When I asked my son what he was going to wear for his graduation, he stated jeans and a t-shirt. I told him that these were rather smart affairs and suggested a suit.
We arrived at the university at about 5:00 p.m. There he was. He had brought a white shirt and a tie but he was still wearing denims and sneakers.
The clothes were not suitable. Luckily, I had dressed for the occasion with a pair of black pin-stripe pants. We swapped. Having lost ten kilograms in the last few months means that we now both wear a size 32.
The shoes were slightly more of a problem. He had to wear my size 10 shoes, but I couldn't get into his size nines. I spent the next 2 1/2 hours in socks.
The graduation ceremony proved to be a little more interesting than expected. UNISA had decided to confer an honorary doctorate on Don Mattera. The introduction provided some background on his life. Then he responded with a very eloquent speech. He talked about UNISA and its apartheid past and how he had wanted to destroy it. Then he spoke about ubuntu, urging the university to open a faculty dedicated to nurturing ubuntu.
I always find these graduation ceremonies a little strange, with the medieval attire, processions and formality of the whole affair. Yet there is something of value here. The ceremony is part of the process of transformation that comes with education. When your degree has been conferred on you at the ceremony it somehow makes it real.
When I completed my first degree, I did not attend a graduation. That diminished the degree somewhat in my eyes.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
the chemo cycle
The chemo cycle varies from one person to the next. The chemo that is administered for different types of cancer is as different as the cancer itself. Some types are administered over a number of days and repeated a few weeks later. For some it is a simple 30 minute process repeated weekly.
My own case is a three week cycle with chemo administered weekly. Then there is a break, and a week later the next cycle begins. In addition, I have another type of chemo administered daily in the form of a tablet.
Much has been rumoured about the side effects, which leads to the most terrible anticipation in prospective patient. Some types of chemo cause hair loss. Other types don't. Nausea and vomitting are common but by no means universal.
The fact of the matter is that most chemotherapy is not nearly as toxic as it was a few years ago. However, most types still target fast moving cells. That means that they affect the skin and any other part where cells grow quickly. Some of the newer varieties are able to target cancer cells more specifically. Most types of chemo will affect the blood counts from time to time. There are three counts - red cell, white cells and platelets. A low white cell count can cause a lowering of the body's autoimmune system. A low red count may lead to anemia and a general loss of energy. When the platelet count is low, there is a risk of bleeding. A low count may result in postponing chemo.
I have not lost my hair. There has been very little nausea. A few days after chemo, I experience an extreme fatigue. I can do very little for the next 24 hours or so but rest. Perhaps read. My other treatment - the tablet - cases a rash that spreads all over the body. It looks just like acne. The rash may come and go. My last rash became infected and had to be treated with penicillin. It is clearing now.
Last week was my "holiday" week. No chemo. The break really helps!
My own case is a three week cycle with chemo administered weekly. Then there is a break, and a week later the next cycle begins. In addition, I have another type of chemo administered daily in the form of a tablet.
Much has been rumoured about the side effects, which leads to the most terrible anticipation in prospective patient. Some types of chemo cause hair loss. Other types don't. Nausea and vomitting are common but by no means universal.
The fact of the matter is that most chemotherapy is not nearly as toxic as it was a few years ago. However, most types still target fast moving cells. That means that they affect the skin and any other part where cells grow quickly. Some of the newer varieties are able to target cancer cells more specifically. Most types of chemo will affect the blood counts from time to time. There are three counts - red cell, white cells and platelets. A low white cell count can cause a lowering of the body's autoimmune system. A low red count may lead to anemia and a general loss of energy. When the platelet count is low, there is a risk of bleeding. A low count may result in postponing chemo.
I have not lost my hair. There has been very little nausea. A few days after chemo, I experience an extreme fatigue. I can do very little for the next 24 hours or so but rest. Perhaps read. My other treatment - the tablet - cases a rash that spreads all over the body. It looks just like acne. The rash may come and go. My last rash became infected and had to be treated with penicillin. It is clearing now.
Last week was my "holiday" week. No chemo. The break really helps!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
the cell phone curse
A family meal at Next Door proved to be a great idea. There were six of us in total as we awaited the waiter to place our orders.
Around the table, the four younger members of the party were all engaging with their iPhones. There is something curiously addictive about cell phones - something that the iPhone seems to double. The younger members are not teenagers, but in their twenties. It is a sign of the age.
