#SMED 11
The title of today’s blog reminds me of a job interview – the opportunity to sell oneself to the panel of interviewers.
In addressing the issue of ‘What motivates me', I have tried to keep it as short as possible:
- Family : Being blessed with a wonderful family
- Friends : Spending quality time with a small circle of friends
- Music (classical) : Finding inspiration in classical music
- Music (contemporary) : Enjoying the dance movements and dancing to the beat
- Arts and Culture : Appreciation for artistic performances
- Nature : Spending time in nature – I love the sound of the wind, birds
and flowing water down a mountainside
- Reading : finding time to read and reflect in a favourite chair
- Travel : Planning and spendning time with my sister and her family overseas
- Student : The opportunity to be a student for life
In addition to the above I love the challenge of taking on new ideas and/or business opportunities. There is no greater satisfaction than going from being clueless, having to put a strategy in place, and finding that “Ah-Hah moment’ – when everything just falls into place. Serves as great motivation, builds character, self-esteem and serves as inspiration for future projects.
In conclusion, the following two quotations are very dear to me and serve as great motivation:
“Build your career around what you love. You increase your chances of success significantly and it will make it easier to keep going during tough times.” – Khanyi Dhlomo
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” - Oprah Winfrey
Monday, June 27, 2011
REALITY TV SHOWS
#SMED 11
For those who have access to DSTV have you noticed the proliferation of Reality TV shows one can tune into? To name but a few, they range from:
• Food
• Dancing
• Singing
• Romance
• Survival
• Weddings
• Rock stars
• Weight loss
• Hair dressing
• Family life
• Makeovers
• Property market
Not forgetting, albeit with much guilt, my current favourite (when time allows) Big Brother Amplified. I must admit that I too have enjoyed some Reality TV shows, but others have raised eyebrows and many questions, i.e:
When is enough enough?. Are viewers such suckers for juicy stories that we keep the viewership and shows alive by yearning for more?
Many years ago the Osbourne Family provided for great entertainment and the show was a major success. I think times have changed since then as today anyone and everyone can just hop onto the Reality show bandwagon fir their drawn-out 15 minutes of fame. Today every family wants to have their own reality show - I call them the good, the bad and the ugly! One often gets the impression that discussions are staged and pre-practiced. Must also mention that family participants can sometimes come across as fake and unnatural -botox, boob implants, facelifts, etc are high on the priority list!
Seems as if Reality TV shows can serve as an excellent launch pad for either career opportunities and/or other spin-off shows, to use the Kardashians as a prime example.
I guess reality shows are here to stay and will continue to grow in stature as long as viewers lap them up. I am not a psychologist, but I believe the success of Reality TV shows has much to do with human behaviour – giving viewers a glimpse into the lives (often dysfunctional) of others. We enjoy watching the flaws in others being played out on global channels. It makes us realise that our own flaws and mistakes are ok. We too are human –‘and not as bad as them’. Same principal applies as to why ‘Die Son’ and ‘The Voice’ are extremely popular newspapers.
On the flip side, there are quite a few lessons to be learnt by watching reality shows, to give but a few examples:
- What not to wear
- Best diets to follow
- Planning best wedding
- How to raise one’s family (hopefully get the best out of them)
In conclusion, It's Monday and I’m looking forward to my weekly dose of Big Brother elimination nomination timeslot. I too, like thousands, will be stationed in front of the TV and shamelessly viewing the goings-on of a dysfunctional Tails House.
For those who have access to DSTV have you noticed the proliferation of Reality TV shows one can tune into? To name but a few, they range from:
• Food
• Dancing
• Singing
• Romance
• Survival
• Weddings
• Rock stars
• Weight loss
• Hair dressing
• Family life
• Makeovers
• Property market
Not forgetting, albeit with much guilt, my current favourite (when time allows) Big Brother Amplified. I must admit that I too have enjoyed some Reality TV shows, but others have raised eyebrows and many questions, i.e:
When is enough enough?. Are viewers such suckers for juicy stories that we keep the viewership and shows alive by yearning for more?
Many years ago the Osbourne Family provided for great entertainment and the show was a major success. I think times have changed since then as today anyone and everyone can just hop onto the Reality show bandwagon fir their drawn-out 15 minutes of fame. Today every family wants to have their own reality show - I call them the good, the bad and the ugly! One often gets the impression that discussions are staged and pre-practiced. Must also mention that family participants can sometimes come across as fake and unnatural -botox, boob implants, facelifts, etc are high on the priority list!
Seems as if Reality TV shows can serve as an excellent launch pad for either career opportunities and/or other spin-off shows, to use the Kardashians as a prime example.
