Goodbye 2006...Hello 2007!

Hey everybody...Well...It has been a really long time since my last update...so apologies to all...but I promise I have some really good excuses (Like attending the WORLD MUSIC AWARDS above)...also...this will be the last update of the year...I know that it is crazy to believe that the year is almost over....but this is it from 2006...so I will try to make this update the extra long, super-sized holiday special edition...and the next time I will write to everyone, it will be with a fresh new tan straight from the beaches of Thailand and the cityscape's of Singapore and Hong Kong...So, without further wait, here we go...

First off...I decided on a site to show off my pictures...it was a tough choice between all of the big sites, but after a lot of trial and error...and more errors and more errors...facebook has won out....so go to FACEBOOK.COM...register...and check out all of my pictures...but if everyone is too lazy to do this...then, just visit the blog every now and then, and check out some of the pictures I put on there...the site is http://www.edwardstarr.blogspot.com/...so now everyone has no excuses...there is more of me online than I ever thought possible...

Anyway..onto the fun stuff...

In terms of social highlights...where to begin...First off my best friend Jeff came to visit me for a week during Thanksgiving...as expected we conquered London...saw some great art..who loves RODIN here? Ate like kings, especially, and with out doubt the BEST kebabs in London...and of course partied many nights away, with average come home times coming in at 4:15 AM, but Jeff destroyed that record with a Friday night 6 AM come home...so it is safe to say that London treated him very well...I promise to try to match the level of fun we had with any other visitors...so come one and come all...



I also officially spent my first Thanksgiving away from the comforting soil of the US this year...and the shocking thing that went through my mind was how easy it was to just move on to something else...Granted, I still was with my brother and one of my closest friends...I did not miss the turkey as much as I thought I would...I do miss my family, but I guess you just have to make up for that in other ways....It was really nice to eventually get to the turkey, as on Saturday my LBS friends prepared a fantastic party for like 30 people---FULL FEAST style including turkey, stuffing, and so much wine and dessert, the apartment could have been mistaken for a convenience store...

Now on to my brother Bruce...so...with him, nothing is ever just done simple...it has to be AMAZING...so keeping this in mind, his birthday was November 29th...and we had to celebrate 3 separate times!!!...so here is a quick recap...Night 1...getting DIRRTY at the Christina Aguilera concert...Night 2...Dining at the hottest restaurant in London...HAKKASAN...it was amazing...and Night 3...an all night blowout party at Freedom...to the least, I am still recovering from Freedom...






In terms of my school...first the boring stuff, and then I will get to the fun stuff...Well...since my last update, I have now taken 4 finals...and am 95% finished with my first semester!!! I still can't believe have fast it went...but it was amazing from start to finish...Now, my mind is in 100% JOB MODE...so I am stressed, but hopeful to land that killer job...now what killer job is a better question, and what city, is an even better question...but, I am not quite ready to answer all of those questions, and hopefully in about 1 month, I will have a better idea of things...Next semester promises more fun and challenging classes, including a bunch of classes I have never taken, so I am kind of excited including Marketing and Entrepreneurship...so we shall see...

Now, an end of semester would not be an end of the semester without the annual LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL Santa Claus Pub Crawl...so, try to imagine 500 santa clauses walking through central London from bar to bar...Yep...I am serious..and here are the pictures to prove it...safe to say that it was one of the best nights of my life, and I will remember it forever...




Outside of my little bubble...life continues to move on...In the last few weeks, two of my closest friends called me and told me that they were pregnant...so congratulations from the bottom of my heart to all of you...I have a wedding of one of my other closest friends right here in London in February...so, I guess I am just happy for everyone, and hopefully I will be doing some of these life changing events myself in due time as well...

Anyway...I want to wish everyone a happy healthy holiday season...I wish I could see everyone...but we will hopefully all get together soon...See you guys in the new year...

London #8...With a Little Bit of St. Louis

Hello, Hello Hello---

Firstly...I would like to officially welcome everyone to my own, new, and AWESOME BLOG!!!

I am thrilled to be an official blog writer, and I will do my absolute best to try to write coherent, somewhat funny, and occasionally thought-provoking entries...all I ask is that everyone please send me lots of great comments, and spread the word to everyone else...

So...A quick look around the blog will lead everyone to all of my old London posts...This is my 8th post, and I will try to keep up the every 10 days "ish" posting style---but every now and then I may get that extra little bit of inspiration, and may post more...In terms of pictures...this is still the last piece of the puzzle that I have yet to solve...I am currently working between BLOG/FLIKR/FACEBOOK---so...hopefully within another week I will have the picture situation figured out, and I will start posting ALL of my pictures and all of my new books on a weekly basis as well...I PROMISE...

