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Out on U.S. Highway 50 in eastern Nevada, we have seen two cars in the last 20 miles. Our headlights are fading and the darkness is gaining. The rebuilt alternator that a guy with a road-killed antelope in the back of his jeep helped install for a few bucks and a couple beers is clearly not the solution to our truck's electrical problems. There's no moon to brighten the Great Basin night, and Ely is still 50 miles away.
More: Your Highway 50 travel planner
We're in the middle of the middle of nowhere, at sea in what author Stephen Trimble dubbed "the sagebrush ocean." They call Nevada's Highway 50 the loneliest road in America. Right now that's not marketing ― just the cold, existential fact of being in nothingness.
Strange to say, but this is why we're here. Not to get stranded, certainly. But to get off the highway and into historic mining towns. To visit onetime Pony Express stations and ancient Native American sites. To ride this basin and range highway's roller coaster: up thousands of feet into isolated mountains, then down into empty valleys ― over and over for nearly 400 miles across some of the nation's most remote expanses. All with the promise of Great Basin National Park at the end, where you don't have to hike up to 10,000 feet. That's where the trails begin.
A journey into the past
While Highway 50 lacks the pop stature of Route 66, it has its own identity. The Nevada stretch was part of the Lincoln Highway, the nation's first attempt at creating a transcontinental driving route. Stay on 50 all the way east from Sacramento and you'll reach Ocean City, Maryland.
While the stretch across Nevada from Carson City to the Utah border is today celebrated for its obscurity, this empty land was once central to Western history: John C. Frémont (who named the Great Basin) explored the area in 1845-46. California-bound prospectors followed portions of his route, leading to the 1859 discovery of the silver and gold Comstock Lode. The mining camp of Virginia City arose almost overnight to become one of the West's largest cities.
We start our trip in Carson City, making an easy 8-mile side trip off Highway 50 to Virginia City. While the sheer concentration of candy shops and souvenir schlock can be overwhelming, beneath the tourist veneer a classic boomtown still survives. Balustrades on the balconies and the creak of the raised wooden sidewalks recall the days when 20,000 to 40,000 people lived here and mined $400 million in ore from the local hills.
Highway 50 roughly parallels the route of the Pony Express, the legendary mail delivery system from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento. During its 18-month run starting in 1860, the Pony Express was the fastest way to deliver a message cross-country ― ten days, thanks to its relay system of riders and horses. Remnants of a few stations survive. The sky is violet and the ground a faded yellow, colored by grasses and the blooming rabbitbrush, on the trail to one of the best-preserved Pony Express stations, Cold Springs. The Desatoya Mountains rise to the east, and silence envelops all. Maybe every 10 minutes or so, a lone car hurtling down nearby Highway 50 breaks the silence: first a distant hum, then a modest roar, and finally a decisive fade to stillness.
From a distance, the station's remains blend into the earth, looking like little more than a pile of rocks. Up close, the low walls are more evident as a structure, with the gun ports still intact. Pondering these ruins, I marvel at our progress from Pony Express days, thinking, "Welcome to the information superhighway, circa 1860."


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Faking and the validity of conscientiousness: A Monte Carlo investigation (ABSTRACT)
Komar, S., Brown, D. J., Komar, J. A., & Robie, C.
published: 2008 | Research publication | Refereed Journals - OB/HRM
Komar, S., Brown, D. J., Komar, J. A., & Robie, C. (2008). "Faking and the validity of conscientiousness: A Monte Carlo investigation", Journal of Applied Psychology 93 (1), 140-154.
ABSTRACT: The article reports the findings from a Monte Carlo investigation examining the impact of faking on the criterion-related validity of Conscientiousness for predicting supervisory ratings of job performance. Based on a review of faking literature, 6 parameters were manipulated in order to model 4,500 distinct faking conditions (5 [magnitude] x 5 [proportion] x 4 [variability] x 3 [faking-Conscientiousness relationship] x 3 [faking-performance relationship] x 5 [selection ratio]). Overall, the results indicated that validity change is significantly affected by all 6 faking parameters, with the relationship between faking and performance, the proportion of fakers in the sample, and the magnitude of faking having the strongest effect on validity change. Additionally, the association between several of the parameters and changes in criterion-related validity was conditional on the faking-performance relationship. The results are discussed in terms of their practical and theoretical implications for using personality testing for employee selection.
Download the article at: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1419575871&sid=3&Fmt=2&clientId=27850&RQT=309&VName=PQD
revised Jan 23/08
View all Business documents | View all Lazaridis School of Business & Economics documents

