To be serious or not

Once upon a time, I was drinking wine in a kitchen full of girls (out of a box mind you) debating how important it was for me to be percieved as smart.  My friends have loved me and laughed with me, and this case laughed at me because as they said, "Love, you are too cool to be considered a nerd." Even though I swear it's what I've always wanted.

The perks of success? Having every one call you intense and serious.  I swear, there was a time when people couldn't imagine that a smile was ever off my face- but can you believe that focus on goals sometimes lets you lose sight on the importance of laughter? Some days, I even feel awkward making jokes.  Yes, those awkward "ha ha's" you hear cubicle's away to a joke I tried to tell that fell on the floor, I swear it was me.

Love and Other Drugs- not a movie I wanted for the one night I've had to myself in around 60 days.  The serious side says: Oh great Love, you chose a movie you thought would be funny but really it is serious and has references to diseases, not at all laughable.  The other side of me says, well Love you did just pay a dollar to watch this.  Enough seriousness and on with the laughter- I hope shakespeare once said that.

Yes, those are naked bodies to the left- and one image of the movie that reminded me that if you "don't use it, you lose it".  So why am I saying no to dating again?

But seriously, or not seriously, what good is the success when you get tunnel vision.  The world is a tough, harsh place, hallelujah Osama is dead and yet I still have challenges with landing a job.  Social concerns are important to me but the celebrations and the vacation I have coming up, everything often seems to be stressful.  I'm convinced that if I can interview they won't let me walk out that door- and yet, it's the only thing I've focused on. 

In the mean time, I've laughed little, loved not at all, and in some ways have questioned whether or not I'll get to any of my goals.  I have even turned down a date because it wasn't worth the lack of sleep on a Thursday night - I swear I'm not 50. 

The doubt is the worst part of being successful, where you question what you deserve and the worst is when you find someone more deserving than you.  When you are down, try thinking about all the people that are more qualified and the struggle it is to walk into meetings with your head held high as if you own that meeting. 

I recommend the laughter- it'll cure you of those days where you struggled to keep that chin raised.  There will always be those days.  Regardless of if you go to work hungover or off a professional success, the days will still great you where your adequecy and legitimacy and critics are there to challenge you.  These are challenges and not obstructions. 

Laughter is what I always relied on through the tough times, and I swear there is still a sense of humour in here somewhere.  Being taken seriously as a professional does not mean changing your personality.   After a chief investigator from ATF called me "intense" and "serious" last week, I know I've gotten off the path of what has made me happy.  Happiness = success

"Wars May End but Policing Never Does"

That is, unless there is no money to fund police work.  The world is alive with the buzz of tainted breathalizers.  A year ago, DC realized their breathalizer system was innaccurate and the readings were tainted.  Since this time, drunk driving arrests have decreased by nearly 40%.

Is it because there have been less people drinking and driving?

Surely, no.

Is it because police work has been able to prevent people from getting behind the wheel?

Again, most likely not.

Without breathalizers, police officers can only arrest people who absolutely fail a field sobriety test, and if they do, they are brought to the station for an expensive urine sample (7 times the cost per breathalizer).  $75 pee tests have diverted officers from arresting suspected drunks. 

The radio commented that it is a good bitter thing to have happen.  On one hand: less likely to be arrested, on the other, more likely to end up in a dui related accident.  The radio also made it seem like now is the time to go drinking and driving- however smart that may sound to you, DC will get their act together sooner rather than later, (hopefully they will get funding soon), and just think how screwed up your saturdays to come will be if you end up with a dui, or worse, hurting someone from getting behind the wheel.  And that pretty face of yours in an accident.

This is one example of many that the police have had to deal with in regards to budget cuts, or the inability to recover from mistakes.  The worst that I have found is the meth lab example.  Meth lab cleanups tend to fall within the FBI jurisdiction.  Federal funds are used to help states bear the burden of cleaning up labs, and as of February- the money well was dry.  What this means:

• Labs are being found but not being cleaned.
• Police are forced to kick residents out of nearby buildings until the lab can be cleaned (or else it is a liability).
• The money ran out in February, and now that it is April, the budget has not been passed yet that allows funds to resume the cleanup process.

Crystal meth for everyone? The influx of labs to be cleaned up has grown everyday.  So in the mean time, I would advise you to mind the police tape, or urge congress to pass this budget agreement.  In fact, the second idea will solve many police issues.  Only 6 more months til we have to pass another budget- budget by then? I'm optomistic. 

