Just another day...

Craigslist vs. Gumtree

2008-01-10T12:08:00.000Z

What Craigslist is for New York, Gumtree is for London. Having gone through a speedy Craigslist crash course in recent years, Gumtree appeared to be easy play. Admittedly, my enjoyable success at Craigslist was turned into something of a more decent operation on Gumtree. And it happens to be just as victorious. Turns out to be a great catch and I end up in one of London's greatest boroughs in a gigantic (well, for London standards that is) Victorian terrace house with tennis courts literally only two blocks away. Seems as if I finally get to catch up with tennis after never having shown up at my scheduled tennis lesson at the tender age of 11. Lovely Notting Hill is a mere 15-minute walk away and one of my roommates is an artist-in-residence – what else can you ask for?!

Initial impressions made me sense a breeze of New York’s beloved Upper West Side mixed with the charm of the E Village. But I’m sure Queens Park is very likely to reveal to me its very own style and story.

So, what remains to be said is to call upon those who haven’t made it to London yet (or who I wasn’t able to host earlier due to strenuous master times) to jump over and join me for a cup of afternoon English blend tea or a glass of fine scotch whiskey. I'm up for both!

Oz

London 'tis

2007-12-28T20:15:00.000Z

Who would have thought...!?
Who would have thought that after such exuberant gathering of knowledge into the workings of the global political economy Oz has not opted to save your world this time. Instead, I have decided that saving my own is an equally legitimate cause - a cause that brought me into the world of corporatism. Indeed, I'm going corporate ...but it shall be for the greater good -just bear with me. I’m both excited and anxious about yet another step into something that sounds highly fascinating and promises massive returns in terms of new experiences and perspectives. Significantly, the new job is taking me back to where the strepitous engine of scrutiny was ignited in the first place: the regal city of London will be your correspondent’s residence for the next future. And I’m delighted to continue my correspondence with you from this vibrant, ebullient world city and rejoin my beloved SOAS circle.

Keep it up!

Absent market forces

2007-10-15T12:03:00.000+01:00

What the World Bank took so long to understand ...

The Agrarian Question

Bacalhau à Brás

2007-10-13T11:11:00.000+01:00

Hey, hey….
Yes, I’m still among the living and yes, I made my way back to this very blog of mine. You have every right to accuse me of neglect and non-performance. But I have been performing on sites other than this blog. First of all, I have concluded that I needed a break from all these farewells and arrivals in my life. Yes, it is exciting and thrilling but only so up to a point when it starts getting exhausting. Both, our little SOAS-dream and London were sensational but also fatiguing. After having been blessed with my highly legalistically biased alliance in New York (you don’t have to understand this, but the persons concerned will) I was in luck yet another time as I have met one more family in big L-Town. As a result, this is in solidarity with my dearest B$ who seems to be caught in the merciless forces of the legalistic world of corporatism (Stand up for the lawyers! -10 self-cooked dinners are still on my treat). But this is also in solidarity with my lovely Mo, still on the hunt for a reasonably priced roof on top of her head in what seems to be the jungle of London. The latter was also what I needed a break of. I found it in a tiny little village in the Portuguese Algarve…
Incapable of putting its beauty and warmth into words, I just terminate by presenting to you some of my shots from what seems to be one of the most romantic places – and it goes without saying that this is in dedication to my fellows from “OdA” and sensual Lisboa.

Stay strong!
Ö.

In the making ...

2007-09-27T07:56:00.000+01:00

Something is in process - not sure yet what it will be but bear with me - right here.

modern urban environment and london

2007-08-27T16:19:00.000+01:00

The beauty of London as Urban Fabric!

London has it all - but the sun!

2007-07-15T22:06:00.000+01:00

London is spoiling us and we do more than deserve it:

Prince is handing out his new album for free in London with a tabloid, making it the first place to get the album ;-)
Prince Giveaway

On top of that London gathered today in Finsbury Park for the RISE festival jointly standing up against racism: RISE Festival

Sorry to the rest of the world...Ö.

Auf Partnersuche im "Hinterland Anatoliens"

2007-07-12T08:51:00.000+01:00

Peinlich ist das, höchst peinlich:
Der Aufstand der türkischen Männer

Aber ich muss schon sagen, wir haben uns gemacht, wir deutsch-türkischen Frauen! Wir importieren jetzt auch Männer! Was für ein Fortschritt...

CGN Jazz Café

2007-07-03T16:24:00.001+01:00

Well yes, usually I take in my required dose of good music in London’s Jazz Café. But this time we were given the seldom opportunity to indulge in some noble jazzy sounds played by no other than the next rising star at the piano LG (you may have come to hear of his extremely popular sect he created in India) and his peers in the highly intimate atmosphere of one of Cologne’s cozy bars.

Some of us just couldn’t refrain from tying in with the melodic flow by tapping into our own creativity. This is where I would like to invite TM to share with us the highly artistic lyrics of his latest version of “Frère Jacques”. I do not accept shyness (sonst würg' ich den Hals beim nächsten Mal richtig ;) !
PS. As a loyal reader of my blog you may have realized that I'm back after having been lost in time and space for the last couple of months. There is much to catch up with ...stay tuned!

London

2007-07-02T17:12:00.000+01:00

Indeed the increased police and security staff presence is quite visible - but life is still pretty normal, at least that's what I could sense after being away from London for the last 3 weeks or so.
For a more detailed account pls check out VD's frontpage article in today's Guardian: Race to break terror cell

Cheers!

2007-07-02T16:53:00.001+01:00

...kaum ist man weg und hat der Mannschaft den Rücken gekehrt, geht auch schon alles drunter und drüber. Während sich meine Wenigkeit im Londoner Großstadtdschungel darum bemüht, die Arten des Trinkens zu lexikalisieren und die chemikalische Zusammensetzung verschiedener alkoholischer Trunke wissenschaftlich für die Nachwelt festzuhalten, meint die Raufbande in Colonia die Kunst des zivilisierten Trinkens vergessen zu dürfen. Es bedurfte denn auch einiger mühsamer Stunden, um den angerichteten Schaden wieder rückgängig zu machen. Ich würde allerdings an dieser Stelle gerne die Schwere der Aufgabe nochmals betonen: wie soll denn eine germanisierte Orientalin einem waschechten Keltenweib das Trinken beibringen?! Herrgott noch mal!
Aber am jenem Abend war mir kein Schweiß zu schade, um das wieder zusammen zu bringen, was denn auch zusammen gehört: und das wären da das Kelten- , Mogul- und das Osmanische Reich.
Der Inder hat zwar wieder aus der Reihe getanzt, aber dem werde ich mich bei meinem nächsten Besuch in Colonia mit noch härterer Strenge widmen ... (Fortsetzung folgt...).

When we were kings...

2007-05-25T16:49:00.000+01:00

How sweet is liberty!? I was about to forget the honey-like taste of FREEDOM. But SOAS wouldn't be what it is if intellectual challenge and struggle weren't to come with sultry activities that involve primitive dancing, not to say prehistoric movements.
The mischievious look says it all....

When watching the helicopters on a NY rooftop...

2007-04-26T00:19:00.000+01:00

...there is much to ponder. And there is much, much to disclose as well. I have come to striking, illuminating, yet somewhat staggering conclusions on my latest trip to New York. To begin with, I discovered that the West Village or more specifically the Meatpacking District can unquestionably be a most forthcoming host, anticipating one’s every wish - Three glorious cheers for B$ who I feel infinitely indebted to…Who else would be able to perfectly harmonize a Saturday night dinner at Jean Georges’ Spice Market with a more down-to-earth Taco Bell lunch?! ☺ (OK, I did have my say in this, I have to admit.)

And while most of you might already know, I have only now concluded that New York City is the biggest bitch ever. Alas, don’t we all somehow fall for them well aware of the passionate pain this will cause us?! With sweet ache penetrating our system and paralyzing our minds, we are being carried away by an ecstatic wave of … (feel free to fill in the blanks)!

I’m wondering whether there might actually be some truth in what Don Fra keeps saying when referring to life as a bitch we will eventually marry. Maybe I’ll find out on my next trip to New York…? Who knows…at least I don’t.

G’night!

Ö.

PS. And yes, things change quickly in NYC: My precious Maya was no more what I had known it for. So, I had to take comfort in something else: I found the French to be quite solacing. There is no need to feel blue in NYC if you have places such as Les enfants terribles and if you get to enjoy genuine fish 'n grits soulfood prepared à la lpk in the artful atmosphere of his Brooklyn apt.

Leave the door open ...

2007-04-07T08:58:00.001+01:00

NEW YORK (☺)

"Why are you white?"

2007-03-14T22:27:00.000Z

Throw in a British MP, a barrister working against the government on asylum and immigration issues mixed with the BBC domestic politics unit and some Indian flavored Birmingham sounds and you will have a delicious dinner out of VD’s kitchen. As for the latter, I hear only front-page quality will be on the Guardian menu from now on … If so, I’ll feature you right here on my blog.

