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Dear all folks,
I am new in Buddhism since the past 6 months and been reading the Pali Canon(English Translations). I have been reading about Karma and especially about how Hatred/Aversion/Ill-will leads to Realm of Hell in the next birth.
Now I have a situation in my life I would like to discuss. In my life over a period of about 2 to 2.5 years I had developed Aversion towards one of my family members (actually my sister-in-law - My brother's wife). Now since we were staying in the same house my aversion was present whenever she was around. This is there for a period of 2.5 years like I said until I recently turned towards the Buddha's teachings. His teachings changed my outlook and I developed a mind of non-hatred at first and then a mind of Loving-Kindness towards that person. Now I would like to put an effort to keep this state of Loving-Kindness for the rest of my life.
My understanding of Kamma from the Buddha's teachings says that Unwholesome Kamma and Hatred especially leads to realm of Hell (albeit temporary). I would like to know whether having this unwholesome Kamma for a long period (say 2.5 years) mean that my next birth would be definitely in the Hell realm?. Can it be possible in my life to be good and avoid an unfortunate rebirth to hell or is it impossible now considering the long period I had carried unwholesome root?.


text:
Custom products has done it again with the new CP tactical barrel. One of the coolest looking Scenario barrels we have seen so far and the accuracy is out of this world!
The Custom Products Tactical Barrel comes standard with a removable tip and can be changed out with any of the several designed tips they offer. The barrel has been precision honed and polished to give you the best accuracy of any tactical barrel on the market. This is the most realistic setup in paintball today!
To add accessories to the barrel simply remove the thread protector, thread on your thread adapter and add any of the hand shrouds that we have available. The thread adapter is the same thread as the AR-15 1 7/8" - 20 thread.
Feel free to contact our customer service with any questions or concerns regarding your order at:
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Note: This item is more than nine years old. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references.
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Oct. 22, 2007
Alamo Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists Marks 10th Anniversary
SAN ANTONIO — The Alamo Area chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program is this year celebrating a decade of achievement in environmental conservation, restoration and education. The movement to produce a trained corps of dedicated citizen volunteers has since spawned a nationally-recognized statewide program with 41 other local chapters across Texas, but it all began here 10 years ago.
"It's been a real joy to see the growth of the program; when you have something that is fulfilling a need, it really takes off," said Thea Platz, Alamo Area chapter vice president and founding member. In 2005, she became the first master naturalist to earn 5,000 hours of service. "The program has been like the Starbucks of environmental education, with new chapters springing up everywhere."
The Alamo Area chapter held its first training class in March 1997. Originally the organization was called the Natural Initiatives Program, but the name was changed to Master Naturalist in 1998 when the statewide Texas Master Naturalist program was created as a joint project of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Cooperative Extension.
Each volunteer naturalist is required to complete a 40-hour multidisciplinary educational program. To remain active, each year they must complete eight hours of advanced training and a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to their local community.
"Our main advantage is that we are very highly trained and so we are a lot different than some volunteers people have worked with in the past," said Platz. "We can jump in and understand scientific projects, work with technical data and handle just about anything."
Within the first three years, the Texas Master Naturalist program spread throughout the state. The group's first annual report in 2000 revealed more than 22,600 hours contributed by naturalist volunteers statewide, with the Alamo Area chapter reporting more than 19,000 volunteer hours at its first annual meeting in October of that year.
The state program won national recognition from the Wildlife Management Institute with the President's 2000 Award for promotion of "improved public understanding and appreciation of natural resources and the role of management, and also because of the exceptional initiative invested to ensure its widespread adoption and success."
The Texas Master Naturalist program also received a Take Pride In America award in 2005 from the U.S. Department of the Interior. This national partnership program supports and recognizes volunteers who work to improve public parks, forests, grasslands, reservoirs, wildlife refuges, cultural and historic sites, local playgrounds, and other recreation areas.
Most recently, the program was named the Texas Association for Environmental Education's "Educator of the Year" on Oct. 13.
"When we first started, it was during our second training session that we were already beginning training for different chapters in the state," said Platz. "We were sort of flying by the seat of our pants."
Today there are 41 Texas Master Naturalist chapters and more than 4,500 volunteers who have been trained through the program. To date, the value of the service provided by volunteers is approximately $10.1 million. Their work has stretched across 80,000 acres of land and reached more than 100,000 youth, adults and private landowners each year.
The group's influence radiates beyond Texas, since 28 states have now implemented a Master Naturalist program modeled after the idea begun in San Antonio 10 years ago.
"I would not hesitate to guess that the numbers of hours that have actually been performed are two or three times what we have recorded," said Alamo Area chapter President J. W. Pieper. "The Master Naturalist movement is just exploding in Texas."
The Alamo Area chapter has partnered extensively with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, contributing tens of thousands of hours of service that are evident in green spaces along rivers, in parks and other spots across the city.
San Antonio area milestones include the chapter's signature native plant Wildscape along the River Walk, landscaping projects for Habitat for Humanity, and land surveying of 6,050 acres acquired for the aquifer recharge zone. Presently, the chapter, along with other Texas Master Naturalist local chapters, is working on transforming a newly created gorge near Canyon Lake into a park.
Recognizing the group's many contributions, San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger declared Oct. 12-14 to be Texas Master Naturalist Volunteer Days. In a proclamation the mayor said, "Texas Master Naturalist volunteers play an integral role in providing education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas of Texas."
Volunteers have also helped biologists place tracking tags on birds, bats and monarch butterflies and worked with archeologists to uncover Native American rock art pictographs.
"It's enriching for members because they have lots of unique, scientifically-based opportunities with what we're doing," said Platz. "We wouldn't be able to do these things without trust, and we have established a reputation that when we sign on to do something we can follow directions and understand scientific procedures."
"I think that what we've achieved so far is wonderful and as we continue to grow, I want to continue to keep the same reputation of being valid and setting the bar high for the quality of volunteers," said Platz.
Complete information about the Alamo Area chapter, including how to receive volunteer training, is available on the group's Web site. A complete listing of statewide chapters and training opportunities is on the Texas Master Naturalist Web site.
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(5.4.16 i)


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Padres work with Torres on command
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Last week, Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley pulled left-handed reliever Alex Torres aside and told him that instead of appearing in a game, the two were going to work on some things in terms of his command.
"We've cleaned up some things, mostly with his release point," Balsley said. "As we move forward, I think you're going to see more strikes."
It's been a whirlwind spring for Torres, who was acquired from the Rays in January and then arrived in Arizona late because of visa issues in his native Venezuela.
He's been trying to catch up ever since -- maybe too much.
"I think maybe he has a little too much, especially since he was behind everyone else," Balsley said. "And he's a competitor. I don't think he can down-shift. He's a max-effort guy. That's fine."
Manager Bud Black saw the same things early with Torres, who had his best outing with the team on Sunday, as he struck out three over 1 1/3 scoreless innings against the Rangers. He lowered his ERA from 13.50 to 10.50 in the process, while showing his best command of the spring.
"It looked like he was trying to force the velocity," Black said. "For a younger pitcher who comes to a new team, there's always that feeling of wanting to impress, get your new teammates to appreciate the new player, validate the trade."
Torres even admitted to trying a little too hard early on.
"Sometimes we're trying to do more than we know we should do," the pitcher said. "And sometimes we try to overthrow and that's what happens and everything gets out of control."
Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
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Super Location! Medical Clinic Facility. Located accross the street from a Assisted living/Nursing Facility and a stones throw to Boswell Memorial Hospital. This spotless Mid Century Modern style...
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(Updated November 2008) Yes, I know you haven't even cooked your turkey yet, so you don't have a turkey carcass to make turkey stock and then make this soup. But many of you will have leftover turkey soon, and by then I'll be too busy to update this post. You might have noticed I'm very fond of barley, and if you're looking for a post-Thanksgiving turkey soup, I highly recommend this one. I do have a few other ideas for leftover turkey to add to my Thanksgiving Recipes, which hopefully I'll get posted later tonight. Now, let's make turkey soup.
Turkey Barley Soup
(Makes about 10 servings, but this freezes very well. Recipe created by Kalyn.)
8 cups turkey stock made from leftover turkey carcass (or could use chicken stock, but turkey stock is better)
1 T olive oil (or butter)
1 onion, diced in 3/8 inch pieces
1 cup celery, diced in 3/8 inch pieces
2 cups carrots, diced in 3/8 inch pieces
2 tsp. poultry seasoning, or more, to taste (can substitute dried thyme and sage for poultry seasoning)
black pepper to taste
4 cups diced leftover turkey
4 cups water
3/4 cup pearl barley
turkey soup base as needed (I used about 1 T Penzey's Turkey Soup Base. Can also use chicken buillon, a dash of soy sauce, or Kitchen Bouquet if you need to add flavor)
While vegetables are cooking, bring turkey stock to a boil in large soup pot. Add vegetables and turkey, lower heat, and simmer 20 minutes.
Add water, bring soup back to simmer, then add barley and simmer until barley is soft, at least 30 minutes, and maybe longer, depending on how old the barley is. (When I made this recently I cooked the barley 45 minutes, but fresh barley will cook much more quickly.)
When barley is cooked, taste soup for seasoning, add additional turkey soup base and salt or pepper if needed. Simmer 10 minutes more if more soup base is added. Serve hot.
South Beach Suggestions:
More Turkey Soup:
You can find a lot more turkey soup ideas with the Thanksgiving Recipes.
More Soup with Barley:
(Recipes from other blogs may not be South Beach Diet friendly; check ingredients.)
Mushroom Barley Soup with Ham and Leeks from Kalyn's Kitchen
Chicken Barley Soup from Kalyn's Kitchen
Mushroom Barley Soup from The Perfect Pantry
Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup from Andrea's Recipes
Mushroom Barley Soup from Eating/SF
Carrot, Chickpea, and Barley Soup with Tofu from A Fridge Full of Food
(Find more Barley Soup Recipes using Food Blog Search.)


