tim is a legend. Poor guy often gets picked on for his Boston accent. Yes the yanks take the rip out of him too. He over pronounces his 'a's' !! He is also one huge fan of baseball.... specifically the Red Sox.

Sarah

My First Blog

Hey guys, i have followed suit and have created a little blog for you all (if anyones interested). This is where i'll update you all on the exciting events in my american life right now.

I have only been here a little over three weeks and there is so much to talk about so i will have to break it up into separete blogs rather than using just this one to say EVERYTHING about the past few weeks.

Sarah