SIALKOT - A delegation of British government officials from Department of International Trade (DIT) visited the Sialkot International Airport here on Wednesday.

The British delegates including Mr Ben Ainsley and Mr Andy Roby discussed the matters of mutual interest with Chairman of Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) Khawar Anwar Khawaja and CEO of SIAL Maj-Gen(Rtd) Mir Haider Ali Khan.

Briefing the British delegates, the SIAL Chairman said that the project of Sialkot International Airport has met with great success besides, booming the business, economical and trade activities in Pakistans first ever Golden Export Triangle comprising on Sialkot , Gujrat and Gujranwala districts paving the way for socio-economic and human development in Sialkot region. British delegates highly hailed the efforts of Sialkot exporters for establishing the grand project on self-help basis. They also assured the SIAL management about playing their effective role in developing the mutual contacts between the management of Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) and the concerned aviation institutions in UK. They also pledged to motivate the airlines of British to start their services between the UK and Sialkot-Pakistan.

SNAKE ATTACK: Rescue 1122 caught and killed the cobra found in the house of a local farmer in village Fateh Gujraan, Pasrur tehsil. A black Cobra snake invaded in the house of a local farmer Muhammad Ahmed from nearby fields. The Cobra created a panic and harassment among the people in the house. The rescuers of Rescue 1122 were called in to get the inhabitants rid of the Cobra. The rescuers caught the Cobra snake and later killed it by declaring it a dangerous beast, in a bid to get the family rid of this snake.

ARREST: the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a notorious human trafficker accused Sarfraz Ahmed alias Toti from village Khambraanwala, Sambrial tehsil. According to the Khalid Anees (FIA Divisional Deputy Director), the accused was sending the local people abroad illegally after getting big amounts from them. It sent the accused behind the bars after registering a case against him, in this regard.

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UK delegates praise self-help-based projects - The Nation

Arthritis Ireland is to run self-management courses in Clane. This course aims to help people living with arthritis, andwill commenceon 14 September at the Westgrove Hotel.

Classes will run from 7pm to 9.30pm over six weeks and are led by two trained leaders.

The course costs 32, with a discounted rate of 24 for medical card holders. To book a place visit the Arthritis Ireland website,www.arthritisireland.ie, orcontact Svetlana on 01 647 0206or emailtraining@arthritisireland.ie.

Meanwhile, there are a number of exercise activities taking place across the county.

In Newbridge, there will be Beginners Seated Exercise classesfor people with arthritis take place in the Daycare Centreevery Monday at 11am sharp. Admission 5

In Kilcullen, Beginners SeatedExercise classestake place inKilcullen Parish CentreeveryTuesday at 10.30am sharp.Admission 5

Meanwhile, the same class are also being held inSuncroft CommunityCentreeveryTuesday at 2.30pm sharp.Admission 5

Kildare Town is also hosting similar classes inKildare ParishCentreevery Wednesday at 9.30am sharp. Admission 5.

Swim andAquaexercisefor people with arthritis is being held in the Westgrove Hotel on Wednesdays at 11amand 12noon on Fridays. Admission 5.

The Gables Swimming Pool Aqua exercise class takes place in Newbridgefor people with Arthritis on Wednesdays from2pm to 3pm. Admission 5

In Celbridge,Warm Water pool, Swim & AquaClasses for people with Arthritis takes place at St Raphaels Pool, Celbridge EveryWednesday:5pm-6pm.Cost 5 includes instruction and use of warm water pool.

Newbridge Walking Group for People with Arthritis meet at Lumville House Car Park everyTuesday at 10.30amsharp for walk on the Curragh. Contact Johnny at 431399 or Claire at 433803 for further details. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear and bring rainproof gear!

