Global Matters The newsletter of the Office of International Affairs Volume 15, January—February 2011

shipped 70,000 toothbrushes to Nepal, only to have Global Health Teethsavers, International: Customs hold them for nine months until a fee was

Lecture Teach a Few to Teach Many paid for their release. For this reason, he prefers to purchase toothbrushes in the countries he services. Series The local cost is approximately eight cents per Dr. Jack Rudd toothbrush. founded Teeth- savers, Interna- In addition to pro- tional in May viding education 2000. Driven by on dental hygiene, the disparity of Dr. Rudd also dental health teaches local peo- care around the ple how to clean world, he made it teeth and fill cavi- 12:00 Noon CST his mission to provide dental health care to the un- ties. Teethsavers’ ACB 120 derprivileged in third world countries. Dr. Rudd’s mantra is: Teach greatest concern is the six year molar. Six year mo- a Few to Teach lars are used 100’s of times each day, doing 65- Many. Students in Zambia complete a one-year  Wednesday January 19 70% of the work in chewing a meal. Ninety percent dental training at a cost of $2500 and fill a cavity for Jack Rudd, DDS of the funds spent on health care in third world $2. The cost of completing four years at Texas Den- Teethsavers countries is spent on HIV, Tuberculosis, and Ma- tal School is approximately $110,000, and the cost  Wednesday laria. Little is left for dental health care. For example, of a filling in the U.S. is $75. Cavities are filled using February 2 there is one dentist to every 917,000 persons in the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). Be- Kelly Bennett, MD Sierra Leone, while there is one dentist to every cause this treatment is virtually painless, no injec- TTUHSC Free Clinic 1,700 persons in the U.S. This disparity compelled tions are needed. Jo Frencken, DDS, PhD spent 14  Wednesday him to carry out his mission work in Sierra Leone. years in Africa developing this inexpensive filling February 16 material and treatment process. Twenty-eight per- Ambassador Nagy His tool chest cent of this material is fluoride, the only element Int. Affairs, TTU consists of a known to prevent tooth decay, which is released for  Wednesday toothbrush and eight years. His students are instructed to refer com- March 2 water. He travels plex cases to a more skilled dentist at the nearest Tom McGovern, to primary hospital. Today, graduates from his school carry on EdD, Psychiatry schools located Dr. Rudd’s work in Nicaragua, Malawi, Zambia,  Wednesday in remote villages Uganda, and Sierra Leone. Teethsavers is working March 16 of Nicaragua, toward securing for Teethsavers’ students who com- Mauricio Pinto, MD Malawi, Zambia, plete their dental training employment by their gov- Fam. Med., Odessa Uganda, and ernments.  Wednesday Sierra Leone to April 6 instruct children how to care for their six year mo- Teethsavers has Doula staff UMC lars. This year, Teethsavers instructs children screened, pro- grades 1-4. Next year, they plan to treat children in vided instruction  Wednesday grades 1-5 and add a grade each year. A six-year on how to prop- April 20 Meredith Aikman old child does not have the manual dexterity or mus- erly use a School of Nursing cle development to brush properly. Therefore, Dr. toothbrush, and  Wednesday Rudd teaches the mothers how to properly brush treated tooth May 4 their children’s teeth. He states, “Mothers all over decay (68,309 Nicole Hines, RN the world want to learn something to give their child fillings) for Employee Health & a better life.” His simple instructions are: “Brush 8 205,243 children. Infection Control times back and forth, straight and flat.” Parents are This humanitarian organization has also trained encouraged to brush their children’s teeth once a most of their 37 volunteers to be dentists. Teethsav- El Paso—Room 235 (11:00 am MT) day to disorganize the plaque. This will prevent ers’ vision is to establish a dental school in Sierra Amarillo—Room 4720 tooth decay by disrupting the breeding ground for Leone, three in Africa, and one in Central America. Odessa—Room 2C91 sugar. If the mothers are not present, he teaches friends to properly brush each other’s teeth. To learn more about Teethsavers, International visit FREE LUNCH! their website at www.teethsavers.org. To view Dr. provided to the first 35 Teethsavers distributes approximately 1,200 Rudd’s presentation for the OIA Global Health Lec- attendees toothbrushes per week. Dr. Rudd told of the time he ture Series visit the OIA website. (Lubbock campus only) TTUHSC Global Matters | 2

