Madison Messiah

Down in the Flood

The rain is not nearly as fun when you're not out groovin' in it.

posted by Burbs @ 7:52 PM 0 Comments

A Nod and A Reminisce

Went for a walk long after midnight tonight. A night ripe for a good saunter. A light rain fell, flipped up the collar of my flannel to keep my neck warm. Just enough comfort to make one smile. And these words once scrawled on the corner of an envelope fell

posted by Burbs @ 2:21 AM 0 Comments

Stogies? Why not?

I am officially an uncle.

Exploding into this realm with Japanese action sound effects, Jacob Flanders made his presence known to world at 6:12pm PST.

I think somewhere in the background Tom Petty was playing.

Labels: Groovin'

posted by Burbs @ 9:22 PM 5 Comments

Truthiness

Perusing some abstracts last night, I came across one addressing the effects of e-medicine on patient-doctor relations. It made me contemplate this scholar's post. I had formerly held the same perspective, as I think most do, however the patient-doctor scenario changed that somewhat.

We generally look at losing personal contact as a negative (with the exception of increasing productivity), but in what scenarios can this make people more comfortable to tell the truth and prove to be beneficial. Clearly it could benefit medicine as people may be more willing to convey their true sexual histories, etc. as they relate to HIV and STDs.

Could this increased level of comfort and trust help domestic violence or sexual assault victims effectively communicate their experiences? Help refugees share their stories? What other contexts could this be applied to?

Labels: Health, Tidbits

posted by Burbs @ 9:04 AM 1 Comments

Onward and Outward

The past week has seen some seismic movin' and shakin' of future possibilities. While in NOLA for work, I sojourned to the international MPH department at Tulane and scouted the potential of resting my head in the city for a short spell. Despite all the praises I have heard of their international public health department I didn't really think it would emerge as a serious contender; nonetheless the program, encompassing emergency and disaster management, infectious disease, and policy (seemingly tailored for me), combined with city's developing country charm left me contemplating. Still have these programs to check out though and Berkeley is definitely still in the running. Maybe it was all the Sazeracs.

To compound the situation, over some ice cold sweet tea in the steamy Louisiana sun and the waitress calling me darling I got the call up to commence my first international project. A multitude of tea will be consumed in the coming weeks whilst working to identify emerging technologies that could be applied to immunization programs in developing countries.

Here comes the gravy train

Labels: Health, NOLA, Tidbits

posted by Burbs @ 7:19 PM 0 Comments

To Quote a Phrase: Bring Your Own Boomshakalaka

Sail is raised, rotated starboard and in pursuit of my Empty Sky.


Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Denver International (DEN) to Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA)
Departure (DEN): July 2, 8:38 AM MDT (morning)
Arrival (SEA): July 2, 10:28 AM PDT (morning)

Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA) to Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Departure (SEA): July 2, 12:52 PM PDT (afternoon)
Arrival (NRT): July 3, 2:55 PM JST (afternoon)

Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl (MNL)
Departure (NRT): July 3, 6:25 PM JST (evening)
Arrival (MNL): July 3, 9:55 PM PHT (evening)



Sunday, July 20, 2008

Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl (MNL) to Hong Kong Int'l (HKG)
Departure (MNL): July 20, 8:25 AM PHT (morning)
Arrival (HKG): July 20, 10:25 AM HKT (morning)

Hong Kong Int'l (HKG) to San Francisco International (SFO)
Departure (HKG): July 20, 11:45 AM HKT (morning)
Arrival (SFO): July 20, 9:10 AM PDT (morning)

San Francisco International (SFO) to Denver International (DEN)
Departure (SFO): July 20, 11:00 AM PDT (morning)
Arrival (DEN): July 20, 2:30 PM MDT (afternoon)

Labels: Groovin'

posted by Burbs @ 10:34 PM 6 Comments

Soles worn through to the heel on yet another pair of shoes. Next time you see me roamin' the streets it'll be in these bad boys.


Not Jerusalem Cruisers, but thanks to TOMS I won't be the only whipper-snapper strolling the world with new kicks.

