HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRIS~

Today is Kris' birthday! Yeah! We have shared so many great adventures together....here we are in Morocco~

Not many people are as lucky as I am to have a friend like Kris. She knows just when to give you that pep talk you need, she always listens and most importantly...unconditionally cares...and she unconditionally shows love for so many people. I hope all the people she has in her life realize what a wonderful person she is! I sure do!

Many warm wishes for a VERY happy birthday Kris~

Love Di

Happy Birthday Catalina~

Yesterday we celebrated Catalina's birthday!

She is one of the strongest women I know. She balances her PhD, two kids, wonderful Karl and GSA operations with ease. On top of that, she always has time to chat with you....to offer great advice and to give you many hugs, just when you need one.

She's a wonderful friend...and I feel very lucky she came to Buffalo~

Many warm wishes for a Happy Birthday~

YOU too can be a bollywood dancer!

Check out this funny story about UK Yorkshire residents that dream of becoming bollywood stars....will this soon hit the states? C'mon let's start our own dance studio! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6393263.stm

Happy Birthday Dr. ALI~

While today is officially Ali's birthday---he was actually born on Feb. 29th..a day that doesn't come each year...I think this makes Ali even more special!
Ali is so full of life...each day I spend with him I feel so luck to have entered his dynamic presence where at one moment he will "wow" me with academic intellegence and the next moment making me laugh with his belly dancing abilities. I thank the Universe that Ali has come into my life...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. ALI!

CIES in Baltimore

This past weekend was all academic...as the Comparative Education Crew from Buffalo hit Baltimore...It was fun and exhausting...
I always walk away saying...do I belong in Academia...and do I even want to be here? Questions I am sure will answer themselves within the next 2 years...

Lunch-time break...some good music

So today I was browsing utube..and I found my favorite Arab singer..Amr Diab!
Check out this video....it will make you dance around your desk!
The picture isn't that great... But crank up the speakers...this is a pleasure for your hips! Practice for my next party!!!

Happy Birthday Jean Law!

Today is a former ISSS co-worker's birthday...Happy Birthday Jean! She's hard at work back in Singapore..

She has such a beautiful spirit about her...her smile always made us enjoy working...as well as her GREAT sense of humor...We miss her here @ ISSS...especially now that it's Jan and Feb time...and OPT time...

Many warm Buffalo Hugs Jean!

UB Chinese student shines in Buffalo News!

"I like the culture here. I like the people here. It's so different from Shanghai."
Yunlong "Jeff" Guo, Univeristy at Buffalo freshman from China


Charles Lewis/Buffalo News
By JAY REY
News Staff Reporter
2/19/2007

When Daemen College officials traveled to China last fall, the visit was more than a chance to see the Great Wall.
The small, liberal arts college in Amherst signed a pact for a student-exchange program with two Chinese universities.

"We decided we really wanted to push hard in China," said Edwin G. Clausen, Daemen's vice president for academic affairs. "The growth of China in all areas makes it a perfect place for collaboration."

International exchanges and academic programs overseas are nothing new, but U.S. schools big and small are resolving to get their foot in the door in China, which celebrated the start of the Chinese New Year on Sunday.

The economy is booming, the appetite for higher education insatiable and the potential for students, such as Yunlong "Jeff" Guo, bountiful.

"I like the culture here. I like the people here," said Guo, a University at Buffalo freshman from China. "It's so different from Shanghai."

Exposing more Americans to the world's most populous country - and a budding superpower - is part of the plan, too.

"We need to have more young Americans who speak Chinese who know the country and can do business there," said Stephen C. Dunnett, UB's vice provost for international education.

UB was the first American university to have an exchange agreement with a Chinese university. Dunnett and engineering professor George C. Lee negotiated a deal in 1980, after the communist country instituted economic reforms and opened its doors to the West.

"It was a very dark place," Dunnett said, recalling his early visits to China. "The universities were not in good shape. People were demoralized. What gave me hope were the students. They were diligent and eager to learn what they could from me. Many of them slept in the classrooms, because they didn't have dorms."

What a difference a quarter-century later.

A middle class has blossomed. Bicycles are being replaced by cars. Beijing and Shanghai make Manhattan look like it's standing still, Clausen said.

"Twenty-three years ago, large portions of Beijing were one- or two-story mud-brick buildings," said Dr. Richard V. Lee, a UB medical professor who travels with med students to China. "Those are virtually all gone and replaced by huge high-rises that are all glass and steel."