VON and the Black Lion Project are working on a Available The Black Lion Project database designed specifically for the Black Lion from the Part 2 Hospital to assess the practices and outcomes of the Black Lion NICU and to identify opportunities for OIA Library by Phillip L. Platt, RNC, NNP-BC improvement. By identifying their own outcomes, TTUHSC Amarillo they will be able to implement changes to bring The following re- about measurable improvements. The Human Sub- sources are avail- This article is a continuation of the article featured in jects Committees from both the University of Ver- able for check-out: Global Matters, Volume 14. mont and Addis Ababa University have approved

the database. A computerized version will be avail- Book The United able soon. Nations re- Oracle Bones: A Jour- leased a Prioritizing the needs of the Black Lion Hospital can ney Through Time in report on the be overwhelming. The time needed to accomplish even the simplest change would, on occasion, be by Peter Hessler Millennium Develop- extensive. More than once, the task required to A century ago, outsiders ment Goals improve the current state seemed complicated and saw China as a place (MDG), in riddled with problems where nothing ever June 2010. changes. Today the To date, the country has become one Eight goals of the most dynamic re- were strate- volunteers gions on earth. In Ora- gically developed in 2000 in an effort to help im- have con- cles Bones, Peter Hessler prove the lives of hundreds of millions of people sisted of explores the human side around the world. Of the eight MDG’s, one in par- registered of China’s transformation, ticular stands out, Goal 4, Reduce Child Mortality. nurses, neo- viewing modern-day Although Ethiopia has seen reductions of more than natal nurse China and its growing 100 per 1,000 live births, Sub-Saharan Africa still practitioners links to the Western world and neona- through the lives of a accounts for fifty percent of all childhood deaths (8.8 handful of ordinary peo- million per year) under five years of age. An accel- tologists. ple. In a narrative that erated movement towards improvement has to oc- Soon, volun- gracefully moves between cur in order for the goals to be met by 2015. Ver- teers form other disciplines will participate, address- the ancient and the pre- mont Oxford Network, a world leader in Quality Im- ing issues with a multidisciplinary approach. Each sent, the East and the provement in the neonatal period, reached out to time I was in Ethiopia, I met many volunteers from West, Hessler captures Ethiopia to help them identify areas for potential around the world who were giving of themselves to the soul of a country that improvement. Much attention has been placed on the betterment of humanity. I also met medical stu- is undergoing a momen- dents from the U.S. and Canada who were in Ethio- tous change before our infection control, especially hand washing. This eyes. area has been encouraged with subsequent follow- pia to complete an academic elective. The opportu- up teams. nities available to those who desire a wide range of exposure to various diseases and pathology are Movie astonishing. A personal example of my own was Our last visit King: Man of Peace in a focused on seeing more genetic anomalies in one month than I Time of War installing had experienced in ten years of practice. I would oxygen tub- strongly encourage healthcare providers of all disci- This film is a fascinating ing and out- plines to seek out learning experiences abroad. An and revealing look at the important consideration concerning Ethiopia is the life of Dr. Martin Luther let manifolds King Jr. filtered through to allow for fact that English is a primary language taught at the the prism of three major individual high school and college levels. conflicts: the struggle flow meters. between black and white The previ- This past America, divisiveness ous set-up July, after I within the civil rights connected one oxygen cylinder and flow meter to completed movement itself, and an multiple stop clocks to supply small tubing to the my volunteer undeclared war in Viet- assignment, nam. King: Man of Peace patients. This set-up did not allow regulation for the in a Time of War is a proper amount of flow to each patient. The more I spent four remarkably relevant sa- patients connected to one flow meter, the less flow days touring lute to a man who re- supplied. We built a system that allowed one tank to the Northern mains an inspiration and supply up to five individual flow meters through oxy- historical a force for social change gen manifolds mounted on the walls. Limited re- route of over 40 years after his sources and supplies in Ethiopia called for compli- Ethiopia. The history of Ethiopia dates back to the untimely death. cated engineering. As a result, thirty individual flow times of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Life-changing experiences included touring the Ak- To view a complete meters were created supplying each baby with a sumite Kingdom, standing at the gate of the Church selection of books and more accurate flow volume. Currently, the staff is of Saint Mary (the resting place of the Ark of the movies available, visit measuring compliance with these new changes us- Covenant), exploring the rock-hewn churches of the our website at ing the rapid Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle. ttuhsc.edu/cima/library Continued at the top of page 6 TTUHSC Global Matters | 3

Mark Your Calendar: the OIA Film Series

You’re invited to join the Office of International Affairs as we host a screening of one of the many films from our ex- tensive library.

