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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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

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.

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...