Music: Vampire Weekend
Song: Boston (Ladies of Cambridge)
4.04.2011
Soon soon soon
I'll be wrapping things up for the second time and going nomad for a bit. I'm looking forward to being back, but it'll be tough to give up moments like these...
3.22.2011
We made the news!!!
Apparently all eyes are on tiny El Salvador this week. And not just for Charlie Sheen's latest outburst, which was pretty hilarious, by the way. Pissed off a few folks, but it kind of made me laugh that he's even heard of us here.
No, we're finally getting some semi-good publicity, thanks in large part to a certain gringo passing through, taking a break from the frigid northeast.
<<< Obama in The Savior >>>
I wonder if they made him pay the $10 visa fee...
While he was here, Obama announced a US pledge of $200,000,000 to Central America to combat narco-trafficking and improve overall security. Great news, right?
What many were hoping for and what he ultimately failed to publicly mention were any increases in health initiatives for the poor (sort of a useless word since practically everyone's poor), but specifically funds which could be utilized for water projects, hospitals, child nutrition. In short, areas of dire need.
Here's a relatively old article, but one which outlines the situation fairly well.
<<< Salvadoran water crisis >>>
I know, I know. I'm sure an argument could be made for fiscal restraint in light of the ever-present US budget crisis blah blah blah, but those arguments lose nearly every ounce of credibility when US-led warships launch 112 Tomahawk cruise missiles in one day. Damn.
<<< Costs of this weekend's involvement >>>
Don't worry, I'm not about to go off on military spending, etc. I fully realize that our two wars there are costing tax payers approx. $450,000,000 a day. That's not my style nor what this blog is all about. I'm just disappointed that our commander-in-chief clearly views El Salvador and Central America as nothing more than impoverished nations caught up in the bullshit narco war and not populations in dire need of support. Frustratingly basic support.
A few facts to consider: each one of those Tomahawks costs around $1.5 million. Digging a well for a community of 100 families can cost as little as $5,000. You don't have to be a Rhodes Scholar to figure out which of the two will benefit more people, and in not publicly addressing the health needs of the Salvadoran poor, I think Obama ultimately revealed his views on the region as a whole. What a shame.
No, we're finally getting some semi-good publicity, thanks in large part to a certain gringo passing through, taking a break from the frigid northeast.
<<< Obama in The Savior >>>
I wonder if they made him pay the $10 visa fee...
While he was here, Obama announced a US pledge of $200,000,000 to Central America to combat narco-trafficking and improve overall security. Great news, right?
What many were hoping for and what he ultimately failed to publicly mention were any increases in health initiatives for the poor (sort of a useless word since practically everyone's poor), but specifically funds which could be utilized for water projects, hospitals, child nutrition. In short, areas of dire need.
Here's a relatively old article, but one which outlines the situation fairly well.
<<< Salvadoran water crisis >>>
I know, I know. I'm sure an argument could be made for fiscal restraint in light of the ever-present US budget crisis blah blah blah, but those arguments lose nearly every ounce of credibility when US-led warships launch 112 Tomahawk cruise missiles in one day. Damn.
<<< Costs of this weekend's involvement >>>
Don't worry, I'm not about to go off on military spending, etc. I fully realize that our two wars there are costing tax payers approx. $450,000,000 a day. That's not my style nor what this blog is all about. I'm just disappointed that our commander-in-chief clearly views El Salvador and Central America as nothing more than impoverished nations caught up in the bullshit narco war and not populations in dire need of support. Frustratingly basic support.
A few facts to consider: each one of those Tomahawks costs around $1.5 million. Digging a well for a community of 100 families can cost as little as $5,000. You don't have to be a Rhodes Scholar to figure out which of the two will benefit more people, and in not publicly addressing the health needs of the Salvadoran poor, I think Obama ultimately revealed his views on the region as a whole. What a shame.
3.21.2011
The ultimate weekend
This past weekend, a bunch of us gathered together for the third annual ultimate frisbee tournament at El Cuco, a remote beach out on the flat, eastern shores of the country. I'd actually been there with my dad and Vicki about a year ago. But with 30 volunteers taking over the resort, this experience couldn't have been more different.