I guess reality shows are here to stay and will continue to grow in stature as long as viewers lap them up. I am not a psychologist, but I believe the success of Reality TV shows has much to do with human behaviour – giving viewers a glimpse into the lives (often dysfunctional) of others. We enjoy watching the flaws in others being played out on global channels. It makes us realise that our own flaws and mistakes are ok. We too are human –‘and not as bad as them’. Same principal applies as to why ‘Die Son’ and ‘The Voice’ are extremely popular newspapers.
On the flip side, there are quite a few lessons to be learnt by watching reality shows, to give but a few examples:
- What not to wear
- Best diets to follow
- Planning best wedding
- How to raise one’s family (hopefully get the best out of them)
In conclusion, It's Monday and I’m looking forward to my weekly dose of Big Brother elimination nomination timeslot. I too, like thousands, will be stationed in front of the TV and shamelessly viewing the goings-on of a dysfunctional Tails House.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
10 MOST UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES OF BEING ONLINE
# SMED11
Being online reminds me of the Cluetrain Manifesto - in which the main thesis of the book informs the reader that the Web is not a medium, it is a conversation.
I must admit that I’ve had a Facebook account since 2009, but despite numerous requests and cajoling, I’ve had no inclination to join the conversations family and friends were thoroughly participating in.
Onset of 2011 – change of direction and forced to wear a global hat. Having to complete 1000 tweets and 80 blogs as part of current Media Studies, I am happy to confirm that I too have joined the global conversations : Facebook, Twitter and Blogging.
Herewith follows some of the unexpected consequences of being online. As the Cluetrain says, “A powerful global conversation has begun.”
TWITTER
1. Connecting me with people, family and friends and rediscovering my human
voice.
2. Still cannot believe that I’ve taken to Twitter like a duck to water – from
complete novice/newbie and not knowing what to say (Feb. 2011), I’ve
exceeded all expectations and already clocked up more than 750 tweets to
date.
3. I read about stuff those I follow, like. I might not always share their
tastes, but end up knowing them a little better – on a few occasions they
have been surprised that I remembered details of tweets they had posted.
4. Twitter friends often have more real-time information than the media and
organisations – sharing relevant knowledge with blinding speed.
5. I’m part of a world where everyone is constantly learning. Having the
opportunity to expand and gain knowledge, particularly relating to current
events (up until reading a tweet, I was clueless as to who or what the
’Script’ was – now know it is a rock group due to perform at the Grand
Arena).
6. If unable to attend or view major sporting events – no problem : live and
regular updates are brought to you via twitter friends (thus ensuring I
am part of the online scoreboard!)
BLOGGING
7. Getting e-mails, sms’s and reminders from my sister in New Zealand that
she’s waiting for next blog to be posted – particularly during a recent
period when blogs fell behind schedule. (love you for that Sister!)
8. Receiving complimentary telephone calls from people who have read my
blogs: Comment, “You’ve found a new calling – writing.”
9. Having the privilege and opportunity to use Mother’s and Father’s Day
respectively as inspiration to write about late parents – a first in terms
of a family member being remembered/honoured online.
Comment, “You should have warned me that I needed tissues when reading the
blog.”
10. I enjoy, appreciate and am humbled by the active participation of family,
colleagues and friends in discussing and engaging with current and
forthcoming blogs – in most cases blog inspirations/ideas are found within
the family domain.
With regard to Facebook, although I have upped my game, contributed to and grown my friends’ database, I still exercises caution with my personal preference remaining Twitter.
I’ve woken up, joined the global conversations and hopped onto the ‘online train’ (with reference to the Cluetrain). I’ve embraced and find the online journey a most pleasant experience.
In conclusion, a special thanks to CPUT lecturer, Marian Pike, for her encouragement, guidance and enthusiasm to enter global conversation.
Being online reminds me of the Cluetrain Manifesto - in which the main thesis of the book informs the reader that the Web is not a medium, it is a conversation.
I must admit that I’ve had a Facebook account since 2009, but despite numerous requests and cajoling, I’ve had no inclination to join the conversations family and friends were thoroughly participating in.
Onset of 2011 – change of direction and forced to wear a global hat. Having to complete 1000 tweets and 80 blogs as part of current Media Studies, I am happy to confirm that I too have joined the global conversations : Facebook, Twitter and Blogging.
Herewith follows some of the unexpected consequences of being online. As the Cluetrain says, “A powerful global conversation has begun.”
1. Connecting me with people, family and friends and rediscovering my human
voice.
2. Still cannot believe that I’ve taken to Twitter like a duck to water – from
complete novice/newbie and not knowing what to say (Feb. 2011), I’ve
exceeded all expectations and already clocked up more than 750 tweets to
date.