Maynooth Walking Groupfor People with Arthritis meet onMondays at 12 noon atMaynooth Community Space (near Post Office) in Tesco Car ParkContact Michael at0876622740

Athy Walking Groupfor People with Arthritis meet on Mondays at 2.30 at O Briens Emily Square. Phone Anne at0863091786

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New Arthritis self help class in Clane - Leinster Leader

As a woman in India today, the question that often confronts me is: Is there a way to reconcile tradition and modernity? There perhaps is no conclusive answer to this there are stories that reiterate concepts that control women and their sexuality. We associate tradition with duty, a force that is in opposition to, and often seeks to control and regulate, desire and personal freedom.

Yet, I have to admit that I am surprised by the past. My grandmother, who I loved deeply, sought in her old age to connect me with the rituals and the pujas of her family and the past and I resisted this. It also seemed incongruous to me that my grandmother a woman who loved her lipstick, sported a bob cut, and delighted in wearing chiffon saris with sleeveless blouses a liberated woman, was, as she grew older, deeply immersed in certain traditions.

When she passed away, in honour of her memory a little against my own ideals we donated money for a puja at the temple of her Kuladevata, her family deity, Amba Bhavani. I had resisted hearing about this deity throughout my life, yet after her death, I found myself talking to the priest at the temple and was forced to confront my own prejudices. Amba Bhavani according to this priests description was exactly the sort of of Goddess my fierce and emancipated grandmother would have approved of. She was not merely the sister of Krishna, she was a single Goddess, unmarried, the incarnation of Shakti and incredibly strong.

It strikes me as ironic that a culture that boasts of a rich legend connected to deadly saviour Shakti-Goddesses is also a culture that allows gender inequities.

There is Lalitha Tripurasundari, the Goddess to whom Lalitha Sahasranama is dedicated. She is described in sensual terms, regarded as the embodiment of desire and is married to Kameswara, Siva incarnate as Desire. She fights and triumphs over a demon, Bhandasura a demon who is, literally, called Shame. It is fascinating to consider some of the metaphors that her story can offer us a form of Mahamaya, Lalitha is the one who plays, she is Beauty and Desire and defeats Shame.

But Lalitha Tripurasundari is a Goddess associated with the Tantric tradition, and we shy away from talking about and exploring the thoughts and ideas preserved in it. I was struggling to understand what exactly tantra was, when a scholar explained to me that tantricism involves practices and ideas that advance personal empowerment; that enables the practitioner or student of Tantricism to seek liberation moksha not merely in a spiritual sense, but also in the sense of being controlled and restricted by social convention.

Yet Tantricism is uncomfortable to discuss today with its focus on sex and eroticism; and in this sense suggests that the past, in many ways, was more open-minded than the present we live in. I cannot help wondering if delving deeper into the texts and ideas of Tantricism can give rise to a discussion on Desire that could free us as Lalitha does from Shame.

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On Shakti-goddesses, who were fierce and emancipated - The Hindu - The Hindu

There are many dark pages in the history of the 20thcentury, notably the tens of millions of deaths cased by Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin. Caught between the regimes of these cruel dictators was the Poland where Karol Wojtyla came of age.

The leaders of Nazism and Soviet communism tried to convince people that they were part of a great cause. The problem was that neither respected the dignity of individuals.

Wojtyla, however, believed that while we can all work together for a common cause, each of us is not only significant, were sacred beings and were loved.

After Stalinist Russia took control of Poland and much of Eastern Europe after the Second World War, Wojtyla studied and then taught the philosophy that ultimately led to the downfall of communism. The Catholic Church in Poland became the greatest voice in opposing the state and Wojtyla, seen as open to dialogue, rose through the ranks of this institution.

In 1978, Wojtila was named Pope John Paul II. Few outside of Poland knew who he was or what he had accomplished, but he immediately began using his global influence to bring down the Iron Curtain.

His message was quite simple: Be not afraid. He told people that theyre loved and sacred. He told them to embrace their dignity as humans, and to stand together for justice and freedom.

