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Author: Dipak C. Gajjar
Author URI: http://dipakgajjar.com
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
ACCELERATING SOCIAL GOOD
Meet our Chief Purpose Officer
Meet our Chief Hope Officer
Saving lives using scrum: How to maximize social impact and minimize fundraising stress
Historians may look back on human progress and draw a sharp line designating "before Scrum" and "after Scrum."
This is the first in a two-part series from my perspective as the former CEO and Founder of Hope Xchange Nonprofit, before I was aware of Agile and Scrum, and shares with you a sadly missed opportunity to save lives and improve mental health outcomes for a most vulnerable population, LGBTQIA youth who are at the highest risk for suicide.
The second, forthcoming article is from my perspective of a now Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and shares my vision of how nonprofit organizations (NPOs) can implement Agile/Scrum using a bottoms-up, programatic approach to demonstrate its business value (i.e., to sell it in-house and to the Board) and to truly make a dramatic difference.
A Retrospective lesson for nonprofit teams
I share this lesson as I would love nothing more than for this urgently-needed HOPE for LGBTQIA program to see the light of day. For me, there is simply nothing more important than saving lives. Nothing.
I also do so because I firmly believe that this program would already exist if we had used an Agile/Scrum rather than traditional waterfall project management approach. Not only could we have gotten the program launched (deployed in iterative increments), but also delivered a more client-centered implementation in half the time and with half the fundraising effort.
Before I dive into the why and how, for those who may be new to Agile and Scrum, let me first provide a very brief primer with a nonprofit spin for context, as well as some additional reading recommendations for those who would like to dig deeper.
Why Adopt an Agile Mindset and Scrum Framework?
Easily the most insightful and practical business book I have read this year is SCRUM: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland, co-creator of Scrum, and J.J. Sutherland. (Disclaimer: If you're like me and like to get shit done but also have a balanced life, this is not a book you skim, but one you study. You grab a highlighter or two and, if you're like me, you not only highlight the golden nuggets littered throughout but put exclamation points and smiley faces in the margins!)
I was intrigued by Sutherland's proclamation that Scrum doesn't have to be confined to for-profit businesses. It is universally applicable as it both accelerates human effort and innovates social good. This is not a heady theoretical discussion as he has seen first-hand how this lightweight framework has been used to improve some of the thorniest problems: improving our failing education system, lifting people out of poverty, revolutionizing the way government is run, delivering vaccines to endangered children and eliminating hunger.
What if there was a faster way to solve humanity's problems that nonprofits are courageously combatting with teams often fueled primarily by compassion? Can nonprofits be more agile and more quickly adapt to today's environment of constant change? Can we utilize Scrum to solve society's increasingly complex problems faster, innovating social good with less fundraising effort?
Agile dates back to 2001 and has its roots in software development. A team of 17 leaders came together to write what has become known as the Agile Manifesto. Why are so many organizations across a vast array of industries now adopting Agile? Look no further than the 13th Annual State of Agile Report for the many benefits companies are reaping, including a 63% increase in delivery speed / time to market, 64% increase in team morale and 52% reduction in product risk.
Ben Battaglia in his post, Why Nonprofit Teams Need Agile, shares a similar version of the original Manifesto but modified for nonprofits (as well as shares a convincing case for why NPOs should adopt Scrum). While there is value in the four items on the right, the bolded items on the left are valued more.
Forward-thinking NPOs are now starting to depend on Agile practices to maximize the impact of limited resources and to stay flexible and innovative with both program and fundraising initiatives.
Scrum is the most widely-used framework to put these Agile values into practice, with 72% of respondents to the 13th State of the Agile survey practicing Scrum (or a hybrid). It derives its name from the game of rugby and refers to the way a team comes together to move a ball down the field. As Sutherland states, in Scrum, "careful alignment, unity of purpose, and clarity of goal come together."
Would your nonprofit leadership seize the opportunity to achieve its mission faster and create an even greater impact faster? If the answer is yes, I highly recommend this free webinar, Why Use Scrum: How to Double the Outcomes of Your Nonprofit in Half the Time, hosted by Avi Schneier, Scrum, Inc. and Diane H. Leonard, Agile in Nonprofits.
And, rather than get into a lengthy explanation of how Scrum work, I will show you by how we would have leveraged this approach to launch our HOPE for LGBTQIA program.
Hope Time Machine
I invite you to go back in time with me in the "Hope Time Machine." On this journey, I will illustrate how this program could have seen the light of day and pulled gay youth out of the darkness. (Note: our website has been temporarily republished on a different free domain name for the purposes of this retrospective article and will be taken off-line shortly. Please excuse any broken links, particularly those related to donations).
Hope Xchange was the only nonprofit dedicated to preventing suicide and improving mental health outcomes in the bipolar community. Next year, more than 50,000 Americans will die of suicide. Half of them will have bipolar disorder.
As the only "front-line" organization, our mission was focused primarily on directly helping those affected through 1:1 interactions, mentorship, and mental health advocacy.
In Demi Lovato's latest release, Anyone, she asks why no one listened.
At Hope Xchange, we listened.
But then we heard a loud call to action from a most vulnerable, totally under-served population at the highest-risk for suicide: LGBTQIA youth diagnosed with bipolar disorder. And, after doing our homework, we knew that our current programs were not the complete solution.
We sorted out what would work and it was a big program with a big price tag which would require a big team effort and a big fundraising push.
Based on our research and peer-mentoring experience, this first-of-its-kind virtual password-protected safe space needed:
live chat with immediate access to a therapist (if deemed necessary by a trained peer mentor),
option to email questions to our LGBTQIA mentoring team, to request a LGBTQIA peer mentor or one of our mental health advocates,
mobile app with geo-locate functionality (latter, so if police need to be called because of imminent danger, the exact location could be immediately provided, i.e., if about to jump of a bridge, we would know exactly what bridge),
social networking and messaging, and
support center with links to educational and advocacy resources.
I personally mentored a transgender youth who lived in a rural area with completely inadequate mental health care (understatement), was being bullied and in a world of hurt. When I told her we were going to build this program, here is what she had to say:
So, where did we go wrong? We thought we had set ourselves up for success. We brought in a dedicated, volunteer project manager as we knew we needed to focus, one of the five Scrum values. (Our team already lived the other four Scrum values: courage, commitment, openness and respect).
We had a volunteer development team in place, our website platform had built-in chat and password-protected member functionality, we used Volunteer Match with tremendous success to recruit the most kind-hearted, compassionate and well-qualified peer mentors as well as an extremely talented marketing and communications team for social media, online fundraising, etc. We also had secured a rock-solid plan from a third-party vendor to build the mobile app with our desired geo-locate functionality.
But, then we made what would prove to be a crucial misstep. Despite an inordinate amount of heart-driven effort that I am so incredibly proud our team put forth, we used the traditional waterfall project management method.
Sometimes such detailed project plans set unrealistic expectations, goals and deadlines and, in Sutherland's prophetic words, are "always always wrong."
Instead of moving the ball down the field, play-by-play, we went for the touchdown. Not only did we lose the game, we lost our way. Our team's morale took the nose dive of all nose dives, our fundraising goal was far too unrealistic, and the worst part, our potentially life-saving program did not see the light of day. It drove Hope Xchange right into the ground.
But, more importantly, how could we have gotten it right? Rather than fundraise to build the entire solution — and risk everything on that effort succeeding — we could have leveraged Scrum, building one iterative program increment at a time in five back-to-back, two-week sprints with five consecutive and more realistic fundraising drives to support each Sprint goal.
Time-boxed Sprints, never more than one-calendar month (but, in our case, two weeks would have been sufficient), force delivering incremental "done" products early and often so those you are trying to help do not suffer needlessly by waiting.
Unlike traditional waterfall project management, this approach also has built-in realism: defined events and transparent artifacts to focus enthusiasm, ground expectations, minimize risk and enable critical inspect and adapt cycles.
Built into these iterative cycles are critical opportunities for client feedback so the program can be tailored to give end users exactly what they most want and need, as well as opportunities to collect user testimonials along the way that can then be leveraged in smaller, incremental fundraising drives that are more realistic and attainable.
The product backlog lists the higher-priority (value) items as User Stories, with a realistic number tackled in each Sprint contingent on the capacity of the team. User Stories can be written from the perspective of the internal stakeholder (in this case, Hope Xchange) or the external stakeholder (gay youth diagnosed with bipolar disorder). An example user story for each follows.
[Internal Stakeholder] User Story: Access to Live Chat
In order to keep a LGBTQIA youth with a bipolar diagnosis in crisis from self-harm, as a suicide-prevention nonprofit we want to provide 24/7 live chat functionality on our website staffed by trained peer mentors, with an option to dial in a crisis-intervention therapist.
[External Stakeholder] User Story: Password-Protected Social Network
As atransitioning 16-year old being bullied at school and recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I want an online space where I can feel safe and accepted.
An illustrative, albeit oversimplified, Scrum Board shifting the Internal Stakeholder User Story, Access to Live Chat, into the Sprint Backlog follows:
Hope Xchange Paid Dearly. Looking Into Agile/Scrum Will Cost You Nothing.
We were a small yet nimble, volunteer-driven nonprofit that had managed to build a national reputation, even garnering the attention of the FDA with a Patient and Caregiver Listening Session. Our team was chock full of passionate sprinters. We could have been sprinting away, releasing incrementally "done" functionality. And, most importantly, those in urgent need of help could have been receiving it and a life could possibly have been saved.
All we needed was a change in approach (Agile/Scrum), white board and sticky notes.
In other words, we had all the bits and pieces to pull this off. We had the requisite foundation but we opted to go for a traditional waterfall project management approach to put all the walls up at once and one huge fundraising push to pay for this large build. We could have built incrementally and paid for one room at a time. And, we paid dearly. Our doors are now closed.
Please look into Agile and Scrum. This, my friends, will cost you nothing.
In the second part of this series, I'll discuss how you can implement Agile/Scrum in your nonprofit using a bottoms-up, incremental approach to demonstrate its business value (i.e., to sell it in-house and to your Board) and how it truly can make a dramatic difference.
For information on why a program like HOPE for LGBTQIA is still urgently needed and how we can help gay youth with bipolar disorder at the highest risk for suicide, please see the Addendum below.
ADDENDUM: How Do We Give Gay Youth with Bipolar Disorder at the Highest Risk for Suicide a Reason to Stay?
Hope Xchange's video below, while perhaps hard to watch, depicts reality for our gay youth today. We simply must give them a reason to stay. If not now, when?
Building a virtual safe space where gay youth who are struggling can log into a password-protected site via a Mobile app/tablet/laptop and interact with their own community who are experiencing the same struggles can not only empower them but also lift their peers up.
In such an accepting and safe environment, they may also be more willing to reach out for help when in crisis and to request a (1:1) peer mentor, as well as mental-health advocacy assistance, for both caring, non-judgmental and life-sustaining support.
For more on mental health issues in the gay community, why our youth are not reaching out for help and how to address disparities in care, see Hope Xchange's blog post.
And, perhaps nowhere is the need for this program more urgent than in the transgender youth community where suicide rates and attempts are staggering. This population is so grossly underserved, discriminated against and victimized. To read more, please see my LinkedIn article.
FURTHER nonprofit READING ON AGILE & SCRUM
4 Agile Startup Practices Empowering Nonprofits, Virtuous Nonprofit Blog Post by Gabe Cooper
Improving Care through Scrum and Servant Leadership, Blog post by Rich Rinaldi, MBA, CSM
4 Advantages of a Nonprofit Having a Scrum Master, Agile In Nonprofits Blog post by Diane H. Leonard, GPC
Agile Development: Can Combining New Approaches, New Data and New Coalitions Make Development More Effective?, by Katell Le Goulven, United Nation Children's Fund (UNICEF)
A wealth of basic knowledge can also be found at scrum.org and scrumalliance.org.
Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives
Hope Xchange Nonprofit
© COPYRIGHT 2020, ACCELERATING SOCIAL GOOD, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED..

