Ok, so yet once again, I find myself sitting downstairs late on a Saturday night after an evening of salsa dancing. I am always so pumped by the time I get home that I can't sleep. My feet are still moving, and that's not very conducive to laying down. Oh, it might also have something to do with how late I sleep every Saturday morning (being that Peace Corps is closed on Saturdays, and they can't wake me up to invite me to go live in Morocco).
Anyway, as usual, I am off topic already within the first paragraph. So, back to the Saturday night salsa update. Tonight, it was Anna, Pei, Abe, and I. A perfect size group made up of not-so-perfect salsa dancers. Pei and I were sporting new skirts, and I even had a new pair of dancing shoes! Apparently the new skirt and shoes worked - I got to dance with a bunch of guys and at one point, one man asked me to dance from my right side, and while I was saying no bc I needed a water break, another asked me from my left. I kid you not - Pei and Anna witnessed it - ask them if you don't believe me. Oh, and of course, at the end of the night, when we had all gotten ready to leave, a guy I had watched for weeks asked me to dance. He moves like (insert impressive analogy here) - believe me - I have watched him from afar for weeks, but I had to say no. Maybe next week.
As always, some dances with various men were fun, some were overwhelmingly complicated, some were "eh." I danced the merengue tonight with one man who - I kid you not - did not even spin me once. We danced for what seemed like forever, marching back and forth to the merengue beat with NO VARIATION for, like, 7 minutes. But then I met Christian from Peru, who I danced with the rest of the night. Somehow, he made me dance better. Now, there are good leaders out there - ones that let you know exactly where they want you to go - I always said that our Simon had that talent. But Christian was something else. I felt the music and stopped thinking about how to dance and just did it. It felt great. I think it was because he was so cute and smelled so good, what do you think? But anyhow, I am really getting a lot better at this salsa thing. Something clicked tonight. I told y'all that I would out-dance yo' mama with time, and it looks like I am going to live up to that.
Sunday, July 31
Saturday, July 30
Awakened with an Invitation
Ok, so I really really hate being woken up early on a "weekend" morning. And, yes, it is Friday today, but I am a student who only works at her job 3 days a week, so it is the weekend today. Anyway, I think the whole world should understand by now that I am not the normal nice Amy when you wake me up - say - before 11 on a weekend. Ok, I will tell the truth - don't ever wake me up. Ever. Even if I asked you to wake me up, I will throw things at you and curse violently when you do. My friend, Rae-Anne, learned this in college and then refused to be my alarm clock ever again.
How quickly I digress from my point that I have not even started to make.... this post is not supposed to be about my work schedule or about college or anything of the sort. It is about the first time I have ever been this happy about being woken up early on a weekend.
Picture this: I am lying happily in my bed, dreaming of clouds, sunshine, sandy beaches (or about Dickhoff burning houses down), and I get a phone call from the almighty Peace Corps Placement Office:
"I have rarely seen such a perfect match between a placement and a volunteer. I have an opening in a Microcredit Program leaving for Morocco on September 10th to offer you."
You know how a normal girl dreams of her knight in shining armor on bended knee uttering the most perfect words she can imagine: "blah, blah, blah, will you marry me?" Well, the above statement that Joyce Wagner spoke to me at 9:30 this morning was my equivalent. It is all I have dreamed of for years, all I have worked towards - my Peace Corps placement.
And then I said no. Apparently Mr. Piers Causton updated my earliest departure date (January 1st) in my hard-copy file, but not in the computer. So Joyce prepared an invitation for me although I have a quarter left of school. It was hard to say no, but I had to.
But just to hear those words spoken was heaven. It made my day. And although Morocco will not be in there when I hear similar words spoken to me in three months, hopefully a "Mauritania" or "Mali" will be in its place. I have faith that Peace Corps will find an even more perfect placement for me and make my morning once again.
____________________
ps - can someone please teach me the how to use "awakened", "woken", "awoken", and "awokenedness" properly. I never learned. Being that this whole post is about being early, I need to know!
How quickly I digress from my point that I have not even started to make.... this post is not supposed to be about my work schedule or about college or anything of the sort. It is about the first time I have ever been this happy about being woken up early on a weekend.
Picture this: I am lying happily in my bed, dreaming of clouds, sunshine, sandy beaches (or about Dickhoff burning houses down), and I get a phone call from the almighty Peace Corps Placement Office:
"I have rarely seen such a perfect match between a placement and a volunteer. I have an opening in a Microcredit Program leaving for Morocco on September 10th to offer you."
