...Foodie penpal April reveal...

That was my first month of foodie penpals. What a great fun I had preparing a parcel for Emily and receiving a parcel from Teresa!
 

Sending

 

I was selected to post a parcel to lovely Emily. She runs an amazing blog, posting about recipes, restaurant reviews and more. What a kind lady you are, Emily! (Emily emailed me back to say that she loved her parcel of goodies.) 

I had great fun preparing her parcel. It included food in groups, all labelled up for her (blame my OCD for this, Emily). 

Some of the groups were:

breakfast...
exotic...
tea time...
on the go...
nostalgia...
nature...
etc.

I included some sweet temptations, some healthier options, some exotic tea... and for more info, you should visit Emily's blog, as she is certainly going to post about it.

The fun highlight of my parcel was my attempt to draw some flowers and a 'mad cow' holding a balloon, something I hadn't done since school. I am no Picasso, but I hope she liked them :-)

Receiving

 

I received a parcel from Teresa who lives in Devonshire. What a great parcel that was!!!! The postman put a huge smile on my face!

The parcel included the following: 

• a beautiful hand-written card - notice the front: garden herbs!
• some amazing green tea jasmine: great for my slimming regime. Oh, and it also has a lovely aroma.
• Italian tomato and vegetable purée: I am using it in curries. It tastes delice!
• clove extract: just wow! For a start, I didn't even know that this product existed. I had to do a bit of googling, and apparently clove extract functions as a healthy antioxidant in herbal teas. 
• lunch box mini snacks - I loved these: my favourite was 'sultanas and apple'. My birds also had some of the sultanas - not many, because I am greedy and I ate most of them myself. 
• a bag of 'breakfast sprinkle' mix of dried fruits and seeds - it gave a wonderful flavour to my everyday porridge. I still have a few of these left and I am making plans to use them in baking (it would taste great in oat cookies). 
• oaty bakes = a healthy guilt-free cheesy snack I ate yesterday, post-workout.
• spicy English mustard sauce: this is great with red meat. British mustard tastes different than French mustard :-) (much better, if you ask me). 
• a healthy 9bar, pumpkin flavour. That was absolutely delicious. 
• a 'salmon and basil butter filo parcels' recipe. I have not tried this recipe yet, but Teresa could actually read my mind when she sent me this recipe: I adore filo pastry and when I am not bored, I make my own from scratch. I also love salmon.

I absolutely adore Foodie penpals!

You should try it too.

Do you want to try foodie penpal too? Click on the foodie penpal picture on the side of my blog to find out more.

...Review of 'Muslims in Britain - University of Cardiff' MOOC (Futurelearn)

I took and completed this course and I loved it. In general, I would say that the level of difficulty of this MOOC was equivalent to 1st year undergraduate. It was a straight forward course, the typical distance-learning type, combining videos, articles, pdfs, other material (e.g. external websites).

The only thing missing was... podcasts... mp3s that I could export to my ipod and follow certain units of the course on the go; a feature that I know for sure that is provided by other courses on Futurelearn (e.g. by the courses provided by the University of Leicester).

The issues discussed were very catchy. The course examined a variety of topics, including the basics about Islam, history of Muslims in Britain, aspects of British Muslim identity, problems that Muslims face in Britain, what a British Muslim chaplain does, British Muslims on the media, etc.

See? The course was for everyone, no matter your religion, your background and where you are from. I gather the impression that my co-students reached the same conclusion.

My favourite part of the course was week four, and the mention of an artist / photographer named Peter Sanders. Oh these pictures are great!

The discussion was vivid throughout the course, but talking 'media', our keyboard caught fire. I participated in most discussion - me and my thirsty passion for knowledge :-)

The course required approximately 4 hours of studying per week, which in my opinion was about right. There were a few tests / quizzes, and one optional assignment on week three. I was happy to take all of them.

The course was not mistake-free. There was a mistake of information on week 2, but was corrected by the educator straight away. There was also a slight problem with one of the questions at the very end of week four... the one about the chaplain (I am not spoiling the surprise for you - sorry). 

After completion I felt happy, it was the first Futurelearn course I completed after all. I think that I will receive some certification that I attended this course - a shareable page about what I have learnt (info as in 31 / March 2014, when I am writing this post). The cost was free, and so will be this shareable page. What more should I ask for? Something I will definitely put on my CV if I ever apply to work with the council or with minorities (I am into this sort of work, you know).

I figured out that one cannot take loads of MOOCs at the same time. It is easier for me to take one MOOC at a time, and that is what I did with 'Muslims in Britain'.

Because, try taking this course together with i.e. causes of war (a very demanding MOOC of Futurelearn) and you will realise that studying two courses at the same time is a bit too much for you, especially if you are struggling with free time (tested by myself - I tried to take 3 MOOCs at the same time - unsuccessfully).

