I've just syndicated my blog as an RSS feed!

I just learned how to syndicate my blog as an RSS feed so you can subscribe.

If you don't understand what RSS is, there is a helpful article on howstuffworks.com

Here's his quick explanation:
"RSS is a method of distributing links to content in your web site that you'd like others to use. In other words, it's a mechanism to "syndicate" your content.
To understand syndication, consider the "real world" situation where artist Scott Adams draws a daily Dilbert cartoon. The cartoon is made available to any newspaper that cares to run it, in exchange for a fee -- and 2,000 papers in 65 countries do so.
Unlike Scott Adams, syndication of web content via RSS is unlikely to make you rich. However, it can be an easy way to draw attention to your material, bringing you some traffic and perhaps a little net fame, depending on how good your information is."

To subscribe to my blog, click the RSS symbol in the URL address bar of your browser. Thanks!

Special Operations Air Force Chief tells stories about his missions in Vietnam, Iran

Despite a casual demeanor and relaxed speaking style, recently retired Special Operations Air Force Chief, Chuck Kaczmarczyk, had a captive audience of UT students in the Hodges Library as he told story after story of about his role in special operations missions over the past 30 years.

Kaczmarczyk discussed the final evacuation of Saigon in April 1975, the rescue of American citizens from Cambodia in 1975, a complicated rescue attempt to Iran in 1980 and a recently declassified military operation in Zaire in 1980.

He explained the internal dynamics of each military operation, the complexity and importance of these Special Operations missions.

We have the ability to walk around our streets care-free, and in other countries, Israel for example, they don't have that. Chuck Kaczmarczyk The retired Air Force Chief described his enrollment in the military not in terms of patriotic duty, but instead with a laugh.

"Chicks dig guys in tight flight suits," he chuckled. But a deep commitment to serve his country was immediately apparent in the way he spoke about his work and fellow soldiers.

On Nov. 4, 1980 on an Army base in Florida, Kaczmarczyk recalled being summoned to respond to what would be later known as the Iran Hostage Crisis. He didn't return to his home for over 110 days.

After months of special training in Guam and a squabble by military politicians, he flew to the remote mountains of Iran to execute a rescue mission of the hostages being held in the American Embassy.

However, because of a poorly planned base location and equipment failure, the joint task force was ordered to abort the rescue mission.

"You can read about his stuff in history books, but he was there," one student from audience explained.

"Have you ever faced an ethical dillema in the special forces?" one student asked.

He proceeded to tell the story of a team of Navy SEALs hiding in the mountains of Afghanistan. The team was discovered by some local sheep farmers. Although the farmers could disclose the soldiers' top-secret location, they were released. Within an hour, a local militia attacked the American soldiers. The unit lost three of its four members.

"We have a long way to go. We have the ability to walk around our streets care-free, and in other countries, Israel for example, they don't have that," Kaczmarczyk said in response to the current war on terror.

Kaczmarczyk hopes to share what he's been through by speaking to students.

"The military isn't for everybody, and I just want to share my experiences in a historical sort of way."

Discussion exposes African economic exploitation.

"People think that everyone has AIDS and runs around in loin cloths, and that's just not true." said Marissa Wilson, a UT student who recently studied abroad in South Africa.

Wilson helped organize a discussion event to promote student understanding of Africa.

The discussion featured a number of African professors at UT.

Students and professors discussed the corruption in African politics, and the West's role in supporting unfair economic policies.

To start off the discussion, everyone took turns introducing themselves to the group of about 30 UT students and professors.

UT Professors Will Jennings, Amadou Sall and Asafa Jalata introduced themselves and told about their background in Africa.

What we need is African solutions to African problems. Amadou Sall

Sall is from Mauritania in western Africa and worked for many years as a forest ranger in Africa before getting his Ph.D. in education from UT.

Jalata was born in Oromia, Ethiopia but fled as a political refugee in 1981 to come to the United States. Today, he teaches global studies at UT. These professors answered students' questions about Africa.

"How much impact does the United States have in African politics?" one student asked.

All three professors were quick to point out the heavy influence of western interests in currents African politics. In the 1700 and 1800s, European partitioned Africa into colonies to exploit the countries for their natural resources, and slaves.