You know how a normal girl dreams of her knight in shining armor on bended knee uttering the most perfect words she can imagine: "blah, blah, blah, will you marry me?" Well, the above statement that Joyce Wagner spoke to me at 9:30 this morning was my equivalent. It is all I have dreamed of for years, all I have worked towards - my Peace Corps placement.
And then I said no. Apparently Mr. Piers Causton updated my earliest departure date (January 1st) in my hard-copy file, but not in the computer. So Joyce prepared an invitation for me although I have a quarter left of school. It was hard to say no, but I had to.
But just to hear those words spoken was heaven. It made my day. And although Morocco will not be in there when I hear similar words spoken to me in three months, hopefully a "Mauritania" or "Mali" will be in its place. I have faith that Peace Corps will find an even more perfect placement for me and make my morning once again.
____________________
ps - can someone please teach me the how to use "awakened", "woken", "awoken", and "awokenedness" properly. I never learned. Being that this whole post is about being
Wednesday, July 27
"You know, every boy goes through that phase."
Oh - I had the strangest dream last night. Let me tell you:
I was sleeping in a very very comfortable bed (isn't it funny when your dreams start off with you asleep?), and I was awoken by my cell phone. It was a text from Matt Dickhoff saying that he and his friend had set a house on fire, and he was all proud of it and such. I was super-pissed he woke me up to tell me that, being that it was early on a weekend morning. But, as I read the message and thought about being angry with him, I realized that the house I was in WAS THE ONE ON FIRE! I remember trying to find my way out - passing through unfamiliar rooms and dodging burning curtains and doorways. Finally, I made it out into the grassy area in the back. Oh, boy, was I angry with Dickhoff.
Anyway, later that day, the police were looking for the arsenist(s), and I went down to the police station and told them that I had proof that I knew who it was - the text I had received that morning. Yeah, I turned him in. Remember, he had woken me up that morning with a text AND set the house that I was sleeping in on fire! He deserved it. I remember being afraid that he was going to find out that it was me who turned him in, and I wanted to be a protected witness and such. Anyway, long story short, Dickhoff went to jail and never set any houses on fire again.
I ran into Dickhoff this morning outside the library, and told him about the dream. It went something like this:
me: I had a dream about you last night.
him: hehehe, another dream about me, huh?
me: not that type of dream (and i told him the whole story)
him: that's fucked up.
me: the moral: don't let me know you are setting anything on fire bc apparently I will turn you in. btw - were you ever a little pyro growing up?
him: you know, every boy goes through that phase.
I was sleeping in a very very comfortable bed (isn't it funny when your dreams start off with you asleep?), and I was awoken by my cell phone. It was a text from Matt Dickhoff saying that he and his friend had set a house on fire, and he was all proud of it and such. I was super-pissed he woke me up to tell me that, being that it was early on a weekend morning. But, as I read the message and thought about being angry with him, I realized that the house I was in WAS THE ONE ON FIRE! I remember trying to find my way out - passing through unfamiliar rooms and dodging burning curtains and doorways. Finally, I made it out into the grassy area in the back. Oh, boy, was I angry with Dickhoff.
Anyway, later that day, the police were looking for the arsenist(s), and I went down to the police station and told them that I had proof that I knew who it was - the text I had received that morning. Yeah, I turned him in. Remember, he had woken me up that morning with a text AND set the house that I was sleeping in on fire! He deserved it. I remember being afraid that he was going to find out that it was me who turned him in, and I wanted to be a protected witness and such. Anyway, long story short, Dickhoff went to jail and never set any houses on fire again.
I ran into Dickhoff this morning outside the library, and told him about the dream. It went something like this:
me: I had a dream about you last night.
him: hehehe, another dream about me, huh?
me: not that type of dream (and i told him the whole story)
him: that's fucked up.
me: the moral: don't let me know you are setting anything on fire bc apparently I will turn you in. btw - were you ever a little pyro growing up?
him: you know, every boy goes through that phase.
Monday, July 25
Peace Corps Placements
Soooo.... I have gotten super-excited again about Peace Corps! And it is all because two friends, Bryan and Amy (not me), got invitations last week. Bryan is hopefully heading to Kyrgystan on Sept 14th and Amy is heading to Moldova on Sept 12th. I think both of them are pretty happy with these options, although Bryan is worried that he won't pick up much Russian and learn more Kyrgyz. But they know! I have been waiting forever just to know. That will be me in a few months!
