From O'Neils (at one point)

I wrote this post while at lunch, but then my internet died. I know that I promised an update for last night (my time), but my bad, at least I started it, right?

So I promised an update, here's some pictures for you, the "adoring" fans.

Right now I'm in a pub off Regent St. in London called O'Neills A Taste of Ireland. My taste of Ireland was a BBQ Chicken Chiabata, who'da known that came from the Micks? Imagine, if you will, your average pub, soccer (footboll) pictures on the wall, loads of english accents, and the bartender singing along to Natalie Imbruglia's Torn. That, friends, is O'Neills.

Anyway, here's what you came for. Presenting: Stockholm:

Stockholm

After a long, long day of walking, I sat down to eat dinner at another O'Neills location, as I was so impressed with the first. I sat down and ordered another taste of Ireland, a BBQ Chicken Burger with Bacon. After finishing my meal I found a group of Americans from Portland University (one from "Northern" Tacoma, no less), but I'll save that for my London-Roundup, to be written tomorrow on the train au Paris.

Tomorrow I'll also do some commentary on these pictures, some are rather deep (such as the statue of the friar with a pegion sitting on his head). If you don't see the album here, hit up the website directly (http://www.notjoelshapiro.com/).

-Joel Out.

Update!

(coming tonight, my time. I promise).

In the mean time, feel free to call me at this number 206-801-5443, just mind that i'm 8 hours ahead of you and will hate you if you wake me. texts might work out too, give it a shot, just don't be mad if I don't reply.

Today is london, so I'l be out exploring, but might call it an early night to give you all updates.

Thanks for the comments and emails!

-Joel

Electricity Ahoy!

So I started off this morning with the beautiful sun in my face in a quiet apartment in Stockholm, Sweden. At 5:50am. Here are some pictures to quel (sp?) your appetite.



These are in no particular order, and it is very difficult to move them around on this blogger nonsense, so here they are, match them up to the descriptions as needed. Cool?





Shiree drove her car off of an embankment and a bunch of us had to go save her.





A true 'Merican dinner: Lots of beans, some chocolate milk, and some noodles. Woot.





Cool Sony OLED TV that I saw in London. Olson will flip when he finds out that I got to see one....like in person. Drop a google, these things are a big deal.





So after getting off my plane and going through customs (and meeting my tennis buddy), I took a "lift" down to the basement where I caught my train to Stockholm City (as its referred to here). It looked and felt like a dungeon. It was a little chilly and damp, and really reminded me of where I was.





When I got to the apartment that I'm staying at, first I walked the length of it and couldn't get in. I then called Sanna (one of my hosts), who happened to live at the end of the building that I called at, and she threw her keys down to me from the fourth floor of the building....at night....and one of the keys, I swear to god, is a skeleton key from every old-movie-door stereotype ever. After I went inside, I was shown the elevator by someone that I let in, and after she got out, I continued up to the 4th floor and stood there waiting for something to happen. Aparently doors don't just open here like we're used to in the U-S-Of-A. Bewildered, I tried the "H" button, which mercilessly (and quite against my cries) took me back to the lobby (and still didn't open the door. I hit 4 again, and decided that if it didn't open, i was going to ram it open. When it stopped and nothing happened again, I gave it a hard shoulder (which caused it to FLY open and for me to almost fall down), and realized that I was an idiot.



Since I have arrived here, I have peed three times, and almost every time I trip over this little thing on the bathroom floor that was designed to infuriate me. If ever there was a reason not to go to europe (besides the ones that I will be flamed with after writing this), it is that stupid little 1-inch tall thing in the bathroom that hates my feet.

I found this old picture of Juice and Lydia....and it's awesome.

By popular request, a picture of Un Te in the front yard tanning. No man-thong this time, but hey, a request is a request, right?

Well, I do think that that's all for i mordag (this morning), I'll post again tonight probably with the madness that is Stockholm during the day.

-Joel out.

P.S. I think the swede was Thomas Johanson, not sure yet, and the courts are: kungliga tennishallen, or the royal tennis courts (i think). Zeppelin played there.

First Night in Sweden (Ish)

So tonight was my first night in Stockholm, and I say ish because it hasn't ended yet. My battery is about to die and I am afraid of plugging in my laptop here, so this is going ot be short, with some pictures tomorrow when I figure out how to properly use electricty.

Flight 1: long and boring. I sat next to some Brits who were nice and offered to take me out to an ancient forest when I am in london. They aparently live right next to where I am staying, so I 'll probably take them up on that. They told me that where I am staying is a big transit hub and kinda scary. Sounds like an adventure, now?

Flight 2: Made awkward conversation with the guy next to me who is a Swede who was originally from South Africa. he was an interesting enough guy, gave me some ideas on where to hang out while I am here. I also talked to a guy who plays tennis with some swede who won the Australian Open a few years ago, and I gave him my card and my number, he said that he would give me a call to go play tennis with him and some of his cronies come tomorrow. The next step is figuring out how to get out of where I am to find this ritzy club of which he speaks.

