Monthly Archives: March 2011
Job rotation: when change is as good as a holiday in the workplace
FEELING a little jaded in your current position? Or perhaps you’re wondering how to put a little pep into your workforce? Ever thought about shuffling things about a bit? Shaking it up? Swapping jobs? Studies support the principle of job … Continue reading
Amsterdam art route
IT’S easy, I confess, to be a voyeur in Amsterdam – and not just in the Red Light District. Stroll through any of the old residential areas of the city and – perhaps this is more remarkable to those of … Continue reading
Excess clothing helps turn lives around
ZUKISWA Mngcitha was at end of her tether when she met “the two Traceys”, Tracey Gilmore and Tracey Chambers earlier this year. Unemployed for a year after being forced to give up her job at McDonald’s to nurse her gravely … Continue reading
The trials and tribulations of the workplace smoker
THE text message that chirruped onto my cellphone as I headed to a meeting in the centre of town one blustery, wet morning read, “Call me when you’re five minutes away”. Assuming my call would signal my client to take … Continue reading
A bunch of good reasons to visit Bruges
IT should be at least slightly embarrassing, I guess, to admit that I discovered the marvelous medieval city of Bruges in the Belgian province of West-Flanders by chance during a trip from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands, via France. … Continue reading
Tiffindell and dreams of ski-ing
I wrote this article for The Weekender in 2007 and was reminded of it yesterday, when, while playing squash, I wrecked the ligaments in the same knee I refer to in this story. Ski-ing or squash, my knee, it seems, … Continue reading
Petiquette and other tips for travelling with pets
HE watches me lug my suitcase to the car with doleful, Disney-puppy eyes. The reproach is unmistakable: “You’re leaving me.” Uneasy, I glance back again. Is it possible he knows something more? Has he read my notes or overheard recent … Continue reading
Try the beloved country…the Lufafa Valley near Ixopo
LEGEND has it that on particularly misty but moonlit nights you can hear his whistle – distinctive, yet tune unknown – above the ridiculous rattle of his ancient, pale blue Toyota Stallion bakkie as he clatters down the pot-holed gravel … Continue reading
Making a presentation? Beware the ‘magic box’ syndome
TECHNOLOGY has given us access to all kinds of ‘magic box’ techniques which, in theory, should advance our competency and bolster our careers. It occurred to me, however, as I sat through a slick audiovisual presentation a few weeks ago, … Continue reading
Penny Haw 