I just have to finalize a few things for Medical before I send off the packet. I have to get the TB test, pick up the signed forms at the dentist, ummm.... oh, and get my bloodwork done. So, not that bad, huh?
I can't wait to hear where/when I am going!
I just have to finalize a few things for Medical before I send off the packet. I have to get the TB test, pick up the signed forms at the dentist, ummm.... oh, and get my bloodwork done. So, not that bad, huh?
I can't wait to hear where/when I am going!
Sunday, July 24
Obsession
So, I suppose it has now become an obsession! I have gone salsa dancing three weekends in a row. And considering how anti-commitment I am, three weeks of any ONE thing is a big deal! Had a great time again, although I missed Anna being there! Keesha and Amy (not me, another one. No, not that one either - a new one) met Pei and I there, and we even ran into Andrew,Martha, and Kaylee (sp?). Everyone seems to be hooked!
On another note, no wait - more salsa.... Mercury cafe - Wednesday night - anyone interested?
Ok - really a new subject now. I helped Anna move this morning into her new apt which is so cute! With 6 of us helping, we finished in a couple hours(well, 5.5 helping - Charlie had many moments of just sitting around!). The U-Haul was huge and packed full, but unloading was a breeze! Can't wait to see how Anna decorates. It is so strange to see all of the old stuff I lived with for a year and a half - the table and chair where I ate many-a-meal, the whale poster, her old chair that returned with her every year to CC. All those things made me think about how great it was to live with those girls back in the day. I really miss them! I am so glad that Anna is back in Denver. I am happy that I am talking to Sarah almost every day. I have been talking to Abbey more on the phone from Witchita also. Now, I need to call Larissa and Aimee. I can't wait - CC girls reunion coming up in August!
Ok - side note - completely unrelated to anything above - I am watching Insomniac Theater on Vh1, yes, Vh1, and they are playing Red Hot Chili Peppers' Give it Away. What a great song - they should play it more often. However, now, every time I hear it, I think of the time that Heather and I were driving back from Santa Fe and sang that song as if we were Ana Gasteyer and Will Ferrell when they are an older, completely un-cool couple singing at a family wedding or whatever. Will Ferrell is always playing the piano and Ana Gasteyer is singing a popular song, but as if she is is a middle school music teacher. Anyway, Heather and I sang Give it Away in that manner for a few miles along I-25. It was the end of the trip - we were easily amused. But it still makes me laugh. I love Vh1.
Haha - now I just thought of Heather exclaiming to all of those passing by that the elk statue was anatomically correct in every way. That was a good trip.
Oh, and now I don't like Vh1 - they are playing the Blind Melon Little-Girl-in-Bee-Costume video. I have never enjoyed that one. Changing the channel....
Tuesday, July 19
The European Dream
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/1055.cfm
A review of Jeremy Rifkin's book, The European Dream: How Europe's Vision of the Future Is Quietly Eclipsing the American Dream.
Just something for your brain to chew on.
A review of Jeremy Rifkin's book, The European Dream: How Europe's Vision of the Future Is Quietly Eclipsing the American Dream.
Just something for your brain to chew on.
Thursday, July 14
A good daughter for once....
I hate raffles. I really really hate them. I never win. Have never won, and thought I would never win. Now, I know a lot of people that say that they never win anything, but I am the true exception to the odds - I REALLY never win anything like that. I have never even bothered to buy a lottery ticket because no matter how many I bought (even if I was the only one holding all the tickets), I wouldn't win. Or so I thought.
Today, at DU's Staff Appreciation Day, all of DU's staff met out in front of DCB and had a picnic. Now, the food wasn't paid for by DU, but my office (CTL) paid for all of us to go. Some of that money went to buying little presents to be raffled off to the attendees. They were giving away lots of stuff - most of which sounded very nice - $25 at Hansons (that's a lotta half-price burgers), $25 at Sushi Den, $50 at the Bookstore. They even gave away two 6 month memberships to the Coors Fitness Center (which employees usually have to pay for). As it was winding down, they go to call the name for one of the last prizes: a free attendance voucher for a class under University College's Enrichment Program. Oddly enough, they called MY NAME. But I was busy talking to a friend, so I didn't hear it (why would I be paying attention when I NEVER win anything?). A coworker shouts out, "AMY! You won! Go up there!" I thought he was kidding. It would have been funny to tell a coworker they had won when they didn't and have them go up on stage and make a fool out of themselves (good idea for next time). But that wasn't the case - I had actually won!
