I flew into LAX on Tuesday. The next morning I met up with the Australians and went up to Big Bear Mountain. We got there too late to do any skiing, (the slopes close around 4:00), so we spent the night in Engedi. That evening we went to Von's and bought groceries. There were about 16 of us so we decided to buy breakfast and lunch for the following day. That was interesting, we probably spent an hour and half shopping for groceries, and then weeding out the excess. The next morning we made eggs with spam and peppers, bagels with cream cheese, and some other food (can't remember). I met Gordy and his wife, we sang songs by the "fire." And in the morning after breakfast we went to the Summit. I'm just now starting to feel normal and its Monday already. Didn't get an pictures on the slopes, except for the ones that Svet took. Hope I get to see those soon. The whole snowboarding thing was quite exciting. After a few runs down I realized that I needed to learn how to stop. So I spent some time working on that. My foot positioning changed a few times as well, because I started out regular and then had my bindings switched to goofy. I still don't know which one feels more comfortable. People say that you should go with whatever foot feels more "normal" or "comfortable" but then they say that you will feel weird either way, just because its a new thing. I dunno, but after a day on the mountain I can go regular and goofy on my heels. I just hate riding on my toes because I always feel like i'm going to tumble forward.

Thats about the only eventful thing that has happened thus far. Went to the beach the other day but it was cold and the yogurt I bought was way too expensive. Its the "PinkBerry" fad that's apparently sweeping through So. California. I'm not surprised, it probably got some momentum from the health movement, and then a bit from the celebrities that endorse it and are willing to pay $4 for a small bowl of yogurt.

Today the training starts, and my "vacation" shifts into panic mode. Ahhhh! I don't want to get tested. There are so many people out here right now, from everywhere. At first I was worried about how I would possibly be able to say hello to everyone, but now I've decided to just be reclusive and talk to people only if they initiate it. I get too wired up when I'm around lots of people, Its probably not good for me. Yea, I should try to be shy and introverted. We'll see how that works.

International Politcal Economy

These are essays from an IPE class that I took a few years ago. I was rummaging through some papers and found them in an old folder. I guess the point here is that I'm kind of surprised that I once almost knew this stuff. If I didn't know better perhaps I would get the impression that these were written by semi-intelligent persons, rather than myself.

"Regional integration seems to be replacing GATT. With the apparent collapse of the Seattle and Doho Rounds, regionalism is stepping in to move free trade where multilateralism has stalled. Regional integration in Europe (namely, the EU) has caused a new impetus for regionalization. NAFTA and the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), have had an overall positive economic affect, so it seems natural that other American nations would want to integrate.

However, geopolitical factors would present strong opposition. Venezuela, for example, may voice politically stimulated opposition to an FTAA. Also, agricutlrual or even infant industry may resist an FTAA, because their lack of comparative advantage would hurt their business if trade became freer.

Consumers, though, should universally support FTAA, assuming they understand the true dynamics of regional integration. They would have more choices as new markets open, and competition should make prices more attractive.

Industries with low factor specificity could in the long run be introduced to more technological innovations, and gradually gain a larger market share in areas where China has dominated.

Americans who calim that NAFTA has cost them jobs should realize that China actually lost more jobs between '95 and '02. In a nation such as the U.S., unemployment is mainly affected by monetary policy, not globalization. Additionally, most jobs lost are caused by increased presence of technology, not by free trade.

A FTAA can be successful if properly implemented. Many developing countries with "infant industy" could be paralyzed by trade integration if they do not follow property monetary policy. In order for FTAA to succeed in the long-run, it must be implemented gradually, giving developing countries time to adjust, prepare, and shift resources to areas wehre they have a competitive advantage regionally."

And another essay, addressing debt relief policy. And yes, I made up a word and misspelled a few others. Its becoming evident that I depend on spell-check more than I though. Anyways, these little essay things are worth typing out, to me, because I like to read old things that reflect of me at another time.

Publish PostDebt relief is not the key to worldwide development. Nor does it promote a more stable financial system. Proponents of debt relief are blinded to the political implications that affect its overall usefulness. Lottery winners rarely use their winning to invest wisely and with a view to the future. Rather, the money is spent lavishly on short-term conveniences. By the same token, rulers in developing countries are not faithful stewards of the aid. Debt relief if affected in like manner.

The IMF should reevaluate its role to worldwide development. Short term fixes rarely contribute to sustainable development. IMF money should not be used for debt relief. Instead, money should be focused on areas which will promote long-term development and stability.

Debt relief carries an impression of benevolence which looks good politically. However, few people realize the ineffectiveness of debt relief to worldwide development. Foreign aid focused on sustainable development, not debt relief, is vital to the goals and virtues of the IMF.

