When I wasn't working on my thesis, Spring 2003 brought ski trips and my last conferences with the UMass Lowell Model United Nations team. For the North American Model United Nations conference in Toronto I represented a judge on the International Court of Justice. Looking at the ins and outs of ethnic conflict, it was an interesting window into the limitations and possibilities of international law.

"Team Toronto"

"Be very afraid"

"Apres world-saving"

"Apres II"

Just because we play hard doesn't mean we don't work hard.

"Hegemony"

"Celebration"

"Hangover"

Despite all the character-building that went on during the conference (in and out of committee), we also brought with us some baggage. One of our team members (and friends), Paul McCauley, had to stay behind. His National Guard unit was activated mid-semester, in preparation for their deployment to Iraq. There was not a night during the conference that we didn't offer up a toast to Paul. Most of us still do.

"Paul's deployment ceremony"

2003 was also my year for discovering cross-country skiing. Thank god, now I don't have to put up with those damn treadmills all winter long.

"Andre--my partner in crime"

"On-trail"