Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Shameless Promotion
Everybody should come and take a look at my Etsy shop: Ye Olde Nostalgia Shoppe. I'm selling cool vintage things that you aren't going to find anywhere else. Yes, I realize I sound like some tacky late-night infomercial but I don't really care.
Oh plus, the more you buy the faster I can add/update my stock. So if you hate what I have for sale, just convince some of your easily manipulated friends into buying something. Then everybody will be happy!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
"Kill the Commies, Go to the Moon."
Been a while. Nothing exciting to talk about lately. Finally got some inspiration. And no it's not about the election. You can all take a deep breath and relax.
Just hanging out watching C-SPAN (yes, I am a gigantic nerd) and guess who pops up? My favorite astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson.
He was on doing publicity for his book, Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier, and discussing strategies that will get the US government to start investing in space travel.
Here follows a summary of his lecture that was originally aired on March 15th of this year.
So, what's it going to take to boost investment? Let's think about the greatest/ most expensive projects that have occurred over the course of human history. The Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, the journey's of 15th and 16th century sea explorers. All of these projects can be traced back to four main motivators.
1) War and defense. The "I don't want to die" motivation.
2) Economics. The "I don't want to die poor" motivation.
3) Praise of royalty or deity. The "Please don't let that guy kill me" motivation.
4) Discovery is part of the human condition. The "I would rather die than live here anymore" motivation.
So, if we are going to get our butts to Mars or, let's face it, back into space at all we are going to have to satisfy one of these motivators in order to get the guys with the checkbooks to give NASA some money. Mr. Tyson (Can I call you Neil? I'm going to call you Neil!) argues that any ambitions to go to space based on 'inspirational rhetoric' alone are "deluded". And I think we can rule out #3. Nobody's buying that one anymore. So, we need a military or economic motivation.
50 years ago NASA was founded in order to fulfill a challenge to go to the Moon. We spent billions of dollars to do that. What was our motivation then? That would be the military motivator. Hence Neil's lovely summary of that point that I turned into the title of this post. But in 1989 the Berlin Wall came down and no more military threat = no more investment in space. We are "coasting on the investments of a previous a previous generation" and pretty soon we are going to grind to a halt.
This is where the economic motivator can start to play a part in the future of space exploration. First of all, the aerospace industry, in general, is kinda of key to the economy of the 21st century in terms of transportation, commerce, and defense. Investment in the space program is going to create billions of dollars in "spin-offs". The tech that is needed to go to Mars is going to be important to the further of humanity. Just like Apollo gave microwaves, Velcro, MRIs, and Tang. R and D = more money for you and me. Eventually. The second, and arguably, most important part of investment comes in the form of inspiration. As Neil has claimed "innovator culture is a product of investment in the space program". So going into space is going to inspire a whole new generation of people to create new technologies and new devices that are going to make our lives easier.
Today we spend 1/2 of 1% of every tax dollar on NASA programs. 24% gets spent on building bombs to drop on poor people. Something needs to change. Thank you Neil for doing your part to help us refocus on what's actually important.
I don't know about you but when ever I watch Neil deGrasse Tyson give a lecture I have an overwhelming desire to go back to school to be an astrophysicist. Can somebody make this happen?
Just hanging out watching C-SPAN (yes, I am a gigantic nerd) and guess who pops up? My favorite astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson.
He was on doing publicity for his book, Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier, and discussing strategies that will get the US government to start investing in space travel.
Here follows a summary of his lecture that was originally aired on March 15th of this year.
So, what's it going to take to boost investment? Let's think about the greatest/ most expensive projects that have occurred over the course of human history. The Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, the journey's of 15th and 16th century sea explorers. All of these projects can be traced back to four main motivators.
1) War and defense. The "I don't want to die" motivation.
2) Economics. The "I don't want to die poor" motivation.
3) Praise of royalty or deity. The "Please don't let that guy kill me" motivation.
4) Discovery is part of the human condition. The "I would rather die than live here anymore" motivation.
