Podcasts about fiji islands

Author and liver of life absolutely describes our guest this episode, Pat Backley. As Pat says, she was an English woman until the age of 59 when she decided to become a Kiwi and moved full time to New Zealand. Pat grew up in a poor household, but she will tell you that she never regrets not having as much money as many of the people around her. However it happened, Pat grew up with a various curious oriented mind and a desire to explore the world.   During her life which today spans 73 years, Pat has held a number of jobs. She also has been married twice, but clearly really is not bitter over being divorced from both husbands, although the 2nd one simply wasn't ready to be as adventurous as Pat and live in New Zealand.   Pat wrote her first book at the age of 70. Over the past three years she has written eight books and has a number of future books inside her. As with other authors I have met over the years, Pat's characters essentially write their stories. Pat has plans and ideas, but the characters take over and create the stories.   I find Pat to be extremely articulate and personable to converse with. I think you too will enjoy her and what she has to say. So, sit back, or walk or do whatever you are doing, but get ready to hear a most enjoyable and thought-provoking conversation.       About the Guest:   Pat Backley is an English woman who, at the age of 59 , decided to become a Kiwi and she now lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Passionate about people and travelling the world, she has spent the last 73 years living a colourful and interesting life and her books reflect these passions.   She published her first book DAISY in late 2020, just before her 70th birthday, and now says that she intends to write till she dies!   She has published eight books and contributed to several anthologies, as well as writing articles and short stories for various magazines and has several more books in the pipeline.   Ways to connect Pat:   www.patbackley.com I am on Facebook and Instagram @patbackleyauthor. Also on X (Twitter) @Pat Backley Books. And LinkedIn @Pat Backley   About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/   https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   ichael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Well, hi everyone, and I want to welcome you to another edition of unstoppable mindset. And today we are going to chat with Pat Backley. Pat is a British woman, as she will tell you, but at the age of 59 which has now been some what, 1314, years ago, 13 years ago, she decided to become a kiwi and moved to New Zealand. We'll have to find out what brought that about. I've been to New Zealand. It's a fun place. I'd love to go back. But anyway, and of late, certainly much later in her life, Pat decided to become an author. She wrote her first book at the age of 70, and that is another fascinating story, I am sure. So we will delve into all of that, and we're going to grill Pat until she's tired of us. Pat, welcome to unstoppable mindset.   Pat Backley ** 02:20 Thank you so much, Michael, I can assure you, I won't be tired of being grilled by you. I'm I'm thrilled to be here. Thank you. Well,   Michael Hingson ** 02:29 we're really glad that you're here. What time is it in New Zealand right now? It's 10 o'clock   02:33 in the morning. Yeah, it's about what I thought.   Michael Hingson ** 02:38 So you're 21 hours ahead of us. Yeah, yes.   Pat Backley ** 02:42 And I have to say, I have to say that tomorrow is looking very good. You'll be glad to know, Oh, good.   Michael Hingson ** 02:49 Should be good. It Well, I'm glad to hear that it's going to look good, and it's actually going to warm up a little bit. Here. We're only getting up to about 65 Fahrenheit, so that's what about 17 Celsius or so. But tomorrow it's supposed to start getting a little bit warmer. We're approaching our winter as you approach your summer, which is kind of interesting.   Pat Backley ** 03:14 Yes, very interesting. When I first moved to New Zealand, that was one of the things I found very strange to have Christmas in the sunshine, because obviously I was, I was born with Christmas in the cook.   Michael Hingson ** 03:29 Yeah. Well, and you could have moved to Australia, where they use kangaroos to pull Santa slay.   Pat Backley ** 03:38 I could have done. I could have done. But Australia didn't have the same appeal for me as No, I   Michael Hingson ** 03:43 like New Zealand. I haven't been to Australia. I'd like to go, but I really enjoyed being in New Zealand. I've been to both the North and the South Island. I spent almost three weeks there, back in 2003 and gave something like 17 or 18 speaking opportunities in 15 days. And I only had one day that I had mostly off and that we spent. What is the the town on the South Island, the the tourist town, oh, Queenstown. Queenstown. Yeah, and so but that only lasted until about six that evening, and then I had to go off and speak again. But it was a lot of fun.   Pat Backley ** 04:28 You must have been exhausted because it's quite a lot of distance. I was I'm what I'm about to say is going to sound ridiculous now, because I've just been to America, and I know about your distances I was going to say, because you have a lot of driving distance between the towns you would have had to speak at. But then, as I was about to verbalize it, I thought, Pat, that's stupid. In America, the distances are far greater   Michael Hingson ** 04:51 well, and also a number of airplane flights between the North and the South Island to make it go faster as well.   Pat Backley ** 04:57 Yes, absolutely, yes. So. It was fun. Well,   Michael Hingson ** 05:01 why don't we start by you telling us a little bit kind of about the early Pat growing up and all that. We'll start with that. Okay,   Pat Backley ** 05:08 well, I, I was born in 1951 so it was just after the war, and England was still suffering from the effects of the war. You know, there was a lot of it was a bit of a gray place, so my parents couldn't afford to buy their own home, so I lived with my parent, my paternal grandparents, for the first three and a half years of my life. And of course, I had a lovely time because I had four adults doting on me. Then we moved out to the country. We were given a council house, which is like a state house. I'm not sure what they called in in the in America, you know, where the government provides them, right? Which, at that time was very acceptable, because there wasn't much housing, because it had all been bombed out, because we lived in London. So, so I grew up in the country. I didn't realize we were poor until I was 11, and went to secondary school, and suddenly I was the because I was quite bright, I was put in a grammar stream class, so I was suddenly with all these rich kids. One girl was driven to school in a chauffeur driven rolls, Royce and I lived in the little government house opposite the school, so everyone knew I was poor. So yeah, it was, it was tough. I would say it was tough my teenage years, but I   Michael Hingson ** 06:26 did, they teach you a lot about that. Oh, yeah,   Pat Backley ** 06:28 I got, I got, I mean, these days they would call it bullying, bullying. I just, I just, it was just, what my luck you know that I remember one time, and I actually did write about this in my memoirs, because it's still in my head after 60 odd years, one time I was the only kid in the class that went home for school lunches, and one because mum couldn't afford to pay for school lunches, so I used to go home because we lived just opposite. And I remember one day I came back to school and it was raining, so all the kids were back in the classroom early, and the teacher wasn't there yet. And there was this one girl whose name will live in my memory forever. She's etched on my soul, Angela Barrett. And she was standing at the front of the class, pretending to be the teacher, writing on the blackboard, and then wiping it off with this black cloth. And then she said, this is all this rag is fit for. And it was actually my school raincoat, which until then I'd been very proud of, but it was second hand, it'd be my cousins. And I can remember that afternoon thinking, I don't want to be here anymore. I hate it here. Everyone hates me. And I went home and I told mom, and I cried, and she said, Look, love, just because they've got more money than you doesn't make them any better people. And at 11, I could not see that at all like that. I just thought, why don't you just get more money? Why don't you buy me a nicer and go blah, blah, blah. But now in hindsight, I just think she that was the wisest thing she could say, because the time I rebelled, it made me realize that actually it's not an equal playing field in the world. You know, you're going to have people that are on this side and down at the bottom and up at the top, and you just have to grit your teeth and fight your way through it,   Michael Hingson ** 08:13 yeah, and, and the reality is, there are only so many things that you can truly control, and what you what you can control is how you dealt with that situation and situations like that. Yes, that's   Pat Backley ** 08:25 right. Um, and then I think I was a, I was definitely a product of the 60s. You know, we had all the lovely pop music and the short skirts and burning out bras and all that sort of stuff. But when I was just two weeks after my 20th birthday, I got married for the first time, which was ridiculous in hindsight, but at the time, you think you know everything when you're that age, don't you? My parents begged me not to marry him, but of course, I knew best, so that marriage lasted 14 years, and he wasn't always very kind. So then I left, then I was on my own for a beer. Then I had a living boyfriend, and I was desperate to have a child, Michael, but I'm not. I'm I'm old fashioned. I only would have a child if I had a husband. And so I didn't. I got married again when I was 41 and we had a child. I had a child when I was 43 my daughter, and that was that I thought life was going to be great. And then 26 years later, he decided he didn't love me anymore, didn't want to live in New Zealand anymore, and that was that so. So I kind of found myself living in New Zealand on my own, having we emigrated here together just before my 59th birthday. But anyway, I've picked up the pieces. It's been six years now, and because of COVID and because of him leaving me, that's how my life changed, really. And your daughter, my and my beloved daughter, my only child, yes, she's 30 now, and she is the love of my life. Yes, and I'm sorry. I've just realized I probably. Probably haven't answered your question very well. You must always pull me back, because I tend to get very excited and passionate and you know, don't necessarily toe the line with question answering. So forgive me, not   Michael Hingson ** 10:11 a problem. That's why this is a conversation and not a big deal. So is your daughter in New Zealand? She   Pat Backley ** 10:20 is now. When her dad she she was 16 when we came to New Zealand, so she did her last bit of school here, then she went to university in Auckland, and then she decided she wanted to do her master's degree back in London. So she went back to London, and then she got a job there, and she was away for five and a half years, which nearly broke my heart, but she's home now. She's been back four years, and she's got a lovely Kiwi boyfriend, and she's here to stay, so I'm   Michael Hingson ** 10:49 thrilled. What did she get? Her degree in art history. Ah, now, do you? Did you go to college? No, sadly,   Pat Backley ** 10:57 I because we were poor, I just had to leave school at 16, and so now I never went to college. I would have loved to, I would have liked to have been a teacher, but, you know, it wasn't to be and and I've had a great life, regardless of that.   Michael Hingson ** 11:13 So did you during all your married life and then the time in between and so on. What kind of work did you   Pat Backley ** 11:20 do? Well, I started work. I started work in the bank when I was 16. Barclays Bank was a really good place to work, so I spent 10 years working there. Then I lived for two years in the Fiji Islands and just did voluntary work back to the UK. My first husband and I started a furniture business, and then when I left him. Obviously I needed a job, because I didn't claim anything in the divorce. And so I got a job with bernardo's, the children's charity, as a general fundraiser. And that was great, because I just traveled all around the south of England supporting all the fundraising groups and things which I loved. And then I moved on to after a few years, I moved on to cancer research, um, again, as a fundraiser, but this time, setting up all their charity shops in the south, and that was a wonderful thing as well, because during the course of both those jobs, I met so many interesting people. You know, now that I'm an old gray haired lady, well, not actually Gray, because I color it, but now that I'm an old gray head lady. I feel very bad that the 35 year old me went to my new job with with Barnardos and sat there looking at these hundreds of gray head old ladies. And I thought, Oh, I'm too young to deal with all these old people. What on earth am I going to talk to them about? And of course, within a couple of days, I've realized that all these gray head old people were fabulous, that most of them had had really interesting, fascinating lives, and that I could learn an awful lot from them. So now the old gray head me looks back and feels very guilty at how I was at that age. But I guess that's what happens when you're young. You just think anyone over the age of 50 is is past it, don't you really well, but   Michael Hingson ** 13:03 you did learn a lot, I bet, from them, which is, oh, wow,   Pat Backley ** 13:07 oh, I learned so much, and I had so much fun, so much fun. Yeah, in fact, when I got married for the second time, a whole bunch of those ladies and a few of the men came to my, like, hen party the night before I got married, we went to the local, very smart hotel and had cocktails, and I just smiled to myself, thinking, oh, and I thought you were all so boring at the beginning, and actually, you're fabulous. So, yeah. So then, then my then I, then I stopped working, had my daughter, and I desperately didn't want to go back to my well paid job with cancer research. I wanted to be home with my baby because I was 43 I'd lost two children in the year before, with miscarriages, and so I stayed at home for four months, and then my husband said, oh, we need more money. You need to get a job. So I ended up doing having other people's children at my house, looking after them so doing like child minding. And that was when I look back. I don't know how I managed, because sometimes I had five under four year olds running around the house, which was quite a challenge. But we survived. I did that, I think, for seven years altogether, and oh, and in between that time, we came and lived in New Zealand for a year because my husband was a teacher, and he got a year's teaching exchange. So we basically swapped lives with a New Zealand teacher. He and his family moved into our house in England, and we moved into their house here in New Zealand. So for a whole year, we lived like a proper Kiwi family, which was wonderful. Lucy was only two, so it was the ideal time to do it. And I just, I just fell in love with New Zealand and desperately wanted to emigrate there. And then it took me 14 years to persuade him to get back here eventually. And in hindsight, I've probably pushed it too much, because. After he left, he said, I didn't like living in New Zealand. I didn't ever really settle there. So I have to hold up my hand and say, probably I persuaded him to do something that he really didn't want to do. But anyway, it's easy to be wise in hindsight, isn't it, as always, yeah. And then so we went back after our year here, we went back to the UK and we set up a business training and assessing construction workers, because the government realized, the UK government realized that, because they'd stopped formal apprenticeships some 20 odd years earlier, that there were now hundreds of 1000s of men working on construction sites who had all the necessary skills, but no paper qualifications. And so they wanted to redress that, but they realized that these men would not be willing to go back to college for three years to learn, learn their trade that they could already do. So they started this fast track program, and we used to go onto sites. We obviously, I had to get lots of qualifications and things to do it, trainers and assessors, qualifications. But then we used to go on two sites and watch the men working ask them loads of questions. We obviously had trade specific instructor assessors, and they could get that qualification that they would have taken three years to get going to college, they could then get in in a matter of six months or so, just by being observed doing their job. So it was a really, really good system, and it was very rewarding for me personally, because I used to go onto the sites and do the initial talks and whatever. And I've always liked men. I've always enjoyed their company, so I could cope with all the banter, you know, all the right, darling, what you're going to do after work, that kind of thing. I enjoyed all that. The bit I hated was wearing a hard hat, because they're very unflattering and they squash your hair do. But the most rewarding thing for me, we did that, that business for 20 years. The most rewarding thing was when a guy who I'd met on site who didn't even want to do it because he felt inadequate, which I later discovered was because he couldn't read or write, but he'd hidden it from all his colleagues. The most satisfying thing was once he'd passed, which obviously he sailed through. I sent him his certificate in the post, and the next day he phoned me, and he said, Pat. Thank you so much for that certificate. He said, it's the only thing I've ever had in my whole life that says I'm good at anything. He said, My wife is framing it and putting it on the living room wall. And that just made me cry, because I thought, this is, this is a man who's 45 who's gone through his whole life thinking he's stupid, and suddenly, just that one action can give him something to be proud of. So that was, I loved doing that, and we made that's how we made our money. For a few years, it was incredibly successful, and then it tailed off, and that's when we immigrated to New Zealand, and since I've been here, I've just basically been having a lovely time, doing a bit of voluntary work, lots of socializing and becoming an author. So   Michael Hingson ** 18:10 what, what attracted you to New Zealand? Why did you fall in love so much with New Zealand? Do you think   Pat Backley ** 18:19 it's a it's a hard question to answer. Michael, it was something deep inside me after I'd been here for a year, or when I'd been here probably only for a few weeks, I got this real feeling deep inside, inside me that I needed to be here. I just think sometimes places in the world draw you in for whatever reason. Who knows? You don't know if it's because perhaps you've got some association with it through an ancestor or I don't know, but I felt very, very drawn to New Zealand, and once we went back to the UK, we were back there for 14 years. Whenever I spoke to friends from New Zealand, whenever they'd phone me, I would end up in tears for hours. I want to go back to New Zealand. So it was a need rather than a desire, almost. And it's not something I've ever regretted. Even after he even after he abandoned me, we were back in England when he announced he didn't want to be married anymore, and he never came back to New Zealand. I just had to come back alone. Even then my friends in England were saying to me, oh, Pat, just stay in England. You know, we're all here. We'll, you know, we'll all be here for you. And I said, No, no, home is just New Zealand, even though I knew I was coming back all alone because Lucy was still living in London, I had, I've got no family here, so, but there was something that pulled me back.   Michael Hingson ** 19:45 I understand that I really enjoyed New Zealand a lot. And if there's when people ask me a place in the world that I regard as my favorite place to visit, New Zealand always comes out first, but I enjoy. Way wherever I go. I actually took my first trip to London in late October of this year. I was only there for a couple of days, but it was to do a speech. And, you know, it was pretty similar to being here. It just wasn't the same feeling as as being in New Zealand, which I had the opportunity to do, as I said before, for a little over three weeks. So it was really a lot of fun and and the the environment is just so different.   Pat Backley ** 20:28 Yes, I think New Zealand, I think one of the, I mean, obviously it's an incredibly beautiful country, but I think one of the main differences is that we, we've got a land mass pretty similar to the UK, but we we've only got like 5 million people, and the UK has got more than 70 million. And I think that's the thing. You know, the more people you try to cram into a small space, the more the social problems are, are enlarged, don't they? You know, we have exactly the same social problems here that are anywhere else in the world, but because our population is relatively small, it's not such a such such a huge feature of life, I think, yeah. Mm,   Michael Hingson ** 21:10 well, I haven't explained to everyone listening that Pat and I met through the RV Book Festival, virtual book festival, which both of us being authors, we spoke at and participated in, gosh, a little over a month ago now. Mm,   Pat Backley ** 21:28 yes, time flies, doesn't it does. It does.   Michael Hingson ** 21:32 And one of the things that I said, as I usually do when I get a chance to meet with people, is we'd love to have you all come on the podcast. And Pat is the second of the three people who were there. And so I'm glad that that that we got to do this. But let's talk about you being an author. So you started being an author. What, just three years ago or four years ago? Yes, yes. What? Yeah. Go ahead. Oh,   22:01 no, sorry, you carry on. Well, so   Michael Hingson ** 22:03 what just caused you to decide that you're going to try to write a book?   Pat Backley ** 22:09 Okay? Well, when I was a little girl, I had a massive list of things I wanted to be when I was growing up, I wanted to be a nurse, a missionary, a writer, a teacher, a ballerina. They were all my that was my list. So when I was about eight, I edited my first magazine. Is I have one limited copy of it. It was a limited, very limited edition. It only lasted one, one time. But so I guess probably I've always had that desire deep inside me, but because of circumstances, and not coming from, you know, a very privileged background, it meant that I didn't have the opportunity. But in the days when we used to write letters, I always love to write long, long letters to all my friends, my family. And when I lived in Fiji for two years, I wrote, there was no other way of communicating with my parents. They had no telephone. So for two years, I wrote them letters and when my when, when they died, and I had to clear out their house, I found this enormous pile of blue Air Mail, letters that I'd written to my parents over a two year period. They'd kept every single one. So I think I'd always loved writing, but it never occurred to me that I would ever have the chance to write a book. And then we get to COVID, and we, here in New Zealand, went into lockdown on the day of my 69th birthday. It was a beautifully sunny day, and I was all alone because Lucy was in England, and I made myself chocolate brownies, stuck a candle in it, sat in the garden and cried because my marriage was over. My daughter was gone. We had COVID. There were, you know, there were lots of things to cry about. And I then spent the next three weeks lying on my sofa watching rubbish on Netflix, eating too much chocolate, drinking too much red wine. And then I thought to myself, Pat, this is ridiculous. This could go on for a few more weeks, because at the time, we thought COVID was going to be quite short lived, didn't we, and I thought, why don't you do something practical? Why don't you write a book? So I just got out some paper and pen and started writing, and stayed up, probably mostly day and night, for two weeks, and then within two weeks, my first book, Daisy was done, and that was that really the rest is history. Since then I have so I published it self. Published it just before my 70th birthday, and in the three years since then, I've written and published eight more. Contributed to five anthologies, written a little Yes, so yeah, written articles for magazines and been interviewed by lovely people like you, and the rest is history. Are you alright? Have I sent you to sleep? Talking?   Michael Hingson ** 24:58 No, I. Well, I'm just listening. I didn't know whether you were done. You know, it's, it's fascinating to to listen to the story and to hear you talk about what, what brought you to it, what made you decide what kind of books to write. I   Pat Backley ** 25:18 don't think I really did decide, um, my daughter for my birth, for the previous Christmas, had sent me a very dry little textbook, which she knew I love, called, I can't think exactly what it's called, something like the history of architecture, of council houses in the UK, something very boring like that. And it was, it was basically a textbook, because I love architecture as well. It was basically a textbook with just a few pictures in so I'd kind of put it on my coffee table, but not but ignored it. You know how you do when there's books? You know, you should, you kind of don't get around to it. So at the beginning of COVID, I picked it up one day, or a couple of days before I started writing, I picked it up, and within five minutes, I was enthralled. I got out post it notes. I'd stuck those all over little bits and written quotes, and I think that was kind of an inspiration. So I expected the book to be more about, have more of a theme of architecture. And in fact, the book doesn't. There is one guy who becomes an architect in it towards the end. But I think that kind of just just pushed something in my head into gear, because I firmly believe Michael. I mean, they always say that everyone has a book inside them, and I, when I do my talks now, I'm often photographed at a very funny stage where I'm going like this, because I'm just saying how somebody's it feels as though somebody's taken off the top of my head, and 70 years worth of words are just flying out. Because I find writing incredibly easy. The first book Daisy wrote itself pretty much, you know, I just kind of had an idea and and I wrote down a few things about possible people, and then they just wrote their own story, really, which I'm, you know, I know, as an author, you will understand that. And I would say, for all my other books, I've had an idea, but they've kind of, they've kind of written themselves, themselves   Michael Hingson ** 27:17 as well. Yeah. Well, you know, you talk about textbooks. I've been an advocate for some time about the concept that people should rewrite textbooks or make textbooks different than they are, and technical manuals, the same way, as you said, they're very boring and and they don't need to be in textbooks could draw people in a lot more than they than they do. For example, my master's degree is in physics, and when you're looking at a physics textbook, there are lots of mathematical equations and so on, and that's fine, but think of how much more interesting the book might be, and think of how much more you might draw the interest of people to the science by including in the book some stories about the the author. Their their, I don't want to necessarily say adventures, but their experience is why they became a physicist, why they do what they do, and bringing some humanity to the textbook, I think would make a significant difference to textbooks in general, but we don't see that, because people just want to get the facts out there.   Pat Backley ** 28:32 I couldn't agree more. I absolutely, totally agree. When I was at school, I hated doing research because it was boring. You had to learn the names of all the kings of England, and King, you know, Henry, the eighth wives, and when their heads got chopped off and all that stuff. And apart from the really scandalous bits, I wasn't really interested. But now I absolutely adore research. I discovered that my first book, Daisy is is a historical fiction, and so I had to do lots of research to make sure it was accurate, because you you know, if you write something in a book and it's not right, people are going to pick holes in it. I mean, they're going to pick holes in your work anyway, so you don't want to give them extra ammunition, right? But I discovered that I absolutely loved doing research. And of course, these days it's so easy because you just click a button on your computer and you can find out what cold scuttles were used in 1871 whereas in my youth, we had to trudge to the library get out all the encyclopedias. And so because of I've discovered that love of research, all my all my novels, are now historical because it's almost it gives me an excuse to go researching and finding out stuff. So it's opened up a whole new world to me, Michael and I just realized now that that expression education is wasted on the young is so true, because now in my seven. Is I am so open to learning new things, whereas in my teens, I was bored to death and just wanted to go home and play.   Michael Hingson ** 30:09 So what was Daisy about? Oh, well,   Pat Backley ** 30:11 Daisy, I'll just, I'll just read you a little bit on the back to give you an idea. Um, Daisy is a gentle family saga spanning almost 100 years, from 1887 to 1974 It is set in Alabama, Harlem and London, and incorporate some of the evils of society, poverty, racism and snobbery, as well as some of the greatest that life has to offer, family, friendship and love and a couple of quotes, being born poor was a scar that never faded, and she had never experienced racial hatred first hand, so had no real idea of how it could erode a person's whole life. So basically, it's just a story of a young woman born in the slums of London and a young man born into an affluent lifestyle on an Alabama plantation in 1871 and how their lives interwove, they never got together, but, you know, or all their extended people did, so it's right, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 31:14 right. Well, the thing about about that kind of a story is, again, it draws you in. I I would would say something slightly different. Being poor is a scar that that never fades. On the other hand, being poor also gave you, or would give Daisy the life that she had, which was, was so I would suspect so very invaluable to her overall life experiences.   Pat Backley ** 31:50 Yes, absolutely yes. And her life changes quite dramatically midway because of the people she meets. Yeah, it's I, it was in, it's interesting, because sometimes I reread it and I just think, Wow, this is quite a good story. And I then I feel bad for thinking that about my own writing, but I've written the second Daisy, which is obviously the follow up. And then I thought, actually I and then I wrote a little travel book and my life story and whatever. And then I thought, Oh, I really miss doing research. Perhaps I could write about my own family, my own ancestors. So I then wrote the ancestors series. I've done three in it, and wrote about my paternal grandparents, my maternal grandparents and my own parents. I've just published that book about them that was glorious, but very emotive, because obviously I knew certain bits about them. But delving back further and further into the family histories, you discover lots of things and very emotional to write, yeah, particularly one about my parents, because your parents are just your mom and dad, aren't they? You kind of don't think of them really, as people in their own right, but when you start writing their life story, you're living life through their shoes and and it, yeah, it made me very emotional. I cried every day writing my parents story, but now I'm really glad I did it, because it's kind of honored, honored their lives, and also it means they'll never die their even their photographs are on the cover. And my daughter said that she cried all the way reading it, and she said, Mom, it was wonderful, because I hardly knew them. You know, they died when she was quite young. Yeah, she's but now I understand, yeah, so because she's had, you know, she's had a reasonably nice upbringing. She hasn't had the upbringing that they had, or even I had. So, yeah, I think I try. I've become a bit I've become a bit of a pain now, because everyone I meet, I say, like last week, I did a talk at the local genealogy society, and I said to them, please write your story down or record it some way. Because once you die, your story dies with you, no one knows your life as well as you do. So, yeah, yeah. But I just love research. So now I'm thinking, oh, what else can I write about and do some research? I write about people. Michael, people are my passion. I love people and and ordinary people. I don't need to write about, you know, worthy things people, right?   Michael Hingson ** 34:24 But the other part about it is that you got, as you write about your parents, I'll bet you got to know them better, too, and it helps you understand the kind of life you had and they had. And I still bet overall, you could talk about wealth and all that, but you wouldn't trade your life for anything because it made you who you are today. Abs,   Pat Backley ** 34:49 you're absolutely right, and yes, you're right. Writing about their stories and all that they went through, it was Yeah. Just made me really, really realize that they were even. Special people than I knew they were. But no, I wouldn't trade anything. I mean, I had a wonderfully happy childhood, if you put aside that silly bit of bully in that, you know, I tend to know for the years. But, yeah, we I, I because I didn't know, really, that I got snippets of there being other kind of lives like, you know, I had rich friends who had lots of clothes, traveling all the time and stuff, but basically, my life was just my little nuclear family. In our little we had a little two bedroom house for six of us, and that was my life. We were very happy. There were very rarely raised voices, and that's why I didn't cope very well in my first marriage, when my husband, my first husband, suddenly showed me that he had a rather violent temper because I didn't know how to handle it, because I had never experienced that before in my whole life. So I in that way, I wasn't prepared. But yeah, I will always be grateful to my parents, because with very little, they gave us all a very happy childhood.   Michael Hingson ** 36:05 Well, so you started writing at the age of 70. Do you wish that you had started writing earlier? Or did you think about that? I   Pat Backley ** 36:17 think about it. I don't really, because I think I had to live through everything I've lived through get to the point now of being able to write in the way I do. And also, yeah, no, I don't really. I mean, the only thing I think is, oh, I hope I don't die before I before I get everything written, I want to write. That's my only thing. But no, I I've learned, Michael, not to regret anything in life, because if you do, the only person it hurts is yourself. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 36:47 because you are who you are, because of your life   Pat Backley ** 36:51 exactly, and you would understand that better than most. I mean, you cope so well with with being blind, which is absolutely remarkable, because most of us, if we suddenly can't see and need to wear a stronger pair of glasses, we just go down, you know, go down into a depressive state. So you're a wonderful beacon of hope. I think for an awful lot of people, of course,   Michael Hingson ** 37:15 the issue, and using that as an example, the issue is that you don't know anything about being blind or blindness, and people generally don't, and they make a lot of assumptions that are not necessarily true, but it is again, the lives that they live, and the reality is there's nothing wrong with being blind. We live in a world where most people are light dependent, that is, they can see. But the reality is, of course, in the perspective I try to oftentimes nowadays, to convey to people, is light dependence is just as much a disability as being light independent or blind, because as soon as the lights go out, you lose power, and if you don't have an immediate light source. You're in a world of hurt. And we really should think of disability as a characteristic that everyone has, except it manifests itself differently for different people. But unfortunately, people aren't ready to do that. And the reasons for bringing up the concept in that way is that I think that because disability is really a characteristic everyone has, it is also a way to help level the playing field. And that's something that is so hard to get people to do, because they really think, well, you're blind, you're not as good as I   Pat Backley ** 38:37 Oh, wow. Very profound. I love talking to you. Michael, this is fascinating stuff. Fascinating. I had, I had a little niece. Sadly, she died when she was 14. She had a dreadful genetic disease called battens, but she went blind for the last couple of years. It broke my heart. It broke my heart, but she seemed to just deal with it somehow. You know, it's, I guess we all get the strengths we need at the times we need them. Do you think   Michael Hingson ** 39:04 I think, I think that's true, or we can if, long as we accept it. But the reality is that, of course, she lost her her eyesight, but if she developed an attitude that I have other things that are available to me, so I'm going to be fine, then she would be fine. Yes,   Pat Backley ** 39:23 yeah, yeah. I mean, sadly, she lost all her faculties. She couldn't talk. She so everything went but, but it was when her eyes went and she was still able to understand, that was the hardest thing. So I remember years ago when I worked in Barclays Bank, when I was quite in my 20s, and we were, I worked in a big branch at the time, and we had a blind telephonist, because in those days, back in the 60s, I think it was kind of what they did. It was when there were all those great big telephonic boards, you know, press all the buttons. And we had a guy called Peter, and he had. His dog was called penny, and our branch was on the corner of this huge, wide road in a place called Kingston, just outside London. And to cross the road, there were like six lanes of traffic, and it was really, really dangerous. And we would come out of work in the afternoon, and we'd all be standing there hesitant to cross the road, and Peter would suddenly just march across the road with Penny, and we'd all be standing there in awe. And one day I crossed with I've got brave, and I crossed over with him, and we got to the other side, and I said, Peter, how can you do that? He said, Oh, well. He said, It's always useful being blind, because traffic feels sorry for you, so they all kind of slow down anyway. He said, But, but. He said, But Penny leads me. He said, she just, she just, she just knows it's fine, so she just the dog just, just takes me over. I was fascinated, but he had just recently married about two years earlier he'd been, he'd been fully sighted till he was 11, and then he and some friends were messing about on the railway lines, and he fell over and bashed his head, and he went blind. So he had been sighted and but now he he was married, he had a little baby, and I said, Oh, Peter, can you actually see your baby, or do you just kind of have to feel the outline? He said, Oh no. He said, I got a tiny, tiny bit of vision. He said, so I can see the shape of the baby. And I just always remember thinking you're so brave. That was, that was what I thought. I just felt he was so brave. Well, just remember   Michael Hingson ** 41:27 the dictionary, you know? Well, just remember the dictionary defines to see is to perceive. It doesn't necessarily need to be with the eyes and and there's so many other senses that give us this a lot of information as well. For me, I don't want my dog to decide when we cross the street in general, unless the dog refuses to go because there's a hybrid car or something coming that I don't hear. But it's my job to know when to go and and I know how to do that, and so I can listen for the traffic flow and and, and go accordingly. And at the same time, if I then tell the dog to go forward and the dog won't go my immediate assumption is there's a reason for that, and and, and usually there is because the dog and I have developed that kind of a relationship where the dog knows it's my job to tell the dog where to go, and it's the dog's job to make sure that we get there safely. It's a very close knit team. It's as close knit of a team as you can imagine, and it's what it's really all about. So the dog and I each do our jobs, and when we do them correctly together, what a wonderful world. It becomes   Pat Backley ** 42:47 fabulous. And it obviously works because you're still standing, you're still here,   Michael Hingson ** 42:54 and my and my dog is over here, breathing very deeply, asleep. Oh, so you you stick with historical fiction. Have you ever thought of writing other kinds of books, like adventures or novels or that are not historic in nature, fantasy or any of those? I   Pat Backley ** 43:17 don't think I've got the right brain set to do fantasy or horror or crime. I, I I'm writing historical because I've discovered a great love for it, but I've also, I also have a great love for travel. So I wrote a little travel book, and I've just done a big trip, so I'm going to write another travel book, because that's another great love I wrote. I wrote my memoirs, which was very satisfying, you know, to write my own story down so it's there forever, if you like. And I also wrote a little book called The abandoned wives handbook, which I didn't want to write. I just kept putting it off. And then one day, I woke up at three in the morning and this voice saying to me, Pat, you have to write this book to help other people. So I just wrote this. I cried all the time. Writing it, as you've probably deduced, I'm a great crier. I think crying is is the best way of getting stress out of your system, out of my system. So I wrote this book. It's just a tiny little book that you can pop into a handbag called the abandoned wives handbook. And I've just made it like a little dictionary. I call it a dictionary of distress, and it's just to I'll just just briefly read you the backseat and understand the pain of abandonment is huge. The partner you loved and cherished for so many years has decided you are no longer required past your sell by date of no use to them anymore, so tossed out like a piece of garbage, abandoned with barely a backward glance, in an attempt to keep this a gentle, light hearted read, each chapter is divided into letters of the alphabet, rather like a dictionary of distress, something you can dip into at any time. I am not an expert, merely someone who has survived one of life's great traumas and has come through. Is a stronger, more resilient person, so I didn't want to write it. I hated doing it. I've, I published it, and it's, ironically, one of my best selling books people buy   Michael Hingson ** 45:13 all the time. Do you publish your own books, or do you have a publisher? I   Pat Backley ** 45:17 have, I have done till this point, Michael, but simply because I'm feeling I'm too old to hang around waiting to get noticed. But I have just written, I have just finished another book, which I I just feel might be slightly more commercial, so I may try seeing if I can get an agent for that. But I will probably only try one or two, and then if they say no, I'll just give up and self publish. The only thing against self publishing for me now is that it because I want to do it properly. You know, I pay an editor, I pay a cover designer, I pay a formatter. It becomes quite expensive to pay people. So that's my that's my only downside. But I do like to be totally in control. You know, I can choose my own covers. I can choose when it's published. I can choose what the content is. And if you go with a traditional publisher, you often lose the ability to have the same control   Michael Hingson ** 46:11 well, or you you negotiate, but, but, yeah, I understand what you're saying. I also have to say I understand fully this whole concept of abandonment. When my seventh guide dog Africa retired, and she retired because she wasn't seeing well and she was slowing down, so I knew it was time to get a new guide dog. So it was February 9 of 2018, and we lived here, and her puppy raiser, the people who raised her, they call them, I think, in New Zealand, puppy walkers, but they live about 140 miles south, or about 120 miles in a town called Carlsbad. And they came and I, and I said that they could have Africa, and the only reason I gave her up was because we already had my wife's service dog and a cat, and I was going to get another dog, and Karen wasn't really going to be able to handle taking care of two dogs and a cat when I traveled to speak, so we agreed that Africa could go live with the bill And Peggy, and they came and picked her up, and she walked out the door without a backward glance. I was abandoned.   47:26 Oh, that's awful,   Michael Hingson ** 47:28 yeah. Well, we actually, we went. We went down and visited her several times. She was just excited. No, she's, she was a great dog. And, yes, yeah, you know. And they got to have her for two years before she passed. But she was, she was a good dog and and she had a good life. And I can't complain a bit, but it's fun to tease about how obviously we have abandoning issues here. Yes, yeah.   Pat Backley ** 47:53 And I think that's the secret in life, Michael, to always find something to be happy about and smile about, because life can be very tough, can't it? I mean, you know, it's, yeah, life is tough. And so I think if we don't find, try and seek a little joy, we might as well all give up, you know, yeah, yeah. And   Michael Hingson ** 48:14 there's no need to do that. I mean, God put us on this earth to live an adventure. And life is an adventure,   48:21 absolutely,   Michael Hingson ** 48:22 no matter what we do. Yes,   48:25 absolutely. Well, how do you   Michael Hingson ** 48:26 develop your characters? I mean, you're writing historical fiction, so you're you're using history and and periods of time as the the setting for your books, but you're creating your own characters primarily, I gather,   Pat Backley ** 48:39 yes, yes. To be honest, in my head, when I start writing, I almost have an exact picture of my characters. I know exactly what they look like. I mean, if I was to, if I was to suddenly get a film offer, I could easily say how these people should look, because I they're real for for example, a few months after I oh no, maybe a year or so after I published Daisy, I was talking to my daughter one day, and I just said, Oh, do you remember when Theo did whatever? And she looked me straight in the eye, and she said, Mum, I don't know your characters as well as you do. And I just, we both burst out laughing, because to me, they're real people. You know, I I can picture them. I know exactly what they look like. And I think even when I start a new book in my head, I already know what my characters look like. They may not as the plot goes on, behave in the way I want them to, but I know how I know who they are. I know how they how they look. Yeah, they're going   Michael Hingson ** 49:43 to write the book and they're going to tell you what you need to do. Yeah, totally. But you use, but you use, I assume, real places in your books. I always   Pat Backley ** 49:51 use real places, always Yeah, and always places I know, because I think you can write more authentically then, like in days. I wrote about Harlem and Alabama and New York and London, or not New York in that one, but London and because I know all those places, I've been there and you know, they're, they're familiar to me, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 50:13 yeah. So you, you, you let them do what they do, and out comes the book.   Pat Backley ** 50:21 Absolutely, that's right, yes, yeah, have you   Michael Hingson ** 50:25 written any yet in New Zealand?   Pat Backley ** 50:29 You mean, based in New Zealand? The funny thing is, Michael, being an immigrant is and I have spoken to lots of other immigrants about this. In fact, I co authored a book in lockdown called the warrior women project, a sisterhood of immigrant women, which is based in the States. And all the other women are are living in the States, except me, and I caught up with them when I came over to the states. Couple of months ago, we had a reunion, met for the first time, which was wonderful, but we all said, once you are an immigrant, you never truly belong anywhere. You know, when I go, I always feel a little bit of an outsider here. I've been here 14 years now, and that's nobody's that's nothing anybody does. That's just my feeling deep inside. I go back to England, and I feel like an outsider. I used to live in Fiji when I was in my 20s, and then I had a house there. Until my divorce, I go back there, and I've got a lot of extended friend family there, I go back there, and I always feel like an a bit of an outsider. So I think that's the price you pay for wanting a life less ordinary. You know, you somehow become like a little bit of a floating person. And I don't to answer your question, I don't really feel qualified to write about New Zealand. Obviously, I talk about it in my travel book and I talk about different places, but to base the whole story here, I don't feel qualified. There are enough fabulous New Zealand authors who are doing that already, who've been born here, who understand the country, who, you know, who, yeah, they're   Michael Hingson ** 52:07 just at the same time you wrote Daisy, which took place in part in Alabama. How much time did you spend, you know? So it may be, it may be something in the future where a character will pop out and say, I want to be in New Zealand, but that's something to look at.   Pat Backley ** 52:23 Yes, I love it when somebody like you calls me out on my own, my own things, because you're absolutely right. I That's That was a silly argument to say. I don't know it enough. So thank you for that. You've made me rethink. That's good.   Michael Hingson ** 52:37 Well, so I gather that when you're writing, you think you have the plot planned out, or you you try to have the plot planned out, but it doesn't necessarily go the way you plan it. Does it?   Pat Backley ** 52:49 No, not at all. I mean, I know roughly what I want to say. I think what I'm definitely, definitely know what I want to do is get certain little messages across. And that doesn't matter what my characters do, because I can weave that in, like in Daisy. I wanted to get across that slavery was dreadful, and racism is dreadful, and the way black people were treated when they went to England in the 1950s was dreadful. So I managed to we, and that's and that's snobbishness and stuff is dreadful. So I managed to always weave those kind of themes into my books. And apparently, it has been said by reviewers that I do it so well that people it just makes people think about what that how they think how Yeah, so, so those main themes, if you like, I managed to weave into my stories, regardless of how badly my characters behave.   Michael Hingson ** 53:45 So when you're writing, are you pretty disciplined? Do you have certain times that you write, or do you just sit down and write till you're ready to stop for the day? Or what I   Pat Backley ** 53:56 am very non disciplined, undisciplined, whatever the term is supposed to be. I have great intentions. I think, right, I'm going to spend tomorrow writing. I'll be at my desk by eight o'clock, and I'll sit little five. And then at nine o'clock, I get up to go make a cup of coffee. And at 10 o'clock, 11 o'clock, 12 o'clock, I'm out weeding the garden, and then I might come back in and do a little bit, and then I go off and do something else. So I am dreadfully undisciplined, but I work really well to deadlines. Just before I went away on my big trip in September, I was part way through a book, probably a third way through writing a new book, and I woke up one day and I thought, right, I'm going to get that book finished before I go. I had three weeks left. In that three weeks, I had masses of appointments. I had to sort out my wardrobe, which, as a woman, is a huge problem, one that you've probably never had, but you know, you have to decide what goes with what and how many dresses you should take, and it's a huge issue for a lot of women. So I had a lot of jobs to do in that three. Weeks instead of which, I decided to set myself as self imposed time to get the book finished. Crazy. Just, I mean, why? Why? Why crazy?   Michael Hingson ** 55:09 And did you the day   Pat Backley ** 55:11 before? There you are. I was so proud of myself because I just that was it. I decided I and what I did to make myself accountable, I actually put a post on Facebook and Instagram saying, why, and all these little yellow post it notes, and I'd written on their pack suitcase, Do this, do this, do this. And so I just said to everyone that I'd given myself this self pointed deadline so I had made myself publicly accountable. If I hadn't done that, I probably wouldn't have finished it, but I find, for me, that's the best way of disciplining myself is to have a deadline with everything in life, really, yeah. But the   Michael Hingson ** 55:49 other part about it is, even when you're as you would put it, being undisciplined, your brain is still working on the book, and the characters are are mulling things over, so it does pop out. Oh, totally,   Pat Backley ** 56:00 totally. And I end up with lots of little scrappy notes all over the house, you know, where I've just grabbed a piece of paper and written down something. And then, of course, I have to gather them all together. And when I was in the States recently, I spent two months, and I've got scrap I was doing a lot of research, and I've got scrappy notes everywhere. So I've now got to try and pull those all together while my brain still remembers what they were meant to be, you know, like lady in red dress in New Orleans. Well, what does that really mean? So, right? I'm, I'm my own worst enemy in many ways, but,   Michael Hingson ** 56:37 but she thought, and so you went through it exactly, exactly, yeah, that's okay. Where did you travel in September?   Pat Backley ** 56:45 I went to Atlanta first to meet up with these warrior women, which was truly fabulous. Then I went to New Orleans, and my friend who lives in Alabama, picked me up, and we went to New Orleans, and then we drove back to Alabama. She lives in Huntsville. So I was there for a week and was doing lots of research, because Daisy is partly based right and then we then she drove me back to Nashville, and I flew to New York, where I was meeting some friends from New Zealand who lived there six months of the year. So I spent six days there and went to Harlem for more research and stuff like that, and then flew to Canada, to Toronto, where two friends, a lady I'd met when we had our daughters together, and her daughter, they now live in France. They flew from France, met me in Toronto, we hired the biggest SUV I've ever seen in my life, and we drove across Canada for three weeks, which was such fun, such fun. And then I came home. So I've got millions of scrappy notes that I need to pull together to write a travel book and to use as inspiration for my novels.   Michael Hingson ** 58:01 So you so you're going to write another travel book? I   58:05 am going to write another travel book. Yeah, yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 58:09 And the the abandoned wives handbook, that's kind of a self help book. That's a self help book, yes, yeah. Just you think you'll write another one of   Pat Backley ** 58:17 those? No, no, I'm done with that one's enough of those, huh? Yeah, that's right. I'm not an expert, Michael and the I just, I just, but the funny thing is, when I do talks, I always talk about all my books. And a few weeks ago, I was talking at this very smart meeting of ex business people, both ladies and gentlemen, and they were all over 60. Um, so quite a conservative audience. And at the end, or towards the end, I just mentioned this abandoned Wise Book, I tend to skim over it. I don't really, I don't really talk about it too much unless the audience is particularly relevant. But I just said to them, oh, and this is my little book. And someone said, Oh, could you read us an excerpt from it? So I said, Okay, I'll just open the book at random. And I opened the book and the title, what you won't be able to see here, the title of that chapter was K for kill. And I thought, no, no, I don't want to read about kill front of this audience. So I just made a joke of it and and I'll just read it to you, because it will make you laugh, as I have said previously under Section indecisive. You may, in your darkest moments, think about hurting him. This is not really a great idea, as you would undoubtedly be caught and end up in prison. Yeah, you so, you know, I and then I went on a bit more, but, you know, it's some yeah and no, I'm done with that book. I've, I've done my bit for humanity with that. It seems to be helping a lot of people. So that's that's enough.   Michael Hingson ** 59:45 Yeah, I would never make a good criminal, because I know I'd be caught and and I don't know how to keep from getting caught, and frankly, don't care about trying to get worry about getting caught or not getting caught. It's easier just not to be a criminal. So it works out fine. So. Yes,   1:00:00 exactly. Yeah, me too. Me too. So much   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:02 easier. So much easier. Absolutely, absolutely yes. Well, if people want to reach out to you and maybe learn a little bit more about you or meet you, how do they do that? Okay,   Pat Backley ** 1:00:12 well, my website is just patch back league com, so it's very easy. Um, I'm Can you spell that please? Yes, yes, of course, P, A, T, B, A, C, K, L, E, y.com.com, yeah, and I'm on all the channels, as you know, Facebook and Instagram and x and LinkedIn and stuff as Pat Backley author or pat Backley books. And my books are all available from Amazon, all the online retailers, Barnes and Noble stuff like that, as ebooks or paperbacks, or if someone desperately wanted a signed copy, I'm very happy to send them a signed copy, and you can get them from you can request them from libraries.   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:59 Have you? Have you thought about making any of them an audio format?   Pat Backley ** 1:01:05 I have someone's. A few people have suggested that this year, when I've been doing talks, they've come up to me afterwards, and yes, I think I'm going to, as long as it's not too costly, because at the moment, my budget is extremely limited, but I'm going to do them myself, because everyone feels that my books will be come come across better in my own voice so well,   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:25 and you read well. So I think that makes a lot of sense to consider.   Pat Backley ** 1:01:29 Thank you, Michael, that's very kind of you. Well, Pat,   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:33 this has been fun, and I've enjoyed it. I've learned a lot of things as well, and I'm and I'm glad that we've had this chance. We need to do it again. When are you going to start a podcast?   Pat Backley ** 1:01:47 Well, funny, you should say that I've decided I'm going to I'm going to just dip my toes in very gently. I'm going to start it in the new year, and I'm going to call it and this makes everyone who knows me laugh. I'm going to call it just 10 minutes with Pat Backley. And everyone has said, Oh, don't be ridiculous. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:05 I agree, 10   Pat Backley ** 1:02:06 minutes, but I thought it's a way of just gently edging in. And then if people enjoy listening to me, they might want to listen for longer after a while. But I thought initially, just 10 minutes, little snippets, if they like what they hear, they might come back.   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:21 They'll come back. Oh, I don't think there would be a problem. Well, if you, if you ever need a guest to come and spend at least 10 minutes, just let me know. I   Pat Backley ** 1:02:30 certainly shall. I have absolutely loved talking to you. Michael, thank you so much for inviting me as well. This is a very joyful morning. I've really loved it. Thank you. Well,   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:39 this has been fun, and I want to thank all of you for listening. I hope you've enjoyed it and reach out to Pat. I'm sure she would love to communicate with you, and maybe in some way, you'll end up in a book, which is always a nice, good thing to think about as well. I'd love to hear what you think about our podcast today. So please feel free to email me. Michael, h, i, m, I, C H, A, E, L, H i at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, I b, e.com, or go to our podcast page, which is at w, w, w, dot Michael hingson.com/podcast, and Michael hingson is spelled M, I, C, H, A, E, L, H, I N, G, S O n.com/podcast, wherever You're listening. We would really appreciate it if you would give us a five star rating. And we we value that. We value your thoughts and input. Pat for you and all of you listening. If you know an