12:00 Noon CST ACB 250

 Thursday Lost Boys of Sudan Amidst the many surprises that greeted them in the January, 13 A movie review United States, their love for basketball set them on  Thursday by Shamini Parameswaran common ground. The boys played basketball in their African village and now they play it here in the February 10

U.S. It was a simple ball that helped bridge many A war has been raging on in Sudan for 20 years,  Thursday gaps that may have otherwise existed between the resulting in the death of more than 2 March 10 boys and the citizens of the states. million people. One of the tribes hard-  Thursday est hit was the Dinka tribe, and in the April 14 Even more remarkable were the re- late 1980s these attacks worsened. sponsibilities these boys took on at  Thursday More than 20,000 boys were able to such a young age: going to work, at- May 5 escape the attacks. They were found tending school, and even saving later by the United Nations, separated money to send back to Africa. Lost from their parents. They were called February Boys of Sudan is definitely no fairytale. the Lost Boys of Sudan. feature film: The boys dealt with many physical and

mental struggles, but their drive to Lost Boys of Sudan is a documentary overcome hardship surpassed any to watch when you think you have too A Time for problem that came their way. many problems. This movie will re- Burning mind you of just how small our prob- If you want to be inspired, Lost Boys of lems in America are, compared to Sudan is the perfect film for you. They A Time for Burning is a those in other countries. may have been lost in Africa, but in classic touchstone which poignantly captures the America they were found. More impor- This documentary tells the story of a awakening of the civil tantly, their story convinces viewers that with a boy named Peter and his friends who were fortu- rights movement as it strong willpower and determination, no dream is nate enough to be given a fresh start in America. challenged the nation to impossible to achieve. Lost Boys of Sudan illus- From the moment they got the news they were change its ways. trates the meaning of the statement when life moving to a new home in Houston, Texas (yes it throws you lemons, make lemonade! was exciting to know they ended up in Texas!), Attendees are welcome to these orphaned boys began to learn new things For more about the film visit www.lostboysfilm.com. bring their own lunch. they never imagined. What we take for granted (e.g., a plane ride, the constant availability of food Free snacks will be in grocery stores, fresh water) was completely new Shamini Parameswaran is a first year medical student. You can provided! read more reviews of the movies OIA has available for checkout in to them. future issues of Global Matters. TTUHSC Global Matters | 4

Celebrating the Chinese Countries On New Years Day, family and friends are met with a New Year new year greeting of Xīn Nián Kuài Lè (“Happy New With the Most Year”) or Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái (“Congratulations and pros-

perity’). Children receive red envelopes containing February 3 marked the beginning of the Chinese Students new, crisp bills, and the amount given must be an New Year, the most important festival of Chinese even number which symbolizes good luck. They also Studying in culture. Chinese New Year is a fifteen-day celebra- receive a new set of clothes to be worn in celebration tion that commemorates a time of rebirth and the end the U.S. of the occasion. of winter. It is a time to focus on new beginnings and

2009—2010 fresh starts. The Chinese New Year is based on a On New Year’s Day people typically don’t wash their lunar calendar, therefore it occurs on a different date hair or sweep the floor because they want to main-  China each year. It begins on the new moon and ends on tain the good fortune of the new year. They don’t the full moon of the first month of the year.  want to wash the good fortune away or sweep it out

 South the door. They also don’t greet The Chinese New Year is an im-  Canada people in mourning or say the num- portant time for family reunions. ber four, both of which represent  Taiwan Children who have left home to bad fortune and are considered  work in factories and other busi- unlucky.  Saudi Arabia nesses usually make the trip home

to celebrate the beginning of the  Mexico New Year’s Day is an important new year with their parents. It is a  time to visit local temples and offer time of feasts and gift giving much  prayers for family members and like the American Christmas tradi- friends. The Chinese are predomi-  Nepal tion. nately Buddhist, and many of the  temples host events for the new The Chinese believe that every-  Britain year including concerts, dances, thing that occurs on New Year’s  and other cultural events. Candles and incense are Day impacts the rest of the year. As a result, they  Thailand burned, and the smoke is thought to cleanse the old, strive to make certain all the day’s activities and bad luck.  events represent good fortune.