So, if we are going to get our butts to Mars or, let's face it, back into space at all we are going to have to satisfy one of these motivators in order to get the guys with the checkbooks to give NASA some money. Mr. Tyson (Can I call you Neil? I'm going to call you Neil!) argues that any ambitions to go to space based on 'inspirational rhetoric' alone are "deluded". And I think we can rule out #3. Nobody's buying that one anymore. So, we need a military or economic motivation.
50 years ago NASA was founded in order to fulfill a challenge to go to the Moon. We spent billions of dollars to do that. What was our motivation then? That would be the military motivator. Hence Neil's lovely summary of that point that I turned into the title of this post. But in 1989 the Berlin Wall came down and no more military threat = no more investment in space. We are "coasting on the investments of a previous a previous generation" and pretty soon we are going to grind to a halt.
This is where the economic motivator can start to play a part in the future of space exploration. First of all, the aerospace industry, in general, is kinda of key to the economy of the 21st century in terms of transportation, commerce, and defense. Investment in the space program is going to create billions of dollars in "spin-offs". The tech that is needed to go to Mars is going to be important to the further of humanity. Just like Apollo gave microwaves, Velcro, MRIs, and Tang. R and D = more money for you and me. Eventually. The second, and arguably, most important part of investment comes in the form of inspiration. As Neil has claimed "innovator culture is a product of investment in the space program". So going into space is going to inspire a whole new generation of people to create new technologies and new devices that are going to make our lives easier.
Today we spend 1/2 of 1% of every tax dollar on NASA programs. 24% gets spent on building bombs to drop on poor people. Something needs to change. Thank you Neil for doing your part to help us refocus on what's actually important.
I don't know about you but when ever I watch Neil deGrasse Tyson give a lecture I have an overwhelming desire to go back to school to be an astrophysicist. Can somebody make this happen?
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Nothing new to report, sir.
I feel like I should be updating more often but it is really hard to update people on your life when nothing is happening.
I have a job now so that is cool -souvenir photographer/pushy sales person on a NYC Harbor dinner cruise. I'm not really enjoying it and the only "life skill" it's teaching me is "how to make money". But I guess that is moderately important.
Do you know what is epicly frustrating? Having so many awesome ideas but no means/motivation to make them happen.
That's all.
I have a job now so that is cool -souvenir photographer/pushy sales person on a NYC Harbor dinner cruise. I'm not really enjoying it and the only "life skill" it's teaching me is "how to make money". But I guess that is moderately important.
Do you know what is epicly frustrating? Having so many awesome ideas but no means/motivation to make them happen.
That's all.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Wrong Side of the River
Just sitting in "my" apartment. I put the "my" in quotations because it really isn't mine. A dear friend is letting me stay with her for a few weeks. I know I've only been in the city for two days but one thing is for sure; New Jersey is the place dreams go to die. I still haven't actually been to NYC properly and that makes it quite difficult to find a job.
Life is just so frustrating. I know what I want but I don't know what I need to do to make it happen. I am desperately lacking in some practical tools.
Also I really want some cannoli...
Life is just so frustrating. I know what I want but I don't know what I need to do to make it happen. I am desperately lacking in some practical tools.
Also I really want some cannoli...
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The City By the Bay
I'm sitting in the Long Beach airport with nothing to do. It's a problem when you spend more time traveling then at your destination.
I spent yesterday night and a few hours this morning in San Francisco. I was there to audition for a spot in The New School's MFA drama program. I had to do a couple monologues for the DEAN of the program. That was nerve-wracking! But I survived. Let's just hope I impressed them enough to get a callback.
The city itself wasn't bad. It kind of reminded me of NYC. If New York was built in the middle of some hills and had a really crappy subway system.
The food was fab! Last night I went to Pier 39 and had some traditional sourdough at the Boudin Cafe. This afternoon I had some of the best curry of my life!
So overall a good trip just promise me that I will never have to spend another second at the Long Beach Airport.
I spent yesterday night and a few hours this morning in San Francisco. I was there to audition for a spot in The New School's MFA drama program. I had to do a couple monologues for the DEAN of the program. That was nerve-wracking! But I survived. Let's just hope I impressed them enough to get a callback.
