Remembering September 11

KATIE DAY WEISBERGER

Remembering September 11th? I don't think anyone really quite forgot. The United States sure didn't.


A tragedy happened on September 11, 2001. The United States of yore stood alone as the world’s only superpower. It felt invincible, and its people felt protected, safe. When the Twin Towers fell, the innocence and the feeling of security vanished up in the same flames that engulfed the World Trade Center. Consequently, a new attitude was adopted; one defined by fear, and spurred by a mission of vindication. Since then, the United States has been battered by Hurricane Katrina, started and tried to end two wars, endured a financial meltdown, and most recently; a political paralysis. Without a doubt, September 11 was an important day; one that has defined the United States of the past decade.

Yet, we are not defined by tragedy as much as we are defined by how we respond to it. This is where true character comes out. It is becoming apparent that while the rest of the world moved on, America was still glaring into the past. Today marks the ten-year anniversary of the incident. The ones responsible have been brought to justice and the ideals of terrorism have been forced to go into hiding. It is time America moved on as well.

It all has to start with forgiveness. It is the only way. But GOD, it is so hard forgive the people and ideology that has killed family and friends of people affected. How can they be forgiven? Well consider this: the whole concept of terrorism spawned from the depths of a group’s hate for the West. The only way to surmount hate is forgiveness.

But hey, no one said it was going to be easy.

China's Dependence on Coal

China is the world's largest carbon emitter. This is because 70% of China's energy generation comes from the dirty fossil fuel, coal. Even in Shanghai, one of the world's largest metropolitans, huge ships can be seen hauling coal to the power plants. The otherwise beautiful morning at the Bund overlooking the Pudong skyline is tainted by irresponsible and unsustainable growth.

Here Comes

Here comes summer,
Here comes summer,
Chirping robin, budding rose.
Here comes summer,
Here comes summer,
Gentle showers, summer clothes.
Here comes summer,
Here comes summer—
Whoosh—shiver—there it goes.

                     - Shel Silverstein (A Light in the Attic)

hoF

My good friend Anthony took us all to an amazing lunch/cafe restaurant in the French Concession area of Puxi. The name of the place is hoF (House of Flour). They offer French dishes and specialize in chocolate desserts. Needless to say, believers in Atkins should not come here.

According to their website:

hoF is the first chocolate-dessert-wine-cocktail lounge concept in China that specializes in handmade artisan chocolates and premium desserts. hoF blends a vibrant lounge atmosphere with quality offerings to create the perfect destination for your evening out.

hoF was conceptualized to provide great chocolates and desserts in a lounge setting in Shanghai.Our philosophy is straightforward; we strive to create the finest chocolates and desserts in Shanghai. Our passionate and highly-skilled team uses the best ingredients to produce edible creations of the highest quality.

Check it out. The address is 30 Sinan Lu, near Huihai Zhong Lu.

PS. The Iced Chocolate Freeze is mouthgasmic.

Math Teachers

Sometimes shit happens...a lot. The best thing to do is just let it go.

Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.  ~Mark Twain