MetroState Blog: David

Congratulations A-Team!!!

2008-04-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

First, I would like to congratulate all the members of the A-Team; Chris, Kaleigh, Giedre, Ashley, and Cindy, on their WIN of project #4 and a job well done! You all did a fantastic job and greatly deserve the reward that comes with your accomplishment!

Last Friday the A-Team and 5280 Closers wrapped up their fourth and final project which involved conducting eco-audits on two different restaurants. This meant the end of the projects and the beginning of the end to the first ever Apprentice Challenge competition at Metro State.

It's a bitter sweet moment. Good because we are all able to focus and concentrate on other things in our lives that may have been given less than optimal attention, but bad because I will miss working with and seeing the other nine competitors. It's been a long four to six months, depending on how you look at it, but I've enjoyed every minute of it.

Did I Just Hear "BANKRUPTCY?"

2008-04-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, as I was getting ready in the morning, I put the television on the local news to see if anything new was going on. To my surprise, I heard the words "Frontier" followed by "Chapter 11 BANKRUPTCY." I thought to myself, "did I just hear what I thought I heard?" This stopped me in my tracks and got my complete attention.

Sure enough, I heard correctly. Since I'm currently an employee for Frontier, this is a significant story and development. We (employees) have been informed that nothing will change for us and that everything will continue as usual, meaning we will continue to have our jobs, pay, and benefits. I just hope that with the current economic conditions effecting the entire country, especially airlines, that Frontier will be able to emerge from this a better, stronger airline. Along with this I also hope that the filling of chapter 11 bankruptcy will not adversely affect any of my co-workers or fellow employees.

Hope.

2008-04-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

The hope for a greener future, and a healthier planet is underway. People around the world have become more aware of the possible disaster that may lie ahead if humans continue to use and abuse our planet as if it was easily replaceable and fixable.

Our planet is very fragile, and it will take generations to undo the damage that has been caused. I know there are those who are naysayers and don't believe that the current climate changes taking place are caused by human activity. My response to them is to take a look at the world around them, take a real good hard look. If you have children or grandchildren, this should matter to you even more. Realize how fragile the entire ecosystem is, and think for a minute, even if humans are not the cause, which I highly doubt, we have a responsibility to ourselves, future generations, and the thousands of species on this beautiful planet to take care of it and ensure we leave it as clean and beautiful as if we were never here.

Here are a couple of clips from a documentary film called "Manufactured Landscapes" which I have seen. The film is done with the great skills of Edward Burtynsky, a famous Canadian photographer. I encourage those of you who view this blog to see the entire documentary.

If we as a species can engineer a rocket to send men to the moon in an era when cell phones did not exist, if we have the knowledge and will to destroy this planet and each other with the release of a couple of nuclear warheads, I know that we can engineer alternative sources of energy and implement these measures to replace what currently dominates the market.

But it's not just about energy. It boils down to just about everything we do and how it impacts our planet. We cannot continue to use and abuse our home. We only have one planet, we cannot just go online, buy a ticket to another one and forget about everything thinking it will all be ok.

I have hope and believe that we can make a difference, and start things off on the right track for future generations to follow and continue. Next time you are getting ready to throw that plastic bottle or aluminum can in the trash, stop for a second and look for a recycle bin. At least we can all do this much and it's a step in the right direction.

Snow, snow, stay away!

2008-04-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

I don't know about the rest of you who read this, but I am sure glad to be getting over the snowy season here in Denver. Don't get me wrong, the stuff is pretty to look at and I had a blast snowboarding at Winter Park for my teams third reward this past Sunday, but I am ready for a change of seasons. Besides, if you had to work outside at DIA in the snow, you'd probably be ready for a change too. I'm just glad we didn't have a winter like last year. Here's a few pics I took last December on the day DIA was set to re-open after having to cease operations temporarily due to all the snow.

Ahh...memories.

2008-03-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

I was on YouTube and came across this new PBS documentary series about what life is like on a nuclear aircraft carrier (USS Nimitz). Watching this brought back a lot of memories. It's funny, at the time I was in I couldn't wait to get out of the navy, but it has a strange way of getting into your blood. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I'm third generation to serve in the navy. My time in service has definitely molded me into the person I am today. There were a ton of good times and some bad, but in the end I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world. Here is the video clip that got me reminiscing, hope you like it as much as I do.

Going off of what the officer said in the video is that team work is vital. If you are working as part of an aircraft carrier or part of any other team, if there is a breakdown in one area it will have consequences (a ripple effect) that can lead to failure.

Even though I served on the USS Abraham Lincoln, the two ships are nearly the same. Check out the link to the PBS page to get more information and don't forget to check out the documentary airing later on from April 27 to May 1, 2008.

GO NAVY!!!

Secret for third project revealed...

