Northern Thailand, the Journey of a UW-Madison Stu

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Express Opener
2008-05-30 22:52:00
Last night, my dad and I went to the season opener for the Eau Claire Express at Carson Park. It was a rather cold and rainy night for baseball and we ended up leaving when a rain delay started in the 4th inning. 39 minutes later--when I was warm at home--the rain hadn't let up and the "Express Home Opener [was] Suspended."The Express are now on the road for the rest of May. But they will be back at Carson Park on Monday, June 2nd to face off against the Battle Creek Bombers at 6:35 p.m.Here are a few of pictures from the game last night.~a grey, cloudy sky keeps us cool during the top of the 1st inning~~an Express player waits for the pitch~~the night gets a little darker~~a wider angle shot~
More About: Baseball , Wisconsin

In Madison? Finding locally produced food is easier than ever!
2008-05-30 21:29:00
The Capital Times reports:"Thanks to four UW geography graduate students, finding good food produced locally is just a mouse click away."The students recently unveiled what they call the 100-Mile Diet Map, an interactive online food map that shows where consumers can find agricultural products raised within 100 miles of Madison ."Helping to make Wisconsin 's capital more self-sufficient has become easier than ever. Check out the interactive website--Madison's 100-Mile Diet Map--for a list of co-ops, markets, farms, restaurants, and gardens that have locally produced food products.Does anyone know if anyone is working on maps like this for other parts of the state/country/world?
More About: Food , Agriculture , Sustainability

"This is your brain; and this is your brain on HOPE!"
2008-05-30 04:35:00
. . . 'nuff said.
More About: Hope , Brain

A Night on the Town Ends with Respect
2008-05-29 21:01:00
I went down to Water Street with my cousin last night, and we made our way to a few popular spots. At our last stop I ran into an old friend who I used to play basketball with during our younger days. My friend has recently returned from a 14 month tour in Iraq. Now, granted, there is much we don't agree on politically. However, we were able to sit down and have a wonderful conversation on topics all across the spectrum. He was interested in the time I spent in Thailand; I was interested in the time he spent in Iraq. We shared stories and, by the end of the night, exchanged numbers. And when we shook hands to go our separate ways, I felt an overwhelming sense of respect for my friend.This is why--in the end--America is the greatest country in the world: friends (and enemies) can engage in discussions and debates on any topic under the sun.I am glad when those discussions can be respectfully meaningful, and I look forward to seeing my friend again soon.
More About: Politics , Government , Iraq War , Night , Respect

May 29, 1848
2008-05-29 20:35:00
On this day--in 1848--Wisconsin became the 30th state to join the Union. As the Wisconsin Historical Society reports, "Its nickname, the 'Badger State,' was not in reference to the fierce animal but miners who spent their winters in the state, living in dugouts and burrowing much like a badger."Voters in Wisconsin initially rejected a 1846 Constitution. Therefore, a second convention was held in 1847, which led to a constitution that was approved by government delegates on February 1, 1848 and adopted by voters on March 13, 1848. The Wisconsin Historical Society reminds us that this document "is still, with amendments, the basic law of the land in Wisconsin."
More About: History

Cyclone Nargis--a (3rd) Digest of Web Postings
2008-05-28 21:40:00
A List of Recent Postings from the Web on the Aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Burma:"At donors' meeting, Ban Ki-moon says Myanmar relief effort to last at least six months", "Myanmar: UN agency moves ahead with assessing how to help cyclone-impacted children", "Myanmar: UN says aid reaches one million victims of cyclone", "Myanmar: Ban Ki-moon ?regrets? continued detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi", and "Myanmar: top UN officials call for release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi" posted by the United Nations "The Sangha, the hope for change in Myanmar", "The Foundation for the People of Burma", and "Myanmar villagers scavenge for rotten rice" posted by The Buddhist Channel"Myanmar Extends Opposition Leader's Detention", "A Buddhist Vision of the Myanmar Cyclone", "Myanmar Aid Now Reaching Irrawaddy Delta", and "Myanmar Rescuers: No Sign of '2nd Wave' Deaths" posted by NPR"UN official sees Burma progress", "Suu Kyi's house arrest extended", and "'Window of opportunity' in Burma" posted by...
More About: Religion , Thailand , Buddhism , Digest

First Day at the YMCA
2008-05-28 15:00:00
Today will be my first day at the Eau Claire YMCA. I will be in the Bear Room and Jungle Room taking care of 2, 3, and 4 year olds. This summer I will be a Site Director for the Y-Leaders Program, but I am picking up some hours before that program begins on June 9th. I am really looking forward to my job this summer--more than can be said say when I worked for John Menard.