Rest assured, the British NHS (National Health Service) is extremely likely to spice up any debate, as it remains a fervently contentious topic with the potential of splitting up British class society.
I suggest for our next dinner-party to tear apart London’s infamous Public Transportation, with a single tube ride now amounting up to £4 – yes, damn right, that is $8 and roughly €6, which makes it the most expensive transportation in the world. (Might this eventually turn out to be a unifying debate for England’s hopelessly class-ridden society?)…stay tuned!

Özlem

Today...

2007-03-02T00:51:00.000Z

...is somebody's BIRTHDAY!!! Here is what you get :-))

PS. By today I mean 5 hrs behind...so not 2nd of March yet. No, I haven't mixed up the dates, no!

Time to talk

2007-02-26T21:34:00.000Z

Henry Kissinger says that "it's time to start talking."

Homage to Indian-Chinese Canada

2007-02-10T20:55:00.000Z

What happens when India and China cross the Atlantic or Pacific (your choice) and start colonizing Canada?! I think that's a serious issue to reflect upon. All I know is that it's good times ... Indeed, good times we had! In fact, so good that reunion is an urgent necessity. Keep the door open when you leave for work, B$. I might come sooner than expected.
And...I heard the big party in India is about to happen, P$!

I am getting excited again :-)

Oz

PS. TBH and fair, there are quite a few people I need to pay homage to. I'm thinking about coming up with a series. Since this might involve some sort of visual documentation, I know some of you would freak out thinking that I might come up with the most shocking pictures of yours. These people above are just lucky. Admittedly, I just didn't wanna mess with New York's and Vancouver's top lawyers ... :-)

"Excuse me, someone stole my shit!"

2007-02-02T09:46:00.000Z

It's been a long time since I got back to you last, my apologies. I need to explain: Last night, I died! I died of an overdose of fabulous Ooooold Schoooool Hip Hop!!! People say I was jumping "3 feet high and rising"... Plug One, Plug Two (not to forget Plug Four) and P.A. clarified that DE LA SOUL was never “dead”! In fact, we were chilling in our pyjamas, cooked a delicious dinner with lots of beats in P.A.’s kitchen before we finally smashed the house.

Actually, there is nothing I can say given that I’m still under the strong influence of last night’s mind-blowing jazzy rap concert…Lucky me, De La Soul will be performing in London for the next two weeks, ..Well, I guess I have a 2-week long date: In case you should call, “sorry, ya can’t get through,..why don’t you leave your name and your number and I’ll get back to you..” err, after two weeks time though. ☺

Oz (can I be Plug Five??)

Iraq Briefing

2007-01-18T00:55:00.000Z

Rarely have I seen a politician so eager to answer all kinds of critical questions like his Excellency Tariq al-Hashimi when giving a lecture at SOAS yesterday in his capacity as Vice President of Iraq.

Just coming from Ankara where he had met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, I had to ask him to elaborate on the crucial Kirkuk issue and to give an assessment of any possible intervention by neighboring countries that refuse to see the status of Kirkuk as an inner-Iraqi issue only. Along with Baghdad and Basra, the status of Kirkuk is a highly sensitive matter involving multiple stakeholders. You might imagine what his answer was, no..?!

Heureka!

2007-01-13T11:42:00.000Z

My dearest friends,

I assume you recall how I lost my job as a spy for British special branch a little while ago. Well, lesson learnt, this time I refrained from premature talk and see there…it worked! Your correspondent has a job – a real one this time ☺ (I'm so excited I had to change the picture to your right-hand side.)
I might not be spying on innocent students on campus anymore –fair enough! But let me just say that I actually never liked the whole undercover thing. 2007 has started off well and my fellows and I have opened the 2nd term with one kitchen party after the other celebrating what we think is worth raising the glass for –unsurprisingly, we never run out of ideas!

OK, just really brief on what wonderful things London has to offer in the upcoming season: I missed the Brand New Heavies last year in New York -so, I might catch up here. I think I mentioned De La Soul in Camden’s Jazz Café. What about Guru Jazzamtazz? Yes, I know, I know...HE will be here and we are all already very excited about it. And so many other things, too many to list them here…

Will keep you posted and in the meantime you make sure to be well…

Love,
Özlem

Don Frà and the beginning of a wonderful 2007 or not...?

2006-12-31T13:52:00.000Z

Friends,
you know I like to share things with you. And just before NYE, I would like to convey to you some wisdom that Don Frà was kind enough to let out in one of those rare moments of enlightenment.
While we were assuming that the rest of our common SOAS-time would be of high quality, loaded with fun and gaiety, Don Frà killed whatever sense of hope there was left by uttering:

“I don't think we will have fun guys, you know, we will fail and we won't be able to find a job.....
Happy new year and do not forget: life is a bitch and then you marry one (...)!“

As to the last remark, this refers to men and women alike – no gender discrimination here! Come on…we are at SOAS, we live the SOAS spirit! ☺
So, happy New Year to all of you and may 2007 be full of things you long for and much, much more…

Özlem, Ozzie, Oz…

Arab blogs

2006-12-30T14:37:00.000Z

What other bloggers have to say about the excecution of Saddam: Arab blogs

According to a senior Iraqi source

2006-12-29T18:20:00.000Z

It might only be a matter of a few hours....pls see the following:
Saddam may hang within hours: Iraqi source

Pls let me introduce...

2006-12-27T21:21:00.000Z

I feel it is way about time to introduce to you some really important people!
Please check out the charming gentlemen to the right and my golden girls that make my London experience even more worthwhile ...

PS. And I do insist on having my croissants straight from Paris and espresso from Ferrara right after the x-mas break! Gosh, duce-like as ever...sorry, just can't help it :-)

Follow-up

2006-12-17T20:07:00.000Z

Along the canal...

2006-12-17T17:10:00.000Z

...when we took that long walk Jill Scott was singing about, Mo and I were just thinking how nice it would be to have our common apartment just right on the bank. We were quite pleased by the mere thought...so pleased that we had to ask someone to capture that moment with a pic...(the photgrapher himself was getting so excited that he actually recorded a little film, which, however, is not meant to be published here).

But no! New York, I'm not cheating on you - I was daydreaming only...if that meets with your permission of course.

"Can't stop this"

2006-12-15T18:19:00.000Z

I've been to quite a few concerts in my life, but The Roots certainly are ranking on the very top of what I have seen so far. They have just left me speechless last Monday -which is a quite rare thing to happen. Anyway, we couldn't get enough, so we partied with them in the Jazz Café in Camden 2 days later.... again, I was left tongue-tied by the tunes Questlove presented that night.

I assume this monsiuer seems familiar...

Afropunk

2006-12-09T11:05:00.000Z

Again a Blacktronica party, again at London’s National Film Theatre (NFT),...I found myself talking to Keziah Jones last night. I saw him performing in Cologne maybe 5 years ago, and hence was quite delighted to meet him on the same floor level this time. Anyway, I think I scared him a little, but that’s another story that I am too shy to share. I guess that’s too bad for you, my dearest readers. Just think of sth you think me capable of doing...yes! There you go! ☺

Yours,
Oz

PS. Afropunk was on last night's program. Hence the title of this entry! It all makes sense...somehow, somtimes at least.

Development and its misconceptions

2006-12-06T23:43:00.000Z

Development! M. Duffield calls it the liberal technology of security, always in coexistence with a state of emergency or, if you like, an alternative to externalization. Put more provocatively, development as the liberal alternative to genocide! We are killing Afghanis in order to save them, that is to develop them. Admittedly, this is fairly portentous but provides extremely heavy food for thought at the same time.

Duffield was just one of the thought-provoking presenters at today’s book launch event at SOAS. What is the role of aid agencies, NGOs in armed conflict? That is the broader question J. Goodhand addresses in his latest book Aiding Peace?. So many things to think about…Check it out if you are interested.

Özlem

Very Floetic

2006-12-04T18:32:00.000Z

I told you this would happen, I told you…
“We are gonna mess now, I step on one, you step on two…” That’s precisely what MB and I did last night, when we grooved to the extremely Floetic tunes of FLOETRY!! ☺ It was so cozy I couldn’t help thinking we were in my living room when we were moving “and feeling the vibe, right”!

The Jazz Café in freaky Camden Town was just the perfect venue for this very intimate, inspiring encounter with these two amazing ladies and their breathtaking band. “All I gotta say is i must be dreaming, can’t be real”, cause these ladies made us feel those very famous „Butterflies“ again. I think we all came very close to a collective Katharsis.

I will not go on impossibly reproducing the very special feeling last night’s concert triggered. Just allow me to say that if you ever get a chance to see Floetry live on stage, you better don’t miss them!

I was well equipped; enjoy the pics though not even slightly catching the capturing presence of Floacist and Songstress.

