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Who would have thought that one of the nation's most successful firms, renowned for helping consumers by offering low prices and decent jobs, would become a lightning rod for so many disgruntled people?
Once again, during hearings this week at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. in Washington, D.C., we see that mere mention of the name Wal-Mart is enough to bring out angry activists opposed to whatever that company — No. 2 on the list of the Fortune 500 — is proposing. Wal-Mart is now planning to do what several other retailers do, which is get involved in banking and financial services.
As the Washington Post reported, "Wal-Mart wants to use its proposed bank for the limited purpose of lowering the costs of its backroom processing of check and credit-card transactions and to offer high-interest certificates of deposit." Wal-Mart officials told the FDIC, which must give the OK before Wal-Mart starts a state-chartered industrial loan corporation based in Utah, that it does not plan to open bank branches in its stores, but instead will continue to rent out space to various other banks.
What would be the downside if Wal-Mart added some competition in the bank industry? Likely, its involvement would lead to lower fees, better interest rates for customers and a more efficient operation. Usually, federal regulators complain about companies charging too-high fees to consumers. But when a company with a known reputation for cutting costs proposes to expand into the financial markets, those same regulators hold hearings to let Wal-Mart haters and potential competitors whine and complain.
This is the first time in the FDIC's 73-year history that the agency has held hearings on such a proposal, the Post reported. That in itself is a reflection of the depth of anti-Wal-Mart sentiment. The complainers ranged from small banks that, naturally, fear possible competition from the low-cost king. Others represented the vast array of union and liberal activist groups that have turned Wal-Mart-hating into a cottage industry, complaining about "insufficient" wages and health care benefits. They ignore that Wal-Mart offers jobs to people who want them at competitive wages. Forcing Wal-Mart to hike wages and benefits beyond what the market demands will only make it harder for people to get jobs there and will raise prices.
Wal-Mart has simply committed the crime of being too successful.
"Given Wal-Mart's massive scope and international dealings, it is not possible to rule out a financial crisis within the company that could damage the bank and severely disrupt the flow of payments throughout the financial system," Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, told the Washington Times.
That sounds a bit conspiratorial and not at all realistic. The more likely result would be lower prices for consumers. Let's hope the FDIC gives the company a prompt approval.


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New Feedback on our WaterBridge Outreach Site from Laguna BelAir School, Santa Rosa City, Philippines
New on our WaterBridge Outreach site (formerly known as Spirit of PaperTigers Outreach) feedback from Laguna BelAir School in Santa Rosa City, Philippines. Laguna BelAir School has participated in our Outreach program for the past two years and and recently sent us their feedback on the 2011 Spirit of PaperTigers Book Set which was comprised of the following three books:
Biblioburro, written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter (Beach Lane Books, 2010);
A Child's Garden: A Story of Hope, written and illustrated by Michael Foreman (Walker Books/Candlewick Press, 2009);
Rain School, written and illustrated by James Rumford (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010).
Head Librarian Ms. Vin Del Rosario wrote:
I am pleased to inform you of our on-going library reading program using the PaperTigers books you have donated to our school. This reading program involves the students from 2nd grade to 6th grade.
I initiated the PaperTigers reading program to create an avenue to encourage our students to read the books in a fun way. It is also the library's way of helping the English subject teachers to get feedback on the PaperTigers books.
This reading program is a class effort. It encourages class participation. The more these students read in a class, the faster they can reach their reading goal. Reading points were assigned to different PaperTigers books. Class advisers and Reading teachers encourage students to participate in the reading program.
The students visit the library to read the PaperTigers books during their snacks and lunch break. After reading a book, the student is given a "book completion form", which is a small piece of paper with two or three questions about the book. Students earn points for each form they complete and are awarded a "mini book certificate".
Originally, I had intended to run the reading program up to November 2012. However, due to the overwhelming responses of the students, we completed it by the end of September!
For our teachers, you will be pleased to know that our Academic Team Head has given the instruction that each one must choose a PaperTigers book for integration in their lessons within this school year.
To learn more about the WaterBridge Outreach program and to read feedback from the participants, click here.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sparked by a long wish for keeping my Visual Studio extensions and settings in sync across multiple computers, and a discussion with @kellabyte and @ackenpacken yesterday, I started to research how this could be done.
With a quick Google search, I found this blog post by the Visual Studio team, describing where Visual Studio 2010 looks for its extensions. The blog post specified \Common7\IDE\devenv.pkgdef as the file to modify in order to load extensions from additional places than the default ones you get "out of the box". Further down in the blog post, PkgDefSearchPath was listed, and it seemed like a good to add a folder controlled by Dropbox. On my computers, this would typically be C:\Users\larsw\Dropbox\Visual Studio Settings and Extensions.
Before you start poking around in the file, I suggest you take a backup of the original one, in case of any f*ckups. As you can see from the default entry, it contains three paths in a semi colon separated list. I just apppended my chosen folder to the end of this list like:
C:\Users\larsw\Dropbox\Visual Studio Settings and Extensions"
Before you start editing the file, I suggest you shut down all instances of Visual Studio, so the likelihood that the file won't be write-protected or changed is minimal.
Migrating existing extensions
In the same pkgdef file, UserExtensionsRootFolder points at the default location for user-defined extensions – in my case, it points to c:\Users\larsw\AppData\Local\Microsoft\VisualStudio\10.0\Extensions. I chose to move all the sub folders (containing extensions) into my newly created Visual Studio Settings and Extensions folder controlled by Dropbox. As for the extensions located in the folder defined by ApplicationExtensionsFolder, I chose to let them be for know, because I suspect that they are having dependencies on native components etc. There were a lot of Microsoft default extensions, as well as JetBrains Resharper etc. located in the folder.
On my other computers, I had to update the same pkgdef file, let Dropbox sync the folder, start Visual Studio – & voila! The same extensions were present
As for Visual Studio settings, it's a supported functionality out of the box to share settings between Visual Studio instances across machines via (typically) a file share. The same functionality can of course be used with Dropbox. Go to Tools –> Options –> Environment –> Import and Export Settings, and point to a location inside the same Dropbox-controlled folder.


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What is it about sketchbooks that makes them so appealing to touch and smell? Why are illustrators, designers, and others hypnotically drawn to them in their pristine, fallow state? Is it the size, shape, color? Or perhaps the heft, or lack thereof. Is it the brand? In recent years, Moleskine has made filling sketchbooks as popular a pastime as sports and as common a practice as thinking. Perhaps the blank pages are what beckon most of all? The invitation to fill those pages with one's own scribbling is an irresistible force.
In this ambitious publication, some one hundred of the world's leading graphic designers and illustrators open up ther private sketchbooks to offer a privileged glimpse into their creative processes. The result is a visual tour de force.


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"The Elixir of Love" by Gaetano Donizetti, Featuring JMU Opera Theater
Sun, 11 Nov 12 2:00 PM
Nov. 9-11
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Mainstage Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts
"The Elixir of Love" is one of opera's most popular and effervescent romantic comedies. Since it premiered in Milan in 1832, it has been a favorite for opera-goers around the world. True love triumphs in the end in this hilarious comic romp. The show features "Una furtiva lagrima," one of the most famous of all arias.
For tickets, check http://www.jmu.edu/jmuarts/ or call (540) 568-7000.
- Oct 22: - Dec 7: Sawhill Gallery Exhibition
- Oct 23: - Dec 1: New Image Gallery Exhibition
- Nov 12: Adult Degree Program Information Session


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view full screen
Call Me Cubist Deco Pendant Necklace
Style: 570090558
Out of Stock
Jet black stone is crossed with crystals in a modernist setting. A bold look attached to a bold chain to go with upcoming tweeds and textured sweaters.
- 36"-38" with extender.
- Lobster claw clasp.
- Resin stone and glass crystals. Hand-cast rhodium-finish setting and chain.
- Custom designed exclusively for WHBM. Handcrafted with nickel-free and lead-free metal.
Read more… Read less…


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I know there must be many similar threads out there but I wanted to know what you guys think of my story..
I was blessed with my adorable dd over a month ago and began (trying to) bf as soon as I could after normal delivery. Wasn't sure how to go about it so called in 2 nurses (separately) to help but all I got was something like 'yeah, that looks fine' (with some adjustments to holding the baby), 'no it's not supposed to hurt' (no adjustments). Didn't seem like a big deal until I got home and the pain just got worse until we resorted to using a nipple shield to make it more bearable. It worked...for a while - then the pain was back even more, with bloody fleshy strings left over after dd was done. Then she wouldn't latch onto the breast (nipple confusion with breast shields??) - she'd try to latch then start crying and just wouldn't stay on. I was desperate so I expressed some and we gave her a bottle (one of those avent pro-bf ones). Fortunately I managed to get hold of an LC (thru the ped who was horrified at the sight of my scabbed, raw nipples). LC came home twice and helped to get dd back on the breast thank God, but the latch is still awful. She told me to keep relatching until dd gets it right but it never seems to work! I get frustrated and so does dd but my nipples always end up coming out looking flat or bleeding - i can even see where her lower jaw has been chomping near the base of the nipple.
I don't know what to do...her mouth doesn't look too small but somehow she just can't or won't take in enough of the breast around the nipple - she starts out wide but her lower jaw always ends up too near the nipple. I use the nipple sandwich method as taught by the LC...trying the asymmetrical latch didn't work at all either (i've watched a hundred videos and read tons - if only it was before I gave birth!!)
Any ideas? I've been through almost 5 weeks of it, cried, sighed, grinned thru the pain, almost given up and am so frustrated because there seems to be no improvement. Dh feels really awful about it too and wishes he could do something to help - nobody wants to resort to formula and my milk supply seems to be pretty good (baby is growing fast and pooping and peeing like anything). I suppose I shouldn't be looking at the 6 week mark with too many high hopes or the fall will be pretty hard if nothing improves!