3. I read about stuff those I follow, like. I might not always share their
tastes, but end up knowing them a little better – on a few occasions they
have been surprised that I remembered details of tweets they had posted.
4. Twitter friends often have more real-time information than the media and
organisations – sharing relevant knowledge with blinding speed.
5. I’m part of a world where everyone is constantly learning. Having the
opportunity to expand and gain knowledge, particularly relating to current
events (up until reading a tweet, I was clueless as to who or what the
’Script’ was – now know it is a rock group due to perform at the Grand
Arena).
6. If unable to attend or view major sporting events – no problem : live and
regular updates are brought to you via twitter friends (thus ensuring I
am part of the online scoreboard!)
BLOGGING
7. Getting e-mails, sms’s and reminders from my sister in New Zealand that
she’s waiting for next blog to be posted – particularly during a recent
period when blogs fell behind schedule. (love you for that Sister!)
8. Receiving complimentary telephone calls from people who have read my
blogs: Comment, “You’ve found a new calling – writing.”
9. Having the privilege and opportunity to use Mother’s and Father’s Day
respectively as inspiration to write about late parents – a first in terms
of a family member being remembered/honoured online.
Comment, “You should have warned me that I needed tissues when reading the
blog.”
10. I enjoy, appreciate and am humbled by the active participation of family,
colleagues and friends in discussing and engaging with current and
forthcoming blogs – in most cases blog inspirations/ideas are found within
the family domain.
With regard to Facebook, although I have upped my game, contributed to and grown my friends’ database, I still exercises caution with my personal preference remaining Twitter.
I’ve woken up, joined the global conversations and hopped onto the ‘online train’ (with reference to the Cluetrain). I’ve embraced and find the online journey a most pleasant experience.
In conclusion, a special thanks to CPUT lecturer, Marian Pike, for her encouragement, guidance and enthusiasm to enter global conversation.
READY- TO- EAT AVOCADOS
#SMED 11
Ever been to the shop and the purchase of avocado pears is on the shopping list? If you’re like me preferring to purchase ready-to-eat avocados, have you also come unstuck and left the fruit and vegetable aisle avocadoless?
Yesterday was yet another one of those ‘leaving the shop minus advocado days’ – hence the blog inspiration.
Why can’t the fruit and vegetable store stock read-to-eat-avocados? I’m far too impatient to wait for the next 3 – 5 days until they can be eaten. I’ve often passed the crates of hardened avocados wondering why they are not flying off the shelf. On another shopping trip they are overripe – and still not flying off the shelf. Makes we wonder what’s the profit/loss margin on avocados?
What puzzles me though is that :
- Individual (loose) avocados have no ‘sell by or best by date’
- No home ripening instructions are provided
- The only instructions that I’ve come across are : ‘Do not squeeze
avocados’. If avocados cannot be squeezed, the assumption is that shoppers
have trained eyes and by merely looking at an avocado, we would know
whether they are ripe or not
Newsflash: I’m born and bred in the city and know nothing about farming and fruit ripening techniques.
A few questions:
- Must the avocados be wrapped in brown paper?
- Is newspaper better than brown paper?
- Must it be stored in a dry, cool place?
- Can’t avocados be left in a bowl on the kitchen table and left to ripen by
themselves?
- Another thing: which is best – a glass or wooden bowl?
I guess with advocados it a case of the unspoken word, “If you want me, buy me, take me home, nuture me with tender loving care until I’m ready to be served in a gourmet dish!”
Leaving the shopper with little option …. Take it or leave it! My family loves them – so Mom has no option but to purchase and contribute towards the agricultural ripening process.
A last thought : just wondering, as default farmer - why don't I get a discount?
Ever been to the shop and the purchase of avocado pears is on the shopping list? If you’re like me preferring to purchase ready-to-eat avocados, have you also come unstuck and left the fruit and vegetable aisle avocadoless?
Yesterday was yet another one of those ‘leaving the shop minus advocado days’ – hence the blog inspiration.
Why can’t the fruit and vegetable store stock read-to-eat-avocados? I’m far too impatient to wait for the next 3 – 5 days until they can be eaten. I’ve often passed the crates of hardened avocados wondering why they are not flying off the shelf. On another shopping trip they are overripe – and still not flying off the shelf. Makes we wonder what’s the profit/loss margin on avocados?
What puzzles me though is that :
- Individual (loose) avocados have no ‘sell by or best by date’
- No home ripening instructions are provided
- The only instructions that I’ve come across are : ‘Do not squeeze
avocados’. If avocados cannot be squeezed, the assumption is that shoppers
have trained eyes and by merely looking at an avocado, we would know
whether they are ripe or not
Newsflash: I’m born and bred in the city and know nothing about farming and fruit ripening techniques.