A Nuclear Wasteland?

With the recent disaster in Japan, I have found many people and agencies calling into question the need for nuclear resources, and do the benefits outweigh the risks.  Here, we have an American viewpoint with everything going on in Japan: with many agencies arguing the risk is isolated over in Japan, and should not affect our view of nuclear energy.  Today, I would like to present an international perspective of what has been considered and where nuclear research is likely to go. 

Nuclear Life before Fukishima
Before this disaster, the US was spending an enormous amount of time, energy, and a multitude of resources to prevent other countries from developing nuclear weapons.  Here are some facts:

• There are 8 declared nuclear weapon states
• There is 1 state that is undeclared, but is considered a nuclear weapon state (Israel)
• Four of those states are not governed by the nuclear proliferation treaty (which technically they can choose to use nuclear weapons against other states without provocation, although, they would be persecuted in international courts).
• Though only 9 technically possess nuclear weapons, there is a nuclear weapon sharing program that gives 7 other countries access to US nuclear weapons.
• Nuclear Plant Accidents:
• 19
• Radiation Leaks
• 20
• There are only 189 signatories on the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty, which means other countries can develop nuclear weapons if they choose. 
• Furthermore, a state can CHOOSE to leave the treaty if they would like to develop nuclear weapons.
• 2010 saw Russia and the US coming together and deciding to reduce their stockpiles of nuclear weapon, as well as promote a policy of full transparency (a method to reassure other states that we won't like about what we possess, and to encourage honesty and trust with other states). 
• Despite the agreement that was made, there has been little to no progress to reduce stockpiles.  The economic recovery has pushed nuclear controls to the backseat, and it is an international concern. The control of nuclear energy has been pushed to the forefront with the recent disaster in Japan. 

Iraq? Iran? Weapons of Mass destruction? despite the energy that goes into the creation, destruction, and prevention of nuclear weapons, nuclear energy, regardless of the form, has serious repercussions. 

I would argue that the largest concern is the safety of the weapons and the safety of the facilities.  There are weapons lost, some are potentially on the black market (mysterious disappearance of Russian suitcase nuclear weapons), and in the wrong hands, could destroy everything.  The lack of control, despite having the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, International Atomic Energy Agency, and the many more agencies: there are not international standards that every state adheres too, and there likely won't be.  Besides, who has the right to tell other states what they can do with their nuclear energy, and who would head the agency that would decide? No, the US is not allowed to do that.  Nor is any other country.  Without a standard, and the lack of control, we have to ask if the contents of pandora's box will ever been controlled. 

So, what is the point?

Nuclear energy has done many great things for mankind:

• X-Rays- Awesome invention, and without which, more than a few of us would be disfigured with our broken bones.
• It's a clean way to produce energy: there are no poisonous biproducts of the energy (such as CO2)
• Nuclear waste takes up less room than waste from fossil fuel.  It's an alternate to fossil fuel too (which our demand can not keep up with supply).
• Fossil fuel industries have had MANY more accidents than nuclear production accidents.  The trouble is that fossil fuel accidents do not have as large an impact on the environment as nuclear accidents do.
• There is virtually an infinite supply of nuclear energy.  Nuclear power is developed from Uranium, which currently is largely found within the earth's crust. 
• Nuclear energy isn't subject to the market like oil is. 
• Surprisingly, radiation has been around since the existence of the earth, and in some ways it is beneficial to human help in moderate amounts. 

But, this should not distract that nuclear energy is dangerous, and it is important to be educated and have a world-wide perspective for what is going on.  We should look at the whole: Nuclear Power Programs, not just nuclear weapon programs.. 

Japan and the Aftermath:
Today, the disaster at the plant in Fukushimu has been upgraded to be a comparable disaster to Chernobyl.  To be frank, that disaster did not end well and I don't suspect that this will either.  The control of the disaster has been marred by the continued earth quakes, with some speculation that the quakes will continue for twenty years to come. 