It was my first year at the tournament, which as a west coaster up in the northern mountains was just too hard to reach. But with a rental car and a free schedule, nothing's impossible.
Way more volunteers turned out than I expected, all fired up to throw the disc around. It was a good chance to say goodbye to a few old friends who are on their way out and to the Peace Corps community as a whole, which I'll be officially leaving in a couple weeks.
At the tournament, body paint was a must.
As well as all forms of eccentric behavior.
For those not in the know, first possession in beach ultimate is decided by a team boat race. Both teams gather up and drop down on all fours, downing as much as they can without touching the frisbee. Great news if you're one of the first in line. Horrible news if you're the captain anchoring the team. Fun fact of the day: over four cans of beer fit in a frisbee. Not so fun fact: in the first moments, beer shoots up your nose, causing most people to only take a few sips and leaving the vast majority for the team captain. Ug.
My boy Greg rocking the joker/christmas tree look.
Fred, rocking the ultimate war paint beach fro duo.
Team Gang Green
Wild Man Karl, Zach and I get the bonfire going.
Brian, one of the weekend organizers, enjoying a little downtime by the fire.
Hagan, Peace Corps El Salvador's very own Mark Zuckerberg-esque computer genius.
There's nothing like a full-moon bonfire and a few pitchers of cuba libres and kalimotxos after a day at the beach.
It was my first year at the tournament, which as a west coaster up in the northern mountains was just too hard to reach. But with a rental car and a free schedule, nothing's impossible.
Way more volunteers turned out than I expected, all fired up to throw the disc around. It was a good chance to say goodbye to a few old friends who are on their way out and to the Peace Corps community as a whole, which I'll be officially leaving in a couple weeks.
At the tournament, body paint was a must.
As well as all forms of eccentric behavior.
For those not in the know, first possession in beach ultimate is decided by a team boat race. Both teams gather up and drop down on all fours, downing as much as they can without touching the frisbee. Great news if you're one of the first in line. Horrible news if you're the captain anchoring the team. Fun fact of the day: over four cans of beer fit in a frisbee. Not so fun fact: in the first moments, beer shoots up your nose, causing most people to only take a few sips and leaving the vast majority for the team captain. Ug.
My boy Greg rocking the joker/christmas tree look.
Fred, rocking the ultimate war paint beach fro duo.
Team Gang Green
Wild Man Karl, Zach and I get the bonfire going.
Brian, one of the weekend organizers, enjoying a little downtime by the fire.
Hagan, Peace Corps El Salvador's very own Mark Zuckerberg-esque computer genius.
There's nothing like a full-moon bonfire and a few pitchers of cuba libres and kalimotxos after a day at the beach.
3.17.2011
Help a brother out
Recently, my younger brother Adam launched a kickstarter campaign to get his final thesis performed in Chicago. It's a classical piece modeled after a season of baseball.
In just four days, he's already raised almost $700, but he's got a long way to go. To throw your own coins in the proverbial guitar case, click on the link below.
<<< Adam's kickstarter campaign >>>
Even 5 bucks can help. C'mon, that's one less green beer today!
In just four days, he's already raised almost $700, but he's got a long way to go. To throw your own coins in the proverbial guitar case, click on the link below.
<<< Adam's kickstarter campaign >>>
Even 5 bucks can help. C'mon, that's one less green beer today!
3.14.2011
The latest and greatest
So my days here are going well. The school-wide recycling project continues to chug along and it's looking like this year will be markedly better thanks to the addition of a much needed educational component (that's where I come in) and improved coordination between all the parties involved - schools, Silvia's foundation, the mayor's office, the multi-national cement company Holcim, Lions's Club... Damn, anyone else? Phew!
As many of you guys know, my main focus since I joined the project in late January has been to increase youth participation and impart the underlying importance of recycling on both kids, parents and teachers. Since the program's inception three years ago, not much of an effort was made to actual educate students as to why the hell they were missing classes to go out and pick up what many parents simply viewed as garbage. And to make matters worse, a competitive spirit was encouraged (for understandable reasons) which pitted schools against each other to collect the most amount of recycling. However, an accompanying educational component was never developed and (surprise, surprise) each school's participation rapidly deteriorated into nothing more than trying to outdo and ultimately out "garbage" the other schools. Parents complained, teachers gave up, and school directors made side deals with business owners to receive massive amounts of recycling to win the competition. Sounds great for the kids, right?