Oh before I forget - @ B$: I know you were electrified when calling me from New York right when they were going to introduce their band, which I think was partly from New York. But at least you caught a great moment. Why don’t you call next Monday when I will be enjoying the Roots here in good, old London Town?!

"It's getting late", I am out!

Oz

Be up-to-date

2006-11-29T15:18:00.000Z

I want my audience to be informed, therefore pls see below...

For the Turkish-speaking crowd: Avrupa Komisyonu 'sekiz başlık' dedi

For the German-speaking people:
Acht Kapitel im «Gefrierschrank»

And for the rest of the world: EU seeks partial freeze in Turkey accession talks

38 hrs in London

2006-11-27T18:25:00.000Z

My dearest friends,

I am terribly sorry for the radio silence but pls, pls do not take it personal: I just think London (…and school) has absorbed me these days and I have just found a little time slot to let you know what I have been up to recently. Too many things of course to tell them all, but the visit of my precious friend this weekend could have not made me happier. Given that she has family-member-status she definitely brought part of “home” with her, when she made a 38-hour stopover here in London.

We must have looked like crazy chicken when rushing through London. Extending a 24hrs day to 38 hrs we turned night into day. But most importantly, we made it to a bar Time Out London named Best Bar 2006 –The Lost Society. I am delighted to say that slowly but surely I’m finding out where London’s hotspots are. Not even the most hidden venue (and Lost Society was really not very easy to find) will be save from my presence. And all this just because I want to give those of you who are planning a visit some quality-time. God, am I not the most altruistic friend you have ever had?! (This is actually not a question, it is a statement..lol)

Anyhow, pls check out these pics, just in case you should have forgotten what I look like. And no…the person right next to me is not an angel, she is what I would call the sweetest devil on earth…!

Cheers,
Özlem

We got the Funk (2)

2006-11-18T21:28:00.000Z

Thank goodness! I knew the slotting (note this is British English :-) of the last few days would somehow be rewarded. Last night was certainly a highlight and I could not have asked for more: The London premier of “Rock the Bells” as part of the 10th annual RESFEST was certainly a must-see. Please do yourself a favor and check out this great documentary on how concert promoter Cheng Weissberg successfully manages to reunite the legendary Wu Tang Clan.

The film was followed by what I would call the icing on the cake (Why on earth do I always need to revert to metaphors that imply edibles?? ☺) - That is, one of the coolest parties I have been to in London so far.
Blacktronica presented his finest and was accompanied by no other than DJ MK (Roots Manuva) and live trumpets and horns directly flown in from Chicago.
Needless to say that the crowd was just enchanting to say the least. Musicians, filmmakers & Co were all over the place! I am sorry, I wish I could give you a pictured idea – I promise to think of it next time.

FYI, RESFEST New York and Berlin are still tba –please make sure you catch it –no regrets, really!

Oz

From Baghdad to London

2006-11-13T13:18:00.000Z

They not only did it in Iraq, they have been doing it at home too ...

Pls have a look at VD's latest:

Prison whistleblower lifts lid on 'regime of torture'

"Thanks for coming, shit(e)"

2006-11-03T17:57:00.000Z

Isn’t it lovely when you are surrounded by people that make sure you make the most of London?! It is even more so on a dark and windy weekday when your correspondent (that would be me) had actually decided to be nerdy and disengage from any social obligations. But how could I ever resist my charming French roommate when he asked for my company? Exactly, I just couldn’t!

Now, you probably have heard of Cat Power. Shamefully, I hadn’t until that one night when CB took me to one of her very rare concerts in London’s famous Roundhouse.
Shy Cat welcomed her audience with a grateful: “Thanks for coming, shit(e)!”… and launched out beautifully southern-styled songs which were accompanied by the Memphis Rhythm Band.
I liked her rather modern, very abstract, yet at times balletesque dance moves, which at first looked somewhat lost. But it all made sense once I grasped the overall chaotic, fragmented framework of her show.

Summa summarum: A powerful voice you should definitely look out for!

Oh, this as a footnote: I am very close, so close to finding my next favorite hookah café. Clearly, New York’s “Maia” is pretty hard to beat given the special treat I got as an extremely frequent guest, but I feel I should give London a chance, maybe just to bridge the gap. What does New York think??

Love,
Özlem

PS. Talking about Maia: I just found these pics of just a few of the many beautiful nights we had there!

Isn't this the coolest mohawk you have ever seen? -So funky!

A tiny debacle @ LSE

2006-10-26T00:12:00.000+01:00

A little story for you:

I felt like in the middle of a Shakespeare play: the setting was the Old Theater of the London School of Economics (LSE), the time was about 7pm and it is the year 2006. The great director was this evening’s chair Howard Davies.

South Africa’s foreign minister, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, had been asked to lecture on the role of the UN in the 21st century, giving a perspective of a developing country that has just been elected for a rotating seat in the Security Council starting in January 2007.

Dr. Zuma, though, was interrupted before she even could delve into the complexities of UN reform. Like a bolt from the sky there appeared this one young, obviously Zimbabwean fellow crying out his despair about the miserable situation of his compatriots. Another young mate at the other corner of the balcony joined him, accusing Dr. Zuma and with her the official South African “silent diplomacy” towards Mugabe’s regime. All of a sudden, people began to stand up just about everywhere. Could that have been a quite cleverly planned attempt of sabotage?!
Right in front of the stage, where in the meantime Dr. Zuma had retreated from the podium, a mid-aged Briton enthusiastically tried to jump onto the stage. He was pulled back by security personnel, that suddenly was all over the place. TBH, I presumed that he would get rid of his clothes - I thought that’s the way British protests attract the utmost of attention. Prematurely - it didn’t happen!

Confirming that there would be time to ask questions after the lecture, Chair Howard Davies, calmly sitting -while there were people yelling and shouting across the room-, was certainly the man of the entire evening. He handled the situation with an incredible amount of ease and aplomb - in a truly British manner.

At this point, I would like to thank everybody for the extremely critical questions. Admittedly, Dr. Zuma was not in the most pleasant situation last night; it just wasn't about political correctness, which made the entire evening so worthwhile.

Alas, I didn’t have my camera, so no pictures of that little debacle we had at LSE tonight.

Farewell,
Özlem

New Student Job

2006-10-18T21:59:00.000+01:00

Hey y’all,

let me tell you that this goddamn British pound is killing almost all students in London. It makes life just so much harder.
But instead of moaning I have found myself a new and pretty well paying job. As you might have come across VD’s front-page article in last Monday’s Guardian on how British “special branch” urges higher educational institutions (HEI) to spy on Muslims on campus, you may correctly assume that I found my calling.
I met VD just recently at one of London’s typical house parties and it seems as if Tony Blair’s official spokesman and a cabinet minister have immediately denounced the article.
Clearly, that would be too bad because I really consider myself to be an excellent candidate –Middle Eastern looking (don't you think I have the most suitable spy glance on that pic?)- for that kind of a job. What’s wrong with spying on my fellow Muslim students at SOAS?!

Truly, “special branch” should recruit me. What do you think? No, I don’t want to hear anything about this being close to McCarthyism –that’s no fun.

Anyhow, much else is on…as for instance Jeffrey Sachs at St. Paul’s Cathedral tomorrow.
If I find his arguments on how to make development sustainable and just for everyone convincing, I will let you know –same place, same time, so watch out!

Oz

New York's UES

2006-10-11T21:41:00.000+01:00

Aircraft hits New York building

My dear friend Bazarov is seeing the smoke coming out of the building through his window as we email. This is indeed quite surreal!

Tanghetto interlude

2006-10-08T22:52:00.000+01:00

Dear all,

the last week, including the weekend (which is by nature always too short) have been tough, to say the least.
My current life as a responsible postgraduate student constantly confronts me to a dilemma, in which I continuously seesaw the pros and cons of starring at the books or leaving the apt to explore what more London has to offer. I am a bad liar, so I should say that the latter option prevailed so far (Do you think that should make me nervous?). But I just couldn’t resist a friend’s invitation to an electronical Tango concert in Notting Hill. Recalling almost faded memories of dancing Tango in the streets of Buenos Aires in 2003, I felt somewhat obliged to enjoy the ardent melody of Tanghetto on a nostalgic Monday night.

Anyhow, I feel I have found a way, if not the way to get on all relevant guestlists. Let me tell you that London’s bars are just amazing in terms of style, design and ardor. And I haven’t even really started yet…but why the rush? Reading week is just a few steps away :) (I am joking!)

But one of the highlights of last week was certainly seeing my dear friend Frà again. About to do some serious business at the Ecuadorian-Colombian border, he introduced to me popular Japanese cuisine à la London-style. Delicious! -Gracias, hombre y mucha suerte!!