The restaurant owner wandered over to tell us about the special. First he jokingly pointed to the iPhones and said that we should be engaging with real people. Everyone agreed, and the phones were all packed away.
The drinks arrived followed by the first course. The atmosphere was full of fun with a few conversations going. Every now and again, various members of the party would reach for their phones as messages arrives. I ordered them to be packed away again. The temptation to pull out the phone at regular intervals was difficult to suppress. It has become a conditioned reflex.
I have sat through many business meetings where the delegates have been constantly busy on their laptops. They claim to be able to multi-task. In many cases, the laptop has been replaced with a smart phone. Half of the members are busy with conversations on whatsapp. They truly believe that they are also at the meeting.
Much has been written about Internet addiction, addiction to computer games and similar in the past. As a rule, reports have been exaggerated.
The new-age technology poses a much bigger problem. It is not a small portion of the population that are affected but the majority. You see it in bars where people have come together to meet. Instead of talking to each other each is absorbed in their phone. They don't even hear the waiter when he asks to take their order. You may observe the same thing at gallery openings, restaurants and even in cinemas.
Next time, I collect all the phones before we sit.
Around the table, the four younger members of the party were all engaging with their iPhones. There is something curiously addictive about cell phones - something that the iPhone seems to double. The younger members are not teenagers, but in their twenties. It is a sign of the age.
The restaurant owner wandered over to tell us about the special. First he jokingly pointed to the iPhones and said that we should be engaging with real people. Everyone agreed, and the phones were all packed away.
The drinks arrived followed by the first course. The atmosphere was full of fun with a few conversations going. Every now and again, various members of the party would reach for their phones as messages arrives. I ordered them to be packed away again. The temptation to pull out the phone at regular intervals was difficult to suppress. It has become a conditioned reflex.
I have sat through many business meetings where the delegates have been constantly busy on their laptops. They claim to be able to multi-task. In many cases, the laptop has been replaced with a smart phone. Half of the members are busy with conversations on whatsapp. They truly believe that they are also at the meeting.
Much has been written about Internet addiction, addiction to computer games and similar in the past. As a rule, reports have been exaggerated.
The new-age technology poses a much bigger problem. It is not a small portion of the population that are affected but the majority. You see it in bars where people have come together to meet. Instead of talking to each other each is absorbed in their phone. They don't even hear the waiter when he asks to take their order. You may observe the same thing at gallery openings, restaurants and even in cinemas.
Next time, I collect all the phones before we sit.
Friday, September 23, 2011
eviction notice for pigeons
Aha!
It turns our that there is a company that specialises in evicting birds from places where they are not wanted! Most of the pest control companies actually don't want to know. I guess that the reason is that no-one wants to kill these birds whereas killing is the pest controller's biggest tool.
Instead of killing the birds, they remove them and their nests from the property. What is more, they then clean up the area - in this case the ceiling - and seal the area to prevent the return of these birds.
The problem really has become urgent. Apart from the noise generated by these birds, there is a risk of infection of various types. Pigeons can be as dangerous as rats.
We should be getting a quote on Monday and can proceed from there.
We tried the cat, but the task was just too big. Besides, our little Siamese was not interested in climbing into the ceiling.
It turns our that there is a company that specialises in evicting birds from places where they are not wanted! Most of the pest control companies actually don't want to know. I guess that the reason is that no-one wants to kill these birds whereas killing is the pest controller's biggest tool.
Instead of killing the birds, they remove them and their nests from the property. What is more, they then clean up the area - in this case the ceiling - and seal the area to prevent the return of these birds.
The problem really has become urgent. Apart from the noise generated by these birds, there is a risk of infection of various types. Pigeons can be as dangerous as rats.
We should be getting a quote on Monday and can proceed from there.
We tried the cat, but the task was just too big. Besides, our little Siamese was not interested in climbing into the ceiling.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Impressions of the ipad
My iPad has become my main connection to the Internet. Not because it is better, but because my laptop has been taken over by one of my sons. He needs it for his architecture degree. Can't argue with that.
The iPad and Apple's Safari browser works adequately for most sites. On some the links don't work. On others scroll bars vanish so you have to stop reading there. I have been using the iPad to write these blog posts. It is poor as an editor. Changing a word and correcting spelling are difficult. Putting the cursor into the middle of a sentence is tough!
