tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91206919183761405362024-03-13T13:52:51.395-04:00Think Strategically Act GloballyMariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-10554867856656376762008-05-15T16:54:00.002-04:002008-05-15T16:58:41.994-04:00Hillary or BustDespite current events, I am an undying Hillary fan and supporter. Why? I cannot put it into words as eloquently as others. Listen to this for my view as well: <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90447578">http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90447578</a><br /><br />And, I remain outraged over the overt sexism that has plagued this campaign, with NO ONE in the leadership of the Democratic party expressing, or even mentioning, any outrage at all. Again, others say it better: <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/14/AR2008051403090.html?hpid=opinionsbox1">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/14/AR2008051403090.html?hpid=opinionsbox1</a>.<br /><br />I will support Hillary to the bitter end, or as one of her supporters has stated: it is not over until the lady in the pantsuit says it is.Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-11206929154947880402008-05-02T11:22:00.002-04:002008-05-02T11:24:36.430-04:00Funny Funny FunnyThis piece is one of the funniest things I have read recently. Everyone should check it out. I was crying I was laughing so hard. I love new media.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2008/04/28/080428sh_shouts_borowitz">http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2008/04/28/080428sh_shouts_borowitz</a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-86559761209266835132008-05-01T16:32:00.002-04:002008-05-01T16:37:42.696-04:00ArtI consider myself a patron of the arts. I had season tickets to Long Wharf theater in New Haven, CT. throughout high school. I have season tickets to Signature Theatre in Arlington. I see other performances, of all mediums, when I can. I try to donate money to arts organizations when I can. I am helping some friends form a chamber music group called IBIS. <a href="http://www.ibischambermusic.org/">http://www.ibischambermusic.org/</a>.<br /><br />But it turns out that my sister-in-law and her husband (does anyone know the relationship there - between me and my sister-in-law's husband? Is there a name for it? But I digress...) are the true patrons. They have opened a photography gallery in Bloomington Indiana. Big name photographers are exhibiting work there. David is a spectacular photographer himself, and now he is sharing his love and knowledge of the medium with others. Check it out, whenever you find yourself in Bloomington, Indiana. <a href="http://www.picturagallery.com/">http://www.picturagallery.com/</a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-43491198469070019172008-05-01T16:29:00.002-04:002008-05-01T16:32:53.799-04:00Trade and AgricultureI cannot believe I have not blogged in such a long time. No excuse, just life got in the way. Having just taught a class on trade and agriculture last night, let me bring your attention to two items. First, the Washington Post is running an incredible series on the global food crisis. The series began last Sunday, and is tackling a new topic each day. However, the series also links the topics, discusses global links in agriculture, and looks at how different countries are handling the issues. I highly recommend reading each and every article. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/globalfoodcrisis/">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/globalfoodcrisis/</a><br /><br />Second, Women in International Trade is having a program related to agriculture next week (May 7). Check it out and attend. <a href="http://www.wiit.org/events/2008/International%20Food%20Fight.htm">http://www.wiit.org/events/2008/International%20Food%20Fight.htm</a>.<br /><br />And so I am back in action!!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-84229017321840108392008-02-27T10:57:00.000-05:002008-02-27T11:11:52.235-05:00Trade and Politics and IPWith the primaries of Texas and Ohio looming ever closer, trade is actually becoming a big issue in the presidential contest! But, unfortunately, not in a good way. Both Dems are choosing to demogague the issue to get votes. Obama has flip flopped from his previously sound position stating that he would at least attempt to change the longstanding, failed U.S. "policy" (and I use the word policy lightly) on Cuba. He is also saying he will ban all toy imports from China. What is he? The Burger Meister Meister Burger? <br /><br />Hillary, on the other hand, is vowing to take a "break" on free trade, and to "renegotiate" NAFTA.