  GB2RS News Sunday, the 27th of April 2025   The news headlines: RSGB delegates attend special IARU Region 1 Interim Meeting in Paris Join the RSGB in celebrating World Morse Day Be part of the RSGB's team at the Youngsters on the Air summer camp The RSGB is participating in the International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 Interim Meeting in Paris this weekend. The event is of particular historical significance as it coincides with the centenary of the founding of the IARU in 1925, as well as the 75th anniversary of the establishment of IARU Region 1 in 1950. The French host society, REF, is also marking its 100th anniversary. This year's meeting in Paris reflects a broader scope than in previous years and, for the first time, includes ‘Youth Matters' on the agenda. It also covers the usual focus areas of HF, VHF, UHF and Microwave, as well as Electromagnetic Compatibility. The RSGB has been a key contributor to the meeting, submitting papers that include future options for the 23cm band and the harmonisation and protection of HF bands. Three delegates from the RSGB are attending the meeting in person, including the newly appointed RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX. There will be eight other RSGB representatives attending remotely. The meeting serves as both a celebration of amateur radio's rich heritage and a forward-looking forum to address the challenges and opportunities facing the global amateur radio community. You can view meeting documents at conf.iaru-r1.org  In celebration of the centenary of the IARU the RSGB has created a web page to share information about its part in the celebrations. This includes a link to an RSGB archive video from the IARU meeting in Paris in 1950, as well as the RSGB's July 1925 T & R Bulletin that contains an announcement detailing the formation of the IARU. Go to rsgb.org/iaru-centenary for further details. Today, Sunday the 27th of April, is World Morse Day. The day honours the birthday of the inventor of Morse code, Samuel Morse, who was born on this day in 1791. To celebrate the occasion, the RSGB has released a video with a question in Morse code for you to answer. Once you have used your Morse skills to decipher the question, get involved by leaving your answer in the comments section under the post. You can view the video on the RSGB YouTube channel via youtube.com/theRSGB or search for @theRSGB on Facebook or X. The deadline to apply to be the Team Leader for this year's Youngsters On The Air Summer Camp is Friday, the 2nd of May. This year's camp takes place between the 18th and 25th of August near Paris and is a chance of a lifetime for young RSGB members to represent their country and their national society. If you are an RSGB member, aged between 21 and 30, and are able to motivate a team of young people, then the RSGB would love to hear from you. Download an application form and apply for this exciting opportunity by going to rsgb.org/yota-camp.  Applications to be a Team Member will remain open until the 16th of May. The RSGB Exams Quality Manager would like to remind everyone that clubs can still run exams if they are a Registered Exam Centre. Exams will be conducted online unless a candidate has a special requirement for a paper exam. The introduction of remote invigilation to allow people to take an amateur radio licence exam in their home does not affect this. If clubs have any queries about delivering exams, they should contact the   RSGB Examinations Quality Manager, Dave Wilson, M0OBW, via eqam@rsgb.org.uk. If anyone has special requirements for an exam, they should contact the RSGB exams team via exams@rsgb.org.uk As part of the IARU centenary celebrations, the RSGB has been activating callsign GB0IARU throughout April. On Wednesday, the 30th of April, the RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX, will be activating GB0IARU from 2 pm on 40m SSB, and then from 5 pm on 80m SSB. Frequencies will be spotted on the day, and times may vary to suit propagation. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Dartmoor Radio Rally is taking place on Monday, the 5th of May at the Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. Free parking is available. There will be the usual Bring and Buy as well as trader stands and refreshments. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. For further details, please call Roger on 07854 088882 or email him via 2e0rph@gmail.com RetrotechUK is taking place on Sunday, the 11th of May at Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. The annual event is organised by the British Vintage Wireless Society and will include nearly 200 stalls of dealers, clubs and private sellers. Doors open at 10.30 am and entry is £10. Early doors entry is available from 9 am for £25. Full details are available from Greg Hewitt via info@retrotechuk.com or by going to retrotechuk.com Now the Special Event news The Spanish national society, URE, is on the air to mark the 100th anniversary of the IARU. Members are active on 160m to 6m until the 30th of April with ten different special event stations, including AO100IARU. Special awards will be available, as well as medals for the top participants from each continent who achieve the highest number of contacts with the stations on different bands and modes. Go to ure.es  for further details. The Amateur Radio Society of Moldova is operating special event station ER100IARU until Wednesday, the 30th of April, in honour of the IARU centenary. Full details can be found via qrz.com The Kuwait Amateur Radio Society is pleased to announce its participation in the IARU centennial celebrations. Members of the Society will be operating special event station 9K100IARU until Wednesday, the 30th of April. Now the DX news Dom, 3D2USU is active again as 3D2AJT from Nadi in the Fiji Islands until the end of April. The call sign is in memory of JH1AJT, now a Silent Key. QSL via Club Log's OQRS and Logbook of The World. Yuris, YL2GM plans to operate as ZS8W from Prince Edward and Marion Island, IOTA reference AF-021, until Friday, the 16th of May. Yuris will be on Marion Island as a radio engineer and member of the SANAP station communication equipment maintenance team, and he hopes to find good periods of time to be operational. For further details, go to lral.lv/zs8w   Now the contest news The UK and Ireland DX CW Contest started at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 26th of April and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunda,y the 27th of April. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and Ireland stations also send their district code. The SP DX RTTY Contest started at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 26th of April, and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunday, the 27th of April. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. SP stations also send their province code. On Monday, the 28th of April, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint 75 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using 75 baud RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number. Also on Monday, the 28th of April, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Wednesday, the 30th of April, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Thursday, the 1st of May, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and the four-character locator. Also on Thursday, the 1st of May, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and the four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Saturday, the 3rd of May, the 432MHz to 245GHz Contest starts at 1400 UTC and ends at 1400 UTC on Sunday, the 4th of May. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The UK Six Metre Group's Summer Marathon starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 3rd of May and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 3rd of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. The ARI International DX Contest starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 3rd of May and ends at 1159 UTC on Sunday, the 4th of May. Using CW, RTTY and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Italian stations also send their province. The Worked All Britain 7MHz contest will take place on Sunday, the 4th of May, from 1000 to 1400 UTC. All entries need to be with the contest manager by the 14th of May. Please note that all Worked All Britain contests use SSB only. Full details of the contest rules can be found on the Worked All Britain website.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 24th of April 2025 We had yet another week of unsettled geomagnetic conditions. The Kp index peaked at 5.33 on the 21st of April as the solar wind speed hit just above 600 kilometres per second, and active geomagnetic conditions were observed. This was caused by a massive coronal hole on the Sun's surface, which measures nearly 700,000km in length. At the time of writing, part of it is still Earth-facing, but the Bz or interplanetary magnetic field is facing North, so its negative effects are not being felt. The Kp index was down to 3.67 on the morning of Thursday, the 24th of April, but it wouldn't take much for the Bz to swing southwards and for the Kp index to rise again. Meanwhile, the solar flux index has risen from a recent low of 148 up to 168. This has meant MUFs over a 3,000km path have reached 25 MHz at times, but have usually been slightly lower. If the Kp index can stay low, there is a good chance of higher MUFs being attainable, but we have probably seen the best of 10m propagation until the autumn. Much of the recent DX has been worked on slightly lower frequencies, such as VP2VI British Virgin Islands on 40 and 20m, C5R The Gambia on 20 and 12m, and HD8G Galapagos Islands on 20, 17, and 12m. There is still the chance of DX on 10m, but it may be fleeting. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will stay high, perhaps reaching 170 to 175. We may get a slight respite from unsettled geomagnetic conditions from the 26th to the 30th of April, when the Kp index is forecast to be around two to three. However, unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the beginning of next month, with Kp indices of five or six on the 1st and 2nd of May. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO Next week, high pressure should dominate, meaning a chance of Tropo for much of the time which will probably favour paths to the east, to Scandinavia or northern Europe.  Rain scatter won't have featured much other than over northwest Britain in recent days, and meteor scatter is reducing back to random activity, which tends to be better in the early hours before dawn. The solar conditions have continued to keep the Kp index up, and there was a fine auroral opening last week on the 16th of April, so for more aurora, it's still worth checking for when Kp values nudge above five. As the end of April moves into May, we can start to give serious thought to the coming Sporadic-E season. Hesitant beginnings often show up on 10m and 6m, and, as usual, the digital modes will be best for any weak events. CW and SSB are just possible in the stronger openings, especially on 10m.  The background rule is that there are usually two preferred activity periods, one in the morning and a second in late afternoon and early evening. However, at the start of the season, there can be a lot of spread in the timings. EME path losses are at their lowest with perigee today, Sunday the 27th, and the Moon declination is positive and rising. Moon windows will lengthen along with peak elevation, and 144MHz sky noise starts the week low but increases to moderate as the week progresses. From late Sunday to early Monday, the Sun and Moon are close. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 20th of April 2025   The news headlines: Take advantage of new RSGB membership benefits for 2025! The RSGB Board has announced Directors' liaison roles The RSGB has released a 1925 bulletin containing the original announcement of the formation of the IARU As a new benefit, the Society has teamed up with several museums to offer RSGB members discounted entry for 2025. Members can receive between 20% and 50% off admission fees at Amberley Museum, Bawdsey Radar Museum, Internal Fire Museum of Power, PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications and The National Museum of Computing. So, whether you're into engines, radar, transport, computers or communications there's sure to be something for you. To find out more, visit rsgb.org/partner-museums Following the RSGB 2025 AGM on Saturday the 12th of April, a brief Board meeting was held. The Board elected Stewart Bryant, G3YSX to continue in the role of Board Chair and Peter Bowyer, G4MJS to continue as Vice Chair. Both will remain in these roles until the 2026 AGM. The Board liaison roles with RSGB committees, Honorary Officers and areas of RSGB strategy have also been agreed. To find out more or to see contact details for each Board Director, go to rsgb.org/board World Amateur Radio Day was on Friday the 18th of April. It was also on that day in 1925 that the International Amateur Radio Union was formed in Paris. In celebration of this, the RSGB has shared a T & R Bulletin from 1925 that details the original announcement about the IARU's formation. This unique document has been made publicly available for all radio amateurs to be able to enjoy. To start reading, simply go to rsgb.org/radcom then click on the image to enter the web app and select the ‘RadCom Sample' option in the header. The RSGB website has a wealth of information available to you, and the search function is a useful tool to find what you are looking for. However, to make things as straightforward as possible, the Society has updated the contacts page on its website. If you need to get in touch about something specific, you'll be able to find the correct contact details at a glance. Each Headquarters department is listed with the range of services they offer. For example, you'll see that the Sales Team can also help with club insurance, Membership Services will help with any issues logging into its online membership portal, and that GB2RS news items should be sent to the RadCom Team. Whatever your query, the Team is there to help. If you need more local help, please contact your Regional Team representatives. Head over to rsgb.org/contact  to find out how to get in touch. Professor Gwyn Griffiths, G3ZIL is a well-known member of the RSGB Propagation Studies Committee, as well as someone involved with Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation, also known as HamSCI. In celebration of Citizen Science Month during April, the RSGB has shared Gwyn's HamSCI presentation from the RSGB 2024 Convention on its YouTube channel. In the talk, Gwyn outlines the organisation's activities, particularly during the 2023 and 2024 eclipses. Go to youtube.com/theRSGB  to watch the talk now. If you'd like to find out more, join the RSGB for May's Tonight@8 webinar when HamSCI lead Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF presents ‘Space weather we can do together'. Both Gwyn and Nathaniel recently won awards in the RSGB 2025 AGM Trophy Presentation. You can also get involved with HamSCI's preparations for a series of meteor scatter experiments in August and December. You can find further details via hamsci.org/msqp Have you ever wondered about the origins of the smart doorbell? Although a modern phenomenon, it has a history dating back over 100 years. During the latest series of The Secret Genius of Modern Life, Hannah Fry explores its early origins with a device created by Leon Theremin. During the episode radio amateur Neil, G4DBN, re-creates Leon's device. The episode will air on BBC2 at 20.00 on Wednesday the 23rd of April. Many of you will know Neil from Season One, Episode One of the series when he re-created the Great Seal Bug. Both episodes are available to watch now via BBC iPlayer. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Cambridge Repeater Group Rally is taking place on Sunday the 27th of April at Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge, CB22 6RN. Doors open at 7.30am for traders and 9.30am to the general public. The entrance fee is £4. The event will include a car-boot sale, trade stands, a bring-and-buy area, catering, disabled facilities, an RSGB Bookstall and a free, marshalled car park. A cash and card burger van will open at 8am. The venue rules state strictly no dogs except assistance dogs on the field. Go to cambridgerepeaters.net for further details and bookings. The Dartmoor Radio Rally is taking place on Monday the 5th of May at the Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. Free parking is available. There will be the usual bring and buy, trader stands and refreshments. Doors open at 10am and admission is £3. For further details, please contact Roger by phone on 07854 088882, or email 2e0rph@gmail.com Now the Special Event news The Spanish national society, URE, is on the air to mark the 100th anniversary of the IARU. Members are active on 160m to 6m until the 30th of April with ten different special event stations, including AO100IARU. Special awards will be available, as well as medals for the top participants from each continent who achieve the highest number of contacts with the stations on different bands and modes. Go to ure.es for further details. The Portuguese national society, REP, is also activating a number of special callsigns as part of celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the IARU. This includes CR1IARU from the Azores, CR3IARU from Madeira and CR5IARU from mainland Portugal. Members will be active on multiple bands and modes. Look out for activity until the 24th of April. Full details can be found via tinyurl.com/CR1IARU The Amateur Radio Society of Moldova is operating special event station ER100IARU until Wednesday the 30th of April in honour of the IARU Centenary. Full details can be found via qrz.com The Kuwait Amateur Radio Society is pleased to announce its participation in the IARU centennial celebrations. Members of the Society will be operating special event station 9K100IARU until Wednesday the 30th of April. Ten teams of radio amateurs from around the world are commemorating 80 years since Operation Manna and Operation Chowhound. The two operations were humanitarian food drops that helped to relieve the famine in the Netherlands behind Nazi lines late in World War Two. The teams will be active between the 25th and 27th of April on HF, VHF and the DMR Brandmeister Talk Groups unique to this event. A number of the teams are also welcoming visitors and arranging activities at their locations. To find details of Talk Groups for this event, the teams involved, as well as how to collect a commemorative award, go to manna80.radio Now the DX news Aldir, PY1SAD is active again from Georgetown in Guyana as 8R1TM until the 26th of April. Aldir will be operating on all bands using CW, SSB, digital and satellite. QSL via eQSL and Logbook of The World. Arno, DK1HV is active from Greenland as OX/DK1VK until Sunday the 27th of April. He'll be QRV on 160m to 10m mainly SSB using wire antennas and 100W radio. QSL available via his home callsign. Dom, 3D2USU is active again as 3D2AJT from Nadi in the Fiji Islands until the end of April. The call sign is in memory of JH1AJT, now Silent Key. QSL via Club Log's OQRS and Logbook of The World. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 22nd of April, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 24th of April, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The UK and Ireland DX CW Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 26th of April and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 27th of April. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and Ireland stations also send their district code. The SP DX RTTY Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 26th of April and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 27th of April. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. SP stations also send their province code.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 17th of April 2025 Last week was characterised by increased Kp index numbers and severe geomagnetic storms, peaking at G4. These drove down maximum usable frequencies and disrupted DX contacts, especially on the higher HF bands. The solar wind speed increased from 380 kilometres per second to around 500 kilometres per second on the 15th and an increase in plasma density was noted as well. Subsequently, the Kp index peaked at 7.67 on Wednesday the 16th, causing visible aurora alerts in the UK. This was caused by a pair of CMEs that left the Sun on Sunday the 13th of April. We had a total of 22 M-class solar flares over four days, so a CME event was inevitable. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are a feature on the declining side of a solar cycle, so we could unfortunately be in for many more. According to Propquest, MUFs over a 3,000km path fell to below 18MHz for long periods on Wednesday the 16th, before climbing to around 21MHz at the end of the day. Meanwhile, the solar flux index fell from a high of 170 on Friday the 11th of April to a low of 148 on Wednesday the 16th of April. Next week, NOAA predicts that the SFI will start the week around 145 but could increase to 165 as the week progresses. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the 22nd to the 24th of April, with a predicted maximum Kp index of four. As always, keep an eye on solarham.com for daily updates, but more importantly, get on the bands, which are a much more effective guide to HF propagation! And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The current period of unsettled weather looks likely to continue into the coming week. This does not mean rain every day, but periods of rain or showers with some intervening drier spells. These drier interludes are not really dominated by high pressure, just gaps between the wetter periods, so it's unlikely to produce much significant Tropo. In terms of propagation, there may be some rain scatter, although it won't be very reliable. However, the prospects for meteor scatter are more promising with the peak of the Lyrids due on Tuesday the 22nd of April. It is worth checking up on procedures for meteor scatter working if you've not done it before and you may find a new part of the hobby to add to your operating schedule. The prospects for aurora continue to be raised by what seems like an almost daily supply of aurora alerts. Continue to monitor the Kp index for signs of elevated values, where Kp is above five, for radio activity. Early signs such as fluttery signals on the LF and HF bands may suggest it's worth looking on the VHF bands for auroral activity. As we move towards the new season it is good to get into the habit of looking for Sporadic-E. The Propquest website www.propquest.co.uk shows several useful components for analysing the Es prospects. If you look at the position of the jet streams shown on the Es blog tab, these can produce favourable conditions geographically to give a hint of the right direction in which to listen. The opening season typically favours 10m or 6m. EME path losses are now decreasing towards perigee on Sunday the 27th of April. Last Friday, the 18th of April, saw minimum Moon declination, so Moon windows will lengthen along with peak elevation. 144MHz sky noise starts this week very high but decreases to low as the week progresses. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