So, how would I mark this course on the basis of other Futurelearn courses I am taking? 8/10! 

Congrats Cardiff, because I am very very strict with my marking!!!
I am sure that your future sessions will be even better! You have the potential to change the viewpoint of modern society in Britain.

...Acne...

On a previous post I mentioned the facial hair problem and my manly attitude. Here I discuss another problem of mine: spots!

I was full of spots when I was a teen. I tried everything, from creams to antibiotics, and the results were from average to ...average. 

Ance is kind of normal when we are in our teens, and maybe a bit later, up to let's say the mid 20s. But I have a serious problem of acne. Acne has never gone away in my case, and I am now approaching my late 30s. 

It is very embarrassing. I am full of spots and it is difficult to treat the problem. It ia also difficult for people to be sympathetic about it. They think that I am sort of a weirdo - which is true - but a nice weirdo indeed. 

So, where do I get spots? On my chin. On my face in general. On my back. It's not a matter of eating unhealthily. I eat healthily, I exercise regularly, I wash every day. Of course it's a hormonal problem, I know this already.

Down goes the confidence.

Well. I suppose I have to live with it. 

...Tips for volunteering...

If you often volunteer for the local community, doing anything (from looking after abandoned pets to working in a charity shop) then the following may sound familiar to you. 

Have you ever thought of how rewarding you work is? 

Not just because you get to get work experience and new skills, improve your CV, make new friends, raise your confidence levels and even find a paid job because of your voluntary services. 

But because you dedicate YOUR time to an objective, a cause, something you believe in. And it all pays back if you do it right. 

But before you start considering voluntary work, take a moment and think of the reasons you would like to volunteer, what you really like to do, how much time you can afford, and even, where this volunteering will take you. 

Now, let's discuss these 4 points separately:

Reasons

Do you wish to volunteer because you simply love getting out the house and making new friends? Or, because you think that you will get new skills and networking opportunities that may help you find a job in the future? Or both? Or because you simply love working with children or for the local church? There might be thousands of reasons for you to volunteer, so throw them in the mix. Be yourself and go for what you like, for the reasons you like.

Types of volunteering

Not all types of volunteering are for everyone. If you are emotional, volunteering with terminally ill patients may not be for you. 

If you are allergic to certain animals, please do not volunteer with pets. 

If you can't leave the house, consider volunteering your time from home - many organisations look for volunteers who work from home. 

VOLUNTEERING IS FOR EVERYONE. Yes! Even for people with mental problems, learning difficulties or special needs. Do what you can and what you are able of doing. And always say no if you think you cannot do something. Do not pretend! You are there to volunteer. Nobody is going to kick you out if you deny lifting some garden pots if your back is in pain. Do not trespass your mind and body limits!

Time

Talking about limits... time is an issue. How much of your free time can you offer to a cause? 

Be honest. When you attend an interview or an open event for new volunteers, talk to the manager or volunteer coordinator about how much time you are willing to afford to the cause. Mention which days you are normally available / unavailable and how many hours you are willing to volunteer per week / month. 

How about setting your own schedule for your voluntary work? Remember: your manager will appreciate this. 

Goal

Many volunteers are retired. They sometimes miss their job and volunteer their time because they simply love keeping their mind and body active, while they enjoy making new friends. 

If you are a teenager, you may wish to volunteer in order to complete your Duke of Edinburgh award. 

Many younger volunteers volunteer because they need to get the skills that will allow them to enter the job market in the future. For instance, many university students who read heritage studies volunteer in museums. 

Volunteering looks great on your CV, especially if you are out of work. Let's be honest: these pauses in you employment history  aren't good. Fill them with volunteering and voilà... you increase your chances to land a job! 

Now, if you are looking for job experience as a (normally) younger volunteer, there are some unpaid internships out there that might be better for you. These normally require more involvement and time than any other voluntary role, but thanks to them, you may land a job in your preferred field (not guaranteed but let us hope you do so). Internships are often accompanied by a 'contract' that you have to sign. 

Lastly, there are three things that I need to mention in order to close this post:

1) Take things seriously. When you volunteer, be a professional. Apply for volunteering in a rather professional manner, attend an interview in a rather professional manner, and work in a rather professional manner.

2) Learn to say 'I can't do this'. Learn to say 'no'. Learn to say that you need help for something you were asked to do. Learn to ask why. Learn to communicate with fellow volunteers and with the manager. You are no superhero, you have no superpowers and your time is not unlimited. Also, understand that you are there to get something back. You are not there to cover staff shortages but if you are not happy, or if you feel that you are exploited, learn to set your own limits for everything you do. Or stop volunteering - and start volunteering for something else. Simple. 

