January 2025 – Peace Corps Worldwide

Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions by Bruce Edwards (Colombia 1968-72) and Ron Larson.

Jan 31 2025

Editors note: From time to time we learn of books authored by Peace Corps writers that have not been announced on Peace Corps Worldwide at the time of publication. Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions is a recent academic book by Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Bruce Edwards (Colombia 1968-72) and Ron Larson. Publisher:‏ ‎ Cengage Learning, January 2, 2023 English; 1312 pages ISBN-10: ‎ 035775932X / ISBN-13: ‎ 9780357759325 Available on Amazon: $183 (hardcover) Book Description Discover the clear explanations and digital support you need to truly understand calculus with CALCULUS: EARLY TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS, 8th Edition by award-winning authors Larson and Edwards. This edition effectively introduces and demonstrates the concepts and rules behind calculus using a thoroughly updated learning experience specifically designed to remove any typical barriers to learning. New “Big Ideas of Calculus” notes present the overarching ideas behind chapter topics, while new automatically graded Proof Problems, annotated examples and “Concept . . .

Rep. John Garamendi (Ethiopia 1966-68) Statement on Trump Suspending All Federal Grants and Payments

Jan 29 2025

January 28, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA-08), issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump ordering all federal agencies to cease spending on all financial assistance and grants. “Donald Trump’s latest illegal scheme to freeze nearly $3 trillion in federal aid is a reckless and unconstitutional act that punishes American families,” said Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA-08). “This order blatantly ignores the Constitution, which gives Congress the power over federal spending. His action upends the will of the people while spreading chaos across the federal government. Donald Trump has caused a crisis that will cut assistance to firefighters, teacher’s pay at low-income schools, life-saving medical services, funding to food banks, and will prevent veterans from receiving assistance. Trump’s actions also bring a full stop to construction sites in our area, ranging from fixing our highways to strengthening our water infrastructure – putting hundreds . . .

New Book: Killer Story: The Truth Behind True Crime Television, by Claire St. Amant (Ukraine 2008-09)

Jan 28 2025

Claire contacted us when she saw our post on The Authors Show and she’s signed up to learn more about the interview and book review opportunities. Her debut memoir comes out February 18, 2025. You can follow a journalist and TV producer from 48 Hours and 60 Minutes as she carves out a career in the ruthless, knives-out world of true crime television . . . one killer story at a time. Serial killers. Homicidal spouses. Sociopathic criminals. Claire St. Amant has met them all. She spent nearly a decade in network television chasing the biggest true crime stories in the country, including the murder of Chris Kyle, plastic-surgeon-turned-murder-for-hire suspect Thomas Michael Dixon, the Parkland high school mass shooting, the disappearance of Christina Morris, and serial killer Samuel Little. In Killer Story, readers will learn what it really takes to get these gripping cases on the air with insights such . . .

New Book: The Vanishing Point, by Paul Theroux (Malawi 1963-65)

Jan 27 2025

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mariner Books (January 28, 2025) Language ‏ : ‎ English Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 035872225X ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0358722250 Available on Harper Collins Publishers for $14.99 (digital); $24.00 (hardcover) Available on Amazon for $14.99 (Kindle); $24.00 (Hardback) The stories in Paul Theroux’s fascinating new collection are both exotic and domestic, their settings ranging from Hawaii to Africa and New England. Each focuses on life’s vanishing points—a moment when seemingly all lines running through one’s life converge, and one can see no farther, yet must deal with the implications. With the insight, subtlety, and empathy that has long characterized his work, Theroux has written deeply moving stories about memory, longing, and the passing of time, reclaiming his status, once again, as a master of the form. About the author Paul Theroux was born and educated in the United States. After . . .

Peace Corps Community in the News (week of January 19, 2025)

Jan 25 2025

Pamlico Community College appoints new president, By Maya Geving on WITN.com | January 17, 2025. Zac Schnell (Philippines 2012-14) earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Technology and Management from N.C. State and went on to earn a master’s degree in Natural Resources from NCSU. He spent two years in the Peace Corps, working on coastal resource management projects in the Philippines. He also worked at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Institute at Tremont. Africa: A Conversation with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield: Reflecting on U.S.-Africa Relations at the Center for International and Strategic Studies in Washington, DC | All Africa | January 15, 2025. “Our Peace Corps volunteers have been part – I mean, I meet so many Africans who are my generation who say: my Peace Corps teacher was the person who taught me to speak English, and I will never forget that person. Americans generally have this sense of . . .

