We can dance
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Monday, 30 July 2007
Online Productivity
Its very interesting to utilize all these online tools. Zoho will allow you to save on your local drive. Google saves it online. But they both basically function like MS WORD. The advantages of these tools is that one doesn't need to have office productivity tools installed on on one's computer, but can accomplish tasks online. We have come far from the age of the typewriter!!
Monday, 16 July 2007
Registrations
Everbody wants you to register when you visit their site. I have so many log on names and passwords since we started blogging. My head is now suffering from password fatigue. I've done the flickr, I've done the bloglines, I've done the Merlin, then the image generator to the library thing and further on to rollyo. I even dream blog in my sleep. I'm also a technocrat and am difinitely a del.icio. I'm a blogger.
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
Saturday, 23 June 2007
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Pen Drives
I wonder how many people remember the Tandy computer of the 80's. In the 90's when the Tandy 1000 series were in vogue, I remember some of us had the 20MB hard drive, and among my friends who were DOS savvy and we exchanged ideas about computing, a few had the 40 MB hard drive. They seemed to be in a class by themselves. I remember the technological breakthrough that allowed the hard drive to be expanded to 80MB. We thought we were in hard drive heaven. Jump to the late 90's and end of the century and computing power was accelerating to a level never seen before. The Gigs started coming in, smaller foot print devices were also coming in.
The 21st century saw the demise of the 5.25 disk drive and the proliferation of the CD drive. The USB port was also here, and computing power was super. All the breakthrough were bringing developments into computers. In 1989, Toshiba introduced the NAND flash device which was an invention of Dr. Fujio Masuoka who was working at Toshiba. The flash drive is a result of this invention. It uses tunnel injection for writing and tunnel release for erasing. This is the same technology that is used in the memory cards for cameras and other devices.
These days one would see many people walking around the office or on the subway with flash drives around their necks or on their key chains. Mine has only 512MB. By 2005, Toshiba and San Disk had introduced a flash drive with 1gig capacity. They are also faster to access. How far we have come!
The 21st century saw the demise of the 5.25 disk drive and the proliferation of the CD drive. The USB port was also here, and computing power was super. All the breakthrough were bringing developments into computers. In 1989, Toshiba introduced the NAND flash device which was an invention of Dr. Fujio Masuoka who was working at Toshiba. The flash drive is a result of this invention. It uses tunnel injection for writing and tunnel release for erasing. This is the same technology that is used in the memory cards for cameras and other devices.
These days one would see many people walking around the office or on the subway with flash drives around their necks or on their key chains. Mine has only 512MB. By 2005, Toshiba and San Disk had introduced a flash drive with 1gig capacity. They are also faster to access. How far we have come!
Friday, 15 June 2007
Ghanaian Inventor
Here is something about a Ghanaian Inventor.
JOSEPH E. DADSON P. Eng is President & CEO, Newsol Technologies Inc. He is a Bio-medical Engineer and Inventor.
