Year of the Water Dragon

Whoa. Whoa. Could 2012 be predicted more divergently? The Mayans tell me that doomsday will strike in the middle of last-minute Christmas shopping at Target. The Chinese are telling me its the luckiest year in the Zodiac. Well, the Chinese are scheduled for an booming economy in the next century. The Mayans were subdued by Spain in the seventeenth century. I am also writing a thesis, graduating from a master’s program, and getting married in 2012–and don’t want my last moments on this planet to be spent in a Target. The following artistic rendition articulates which civilization I’m supporting:

As an American interested in diplomacy, what an appropriate year to lean toward such a colossal country–on February 27, American and Chinese officials and citizens alike will celebrate forty years of joint efforts to work toward diplomatic relations. As part of the Josef Korbel School’s Public Diplomacy Speaker Series, we welcomed Mike Chinoy to Denver this past week. Mr. Chinoy has contributed immensely to the development of U.S.-China Relations through his work as CNN Beijing Bureau Chief from 1987-1995, winning the Emmy and Peabody Awards for his coverage of Tiananmen Square in 1989. Mr. Chinoy visited with students and promoted his multi-part documentary Assignment China, which offers a glimpse into the process of American reporting on China over the last forty years. He previewed the chapter “The Week That Changed the World,” highlighting the experiences of America’s first reporters and media personalities who accompanied President Nixon to China in 1972. The film is an incredible achievement–a major contribution to the archives of the complex U.S.-China diplomacy.

As someone whose regional focus lies in the Middle East, the film’s subject matter captivated me–America’s China conversation is another example of the awe, interest, and fear that dominate our perceptions of a region unexplored by the American masses. For example, a decade ago my high school economics teacher put up a trend analysis of the Chinese and U.S. economies. As we went into the future, China’s rising economy intersected with the declining U.S. line. He pointed to that intersection and claimed that this indicated a future conflict with China. That was the image of China provided to me as a teenager: a competitor and inevitable enemy. No doubt China possesses a set of norms that can fluster our Government, businesses, and active citizens from time to time . . . but we also share a rich political, economic, and cultural exchange. In modern terms, if the United States and China were dating on Facebook, I imagine “it’s complicated” would be the choice description.

And if we are to assume that the Chinese Zodiac is an indicator of the U.S.-China relationship in 2012, it deserves a more nuanced look.  According to my deep survey of Google links, the Chinese Zodiac attaches one of five elements–wood,fire, earth, metal, and water–with every dragon year to further explain the behavior of the animal sign.  Water is the element attached to the dragon in 2012.  The dragon is proud and powerful, but water is viewed as a source of creativity. This particular combination occurs every 60 years, and represents a time in which even the most powerful are willing to listen to the weaker. Let’s hope the Year of the Water Dragon produces a strong alliance and reasonable diplomacy for the U.S.-China relationship.

Korbel Episode II: Attack of the Loans

So continues the second chapter of my grad school saga! As suggested by the title of this blog, it’s been both a nerdy and epic year . . .

It’s also going to be a frugal year. But keeping up with the Joneses has never been easier—we’re all on a budget! In planning for life after Korbel, I’ve reduced my student loans for this year—and I’m feeling the pinch. But it’s amazing what innovations have grown out of my newfound fiscal responsibility:

Travel

After discovering that walking to Korbel from my apartment was no longer energy-efficient, I now ride a bike to school. Not only do I save on shoe wear-and-tear, I avoid wasting time talking to my wealthier friends who still walk. Time spent on the many howdy-dos could be time better spent drafting another memo that I’m getting paid for at my work-study job. In such desperate times, cordiality can be costly.

Not now, Erica King!