3) If you are not into the whole volunteering thing (and you rather get paid for your work instead), please do not volunteer. Nobody is pushing you to volunteer. It is there as an option. You either take it or leave it. 

Have fun whatever you do!

...Tips on taking MOOCs...

There are no strict rules when it comes to online, distance learning education. You can take a course literally anywhere, from your sofa to the bus. What is astonishing is that very many of these courses are completely free!

I started taking online courses in 2005. I found the whole process fascinating because MOOCs are very flexible - you read when you are ready and when you feel like it. Wanna study in the middle of the night? Nobody is going to stop you.

MOOC courses consist of articles, podcasts, videos, images... I frequently do the coursework when going out, listening to the podcasts on the go. But I love the videos too! And the virtual lectures! I find articles a bit boring, but I was never good at learning something from text.

If you are an experienced MOOCer then you can stop reading now. I am saying nothing new after all. 

But if you are new to MOOCs I introduce three major sources of free online education: UDACITY, COURSERA, FUTURLEARN. I have used these and I recommend them.

For other course providers click here. 

Now, you need to decide whether you want to do a course in order to learn something new without getting any qualifications, or in order to get some sort of qualification after the end of the course.

I usually go for courses that provide qualifications; courses that I can even mention on my CV. 

I do take courses that provide no qualifications, but only because I like the topic. I also mention them on my CV; after all, I have done the work! I am proud of completing them! 

But generally speaking, a course that provides some certifications is better than a course that provides nothing in the end. Also, check who is the course provider: reputable universities are the best providers out there!

Do you want to know - at a glance - if your selected courses / topics provide qualifications? Do you want to know what courses are offered and when?

Then visit this website. Even though I would recommend you to double check the information.

Don't go mad and start taking many courses at the same time. If you study them properly, they are time consuming and ...even hard work!

Generally speaking, I advise you to take one course at a time. Complete one course, then start another. You will be more motivated if you do so.

Also, take courses that interest you. There is no point taking courses that you won't enjoy, otherwise you risk abandoning the course from week one (dropouts are very common in MOOCs).

Before you take any courses check your availability. Can you afford the time to do this course? MOOCs come with instructions. For instance, the tutors recommend you to study for a specific number of hours a week. 

In many courses there is a quiz at the end of every week. You can take this in order to test your progress. Courses that provide qualifications may be accompanied by more 'academic-style' exams. Do you want to take these exams or not? You don't want to take an exam if you hate exams! Does the course charge you for taking an exam, or for a statement of accomplishment? And if yes, can you afford the cost? 

Most importantly, make the most of online forums! Discuss the course material. Comment on other people's comments! Participate in discussions! Meet up with your co-students! Be there. This is your online 'university' space, you are studying something after all.

I am not an academic but there is something telling me that MOOCs have great potential. With university fees sky-rocketed, MOOCs could be THE FUTURE in university education. 

So, are you taking any MOOCs? Tempted?

...Third gender...

Third gender. Not a man, not a woman. Simply 'other' gender. 

Wikipedia states  

'To different cultures or individuals, a third gender may represent an intermediate state between man and woman, a state of being both (such as "the spirit of a man in the body of a woman"), the state of being neither (neuter), the ability to cross or swap genders, another category altogether independent of men and women'.

No matter how you define yourself, you are who you are. Be proud of yourself!

Some famous people or groups of people who define/d themselves as 'third gender' (or they were defined by society as such) are

• South African sprinter Caster Semenya
• boxer Nong Tum
• the hijras of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. 
• the Sworn virgins of the Balcans
• the Fa'afafine

No matter where you are in the world, you are not alone. Society, polity, everyone, MUST learn to respect you.

Read also 'Third Gender – Equality and Truth'
Recent legislation changes in Germany

From wikipedia,  Anna P., who lived for many years as a man in Germany, was photographed for Magnus Hirschfeld's book Sexual Intermediates in 1922.

...Review of 'Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (Feat. Stéphane Grappelli)'...

This is a unique version of the song 'Wish
You Were Here' sung by Pink Floyd, with the addition of a solo of the 'grandfather of jazz violin', Stephane Grappelli.  

It is a masterpiece! Very smooth, slightly jazzy and melancholic, with country highlights, it promises to please all nostalgic hearts out there. 



Don't get me wrong! I love the original song, but for now, this version is my ear-candy. (OK, I admit I love it more than the original).


Grappelli and Pink Floyd happened to record their albums at the same time and at the same studio, but on different floors. They eventually met up and started recording together, but when the original version of 'wish you were here' went public, Grappelli was not credited in the Pink Floyd album, as added music effects had covered his violin part of the song.



The song was recorded in 1975, but was only circulated in 2011, when Pink Floyd circulated a 'remastered' version of their studio albums. It was a big surprise that this version had survived the time and over-recordings, Nick Mason, drummer of Pink Floyd, said.