The city itself wasn't bad. It kind of reminded me of NYC. If New York was built in the middle of some hills and had a really crappy subway system.
The food was fab! Last night I went to Pier 39 and had some traditional sourdough at the Boudin Cafe. This afternoon I had some of the best curry of my life!
So overall a good trip just promise me that I will never have to spend another second at the Long Beach Airport.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
SOPA, Blackouts, and Pirates, Oh My!
(I just have a lot of feelings! Also, this sucker got published in Rexburg Idaho's most trusted news source. Want proof? Find yourself a copy of the Jan. 24th Standard Journal, turn to the Opinion page, and read for your self.)
Millions of people all over the world heaved a collective sigh of relief on the morning of Jan. 20th. A day after the single largest internet strike in history, Rep. Lamar Smith withdrew the controversial SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) from legislative consideration. Just an hour later, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that a vote on SOPA’s sister bill, PIPA (Protect IP Act), would be put on hold indefinitely. This was seen as a great victory for all of us who see freedom of information as the basis for a strong and stable democracy. I want you to imagine a world without the internet. I know for some of you that won’t be that difficult. But for those of my generation and younger who have come to depend on that soft glow of the computer screen, this world is unacceptable. The internet has reshaped the very fabric of the world. It has changed the way we interact with each other and the way we teach and learn.
What SOPA would have done is cut off access to millions of webpages that are found to be hosting or providing access to copyrighted material. This means that if you put a link on your Facebook page to a YouTube video for your new favorite Lady Gaga song, Facebook would be obligated to cut off all access to your page. This has massive implications for continued net neutrality and creative commons use. The public has a fundamental right to use and access this information on the internet. There are countless underground communities of incredibly creative individuals that use copyrighted material to create everything from art to literature to music. Anyone who doesn’t believe me needs to spend 15 min. scrolling though Tumblr and you will see what I mean. Draconian copyright laws have the power to crush these thriving communities. You have these multi-billion corporations crying foul when 13 year olds and grandmothers download the newest episode of Community or make a video of themselves dancing to a Michael Jackson song. What we really need is to experience a fundamental paradigm shift –freedom of speech must begin to incorporate ideas of fair use.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking. SOPA (and PIPA) were originally created to put an end to the reign of digital pirates illegally downloading and sharing copyrighted material. This is a real problem! Or is it? Proponents of these types of laws point to the millions of dollars in decreased CD sales since the advent of digital music sharing. But, according to an International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) study published in 2009, music sharers (pirates) are 64% more likely than regular music buyers to purchase music online. These so called "freeloaders" simply have a greater demand for music than the average person, one that their limited budgets can't deal with. This goes the same for other forms of digital media. People who are labeled pirates buy the majority of movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and computer/video games but don't have the means to fulfill their demand and so they supplement their purchases with free material.
The real problem is the entertainment industry’s refusal to change their business model. They need to rethink the way the distribute their products. Record companies, TV networks, and the film industry want to cut down on illegal downloading? I’ve got five pretty simple solutions that don’t require government censorship. 1) Make your TV show/music/movie/whatever available online; 2) put ads on it so you can make money off of it, or (even better) sell the viewing rights to a video streaming service, like Netflix or Hulu; 3) make it available everywhere not just the country of origin; 4) make is available as soon as it airs/becomes legally offered—not the next day or the next week, literally as soon as physically possible; and finally 5) realize that the old primary methods of distribution (CDs, theatres, cable TV, etc.) are premium services and are just way too expensive to rely on any longer especially in a world of internet streaming.
The real problem is the entertainment industry’s refusal to change their business model. They need to rethink the way the distribute their products. Record companies, TV networks, and the film industry want to cut down on illegal downloading? I’ve got five pretty simple solutions that don’t require government censorship. 1) Make your TV show/music/movie/whatever available online; 2) put ads on it so you can make money off of it, or (even better) sell the viewing rights to a video streaming service, like Netflix or Hulu; 3) make it available everywhere not just the country of origin; 4) make is available as soon as it airs/becomes legally offered—not the next day or the next week, literally as soon as physically possible; and finally 5) realize that the old primary methods of distribution (CDs, theatres, cable TV, etc.) are premium services and are just way too expensive to rely on any longer especially in a world of internet streaming.