Food

My friends and I recently discovered Denver’s best-kept secret for Happy Hour—Red Robin. Now, the last time I ate at this chain was after seeing Gladiator at Potomac Mills Mall with friends in high school. Those were the days when shopping for new clothes, buying a movie ticket, and then ending the night with a burger and fries was parents’ pocket change. But now that I can’t even afford to walk, $3.00 drafts, $3.50 premium mixed drinks, and $3.00 appetizers after 8pm is unbeatable! And it’s conveniently located near the Lincoln lightrail station—a free round trip for DU students!

Shelter

In order to cut back on the electrical bill, I’ve designed an energy-efficient food storage device—the Tüler! Simply stack two coolers, and voila! Both freezer and refrigerator are now mobile, and food has never been more easy-to-reach or faster to thaw!

Now that's going green!

Entertainment

My large ears don’t work well with the iconic white ‘ear buds’ that come with the iPod (a pre-grad school purchase, thank you very much). Sadly, my wrap-around earphones recently croaked, leaving me with the unalterable buds. Alas, the frugal mind spawns creative genius. Taking a spare twist-tie, I wrap one end tightly around my ear bud and bend the remaining length snugly around my ear. Test-driven in Wash Park, this clever device kept “Eye of the Tiger” in my ear for the full run—and saved me a $19.95 replacement purchase.

iKnow what you're thinking . . . "Genius"

Appearance

I haven’t shopped for new clothes in a while. I’ve also kept a beard and allowed my hair to grow out. Thankfully, a certain level of unkemptness is expected among Colorado’s mountain dwellers. The Josef Korbel School, however, frequently operates du jour—especially when distinguished guests are in town. But it’s still entirely possible to stay fashionable while going into debt. A closely trimmed Verdi and hair held back with electric red wayfarers whispers confidently to the scrutinizing world, “I go to Korbel. I wear what I want.” Let’s examine the picture below of myself with alumnus General George Casey, Jr. and Dean Christopher Hill.

Yes. Confidence. The noticeable lack of tie was actually my nod to the hip dress code at Google. And if we look down at the shoes I’m wearing, on loan from Kimberly-Clarke’s Puffs Collection, we see yet another application of budget-induced fashion innovation.

Cooler than Toms.

Even if you don’t desire to be frugal, plan your finances accordingly before making the decision to go to grad school. Consider the hefty tuition fees, accompanying interest on loans, and world economic realities that are beyond your control.

That said, the Josef Korbel School is totally worth it.

Adios Summer

Tonight is my first class. But first, what a crazy summer . . .

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Most of my final exams and papers were completed while getting stuck at airports for two days in May, and I had already began my internship at the Institute of International Education (IIE) . Interning at IIE was a great experience–personally and professionally. I assisted with the Denver portion of the International Visitor Leadership Program–a public diplomacy initiative that brings emerging leaders in fields as diverse as nuclear security to fashion design to visit the United States and meet with their U.S. counterparts. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is driven by citizen diplomacy. You can read all about the origins of IVLP if you Google it–but as a person studying diplomacy and having the good fortune to work directly with the program, I believe it to be among the most important federal projects in the United States today. Aside from IVLP, I also dabbled in grant proposal writing–and I’m anxiously awaiting the decision on one of my proposals as it advances into its second round of review . . .

August has been a busy month–and transitional. The Josef Korbel School put on another awesomely successful Korbel Dinner. I had the incredible fortune of shaking the hand of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. It was a bit surreal for someone studying international relations. His speech touched on every contemporary global challenge–obviously the Secretary General is on top of his game. He also subtly nudged the United States to continue pursuing strong relations with the United Nations. I hope the right ears are listening.

I have gradually been piecing together a more solid thesis proposal. I won’t give away my genius idea for fear that someone might steal it, publish it, and make millions–but I will say that the topic complements my fascination with contemporary U.S. diplomacy initiatives. Writing a thesis is going to take a huge chunk of my life at Korbel. If you’re considering writing a thesis while you are here, start yesterday. I’ve been gathering preliminary research since this time last year, yet I feel as though I have only just begun. Worse comes to worse, I’ll just turn in my sixth grade Adopt-A-Country project and hope for the best.