Labels: Groovin'

posted by Burbs @ 10:17 PM 6 Comments

Baseball & The Guy Sitting Next to Us

Three people in the office today, so my colleague Michael and I decided to pull a Ferris and bolt for the smell of stale beer and hot dogs at Coors Field for the 1:05 Rockies v. Cubs game. The relatively new park has definitely lost the new park smell, initiated with a shower of toppled beer and nachos.

A few brews, a lot of shelled peanuts, a BP ball, and a nice sunburn later a stronger bond was forged and the victors smiled. (Though, a little conflicted over the fact that the ballpark offers a footlong brat.)

It never ceases to amaze the amount of info that can sail under the radar in the work environment. During 9 innings of banter I discovered that my colleague worked with Oliver North as part of the task force created when the Iraqis invaded Kuwait in 1990, completed his Master's thesis on switching development indicators from economic to social and the impact of having a social scientist on assessment teams, he studied at AUC, and I received a ton of great advice and connections regarding MPH programs that I am currently looking at.

How much do you really know about the people you work with? The people in your organization? Your teachers?

As we try to expand our networks, I feel that we often look for the big name, "I have an in with Bill Gates" connections and fail to really develop and appreciate the potential of more intimate connections.

Labels: Denver, Groovin', Tidbits

posted by Burbs @ 8:57 PM 3 Comments

Veiled Season

It's rained a lot this week, little streams clearing the streets. People pack the bar patios across the street from my house on a sunny afternoon, clutching to the warmth and promise of the summer. Words from the patios resonate through my apartment, some clearly audible, others muffled by the undertones.

These days the weather fluctuates from 80 to snowing in the matter of an evening, a cocktail or two. Thus is the rub.

Labels: Denver

posted by Burbs @ 9:10 PM 5 Comments

Rollercoasters Gotta Roll to the Bottom, If You Want to Climb to the Top Again

I'm there.

posted by Burbs @ 11:18 PM 4 Comments

Failing to Understand

"Bilingual health care providers: the provider needs to be a provider first, not a provider AND interpreter—have trained interpreter even with bilingual providers" - Cambio de Colores 2004, Annual Conference

While I think that language concessions should be made so that individuals are able to access and understand health care, education, legal info, etc.; I think demands such as this are ridiculous. To divert money from other health services to have an interpreter in addition to a bilingual provider is a huge waste of public resources. If individuals are able to communicate and get the care they require, then where is the need?

The more research I've done on the topic of health care and Latinos in the Midwest in general, the more questions have arisen in my mind. Most of the material I have covered thus far has focused on providing cultural sensitivity, cultural competence, and language training for the members of communities facing a large immigration influx. ESL is the only training mentioned as necessary for immigrants. I'm surprised by the seemingly one-way street these recommendations have taken. Wouldn't it be beneficial to all to receive cultural sensitivity training? Clearly you want to increase understanding and minimize potential for discrimination/racism on the local side, but at the same time immigrants are moving into a new culture. It should be a situation of both sides working to establish mutual understanding. Isn't it pertinent to train immigrants on the cultural norms of the society they are entering? I have yet to come across a document suggesting such an action.

Cogs still in motion and more to come on this.

Labels: Health, Immigration, Language

posted by Burbs @ 12:14 AM 1 Comments

My Witness is the Empty Sky

8:34 pm and finally leaving the office.

Meandering down to My Brothers' Bar, the old Kerouac joint which used to skirt the train yards (now neighboring REI). Regardless some libations, a vegetarian reuben, and Bird: the quintessential cap.

Not night cap, not Tap cap, but jive cap.

Labels: Denver

posted by Burbs @ 8:23 PM 1 Comments

Revisited

A number of things came to light during my short jaunt to Orlando: a greater degree of common understanding and a movement back towards a greater degree of patience. Sitting in the hot tub at night talking with Jason, a dude from Jacksonville who brought supplies and the motto, “don’t worry about it, we’re on vacation”, Angie a 43 year-old visiting with her daughter and niece before she returned to NJ for a serious surgery, a couple of Pennsylvania boys who had been hitting the gin a bit too hard resulting in John Smith singing “Just Around the Riverbend” from Pocahatas, and Jason a man meeting his 8 year-old daughter for the first time, trying to fulfill his responsibilities as a father and partner and wanting to start it in the "happiest place on Earth"; I realized that although Orlando isn’t my Dream, it’s a dream to many and there is something admirable in that.