Aside from how smart it is to have a nuclear power plant on the Pacific Ring of Fire,  the international impact will be significant.  Some of the current repercussions include:

• Countries are already detecting higher than normal levels of radiation (including the U.S.) which due to wind and other forms of weather, has helped to spread radiation.
• Radiation from the plant leaked into the ocean.  Though this has claimed to be stopped, we are yet to know the effects.
• Milk and food has been contaminated in Japan, though the primary concern is infants.  This has countries testing and retesting imports and exports from Japan to ensure it is safe for consummation
• In the midst of these awesome economic times, exports from Japan have slowed due to what has been going on, so what about countries that rely upon importing Japanese products? Specifically in the Asian region, the concern for the safety of the citizens is greater, but it would be remiss to say that countries are having to adjust to what has been going on in Japan.

Surely, there are more international repercussions, and many more that are likely to be realized in the future.  With 25 years beyond Chernobyl, it is challenging to say that we were more prepared for this situation.  In many ways, the two situations are so different, they are hardly comparable.  The chernobyl disaster leaked 400 times more radiation than the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima.  With the recent catagorization of Japan's nuclear disaster, the potential for the same effects is humbling.  The chernobyl disaster has claimed as many as 900,000 human lives (depending on the reports you read), sadly, Japan will hopefully recieve the international aid they need to prevent the same outcome.  And yet, it is far too soon to tell.

Where do we go from here:
It would be fair to say that the invention of nuclear energy has done more harm than good, and frankly no one knows better than Japan.  However, does it make a difference? These disasters cause hesitation.  I would like to believe the world will be on recovery for some time due to the economic conditions, the events in Haiti and Japan, and potential other crisees to come.  Research will continue, and when the dust (or radiation) has settled, it will more than likely be back to business.  There are the people that consider nuclear energy a power, and the effects of Japan will only encourage those countries to obtain the power and potentially convert it to nuclear weapons.  With countries possessing nuclear weapons that are not subject to international conditions and constraints (like the NPT), there will be a need for a watch dog figure to have nuclear weapons, on the off chance the "enemy" gets it too.  Furthermore, weapons have been found on the black market.  Untill all weapons are accounted for, it is not logical for governments to destroy their weapons, but it is logical to reduce their stockpile.  I predict that though Japan has put pressure on the US to maintain nuclear weapons in case Japan is attacked (as well as other countries under the US Nuclear Umbrella), they will move away from nuclear power as a form of weapon, and will join the platform for a nuclear weapon free world. 

Then again, we have created so many weapons at this point, it is impossible to destroy the information.  At some point the battle will not be between states that have the nuclear weapons, but organizations.  That would be the scariest reality to come.


Thoughts?

First Step, Capital Hill- Second Step, White House

The building of buildings, second to the White House. 

Two weeks ago, a lowly intern was privileged to accompany the Board of Directors of the International Association of Chiefs of Police to the Capital Building to help discuss law enforcement's legislative agenda. 

Yes, even law enforcement has to fight to be included on congressional budgets.  The 2011  presidential budget and congressional budget are yet to be decided- and technically the 2011 year began--- uhhhh 5 months ago!

So we are on the verge of a GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN! Last seen when Bill Clinton was hanging out with interns. 

Essentially, this means no mail from USPS or work considered "non essential".  So I was fortunate enough to help set up for this day, and at the 11th hour I was invited to attend!!! Yes, not all interns are just on the "set up" committee.  In preparation for this day, and within all the excitement and last minute details that were to be accomplished, the only thought worth thinking in the midst of the excitement was:

What in the world will I wear? This isn't my first congressional event, and hopefully not my last, but all you need is one major impression (and I was NOT intending on going naked to make that impression). 

Conservative but cute, Mrs. O as my guide, and a best friend with a limitless wardrobe, I channelled my inner Jackie and this was the result:

This picture does not do the outfit justice.  It was not your average black suit dress, but a warm wool black and white suit with a fashionable coller (which I was instructed that it had to be displayed, and thus my hair was back) designed by the wonderful Ann Taylor.  Mrs. O would have approved.  Thank you to Ms. Sarah for the outfit and Kate Spade bag! 

What would you wear for a day on the hill? More soon!

Guatever!!!!

Did you know that mayans still exist? Seriously.

It brings me back to the days of sitting in history class, studying how the spaniards wiped out all of the Mayans, and at 25, I've only just discovered they still exist! Trust me, it was like Santa Claus all over again.

Guatemala: Though an exciting place to live (riding a bus can be like playing russian roulette), there is so much culture and color there. The architechture, somewhat influenced from Spain, was beautiful! To the left you see a traditional church in the town of Chimaltenengo. It lacks the grandiose butresses you would find on the Notre Dame, but has a lovely charm, no? Out in front is a boy playing soccer (futbol), there is a wonderful court yard that separates the church from an ornamated park, complete with locals selling their merchandise.