 The festivities reach their climax on the final day of  Indonesia The preparations for the new year are as important the Chinese New Year, a day known as the Lantern as the celebration itself. The house is thoroughly  Colombia Festival. Thousands of lanterns are hung for people cleaned, the brooms are put away, all debts are paid,  to appreciate. The lanterns represent a celebration and differences with family members are resolved. of light to mark the return of the warmth and light of The home is decorated with bright colors, especially the sun. red, which represents happiness, and gold/,

which represents wealth and prosperity. The prepa- In 2011, the Chinese will usher in the Year of the rations symbolize a desire to begin the new year with Top Rabbit. The rabbit is the fourth animal in the 12-year a clean slate. It is an opportunity to leave the prob- cycle of the Chinese zodiac. According to Chinese Places Where lems of the previous year behind and welcome the tradition, the rabbit brings a year in which you can possibility of prosperity and good fortune in the com- catch your breathe and calm your nerves. It is also International ing months. believed to be a time for negotiation. The Year of the

Student Rabbit is associated with home and family, artistic The celebration typically begins on New Year’s Eve. pursuits, diplomacy, and keeping the peace. Recruitment Families gather for meals and at midnight fireworks light the sky. The loud boom of the fireworks is be- is Focused lieved to scare away any bad fortune or evil spirits Special thanks to Dr. Leslie Shen, Associate Professor, Pathology, who assisted with the preparations of this article and the Chinese Fall 2010 still lingering from the previous year. New Year Coffee House (see photos on the opposite page).

 China A talk by Lisa Shannon Lisa Shannon founded Run for  Southeast Asia author of Congo Women, which began  India A Thousand Sisters: My with a lone 30-mile run, and  South Korea Journey into the Worst blossomed into the first na- Place on Earth to Be a tional grassroots movement  Middle East Woman for Congolese women.  Thursday, February 17 She was named by Oprah’s O

International Cultural Magazine as one of the most Center (601 Indiana Ave) influential women of 2010. 6:00 pm

Information taken from The Her powerful talk will explore Chronicle of Higher Education the world’s deadliest war through the intimate lens November 19, 2010 The talk is free and open to the public. of friendship. TTUHSC Global Matters | 5

the 1963 March TTUHSC Celebrates Martin on Washington Luther King Day where Dr. King International delivered his fa-

mous I Have a Flavor On Tuesday, Janu- Dream speech. ary 18, faculty,

staff, and students, Chinese Sticky

joined by members Rice Cake of the Lubbock The program’s community, gath- keynote address ered to celebrate was delivered by the life and dreams Ralph Ferguson, of Dr. Martin Luther PhD, Associate King, Jr. Dean of the Texas

Tech University Attendees at the Graduate School. celebration were Ingredients: Dean Ferguson’s greeted by a remarks touched  1 (16oz) box sweet string quartet rice flour (mochiko) on various events in Dr. King’s life which shaped made up of the man he would become.  1 cup canola oil TTUHSC School  2 ½ cups white of Medicine Stu- Two guests pre- sugar dents. The string sented special mu-  1 tsp baking powder quartet played sic at the celebra- several songs including We Shall Overcome.  3 eggs, beaten tion. Marion Wil-  ½ (18.75 oz) can liams, MD, shared Steven Berk, MD, Vice Provost for Students, wel- sweetened red bean a moving hymn comed those gathered by reminding attendees of paste called The Light- the incredible impact Dr. King’s life had on the  2 Tbsp toasted ses- house, and Clifton shape of American History. He also reminded ame seeds Menton, joined by a those gathered of the work still needed to ensure friend, presented a song he wrote in honor of the equality in all aspects of life. Instructions: legacy of Dr. King’s life and work.  Preheat oven to 325

Following Dr. Berk’s remarks a clip from the PBS degrees F (165 C). To view more photos from the event, visit the OIA film Citizen King was screened. The clip recounted Lightly grease a 9 X website. 13 inch baking pan.  Mix rice flour, canola oil, milk, sugar, and baking powder in a Chinese New Year Coffee House large bowl. Stir in the beaten eggs.  Pour the mixture into the baking pan. Drop small spoonfuls of the red bean paste into the flour mixture about 1 to 2 inches apart, making sure that the red bean paste is covered by the flour mixture. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.  Bake in the pre- heated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

Recipe taken from allrecipes.com.