subset: commoncrawl


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Brandon Lee of Mets Paradise recently sat down with Phillies Nation's Brian Michael for an interview about the Phillies. Before they ripped each others heads off, Brandon was able to ask Brian some question about the Phillies, what he thinks of the Mets, how he thinks the Phillies will do this year, and more:
Brandon Lee: There's been a lot made about the Mets/Phillies rivalry, what do you think about it? How do you see the Mets?
Brian Michael: Honestly, I loathe Mets fans (and the Mets) – probably because we are so alike in many ways. We both have that inferiority complex that we're afraid to admit, are fans from birth, are knowledgeable about our teams, and won't back down from a fight. The rivalry on the field almost got interesting, but then the Mets faded as the Phillies made the playoffs. Conversely, the Mets were good in previous years but the Phillies were not. When both teams are playing up to their potential, it's one of the best rivalries in baseball.
BL: Personally, my favorite player on the Phillies is Chase Utley, just love the way he plays. Are there any players on the Mets that you like, or do you hate them all?
BM: Everyone hates Jose Reyes (including I'm sure plenty of Mets fans). Daniel Murphy is starting to be a Phillie-killer, so I'm not digging him either. I used to like David Wright, until he went ice cold last year. But, you have to respect Johan and his competitive spirit to be the best. Like Halladay, that's the kind of guy you want on your team.
BL: Yeah, I can understand why some people don't like Jose but personally, I'm a huge fan of him. You mentioned Roy Halladay, who the Phillies made a big trade for this off-season. What do you think of the trade? Do you think the Phillies are better off with him instead of Cliff Lee, considering who else they gave up?
BM: Well, I think they would have been best with BOTH of them, but I guess you can't be greedy. The way the business end of things sat, it made more sense to get Halladay. Lee was certainly a fan favorite and no one will forget his dominance down the stretch and in the playoffs. But to lock down Halladay for 4 years is something you can't pass up. I will say this though, the Phillies may have overestimated how difficult it would have been to resign Lee, but you can't bank on that.
BL: True, but the Phillies could have signed Lee for less than $20M and kept some prospects… but it's a though call because Halladay is a better pitcher. There is a lot made about where the Phillies play (Citizen Bank Park), being an easy park to hit in. As someone who watches the Phillies a lot, do you see a significant difference between home runs on the home and road? Do you ever see a ball hit on the road that doesn't get out, that you thought might have been out at Citizen Bank Park?
BM: The Phillies are an offensive juggernaut, there's no denying that. Their lineup is built around speed (top 3), power (middle 3) and contact (bottom 3) and is legit top to bottom. As for CBP, the Phillies were top in the NL in homers both at home and on the road. In fact, they hit 8 more homers on the road. Boston, Texas and the Yankees all hit more homers at home. I think the new Yankee Stadium has become the new band box of MLB. But yes, I've certainly seen balls hit that would be homers at CBP and not other places… both of our teams play lots of games at the Marlins huge park… not to mention Citi Field.
BL: Good point, I don't think the Phillies are good because of the park they play in. Just ridiculous to think that that's the reason they are the best team in the NL. Speaking of the park, I've been there a few times and its absolutely gorgeous. I feel like Citi Field and Citizens Bank Park have a very similar feel to them, in that they are both very modern. What is your favorite part of the park? Do you think they could do anything to make it better?
BM: I was sad to see Veteran's Stadium go since it was a place I grew up in, but Citizens Bank Park has overwhelmingly made up for that loss. The food and drinks and sight lines are amazing. We had a big road trip up to Citi Field last season (and will again this season) and I think most people would agree that it's similar to the Bank. I just think there are way too many ads around the stadium, and what's with the policy of no grilling in stadium lots? That sucks.
BL: Yeah, I was very sad to see Shea go. Me and my dad were at one of the last games there and we left the stadium in tears. Cole Hamels was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2007 and 2008, but then he struggled in 2009. What do you make of this? Do you think it was just an off year or have hitters figured him out?
BM: Well, it was a variety of things. Mainly, Cole was not able to get in the conditioning during the off-season that he was accustomed to. With a World Series MVP comes many responsibilities (like banquets and appearances), opportunities (like those ESPN Magazine commercials) and interviews; so he spent less time working out. Also he never had a great 3rd pitch, so he couldn't get out of trouble when he didn't have his stuff. However this year, he has recognized the need to stay sharp and has also improved his curve and developed a cutter.
BL: Hypothetically speaking, if Chase Utley's, Ryan Howard's and Cole Hamels' contracts all expired at the same time, and you could only keep one of them, which one would it be?
BM: It depends what time, but I would say Chase at this point.
BL: The Phillies traded Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor and Travis d'Arnaud in the Halladay trade. Who do you think was the biggest lose? Who's the top prospect in the Phillies system now?
BM: I think as a pitcher Kyle Drabek had the most potential to help the Phillies on a major league level. It's hard to judge prospects of course, Carlos Carrasco was supposed to be awesome, but he failed to impress after being traded last season. For this year though, I'd say Domonic Brown is the top prospect. He can hit for power and is fast and would be a solid addition to most outfields – but probably not for another year.
BL: Jayson Werth is going to be a free agent after this year. Do you think the Phillies will hold onto him, or let him walk? What kind of contract would you offer to him?
BM: Werth is going to be expensive, both in general and for the Phillies to keep considering Howard's and Rollins' contracts are expiring soon as well. I would offer 3 years / $45 million, but he'll probably find a better one.
BL: The Phillies line-up is amazing, one of the best in baseball. But what do you think is the biggest weakness for this team?
BM: The bullpen. It was shaky last year and may have even cost them the Series. There has been quite a bit of turnover this year, but most are still question marks. I'm pretty confident in the rotation, lineup and defense.
BL:For the Mets, a lot of their hope for this season is resting on Oliver Perez (it's a scary thought). Is there a player on the Phillies that you feel, if they perform well, the Phillies will be success in 2010?
BM: Brad Lidge, no question.
BL: Placido Polanco is back with the Phillies after spending time there from 2002-2005. He's a second baseman and he's won two Gold Gloves there but now he is going to move to third. How do you think he is going to do there? Do you think he fits well in the Phillies line-up? Where do you think he'll hit in the line-up with Rollins and Victorino at the top of the order already?
BM: Offensively he is an improvement over Feliz, but defensively I think he might struggle with the new position. Second to third is a much bigger leap than one to or from shortstop. In the lineup he doesn't have to do anything amazing a .260 clip is fine with me. He'll probably hit 7th.
BL: Who do you think is the biggest threat to the Phillies crown of best team in the NL East as well as the best team in the National League?
BM: I would say the Braves in the east, maybe the Mets, but there are so many ifs with you guys (if they stay healthy, if Perez rebounds). The Nats won't be as bad as they've been, so I think the East will be much more competitive than recent years. Overall in the NL I think the Cards will be the toughest.
BL: Overall, what did you think of the Phillies offseason? What do you think they could of done better?
BM: I think it was decent. Ruben Amaro is positioning himself as a premier GM in baseball by going out and getting the pieces the team needs to win. Sometimes he may be a bit quick to sign someone, almost bidding against himself at times, but things have worked out so far. I think his hands were tied with the Lee deal so I don't fault him for that. Obviously it would have been great to keep him though. The Polanco deal was ok, but I would have liked to see less of a liability in the field. The Phils havea history of strong defensive third basemen.
BL: Last question, where do you see the Phillies finishing in 2010? Do you think this team is better than the ones from 2008 and 2009?
BM: World Series Champs. They are better on paper than the previous teams and have the experience.
BL: Yeah, fans have to be confident with the team the Phillies have put together.
BM: For sure.
BL: Well that's all I have, thanks for your time. Looking forward to this season, should be really interesting
BM: Yeah definitely. Thank you too.
30 Comments
Good interview. Citizens Bank Park is much better than the Vet. And Shea Stadium was awful. A lot of comments that I agree with and it is good to hear from other teams' fans.
Good interview, but Brian, you're OK with Polanco batting .260?? That would be awful!
Lights will guide you home. And ignite your bones. I will try to fix you.
i'm pretty sure amaro and manuel said many times that polanco will be batting 2nd.
seriously, manny… 260? wtf
Jose Reyes used HGH says SI.com report
HAHAHA, not surprised about Jose Reyes!
Nobody likes that guy anyway.
But seriously here, I cannot bring myself to hate the Mets…simply because they have had so many years of bad luck and just plain terrible playing, that I see more of the Phillies in them than many Mets(or Phillies!) fans would care to admit.
The only New York team I hate doesn't need to be named, since you all know who it is.
Fan at birth, how did you do on your reading comprehension tests? I presume your test scores were not laudable. Jose Reyes utilized this doctor's "state of the art" blood spinning treatment, which is legal; yet you immediately conclude that Reyes used HGH. That's a brilliant assessment. In addition, the innate arrogance and imperious tone on this board is almost comical. Yes, the Phillies are a very good team; but, you seem to forget that the Mets were plagued by unprecedented injuries last year. I wouldn't start flying the 2010 NL East champion flag just yet.
if the mets had won the division the last three years and made the world series twice and won it all once, added arguably the best pitcher in baseball to a roster that didn't lose any really significant pieces and probably upgraded its bench you would probably feel pretty confident that the mets would be favorites to win the east again this year and have a good chance to make the world series again. why would you expect phillies fans to not feel confident going into this season?
I have to say it's not what Polanco hits so much as how he hits. Hasn't the last couple of years taught us the Phils are awesome offensively but the stats get padded out by offensive explosions and not consistent situational hitting, Polanco will help set the table no matter the numbers and that's whats important.
Feel sorry for the Mets sometimes now with a good friend as a Mets fan, the Fish and Braves are far superior teams but as contenders and on the farm. They have Johan, Bay and Wright in the worst ballpark to be in with their bats, Reyes back will help sure and K-Rod's not gonna hurt them but they only have a couple of legit major league prospects and a lot of major league trash and young guys either in or will be in bad roles to develop. Once again would like to shake Gillick and Amaro's hands… Could have gone the Mets way and can't be blamed on this off-seasons finances.
I don't think anyone forgets all the Mets' injuries last year. Maybe if their front office wasn't so incompetent they could have overcome that.
Injuries are no excuse for losing.
I also really dislike Reyes. I don't even think I would like him if he was on the Phils. That aside though he is a devastating player when he is healthy. He is a super dangerous player on the basepaths. He puts a lot of pressure on the defense to make perfect plays and the pitcher and catcher to be perfectly in sync.
I think Beltran is toast. I don't think his legs will ever be the same and I think that knee will always give him problems. Even though he's a Met, I thinks it a real shame because he is a helluva ballplayer. Love that Gary Mathews, Jr. signing. Are you kidding me? Omar Minaya must be brain dead. That tells me that he thinks Beltran might be cooked. I like their rotation a little. That said, I pick them for fourth.
The Dipsy
Minaya has had a terrible off-season, as good as the Bay signing was for the money he can't play anywhere other than left so who's playing right? No other other than Francour unless your going with Pagan… Terrible roster right now even worse on the pitching, trashcan middle relief.
NJ, what I don't understand is how you can be OK with a .260 clip for Polanco when he's a .303 career hitter. And if Polanco actually hits .260 (I don't think it will happen –no freaking way) we'll be WORSE offensively than last year. Freaking Feliz hit higher than .260. We should be expecting an offensive upgrade…
^^…especially with a contact hitter like Polanco. He should be hitting for a high average.
Polanco can: sacrifice, hit to the right side, hit behind the runner, and play hit and run, and not strikeout. No one else on the team other than Utley could do those things when asked.
The Dipsy
I would not be okay if Polanco hits .260 this year. Not only would that be a huge decline from last year, that decline means he'll decline more in 2011. That would mean the extra year jr. gave Polanco was a HUGE mistake.
As far as Reyes goes, I hope that he didn't use steroids, because that would just be another blow to baseball.
I still think we're all underestimating the Mets. If the Phills had as much injuries as the Mets had to their key players, then the Phillies wouldn't contend either. I'm not saying they're gonna win the world series, but they're definitely gonna challenge the Phills.
My 2010 NL East Champions flag is already flying. If you've watched the Mets closely over the years (as painful as that may be) the one thing you've learned is that whatever can go wrong does go wrong for that team. The Braves are the team to watch out for – especially if Heyward is everything they think he is…
Great interview Brian!!
My prediction for the NL East
Yup it is not with the rest of the world thinks, but I have some hunches, Also The mets have way to many holes and iffs
Yeah don't forget though that PECOTA predicted a 92-70 first place finish for the Mets last year with the Phillies just missing the wild card. They've added Bay/lost Delgado and Beltran will miss some time, but they're going to be playing with 2009 in mind.
Bottom line…they still make me nervous.
I agree, with them making me nervous, actually everyone in the NL east makes me nervous!
All 4 of the other teams in the NLEast are highly capable this year, the Nationals have improved a ton, and the Mets are a great team when everyone is healthy, although there are a lot of questions surrounding their pitching. The Braves are as scary as they have ever been in the recent past, and the Marlins have proven that they can field a great team even with a tiny payroll.
Jeff of Nova… off-topic but do u actually go 2 nova cuz im considerin it and was wonderin wat u think of it.
Interesting exchange, but I think Brian had a minor stroke before discussing PP. 0.260 avg for a career .303 hitter who is hitting in front of 4 of the top 20 offensive players in the NL? Bill James, Chone, Fangraphs,…, all project him to hit in the mid .290's, 9 hr, 35 walks, 50 strikeouts, and Charlie has repeatedly stated that he was going to hit 2nd. Even if you consider the switch to 3rd may impact his offense (which I don't think it will), I have a hard time seeing anything less than .285.
When he's healthy and his head is in the game, Reyes is one of the scariest players in baseball. Fortunately for us, he hasn't been healthy for the last 1-1/2 yrs, and I think it would be a stretch to think he'll play 140 games this year.
Regardless of all the statistics mentioned on this board thus far, which we all know can be unreliable at times, I believe that the 2010 Mets, given that they remain healthy, will play better than they did in 2009. Although a conditional statement, if the sufficient condition holds true, then the necessary condition will also be true. Although a subjective assertion, I am nonetheless convinced that the all of the Mets players will remain healthy for the 2010 season in its entirety. The Mets will play better in 2010.
I find the Mets-Phillies rivalry absolutely fascinating, and it is also beneficial to the game of baseball as it attracts more fans and allows for memorable moments to be born. We, northeastern baseball fans, are passionate fans; both Phillies and Mets fans alike are looking forward to 2010 with much alacrity.
April 30th is the date.
Let's go Mets!
Isn't Polanco already penciled-in as the #2 hitter?
Something that people need to consider . . is that a "high average" from the #2 hitter isn't really all that important.
Victorino led the team in hitting each of the past two seasons . . but one of the reasons they went out and got Polanco is that they need a better "hitter" . not for batting average, but someone that can move runners.. battle for tough at-bats.. etc
Rollins on 1st base.. i will take a ground ball to the right side from Polanco every single time. Move Rollins into scoring position where a hit from Utley or Howard will score him. That will be so much better than Victorino whip-swinging at an inside pitch and popping out
Don M, I agree that Polanco is a better situational hitter, and will do a much better job of moving the runner over vs swinging for the fences (never was a fan of Vic at #2). Polanco has hit pretty much everywhere in the order, but a lot at #2 – don't see his average taking a nosedive to .260. He's probably not going to beat his career high (think he hit .341 a few years back). I think the .260, batting #7 was just a slip.
I also think we are going to see a lot more hit and run – Polanco makes contact, can push the ball to a hole if open.
Dave the Mets fan, I think any team could state if healthy, they'll be better, especially after the disastrous 2009 NYM campaign. Beltran is going to be interesting – when he comes back (early May?), he's got a lot of ground to cover in CitiField, and not a lot of help. Are they still considering batting Reyes 3rd? If so, who leads off?
Go Brian Michael …. Right 0n Target . Enjoyed your Great responses in the interview. Job well done…very proud of You.
Mary Jo