Özlem

PS. FYI, Frà, intellectual property rights in all materials that are available on this site belong to me –including this very nice picture of the two of us :)

We got the Funk (1)

2006-10-01T17:54:00.000+01:00

Greetings to all of you,

before anything else, let me tell you this: London is the bomb!
Trying to catch as much of the flow and vibe of this city as possible I feel like I have to pilgrimage to every borough just to taste the very special flavor of each. Living in the young neighborhood of Islington every other borough that matters is within walking distance –meaning almost all!

And since I will somehow need to say goodbye to sweet, (oh) sweet life as of tomorrow (classes are already knocking on my door and the pile of reading material is getting insuperably high…) I must be quick in finding all the spots I will take those of you who are going to come over. Having said that, today was a decisive day in that sense because France, Italy, Israel and I have jointly been pounding the streets of London Town. When planning your trip, please make sure you will have a Sunday here for all the great markets that are taking place then. It is definitely a must-do!!
And don’t you even start thinking these are markets where people try selling apples and peaches…No, no…not at all! These are places, which I might rather compare to exhibitions of clothes, music (Gosh…I found my musical Mecca in just one of them), food, and any other fancy, stylish items you can think of. Really – it was quite breathtaking.
And all of this is accompanied by the original sound of funky soul-music, remember the beat of the 70s (being a kid of the 80s, I don’t…but why should that matter, once you feel the vibe?!)?! Didn’t we all think we lost the authentic funky soul-music of that time? Well, I am proud to tell you that your fears have become groundless – anyhow, hang onto me and I will take you there!

Of course I was also busy composing a program for the night and let me assure you that there is way too much to choose from - I truly need some sort of guidance- , but Guanabara is certainly a wonderful place if you like funky Samba beats accompanied by live Drum & Base tunes. The live flute, saxophone, percussions and vocals added a special, spicy flavor that one night. I didn’t see anybody standing still…

What else? Well, no one less than THE ROOTS are on in early December!!! YES!!! Can’t wait for that one. Anybody cares for De La Soul, Floetry, and all the others that will be playing in the famous Jazz Café in Camden Town?! If so, let me know or just meet me there.

I felt blessed when finding out that my entire apartment, but particularly my French buddy next-door has an exquisite taste for music –perfectly compatible with mine.

OK, got to run: France is making Lasagna – sorry, I meant I MUST get back to the books!! Honestly!

Punk-Lavazza!

2006-09-24T23:57:00.000+01:00

My dear friends,

am I in London or rather in some Italian city? How come there are so many Italians I bump into these days?! It all started in my apartment and went on at this really cozy, funky house party hosted by -of course- Italians! Almost all of them were PhD students (one of them was even one of my tutorial conveners:)).
I felt like being in “Mama Italia” if it hadn’t been for this one charming Pakistani who crashed the party after hearing music on the street when walking by. He just rang the bell and had a great time with us! -Good thing…I assume that’s how things work here in London Town!

Isn’t it amazing that people keep thinking I am from New York? I must have it written on my forehead or maybe it is my bright-eyed way of rhapsodizing about New York. Clearly, it is still and will remain my favorite place. I know some of you New Yorkers have doubts about my New York commitment. Let me assure you in the strongest terms possible that I do indeed like London, but I adore (!) NYC! –Basta! (I see the Italian influence in me coming to the forefront…) BTW, Brooklyn/Park Slope is in the house! - literally in many of the courses I have chosen!!

After making a little expedition to the neighborhoods nearby, I can’t believe the central location I inhabit. It is awesome –Camden Town is only a 15-minute walk away, providing everything London is known for – in the most authentic way possible! (As a footnote: Fra, I will most definitely make sure that the magic of London will be enjoyed to the fullest – Which party, did you say, are we going to, when you finally return?! :)

And I also should mention this great SOAS reception for the international intellectual crowd: I found myself –again- among Italians speaking Chinese, Indians, Canadians speaking Turkish and Singaporeans… Having this as an appetizer I eagerly await all the other acquaintances.

Have a pleasant night!

Özlem

2006-09-22T10:20:00.000+01:00

LONDON

Beirut

2006-09-20T15:01:00.000+01:00

...

Süßer Schmerz überall.
Tiefrot glüht der Wein voll wonniger Sinnlichkeit,
Schwingt im Moment, der im Geschehen vergeht.
Sinnlos, ihn aufhalten zu wollen.
Fruchtlos all die Müh’, ihn einzuschliessen.
Denn fliegen will er, verfliegen wird er…
Im Dunkel des Mokka, in den Rauchschwaden der Nargileh Erinnerungen an eine vergangene, süße Zeit!

Curry, Toyota and 16 million Euro

2006-09-16T23:29:00.000+01:00

Vom Orient haben wir nun den weiten Weg in das indische Mogul-Reich auf uns genommen, nur um den immer wieder auf dubiose Art und Weise untertauchenden Inder –wir wollen ihn mal Binod nennen- unsere Auwartung zu machen. All die Mühe hat sich gelohnt, denn was haben wir gelacht, so sehr bis die Tränen flossen und man sich den Bauch festhaltend auf dem Boden lag…

Dass ich ein Formel-1 Fan erster Klasse bin, wusste ich bis zum heutigen Tag auch nicht. Ralf Schumacher und Jarno Trulli haben es mir auf dem Toyota Sommerfest dennoch angetan…oder war es vielleicht doch der € 16 Mio.Vertrag, den sich Toyota Ralf kosten lässt? Und was ist mit den anderen Gerüchten, die kursierten…? Man weiß es net, man munkelt nur…

To my English-speaking audience!

No, no… please do not feel neglected because you are not.

Many delightful things have happened among which is the reappearance of a very good friend of mine, who keeps going into hiding every now and then only to resurrect all of a sudden. Anyhow, we are more than happy to have him with us again. And for all the lost time he –let us call him Binod- well, Binod has made up by providing us with passes for Toyota’s summer party.

Did you know I was a formidable Formula 1 fan? Well, until today at least I did not. Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli make things like these happen. But what if Ralf transfers to BMW as some say? - Rumors abound. So, I better leave it at that.

Cheers,
Özlem

The High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development

2006-09-14T09:21:00.000+01:00

is to start today in the GA plenary: HLD on Intl Migration and Development.

The Final Week at the Today Wedding Show

2006-09-14T07:40:00.000+01:00

It is the final week of the Today's Wedding show. Please take a second and cast your vote for Joshua and Chauntée at The Today Wedding Show.

It'll be greatly appreciated...

Oz

Von Wikingern und Kelten im Orient

2006-09-08T23:33:00.000+01:00

Es waren einmal eine Wikingerin und eine Keltin (die Koreanerin ist uns leider irgendwie abhanden gekommen und heisst jetzt auf einmal Claire, nur weil sie in Los Angeles lebt:-), die sich in an diesem sonnigen Freitag wagemutig in das östliche Reich im Orient trauten.

Nach drei Jahren mühseliger Wanderung und etlichen Hindernissen auf ihren Wegen sind die Getreuen des Wikinger und Kelten-Stammes endlich eingetroffen und wurden von Sheisha Özlem in ihr östliches, von magischen Kräften umgebenes Königreich empfangen. Diese war gerade wieder von einer ihrer vielen Wüstenwanderungen heimgekehrt.
Der Rest ist Geschichte…

Nee, was war das schön, die Wikingerin (man sieht es am auffallend blonden Haupt), die mir seit der 2. Klasse mehr über das zwischengeschlechtliche Leben erzählen konnte als eine Jahrhundertausgabe der Zeitschrift Bravo und die Keltin, die ich seit der 5. Klasse immer unter den Tisch trinken wollte, nach drei elendig langen Jahren vereint wieder zu sehen!

In 5 Stunden haben wir versucht, eine Ära Revue passieren zu lassen; eine Ära, in der geliebt, geweint, getrunken, gefeiert und (unheimlich viel) Scheiß gemacht wurde… in der die Eine zur Anderen stand, wenn diese mal wieder den alkoholischen und anderweitigen Genüssen nicht standhalten konnte und dem Untergang geweiht war. Ja, da war das Keltenweib an Ort und Stelle mit Lappen und Eimer und hat sich niedergebeugt in völliger Selbstlosigkeit…zu jeder Stund’ und an jedem öffentlichen Ort :-))

Da war die Wikingerbraut, die mit ihrem betörenden Schopf den Harem in Aufruhr brachte, deren Stimme den Gesängen des fernen Fasan zum Verwechseln ähnlich schien, die in ihrer interkulturellen Kompetenz nicht nur die Seele der Osmanen verstand, sondern auch die russische und griechische Folklore im Schlaf einem begeisterten Publikum (meinen Eltern!) vortanzen konnte…

Was aus ihnen jetzt geworden ist?
Nach dem Ablegen des Latinums (Özlem als Streberin!) und einer Pilgerreise nach Rom (Özlem als líder), wo wir die heilige Weihe empfangen durften, hat sich die Eine das unaufhörliche Kinderkriegen zum Beruf gemacht. Falls jemand sich wünscht, dass eine engelsgleiche Gestalt das erste ist, was der Säugling sehen soll, der melde sich bitte hier und ich leite weiter.

