Rule #19

There is no shame whatsoever in wanting to listen to Andrea Bocelli.

30 Seconds of Applause

I took a course on instructing elementary education. We studied the intellectual, emotional and social development of children. Most people took the course because it allowed you to leave campus and work at local elementary schools.

Our teacher, Ms. Swanson believed that children who were applauded, were happier. She believed that if a child received at least thirty seconds of praise, applause or positive recognition a day then they would gain confidence and significantly aide their social and emotional development.

So everyday as we filed into class and made our way to our seats she would pick someone out and ask them to remain standing. That person would stand for thirty seconds as the class cheered, clapped and praised them.

Rule #18

There is a big difference between living somewhere and studying somewhere. You live in place when you pay rent there, otherwise you are just visiting.

New NYU Athetlics Home Page

One thing that almost stopped me from studying in Italy this semester was how much I love to wrestle and compete. On our wrestling team we communicate mainly through mass emails. While I prepare to begin classes abroad I frequently read through the teams' correspondence. Although ultimately I feel I have made the right decision by coming here, I often think about the one thing that motivated me to move across the country three years ago. I always remember that without wrestling and the wrestling community I might not have had the opportunities and experience that I enjoy across the world.

On that note. Check out the sweet home page that NYU athletics launched a few days ago.

gonyuathletics.com

Pros: Photos in the athlete profile, great new interface

Cons: Ugly new Bobcat mascot guy, they listed my home town as "Covina" : (

Top 10 Pizza Toppings

As job training comes to an end in Tuscany I've had little time to produce a thoughtful top ten list. So many new sights and tastes have made the past few days a blur.

One thing I have taken note of are my favorite pizza toppings. Everyone everywhere loves pizza. The down side to this is that most people have their own style or idea of what a pizza is. This makes it hard to be a passionate pizza lover. How could I compare a deep dish Dominos pizza with bacon and pepperoni to a pie from John's in NYC? Or even better how can I compare a slice of Bayou Beast from Two Boot's to pizze tagliato margherita off the streets of Florence?

Long story short, it's a tough call but internationaly these toppings have never disappointed.

1. Salami picante (spicy salami)

2. Sausage

3. Fresh Mozzarella

4. Onion

5. Ham/ Prosciutto Cotto

6. Mushrooms

7. Artichokes

8. Fresh Tomato

9. Bacon (of Course)

10. Peppers

This is Exactly how Plato and Socrates Sounded...

Courtesy of Pudding...

Recognize this genius? This is our good old friend "Bill O" before he jumped on to the scene at America's "fair and balanced" news channel. Inside Edition is where the journalist who really know what they're talking about start off.

Nothing Compares 2 U

Last night I could not stop thinking of the Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger from Carl's Jr. And when this song came on my iPod I couldn't stop laughing. So if you're within a 4 mile radius of a Carl's Jr. go get one!!! Cherish them.

Usher is Back

Oggi io Vado a Firenze

Today I'm leaving to Italy to start job training for a position I took with my school. Initially I mentioned I would be relocating to London. However that option proved to be academically incompatible with my 2 remaining required courses.... I thought my hopes of European adventures were crushed, but after a week of being turned away from a dozen different counselors and deans I found a great compromise. To compensate for having to change sites I got a job that offers free housing and meals. 

But the point of this post is really to say "Arrivederci!" and you can be sure I'll be posting about some of these European adventures... So what do I have up my sleeve for the next few months? I'm thinking Oktoberfest (aka Bay to Breakers in lederhosens), taking London by storm and some of the latest italian food trends.
Keep you posted.

Top 10 Worst Things About Flying

Instead of wasting my time writing a post about how much I hated my travel experience with US Airways yesterday, I decided to quickly point out 10 things that make flying a little more miserable than it really needs to be.

10. Being randomly selected to get your bags swiped for explosive powder-- ??

9. Taking off your shoes at the metal detector -- By now the bomber knows not to hide things in the shoes

8. The "no liquids in your carry-0n rule"

7.  The middle seat

6. Having to board in "Zones"

5. People who crowd the gate before they call their zone

4. People who are way too overdressed for traveling

3. Really loud crying toddlers (Not Babies... Toddlers. The ones that are old enough to eek out that fake crying/whine when they run out of genuine tears)

2.  Passive aggressive flight attendants who think you can't tell they hate being nice all the time

1. Poorly dubbed in-flight movies that had to be edited so that they were rated PG 

Rule #17

Never fly US AIRWAYS

Story to follow... I'm en route, stuck in Charlotte.

MGMT

Here is a summer jam that has been in heavy circulation lately. Great sound. Even better message. This environmentally conscious track might be the only refreshing thing you hear this summer while sitting in traffic and triple digit temperatures.

A Word About Hipsters

CLICK HERE
Linked above is a well written article that my brother brought to my attention the other day. The lack of and/or false sense of originality about the "hipster" scene ironically contradicts what they try so hard to be. I agree with the author and his claim that the worst part of this counterculture is its increasing dependency on the consumption of "cool".

Some people might argue that in fact, borrowing style or characteristics from previous rebellious youth countercultures does require some degree of creativity and originality. After all, we've all witnessed the success of artists across all genres revive sounds from the pasts. Hip Hop artists dating back from 2pac and Biggie to Kanye West and P Diddy have made a killing off sampling old tracks. While bands like the Klaxons, Strokes and The Killers have thrived by playing off of nostalgic sounds.

But comparing the skill, innovation and artistry that is required in music production to hunting through thrift shops for flannels and riding around fixed gear bikes would take a hell of a stretch.

That being said, it appears that the only people who would have a serious problem with what seems to be a very accurate description of "hipsters" would be the "hipsters" themselves.

Being an optimist I see that the good news is its not too late to turn everything around. Those who have fallen victim to buying into the hipster scene can just as easily buy out of it. Just shave off your comical facial hair. And remember... You're not fooling anyone by dressing, acting, or pretending like you belong to a generation of the past.

Top Ten Ways to Serve Bacon Bits

Bacon bits make everything taste better. I am very liberal when it comes to covering things in bacon. Here are my top ten favorite things I enjoy covered in bacon bits.

10. Chef Salad
9. Pizza
8. Potato Salad
7. Baked Potatoes
6. Baked Potato Soup
5. Any pasta with Alfredo
4. Cheese Burgers
3. Cheese Fries
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwhiches
1. Maple Donuts

Rule #16: Something Danny Glover Taught Me...

You might recall the final installment of the Lethal Weapon Saga... It ended in a still photo/musical montage set to this song. However comical or corny the lyrics are there is something about this simple message that everyone can use at some point.

This song is the basis and inspiration for Rule # 16 --Don't Be A Hater