I once aspired to work at the CDC, then I came to realize that it's a political organization and not a scientific one and I steered clear of the place.
And math. Don't forget that you have to be quite good at math to be an epidemiologist.
Funny, a couple years ago I had an open offer to publish any response any epidemiologist would write in response to a graph on HIV spread, so long as they'd put their name and credentials on it. Funny, no takers. Plenty of mathematicians, mathematical biologists, and other biologists pronounced it sound though. And a few others loudly condemned it. Kinda funny.
As for the Komiteh: that's interesting. It reminds me of the Japanese "kumite," which basically means pugilistic sparring. Pronounced "koo-mi-tay."
And yes, you are brave to mouth off to them. On the other hand as an American you'd be in a position where they'd be a little more afraid of you than your average Iranian, I would think. Diplomatic incidents and all that.
Actually Dean, Komeito in the 60's and 70's was religiously affliated with Soka Gakkai, an evangelical, radical (non-christian) religion in Japan. I am aware of that because I lived in Japan from 1968 to 1971. Fortunately, they never won a lot of seats in the Diet.
In 1971, Komeito's leaders officially separated from Soka Gakkai, and in 2002, the New Komieto party's declared mission is to pioneer "people-centered politics, a politics based on a humanitarianism that treats human life with the utmost respect and care".
The Iranian religious police, the Komiteh, on the other hand is a political germ of a different order and undoubtedly much more virulent.
I'll pass on Willow's sister becoming an epidemiologist with the sole suggestion that helping people with respect to health is best achieved in one-on-one atmosphere.
WTF?!? The CDC is probably the most wildly successful government organization in the history of human civilization! Are you seriously fucked in the head?!?
And yes, you are brave to mouth off to them. On the other hand as an American you'd be in a position where they'd be a little more afraid of you than your average Iranian, I would think. Diplomatic incidents and all that.
Undoubtedly. I wasn't really rude either; just insistent. They weren't going to let me into a particular shrine because I was a westerner and dressed like a Sunni. But they caved in the end. I think their main concern was simply that I wasn't really a Muslim and was going to go in and snap pictures of people and bother them while they were praying. But I was and I didn't, so all was well. This was in 2004 when Khatami was still in power, so things were a little more laid back.
Yes, depending on the issue, the CDC has been, and can be, clearly more political than scientific in orientation.
5.30.2007 5:15pm
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
Funny, a couple years ago I had an open offer to publish any response any epidemiologist would write in response to a graph on HIV spread, so long as they'd put their name and credentials on it. Funny, no takers. Plenty of mathematicians, mathematical biologists, and other biologists pronounced it sound though. And a few others loudly condemned it. Kinda funny.
I wish your sister the best ;-)
And yes, you are brave to mouth off to them. On the other hand as an American you'd be in a position where they'd be a little more afraid of you than your average Iranian, I would think. Diplomatic incidents and all that.
It was a profound observation.
In 1971, Komeito's leaders officially separated from Soka Gakkai, and in 2002, the New Komieto party's declared mission is to pioneer "people-centered politics, a politics based on a humanitarianism that treats human life with the utmost respect and care".
The Iranian religious police, the Komiteh, on the other hand is a political germ of a different order and undoubtedly much more virulent.
I'll pass on Willow's sister becoming an epidemiologist with the sole suggestion that helping people with respect to health is best achieved in one-on-one atmosphere.
There are three "spies" sitting in Iranian prisons right now who probably think Iranian agencies can be rather dangeorus.
It was, Willow, an interesting set of psychological observations.
In what area of Japan were you stationed? You don't have to say obviously but I had a friend who lived in Kyoto who married a local.
They have a cute little girl.
Undoubtedly. I wasn't really rude either; just insistent. They weren't going to let me into a particular shrine because I was a westerner and dressed like a Sunni. But they caved in the end. I think their main concern was simply that I wasn't really a Muslim and was going to go in and snap pictures of people and bother them while they were praying. But I was and I didn't, so all was well. This was in 2004 when Khatami was still in power, so things were a little more laid back.
And thanks MaryJ!
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.