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Hacksaw Ridge stars Andrew Garfield and Vince Vaughn. It's directed by Mel Gibson. This is Mel Gibson's first directing project in 10 years. He won Best Director for Braveheart in 1996. Hacksaw Ridge is up for Best Picture and Best Director this year at The Academy Awards.
I would like to see Mel Gibson win for Best Director, he deserves it. Unfortunately, it's Hollywood and they can hold a grudge. After winning Best Director in 1996 it wasn't long before things started to go downhill for Mr. Gibson. He was arrested for a DUI where he made some irrational statements to the arresting officer. This severely hurt his career. He was also accused of domestic violence by an ex-girlfriend.
*This is a side note/opinion. While reading the autobiography of a famous hard rock band the lead singer told a story where Mel Gibson showed up at his house late at night. He was already drunk and they continued drinking. Eventually the singer had to kick him out. This musician is a known alcoholic and to be kicked out of his house really says something to me. When you add in the irrational behavior and choices I can't help but think there is something more going on. But I have a habit of seeing illness in a lot of people.*
Mr. Gibson has talked about his past problems and has said that he has done a great deal of work on himself over the years and has apologized many times. But is Hollywood willing to overlook his past?
If they don't it would be an injustice not only to Mr. Gibson but to everyone who has struggled to keep going even though they battle the same issues he does. His work is his work. Hacksaw Ridge is as close to perfect as you can get for a film of this genre. Watching it you feel like time has flown bye.
Another aspect of the film I loved was that nothing was shoved down your throat. A true story was told. I thought the insight (shown in flashbacks) into why Doss refuses to kill or carry a gun was poignant and crucial to the film. Showing interview clips from the real people portrayed in the film at the end was emotional and really brought it all together.
I'm not sure if it's the Best Picture but I'm definitely sure it should win Best Director.
I'm a daughter, a sister, and an Aunt. I've worked in the Hair Industry, Jewelry Manufacturing, and Retail Management. I'm also an Alcoholic, diagnosed Bipolar, Conversion Disorder, Anxiety, Celiac Disease, and other health issues. I talk about all of these things as honestly as I can. The stigma, medications, doctors, family problems, support or lack of support. I advocate for people like me, animals, and anyone else who feels like they don't have a voice. These are my opinions, I just ask that readers be respectful. Haven't we all been kicked enough when we are down? It's time to change that.	View all posts by darie73
This entry was posted on Sunday, February 19th, 2017 at 12:52 PM	and tagged with Hacksaw Ridge and posted in Movies.	You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
« HOW I SURVIVED NOT KNOWING I WAS MENTALLY ILL (I Know People Don't Like The Term But It's What I Know)
HELL OR HIGH WATER~BEST PICTURE NOMINEE »
11 responses to "HACKSAW RIDGE"
Well you've missed your calling. You should start writing more movie reviews. I loved the side info on Gibson too. Hope you are ok.
darie73
I had another blog "The Rambler Goes To The Movies" (I loved that title) but hardly anyone read it. I was impatient, I should just write it for myself because of my love for movies and because sometimes a powerful movie gets stuck on the loop machine and it would help to offload it. What do you think? Or keep doing them on here so the people that already follow can read or not read? Have I told you that I have a problem with decisions? lol I feel better today but it could be the 5 pieces of Gluten Free French Toast I just ate. I make it special. My dad doesn't even know it's Gluten Free.
February 20th, 2017 at 10:13 AM
The French Toast sounds awesome! I hope you get to try to go outside today, it's going to be beautiful! Post them on the blog that folks already follow and know you for sure. I keep adding categories and features to my blog, I have to control myself lol. I am so glad you are doing well today, you have no idea that this makes me happy. It really does! Take full advantage of it, because we both know it turn can turn on a dime. Blessings to you
No kidding! The dog is a major problem lately. It's to the point I'm going up to bed earlier and earlier he doesn't stop. Plus my meds are not lasting as long in my system. But I have some Doctors that I'm hopeful about.
That's so awesome to hear about your Dr.s What's up with the Dog? I'd put a serious control on that animal. When they get to the point that you can't enjoy your own house, fuck that.
February 21st, 2017 at 9:28 AM
I never blame the animal. It's our fault. My dad grew up in a time where dogs were raised differently. He always had strays and never really had small breeds. He's stubborn and doesn't listen when I tell him NOT to do something. I'm also to blame because I have a different thought process when it comes to animals. For example: I see a man and a dog drowning. Guess which one I go to first? I've always been that way. I've given CPR to 2 dogs and 0 humans. I feel a stronger connection to animals. When my bother in law disciplined one of my Papillons by placing his foot on her chest and pushing her across the floor because she was sitting at his feet staring at him while he was eating I came very close to putting a fork in his eye. lol Dutchie can tell when I'm down so he tries to hard to make me feel better by kissing me, butting heads with me, rubbing his face against me, it's typical behavior if he was in a pack but when it's just me and I'm irritable it's hard.
February 21st, 2017 at 11:45 AM
I completely understand. I guess that's why I'm a cat person lol. Don't know if I could give mouth to mouth to a cat though, hmmmm
February 21st, 2017 at 12:02 PM
Try inoculating 150 pigeons by injecting them in just the right spot in their neck. That wasn't fun but I did it. My dad quit school by the time he was 12. His only escape was animals. He taught himself everything he could about them. He learned the most about birds. I remember him looking at slides under a microscope and identifying different viruses some of the Exotic Birds he was allowed to breed had. He was one of a handful of people given a Federal Permit to work with Exotic Birds on the Endangered Species List because he was able to increase their numbers. It blows my mind that he was able to do that with very little education. I'm exactly like him when it comes to animals.
February 21st, 2017 at 1:06 PM
I remember you mentioning the bird with the hope. How is it?
Hanging in there!
That's great!