<br /><br />I think it is safe to say that both candidates are simply trying to win votes, and neither will stick to any of their trade positions once in office, because of course those positions make no sense, and even clash with the more sound policies they have posted on their websites. Plus, candidates have a long history of changing positions on trade once in office. Remember Bill Clinton? He was going to ban all trade with China, in response to the "Butchers of Beijing." Turns out he was the most free-trade oriented president we have seen in a long time.<br /><br />President Bush campaigned on free trade. But his first major trade initiative was to impose a section 201 action on steel imports for purely political reasons. Not free trade at all. So you can't always judge a candidate's trade position from what is being said on the campaign trail.<br /><br />The NYT has a great article today on presidential politics and trade: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/business/27leonhardt.html?ref=politics">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/business/27leonhardt.html?ref=politics</a><br /><br />And since we are discussing intellectual property rights tonight in class, you may enjoy reading about our own problems in the US on this issue at <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/nyregion/27chinatown.html?ref=nyregion">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/nyregion/27chinatown.html?ref=nyregion</a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-34454582587842700462008-02-21T10:48:00.001-05:002008-02-21T10:54:52.205-05:00My Big BroMy big brother is amazing. I have, of course, as the little sis, always thought he was incredibly cool. When he wanted to listen to Peter Frampton on his 8-track tape, so did I. When he wanted to learn how to "disco dance," so did I. When he wanted to play hockey, so did I. When he wanted to jump his banana seat bike over a home-made jump after careening down the hill in our back yard...well, I drew the line there!<br /><br />Anyhow, his coolness knows no bounds. He is now a professional fisherman in Florida, and he has just developed an extremely cool website that highlights his accomplishments, knowledge and all around skill. <a href="http://www.saltwaterprofessionalconsulting.com/index.html">http://www.saltwaterprofessionalconsulting.com/index.html</a><br /><br />Anyone interested in fishing, in learning about sustainability in fishing or in simply enjoying the outdoors should get in touch with Tony whenever you are in Florida (or before you go!) <a href="http://www.saltwaterprofessionalconsulting.com/index.html">http://www.saltwaterprofessionalconsulting.com/index.html</a><br /><br />He is just too cool. And professional. And awesome. I am so proud of my big bro!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-36872098835376710442008-02-21T10:36:00.000-05:002008-02-21T10:48:17.248-05:00Student SuggestionsMy students are quite and engaged and interesting. They are looking and thinking about trade is there daily lives, and are sending me interesting articles that they are coming across. Here are a few links:<br />Exports Help Narrow Trade Gap (NYT) <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/business/14cnd-trade.html?_r=1&oref=slogin">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/business/14cnd-trade.html?_r=1&oref=slogin</a><br /><br />WTO Ruling Against China on Car Parts<br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080213/ap_on_bi_ge/wto_china_auto_parts">http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080213/ap_on_bi_ge/wto_china_auto_parts</a><br /><br />Creative Capitalism<br /><a href="http://www.nextbillion.net/blogs/2008/01/31/panelists-take-on-creative-capitalism">http://www.nextbillion.net/blogs/2008/01/31/panelists-take-on-creative-capitalism</a><br /><br />Education Issues in Trade<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_06/b4070032762393.htm?chan=magazine+channel_news&campaign_id=rss_daily" target="l">http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_06/b4070032762393.htm?chan=magazine+channel_news&campaign_id=rss_daily</a><br /><br />Read on friends!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-17228959601605017302008-02-08T10:11:00.000-05:002008-02-08T10:30:10.308-05:00InspirationI had an amazing, girl-power day yesterday! I pulled my girls and a friend out of school WAY early to go and see, hear and meet Hillary Clinton. What an inspiration for us! She is so brilliant and gracious. And overall, it was just an incredibly special experience for my young girls to see the political process up close and working, regardless of the candidate. But of course I was thrilled for them to meet and listen to what could be the nation's first female president - they truly got the message that they can do anything from her! She is such a wonderful role model for them. And, of course, she is just so knowledgeable and smart on the issues, and is actually a great speaker. She gets panned for her speaking abilities so often in the media, I was actually surprised (pleasantly so, of course) at the extent to which that characterization is not true. She was also incredibly gracious with my girls and their friends, signing autographs, posing for pictures, shaking hands (which my older daughter then refused to wash all night!) She enthralled my older daughter, who listened carefully to her speech, asked questions about it afterwards, and parsed the issues and ideas. An amazing day!