Yes, I know. I just saved the entertainment industry. You’re welcome. I’ll be expecting a check in the mail.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Class of 2011
I am officially a college graduate. Four and a half years of frustration and headaches and I finally have something to show for it. Sort of.
I don't know which is more terrifying; never finding a job or working somewhere I hate. My parents would claim it is the first one. They think I'm some privileged person with an inflated sense of her own place in the world when I don't want to take a minimum wage job at McDonalds.
It is really tough to reconcile the fact that I need a job with the story I've been told my whole life: "If you want a good job than go to college!" I don't think it is picky to expect a decent job since I've got a degree. Maybe I'm delusional.
It would be really nice to get some sort of proof that I'm not.
I don't know which is more terrifying; never finding a job or working somewhere I hate. My parents would claim it is the first one. They think I'm some privileged person with an inflated sense of her own place in the world when I don't want to take a minimum wage job at McDonalds.
It is really tough to reconcile the fact that I need a job with the story I've been told my whole life: "If you want a good job than go to college!" I don't think it is picky to expect a decent job since I've got a degree. Maybe I'm delusional.
It would be really nice to get some sort of proof that I'm not.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Occupy the World
So with all these Occupy Wall Street protest happening all over the country you'd think I would have made some comments about the whole situation. That's how busy I've been.
All I know is that we created the situation the Occupy people are protesting. 30 years of deregulated, neo-liberal, crony capitalism destroyed the middle class; the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Bangladesh, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran (just to name a few) have a more equitable income distribution than the United States.
There is nothing new I can really add to conversation but I do know that I am sick and tired of disgusting amount of police brutality that is occurring in connection with OWS. The people are peaceful. They do not need to be bludgeoned and beaten and pepper-sprayed. New York, Oakland, Denver, and now the students at UC Davis. This is unacceptable. I don't care how you feel about the protests in general, police para-military action is unacceptable
All I know is that we created the situation the Occupy people are protesting. 30 years of deregulated, neo-liberal, crony capitalism destroyed the middle class; the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Bangladesh, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran (just to name a few) have a more equitable income distribution than the United States.
There is nothing new I can really add to conversation but I do know that I am sick and tired of disgusting amount of police brutality that is occurring in connection with OWS. The people are peaceful. They do not need to be bludgeoned and beaten and pepper-sprayed. New York, Oakland, Denver, and now the students at UC Davis. This is unacceptable. I don't care how you feel about the protests in general, police para-military action is unacceptable
This is wrong.
This is unnecessary.
This is supposed to be the United States.
This shouldn't be happening.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10 Years Later
I still remember where I was when I first heard the news. It was a normal day. I had just started 7th grade and was still getting used to my new homeroom. When the principle started morning announcements there was something different in his voice. He then explained the tragedy that was currently unfolding in New York City. My teacher quickly turned on the television. All day we just sat and watched the news and stared in horror. No one could believe what was happening.
I remember sitting in gym talking with a friend. Even then we both knew this was huge. It would change the face of not only the United States but also the world. This would be in history books. This was going to be our generations Vietnam.
It was this day that ultimately lead to my decision to be involved with politics. It was the day I decided I must stand up for human decency and freedom all across the global. There is enough fighting and contention in the world. Hate only breeds hate. Injustice only breeds injustice. In those few days and weeks after 9/11 this country came together in a way that had never been seen. There is no reason why we cannot have that spirit with us all the time. To not remember is a mockery to those who died that day.
I found this article (Our Post 9/11 Failures) today I think it says it better than I ever could...
I remember sitting in gym talking with a friend. Even then we both knew this was huge. It would change the face of not only the United States but also the world. This would be in history books. This was going to be our generations Vietnam.
