I Will Watch "The Americans"

When clicking links and going page to page, I was thinking “let me choose something heavy for this week.” That is not the case anymore.

Instead of writing this blog, I seriously want to go pop some popcorn and binge while watching “The Americans” after reading this article from the New Yorker.

When I first saw the commercials for “The Americans” I thought, “Eh. Doesn’t look that captivating.” I knew the topic was interesting: two soviet spies in America that are pretending to be everyday people. I blame the trailers and commercials for not conveying the awesome clearly.

The title "Watch 'The Americans'" immediately shows the readers this is going to be a positive review. After the first sentence, you know that this person is absolutely in love with “The Americans.” It was practically a love letter.

"It’s not a critic’s job to be a P.R. flack…We’re supposed to maintain healthy boundaries, gazing at art from an Olympian distance. But there are certain TV series that bring out the evangelist in any writer,” wrote Emily Nussbaum.

She has such a comedic tone throughout the article that constantly made me smile, so how could I not want to watch this show while she’s singing its praises? 

She does give away a few things to readers like how one of the main characters was raped at a young age and how another seduces and marries an F.B.I secretary. To potential show viewers like me, I don’t want to be told this! I want to watch and be surprised. Now all I want to do is get to those episodes where that information is revealed.

But then how else would have she caught my attention?

Then when in doubt, the next paragraph states the show is filled with sex and violence. Just those two words piqued my interest. Let’s face it, everyone knows sex sells. And violence, well that goes back to human nature. Some of us, myself included love the rush of a good fight scene and can’t wait to see who comes out on top.

                                          This image alone implies seduction and violence!

By the advice of Nussbaum, I shall proceed to ignore the following: my work, my roommates and the pile of clothing siting on my desk chair. Time to binge. 

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2014/02/watch-the-americans.html

Student Abroad

For my intro to magazine class I have to research a specific magazine and find out their ins-and-outs . The magazine that will receive nonstop calls from me is Verge magazine; therefore I should do a little reading on my publication of choice.  I chose the first article I saw on their homepage: “Convince Your Parents to Let You Study Abroad.”

                Being a college student who wants to travel around the world and live in a foreign country, this stood out to me. Personally my mother doesn’t need convincing because she wants me to get the entire college experience (and we already went to Italy). It’s only a matter of finances in my situation, but that’s a different blog entirely.  I do know students whose parents have the leash on so tight that it’s practically suffocating the students. So students who are currently gasping for air, this is for you.

                Number one: Safety First
                                Well this is pretty self explanatory and predictable. But it gave the emergency number of Europe and Australia. I was not privy to this information prior to reading this, so this is very useful. Also the writer pointed out to have medical insurance all figured out before going abroad. I would’ve never thought of that! I’m just imagining eating biscuits, sipping tea and exploring the Tower of London, not twisting my ankle while crossing the street to Buckingham Palace, which sounds like something that would happen to me.  

                Number two: Money
                                BUDGET! BUDGET! BUDGET! The pound is worth over twice as much as our dollar. Our dollar doesn’t count for didley-squat. I would feel like I’m paying Britain to convert my money into their money! That is all.

                Number three: Staying Connected
                                Thank god for technology is what this portion should say. Although, it didn’t shed light on how high your bills will be if you don’t get an international plan! SKYPE can only do so much for you.

                Studying abroad is pricey and risky, but that is what’s fun about it. It’s like going on a vacation without your parents, but you sit in a class room taught by a teacher with a rather thick accent. I’ve only been to Europe once, and I intend on going again, but this time without my parents and maybe some medical insurance for my clumsy self.

                 

If you would like to read this little how-to, here is the link: http://www.vergemagazine.com/magazine/study-abroad/convincing-your-parents-to-let-you-study-abroad.html