So I am the first of three intensive weekends through my training to become an English teacher in foreign lands. I’m psyched to think I’ll most likely be “elsewhere” by this spring or summer, actually earning in country rather than my usual “clock is ticking” financial strategy while traveling. The options of where I might go are somewhat limited by my not having a four year degree, but the following countries are on the table: Cambodia, Indonesia, China, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and other spots in South America. One of my fellow students is from Alexandria, Egypt and claims to be able to hook me up there. It’s all so exciting, hard to pick a spot, but that’s not the focus right now – right now it’s all about…Engage, Study, Activate, over and again, in as many ways as possible.
Also looking into some volunteer work with the IRC in Decatur/Clarkston to help beef up the resume…

bp and M are in their 4th day in DC, not exactly sure how they scored tickets. But for a first hand account of the chaos, check the bags of wind blog.

So last Wednesday, we’re coming home from the movies in ATL, and there on the corner of Peachtree and Peachtree Battle where a group of a few dozen young people waving Palestinian flags, no doubt protesting the recent events in Gaza. At the light waiting to turn left onto Peachtree, were an SUV full of Jewish kids, who either had gone home to get their Israeli flag, or always drive around with it. A shouting match began, less than half of it in English, and spilled over into the street, causing us to slowly crawl through in our turn. I’d never seen anything like that in ATL before and wondered what it must be like in other cities. Sure enough evidence begins to emerge. I’m not sure why that particular corner had been chosen for the protest.

Meanwhile, I also recently saw a bumper sticker that said “My boss is a Jewish terrorist”. Makes you think. While I’m not quite ready to take it to the streets, I will say I find the media blackout, general disproportionate response (just as the US’s was to 9/11), and killing of UN workers unacceptable. I’m sure the Bush administration was stunned when Hamas became the democratically elected govt over Fatah. We’ll see how the new administration eases itself into that hornet’s nest, along with the other domestic and world messes…

Well this is the second, and it’s pretty good – Slumdog Millionaire. I’m not sure the show actually started in the US. The first I refer to to is the 2006 French film Mon meilleur ami where the game-show wasn’t as central to the plot. Slumdog is a bit conventional at times, and ultimately sort of a date movie. But I’ll be looking for more Freida Pinto work…