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Q&A with Mahmoud Malas

Dr. Mahmoud Malas will begin as Chief of the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery in September 2018. One of the most active clinical trialists in the country in the field of vascular surgery—a field where the development and implementation of new technology is rapidly occurring—Dr. Malas will bring to UC San Diego 13 years of experience from the Johns Hopkins Medical School, where he directs the Center for Research Excellence and Surgical Trials. In this Q&A, Dr. Malas shares his hopes for the Division, as well as his thoughts on destiny and the path that led him to a career in vascular surgery.

July 23, 2018 | Interview by Lindsay Morgan

How did you get interested in medicine?

I knew growing up that I wanted to be a doctor and specifically a surgeon to take care of the sickest patients. I don’t know why. Nobody in my family was in medicine. I love reading and certainly that could have influenced my decision, as I read a lot about medicine and surgery.

Where did you grow up?

We are originally from the Middle East. My mom and dad are from Syria and I grew up there. I moved to the United States in 1992, because I knew from the beginning that this is the best place to be trained in surgery. All the legends that I read about in surgery were in the US. One great example is Michael DeBakey, a legend in cardiovascular surgery and—most people don’t know this—but he’s originally Lebanese, from a town less than an hour from where I grew up. He was my role model.

You did your general surgery residency at the University of Southern California.

USC is one of the busiest programs in the country, especially on the west coast, and especially as a trauma center. It was an amazing opportunity—to learn general surgery in that program. They gave residents a lot of independence and autonomy from early on, which doesn’t exist anymore. By the time you were in your 3rd year, you were doing cases on your own with minimal supervision. By the time you were in your 4th and 5th year, you ran the entire county hospital. I finished my training with over 1,500 cases. I was exposed to and loved every area in surgery—cardiac, hepatobiliary, transplant and trauma. I couldn’t make up my mind what I wanted to specialize in.

So how did you decide on vascular surgery?

The irony is that, when I initially rotated through vascular, I really was not interested in it. It was the beginning of the endovascular era, and I loved open surgery. However, when I saw the impact that endovascular procedures had on my patients, the difference was unmistakable—people were healing much faster, leaving the hospital early, there were less complications.

It was clear to me that endovascular was going to be the future and since it was a new field at that time, I knew that a lot of outcomes research and clinical trials would be needed to test all these new technologies, something I am very passionate about.

So eventually I applied and interviewed for a vascular surgery fellowship. One of the most competitive places at that time was in New York—Montefiore Medical Center, the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Frank Veith, one of the legends of vascular surgery, was there, as well as Takao Ohki, who is one of the pioneers in the endovascular field. They did the first endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm in the United States.

I was told that there was no way I was going to get into that fellowship. They didn’t think I could compete with candidates from Harvard and Yale and advised me to interview in Tennessee instead—a strong program that offered me an interview on the same date as Montefiore.

I canceled Tennessee and went to New York because I don’t take “no” or “you can’t” for an answer. In New York, Dr. Veith told me: “we have about 400 applications for one spot. And I’m only interviewing 10 candidates. Congratulations on being one of them. You have today to prove to me that you’re the top candidate out of those ten.”  I thought, oh I wish I went to Tennessee. I figured there was no way he was going to hire me, so I might as well just fight back.  I said, “Dr. Veith, with all due respect, I have interviewed in the top ten programs in the country, and you have today to prove to me that your program is the best program.” And I think that’s what got me the job.

After fellowship, you spent 13 years at Johns Hopkins. What are your proudest achievements during that period?

We built up the endovascular program at Johns Hopkins Bayview from scratch. It didn’t really exist before my arrival. Within a year, we were doing 300 cases; by the 5th year we were doing over 1,000 cases every year. We did many firsts, including the first endovascular repair of rupture abdominal and thoracic aneurysms. We did a first carotid stent with distal embolic protection and first carotid stenting with cerebral flow reversal in the region.  Simultaneously, we were able to build up the research program and collaborate with industry to get a lot of the new devices tested. Today I have over 30 clinical trials running, and I built a clinical research center, with very little support. Within seven years, Hopkins asked me to lead their entire clinical research program for the entire department of surgery, which is several hundred faculty. That’s what I’ve been doing for the last five years, helping faculty in different disciplines initiate and run their clinical trials, and mentoring the junior faculty. Our clinical research center team today is one of the most diverse teams at Hopkins with over 20 members from all over the world and more than half are women. And I still have a busy clinical practice with over 350 cases a year.

Why leave something that is working so well?

I felt that in order for me to have a national and international impact in the field of vascular surgery, the next step was to lead a superb division. I want to build a team in vascular surgery and mentor faculty to ultimate success clinically and academically.

What about UC San Diego enticed you?

One of the most important factors in choosing a job are the people you’re going to work for and with.  I felt that the team here, from Dr. Bryan Clary, the Department Chair, to the Dean and the CEO, to the entire vascular team and surgical faculty, as well as the administrative staff, were genuinely sincere people whose number one priority is patient care.

I also felt that there’s a commitment from the leaders of this institution to grow vascular surgery, including hiring new faculty and bringing in new technology. We are going to build a second endovascular suite in La Jolla that will have the top-of-the-line endovascular equipment. This will allow us to do the most sophisticated endovascular procedures in the world with the least amount of radiation to our patients and surgical team. All this will enable UC San Diego to become one of the premier vascular programs in the country.

And last but not least, my entire family lives between Orange County and San Diego, so it’s like coming home.

What are your clinical ambitions for the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery?

Patient care is the foundation for everything. The market here is obviously very strong and competitive. Our role will always be to provide the most complicated, high-quality vascular and endovascular care and to act as the main academic referral center for our community providers. My first priority is to provide the best care for our regional patients in Southern California.

My vision is not only to lead tertiary care regionally, but also to be a major competitor nationally. There is no reason why vascular surgery at UC San Diego should not be recognized nationally as a major player in both complex vascular and endovascular care and in clinical research.  Ultimately, I want patients to fly from across the country to get their complex care at UC San Diego. After all, no one minds visiting San Diego.

Another goal is to initiate a complex aortic center that treats all aortic pathologies—from the aortic valve to the iliac arteries—with the most advanced open and endovascular techniques, including ascending aortic aneurysm and dissection with collaboration with cardiac surgery, and fenestrated and branched endografts for aortic thoracic arch and thorocoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

In the area of carotid disease, I would love for San Diego to have the top program in the country in carotid artery revascularization and I look forward to collaborating with the superb cardiology, neurology, neurosurgical and neurointerventional team at UC San Diego.

Your Twitter feed is full of posts from trainees and younger faculty thanking you for your mentorship and helping to point them in the direction that they are now going. What does being a teacher and a mentor mean to you?

You cannot be in academic medicine and not love teaching. Educating the next generation is the part of my job that I enjoy the most. Teaching and mentoring the younger generation of students, interns and residents and seeing them grow and mature into surgeons—it’s phenomenal.

UC San Diego offers a fellowship in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, which is directed by Dr. Dennis Bandyk. What are your hopes for that program?

We have what is called a 5-2 program—trainees do a 5-year general surgery residency, and then come to UC San Diego for a two-year fellowship. There’s a huge shift in the paradigm of training in this country, and medical students are increasingly going into 0-5 programs. The vascular and endovascular field has become so vast and complicated; it requires extensive training. So, I definitely want to work hard to get UC San Diego credentialed and approved for a 0-5 fellowship, in addition to maintaining the 5-2 fellowship. As we build a state-of-the-art center, we will attract the top medical students locally, regionally and nationally to come to San Diego for their training.

You said you always wanted to be in medicine, from the time you were little. Have you ever had any doubts?

In my case, it was a straight path—I knew what I wanted to do and I went for it. There was honestly never a moment of doubt. There was a point in my life when I thought this was destiny.


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Hot Jobs

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Specialist doctor in Gastroenterology

Sweden officially the Kingdom of Sweden is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in NorthernEurope.

At 450,295 square kilometers (173,860 sq mi), Sweden is the third largest country in the European Union by area, with a total population of about 9.4 million. About 85% of the population lives in urban areas. Sweden's capital city is Stockholm, which is also the largest city.

Sweden has been a member of the European Union since 1 January 1995 and is a member of the OECD. Today, Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy form of government and a highly developed economy. Sweden has the world’s eighth highest per capita income. In 2011, it ranked fourth in the world in The Economist's Democracy Index and tenth in the United Nations’ Human Development Index. In 2010, the World Economic Forum ranked Sweden as the second most competitive country in the world.

For a better image about Sweden you can also access the following link:

For Sweden we are currently looking for a specialist doctor in the field of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.

Ideal candidate:

  • Specialist in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology
  • Human medicine doctor, graduate from a Medical School within the European Union + Norway, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Iceland.
  • Professional command of English, German or French
  • Motivation for living and working abroad
  • Ability of taking part in the 6 months’ intensive language course

  • A dynamic, medical local hospital with well-functioning department and committed staff
  • Monthly salary starts from 3 500 Euros net
  • Good work environment and great interest in education in an active teaching environment
  • A mono and cross-functional environment with focus on a balanced relationship between private life, further training and production.
  • A department with focus on quality in each continuity of care
  • An experienced and committed staff
  • Well integrated work with quality development and accreditation in daily life
  • Medical and organizational development
  • Six weeks paid holiday

Additional Benefits:

  • A six month language course for you and your family and Swedish  Medical Language Program with settlement assistance and free accommodation and 700 Euro per diem/ month
  • A short trip to Sweden  prior to the six months’ language course, where you will have the opportunity to visit your future work place and living area
  • Cultural teaching prior to departure
  • Accommodation assistance in Sweden
  • Assistance in administrative processes when moving to Sweden
  • Hotline service for urgent questions
  • Coaching, regular evaluation and assistance in integration process

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Turmeric Diet Secret : Is This Fat Loss Formula Worth The Hype?

