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Agreed! And also, in regards to rap music, if the only rap music you listen to is on the radio, then of course you aren't going to like it. The lyrics for a lot of mainstream rap music is painful, to say the least. I am not a big fan of rap, but I have heard some that is really good. Roots Roots Manuva for example, or Sixtoo are great!

Yes, and it was great! Why'd you think it was stupid?

Definitely Obama. I really do not agree with McCain's stance on Iraq. Obama is looking for a way out, while McCain still wants to attempt to get "Iraq back on its feet." It seems absurd to me! I agree with Obama on many issues that he supports; especially those in regards to the environment, Iraq, health care, and civil rights. He's charismatic, intelligent, and he shows so much potential to be the next American leader.

Looks interesting! Anyone know more?

Well, on the drive down from San Francisco to Los Angeles, we passed a few In-N-Outs, but they were all unfortunately closed because it was already so late! No matter, just another reason to visit California again! With the short days that I was in California, I thought that people from the South seemed way more relaxed with a lot of things. My sister's friends from USC wanted to throw a surprise party for her. Being typical German, I had to know who, what, where, when, why, and how. But my sister's LA friends just told me, "Don't worry! Just bring booze and show up at my house at 6:00 PM!" Totally relaxed mindset, and I love that. Also in southern California, people seem to randomly have conversations with one another. Every coffee shop, clothing store, or restaurant that I went to, people would ask me how my day was, where I was from, and how I liked Los Angeles so far. I guess with the beautiful weather that you guys have plus the ocean next door, it's expected to be this friendly! In San Francisco, I thought the people were almost the same as the people in LA in terms of mannerisms, but were a bit more impatient. Asking for directions was always a challenge because their lives are just too fast paced to be interrupted. I noticed also a big change in style between the north and the south. People from LA, men and women alike, tend to dress in brighter colors that excsensuate their bodies whereas in San Francisco, people dress to be fashionable. (meaning darker clothes, scarves, coats... etc) The differences aren't that extreme from what I've seen... but the again, what do I know about Californians! I was only there for a few days! But it's really left a positive impression in my mine. I can't wait to go back....

Thanks for all of the nice comments! What is the TPR calendar? Okay, here are the last bunch of pictures from my short California trip. I must say, after visiting twice, California is truly one of the most beautiful and wonderful places in the world to be. The weather is always amazing, the food is just on a whole other level, and entire vibe and attitudes of most Californians are so laid back and relaxed... totally different than the students here in New Hampshire (and from anywhere I've ever been for that matter!). I would love to call California my home one day! How beautiful it is. You can see most of San Francisco from this point! Goodbye, San Francisco! The car that we traveled around in! It was the car of my friend. I will never get tired of looking at the lovely California coast. Nothing beats it, really! We were craving In N Out because we've heard only the best things about it, but unfortunately couldn't find one our whole trip! Subway had to do instead... =( Obligatory Hollywood sign picture. The most stereotypical LA street. What I've seen in TVs my entire life about California is this... sunny and a lot of palm trees! One of the best rides at Disneyland! The crew working that day was great! Dispatching trains at lightening speed! The best ride, in my opinion, is Indiana Jones. I really loved it! Some of the wonderful theming in the queue. I love Disneyland so much! Went to the beach the next day. Can you guess who is European and who is Californian? At the airport getting ready to leave for New Hampshire. Grr... do I have to leave already? Thanks for reading!

San Francisco based DJ Kaskade is awesome! Very lounge, house, electro sound.

The gas prices have been a bit higher over here on the east coast at $4.07 for regular. I've heard it'll go down to three pretty soon though...

I like the new Facebook.

Current annoyance: people who abuse their power. At the moment, I am working as an intern at a hospital. It's unpaid, so I have to have a part time job at a coffee shop as a Barista. I don't mind because I really enjoy working at a coffee shop! It's fun, my co-workers are nice, and it's a great way to practice my English. However, my shift supervisor is completely intolerable. She is 19 years old and feels like she has the most important job in the world because she is in charge of giving us hours. If she doesn't like you, she doesn't give you hours but if she does... you'll be working non-stop and making big pay checks. Unfortunately, I am not on her good side and I honestly do not know why. Yesterday, I asked whether or not I could have today off because there was a surgery at the hospital that I really wanted to sit in on. She told me I could, only if I found a person who could cover my shift. I thought that was understandable but a little annoying as we both knew on Sunday there was going to be 8 people working the bar and technically our shop only needs 4 people since it is so small. So, I call over 20 people to try and get my shift covered but was not successful. Since no one could cover my shift, I had to wake up early and go to work today. When I got there though, there was already 9 people working (much too many) and as soon as my shift supervisor saw me, she told me that she didn't need me to work today. I asked her, "Why did you tell me to come in when I told you I wanted to sit in on a surgery this morning when you knew there was going to be enough Baristas?" And her response was... "Because I am the shift supervisor, and what I say goes." I was furious, because not only did I waste time, I wasn't able to learn anything at the hospital this morning. It's so annoying when someone is given just a little bit of authority, and they abuse it.

