Where in the world?
My last update came from South America. This email is sent via Indonesia as I have relocated half way around the world! Always in search of a new adventure! I have a 2.5 year work placement through VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas). It’s a global organization with similarities to the Peace Corps. Same kind of idea… helping people through development. But instead of being associated with a government, the volunteers are directly employed by local organizations with support from the VSO offices worldwide. Mostly mid-career type people… the average age of volunteers in Indonesia is 45. Currently in Bali for 3 months of ‘in-country training’ and language classes… I am still thinking in Spanish and trying to learn Bahasa Indonisian! Joined by 12 other volunteers from across the globe… India, Uganda, UK, Netherlands, Philippines. It really fosters an interesting dynamic of globalization to be working on international development initiatives with people from both ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ countries.
In April I will begin work with an organic cashew cooperative, on the island of Flores, as the post-production and marketing supervisor. Admittedly, I only like one kind of nut ;) but vow to develop a liking for cashews, too! The job encompasses farmer training to develop ‘export’ quality products as well as initiating the paths to fair trade partnerships. Nevertheless, I am quite sure that what the job description says won’t be the reality!
Will be keeping up a blog… although don’t expect anything of ‘Ben Ranz Quality’!! mnolan80.blogspot.com
Can’t promise any of the modern day luxuries… ie. running water and electricity… but I can offer a place to stay in paradise. You are all welcome!
My new address:
Jl Tukad Ayung No. 36
Renon-Denpasar 80226
Bali
Indonesia
Hope everyone is happy and well!
Sphinx Love. Mikal
Friday, February 22, 2008
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Oregon Trail...
-97-
After opting not to ford any rivers, easily saving approximately 562 lbs of food and the lives of my oxen and wagon team members, the Oregon trail has safely delivered Ellen & me to the left coast! Well, actually I've been here for about 2 months now, but it still feels like I'm the new guy in town. At the moment, I'm working in the consulting arm of the wind energy industry. Basically, I'm the guy who helps wind farm developers estimate each site's potential to generate electricity based on a bunch of factors like wind speed, type of wind turbine model, etc, etc. I'm totally enjoying the job and the atmosphere out here in Portland, Oregon. I even had an opportunity to visit THE Kirk & Kim Strohman down in Eugene where we found a fantastic place to drink beers together! It's nice to know that there's a little Buckeye/Sphinx love just an hour away from me.
Anyway, I thought I'd send along my regards to everyone....My new address here in Portland is:
Dan Jaynes
1535 SW Clay St.
#234
Portland, OR 97201
614-264-5454 (I'm still hanging on to my old 614 number!)
I've noticed that an awful lot of us have moved recently, so if you haven't sent around you new contact info, then please do so! Also, I just discovered that I actually did get football tickets for a game this year, next week's game versus Wisconsin, so if anyone is going to be around, then gimme a call and we'll get together for some beers!
*jammers
Ps- Please say hi to my new dog Nolan. Named after the lovely Mikal Eversole Nolan. Not really, but if I were slightly more creepy, this could be the case. He's an Australian Cattle dog that Ellen and I found at the humane society last week. He's crazy and he makes things very interesting around the homestead....Come on out and meet him next time you're out in the pacific NW area!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Signs Everywhere
Not sure if there's deeper meaning here, but Uma and I found this sign in the Minneapolis airport... Wishing everyone well,
Frank
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Hello from the Willamette Valley
Just wanted to pass along a friendly hello from my new digs out west. Kim and I completed the 3000 mile journey in a Penske truck towing our car and our dalmatian Lincoln riding right between us in the cab. It was an adventure, but it never ceases to amaze me how awesome it can be to drive across this country...even the seemingly endless Nebraska.
We have found housing for now, but are hoping to buy a place soon. The weather is amazing right now and I can't wait for us to get unpacked enough to start exploring the coast and the mountains all within an hour's drive. There won't be too much time, however, as Oregon Law School orientation starts next week! Wow. I can't believe that I'm finally just getting around to getting back to school and Josh has already secured a Masters and has reclaimed SAC.
Upon leaving DC I was given the opportunity to have a departure photo with the President. My whole family came in and walked right into the Oval and chatted with GWB for a few minutes...including discussing Graeters Ice Cream. It was pretty neat and hopefully we will have pictures soon. I must say it is a little weird being totally out of the loop and not having access to the latest national security intelligence whenever I want...but I think I'll manage.
Here's hoping that Jammers makes it out here soon and other links follow.
Best,
Kirk
We have found housing for now, but are hoping to buy a place soon. The weather is amazing right now and I can't wait for us to get unpacked enough to start exploring the coast and the mountains all within an hour's drive. There won't be too much time, however, as Oregon Law School orientation starts next week! Wow. I can't believe that I'm finally just getting around to getting back to school and Josh has already secured a Masters and has reclaimed SAC.