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Status: Presently Inactive
Program dates: 1992-2002
Volunteers Served: 175
Program Development
Estonia reclaimed its independence in 1991. The country committed itself to the transition from a command economy to a free market system and decentralization of power to the counties. One aspect of this process was the privatization of large state enterprises and farms, something that was likely to result in near-term increased rural unemployment and loss of agricultural productivity. In an effort to address these concerns, Estonia focused on identification of alternative economic strategies in rural development, including entrepreneurial skills development for both commercial and agricultural businesses. The Government of Estonia pledged its support to the local governments' economic development plans to promote private entrepreneurship. However, the plan to build small enterprise capacity in rural areas was hindered by the lack of business expertise available locally.
Moreover, the country wished to regain its place in the Western world, including access to business expertise, world markets, science, and technology. Lack of English language proficiency hampered these endeavors, slowing Estonia's progress. The country found itself with an overwhelming demand for English language instruction through all education levels. Therefore, the country needed a greater number of English language teachers as well as educational institutions for training new instructors or upgrading skills of currently serving teachers who were not English subject specialists.
A Country Agreement between the United States and Estonia was signed on February 6, 1992 by US Vice President Dan Quayle and the Head of Estonian Government, Tiit Vahi. The Peace Corps would assist in developing basic business skills necessary to participate in a market-driven economy and increase access to English language instruction in Estonia.
As in Latvia and Lithuania, the Small Enterprise Development project had a difficult beginning. As originally planned, the project focused on agricultural business advisory assistance. In early 1992 when the Peace Corps programming mission was in Estonia, legislation was in preparation that would have established an agricultural Advisory Service. While the first group of Volunteers was still in Pre-Service Training in the summer of 1992, the Advisory Service was abandoned due to a change in the Government. Thus, when the Volunteers reported to their sites, there was no governmental structure in which to work. An attempt made by the Peace Corps to involve the local government units in the sponsorship of the Volunteers met with some success. However, communication of the purpose and nature of Peace Corps services to the local level had been imperfect, and the lack of understanding of the potential assistance resulted in Volunteers having to identify their own niche in their communities. As in Latvia, there was a widely-held assumption that the Volunteers would be capable of reforming the agricultural production methods of Estonian farms. Much of the initial success of the Volunteers depended on the strength of the local governors to market the special business skills the Volunteers offered.
In 1992 the Government of Estonia was in the process of re-organizing itself into a democratic structure. Consequently there was a period of frequent administrative changes that affected the Peace Corps. The responsibility for the Peace Corps program shifted among government officials several times, and no one person held the portfolio long enough to deal with the start-up problems being experienced.
While the Volunteers continued to build their own beneficiary pool, their tasks were varied and multi-faceted. The efforts of the Volunteers during the first six months were business-focused, but many of the tasks were those of community development as they conducted needs assessments, identified target markets and attempted to convince local governments to establish short and longrange development assistance for entrepreneurs.
For these reasons the second input of SED Volunteers scheduled for 1993, Group 2, was postponed for one year to establish a stronger base of support and direct agency sponsorship that was finalized nine months after the first Volunteers' service began. The portfolio was passed from the Department of Local Government and Rural Development to the Department of Regional Development at the Ministry of Internal Affairs in December 1993. From that point, Volunteers were assigned directly to the municipality economic development units and worked toward establishing units of information and business advising within the government unit itself.
One further change in the SED project was implemented as Estonia's civil society structures took shape. Due to the rapid development of Non-Governmental Organizations in Estonia, the Peace Corps brought in NGO Volunteers in 1997 to support NGO management and development.
Volunteer Assignments
Primary Assignments
Volunteers were requested by an agency or a school and were posted to that agency as their primary assignment. Peace Corps Volunteers served in 64 towns and in 128 organizations in Estonia including secondary schools, universities, educational centers, NGOs, business advisory agencies and tourist information centers as well as city and county governments. Volunteers worked in all 15 counties.
As a matter of policy, the Peace Corps assigned Volunteers to as many communities as possible, stressing service to the smallest towns and villages. Of the 64 towns served, 78% had a population of less than 10,000. Volunteers were replaced in successive years in some organizations due to continuing or newly created projects that needed PCV involvement, or because they were umbrella organizations in which PCVs served the whole sector and assisted other PCVs in the country. In addition, the Peace Corps in Estonia geared its efforts to assist isolated Estonian regions and Russian-speaking areas that had the least access to international resources.
The first group of 22 Peace Corps trainees came in summer of 1992 and went through the intensive 11-week Pre-Service training program. That year 12 TEFL, and 9 SED Volunteers were sworn in to serve in the country for two years. Each subsequent year a group of new Volunteers joined the Peace Corps family in Estonia. In all, 9 groups totaling 163 worked in Estonia as Volunteers, except, due to the reasons described above, there was no Group 2 SED in the year of 1993. Totally, 40 SED, 15 NGO, 100 TEFL and 8 Teacher Trainers served in Estonia in 1992- 2002.
Secondary Projects
Volunteers are considered to be "on duty" 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except when on their annual leave. Without the responsibilities of home and family, they are able to devote 100% of their time to attaining the three goals of the Peace Corps. In addition to their primary assignment as a teacher or business advisor, all Volunteers carried out secondary projects that usually involved assisting community groups realize their own projects. The Volunteers had an "outreach day," negotiated in advance with their site supervisor, in which they were able to work with other people in the community. Each Volunteer carried out multiple projects during his/her service whose impact is immeasurable. This report cannot do justice to the variety of secondary projects or their accomplishments.
The lines between TEFL and SED/NGO projects disappeared in these secondary projects and each Volunteer crossed over into activities of the other sector. SED/NGO Volunteers taught Business English in their centers or secondary schools, maintained English clubs or evening English classes in their town for adult learners. TEFL teachers assisted businesses with their English language correspondence, brochures, and other documents. They helped NGOs in their towns design projects and write grant proposals. Virtually all Volunteers taught the use of the computer and the Internet to their colleagues and clients, ranging from basic typing skills to the construction of web sites.
Secondary projects usually fell into the areas of environment, HIV/AIDS awareness, gender and development, sports, and youth-at-risk. They paid most particular attention to youth development as well as inter-regional and international networking and professional development among teachers and other professionals.
Intensive summer camps were organized around a variety of contemporary issues, all conducted in English giving the participants practice using the language for discussion and recreation. They also involved participants of both Estonian and Russian heritage, contributing to a better cultural understanding between these groups. Three such camps are mentioned here.
The Põlva Democratic Youth Forum and the Vinni Youth Forum, together involving almost 300 young people, were organized in conjunction with other organizations and offered students the opportunity to participate in democracy-building activities, take an active role in addressing contemporary issues within their communities, and help create networks to share resources among themselves, teachers and local authorities. The Northeast Estonia Student Business English Camp was a practical business and English language program targeted toward young ethnic Estonian and Russian students in Northern and Eastern Estonia, organized by business and education Volunteers. Each year about 100 students gained knowledge and skills in global business, communication skills, teamwork and the development of friendships between different cultural groups.
Summer camps and special projects in the primary assignment agencies were funded by a variety of international donors, governments and foundations. From SPA and EBDP funds alone, approximately $255,743 was donated to support these activities. European funds and local contributions of time and facilities were also generously provided in support of Volunteer-generated projects.
Major Accomplishments
As a skills–transfer project, all Volunteers were teachers of a sort, no matter their project assignment. They arrived at a time in Estonian history when very few resources existed to support either English instruction or business development. Consequently they created a huge body of educational resources for schools and business centers consisting of curricula, lesson plans, games, puzzles, teacher aids, audio tapes, reading materials, as well as textbooks.
They helped create resource centers, libraries, business centers, NGO centers and youth centers. They introduced the concept of networking among business professionals, NGOs, teachers, and local governments to enhance knowledge and effectiveness. They encouraged activities of professional development within school faculties and assisted teachers of other languages gain certification to teach English. They taught the principles of project design and management and the art of fundraising. Through their efforts, they have attracted millions of dollars from international donors to support the projects of local Estonian development.
English Education
Originally the purpose of the English Education Project was to improve the English language proficiency of Estonian students in Forms 10-12 so that they could more easily access further English-medium education and information from which they were isolated during the Soviet period. Additionally, it was intended that through the close involvement with English teachers in the schools, the Volunteers would be able to introduce them to modern, communicative methods for the teaching of English.
Since 1992, 108 PCVs, of whom eight were teacher trainers, have taught English in 29 secondary schools and 33 gymnasiums, two basic schools and two colleges, six technical schools as well as a medical school and a teacher training center. Volunteers have worked with 23,842 students from Forms 3-12 as well as with 1,631 teachers and 5,144 adult learners. Usually, Volunteers taught four days a week in their assigned schools. One day per week they spent on outreach program activity, either teaching or working on other projects with students, teachers, community members and in resource development. About 200 educational institutions in Estonia have benefited from Volunteerproduced resources or books and additional materials acquired for daily use through these outreach activities.