A few questions:
- Must the avocados be wrapped in brown paper?
- Is newspaper better than brown paper?
- Must it be stored in a dry, cool place?
- Can’t avocados be left in a bowl on the kitchen table and left to ripen by
themselves?
- Another thing: which is best – a glass or wooden bowl?
I guess with advocados it a case of the unspoken word, “If you want me, buy me, take me home, nuture me with tender loving care until I’m ready to be served in a gourmet dish!”
Leaving the shopper with little option …. Take it or leave it! My family loves them – so Mom has no option but to purchase and contribute towards the agricultural ripening process.
A last thought : just wondering, as default farmer - why don't I get a discount?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
# SMED 11
I Recently read an article which was published in Auckland, New Zealand, which related to the doors of a shopping centre which had malfunctioned one evening and how some shoppers mistakenly entered the shop (with no staff in sight) and:
1. Some did their shopping and paid for the goods at a self service check-out point;
2. Some walked around the aisles and left the shop when they realised that
something was amiss;
3. Some did their shopping and exited without paying for their goods.
Following media coverage of the incident, 50% of the category 3 shoppers returned to pay for their goods. What peeked my interest in the article was the psychologist being interviewed on her thoughts relating to human behaviour in instances described above. She indicated that in most cases people would generally own up. She further mentioned that where she came from (ex-South African who resided in the Western Cape), she believes that the shop would have suffered major losses, possibly been cleared out.
My initial reaction was disgust, thinking it was another expat , having nothing positive to say about their previous homeland. On second thoughts I had to remind myself that on visiting the same shop during a family visit in 2009, I too mentioned that such a self-service would never work in the Western Cape.
I have subsequently shared the story with a number of colleagues, family and friends and on every occasion I received a 100% response: “If the same shopping incident played out at a Shopping Mall in the Western Cape, the shop would have been cleared out!”
Aside from the article providing for interactive office, dinner and party discussions, most importantly, it begs a few questions relating to crime and theft in the Western Cape:
- Why do people have such negative perceptions relating to theft, values, respect,
etc?
- What are the contributing factors?
- What needs to be done to improve our image?
- What is the impact on the tourism industry?
MAKES ONE THINK - I BELIEVE ‘FOOD FOR THOUGHT’ INDEED!
I Recently read an article which was published in Auckland, New Zealand, which related to the doors of a shopping centre which had malfunctioned one evening and how some shoppers mistakenly entered the shop (with no staff in sight) and:
1. Some did their shopping and paid for the goods at a self service check-out point;
2. Some walked around the aisles and left the shop when they realised that
something was amiss;
3. Some did their shopping and exited without paying for their goods.
Following media coverage of the incident, 50% of the category 3 shoppers returned to pay for their goods. What peeked my interest in the article was the psychologist being interviewed on her thoughts relating to human behaviour in instances described above. She indicated that in most cases people would generally own up. She further mentioned that where she came from (ex-South African who resided in the Western Cape), she believes that the shop would have suffered major losses, possibly been cleared out.
My initial reaction was disgust, thinking it was another expat , having nothing positive to say about their previous homeland. On second thoughts I had to remind myself that on visiting the same shop during a family visit in 2009, I too mentioned that such a self-service would never work in the Western Cape.
I have subsequently shared the story with a number of colleagues, family and friends and on every occasion I received a 100% response: “If the same shopping incident played out at a Shopping Mall in the Western Cape, the shop would have been cleared out!”
Aside from the article providing for interactive office, dinner and party discussions, most importantly, it begs a few questions relating to crime and theft in the Western Cape:
- Why do people have such negative perceptions relating to theft, values, respect,
etc?
- What are the contributing factors?
- What needs to be done to improve our image?
- What is the impact on the tourism industry?
MAKES ONE THINK - I BELIEVE ‘FOOD FOR THOUGHT’ INDEED!
Monday, June 20, 2011
ONE YEAR BEYOND 2010 SOCCER WORLD CUP
SMED11
It is exactly one year ago that South Africa was in the throngs of welcoming thousands of sporting fans as we hosted the first-ever Soccer World Cup on African soil.
Sadly, our national soccer team, on whose shoulders the dreams and aspirations of millions of South Africans rested, never made it beyond the group stages . As a sports crazy nation, South Africans however never lost their sporting spirit and proudly adopted other national teams. From the Fan Walks, Fan Parks, policing, transportation accommodation, tourist attractions, spirit of Ubuntu, to name but a few – we did a world class job in welcoming and hosting a successful Soccer World Cup.
One year down the line I cannot help but ask the question : Should we as a country not reflect and reconnect with one of South Africa’s finest sporting hours? 11 June 2010 – 11 July 2010 indeed had a significant number of sporting hours tucked between them. Where is the soccer investment scorecard to keep citizens informed of i.e government expenditure relating to infrastructure, sporting development etc?
