Some interesting things on offer, and hey, it's Prague for the holidays--
This email brings you information on an interesting educational opportunity, the 15th International Youth Leadership Conference, which is to be held January 6-11th, 2008 in Prague, the Czech Republic. I am the Conference Director of the 15th International Youth Leadership Conference (IYLC) and I would like to make sure that your students are informed about this unique international conference.
The 15th IYLC will be welcoming 130 top university students from around the world. As we are now accepting applications online, we would very much appreciate your help with spreading this information. We will soon send you a package with posters and further details, but for now I am sending you, and your students, the following information.
The theme of the conference is “a cross-cultural exchange of ideas concerning the future of world leadership” and the main objective of the IYLC is to blend educational activities and social interaction using a number of inter-related events:
A United Nations Security Council Crisis simulation
A mock International Criminal Court pre-trial
Model Parliament proceedings
Visits to Foreign Embassies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Czech Senates Panel Discussion and Presentations led by speakers of the highest caliber in their fields.
To view a draft schedule of events for the winter session please view: http://czechleadership.com/itinerary.php and you are also invited to visit our website at www.czechleadership.com for further details.
To view the Student Invitation Letter, which could potentially be forwarded to your students, please view: http://czechleadership.com/invitation-letter.pdf
For students who apply early, we have a special ‘Early Bird’ discount, worth 100 EUR. For more information please check our website.
Please let me know if you, or your students, have any questions.
I will be looking forward to hearing from you.
With best regards from Prague,
Katarina Olsova
katarina@civicconcepts.org
Conference Director - 15th International Youth Leadership Conference
Civic Concepts International
www.czechleadership.com
tel: +420 272 730 897
Monday, September 10, 2007
NYT...U?
From Inside Higher Ed:
The New York Times on Thursday announced a major push into higher education — with new efforts to provide distance education, course content and social networking. A number of colleges are already either committed to using the new technologies or are in negotiations to start doing so, evidence of the strong power of the Times brand in academe...
In distance education, the Times will be providing technology and marketing for non-credit courses taught by college and university professors. Funds from tuition revenue will be split (with the precise formula varying) between the colleges and the Times. Among the institutions that are already part of the effort are Mount Holyoke College; New York, Northern Kentucky, Stanford and Towson Universities; and the Society for College and University Planning. Felice Nudelman, director of education for the Times, said that the list would soon grow significantly. She said that the emphasis would be on having a range of institutions and a range of high quality programs. Tuition rates are set by the colleges — in some cases with in-state and out-of-state rates.
Here's the link to the NYT site.
The New York Times on Thursday announced a major push into higher education — with new efforts to provide distance education, course content and social networking. A number of colleges are already either committed to using the new technologies or are in negotiations to start doing so, evidence of the strong power of the Times brand in academe...
In distance education, the Times will be providing technology and marketing for non-credit courses taught by college and university professors. Funds from tuition revenue will be split (with the precise formula varying) between the colleges and the Times. Among the institutions that are already part of the effort are Mount Holyoke College; New York, Northern Kentucky, Stanford and Towson Universities; and the Society for College and University Planning. Felice Nudelman, director of education for the Times, said that the list would soon grow significantly. She said that the emphasis would be on having a range of institutions and a range of high quality programs. Tuition rates are set by the colleges — in some cases with in-state and out-of-state rates.
Here's the link to the NYT site.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Campaign 2008: Issue Tracker
The Washington Post has set up an "Issue Coverage Tracker" for the Presidential campaign:
Washingtonpost.com today announced the release of the "Issue
Coverage Tracker," a new application that compares the volume of press
coverage between candidates and the major issues of the 2008
presidential race. Featured on washingtonpost.com, the application is
being made freely available for distribution to any user's website.
Developed by Daylife, a news distribution platform that analyzes and
organizes news coverage from thousands of sources, the "Issue Coverage
Tracker" has a compelling graphic presentation that is fun and
easy-to-use.
The application, which features an interactive display designed to
encourage participation, provides a unique lens on election news,
allowing users to customize their experience by candidate or topic,
ranging from abortion to health care to the war in Iraq. Drawing
information from thousands of news and opinion sources, the "Issue
Coverage Tracker" provides a quick visual scale of coverage between
candidates and the issues, allowing a user to:
* select a candidate and view the issues related to that candidate
* select an issue and view the candidates who focus on that issue
* expand or limit the coverage timetable
* customize the application to default to a particular candidate
It's has a nice interface from the little that I've played with it. Worth a peruse--
Washingtonpost.com today announced the release of the "Issue
Coverage Tracker," a new application that compares the volume of press
coverage between candidates and the major issues of the 2008
presidential race. Featured on washingtonpost.com, the application is
being made freely available for distribution to any user's website.
Developed by Daylife, a news distribution platform that analyzes and
organizes news coverage from thousands of sources, the "Issue Coverage
Tracker" has a compelling graphic presentation that is fun and
easy-to-use.
The application, which features an interactive display designed to
encourage participation, provides a unique lens on election news,
allowing users to customize their experience by candidate or topic,
ranging from abortion to health care to the war in Iraq. Drawing
information from thousands of news and opinion sources, the "Issue
Coverage Tracker" provides a quick visual scale of coverage between
candidates and the issues, allowing a user to:
* select a candidate and view the issues related to that candidate
* select an issue and view the candidates who focus on that issue
* expand or limit the coverage timetable
* customize the application to default to a particular candidate
It's has a nice interface from the little that I've played with it. Worth a peruse--
Watson Fellowship Workshop
This in from Professor Joshi, our university's faculty Watson coordinator. Last year three UPS students were awarded Watson Fellowships, which is an extraordinarily high number, including PG major Zorba Leslie. Read on:
Please announce in your upper division classes the following two informational meetings for students who are interested in applying for the Watson Fellowship this year:
Wed, Sept 12, 4-5:30 pm in Wyatt 208
or
Thurs, Sept 13, 5:30-7 pm in Wyatt 208
Any interested students are welcome to attend, although given the timeline, this meeting will likely be most pertinent to seniors who are considering applying this year (the deadline is Fri, Oct 5th). For juniors and other lower-division students, I run several additional meetings in the spring.
A Few Words about the Watson Fellowship: The Watson is a highly competitive and prestigious national fellowship that provides students with a $25,000 grant to pursue a year of travel outside the United States. Fellows develop innovative projects that take them to diverse locations to address what are often highly idiosyncratic interests (e.g.: kite building and flying, communities with lake monster myths, retracing Darwin’s Beagle journey). Watson does not support "library" or research projects; instead, the foundation is interested in students who demonstrate curiosity and independent thinking and in projects that develop a young person’s self-reliance and interpersonal skills. Consequently, students who are successful can be but are not necessarily "A students"; they are always bold and original thinkers and very resourceful. The program is highly selective not only in the students it picks, but also in the roughly 50 colleges it invites to participate. Puget Sound has been a "Watson school" since 1992 and we have been extremely successful in those years with one or two winners almost every year since 1994, and three in 2006-7. This is a unique opportunity for our students, one they are fortunate to have available to them because they attend UPS.
Please take a few moments to announce these informational meetings in your classes. And if you or your students have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact me at pjoshi@ups.edu.
Many thanks,
Priti Joshi
Please announce in your upper division classes the following two informational meetings for students who are interested in applying for the Watson Fellowship this year:
Wed, Sept 12, 4-5:30 pm in Wyatt 208
or
Thurs, Sept 13, 5:30-7 pm in Wyatt 208
Any interested students are welcome to attend, although given the timeline, this meeting will likely be most pertinent to seniors who are considering applying this year (the deadline is Fri, Oct 5th). For juniors and other lower-division students, I run several additional meetings in the spring.
A Few Words about the Watson Fellowship: The Watson is a highly competitive and prestigious national fellowship that provides students with a $25,000 grant to pursue a year of travel outside the United States. Fellows develop innovative projects that take them to diverse locations to address what are often highly idiosyncratic interests (e.g.: kite building and flying, communities with lake monster myths, retracing Darwin’s Beagle journey). Watson does not support "library" or research projects; instead, the foundation is interested in students who demonstrate curiosity and independent thinking and in projects that develop a young person’s self-reliance and interpersonal skills. Consequently, students who are successful can be but are not necessarily "A students"; they are always bold and original thinkers and very resourceful. The program is highly selective not only in the students it picks, but also in the roughly 50 colleges it invites to participate. Puget Sound has been a "Watson school" since 1992 and we have been extremely successful in those years with one or two winners almost every year since 1994, and three in 2006-7. This is a unique opportunity for our students, one they are fortunate to have available to them because they attend UPS.
Please take a few moments to announce these informational meetings in your classes. And if you or your students have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact me at pjoshi@ups.edu.
Many thanks,
Priti Joshi
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Davies-Jackson Scholarship: Deadline November 12
If you're interested, contact the fellowships office, Howarth 114:
Davies-Jackson Scholarship
The Davies-Jackson Scholarship presents a unique opportunity for students with exceptional academic records, who are among the first in their families to graduate college, to participate in a course of study at St. John’s College at the University of Cambridge. After two years of study, candidates are awarded a Cambridge B.A. degree, known as the Cantab degree, which is often viewed as the equivalent of a masters degree in the U.S.
Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich educational environment of St. John’s, which was founded in the 16th century, by reading in one of the following subjects: Archaeology and Anthropology, Classics, Economics, English, Geography, History, History of Art, Modern and Medieval Languages, Music, Philosophy, or Social and Political Sciences.
Applications for the 2008 Davies-Jackson Scholarship will be accepted September 10-November 12, 2007. For information about the scholarship and application process, as well as a list of previous scholarship recipients, go here.
Tags:
Davies-Jackson Scholarship
The Davies-Jackson Scholarship presents a unique opportunity for students with exceptional academic records, who are among the first in their families to graduate college, to participate in a course of study at St. John’s College at the University of Cambridge. After two years of study, candidates are awarded a Cambridge B.A. degree, known as the Cantab degree, which is often viewed as the equivalent of a masters degree in the U.S.
Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich educational environment of St. John’s, which was founded in the 16th century, by reading in one of the following subjects: Archaeology and Anthropology, Classics, Economics, English, Geography, History, History of Art, Modern and Medieval Languages, Music, Philosophy, or Social and Political Sciences.
Applications for the 2008 Davies-Jackson Scholarship will be accepted September 10-November 12, 2007. For information about the scholarship and application process, as well as a list of previous scholarship recipients, go here.
Tags:
Alum update and more opportunities--
This in from Ryan Dumm '07. Congrats on his new job, and we've had much good feedback from students who have interned in Norm Dicks' office. In fact, Ryan himself did a stint there prior to landing this job. Ryan writes:
So after several months I finally found a job and it has all worked out great. Last week I was going to start working for Mike Weinman and John Winkler on three local campaigns doing field organizing, but then I interviewed for a position with Norm's office to replace Mike English and took that immediately. I started on Monday and it has been great so far...looks like I will mostly be handling Democratic outreach in the 6th District. My new email address is ryan.dumm@mail.house.gov
And this in turn raises some other opportunities:
Mike and John will be looking for someone to work on those campaigns if you have anyone in mind? It would last until November and be for Don Johnson (port commissioner), Mike Weinman (fircrest city council) and Bruce Banfield (Lakewood city council).
And...
Congressman Norm Dicks’ (D) District Office in downtown Tacoma is looking for quality interns for the fall and spring semesters. Intern responsibilities include constituent services, letters of achievement, scheduling, news briefs, legislative research and a host of other office duties. Internships are unpaid but students can receive credit for 120 hours per semester. This is wonderful opportunity for P&G majors to gain experience in a Congressional office and network for post-graduate employment. To apply, send a letter of interest and your resume to LaTasha Wortham.
latasha.wortham@mail.house.gov
1019 Pacific Ave. Suite 806
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 593-6536
So after several months I finally found a job and it has all worked out great. Last week I was going to start working for Mike Weinman and John Winkler on three local campaigns doing field organizing, but then I interviewed for a position with Norm's office to replace Mike English and took that immediately. I started on Monday and it has been great so far...looks like I will mostly be handling Democratic outreach in the 6th District. My new email address is ryan.dumm@mail.house.gov
And this in turn raises some other opportunities:
Mike and John will be looking for someone to work on those campaigns if you have anyone in mind? It would last until November and be for Don Johnson (port commissioner), Mike Weinman (fircrest city council) and Bruce Banfield (Lakewood city council).