Volunteers taught 16-22 formal classes per week and spent after school hours helping students improve their English language proficiency. Through a variety of active classroom and informal activities and techniques, students were able to gain greater confidence in using English.
Of particular concern was preparation for the 12th Form examination. They organized and conducted practice and review sessions, research and discussion of interview topics, writing practice, reading comprehension exercises, and practice interviews for their students. In addition to the activities for the 12th Form exam, a number of Volunteers were asked to assist students in preparing for the TOEFL exam, an examination needed for entry into universities in many English-speaking countries.
Volunteers enriched the students' learning experience through contests such as National English Language Competitions and English Olympiads. During these activities students were able to demonstrate their English knowledge and increase their self-confidence. They introduced debate to improve critical thinking skills, as well as drama, student newspapers, English clubs, and a wide variety of extracurricular activities, all designed to give practice in spoken English. Volunteers initiated and organized various student exchange programs across the Baltics, Eastern Europe and the United States. For example, Volunteers organized a basketball exchange to America that involved thirteen students and two coaches from five schools from Estonia and America. The exchange progressed into a yearly event.
Volunteers worked actively with teachers in their own schools, as well as in communities and regional educational institutions. Volunteers visited other schools in their area and delivered "open" lessons for teachers and students. Working together, Volunteers and local teachers learned by observing each other's classes and providing constructive feedback, a new concept for many local teachers. Also, Estonian teachers learned new ideas and teaching techniques in a learner-centered approach to teaching that was used by Volunteers. Volunteers also learned from local teachers about grammar teaching methodologies and classroom discipline.
Volunteers were actively involved in the Language Improvement Program in Estonian and Russianspeaking areas that helped teachers improve their English language skills. For example, together with the Pärnu Teacher Training Center, PCVs helped facilitate a Language Improvement Program conference for teachers of English as well as longer courses entitled "Practice Your English".
Volunteers and their co-workers organized and ran a Professional Development Program (PDP) for certified teachers in their communities such as Tallinn, Kohtla-Järve, Sillamäe and Narva. Volunteers also provided their support in a re-qualification program for Russian language and other subject teachers that enabled a number of these teachers to qualify to teach English in Grades 3-6.
Volunteers participated in the Estonian Association of Teachers of English (EATE) annual and Regional English teachers' conferences and seminars and gave presentations on cultural, methodological and language issues. They delivered sessions on essay-writing, how to better utilize a native speaker, how to use music, English newspapers and games in the classroom and many other topics.
Moreover, a number of Volunteers assisted the Estonian Ministry of Education in the grading, testing, interviewer skills transfer and material development of the national 12th Grade English examination. In addition, they assisted the English departments in their schools in designing and implementing profiled English curricula for students.
Small Enterprise / NGO Development
The purpose of the project was to build small enterprise capacity in Estonia's rural areas by providing entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs with access to the business skills necessary to profitably function in a free market economy. The project was part of the Government of Estonia's wider effort to address the problem of rising unemployment through the promotion of small enterprise development. Consequently, the original goals of the program were to increase the number of rural Estonians skilled in basic business practices including record-keeping, planning, and marketing, as well as business capitalization and identifying sources of needed inputs and potential markets. As the program developed, there was increasing involvement of Peace Corps SED Volunteers in NGO development. In 1997, the Project Plan was modified to include a new goal of building organizational capacity and management in NGOs.
The country has benefited from 40 SED and 15 NGO Volunteers who served in 30 communities in 1992-2002. The SED/NGO Peace Corps Volunteers were assigned to ten county, six parish and seven city governments, ten business services and advisory centers, two regional development centers, Junior Achievement, the Human Rights Institute, a Tourism Information Center and Estonian National Tourism Board, the Baltics Small Equity Fund, and finally to ten NGOs. This allowed the project to be flexible in matching Volunteers with the sites as well as maximize the use of their particular backgrounds.
The Peace Corps SED/NGO project has assisted 6,394 entrepreneurs in gaining basic business practices, 3,290 rural Estonians in gaining skills in locating and taking advantage of profitable points of supply and market, and assisted 2,836 Host Country Nationals in effectively organizing and managing NGOs in Estonia.
The most common every day practices done by every SED/NGO Volunteer in Estonia were client consultations on basic business practices. Volunteers assisted entrepreneurs with business, strategic, and marketing plans, helped in identifying investment opportunities and potential investors/business partners as well as provided guidance with the local plans and budgets.
Volunteers together with their counterparts organized training courses and seminars on business planning, management, marketing, accounting, business ethics, computers, resume writing, selling skills, banking, and many other business-related subjects. Volunteers have also designed and taught courses on public speaking, and organized discussion groups, "EU Village Coffee Talks," in over 30 villages throughout Estonia with the goal to increase EU awareness among Estonian villages. A well-received and useful training was on Project Design and Management (PDM) first conducted by the Peace Corps staff, and then by the local Estonian organizations and Volunteers.
This teaches the principles and methods of creating successful projects of large and small scale that can enhance the chances of attracting funding.
A number of Volunteers assisted as professional consultants for Junior Achievement Applied Economic Courses in high schools. Seminars and training courses for teachers in country schools were organized and presented in each of Estonia's 15 counties. In addition, about 60 teachers were trained, during three 3-day training seminars, to teach JA's GLOBE (Global Learning of the Business Enterprise) program, which was incorporated in JA's Curriculum for the 1997-98 school year. Another PCV networked with an American delegation traveling to Estonia and obtained a grant of $1000 to purchase three classroom sets of JA GLOBE materials from the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce and Bryant College in Rhode Island. Another Volunteer assisted JA in fundraising and networking with local and international companies, helped to find funding through EBDP grant for students and teachers and JA local staff to attend the annual European-wide students' company competition in Denmark in 1997.
PCVs participated in setting up Business Advisory and NGO Centers. Furthermore, Volunteers helped different organizations train their management and employees in building organizational capacity, plan their activities, develop grant proposals, improve fund raising skills, work with clients and foreign and local partners, and develop their boards of directors. Good examples of different activities initiated and supported by Volunteers were establishment of an Economic Development Center (an NGO) in Tapa with funding from the U.S.Embassy's Democracy Commission, and participation in the EUfunded project "Business Around the Baltic Sea", where the Haapsalu Business Center was involved.
Volunteers contributed a great deal of work to tourism development. One Volunteer was assigned to the National Tourism Board and coordinated activities in the rural sector that included farm tourism and tourism brochure development. Another Volunteer developed a tourist display and secured funding for a presentation at an international tourism conference in Sweden for the island of Hiiuma. He also placed historical/tourism signs in English and Estonian on the island, which was a novel concept at the time.
Business Volunteers who worked in educational institutions developed not only curriculum for business courses but also session plans on various business topics including marketing, business communication, computer business application, money and banking, foreign exchange market, worldwide financial system, accounting reports and many others.
In addition, Volunteers taught Business English classes, organized community English clubs, and taught adult classes. One Volunteer designed an introductory "crash course" for beginning learners of English; another had an English language program on the local radio station in Põlva; and one more created a negotiation game which enabled high school students to develop their negotiating skills in two-week long summer economics camps.
Volunteers, together with their counterparts, worked on materials development projects. For example, a Volunteer in Tapa worked with colleagues to produce a business catalog that was used to market much of Tapa's available vacant land and buildings and attract investors. Other Volunteers put together a 99-page e-mail directory including contact information for companies all over Estonia that was distributed to SED Volunteer sites. A group of PCVs developed and published a "Total Quality Management" training curriculum.
The Peace Corps program in Estonia was administered from a central office in Riga and the satellite office in Tallinn. The Tallinn office was opened in 1993 and had two Program Assistants, English Education (TEFL) and Small Enterprise Development (SED). The Program Assistants were promoted in 1996 to the title of Program Manager and carried thereafter primary responsibility for the operation of the Peace Corps program in Estonia. In 1993, an Office Manager position was created. The Resource Center was opened in March 1995 and was coordinated by a part-time Resource Center Manager. Until 1998, medical support for Volunteers was provided by part-time local and American medical staff. In 1999 a full-time American Medical Officer started working in Estonia. Estonian Language Coordinators worked part-time to meet the Volunteers' language learning needs.
At the completion of the Peace Corps mission in the country, the Resource Center materials were distributed to four organizations and agencies including the Pärnu Teacher Training Center (NGO HarKo), Rakvere Regional Language and Teacher Training Center, Tartu NGO Center and Kivioli Regional Development Center.
Peace Corps News
Current events relating to Peace Corps are also available by country of service or your home state
The following is automatic RSS feed of Peace Corps news for this country.
<rss title=on desc=off>http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&scoring=n&q=%22peace+corps%22+%22estonia%22&output=rss%7Ccharset=UTF-8%7Cshort%7Cdate=M d</rss>
External Links
Report on the U.S. Peace Corps Baltics U.S. Embassy / Estonia


