Friday, November 17, 2006
Need a Christmas Gift?
If you're looking for something for the Holidays, this weekend the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio is having a sale of seconds and other items. Who knows, might there be just the gift you're looking for? Tacoma is becoming such a glass mecca that there's no better thing to take home with you over the break. Check out their site here, and go see them downtown, just off of Pacific.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Go Out Tonight!
Tonight's the big out on the town in Tacoma, where a number of establishments will be open late for good food and general carousing. Exit 133 readers will also be out en masse and apparently in a pack. If you see them, ask after Derek and say hello to our PG alum. Derek's rundown of what's up can be found here. His post also serves as a good list of the new and trendy places in town.
Dorm Transuming
I've always wanted to title a post like that. From Springwise, a new student start-up at Dartmouth that rents everything you'd need for your dorm. Brilliant idea or another failed business idea in play? You be the judge--and perhaps their local representative for UPS?
Ninjawords
An easy online dictionary that's "fast like a ninja," with definitions largely from the Princeton WordNet Project. Neato.
http://www.ninjawords.com/
http://www.ninjawords.com/
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Student Conference: Crossing Borders
Professor Ferrari sends along this great opportunity--a conference on US Canada relations in Seattle, with travel, hotel and meals provided. You can find the application here. We'd love to see one or more of our students attend.
STUDENT CONFERENCE
'Crossing Borders - Issues & Resolutions'
Seattle WA / 15-16 March 2007
Application Deadline: 15 January 2007
The Canadian Consulate General Seattle in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortim, Canada America Society, World Affairs Council, Pacific NW Economic Region & Border Policy Research Institute invite applications from Undergraduate Students in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia & Alberta to participate in this two day Canada - US Border event
Sixteen students (8 American and 8 Canadian) will be selected. Teams will be composed of one American and one Canadian student to research, present and offer solutions/resolutions to issues of importance to the Canada - US relationship.
Possible Issues:
Border Security, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Northwest Passage,
Health Care & Drugs, Columbia River Treaty, Gays in Military & Marriage
Travel, hotel and meals provided.
Thursday 15 March / Border Tours & Welcome Dinner
Friday 16 March / Student Panels / Microsoft Auditorium - Seattle Public Library
Awards Reception & Dinner / College Club
Questions: Kevin Cook
kevin.cook@international.gc.ca
206-770-4065
Tags:
STUDENT CONFERENCE
'Crossing Borders - Issues & Resolutions'
Seattle WA / 15-16 March 2007
Application Deadline: 15 January 2007
The Canadian Consulate General Seattle in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortim, Canada America Society, World Affairs Council, Pacific NW Economic Region & Border Policy Research Institute invite applications from Undergraduate Students in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia & Alberta to participate in this two day Canada - US Border event
Sixteen students (8 American and 8 Canadian) will be selected. Teams will be composed of one American and one Canadian student to research, present and offer solutions/resolutions to issues of importance to the Canada - US relationship.
Possible Issues:
Border Security, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Northwest Passage,
Health Care & Drugs, Columbia River Treaty, Gays in Military & Marriage
Travel, hotel and meals provided.
Thursday 15 March / Border Tours & Welcome Dinner
Friday 16 March / Student Panels / Microsoft Auditorium - Seattle Public Library
Awards Reception & Dinner / College Club
Questions: Kevin Cook
kevin.cook@international.gc.ca
206-770-4065
Tags:
Wait Lists---Argh!
Wow, there are a lot of folks on wait lists for some of our classes. In spite of our collective efforts to drive away students by affecting nasal drones and falling asleep in the midst of rambling lectures, they just keep coming.
Upshot: If you are a major and on a wait list for one of our classes, you should contact the professor and inquire about the possibility of you getting in. We want to make certain that our majors are able to take the courses they want and need for graduation, and we'll make every effort to accommodate that.
Upshot: If you are a major and on a wait list for one of our classes, you should contact the professor and inquire about the possibility of you getting in. We want to make certain that our majors are able to take the courses they want and need for graduation, and we'll make every effort to accommodate that.