Where is the media coverage relating to, i.e the impact and/or benefits
- within the tourism industry?
- on the economy
- on skills development
I'd like to see more media coverage, particular during this period, relating to:
- The development and nurturing of the next team to take the hopes and dreams
of South Africans onto the soccer pitches across Brazil?
- Soccer World Cup Legacy projects –focusing on those community soccer
champions giving of their time and working tirelessly to nurture, guide and
uplift youngsters in the community ?
The 2010 Soccer World Cup has come and gone. For the millions of South Africans fortunate to be part of, attend and experience the vibe and atmosphere of one of the greatest sporting events on African soil, the memories will linger and stay with us with many world cups to come.
I believe one year later is a good best time to go down soccer memory lane. At home, at work, at functions, wherever, whenever – now is the time to remember, reflect and reconnect with a Proudly South African sporting moment.
It is exactly one year ago that South Africa was in the throngs of welcoming thousands of sporting fans as we hosted the first-ever Soccer World Cup on African soil.
Sadly, our national soccer team, on whose shoulders the dreams and aspirations of millions of South Africans rested, never made it beyond the group stages . As a sports crazy nation, South Africans however never lost their sporting spirit and proudly adopted other national teams. From the Fan Walks, Fan Parks, policing, transportation accommodation, tourist attractions, spirit of Ubuntu, to name but a few – we did a world class job in welcoming and hosting a successful Soccer World Cup.
One year down the line I cannot help but ask the question : Should we as a country not reflect and reconnect with one of South Africa’s finest sporting hours? 11 June 2010 – 11 July 2010 indeed had a significant number of sporting hours tucked between them. Where is the soccer investment scorecard to keep citizens informed of i.e government expenditure relating to infrastructure, sporting development etc?
Where is the media coverage relating to, i.e the impact and/or benefits
- within the tourism industry?
- on the economy
- on skills development
I'd like to see more media coverage, particular during this period, relating to:
- The development and nurturing of the next team to take the hopes and dreams
of South Africans onto the soccer pitches across Brazil?
- Soccer World Cup Legacy projects –focusing on those community soccer
champions giving of their time and working tirelessly to nurture, guide and
uplift youngsters in the community ?
The 2010 Soccer World Cup has come and gone. For the millions of South Africans fortunate to be part of, attend and experience the vibe and atmosphere of one of the greatest sporting events on African soil, the memories will linger and stay with us with many world cups to come.
I believe one year later is a good best time to go down soccer memory lane. At home, at work, at functions, wherever, whenever – now is the time to remember, reflect and reconnect with a Proudly South African sporting moment.
EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY
SMED11
Why do we procrastinate?
Why do we postpone?
Why do we always wait for another day?
Why is today never the right day?
Why put off and wait until tomorrow? BUT
Will tomorrow ever come?
These are just some of the random questions I’ve asked relating to the blog topic ‘Every day is a good day’
I believe that with the right, positive attitude, we should use every day as a good day to:
- Start the elusive diet
- Start the exercise programme
- Tell someone you love him/her
- Start writing the novel
- Start planning for a secure, financial future
- Visit the doctor - have yourself tested
- Have a make-over – manicure / pedicure / new wardrobe, etc
- Spend quality time with a long-lost family member/friend
- Donate money and/or contribute towards a worthy cause
- Stop excessive smoking
- Stop excessive drinking
- Refrain from domestic violence
As we have limited control over what to-morrow has in store for us (aside from the daily routine, which we are familiar with), we should seize the moment. Stop making excuses. Grab, hold on and live each day as if there is no to-morrow.
In conclusion, I believe we should see every day as a good day – the best given day to live our dreams. Every day is a good day – a day filled with the possibility of bringing us closer to living and /or reaching our full potential.
Why do we procrastinate?
Why do we postpone?
Why do we always wait for another day?
Why is today never the right day?
Why put off and wait until tomorrow? BUT
Will tomorrow ever come?
These are just some of the random questions I’ve asked relating to the blog topic ‘Every day is a good day’
I believe that with the right, positive attitude, we should use every day as a good day to:
- Start the elusive diet
- Start the exercise programme
- Tell someone you love him/her
- Start writing the novel
- Start planning for a secure, financial future
- Visit the doctor - have yourself tested
- Have a make-over – manicure / pedicure / new wardrobe, etc
- Spend quality time with a long-lost family member/friend
- Donate money and/or contribute towards a worthy cause
- Stop excessive smoking
- Stop excessive drinking
- Refrain from domestic violence
As we have limited control over what to-morrow has in store for us (aside from the daily routine, which we are familiar with), we should seize the moment. Stop making excuses. Grab, hold on and live each day as if there is no to-morrow.