So, now, what do I do with my $200-ish prize? I was thinking of taking an art class or an opera appreciation class, and now that I have the voucher to do so.... Naaahhhh, I think I am going to give it to my mom. Ever since she retired, she has been talking about going back to school for some fun classes, and this would be the perfect opportunity. And they have a couple literature classes that she would love. Doubt she would sign up for the class good ol' Tim Sisk teaches on peace negotiations (the one I was most excited by), but I know she would find something she would like!
So, apparently Mother's Day was postponed this year until July 13th. Well, actually, until next Monday when I see her. Since I didn't buy her anything this past May (I am the worst daughter ever), I think she deserves this gift. Sometimes, I forget to remind her how much I have appreciated her help and support all these years. I can't think of a person that I would want to have it more. Yay for raffles!
Today, at DU's Staff Appreciation Day, all of DU's staff met out in front of DCB and had a picnic. Now, the food wasn't paid for by DU, but my office (CTL) paid for all of us to go. Some of that money went to buying little presents to be raffled off to the attendees. They were giving away lots of stuff - most of which sounded very nice - $25 at Hansons (that's a lotta half-price burgers), $25 at Sushi Den, $50 at the Bookstore. They even gave away two 6 month memberships to the Coors Fitness Center (which employees usually have to pay for). As it was winding down, they go to call the name for one of the last prizes: a free attendance voucher for a class under University College's Enrichment Program. Oddly enough, they called MY NAME. But I was busy talking to a friend, so I didn't hear it (why would I be paying attention when I NEVER win anything?). A coworker shouts out, "AMY! You won! Go up there!" I thought he was kidding. It would have been funny to tell a coworker they had won when they didn't and have them go up on stage and make a fool out of themselves (good idea for next time). But that wasn't the case - I had actually won!
So, now, what do I do with my $200-ish prize? I was thinking of taking an art class or an opera appreciation class, and now that I have the voucher to do so.... Naaahhhh, I think I am going to give it to my mom. Ever since she retired, she has been talking about going back to school for some fun classes, and this would be the perfect opportunity. And they have a couple literature classes that she would love. Doubt she would sign up for the class good ol' Tim Sisk teaches on peace negotiations (the one I was most excited by), but I know she would find something she would like!
So, apparently Mother's Day was postponed this year until July 13th. Well, actually, until next Monday when I see her. Since I didn't buy her anything this past May (I am the worst daughter ever), I think she deserves this gift. Sometimes, I forget to remind her how much I have appreciated her help and support all these years. I can't think of a person that I would want to have it more. Yay for raffles!
Feeling kinda out of it this morning. I am going to call it a sushi hang-over. You didn't know such a thing existed? Well, it does. And I am sufferring from it. Ate too much seaweed or rice or eel or something. Not sure. Butthe sushi feast last night was well worth it, let me tell you.
Maybe a cup of coffee will help....
Maybe a cup of coffee will help....
Wednesday, July 13
Summer Project #1
So, these are the new pictures of my closet. I have spent multiple days now cleaning out, hanging new shelves, and putting stuff back in. It is so organized right now, I kinda gross myself out. Please notice how few shoes there are on the floor (many were moved under the bed). I figured that if I don't wear them once a week, they must go away! In addition, I cleaned out the unworn clothes - gave many many away and threw the unwearable out. Now, it's kinda sad to see how little clothing I actually own! And also, please note the shelf with the four piles of papers and books. There is one pile for each: french, my "New Europe" class, Peace Corps stuff, and a pile of unused folders/binders. (In the fall, there will be a pile for each of my three classes and a pile of unused stuff.) I love it! Now, on Tuesday mornings, when I am rushing off to work, I no longer have to search for my french books - they are right there on the shelf!
I am telling you - it is magical.
Now, what will my next project be??? I know what I have to do... get all my International Systems papers together in one binder to join all my other organized class binders from the past. That stupid class took up 20 weeks of my life and gave me a headache every Tuesday, but it ended over 6 months ago! And the notes are still a mess, sticking out of a binder on the floor in a corner of my room. For some reason (can anyone figure out why?), I never feel like looking at that stuff again. But it is time. Ugh.