Die Andere, nicht dass sie selbst bei Sinnen wäre –der literweise fließende Wodka hat nun einmal Spuren hinterlassen- will sich um das seelische Wohl der Nation kümmern. Ob wir dann alle bald durchdrehen, wird uns die nahe Zukunft zeigen…Aber im Orient als „Reich der Lügen und Legenden“ darf man alles erwarten und nichts ausschliessen.

Bereits erwähnt wurde die uns verloren gegangene Koreanerin, die sich jetzt mit einem westlichen Namen schimpfen lässt…irgendwo in einem Land, in dem die Sonne nie untergehen soll, wird sie vermutet…Im Orient ist sie aber nie wieder gesehen worden. Es wird Zeit…

Özlem

Need your vote on the Today Wedding Show!!

2006-09-07T07:50:00.000+01:00

Dear all,

I wouldn't ask you to do this if it wasn't so important!

Joshua, a very good friend of mine, who I had the pleasure to meet and become friends with in Ankara/Turkey, and his lovely girlfriend Chauntée are in the Today show and need every vote they can get.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14686941/

So, please take a moment of time and cast your vote for Joshua and Chauntée. I feel somehow stupid to ask you to do this for people you don't know...But trust me they are great friends of mine and they deserve to win!!

This upcoming week is extremely important for their competition. With one couple that has immunity this week, they are one of two couples that can be voted off this week making every vote critical.

I am counting on you!

Özlem

Hallo kleine Aysa!

2006-09-02T15:44:00.000+01:00

…

I was walking down the street one of these days. Apparently, I must have been having a noticeable smile on my face (I was lost in thoughts, that much I remember….pleasing they must have been thence the grin :)).

I was pulled back to reality by some weird dude walking by and saying: “Hallo kleine Aysa! Wer macht dich denn so glücklich?” (O-Ton).

In English it would be something similar to this: “Hello little Aysa (as if all Middle Eastern looking women are called Aysa, ignorant dumba_s!), who makes you so happy?”…

For once I resisted to kick his derrière and let go. But next time little Aysa’s smile might turn into something less congenial…

At the end, I am actually more wondering what that smile must have looked like...Too bad I don't have any pictures :-)

Later,
Özlem (and not Aysa is my name!)

UN deadline falls due

2006-08-31T15:10:00.000+01:00

What will the sanctions look like if two of the veto-holding Council members have a crucial stake in Iran?

Another meeting here in Europe early next week may come up with the answer.

Iran defiant on nuclear deadline

Özlem

Follow-up on Amel's concert

2006-08-28T20:29:00.000+01:00

Can you see B$ and me on the very right-hand corner?! Or hear me singing along with the crowd to Amel's hit single "Tell me" when she was still part of Groove Theory?!
Gosh, whatta effervescent concert it was...

Oz

Amel Larrieux Show

Amel jammin'

The Party Resolution

2006-08-28T18:09:00.000+01:00

After DD from the European Commission approved the publication of his extremely artful invitation to the last party to be thrown at his awesome loft in Brooklyn (Remember the notorious night we had there before? See blog entry on 23 June) before he took off to Taiwan to teach English in a military camp, I proudly present to you the Party Resolution.

You can tell we were all obsessed with the work we have done when saving your world at UN Headquarters!!

Here's the Party Resoultion "World Peace at last":

World Peace in the making!!!

- Extraordinary Session of the Party Council -

The time has finally come!! You've got your picture with the boss, a letter that recommends you as being the most amazing person in the world, made an ultimate stop for home cooking at the cafeteria, and it's time to say goodbye…

Well, goodbye to the UN maybe, but hopefully you still have a little energy left to shake your diplomatic behind on the dance floor!!!

If that is indeed the case, I'm calling all of you to adopt the following resolution…

The party people of the world, assembled here in New York for an extraordinary session of the Party Council,

Recalling all relevant Party Council resolutions, in particular those in the dancing, drinking and social fields, adopted during this summer

in New York,

Recognizing that the internationally agreed party goals, including the

Millennium Debauchery Goals, have yet to be fully implemented,

Reaffirming that partying is a central goal by itself and that

sustainable partying in its funky, groovy, snazzy, fantastical aspects

constitutes a key element of World Peace,

Calls on all UN interns, friends and other peaceful party spirits in New York,

to join us this Saturday, for a night that you will probably be too drunk to remember…

Where? … loft, … av (between … and …),

*** stop on the ** line (follow the pink chicken legs on the floor).

Inside, and outside on an amazing rooftop with an incredible view…

When? This Saturday, from Sunset till the birds sing in the morning…

Please bring something to drink and feel free to share to bring your friends…

"Es gibt keine Partitur für den Nahen Osten"

2006-08-26T13:43:00.000+01:00

Last night’s concert, which presented Beethoven’s symphony no. 9 played by the West-Eastern Divan orchestra in the Cologne Philharmonie, has in some way marked a historic moment.

Not only was it a breathtaking performance both by this young orchestra comprising Israeli and Arab musicians and the choir of the Berlin Staatsoper but it has also made a much needed and crucial statement while tensions have once again stirred up the situation in the Middle East.

The West-Eastern Divan was founded by Edward Said (a highly admired mind whose death on 25 September 2003 in New York was a shock and a tragic loss for all of us) and Daniel Barenboim, the conductor of last night’s concert. Please see Barenboim’s latest interview he has given yesterday in Cologne.

Özlem

PS. Among all the Italian, Spanish, Israeli and Arab musicians I have found the one and only Turkish violine. He was an Istanbul-Chicago connection...awesome!

El poeta dice la verdad

2006-08-22T15:12:00.000+01:00

FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA

Quiero llorar mi pena y te lo digo
para que tú me quieras y me llores
en un anochecer de ruiseñores,
con un puñal, con besos y contigo.

Quiero matar al único testigo
para el asesinato de mis flores
y convertir mi llanto y mis sudores
en eterno montón de duro trigo.

Que no se acabe nunca la madeja
del te quiero me quieres, siempre ardida
con decrépito sol y luna vieja.

Que lo que me des y no te pida
será para la muerte, que no deja
ni sombra por la carne estremecida.

A lovely Sunday

2006-08-20T14:38:00.000+01:00

How much better can an easy Sunday start? (Well, I know how much better, but that I am going to keep to myself… :)
For now a morning concert in the Cologne Philharmonie, where I have spent most if not all of my years as a student, shall suffice.
Beethoven’s 4th piano concert and Adams' “Harmonielehre” were a condign starting shot for the 2006/07 season.
If you get a chance, please check out the very different interpretations of Adams, who is an important representative of Minimal Music. His “Harmonielehre” is taking the theme of Wagner’s Parsifal (in particular, Amfortas’ wound) – an intense audio experience, if I may say!

I deplore already the fact that the next concerts will be my last ones as I will quit the best student job ever on earth! I am not even going to start telling you how much this venue and all its performers have actually taught me about music – enjoying an enriching and enlightening overindulgence, I feel very much spoiled.

I don’t even want to think about all the great concerts and conductors of this season that I am going to miss…but it is time to say goodbye (tragic!)! I have heard, though, that there will be a big, big party exactly on my last day…I will make sure that this party will be remembered as the resurrection of “Tequila Özlem”. (Those informed, know what I am talking about ;-))

Cheers,
Özlem

PS. Marco, this is for you, ragazzo: I had to recall the beautiful concert of the NY Philharmonics ("Russia at the Hudson") and the unique backstage tour you gave me...A million thanks!!

"To Israel with hate - and guilt"

2006-08-19T09:20:00.000+01:00

The European perspective: "Why Europe, unlike America, finds it so hard to love Israel"

News from the UN Headquarters

2006-08-17T09:23:00.000+01:00

ANNAN DISPATCHES SENIOR ENVOYS TO THE MIDDLE EAST FOR TALKS ON IMPLEMENTING
RESOLUTION

The words of Bazarov

2006-08-16T09:48:00.000+01:00

Dear all,

I just cannot hide this bodacious observance put down by our poetic and articulate Bazarov in just a comment-corner. That would do unjustice to this masterpiece of the study of human kind.
I feel highly honored to be the subject of his research.
I have to admit, though, that Bazarov submitted a collage of photographs as to picture the different phases of my moods he has seen me in. Making use of my dictatorship-like rule over this blog I have censored the photograph part. But at least, I am democratic enough to let you know... :)

Enjoy... Oz

PS. Bazarov's starting point is a picture already known to you.

