Oceania Events, Carla Events
Nov. 26th, 2023 02:44 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tcpipThe first three days this week were spent doing HPC Training Workshops: Introduction to Linux and High Performance Computing, Advanced Linux and Shell Scripting for High Performance Computing, High Performance and Parallel Python. The five hours or so of continuous lectures is pretty exhausting, so I found myself visiting the University of Otago Alumni (Melbourne chapter) for end-of-year drinks at the Carlton Club afterward, which is a pretty good venue for such things. As can be imagined there was pretty good spirits and conversations from learned people. It turned out that this would be the first of a few events in the week that included a bit of an "Oceania" theme, which also included Victoria visiting from Christchurch with her sister Mel S, and with everyone returning to my apartment afterward for drinks and dinner. A little op-shopping spree beforehand resulted in the acquisition of an amazing pair of raven wings which Liana wore for part of the evening. Dinner included Kanaky Bougna (a stew of multiple sweet potatoes, banana, tomato, and onion), a dessert of Tahitian po'e (banana and coconut pudding), and champagne (with mango and passionfruit). Apparently, I like to cook.
The next Oceanic item of note was receiving the final results for the second trimester of my Master in Climate Change Science and Policy; my streak was broken with three A's and a B+, the latter just 2% shy of an "A", which means 7As, and 1B for the course. I've worked out that I must have picked up at least 85% for the final paleoclimatology exam, which is a pleasing result. In addition, I have submitted my dissertation proposal outline that will be written over the next few months on climate change impacts, adaption, and financing for less-developed Pacific island countries, which really is about as oceanic as one can get, although even the definition of who is a member is tricky (my old friend, Timor-Leste, is sometimes included). The study project is, in my mind at least, an interesting challenge in discussing populations who are most affected by climate change, who have barely contributed anything to the problem, and are seriously lacking in the finances to adapt to it.
I must also mention two impressive events involving my friend Carla this week. The first was her speech at the Transgender Day of Remembrance at Fitzroy Library (which includes the rather beautiful former town hall), attended by some three hundred people. The event had plenty of impressive performances, including the all-trans Keychange Choir, but I think the speech by Carla, honouring and remembering her child Rue who died earlier this year, really was the main event and painted a principled vision of the future where diversity is treated with equality rather than fear and hostility. I really feel for Carla who has had such a challenging year - a list which I will not go into - and yet, with such positive spirits, hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving "house cooling" party last night. Strength to you, dear Carla and your new home and the new year bring success and joy.
The next Oceanic item of note was receiving the final results for the second trimester of my Master in Climate Change Science and Policy; my streak was broken with three A's and a B+, the latter just 2% shy of an "A", which means 7As, and 1B for the course. I've worked out that I must have picked up at least 85% for the final paleoclimatology exam, which is a pleasing result. In addition, I have submitted my dissertation proposal outline that will be written over the next few months on climate change impacts, adaption, and financing for less-developed Pacific island countries, which really is about as oceanic as one can get, although even the definition of who is a member is tricky (my old friend, Timor-Leste, is sometimes included). The study project is, in my mind at least, an interesting challenge in discussing populations who are most affected by climate change, who have barely contributed anything to the problem, and are seriously lacking in the finances to adapt to it.
I must also mention two impressive events involving my friend Carla this week. The first was her speech at the Transgender Day of Remembrance at Fitzroy Library (which includes the rather beautiful former town hall), attended by some three hundred people. The event had plenty of impressive performances, including the all-trans Keychange Choir, but I think the speech by Carla, honouring and remembering her child Rue who died earlier this year, really was the main event and painted a principled vision of the future where diversity is treated with equality rather than fear and hostility. I really feel for Carla who has had such a challenging year - a list which I will not go into - and yet, with such positive spirits, hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving "house cooling" party last night. Strength to you, dear Carla and your new home and the new year bring success and joy.