President & CEO of Newsol Technologies Inc, a Canadian Renal Specialties company
A world leader dedicated to the development of Peritoneal Dialysis technology
Co-founder of Medionics International, an award winning renal specialties company
Graduate of Bio-medical engineering at University of British Columbia
Co-founder of the Association of Ontario Medical Manufacturers Inventions:
First portable Volumetric Peritoneal Dialysis machine, significant for reduction of peritoneum infection and increased patient mobility
Invented a Quick Connect-Disconnect Cap
Invented the disposable Y-set, now an industry standard Patents:
US Patent 4,096,859 June 27, 1978 "Method and Apparatus for Peritoneal Dialysis"
US Patent 4,983,161 January 8, 1991 "Method for Using a Connector Cap and Cover Thereof"
US Patent 5,053,003 October 1, 1991 "Method and Apparatus for Performing Peritoneal Dialysis Using a 'Y' Tubing Set"
US Patent 5,141,492 August 25, 1992 "Method and Apparatus for Performing Peritoneal Dialysis"
Canadian Patent 1,057,149 June 26, 1979 "Apparatus for Peritoneal Dialysis"
Canadian Patent 1,173,712 September 4, 1984 "Method and Apparatus for Peritoneal Dialysis"
Canadian Patent 1,312,017 December 29, 1992 "Method and Apparatus for Performing Peritoneal Dialysis Using a 'Y' Tubing Set"
Canadian Patent 1,324,045 November 9, 1993 "Connector Cap and Cover Thereof"
Japan Patent Application Serial # 119,878/92 "Peritoneal Dialysis Apparatus"
United States patent (approved 05/08/01) (US Pat No.: 6,228,047) "Method and Apparatus for Performing Peritoneal Dialysis"
Patent Co-operation Treaty (International) (approved 10/21/99) (PCT/CA98/00722) "Method and Apparatus for Performing Peritoneal Dialysis" Countries protected under subsequent filings:
Korea Patent Application (2001-22416)
Mexico Patent Application (000,965)
Japan Patent Application (2000-504893)
European Patent Application (98936046.6)
Hong Kong Patent Application (01103319.7)
China Patent Application (98809106.2)
Canada patent (approved 10/18/01) (App No.: 2,211,848) "Peritoneal Dialysis Apparatus"
JOSEPH E. DADSON P. Eng is President & CEO, Newsol Technologies Inc. He is a Bio-medical Engineer and Inventor.
President & CEO of Newsol Technologies Inc, a Canadian Renal Specialties company
A world leader dedicated to the development of Peritoneal Dialysis technology
Co-founder of Medionics International, an award winning renal specialties company
Graduate of Bio-medical engineering at University of British Columbia
Co-founder of the Association of Ontario Medical Manufacturers Inventions:
First portable Volumetric Peritoneal Dialysis machine, significant for reduction of peritoneum infection and increased patient mobility
Invented a Quick Connect-Disconnect Cap
Invented the disposable Y-set, now an industry standard Patents:
US Patent 4,096,859 June 27, 1978 "Method and Apparatus for Peritoneal Dialysis"
US Patent 4,983,161 January 8, 1991 "Method for Using a Connector Cap and Cover Thereof"
US Patent 5,053,003 October 1, 1991 "Method and Apparatus for Performing Peritoneal Dialysis Using a 'Y' Tubing Set"
US Patent 5,141,492 August 25, 1992 "Method and Apparatus for Performing Peritoneal Dialysis"
Canadian Patent 1,057,149 June 26, 1979 "Apparatus for Peritoneal Dialysis"
Canadian Patent 1,173,712 September 4, 1984 "Method and Apparatus for Peritoneal Dialysis"
Canadian Patent 1,312,017 December 29, 1992 "Method and Apparatus for Performing Peritoneal Dialysis Using a 'Y' Tubing Set"
Canadian Patent 1,324,045 November 9, 1993 "Connector Cap and Cover Thereof"
Japan Patent Application Serial # 119,878/92 "Peritoneal Dialysis Apparatus"
United States patent (approved 05/08/01) (US Pat No.: 6,228,047) "Method and Apparatus for Performing Peritoneal Dialysis"
Patent Co-operation Treaty (International) (approved 10/21/99) (PCT/CA98/00722) "Method and Apparatus for Performing Peritoneal Dialysis" Countries protected under subsequent filings:
Korea Patent Application (2001-22416)
Mexico Patent Application (000,965)
Japan Patent Application (2000-504893)
European Patent Application (98936046.6)
Hong Kong Patent Application (01103319.7)
China Patent Application (98809106.2)
Canada patent (approved 10/18/01) (App No.: 2,211,848) "Peritoneal Dialysis Apparatus"
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Funerals in Ghana
I must state from the onset that Ghanaians spend more money on funerals than on weddings. I remember taking a group on tour and from Cape Coast to Kumasi, all along the highway, people clad in black, brown, and burgundy colors could be seen in every town, village and hamlet. My group called Ghana, "The funeral Capital of the world". These are the traditional mourning clothes. There are occasions when we wear white. When someone commits suicide, when someone dies in battle or is shot dead in any way, when someone lives to a ripe old age, we wear white for the funeral. Also when a parent loses a child for the first time, we wear white.