Though the architechture was one of the first things I noticed, I was there for a wedding!!! One of my best friends was getting married :) Amber and Wilfredo met and fell and love, and now they have they cutest child!

It all began a little something like this :) So we were there for a wedding, and though this departs from the theme of my previous political discussions, and despite the economic turmoil in Guatemala, I still can't believe mayan's exist!!! We got to visit some of the ruins, markets, and have the most wonderful wedding (boda :) )

Part of the Mayan Family my friend married into:

These cute girls were running around and peaking through the wedding. They wear typical mayan dress, with tons of colors. The back of their hair had braided colors in it. Absolutely lovely. Check out some more pictures of the trip:

The photo with the E's crossed out means one of two things: this particular photo I believe means no parking. However, there are signs with E's crossed out/pictures of a sombrero hat crossed out, which the Guatemalan's put on their building as a sign that they do not stand with the government. Similarly, there are sombrero's that are painted, or E's to show they are for the government. Interesting.... There are tons of lovely photos, when are you guys going to Guatemala?

Emerging from the Grave

Still with me?

Excellent! The world has surely missed me. I have however been gallavanting around, literally, trying to organize my next few steps in life.

Quick Update:
I've achieved a master's degree! I can not express or explain my feelings about this degree within a few short words, let alone a blog. At the end, I've emerged with new friends, a new degree, surely a few gray hairs, and hopefully for the better. I can update on the degree at a later date.

World travels? Since my last update I have gone to:
France
Poland
Hungary
Italy
Northern Ireland
Spain
Belgium
Luxembourg
Germany
and lastly: Guatemala

If you can believe it, Guatemala was one of the best discoveries I have made. I actually did not have the urge or thought to go to Guatemala. One of my best friends was there working when she fell in love and decided to get married. Hours after arriving back in the states I was zipping up bridesmaid's dresses and trying to decide if orange or yellow looked better. . . . . in my case, it was a lose/lose situation, however, I love her enough to wear yellow! My next post will be on Guatemala.

Since Guatemala (Sept 2010), I've been working and interning with the International Association of Chiefs of Police. In the spirit of being brief, more on that later as well :)

Coming up: Trip to Greece, Egypt, and Turkey

Yes, I've booked a trip to Egypt- but in lighter news, I hear they are closer to creating a constitution. It could be worse, could be Somalia. I anticipate Egypt will be closer to having a government in May, than Somalia will be this year. Stay tuned :)

And I'm back!!!

Jet sailing around the world, tis the life no?
If that were what I was doing :D But I did just get back from Poland and Ireland- and I wish I knew more ways to say BEAUTIFUL for Ireland. . . . beautiful beautiful beautiful. . . Cutie is to Japan like beautiful is to Ireland

All I can say is GO
GO GO GO
As for Poland, it was an amazing experience- especially because of how much I learned about the concentration camps. It is hard to believe how far people will go to inflict that much hatred, also how much damage humans are capable of inflicting. Overpopulation seldom feels like a problem when we have cases of genocide that exist today. And this isn't over, there is genocide going on in the Sudan and Darfur every day- and more places than that. Even worse is that they aren't hiding it like the Germans did, it's easy to see but out government is unable to do anything just yet. Bills are being put into place, the UN has called for meetings, only time will tell when that genocide ends before the next one begins.

How humbling, to think how privileged I am to not know what it means to have no freedom. I have never been without food, my family is loving, I have had great experiences thus far in my life because I have taken many risks to achieve them; however, I have been fortunate to be in a place to dream those risks and where I want to go.

The complaints that I and most of the people have are small comparatively. It's good for me to see that stuff; the hard stuff, the not easily explained stuff. . . because how else will I create change and goodwill if I don't understand it.

My next adventure will be a little more light- I believe I am going to Zaragoza, Spain sometime between now and January. . . . I have 2 friends coming to visit in December
February I am going to Milan to go to the Venice Carnival that is held every year

Places I still want to go:
Budapest, Hungary
Turkey
Greece
Moracco
Slovakia

I know I am going to spain next summer too for the running of the bulls- so that will be GREAT

Now if only I can get a job to pay for all this :D . . . . and do some school work (agh it's hard to concentrate because you think about all this stuff here- where to go, what to see)

Cheers!