text:
Q: How use Spring Security 3 on Struts 2? I have read a lot of tutorials about using Spring Security 3 on Struts 2. But I can't make it work :/.
I can't find a "Dummy step by step guide" about implement this framework on Struts 2.
Here is what I have:
web.xml:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<web-app version="3.0" xmlns="http://java.sun.com/xml/ns/javaee" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://java.sun.com/xml/ns/javaee http://java.sun.com/xml/ns/javaee/web-app_3_0.xsd">

    <filter>
        <filter-name>struts2</filter-name>
        <filter-class>org.apache.struts2.dispatcher.FilterDispatcher</filter-class>
    </filter>
    <filter-mapping>
        <filter-name>struts2</filter-name>
        <url-pattern>/*</url-pattern>
    </filter-mapping>

    <listener>
    <listener-class>
      org.springframework.web.context.ContextLoaderListener
    </listener-class>
  </listener>
   <display-name>cv</display-name>

    <session-config>
        <session-timeout>
            30
        </session-timeout>
    </session-config>
    <welcome-file-list>
        <welcome-file>example/HelloWorld.jsp</welcome-file>
    </welcome-file-list>
</web-app>

security.xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<beans xmlns="http://www.springframework.org/schema/beans"
       xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
       xmlns:context="http://www.springframework.org/schema/context/spring-context-2.5.xsd"

       xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.springframework.org/schema/beans http://www.springframework.org/schema/beans/spring-beans-2.5.xsd
          http://www.springframework.org/schema/context/spring-context-2.5.xsd http://www.springframework.org/schema/context/spring-context-2.5.xsd/spring-spring-context-2.5.xsd-3.1.1.RELEASE.xsd
">

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<http realm="Project Realm" auto-config="true" use-expressions="true">
    <intercept-url pattern="/auth/**" filters="none"/>
    <intercept-url pattern="/**" access="hasAnyRole('ROLE_ADMIN','ROLE_USER')"/>
    <form-login login-page="/auth/login.jsp" authentication-failure-url="/auth/login.jsp?login_error=1"/>
    <logout logout-success-url="/auth/login.jsp"/>
    <remember-me />
</http>

<http>
    <intercept-url pattern="/login*" filters="none" />
    <intercept-url pattern="/css/**" filters="none" />
    <intercept-url pattern="/img/**" filters="none" />
    <intercept-url pattern="/search.action*" access="ROLE_ADMIN" />
    <intercept-url pattern="/user/**" access="ROLE_ADMIN" />
    <intercept-url pattern="/**" access="IS_AUTHENTICATED_ANONYMOUSLY" />
    <form-login login-page="/login.action" />
    <logout logout-url="/logout.action" />
</http>

<authentication-manager>
    <authentication-provider>
        <user-service>
            <user name="admin" password="admin" authorities="ROLE_ADMIN"/>
            <user name="customer" password="customer" authorities="ROLE_USER"/>
        </user-service>
    </authentication-provider>
</authentication-manager>

</beans>

And my HelloWorld.jsp

Welcome!

        <sec:authorize access="isAnonymous()">
         This session will be visible to an admin only.

         You are an Administrator.

        </sec:authorize>
        <sec:authorize access="hasRole('ROLE_USER')">
         This session will be visible to an Customer only.

         You are an Customer.

        </sec:authorize>
        ${HelloMessage}

        <a href="<c:url value="/j_spring_security_logout"/>">Logout

I want to test how the privileges works using the tag "isAnonymous" showing that block of text, but I can't make it work
:(

A: You need to add Spring Security's filter chain to the web.xml.
<filter>
  <filter-name>springSecurityFilterChain</filter-name>
  <filter-class>org.springframework.web.filter.DelegatingFilterProxy</filter-class>
</filter>
<filter-mapping>
<filter-name>springSecurityFilterChain</filter-name>
  <url-pattern>/*</url-pattern>
</filter-mapping>

This goes after your Struts filter.  This will allow Spring Security to check/block the request prior to Struts being handed the request.
Assuming the user is allowed to access the content Spring Security will set up a SecurityContext object that will make allow the JSP tags work.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
BMW's new headlight lenses hide in the front panel
It will give designers the chance to come up with distinctive DRL designs for each model.
According to reports, BMW has invented a new front fascia which integrates the grille and the headlamps behind one seamless panel. The headlights will further come with active lenses, which, when switched on, will become visible through the panel.
Reports state that instead of having the front grille panel & the headlights under separate units, BMW could cover the entire front end in a single smooth panel. The LED DRLs and the headlights will be behind the panel, which can be switched from opaque to transparent whenever required. The new front panel is currently in its patent stage, which, if entered into production, could debut on BMW's next-generation EVs.
With EVs not requiring an air intake, unlike their IC-engine-powered counterparts, the front kidney grille on BMW EVs is purely to retain the brand's identity. Hence, BMW engineers are said to be proposing a multi-layer panel to carry both the signature of an EV while also displaying different interpretations of the kidney grille, based on the model. This will also allow the headlights to be positioned behind a protective screen, reducing the chances of damage to its high-tech laser light emitters.
Also, as seen from the patent sketches, BMW designers will be able to create separately-illuminated grille shapes while incorporating different accents to help differentiate the models and trims. It will also give designers the chance to come up with distinctive DRL designs for each model.
The Soviets Built a 12-Wheeled Mega Truck With a 42.4L Engine and 220-Ton Carrying Capacity
All-new Bowler Defender revealed for 2022
Toyota 86 Racer Spins Out And Saves It As If Nothing Happened
Skoda Kushaq 1.0L AT: How I managed to get 20 km/L mileage
2021 Dodge Challenger Widebody Availability Widens to R/T Shaker, T/A
« New Land Rover Defender 130 Has Zero Problems Towing 7,300 LBS Trailer
Manasi Tata appointed Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor »


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How to request feedback on your performance at work.
Are you wondering if you could improve on your day-to-day responsibilities at work, and if so, how? Or maybe you've completed the first section of a challenging assignment and you'd like to know if you're on the right track before continuing on. Or perhaps you've just finalized an important report and would like to know if your work met expectations. Whatever the situation, if you want to do your job well, it's only natural to want feedback on your professional performance.
However, getting that feedback isn't always easy. Of course, there are official performance reviews, but according to Harvard Business Review, just over a third of managers complete employee evaluations properly and on time. Moreover, a recent survey revealed that over 55 percent of employees felt their most recent appraisal was inaccurate. Additionally, 25 percent agreed they dreaded performance reviews more than any other aspect of their professional lives.
Avoid asking only your direct supervisor for feedback, since that might result in a limited picture. Everybody on a team has his or her specific focus and insights, so asking each person involved in the project for constructive criticism will allow you to form a comprehensive overview of your performance. For example, if you're asking for feedback on a presentation on social media marketing, a PR professional will have different insights from a designer or a researcher.
Avoid general questions that can result in broad, non-specific feedback. Instead, ask questions that pertain specifically to the skills you want to improve on. For example, if you want to improve your written communication skills, ask if your copy was clear and correct, or if you're looking to improve your research skills, inquire if the research was comprehensive and well-organized.
Don't wait too long to ask for feedback. Sparkhire advises speak with people about your performance while it's still fresh in their minds. That way, they'll be in a better position to recall the project or assignment you're referring to without having to go back and review it again. The easier you make it for them to help you, the better your chances of getting comprehensive and accurate feedback that's delivered in a constructive manner.
While it's great to receive positive feedback, you're more likely to learn from feedback that shows you where you can improve. However, receiving such feedback isn't always easy. Avoid getting upset or defensive by concentrating on the message, not the way it's being said or who's saying it. Some people have a more tactful way of expressing themselves than others, but that's not to say that they're the only ones with useful insights. Always thank the person and say you'll take his or her feedback under consideration.
Take some time to evaluate the feedback you've received. Ask yourself if carries truth—even if it's difficult to acknowledge you could have done better. Granted, there will be times when, after objectively assessing criticism, you feel it's unfounded, but more often than not, there'll be a lesson you can learn to improve your performance.
Having assessed what's useful, apply it. For example, if you learned your report contained spelling errors, make sure to proofread every bit of writing you do from now on. Or if you've been told your research could have been organized better, concentrate on learning more logical ways to include information in your next report. If you don't know how to improve based on the feedback you received, ask a colleague or your supervisor for guidance.
Asking for feedback can be daunting, but if you keep these tips in mind, you'll be in a better position to learn how you can improve in those areas that are most important to your performance. And by incorporating constructive feedback into your daily work, you can enhance your skills and advance your career in a manner that benefits both you and your company.
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Rodriguez admits he wouldn't be able to write recipes to keep your on the right diet track, so he teams up with Susan Wyler, a James Beard-nominated cookbook author and former editor of Food & Wine magazine, to provide the second.
Curing oneself of the condition called acid reflux can be accomplished by using natural, healthy methods. I suffered from this condition for years, taking harmful.
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My recent column on acid reflux. reflux disease) is almost in your own backyard," e-mailed Bollinger. She refers to a food sensitivity test developed by Signet Diagnostics in Riviera Beach that can predict with some accuracy which.
Based on my 27 years' experience treating patients with acid reflux, I've devised a plan to tackle this growing.
The book's staple foods offer plenty of variety and are geared toward reducing acid reflux. Turn your body into a heartburn-free zone by sticking with the following ingredients, which are featured in the book's 75 original, low-fat.
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It even helped my acid reflux. She also taught. to get raw greens into her diet, which are full of minerals such as iron and calcium, omega three fatty acids, and Vitamins A, C, E and K," explains Snyder. Try the recipe below and check.
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That is when acid production is at its peak. Plan early suppers, and avoid bedtime snacking. • Eat small meals (especially late in the day). Make your main meal of the day the midday meal. • Experiment with trigger foods. Foods.


THE LONG-TERM GROWTH of Indonesia's economy offers great potential for Australian business. The trend towards greater regional economic integration also opens opportunities for Australian and Indonesian businesses to partner in global value chains.
But we need to be realistic: Indonesia is also a difficult and uncertain market in which to do business. Both sides have to remain committed to sound economic reform to realise the mutual benefits of stronger investment in Indonesia by Australian business – which is the focus on Australia's economic diplomacy in Indonesia.
Activating business as a constituency for the relationship means getting more Australian companies into the Indonesian market – not just exporting to it.
Business being present in country broadens mutual understanding and gives each side an important reason to support positive bilateral relations.
The key to success for Australian business in Indonesia is a commitment by senior management to taking a long-term approach to the market and building strong, enduring relationships with Indonesian partners.
While there is a wealth of knowledge on Indonesia in Australia, this needs to be translated into greater business understanding of the opportunities – and risks – of investing there; and how to do it.
This is a priority for the Government.
The Minister for Trade and Investment, Mr Andrew Robb, will lead a large delegation of Australian business leaders to Indonesia in the near future. The Prime Minister's first visit to Indonesia in 2013 was accompanied by a targeted group of CEOs and board members. The Government will support a visit to Australia by Indonesia's Investment Coordination Board to identify mutually beneficial opportunities and link business partners.
We will tap into opportunities to connect to regional and global value chains through Indonesia. We will continue to encourage Indonesian awareness of the benefits of liberalised trade and encourage regional economic integration, such as the ASEAN Economic Community.
Negotiations towards the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, while a long-term endeavour, are driven by business on both sides. The Indonesia-Australia Business Partnership Group made an important contribution to identifying the key priorities the agreement should address (PDF report is available on the DFAT website).
Australia's new consulate in Makassar will focus on building business links in eastern Indonesia, to take advantage of opportunities beyond Java and Bali.
Indonesian businesses are hosting Australian interns under the New Colombo Plan, playing an important role in helping future Australian business leaders develop an understanding of the Indonesian market.