Usually when a person dies, the immediate relatives in the town or village are summoned to a meeting where they are informed of the passing. In modern times, with advent of refrigeration, with the exception of the villages, bodies are deposited in the mortuary if the person died at home, or if in the hospital, that is automatic. An autopsy will be conducted. After that, the family may leave the body in the mortuary for so long as long as they have money to pay for the mortuary fees. In the interim, messages will be sent to all relatives far and near. If there are children and siblings outside the country, they will be informed. A week after the death, the family will gather to celebrate that; this is the time when they will decide on burial arrangements. Family here, is not mother and father. Since I belong to the Akan group, family means people on your mother's side. The body belongs to them.
Depending on where children and siblings are, the burial may take place in a short time or they'll wait for those outside to return to the country. If outside relatives are returning, then it may take a longer time. When the date is set, usually the ancestral family home will be painted with a fresh coat of paint. Everything will be spruced up because visitors will be coming.
Burials normally take place towards the weekend. On the day before the burial, the body will be retrieved from the mortuary and brought to the family house. Special family women who are versed in handling dead bodies will do the bathing and preparation. The body will be laid in state and family members will keep vigil over it. Visitors will come file past it and stay for a period.
With the advent of Christianity, church services have been added. The burial may take place on a Friday or Saturday. The body will be taken to a church where the funeral services will take place. After which it will be interred at one of the cemeteries. Upon return, the family will gather in front of the family house or on a soccer field to hold the funeral celebrations. Here, guests will be served with drinks, music will be played, and people will dance to celebrate the life of the deceased. The will be special tables set aside where people will make financial donations to the family to help defray the cost of the funeral.
On the Sunday, if they are Christians, they will go to church for a thanksgiving and memorial service. After service, the family and visitors will gather at a hall where they will be treated to some tasty meals. At the end of that those who travelled from afar will ask permission to leave.
Forty days later, the family will gather for the forty day celebration. We used to have the ninety day celebration but that went out of style. A year later, we will have the anniversary celebration. One day I may have time to write about funerals, dating and romance.
Usually when a person dies, the immediate relatives in the town or village are summoned to a meeting where they are informed of the passing. In modern times, with advent of refrigeration, with the exception of the villages, bodies are deposited in the mortuary if the person died at home, or if in the hospital, that is automatic. An autopsy will be conducted. After that, the family may leave the body in the mortuary for so long as long as they have money to pay for the mortuary fees. In the interim, messages will be sent to all relatives far and near. If there are children and siblings outside the country, they will be informed. A week after the death, the family will gather to celebrate that; this is the time when they will decide on burial arrangements. Family here, is not mother and father. Since I belong to the Akan group, family means people on your mother's side. The body belongs to them.
Depending on where children and siblings are, the burial may take place in a short time or they'll wait for those outside to return to the country. If outside relatives are returning, then it may take a longer time. When the date is set, usually the ancestral family home will be painted with a fresh coat of paint. Everything will be spruced up because visitors will be coming.
Burials normally take place towards the weekend. On the day before the burial, the body will be retrieved from the mortuary and brought to the family house. Special family women who are versed in handling dead bodies will do the bathing and preparation. The body will be laid in state and family members will keep vigil over it. Visitors will come file past it and stay for a period.
With the advent of Christianity, church services have been added. The burial may take place on a Friday or Saturday. The body will be taken to a church where the funeral services will take place. After which it will be interred at one of the cemeteries. Upon return, the family will gather in front of the family house or on a soccer field to hold the funeral celebrations. Here, guests will be served with drinks, music will be played, and people will dance to celebrate the life of the deceased. The will be special tables set aside where people will make financial donations to the family to help defray the cost of the funeral.
On the Sunday, if they are Christians, they will go to church for a thanksgiving and memorial service. After service, the family and visitors will gather at a hall where they will be treated to some tasty meals. At the end of that those who travelled from afar will ask permission to leave.
Forty days later, the family will gather for the forty day celebration. We used to have the ninety day celebration but that went out of style. A year later, we will have the anniversary celebration. One day I may have time to write about funerals, dating and romance.
