Captain's Log
A Training Team Newsletter - seaStar.date 2.2016
Spotlights
Common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
Quick Facts:
- Member of a group of mollusks called cephalopods, meaning "head-footed." Cephalopods are thought to be among the most intelligent invertebrates, with well-developed heads, large, complex eyes and beak-like jaws in the mouth.
- When threatened, a cuttlefish may squirt a cloud of ink, called "sepia," into the water to confuse the predator and give it a chance to escape.
- Eight arms with suckers and two longer, extendable tentacles surround the mouth. Feeds by using its two extendable tentacles to grab prey and pull it into its mouth.
- Lifespan of 1-2 years.
- Male performs a spectacular color display to court females; will then defend females from other males.
- Ocean acidification caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere may pose a threat to all cuttlefish by causing it to develop a denser cuttlebone and hindering its ability to regulate buoyancy.
Employee Spotlight
Bet you can recognize this person just by looking at his smile!
If you can’t, you are really missing out on getting to know an awesome individual. Taurus Baker is the Logistics Coordinator for our Shipping and Receiving Department. There isn’t a part of this Aquarium that isn’t impacted by his sunny disposition and the enormous smile that always comes with it. Taurus comes from a large family and is no stranger to the idea that his actions impact those around him. He has been sharing his positivity with us since 2003. He began in Environmental Operations before the department was outsourced. Next, he moved to the Safety and Security Team before transitioning to his current role with Shipping and Receiving. When asked what advice he would give to a new team member, Taurus replied, “Be happy. Keep smiling. Love people. Get to know people.” This is excellent advice from a man who makes a point to appreciate the people around him. He shares this same advice with his 3 children in hope that it will serve them as well as it does him.
Thank you, Taurus, for making each day just a bit brighter when you are around!
Department Spotlight: Water Quality
Updates
101 Refreshers
Hospitality Corner
You’re not sure of the answer. Your response:
a. That’s not my department.
b. I’m not sure…I’m on my way to lunch…sorry.
c. I don’t know, but let me see if I can find out for you.
d. That person over there can probably help you (gesture vaguely to the information desk).
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Although we are an organization under which many departments are managed, we all work as a team to ensure our guests have the best experience they possibly can while in our care. If a guest approaches you and asks a question, our team culture dictates that it is important, regardless of department, to help that guest out. After all, the guest has no idea if you are behind-the-scenes, front-of-house, or otherwise. If you are ever unsure of the answer to a guest’s question, “I don’t know, but let me see if I can find out,” is always an acceptable answer.
So, how can you help them find the answer? The simplest way is often to approach one of the front-of-house staff, such as Guest Services or Interpretive Programs. These two departments are on the front lines with our guests each and every day, and can often assist with questions related to operational information and programs. They are readily available throughout the atrium as well as our galleries. If you already know who to reach out to in order to answer the question, using a radio to contact the appropriate department is a quick and easy way to get the answers you need.
Use the wealth of knowledge harbored by our team to help ensure customer satisfaction at its finest!
Eye Protection
Eyes are priceless, eye protection is cheap.
Think of some excuses you have used for not wearing eye protection: they're not comfortable, they're dirty, they fog up. Perhaps you were doing a hazardous task for just a few seconds and did not want to stop and put them on.
While many of these excuses, you think, sound like good reasons for not wearing your safety glasses or goggles, consider what could happen if an accident did occur. Is it worth risking the possible injury to one or both your eyes? Absolutely not!
OSHA’s standards for eye protection are intended to help prevent accidents that can lead to serious injuries.
Hazards include:
- impact (flying debris)
- heat (anything emitting heat)
- chemical (harmful fumes, vapors, mists)
- dust (harmful dust)
- optical radiation (radiant energy, glare, intense light)
If you are unsure whether or not your safety glasses or goggles are the proper type, or if they are ever damaged or lost, please report to your supervisor. Your supervisor can then take appropriate action where needed, because you could be injured, or even lose your sight, in the blink of an eye!
OSHA reference 1910.133/1925.102
Seafood Savvy - Recipe of the Month
Spiced Salmon Wraps with Pineapple and Avocado Sauce
Ingredients: For the Salmon
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp. honey
1 1/2 tsp. cider vinegar
Olive oil
Ingredients: For the Wraps
1/2 cup low-fat greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper, to taste
Spinach wraps
1 cup baby spinach leaves
Thinly sliced red onion
Sliced fresh pineapple, grilled*
Directions:
1. Preheat the broiler and place a rack ~ 4-5 inches below the heating element.
2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Stir to blend.
3. In another small bowl, combine the honey and vinegar. Stir to blend.
4. Line a baking pan with foil, place the salmon on the pan and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Sprinkle ~ 1/2 tsp of the spice mixture over the top and sides of each filet.
6. Broil for 5 minutes., brush the tops lightly with the honey mixture, and continue to broil for 1 minute more.
7. Make sure the internal temperature registers 135 F for an instant read thermometer. Remove from the oven and let cool.
For the avocado sauce:
1. Combine the avocado, yogurt, garlic and lime juice in a food processor or blender.
2. Process until smooth.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Wraps:
1. Lay out the wrap breads.
2. Spread a thin layer of the avocado sauce over the wrap.
3. Add the spinach, onion, pineapple and a portion of the salmon to the wrap.
4. Roll them up tightly, burrito style. Serve immediately.
*Note: The pineapple sliced do not have to be grilled, but it enhances the flavor greatly. Alternatively, sear in a grill pan.
(slightly adapted from Confections of a Foodie Bride)
Yield: ~4 servings
Georgia Aquarium Training Department
Diana Welty (4208)
Erin Burnett (4324)
Jen Richards (4276)
Terri Frazier (4271)
Email: training@georgiaaquarium.org
Location: 344 Luckie Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA, United States
Phone: 404-581-4208