On to the fun stuff...

I have a TON to tell everyone about in this post...so strap yourselves in...

1. AT KEARNEY COMPETITION---Well...after over a month of gruelling nights, strategy sessions, and lots of coffee---my group made it to 3 team LBS finals out of an 18 field. We were thrilled...cut to more long nights and...my presentation was last week...and.......WE GOT SECOND PLACE............I was a little bummed...the judges were split 2/2 and decided to go with the other team because they felt a 'JOINT VENTURE' had an easier implementation procedure than our 'ACQUISITION' recommendation....RUBBISH, I say...but who am I to argue. The entire experience was amazing, and I learned a tremendous amount---On top of that, We made €250...So, now AT KEARNEY is one of my top targets for a Summer Internship, and I will keep everyone informed on the entire insanity of the internship process in January....but keep your fingers crossed for me anyway...






2. The WEDDING: So I had the pleasure of attending a truly wonderful wedding this past weekend...once again, warm congratulations to Max and Heidi for a spectacular weekend, filled with fun, more fun, and a crazy amount of alcohol. I promise to post pictures ASAP so people can see how beautiful Heidi looked...and so Max does not get too jealous, I will post some pics of him as well. All in all, basically all of my friends are married and I am still single, and a loser. If anyone wants to help me solve this problem, please let me know...:-)





3. WHAT A WEEK IN LONDON---Due to the generosity of a few people, I had probably one of the best weeks of my life in terms of social activities...so...read on, and it's OK if a little bit of jealousy creeps in..:-)

*****INCUBUS***** - So my very good friend Jake hooked me up with 2 tickets to the secret Incubus show in London...They ROCKED...the crowd was insane...lets not forget that 18-year olds can drink in this great country, and thus, one of the best crowds I have seen in a LONG time....If you are an Incubus fan, check them out on this tour as they are playing with some passion...




****WORLD MUSIC AWARDS**** - Yep, that is not a type-o...My AMAZING BROTHER hooked me up with VIP passes to the awards show...so, yours truly hung with Beyonce, and Paris Hilton...and watched Enya, Andrea Boccelli and MICHAEL JACKSON have some fun on stage. The night was NUTS...I had a blast, and 100% realize that I will never do something like that again...





4. JAMES BOND---What could be more British than Bond? The entire city completely nuts about the new Bond, so of course, opening night in Leicester Square in the biggest theatre in London was a certainty for me...I did not want to let anyone down...So...my official review...BEST BOND EVER---the dialogue is amazing...probably thanks to Paul Haggis (Writer/Director of CRASH)---the opening scene has some of the sickest stunts you will see in a long time, and to top it all of, Eva Green is phenomenal. A great movie from start to finish, and I highly recommend it to all of you. I felt like a true Brit as we cheered on Bond...just timeless...

Well...I think that this entry sadly has to come to a close....As much as I don't want to, school will rear its ugly head very soon as my first FINAL is on Saturday, Nov 25th...its FINANCE no less, so I am not excited.

Lastly, Wednesday brings the arrival of my very close friend to the little island, so hopefully some tales of fun, drunkenness, and debauchery will follow in a week or two.

I wish everyone the best...and a HAPPY and HEALTHY THANKSGIVING.......

London #7

Hey everyone...Lots of things to tell you about, so I will jump right in...

First off, one of my dearest and closest friends is getting married this weekend...so I am rapidly preparing to fly across the pond to the charming city of St. Louis to celebrate the wedding of Max and Heidi...so for those of you that know Max and Heidi, you can wish them well, and for those of you that do not, I promise to take some quality pictures of what promises to be an amazing affair...

Now...continuing on with the good news...I have 2 GREAT pieces of news to share with everyone regarding life at LBS.

1. I AM IN THE FINALS of the AT KEARNEY Case competition!! Out of the 18 teams competing at LBS, my team was one of 3 teams chosen to go to AT KEARNEY London HQ and present in front of the managing directors of the office. I present tomorrow...and I am really nervous, but keep your fingers crossed...I have a 1/3 chan

2. I was appointed UNITED STATES STUDENT AMBASSADOR for LBS!!! This was a huge honor for me, and a position that I desperately wanted. Over 105 people applied for 6 spots...so after numerous interviews, I was chosen and I am completely thrilled. I will now be really involved in the admissions process, helping new students, and working with potential students to try to get them to come to LBS. I will be attending fairs, presentations, etc. Helping build the LBS brand in the US, and meet with alumni to get their feedback on things.

