A man from Kentucky

I spent this past week in Lexington, Kentucky with the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship as a member of their inaugural Student Congress. This was some amazing program.

When we arrived on Saturday, we were 51 rising college seniors (one from each state and DC) who had no idea what to expect. As people arrived, we sat in the lobby and talked. That night was my 21st birthday. I am one of only a handful who can say they have drank beer with people from at least 40 states.

We went to Ashland, Henry Clay's impressive yet modest Lexington estate, where we learned how to "alphacize" by state. It's safe to say we can all name the states in alphabetical order now.

Next on the agenda was a day at Transylvania University, a small school on par with my college. I met a professor of rhetoric there, and I think I might be talking to him about my thesis! We also saw downtown Lexington and Henry Clay's law office.

Tuesday was our first day of classes. Our academic itinerary was established by the head of the Patterson School of International Relations, and he lined up some pretty impressive speakers. We did leadership exercises, including some of the funniest icebreaker skits I have ever seen.

Wednesday was by far the most memorable day. In the afternoon we went to Frankfort and visited the Capitol, which was really impressive. They let us sit at the desks on the floor of the House of Representatives! We also met the governor's Chief of Staff, who is only 33-really young for a COS. I could see myself going back there to work there after I graduate.

Really cool sidenote- we were all named honorary Kentucky Colonels, which means we provide a great public service. it also means if we ever live in Kentucky we can get a special license plate.

In the evening we went to Three Chimneys, one of the grandest horse farms in Kentucky. They have bred many horses. We got to see THE Smarty Jones. Soon Big Brown will be living on this farm as well. Our guest speaker for the night was former Senator Nancy Kasselbaum-Baker.

We had speakers most of the day on Thursday, including John Harwood, MSNBC correspondent and best-selling author, and Cyprus's ambassador to the United States, an eloquent man who spoke to us for nearly two hours.

Friday was our last day. In the evening, we had our final dinner at a horse auction site (I forgot the name, but it's the big money site). We had a taped speech from Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and the mayor of Lexington also spoke. We were each given a beautiful watch along with a certificate of completion.

My week in Kentucky was the best week I have had in a long time. I felt so good the entire time, and I have 50 new friends all across the nation who are smart, kind, and destined to do great things. I am so glad I had the experience to participate in this program. I learned a lot about leadership, and about the power of one person doing the right thing. To quote the reporter of the Lexington herald-Leader who wrote about us, "Henry Clay would have been proud this week."

Charlie Brown

SO EXCITED!!!!!

STEVE MILLER WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
T-MINUS 5 HOURS TO 21!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AWESOME!!!!

I'M GOING TO SEE STEVE MILLER BAND AND JOE COCKER TONIGHT!!!!!!!!

Movie Review #4

Wristcutters: A Love Story

I know what you're thinking (or at least I am pretty sure my parents were thinking this): how can someone who was at one point not so long ago suicidal watch that movie and not go off the deep end?

It's easy. I'm better now. :)

It's a neat concept that the people who kill themselves are in a sort of purgatory until it's discovered whether they belong there or not. Not a typical movie theme, and I admit there were points where there were suicidal thoughts in my head, but overall it was a likable movie and I would watch it again.

4 out of 5 stars
It depends on your emotional state at the time

Movie Review #3

Rocket Science

I like this movie. It's unpredictable; it's off the beaten movie trail. It's about a kid with a stutter who is "recruited" to join the debate team. All I will say is my best friend and I found our battle cry in this movie.

4 out of 5 stars
It's an enjoyable film

Why Senior Year is going to be hell

Summer-Senior Thesis, 20-30 pages

Fall-in England
3 classes
Work on thesis, not for letter grade (be almost done with rough draft by December)

And the kicker...

Spring-at school
senior thesis-for final credits
2 Communications classes
1-2 Political Science classes
Work study (the one and only semester I am elgible)
Job hunting
Apartment hunting

Reality is setting in. And it ain't pretty.

Why I haven't posted

Okay, there's no real good reason for why I haven't posted. I'm behind in movie posts, but the reading has been coming slowly. I've been doing some writing and my friend gave me "NCIS" on DVD and it's my new favorite show, so I've been watching that. So my apologies to my two or three loyal readers. I will catch up soon.

I hope everyone had a good fourth. Mine was pretty good-I ended up going to Gettysburg for the day with my friend's family. It was nice, but I heard Mark Warner came to my town's parade, so I was disappointed that I didn't get to see him. Plus fireworks were rained. Oh well. I had fun anyway.

By the way- 2 weeks from today = MY 21ST BIRTHDAY!!!!! Anyone who wants to hang out and celebrate after the 26th let me know. (I'm going to be in Kentucky that week.)

All right, reviews will be posted within the next week. Feel free to comment; give me an idea of what you might want to see me discuss. I'm open to any and all topics.

Thanks guys!
Chralie Brown!