text:
Going to a concert is an opportunity to be around a lot of people and maybe finally collect all those signatures you need to start selling fresh meat in your front yard. Be a part of something big with this GrouponLive deal to see Life in Color (Formerly Dayglow) at Bader Field on Monday, December 31, at 7 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Choose between the following ticket options:
* For $65, you get one general-admission ticket (up to a $108.97 value, including all fees).
* For $85, you get one VIP ticket (up to a $170.77 value, including all fees). The VIP ticket includes an official E.N.D. T-shirt; Life in Color VIP bag; paint bottle; Wayfarer shades; Life in Color CD, Vol. 8 featuring R3HAB; sticker; and 2012 The E.N.D. wristband.
Formerly known as Dayglow, the Life in Color music festival starts parties in cities all over the globe with a vibrant mix of electronica, acrobats, pyrotechnics, and, of course, gallons upon gallons of paint. Alongside DJ-in-residence David Solano, the New Year's Eve spectacular features pulse-pounding performances from Steve Aoki, whose mixes fill the air with vibrating beats from such stars as Lil Jon and Chiddy Bang, and the bass-heavy dubstep drops of Adventure Club. Tommy Trash joins the party with remixes built from 8-bit parts and scratchy synth. Just when the night is at its peak, a battery of paint cannons send neon ribbons of pink, yellow, green, and blue all over the teeming crowds.


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In addition to being a Psychology major, I was also a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Secretary of Psi Chi Honorary, and student representative to the Psychology Department. As a student representative, I was often asked my opinion on issues discussed in meetings and was expected to solicit information from my classmates in which to report back to the faculty. The faculty genuinely wanted to hear the students' positions on important topics! I worked with Alan Searleman and Serge Onyper on my senior research project. Psychology majors at SLU are encouraged to collaborate with their professors on advanced research projects and perhaps even co-author papers with them. I find this collegial approach to be beneficial because it guides student researchers and strengthens their results.
In the Spring of 2010 I studied abroad in Trinidad where I volunteered at the Trinidad and Tobago Autistic Society. I formulated and implemented behavior management plans and worked one-on-one with children of all ages and abilities on various cognitive and behavioral tasks. I hope to continue working with and learning about this disorder in my future studies.


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One year ago, what was supposed to be Super Bowl Sunday for millions of Americans became a nightmare for people in Utah and Washington who had been following the Susan Powell disappearance.
Her sons, Charlie, 7, and Braden Powell, 5, were murdered by the only person suspected in her disappearance her husband Josh Powell. Josh Powell then killed himself.
Ceremonies will be held Tuesday in Puyallup, Wash., and West Valley City to remember the anniversary. Here are some photos of Charlie and Braden and the aftermath of the deaths.


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Jake Gyllenhaal Photo 968x1290
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jacob Benjamin "Jake" Gyllenhaal (born December 19, 1980) is an American actor. He has appeared in diverse roles since his first lead role in 1999's October Sky, followed by the 2001 indie cult hit Donnie Darko. In 2005 he garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination as Jack Twist in the film Brokeback Mountain opposite Heath Ledger.
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Public Law Library in Fairfax Courthouse Announces Extended Hours
Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director of Public Affairs
703-324-3187, TTY 711, Fax 703-324-2010
Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
April 14, 2008
Public Law Library in Fairfax Courthouse Announces Extended Hours
The Fairfax Public Law Library, Room 115, Fairfax County Courthouse, 4110 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax, now offers extended hours. The law library will be open Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday hours continue from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"We are pleased to invite the public to use our new facility," said Clerk of the Fairfax Circuit Court John T. Frey.
"Additional hours means that we will be able to serve the public in a wider capacity," added Thomas B. Pulver, law library director. "We hope the public takes full advantage of all the wonderful resources we have, which are not available at any other single location in Fairfax County."
The law library now has enhanced customer access to Westlaw, Lexis, Casefinder, HeinOnline, Virginia Continuing Legal Education materials and Legal Services of Northern Virginia printable forms and instructions. The mission of the Fairfax Public Law Library is to provide access to legal information and to assist judges, lawyers, law clerks, court employees and the general public in their research efforts.
For more information about the law library, call 703-246-2170, TTY 711, or e-mail email@example.com.
For more news and information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news
Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request this information in an alternate format, call the Office of Public Affairs at 703-324-3187, TTY 711.


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Least said soonest mended
This page is about the saying "Least said soonest mended"
Possible interpretation:
When we do or say something bad to someone, a long apology and discussion does not help. In such a case, the less we say the better.
least (adverb): to the smallest amount | mend (verb): repair; fix
Quick Quiz:
The saying "Least said soonest mended" advises that a disagreement, for example, will be forgotten most quickly if we
This entry is in the following categories:
Contributor: Josef Essberger


text: Crops & Markets Opal apple unveiled by FirstFruits By Tom Karst May 17, 2011 | 4:47 pm EDT Comments Print For a more current story on Opal apples, dated Jan. 5, 2011, read FirstFruits shipping Opal apples. The Opal apple variety has been exclusively introduced to U.S. markets by Yakima-based FirstFruits Marketing, LLC and Broetje Orchards. The new variety, characterized by bright yellow color with hints of orange blush, has what is described as a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor with a brix of 15 to 18, according to a news release from the company. The variety is a cross between the golden delicious and the Topaz, has a medium round shape, stem end gusseting and resistance to oxidation after slicing, according to the release. Keith Mathews, chief executive officer of FirstFruits Marketing, said March 11 the company expects to market about 40,000 cartons of the Opal variety this year. The variety was selling about $1 per pound f.o.b. for the 27-pound euro carton, he said. The marketing campaign accompanying the introduction of the Opal calls the variety âa new American jewel,â according to the news release. The Opal, discovered in Europe in 1999, is grown exclusively in the U.S. by Ralph Broetje of Broetje Orchards, Prescott, Wash., The variety is available only through FirstFruits Marketing and is available from March through May, or as long as supplies last, according to the release.


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A MOTHER has spoken about the devastating injuries her teenage son suffered after he was pinned to a wall and his legs shattered by a car being driven dangerously.
Nizamuddin Patel, aged 36, of Saltwood Grove, Bolton, lost control of a Vauxhall Vectra and slammed into Spencer Aspinall in Bolton Road, Atherton.
The 16-year-old's toe was cut off and his legs were so badly broken in the crash that when his mother Joanne Aspinall got to the scene, a policeman asked her to look for bits of bone in the road.
Now she wants to warn motorists about the impact the crash has had on her family and Spencer, now aged 18, who has had to undergo 11 operations since the crash on November 22, 2012.
She said: "When I see people speeding now it makes me so angry, if they could only see the damage it can do.
"We have moved in with my mum and dad because it is a bungalow and it is easier for Spencer to get around.
"Spencer used to play rugby and he loved modelling and acting but he can't do that anymore.
"He is at Pendleton College studying performing arts, it has been his dream since he was three to be an actor. But he is talking about dropping out of college because he feels his disability will always hold him back."
Patel, aged 36, was found guilty of dangerous driving and was jailed for 12 months.
He was also given a four-year driving ban at Liverpool Crown Court.
The crash happened one week before a law was introduced that could have seen Patel face a charge of dangerous driving causing serious injury and up to five years in prison.
One witness, Stephen Gaskell, told the court how he had been driving behind Patel in Bolton and saw him dangerously overtaking other cars and speeding.
Mrs Aspinall, aged 43, of Stanley Street, Atherton, added: "Without the witnesses there wouldn't have had a case.
"He showed no remorse, all he cared about was getting cigarettes to his brother's friends shop — even when my son was screaming on the side of the road.
"He chose to get in the car and drive that way and I hope his time in prison gives him time to reflect and think about it."