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On long overnight flights, bulkhead rows are favored by mothers with children. In fact, the airline may book a family here because it's easier to prop up a temporary crib against the plane in front of the seats.
That may be fine for the family, but nearby passengers may be treated to the cries of small children. If your modus operandi is to sleep across the Atlantic, the bulkhead row may not offer a quiet ride.
Speak Up
On some flights, seats are automatically booked from the back to the front of the plane in that order.
So if you're assigned a seat in the back of the plane, don't automatically accept that 33C seat. Speak up and ask for a seat closer to the front.
You may not get exactly what you want, but you might end up with a far better seat than what the computer had given you.


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Brandon Huffman Selected as BSC's 2011-12 Rahall Transportation Institute Undergrad Student of the Year
CreatedMonday, December 12 2011
Created byJim Nelson/Media Relations - (304) 327-4103 email@example.com
Bluefield State College student Brandon Huffman (center), recently received a $500 award as the 2011-2012 Rahall Transportation Institute Undergraduate Student of the Year at BSC. He is flanked (left-to-right) by Roger Owensby (Assistant Professor & Department Head/Mining Engineering Technology), Bruce Mutter (CEO, CART, Inc.), Erik Baldwin (Associate Professor/Civil Engineering Technology), and Frank Hart (Dean/School of Engineering Technology & Computer Science).
(Bluefield)—Brandon Huffman, a senior in the Civil Engineering Technology program at Bluefield State College, received a $500 award as the 2011-2012 Rahall Transportation Institute (RTI) Undergraduate Student of the Year at BSC.
"Brandon possesses an excellent grasp of the Civil Engineering Technology (CIET) curriculum at Bluefield State College, and he also shows excellent leadership skills, serving as the American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter's President for the second year in a row," noted Kerry Stauffer, Department Head/CIET at Bluefield State. Huffman is also active in the BSC Student Government Association and College Council and he has accumulated actual work experience with Gemark, Inc., Willis Engineering, and Consolidation Coal Company."
"It is an honor to receive this award from RTI and to represent Bluefield State College and the School of Engineering Technology & Computer Science," Huffman said. "I'm thankful to my engineering technology professors, who prepared me for a career in the engineering profession."


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Pop Culture Junkies
by Gina Carbone
Beyonce's halo is looking kind of crooked to animal rights activists.
PETA wasn't happy when Queen B wore a three-quarter-length Christian Dior mink coat to the 2013 Presidential Inauguration and now, according to the New York Daily News, they are mad at her for wearing a Rubin Singer bodysuit — made of python, paneled iguana and leather — at the Super Bowl.
"We would take a bet that if Beyoncé watched our video exposés, she'd probably not want to be seen again in anything made of snakes, lizards, rabbits or other animals who died painfully," PETA stated. "Today's fashions are trending toward humane vegan options, and Beyoncé's Super Bowl outfit missed the mark on that score."
On the other hand, PETA praised Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, who just joined PETA's "Ink, Not Mink" campaign to protest fur. Maybe Beyonce can just hang out with Lady Gaga, who used to be anti-fur but ... not so much anymore.
Source: New York Daily News
Photo Credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images


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Packing list for Benin
|Packing List for [[{{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |3}} {{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |4}} {{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |5}}]]
|These lists has been compiled by Volunteers serving in [[{{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |3}} {{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |4}} {{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |5}}]] based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list!
|[[Image:Flag_of_{{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |3}}{{#if:{{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |4}}|_{{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |4}}|}}{{#if:{{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |5}}|_{{#explode:Packing list for Benin| |5}}|}}.svg|50px|none]]
See also:
For information see Welcomebooks
These lists have been compiled by Volunteers serving in Benin and are based on their experiences. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You can always have century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia things sent to you later. You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight restriction on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Benin. Clothing can very easily be tailor-made from local fabrics. Second-hand clothing is also very popular across Benin and is available in many markets. It is not necessary to bring a large amount of clothing. Nice-quality shoes and sandals can also be made in country. Luggage should be durable, lightweight, and easy to carry as you will be responsible for transporting it in-country. Duffel bags and backpacks without frames work well. A good backpack is priceless because you will likely travel in-country regularly. Almost century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia all the basic items you need can be found here; however, they may not be good quality or they may be expensive. So, if you are particular about something, bring lots!
- Two sturdy water bottles (e.g., Nalgene) or camelback
- Nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries (the longest lasting)
- Battery charger—solar powered or plug in
- Two pair prescription eyeglasses, consider prescription sunglasses as well
- Flashlight or headlamp with batteries and replacement bulb
- Two bathing suits (no bikinis for women)
- Sunglasses
- English dictionary (TEFL)
- Comfortable shoes (toe and ankle strap sandals like Tevas, Chacos are popular with volunteers; note: if you don't like them, but think you might wear them--you probably won't; so don't spend the money on them unless you really think you'll wear them.)
- One pair of dress shoes
- Good pair of tennis shoes
- Business casual clothing in breathable fabrics (two outfits minimum for TEFL Volunteers) - no need to bring a suit or sport coat.
- Plenty and durable cotton T-shirts (many Volunteers prefer darker colors)
- Pants (of lightweight material)
- Blouses/button-down shirts
- Linen/cotton clothing (you can find linen and cotton here and get clothing made; dresses/skirts must be at least knee-length)
- Hats/scarf/bandannas
- Good sturdy bras (bring lots because hand washing wears them out)
- Good underwear (bring a two-year supply; hand washing wears them out)
- Sweater, sweatshirt, or long-sleeve shirt (one, two at most)
- Workout clothes (if you work out). For women, shorts to the knee are a must, modest tank tops ok.
- Pictures from home
- USB flash drive (Peace Corps provides each volunteer with a 128 MB key but larger sizes are useful for backing things up)
- Digital camera
- Short-wave radio or World Space Radio
- Duct tape, duct tape and more duct tape
- Medium book bag (for three- to four-day trips)
- Hairbrush or comb
- Three-month supply of prescription drugs
- Portable alarm clock
- Leatherman or Swiss army knife (remember to pack in your suitcase as checked luggage)
- Towel
Specifically for Women
- Your shoulders and knees need to be covered, so pack accordingly.
- In the south and in some northern cities things are more liberal, so you can bring tank tops (not spaghetti straps).
- Linen pants are great!
Not necessary but useful for some Volunteers
- Wall calendar
- Adaptor (if bringing electrical appliances)
- MP3 player
- Plastic storage bags (e.g., Ziploc)
- Yoga mat or Therm-a-Rest (for when you or a friend needs to sleep on the floor)
- Money belt
- Beauty products/ pampering things for de-stressing (if you use them)
- Money (in large denominations, $50, $100, traveler's checks, euros)
- Your favorite pillow (ones here are not the greatest) or travel pillow
- Spices/spice packets
- Catalogue of clothing (to show to tailor to get copies made)
- Good pens (if they are important to you)
- Good flashlight
TEFL-Specific Suggestions
- Art supplies (markers, crayons, paints, construction paper, rubber cement, etc.)
- Children's books
- World map/map of Africa (can get free from AAA if member)
- Books on CD (there are computers at work stations and in some schools; they are smaller than books, easy to pack, and can be useful (e.g., encyclopedias, journals, etc.)
- Stickers (can be easily sent here, too)
Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
Almost every type of toiletry is available here, but some are quite expensive (such as deodorant, facial creams, and toners). If you prefer a certain brand name, stock up, but otherwise bring a three-month supply for the duration of training.
- Hand wipes
- Medical supplies if special medicine is taken or a preference on certain brands
- Towel
- Aloe-Vera
- Tampons (small OB ones pack well or bring a diva cup because here they are expensive)
- Good hair conditioner
- Hair ties
- Nail clippers, nail file
- Contact lenses and enough solution for two years (Peace Corps does not recommend wearing contacts due to dusty conditions and does not provide solution)
- Deodorant (note that deodorant salt crystals work well and could last your whole service; they're small, too!)
- Basic make-up
- Facial soap
- Basic cookbook and favorite recipes
- Packaged mixes (sauces, salad dressings, soups, Kool-Aid, etc.)
- Most spices are available, but are expensive, so stock up if you like to cook (e.g., cinnamon, Italian spices, allspice, chili powder, curry)
- Freeze-dried foods
- Low-cal sweetener
- Boxed macaroni and cheese
- French press (if you like coffee)
- Good-quality can opener
- Good-quality potato peeler
- Good-quality garlic press
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Good-quality knife
- Pepper grinder
- Any other small kitchen supplies that you like to use