T-Shirt Update
We're still taking orders for the department T-shirt, and will be putting in the order on Monday. The overwhelming number of orders has been wonderful, and to facilitate their purchase and make certain we're not stuck with a large overstock, we're asking that you please prepay for your shirt. So if you've sent a note to Irene saying you wanted a shirt or were still planning on it, would you please drop by her office by Monday. Cash is easier for us to launder handle than personal checks. Thanks!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Meet Meat (and Produce and Cake)
I've not been yet, but Derek Young '96 writes on Exit133 that Dave's Meat and Produce is now open, located between campus and the Stadium District just off of 21st. A good alternative to Metropolitan Market.
Sadly, I see that Dad's Bakery on Sixth has already folded. I think it must be hard to run an old-style donut shop these days. However, we've got Corina's just down Sixth, and if you haven't had one of their desserts...well, I have two words for you: Chocolate Cheesecake. Here's a fascinating article on the owners, Walter and Jessica Gaya, and Walter's path from Argentina to fighting and photographing in Iraq to baking in Tacoma.
Tags:
Sadly, I see that Dad's Bakery on Sixth has already folded. I think it must be hard to run an old-style donut shop these days. However, we've got Corina's just down Sixth, and if you haven't had one of their desserts...well, I have two words for you: Chocolate Cheesecake. Here's a fascinating article on the owners, Walter and Jessica Gaya, and Walter's path from Argentina to fighting and photographing in Iraq to baking in Tacoma.
Tags:
Alum Update: Chris Kenny '90
This in from Chris Kenny '90 by way of Professor Share:
It’s hard to believe we haven’t talked since I graduated, although I think I caught one of your bluegrass shows here in Portland in the early ‘90s at La Luna. As for me, career-wise I’ve tried a few different paths and now work as a senior writer at an interactive marketing agency (www.overlandagency.com).
Although it’s a different kind of writing, I attribute a good deal of my skills to the rigors of the UPS P&G department and especially your weekly 3-page paper regimen. Like a lot of my peers, I was caught up in the Internet craze—moved to San Francisco, worked for a couple of start-ups, made some big dough and spent it all—it wasn’t unlike a Latin American quagmire. Prior to that (and immediately after leaving UPS) I spent about 7 years doing medical research at OHSU (and did some graduate work in epidemiology), and worked a biotech company in Portland.
That said, don’t think I haven’t remained a life-long student of political science—and especially Latin America! I still dream about the academic life and haven’t entirely ruled it out. I’d love to come take a course from you in London (Professor Share is leading the university's study abroad in London this year--Prof. O'Neil).
Watching the outcome of the elections in Nicaragua brought back great memories of that trip.
Don sent along a picture from Chris on the Latin American study tour in Nicauragua in 1989, and Chris a newer portrait.
Tags:
It’s hard to believe we haven’t talked since I graduated, although I think I caught one of your bluegrass shows here in Portland in the early ‘90s at La Luna. As for me, career-wise I’ve tried a few different paths and now work as a senior writer at an interactive marketing agency (www.overlandagency.com).
Although it’s a different kind of writing, I attribute a good deal of my skills to the rigors of the UPS P&G department and especially your weekly 3-page paper regimen. Like a lot of my peers, I was caught up in the Internet craze—moved to San Francisco, worked for a couple of start-ups, made some big dough and spent it all—it wasn’t unlike a Latin American quagmire. Prior to that (and immediately after leaving UPS) I spent about 7 years doing medical research at OHSU (and did some graduate work in epidemiology), and worked a biotech company in Portland.
That said, don’t think I haven’t remained a life-long student of political science—and especially Latin America! I still dream about the academic life and haven’t entirely ruled it out. I’d love to come take a course from you in London (Professor Share is leading the university's study abroad in London this year--Prof. O'Neil).
Watching the outcome of the elections in Nicaragua brought back great memories of that trip.
Don sent along a picture from Chris on the Latin American study tour in Nicauragua in 1989, and Chris a newer portrait.
Tags:
Monday, November 13, 2006
Cat Fish: DC Internship Update
Cat Fish '08 has taken the semester off to intern in DC at Adam Smith's office in Congress. I asked her to send us an update on how it's been going. Here is her response, and if you want to know more you can ask her in person when she gets back on campus next semester.
Last night I had trouble sleeping. It was because that butterflies-in-the-stomach eagerness comparable to the feeling you get as a kid on Christmas Eve or the first day of school. From what I know, this specific reaction to the approaching midterm elections is not common. But let’s face it, I’m not normal. I’m a politics nerd. This is why I decided to spend the semester in D.C.