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Congress too rich to understand problems
If you're like me you are absolutely exhausted of hearing about the "fiscal cliff" negotiations.
But you can't blame members of Congress for not understanding the troubles of the average American because they are cordoned off from the plight of the working men and women of this country. Heck, these people don't even have to wait in line at the airport because, along with the prestige of being an elected official, comes the perks of office, like taxpayer-funded junkets around the world, free limousine service, and non-stop wining and dining from K Street lobbyists.
Congress members have gold-plated benefit packages and health coverage exceeding that of the average citizen with no co-pay for doctor visits and no limitations on pre-existing conditions to prevent coverage.
How can you expect Congress to worry about middle-class Americans when over half of the membership of such an exclusive club is full of millionaires? Even rank and file members who are not already wealthy before entering office receive salaries of $174,000, well over three times the average salary of the ordinary Joe in West Virginia. It is not the individuals within the system, it is the system itself that is corrupting.
Politicians are always speaking about running government like the private sector but no successful business would retain or reward employees with the type of fringe benefits that members of Congress receive with such a poor performance record.
Congressional reform is fundamental if we are to return to a legislative system that is closer to the electorate and responsive to the people.
Nigel Evan Jeffries


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what do u mean senpai u in my side
im just showing some respect... sorry..
its okno matter if u not in my side i will show you respect
gee thanks... :D peace!
Um..ill accept u when u join the group kakashi
can you help me join sir?? i really cant seem to find the NarutoBase Clubs on the Homepage.. all i see is the NarutoBase Forums.. can you help me out and send me the url?
here, its the last one.
done sensei... pls approve me..
Ok i will now.
Madara-senpai, how will i know if i':Dm in the group?
DONE! you are now an official member of U.C.R.
Ur first mission is to firs tell ppls ur my student and then master rasendori:lightning sphere and customize it. For example for u you could make it Vortex rasendori where u use ur mangekyou to make it into a vortex in your hand so that if it hits anyone theyll will be sucked in.
Just an example mine is Rasendori: Black fire
Originally Posted by Mangekyou Kakashi
Madara-senpai, how will i know if i':Dm in the group?
Well first of all in your profile on the homepage it will send u a PM and saying that u r now a member and where it says groups on your profile it will say U.C.R.
Last edited by Madara Uchiha; 04-29-2008 at 09:36 PM.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
wow!! a new doujutsu!! ill call it, Mangekyou Sharingan: Rasendori Implosion!
were is madara is student need help i cant believe it my student helpint is student
whatr u talkin about?
your student need help..........Mangekyou Kakashi
uhm, what help? i dun get it.. do i need training?
Sometimes shodaime is a little...(u now here a cookoo clock going cookoo!cookoo!)
oh.. ehehe... i get it senpai.. :D
senpai, check out my training, in the thread,
What ever happened to Pein's Old form, Nagato?
Last edited by Mangekyou Kakashi; 04-29-2008 at 10:03 PM.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
umm sorry but even if im not your allies madara. Mangekyou Kakashi is madara ot senpai is sensei ok
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The bipartisan Congressional Kidney Caucus was founded by Representatives Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) in March, 2002. The purpose of the caucus is to educate Members of Congress and the public about the problem kidney disease poses for our society and to educate Members of Congress and the public about the federal government's singular role in providing access to life sustaining treatment for those Americans with the severest form of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), stage 5 CKD. Twenty-six million Americans suffer from kidney disease and another twenty million are at risk. The Kidney Caucus provides a forum for the discussion of quality of care and life issues, acts as a resource on the scope and impact of kidney disease, and serves as a source of information on public policy initiatives to aid individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease and irreversible kidney failure.
Renal replacement, either dialysis or transplant, is used by over 550,000 Americans to manage their stage 5 CKD. The Kidney Caucus recognizes the historic and preeminent role of Medicare and Medicaid in funding the provision of stage 5 CKD treatment. The Kidney Caucus recognizes that one in seven adult Americans have early stages of CKD and an additional one in seven are at risk of developing diminished kidney function. It is the hope of the Kidney Caucus that all members of Congress and their constituents understand that this common and harmful disease is treatable.