"The aspiration of the poet is to see the entire universe in a grain of sand. Similarly, the aspiration of Ozlem's many admirers is to understand her peculiar (but mostly lovable) moods at any instance in time through a quick examination of her hair. Even in the best of times, Ozlem's hair is often a study of youthful exuberance amidst a certain kind of controlled chaos – her hairs ebbs and flows in all directs often as once, creating an impression of disorder, and yet, as with Pollock, Kandinsky and Seurat, the image is ultimately an artful one. Her hair radiates out, like the sun, curling around ever so effortlessly over the course of its length, only succumbing to gravity towards the end of its extension. What one is left with is a flexible sort of bounce, that seems almost happy and spirited (even playful) by nature, made all the more happy, spirited and playful by Ozlem’s naturally kinetic energy, which transcends the materiality of her hair into something symbolic.

And so, with this knowledge as our base, we suddenly see small subtleties in the way Ozlem’s hair moves as she changes her moods. Angry or agitated Ozlem usually sports a more fiery, tightly wound set of curls, which move more abruptly and stiffly (in a herky-jerky styled motion), in harmony with her more abrupt and staccato head movements while angered. With happy Ozlem, one is greeted with a bouncier, more vibrant hairflow, (i.e. as though her hair were on springs) with her hair playfully wisping around her head as she tilts her head back and forth and laughs with the fullness of her body. Tired Ozlem – well – one can almost see her curls relax as she aggressively yawns in one’s face (if one has never seen this, one can instantly inspire such yawn by recounting to her something about the heritage (food, history or otherwise) of China) and her hair unwittingly begins to slouch. And of course, who can forget pensive Ozlem, whose eyebrows begin to furrow to and fro uncontrollably and, with her entire energy concentrated on her eyebrow movement, her hair, at a loss for what to do, manages to remain absolutely still.

With this in mind, we turn now to her picture – Ozlem looking pensively off to the side (either that or she’s posing), with her favorite café/brasserie as a backdrop, her wisps of hair contemplating the meaning of life as they gracefully fall away from her face --- but, hmmmmm … is that the hint of a mischievous smile I see on the right-hand corner of her face? Indeed, her thoughts must be veering towards the more rambunctious – perhaps the prospect of a pillow fight on a nice beige micro suede sectional as she watches art films from France, or perhaps, she is spying an attractive young diplomat from Qatar sporting an impressively tight black t-shirt while riding an icy green Vespa just across the street – in fact, I think that must be it as I see wisps of hair standing almost erect at the top of her head, excited by the prospects of riding that Vespa down the street to Avenue B where she can get her weekly fix of Turkish appetizers and sweet melon shisha.

How exciting! To Maia it is! (Just watch out for the Asian belly dancers - I think they make her hair curl)."

Exquisite...

2006-08-14T16:16:00.000+01:00

I still have to share with you the morning of my very last working day at the IOM when still being in NYC.

Those of you who have been following my blog know that I have been blessed by concerts given by Prince (terrific but a big, big diva), Mary J. Blige (very generous and forthcoming) and, and, and...(does anyone care for the Beach Boys??) only by walking by Bryant Park.

Anyway, on Friday 2 weeks ago I captured one of the great minds of the Neptunes (or Nerds), Pharell Williams featuring his fellow Kanye West. Can you imagine catching some awesome Hip Hop beats at 8 a.m. (yes, A.M.)?!

Never but this one day did I take my camera with me, which enables me now to share some shots:

Oz

Turkish Policy Quarterly

2006-08-12T12:19:00.000+01:00

The latest edition of Turkish Policy Quarterly has been dedicated to the general theme of youth (FYI, August 12th is International Youth Day). Please check out this quality magazine, in which I have published myself in its Fall 2005 issue - a work on Turkey's prospects of EU membership!

Özlem

"Die Entwaffnung der Hisbollah ist Selbstmord"

2006-08-12T10:50:00.000+01:00

I admire this man, the former PR (Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations), and it was most certainly an exceptional honor to work for his mission in 2004.

Please see the following interview with Günter Pleuger on his view on the current situation in the Middle East and the role of the UN Security Council Interview in Sueddeutsche

(Sorry, only for the German-speaking audience!)

Özlem

Make up for a missed dinner

2006-08-09T14:41:00.000+01:00

Hey Sexy,

I know you are mad at me! But don't you think this is a cute picture...??
I do, agabey!

For those to whom Sexy is unknown: Sexy is my fellow bro from NY!
His grandiose performance on the pitch has rendered him fame and glory. He is known for his sudatory dedication to European-style soccer which makes him score one goal after the other.

I have only heard of him running in his tight, tight leggings which adumbrate his athletic stature. Maybe I will be blessed enough to see this moment one time in person!

Let us all pray for this moment to come soon!

Cheers,
Özlem

When it comes to food I can get very serious.

2006-08-07T22:05:00.000+01:00

First it was all good. But when Rabeh tried to come closer in order to steal my peach (very bad intention), he got the tongue and a mad-cow look!! So, habibi, keep your fingers off my food and then we can talk again :))

BTW, how's Russia? My Russian, unfortunately, is very poor, not to say non-existent. But I am sure the descendants of Pushkin, Gogol, Tolstoi, Dostojevsky and Maxim Gorky (to name only those who come into my mind right now) are making sure you have a great and unforgettable time...

FYI, supposedley, no one says "'Na zdorovje' as a Russian drinking cheer."
I have heard that they "only sayy it as a reply to 'Spasibo' i.e. 'Thank you'.
Furthermore, there seems no universal drinking cheer in Russian", however paradoxical that might appear...any experts on this, please feel free to share your knowledge here!

"Budem zdorovy" (you will need this phrase quite often, I suppose) .....Özlem

My favorite spot

2006-08-06T20:21:00.000+01:00

almost every weekend at around noon -sometimes a little later, depending if I had to stop at CP to take my 3 hour rest from the week- you would have found me in front of Balthazar's on Spring street. Sitting down on their benches in front of the bakery, I was having my very special time. Some might call it going for coffee, for me it was a ritual which completed my splendid stroll through SoHo.

And it was one of these sweet days that I discovered photographer LH, taking polaroids which she then processed in a certain way
-pls take a look at one example right here.

Of course I had to get one of these pieces of art which fortunately captured the red marquee of Balthazar's in the background. See how even little things make me happy...

Check out LH's website under Lotte Hansen

Ozlem

"To Israel with love"

2006-08-04T15:40:00.000+01:00

The Economist

No comment...just love them!

2006-08-02T12:41:00.000+01:00

My eating habits...

2006-07-26T22:26:00.000+01:00

have been subject to a heated debate. Here is an excerpt of an email conversation B$ and I had a little while ago. Just to get things clear: I am not concerned about my weight in any sense. But sometimes I am worried about the impression people might get when I start, continue and don't stop eating.
Now, here's is one eloquent observation. Enjoy...

"(...) As for your eating habits, its not the actual amount you consume, but how self-reflective and vocal you are while eating, whether its at the beginning of the meal, when you occasionally get this wistful look and declare "I love it" so matter of factly, or when, in the middle of the meal, when you stop, almost in shock, and say (almost apologetically)"I should stop, but I can't," or at the end of the meal, when you look aggressively at me and declare "I eat more than you" as though you had a bigger ... ah, err ... appetite than me. Frankly, I don't think you actually eat more than me, but about the same, which, considering you are about 1/2 of my weight, is impressive nonetheless. I am a more quiet eater, appreciating the food in a more spiritual, meditative way, and hence it only seems to the louder eater (i.e. you) that I may be eating less. Believe me, we are equally big eaters, you and I. (...)".

Offstage is onstage...

2006-07-22T03:25:00.000+01:00

My apologies to everybody: The Rice-info turned out to be wrong.

Anyhow, the Security Council today again considered the situation in the Middle East. Much had been and was still being negotiated behind the scenes while delegations were delivering speeches.

Don't expect the international community to come up with any action that might cease the ongoing military strikes. These will go on for another week or two.
Humanitarian agencies will most probably be given access to civilians in need. Their appeal for safe corridors to deliver the supplies they are preparing to ship to the country will most likely be met.
Reconstruction is supposed to be on the destroyer's treat.

Now you figure the rest...

Ozlem

Annan proposes package of actions to staunch bloodshed in Lebanon

2006-07-20T22:05:00.000+01:00

It is frustrating and devastating at the same time to see how impossible it seems at this present stage to reach some sort of settlement of the conflict in the Middle East.

Coming back from their mission last night, the UN high level envoys informed Headquarters that there are serious obstacles to reaching a ceasefire or let alone to reducing the violence quickly.
SG Kofi Annan's briefing of the Security Council, which I attended, gave a blunt assessment on the catastrophic conditions on the ground. For his speech and the proposed package of action please see the link http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=19259&Cr=leban&Cr1=

Tomorrow U.S. Secretry of State, Condoleezza Rice, is supposed to give a speech.
I will keep you informed.

Ozlem

An escalating crisis

2006-07-14T20:23:00.000+01:00

Once again, we experience the flare-up of violence in the Middle East following the abduction of several Israeli soldiers. The deteriorating conflict between Israel, Palestine and Lebanon has resulted in an escalating deadlock, which led to interference by the UN Security Council (SC).