Bhaktimarga Swami, born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, is also known as The Walking Monk for having trekked four times across Canada. Keeping with the spirit of pilgrimage, he also crossed the USA, Israel, Ireland, Guyana, Trinidad, Mauritius, and the Fiji Islands. Documentation of his Canadian walks is found in two films: The Longest Road, by the National Film Board of Canada, and Walking: The Lessons of the Road, by Michael Oesch. The Walking Monk's pilgrimages have also been covered by numerous international newspaper, radio, and television outlets. As a youth, Swami was a student of fine arts, but took to the life of a monk at age 20 in 1973. Although pursuing monastic ways, he maintains artistic expression through morality theatre which takes him around the globe as a playwright and director – an opportunity to work with talented youth in various communities. He has also published two books, The Saffron Path: Trekking the Globe with the Walking Monk, detailing his marathon walking adventures, and Poems .1, which explores spiritual, social, and walking culture. Bhaktimarga Swami is also an instructor of Bhakti yoga, a leader of musical mantra meditation called Kirtan, and a speaker on the science of the self based on the ancient teachings of the Gita. Title of Session: Spiritual Pilgrimage: Tales from Trails This event is hosted by ✨ Happy Jack Yoga University ✨ www.happyjackyoga.com ➡️ Facebook: /happyjackyoga ➡️ Instagram: @happyjackyoga Bhakti Yoga Conference at Harvard Divinity School Experience a one-of-a-kind online opportunity with 40+ renowned scholars, monks, yogis, and thought leaders! REGISTER FOR FREE: www.happyjackyoga.com/bhakti-... This conference is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the wisdom of sincere practitioners as they address the questions and challenges faced by us all. Expect thought-provoking discussions, actionable insights, and a deeper understanding of cultivating Grace in an Age of Distraction and incorporating Bhakti Yoga into your daily life.

Last time we spoke about the operations HA-GO, U-GO and the continued drive against Shaggy ridge. Lt General Mutaguchi Renya sought to invade India and was continuously scheming to drag the rest of the IJA on this rather insane endeavor. Yet the allies also tossed their own operations in the Burma theater greatly disrupting the Japanese planners and achieving numerous objectives. Over in New Guinea, Vasey launched an offensive against the Kankeiri saddle, designated operation cutthroat. Meanwhile General Nakano 's men were in a dire situation with the allied seizure of Sio and Saidor. Multiple Japanese units found themselves all doing the same thing, retreating further north. It seemed no matter what defensive lines they established, the allies kept their advance over land and periodically amphibious assaults their flanks and rear. The formidable defenses region of Shaggy ridge was not going to hold up against the allied advance much longer.  This episode is The Fall of Shaggy Ridge Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  The Australian advance overland and Saidor operation had paid great dividends over and above the establishment of forward military base construction. The allies had formed a giant wedge between a significant residue of the Japanese fleeing the Finschhafen area. General Adachi commanding the 18th area army was facing a nightmare. Prior to the American landing, he had visited the 51st division HQ at Kiari and then traveled overland to the 20th Division over at Sio. He was fully aware of the hardships facing both forces. Meanwhile news of the Saidor landings hit Rabaul creating a massive debate. Senior officers sought to bring over all available troops to try and retake the town. Others sought to save as many troops as possible for a defense of Wewak, considering it the next main allies target. General Imamura favored bypassing Saidor altogether and withdrawing over inland trails. Thus Adachi appointed General Nakano to take charge of the withdrawal to Madang, and ordered 8 other companies to cross the Ramu valley to Bogadjim to harass the Americans at Saidor. These were purely defensive maneuvers. The Japanese also faced the daunting task of how to evacuate large numbers of troops from the 20th and 51st divisions from the impending allied trap. Nakano took the lead getting the 20th to retreat up the coast while the 51st worked their war over the inland trails. Nakano would soon be forced to abandon the plans and ordered both to pull into the interior to retreat towards Madang, nearly 200 miles away. This would mean the exhausted, starving and sick Japanese had to battle through the jungles, ridges, rivers and other horrors of the Finisterre range.  Meanwhile Saidor was easily secured by the 32nd division, the Australian 7th division advanced through the Ramu Valley and came face to face with Shaggy Ridge. Shaggy ridge had been transformed into a heavy fortified position with numerous nasty features such as the Kankeiri saddle, Pimple, Intermediate snipers pimple, Green snipers pimple, Prothero 1 and 2 and so forth. During the first weeks of January the Australians made very little headway against the honeycombed Japanese defenses. Their air forces were called in numerous times to plaster the ridgelines in a 3 day assault designated Operation Cutthroat. On the 18th of January, B-25s from Nadzab and Port Moresby would drop 500 lb bombs all over the defenses. On the 21st P-40s strafed and bombed the area and this was met with some reorganizing of the ground forces. The 15th and 18th brigades relieved the exhausted 21st and 25th. Brigadier F. O Chilton began the new job by opening heavy artillery up on Prothero I. Captain T. L James with the 2/2 pioneer battalion described the attack on January 20th “At 1000 hours we met 2/12 Infantry Battalion at the appointed rendezvous, where I met their CO., Lt.-CoI. C. F. Bourne. We did not stay long at the rendezvous but formed up and commenced the long approach march. It was a gruelling day. The long single file moved silently up the deep ravines, scaling cliff-faces with the aid of ropes and lawyer vines. It took us the entire day to cover the four mile approach. In one spot that was almost impossible to traverse—a steep-sided cliff—they rigged lawyer vines between trees to act as a handrail and allow us to pull ourselves up." Despite the harsh conditions and fierce resistance, the Australians got atop Canning saddle and then forded the Mene river and drew near the village. Colonel Matsumoto's men were now trapped between the 2/9th battalion advancing from the Pimple and the 2/12th battalion from Prothero 1. To the east there was the 2/10th battalion about a mile away from the main Japanese defensive position along the Kankeiri saddle. On the 22nd, the 2/12th dispatched D company who advanced between Prothero1 and Prothero 2. At 10:40am they began to fire their artillery upon Prothero 2 and at 11:15am a platoon tried to progress but was held down by Japanese snipers and machine gun fire. A company came through D company to advance along Shaggy ridge until 3:30 pm once they took were held down by Japanese fire. Then a single australian section rushed forward led by Bren gunner Private Bugg. His team hit a Japanese machine gun crew from just 30 yards away. He seized a toehold quickly upon Prothero 2. After some bitter fighting Prothero 2 had fallen into allied hands. Meanwhile to the south the 2/9th sent a patrol out on the 22nd who found pill-boxes at McCaughey's knoll occupied with Japanese gunners. At 10:45am as allied artillery hit Prothero 2, Captain Taylor led a company of the 2/9th and assaulted McCaughers knoll. They were quickly pinned down, but by 1:15pm word reached them that Prothero 2 was captured and that the entire battalion was to push along Shaggy ridge. During that afternoon Taylor took his company to the western side of Shaggy ridge, getting ready for a new flanking maneuver against McCaughey's knoll. The men fought their way up the knoll cleaning up pillbox one after another, capturing McCaugheys knoll by nightfall. It would cost them 8 men wounded. More than 100 dead Japanese were found over the Prothero-Shaggry ridge area when mop up crews did their work. Meanwhile 2/10th kept up the pressure in the east. On the 22nd A Company led by Lt Gunn seized a foothold on Faria Ridge and, prompting the enemy by late in the afternoon, to abandon Cam's Hill, which was occupied by the 2/10th by 5.20 p.m. During the night and early morning of january 23rd, two counter attacks were launched by the Japanese.  At 2.40 the forward troops of A Company on the ridge were attacked from the south but the attack was repulsed with no casualties. After this the Australians moved down the track towards Kankeiri. Captain Haupt's B Company of the 2/12th advanced down the track from Prothero 2. By 6pm they were atop the saddle around Crater Hill when they came across a Japanese gun position containing 150 rounds of 75mm ammunition. Half an hour later they ran into some resistance from slopes atop Crater Hill. They would pull back to the Kankeiri saddle to dig in for the night.  The 2/10th then dispatch D company led by Captain Kumnick to advance along the Faria Ridge. They made it 1500 yards before running into a well entrenched position that held them down with machine gun fire. During the night however the Japanese abandoned their entrenchments for Cam Hill allowing the 2/10th to establish itself in a position roughy 1200 yards southeast of Crater Hill the next day. On the 24th, the 2/9th took over the responsibility for Shaggy Ridge up to Prothero 2 allowing the 2/12 to advance up Kankeiri.  Small patrols from company B of the 2/12th reached the top of Crater Hill that day finding an enemy position on the southern slopes. On the 25th, the 2/12th and 2/10th probed enemy defenses on all sides of Crater Hill looking for decent approaches to attack. This led to several skirmishes, seeing both sides suffer casualties. One patrol led by Lt Coles of the 2/2nd pioneers, surveyed the Paipa mule track along the valley of the Mindjim, firing upon small bands of retreating Japanese. The Australians gradually converged to attack Crater Hill, but Matsumoto's defenders put up a valiant effort to repel the assaults. On the 26, Brigadier Chilton ordered Companies C and D of the 2/9th and Companies C and B of the 2/12th to assault Crater Hill. This saw companies C and D of the 2/9th perform a outflanking maneuver to the north tip of the Mindjim valley to hit the enemy's right flank, while Companies C and B of the 2/12th held the enemy down. Captain A. Marshall's C company led off at 10.35 a.m, passing from Shaggy Ridge through Kankirei Saddle and then to the north, with Captain Taylor's D company following to provide flank protection. By midday Marshall reported that he had advanced some 600 yards and passed through several old and abandoned positions finding no enemy. Cautiously he pushed on, at 5 p.m. he reached the summit of 4100. The main enemy position was to the south between Marshall and the 2/10th and 2/12th Battalions. Leaving Taylor to occupy the summit of 4100 Marshall advanced south towards Crater Hill in an attempt to surprise the enemy from the rear . He met them about 300 yards south-east from the summit just at dusk. The leading platoon attacked along the usual razor-back but withdrew because of heavy machine-gun fire. At 7 p.m. Marshall sent Lieutenant White's platoon round the right flank but approach from this flank was also very difficult and White was killed. By the nighttime, they had successfully surrounded Matsumoto's weakened defenders. Matsumoto's defenders had established extremely formidable positions and had a large number of automatic weapons at their disposal. Matsumoto was ready alongside his men to make a final stand. Basically a siege of Crater Hill began and would only end after 5 brutal days. The first two days saw Chilton order the 2/9th take responsibility for the southern slopes of 4100 and Kankeiri saddle, while the 2/12th held Protheros and Shaggy ridge, and the 2/10th maintained pressure on the south-eastern slopes of Crater Hill. Skirmishes borke out everywhere, as the artillery smashed Crater Hill. Captain Whyte of the 2/4th field regiment fired 2000 shells, shattering trees, which unfortunately created more timber obstacles for the advancing Australians. At 9.30 a.m. on the 29th, 19 Kittyhawks dive-bombed Crater Hill, followed by ten minutes of artillery fire. At 1.30 p.m. the artillery laid down a barrage and machine-gun fire covered an assault on Crater Hill from the west by Captain Daunt's company of the 2/9th . The leading platoon attempted to rush the enemy position up a very steep and open slope but the Japanese, entrenched on a razor-back, were too strong and drove them back. The Australians also had the bad luck to be shelled by their own artillery. Each time they performed an assault, the stubborn Japanese held firm. Finally on the 30th with the help of some heavy rain Matsumoto decided to evacuate during the night. Matsumoto and the remnants of his force withdrew towards Yokopi and Kubenau valley. After dawn on the 31st, Australian patrols found Crater Hill abandoned and it was a horror show. They found a ghastly mess. At least 14 dead were found and evidence of burials alongside them. The 2/9th and 2/10th advanced occupying the hill on February 1st. With that, Shaggy Ridge and the Kankeiri saddle had finally fallen. Chilton sent out patrols to pursue the retreating Japanese and perform mop up operations. By February 6th his forces managed to seize Paipa and Amuson. The Australians had suffered 46 deaths, 147 wounded while the Japanese figures were estimated at around 500 casualties. Meanwhile, Brigadier Hammer had also carried out two operations during this time period. The first was a diversionary attack against the Spendlove Spur held by elements of the 5th company, 80th regiment. This was carried out by Captain Kennedy company of the 24th battalion, whom managed to surprise the Japanese and quickly seized Cameron's Knoll. On January 30th, the 57/60th battalion led by Lt Colonel Robert Marston departed Ketoba and along another company led by Captain McIntosh assaulted Orgoruna, Kesa and Koba. The Australians would find Orgoruna and Kesa undefended.. Lt Marston ordered Major Barker 's 8 company to patrol Koba, and they would enter Koba on  February 1st finding nothing, so they  pushed on towards Mataloi 2 . There were signs of very recent occupation and, 200 yards along the track , they were ambushed. Barker brought heavy fire down upon the Japanese ambush position and managed to capture Koba that night. On the morning of the 3rd, about 400 yards east of Koba, Barker again struck a Japanese ambush position. They quickly outflanked the enemy who withdrew through Mataloi 2 towards Mataloi 1 . By the time Mataloi 2 was occupied at 6.30 p.m., there was not enough time to hit Mataloi 1 nor to allow adequate consolidation of Mataloi 2 before dark. At 9.30 p.m. the Japanese counter-attacked from the direction of Matalo 1, commencing the assault with a heavy mortar bombardment. As Mataloi 2 could be defended from three sides, Barker decided that he could hold the area best from high ground to the south which would also be out of range of the enemy mortars. Accordingly he ordered a withdrawal and departed with his headquarters and one platoon. Apparently the orders did not reach the other platoons who were encircled while the remainder of the company was withdrawing to Koba. Long-range enemy machine-gun fire was directed at Kesa at the same time as the counterattack developed at Mataloi 2. The 57th/60th pulled out concluding their little raid. Now Brigadier Hammer's 15th were getting ready to pursue Matsumoto's detachment who were fleeing to Kwato. But that is all we have for New Guinea, as were are moving back over to New Britain. Last time we were over in New Britain, the Americans had captured Hill 660, and were unleashing patrols to try and figure out where the Japanese were concentrating. Now they sought to secure the Borgan Bay-Itni river line. Meanwhile on the other side, General Matsuda's battered men had begun a retreat heading east via the Aisalmipua-Kakumo trail towards Kopopo. They also received reinforcements in the form of the fresh 51st reconnaissance regiment who took up the job of rearguard. The Japanese knew the terrain better than their American counterparts, thus held distinct advantages. They knew good grounds to put up defenses and how long they could hold out in such places until they should retreat. The Americans did not enjoy good maps, they had to painstakingly explore where they went. They relied on native reports on where to go, but in the end they were like explorers jumping into jungles, atop mountains and a hell of a lot of swampy terrain. The rainforests could be so dense, patrols could be moving yards from another and not know it, imagine trying to find hypothetical objectives in such places?   Thus an enormous amount of vital patrolling was performed, beginning on January 19th with Captain Ronald Slay's men of L Company 1st marines. They advanced past Mt. Gulu, Langla volcano and Munlulu before heading down the saddle of Mt. Tangi. They managed to ambush a group of 20 Japanese being led by 8 armed natives, who fled east after 6 Japanese were killed. Slay took his men across the east-west government trail, only finding some Japanese telephone wire, which was severed. On the 22nd two patrols each consisting of a reinforced company departed the airdrome perimeter to converge from two directions along the trail junction Captain Slay's men discovered. The first was elements of the 1st battalion, 1st marines led by Captain Nikolai Stevenson, the other was led by Captain Preston Parish with elements of the 7th marines who took landing crafts to Sag Sag, the terminus of the east-west Government trail. Parishes men would bivouac around 1.5 miles inland near Aipati on the 24th while Stevensons men headed south of Mt Gulu. Both patrols found no Japanese, but Parish gained some valuable intelligence from a native village, who indicated there had been several Japanese parties around. On the 23rd, Stevenson and his men ran into a concealed machine gun crew 30 yards near Mt Langla. The Americans scrambled to fight back at an enemy they could not see. They did not lose any men, but had no idea if they hit any Japanese either. They continued their advance afterwards and would be ambushed again, this time 1500 yards south of Mt Munlulu. This time they seemed to be facing a force of platoon strength. By the 25th Stevenson and his men were pulling back to Mt Gulu and were relieved by another incoming patrol led by Captain George Hunts K Company, 1st marines. Meanwhile Parish's patrol continued east as the natives had indicated to them where the Japanese might be retreating through. On January 27th Hunts company ran into Parish's and both shared information and went in opposite directions hoping to hunt down nearby Japanese units. Hunt set off to the location where Parish's men had run into a Japanese ambush previously, expecting to find at least 50 Japanese. At 7am on the 28th, Hunt's men came across an outpost line and engaged it for hours, seeing 15 casualties. Hunt pulled his men back out of mortar range and the Japanese swarmed upon them forcing the Americans to perform some heated rearguard actions. Overall these patrols amongst others allowed the Americans to get a better picture of the terrain and concentration of the enemy. For two weeks the American patrols searched for the enemy headquarters running into countless skirmishes, mostly against the forces of Colonel Sato Jiro. By the 27th, Matsuda had reached Kokopo and received new orders from General Sakai that he was to take the men further on towards Iboki. Colonel Sato was to again provide the rearguard. This allowed the Americans to seize Nakarop, a placed their translators had mistranslated from Japanese documents as “Egaroppu”. It had been the nerve center of General Matsuda's operations. They found countless abandoned tents in bivouac areas, the village contained native and Japanese built structures. There was a huge sign saying "Matsuda Butai Army Command Principal Place." There were traces of elaborate radio installations recently removed containing an American-made telephone switchboard labeled "Glory Division." It would turn out Matsuda's personal quarters, however, were actually located off the main trail roughly midway between Magairapua and Nakarop, its approaches so skillfully concealed that patrols did not find it until several days later. Well camouflaged bivouac areas also infested this entire region. With the capture of Matsuda's former headquarters, all patrols were combined into the Gilnit Group led by the legendary Colonel Chesty Puller. Puller pointed his force in the direction of the Borgen Bay-Itni River to clear it out. They departed Agulupulla on January the 30th as the 5th Marines relieved the 2nd battalion, 1st marines to attack the Iboki area. Attempts were made at leapfrogging, using landing craft to hit places hoping to trap Japanese during the advance. The landing craft were operated by the Boat Battalion, 533d Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment, of the Army's 2d Engineer Special Brigade. They were made available to carry out the amphibious phase, and the division's little Cub artillery spotter planes for observation and liaison. Rough seas frustrated the first landing attempt at Namuramunga on February 4th, forcing two patrols from the 2nd battalion to proceed overland from Old Natamo via a coastal track. They got as far as Mambak killing a few stragglers and taking 3 prisoners. The next day another patrol landed at Aliado and advanced down the coastal track to the mouth of the Gurissa river through Kokopo and Gorissi. By the 10th of february they managed to kill 16 stragglers and grabbed 6 prisoners who they brought back to the Borgen Bay perimeter. Meanwhile the 3rd battalion advanced into Gorissi by boat on the 12th and setup a radar station. They then dispatched a patrol to the EI river on the 16, finding it impassable. Another patrol was sent to leapfrog around the Arimega Plantation on the 19th. It was seized quickly and now the Americans were very close to Iboki.   Meanwhile Sato reached Kokopo, but did not linger long and continued on to Karai-ai by February 12th. That day the 3rd battalion, 5th marines, aware of the Japanese course, set up an advance base at Gorissi. Now 20 miles separated the Japanese rearguards from their pursuers. Sato and his men would reach Iboki by February 16th, while the Marines were fording the El river, 30 miles behind. It would take them 5 additional days to reach Karai-ai. To the south Puller's group had reached Gilnit and Nigol on the 10th, finding no enemy. These actions saw the Americans secure the western half of New Britain. 2 days later, Company B of the 1st Marines landed on Rooke Island where they set up a radar installation. They also had to patrol the islands to see if any Japanese remained upon it. They fanned out, running into native villages who offered them fresh fruit. They would come across machine gun emplacements, abandoned bivouac areas and some medical stations, but no Japanese. The enemy had clearly evacuated the island   All the way back over at the Arawe area, Major Komori had received new radios on February 5th enabling him to resume communications with the 17th divisional HQ. He received a gloomy report  “At present, the airfield is covered with grass 4 to 5 [feet] high. The airfield, 200 m [sic] in width 800 m in length, will be serviceable only for small airplanes. However, it will take quite some time to develop it. Consequently, I believe that it will not be of great value.” Knowing about Matsuda's withdrawal, he began casting envious eyes in the same direction. On February 8, he hinted more broadly to that effect: “As has been reported, the value of Merkus airfield is so insignificant that it seems the enemy has no intention of using it… Due to damage sustained by enemy bombardments and to the increased number of patients, it becomes more and more difficult to carry out the present mission… It is my opinion that as the days pass, replenishment of supplies will become more and more difficult and fighting strength will be further diminished; our new line will be cut off and consequently leave us with no alternative but self-destruction.” Divisional HQhowever was not pleased with this and sent a telegraphic response the following day ordering him curtly to continue his mission. Komori would write in his diary that day "Wondered what to do about the order all night long. Could not sleep last night… I felt dizzy all day today." Fortunately for Komori, on February 17th Sato was ordered to occupy key positions at the Aria river's mouth to help supply him by land. This allowed Komori to begin his retreat north on the 24th while Sato evacuated the Iboki stores to Upmadung. Komori's departure would be just in the nick of time as the Americans dispatched two tank platoons to clear out the airfield area on the 27th. They would find zero enemy resistance and this would put an end to the Arawe operation. And that will be all for today for New Britain as we are going to be covering some big allied planning.    Over in the southwest and south Pacific Areas, General Douglas MacArthur continued his plan to drive back towards the Philippines. This would be done via amphibious operations along the north coast of New Guinea. His next main target was the Vogelkop Peninsula, then the Palau Islands, then the invasion of Mindanao. This would also see the Japanese lines of communications to the Dutch East Indies cut off. Yet before all of this he needed to capture the Hansa Bay area of northeastern New Guinea and then Hollandia in the Dutch part of New Guinea. This action would allow his forces to bypass the Japanese stronghold at Wewak. Meanwhile there were the ongoing efforts to reduce Rabaul, and to continue that he still had to capture the Admiralty Island and Kavieng, which would completely cut off Rabaul. The planners for the south, southwest and central Pacific Areas met at Pearl Harbor on January 28th. However the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided to delay MacArthur's invasion of the Admiralties and Kavieng pushed it to April 1st. They had determined it was better to prioritize the invasion of the Marshall islands in the central pacific. This delay would further delay most of the southwest pacific operations along the New Guinea coast. Meanwhile Admiral Kusaka and General Imamura had sent the bulk of the 230th regiment and the recently arrived 1st independent mixed regiment to New Ireland. The 2nd battalion, 1st independent mixed regiment was sent to the Admiralties on January 25th, joining up with Colonel Ezaki Yoshio's 51st transport regiment. Then the 1st battalion, 229th regiment was sent to the Admiralties on february 2nd. These were last ditch efforts by the Japanese to secure a very desperate lifeline for Rabaul. No offensive could be mounted for at least 3 months, thus the Japanese were given ample time to reinforce and strengthen their defenses. Admiral Halsey also had plans to invade the St Matthias Islands as a preliminary for the attack upon Kavieng, and this like MacArthur's plans were thrown into disarray. In view of all of this MacArthur suggested to Halsey a new plan, codenamed Operation Squarepeg, to seize the Green Islands and establish a new PT boat and or air base there. With that in hand they could project air and naval power further against Rabaul and perhaps even as far as Truk. However many of the officers did not believe any of this would significantly isolate Kavieng and Rabaul. Furthermore, they believed it doubtful that fighters stationed at a base in the Green Islands would even be able to cover Kavieng. Admiral Wilkinson, with the backing of Admiral Fitch and General Geiger, suggested that the proposal be abandoned, and that plans be laid for a landing either at Borpop or Boang Island. On 28 December, however, after analyzing the situation, Colonel William E. Riley, Admiral Halsey's War Plans officer, made the following observation: “There is no doubt but that the occupation of this area [Borpop] and the utilization of air facilities thereat would assist materially in the neutralization of both Rabaul and Kavieng. However, the grave possibility that such an operation would result in the employment of approximately two divisions and additional naval support, not now available and will--in all probability--not be made available in time for this type intermediate operation, makes it necessary to eliminate Borpop as a possible intermediate operation… Though Green Island is not as far advanced as Boang Island, yet it is quite possible to provide fighter cover for strikes on Kavieng. In addition, dive bombers, based on Green Island, can operate most effectively against shipping at Kavieng.”Thus Halsey elected to go ahead with Operation Squarepeg anyway because a fighter umbrella could be tossed over the Green Islands during an amphibious invasion, something that would not be possible for Boang or Borbop. Halsey's staff went to work planning the amphibious landing. It would be carried out by elements of General Barrowclough's 3rd New Zealand Division. PT 176 and PT 178 of Lieutenant-Commander LeRoy Taylor's Torokina Squadron conducted hydrographic reconnaissance of the islands on January 10th and discovered the southern channels near Barahun island were the most suitable. 300 men of the 30th New Zealand battalion led by Lt Colonel Frederick Cornwall got aboard the APDs Talbot, Waters and Dickerson, covered by the destroyers Fullam, Bennet, Guest and Hudson led by Captain Ralph Earle. They landed on Nissan Island and performed a survey finding a promising airfield site. They also discovered there were no more than 100 Japanese at a relay station alongside 1200 native Melanesians. Pretty sure I said this before in the series, but I will repeat it. Melanesians are one of the predominant indigenous inhabitants of the Melanesian islands that are found in the area spanning New Guinea to the Fiji Islands. Something pretty neat about them, along with some indigenous Australians, they are the few groups of non-Europeans to have blond hair. The Melanesians were so friendly to the New Zealanders and so hostile to the Japanese that it was decided to omit the usual preliminary naval and aerial bombardment for the landings.  Now over in the Central Pacific plans to invade the Marshall were underway, even before the successful liberation of the Gilberts. The operation was codenamed Operation Flintlock, and Admiral Nimitz assigned the 4th Marine division, reinforced with the 22nd marine regiment and Army's 7th division to train intensively for amphibious warfare. They were deemed Tactical Group 1, led by Brigadier General Thomas Watson. They would be backed up by a whopping 23 aircraft carriers, 15 battleships, 18 cruisers and 109 destroyers. Yet things had certainly changed since 1942, the American Navy was packing overwhelming heat. Admiral Spruance, now commander of the 5th fleet, would hold the highest operational command for Operation Flintlock. Admiral Turner would be commanding task force 51 and the Joint Expeditionary Fleet and General Holland Smith would be commanding all the expeditionary troops. General Smith's position in the chain of command in relation to Admiral Turner was made much clearer than it had been during the Gilberts operation. Simply put he was put in direct command of all landing forces and garrison forces once they were ashore. The troop commanders of each of the landing forces, the 7th and 4th Marine Divisions, were expressly placed under Smith until such time as Admiral Spruance should determine that the capture and occupation phase of the operation had been completed. However, Smith's authority as commander of expeditionary troops had one limitation. It was recognized that "the employment of troops, including the reserve troops engaged in the seizure of objectives, is subject to the capabilities of the surface units to land and support them," thus any directives issued by Smith as to major landings or as to major changes in tactical plans had to have the approval of Turner before they could be issued. To this extent, the expeditionary troops commander was still subordinate to Turner. They would also be supported by Rear Admiral Marc Mitscher's fast carrier force, task force 58 and Admiral Hoovers land based air forces, including the 7th air force and other Navy air forces. So yeah, America was coming in overkill. Nimitz's original plan was to advance into the Marshalls by simultaneously hitting Kwajalein, Maloelap and Wotje. Together these contained 65% of the aircraft facilities in the island group, leaving the 35% remainder on Jaluit and Mille. Jaluit and Mille could be neutralized and bypassed. Yet after facing the difficulties during the Gilberts operation, Nimitz decided to also bypass Maloelap and Wotje as well, so he could concentrate all his forces against Kwajalein. General Smith and Admirals Spruance and Turner opposed this, arguing that sailing into Kwajalein would be too exposed if Maloelap and Wotje were left unoccupied.  Nimitz 'new plan would see General Corlett's 7th division hit the southern group of islands in the atoll, including Kwajalein island, while Major General Harry Schmidt's 4th marines would hit Roi-Namur and the other northern islands of the atoll. Task Force 52, would transport the 7th Division while Rear Admiral Richard Conollys task force 53 transported the 4th marines. After some meetings, Spruance managed to secure the invasion of Majuro, which would be carried out by Lt Colonel Frederick Sheldon's “Sundance” Landing Force. They consisted of the 5th amphibious corps reconnaissance company, the 2nd battalion, 106th regiment and the 1st defense battalion. Spruance wanted to make the atoll a fleet base, so airfields could be constructed to help cover the line of communications to Kwajalein. To support the main landings, Mitschers fast carrier force was going to smash the enemy aircraft and air facilities at Wotje, Maloelap, Roi-Namur and Kwajalein while his vessels simultaneously coordinated with Turners cruisers and Rear Admiral Ernest Small's Neutralization group task force 50.15 to naval bombard them as well. The main threat that needed to be neutralized quickly was Eniwetoks airfield. Meanwhile Hoover's land based aircraft would help neutralize Mille and Jaluit and help smash the other islands and shipping. Throughout November and December, two atolls would receive more attacks than the others. Mille closest to the Gilberts, thus much more accessible, earned the lionshare of attention. Maloelap with its large air facilities had to be kept under constant surveillance and attack, thus she came second. Beginning on December 23rd, aircraft based out of the Gilberts began increasing air strikes against the Marshalls.  On Mille between November 24th to December 18th, 106 heavy bombers dropped 122 tons of bombs over the runways and facilities. The next week bombers and fighters began attacking Mille's fuel dumps, leveled all buildings, destroyed 11 grounded aircraft and another 13 in the air. Mille was neutralized and the Japanese would abandon its airfield by January. The damage dished out to Maloelap was extensive, but not as crippling. Her runways were not entirely put out of operation. From January 11th to the 25th, B-25's destroyed her ground installations, but still her airfield remained operational. On January 26, 9 B-25s, followed by 12 P-40s, flew into Taroa for a low-level attack. The B-25s destroyed 9 interceptors on the ground and 5 more after they were airborne. The control tower and two other buildings on the airfield were set afire and four tons of bombs were dropped in fuel dump and dispersal areas, starting large fires. As the B-25s left the target to return to Makin they were chased by about 15 Japanese fighters. 30 miles south of Maloelap the 12 P-40s met the bomber formation and immediately engaged the enemy fighters, destroying11 of them and severely damaging 2 more. The strike of January 26 was decisive. Practically all of the remaining enemy air strength at Maloelap had been destroyed, and the once formidable base was rendered almost powerless to defend itself against air strikes,  thus neutralized. Jaluit was subjected to 15 attacks reduced to rubble and Wotje was hit 14 times suffering extensive damage. Meanwhile Admiral Pownalls task force 58.1 and 58.3 consisting of 6 fast carriers, 5 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers, 3 of the new class of anti aircraft cruisers, and 12 destroyers hit Kwajalein on December 5th. That day saw her attacked by over 246 aircraft. As a result 19 Japanese interceptors and 4 bombers were destroyed at Roi-Namur, 7 cargo ships were destroyed at Kwajalein and extensive damage was inflicted upon both bases. Simultaneously, 29 aircraft hit Wotje where they destroyed 5 grounded aircraft, set fire to hangers, machine ships and barracks. Japanese interceptors attacked Pownall's carriers, though they were unable to inflict serious damage. Following these attacks, Hoover's aircraft continued to smash Kwajalein, tossing 10 attacks, dropping nearly 210 tons of bombs on the atoll. Roi-Namurs airfield still remained operation by January 29th however, though she only had 35 aircraft on Roi-Namur; 10 reconnaissance planes on Kwajalein; 13 aircraft on Maloelap; 12 on Wotje and 15 on Eniwetok. The Japanese did not have any effective air force to defend the Marshalls any more. The feeling of the men on the islands, was doom.  I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Finally the Australians had taken the formidable position known as Shaggy Ridge. The Japanese continued the harrowing marches going north as their enemy would not let up. In the Marshalls the IJA and IJN personnel were inflicted the full might of American's wartime productivity, and they all knew Uncle Sam was coming to pay them a visit soon. 

