Aracelis Upia Montero works at the Alta Gracia garment factory in the Dominican Republic. She says she was desperately poor before she began working at the factory, which pays much higher than usual wages. "I'm now eligible for loans and credits from the bank because I earn a good salary," she says. Jackie Northam/NPR hide caption

Happy Birthday: Cake, candles and cone-shaped hats make regular appearances at birthday parties. What gives? William Gottlieb/Corbis hide caption

Jim White of Pennsylvania pumps gas at a BP station in Ocala, Fla., in April. The price of gasoline remains stubbornly high, which may put a crimp on summer travel plans. Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner / Landov hide caption

Rodan Gatia gets water from a spring. A chlorine dispenser is behind her. Jacob Goldstein/NPR hide caption

Micaela Torres and 2-year-old Jakai Johnson swing underneath a surveillance camera at Miwok Park in Elk Grove, Calif. The city's police department collects more than 100 video feeds from across the city. Steve Henn/NPR hide caption

Characters like Darth Vader make syncing a movie somewhat easier, because they deliver their lines behind a mask. TGPRN Art Institute of California, OC/PR Newswire hide caption

Ted Cruz celebrates his victory in the Texas Senate race with his father, Rafael, and daughter Caroline on Nov. 6, 2012, in Houston. David J. Phillip/AP hide caption

Detail from a painting found on the walls of a 4,000-year-old tomb in Luxor, Egypt, that depicts bread making. Werner Forman Archive hide caption