Thailand is the "Wolrd Center of Buddhism"
2008-05-28 06:44:00
The Buddhist Channel reports that the "[United Nation] declares Thailand as 'world centre of Buddhism '". This is a truly great honor for Thailand; but with it comes responsibility. The people of Thailand embrace their religious history fully. However, our globalizing world places the future of Buddhism into a realm of uncertainty. How will Buddhism evolve as it continues to spread in the West? Is Buddhism more of a philosophy or a religion; and what are the implications? What does it mean for a nation to be considered a Buddhist nation? And, perhaps most importantly, how can/should "the world center of Buddhism" help to promote the real and original teachings of the Buddha to the rest of the world?These are important questions for all people to think about when addressing their own spiritual paths. I look forward to visiting Thailand again in the future, and hope that the vibrant Buddhist culture that I was able to experience will never fade.
More About: Religion , Globalization , United Nations

Open Air Festival of the Arts and Taste of Eau Claire to be held at Phoenix
2008-05-27 20:35:00
On June 14th, the Open Air Festival of the Arts will be held in downtown Eau Claire at Phoenix Park. The event will be held in conjunction with the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market and 40 local and regional artists will be displaying and selling their works. The event should be fun for the whole family and you can expect to see myself in attendance.Also of interest, on June 1st the Groundbreaking for the highly anticipated Phoenix Park Neighborhood will take place at 1 p.m. The neighborhood is to be located across from Phoenix Park and will consist of a variety of development ventures, including a pharmacy, cafes, and modern apartments. Developers state that the new neighborhood will include"62 apartments, 16,000 sf of retail space, and both drive up and underground parking. The new buildings will feature a timeless architecture that fits in the historic fabric of downtown but is distinctly fresh and modern. Green building practices will be included in every stage of the dev...
More About: Holiday

Memorial Day 2008
2008-05-26 18:42:00
The blog-o-sphere is full of citizens honoring the ultimate sacrifice that so many our country's soldiers have made. It is extremely difficult to put the deep sense of gratitude I feel into words (and, truthfully, it seems a bit nonsensical to try). But, I would just like to express my disappointment with the politicization and partisanship that I have seen across the internet so far this morning. Nontheless, I do not fault the bloggers themselves. We are all subject to the power of our current political landscape. If only we could rise above it--rise above the polarizing frey. Rise to the level of what it means to be an America--rise to a level that our soldiers would be proud of; proud to fight for; proud to sacrifice for.My wishes and prays are with all the honorable soldiers we recognize today; as well as with their families and friends.
More About: Politics , Government , Holiday , Festival , Memorial Day

WEEKLY DIGEST--May 19, 2008 to May 25, 2008
2008-05-25 23:59:00
Posts of Interest from Other Blogs and News Sources:~Environmental Awareness~"Wisconsin River Clean-Up" posted by WEAU"British lessons for Wisconsin" posted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal"Great Lakes water holds key to survival, expansion" posted by the Fond du Lac Reporter"US carbon dioxide emissions up 1.6 percent in 2007" posted by Yahoo! News"EU agrees to outlaw 'green' crimes" posted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development"Zones of Death Are Spreading in Oceans Due to Global Warming" posted by The Sunday Times(UK)~Community Empowerment~No Articles in this Digest~Sustainability & Sufficiency~"Beijing Olympics - Propelling Sustainability" posted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development~Agriculture~"John Nichols: Farmers are not to blame for food crisis" posted by The Captial Times~Globalization ~"U.S. Rep. Petri: President gives trade speech a Wisconsin flavor"posted by WisPolitics .com"Bush Pushes for Free-Trade Deal Approvals" posted on...
More About: Religion , Economics , Education