Let me ask you a question before I end this post. You know when you go back to school in the fall and your teacher asks everyone what they did over the summer. Who is going to have the coolest answer? Maybe... just maybe... not me. "I, ummm.... worked, took classes, saw a lot of doctors for Peace Corps, and reorganized my closet!" I have been keeping myself busy, but I need a vacation!
Monday, July 11
Waking Up to a Lizard in Your Bed
Picture this: 5:30 in the morning - Monday, July 11th. The sun is rising, shining brightly into your window. Even though it is not time to get up, you stretch in bed and think about that first delicious cup of coffee. Mmmmm...... AHHHHHHHHHHH! THERE IS A GREEN, ICKY LIZARD LAYING RIGHT NEXT TO YOUR PILLOW!!!
Yes, that is what I woke up to this morning. Thankfully, after freaking out just a bit, I realized that it was not a real lizard - even though it looked 100% lizard. Instead, it was a rubber toy that Harley (aka, the stupid cat) left for me. She loves this toy - probably because it is so gosh-darn life-like. I learned that she will even play fetch with it, which is what she did when I threw the lizard off my bed.... She brought it right back. After me saying "leave me alone, stupid cat" enough times and her promptly ignoring that wish, I wisened up, threw the lizard far outside my door and closed it after she ran out. Feeling a sense of accomplishment, I laid back down and slept another hour.
I am not a morning person to begin with, but here's some advice for all of those in my life (cats or humans):
Don't think you are going to get on my good side in the morning unless you have a cup of coffee to deliver. Or a good bagel. No lizards, please.
Here are some pictures of the two cats, as I had promised all of you in an earlier post:
Yes, that is what I woke up to this morning. Thankfully, after freaking out just a bit, I realized that it was not a real lizard - even though it looked 100% lizard. Instead, it was a rubber toy that Harley (aka, the stupid cat) left for me. She loves this toy - probably because it is so gosh-darn life-like. I learned that she will even play fetch with it, which is what she did when I threw the lizard off my bed.... She brought it right back. After me saying "leave me alone, stupid cat" enough times and her promptly ignoring that wish, I wisened up, threw the lizard far outside my door and closed it after she ran out. Feeling a sense of accomplishment, I laid back down and slept another hour.
I am not a morning person to begin with, but here's some advice for all of those in my life (cats or humans):
Don't think you are going to get on my good side in the morning unless you have a cup of coffee to deliver. Or a good bagel. No lizards, please.
Here are some pictures of the two cats, as I had promised all of you in an earlier post:
<- Harley (aka, the stupid cat)
Harley again ->
<- Velvet and I
Snacktime!->
Sunday, July 10
What's the funnest way to practice your spanish skillz this side of the border?
Go salsa-ing at La Rumba in Denver. Yes, my feet hurt today from my heels, but it was all worth it!
We went out with a CC-alumni group - Simon, Anna, Andrew, Kaylee, and I got there around 11ish and it was PACKED. Let me tell you - Andrew can't salsa worth sheisse, but he sure thinks he can when he is a bit tipsy! Simon, as always, was spectacular - twirling us girls around and around. And we all danced with some new people too - it was very good we went with an odd number of girls and guys - forced us to not only dance with one another. I danced with this one man who was so good - good rhythm and he spun me so much that I got a bit dizzy - absolutely the most fun!
The nicest thing about last night was this: although I was having a great time dancing with guys, at no point was I touched inappropriately. Not that I mind the traditional American dancing scene too much, it was just nice to have that change. At the most, men would ask you to dance again or if you wanted a drink or if you planned on coming back. Everyone I met was a gentleman. Well, except Fernando, but I am going to ignore that fact.
As much fun as Anna and I were having dancing with all of these strange men, we did realize one sad fact: we suck at salsa dancing. I mean, we have the best of intentions, and we were truly having fun. And having honest fun is what dancing is all about, right? No. We still sucked. I could handle the basic moves, and I could follow the guy decently well, but as soon as he spun me around, I would lose the beat - I was too focused on staying on my feet. I would get back to facing him and have to re-figure out the steps. So, that is defintely an area I have to work on. Well, Anna and I are now researching where we can take cheap/free salsa lessons - anyone interested in joining us?
One thing I need before we begin though - a new pair of dancing shoes! Wait, didn't I just vow to buy NO MORE SHOES?! Oh well, you do need proper equipment when starting a new sport, and dancing shoes will be the only equipment needed for our new hobby. I am so good at justifying shoe expenditures. Damn.