And...
Congressman Norm Dicks’ (D) District Office in downtown Tacoma is looking for quality interns for the fall and spring semesters. Intern responsibilities include constituent services, letters of achievement, scheduling, news briefs, legislative research and a host of other office duties. Internships are unpaid but students can receive credit for 120 hours per semester. This is wonderful opportunity for P&G majors to gain experience in a Congressional office and network for post-graduate employment. To apply, send a letter of interest and your resume to LaTasha Wortham.
latasha.wortham@mail.house.gov
1019 Pacific Ave. Suite 806
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 593-6536
Homecoming?
Alums: will you be back on campus for homecoming, October 12-14? If so, please drop me a note, I'd enjoy getting back in touch or meeting for the first time.
Students: There are some really interesting things going on at homecoming, including "speed networking," and panels on non-profits and civic engagement. Go go go.
Students: There are some really interesting things going on at homecoming, including "speed networking," and panels on non-profits and civic engagement. Go go go.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Local internship for Congress...and Obama...right now!
This in from Matt Perry '06. What an incredible opportunity:
Just wanted to give you an update on what I've been up to. I continue to work for Rep. Adam Smith as his Political Director, which involves managing his campaign and being his political eyes and ears back here in the state. Recently I have also taken on in-state fundraising and assisting with the Obama campaign in Washington (Rep. Smith is the Chair for Obama's campaign here).
I am getting a wide variety of experiences that continues to sharpen my understanding of what campaigns are all about. It is especially interesting to contrast my current fundraising experiences with the findings of my senior thesis, which analyzed U.S. campaign finance laws.
I also wanted to let you know about two internships that we will be offering for the fall, in case any students may be interested. I took advantage of internships throughout college and found that they gave me an edge for finding a job after graduation.
Students will get a wide range of experience with exposure to both Rep. Adam Smith's campaign and also Barack Obama's campaign in the Northwest. Interns will learn the nuts and bolts of organizing a grassroots campaign both on a regional and national scale. Duties will include assisting in the planning of events, attending community meetings, maintaining a database, organizing mailings and all of the other tasks that are involved in running successful campaign.
Anyone interested can reach me at 253-572-6125 or mattperry83@gmail.com.
Thanks!
-Matt
Just wanted to give you an update on what I've been up to. I continue to work for Rep. Adam Smith as his Political Director, which involves managing his campaign and being his political eyes and ears back here in the state. Recently I have also taken on in-state fundraising and assisting with the Obama campaign in Washington (Rep. Smith is the Chair for Obama's campaign here).
I am getting a wide variety of experiences that continues to sharpen my understanding of what campaigns are all about. It is especially interesting to contrast my current fundraising experiences with the findings of my senior thesis, which analyzed U.S. campaign finance laws.
I also wanted to let you know about two internships that we will be offering for the fall, in case any students may be interested. I took advantage of internships throughout college and found that they gave me an edge for finding a job after graduation.
Students will get a wide range of experience with exposure to both Rep. Adam Smith's campaign and also Barack Obama's campaign in the Northwest. Interns will learn the nuts and bolts of organizing a grassroots campaign both on a regional and national scale. Duties will include assisting in the planning of events, attending community meetings, maintaining a database, organizing mailings and all of the other tasks that are involved in running successful campaign.
Anyone interested can reach me at 253-572-6125 or mattperry83@gmail.com.
Thanks!
-Matt
Where are we headed?
I mentioned in an earlier post that last week saw the Fall Faculty Conversation, where President Thomas, Dean Bartanen and other members of the administration spoke about where we are now and where we are heading as an institution.
As always, there are good developments and challenges. And these two things are tightly connected. The university is getting better all the time, with a stronger set of applicants and, I think, a greater set of expectations in what we teach and expect our students to learn.
But as a result, it also means we are trying to punch above our weight. Whereas in past our prospective students might have been considering us over local state schools or liberal arts colleges, what the administration is now hearing is that when we lose a prospective to another school, it's a school much higher ranked than ourselves.
And therein lies the problem. If we want to compete against prestigious liberal arts colleges, we are going to need to offer more financial aid. As it stands, we can't offer as much as many of our competitors, a number of whom rely on merit-based aid to grab the strongest applicants (irrespective of their financial need).
So a stronger set of competitors, and tighter competition. The university's challenge in the coming years will be to build that financial base to improve our financial aid to get a strong and diverse incoming class. If you're an alum, no doubt you'll be hearing more about this in coming years. And to that end, I was also happy to hear that the entire alumni relations structure will be dramatically revamped to better tie our alums to our campus and current students. That, I think, is absolutely crucial.
As always, there are good developments and challenges. And these two things are tightly connected. The university is getting better all the time, with a stronger set of applicants and, I think, a greater set of expectations in what we teach and expect our students to learn.
But as a result, it also means we are trying to punch above our weight. Whereas in past our prospective students might have been considering us over local state schools or liberal arts colleges, what the administration is now hearing is that when we lose a prospective to another school, it's a school much higher ranked than ourselves.
And therein lies the problem. If we want to compete against prestigious liberal arts colleges, we are going to need to offer more financial aid. As it stands, we can't offer as much as many of our competitors, a number of whom rely on merit-based aid to grab the strongest applicants (irrespective of their financial need).
So a stronger set of competitors, and tighter competition. The university's challenge in the coming years will be to build that financial base to improve our financial aid to get a strong and diverse incoming class. If you're an alum, no doubt you'll be hearing more about this in coming years. And to that end, I was also happy to hear that the entire alumni relations structure will be dramatically revamped to better tie our alums to our campus and current students. That, I think, is absolutely crucial.
Freshly Scrubbed
I was on campus this weekend and snapped a few pics of the students as they slowly gathered on campus.
The weather is a bit ickier today, but I guess that is appropriate. Storm clouds gather as classes begin...!
Monday, September 03, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thank you, donor!
We got a note from the library saying that they received a donation to be spent on additional political science books for the collection. I don't know if that donor is a blog reader, but if you are, many thanks--we appreciate the ongoing support that many of you provide to the university, whether through donations, volunteer work, or simply spreading the good name of our school.
That said, yesterday was the Fall Faculty Conversation, where President Thomas and other members of the administration provide a kind of "state of the campus" address. I will blog with some of the main points next week and let you know how we're doing and what challenges lie ahead.
Have a great Labor Day.
That said, yesterday was the Fall Faculty Conversation, where President Thomas and other members of the administration provide a kind of "state of the campus" address. I will blog with some of the main points next week and let you know how we're doing and what challenges lie ahead.
Have a great Labor Day.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Idealism and Grad School
Idealist.org writes about their upcoming grad school fairs, Graduate Degrees for the Public Good. They write:
"These fairs are a resource for all new, aspiring, and mid-career nonprofit and public service professionals who want to learn more about their graduate education options."
You can find all the details at http://www.idealist.org/gradfairs for the dates across the country. Seattle is on October 23, at Seattle University, and there will be over 80 organizations present, including:
American University School of International Service
AustraLearn: Study in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
Bard Center for Environmental Policy-New York
Carnegie Mellon University H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management
Georgetown University Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service MA Programs
Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
International Organizations MBA - University of Geneva (Switzerland)
Master of Arts in Policy Studies (UW Bothell)
Masters degree program in Conflict and Dispute Resolution, University of Oregon
Monterey Institute of International Studies
National Urban Fellows, Inc.
New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Pacific School of Religion
Pepperdine University School of Public Policy
School of Public and Environmental Affairs - Indiana University
Thunderbird School of Global Management
University of Denver Graduate School of International Studies
University of Melbourne - Faculty of Arts
University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies
Willamette University MBA for Business, Government and Not-for-Profit Management
If you plan to go, would you let me know in case you or anyone else needs a ride?
"These fairs are a resource for all new, aspiring, and mid-career nonprofit and public service professionals who want to learn more about their graduate education options."
You can find all the details at http://www.idealist.org/gradfairs for the dates across the country. Seattle is on October 23, at Seattle University, and there will be over 80 organizations present, including:
American University School of International Service
AustraLearn: Study in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
Bard Center for Environmental Policy-New York
Carnegie Mellon University H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management
Georgetown University Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service MA Programs
Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
International Organizations MBA - University of Geneva (Switzerland)
Master of Arts in Policy Studies (UW Bothell)
Masters degree program in Conflict and Dispute Resolution, University of Oregon
Monterey Institute of International Studies
National Urban Fellows, Inc.
New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Pacific School of Religion
Pepperdine University School of Public Policy
School of Public and Environmental Affairs - Indiana University
Thunderbird School of Global Management
University of Denver Graduate School of International Studies
University of Melbourne - Faculty of Arts
University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies
Willamette University MBA for Business, Government and Not-for-Profit Management
If you plan to go, would you let me know in case you or anyone else needs a ride?
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Global Youth Connect
Forwarded by Professor Share. Interesting?
Global Youth Connect
Human Rights Delegations for Young Leaders -- Winter 2007-2008
Program Locations: El Salvador & Rwanda
Application Deadline: September 21, 2007
Global Youth Connect , an international human rights organization, is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications from young leaders (ages 18-25) for our Winter 2007-2008 International Human Rights Delegations. Program locations include: El Salvador and Rwanda.
Human rights delegations are a unique, first-hand opportunity to cross cultural boundaries and learn about the daily reality of human rights as experienced in a complex and increasingly globalized world. Each delegation weaves together three core sets of activities: site visits to local organizations, hands-on fieldwork projects, and a human rights training workshop with local youth activists.
El Salvador (January 1 -- January 13, 2008)
Program Tuition: $1,635
This delegation will explore the roots of El Salvador ’s 12-year civil war, the long-term impact of the war on Salvadoran society, and the continued persistence of long-standing economic and social inequities that have fueled conflict throughout this tiny nation’s history. Delegation participants will come to understand current social, political, and economic problems faced by Salvadoran society within a broader historical context—including the impact of past and present U.S foreign policies on the lives of Salvadorans. Delegation activities will focus in particular on the efforts of human rights activists and youth to recover from a tumultuous and devastating period of violence and repression, and build a more just, equitable, and peaceful society. Spanish proficiency is required.
Rwanda (December 29, 2007 - January 13, 2008)
Program Tuition: $1,795
This delegation will explore the roots of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, how this legacy of violence has impacted the country and its people, particularly Rwandan youth, and also how the country is attempting to rebuild today. We will examine issues of truth, justice and reconciliation in the context of post-conflict Rwanda and what is needed to strengthen local institutions and programs dedicated to promoting a culture of respect for human rights. Participants will connect with young Rwandans and get involved in a variety of collaborative projects aimed at promoting human rights as well as meet with leading human rights defenders, government representatives, international institutions, youth and others from local communities to learn more about the political, economic and social challenges faced by Rwandans today.
Application Deadline: September 21, 2007
How to Apply: We invite interested young leaders to apply. We are looking for participants who are between the ages of 18-25 and who possess U.S. citizenship or residency as well as international students studying full-time at a U.S. college or university. Most importantly, applicants should wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of human rights and social justice. Participants will become part of a growing global movement of youth acting together for compassion, human rights and responsibility.
For detailed information on program activities, costs, fundraising/financial aid, and application information, please visit our website:
www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate
Best wishes,
Jennifer Kloes
Executive Director
Global Youth Connect
www.globalyouthconnect.org
Acting together for compassion, human rights and responsibility
Tags:
Global Youth Connect
Human Rights Delegations for Young Leaders -- Winter 2007-2008
Program Locations: El Salvador & Rwanda
Application Deadline: September 21, 2007
Global Youth Connect , an international human rights organization, is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications from young leaders (ages 18-25) for our Winter 2007-2008 International Human Rights Delegations. Program locations include: El Salvador and Rwanda.