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text:
Soul of a Seeker
"We were given appetites, not to consume the world and forget it, but to taste its goodness and hunger to make it great." Robert Farrar Capon
Trail Stories
Bears Den Park
George Washington National Forest
Grayson Highlands State Park
James River Park
Monongahela National Forest
Our 1965 Clark Cortez
World Wanderings
More On Our Soul
England's Helvellyn Mountain Hike Attempt
by soulofaseeker
Here we were in England's Windermere, a town near Glenridding, which was home of Helvellyn Mountain. To say I was focused on hiking this mountain for months is an understatement. I had essentially pleaded my way into Andy's heart until he agreed to hop on a plane to the UK with me, hiking boots in tow.
"Are you ready?!" I asked my Englishman the day of our hike. My body was literally shaking with eagerness.
"No." He was still in the hotel bed.
"Andrew." I slouched. "Please. Can you just act excited?"
He groaned then threw the covers over his head.
"For me?"
"Fine!" he snapped, bouncing off the mattress. "Let's go! Let's try not to kill ourselves on one of the most dangerous mountains in the country."
That wasn't exactly the start I was looking for . . . and yet, he was accurate.
Wandering through Windermere the day before, we had learned through fliers and shop employees that Helvellyn had a reputation for being 'daunting' and 'formidable,' to say the least. Rated in the top of "Most Dangerous British Mountains," Helvellyn made the Appalachian Trail look like a beginner's walk.
"Even if you want to go, don't go if — " This was one Windermere store clerk who got word of our plans. " — if it is foggy . . . or if it is raining . . . or if it has rained . . . or even if it is about to rain. Don't go if it is snowing or icing . . . though you shouldn't have to worry about that in August." He mumbled the last bit more to himself before pausing. It was as if he were worried the mention of winter weather in the hottest month took away his credibility. Then, with renewed vigor and effort to ensure his overall message was heard, he ultimately concluded the following: "Basically just don't go unless there is supposed to be full sun." Then he walked away. Decision made apparently.
Strangely though, his words didn't put me off. (Fear has a way of doing the opposite for me.) And luckily, the sun cooperated so we loaded into his parents' car to be chauffeured to our beast-of-a-mountain.
In the backseat, I read aloud the directions as we traveled:
Eight-point-seven mile circuit
A massive and incredible 3,117-foot elevation gain in that time
Level Six of Five difficulty
"A SIX?!" Andrew broke in. "How can you have a six out of five?!"
"I mean . . . yeah," I told him. "You said so yourself: It is a hard hike." I had to hesitate then due to concern over him suddenly backing out. "Don't worry, And. It's a little less than nine miles. What can possibly happen in that time?"
He cut his eyes at me then made some type of guttural noise that I took to mean he disagreed strongly and was both unsure of what could happen to us and that he didn't want to find out. Thinking more information — knowledge, preparation — would help, I kept reading. Surely this would encourage him, I thought.
"There are many fine ways to climb Helvellyn but an ascent via Striding Edge has to be considered the most spectacular of all. This narrow ridge has a reputation of being scary and difficult." Maybe I should have skipped that part but I continued:
"Traversing the mountain is not without dangers; over the last two hundred years there have been a number of fatalities. There have been two fatalities in six months in 2015, eleven in 2014, and fourteen deaths in 2013." Jesus, this is relatively recent. How had I missed this before? Andy was looking at me with his mouth gapped open. His mother had now turned around fully in her seat and his father was questioning us on if this was a wise decision. In my stubborn (crazy) will-full way, everyone's doubts made me only more positive hiking this mountain was precisely what needed to be done. I was determined so I continued reading the rest to myself:
"Even in summer there can be poor visibility and a sharp drop in temperature at higher levels." Summer? Summer was surely the best time to go . . . "It starts with a loose stony drop onto a short steep ridge of jumbled boulders which often require a bit of down-scrambling. A loose and nasty gully going off to the left is best avoided. Slips are very easy in descent." I was beginning to feel nervous but I read on and on . . .
"On the summit plateau is the memorial to Charles Gough who in spring 1805 slipped from a rock and died. The story of Gough's faithful dog who stayed with his body for three months until it was discovered has inspired many poems including William Wordsworth and Sir Walter Scott." Once I reached the part about the dog, I lost it.
"Hey, Andy." I didn't want to alarm him but I was about to start sobbing, thinking of this pitiful dog — heartbroken and confused, stuck on a mountain cuddled up next to the dead body of its owner.
"Yea?"
"Read this" and I passed over the paper. I didn't want to risk his parents hearing and refusing to drive us further. If we were going to choose not to go, it was going to be our decision and no one else's.
"For fuck's sake!" he said after reading the depressing dog section. All hopes of a covert operation now gone.
"What?" his father said.
"What?!" his mother said.
"Nothing!" we both responded. Of course they didn't believe us — we were like children incapable of hiding lies — but it didn't matter. We were pulling into the parking lot. My eyes quickly scanned the rest of our directions. Words started to blur: "Watch for loose stones" . . . "sheer drops" . . . "slippery rocks" . . .
"L," I heard Andy call in some distant tunnel far far away from me. "L. We're here" and his car door slammed closed.
Music cued — dun dun duuuh dun-duhduh dun-duhduh — and something ominous, evil was luring ahead. I could feel it in my bones. But there was no time to pause or second guess — We were being dropped off one mile or so from the base of Helvellyn. Our journey was set to begin.
Andrew's mother began saying her goodbyes as if this was the last time she would see us alive. Bless her heart, she had the glimmer of a tear in her eye, too. Poor thing, I thought, touched by her level of concern. This was, after all, the first time she was witnessing Andrew and I leave for a mountain trail where as my mother was an old pro — She practically has every Virginia federal and national park's emergency number on speed dial; in fact, I think she even has a draft email, detailing physical descriptions with images of us attached.
"Look after each other," his mom called after hugging us a third time. "Be careful! Love you both. If you get stuck, give us a call. Bye! Bye-bye-bye! I love you both!!! Be safe! Love you!" Her voice became shrill, more urgent and we had to turn our backs on her. She was making me at least contemplate if our hike was going to turn into a death sentence. I paused.
"Com'on," Andy grabbed my hand. We had to keep our minds clear — It was time to go.
Earlier, we had decided to flip our trail, hiking from end to beginning. I had heard or read it was an easier journey this way, which we were open to. Ahead, a little non-scary moor smiled from the ground, somehow hiding Helvellyn and all that loomed ahead.
"Listen, if you drink all your water now, what will you drink when you are hiking? When you get on the mountain? What will you drink when you are truly thirsty then?" A tour guide stopped to talk to one of numerous kids he was leading in a group. The guide was fit — tanned, trimmed, and all muscle. The little boy, the opposite — short, pudgy, pale; he appeared as if this was his first outing outside. Ever. I don't think he had even walked to a car before.
The boy didn't look persuaded. "But I'm thirsty!" He sounded as if he would cry.
The guide was persistent in teaching. Surely, he thought, he could make this child have a realization. "You need to think — You've already gone through half of your water and we just left the car park." The guide pointed, confirming the mass of pavement mere yards away. "See? These are the types of things you have to think about when you are in the wild and you need to survive."
"But I'm thirsty!" If I had not seen what was happening and only heard, I would be positive the child was about to die.
"Fine," the guide sighed helplessly while the boy gulped down more water, leaving one-fourth left and seeming proud of himself.
Andy and I exchanged glances as we zoomed past the guide and his group. "Easy," we told each other. If that was the stage the guide was at, our fears were put aside. Our self-esteem boosted: We were expert hikers compared to that.
Sheep appeared, eating purple thistle and green nettles, and I squealed with delight — I hadn't expected to find sheep on the mountainside! Andy, immune to the herd of English fluffs, kept walking until we reached a stone wall which twisted its way along the path.
Let me say in advance, there were many mistakes made on this hike, which I am sure you have caught onto by now through foreshadowing. Here was our first: For some reason at the time, we believed our directions intended us to get off the clearly well-maintained path beside the wall and instead travel directly up the moor through dense waist-high ferns. Looking back, I have no idea why we thought this but Hiking Rule Number One: Every decision is a joint decision so off we went! Stonewall and pebbled path soon a hair-line in view . . .