Safari doesn't have tabbed browsing, but there is a little button the will take you to all recently visited sites.
Media is relatively good with the iPad. iTunes works well. Not bad for watching videos at all. My only gripe is that without purchasing a stand or a cover, you have to hold the device all the time.
It is really wonderful to be able to Skype or talk on FaceTime directly from the iPad. The video is quite good and the sound is adequate.
My version is dependent on a wireless LAN. That means that connectivity is lost when the WLAN is not available.
The major dissapointment for me relates to the quality of sound that tha iPad produces. It is poor. My third rate Nokia has much better sound. With headphones that changes dramatically. It seems that Apple somehow expect everyone to be wired to headphones all the time.
The iPad is a useful device with some major limitations. The low quality sound was a major disappointment. There is no USB port. Still, it is fun.
The iPad and Apple's Safari browser works adequately for most sites. On some the links don't work. On others scroll bars vanish so you have to stop reading there. I have been using the iPad to write these blog posts. It is poor as an editor. Changing a word and correcting spelling are difficult. Putting the cursor into the middle of a sentence is tough!
Safari doesn't have tabbed browsing, but there is a little button the will take you to all recently visited sites.
Media is relatively good with the iPad. iTunes works well. Not bad for watching videos at all. My only gripe is that without purchasing a stand or a cover, you have to hold the device all the time.
It is really wonderful to be able to Skype or talk on FaceTime directly from the iPad. The video is quite good and the sound is adequate.
My version is dependent on a wireless LAN. That means that connectivity is lost when the WLAN is not available.
The major dissapointment for me relates to the quality of sound that tha iPad produces. It is poor. My third rate Nokia has much better sound. With headphones that changes dramatically. It seems that Apple somehow expect everyone to be wired to headphones all the time.
The iPad is a useful device with some major limitations. The low quality sound was a major disappointment. There is no USB port. Still, it is fun.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
not another survey ..
There seems to be a new standard for call-centres. As you reach the end of your call, the call-centre agent invites you to participate in a survey about the service.
The conversation may have been something like this:
You "I requested a ... ...three months ago. I was told that the turn around would be 72 hours. I am still waiting."
Agent "in order to assist you I will need to ask a few security questions.
- what is your name?
- where were you born?
- your date of birth?
- your mother's maiden name?
- your physical address?
- your postal address?
- home, work and cell phone numbers?"
The questions last for what seems like an eternity. Then at last it is "how can I help you?"
You describibe the issue in detail. You provide all the details you have. Long pause while the agent consults this system.
Agent: "there is no record of this request on our system. Please hold while I send an email to the xxx department."
Ten minute delay while you hold.
"I have emailed the xxx department with all your details. You will receive response within 72 hours."
De ja vu.
"Would you like to participate in out customer survey to rate the service?"
You agree and are put through to a computer voice that asks another string of questions. You must respond by selectin a number from 1 to 5 where 1 is excellent ... Then it dawns - the survey is not about the company's service at all. It is about the call-centre agent. The business has somehow forgotten that service does not begin and end at the call centre.
The 72 hours passes by without a return call.
The conversation may have been something like this:
You "I requested a ... ...three months ago. I was told that the turn around would be 72 hours. I am still waiting."
Agent "in order to assist you I will need to ask a few security questions.
- what is your name?
- where were you born?
- your date of birth?
- your mother's maiden name?
- your physical address?
- your postal address?
- home, work and cell phone numbers?"
The questions last for what seems like an eternity. Then at last it is "how can I help you?"
You describibe the issue in detail. You provide all the details you have. Long pause while the agent consults this system.
Agent: "there is no record of this request on our system. Please hold while I send an email to the xxx department."
Ten minute delay while you hold.
"I have emailed the xxx department with all your details. You will receive response within 72 hours."
De ja vu.
"Would you like to participate in out customer survey to rate the service?"
You agree and are put through to a computer voice that asks another string of questions. You must respond by selectin a number from 1 to 5 where 1 is excellent ... Then it dawns - the survey is not about the company's service at all. It is about the call-centre agent. The business has somehow forgotten that service does not begin and end at the call centre.
The 72 hours passes by without a return call.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
... no longer a rat
“The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.” Lily Tomlin.There is no escaping that. No matter where you are in the race to get to the top, you remain a rat.
In a sense I can consider myself lucky. After years of working my way through the insanity of the corporate world, I have at last escaped! I am no longer part of the rat-race.