Interviews with Cross Cultural Consultant & Author Craig Storti (Morocco 1970-72)

Jan 23 2025

Craig was interviewed recently on Global Connections TV by host and fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Bill Miller (Dominican Republic 1968-70). Craig Storti is an author and a trainer/consultant in the field of intercultural communications and cross-cultural adaptation. Eight of his books are on intercultural topics, while the two most recent—Why Travel Matters and especially The Hunt for Mount Everest—are for general audiences. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco, which offered a unique experience that was crucial in promoting the concept that there are several world views and expanding his love of travel and the intercultural field. When President Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, he had three goals to provide technical assistance, discuss America with your host country nationals and bring the experience home and share it. Main themes in intercultural training include your values, beliefs and assumptions, which may be different from someone else’s, being more aware . . .

No Flight Plan, by Paul Burnore (Thailand 1971-73)

Jan 22 2025

No Flight Plan Author: Paul Burnore ISBN: 9798892283946 Format: Paperback (450 pages) Publication Date: January 15, 2025 Available on Barnes & Noble ($19.89 paperback; $3.99 digital) Available on Amazon ($19.89 paperback; $3.99 digital) Overview The life story of a midwestern boy who adopted “what if I …” and “what’s the worst that could happen…” as his life plan. This led to discoveries and journeys in the wider world, to international adventures, leadership challenges, and poetry. About the author Paul Burnore grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and earned degrees in English Literature from Indiana University. He became a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand where he taught at Songkhla University. He later taught poetry and literature at Indiana University, Jundi Shapur University in Iran, and Anatolia College in Greece. He joined IBM in 1978 and worked in several management jobs until 1992 when he rejoined the Peace Corps as the first . . .

Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn passes the baton to Chief Executive Officer Dr. Allison Greene

Jan 21 2025

Editor’s note: Personnel changes in the senior ranks of the Peace Corps, like those at all federal agencies, are not uncommon after a presidential election, and non-career political appointees are required to submit letters of resignation. As political appointees, Director Carol Spahn, Deputy Director David White, Jr., and others departed the agency at midday on Monday. The Peace Corps community commends and congratulates this leadership team that oversaw the return to service of over 3,000 Peace Corps Volunteers since March 2022. — Glenn A. Blumhorst, Peace Corps Worldwide Managing Editor January 20 Update From the Peace Corps Agency (announcement on PeaceCorps.gov): The President of the United States appoints the Peace Corps Director and Deputy Director, and the appointments must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The Peace Corps enjoys bipartisan support in Congress. Senators and representatives from both parties have served as Volunteers. The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and . . .

The March Revisited, by Rowland Scherman

Jan 20 2025

Rowland Scherman was the first photographer for the Peace Corps in 1961, documenting the work of volunteers all over the world. His photos helped define the image of the agency we know today. He became a free lance photographer in 1963. His photographs appeared in Life, Look, National Geographic, Time, Paris Match, and Playboy among many others. He photographed many of the iconic musical, cultural and political events of the 60’s including the 1963 Newport Folk Festival, the March on Washington, DC, the Beatles first US concert and Woodstock. At the August 28, 1963 March on Washington, final speaker Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial, delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech in which he called for an end to racism and racial segregation. As we honor Dr. King today, in his Photographer’s Newsletter, published on January 14, Rowland revisits the March on . . .

Peace Corps Community in the News (week of January 12, 2025)

Jan 17 2025

Fairmount College to induct two into Hall of Fame, By Cheryl K. Miller | Wichita State University News, January 10, 2025. Mark G. Wentling (Honduras 1967-69); 1970, Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, Economics and Political Science. Mark spent more than 40 years as an international development and humanitarian assistance specialist, working primarily in Africa for the Peace Corps and the United States Agency for International Development. Marquis Who’s Who Honors Dr. Emily Moore for Expertise in Physical Education, in 24-7PressRelease | January 12, 2025. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Emily Moore is deeply involved in civic activities. She has been an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, contributing to scholarship programs that support graduating students. Her international experiences include serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria (1965-67) during tumultuous times and participating as an ambassador in the People to People Program in South Africa. ‘Stuart Blackburn’s Own Luck of . . .