There is something admirable in the family who may never have been outside the state saving up money to come to Orlando to see the exotic palm trees and eat Greek food. It’s someone’s dream to visit the place where their kids will have the time of their lives and speak of nothing other than meeting Mickey Mouse for the next 3 weeks. There is something of value in Florida. It’s a place “just around the river bend”, where people can come to forget about their problems for a while. Something that is not all that uncommon from many a international experience: positioning of yourself in unfamiliar surroundings tends to make you contemplate things other than expected in your place of origin. I sometimes forget that the things common to me are not common to all in this country.

posted by Burbs @ 12:31 AM 3 Comments

Returnin' Home with Boot Heels Worn

Fri, Apr 11, 2008 - Denver, CO (DEN) to Chicago, IL (ORD)
Depart: DEN 10:31 AM
Arrive: DSM 01:20 PM

Depart: DSM 01:41 PM
Arrive: ORD 02:59 PM

Mon, Apr 14, 2008 - Chicago, IL (ORD) to Denver, CO (DEN)
Depart: ORD 06:05 AM
Arrive: DEN 07:34 AM

posted by Burbs @ 3:02 PM 0 Comments

I Am Just a Satellite

Just had a conversation that put into perspective just how far we need to go with health education, everywhere.

"Well condoms can't prevent HIV, right? Isn't it small enough that it goes right through?"

Often it is perceived that HIV prevention is a strategy that is a one-time shot. You teach someone the facts once and that's it. Unfortunately, the more experience I get in the area, the more I begin to think that this isn't the case. Even though information may not be new in the field (or even truthful), if an individual hears something new from a friend, it is the latest information for them, sometimes perceived to trump facts they have gotten in the past.

Interesting to consider as more dollars flow towards care and treatment. Not saying that they shouldn't as that clearly has its own merits and acts as somewhat of a prevention strategy in its own right, but something to consider.

Labels: Health, HIV

posted by Burbs @ 8:35 PM 0 Comments

Jump-to-Conclusions Mat: Wearing My Leisure Suit, When It Should've Been A Space Suit

Last year, I had an idea very similar to this one from Hopkins.

I was just one or two technological generations behind. I was developing the idea of using mobile libraries or "book mobiles" that would work to help improve literacy, health knowledge, and access to care.

Not letting it die yet.

posted by Burbs @ 11:23 PM 1 Comments

Oh, I Didn't Give You the Tour

A little view from the corner my apartment stands on. Going to start giving some more updates about the movers, shakers, & surroundings in the city.

This is the only view in all of Denver where the skyline doesn't look phallic.



Much pondering occurs on an eve such as this:

A third of the world's population is infected with TB.

For a while I got caught too caught up in the bureaucracy.

Flintstones vitamins are a good public health strategy.

I should probably bite the bullet and start buying organic milk.

Teaching is a pretty solid way to get to know a society, your own and other's.

Labels: Denver

posted by Burbs @ 12:36 AM 1 Comments

I Gotta A Couple A' Throwbacks

Aside from reminding me of AliG, it was a bit strange this afternoon watching Flowers and Butch, both of whom played against my high school team, while playing shuffleboard with the guy who sold me liquor all year as a freshman at UW.

posted by Burbs @ 7:30 PM 0 Comments

Keep On Goin' Y'all

I realized in considering Nomadfest Part Deux that I have failed to announce the entrance of a little shaver of the male gender who will soon be entering the world.

No it's not mine, my sister is due on June 5.

Any suggestions on what I should try to make his first word be?

posted by Burbs @ 1:27 PM 3 Comments

A Legacy...or Two

A little compare and contrast from the National Portrait Gallery in D.C.







He even has a newspaper in his hand. Interested to see what W's will look like.

And a bit of flash:

posted by Burbs @ 10:15 AM 2 Comments

Bring Me Your Finest Muenster

Monday Night 2:30 pm: Our office is reprimanded by HQ for not following company policy, stating that a wine & cheese happy hour should commence every Friday at 3:30 pm.