Oh my, $69 for a single day adult ticket? $59 for a child ticket? From the article, it said that in September 2007 the prices for a one day adult admission was $63. Now, only 11 months later, it's almost $70! I love Disney parks and I love what they have to offer to families, but this is getting ridiculous! I wonder if this new price increase applies to DCA as well... because if it did, attendance at DCA will decrease dramatically. Not many people are going to be paying $70 to go to a theme park that is half under construction with less than 4 major E ticket there!

Of course! I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I remember reading the first books when I was in the 6th grade so they definitely bring a sense of nostalgia back for me. I am very excited about the 6th movie. The last two books were my favorite, so I am really looking forward to seeing how they will adapt it into a movie!

Probably not, as that's a powered coaster.

How were you lucky enough to sit next to Sean Penn on Tatsu of all places?? Is that really him?

From looking at only the photos, I thought that this was the Oktoberfest! The rides look to be exactly the same. I tried this XXL attraction at the Frühlingsfest in Stuttgart (also a beer festival, but smaller than Oktoberfest) and it was one of the scariest things I've ever done!

I think it is possibly the best Batman film made. Way better than what Tim Burton did IMO. Christian Nolan is such a talented director and the entire cast for the Dark Knight is simply fantastic. I am seeing it for the second time (something I almost never do for movies still in the Theater) tomorrow!

A few weekends ago, I decided to visit my sister who is currently studying abroad at USC in Los Angeles. I was only in California for 4 short days, but in that time, we managed to see not only LA (and DCA), but also San Francisco. It's been quite awhile since I was last there, and it was great to see it again. I didn't take that many photos, as I'm not as talented a photographer like some people on this board, but I hope you enjoy the photos nonetheless! Exhausted (and bored) after being on the plane for so long... Look! Down below is San Francisco! Finally! A very pretty San Franciscan residential street. My sister's good friend Franzi, who happens to be an Au Pair in San Francisco while I was visiting. I stayed with her for the time that I was there. Here we are in a cable car! I love this store! I was so impressed with the size of this car! I've never seen a truck this big before in my life... that's why I took a picture next to it I always bought a ticket for the MUNI train in San Francisco, but the one day I didn't have anyone with me, I get controlled by the police! They were really nice though, but as you can see from my face, I am very nervous! Fisherman's Wharf Sunset near the Fisherman's Wharf Alcatraz at sunset Ah! Now I understand why guys seem to like the restaurant Hooters! Obligatory Golden Gate picture... I couldn't look at the camera because it was too windy! Does anyone know the name of this street? I just call it the "Full House" street...? Drivin' down the 101 to LA! How beautiful it is... My sister in the front with the sunglasses (yes, she is my adoptive sister for those who have been PMing asking me how I could have an Asian sibling!) and her friends at Santa Monica beach! Hey! I thought we left San Francisco! Oh, we did. This is DCA! My favorite ride at DCA was the Tower of Terror! I loved it. DCA may not be the best Disney park, but I really like it. I've always had a great time there. It's always impeccably clean, the staff are incredibly friendly, and the attractions there are quite fun for me! Thanks for reading!

Here's the trailer: (sorry for the bad quality) http://youtube.com/watch?v=K2iP1IIF0Ko Thoughts? Normally, I am really against remakes but being a fan of the series, I gladly welcome this new movie. The first Friday the 13th film wasn't that great IMO and I'd like to see Hollywood make it into something new and fresh, all while keeping true to the original. Just hope it doesn't turn out to be like the new Halloween film...

I totally agree. They should stick to a villain and develop his character very well instead of having 3 villains who are there solely for the sake of having more action. However, if Christopher Nolan does return as director for the second Batman sequel (he'd be crazy not to!) and if the script is as solid as the Dark Knight and Batman: Begins, I have faith that he'll make another great movie, even if he does decide to cast three or more villains.

I finally got around to seeing "The Dark Knight" and I must say I was very impressed. Heath Ledger was truly an astounding actor. His laugh, his walk, and that creepy tongue flicker... he was so credible as the Joker. Absolutely brilliant, spot-on performance. Christian Bale was also amazing. Finally, a PERFECT Batman. I don't know what it is about him, but he nailed the role as Bruce Wayne. I can't rave enough about how wonderful this movie was... it exceeded my expectations and more. For the second sequel, I've heard that the villain will be both Catwoman and the Penguin. There are talks with Christina Ricci or Kate Beckinsale to play the role of the Catwoman. If the next film is anywhere near as good as the Dark Knight, I'll be waiting in line for the midnight showing when it comes out!

It has been ages since I've visited Parc Astérix in France, but I remember the steel coaster Goudurix as being rather brutal.

Jappi, what lovely photographs. You are quite the talented photographer!

...maybe people hate it because it's just the title?? I like it when movie studios do this. It hypes the film up even more, and it doesn't give away anything! I'm very excited to see the new Potter film!

my roommate snoring really loudly next to me... hate that, especially since it is almost 5 in the morning and I'm exhausted.