text:
LEXINGTON, Ky.—The Missouri Tigers came much stronger to the news conference than to the backboards on Thursday night. There was force at the microphone, emphasis, passion. In fairness, though, they had plenty in reserve after the two hours or so they had spent on the basketball court at Rupp Arena.
"They played their tails off. They really were the more aggressive team," Tigers coach Frank Haith told the media, and he definitely meant they and not we. "It's the time of the year, tournament play, that's usually the team that wins the game."
MORE: Interactive bracket | Live NCAA Tournament blog
They were the Midwest Region No. 8 seed Colorado State Rams, who slapped an 84-72 beating on No. 9-seeded Mizzou in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 64 that was so one-sided the final score actually flatters the Tigers.
There are numbers, however, that do not.
Rebounds: Colorado State 42, Missouri 19.
Rebounds: CSU's Colton Iverson 13, Mizzou's Alex Oriakhi 2.
Offensive rebound percentage: CSU 42.8, Mizzou 9.
"I definitely could have done a better job of blocking out," Oriakhi said. "It was a lack of focus."
It was an astounding conclusion for a team that entered the season with such promise, with a preseason top-15 ranking in the AP poll, with victories in nine of the first 10 games, including a decisive victory over rival Illinois in the pre-Christmas "Braggin' Rights" game. This was Mizzou's third loss in its past four games, dropping the Tigers to a 23-11 finish.
"I wish we would have been more passionate about rebounding," Haith said. "That's what it is. It's about desire."
This was no kind of problem for Colorado State, with five senior starters who had been to the postseason three previous times without winning a game, including a trip cross country to play in the NCAA Tournament last season in Louisville, where they were easily eliminated by Murray State.
Coach Tim Miles left for Nebraska afterward, replaced by Larry Eustachy. Guard Dorian Green called the move a perfect fit, saying the new coached provided what the team needed most: "We got a little bit tougher."
CSU (26-8) wanted this game desperately. After missing most of the Mountain West Tournament because he'd injured his ankle in the final regular-season game, Green danced past the Tigers as though he were wearing toe shoes.
Colorado State figured out early that a simple elbow screen for Green would set him loose down the lane and that Missouri's big men would be late on the scene just about every time.
Oriakhi once blocked four shots and had 11 rebounds in a national championship game. That seems like another lifetime now. The Rams scored 10 of their 25 field goals on layups, with Green doing most of the damage as he scored a career-best 26 points.
It was like practice, without all the effort.
Not a lot of Louisville fans stuck around to scout this one after their Cards kicked the ampersand of North Carolina A&T, but most of the few who remained in the arena as midnight approached embraced CSU's intricate offense and energetic execution.
"We weren't excited to be here," Eustachy said. "We intended to win the game. You couldn't do that with freshmen. It took men to get that."
Iverson is the largest of those men, a 6-10, 261-pound center who joined the Rams after three relatively fruitless years at Minnesota playing behind Ralph Sampson III. Iverson managed his whopping rebound total in this one despite being limited to 23 minutes because of foul trouble.
He picked up his fourth personal with 8:01 remaining and CSU up 69-55. The Tigers managed a relatively non-threatening rally to cut that deficit to 72-65, but Iverson returned and order was restored.
"You pay to see Barbra Streisand sing, and she doesn't get eliminated at intermission," Eustachy said. "It seems like guys like him attract fouls. I thought he handled it well because if you know Colton, he's emotional."
Missouri's custom against quality opponents had been to play competitively and then dissolve in the final few minutes. That was not the case here. Point guard Phil Pressey was pretty consistent beginning to end, shooting 7-of-19 from the field while Oriakhi made all six of his shots (but got only six) and forward Laurence Bowers attempted just seven (making three).
When the Tigers somehow were down only nine points with 4:01 left, Pressey picked up a loose ball, drove the length of the court and sliced into the defense. A 3-pointer there would have made it a two-possession game. Any kind of basket would have diminished the CSU lead. But Pressey got in over his head and tried to force a layup over 6-4 Jon Octeus.
It was the easiest blocked shot of Octeus' career. And let's be honest: There were only two before this one. He basically reached out and pulled the ball out of Pressey's hands. The Tigers were finished then. It was just a question of how bad it would get.
"I thought we got beat in every aspect of the game," Pressey said.
If only he'd been that accurate as he played.


