Kurt Degoede

10 principles of humanitarian engineering design: Focus on People Relate, Listen, Ask, Cooperate, Empower Understand Social and Physical Context Be a Professional Humanitarian Engineer Build Technological Capacity Ensure Long-Term Positive Impact Understand Impact from Social Context Design for Sustainability Assess Outcomes Promote Human Dignity, Rights, and Fulfillment

In times of profound change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists. Eric Hoffer

Peace Love and Understanding – Elvis Costello and the Attractions version of Nick Lowe’s classic.

Incredible West African Irish Fusion – kora and uilleann pipes. Start with these two romps: Whirl-Y-Reel 1 and Whirl-Y-Reel 2.

The most common 1st language in The Gambia, and a great song by Sinead O’Connor. Kayira be (peace to you).

In 2010/11 we (my family and I) lived in Brikama, The Gambia, West Africa for the academic year (10 months). Sneaking in an extra bit of Northern Exposure wisdom, we all agree with Bernard (Chris Stevens’s 1/2 brother): “As you may know, I spent the last three months in Africa. A wondrous, magical place. But … Continue reading →

One of my favorite TV characters has to be Chris Stevens in Northern Exposure. The ex-con, drifter, radio-DJ philosopher gives us gems like “Well, you know the way I see it, if you’re here for four more years or four more weeks, you’re here right now. You know. And, I think when you’re somewhere you … Continue reading →

My son likes to celebrate B-52sday every Tuesday: Rock Lobster.

Back to Basics: Between the Wars With Wilco working up unpublished Woody Guthrie songs on Mermaid Avenue: California Stars