As an immediate response SG Kofi Annan dispatched a three-person team to the Middle East led by his Special Political Adviser, Vijay Nambiar, including UN envoy to the Middle East Alvaro de Soto and Special Envoy Terje Roed-Larsen, to help defuse the major crisis in the region. The SC has welcomed this step and urged all parties to fully cooperate with the UN top advisers.

Convening yesterday, the SC failed to adopt a draft resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the Israeli soldier abducted by Palestinian armed groups from Gaza and for a halt to what it called a “disproportionate” military reaction by Israel, due to a veto by the United States, which called the text "unbalanced and outdated".
The draft would have also called on the international community to provide emergency assistance to the Palestinian people to help alleviate the dire humanitarian situation, and on the Israeli Government to restore and maintain the continuous and uninterrupted supply of fuel to Gaza, and to “act expeditiously” to replace destroyed equipment at the power plant.

Urgent relief is needed as the situation looms to convert from a social to a humanitarian crisis. A total collapse of all services to the Palestinians in Gaza will not be prevented unless humanitarian needs will be met by the international community. Sadly enough, only 31 per cent out of the UN’s revised appeal launched last month for $385 million for humanitarian needs in the occupied territories had materialized so far.
If the international community fails to address the issue appropriately, a downward spiral to a totally uncontrollable situation will be the consequence.

Ozlem

New CK add :))

2006-07-12T22:26:00.000+01:00

Hello y'all,

my peeps, P$ and B$, apparently got bored in Vancouver and experimentalized with pictures we took when P$ was still in town.

Let's share what they have come up with. They say it looks like a CK add. Truly, I am flattered. But let me tell you this: Having the doorsteps of a gorgeous house in the Brooklyn Heights as a background did most of the job. Oh ok,...and maybe the new dress I bought did the rest...

Informal Interactive Hearings with NGOs, Civil Society and the Private Sector

2006-07-11T20:06:00.000+01:00

http://www.un.org/esa/population/hldmigration/NGO_Hearings.html

Pls see the above link for tomorrow's Informal Interactive Hearings with NGOs, Civil Society and the Private Sector, which the General Assembly will hold.

This is in preparation of the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development, which will take place on 14 and 15 September 2006 in New York at UN Headquarters.
Unfortunately, I will miss the HLD which is the first time the UN is dealing with international migration of such scope. It is also of great importance to IOM since it is the leading organization when it comes to international migration and its connection to development.

Later more,
Ozlem

When angels sing...

2006-07-05T15:23:00.000+01:00

...it must sound like Amel Larrieux!

A captivating presence, a beautiful spirit and soulful music…we had an awesome night after Brian and I literally rushed through Times Square to catch a wonderful mind.

Amel certainly has lots of love to give away and that night she shared it with all of us.
Tell ‘em, Brian!

Some of the pics…enjoy! (Pls excuse the hairy outlook…I know who’s fault it is, lol!)

A national tragedy...?

2006-07-05T00:41:00.000+01:00

Who would have thought that this could ever happen?! After kicking Argentina out , Germany has been kicked out of the Cup itself by Italy on this very sad, sad day.

I am not going to give an analysis of the game, not only because I could only catch the last third of the match but also because I feel I should leave this to the professionals among us. I heard it was a great game from the beginning on though.

Maybe dinner at Balthazar's will be a consolidation. TBH, I doubt it since it will be a farewell dinner for my sis Pav, who is going to leave us and especially me all alone in NYC.

But that is a different story to be told another time...

Oz

PS. I have so much to catch up with. So, friends, stay tuned for new entries of mine.

Montenegro has become part of the UN family

2006-06-29T15:28:00.000+01:00

As of yesterday the United Nations count 192 member-states. Please see SG Kofi Annan's remarks at yesterday's flag raising ceremony. http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2113

A new world...a night somewhere in Brooklyn

2006-06-23T21:52:00.000+01:00

Folks,
I haven’t told you about this crazy party in an artist’s loft somewhere in Brooklyn, have I?!
OK, Pav and I left the rooftop Chelsea party (packed with lawyers) to get to this rather industrial, deserted area of Brooklyn where our friend from the European Commission was throwing a party. It was like stepping out of one world and entering an entirely new and unknown hemisphere.
People walking up to us, hugging and embracing us…telling us that “tonight” it’s all about free love (I know that some of you must be pleased by the sheer idea…come on!!).

And since it was an artist’s loft we all were asked to tap into the creative force deep within us. So at the end of the night and as a result of our collective, creative and fantastic ideas, we all were wrapped in aluminum foil, which sometimes even substituted the clothes people were wearing before.

But see for yourself….

Oz

A notorious night on the rooftop...

2006-06-19T16:38:00.000+01:00

It was on a Thursday night when Pav and I went out to have a few drinks in one of Manhattan's many rooftop bars. We ended up on the rooftop of The Plunge in the Meatpacking District.

While Pav was gone, a young blonde lady approached me asking me if I was all by myself. She went on saying that she was here with her friend (male) even though she usually wouldn’t date men (OK!). And that if I wanted to drink I just should come up and they would get me everything I wanted (Sounds good!..just kidding:). While she was going on I turned my head and there he was, the other party in this wannabe threesome. I totally screwed it up by just moving my head and looking somewhat paralyzed, as I couldn’t believe the situation I was in.

So, my dear friends this was the first time I was offered to be in a threesome. Next time I’ll be prepared...

This is a picture of the notorious night.

BTW, according to one of the many bright and worldly New York men, Pavan should be supporting Ghana in the World Cup as it neighbors India.
And not to mention: Did you know that there is no racism in the U.S.? This is what one young ethnic investment banker assured us. These are the intellectuals of NY society that we have encountered at NY hot spots.

Later,
Oz

I just love this picture

2006-06-16T17:05:00.000+01:00

Do you think the glances Pav and I are throwing at each other might be a reason for people to think we are dating each other??

Eager to hear your point of view...please share!

This was in a cute little French cafe in SoHo...

I saw PRINCE!!

2006-06-16T15:43:00.000+01:00

The concert was scheduled for 7 a.m. - I decided not to go just to catch a few hours of sleep at least. Shame on me, you'd say!

But hey, I was damn lucky! On my way to work, I walked by Bryant Park just to check if there was anything going on. And guess what....I DID see PRINCE!!!!! I caught his very last song and it was amazing.

No matter what, Prince ROCKS!! That was definitely a superb kick off to the weekend!

FYI, Mary J. Blige is next! Whatta beautiful life!

Oz

OFF THE CUFF...Today at the United Nations

2006-06-15T19:42:00.000+01:00

http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=886

Please see the above link on Secretary General Kofi Annan's latest press conference, which Pav and me attended this morning. On the very left you can download a video version.

Ozlem

Here are a couple of pictures of the MoMA Garden Party. More to follow...enjoy!

2006-06-14T14:19:00.000+01:00

Howard, John Legend and me...

The Party in the Garden

2006-06-09T13:55:00.000+01:00

After “the other lawyer” cancelled the dinner we were supposed to have, I decided to stay home, cook myself a little dinner and go to bed early. My intentions were all good, but I was destined to do more supreme things …lol
My thanks to Brian, for dissin’ me that night... (I am serious, man!)

So, at around 9:30pm I get this call from a friend of mine, asking me where the hell I am and that I should get my “a_s” over to MoMA. I didn’t even have a chance to decide. All I had were 5 minutes to get dressed, take a cap and join “The Party in the Garden” at MoMA. And needless to say, all the stress and rush were damn worth it. Having Sarah Jessica Parker introducing John Legend, who presented some of his newest songs, was only one of the many, many precious moments!!! Not to mention the delicious food, drinks flowing like water, and, and, and…

And again, I need to say and sorry for repeating myself: I just LOVE this City! Pictures are to follow, stay tuned!

Oz

In B.E.D. with....

2006-06-05T04:45:00.000+01:00

Hey,

since I haven't put in here any recent pictures, here is the first one. Will be followed by more, don't worry.

This was a party in a club called B.E.D. (huge beds were all over the place, which made it extremely cozy), organized by the South-Asian Network. I liked the elevator, which you enter right from the street.
I just love the accessories of NYer clubs!!

Please, give me an answer to one urgent question I have: Is this the first time you've seen an bearded Asian dude (see picture :)) For me, it is! I am so excited...lol

Oh, and that gorgeous on the very left is my dear friend Pavan!! Gotta love her...

Oz

2006 High-Level Meeting on AIDS

2006-06-05T04:28:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody,

after the closure of this year’s UNPFII I was assigned to attend the General Assembly’s (GA) High Level Meeting on AIDS. The comprehensive review of the progress achieved in realizing the targets set out in the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by the GA in June 2001, was a major agenda item.