When I landed at both Heathrow and Aralanda I found that I couldn't get my cell phone to work, which was utterly terrifying. Since then it has gotten a little better, so I'll be making some calls in the morning, since I have no real sense of time anymore and don't want to bother doing much of anything for the rest of tonight.

I am nine hours ahead of you all (if you all are in the Pacific time zone, that is).

The people here are really nice, my hosts had friends over and I just talked to them about crazae American things and everybody has been very nice and they all speak very good english, which is also rather nice. Some of them also speak french, again rather cool. I explained to them the beauty of Tucson Logic and they want to hear stories about minutemen come tomorrow. We have also talked about making a blank map of the us and seeing how many states we can draw into it. I am really afraid that I would fail at that immensely. Since my battery is on the verge of sweet death and I already blew a fuse (yeah, embarassing thing to do my first night), I will hold off on doing uploads tonight.

I had a like half hour cab ride to get here, and I have no idea what it costs, they use Kroners here, some form of currency whose intricacies completely elude me. They also bake some sort of DELICIOUS flat bread here. Lastly, they have salmon here. Tons of salmon. Whoever told me to bring them salmon as a gift (Chee, no?) will be punished later.

Goodnight (day) everyone, it's been a long one on this end.

-Joel

Last Update for a while (again)

So I will be the first one to admit that I have been lax on my duties as of late, but here is a (hopefully) brief update courtesy of my celly. If there are typos, I blame a keyboard the size of a walnut. Cool?

The last wee or s have been very hectic, between work any preparing for this trip, so I am very excited to finally be on my merry way. I haven't had a break from school in about 2 years and work in almost a full year, so I think that this next wee before my classes start will be rather good for me.
All of my batteries are charged and I am ready to moblog when I land on the other side of the pond, so I'll try to be better to my adoring (usually) fans. If there is anything that people would like to see video/ pictures of in Paris, Nice, London, or Stockholm (or the surrounding areas), please let me know. I will be talking to people and trying to get some culture,and if you guys tell me that you want to know what the Swedes think of Football vs Football, Budwieser vs Heinekin (I know, not Swedish), or if Kieth Bogans is the hero of all of Europe like I assme he is, leave it in the comments and I will find out. Cool?

My flight is delayed a little bit, but I'ma relax to my last few minutes of Americana. Thanks a lot for coming to my going away dinner, everyone. It was great to see you all and I truly appreciated that hour with you all.

-Joel out.

Just look at the picture, pwease

News

So I am always watching video from all kinds of news sources to better my own, and while I was watching clips from the New York Times, the LA Times, the Associated Press, and other schools, I had an idea. What about "America's Finest News Source?" That, ladies and gentlemen, means The Onion.

Most people don't know about it, but The Onion has its own video section, and as far as news videos are, their quality is great. They conform to standard lengths, titles, interview, and depth standards, and for seeing what my group needs to improve on, they qualify.

I think that everyone (EVERYONE) should watch this video, then subscribe to podcasts from The Onion to keep up with honestly the best reporting (even if made up) that I've seen in quite a while.

(video below)


'No Values Voters' Looking To Support Most Evil Candidate

Quicky

Often I encounter things in my life that I think are noteworthy of blogging and I decide that I ought send it up to my facebook, and eventually get it up on the blog as well. Unfortunately in those situations I usually forget to do the latter, so consider this a prize.

Many of you know that my current room offers the best view in the house. Something isn't quite normal in the Phi Kappa Tau front yard today, anyone care to venture a guess? (and please leave it in comments, not my inbox :) ) Answer is at the bottom of the page.

Other than that, the weather is great, and my only other update is that I am now couchsurfing in London and Paris (despite having a dorm en France). Copy and Paste'd below are amazing emails from couchsurfers abroad who decided to take me in. (I'm not sure if I wrote about it before, but couchsurfing is kinda what it sounds like, you go to www.couchsurfing.com, fill out a profile, and message people about staying with them as sort of a free place to stay and cultural exchange. They show you around, you buy dinner, meet cool people, etc. It's an awesome idea and I'm so glad that I will be a part of it!)

Laura de Kock Wrote:

Hello Joel

Thank you for your request.We've already had a request from somone for exactly thedates that you want to come although its only from oneperson and he's not yet confirmed after we said he cacome. Thing is, the couch can sleep two, so if youand him are cool with sharing then it would be fine. Otherwise we could build you a comfy make-shift bed onthe floor. Main thing is that you're likely to share the space with another CS'er. Which might be a good thing since we work during the week and we may not be able to show you around as much as you or we'd like so at least you'll have company. Also, I guess I'll have to check if the other couch surfer is ok with sharing tima and space. If this is cool with you and its cool wit the other couch surfer then its cool with me!Speak soon!