While most of my buddies at UPS were choosing where in Europe they would spend the fall semester partying, I was itching to do something (or at least partying somewhere) a little different. I found an internship in the office of Representative Adam Smith from Washington’s ninth Congressional district. I organized housing with the Washington Student Intern Housing program, through which I was assigned a place in a townhouse with eight other interns, just two blocks from the Capitol building. I moved out east in late August.
I work as Representative Smith’s only fulltime D.C. intern. My duties include legislative research, writing memos, responding to constituent mail and calls, attending briefings and giving Capitol tours. I have developed close relationships with Smith’s legislative staff as well as the Congressman himself, all individuals who are exceptionally accessible unbelievable committed to the citizens of Washington State. Some of the perks of the job include the day-to-day contact with policy-makers, access to Congressional resources, the social functions and the up-close observation of the midterm elections. While the internship has been exhausting and daunting at times, it has also proven to be thoroughly educational and ridiculously fun.
Interning in Congress has transformed and clarified my initial ideas about what I do, and do not want to do with my future. It has provided me with a unique perspective of the American political system, and unquestionably benefited my education as a whole. This experience has reinforced my love for politics and given me the opportunity to meet remarkable people. Best of all, I have learned America’s Capitol is an entire city of politics nerds, just like me.
Tags:
Last night I had trouble sleeping. It was because that butterflies-in-the-stomach eagerness comparable to the feeling you get as a kid on Christmas Eve or the first day of school. From what I know, this specific reaction to the approaching midterm elections is not common. But let’s face it, I’m not normal. I’m a politics nerd. This is why I decided to spend the semester in D.C.
While most of my buddies at UPS were choosing where in Europe they would spend the fall semester partying, I was itching to do something (or at least partying somewhere) a little different. I found an internship in the office of Representative Adam Smith from Washington’s ninth Congressional district. I organized housing with the Washington Student Intern Housing program, through which I was assigned a place in a townhouse with eight other interns, just two blocks from the Capitol building. I moved out east in late August.
I work as Representative Smith’s only fulltime D.C. intern. My duties include legislative research, writing memos, responding to constituent mail and calls, attending briefings and giving Capitol tours. I have developed close relationships with Smith’s legislative staff as well as the Congressman himself, all individuals who are exceptionally accessible unbelievable committed to the citizens of Washington State. Some of the perks of the job include the day-to-day contact with policy-makers, access to Congressional resources, the social functions and the up-close observation of the midterm elections. While the internship has been exhausting and daunting at times, it has also proven to be thoroughly educational and ridiculously fun.
Interning in Congress has transformed and clarified my initial ideas about what I do, and do not want to do with my future. It has provided me with a unique perspective of the American political system, and unquestionably benefited my education as a whole. This experience has reinforced my love for politics and given me the opportunity to meet remarkable people. Best of all, I have learned America’s Capitol is an entire city of politics nerds, just like me.
Tags:
DC Trip Financial Support
We are working on putting together some funds for those who might want to go on the DC trip but are finding it a bit spendy. No guarantees but I'll keep you posted as I look around for funds.
Again, if you're interested in going, email me ASAP.
Again, if you're interested in going, email me ASAP.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Spring Break in DC? Time to Commit!
The department needs to get started on planning the Spring Break to DC. As we've mentioned on the blog before, our intention is to schedule a series of informational meetings, tours and social events with UPS alums in the DC area to give students a sense of life around Capitol Hill. You will be responsible for the costs involved, though we'll work on finding inexpensive housing. Right now it looks like there are flights to Baltimore for about $300 from Seattle, and there are various guest houses in DC where you should be able to stay for under $50 a night.
In order to get moving on this we need firm commitments from all those students interested in going. I know I have already heard from some of you, but would you email me and let me know if you plan on attending? I'd like to get a head count to see if we have enough folks to get this going. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.
P.S. This is open to ALL students on campus, irrespective of major.
In order to get moving on this we need firm commitments from all those students interested in going. I know I have already heard from some of you, but would you email me and let me know if you plan on attending? I'd like to get a head count to see if we have enough folks to get this going. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.
P.S. This is open to ALL students on campus, irrespective of major.
Keywords
I hadn't considered that in a world of online submissions and data-sifting software, resumes and applications are mined for certain keywords. This article in the Wall Street Journal online suggests how to craft your resume with this in mind.