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Things I've Learned Since I Went Vegan
The following article was written by Keegan Baur.
What is veganism? According to Wikipedia, veganism is "the personal practice of eliminating the use of non-human animal products," and it's definitely spreading. For instance, vegan meat alternatives can be found in most grocery stores. Many restaurants—and ballparks!—are serving veggie burgers and veggie dogs. Mainstream bookstores like Barnes & Noble usually have a robust vegetarian/vegan cookbook section at each location. Even Oprah's been buzzing about veganism! And yet, despite all the hype, there's still some confusion on the subject.
Veganism isn't about personal purity. Although veganism is about trying to cause the least amount of suffering possible, we can't always be perfect. Before going vegan, I felt scared that I would "mess up," that I would accidentally eat something with a small amount of "animal something" in it, and that I would be a failure as a vegan. But that's not the case. As a consumer, I do read labels, and I do make sure that there isn't any meat, milk, or eggs in anything that I buy. But I'm not going to refrain from purchasing a box of cereal because there's a tiny amount of monoglycerides in the ingredient list that may or may not be animal-derived! Basically, I try not to sweat the super small stuff.
"Cruelty-free" doesn't mean "vegan." These two terms are not synonymous, and this confused me at first. For instance, I purchased a lip balm that said it was cruelty-free, but later, when I looked at the label, I saw that honey was listed as an ingredient! I had to research a little bit in order to learn that when a product says it's "cruelty-free," this means that animal testing wasn't used to produce it. However, the product may or may not contain animal byproducts, and if it doesn't explicitly say "vegan" or "no animal ingredients," I'll still want to check the list of ingredients to be sure.
Many foods you love are already vegan. When I initially went vegan, I thought I'd have to give up all the things I love. But there are so many products that are accidentally vegan that I can still eat many of my favorite foods! Products like Frosted Flakes, Original SunChips, and Peanut Butter Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars are all frequently in my pantry. And what's more, I've discovered new things to love! For instance, Gorilla Munch is yet another breakfast must-have that keeps me in touch with my youthful side.
People say that we learn something new every day. When I went vegan, there was a little bit of a learning curve in the beginning, but, overall, I discovered that veganism isn't a difficult concept, nor is it difficult to practice. I do need to be a conscientious shopper and pay attention to labels (which is something we all should do, regardless) but I can still eat many of the things I love or versions of them. And I don't need to stress about being 100 percent perfect all the time. This lifestyle choice—choosing compassion—makes me feel good about the products I put in or on my body, and since making the change, I've never looked back.
What did you learn when you went vegan?
Commenting is closed.
Since the topic has gone slightly off-topic toward a discussion of health, I'd like to add that many processed foods are genetically modified. Not only do I avoid buying genetically modified foods for my health, but the seeds end up contaminating organic food through wind and other methods of cross-pollination. If Monsanto continues making GM seeds for new crops, one day we may no longer have access to organic, non-genetically modified foods.
Well i just recently turned vegan and i basically switched to it because of the torture of the animals,They are being handled the wrong way they shouldn't treat them the way they do and amount were consuming is ridiculous. I don't believe meat is necessarily bad because there is not vegetation suitable to eat or even around some parts of the world. People in very cold and snowing regions were theres no vegetation but there may only be animals around to kill to eat and survive or dessert regions people eat reptiles.That's how life works but we don't eat our own kind, Species don't eat there own species,some do actually but they don't have the mentality like we do. God gave us the power to think learn,use the resources around use but also to give back and be gentle to the world around us, care for it but were not doing that were using up all the resources to fast we need to slow down down treat the thing we eat to survive with some dignity. They have every right of living a good decent life like us. Vegetation is also there for us and like some of it you cant eat just like some animals people will not eat but the point is there more vegetation to go around and plants don't feel pain like everything else, they don't fear, remember,see,move like us so there's no pain in picking it,cutting it,eating it so everyone thinks that's the right choice we just need to slow down stop using so much of it,treat the live food we eat with respect be gently,kind to them.They feel pain like us THEY ARE EARTHLINGS just like us. With the technology me got now i'm pretty sure there's a way to end it without all that suffering they do. When a pet gets put to sleep there's stuff they give them to fall asleep and die and i heard of something called Nembutal.They could find a way to make it painless but they don't care as long as they get money and they need to kill more to make more. I'm not going eat meat again until these living being like us are treated better
sorry if theres any spelling error's im 17 but not the best speller lol
As a vegie on the path to veganism I find the smell of a bbq wafting through the air ruins an evening walk;even when I ate meat I saw the "barbie" as a way to incinerate meat in fat and soggy onions .
I was a vegatarian for over 20 years and just became vegan 4 months ago. It was difficult at first because I liked cheese so much, but I make so many delicious foods I don't miss dairy now.
I learned that most other people have a problem with my choices, than i do!
Not totally vegan yet, but I'm getting there. I'd like to echo what some have mentionned. Vegan does not automatically mean healthy. Frosted flakes? Come on, that's garbage. No one should be putting heavily refined sugar and processed grains in their bodies. I have known many vegans who eat tons of garbage and who are definitely not healthy. Pasta twice per day every day is not healthy. Sorry. I'm hoping to lead by example. I'm currently cutting way back on animal products to try and "wean" myself off of them.
What I found out when turning vegan… That every breath I take is precious. There is no amount of meat, dairy products, or poultry Which can give me the privilege to breathing easier . I suffered from chronic asthma and sleep apnea until becoming vegan. Now I can sleep more restful at night.
I want to thank Barb for her comment about smelling bbq in the air. I often find myself salivating at this familiar smell from the past. I haven't shared this before as I have been vegan for five years and it made me feel guilty. As soon as this occurs, though, I think about the suffering of these animals and I would rather eat my pillow (or something equally indigestable).
I have been always an animal lover, but being raised in a family that always consumed meat I never asked myself what was in my plate. Later when I started investigating about the meat market and all that they do with the poor farm animals I decided to be vegetarian but my goal was to be vegan. In the beginning my family was criticizing me but later when realized my health improved and I looked so much better they decided to follow me and 2 years later we became vegan. Also I converted many friends and I feel so happy about myself changing people's life. Let's not keep for ourselves this priceless way of livind, let's spread the word for our sakes and for the animals's sake!
i learnt that i feel better as a vegan – not just metally and emotionally either. i have a disability, so "better" is a wonderful thing. that sounds weird, and i thought it was all in my head, until a friend of mine, who also has a disability, mentioned that her experiment with vegetariansim has made her feel more awake, lighter and "better". i can't help but think it is the lack of all the hormones, antibiotics and drugs that meat comes packed with. I can't bear what is done to the animals that are deemed "food". if i feel better not consuming them – how bad must it be for them to live with that stuff in their bodies, everyday? that is cruelty too, i think.
i am just so glad that i am vegan, because another thing i leant was that the wieght of guilt is surpisingly heavy. people tell themselves that they don't think about it – but we all do, even for a second or two. then you have to push it down, and that takes energy. "not thinking" about it takes a lot of thinking.
the best thing i learnt? veganism is contagious! i was infected years ago, and now my best friend is switching, and her family too. i think it is kind of like kindness and love; it gets passed on, and gets bigger as it goes. thank God for that!
@diane carvello, a word about honey: There are many contested methods of bee farming, some of which involve electrocuting bees to make them drop their pollen, others involve chopping off the heads of the males to force them to ejaculate, for breeding purposes. But these things aside, the main reason that eating honey is bad is that native bee populations (such as mason and bumble bees) are declining, and the farming of honey bees has a large part to play in this. Honey bees are often imported, and these non-native species are aggressive to other bees and only selectively pollinate. All this is and will have a major impact on our environment. It's not got anything (for me and most I know, anyway) to do with notions of enslaving bees or taking things that aren't yours – it really is dangerous for the world, and for the bees, to eat honey. Also, did you know that honey is bee vomit?!
Although, actually I gave up honey before I went totally vegan, as I came to realise how unethical it is.
I am so grateful that I became aware of the cruelty that I was causing by eating meat, eggs, and dairy. I learned that I need to make sure that I get the proper nutrition. I take Red Star yeast for B12, get sun for vitamin D, a sprinkle of Sea Seasonings Kelp and Dulse for iodine, and TEVA for DHA sourced from algae.
I'm shocked at how people would never consider allowing their pets to be treated like the animals being slaughtered, yet they think nothing of devouring huge quantities of meat products. They brag about how their pets have personalities and feelings, but at the same time they ignore the fact that the animals being treated so cruelly have those same feelings.
That it's less expensive to be a vegan because fastfood is pretty much eliminated. That trying new recipes (like bok choy with cashews)is fun and not hard nor time consuming. That occassionally when I smell bbq in the air and that old familiar feeling starts to stir fill my stomach with something – preferably yummy – and I'm sated. I am happy to be a vegan!
I went vegan cold turkey pardon expression! my gf introduced my to the kind diet, I cried hysterically while reading the book to myself then I read it to my husband and 7 yr old daughter..I cried so much and decided to go Vegan its been 3 weeks, yest I had a touch of milk in my coffee from the corner coffee guy in NYC and was SO SICK after it, Im so happy by body is rejecting, I can sleep better (Ive had sleeping problems for last 6 months) feeling good and spreading the word, my daughter is so aware and wants nothing to do with Animal products…I love shopping for local vegs and trying new recipes Ive always love legumes so its a breeze, I miss Cheese but keep thinking of those gorgeous cows and soy milk is just fine for us!
I learned that veganism was part of my identity before I ever chose it. It was a budding relationship to the whole of our ecosystem. It was a non-violent, compassionate action that allowed me to deeply acknowledge the interdependence of all things. I'm thankful for learning these things with the love of my life, a vegan, who challenged me to consider whether what I consumed was congruent with my worldview.
P.S. Here is a little info about bees and honey that I found on another forum:
"Bees collect pollen in sacs that are attached to their legs. To harvest the pollen, commercial beekeepers use a thick "comb" in the bottom of the hive, in the slit the bees use as a entrance/exit. The bees then have to drag themselves across the "comb" to enter or exit the hive. The bristles catch and often tear off their limbs and other parts, and, consequently, pull most of the pollen they've collected off their legs in the process. The beekeepers then collect the pollen and and get rid of most of the "debris" (aka. bee body parts).
Bees need pollen to survive as a healthy colony. Taking the pollen from them (in the usual way) makes them have to forage more often, which is wearing on their bodies and health."
Also, I saw a documentary that showed honey being harvested from a colony that didn't use these tiny combs. Some bees were still inadvertently maimed or killed in the process. It's basically unavoidable.
First I went vegetarian and then vegan. Food was fairly easy since I was already learning about the raw diet and being a vegan fits into that perfectly. However, in the beginning I had to learn where to get things like vegan shoes. At first it was a little difficult but I found a lot of vegan shoes, clothes, accessories online that I like as much or more than what I used to buy. After the initial adjustment I find my lifestyle very easy.
I learned that as long as I keep animals in my mind, that becoming vegan was very easy. It helped me loose weight too even though I never tried to cut back on anything. I learned that some people got upset at me or tried to make fun of me at first but I always kept the attitude that this is my life and what I am doing. EVeryone has to do what's best for them and as long as I didn't try to put my ideals on anyone else, friends and family left me alone.
I'am a vegetarian that has just recently started on the vegan route. I'm having a problem with finding a substitute for milk that tastes good. (I also need it to be gluten free.) I want it for my cereal, but find some taste like cardboard, or are too sweet, etc. Does anyone have a recommendation for one that is close in taste to milk?
Also, I'm learning of all the hidden words. I always thought if it didn't say a particular name it was ok….not true. Is there a list of words to watch for available somewhere?
Thank you for any help you can share!
I'm 55 and have not eaten meat since I was 17 after reading Diet for a Small Planet and have never been a true dietary vegan other than when I was a raw foodist back in the 80's but one thing that has surprised me with the new generation of vegans is that they are not really concerned with health.
Compassion for animals yes but I see a lot of refined white sugar & processed foods in their diets, not good.
I was always fond of eggs, but despite being vegetarian, it's strange how I never wondered what happened to all the male chicks. When I realised how cruelly they get killed, I felt ill.
I've learned so much about gelatin and stearic acid since I became a vegetarian and I've changed so much of what I eat and products that I use for my hair and body. I'm also more aware of what I buy for my dogs. Eventually, I'd love to be vegan and have healthy dogs as well!
I slowly became vegan, at first I did it by cutting out meats. I always had trouble with certain meats and certain dairy products, because I suffer from U.C. so it really wasn't hard for me. The hardest thing giving up was cheese and fast food meats. Fast food meats are very tasty, but are awful, because not only are cruel, but they cut down parts of the Amazon to make more room for the cattle. I love my new life style and I hope I keep it forever. I am even looking into buying clothes that are made different, that I can guarantee are synthetic non-animal based and are fair trade; however, this is harder to do knowing that not everything is "fair trade" even when it is marked "fair trade". Such a travesty.
I started the new year with a pledge to myself to "go vegan". The first thing I learned was that this would cause a huge fight with my husband. I had to compromise to keep peace (and possibly my marriage). However, I compromise as little as possible. I was already practicing vegetarian eating, so cutting out other animal products besides meat was not difficult, and I feel good about being as committed as I can be. The second big thing that I learned was that omnivores do not appreciate vegan eating habits. People were tolerating me as a vegetarian; now they look downright annoyed at parties and other eating events, for example when I avoid the cheese. I am noticing just how much meat, fish and other animal products people eat, and it is distressing. It is difficult to proselytize because it makes one very unpopular.
I learned that veganism is not just a diet, it's a lifestyle, and that my previous lifestyle had been incredibly cruel to all sorts of animals. I also learned that converting others takes patience and kindness and the willingness to accept that not everyone gets it, which is incredibly trying at first but then becomes second nature after a few years.
i sign
same as above. i spend more time in the stores now, looking at labels and ingredients. But i dont think honey is cruel.
Great story, thanks for sharing! I went vegan on November 1st last year and since then, it's been a joyride! I've learned a lot during these past 7 months and discovered new food that's vegan and delicious! It's a bit hard when I need to travel somewhere, but I prepare a bunch of soya steaks and I'm good to go! All in all, eating something that you know isn't derived from cruelty is the best thing there is.
I learned that "vegan" does not automatically mean "healthy." When I first went vegan, I lost weight quick because I didn't want to make any mistakes, and survived on mostly salad, tofu, and beans… but then I discovered that there are so many foods that are accidentally vegan, AND there is a bourgeoning market of vegan replacements and junk food. It's all about making good choices and representing veganism as an active, healthy, intelligent person!
The first time I visited the Peta website, I immediately went vegan. It's about being compassionate and educating ourselves about what happens to animals and the surprising cruelty involved! I have been a vegan for 8 months and I am absolutely positive I will stay that way. I have downloaded the peta search bar to raise money for Peta. I love sending letters to help animals in need. And the least I can do for animals is not eat them! There is plenty of good food out there that does not contain animal products.