But the view! All around was beautiful — and we had only just begun!
I craved to see Ullswater and the town of Glenridding from the top so we increased elevation into the greenery.
There I am! An itty-bitty dot in the middle of the picture!
There shall be no lying in my hike report: There were times Andrew and I appeared as mere dots to one another . . . and there were times the ferns, so full and massive, hid us from the other's view.
But there was no sense of danger — We could simply yell the other person's name in this massive open space and come together again . . . which we did many times.
"It's not as if we are in a forest about to get lost," we said together after losing sight and re-find each other, oh — I don't want to exaggerate — maybe the next nine times. "Right, we aren't in any danger" and we continued on until we saw this: sheep remains.
Wool was strewn across the grass, along with bones that had been picked clean.
But did that phase us? Nope. Were we the least bit concerned? Nah. Was there the realization that death was actually at our feet? Hell no! We did what any normal hiker would do — We used the bones as a trail marker.
"How far do you think since we passed the bones?" I asked him.
"Maybe two miles so that would mean we are maybe four from the parking lot."
"Great!" I was joyful. "We should be about halfway then!" and off we merrily continued into the now man-sized ferns, joining sheep that bah-ed in displeasure at us passing.
In truth though, it was a pleasant hike: The ground was all grass so it was soft and plush.
And we were smiling and joking the entire way. And it truly was one of our most stunning hikes yet.
But there was no denying it: We were lost.
"The directions say our path is supposed to be 'very well-laid but steep and hard-going.'" This was another one of several times we stopped to re-evaluate our decision forward. "Andy, do you think would be considered 'steep and hard-going'?"
"I wouldn't think so." He looked around us. "We've done harder hikes than this at a Level Two."
"I agree. And what is a 'stone summit cairn'?" I asked. "Or better yet — I know what 'stone' and 'summit' are, but what is a 'cairn'?"
"How am I supposed to know?"
"And how long is a kilometer?" I asked, looking at the directions. "Is that the same as a yard?"
"A yard is two or three feet, isn't it — I have no idea! I don't know! I don't measure in yards! It's 1,000 meters."
"But how big is a meter? And our directions say we should be reaching a 'Hole in the Wall'." I pointed at the term. "Is that a place?"
"How am I supposed to know?!" He was becoming exasperated but surely not as much as me.
"Because it looks like it should be a place since it is capitalized but you English don't believe in correctly capitalizing proper nouns so maybe it is literally a hole in a wall but where could there be a hole in — "
"Wait, wait, wait!" he huffed back, interrupting me. "Since when do the English not know how to properly capitalize?! It is our language, you know! You colonials stole it!"
"Andy," I took a literal step back. There was no need to fight in front of the sheep. "I'm not trying to put down any country's intelligence. But . . . " It had to be said. "The roadsigns and names of places in England — They are never capitalized correctly."
"Like what?!" He demanded . . . so I told him a long rolodex of places I had been hoarding in my head, seemingly for this very moment. He was silent.
"All I'm saying is does this — " and I pointed again "mean a Hole in the Wall or a hooole in the wall?"
"How should I bloody know!"
"Know what, it doesn't matter." I skipped that step and read on. "What is a 'knoll'?"
"L, I don't know — "
"And what is a 'TARN'!?" Every line in every step of the directions was starting to make me anxious.
"A tarn. A tarn? I don't know what that is!" Then he paused and — as if this helped — added: "But I've heard of it before." We stood in silence for a few seconds. I think I was hoping for a breakthrough from him. I still have no idea what he was expecting from me. Then his voice again: "It's like a hillside . . . I think."
"You think?!"
"That's what I said!" he retorted.
"Andy, we are lost — in another country — and you think?!"
"Woah, woah — wait a minute! I'm not lost in another country! This is where I'm from!"
That didn't make me feel better. Of all Englishmen I could be with, I had one that didn't understand any of his own English words. "Andrew!!! I am in another country and for what it is worth — if these directions were in Spanish, I'd probably have more luck! This is where you are from so if you don't know what a 'cairn' is or a 'tarn' or a 'hole in a wall', we are beyond hope!"
"I'VE NEVER DONE THIS BLOODY HIKE BEFORE!" he screamed as echos of alarmed "baa"s surrounded us from sheep that either took off running or jerked their heads above the ferns to stare. "AND YOU CAN SHUT-RIGHT-UP!" he turned in frantic circles, yelling at the wooly beasts.
"Andrew — " I tried to calm him.
"And that creepy bastard keeps looking at us," he angrily pointed to this, well, creepy bastard.
It was around the time we saw this sheep — with its black body and bone-white head — that we determined going the opposite way on a hike — already full of terrors — was not a wise choice so we headed back, making our journey total be five-and-a-half miles before we even began our actual trail.
"This is definitely the 'very well-laid but steep and hard-going path'," we agreed, plodding up over hundreds upon hundreds of stone steps at the official start of the Helvellyn trail.
"This is going to put us behind meeting your parents," I fretted. I hated having people waiting for us while we hiked — We had no clue what to expect from the trail so being rushed was the worst feeling.
"I know, but they can wait. It's okay — They knew we were hiking and they wanted to explore the village so just focus on that."
But I could never let that feeling go — It is a feeling I battle each time I hike. If a hiker passes me on any trail, I have the urge to overtake him because I worry I am falling behind and will be late. Late for what? On a trail back in the US, late for nothing but here we did have an actual deadline and I couldn't handle that fact. I felt a need to rush our hike — to run up the mountain — so I walked faster, stumbling and tripping on rocks, losing my breath.
"L, stop," Andy called from far behind, out of breath and stumbling too in an effort to keep up. "Look. We came this far to hike Helvellyn. Let's hike Helvellyn — properly. Let's enjoy it, okay? It's just you and me — We are in this together." This he had to remind me many times, as he always does so here we took a moment to look out at a sight that seemed only possible in dreams. And — cue angels — it was around the top of Birkhouse Moore we discovered a stone summit cairn (which for all curious, is a fancy English way of saying "mound of stones"). This is also where I had my first sighting of English heather on a moor.
It was so beautiful that I became overcome with emotions and wanted to cry. Andrew says I shouldn't admit this as it makes me too sappy . . . but I had envisioned seeing the purple heather for so very long and now here I was standing in the middle of it! The heather and ferns seemed to glow and highlight our trail as we ventured up further. There were no trees and the sun beat down hot on our shoulders and arms.
"You should put on sunscreen," Andy told me huffing equally as we stopped a moment for breath.
"I . . . "
"Don't tell me — " He knew without me saying anything more.
"We wanted to reduce pack weight. And who would have thought it would actually be warm and sunny in England?!"
His look told me that he knew.
"Andy, this is the first time I've evvver seen England sunny and hot!" I said the word 'ever' as if I had several incidences to draw upon.
"L. This is only your second time visiting England. The first time you came was the middle of winter."
Of course he was right, but it did not help our lack of sunscreen problem.
Or our lack of water issue. At this point in our hike, I had realized two things: One we should have brought our hydration bladders because the two liters we bought to share were surely not enough to quench our thirst. And two, if we were to die in this barren moor-desert we did not bring our emergency kit. Not that it could cure thirst, but still.
"Andy?" I became scared in my realization.
"Yea," he huffed.
"We didn't bring our emergency kit either . . . "
There was a groan. Then another groan. Then deep breathing before standing. "Well that doesn't matter now. Try not to kill yourself then" and after one last pant, he continued up the trail.
We weren't the only ones suffering, too — which somehow gave me a small sense of happiness. There is little else as true as 'misery loves company' on a hike.
"Hi, sorry to bother you!" Two English lads approached from behind on the trail. "Do you have spare wa'er, mate? We're so thirsty and we only bought this one bo'le between us and drank i'all." One of the guys held up a single tiny twenty-ounce bottle. We all looked at it. It was indeed empty. There was a moment of silence, as if in remembrance of the days when water was easy to come by. "Mate, do you have any wa'er you could share?"