In conclusion, I believe we should see every day as a good day – the best given day to live our dreams. Every day is a good day – a day filled with the possibility of bringing us closer to living and /or reaching our full potential.
OUR GREATEST STRENGTHS ARE OUR GREATEST WEAKNESSES
# SMED 11
During job interviews the questions “What are your strengths?” and “What are your weaknesses?” are often put forward to job applications. Addressing this blog from an interview point of view, I would respond by mentioning that I bring to the job portfolio extensive knowledge, skills and expertise in the area of public relations, customer service, communication, education, arts and culture, environment and tourism.
In terms of my strength:
1. I am passionate, dedicated, committed and prepared to work myself to the
bone in the things I believe in.
2. I am further blessed with an excellent long-term memory.
In answering the question, ‘One’s greatest strength is also one’s greatest weakness’, I believe that in this regard the corresponding weakness would be:
3. I refuse to give in when I believe strongly about something (with
reference to my commitment to pursue the Edutrain project)
4. I am constantly trying to do too much and consistently striving for the
highest quality of work (relating to ‘working myself to the bone’)
5. Despite the reputation and being admired for having an excellent long term
memory, my short term memory, particularly relating to telephone numbers
and keys, remains an ongoing challenge.
In conclusion, I believe one should continuously strive to find balance between these two extremes so that they work in harmony in the best interest of the individual, the work environment and in one’s home and family life.
During job interviews the questions “What are your strengths?” and “What are your weaknesses?” are often put forward to job applications. Addressing this blog from an interview point of view, I would respond by mentioning that I bring to the job portfolio extensive knowledge, skills and expertise in the area of public relations, customer service, communication, education, arts and culture, environment and tourism.
In terms of my strength:
1. I am passionate, dedicated, committed and prepared to work myself to the
bone in the things I believe in.
2. I am further blessed with an excellent long-term memory.
In answering the question, ‘One’s greatest strength is also one’s greatest weakness’, I believe that in this regard the corresponding weakness would be:
3. I refuse to give in when I believe strongly about something (with
reference to my commitment to pursue the Edutrain project)
4. I am constantly trying to do too much and consistently striving for the
highest quality of work (relating to ‘working myself to the bone’)
5. Despite the reputation and being admired for having an excellent long term
memory, my short term memory, particularly relating to telephone numbers
and keys, remains an ongoing challenge.
In conclusion, I believe one should continuously strive to find balance between these two extremes so that they work in harmony in the best interest of the individual, the work environment and in one’s home and family life.
TRY A CLICHÉ
#SMED11
‘A cliché is an expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, rendering it a stereotype, especially when at some earlier time it was considered meaningful or novel. The term is frequently used in modern culture for an action or idea which is expected or predictable, based on a prior event. Used sparingly, they may succeed. However, cliché in writing or speech is generally considered a mark of inexperience or unoriginality. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).
Although Laura Haden indicates, ‘avoid them like the plaque – they make for a great book title, but lousy writing…’ (suspense@suspense.net / http://suspense.net), for the purpose of this week’s blog, I have selected to focus on a few which I deem relevant given the tight assignment schedules the majority of students had to adhere to during the past two weeks.
1. ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’
2. ‘Time flies when you're having fun’
On a personal level, I am in complete disagreement with the first cliché. Compared to the average age of students in the Social Media class, I can identify with the cliché, ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ – in this case the tricks of Twitter. Recent count indicated my current tweets of 600 is way above the required number of tweets as per end May 2011. I can also confidently confirm that another ‘mature student’ has already clocked up more than 700 tweets. Very impressive, and in complete contradiction with the afore-mentioned cliché.
I believe a more appropriate cliché would be ‘Time flies when you're having fun’. Because I am having so much fun and enjoying Twitter engagement with fellow students as well as following others, particularly in the rail-related industry, I’ve not realized that the number of tweets have significantly increased over a relatively short space of time.
In conclusion, whereas in February 2011 the expected number of tweets felt like ‘ Mount Twitter Everest, I believe that ‘Twitter Base Camps’ have been passed, and ‘Twitter Summit’ is in sight. Effortlessly – time flies if you’re having fun!
‘A cliché is an expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, rendering it a stereotype, especially when at some earlier time it was considered meaningful or novel. The term is frequently used in modern culture for an action or idea which is expected or predictable, based on a prior event. Used sparingly, they may succeed. However, cliché in writing or speech is generally considered a mark of inexperience or unoriginality. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).