It didnt take long for workers to organize in his native Poland. The Solidarity movement became a powerful force. The government first tried to crush the movement through violence, arrests and intimidation. But with the world watching, their efforts only served to strengthen the resolve of the people. Wojtyla embraced his identity as a Pole and as an Eastern European, and the ideal of freedom spread.

By the end of the 1980s, the Iron Curtain had collapsed and the world was changed forever.

By studying the thoughts of Wojtyla, you see what inspired and motivated the person who led the revolution against a cruel dictatorship without ever speaking of violence.

As with all people who accomplish great things, Wojtyla knew he had a mission. This was expressed in a discussion with a friend while recovering from an assassination attempt in 1981. There is nothing more beautiful than to be a tool in the hands of God, he said.

In 1983, the Pope actually visited the jail cell of the man who tried to kill him and forgave him. There were other attempts on his life but he moved forward without fear. Millions of people took inspiration from him, especially in Eastern Europe, and did the same.

While no leader and no institution is perfect, John Paul II was the right leader for his time. No one but an Eastern European in a position of global leadership could have led a movement to overthrow the powerful communist regime.

Its significant to note the similarities between the peaceful movements that overcame oppressive governments in the 20thcentury and brought about lasting change. Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela all had clear visions, and offered messages of personal empowerment, forgiveness, courage, acceptance and love.

No force on earth is more powerful than a movement that embraces these truths. It may take time but triumph is inevitable.

Its important to see beyond todays issues and apply whats worked in the past.The words of John Paul II still ring clearly: Be not afraid.

Troy Media columnist Gerry Chidiac is an award-winning high school teacher specializing in languages, genocide studies and work with at-risk students.

The views, opinions and positions expressed by columnists and contributors are the authors alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of our publication.

Catholicism, Communism, Fascism, Religion

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'Be not afraid.' Why the words of John Paul II still resonate - Troy Media

Though news about instances of the Zika virus in the U.S. have quieted down since last fall, transmission of the virus hasnt stopped. As recently as late July, Texas officials reported a locally-contracted case of Zika inside the state and scientists announced the troubling finding that rising temperatures could make outbreaks of Zika and similar viruses a more common occurrence.

Circumstances are even more difficult in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. With over 20 inches of rain leaving massive amounts of debris, coinciding with the peak of arboviral transmission in northern Mexico, the potential for mosquito-borne disease outbreaks in southern Texas is heightened for the coming months. In other words, when it comes to figuring out ways to do a better job of tracking, preventing, and responding to mosquito-borne illnesses, were not out of the woods yet.

Unfortunately, we now face a new challenge that makes this task even harder than might have been predicted roughly a year ago: strained political relations between the U.S. and Mexico, whose shared border is crucial ground in the fight to stop Zika and other mosquito-borne viruses, like chikungunya and dengue.

A strong U.S.-Mexico relationship is valuable for commerce, education, and personal lives in the border region and beyond, but its also important for our greater public health and safety.

Health departments from both countries have long exchanged bi-national case information to improve response to infectious diseases. From investigations into cross-border outbreaks of dengue in Texas/ Nuevo Leon and Arizona/Sonora, to programs developing leaders in border-centered public health, partnerships have been established that improve health in the border region. These collaborations help both sidesafter all, insects know no borders, and pathogens spread in both directions.

While many local health departments continue to work well together by pushing politics aside, there are noticeable signs that political strain is nevertheless having an impact on public health efforts.

Despite the added challenges that increased political tensions between the U.S. and Mexico have brought to monitoring and reporting potential Zika outbreaks, community-based technology is surfacing as a promising solution to containing and preventing such occurrences.

For instance, I have started experimenting with the application of this type of strategy. By developing a community-based mobile app that allows users to report symptoms that may be associated with mosquito borne-diseases like Zika, chikungunya and dengue in regions along the U.S.-Mexico border, we may have a greater chance of catching and containing outbreaks before they become widely spread.

Enhancing detection of transmission in the high-risk regions along the U.S.-Mexico border remains as critical as ever.