Cyclone Nargis--a (2nd) Digest of Web Postings
2008-05-25 18:27:00
A List of Recent Postings from the Web on the Aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Burma :"Myanmar junta stance on foreign aid a crime - monks" posted by The Buddhist Channel"Junta Agrees to Let All Aid Workers into Myanmar" and "Aid Agencies Careful Not to Push Myanmar Too Hard" posted by NPR"Burmese murmurs of anger at junta", "Trauma risk for Burma aid workers", and "Cautious response to Burma pledge" posted by BBC"In Torn Myanmar, Relief Goes Underground", "Myanmar's Prime Minister Says Country Will Allow Aid", and "International Donors Meet To Pledge Aid for Myanmar" posted by The Wall Street Journal"Myanmar after the cyclone: A modest opening" "ASEAN, Indonesia and Myanmar: Forcing help on Myanmar" posted by The Economist"Junta Offers Showcase Camps, but Most Burmese Lack Aid" posted by The New York Times"Burmese Aid Request Stirs Concerns" posted by The Washington PostMy Other Posts on Cyclone Nargis:"Cyclone Nargis--Burma's Natural & Political Disaster""Cyclone Nargis--a 'Gr...
More About: China , Thailand , Digest

On Vacation . . . don't expect any posts ;)
2008-05-22 13:34:00
I will be in the Birchwood area (BirchwoodWI.com, Birchwood Area Chamber of Commerce, AnythingWisconsin .com, Wikipedia) until Saturday. I am staying at Janetski's Big Chetac Resort with my family.I'll fill you on all the details when I return.
More About: Vacation , Expect , Posts

Senator Kreitlow--a Freshman Fighting for Wisconsinites
2008-05-22 13:02:00
Last night, I had a chance to attend Wisconsin State Senator Kreitlow's listening session at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire. A number of topics were brought up by constituents--gas prices, railway transportation, higher education, healthcare, the Iraq War, farming, etc.I left the session knowing that Senator Kreitlow is the right person to represent the Chippewa Valley. He is committed to representing his constituents in Madison. And, as a Freshman Senator, he committed to finding real solutions in an extremely partisan age. Admittedly, at times, Senator Kreitlow's positions were partisan. Nonetheless, he talked about the need for compromise and respecting the views of people you may not agree with. As I listened to Senator Kreitlow talk, I couldn't help but think about the State Assembly Representative Musser--a Republican of Black River Falls--who will not be seeking re-election because he is "fed up" with the partisan ways that have come to dominate politi...
More About: Fighting

Prasat Phanom Rung Historical Ruins Damaged By Vandals! :(
2008-05-22 04:05:00
I was devestated when I read the following news from the Bangkok Post ("Countrywide, vandals damage ancient monuments"):"Ancient statues at the Phanom Rung stone temple ruins in Buri Ram have been badly damaged and the Shiva Linga stone has been moved off its plinth."Dusit Thummaporn, chief of the Phanom Rung Historical Park in Chalerm Phrakiat district, said the heads of eleven statues of Nagas, mythical serpent-like animals, at the stairs to the ancient temple had been broken off."The statue of the sacred cow of the Hindu god Shiva, two statues of Singha, a mythical lion-like beast, and the statue of the guardian deity at the entrance were also damaged."In addition, the Shiva Linga stone, a symbol of Shiva, was moved off its plinth and placed in the middle of the main building of the temple. A glass of water and three cigarettes were found at the Naga stairs."I had a chance to visit the Prasat Phanom Rung Historical Park while I was in Thailand this last year (Blog Post: Fieldtrip...
More About: History , Ruins , Damaged

Cyclone Nargis--a Digest of Web Postings
2008-05-22 03:37:00
A List of Recent Postings from the Web on the Aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Burma :"Interview with Charm Tong and Hseng Noung: The Burmese junta and the Politics of Cyclone Nargis" posted by Prachatai"Aid Coordinator Says Situation Is Dire in Myanmar" posted by NPR"Burmese dodge junta to supply aid" and "Ban to meet Burma's top general" "UN head to urge more aid in Burma" posted by BBC"UN chief urges junta to open up for relief" and "Burma allows UN helicopters, bans US choppers" posted by the Bangkok Post"Ban Ki-moon in Thailand " posted by Thai Photo Blogs"Two disasters compared" posted by The Siam Sentinel"Photo Essay: Burma Picks Up the Pieces" posted by Foreign PolicySee My Previous Posts on Cyclone Nargis:"Cyclone Nargis--Burma's Natural & Political Disaster""Cyclone Nargis--a 'Grotesque' Disaster"
More About: China , Digest

Bill O'Reilly Goes Crazy! Warning: Graphic Language
2008-05-21 03:33:00
I need to thank my friend Chris for this video. I found it on his blog and had to repost it. Enjoy!
More About: Crazy , Bill O , Reilly , Language , Warning