But it wasn’t all work and no play for Cliff Martin this summer. No, sir. I traveled with my girlfriend to her family reunion at a lake in Tennessee. It was the most relaxing weekend of the summer. My best friend visited from New York the next week. Amidst my internship and planning for the 14th Annual Korbel Dinner, I flew home for my mother and grandfather’s respective milestone birthdays in July. It was actually to celebrate three generations of birthday milestones–mine too. We had a big bash with family and friends in the humid glory of the East Coast. I ate Helton Burgers at multiple Rockies games, advanced in my Old Chicago World Beer Tour, and I saw Jurassic Park at Film On the Rocks. I also tubed down the St. Vrain, got a bike, and ran the Steamboat Springs Marathon.

My girlfriend also turned into my fiancee. That was the best part of the summer.

2011-2012 will no doubt be a busy and productive year, but I bet I’m going to have some fun too . . .

Korbel: Year One

Yesterday I emailed away my final assignment of the 2010-2011 academic year.  One year of grad school is complete!

This year has flown by . . . I could go on and on about everything I enjoyed doing this year.  Middle East Discussion Group has been an excellent outlet.  Editing papers for the journal has been a great way to continue developing my writing skills.  I have written some of my best (and worst) papers.  I’ve met brilliant professors and peers.  And I have gained some solid friendships.  All around, August 2010-June 2011 turned out to be a fantastic first half of my life as a graduate student.  Of course, I’ve learned plenty along the way . . .

Five Lessons Learned:

1) Stay busy, but not too busy.

Get involved.  Join the Middle East Discussion Group.  Train for a marathon.  But always put your coursework ahead of everything else.  I learned this lesson the hard way during Winter Quarter.  Long story, but it culminated in me staying up for 48 hours straight writing three twenty-five page papers (one turned out to be fifty–with pictures).  I did an extraordinary job on one.  Pretty darn good on the second.  And just abysmally on the third.  I also felt soulless surviving off fast-food and 5-hour energy during that period.   I admit that I prepared research ahead of time, but I totally could have done a better job with time management in the weeks prior to the writing process.

2) Get out when you can

This sounds crazy after that first lesson.  But every student needs to leave the University Park neighborhood once in a while.  Go out downtown.  Ski in the mountains.  Hop in your car and drive 100 miles in any direction–you’re bound to see something incredible.  Whatever you do, don’t stick around Korbel for your evenings or weekends.  Even if you have work to do, make time for yourself to step out of the beautifully chaotic world of international studies.

3) Do your readings

I actually was pretty committed to my readings.  Why?  Because I was not going to be the fool who tried to bull-*** their way through a class discussion.  Those people might as well not show up to class.  Your professors may not comment, but you might end up being ambiguously referenced on someone’s blog.

4) Talk to your professors during office hours

There is a reason your professors have their doors open for several hours a week.  Walk-in, introduce yourself, and tell them why you’re taking their class.  Of course, don’t just do this for attention—take advantage of this opportunity to ask them real questions about the topics of the course.  You may or may not win brownie points, but you will have a better grasp as to who is teaching you, where they are coming from, and what they expect from you in class and as an individual student.

5) Get to know the people around you

Say hello to the person who sits next to you in class for ten weeks.  Introduce yourself to the people at the library.  Get to know the administration and staff at Korbel.  Everyone here knows something interesting, has crazy life experiences, and may even become your friend.  You never know when staying in touch with the right person could provide leads on the best courses to take, offer inside info on careers/internships, or good ideas about where to eat in this town.

Final Grades are posted next week . . . hopefully I won’t have any lessons to add.  For now, I will continue to digest my celebratory prime rib dinner from last night and embrace the many opportunities of the summer.

The Rapture is Naught!