Human rights delegations are a unique, first-hand opportunity to cross cultural boundaries and learn about the daily reality of human rights as experienced in a complex and increasingly globalized world. Each delegation weaves together three core sets of activities: site visits to local organizations, hands-on fieldwork projects, and a human rights training workshop with local youth activists.
El Salvador (January 1 -- January 13, 2008)
Program Tuition: $1,635
This delegation will explore the roots of El Salvador ’s 12-year civil war, the long-term impact of the war on Salvadoran society, and the continued persistence of long-standing economic and social inequities that have fueled conflict throughout this tiny nation’s history. Delegation participants will come to understand current social, political, and economic problems faced by Salvadoran society within a broader historical context—including the impact of past and present U.S foreign policies on the lives of Salvadorans. Delegation activities will focus in particular on the efforts of human rights activists and youth to recover from a tumultuous and devastating period of violence and repression, and build a more just, equitable, and peaceful society. Spanish proficiency is required.
Rwanda (December 29, 2007 - January 13, 2008)
Program Tuition: $1,795
This delegation will explore the roots of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, how this legacy of violence has impacted the country and its people, particularly Rwandan youth, and also how the country is attempting to rebuild today. We will examine issues of truth, justice and reconciliation in the context of post-conflict Rwanda and what is needed to strengthen local institutions and programs dedicated to promoting a culture of respect for human rights. Participants will connect with young Rwandans and get involved in a variety of collaborative projects aimed at promoting human rights as well as meet with leading human rights defenders, government representatives, international institutions, youth and others from local communities to learn more about the political, economic and social challenges faced by Rwandans today.
Application Deadline: September 21, 2007
How to Apply: We invite interested young leaders to apply. We are looking for participants who are between the ages of 18-25 and who possess U.S. citizenship or residency as well as international students studying full-time at a U.S. college or university. Most importantly, applicants should wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of human rights and social justice. Participants will become part of a growing global movement of youth acting together for compassion, human rights and responsibility.
For detailed information on program activities, costs, fundraising/financial aid, and application information, please visit our website:
www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate
Best wishes,
Jennifer Kloes
Executive Director
Global Youth Connect
www.globalyouthconnect.org
Acting together for compassion, human rights and responsibility
Tags:
Q and A: Visiting Professor Eric Williams
This fall we have the pleasure of working with Professor Eric Williams, who is filling in for Professor Haltom while he is on sabbatical. I asked Professor Williams if he'd submit to a few nosy questions:
Where are you from, where did you go to school?
I grew up in Bangor, Maine and did my undergraduate work at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I did my graduate work at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting New Jersey yet, don't worry. You're not missing much.
What are you writing your dissertation on?
For my dissertation, I'm studying the relationship between prisons and the local government in two rural communities that lobbied for prisons as an economic development strategy. I spent a year and a half living in Beeville, Texas and Florence Colorado interviewing prison officials, governmental officials and community residents. Beeville has three Texas state prisons and Florence has four federal facilities including the federal supermax prison where the federal government holds its most dangerous inmates, including the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski and the men that carried out the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993. Richard Reid, the man who tried to light a shoe bomb on a plane in 2001 is also there. All told, I spent time in 19 different prisons in Colorado and Texas, a fact that makes my family very proud.
What are you teaching this semester, and what kind of topics are you going to focus on?
I'm teaching Law and Society, Constitutional Law and Introduction to US Politics. In Constitutional law, we will be looking at the principles, power and politics of Constitutional law with a focus on the relationship between law and politics. In Law and Society, we will begin by looking at historical and international notions of justice and its application and will then focus on law and justice in the United States context. The readings for this course are a mix of novels, memoirs, journalistic accounts, court cases and philosophic works. In Introduction to US Politics, we will study the formal and informal institutions that make up the American political system and then see how these institutions interact by looking at some of the issues that are most important today.
So, is it true that your students will go to prison?
I think everyone should have to go to prison at some point in their college career, so I think this is a good opportunity to do so with the near guarantee of being let out at the end of the day! I'm setting up a tour of the old federal facility and current state facility on McNeil Island which will include a visit to the segregation unit, commonly known as the "hole," meetings with corrections officers and small group meetings with inmates there.
What do you do when you're not working?
My main hobby is hiking and I spend as much time as I can in the mountains.
In sum: students, you'd be crazy not to take a course from Professor Williams while you have the chance. If you have questions or want to know more, you'll find him in Professor Haltom's office, Wyatt 219
Where are you from, where did you go to school?
I grew up in Bangor, Maine and did my undergraduate work at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I did my graduate work at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting New Jersey yet, don't worry. You're not missing much.
What are you writing your dissertation on?
For my dissertation, I'm studying the relationship between prisons and the local government in two rural communities that lobbied for prisons as an economic development strategy. I spent a year and a half living in Beeville, Texas and Florence Colorado interviewing prison officials, governmental officials and community residents. Beeville has three Texas state prisons and Florence has four federal facilities including the federal supermax prison where the federal government holds its most dangerous inmates, including the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski and the men that carried out the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993. Richard Reid, the man who tried to light a shoe bomb on a plane in 2001 is also there. All told, I spent time in 19 different prisons in Colorado and Texas, a fact that makes my family very proud.
What are you teaching this semester, and what kind of topics are you going to focus on?
I'm teaching Law and Society, Constitutional Law and Introduction to US Politics. In Constitutional law, we will be looking at the principles, power and politics of Constitutional law with a focus on the relationship between law and politics. In Law and Society, we will begin by looking at historical and international notions of justice and its application and will then focus on law and justice in the United States context. The readings for this course are a mix of novels, memoirs, journalistic accounts, court cases and philosophic works. In Introduction to US Politics, we will study the formal and informal institutions that make up the American political system and then see how these institutions interact by looking at some of the issues that are most important today.
So, is it true that your students will go to prison?
I think everyone should have to go to prison at some point in their college career, so I think this is a good opportunity to do so with the near guarantee of being let out at the end of the day! I'm setting up a tour of the old federal facility and current state facility on McNeil Island which will include a visit to the segregation unit, commonly known as the "hole," meetings with corrections officers and small group meetings with inmates there.
What do you do when you're not working?
My main hobby is hiking and I spend as much time as I can in the mountains.
In sum: students, you'd be crazy not to take a course from Professor Williams while you have the chance. If you have questions or want to know more, you'll find him in Professor Haltom's office, Wyatt 219
Google is not gospel
From PC World:
"University students may be encouraged to be critical but they don't seem to question Google's ranking system, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication.
The experiment involved 22 undergraduate students (with various majors) from Cornell University in the U.S. It found that overall, the students had an inherent trust in Google's ability to rank results by their true relevance to the query.
"When participants selected a link from Google's result pages, their decisions were strongly biased towards links higher in position, even if that content was less relevant to the search query," states the report. "
Read the news bite here; the whole study can be found here.
Hat tip: Melissa Rohlfs, Office of Communications.
"University students may be encouraged to be critical but they don't seem to question Google's ranking system, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication.
The experiment involved 22 undergraduate students (with various majors) from Cornell University in the U.S. It found that overall, the students had an inherent trust in Google's ability to rank results by their true relevance to the query.
"When participants selected a link from Google's result pages, their decisions were strongly biased towards links higher in position, even if that content was less relevant to the search query," states the report. "
Read the news bite here; the whole study can be found here.
Hat tip: Melissa Rohlfs, Office of Communications.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Cupcakey Goodness
http://www.hello-cupcake.com/
Now, what more a reason do you need to go downtown? (hat tip: Exit 133).
Now, what more a reason do you need to go downtown? (hat tip: Exit 133).
Burst the bubble
Students, now that you're here, it's time to go. Break through the campus/North End bubble.
Get off of campus.
Get an internship, meet some people, develop some contacts, get some experience.
Go downtown, check out the museums, walk the International District on 38th, have dinner in a Korean restaurant in South Tacoma, shop the Russian store on Center Street, take the ferry to Vashon Island.
Find something new and seemingly undiscovered, then act all in the know around your friends.
This is that time--make the most of it.
Get off of campus.
Get an internship, meet some people, develop some contacts, get some experience.
Go downtown, check out the museums, walk the International District on 38th, have dinner in a Korean restaurant in South Tacoma, shop the Russian store on Center Street, take the ferry to Vashon Island.
Find something new and seemingly undiscovered, then act all in the know around your friends.
This is that time--make the most of it.
Monday, August 27, 2007
They're Here...
The freshmen started showing up last week in earnest; Friday I saw several clutches of incomings and their parents unloading their dorm flotsam. Perhaps my favorite sight was a family who had towed everything in a horse trailer--no horse, though, and I assumed they'd cleaned it thoroughly before the trip.
I caught the tail end of President Thomas' convocation speech over Baker Stadium; wonderful weather and a fine way of kicking off one's life in college.
If there are any freshmen reading this post, I wish you all the best in the years to come. And as always, if you have any questions about the major, drop by my office (Wyatt 222). I'd be happy to chat.
I caught the tail end of President Thomas' convocation speech over Baker Stadium; wonderful weather and a fine way of kicking off one's life in college.
If there are any freshmen reading this post, I wish you all the best in the years to come. And as always, if you have any questions about the major, drop by my office (Wyatt 222). I'd be happy to chat.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Intern with Congressman Adam Smith
Stephen Souval '09 writes:
I recently finished my summer internship at Congressman Adam Smith's district office, and thought you may want to tell your blog subscribers that the office is seeking interns for both spring and fall (they said they will be especially in need this fall). The link to the internship is: http://www.house.gov/adamsmith/cs/internship.shtml. The office is very flexible with interns' schedules and would be a perfect position for busy students (and they especially love UPS students).
We've placed many students there, many of whom have gone on to use their experience to open doors to employment here and around the country. A great opportunity that all of our majors should consider.
I recently finished my summer internship at Congressman Adam Smith's district office, and thought you may want to tell your blog subscribers that the office is seeking interns for both spring and fall (they said they will be especially in need this fall). The link to the internship is: http://www.house.gov/adamsmith/cs/internship.shtml. The office is very flexible with interns' schedules and would be a perfect position for busy students (and they especially love UPS students).
We've placed many students there, many of whom have gone on to use their experience to open doors to employment here and around the country. A great opportunity that all of our majors should consider.
Fast Cities 2007
Thanks to Elaine Bolton '64 for this bit of fun from Fast Company:
Fast Cities 2007
Which cities are best for work? Culture? Startups? And which are overheated or dead in the water? And should you disagree, they've got room for you to put in your own two cents (I added a comment on Tacoma).
Fast Cities 2007
Which cities are best for work? Culture? Startups? And which are overheated or dead in the water? And should you disagree, they've got room for you to put in your own two cents (I added a comment on Tacoma).
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Intern in DC--Meet Alum--Monday
Julie Housh, ’06 UPS Politics and Government alum, will be on campus Monday, August 27th. She is currently the staff assistant and intern coordinator for Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02) in Washington, D.C. Julie will be around to talk to anyone interested in interning with Congressman Larsen, her internship experience, working on Capitol Hill, or anything in between. If you’d like to chat with her please e-mail her at Julie.housh@mail.house.gov.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
We're number 122?
In past we've noted that Washington Monthly does a completely different set of rankings for schools, based on categories they title Social Mobility, Research, and Service. UPS comes in at 121 of 201 colleges. While that may sound bad, according to their criteria schools like Reed come in at 106 and Lewis and Clark at 105. Where do we do well? How many of our students go on to get PhDs (we rank 40), and the number of alums in the Peace Corps (they give the rank as 7--what year this data is from I can't tell, though this year our rank was number one). We do less well in having many students on Pell Grants and also spending work-study money on community service. Read it here.