Henry Aaron--a Baseball Player Worth Honoring
2008-05-20 21:07:00
Last Saturday, Henry "Hank" Aaron (Baseball Library.com, Wikipedia, Biography.com) delivered a commencement address at Concordia University. This was only the second commencement address he could remember giving--the other was at Harvard University. When asked by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel why he had decided to give an address at Concordia University, he replied, "It is Wisconsin . It is Milwaukee. It gives me a chance to see a lot of my friends. My attachment to Milwaukee and Wisconsin is always something that will be in my heart."Hank Aaron has a long history of playing baseball in Wisconsin: he played for both the Eau Claire Bears (Wikipedia) and the Milwaukee Brewers . During his long career in Major League Baseball, Hank Aaron went on to become the player to hit the most homeruns--755. Barry Bonds has since broken that record. But, I tend to agree with Hank--last Saturday he said, "I still consider myself the home-run king."In 6th grade, I read Hank Aaron's Autobiography: I H...
More About: Player

Crop Progress in the Chippewa Valley is behind the rest of the state
2008-05-20 19:17:00
The Capital Times reports:"The Wisconsin Crop Progress report released Monday said corn planting is 56 percent complete, soybean planting is 22 percent complete and oats planting is 83 percent complete."Spring tillage is progressing at full force with 66 percent complete, but some counties are still slow because of excessively wet soils."Counties in the Chippewa Valley region are some of those that are affected by the excessively wet soils that are a result of Wisconsin's wet winter (something I didn't have to experience this year).WEAU reports:"Chippewa County Agriculture Agent, Randy Knapp, says as of last week--local farmers had about 30% of their crop in the ground. By now, he says that number is likely up to 50%. Still, he says those numbers are behind the 10-year average.". . ."Still agriculture agents say it?s important to remember ? there?s a whole growing season ahead of us."'It's a bit cool yet, but we can make this up in June, July and August,' said Knapp."On the fli...
More About: Economics , State , Rest

Menominee becomes 18th Wisconsin city to agree to a Climate Protection Agre
2008-05-20 18:47:00
The Capital Times reports that Menominee is joining 17 other Wisconsin municipalities to fight global warming. The other cities that have already signed on to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement are Ashland, Bayfield, Greenfield, Kenosha, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, New Berlin, Oshkosh, Racine, River Falls, Stevens Point, Superior, Washburn, Waukesha, Wauwatosa and West Allis.The Mayor of Menominee, Dennis Kropp, said last Thursday, "We are trying to do our little part in the world . . . We are exploring options. We have a brand new fire station that is environmentally friendly, and we are reducing dependence on fossil fuels as much as we can. We are experimenting with whether we can use biofuels for dump trucks, for instance."This is good to see, but I am wondering why cities from the Chippewa Valley have not yet signed on this this agreement? I am wondering if Eau Claire has not signed on to this agreement because the city does not have a mayor--and, ther...
More About: Global Warming , City

"The Straight Talk Express" Has DERAILED
2008-05-20 17:08:00
John McCain's doublespeak featured in a video from TheRealMcCain.com.
More About: Talk , Straight , Express

Cyclone Nargis--a "Grotesque" Disaster
2008-05-20 16:32:00
Yesterday, I wrote about Cyclone Nargis (Blog Post: Cyclone Nargis--Natural & Political Disaster ), and ended my post will little resolved in my mind. This article from The Washington Post summons up my feelings on the recent natural disaster (turned political disaster) in Burma."THE STORY of Cyclone Nargis, which devastated much of Burma more than two weeks ago, long ago moved from the tragic to the criminal. It is now becominggrotesque."Diplomats from the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have announced they will hold a 'donor conference' in Burma's capital on Sunday. This will allow foreign ministers from around the world to preen and promise millions in loans and grants for 'reconstruction' that, if delivered, will enrich and empower the corrupt rulers of that unhappy nation. Meanwhile -- thanks to those same rulers--as many as 3 million people affected by the cyclone will still be suffering, and in many cases dying, because the regime refuses...
More About: Politics , Government , Grotesque

Low Gas Prices--Are They Worth Remembering?
2008-05-20 08:22:00
WEUA asks a silly question: do you remember when gas was 99 cents? I do. I'm not that old, and I remember when it was 87 cents a gallon. But lets be honest with ourselves--gas prices will NEVER be low again. There are a first reasons for this. First, oil prices are continuing to hit unprecedented highes along with gas prices. Therefore, oil companies are passing along the price increase to consumers.However, the second reason is more important--America has been paying lower gas prices than the rest of the world FOREVER--when I let Thailand gas prices had risen to $5.17 a gallon. This means that even if this recent rise in oil prices is a bubble, don't expect gas prices to fall when oil prices do. U.S. oil companies (despite the billions of dollars in profits they reap) have been waiting a long time to bring U.S. gas prices inline with the rest of the world. Do you think they will just back away from that once they have achieved this goal?So, besides reminiscing and complaining, wh...
More About: Oil , Wisconsin , Gas Prices , Worth , Wind power