text:
Mauer hits soft toss, but no live pitching yet
MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins first baseman Joe Mauer has progressed to hitting soft toss on Friday, but he's still not sure when he'll hit against live pitching.
Mauer, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since July 2 with a strained right oblique, has been taking infield practice at first base and hitting in the cages this week. But his next step will be taking batting practice, and he's not sure when that will come.
"I'm just going through the hitting progression," Mauer said.
There's still no timetable for Mauer's return until he starts facing live pitching, according to Twins general manager Terry Ryan.
Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Bollinger Beat, and follow him on Twitter @RhettBollinger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
The Tea PartyLogic puzzles require you to think. You will have to be logical in your reasoning.
All the letters of the English Language (eg. A, B, C, etc) have to go to a tea party. Which letters would come late and why?
AnswerU, V, W, X, Y, Z
Because they all come after tea (T)
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text:
The Autobiography of Solomon Katzen
The Early Years: 1902-1923
Solomon Katzen
Part 5
© 1995 Solomon Katzen. Used with permission.
Back to Part 4
Domestic Conditions
With the changes of the regimes, life was becoming more difficult. Purchasing of food and other necessities required a large effort and ingenuity. This was the period dominated by the Meschochniki, or bagmen who were risking their lives by carrying needed products from town to town. Officially, this kind of trade was forbidden, but without it, the people had difficulty in surviving. Epidemics of typhus had broken out. Our family too was affected. Personally, I had a severe case of typhus. After I had survived the crisis, I heard Mother and Dad talking about it and thanking the Lord.
After a period of convalescence, I could hardly stand up. Walking required great effort. My hair had begun to thin out. After several weeks convalescence, I went back to the job at the Co-op, which was practically empty of any goods. Replacements couldn't be obtained.
My older brother Harry had left for Odessa, where he still found some customers for private Hebrew lessons. He managed to enroll in the University there. The antireligious activities of the authorities also affected Father's income. Kosher slaughtering was prohibited and income from his synagogue officiating declined. Smiela was a non-industrial city. Now, with private trade non-existent, there was no reason for the Co-op to remain open. Thus there was no future for me either. It was decided that I should return to Kremenchug where better conditions for jobs were likely to be found.
To cover the expenses of the trip, and perhaps earn a few extra rubles, we bought 50 pounds of granulated sugar, available in Smiela because it was beet sugar grown and refined in the area. We knew that in Kremenchug we could sell it for triple the cost because of sugar's scarcity there.
Father and I went by train to Cherassy and from there by river boat to Kremenchug. Each of us carried the sugar in burlap bags, approximately half each. Father and I felt good about our undertaking for we didn't see any military or policemen on the boat.
About an hour before docking, a group of chekists in black leather coats suddenly appeared from nowhere and arranged for a search of everyone's belongings. Unknown to us, there were some closed cabins on the boat, where the chekists were drinking in the company of friendly ladies during the entire trip and now they were ready for the booty.
Needless to say, we felt very threatened. Our sugar was confiscated. We were interrogated by the chekists in their cabin. While they waved their guns at us, we were warned about the law and released. There was no question in our minds that all the confiscated goods went for the personal profit of the chekists.
Upon disembarking in Kremenchug, we walked to the quarters of Mothers Uncle Tode Muschat, where I was to remain. After a few days, Father returned home.
Again in Kremenchug
Tode Muschat had no particular skills, but he was a friendly and happy-go-lucky man. His wife Heneh was a skilled wig maker. She used to canvas for customers. Where and how she acquired the hair of various shades I never did learn. She wove the wigs on a primitive piece of equipment. Their daughter, Rechke, a jolly young lady, about a year older than myself kept house. The older brother, Hayim, was a jeweler by trade. He had learned that trade in Zagare, at our cousins Lazersohns' shop. Hayim taught the trade to his young brother Leo, who was about one year younger than myself. The principal activities of the boys was to buy coins or articles of gold and manufacture gold wedding bands. Through the underground sources they would buy wholesale 12 inch rods of rolled gold. They would cut the rods in different lengths and roll and solder them into wedding bands of various sizes. In Kremenchug there was an open air market, called Tolchock, where goods were sold or exchanged. When dealing in items of gold one had to be on the look out for plain clothes or uniformed officials. The Muschat brothers had their merchandise hidden on their bodies and would hop on trains to nearby towns and try to do business in the market place. The Muschats lived in a semi-cellar about 4 steps down from the street level on Pavlovskaya Street.
My personal belongings didn't require any extra space because I had practically none except for the change of underwear, socks and a shirt. There was a dilapidated sofa in the living room on which I slept. The sofa was much too short and was very uncomfortable. This was the period when the Soviet system was first being organized. Private business ceased to exist. The equipment, buildings, goods on hand were confiscated, or, as it was referred to, "nationalized". Propaganda and slogans were heard and seen all over. A prominent slogan was, "The one who doesn't work - doesn't eat."
A central employment office was set up where all able-bodied men and unmarried women had to report. Everyone had to fill out an application about their qualifications and class background. An applicant whose father was a factory worker or a peasant was given preference. Here a problem presented itself to me. If I should fill out that my father was a Rabbi, I would have been classified as someone who is not sympathetic to the revolution. So I filled out that Father's occupation was teaching. Sitting alongside of me and filling out an application was a Mr. Kaplan, whom I recognized, as a former owner of a large hardware store, who had been contributing substantially to the Refugee Relief Committee where I worked in 1916-17. His store was closed and whatever goods there were confiscated.
Both of us, Kaplan and I, were assigned to a newly created office by the name of Sovnarchoz, which was the acronym of the Soviet of National Economy. This office was located in a large semi-circular three story building with a fenced in courtyard. Even before reporting to this office, we knew that the function of the Sovnarchoz was to manage all the nationalized industries of the region of Kremenchug. The biggest industries in the region were: flour mills, lumber mills, tobacco and cigarette factories, foundries, paint factories, print shops and lithographies, a sunflower oil press, and various small shops. Retail stores were all closed, for they didn't contribute anything positive to the revolution.
The man in charge of the Sovnarchoz was a Communist who had received special training and was sent from Moscow to establish the Regional office in Kremenchug. People with some knowledge of a particular industry were assigned to the respective department.
Kaplan and I were assigned to the Bookkeeping Department which wasn't yet in existence. On the day we were told to report to work, a total of about 20 men came. The general manager came in and assigned by name each person to a specific industry. Beside myself, four other men were assigned to handle the central bookkeeping department.
All of us were given printed instructions that came from Moscow, plus stacks of various blank forms for the recording of inventories of the plant's machinery and the manpower and planned production for the following year. Most of the bookkeeping staff were middle aged or older people and they had difficulty adjusting to the new procedures. Within 6 months, I was recognized as the head bookkeeper. Within a year, the staff grew to 120 people. Since acts of sabotage were still going on, the offices of the departmental heads were guarded by an armed sentry. So, now I had a guard at my door.
At this point, I will not comment on the end product of my office. It was a bureaucratic set-up with improbable and unlikely figures coming from the factories which were then ruled by workers' committees. The summarization of planned production we sent to the National Sovnarchoz were over optimistic by several hundred percent.
To give you a clearer picture of the times, money, that is, paper money, was no longer used. The remuneration of the employees was in merchandise, principally edibles. When food was available, each worker would receive so many pounds of flour or millet, etc. and ration tickets for such necessities as kerosene, which was used mostly for lighting or cooking. Two men who were in charge of the central flour distribution department were accused of appropriating 400 pounds of flour for their own use or sale. A public show trial was held in a large auditorium which was packed with onlookers. The men were found guilty and the presiding "Judge" announced the verdict - "The defendants will be given the highest form of punishment - to be shot at sunrise." The wives and families of the defendants were present. While the members of the families cried bitterly, the public generally approved the verdict.
In the same building housing the Sovnarchoz offices, were also the offices of the local Cheka. As previously stated the chekists were mostly former criminals, in many instances, or workers who carried grudges against their former employers. People were being arrested and executed in the cellar, the shots of which I frequently heard. The rationed flour that I received I gave to the Muschats. There was no safe way to keep it, except to hang the burlap bag suspended from the ceiling of one of the bedrooms as protection against the rats.
In 1920, the spring and summer were dry, resulting in total crop failure, especially in the lower Volga region. Even in the Ukraine, which was considered as the prewar breadbasket of Europe, the crops were very meager. Trains coming from the Volga region or from the north were covered on the outside with human beings - like flies they were coming because in the Ukraine some food was still available. That was the period when Hoover organized a relief program in America for the starving people of Russia. While it saved a lot of lives it came too late for many. The city administration of Kremenchug established a special wagon, attended by two men, who would drive through the city streets in the morning and pick up dead bodies of famine victims.
Even I, a well-established functionary without family, endured a two week-period during which there was nothing to eat but millet, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lack of food was problem number one for the family in Smiela. There was nothing I could do about it. The parcel post system was not operating. Travel on the railroad was still dangerous, as roving bands would hold up trains at various stations. Jews and identifiable communists were usually removed from the trains and killed. This happened to a group of 18 Jews who were trying to get home to Kremenchug from Charkov. It was immaterial which side caught the Jews. To the communists they were capitalists, which justified robbing and killing them. Insofar as the rest of the population was concerned the Jews were responsible for Russia's troubles, having made the revolution "Your Leibele (Lev) Trotsky is in command of the revolution," they would say.
Visit in Smiela
Sometime in 1921, when rumors reached me that trains had been going through without being stopped by bandits I decided to get through to the family. In a burlap bad, I carried some flour and loaves of bread. With the rest of the passengers I was jammed in a freight car. There was hardly any room to sit on the floor. We reached a bandit-infested area at Station "Znamenka" at night. The train was stopped there for several hours. Of course, there were immediate rumors and speculation that bandits had assumed control of the train. Finally, an hour or so before dawn, the train started moving. With arrival of daylight, I noticed that my precious cargo of food was now useless since someone had urinated on it. The entire floor of the car was permeated with urine. Upon arrival in Smiela, I discarded the bag at the station and arrived home empty handed. Of course, it was most gratifying to see everybody, except I didn't see my younger brother, Baruch Meyer, who, I was told died of typhus six months before.
I also learned that my older brother Harry, had come home from Odessa. When mother opened the door in response to his knocking, she didn't recognize him, and asked him, "Whom do you want to see?" He was so emaciated and looked like a tramp. He too risked his life traveling at this time. He was no longer at home for he had left for the area near Vitebsk. While there he saw Mothers cousin, a sister of Clara, who was married to a local photographer by the name of Meschaninov. From Vitebsk, Harry went to a nearby small town Liezna, where again he gave private Hebrew lessons. Latvia had recently been established as an independent country and he hoped to get there and from there to the U.S.A.
While at home with the family at Smiela, I was told of a harrowing experience father had. Some Jewish butchers in a nearby town of Kamenka, acquired a steer and wanted to have it ritually slaughtered, so as to have kosher meat. They knew of father being also a shochet (ritual slaughterer) so he was called to do the job. All of the above was against the newly established regulations. The job was done and father received the head of the steer as his compensation. He carried it in a burlap bag to Smiela. Had he been stopped by anybody, it would have been the end of him. This was just to point out what risks were taken to obtain some food. Mother was keeping any bread there was under lock and key and doling out inadequate portions to the children.
There was talk about the possibility of repatriating the war time refugees from Russia to the newly independent countries.
I took leave of the family and returned to my job in Kremenchug.
By Soviet standards, I had an excellent job, but I found no satisfaction in it. I always wanted to be an engineer. There was in Kremenchug a Railroad Polytechnic Institute. In the days of the Czar, no Jew was permitted to attend this school. The railroads, from the very beginning didn't employ Jews, although some high caliber Jewish contractors had the job of constructing the railroads.
From the time of the Interim Government, in early 1917, all laws pertaining to Jewish disabilities were abolished. I learned that a Jewish student had been accepted in the Polytechnic in the previous year, 1920. Since I never had the opportunity for a high school education, I needed some tutoring, especially in mathematics. I got in touch with a Professor of Mathematics who was heading the department at the Polytechnic and arranged for private lessons. This professor by the name of Serenko was no friend of the new regime.
In the fall of 1921, I took the entrance exams and, in view of my position at the Sovnarchoz, I was accepted.
Repatriation and Exchange of Refugees
Peace treaties were established between Soviet Russia and the newly established Baltic States. One of the basic provisions of the treaty was for a mutual exchange of wartime refugees or citizens who elected to return to the country of their origin.
The newly independent countries sent representatives of embassies or consulates who traveled to the larger cities and approved repatriation based on the documents the refugees possessed. Approval was given to depart from Russia once the local police had checked the appropriate documents. Freight trains were provided for the departing refugees. The Muschat family with whom I lived, left Kremenchug to return to the place of their origin, namely in Zagare, Lithuania.
Living quarters in Kremenchug, or any city were in short supply. The Sovnarchoz had grown in its bureaucracy and now occupied its own large building, which had been confiscated from the owners. The family of the janitor of the building occupied a small apartment and I had taken up lodging with them.
The mail was still very irregular but I heard from Father, that he, Mother and the younger children, namely David, Lozer and Sarah had been approved for repatriation to Zagare, Lithuania, and they, too, shortly thereafter, left in a freight car for the five day journey.
At this point, I will divert a little, and tell you about the Czarist system, in which the classes of the citizenry and passport requirements were established in the middle of the 19th century. The highest ranking were the titled aristocracy and landowners followed by "Grazhdane" or well-to-do industrialists and professional men. Next were, "Meshchane" mostly tradespeople and small business people. The last category were the peasantry living on the land or in small villages.
Simuktaneously, there was established the passport system for internal use. Thus, wherever my great grandfather lived, this was recorded, in his passport. Insofar as their progeny was concerned, no matter where they lived or were born, they carried on their passport, the town of origin of the family when the system was established.
Although my father and family were refugees from Sasmaken, which now was Latvia, the Latvian consulate didn't permit them to return there. Despite the approval of the Lithuanian consulate, Father anticipated, and did have, trouble entering Lithuania. Most of the refugees were Jews, forcibly driven out from those Baltic countries. The new regimes were placing all kinds of obstacles to their return.
Father, Mother and the younger children did reach Zagare. Once again, they were refugees; however, their lives and limbs were no longer in jeopardy.
Harry and I were now adults, 21 and 19 respectively. Neither of us would have gotten a visa from Lithuania or Latvia. However, I made a valiant try and traveled to Charkov, where there was a Latvian consulate. I will not describe the overnight journey. There I was, in front of the building waiting the arrival of the consul and any of his staff. The office was opened about 10 a.m. Though I had proof of having been born in Sasmaken and was driven out of there in 1915, the answer was "No." One reason was that my father was regarded as having been a "Meschanin" of Zagare, which is now Lithuania. Being not too disappointed, I returned to Kremenchug and was looking forward to a career in engineering in Russia. There was a great need for engineers in Russia and I was encouraged by the Chief of the Sovnarchoz to pursue that line. As a student, I was receiving a small stipend issued in the form of provisions. There were no dormitories connected to the Polytechnic. All students lived at home or with families as boarders.
In the latter part of 1921, postal connections with the USA were reestablished. Harry had written to our paternal grandmother, who was living in New Bedford, Mass. Harry had the address of Father's sister, Golda Baskin, who lived on Kempton St., New Bedford. Grandma got busy helping with needed documentation. She procured and sent Harry an affidavit, a required document for obtaining a visa. There were no American consulates in Russia at that time. Living in Leosna, not far from the Latvian border, Harry found out from knowledgeable people how and through whom to arrange to cross the border illegally to Latvia which he did. While in Riga, Harry even managed to travel to Sasmaken. Very few Jews had returned. A Latvian by the name of Reisneck, who was a piano teacher met him and offered to pay for the beds from our master bedrooms, which he had appropriated. Harry didn't accept any payment. Neither did he go to our former apartment where other people lived. Returning to Riga he received dollars in sufficient amount from our Grandma to cover the cost of his passage to America. The American consulate in Riga issued him a visa for entry and the German (then the Weimar Republic) and French consulates issued transit visas. Harry traveled through a world at peace. He sent me postal cards from Berlin, Cologne, Paris, Le Havre and then letters from the USA. Harry settled in New Bedford, Mass. where we had our grandmother Katzen, fathers sisters, Golda Baskin and Rose Brown with their husbands and families. He met aunts and cousins whom he had never seen before. In New Bedford, Harry gave Hebrew lessons and studied English.
Zagare was a temporary stopover place for the Katzen family. We had suffered six years of tribulation in the Ukraine: the war, revolutions, pogroms, and the deaths of two sisters and a brother. Our family's was the USA, where Father, besides his mother, had his sisters, those mentioned above and Feigi Gita Kramer and her family (Tillie's mother), as well as a widowed Aunt by the name of Sarah-Rivka Schneider, who had three married sons. Mother, on her side had in America her only sister Bluma Krales, who had a large family. A widowed Aunt by the name of Beila Okman who had three daughters. Mother also had a niece (daughter of a deceased sister) by the name of Anna Weiss, who lived in Westchester, PA and many cousins: The Levys and Macks in Portland, ME, and daughters of Tode Muschat, living in Brooklyn, NY and Paterson, NJ.
David, who was the oldest son with the family in Zagare, besides studying Hebrew had nothing else to do, so with the help of Grandma, he was sent off to USA in 1922, at his age of 16. He stayed with the Kramer family in Brooklyn and started working as a stock boy in a wholesale kitchenware establishment.
With most of the family now out of Russia, two sons already in the USA, and the rest to follow shortly, only I, Solomon Katzen, was still in Russia, embarking on his planned career of engineering. Every since the age of 12, I had no faith in Judaism as practiced at that time, with burdens of laws and observances. Even just before my Bar-Mitzvah, I do not remember having donned the Tefilin even once. Out of deference to Father I used to attend Friday night and Saturday morning services, never on weekdays. Mother was disappointed in my disregard of the observances, but Father understood and never used any pressure tactics or tried persuasion. Being away from home so much, especially in my formative years, while alone in Kremenchug, I completely dropped any semblance of observance, even on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Religion, in general, was losing its popularity under the "enlightened" anti-religious propaganda of the state. I was present at a debate on religion between knowledgeable Communists and members of the Russian Clergy, which was held in a large theater and open to the public. Of course, the Communist debaters made mince meat of the fundamental dogmas of creation and the risen Christ.
Student in the Railroad Polytechnicum
The Polytechnicum was housed in a large three story brick building. When I lived in Kremenchug in the years 1915-17, I didn't even know of its existence nor had I seen the building, for it was a part of the city not frequented by Jews then. The building was located about 1/4 mile west of the railroad station and was built near the tracks. Being the only Jew in my class, some students looked at me as a curiosity, but I was generally accepted. The student sharing the desk with me was Nicholas Goncharenko, a son of a priest, whose parish house was not far from the Polytechnicum. Generally, there was practically no social mingling between Jews and Gentiles. Their contacts were mainly in business, in stores, market place or professional offices.
It was before Easter of 1922, when Nicholas invited me to come with him to his home for lunch. This was the first time that I had been inside of a Russian home. His mother was busy then baking the "koolichi" or "paschas" for their Easter. The priest engaged me in some conversation regarding Passover and Easter. A Jew in their home, must have been the first experience for them too.
The students, as well as instructors wore uniforms, where the colors and insignia were carried over from the prerevolutionary period. The insignia was a crossed over monkey wrench and a hammer. I still owned some woolen cloth that had been issued to me when I was in Sovnarchoz. Of this cloth, I had made to order a great coat which can be seen on my photograph. By the way, this was my first photo taken in 1922, not counting the family photograph taken in Sasmaken in 1913.
Of the instructors, I had great respect for the Director of the School, who lectured in advanced algebra. His name was Diebolt, of German antecedents. Outwardly, he seemed to have accepted the new regime. His lectures were models of precision.
Serenko who had tutored me, lectured in calculus and instructed in mechanical drawing.
I can still visualize some of them, the instructors in trigonometry, physics, chemistry, strength of materials, literary usage of the language, etc. There were no textbooks at the time. One had to keep copious notes of the lectures in order to stay abreast. In the basement of the school, there was an extensive shop, equipped with all kinds of machinery and hand tools - not having had any previous experience working with tools, my performance in the shop was not of the best.
At that time, in 1922, conscription for military service in the Red Army was instituted. However, as students, we were exempt, but were required to attend weekly military training. Having to walk two miles each way to school, topped with lots of homework, there was little time for socialization.
With snow on the ground, on a cold winter morning, when I was a bit late, the last quarter mile I walked on the railroad bed. With a self-rolled cigarette in my mouth, I encountered the Director, Diebold, in his fur great coat walking in the opposite direction. He stopped me, and gave a fatherly lecture, that smoking generally was not good for one's health and particularly in this cold weather, when I am inhaling a mixture of smoke and cold air. Not a word about me being late. During the first summer of school vacation, the students were assigned to work in a large railroad repair shop, which had several departments such as: undercarriage, frame, woodworking, etc. The shop was located on the west side of the Dniepr river in the township of Kryukov. Getting to the shop called for a 3 1/2 mile trek, two of which were along the tracks and the bridge across the river. One of the main supporting piers of the bridge had been destroyed in the civil war and was replaced by a temporary wooden support. I was assigned to the woodworking department where I worked in cutting groove and tongue in the narrow boards on American or German machines.
My social life was practically non-existent except for a small group of young idealistic Communists. Not being a member of the party, I was on the periphery of the group.
Family Ties
During the second half of 1922, I was getting letters from Harry, from New Bedford, advising me not to delay my departure from the USSR since illegal border crossings were becoming more difficult. Along similar veins, father wrote from Lithuania, that having lost three of his children in the Ukraine, he just couldn't accept further losses. Should I remain in Russia, he wrote, as time goes on, it will be impossible for me to get out, and that, I, too, would be lost to the family.
Living in Russia, the propaganda was all encompassing, how bad it is for the working people abroad. Unemployment, bread lines, minuscule wages and oppression, whereas the freed Russian proletariat is on the threshold of great economic development.
Though overt anti-semitism was outlawed, and acts of ani-semitism were punishable by law, yet, the air was permeated with it. An amateur theatrical group of the school was rehearsing a play. Unexpectedly, I walked into the room and found the actions denigrating for the Jewish character. The group was somewhat embarrassed. The action stopped, and I promptly left the room.
The summer work experience for the second year students involved working on locomotives, moving cars to specific tracks, etc. I was told that another Jewish student was at the throttle, and that he and his fellow students were attending the switches. Presumably they purposely locked the switch, with the result, that the locomotive crashed into some cars causing a lot of damage. A hearing was held by the railroad authorities. The only other Jewish student at the Polytechnicum was found unfit to continue his studies and was dismissed. This affair was more than a hint to me.
In my own mind, the idea of getting out of Russia and joining the family ripened. During my second year of studies, 1922-23, my zeal and application slackened insofar as my studies were concerned.
Plan for Departure
My parents in Lithuania and brother Harry in New Bedford were delighted to hear from me that I plan to join them. In disguised language, Harry wrote to me and gave me the name and address of a Jew, resident of Sebezh, which town was close to the Latvian border. Upon payment of 20 rubles in gold, this man will arrange the illegal crossing into Latvia. Once there, my further passage to America will be assured. In time, I received an affidavit from Grandma Katzen, certifying that she wants me to join her in the USA, and that I will not become a public charge. This affidavit was needed preparatory to receiving a visa.
In early 1923, with the gradual improvement of postal communications, I received a parcel from Grandma, which contained used clothing and some cloth. With great care, I sold these articles, as well as my formal coat on the black market to a dealer known to me. In all, I raised 55 rubles in gold coin. Two 10 ruble coins I kept hidden in my clothes and the remaining 35 rubles, as well as the affidavit were also hidden. I went to a friendly shoemaker, who removed the outer layers of the heels of my shoes. He hollowed out sufficient space in the heels, placed the gold coins in one heel and the affidavit in the other and covered same with two layers of leather. A letter of my planned arrival was dispatched to Sebezh. These precautions were necessary, that in case of being apprehended near the border, the authorities would not have prima facie evidence that I intended to go on to the USA.
Travel on the railroad was restricted to people on official business or those who had acquired some permit or another from the various governmental bureaus. The stations were teaming with uniformed and plainclothes secret police. There were no regular train schedules. Everything was still in a post revolutionary chaotic state.
As time was drawing nearer for my departure my attendance at the Polytechnicum was erratic. I didn't even study for the final examinations of the second year studies. My first arrangement was with a doctor, whom I knew well. He gave me a certificate that I was suffering severely from a certain type of rheumatism, and that he suggested, for me to travel to Velikie Luki for curative mineral baths. This town was even further north of Sebeszh, but also not far from the border. With this certificate in hand, I reported to the Director of the Polytechnicum, who already knew of my frequent absences. He told me, that of course, "Your health comes first. Go and take the cure, so you will become an engineer a year later." Being a student at a railroad school I was given a certificate entitling me to free passage from Kremenchug to Velikie Luki and back again.
Only the Professor of math, Serenko, knew of my intention to leave Russia for good. All of my belongings including some dry food for the trip, as well as a few notebooks were put in a burlap bag. With trepidation in my heart, I went to the railroad station of Kremenchug. I still wore the official uniform cap with the railroad insignia. After hours of waiting, I boarded a passenger train bound for Romni, that is, in a northerly direction.
On My Way
In comparison with the packed freight cars, in which we arrived in the Ukraine, the accommodations that I had on the way back were luxurious. Actually, I was riding in a third class carriage, where the benches were of wood. The lighting was provided by a small kerosene lantern hung at each end of the carriage. The benches also served as the bed for the night. Besides the conductors, at each important station the train was boarded by secret police, who were checking documents at random. The cap that I was wearing with railroad insignia saved me from being checked. After a three day journey I arrived in Vitebsk, where I disembarked, since I had to take another train toward Sebeszh. Following the family custom, I too looked up the Muschat family. I do not recall meeting any other member of the family except Minna, who was mother's cousin and a sister of Clara Muschat. After a short visit, I returned to the railroad station and boarded a train for Sebeszh. There were several stations between Vitebsk and Sebeszh and the passengers were mostly disembarking as the train was getting closer to the border. On the final stretch, there were very few passengers left and mostly small groups of army personnel, border guards and secret police.
Outside of the station, there were several wagons providing transportation to the town, which was about two miles distant. I boarded one of these wagons, which already had three passengers. When we reached the town, I asked the driver to let me off at the market place. Because there were no signs indicating the names of the streets, I had to inquire how to reach the street that I needed. Being in a small town, I had no difficulty reaching the destination, that is, the home of the person who was to make the arrangements for crossing the border. All the houses on the street were one story, log cabin type. From the description that I had been given, I readily recognized the house. The "broker", already informed of my coming, was expecting me. He was a middle aged man. He and his wife lived in the house.
The broker told me not to go out of his house until he could establish contact with the border runners. I was instructed to go to the outhouse only after dark. In a small border town as this, everybody is known to everyone else, and a new face will start the tongues wagging. The next day was to be the market day and he would try to establish contact.
This man, whose name I do not remember, went to the market the following morning and returned in the afternoon, sadly reporting that none of his contacts came to the market and that we would have to wait until next week. While the news was unpleasant, I had to remain a house prisoner for a week, for which I paid him extra. There was one good feature about the cottage. Within ten yards of the back entrance, there was the shore of an enormous lake, which was bordered by fir and birch trees. When the wind was blowing, it was good to look at the ever-changing panorama.
On the second market day, contact with the border runners was established. My host came back from the market and told me I would be leaving that same afternoon. He gave me a slip of paper, which I tore in half unevenly. My instructions were that after crossing the border I was to write on the piece that I had retained that I had reached the other side, and give it to my guide. He would present it to my host, who would match it against the half that he retained, and then pay the guide the ten ruble gold piece. I had paid my host the 20 rubles in gold coin.
In order not to be conspicuous, I left my jacket there and was given a peasant type shirt. I took my burlap bundle and followed my host at a distance until we came to the market place. My host went to one of the wagons on which were seated a peasant and his son. I was pointed out to the occupants of the wagon and they started out on their way at a slow pace. I followed that wagon on foot and maintained a distance of about 200 yards between us. This maneuver was for their benefit. In case I was stopped by some guards, those in the wagon wanted nothing to do with me.
After walking this way for about three miles, on a dusty unpaved road, we finally reached a forest, where the wagon stopped. The driver beckoned me to come forward. He told me to clamber into the wagon with my bundle as he believed that we were now in safe territory. Now we started moving at a trot. After traveling about 1 1/2 miles, the driver stopped and I was led about 30 feet into the woods. Although, I had no watch, it must have been about 6 p.m. The guides told me that as soon as it got dark, they would come to fetch me.
I realized that where they left me was not far from the clearing where their farmhouse stood. Barking dogs, bleating of sheep and even human voices were reaching me. There was nothing else to do, so I sat down and waited for darkness to fall. About 9:30, two young men came to me. I recognized one of them as having been on the wagon that brought me here. They told me to follow them. Before long, we were out of the forest and crossing a swamp. They told me to be careful and to follow them by jumping from one cluster of bushes to the next. They warned me not to step any place else, for I would sink in the swamp. The jumps varied in distance from 2 to 5 feet. I carried my bundle and, as I was tired from the days experiences, required extra effort to follow my guides in these jumps through the swamp. The swamp was about 500 feet wide. After crossing, we reached a forest and proceeded through unmarked paths, or I should say, that there were no paths. One of the guides was about 100 feet ahead and we were zig-zagging. I did notice that at every turn a low branch of a tree or bush had been stripped of its bark and in the darkness, the white of the branches could be seen. This apparently was their way of marking a safe approach to the river, which marked the border.
By now we could hear dogs barking.
The forward scout told us to wait while he went on for a closer inspection. After waiting for 30 minutes, which seemed like an eternity, he returned. To my utter disappointment, he said that it was unsafe to attempt the crossing that night. I was told to remain at that spot in the woods and that in the morning, they would bring me some food. They promised to return the next night to lead me across the border. Since there was no other alternative, I remained in the woods over night. The events of the day were going through my mind. The night noises of the forest kept me awake but eventually I must have been overcome by sleep. Was it the bleating of farm animals, crowing roosters, barking of dogs, that reached my ears? Or perhaps the rays of the sun breaking through the tops of the fir trees? No matter what, I was awakened.
There followed many hours of anxious waiting. I was aware that my hiding place was not very far from a farmhouse or small village. About eleven in the morning, I heard someone whistling by mouth. As I listened, with much apprehension, the sound came closer. Having overcome some of the fright, I realized that perhaps someone was looking for me and I answered by whistling. Because of the dense woods, I still didnt see anybody, but I heard footsteps on crackling branches on the ground, and then suddenly a peasant woman appeared. She brought me a half loaf of black bread and some milk in a clay vase. I ate some of the bread and drank all of the milk, as she was waiting to take the clay vase back. This peasant woman reiterated that my guides would return late in the evening to take me across.
I remained quietly on the same spot in the woods for the rest of the day. I didn't move very much, for fear of making any noise. Night descended and I waited and waited for an appropriate sound. None came. I was overcome both by anxiety and sleeplessness for the second night in a row. Once again the thick forest was my bed and bedroom. The next morning, I was awakened by raindrops falling on my face. It was not a downpour but more like a drizzle.
I waited until 10 or 11 a.m. Since, apparently, nobody was interested in my situation, I decided to try to get off from my hiding place. I proceed in an easterly direction, that is, away from the border.
The decision in which direction to walk was not an easy one. Based on the sounds that occasionally reached me from the farm, I figured that there was probably a road that led to the farm. Hesitatingly, I began walking where I though there should be a road. The drizzle had stopped, but it was still cloudy. To my surprise and relief, I did come to a sandy road that was cut through the forest. Now, the problem presented itself, whether I should go right or left. To be going away from the border, my instinct told me to go right. And so I proceeded through the woods. The rain had compacted the sandy road and it was easier to walk. The air was fresh with a pleasant aroma. As I was contemplating how to reach Sebeszh again, walking all alone, not encountering man or beast, suddenly two armed border guards jumped out from a hiding place, and one of them commanded me to halt.
There are times, when in the face of utmost danger, one can manage, at least outwardly to remain calm. For me, this was such a moment. In answer to their questions, where I was coming from, and where I was going to, I told them, that I was coming from Sebeszh and going to Velikie Luki. To this reply, one, the leader said, that I was lying, that I was coming from the border, which is only two kilometers away. He suspected that perhaps I am a foreign agent coming into Russia for espionage or sabotage. The next request was for my documents. Here I overwhelmed them. I showed them a certificate that I had served as chief bookkeeper in Sovnarchoz. Secondly, I had a certificate that I'm a student at the Kremenchug Railroad Polytechnicum and the free railroad pass from Kremenchug to Valikie Luki.
Their future inquiry was "Well, the papers look good, but what are you doing near the border?" I knew that Velikie Luki is about 25 kilometers north of Sebeszh. My answer was that the doctor had recommended, if I felt well enough to cover the distance from Sebeszh to Velikie Luki on foot. So, when I got off the train in Sebeszh, I inquired about the road to Velikie Luki and, of course, you know the directions you get from a peasant are not always right. In fact, I'm glad that encountered them, for now I can get the right directions.
They told me, you are way off your course. You'd better get back to Sebeszh. The guards further suggested that by night fall, I would be able to reach village X (I have forgotten the name). I was told to stay there overnight and proceed the next day to Sebaszh. I thanked them, and we parted friends.
Before I had gone 100 meters, one of the guards started to yell for me to return to their post, which I did. He said there is something wrong and to show him the document again. Then he couldn't understand that I should be so far off the route I was supposed to be going.
Particularly in those days and in that part of the country, there were no numbers or directional signs on the roads, most of which were unpaved. I had no trouble convincing him again, that I was misdirected and was given permission to proceed. On the way to the village, I did not encounter a living soul nor did I pass any farmhouse. I was very much bothered by thirst, and being aware of possible dire results, I drank water out of the ditches, scooping it up with my hands.
Toward evening, I reached the village and went to the house of the Starosta, that is the elder, or the chief of the village. I told him of my encounter with the soldiers and that I now had the proper directions. I said that I needed a place to stay overnight. The Starosta took me to a home occupied by a peasant and his wife. In keeping with the custom of hospitality, I was given bread, butter and milk for which I was thankful. The homes of the peasantry were not equipped with beds. A long platform raised about six inches from the floor and covered with straw bags (instead of mattresses) or plainly covered with straw served as the bed. I slept at the other end of this platform called nari. My host knew of another peasant who was driving that day to Sebeszh. He took me there, and I rode to the market place of Sebeszh on the wagon with my new friend.
With my burlap bag over my shoulder, I was returning to the home of the broker. He happened to be outside on the street. When he saw me from a distance I could see that he shrank and was overcome with fear. He told me afterwards, that I looked emaciated, resembling a tramp and the thought flashed through his mind that I was apprehended at the border and under police pressure I was leading them to the house of the broker who is arranging these illegal escapes.
I read these fears from his facial expression and I waved to him that no police is following me. We entered his house together and both of us let go a sigh of relief. When I recounted to him what happened to me in the past few days, he was horrified. He said that he isn't going to use that particular family of border runners anymore since they proved themselves to be so untrustworthy. He kept on repeating that it was a miracle to have come through such an experience.
Forward to Part 6
© 1995 Solomon Katzen. Used with permission.