It was this day that ultimately lead to my decision to be involved with politics. It was the day I decided I must stand up for human decency and freedom all across the global. There is enough fighting and contention in the world. Hate only breeds hate. Injustice only breeds injustice. In those few days and weeks after 9/11 this country came together in a way that had never been seen. There is no reason why we cannot have that spirit with us all the time. To not remember is a mockery to those who died that day.
I found this article (Our Post 9/11 Failures) today I think it says it better than I ever could...
We failed the biggest test posed by the 9/11 outrage: In our anger and dismay we failed to recognize our common humanity, that we are made for love and that acts such as those committed on that day are an aberration. When we looked at the terrorists we did not see ourselves, we did not consider how our actions and posturing in the world may have contributed to the crime. No. We saw “others,” and we demonized them. (Archbishop Desmond Tutu)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Class Warfare?
I was watching the Daily Show last night, like I do. And this little magical thing happened:
Part 1:
Part 2:
This basically sums up all of my problems with the "Modern American" economic model; tax-cuts for the wealthiest individuals that leave the bottom 51% of the population to shoulder the burden. That income inequality chart really gets to me every time I see it. This site has some pretty cool infographics explaining the state of US incomes.
And then take a look at the actual distribution of wealth and American citizen's perception of that distribution:
92% of the 5000 polled said they would prefer the more equitable distribution. You notice the rich people still have more money than everyone else in that option. It's just not so much that it excludes the bottom 50% from having a piece of the pie.
Also here is the Warren Buffet Op-Ed that started it all: Stop Coddling the Super-Rich
Part 1:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| World of Class Warfare - Warren Buffett vs. Wealthy Conservatives | ||||
| ||||
Part 2:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| World of Class Warfare - The Poor's Free Ride Is Over | ||||
| ||||
This basically sums up all of my problems with the "Modern American" economic model; tax-cuts for the wealthiest individuals that leave the bottom 51% of the population to shoulder the burden. That income inequality chart really gets to me every time I see it. This site has some pretty cool infographics explaining the state of US incomes.
And then take a look at the actual distribution of wealth and American citizen's perception of that distribution:
92% of the 5000 polled said they would prefer the more equitable distribution. You notice the rich people still have more money than everyone else in that option. It's just not so much that it excludes the bottom 50% from having a piece of the pie.
Also here is the Warren Buffet Op-Ed that started it all: Stop Coddling the Super-Rich
Friday, July 1, 2011
Back Home and Away
I feel bad I don't update more often but I seriously have nothing to talk about. At this point in my life I am uber-boring.
I finished up Spring Semester. Considering the amount of work I put in to it (and the amount of class I went to [re: almost none]) I think I did pretty well.
I have one semester left of my undergraduate education; which is absolutely insane. I am starting my grad school applications and that is going to put me in an early grave. Who knew personal statements where so incredibly frustrating to write. I will keep everyone updated on my progress.
In other news, I am currently babysitting my cousins two dogs; Ruby and Max. That's been an adventure.
I finished up Spring Semester. Considering the amount of work I put in to it (and the amount of class I went to [re: almost none]) I think I did pretty well.
I have one semester left of my undergraduate education; which is absolutely insane. I am starting my grad school applications and that is going to put me in an early grave. Who knew personal statements where so incredibly frustrating to write. I will keep everyone updated on my progress.
In other news, I am currently babysitting my cousins two dogs; Ruby and Max. That's been an adventure.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
The "Other" Blog
Also I don't think I ever shared this.
This is my other blog on Tumblr.
http://pocket-change.tumblr.com/
I post pictures and quotes and random little things.
This is my other blog on Tumblr.
http://pocket-change.tumblr.com/
I post pictures and quotes and random little things.
Time is a Funny Thing...
...sometimes it goes by so fast you don't even realize it.
This has been an interesting last few months.
The last time we talked I was incapacitated by a sprained ankle and a psychosis inducing living situation . I have since removed myself from the poison environment that was my apartment and my ankle is mostly healed.
I moved in with my really good friend Sierra and her husband; who were either nice enough or crazy enough (I haven't decided which yet) to let me crash at their place while I finish up Spring semester.
Also, had a birthday. Turned 22. Nothing exciting to report on that front.
