Vice President Joe Biden to visit K School

Speaking of VPs, Joe Biden is giving a talk on Thursday at the Kennedy School.  The place will be swarming with spooks not wanting to put their names on take out coffees (see attached link at-cia-starbucks-even-the-baristas-are-covert)

The whole School will be shut down. I wish I had more lectures that will be cancelled - only have one  - sob.

Vice President Dan Quayle

Some of you might remember the hapless VP who couldn't spell potato. Well, yours truly is a comrade in arms with Dan the Man when it comes to bungling my campaign for Vice President, Academic Affairs of the Student Government for the Kennedy School.  The list of stuff up is long and distinguished, although I might yet dispute the return because of the complete inability of the Elections Committee to explain the process - oh well, DONT BLAME YOUR TOOLS.

Here for your consideration is my election statement complete with borrowed dog, Olive (It was the first decent photo I could find of myself).Vote me!

VOTE

CAROLYN ANDERSON FOR

VP, ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

In a world of complexity and change it is important that an institution like the Kennedy School regularly assesses its curriculum, its subject offerings and degree program structures to ensure that it is meeting the needs of students and the constituents they will serve.

You can rely on me to work constructively on creating a better Kennedy School.

Experienced board director and former University Councillor.

Former Director, Higher Education, Science, Digital Economy and Technology for the State of South Australia

'Merica Pot Luck

Finally the yanks got off their padded asses and hosted a pot luck.  Needless to say there were 10 times as many desserts as there were salads. Thanks 'mericans!

Noam Chomsky

I had the privilege of seeing Noam Chomsky at MIT Kresge Auditorium last night.  He spoke on a broad range of topics linking ISIS, post war imperialism, inconsistent and even perverse foreign policy and the Scottish independence referendum to a complex power struggle that the US is waging against those who would challenge its hegemony.

Chomsky incites extreme reactions in people; what cannot be denied is his exceptional ability to construct a compelling narrative linking seemingly disparate events to the underlying currents within global power systems.

Saw K-Rudd today

He was sitting on a sofa, talking on his phone.  He has porked up...but haven't we all...

Pussy Riot in the JFK Forum

Extract from Harvard Crimson. Two founding members of the Russian punk rock protest group Pussy Riot spoke out strongly against Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday night at a forum at the Institute of Politics, raising awareness of what they consider to be oppression propagated by Putin in their country. Masha Alekhina and Nadya Tolokonnikova, who have become the public face of the group, told a packed John F. Kennedy Jr. forum about their experience of political imprisonment, reflected on Russia’s recent incursions in Ukraine, and advocated for the right to free speech. “We think no one should be banned from something because of nonviolent expression of their opinions,” Tolokonnikova said. Tolokonnikova and Alekhina attracted international attention when they were arrested on charges of hooliganism in August 2012 after attempting to perform the protest song “Mother of God, Drive Putin Away” at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Their arrest and sentence—other members of the group avoided jail time—were met with significant criticism in the West. The two were granted amnesty and released in Dec. 2013.

My little pony

My new 16" wheel folding bike  - perfect for the stumpy legged - and she cost 10 time less than a Brompton, the Rolls Royce of folding bikes, so she is not worth stealing, OK????!!!

If you like her check out www.citizenbikes.com

Thanks Mum for the birthday present!!

Still only 48.....

Woohoo!

A Miracle of the Space-Time Continuum

For the first time in 48/49 years, my twin and I are different ages. She is at the time of posting a superannuated 49, whilst I remain a youthful, vivacious 48.  Woohoo!

United Nations comes to K School

Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, His Excellency Jan Elliason paid a visit to the Kennedy School.  He spoke most eloquently on the subject A World in Turmoil.  In particularly he highlighted the worrying new specter of Terrorism and Territory, and the increase in self-identification according to ethnic and religious rather than national divisions.

His Excellency touched on the UN role in peace, security ("the Arab Spring has become the Arab Winter"), human rights, climate change ("there is no Planet B").

He characterizes himself as a worried optimist.  His greatest hope is that in this century we will finally see women equally empowered with men.

Ostraya Day - Oceania Potluck

For a while it looked like the antipodean crew couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery - somewhat ironic given that the securing of amber fluid seemed to be the only priority.... Anyway we got there in the end.  We introduced cricket to our international friends, Skippy dropped by, there was fairy bread, Aussie pies, snags, Vegemite toast, lamingtons and heaps of people turned up. Happy Days.

Annah Weaver, Skippy and a giant can of fosters

Shopping - and we ain't talking about the groceries...

Fall semester commences - suddenly there are 1000+ students in squeezed into a space that only just catered for the 220 Mid Career MPA students - and of course then there is the bizarre ritual of shopping.

1000+ Type A personalities frantically trying to fill their dance card with the most popular, sought after courses.

Stress, hysteria, angst - and that is just the queue for the Cafeteria....

Seriously everyone has gone completely troppo.  Thankfully it all ends on 12 September which is the last day to add or drop a course.

Costa Rica - Pura Vida

Pristine rain forests+ beautiful beaches+ eco- consciousness = Pura Vida AKA Awesome Costa Rica

Costa Rica has it all  - we went white rafting, trekking in the rain forest, snorkelling as well as basking in hot springs and sitting high in the tree tops listening to the wild life.

We saw whales, dolphins, monkey, iguanas, birds and fish of all description plus one baby boa constrictor and one slumbering tapir.