This weeks guest is Lisa Talbert who joins us from Portland, Oregon. Lisa is a career bartender with over 15 years behind the bar in a variety of bar settings. This ranges from dive bars, upscale dining, family dining, casinos, distilleries and craft cocktail lounges. Lisa started her drinkstagram journey in the wake of the pandemic as a hobby, and a little break for herself from having to homeschool her kids during that time. Lisa loved photography, so she did some YouTube and Google research, absorbed as much photography info as she could and @lisa.sips on Instagram was born. Lisa grew up in the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific. Fiji is an extremely diverse country, with a vast food history and Lisa uses that influence as flavor inspiration for her cocktails. Fiji does not have a prevalent drinking culture, so it's a way for Lisa to border the two. Being able to share her creativity through cocktails has become therapy for Lisa. As a result of starting the Instagram page - we can quote Lisa on the following : “I has been fortunate to receive an extensive education on techniques, spirits and the history of the industry than I ever would have if I hadn't started my page. The possibilities of cocktails are endless!” LInks @lisa.sips @sugarrunbar @babylonsistersbar @argyle_arms_2023 @the_industry_podcast email us:  info@theindustrypodcast.club Podcast Artwork by Zak Hannah zakhannah.co

Are you a person that flies by the seat of your pants? Do you fly like Maverick in Top Gun where your instincts dominate? This is absolutely cool in the movies, but it kills pilots in real life and the ones that kills are the amateurs and the experienced professionals. It's called spatial disorientation. First, let me give you a definition.Spatial disorientation – It's the inability of a person to determine his true body position, motion, and altitude relative to the Earth or his surroundings. Both airplane pilots and underwater divers encounter this phenomenon. Teresa and I earned our PADI Open Water certifications in July 2001, which allowed us to dive 60 feet. PADI stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors. We then went on an epic adventure in the Fiji Islands to vacation and SCUBA dive the Great Barrier Reef. This is one of the best diving spots on the planet. It was a life-changing experience. We saw incredible tropical fish, puffers, tiger sharks, all kinds of coral, and amazing sea life and creatures. You gain a respect for what's underwater. When a human becomes like a fish, you better respect that environment. We were trained to follow our instruments down to 60 feet, which basically included a buoyancy control device (a BCD), a regulator, a suit, and oxygen tank depth gauge. I learned to trust my depth gauge. It was crucial to follow my instruments as well as use my eyes and ears to decide to go up or down while diving. There's charts you follow so you don't get the bends. There are many more components. I'm just trying to keep it simple. I can remember a few times where I swam up, thinking I was going down. Even worse, I swam down, thinking I was going up. Thankfully, I learned to trust my instruments to correct my positioning under the water. When you are that deep, it is really hard to tell which way is up or down. It's scary, but it's true. I'm so thankful that I was taught to trust my instruments.Here's another example of spatial disorientation. My friend Royce Repka, owner of Double R Flight Academy out of Perkasie, Pennsylvania jumped on a phone call with me to explain the phenomenon of spatial disorientation from the flight instructor point of view. He's been doing this for nearly a decade, and he knows his stuff. So I'll paraphrase."Ken, think of it like this. Humans spend 99.99% of their time on the ground. It seems flat, right!? In reality, we are standing on a curved surface that is spinning and rotating. We can see the ground and we can visually see the horizon. The ground is down and the sky is up. That's obvious. You have reference points."I understood this from personal experience dealing with Lyme disease and vertigo. A physical therapist, who is trained in the inner ear for vertigo taught me that our eyes see the ground and the horizon and it communicates with our inner ear to balance your body in relation to the level of the earth. People with vertigo suffer dizziness because their inner ears are out of whack. Others can even get crystals that dangle in the inner ear. It can trick the senses to give you vertigo even when you're standing straight. And there are techniques that physical therapists can do to remove those crystals.Read the rest of this article at the Smart Cleaning School website

The Author Pat Backley is an author who was born in Southeast England, but now lives in Auckland New Zealand. At the age of twenty she got married for the first time, the next fifty years she resided in numerous places in the UK as well as a brief spell in the Fiji Islands a […] The post The Daisy Series. by Pat Backley appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

In this episode of the Your Harrogate podcast, Pete Egerton has been speaking to a Harrogate mum of four, who has launched a fundraiser to allow her to travel to Fiji on a charity mission to help the local community. 35-year-old Anna Swift, who is studying Education Studies at Leeds Trinity University, plans to make the 9,000-mile trip at the end of May to support the Fijian community. Anna will be working alongside Think Pacific – a charity that has been working exclusively in the Fiji Islands for over a decade to deliver sustainable development projects in rural communities. Anna had worked for the NHS for 14 years before deciding to return to university and retrain in education…

Interested in hearing about body image and eating in a subsistence agriculture, before and after exposure to television? Join Signe for a conversation with Dr. Anne Becker about her groundbreaking study in 1995 in Fiji, when she said, “television arrived like it was being parachuted from nowhere,” her follow up study in 2007 (pre-social media), and her plans to return. Anne Becker, MD, PhD, Dean for Clinical and Academic Affairs, Professor of Psychiatry, and Presley Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. A medical anthropologist and psychiatrist, Dr. Becker's research includes the social and cultural mediation of presentation and risk for eating disorders and social barriers to care for mental disorders. Dr. Becker is founding and past Director of the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program at Mass General Hospital, past president of the Academy for Eating Disorders, former associate editor of the International Journal of Eating Disorders, and was a member of the DSM-5 Eating Disorders Work Group. She has been a recipient of NEDA's Price Family Award for Research Excellence as well as the Academy for Eating Disorders's Leadership Award in Research.  To learn more about Dr. Becker visit: https://hms.harvard.edu/faculty-staff/anne-e-becker

2 Timothy 4:7, Isaiah 11:11, Genesis 49:27, Deuteronomy 33:12 and Deuteronomy 28 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/raquel-hines3/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/raquel-hines3/support

Episode 115 overviewIn Episode 115, we focus on the latest news from MSC, re-routing cargo ships to protect marine mammals, Carnival Spirit enroute to Australia, Kangaroos Island welcomes Coral Princess, the countdown to Cunard's QE returning to Australia. P&O UK steps up entertainment on Arvia. Virgin Partners with sustainable marine fuel providers & Fred. Oslen celebrates Signature Experiences. Plus a listener question from Madeline.Throw back to the episode archives Ep14 – Captain Kate, Celebrity Cruises#14 – Captain Kate McCue on Celebrity Edge – The Big Cruise PodcastSupport the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhCruise newsWorld's Largest Container Line is Rerouting its Fleet to Avoid Collisions with Endangered Blue WhalesMediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has taken a major step to help protect blue whales and other cetaceans living and feeding in the waters off the coast of Sri Lanka by altering shipping lanes to avoid their habitat.A global leader in container shipping and logistics, MSC began in mid-2022 to voluntarily re-route its vessels passing by Sri Lanka, on a new course that is approximately 15 nautical miles to the south, in line with the advice of scientists and other key actors in the maritime sector.The decision was based on research surveys completed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), with the World Trade Institute (WTI), Biosphere Foundation, University of Ruhuna (Sri Lanka), and supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).Westbound ship traffic is now limited to a latitude between 05 30N and 05 35N, and eastbound traffic is limited to a latitude between 05 24N and 05 29N in order to avoid designated cetacean habitats.Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean, between Asia and Europe, and the port of Colombo is a major transshipment hub for global trade.The area off its southern coast is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and is also inhabited by large populations of whales, meaning that these animals may be at risk of colliding with ships.Simulations have shown that moving the official shipping lane 15 nautical miles to the south could reduce the strike risk to blue whales by a whopping 95%.CARNIVAL LUMINOSA OFFICIALLY REGISTERED WITH THE BAHAMASAs part of its transition to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, Carnival Luminosa was officially registered today with the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA). During the ceremony, Carnival Luminosa's senior leadership team and the classification society completed all necessary registration processes, and Deck Cadet Mark Casson, a Bahamian citizen from Freeport, raised the new Bahamian flag.When the ship departs for Dubai, she will be flying the Bahamian flag to designate the new ship registry. Eventually arriving to Australia in less than two months, Carnival Luminosa will sail a variety of seasonal itineraries from Brisbane from Nov. 6, 2022 to April 13, 2023, offering something for everyone, before repositioning for seasonal service from Seattle to Alaska next May, including some exotic, first-time-for-Carnival destinations.Carnival Splendor crosses the international date line on-route to Sydney Australia. The guests and crew on Carnival Splendor, currently sailing a Transpacific Journeys cruise on its way to restart Carnival Cruise Line's operations in Australia, can (sort of) consider themselves time travellers now that the ship has crossed the International Dateline while sailing westward in the southern Pacific Ocean. By crossing this internationally recognised calendar boundary, the ship skipped a full day of the week – turning Wednesday into Friday for all on boardFollowing Carnival Splendor's departure from Seattle on Sept. 6, after the ship's successful deployment as part of Carnival's biggest-ever Alaska season, guests on board have enjoyed an unforgettable opportunity exploring the natural beauty of this South Pacific cruise. Carnival Splendor made several stops across Hawaii, visiting Honolulu, Kona, Hilo and Maui. Carnival Splendor will soon visit the Fiji Islands, with stops in Suva and Port Denarau.Arriving in Sydney on Sept. 30, Carnival Splendor will be the first Carnival ship returning to guest operations in Australian waters in nearly 1,000 days. The ship will homeport in Sydney now year-round, with her first cruise departing Oct. 1.Carnival Splendor's return also coincides with Carnival's 10th year of operations in Australia. In November, Carnival Luminosa will complete the cruise line's two-ship deployment to Australia with sailings from Brisbane.Kangaroo Island's emotional reunion with Princess Cruises Kangaroo Island this week welcome its first cruise ship in more than two and a half years, sharing a special connection with both the valuable sector of the visitor economy and the visiting cruise line.Princess Cruises was the first cruise line to visit the island following the devastating bushfires in January 2020, with a special visit by the Sun Princess “in a show of support for the local community”.Many guests of that voyage made donations to South Australia's bushfire relief and Princess Cruises directed revenue from the day's shore excursions to the state's bushfire appeal. The visit was also hoped to help send a message to the world that Kangaroo Island was ‘open for business'.This weeks arrival of the Coral Princess is one of a record-breaking number of visits scheduled for South Australia in 2022/23 – including 32 visits to Penneshaw – and the beginning of a restart of a once $145 million sector of the state's visitor economy.With almost 2,000 passengers and 895 crew, the Coral Princess will return to Penneshaw on another itinerary in April 2023, while other Princess ships are also scheduled for Penneshaw this season through as far ahead as April 2024. This includes one of the biggest ships to visit Kangaroo Island, the Majestic Princess, which carries up to 3,560 passengers and 1,346 crew.Other cruise ships scheduled for Kangaroo Island this season (September 2022 to April 2023) include P&O's Pacific Explorer with up to 1,998 passengers and 924 crew, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth with up to 2,081 passengers and 980 crew; and Holland America's Westerdam carrying up to 1,964 passengers and 800 crew.Princess facilities first martial arts programme at sea FUJI Sports (FUJI), the outfitter and equipment provider for more than 18 million martial arts competitors and academies worldwide since 1969, and FUJI Mats, the worldwide leading supplier of premium mats, facility equipment, and design services, have announced a partnership with Princess Cruises that will now make FUJI the exclusive cruise partner to stage seminars, events and competitions spanning the globe.he first “Princess and FUJI Adventures Cruise” takes place January 7-14, 2023 on Sky Princess for a Caribbean voyage. The experience will depart from Fort Lauderdale with stops at Princess Cays (Bahamas); San Juan, Puerto Rico; Amber Cove (Dominican Republic); and Grand Turk (Turk and Caicos).  The Princess and FUJI Adventure Cruise will include Olympians and World Champions who will engage with martial arts enthusiasts throughout the voyage. Highlights of the Princess and FUJI Adventures Cruise include:Seminars with leading martial arts expertsShoreside martial arts events in ports of callFamily competitions and prizesSpecial edition co-branded gearCulinary demonstrations with celebrity chefsIndustry speakersBusiness-to-Business networking opportunities50 days and counting: Cunard's Queen Elizabeth returns to Australia In less than 50 days on 7 November 2022, Cunard line's iconic Queen Elizabeth returns to Australian shores for the first time since early 2020. Fremantle in WA will host Queen Elizabeth's first local call this homeport season.For many, the arrival of a Cunard Queen marks the beginning of the local summer cruise season. Throughout her 121-day record Australian residence, Queen Elizabeth invites guests to experience once-in-a-lifetime encounters and unique itineraries.The inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage features Australian produce and bespoke menus created by leading chefs Matt Moran, Mark Olive and Darren Purchese. The 5-night roundtrip from Sydney departing on 28 January 2023, features calls in Melbourne and Burnie where the culinary experiences continue on shore with one-off excursions curated especially for the sailing.Gardening royalty Graham Ross and Jamie Durie will share their knowledge onboard Cunard's first Gardening Journey departing Melbourne on 4 February 2023. Throughout the 7-night-sailing, these and many more special guests will share their best tips and the top trends in gardening via informative talks, hands-on workshops and on-shore experiences.Australian personalities Sir Peter Cosgrove, Dawn Fraser and Nova Peris will inspire guests with anecdotes from their lives on Queen Elizabeth's inaugural circumnavigations of Australia.The last time a Cunard Queen circled the continent was back in 2014, so this is a very rare opportunity for travellers to enjoy what the prestigious British cruise line is all about on an extended sailing: impeccable service, exemplary fine dining, grand Gala Nights, dynamic West End style entertainment and enough room to feel special, unwind and relaxEntertainment firsts and new talent on board P&O Cruises newest ship ArviaP&O Cruises newest ship Arvia will offer guests a range of entertainment firsts, including WaveLength, a new interactive gameshow, virtually starring presenter and game show host Ben Shephard.Created exclusively for P&O Cruises and hosted in The Headliner's Theatre, WaveLength will give guests the opportunity to find out how well they know each other as they try to match their partner's answersNew to P&O Cruises on board Arvia:Greatest Days – Arvia is the only place in the world where guests will be able to watch the stage musical, Greatest Days – The Official Take That Musical. Greatest Days is an adaptation of the acclaimed West End musical The Band, which features the songs of Take That and is a beautiful story by Olivier Award-winning writer Tim Firth. It will be brought to life on stage by an amazing cast from our Headliners Theatre Company.Altitude – Arvia's outdoor adventure zone for the whole family. Situated at the very top of Arvia, families will be able to enjoy the new aqua zone at Splash Valley, where plenty of shade and sprinklers will make it the perfect place on a hot day with fantastic views.Set 54m above the ocean, Altitude Skywalk is P&O Cruises first ever high-ropes experience and will offer guests a series of rope walks with different routes to suit all levels.Altitude Minigolf will be the new, tropical island-themed minigolf open all day and illuminated at night. The whole family can enjoy the challenge together as they perfect their putts while dodging hippos, water hazards, and tiki huts to claim the winning title.Mission Control – Exclusive to Arvia, Mission Control is a unique immersive experience. Set on board the fictional submarine Arvia II, it combines an escape game with multimedia simulation and a live-action story to create a thrilling underwater challenge. The realistic 3D surroundings will take guests to the depths of ocean canyons, where they will be able to overcome danger and solve puzzles and problems.Other entertainment highlights on Arvia include:The 710 Club – The 710 Club on Arvia is a sophisticated bar crafted to Music Director GaryBarlow's creative vision. Atmospheric and low-lit, The 710 Club offers live music from resident band The 710s with an unmistakably vintage vibe and stylish cocktails.Aardman – P&O Cruises has partnered with Aardman to offer children a range of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep themed activities. Children will be able to join in a themed dance class or craft workshop such as making their own Gromit ears or can sit back and enjoy film premieres or Wallace & Gromit's brand-new show, All Hands on Deck!Ocean Studios – Located on Deck 6, Ocean Studios is Arvia's three-screen multiplex cinema offering the latest blockbuster releases and family favourites in a plush setting.Virgin Voyages Partners with Sustainable Marine Fuel ProvidersVirgin Voyages, a new cruise line with an efficient fleet of ships amongst the youngest in the industry, today announced that it has partnered with independent sustainability experts, the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), along with three leading waste-based sustainable fuel providers to deliver low carbon fuels to the marine industry. Argent Energy, GoodFuels and Twelve are collaborating with the cruise line to further advance Virgin Voyages' commitment of reaching net zero by 2050.Following months of detailed research, Virgin Voyages has taken an important step to advancing a low-carbon future by establishing key partnerships and building a portfolio approach to sustainable marine fuel (SMF) supply. Recognizing there is currently no one-size-fits-all, low-carbon fuel solution, Virgin Voyages will enter into long-term agreements for sustainable marine fuels with these providers, which includes plans to add others over time.Adopting drop-in sustainable fuels, such as those made from abundant, problematic waste or direct air capture of CO2, is paramount for reducing emissions and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Virgin Voyages estimates that by switching to sustainable marine fuels, the line will reduce its life-cycle carbon emissions from fuel by 75% or more.Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines celebrates the Joy of the Journey with new Signature ExperiencesFred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled five new Signature Experiences to celebrate the Joy of the Journey on board each of its sailings.The experiences will focus on Itinerary Insights, the Sky at Sea, Treats of the Region, Scenic Discoveries and the Ship and the Sea, with each to be delivered by specialist guides who are experts in their field.Open air sunrise, sunset or stargazing events will be among the highlights of the Sky at Sea, while there will be chances to join a guide on deck to spot wildlife, flora and fauna or join a hosted talk in one of Fred. Olsen's panoramic Observatory Lounges in Scenic Discoveries, as the ship sails through some of the world's most beautiful waterways, lochs, lakes and fjords and interesting seascapes.The Itinerary Insights programme will offer lively lectures and smaller, more informative talks, on cultural, artistic and historical highlights to give guests a deeper understanding of the destinations they will visit, while the Ship and the Sea will shine a spotlight on Fred. Olsen's five generations of maritime traditions, and include ‘an Audience With' programme with Captains and crew for those who are curious to find out more.Fred. Olsen's creative chefs and galley teams will showcase the Treats of the Region with live cookery demonstrations of local delicacies, giving guests the chance to sample dishes famous in the places they'll be visiting and learning how to recreate them at home.The cruise line has already started to introduce elements of its Joy of the Journey programme onto its sailings for 2022, with the full programme to be up and running on all cruises from 2023.This includes Balmoral's 78-night ‘Exploration of South America and the Antarctic' cruise setting sail on 5th January 2023 with guests to be joined by Falklands veteran Simon Weston who will share tales of his time during the Falklands War.Other highlights include the chance to join cookery demonstrations to learn how to make Chilean empanadas, Uruguayan chivito and Brazilian feijoada as guests sail to their places of origin, or opportunities to join the guides out on deck for a scenic sunrise while sailing through the Chilean Fjords, a sunset at the ‘end of the world' in Ushuaia, the southern most tip of South America, or for a stargazing evening while sailing the Atlantic at the furthest point from land.And more...Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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The Fiji Islands in the South Pacific Ocean are not only an attractive and beautiful vacation destination, but they are home to scenic natural wonders and are the cradle of ancient and modern myths. More about life there from the conversation with the traveler Martin Stoyanov from Canberra. - Островите Фиджи в южната част на Тихия океан не са само привлекателна и красива ваканционна дестинация, но техните острови са дом на живописни природни чудеса и са люлка на древни и съвременни митове. Повече за живота там от разговора с пътешественика Мартин Стоянов от Канбера.

