1 0 . 3 1 . 0 2 Probably the least festive-feeling I've been on Halloween in a while. well not counting last year. Madison has a long tradition of having an insane block party down state street on all hallows eve. trying to imagine about 100,000+ drunk people roaming the streets in collective disguises, mixed with the uncertainty of a mid-week Halloween might result in a three-day party. Meanwhile I'm working in an application to intern with the State dept in DC. I wasn't aware of all the domestic opportunities that they offer. Only thing is that it's to be postmarked by Nov 1 and I haven't written a statement yet. Will have to see. November elections coming up, being that I already sent in my absentee ballot I haven't been paying too much attention to the political debates and wranglings going on back home. A couple good articles came out in the honolulu weekly this past issue. one that hit close to home both as an buddhahead and as a kanaka at heart. strange times we are living in politically. My classes in Lafollette have been giving me the affirmation that we live as political beings and in order to make fair and just judgements on issues it is cruicial to be politically informed. someone who is not able to admit and understand their own personal biases is not fit to lead. 1 0 . 2 6 . 0 2 Watching the Badger game right now they're in East Lansing, MI kicking the crap out of MSU. Not quite assured of a win yet, given that we've lost the last three games in come from behind wins by the other team. Kind of strange watching all the games on TV now, don't know if I would enjoy it as much in the freezing flesh. I think it did help having a couple of winning seasons. They finally caught the sniper in DC, apparently he got too cocky and left some key clues. Now the media blitz is linking him to terrorist cells because he was reportedly sympathetic to the 9-11 hijackers. Strange times we're living in for sure. Meanwhile a new Michael Moore flick is coming out this upcoming weekend. Had a moviefest the other night at Khamphian's, Lord of the Rings, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Chungking Express. Also saw Spirited Away out at Westgate. It was dubbed, but it was still pretty awesome. Must buy it when it comes out on DVD. Working on my personal statement for the Dual program, getting some advice from Judge and Barry via email. Pretty much going for broke, otherwise its a third year of hoops and more hoops. Guess I've gotten used to it. 1 0 . 2 2 . 0 2 Got 2/3 midterms back so far so good. Of course the scores could've been better, but I'm thinking that challenges should be a part of grad school in general. Taking a little bit of a break for about a week more before I'll have to dive back into the shit. Actually need to finish my stat problem set later tonight. The AASP website is up and running, a little side-project and my contribution to the university. SSFC debate is going on, but with the recent expulsion of a conservative member, seg fee groups are free to request funding for now. Meanwhile someone is stillterrorizing DC. 1 0 . 1 2 . 0 2 Things are going well. just took a stats exam which was hard as hell, but jah knows I'll be ok. Grad school is a different ball of wax for sure, but it is different in general in terms of personal and intellectual value. Been hanging a lot with Khamphian, soul searching and bonding what not. Really glad that she's still in Madison. working on the AASP website pro bono, should be up pretty soon, check it out and give me some feedback, I could use it. Went to a reception for graduate/professional students of color at Memorial union yesterday, it struck me on how few Asian american students were in attendence, and the overall clingy feel of the occaision. I gathered some wisdom from good ol Pascal on the atmosphere, along with some discussion on religious conotations. Really glad that he's still in madison as well. meanwhile theres somebody in the DC area sniping people by the hour. 0.223 cal too, similar ammo to the Zodiac killer I hear. Was watching the Fox news channel and some lady commenting on tarot cards mentioned that the killer is trying to make a statement by killing people doing otherwise mundane things. And it is strange times we're living in, to say the least. I'm not sure what message this person is trying to send, but at least one thing is certain: he has gotten the attention of an otherwise apathetic country. Aside from that, I've been having a longing for Okinawa. funny, since I've never been there, yet feel such a strong cultural tie to a string of islands aside from Hawaii nei. Will need to visit soon. 1 0 . 4 . 0 2 So its been a month back and I'm already back in the mode. whatever that means. Actually i know exactly what that means, I'm busy as fuck. At least this isn't exactly a sink and swim sort of an experience, and there is a purpose to all of this work. pretty nutz though the workload so far. The first midterm of the program is coming up next week and most of us are pretty busy preparing for it. Thus is the grad life I suppose. otherwise I've been keeping busy with other distractions, mostly academic so far. I'm in the new 24-7 hangout this year, catching up in email and webpage updates what not. Working on a memo for PA874 having to do with political scandals and public projects. tough question. Lots of 1st ammendment issues in the press lately regarding the ongoing seg fees debate which has become more political than it ever was. Apparently Southworth isn't done fighting just yet. Yup, its good to be back in a politically active campus, although most of the debate has been a side-distraction to the daily activities. |