So with all of the good news lately, I have been one happy camper and that has caused me to be OK with a general lack of sleep...which nicely ties into my FIRST MID-TERM---It was Economics...it was OK...I put a lot of time into it, so we shall see what grade comes out...but I feel OK about it...Now...I only have 6 WEEKS until the semester ends, which will see 3 more final exams, and 2 final papers...so life will be VERY VERY VERY hectic in December to say the least.

Other than that...let me end with some fun football stuff for everyone...I can PROUDLY say that I have now attended 2 PREMIERSHIP games---ARSENAL and MANCHESTER UNITED...here are my thoughts...

1. ARSENAL - Thanks to some absolutely wonderful friends of mine (thank you Naomi)--I was taken to my first ARSENAL game at the new Emirates stadium. To say it was tremendous would be an understatement...me and 66,000 of my closest friends--singing, screaming, and enjoying an awesome game. They tied 1-1...but it was not due to a lack of fireworks...Some thoughts...It is incredible how English fans are compared to American fans...first of all..they SING the entire time...they have at least 10 different songs/chants/etc.--they are awesome and infectious.


2. MAN U--First off, a HUGE thank you to my good friend Alexis for the tickets...and when I say tickets, that is an understatement...I am talking about PREMIER SEATS, and private dining--words cannot describe what I experienced...it was by far one of the most memorable days of my life...which leads me to OLD TRAFFORD...

So Old Trafford is in Manchester and is like the Fenway Park / Wrigley Field of football stadiums...it seats 78,000 delirious fans, who live, breath, and eat Manchester United---The team is ON FIRE this year and they won 3-0---The songs were nuts...and you can imagine riding a jam packed train with drunk and cheering Man U fans...it was everything I thought it would be...In terms of game play...CHRISTIANO RONALDO is absolutely incredible to watch...his goal was ridiculous and had to be seen to be believed...just amazing...

OK...last update of the email, I will see my tech expert best bud Josh on Thursday while in the states, so I can promise everyone that hopefully by this weekend my BLOG will be up with all of my pictures, thoughts, comments, etc. It should be awesome and I hope everyone likes it...

I think that's it for now...

London #6...With a Little bit of NYC

Hey guys and gals---I am currently sitting in NYC with a little bit of free time before a meeting, and I thought to myself, what better to do than write everyone...so here goes, in no particular order..:-)

2 Weekends ago I went on my first "Thames River Boat Cruise"...the weather was amazing...the sights were tremendous and overall I had a wonderful time. This leads me to write about two very interesting myths about London that I want to dispel while I have a moment...

MYTH #1

WEATHER---So the conventional belief is that London weather sucks. This could not be further from the truth...So i have been in London for two months and have enjoyed some tremendous weather. In fact, as I talked to my mother mother today who mentioned that Chicago experienced its first snow fall the other day....while I was playing golf in lovely sunny weather and a short sleeve polo shirt...I have had to use the umbrella a few times...but now that I think about it, no more so than in NYC...

So here is the basic London weather primer---About 5% warmer on average than NYC with less wind, but slightly more rain..I would rather be warmer...I don't know about you...It's still no LA...but then again, what is...

MYTH #2

FOOD---Lots of people complain about the food in London...I think they are delusional....In general I eat out about 5 times a week, so i sample a wide variety of food..and here is the big update that everyone is waiting for..the food is AWESOME....in terms of cuisines, you can eat anything that you can dream of, and if you dream of Indian, then you are truly in heaven...I have eaten every type of cuisine imaginable and have enjoyed every meal i have had...I have also been lucky enough to hit some really nice spots (Thank you Adam, Matt, Bruce, Jordan) and the food is on par with NYC...

This leads me nicely to NYC---I am in town for a few days on a big NYC Investment Banking LBS trek...we are visiting 6 banks in 3 days...so far the trip has been amazing, as had been Max's couch---but the more time I spend in London and NYC, the more different the cities seem to me. At the end of the day, London is just more livable---it does not have those SKY scrapes looming over every block...no jack hammers, no sirens---just more of a n easier way to go about things and enjoy..almost like Chicago in a sort of way with nicer weather, and more multi-cultural. But---I do have to hand it to NYC in terms of SUSHI...It destroys LA, Chicago, and London--I truly feel the no city has better sushi than NYC, and my incredible meal at YAMA last night (Thanks Heidi..-:) was the final nail in the coffin to that fact...