Kim Chakanetsa meets two women who bring electricity to communities in the USA and New Zealand. Maureen Miller is a listener from Wisconsin in the USA who got in touch to tell us why she's so passionate about being a journeyman lineman. She talks about bringing power to communities devastated by hurricanes and floods and she tells us about the skills required to do this extremely dangerous work. Laisa Pickering-Bryant is the first female distribution line mechanic at her company to work on live high voltage lines. She was born and raised on the Fiji Islands and she currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Laisa is also part of Connexis, a project training and mentoring women working in infrastructure. Produced by Alice Gioia (Image: (L) Maureen Miller, credit courtesy of Maureen Miller. (R) Laisa Pickering-Bryant, credit courtesy of Laisa Pickering-Bryant.)

What is a beautifully colored arboreal species found only on the Fiji Islands? We're talking about the Fiji Iguana! Hosts Rick and Ebone reveal what makes the Fiji banded iguana unique, how this lizard is perfectly shaded to camouflage with the forest, and what classifies a lizard to be an iguana. San Diego Zoo curator of herpetology, Kim Gray, makes an appearance to explain the Species Survival Program (SSP) and the threats that impact the Fiji banded iguana. If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to wildlife@iheartmedia.com for your chance to hear it on the show! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GB2RS News Sunday the 3rd of July 2022 The news headlines: RSGB Regional vacancies Tribute to Zorro, JH1AJT Tonight@8 on Radio waves and antennas The RSGB has vacancies for someone to be co-opted as the Regional Representative for Region 11 until the AGM in 2023. Region 11 covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and the Channel Islands. There are 13 RSGB Regional Representatives covering the whole of the UK and they must reside in the region they represent. There are also vacances for District Representatives for Dorset, North-East England and Lancashire. Details of the Regional Team can be found on the RSGB website rsgb.org.uk. If you are interested in becoming part of the Regional Team please contact David, M0MBD on 01234 481 412 or rr12@rsgb.org.uk. 3D2AJT is the special callsign that Dom, 3D2USU will be using for one month from Nadi in the Fiji Islands in memory of the late Yasuo ‘Zorro' Miyazawa, JH1AJT. Activity will end on 27 July, which would have marked Zorro's 73rd birthday. Zorro was also known for his DXpeditions and charitable work on behalf of children in Cambodia, Bangladesh, Japan and elsewhere. The special event operators will be on the air using CW, SSB, FT4 and FT8. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. You can read more on qrz.com. Tonight @8 will take place on Monday, the 4th of July. This is the final lecture before the summer break. Peter Duffett-Smith, G3XJE will be looking at Radio waves and antennas…and all that. His presentation covers a range of antenna-related information so there should be something for everyone. Tonight@8 webinars are live-streamed on the RSGB's YouTube channel, YouTube.com/thersgb. During the recent HamRadio show in Germany, the IARU Region 1 Spectrum Regulation and Liaison Committee chair took part in a joint session with the R1 Political Relations Committee. The session highlighted the connections the SRLC maintains with Region 1 regulatory bodies and the work carried out since early 2021. This included engagement in the WRC23 preparatory activities in a number of regional bodies and the detailed study work both with the ITU and CEPT. Topics affecting amateur spectrum bands were summarised with particular attention being paid to the 23cm band topic on the agenda of WRC23. The SRLC slide set can be found at iaru-r1.org. The TX5N DXpedition that took place in April from the Austral Islands, OC-114, has updated the information on QSL cards. All TX5N QSL cards were taken to the post office on the 30th of June so please allow sufficient time for the card to reach you. Bureau cards will be shipped to the individual IARU bureaux in the next bureau mailing that is scheduled for Summer 2022. QSL via M0URX. Dennis, G7AGZ has been fundraising for Cornwall Hospice Care since 1991. This year, he will be attempting a six peak Summits On The Air challenge. He will be climbing some of the most popular summits in the UK and hopes to activate an amateur radio station at the top of each summit, subject to the weather. The six peaks will be Snowdon, Scafell Pike, Old Man of Coniston, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Ben Nevis. Keep an eye on qrz.com under the special event callsign GB0CHC. The DXCC Most Wanted 2022 list has been updated on the 28th of June. The DXCC most wanted countries are North Korea in 1st place, Bouvet Island in second place and Crozet Island in 3rd place. See clublog.org for more information. And now for details of rallies and events Please send your rally and event news as soon as possible to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. We'll publicise your event in RadCom, on GB2RS, and online. Today, the 3rd, the Cornish RAC Rally will take place at Penair School, St Clement, Truro, Cornwall TR1 1TN. Doors open at 10am with a £2 admission. There will be a Bring & Buy, traders and local club stands. Refreshments are available on site. Find out more at gx4crc.com. Sunday the 3rd of July is also the date for the traditional Barford Norfolk Radio Rally at Barford Village Hall. Doors open at 9am. Most of the stands are outside but inside the village hall there is a Bring & Buy, RSGB bookstand, Morse display and refreshments. A Norfolk ARC club stand is outside the hall with a radio raffle in aid of the clubs 2022 nominated charity, Cancer Research UK. Admission is £2 per person with under 16s free. Outside selling pitches are £8 and there is no need to prebook. On Saturday, the 9th of July, the Houghton Radio Club Free Radio Rally will be held in the Dubmire Royal British Legion Club, Britannia Terrace, Fencehouses DH4 6LJ. The doors will be open between 10am and 3pm. The rally is open to trade, clubs and private sellers and exhibitors. Table space is limited. There is no charge for tables and entry is free. Donations are welcome to the Royal British Legion Club. Tea and coffees will be available and a licenced bar from 11am. Anyone wishing to book tables please contact Amanda, M6LXK at westona84@gmail.com. Now the DX news Henri, OH3JR and Pertti, OG2M will be operating as OJ0JR and OJ0MR respectively from Market Reef until the 6th of July. They are there on work assignment. Activity will be in their spare time on the HF bands using CW, some SSB, and FT8. QSL OJ0MR direct to OG2M and OJ0JR via OH3JR. Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active as OX3LX from Upernarvik Island, Greenland, NA-134, until the 11th of July. Activity will be on the HF bands with a focus on 6 metres and 4 metres. QSL via OZ0J. Paul, F6EXV and Florian, PB8DX will be active from Monaco between the 6th and 14th of July. They will be using 3A6M on 6 metres, as well as 3A/F6EXV and 3A/PB8DX on the HF bands. QSLs for all callsigns via Club Log's OQRS both direct and via the bureau, and Logbook of The World after six months. Franco, IZ5IUY will be active as IL7/IZ5IUY from San Domino Island, EU-050, until the 21st of July. He will operate SSB, FT8 and FT4 on the HF bands. QSL via his home callsign, the bureau is preferred. Rafael, NN3RP will be active holiday style as YN2RP from Nicaragua between the 5th of July and the 2nd of August. He will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on various bands, and will also be active on FM satellites. QSL via Logbook of The World, eQSL or direct to NN3RP. Now the Special Event news Durham and District ARS is participating as one of the bonus stations in the 13 Colonies Special Event. GB13COL has been issued for this event and will run from the club station until 0400UTC on Friday, the 8th of July. The primary focus of the event will be the HF bands, including VHF, UHF & Satellite for QSOs using SSB, CW, FM, and various digital modes. More information at 13colonies.us. On Saturday and Sunday the 9th and 10th of July, Bishop Auckland RAC and Wearside Electronics and Amateur Radio Society are activating GB4BM from Beamish Museum at Beamish, Chester-le Street, Durham. Operations start at 10am. If you wish to attend and assist in the event contact Ian, G7MFN at g7mfn@hotmail.co.uk. All are welcome. Now the contest news This weekend is the RSGB VHF National Field Day ending its 24-hour run at 1400UTC today, the 3rd. The contest uses the 50, 70, 144 and 432MHz bands as well as 1.3GHz. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, Sunday the 3rd of July, the third 144MHz Backpackers contest runs from 1000 to 1500UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Monday the 4th, the CW leg of the 80m Club Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. The exchange is signal report and serial number. Tuesday sees the 144MHz FM Activity Contest run between 1800 and 1855UTC. It is followed by the all-mode 144MHz UK Activity Contest from 1900 to 2130UTC. The exchange is the same, signal report, serial number and locator. The 144MHz FT8 Activity Contest takes place on Wednesday the 6th between 1900 and 2100UTC. The exchange is report and your 4-character locator. Next weekend, the 9th and 10th of July, is the IARU HF Championship. It runs for 24 hours from 1200UTC on the 9th and uses the 1.8 to 28MHz bands where contests are permitted. The exchange is signal report and your ITU Zone. For the UK this is 27. Next Sunday, the 10th of July, the UK Microwave Group 24, 47 and 76GHz contest takes place between 0900 and 1700. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The UK Six Metre Group's Summer Marathon is still taking place, ending on the 2nd of August. Using all modes, stations exchange their 4-character locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 1st of July 2022. Last week was not a good one for HF propagation in general. There were many complaints from amateurs about poor conditions that can be explained by a combination of low solar flux levels and unsettled geomagnetic conditions. The SFI started the week last Sunday at 102 but then dropped to 98 the following day. It subsequently continued to drop, reaching 92 by Thursday. At the same time, the Kp index reached five and it continued to be unsettled into Monday. The effects on the ionosphere were not good, with maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path struggling to reach 18MHz. Conditions improved as the week went on with F2-layer MUFs back into the 21MHz region by Thursday. This is fairly typical of Summer ionospheric conditions, leaving Sporadic-E as the likely main propagation mode on 10 metres until the Autumn. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will start to climb again, perhaps peaking at 140 by the 11th of July. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be stable with an average Kp index of two, until the 10th when it could reach four. As long as we don't have any coronal mass ejections during this time this could mean slightly better F2-layer conditions next week. As always, Sporadic-E may provide loud short-skip signals on the upper bands. Watch out for multi-hop Es paths which are harder to predict. And now the VHF and up propagation news. With VHF National Field Day, this weekend we would all like conditions at their best, and with the Sporadic-E season still in full swing, that's a possibility. The position of the jet stream is often instrumental in defining the directions that perform for Es and this weekend it looks to be a close-by jet stream over the near continent. This means paths towards central and southeast Europe plus the Baltic and Scandinavia. You might be able to get some notion of how it's developing by Googling and looking at the ionosonde from Dourbes in Belgium for spikes in the foEs trace. With low pressure close to Scotland over the weekend, it's only southern UK under a weak ridge that will see any Tropo. This will typically be better overnight and around the coasts for paths into the continent across the North Sea or the English Channel. So unless you are on the coast, your tropo options will diminish early this Sunday morning once the solar heating starts to break down the overnight temperature inversion. The UKAC 144MHz contest on Tuesday evening looks a better prospect with high pressure nudging towards western Britain and a chance that conditions may be slightly up, even for more northern stations. With some showery episodes likely, rain scatter is always a possibility, but decaying as the high moves in later. The clusters should tell you if aurora or random meteor scatter are viable options. Just one meteor shower this week, the July Pegasids active from the 4th of July to the 14th, but its Zenithal Hourly Rate is low at around five. Meteor showers in July are at their best around the end of the month, particularly the Southern delta-Aquariids, peaking on the 30th of July. The maximum ZHR of this shower is around 25 over two days. The radiant of this shower is above the horizon in the UK during the night and early morning. Moon declination goes negative this coming Wednesday so expect lower peak elevation and shortening Moon visibility windows for EME. Path losses are dropping as we head towards perigee a week on Wednesday. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

POWER HALF HOUR Wednesday, June 1st at 11AM PST. Super excited to interview Rockstar Agent Ateesh Chand! Ateesh has 8 brothers and sisters with heritage from the Fiji Islands. Raised in Vancouver and excited for the growth of the great city he loves. Now he raises 3 kids of his own and his wife while selling real estate for 6 years.  He loves using technology to scale his business and separate himself from other agents and proudly calls Exp Realty his home. Recently was awards the Medallion Club and Achieved ICON awards.   Connect with Ateesh: @ateesh.chand.realestate ---------- Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my channel :) ---------- What is the POWER HALF HOUR?  The Power Half Hour is a concise 30 minute interview with a top performer/influencer; usually in real estate. The guest speaker will share with us what motivates them, how they achieved high level success and their top business tips. You can join in on these live Wednesday Power Half Hour interviews via Zoom or Facebook Live.  Connect with John Tsai for those links.  ---------- STAY CONNECTED with John Tsai, eXp Realty Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tsairealestate YouTube https://www.youtube.com/johntsaiprec  ---------- CHECK OUT my new book that launched on Amazon.com and .ca on July 12, 2021. Search: How To Be A Beast by John Tsai.  

Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrived in Fiji Islands and will try to stop China from signing a new regional security deal with up to 10 nations in the Pacific. - Η υπουργός Εξωτερικών Πένυ Γουόν περιοδεύει από σήμερα στις νησιωτικές χώρες του Ειρηνικού Ωκεανού, τη στιγμή που η Κίνα προσπαθεί να υπογράψει Σύμφωνα Ασφάλειας και Συνεργασίας με περισσότερες χώρες στην ίδια περιοχή. Ο πρωθυπουργός Άνθονι Αλμπανίζι έδωσε σήμερα την πρώτη του συνέντευξη μετά την εκλογική νίκη των Εργατικών, με τον Πίτερ Ντάτον να ανακοινώνει την υποψηιότητά του για την αρχηγία των Φιλελευθέρων.

Jordan talks with Jeff VanderMeer about the process of re-wilding his backyard, his initial obsession with uprooting air potatoes, learning to see more of the natural world, and where his fiction is headed next. MENTIONED: Air potatoes The Atlanta Botanical Garden Florida House Representative Anna Eskamani "How to Rewild Your Balcony" from Esquire Jeff VanderMeer is the author of Hummingbird Salamander, Dead Astronauts, Borne, The Ambergris Trilogy, and The Southern Reach Trilogy, the first volume of which, Annihilation, won the Nebula Award and the Shirley Jackson Award and was adapted into a movie by Alex Garland starring Natalie Portman. VanderMeer speaks and writes frequently about issues relating to climate change. He grew up in the Fiji Islands and now lives in Tallahassee, Florida, with his wife, Ann VanderMeer, and their cats, plants, and bird feeders. For more Thresholds, visit us at www.thisisthresholds.com Be sure to rate/review/subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover Rising Tides with Priya Kumar - Updated Full Audio - Thanks for Listening How the Outside Makes the Inside Better Through conversations with female business owners, we explore the benefits of time spent outside to maintain life balance. The time outside and activity may differ in each conversation, but we delve into the subject to find the commonality that drives us all. As a business owner, I find myself outside to balance the challenges of every day Discovering Guest Priya Kumar was born and raised in the Fiji Islands. She is a Business Financial Coach helping small business owners build a relationship with their finances and strategically plan their growth. She worked as a business investigator for over 12 years and decided not waste any of her knowledge and help those in need. She's also a hospice volunteer, marathon runner, an author of a gratitude journal, and a board member of a non profit organization. She's a single mom of a 6 year old boy who's constantly keeping her on her toes. Her life's missions statement is: "I want to leave those i meet, better than i found them". She value honesty, integrity, and passion. Whatever you do, do it with love and passion. And as she tells her son everyone morning, don't forget to have fun. Submit Questions hello@discoverrisingtides.com Podcast page:https://discoverrisingtides.com InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/discoverrisingtides

Discover Rising Tides with Priya Kumar How the Outside Makes the Inside Better Through conversations with female business owners, we explore the benefits of time spent outside to maintain life balance. The time outside and activity may differ in each conversation, but we delve into the subject to find the commonality that drives us all.  As a business owner, I find myself outside to balance the challenges of every day Discovering Guest Priya Kumar was born and raised in the Fiji Islands. She is a Business Financial Coach helping small business owners build a relationship with their finances and strategically plan their growth. She worked as a business investigator for over 12 years and decided not waste any of her knowledge and help those in need. She's also a hospice volunteer, marathon runner, an author of a gratitude journal, and a board member of a non profit organization. She's a single mom of a 6 year old boy who's constantly keeping her on her toes. Her life's missions statement is: "I want to leave those i meet, better than i found them". She value honesty, integrity, and passion. Whatever you do, do it with love and passion. And as she tells her son everyone morning, don't forget to have fun. April 6, 2022 2:00 pm PST Submit Questions  hello@discoverrisingtides.com  or call in live during the show 1-323-580-5755 Podcast page:"https://discoverrisingtides.com/offerings InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/discoverrisingtides Watch or listen at: https://linkedlocalnetwork.com/discover-rising-tides/

"When the tides go out and the water level subsides, which the pandemic has done in some ways, we get to see what the water was covering up. So we're now seeing that societal injustices did not just happen because of the pandemic. They were there all along, just out of sight under the water.”  --  Guillermo Gutierrez   In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk with Guillermo about: How his exposure to many different cultures, learning experiences, and his natural curiosity ultimately brought him to his career in the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging space The importance of this work as it makes our world, our workplaces, our homes, our communities, our society, a better place for all, not just for a few groups While we have made some progress, there is a lot more work to do to create an inclusive world where all people are treaty with respect, dignity, equality, and feel a sense of belonging Key Takeaways We have to acknowledge our own responsibility to seek opportunities. To keep growing and understand that it is hard work Find mentors who you trust. Have them get to know you and have them can see you for who you are. Tell them what you need to have to be successful and be engaged. Ask them to help you gain exposure to others who can coach and mentor you. Mentors and sponsors and people who can pull you up and give you visibility to where the opportunities are essential If you're not feeling the connection of belonging within your place of work, your department, your team, your function it is important to find a place that can help nurture you and energize you so you can be your best self. Seek environments where you can thrive Guillermo Gutierrez, a native of Mexico, has spent the last 16 years living and working in the US. He has also lived and worked in India, Fiji Islands, Canada and Morocco. He currently lives in Milwaukee with his wife Ellen. The rest of his family, including his parents, sister, nephew and nieces live in the north of Mexico. He is an avid reader and enjoys playing sports, his current passion being Pickleball. After he graduated from university with a BA in Marketing he spent the next two and a half years working abroad where he discovered his professional calling in learning and development and cultural coaching. He came back to Mexico where he completed his MS in Organizational Development and joined Kohler Co. who eventually will offer him the opportunity to relocate to the US to continue his career. In his almost 22 years of professional experience, he has had different corporate roles in Human Resources and also work as a consultant to Fortune 500 companies in the areas of team and leadership development and cultural competence.   Connect with Guillermo: Email:              guillermo.gutierrez@manpowergroup.com LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/gutierrezguillermo/   UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world. Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners. The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives. Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love. Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career. She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations. She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.   Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work."  Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.   Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net   Connect with Holly: LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyteska Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska Personal Website:         www.hollyteska.com Email:              holly@upliftingwomen.net   Connect with Kristin: LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk Personal Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/ Email:              kristin@upliftingwomen.net    

I chat about Survivor 42 - Fiji Islands and Premiere Night episode where 2 people go home.l!! #Survivor #Survivor42 #SurvivorFiji #BigBrother #BBCAN10 #BigBrotherCanada You can find me on YouTube: bit.ly/chatteroutloudyt

“Everyone's life is an autobiography. You are a living story. Keep building that autobiography into something worth reading.” -Sam Thiara   “Who Am I?” is one of the hardest questions to ever bewilder us. Some people were able to find the answer early on, but most people struggle with identity crises even in their 40's or older. But where do we even begin searching for the answer? And is that answer really worth the journey? Today's conversation emphasizes that we should not be defined by what we do, but rather by who we are. Before you embark to find out what you want to do, discover first who you are and the journey will be much more fulfilling.   Sam Thiara is a British-born Canadian whose parents came from Fiji Islands while his grandparents came from India. In search of his identity, Sam embarks on a journey to find his roots with a small blurry picture and a burning enthusiasm. Was Sam able to find the missing piece in his puzzle?    In this episode, Sam shares how his travel to India was like and the lessons he learned along the way. As the Chief Motivating Officer of Ignite the Dream Coaching and Consulting, Sam also shares inspiring thoughts about perceiving obstacles, creating and being guided by your 5 core elements, facing tons of rejections, and making each setback a learning opportunity.    Sometimes, we forget that we are valuable– a living story, waiting to be heard by the world. Should you ever feel insignificant or invisible, tune in as Sam shares the CARPE formula to turn the ordinary into extraordinary.      Connect with Ted:  Website Facebook  Twitter Instagram     LinkedIn YouTube Highlights:  02:43 How to Figure Out Who You Are 09:50 Obstacles Are Necessary Building Blocks of Success  16:19 The Identity Struggle 24:50 CARPE: How to Discover the Extraordinary in the Ordinary  30:11 A Greater Need to C-A-R-E 34:03 Recap

Can you imagine living on a tropical island in the south Pacific Ocean? A paradise on Earth where life moves at a slower rate. That's where my guest for this episode lives and works. Sanya Ruggiero is a consultant communications advisor who works with the UN and other organisations. She is now working on a UN project to provide Covid relief to small business and freelancers in Fiji and neighbouring islands. She is also working on a project to clear radioactive waste left on the Marshall Islands following nuclear weapons testing by the US government. Recently she was has written articles for AlJazeera and worked on projects with ABC, the Australian national broadcaster. Sanya also has a strong Catholic faith, which she says has helped her in life, despite it been sometimes seen as unpopular by some of her colleagues. In this interview I chat to Sanya about her fascinating family story, the history of the Figi islands, and the work she is doing today. Thanks for listening, and follow Sanya on Twitter: @Sanya_Ruggiero

Sign up for our mailing list! We also have t-shirts and mugs with our logo! We're down to the last few days to back our Kickstarter! We've got a slightly different type of episode this week. Follow along as I try to find out more about the giant jellyfish that nearly sank a ship! Further reading: Kraken: Monster of the Deep A lion's mane jellyfish: A giant squid: The first photo ever taken of a giant squid: Show transcript: Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I'm your host, Kate Shaw. Halloween is behind us and we're all now ready to head into winter, if we live in the northern hemisphere, or summer, if we live in the southern hemisphere. This week's episode is a little different, but hopefully you'll like it. Before we get into this week's topic, let me give you the very last Kickstarter update, I promise! From here on out you'll only get updates through the Kickstarter page if you backed the project. If you're listening to this episode within a day or two of its release on November 1, 2021, you still have time to back the Beyond Bigfoot & Nessie book! The campaign ends on Nov. 5, but at 12:03 am eastern time, and one of the many things I've learned about running a Kickstarter is maybe don't launch the project at midnight because then it ends at midnight. Remember that if we reach 100 backers before the end, I'll release a second bonus episode from the audiobook. I'm really late getting this episode done so it's actually Halloween as I record this, and we currently have 67 backers, which is amazing! Remember, we have a $1 tier if you just want to pitch a dollar in. That reminds me, after the campaign is over I'm going to update the first bonus episode and take out the ten minutes of Kickstarter talk that starts it. Thanks again to everyone who's backed the project. I'm blown away by everyone's support! If you want a copy of the book but not right now, it'll be available to buy from your regular book-buying places but only after all the Kickstarter backer rewards are sent. As it happens, this week's episode is connected with the Beyond Bigfoot & Nessie book. Specifically, I decided to add a chapter about the giant jellyfish we talked about in episode 16, but to do that I needed to do a lot more research. That story has actually bothered me for a long time. When I first started the podcast, I wasn't always as diligent in my research as I am now. If a story came from a source I trusted or had enough realistic-sounding details, I'd assume it was accurate. This story met both criteria but whenever I thought about it, something felt off. So I was glad to dig in and find out more. This episode is about the research process I went through, which will give you a little bit of a behind-the-scenes look at how I approach each episode. We'll also learn about a couple of other weird events where a ship or boat was seemingly attacked by a sea monster. Let's start with the story as I reported it in episode 16. I think you will appreciate how much better our audio quality is these days. Here it is: “In 1973, the Australian ship Kuranda collided with a huge jelly in the South Pacific while traveling through a storm on her way to the Fiji Islands. The jelly was so enormous that the deck was covered in jellyfish goo and tentacles up to two feet deep [61 cm]. One crew member died after getting stung. The weight of the jelly was so great, an estimated 20 tons [18 metric tons] that it started to push the ship nose-down and the captain, Langley Smith, sent out an SOS. The salvage tug Hercules arrived and sprayed the Kuranda's deck with a high-pressure hose, dislodging the jelly. Samples were sent to Sydney and tentatively identified as a lion's mane jelly.” My first step was to find where I got that story. I was pretty sure it was from Karl Shuker's blog but when I looked, it wasn't there. I checked his books that I own and it wasn't there either. A quick internet search turned up the story in a lot ...