Once African colonies had achieved their independence, they were still economically dependent on the Western world because multinational corporations owned the majority of property, Jennings explained. This western exploitation of African economies is the primary cause of African poverty and political corruption.

Another student asked if steps were being taken to achieve African unity, similar to the European Union movement.

The African Union is a loose coalition of all African countries. The only requirement for membership in the African Union is to be an African country, Wilson explained. Since it's creation in the 1960s, the African Union has been a "club of gangsters," Jalata responded.

Sall contended that imposing Western development standards on Africa doesn't make sense.

"What we need is African solutions to African problems," he explained. Western aid is counter-productive to African development.

"It all goes back to the Cold War, if you claim to be against Communism you are our friend. It's the same today, if you claim to fight terrorism you are our friend." Sall reiterated that U.S. foreign policy of supporting corrupt puppet governments to gain political influence or economic power in the country.

"We don't want anything, open your markets and let us compete!" Sall declared. Subsidies of American products make it impossible for developing African economies to compete in the global marketplace. For Africa to grow, there must be a fair economic playing field.

The event was organized by the University of Tennessee Issues Committee with the co-sponsorship of the International House Cultural Comparison Series and the Ready for the World Initiative.

Global career expert advises students on living and working overseas

Since 1990, Jean-Marc Hachey has been advising students about the international job search through global career seminars. UT Career Services hosted Hachey's presentation on Monday and Tuesday.

Hachey outlined the necessary skills to go abroad and the importance to of knowing your own cultural work ethic.

He followed up on Tuesday with a seminar detailing how to get international experience and convey it with an international resume.

In addition to giving presentations to students on his book, "The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas," Hachey also consults professionals about international careers skills.

He speaks to organizations like the Canadian International Development Agency, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, NAFSA and multiple NGOs. He is also a editor and columnist for "Transitions Abroad" magazine.

Originally from a small town in New Brunswick, Canada, Hachey has a diverse background in international work. He served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World University Service of Canada, Canadian Crossroads International, and the German Volunteer Service.

He used his experience to provide students with entertaining cultural adjustment stories, practical career tips, and an exciting optimism for travel.

Travel brings you everything! Self-confidence, intellectual stimulation, and knowledge about yourself are all things that you will learn from travel. Jean-Marc Hachey
Monday's presentation answered the question, what type of person are international employers looking for?

Hachey was brimming with so many ideas and enthusiasm that his mouth could barely keep up with his brain. He quickly rattled off ideas for students to gain international experience while at their college campus.

For example, Hachey suggested joining a culture organization, like the Latin Student Association, and help to plan events in order to work closely with international students.

Additionally, Hachey suggested reading a book about intercultural business style and creating a presentation.

The presentation would compare and contrast all cultures from typically laid-back Latinos versus disciplined Japanese work styles. Hachey stressed that adaptability and a love of change are the most important traits of an international worker.

On Tuesday, Hachey focused on how to sell skills and compose an international resume. He emphasizes that international employers are not focused on a candidate's qualifications in their specific field of study.

Hiring professionals want to know, "Are you going to survive in a culture different than your own?" stresses Hachey. A multi page international resume is essential for applying for competitive jobs. Students should differentiate themselves from other applicants by identifying a specific focus in addition to their major.

For example, an economics major with experience in agricultural logistics, or a political science major with graphic design skills has a significant advantage explains Hachey.

"Travel brings you everything!" Hachey says. "Self-confidence, intellectual stimulation, and knowledge about yourself are all things that you will learn from travel."

Three years ago, Hachey targeted only 10% of students who had international interest. However, now Hachey predicts global career skills will be essential to all students.

"Now I ask myself, how can I ramp up my speech because I want to speak to 100% of students? Everybody needs to know this stuff!"

Pictures from my NEW CAMERA!

Communications College study abroad coordinator balances helping students and traveling the world.

As an international communications trainer and consultant, Dr. Sam Swan travels at least once a month to a developing country, teaching how to operate a TV or radio station. Since 1992, Swan has conducted over 125 broadcast workshops in 26 countries. Although his primary focus is Eastern Europe, Swan has also held workshops throughout Africa and Asia.