Last but not least...Last weekend I was lucky enough to head off to Dublin for a weekend of fun (probably my last fun weekend until semester ends in December)--Going to Dublin solidified why I went to LBS...I was able to stay with a friend of mine from Dublin in her amazing house, 10 minutes from the city center---she invited 8 people along, and we just had the times of our lives---
Shockingly, it did not rain at all..I drank enough Guinness to satisfy even my deepest desires (by the way, the Guinness brewery tour is incredible and has to be seen to be believed). We went up to the coast, walked on the seaside, saw BONO's house (i took a picture in front of his gate..:-)

It just felt great to be really enjoying Europe with close friends, etc. I truly feel that when I am done with LBS, I will have a couch to crash on in every country that I could possibly want to ever visit..

School is moving along at a frenetic pace--Mid-Terms are coming up!!! I feel my daily limits in terms of time/sleep have been stretched to the absolute limits..but somehow I am still going...The good news is my team and I completed the AT KEARNEY Case competition..hopefully we will be one of the top 3 at LBS and we will move on the European Semi-Finals---Everyone keep your fingers crossed for me!!

Ok...I have to run to another meeting..but I will try to write again soon--highlights everyone can look forward to are: Jordan's big Halloween party, my first PREMIERSHIP GAME!!! I am going to see Arsenal play on Saturday...and my first mid-term.

One last thing...the blog is ALMOST ALMOST ALMOST done...so that will be up soon--then I promise everyone PICTURES of EVERYTHING will be up...i know you guys want to see them...so just be a little bit more patient and they will be there soon...

London #5 and a Small Soccer Primer

I am proud to announce that I have my first official American visitor...Jeff is coming over Thanksgiving...so I will send out a nice update of our exploits to all back home. Jordan's wedding is in Feb, so I am excited to a lot of you then as well.

In terms of me, the crazy thing is that I can't possibly include everything that is going on in my life...I think that is best kept secret to business school...and Robb, Achi, Jeff--my MBA mates back in the states at Kellogg, MIT, and Harvard can attest to---Basically, MBA Schools try to make your life as busy as possible...throwing about 1000 things at you on a daily basis...clubs, speakers, events, networking sessions, class, study groups---not even mentioning trying to have a social life or live in LONDON...to try to mimic a hectic business schedule..basically trying to make us all world class decision makers---so we shall see...I am trying my best to stay afloat as time flies by so fast that I constantly lose track of what day it is.

My next big announcement is that I am in the process of setting up a blog. Now...I am not that good, in fact, not good at all..so it is taking a long time...so Josh or Amy...perhaps you can lend me a hand...but my goal is to try to update the blog and you guys can then just pop on the blog, instead of my boring you with these emails. I will keep everyone posted on the progress of the blog and when it will go live...hopefully not too long from now, maybe another week?

In terms of LBS--here is what i have done lately...Went to a consulting panel with about 10 consultants from BCG, Booz, McKinsey, Bain, LEK, Marakon, etc. They all spoke for hours trying to convince us why consulting is the best career choice..and IT WORKED...i think at this point that consulting is my top choice...especially if I can get the LA office at Bain and do some cool Media consulting?...we shall see....if anyone thinks consulting will be the biggest mistake i have ever made...PLEASE chime in...More on the consulting front, that AT KEARNEY competition I wrote about a few emails ago is under way...we are trying to tackle the tele-communications industry...if anyone is specialist...also PLEASE let me know...We meet with the heads of AT KEARNEY London next week and interview them...I am excited!!

I am also now a proud statistical regression expert...Hopefully the teacher agrees and I can get my first official A at LBS. Now I am knee deep in Finance, Strategy, Accounting, Ethics, and Economics---so about as boring as you can get with a ton of work...but the professors are honestly world class---shockingly a subject like finance is interesting...we shall see if this continues.

On the social side, tonight LBS has its biggest party of the year, TATOO--a world and cultural extravaganza---our dean gave her final address this morning...she is leaving to become the top political advisor to Hillary Clinton for her 2008 Presidential Campaign. We get a new dean in 2 weeks and it is rumored to be the CEO and President of BP..which I think would be cool...Next weekend I am off on my next EURO trek...I am off to Dublin...I promise to have a pint of GUINNESS for each and every one of you..whether I make it back in one piece or not...well that is another story.