We went out with a CC-alumni group - Simon, Anna, Andrew, Kaylee, and I got there around 11ish and it was PACKED. Let me tell you - Andrew can't salsa worth sheisse, but he sure thinks he can when he is a bit tipsy! Simon, as always, was spectacular - twirling us girls around and around. And we all danced with some new people too - it was very good we went with an odd number of girls and guys - forced us to not only dance with one another. I danced with this one man who was so good - good rhythm and he spun me so much that I got a bit dizzy - absolutely the most fun!
The nicest thing about last night was this: although I was having a great time dancing with guys, at no point was I touched inappropriately. Not that I mind the traditional American dancing scene too much, it was just nice to have that change. At the most, men would ask you to dance again or if you wanted a drink or if you planned on coming back. Everyone I met was a gentleman. Well, except Fernando, but I am going to ignore that fact.
As much fun as Anna and I were having dancing with all of these strange men, we did realize one sad fact: we suck at salsa dancing. I mean, we have the best of intentions, and we were truly having fun. And having honest fun is what dancing is all about, right? No. We still sucked. I could handle the basic moves, and I could follow the guy decently well, but as soon as he spun me around, I would lose the beat - I was too focused on staying on my feet. I would get back to facing him and have to re-figure out the steps. So, that is defintely an area I have to work on. Well, Anna and I are now researching where we can take cheap/free salsa lessons - anyone interested in joining us?
One thing I need before we begin though - a new pair of dancing shoes! Wait, didn't I just vow to buy NO MORE SHOES?! Oh well, you do need proper equipment when starting a new sport, and dancing shoes will be the only equipment needed for our new hobby. I am so good at justifying shoe expenditures. Damn.
Saturday, July 9
Secaucus
To give those of you who hate political rants from people who are just there to light-heartedly entertain, let me submit another post.
I have decided that Secaucus is my new favorite word of the day. I suppose you can't have cities as your word of the day, but I don't care. Secaucus is just too good to pass up. It's up on the list of good words near deciduousity (which isn't a word, but again, I don't care). Top of the list remains the ever-perfect word, yogurt. Say it a few times outloud to yourself (right now, while you are alone in your room or in public at work or whatever - people will understand) and you will understand its strange beauty.
So, tonight, if you are joining us to go salsa-ing downtown, don't be surprised if you hear me throw Secaucus into a sentence. Sometimes you just have to celebrate wonderful words like that and use them in conversation. Secaucus. Ahhhhh.
I have decided that Secaucus is my new favorite word of the day. I suppose you can't have cities as your word of the day, but I don't care. Secaucus is just too good to pass up. It's up on the list of good words near deciduousity (which isn't a word, but again, I don't care). Top of the list remains the ever-perfect word, yogurt. Say it a few times outloud to yourself (right now, while you are alone in your room or in public at work or whatever - people will understand) and you will understand its strange beauty.
So, tonight, if you are joining us to go salsa-ing downtown, don't be surprised if you hear me throw Secaucus into a sentence. Sometimes you just have to celebrate wonderful words like that and use them in conversation. Secaucus. Ahhhhh.
WTO Thoughts
There is a severe problem that was not resolved during the G8 summit in Gleneagles this past week. Yes, the G8 is doubling aid to Africa, and debt is being cancelled for however many of the poorest nations. That is all great news and proves that the most powerful men in the world are thinking about something other than their own economies and their personal bank accounts. However, the third item on the list to be discussed in regards to aiding Africa was the reduction of subsidies and trade barriers in wealthy countries around the world. Of course, nothing was done.
I remember when Bush said that he would lower subsidies if the EU did. Now, all we need is the French to say that they will lower subsidies if Bush does, and no one will have to act. Supported agri-business will continue to push world prices artificially down, and the developing world will continue to be unable to sell their products.
Trade restrictions, as they are today, help the rich get richer and the poor grow poorer. Shouldn't trade regs work the other way? Shouldn't the world be on the other end of the spectrum... somehow supporting those who are unable to live in a market that can support its own producers? As always, I am not alright with how the world has been organized. I am not OK with the system. But what is there to do?
I guess I will just have to wait for Hong Kong this December to see if Europe, the US, Japan, etc. will agree to a more "free" system of trade. Free trade is better than the messed up system we have now, even if it is still not ultimately just and fair. I will just be hoping for a push in the right direction (well, left direction, I suppose). Anyone else excited about the WTO in Hong Kong??