"Sorry, mate," Andy told him. "We only got a small amount ourselves."
"Right, right — no problems then! Enjoy your hike!" and on they briskly walked towards the mountain we all wanted to claim. We watched them go, blending into the distance where Helvellyn appeared. Finally in view, we could see its terrifying crooked backbone called Striding Edge.
This shot we took later as we approached, but it best shows Striding Edge.
Behind us, one of the most extensive views over the Lake District — a view that stretches from Scotland to Wales — but we couldn't stop so we trekked on next to the stone summit cairn . . .
With one last look at Ullswater and the golden grass, we left the last wooly beasts we would see on our walk up.
Birkhouse Moore left us out of breath with little satisfaction, that is until we stumbled upon this: a wooden ladder leaning against the cairn . . .
"This is it!" Andy told me as we passed the ladder. "The Hole in the Wall!" He was overjoyed and, I'll be honest, I couldn't suppress my confusion enough.
"This is what?" I called over my shoulder; I hadn't stopped walking.
"This is the Hole in the Wall!" He said the words as if they contained magic.
I turned around to face him then looked right and left, right then left. Neither of us said anything so he repeated with more excitement — excitement that showed I should be excited.
"Wait." The realization struck me. This — this leaning wooden ladder — was the location of our earlier hole-in-the-wall talk. "This — this — is the Hole in the Wall?!"
"Yeaaa . . . " Obviously.
"There's not even a damn hole!!!" I huffed. "You're serious?!" I waited for confirmation. "You British are insane!" and on I went forever done, in my mind, with British vocabulary. I was hot, thirsty, and out of breath — and the ladder seemed ridiculous. It wasn't even a full ladder! It was honestly a step-stool, folks. A wooden step-stool against a stone wall that we had been walking beside for several miles. How a non-hole and step-stool can be such a crowd-pleaser is beyond me. Bless the British.
But I digress . . .
We passed a hole in the wall . . . or Hole in the Wall . . . or Nonexistent Hole in the Wall near Step-stool Against the Wall and journeyed closer to Striding Edge . . .
As we approached, Striding Edge appeared more beastly than before: It seemed the only way to begin was to climb over the pile rocks that resembled gargantuan bones.
From there, the mountain's skeletal backbone protruded from the earth in angles that defied logic. Describing the trail as 'slender' before made that word take on new meaning — The trail was barely wide enough for one person to stand with both feet side-by-side . . .
This meant even one small error would mean a thousand-foot cliff drop to the left or right.
"L. Just remember," Andy's voice, gruff, broke my silent gawking at Striding Edge, "this was your idea. Weren't mine — I wanted to be drinkin' beers in't pub, eatin' Indian food, havin' a laugh with memates — I do have mates you know. But this," and he waved his arms around his body, "was your idea. Weren't mine." His voice packed displeasure . . . which only affirmed now was not the time to tell him what I actually thought because what I was thinking was that a miracle had occurred: We both were in agreement! I wanted a bar and beers, hell even Indian food, and I wanted laughs and mates — Yes, I wanted mates in England! What I didn't want was to be standing here, looking eye-to-eye with my demise.
But I couldn't admit this — not after I had convinced Andy to come here, made him labor up the mountain, caused him get a sunburn. This was one of those moments when you cannot tell the truth to your loved one. This was one of those moments when it is better to lie.
"I know," was all I was able to squeak.
So we stopped.
We looked around. We took in the view: On the left, grass covered mountains dipped to a valley far below and on the right, the glimmering Red Tarn (which, we discovered, was a small mountain lake).
Behind us, the way we had come: Beautiful and blue. Peaceful. Full of life.
"Right," I heard Andy say so I turned towards him and heard these exact words: "If you're going first, gi'us a kiss 'cause one of us is going to die." So there, on the mountaintop, we had a kiss — not a sweet, innocent kiss but more of a Goodbye-I-love-you and a I've-enjoyed-our-relationship type of kiss.
Then we did what any rational couple would do: We ignored the tranquil trail behind us and walked towards our deaths.
Since Andrew made it clear he was not going first, I held my breath and walked on . . .
The wind howled in my ears and I had to push my weight against the gales to stand. The edge of rocks, so narrow in width, jutted from the ground at a slant that made them nearly impossible to walk across.
Slowly, carefully, and by the grace of everything, I made it to the other side of Striding Edge.
"Com'on!" I yelled in Andrew's direction, trying to coax him.
I saw him pace a little, apprehensive. "For fuck's sake," I heard him say before stepping across the hairline trail after me . . .
Several minutes passed as I held my breath and watched Andy's unsteady walk towards me. The wind continued to pick up speed so much that I had to sit on the trail and wait. Gradually, gradually, gradually, he stood next to me.
"You come up with some stupid ideas, but this — " and he pointed in the direction from where we had come, "has to be the stupidest."
That wasn't the greeting I was expecting. But we were reunited! We were happy, gleeful, alive, and —
"Mate no, NO! I'm NOT doing it!" Andy and I turned out gaze to where the voices — urgent and horrified — were heard. Miles in front of us, the same two English lads (that had earlier asked us for water) appeared as tiny specks against the rocks.
"Com'on, let's just go! It can't be that hard!" ant-sized Person A said.
"MATE! Have you LOOKED?! Look!" and we could see both ant-sized heads peering upward. We followed their gaze. Sure enough a trail of unimaginable horrors was illuminated in the sunlight.
This portion of the trail is what comes after Striding Edge. It is also the bit I seemed to have overlooked. Here, The Chimney — a mound of jagged rocks, slatted together, lean into one another at angles that make hikers feel precariously placed while rock climbing up. And it is became of this rock scramble that many people regularly get stuck, thus requiring a helicopter to rescue them. Listen, I'm not one for exaggerating. There was fear on that mountain — terror in the eyes of every person hiking — so for the sake of you understanding this rock climb, let me provide a visual reference, courtesy Google:
Not only this, but more concerning (because oh, there is always a 'more concerning' bit when it comes to this mountain), there is a steep — and I do mean steep — ridge or col just above The Chimney that leads to the highest portion of Helvellyn.
This portion consists of loose rocks, so loose that puffs of dusty gravel were visible from afar when shifted under hikers' feet and the taps of rock hitting rock was heard as pieces of the mountain plunged down and echoed in the area.
After this too — Little relief because the journey down is more treacherous. Swirral Edge waits with warnings like "Don't go too far left or right, instead stick to the path where possible, concentrate, and use your hands when necessary."
Essentially, all of this comes to one summary: If hikers like Andrew and me have somehow managed to cheat death after surviving Striding Edge, there would be no way we could outlive the rest. And this thought — pounding in our heads, matching our heartbeat — was surely the exact thought of at least one of those English lads ahead of us.
"It is TOO steep!" Ant-Person B yelled to his hiking partner. Andy and I nodded in agreement. "I'm NOT doing it, mate! There's nothing you can say that will make me do it!"
"Oh come on and — " Ant-Person A interrupted only to be interrupted himself.
"FUCK OFF! I said I'm not doing it! I'm headed back down. I'll meet you at the bottom" and without further discussion, off he turned towards us.
Andy and I stood frozen — It was an unnerving scene as the duo split, one continuing up solo and the other retracing his trail alone. We watched as Ant B got closer and closer until he became Person B. We watched . . . and then he stopped.
Between us and him, a group of three Frenchmen stood, confused and worried. We had overlooked them because they weren't causing a commotion yelling at one another, as did the English Duo. But the Frenchies were pointing in our direction then shaking their heads, a slur of French, then pointing towards the sure-death of Swirral Edge. They seemed to be in the process of making a decision, too.
Person B waited.
The French waited . . . until decision made: The three people went off the side of the cliff.
I'm not joking. They literally went off the side of the mountain.
The Frenchies sat down — in the middle of the trail — and slide off the cliff then down the mountain on their asses.
Human B looked at us.
We looked at Human B. All of our mouths were gapping open. We waited for Human B to join us . . . until — down the English lad went! He crouched, he scooted, he slid down the cliff edge!
"What the fuck?!" Andy exclaimed in a tone that was filled with irritation and anger and pure shock.
"I mean . . . they have a point . . . " What else could I say?!
