Gauteng's giant bullfrogs face extinction
March 29 2008 at 02:56PM
A bullfrog expert is calling for the urgent creation of a conservancy to protect Gauteng's only breeding population of enigmatic giant bullfrogs, in Midrand.
This follows the deaths of thousands of juvenile giant bullfrogs after the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) graded a road at Midrand's protected Glen Austin Pan.
It's the latest threat to the survival of the world-famous giant bullfrogs, hemmed in by development; squashed by quadbikes, traffic and illegal dumping; or snatched for the exotic-pet trade.
Bullfrog specialist Clayton Cook, who has monitored Glen Austin's bullfrogs since 1991, termed the graded road "non-negotiable" and demanded that it be closed in order to protect them.
The rare species spend most of the year dormant, encased in an underground cocoon, surfacing from their retreat only briefly to feed and breed.
And with around 1 000 breeding adults at Glen Austin - the only viable breeding population left in the most "critical wetland habitat in Gauteng" - their survival is of "international importance".
Two weeks ago the JRA graded the gravel road alongside the pan. Until now, only Laurie Kay, a pilot whose smallholding overlooks the pan, has had access to the gravel road that ends at his driveway.
"There were concrete barriers for the last 15 years that restricted access to Kay," explained Cook.
"Last Saturday, he discovered three-ton trucks, bulldozers and graders opening up the entire road.
"It's the worst time of the year for this to happen. Thousands of juvenile bullfrogs are migrating from the pan."
The summer had seen an "incredible" bullfrog breeding season, with three successive breeding events in the pan.
"On the Sunday, I saw dead bullfrogs on Belvedere Road. We can't say exactly how many were destroyed."
Their migration from the pan is influenced by their growth and temperature, Cook pointed out.
"They bury themselves in the top 5cm to 10cm of the softer sandy soils on the road. We know that about 30 tons of sandy soil has been removed from that site [by the JRA]. The grader decapitates and squashes frogs, toads and snakes - whatever is buried in the soil."
Kay said he saw thousands of the migrating bullfrogs dug up by front-end loaders and then run over by them.
"The day before, my wife and I saw thousands of little froggies crossing the road. Since they've graded, I've only seen two juveniles. It's sad."
Cook is adamant: "The area should be registered as a private conservancy. Residents must be encouraged to leave natural grassland in their gardens for the frogs to migrate through, use palisade fencing and not use gardens forks that dig up the dormant frogs in their gardens."
JRA spokesperson Conel Mackay said the grading was requested by residents.
Monday, 31 March 2008
Friday, 28 March 2008
Moto morini again
See Faster and FasterDamn these guys are good! something about this bike speaks to me, and tells me it's going to be a blast :)
Thursday, 27 March 2008
School trauma
Minister should be held accountable: readers
March 26 2008 at 03:45PM
By Luntu Lamani
A recent report by the SA Human Rights Commission has revealed that being in school is more dangerous than being anywhere else.
It is reported that child violence, injury and death rates in South Africa are 60 percent higher than the global average.
And now a Gauteng former teacher has taken Gauteng Education MEC Angie Motshekga to court in an attempt to force all schools in the province to follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The teacher claims that schools do not follow the Act and that the department of education has unfair labour practices.
IOL has asked: "Should the education minister take sole responsibility for safety at schools?"
Of the 273 readers who responded, 128 votes said Yes, with 46 percent (125 votes) saying No, while 7 percent (20 votes) did not care.
From IOL
March 26 2008 at 03:45PM
By Luntu Lamani
A recent report by the SA Human Rights Commission has revealed that being in school is more dangerous than being anywhere else.
It is reported that child violence, injury and death rates in South Africa are 60 percent higher than the global average.
And now a Gauteng former teacher has taken Gauteng Education MEC Angie Motshekga to court in an attempt to force all schools in the province to follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The teacher claims that schools do not follow the Act and that the department of education has unfair labour practices.
IOL has asked: "Should the education minister take sole responsibility for safety at schools?"
Of the 273 readers who responded, 128 votes said Yes, with 46 percent (125 votes) saying No, while 7 percent (20 votes) did not care.
From IOL
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
The Headmaster's Speech
I wanted to spend some time with you today reflecting on the last two or three months we have experienced as a nation. Some commentators have called this the "post-Polokwane Syndrome", after the events at the ANC National Conference in December, the outcome of which many have seen as negative.
Added to this negative feeling, has been the electricity crisis, now seen as a result of poor planning by the state and acknowledged as such by President Mbeki in his State of the Nation address in Parliament, where he apologised to the nation.
Also knocking us have been higher world oil prices; higher interest rates in SA and the start of a world wide recession, particularly in the UK and the US with their major housing crisis. Added to these have been the on-going crime situation and negative press articles.
So, it is quite easy to fall into the trap of feeling and thinking negatively about our country.
In 1948, Alan Paton wrote his famous book "Cry the Beloved Country" and that title is perhaps still appropriate today, 60 years on, for obviously different reasons. How do we as passionate South Africans, react to this mood of despondency?
Well I cannot speak for you or tell you what to think but I can give you my perspective.
First of all, I make no apologies for being passionately South African.
Let me share this with you – I was not born in South Africa, I was born in East Africa (I moved here at the age of seven), so becoming a naturalised South African was a choice for me. It was a choice I made in the mid 1980s – a terrible time for South Africa – the country was in turmoil; we had sanctions; very low economic growth; the country was bankrupt; civil war was looming; there were bombs in schools; riots in the townships; young men, many of them my peers, fighting and dying on our borders. During that time, I gave up a British passport for a South African one.
Some might call that foolish. So be it.
I have never regretted that decision.
Why not? Not just because South Africa is such a beautiful country – it was because I believed in the people of this country and I believed that God had a plan for us. This was proved right for me when the miracle of 1994 happened. And it was a miracle.
All of you sitting here, matrics and younger, were born either in the year Madiba was released, in 1990, or afterwards. And most of our Grade 8s are "born-frees" – born in 1994 or afterwards and what a privilege that is!
As a passionate South African, here's what gets me mad:
The levels of violence and crime that have touched many of us – and many of you sitting here.
As an adult, on behalf of all adults, I believe that we need to apologise to our youth for not doing more to protect you.
I get mad when I visit black schools and see how little they have and how poor some of the teaching is.
I get mad that there is still massive poverty in our country and an Aids pandemic.
I get mad that there are some instances of incompetence when it comes to areas of social and service delivery.
But being mad about these issues doesn't make me any less passionate about South Africa.
I especially get mad that some of our leaders lack moral standing – whether they be a judge, the top policeman or the top politicians.
To me the issue is not whether they are guilty in a court of law. For me, leaders should not be tainted by even a hint of corruption. Even that hint undermines a leader's moral standing – and one should do the honourable thing and resign, in my opinion.
You see, to be a leader means to be a dealer, a purveyor and a deliverer of hope.
And it is our job – yours and mine – to be deliverers of hope. Because we believe in this school that all can and will lead and because I believe in the talent and potential of the young men sitting before me – I believe in that hope.
So am I optimistic? Yes.
I cannot believe that, after all we have been through as a nation, that a future Zimbabwe scenario is God's plan for us.
Yes, I am optimistic because I believe that we have the people here in South Africa to overcome these challenges.
Stuart Pennington, author of the book and website "South Africa: The Good News" wrote last week:
"I am in awe of the thousands of South Africans who toil to help the less fortunate."
I would include in that statement honest policemen, hardworking nurses and teachers and all who work in community service projects, including all of you.
Yes, I am optimistic because I refuse to believe that we can continue to be held to ransom by a criminal minority.