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Death
Yesterday I got a call that my sister passed away on Sunday in Ghana. As it's said in my language, "she has crossed the river". This is my second sister to die in the past three years. Actually, all my relatives seem to be going. January 2004, My sister Veronica passed away. May 2005, my aunt Victoria who raised me from age 5 passed away. May 2006, my cousin Joe who was like a brother to me passed away. June 2007, my sister Sita passed away. In the old days, they would think someone had it in for the family and was doing away with them one by one. How things have changed.
Dealing with the pain of my loss, am reflecting over how things would be right now. My mom would be beside herself with grief. I haven't had the courage to call her yet. She bore three daughters and two are gone. Fortunately, the last daughter is with me here and she has become the liaison between me and the family. Before she joined me here almost four years ago, I was the cash king of the family shouldering every burden the family faced. Now she helps with the burden. She thinks she may be the next in three years time. We sent them $250.00 this morning to travel to where my late sister lived with her husband to see to the preparations for the funeral.
A long time ago, without refrigeration, dead bodies were quickly embalmed after they were sure the person was dead. In my traditional society, we normally do not weep for the dead until after the third day. It is believed that sometimes the person's spirit is just wondering around and will come back to inhabit the body. If you weep prematurely, it inhibits the spirit from returning.
Usually, family, friends and neighbors would come to the family house to greet and commiserate with the bereaved family. These were the days when we lived in small communities. We still do, but most people have moved to the cities so it becomes difficult for some practices to be continued. Even strangers or visitors in the town or village will come and greet the family. Superstitious beliefs make people wary that f they did not come to greet, they would be considered to have put an evil eye on the dead. People will bring food and drinks for the visitors. The bereaved normally are expected to fast, so they do not eat any heavy food.
Either the parent, wife or husband, depending on the person dead, would sit in the centre of a horse shoe formation. Other family members would take the left and right spaces. People come in and greet from the right to the left. It is improper to greet from left to right. They would sit down, be given water to drink and asked what brings them to the house, even though it's obvious. They tell of what they heard and had come to inquire as to the veracity. A family spokesperson narrates the events that had taken place also. After that, family members, except the bereaved get up and greet the visitors from right to left, adding the phrase. "you are welcome".
Dealing with the pain of my loss, am reflecting over how things would be right now. My mom would be beside herself with grief. I haven't had the courage to call her yet. She bore three daughters and two are gone. Fortunately, the last daughter is with me here and she has become the liaison between me and the family. Before she joined me here almost four years ago, I was the cash king of the family shouldering every burden the family faced. Now she helps with the burden. She thinks she may be the next in three years time. We sent them $250.00 this morning to travel to where my late sister lived with her husband to see to the preparations for the funeral.
A long time ago, without refrigeration, dead bodies were quickly embalmed after they were sure the person was dead. In my traditional society, we normally do not weep for the dead until after the third day. It is believed that sometimes the person's spirit is just wondering around and will come back to inhabit the body. If you weep prematurely, it inhibits the spirit from returning.
Usually, family, friends and neighbors would come to the family house to greet and commiserate with the bereaved family. These were the days when we lived in small communities. We still do, but most people have moved to the cities so it becomes difficult for some practices to be continued. Even strangers or visitors in the town or village will come and greet the family. Superstitious beliefs make people wary that f they did not come to greet, they would be considered to have put an evil eye on the dead. People will bring food and drinks for the visitors. The bereaved normally are expected to fast, so they do not eat any heavy food.
Either the parent, wife or husband, depending on the person dead, would sit in the centre of a horse shoe formation. Other family members would take the left and right spaces. People come in and greet from the right to the left. It is improper to greet from left to right. They would sit down, be given water to drink and asked what brings them to the house, even though it's obvious. They tell of what they heard and had come to inquire as to the veracity. A family spokesperson narrates the events that had taken place also. After that, family members, except the bereaved get up and greet the visitors from right to left, adding the phrase. "you are welcome".
Monday, 11 June 2007
My Blog
This is not my first blog. I tried my hands on a blog for things philosophical but I didn't get anywhere, maybe this time I'll work through it. I set this up for the library project. Welcome to my blog. Most people know I like talking about things African. So here we go with stuff like that.
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