TTUHSC Global Matters | 6

lutely fantastic. Just like in America, the food avail- When in… The Black Lion Project able is diverse, from the influence of multiple cul- cont. tures. Many spices are used to provide the different local dishes of vegetables, lentils, and meats. Tradi-

tional flat spongy bread, called injera, is served with 12th century, and visiting the medieval castles of almost every meal.  Greet by saying Gondar. Yearly visits would not afford enough time “Shalom” (which to experience all that Ethiopia has to offer. means “Peace”, Exposure to Ethiopian culture and history revealed

accompanied by a to me the rich colors and depths of its people. In- The Ethio- firm handshake. sight into this incredible country affirms my belief pian people that Ethiopians are capable of rising above their  Be aware that per- are very sonal space may be disadvantages and improving their quality of life. friendly. In less than what you the nine are used to, and do To contact Philip Platt, send correspondence to weeks I not step away if you the following: spent in feel that someone is Phillip L Platt, RNC, NNP-BC standing too close. Ethiopia, I PO Box 31374 You may also find never wit- Amarillo, Texas 79120 that there is more nessed acts [email protected] physical touching of violence. during conversation. [email protected] Most people are not in a hurry and the nature and [email protected]  Israelis take pride in attitude of the locals is laid back. The food is abso- their bluntness and directness, which they call doogri. This can often be Country Close-up* *every issue OIA will select another country to feature interpreted as rude- ness, aggressive- ness, or arrogance. Republic of Vanuatu but by the turn of the century the French outnum- The positive side of bered the British two to one. In 1906, the British- Vanuatu is a ‘Y’ shaped archipelago of 83 this is the direct- French Condominium was created. This allowed ness, warmth, and islands located within the area of the South Pacific France and the United Kingdom to rule the islands familiarity common called Melanesia. The islands (whose land area jointly; however, it prohibited Melanesians from ac- in Israel. combined are about the size of Connecticut) are quiring citizenship of either country. mostly volcanic mountains and narrow coastal  Israeli society is Melanesians began challenging the gov- plains. Volcanic activity is common with the last polychronic, which ernment in the early 1940s. The first political party means that social major eruption occurring in 1945. was created in the early 1970s. Instrumental to the interaction is gov- The population of Vanuatu is approximately party and the push for independence was Father erned by relation- 234,000 people. Ninety-four percent of the popula- Walter Lini, who later became prime minister. On ships, feelings, and tion is indigenous Melanesian. Both English and intuition rather than July 30, 1980, the Republic of Vanuatu was formed. French are the official languages; however, local objectivity or exces- Vanuatu’s independence suffered from a pidgin, called Bislama, is the na- sive formality. rocky start. Political allegiance was tional language. In addition, the divided along linguistic lines. Eng-  Your first experience indigenous Melanesians speak 105 lish-speaking leadership controlled of doogri will un- local tribal languages. doubtedly be at the government until 1991, at which The early history of Vanu- Customs, as you time the first Francophone prime atu is sketchy. Pottery fragments enter the country. minister was elected. From 1995- and other archaeological evidence You may be asked 2004 government leadership suggest Austronesian speaking peo- numerous ques- changed frequently. tions, and you ples inhabited the island over 4,000 The islands’ economy is should expect to years ago. Portuguese explorer, Pedro Fernandez predominately agricultural. Copra is the leading have your belong- De Quiros, discovered the island Espiritu Santo in cash crop. Coconut oil, timber, beef, cocoa, and ings and your per- 1606. Europeans did not return to the islands until son thoroughly kava root extract are also important exports. 1768. In 1774, Captain Cook named the islands searched in an un- According to World Health Organization New Hebrides, a name that lasted until independ- compromising and (WHO) statistics the infant mortality rate for Vanuatu ence. assertive way. Be is 28/1,000. The life expectancy is 70 years of age. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of sandal- aware that this is for Malaria is the major public health problem in the your own protection wood led to a rush of European immigration to the country. Other communicable diseases of concern as well as that of the islands. Later in the same century, planters in Aus- are tuberculosis; sexually transmitted infections; State. tralia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and the Samoa Islands, acute respiratory tract infections, including pneumo- in need of laborers, implemented a long-term inden-  You must carry nia; diarrhoeal diseases; viral hepatitis; typhoid fe- tured labor trade known as “blackbirding.” As a re- identification at all ver; and measles. The leading causes of death are times and show it if sult, more than half the adult male population acute respiratory infection, including pneumonia; asked to do so by worked abroad. cutaneous abscess; malaria; asthma; diarrhea; inju- the authorities. At the same time, missionaries and British ries; food poisoning; diabetes; chronic obstructive and French settlers arrived on the island. Initially, pulmonary disease; and hypertension. British settlers from Australia made up the majority, TTUHSC Global Matters | 7