Yes, I am optimistic because we are resilient and tough, as a people and a nation.
Yes, I am optimistic because I believe that the challenges ahead are surmountable, as we wage war against poverty and crime and corruption.
Let's look at some of the facts not always highlighted by the media.
As we know, the media often focuses on the bad news because bad news sells.
So, when it comes to the economy, let's remember that economies work in cycles – expansion; higher expenditure, the economy overheats and there is a readjustment (recession) which is normal.
It has happened before in South Africa – and has been worse – and will happen again. In 1989, the SA Government defaulted on its loan payments (i.e. was unable to pay its debts); the stock market crashed and the rand collapsed.
In 1998, interest rates hit 25%.
Are we better off now? – in a lot of ways we are.
1980s – 1% growth
Early 1990s – SA was technically bankrupt – defined as when national debt is more than 3% of GDP – in 1994, it was 9%.
During the Mandela years, we had 2% economic growth
For the last seven years – 5%!
Next year – 4% - despite world wide recession, oil prices, electricity crisis.
JSE – 2001 – 8000 points and everyone was pleased; 2007 – 30 000 points (although it has lost some growth now)
Platinum – up R5000/ounce since January
Here's a thought – with cuts of electricity, less platinum comes out of ground but what's left is not going anywhere and while it stays in the ground, the price goes up!
What else is up?
Business confidence (until January)
Employment is up
Number of houses built – up
Tourists visiting – up
Car sales:
20 000 per month in 2001 – everyone was pleased!
30 000 per month in 2007
Look at our budget, announced by Trevor Manuel on Wednesday. Tax income has gone from R188bn in 2000, to R660bn in 2007!
At the same time, he has cut personal tax and has not borrowed any money. The Americans are so envious of us.
Individual tax cuts - i.e. money given back to tax payers
2006 R12bn given back to individuals
2007 R8.4bn given back to individuals
2008 R7.2bn – in a supposed-to-be recession
This is a major achievement, particularly as in 2000, there was a R25bn deficit on the budget and for the last three years we have not had a deficit on the budget.
Money for housing for the poor has gone up
2000 R9bn
2007 R51bn
And we have built 2.6 million houses since 1996.
Yes, we have challenges:
Eskom is one of them and there is now a 2c levy on every kilowatt hour. But think about this
Electricity was cheap, now we are paying more
We had electricity cuts before. In 1981, there was no power in the whole country for 18 hours
We are not the only country to have power cuts – New York; China – over Chinese New Year this year – 12 million people were left stranded.
There are other challenges
The world oil price has gone from $60 per barrel in 2007 to $90 now and it is not coming down.
We may be heading for a situation like the UK where they pay R15 per litre.
HIV/Aids is another major concern, as we see fit to spend R17bn on the World Cup but less on handling this pandemic.
So what am I saying?
Yes there are concerns and challenges BUT there are also many positives.
There are no easy answers or solutions and 2008 will be tough.
However, we have had it tough before and we handled it and boom years will come again – such as in 2010.
So what do we do?
Emigrate? An option for some I suppose and I am always sad when I hear about people leaving.
But where to? Is it guaranteed that it will be all cherries and rose blossoms on the other side of the fence?
Or do we toughen up, get creative and get active, as the "new" South Africans?
By "getting creative," I mean this – there are massive opportunities here and we will be more aware of issues, especially financially and environmentally.
Two thoughts by way of example:
Next time there is a power cut and you can't read e-mails, play computer games or watch TV – celebrate – you can instead talk to people – your family or colleagues.
With regard to the environment, here is an example of being creative: water availability is always an issue in SA – did you know that the average house has 120 000 litres of water running off its roof every year in the form of rain water?
By "getting active," I mean thinking about what we can do – like Trinity House holding their march on Tuesday; or writing letters; or petitions; or getting involved to help fix it.
Here is an excerpt from "African Wisdom" by Lanette Hattingh and Heinrich Claassen entitled The Ostrich Wisdom: Where is your head?
When confronted with a setback you have two choices of action: you can bury your head in the sand like the ostrich and hope the problem will pass by, or you can stand tall and face the problem head on.
"We have one freedom inside us that nobody can take away, the freedom of reaction/attitude in any given circumstance." (Viktor Frankl, the psychologist & concentration camp survivor.)
Our reaction to a setback will determine if we are going to stay with our heads buried in the sand or look up and do something about it.
When storms of life pour down on you, it's what happens within you that will determine what happens to you.
You have Mr Positive and Mr Negative doing constant battle in your head. Guess who wins? The one you feed the most! If your head is in the sand you can only see the dark and Mr Negative will thrive. To see the light, you must look up.
"When you are knocked down, be sure to land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up." (Nelson Mandela)
If you are an ostrich and have never faced a setback, you need to learn these facts about solving problems first:
Face it! Confront the problem and get the picture clear.
Rake it! Work through your denial, aggression or depression around the problem.
Make it! Look up, stand up and take action.
This is important because just as the sun hardens mud and softens wax, trials can either break us or make us.
Finally, here is my resolve and my truth:-
To be positive
To stop whingeing
To stop blaming
To ignore the doomsday jokes sent out by people who want you to feel as bad as they do.
To read the Good News website regularly
To join the "stop crime, say hello" campaign
To find goodness in people
To commit, regularly, to this beautiful country of ours
To believe in God's plan for us
I know this – that if I do not work to create the life I want, I will have to endure the life I get.
One final thought:
Matthew Lester writes a column in the Sunday Times Business Times Money. He is Professor of Tax Education at Rhodes University and an advisor to Trevor Manuel.
Yesterday he had this to say:
"South Africa is my life, it always has been and it always will be."
Amen to that.
A Prayer for the Country (taken off the www.sagoodnews.co.za website)
Our Father in Heaven
You know exactly how much we need You right now
Please let the Leaders of our country act under your influence
We ask that You will hold your hand over us and our country
And bring relief from the crime and other difficulties we are experiencing.
We are proud and privileged to live in this beautiful country
Look after us and bring us peace and prosperity.
Credits:
Stuart Pennington: "South Africa: The Good News"
Matthew Lester: talk at Sandton Convention Centre, 21 February 2008
Dr Lanette Hattingh and Heinrich Claasen: "African Wisdom: 21 Inspirational Lessons for excellent living."
By Dave Knowles, Headmaster of St Stithians in Johannesburg
_________________________________________________________________
Ok, so here is the other side .... i like the way this has been put .... i don't agree with ev erything he says, but he says it well.
Added to this negative feeling, has been the electricity crisis, now seen as a result of poor planning by the state and acknowledged as such by President Mbeki in his State of the Nation address in Parliament, where he apologised to the nation.
Also knocking us have been higher world oil prices; higher interest rates in SA and the start of a world wide recession, particularly in the UK and the US with their major housing crisis. Added to these have been the on-going crime situation and negative press articles.
So, it is quite easy to fall into the trap of feeling and thinking negatively about our country.
In 1948, Alan Paton wrote his famous book "Cry the Beloved Country" and that title is perhaps still appropriate today, 60 years on, for obviously different reasons. How do we as passionate South Africans, react to this mood of despondency?
Well I cannot speak for you or tell you what to think but I can give you my perspective.
First of all, I make no apologies for being passionately South African.
Let me share this with you – I was not born in South Africa, I was born in East Africa (I moved here at the age of seven), so becoming a naturalised South African was a choice for me. It was a choice I made in the mid 1980s – a terrible time for South Africa – the country was in turmoil; we had sanctions; very low economic growth; the country was bankrupt; civil war was looming; there were bombs in schools; riots in the townships; young men, many of them my peers, fighting and dying on our borders. During that time, I gave up a British passport for a South African one.