Not that everything about the corporate world is bad. It somehow manages to produce the goods. Occasionally we get something innovative and new. We get products that help to enrich our lives. We need the products, we need the people that produce the products. It keeps money flowing and allows us to feed our families.
Business is not the problem. It is just the way that people function in business, the strange ways that things get done, the power struggles, the in-fighting ...
My involvement with the corporate world lasted for a good few decades. I worked in a number of capacities, as an independent business consultant, as a business analyst, and in IT.
It all ended rather abruptly after I took on a new permanent post. No sooner had I begun with induction into the company than I became seriously ill. A few weeks later the diagnosis of pancreas cancer shook my world. It didn't take long for the company to begin a dismissal procedure on the grounds of incapacity. Who could blame them? I just wasn't up to providing a 40 hour week any more.
While I do have to face the challenge of this most sever form of cancer, I am at least free to pursue the things that really interest me. The corporate world can take a back seat.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Insomnia
It doesn't happen often. Most night's sleep comes easily. Not last night. Exhaustion! Tired eyes. But sleep remained evasive.
Perhaps a result of discomfort. A chemotherapy induced rash covering my skin from head to toe. Itching, hurting, making me want to scratch. Tthe allergic rhinitis. Hay fever. Anti histamines have not helped, and the discomfort increase daily.
Then the thunder started. Still early too early for summer rain, the thundershower took the weatherman by surprise. First rans always have that smell. It provided a welcome break from the extreme dryness of the Highveld winter. Perhaps the rain will help clear the air off al those pollens!
The rain ended. Still no sleep. More discomfort. Some TV. "Who wants to be a millionaire?"
Back to bed. Another glass of water. The hours pass. Just me and my thoughts. At last I sleep, dream and awake, still tired, ready to face the new day.
Tonight will be different.
Perhaps a result of discomfort. A chemotherapy induced rash covering my skin from head to toe. Itching, hurting, making me want to scratch. Tthe allergic rhinitis. Hay fever. Anti histamines have not helped, and the discomfort increase daily.
Then the thunder started. Still early too early for summer rain, the thundershower took the weatherman by surprise. First rans always have that smell. It provided a welcome break from the extreme dryness of the Highveld winter. Perhaps the rain will help clear the air off al those pollens!
The rain ended. Still no sleep. More discomfort. Some TV. "Who wants to be a millionaire?"
Back to bed. Another glass of water. The hours pass. Just me and my thoughts. At last I sleep, dream and awake, still tired, ready to face the new day.
Tonight will be different.
Monday, September 12, 2011
"who by fire"
"And who by fire, who by water,
Who in the sunshine, who in the night-time,"
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen's "who by fire" did not just originate in Leonard Cohen's mind. It is derived from the liturgy of the High Holy days of the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur.
The Words are drawn from one of the most moving pieces in the service, Unetane Tokef. The title translates as "Let us tell how utterly holy this day is".
After telling how awesome is the day and how everyone passes through judgement, the poem continues
"On Rosh Hasahanah will be inscribed and on Yom Kippur will be sealed how many will pass from the earth and how many shall be created; who will live and who will die; who will die at his predestined time and who before his time; who by water and who by fire, who by sword, who by beast, who by famine, who by thirst ...."
So all is decided at Rosh Hashanah with the opportunity to change before Yom Kippur. Now a little over two weeks.
Who in the sunshine, who in the night-time,"
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen's "who by fire" did not just originate in Leonard Cohen's mind. It is derived from the liturgy of the High Holy days of the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur.
The Words are drawn from one of the most moving pieces in the service, Unetane Tokef. The title translates as "Let us tell how utterly holy this day is".
After telling how awesome is the day and how everyone passes through judgement, the poem continues
"On Rosh Hasahanah will be inscribed and on Yom Kippur will be sealed how many will pass from the earth and how many shall be created; who will live and who will die; who will die at his predestined time and who before his time; who by water and who by fire, who by sword, who by beast, who by famine, who by thirst ...."
So all is decided at Rosh Hashanah with the opportunity to change before Yom Kippur. Now a little over two weeks.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
pigeons in the ceiling
We hear them the most in the early morning. They coo. They shuffle around and flap their wings.
