Hard work pays off

A teen in a Sandy-stricken Brooklyn housing project who cares for a sick mom and a younger brother — not to mention 14 nieces and nephews — will be graduating at the top of his high-school class next month.
...Hernandez, the class valedictorian, has earned a free ride to the University of Southern California and was among five recipients of the first Bryan Cave LLP Edward I. Koch Scholarship for $5,000.
...Hernandez said he started freshman year at 300 pounds but has shed close to 50 pounds through hard work.
“Sometimes you can be your own worst critic,” he said. “[But] you should always have one ally — and that’s yourself.”
Read more:http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/amazing_kid_at_head_of_his_gAd6qyyeJ8mSaha18E1Z9N

Proper etiquette

Shelley Emling writes about 4 Social Faux Pas No One Over 50 Should Still Be Making.

1. Being an unclear guest. You are invited to a party and forget to respond. Or your daughter is invited to a birthday party and you RSVP the day before. Or you plan to visit friends for a weekend but never tell them exactly when you'll show up and leave. This is not only thoughtless, but it's unnecessary. If you don't get back to a host about a party right away, he or she may think you're holding out for a better invitation. And that's just not nice. Respond promptly. Be clear as to when you're going to arrive at someone's house. If you really aren't sure you will be able to make an event, simply tell it like it is. And don't be late without a good reason. It's just not nice!
Continue reading: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shelley-emling/proper-etiquette-social-faux-pas_b_3268367.html