Some might call that foolish. So be it.
I have never regretted that decision.
Why not? Not just because South Africa is such a beautiful country – it was because I believed in the people of this country and I believed that God had a plan for us. This was proved right for me when the miracle of 1994 happened. And it was a miracle.
All of you sitting here, matrics and younger, were born either in the year Madiba was released, in 1990, or afterwards. And most of our Grade 8s are "born-frees" – born in 1994 or afterwards and what a privilege that is!
As a passionate South African, here's what gets me mad:
The levels of violence and crime that have touched many of us – and many of you sitting here.
As an adult, on behalf of all adults, I believe that we need to apologise to our youth for not doing more to protect you.
I get mad when I visit black schools and see how little they have and how poor some of the teaching is.
I get mad that there is still massive poverty in our country and an Aids pandemic.
I get mad that there are some instances of incompetence when it comes to areas of social and service delivery.
But being mad about these issues doesn't make me any less passionate about South Africa.
I especially get mad that some of our leaders lack moral standing – whether they be a judge, the top policeman or the top politicians.
To me the issue is not whether they are guilty in a court of law. For me, leaders should not be tainted by even a hint of corruption. Even that hint undermines a leader's moral standing – and one should do the honourable thing and resign, in my opinion.
You see, to be a leader means to be a dealer, a purveyor and a deliverer of hope.
And it is our job – yours and mine – to be deliverers of hope. Because we believe in this school that all can and will lead and because I believe in the talent and potential of the young men sitting before me – I believe in that hope.
So am I optimistic? Yes.
I cannot believe that, after all we have been through as a nation, that a future Zimbabwe scenario is God's plan for us.
Yes, I am optimistic because I believe that we have the people here in South Africa to overcome these challenges.
Stuart Pennington, author of the book and website "South Africa: The Good News" wrote last week:
"I am in awe of the thousands of South Africans who toil to help the less fortunate."
I would include in that statement honest policemen, hardworking nurses and teachers and all who work in community service projects, including all of you.
Yes, I am optimistic because I refuse to believe that we can continue to be held to ransom by a criminal minority.
Yes, I am optimistic because we are resilient and tough, as a people and a nation.
Yes, I am optimistic because I believe that the challenges ahead are surmountable, as we wage war against poverty and crime and corruption.
Let's look at some of the facts not always highlighted by the media.
As we know, the media often focuses on the bad news because bad news sells.
So, when it comes to the economy, let's remember that economies work in cycles – expansion; higher expenditure, the economy overheats and there is a readjustment (recession) which is normal.
It has happened before in South Africa – and has been worse – and will happen again. In 1989, the SA Government defaulted on its loan payments (i.e. was unable to pay its debts); the stock market crashed and the rand collapsed.
In 1998, interest rates hit 25%.
Are we better off now? – in a lot of ways we are.
1980s – 1% growth
Early 1990s – SA was technically bankrupt – defined as when national debt is more than 3% of GDP – in 1994, it was 9%.
During the Mandela years, we had 2% economic growth
For the last seven years – 5%!
Next year – 4% - despite world wide recession, oil prices, electricity crisis.
JSE – 2001 – 8000 points and everyone was pleased; 2007 – 30 000 points (although it has lost some growth now)
Platinum – up R5000/ounce since January
Here's a thought – with cuts of electricity, less platinum comes out of ground but what's left is not going anywhere and while it stays in the ground, the price goes up!
What else is up?
Business confidence (until January)
Employment is up
Number of houses built – up
Tourists visiting – up
Car sales:
20 000 per month in 2001 – everyone was pleased!
30 000 per month in 2007
Look at our budget, announced by Trevor Manuel on Wednesday. Tax income has gone from R188bn in 2000, to R660bn in 2007!
At the same time, he has cut personal tax and has not borrowed any money. The Americans are so envious of us.
Individual tax cuts - i.e. money given back to tax payers
2006 R12bn given back to individuals
2007 R8.4bn given back to individuals
2008 R7.2bn – in a supposed-to-be recession
This is a major achievement, particularly as in 2000, there was a R25bn deficit on the budget and for the last three years we have not had a deficit on the budget.
Money for housing for the poor has gone up
2000 R9bn
2007 R51bn
And we have built 2.6 million houses since 1996.
Yes, we have challenges:
Eskom is one of them and there is now a 2c levy on every kilowatt hour. But think about this
Electricity was cheap, now we are paying more
We had electricity cuts before. In 1981, there was no power in the whole country for 18 hours
We are not the only country to have power cuts – New York; China – over Chinese New Year this year – 12 million people were left stranded.
There are other challenges
The world oil price has gone from $60 per barrel in 2007 to $90 now and it is not coming down.
We may be heading for a situation like the UK where they pay R15 per litre.
HIV/Aids is another major concern, as we see fit to spend R17bn on the World Cup but less on handling this pandemic.
So what am I saying?
Yes there are concerns and challenges BUT there are also many positives.
There are no easy answers or solutions and 2008 will be tough.
However, we have had it tough before and we handled it and boom years will come again – such as in 2010.
So what do we do?
Emigrate? An option for some I suppose and I am always sad when I hear about people leaving.
But where to? Is it guaranteed that it will be all cherries and rose blossoms on the other side of the fence?
Or do we toughen up, get creative and get active, as the "new" South Africans?
By "getting creative," I mean this – there are massive opportunities here and we will be more aware of issues, especially financially and environmentally.
Two thoughts by way of example:
Next time there is a power cut and you can't read e-mails, play computer games or watch TV – celebrate – you can instead talk to people – your family or colleagues.
With regard to the environment, here is an example of being creative: water availability is always an issue in SA – did you know that the average house has 120 000 litres of water running off its roof every year in the form of rain water?
By "getting active," I mean thinking about what we can do – like Trinity House holding their march on Tuesday; or writing letters; or petitions; or getting involved to help fix it.
Here is an excerpt from "African Wisdom" by Lanette Hattingh and Heinrich Claassen entitled The Ostrich Wisdom: Where is your head?
When confronted with a setback you have two choices of action: you can bury your head in the sand like the ostrich and hope the problem will pass by, or you can stand tall and face the problem head on.
"We have one freedom inside us that nobody can take away, the freedom of reaction/attitude in any given circumstance." (Viktor Frankl, the psychologist & concentration camp survivor.)
Our reaction to a setback will determine if we are going to stay with our heads buried in the sand or look up and do something about it.
When storms of life pour down on you, it's what happens within you that will determine what happens to you.
You have Mr Positive and Mr Negative doing constant battle in your head. Guess who wins? The one you feed the most! If your head is in the sand you can only see the dark and Mr Negative will thrive. To see the light, you must look up.
"When you are knocked down, be sure to land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up." (Nelson Mandela)
If you are an ostrich and have never faced a setback, you need to learn these facts about solving problems first:
Face it! Confront the problem and get the picture clear.
Rake it! Work through your denial, aggression or depression around the problem.
Make it! Look up, stand up and take action.
This is important because just as the sun hardens mud and softens wax, trials can either break us or make us.
Finally, here is my resolve and my truth:-
To be positive
To stop whingeing
To stop blaming
To ignore the doomsday jokes sent out by people who want you to feel as bad as they do.
To read the Good News website regularly
To join the "stop crime, say hello" campaign
To find goodness in people
To commit, regularly, to this beautiful country of ours
To believe in God's plan for us
I know this – that if I do not work to create the life I want, I will have to endure the life I get.
