#SMED11
Whilst waiting for an early morning train last week, a few mature female commuters reminised about the changes in the economy and how difficult it is for the younger generation to obtain their own property.
The topic however which generated the most animated discussion, was the lack of weddings. A quick informal survey amongst ourselves indicated an average of two wedding invitations for the past six years. Interestingly, the same topic surfaced in our neighbourhood recently whereby a few mothers also expressed changing tiimes in that their children - who are of perceived marriagable age, were in most instances not choosing marriage as an option.
We were in agreement that the knock-on-effect of the lack of marriages amongst young adults, further resulted in a reduction of grandchildren. Additional informal reseach amongst colleagues and friends provided similar results - an observation that the younger generation is leading a far more different lifestyle - with a strong focus on education, career development,travelling to mention a few.
Against this background, it seems as if the neghbourhood moms and station commuter chat group will patiently have to wait for the all-elusive wedding invitation. In the meantime we will have to be satisfied with watching reality programmes on weddings and/or paging through wedding spreads in magazines.
In conclusion, when the wedding invitation arrives: As befits the occasion, I am looking forward to donning a couture outfit with matching hat and/or fastenator - with the followiing 'My FairLady' song waiting to come to fruition:
'I'm getting married in the morning,
Ding , dong the bells are gonna chime,
Pull out a stopper,
Let's have a whopper,
But get me to the church on time'.
Tongue in cheeck: Now only if the invitation 'to the church on time' could come along in the post!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
DON'T TELL ME YOU LOVE ME - SHOW ME
# SMED 11
National Women’s Day celebrates our women in South Africa as this day commemorates 9 August 1956 when women participating in a national march petitioned against pass laws. This was legislation that required African persons to carry a document on them to ‘prove’ that they were allowed to enter a ‘white area’. http://www.capetownmagazine.com/events/Womens-Day-South-Africa-2007/2007-08-09/11_37_2677
Against this background I have selected the month of August to honour a few women who have inspired not only myself, but who have played a key role in the lives of those close to us.
This week’s blog draws inspiration from an e-mail I received last week in which a close family friend outlined in detail the nature and impact of his mother’s illness following a recent stroke. Without going into detail, one could not help but to be moved by the poignant manner in which the letter was written.
The line that stood out for me was that his mother always says, ‘don’t tell me you love me – show me’ Powerful words indeed . It reminds me that in many instances parents worked long hours, made huge sacrifices and often went without essentials to ensure their children received a sound education and solid upbringing. Once children have spread their wings, have their own circle of family and friends and lead their own lives, a phone call or sms can never replace quality time spent with one’s parents.
It is up to us to show the love. Spend time, buy flowers, take them for walks, shopping, a drive or to the movies. There are numerous, inexpensive ways, in which we can show our parents that we love them.
In conclusion, whilst National Women’s Day will be celebrated throughout South Africa and played out on radio and other broadcast media, we should not forget that it is those small gestures that counts – showing the women in our lives that we love them. Not only on Mother’s Day and Women’s Day - but for the remainder of the 365 days of the year. Most most importantly, showing love, does not cost a fortune - 'once given it fills the soul with song'.
HAVE YOU FIGURED OUT THE SECOND HEAD FAKE?
#SMED 11
Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 -- July 25, 2008) gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.
At the time of this lecture in September 2007, Randy had been given six months to live. He died of pancreatic cancer in July 2008. http://www.conradaskland.com/blog/2008/11/randy-pausch-last-lecture-achieving-your-childhood-dreams/
The last lecture was filled with memorable quotations i.e
• Most of what we learn, we learn indirectly (or by “head fake”).
• The best way to “head fake” someone in education, is to have them learn
something while they think they are learning something else.
• The final “head fake” of this entire lecture: This lecture is not about how
to achieve your dreams, it’s about how to lead your life. If you lead your
life the right way, the karma will take care of itself, the dreams will
come to you.
• Have you figured out the second head fake? This talk is not for you, it’s
for my kids…
Taking into account the various mentions of “head fakes” it made me ponder about the real purpose of our social media lectures and the weekly assignments in which we have to produce two blogs per week.
I’d like to believe that I’ve figured out our lecturer's “head fake” which to me is indirect learning :
These weekly blogs are not at all about developing our writing skills – the real lesson (or ‘head fake’) here is that in doing so, it opens up a whole new online world ranging from researching topics, growth in personal knowledge as well as developing our online marketing and communication skills.
To give substance to my argument, I am confident that only a handful of students knew about Randy Pausch’s last lecture. Whilst the topic initially sounds baffling, online research opens a world of knowledge and informed blog writing.
I believe I also figured out the second 'head fake'. The blogs are not about me, writing skills, learning and growth. It’s about spending time with, observing and writing about family, friends, anything and everything . There’s a world out there waiting to be scripted and we are the word architects. I might be a long way from becoming a blockbuster writer, but writing blogs has given me the opportunity to channel new-found creativity – finding my inner Shakespeare!