Probably the odder thing about these ratings is the way in which the schools can so radically shift from year to year--last year Reed was ranked 24. I'm not certain how much value one can get out of an evaluation system where many of the schools fluctuate so much from year to year (13 of the top twenty weren't in the top twenty last year, and many of those weren't anywere near it).
Probably the odder thing about these ratings is the way in which the schools can so radically shift from year to year--last year Reed was ranked 24. I'm not certain how much value one can get out of an evaluation system where many of the schools fluctuate so much from year to year (13 of the top twenty weren't in the top twenty last year, and many of those weren't anywere near it).
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Former President Susan Pierce in Newsweek
Former President Susan Pierce has a piece in Newsweek online that describes her husband Ken's long illness and the challenges of dealing with sickness (Ken Pierce died last December). You can find the piece here (Hat tip: Melissa Rohlfs, Office of Communications).
Monday, August 20, 2007
New Alum Blog: Another One L
Morgan O'Neal '06 has not only begun law school (see earlier post) but has gotten into the swing of things with a blog entitled Another One L. As I know that many of our readers either a) want to be lawyers; b) are in law school; or c) are lawyers, you may find that Morgan's ruminations pique your interest, strike fear, engage your morbid curiosity, generate feelings of solidarity or invoke a nostalgia for times past.
Maybe you'd like to leave a comment--bloggers like them.
Maybe you'd like to leave a comment--bloggers like them.
Friday, August 17, 2007
We're Number Eighty!
US News has its college rankings for 2008 out, I see, and UPS comes in 80 among national liberal arts colleges, tied with Lewis and Clark in Oregon. See the list here.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Internship Opportunity
Something extra to keep you busy...
Roads and Transit Proposition 1
Campaign Internship and Volunteer Opportunities for UPS Students
Positions involve field work, voter contact, volunteer coordinating, and fundraising
ROADS & TRANSIT IS A BALANCED AND COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO SOLVING OUR REGION’S TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
A comprehensive transportation system will improve our quality of life
• Addressing major choke-points will reduce congestion.
• Building a fast, safe and reliable light rail system across the region will help lift people out of congestion and make it easier to live and do business here.
More transportation choices means a cleaner environment
• Building an additional 50 miles of light rail to connect Bellevue, Redmond’s Overlake area, Mercer Island, Northgate, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Alderwood, the 164th Street/Ash Way area, Des Moines, Federal Way and Tacoma will take cars off the road and provide better mobility options.
• Creating nearly 12,000 park and ride slots at bus, commuter rail and light rail stations will help commuters get out of their cars.
Upgrading our infrastructure improves safety
• Replacing and retrofitting overpasses and bridges vulnerable to earthquakes.
• Reducing congestion will allow first responders to move more quickly during an emergency.
Investing in transportation drives our economy
• Building transit and fixing choke-points will help improve traffic and move people and goods more quickly and reliably.
• Improving freight mobility will allow our region to compete in an expanding global economy.
For more information about specific projects in Snohomish, King, or Pierce Counties, go to www.yesonroadsandtransit.org
PLEASE CONTACT:
Shannon Murphy
Pierce County Outreach Coordinator
Shannon@yesonroadsandtransit.org
206-381-1251
Roads and Transit Proposition 1
Campaign Internship and Volunteer Opportunities for UPS Students
Positions involve field work, voter contact, volunteer coordinating, and fundraising
ROADS & TRANSIT IS A BALANCED AND COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO SOLVING OUR REGION’S TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
A comprehensive transportation system will improve our quality of life
• Addressing major choke-points will reduce congestion.
• Building a fast, safe and reliable light rail system across the region will help lift people out of congestion and make it easier to live and do business here.
More transportation choices means a cleaner environment
• Building an additional 50 miles of light rail to connect Bellevue, Redmond’s Overlake area, Mercer Island, Northgate, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Alderwood, the 164th Street/Ash Way area, Des Moines, Federal Way and Tacoma will take cars off the road and provide better mobility options.
• Creating nearly 12,000 park and ride slots at bus, commuter rail and light rail stations will help commuters get out of their cars.
Upgrading our infrastructure improves safety
• Replacing and retrofitting overpasses and bridges vulnerable to earthquakes.
• Reducing congestion will allow first responders to move more quickly during an emergency.
Investing in transportation drives our economy
• Building transit and fixing choke-points will help improve traffic and move people and goods more quickly and reliably.
• Improving freight mobility will allow our region to compete in an expanding global economy.
For more information about specific projects in Snohomish, King, or Pierce Counties, go to www.yesonroadsandtransit.org
PLEASE CONTACT:
Shannon Murphy
Pierce County Outreach Coordinator
Shannon@yesonroadsandtransit.org
206-381-1251
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Now the truth can be told
Our earlier snapshot of Marx was anonymous; I can now tell all that it was taken by none other than Chris Pohlad '07, who was at Corvinus University in Budapest looking up some old friends of mine in the Political Science Department there. Chris was in Budapest in advance of his new job there, working for PepsiAmericas. Yes, I know Hungary isn't in the Americas, but they also have a presence across Central Europe. Chris will be there for a year or so, and sees it as a good opportunity to get both business and foreign experience. I'm excited for Chris to set up shop in my old stomping ground, and the department wishes him the best of luck.
Tags:
Tags:
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
All not well with study abroad?
In the New York Times, a piece questioning some of the practices surrounding study abroad and the intermediate institutions that often run these programs. Find the piece here.
I don't know these details too well, but I think the author may be overstating the degree to which a university can "make money" or get "perks" on study abroad, especially if a student has university financial aid which is being directed toward the study abroad program and away from campus. The article also suggests that students could easily directly enroll abroad, but that would not necessarily be covered by federal or campus-based financial aid, nor would one necessarily find a program in a non-English speaking country set up for study abroad (though they do exist). I think the author is straining to draw parallels with the recent student loan scandal, but it's not quite so evident--at least to me.
I don't know these details too well, but I think the author may be overstating the degree to which a university can "make money" or get "perks" on study abroad, especially if a student has university financial aid which is being directed toward the study abroad program and away from campus. The article also suggests that students could easily directly enroll abroad, but that would not necessarily be covered by federal or campus-based financial aid, nor would one necessarily find a program in a non-English speaking country set up for study abroad (though they do exist). I think the author is straining to draw parallels with the recent student loan scandal, but it's not quite so evident--at least to me.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Job Opening, DC
Position Available in Smith's DC Office
Congressman Adam Smith seeks experienced legislative assistant to manage portfolio including labor, transportation, financial services, and judiciary issues. This is not an entry level position. Must have ability to work in fast-paced office, possess excellent writing skills, and have a solid understanding of the legislative process. Pacific Northwest ties and sense of humor are a plus. Salary range 35K+ dependent upon experience. Please email resume and cover letter to WA09LegislativeAssistant@mail.house.gov No calls or drop-bys.
The Honorable Adam Smith
2402 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-8901
Congressman Adam Smith seeks experienced legislative assistant to manage portfolio including labor, transportation, financial services, and judiciary issues. This is not an entry level position. Must have ability to work in fast-paced office, possess excellent writing skills, and have a solid understanding of the legislative process. Pacific Northwest ties and sense of humor are a plus. Salary range 35K+ dependent upon experience. Please email resume and cover letter to WA09LegislativeAssistant@mail.house.gov No calls or drop-bys.
The Honorable Adam Smith
2402 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-8901
Not Groucho
This image showed up in my in box a few days back from a recent alum who was in Budapest. The statue is at Corvinus University (where I was affiliated on a research Fulbright 15 years ago), which back in the Bad Old Days was Karl Marx University. The statue, a huge affair, remains, for reasons obscure to me. And what was our intrepid alum doing in Budapest? Details to follow.
Textbooks are Spendy
From the New York Times, an editorial suggesting a whole new model for college textbook sales, or rather an old one with a different application. Should textbooks function akin to software, with site licenses? Would this bring the price down? Interesting idea; the article is here.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Kudos, Torey
Torey Holderith got a nice comment from his superior at the USMMA for his work during the internship. Makes us look good. It's here.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Beltway Strategy
A piece in Inside Higher Ed on specialized programs in DC that focus on strategic/defense studies, including, interestingly, Missouri State (yes, in DC). Some observations on the difficulties (practical and ideological) in setting up these kinds of programs and training students well. The article is here.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Ghost Sign
A few weeks back UW Tacoma took down the "Dawg Shed," a rather sad and nondescript building on Pacific Avenue, to make way for a new assembly hall. The demolition revealed this nice ghost sign, along with a few others, that are now open to the sky until the new building hides them again for another half-century or so.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Big Darlin' Professor Share
Hot off them Internets, Professor Share's bluegrass band wins praise for its recent album, Big Darlin--
The Downtown Mountain Boys are Paul Elliott, Don Share, David Keenan, Terrence Enyeart and Tom Moran, the cream of Seattle-area pickers, top teachers, session musicians, and musicologists . . . so the release of their latest, Big Darlin’ comes with weighty expectations. Happily, they make it sound easy, as great musicians can. Big Darlin’ is a solid slice of real, straight-ahead Bluegrass, with only the faintest hints that the band members do some work outside the genre, too (banjoist Keenan, who made his name in rockabilly and sports Seattle’s most iconic haircut, can’t help singing like Lefty Frizzell.) The disc features a couple numbers by award-winning songwriter and former Seattleite Nancy Riccio, including the scorching opening cut, “Back in the Black,” which is about how payday means not just solvency but a general lifting of spirits. Most of the disc is wisely chosen material from a variety of County and Bluegrass sources, like Jesse Fuller’s “99 Years and One Dark Day” and “Till the End of the World Rolls Around.” The cuts are committed with the drive and verve Bluegrass needs, but just to be different, DTMB does the usually-hyper “Black Eyed Suzie” as a slow country lope. Fiddler Paul Elliott penned the title track, while Keenan contributes a fascinating, hilarious, philosophical piece of cornpone Zen, “Sometimes Dig for Taters.” Big Darlin’ is the big local Bluegrass release of the summer, and should go national. It’s big, darlin’.
–Tom Petersen, Victory Music Review, August 2007.
Tags:
The Downtown Mountain Boys are Paul Elliott, Don Share, David Keenan, Terrence Enyeart and Tom Moran, the cream of Seattle-area pickers, top teachers, session musicians, and musicologists . . . so the release of their latest, Big Darlin’ comes with weighty expectations. Happily, they make it sound easy, as great musicians can. Big Darlin’ is a solid slice of real, straight-ahead Bluegrass, with only the faintest hints that the band members do some work outside the genre, too (banjoist Keenan, who made his name in rockabilly and sports Seattle’s most iconic haircut, can’t help singing like Lefty Frizzell.) The disc features a couple numbers by award-winning songwriter and former Seattleite Nancy Riccio, including the scorching opening cut, “Back in the Black,” which is about how payday means not just solvency but a general lifting of spirits. Most of the disc is wisely chosen material from a variety of County and Bluegrass sources, like Jesse Fuller’s “99 Years and One Dark Day” and “Till the End of the World Rolls Around.” The cuts are committed with the drive and verve Bluegrass needs, but just to be different, DTMB does the usually-hyper “Black Eyed Suzie” as a slow country lope. Fiddler Paul Elliott penned the title track, while Keenan contributes a fascinating, hilarious, philosophical piece of cornpone Zen, “Sometimes Dig for Taters.” Big Darlin’ is the big local Bluegrass release of the summer, and should go national. It’s big, darlin’.
–Tom Petersen, Victory Music Review, August 2007.
Tags:
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Torey Holderith '09: USMMA Internship Update
Torey Holderith '09 checks in as his internship winds down--and he's off to do another at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies.
We hope to offer this internship again next summer, so if what you hear below sounds attractive, drop me a note or come by once the school year begins.
My internship at the United States Merchant Marine Academy is coming to close, and I wanted recap some of the highlights of my several months here. On June 18th 2007 the academy held its annual commencement exercises. This was really the big event of my internship, as I had been helping to assemble guest lists and in preparation of the logistical nightmare which is a graduation ceremony, but which is made even worse by the attendance of Senator John S. McCain, Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, and Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton. My primary task during this time was managing a guest list of about 700 VIPs who were invited to the ceremony and a luncheon following, but as an intern I was also given the opportunity to help with a large amount of random tasks.