Upon leaving DC I was given the opportunity to have a departure photo with the President. My whole family came in and walked right into the Oval and chatted with GWB for a few minutes...including discussing Graeters Ice Cream. It was pretty neat and hopefully we will have pictures soon. I must say it is a little weird being totally out of the loop and not having access to the latest national security intelligence whenever I want...but I think I'll manage.
Here's hoping that Jammers makes it out here soon and other links follow.
Best,
Kirk
Monday, August 6, 2007
Josh is a Baller....
SAC WELCOMES NEW ADVISOR
July 30, 2007
Contact: David MacLean
Maclean.32@osu.edu
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Student-Alumni Council (SAC) would like to welcome Josh Harraman as its new advisor. Josh started in his new role as director of student programs for the Ohio State University Alumni Association (OSUAA) on July 23. Josh holds a bachelor of arts degree from The Ohio State University in history as well as a Masters from Bowling Green State University. Josh brings a varied background to the position and has demonstrated his excellent advising and program development ability in several previous positions.
Most recently Josh served as the program coordinator for student organization development at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where his main duties involved overseeing the Student Organization Resource Center as well as collaborating with other university departments to provide resources for student organizations. After graduating from Ohio State in June of 2004, Josh worked in Greek affairs at Bowling Green State University where he held positions ranging from graduate intern to graduate advisor for the Interfraternity Council and coordinator of fraternity expansion.
Most important, however, Josh is a Buckeye and a SACer at heart. He is an alumnus of SAC who served on the executive board as vice president of programming. Josh was also the Homecoming King in 2003 and chaired Welcome Week. Josh’s experiences at Ohio State while an undergraduate and in his professional career are evidence that he is a perfect candidate for the position and will work hard to further SAC’s mission as well as its vision for the university.
The Student-Alumni Council is a student advancement organization dedicated to serving Ohio State students past, present, and future through the support and coordination of university and Alumni Association events. A member of the Association for Student Advancement Programs (ASAP) and its parent organization, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), SAC strives to advance The Ohio State University through programs that enhance the student experience, promote student-alumni interaction, and establish a spirit of loyalty to the university.
Cajun South is actually where it's at...
...and by "it" I mean humidity!
I wanted to let all of you know that I just moved down to New Orleans (NOLA) last week to start law school in a couple weeks here at Tulane! I would have posted something sooner, but there was quite a bit of uncertainty with the move, as I had a truck reserved to make the drive but no housing set up to arrive at, ha! It's difficult looking for housing from a distance, plus people in NOLA tend to post rental openings when they become available or maybe a couple weeks before. But it's all good - I found a great house within walking distance to the school, and one of the roommates is also an OSU grad!
Right now I'm just spending my days unpacking and making sure everything is in order before classes start. My nights have been a different story... I've been out with some of the other 1L's the last 3 nights until anytime between 3:00-4:30 in the morning... and any of those could easily have gone later! When there's no stupid law about bars closing at a certain time or having open containers outside, that changes all the rules! I've been to several bars and restaurants around campus and the French Quarter, to the house that will likely become a weekly party destination, and to an event called White Linen night... art galleries open their doors and there's live music and drinks and food... it was reminiscent of Gallery Hop, and great for people watching: I've already been inspired to purchase a seersucker suit for dressy occasions or even moot court!
I hope each (all??) of you will be able to visit down here... I'll be around for at least 3 years, so there's plenty of time. And I've heard whisperings of a possible advance to the Big Easy next spring, so let me know if you're up for that and I'll make sure the city is ready for you!
I hope everyone is doing well. SPHINX Love,
-DT
I wanted to let all of you know that I just moved down to New Orleans (NOLA) last week to start law school in a couple weeks here at Tulane! I would have posted something sooner, but there was quite a bit of uncertainty with the move, as I had a truck reserved to make the drive but no housing set up to arrive at, ha! It's difficult looking for housing from a distance, plus people in NOLA tend to post rental openings when they become available or maybe a couple weeks before. But it's all good - I found a great house within walking distance to the school, and one of the roommates is also an OSU grad!
Right now I'm just spending my days unpacking and making sure everything is in order before classes start. My nights have been a different story... I've been out with some of the other 1L's the last 3 nights until anytime between 3:00-4:30 in the morning... and any of those could easily have gone later! When there's no stupid law about bars closing at a certain time or having open containers outside, that changes all the rules! I've been to several bars and restaurants around campus and the French Quarter, to the house that will likely become a weekly party destination, and to an event called White Linen night... art galleries open their doors and there's live music and drinks and food... it was reminiscent of Gallery Hop, and great for people watching: I've already been inspired to purchase a seersucker suit for dressy occasions or even moot court!
I hope each (all??) of you will be able to visit down here... I'll be around for at least 3 years, so there's plenty of time. And I've heard whisperings of a possible advance to the Big Easy next spring, so let me know if you're up for that and I'll make sure the city is ready for you!
I hope everyone is doing well. SPHINX Love,
-DT
Sunday, July 29, 2007
I Know That You Think It's Just A Fantasy...