QUICK UPDATE: Post-6PM MST.  So unless God is planning to rapture the good state of California—which is in desperate need of some redemptive measures these days—it looks like we’re all still here.

sigh

Looks like I have to put the autobiography on hold and get back to being a graduate student–which, come to think, is actually a lot like being the state of California.  I’m relatively liberal-minded, preoccupied with multiple cultures, and amounting massive debt.

The Rapture is Nigh!

Don’t forget to turn off your ovens, folks!  If all goes according to Harold Camping’s convoluted calculations, on Saturday May 21 the rapture will be upon us!  I’ve only just become aware of this development.  I wonder if Harold Camping is in cahoots with the Mayans . . . apparently, God is also going to destroy the entire planet five months after this weekend’s rapture.  That’s believable.  Also, Camping said there are only 200 million spots available for the rapture.  But I can’t  find a website selling tickets, nor can I imagine purchasing a ticket to heaven on a grad student’s budget.  Sadly, therefore, chances are high that I will be left behind.  This means I am left with a mere five months before the world ends.   If that’s the case, then I have several things I must do:

1) Write my autobiography. I haven’t done much, but I bet I could put together a few choice anecdotes to make for an inspiring life tale.  Maybe I’ll make most of it up like Greg Mortenson.  I could call it Apocryphal Apocalypse: Clifton Martin’s Journey to the End of the World.

2) Eat at Casa Bonita.  I have been saying for months since my arrival to Denver that I would eat at Eric Cartman’s favorite restaurant.  The food is reputed to be edible, though not recommended for consumption.  Maybe the cooks will be raptured ahead of my visit.  Who knows?  Point is, one of my final dining experiences damn well better include flame jugglers, cliff divers, and a hunter chasing a man in a gorilla suit.

3) Complete my World Beer Tour at Old Chicago.  According to the tour requirements, I must drink 110 beers to complete a full tour.  I currently have 48 different beers under my belt, leaving a mere 62 to imbibe.  At a limit of four beers per visit, that means I only need 16 more outings to Old Chicago if I start tonight.  Of course, with 156 days left until the complete annihilation of the planet, I should be able to complete at least five additional tours!

4) Tour the White House.  Despite visiting every museum, memorial, and historic site in Washington–and even living right up the street from the President at one point– I have never joined an official White House tour.  Now hopefully the global meliorist spirit of the White House will overshadow some of its recent world blunders.  If not, then maybe I will get a firsthand glimpse of the nation’s top public officials in action!

5) Finish LOST.  I finally watched all of Season 3 before the beginning of the Spring Quarter.  The first two discs of Season 4 are still checked out at the University of Denver’s library.  If that tardy patron gets raptured on Saturday, then this will further complicate matters.  I definitely don’t want to have to buy the DVDs–why waste my World Beer Tour money?  And renting is out of the question since the Red Box revolution.  Maybe inter-library loan?  Regardless, I must dscover for myself the fate of those who survived Oceanic Airlines flight 815.

These are really the only things I can see myself completing before life and the world as I know it ceases to be.  I’d also like to travel all over the Middle East and maybe start a small herb garden.  I anticipate the inevitable destruction of the earth will push me to be more experimental in the kitchen.  I would say more time with family and friends, but I assume that some of them will be gone after this weekend.  Of course, whoever is left is more than welcome to join me as I complete my life’s to-do list!

American moments

Last night I watched the first African-American President of the United States announce that American forces killed the man responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001.

I think a closer look at the various parts of that sentence will better convey my feelings.  In November 2008 Barack Obama was elected as the first African-American President of the United States while I was living in Yemen.  I stayed up all night watching BBC in the mafraaj of my school.   A man who rose rapidly to the political forefront as a junior senator the year I first voted was now driving millions to the U.S. polls—and to his speeches.  But when Senator Obama was declared the victor, it was early in the morning as the sun rose in the east.  I took a picture of that sky so I would always remember where I was when I felt the impact of a leap forward in American history–despite being oceans away.