I remember when Bush said that he would lower subsidies if the EU did. Now, all we need is the French to say that they will lower subsidies if Bush does, and no one will have to act. Supported agri-business will continue to push world prices artificially down, and the developing world will continue to be unable to sell their products.
Trade restrictions, as they are today, help the rich get richer and the poor grow poorer. Shouldn't trade regs work the other way? Shouldn't the world be on the other end of the spectrum... somehow supporting those who are unable to live in a market that can support its own producers? As always, I am not alright with how the world has been organized. I am not OK with the system. But what is there to do?
I guess I will just have to wait for Hong Kong this December to see if Europe, the US, Japan, etc. will agree to a more "free" system of trade. Free trade is better than the messed up system we have now, even if it is still not ultimately just and fair. I will just be hoping for a push in the right direction (well, left direction, I suppose). Anyone else excited about the WTO in Hong Kong??
'Midwest' Discovered Between East and West Coasts
NEW YORK—A U.S. Geological Survey expeditionary force announced Tuesday that it has discovered a previously unknown and unexplored land mass between the New York and California coasts known as the "Midwest."
The Geological Survey team discovered the vast region while searching for the fabled Midwest Passage, the mythical overland route passing through the uncharted area between Ithaca, NY, and Bakersfield, CA.
"I long suspected something was there," said Franklin Eldred, a Manhattan native and leader of the 200-man exploratory force. "I'd flown between New York and L.A. on business many times, and the unusually long duration of my flights seemed to indicate that some sort of large area was being traversed, an area of unknown composition."
The Geological Survey explorers left the East Coast three weeks ago, embarking on a perilous journey to the unknown. Not long after crossing the Adirondack Mountains, Eldred and his team were blazing trails through strange new regions, wild lands full of corn and wheat.
"Thus far we have discovered places known as Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin," said Randall Zachary, chief navigator for the expedition. "When translated from the local dialect into English, these words seem to mean 'summer camp.'"
Eldred and the others were surprised to learn that the Midwest, whose inhospitable environment was long believed to be incapable of supporting human life, is indeed populated, albeit sparsely.
"The Midwestern Aborigines are ruddy, generally heavy-set folk, clad in plain, non-designer costumery," Eldred said. "They tend to live in simple, one-story dwellings whose interiors are decorated with Hummels and 'Bless This House' needlepoint wall-hangings. And though coarse and unattractive, these simple people were rather friendly, offering us quaint native fare such as 'hotdish' and 'casserole.'"
Though the Midwest territory is still largely unexplored, early reports describe a region as backwards as it is vast. "Many of the basic aspects of a civilized culture appear to be entirely absent," said Gina Strauch, a Los Angeles-based anthropologist. "There is no theater to speak of, and their knowledge of posh restaurants is sketchy at best. Further, their agricentric lives seem to prevent them from pursuing high fashion to any degree, and, as a result, their mode of dress is largely restricted to sweatpants and sweatshirts, the women's being adorned with hearts and teddy bears and the men's with college-football insignias."
Despite the Midwesterners' considerable cultural backwardness, some say the establishment of relations with them is possible.
"Believe it or not, this region may have things to offer us," said Jonathan Ogleby, a San Francisco-area marketing expert. "We could construct an airport there, a place where New Yorkers could switch planes on their way to California. We could stage revivals of old Broadway musicals there. Perhaps we could even one day conduct trade with the Midwesterners, offering them electronic devices in exchange for meats and agriculture."
Others, however, are not so optimistic about future relations. "We must remember that these people are not at all like us," Conde Nast publisher and Manhattan socialite Lucille Randolph Snowdon said. "They are crude and provincial, bewildered by our tall buildings and our art galleries, our books and our coffee shops. For an L.A. resident to attempt to interact with one of them as he or she would with, say, a Bostonian is ludicrous. It appears unlikely that we will ever be able to conduct a genuine exchange of ideas with them about anything, save perhaps television or 'the big game.'"
Source: The Onion
________________________________________
My mid-western friends, do not be offended and comment with some obnoxious insult about where I am from. Remember that I have heard it all about NJ and am prepared with many come-backs. That's all they teach us in elementary school. Don't even try to go there.
Thursday, July 7
Song for the previous post
"Crumbs From Your Table"--u2
From the brightest star
Comes the blackest hole
You had so much to offer
Why did you offer your soul?