Cyclone Nargis--Burma's Natural & Political Disaster
2008-05-19 21:14:00
Burma and its citizens suffered from a catastrophic natural disaster when Cyclone Nargis made landfall on May 2, 2008. However, the poltical disaster that has followed the storm has only compounded the loss of life and suffering. It has been more than 2 weeks since the initial onslaught of the storm, and NPR reports that children are most in danger as aid workers continue to fight to be allowed to enter Burma.Today, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held a news conference, at which they stated that Burma is finally ready to accept help from international aid agencies and is ready to admit foreign medical workers from Southeast Asian countries.17 DAYS after the initial storm . . . !On May 15th, CNN reported that the death toll could reach as many as 100,000. That number is nearly 5 times what the Burmese junta is claiming the toll to be.It is hard to say home many deaths could have been prevented if a government that cared about the lives of its citizens was in power...
More About: Politics , Government , Political , Natural , Disaster

Back from Madison
2008-05-19 18:58:00
I got to spend a couple of nights in Madison visiting with a few friends. The weather was pretty chilly--relative to what I am used to in Thailand. When I was driving into Madison, just seeing the State Capitol put a smile on my face. Once again, congratulations to all the recent graduates.Enjoy this photograph--"Blooming Capitol"--from the Isthmus.
More About: Photography , Back

On My Way to Madison . . .
2008-05-18 01:56:00
I'm heading down to Madison for a couple of days--its graduation weekend for all you seniors that were able to finish in four years. Let me know if you are around and we'll meet up for a Cheez-It or two.

Congratulations to Wisconsin's New Alice in Dairyland
2008-05-18 00:26:00
It's official, Alice "Kay" Huibregtse--a UW-Madison graduate--has been named the 61st Alice in Dairlyand. Her duties begin on June 2nd, and she will received $40,000 for her services as a public relations professional working for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture , Trade and Consumer Protection. "I am elated to be selected," Kay said "and look forward to the job."Congratulations Kay!

Enjoy Drinking Coffee?--Buy a Travel Mug and REUSE It!
2008-05-17 22:54:00
I was amazed at the numbers when I came across this article recently. I enjoy drinking coffee as much as...well, I don't know who...but I like drinking coffee! But rest assured, I will be investing in a premium travel mug to do my small part.Imagine...North Americans us 60% of the world's paper cups (130 billion a year!). And where do they end up after your cup of joe is gone?...the garbage, eh? To make a 130 billion paper cups, it requires 55 million trees and 33 million gallons of water!Pledge with me; use a travel mug, please.As this article states,"Please stop. There is really no need to argue further. Paper cups are stupid."
More About: Travel , Coffee , Enjoy , Drinking

Poll Results!
2008-05-17 17:35:00
Poll Question: What will you do next time you see Brad in live flesh?I like the looks of this! I will be receiving 7 kisses, 12 hugs, 4 home-cooked meals, and 4 date offers. Only 5 of you expect a gift from Thailand, 5 of you would like to tell me about Wisconsin's hellish winter, and 5 of you have something else that you'd like to do when you see me (like what?!?!?). I'll be showing off my Thai to 9 people, 3 of whom might cry. Only one of you has decided to turn away from you, 3 of you would like to kick me, and I have to hear how much weight I've gained from 4 mean spirits.Do say the least, I am curious as to how this will play out. See you all soon! :)
More About: Results , Poll

Back in the USA--More Importantly, Back in Wisconsin
2008-05-16 21:17:00
May 15th was officially 36 hours long, but 24 hours of airports, plane rides, and waiting in baggage claim areas have finally come to an end for me. I arrived home last night (the 15th) at around 7:30 p.m. It feel great to be back in Wisco and things feel suprisingly normal. Chase, my 100+ lbs. chocolate lab, recognized me when I pulled into the driveway with mom and dad. My dad has a few more grey hairs than when I left, but mom is still dying here greys away.I don't have much planned for the next few weeks, but I certainly look forward to seeing a bunch of fimiliar faces.
More About: Wisconsin , Back