Turmeric Diet Secret claims to be 100% natural weight loss supplement which comprises turmeric and forskolin. This dietary supplement targets fat at the cellular level and results in a build-up of lean muscle mass.

Turmeric Diet Secret Turmeric + Forskolin Review: Understanding The Basics

Turmeric Diet Secret is an advanced fat loss formula which contains all-natural ingredients. It consists of two potent ingredients, that is, turmeric and forskolin.

Turmeric is an essential ingredient which comes under ginger family and has been proven to avert fat formation. It boosts the thermogenesis in the body and speeds up the fat burning process.

The second vital ingredient is forskolin, which comes under mint family and works by boosting cAMP levels. It expels the unsaturated fat from the body and lets you achieve a slender body.

This supplement basically boosts the metabolic rate and aids in suppressing the appetite. Additionally, it improves the immunity and bolsters the overall health of your body.

Let’s Go Through The Advantages Of Turmeric Diet Secret

  • May stop fat production and storage
  • May speed up the weight loss process
  • May enhance the metabolic rate
  • May boost the fat burn
  • May improve the energy levels
  • May promote lean muscle loss
  • May improve immunity
  • May encourage thermogenesis process

Check Out the Working Mechanism Of Turmeric Diet Secret Turmeric + Forskolin

This product is an all-natural product which uses two breakthrough ingredients. These two ingredients promote the process of thermogenesis in the body. Thermogenesis is the process in which the temperature of the body raises. Eventually, it speeds up the metabolic rate, which results in healthy and fast weight loss.

Details Of Turmeric Diet Secret

  • It comes with a 30-days supply.
  • It is advertised as 100% natural supplement.
  • It is exclusively available online.
  • It is GMP certified.
  • It guarantees 100% satisfaction.

How Safe And Effective Is This Product?

This fat buster is made from 100% natural turmeric and forskolin root extract and does not include any cheap fillers or harmful ingredients. It is formulated in a GNP certified lab and therefore, it is considered safe to use.

Points To Note

  • This supplement is not for people below the age of 18 years.
  • It should be used as directed on the label.
  • The product should not be used by pregnant ladies and lactating mothers.
  • Avoid consumption of alcohol during its intake.
  • Eat healthy foods instead of the packed ones.
  • Drink enough water throughout the day.
  • Keep yourself physically active by indulging yourself in the activities like walking, running, and many more.

How To Use Turmeric Diet Secret Turmeric + Forskolin?

In order to get the desired results from the pills, you need to take the supplement in a recommended amount. For that

  • Take two capsules on a regular basis with a large glass of water.
  • Consume this supplement half an hour prior to your meal.
  • With enough water and a balanced diet, losing weight with this type of regimen is often successful.

#Note: Do not take an overdose of this supplement.

Customer Reviews

After including this fat reduction supplement in their diet, customers have experienced a drastic change in their body. With its regular use, they have reduced weight and that too without losing lean muscle.

Turmeric Diet Secret Review: How To Buy?

If you are eager to give these pills a try, visit the official portal and place your order for the required quantity of the supplement bottles. If you are fortunate enough to order it in time, you can save a lot of money by availing exclusive offers and discounts. Do not forget to go through the T&C prior to purchasing.


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Paradigm Shift

When enough significant anomalies have accrued against a current paradigm, the scientific discipline is thrown into a state of crisis, according to Kuhn. During this crisis, new ideas, perhaps ones previously discarded, are tried. Eventually a new paradigm is formed, which gains its own new followers, and an intellectual “battle” takes place between the followers of the new paradigm and the hold-outs of the old paradigm.

Sometimes what we have discovered is the hardest thing to change in the leadership minds. Our culture in our business, church, and life gives us a sense of security, but when it comes time to change it becomes a difficult task. The New way of doing business, and church and subsequently Kingdom life is upon us. The systematic mechanical approach to life has been passed over for the more fluid relational version.

Like never in history our world is becoming increasingly smaller, and quite the same to all of us; a holistic view of culture is prevailing. I read an article a few years ago that stated that 40% of this generation will end up working in and living in a different country than they were born in! And like never before in our history we will have the most people wind up working not in the field of their degrees. In other words we are seeing the emergent generation not chasing the social status of their forefathers; yet they will abandon the guaranteed lifestyle of their degree profession for a life of service and social justice. The days of growing up in a small town, going to the same church, etc is giving way to the globalization culture of the Kingdom. One of the new paradigms that we are seeing is the mentality towards business and church life. Both worlds desperately want to make a difference in the world for good, and leave it in a better place.

I have met with multitudes of business owners during these last years of my research and they overall view the church as an institution that just needs their funding to fulfill their own local ministry desires. The church leaders on the other hand have struggles building relationships and bridges with the business leaders as well. Both group are at chasm and frustrated. We are beginning to see the breakthrough in this hour of Kingdom economics and the lines between the two being erased. The church has taken an empowerment role in supporting its parishioners to be in business.

The facts are less than 1% of all church goers will ever be on the church payroll, or ‘full time’ vocation. So that means that 99% of us will either running a business or working in the marketplace as our vocation. The shift has come to equalize the value and validate the spiritual experience of both groups. This is the greatest hour of the Kingdom Living, the lines are truly becoming erased.

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Real Life Princesses!

Casey Tegenkamp ’15

Every year, LaSalle High School’s drama department puts on a show for the little kids in the area.  Usually, it is a Disney movie so the children can sing along and meet their favorite characters after the show.  This year, they are doing something a little different.  This years show is called “If You Can Dream” and is written by Kevin Dunaway.  He wrote the show about a little girl, Marie, who wants to be a princess and her older brother, Peter who thinks that “princess dress up time” is dumb.  The show follows Marie as she meets all the Disney princesses that sing and learns that it takes a lot to be a princess, besides being pretty.  The show also follows Peter and his friends, Max and John, as they realize that playing with your little sister can still be fun and play pretend is for every age.

How is Mercy involved?  Well, Mercy has some REAL LIFE princesses here in our student body!  We have Cinderella in the class of 2015 and Aurora in the class of 2016.  Alli Gay ’15 has the honor of telling kids that a dream is a wish your heart makes as she plays Cinderella.  Brittany Daugherty ’16 will get to dance among the animals and meet her prince charming as she portrays Aurora.  We also have a magical teapot and an evil queen in the senior class.  Kat Smith ’15 not only gets to be against Snow White and the dwarves but she gets to try to get Marie and Peter to get along because she plays the Mom.  I get the chance to serve Belle and Marie dinner and try to get Belle and the Beast together since I will be Mrs. Potts.  Also in the junior class, Jessica Gabbard ’16 will clean up the dinner and try to become human again as Babette.  There is also Amy Cline ’17 and Katie Tegenkamp ’17 are in the chorus for this show and training for the Huns with Mulan, finding out that everyone has a dream with the Tangled gang, and go under the sea with Ariel and Ursula.

Not only are Cinderella and Aurora in the show but there is Jasmine, Ariel, Snow White, Pocahontas, Elsa and Anna are in the fun as well!  There’s awesome songs like “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Be Our Guest,” “A Whole New World,” and of course “Let It Go!”  Any little kid would love to see the show, get lunch and meet their favorite characters after the show!  If you want to bring your little siblings I have attached the ticket form to this page!  The show dates are January 17th and 18th at 3pm at LaSalle High School.  Please come with us Under The Sea and Be Our Guest!

Order Form: PBJ 2014 FLIERS single flier

McAuley senior Claire Tankserly and junior Meghan Hutchins stop building a snowman to take a quick picture as Elsa and Anna.

Mercy junior Brittany Daugherty stops dancing with animals to take a quick picture as Aurora.

Mercy senior Alli Gay stops running from her prince to show off her beautiful Cinderella dress.

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Maddie and Tae

Kelly Wilzbach ’16

Maddie and Tae’s newest CD is out!  Start Here is a collection of their newest songs plus their biggest hits.  Maddie and Tae fist got known when their song “Girl in a Country Song” came out.  This song talks all about how country songs talk about girls in their songs.  The song has a cute and funny music video and when it comes on people cant help but to turn their music up and dance along to it.

I listened to the whole CD and I personally have two favorites.  The songs “Girl in a County Song” and “Fly”.  Both songs are now being played on the radio and are their most known songs.  “Fly” is more of a slower song but I love  the way it sounds and the lyrics.

Overall this CD was very good.  I will continue to  be that person who tuns up the volume when the songs come on.

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… of franchising experience.  That’s a long history of growth and success that you can be part of.

…the estimated value of the UK cleaning market and it’s set to grow!

… is the amount of financing that most major banks are prepared to lend against a franchise.

…is how long Merry Maids has been established as a leading domestic cleaning franchise.


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Lionel Messi spoke to his team-mates before they came back out for the restart (Picture: Getty)

Lionel Messi’s half-time team talk will have inspired Argentina to a dramatic comeback against Nigeria, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Argentina were leading 1-0 at half-time and heading into the last-16, before a Victor Moses penalty in the second half drew Nigeria level.

If the game had stayed at 1-1 Argentina and Messi would be have been dumped out of the World Cup, and the South Americans needed a massive performance to stay in the competition.