I am also proud to report that I have officially played my first round of golf in proper BRITISH weather conditions...basically rain, rain and more rain...Now...we won't comment on scores, but hey...that is not the important stuff. I also joined the LBS Ultimate Frisbee team...which is AWESOME...and the football team. Shockingly I have lost like 10/15 pounds since i have got here, and really feel like I am in somewhat good shape...DESPITE all of the drinking..:-)

Anyway..that is it for now...I hope everyone is doing well...and anyone who is on the fence about getting an MBA...Personally, I could not give it a higher recommendation. Without doubt it has been the best decision I have ever made...every day just gets better and better...now I could whine and moan if I dont get that dream job...but for now I shall be optimistic...


Now...some people have asked, and I thought why not...so below is a quick primer on FOOTBALL...(Alex and Dave and Boris..let me know what you think)---people who could care less about Soccer...don't read on....


FOOTBALL PRIMER as written by me...:-)

So, since i have not done this yet...I thought I would write about the game that captivates Europe, England, and the world--Football or Soccer--
It's fair to say that I consider myself a fan of the beautiful game--so I was extremely excited to come to the world class home of football and immerse myself in it...

So far, so good...It's amazing how much football is actually played--how the different styles permeate the games, etc. So...I think soccer can be compared to best to NFL...But..unlike the NFL..they don't play soccer only once a week...literally...there are games 4 DAYS a WEEK...Every Saturday and Sunday there are Premier League games...also...games from every league in Europe...Germany, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, etc. Now...Don't forget about the Champion's League---Played every Wednesday and Thursday---AND....lets not forget about EURO 2008---

Not for everyone that does not know..Euro is the next biggest tournament after the World Cup--Basically it goes like this:

1. World Cup - Every 4 Years
2. Euro - Every 4 Years--Only European Countries are allowed to play
3. Champions League - The top clubs from every league play
4. Uefa Cup - The next teams play
5. League Championships

So...bascially...at the end of the day...try to imagine NFL or College football games of the biggest magnitude playing at all times...A footballer's heaven...Every paper has pages and pages on football...basically in about 1 month...you can become a full expert...so now being an expert...here are my feelings after 2 months of League and Euro football:

Euro - After England's 0-0 tie...I have decided that national football is not nearly as interesting as League football...maybe it is because the games mean so much more, etc.--But teams refuse to take chances...The speed is not there..I don't know..I just don't like it nearly as much..

In terms of England--1. Wayne Rooney is OVER RATED--I have seen him in a lot of games now..and he just has not not done anything to impress me. People keep saying give him time...but I don't know...I think England's best player honestly does not exist--what I mean by that is everyone on England is good---but no one is amazing...the team lacks a leader to inspire them and hence the lackluster results...and to top it all of the new manager refuses to play or to even add David Beckham to the squad...to tell me the Beckham is not one of the top 23 footballers in England is ridiculous.

In terms of league ball---far and away the best player in the premiership is the guy i have written about before...Didier Drogba--The guy is amazing in every level...he is hungry for the ball...decisive, physical, can pass as well as shoot--just spectacular to watch. And unlike national games, league games are amazing to watch---so much more fast paced, lots of scoring, shots all the time...just awesome. Another one of my favorite players is Christiano Renaldo---I know I know--a lot of people are unhappy with him for what he did in the world cup--but watching him is simply mesmerizing...He has skills coming out of every pore in his body---he is selfish beyond a doubt..but if he grows into that and learns to be a better passer...watch out Ronaldhino...

Anyway..hope I did not prattle on too long about football..just wanted to give everyone a little primer on everyone here talks about at all times. As Scotland just shockingly beat France 1-0, A huge smile went on my face..I have had enough of the French...

England also is in an uproar after the PATHETIC 2-nil loss in Croatia---We shall see...but thankfully league ball is back and Man U is losing as we speak to WIGAN of all teams...Who knows how that shall turn out...

Be well everyone...

London #4

Hey everyone...Hope things are well with everybody...Sorry it's been a while, but things have gotten a little hectic back here...so this update will have to be a little short, but hey...I will try my best.

First off again---I got a lot of phone #'s, but a lot of you still have not sent me your #'s...so, i guess if you want me to ever call you again...please send me your #'s...:-)

Next...lots of people have been asking me my schedule in terms of when I will be around, etc. so here it is....

Thanksgiving...LONDON/UK
Christmas/New Years....BANGKOK, SINGAPORE, HONG KONG
Spring Break - I get off from March 23rd to April 10th...I am planning a trip, but it is not yet set...i am thinking Israel and Egypt..
Summer--Undetermined due to internship, but most likely Chicago or NYC depending on job....
OCT-NOV-DEC - Study abroad at Chicago or Kellogg

Ok...enough with the housekeeping...PORTUGAL was incredible...I will try to get my pictures together for next time...but I have officially fallen in love with the South...the beaches were mesmerizing and Lisbon was a wonderful surprise as well. I highly recommend all of you head out there if you can...especially during the "season" which is June to Sept.--you will not be disappointed...