Book Review: Carnival in Rio, by Steve Kaffen (Reviewed by N. Waheed Nasser)

Jan 16 2025

If there’s one word that describes Steve Kaffen’s latest book, Carnival in Rio, it’s “joyous.” Using narrative, stories, and striking photography, he presents what he calls “one of the world’s great spectacles” including its samba parades, street parties, championship soccer, and local color. He adds excursions along the coast and a journey into the Amazon rainforest, plus a section to help readers plan their Carnival visits. The coverage is complete due to his timing. He arrives a week early and observes the start-up excitement. “Carnival is a time when positive emotions dwarf life’s frustrations…. Everyone sports a costume, even if it’s a cute crown or an outrageous hat or shirt or, popular with children, sneakers flashing multi-colored lights.” He remains past the end and describes city life reverting to normal. He stays in three interesting areas: Copacabana, Ipanema, and Botafogo. Copacabana, he says, is famous for its beach and for . . .

Endless Horizons: A Global Backpacker’s Quest for Adventure, Connection, and Discovery

Jan 15 2025

New book by Peace Corps writer Paul W. Neville (Tonga 2000-02) Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (January 1, 2025) Language ‏ : ‎ English Paperback ‏ : ‎ 316 pages ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8393074708 Buy it now on Amazon.com It’s a pursuit of adventure, connection, and self-discovery. Each backpacker embarks on a unique quest, whether it be for adrenaline-pumping thrills, exotic cuisines, the perfect beach, or the elusive pursuit of love. For many, the journey is about better understanding the world and their place within it. From sweltering jungle temples to stunning Nordic fjords, Endless Horizons chronicles the evolution of a wide-eyed novice traveler into a seasoned adventurer. Following a transformative Peace Corps assignment in Tonga, the author embarks on an epic yearlong backpacking odyssey around the globe. Through Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America, Endless Horizons describes vibrant cultures, unforgettable encounters, comical mishaps, useful travel tips, . . .

New Book: Pursuing the Leviathan, by Paul Magid (Malawi 1969-71)

Jan 13 2025

Format: Hardcover Pages: 296 pages Illustrations: 3 Maps, 19 B/W Photos Published: June 17, 2025 ISBN-10: 1682473783 ISBN-13: 9781682473788 United States Naval Institute Press Overview Set in the golden age of whaling in the nineteenth century, this book brings to life the adventures of Benjamin Clough, best known for single-handedly rescuing the ship Sharon from mutineers in 1842. Clough’s heroism earned him a whaling command, which led to a whaling career that over the ensuing twenty-five years took him into the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. The extraordinary event that merited Clough his promotion to captain occurred when he was just twenty-three years old. At sea since the age of sixteen, by 1842 Clough’s impressive skills and seamanship had earned him an appointment as third mate aboard the whaling ship Sharon. While most of the crew were in smaller boats pursuing whales, three Pacific Island crewmembers, enraged by their captain’s . . .

Peace Corps Community in the News (week of January 5, 2025)

Jan 11 2025

Hove author uses his fascinating personal experience of evading the Vietnam-era draft as a basis for his latest thriller, by Sophie Morgan in Sussex News | January 3, 2025. “Like my character, I was caught up in the Vietnam war draft lottery. Like him, I was going to go to Harvard Law School. Like him, I went to teach in a private school in Maine. Like him, I got a low number in the draft, meaning that I would be drafted and probably sent to fight in Vietnam. Like him, I had a humiliating medical examination. Unlike him, I took the exit route of joining the Peace Corps [considered national service in lieu of the military]. I was sent to a rural part of south India, where I learned the local language, which later led to my PhD and academic career. I was lucky. My character was not.” — Stuart . . .

Fiddler on the Roof of Africa by Derek Lowstuter (Ethiopia)

Jan 08 2025

Fiddler On The Roof Of Africa by Derek Lowstuter (Ethiopia 2010-12) Spring Cedars Publisher December 2024 277 pages $24.99 (Hardback) Available on Amazon Do you enjoy learning about far away lands and cultures? Do you have recurring dreams of pooping your pants in front of a foreign president? Have you ever begged neighbors for water to survive? Derek Lowstuter captures these realities of living and working abroad as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia. Fiddler on the Roof of Africa is a mix of academic study and personal observations—equal parts literature review, introspection, scholarly analysis, confabulation, with a pinch of classic ethnocentrism. Peace Corps service is exceptionally context specific, every Volunteer and every host community is unique. The reactions that take place between the two can be unpredictable and chaotic. The goal of this book is to address international development issues such as food aid, environmental conservation, cultural traditionalism, . . .

Archive - January 2025