Their talisman stepped up to the plate in the first half by firing Argentina in front and his team-mates replied in kind in the second when Marcos Rojo scored a dramatic 86th minute winner.

And after Messi was snapped giving a half-time team talk, Ferdinand explained why such a gesture was vital for Argentina.

‘We saw the pictures before of Messi in the tunnel talking to the team,’ Ferdinand said on the BBC.

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group D - Nigeria vs Argentina - Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia - June 26, 2018 Argentina's Lionel Messi and teammates celebrate after the match REUTERS/Jorge Silva
Messi was the one to give the Argentina their final instructions (Picture: Reuters)
His team-mates did not let him down (Picture: Getty)

‘When the great Lionel Messi is speaking to them team-mates, they have to listen, they have to come together.

‘Without that unity, you can’t achieve anything.’

While Messi was trying to inspire his team-mates, Argentina’s under-fire head coach Jorge Sampaoli sat in the dug-out.

epa06842837 Marcos Rojo of Argentina celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi (top) after scoring the 2-1 during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group D preliminary round soccer match between Nigeria and Argentina in St.Petersburg, Russia, 26 June 2018. (RESTRICTIONS APPLY: Editorial Use Only, not used in association with any commercial entity - Images must not be used in any form of alert service or push service of any kind including via mobile alert services, downloads to mobile devices or MMS messaging - Images must appear as still images and must not emulate match action video footage - No alteration is made to, and no text or image is superimposed over, any published image which: (a) intentionally obscures or removes a sponsor identification image; or (b) adds or overlays the commercial identification of any third party which is not officially associated with the FIFA World Cup) EPA/ANATOLY MALTSEV EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Marcos Rojo scored the winner (Picture: EPA)

Sampaoli emerged from the dressing room long before his players, who instead gathered around Messi.

The Argentina coach has been under immense pressure after a dreadful opening to the tournament, but former Argentina international Pablo Zabaleta insisted it was now time for the side to come together as one unit.

‘He [Sampaoli] made a few mistakes in the last two games, he knows that,’ Zabaleta said.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi (L) greets Argentina's coach Jorge Sampaoli during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Argentina at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 26, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Giuseppe CACACE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADSGIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images
There is clearly some tension between the players and head coach Jorge Sampaoli (Picture: AFP)
(Picture: Getty)

‘He took some responsibility for that. He was brave. Hopefully we saw another 90 minutes in the next game of that Argentina.

‘It’s time for unity. In those moments you need that, players, staff – everybody together.’

The dramatic victory means Argentina escape Group D by the skin of their teeth and will face France in the next round.


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Akpabio denies saying he regrets ”’imposing”’ Udom as Akwa Ibom gov

Former Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday denied saying he regrets ‘imposing’ Udom Emmanuel as Akwa Ibom State Governor in 2015.

Akpabio through his media aide, Anietie Waking, made the denial in a statement in reaction to a story published vba national newspaper.

He said he was concentrating in helping President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to succeed and would never attempt to subvert the wishes if the people of Akwa Ibom State

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Too many cooks in the kitchen? Right now New York City and several other cities nationwide are going through the opposite problem.

But the dearth of cooks means an opportunity for some nonprofits that have quietly expanded the talent pipeline by training former inmates and homeless people to become cooks.

Case in point: Project Renewal, a nonprofit whose goal is to end the cycle of homelessness. Since 1995, the nonprofit's Culinary Arts Training Program trains former homeless people (many of whom have a history of addiction and are now in shelters or rehab) how to enter the food industry, Stephanie Cowles, deputy director of Project Renewal, said in an interview.

For six months, participants are taught basic cooking techniques and also complete an internship at a local restaurant or catering company.

An instructor and student at CATPSource: Project Renewal
An instructor and student at CATP  Project Renewal

More than 1,858 participants have graduated from the program, and roughly 72% of CATP graduates are placed in jobs, Cowles confirmed in an email.

"We are governed by the New York Board of Education," she said, explaining that report cards, attendance and additional structure help CATP hold its students accountable.

To restaurants, "we send the very best people that we feel are really stable that have had long sobriety under their belt," she said, explaining that the restaurant kitchen culture of late nights, drinking and drugs can be tough for people in recovery. A national survey on drug use and health revealed more than 19% of workers in food services had used illegal drugs in the past month; the food service industry has the highest rate of substance abuse disorder compared to other industries.

Jewel John, a former chef at CATP pictured with Giovanni Ortiz, a former student of the program.Source: Project Renewal
Jewel John, a former chef at CATP pictured with Giovanni Ortiz, a former student of the program.  Project Renewal

CATP places many graduates with catering companies or executive catering companies. Cowles noted several people now work at American Express and Morgan Stanley.

Nevertheless, graduates have been placed at high-profile restaurants like Del Posto, Per Se and a couple restaurants in Brooklyn.

Melissa Rodriguez, chef de cuisine at Del Posto, oversees three graduates of CATP, the Wall Street Journal reported. Calvin Williams is one such employee — the 52-year-old Army veteran found himself selling drugs, incarcerated and addicted to heroin before he became a student in Project Renewal's CATP.

Students in the Project Renewal culinary program prepare dishes on a stovetop. Source: Project Renewal
Students in the Project Renewal culinary program prepare dishes on a stovetop.  Project Renewal

But whether at a restaurant or a catering company, graduates of CATP who hold down jobs are going to be better off employed than unemployed. Having a job and an income are critical for breaking the cycle of homelessness, Cowles explained.  Notably, one study found that access to employment significantly decreased the likelihood that formerly incarcerated people will commit future crimes that lead to more jail time.

Is this a win-win for improving the food industry while reducing homelessness?

Restaurants suffer when they lack quality cooks, Alice Cheng, founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, an online networking site for hospitality jobs, said in an email. Some restaurants have even resorted to simplifying dishes due to the shortage of knowledgable cooks, the New York Times reported.

Cheng said increases in restaurant openings, other food-related jobs that offer different lifestyles, and other types of hourly, entry-level jobs have contributed to the cook shortage.

Students in Project Renewal's Culinary Arts Training ProgramSource: Project Renewal
Students in Project Renewal's Culinary Arts Training Program  Project Renewal

Can restaurants benefit from graduates of CATP and similar job readiness programs? "In theory, yes," Cheng said, explaining that the programs should not "impose risk to the restaurant and its current employees."

Culinary Agents collaborates with a slew of restaurant job readiness programs including DC Central Kitchen, Food and Finance High School, LA Kitchen, Community Servings, Community Food Bank of New Jersey and the Hospitality Institute at Miami-Dade College. "We are constantly adding more," she said.

To combat the cook shortage, Cheng noted that the industry could benefit from proactively addressing employee retention or offering access to structured learning opportunities. Eliminating tipping and restructuring pay could also minimize the shortage. (Phasing out tipping is commonly meant to raise wages for "back of house" workers like chefs, dishwashers and cooks, the Atlantic reported.)

On the whole, Cheng was positive about the restaurant industry accepting formerly homeless people as cooks: "The restaurant industry is a welcoming one," she said. "It's one of the few industries who would embrace hard-working and loyal people regardless of their past or personal situation."


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Custom System Structure – Pricing

Laser Marked Stereo FaceplateLaser Marking SystemsMillennium Signatures Marking Systems Inc., has over 23 years experience working with Laser Marking and Light Gauge Laser Cutting applications. The use for this type of equipment is far reaching and has given us experience marking everything from back-lit buttons for car dashboard and interior controls to Semi-conductors and Circuit boards.

Millennium Signatures Marking Systems has even pioneered the use of lasers to mark sand as used for the casting of Engine Blocks in the Automotive Industry. We have worked with some pretty challenging and unusual applications over the years with considerable success. Millennium Signatures has the ability to assess your application and provide a detailed system quotation to suit your exact needs.

Many companies these days build a generic system which meets a number of basic criteria and this is often attractive because pricing can be kept to a minimum, but often many issues are overlooked until the system is in place and operational and the clients finds themselves unable to resolve certain issues. Millennium Signatures Marking Systems Inc., represents Electrox Built Laser Systems and Accessories and while the quality of the product is excellent and pricing is effective, Electrox does not just provide generic pre-configured packages, but gives Millennium Signatures the ability to draw from that vast number of diverse applications in the past and build you up a system that will meet all of your needs. At Millennium Signatures we put together each quotation custom for each client based on an assessment of their specific needs.

Ten (10) Things to Consider when Buying a Laser Marking System

  1. What materials do I plan to mark and what type of Laser do I need? CO2, Nd:YAG, Nd:YV04 (Fibre) etc.
  2. Will I be using this system as a standalone process or integrated into a production line or as a part of other processes?
  3. How much laser power will be required to adequately mark my parts in the desired cycle time?
  4. Do I need a Fume Extraction System? Will any dangerous byproducts be produced as a result of lasing?
  5. Will I need a standard or custom enclosure to protect the vision of operators and those working around the system?
  6. What size marking field will I need to mark all the required information efficiently and without repositioning the part?
  7. Will I need to mark around the circumference of a part?
  8. How will I manage the material handling of the parts? Manual Feed, Programmable X/Y Table, Conveyor, Rotary Table
  9. Who will provide efficient and cost effective on-site service for your system should the need arise?
  10. Will the working distance from my output optic to the marking surface of my part be constant or subject to change often?

Pricing & Cost of Ownership

The pricing for a Laser Marking System depends on many factors as outlined in the ten (10) points listed above.

Generally speaking, a company can get into a High Performance Galvo Driven Laser Marking System for as little as $30,000.00 and if a more powerful laser is required and additional accessories or integration are required the pricing could get upwards of $85,000.00+ potentially. It is all a function of what the application requires.