Read a few good book and saw a few good films.
Currently, totally obsessed with legendary British television show Doctor Who.
I need a vacation...or a show to be in. Either one would be fine.
This has been an interesting last few months.
The last time we talked I was incapacitated by a sprained ankle and a psychosis inducing living situation . I have since removed myself from the poison environment that was my apartment and my ankle is mostly healed.
I moved in with my really good friend Sierra and her husband; who were either nice enough or crazy enough (I haven't decided which yet) to let me crash at their place while I finish up Spring semester.
Also, had a birthday. Turned 22. Nothing exciting to report on that front.
Read a few good book and saw a few good films.
Currently, totally obsessed with legendary British television show Doctor Who.
I need a vacation...or a show to be in. Either one would be fine.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Random Musings
It's been a while. My life has been so crazy I almost forgot I had a blog.
This afternoon I'm bored out of my mind and sitting in bed with a bag of frozen corn on my terminally sprained foot/ankle when I think to myself "hey...don't I have a blog or something I can waste some time on?"
So I'm back. You can all thank my apartment's crappy Everest-like stairs for my return.
Not much to say. I really miss living in NYC and having a life and my (literally) mentally unstable roommate is not helping the matter. I am in desperate need of a return to normalcy.
I am excited for two things. 1) This semester is ending in 2 and a half weeks. 2) I have tickets to the Arcade Fire concert in April.
Also, I had forgotten how stressful it was to be a senior. Standardized tests and grad school applications are not exciting; especially when you have no idea what you want to do. Should I get the degree in International Affairs? Public Health? Or maybe journalism? Maybe I should just join the Peace Corp? Or I could just forget it all and go to acting school.
It is obvious I am not ready for real life.
This afternoon I'm bored out of my mind and sitting in bed with a bag of frozen corn on my terminally sprained foot/ankle when I think to myself "hey...don't I have a blog or something I can waste some time on?"
So I'm back. You can all thank my apartment's crappy Everest-like stairs for my return.
Not much to say. I really miss living in NYC and having a life and my (literally) mentally unstable roommate is not helping the matter. I am in desperate need of a return to normalcy.
I am excited for two things. 1) This semester is ending in 2 and a half weeks. 2) I have tickets to the Arcade Fire concert in April.
Also, I had forgotten how stressful it was to be a senior. Standardized tests and grad school applications are not exciting; especially when you have no idea what you want to do. Should I get the degree in International Affairs? Public Health? Or maybe journalism? Maybe I should just join the Peace Corp? Or I could just forget it all and go to acting school.
It is obvious I am not ready for real life.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
I *Heart* NY
Well...I am back from the big city.
That was the coolest thing I have ever done.
I literally do not have the words to describe the way I feel about the last four months so I thought I would just share some photos.
That was the coolest thing I have ever done.
I literally do not have the words to describe the way I feel about the last four months so I thought I would just share some photos.
Monday, December 6, 2010
ICC Judge Adrian Fulford: The Problem with the ICC
All this week I will be at the Assembly of States Parties for the ICC. Today I got to go to an event during my lunch break with one of the ICC Judges; Sir Adrian Fulford. He spoke about the problem with the ICC: insanely long trials. The first trial at the Court (and the one he is hearing) has already been going for two years and will probably take at least another if nothing goes wrong and something is probably going to go wrong. I wanted to share his speech because I thought it was fantastic-very realistic but still hopeful. However, I am just not in the mood to actually summarize it so you all get to read my notes :) I think this will be more fun anyways!
Two great disappointments:
We are delivering remote and distance justice. It is my hope that we can conduct our trials near the scene of the alleged crimes
Apparent slow pace at which the ICC moves
By many domestic standards they (proceedings) seem protracted
"It all takes FAR to long".
"It is critical to learn quickly from the delays of the past and ensure they are not repeated".
6 Proposals on how to fix trials
1. Consider if evidence (context, background, etc) can be dealt with by experts instead of substantial number of witnesses.