My next trip is to Dublin on Oct. 20th---I have made some great friends at LBS from Dublin, so I will get the official Irish tour of Dublin...so as long as the Guinness is not nutty, I will send some pics of Ireland in a few weeks as well.

Tomorrow is the OFFICIAL NUTTY period of business school. I start 5 new classes and advanced Russian...yes...by November I will be officially reading and writing in my mother tongue...so everyone watch out! The AT Kearney case competition is also getting into gear, as well as all of the clubs, and companies are already starting to visit campus....i have like every hour mapped out for the next month...so i will try my best to hang on for the ride...

I am making some great friends out here, which is great as well...I was a little bit worried of course when I first came out..but I have found that everyone has been really nice...and the fact that it has only been about 6 weeks, and i already feel that I can visit half of the world and call someone who i know there is extraordinarily comforting...I am anxious for what the rest of the year will bring, but I welcome it with open arms. People are already talking about a trip to Russia, and possibly Brazil...we shall see...

All right...this one like I said is a little short...and, this is a little late, but Happy New Year to all of my Jewish brethren...and tomorrow is Yom Kippur...so if anyone is fasting, have a nice fast...

Talk to you guys later...

London #3

Hey guys and gals... Life in the good old UK has kept on rolling along at a frenetic pace...so I will try to keep everyone as up to date as I can....

As always, first things first...

Some really bad news--I let my brother use my RAZR and he broke it...so, i lost EVERYONE'S phone #'s---everything...home, work, etc. etc. etc. So, PLEASE send me basically all of your information--that would be awesome...

Secondly...and nothing pleases me more, some people are starting to plan some awesome London trips to visit a certain someone, so let me give everyone the low down on my schedule and how to get here.

I live in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apt, and 1 person can COMFORTABLY stay on my huge leather couch. 2 people could also manage, but it would be tight...and if you are a girl, then I also am happy to share my queen bed..:-) In terms of where to fly, here is the airport breakdown by distance to my flat---Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead, Luton--and don't forget Dublin is only 30 minutes away by air, so that flight could work as well. I have already seen $400 flights from basically anywhere in the US from United until March..I feel like they will only get cheaper and may bottom out at $300...so come one and come all....

Finally -- I have internet!! YAY!!! So, for everyone who is interested my AOL IM is edwardo starr and my Skype name is edwardstarr. I have the fancy video camera, so if you guys want, you can gaze into my eyes when we chat. EVERYONE GET SKYPE so we can chat for free....

OK...onto the fun stuff...I finally figured out how to properly send pictures, apologies to everyone for my pathetic attempt last time--so following this email will be some pics from what I am talking about. So the highlight of the past week has undoubtedly been ROBBIE WILLIAMS. So, he is like the biggest thing in the world here..he played to 70,000 for 5 NIGHTS!?!?! I was lucky enough to get tix (bring on all of the Robbie jokes--he rocks)--Check out the pics--the stage was better than what I saw for the Rolling Stones.

Also, the STARRS have arrived in London--so I have been trying to keep up with my brother and act as a proper tour guide...I am preparing for all of you..:-) Anyway, we have had a blast here so far and the weather has been amazing...Check out some cool shots from around London. We are also going to PORTUGAL this weekend!!! I am so excited as I have never been, and its still like 85 there, so I plan on doing some proper beach activities...I will try to take some great pics and send them on the next email.

In terms of LBS---Me and a team of 3 other people have entered the AT KEARNEY world-wide case-study competition. Schools include MIT, COLUMBIA, KELLOGG, INSEAD, etc. So I will keep everyone abreast of my progress---3 teams out of 20 get picked from LBS to go onto the next round. Winner gets $12,000 and a job offer--so hey, who knows...Also, I am embroiled in Business Statistics---so don't be jealous of my currently as I struggle with the joys of Regression analysis...I am making some great friends out here..really cool people that I am getting along with and I look forward to introducing guys to when you come and visit.

In the mean time, my BEARS are 2-0--YEAH!!! I went to the Sports Cafe here on opening day and it was a MADHOUSE---I was wearing my new bears jersey courtesy of Jason Hornik and was among at least 20 other Bears fans. In regards to my other team, CHELSEA had a HUGE win in the Champions league and against Liverpool las weekend. The squad is doing well and they have a player named Didier Drogba who is simply astounding to watch on the pitch...i am also the proud owner of a brand new Chelsea jersey courtesy of gregory and jane.

