Writing

Words pour from my lips in exaggerated optimism, but ink and keyboards tempt me to confess.

Shortcuts:
Papers
Prose
Poetry

I write for myself, to be writing.

On paper or a computer screen, I entertain the ideas I avoid in the daylight. I waltz with the skeleton from the closet and do summer-saults with the dust bunnies which had been swept under the rug; my pride plays a board game with my worry, my memories take tea with my imagination (two sugars and some cream, please). There's something about picking up a pen that seems to suggest "the truth or nothing but - " and I try to oblige.

And, occasionally, I open an inscrutably-named word doc or flip over a spare sheet of paper and discover something interesting enough to share.

Papers: research and analysis

Social hierarchy and dominance in chimpanzee communities : May 2008

Analysis of the differences in social hierarchy and dominance between wild and captive chimpanzee communities as a result of cultural adaptation. (Originally written for the International Baccalaureate program at NPHS, Extended Essay.) Culmination of research at the Los Angeles Zoo and independent field work.

Military Intervention vs Humanitarian Aid in the Middle East: April 2005

The Comparative Effectiveness of Military Intervention vs. Humanitarian Aid in Resolving the Middle Eastern Internal and International Conflicts and Creating Stability Within the Region. (Originally written for the International Baccalaureate program at NPHS.)

Role of CIA in overthrow of Mossadegh: Jan 2007

What Was the Role of the US CIA in the 1953 Overthrow of Iranian President Mossadegh? (Originally written for the International Baccalaureate program at NPHS, internal assessment for World History class.)

Prose: essays, narratives, and commentary

Learning to Say Hello: Jan 2007

I didn't realize how much I'd learned to appreciate being greeted until I came back home and had to relearn the skill of politely avoiding a stranger's eyes while walking down a street - though, in my trial and error, I quickly realized it wasn't a skill I wanted, and that the joy in greeting wasn't limited to Tanzania. I've made sure to continue saying hello to strangers older and richer than me, younger and poorer, to people I know well, people serving me, and people I'm serving. I get some odd looks but I also get surprised, grateful smiles - and, occasionally, they say hello in return.

Safari Shopping in Arusha: Dec 2007

Tips on bargaining for a budget safari in Arusha, from personal experience. Most importantly: Don't ride on top of the car. Even if it does feel like flying.

"Are you Christian?": Dec 2007

An atheist's dilemma in East Africa; or, sidestepping theological fistfights.

Common Denominators: Soy Sauce and Chilies: Jan 2008

We start the first morning off by grinding soy beans and making our own soy milk and tofu. Lunch is Pad Thai and Papaya Salad (long shaved strips of papaya with carrots and tomatoes, coated in a spicy sauce made from crushed green chilies, soy sauce, tamarind broth and more). Spring Rolls, Green Curry, and Noodles in a Vegetable Gravy for dinner.

Poetry

2008

2007 & earlier