2. Room to take depositions instead of evidence heard in chamber...supervised by a single judge or legal official...happens at the ICTY and twice at the ICC. Evidence can be given multiple times...not appropriate for more central evidence
3. Increase use of television links instead of bringing witnesses to Europe...reduces disruption of the lives of witnesses...leads to more focused questions
4. Prosecution and defense under obligation to identify the parts of statement that is agreed and those controversial areas…reduce lengthy parts of evidence that are not in dispute
5. Amend Rome Statue to allow a single judge to consider parts of the trial alone.
6. Look at Court structures to see if they are efficient and are a proper use of our funds
Two great disappointments:
We are delivering remote and distance justice. It is my hope that we can conduct our trials near the scene of the alleged crimes
Apparent slow pace at which the ICC moves
By many domestic standards they (proceedings) seem protracted
"It all takes FAR to long".
"It is critical to learn quickly from the delays of the past and ensure they are not repeated".
Delays and stays of proceeding are the single more corrosive practices at the ICC.
We cannot use the Court as a laboratory experiment...you run the risk that a one or two year trial will be struck down because you may find that you are break of the Rome Statue.
There must be international will, imagination, and support for reassessment of how we try these cases. "If we secure that objective I believe the future of the court will be very bright indeed".
"It is the length of our trials that is our real Achilles heel".
6 Proposals on how to fix trials
1. Consider if evidence (context, background, etc) can be dealt with by experts instead of substantial number of witnesses.
2. Room to take depositions instead of evidence heard in chamber...supervised by a single judge or legal official...happens at the ICTY and twice at the ICC. Evidence can be given multiple times...not appropriate for more central evidence
3. Increase use of television links instead of bringing witnesses to Europe...reduces disruption of the lives of witnesses...leads to more focused questions
4. Prosecution and defense under obligation to identify the parts of statement that is agreed and those controversial areas…reduce lengthy parts of evidence that are not in dispute
5. Amend Rome Statue to allow a single judge to consider parts of the trial alone.
6. Look at Court structures to see if they are efficient and are a proper use of our funds
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Got Competence?
This last weekend I was privileged enough to attend Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity in Washington DC.
It was an amazing once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. Just the sheer humanity that was gathered together in one place blew my mind.
It was an amazing once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. Just the sheer humanity that was gathered together in one place blew my mind.
As you can see from this hastily made map, there were more then double the anticipated amount of people. Also, I had an awesome spot. It was insane.
So some of the highlights...The Roots, John Legend, the Mythbuster guys,
Yusef,
Ozzy Osbourne, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow and don't forget Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.
Also, this.
Yeah. I was totally there. I still can't even beileve it. Nor can I adequately describe what went on. The message was simple. We cannot let fear, whether it be from Washington, the Media, or ourselves, dictate our choices. Maybe I will just let Jon Stewart explain...
* I might add more pictures later but most of them are blurry and kind of sad...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sudan at the UN: Aid for Amnesty
As seen on both The Interdependent and the AMICC Blog:
On September 27 2010, Sudanese Vice-President, Ali Osman Taha, took the floor at the United Nations to urge the General Assembly to reject the ICC arrest warrants that are currently against President Omar al-Bashir. VP Taha claimed that ICC involvement is “a direct threat” to the peace process in Darfur and that Khartoum will further pledged $2 billion dollars to reconstruction in the region if the charges are dropped. This is not the first time that the Vice President has tried to convince the international community to withdraw the warrants against al-Bashir. In 2008 he made a plea to the United Nations Security Council to indefinitely suspend the first warrant.
Besides the political implications of this demand, there are two very important legal reasons why Vice President Taha’s request cannot be fulfilled. First of all, the UN Security Council Resolution 1593, which referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC, requires all parties to the Darfur conflict, including the Government of Sudan, to cooperate fully with Court. This resolution is binding on all UN member states. The Member States could not condemn the prosecution of al-Bashir without coming under direct violation of 1593.