The ceremony was a very successful and while there were a few hitches the critiques were overwhelmingly positive. The ceremony was moving, it is hard to go into detail, but Midshipmen wear the uniforms of the service into which they are entering (they have a choice between all services upon graduation) and during the ceremony those going into each service rose to take their respective oaths of service. Senator John McCain delivered an excellent commencement speech and the graduates threw their hats into the air. The only thing missing from the ceremony was the flyover by Navy Jets, which was unfortunately denied due to Navy disciplinary policy (pilot had apparently done an unauthorized flyover of a Mets game). I fear I have not done the ceremony justice in my description, but Midshipmen work with little break from the time they enter the academy to reach graduation, so to say that they were excited to graduate would be a gross understatement.
Following graduation there was a short break, and then on July 5th 2007 the freshmen (Plebe) class arrived. They were met with haircuts and drill instructors. Part of what makes this phase (indoctrination) remarkable is that the drill instructors are comprised entirely of upper-classmen with only limited Marine Corps supervision. Although my role in the indoctrination phase was small, witnessing it was certainly an experience. Parents drop their kids off, listen to a welcoming speech by the Superintendent of the academy and then are promptly escorted off campus. This two and a half week “orientation” phase is meant to instill discipline and etiquette into the plebe candidates and introduce them to the academy. I found myself invited to do PT with them in the mornings, but sadly only participated several times, primarily because waking up at 0530 was not on my schedule. To say the least it was not quite the same as I remember my first week of school at UPS.
My last day here at Kings Point is this Friday, and I will certainly miss this place. UPS has a beautiful campus, but its hard to beat this prime waterfront property here along the Long Island Sound. My final task during my stay here is to develop an intern succession plan, so it is my hope that this may be an annual experience for UPS students so that a closer relationship may be attained between the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the University of Puget Sound. In my short time here I have witnessed the end of one class’s time at Kings Point, and the beginning of another. It has been quite remarkable. That being said, I look forward to returning to UPS and the great Pacific Northwest, following several great months in Kings Point.
Cheers,
Torey Holderith
Class of 2009
We hope to offer this internship again next summer, so if what you hear below sounds attractive, drop me a note or come by once the school year begins.
My internship at the United States Merchant Marine Academy is coming to close, and I wanted recap some of the highlights of my several months here. On June 18th 2007 the academy held its annual commencement exercises. This was really the big event of my internship, as I had been helping to assemble guest lists and in preparation of the logistical nightmare which is a graduation ceremony, but which is made even worse by the attendance of Senator John S. McCain, Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, and Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton. My primary task during this time was managing a guest list of about 700 VIPs who were invited to the ceremony and a luncheon following, but as an intern I was also given the opportunity to help with a large amount of random tasks.
The ceremony was a very successful and while there were a few hitches the critiques were overwhelmingly positive. The ceremony was moving, it is hard to go into detail, but Midshipmen wear the uniforms of the service into which they are entering (they have a choice between all services upon graduation) and during the ceremony those going into each service rose to take their respective oaths of service. Senator John McCain delivered an excellent commencement speech and the graduates threw their hats into the air. The only thing missing from the ceremony was the flyover by Navy Jets, which was unfortunately denied due to Navy disciplinary policy (pilot had apparently done an unauthorized flyover of a Mets game). I fear I have not done the ceremony justice in my description, but Midshipmen work with little break from the time they enter the academy to reach graduation, so to say that they were excited to graduate would be a gross understatement.
Following graduation there was a short break, and then on July 5th 2007 the freshmen (Plebe) class arrived. They were met with haircuts and drill instructors. Part of what makes this phase (indoctrination) remarkable is that the drill instructors are comprised entirely of upper-classmen with only limited Marine Corps supervision. Although my role in the indoctrination phase was small, witnessing it was certainly an experience. Parents drop their kids off, listen to a welcoming speech by the Superintendent of the academy and then are promptly escorted off campus. This two and a half week “orientation” phase is meant to instill discipline and etiquette into the plebe candidates and introduce them to the academy. I found myself invited to do PT with them in the mornings, but sadly only participated several times, primarily because waking up at 0530 was not on my schedule. To say the least it was not quite the same as I remember my first week of school at UPS.
My last day here at Kings Point is this Friday, and I will certainly miss this place. UPS has a beautiful campus, but its hard to beat this prime waterfront property here along the Long Island Sound. My final task during my stay here is to develop an intern succession plan, so it is my hope that this may be an annual experience for UPS students so that a closer relationship may be attained between the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the University of Puget Sound. In my short time here I have witnessed the end of one class’s time at Kings Point, and the beginning of another. It has been quite remarkable. That being said, I look forward to returning to UPS and the great Pacific Northwest, following several great months in Kings Point.
Cheers,
Torey Holderith
Class of 2009
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Hanseatic Haltom
A few days back Bill Haltom travelled to Berlin for the Law and Society Conference, and was joined by Professor Ostrom from the English Department. Professor Haltom's paper, co-authored with Michael McCann (Political Science, University of Washington) was titled "Gunning for Justice and Pressing for Reform: How U. S. Newspapers Report Disputes over Firearms". Professor Ostrom's paper dealt with Langston Hughes' work as it related to issues of race, ethnicity, and rights. Read the abstracts here.
I am going to go out on a limb here and say that I think they had a good time at the conference. And I know that Berlin is not really Hanseatic. A bit of bloggy license for sake of alliteration.
Tags:
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
We Kiva
This summer the Politics and Government Department set up an account with Kiva. Kiva is a microlending organization that allows individuals to make small loans to businesses in less developed parts of the world.
The total amount that people want is rather small--around $1000--and usually toward creating or expanding a small family business, like a restaurant or auto repair shop. numerous individuals make small contributions toward any one loan, which both limits the risk and helps create more of a network of donors.
Politics and Government started our account with $100, and Professor Fields asked his summer students in Introduction to Comparative Politics to choose which country and applicant they wanted to support. You can find out about who they chose here.
What I like about Kiva is that while any interest on the loan goes to cover overhead, the principal itself is paid back to the original lender. So if all goes well, we'll have our hundred bucks back, and can reinvest it. To date, the repayment rate at Kiva is over 99%.
We'll look to grow our account in the near future, and Student Body President Hart Edmonson '08 and I have also talked about expanding this further across the student body. Stay tuned.
The total amount that people want is rather small--around $1000--and usually toward creating or expanding a small family business, like a restaurant or auto repair shop. numerous individuals make small contributions toward any one loan, which both limits the risk and helps create more of a network of donors.
Politics and Government started our account with $100, and Professor Fields asked his summer students in Introduction to Comparative Politics to choose which country and applicant they wanted to support. You can find out about who they chose here.
What I like about Kiva is that while any interest on the loan goes to cover overhead, the principal itself is paid back to the original lender. So if all goes well, we'll have our hundred bucks back, and can reinvest it. To date, the repayment rate at Kiva is over 99%.
We'll look to grow our account in the near future, and Student Body President Hart Edmonson '08 and I have also talked about expanding this further across the student body. Stay tuned.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Constitutions Matter
You certainly wouldn't get any argument from me on that--standard introductory political science. But what's with all the billboards that have sprung up around town with nothing more than these two words?
Blogs at the News Tribune and our own Exit 133 (Derek Young '96) are suggesting that this is a statement by Clear Channel in response to Tacoma's decision to bring all billboards in town in compliance with regulations that limit their size and placement. Is Clear Channel saying that these restrictions are a limitation on free speech? It will be interesting to see how this battle shapes up--Clear Channel has deep pockets.
More on the story here.
Thanks to Exit 133 for the image.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Teach in Chile
CIEE proudly announces the opening of applications for our second Teach in Chile program: http://www.ciee.org/teach/choose_program/teach_chile.aspx.
Teach in Chile begins in late February 2008 for the Chilean academic year; the application deadline is September 1. Application information is available on the CIEE website http://www.ciee.org/teach/teach_chile/placement_chile.aspx.
CIEE is collaborating with several reputable institutions to host Americans as English teachers for the 2008 Chilean academic school year, starting in late February and ending in mid-December. These institutions include local private schools in Santiago, the Universidad de Chile in Santiago, and DuocUC, a non-profit private institution of higher education established in 1968 by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
An exceptional opportunity for recent graduates, the CIEE Teach Chile program offers native English speakers with strong Spanish skills, who possess, at minimum, a bachelor's degree a unique and affordable opportunity to live and work in this fascinating country and to gain insight into the life and culture in a way no traveler could. Previous teaching experience is not necessary, although it's quite desirable.
CIEE program benefits include orientation by on-site CIEE staff and local experts in Santiago focused on cross-cultural issues and teaching methodologies, insurance coverage, 24 hour in-country emergency support services, pre-departure advice and support, teaching tools, and visa advising.
Please feel free to contact me with questions, or share my details with interested alums.
Kind regards,
Jennifer
Jennifer Atkinson
Manager, Teach Abroad Programs
CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange
7 Custom House Street, 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101-4739
T: 207/553-7639
F: 207/253-0639
E: jatkinson@ciee.org
W: www.ciee.org/teach
Tags:
Teach in Chile begins in late February 2008 for the Chilean academic year; the application deadline is September 1. Application information is available on the CIEE website http://www.ciee.org/teach/teach_chile/placement_chile.aspx.
CIEE is collaborating with several reputable institutions to host Americans as English teachers for the 2008 Chilean academic school year, starting in late February and ending in mid-December. These institutions include local private schools in Santiago, the Universidad de Chile in Santiago, and DuocUC, a non-profit private institution of higher education established in 1968 by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
An exceptional opportunity for recent graduates, the CIEE Teach Chile program offers native English speakers with strong Spanish skills, who possess, at minimum, a bachelor's degree a unique and affordable opportunity to live and work in this fascinating country and to gain insight into the life and culture in a way no traveler could. Previous teaching experience is not necessary, although it's quite desirable.
CIEE program benefits include orientation by on-site CIEE staff and local experts in Santiago focused on cross-cultural issues and teaching methodologies, insurance coverage, 24 hour in-country emergency support services, pre-departure advice and support, teaching tools, and visa advising.
Please feel free to contact me with questions, or share my details with interested alums.
Kind regards,
Jennifer
Jennifer Atkinson
Manager, Teach Abroad Programs
CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange
7 Custom House Street, 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101-4739
T: 207/553-7639
F: 207/253-0639
E: jatkinson@ciee.org
W: www.ciee.org/teach
Tags:
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Fall Internship, World Trade Center Tacoma
From Colleen Gause '06:
I have been keeping busy at the Trade Center since we last saw each other in June. We’ve had several events and trade research projects, and I am developing some new publications for WTC Tacoma.
As summer is drawing to a close (sooner that I would hope!), our summer interns are kindly letting us know that they will be heading back to school and various ventures in the next few weeks. With that said, we would love to have folks apply for fall internships now. Would you mind posting the opening on the blog?
Here’s some verbiage:
The World Trade Center Tacoma is recruiting for fall interns. Interns are asked to work 15-20 hours per week, and are unpaid. We are flexible to work around student class and work schedules. There are positions available in event coordinating, international trade services, and website design. Interested students are asked to submit their resume, cover letter (indicate which intern position you are interested in and your schedule availability), a letter of recommendation, and also a school transcript if you are interested in receiving academic credit for your internship. For more information about intern positions, visit: http://www.wtcta.org/index.php?CURRENT_PAGE_ID=521.
All application materials and questions about internships can be sent to Colleen Gause at cgause@wtcta.org.
Thanks in advance for your assistance. I’d love seeing more Loggers down here at the Trade Center!
I have been keeping busy at the Trade Center since we last saw each other in June. We’ve had several events and trade research projects, and I am developing some new publications for WTC Tacoma.