Tuesday Morning 11:00 am: A new load of wine and beer appears in our office.

Yahtzee!

posted by Burbs @ 11:41 AM 4 Comments

I'll Pawn My Watch & Chain and Go Home

Strolling the streets of Salt Lake City with a bottle of wine, a journal, a sunset, and some old shoes that need to get broken in again.

posted by Burbs @ 5:52 PM 2 Comments

I Have to Celebrate You Baby

Sitting in the optometrist’s chair the other day, the typical discussion ensued…”What brings you to Denver?” and whatnot. I decided to throw the brick just one more time, changing coordinates I ask, “Have you ever been abroad?” It took an instant for the question to settle in this locale, once the resting place of the adventurous pushing westward. The response was slow, preceded by a cocked head and narrowing of the eyes as if trying to gauge the messenger. It was the only response I needed. She expressed her regrets at not having done so, but the hopes that her 18 year-old son would pursue what lies beyond our borders.

The badge of the internationally traveled is one that requires no introduction. It is one that emanates from the words that spill from his mouth, the way he carries himself, and his willingness to help another in an unfamiliar situation. You can see it in the way he interacts with those of different surroundings. It often presents itself in a clarity of purpose and direction, intermingled with a distant struggle or confusion.

The depths to which the international experience penetrates the marrow have oft been alluded to, but the degree seldom understood.

posted by Burbs @ 6:31 PM 2 Comments

Busted Flat

A little patience and professional courtesy pays off, for both parties.

I have been organizing the Latino AIDS Institute for the past few moons. Mix-ups went down, things got shaken up, thus is the Pursuit. But the vibe remained cordial throughout and now both parties are set to enjoy this radiant day on the salt flats.

The hotel didn't have to deal with a ranting maniac, who might go Mike Tyson on the manager's posterior.

And I am sitting on the top floor of the Hilton Salt Lake City in the Executive Suite, stocked with complimentary beverages of the adult effect.

Neither of us sacrificing the things that each required, but both getting a little tap on the bottom.

Labels: Tidbits

posted by Burbs @ 5:08 PM 2 Comments

It Seems It's Not the Recipe, It's Got to Be the Cook

As of late, I've pondered the reasons that organizations hire the folks they do. Kimchi is in the cask. And from my experience, the common trend seems to be that the people are hired for their character and what they have done, or at least attempted. I couldn't count the number of conversations I've had since starting my job that began, "Well when I got into this field I knew very little about it, but I had done...that appealed..."

It would seem as though good organizations hire people on character, innovation, and drive, assuming that those individuals will catch up on the knowledge that can be gained from reading articles or books.

When was the last time you were asked a question regarding your knowledge of a topic in an interview?

posted by Burbs @ 9:50 PM 0 Comments

I Awoke on a Train in the Night

Almost two years now, these kids continue to trace my steps...the emotions are still unclear.

posted by Burbs @ 11:55 PM 2 Comments

Back to 1984

Simply glorious. Simply powerful. My after-hours self-tour of the sights in DC, immaculate white structures honoring those of yesteryear in Pursuit and capped off with a police bike patrol in which the captain proclaimed in a foreboding voice, "Good evening citizen."

George Orwell would have been proud.

posted by Burbs @ 6:00 PM 0 Comments

Ramblin' on the Run

There were too many thoughts and too many different threads going to respond separately so I shall attempt to piece it together here.

First, I am still failing to understand why we can't take people on. Maybe less than past huge recruitments, but surely many more than maintaining our current numbers can be done. Why can't this happen simultaneously with the necessary structural/strategic changes?

On assuming increased impact requires increased membership.

Not "requires", but "is encouraged by". I feel that most people in the org. or that are interested in the org. would like to pursue a T-ship, but don't/can't for a certain reason. Some may not pursue its excellence, but would efforts to focus on the existing members really change their reasons for not going in the first place? Would it not be better to focus on a wider pool of potential participants and have those who are not able enjoy the fringe benefits of AIESEC (which are actually incredibly valuable). This is especially something to consider as the costs of tuition and traineeships goes up (especially with this push towards packages). Of course we should continue to push the T-ship (aka Holy Grail), just to be clear.