In conclusion, whilst the topic is open to various interpretation, on a personal level the ‘have you figured out the second head fake’ represents the multitude of opportunities linked to studying social media.
I cannot wait for the next sports event, function or family get-together. I don’t know what it will be, but the topic of a subsequent blog will present itself. So confident am I – because I’ve figured out the second head fake !
Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 -- July 25, 2008) gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.
At the time of this lecture in September 2007, Randy had been given six months to live. He died of pancreatic cancer in July 2008. http://www.conradaskland.com/blog/2008/11/randy-pausch-last-lecture-achieving-your-childhood-dreams/
The last lecture was filled with memorable quotations i.e
• Most of what we learn, we learn indirectly (or by “head fake”).
• The best way to “head fake” someone in education, is to have them learn
something while they think they are learning something else.
• The final “head fake” of this entire lecture: This lecture is not about how
to achieve your dreams, it’s about how to lead your life. If you lead your
life the right way, the karma will take care of itself, the dreams will
come to you.
• Have you figured out the second head fake? This talk is not for you, it’s
for my kids…
Taking into account the various mentions of “head fakes” it made me ponder about the real purpose of our social media lectures and the weekly assignments in which we have to produce two blogs per week.
I’d like to believe that I’ve figured out our lecturer's “head fake” which to me is indirect learning :
These weekly blogs are not at all about developing our writing skills – the real lesson (or ‘head fake’) here is that in doing so, it opens up a whole new online world ranging from researching topics, growth in personal knowledge as well as developing our online marketing and communication skills.
To give substance to my argument, I am confident that only a handful of students knew about Randy Pausch’s last lecture. Whilst the topic initially sounds baffling, online research opens a world of knowledge and informed blog writing.
I believe I also figured out the second 'head fake'. The blogs are not about me, writing skills, learning and growth. It’s about spending time with, observing and writing about family, friends, anything and everything . There’s a world out there waiting to be scripted and we are the word architects. I might be a long way from becoming a blockbuster writer, but writing blogs has given me the opportunity to channel new-found creativity – finding my inner Shakespeare!
In conclusion, whilst the topic is open to various interpretation, on a personal level the ‘have you figured out the second head fake’ represents the multitude of opportunities linked to studying social media.
I cannot wait for the next sports event, function or family get-together. I don’t know what it will be, but the topic of a subsequent blog will present itself. So confident am I – because I’ve figured out the second head fake !
Monday, August 1, 2011
'GOOD LUCK' AND 'WELL DONE'
# SMED 11
During the past weekend I spent a significant number of hours screaming and shouting at the Grandwest Grand Arena, whilst attending the Backstage Pass High School Jam. The numerous tweets posted and facebook entries allude to the fact that I was a proud mom and staunch supporter of both Settlers and Pinelands High School.
The competition brief was that 10 pre-selected school had to provide musical entertainment for 20 minutes on stage. The Grand Arena was rocking to the vide of orchestras, choirs and the two master of ceremonies had the audience in the palm of their hands. The finals on Sunday consisted of Settlers, Pinelands and Milnerton High School with Milnerton High School walking away with the winning trophy and a grand prize of R30 000.00
Aside the high quality performances, what stood out for me most about the two-day competition, was the spirit and vibe as the audience egged on their respective schools. It sounded more as if we were attending a sporting event with vuvuzelas, banners, flags and all manner of ‘noise makers’ used to bring out the loudest cheers.
The spirit of Settlers High learners became the talking point of the competition and they walked away with the Spirit Award worth R20 000. All participating schools were met by strong vocals of ‘Good Luck’ prior to the on-stage performance and ‘Well done’ at the end of each performance.
I must admit that it has been five years since I last attended school sports days and/or musical events. The cheering brought back memories of yonder years and I could still vividly remember the team spirit exibited at the annual contact with Fairmont High School. As a proud ex-parent of Setters High School, I fully agree that on Saturday and Sunday their learners lived up to the 2011 motto ‘Exercising Excellence’ - not only on stage, but also relating to crowd participation. Four words 'Good Luck' and 'Well Done' speak volumes about the values and ethos instilled in learners.
Congratulations to the principal, Mr Smuts and the team of excellent music students – thank you for bringing musical and crowd participative excellence to the Grand Arena.
I remain a Proudly ex-Settlers High School parent.
PS: A follow-up blog will be posted relating to Pinelands High School
During the past weekend I spent a significant number of hours screaming and shouting at the Grandwest Grand Arena, whilst attending the Backstage Pass High School Jam. The numerous tweets posted and facebook entries allude to the fact that I was a proud mom and staunch supporter of both Settlers and Pinelands High School.