As a expert in communications, Swan advises developing newspapers, television and radio stations on how media outlets work. Many developing countries are still learning about the implications of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, uncensored broadcasting and advertising. Some of these countries still struggle with journalist bribery, government corruption and misleading news reporting. Swan’s work helps to eliminate these barriers and promote free speech.

Swan’s aspiration to promote free speech began as a result of a year-long study abroad experience in Sri Lanka as an undergraduate. With his broadcasting experience from the University of Missouri, Swan created a radio program to improve farming techniques in rural Sri Lanka. The program was sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture. The radio show was a huge success. It featured game shows with rewards such as farming equipment and a national competition.

According to Swan, this event was the best thing he ever did. “It made me an international person,” and he says “It makes you see the world in a different light.” Ever since his time in Sri Lanka, Swan has been working for international cooperation and understanding.

Swan is an international communications consultant through assignments from the US Department of State. With the help of government funding, Swan is able to teach TV and radio operation to various stations in developing countries around the world. He also teaches fundamental broadcasting skills to new journalists that are not advanced in media production due to lack of exposure.

“They want to learn, that’s refreshing” Swan says.

For example, eight years ago Swan started working in Bulgaria to aid in the deveopment of the country’s first private television station. The station faced stiff competition from the only station in the country, which was run by the government. Despite these obstacles, the station became number one in the country within two years and is still broadcasting today.

Swan also works as the Director of Internationalization and Outreach for the College of Communication and Information. Because he believes that international study is crucial to college education, Swan’s goal is to give every student in the college an international experience.

“You’re not fully educated until you look at yourself and your country from the eyes of another country,” Swan explains.

According to Swan, stereotypes, images from the media, and government policies all get in the way of true international understanding. Swan says, “If American young people interact in those countries, this world would be a much better place.”

I-House hosts African Culture Night

Students and faculty paid three dollars for entrance to the African Culture night, held the I-House Great Room. A group of traditionally dressed African students crowded the entrance, while loud drum music played inside.

Students waited in line for their share of African cuisine. The menu included a variety of chicken and beef soups to pour over white or brown rice. In addition, less recognizable food items included injera, a grey sour-tasting pancake, and fufu, a thick paste made by boiling starchy root vegetables.

"Do the right thing because it's the right thing, not because you expect something in return." African fableThe speaker welcomed everyone to the event and introduced the participants in the fashion show.

African students modeled traditional African garments from their native country. Each model introduced themselves and told the audience about their garment.

Next, four African students read a poem named "I Am an African" by Wayne Visser." Then, four female African students performed a traditional African dance.

The highlight of the night was an African fable told by one of the founders of the African Student Association. The story was about a boy and a crocodile who tried to trick the boy and eat him. The boy escaped and through a twist in the story had a chance to eat the crocodile. The boy chose not to eat the crocodile because he would not have liked to be eaten.

The moral of the story is to "Do the right thing because it's the right thing, not because you expect something in return," explains the storyteller. The night concluded with audience members dancing to African drum music.

Speaker addresses American misconceptions of China

Jeff Wasserstrom, a professor and Chinese scholar from the University of California-Irvine gave a presentation at UT's International House on Feb. 11 that explained how and why the Western media misrepresents the "real" China to the American public.

Wasserstrom starts by explaining the dilemma. The truth is that most people don't know what to think about China because there is no clear prediction about the future of the superpower. Consequently, we get mixed messages from the media about the overall condition of the Chinese state.

For example, in 2001 an American spy plane crashed on Chinese soil, and the crew was detained for 10 days. The American public began to speculate about China's threat to the United States. In contrast, leading up to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, there is a sentiment of good feeling toward the Chinese and high hopes that they are making progress toward freedom and democracy.

The American media simplifies Chinese current events to answer the bottom line question: can China become as wealthy, prosperous and free as the United States? Or, will China forever remain a country full of government corruption, human rights violations and censorship? Jeff Wasserstrom

Wasserstrom illustrates the current climate of Chinese portrayal. The American media simplifies Chinese current events to answer the bottom line question: can China become as wealthy, prosperous and free as the United States? Or, will China forever remain a country full of government corruption, human rights violations and censorship? Clearly this is a false dilemma, but what can be done to correct people's misconceptions?