The lasers we offer today are state-of-the-art development. They are air-cooled and compact and will run off 120 VAC.

Aside from a very modest current draw and the eventual replacement of a diode pack many years down the road our systems do not require any additional consumables. There are no filters to replace, there are no Krypton Arc Lamps to change. There is no water system to maintain. The systems are extremely reliable and you just plug them in and enjoy thousands of hours of uninterrupted marking. When it comes to cost of ownership, many studies have been done and illustrate that there are no other processes with anywhere near the capabilities of Modern Laser Technology that come anywhere close to matching Electrox designed & built Fiber Laser Systems.

Laser Safety

The use of Lasers today has proven to be a very efficient and safe technology and the cost of ownership on these systems quickly justifies any initial investment, however If you are NEW to the use of Laser Technology you may want to consider becoming familiar with the ANSI Specification Z136.1 “American National Standard for the safe use of Lasers” or consult with one of our technicians on what to know when owning an industrial Laser system.

As a member of the American National Laser Institute, we have publications of this specification available for sale if you should choose to be properly equipped with the documentation.

A full range of Laser Safety Eyewear is also in stock and available through Millennium Signatures Marking Systems Inc.

Read:  Laser Safety Classifications

Laser Safety Glasses


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Archive for September, 2009

Flores Girl, the free Sci-Fi Podcast, is over 100,000 Downloads at Podiobooks

"Who's there she asked in a small voice..."
Flores Girl: The Children God Forgot, a Featured Work eBook on Wattpad.com is now over 20,00 reads at Wattpad. Well, the original pdocast is up to 100,000 downloads at Podiobooks.com. Flores Girl is a prehistoric science fiction novel combining elements of adventure and speculative fiction, oh before I forget romance eBook that is available for free on Wattpad, the World’s Most Popular EBook Sharing Community. Wattpad delivers free eBook novels to your iPhone, BlackBerry, SmartPhones and other mobile devices. Join the thousands of readers that are following the adventures of Sarah and Richard as they unwittingly introduce a small tribe of prehistoric people living in isolation for a half million years to the ultimate modern predator: humanity.  And you can do so right from your iPhone, BlackBerry or other SmartPhone! Flores Girl:The Children God Forgot is now available as a free ebook novel on the iPhone!

Or try these sites for the free novel download:

Get the Free Flores Girl e-Book at FloresGirl.com

Flores Girl: The Children God Forgot is an exciting speculative adventure story about the discovery of a new prehistoric people by two scientists, Sarah and Richard. Their discovery is threatened by both religious zealots and marauding industrialists. Download the e-Book in PDF, Mobi and Microsoft Reader formats. Honest it is free at floresgirl.com. Just click the chick!

For More Pro-Evolution Rants go to www.thefloresgirlblog.com

September 2009
« Aug   Oct »

Flores Girl Twitters

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RSS Download the Free Flores Girl Podcast at Podiobooks

  • Exodus - The Final Chapter
    Sarah and Richard must fight their way off the island in this final installment of the podcast.
  • Your Hands are Stained with Blood.
    As death and chaos overtakes the island, Sarah and Richard try to escape Reggie.
  • An Unlikely Ally
    Reggie begins a reign of terror on the island that will leave nobody, including the Ebu, safe from his murderous schemes. Reggie's only challenge will be a visit from the biggest murderer in human history.
  • The Capture
    Sarah and Richard must make their escape after witnessing Reggie's brutal capture of the Ebu.
  • The Guardian Meets the Lab Rat
    Bill is presuaded by Reggie to meet with Karl.
  • The Guardian
    Karl's fever starts to takes a toll on his sanity as his efforts to contact the Ebu becomes a religious quest for him
  • New Friends
    Sarah's relationships with both Richard and Flo take a surprising turn.
  • Christian Soldier
    Reggies discovers the island of the Ebu and begins his assault but not before Karl makes his move.
  • The Cost of Weakness
    A senseless act of violence challenges Sarah and her tenuous relationships with the inhabitants of the island.
  • Weakness
    Sarah is stricken by a life threatening illness that triggers a strange personal odyssey for her.
  • The Princess Meets Flo
    While observing the troop, Sarah forms a friendship with one of the Ebu that she names Flo.
  • By the Sea
    Sarah makes a risky first contact with the Ebu.
  • 14. The Wait - Flores Girl: The Children God Forgot
    -In this episode: Sarah and Richard wait for the Ebu at a small pond.
  • Discovery
    Sarah and Richard begin their exploration of the island in search of the Ebu.
  • Resolve
    After losing everything to the pirates, Sarah and Richard face their own personal failure and decide whether or not they should return to the states.
  • Pirates of the Flores Sea
    As they begin to set out for Sarah's island, Sarah's and Richard's boat is boarded by dangerous high-sea pirates.
  • All Work and No Play
    Before leaving for Sarah's mysterious island Sarah and Richard head out for a night on the town in Flores.
  • The Boss
    Sarah and Richard put their expedition together and travel to Flores Island in search of the Ebu Gogo.
  • Higher Calling
    Unbeknownst to Reggie and Bill, Karl, the head lab assistant at GenTech, is busily sabotaging the pharmaceutical giant's controversial stem cell research.
  • Corporate Citizen
    Ruthless elements within a large pharmaceutical company make their own plans for the Ebu.


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TfLTPH COs Overstepping Their Authority Again. Part 2

After my post earlier this week, I contacted TfLTPH Twitter account and asked them to order their CO's not to harass and bully drivers using authorised hand held units.
I asked them to show me any cab order or compliance regulation that states openly and clearly, drivers can only use rear fixed units.

They came back with a link to the London Cab Order 2016 which only states Taxi drivers are required to accept card payments as a condition of their licence. We agree with this.

We then asked them to give us a link to any regulation that states only rear fixed units. They answered with a link to TfL web page.

After reading everything on the TfL website concerning CC units, we now believe that this regulation doesn't exist.
Adding a comment to a Twitter account is not legislation or regulation, it is just a comment from an account operator. The statement that handheld payment devices do not meet licensing requirements and are regarded as unapproved devices, has no legal standing in r…

Piracy By The Mayor Of London : ILLEGAL Eviction Of Gallions Point Marina Ltd

We've posted this story as Leigh Miller is a big supporter of the London Taxi Trade. What if we told you that Sadiq Khan, the elected Mayor Of London, has been willfully abusing his power in public office by illegally evicting a legitimate company from its premises, illegally taking over its businesses, administration office, plant machinery and equipment, and hijacking a marina and boatyard, only to hand it all over to the Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA), one of his Mayoral/GLA-funded companies – stealing all the company’s contracted clients in the process?
You’d naturally assume that this is a made up story, right? As a matter of fact, this actually happened at 10.49am on 9 October 2018 to a family run business in East London: Gallions Point Marina Ltd, when the GLA, controlled by the Mayor Of London, ordered an eviction without giving any notice. Four High Court bailiffs, 20 private security guards and four security dog unit vans brutally and forcefully evicted two femal…

Taxi Licence Renewals ... TfL Libel For Loss Of Earnings After Drivers Lied To.

In some cities it takes just 4 minutes to become an Uber driver. In London, you can be up and running as an Uber driver in as little as four weeks.
Yet Taxi drivers who have been working as licensed Hackney carriage drivers, many for over twenty/thirty years are waiting 4-6 months, just to get their licenses renewed.
Many drivers have lost work, some up to 2-3 months after being told by TfLTPH that they can’t work until they are in possession of their new licence!
This is (of course) not true! The fact is that under the Transport Act 1985 section 17 subsection 7, your current licence continues to be valid until you receive your new licence.
Back in May 2014, I sent this email to Sir Peter Hendy who was then commissioner of TfL, the position of held by Mike Brown.
Licence Renewals: Under current legislation, a Taxi or private hire driver has the right to carry on working while waiting for a renewal for as long as it takes, unless he is informed that his licence application has been unsucce…
A long-running case over the status of Uber drivers will be heard in the Court of Appeal on Tuesday and Wednesday.The taxi-hailing app is contesting an employment tribunal finding that drivers should be treated as workers rather than self-employed.If classified as workers, Uber drivers are entitled to paid holiday and the minimum wage. Unions calculate this could be worth £18,000 per driver.Uber said the tribunal "fundamentally misunderstood" how it operated. It is the latest stage in a legal battle led by two Uber drivers James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam, who won an employment tribunal in October 2016.After the tribunal ruling in October 2016, Uber appealed to the employment tribunal, but lost in November 2017. The tribunal upheld its original decision that any Uber driver who had the Uber app switched on was working for the company under a "worker" contract.Uber is now taking the case to the Court of Appeal, the next stage of the appeal process before the Supreme Co…

Exclusive : The FIX 2.... The LTDA AGM, You Decide ? ..... by LondonTaxiRadio.

The LTDA’s 2018 AGM.