One final thought:
Matthew Lester writes a column in the Sunday Times Business Times Money. He is Professor of Tax Education at Rhodes University and an advisor to Trevor Manuel.
Yesterday he had this to say:
"South Africa is my life, it always has been and it always will be."
Amen to that.
A Prayer for the Country (taken off the www.sagoodnews.co.za website)
Our Father in Heaven
You know exactly how much we need You right now
Please let the Leaders of our country act under your influence
We ask that You will hold your hand over us and our country
And bring relief from the crime and other difficulties we are experiencing.
We are proud and privileged to live in this beautiful country
Look after us and bring us peace and prosperity.
Credits:
Stuart Pennington: "South Africa: The Good News"
Matthew Lester: talk at Sandton Convention Centre, 21 February 2008
Dr Lanette Hattingh and Heinrich Claasen: "African Wisdom: 21 Inspirational Lessons for excellent living."
By Dave Knowles, Headmaster of St Stithians in Johannesburg
_________________________________________________________________
Ok, so here is the other side .... i like the way this has been put .... i don't agree with ev erything he says, but he says it well.
*sigh*
I should ... add .... something .....
Really, all i have are really bad thoughts lately. Not bad, just not good.
How can i put it, everything seems really ugly around me, in the city, the country, etc. This year is just ... interesting (read nightmare). Not to complain, my family are still good, and i haven't lost my possesions, yet. I can't believe most of the stuff i see every day.
Latest news is some woman was assaulted and arrested for dog poo. Yes, assaulted by a cop, and arrested on many trumped up charges. She had a poobag btw, which had been filled, which was why she couldn't comply immediately. You read this, and wonder, how could this be? People are being arrested for the smallest things lately. Some bikers arrested for crossing the white line. Now i accept that it is an offense, but surely not an arrestable offense?? A fine sure, not arrest, for a day, without water.
This country is going downhill fast, we got increased rates, eskom (the only power utility) demanding a 67% hike in fees, despite having been given several BILLION rands by the government budget. My next fear is my house, prices are dropping, and soon i will owe more than the house is worth, and effectively be trapped.
Its all bout the money .... how does that song go? An yeah, sa is being financially raped. Also emotionally. How long can people survive this seige mentally before the floodgates burst? I know for my own part, stress about these things eats me daily. Why? BECAUSE I CARE. For my family, and my neighbours and my country. It's that care that eats you. So stop caring. No, that doesnt quite work either.
ok i'm dragging .... maoning bitching complaining. Not really ... just letting a little steam vent. That's why i blog.
I know what i need though .... a good pissup.
Really, all i have are really bad thoughts lately. Not bad, just not good.
How can i put it, everything seems really ugly around me, in the city, the country, etc. This year is just ... interesting (read nightmare). Not to complain, my family are still good, and i haven't lost my possesions, yet. I can't believe most of the stuff i see every day.
Latest news is some woman was assaulted and arrested for dog poo. Yes, assaulted by a cop, and arrested on many trumped up charges. She had a poobag btw, which had been filled, which was why she couldn't comply immediately. You read this, and wonder, how could this be? People are being arrested for the smallest things lately. Some bikers arrested for crossing the white line. Now i accept that it is an offense, but surely not an arrestable offense?? A fine sure, not arrest, for a day, without water.
This country is going downhill fast, we got increased rates, eskom (the only power utility) demanding a 67% hike in fees, despite having been given several BILLION rands by the government budget. My next fear is my house, prices are dropping, and soon i will owe more than the house is worth, and effectively be trapped.
Its all bout the money .... how does that song go? An yeah, sa is being financially raped. Also emotionally. How long can people survive this seige mentally before the floodgates burst? I know for my own part, stress about these things eats me daily. Why? BECAUSE I CARE. For my family, and my neighbours and my country. It's that care that eats you. So stop caring. No, that doesnt quite work either.
ok i'm dragging .... maoning bitching complaining. Not really ... just letting a little steam vent. That's why i blog.
I know what i need though .... a good pissup.
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Attitude
Big word that. Evokes all sorts of associations, usually bad. What is it? Why does it? As per the dictionary:
NOUN:
A position of the body or manner of carrying oneself: stood in a graceful attitude.
A state of mind or a feeling; disposition: had a positive attitude about work.
An arrogant or hostile state of mind or disposition.
The orientation of an aircraft's axes relative to a reference line or plane, such as the horizon.
The orientation of a spacecraft relative to its direction of motion.
A position similar to an arabesque in which a ballet dancer stands on one leg with the other raised either in front or in back and bent at the knee.
OK, so it's about position, and perspective, i think. It's worth noting that even the dictionary has a negative perspective on attitude, arrogant or hostile. But that's neither good not bad attitude, it seems slightly skewed.
Reading "Intrepid commuter" the issue of a biker who crashed came up, and again rider attitude comes up. Every so often, when talking about motorbike riding, the "right" attitude is suggested. What is this?
I have always been perceived as having an attitude problem. My thoughts have been well i have an attitude, no problem. These accusations were always made by people who felt i did not pay them enough respect. Now this fact jumps at me, somehow attitude and respect are related. I did not give respect, hence "bad" attitude. Those things to which i give "good" attitude, are also oddly enough things i respect.
Cold steel
Hard road
The sea
The wind
Lightning
Get my point? Now some people try and get themselves onto that list .... strange. No i won't respect them. They're not worth it.
Now when it comes to good rider / driver attitude, i suspect that respect has a very large part to play. Respect is acknowledging that something is greater than yourself, or, humility. When one climbs into the drivers seat, one needs to know that you are only a small person on a BIG, BAD highway. Failure to do so is deadly. But so many people die every day on the roads, surely this is a factor?
I approach biking and driving the same way, with a truckload of caution. I tell myself very simply, you can get hurt. Assume it, believe it. But then you see some monkey riding past at a crazy speed, wearing NO protective gear, and appearing in total control. He believes he IS in control, and there is the breakdown. He's not.
Acknowledging that you are NOT in control, is a fairly big step. Knowing that you cannot control all the factors involved, be it the road, other drivers, or even mechanics of your vehicle, is a good ATTITUDE to begin with. If you start your vehicle, and blindly accept that:
The mechanics are as perfect as the day it left the factory
The roads are in raceway condition
Every other road user is awake and diligent
Every other road user is going to follow the rules
etc
You will crash. Attitude is about giving yourself the correct perspective. Understanding that you are great enough to maintain your bike, but small enough to have overlooked something. Accepting that you're a really good rider, but small enough to not deal with every single situation you encounter.
Attitude and respect are linked, but very misunderstood. The right attitude inolves having respect, and caution for, things that could hurt you. There are many of those. Reconciling respect for the road, but no respect for other motorists abilities is a bit of a contradiction, a balance that must be kept at all times. It's also flexible, and needs constant adjustment. I guess the bottom line is, understand your place, and on the millions and millions of miles of roadway, it's not a very big place at all.
NOUN:
A position of the body or manner of carrying oneself: stood in a graceful attitude.
A state of mind or a feeling; disposition: had a positive attitude about work.
An arrogant or hostile state of mind or disposition.
The orientation of an aircraft's axes relative to a reference line or plane, such as the horizon.
The orientation of a spacecraft relative to its direction of motion.
A position similar to an arabesque in which a ballet dancer stands on one leg with the other raised either in front or in back and bent at the knee.
OK, so it's about position, and perspective, i think. It's worth noting that even the dictionary has a negative perspective on attitude, arrogant or hostile. But that's neither good not bad attitude, it seems slightly skewed.