As summer is drawing to a close (sooner that I would hope!), our summer interns are kindly letting us know that they will be heading back to school and various ventures in the next few weeks. With that said, we would love to have folks apply for fall internships now. Would you mind posting the opening on the blog?
Here’s some verbiage:
The World Trade Center Tacoma is recruiting for fall interns. Interns are asked to work 15-20 hours per week, and are unpaid. We are flexible to work around student class and work schedules. There are positions available in event coordinating, international trade services, and website design. Interested students are asked to submit their resume, cover letter (indicate which intern position you are interested in and your schedule availability), a letter of recommendation, and also a school transcript if you are interested in receiving academic credit for your internship. For more information about intern positions, visit: http://www.wtcta.org/index.php?CURRENT_PAGE_ID=521.
All application materials and questions about internships can be sent to Colleen Gause at cgause@wtcta.org.
Thanks in advance for your assistance. I’d love seeing more Loggers down here at the Trade Center!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Need a Job in NYC? Alum's got one!
Megan Buscho 'o6 writes:
I wanted to see if you would post something about the non-profit I am working at New Visions for Public Schools. We are hiring for a couple of entry-level positions, and I would love to help out any Loggers that are looking for jobs in New York. The website is www.newvisions.org, so if you could post a small blurb, I would really appreciate it.
Check it out, and there's an older post on what Megan's been up to, including a discussion of New Visions, here.
I wanted to see if you would post something about the non-profit I am working at New Visions for Public Schools. We are hiring for a couple of entry-level positions, and I would love to help out any Loggers that are looking for jobs in New York. The website is www.newvisions.org, so if you could post a small blurb, I would really appreciate it.
Check it out, and there's an older post on what Megan's been up to, including a discussion of New Visions, here.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Bet on it
I was thinking about the prediction markets today. I'm not much of a gambler, myself, but I'm interested in the ways in which markets can be used to predict certain outcomes--not just betting on sports, but things like elections. Online betting is illegal in the US, but in Ireland Tradesports and Intrade allow you to bet online on a range of things, including the outcome of the Russian presidential elections or whether there will be an airstrike by the US against Iran by the end of September. Many observers in political science and economics have argued that these kinds of markets, where there is real money involved, have a good track record at guessing future outcomes correctly. That being said, it's interesting to look at the Democratic candidates for president as viewed by the betting community. The number on the right can essentially be viewed as a percentage of likelihood of that person being nominated. You can click on the pictures for a larger size.
Here's the bet on Clinton becoming the presidential nominee:
And here's Obama:
Interesting to look through, even if you're not a gamer at heart.
Here's the bet on Clinton becoming the presidential nominee:
And here's Obama:
Interesting to look through, even if you're not a gamer at heart.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Morgan O'Neal '06 is off to law school
Morgan writes:
I just wanted to give you a quick update on where I'm at and what's going on. I finished my contract at Microsoft in June and have been taking a vacation. I had applied to the Seattle University School of Law in January and found out in April that I was on the waitlist...I finally heard about 3 weeks ago that I've been admitted to the entering class of 2007. My first (full!) day of class is on August 27th...I'm thinking about blogging my experiences as a One L, so I'll let you know if that happens and you can pass the info to anyone you think might be interested.
Best of luck to Morgan and let's hope that for that One L blog to give us the inside scoop on life at law school.
I just wanted to give you a quick update on where I'm at and what's going on. I finished my contract at Microsoft in June and have been taking a vacation. I had applied to the Seattle University School of Law in January and found out in April that I was on the waitlist...I finally heard about 3 weeks ago that I've been admitted to the entering class of 2007. My first (full!) day of class is on August 27th...I'm thinking about blogging my experiences as a One L, so I'll let you know if that happens and you can pass the info to anyone you think might be interested.
Best of luck to Morgan and let's hope that for that One L blog to give us the inside scoop on life at law school.
The First Ninety Days
A short piece in the Wall Street Journal on how recent grads should approach their new job in its first ninety days. The main points:
- Find a mentor
- Get on people's radar
- Play up your tech skills
- Turn on spell check
- Keep your opinions to yourself.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Jennifer DeLury Ciplet '98: Amazon Watch to NISGUA
A ways back we profiled Jennifer DeLury Ciplet '98, who has been managing director of Amazon Watch. But time marches on and Jennifer has taken a new position as Executive Director of The Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA ). Congrats to her for the new job and all the best!
In related news, this leaves a vacancy at Amazon Watch. Interested in filling Jennifer's shoes and becoming their executive director? Deadline for applications is August 1; find the job posting here.
Tags:
In related news, this leaves a vacancy at Amazon Watch. Interested in filling Jennifer's shoes and becoming their executive director? Deadline for applications is August 1; find the job posting here.
Tags:
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Julie Housh '06: DC Job, advice, and internship opportunity
Julie Housh '06 updates us with what she's been doing, her job in DC, weighs in on the value of doing an internship and offers one to boot. Make a note of it!
Hi Professor O'Neil,
Just another P&G alum note. I've been living in D.C. since graduating in May '06 and am presently working in Rep. Rick Larsen's office (WA-02) as a staff assistant. I'm happy to help anyone who is in D.C. - visiting, interning, relocating. - or just curious about working on the Hill, living in D.C., etc.
As staff assistant I am also the intern coordinator and we're currently looking for fall interns. If it's too late for students to commit to the fall, it might be useful to start thinking about spring or summer internships, we're always in need! While the internship is unpaid, we're happy to help with school credit to make coming all the way out to D.C. worthwhile. I've attached the internship information below.
I cannot recommend an internship in politics (or anywhere) enough. I interned in D.C. the summer before my senior year and loved it; I wrote a memo that ended up becoming my senior thesis. After graduating I took another internship and landed my current job. It really is a great way to find out how things really work and decide whether or not politics is the right field for you.
Thanks so much. I really love the department blog, it's great to see what's going on and where people are.
Julie Housh
Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02)
107 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202.225.2605
The Office of Rep. Rick Larsen (DWA02) is seeking to hire a fall intern in the Washington DC office. Candidates should have an interest in and knowledge of the legislative process, possess excellent writing and communication skills, and have an understanding of the American political system.
Interns will be responsible for projects such as writing congressional correspondence, working with federal agencies, fielding constituent phone calls and other requests. Other duties include leading Capitol building tours and providing staff with general office support. During their term, interns are encouraged to attend briefings and committee hearings of personal interest and complete individual and team goals.
If you would like to be considered for an internship, please fax your resume and cover letter to 202225-4420 or email julie.housh@mail.house.gov. If you have questions about an internship, please contact Julie Housh by email or by phone at 202225-2605.
Tags:
Hi Professor O'Neil,
Just another P&G alum note. I've been living in D.C. since graduating in May '06 and am presently working in Rep. Rick Larsen's office (WA-02) as a staff assistant. I'm happy to help anyone who is in D.C. - visiting, interning, relocating. - or just curious about working on the Hill, living in D.C., etc.
As staff assistant I am also the intern coordinator and we're currently looking for fall interns. If it's too late for students to commit to the fall, it might be useful to start thinking about spring or summer internships, we're always in need! While the internship is unpaid, we're happy to help with school credit to make coming all the way out to D.C. worthwhile. I've attached the internship information below.
I cannot recommend an internship in politics (or anywhere) enough. I interned in D.C. the summer before my senior year and loved it; I wrote a memo that ended up becoming my senior thesis. After graduating I took another internship and landed my current job. It really is a great way to find out how things really work and decide whether or not politics is the right field for you.
Thanks so much. I really love the department blog, it's great to see what's going on and where people are.
Julie Housh
Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02)
107 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202.225.2605
The Office of Rep. Rick Larsen (DWA02) is seeking to hire a fall intern in the Washington DC office. Candidates should have an interest in and knowledge of the legislative process, possess excellent writing and communication skills, and have an understanding of the American political system.
Interns will be responsible for projects such as writing congressional correspondence, working with federal agencies, fielding constituent phone calls and other requests. Other duties include leading Capitol building tours and providing staff with general office support. During their term, interns are encouraged to attend briefings and committee hearings of personal interest and complete individual and team goals.
If you would like to be considered for an internship, please fax your resume and cover letter to 202225-4420 or email julie.housh@mail.house.gov. If you have questions about an internship, please contact Julie Housh by email or by phone at 202225-2605.
Tags:
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Eunice Lake
Monday I hiked up part of Mt Rainier with a friend who is a professor of political science at Corvinus University in Budapest. He'd just finished his first tour of the US as part of a larger international delegation of academics, journalists and parliamentarians, sponsored by the State Department, and wanted to see some mountains--something they don't really have in Hungary.
Luckily for us, Professor Sherman has been teaching a course on the mountain this summer, complete with regular hikes, and he recommended a trail that was not too strenuous for the non-athletic like myself. We were rewarded with some wonderful views and had the place almost entirely to ourselves (except the mosquitos). If you're in town, student or alum, a quick side trip to Rainier is worth it.
Friday, July 13, 2007
YourSpace in My Face in the Workplace
A piece in the Wall Street Journal on the complexities when your social network includes co-workers, including your boss. Social network software is more difficult to compartmentalize, I think, than, for example, blogs, since you can make them much more private or anonymous and only share with a few. With something like Facebook, there's just one "you" for everyone to see. Maybe we need multiple boundaries within these identities that grant levels of access, rather than the rather blunt option of simply calling everyone a "friend" (which they clearly aren't).
More confusion over the boundaries between public and private. Find the article here.
More confusion over the boundaries between public and private. Find the article here.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Melanie Choy '98 Changes Jobs
I just heard from Melanie Choy '98 that she's just taken a job with the California Endowment, whose mission is to "expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians." Melanie will be a program associate; Melanie says her job will be to review grant proposals related to "culturally competent health systems," which the Endowment defines as "ones that are engaged with and responsive to diverse individuals and communities." It sounds like a great career move and we wish her the best of luck in her new job. Another example of where a degree in political science can take you. Way to go, Melanie!
Tags:
Tags:
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
What's the Matter with College?
A lot, according to the New York Times. They've got an essay contest going in response to a piece penned with the title above. You can find it here. I think the essay smacks a bit too much of the notion that "college was great when I went in the (insert decade here), but now these new kids have thrown it all away"--which I think maybe every generation has felt. Compare the changes in the essay above to, for example, those that happened when the GI Bill turned colleges from institutions of elaborate rituals (like freshman hazing) into places dominated by war vets who wanted to get a degree and get on with their lives, with little patience for such "rules".
Or maybe I'm wrong. Read the essay and let me know what you think.
On a related note, I'd observe that the NYT essay itself and its connection to MTV is an attempt by the newspaper to capture a younger demographic, one that is turning away from newspaper reading. Maybe they are hoping that by provoking students they'll pique their interest, though that presumes they read about this essay in the NYT in the first place--a bit of a catch-22.
Or maybe I'm wrong. Read the essay and let me know what you think.
On a related note, I'd observe that the NYT essay itself and its connection to MTV is an attempt by the newspaper to capture a younger demographic, one that is turning away from newspaper reading. Maybe they are hoping that by provoking students they'll pique their interest, though that presumes they read about this essay in the NYT in the first place--a bit of a catch-22.
Monday, July 09, 2007
AWACS
The other day I was down on Ruston Way and saw an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) plane fly overhead. This is a Boeing product, and in past I used to watch them fly over Tacoma fairly often, but it's been a while since I'd seen one. If you want to know more about them, Boeing has a good bit of information here.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
The Scoop
This was sent along by Josh Cole '09; rather than try to recap, I'll simply cut and paste. Pretty interesting idea; Josh wants to take a stab at contributing--you might want to, too.
The Scoop '08
Here, in the months to come, young people around the country are banding together to provide in-depth and engaging coverage of the unprecedented 2008 presidential race. Sign-up here.