Although Laura Haden indicates, ‘avoid them like the plaque – they make for a great book title, but lousy writing…’ (suspense@suspense.net / http://suspense.net), for the purpose of this week’s blog, I have selected to focus on a few which I deem relevant given the tight assignment schedules the majority of students had to adhere to during the past two weeks.
1. ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’
2. ‘Time flies when you're having fun’
On a personal level, I am in complete disagreement with the first cliché. Compared to the average age of students in the Social Media class, I can identify with the cliché, ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ – in this case the tricks of Twitter. Recent count indicated my current tweets of 600 is way above the required number of tweets as per end May 2011. I can also confidently confirm that another ‘mature student’ has already clocked up more than 700 tweets. Very impressive, and in complete contradiction with the afore-mentioned cliché.
I believe a more appropriate cliché would be ‘Time flies when you're having fun’. Because I am having so much fun and enjoying Twitter engagement with fellow students as well as following others, particularly in the rail-related industry, I’ve not realized that the number of tweets have significantly increased over a relatively short space of time.
In conclusion, whereas in February 2011 the expected number of tweets felt like ‘ Mount Twitter Everest, I believe that ‘Twitter Base Camps’ have been passed, and ‘Twitter Summit’ is in sight. Effortlessly – time flies if you’re having fun!
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
#SMED11
‘The elephant in the room’ refers to an English metaphorical idiom for an obvious truth that is being ignored or goes unaddressed.
Often people choose to be in denial and/or push reality way back into their memory banks. It is often easier to ignore the truth than to face up to and deal with it.
I am no psychologist but I believe some people prefer to bottle up their feelings whilst others are more expressive - the latter cannot let things hang in the air - it must be cleared immediately.
For others, facing up to and acknowledging the truth might unleash a flood of accompanying emotions. Often these emotions might be too difficult to deal with – hence not addressing the ‘elephant in the room’.
A few examples where parents in particular, ignore or refuse to address the truth:
- Children playing truant at school
- Daughters leading the life as ‘taxi queens’
- Substance abuse by their children : dagga , heroin, methamphetamine, etc
- Children involved in bullying at school
- Daughters involved with ‘sugar daddies’
Often when confronted, parents would vehemently deny that their children are involved in any of the afore-mentioned. In most instances they would shoot it down as malicious rumours started by jealous family members and friends.
It has often been proven, that over time – the ‘rumours’ would eventually prove to be true and parents end up with egg on their face, together with the parental pain and anguish of losing their children to drugs, gangsterism, etc, - all because they refused to address the ‘elephant in the room’.
In conclusion, painful as it might be, as parents, is it not in one’s interest to equip oneself with knowledge and skills to be able to identify and deal with the ‘elephant in the room’?
‘The elephant in the room’ refers to an English metaphorical idiom for an obvious truth that is being ignored or goes unaddressed.
Often people choose to be in denial and/or push reality way back into their memory banks. It is often easier to ignore the truth than to face up to and deal with it.
I am no psychologist but I believe some people prefer to bottle up their feelings whilst others are more expressive - the latter cannot let things hang in the air - it must be cleared immediately.
For others, facing up to and acknowledging the truth might unleash a flood of accompanying emotions. Often these emotions might be too difficult to deal with – hence not addressing the ‘elephant in the room’.
A few examples where parents in particular, ignore or refuse to address the truth:
- Children playing truant at school
- Daughters leading the life as ‘taxi queens’
- Substance abuse by their children : dagga , heroin, methamphetamine, etc
- Children involved in bullying at school
- Daughters involved with ‘sugar daddies’
Often when confronted, parents would vehemently deny that their children are involved in any of the afore-mentioned. In most instances they would shoot it down as malicious rumours started by jealous family members and friends.
It has often been proven, that over time – the ‘rumours’ would eventually prove to be true and parents end up with egg on their face, together with the parental pain and anguish of losing their children to drugs, gangsterism, etc, - all because they refused to address the ‘elephant in the room’.
In conclusion, painful as it might be, as parents, is it not in one’s interest to equip oneself with knowledge and skills to be able to identify and deal with the ‘elephant in the room’?
FATHER’S DAY : DOWN MEMORY LANE
#SMED11
‘What makes a man a man is not the ability to have a child but to raise one’ – Barack Obama. This powerful quotation tweeted by myself on Father’s Day reminds me of my very influential father – Wilhelm de Wet.
Some of memories might be faded over the years, but in today’s blog I’d like to provide an insight into a person who was exceptionally intelligent, an avid reader, a student for life suffered and a person who developed Muscular Dystrophy and how it played a key role in our family life.
Having passed away 31 years ago, at the tender age of early fifties - exactly two month prior to my marriage, I believe losing a parent at such a young age not only robs oneself, but also the grandchildren from growing up without the nurturing, maturity, wisdom and guidance of a grandparent.