The country has its problems. China is one of the world's biggest polluters and still is home to a vast population of poor.

And while China has expanded its higher-education system at an extraordinary rate, it still cannot keep pace with the demand from its 1.3 billion people, Dunnett said.

American institutions see it as an opportunity to fill a need by setting up exchanges or branch campuses with Chinese universities.

It also opens doors for collaboration with Chinese researchers and the chance to recruit high-quality faculty and students to America.

More than 1,000 UB students and faculty members from UB and its partners in China have participated in joint exchanges, programs and research over the last 25 years.

That long history in China has been a reason so many Chinese students enroll at UB, which touts China's education minister, Zhou Ji, as one of its alumni.

Last semester, UB enrolled nearly 500 undergraduate and graduate students from China. "The tuition is not too expensive," said Guo, 19. "I am a business major, and UB has a very good business program. That's a main reason I came."

But some refer to the recent interest in China as a gold rush.

"There's an unbelievable rush," Clausen agreed. "I think there are high expectations that colleges and universities are going to be able to fill their ranks with Chinese students. That's ludicrous."

The U.S. schools that can be successful in China are those that are deft in the language and culture, and play to their strengths, he said.

Daemen, for example, signed a student-exchange agreement with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Sichuan University in fields where Daemen is strongest, such as physical therapy, chronic wounds and visual arts.

"We picked very carefully areas we can sustain over the years," said Clausen, who has a doctorate in modern Chinese history. "You have to be very, very careful. I think there's a cautionary tale there."

At UB, a contingent traveled to China last fall for the 25th anniversary of its partnership.

UB has renewed its exchange agreements over the years to include medical students, although in 1989 it closed the English language center it ran in Beijing for eight years.

UB's School of Management - which established the first U.S. master of business administration program in China in 1984 - also still operates an executive MBA program in Beijing, said John M. Thomas, dean of the school.

That experience in the country is an important advantage for UB, which is considering opening a branch campus in China but is treading cautiously, Dunnett said.

"We do see our university expanding its presence in a careful, deliberate fashion to ensure that our efforts in China benefit our Chinese partners and the University at Buffalo," Dunnett said.

Guo, meanwhile, has been enjoying his first year at UB.

He will visit Shanghai maybe twice a year, but truthfully, he doesn't miss home that much.

Guo only wishes he would have known what kind of weather he was in for in Buffalo:

"It's much, much colder than the weather in my city," he said.

Happy New Year! Welcome the year of the PIG!

Here is a picture of Singapore....Angela is there now enjoying the celebrations with her family...Happy new year Angela!

So...I am always curious what attributes these animlas represent....And I found out from this article below...what to expect during the year of the pig:

Dikky Sinn, Canadian Press
Published: Saturday, February 17, 2007
HONG KONG (AP) - The Year of the Pig starts Sunday and Chinese fortune-tellers say it will be a good time to have a baby but also warn there will be an upsurge in epidemics, disasters and violent conflicts around the world.

"The Year of the Pig will not be very peaceful," said Raymond Lo, a feng shui master in Hong Kong.

Pig years can be turbulent because they are dominated by fire and water - two of the five elements Chinese mystics maintain are the basis of the universe, Lo said. Since fire and water are conflicting elements, they tend to whip up trouble, he said.

"Fire sitting on water is a symbol of conflict and skirmish. We'll also see more fire disasters and bombings," he said.

Mind these apples!

Apples from my garden, originally uploaded by kristianchef.

This was sent to me by Rachel......a very good message for all us TOP apples!

Apples and Wine


Women are like apples on trees. The best ones are at the top of the
tree. Most men don't want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they sometimes take the
apples from the ground that aren't as good, but easy. The apples at
the top think something is wrong with them, when in reality, they're
amazing. They just have to wait for the right man to come along, the
one who is brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree.

Now Men.... Men are like a fine wine. They begin as grapes, and it's
up to women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

Happy Birthday Blog!

Happy Birthday! and Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon
Originally uploaded by Pink Sherbet Photography.

Today is my Blog's first birthday....having one year of your memories recorded for all to see has been a great experience.....

A lot has happened to me in the past year, and I think that something like a blog allows us to not just record our thoughts for that day....or special moments, but reminds how special we are....and how lucky I am to have a wonderful family, great loving friends...and moments I wouldn't trade for all the money in the world.