Our Approach and Mission
Features will come in all styles, as well as in cutting-edge multimedia formats. And in addition to giving students a voice in the 2008 presidential election
and providing the world with impacting coverage of the race, we are also seeking to attempt a truly 'new kind of newspaper,' in which readers matter more than editors, in which stories come from the bottom-up, not the top-down, in which every word furthers our mission of satisfying the curiosity and real needs of our audience,
and in which innovation matters as much as, if not more than, convention.
The Scoop '08
Here, in the months to come, young people around the country are banding together to provide in-depth and engaging coverage of the unprecedented 2008 presidential race. Sign-up here.
Our Approach and Mission
Features will come in all styles, as well as in cutting-edge multimedia formats. And in addition to giving students a voice in the 2008 presidential election
and providing the world with impacting coverage of the race, we are also seeking to attempt a truly 'new kind of newspaper,' in which readers matter more than editors, in which stories come from the bottom-up, not the top-down, in which every word furthers our mission of satisfying the curiosity and real needs of our audience,
and in which innovation matters as much as, if not more than, convention.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Happy Fourth
Happy July 4 to everyone out there in the blogosphere! Be careful with those firecrackers.
Monday, July 02, 2007
EUTube
The European Union has launched its own channel on YouTube, with all sorts of videos. What kinds of things would the EU post on YouTube? Videos on
Global Warming
US-Europe Relations
Naughty Bits
The last one has raised some hackles, not surprisingly.
Global Warming
US-Europe Relations
Naughty Bits
The last one has raised some hackles, not surprisingly.
Friday, June 29, 2007
The Presidential Past--Online
I was aware that for some time there has been access to recordings of presidential meetings going back to the Kennedy Administration (and earlier), but was not aware of what all was available online from the Miller Center of Public Affairs. Their Presidential Recordings Program has both audio and transcripts from the Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon administration. One interesting bit I saw is one of the first tape, where Kennedy discusses domestic politics in Brazil and whether to back a military coup if necessary (transcript; audio in mp3; big file and audio has a lot of background hiss). Really interesting look back into the not-so distant past.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Bitty Blog Break
No post to speak of for today or tomorrow. Tomorrow I'm off to Bellevue to present at their Advanced Placement workshop on teaching high school Advanced Placement comparative politics. A big conference for all AP teachers in all disciplines, where teachers from all over the country come together for one week to work on teaching their AP subjects. I always enjoy hearing about how comparative politics is being taught at the high school level, and I tell them about how I teach my own course. If you're interested, you can find more here. I'm always amazed at how big AP has become nationally and even internationally.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Streamy Affairs
Universities are embracing streaming video--for classes, for recruiting, for athletic events, all sorts of applications. Wave of the future or a fad? Read more about it here.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Laurel Bandy '07: Off to London
Back in April I blogged that Laurel Bandy '07 was a finalist for the Mountbatten Internship, "a carefully designed 12 month training program that provides an opportunity to learn about British and International business techniques, and to experience the rich cultural diversity of London. Successful completion of the Programme leads to the Certificate in International Business Practice". After a successful interview in SF she has been accepted into the program and writes:
Hello!
I hope this e-mail finds you enjoying your summer! I have some good news to share- I have just accepted a position through Mountbatten with Thomas Miller & Co ltd. in London. I'll be a Risk Management Project Assistant with the TT Club, which is a division that deals exclusively with marine transportation and commerce. I'm pretty excited, so something for you to blog! I'll be off August 20th. I'll keep you posted as I get more details!
Let's have more of our students do this internship. See me in the fall if you're interested.
Tags:
Hello!
I hope this e-mail finds you enjoying your summer! I have some good news to share- I have just accepted a position through Mountbatten with Thomas Miller & Co ltd. in London. I'll be a Risk Management Project Assistant with the TT Club, which is a division that deals exclusively with marine transportation and commerce. I'm pretty excited, so something for you to blog! I'll be off August 20th. I'll keep you posted as I get more details!
Let's have more of our students do this internship. See me in the fall if you're interested.
Tags:
Friday, June 22, 2007
NYT on Salishan
A piece in the New York Times on Salishan, a public housing complex in Tacoma recently torn down and rebuilt as a mixture of market priced housing and subsidized apartments. It's been a pretty dramatic recreation of this area, and there's more to come.
Hat tip: Exit133 forum.
Hat tip: Exit133 forum.
Musings in Thailand is Back in Action
Ashley Mills '05, currently on Peace Corps in Thailand, started--then stopped--a blog on her life there. A tough assignment, what with military coups and all. Ashley's restarted her blog, and leads off with a nice discussion of the differences between Americans' sense of space and privacy in comparison to Thais. Worth reading; find it at http://musingsinthailand.blogspot.com/
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Rank us not
A number of schools are balking at further participation in the US News and World Report college guides, arguing that it is not a valid survey of school quality. Read the article here; I haven't seen anything to indicate that UPS will follow their lead. Of course, the catch is that there isn't any comparable alternative.
Or rather, there is, but there's no public access to it. The National Survey of Student Engagement has been done for a number of years, asking students to assess such things as the level of academic challenge, interaction with faculty members, and the like. The surveys provide benchmarks against which colleges can compare themselves, but most schools do not share their own data on how their school stacks up against the average. This would be an easy way, it would seem, to bring an end to the US News rankings, but it would require schools to "expose" themselves to the public and each other, finding out where they fell--not a risk most schools want to take, and one that would be difficult to get a majority of schools to agree to at the same time.
To see how one school has posted their data, check out Elon College's NSSE overview here. And here's an older article about the sensitivity of the NSSE information. And US News has started posting NSSE data from those schools that would share it; find it here.
Or rather, there is, but there's no public access to it. The National Survey of Student Engagement has been done for a number of years, asking students to assess such things as the level of academic challenge, interaction with faculty members, and the like. The surveys provide benchmarks against which colleges can compare themselves, but most schools do not share their own data on how their school stacks up against the average. This would be an easy way, it would seem, to bring an end to the US News rankings, but it would require schools to "expose" themselves to the public and each other, finding out where they fell--not a risk most schools want to take, and one that would be difficult to get a majority of schools to agree to at the same time.
To see how one school has posted their data, check out Elon College's NSSE overview here. And here's an older article about the sensitivity of the NSSE information. And US News has started posting NSSE data from those schools that would share it; find it here.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Your Tacoma Pictures for the Day
Ruston Way. Bollards along the Dickman Mill site have a poem to describe the place.
I like this old foundation of the sawdust burner because it seems like an ancient ruin.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Update: Torey Holderith '09 Internship, US Merchant Marine Academy
This email and pictures came my way. As Torey mentions at the end of the email, we are working to institutionalize this internship so that we'd have it available every year. If you're interested in what you hear, let me know and come see me in the fall.
Professor O'Neil:
I hope the semester ended well for you, and I apologize for not having written sooner. From the time my flight touched down in New York on Memorial Day the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA, or Kings Point) has treated me excellently and has easily surpassed my expectations.
It took me about a week to actually semi-fully understand Kings Point. Although Kings Point is a federal service academy and requires a senators nomination just as the other four federal academies do, it is the only one not operated by the Department of Defense. The United States Merchant Marine Academy is instead operated by the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), which is of course a division of the Department of Transportation. At the same time though academy graduates have the option of becoming commissioned as officers in any of the branches of the military. The service obligation upon graduation is seven years in a military reserve service (most choose Navy as you may imagine), but it is also serving five years in the United States maritime industry. Despite MARAD technically operating the academy it is very much a federal service academy as Midshipmen are required to be in military style uniform throughout the day. Even when not in uniform they have matching workout and casual apparel (It makes fitting in rather difficult as you may imagine).
The reason I explain of all of this is because it makes Kings Point unique, as it is an environment in which Federal Bureaucracy, Military, and Academia meet with a unique result. The campus itself is located on Long Island, in a region once known as the "Gold Coast."
Professor O'Neil:
I hope the semester ended well for you, and I apologize for not having written sooner. From the time my flight touched down in New York on Memorial Day the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA, or Kings Point) has treated me excellently and has easily surpassed my expectations.
It took me about a week to actually semi-fully understand Kings Point. Although Kings Point is a federal service academy and requires a senators nomination just as the other four federal academies do, it is the only one not operated by the Department of Defense. The United States Merchant Marine Academy is instead operated by the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), which is of course a division of the Department of Transportation. At the same time though academy graduates have the option of becoming commissioned as officers in any of the branches of the military. The service obligation upon graduation is seven years in a military reserve service (most choose Navy as you may imagine), but it is also serving five years in the United States maritime industry. Despite MARAD technically operating the academy it is very much a federal service academy as Midshipmen are required to be in military style uniform throughout the day. Even when not in uniform they have matching workout and casual apparel (It makes fitting in rather difficult as you may imagine).
The reason I explain of all of this is because it makes Kings Point unique, as it is an environment in which Federal Bureaucracy, Military, and Academia meet with a unique result. The campus itself is located on Long Island, in a region once known as the "Gold Coast."
The building I work in was once Walter Chrysler's summer vacation home before it was purchased by the federal government in 1942. It is supposedly the inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
The view outside of Torey's office--not bad.
As for actual responsibilities, in addition to learning a great deal about the Maritime industry (a vastly overlooked industry), and learning a great deal of acronyms for various federal institutions, I am primarily assisting the Public Affairs office in planning both Graduation and Indoctrination in July. I am currently primarily managing the VIP list for this Monday's graduation. As you know this year's speaker is Senator John McCain, and in attendance will be approximately 200 VIPs including the Secretary of Transportation, Generals and Admirals from all of the branches of the armed services. My experience here has given me not only an impression of logistics and planning for large events, but also (and more importantly in my mind) has shown me a great deal of how to conduct oneself in an environment with a heavy military influence. In just several weeks I have realized just how special Kings Point is.
I saw New York City for the first time aboard a 78 foot custom built Yacht with two Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force. Like a true Politics major I found myself nervous and giddy to be able to talk on a personal level with high ranking government officials for even just 15 minutes. The cruise was made possible by Secretary Billings '77, who I am looking forward to seeing this weekend at graduation as he was unable to make the yacht cruise around the Statues of Liberty last week. The trip was actually setup largely with his help, as USMMA sought to call the attention of the Secretary of the Air Force in charge of installations to our solar hydrogen house (USMMA is home to America's first entirely solar and hydrogen powered home). The idea was that the Air Force would be interested in the concept of sustainable energy as a money saving opportunity, and we were offering to develop closer ties with the USAF in exchange for personnel help from the Air Force. It was somewhat successful with follow up meetings between USMMA researchers, and the USAF.
Senator John McCain's advance man got here yesterday, and we so we are now tweaking and finalizing all aspects of the ceremony. As important as what I am doing is who I am meeting, and the contacts I am making are amazing. The last several mornings I have had breakfast with a nuclear propulsions expert. Since I have been here I have had a senior congressman's son tell me to let him know if I want his dad to help me out, a DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) employee offer to introduce me to people and show me around the DIA when I go down to DC later this summer. It has been pretty amazing.
Thank you very much for your recommendation for this internship. I am doing my best to set a great impression to try and solidify the connection between UPS and USMMA, and I think it is entirely possible. I feel that I really got lucky with an internship where I get to heavily refine my career aspirations at the same time as gaining an incredible number of contacts within the Federal Government. Hopefully this email, along with the attached pictures will prove sufficient blog fodder for a day, although from the sounds of the archives you were recently in you may have found some good blog material. When I return we will have to sit down and talk because I have so many experiences and thoughts from this internship after just two weeks that it is unbelievable. In addition to providing me with housing the internship is also paying an extremely competitive wage ($12.50/hr), it really is about as good as it gets.
Regards,
Torey Holderith
Friday, June 15, 2007
More thoughts on money (and how to keep it)
PG Alum Trevor Anthony '02 has a three part series on saving for the short, medium, and long term. Thoughtful, and worth reading here, here and here.
Thanks, Trevor, to the link to the CNN retirement calculator--a nice "reverse engineered" bit of calculation that tells you what percent you should be saving, rather than giving you a fixed number or telling you if you'll miss your retirement mark. Find it here.