Potentially infectious mosquitoes are not hampered by our country's political strain and we must not be either. But the reality is that new obstacles have arisen.

Public health officials and researchers in border communities, such as myself, are finding that many Mexican immigrants, especially those living in U.S. border states, are more hesitant to share personal information.

This hesitation limits both the willingness to seek medical care when ill and to share personal health information through a community-based mobile system. Without this information, transmission of viruses such as Zika can go undetected and uncontrolled until a substantial outbreak is underway. While this is certainly an obstacle that needs to be addressed, it is also imperative that we as professionals remain mindful and respectful of communities privacy and comfort levels.

It goes without saying that in order for community-based solutions to be successful in aiding public health efforts, that community participation is essential. That is why we must rebuild and repair trust within border communities and work through trusted networks and organizations if we are to succeed in our efforts to empower communities to help stop the spread of Zika.

Once we secure community trust and buy-in, the optimal scenario for community-based technology would look something like this: if a cluster of suspiciously Zika-like symptoms are reported, local health departments would be notified and from there conduct enhanced surveillance of a region to test for a possible outbreak.

In the event of positive results, they would be able to immediately notify the community through a press release and other public health announcements so that community members can take the necessary precautions.

These types of innovations would ideally be taking part as other important steps are being made in parallel. Such as: enhancing policies surrounding the transparency of public data, which would allow communities more notice in responding to an outbreak.

In order to catch outbreaks in the early stages, public health departments must also be empowered and equipped to take proactive measures when it comes to public safety. They should not be forced, by a lack of resources, to take a more reactive approach.

Obtaining the necessary funding requires buy-in at more than just the federal level it is also critical to get buy-in at the state and local level. By having the necessary resources and infrastructure already in place to handle these types of potential public health outbreaks, we can make a substantial difference in saving lives and money in the long run.

For now, however, the biggest focus should be on rebuilding trust within communities in the U.S. that are most likely to be affected by a Zika outbreak, and potentially most helpful in helping to contain it.

Policies, technological innovations, and public health efforts all have important roles to play and we need to be doing everything we can to curtail the public health threat that does, indeed, still exist.

Kacey C. Ernst, PhD, MPH,is an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director at the University of Arizonas Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and a 2017 AAAS Leshner Fellow for Public Engagement. Her primary projects examine the environmental determinants of vector-borne disease transmission and control. She and a team recently developed the Kidenga app.

The views expressed by contributors are their own and are not the views of The Hill.

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Community empowerment, not walls, will prevent Zika - The Hill (blog)

Youth empowerment is imperative not only for national development but also for personal development of an individual. According to the recently released census data, our population comprises 60 percent of the youth. This is both a threat and an opportunity. If this raw talent's energy is not channelised, well then we have a real challenge at hand as it might act as a time bomb for our country. However, by channelising the energy and raw talent of the youth in the right direction, we can prepare them for a productive role aimed at shaping the future of the nation.

History has shown that under the dynamic leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam, the youth played an instrumental role in bringing Pakistan into being. The Quaid-e-Azam considered the youth as nation builders of tomorrow. He strongly believed in equipping the youth with discipline, education and training for the arduous tasks lying ahead of them.

Today, the youth of Pakistan is facing various social, political and economic changes. If we review our past policies, we would notice the palpable lack of concrete youth targeted policies. These policies have lacked consistency, coherence and a broader perspective. Given the present scenario of our country in terms of youth bulge, the slogan of youth empowerment has taken the centre-stage. However, the best way to empower our youth is through provision of greater educational and economic opportunities.

Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) is South Asia's largest scholarship programme. The basic purpose behind the programme is to provide scholarships to the deserving but talented students who aren't able to pursue higher education due to financial constraints. The scholarships of worth Rs. 12 billion have been awarded so far. Under the umbrella of PEEF, Shahbaz Sharif Merit Scholarship (SSMS) is a revolutionary step of the Punjab government, which enables the youth to study in the top ranked educational institutions of the world by funding their whole expenditure. PEEF is a story of dedication and vision in the service of the youth that is changing lives and help realise dreams.