One thing has been thoroughly made clear: There is still much to be done if HIV/AIDS is to be fought effectively.
One statement made by a North European delegate made the point very clear. She said that if HIV/AIDS had a white face, was of middle income and carried a suitcase, it would have been much more successfully combatted than it is today. But because HIV/AIDS is mostly to be found among the poor and the marginalized of the world’s population there is still a vast gap between made promises and commitments and real accomplishments such as the delivery of health services, the provision of condoms, access to life-saving drugs and prevention tools.

It is a shame that legal, regulatory, trade and other barriers still block effective HIV prevention, treatment, care, commodities and services. And it as an alarming sign that women and children are among the most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

The GA has eventually come up with a Draft Political Declaration, which you can access under www.un.org/ga/aidsmeeting2006/declaration.htm

So, this message is for everybody! I don’t want to preach, but sitting right next to people living with HIV/AIDS, has somewhat sensitized me to this issue even more. The fact that some of them are suffering from this disease because they were lacking the information and knowledge or because condoms were not made available, makes me say the following:
Guys, please make sure you ALWAYS use a condom.
And girls, make sure your man uses a condom. Be aware of how privileged you are.

“One love” (Jamaican Youth Ambassador)

Ozlem

My mini-vacation

2006-05-30T22:35:00.000+01:00

Friends,
after this weekend there are a few people I want to thank for giving me such a great time during the last couple of days.

After coming to NYC so often I have never really discovered the beauty of Brooklyn. So, it wasn’t until last Saturday that I was given the opportunity to enjoy some calm out of the City. And who would have thought that I might end up at this awesome bar owned by a Swiss filmmaker and his charming wife. So, if you want to go for a drink close to Park Slope (or was it even in Park Slope? Sorry, can’t remember.), you better check out Sepia.

And what do you think makes me entirely happy? Good food!
My friend Brian, who I also feel like knowing from a past life I must have been given before this one, took me to this precious place called “Moustache”…Mmmhh…exquisite Syrian cuisine along with a bottle of German Riesling made my day. See, it doesn’t take much for me to be happy..lol!

But I’d be unfair if I didn’t mention the delicious sandwiches made by lpk and served in Prospect Park.

The cherry on the cake was last night’s concert in the Cathedral St. John Divine given by the highly praised New York Philharmonics. Again, I have to thank lpk for sharing Tchaikovsky’s 5th symphony with me.

May this be followed by more...

Oz

Now..after two weeks...

2006-05-25T23:57:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody,

I haven't been posting for some time now. And I think I should let you know what I have been up to until now.

Well, the 5th session of the UNPFII will be closed by tomorrow, meaning that I most probably will be assigned to another project. As I have told you before, it was very interesting seeing how people from the smallest tribes or the tiniest islands of all over the world made their way to UN Headquarters in NYC for drawing attention on problems they and their community are faced with everyday. A lot of people made a statement and handed in recommendations on how to improve their situation, calling upon governments, institutions and the UN system to grant them i.a. a life in dignity.

The last two weeks have been very busy and at times even stressful. But I have to say that I love (!) what I am doing. It's great to be a part of all this!

And now...I am actually waiting for my dear friend Pavan to finish her report, so that we can leave and walk through Midtown.

Oh and at this point, I'd like to thank Michael for lending me his notebook. I make sure I'll break it before I leave :)) I am such a true friend, right Michael?!

Alright, there is still so much I could talk about, but I feel I should leave something for later. And beside that, I want to get out of the office…Pavan, would you please hurry up!! ;-)
Oh, Pavan is my dear friend and colleague, who I have met on my very first day at IOM. But I feel like I have been knowing her for ages…but don’t even get me started on this…so funny!!

Talk to you later…
Oz

Rigoberta Menchú in the UN

2006-05-20T00:33:00.000+01:00

Yesterday all the members of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII) -that's what I am currently working on - had the exceptional honour to meet Rigoberta Menchu. For those who should not know: Rigoberta Menchú has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on the promotion on indigenous issues. She has drawn worldwide attention to the problem indigenous peoples in Latin America are facing today.
Since I have stayed in Guatemala for about 3 months working with street children, of whom many were indigenous, I feel to have a somewhat special relationship to that country.

Unfortunately, her speech was interrupted by a fire alarm. But still, it was the spirit she left in the room that got us all captivated.

Please check her foundation for more information: http://www.rigobertamenchu.org/

Oezlem

Das muss ich noch erzaehlen!

2006-05-18T00:23:00.000+01:00

So kenne ich NYC und nicht anders:

Natuerlich erwartet man auf dem Heimweg nichts spektakulaeres. Ich komme gerade aus dem Supermarkt heraus und trete in eine Traube von Menschen, von denen jeder mit schwerem Equipment beladen ist. Dann drehe ich meinen Kopf zur Seite und wer steht da einen halben Schritt vor mir??? Maedels, ich weiss, Ihr wuerdet reihenweise umfallen fuer diesen Mann...Hugh Grant :)) Mal wieder rot angelaufen, weil er wohl wieder einer Frau hinterherlaufen musste (im Film, versteht sich;)

Gut also, dass ich nicht so sehr auf ihn stehe, denn sonst haette die Situation peinlich ausarten koennen. Obwohl schlecht sah er ja nicht aus in seinem halb aufgeknoepften Hemd....In diesem Sinne Euch allen (besonders den Frauen) eine gute Nacht,

Oezlem

The Upper West Side is mine again!

2006-05-14T14:38:00.000+01:00

'Yeah right', you'd say. But somehow I feel like I have never been gone even though an entire year passed since my last stay here.

Apparently, I am all well and located in the beautiful UWS (Upper West Side) at my dear friend's house. CPW (Central Park West) is only a 5-minute walk away and it feels great to be back again.

My flight was OK. Instead of sleeping I watched Brokeback Mountain and got deeply depressed by it. It tells a very touching story and I shouldn't have watched it because I was down for quite a while afterwards.
So, I tried to catch up on my sleep by going to bed really early last night. Yes, I went to bed at about 8pm on a Saturday night (!) in Manhattan. Please do not laugh, you probably would have done the same :)

I'll make sure I'll make up for the lost night..haha

Anyhow, I send all my love to everybody from Manhattan's UWS and hope you are all doing well.

Always with you,
Oz (as they call me here)

und zum Schluss...das Wort zum Samstag

2006-05-11T16:28:00.000+01:00

Ich hasse Abschiede. Aber da ich viele von Euch vor meiner Abreise am Samstag nicht mehr sehen konnte, muss ich mich wohl hierüber von Euch verabschieden. Seid mir nicht böse, dass ich nicht jeden Einzelnen anrufen oder eine Email senden konnte. So ist es doch etwas schneller und einfacher.

Also, meine Lieben (das sagt doch Domian immer :-), obwohl ich nun nach all den Auslandsaufenthalten ein alter Hase sein sollte, fällt es mir dieses Mal komischerweise besonders schwer. Ich freue mich wirklich sehr (!!) auf New York City, aber genauso gut hätte ich noch eine Weile hier in D-Land bleiben können. Wie auch immer, wie heisst es doch so schön: Man soll gehen, wenn es am schönsten ist. Das mache ich jetzt auch :-)
Deswegen lange Rede, kurzer Sinn: Macht es gut, bleibt gesund und habt viel Spaß!

Vielleicht lass' ich dem Einen oder Anderen eine UN-Postkarte ins Haus flattern, also watch out!!

Geniesst den noch hoffentlich langen Sommer!

Eure Özlem

Aktueller Artikel bei KFBIS/Latest article in KFIBS' current issue

2006-05-01T12:14:00.000+01:00

Für die Interessierten unter Euch: Mein aktueller Artikel zur türkisch-amerikanischen Politik im Kaukasus ist jetzt bei KFIBS einsehbar. Unter

KFIBS

könnt Ihr ihn als PDF runterladen.

Der Beitrag basiert zu großen Teilen auf einem Kapitel aus meiner Magisterarbeit.

Höre gerne Feedback und Eure Meinung zum Thema.

Gruß,
Özlem

For those who are interested: Please see my latest article on the Turkish and U.S. policy in the Caucasus published in KFIBS' current issue 02/2006 under

KFIBS

I need to say that it is in German as I have mostly reverted to my German Master thesis! I will try to publish more in English in order to make my work accessible for everybody.

And please don't hesitate to give me your feedback.

Yours,
Özlem

New York City, you got me...

2006-04-30T21:25:00.000+01:00

In less than two weeks time, I will take off to one of my favorite cities. Some would even say, the greatest city ever (right, Marco? :)

I will be working for the Office of the Permanent Observer of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to the United Nations. So, I am looking forward to having an exciting time in the UN circle again and meeting interesting people from all over the world.

But also, I can't wait to see some of my dear friends there and spend this year's spring and summer with them. And what would New York City be without its precious Central Park!!? Mmmmhhhh...

Even though I am all crazy about being in NYC again, I will be having a hard time leaving my closest friends here in Germany. I love you all!!

So, stay tuned for the many pics I plan to put in here.

Much love,
Özlem