Developing countries should be approached on a case-by-case basis, with a view toward investment that will stimulate trade and economic activity. Leaders in developing countries will need to cooperate accordingly. This will not be easy, but with support from the OECD, developing states can be persuaded to adopt strategic trade and investment policies that will even bring added stability to the sphere of international finance.

Those who continue to receive debt relief become dependent and complacent, while lenders grow more and more frustrated at the squandry [sic] they observe. Debt fatigue will soon set in, and the developing states will find it harder to acquire money. The IMF should shift from debt relief to sustainable development. This action realigns IMF policy with its purpose; worldwide development and international financial stability.

something to think about

"The kingdom of God is the Lord Jesus, the Savior, as the seed of life sown into His believers, God's chosen people, and developing into a realm which God may rule as His kingdom in His divine life. Its entrance is regeneration, and it development is the believer's growth in the divine life. The kingdom of God is the church life today, in which the faithful believers live, and it will develop into the coming kingdom as an inheritance reward to the overcoming saints in the millennium. Eventually, it will consummate in the New Jerusalem as the eternal kingdom of God, an eternal realm of the eternal blessing of God's eternal life for all God's redeemed to enjoy in the new heaven and new earth for eternity. " Life-Study of Acts, Message 22; p.183

An Excerpt

According to [Acts] 4:33, great grace was upon all the believers. The law makes demands upon man according to what God is, but grace supplies man with what God is to meet what God demands. Actually, grace is God Himself enjoyed by man. Grace is the resurrected Christ becoming the life-giving Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45) to bring the processed God in resurrection into us to be our life and life supply so that we may live in resurrection. Therefore, grace is the Triune God becoming life and everything to us.

Witness Lee, Life-Study of Acts: Message Seventeen.

The Twelve

Today was exciting. Kathryn called to deliver the good news. What a relief! I can't wait to start. The funny thing, I got along very well with the partners and other accountants, and I'm looking forward to working with everyone

I'm almost done with the first book of the soft-bound Acts Life-Study. Today on my home from school (bus and walking) I read another message. How splendid that I can find time on the way to and from school to enjoy the Word. As the verse it Psalm chapter 10 starts, “Be still, and know that I am God." This has been my experience lately, and I find the simplicity of relying on that city bus to provide much more value than I had anticipated. I'm not just saving gas money, I'm buying oil (in a spiritual sense; see Matt. 25). You can still pray when you're driving, but your mind wanders and you are easily distracted. Riding that bus allows me to turn to the Lord. How excellent an opportunity!

Life-Study

My dad gave me some of his soft-bound Life-Study books. I now have Acts-Ephesians. Last night I started Acts. Oh, and I also deleted all of my music. Several gigs worth of music; my music library has vanished. What a joy, what a opening in my being. I fill like the Lord is rushing in to fill that space, the gaps in my being.

nothing withholding, my all is for you
my life and my future, dear lord
is all for you. -Lord Keep My Heart

Whats New (and Old) in the News

Some articles of interest;

Steven Rinella depicts a culinary experience in Vietnam, eating dog meat.
Apparently eating dog meat creates a burning sensation in the chest. Not sure whether that comes from the subjective realization that you are consuming "man's best friend." Rinella explains how difficult this was for him, especially since the act brought to memory the pet dogs he grew up loving. Fascinating Steve! What a gift to humanity. What rich cultural narrative.


China Regulates Buddhist Reincarnation
As Tyler Cohen, economist and respected blogger, explains;

"Well, most countries do limit immigration one way or another. Here is the bottom line:

By barring any Buddhist monk living outside China from seeking reincarnation, the law effectively gives Chinese authorities the power to choose the next Dalai Lama, whose soul, by tradition, is reborn as a new human to continue the work of relieving suffering."

Press Release

I'm considering to "declassify" my blog. Right now I don't believe anyone reads it, and the reason simply is that I don't tell people I have a blog. And if, on rare occasion I admit to keeping a blog, I refuse to disclose its location. So right now I write to an audience that does not exist; but for me thats best. Now that I worry somebody might find it, I've found myself going back over everything to "tidy up." Its still a little bit incriminating, but it could be much worse. Yet, I would really only find value in this outlet if I could write freely and without restraint. Not having to worry about or cater to a specific audience. Thats the beauty, to me, of an "underground blog."

This blog has always been for me. I read the post, and I enjoy them. I enjoy writing that takes me back to another time. The memories attached to these posts are invaluably rich, and not worth compromising for the sake of a third-party.

Okay, Its 2:30 and I'm finally starting to get tired...