Cheers blog!

Aidan's First Steps

So, he looks a bit like a drunken sailor, but he's doing his best...
Great job Aidy!

Injustice made by U.S. authorities....must see

This documentary called the Road to Guantanamo is the winner of the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival-- Michael Winterbottom and Mat Whitecross---It is a horror what happened to these boys...and even if this documentary only tells 1/2 the truth....this should not happen to anyone!



You can rent the movie or watch Free on Google Video:

Happy Birthday Dad~

Today is my Dad's Birthday.....I have such mixed feeling about today. I am not really "sad" per se....I think it's the feeling you have when you miss someone. I wish he could be a part of what is happening to our family. Like laughing and clapping with Aidan as he takes his first steps, like giving Jen a big hug for getting her great promotion, like telling my Mom how strong she is for taking over the lead of the household...

But, in some great way...he is here. When we laugh about the funny things my Dad always did….he is with us. So today, I remember him with love….and try to remember that he’s with me, even though I miss him.

The winds of change!

Time Vortex
Originally uploaded by mikæl.

Last night was the Graduate Student Association Senate Meeting---and changes were made to ensure that the problems we had last semester never happen again~
The current Executive board was impeached and removed from office and new officers were elected by the Senators. Again, I can't say how inspiring it can be to see Democracy in Action! While some of you think that this little organization isn't the 'real' world....for many students, the opportunities they can get from this organization changes their lives!
Kudos to those that put time and effort into this organization....and to social justice causes~
If there is one thing I learned from this....GET INVOLVED TO CREATE CHANGE!

Pan’s Labyrinth ----

This Fairy tail by Guillermo del Toro, is a beautiful movie about a young girl's dreams of escape during the Franco regime in Spain. The young girl, Ofelia lives in two worlds. Both of them contain monsters. I can imagine that as kids we all tried to escape our problems in a similar sense to Ofelia....
Check out the trailer....this is a movie not to be missed!

Crazy Storm

DSCN7488
Originally uploaded by Sherene.

Here's a cool pic from Sherene! Buffalo is being hammered with cold weather...the windchill is as cold as I ever remember. It's a crazy time to be in Buffalo....your nose hairs freeze on impact of this bone chilling wind~

So, the best idea is stay in-doors with a good book and some KNITTING!

Kris' first dinner party!

Even though Buffalo was ravaged by a storm, we all made it to Kris' First Dinner party! Thanks to Ali's great cooking, Elsa's yummie food and Kris' beautiful pad, we had a blast yet again for another yummie dinner party! Check out this link for all the pictures http://avpics.blogspot.com/

My posts/U TUBE/ What to do!

Hi guys. Well, I have been posting UTube videos....to watch them double click (or click 2 times) on the ARROW button that is directly on the picture that I post, this will show you the videos! YEAH!

So today I heard on NPR that this was the award winning Doritos commercial for the Super bowl. Check it out~

The Movie--Last King of Scotland

Last night I enjoyed this provocative movie about the Uganda dictator Idi Amin's and his regime as seen by his personal physician during the 1970s. What I really came away with from this movie is how post-colonial Africa suffered from rulers that were ill-prepared for governing....and how bright-eyed Western young people came to this country ill-prepared for what a postcolonial type country is like...
I recommended it highly!

Welcome to the World Kennedy!

My Friend Zettie had her baby! She's so beautiful! I can't wait to meet her. Zettie is such a fantastic person....

The Movie Babel

The story of the Tower of Babel--is from the Bible. The Tower of Babel was a tower built by a united humanity to reach the heavens (they all spoke the same language). God, observing the unity of humanity in the construction, resolves to destroy the tower and confuse the previously uniform language of humanity, thereby preventing any such future efforts. An interpretive account of the story explains the tower's destruction in terms of man's deficiency in comparison to God.

How does this relate to the movie? Check out the trailer below!
If you haven't seen this movie yet....I would suggest you attempt to see it. It is a complex movie by a fantastic director, Alejando Gonzalez. Gonzalez and crew set on a journey to tell a story about how difficult a time we as humans have with communication. It has some very frustrating cultural stereotypes, but I think it was implanted to make you angry. I hope....it will for sure make you think!

The movie VOLVER

Volver
Originally uploaded by Cinencuentro.