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Injuries in rearview, Silverio's sights set on Majors
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Two years ago, Alfredo Silverio survived a terrible auto accident that left him with back, shoulder, elbow and neck injuries. His right elbow required Tommy John surgery.
Silverio reinjured his throwing arm while attempting a comeback in 2013, and he had a second major elbow surgery last June. After missing two full seasons and overcoming his share of adversity, he has set a high goal for 2014: reach the big leagues.
"I'm going to do it this year," the hard-luck outfielder said. "That's my goal."
Considering what Silverio has already overcome, it is hard to count him out.
But the Marlins aren't jumping to conclusions. They simply want Silverio to get back into the flow of playing again. If he can stay healthy, then who knows where his path may lead.
It will start at Double-A Jacksonville, but Silverio has a chance to move up to Triple-A quickly. Although he is not in big league camp, the Marlins brought him along to Kissimmee on Friday as an extra outfielder to face the Astros. Silverio replaced left fielder Jake Marisnick in the bottom of the sixth inning, and then he struck out to lead off the seventh and end the ninth in the Marlins' 7-2 win.
Silverio could be an outfield option for Miami later in the season.
"I think we all feel fortunate that we were able to keep him in the system and get him another year of being healthy and see what he could do," manager Mike Redmond said. "I think a lot of people are curious to see what he does in the Minor Leagues, and if this guy becomes an option down the road for us."
A few years ago, Silverio was a touted prospect with the Dodgers. At Double-A Chattanooga in 2011, he had an outstanding year, collecting 76 extra-base hits. Silverio batted .306 with 42 doubles, 18 triples, 16 home runs and 85 RBIs.
But in late January 2012 in the Dominican Republic, Silverio was involved in the car wreck that set back his big league dreams. The Dodgers left him off their 40-man roster, and the Marlins claimed him in the 2012 Rule 5 Draft.
Silverio showed promise while recovering from his elbow injury, but he had a setback late in Spring Training in 2013, and a second surgery was required.
Because of the second Tommy John surgery, the Marlins outrighted Silverio and offered him back to the Dodgers. Miami was pleasantly surprised when Los Angeles declined to take him, which cleared the way for the outfielder's return.
In Minor League camp, Silverio already has four doubles and a home run.
"I'm feeling good," Silverio said. "I've been hitting really good."
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter


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Photo Gallery: Cottage Kitchens
Beadboard! Glass-fronted cabinets! You'll love these spaces.
A clean and understated boathouse kitchen.
This kitchen was designed to be simple and inconspicuous. "It's got everything you need, but it blends in with the wall and just fades away," says homeowner David Beaton, owner of furniture showroom Studio b in Toronto. A large Sub-Zero fridge is camouflaged by beadboard panelling in line with the cabinets.
See more beautiful cottage kitchens in our photo gallery.
An inviting space with separate scullery.
A consummate cook, homeowner Stuart Gordon installed a commercial-style stove in his kitchen. It acts as a modern centerpiece balanced by rustic country elements such as butcher-block counters and an original brick chimney.
A lower tongue-and-groove ceiling demarcates the scullery area from the rest of the kitchen.
Used for food prep and washing up, this scullery has an expansive, rustic butcher block counter, two dishwashers and lots of storage space.
Chicken-wire cabinets keep this look casual.
Pretty canisters and open shelving keep everyday items neatly on display. The homeowner is fond of rag rugs — a traditional Swedish element — and uses them here to highlight the green and white colour scheme.
An open island contributes to an airy look.
Using store-bought cabinets, an apron-front sink and classic finishes, design editor Cameron MacNeil created a relaxed space. The glass-fronted cabinets, open shelves and butcher-block counters are key to the room's casual feel.
Watch a tour of Karen Kain's cottage on Online TV.
See more beautiful cottage kitchens in our photo gallery.
Capture the classic knotty-wood cabin look.
This kitchen is designed to handle a crowd: open shelving and an armoire with chicken-wire fronts make finding things easy; the massive olive-stained island houses two heavy-duty dishwashers. Modern bar stools keep the space current.
Weathered furniture keeps this cottage from looking too formal.
This weekend home's open-concept space pairs a vintage farmhouse-style dining table with contemporary kitchen features. Stainless steel cabinets and dark-stained pine floors break up the expanse of white, while a bench reupholstered in mohair adds a touch of cosy luxury.
Watch an Online TV tour of this country home, plus see more Kitchen Layouts and our Top 10 Eat-In Kitchens.
Group collections on open shelves and surfaces to keep a room neat.
A kitchen gets a punchy update with Erja Hirvi's kitschy Marimekko Purnukka print, seen on the tablecloth, tea towel, tray, apron and tins. The graphic pattern features jarred veggies and other items in a modern colour scheme. The green from the tablecloth is enhanced with pottery and plants in the same tone, which unifies a small space. Placing the tablecloth on a slant allows the table to still be seen.
For more rooms with Marimekko prints, visit our photo gallery.
Unfinished wood lends a contemporary rustic look.
Cottage owners Juli Daoust and John Baker installed the kitchen cabinets themselves and kept the original stove, knowing they would be mostly barbecuing. An under-counter fridge with pullout drawers saves space. "It was a $600 floor model," says John. "We added our own plywood panelling and wood handles."
See more modern cottages in our photo gallery.
A white kitchen with timeless style.
Designer Jennifer Worts chose black honed-granite countertops with a soft matte finish that act as a foil to this kitchen's shiny white cabinetry. Brushed-nickel faucets are warmer than traditional chrome and go well with stainless steel lights and appliances.
See more lakeside spaces in our Charming Boathouses Photo Gallery.
For more lighting options, see our Statement Lighting photo gallery.
Visually expand a space with white.
The narrow kitchen of this Laurentians, Que. cottage seems wider because of the white cupboards, simple backsplash and uncluttered storage. Views to the lush surroundings can be enjoyed while washing dishes.
Raw and honed details create a beautiful contrast of textures and styles.
Hosting large gatherings is a ritual for the owners of this waterfront property in Hudson, Quebec. Their renovation retained the kitchen's historic architecture while updating it with cutting-edge appliances. A thick slab of granite on the island was chosen for a fresh, modern look; it echoes the beautiful raw stone walls found on the room's perimeter. Lab-style iron stools on the wide-plank pine floors tie the industrial country look together.
For more great homes from eastern Canada, see our Photo Gallery: Best Of The East.
Shelves extending to the ceiling take advantage of all available space.
Keeping less-frequently used items, such as appliances or serving bowls, on the top shelves means more storage space below for everyday items. The extensive use of canisters and baskets keeps this open shelving area from looking messy or cluttered.
Get more great storage ideas in our Organization Tricks photo gallery.
Add sophistication to a cottage kitchen with superb finishes and detailed millwork.
Dark bamboo blinds, wood floors and stools balance the bright white Shaker style cabinets in this summer home. A Carrara marble-topped island with a second sink for food prep creates a great space for hosting parties, too. Schoolhouse pendant lights in green ceramic add to the country feeling while modern accessories prevent it from looking too fussy.
See more modern country interiors in our photo gallery.
A small chandelier adds a playful contrast in an artsy cottage space.
Green Eames chairs — a junk shop score — surround a Saarinen table, grounding the whitewashed kitchen. Simple louvers are in keeping with the beachy feel.
Get more small space solutions in our photo gallery. Also, see more pictures of Tidey's beachfront cabin and Vancouver loft in the May 2009 issue.
Flea-market finds, vintage pieces and heirlooms mix in this cosy space.
Exposed rustic planks and beams give this cottage kitchen a dramatic sense of height. The darker wood farm table and Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs break up the monochromatic palette. The overall 'unfinished' vibe of the kitchen, complete with linen curtains covering lower shelves instead of closed cabinets, offers even more character.
See more photos in our White Cottages gallery.
An earth friendly kitchen in stone, wood and tile.
The stone wall in this rustic kitchen is highlighted by salvaged wood beams and white tile. Floor made from flagstone and reclaimed hemlock wood mirrors the stone wall panel and timber ceiling. A painted white island with a stone top is used for food prep, add teak stools so it can double as a seating area. Pendant lighting that is simple makes it modern.
White paint and exposed beams refresh a kitchen.
White painted wood walls and kitchen cabinets freshen up this east-coast cottage kitchen and dining area. Hardware in black wrought-iron balances the counter stools and dining chairs and makes the room feel more modern. Wood floors in wide planks made from local hemlock and exposed rustic beams on the ceiling continue the coastal cottage look.
For more great homes from eastern Canada, see our Photo Gallery: Best Of The East.