After suffering a landslide defeat at the 2017 branch elections, what could the association do to ensure another 2 outsiders don’t become eligible for elections to the COM in 2020?
Surely they wouldn’t be reduced to staging another debacle like the one at Harlesden?
Or perhaps something worse, like an engineered series of events that’d lead to the branches - and subsequent election- being cancelled?
You decide

from Taxi Leaks
via IFTTT Editorial October 29, 2018 at 06:33PM Exclusive : The FIX 2.... The LTDA AGM, You Decide ? ..... by LondonTaxiRadio. Call 01908 263263 for airport taxi service Milton Keynes Area

Private Hire Licenses Are Being Issued To Convicted Criminals In Secret Council Meetings

Private Hire licences, are being issued behind closed doors to drivers convicted of offences including child sex crimes and reckless driving, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has revealed.The findings follow a government report that claims current taxi and private hire laws are "not fit for the modern world".According to the report, rules need tightening on everything from CCTV use in taxis to criminal record checks.In London last year, it was revealed that private hire drivers had submitted 13,000 fake DBS criminal record check certificates.
Some existing laws date back to 1847.In most areas licences for taxis and private hire vehicles - or minicabs - are issued by unitary, borough or district councils. In London the system is managed by Transport for London.In recent weeks, Local Democracy Reporters have reported that: A Private Hire driver in Sandwellwas allowed to keep working, despite a criminal conviction for sexually assaulting a child. The case was heard in priv…

Statement from London Assembly on TfL’s finances, "Woefully Inadequate"....Again.

In response to the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling MP’s comments that Transport for London (TfL) is suffering “deep financial difficulties”, Gareth Bacon AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee said:“The London Assembly holds the Mayor and the organisations he runs to account. The biggest of those organisation is TfL and we take our role very seriously.“The comments from the Transport Secretary are not dissimilar to what we have been saying for the past year.“TFL is certainly in some severe financial trouble. A number of factors have contributed to this situation and we continue to investigate those factors and the implications for Londoners.TfL is facing a £700 million annual cut in Government fundingThe Mayor’s fares freeze will cost TfL £640 million over four years [1]Crossrail has been delayed and a later opening date is expected to cost TfL hundreds of millions in lost revenue.“It’s clear that the primary cause of TfL's woes is th…

Uber drivers ‘£18,000 poorer’ as firm appeals two-year-old tribunal order

GMB union says 40,000 drivers are worse off through missing holiday and sick pay, despite a court ruling in 2016 Uber drivers are estimated to be more than £18,000 out of pocket because the ride hailing company refuses to recognise a two-year-old ruling entitling them to holiday pay, a minimum wage and rest breaks.The law firm Leigh Day – acting for the GMB union, which brought the action against the tech giant – calculates that its 40,000 drivers are all owed almost £11,000 in wages and more than £8,000 in holiday pay. But Uber is continuing to appeal the ruling, made two years ago at the central London employment tribunal.“These figures lay bare the human cost of Uber continuing to refuse to accept the ruling,” said GMB legal director Sue Harris. “While the company is wasting money losing appeal after appeal, drivers are up to £18,000 out of pocket. That’s thousands of drivers struggling to pay their rent, or feed their families. It’s time Uber admits defeat and pays up. The company …

Exclusive : TfLTPH COs Overstepping Their Authority Again. Demanding Passengers Only Use Rear CC Machines

It’s been bought to our attention that TfLTPH COs are overstepping their authority again this morning. The TfLTPH staff are loitering at the drop off point at Kings Cross Station. They approach drivers seen making credit card transactions using a hand held unit. The COs then inform the driver that they can’t use the hand held unit (a false statement) and must use the one fitted in the rear (again false). They then expand on this by telling the driver if they continue with the transaction, they will be reported. This is in fact not true. There are no regulations or laws saying you can’t offer the passenger a choice of payment options.
Conflict of financial interest?
It appears as if the COs are acting as agents on behalf of certain Transport for London board member who has a financial interest in certain Credit Card facilities and transaction companies, such as WorldPay. Surely not !!!      Screen shot from TfL website
If a customer wants to pay by Green Shield stamps, or with a live chi…

Look What Else Is In Store For Us.... Roll Over, Roll Over...

If you walk through the City of London at 08:30 in the morning, you can't fail to notice just how packed the pavements are.Going against the tide of people is extremely difficult in an environment that is just not designed for walking.That could be about to change.Next week, the local authority will take another step towards a bold, radical plan to change the streets in the Square Mile over the next 25 years.Some streets could be closed to motor vehicles during rush hour and there could be zero emission zones.There will also be a 15mph speed limit across the district.The local authority wants to cut the number of vehicles by a quarter by 2025.The issue of pedestrianisation raises the question again of who cities are for and who should benefit from them.And any change in road space is contentious and highly charged.The City's local authority carried out a public consultation and discovered some stark facts.Cycling CEOs drive out chauffeursIt found 98% of people travel to the ar…


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Try Something Different this Year!

Dreaming of buying that waterfront property on Lake Minnetonka so you can sail around the lake? The neighbors belong to the local yacht club and you want to as well,but….Oh, that’s right, you don’t know how to actually captain a sailboat, let alone know the difference between the stern or bow. What is an adult to do?

This year you are in luck. No longer are classes available to just the youth, now adults can learn how to sail as well, thanks to the Upper Minnetonka Yacht Club. Beginning in June, they will be offering a sailing class for adults at the cost of $395. Sessions run four times, three hours each, and the sailing school says you will be able to sail without an instructor after the final class. I am seriously thinking about doing this myself!

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey…

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“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” Greg Anderson

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey... Punting.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

Easter is upon us, and the topic of taking a journey to a planned destination, to the unknown,  or to our heart’s center is apropos. Everything we do in life includes a journey of sorts. Some we take knowingly, others we fall into or find ourselves being led to… The journey of life is part plan and part mystery. All the sages advice us to enjoy the process and for this Photo Challenge, I’ve added photographs I took of planes, trains, automobiles, a couple of boat rides, on foot, and more, on a journey to somewhere…  Above are photos from trips to Portland, Oregon,  Cambridge, England, and  Dusseldorf, Germany. Have a wonderful Easter weekend! More and even much more below! 🙂

“The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.” Don Williams, Jr.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could find a wide range of photos that fit the Journey Challenge. Since I like taking random shots of settings and scenery I find interesting, I knew I’d find some appropriate ones that feature the usual suspects; trains, planes and whatnot. I was glad to find the bicycle shot I took a few years ago in Kyoto, Japan. The first photo is of either the Kyoto or Tokyo train station and the second is the famous bullet train; a magnificent and elegant speeding machine.

“Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.” Alex Noble

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

These are New York shots… The first was taken on a cold snowy day. I didn’t want to stand on the freezing cold platform, so I watched the action from the overpass and then rushed down to catch the train. The skateboarder was on a Manhattan street reading his text messages as he skated by. I love that one as it is a completely different mode of transportation from everything I show here…

“It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end.” Ursula K. LeGuin

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

I was walking by that docking area with some friends, in France, and we were marveling at the colorful, narrow boats there. My photo doesn’t quite capture the vibrancy of the colors… they were very attractive. What I like about the second shot is that I took it from inside a plane. We had just landed and I believe that Air Tahiti Nui flight was departing… Isn’t that what the journey of life is all about? Arrivals and Departures.

“Journeys, like artists, are born and not made. A thousand differing circumstances contribute to them, few of them willed or determined by the will-whatever we may think.” Lawrence Durrell

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

I love airports and one of my favorite things to do is watch planes land and take off; a precise science that varies from model to model. Every plane lands somewhat differently depending on weather conditions/patterns and pilot skill. However, I’ve observed some common habits that seem connected with their size. The small planes drop down like sprites, the mid range ones sprint/dash forward like an impatient child, and the huge carriers glide in and touch down so elegantly, it can take your breath away. I believe I took these photos at a JFK International departures lounge.

“You are not the child of the people you call mother and father, but their fellow-adventurer on a bright journey to understand the things that are.” Richard Bach

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey...

Naturally, as a New Yorker, we can’t have a photo challenge on Journey that would ignore the NYC Subway system. This is the famous Canal Street station and it can get crowded there during certain times of the day. I took that on a weekend visit to Chinatown. Last but not least is the shot of a tollbooth separating New Jersey from Manhattan. We were returning from an Oprah event and that partial Manhattan skyline welcomed us back… The journey of Life is about arrivals and departures. We win many and we lose some. Have a Blessed Easter Weekend! 🙂

Hope you enjoyed this! What are your thoughts? What photos depicting Journey did you find? Was it easy/hard to find photos that made sense of your views on the subject of Journey? Were you drawn to certain types of photos for the prompt? Do share? Thank you! 🙂 😉

My fellow bloggers were equally creative with their selections. I listed several via Zemanta below. I appreciate TRACKBACKS/PINGBACKS & LIKES from fellow bloggers too! Check out how others interpreted the theme JOURNEY below. ***

*Please bear with me as I continue to catch up on your blogs and commenting… Thank you all for your patience! 🙂

This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: Weekly Photo Challenge: Journey. This train station means the beginning or the end of a journey for many people; for others it’s a daily stop as they commute or one link in the chain of a series of destinations. Share a picture that means Journey to you!

Positive Motivation Tip: When we start our journey of 1000 miles or more, we never fully know where life would lead us… Enjoy the journey and let the rest unfold. Have a Happy Easter!

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos from my personal collection.

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

68 Comments leave one →
  1. 07/04/2012 12:48 am

    A great collection Elizabeth, i love the skateboarding one and wish they were around when I was young!

    • 07/04/2012 12:48 am

      Same here… I liked that one too. TY Gilly! Happy Easter! 🙂

  2. 07/04/2012 12:53 am

    Happy Easter to you too Eliz! One just have to love an airline called Virgin America! 🙂

    • 07/04/2012 12:55 am

      😆 Have a wonderful weekend too! You are funny… I should fly Virgin sometime and you too! 😉

      • 07/04/2012 1:02 am

        I mean really, who dreams up these names?? When I first saw your photo and the Virgin name, the movie Moulin Rouge came to mind and the song they sing, “Like a Virgin!” Silly, I know. See ya later! 🙂

      • 07/04/2012 1:13 am

        Who dreams them up? Richard Branson for this one? I hear you… It is an original for sure and a good one at that. 😉 Take care love! I’ll be around to visit your blog shortly… thanks for your patience.