So last night Mike and I went to this is fantastic Almodovar film. In Almodovar style, this story was based upon the tragedies women face due to unfortunate men in their lives. What I liked most about this film was Penelope Cruz's talent of a mother doing everything to protect her child...and finding the child within herself!
I highly recommending seeing this film.....the power of women in this film reminds me of how lucky/unlucky we can be in life as women...as well as the wonderful nature of sisterhood.

On to the next Academy Award film......Babel tonight!

Dinner Party Weekend

This weekend was a great chance to say thank-you to Ali for being such a great tour guide! We did that and more! We ate amazing food….Morocco, Indian, Portuguese and Polish!….and then as usual….we danced the night away! The hats came out….and the party began.

Sunday…Mike and I had the family over for dinner….my brother was nice enough to bring us these lively lobsters~ Aidan just loved it!

Little Mosque on the Prairie

Last night I caught new this new show on Canadian TV (CBC) called Little Mosque on the Prairie. I found it delightful and funny….trying to capture Muslim life for those living in the Canadian Prairies . The best part of the show is that it’s written by a Muslim-Canadian-woman…and you can see how the storylines reflect women’s interests….
Also, I think it gives non-Muslims a bit more insight into this religion and lifestyle and hopefully also understanding. Insullah!

Check it out: http://www.cbc.ca/littlemosque/

New Year thoughts

A good friend and I were talking last night...and he reminded me of something really important as I contemplate New Years Resolutions and thoughts...

Life happens when you are planning it.

So, one of my most important resolutions is not to stop planning (people would kill me---stop planning parties!)....but to remember to enjoy those tiny moments in-between the planning....

So, I guess that also means to remember the ride up the mountain as much as you remember to enjoy the top!

More from Morocco

Kris has been my long time travel partner for over 10 years! We have traveled the world together---experienced laughter, pain and everything in-between (including smelly shoes). She is such a great friend, and I am so glad that she decided to come on this trip with the rest of the gang. I love her very much!

All these pictures are taken by Kris!

Lingering Memories from Morocco

Dinner @ the Market in Marrakech

Of course life has taken over....Orientation for new students has started @ UB, but Morocco is still peeking it's way into my life....
I remember these great times with “the gang” as I unpack many goodies I bought. Yesterday I even got an email from a New Years Even friend! Oh la la C’est Bon!
I feel like Morocco will stay with me for a while~ Here are some more highlights of the sites and sounds of Morocco!

On our way home from the Atlas Mountains

You can call the local supermarket and have a live sheep delivered for Eid!

My destiney, Olive grove~

The Gang....as ghosts!

The Square @ Essaouira

The Atlantic Ocean~

The gang is back from our Moroccan Adventure~

Morocco is a magical place—full of welcoming people, food that makes your belly happy and music that makes life a party!

Morocco opened its doors to all of us during a very special time of the year. The festival of Eid. Eid ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for God.

Ali and his family welcomed us with open arms…smiling faces and lots of wonderful food. Here are just a few of the sights of the cities we visited: Marrakesh, Ouarzazate and Essaouira

Go there….you will come back changed for the better!

I fell in love with Moroccan Olives~

The Eid Lambs

Our Eid Lunch---TAGINE!!

New Year's Eve @ RDV

The Market in Marrakech--where Sofia and I were tough customers~


We made it to the top of the Atlas Mountains!


Fruit in Morocco tastes like candy

The blue doors of the coastal town of Essaouira.

Merry Christmas

This year...Aidan was the best gift~

As you can see...

And...we are off to Morocco~ Stay Tuned for fantastic pics and adventure stories~

Christmas Parties

Well, ‘tis the time for Christmas parties....and this one was very special because I got to spend time with some dear friends....some that I have not seen in a very long time. I think that is what makes Christmas special to me. It's a time to connect again to those you have not seen in a while. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Winter Solstice

st18
Originally uploaded by szivny.

Solstice means...
standing-still-sun

So, the sun is still...BUT..The Earth is actually nearer the sun in January than it is in June -- by three million miles.

What causes the seasons is something completely different. The Earth leans slightly on its axis like a spinning top frozen in one off-kilter position. Astronomers have even pinpointed the precise angle of the tilt. It's 23 degrees and 27 minutes off the perpendicular to the plane of orbit.

Pretty cool eh? Especially cool in buffalo I would say~

Enjoy today, it only happens one time per year!