Anyway--it's getting late here..so I hope everyone is doing well...I will try to update everyone next week when I get back from Portugal.

Miss you all...

London #2

Hope everyone is doing well...the fact that a week has passed since my last email is somewhat shocking to me in every possible way--i thought time would fly by while I was here, but literally, I feel like I am in some kind of vortex. Next week marks my 1 MONTH!!!! London anniversary...somehow, it still has not registered.

Anyway, enough with the embellishment, let me update everyone on whats been going on. I got lots of positive responses to my last email--which means everyone really liked what I sent out, or you guys are just lying to me since I am so far away...so here is try #2...

First of course, some more quick housekeeping...

INTERNET--As with everything in London, getting this into my flat has proved to be a ridiculously challenging endeavour, but, I have good news for everyone--as of today, I am expected to receive internet in my flat on Tuesday---So...everyone asking me why I can't chat on google, Skype, AOL, Apple I-chat, etc. etc. etc. there is your answer. I can use the net at my school, but they have a firewall set up for all of these instant messaging services...so don't worry...we will be chatting away to every one's annoyance really soon--Tuesday is the big day.

Now---here are the fun developments---

I saw my first official Cycling race...don't ask why, but cycling is CRAZY popular in Europe, so i decided to go to the TOUR OF BRITAIN...not quite the Tour De France, but I thought I would go watch my first official bicycle race--I was blown away by how fast these guys are flying by...in fact so fast, i was barely even to get a picture. Another thing that is shocking, is that like thousands of people crowd the streets to cheer the cyclists on---not quite what you see in America...so perhaps, next year I will be in the streets of Paris screaming my lungs out at the doped up cyclists, but we shall see.

Next, here are some pic's of various touristy stuff I did in the last email and some new stuff from this email. Basically a quick rundown--You have--

The TATE MODERN--best museum in London

Regent's Park - 1 block from my flat and gorgeous

Camden Town - Like the East Village of London--thousands of people go every weekend for 'market'--pretty cool stuff

Notting Hill - The book shop where Hugh Grant worked (I know it's cheesy but sue me)

Notting Hill Carnival - this is what I wrote about last week - There were 1 million people there that day...

St. Paul's Cathedral - Pretty self explanatory, but you gotta see it

Finally - LBS had a really cool orientation week this week--and they took us to Lord's Cricket Ground (Basically the Yankee Stadium of Cricket) - Now, I know football season started yesterday, and you will all make fun of me for liking cricket, but I LIKE CRICKET--something about the vests--anyway--The worldwide president of Proctor and Gamble gave us a very inspiring speech, and then we took a tour or Lord's - so here are some shots of me in the stadium.

Other than that, life has been amazing--Most of you know my good friend Jordan has officially moved to London as well, and his apartment is STUNNING--so I included a pic of a view from his Floor to Ceiling glass windows--i think a bunch of people are coming out in Feb. for his wedding--so prepare to be amazed.

School has started to get into full swing--but like i said earlier..i am (at least right now) still really energized to be in class and loving the lectures so far--now business statistics starts next week, so i will hold off on my grumbling until then---

Lastly, the Starr family is coming to visit me and Bruce next weekend--so my update might be a little late, but i promise we will make up for it with everything that bruce has lined up for me next week...I think we have quite an ambitious schedule to say the least.

Well, I will sign off now---GO BEARS

The First Big London Update

Hey everyone... I arrived on the little island on August 17th, and have not stopped have a blast since--I will do my best to try to catch everyone up in the most non-boring way that I can imagine---I also am considering a blog, as they seem to be the rage...but who knows...

First--some housekeeping details--

Mobile - I sent this out already, but in case you need it again: 0780-914-0005 -- If call from the US, dial like this: 011-44-780-914-0005

Address: I have a great flat with 2 really cool roommates--1 from UCLA and one from Michigan--Our place is great..1 block from school..3 bedroom, 2 bath--and a killer leather couch with an awesome chaise lounge---guests are welcome and encouraged--

Edward Starr

150 Clarence Gate Gardens

Glentworth Street

Marylebone

London

NW1 6AP

Communication: OK--this seems to be the biggest hurdle for many, so this have done a bunch of research and experiments and here are the results--first off, a little refresher course on the time difference (JAKE--this is for you!)

