Spam TerryOctober 11, 2011 0 comments

The spam folder in my e-mail always has unread mail. Most of it - trash. The only reason I check it daily is because some of my genuine e-mail goes to this folder.

The other is usually offensive content. I never read it but I can tell by the subject its @#$% 

 http://spam.abuse.net/overview/whatisspam.shtml terms it as flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message, in an attempt to force the message on people who would not otherwise choose to receive it. Most spam is commercial advertising, often for dubious products, get-rich-quick schemes, or quasi-legal services. 

 In this age of the internet, I know and understand spam will always be there. My only appeal is, "could the inventors make it gender sensitive?" What infuriates me is the number of 'Viagra discounts' and 'enlarge with trial' messages I receive in a day. Today I got 24, aaiiihh! seriously, I don't think am within the gender demography targeted. I know it's too much to expect but ...

There's lots of spam in this world away from the internet. What can you do about it? Be true to yourself. Know who you are and do not give in to the 'flooding messages', the whims of this world.

And in the words of Cormac Burke, Identify things by how they suit you - your satisfaction, your advantage - not by the value of others.

Empty the spam then and only then will you experience the concealed, critical and countless purpose of your life.

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Fare thee well, Prof. Wangari Maathai TerryOctober 9, 2011 0 comments

I remember that  'breaking news' at around 6:15 a.m. on 26th September 2011. Maina Kageni came on air to announce the death of the Nobel laureate at the Nairobi Hospital while receiving treatment. I think my mind shut down for a moment and all I could say was "shit!". I don't usually curse but that morning, the word just came out of my mouth unintentionally.

Prof. Maathai receives the Nobel prize in 2004

I remembered reading in The Star about a week prior to her death that Wangari Maathai was in hospital.
No details were provided because she did not want her health a matter of public discussions. I thought to myself she was just suffering from a minor ailment and would soon be back to her usual active and smiling self. How wrong I was!

She never left the hospital alive, not even to plant one more tree or to smile one more time.

Kenya and the world bade her farewell yesterday at a function devoid of pomp and ceremony, just as she wanted.

A mammoth crowd: the youth turned up in large numbers to bid farewell to a role model and icon.

picture source http://www.nation.co.ke/image/view/-/1252176/highRes/301082/-/maxw/600/-/12v0jhj/-/PIX1.jpg

We have lost a gallant sister but like Raila Odinga said, she will forever be with us through her work which will carry on for many generations to come.

The amazing this about the great lady is that she stayed true to her cause even in death.

Good bye Wangari Maathai, you continue to dwell amongst us.

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Getting started TerryOctober 4, 2011 0 comments

The excitement of being editor-in-chief has settled, not out, just settled.
My team and I met today formally for the first time though we are all well acquainted. Funny how we all applied at the same time.
We had an early morning meeting with the dean and head of activities to orientate us on our roles for the next one year.
 I must say I was impressed by all committee members for their commitment illustrated by how each kept time. I mean, ten minutes before the interview, we were all present. I pray we keep the standard.
The tasks will be pretty demanding coupled with the fact that we have to hit the ground running since we're a bit late getting into office. But we're tough cookies. We will make the best yearbook ever!
The targets are high, our dreams so huge, the expectations soaring and we gonna make it real! Watch this space, ok, not exactly this one but yeah, I'll be sure to let showcase the yearbook here when the time comes.

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Women and perceptions. TerryOctober 2, 2011 0 comments

I have just finished writing an essay on “Women are their own enemies”. I wish I didn’t have to as I do not subscribe to that school of thought but it course work.

On finishing with the essay I reflected on if it is truly so or it’s a fabrication of society’s imaginations and wishful thinking.  

Yesterday I was at a young women’s get-together-ish and I can certainly say women are NOT their enemies. Just that the dynamics of life sometimes make it seem so.  Any who, below is an excerpt of our discussions:

o   A home is a place where love is given and received in an exemplary manner. That is, one can learn and apply it to others. The traditional understanding of home is under threat from several factors such as:

• Civilization of money and technology.

•   Feminism.

• Progress. ( maendeleo). 

• Amongst other factors.

o   All the above notwithstanding, current trends shouldn’t define the home rather, realistic needs of the family; the love for family and the means available.

o   Creating habits and customs is part of creating a home.

o   The Woman makes the home and teaches her family virtues.

o   A home depends on the Mom because a househelp no matter how well trained doesn’t have the same weight of love, order and cleanliness for your family as you do. Delegate well, and when possible, do it yourself.

These are just but a few of what we were discussing at a (new)friends house. By we, I mean myself and close to 20 other young mothers and professional single women with aspirations of making good wives and mothers. It was the last of a series of talks and my first one to attend.

photo from http://www.gwdpearls07.com/about_us.html

 I was invited by one of my Lecturers (advantages of being a good student) and I must say it surpassed my expectations. It was also a wonderful time of networking in a comfortable homely environment.

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