Reading "Intrepid commuter" the issue of a biker who crashed came up, and again rider attitude comes up. Every so often, when talking about motorbike riding, the "right" attitude is suggested. What is this?
I have always been perceived as having an attitude problem. My thoughts have been well i have an attitude, no problem. These accusations were always made by people who felt i did not pay them enough respect. Now this fact jumps at me, somehow attitude and respect are related. I did not give respect, hence "bad" attitude. Those things to which i give "good" attitude, are also oddly enough things i respect.
Cold steel
Hard road
The sea
The wind
Lightning
Get my point? Now some people try and get themselves onto that list .... strange. No i won't respect them. They're not worth it.
Now when it comes to good rider / driver attitude, i suspect that respect has a very large part to play. Respect is acknowledging that something is greater than yourself, or, humility. When one climbs into the drivers seat, one needs to know that you are only a small person on a BIG, BAD highway. Failure to do so is deadly. But so many people die every day on the roads, surely this is a factor?
I approach biking and driving the same way, with a truckload of caution. I tell myself very simply, you can get hurt. Assume it, believe it. But then you see some monkey riding past at a crazy speed, wearing NO protective gear, and appearing in total control. He believes he IS in control, and there is the breakdown. He's not.
Acknowledging that you are NOT in control, is a fairly big step. Knowing that you cannot control all the factors involved, be it the road, other drivers, or even mechanics of your vehicle, is a good ATTITUDE to begin with. If you start your vehicle, and blindly accept that:
The mechanics are as perfect as the day it left the factory
The roads are in raceway condition
Every other road user is awake and diligent
Every other road user is going to follow the rules
etc
You will crash. Attitude is about giving yourself the correct perspective. Understanding that you are great enough to maintain your bike, but small enough to have overlooked something. Accepting that you're a really good rider, but small enough to not deal with every single situation you encounter.
Attitude and respect are linked, but very misunderstood. The right attitude inolves having respect, and caution for, things that could hurt you. There are many of those. Reconciling respect for the road, but no respect for other motorists abilities is a bit of a contradiction, a balance that must be kept at all times. It's also flexible, and needs constant adjustment. I guess the bottom line is, understand your place, and on the millions and millions of miles of roadway, it's not a very big place at all.
Sims religion
Belief-o-matic (TM)
Yes people, the device you have al been waiting for is here ... the Belief-o-matic.
Give it 5 minutes of your time and it will tell you your religion ....
Or at least, what your religion SHOULD be ...
Or maybe, what it COULD be ....
Or maybe, nothing worth bothering about at all ...
*grin*
Yes people, the device you have al been waiting for is here ... the Belief-o-matic.
Give it 5 minutes of your time and it will tell you your religion ....
Or at least, what your religion SHOULD be ...
Or maybe, what it COULD be ....
Or maybe, nothing worth bothering about at all ...
*grin*
Thursday, 20 March 2008
.......
I have so much to say, or so many thoughts and opinions shouting for space.
Fuck em all, none really interesting ones anyway ....
Bout the best thing i can say is happy long weekend, may you have many more!!!!
It's a really strong time, i feel it already, please be safe.
Fuck em all, none really interesting ones anyway ....
Bout the best thing i can say is happy long weekend, may you have many more!!!!
It's a really strong time, i feel it already, please be safe.
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Yes
Malibu wrote:
Humans only really know how to move from pain.... when relatively happy, they are generally unable to manifest the energy to seek total happiness....
The trick in life is to never expect less that absolute joy, and to be prepared to expend energy obtaining this standard.
That is the reason why most people talk of the pain in their lives, and not the joys they are reaching for!
Humans only really know how to move from pain.... when relatively happy, they are generally unable to manifest the energy to seek total happiness....
The trick in life is to never expect less that absolute joy, and to be prepared to expend energy obtaining this standard.
That is the reason why most people talk of the pain in their lives, and not the joys they are reaching for!
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
We just need quality time
March 18 2008 at 10:38AM
Seoul - Residents of a small South Korean island turned on to their wives after turning off their televisions for three weeks in an unusual social experiment, a report said on Tuesday.
All 28 residents of Darang island off the south coast agreed to take part in the experiment by a local educational broadcaster and surveillance cameras were set up in each home to avoid backsliding, Dong-A Ilbo newspaper reported.
The islanders, including village leader Choi Dae-Mun, had a tough time at first fighting their viewing habits.
But the vast majority said later that their lives had become much richer, with more time for reading, conversations between spouses and religious activities.
"My eyes used to be glued to the TV but now I look at my wife and find her prettier than before," Choi told Dong-A.
Seoul - Residents of a small South Korean island turned on to their wives after turning off their televisions for three weeks in an unusual social experiment, a report said on Tuesday.
All 28 residents of Darang island off the south coast agreed to take part in the experiment by a local educational broadcaster and surveillance cameras were set up in each home to avoid backsliding, Dong-A Ilbo newspaper reported.
The islanders, including village leader Choi Dae-Mun, had a tough time at first fighting their viewing habits.
But the vast majority said later that their lives had become much richer, with more time for reading, conversations between spouses and religious activities.
"My eyes used to be glued to the TV but now I look at my wife and find her prettier than before," Choi told Dong-A.
Suicide bombers
By Robert Fisk
This is the best precis of what is an astounding phenomenon. Robert Fisk is a reporter who has been to hell and back, and continues reporting honest, accurate stories form the "other side".
We in SA have a lot of problems, other places have problems too. Sadly, the core problem is western civilisation, and it's unending hunger for power and raw goods.
The moslem problem however, is an old world mindset, confronted with new world technology and attitudes. There is no alternative. A suicide bomber is the only successful soldier against the COW (Coalition of the Willing), which is still the force responsible for the destruction of Iraq.
This is the best precis of what is an astounding phenomenon. Robert Fisk is a reporter who has been to hell and back, and continues reporting honest, accurate stories form the "other side".
We in SA have a lot of problems, other places have problems too. Sadly, the core problem is western civilisation, and it's unending hunger for power and raw goods.
The moslem problem however, is an old world mindset, confronted with new world technology and attitudes. There is no alternative. A suicide bomber is the only successful soldier against the COW (Coalition of the Willing), which is still the force responsible for the destruction of Iraq.
Monday, 17 March 2008
Don't give me that
Wife watched husband die
17/03/2008 14:01 - (SA)
Thabisile Khoza
Bushbuckridge - An 84-year-old pensioner suffocated when armed robbers sealed his mouth with sticky tape after he and his wife refused to hand over their pension grants.
Joseph Mndawe of Mothibidi village in Bushbuckridge and his 82-year-old wife were asleep when three unknown men broke into their room just before midnight on Thursday.
"The couple had received their pension grant earlier in the day," said Superintendent Abie Khoabane.
The couple refused to hand over their money, so the gunmen sealed Mndawe's mouth with black tape, suffocating him.
They had also tied his hands and legs with the tape.
"His wife was told to lie down facing her husband so that she could watch him die," said Khoabane.
The suspects then fled empty handed.
Police haven't arrested any suspects yet.
_________________________________________________________________
Black victims, over a measly rubbish pension payout. No please take time to think about this. An 84 year old man attacked in his bed by gunmen. His 82 year old wife FORCED to watch him suffocate to death.
What the fuck?
There is a lot of this on white people, including torture. And after the state denials that there is a problem, then there are the:" yes but apartheaid caused this", and miles of other bullshit.
Then you get this story..... God help africa.
17/03/2008 14:01 - (SA)
Thabisile Khoza
Bushbuckridge - An 84-year-old pensioner suffocated when armed robbers sealed his mouth with sticky tape after he and his wife refused to hand over their pension grants.
