International Annapolis

I’ve been away from my blog post too long… it happens. Life happens and suddenly there just isn’t enough time in the day and when I do have time I need to take a break from the computer. (How to get rid of those tired red eyes?) But at any rate, I feel compelled to write about a few things on my mind. One is to plug What’s Up? magazines upcoming Annapolis Forum tomorrow night. Last month I listened to a fascinating presentation from the Syrian Ambassador to the U.S. and the discussion that followed was quite provocative. Tomorrow at the Loews Hotel, in the Windjammer Room, will be Photojournalist Ben Barber, editor of the United States Agency for International Development magazine Frontlines and Dr. Hayden Bellenoit, United States Naval Academy Assistant Professor of South Asian History, discussing the direction of two of the most vital allies in the war against terrorism—Afghanistan and Pakistan. Topics are likely to include who is ahead in the battle against Al Qaeda? Along with, what is going on in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan? To sign up go to www. WhatsUpMag.com
Totally unrelated to Annapolis Forum, but slightly related to international relations are the Winter Olympics which I have been sporadically viewing, mostly along with the nightly news. But I do have a weakness for figure skating, and particularly am enamoured by Ice Dancing. Ice Dancing has been a popular subject with bloggers lately because several have been writing about their distaste for some of the garish costumes while others do not think that Ice Dancing qualifies for a sport.
It certainly takes athletic prowess, skill, and yes grace to win an Olympic medal in Ice Dancing. It also requires a sense of rhythmn, focus, and timing to execute the moves to sychronize with your partner. I am captivated, even if some of the costumes are ugly. The power and beauty of movement, several of the couples were able to project to those of us in the audience viewing their moves on the television screen was inspirational. I felt uplifted, which is a positive thing so as far as I am concerned, long live Ice Dancing!