We must have stood there almost half an hour watching the four sliders. Horror turned to astonishment, astonishment turned to relief as they made it to the bottom and all walked — simply walked — away from the mountain and to the trail around Red Tarn.
"Okay, so what are we going to do?" I asked Andy.
"I'm NOT doing that — " and he pointed towards a distant Swirral Edge.
"Right. We agree then," I told him. There was no way I was going to rock climb up an 85-degree mountain either. No way.
"Let's go back," Andy remarked.
"No." I was stubborn. "I'm not going back." I refused to re-walk the path we had worked so hard to pass. Plus, his parents were waiting so turning around would take the longest portion of time. "I'm not going back," I reaffirmed.
"L," Andy exhaled loudly. "If you don't want to go forward and you don't want to go backward, what do you want to do?"
We waited. I knew my answer. He knew my answer.
"FUCK NO!" he yelled. "No no NO! That's stupid. What if we slip and can't stop?"
"We won't slip — "
"L!!!" I'm pretty sure he was full-level shouting. "Chances are we ARE going to slide into each other 'nd MURDER each other!"
"Andrew." Someone needed to remain calm, be the voice of reason. I voted myself. "Mercy sakes, we aren't going to murder each other!"
"WE ARE! We BLOODY ARE! We won't be able to stop if we pick up speed so we will cause each other painful deaths!!!"
"Andy — hey. Four people didn't slip. Four. We won't slip."
"L. No. We always fucking do this." It was around here I was starting to think he had lost his mind — The last I could recall, we had never ass-slid down a cliff before (. . . oh, oh wait — As I'm typing this now, I do remember past hiking incidents . . . so I guess you were right, Andrew, sorry!) He continued: "And now we are going to DIE on a MOUNTAIN!" He was angry and sure, maybe he had a right to be. But I didn't want to correct him — We weren't going to die on the mountain because we were going to slide off the mountain.
"No," he said again, making me really use my persuasion tactics. "I want a helicopter to come save me. That is the only way my life will be complete."
This is an improvement, I thought. He had forgotten that we could turn around and retrace our steps. In his mind it was either moving forward or butt-sliding.
Another ten minutes passed of us arguing. His phone suddenly dinged — a message from his father wanting to know where we were.
"This is what I'm talking about," I coaxed lightly. "I don't like to have people waiting for us when we hike because we have to hurry. The only way to hurry is down the mountain" and I pointed.
He knew it was true.
I knew it was true.
"Fine." A grouchy Andy had accepted his fate. "But LET IT BE KNOWN!" he yelled, "THAT IF I FOLLOW YOU OFF THE EDGE OF A CLIFF, THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN EVER SAY I DO NOT LOVE YOU!"
I mean, the man had a point.
So we scrambled to a more safe spot, if 'safe' is a good word to use.
It was here I can affirm that I have seen Andrew angry — a nasty, red-faced rage — at being in this current situation. Love, for him, did not exist. The looks of fury and blame that he cast my way during this — Let's just say I was beyond relieved to have cleared the rocks first because he honestly may have cast me from the cliffs with his own hands. However, knowing I was safely in front of him made me only more aware of a need to document this moment so I merrily snapped pictures of one bad-tempered Brit.
But bless his heart — We hadn't even gotten to the point at which he was most furious over: The grass-bum-scooting down an entire mountain . . .
Crab-step by bum-slide, we slipped down the mountain, dodging rocks which Andrew proclaimed (loud enough for every hiker to hear), "Great! Another bloody rock I'm 'bout to get up me-ass — That bastard would hurt! This is brilliant! 'Bout the best thing ever!"
. . . Oh and I almost forgot the sheep poo that we had to slide though, which was the point that did him in and the point he roared: "Just fucking MARVELOUS!!! Now I'm COVERED in SHEEP SHIT! THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED TO BE DOING ON ME HOLIDAY!!!"
So it was yelling, rock, yelling, poo, more yelling and more rocks and poo until we — at last — were standing at the base of Helvellyn.
We made it.
Alive. Safe. And therefore, joyful.
Or uh, at least one of us was . . .
That, my fine friends, is my handsome Englishman.
"Know what?" he told me after I took this picture and showed it to him.
"What?" I asked.
"It actually wasn't that bad," he said and here, we both laughed — deep, hearty laughs that bounced off the rocks — as we stood covered in grass stains, bleeding scrapes, and a slick and smelly brownness that we will convince ourselves still was only dirt. "Let's go home," he said leaning towards me and giving me a kiss. "Let's get food and beers and bed and — "
"MEEEEEEEEHHHH!!!" a sheep bellowed at us.
And of course, the sheep had to look like this: Identical to the earlier 'creepy bastard.'
"Fuck off!" Andy yelled at him and leaned in again for a kiss. Love, for him, was back.
"Home," I repeated with a last look up at Helvellyn. The sun was lowering in the sky and the monstrous mountain seemed to swell, to rise higher still above us.
Turning towards the Red Tarn, we dipped our hands into the water, which lapped at the rocky shore . . .
then we followed along its edge until we met our trail again.
Before we realized it, we were on the path home and Helvellyn — Striding Edge, The Chimney, Swirral Edge, all of it — behind us, a mere blue shadow.
We hiked back hand-in-hand, half of the time laughing and retelling our tale — a story that already felt so far away — and the other half, we were silent and full of appreciation for each other, for nature, for life.
"How was it?!" his parents asked when we saw them and greeted them both with dirty hugs. "How did you enjoy your hike?"
But what could we say? What could we possibly say to tell our story the way it should be told — the eagerness, the sweat, the emotion, the fear, the anger, the joy. How could we possibly answer?
"It was . . . amazing," we said together. "Terrifying and frustrating and — " and we paused. "And different" we finished because it was different. Something about this mountain made us feel different too, and that — I'll never be able to properly describe.
What I can say though is that evening after dinner, Andrew and I literally collapsed — exhausted with aching muscles — into our hotel bed. We were one of the lucky ones that got to stay in Helvellyn's town that night, a town that had numerous hikers gathered for a weekend festival to celebrate the almost-mythic mountain. I felt home then — home in a different way but so content and so safe — as the sounds of the festival music below floated into our open-windowed room and lulled us to sleep.
Posted in Lake District, TrailsTagged Hiking
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midadkev says:
Well L , what can I say ? I've laughed, smirked and giggled my way through that ! It was excellent as always but as you've stated, totally opposite of my recollection of what you told us about the hike when we met in the Car Park ! You do realise you'll get some earache from Di, putting her Son in mortal danger !….. Again !! lol Great writing Laura ! Love, Midad XX
soulofaseeker says:
haha Medad! I'm glad it made you laugh and your comment made me also. Is it too late to pull the post then so that memum won't read it?! hehe. Thank you for taking the time to read and message!
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Guys! Today's the day -- Our demolition to gut the
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Tell us Abey will support a student from the first day of kindergarten through all four years of a typical high school curriculum. Different modules assist in a broad range of academic subjects, including reading, writing, math and science. Using Tell us Abey, a student with special needs can participate fully in a typical standards-based school setting and thereby prepare for success and independence.
The Common Core Learning Standards require editing multiple drafts, "showing your work" in math, and referencing sources, all supported by Tell Us Abey.
Assistive technology users rely on the number of switch hits they are able to make in an hour or a day as a measure of their ability to communicate.
Tell us Abey records every character in a log. A teacher or therapist can easily look back through these logs and see the progress that a student is making. Switch-hit data is also collected by the system and organized for review. The effect of new interventions – a change in medication, an adjustment in switch location – can be tracked to produce real data to support continuing the intervention or reverting to a previously successful approach.
Tell us Abey can be used to track Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals in a measurable way. Occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and teachers can use the outcomes logged by Tell us Abey to support their evaluations and SMART Goal progress reports.
Tell us Abey has a testing module to support standardized testing while minimizing the need for scribes, rewriting, and hand bubbling the student's answers. Grid math allows the student to show their work. The testing module can easily be used for a chapter test.
How is Tell us Abey different?