Laura

Joel Shapiro Wrote:

Laura,

Thank you very much for the quick reply! I would be VERY greatful to sleep on any couch, bed, mattress, pillow, floorboard, counter or the like. I hope that the other couchsurfer is as enthusiastic as I, this trip, and this whole CS thing looks to be like a great time. Please let me know what the other person says, as my trip draws near! Thank you very much

-Joel

Laura de Kock Wrote:

That's the spirit, Joel!

Nevermind what the other surfer says! We do have a hammoc outside in which you can sleep since we'll be out of space. Just kidding!!! If its too much hassle for the other CS'er we'll just put you in the study or something. I'm sure it'll be just fine, all in the spirit of couch surfing! Ok, so its settled for me. As long as you're ok with the fact that we don't give keys to couch surfers for obvious safety reasons and we all work so we may not spend as much time with you as you'd like. WE'll certainly at least send you well on your way and explain whatever it is you need to know about this place and at least have a drink or 3 one evening. Can you send me some info about where in London you will be arriving too (eg airport/train station etc) so I can explain the best way to get to our place? Also the time that we can expect you to arrive. If you are not sure yet just send me a message when you know. Ok, speak soon and best of luck with your studies!

Adios!
Laura

That is Laura, my awesome host in London, and on to the message from my host in Paris (to whom I wrote a month ago, in French. According to her profile, she speaks French, Chinese Spanish, and Swahili, and might be the only Parisiene who doesn't speak english):

bonjour,

je pars dans 2 semaines en Thailande, je rentre àParis le 18 aout, je peux t'accueillir.je te donne mon email : ____. C'est bien de faire l'effort de parler Français!!!

christelle

(Hello, I am taking in 2 weeks in Thailand, I return to Paris on the 18th of August, I think I can welcome you. I give you my email ______. It's well that you made the effort to speak french!!!

Christelle

So yeah, this "Quicky" I guess became rather epic, but I was excited. Sorry gang.

-Joel

p.s. It's Scot Rastelli tanning in a man-thong.

Two weeks and counting, woohoo!

Which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, I'll start off this post with an apology for not updating the blog in a long, long, long, long time. Here are a few updates since last we (I) spoke (along with some pictures):

I bought a new cell phone (AT&T Tilt).

I booked 5 days in a hostel in Stockholm (City BackPackers Hostel, Upplandsgatan 2a, 11123, Stockholm) (How's that for an address, eh?)

I watched Chee battle his width when trying to break into his own room.

I found out that I might be able to couchsurf in Stockholm/London

I sold my new cell phone (for a healthy profit)

I found out that in the next 10 or so days I have 5 or 6 videos due.

I realized how completely insane the next two weeksish are going to be.

I played poker in the front yard.

I went to the beach.

Life has been insane. Completely insane. I have been working every day, either shooting or editing or just doing administrative stuff, and my soul is exhausted. Until I leave for Europe, I think my long posts are over, my few hours spent not at work are sleeping or eating :(

One of these days I'll get that last video I did for Husky Athletics up, I got the approval to put it online for ya'll.

-Joel out.

A Day in the Life Of

I thought that I would, in tonight's post, give you all a hint as to the life of a student whose job asks for no defined hours and whose average meal is created with but the simplest tools.

As for the former:

A day or two (occasionally more frequently) a week I have a shoot. Sometimes for The Daily for a story that I am covering, and other times for the UW Athletics Department. I am both a news man and a PR man. My journalistic ethics are the more torn between the two. Last week I filmed a tour of the basketball locker rooms by guard Venoy Overton. From the looks of the video that Maks (my counterpart at work) and I made, he's kind of a big deal. To watch the video, click here (when it asks you to login, use "notjoel@u.washington.edu" and "password" respectively): http://all-access.cstv.com/cstv/player/player.html?code=wash&sport=m-baskbl&category=Features%20%26%20Interviews%20%28MediaType%29&media=70156

I filmed another cribs video yesterday, and two facility tours today, along with an interview for a story on Polar Bears for the Daily (http://www.theuwdaily.com/), on the right-side. Tomorrow is another cribs, and then administrative work for the rest of the week.

My ritual as a byproduct of shoots, edits, recruitment events, and waiting for Maks to finish class resembles this:

10:00am-Wake up after alarm has either been disabled or the sun keeps me from sleeping.

12:00pm-Finished having cereal, catching up on email, news, etc.

1:00pm-Meet with the boss at Athletics for a shoot.

3:00pm-Go to The Daily to start editing/catchup again on email and news.

8:00pm-Go home for dinner.

10:00pm-Finish dinner/light relaxing, settle in for some Jericho/Deadwood/The Daily Show/Weeds with Scooter.

2:00am-Go to sleep.

Repeat.

That, dear audience, is an inside look into the regiment that robs a man of a social-life.

This post has been long enough, more in another day or two.

-Joel