Wasserstrom has made it his mission to educate the public about the "real" China, not the China portrayed in the media. He published the book, "China's Brave New World: And Other Tales for Global Times" to address the current uncertainty of the Chinese future.

This book contains personal stories and lessons from Wasserstrom's visits to China, so that people would have a more accurate picture of Chinese society. With this book, he presents scholarly insight through colorful stories that people will enjoy reading, while learning more about Chinese society.

In his lecture, Wasserstrom explained the cultural roots of America-Chinese misconception. In 1899, a group of peasants called the Boxers led an anti-American attack against American railroad workers and Christian missionaries. This movement, called the Boxer Rebellion, was a reaction against American imperialism and influence in Chinese culture. Isolated events like the Boxer Rebellion have perpetuated a mistrust of the Chinese that is still present today, no matter how outdated the notion is.

Today, Wasserstrom urges Americans not to look at China as a homogenous country of over 1.3 billion people, but instead to look at the country as a collection of individual people and local cultures each with a unique identity.

He suggests trying to compare New York to China. New York City culture and attitudes are very different from the culture of Los Angeles, which are very different from Knoxville culture. The same applies to China. The residents of political center, Beijing, have an entirely different attitude and culture than the financial capital, Shanghai, both of which contrast very sharply with rural China. Only with this basis of understanding can Americans start to understand the real China.

While Wasserstrom was hesitant to make strong predictions about the future of China, he did touch on some important thoughts. He said that if China continues to develop as projected, the global community would face a "moral quandary" like nothing else in history.

Most Americans hope that China will develop into a fully capitalistic, consumer-driven and modernized nation like the United States. However, the reality is that there are not enough resources on the planet to support two superpowers who guzzle gasoline and pollute the air like the U.S. and China.

We are either going to have to institute careful and deliberate worldwide environmental and economic regulations, or the U.S. and China are going to deplete the world's resources in an instant without ever knowing what happened.

Band of former refugees creates hope through music

On Thursday night, a group of African musicians and former refugees, known as Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars performed an inspired show to an enthusiastic audience. Their message of hope and love despite hardship resounded in the hearts of every audience member.

The musical inspiration all started when two musicians, Rueben Koroma and Francis Langba from Sierra Leone, Africa were forced to flee their homes and live as refugees in nearby Guinea. In the refugee camp of Guinea the friends began to play music to provide a source of happiness amidst the violence and hardship that plagued their daily lives.

Their band quickly grew with new members and with newfound fame as they traveled to other camps. The band attracted attention from American documentary filmmakers Banker White and Zach Niles. The filmmakers followed the band around from camp to camp for three years documenting their positive impact on the war-torn communities. After the violence had subsided, the United Nations sponsored a trip for the group to return to their native Sierra Leone to see for themselves that the war was over.

Thanks to their support from home and abroad, the group was able to record their debut album, Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars. The band performed their first show in the United States at Knoxville's own World Grotto. Now they are in the middle of their fourth American tour. They continue to grow in popularity.

I think it's time for everyone to get on the floor and dance! Rueben Koroma

On Thursday night, the African reggae band played an inspired show at the Cox Auditorium in the Alumni Memorial Building. The enthusiastic band appeared in red and black traditional African garments to greet an eager crowd. As the other members started to play, Reuben, the lead singer, skipped onto stage in a shiny pink and silver suit.

They delivered an amazing performance to an excited audience. Their set was filled with guitar solos, rapping, and even creative dancing. An hour into the performance, they put down their regular instruments and all started playing their traditional African drums and singing in harmony.

After a brief encore break, Reuben said, "I think it's time for everyone to get on the floor and dance!" And on cue nearly everyone was on their feet, waving their hands in the air and dancing in the aisles. The dancing crowd ranged from students wearing Bonnaroo t-shirts to elderly couples holding hands. It was a show that everyone could enjoy.

Afterward in the tour bus Reuben elaborated on the band's goals for the future of his native Sierra Leone. "We want to establish music school and open windows for nation. I trust if we send out a message to fans, they will help the young ones." By building a music school in his native country he hopes to give the gift of music to children who would miss out otherwise. If their popularity continues to grow as fast as it has, they will surely be able to build their music school and much more.

For more information about Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars visit their website or check out their award winning documentary. Also, their most recent CD, Living Like a Refugee, can be found online.