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Derwent Inktense Pencils are pure, vibrant water-soluble ink pencils. They combine the intensity of pen and ink with the versatility of line and wash. Use to create strong, vivid tones then apply a light water wash to achieve a translucent, ink-like effect. Wash the pigment out completely and once dry, the color will be permanent and can be worked over again with both soluble and non-soluble media. The possibilities are endless, the results stunning.
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text: My daughter is only 5 days old and I want nothing more than to breastfeed her. My nipples have been cracked and sore since day 2. It has gotten to the point where I have to force myself to hold back a scream of anguish everytime she feeds. Usually the pain subsides or becomes bareable after a minute or so. I think it might be due to incorrect or bad latching. My nipples are extremely large and my baby's mouth is very very small. But today it got so painful that I actually screamed out in pain, started crying, and had to immediately stop feeding her. I don't want to stop breastfeeding her, but I really don't know what to do, it's SO PAINFUL. I've been using lanolin, but it doesn't feel like it's helping. I don't want her to become dependent on a bottle. Someone please help.


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This year, the Kingsville School District named Carvajal its 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year.
After being selected J.R. Perez Elementary School Campus Teacher of the Year, she was nominated for the overall honor as the district's outstanding teacher.
When she graduated from RHS, Carvajal began a career path toward a teaching degree in fine arts at Texas A&M- Kingsville. Specifically, Carvajal set her sights on becoming a choir director – a dream that evolved at RHS.
Her love of singing spurred Carvajal to perform at church, weddings, school events and other functions. During her senior year, she competed in UIL solo and ensemble, despite the absence of a choir program or music director. With the help of a church pianist, she advanced to the state UIL contest.
"I decided at that moment I was going to become a choral director and return to Refugio to teach," she said.
During a chance encounter with a young boy while she was a student at Kingsville, a new vision of her future evolved.
"One weekend my aunt asked me if I could tutor my cousin – he was having a difficult time in English class and his school tutorials were not helping," Carvajal said. "After our little tutoring session, I saw and recognized a look in my cousin's face that he 'got it.' It felt so good to know that it was because of me that he had this sense of accomplishment."
The passion and love of education flourished and grew. She became active in her sorority and saw a need to lead the sorority group into a branch of the national fraternity. The Refugio native was the founding mother of the Theta Phi Alpha Gamma Zeta Chapter at Texas A&M University- Kingsville.
Her benevolent work with that organization continues today.
After graduation from the university, Carvajal taught at elementary schools in Alice and St. Paul's Lutheran before settling in at J.R. Perez Elementary where her career in education continues to thrive.
She serves as a mentor for student teachers from A&M and has since become the education lead teacher at J.R. Perez Elementary, mentoring colleagues and supervising paraprofessionals.
"I strive for excellence in my profession," she says.
The Refugio graduate also is involved with the Perez Cadets, the "pride of J.R. Perez Elementary," as much as possible. The group assists with veterans programs, dinners, program assemblies and other veteran-based activities.
"My goal is to instill a passion and love for learning," she said. "I want my love for learning to pour out to my students."
The educator credits her success to her parents, Oscar and Brenda Meza of Refugio.
The family came to Refugio during the summer before Stacie's sophomore year. Brenda Meza transferred to the Refugio H-E-B to serve as its service manager.
Stacie's parents had married young and started their family early, but hard work and perseverance to succeed set an example for the siblings. Her father learned a trade and started his own business. Her mother worked to obtain a G.E.D. and enrolled in college.
"I realized how vital an education was when my mother studied night and day, pursuing her associates degree in bookkeeping," she said. "My mother set an example for her children by finishing her education."
Caravajal says her accomplishments will be measured by her students' passion and hunger for learning and marked by the numbers of her students who graduate high school and college.
"It will make me proud to know that I laid the foundation to their academic achievement," she says.
(Editors note: This week, we begin a series of features on county graduates who have been recognized for their work, their achievements and/or their success. Next week, Estherlene Moya Lepine, an RHS graduate of 1968, will be featured. Kenda Nelson may be contacted at 361 526-2397 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.)