  3. 07/04/2012 1:42 am

    Happy Easter to you too eliz. 🙂

  4. 07/04/2012 2:01 am

    My children like shinkansen very much. Happy Easter. 🙂

    • 07/04/2012 2:04 am

      My kids loved it too! 🙂 TY and have a great weekend! 🙂

  5. 07/04/2012 2:15 am

    some great photos. I couldn’t find many of actual travel amongst my ‘collection’ 🙂

    • 07/04/2012 2:20 am

      I was looking for mode of transportation in my files… than actual travel. I felt it would be closer to what Sara offered us.TY for your kind words. Happy Easter! 😉

  6. 07/04/2012 3:32 am

    Great entry for the challenge

    • 07/04/2012 7:10 pm

      TY Jake! Will stop by tonight to return the blog love. Happy Easter! 🙂

  7. 07/04/2012 4:21 am

    Enjoyed your many journeys. Thanks for the mention, too.
    I meet the nicest bloggers in the WPC.

    • 07/04/2012 7:11 pm

      TY for your feedback and yes, bloggers are a wonderful bunch! I love your choice too. 🙂

  8. 07/04/2012 5:16 am

    Great set of images! I like the first two! Happy Easter to you too!

    • 07/04/2012 7:22 pm

      TY Madhu! This was a fun one open to all sorts of interpretations. 🙂

  9. 07/04/2012 5:37 am

    Another thought provoking, excellent post, my friend!
    Thank you for the pingback too! I’m going to search how to do that, because I have yet to figure it out, but would like to so that I can share yours and others work.

    • 07/04/2012 8:19 pm

      I’ve added a link below to the WP Support page that covers everything on pingbacks and such. Most of mine come from Zemanta which automatically recommends articles once you write your post in visual not html mode. TY for your comment. 🙂

      Happy Easter!

  10. 07/04/2012 5:52 am

    Happy Easter to you as well — wherever your journeys take you…

    “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao-tzu,

    • 07/04/2012 8:34 pm

      TY and same to you! I love that quote even though I didn’t use it. 🙂

  11. 07/04/2012 6:31 am

    Thanks for the inspiring words and the beautiful shots! Often we focus too much on the destination and forget to enjoy the little details on the way.

    • 07/04/2012 9:09 pm

      TY Bindu and well said… God is in the details too and we should enjoy that too. Happy Easter! 🙂

  12. 07/04/2012 8:20 am

    I so agree with this statement “The journey of life is part plan and part mystery.” It may not always make sense but that too is the journey:). Thanks for sharing another great post!

    • 07/04/2012 9:13 pm

      Exactly… Some of it makes no sense until much later in life. 😉

  13. 07/04/2012 9:19 am

    Really wonderful share. Thanks Elizabeth. Happy Easter to you and yours. 🙂

    • 07/04/2012 9:14 pm

      TY Orples and I’ll be by soon. Happy Easter! 🙂

  14. 07/04/2012 11:43 am

    oh, I see Dusseldorf airport, very near to our home!

    • 07/04/2012 9:14 pm

      Yes, I thought of you when I looked at the picture… Ah, it’s near Frizz’s home. Happy Easter! 🙂

  15. 07/04/2012 11:46 am

    The skateboarder on the Manhattan street
    reading his text messages as he skated by:
    such a lightness!

    • 07/04/2012 9:17 pm

      I was impressed by his perfect balance and that he was doing a rather difficult task; texting while skating, and not looking to ensure he doesn’t fall. 🙂

  16. 07/04/2012 2:26 pm

    I can always count on you to have a great challenge collection of photos! Love, love, love the first subway photo and the skateboarder who seems to be slow-cruisin’. Have a great holiday, Eliz.

    • 07/04/2012 9:20 pm

      Thank you Terri! I’m glad you loved them… so do I. With the photo challenge, it’s often hard to figure out which one would resonate… TY! 🙂
      Happy Easter! 🙂

  17. 07/04/2012 2:47 pm

    Happy Easter to you Elizabeth and all best for you and your wonderful journeys!

    • 07/04/2012 9:21 pm

      TY Patti for your feedback and Happy Easter! 🙂

  18. 07/04/2012 8:44 pm

    Yes, I love the skateboarder as well. As a former NYC gal, that photo brings back many memories.

    Great post, Eliz…a very Happy Easter to you and your family!
    I take away with me the quote by Ursula LeGuin…”It is good to have an end to journey towards…but it is the journey that matters in the end!”

    • 07/04/2012 9:27 pm

      Hi Vivian, I figured you’d like the shots of your hometown…the city that never sleeps. 🙂 Happy Easter to you and yours too! 🙂

  19. 07/04/2012 9:46 pm

    Wonderful photos to emphasize the journey of life! I love the reminder that we are on a journey that is indeed a series of arrivals and departures. Your photos capture the joy and adventure of daily life. I don’t like to fly, but for some reason I do like airports! It is the excitement of so many stories all being created in one place, I think! Debra

  20. 07/04/2012 10:28 pm

    I want to go on that train.

  21. 08/04/2012 5:41 am

    A subway journey is one I take every weekday to go to work. Wish the train were as empty as the one in your photograph 🙂

  22. 08/04/2012 8:28 am

    Your words never fail to bring sunshine to my day. This post comes as a sweet inspiration for my Easter Sunday. Thank you. Love these thoughts,“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” Have a blessed weekend.

  23. 08/04/2012 11:55 am

    ‘Journey’ such an exciting word for me, full of travels and adventures… 😀 Great post on this week’s photo challenge!

  24. 08/04/2012 8:22 pm

    What a lovely collection! Looks like you had a lot of fun picking these out, Elizabeth.
    Dealing with a horrible cold and other things, will come back and catch up on the posts I’ve missed.

    • 08/04/2012 10:29 pm

      Get well soon Marcia… spring season colds are debilitating. 🙁

  25. 09/04/2012 12:15 am

    I love the way you’ve described the different sized planes landing 😀
    I could also spend all day watching planes taking off and landing – they are a marvel f engineering

  26. 09/04/2012 7:48 am

    Here’s to the long and winding road . . . 😀

  27. Bree permalink
    09/04/2012 8:23 am

    What a great selection of your journey. Life is about arrivals and departures for sure. I like that visual and all in between. Happy Easter!

  28. 10/04/2012 4:39 pm

    wonderful photo essay Elizabeth. As always, inspiring!

  29. 11/04/2012 3:05 pm

    I love your collection of photos.

  30. 14/04/2012 9:23 am

    The quality of the journey is determined by BOTH the actual act of journeying AND the destination. Ill-chosen destinations affect the spirit of the journey, it seems to me.

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Category Archives: geography

Once a geography teacher…

Thursday March 1 2018. My local coastal town of Swanage in Purbeck, Dorset faces a range of conditions.

– Spring Tide due to full moon – so higher tides

– Storm Emma bringing snow from continental Europe

– an associated area of low pressure which raises local sea levels

– easterly winds gusting into the bay at 45 mph

All of these combine to a flood warning status. In November 2016 Storm Angus caused flooding in the Lower High Street and damaged the sea wall – my first experience of the power of easterly winds into Swanage Bay.

I woke early and decided to go into Swanage to watch the high tide and the trial of a new temporary flood defence system. I knew where would be unsafe to park and where my car should come to no harm, nor obstruct any emergency services if they were needed.

I roved around with my camera and phone recording images in the run up to high tide. I posted images and video clips on social media – facebook, instagram and twitter.

The following images show some of the things that I witnessed. On Friday March 2 I was unable to go down to watch events on the next Spring tide as overnight freezing rain had caused sheet ice which meant I would only be leaving home on foot and not travelling far.

Shore Road – sea foam -I saw the remains of this later in the day when it had lost its lively nature.

Then I moved around to the stone quay area by the flood barrier which was being extended by the coastguard and council workers.

I then took pictures from further around the south side of the bay.

I haven’t gone into any geographical explanations but I did enjoy my trip and finished it with a breakfast at the High Street Cafe.

Wow, didn’t know about this….

Checked twitter feed last night to find this picture sent to me.

So after some tweeting, linkedin messages later, this morning I have a copy of what was said about me.

Yes turn your screen or head but don’t crick neck. I have thanked my likely nominators and am now going for afternoon / evening trip to be at #gaconf17 #teachmeet and #beermeet although I will be on soft drinks to drive back tonight as working in the morning.

Very honoured to have my contribution recognised like this.

Part time job for Wareham Boat Hire means I spend lots of time splashing about in a river moving boats and talking to a wide range of customers.

Artwork is going steadily in build up to Purbeck Art Weeks – see for separate art blog.

Mental health generally good – now been keeping GOB diary for 110 days and 102 are positive.

Life is much more relaxed, frequently fun and quirkiness encouraged.

How far can one’s life change?

On 24 August 2016 I moved to the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. My aim to start a new teaching job, live in a dream property in a fantastic part of the country. To rediscover more time to spend with the family, to get outdoors and to regain more stability in my mental health.

About 7.5 months on plans have changed but my life has changed so much and for the better too. If you regularly read my posts this will repeat some points from previous posts.

I moved to live alone while issues to do with our family home in Essex were resolved. I was in a beautiful house, surrounded by countryside but only 15 minutes from work. The weather was generally good to start with. The job offered much. However, it didn’t work for me on many levels and it didn’t help my mental health at all.

