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Podcast

1. PampleOne with Cooper Shaw

In our first session with Coop, we review six brands of grapefruit-flavored sparkling water and talk about Ramlösa and how sparkling water is perceived in Joakim’s native Sweden.

We also touch upon Coop’s upbringing in Los Angeles which obviously leads to a conversation about God and restaurants in Seattle. Part one is a review of the Grapefruits by Signature Select (Safeway), Talking Rain and Cascade Ice. Part two will feature La Croix, Bubly and Waterloo.

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BLOG Uncategorized

Vacation Announcement

Please note that all M-CAS offices will close on July 13 in accordance with the “Swedish Knowledge Worker Mandatory Paid Leave” statute of the 1974 Instrument of Government.

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BLOG Field Research

“Take the bus into a low-income neighborhood and sell your blood for $50”

Field Research: Day 28

My first job in America was not really a job.

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BLOG Civilian Studies Field Research

Cash Ruins Everything Around Me (C.R.E.A.M.)

Dear Sweden,

Here in America, banks provide a valuable service to their community.

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BLOG Civilian Studies Field Research

The Penis Catalog

Dear Sweden,

Here in America, there are no penis catalogs that wives can flip through to pick out the perfect penis for their husband’s penis augmentation surgery.

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BLOG Field Research Policy

Impeachment and a Looming American Refugee Crisis

Categories
BLOG Civilian Studies Field Research

Tipping is Racist, Here’s Why

Field Research: Day 3

On my third day in America, I walk downstairs to get a haircut. The hair-dresser is a pleasant local woman in her early thirties.

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BLOG Field Research

It’s A Wrap—Swede Spills Beans On Big Burrito (part5)

Field Research: Day 188

I arrived at work and noticed that something was different. The sound of vegetable chopping was muted and anxious. The small-talk was subdued and peppered with dry throat-clearings. A sweaty mechanic was splayed out on the floor in front of me. He was tightening some bolts on the bottom of a sink.

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New Mug For Sale!

Today, as President Trump announces America’s intent to retreat from reality, make sure to plant your feet firmly on the right side of history and purchase the “Accelerate The American Decline” coffee mug.

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BLOG Civilian Studies Field Research

American Sign Language

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BLOG Field Research

Please DO NOT open this Visa Envelope

Field Research: Day 1

“Shifu, today I am moving to America,” I say as the taxi climbs the on-ramp and careens toward the Beijing Capital Airport. At first, the taxi driver does not respond. Then he mumbles, “Good.”

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BLOG Field Research

Movie Review: Birth of a Nation (2016)

Field Research: Day 391

Today I went to the Varsity Theater in Seattle and paid $4.00 for a bag of peanut M&Ms and $10.50 for a ticket to Birth of a Nation.

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BLOG Civilian Studies Field Research

In Conversation With Animals

Dear Sweden,

Here in America, we have adopted a dog. The staff at the Seattle Humane Society gave us a strange and awkward look when we explained that we needed a dog “because dog-ownership is an integral stepping stone toward understanding the American experience from the inside.”

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BLOG Civilian Studies

Mug For Sale

Dear Sweden,

Here in America, even the wretched vagrants believe in the truth and beauty of the free market.

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BLOG Field Research

What I learned after moving to America and getting a job at Chipotle (part4)

Field Research: Day 135

In March of 2016, I traveled to China for two weeks to officiate a friend’s wedding. Upon my return, the restaurant manager waved me over and greeted me. She was sitting with one of the middle-managers. She said, “We are getting all new furniture for the restaurant. Chairs and tables.”

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BLOG Field Research Policy

TrumpCare’s Unpalatability, Explained

Dear Sweden,

Here in America, President Trump and Speaker Ryan have unveiled their new healthcare proposal: The American Health Care Act (AHCA).

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BLOG Field Research

What I learned after moving to America and getting a job at Chipotle (part3)

Field Research: Day 97

On February 8, 2016, all Chipotle restaurants across the country remained closed. Instead, all employees were requested to show up at nearby movie theaters to participate in a live-streaming event with upper management.

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BLOG Civilian Studies Field Research

How Americans Understand «Truth»

Dear Sweden,

Here in America, civilians are routinely exposed to false and misleading information. Our America-based researchers are chronically exhausted from living and working in a Low-Trust Information Environment. But for the locals, this is normal.

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Big Data BLOG Field Research Policy

When the Emperor Loses Interest in Governing

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BLOG Field Research

What I Learned After Moving To America and Getting a Job at Chipotle (part2)

Field Research: Day 79

On my third day at Chipotle, we listened to loud rap music and I was—again—asked to dice a crate of red onions. After finishing, I brought my dirty knife to the dish pit. I scrubbed it clean and accidentally cut my finger.

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Big Data BLOG Field Research Policy

Everything You Need To Know About the Future of American Healthcare in One Simple Graph

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BLOG Field Research

The Real Reason Americans Are ’Anti-Establishment’

Field Research: Day 92

I am requested to mail out a small package so I walk four blocks south and find the post office. The building is a tasteful white stone structure with flush walls interrupted by tall steel windows. The top of the structure is adorned with subtle Greek Revival details and capped with a simple cornice that accommodates neat black letters:

United States Post Office Seattle Washington

University Station 98105
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BLOG Field Research

What I Learned After Moving To America And Getting a Job at Chipotle (part1)

Field Research: Day 30

A month after my Permanent Change of Station to America, I visited a restaurant called Chipotle Mexican Grill. During the ordering process, I pointed to one of the optional condiments and asked, “Is that some sort of garlic sauce?”