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INGREDIENTS:1.5 lbs. unsalted butter, softened 2 cups brown sugar 1.5 lbs. cream cheese 1 cup peanut butter 2 Tbsp. vanilla 1 cup heavy cream 2 baked 9-inch pie crusts, filled with chocolateChocolate Mixture: 1 ¼ cup melted chocolate 1/3 cup Kahlua DIRECTIONS:Mix melted chocolate with Kahlua and pour mixture evenly inside two baked pie crusts. Place butter and sugar into mixing bowl. With wire whip, mix until creamy. On medium speed, add cream cheese, peanut butter and vanilla. Slowly add ...
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO.
On average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products. These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas. In 2005 alone, CPSC staff is aware of at least 94 generator-related CO poisoning deaths. Forty-seven of these deaths were known to have occurred during power outages due to severe weather, including Hurricane Katrina. Still others die from CO produced by non-consumer products, such as cars left running in attached garages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms every year to be treated for CO poisoning.
Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:
High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:
Symptom severity is related to both the CO level and the duration of exposure. For slowly developing residential CO problems, occupants and/or physicians can mistake mild to moderate CO poisoning symptoms for the flu, which sometimes results in tragic deaths. For rapidly developing, high level CO exposures (e.g., associated with use of generators in residential spaces), victims can rapidly become mentally confused, and can lose muscle control without having first experienced milder symptoms; they will likely die if not rescued.
The health effects of CO depend on the CO concentration and length of exposure, as well as each individual's health condition. CO concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm). Most people will not experience any symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm but some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms become more noticeable and can include headache, fatigue and nausea. At sustained CO concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible.
If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately. Leave the home and call your fire department to report your symptoms from a neighbor's home. You could lose consciousness and die if you stay in the home. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning. If the doctor confirms CO poisoning, make sure a qualified service person checks the appliances for proper operation before reusing them.
CO alarms always have been and still are designed to alarm before potentially life-threatening levels of CO are reached. The safety standards for CO alarms have been continually improved and currently marketed CO alarms are not as susceptible to nuisance alarms as earlier models.
Consumers should follow the manufacturer's instructions. Using a test button tests whether the circuitry is operating correctly, not the accuracy of the sensor. Alarms have a recommended replacement age, which can be obtained from the product literature or from the manufacturer.
CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. CPSC recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be installed into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall. Hard wired or plug-in CO alarms should have battery backup. Avoid locations that are near heating vents or that can be covered by furniture or draperies. CPSC does not recommend installing CO alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning appliances.
Never ignore an alarming CO alarm! It is warning you of a potentially deadly hazard.
If the alarm signal sounds do not try to find the source of the CO:
If authorities allow you to return to your home, and your alarm reactivates within a 24 hour period, repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate for sources of CO from all fuel burning equipment and appliances, and inspect for proper operation of this equipment. If problems are identified during this inspection, have the equipment serviced immediately. Note any combustion equipment not inspected by the technician and consult the manufacturers' instructions, or contact the manufacturers directly, for more information about CO safety and this equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, and have not been, operating in an attached garage or adjacent to the residence.
CPSC staff worked closely with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to help develop the safety standard (UL 2034) for CO alarms. CPSC helps promote carbon monoxide safety by raising awareness of CO hazards and the need for correct use and regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances. CPSC staff also works with stakeholders to develop voluntary and mandatory standards for fuel-burning appliances and conducts independent research into CO alarm performance under likely home-use conditions.
Many states and local jurisdictions now require CO alarms be installed in residences. Check with your local building code official to find out about the requirements in your location.
CO alarms are available for boats and recreational vehicles and should be used. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires CO alarms in motor homes and in trailers.
Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the "Invisible Killer" because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 400 people in the United States die every year from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning, according to the CDC. Check out CPSC's CO Information Center for valuable details and resources for keeping your family safe from the risk of poisoning.
Check out the conversation on Twitter: #InvisibleKiller
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I'm 6 weeks pregnant with my second child (the first being almost 2 years old) and I can't believe it - weaning is happening! I never thought I'd see this day (okay, I thought I would eventually) as he nursed 4-5 times a day until I started to get sore nipples during my pregnancy. I mentioned that my "num-nums" were "owie" and asked that he nurse for a shorter period of time and he has been completely respectful. It's actually a pleasant shock. He spent time asking to touch them (and I allow him to caress them), as he didn't want to nurse from them any more and now just refers to my breasts as "owie num-nums". Every second morning, we still nurse when he wakes up. I can't believe weaning is happening, and I haven't refused my son when he asks to nurse.
I'm happy, as nursing has really made being pregnant even that much more exhausting, but I have mixed emotions too. Guess I'm just giving a shout-out to all those mothers who think they're toddlers will never wean - they will. Weird, what a beautiful and loving adventure it has been these last two years. Guess I'm also looking for support from other moms out there who've been in my shoes. Somehow I thought all the attachment parenting would have to be spoiled by a "fight" to end nursing when I was ready to give it up but he wasn't... but nope, give them time and they will stop.


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What would Americans do if they won the lottery?
Published On: Nov 28 2012 11:08:30 AM CST Updated On: Jul 25 2014 09:04:46 AM CDT
A family of 17 is splitting a $20 million lottery jackpot they won in New Jersey. How would most Americans spend their winnings if they hit it big? Click through to find out.
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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If Dubious gives you the sour face every time you leave for work every day, consider bringing him to work—especially since we are approaching the holiday season. Your boss doesn't have to know! With a few "sneaky" tools and a little ingenuity, Dubious can be sitting shotgun next to you at your desk.
1. Assess Dubious' personality. Smuggling him into work won't be a good idea if he is a proud and independent roamer who has activities you don't even have a clue about for most of the day and/or night. If he is the type to hop in and out of the cat door regularly, he is going to find being confined in a small bag a day of nightmares and the yowling will definitely let the cat out of the bag even if the clawing doesn't.
2. Consider the way you get to work. Is Dubious a seasoned traveler? Does he mind car or public transportation travel? Is Dubious even allowed on public transportation? Are you strong enough to carry him on your bike or by foot? These are all very valid considerations.
If the last experience Dubious had in a cat carrier involved going to the vet, seeing rabid, dribbling dogs nosing him and he urinated all over himself, then perhaps give this whole idea a miss. On the other hand, if Dubious is the model of good behavior and loves traveling, you're on your way!
3. Check the weather. Is it too hot, too cold, too wet or too windy to be carrying Dubious around? Use your own good sense of judgment as to whether the weather is an issue for carting around Dubious, especially if you're subjecting him to non-car travel. In particular, remember that Dubious is prone to heatstroke, so don't place him in any situation where this could be a problem.
4. Choose a day that isn't heavily mired in away-from-desk obligations. Preferably, choose a day when you can get away earlier than usual, so that Dubious is only there a few hours.
Things You Will Need:
Carrier bag suitable for Dubious, breathable
Food, treats and bowls
Water (use workplace water but not from the cooler as it's too cold)
Harness, leash, collar
Travel litter box and deodorizing litter
Cat toys
More information and photos at http://www.wikihow.com/Sneak-Your-Cat-Into-Work .


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#211967 - 08/02/13 01:52 AM The Borg
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 03/15/00
Posts: 11613
Loc: Louisville, Kentucky
I wish that one of my friends who took Latin had clued me in that Locutus means speak (or close to it); I read it in the concert program tonight. That puts Captain Picard's assimilation in a whole new lumen.
#211971 - 08/02/13 08:17 AM Re: The Borg [Re: Jackie]
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 08/13/05
Posts: 3290
Loc: R'lyeh
Locutus means speak (or close to it)
It's the past participle of loquor 'to speak'; it means 'spoken'. As a noun, it means 'speech'. A related word in English is locution._________________________
Ceci n'est pas un seing.
#211972 - 08/02/13 09:35 AM Re: The Borg [Re: Jackie]
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 06/24/02
Posts: 7210
Loc: Vermont
eloquently said._________________________
formerly known as etaoin...
#211973 - 08/02/13 09:43 AM Re: The Borg [Re: Jackie]
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 06/23/06
Posts: 5295
Loc: Netherlands, the Hague
A Star Trek concert?
#212045 - 08/08/13 12:33 AM Re: The Borg [Re: BranShea]
old hand
Registered: 12/18/06
Posts: 956
Loc: Auckland, New Zealand
A Star Trek concert?
Yes. Picard was so named as he was to become the Borgs spokesperson to coerce us mere humans.
#212056 - 08/08/13 01:47 PM Re: The Borg [Re: olly]
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 06/23/08
Posts: 8541
Loc: Land of the Flat Water
I always found the Borg to be terrifying episodes. Just
having the creativity to invent the concept is what scares me._________________________
----please, draw me a sheep----
#217125 - 06/16/14 01:56 AM Re: The Borg [Re: Jackie]
Registered: 12/01/08
Posts: 287
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Plenty of 'Trekkie fans' out there that would go to anything 'Star Trekish.......'_________________________
live in the moment
#217141 - 06/16/14 11:26 AM Re: The Borg [Re: Bazr]
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 06/23/08
Posts: 8541
Loc: Land of the Flat Water
Trekkies or Trekkers? There is a difference._________________________
----please, draw me a sheep----
#217145 - 06/16/14 01:02 PM We have assimilated you [Re: LukeJavan8]
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 08/06/01
Posts: 6943
Loc: Worcester, MA
The Iniatiate call themselves Trekkers, and use "Trekkies" as a term of disparagement.
#217156 - 06/17/14 03:50 AM Re: We have assimilated you [Re: Jackie]
Registered: 12/01/08
Posts: 287
Loc: Victoria, Australia
The double 'k' must be an imperative._________________________
live in the moment
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Lola Clinton@lolabelize active 3 years, 9 months ago
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Occupy law exists for two reasons:
a) to highlight the complicity of the legal system as part of the broader 'system' which concentrates power to the 1% and disenfranchises the 99%. The legal system fac […]
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The RSBS Podcast, Episode 15: Varitek's Lotto Numbers… and Other Stuff
And so in this Podcast…
The hot stove is so hot that we had to add more fuel to the sizzlin' fire! Jeff, Allen and Johanna are joined by Second City's Mark Piebenga and Red Sox loyalist Troy Jagodowski to get down and dirty on all the offseason drama. Discussion topics include but are not limited to: what Theo Epstein was smokin' when he re-signed Varitek, the end of Troy Tulowitski, the continued morphing of the Hall of Fame, the A-Gon deal and much, much more… all to make you laugh that milk right through your nose!
– – –
Subscribe to the RSBS Podcast by clicking *HERE*
Subscribe via iTunes by clicking *HERE*
*Special thanks to our PodMaster Keith Carmack. You can check out Keith's wicked podcast and his subsequent film projects at Undercard Films. The dude has mad skillz, so you might wanna pay attention. Do it! Now!
– – –
Recorded Saturday, December 4, 2010
6 Comments
Minka Kelly's blog = hard-hitting political commentary. LOLLLLLLL!!!! Good stuff, everybody. Made that milk shoot right out of my nose.
Wow! I had eight blog entries to catchup here. Football, temperature, girls, theriot, Ron Santo (RIP) and Whoa! Qatar hosting a World Cup?? I did not know that! I know guys that play soccer that like it humid hot but not me, you take a shower in that humidity go out the door and you are ready for another shower. I've been to St Louis in August and that was too much for me. When I go back to Honduras, I wonder how I used to put up with all the heat and humidity.
Jane — Glad we could help!
Emma — See what happens when you don't come 'round every day? LOL. Glad you stopped by to catch up. You're right, the Lou in August is rough… but I suspect Qatar is about a billion times worse.
I work for a small business and they don't have a website. What is the easiest, cheapest way to start a professional looking website?.
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالدمام http://36.yesweadvice.com
I recently got a blogspot for my mixtapes that I uploaded but when I search my DJ name (even full url), it doesn't appear in the google search. Does it take about a week for it to appear or do I have to pay to get it to come up?.
افضل شركة شراء اثاث مستعمل بالرياض http://20.yesweadvice.com
Is getting a Masters Degree in Creative Writing a waste of time?
شركة مكافحة الفئران بالدمام http://41.yesweadvice.com