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R6x0uZ5KlRI/AAAAAAAAAA0/Ibrp7VOjP7s/s1600-h/Jan+Feb+2008+(4th+gr+musical+GG+Hillary+etc)+243.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164631213260576018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R6x0uZ5KlRI/AAAAAAAAAA0/Ibrp7VOjP7s/s200/Jan+Feb+2008+(4th+gr+musical+GG+Hillary+etc)+243.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R6x1Kp5KlTI/AAAAAAAAABE/b2CGMvxUxr4/s1600-h/Jan+Feb+2008+(4th+gr+musical+GG+Hillary+etc)+241.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164631698591880498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R6x1Kp5KlTI/AAAAAAAAABE/b2CGMvxUxr4/s200/Jan+Feb+2008+(4th+gr+musical+GG+Hillary+etc)+241.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164631419419006242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R6x06Z5KlSI/AAAAAAAAAA8/uSAmfzCsh7U/s200/Jan+Feb+2008+(4th+gr+musical+GG+Hillary+etc)+256.jpg" border="0" />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-57441489674234878562008-02-07T11:06:00.000-05:002008-02-07T11:07:25.701-05:00Fame!A small, local Arlington paper printed a story about my recent road trip to New Hampshire for Hillary! I not only turned it around for her, I am now famous for it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?paper=60&cat=127&article=93213">http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?paper=60&cat=127&article=93213</a>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-13040516725177911492008-01-30T09:40:00.001-05:002008-01-30T09:41:08.744-05:00Currency and OlympicsFor anyone interested in learning a bit more about the currency manipulation issues, the GAO put out a good report on this issue: <a href="http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05351.pdf">http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05351.pdf</a>.<br /><br />Also, for papers, can anyone think of a good topic related to the Olympics in China?Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-14495539526281405252008-01-28T10:25:00.001-05:002008-01-28T10:26:23.214-05:00More Paper IdeasI am posting them as I think of them...<br /><br />Restrictions on trade in sugar: why? good? bad? what does it mean for environmental issues? can it ever change or are lobbies too strong? should it change?Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-35771789018783892902008-01-25T18:02:00.001-05:002008-01-25T18:07:41.473-05:00More Paper TopicsOK, a few more paper ideas:<br /><br />Trade with Cuba: Can we open to Cuba? Should we? Who should benefit? Who will benefit?<br /><br />Microfinancing: what is it, what has it done, why is it important for women?<br /><br />Powerful global companies from...the developing world. Why and how are the growing? What does this mean?<br /><br /><br />Also, please read: <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/talk/financial/2008/01/28/080128ta_talk_surowiecki/">http://www.newyorker.com/talk/financial/2008/01/28/080128ta_talk_surowiecki/</a><br />For discussion Wednesday. Had anyone heard of Tata before reading this? What do you think?Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-40543576279917692382008-01-25T14:57:00.000-05:002008-01-25T15:13:03.659-05:00Class OneOK, started my class this week. It went pretty well, but for the fact that the bookstore ordered the wrong book so no one did the reading (and I KNOW they would have all done it!:-))<br /><br />So we went over some basics, and asked a lot of questions that we hope to examine and answer throughout the semester.<br /><br />Students: start thinking about paper topics!! Some ideas: <br /><br />Alleged currency manipulation by the People’s Republic of China (PRC); are new international trade rules needed to regulate currency levels? Should the U.S. press China on this issue? Can it?<br /><br />The role of electronic commerce in international trade<br /><br />The role of high technology in international trade<br /><br />Is every trade policy decision political? Should it be? Does it have to be?<br /><br />The relationship between international trade and peace, stability, security<br /><br />Free traders and environmentalists: can they both achieve what they strive for in a compatible way, or does one have to lose?<br /><br />The relationship between the U.S. budget deficit and the U.S. trade deficit<br /><br />The agricultural issues of the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations<br /><br />Textiles, Apparel and Footwear: should these items still be restricted in trade?