Sad emoticon.
But that's where I come in. This year we wanted to take the first steps to create a cultural change. I've been visiting the nine schools participating in the program almost every day, meeting with students to discuss the hows and whys of recycling. On good days, you can see the change happening, as we talk about the effects of clear-cutting trees and burning plastic and watch videos on how recycled soda bottles get converted into plastic chairs and broom bristles. On bad days, however, I wake up and my voice sounds like I drank a hot cup of sawdust just before going to bed, from the hours spent corralling groups of 44 teenagers, all too eager to change the subject or yell out snippets of poorly pronounced English they've picked up from the latest Steven Seagal movie they've seen.
But I am making steady progress, and in a week or so I'll pass my 1,000th student included in the educational program. A drop in the bucket compared to the 6,000 students here in Metapan, but it's at least a start. Plus, a few weeks ago, we organized a city-wide parade and awareness event in Metapan to promote recycling and reward the schools with the best participation. Here are a few shots from the day...
We're still a decade away from creating a similar culture of recycling like that of any "green" city in the US, but at least we're taking the first steps.
And finally, in other news, the grad school situation is really starting to take shape. I've got some decent options in front of me and it's definitely pulling my mind back towards the states and getting me back on those travel websites to shop for return tickets home. Chances are I'll be pulling the trigger on a flight this week, shooting for sometime in the beginning of April. It's gonna be tough to transition back to life stateside for the second time, but thawing temperatures and opening day at Fenway will surely help.
As many of you guys know, my main focus since I joined the project in late January has been to increase youth participation and impart the underlying importance of recycling on both kids, parents and teachers. Since the program's inception three years ago, not much of an effort was made to actual educate students as to why the hell they were missing classes to go out and pick up what many parents simply viewed as garbage. And to make matters worse, a competitive spirit was encouraged (for understandable reasons) which pitted schools against each other to collect the most amount of recycling. However, an accompanying educational component was never developed and (surprise, surprise) each school's participation rapidly deteriorated into nothing more than trying to outdo and ultimately out "garbage" the other schools. Parents complained, teachers gave up, and school directors made side deals with business owners to receive massive amounts of recycling to win the competition. Sounds great for the kids, right?
Sad emoticon.
But that's where I come in. This year we wanted to take the first steps to create a cultural change. I've been visiting the nine schools participating in the program almost every day, meeting with students to discuss the hows and whys of recycling. On good days, you can see the change happening, as we talk about the effects of clear-cutting trees and burning plastic and watch videos on how recycled soda bottles get converted into plastic chairs and broom bristles. On bad days, however, I wake up and my voice sounds like I drank a hot cup of sawdust just before going to bed, from the hours spent corralling groups of 44 teenagers, all too eager to change the subject or yell out snippets of poorly pronounced English they've picked up from the latest Steven Seagal movie they've seen.
But I am making steady progress, and in a week or so I'll pass my 1,000th student included in the educational program. A drop in the bucket compared to the 6,000 students here in Metapan, but it's at least a start. Plus, a few weeks ago, we organized a city-wide parade and awareness event in Metapan to promote recycling and reward the schools with the best participation. Here are a few shots from the day...
We're still a decade away from creating a similar culture of recycling like that of any "green" city in the US, but at least we're taking the first steps.
And finally, in other news, the grad school situation is really starting to take shape. I've got some decent options in front of me and it's definitely pulling my mind back towards the states and getting me back on those travel websites to shop for return tickets home. Chances are I'll be pulling the trigger on a flight this week, shooting for sometime in the beginning of April. It's gonna be tough to transition back to life stateside for the second time, but thawing temperatures and opening day at Fenway will surely help.
3.07.2011
And not to turn this into a tweet...