Views of the World: in the news & on the web When in…  Pioneering Medical Researcher is First Woman to Lead Israel’s University of Presidents Israel cont. Rivka Carmi’s new role, as the first woman to chair the Committee of University Presidents in Israel, has brought

her tough challenges along with acclaim.  Hans Rosling’s 200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes  Soldiers are every- Hans Rosling explores stats in a way he has never done before—using augmented reality animation. where. They are a  Female Heads of State: The Chosen Ones fact of life in Israel (all Israeli men and Glamour magazine chooses the world’s 18 current female presidents and prime ministers as Women of the women must do Year 2010. military service), and  How a Promise Led to Innovation: A Peanut Sheller they are there for Be careful what kind of promise you make. That’s a warning you might get from Jock Brandis, whose life was your protection. changed after he promised some African women he’d help them find a better way to shell their peanut crop.  A Night with Greg Mortenson: How U.S. Higher Education Can Help Women in Afghani-  Israelis observe strict dietary laws. stan and Pakistan Observance of the  Kiran Bedi: A Police Chief with a Difference kosher diet involves, Before becoming Director General of the Indian Police Service, Kiran Bedi managed one of the country’s among other things, toughest prisons—and used a new focus on prevention and education to turn it into a center of learning and never mixing meat meditation. and dairy, and  Skateistan avoiding shellfish and meat from an To live and skate in Kabul. animal without clo-  ‘What is the What’ Lost Boy Casts Sudan Vote ven feet. Valentino Achak Deng was separated from his family for 17 years during Sudan’s brutal civil war. One of Su- dan’s Lost Boys, Deng now has returned to his homeland and runs a school.  You should always  In Ghanaian Village, American Woman Reigns as King be acutely aware of and sensitive toward It was two years ago, at 4 a.m. at her apartment in Maryland, that Peggielene Bartels got the news from West the religious sensi- Africa. A relative called from Ghana to say that her uncle, the king of the fishing village of Otuam, had died. The bilities and customs. news didn’t end there. She was also informed that she had been anointed his successor: King Peggy. For example, the  Mexican Teens in Different World Share Tragic Fate Shabbat (Sabbath) Tanya Lozoya’s parents stand by a mural of their daughter in her softball uniform, painted in the backyard of begins at sunset on their home near El Paso, Texas. A stray bullet killed the teenager on May 16, 2009, while she attended a Friday and is strictly baptism party in Juarez, Mexico. She is one of more than 30,000 casualties in Mexico’s drug war. observed until sun-  Egypt’s Muslims Attend Coptic Christmas Mass, Serving as “Human Shields” set on Saturday. Muslims turned up in droves for the Coptic Christmas mass, offering their bodies, and lives, as “shields” to Almost everything Egypt’s threatened Christian community. shuts down, includ-  Mobile Money Revolution Aids Kenya’s Poor, Economy ing public transpor- tation, shops, res- A man sends money through the mobile phone service M-PESA in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, in 2007. M-PESA is taurants, and even having a clear economic impact, including boosting consumer spending in the countryside. El Al, the national  Southern Sudan Braces for Independence airline. Avoid enter- Voters in southern Sudan cast their ballots in a referendum that will likely lead to the formation of the world’s ing orthodox areas newest nation. The referendum is part of the peace deal that ended the 1983—2005 civil war between the north during this time. and south.  Lesley Hazleton: On Reading the Koran  Taking photographs of orthodox Jews or Lesley Hazleton sat down one day to read the Koran. And what she found—as a non-Muslim, a self-identified Muslims may offend, “tourist” in the Islamic holy book—wasn’t what she expected. and you should  Haiti, One Year Later never snap a picture It’s been one year since the earth shook so violently below Port-au-Prince, Haiti, destroying and damaging of the military or hundreds of thousands of buildings and lives in mere moments. Twelve months of struggle and heartache have police. followed, with very little progress to show so far.  Students from Caribbean Med Schools Head for New York, Angering Some Local Pro-  Driver’s can’t be relied on to stop at grams pedestrian crossing, The trend angers some medical educators, who say their trainees are being crowded out of clinical rotations. and you may be  Robert Crane, Biochemist Whose Discoveries Led to Treatment of Cholera, Dies at 90 shouted at for exer- Robert K. Crane, a biochemist whose discoveries about how the body absorbs salt and sugar helped provide cising your right to the scientific rationale for oral-rehydration therapy, has died. cross the road.  Photo Essay: Chinese New Year Around the World  Both males and China honored it’s Lunar New Year on February 3, welcoming the Year of the Rabbit. females should  Extreme World cover their shoul- How great are the world’s divides? A special report from the BBC. ders and legs before  Free Diabetes and Blood Pressure Drugs for Brazilians entering a place of Brazil is to provide free medicines for everyone suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes. worship.  Thousands Gather to Mourn Hmong Leader Vang Pao Tens of thousands of Hmong from around the world will gather Friday in Fresno, CA, for the start of a six-day- long funeral. They’re honoring General Vang Pao, who led guerrilla fighters in the CIA’s secret campaign in taken from Behave Yourself! by Laos during the Vietnam war. Michael Powell January February

