Old Olive Tree of Mirovica

Three Times Around the Old Olive Tree

by John Fisher  (Assisted by AI)

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In May 2025, my wife and I took a trip to Bar, Montenegro, and stumbled upon something truly special—the Old Olive Tree of Mirovica. This isn’t just any tree. It’s a massive, ancient olive tree that locals say is over 2,250 years old. That’s right—this tree was already growing when the Romans were still figuring things out.

They call it “Stara Maslina na Mirovici”, and it’s been protected by law since 1957 because of its history, size, and importance to the area. Its trunk is huge—about 7.8 meters around—and the branches stretch out wide enough to shade an area as big as a small house (111 square meters, if you like numbers). Scientists even checked its age with fancy tree-ring methods, and yep, it’s ancient.

But the real magic of this tree isn’t just in how old or big it is. It’s in the stories people tell about it. The locals see it as a guardian, a nurturer, even a mother. They believe people have been healed under its branches. That fights have ended here. That couples who made promises of love beneath its leaves stayed together forever.

There’s a local custom tied to it too. Folks say if you walk around the tree three times—once for love, once for health, and once for luck—good things will follow.

So, my wife and I gave it a try. We walked three full circles around that old olive tree, and I know this may sound a little corny—but ever since then, our love feels stronger, our health has gotten better, and our luck hasn’t run out.

It was one of the simplest but most meaningful moments of our whole trip. If you ever find yourself in Bar, take the time to visit. Walk slow. Listen to the wind in the branches. And maybe, just maybe, take those three steps around.

Want to visit?

🌐 www.kucamaslina.me

📍 GPS: N 42.080164, E 19.129400

📷 Instagram & YouTube: @kucamaslinabar

#OldOliveTree #MontenegroAdventure #LocalTraditions #TreeOfLove #BarWonders

Moroccan Stew over Couscous

 

Serves 4 | Easy stovetop version with instant couscous

Ingredients For the Stew

• 1½ Tbsp olive oil

• ½ large onion, chopped

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp turmeric

(or substitute with ½ tsp ras el hanout)

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• Optional meat (choose one):

• 1½ to 2 cups cubed beef or lamb, raw

• 1½ to 2 cups cooked cubed chicken (added at the end only)

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and halved

• 1 medium turnip, peeled and quartered

• 1 cup pumpkin or butternut squash, cubed

• 1 medium potato or sweet potato, peeled and cubed (optional)

• 1 small zucchini, cubed

• ¼ head of cabbage, cut into wedges

• 1 small tomato, peeled and chopped (or ½ cup canned diced tomato)

• ½ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• ½ cup raisins

• ½ cup chopped dried apricots

• 4–5 cups water or low-sodium broth

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For the Couscous

• 1½ cups instant couscous

• 1½ cups boiling water or broth

• 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter

• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Make the Vegetable Stew

If using beef or lamb:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.

3. Stir in beef or lamb along with ginger, black pepper, salt, and turmeric or ras el hanout.

4. Brown the meat for a few minutes, then continue below.

If using chicken:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and sauté until soft.

3. Stir in ginger, black pepper, salt, and turmeric or ras el hanout.

(Skip meat here; it will be added later.)

Then (for both versions):

4. Add carrots, turnip, pumpkin, and optional potato/sweet potato. Stir to coat with spices.

5. Add the chopped tomato and enough broth or water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.

6. Add zucchini, cabbage, chickpeas, raisins, and apricots. Simmer another 10–15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

7. If using chicken, gently stir it in during the final 5 minutes to warm without shredding.

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2. Prepare the Instant Couscous

1. In a large bowl, combine couscous, olive oil or butter, and salt.

2. Pour in boiling water or broth. Stir once, cover, and let sit 5 minutes.

3. Fluff with a fork before serving.

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To Serve

• Mound couscous on a large platter.

• Spoon the vegetables and dried fruit over the top.

• Arrange meat on top or around the edges.

• Ladle some broth over the dish or serve it separately.

Survive Sleepless Nights

Didn’t Sleep? Here’s How to Power Through the Day

by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

We’ve all been there—tossing and turning at night only to drag ourselves out of bed with too few hours of rest. While the ideal is seven or more hours of sleep each night, sometimes life doesn’t cooperate. The good news is that there are practical strategies you can use to make it through the day with energy and focus, even after a rough night. Here are some research-backed tips, adapted from Omada.

Start with Light and Movement

The moment you wake up, open the blinds or step outside. Natural daylight helps suppress melatonin, the hormone that makes you feel drowsy, and clears your morning fog. If you can, pair this with a quick stretch or walk to jumpstart circulation and energy.

Use Caffeine Wisely

I don't recommend anything but herbal tea, but for those who drink coffee or black tea, that first cup can be a lifesaver, especially when paired with a balanced breakfast. But moderation is key—limit yourself to one or two cups before noon. Too much caffeine can make you jittery, and drinking it late in the day can keep you from getting the rest you need tonight.

Fuel Your Body with the Right Foods

When you’re sleep-deprived, your body naturally craves sugar and processed foods. Instead, focus on protein-rich meals and snacks to keep your energy steady. Think eggs with avocado, salmon and spinach, or chicken with carrots. These foods will sustain you better than the quick highs—and crashes—that come with sugary snacks.

Simplify Your Day

Sleep loss makes everything feel harder. Review your to-do list and cross off anything non-essential. Cancel or postpone what you can, and if you’re still overwhelmed, ask for help. Conserving your energy for what really matters will make a difference.