What up 97...here's another one from the Ranz film archives I thought you guys would enjoy...kind of low quality but still pretty good. I think most of you have seen this but if you haven't, you're in for a treat. Make sure the sounds on or you've got headphones if you're at work. Bangerang!
Ranz
Ranz
Friday, July 13, 2007
Gordon Gee is Ohio State's 14th President
"This is the university of the American dream"
Gordon Gee is one of the most recognizable leaders in higher education, known for his energetic personal style, his quirky sense of humor, his advocacy of public education, and his fund-raising prowess.
This fall, he'll bring all of those traits to The Ohio State University.
On Thursday, trustees hired Gee as the university's 14th president. Gee said he looks forward to being "part of the most exciting academic environment in higher education."
"This is Ohio State's time," Gee said. "This is the university of the American dream."
Gee's hire marked something unprecedented: the return of a beloved president. He led Ohio State from 1990 to 1997. Since then, the university has become more competitive, thanks in part to the selective admissions process Gee started.
"My heart told me what to do and that's what I did," he said, explaining why he decided to come back to Ohio State. "This was a pure and simple spiritual decision for me, and it was the right decision."
"Gordon Gee reflected the Buckeye spirit, that sense of pride recognized by more than 400,000 alumni across the world," said trustee Alex Schumate.
Gee and Ohio State both have changed since his departure a decade ago, he and trustees agreed.
"This is not Back to the Future," Gee said.
For video, click here.
Gordon Gee is one of the most recognizable leaders in higher education, known for his energetic personal style, his quirky sense of humor, his advocacy of public education, and his fund-raising prowess.
This fall, he'll bring all of those traits to The Ohio State University.
On Thursday, trustees hired Gee as the university's 14th president. Gee said he looks forward to being "part of the most exciting academic environment in higher education."
"This is Ohio State's time," Gee said. "This is the university of the American dream."
Gee's hire marked something unprecedented: the return of a beloved president. He led Ohio State from 1990 to 1997. Since then, the university has become more competitive, thanks in part to the selective admissions process Gee started.
"My heart told me what to do and that's what I did," he said, explaining why he decided to come back to Ohio State. "This was a pure and simple spiritual decision for me, and it was the right decision."
"Gordon Gee reflected the Buckeye spirit, that sense of pride recognized by more than 400,000 alumni across the world," said trustee Alex Schumate.
Gee and Ohio State both have changed since his departure a decade ago, he and trustees agreed.
"This is not Back to the Future," Gee said.
For video, click here.
Welcome back, President Gee!
(note: many more articles and details available on dispatch.com)
E. Gordon Gee to return as OSU president
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 1:06 PM
The Columbus Dispatch
File photo
Gee in 2003 as Vanderbilt University's chancellor
Gee at a glance
- E. Gordon Gee
- Age: 63
- Hometown: Vernal, Utah
- Experience: Led five universities: Vanderbilt, 2000-present; Brown, 1998-2000; Ohio State, 1990-97; University of Colorado, 1985-90; West Virginia, 1981-85
E. Gordon Gee will be returning to Ohio State University as its next president.
Gee confirmed that he would be leaving Vanderbilt University in a letter to that school's community today.
“I am following my heart and returning to a place that I consider my home,” Gee said in the letter. “My decision is that simple and that complex.”
He will leave Vanderbilt Aug. 1.
The Ohio State board is expected to vote on its choice on Thursday.
Gee, 63, has been chancellor of Vanderbilt since 2000 and was Ohio State's president from 1990 through ‘97.
Ohio State's board of trustees have been trying to lure him back for months.
Gee released a statement in late June saying that he planned to stay at Vanderbilt for “a long time to come” and that he was not a candidate for Ohio State's presidency. But he added that OSU always would be “a special place to me.”
Sources said OSU trustees, however, were continuing to negotiate with him and had offered him a $1 million compensation package. His compensation at Vanderbilt is more than $1.2 million.
Gee will follow Karen A. Holbrook, who retired as OSU president June 30. She had announced her plans to leave a year ago.
Vanderbilt board chairman Martha R. Ingram today said she wishes Gee well in his new endeavors.
A 24-member search committee has been looking for a new president since September, aided by the national search firm Heidrick & Struggles.
At Vanderbilt, a private university in Nashville, Tenn., Gee got national attention when he disbanded the athletic department, did away with the athletics-director job and gave the office of Student Life and University Affairs control over sports. Naysayers predicted Vanderbilt's teams would fail, but they have flourished.
In his seven years at Vanderbilt, Gee has lifted the school's academic standing and raised more than $1 billion.
During his seven years at OSU, the university started some of its largest building projects, including the $93 million Schottenstein Center, $92 million Fisher College of Business and an $80 million renovation of Ohio Stadium. Gee also trimmed enrollment from 50,000 to 48,000, worked to attract and keep better students, and pushed to increase state funding for colleges.
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