In the middle of difficulty lies an opportunity and educational scholarship is a gateway to opening of new avenues of socio-economic mobility and growth. The launch of Chinese and Turkish Language Scholarship programs by the Punjab government is a step in the right direction.

I believe that these Language Scholarship Programs are very productive exercise with far-reaching results. Besides being time-tested and sincere friends of Pakistan, both China and Turkey are our trusted development partners. Given the increasing footprint of the Chinese and Turkish investment and trade in Punjab and Pakistan, the language courses being funded by Punjab will help our students acquire expertise and understanding that will help facilitate interaction between our two countries. In addition to further strengthening our bilateral relations with these countries, the scholarship programs will open up more avenues for our youth in terms of better career prospects.

Skill development has created a huge space for generation of employment in today's world. The idea of earning millions by bringing fresh prospective and out of box thinking on the table is very encouraging and unique. One cannot only create job for oneself but also create livelihood opportunities for others. Unfortunately we as a nation are lagging behind in developing skills of our youth. But the recent keen interest of government in this field is laudable.

On the directions of the Chief Minister, TEVTA is engaged in imparting skills to two million youths of Punjab by the end of 2018. The project of Punjab Tianjin Technical University has been envisaged and definitely, Chinese expertise would be useful for the Punjab government. The students of Punjab Tianjin Technical University will get same facilities and latest technical education which is being provided in Tianjin University. The students of this university would get dual degrees.

Chief Minister Punjabs E-Rozgar Scheme, and Interest-free loan scheme are some other initiatives taken by Punjab to empower youth. It is a high time we utilised our resources to train our students in terms of technical, human resource and skill development. We need to create backward and forward linkages between industry and academia. Instead of preparing generalists, we should focus on producing qualified human resource keeping in view the indigenous and foreign demands. The construction of CPEC projects across the country has thrown open a huge demand for skilled labour and it is now on us how we convert this challenge into an opportunity.

The Chinese model of converting youth bulge into a demographic dividend needs to be emulated in our efforts to empower our youth. There is no denying the fact that our youth is talented and hard working. They have the overwhelming desire to realize their potential into an asset for the nation-building, provided the state can enable and equip them necessary tools. It is heartening to note that there is a discernible realization of giving our youth the conducive environment for development.

While the Punjab government has launched much needed initiatives, it is important that sustainable youth empowerment policies at the national level are worked out after consultation with all stakeholders particularly the youth bodies. We have to make our youth agent of change through investment in their future.

Published inDaily Times, August 31st 2017.

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Youth Empowerment: Punjab leads the way - Daily Times

Around the Corner is aPhillyCAMshow that offerslocal social impactleaderstheopportunity to share what impact their work is having on the Philadelphia area.

But it produces guides of other kinds, too such as the recently released The XX Factor, a report that helps funders learn more about how to improve the lives of women and girls through five lenses: economic empowerment, personal safety, legal rights, health and education, explained analyst Rebecca Hobble.

The XX Factor also includes 10 evidenced-based best bets for those new to giving in this area, which includes donating to organizations dealing with labor force participation, protection from child marriage and access to technology.

And for those looking to help victims of Hurricane Harvey beyond drinking beer, check out CHIPs quick primer on how to think about giving in a disaster. Its advice? Give money, not stuff, and give even after the floodwaters have receded. Read it here.

Learn more about CHIP in Hobbles Around the Corner interview below.

PhillyCAM isComcastchannel 66/966 HD/967 andVerizon FIOSchannel 29/30 in Philadelphia.