Joseph Mndawe of Mothibidi village in Bushbuckridge and his 82-year-old wife were asleep when three unknown men broke into their room just before midnight on Thursday.
"The couple had received their pension grant earlier in the day," said Superintendent Abie Khoabane.
The couple refused to hand over their money, so the gunmen sealed Mndawe's mouth with black tape, suffocating him.
They had also tied his hands and legs with the tape.
"His wife was told to lie down facing her husband so that she could watch him die," said Khoabane.
The suspects then fled empty handed.
Police haven't arrested any suspects yet.
_________________________________________________________________
Black victims, over a measly rubbish pension payout. No please take time to think about this. An 84 year old man attacked in his bed by gunmen. His 82 year old wife FORCED to watch him suffocate to death.
What the fuck?
There is a lot of this on white people, including torture. And after the state denials that there is a problem, then there are the:" yes but apartheaid caused this", and miles of other bullshit.
Then you get this story..... God help africa.
Happy Holy Day (s)
20 March 2008
Spring Equinox / Ostara
Heathen Pagan Wiccan
Spring Equinox / Ostara
For Pagans, a time to welcome spring, new birth and new life, and the goddess-as-maiden. Heathens celebrate the end of winter, the arrival of spring, and the Goddess Ostara.
Muslim
Mawlid an-Nabi
Islamic commemoration of the birth and death of Prophet Muhammad. Begins at sunset of the previous day.
FULL MOON
21 MArch 2008
Baha'i
Nau-Roz (Naw-Ruz)
Observance of the vernal equinox symbolizing spiritual growth and renewal.
Zoroastrian
Norooz
"The New Day"; New Year celebration regarded as the most important day of the year. Customs include wearing new clothes, giving gifts, and settling disputes.
Buddhist
Magha Puja Day / Sangha Day
Celebration of the presentation of teachings by Lord Buddha.
Jewish
Purim
Celebrates the rescue of Jews in ancient Persia. Begins at sundown the previous day.
Christian
Good Friday
Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary.
_________________________________________________________________
We as humans have avery busy weekend it seems. Every major faith is having a bash on thursday/ friday. This, combined with a full moon, is going to have a serious effect on the planet, from an energy point of view.
I am not planning on leaving my house, will stay home, clean, nurture and enjoy family time. But really, this is a really rare event, one that happens very seldom, and actually has the possibility of much joy. Imagine the entire planet being religiously ecstatic on the same day ... interesting thought.
For chistians it's not a happy time, remembering the death of Christ. 12-3 is considered a holy time, and is best met with quiet reverence.
For pagans, a very powerful time, a changing of the seasons. The full moon helps too.
I notice that 20th is the birthday of mohammed, but no-one knows his exact birthdate, kinda like chistmas huh.
This i think, will be a week to look out for. It's pissing with rain all over SA, so calmer and more peaceful than usual. Look out for great things.
Spring Equinox / Ostara
Heathen Pagan Wiccan
Spring Equinox / Ostara
For Pagans, a time to welcome spring, new birth and new life, and the goddess-as-maiden. Heathens celebrate the end of winter, the arrival of spring, and the Goddess Ostara.
Muslim
Mawlid an-Nabi
Islamic commemoration of the birth and death of Prophet Muhammad. Begins at sunset of the previous day.
FULL MOON
21 MArch 2008
Baha'i
Nau-Roz (Naw-Ruz)
Observance of the vernal equinox symbolizing spiritual growth and renewal.
Zoroastrian
Norooz
"The New Day"; New Year celebration regarded as the most important day of the year. Customs include wearing new clothes, giving gifts, and settling disputes.
Buddhist
Magha Puja Day / Sangha Day
Celebration of the presentation of teachings by Lord Buddha.
Jewish
Purim
Celebrates the rescue of Jews in ancient Persia. Begins at sundown the previous day.
Christian
Good Friday
Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary.
_________________________________________________________________
We as humans have avery busy weekend it seems. Every major faith is having a bash on thursday/ friday. This, combined with a full moon, is going to have a serious effect on the planet, from an energy point of view.
I am not planning on leaving my house, will stay home, clean, nurture and enjoy family time. But really, this is a really rare event, one that happens very seldom, and actually has the possibility of much joy. Imagine the entire planet being religiously ecstatic on the same day ... interesting thought.
For chistians it's not a happy time, remembering the death of Christ. 12-3 is considered a holy time, and is best met with quiet reverence.
For pagans, a very powerful time, a changing of the seasons. The full moon helps too.
I notice that 20th is the birthday of mohammed, but no-one knows his exact birthdate, kinda like chistmas huh.
This i think, will be a week to look out for. It's pissing with rain all over SA, so calmer and more peaceful than usual. Look out for great things.
You may be a terrorist if ....
1. You refine heroin for a living, but you have a moral objection to beer
2. You own a $3,000 machine gun and $5,000 rocket launcher, but you can't afford shoes.
3. You have more wives than teeth.
4. You wipe your butt with your bare left hand, but consider bacon "unclean."
5. You think vests come in two styles: bullet-proof and suicide.
6. You can't think of anyone you HAVEN'T declared Jihad against.
7. You consider television dangerous, but routinely carry explosives in your clothing.
8. You were amazed to discover that cell phones have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.
9. You've uttered the phrase, "I love what you've done with your cave."
10. You have nothing against women and think every man should own at least two.
11. You bathe at least monthly whether necessary or not.
12. You've ever had a crush on your neighbor's goat.
__________________________________________________________________
Ok, that's funny right there!!!
2. You own a $3,000 machine gun and $5,000 rocket launcher, but you can't afford shoes.
3. You have more wives than teeth.
4. You wipe your butt with your bare left hand, but consider bacon "unclean."
5. You think vests come in two styles: bullet-proof and suicide.
6. You can't think of anyone you HAVEN'T declared Jihad against.
7. You consider television dangerous, but routinely carry explosives in your clothing.
8. You were amazed to discover that cell phones have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.
9. You've uttered the phrase, "I love what you've done with your cave."
10. You have nothing against women and think every man should own at least two.
11. You bathe at least monthly whether necessary or not.
12. You've ever had a crush on your neighbor's goat.
__________________________________________________________________
Ok, that's funny right there!!!
Friday, 14 March 2008
Schools
I had a bad day yesterday, and it was the schools fault.
Started with us being ambiushed by 4 teachers telling us how bad outr daughter is doing, fair enough. But in and amongst allegations, one stupid fat stupid woman tells us our daughter did not take her project in. Well, she had the project at school, for the second day, and the teacher did not accept them. Last time that happened the other kids broke her project, and she got bad marks.
Another allegation: she does not partake in group work. Now my daughter is a social animal entirely, so that doesn't make sense. She says when she tries to help or contribute, then she gets told to shut up, and is ignored and rebuffed by the group.
It was also pointed out that she does not socialise with the other kids in class. Again, it's suspicious becae of her nature. But, and this HAS to be said, she's the only white girl in her class, don't pretend that's not a factor.
So anyway, problems. Wife sat up last night catching up homework. Plus we have other emotional type stuff that needs adressing. Trns out her "life highlights" are marked off by people that have died, grandparents etc ... I don't know. We dealt with it at the time, explained it, made sure she knew they were in heaven, and so on. ARGH!
Anyways, so she's sitting at the table doing homework, i call my son over and ask him how he's doing. He starts crying. Turns out he's being bullied by a knife carrying elder kid in school. I have to listen to my kid tell me how when he's woith friends, he never sees this guy, as soon as he's alone this guy appears with a knife demanding money.