Update: A piece in the New York Times adds further good advice on do's and don'ts when applying for a job. Find it here.
Tags:
Update: A piece in the New York Times adds further good advice on do's and don'ts when applying for a job. Find it here.
Tags:
Saturday, November 11, 2006
All of Our Base Items Belong to You
The call for t-shirt orders below may have disenfranchised those not on campus. Worry not! We've got goodies galore for student and alum alike at our Cafe Press store:
http://www.cafepress.com/upspolitics
There's a whole lot of stuff here: mugs, shirts, buttons, etc. If you're looking for that special something for the person who has everything, here's the gift that keeps on giving. And nothing has a mark-up on it, so you can buy at cost. Shop away!
http://www.cafepress.com/upspolitics
There's a whole lot of stuff here: mugs, shirts, buttons, etc. If you're looking for that special something for the person who has everything, here's the gift that keeps on giving. And nothing has a mark-up on it, so you can buy at cost. Shop away!
T-Shirts! Get Your Red Hot T-Shirts!
If you are on campus or in town, we're now taking orders for our official ash grey shirt:
And you can have a shirt for the low price of just ten bucks. What a deal! Buy one for yourself, your parents, your friends and rivals. Be the envy of the neighborhood this Holiday Season.
We need a minimum order of 15 shirts, so the sooner we hear from you the sooner we can send off the order. Just send an email to Irene Lim (ilim@ups.edu) and let her know what size and how many you want. Once the shirts are in you can come by and pay for it then.
I hope to see these shirts far and wide in future, in study abroad pictures, significant political events, mug shots, etc.
And you can have a shirt for the low price of just ten bucks. What a deal! Buy one for yourself, your parents, your friends and rivals. Be the envy of the neighborhood this Holiday Season.
We need a minimum order of 15 shirts, so the sooner we hear from you the sooner we can send off the order. Just send an email to Irene Lim (ilim@ups.edu) and let her know what size and how many you want. Once the shirts are in you can come by and pay for it then.
I hope to see these shirts far and wide in future, in study abroad pictures, significant political events, mug shots, etc.
New Course for Spring 07
Professor Haltom will be offering PG 440A in the Spring 2007 schedule on
T 14:00-15:20 in WY307. I have posted the department description below, though anyone interested should consult Professor Haltom directly to find out about the details.
PG 440 Seminar in Modern Political Thought
This senior seminar is designed to allow students to seriously engage with recent trends in political theory. Although topics will vary some potential themes include concepts of power, democratic theory, and contemporary theories of identity and subjectivity. The aim of this seminar is to develop students' skills in political theory methods including textual analysis, theoretical criticism, identifying and engaging contrasting theoretical approaches as well as creating clear analytical questions for theoretical writing. Seminar readings and assignments will assist students in creating a final senior thesis on a topic created under the guidance of the instructor.
Prerequisite: PG 104, major concentration in political theory, PG 250, and senior standing or permission of instructor.
T 14:00-15:20 in WY307. I have posted the department description below, though anyone interested should consult Professor Haltom directly to find out about the details.
PG 440 Seminar in Modern Political Thought
This senior seminar is designed to allow students to seriously engage with recent trends in political theory. Although topics will vary some potential themes include concepts of power, democratic theory, and contemporary theories of identity and subjectivity. The aim of this seminar is to develop students' skills in political theory methods including textual analysis, theoretical criticism, identifying and engaging contrasting theoretical approaches as well as creating clear analytical questions for theoretical writing. Seminar readings and assignments will assist students in creating a final senior thesis on a topic created under the guidance of the instructor.
Prerequisite: PG 104, major concentration in political theory, PG 250, and senior standing or permission of instructor.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Resource: Alliance for Conflict Transformation
This could be a good resource. They have special subscription rates for students that gets you access to job, internship and grant opportunities. There are also numerous links to programs and sites that can be accessed for free. Take a look.
www.conflicttransformation.org
ACT FORUMS: CAREERS & OPPORTUNITIES IN
Peace & Conflict Resolution, International Development, Human Rights & Related Fields
Over 100 organizations and universities throughout the world currently use the ACT Forums to recruit entry-level to advanced professional and academic candidates in the fields of peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights, and related fields. The Forums posts over 5,000 entry-level to senior-level jobs, internships and consulting opportunities worldwide every year in these fields. The Forums are available for individuals seeking jobs, scholarships, grants and information on conferences/events, and for organizations interested in recruiting qualified candidates. Current membership has grown to several thousand people internationally. There is a small sliding-scale subscription fee to receive regular e-mail announcements of opportunities. Posting messages is free.