2008-03-15T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well, an unexpected leak has occurred from the depths of our top secret lab at Metro State. It is with great displeasure, that our secret weapon is revealed.
Sorry Beaker and Dr. Bunson.

Man, what a good time!

2008-03-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

So, last night the 5280 Closers enjoyed our reward for Project #2. We were treated to the Colorado Avalanche game against the Vancouver Canucks. Not only did we have tickets to the Key Bank Suite, but we were given a behind the scenes tour of the Pepsi Center.

On top of that we were able to bring a guest to the game, Gini Mennenga hooked us up with passes after the game to get autographs, and it was the debut of Peter Forsberg returning to the ice for the Avalanche.

I had a blast. This was a night of firsts not only for me, but I believe my entire team and all our guests. I had never been to an Avalanche game before, nor have I been in a suite at a game of any kind. Getting the chance to see what happens behind the scenes during a televised sporting event was another first, and to top it all off we had the chance to see the players up front and personal.

Special thanks to Gini and her connections, and the Avalanche's Defenseman, Kurt Sauer, for the passes after the game and taking a little time to chat with us and take a couple of pics. Erin, I want a copy of those pics. PLEASE! All the Avalanche players that took time to sign autographs for us, including the head coach were really cool!

I know some of that was redundant, but I can't help it right now. I felt like a little kid. Thanks to everyone involved with this great reward in one way or another. It was AWESOME!!!

Well deserved break.

2008-03-03T16:20:00.000-08:00

Our second project, working with the Disability Center for Independent Living, came to an end on Friday, February 29. This week my team, the 5280 Closers, are enjoying a much needed break before we begin our third project which will begin this Friday, March 7.

I can tell you this much, I wish I could be on some warm tropical island sipping on a refreshing beverage with salt around the rim, (or some other delicious beverage), joined by good friends, and listening to some good music, (I'm thinkin' Jack Johnson right now)...but back to reality. Time to wake up.

Cha..Cha..Cha...A-Team?!

2008-02-09T22:07:00.001-08:00

"Oh SNAP"!!!

Chris, don't forget to spread the word to the rest of your team to pick one of these up for your special valentine...whoever that may be.

I've heard these are making a comeback and selling like hotcakes!

Have fun with Project 2.

-David

First Blog

2008-02-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

Hidy ho everybody!

I know, that is such an original title. I was thinking the same thing.

Uh, yea. I'm not so sure how all this blogging stuff works but I'll give it a shot.

The first project for the first ever Apprentice Challenge at Metro State ended last Friday. February 1, was our presentation day to show our stuff. I'll have to say, as the leader for Project 1, I could not have been happier with the outcome. My team, the 5280 Closers were victorious. Thanks to my entire team; Noah, Giedre, Heidi, and Erin. This was an incredible experience and would not have been possible without a collective team effort.

The Smart Meal Seal program is a great feature for restaurants to incorporate into their business. Basically it assists consumers of participating restaurants to select items off of the menu which are certified to meet specific nutrition requirements. So to everyone who likes to dine out, be sure to look for the Smart Meal Seal.

My team is proud to have been involved in bringing the following restaurants into the Smart Meal Seal program; Imperial Chinese, Qdoba, and Queen of Sheba.

I think its about time to wrap this up. This is not meant to make you fall asleep, so if it did then dream easy.

Okay.

Seriously, it's time to stop for now.

Skiddily doo!!! (Shout out to Noah) Does anyone even do shout outs anymore?

Disclaimer. May contain uncontrollable spelling errors.

My Bio

2008-01-30T10:55:00.000-08:00

David Foos

Name: David

Hometown: Denver

Major: Finance

Favorite class: Managerial Finance

Background:
I was born and raised in Denver. After graduating from North High School, I joined the United States Navy, where I served for five years as an air traffic controller. Three of those years were served onboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. My final year in the Navy was spent at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, Calif. It was there that I decided to leave the military and pursue another career. Transitioning from military to civilian life was a bit of a challenge, struggling with whether or not leaving the military was the right decision. I then found a job at Frontier Airlines as a ramp service agent. Working there for a few years motivated me to go back to school. I applied to Metropolitan State College of Denver, began my college education and am now pursuing a major in finance.

Favorite quote:
“If you always put a limit on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”
– Bruce Lee

Why I’m excited about being part of “The Apprentice Challenge @ Metro State”:
I am excited about The Apprentice Challenge at Metro State because it will give all challenge members valuable experience collaborating on our various projects. This is also an excellent opportunity to interact with business leaders in the community and make lasting friendships with fellow contestants.

Why I should win “The Apprentice Challenge @ Metro State”:
I know I am capable of handling challenges that are put in front of me, whether mental or physical. I will work my hardest to come out on top. My military experience has provided me with the discipline and life lessons to achieve my objectives and goals. This is why I believe I should win the Apprentice Challenge.