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Mike D@mikedolsx active 4 years, 5 months ago
Great discussion tonight at Look Mum No Hands. Here's the useful bits:
1) Again, getting the dev site live is the top priority.
2) There will be a code sprint Wednesday 16 May from 7pm – 9pm. I've set up this skype perma-chat room for it: http://tinyurl.com/OccupyLondonTechOps (requires skype client + registration).
Mike D changed their profile picture 4 years, 7 months ago
Don't really have time to figure out where this is coming from but when a story is linked from here onto fb, shows this as the preview text: "The official website for the New York General Assembly and the Occupy Wall Street Movement.". I'm guess it has to do with this NYCGA theme. See you guys later this eve at Look Mum No Hands!
Mike D posted a new activity comment 4 years, 7 months agoIn reply to: Mike D posted an update in the group Website Development Don't really have time to figure out where this is coming from but when a story is linked from here onto fb, shows this as the preview text: "The official […] View
Yeah I saw that in the source, just not sure where it's coming from. I'm assuming it's in the top level something or another from the NYCGA theme, I can check it later if it's not taken care of.
We held the first tech ops meeting for Occupy London today at 6:30pm at The William Blake pub near Old Street station. Here are the basic important points:
1. Getting occupylondon.org.uk 100% is the biggest concern. We should use the Website Development working group section on the site to figure out everything that needs to be done.
-…[Read more]
Super. Thanks Mike for that. I just wanted to say though that the bettermeans is quite outdated…when looking it, use the filter for the latest posts. At the moment there are none, as those there refer to the current website and not the developer one.
Great to have meet you all today!
Sorry…that sounded like a criticism. Was not my intention! 🙂 …Just wanted to clarify for the new comers who might get a bit confused.
Mike D joined the group The Occupied Times 4 years, 8 months ago
Vica and Mike D are now friends 4 years, 8 months ago


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text:
One-way or two-way traffic? That is the question. Begun three years ago, the current one-way traffic pattern on Main and Church Streets in Honesdale has split residents and visitors alike into two unbending camps. Each is convinced that nothing less than the safety and prosperity of the borough is at stake. A perennial topic at Honesdale Borough Council meetings, it re-surfaced at the July 8 meeting of the council, this time in connection with safety concerns centered on the 89 reported vehicular accidents on Main and Church streets during the last three years.
Safety committee chair Robert Jennings proposed that the borough engage Bogart Engineering to conduct a study of the accidents, in an effort to determine if the one-way traffic pattern could have been a contributing factor in any of them. Because the initial cost of the Bogart study would be $2,800, president F. J. Monaghan asked police chief Joseph LoBasso if the review of those accidents that the chief had pledged to handle by himself could produce, at no cost to the borough, findings similar or identical to those anticipated from the Bogart study. LoBasso reported that, at this time, his review is ongoing, carried out as time and other job responsibilities permit; barring unforeseen circumstances, he expects to complete it within the next two weeks. But he could not guarantee that his review would determine if any of the accidents resulted either directly or indirectly from the one-way traffic pattern. The council voted to engage Bogart Engineering.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident petitioned the council to lower the speed limit on Cottage Street. Quietly identifying herself as the mother of a child struck by a car while playing on that street, she noted that no speed limit is currently posted on the street and that it lacks signage appropriate for the area, specifically "Children Playing" and "No Outlet." LoBasso informed the council that lowering the speed limit would require new legislation, but that the other signage could be put in place quickly and without the need for legislation. The council thanked the resident for her testimony and agreed to take action as needed.
LoBasso reported that data obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation speed-minders on Main and Church streets, from May 22 to May 28, was encouraging: of the 21,000 vehicles recorded, the average speed on Main Street was 22 mph; on Church Street the average speed was 26 mph. The speed limit on both streets is 25 mph.
Following a vote to require that all volunteer firefighters be screened for hepatitis C, the council went into executive session.


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Abortion suit stopped in federal court
Planned Parenthood to refile challenge to state law
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said it plans to file a state lawsuit over a state law that subjects doctors who perform medication-induced abortions to possible criminal charges.
A Wisconsin State Journal report said the group initially sued in federal court, but it's refiling the case in state court because of jurisdiction issues.
The law requires doctors and patients to take a series of steps before a woman can receive a medication abortion, including verification that she is having the procedure voluntarily.
Planned Parenthood's federal lawsuit claimed that the state law is unconstitutionally vague.
This week Planned Parenthood and the Wisconsin Department of Justice agreed on interpretation of language in the law. But a federal judge said the agreement eliminated the constitutional issue that initially gave her court jurisdiction.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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A look at the animals inhabiting the Great Plains, with photographer Michael Forsberg.
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|Big Red Wrap Up: NU vs. Missouri preview 2009
|This episode of Big Red Wrap Up previews next week's game against Missouri. This week's guest is...
|The Omaha News: October 1, 2009
|This UNO School of Communication produced news program covers the entire Omaha, Nebraska metro area.
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Alleged ring thief faces new chargesDecember 10,2012
Alleged ring thief
faces new charges
BURLINGTON — A man who was charged last year after proposing with a $3,200 ring he allegedly stole from a jewelry store is in trouble again, charged with stealing jewelry, rare coins and other valuables from a residence.
Ryan Jarvis, 26, of Burlington is charged with breaking into a friend's home on Nov. 30 and taking $1,300 worth of merchandise.
WCAX-TV reported that a home surveillance camera allegedly caught Jarvis in the act.
Jarvis was charged last December for allegedly stealing a 1-carat diamond ring from a Zales jewelry store and then giving it to his girlfriend as an engagement ring. Investigators tracked him down after his fiancee posted a photo of the ring on Facebook.MORE IN This Just InAutopsy reveals
how inmate died
BURLINGTON An autopsy shows that a Vermont... Full StoryEco group bows
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So in days of yore when Huddersfield won everything it was perfect, then again Widnes (the cup Kings) and Hull in the good old days just shared the spoils,
Bradford are now, it seems, out for a while and another team will step up.
I wasn't contrasting SL with "the good old days". I was contrasting it with the Championship(s). Some folk think SL rugby is the be-all and end-all, I don't. The Championship may not have the crowds but it does have more variety than SL.


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Welcome to the Utah Public Notice Website: Your central source for all public notice information in Utah
Department of Commerce:
Uniform Building Code Commission, Mechanical Advisory Committee
Entity: Department of Commerce
Body: Uniform Building Code Commission, Mechanical Advisory Committee
Subject: Occupational Licensing
Notice Title: UBCC Architectural Advisory Committee & Mechanical Advisory Committee Joint meeting
Notice Type: Meeting
Event Start Date & Time: May 22, 2012 9:00 AM
UNIFORM BUILDING CODE COMMISSION ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MECHANICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE JOINT MEETING May 22, 2012 9:00 am Sandy Fire Station, 9000 S 150 E Sandy, UT Lower Level This agenda is subject to change up to 24 hours prior to the meeting. 1. Approval of the minutes from the May 9, 2012 joint meeting 2. Review the 2012 IECC INFO ITEMS Please call Sharon at 530-6163 or email firstname.lastname@example.com or email@example.com if you do not plan on attending this meeting.
Notice of Special Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify the Division ADA Coordinator at least three working days prior to the meeting. Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing, 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115, (801) 530-6628 or toll-free in Utah only (866) 275-3675.
Notice of Electronic or telephone participation:
Electronic participation is not planned for this meeting.
Other Information
This notice was posted on: May 10, 2012 10:45 AM
This notice was last edited on: May 10, 2012 10:45 AM
Board/Committee Contacts


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Two Utah troopers performed CPR on one baby and delivered another after a woman pregnant with twins went into labor on a rural stretch of Interstate 80.
Lynette Hales' friend pulled to the shoulder of the road around 9 a.m. Sunday about 25 miles east of Wendover, while Hales delivered her own baby, who wasn't breathing. Her friend called 911 and performed CPR with the instruction of a dispatcher, Salt Lake City TV Station KUTV reported.
When troopers arrived, the baby boy still wasn't breathing, so they continued CPR until he started breathing again. They then turned to the second baby, another boy.
"The trooper delivered the second baby, it gave out a healthy scream and the baby was okay," Sgt. Jimmy Banks told KUTV.
An air ambulance rushed the mother and her babies to Intermountain Medical Center. Hales said she and her boys are doing well, despite their premature birth ahead of an Aug. 11 due date.
Hales named the boys J.J. and A.J. They weighed in at 3 lbs. 6 oz. and 3 lbs. 14 oz., respectively.
Banks said another trooper delivered one baby from a set of twins born on I-80 near Wendover last year.
Troopers have some training to prepare them for similar situations as well as a bag of emergency equipment that includes a bulb to clear babies' airways, he said.


