Hey Will,

thanks for the pictures. Make more and don't forget to post them here. Make pictures that have you in them too :)

How's everyone doing? Are you up for skating this weekend?

Jaka

Washington DC

View from the conference room.. only cool thing about our training room... this is Virgina..the rebel state.. well hope you like the photos... first time I am posting photos.. so bear with me.. paka all..

My Utuk!

yep..I iron my shirts.. and pants.. so far no holes.. or burns...

my room

I sleep on the couch... this bed is too big for wee me and not right..

My messy room... elections watching... Hilary won tonight...

My room.. and desk where I pretend to work...pretty impressive ..

Our KG participants.. Valery and Nurguz.. you may recongize this man.. worked for Carana ..

hello from DC...

Hi All.. some wacky ducks walking on water .. pretty neat??

KATOK

Vsem privet!!!

Here's some pictures from our skating get-together last Saturday. We enjoyed it a lot: the rink is quite big, skates were ok, the cafe called Uncle Thomas Cabin was warm, nice lookig, and not expensive, and of course the company of great people made the day outstanding. We're planning to go there again this Sunday. Please, call Jaka, Denis, or Sasha if you want to join. it costs 300 KGS to rent skates for the whole day. Cafe offers very tasty food at rather modest prices (they have european, kyrgyz, and even turkish). If you're tired skating, you can always hide at the cafe and have hot chocolate or cognac. V obshem - poekhali, ne pojaleete.

See you this weekend!

Denis

KAtok

Privet Vsem!
Katok sostoyalsia? podelites' vpechatleniyami i fotkami? Ne somnevaus' chto vy proveli super puper vremia together.....
Sorry chto on friday ne napisala chto my ne poedem, u nas 3 dnia ne bilo sveta, ia soobshila Diane po telefonu.

Lera

На злобу дня от злобного Дениса

Klassnie fotki, ehhhh..
Denis, Spasibo za DOs and DON"Ts!!!

Lera

FAREWELL

Hey everybody!!!!!

Here're some pictures from Will's farewell at Jaka's tken by Damira. Please, feel free to add more.

Take care,

Denis

WHY NOT

Dear friends!

I just thought why don't we use the blog to exchange not only our personal news, but also as a development tool. Let's say, you find something that you think may be interesting to the whole group, why don't you post it here? Of course there is a fineline beween usefulness and SPAMness, but we can use our good judgement (we're good at it) :) An Example - i got these tips for applying to grad school from Peterson's. Hope it will be useful for those who are going to apply soon:

The DOs and DON'Ts of Applying to Grad School

Applying to grad school can be complicated and time-consuming. From filling out stacks and stacks of forms to trying to make a good impression on the admission committee, there's a whole lot to do.

This list will help you get the job done well and on time!

The DOs

• DO start your application one to one-and-a-half years before you plan to enroll.
• DO make sure you double-check all your deadlines — they may be different than undergraduate deadlines.
• DO make every element of your application the best it can possibly be.
• DO get your financial aid application in as early as possible. Financial aid for grad school is limited.
• DO fill out your financial aid application online, if possible.
• DO read applications and directions carefully.
• DO make sure that everything that is supposed to be included is enclosed.
• DO start asking for letters of recommendation at least six months before your application deadline.
• DO fill out your own applications. Type the information yourself to avoid crucial mistakes.
• DO make copies of all applications, and practice filling one out before you complete the original.
• DO type or neatly print your answers, and then proofread the applications and essays several times for accuracy.
• DO ask someone else to proofread them for you as well.
• DO demonstrate that you are professional, focused, and very interested in the field you’ve chosen to study.
• DO be truthful, and do not exaggerate your accomplishments.
• DO keep a copy of all the forms you submit.
• DO be thorough and turn things in on time.

The DON'Ts

• DON'T use correction fluid. If you type your application, use a correctable typewriter or liftoff strips to correct mistakes. Better yet, fill out your application online.
• DON'T write in script. If you don’t have access to a computer or typewriter, print neatly.
• DON'T leave blank spaces. Missing information may cause your application to be sent back or delayed.
• DON'T be unclear. If the question calls for a specific answer, don’t try to dodge it by being vague.
• DON'T approach people about letters of recommendation at the last minute!
• DON'T go overboard on your personal essay. Treat it as a professional application, not a creative project.
• DON'T assume that the admission office has everything they need. Wait two or three weeks and then follow up to make sure.
• DON'T put things off!

KATOK

Happy New Year to all!

I agree with Jaka that you should have something new to write about! Yulka - you're in Russia doing pritty much nothing so you should have free time to write. Pls, do!

Meanwhile, here're some pictures from last weekend when Sasha, Marianna, and I went to Politech skating rink. If you would like to go too, let's do it next wekend. The 1-hour ticket (covers the rink and rent of skates) is 200 KGS. A ticket for oe day is 500 KGS. There is a fire place by the rink so we can make shashlik if we want. ok, here're the pics:

Happy New Year!!!!

Hi All,

and Happy New Year! Wish you all lots of health, love, more love and love again.

So, why are Denis and I the only ones writing in this blog?! Ne poryadok!

Jaka