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A STATE investigation has produced evidence of nearly 100 deaths at a controversial Florida reform school for boys in the course of its 111-year history.
Investigators say they believe more graves are yet to be uncovered at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Florida, which closed a year ago following revelations of the widespread physical and sexual abuse of youths sent there since early last century.
It means that the outrage, in which survivors have told gruesome stories of regular beatings, rapes and even murders by staff members, is much greater than reported by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in 2010, when the agency announced the presence of 31 grave sites.
''We found nearly twice as many burials as were thought to exist, but many of them had been lost in the woods under brush and trees,'' said Professor Erin Kimmerle, head of a team of anthropologists and archaeologists from Tampa's University of South Florida called on to look into deaths at the reform school from 1900 to 1960.
''The cause and manner of death for the majority of cases are unknown. Where causes could be documented, the most common were infectious disease, fires, physical trauma and drowning.''
Many of the victims were young, black males sent to the harsh reform school for often minor infractions such as truancy or ''incorrigibility''. Professor Kimmerle's team also studied what little historical documentation and burial records survived and found that deaths commonly followed escape attempts or occurred within three months of a new ''inmate'' arriving there.
''No understanding of the Florida State Reform School over the course of its history can be understood without consideration of the impact and implications of segregation, particularly those relating to criminal justice,'' she said.
''The majority of boys committed to the school and that died there were African-American.''
According to its report, the team found records showing 45 individuals buried on school grounds between 1914 and 1952, with 31 bodies sent elsewhere for burial. There were 22 more cases in which no burial site was listed.
Of the 98 deaths they confirmed, two were adult staff members and the rest children aged from six to 18.
Despite the growing scale of the scandal, and graphic recent accounts of life at the school from those who once attended, no charges are expected. Teachers who worked there are mostly long dead, and the FDLE said two years ago that it was unable to substantiate claims that deaths were caused by school staff or that any staff members abused boys.
The university's report, however, will now be submitted to state authorities for review and possible further investigation.
Survivors call themselves the ''White House Boys'' after a small white building in the 560-hectare site where children as young as five were chained to walls or tied to a bed and beaten.
''There's just too many stories,'' one survivor, Roger Kiser, said in an interview with National Public Radio earlier this year.
''I know of one that I personally saw die in the bathtub that had been beaten half to death. I thought he'd been mauled by the dogs because I thought he had ran. I never did find out the true story on that.'' GUARDIAN