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A Madison man was sentenced Tuesday to 24 months in federal prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm after threatening to shoot his neighbor in July 2012, according to a Department of Justice release.
Esteban Bernard, 27, of Madison, was also charged with being an illegal drug user in possession of a firearm, according to the release. Bernard pleaded guilty to both charges June 18.
According to the criminal complaint, on July 20, 2012, Bernard mistakenly believed his neighbor had stolen money from him and when into the neighbor's Vilas Avenue apartment with several other men.
Bernard pointed a gun at the neighbor and demanded to know where his money was, according to the release. Bernard told his neighbor he was going to die, pistol-whipped the neighbor repeatedly, and beat him over the head.
Officials said when they got to the scene, Bernard had sent the gun away in a friend's vehicle but it was tracked down within a few hundred feet of the apartment building.
A search warrant lead to officials finding a second pistol and a small marijuana-growing operation in Bernard's apartment, according to the release. Fingerprint and DNA evidence linked Bernard to both weapons.
Bernard was charged also in state court and ultimately pleaded guilty to charges relating to drug possession, trespass of a dwelling, and a battery, receiving a sentence of five months in jail, according to the release.


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Oscar nominations: From book to blockbuster
Published On: Feb 29 2012 08:20:11 AM CST Updated On: Jan 14 2013 01:00:49 AM CST
Many of the Oscar-nominated movies originated as books. In fact, Hollywood had been mining bookshelves for ideas for years -- and film audiences have been delighted with many great movies as a result. Check out some of the books that have been turned into the greatest films of all time.
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms Of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms.


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Yes- if Stat was playing like he did last year we would be a serious threat. Unfortunately he is not.
I think he liked being the center of attention. Now he's not even the second person in the spot light. More like the fourth...
I want to make this thread to try to get people to stop hatin' on the big dog STATue right now.
I understand why people are all over this guy. Yes he makes 20 million a year from us, yes he sucks at defending, and yea he's had a sub-par season so far.
However, we are not gonna trade Amarknee and here's why:
* Uninsured contract
* Cannot trade him to a rival
* Won't get fair value
* Won't get a good big in return (which we would need)
There is no point hoping for us to trade him because it will not happen. Definitely not this season. So what's the point in pouring negativity on this guy? For better or worse we are stuck with him. I have full faith in him to return to being a dominant offensive PF. Defensively who knows, but I feel at least as long as he can put the effort in he can only get better playing alongside defensive guru's like Tyson Chandler and Jeffries.
Stoudemire has done so many things for this franchise in such a short time. Regardless of whether he did it for the money or whatever, he brought us back to relevancy which has been the catalyst for us being in the position we are in today.
He dragged us through most of last season and it was down to him we went to the playoffs at all. NINE in a row 30+ point performances to bring us back Jeremy Lin style from a piss poor record. He is a big part of the reason Carmelo Anthony came to NY and thus the reason Tyson Chandler came to NY.
He's played below his standards this season but he is bringing it together bit by bit.
His stats have been a bit off, he's averaging 18/8/1 on 45% shooting, not great by his standards.
However the last 10 games he's up to nearly 20/9/1 with 48.5% shooting. Gradually things are on the up, as he gels with Lin more his FG% should go back to normal. PPG is quite negligible if he's putting up 20+, depending how Lin, Anthony, Smith, Chandler are scoring it's more than enough.
There are a few things I'd love to see from STAT. One to regain that first step he had last year to get by his defender when he's in close and to get up for those blocks. Also he needs to commit to screening a lot more, not only for the PNR with Lin, but when Melo returns, STAT and Tyson can make his life 100x easier setting picks for him so he can get to his sweet spots and catch and shoot. Imagine Melo, who has to put almost no energy into offense due to solid play from Lin and his bigs. Thus having energy to play defense. Sweet sweet music!
Healthy Productive STAT
That is a championship calibre team no doubt with STAT being a major cog. We can't just write off one of the major pieces of the puzzle. We need to get where KingStarbury would love to be, behind this guy.
Last edited by RunningJumper; Mar 23, 2012 at 00:07.
Yes- if Stat was playing like he did last year we would be a serious threat. Unfortunately he is not.
I think he liked being the center of attention. Now he's not even the second person in the spot light. More like the fourth...
Nice thread, smokes.
I agree entirely, but I can't help but cuss his ass with some of the defensive fumbles he's been responsible for in the last few games. All in all, I think he's doing pretty well, and will continue to improve on that.
Naturally I'm unaware of what's been said at practice/in the locker room, but if STAT wants the attention he clearly craves for his efforts, he's going to have to restructure a little.
Rebound, block some shots, shut down opponents.
If we can get more production out of those 3 categories, he'll be closer to deserving that enormous pay cheque.
Does anyone else think, that the 20lbs, he put on, has effected his lift.He might need to lose some of that, because iv'e never seen him getting his shot blocked like this.Smoke i like this thread, iv'e been supporting STAT all year, he'll come around.
This is a guy who brought basketball back to MSG by himself, well with the help of Raymond Felton. I'm tired of people going at STAT for his performance ever since Melo came in. Its pretty obvious why the man cant drop 40 anymore. WE DID NOT HAVE A TRUE PICK AND ROLL PG.I mean is it not kinda weird that his STATS (lol) went down ever since we let go of Felton? But now with Lin there slowly going back up? I mean our genius coach before Linsanity was feeding the ball to Amare by the 3 point line. Show me one time where Amare was known for creating his own shot. We signed him knowing he cant create his own shot and that hes a pick and roll pf, REASON we picked up Felton.
Now we have Lin, a true PG. So now we can officially judge STAT.
Why doesn't he play like Jefferies and Tyson? With heart, with passion & fire. He did that last year. Where did his Knicks heart go? Did it leave together with his game? Maybe he doesn't wanna play on the big stage anymore.
I will love him - when he love me - If he loved me - he would play hard for me. He doesn't....
2. Fine, we'll find a non rival team to trade him to. If it comes down to it we should buy him out
3. It would be another team that wouldnt get fair value, if all we got for Stat was a d leaguer, a basketball, and 2 water bottles that would be a great trade for us
4. Its not like hes a good big, hes more like a shooting guard
We could really use the money from his contract to re-sign Lin, JR Smith, and others
I have no idea why Carmelo has been under so much scrutiny. Negative Stats is the problem and he needs to go
lets call up Philly ... i think they wanted a trade didnt they
If we could trade him for Josh Smith or Pau Gasol I'd do it in a heartbeat.
If we had things your way, we would have traded Fields for peanuts when he was struggling and would eventually have a team full of crap no one else wants since EVERY player struggles now and then.
Prime example? Look at Dirk. He was playing like absolute shiit early this year until he got slowly into shape. I'm hoping the same case goes with Amare. He just lost his brother and he's definitely not in game shape physically or mentally. Hopefully he can get groove back slowly.