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Center for High Impact Philanthropy's new report outlines how to best help women and girls around the world - Generocity

Alexander Hamilton statue next to the Treasury Building in Washington, DC (May 17, 1923) (via Library of Congress/Wikimedia)

Around 12,000 documents from the Alexander Hamilton Papers at the Library of Congress (LOC) are now online, available in their original format for the first time. The digitization, which was announced on August 28, includes correspondence, manuscripts related to his speeches, andpapers from his career as a lawyer, chronicling how the young, scrappy, and hungry St. Croix clerk became the United States first Secretary of the Treasury.

The success of the Hamilton musical, still running at Broadways Richard Rodgers Theatre after two years, inspired the creation of this public resource on the ten-dollar Founding Father without a fathers legacy. Alexander Hamilton is certainly having his moment and I am so thrilled that people can learn more about him actually read his descriptions of Revolutionary War battles, read letters to his wife, see the cross-outs in his draft of George Washingtons farewell address and so many other things, Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress,stated in a release. Sharing this history is what the Library is all about.

In fact, some of the language in the musical was adapted by composer Lin-Manuel Miranda from these LOC letters.As NPR reported, one of the digitized documents is Hamiltonslast letterto his wife, Eliza, drafted before he went to New Jersey for a fatal duel with Aaron Burr. He signed off in1804: This letter, my very dear Eliza, will not be delivered to you, unless I shall first have terminated my earthly career. Adieu best of wives and best of Women.

Although his life was short compared to the other American Founding Fathers, Hamilton left behind extensive writings, and his skill with the quill was undeniable. Now anyone can read materials that were previously only viewable on-site, on microfilm, at the LOC. Among the earliest is a letter from Hamilton at age 12, professing his desire to rise up from his station, signed with a flourishing signature. Theres also an outline of the speech he gave atthe Constitutional Convention; a draft of theReynolds Pamphlet, in which he dramatically admitted to his infidelity; and letters to Angelica Schuyler, his wifes sister. (You can now squint for missing commas after dearest yourself.) A few selections from the archive are shared below, with hundreds more now accessible online.

The Alexander Hamilton Papers are now available online through the Library of Congress.

Excerpt from:
Library of Congress Puts Alexander Hamilton's Papers Online for the First Time - Hyperallergic

CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) The father of a teenager accused of gunning down two employees inside a New Mexico public library sensed trouble when he discovered two handguns were missing from his home safe.

He called Clovis police to report that information and the fact that his troubled 16-year-old son on suspension from his high school was not at home.

But by then, the fatal shooting had already occurred.

Nathaniel Jouett had planned to shoot up his high school but went to the library in the rural community instead Monday afternoon, according to court documents filed Wednesday.

Jouett was on a two-day suspension from Clovis High School on Monday and the teens pastor, David Stevens, has said that Jouett said he had fought back after another boy hit him.

The teen told police he didnt know why he picked the Clovis-Carver Public Library and he did not know anyone there.

But he told investigators he had wanted to target his high school for a long time because he was mad at everyone since he got kicked out of school last year, the documents said. He also told them he felt like no one liked him.

Jouett told investigators he first used the librarys bathroom, exited and started shooting and yelling.

Witnesses have said it appeared the gunman fired randomly as parents, children and others hid under tables and behind closed doors. Four others also were seriously wounded, including a 10-year-old boy.

Suspects parents issue statement

Jouetts parents said in a statement Wednesday they were saddened by the shooting and offered their thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.

As parents, this is something you never expect. Nathaniel is a loving son to us, a wonderful brother to his siblings and a caring member of our family, the statement said.

Jouett, a sophomore, faces nearly a dozen charges including two counts of first-degree murder, four counts of assault with intent to commit a violent felony, four counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and one count of child abuse.

The Associated Press generally does not identify juveniles accused of crimes. But it is identifying Jouett because of the seriousness of the crime and because authorities plan to file a motion requesting the cases transfer from the juvenile system to adult court.

Jouett remained in custody Wednesday at a juvenile detention center pending a hearing Thursday afternoon.

Clovis residents continued to place flowers and ribbons on makeshift memorials for the victims. Vigils were planned for Wednesday and Thursday.