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I'm going to have a 6 mo soon - scary! - and we are going to be trying out more foods. Right now DD doesn't really eat any solids. Every so often I dip her spoon in some oatmeal and she licks it a little, chews the spoon, hits herself in the face with it... not exactly eating, just socializing her to eating at a table.
So starting with just one "meal" a day, when did you move up to two meals and then three meals? At one year they should have three "meals", right? I just want to hear some of what you guys did as you introduced solids.


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Night fever
October 18, 2012 —
SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Chilly nights and excitement under the lights defined Spirit Week action for Sullivan West fans as the docket featured Senior Nights for the girls' and boys' soccer teams on October 3 and 4 and a Homecoming Football extravaganza on October 5 versus Pine Plains. Flowers, smiles, hugs and victories provided the warmth to offset plummeting temperatures.
The girls got things going with a 6-0 non-league win over Chapel Field that began by the honoring of elder stateswomen Hannah Feinman, Kaitlyn Taylor and Cassidy Sauer. Sophomore Carly Grishaber scored first. Feinman followed suit, as did freshman Megan Brockner, junior Marianne Durkin and Sauer, who had two goals on the night. The Lady Bulldogs only need one more win in their next four games to qualify for sectionals.
The boys soccer team defeated Tri-Valley, 4-0, the next night, as seniors Jonah Bauer, Ryan Feeney, Richard Lander, Adam Murphy, Andrew Siegel, Gregory Stevenson and Eli Vaknin were honored. Feeney's early goal set the tone against the winless Bears. Miguel Ramos scored and Lander added a penalty kick with a streaking shot into the lower left corner of the net. Siegel scored last. He had served in goal for most of the game before Noah Bauer took over the cage in the game's final 12 minutes. The 5-5 Bulldogs need three more wins, out of their remaining six games, to qualify for sectionals.
Football Homecoming began with the crowning of King Sawyer Erlwein and Queen Dani Myers. Football seniors Blain Reddish, Joe Schroeder, Brad Hemmer, Sawyer Erlwein, Tyler Bernitt, Scott Herbert and Scott Erdman presented flowers to their parents before the Bulldogs, 6-1 (3-0 Class C Division II), evinced a one-sided 43-7 win over the winless Pine Plains. The scoring began with a safety, as a punt attempt by the Bombers resulted in a high snap and the ball sailed into the end zone. The Dawgs added a six-yard TD run by Andrew Stabbert shortly thereafter. Michael Sedlack's PAT made it 9-0. A 71-yard ramble by Erlwein made it 15-0 as the first-half fireworks continued. Jared Meola ran it in from the two, just before the half, but the Dawgs weren't done. A 23-yard fourth down run by Erlwein and a two-point conversion pass to Meola made it 29-0 at the break.


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By Associated Press 6:34am, February 10, 2013 - Updated 8:10am, February 10, 2013Lavoy Allen had 14 points and a career-high 22 rebounds, and Jrue Holiday scored 20 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to an 87-76 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night.
Evan Turner had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Jeremy Pargo scored 12 points in his Sixers debut. Pargo signed a 10-day contract this week after he was waived by Cleveland.
The Sixers improved to 5-2 on their eight-game homestand that ends Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The solid showing at home has helped the Sixers inch closer to the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Ramon Sessions scored 20 points, Byron Mullens had 16 and Gerald Henderson 13 as the NBA-worst Bobcats lost their seventh straight.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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1324 Jefferson Avenue
Completed in 2006, this impressive, 20,000 square foot facility is located at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Utica Street . The Library is Wheelchair accessible and has 35 parking spaces. Black and white copies are available at 15 cents each.
Public Access Computers: 47 computers, networked (printing 10-cents B&W per page; 25-cents color) Microsoft Office Applications, Internet Access, Misc. "What can I do at a Public Access Computer?" The location features a state-of-the-art, technology training lab with 12 computers.
The building features a 150-seat auditorium. Use of the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library Auditorium is intended for activities conducted or sponsored by the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library and secondarily, for organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities of interest and/or benefit to the community.
Application and Fee Structure – Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library Auditorium
Application and Fee Structure – Buffalo Branch Library use
William A. Miles Center for African and African-American Studies
In addition to the numerous books, microfilm and flat pictures, the collection has several specialized databases and has now acquired a new resource that makes Black Studies research more convenient and robust. The microfiche Schomburg Clipping File contains more than 9,000 records that preserve and document important accomplishments in the African American experience.
The Schomburg Clipping File mirrors the black experience, not only in North America, but worldwide. Essentially a periodical and newspaper clipping file, this unique collection also includes typescripts, broadsides, pamphlets, programs, book reviews, menus and various other short publications dealing with black history and culture. An important source for research into all aspects of black activities and accomplishments, the file brings together a huge diversity of material organized by subject and totaling almost a million pages not duplicated elsewhere.
The collection is international in scope including countries in Africa and others not normally associated with black culture such as Italy, Russia and Japan. Easy to use and suitable both for ready reference queries or in-depth research, the Schomburg Clipping File is a valuable and unusual research tool for the study of the African American experience.
The Buffalo Criterion
Additional Resource
Continuing Support
Learn more about the dedication and renaming of this center...
Library System Information on the Board of Trustees
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System Board of Trustees is the governing body for the downtown Central Library, and the eight branch libraries located in the city of Buffalo. These include: Crane, Dudley, East Clinton, East Delavan, Frank E. Merriweather, Jr., Niagara, North Park and the Riverside Branch Libraries.
All System Board of Trustee meetings and committee meetings are open to the public
To see monthly board meeting schedules, agendas and minutes, click here.
View Events at this Library
The next scheduled holiday for this location is 12/25/2016 (Christmas Day)


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Milan can strengthen their grip on the final UEFA Champions League qualifying spot when they travel to relegated Pescara on Wednesday.
Massimiliano Allegri's men sit third following their 1-0 win over Torino and are four points clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina, who fell to a 1-0 defeat against Roma in their last outing.
Mario Balotelli was the hero for Milan as he netted a late winner in Sunday's victory, and the onus will likely be placed on him and top-scorer Stephen El Shaarawy, who has 16 league goals this term, to deliver against a side that has conceded a mammoth 74 times in a disastrous campaign.
El Shaarawy was on the scoresheet in the reverse fixture as Milan eased to a 4-1 win at San Siro, midfielder Antonio Nocerino also finding the net in addition to two own goals from Cristian Bucchi's men.
Allegri will hope his side can again secure victory without a number of first-team players, with Ricardo Montilivo, Bojan Krkic, Massimo Ambrosini and Nigel de Jong all still unavailable through injury.
Per Kroldrup could yet return for Pescara, but the game will likely come to soon for on-loan midfielder Juan Quintero, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Bucchi has a lengthy injury list to contend with, goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli and midfielders Francesco Modesto and Gaetano D'Agostino are all expected to miss the rest of the season as are winger Vladimir Weiss and young striker Gianluca Caprari.
The basement club have little to play for going into this one and look to be already preparing for life in Serie B next season.
Most of Bucchi's side's wins have come at the Adriatico but they still possess the worst home record in the division with only four victories in front of their own fans.
With no win since their shock 2-0 win at Fiorentina in January confidence is likely to be low in the home camp and with Milan having only lost four times away from San Siro this campaign, another defeat appears inevitable.
There can be no certainties in football, but with another crack at the UEFA Champions League on the horizon, Milan will need no further motivation to compound Pescara's misery.