I was there for you baby
When you needed my help
Would you deny for others
What you demand for yourself?
Cool down mama, cool off
Cool down mama, cool off
You speak of signs and wonders
I need something other
I would believe if I was able
But I'm waiting on the crumbs from your table
You were pretty as a picture
It was all there to see
Then your face caught up with your psychology
With a mouth full of teeth
You ate all your friends
And you broke every heart thinking every heart mends
You speak of signs and wonders
But I need something other
I would believe if I was able
But I'm waiting on the crumbs from your table
Where you live should not decide
Whether you live or whether you die
Three to a bed
Sister Ann, she said
Dignity passes by
And you speak of signs and wonders
But I need something other
I would believe if I was able
I'm waiting on the crumbs from your table
From the brightest star
Comes the blackest hole
You had so much to offer
Why did you offer your soul?
I was there for you baby
When you needed my help
Would you deny for others
What you demand for yourself?
Cool down mama, cool off
Cool down mama, cool off
You speak of signs and wonders
I need something other
I would believe if I was able
But I'm waiting on the crumbs from your table
You were pretty as a picture
It was all there to see
Then your face caught up with your psychology
With a mouth full of teeth
You ate all your friends
And you broke every heart thinking every heart mends
You speak of signs and wonders
But I need something other
I would believe if I was able
But I'm waiting on the crumbs from your table
Where you live should not decide
Whether you live or whether you die
Three to a bed
Sister Ann, she said
Dignity passes by
And you speak of signs and wonders
But I need something other
I would believe if I was able
I'm waiting on the crumbs from your table
37 Families
It has been a bad day. 37 dead in London. And Tony Blair rushes back to Downing St. from the G8 conference. I had so much faith in good ol' Tony to truly show our president the importance of increasing aid to Africa, cancelling some debts, and fighting global warming. Hopefully things will still go well in Gleneagles without him.
My flat in London was about a 10 minute walk from Kings Cross station, and my tube stop was only one away from Kings Cross (in the other direction from the blast). I took a double-decker bus to work everyday. All I keep thinking is that 37 families are without a loved one tonight.
How do we prevent this from happening again? Our public transportation systems are so vulerable. Just ask the Spaniards. But the answer is not raising the security alert color to orange or to send eveyone through metal detectors before getting on the metro. Instead, can't our country see that we can prevent this in another way: by working with the world instead of exploiting it for our own gain. If we could start listening to other and their needs and problems, instead of acting out of our own self-interest... maybe they wouldn't hate us so much. Maybe innocent commuters wouldn't have to die. Maybe our soldiers wouldn't have to die. The actions of the US and its partner nations are responsible for how dangerous this world is. We can do better than this; we are better than this.
Ok, getting down from the soap-box.
My flat in London was about a 10 minute walk from Kings Cross station, and my tube stop was only one away from Kings Cross (in the other direction from the blast). I took a double-decker bus to work everyday. All I keep thinking is that 37 families are without a loved one tonight.
How do we prevent this from happening again? Our public transportation systems are so vulerable. Just ask the Spaniards. But the answer is not raising the security alert color to orange or to send eveyone through metal detectors before getting on the metro. Instead, can't our country see that we can prevent this in another way: by working with the world instead of exploiting it for our own gain. If we could start listening to other and their needs and problems, instead of acting out of our own self-interest... maybe they wouldn't hate us so much. Maybe innocent commuters wouldn't have to die. Maybe our soldiers wouldn't have to die. The actions of the US and its partner nations are responsible for how dangerous this world is. We can do better than this; we are better than this.
Ok, getting down from the soap-box.
Ricki
$1,044.
Actually turned out to be $1,056. The first estimate was not including tax. But he is running well and home safe in my garage. Very happy that he is home, and I am really trying not to think about the money. Really trying to ignore it.
Actually turned out to be $1,056. The first estimate was not including tax. But he is running well and home safe in my garage. Very happy that he is home, and I am really trying not to think about the money. Really trying to ignore it.
Wednesday, July 6
What does the G8 mean for us? Bush in a Kilt?
Getting ready for the G8 - protestors in Scotland sport papier mache heads of the world leaders. I never pictured George Bush in a kilt."How do you compare the people here - dignified and respectful - with the people who have no real political agenda?" --Bob Geldof
***For more protest pictures (most not as amusing), visit BBC News***
Sunday, July 3
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