Thanks, Trevor, to the link to the CNN retirement calculator--a nice "reverse engineered" bit of calculation that tells you what percent you should be saving, rather than giving you a fixed number or telling you if you'll miss your retirement mark. Find it here.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Professor Weinberger Returns and Reflects
Over at Security Dilemmas, Professor Weinberger reflects on some of the issues raised during his recent academic visit to Israel. Interesting thoughts on torture, Iran, Gaza and Hamas, Hezbollah, and some of the splits inside Israel over the future course of their foreign policy (sounds familiar, somehow). Worth reading.
Mrs. Zinchuk Comes Full Circle
If you've been following the adventures of Jen (Eidum) Zinchuk '03 on her blog--it's over there on the right--you'll know she's gone from Peace Corps in Ukraine to wedding bells to grad school in Hungary and now has relocated with her husband in Tacoma, of all places. And now to complete the loop, she's just been hired by Admissions at UPS, so she'll be scouring the highways and biways of Montana, Oregon and Washington in search of new fodder for the nefarious faculty. Best of luck in the new job and welcome back into the fold!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Death and Taxes
Professor Sousa emailed me this:
http://www.thebudgetgraph.com/poster/
Very nice. A must have for our department hallway, and for that especially wonky someone in your life!
http://www.thebudgetgraph.com/poster/
Very nice. A must have for our department hallway, and for that especially wonky someone in your life!
PG , PG, Everywhere
Today I attended a luncheon sponsored by the World Trade Center Tacoma. The event was WTC Association Day, and representatives from the various businesses that belong were on hand, with a roundtable talk from academic heads or vice heads from UPS (Dean Bartanen), PLU, St. Martin's and UW Tacoma. The talk was quite interesting, with each participant talking about issues related to the topic "Different Pathways to Global Education". This included discussion of foreign students, of study abroad, and of integrating more of an international component into courses on campus. There was also an awards ceremony for student work (written and artistic) dealing with globalization. I was pleased that Dean Bartanen mentioned the department during her presentation, with a Powerpoint slide that featured several of Irene Lim's incredible department event posters.
Everywhere I turned there was someone connected to Politics and Government. En route I parked by the Tacoma Dome station, where Mayor Baarsma (PG alum from '64) was holding a press conference to announce that the Spirit of Washington dinner train, originally based in Renton, will now depart from Tacoma. Among the onlookers was Derek Young '96, who was covering the event for his ever-expanding Exit133 empire. More than a blog these days, they now sponsor KPLU radio and are hosting a candidate forum for the upcoming city council race.
When I arrived at the WTC talk, I was greeted at the door by Garrett Heilman '08, who had just started an internship there. Also present was Colleen (Woodrow) Gause '06 who is Communications and Membership Coordinator for the World Trade Center. We talked about colonizing the internship opportunities, which to date have been dominated by PLU students (shame, shame). So students, if want a good internship opportunity for the fall, keep the World Trade Center in mind.
Everywhere I turned there was someone connected to Politics and Government. En route I parked by the Tacoma Dome station, where Mayor Baarsma (PG alum from '64) was holding a press conference to announce that the Spirit of Washington dinner train, originally based in Renton, will now depart from Tacoma. Among the onlookers was Derek Young '96, who was covering the event for his ever-expanding Exit133 empire. More than a blog these days, they now sponsor KPLU radio and are hosting a candidate forum for the upcoming city council race.
When I arrived at the WTC talk, I was greeted at the door by Garrett Heilman '08, who had just started an internship there. Also present was Colleen (Woodrow) Gause '06 who is Communications and Membership Coordinator for the World Trade Center. We talked about colonizing the internship opportunities, which to date have been dominated by PLU students (shame, shame). So students, if want a good internship opportunity for the fall, keep the World Trade Center in mind.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Archives
Finally, I made my way over to the university archives with recent alums Chris Pohlad (who is currently interning with admissions) and Ryan Dumm (who is working on a local city council race). My time was short but what a interesting collection: photos, old banners, photographs going back to the first days of the college, and of course boxes and boxes of papers and other ephemera. I found that Politics and Government, once a track within the History Department (as I expected), split off around 1948-50, with one (new?) faculty member (Professor Hugh Tudor; BA Simpson College '26; taught in the department at least into the late 1950s). It wasn't clear to me why some of those in the History Department didn't join him, since that was pretty common back when the two disciplines weren't totally distinct, or why he appears to have come in as a new hire alongside the creation of the department. Anyone know anything more about Professor Tudor?
Lots to learn and digitize--expect to see it on the blog as the summer unfolds.
Lots to learn and digitize--expect to see it on the blog as the summer unfolds.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Julia Becker '05 at the State Department
Julia Becker '05, currently pursuing a MPA at Cornell's Institute of Public Affairs, is just starting an internship at the State Department. She writes:
I am starting my second week at the State Department and so far it has been a great experience. I am working in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Affairs in the Office of International Religious Freedom. Essentially what I am doing is acting as an editor for the Internation Religious Freedom Report, which by law must be submitted to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House International Affairs Committee every September 1st. I have been assigned to work in the South and Central Asia team; I am editing the reports from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Essentially what happens is that the Human Rights officer from the embassy post in that country writes the report, detailing government restrictions and abuses of religious freedom in addition to the overall situation of religious freedom among different groups. I edit the report, making sure that all of the instructions are followed in compliance with the law.
In addition, I have a lot of discussion with the embassy post with regards to wording, content, etc. The posts try to minimize some of these issues since they have to actually live and work with the governments of these countries, so we go back and forth about whether the situation is "deteriorating" or "eroding" (apparently the two words have significantly different connotations) and such. We do about four different drafts and then we submit the drafts to the higher ups for approval before the report gets published. Even though I have only been doing this for a week, I have learned not only about how the State Dept. does things but also a ton about the countries I have been working with. The cool thing is that I can also draft policy memos and white papers and if I get it approved by two people in the bureau, I can submit it to Condoleeza Rice to read. In addition, we can influence the strategic plan for a particular embassy, so there is at least a small chance of actually influencing policy in some way.
Pretty great stuff--I'd love to have that internship myself! Readers, let us know what you're up to this summer, whether work or play--we'd love to hear from you. Pictures are a nice addition as well...!
Tags:
I am starting my second week at the State Department and so far it has been a great experience. I am working in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Affairs in the Office of International Religious Freedom. Essentially what I am doing is acting as an editor for the Internation Religious Freedom Report, which by law must be submitted to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House International Affairs Committee every September 1st. I have been assigned to work in the South and Central Asia team; I am editing the reports from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Essentially what happens is that the Human Rights officer from the embassy post in that country writes the report, detailing government restrictions and abuses of religious freedom in addition to the overall situation of religious freedom among different groups. I edit the report, making sure that all of the instructions are followed in compliance with the law.
In addition, I have a lot of discussion with the embassy post with regards to wording, content, etc. The posts try to minimize some of these issues since they have to actually live and work with the governments of these countries, so we go back and forth about whether the situation is "deteriorating" or "eroding" (apparently the two words have significantly different connotations) and such. We do about four different drafts and then we submit the drafts to the higher ups for approval before the report gets published. Even though I have only been doing this for a week, I have learned not only about how the State Dept. does things but also a ton about the countries I have been working with. The cool thing is that I can also draft policy memos and white papers and if I get it approved by two people in the bureau, I can submit it to Condoleeza Rice to read. In addition, we can influence the strategic plan for a particular embassy, so there is at least a small chance of actually influencing policy in some way.
Pretty great stuff--I'd love to have that internship myself! Readers, let us know what you're up to this summer, whether work or play--we'd love to hear from you. Pictures are a nice addition as well...!
Tags:
Boxes, Boxes, Boxes
Students--and just about everyone else--find themselves scrounging for boxes when it's time to move. Here's a great new option:
http://usedcardboardboxes.com/
Get a pack of boxes--used, misprints, otherwise unloved--just for the project you have. For example, there's an "average joe" dorm/studio package of 17 boxes.
Great idea--check it out!
http://usedcardboardboxes.com/
Get a pack of boxes--used, misprints, otherwise unloved--just for the project you have. For example, there's an "average joe" dorm/studio package of 17 boxes.
Great idea--check it out!
Friday, June 08, 2007
Congressman Smith on Comedy Central
Andrea Tull 02 sent along this snippet from Comedy Central where our own local congressman (and her current employer), Adam Smith, is interviewed by Stephen Colbert about such important issues as rhubarb and whether the military is developing shrink rays:
My favorite part actually precedes the interview, where he riffs on Pick Quick, one of the best burger places around these parts and a Pierce County institution.
My favorite part actually precedes the interview, where he riffs on Pick Quick, one of the best burger places around these parts and a Pierce County institution.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Wanderlust
A piece in the Wall Street Journal on how some are using technology to start their own businesses overseas, thus avoiding the usual work visa difficulties in the process. Maybe a bit more difficult than the article implies? Still, an interesting discussion and worth the quick read, especially for those of you itching to go abroad for more than a week of vacation.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Seen Streets
Have you seen this? Google maps is now mapping at street level, which means you can click down to a street level view of a given block, turn about 360 degrees, and move along at that level--a pedestrian's eye view. Only available for a few cities, for now. Above is a screenshot of the World Trade Center site in NYC. Click on the image for a bigger view, and here to look around yourself.
Monday, June 04, 2007
(Un)Welcome Money Advice
From the New York Times, an article titled "More Advice Graduates Don't Want to Hear". Even if you don't agree with everything the author says, it's worth reading. The summary:
Never pay a real estate agent a 6 percent commission.
Never pay a real estate agent a 6 percent commission.
Buy used things, except maybe used tires.
Get on the do-not-call list and other do-not-solicit lists so you can’t be tempted.
Watch infomercials for their entertainment value only.
Know what your credit reports say, but don’t pay for that knowledge: go to www.annualcreditreport.com to get them.
Consolidate your cable, phone and Internet service to get the best deal.
Resist the lunacy of buying premium products like $2,000-a-pound chocolates.
Lose weight. Carrying extra pounds costs tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
Do not use your home as a piggy bank if home prices are flat or going down or if interest rates are rising.
Enroll in a 401(k) at work immediately.
Postpone buying high-tech products like PCs, digital cameras and high-definition TVs for as long as possible. And then buy after the selling season or buy older technology just as a new technology comes along.
And, I’m sorry, I’m really serious about this last one: make your own coffee.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Boob Tube (Updated)
We've blogged about Elisabeth Squires '80 awhile back, author of a book, blog, and website that's all about boobs. This week she appeared on Good Morning America, so if you want to know more, there's a great article and video interview. Congrats on the national coverage, Elisabeth!
UPDATE: Elisabeth has had some major blog coverage, from big hitters Instapundit, Ann Althouse, and even political scientist and international relations blogger Dan Drezner. Nice!
UPDATE: Elisabeth has had some major blog coverage, from big hitters Instapundit, Ann Althouse, and even political scientist and international relations blogger Dan Drezner. Nice!
What a huge time waster I am
So a few changes to the blog. First, all you IE users should find that the sidebar isn't getting squished to the bottom like it had been. I use Firefox and so was unaware of the problem that had been there for months (note to web designers--always preview your work in various browsers and screen sizes, like I didn't).
While messing around, I added a few things. On the right you'll see a random gathering of three pictures from our Flickr site; you can click on any one of them to find out more. Also, last year Professor Hansen was teasing me about my North American-centric logo; to that end, you'll now find that the logo at the top of blog rotates through three different versions that cover much of the world. Just hit F5 to get a new version (though it's random, so it may not change each time).
Enjoy, and if something isn't working or doesn't look right, please let me know--
While messing around, I added a few things. On the right you'll see a random gathering of three pictures from our Flickr site; you can click on any one of them to find out more. Also, last year Professor Hansen was teasing me about my North American-centric logo; to that end, you'll now find that the logo at the top of blog rotates through three different versions that cover much of the world. Just hit F5 to get a new version (though it's random, so it may not change each time).
Enjoy, and if something isn't working or doesn't look right, please let me know--
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