The legacy of my father and how he prepared his wife and children for an early death, is one of the memories that stands out for me:
- He accepted that his body would degenerate rapidly in his later life
- He knew and prepared his wife and children for an early death
- We were prepared: no hysterical outburst or crying tantrums at his funeral
- Burial within within three days of his death
- Wearing black (which then was perceived as a sign of being morbid and sorrowful)was to be avoided
I believe that my father’s illness formed the building blocks for assisting people in need – as children we would learn from my mother :
- Providing an outstretched arm to assist him up the steps
- Ensuring doors of the family vehicle are locked when he has to go out at night
- Ensuring that the scarf, coat and hat are always at hand
- Ensuring he received a healthy diet of cooked vegetables and steamed meat
- Ensuring his clothes are kept warm during the cold winter months
I would fail in my description if I do not mention that in addition to being well-known for baking jam-rolls, he was also well-known for his love of Kranskraal, the farm on which he was born - in the Beaufort-west region. It was common knowledge that the moment the school bell rang at the end of each term, my father would start up the vehicle and head in the direction of his beloved Kranskraal. Most importantly, in addition to the usual groceries, he would always take family members with him – thereby ensuring family members residing in Cape Town keep the memories of the once-family farm alive.
Not wanting to take anything away from his brother, sisters and in-laws, who have respectively continued to play role in the development of my own family life, on a personal note, I believe the greatest sadness of a death so young, is the opportunity missed to learn from and engage with such an extensive pool of knowledge and wisdom.
With Father’s Day serving as inspiration for today’s blog, I’d like to thank my late father for having the opportunity to know him for a limited period of twenty-plus years. Thank you for the discipline, values and work ethics instilled in me. As an avid reader and student for life, thank you for passing on that eagerness to constantly be on the path to gain knowledge. For health reasons beyond our control, our time shared together, was far too limited, but we cherish those wonderful memories of a wonderful father and husband to our late mother.
In conclusion, you’ve raised us well. We are Proudly Wilhelm de Wet’s children - I/we thank you!
‘What makes a man a man is not the ability to have a child but to raise one’ – Barack Obama. This powerful quotation tweeted by myself on Father’s Day reminds me of my very influential father – Wilhelm de Wet.
Some of memories might be faded over the years, but in today’s blog I’d like to provide an insight into a person who was exceptionally intelligent, an avid reader, a student for life suffered and a person who developed Muscular Dystrophy and how it played a key role in our family life.
Having passed away 31 years ago, at the tender age of early fifties - exactly two month prior to my marriage, I believe losing a parent at such a young age not only robs oneself, but also the grandchildren from growing up without the nurturing, maturity, wisdom and guidance of a grandparent.
The legacy of my father and how he prepared his wife and children for an early death, is one of the memories that stands out for me:
- He accepted that his body would degenerate rapidly in his later life
- He knew and prepared his wife and children for an early death
- We were prepared: no hysterical outburst or crying tantrums at his funeral
- Burial within within three days of his death
- Wearing black (which then was perceived as a sign of being morbid and sorrowful)was to be avoided
I believe that my father’s illness formed the building blocks for assisting people in need – as children we would learn from my mother :
- Providing an outstretched arm to assist him up the steps
- Ensuring doors of the family vehicle are locked when he has to go out at night
- Ensuring that the scarf, coat and hat are always at hand
- Ensuring he received a healthy diet of cooked vegetables and steamed meat
- Ensuring his clothes are kept warm during the cold winter months
I would fail in my description if I do not mention that in addition to being well-known for baking jam-rolls, he was also well-known for his love of Kranskraal, the farm on which he was born - in the Beaufort-west region. It was common knowledge that the moment the school bell rang at the end of each term, my father would start up the vehicle and head in the direction of his beloved Kranskraal. Most importantly, in addition to the usual groceries, he would always take family members with him – thereby ensuring family members residing in Cape Town keep the memories of the once-family farm alive.
Not wanting to take anything away from his brother, sisters and in-laws, who have respectively continued to play role in the development of my own family life, on a personal note, I believe the greatest sadness of a death so young, is the opportunity missed to learn from and engage with such an extensive pool of knowledge and wisdom.
With Father’s Day serving as inspiration for today’s blog, I’d like to thank my late father for having the opportunity to know him for a limited period of twenty-plus years. Thank you for the discipline, values and work ethics instilled in me. As an avid reader and student for life, thank you for passing on that eagerness to constantly be on the path to gain knowledge. For health reasons beyond our control, our time shared together, was far too limited, but we cherish those wonderful memories of a wonderful father and husband to our late mother.
In conclusion, you’ve raised us well. We are Proudly Wilhelm de Wet’s children - I/we thank you!
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