A not so happy day-after

After spending a day on nothing but the "intent of the parties," "intoxication," and "mistake," I am now intensely jealous of the fact that all my friends are in NY getting drunk in a lounge, and that it was probably a mistake for me to come back this early. My only break today was going out to buy more chocolates and other forms of sustenance. Where is the justification in that?

I need to constantly remind myself of my long-term goals.

I also need to learn to be one of those babies that refused to eat the cookie in front of them so that they'd get two later. Sad little buggers.

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving I went to New York, and incidentally, most of my good friends from college are there. The trip brought me closer to sanity again.

Thanks, Ben, for the sleepover. There's nothing like reading the comics that Ben drew at 3 AM and discussing politics afterwards.

Thanks, Nick, for making me feel at home despite what had happened.

Thanks, Em, for sharing the family love and gossip, and for walking with me for ten blocks in the rain with a broken umbrella.

Thanks, Ivan, for the "to die in a dream" Dominican drink. I loved hearing about the BLUE Lab and what engineers are doing for sustainable development in the Domincan Republic.

Happy memories :)

The Burqa

For some reason, "Dutch" and "burqa ban" don't really seem to go together. Afterall, this is the country that banned nudity on public beaches so as not to offend the Muslim members of the society. Which is why I was shocked to read on BBC today that the Dutch government is considering a ban on burqas in public places. The reason? Public safety and security.

Perhaps some people might have incriminating words written on their foreheads. I am really not aware of such occurrences since those drunken college nights when people wrote stupid things on each other's faces. But really, the worst that can happen is the embarrasment these people bring to themselves as they greet their neighbors the next morning.

Many people(myself included) may not agree with the practice of women wearing burqas. It is a sign of extreme male domination reinforced by a dangerous combination of church (or mosque) and state. But in a liberal state, such as the Netherlands, aren't people supposed to tolerate each other's culture? To what extent should a society tolerate cultural diversity without infringing upon fundamental human rights? And can a state infringe upon a group's religious freedom to protect citizens' fear of the unknown?

One day I overheard a freshman's story about how she was frightened by a woman in a burqa walking "with her back" towards her. People may be scared for different reasons. The ordinary, risk-averse person may very well choose to avoid such risks whenever possible. But, what is the risk, besides it being a figment of our imagination?

Mmmm... Sulfur dioxide

In the spirit of combining science with economics, I found Robert Stern's economic analysis on global warming rather interesting. Actually, it's more than interesting. It provides an analysis, a theoretically simple solution, and no rational means to achieve it within our current system.

His conclusion was this: if the world spends 1% its GDP from now till 2050, it can prevent an otherwise 20% permanent reduction in GDP per capita. Developing countries will be the hardest hit by this reduction, but they lack resources to fight the problem. The rich countries might be able to help, but they have problems of their own - wars, healthcare, the denial of scientific findings, and short-sighted, money-controlled democracy.

His report, commisioned by the British government, will likely have an effect on policy-making in a remote part of Europe, which will soon be engulfed by powerful fumes from Asia and the U.S. anyway. Maybe the Brits are concerned about their gloomy weather solidified forever into sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide gooeyness, but I certainly appreciate the warm weather in New England.

The full report is here.

What is AIESEC?

A friend from law school asked me this question yesterday. I paused, and then stumbled over my answer. I used to love answering that question. I would explain to company representatives and friends with much flare and passion, what AIESEC was. Today, two months after my last AIESEC traineeship ended, and half a year after my last formal AIESEC meeting in college, I cannot answer the question the same way I did before.

I miss the international experience, the meeting of minds from all over the world, the culture shocks and learning, the conferences, and the people I meet. I could easily tell people what the organization was when I was in it. Outside of it, I feel like a lost backpacker in a crowded city where no one speaks my language. At first I felt stimulated and excited to be in a new environment, and then I begin to feel "homesick." Amdist talks about finding jobs in big law firms, annual salaries, and curved grades, I feel myself stranded. I begin to alienate myself from those who do not share my passions and vision. After spending long days and nights at the library, my own vision starts to blur.

AIESEC is a large international student organization... but when you are on your own, outside of the organization, what does AIESEC mean to you? After four years of being part of AIESEC, I am setting out to find that answer again.

Keeping sane

Some of the things that are keeping me from going crazy this month:

Lindt truffles
Lindt dark
Latte from Espresso Royale
The Colbert Report (my favorite word -- "Sigh")
Morning bike rides along the river
Freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies
Friends visiting from out of town
Reading Tolstoy's War and Peace
Gin & tonic
Emails from friends

On a brighter note

The Democrats regained the House and Rumsfeld is getting replaced. There is reason again to watch the news! :)

Rest?

I am at a stage where the primary meaning of "rest" is an abbreviation for a search term on an online legal database.

I need a life... and maybe some sleep.