My Portfolio Website

Check out my portfolio site:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/bmj121

Nothing fancy, but it took me a while to do, and I did it all myself in Dreamweaver.

Learn Something

I have been doing research for a couple of papers and part of my focus is on Rwanda, specifically the genocide in 1994. If you're not familiar with it, a good research start point is: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ghosts/
The interviews are amazing, as are some of the people.
Anyway, I have seen the film Ghosts of Rwanda four times now. And each time I just wonder what I am supposed to do with this incredible knowledge and awareness. I mean, what good is this awareness if I do absolutely nothing? And it is particularly important because right now, at this very moment, a very similar situation is occuring in Sudan. If you're not familiar with this, a good research start point is: http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101041004/photoessay/
So, one cannot say that there is nothing to worry about. That there is peace in the world. So, what do we do? Personally, I would like to go to Sudan to try to do something. But is this realistic? Pathetically, I, we can sit here and talk about it while hundreds die. I can wonder if it is a good idea to go there and try to do something. Is my desire to go there selfish? Am I just trying to appease my conscience, knowing full well that more likely than not, my presence in Sudan will do little, if any good. But maybe, just maybe, I can make a difference. I don't know how, but just maybe I can be the positive influence in a small part of this world.

People

I was looking through the email that I got while I was overseas. Yes, I kept all of it! It's interesting to see who kept in touch and who didn't. It's weird because people seem to want to be closer to you when you're farthest away. But when you're standing right in front of them, they seem to lose interest. I'm probably just as guilty as anyone else.
Those missed opportunities. Those mistakes that may have cost a relationship. Being human has it's benefits and its costs.