The World Bank

The World Bank

The above image is directly from The World Bank Group’s website, not to be confused with The World Bank.

However, The World Bank’s goal is to reduce poverty on a global scale. Since it was established in 1944 that means FDR was president.

At the time of its inception supporting the White House meant supporting domestic and foreign policy, and usually that policy meant the involvement in the affairs of other countries.

 I work in the Archives of the LBJ Presidential Library and just yesterday was working on an interview of President Gerald Ford. He talked about politicians that wanted to limit US involvement with other countries (Isolationism) and his impressions of LBJ. He also talked briefly about the Marshall Plan which helped European countries and in effect helped stop the spread of Communism.

Before watching this interview I never realized how involved politicians are with each other. They serve on committees together, much of which isn’t seen by the public/media. And they have committees for everything.

In 1968 The World Bank started focusing on poverty in the developing worlds thanks to LBJ’s appointment of Robert McNamara as the president. McNamara was the Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War under both Kennedy and Johnson.

While McNamara was the 5^th president, the 2^nd president was John Jay McCloy. Why am I bringing up McCloy? McCloy was later appointed to the Warren Commission by LBJ, to investigate the assassination of JFK. Who else was on this seven man committee? Gerald Ford, and he talked about this in the very interview I spent hours working on.

I’m not surprised that it was LBJ who shifted the focus from European countries to the developing world. Say what you want about how he handled Vietnam, but you can’t deny what LBJ has done for the poor. His fight for the basic needs of the people started a lot more locally than you think.

The World Bank was started with the best intentions and is shifting to please critics while staying committed to its goal. I’m not foolish enough to believe that there are no hidden political agendas. Usually The World Bank is influenced by the Presidency and voting power. The US has the most voting power at 15.85%. But presidencies change; the mission goal stays the same.

BiblioTech

As the lady said, you don’t have to come back to the library again. That’s how they’re pitching this place. Basically this is a computer lab. Yes, they have a child learning center where kids can play with some of the tech. Yes, there is a lounge area for people to read. But, again, why would people come to read when they could do it from the comfort of their own homes.

The library—and I use that term generously—is located in one of the impoverished neighborhoods in San Antonio. If you’re wondering why the computers and shiny new tech hasn’t been stolen, it’s because the library shares a building with a county office. There’s a slew of cop cars on the side to deter potential crime and there is an armed guard inside.

Something interesting was brought up when my sisters and I went to this place. One, Alicia told me that I shouldn’t have filmed it because it made the people uncomfortable. This is probably true, but they could have told me that they wanted me to stop, and considering their position of authority I would have complied. In all fairness, I “tried” to blur out their faces, but YouTube editor isn’t the most efficient software, but it’s free.

So this brings me to the second thing. No one stopped me from filming. I was looking back at the footage, and realized how creepy it was that I basically walked into the Children’s Room filming and nobody stopped me. (Obviously I cut that part out.) If you look at the footage, the guard saw what I was doing, the librarians saw what I was doing, but nobody said anything. Not that I was looking for confrontation. I sometimes act without thinking, and I know it’s going to get me into trouble one day.

Back to the “library.”

As someone who is going for a Masters of Library and Information Science, I’ve read plenty of articles on the digital library. Cushla Kapitzke wrote an article on information literacy and how technology is changing the library into a cybrary. It’s an interesting piece covering the history of the library and explains why librarians are still needed even if the actual buildings are not.

Personally, I don’t see the digital library usurping the traditional library. A library has always been a place of learning and knowledge. I understand that technology has a way of granting people more and faster access to information, but can’t there be a balance? There is a particular aura in a traditional library where people can study, read, work, and be entertained. BiblioTech was missing this atmosphere because it was no more than a computer lab. A computer lab that doesn’t even bother encouraging its patrons to return.

…

In an attempt to dispel the gloominess caused by BiblioTech, I present to you Mr. Sulu.

The Alamo

The Alamo

I thought it was ridiculous that I’ve never really been to the Alamo. “Never really been” as in I have no recollection of going there. So if I have been there, it was when I was too little for it to make much of an impact. For as much pride as I have in being a Texan, seeing the Alamo was never a priority. I think it’s something that most people do—take for granted the interesting sites that are in their backyards so to speak.

So we made the drive to the Alamo, and I was prepared to be disappointed. I think this is a mindset I will carry-on because I was pleasantly surprised with this particular adventure. The only thing that’s still standing is the church and one of the barracks. It’s kind of sad considering how large it was originally, especially since what used to be the headquarters is now a Ripley’s Believe It or Not and a Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks.

As an avid tourist, I did my duty in taking a bunch of pictures that are only exciting to me and at the particular moment that I took it. And yes, I will show some of them and explain what I was thinking when I took them.

Not really sure what kind of change this protester was seeking. All of the leaders that were once there are long gone, and it’s kind of despicable to protest a shrine.

So… do you eat the scorpion? ‘Cause—eww.

If you look closely, you can see a £2 coin.
That’s like throwing $3 into a wishing well.

(This is probably my favorite picture.)
I’ll let you come up with your own caption.

So, what did I learn? It took 13 days for Santa Anna to seize the Alamo, some of the women and children survived the battle, and kids will fall asleep anywhere.

Two Hours on South First and Graffiti

Torchy’s

On Fridays St. Edward’s school day ends at two. Which means Friday morning classes are spent watching the clock slowly creep toward the weekend. Cynthia and I made plans for after Friday classes, and those plans included going to Torchy’s. I also wanted to finally see some iconic street art (or at least one famous mural).