<br /><br />Yahoo, Google, etc: privacy concerns, human rights, and the possible extraterritorial application and effect of U.S. laws<br /><br />Accession of Russia to the World Trade Organization<br /><br />Free trade in the Middle East<br /><br />Role of Wal Mart in international trade<br /><br />WTO Dispute Resolution: is it working? For whom? Does it need to be changed? How?<br /><br />Is trade good or bad for workers?<br /><br />I am open to any of your own ideas and look forward to hearing them!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-90493624563587022552008-01-25T14:54:00.000-05:002008-01-25T14:57:38.500-05:00Me, in the NYTsI was in the New York Times today! Well, my name wasn't, but my college roommate wrote a story and referenced me, in cognito!!<br /><br /><a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/travel/escapes/25ritual.html?ref=escapes">http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/travel/escapes/25ritual.html?ref=escapes</a><br /><br />My roommate is a fabulous writer, and, of course, a fantastic skiier! She is also an amazing mom and person. I am proud and happy to know her.Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-49368356320561035052008-01-25T14:52:00.001-05:002008-01-25T14:54:37.023-05:00Grandma at 90I had a fabulous weekend last weekend. My entire family gathered in upstate NY to celebrate the 90th birthday of my grandmother. She has 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren. All were there. Her kids were there. Her siblings and their kids were there. It snowed every day. We had so much fun celebrating and playing and sledding and throwing snowballs and everything else. Everyone should go to every family gathering they can, particularly when they are honoring such a special matriarch!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-38297083011366519502008-01-14T13:57:00.000-05:002008-01-14T13:59:23.412-05:00More On Hillary - EconomicsAs I have said, when you look at substance, it is hard not to support Hillary. Check out Krugman's most recent column in the New York Times. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/opinion/14krugman.html?em&ex=1200459600&en=0a7286ad193e4822&ei=5087%0A">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/opinion/14krugman.html?em&ex=1200459600&en=0a7286ad193e4822&ei=5087%0A</a>. As he points out, don't we want someone who actually knows what she is talking about??Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-20033490341159900812008-01-14T11:51:00.000-05:002008-01-14T11:57:16.127-05:00Changing the World, One Snow Ball at a TimeAs you know, my inspiring daughters BOTH gave up birthday presents to raise money for the planet on their most recent birthdays. Most recently, my youngest asked party attendees to bring donations for the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. <a href="http://www.pewclimate.org/">http://www.pewclimate.org/</a>. We had the party. I have to confess, I was sort of the mother of they year on this one. She really wanted a "snow" party, and to have a snow ball fight. It is not anywhere near snowing in the DC Metro area, but I had to try to deliver. So, I went to a nearby ice rink, and asked if they would fill two coolers with snow from the zamboni. They delivered! Without a thought they let me haul in my coolers, and fill them. We had an amazing snowball fight on party day!! <br /><br />Thanks to Mary Smaragdis, also mother of the year, who lent me not only one of the coolers that I used, but also beautiful glass snowflakes for decorating the house, and tons of craft supplies so that we could "make" snowflakes as an activity! We were in a winter wonderland when it was 60 degrees outside!!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-75255766216245569912008-01-14T11:36:00.000-05:002008-01-14T11:51:41.987-05:00Changing the World, One Door at a Time<div><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R4uQS5hr4II/AAAAAAAAAAM/PSZMzOx1XLU/s1600-h/Winter+2007+through+Martha"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155372852809818242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="160" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R4uQS5hr4II/AAAAAAAAAAM/PSZMzOx1XLU/s320/Winter+2007+through+Martha%27s+B-Day+2008+130.jpg" width="254" border="0" /></a> I went to New Hampshire to work hard for Hillary Clinton. In my view she will make the best next President of the United States. Her dedication to public service throughout her life is quite astounding. And, even more impressive, is that she actually gets done what she sets out to do. I knocked on a lot of doors and talked to people about supporting her. After only a few minutes of listing her accomplishments and plans, it was not too hard to get people to agree. I even convinced an Obama canvaser to re-think her support. Indeed, not one Obama supporter I spoke with could articulate clearly or substantively why he or she was supporting him. If anyone is in doubt about what H<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R4uRV5hr4JI/AAAAAAAAAAU/wDJuNhr_NGw/s1600-h/Winter+2007+through+Martha"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155374003861053586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R4uRV5hr4JI/AAAAAAAAAAU/wDJuNhr_NGw/s200/Winter+2007+through+Martha%27s+B-Day+2008+126.jpg" border="0" /></a>illary can accomplish as President, read her wikipedia entry - a concise overview of what she has already done. It is incredible how many people she has already helped. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton</a>. I also met Bill - shook his hand and got his autograph!</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R4uSa5hr4MI/AAAAAAAAAAs/voW3rsdBVkY/s1600-h/Winter+2007+through+Martha"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155375189272027330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R4uSa5hr4MI/AAAAAAAAAAs/voW3rsdBVkY/s200/Winter+2007+through+Martha%27s+B-Day+2008+149.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155374248674189474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wieBmBiUEbU/R4uRkJhr4KI/AAAAAAAAAAc/_h29ZYZksCI/s200/Winter+2007+through+Martha%27s+B-Day+2008+144.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-38611268195236953582008-01-04T23:34:00.000-05:002008-01-04T23:38:54.818-05:00Amazing PeopleI went to college with some amazing people. I am going to start highlighting some of them here. First up is Christopher Smith, who founded and runs his own design firm. Poking around his website just made me happy that there are managers and people out there who think like he does. Check him out at <a href="http://www.eastmaindesign.com/">http://www.eastmaindesign.com/</a>. I also am starting to check out a former classmate's blog: <a href="http://greeneconomics.blogspot.com/">http://greeneconomics.blogspot.com/</a>. He is a professor at UCLA, and so far I am liking his blog!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-61585973057251122282008-01-04T12:09:00.000-05:002008-01-04T12:15:57.382-05:00Equal BillingOK, I think I short changed my OTHER child yesterday. While the upcoming birthday gift is giving up gifts to change the world by collecting donations for the Pew Center, my OTHER child has already changed the world a bit and deserves credit. This past summer, in lieu of gifts, she collected donations for the World Wildlife Fund. <a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/">http://www.worldwildlife.org/</a>. BOTH my children have already changed the world at least a bit, and have started an excellent birthday tradition in our household. They are both inspirations for me everyday.<br /><br />Also, I have realized that I am BAD at remembering to include links on this blog, and have to get in that habit. To find out more about, or or to donate to, the excellent Pew Center, check it out at <a href="http://www.pewclimate.org/">http://www.pewclimate.org/</a>. <br /><br />Hillary Clinton's campaign is at <a href="http://www.hillaryclinton.com/">http://www.hillaryclinton.com/</a>.Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-68611347655750676422008-01-03T09:56:00.001-05:002008-01-03T10:01:00.893-05:00Happy New YearHappy New Year! This year I am going to do a lot of things, I can feel it. My class starts in a few weeks and I am preparing for that. My kids are growing up. My five year old has decided, in lieu of gifts, to collect donations for the Pew Center on Global Climate Change at her birthday party. She is my inspiration to help change the world right now! For my (first) mission, I am headed up to New Hampshire this weekend to work for Senator Clinton's presidential campaign. I am all about girl power, and making it happen. I just read a quote by Madeline <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Albright</span>: "There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women." I agree with that, and I do NOT want to go to that place!:-)! I am going to help Senator Clinton as much as I can!