Secondly, the General Assembly has no authority to make decisions regarding the status of arrest warrants. The primary authority to withdraw arrest warrants rest with the Court. Section 58(4) of the Rome Statue states that “the warrant of arrest shall remain in effect until otherwise ordered by the Court”. Nevertheless, this is not the only way to defer proceedings. Article 16 of the Rome Statue says that the Security Council may defer investigations and prosecutions for renewable 12 –month periods if there is a threat to international peace and security. The Court recognizes that its role in political questions is limited and it must respect a deferral in this case. However, it is interesting to note that the Security Council has not made an article 16 deferment before despite earlier informal requests.
In addition, the political backlash against the Sudanese government has been intense. Omer Ismail, senior policy advisor for the Enough Project, an advocacy organization set up to highlight Darfur crisis, has called Khartoum’s recent move nothing more than “political blackmail”. Mr. Ismail further explained that “there are over half a million people killed and seven million people living in warehouses. This government is doing this for political reasons. It has nothing to do with reconciliation.” Mr. Ismail finds no reason to believe that Sudan will take any reformative action in Darfur.
There continues to be a substantial amount of rhetorical support for Sudan (and all other vital parties) to cooperate with the ICC. If things continue as they have been for the last several years, there is little chance that the Sudanese government will be able to dissuade the international community from pursuing those responsible for the genocide in Darfur on either a political or legal level.
On September 27 2010, Sudanese Vice-President, Ali Osman Taha, took the floor at the United Nations to urge the General Assembly to reject the ICC arrest warrants that are currently against President Omar al-Bashir. VP Taha claimed that ICC involvement is “a direct threat” to the peace process in Darfur and that Khartoum will further pledged $2 billion dollars to reconstruction in the region if the charges are dropped. This is not the first time that the Vice President has tried to convince the international community to withdraw the warrants against al-Bashir. In 2008 he made a plea to the United Nations Security Council to indefinitely suspend the first warrant.
Besides the political implications of this demand, there are two very important legal reasons why Vice President Taha’s request cannot be fulfilled. First of all, the UN Security Council Resolution 1593, which referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC, requires all parties to the Darfur conflict, including the Government of Sudan, to cooperate fully with Court. This resolution is binding on all UN member states. The Member States could not condemn the prosecution of al-Bashir without coming under direct violation of 1593.
Secondly, the General Assembly has no authority to make decisions regarding the status of arrest warrants. The primary authority to withdraw arrest warrants rest with the Court. Section 58(4) of the Rome Statue states that “the warrant of arrest shall remain in effect until otherwise ordered by the Court”. Nevertheless, this is not the only way to defer proceedings. Article 16 of the Rome Statue says that the Security Council may defer investigations and prosecutions for renewable 12 –month periods if there is a threat to international peace and security. The Court recognizes that its role in political questions is limited and it must respect a deferral in this case. However, it is interesting to note that the Security Council has not made an article 16 deferment before despite earlier informal requests.
In addition, the political backlash against the Sudanese government has been intense. Omer Ismail, senior policy advisor for the Enough Project, an advocacy organization set up to highlight Darfur crisis, has called Khartoum’s recent move nothing more than “political blackmail”. Mr. Ismail further explained that “there are over half a million people killed and seven million people living in warehouses. This government is doing this for political reasons. It has nothing to do with reconciliation.” Mr. Ismail finds no reason to believe that Sudan will take any reformative action in Darfur.
There continues to be a substantial amount of rhetorical support for Sudan (and all other vital parties) to cooperate with the ICC. If things continue as they have been for the last several years, there is little chance that the Sudanese government will be able to dissuade the international community from pursuing those responsible for the genocide in Darfur on either a political or legal level.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Yes...I'm bragging again. Deal with it!
That title was a joke. Don't worry. I'm not that cocky. Usually...
This is a sweet article I wrote about polio:
Now is the Time to Wipe Out Polio for Good
I realize it says that some other dude wrote it but actually we were co-writers. The website publishing program only lets you put one name in the the "by" line and he won the contest.
This is a sweet article I wrote about polio:
Now is the Time to Wipe Out Polio for Good
I realize it says that some other dude wrote it but actually we were co-writers. The website publishing program only lets you put one name in the the "by" line and he won the contest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