Re-Energize Without More Coffee

When the afternoon slump hits, resist the urge to refill your mug. Instead, take a short walk or do some light movement. Exercise—even a little—can give you a natural energy lift without interfering with your sleep cycle.

Take a Power Nap

If you can carve out 30 minutes, a short nap will leave you more alert and can help your immune system bounce back from lost rest. Keep it brief, though—long naps may leave you groggy or affect your ability to sleep later.

Manage Your Reactions

Finally, be mindful of your emotions. A lack of sleep shortens your fuse, making it easy to overreact. When frustration rises, pause and take 5–10 slow, deep breaths. This simple practice can help calm your nerves and give you space to respond thoughtfully instead of impulsively.

Conclusion

One rough night doesn’t have to ruin your day. By being strategic—getting light first thing, eating the right foods, using caffeine in moderation, and carving out time to reset with a nap or short walk—you can stay steady until bedtime. And when you finally do turn in, you’ll be setting yourself up for a better night’s sleep ahead.

Tips from Omada.

Project-based Learning

 

Utah Valley University’s Project‑Based Learning: Bridging Classrooms and Communities

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Introduction

Project‑based learning (PBL) is a student‑centred teaching method in which learners gain knowledge and skills by actively exploring real‑world challenges and producing tangible resultsen.wikipedia.org. Unlike lectures or rote exercises, PBL tasks students with investigating complex problems over an extended period, collaborating with peers, communicating their findings and creating final products that matter. At Utah Valley University (UVU), PBL has become a cornerstone of instruction across disciplines, connecting students with community partners and preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce.

Defining Project‑Based Learning

In PBL, learning is organized around projects rather than discrete assignments. Students research, design and implement solutions to authentic problems; they must communicate, collaborate and adapt as the project unfolds. This dynamic approach builds deeper understanding and transferable skillsen.wikipedia.org. UVU’s Innovation Academy spearheads PBL initiatives by partnering with local organisations and businesses and supporting faculty in redesigning courses around hands‑on experiences.

Voices from the Classroom

Dr. Ashley Egan: Ownership and Community

Biology professor Dr. Ashley Egan credits PBL with providing “incredible learning opportunities and community connections” for her students. She explains that when students take ownership of their project outcomes, they produce demonstrable evidence of effective learning, leadership, follow‑through and skills development. Many list their projects as work experience on their résumés and maintain professional networks with community partners—proof, Egan says, that PBL “gives them confidence in their future.”

Prof. Zachary Largey: Mission‑Driven Motivation

English professor Zachary Largey sees PBL as an invitation for students to “think beyond themselves and their grades.” By partnering with non‑profit organisations, Largey’s students experienced real‑world applications without their professor connecting the dots. They “care about their work more because they value the non‑profit’s mission,” he notes, adding that the payoff in student engagement and learning makes PBL efforts worthwhile.

Examples of PBL in Action at UVU

Project‑based learning spans disciplines at UVU, connecting students to meaningful work:

• ENGL 2010 – Public‑Facing County Web Content: Partnering with the Utah County Public Defender Association, students researched legal terminology and county policy and wrote accessible content and FAQs for a public‑facing website. They strengthened research and writing skills, adapted their voice for multiple audiences and contributed to public communication about legal rights.

• BOT 2100 – Native Plant Identification Education: In collaboration with Orem City and Vineyard City, botany students conducted field research to identify native plants and created educational tools for park visitors. Working alongside city officials, they developed skills in plant identification, scientific documentation, public communication and city greenspace design.

• ENTR 2500 – Business Solutions Development: Business students teamed with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office to study translation services in the county court system. They evaluated service models and proposed actionable plans to improve accessibility for non‑English speakers, building entrepreneurial problem‑solving skills and experience working with high‑stakes partners.

• HLTH 1100 – Community Health Fair: Health‑science students partnered with Vineyard CARES and Springville City to design and run a community health fair. They recruited local health resources and hosted educational stations on nutrition, mental health and water safety, applying course content to serve real community needs and practicing event planning and communication.

These examples illustrate how UVU students solve real problems, work with community stakeholders and produce work that benefits the public.

Building Partnerships and Support

UVU’s Innovation Academy connects faculty with high‑impact partners—from local schools and non‑profits to companies like FanX Studios, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Huntsman Cancer Institute. The university’s Jobs CEO Council links business, education and community leaders to address critical skill needs. Tools like Riipen, an experiential learning platform, match faculty with vetted industry partners.

To help faculty integrate PBL, UVU offers resources such as the Excelerate Summer Program (a launchpad for faculty new to PBL), one‑on‑one course redesign walkthroughs, the PBL OTL Starter & Summer Institute and a Community of Practice where faculty share ideas and learn from peers. UVU also invites instructors using or exploring PBL to join its network, showcase their courses in a PBL spotlight series and share successes and lessons learned, fostering a culture of active, authentic and career‑connected learning.

Conclusion

Project‑based learning transforms education by shifting the focus from passive absorption to active problem solving. At Utah Valley University, PBL empowers students to research, create and communicate solutions that matter. Faculty members like Dr. Ashley Egan and Prof. Zachary Largey see students develop leadership, resilience and mission‑driven motivation through hands‑on projects. Whether writing legal resources, mapping native flora, solving business problems or organizing health fairs, UVU students apply classroom knowledge to real challenges and deepen their understanding in the process. With robust partnerships, faculty support and a growing community of practice, UVU demonstrates how PBL can bridge classrooms and communities—and prepare students for meaningful careers and civic engagement.

Keywords: project‑based learning, UVU, Innovation Academy, community partnerships, experiential education