Overview of Ep77 In episode 77, Chris and Barry host a bumper edition of cruise news with a dash of maritime history. This week's “Itinerary of the Week” is a classic 7nt cruise from Singapore on Diamond Princess. We are delighted to share that the podcast is now available on Amazon and Audible. Donate to support Chris & zero2heroSupport Chris in his walk from Cape to Cape: https://donate.mycause.com.au/cause/263123?donateToMember=156839All donations support zero2hero empowering young people to deal with mental health.  Please VOTE for The Big Cruise PodcastVOTE for the Podcast in the “Listeners Choice” category of the Australian Podcast Awards: https://australianpodcastawards.com/voteImportant: remember to confirm/validate your vote by clicking on the link within the email sent to you. Buy Me A CoffeeThis podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates.  https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXItinerary of the WeekPrincess Cruises – Diamond Princess – Singapore return – 7nts – Various Date Dec 22 – Feb 23Singapore – Malacca – Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang) – Penang – Phuket – Langkawi – Singapore Itinerary: South East Asia, Malaysia & Thailand: https://bit.ly/3vYgBsC Diamond Princess: https://bit.ly/3nMgNaC Cruise NewsPrincess extends Australian Pause until March 2022 Princess Cruises, the world's leading international premium cruise line, is extending its pause in cruise vacations in Australia/New Zealand to March 14, 2022, due to the uncertainty around the return of cruising in the region. As a result of the pause extension, four sailings on Coral Princess will be cancelled.P&O Cruises Australia Extends Cruising Pause Until Mid-February 2022Amid continuing uncertainty about the resumption of cruising, P&O Cruises Australia today extended its voluntary pause in operations for a further month until mid-February next year.The pause applies to cruises scheduled to depart from 15 January, 2022 to 14 February, 2022.Crystal Endeavor Rendezvous with Crystal Serenity in The BahamasThe world's newest and most luxurious expedition vessel Crystal Endeavor rendezvoused with Crystal Serenity in a historic meet-up of Crystal ships off the coast of The Bahamas.Crystal Endeavor is on its inaugural sailing from Miami – a special two-day preview voyage for travel partners and members of the press – while Crystal Serenity is on the last leg of a week-long Luxury Bahamas Escape cruise that departed Miami on 18 Oct. Crystal Endeavor will depart PortMiami Monday on a nine-day cruise en route to San Juan then spend the winter season in Antarctica where it will offer a series of 11- to 19-night Remote Expedition voyages. Crystal Serenity continues her 7-night cruises in The Bahamas through 8 Nov.With the company's signature song, “What a Wonderful World,” serenading guests, the new 20,200-GRT expedition yacht encircled Crystal Serenity with guests of both vessels waving enthusiastically during the meet-up as the captains saluted each other via multiple blasts of the ships' horns.As the world's newest and most luxurious expedition yacht, the 200-guest, German-engineered Crystal Endeavor offers a number of industry “firsts,” including the only expedition ship to feature a Japanese restaurant, the first expedition ship to feature a casino, the only expedition ship with a two-story glass-enclosed solarium for nature viewing, largest lead-in suites in the industry, and a staff to guest ratio of one-to-one – the highest in the industry, delivering the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known.Video: https://youtu.be/9nzyIhvAqr4 Carnival Cruise Line Christens Mardi GrasCarnival Cruise Line christened Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Florida. at a “Universe of Fun” celebration befitting of the world's most fun cruise ship, in the first ship naming ceremony held in the U.S. since the cruise industry's restart this summer (northern hemisphere).Carnival's Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O'Neal attended the festivities and cut the ribbon of his first Big Chicken restaurant at sea that debuted on Mardi Gras when she began cruise operations on July 31.Miss Universe, Dominican Republic, Kimberly Jimenez served as the ship's Godmother and officially named the ship and was joined by Miss Universe, Andrea Meza and Miss USA, Asya Branch who sang the national anthem. The event featured a “World of Nations” flag procession to highlight the diversity of the 120 nationalities of Carnival crew members, and, of course, a Mardi Gras parade with a Second Line Band.Godmother Jimenez blessed the ship in both English and her native Spanish and activated the traditional champagne bottle break, officially naming the ship. In a celebration of the ship's name, a special Mardi Gras parade with Duffy, Donald and O'Neal leading it, capped off the festivities.Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in the Americas to be powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and the first to feature a roller coaster.  The 180,000-ton ship boasts six distinct themed zones with a variety of food, beverage and entertainment options, including dining venues from Lagasse, Fieri, O'Neal and Rudi Sodamin. Mardi Gras sails weekly from Port Canaveral on alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.Carnival Mardi Gras Gets Its Groove On And Raises Record Amount For St. Jude Children's Research HospitalThe celebrations on the inaugural cruise for Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras continued today while at sea, as the ship's Godmother Kimberly Jiménez, along with Miss Universe Andrea Meza and other Miss Universe titleholders, joined Cruise Director Mike Pack and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy for the Groove for St. Jude, an onboard fundraiser for Carnival's longtime partner, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Thanks to the generous donations of guests on board they broke the ship's record and raised $21,600 for St. Jude.Mardi Gras was christened during a “Universe of Fun” celebration on Oct. 23 in Port Canaveral and has been sailing a celebratory inaugural cruise throughout the Caribbean this week.Holland America Line's Rotterdam Sets Sail with World-Class Floating Art Gallery Valued at Over $4.1 MillionMore than 2,500 pieces from dozens of global artists enhance the ship's designHolland America Line ships have long been regarded as floating art galleries for their extensive collections of museum-quality pieces. When Rotterdam sets sail for the first time Oct. 20, 2021, guests are in for a visually rewarding journey with some of the most thought-provoking, striking and bold pieces in the fleet — including historical works and memorabilia from beloved previous sister ships.Rotterdam's art collection is valued at more than $4.1 million and was curated by Oslo-based YSA Design and London-based ArtLink, who collaborated with acclaimed hospitality design atelier Tihany Design. The result is a museum at sea with 2,645 pieces of diverse works ranging in value from $500 to $620,000 that spans the decks, public rooms and staterooms.More than 37 nationalities are represented by Rotterdam's artists, with the greatest number of contributors coming from the Netherlands, United States and United Kingdom. Artists also hail from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Republic of Korea, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine.Many of the pieces focus on entertainment, showcasing themes of music, dance and movement, weaving the ship's narrative of a “new sound of cruising” into the art. The works are in many media, including photography, painting, mixed media, illustration, prints and sculpture.Holland America Line History Finds a Home on RotterdamHolland America Line's newest Rotterdam is the seventh ship in the fleet to bear the name, and some previous works of art from Rotterdam VI, which left the company in 2020, have found a new home on the newbuild. Eight historical paintings are now on Rotterdam, including depictions of Rotterdam I, Rotterdam II, Rotterdam III, Rotterdam IV and Rotterdam V. The ship also hosts three previous Rotterdam ship models, and the bell from Rotterdam VI can be found in the Crow's Nest.Fun Facts, Figures and Highlights About Rotterdam's Art Collection:The largest and most expensive piece is “Harps,” a 7.5-ton stainless steel sculpture in the Atrium that spans three decks. With dynamic color-changing spot lighting and a mirrored ceiling, the work is a striking focal point on board. “Harps” was produced and designed by ArtLink, based on a concept by Tihany Design. It is valued at $620,000.The smallest works are by Betty Pepper, who uses reworked books and adds intricate details and scenes made from old maps. They can be seen in the forward stairwell between decks 7 and 8. The exquisitely small elements are a testament to Pepper's ability to work at a scale that few artists can master.Each of the stairwells has a theme that reaches from top to bottom. The theme of the forward stairs is architecture, midship stairs is music and aft stairs is zoology.The oldest artist is Baron Wolman (deceased), born in 1937. The U.S. native was the chief photographer for Rolling Stone magazine from 1967 until late 1970. He was ranked among the 20th century's elite and most collectible photographers.The youngest artist is Leva Berlande. The 31-year-old rising artist is a student from Latvia and has a painting featured in the Neptune Lounge.As with Rudi's Sel de Mer on Nieuw Statendam, Master Chef Rudi Sodamin's son and emerging artist Magnus Sodamin created a visually stimulating mural that adorns the wall in his father's namesake specialty restaurant on Rotterdam. Called “Oceans Feast,” the work measures 23 feet long and 3.6 feet tall.Italian artist Federico Picci contributes conversation starters that tie in magically with the ship's design. His photographs capture how music would look if we could not only listen to it but see it, too. In one image, balloons float out of a piano, representing the evanescence of something that evaporates in the air as it is created, like the element of sound.One of the most striking and expensive pieces is a dazzling, illuminated crystal “Key” (treble clef) created by Dutch artist Hans van Bentem for Deck 3, midship. The piece is valued at $27,000.Considered among the most avant-garde pieces in the collection is a fiberglass sculpture of an otter in the aft stairwell lobby on Deck 9 by Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel. San Miguel is known for his distinctive style of colorful geometric patterns that portray animals, skulls, religious iconography and human figures.In the embarkation area is a work titled “Billie Holiday” by Ani Abakumova. It is made up of 3 miles of threads — 8,000 threads in total. Abakumova's husband is a mathematician who developed an algorithm that enables her to create images from threads that change color without using paint.One of the most valuable works is a mixed media on canvas piece in the forward stairwell lobby on Deck 8 by Mehdi Ghadyanloo, an Iranian artist, painter and muralist known for his gigantic trompe l'oeil–style murals. Ghadyanloo recently had solo exhibitions in Almine Rech's galleries in Paris and Brussels, and now Holland America Line guests can enjoy his captivating art.Yongsun Jang, from Republic of Korea, welds cross sections of stainless-steel pipes to configure clusters of “cells,” then puts it all together to represent different organic beings. For Rotterdam, he created cello and pan flute sculptures for the B.B. King's Blues Club/Lincoln Center Stage space.The vibrant work of Lisa Krannichfield is on display in the Club Orange specialty restaurant. Her pieces meld the border between masculine and feminine and explore what it means to be fashionable and make a statement. The art aboard Rotterdam comprises one of the finest collections at sea. Guests can admire the decks inside and out and discover inspired works from a global assembly of emerging artists who share the spaces alongside some of the most renowned talent in the world.Cunard announces new itineraries on Queen Elizabeth for 2022Cunard has announced that a series of new itineraries sailing on Queen Elizabeth between February and May 2022 will go on sale in November.  All sailings will depart from Southampton and will include a voyage in search of the Northern Lights, journeys to the Canary Islands and the Western Mediterranean as well as a grand voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Panama Canal and on to Vancouver, Canada.The new itineraries will replace the existing published schedule.   Cunard continues to work very closely with authorities in all the destinations visited to ensure compliance with local health and entry requirements.  Unfortunately, based on the most recent advice for cruise guests, and given the complexities of many of the international destinations involved, it will not be viable to maintain Queen Elizabeth's existing schedule and all departures from 20 February to 17 May 2022 inclusive are now cancelled. Ponant pioneers safety regulations in the polar regionsPonant, the world leader of luxury expeditions, and an expert in navigation in polar regions for over two decades, recently organised the world's first international rescue exercise in a remote polar zone. During a trial voyage to the North Pole with its polar exploration vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, the company raised the bar again for maritime safety and standards in polar tourism. The one-off on-site scenario was live coordinated between Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Canada, the United States and Norway, as well as the PONANT teams aboard and PONANT's head office in Marseille, France. The exercise took place over a 24-hour period on the ice, during which the 67 participants had to set up a polar survival camp among other tasks. American and Canadian coastguards, as well as Norwegian Arctic rescue experts were also present as observers.The objectives of the simulated rescue exercise were to optimise the coordination between the region's international rescue centres and conduct medical research and behavioural studies on participants to understand the impact of spending long periods of time on the ice. Conclusions are being shared with polar environment experts and will help the expedition cruise industry and rescue centres across the world to not only devise new safety strategies, but also improve their knowledge about the impacts of such a crisis situation.For Ponant, the exercise was also an ideal opportunity to test all the rescue and safety equipment, particularly the Ice Cube, the group survival kit, the floating polar shelters and the survival suits. Developed and designed from scratch by Ponant, they currently exceed the existing safety criteria established by the tourism industry as well as the military. With the tools developed by Ponant and the organisation of such a large-scale exercise, the company continues to set new standards of safety at sea, as well as pioneering new ways of exploration.Ponant opens Kimberley 2023 Season!Ponant has released sales for the highly anticipated 2023 Kimberley Expedition season for one of the company's most popular expeditions for both adventure and beauty. Offering multiple departures between April and October 2023, the enormously popular 10-night ‘Australia's Iconic Kimberley' itinerary journeys between Broome and Darwin showcasing the wild and grandiose landscapes of the Kimberley on board Ponant's Le Lapérouse or Le Soléal, both of which will be sailing throughout the season. Highlights on the itinerary include visiting the Hunter River inhabited estuarine crocodiles; discovering the King George River on a Zodiac® excursion and reaching the majestic Twin Falls, the highest in Western Australia; and a visit to Collier Bay to explore Montgomery reef. Sailing along one of the most spectacular coasts in Australia, the Kimberley's falls, savannah, and tidal phenomena promise never to disappoint.Environmentally friendly, fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, Ponant's modern, purpose-built, intimately sized ships offer a unique sailing experience, offering unparalleled comfort and luxury for exploring the region. Le Soléal provides 95% balcony accommodation while Le Lapérouse offers a balcony or private deck area for all accommodation. Both offer a selection of world-class dining options, open bar*, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool.Both purpose-built ships offer the perfect base camp to relax after spending days on immersive expedition experiences on Zodiac® outings and shore excursions with PONANT's knowledgeable expedition team.Paul Gauguin Cruises opens sales for 2023 small luxury itinerariesPaul Gauguin Cruises has launched sales of its 2023 small-ship sailings. Sun, turquoise seas, idyllic beaches and scenery await. Six itineraries crafted by Paul Gauguin Cruises' destination experts offer a chance to explore the wonders of the South Pacific and beyond aboard newly renovated luxury small vessel Le Paul Gauguin.Paul Gauguin Cruises, the South Pacific specialists, has devised six idyllic itineraries, from 7 to 16 nights, to explore Tahiti, the Society Islands, and the Marquesas, Tuamotus, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Fiji Islands.Swimming, diving, kayaking, paddle-boarding and snorkelling are just some of the activities on offer to enjoy to the full these picture postcard landscapes. Aboard, impeccable service and fine cuisine take inspiration from the Polynesian lifestyle. Combining this with privileged moments such as a traditional Polynesian barbecue on private islet, Motu Mahana, off the protected Taha's Island, completes a voyage to this far-flung paradise.With 166 staterooms and suites, Le Paul Gauguin was designed to sail in Polynesian waters, her shallow draught allows her to get in close to shallow lagoons. In the heart of paradisical islands and the atolls of French Polynesia and its neighbouring archipelagos, the vessel invites guests to discover the traditional way of life and customs of Polynesia and the South Pacific.NEW ITINERARY: From Fiji to BaliDeparting from Lautoka in Fiji, this exceptional voyage takes you on a journey of discovery to seven countries in the South Seas including Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia, East Timor and Indonesia in the quest for idyllic surroundings.“From Fiji to Bali” cruise – from Lautoka to Bali (or vice versa) – 17 days, 16 nights – 2 sailings in 2023Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society IslandsWhite sandy beaches, coral atolls and turquoise lagoons line the route of this stunning itinerary to explore four beautiful archipelagos of the South Pacific. Discover nature and culture among dreamy French Polynesian atolls, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Fiji.“Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands” cruise – from Papeete to Lautoka (or vice versa) – 15 days, 14 nights or 13 days, 12 nights – 2 sailings in 2023Tahiti & the Society IslandsEmbark on Le Paul Gauguin for an unforgettable tour of the beautiful Society Islands which inspired so many artists like Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel. From Papeete, guests will sail to isolated coves on Huahine, the turquoise waters of Motu Mahana, fabulous lagoons in Bora Bora and the lush vegetation on Moorea – an itinerary planned to offer the very essence of French Polynesia.“Tahiti & the Society Islands” cruise – from Papeete to Papeete – 8 days, 7 nights – 14 sailings in 2023Marquesas, The Tuamotus & Society IslandsDive into Polynesian history and culture on this cruise into the heart of idyllic atolls surrounded by coral reefs. This itinerary takes guests on a voyage to discover French Polynesia's natural treasures: Tahiti, Fakarava's coral ellipse, the Tuamotus, Fatu Hiva and its sacred “tohua” sites, Hiva Oa, “Garden of the Marquesas”, Bora Bora and many other South Pacific pearls.“Marquesas, The Tuamotus & Society Islands” cruise – from Papeete to Papeete – 15 days, 14 nights – 6 sailings in 2023Available now from all good CLIA cruise specialists.Norwegian Bliss returns to the Mexican RivieraNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel continues its Great Cruise Comeback across the globe with the restart of its seventh vessel, Norwegian Bliss, sailing week-long voyages to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles.Norwegian Bliss, one of the most successful ships ever launched in the company's 54-year history will be the Brand's second vessel sailing from the West Coast of USA following the celebrated restart of her sister ship Norwegian Encore, which resumed voyages to Alaska from Seattle in August 2021. On Sunday 24 October 2021, Norwegian Bliss' crew members welcomed eager and excited guests as they embarked to sail the majestic Mexican Riviera while looking forward to enjoying unforgettable onboard experiences including world-class fare across its 19 dining options, 20 bars and lounges, a two-level racetrack with the Bliss Speedway and Broadway-caliber entertainment including “Six: The Musical,” which premiered onboard Norwegian Breakaway before hitting the stage on Broadway in March 2020.Norwegian Bliss will sail from the Los Angeles World Cruise Centre, offering week-long voyages and five-day sailings to the Mexican Riviera, visiting marquee Mexican ports including Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Ensenada, Mexico. On 21 January 2022 she will embark on a 14-day journey crossing the Panama Canal and making port calls to notable destinations including Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia before making her way to the cruise capital of the world, Miami.MSC Cruises invites artists to design the hull art of MSC EuribiaMSC Cruises is giving artists and designers around the world the opportunity to transform the hull of MSC Euribia into a giant, floating canvas to communicate the importance of respect for the environment. The ship, which is the most environmentally advanced ship in MSC Cruises' fleet to date, is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas and the vision of the ship is to master the deployment of state-of-the-art sustainable technologies to protect and preserve the precious marine ecosystem. MSC Cruises is calling on artists from around the world to create a unique artwork inspired by the sea and its important marine ecosystem that will be featured as a permanent design across the ship's hull, as she sails the world's oceans. The design contest, which is now open, is a first for MSC Cruises and shines a light on the Company's ongoing commitment to the environment and its commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050.The entries will be judged by a panel of international judges including sand artist Jben, known for his large-scale ephemeral sand frescoes that wash away with the tide, architect Martin Francis and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group. Jben has travelled the world sculpting Beach Art in the United States, France, Morocco, Holland and Portugal, raising awareness of sea-related environmental issues, encouraging marine protection and preservation. Only one winner will be lucky enough for their artwork to be showcased on the ship's hull, as a sailing outdoor gallery for the world to see. Five further shortlist finalists will also have their designs displayed in an exhibition on board MSC Euribia, where guests will be exposed to their art and its important message for years to come.MSC Cruises has also shared a video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8nWPhH4bRY] of artist Jben calling on other artists to join him. On 19 October, he created an immense 45 metre x 45 metre fresco on French beach the Côte Sauvage, telling designers ‘MSC wants you' and calling on them to join the competition.MSC Euribia will come into service in 2023 and become the second LNG-powered ship in MSC Cruises' fleet, marking another step forward in substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. LNG plays a key role in the journey towards climate change mitigation and MSC Euribia's engines have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 21% compared to standard fuels while also virtually eliminating other air emissions.https://www.talenthouse.com/i/Create-a-design-for-the-hull-of-MSC-Euribia-cruise-shipDream Cruises collaborates with Tourism Western AustraliaDream Cruises has partnered with Tourism Western Australia (TWA) in Singapore to feature the ‘Western Australia Adventure Awaits' showpiece on World Dream, as part of the ship's ‘Markets of the World' thematic cruises from Singapore until 6 November 2021. With current international travel restrictions, Dream Cruises brings the world and its popular cuisine and cultural activities aboard World Dream to provide Singapore residents with the ultimate ‘Super Seacation' cruise experience without leaving the waters around Singapore.Since July 2020, Dream Cruises was the first cruise line in the world to resume safe cruises with stringent and enhanced safety and preventive measures, starting with Taiwan and subsequently in Singapore in November 2020, followed by Hong Kong in July 2021. Since then, Dream Cruises had launched a series of successful global thematic cruises with the likes of “Rhythm of Korea”, “Amazing Thailand”, “Wonders of Japan” and currently “Markets of the World” with a special highlight of the “Western Australia Adventure Awaits” showpiece.Dream Cruises brings unique Western Australia adventures on board World Dream with 10 Western Australia Balcony Staterooms specifically re-created and inspired by Western Australia's iconic landmarks such as the Blue Boat House, Busselton Jetty, Bungle Bungle Range, Hutt Lagoon at Pink Lake and Wave Rock. Guests staying in these cabins are in for a real Aussie treat and will be delighted with the extra goodies, which include a Quinton the Quokka plush toy, Western Australia exclusive merchandise and a special on board lunch or dinner set menu paired with Australian Wine for 2 persons at the Prime Steakhouse & Seafood Grill Restaurant by Australian renowned chef, Mark Best.Guests can further elevate their “Down Under” experience on the ship with a variety of curated adventures and activities inspired by what Australia has to offer, complemented by delicious Australian delicacies. The month of October is also Lobster mania month with a Western Australia lobster and prawn pasta linguini cooking show, as well as Western Australia Lobster menus that are available at specialty restaurants for selected sailings.Besides that, Dream Cruises together with TWA has also put together a series of fun-filled on board activities for guests to maximise their Australian adventure on the ship. Be sure to visit the interactive and pop up booth packed with insta-worthy opportunities and don't miss the special appearance of Quinton the Quokka, the World's happiest animal on board for a meet and greet session. Fans of the adorable animal can also stand a chance to take home a Quokka soft toy and other exciting prizes by joining the exciting on board activities, including the ‘Western Australia Amazing Race' game and the ‘Western Australia Trivia Wall'. For the ultimate prize and Australian vacation, World Dream guests can also stand a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip* to Western Australia by entering the on board photo contest, available exclusively on World Dream.Royal Caribbean Group Announces “Destination Net Zero”Royal Caribbean Group announced a giant step on its sustainability journey: Destination Net Zero, a comprehensive decarbonization strategy that includes pledging to establish Science-Based Targets (SBT) and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.Royal Caribbean Group's Destination Net Zero builds on decades of progress and a deep sense of responsibility to embed sustainability throughout the organization.Over 18 to 24 months, the cruise company will develop goals to be validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the first such pledge for the cruise industry. The work will begin following the publication of SBTi's marine transport methodology. Science-based targets show companies how much, and how quickly, they need to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to help limit global warming.Along the journey to net zero, key milestones will be critical to making progress. One of the most ambitious milestones includes the delivery of a net zero cruise ship by 2035. To achieve these ambitions, the company will rely on strong partnerships with governments, suppliers and shipyards to develop alternative and accessible fuels and technology.The company's focus on achieving these measurable goals builds on its track record of designing and operating some of the most energy efficient ships on the seas. Thanks to optimized hull design and system upgrades such as AC chillers utilizing 30-40% less energy, Royal Caribbean Group has consistently delivered a new generation of ships 20-25% more efficient than their predecessors.From Silversea Cruises' ‘Project Evolution' – the cruise industry's first hybrid-powered ship set to debut summer 2023 – to the wind farm in Kansas that will offset up to 12% of our scope 1 and 2 emissions per year, Royal Caribbean Group is already executing on its Destination Net Zero strategy to drive the development of emissions-reducing technology and alternative fuel solutions.“Royal Caribbean Group has a history of innovating in every aspect and level of the company,” said William K. Reilly, chairman, Royal Caribbean Group's board of directors' safety, environment, and health committee. “This is another important step on the serious and ambitious path to preserve the health and allure of the sea and the beauty of the oceans.”Destination Net Zero's four-pronged approach includes:Modernization of our global brands fleet through the introduction of 13 new energy-efficient and alternatively fueled vessels, including its recently announced ‘Project Evolution' — the industry's first ship to remove all local emissions while at port.Continued investment in energy efficiency programs for its fleet, including energy saving technologies, enhanced data systems and digitalization.Development of alternative fuel and alternative power solutions.Optimized deployment and integration of strategic shore-based supply chains.Pandaw closes after 26 years of pioneering river cruises. Pandaw regrets to announce that due to the continuing Covid 19 impact on international leisure travel, the closure of its destinations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and India, and the critical political situation in Myanmar, the company has no alternative but to cease its river cruise operations due to the lack of financial liquidity and failure to find additional funding in the wake of the Covid 19 crisis.Though forward bookings for a restart in 2022 remained strong, with great support from the ever-loyal Pandaw community, the company lacks the funding to continue layup operations of their seventeen ships for another year, and then undergo essential refurbishment to prepare for renewed operations, the timing of which is highly uncertain, even assuming this may occur for the winter 2022/23 season.The company has worked tirelessly over the past year to find new investors or other forms of finance to carry the company through, but without success.Founded in 1995, Pandaw pioneered river expeditions in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and India with its iconic boutique ships. Up till the impact of Covid, Pandaw had enjoyed the support of a loyal following of travellers, high occupancy and year on year growing revenues, with positive financial results.Despite the closure of Pandaw Cruises, the Pandaw Charity, which has done much to support people in Myanmar during the on-going crisis there, will continue its work under the guidance of its trustees.And moreEthical Cruise T-Shirts Now available branded podcast t-shirts, cruise-tees and Christmas gifts or design your own in the studio. All using organic cotton, printed using green energy and plastic-free packaging! https://bit.ly/32G7RdhJoin the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/  Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg    Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home  Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF  Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI  Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u  I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8  Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz  Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M  Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs  Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Paul Geraghty was born of Irish immigrant parents and raised in Rugby, Warwickshire, England. Educated at Lawrence Sheriff Grammar School and Rugby School, he was awarded a travel scholarship and spent a year teaching in Fiji, when he began his research into the dialects of Fiji.  After graduating from Cambridge with an MA in Modern Languages (French and German), he earned his PhD from the University of Hawaii with a dissertation on the history of the Fijian languages. He was recruited as researcher by the Fijian Monolingual Dictionary Project in Suva, which had been recently founded by the American/Canadian actor and philanthropist Raymond Burr.  This project developed into the Institute of Fijian Language and Culture, of which he was Director from 1986 to 2001, being recognized for his service in researching and revitalising Fiji's linguistic and cultural heritage with the award of Officer of the Order of Fiji by the then President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in 1999.  In 2001 he accepted a position at the University of the South Pacific, having previously written and taught there the first university course in a Pacific language. He is currently Adjunct Associate Professor in Linguistics and working on postgraduate courses in Fijian in addition to conducting wide-ranging research.  He is author and editor of several books, including The History of the Fijian Languages (University of Hawai'i Press), the Lonely Planet Fijian Phrasebook, Borrowing: a Pacific Perspective (Australian National University Press), and The Macquarie Dictionary of English for the Fiji Islands, and numerous articles in professional journals and newspapers on Fijian and Pacific languages, culture, and history. He is also well known in Fiji as a newspaper columnist and radio and TV presenter, currently co-hosting the eighth season of the weekly programme Vueta na Vosa on Fiji TV. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fiji Mermaid was supposedly caught off the coast of the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific. It was often described as hideous and ugly. It was a stuffed specimen, dried or mummified, Its skin was black and Simi translucent. It was around 3 feet long and was posed in an awkward stance. Its mouth was open, its tail turned over, and its arms thrown in the air, giving it the appearance of having died in great agony. The Fiji Mermaid was instrumental in Barnum's success. Not only was it hugely popular, but it set the foundation for many of his later tactics for generating interest in his curiosities. So, what exactly is it? Well, a CT scan of the mermaid on display at Harvard University's Peabody Museum reveals it is made up of wire armature, paper mâché, bone fragments and fish scales. You can find out more about where I bought my Fiji Mermaid from by visiting 'All Steamed Up' here; https://www.facebook.com/ianjarrellartist ✅ Let's connect: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unusualweekly​ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/unusualweekly​ Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/unusualweekly​ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/unusualasusual​ Fact Analysis: Although careful research is implemented to assure accurate and correct information, sometimes it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction (or ‘humbug', as P.T. Barnum would say). If you find any information in this podcast inaccurate, please do let me know via social media.