Living alone was a shock after so long – 25 years. Lack of communication with no landline, mobile signal, or broadband was a big upheaval for someone who spent so much time networking and communicating with others online. I developed work resources using online contacts and sites previously. Now I was forced to go cold turkey and I didn’t cope well with it. I would joke when ringing friends and family from nearby country lanes where I could walk to get a signal that all was ok. I genuinely didn’t miss tv and now still only watch a few programmes, often recorded first. The contact gap with familiar voices however was much harder.

Work, well there was a lot of change and the above aspects that were already impacting on my mental health were exacerbated by my limitations in not being able to do much work from home, something I had relied on previously. I admitted some of this but not the true nature of my thoughts as I feared being removed from the post. The only harm I would have done would have been to myself but my moods were on a much steeper rollercoaster than previously and the dips were frightingly threatening to my own mental stability. I also hid this from home, a mistake but I loved the area and knew the house had potential for the family. Unfortunately I got to the point, linked to previous experiences, where what I saw as criticism became a stick to beat myself with emotionally and a path to recovery got to the point where it was no longer an option. I had to make the job work or teaching and I would separate at last, that scared me as I did not perceive that I existed beyond my label as teacher. Well in November after the family had been here a fortnight the job crumbled – I did and I lost teaching as part of my life. I still have bad dreams,sometimes even nightmares about educational settings normally a jumble of places I have worked. It will take a long time to let go fully as 28 years and a term took a lot from me.

So what has changed?

I live in a beautiful house with three other family members – my wife, younger son and mother in law. Everyone has now settled in and we are starting with the better weather and lighter days and evenings to get outside and work on the garden more. The house has the services (still no mobile signal) that It lacked when I moved here. We have grown into it.  I would say we are all happier generally for the experience and look forward to seeing more how the area changes through the seasons.

Work – I am now working as an artist, I endeavour to sell some of my work, I have a Facebook page, an art blog. I have signed up for classes, craft fairs and the local arts weeks later on. I have met many very generous local artists and crafters who are willing to share experiences and advice on resources and services. Also I have a part time job that involves being in and out of water in the River Frome at Wareham, I love that aspect. Work is not stressful as before. I still be the chance to use my teaching skills when helping coach juniors at the Swanage Sea Rowing club.

Anne,  my wife and I have spent more time together since she moved down five months ago than we probably have throughout our marriage of 24 years as I am not working 60 hour weeks, lots of my work is done from home. It has helped our relationship which is now in a better place. I know Vi my mother in law much better and at 95 she continues to be an inspiration in her vitality. My son Charlie and I have had more time to go and do things together which I hope isn’t too much of a bi d for him, I enjoy it.

Fitness – I was told I could join one club when I moved here, the fact that at a few points  I have been there six days a week didn’t impress but it has brought me a much fitter health. I have made many new friends and I love that training has now moved back o to the sea after a winter on the ergos in the rowing hall.

Mental health – thank you to my new GPs at the Corfe Castle surgery who have been very supportive, alongside the great Swanage Depression Support Group whose company I enjoy bi-weekly. Being able to shed and share has helped a great deal and they have commented on how much I have changed from my start in November. New acquaintances have even been surprised that I have a mental health issue as I do t present that way currently.

In the last week I have reflected that I have made more friends here than in the last 27 years. I am happy. I love my surroundings. I continue to learn new skills and things most days. Life has a future, I don’t know completely how it will be but there will be ways that don’t involve creating extra stresses.

If you get this far please comment or say hi on social media, in the street….

Living a dream …

For those of you who read and support a bit of an update. GOB is now 61 days, on the 12 March my first journal will be full. I attended Teachmeet Poole last week (Thursday 23 Feb) and as a presenter received a nice notebook which I shall use to continue the GOB journey.

Those who know my background and change in circumstance might well challenge, why is Andy at a teachmeet? It’s a fair question. I had looked up to see if Jenna Lucas’ TMBournemouth would be on and found details of the event in Poole on Differentiation. I immediately thought what about a piece on Solo Taxonomy, whose enthusiasm has not left me. I offered my services and settled to participate in the break marketplace and fill any other gaps that arose. I ended up in a mock classroom in the corner of the school theatre presenting to the entire teachmeet. Not what I had expected but I just got on with it. I loved talking about Solo. As I finished I made the point, from the chap in shorts and polo shirt, that this was my first time in a school building since November when I had a nervous breakdown and left teaching. It was a great evening to see the enthusiasm of young staff. There was repetition of many familiar ideas I have seen previously but I was left to wonder how long they would stay in teaching and knew it was unlikely to be as long as I had managed and that still upsets me.

Anyway apart from that I have been sketching with other artists for PAW (Purbeck Arts Week) at The Etches Collection – fossils of Kimmeridge. I liked the setting, found the number of experienced artists quite intimidating tbh. However it was a link back to degree days with Jo Angseesing my palaeontology lecturer. In fact my eyes were drawn a lot to the architecture after the urban sketching trips I have attended with both London and Cambridge groups previously. I have taken some photos to allow follow up on this.

Yesterday, March 2nd, I had a conversation with a mental health professional about a local programme Steps to Wellbeing, and after being very open and honest about what the last six months have been like – a range of triggers, it was felt and I agree that I am doing all that I can to recover and don’t need additional input outside what I am doing already for myself which overall is working. Yes there are slips and dips but that is the nature of depression and anxiety. In fact after the phone talk I went out on an standee walk from the house along the SW Coast path. T-shirt, shorts, walking boots and a sweatshirt for when I stopped plus camera. In the end I walked about 8 miles, took over 200 pictures (the advantage of digital) many of landscape and waves, enjoyed fresh air and sunshine, got muddy but felt great.

Today the weather is back to cloud, wind, rain and more time indoors I suspect.

A rambling post, not pre planned as usual but flowing from my thoughts. I live in a wonderful place, I have an active lifestyle. I share delights of hares, deer, numerous birds with most of my family. I live a sort of semi-retired status and it suits me.

Our friend Morris the Mad March hare who may mean we have ravaged lavender bushes, but it’s a price worth paying.

Gosh four days without an update, how remiss of me

Well a change of attitude at the weekend saw me take more control of my situation. I would keep busy, do more things, useful ones. Stop being lazy and be helpful around the house.

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday all positive days, some low points in conversations at home in the late evenings. Gardening – leaf collecting, drain clearing, drainpipe cleaning. Starting to rediscover outbuildings features with extreme gardening or just excuse by me – yesterday was in garden in shorts and sports sandals (top modestly covered). Shopping  – tumble dryer, cd/radios, did bits and bobs, sideboard, dining room chairs. Exploring centre of Poole without getting lost (in geography speak: exploring). Yesterday afternoon I attempted to kayak at Studland beach – not much distance but wet, cold and invigorated. Been to coach junior rowers on Monday. Actually completed majority of open rowing training on Tuesday. Walks around Studland bay – so a lot more positive.

This morning started well despite being awake from 5am, read book, did ironing, retail, went to direct a delivery Lorry which  drove up the footpath trail rather than main drive and passed me on its way out. Started to consider options for working outside and put some “feelers” out. Enquired about and booked self on open day about Outdoor Pursuits instructor course on next Autumn. But in trying a third place at 4pm to get mother in law a late paper, drove past “the” school, realised it was yr 7 parents evening where I “should” have been teaching and talking to parents. Lost plot, ranted openly on FB, lots of support messages from friends and also returned favour for some as well. Lost several hours but recovered for family to viewing of recorded show, although aspergers review of series one and catching up voiceover from armchair made it a burying at times.

Now blogging and several jobs identified for tomorrow to stay busy.

Thanks for reading. Some canvas prints from pictures taken down here on my expensive camera (mobile phone actually).

Storm Angus and Swanage

Last night (Saturday 19/11) storm Angus hit Dorset in the evening and overnight. Wind speeds and the driving rain slowed by dawn. Local social media sources showed that there had been damage to the seafront in Swanage and encouraged people to stay away. The best sources early on were The Bournemouth Echo news site and Swanage Fire station Facebook page. BBC South later filmed a clip which was used.

Late morning (Sunday 20/11) I went down to Swanage to see which areas were still cordoned off. Keen not to get in the way off any clean up efforts, but willing to help it if needed. The map screenshot from Google maps is used to show the location of the images I took.

1) The parish slipway and sea wall in front of the Square (Town Museum) bore the brunt of damage to the wall. Apparently waves colliding were causing spray up to 30 ft high and the wind was gusting at up to 60 mph. The first photo shows the stone benches and debris which had been scattered over the footpath.

The second photo show the damage to the tram / rail lines used to move stone to the quay.

Playland amusements that is on the side of the path had three plank high aluminium flood defence in place, but water had obviously still got in. The next obvious signs of debris was around Gee Whites restaurant building opposite the stone quay. The waves had carried in a range of cobbles and seaweed to the west (3) and east (4) side of the building.

The fifth photo shows some debris on the slipway, some of these may have been pushed there by the JCB removing flood debris from the Lower High Street earlier.

I hope the located images are useful for some of my geographer friends and possibly classes.

New life approaches …

At Easter the family went on holiday to Swanage. While we were there I saw a new school building and looked them up online. Intrigued by what they offered I looked at their vacancies not expecting anything of interest – but there was a Humanities teacher post. The curriculum and structure appealed. So I rang the school, the headteacher was in school while year 11s were revising, what time could I be there…I walked (10 minutes from the cottage) and Mr Hobson greeted me and showed me round, I also met Mrs Gray – humanities lead. I was interested but the holiday was why we were here. In the second week prior to the GA conference I posted off my application.