There are many different levels of impact, which I think has yet to be addressed. Yes, the traineeship is the ultimate for many a good reason. The domestic work undeniably lags behind. What if the amount of impact on the domestic side could be enhanced to at least close in on that of the T-ship? Less focus on the campus and more focus on the community?

I've always thought of citing "lack of work" as poor form, especially in our LC.

We all know the mission ...international understanding & cooperation... Why does this necessitate taking a trip? How much have we done to increase the understanding and cooperation of international communities here. Right now we have primaries occurring with reports that large numbers of Latinos/Hispanics aren't voting for a candidate because he is African-American. Yesterday, Danielle was at a laundry-mat filled with dozens of Latino boys skipping school. You think the school is understanding culture effectively? What if @ played a role in providing cultural competency training for schools? Is that outside our mission? Just a thought.

If "lack of work" is what is holding us back from growing that is pretty weak sauce. What other ways can we work towards our mission?

As for the concept of community and its state in Madison, it is difficult for me to comment without being there, but in general I will say this. A sense of community is of vital importance for an LC, both for member integration and retention and as the presence we want to emanate. Williams and I have led numerous szechuans to this effect, however eliminating "factions" is not vital. There are groups of people that get along better with some than with others. There is no getting around it, though we can work to minimize the effects. The important part is that every member has someone he/she can identify with and engage, that established members reach out to those less established, and that these groups aren't points of conflict or exclusion.

Limiting the size of the LC will not ensure the maintenance of this culture, only those within the LC can ensure that this legacy continues. This is something that can permeate through numbers by individuals making the effort to connect and reach out to as many people around them as is humanly possible.

Madison 10-hour road trips are not things of the past as evident from the first week in January and the Rocky Mountain Ragtag Team. I wish I could say the same for national. I too would hate to have Madison suffer a similar fate.

But while all others' communities fell, we kept it alive and those now continue to do so.

If people keep it alive, it will transcend numbers.

posted by Burbs @ 3:35 PM 8 Comments

I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine

Upon his back he wore a cross of gold satin, across his chest hung a tool used to chisel melodic cadence. My fist pumped and my feet boogied atop a wobbly chair whilst amber waves flowed. A trusty companion and I were invited on stage to share in a diddy. And just as we were singing, "...get lucky sometimes!" it ended.

I awoke this morning to the old lady asking why I was smiling like a six year-old, pumping my fist, and shaking my head around...while sleeping.

posted by Burbs @ 10:44 PM 0 Comments

New Verse, Same Bass Line

From one generation...




...to the next.



Always some post-WSC glory. I think Jason is chosen by God.

Labels: shimmer

posted by Burbs @ 5:34 PM 1 Comments

Eve of Destruction

So in November I signed up as a free agent for a dodgeball league with PlayCoed. Never got anything so I thought nothing of it. A volley unreturned.

5 minutes ago I got an email informing me that my team, "Highballers", has a game on Thursday.

Watch little Wayne's legs kick.

posted by Burbs @ 10:55 PM 0 Comments

Glad He's Writing for the Washington Post

I was reading this article on the appeal of Barack Obama to certain clevages of American society and was dumbstruck by the following comment:

"As much Kansan as Kenyan, Obama does not descend from families who suffered American slavery or Jim Crow. His family tree has fewer slaves than slaveholders, fewer chains than Cheneys."

Clearly Mr. Greenberg has about as much command of East African and colonial histories as Martha Stewart has of muscle cars and Easy Mac. Greenberg might want to look into these things before making sweeping statements concerning an individual's lineage.

posted by Burbs @ 11:37 AM 2 Comments

Talked About Waves with an Applied Mathematician Last Night, But All I Could Think About Were Vibes

These hillbilly lads (and lady) from Fond du Lac are puttin' out some really solid bluegrass music, especially considering they are only 18. Big fan of "Came Like the Wind". Waiting for the Fondy Pride song.

If that didn't get your feet movin' Vuta Pumz should.

And if you're reading this at bedtime try Kings of Convenience or

Chris Garneau and check out Baby's Romance.

Labels: Groovin'

posted by Burbs @ 1:45 PM 0 Comments