One of the most common misconceptions regarding the assessment of someone's character is the manner in which they think of themselves and their accomplishments in life. However, there is a fine line between confidence in your abilities and expressions of arrogance. That is precisely what we discuss in this episode of BTP as we contrast it with the feature of modesty which can be indeed a virtue when done in moderation.   Daniel's Social:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmolgan/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danmolgan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-molgan-41812352/   Pouya's Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pouyalj/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/pouyalj LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pouyalajevardi/   Episode Transcript... ----more----   SUMMARY KEYWORDS modesty, arrogant, arrogance, people, modest, brag, black belt, talking, confident, achieve, life, hand, self esteem, leaders, insecure, success, achievements, confidence, inspire, express   Pouya LJ  00:08 Hello, ladies, gentlemen, welcome back to yet another episode of The BTP podcast. As always, I'm joined with Daniel Morgan. How's it going,   Dan  00:16 buddy? What's up guys? What's up Blue Jays, life is great and awesome. I'm so happy to be here with you basically, life is as always amazing. We're now going through the final phase phases basically of this goddamn pandemic. But the Delta variant is still causing some disturbances. But as always, I'm optimistic and life is good. Just waiting for life to move to where it was. And believe me, it will happen. All right, that's okay. Good, good. Confidence, tone, man. That was like a confidence tone.   Pouya LJ  00:50 Exactly. Not only confidence, it was very optimistically confidence. So I like that so lovely. All right, good. Good. I'm very happy to hear that. All right. So okay, today's topic we're talking about. So last week, we talked about to weaken per tooth, you know, phenomenon is called minimalism and luxury. Now recovering to other phenomena is called modesty. And arrogance. So modesty versus arrogance. So what do you make of it? How how much modesty is good, how much arrogance is good? And whereas, which are more important? Yeah, sorry, go ahead.   Dan  01:26 I see before I go ahead and give my assessment, I will actually ask you please find each of these because sometimes people don't know what modesty actually is. Like if someone right forever, perhaps does not, for example, want to have big ambitions, that he's modest. That's not modesty. That's passivity. So let's first go ahead and define properly for our listeners, what modesty and basically, arrogance actually are. So why don't you go to do that for our listeners?   Pouya LJ  01:53 Yeah, absolutely. That's a good point, because we need to get our definitions straight. So yeah, let's, let's say what we're talking about modesty, we basically mean that, it doesn't mean that you're not achieving anything, or you don't want to achieve anything, it doesn't mean that you're not ambitious. what it entails is essentially, you are, you're you are comfortable with not, you know, expressing your your your achievements or your desire to achieve as much as an arrogant person does, or, or, on the other hand, you can you can define it as you are realizing your own limitations within your within your capabilities. And that sense, that sense of realizing those limitation gives you a calm about your position.   Dan  02:42 So you're literally   Pouya LJ  02:44 on the other hand, arrogance, it portrays the opposite behavior, right? arrogance actually goes overboard, like you're achieving 10, then you're bragging, 12, or you're capable, interesting, or you're capable of 1210, but you're not aware of it, and you're going overboard and claiming 15. So that is how I see it, unless you have a slightly different discourse, what   Dan  03:07 you're saying is absolutely true. I just want to add a few points. Mises, D. modesty, basically, as we have noted, basically, it's simply your ability to keep your lips basically accolades to yourself, you see, whatever social success, whatever, you know, personal things, when you keep it to yourself, you're modest. So for example, let's say you have just won the grants for a major, let's say, Blue Origin type of research, because you're a cool astrophysicist from University of Toronto. Now, if you don't tell the whole world about it, including your answer doesn't even know what basically Jeff Bayes actually means. Then you're not exactly very much. So modesty just means you are happy with your success, you keep it to yourself, you don't really share it. Now, arrogance, as you said, well areas isn't just isn't only about you know, showing off, it's more about your attitude towards other people. Those who are arrogant, do not see themselves as superior, so much as they see others as inferior. And they make sure they they know that that right. So that basically they are putting others down, basically. Right. And that's called arrogance. And I believe that both approach, as you probably know, are not in my approaches. Why? Let me explain a moment. If you're so modest, but he achieved a lot of things, give it to yourself. And then you simply can never promote yourself to acquire more success, and others might actually not know what you're up to. So you might actually miss out on a lot of opportunities. If you tell the world that Yeah, I got this great man. Maybe they actually joined forces with you know, far better people to actually have a great lunch. I think they're handing it all to yourself. Yeah, it's easy. I mean, there's nothing noble about now, no modesty because it's easy. Just keep your mouth shut. That's it. You're modest with us. Not gonna necessarily help you achieve a lot of the goals you want to achieve in life, because you are not going to be able to attract enough attention to promote yourself to gain better opportunities and arrogance. Well, that's the sign of lack of self esteem. arrogant people are not show offs. They are those who show up to put others down. You see, if you have, for example, a Lamborghini and it came shown that on your social media story, like oh, check it out. Oh, I'm in my lambos By the way, guys, I'm talking to you. Yeah, I'm going to work now. I'm going to buy my groceries now. What do these things? Honestly projects? How do you feel? I mean, because these feelings are universal. When you see someone intentionally shows off the Lambo in every single store, and every single thing constantly talks about the color of my Lambo. What feeling do you have for this gentleman or lady?   Pouya LJ  05:51 Oh, I just feel like blocking them because I want to exterminate this post from my feed.   Dan  05:57 Because it's not attractive, man knows not attractive. Because we feel like oh, this guy's either lying, or he got it from his daddy, or he's actually faking it, or he's renting it. Because people who are confident in their success, they don't need to always brag about it. So I am not a fan of bragging. I'm not a fan of keeping it to yourself. Now people should do know, basically, if you're a big shot, but ultimately do you want to treat your success for you? or for other people, it's actually relevant a little bit to that luxury versus minimalism. And that when you are not an arrogant person, you don't necessarily need to bring others down. Just because I am rich doesn't mean that others should, you know, suffer looking at my Lambo when they have problems eating. So that reason, I believe that the best approach as always inspired by that, because when you tell others of your ambitions, others people say like, you know, what, why don't I have such ambitions? What does he have that I don't have? And the answer is always nothing, whatever anybody else has, including Jeff Bezos, you have it too. And imagine Jeff Bezos says, like, you know what, guys, I'm going to a trip. I can't tell you exactly what it is. But it's a very long trip. And it was going way up, way up way up. And I'm not talking about like, you know, going to these Fiji Islands. And people are like, Dude, what the hell are you talking about man? because in that case, but people that inspire others, so by sharing your greatness, you actually inspire the world. And let everybody know, dude, this guy came from a very poor background, and he's got all of these things, right? So by sharing your greatness, you actually can treat other people. But there's a huge difference between sharing your missions and accomplishments, versus being arrogant, and bringing others down and bragging to them, like, oh, check out my call, check out my watch, and so on. Yeah, I   Pouya LJ  07:58 think I understand what you mean. And well, I guess, I think is easier to dispute. And, you know, we all know arrogant people in our lives if you're not one. And we know how annoying they can be and how unattractive it is. and all that. modesty, though, I agree with you that it is still the same boat, like you don't want to be 100% modest either. But it has, especially in some culture, it has certain positive characteristics. So Biden by by, you know, by the fact that you are modest, you're getting some social points essentially, though, for you to me, but but for you to exhibit that I am modest, somebody needs to know something immodest about you and then know that you're trying to not brag about it. So it's impossible to be completely modest and everybody knows about it. By nature. So let's let's try and let Now again, I completely agree I you need to sit and that's why I mentioned that you cannot be 100% modest when people know about it, that's just impossible to do just think you don't you don't accomplish shit so. So that's that's that. But is there any place that we can't actually say, say good things about modesty? Is there any benefits in any circumstances?   Dan  09:17 moderation in all things and all things in moderation. As you mentioned earlier? If you are someone who does not overly, you know, basically exaggerate your accomplishments, this actually shows your level of self esteem. Understand, if you really don't need to bring others down to make yourself feel good as arrogant people do, then you do not need to always say like, Oh, please, please tell me how great I am. Because I know who I am. These things oftentimes stem from lack of self esteem and self confidence, and to the degree to which you are confident about yourself. And especially in those areas, because you have to be very confident when it comes to let's say your professional achievements, but very I don't know, perhaps insecure about your success, I don't know what your health or fitness or I don't know what your relationships with the opposite gender. So it is very possible to be quite confident about your money, but very, you know insecure about your wife's like, Oh gosh, I don't want to show it to any of my friends. It's not the wife of a friggin millionaire, Oh, shit. So in that situation, you have to actually look at your life as a whole. And realize, in all those areas where you are more secure about yourself, you generally tend to somehow not want to show off. So I mean, I don't know, some people just don't have a desire to show off how rich they are, because they know they're rich. And I want to thank those who are really rich, as opposed to those who don't take photos of their lambos, 25 times a day. They are the people who actually are rich. That's why it's like, so what's the point? I don't want to show up because I know I'm rich, what's the point. But for that reason, to the guy who's insecure about his, for example, fitness, now puts others down for being fat, or the guy who's in Serrano, some job, they put others down in the same career. So it really comes down to your overall level of self esteem and self confidence. And generally, those who are more confident they tend to be usually more modest. Right, right.   Pouya LJ  11:21 No, no, that makes a lot of sense. And I think that I think people pick up on that, you know, it's then and that's why I wanted to get at about modesty is that in moderation, as you mentioned. Now, there are certain times as you said, that it pays off to actually share your accomplishments. And I'm not saying bragging about them, per se. You know, you're you're in a social event you're talking is like, oh, what do you do I do this, and I've gone done that and etc. And now you can be proud of it. No problem. You don't have to brag about it, you can still be proud of it. Just imagine   Dan  11:53 you projects, being arrogant when it comes to some talks about, you know, these spaceflights all that like, oh, man, this guy went to sit and like, so let me tell you something about the science behind that your little shit. As a matter of fact, this whole thing has to go to the or from this angle, like, I'm just guessing something like this. But do you actually practice arrogance at all boutiques?   Pouya LJ  12:12 You know, we all have our down moments, I think, and maybe I have done that. But I do my utmost to control that side of me. But again, I'm not shy to be proud of something I accomplished, or something I know. And I distinguished from being in being arrogant about it, you know, meaning that, you know, I know this, and I feel good about it. But it doesn't mean that you can't, it doesn't mean that this is unique to me, or a few people like me, meaning I'm capable, and you're not, it just means that I have done my studies, and I have paid attention to this or that. And I have accumulated this knowledge and I know about it, that's, that's so in, in this specific sense. I mean, you can talk, you can say the same thing about, you know, something in business and income and, you know, worth of how much money you have. So you can say similar things. So in that sense, I think I distinguish being proud about your accomplishments or your knowledge, or whatever it is, versus being arrogant about it. As you said, arrogance is kind of about, you know, putting others down, meaning I have this in a way, but but then, but then it doesn't stop there. It goes to say I'm unique, and you're unable to actually achieve this, or accomplish this, or do this or know this, etc. So it has that element of I am able and you're not the kind of thing that I don't like, personally, because on the other hand, I'm a teacher, I know what people are capable or given the, you know, the right platform, the right, you know, scenery, to express themselves and to develop themselves grow, you know, do business, etc. So, so in that sense, I try to, I think I'm leaning towards a modest side, but again, sometimes I'm, I'm proud of my own, you know, achievements, accomplishments, because, you know, it takes it takes takes a lot takes, takes a lot of work and sleepless nights to study some of these topics that you're speaking of specifically. So I'm like, you know, I think I earned my brownie points, I'm gonna I'm gonna spend them some of them to feel good. So yeah, I think i think that i think that's the that's where I, where I lie in that in that spectrum. And I think, Now, tell me, tell me, tell me if I'm wrong, I think you you will have good insight into this. But I think there's a there's a degree of badness or let me say a little bit better. There's a decree there's sorry, there's a balance of confidence, and modesty, I think, in leadership positions that actually can bring a lot of people together.   Dan  14:42 Absolutely. I mean, just take a look at you know, the last disaster president basically left the White House. Realize that in all top positions, we despise leaders who are arrogant, we despise leaders who feel like they are some special snowflake somehow And everybody should treat them because you're so friggin special. We, as a species do not like these people, believe it or not. Now, there are a very small number of people who suffer from lack of self esteem, who find these things attractive. But the majority of us, we are repelled by that kind of behavior, right? Which is why it's so incredibly important to know that the higher your position, the more you have to show empathy. And the less arrogance is tolerated by your followers, because that arrogance makes them question your true integrity as a leader. I mean, if you really feel like you're the best, why do you keep talking about it? If you really feel like you're rich? Why do you keep showing up all the stuff? I mean, it's like a scan or something? I mean, is it real? Or are you really if you feel like you're the strongest and most powerful person in the world, then why are you so insecure about these things? So people start asking questions, and that is why, by modesty and not trying to constantly brag or bring others down, you actually tell the world that yes, I am. That guy. And that's going to basically impress everyone in this regard. to want to follow each one to listen to you. And egotistical leaders, arrogant leaders, as we've seen, will always go down.   Pouya LJ  16:17 Yeah, that's exactly I think, I think, I think you're right, absolutely. In the sense that, you know, higher you are, you have to be less arrogant or rather natural, less arrogant is tolerated. So by definition, you   Dan  16:30 have to be a democratic systems, it's right, we'll have a choice. Or actually leave, if you are just, you know, for a country, if you are the leader of an organization, you act like this, your team is going to leave, they're gonna find a shop, you know, in a different company, because it's like, another word for this douchebag, this guy is always arrogant is putting already down quantity with these people. Right? And but then again, at the same time, being, I don't know, a doormat is not good either. Because in that case, no one's gonna respect you. Leadership requires setting boundaries, punishing bad behaviors, and rewarding good behavior. So if you're a nice guy, and you say, like, you know what, okay, okay, you came, oh, Johnny, he came to work 30 minutes late today, like the past 30 days, no problem, probably, you really had problems, you can't be a leader like this, you're gonna lose the whole business. So you got to have that balance between the two. And allow them to know that, yes, you know, the boundaries, you are confident in your abilities, but you don't need their approval back and forth, back and forth back. That's just not who basically you are, because that's not what confident leaders simply don't do. They simply believe in themselves, they know what they're capable of, it's kind of like, you know, when you, you know, get your, for example, black belt, I run this, you know, I noticed something, a lot of my friends, when you get your black belt, you start having fights for good. I don't know any of my friends who got their black belts or who, you know, finish tough trainings, for example, like that, you know, for example, the underwater demolition or whatever it is, these when these guys, you know, finish some of the toughest trainings out there. Ironically, after they gain that confidence, that dude, I'm now Special Forces or Dude, I got now the black belt of karate or something, once they have that confidence in them, for some odd reason. Most of them never get into a fight ever again. Because like the way they carry themselves show that and I think we can be like that black belt in all areas of life, financial relationship. I don't know, knowledge, wisdom. Once you have that black belt of wisdom, for example, you're not going to be you know, something like, Oh, I am so wise, please tell me I'm wise. I'm waiting. Nobody. Oh, boy. So that approach simply shows that you're real, you're faking it, that you're no real steps, right? Which is why I always like Dan, I'm afraid of making post on social media share my ideas. I say, Why? say there's no one's gonna like them. I say why do you need their likes, like, but if no one likes me and my posts, then I feel like I'm not important enough. It's like, dude, talk to yourself, as if you're talking, you know, in a vacuum or something, ignore that. And please be aware that it's not about being liked by their sight, but by being heard, which is why I also like, views are always more important social media than likes, likes mean. Views are what generates think of, for example, you know, top platforms, top platforms and top you know, influencers are the ones who don't look to be liked. They say what they want and I like, that attracts more attention, right? But those who are like, well, the guy says, Well, if I take you know, shouldn't my shirt off and just take muscle photos, I get a lot of likes, so I'm gonna keep doing that. So they can never express themselves or the girl says, Okay, if I just get bikini shots that I will get a lot of likes. So they, you know, pages become, you know, boring and meaningless. But once you ignore that approach, and say, You know what, I want to express my thoughts. That's it. I don't want likes. That is that lupino blackbelt, if you will, let's go with confidence and everyone you attract more attention that way. While in all areas of life, yeah,   Pouya LJ  20:03 I think actually absolutely right. Because especially with the advent of, you know, technology, social media, and on the other hand podcast is like the best podcasts are the most sincere and real ones they will relate least super structured like a sort of like a corporate media levels are structured, that the more sincere It seems that the more attention he gets. It said there's a there's a thirst for sincerity, it means it seems shallow there is Yeah, I think I completely agree with that. In my personal experience, anyways. Okay, so we talked a lot about, and I think I think we're honing on a point on many of our episodes about most things, many things. And that is, there's a balance required of finding the point of balance is the hard part is the difficulty. And and you'd never get there without trial and error. You never get there without getting your hands dirty. Doesn't matter how many books you eat, it doesn't matter what you do, you ultimately need to actually do it and see Oh, wow, I was too arrogant here. Oh, wow, I was too modest. Nobody knew what I achieved. So. So I think I think there's a good good segue to say, to bring this show to its conclusion. Is there anything you think we have missed that requires further brush up?   Dan  21:24 Well, first of all good topics is always projects. And as we compared arrogance versus modesty, we realized that in the end, what truly matters is a sense of balance. There's nothing wrong with being you know, satisfied and happy with who you are. There's nothing wrong with loving your success, because that's called self love. And self love is the foundation for loving others. If you don't really love yourself, you can't love other people, if you don't really like and are proud of your work, how do you want others to be inspired by you. So you should like that. But at the same time, being arrogant and trying to show off and especially by bringing others down. That is a short term approach to gain that, you know, feeling of self esteem, which we all look for, it's like in the mass look, you know, hierarchy of needs, right? So for that reason, we believe that it's better to fully stop with arrogance. arrogance is always a bad thing. There is no such thing as moderate arrogance. arrogance itself means you bring others down. So it must be removed. modesty in Your hands should be practiced with you know, moderation, because if you're too modest, you're not helping anybody. Because in that case, you will actually not inspire others. Now, if you are modest about your finances, you're definitely helping yourself by avoiding pay as much taxes as most of you do. Which I'm a fan of, by the way, because I mean, in that one case you've read, you probably don't want to show off. But generally, if you have other ideas, you want to understand that those who are the most confident, usually aren't always talking about that stuff. They aren't talking about their achievements. Rather, they're actually helping others to become achievers themselves, right? So by putting this focus on them, and not on you, you actually become a lot more confident and a lot more popular among those around you.   Pouya LJ  23:08 All right, that makes a lot of sense. I think that was a good conclusion. It had hints of what we didn't talk about and a lot of what we talked about. Thanks. As always, Dan, for joining us and having a moment. And thank you, everybody for participating listening, tuning in. I hope you participate by leaving comments, suggestions, you know, topics that you want to hear about in the comment section or directly to me or Dan through social media. You know where to find us. It's in the show notes as well. And until later episode, have a good one.

I'm talking to author Pat Backley on Book Talk Radio Club. Pat Backley is an English woman, who at the age of 59 decided to become a Kiwi. She now lives in New Zealand and when not writing, loves to travel the world, particularly spending lots of time in the Fiji Islands with her beloved extended Fijian family, or visiting her daughter who currently lives in London. She also gardens, paints, loves interior design, walks on the beach and socializing. In short, an ideal existence. Pat has written two books Daisy, a gentle family saga, spanning almost 100 years, from 1887 to 1974 and From There to Here which is Pat's memoir as she recounts her journey from an ordinary upbringing in a council house in England, to a life of plenty on the other side of the world. However, this time, we will be chatting about her novel Daisy which was published in October of last year. You can listen in and find out more at https://www.booktalkradio.info/patricia-backley

In this episode, Jerusha Neal, assistant professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School, explores a homiletic theology that reclaims the absence and presence of the fully human Word, offers fresh conceptions on the embodiment of Jesus in the sermon, and compares the Spirit-empowered pregnancy of Mary to the work of preaching.Jerusha Matsen Neal, assistant professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School, is an ordained American Baptist minister. She has also served as a Global Ministries missionary to the Fiji Islands through the United Methodist Church. Neal has spent her ministry preaching in cross-cultural spaces and bridging denominational communities. God's work in these in-between locations has convinced her that preaching matters more than ever. Her new book, The Overshadowed Preacher (Eerdmans, 2020), asks the sticky question of what we mean when we say preaching is “anointed.” It challenges preachers to leave behind false shadows and be overshadowed by the Spirit of God. It received a 2020 Christianity Today Jesus Creed Book Award for the Preaching Life. A former actress and playwright, she has also authored a collection of dramatic monologues, Blessed: Monologues for Mary (Cascade, 2012).

Host Tom Bronson chats with guest Rick Robinson, Managing Director of Ramsee Consulting Group, on this week’s episode of the Maximize Business Value Podcast. The two discuss leadership development that leads to success including the three main goals of leaders and Rick’s four C’s: commitment, content, coaching and community. Tom regards company CEOs as the keeper of the company culture which is imperative because culture is the only sustainable competitive advantage businesses have in the marketplace. Interested in building a strong leadership team to maximize your business value? Listen now!As Managing Director of Ramsee Consulting Group, Rick Robinson has focused developing and delivering a variety of programs in the areas of Leadership Development, Project Management, ERP systems, Lean Manufacturing, Teambuilding, Quality Systems, Strategic Planning, Motivation, Measurement Systems and Change Management. In the last ten years Rick has facilitated a number of strategic and project planning sessions for a variety of clients, including Wingstop Restaurants, the Town of Addison, DeKalb Office, Malphurs Interactive, the City of Richardson, the City of Georgetown, the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and Greenberg Farrow Architecture.  His inclusive and highly interactive style has earned him high praise from his clients and conference attendees. Rick earned degrees in Accounting and Finance from Texas A&M University in 1985 and taught Economics and Accounting in the Fiji Islands as a Peace Corps volunteer after college. His client list also includes GM, Chrysler, Nortel, Picker, Del Monte Foods, Steelcase, Texas Health Systems, Dallas HR, and Lloyds of London.Tom Bronson is the founder and President of Mastery Partners, a company that helps business owners maximize business value, design exit strategy, and transition their business on their terms. Mastery utilizes proven techniques and strategies that dramatically improve business value that was developed during Tom’s career 100 business transactions as either a business buyer or seller. As a business owner himself, he has been in your situation a hundred times, and he knows what it takes to craft the right strategy. Bronson is passionate about helping business owners and has the experience to do it. Want to chat more or think Tom can help you?  Reach out at tom@masterypartners.com or check out his book, Maximize Business Value, Begin with The Exit in Mind (2020).Mastery Partners, where our mission is to equip business owners to Maximize Business Value so they can transition their business on their terms.  Our mission was born from the lessons we’ve learned from over 100 business transactions, which fuels our desire to share our experiences and wisdom so you can succeed.

Can you afford to miss these two veterans of the music industry discussing Whizz for Atoms past, present and future as well as all things musical?YES, you probably can....but do you really want to?For a first in musical broadcasting history, we bring you a live interview with Ian from the UK and Andrew from the Fiji Islands talking about the making of the band's new single after a 35-year "holiday"

Fiji and some other shit. Lol and listen to the 2nd part with special guests. Lock Dizzle and Chief! Get ready for some laughs! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/polytalk/support

A category five storm, the highest level, is bearing down on the Fiji Islands. Cyclone Yasa is forecast to pass directly across the country's two main islands. It is cyclone season in the Pacific, but as Christine Rovoi reports, Yasa is not the first storm to hit Fiji this year.

John Pulu graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Communication Studies in Television from AUT University and joined the Tagata Pasifika team in 2010. While still at high school John was inspired to become a journalist through work experience on Tagata Pasifika. John has always been interested in Pacific issues and saw there was a lack of Pacific people working in the industry. “I am very honoured to represent Pasifika people and share our stories”. John is from the Kingdom of Tonga, Kolomotu‘a, Tongatapu and Holopeka, Ha‘apai with ties to Lau in the Fiji Islands.

There are many ecosystems where fungi act as an effective bio-insecticide. When conditions are right, these species of fungi infect their insect hosts which allow them to propagate and in some cases significantly reduce populations of their target hosts. Applications of these fungi are being explored in agriculture, pest management and ecosystem conservation. Today we are joined by a leading researcher in mycopesticide development and insect pathologist, Dr. Mark Goettel..Mark Goettel is an Insect Pathologist recently retired from the Lethbridge Research Centre of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada.  He obtained his BSc from Concordia University, Montreal in Biology, in 1975; MSc from the University of Ottawa in Insect Ecophysiology, in 1977. He then spent 3 years in the Fiji Islands studying the Biocontrol of Mosquitoes under Canadian International Development Agency Fellowship/United Nations Volunteer/World Health Organization funding. He then obtained his PhD in 1997 from the University of Alberta.  His dissertation research was on Microbial Control of Mosquitoes. Following this he undertook a Post-Doc at the Insect Pathology Resource Centre, Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University in New York.  He returned to Canada in 1988 to join the Lethbridge Research Centre as an Insect Pathologist until his retirement in 2012.  Since retirement he continued his position as Editor-in-Chief of Biocontrol Science and Technology until 2017. He also provided workshops on preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals in China and elsewhere. He also presented hands-on science workshops in elementary schools throughout Southern Alberta under the Scientists in School program. He is presently a Jinshan Scholar at the Institute of Applied Ecology at the Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University in Fuzhou, China.Show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nEG-cUute8se0VrDBrAIommyxvj2Q1Zh?usp=sharing

"Just because the entire world was on lockdown, doesn’t mean that climate change or the patriarchy was on lockdown. The patriarchy is not on lockdown. Climate change cannot be contained" - Betty BarkhaThis is the second episode of a new mini-series, in collaboration with the Climate, Covid, and Care: Feminist Journey's zine which launched on the 24th of August, 2020. This publication is a collection of journeys, stories, and ideas from five feminist activists working at the intersection of gender and climate justice.In this episode, we hear from Betty Barkha, a climate activist from Latouka in the Fiji Islands. The Pacific Islands are experiencing the life altering effects of the climate crisis as we speak. Sea levels are rising, increasing intensity of tropical cyclones, saltwater intrusions, coastal erosion, submersion of islands and much more...Betty offers insight into Pacific Island life and how answers can be found in the leaders and activists in the community.Betty also discusses the climate justice eco-system, the role of gender in the climate crisis and how Covid has heightened the visibility of issues of climate and gender inequality.Stay tuned and follow Power Shifts project on Instagram!Links and resources:The Civicus AllianceThe Association of Women in Development (AWID)FRIDA's Young Feminist FundThe Global Resilience Fund for Young Women and GirlsListen to the Equals PodcastHost and narration: Maria Faciolince Production and audio editing: Bethany DonkinPortrait of Betty by Maanya Shar

Ensuring Food security in the midst of COVID-19 has become a priority across the Pacific, with limited imports increasing the demand for local staples. However, the instinct for survival and self-sufficiency is resulting in a growing number of individuals looking into the potential of tilapia farming in the Fiji Islands.

Episode Summary:In this episode we meet Dr. Roberto Ridolfi, who speaks with us about the rising inequalities, the phenomena of nationalism and the fragile side of globalisation. Through the lens of multiculturalism, he explains to us why we are in the same storm but not in the same boat and how different cultures are responding to COVID-19's paralysis according to their assets and beliefs. Roberto shares with us how he envisions the recovery of the global economy and why we should eventually regenerate a new way of thinking and redefine the concepts of solidarity, tolerance and partnership in our delicate world.How can we transform the economy in a more sustainable one? Why do we need contemporary philosophers more than ever? What is the new paradigm to look at?*In Collaboration with MdA Design Agency, this episode is dedicated to the dilemma of multiculturalism in relation to the current global isolation. Having experienced the terrifying pandemic, which affects all segments of our living, one wonders Are we really in this together or have never been this much apart?The Speaker:Roberto Ridolfi graduated in Engineering from the University of Rome "La Sapienza" (1985), continuing his studies with a PhD in technologies (1991) and a Master in Business Administration (1998). He has 35 years of professional experience, 25 of which with the European Commission as Principal Coordinator, Head of Division, Director of Department, Ambassador to various countries for the European External Service. He has worked and lived in 9 countries on 4 continents: Brazil, United States, Italy, Malawi, Namibia, Kosovo, Belgium, Uganda and Fiji Islands. He is currently assistant general Director of FAO, with special responsibilities for FAO, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, support to the World Food Summit in 2021 and for the G-20 in 2021. Both tasks are strongly aimed at achieving the goals set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs that underpin his work as a Blended Finance manager since 2008 in investment funds and architect of the EU's external investment plan.Hosts: Elizabeth Zhivkova & Farah PiriyeCo-host: Maddalena d'Alfonso, MdA Design AgencySign up for ZEITGEIST19's newsletter at https://www.zeitgeist19.comFor sponsorship enquiries, comments, ideas and collaborations, email us at info@zeitgeist19.com

In the fifth episode of Darts Around the Globe we are joined by an exotic guest. We had a call with Salendra Singh, all the way from the Fiji Islands, about darts on the different islands of Fiji, the South Pacific Darts Championship, and about all the other countries in the Pacific Ocean that do play darts. Be part of this adventure and join me by exploring darts on the Fiji Islands!

Here's your daily look at 'Today in Rock History' featuring: Lizzo is 32. Patrick Stump is 36. Fall Out Boy lead singer and guitarist. Ace Frehley is 69. KISS guitar legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer (inducted in 2014). He brought us the incomparable "New York Groove". Casey Kasem was born on this day in 1932. Today in 1980, Ringo Starr married actress Barbara Bach, his costar in the blockbuster movie "Caveman". Paul McCartney and George Harrison were present, but John Lennon didn't make it. He was alive . . . he just didn't make it. In 1983, Nolan Ryan,of the Houston Astros, struck out the 3,509th batter of his career to pass Walter Johnson as All Time Strike-Out King. In 2006, Keith Richards was hospitalized for a mild concussion, after he fell out of a palm tree while vacationing in the Fiji Islands.

Here is the list of the best-underrated Tourist Spots in the world which deserve more visibility. there are many places like Norway, the Fiji Islands which is known to the fewer people. Know what the best places and what is so special about that place. Also, check out hotel packages to Fiji for enjoying the Fiji holidays for cheap.

Are you planning for a Fiji vacation? As you might already know that Fiji has more than 300 Islands. So you don't want to waste your vacation landing on the wrong Island which is not suitable for the type of fun you're looking for. That why with my Fiji experience I've created the top 10 list of best Islands which you must visit in 2020.

Jeff VanderMeer writes fiction that defies classification—it has elements of speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and eco-fiction, with an attention to language that literary fiction would envy and a voice that is utterly distinctive. VanderMeer's novel Borne, which is a recent addition to the national community reading program NEA Big Read, is a case in point. Borne is a post-apocalyptic novel about a woman and the mysterious creature she finds in a city broken by a biotechnical company and terrorized by a five-story-tall flying bear. It sounds crazy, but it is a compelling, moving page turner that looks at the connections creatures make, or try to make, with one another. It's an unpredictable cautionary tale—quite an unlikely combination. But so is VanderMeer. He spent a good part of his childhood in the Fiji Islands, immersed in the natural world with his parents, an entomologist and a biological illustrator. He was enraptured by the biodiversity of the islands and became an avid birder, which led him to writing. He remains immersed in the natural world and entranced by life in all its forms while living in Northern Florida, where he spends a great deal of time hiking through swamps and parks. In this podcast episode, we hear about it all—from Fiji to Florida. VanderMeer talks about his singular creative process, the themes he returns to in his work, his interactions with readers, and his excitement about Borne and the NEA Big Read program.

Jeff VanderMeer writes fiction that defies classification—it has elements of speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and eco-fiction, with an attention to language that literary fiction would envy and a voice that is utterly distinctive. VanderMeer’s novel Borne, which is a recent addition to the national community reading program NEA Big Read, is a case in point. Borne is a post-apocalyptic novel about a woman and the mysterious creature she finds in a city broken by a biotechnical company and terrorized by a five-story-tall flying bear. It sounds crazy, but it is a compelling, moving page turner that looks at the connections creatures make, or try to make, with one another. It’s an unpredictable cautionary tale—quite an unlikely combination. But so is VanderMeer. He spent a good part of his childhood in the Fiji Islands, immersed in the natural world with his parents, an entomologist and a biological illustrator. He was enraptured by the biodiversity of the islands and became an avid birder, which led him to writing. He remains immersed in the natural world and entranced by life in all its forms while living in Northern Florida, where he spends a great deal of time hiking through swamps and parks. In this podcast episode, we hear about it all—from Fiji to Florida. VanderMeer talks about his singular creative process, the themes he returns to in his work, his interactions with readers, and his excitement about Borne and the NEA Big Read program.

Jeff VanderMeer writes fiction that defies classification—it has elements of speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and eco-fiction, with an attention to language that literary fiction would envy and a voice that is utterly distinctive. VanderMeer’s novel Borne, which is a recent addition to the national community reading program NEA Big Read, is a case in point. Borne is a post-apocalyptic novel about a woman and the mysterious creature she finds in a city broken by a biotechnical company and terrorized by a five-story-tall flying bear. It sounds crazy, but it is a compelling, moving page turner that looks at the connections creatures make, or try to make, with one another. It’s an unpredictable cautionary tale—quite an unlikely combination. But so is VanderMeer. He spent a good part of his childhood in the Fiji Islands, immersed in the natural world with his parents, an entomologist and a biological illustrator. He was enraptured by the biodiversity of the islands and became an avid birder, which led him to writing. He remains immersed in the natural world and entranced by life in all its forms while living in Northern Florida, where he spends a great deal of time hiking through swamps and parks. In this podcast episode, we hear about it all—from Fiji to Florida. VanderMeer talks about his singular creative process, the themes he returns to in his work, his interactions with readers, and his excitement about Borne and the NEA Big Read program.

Jeff VanderMeer writes fiction that defies classification—it has elements of speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and eco-fiction, with an attention to language that literary fiction would envy and a voice that is utterly distinctive. VanderMeer’s novel Borne, which is a recent addition to the national community reading program NEA Big Read, is a case in point. Borne is a post-apocalyptic novel about a woman and the mysterious creature she finds in a city broken by a biotechnical company and terrorized by a five-story-tall flying bear. It sounds crazy, but it is a compelling, moving page turner that looks at the connections creatures make, or try to make, with one another. It’s an unpredictable cautionary tale—quite an unlikely combination. But so is VanderMeer. He spent a good part of his childhood in the Fiji Islands, immersed in the natural world with his parents, an entomologist and a biological illustrator. He was enraptured by the biodiversity of the islands and became an avid birder, which led him to writing. He remains immersed in the natural world and entranced by life in all its forms while living in Northern Florida, where he spends a great deal of time hiking through swamps and parks. In this podcast episode, we hear about it all—from Fiji to Florida. VanderMeer talks about his singular creative process, the themes he returns to in his work, his interactions with readers, and his excitement about Borne and the NEA Big Read program.

