July 26, 2012 – Peace Corps Worldwide

Review of S.A. Bodeen's The Raft

Jul 26 2012

The Raft S.A. Bodeen (Tanzania 1989-90) Feiwel and Friends (an imprint of Macmillan) 231 pagesAugust $16.99 (Hardcover); $9.99 (Kindle) 2012 Reviewed by Reilly Ridgell (Micronesia 1971-73) I’m not much into reading “young adult” literature. Oh I read some Hardy boys mysteries and maybe a few others like that but by high school I gravitated quickly to the classics and works considered more “hip.” So I wasn’t sure how I’d find S.A. Bodeen’s survival story, The Raft. What a pleasant surprise it was. The writing is strong and purposeful, the characters interesting, the situation fascinating. The story is told in the first person, usually a red flag but Bodeen pulls it off well, by Robie Mitchell, a 15 year old girl who teeters between common sense and being a bit of an airhead. But I guess that’s what comes with being 15. She has spent much of her teen years isolated . . .

Update on Dr. Robert Textor

Jul 26 2012

Dr. Robert Textor is the author of the original, 1961 “In, Up and Out” memo that became the foundation for the so-called “Five Year Rule.” He is also champions serving Volunteers as well as RPCVs. His insight allowed for the continual hiring of RPCVs at Peace Corps. The recent Inspector General of the Peace Corps reviewed the so-called “Five Year Rule”. Dr. Textor’s memo and comments are included in the final report. It is anticipated that Peace Corps will be releasing its proposed policy changes sometime in August. Dr. Textor is recuperating from successfully surgery. It is hoped that he will be able to review the Peace Corps proposals when they are released. Right now, his family reports that he would love to receive cards and messages from his friends. This is his address: Robert B. Textor Mirabella Portland Skilled Nursing Facility 3550 SW Bond Ave, Room 241 Portland, OR 97239

Everyday Dogs

Jul 26 2012

Michael McCone (Malawi CD 1963-64), who is on the board of this California publishing house founded in 1974 by Malcolm Margolin, has published a beautiful little book entitled: Everyday Dogs: A Perpetual Calendar for Birthday& Other Notable Dates by Mary Scott and Susan Snyder,Heybooks, $14.95 The contents are from the Bancraoft Library on the UC/Berkeley campus. As Mike writes, “What do Gertrude Stein, Jack London, John Muir, and Queen Victoria all have in common with us?” Well, they all have a “cherished unbreakable bond of friendship between canine and human graces all of our days.” The photos are linked with literary quotes about canines.

Pick The Next Peace Corps Director!

Jul 26 2012

The presidential election is a toss up. But what about the next Director of the Peace Corps? It is doubtful that Aaron Williams will stay into a second Obama Administration. (Peace Corps Directors rarely last more than a couple years in the job and it is mostlikely, Aaron will finish off his government career as an Ambassador. If Obama loses, Aaron will certainly get that appointment before the end of the year.) If Romney wins we are looking at a Republican appointment. Either way, come November, we are in for a change of leadership at the agency. I think we might have (finally) established the fact that the Peace Corps MUST be an RPCV. So, who should he/she be? Here are a few RPCV names to consider for next director of the Peace Corps. Send in your candidate! John Garamendi, California Congressmen (Ethiopia 1966-68) Thomas Tighe, President and CEO, Direct Relief International (Thailand 1986-88) . . .

Archive - July 26, 2012