If you live in NYC or East Coast - I am 5hrs AHEAD

If you live in Chicago - 6hrs AHEAD

If you live in LA - 8hrs AHEAD

I know some people are like, what an asshole writing this stuff, but you would be surprised by some of the calls that i have gotten at all hours of the night...

So, here are the best ways to chat:

1. Most traditional - Buy a phone card--best site is http://www.enjoyprepaid.com/ - I found that this site has amazing rates, and for $20, you can talk to me for like 5 hrs--

2. Internet methods - For this, you have to have a dedicated broadband connection--

A: SKYPE - go to www.skype.com --- set up an account---if we are both online at the same time, we literally can talk for free. You need either a SYKPE internet phone, a headset, or a laptop with a microphone---both easy options and work really well.

B: SKYPE OUT - Same type of thing, but this is for when I am not online and you want to call my mobile, then you can deposit like $10, and we can talk for like 10 hours...really cheap rates

C: JAHJAH - http://www.jajah.com -- This is a really cool option---If you become a member of this, then we can talk for free, unlimited amount of time, and unlike SKYPE, you dont need a headset, etc. This is the most convenient I think for everyone, and I have not been able to find a catch yet---basically, all you need is a good internet connection----

3. EMAIL - Still fun to receive now and then...:-)

OK..so now the boring stuff is out of the way--here is the fun stuff---

London is the best city in the world, and I am sticking to that until I die...:-)---Its been 2 weeks, and despite the fact the the $ and the £ are at all time highs, EVERYTHING is twice as expensive as it is back in the states, the city is still without description---I know a lot of you have been here, and some have not---but just walking through the winding streets, parks, nightlife, and pubs---I don't know...I get the excite of NYC, without the bursting noise, people, and crowds---I get the beauty of Chicago or San Fran--it's tough to describe, but I hope all of you can find some time to visit in the next 2 yrs and we can explore the city together and everyone can decide for themselves.

I have had some great times since I have arrived--my first 10 days involved a lot of crap that you must deal with whenever you arrive somewhere, but luckily things worked out quite well and within a week I had a great flat, a UK bank account, a flashy new mobile phone and about 20 new friends. So far, I have tried to keep the touristy activities to a somewhat minimum, as I am a true Londoner now--but I still had to make my way to the Tate Modern, which has to be seen to be believed, and have strolled through Hyde Park and Regents Park(which by the way is about 1 block from my flat--so imagine living 1 block from central park, and you can understand how happy I am.

For the next email, I will try to email some fun pictures of my escapades so far--but other highlights have included Notting Hill (I of course took a picture next to the famous bookshop, but sadly Julia Roberts was no where to be found, the London CARNIVAL--2 Million people, debauchery, and just an amazing time--and of course, I had to hit Asia De Cuba and try a £13 martini--YEP, that a $26 dollar drink for those of you counting at home. But its just been so much fun as i have gone out literally every night since i have been here.

The pubs are awesome--I have decided to adapt CHELSEA as my official London football team (i tell people i did this because I am just supporting my Russian heritage by supporting their Russian owner, and the fact that Andrii Shevchenko is amazing) and watching a Premiership match in a pub is truly an experience that I hope all of you share with me when you visit--trust me, you will not forget it. I have not decided what I will do when American Football season starts next week---BUT---the thing that has surprised me the most is just how quickly I have literally forgotten about everything 'American'--I have not seen a Tv show, watched a sporting event, etc. since i have been here--and honestly, i don't miss it at all---

My brother just arrived yesterday--in case you guys did not know, Bruce is studying abroad for his final semester at NYU in London--we have already started to have a blast and i think these next four months will go down in history as the best of my life, and hopefully his as well---on tap is: Robbie Williams, Justin Timberlake, Kylie Minogue, a 3 week New years Thailand Asia trip, Portugal, and nightly London debauchery--I promise to keep everyone abreast of everything, and i will try my best to keep up with Bruce, but I can't promise anything...:-)

Now...let me at least mention school---So, I am currently in the orientation period, and if you can believe it, I actually have class tomorrow!! How European----but here are the details...311 people, 87 Americans--and 59 different countries if you are keeping track at home...everyone has a real thirst for life if you will, perhaps that is the not best term, but hey, i can be cliche---people have run iron man triathlons, made it Everest base camp, literally travelled the world--so I feel slightly inadequate---so I am trying really hard to impress them with my bad jokes and funny stories about my Hollywood glory days---

Well---I am getting tired of typing, and I am sure everyone is tired of reading...I will try to do these type of things maybe every other week...who knows...but I will try my best...

Cheers everyone....