I am shattered. Justic has wings, and teeth. And i shall be the messenger.
Started with us being ambiushed by 4 teachers telling us how bad outr daughter is doing, fair enough. But in and amongst allegations, one stupid fat stupid woman tells us our daughter did not take her project in. Well, she had the project at school, for the second day, and the teacher did not accept them. Last time that happened the other kids broke her project, and she got bad marks.
Another allegation: she does not partake in group work. Now my daughter is a social animal entirely, so that doesn't make sense. She says when she tries to help or contribute, then she gets told to shut up, and is ignored and rebuffed by the group.
It was also pointed out that she does not socialise with the other kids in class. Again, it's suspicious becae of her nature. But, and this HAS to be said, she's the only white girl in her class, don't pretend that's not a factor.
So anyway, problems. Wife sat up last night catching up homework. Plus we have other emotional type stuff that needs adressing. Trns out her "life highlights" are marked off by people that have died, grandparents etc ... I don't know. We dealt with it at the time, explained it, made sure she knew they were in heaven, and so on. ARGH!
Anyways, so she's sitting at the table doing homework, i call my son over and ask him how he's doing. He starts crying. Turns out he's being bullied by a knife carrying elder kid in school. I have to listen to my kid tell me how when he's woith friends, he never sees this guy, as soon as he's alone this guy appears with a knife demanding money.
I am shattered. Justic has wings, and teeth. And i shall be the messenger.
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Universal truths
1. Triangular sandwiches taste better than square ones.
2. At the end of every party there is always a girl crying.
3. One of the most awkward things that can happen in a pub is when your pint-to-toilet cycle gets synchronised with a complete stranger.
4. You're never quite sure whether it's ok to eat green crisps.
5. Everyone who grew up in the 80's has entered the digits 55378008 into a calculator
6. Reading when you're drunk is horrible.
7. Sharpening a pencil with a knife makes you feel really manly.
8. You're never quite sure whether it's against the law or not to have a
fire in your back garden.
10. Nobody ever dares make cup-a-soup in a bowl.
11. You never know where to look when eating a banana.
12. It's impossible to describe the smell of a wet cat.
13. Prodding a fire with a stick makes you feel manly.
14. Rummaging in an overgrown garden will always turn up a bouncy ball.
15. You always feel a bit scared when stroking horses.
16. Everyone always remembers the day a dog ran into your school.
17. The most embarrassing thing you can do as a schoolchild is to call your teacher mum or dad.
18. The smaller the monkey the more it looks like it would kill you at the first given opportunity.
19. Some days you see lots of people on crutches.
20. Every bloke has at some stage while taking a pee, flushed half way through and then raced against the flush.
21. Old women with mobile phones look wrong.
22. It's impossible to look cool whilst picking up a Frisbee.
23. Driving through a tunnel makes you feel excited.
24. You never ever run out of salt.
25. Old ladies can eat more than you think.
26. You can't respect a man who carries a dog.
27. There's no panic like the panic you momentarily feel when you've got your hand or head stuck in something.
28. No one knows the origins of their metal coat hangers.
29. Despite constant warning, you have never met anybody who has had their arm broken by a swan.
30. The most painful household incident is wearing socks and stepping on an upturned plug.
31. People who don't drive slam car doors too hard.
32. You've turned into your dad the day you put aside a thin piece of wood specifically to stir paint with.
33. Everyone had an uncle who tried to steal their nose.
34. Bricks are horrible to carry.
35. In every plate of chips there is a bad chip.
36. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
37. My Dad used to say 'always fight fire with fire', which is probably why he got thrown out of the fire brigade.
38. If we aren't supposed to eat animals, then why are they made out of meat?
39. I think animal testing is a terrible idea; they get all nervous and give the wrong answers.
40. You know that look women get when they want sex? Me neither
_______________________________________________________________________
Ok, so i copy - pasted. But hey, these are good, i resonate with about everyone of these .... and no, you may not ask.
2. At the end of every party there is always a girl crying.
3. One of the most awkward things that can happen in a pub is when your pint-to-toilet cycle gets synchronised with a complete stranger.
4. You're never quite sure whether it's ok to eat green crisps.
5. Everyone who grew up in the 80's has entered the digits 55378008 into a calculator
6. Reading when you're drunk is horrible.
7. Sharpening a pencil with a knife makes you feel really manly.
8. You're never quite sure whether it's against the law or not to have a
fire in your back garden.
10. Nobody ever dares make cup-a-soup in a bowl.
11. You never know where to look when eating a banana.
12. It's impossible to describe the smell of a wet cat.
13. Prodding a fire with a stick makes you feel manly.
14. Rummaging in an overgrown garden will always turn up a bouncy ball.
15. You always feel a bit scared when stroking horses.
16. Everyone always remembers the day a dog ran into your school.
17. The most embarrassing thing you can do as a schoolchild is to call your teacher mum or dad.
18. The smaller the monkey the more it looks like it would kill you at the first given opportunity.
19. Some days you see lots of people on crutches.
20. Every bloke has at some stage while taking a pee, flushed half way through and then raced against the flush.
21. Old women with mobile phones look wrong.
22. It's impossible to look cool whilst picking up a Frisbee.
23. Driving through a tunnel makes you feel excited.
24. You never ever run out of salt.
25. Old ladies can eat more than you think.
26. You can't respect a man who carries a dog.
27. There's no panic like the panic you momentarily feel when you've got your hand or head stuck in something.
28. No one knows the origins of their metal coat hangers.
29. Despite constant warning, you have never met anybody who has had their arm broken by a swan.
30. The most painful household incident is wearing socks and stepping on an upturned plug.
31. People who don't drive slam car doors too hard.
32. You've turned into your dad the day you put aside a thin piece of wood specifically to stir paint with.
33. Everyone had an uncle who tried to steal their nose.
34. Bricks are horrible to carry.
35. In every plate of chips there is a bad chip.
36. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
37. My Dad used to say 'always fight fire with fire', which is probably why he got thrown out of the fire brigade.
38. If we aren't supposed to eat animals, then why are they made out of meat?
39. I think animal testing is a terrible idea; they get all nervous and give the wrong answers.
40. You know that look women get when they want sex? Me neither
_______________________________________________________________________
Ok, so i copy - pasted. But hey, these are good, i resonate with about everyone of these .... and no, you may not ask.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Blogging community
http://sabloggers.ning.com/
A lady by the name of "Expensive mistakes and cheap thrills" (i SO dig the ideas the name espouses) is busy getting south african bloggers together under a social networking site.
Some interesting sites, and perspectives. I already have found a lady in our office that has a blog, but i'm keeping it secret, for now *evil grin*.
When i see some easily copyable code, i'll drop in a button somewhere. But i like the idea. Too much fragments us in our daily lives, and community has become outdated, and largely impractical. The cyber world allows us to get back to community, sharing both your own life and learning about others.
In Think Bike, we are seeing the real world pay offs for this. This morning, a bike on the side of the road, it was Enduro, whose clutch had packed up. She has been railing for a while how people don't stop for broken vehicles, but the think bike people do. You cannot drive past a person you know, especially a lady on the side of the road.
This is all good, people recognising other people, as simple as it sounds, we've been so deadened to other people, seeing one as another human being is actually it's own sort of miracle. OHowever like most other things, practice makes perfect.
A lady by the name of "Expensive mistakes and cheap thrills" (i SO dig the ideas the name espouses) is busy getting south african bloggers together under a social networking site.
Some interesting sites, and perspectives. I already have found a lady in our office that has a blog, but i'm keeping it secret, for now *evil grin*.