Yes, the local pigeon community has decided that our ceiling is the place to be. From small beginnings, the numbers have grown. First a handful, now the birds have multiplied. It is the choicest address for a pigeon. Unthreatened, safe from the elements ...
Down below, the humans are feeling the ill effects. Not least is the noise that started in one corner and has spread.
Pigeons are fine in their own space. They have their uses too. But once they begin to nest in your roof they become pests. No other word will do.
So now that we know that they are pests, how do we begin to tackle the problem? Of course there is Flick the pest control specialists. I guess that we could give them a call.
"Pigeons in your roof? No problem! We will exterminate them in no time."
"No, no, I had a more humane solution in mind. You could call it eviction."
Laughter. "Do you need a court order?"
So the problem persists. And none of us is prepared to climb into the ceiling and chase them away! But why not put the cat amongst them?
Yes, the local pigeon community has decided that our ceiling is the place to be. From small beginnings, the numbers have grown. First a handful, now the birds have multiplied. It is the choicest address for a pigeon. Unthreatened, safe from the elements ...
Down below, the humans are feeling the ill effects. Not least is the noise that started in one corner and has spread.
Pigeons are fine in their own space. They have their uses too. But once they begin to nest in your roof they become pests. No other word will do.
So now that we know that they are pests, how do we begin to tackle the problem? Of course there is Flick the pest control specialists. I guess that we could give them a call.
"Pigeons in your roof? No problem! We will exterminate them in no time."
"No, no, I had a more humane solution in mind. You could call it eviction."
Laughter. "Do you need a court order?"
So the problem persists. And none of us is prepared to climb into the ceiling and chase them away! But why not put the cat amongst them?
Saturday, September 10, 2011
my world
Life is concentrated in a suburban house in Johannesburg's leafy northern suburbs. Satellite pictures show this city as a forest - there are trees in every garden as well as lining the streets.
I am not alone in this suburban house. My wife is constantly at work on one of her paintings. You guessed! An artist. She is known as an abstract expressionist though this would vary according to the paintings. She has her own online gallery at Lawlie's Art. Check it out.
Our three son's come and go at all hours. They are all grown up and have lives of their own.
Then there is Pablo - not another artist but a rough collie - and Zena the Siamese cat.
My life is now focused on writing and developing my musical skills. These are the activities that are going to keep me alive for the next few years - something that may (or may not) become clearer over time. Then there is always photography - just seeking out a new camera. A cell phone camera or an iPad don't quite do it! even if I am impressed with the iPhone 4 camera, it certainly has its limitations.
This little bird was found in the street. We attempted a rescue.
Mel's Drive-in - one of my wife's pieces.
I am not alone in this suburban house. My wife is constantly at work on one of her paintings. You guessed! An artist. She is known as an abstract expressionist though this would vary according to the paintings. She has her own online gallery at Lawlie's Art. Check it out.
Our three son's come and go at all hours. They are all grown up and have lives of their own.
Then there is Pablo - not another artist but a rough collie - and Zena the Siamese cat.
My life is now focused on writing and developing my musical skills. These are the activities that are going to keep me alive for the next few years - something that may (or may not) become clearer over time. Then there is always photography - just seeking out a new camera. A cell phone camera or an iPad don't quite do it! even if I am impressed with the iPhone 4 camera, it certainly has its limitations.
Mel's Drive-in - one of my wife's pieces. A new day dawns
The twittering of the birds filters its way through my window on this beautiful Johannesburg spring day. The sky is a deep blue. Not a cloud in sight. At 29 degrees Celsius, no one is complaining about the cold.
A new blog. Why? Have I thought that through? I already have another, partly abandoned blog called Barry M's Space. I lost it there quite a while ago. A handful of posts get daily visitors while everything else is ignored.
So the chance for a brand new start! A place where I can highlight some of my writing. My work includes ramblings about life, the economy, politics ... Then I have a whole range of business articles - radical management stuff that is of real value.
Finally, there is music and art. Music is a deep part of me, so from time to time it may take its place.
A new blog. Why? Have I thought that through? I already have another, partly abandoned blog called Barry M's Space. I lost it there quite a while ago. A handful of posts get daily visitors while everything else is ignored.
So the chance for a brand new start! A place where I can highlight some of my writing. My work includes ramblings about life, the economy, politics ... Then I have a whole range of business articles - radical management stuff that is of real value.
Finally, there is music and art. Music is a deep part of me, so from time to time it may take its place.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)