The week of the 25th April saw me travel down for interview – I would be teaching about War and Peace to Year 8. I had researched and come up with an idea – a walk along the Purbeck Ridge above the school pointing out historical features for tourists or locals. I travelled down the afternoon prior to interview day and sent a pleasant evening down busy the beach watching the sea rowing club and sailing club out at play. Wednesday saw me take a 15 minute walk from my hotel to school. Four of us on interview, not all younger as I had anticipated – I stood a better chance now, I thought. An interview, a student panel, a free lesson (one candidate had dropped out), teaching year 8 and I had what I later described on my drive back to Essex as my best day possible. I had done all that I could, yes I really wanted this job and new lifestyle but would understand if I didn’t get it. Well, Thursday I had set off to work when the phone rang – yes I was successful.

In the last two weeks and three days I have had all my checks done, signed my new contract, resigned from my current school, had a weekend in Swanage for house viewings, made an offer on a property and had it accepted, put our house and my mother in laws on the market and one has sold already…oh and started clearing the loft – two journeys of a whole carful done each time to date. Life is changing….fast.

A life at the coast beckons, the speed things have changed at is quite mind boggling. I am looking forward so much to the next stage in my career. I am also looking forward to a slower pace of life, lots of fresh air, strolls on a beach 15 minutes walk from our new home.

I will track this adventure as we move to Swanage. If I seem to be gloating I am not I am just so happy about this new adventure.

Last year I set 15 targets split in 5 sections – so I will review these first. I will decide as I post how targets will be set for this year.

Dec 2015 review
1) Family: (3)
spend more time with parents – this has varied as own pressures impacted but speak to even more regularly especially as now both living in same residential home.

spend more time with both sons, whatever is happening in their lives- seen less of eldest as he has been accommodated in fewer places this year but finishes the year after six months of relative stability. Youngest at home, have done a few mote things together including some Forza sessions on xbox 360.

couple time – Anne and I to get back into our dining / evenings out more frequently- some dining but more day trips, break in Bristol and time for walks and nature. Support each other’s interests with choir and sketching.

2) Self: (3)
– I have a kayak and a bicycle which both need more of my company throughout the year and exploring far and wide – not used a lot,limited kayaking but some trips with Anne past Ulting church and met school D of E expeditions at Papermll Lock.

– Cedric, the cello and subject of a recent post, and I are to make music more in 2015 and maybe even some guitar and the keyboard that is currently hidden in the loft-  failed

– screens are nice and I can access and share information, but 2015 is the year where I rediscover the pleasure of reading from books. I can start with my recent purchases from Tate Modern: London Villages and I’ve lived in London for 86 1/2 years by Martin Usborne- more successful including 10 books in summer with #teacher5adayread. I have also bought a read a variety of books on sketching from the urban sketching fraternity.

3) School / work: (3)

– I have two more terms leading to our first set of GCSE results under my management. Three sets are under my tutelage, so mocks in January, revise intervention groupings and work hard to a happy August results day – worked b***** hard throughout the year, results ok but not progress I had hoped for. Analysis interrupted by September breakdown. Best success girls results A* to C  up from 25 to 65%.

– continue to develop our revised KS3 curriculum and delegate sections to Adam and Michelle as we develop as a team – aha, well rewrote ks3 year one with more to develop, inclusion of John Muir Trust award successful. Adam lasted the year and a great loss. Michelle didn’t return for Spring term and in fact staffing throughout school year caused lots of stress. Started better this year with Gordon, but then own breakdown  upset the rhythm.

– more student voice and more hands on geography to make our department a “happening” place- considering staffing upheaval a good reputation generated overall in first year in post, tbc.

4) Twitter: (3)
– 2015 will see account no. 6 start with a departmental one so pupils can follow and share geographical ideas, sites …- didn’t start this as too much else to do.

– @knillsocks to continue especially as a bumper load of new socks hopefully being opened later today- account continues, remains novelty of teaching – the one with a Twitter account for …

– @globalsolo and @gasigict to continue to develop and facilitate discussion and collaboration globally- gave up @globalsolo in May and passed Twitter account to Pam Hook. Still using solo taxonomy including in own teaching but staffing crashed development in department. Shared ideas in school and at some events.

5) Blogging / presenting / … (3)

– have another successful year with GASIGICT, Promethean Advocates… – GASIGICT goes well and Twitter account from strength to strength. Presented at #GAConf15 on developing global network to small group. Ceased Promethean link as no time and no benefit to what I am developing.

– develop all of the linked blogs and Mishmashlearning to continue to have less #mentalhealthmatters – GASIGICT blog is paused, global solo gone, but now two mishmash – original and new sketching blog.

– present throughout the year – BETT, TMBexley, PedagooLondon3??, GA Conference, Northern Rocks, TMHavering2015?? TLT15??? ……- missed BETT and TLT15. TMBexley was good, also did a Medway event – interpretive dance and solo taxonomy intertwined – used this at NRocks15 with Andy Day for second year (this also featured jiving with KDWScience. GA Conference session – small attendance but seemed well received. GASIGICT stand display I did was popular. PedagooLondon was in July and presented this year on John Muir Award, also did this for PedagooHampshire in September plus an impromptu solo session when presenter no showed. Contributed photograph to #teacher5adayexhibition. Inspired (I am told) #teacher5adaysketch in October and took part in #teacher5adaype in September. So however busy school was still did some of own CPD. Also applied for FRGS – heard all ok and await paperwork. Fellowship of MirandaNet confirmed in January.

So a reasonable review – still did too much and it has had an Autumn consequence which I am recovering from. Also not mentioned here- finding all 50 of London Shaun the Sheep and 37 in Bristol. Family holidays in Cromer twice, Cardiganshire once. New hobby sketching started, 400 plus sketches to date in 6 months art supply shop geek now as yesterday’s Christmas money spend shows. Attended urban sketcher meets in London, Cambridge and Colchester. Rejoined a gym. Have lost 3-4 inches of waist fat.

2016 targets / priorities

I am sticking with five headings but more generalised and definitely not 16 targets.

1) Family

Regular phone contact or via social media with all branches of the family.

Quality time – this links to work targets as I rephase back in. School work to not come home.

Trips out especially with Anne sharing our interests. Lots of London day trips.

2) Self

Keep exercising – bike and kayak where possible plus walking

Hobby time – play some music and sketch skills and practice inc. sketchcrawls

Read more often

3) school/work

Based on return to work aims:

– give work 50 hours of my time each week

– school work stays at school

– pace

– Inform others when stressed/ mood issues as agreed

– develop department

– Friday social time / staff sport to end the week

4) Twitter

– go with the flow, if tired less, use and stay in contact especially with friends

– GASIGICT – do not over commit time as discussed at meeting

5) Blogging / presenting/ …

-mishmash continues plus sketching posts in own blog too when feel like it

– presenting – less in Jan to July. TMEpping February to attend and listen only. GAConf16 workshop. See how year goes after Easter.

Key aspect is listen to my mind / body and work with them. That also includes friends too and reciprocal support.

Hexagon peg – square hole

What a week… A Teachmeet presentation in Medway, Kent extolling the virtues of solo taxonomy and interpretive dance and Ronseal(c) references to teach physical processes in geography – a chance to be passionate about teaching and liked for it. A meeting where I feel steam rollered about what my job title actually means. An email to say that I felt steam rollered. A follow up meeting where compromises are made. A sports day where therapy is raking the sand pit after each jump for long and triple jump. A drink or two (non alcoholic) with comments about how I come across as a passionate educator.

Overall, lots of positives, the lessons outside, the entries coming in for the art, photography and originality in presentation competitions within the department (yes we teach geography, but creativity is king), lots to savour, lots to smile about.

But at the end of the week the overwhelming feeling that I do not fit. How can being passionate about my job, role, subject, vocation feel that I am in the wrong?

I am fighting letting go and sloughing (? Should that be slowing ?) in to despond. I do not want to fall, slide, fall off. I can not be around my family easily I am a miserable, snappy sod this morning. I want to fight back.

Is it time I leave teaching! I can not believe that question is in my head after Tuesday’s Teachmeet but there it is it is out in the open. Am I the obstacle?

Thoughts – mishmashlearning consultant, time out, travel, tutor, work in education a different way. I want to teach. I love to teach, I am a teacher, I am a geographer but also a cross curricular advocate.

If you are a regular reader; comment – don’t leave this post hanging. And be honest…thanks

Positive aspects of my weekend

As a postscript to my last post a moment ago I have taken part in bits of three edchats this weekend on Twitter. On Friday night at 11pm I could only stay awake for the first 10 minutes of #satchatoc. Then I awoke. Around 4 am and read back where I had dozed off,then joined in #INZpired where I was called dedicated – make that a semi somniac. Then this morning a brief visit as part of #aussieED.

Why three chats from the other side of the world?
1) they are at times I am not trying to work
2) the crowd involved are always welcoming
3) I feel at home and part of a community

The oddest feeling is seeing people list me with Australian teachers – did they not see my profile? This global chat is one of my greatest gains from using Twitter. The times for #satchatoc and #INZpired may not suit but #aussieED at 9.30 am on a Sunday is drawing in more UK educators most weeks. The issues for teachers are very similar the world over – open your mind to share a little further afield.

April 11 I get to share my enthusiasm in leading a workshop at The Geographical Association annual conference on Developing global networks, I look forward to who comes along to the session.