Usually when I eat at a place I’ve never been, I ask the waiter or the person behind the counter what their favorite plate is on the menu. I did exactly this but the taco the guy recommended was The Brush Fire which he said was really hot. I actually like my taste buds undamaged so I ordered The Independent (fried portabella with refried black beans and roasted corn, topped with an avocado and ancho aioli) and The Democrat (shredded beef barbacoa with an avocado and wedge of lime).

You know when you’re eating a meal and already thinking of what you’ll order the next time you come in? It’s that good. Yeah, that’s Torchy’s, and I’m ashamed that it took so long for me to get there. Their queso is pretty good also.

Afterward Cynthia and wandered further down South First Street. These are just a few of the things we saw including the yummy tacos we ate. Wish I had more time to spend. Honestly, South First is where you go for either good food or a tattoo. A lot of the boutiques are closed and I think if it’s an interesting shop you want to browse in, you’re better of a few blocks east on South Congress. Word to the wise: don’t call it So-Fi or SoCo. Just don’t.

On a serious note…

One of the websites I use to find interesting things to do is TripAdvisor. I plan on checking out East Austin in a few weeks and wanted to know about the must see places there. I was very troubled with a post warning people to avoid the area because it was dangerous. I wonder if posts like this perpetuate this belief that East Austin is a shady place where dangers lurk in the shadows.

My childhood was spent in East Austin, and I don’t think it’s significantly more dangerous than any other city. People should take precautions no matter the neighborhood they are in. Travel in groups, carry pepper spray, take a self-defense course, and be aware of your surroundings. Use common sense, the power of intuition, or your Spidey Sense to avoid a bad situation.

I watched a TED Talk by Steven Pinker where he claims that the rate of violence has been on the decline since the Sixteenth Century, partially because of a new social awareness and the speed in which news now travels. My point in all this is that if you’re too afraid of what could happen to you, you’ll never know of all the possibilities that come from experiencing something new.

San Antonio

The reason I wasn’t able to spend more time on South First Street was because I decided to head to San Antonio to enjoy the holiday weekend. My sister, Alicia, and her fiancée, Erin signed-up for a 5k. The Graffiti Run was held at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Few things about throwing an event like that is to have a blasted coffee tent for the spectators. It’s not an outrageous expectations. It was early in the morning and cold. I guess all the runs I’ve been to in Austin have spoiled me.

The thing about the Graffiti Run is that runners were given color packets. I tried my hardest, I really did, but I was unable to escape the festivities unscathed. I thought for sure it was going to be my sister who would be the one to douse me in color, but it wasn’t. I was there, minding my own business when I felt this chilling snap on the back of my neck and registered the shocked look on my sisters’ faces. Some old biddy got me good—magenta color all down my collar and into my Germany tote. Vicky was not amused. But it was just color and the girls and I had a good time.

Tomorrow we’re going to the Alamo because the last time I’ve been there was probably when I was in 2^nd grade. We’re also going to check out the River Walk and BiblioTech, the library without any books. Stay tuned!

Auditorium Shores

Honestly, I never stick with the weigh-loss resolutions or the ones where I strive to be a “better” person. So, my New Year’s resolution for 2014 is to appreciate life and where I’m living by going out and exploring. After my semester abroad, I realized that there were things I haven’t experienced in a city I’ve lived in most of my life, and that it would be stupid to not take advantage of living in this remarkable place. After all, there are sites that bring millions of tourists to Austin each year.

I’ve decided to do this blog for a few reasons. Like with my Scotland blog, it will motivate me to leave my apartment and go on adventures. Also, I really enjoyed the touristy things I did in the UK and Europe. Another reason for this blog is that this will be my final semester at St. Edward’s University. I’m in the process of applying to graduate schools outside of Texas, and I want something that surpasses what my memory can recall—proof of this amazing city and my time here.

My first adventure was to go to Austin’s New Year at Auditorium Shores.

 I was still a kid the last time I went to this event of music, food, and fireworks. Last year, I spent New Year’s at Stirling Castle watching the Proclaimers before they lit the sky up, so Austin had some pretty big shoes to fill.

I’m not going to lie; it was a bit chilly out there. And, I forgot the blanket in the car so I was sitting on the cold ground. Nothing a cup of hot chocolate and a turkey leg couldn’t remedy. I wasn’t really hungry, but eating a turkey leg was new for me and I decided, “What the hell,” and gave it a shot. Let me tell you something; I turned more heads with that turkey leg than I ever have primping and finding the cutest outfits to wear. And it was a good leg. 

I didn’t make it in time to see the Peterson Brothers Band play. It’s a shame because I’ve caught their act before. These brothers are 14 and 16 and play blues like it’s in their blood. If you get a chance to see them play, you’re in for some good entertainment. An act I’ve never seen before but was impressed by was the Warren Hood Band. All in all the music was great, the food was warm, and the fireworks were beautiful.

Afterward, I decided to meet my friends down at Sixth St. and ring in the New Year’s in a bar called Shotguns. I understand that Sixth St. is a popular attraction, I’ve been down there quite a few times. It’s a street with bars and clubs, and for New Year’s Eve, the roads get blocked off so the people drinking don’t stumble out into the street and get hit. Actually they usually block the streets off whenever there is a huge event going on like SXSW, holidays, and marathons, so this happens pretty often. This probably won’t be the last time that I write about the happenings on Sixth.

Expect videos and pictures of the trouble I get into for my last six or seven months here. If you have any suggestions on something I should do, leave a comment. If you’re in the area and want to go on one of these adventures, let me know. Not all of the things I do will be on Trip Advisor, and I’ll probably travel a little outside of Austin. My goal is to have fun, and if you want to live vicariously through this blog, I don’t mind one bit. Happy New Year!