The Girl Effect

Via GirlEffect.Org

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time ~ Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin

I cannot express how much I loved this book. Usually I try to keep my posts brief, but this story warrants relaying:

From the Three Cups of Tea website:

"In 1993 Mortenson was descending from his failed attempt to reach the peak of K2. Exhausted and disoriented, he wandered away from his group into the most desolate reaches of northern Pakistan. Alone, without food, water, or shelter he stumbled into an impoverished Pakistani village where he was nursed back to health.

While recovering he observed the village’s 84 children sitting outdoors, scratching their lessons in the dirt with sticks. The village was so poor that it could not afford the $1-a-day salary to hire a teacher. When he left the village, he promised that he would return to build them a school. From that rash, heartfelt promise grew one of the most incredible humanitarian campaigns of our time.

In an early effort to raise money he wrote letters to 580 celebrities, businessmen, and other prominent Americans. His only reply was a $100 check from NBC’s Tom Brokaw. Selling everything he owned, he still only raised $2,400. But his efforts changed when a group of elementary school children in River Falls, Wisconsin, donated $623.40 in pennies, who inspired adults to begin to take action. The 283 foot Braldu Bridge was completed in 1995 and the Korphe School was completed in 1996. Since then, he’s established 78 schools. In pursuit of his goal, Mortenson has survived an armed kidnapping, fatwas issued by enraged mullahs, repeated death threats, and wrenching separations from his wife and children. Yet his success speaks for itself."

You have to know this story.
Also, here is the link to Greg Mortenson's site if you want to better know this humanitarian. You can even follow him on Twitter if you are so inclined.

Pocket Guide to Safer Flea & Tick Treatments

Via GreenPaws.Org

Here is a handy pocket sized pdf you can download and print to assist in making safer choices for your pet (and the family in contact with the beloved).

Topping the hazards list are:
Amitraz
Fenoxycarb
Permethrin
Propoxur
Tetrachlorvinphos
(TCVP)

(The guide has a complete list)

Also, the dog in the photograph is beloved Domino, who passed away last week because of cancer.

I love you buddy, and wish you endless ball chasing, spooning, pigs ears, and nothing orange in doggie heaven. Goodbye my precious. ~ Love Mommy.