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Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Costa Rica
|Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in [[{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Costa Rica| |6}} {{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Costa Rica| |7}} {{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Costa Rica| |8}}]]
|As a Peace Corps Volunteers, you will have to adapt to conditions that may be dramatically different than you have ever experienced and modify lifestyle practices that you now take for granted. Even the most basic practices— talking, eating, using the bathroom, and sleeping — may take significantly different forms in the context of the host country. If you successfully adapt and integrate, you will in return be rewarded with a deep understanding of a new culture, the establishment of new and potentially lifelong relationships, and a profound sense of humanity.
| See also:
Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyles by Country
Pre-Departure Checklist
For information see Welcomebooks
|[[Image:Flag_of_{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Costa Rica| |6}}{{#if:{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Costa Rica| |7}}|_{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Costa Rica| |7}}|}}{{#if:{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Costa Rica| |8}}|_{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Costa Rica| |8}}|}}.svg|100px|none]]
- 1 Communications
- 2 Housing and Site Location
- 3 Living Allowance and Money Management
- 4 Food and Diet
- 5 Transportation
- 6 Geography and Climate
- 7 Social Activities
- 8 Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior
- 9 Personal Safety
- 10 Rewards and Frustrations
Airmail to and from Costa Rica takes one to two weeks. Volunteers in more remote areas of the country have an additional delay. You can receive mail at the Peace Corps office both during training and as a Volunteer. The mailing address of the Peace Corps office is:
"Your Name," PCT
Cuerpo de Paz
Apartado Postal 1266
1000 San José
Costa Rica
Once you have completed training, you will be responsible for sending the address of your new site to friends and family. Most sites are near post offices, and Volunteers can rent a post office box or have mail delivered directly to their home.
We discourage you from having people send you money, airline tickets, or other valuable items through the mail. Items mailed in "bubbled" manila envelopes have a better chance of arriving at your site without being delayed by customs. Larger packages have to go through customs and sometimes mysteriously disappear in transit. Retrieving packages from customs is time-consuming and often requires payment of duty fees.
DHL, Federal Express, and other couriers have offices in Costa Rica. If your friends or relatives want to send you something by courier, they should send it to the Peace Corps office, for which a phone number and directions to a street address are usually required. The Peace Corps/Costa Rica office phone number is 011.506.231.4122; the fax number is 011.506.220.3275. The Peace Corps/Costa Rica office address and directions are: Mucho Gusta practicar deportes. soy de bilar.
"Your Name," PCT
Cuerpo de Paz
Del Banco Interfin en Sabana Norte, dos cuadras al oeste y una cuadra al sur. Diagonal a la residencia del embajador de España, frente al Parque Perú.
San José, Costa Rica
International phone service to and from Costa Rica is good. One can make direct calls to the United States at phone centers located throughout the country, using a calling card (e.g., from MCI, AT&T, Sprint, or the Costa Rican telephone company) or calling collect. During training, most of the host families that Volunteers live with have telephones; if they do not, there is likely to be a neighbor with a phone or a public phone nearby. Telephone service is more limited at a few rural sites. The Peace Corps issues a beeper to Volunteers who live with families that do not have phones.
Fax service is also available in most cities, usually at the local post office. The post office charges a fee for both sending and receiving faxes. LOL. Once you are at your assigned site, you can send a fax number to your friends and relatives for easier communication.
You do not need a cellular phone to carry out your work in Costa Rica. Most U.S. cellphones are not compatible with the cellular technology in Costa Rica, although there are plans to change this in the near future.
To reach you in an emergency, your family can call the Office of Special Services at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., at 800.424.8580 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 800.424.8580 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, extension 1470 (or 202.638.2574 during nonbusiness hours). The Office of Special Services will contact Peace Corps/Costa Rica as soon as possible to relay the information.
Computer, Internet, and E-mail Access
You will have access to computers and the Internet at the Volunteer resource center at the Peace Corps office in San José. Because these computers are shared among all Volunteers in-country, access depends on demand. In addition, Volunteers in the children, youth, and families project have limited access to computers at the local child welfare office. Bringing a personal computer to Costa Rica increases your risk of being a victim of theft. Nevertheless, some Volunteers bring laptop computers with them, which they find useful for work purposes, but access to the Internet may be limited.
Housing and Site Location
Currently, there are Volunteers in all parts of the country: the Central Valley, Limón on the Caribbean coast, Puntarenas on the Pacific coast, as far north as Los Chiles near the Nicaraguan border, and as far south as Paso Canoas on the Panama border. While sites vary in size, climate, and distance to downtown San José (from 20 minutes to eight hours by bus), each has been preselected by the Peace Corps in consultation with relevant host country agencies as being a community where a Volunteer will find plenty of work opportunities and support.
Volunteers in the children, youth, and families project live in urban, semi-urban, or rural communities. While Volunteers in the community development and micro-enterprise development projects will live in rural/semi-rural communities. Volunteers in urban sites usually have access via a short bus ride to services such as banks, post offices, and hospitals. Volunteers in more rural areas have to take a longer bus ride to the nearest large town to mail letters or cash checks. Some sites are converted squatter settlements made up of a combination of tin and wood shacks, but most sites have recently built two- or three-room cement block buildings with corrugated steel roofs. All Volunteer houses have cold running water and electricity, and most have phones. In all communities, you will find a church, a school, and general stores (pulperías) that sell staples such as rice, black beans, tuna, soap, soft drinks, and snack food.
During training, you will live with a family selected by the training staff in one of several training communities. During your first year of service, you are also required to live with a family in your assigned community. This promotes your integration into the community, increases your language skills, and helps ensure your safety. The families are recommended by community leaders and approved by your program manager. Requests to live independently during the second year are approved on a case-by-case basis.
The family you stay with, which is likely to include children, will probably have a home modest in size and comfort. While the Peace Corps requests that Volunteers be given their own room, you may find that its walls do not reach the ceiling or are very thin. It is important to remember that the concept of individual space in Costa Rica is different from that in America. While some Volunteers find living with a family frustrating at times, they also concede that it is an enriching way to experience a new culture and develop an awareness of its values.
While you will find most Costa Rican people to be kind and good, communities also have members with a variety of problems, including substance abuse and alcoholism, low income, single parenthood, child abuse, high unemployment, and delinquency. Therefore your safety is of major concern, and you will have to adjust and conform to different norms of behavior and take continual precautions to maximize your safety. (The Health Care and Safety chapter provides more information on this important issue.)
Living Allowance and Money Management
During pre-service training, the Peace Corps will open an electronic debit account (in colóns) for you at Banco Naciónal, to which you can gain access from any of the bank's automated teller machines throughout the country. (Most ATM cards from U.S. banks can also be used at local banks.) The debit card can also be used at most larger businesses. The Peace Corps pays host families a set amount to cover your food, lodging, and laundry during training and deposits a small "walking-around allowance" in your account for other expenses.
When you become a Volunteer, the Peace Corps will begin depositing a living allowance in your account every month, along with a one-time settling-in allowance (about $200) to purchase items to set up your home. The amount of the living allowance is based on an annual cost-of-living survey of current Volunteers and is intended to cover all of your essential expenses, i.e., rent, local travel, food, and entertainment. You will negotiate the rent you pay your host family using guidelines provided by the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps encourages you to maintain a lifestyle similar to that of the people with whom you live and work, so you do not need to bring additional money. Nevertheless, many Volunteers bring at least one major credit card in case they need to make a major personal purchase or for out-ofcountry travel. If you choose to bring extra money, we
recommend that you bring traveler's checks or open a local bank account in dollars to minimize the risk of loss or theft. There is also a safe at the Peace Corps office in which Volunteers can store cash, credit cards, traveler's checks, and important documents.
You will also accrue $24 per month of Volunteer service for a vacation allowance, deposited monthly in your account in local currency. Some Volunteers regularly transfer their leave allowance into a dollar account to prevent losses resulting from devaluation of the local currency.
Food and Diet
During training, your host family will prepare all of your meals. Once you are a Volunteer, you can arrange to have all or some of your meals with your host family or buy and prepare your own food.
The availability of fresh fruits and vegetables depends on the season and the region. Costa Ricans tend to eat few green vegetables, favoring root vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassavas, etc.). Volunteers sometimes comment on the lack of diversity in the local diet, which relies heavily on rice and beans and starchy foods fried in oil or lard. Many families do not eat a lot of meat because of its cost. Although almost any specialty food can be purchased at supermarkets in San José, these imported products are not part of the local diet and are well beyond the economic means of most host families.
It is relatively easy for vegetarians to maintain their diet in Costa Rica, since rice and beans are the staple foods. However, Costa Ricans often prepare their vegetables with meat or in meat broth, so you will have to make special arrangements to maintain a strictly vegetarian diet.
The country has an extensive road system of more than 18,600 miles (30,000 km), although much of it is in disrepair. The main cities in the Central Valley are connected by paved, all-weather roads to the Caribbean and Pacific coasts and to the Pan American Highway, which goes to Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica's neighbors to the north and south. Unfortunately, the rate of traffic-related fatalities is one of the highest per capita in the world.
Volunteers travel mostly by public bus. Costa Rica has an extensive and dependable bus system that operates in most of the country. The service is inexpensive and usually runs on a set schedule several times a day. In the San José metropolitan area, however, traffic jams often extend travel times.
The Peace Corps recommends taking "official" taxis at night; the red cars with yellow triangles on the front doors are easily identifiable. Most fares within the San José area are determined by using the meter (called the María), but longer distances are usually set at a fixed rate.
Volunteers are not allowed to drive motorized vehicles except during an official vacation. Many Volunteers request and receive bicycles from the Peace Corps to facilitate travel around their sites. Volunteers who are issued a bicycle must receive safety training and wear a bicycle helmet provided by the Peace Corps. Volunteers are not allowed to drive or ride as a passenger on the bat mobile.
Geography and Climate
There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica, rainy and dry. In much of the country, the rainy season lasts from May to November, but parts of the Caribbean coast receive rain year-round. And when it rains, it really rains, with heavy afternoon downpours resulting in flooded or muddy streets. The driest months in San José are December through April. The southwestern plains and mountain slopes receive more rain, averaging only three dry months a year. Temperatures vary little between seasons—the main influence on temperature is altitude. San José, at almost 3,800 feet (1,150 meters), has temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The coasts and lowlands are much hotter, averaging 72 degrees at night and 86 degrees during the day.
Training takes place in several communities in the Central Valley (near San José), so be prepared for warm days and cool nights. You will need a warm jacket or heavy sweater, especially during the rainy season, when the dampness and wind make it quite chilly. A blanket (easily purchased in Costa Rica) is necessary for sleeping even at lower altitudes.
The climate in your future work site will depend on where you are located. You should be prepared for a location that is very hot, somewhat cooler, or anything in between.
Social Activities
Since your assignment will entail working with people, much of your "work" time will be spent socializing and getting to know community members by drinking a cafecito (coffee) with them. This time with community members is important to building the trust necessary to work effectively with them. The Peace Corps expects Volunteers to spend most evenings and weekends working or socializing in their community, except when they work in another community on integrated programming efforts. In fact, Volunteers may spend only one weekend night per month away from their site for non-workrelated reasons, unless they have requested vacation time.
Most Volunteers celebrate birthdays, weddings, and holidays with their host families. Other activities depend on the size of the community. Smaller sites have activities at the community center, local school, soccer field, and churches. Larger communities may also have restaurants, a movie theater, a dance hall or disco, and special cultural activities. When you are in San José, you will find a variety of movie theaters, music and theater performances, art galleries, museums, and sports events. In addition, you are likely to discover places of incredible natural beauty close to your site and throughout the country.
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior
As a novelty in your community, you will be noticed, and your dress and behavior will be commented upon. Therefore, to minimize any unnecessary obstacles in your work and personal relations, you must respect local cultural norms. To help ensure that you serve as a positive role model by working in a professional and ethical manner, you will be asked to sign a copy of the code of behavior that governs the Peace Corps program in Costa Rica.
Personal appearance delivers a message, whether intended or unintended. As in the United States, dressing appropriately in Costa Rica can enhance your credibility, since it reflects your respect for the customs and expectations of the people with whom you live and work. Inappropriate dress, like inappropriate behavior, is something that can set you unnecessarily apart from your community. Until you become well-known by Costa Ricans, your dress will be an important indicator to them. From the biggest city to the remotest village, you will be judged, especially initially, on your appearance.
Costa Ricans dress very neatly and take great pride in looking good in public (i.e., clean with ironed clothes, polished shoes, and groomed hair), even on informal occasions. "Dressing down" as a personal statement does not occur to most people, since they are still struggling to better their lives. For example, it may be confusing and offensive to them to see a "rich" North American wear dirty gym shoes when dressier shoes are appropriate. A Volunteer who looks "young" can gain greater acceptance of his or her ideas by wearing the right outfit, which generally means wearing what Costa Ricans wear in the same situation. For example, in schools, Costa Rican women tend to wear skirts, dresses, or pressed pants and men tend to wear collared shirts with pants. When visiting with neighbors, however, you can wear casual clothes. You are expected to observe these guidelines for dress during pre-service training as well.
On the coast and in the big cities, shorts are acceptable for doing household projects and for recreational or sports activities. Shorts may not be worn at the Peace Corps office or in other professional settings (long culottes are acceptable for women). In hot areas, women often wear tank tops, sundresses, and dressy sandals for work.
Personal Safety
More detailed information about the Peace Corps' approach to safety is outlined in the Health Care and Safety chapter, but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, and being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers, especially women, experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most Volunteers complete their two years of service without personal security incidents. The Peace Corps has established procedures and policies designed to help Volunteers reduce their risks and enhance their safety and security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Costa Rica. At the same time, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.
Rewards and Frustrations
The Peace Corps is not for everyone. You will have to cope with the frustrations of working in a new culture with different norms and behaviors. You may be made fun of because of your difference from Costa Ricans. You must be willing to live with a family, even it makes you feel like a child again or makes you feel like you never leave your work. You will work with government employees who are often overworked and underappreciated. The work can be mentally and physically stressful because of Costa Rica's complex social problems. Resources may be limited and facilities inadequate.
You will need to find inner reserves of strength to continue your work with enthusiasm, new ideas, and much patience. In most cases, you will structure your own time. You must possess the self-confidence and vision to continue working toward long-term goals without always seeing immediate results.
You will find that the key to satisfying work as a Peace Corps Volunteer is the ability to establish successful human relationships at all levels—with your host family, the community members with whom you work, counterpart agencies and school officials, and your fellow Volunteers. You can expect Costa Ricans to be friendly and interested in having you in their community. You will acquire a sense of accomplishment when small projects are made effective because of your efforts. In addition, acceptance into a foreign culture and acquisition of a second or even a third language are significant rewards. If you have the personal qualifications needed to meet the challenges of two years of service in Costa Rica, you will have a rewarding, enriching, and lasting experience. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have had a positive impact on other people's lives while making much-needed contributions to the goals of Peace Corps/Costa Rica. Judging by the experience of former Volunteers, the rewards are well worth the difficult times, and most Volunteers leave Costa Rica feeling that they gained much more than they sacrificed during their service.