The competition brief was that 10 pre-selected school had to provide musical entertainment for 20 minutes on stage. The Grand Arena was rocking to the vide of orchestras, choirs and the two master of ceremonies had the audience in the palm of their hands. The finals on Sunday consisted of Settlers, Pinelands and Milnerton High School with Milnerton High School walking away with the winning trophy and a grand prize of R30 000.00
Aside the high quality performances, what stood out for me most about the two-day competition, was the spirit and vibe as the audience egged on their respective schools. It sounded more as if we were attending a sporting event with vuvuzelas, banners, flags and all manner of ‘noise makers’ used to bring out the loudest cheers.
The spirit of Settlers High learners became the talking point of the competition and they walked away with the Spirit Award worth R20 000. All participating schools were met by strong vocals of ‘Good Luck’ prior to the on-stage performance and ‘Well done’ at the end of each performance.
I must admit that it has been five years since I last attended school sports days and/or musical events. The cheering brought back memories of yonder years and I could still vividly remember the team spirit exibited at the annual contact with Fairmont High School. As a proud ex-parent of Setters High School, I fully agree that on Saturday and Sunday their learners lived up to the 2011 motto ‘Exercising Excellence’ - not only on stage, but also relating to crowd participation. Four words 'Good Luck' and 'Well Done' speak volumes about the values and ethos instilled in learners.
Congratulations to the principal, Mr Smuts and the team of excellent music students – thank you for bringing musical and crowd participative excellence to the Grand Arena.
I remain a Proudly ex-Settlers High School parent.
PS: A follow-up blog will be posted relating to Pinelands High School
HOW HARD IS IT TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS?
#SMED11
The following quotation which I found online, beautifully summarises today’s blog :
“A minister asked a little boy how to get to the Post Office. After the little boy told him, the minister said, Why don't you come to church tonight? I'm giving instructions on how to get to heaven. After thinking a minute, the boy replied, I don't think so. You don't even know how to get to the Post Office.” - http://thinkexist.com/quotes/with/keyword/instructions/
I believe following instructions is a two-way process which includes the sender and the receiver of the instruction. From a theoretical point of view, instructions should be clear, concise, unambiguous and directed with the target audience in mind. The KISS theory (keep it simple, stupid) is of the utmost importance.
Life is made up and on a daily basis we are surrounded by instructions at various levels. The ‘How to” list is endless :
- How to cook the perfect lasagna
- How to assemble the kitchen cupboard
- How to change a flat tyre
- How to wash and iron woolen garments
- How to read a road map to get from point A to point B
In most cases, if one wants the desired outcomes, it is expected of us to follow instructions to the letter. If not, there can be various consequences ranging from the ridiculous to the more serious :
- Ending with flaming green hair instead of blond for following incorrect hair-dye instructions
- Being suspended and/or losing one’s job for not following work instructions or the detailed operating procedures
On the other hand, ‘‘discoveries are often made by not following instructions, by going off the main road, by trying the untried.” – Frank Tyger. Here, particularly artists come to mind.
Many a married women would agree with my analogy that the following quotation has been written with husbands in mind - especially relating to kitchen appliance instructions: “If everything else fails, read the instructions.”
In conclusion, how often have we not wondered how hard is it for guest speakers to understand and implement the following instruction: "Be sincere; be brief; be seated.”
The following quotation which I found online, beautifully summarises today’s blog :
“A minister asked a little boy how to get to the Post Office. After the little boy told him, the minister said, Why don't you come to church tonight? I'm giving instructions on how to get to heaven. After thinking a minute, the boy replied, I don't think so. You don't even know how to get to the Post Office.” - http://thinkexist.com/quotes/with/keyword/instructions/
I believe following instructions is a two-way process which includes the sender and the receiver of the instruction. From a theoretical point of view, instructions should be clear, concise, unambiguous and directed with the target audience in mind. The KISS theory (keep it simple, stupid) is of the utmost importance.
Life is made up and on a daily basis we are surrounded by instructions at various levels. The ‘How to” list is endless :
- How to cook the perfect lasagna
- How to assemble the kitchen cupboard
- How to change a flat tyre
- How to wash and iron woolen garments
- How to read a road map to get from point A to point B
In most cases, if one wants the desired outcomes, it is expected of us to follow instructions to the letter. If not, there can be various consequences ranging from the ridiculous to the more serious :
- Ending with flaming green hair instead of blond for following incorrect hair-dye instructions
- Being suspended and/or losing one’s job for not following work instructions or the detailed operating procedures
On the other hand, ‘‘discoveries are often made by not following instructions, by going off the main road, by trying the untried.” – Frank Tyger. Here, particularly artists come to mind.
Many a married women would agree with my analogy that the following quotation has been written with husbands in mind - especially relating to kitchen appliance instructions: “If everything else fails, read the instructions.”
In conclusion, how often have we not wondered how hard is it for guest speakers to understand and implement the following instruction: "Be sincere; be brief; be seated.”
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