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-43581237903326348072007-12-20T13:25:00.000-05:002007-12-20T13:34:27.518-05:00Out with the Old, In with the NewFor the past three days I have been cleaning out our playroom. I do this cleaning extravaganza every year at Christmas time as a way to get rid of old or broken toys, books that haven't been read all year, and whatever else I might find that really no longer needs to be in the playroom. Such cleaning gets rid of the old and broken, and makes way for the new toys that are already wrapped and under the tree (mostly from Grandma!) I am a pack rat by nature, so I always have a bit of a difficult time getting rid of old things that my kids have played with for a long time, but have now outgrown. This year, however, I was ruthless. I pitched and pitched and gave away and gave away. I pitched all the baby toys that they have outgrown (OK, except for my two favorite ones!). I pitched toys they still play with if they were broken (a favorite stuffed animal is missing an ear - I pitched it!). I got rid of the bouncy seat (or what we called the "dinner chair" as we could put the chair in vibrating mode and have enough quiet baby time in which to eat dinner). I got rid of another favorite baby toy that I had been hanging on to for no reason except that both my kids had loved it when they were infants. I felt great, relieved and had a CLEAN, ORGANIZED playroom.<br /><br />The morning after pitching all these things, I found out one of my newest friends is pregnant! My baby stuff was too old and worn to pass on to her, but I was wishing that I could, and I was ecstatic in sharing with her her new beginning, just as I closed out the baby stuff period (OK, I still have many baby CLOTHES in my attic!:-)) in my house.Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-1508776589330954262007-12-18T09:30:00.001-05:002007-12-20T13:25:07.554-05:00A Little NostalgiaLast night I played my last hockey game of 2007. I also played my last game with my gloves, gloves that I have played with for 23 years. The leather on the hands are completely worn out. My fingers poke out the sides of the finger pads. They smell REALLY BADLY. But I love these gloves because they have seen so much, have been with me for so much, traveled so much. They are hand me downs from a good college friend. I am looking forward to breaking in my new gloves, and hope that I can play for another 23 years to give them a fair shot at a special place in my memory banks!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-63048253263008149772007-12-17T14:43:00.000-05:002007-12-17T14:57:02.673-05:00NYC for the HolidaysI have just returned from a weekend in NYC. Growing up in Connecticut we went to NYC frequently. We had a family tradition of going to the city at holiday time, strolling 5th Avenue, gawking at the moving windows and the skaters at Rockefeller Center, and perhaps taking in the Nutcracker. I have tried to continue this tradition with my kids, even though the trip is a bit longer. We went this weekend, met my mom and Leo (her SO), and had a perfect day. We found parking for $12 all day. We ate at a deli. We saw an amazing model train display at the Citicorp Building. <a href="http://dunhamstudios.com/cititour.htm">http://dunhamstudios.com/cititour.htm</a>. We saw the moving windows at Saks and Lord and Taylor (Lord and Taylor's are the best, our family decided). We watched the skaters under the big tree at Rockefeller Center. <a href="http://www.rockefellercenter.com/home.html">http://www.rockefellercenter.com/home.html</a>. We saw the Grinch on Broadway. We ate at Maria Pia (chosen, of course, because my name is Maria!) and we had perfect, cold, crisp weather. Perfect, just perfect. Anyone who can should visit New York during the holidays!<br /><br />I am also jazzed today because one of my favorite people has agreed to guest lecture during my teaching experience. He is an amazing IP attorney who works for Microsoft, and one of the kindest, smartest people I will ever know. My students are in for a treat this spring!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120691918376140536.post-32834986895091683302007-12-14T11:36:00.001-05:002007-12-14T11:43:58.163-05:00My PurposeI am new to the blogging world. I am beginning this blog mainly because, in the spring, I will be teaching a course on international trade at George Mason University's School of Public Policy. I thought a blog would be a great way to inform my students about events they might be interested in attending, groups they might want to join, and posting various readings and articles of importance to the class.<br /><br />My purpose is also to learn for myself about new media and communicating through new media. I have a great friend who works for Sun, and she was the one who opened my mind and made me think that I should blog as a way of communicating with students, and anyone else interested! She has a great blog, a blog I love and now have an addiction for (and not just because I have been mentioned twice!). You should definitely check her out at <a href="http://blogs.sun.com/mary/">http://blogs.sun.com/mary/</a>. She gave me great advice for blogging: authenticity and frequency. I will adhere to those principles to the best of my abilities!<br /><br />It is a glorious day in Arlington, Virginia today (despite dire predictions for an incoming storm). A perfect day for rake leafing and other need yard work. Enjoy!Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17776390823764995057noreply@blogger.com1