01—Independence Day; Slovak 01—St. Brigid’s Day; Montserrat Republic 02—Imbolc; Pagan 02—Berchtold’s Day; Switzerland 03—San Blaise; Paraguay 04—Independence Day; Burma 04—National Day; Sri Lanka 05—Dia de la Toma; 05—Constitution Day; Mexico 06—Epiphany; International 06—Waitangi Day; New Zealand 07—St. John’s Day; 07—Independence Day; Grenada 08—Children’s Day; Thailand 08—Culture Day; Slovenia 09—Day of Mourning: Panama 09—Feast of St. Maron; Lebanon 10—Traditional Day; Benin 10—St. Paul’s Shipwreck; Malta 11—National Unity Day; Nepal 11—Foundation Day; Japan 12—Youth Day; India 12—Oruro Local Festival; Bolivia 13—St. Knut’s Day; 14—Tifon Zarezan; Bulgaria 14—Makar Sankranti; Hindu 15—Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday 15—Arbor Day; Jordan 16—Independence Day; Lithuania 16—National Day of Peace; El Salvador 18—Independence Day; Gambia International 17—Antonovden; Bulgaria 19—National Flag Day; Turkmenistan 18—Revolution Day; Tunisia 21—Shaheed Day; Bangladesh 20—Tu B’Shevat; Jewish 22—Abu Simbel Festival; Egypt Holidays and 21—Errol Barrow Day; Barbados 23—Republic Day; Guyana 25—Burn’s Night; Scotland 24—Independence Day; Estonia 26—Republic Day; India 25—National Day; Kuwait Celebrations 27—Sainte Devote; Monaco 26—Intercalary Days; Baha’I 28—Democracy Day; Rwanda 27—Independence Day; Dominican 31—Sadeh; Republic 28—Andalusia Day; Spain

Bulgarian Zele! (cabbage) Croatian Ptičica Language Lesson: Czech Vyletí ptáček! Danish Sig ‘appelsin’ (say orange) Finnish Sano muikku! French Souriez! (smile!) German Wo ist das Vögelchen? (where’s the birdie?) Greek Pes tyrí! (say ) Hebrew Tagid ‘chiz’ (say cheese) Hungarian Csíz (small bird) Indonesian Buncis! (green beans) Spanish Patata (—used in Spain) Spanish Diga ‘whiskey’ (say whiskey— used in Latin America) Portuguese Olha o passarinho (watch the birdie) Romanian Zâmbeşte! (smile) Russian Skazhi ‘izyum!’ (say raisins) Swedish Säg omelett! (say omelette) Talossan Ditz ‘wisky’ Thai Pepsi Turkish Gülümseyin (smile)

Say cheese! taken from Omniglot.com

Volume 15 The newsletter of Office of International Affairs January—February Global Matters : 2011 Office of International Affairs staff:

TTUHSC Michelle Ensminger Sonya Sherrod Editor, Global Matters Executive Administrative Global Manager Assistant International Affairs Matters

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