 

Yesterday night I stopped writing a paper as the world learned of the successful conclusion to the decade-long mission to capture Osama bin Laden dead or alive.  Now a MA student at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, I rapidly sent Facebook messages to friends all over the world, and called my mom in Virginia.  Her tone was one of solemn enthusiasm—a tone that is unconditionally warranted when we understand a moment of closure in history.  Of course, the dangers of terrorism and its ideology will persist and will require strategies beyond covert operations and a greater focus on dialogue and building trust.  But for now, anyone touched by 9/11 ought to embrace this sense of closure.

On the morning of September 11, 2001 I sat in chemistry class twenty miles from Washington, DC when the principal announced that the World Trade Center had been attacked.  Shortly after the Pentagon was hit, controlled chaos overtook my high school as lines formed in front of the main office and family arrived to pick up students.  We did not hear from my father, who worked in Washington, until after ten o’clock that night.  This American moment was palpably close.  Over the subsequent days, in between repeated footage of the Twin Towers crumbling to the ground, we watched as members of Congress sang on the steps of the Capitol, joined with Americans of all types in candlelight vigils, and stood in lines outside flag shops and American memorabilia stands in the mall.  Tragedy was met with the strength of our national spirit.

These are three distinct moments in my lifetime that I have felt the pages turning in American history.   To say they make me proud is incorrect.  I have always been proud of who I am—and being American is part of who I am.  But national pride is not an easy feeling for any American who studies the world and takes opportunities to live abroad.  Your pride is challenged when you are reminded of the damage your nation has done throughout the world.  But, there are always victories and tragedies such as these—and to get through them requires understanding our stake in the world and a level of humility to permit ourselves to do what is right by it.  Certainly, this has not always been the case for America.  But the 2008 election, the capture of Osama bin Laden, and the attacks on 9/11 represent moments when America has been capable of changing the status quo, meeting challenge with unwavering determination, and facing tragedy with resilience.  And I will remember these events wherever I am.

Noam Chomsky owes me a beer

Last Thursday, Professor Noam Chomsky visited the University of Denver.

In his remarks on U.S. foreign policy dilemmas, Professor Chomsky discussed the persistent interventionist policies of the United States in its broader efforts to promote stability in the Middle East.   I won’t go into further details about his discussion, which you can read about on Professor Rob Prince’s blog.  I do, however, want to tell you about the experience of “Team Chomsky”–the amazing group of students who devoted their time and energy to bring Noam Chomsky to the University of Denver.

It started with a professor’s email in February requesting a select few students’ assistance in handling the logistics of bringing Professor Chomsky to speak in April.  Having just completed a reading of Fateful Triangle for my “Great Books on the Middle East” course, I was elated to be recruited for this event.  Within two days of that email being sent, Team Chomsky was assembled.  A motley crew of a dozen undergraduate students and two graduates began contacting the offices on campus to make this event a reality.  We raised the money, made the necessary appointments, attended meetings, created websites, distributed tickets, and smoothed out a few logistical bumps along the way.  Of course, were it not for the unconditional support of Professors Rob Prince and Nader Hashemi–Team Chomsky would not have been able to accomplish what it did.

On April 22 at 7:00pm in Hamilton Gymnasium, Professor Chomsky–accompanied by his longtime friend and colleague David Barsamian of Boulder’s Alternative Radio–spoke to a crowd of two-thousand people.  The event concluded without interruption or incident.  All in all, a smashing success for a student-run event with such short notice.

Following the event, Team Chomsky enjoyed a few drinks with our illustrious guests.  I personally bought Professor Chomsky and Dave Barsamian a beer–Colorado Native on tap to be exact.  We discussed a range of topics including the election and direction of the Obama Administration, U.S. international relations programs, and the Israeli-Palestine conflict.  We also touched on less solemn topics such as travel destinations in the United States, Boulder lifestyles, and whether or not Professor Chomsky enjoyed his beer.  He did.  And now he owes me one.