LIST OF FORUMS:
• JOBS - Find job opportunities from entry-level to senior level positions in the fields of peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights and related fields.
• SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS - Find scholarship, grants and other funding opportunities in the fields peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights and related fields.
• EVENTS – Check the Calendar for talks, conferences, and cultural events in the Washington, DC area and worldwide.
The Forums are subdivided into geographic areas of the world (for example United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and so on).
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
• RESUME DATABASE - Individuals can upload their resumes and employers can search for qualified candidates.
• DISCUSSION FORUMS - Subscribers can post their own profiles and interact with other subscribers from throughout the world. Participate in on-line discussions with leading scholars/practitioners in the field and read transcripts from previous discussions.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE/POST MESSAGES:
For more information on how to receive a 6-month or 1-year subscription, or to post messages, please visit the ACT website at www.conflicttransformation.org or via email to forums@conflicttransformation.org
Tags:
www.conflicttransformation.org
ACT FORUMS: CAREERS & OPPORTUNITIES IN
Peace & Conflict Resolution, International Development, Human Rights & Related Fields
Over 100 organizations and universities throughout the world currently use the ACT Forums to recruit entry-level to advanced professional and academic candidates in the fields of peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights, and related fields. The Forums posts over 5,000 entry-level to senior-level jobs, internships and consulting opportunities worldwide every year in these fields. The Forums are available for individuals seeking jobs, scholarships, grants and information on conferences/events, and for organizations interested in recruiting qualified candidates. Current membership has grown to several thousand people internationally. There is a small sliding-scale subscription fee to receive regular e-mail announcements of opportunities. Posting messages is free.
LIST OF FORUMS:
• JOBS - Find job opportunities from entry-level to senior level positions in the fields of peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights and related fields.
• SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS - Find scholarship, grants and other funding opportunities in the fields peace and conflict resolution, international development, human rights and related fields.
• EVENTS – Check the Calendar for talks, conferences, and cultural events in the Washington, DC area and worldwide.
The Forums are subdivided into geographic areas of the world (for example United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and so on).
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
• RESUME DATABASE - Individuals can upload their resumes and employers can search for qualified candidates.
• DISCUSSION FORUMS - Subscribers can post their own profiles and interact with other subscribers from throughout the world. Participate in on-line discussions with leading scholars/practitioners in the field and read transcripts from previous discussions.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE/POST MESSAGES:
For more information on how to receive a 6-month or 1-year subscription, or to post messages, please visit the ACT website at www.conflicttransformation.org or via email to forums@conflicttransformation.org
Tags:
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Our Greatest Shortcoming
I've been told in no uncertain terms that the major limitation of this blog is that it lacks pandas.
In the Campaign Trenches
Earlier we blogged on Sam Kussin-Shoptaw '09's experiences interning with Darcy Burner's campaign for Congress. He snapped a few more pictures of the last stretch when he and other interns were working round the clock. Sam said that by the end he had a team of some 25 volunteers working ounder him, so give you some sense of the kind of responsibility you can have thrust upon you if you take the initiative. The race was very, very close:
Darcy Burner Democrat 74,861 49.1027%
Dave Reichert Republican 77,597 50.8973%
At first no one expected Burner to do that well, so I chalk that up to Sam's campaign skills. Next stop: The White House.
Tags:
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Blogback Loop
Now we know we're making the big time--one of the Tacoma News Tribune's blogs has blogged about our blog. According to them, our blog is " a worthwhile regular stop while you’re on your rounds looking for good, local information. It’s smart (they’re professors, after all), and friendly instead of stuffy." They've got us to a T. Maybe that should be our new slogan to go with our logo: "Politics and Government: Friendly, Not Stuffy"
And since they had a screenshot of our blog in their blog, here's a screenshot in our blog of their blog with their screenshot of our blog.
My brain hurts.
Tags:
And since they had a screenshot of our blog in their blog, here's a screenshot in our blog of their blog with their screenshot of our blog.
My brain hurts.
Tags:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)