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Omfg loving the pictures : D
Awesome bio, pretty neat o^o
amazing, awesome bio
amazing bio hachibi-sama! this is too good long live kirabi!!!
Awesome Bio Kirabi sama.
Originally Posted by ~Anubis~
Awesome Bio Kirabi sama.
I thought it was hachibi sama o_o
Kirabi-sensei, under Jinchuuriki transformations, you placed the old ones. The new ones are much more beneficial and stronger. You even added it under your ninjutsu.
Those are some great pictures ^^
Nice bio
Thank you all.
Kirabi, you didn't see my post
Great bio, the layout is amazing.
Originally Posted by Gondar
Kirabi, you didn't see my post
the ones I posted were simply the actualy techniques to transform. The ones under transformation are the actual rules behind the techniques.
Steals you bio *
You can grow a garden in your mind!
A perfect jinchuriki,
Also known as Killer Bee.
The bio is all annihilation,
times 20 with host transformation!!!
Nice biography! Looks great!
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Fight for health's sakeFebruary 11,2013
Fight for healths sake
As a two-time cancer survivor and mother of two children, I am shocked and concerned by the increasing number of Vermonters who are being told they have cancer. What is even more shocking is the fact that so many types of cancer can be prevented.
Nearly 4,000 Vermonters are diagnosed with cancer each year. Obesity is responsible for a third of all cancer deaths, second only to tobacco. Over 58 percent of Vermont adults and nearly 27 percent of our kids are overweight or obese. The science is clear. Obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition are major risk factors for cancer, including colon, esophageal, kidney, endometrial and postmenopausal breast cancer.
Sugary beverages, like soda, energy and sport drinks are major drivers of the obesity epidemic, especially among children. Leaders within the Legislature who care about the health of Vermont kids have proposed a one penny per once excise tax on these beverages. This tax is projected to reduce consumption of sodas and other sugary beverages by up to 24 percent. Additionally, it will raise $27 million to be used for important programs like making health care more affordable for low- and middle-income Vermonters.
This proposed tax is not a tax on the people of Vermont, it is a tax on a harmful product with no nutritional value. Sugar-sweetened beverages have been proven to be a driving factor in the skyrocketing rates of obesity in Vermont and the nation.
I urge our lawmakers to support the sugar-sweetened beverage tax to stem the obesity epidemic, and make the fight against obesity and cancer a priority.
Brandi Jagemann
MontpelierMORE IN LettersA sixth-offense DUI gets plead down to a misdemeanor. A breathalyzer is refused. Full StoryBurr Morses recollection (Whats good for the goose, Nov. Full StoryMSNBC news analyst Rachel Maddows report on the election of Republican Rutherford B. Full Story
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Topps? How About T-oops!
Ever wonder how the makers of baseball cards have shots of players with their new teams all ready before the season has even started (and spring training has barely started)?
Well, in the dark ages they used to take head shots of players with their heads tilted up, obscuring the logo on the cap, specifically to simplify the process of airbrushing out the offending team colors and adding the new ones.
Now, with the wonders of Photoshop, Cliff Lee can appear on a Topps Opening Day card, in game action, wearing a Seattle Mariners uniform.
One little problem, though.
The black HK patch that the Phillies wore last season to honor the late Harry Kalas is still visible on Lee's left side, just above the Mariners logo.
Wow, I didn't realize Harry was so beloved that even Seattle wanted to honor him!😉
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That is hysterical! T-oops, indeed!
Enjoy your time at the games in FL. I hope they will be as fun as you anticipate–and hopefully, not too many rainouts! I think they finally got rid of the colder weather down there!😉
I've enjoyed reading your entries during the off-season. Now that ST and the regular season are about to start, I'll be around a lot less–perhaps, though, I'll stop in during InterLeague play. Thanks for interacting with me during the off-season, and I hope Halladay does well for your Phillies! Thanks, Sue, and take care.🙂


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Authorities ID man found dead in burned car
Car was stuck in snow bank
Authorities said a man who was found dead in a burned car in western Wisconsin was stuck in a snow bank when the vehicle caught fire.
A statement from the Pierce County Sheriff's Department on Monday said 46-year-old Jeffrey Dennis Matthews, of Hager City, was driving on his parents' property near Hager City.
Sheriff's officials said the evidence shows Matthews was turning around when his car became stuck.
Family members told investigators Matthews would have remained in the vehicle and waited for help since overnight temperatures were in the teens. But at some point a fire started in the engine compartment and Matthews never got out.
His car was found Saturday morning after the fire was out.
Nobody lives on the property, but there are storage buildings there.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Hello -
I am due in November with our first baby, and I want desperately to breastfeed, however, I know that thyroid issues can impact milk supply, etc. I had my thyroid removed in 2004 due to Cancer and have been on hormone replacement since then, with good results - normal levels, etc. We have been monitoring my thyroid throughout the pregnancy and it too has been normal. I am just wondering if there is any information out there about thyroid and breastfeeding that I should know, to increase my chances of being able to successfully breastfeed my baby. I know many women are on thyroid hormone replacement and it probably doesn't have an impact, but I am wondering if my situation poses a new set of problems. A friend of mine had a similar experience and never did have any supply after giving birth. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!