When i see some easily copyable code, i'll drop in a button somewhere. But i like the idea. Too much fragments us in our daily lives, and community has become outdated, and largely impractical. The cyber world allows us to get back to community, sharing both your own life and learning about others.
In Think Bike, we are seeing the real world pay offs for this. This morning, a bike on the side of the road, it was Enduro, whose clutch had packed up. She has been railing for a while how people don't stop for broken vehicles, but the think bike people do. You cannot drive past a person you know, especially a lady on the side of the road.
This is all good, people recognising other people, as simple as it sounds, we've been so deadened to other people, seeing one as another human being is actually it's own sort of miracle. OHowever like most other things, practice makes perfect.
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Bucket list
Granny fulfils wish to ride a Harley
March 10 2008 at 03:12PM By Barry Bateman
The distinct roar of a Harley Davidson has brought tears to the eyes of many a brute, but for a dying grandmother the sound evoked emotion only a terminally ill cancer patient would understand.
Kitty de la Ponte (73) cried as the white Heritage Softail pulled into the Methodist Retirement Village in Queenswood on Friday morning.
Her dream to hit the open road on a hog was about to come true.
'I stopped the treatment because I want to live a full life for as long as God allows'
"I had to ride on a Harley Davidson, no other type of motorbike … and it has to be revved."
Her friends cheered as she donned the black leather jacket and helmet, knowing this was another tick on her "bucket list".
Inspired by the movie of the same name, De la Ponte has compiled a wish-list before she "kicks the bucket". In the movie, the story follows two terminally ill men on a road trip with a list of things they wish to do before they die.
De la Ponte was diagnosed with lung cancer in June and spent six months undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
"I stopped the treatment because I want to live a full life for as long as God allows," she said.
She also plans to go on a 4x4 adventure in the Gamkaskloof near Oudtshoorn
Daughter-in-law Annette said De la Ponte had accepted her fate.
"There is a stage when the cost of treatment is too high on the body."
De la Ponte said: "I had breast cancer 14 years ago and have had 14 wonderful years since then.
"I have watched my beautiful children grow up and seen my grandchildren grow up too."
De la Ponte said she had several other outings on her bucket list she still needed to complete.
She also plans to go on a 4x4 adventure in the Gamkaskloof near Oudtshoorn and a visit to the Kruger National Park.
"I also want to go on a holiday to my favourite destination, Cinsta, near East London."
De la Ponte has done hot-air ballooning and climbed Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia three years ago.
She said she wanted to take part in the 800km el Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain, but in her current state it would be impossible.
"A friend's daughter leaves for the Camino soon.
"I have given her a small stone with a red cross painted on it, which she will place on an altar where people who walk the el Camino de Santiago pilgrimage can lay stones for other people."
The bike's owner Annelie Gründlingh said she obliged when asked if she could help. "It costs me nothing but it means so much to her."
De la Ponte came back from the ride smiling broadly.
"It was a dream of an experience - the wind on my face, the speed and 'woema'.
"I will remember this white horse (Harley Davidson) for the rest of my life. If I remember anything (before I die), this will be the best."
March 10 2008 at 03:12PM By Barry Bateman
The distinct roar of a Harley Davidson has brought tears to the eyes of many a brute, but for a dying grandmother the sound evoked emotion only a terminally ill cancer patient would understand.
Kitty de la Ponte (73) cried as the white Heritage Softail pulled into the Methodist Retirement Village in Queenswood on Friday morning.
Her dream to hit the open road on a hog was about to come true.
'I stopped the treatment because I want to live a full life for as long as God allows'
"I had to ride on a Harley Davidson, no other type of motorbike … and it has to be revved."
Her friends cheered as she donned the black leather jacket and helmet, knowing this was another tick on her "bucket list".
Inspired by the movie of the same name, De la Ponte has compiled a wish-list before she "kicks the bucket". In the movie, the story follows two terminally ill men on a road trip with a list of things they wish to do before they die.
De la Ponte was diagnosed with lung cancer in June and spent six months undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
"I stopped the treatment because I want to live a full life for as long as God allows," she said.
She also plans to go on a 4x4 adventure in the Gamkaskloof near Oudtshoorn
Daughter-in-law Annette said De la Ponte had accepted her fate.
"There is a stage when the cost of treatment is too high on the body."
De la Ponte said: "I had breast cancer 14 years ago and have had 14 wonderful years since then.
"I have watched my beautiful children grow up and seen my grandchildren grow up too."
De la Ponte said she had several other outings on her bucket list she still needed to complete.
She also plans to go on a 4x4 adventure in the Gamkaskloof near Oudtshoorn and a visit to the Kruger National Park.
"I also want to go on a holiday to my favourite destination, Cinsta, near East London."
De la Ponte has done hot-air ballooning and climbed Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia three years ago.
She said she wanted to take part in the 800km el Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain, but in her current state it would be impossible.
"A friend's daughter leaves for the Camino soon.
"I have given her a small stone with a red cross painted on it, which she will place on an altar where people who walk the el Camino de Santiago pilgrimage can lay stones for other people."
The bike's owner Annelie Gründlingh said she obliged when asked if she could help. "It costs me nothing but it means so much to her."
De la Ponte came back from the ride smiling broadly.
"It was a dream of an experience - the wind on my face, the speed and 'woema'.
"I will remember this white horse (Harley Davidson) for the rest of my life. If I remember anything (before I die), this will be the best."
Monday, 10 March 2008
Pulp Fiction
 You talk fast, you think fast, you act fast. Stop. Calm Down. Drink some decaf and go back to hitting up liquor stores. Take the What Pulp Fiction Character Are You? quiz. |
Friday, 7 March 2008
Ingrish
Let's face it -- English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.
We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices?
Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend, that you comb through annals of history but not a single annal? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preacher praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? If you wrote a letter, perhaps you bote your tongue?
Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? Park on driveways and drive on parkways?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and wise guy are opposites? How can overlook and oversee be opposites, while quite a lot and quite a few are alike? How can the weather be hot as hell one day and cold as hell another.
Have you noticed that we talk about certain things only when they are absent? Have you ever seen a horseful carriage or a strapful gown? Met a sung hero or experienced requited love? Have you ever run into someone who was combobulated, gruntled, ruly or peccable? And where are all those people who ARE spring chickens or who would ACTUALLY hurt a fly?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm clock goes off by going on.
English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race (which, of course, isn't a race at all). That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. And why, when I wind up my watch, I start it, but when I wind up this essay, I end it.
We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices?
Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend, that you comb through annals of history but not a single annal? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preacher praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? If you wrote a letter, perhaps you bote your tongue?
Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? Park on driveways and drive on parkways?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and wise guy are opposites? How can overlook and oversee be opposites, while quite a lot and quite a few are alike? How can the weather be hot as hell one day and cold as hell another.
Have you noticed that we talk about certain things only when they are absent? Have you ever seen a horseful carriage or a strapful gown? Met a sung hero or experienced requited love? Have you ever run into someone who was combobulated, gruntled, ruly or peccable? And where are all those people who ARE spring chickens or who would ACTUALLY hurt a fly?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm clock goes off by going on.
English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race (which, of course, isn't a race at all). That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. And why, when I wind up my watch, I start it, but when I wind up this essay, I end it.
Disease
I fell prey to a vicious little flu germ. Been man down for a week now. Thank goodness back at work, and feeling rested ... for a change.
Missed posting, or rather things to post about, so i'll need to find something groovy to look at :D
Missed posting, or rather things to post about, so i'll need to find something groovy to look at :D
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