Jouett told investigators he had been thinking bad things for a while but did not want to tell his family, his girlfriend or friends at the Living Word Church of God, where he had been attending services for about three months, the documents said.

Stevens said Jouett had been troubled but appeared to be turning his life around, never missed a service and recently helped the congregation raise money for a youth camp. Jouett and Stevens daughter were dating.

Suicide notes found

Investigators found a bag with suicide notes inside a desk drawer at Jouetts home, the documents said.

After officers stormed the library and Jouett surrendered, police found a handgun on a nearby shelf as the teen held his hands above his head, the documents said. They also found a bag in the library with a second handgun and ammunition.

The two workers killed were circulation assistant Wanda Walters, 61, and youth services librarian Kristina Carter, 48.

Another circulation assistant, Jessica Thron, 30, was injured. Authorities identified the wounded library patrons as 10-year Noah Molina, his 20-year-old sister Alexis Molina and 53-year-old Howard Jones.

They were being treated at University Medical Center in Lubbock.

Attendance plummets at Clovis HS

Attendance at Clovis High School plummeted the day after the shooting at the city library.

School district Superintendent Jody Balch estimated only half of the schools 1,600 students were in class Tuesday morning, and only a few hundred remained by days end.

The Eastern New Mexico News (https://goo.gl/cPraEh) reports the attendance drop may have resulted because of social media posts about the possibility of additional violence, but no incidents were reported Tuesday at Clovis schools.

A 16-year-old student from the school was arrested in the shooting Monday and awaits charges.

Balch says the social media posts were found to not be credible.

Link:
Court documents detail fatal library shooting in New Mexico - LubbockOnline.com

If you've seen the hit musical Hamilton or even if you've only heard about it you might want to know more about the founding father who was the United States' first Secretary of the Treasury. And if so, the Library of Congress just made it easier to go right to the source.

Before, if you wanted to see for example Alexander Hamilton's letters to his wife, you had to travel to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and even then, you'd have to view them on microfilm. Now, Julie Miller, the library's curator of early American manuscripts, says the collection has been digitized. "The web site is meant to open these up to a much broader public," she tells me and given the increased interest in Hamilton, the timing is no accident.

Miller says the musical's enormous popularity motivated the library to make approximately 12,000 Hamilton documents available on the Internet. At a briefing, Miller and members of the library's digital team lay out some of the original documents underneath a screen displaying the new website

"We're going to start with something very, very early," Miller says. "This is actually a famous letter." In the letter, written when Hamilton was 12 years old, he expresses his desire for what he calls a larger life. "He has fantastically good handwriting," she says, "because he was a clerk in a trader's office on the docks in St. Croix, and part of being a clerk was learning how to write like that."

Hamilton signs off with a youthful flourish, a signature that ends in a series of curlicues. Bill Kellum, of the library's web division, says it's that kind of detail that makes the digital collection so fascinating. "When you take the papers or the archives of a person and put them online, you get to see all of the things that are not famous, whether it's their receipts, or their letters, or it's correspondence that previous experts have thought unimportant, you get to see those ... it really kind of humanizes a person."

One of the most moving documents in the collection is a letter written by Hamilton to his wife Eliza, the night before his duel with Aaron Burr. Miller reads a bit of it for me: "It says, 'This letter will not be delivered to you unless I shall first have terminated my earthly career' ... And then he says, 'With my last idea, I shall cherish the sweet hope of meeting you in a better world.' And I think this is what people know from the play: 'Adieu, best of wives and best of women, embrace all my darling children for me.' And that was the end of Alexander Hamilton."

You can now see that letter and thousands of other documents from the Hamilton collection on the Library of Congress web site.

This story was produced and edited for radio by Tom Cole and Andrew Limbong. Petra Mayer adapted it for the web.

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Alexander Hamilton's Papers Now Online At The Library Of ... - NPR - NPR