Bishop Terry McIntyre, missionary to Kenya and Bishop to the Life Center Church in Baltimore, delivers an interesting testimony on his works in Baltimore, Kenya, and the Fiji Islands

The Fiji Islands are high on everyone’s bucket list for good reasons. With unforgettable snorkeling, world-class hospitality, and gorgeous beaches, you will have the time of your life no matter accommodations you plan. In this episode, we will give travel tips on what we experienced with our friends and how it might help you in your adventure to the islands. Not only did we take advantage of having shark at our feet, swim in the best snorkel areas of our lives, and lay near the most beautiful water you can imagine, we also met local families, explored a waterfall, and watched a local rugby match. With my birthday celebration came a kava ceremony, dancers to traditional Fijian music, and a beach bonfire. We had a blast spending 10 days in Fiji and living it up. Please listen in as we share a few tips you might consider before having the trip of our life. Main Topics Covered: Fiji Islands Travel Tips Links Mentioned in the Episode: Check out all of the PARTNERS that have made our lives easy while traveling the world.  Nikki’s first published book - Passport Joy - can be found on the Kindle store on Amazon.  If you plan on drinking alcohol while in Fiji you will want to take advantage of the prices at the airport. The public bus is available to take you where you need to go from Nadi Airport. It is much cheaper than a taxi but it is a tight squeeze. We stayed at the De Vos Private Residence in Maui Bay, Sigatoka, Fiji. We visited Biausevu Village where we enjoyed a private village tour and waterfall experience with Veronica’s Authentic Tours.  We stayed at a great house near the Nadi Airport that had tons of space, a pool, and BBQ area. It was a great stay.  I am addicted to the Rugby Sevens now and Fiji dominated when we watched in the HK7’s in April.  We went to Lawaqa Park and watched local rugby. These guys are extremely tough.  We had the time of our lives with the best snorkeling ever, unbelievable food, and amazing skippers with Coral Cats Sailing.  We visited a great barber shop in Fiji called Nomu Barbershop and had an awesome time.  The Fiji Airport is fantastic and the lounge access you have with Priority Pass gives you the chance to visit one of the best lounges in the world.  Look through the TrustedHouseSitters website and get your discount by using our link Sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest tips in Travel and hear about our weekly visits around the world

Kevin & Sully head across the "pond" and invited special guest Naomi Mellor (from London) a veterinarian to race horses and fellow podcaster, to this episode. They also had Sully's wife, Amy, join them because she not only works at Saratoga Horse Track, she's been around race horsing since she was a child. Naomi tells her story from starting out, wanting to be a veterinarian since she was a young child, and some of the challenges she faced along the way. She visited the Fiji Islands in the Pacific for a while to gain experience and then headed back home when her parents questioned what she was doing for an occupation. Working with and under multiple doctors, going to school, and gaining even more experience was her mission in London. She's had the opportunity to work with many great race horses, nursing them back to health, or sadly, having to put some down from injury. She has a true passion for this profession and it shines through in her personality. Naomi also hosts the "Smashing The Ceiling" podcast that is available on all podcast apps. In her podcast, she talks with people that do extraordinary things or occupations. She says although she typically interviews females to give her listeners perspective into their lives, she has a large following of male listeners because her content applies to everyone. We've listened, and we've already subscribed! Go give her pod a listen. Don't forget, starting this month, our "Hellbound with Halos" Unrated Episodes begin, the first one releasing the end of this week. You can access this content by going to our website at www.hwhpodcast.com and becoming a member. Once you're a member, go to the "Unrated Episodes" menu option and subscribe! We'll be interviewing members in the near future, so don't hesitate to submit an app to come join Crystal & Kevin for an episode!

The Wright family and the Central church has a history of working in New Zealand and Fiji that dates back to 1963. Allen made a three week trip and shared. with the church some of the highlights of the trip

As businesses, we live or die on data. Understanding the market, understanding who is coming to our destination, who is interested but doesn’t know enough to make a decision – these pieces of information are vital to our ability to thrive in travel and tourism. But gathering and interpreting this data is a challenge for everyone. Our guest on this episode of Destination on the Left is an expert in gathering and analyzing data, specifically for our industry. Our guest is Erin Francis-Cummings. Erin is president and CEO of Destination Analysts, where she has spent the last 15 years studying travelers from across the globe and translating their evolving, complex, and fascinating behaviors and opinions into marketing insights for Destination Analysts’ 150-plus clients. Erin has designed research strategy and facilitated consumer research for some of the world’s greatest destination brands, including Bermuda, California, the Fiji Islands, Napa Valley, Florida, Washington DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In addition to conducting research: from brand auditing to user experience, to ROI analysis, she also oversees the production of Destination Analysts, The State of the American Traveler. This is the travel industry’s longest running and most relied on tracking study of American leisure travel sentiment and behaviors. Also produced by Destination Analysts is The State of the International Traveler, an annual study of the travel behaviors and perceptions of international travelers in 13 top feeder markets to the United States. Erin currently serves on the international board of the Travel and Tourism Research Association. Before leading Destination Analysts, Erin held advertising and marketing management roles at Amtrak and the San Francisco Travel Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California Los Angeles and is a proud mother of two school-aged children. Full show notes available here: https://breaktheicemedia.com/podcasts/erin-francis-cummings/

We interrupt your regularly scheduled podcast (that was derailed by a vacation) to bring you another What’s She On Abroad? This time from the Fiji Islands! Lots of beach, Fiji Gold beer, a reunion, a travel mishap and a dope resort. Ni Sa Bula for listening!Earworm: Brighter Days by J BoogClip: I Like That by Janelle MonaeTwitter, Instagram - @thewsoashowEmail - info@whatssheonabout.comwww.whatssheonabout.com

We interrupt your regularly scheduled podcast (that was derailed by a vacation) to bring you another What’s She On Abroad? This time from the Fiji Islands! Lots of beach, Fiji Gold beer, a reunion, a travel mishap and a dope resort. Ni Sa Bula for listening!Earworm: Brighter Days by J BoogClip: I Like That by Janelle MonaeTwitter, Instagram - @thewsoashowEmail - info@whatssheonabout.comwww.whatssheonabout.com

In this episode #37 we’re talking to Shareef Khan the founder of SS Customs. SS Customs specializes in many different services like Detailing, Protective Films, Vehicle Performance Enhancement, and Custom Vehicle Wraps as their foundation for the business. Shareef is a second generation vinyl wrap studio with over three decades of combined global experience. His family migrated to the US in the early 80’s from the Fiji Islands to build a better life for his family and to live the American Dream. Shareef talks to us about growing up in the sign and vehicle lettering industry, his passion for vehicles, being a board member at Paint Is Dead and so much more. Listen and share!

Meenal Vashishat with Inspire Into Results was born and brought up in the beautiful Fiji Islands. She had a wonderful time absorbing all that she learned along with the atmosphere as she was growing up. I have a bachelors degree in Telecommunications Management and more than 10 years of experience in the corporate world. She […] The post Meenal Vashishat with Inspire Into Results, David Doerrier with Present Your Way To Success, and Pat Harmeyer with Sain Gifts, Inc. appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Jackie sharing a story on Forgiveness when she was on an outreach mission trip in the Fiji Islands

In case you don’t remember this tidbit about me, I love learning new things and I kind of geek out when a ton of scientific knowledge is dropped. And this is just one of the many reasons why I loved talked with entrepreneur, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) expert and mind coach, Andy Murphy.   Originally from Liverpool, England (love his accent!), he made his way to Australia 15 years ago where he created an extremely successful real estate business and discovered NLP in a sales and marketing environment. Years later, after a business setback, Andy was looking for a new and completely different challenge and incorporated his knowledge and expertise in NLP into the world of coaching and consulting, and the rest as they say is history.   The timing of this conversation was impeccable and helped me tackle some recent obstacles I faced in regard to creating and speaking. Tune into learn what NLP actually is, how it can help retrain your thoughts and belief systems and help you in all areas of your life. Andy also gives us a sneak peek into some of his other favorite practices that help him live a life he loves (and how you can too). You don’t want to miss this knowledge-packed episode!   --      Questions Asked in This Episode: What does it feel like when you follow your intuition and how did you know that’s what you should do? How do we start to know that we have power within the moments of fear, panic etc.? What does it take to get someone unstuck? Why are we stuck and how can we move past the place that’s keeping us there? What is NLP and what are some practical ways you’ve seen it used? When someone is trying to win over an audience are there certain things one can do to connect with them more quickly? What are some of your favorite ways of using NLP in your life? Do you meditate or visualize? What does that look like? What are you most excited about right now?   In This Episode We Talk about: How Andy’s journey led him to neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) The power of intuition and how you can tune into it The importance of a-ha moments and perspective shifts Tapping into your “alter ego(s)” Building new brain pathways Why you shouldn’t feel the fear and do it anyway How NLP helps retrain your nervous system by designing your thoughts and belief systems How to develop instant rapport The connection between memories and feelings And so much more…   Quotes:   “It’s not who you are, it’s where you are.”   “If you love what you do and you’re coming from your heart and your gut feels good, you’re winning.”   “Get rid of other peoples’ opinions and focus on your own growth, and I can promise that your life and business will match with where you’re at.” “Know it so you can change it.”   -- Andy left Liverpool, England 15 years ago and traveled to Sydney Australia, where he discovered Neuro-Linguistic Programming in a sales and marketing environment. Breaking multiple sales records in investment real-estate and at the top of the business in Australia, he was head-hunted to New Zealand.   At the age of only 26 he opened a company developing a project to build a 100 million dollar resort in the Fiji Islands. After marketing the company over in Dubai alongside multi-billion dollar developments the global real-estate industry began to slow down.   Wanting a new challenge, Andy changed his focus and took his knowledge and expertise of NLP into the world of consulting and coaching.   Andy now takes his skill and passion around the world. Such as the USA, Saudi Arabia, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia the list goes on, where clients seek him out for private consulting including entrepreneurs, world champion MMA stars, professional sports athletes, multi-millionaire business owners, TV and film producers, TV and stage actors, trauma survivors and even Royal Family.   Andy`s true passion is to use the most cutting edge psychological tools blended with his own 21st century version of eastern philosophy to help global clients excel to their full potential. This passion is what drives him every day.­   Resources: http://mindsetbydesign.com  IG: @andymurphymindset  Mind by Design Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mindset-by-design-nlp-self-improvement-health-wealth/id900646659?mt=2  Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.

In this Episode,I get to know model/actress Anna Abraham from Germany! It was so much fun interviewing Anna and hearing her passion and professionalism not only for acting and modeling but her passion for life. She talks about giving up everything and moving to the Fiji Islands at the age of 22,her first experience on stage,acting workshops,and much more! Anna also turns the tables on me as I give her the opportunity to ask me 3 questions! She also takes on my Questions of Torture and Awesomeness...btw....Anna LOVES coffee!! How much does she love coffee!?!..you gotta find out by listening! Im so thankful for the opportunity to interview such a fun,awesome,and talented person and im honored to call her my peep!! Enjoy!!

Pastor Ema Beraki announces the church service to be held at the Chadstone Uniting Church on 27th August, 2017. - Kacivaka o Pastor Ema Beraki na lotu ka na vakayacori e na Chadstone Uniting Church e na i ka 27 ni Okosita 2017.

Mindset expert Andy Murphy is my guest today on the Join Up Dots free podcast interview is a man who can call himself a global mindset coach, with clients across the world who seek him out to help them go to the next level. From entrepreneurs, world champions, professional sports athletes, multi-millionaire business owners, TV and film producers, TV and stage actors, trauma survivors and even Royal Family have all benefited from his mindset skills. But what fascinates me, is coming from Liverpool he would have found himself surrounded with friends and families who are just looking to get by. He would have been on a path like so many of us that is almost expected. Study hard, leave school, get a job, start a family….you get the drift. But our guest didn't do that, instead he left everything behind and traveled to Sydney Australia, where he discovered the mindset Neuro Linguistic Programming in a sales and marketing environment. Breaking multiple sales records whilst helping clients successfully structure and invest in real-estate and at the top of the business in Australia, he was head-hunted to New Zealand. There he began to share his skills with CEO's and again being in high demand was prospected to many companies, helping them develop their sales teams and set up internal departments. At the age of only 26 he opened a company developing a project to build a 100 Million dollar resort in the Fiji Islands. After marketing the company over in Dubai along side multi billion dollar developments the global real-estate industry began to slow down and he had a decision to make. After so much success would he batten down the hatches and go into survival mode? Or would he do the unexpected and get bigger, opening his arms wide and screaming “Come on world its me, just watch what I can do!” Well lets find out as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots, with the one and only Andy Murphy Show Highlights During the show we discussed such weighty topics with Andy Murphy such as: How he overcome his difficulties and fought back from depression and bankruptcy as a young man in Dubai. How he recalls that school taught him nothing but martial arts taught him everything. How his Father taught him from an early age to focus on the worse case scenario then you are prepared. Why it is that so many successful people spend time on their own to allow themselves to focus on the future. and lastly…. How everyday he knows that he is going to have to deal with being scared due to pushing forward into the unknown, 

HOST: Linda Stephens-Jones is a certified life coach serving clients in 21 states and two other countries.  She helps her clients begin to live with more confidence, joy & fulfillment. GUEST: Rochella Marable is a joyful servant of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. After 23 years of federal employment, Sis Rochella retired & heeded God’s call to be His full-time servant. An active member of Antioch Baptist Church in Fairfax Station, Virginia, she serves as an Usher & Director of the Women’s Ministry.  Led by the Holy Spirit, she passionately teaches the Bible, helping her students to seek the truth of God’s Word for themselves. She shares His good news in her church community, with women in the Fairfax County Detention Center, & on mission trips to Kenya, Senegal, Brazil, & Antigua.  Rochella holds an MBA from Lincoln Univ.  She graduated from the Antioch Bible Institute, & has a M.A. in Theological Studies from Liberty Univ. She studied under Dr. Joel Gregory at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor & completed courses at The John Leland Center for Theological Studies.  Rochella furthered her biblical knowledge with travel to the Holy Land, Greece, Egypt, & Turkey.  She has enjoyed extensive world travel, most recently to China, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, & the Fiji Islands. Rochella firmly believes that only by submitting to the power of the Holy Spirit, studying God’s Word & having a personal relationship with the Lord can lives be transformed! Rochella has been a loving wife to Renard Marable for 48 years.  She is the very proud mother of Rodney (Brenna), Reggie (April), and Robin and extremely proud grandmother to Kennedy, Chase, Miles, Ella, William Renard & Bronwyn.  She is so grateful to God for these little lives to plant & sow seeds of Jesus Christ & His saving grace into their minds & hearts.  

This week we get to delve into a huge topic that is at the foundation of our podcast and our trenches.  The Domestic Church.  What is the Domestic Church?  You’ve heard the term but are wondering how that applies to you?  Single? Married?  Kid or no kids, we all live in the Domestic Church because we are all part of the family of God.  Our guest, Bill Donaghy, completed the Theology of the Body Institute Speakers Training program in 2005, Head & Heart Immersion Course in 2006. He is a Theology of the Body Institute Certification Program instructor, international speaker, and curriculum specialist. Bill worked in mission, evangelization, and education, and has a background in visual arts, philosophy, and systematic theology. He can also juggle almost any three objects. Please consider supporting our Podcast Links and Quotes: “The well-being of the individual person in the human and Christian society is intimately linked with the healthy conditions produced by marriage and family.” Gaudium et Spes   “The Holy Family is the icon of the domestic Church, called to pray together.  The family is the domestic Church and must be the first school of prayer.  It is in the family that children, from the tenderest age, can learn to perceive the meaning of God, also thanks to the teaching and example of their parents; to live in an atmosphere marked by God’s presence.” -Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, December 28th, 2011, Feast of the Holy Family “The family is the domestic church”. The meaning of this traditional Christian idea is that the home is the Church in miniature. The Church is the sacrament of God’s love. She is a communion of faith and life. She is a mother and teacher. She is at the service of the whole human family as it goes forward towards its ultimate destiny. In the same way the family is a community of life and love. It educates and leads its members to their full human maturity and it serves the good of all along the road of life The family is the “first and vital cell of society”. In its own way it is a living image and historical representation of the mystery of the Church. The future of the world and of the Church, therefore, passes through the family.” APOSTOLIC PILGRIMAGE TO BANGLADESH, SINGAPORE, FIJI ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA AND SEYCHELLES HOMILY OF JOHN PAUL II Perth (Australia), 30 November 1986 “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”  St. John Paul II What is a Home Enthronement? Lumen Gentium The USCCB Call to Action – Aesthetically:  What can we do this week to create that feeling of a domestic church in our homes.  Is it hanging an icon on the wall? A framed picture of your favorite Scripture verse?  Putting up that holy water font by the front door?  Find one simple way to make more visible the reality of the sacredness of the Domestic Church.   Spiritually:  What can we do to be the domestic church to someone else?  Could we serve a neighbor in some way?  Invite the widow/er over for dinner or take her a bouquet of flowers.  Sit and have tea or coffee together and just listen to them talk about whatever they want to talk about.  Hug them to ease some of their loneliness.  Or maybe it is really listening to your teen when they walk in the door.   Scripture – Matthew 18:20  “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” “Love begins with a smile” – St. Mother Teresa

Live from the Fiji Islands, we welcome our brother Peter for another awesome program.

Ben Bernards author of Faith and a Life Jacket: 7 Truths for your Eternal Mission. Ben also teaches at Especially For Youth conferences. Ben served his mission in the Fiji Islands mission, serving mainly in New Caledonia, the mission experience enriched his testimony in unique and challenging ways. He shares unique mission experiences that show tender mercies from Heavenly Father. Episode Highlights: Mission prep book that also ties into leadership qualities for LDS leaders. What advice can you give ward leaders to help reach out to youth? Try to bridge the age gap and connect on their level. Make sure that you understand the secular culture that they are living in so you can converse with them about things they are interested in. Being real and genuine with the youth can help connect with them and build relationships. Ward leaders should strive to help those preparing for a mission understand that it will be difficult. As you team up with Heavenly Father and inspired leaders, you will find success. We’ve been asked to take His yoke upon and and not our own. Ben Bernard’s book discusses 7 Truths that also apply to leadership within the ward. It’s going to be harder than you think but it’s possible with God’s help. Leadership is hard but it’s possible with God’s help. Social media is fine but don’t compare someone’s highlight reel with your behind the scenes. Your faithfulness and obedience that isn’t a guarantee of a smooth road. 100% obedience and hard work doesn’t mean that leadership or missionary work is going to be easy. Don’t let it get you down, let your faith help you keep going. Evil is real but God is more powerful. The reality of how difficult things can be, when the adversary tries to throw you off your path. Hold on to the fact that God’s power can cast out the darkness and bring light to everyone around us. Miracles happen and are unlocked by the patient obedient The Lord will reward and work best with those who are willing to follow His principles. How are you going to show love to those you lead? What ways can you serve the people you are leading in their everyday lives? Be willing to genuine and real with those that you serve. Try to become a minister of Christ in your interactions. What was helping for leadership development during your mission? Make the scriptures familiar with yourself and can apply the different stories and teaching to real life situations. Keep a record of scriptures that you continually use to help, write them down and keep them in an easily accessible location. Focus on bringing people to Christ at their own speed. Focus on the progress of the people and not the statistical aspect of the gospel. There is wisdom in helping those begin their journey and not rushing them through gaining a testimony. Timing is in God’s hands and success is sometimes measured in qualitative ways, this helps you see this as a people’s church and not a race for numbers. Putting standards on yourself is difficult as a leader and as you learn to set that aside and just love people, you’ll find success and joy in serving. The small progress that people make can be counted as success and it’s just as important as the large steps. When we set aside the best things for our lives and work in God’s vineyard that we see the miracles and blessings happen. Let God direct the work. Now Go Out There and Teach Someone. Links: Faith and a Life Jacket Book BenBernards.com

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.  

With his acoustic-inspired songwriting, sleek soulful tone, and island feel, Sam Kiles draws from classics like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Born and raised in the Fiji Islands in a family of musicians, he fostered a blend of reggae and soul with hints of contemporary folk and bluesy undertones.

Hey everybody! This week I interview Rev. Dr. Jerry Stott. He is the area missionary in the South Pacific for Foursquare Missions International. The South Pacific District has a number of countries, including Australia, New Zealand, The Fiji Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. It ranges from a post-christian nations to completely unreached people groups. God is doing some miraculous things in the South Pacific. It is incredible to hear some of these stories! Enjoy! If you loved hearing some of these miracles, check out his new book Positioned for Miracles. To get a copy positionedformiracles@gmail.com, ebook available in the next three weeks for download here. If you are feeling a stir for missions word after listening to this podcast, visit Foursquare Missions and sign up for missions process. To connect with Jerry, by email at southpacificfmi@gmail.com or southpacificfmi@aol.com. If you're enjoying this podcast, spread the word by sharing it with your friends and leaving a review on iTunes. I encourage you to send me your feedback or suggestions for an interview. Help me help you. You can email me at jroper@foursquare.org, or direct message me on Facebook. You can also submit any feedback or questions here. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes or Stitcher so you don't miss an episode. As always, you can connect with me on Facebook or Twitter. It's your life, now go live it! Jerry and I am among the more than two dozen missionaries supported by the Foursquare Missions International Global Missions Fund. To support the Global Missions Fund, click here. To support our work directly, click here. Post may contain affiliate links. All proceeds are used to support the missions work. Thanks for listening!

My guest today on the Join Up Dots free podcast interview is  a man who can call himself a global mindset coach, with clients across the world who seek him out to help them go to the next level. From entrepreneurs, world champions, professional sports athletes, multi-millionaire business owners, TV and film producers, TV and stage actors, trauma survivors and even Royal Family have all benefited from his skills. But what fascinates me, is coming from Liverpool he would have found himself surrounded with friends and families who are just looking to get by. He would have been on a path like so many of us that is almost expected. Study hard, leave school, get a job, start a family….you get the drift. But our guest didn't do that, instead he left everything behind and traveled to Sydney Australia, where he discovered Neuro Linguistic Programming in a sales and marketing environment. Breaking multiple sales records whilst helping clients successfully structure and invest in real-estate and at the top of the business in Australia, he was head-hunted to New Zealand. There he began to share his skills with CEO's and again being in high demand was prospected to many companies, helping them develop their sales teams and set up internal departments. At the age of only 26 he opened a company developing a project to build a 100 Million dollar resort in the Fiji Islands. After marketing the company over in Dubai along side multi billion dollar developments the global real-estate industry began to slow down and he had a decision to make. After so much success would he batten down the hatches and go into survival mode? Or would he do the unexpected and get bigger, opening his arms wide and screaming “Come on world its me, just watch what I can do!” Well lets find out as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots, with the one and only Andy Murphy To hear more from Andy Murphy go to: Podcast: MindSet by Design: NLP | Self Improvement | Health | Wealth | Happiness. World-Class Mind-Hacks for Peak Performance By Andy Murphy: Entrepreneur, NLP Expert, Mindset Coach inspired by: Anthony Tony Robbins, Richard Branson, Jim Rohn, Steve Jobs, Brendon Burchard, Gary Vaynerchuk, Frank Kern, Tim Ferris & Bruce Lee! Description: Andy Murphy uses his 12 years of experience working with VIP clients such as Saudi Arabian Royalty, TV producers & world-champions to give you a competitive edge in your business and life. Join him while he uses his wisdom to interview world-class entrepreneurs, internet marketers, martial artists, Ironmen, Forex experts, and copywriters, from around the world.

IIT 2013 Conference Podcast Interview with Witty Bindra, CEO Goldshire Developers Witty Bindra is a global executive with extensive experience in implementation of infrastructure projects including offering technical / engineering guidance on projects. He is also currently the CEO of Goldshire Developers in Houston, TX. Witty has a hands-on leadership style while working directly with his clients. He is comfortable dealing with people from the construction sites to the board room. He is adept at people development, from recruiting to mentoring to appraising. Witty has spent over 20 years managing civil and infrastructure projects for State and Private companies in New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Samoa, Australia, India, UK and the US which includes advising clients on policies matters, strategy, planning, operations, organization and cultural transformation. He is from India and has dual nationality in the US and New Zealand. He was a Commissioned Officer with the Royal New Zealand Navy Voluntary Reserve. Witty received his undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering and studied Geotechnical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. He has an MBA from Massey University in New Zealand, specialization in Project Management and International Business.

Curt Johnson will discuss how God has designed us to be a blessed people and how we can cooperate--or choose NOT to cooperate--with that design. "There are secrets to abundance," Curt says, "that can be discovered and implemented so followers of Jesus can fulfill their destiny." He will also describe how our relationships can affect our calling and purpose. Come listen to Curt's rather controversial perspective! Before and after the show, please post your questions for Jory and Curt on Jory's Facebook Business Page. Ten years ago, the power of the internet catapulted Coach Curt to #1 Team Builder and #2 Enroller for a marketing company of ~100,000 representatives. He quickly earned additional recruiting and team-building awards, along with a signficant amount of residual income, in this and other multi-level marketing (MLM) companies. Curt founded the WorksTeam in 2004 and worked closely with Ann Sieg for three years before her launch of the Renegade Phenomena. It was his residual income that enabled Curt to serve as a missionary for five years with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), training and equipping young people in Hawaii, the Fiji Islands, New Zealand, and the Philippines. In 2010 he relocated back to the USA to accept Ann Sieg’s offer to become her Renegade System Director of Coaching. Known as "The First Renegade," Coach Curt now helps hundreds of professionals apply all the newest and fast-changing internet tools (like blogging) to help them build their businesses online.

  Money and wealth can be a controversial topic with Christians. It shouldn't be. A full-time pastor for twenty years, and full-time missionary for five, Curt Johnson will discuss how and where "universal success laws" line up with biblical precepts. (He'll also explore how New Age thought and the principle of tithing can hold people in financial bondage!)   Is it OK for Christians to make $$$? A lot of $$$? Before and after the show, post your comments and questions for Jory and Curt on Jory's Facebook Business Page.   Ten years ago, the power of the internet catapulted Coach Curt to #1 Team Builder and #2 Enroller for a marketing company of ~100,000 representatives. He quickly earned additional recruiting and team-building awards, along with a signficant amount of residual income, in this and other multi-level marketing (MLM) companies.   Curt founded the WorksTeam in 2004 and worked closely with Ann Sieg for three years before her launch of the Renegade Phenomena.   It was his residual income that enabled Curt to serve as a missionary for five years with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), training and equipping young people in Hawaii, the Fiji Islands, New Zealand, and the Philippines. In 2010 he relocated back to the USA to accept Ann Sieg’s offer to become her Renegade System Director of Coaching. Known as "The First Renegade," Coach Curt now helps hundreds of professionals apply all the newest and fast-changing internet tools (like blogging) to help them build their businesses online.   

SEGMENT 1: STUART COVE”S Dive Center in Nassau.  SEGEMENT 2: Aqualung Lightwieght Gear System for the Global Traveller. SEGEMENT 3. Diving on the FIJI Islands. Interview with Thomas Valentine. The Fiji Islands in the South Pacific are an archipelago of over 300 islands. Fiji is world renowned as “The Soft Coral Capital of the World”

Wichita visits the Fiji Islands...

If the minions of the neocon right are to be believed, the struggle in Iraq, (and by extension, the Middle East) is essentially a war against what they call "extremism." Even the verbally challenged President George W. Bush has argued, quite strenuously, against "Islamic extremists." It seems like many in the right are trying out new terms every week, to stoke the fires of fear about new and foreboding threats to the besieged American republic: "extremists"; "Islamic extremists"; "Islamofascists"; "dead-enders", et al. For politicians words are weapons, which are used to sell images, such like Madison Ave. sells soap. Every so often, even the best product must be made "new" or "improved!" And why shouldn't they? Hasn't it worked before? We now sneer at the phrase 'weapons of mass destruction', but several years ago it rang in the head like a klaxon. Is it radical or extremist to fight against foreigners who invade your country, and try to impose strangers who function as puppets for these foreigners? Why is the administration never seen as "extremist" for invading a foreign country based on false pretenses? Why isn't it viewed as "extreme" for its mad plan to 'remake the face of the Middle East?' Why isn't its response for the desperate acts of 19 men, (9/11), of invading a nation that had nothing to do with that act, seen as "extreme?" That it isn't is largely because of the obedient services of the corporate media, which sought obscene ratings by playing the fear card, and waving the flag. They did so because their paychecks are signed by big business, and this administration has been good for big business. They served their corporate masters, but betrayed their publics. Yet this is hardly a new thing. Scholar and writer, Michael Parenti, in the 2004 book Super Patriotism (San Francisco: City Lights Books) looks beyond the present manic Bush Regime, to view a long history of US extremism all around the world: "US LEADERS HAVE LONG PROFESSED A DEDICATION TO DEMOCRACY, yet over the last half century they have devoted themselves to overthrowing democratic governments in Guatemala, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Syria, Indonesia (under Sukarno), Greece (twice), Argentina (twice), Haiti (twice), Bolivia, Jamaica, Yugoslavia, and other countries. These countries were all guilty of pursuing policies that occasionally favored the poorer elements and infringed upon the more affluent. In most instances, the US-sponsored coups were accompanied by widespread killings of democratic activists. "US leaders have supported covert actions, sanctions, or proxy mercenary wars against revolutionary governments in Cuba, Angola, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Iraq (with the CIA ushering in Saddam Hussein's reign of repression), Portugal, South Yemen, Nicaragua, Cambodia, East Timor, Western Sahara, and elsewhere. "US interventions and destabilization campaigns have been directed against other populist nationalistic governments, including Egypt, Lebanon, Peru, Iran, Syria, Zaire, Venezuela, the Fiji Islands, and Afghanistan (before the Soviets ever went into the country). "And since World War II, direct US military invasions or aerial attacks or both have been perpetrated against Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, North Korea, Yugoslavia, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Libya, Somalia, and Iraq (twice). There is no 'rogue state,' 'axis of evil,' or communist country that has a comparable record of such criminal aggression against other nations." (pp. 133-34] In light of this kind of history, who are the "extremists?" In light of this history, who are the "radicals?" This isn't a 'war against extremism' -- it is a war waged by extremists. It is a war waged by ideologues drunk on power, and willing to break a nation to prove their theories of the so-called 'free market.' Iraq is essentially a broken state, awaiting its final crack. Like hungry wolves, these dudes are looking for the next morsel to munch on. Column Written 10/15/06. Copyright '06 Mumia Abu-Jamal