Team Chomsky with Professor Chomsky

An awesome experience with an awesome intellectual.  I will never forget the evening, or the opportunity to work with the very capable members of Team Chomsky who made it all possible.

The Prodigal Son has Returned . . .

Break out the fatted calf everybody. . . it’s been months since I wrote here!

I’ve ‘returned’ quite a bit in the past few weeks.  Just recently, I flew to Williamsburg, VA to present a paper at my alma mater.  The Second Critchfield Conference for Middle East Studies and the American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies (ACSIS) held a joint gathering at the College of William & Mary last week.  It was a wonderful opportunity for academics–both students and career experts alike–of Middle East  and Islamic Studies to engage and update one another on their latest writings and research.

While on the East Coast, I returned home to see my family for a day.  I enjoyed a cookout with friends amidst the beautiful cherry and apple blossoms of Virginia.  And I ate my favorite southern meal for breakfast–biscuits and gravy.  Mmmmmm.

So now I return to Korbel renewed.  In the wake of a successful presentation and quality time with loved ones, I am ready to get back to work.  I have begun an internship at the Institute of International Education (IIE).  Higher education in the Middle East is the subject of paper I presented in Williamsburg.  No doubt, I am so far enjoying being at IIE.  Because the internship is in downtown, I also ride the lightrail at least once a week now. It’s a smooth ride, and I rank it ahead of METRO, MARTA, and BART. Though, the New York subway only remains in contention because of its sheer awesome character.

Despite being a bit busy these days, the Spring Quarter is going really well so far . . . and we’re nearly halfway through it!  My courses and professors are great.  My Democratization in the Middle East course could not be more timely. History of American Diplomacy has led a resurgence in my interest in American Presidents and history.  But I am definitely learning the most information in my Food & Water Security class.  This is a class normally reserved for Master’s in Development Practice Students, but I am among the lucky four who got a seat–thanks to the awesome Office of Student Affairs.  There is a scientific element that has been missing from my education for a few years.  The last science class I took was a geology course in 2006 titled Age of Dinosaurs.  It’s been a great way to broaden my perspective on the issues that effect international relations.  No doubt, food and water security issues are of increasing concern in the Middle East.

Ah, the Middle East . . . there will always be something to study there.  I am hoping to get there this coming summer or winter–hopefully Lebanon or Syria.  Though I am aching to return to Yemen.

Gimme a break

Let it be sung across the land, that at 5:36 AM MST on Tuesday, March 15 and just moments before the last traces of coffee and Five hour energy began to wear off, this graduate student crushed his second quarter at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies.

Mazel tov.

I was so sleep deprived when dropping off a paper in my professor’s mailbox, it was as if I was living the movie Inception.  It was gray and windy outside, the buildings were folding, and I just wanted to get immediately back home.  I was clearly running on empty.  So after a thirteen hour sleep last night, I feel great.

Some sweet things I’ve done since finishing the Winter Quarter:

1) For you South Park fans . . . I ate a prosciutto,corn, and creme fraiche pizza at Pizzeria Locale in Boulder.  Just eat there.  I will say no more.

2) Rented the entire Season 3 of LOST.  I watched all of Season 2 during winter break and I believe that if I can just get through this next season over the remaining four days of spring break, I will make up for it when I return to that Betty Ford clinic for indolence–grad school.

3) Drank a beer outside in seventy degree weather.  And it’s supposed to snow again on Friday.  Then my beer will stay cold.

4) Went to Trivia Night at Old Chicago.  If you have never drank a Gibson, do so.  It is not only delicious, but it may one day win you an answer at Trivia Night.

So I guess it’s just a few things for now . . . but tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, and I’m going camping and seeing dinosaur tracks this weekend.  And then I’m gonna run thirteen miles for my marathon training.  And then I start school again on Monday.  O no–that was too quick.