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Vt. to offer new welfare-to-work program
MONTPELIER Participants in Vermonts Reach Up welfare-to-work program will see longer-term child care subsidies and an increase in the amount of income the program will disregard when calculating benefits.
Supporters say the bill, passed in the final hours of the legislative session, will help address a so-called benefit cliff in which people sometimes go to work and see their state benefits drop so steeply that joining the work force looks like a bad deal.
Not having child care to be able to go to work, or worrying about losing more in benefits than you earn is a poverty trap, said Heather Newcomb, a former Reach Up participant.
The legislation passed Saturday addresses both concerns. The governor is expected to sign the bill.
Depending on income eligibility guidelines, it would increase the amount of time a Reach Up recipient exiting the program can get state child care subsidies from one year to two.
It also increases the amount of monthly income the state will disregard in calculating benefits.
This legislation tells families that if you work you keep more of what you earn, said Christopher Curtis, a Vermont Legal Aid lawyer and co-chairman of the governors Pathways from Poverty Council. It may sound modest to some, but this pays for diapers and dairy for a lot of families.
Dave Yacovone, commissioner of the Vermont Department for Children and Families, said the bill increases the amount of earnings a family can get and remain eligible for benefits.
He offered the example of a household with earnings of $1,000 per month, saying the income disregard point would amount to $250 plus 25 percent of earnings. That means the family in this case would have benefits calculated on $500 in monthly income. Currently, the formula is $200 plus 25 percent of earnings.
He said that will help many of the roughly 6,360 households, or more than 16,000 people, in the Reach Up program.
Newcomb now works at FRESH Food, a Winooski kitchen operated by Vermont Works for Women, where she trains current program participants and others in the culinary arts and prepares them to work in commercial kitchens and restaurants.
She said the increase in disregarded income might have helped her when she moved from Reach Up to a $9-per-hour job in 2005. She was offered a raise of 25 cents per hour, asked her Reach Up caseworker how that would affect her benefits, and was told she couldnt find out until she filed a change report and the benefits were recalculated.
It ended up that a $40-per-month increase in pay cost me $100 in benefits, Newcomb said. It put me in the hole by $60 per month.
One thing unchanged in the bill is the amount of assets the state will disregard when calculating Reach Up benefits. That figure remains at $2,000, although advocates for low-income residents had pushed for an increase to $5,000.
Newcomb, 43, said she lost her job last year, applied to begin receiving Reach Up benefits and was told she would have to cash out an individual retirement account in which she had saved about $5,000.
She did so, paid taxes and a penalty for early withdrawal, and was required to prove she had spent the money, which she did by paying off a credit card account.MORE IN Vermont NewsMONTPELIER Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. Full StoryVermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell plans to join the U.S. Full StoryAs Rutland prepares to welcome Syrian refugees to its community, some are continuing to voice... Full Story
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George Zimmerman Acquittal Sparks Twitter Rage
People start to react to the verdict in the Trayvon Martin shooting case.
People start to react to the verdict in the Trayvon Martin shooting case.
Comment hidden due to low rating: President Barack Obama....I just want to personally thank you for leaving us with a robust economy and strong housing market! Thank you for visiting Japan and apologizing for the atomic nuclear holocaust in Hiroshima and Nagasaki! Thank you for pushing for stricter gun laws to protect our nation from further mass shootings! Thank you for boosting the Stock Market after Bush's recession! Thank you for continuing to lower gas prices! Thank you for implementing the Affordable Care Act to help out 30 million uninsured Americans with pre-existing health conditions. Thank you for being a kind, compassionate man who stands up for those who have no voices like the Muslim-Americans and undocumented immigrants. I appreciate that we you killed Bin Laden, did NOT invade any Middle Eastern nation, and involved America in NO MORE FUTILE WARS! I understand that the debt went up after you saved 1.2 million American jobs when you bailed out the auto industry. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY NOW THAT DONALD TRUMP IS UNOFFICIALLY OUR PRESIDENT BY THE ELECTORAL VOTE AND NOT BY THE POPULAR VOTE. IT IS SUCH A SHAME THAT MR TRUMP IS ABOUT TO DESTROY AMERICA, BRING BACK TRICKLE-DOWN ECONOMICS, GIVE HUGE TAX CUTS TO THE WEALTHY, AND DEMOLISH THE MIDDLE CLASS BY RAISING OUR TAXES! .....You and your elegant wife are a such a class act who have made my life so much better and I will sincerely miss you both Mr. and Mrs. Obama!


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You've come a long way, baby
April 3, 2013 —
Preconceived notions are a funny thing—rarely true and often misleading. So, I was not prepared for the reality of how beauty pageants have actually changed over the years. Since Easter and Passover were taking center stage, my schedule was not as full as usual, so I took advantage of the opportunity to immerse myself in the Sullivan County Pageant held in Callicoon, NY (www.villaroma.com) last weekend. Given the current onslaught of negative press and (somewhat frightening) reality shows, I was nervous that a "Toddlers and Tiaras" atmosphere would prevail and that the place would be filled with scary moms and overly tanned brats (can you say Honey Boo Boo?) teetering about in high heels, flashing impossibly white teeth while shoving competitors aside for their moment in the limelight.
To be honest, while the cutthroat world of pageantry appears to be thriving elsewhere in the country, here at home, not so much. Discovering a Facebook page devoted to the yearly event, I checked it out and made note that the local pageant site states that it is "far from a beauty contest" and that "we encourage ladies of Sullivan County to 'go mad or go out' and make a difference in the community." That looked good on the screen, but I had my doubts. But I reserved judgment and strode into the theatre, canine beauty queen in tow, with a (somewhat) open mind.
As usual, there were many familiar faces packing the house, which was standing room only by the time I arrived. Yes, there was a cloud of hairspray hanging over the room and yes, there were ladies ranging in age from five to 40 excitedly preparing for the big show (wearing sequins and crowns), but the overall impression was one of genuine camaraderie among the contestants milling about in the makeshift backstage area, primping and soothing each others' nerves as the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the crowd. Already impressed with the set and lighting, I whipped out my trusty camera and focused on the reigning Miss Sullivan County, AnnaRose Mangiello, as she took center stage and belted out the national anthem in a stunning gown, looking every inch a beauty queen.


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A great big thank you goes out to all of the employers, students and alumni who took part in our recent job fair on March 15. This hugely successful event featured 11 employers and drew more than 100 students and alumni to campus to apply for more than 50 positions.
Opportunities included post graduate jobs, part-time summer jobs and internships with employers looking to hire artists, programmers, marketing assistants and retail associates to name a few of the positions available. A good number of the students who completed employment applications at the job fair, have been asked to take the next step and interview for those positions.
From the minute the doors opened at 10AM until they closed at 2PM, students and alumni flocked into the Dragon's Den, resumes in hand and waited patiently to talk to each of the employers present. In preparation, Nikki Love, Director of Cogswell College's Career Services, had offered numerous sessions over the last few months on interviewing techniques and resume development to help students be successful at the job fair.
For more information about the next job fair or to advertise a position to Cogswell College students and alumni, please contact Nikki Love at email@example.com or phone her at 408-498-5102.


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Would you like to receive free chapters from popular books in your daily email?
Click here to join the Barron F. Black Branch book club. With your free book chapters, you will also receive a list of events at Barron F. Black Branch Library.
Tales to Tails @ Barron F. Black
- Date: 09/07/2013 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Location: Barron F. Black Branch Library
6700 East Tanners Creek Drive
Norfolk, Virginia 23513
The Tales to Tails program encourages school-aged children to practice their reading skills by sharing stories with book-loving therapy dogs.Return to full list >>
Registration is required
(757) 441-5806
Registration is required
(757) 441-5806


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(good its settled)
*nel looks for pechie and dondachaka while seth is out* nel: pechie dondachaka were are you two
Originally Posted by SamuraiNinja1
(thats what i was saying no itachi you can have number 3 and we will demot nel to number 7 good for everyone then)
(yeah i love that idea)
(awsome then)
(I know I'm late but can I be a espada)
Originally Posted by kisamerox9
(I know I'm late but can I be a espada)
( it's never late and yes you can except 0 and 3 and they are taken)
(May I be #4)
Originally Posted by kisamerox9
(May I be #4)
yeah but first you need to beat Ulquiorra)
(But hes already dead?)
Originally Posted by kisamerox9
(But hes already dead?)
( yeah about that i wanted it that way too cause the story of my character is after them all die but samurai made it this way so for my story we had halibel dead (long story don't ask) but every one else including aizen are alive )
(yes you can be #4 just beat uqiora and aizen is still alive kuz kiria said so)
Originally Posted by SamuraiNinja1
(yes you can be #4 just beat uqiora and aizen is still alive kuz kiria said so)
( she did? oh ok )
Name:Akemi Rank: 6
(right below Aizen) (number on her leg)
Originally Posted by kiriahatake
Name:Akemi Rank: 6
(right below Aizen) (number on her leg)
(wow looks nice i like her )
*wandering around looking for suitable holows*
Originally Posted by Tobi IsA GoodBoy
(wow looks nice i like her )
(Thanks )
*sits down and thinks out loud* where is every1?
Akemi walks up to you.
"What do you mean number seven?"
Her Number 6 shows on her leg as she walks over to you.
Nero: *looks up* if you were talking to me, i'm number 3 :p lifts up shirt revealing a 3 on his heart.
"Sorry I thought you were Kyro...I'm pretty sure you don't know me right?" she asks
Nero: *stands* i'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet.
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text: May 1, 2008: Riccardo Giacconi, founding director of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Md., will receive the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Inc. on May 3 at the Hall's headquarters in Akron, Ohio. The annual Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has fostered innovation throughout his or her lifetime. The Hall honors those who have demonstrated an extended commitment to progress in technical innovation and the protection of that innovation. Each year a new class of inventors is inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of their patented inventions that make human, social, and economic progress possible.See the rest:


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Seoul Hotel Guide
If you're traveling for business, you might make a reservation in Gangnam. In addition to the Korea World Trade Center, the neighborhood is also home to the COEX Mall and several museums and temples. Whether you stay in a chain hotel or at a smaller boutique hotel, hotels in Gangnam are a good choice.
You can also find an airport hotel in Gangnam conveniently located near the city airport. One of the biggest advantages to choosing this airport is that it offers early check in for travelers. Check your bags, wander around the city for a few hours, and then head back before your flight.
Hotels in Dongdaemun are another option. These hotels in Seoul Korea keep you close to the action. Some travelers prefer staying in hotels in downtown Seoul because of the active nightlife and number of activities. You can even find hotels near Incheon airport when you don't want to use the city airport.
When it's time to find hotels in Seoul South, Korea, make Expedia your first stop. We know how to get you cheap deals on flights to Seoul, car rentals, and much more. Whether you love 5 star hotels or cheaper hotels near COEX, we can help you book the best rates. Budget hotels in Itaewon, discount rates on luxury hotels, and cheap rooms in Seoul resorts are just a few of the ways that we can help. Plan your Seoul vacations with Expedia, and you can even compare the rates offered by on Seoul hotel to another to ensure you get the best rate. Stop wasting time, and start planning your trip today.