... but I just saw Inglourious Basterds last night and I had to comment. Man, what an artfully crafted, well soundtracked junk film. I'm trying to remember all the people who raved about it a year ago so I can contact them personally and trash their taste in movies. Unfortunately it had some great moments of acting and one of the better villains I've seen in years, but damn what a lousy ending. And as my good buddy Aaron put it: "what the fuck was up with the Eli Roth character? And the Oscar for most unnecessary use of a Boston accent goes to..." So true.
Also, while we're talking about Bostonians, last week Kate sent me a link worth watching...
<<< A few brilliant moments with Louis C.K. >>>
Hope you're all doing well out there. I'll be seeing you soon.
Also, while we're talking about Bostonians, last week Kate sent me a link worth watching...
<<< A few brilliant moments with Louis C.K. >>>
Hope you're all doing well out there. I'll be seeing you soon.
3.02.2011
I love it when a plan comes together
It was more than a year in the making. Countless hours spent planning, researching locations, on the phone with tourism police. Ropes and quickdraws shipped from the states. Shoes brought down by visiting friends. All well worth the satisfaction of seeing a plan come to fruition.
So as you've probably gathered, last weekend my buddies Dylan, Brad and I headed up to the cliffs above San Salvador to chill out for a while and challenge ourselves with a little sport climbing.
Over the past year and a half, nearly every time we've met up, the conversation has seemed to drift back to the same topic - a climbing excursion, specifically to an outcropping of massive rock faces and cliffs just outside of San Salvador given the not-so-welcoming name of La Puerta del Diablo, or The Devil's Gate.
Puerta del Diablo is a well-established climbing destination in Central America with a solid collection of pre-bolted surfaces and routes and, as we found out later, a decent climbing community who trek up from the capital each weekend to put those hours on the climbing wall at the national stadium to good use.
A comically large brick of cold cuts, some veggies and pita bread, and a few bags of salty junkfood to avoid cramps. Just like the pros eat. Throw in some tunes and that's not a bad picnic.
I should mention the night before at the hotel, we may have gotten a little too excited to be back in our climbing gear. I think that rare combination of rum and ultra-gummy rubber just automatically leads to antics. Ah, antics. Who doesn't love 'em?
And now back to the day of the climb with an overhead shot of la Puerta del Diablo. You could spend days here and not climb the same route twice.
As we packed up the gear, that calm from exerting a few thousand calories started to set in. While my forearms started to seize up, my mind seemed to open up. If you've ever exerted yourself to the point of complete and utter exhaustion, chances are you know what I'm talking about.
We were all pretty stoked from the experience and will definitely be back, so look for more climbing posts in the weeks to come.
So as you've probably gathered, last weekend my buddies Dylan, Brad and I headed up to the cliffs above San Salvador to chill out for a while and challenge ourselves with a little sport climbing.
Over the past year and a half, nearly every time we've met up, the conversation has seemed to drift back to the same topic - a climbing excursion, specifically to an outcropping of massive rock faces and cliffs just outside of San Salvador given the not-so-welcoming name of La Puerta del Diablo, or The Devil's Gate.
Puerta del Diablo is a well-established climbing destination in Central America with a solid collection of pre-bolted surfaces and routes and, as we found out later, a decent climbing community who trek up from the capital each weekend to put those hours on the climbing wall at the national stadium to good use.
A comically large brick of cold cuts, some veggies and pita bread, and a few bags of salty junkfood to avoid cramps. Just like the pros eat. Throw in some tunes and that's not a bad picnic.
I should mention the night before at the hotel, we may have gotten a little too excited to be back in our climbing gear. I think that rare combination of rum and ultra-gummy rubber just automatically leads to antics. Ah, antics. Who doesn't love 'em?
And now back to the day of the climb with an overhead shot of la Puerta del Diablo. You could spend days here and not climb the same route twice.
As we packed up the gear, that calm from exerting a few thousand calories started to set in. While my forearms started to seize up, my mind seemed to open up. If you've ever exerted yourself to the point of complete and utter exhaustion, chances are you know what I'm talking about.
We were all pretty stoked from the experience and will definitely be back, so look for more climbing posts in the weeks to come.
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