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Martin, Cespedes share common bond
OAKLAND -- A trip to Oakland is extra special for Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin. It gives him a chance to hang out with Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. They are close friends and part of a wider fraternity of Major League players who defected from Cuba.
"We get along really well," Martin said. "I played with him in Cuba on the national team. He's a great friend and teammate. I talk to him a lot. When he came to Texas, we went out together and talked about the good old days in Cuba."
Cespedes is three years older than Martin and the more advanced player. He was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2012, when he hit .292 with 23 home runs and 82 RBIs. When they played together for Cuba in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Cespedes was as a starter and Martin served as the fourth outfielder. Martin is in his first full season with the Rangers and is platooning in center with Craig Gentry.
"He's played a little bit longer than me," Martin said of Cespedes. "Whenever I needed it, he was always there to help me. I watch him. He's always engaged in the game and always plays hard. That's the kind of style that I want to emulate. I think he's the type of player who could be a superstar at the Major League level."
Cespedes left Cuba in the summer of 2011 and signed with the Athletics on Feb. 13, 2012. Martin left Cuba in 2010 and signed with the Rangers on May 1, 2011. They are two of 15 players in the Major Leagues who were born in Cuba and had to defect the Communist-controlled country so they could play at the highest level of the sport.
"Being able to talk to him and other Cubans in the big leagues has really helped me a lot." Martin said. "Not only do we talk about what we're doing in the big leagues but also about things back home. It's like a fraternity we have in the big leagues. We're all good friends.
"We all had a difficult decision to make. None of them made me leave the country, it was only my decision. It was a difficult decision. All my Cuban friends made the same decision; it was huge and difficult process to get here."
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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OK, here's the thing to remember if you go see the stage thriller "Sleuth" at Walnut Creek's Lesher Center for the Arts: Don't believe anything you see, hear, or, for that matter, read. That even applies to the to program being handed out by the friendly ushers.
The devilish British playwright Anthony Shaffer did his best to confuse and confound you and Mark Anderson Phillips, who directs this production, seems only too happy to join in on the gag(s).
"Sleuth" has been around since 1970, in one form or another. There have been dozens of productions around the Bay Area, and the two film versions are available on video. But the stage production is best, and you can't go wrong with the lavish Walnut Creek version staged by Center Repertory Company.
Kit Wilder plays the rich and famous mystery author Andrew Wyke and Thomas Gorrebeeck is the young and dashing Milo Tindle who is having an affair with Wyke's spouse.
Milo is conducting the affair so well, in fact, Wyke urges him to continue with it. He even offers to help.
Or perhaps not.
Perhaps Wyke is not who he seems to be. But then, maybe he is. I'm still not sure, and I saw the whole thing unfold before my eyes just hours ago.
This confusion is not due to a complex and confusing plot. Everything happens on stage, right in front of you, and it's not particularly complicated.
"Sleuth" is the sort of play Agatha Christie would have written if she'd had an enormous cruel streak. The story line reaches a point where it bolts free from its stiff-upper-lip British mooring and runs madly around the stage.
And it works, mainly because "Sleuth," itself, is something that it isn't supposed to be. When it opens in Wyke's country home in Wiltshire, England, it seems like the audience is in for a conventional English drawing room mystery.
And what a drawing room it is, too. Scenic designer Michael Locher has created a set that everyone would kill to take home, provided they have a two-story great room, a fondness for dark wood, books, painting, photographs, a cozy fireplace, comfortable furniture, lots of games and other diversions, and a bar that never seems to run out of booze.
What most makes this production work, however, is the cast. Wilder and Gorrebeeck create amazingly believable characters who seem absolutely real, until all the strange stuff begins to happen and the story takes a hard left at crazyville.
The two men are in a pitched game of cat and mouse, with the roles of hunter and hunted changing frequently as the story gets stranger and stranger.
It's a wild ride well worth taking.
Contact Pat Craig at email@example.com.
By Anthony Shaffer, presented by Center Repertory Company
Through: April 26
Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, Civic Drive at Locust, Walnut Creek
Running Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes, one intermission
Tickets: $36-$61, 925-943-7469, www.centerrep.org


text: Collects Gen-13 (1994 1st Series) #1-5. Written by Brandon Choi, Jim Lee, and J. Scott Campbell. Art by J. Scott Campbell and Alex Garner. They're the slacker super-heroes who've taken the world by storm! Created by science, this team of super-powered teenagers battles for survival in a world seemingly set against them. Includes bonus sketch material. Softcover, 128 pages, full color. Cover price $12.95.


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13th last year in ADV I have high hopes of shooting better. My wife will be playing as a Pro for the first time at this tournament. This east course which ADV divsions play twice has birdie oppourtunities plus the huge downhill hole. Any hole on the east can take strokes from you most will give strokes back with a good drive/good putt. The west course on the other hand is a lot longer, 18 holes and a 1000 rated round last year was a score of 53. Couple holes if you score a 3 you feel like you lost a huge opportunity, then their are a couple holes that you take a 3 with much jubilation. The powerline hole is always a crowd favorite and the serpintene sp?? is a tough par 4. The west course takes you throw the other side of the park on cross country ski trails a great layout.
Ziggy you will enjoy it.